Kenny O’Dell
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Kenny O’Dell died on Wednesday, March 28, at age 73.
O’Dell won the Best Country Song Grammy Award as well as the CMA Song of the Year award for “Behind Closed Doors,” a giant 1973 pop and country hit for Charlie Rich. He also wrote Rich’s 1972 country hit “I Take It On Home.”
In 1984, his song “Mama He’s Crazy” launched the chart-topping career of The Judds.
His songwriting catalog also includes “Lizzie and the Rainman” (Tanya Tucker, 1975), “Too Much Is Not Enough” (Billie Jo Spears, 1977), “Trouble in Paradise” (Loretta Lynn, 1974), “Never Did Like Whiskey” (Billie Jo Spears, 1976), “House of Love” (Dottie West, 1974) and “What I’ve Got in Mind” (Billie Jo Spears, 1976).
O’Dell’s “Why Don’t We Go Somewhere and Love” has been recorded by a number of artists, including Sandy Posey, Bobby Goldsboro, Kenny Rogers, B.J. Thomas, Charlie Rich and Roy Clark.
The hit songwriter was also a recording artist. Kenny O’Dell made the pop charts in the 1960s with “Beautiful People” (1967), “Springfield Plane” (1968) and “Happy With You” (1968). He became an even bigger success in the following decade as a country singer.
He wrote six hits for himself in the 1970s. They included “You Bet Your Sweet, Sweet Love” (1974), “Soulful Woman” (1975), “My Honky Tonk Ways” (1975) and “Medicine Woman” (1979). His biggest hits as a singer- songwriter were 1978’s “Let Shake Hands and Come Out Lovin’” and 1979’s “As Long As I Can Wake Up in Your Arms.”
He was born Kenneth Gist in Oklahoma and was raised in California. He was writing songs by age 13. After graduating from high school, he launched his own record label, May Kay Records, and began recording pop singles for it. He changed his last name to O’Dell at this time.
Early songwriting successes came in 1967 with Bobby Vee’s recording of “Beautiful People” and Rose Garden’s version of his “Next Plane to London.”
O’Dell moved to Music City in 1969. He became a staff songwriter at House of Gold, the publishing company operated by Goldsboro and Bob Montgomery.
A long list of country and pop stars has since recorded his works. It includes Charley Pride, Eddy Arnold, Mac Davis, Sammi Smith, Bill Anderson, Tom Jones, Diana Ross, Ferlin Husky, Ronnie Milsap, Floyd Cramer, Cal Smith, Percy Sledge, Bobby Womack, Dolly Parton, Jody Miller, Johnny Paycheck, Glen Campbell, Tina Turner, Lynn Anderson, Janie Frickie, Sammy Davis Jr., Cristy Lane and Jan Howard.
His own albums included Beautiful People (Vegas Records, 1968), Kenny O’Dell (Capricorn Records, 1974) and Let’s Shake Hands and Come Out Lovin’ (Capricorn Records, 1978).
He was the NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year in 1984 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996.
Kenny O’Dell was married to guitarist Corki Casey O’Dell (1936-2017), a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame due to her studio work with Duane Eddy, Al Casey and others. She passed away last May.
Visitation for Kenny O’Dell will be Saturday, 2-8 p.m. at Woodbine-Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Rd.
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Member Kenny O’Dell Dies
/by Robert K OermannKenny O’Dell
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Kenny O’Dell died on Wednesday, March 28, at age 73.
O’Dell won the Best Country Song Grammy Award as well as the CMA Song of the Year award for “Behind Closed Doors,” a giant 1973 pop and country hit for Charlie Rich. He also wrote Rich’s 1972 country hit “I Take It On Home.”
In 1984, his song “Mama He’s Crazy” launched the chart-topping career of The Judds.
His songwriting catalog also includes “Lizzie and the Rainman” (Tanya Tucker, 1975), “Too Much Is Not Enough” (Billie Jo Spears, 1977), “Trouble in Paradise” (Loretta Lynn, 1974), “Never Did Like Whiskey” (Billie Jo Spears, 1976), “House of Love” (Dottie West, 1974) and “What I’ve Got in Mind” (Billie Jo Spears, 1976).
O’Dell’s “Why Don’t We Go Somewhere and Love” has been recorded by a number of artists, including Sandy Posey, Bobby Goldsboro, Kenny Rogers, B.J. Thomas, Charlie Rich and Roy Clark.
The hit songwriter was also a recording artist. Kenny O’Dell made the pop charts in the 1960s with “Beautiful People” (1967), “Springfield Plane” (1968) and “Happy With You” (1968). He became an even bigger success in the following decade as a country singer.
He wrote six hits for himself in the 1970s. They included “You Bet Your Sweet, Sweet Love” (1974), “Soulful Woman” (1975), “My Honky Tonk Ways” (1975) and “Medicine Woman” (1979). His biggest hits as a singer- songwriter were 1978’s “Let Shake Hands and Come Out Lovin’” and 1979’s “As Long As I Can Wake Up in Your Arms.”
He was born Kenneth Gist in Oklahoma and was raised in California. He was writing songs by age 13. After graduating from high school, he launched his own record label, May Kay Records, and began recording pop singles for it. He changed his last name to O’Dell at this time.
Early songwriting successes came in 1967 with Bobby Vee’s recording of “Beautiful People” and Rose Garden’s version of his “Next Plane to London.”
O’Dell moved to Music City in 1969. He became a staff songwriter at House of Gold, the publishing company operated by Goldsboro and Bob Montgomery.
A long list of country and pop stars has since recorded his works. It includes Charley Pride, Eddy Arnold, Mac Davis, Sammi Smith, Bill Anderson, Tom Jones, Diana Ross, Ferlin Husky, Ronnie Milsap, Floyd Cramer, Cal Smith, Percy Sledge, Bobby Womack, Dolly Parton, Jody Miller, Johnny Paycheck, Glen Campbell, Tina Turner, Lynn Anderson, Janie Frickie, Sammy Davis Jr., Cristy Lane and Jan Howard.
His own albums included Beautiful People (Vegas Records, 1968), Kenny O’Dell (Capricorn Records, 1974) and Let’s Shake Hands and Come Out Lovin’ (Capricorn Records, 1978).
He was the NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year in 1984 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996.
Kenny O’Dell was married to guitarist Corki Casey O’Dell (1936-2017), a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame due to her studio work with Duane Eddy, Al Casey and others. She passed away last May.
Visitation for Kenny O’Dell will be Saturday, 2-8 p.m. at Woodbine-Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Rd.
DisClaimer: Moon Taxi, Big Shoes Offer Top Pop/Rock Tracks
/by Robert K OermannMoon Taxi
It’s a sunny season for the Nashville pop/rock community.
With Kelly Clarkson judging on The Voice, Jack White on the cover of the current Rolling Stone, blues rocker Mike Henderson cowriting with million-selling Chris Stapleton and The Shadowboxers out on the road opening for megastar Justin Timberlake, this side of Music City is definitely having a Moment.
Today’s listen to the community’s current sounds includes the legendary Peter Frampton, a comeback record by Raging Fire and a new album by my enduring favorite Beth Nielsen Chapman.
Taking home the Disc of the Day award is Moon Taxi. This former indie act is now on the RCA star-maker roster.
The DisCovery Award goes to the party band Big Shoes.
JACK WHITE/Connected By Love
Writers: Jack White III; Producer: Jack White III; Publishers: Third String Tunes, BMI; Third Man/Columbia
-His new Boarding House Reach collection kicks off with this shuddering throbber featuring ear catching percussive effects, rippling piano, soul-chorus backup singing and a passionate, shredded, top-of-his-range vocal performance. Gripping.
MOON TAXI/Two High
Writers: Moon Taxi; Producer: Spencer Thomson; Publishers: No More Worry, BMI; RCA (track)
– Joyous. This smile-a-minute bopper beckons us to raise our hands to the sky and celebrate life. A surprise, stuttering-sax section enters in mid song and gives the already ecstatic track an extra jolt of energy. I love this band. The album is called Let the Record Play. It’s available on vinyl. Buy it now.
MORGAN HERITAGE/Selah
Writers: M. Heritage/P. James; Producers: Morgan Heritage/Shannon Sanders; Publishers: Heritage 4 Life/Dubsmuggla, ASCAP; CTBC/Empire
– This Grammy Award winning family reggae band calls Middle Tennessee home. The members are the sons of Jamaican star Denray Morgan. On this single/video from its current Avrakedabra album, the group mixes traditional reggae beats with cool electronic touches, a segment of rapping and layered singing vocals. The track will make you want to move your body.
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS/Prayer For Peace
Writers: Luther Dickinson/Cody Dickinson/Oteil Burbridge; Producer: Dickinson Brothers; Publishers: Vibratone/Tandem Liberi/Ausar Auset, BMI;
– Judging by their name and the fact that their dad was a Memphis music mainstay, you wouldn’t expect these sonic wunderkinds to be Nashvillians. But there they are, right there in West Meade. This is the title tune of the group’s current album (which is available on vinyl, hallelujah). It’s a hypnotic stew of blues, gospel, trance and pop that will set you free. By the way, their late father Jim Dickinson’s book I’m Just Dead I’m Not Gone is a pip.
BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN/Come To Mine
Writers: Beth Nielsen Chapman/Graham Gouldman/Kevin Montgomery; Producer: Sam Ashworth; Publishers: Songs of Prismlight/Union Square/BMG Rights Management/Winona Blvd., SESAC/PRS/ASCAP; BNC (track)
– This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer’s new Hearts of Glass CD drops next month.It leads off with this percolating, rhythm-happy pop tune about living life to the fullest while we’re here. “Bring your smile with its light/Bring what’s wrong we’ll make it right.” Bop along and believe.
WOOTEN CHAMBERS FRANCESCHINI/Trypnotyx
Writers: none listed; Producer: Victor Wooten; Publishers: none listed; Vix (track)
-Victor Wooten is best known for his work in Bela Fleck & The Flecktones. But he has an independent reputation as one of the best electric bass players on the planet. The title track to his current trio CD with funk drummer Dennis Chambers (Bootsy Collins, Santana) and sax man Bob Franceschini (Paul Simon, Mike Stern) is a dizzy, complex, whirlwind of percussive picking and stop-start jazz rhythms. Brain tingling.
RAGING FIRE/After Loving One Man From East Texas
Writers: none listed; Publishers: Pristine/BMI; Producers: Mike Purcell/Raging Fire; Pristine (track)
– Back in the 1980s, these folks were among Nashville’s finest punk rockers. The first album in more than 30 years by Raging Fire is titled These Teeth Are Sharp. This track from it stings and bristles with snarling energy and snarky attitude. They’ve still got the goods. I loved them then. I love them now.
KELLY CLARKSON/ I Don’t Think About You
Writers: Andre Davidson/Sean Davidson/Jessica Ashley Karpov/Michael Pollack; Producer: The Monarch; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Numbers Don’t Lie/The Fraternity Music Group/Songs of Kobalt/Jessica Ashley Karpov/Evan And Eman Publish This/What Key Do You Want It In/Songs With a Pure Tone, BMI; Atlantic (track)
– Nashville’s reigning pop diva has just issued this torrid ballad as a single/video from her current Meaning of Life collection. Her high-soprano chops are on full display. Some gospel-y backup vocals are the icing on the cake.
BIG SHOES/Walked Out The Front Door
Writers: Mark T. Jordan/Rip Stock; Producer: Andy Peake; Publishers: none listed; Biglittle (track)
– Big Shoes is a seven-man blues-rock band comprised of top-tier Nashville and Muscle Shoals studio musicians. Its Music City notables include keyboardist Mark T. Jordan and singer-songwriter Rick Huckaby. The group’s Step On It! debut CD features this Jordan tune originally recorded by Bonnie Raitt. Their arrangement gives the number a certain New Orleans/funk vibe that’s mighty groovy. Collectively, these guys’ credits include Van Morrison, Etta James, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton and Bobby “Blue” Bland, as well as Raitt. So you know they know what the deal is.
PETER FRAMPTON/Black Hole Sun
Writers: Chris Cornell; Producers: Peter Frampton/Gordon Kennedy; Publishers: You Make Me Sick I Make, ASCAP; Phenix Phonograph
– Frampton’s Grammy-winning Fingerprints album has been reissued on vinyl this year. The Nashville resident guitar wizard demonstrates he has lost none of his power on this moody, dense, echoey instrumental that builds to a searing crescendo.
ACM Awards Add Alan Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Kane Brown And More
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 53rd ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
Previously announced ACM Awards performers include Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Midland, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Bebe Rexha, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and Brett Young. Previously announced presenters include Drew Brees, Nancy O’Dell, Rebecca Romijn and Lindsey Vonn.
Big Machine Marketing Department Promotes Susemichel, Fisher
/by Lorie HollabaughKatherine Susemichel, Molly Fisher Photo Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group
Big Machine Label Group has promoted Katherine Susemichel to Director, Project Management and Molly Fisher to Project Manager, reporting to Chief Marketing Officer Mike Rittberg.
Susemichel joined BMLG in 2013, and will continue to serve as project manager for Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Thomas Rhett. She is also heavily involved in radio promotion initiatives and chart strategy across Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co. and BMLG Records’ imprints.
“I’m thrilled to have Katherine’s continued hard work and dedication as part of Big Machine’s Marketing department,” said Rittberg.
Fisher, a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania, began at BMLG in 2014 and has since risen to project manager for Reba McEntire, Brantley Gilbert, Cheap Trick, Midland, Trent Harmon and Tyler Rich.
“Molly’s infinite passion for our artists makes this the perfect next step in her career at Big Machine,” said Rittberg.
Susemichel can be reached at katherine.susemichel@bmlg.net and 615-846-7689, and Fisher can be reached at molly.fisher@bmlg.net and 615-846-7681.
Lisa Ray Joins Sandbox Management
/by Jessica NicholsonLisa Ray
Former Warner Music Group executive Lisa Ray has joined Sandbox Management, where she will serve as day-to-day manager for duo Dan+Shay.
Since 2013, she served as VP, Artist Development for Warner Music Nashville, where she worked alongside a roster of artists including Dan+Shay, Devin Dawson, Chris Janson, RaeLynn, Ashley McBryde, Charlie Worsham and more.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Lisa and watching her excel in her field, during her time at Warner Music Nashville,” said Sandbox President/CEO Jason Owen. “She has an amazing perspective and knowledge of all things in our world, and I am so excited to have such an incredible red-head bring her talents and expertise to the Sandbox team.”
“I’m beyond thrilled to get to work with such an amazing team at Sandbox, and with Jason, who I’ve been a huge fan of for years,” said Ray. “Jason’s innovation and forward-thinking will only help to guide me to the next level in this industry, and I am so appreciative for the opportunity to continue working alongside the enormously talented Dan + Shay in this new capacity. I’m over the moon about the future!”
She can be reached at lisa@sandboxmgmt.com.
Jeff Owen, Kyle Williams Sign With Centricity Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chad Segura, Kyle Williams, Justin Nicolet
Jeff Owen and Kyle Williams have joined the Centricity Publishing writers roster.
Williams, a former member of Christian pop-rock group Stars Go Dim, currently plays guitar and keys for We Are Messengers. He co-penned Stars Go Dim’s No. 1 hit “You Are Loved,” and also co-wrote and performed on the track “Welcome To The Fire,” which was recently licensed for promotional use for NBC’s Chicago Fire, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and the upcoming film I Still See You.
Owen is a member of the Dove-Award winning band Tenth Avenue North, playing guitar and singing backing vocals. He’s co-written multiple Chrsitian radio No. 1’s, including Tenth Avenue North’s “I Have This Hope,” “Healing Begins,” and “Worn.” Owen produced the band’s Decade The Halls Christmas album, along with projects for Jon McLaughlin and various indie artists. He also produces his own projects for film and TV.
“We are so excited to welcome Jeff and Kyle to the Centricity Publishing family,” VP of Publishing Chad Segura said. “They’re both ridiculously talented, and we know they’ve only scratched the surface of what they’re truly capable of. We’re grateful to be a part of this next chapter for each of them.”
Centricity Publishing’s writer roster includes Lauren Daigle, Johnny Diaz, Mike Grayson, Seth Mosley, Aaron Shust and more.
Pictured (L-R): Chad Segura, Jeff Owen, Justin Nicolet
Collin Raye, ACM Lifting Lives Team For Route 91 Remembrance
/by Jessica NicholsonRaye, who had 16 No. 1 hits and 24 top ten records, including “Love, Me,” will perform as 900 butterflies are released, representing the number of victims and families directly affected by the tragedy.
The event is presented by Nathan Adelson Hospice in conjunction with ACM Lifting Lives, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The City of Las Vegas and Get Outdoors Nevada and Music City Cares Fund. The special tribute will feature a short, nondenominational ceremony, remarks by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.
“As an organization that provides extensive grief and bereavement outreach in the community, we understand trauma and its impact on individuals and their loved ones,” said Carole Fisher, President and CEO of Nathan Adelson Hospice. “With help from a grant from The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the generous support of The City of Las Vegas, Get Outdoors Nevada, the Lifting Lives arm of the Academy of Country Music and the Music City Cares Fund, we are able to continue the healing process of our community in a visible and meaningful way.”
“ACM Lifting Lives is proud to partner with Nathan Adelson Hospice in this special ceremony honoring the victims and families of the October tragedy,” said Pete Fisher, ACM CEO. “All of us at the Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives truly believe in the powerful role music plays in healing lives, and now in our 15th year, feel a genuine and heartfelt connection to Las Vegas and its people.”
The Las Vegas Community Healing Garden, established shortly after the event, is located at 1015 S. Casino Center Boulevard. Free parking is available.
Still Working Music Group Names New Creative Director
/by Jessica NicholsonEmily Olson
Still Working Music Group has named Emily Mueller Olson as Creative Director. Emily will oversee the extensive Still Working catalog and work closely with Still Working writers to make sure their amazing songs are heard.
“We feel so lucky to have Emily join our Still Working family. She is extremely passionate and talented and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!” said Alex Orbison.
Emily moved to Nashville in the Summer of 2005 with a passion for songs and songwriters. She graduated from Belmont University with a Music Business degree and has over 10 years of experience in publishing including stops at Disney Music Publishing, Tom-Leis Music, Pain in the Art Productions, ole, and launching her songwriter/producer/musician management business called listen + connect creative. Notably, Emily holds the credit of Production Assistant on almost a dozen major label projects, including Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album and The Band Perry’s self-titled debut. She has secured over 150 cuts for artists including Brett Young, Randy Houser, Sara Evans, Mickey Guyton, Justin Moore, Sister Hazel, and Trent Harmon.
“All I really want is to be surrounded by great music and great people…get incredible songs floating around Nashville heard….and to help songwriters I really believe in get to where they want to be. Getting to work with the Still Working roster is a dream come true,” said Olson.
Still Working Music was founded in 1990 by the late Barbara Orbison and is now run by her sons, Alex Orbison (President) and Roy Orbison, Jr. (Co-President) along with Chuck Fleckenstein (COO and General Manager). Recent Still Working successes include Kenny Chesney’s No. 1, “All The Pretty Girls,” Miranda Lambert’s “Tin Man” (nominated as 2017 Country Song of the Year) and Lost Frequencies’ “Are You With Me,” a No. 1 in 18 countries around the world. Still Working’s catalog includes hits by Taylor Swift, One Direction, Ashley Monroe, Travis Denning, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, and George Strait as well as cuts by Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Easton Corbin, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, and Joe Walsh.
Still Working Music writers include Tommy Lee James, Gordie Sampson, Jon Randall, Chase Bryant, Dylan Altman, Alana Springsteen, Dominic Scott Kay, and Lance Miller. Still Working Music partners with BMG, Kobalt, and Big Deal, among others.
Recording Academy To Honor Little Big Town, Reps. Judy Chu And Doug Collins
/by Jessica NicholsonOn April 18, the Recording Academy will celebrate 20 years of advocacy in Washington, D.C., by honoring Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook of three-time Grammy-winning group Little Big Town at the annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards. Little Big Town’s contributions to the music industry align with some of the Recording Academy’s key advocacy and organizational causes, including advocating for music education and supporting MusiCares®, a charity founded by the Academy that provides a safety net of support for the music community. The evening will also feature a performance by the band.
Uniting the worlds of music and politics, GRAMMYs on the Hill also recognizes legislators who have improved the environment for music by advocating for music creators’ rights. The 2018 congressional honorees are Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), a long-time champion of music creators, and Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), author of the songwriter-focused Music Modernization Act (H.R. 4706) and a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. Chu and Collins also both serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus.
“Little Big Town’s advocacy efforts, coupled with the legislative momentum on Capitol Hill to protect creators, further the Academy’s vision of a brighter future for music—something the Recording Academy has been championing since its inception, and made an even greater commitment to when it established its D.C. offices in 1998,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. “We also are privileged to recognize the significant contributions of Reps. Chu and Collins, who have long supported the creative community’s right to be fairly compensated and to have meaningful copyright protections, advocating for the current comprehensive legislation, and supporting our continuing campaign for a terrestrial performance right.”
“We’re honored to stand alongside the Academy and Reps. Chu and Collins in speaking out and protecting an industry that has done so much for us,” said Sweet.
“Music is healing and powerful, and music education gives our children an outlet for expression that is absolutely necessary for their overall growth and well-being,” continued Fairchild. “We will continue to do our part to protect music education, songwriters, recordings, and the artists who bring them to life.”
Don Henley, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band are all past honorees at the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards. Previous GRAMMYs on the Hill congressional honorees include former Vice President Joe Biden; Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.); and House Leaders Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
The awards dinner and show will take place at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., and will feature unique live performances and musical surprises. The GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards are sponsored by music rights organization SESAC Inc.
10th Annual Nashville Honors Gala Raises Over $425K
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (Front row, L-R): Dr. James Netterville, Mike Smardak, Janet Ayers, Frank Bumstead, David Poile. (Back row, L-R): Danny Gokey, Storme Warren, Natalie Grant, Jeff Foxworthy, Laura Heatherly, Lauren Alaina, Mike Fisher, Charles Esten, Danielle Bouharoun, Shawn Parr. Photo: Rick Diamond for T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation raised more than $425,000 for cancer research during the 10th annual Nashville Honors Gala on Monday (March 26), which featured performances from Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Natalie Grant and more.
The evening marked the 25th anniversary of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s partnership with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The Nashville Honors Gala alone has raised more than $4 million for cancer research since the event was launched in 2009. Monday’s event was hosted by Nashville actor/singer Charles Esten, and also included performances and appearances from Lauren Alaina, Danny Gokey, Jeff Foxworthy, Agenia Clark, Dr. Ron Eavey, Frank Thomas, and Mike Fisher.
This year’s honorees were:
Janet Ayers – Lifetime Humanitarian Award
David Poile – Spirit of Nashville Award
Frank Bumstead – Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award
Mike Smardak – Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award
Dr. James Netterville – Medical Research Advancement Award
Natalie Grant. Photo: Rick Diamond for T.J. Martell Foundation
Keith Urban. Photo: Rick Diamond for TJ Martell Foundation