BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 539

Veteran country media personality Hazel Smith was in the spotlight as the subject of the inaugural Music Row Storytellers event on Monday (August 15).
The organizers chose well. The always amusing and always outspoken Hazel has “done it all.” She was a longtime columnist in Country Music magazine, hosted her own CMT television series Southern Fried Flicks, authored the 2001 cookbook Hazel’s Hot Dish, was a regular contributor to Country Weekly, won the 1999 CMA Media Achievement Award, curated country packages for K-Tel Records, created her own syndicated radio show and was a 2008 SOURCE honoree.

During her diverse career, she has been an office manager, personal assistant, publicist and/or director of operations for such personalities as Waylon Jennings, Ricky Skaggs, Dr. Hook, The Whites and Bill Monroe. The last-named wrote “Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine” about her.

Hazel is also a songwriter, herself, with more than 175 compositions registered with BMI. Among those who have recorded her works are Tammy Wynette and Dr. Hook. When she was the office manager at Tompall Glaser’s Hillbilly Central studio in the 1970s, she coined the term “Outlaw music” to describe the new country approach of such stars as Glaser, Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kinky Friedman and the like.

Hazel’s salute was staged at an event venue called Well Placed Smile, tucked away on Gleaves Street. It was a serene, white-and-beige space. I love find new places to party, don’t you?

Artists attending included Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, Marlon Hargis of Exile, Kathy Chiavola and, naturally, Hazel’s sons Terry Smith of The Grascals and singer/songwriter Billy Boone Smith. Cheryl White was representing The Whites. Sister Sharon White and hubby Ricky Skaggs were celebrating their 35th anniversary on a working vacation in Ireland.

Dierks Bentley sent a video. Garth Brooks texted his congratulations from across town, where he was shooting promos for the CBS Sports SEC weekly football game series. His “Pure Adrenaline” will be the broadcasts’ theme song this fall.

“Hazel deserves a night that’s all about her, and we’re glad that you agree,” said host Maurice Miner to the crowd.

“I love how she took people in and loved them for who they were,” said Krauss. “People are drawn to the truth, and people are drawn to kindness, and that’s what she represents.”

Mike Dungan said to Hazel, “What you’ve meant to so many young artists in this business is that you are ‘Mama.’ Thank you for being that on behalf of all of these kids.”

“Opry” Dan Rogers and Opry member White also took turns moderating. Joe Galante sent in a heartfelt letter.

Basking in the greatness that is Hazel were Dave Cobb, David Ross, Mike Martinovich, Martha Moore, Fletcher Foster, Caitlin Crowell, Traci Todd, Shanna Strassberg, Heather McBee, Holly Gleason, Preshias Tomes Harris (who is involved in an exciting new series of reissue CDs), Shelia Shipley-Biddy, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, Debbie Linn, Taylor Clay, Wes Vause, Sherod Robertson, Cindy Hunt, Nancy Cardwell, John Zarling and Marghie Evans.

As they schmoozed, they sampled Nashville hot chicken on biscuits, macaroni & cheese balls, slaw on breaded baked eggplant, assorted cheeses, fruits, waffle-cone compotes and barbecue on flatbread with peaches, onions and arugula.

This was the kickoff of a planned annual Storyteller fundraiser for Music Health Alliance. The charity protects, directs and connects music professionals with healthcare, financial, insurance and medical solutions.

Founder Tatum Allsep told the crowd that the organization has achieved more than $12 million in healthcare cost reductions for its clients. “At the end of the year, when you’re trying to find a charity to give to, think of us,” she said.

The Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas has added a number of rising artists and songwriters from Nashville to its second stage, known as “Next From Nashville.”

The additions include Courtney Cole, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Seth Ennis, Haley Georgia, Ryan Hurd, LANco, Jon Langston, Aaron Lewis, William Michael Morgan, Tyler Reeve, Royal Bliss, Runaway June, Aubrie Sellers, Lucie Silvas, Tara Thompson, Aaron Watson and Brett Young.

The festival has also added Dan + Shay, Brooke Eden, LOCASH and Randy Rogers Band to the event, scheduled for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at the Las Vegas Village.

Bluegrass musicians Sierra Hull and Dan Tyminski will host the 27th International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards on Sept. 29 at the Duke Energy Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“Sierra and Dan both have long and respected histories in the IBMA community, so it’s a thrill to have them together on stage to host this year’s awards,” said Amy Reitnouer, executive director of The Bluegrass Situation, who returns as producer of the IBMA Awards for the third year. “We’ve got plenty of memorable moments being planned out for the show, and there’s no doubt that these two will bring class, charisma, and chemistry to the stage and serve as great emcees!”

In addition to acknowledging the year’s outstanding talent and achievements, new Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored. The inductees are late guitarist Clarence White and Rounder Records founders Bill Nowlin, Marian Leighton Levy and Ken Irwin.

Mandolin player and songwriter Sierra Hull released her newest album, Weighted Mind, earlier this year. A skilled guitarist and mandolin player, Dan Tyminski has released two solo albums as well as projects with Lonesome River Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and the Soggy Bottom Boys.

The IBMA Awards are part of the organization’s World of Bluegrass 2016 event, which takes place Sept. 27–Oct. 1 in Raleigh.

Ashley Sidoti has been named National Director of Radio Promotion for The Valory Music Co.

Most recently serving as Southeast Director of Marketing and Promotion, she will continue to build relationships between radio and the label’s talented artist roster of Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, Tara Thompson and Levi Hummon.

“It’s been a pleasure to see Ashley’s growth with The Valory Music Co.,” said Valory’s Senior Vice President of Promotion George Briner. “Since she started with the company as an intern in 2008, Ashley has grown through the ranks beginning as the imprint’s Label Coordinator. With her passion for music, creative ideas and experience in the business, Ashley is a great fit to be the National Director.”

“I am appreciative of the incredible opportunities I’ve been given to learn from the ground up at BMLG, even from my time as an intern in 2008,” said Sidoti. “I’m so grateful for Scott and George’s support and confidence in me. We are all incredibly proud of everything we have built at Valory, thus far, and I’m even more excited to be a part of our growth into the future.”

Sidoti can be reached at 615-574-7827 or via Ashley.Sidoti@valorymail.com.