Songwriter Bobby Braddock has lived in Nashville for 50 years, so it’s no surprise that the city takes a starring role his new memoir, A Life on Nashville’s Music Row. The supporting cast is remarkable too. George Jones, Buddy Killen, Dolly Parton, Curly Putman, Marty Robbins, Blake Shelton, two ex-wives, a beloved daughter, and many other characters all make notable appearances.
A Country Music Hall of Fame inductee in 2011, Braddock offers an impressive catalog: “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “I Wanna Talk About Me,” “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “Golden Ring,” “Time Marches On,” “People Are Crazy,” and so on. Taking guidance from his mentor, Southern literary giant John Egerton, Braddock has distilled decades of experiences in the music business (and more than a few romantic entanglements) into an entertaining and insightful book, published by Vanderbilt University Press and the Country Music Foundation Press.
“I think I have an innate thing with songwriting. I feel like I always knew how to write a song. I started doing that when I was 4 years old, but I had to learn how to write a book,” Braddock tells MusicRow. “A songwriter can also pilot an airplane but they’re two separate entities. A songwriter can also write a book but it’s certainly not the same thing.”
MusicRow: Several times in this book, you quote your journals. How far back do those journals go?
Braddock: I started them in 1971. I had some from way back when I was in my teens, but the ones that continue up to the present day started back in September 1971.
So many of your songs were inspired by real-life events, even “I Wanna Talk About Me.”
That’s true. There were two inspirations for that. One was my friend who was being very loquacious. And then I wanted to write a rap song for Blake anyway. He ran around doing this funny, dirty rap song he made up. I thought it was so funny–his Oklahoma white boy drawl doing a rap song. I thought it was hilarious, so I wanted to write something for him–and recorded it with Blake at first. But the label said they did some research on it, and said that nobody would like it. (laughs) So I played it for James Stroud, [to pitch to] Toby Keith.
So, somewhere out there is an unreleased recording of Blake singing that.
Yeah, absolutely. It was good too.
I would love to hear that. Did having these journals help you put things into focus?
It helped me years later in writing the book, to have that to glean from. It made it a lot easier because I even had dialogue in there. While it was still fresh in my mind, I would write down conversations I had with people, so a lot of the dialogue in the book is actually from the journal and was written that night.
One thing I noticed throughout the book that surprised me is the supernatural component. You had the Ouija board in the beginning, and the house on Shy’s Hill….
There was some really weird shit going on there!
Did you realize that was a recurring theme even before writing the book?
Yeah, it was. It’s something I don’t pay much attention to now, other than just reference, trying to figure out what life is, and what lies ahead. But at that time, I was kind of caught up in it. Of course, with the Ouija board, what in the world that was, I do not know! Some of it may have to do with the subconscious mind.
To this day, I think it could have something to do with some other entities, because I know it certainly did tell some things that the person I was doing it with would have no way of knowing about. So I don’t know if it makes us clairvoyant or if it actually brings out spirits or what. I mean, I wouldn’t touch one now. I wouldn’t want to get near one. Life on the surface is scary enough as it is, without looking for stuff!
Your sense of humor really shines through in the book. Do you think that is part of the reason for your longevity in the business?
I think it’s probably desperation, tenacity and OCD. (laughs) Sort of like a dog that has a rag doll and won’t let go of it, you know? Don’t have enough sense to quit.
Of course, we have to talk about “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” You wrote about George Jones and Billy Sherrill, but you also wrote about the dry spell that came after that song. How did you get through that without losing your mind or giving up?
Well, I think I kind of did lose my mind. Between 1983 and 1992, that’s nine years I didn’t have a big hit, after having some really big hits. That was not easy. I listen back to some of those songs I wrote then, and to this day, they are some of my favorite things I ever wrote.
I never quit writing. I just quit getting them recorded. When that happened, then you do develop this air of desperation. And then, when you start acting out of desperation, it’s not always wise. It’s not always the best thing. I think if you keep on at something, your odds of something happening will increase with repetition. It’s just as simple as that.
If you keep on and keep on, does that mean something’s going to happen? No, but your odds are increased that it will, rather than if you sit there and feel sorry for yourself and do nothing. You know, if you’re not exercising the creative part of your brain, if you let that right brain dry up, the muse is going to leave you, you know?
That reminds me of the stories about people calling you “sir,” and people being astonished that you drove across the country by yourself…
At 66 years old! Ageism, yeah. And the older you get, the more ageism you see. As you get older, you tend to become a little more crotchety anyway. You start to turn into more of a curmedgeon. You actually find yourself saying, “Hey! Don’t call me ‘sir’!” It’s just something that happens.
I think it’s important to keep your mind active, and you’re still doing that.
Yeah, I think cognitively, if you’re in good shape, when you open your eyes and look around you, you see the same things that young people see. You drink it in, in the same way. Certainly you’re going to process it differently when you’re older and have more experience. With experience, does wisdom come? Yeah. But with experience, does foolishness come? Yeah. (laughs)
Exclusive: Bobby Braddock Shares His Life on Music Row
/by Craig_ShelburneSongwriter Bobby Braddock has lived in Nashville for 50 years, so it’s no surprise that the city takes a starring role his new memoir, A Life on Nashville’s Music Row. The supporting cast is remarkable too. George Jones, Buddy Killen, Dolly Parton, Curly Putman, Marty Robbins, Blake Shelton, two ex-wives, a beloved daughter, and many other characters all make notable appearances.
A Country Music Hall of Fame inductee in 2011, Braddock offers an impressive catalog: “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “I Wanna Talk About Me,” “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “Golden Ring,” “Time Marches On,” “People Are Crazy,” and so on. Taking guidance from his mentor, Southern literary giant John Egerton, Braddock has distilled decades of experiences in the music business (and more than a few romantic entanglements) into an entertaining and insightful book, published by Vanderbilt University Press and the Country Music Foundation Press.
“I think I have an innate thing with songwriting. I feel like I always knew how to write a song. I started doing that when I was 4 years old, but I had to learn how to write a book,” Braddock tells MusicRow. “A songwriter can also pilot an airplane but they’re two separate entities. A songwriter can also write a book but it’s certainly not the same thing.”
MusicRow: Several times in this book, you quote your journals. How far back do those journals go?
Braddock: I started them in 1971. I had some from way back when I was in my teens, but the ones that continue up to the present day started back in September 1971.
So many of your songs were inspired by real-life events, even “I Wanna Talk About Me.”
That’s true. There were two inspirations for that. One was my friend who was being very loquacious. And then I wanted to write a rap song for Blake anyway. He ran around doing this funny, dirty rap song he made up. I thought it was so funny–his Oklahoma white boy drawl doing a rap song. I thought it was hilarious, so I wanted to write something for him–and recorded it with Blake at first. But the label said they did some research on it, and said that nobody would like it. (laughs) So I played it for James Stroud, [to pitch to] Toby Keith.
So, somewhere out there is an unreleased recording of Blake singing that.
Yeah, absolutely. It was good too.
I would love to hear that. Did having these journals help you put things into focus?
It helped me years later in writing the book, to have that to glean from. It made it a lot easier because I even had dialogue in there. While it was still fresh in my mind, I would write down conversations I had with people, so a lot of the dialogue in the book is actually from the journal and was written that night.
One thing I noticed throughout the book that surprised me is the supernatural component. You had the Ouija board in the beginning, and the house on Shy’s Hill….
There was some really weird shit going on there!
Did you realize that was a recurring theme even before writing the book?
Yeah, it was. It’s something I don’t pay much attention to now, other than just reference, trying to figure out what life is, and what lies ahead. But at that time, I was kind of caught up in it. Of course, with the Ouija board, what in the world that was, I do not know! Some of it may have to do with the subconscious mind.
To this day, I think it could have something to do with some other entities, because I know it certainly did tell some things that the person I was doing it with would have no way of knowing about. So I don’t know if it makes us clairvoyant or if it actually brings out spirits or what. I mean, I wouldn’t touch one now. I wouldn’t want to get near one. Life on the surface is scary enough as it is, without looking for stuff!
Your sense of humor really shines through in the book. Do you think that is part of the reason for your longevity in the business?
I think it’s probably desperation, tenacity and OCD. (laughs) Sort of like a dog that has a rag doll and won’t let go of it, you know? Don’t have enough sense to quit.
Of course, we have to talk about “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” You wrote about George Jones and Billy Sherrill, but you also wrote about the dry spell that came after that song. How did you get through that without losing your mind or giving up?
Well, I think I kind of did lose my mind. Between 1983 and 1992, that’s nine years I didn’t have a big hit, after having some really big hits. That was not easy. I listen back to some of those songs I wrote then, and to this day, they are some of my favorite things I ever wrote.
I never quit writing. I just quit getting them recorded. When that happened, then you do develop this air of desperation. And then, when you start acting out of desperation, it’s not always wise. It’s not always the best thing. I think if you keep on at something, your odds of something happening will increase with repetition. It’s just as simple as that.
If you keep on and keep on, does that mean something’s going to happen? No, but your odds are increased that it will, rather than if you sit there and feel sorry for yourself and do nothing. You know, if you’re not exercising the creative part of your brain, if you let that right brain dry up, the muse is going to leave you, you know?
That reminds me of the stories about people calling you “sir,” and people being astonished that you drove across the country by yourself…
At 66 years old! Ageism, yeah. And the older you get, the more ageism you see. As you get older, you tend to become a little more crotchety anyway. You start to turn into more of a curmedgeon. You actually find yourself saying, “Hey! Don’t call me ‘sir’!” It’s just something that happens.
I think it’s important to keep your mind active, and you’re still doing that.
Yeah, I think cognitively, if you’re in good shape, when you open your eyes and look around you, you see the same things that young people see. You drink it in, in the same way. Certainly you’re going to process it differently when you’re older and have more experience. With experience, does wisdom come? Yeah. But with experience, does foolishness come? Yeah. (laughs)
Producer Dave Cobb Welcomes All-Star Cast For ‘Southern Family’ Album
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton have signed on for a new concept album produced and spearheaded by Grammy-nominated producer Dave Cobb.
Southern Family will release March 18 via Cobb’s Low Country Sound/Elektra Records. The project features 10 original songs, along with two covers, including Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton on “You Are My Sunshine.” Brandy Clark, Brent Cobb, Anderson East, Jason Isbell, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Rich Robinson, John Paul White and Holly Williams will also be included.
The album is inspired by 1978’s White Mansions, a Civil War concept album written by British performer Paul Kennerley, produced by Glyn Johns and featuring American musicians like Waylon Jennings and Eric Clapton.
Cobb says, “Somebody said, ‘You should make a concept record,’ and I kind of giggled about it for a second. But, then I thought, man, wouldn’t it be amazing to have all my friends on one record and really find a common thread? Southern Family, about their mothers, grandparents, kids, siblings, these detailed stories about how they grew up and their families and the things that make them who they are.”
He adds, “This really encapsulates Nashville right now. There’s something to it. There’s something in the air. There’s a lot of great things about Nashville. There’s something here that doesn’t exist anywhere else in my lifetime. I’m sure this happened in London in the ‘60s and California in the ‘70s and maybe New York in the late ’50s or early ‘60s. But I think, right now, Nashville is the home of music.”
In addition to being nominated for Producer of the Year at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, Cobb is also nominated for Album of the Year and Best Country Album (both for Stapleton’s Traveller) and Best Americana Album (Isbell’s Something More Than Free).
Previous awards include the 2015 CMA Award for Album of the Year (Traveller) and the 2014 Americana Music Award for Album of the Year (Isbell’s Southeastern) as well as Grammy nominations in 2011 and 2007 for Best Country Album (Johnson’s The Guitar Song and That Lonesome Song).
Southern Family Track List
1. John Paul White, “Simple Song”
2. Jason Isbell, “God Is A Working Man”
3. Brent Cobb, “Down Home”
4. Miranda Lambert, “Sweet By and By”
5. Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton, “You Are My Sunshine”
6. Zac Brown, “Grandma’s Garden”
7. Jamey Johnson, “Momma’s Table”
8. Anderson East, “Learning”
9. Holly Williams, “Settle Down”
10. Brandy Clark, “I Cried”
11. Shooter Jennings, “Can You Come Over”?
12. Rich Robinson (featuring The Settles Connection), “The Way Home”
MusicRow Podcast Episode 6: Bob DiPiero
/by Sherod RobertsonBob DiPiero
One of Nashville’s most prominent and popular songwriters, Bob DiPiero can claim more than 50 million spins at country radio−with the BMI “Million-Air” Awards to prove it. His major cuts include Neal McCoy’s “Wink,” Reba McEntire’s “Little Rock,” Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice,” The Oak Ridge Boys’ “American Made” and George Strait’s “Blue Clear Sky.”
To say he’s prolific is an understatement. In fact, he’s had more than a thousand of his songs recorded. One of his newest tunes is “Boys Like You,” recorded by pop newcomer Who Is Fancy, featuring Ariana Grande and Meghan Trainor. And there’s more to come, as DiPiero signed a new publishing agreement with Kobalt this year.
In this conversation with MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, DiPiero reveals his favorite place to write, explains the feeling of hearing artists interpret his songs, and offers some really smart advice to someone thinking about becoming a songwriter.
Sponsored by SunTrust Bank’s Sports & Entertainment Group, this episode of the MusicRow podcast is the sixth in a series. All of the MusicRow podcasts are available on iTunes.
Click here to listen to episodes online.
Click here to listen on iTunes.
About the MusicRow podcast:
From Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, The MusicRow Podcast features in-depth conversations with artists and the key industry members behind their music. Hosted by MusicRow Magazine Publisher Sherod Robertson, the series offers unique perspectives from iconic legends and rising talent to key decision makers and gatekeepers in the Nashville music industry.
Industry Pics: Warner/Chappell Production Music, ACM, Women Rock For The Cure
/by Jessica NicholsonWMG and Warner/Chappell Production Music Holiday Bash
Pictured (L-R): Ben Short, Marketing Coordinator, Warner/Chappell Production Music; Todd Rundgren; Randy Wachtler, President & CEO, Warner/Chappell Production Music; David MacMahon Mount, VP, Business Development, Warner/Chappell Production Music.
ACM Welcomes Josh Abbott Band
Photo credit: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Pretty Damn Tough/Thirty Tigers recording artists the Josh Abbott Band to the office while they were in Los Angeles. The band performed songs from their current album, Front Row Seat, and signed up for professional ACM membership, as part of the Academy’s complimentary one-year membership offered to support emerging artists.
Nashville’s Black 13 Tattoo Parlor Raises $14,500 For Women Rock For The Cure
Pictured (L-R, Front Row): Black 13’s Doy Gardner, Josh Woods and WRFTC Board Members Liz Lee Schullo and Rebekah Lee Beard. (Middle Row): Black 13’s Lauren Bing, Lauren Napier, Amanda Leadman, Steve Martin, and Jay Quarles. (Back Row): Black 13’s Jon Ragoe, Kirk George, Steve Pearson, Ryan Thomas and Marty McEwen. Photo: Sarah Lee Photography
Black 13 Tattoo Parlor inked pink with their third annual event held in October, raising $14,500 to support Nashville’s own Women Rock For The Cure (WRFTC). On Tuesday (Dec. 15), the tattoo parlor staff presented a check to Women Rock For The Cure to help fund the organization’s outreach initiatives, including the annual Young Survivors Retreat, which helps to connect and support young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Black 13’s annual family friendly live event is based around the arts to support those living with cancer. The day-long event featured the shop’s talented artists tattooing pre-designed art with 100% percent of the proceeds donated to Women Rock For The Cure. This year the festivities also included music performances by Kyle Andrews, Mr. Steve The Music Man, Elise Davis, Jace Everett, Kylie Rothfield, Caroline Spence and Josh Farrow as well as local goods from Hail Dark Aesthetics, Wild Earth Apothecary, Paisley Red, Music City Glass Works, DonutloverrVintage, Oh Just Dandy and Polar Opposite Vintage. Black 13 has raised over $39,500 for local charities in the past three years.
Weekly Chart Report (12/18/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Developer Levels Offices, Pays $10M for Real Estate at 19th Ave. S.
/by Eric T. Parker19th & Chet community. Photo: Lennar Multifamily Communities
Buildings once housing Morris Higham Management, Dale Morris & Associates, and AEG/Messina Group Nashville have been leveled at the corner of 19th Avenue South and Chet Atkins Place. The assemblage of lots was purchased for $10 million to build a 344-unit apartment community by Lennar Multifamily Communities.
The 19-story complex, called 19th & Chet, will be taller than originally expected since underground parking was not possible. Apartments will occupy 13 floors above six levels of parking. For perspective, neighboring condominium, The Adelicia, is 18 stories.
“The purchase price is derived by the number of possible apartments and their potential revenue,” said Jay Daniel of Lennar Multifamily Communities, Southeast, to MusicRow. “You cannot equate our price paid for a parcel and directly translate it to the value of other parcels within the city.”
Morris Higham/Dale Morris now occupies remodeled offices at 2001 Blair Boulevard, which were purchased in early 2014 for $1.1 million. Phone numbers remain the same.
AEG/Messina Group Nashville has moved to a temporary location at 1200 Villa Place, Suite 400.
Industry Ink: NBC, BMI, ACM, UMG Nashville
/by Craig_Shelburne‘Coat of Many Colors’ Will Air Christmas Day on NBC
Photo: Jeff Lipsky/NBC
An encore presentation of Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colors’ television movie will air on Christmas Day on NBC at 9/8c. The project ranks as the most-watched film on the four broadcast networks in more than six years, with 13 million viewers during the initial Dec. 10 broadcast. With DVR viewing taken into account, the film reached 15.6 million viewers.
“I hoped to bring some families together so they could sit and watch a movie like this. I really wanted to celebrate the people, my whole family, who made me who and what I am today. I’m so blessed and thankful for everyone who watched and I hope this story reaches many, many more when NBC shows it Christmas night,” said Parton.
BMI Maui Songwriter Festival Concludes
BMI songwriters Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson. Photo: Rebecca Adler Rotenberg
The inaugural BMI Maui Songwriters Festival attracted listeners to multiple island venues earlier this month. Held Dec. 8-13, the festival featured in-the-round performances, full-band sets and stories behind the songs. Willie Nelson and Kacey Musgraves shared the stage at the event’s kickoff party. Participating venues included Charley’s Saloon, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
ACM Hires Three Staffers
Pictured (L-R) Brandon Campbell, Bree Lutjens, Melissa Moldovan
The Academy of Country Music has announced new hires in two departments: videographer/editor Brandon Campbell, assistant Bree Lutjens, and junior publicist Melissa Moldovan. All positions are based out the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, California.
Brandon Campbell joins the Creative & Content Production team as Videographer/Editor. Atlanta-born and Tennessee-raised, Campbell graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, where he studied Electronic Media Communications with a focus on single-camera production. Prior to joining the Academy, Campbell spent six years freelancing in Nashville, where he worked with various awards shows and artists—including Keith Urban, Mutemath and many more. Most recently, he was a full-time videographer for Hunter Hayes, a position he held for three years. He reports to Lisa Lee, Senior Vice President, Creative & Content Production.
Bree Lutjens graduated in May from San Diego State University, where she studied public relations and economics. During that time, she served as an ambassador to incoming university students each summer. In addition to her involvement within the SDSU campus, Lutjens also spent more than two years working for San Diego County’s local PBS station KPBS and spent three months working at a financial investment firm. Lutjens will assist and report dually to Lee and Brooke Primero, Senior Vice President, PR & Marketing.
Melissa Moldovan moved to California in 2001 and has spent the past three-and-a-half years working for the nationally-syndicated radio show The Big Time with Whitney Allen. A Chicago native, Moldovan worked as an assistant producer and fill-in co-host while simultaneously developing the show’s social media platforms. Her work eventually led to the creation of a social media coordinator position, which she undertook in addition to her other roles. Moldovan will report to Primero.
Ashley Wilson Promoted at UMG Nashville
UMG Nashville has promoted Ashley Wilson to Coordinator, Media Marketing. Wilson interned in UMG’s media marketing department while completing her Bachelor’s degree at Nashville’s Belmont University, and was hired full-time as an administrative employee following her graduation this year.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Ashley into our Media Marketing department,” said Lori Christian, VP Media Marketing. “Since she interned with our department, I have been impressed with her work ethic, go-getter attitude and her graciousness. She is a perfect addition to our team and I can’t wait to watch her continue to grow and shine.”
Couple Claims Self-Defense in Dave Brainard Assault
/by Craig_ShelburneNichole Hargrove, Dustin Hargrove. Photo: Metro Nashville Police
The two people charged in the Sept. 27 assault of producer Dave Brainard are citing self-defense, according to The Tennessean.
Nashville attorney Mark Scruggs said that his clients Dustin and Nichole Hargrove of Columbia, Tennessee, were protecting themselves against Brainard, and that Brainard “got hurt accidentally in the process.”
Brainard was hospitalized following the attack and had his jaw wired shut during his recovery. Dustin Hargrove was charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor assault. Nichole Hargrove was charged with misdemeanor assault.
Read the story at The Tennessean.
New Educational Programs Will Explain Music’s Role in History, Free Speech
/by Craig_ShelburneOn February 22 and 29, the museum will host a performance of Freedom Sings, the story of free speech in America as told through rock, pop, hip-hop, and country music. The cast revisits turning points in five decades of contemporary history, with songs from Loretta Lynn and the Beatles to today’s top hits. Freedom Sings is in its fifteenth year of touring American colleges and communities. For the museum performance, Freedom Sings will be presented to grades 9 to 12.
In addition, a new program titled Music Matters: The Songs That Shaped America, is being developed for grades 6 to 8. The presentation will feature a band of Nashville musicians telling the stories of some of America’s most powerful songs and the events that inspired them. Aligned with middle school social studies curriculum, the program explores the ways in which music has reflected society and changed the way Americans see the world. Through an interactive and educational concert experience, students are better able to understand historical events and challenging subject matter. Music Matters will be presented on April 8 and the program is 75 minutes long.
Both programs are free to Title I schools, and transportation subsidies may be available to qualifying schools.
“The late Mr. John Seigenthaler, founder of the First Amendment Center, famously spent his life fighting for freedom and justice. As a board member and champion of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, he understood the vital role that music plays in ongoing dialogue about the social issues of our day. Without his unparalleled support, the museum would not be what it is today,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “We’re thrilled to partner with the First Amendment Center to offer these important programs as an extension of the museum experience and to further support the great work Mr. Seigenthaler initiated years ago.”
“These two programs tell the vibrant story of our nation through the power and passion of music,” said Ken Paulson, president of the First Amendment Center and author of both shows. “From the troubadours of the eighteenth century to contemporary pop, rock and hip-hop, free expression has been at the heart of America’s music.”
The Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center has offices at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., and at the John Seigenthaler Center on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The center serves as a forum for the study and exploration of free-expression issues through education, information and entertainment.
Combustion Music Raises $55,000 for Bahamas Charities
/by Craig_ShelburneCombustion Music’s second annual Hope Town Music Festival, held on the island of Elbow Cay in the Bahamas, raised $55,000 for three area charities. The festival presented four shows across three days (Dec. 4-6).
Combustion Music President and Owner Chris Farren has owned a home on the island for the last 12 years. He got the idea to host the event after deciding it would be fun to bring Nashville songwriters to the little island, where he spends much of his spare time.
“Raising money for these three local charities was a no-brainer” says Farren. “All of my friends donated their time and talents, and together with the local community and some incredible Nashville sponsors, we raised a bunch of money that will all stay on the island and make a difference … not to mention the fact we all had a blast.”
Along with Farren, featured songwriters included Matthew West, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Jon Pardi, Jimmy Robbins, JT Harding, Troy Verges, Matt Jenkins, and Sara Haze.
Every Child Counts, Friends of the Environment, and The Hope Town Fire and Rescue Department were the charitable beneficiaries.
Suntrust Bank, The Academy of Country Music, Warner/Chappell Music, Northwestern Mutual, MV2 Music and A+ Storage were among the event sponsors. Next year’s festival will take place Dec 1-5.