
Pictured (L-R): Judy Seale, Marty Craighead, Teena Scogin Camp, Jeannie Seely, Kathy Harris, Leslie Fram and Sheree’ Spoltore’. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Six more deserving music industry veterans were inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame last night (Aug. 27) at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium. Jeannie Seely was also honored with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award.
SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, career biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years the individual has worked within the entertainment industry and their level of community involvement. All inductees have made a significant impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.

Tracy Gershon, Brenda Lee and Gina Keltner. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Seely served as host for the night alongside her partner in crime, Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee, as well as a new host, Grand Ole Opry member Mandy Barnett.
This year’s honorees included Teena Scogin Camp, Marty Craighead, Leslie Fram, Kathy Harris, Judy Seale and Sheree’ Spoltore’.
The night started with a video montage of photos from past induction ceremonies, before SOURCE Awards Committee Chair Erica Rosa welcomed the crowd to kick off the evening. “Their tenacity has shown us that there are no limits to what can be achieved when passion and determination come together,” Rosa said of the inductees. “Their contributions have enriched our lives, expanded our horizons and encouraged us to dream bigger.”
Gus Arrendale, President of Springer Mountain Farms, who serves as the event sponsor, then took a few moments to speak about the inductees before welcoming everyone to dine.
After enjoying dinner, attendees were greeted by SOURCE President Kari Barnhart. She welcomed the crowd to the ceremony, and spoke about the organization. “SOURCE membership consists of a distinguished group of women who hold influential positions as decision-making executives, professionals and entrepreneurs within the vibrant national music industry,” Barnhart said. “Our collective efforts revolve around meetings where we provide a valuable support to each other, propelling us towards unparalleled achievements.” She then welcomed two of the evening’s hosts to the stage, Lee and Barnett.
After warming up the crowd with some laughs, Lee and Barnett each took the time to speak about the night’s honorees.
“With the divine will of industry and the experience among these women, who have awaited countless years of institutional knowledge, Brenda and I are excited to be on this stage tonight to pay tribute to their incredible accomplishments,” Barnett exclaimed.
It was then time to begin the awards presentations with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award. Lee and Barnett spent time sharing some of Seely’s incredible accomplishments, including a stunning 5,375 Opry performances, her Sundays With Seeley radio show on SiriusXM, Grammy awards, her becoming the first female to host the Grand Ole Opry and her Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

Pictured (L-R): Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills, Brenda Lee and Mandy Barnett. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
“Jeannie’s commitment to the industry knows no bounds,” Lee shared of her longtime friend. “She loves what she does, it shows. The audience can tell, and that’s why she’s been around as long as she’s been around.”
Attendees then were directed to turn their attention to the screen, where Sr. VP & Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry Dan Rogers, bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent and Opry member Carly Pearce congratulated Seely via video.
Mark Wills was brought up on stage to add some remarks about Seely, who was the first person to welcome him to the Opry 27 years ago on his debut night. The two have remained friends ever since.
Seely was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation. She spoke about her strong support system in her family and team, expressed her gratitude for her road family and thanked the Grand Ole Opry staff.
“At almost every speech I’ve ever heard people say, ‘thank you is just not enough,'” Seely began. “Well, hell, I think it is. I think they are two of the most meaningful words—ones that matter the most and the ones that people remember.”
Seely then joined Lee and Barnett for the rest of the night to continue her hosting duties. The SOUCE Hall of Fame inductees were honored by their friends, family and peers, as Lee, Seely and Barnett told the crowd of their extensive accomplishments. Then, a video from a special client or colleague would play to further highlight the honoree’s impact.
Scogin Camp was the first inductee to be honored. Her career has included time at Standard Knitting Mills, Charisma Talent, Sound Pit Studios and GRC Records, as well as stints as a road manger for David Allen Coe and Colleen Peterson, and her own Teena Shirts (later rebranded to TSC Marketing). She sold her company in the late ’90s and has remained involved in Nashville’s creative landscape since.
Scogin Camp was honored with some words of praise from Opry member and former client, Crystal Gayle, via a video. When the honoree got up to speak, she shared anecdotes about starting her small company, creating a logo for the legendary George Strait and how the Oak Ridge Boys took a must-needed chance on her company.
“No one who succeeds in life makes the journey alone,” Scogin Camp said. “Many of you in this room have been clients, or we collaborated on volunteer projects. I have been fortunate to work with intelligent, ambitious, creative and fun-loving women.”
Next to be honored was Craighead. She impacted the Nashville music industry during her time at MCA Music Publishing, Capitol Records, Javelina Recording Studios, Arista Nashville, Universal Records South, ASCAP, The Nashville Entrepreneur Center and FBMM, where she has served as Office Manager since 2017.
Tim Dubois congratulated Craighead via video. The two established a 14-year working relationship beginning at Arista Nashville. Craighead shared her gratitude for those she has worked with and her gratitude of the honor when she stepped up to the podium.
“When I look at the gallery and the photos of the women who received this honor before me, I’m amazed that I’m considered to be in their company,” Craighead expressed. “This is truly a tremendous honor, which I would not have obtained without the support and courage of so many people.”
Fram was honored next. Her career in Nashville began when she took a leap, leaving her impressive roots in rock radio to come work as the SVP of Music & Talent at CMT, where she has been since 2011. During her tenure there she has established many initiatives to empower women, including CMT’s Next Women of Country, Equal Play, Change The Conversation and Equal Access.
Former CMT President Brian Phillips paid his respects to Fram via video. It was he who gave Fram that career-changing call 13 years ago.
Fram used her time at the podium to talk about some of the CMT family and industry friends she has been grateful to work with and how honored she was to be on the stage.
“You’re going to hear a lot of words tonight like grateful, thankful, humble and scared to death,” she said. “I will say them because it’s true. To be in a room with all of these women who have paved the way—all of the amazing inductees tonight, all of the women in the room and all of the men who support us—this is a huge compliment and a highlight for all of us.”
During a quick break from the inductions, Rosa to come back on stage and to shoutout the awards committee, Barnhart, Sarah Brosmer, Linda Chambers, Karen Conrad, Debi Fleischer-Robin, Rachel Guttmann, Judy Harris, Martha Moore, Kay Smith and Claire Taylor, as well as the event sponsors and event production. She also led the crowd in remembering SOURCE Co-Founder Pat Rolfe, who passed away in May, as well as past inductees Mary Martin, Audrey Winters and Phyllis Dean Hill whom all passed away this year as well.
Harris was the next inductee to be honored. Her 50-year career started when she became a secretary-receptionist for The Oak Ridge Boys. She later became a member of the Operations Management Team, before transitioning into VP of Marketing for Oak Ridge Boys, Inc. In addition to her work with the group, she also was a freelance writer and publicist, and managed Keith Harling with her husband Larry.
It was only fitting that The Oak Ridge Boys congratulated Harris via video for the honor. When Harris spoke, she shared what she has learned through her time in the industry.
“If you need to compete, compete with yourself. Never with other women. Treasure your relationships with each other, grow your relationships with each other and build each other up,” Harris said.
Seale was the next to be inducted. She made her mark while working at the George Lindsey Celebrity Golf Tournament and Concert for Special Children, the Jim Halsey Company and Refugee Management International. In 2001, she founded Judy Seale International, where she has managed Jolie Edwards, Pat Boone, the Bellamy Brothers and more. She currently serves as President/CEO of the organization along with her nonprofit Stars For Stripes, founded in 2003. Fellow philanthropist Gary Sinise congratulated her via video.
When she spoke, Seale highlighted moments in her career that make her thankful to be in this business and shared stories about her many mentors.
“I was never considering a career in the music industry. I was going to be a school teacher in a very small town in Alabama,” Seale shared with a laugh. “Thank you, God, for having other plans for me.”
Spoltore’ was the final honoree to be inducted. Her career has included time as an artist, performing at Carnegie Hall for the Pope and Queen Elizabeth, taking the lead role in an off-broadway play and performing an original song for former President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration. After moving to the business side of the industry, she spent time at Faverette Music Group, US Bank, Still Working Music and NSAI, before establishing Global Songwriters Connection in 2013.
Spoltore’ was honored with a video message from producer Brandon James. When she spoke, she recognized the friends and colleagues who had lifted her up along the way.
Spoltore’ recognized her first mentor Merle Kilgore for changing her life. “Merle heard me sing and he shared six words that forever changed my life—’You must be present to win.’ Four weeks later, my family and I moved from Arkansas to Nashville with very little.” Spoltore’ shared of her story.
Just like that, another inspiring SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards dinner was over, with six more deserving women inducted.
Next year, the SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ Named One Of Spotify’s 2024 Songs Of Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughShaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk
Spotify has released its 2024 Global Songs of Summer list, and “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey is one of the five tracks on this year’s list of the various sounds and moments that defined summer 2024 for listeners.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” soundtracked summer for fans listening across the globe, hitting No. 1 on Spotify Charts in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Ireland, Norway and Sweden since June. It has been in the top spot on Billboard for six weeks so far, and reached No. 1 on Spotify’s U.S. Chart for the first time on July 4, proving it to be the perfect summer holiday anthem.
“The global success of Shaboozey really exemplifies a shift in the sound reaching new audiences globally,” says Spotify’s Emma Vikström, Editorial Lead, Nordics. “It’s been incredible to see the growth of country music outside of the U.S. over the last few years.”
Spotify’s 2024 Songs of the Summer also include “Birds Of A Feather” by Billie Eilish, “Hot To Go!” by Chappell Roan, “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Star-Studded Lineup Share Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannMegan Moroney, Nate Smith and Zac Brown.
Summer is not singing its swan song in this Labor Day Weekend edition of DISClaimer.
Instead, the season is offering a soundtrack of remarkable vitality and quality. So much so, that picking winning sounds is really difficult. As a result, the Disc of the Day prized is divided in three. Our Female champ is the divine Megan Moroney. Capturing the Male prize is the steamrolling Nate Smith. For our Group/Duo winners, chalk another win up for the sunny Zac Brown Band.
It isn’t usually difficult to crown a DISCovery Award winner. But that choice, too, is a toughie. So I’m splitting it between The Band Loula and Mon Rovia. Happy listening.
CHARLIE PEACOCK / “Turtle In A Chinese Food Box” keyboardist’s chops as a pop-jazz wizard. Peacock has produced more than 50 CCM albums and was behind the board for the Grammy-winning country-Americana records of The Civil Wars. BMI hosted a deluxe record-release party for the artist on Wednesday at RCA Studio A. His memoir, Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music, will be published in February.
Writer: Charlie Peacock; Producers: Charlie Peacock, Sam Ashworth; Label: Universal/Re-Think
– Charlie Peacock is and always has been a pop singer. But the lead track of his new LP sounds like skipping through a field of wildflowers, with Charlie McCoy’s harmonica, Dan Dugmore’s steel guitar and the rest of the light-hearted track giving it an undeniable country-music vibe. The lyric celebrates his innocent, youthful feelings at age 15, when he had the first date with his wife Andi. The rest of the album, titled Every Kind of Uh-Oh, showcases the brilliant producer/songwriter/
NATE SMITH / “Fix What You Didn’t Break”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Lindsay Rimes/Nate Smith/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– His vocal and the track are very processed for country music, but this record is gorgeous however you label its sound. The uplifting, hopeful lyric is about the redemptive power of love, and Smith delivers it with heart.
BOOMTOWN SAINTS & SAM GROW / “Heart Breaks You”
Writers: Connie Harrington/Houston Phillips/Josh Dunne; Producers: Colt Ford, Gary Kraen, Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment/Average Joes Entertainment
– The handsome heartbreaker better watch out: Someday the heart that’s broken will belong to him. Soaring, melodic and oh-so listenable.
MEGAN MORONEY / “Am I Okay?”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Laird/Megan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– Ridiculously charming. She’s falling head over heels for a dreamboat who treats her right. So of course she thinks she’s going nuts. A bopper with a zillion smiles.
THE BAND LOULA / “Don’t Call Me”
Writers: Dave Barnes/Logan Simmons/Malachi Mills; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a smoldering, slow-burn, stately outing delivered by a pair of blue-eyed soul singers who really turn up the heat. Also check out their performance of “If I Never Stayed the Night.” Hailing from north Georgia, the male-female duo’s members are Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons. I hear stardom.
DYLAN SCOTT / “You’d Think I Was A Cowboy”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Jaxson Free/Michael Whitworth/Will Weatherly; Producers: Dylan Scott, Jaxson Free, Will Weatherly; Label: Curb Records
– Sorry. The lyric’s “western” metaphors all sound forced and phony.
MOORE & MOORE & JANIE FRICKE / “Dispatch The Angels”
Writer: Debbie Moore; Producer: Moore & Moore; Label: DOV Records
– The twin Moore sisters have been on the country scene for a good 20 years or so, and they have never sounded better than they do on their new Angels CD. The title is drawn from this touching ballad, a lovely swirl of trio harmony, thanks to the addition of the flawless Fricke to the sound. The song is penned by Debbie Moore, who co-wrote the Mark Wills hit “Wish You Were Here.” This fine country collection also features collaborations with Johnny Lee, David Frizzell, Marty Haggard and James Caruthers. How sweet the sound.
LAINEY WILSON / “4X4XU”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Jon Decious/Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records/BMG
– Romance in a pick-up truck sounds like a total delight when this woman sings it. Love the sizzling organ notes in this slow-burn banger.
TY MYERS / “Let ‘Em Talk”
Writers: Anderson East/Trent Dabbs/Ty Myers; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia
– This 17-year-old Texas phenomenon takes it nice and easy on a languid ode to young love.
MICKEY GUYTON / “My Side Of The Country”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Mickey Guyton/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Corey Crowder, Karen Kosowski, Tyler Hubbard; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Guyton takes on a rhythm-happy number with this sunny celebration of country living. Vivacious, fun and winsome. It will be the kick-off track of her sophomore album, House on Fire, which drops on Sept. 27. She opened last week’s Democratic Convention in Chicago with her unifying anthem “All American.”
MON ROVIA / “Crooked On The Road”
Writers: Andrew Lowe/Cooper Holzman/Sam Hudgens; Producer: Cooper Holzman; Label: Nettwerk Music Group
– This newcomer bills his style as “Afro-Appalachian folk” music. Which makes sense since he was born in Liberia, lives in Tennessee and has an enchanting acoustic sound. This meditation on pain and hope is simply beautiful in its twinkling tapestry of guitars, echoed background singing and gently thumped percussion. It’s easy to hear why he has racked up half a billion TikTok views, garnered an international following, earned a booking at Bonnaroo and is slated for Austin City Limits this fall.
ZAC BROWN BAND / “Two Blue Chairs And You”
Writers: Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton/Rob Snyder/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti, Zac Brown; Label: Home Grown Music/Warner Music Nashville
– This bopper will make you instantly yearn for a Caribbean vacation. Loved the wordless, harmonized, a cappella vocal interlude. An absolutely perfect single.
NCVC Adds Six To Board Of Directors
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R, top row): Becky Gardenhire, Mark Fioravanti and Ian Ayre; (L-R, bottom row): Tony Phillips, Linda Chambers and Shannon Sanders
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) has added six new members to its Board of Directors, with Ken Levitan, Founder and Co-President of Vector Management, serving another term as Chairman.
New members include Ian Ayre, CEO of Nashville Soccer Club; Linda Chambers, CEO and Co-Founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum; Mark Fioravanti, President and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.; Becky Gardenhire, Co-Head of the Nashville office of WME; Tony Phillips, General Manager at the Bobby Hotel and Shannon Sanders, Executive Director of Creative at BMI Nashville.
“We are grateful to these leaders who bring their deep expertise in the hospitality, entertainment and sports industries, along with their invaluable insights of our city,” Levitan says. “Their guidance will be crucial as we navigate this period of expansion in Nashville’s tourism industry, particularly with ongoing hotel construction and our bids for major events and conventions. Their leadership will help ensure that the industry remains a vital economic engine for the region.”
The NCVC Board includes 24 members who represent sectors from within and associated with Nashville’s hospitality industry, which represents over 72,900 jobs in Davidson County. In 2023, the industry generated record economic activity for the city with $10.56 billion in direct visitor spending and unprecedented hotel performance with the most room nights ever sold in a single year at over 10 million.
Nashville is currently ranked the third-best meetings destinations in North America and has been named a top destination to visit worldwide for 13 straight years. Events like CMA Fest, “Let Freedom Sing!” and stadium concerts continue to drive demand in the city. Inspiring travel for the upcoming year, Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will again be a free concert at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and its accompanying five-hour special will air on CBS.
The NCVC Executive Committee for fiscal year 2025 is composed of Levitan as Chairman, Marcus Whitney as Chair-Elect, Kevin Lavender as Immediate Past Chairman, Claire Tucker as Finance and Audit Chair and Max Goldberg as Sales and Marketing Chair, as well as Deana Ivey, President and CEO, NCVC.
The FY 2025 NCVC Board of Directors also includes the following:
Dr. Robert Fisher, Past President, Belmont University
Sherry Franklin, Director of Hotel Sales, Renaissance Nashville
Eddie George, Head Football Coach, Tennessee State University
Dr. Alex Jahangir, Vice President of Business Development, Vanderbilt Medical Center
Doug Kreulen, President and CEO, Metro Nashville Airport Authority
Pat Martin, Founder and Chairman, Martin Investment Group
Burke Nihill, President and CEO, Tennessee Titans
Howie Nuchow, Co-Head, CAA Sports
Molly Shehan, Attorney, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan
Marc Sternagel, General Manager, Grand Hyatt
Sarah Trahern, Executive Director, CMA
Ben Weprin, AJ Capital
In addition, the NCVC has added five new members to the Board of Directors of its foundation, Music City Inc. Members include Shawn McSpadden, Managing Partner of Range Media Partners; Ben Olin, General Manager of The Westin Nashville; Ellen Jones Pryor, Director of Communications at the Frist Art Museum; Amy Seigenthaler Pierce, Managing Partner of FINN Partners and Courtney Ross, Senior Manager of Community Engagement at Amazon.
The Music City Inc. Board, created to produce free, music-centric events for the public, is chaired by Doug Kreulen. Other members include Mignon Francios, Founder of The Cupcake Collection; Laura Hollingsworth, Chief Marketing Officer at Opry Entertainment Group; Seamus Ross, Founder and CEO of Castlerock Asset Management and Hugh Anderson, General Manager at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, along with NCVC’s Ivey, Andrea Arnold and Jeff Mefford.
Cody Johnson & Wrangler Partner For New Clothing Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson in Wrangler X Cody Johnson collection
Cody Johnson has launched a new clothing collection designed in partnership with Wrangler. A line of western dress shirts are the first pieces to debut from the collection, which will expand to include jeans and snap shirts in the fall of 2025.
Inspired by his experiences as a cowboy and performer, the pieces are tailored to meet the demands of Johnson’s lifestyle both on and offstage. He helped carefully select details of fabric, pattern and functionality with the brand’s design team for the collection, which features a classic, tailored fit, mitered cuffs and hidden button-down collars as well as signature Johnson details like cuff embroidery, logo’d buttons and grosgrain neck ribbon.
“These shirts are designed to make you feel like a cowboy and look like a million bucks,” the artist shares. “I put a lot of time and heart into every detail and trusted Wrangler to help build something authentically western and effortlessly stylish.”
“Cody has been with the brand for many years. He wears Wrangler day in and day out,” says Allen Montgomery, Vice President & General Manager of Wrangler Western. “With his authentic background in ranching and rodeo, partnering with him on this classic shirt collection was the natural next step. His signature style and genuine connection to the western lifestyle makes this collection stand out in a market where we’re already receiving a lot of buzz and excitement.”
Wrangler x Cody Johnson is now available for purchase online at Wrangler.com and in select retailers nationwide.
RIAA Mid-Year 2024 Recorded Music Revenue Report Shows Record Highs
/by Liza AndersonThe Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released its Mid-Year 2024 Recorded Music Revenue Report, which features data from the largest number of sources ever tabulated in the association’s history.
The report indicates that recorded music revenues grew by 4% to $8.7 billion in estimated retail value and streaming subscriptions were up 3% to 99 million throughout the first half of 2024—both record highs. Streaming has now contributed approximately 84% of total revenues for the fifth straight year, with paid subscription services growing by 4% to $5.7 billion—accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total mid-year revenue. Showing a growth rate of 17%, vinyl tracked $740 million at mid-year, accounting for three-quarters of physical revenues, and outsold CDs in units for the fourth consecutive year. At wholesale value, total revenues increased by 3% to a record high of $5.5 billion. To read the full analysis, click here.
“This report marks a landmark moment in recorded music with revenues hitting a record $8.7 billion for the first half of 2024 as the music ecosystem continues to grow and evolve to deliver for even more fans. Spanning multiple licensing avenues from fitness apps to short-form video, artists and labels are embracing innovation with responsible partners so more Americans can engage with their favorite music however, whenever and wherever they choose,” says Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO. “This sustained growth fuels innovation and reflects music’s incredible value, laying the foundation for a healthy creative ecosystem where artists’ and songwriters’ visions can flourish over generations.”
“[This] snapshot of recorded music revenues reflects consistent growth and a hard-won sustainability in our industry as we continue hitting new record highs year after year,” states Matt Bass, RIAA VP of Research. “As we push to further strengthen and widen the foundation of rights these revenue streams are built on, we look forward to continued success and more opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite music.”
Chart Graphic: Courtesy of RIAA
Mickey Guyton & CMT’s Leslie Fram To Co-Host ‘Equal Access’ Showcase
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“CMT On Tour” headliner Mickey Guyton and CMT’s Leslie Fram will co-host the next “Equal Access” showcase on Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. CT at City Winery Nashville.
The show will feature performances in the round from Angie K, Carmen Dianne, Chris Housman, Denitia, Julie Williams and Valerie Ponzio, along with special guests The Kentucky Gentlemen and Shelly Fairchild. Tickets are on sale now citywinery.com/nashville.
Guyton will hit the road this fall on her “CMT On Tour Presents Mickey Guyton” tour. The trek kicks off Sept. 18 and will visit major cities across the country with supporting acts Denitia and Abbey Cone.
Launched in April 2022, the Equal Access program is one of the first collaborative efforts to address inequities in country music both on and off the stage by creating opportunities for commercial success. The equity initiative for artists and managers is designed to foster and support communities that are underrepresented in country music.
SOURCE Hall Of Fame Inducts Six ‘Women Behind The Music,’ Honors Jeannie Seely
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Judy Seale, Marty Craighead, Teena Scogin Camp, Jeannie Seely, Kathy Harris, Leslie Fram and Sheree’ Spoltore’. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Six more deserving music industry veterans were inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame last night (Aug. 27) at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium. Jeannie Seely was also honored with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award.
SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, career biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years the individual has worked within the entertainment industry and their level of community involvement. All inductees have made a significant impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.
Tracy Gershon, Brenda Lee and Gina Keltner. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Seely served as host for the night alongside her partner in crime, Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee, as well as a new host, Grand Ole Opry member Mandy Barnett.
This year’s honorees included Teena Scogin Camp, Marty Craighead, Leslie Fram, Kathy Harris, Judy Seale and Sheree’ Spoltore’.
The night started with a video montage of photos from past induction ceremonies, before SOURCE Awards Committee Chair Erica Rosa welcomed the crowd to kick off the evening. “Their tenacity has shown us that there are no limits to what can be achieved when passion and determination come together,” Rosa said of the inductees. “Their contributions have enriched our lives, expanded our horizons and encouraged us to dream bigger.”
Gus Arrendale, President of Springer Mountain Farms, who serves as the event sponsor, then took a few moments to speak about the inductees before welcoming everyone to dine.
After enjoying dinner, attendees were greeted by SOURCE President Kari Barnhart. She welcomed the crowd to the ceremony, and spoke about the organization. “SOURCE membership consists of a distinguished group of women who hold influential positions as decision-making executives, professionals and entrepreneurs within the vibrant national music industry,” Barnhart said. “Our collective efforts revolve around meetings where we provide a valuable support to each other, propelling us towards unparalleled achievements.” She then welcomed two of the evening’s hosts to the stage, Lee and Barnett.
After warming up the crowd with some laughs, Lee and Barnett each took the time to speak about the night’s honorees.
“With the divine will of industry and the experience among these women, who have awaited countless years of institutional knowledge, Brenda and I are excited to be on this stage tonight to pay tribute to their incredible accomplishments,” Barnett exclaimed.
It was then time to begin the awards presentations with the Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award. Lee and Barnett spent time sharing some of Seely’s incredible accomplishments, including a stunning 5,375 Opry performances, her Sundays With Seeley radio show on SiriusXM, Grammy awards, her becoming the first female to host the Grand Ole Opry and her Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Lincoln Memorial University.
Pictured (L-R): Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills, Brenda Lee and Mandy Barnett. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
“Jeannie’s commitment to the industry knows no bounds,” Lee shared of her longtime friend. “She loves what she does, it shows. The audience can tell, and that’s why she’s been around as long as she’s been around.”
Attendees then were directed to turn their attention to the screen, where Sr. VP & Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry Dan Rogers, bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent and Opry member Carly Pearce congratulated Seely via video.
Mark Wills was brought up on stage to add some remarks about Seely, who was the first person to welcome him to the Opry 27 years ago on his debut night. The two have remained friends ever since.
Seely was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation. She spoke about her strong support system in her family and team, expressed her gratitude for her road family and thanked the Grand Ole Opry staff.
“At almost every speech I’ve ever heard people say, ‘thank you is just not enough,'” Seely began. “Well, hell, I think it is. I think they are two of the most meaningful words—ones that matter the most and the ones that people remember.”
Seely then joined Lee and Barnett for the rest of the night to continue her hosting duties. The SOUCE Hall of Fame inductees were honored by their friends, family and peers, as Lee, Seely and Barnett told the crowd of their extensive accomplishments. Then, a video from a special client or colleague would play to further highlight the honoree’s impact.
Scogin Camp was the first inductee to be honored. Her career has included time at Standard Knitting Mills, Charisma Talent, Sound Pit Studios and GRC Records, as well as stints as a road manger for David Allen Coe and Colleen Peterson, and her own Teena Shirts (later rebranded to TSC Marketing). She sold her company in the late ’90s and has remained involved in Nashville’s creative landscape since.
Scogin Camp was honored with some words of praise from Opry member and former client, Crystal Gayle, via a video. When the honoree got up to speak, she shared anecdotes about starting her small company, creating a logo for the legendary George Strait and how the Oak Ridge Boys took a must-needed chance on her company.
“No one who succeeds in life makes the journey alone,” Scogin Camp said. “Many of you in this room have been clients, or we collaborated on volunteer projects. I have been fortunate to work with intelligent, ambitious, creative and fun-loving women.”
Next to be honored was Craighead. She impacted the Nashville music industry during her time at MCA Music Publishing, Capitol Records, Javelina Recording Studios, Arista Nashville, Universal Records South, ASCAP, The Nashville Entrepreneur Center and FBMM, where she has served as Office Manager since 2017.
Tim Dubois congratulated Craighead via video. The two established a 14-year working relationship beginning at Arista Nashville. Craighead shared her gratitude for those she has worked with and her gratitude of the honor when she stepped up to the podium.
“When I look at the gallery and the photos of the women who received this honor before me, I’m amazed that I’m considered to be in their company,” Craighead expressed. “This is truly a tremendous honor, which I would not have obtained without the support and courage of so many people.”
Fram was honored next. Her career in Nashville began when she took a leap, leaving her impressive roots in rock radio to come work as the SVP of Music & Talent at CMT, where she has been since 2011. During her tenure there she has established many initiatives to empower women, including CMT’s Next Women of Country, Equal Play, Change The Conversation and Equal Access.
Former CMT President Brian Phillips paid his respects to Fram via video. It was he who gave Fram that career-changing call 13 years ago.
Fram used her time at the podium to talk about some of the CMT family and industry friends she has been grateful to work with and how honored she was to be on the stage.
“You’re going to hear a lot of words tonight like grateful, thankful, humble and scared to death,” she said. “I will say them because it’s true. To be in a room with all of these women who have paved the way—all of the amazing inductees tonight, all of the women in the room and all of the men who support us—this is a huge compliment and a highlight for all of us.”
During a quick break from the inductions, Rosa to come back on stage and to shoutout the awards committee, Barnhart, Sarah Brosmer, Linda Chambers, Karen Conrad, Debi Fleischer-Robin, Rachel Guttmann, Judy Harris, Martha Moore, Kay Smith and Claire Taylor, as well as the event sponsors and event production. She also led the crowd in remembering SOURCE Co-Founder Pat Rolfe, who passed away in May, as well as past inductees Mary Martin, Audrey Winters and Phyllis Dean Hill whom all passed away this year as well.
Harris was the next inductee to be honored. Her 50-year career started when she became a secretary-receptionist for The Oak Ridge Boys. She later became a member of the Operations Management Team, before transitioning into VP of Marketing for Oak Ridge Boys, Inc. In addition to her work with the group, she also was a freelance writer and publicist, and managed Keith Harling with her husband Larry.
It was only fitting that The Oak Ridge Boys congratulated Harris via video for the honor. When Harris spoke, she shared what she has learned through her time in the industry.
“If you need to compete, compete with yourself. Never with other women. Treasure your relationships with each other, grow your relationships with each other and build each other up,” Harris said.
Seale was the next to be inducted. She made her mark while working at the George Lindsey Celebrity Golf Tournament and Concert for Special Children, the Jim Halsey Company and Refugee Management International. In 2001, she founded Judy Seale International, where she has managed Jolie Edwards, Pat Boone, the Bellamy Brothers and more. She currently serves as President/CEO of the organization along with her nonprofit Stars For Stripes, founded in 2003. Fellow philanthropist Gary Sinise congratulated her via video.
When she spoke, Seale highlighted moments in her career that make her thankful to be in this business and shared stories about her many mentors.
“I was never considering a career in the music industry. I was going to be a school teacher in a very small town in Alabama,” Seale shared with a laugh. “Thank you, God, for having other plans for me.”
Spoltore’ was the final honoree to be inducted. Her career has included time as an artist, performing at Carnegie Hall for the Pope and Queen Elizabeth, taking the lead role in an off-broadway play and performing an original song for former President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration. After moving to the business side of the industry, she spent time at Faverette Music Group, US Bank, Still Working Music and NSAI, before establishing Global Songwriters Connection in 2013.
Spoltore’ was honored with a video message from producer Brandon James. When she spoke, she recognized the friends and colleagues who had lifted her up along the way.
Spoltore’ recognized her first mentor Merle Kilgore for changing her life. “Merle heard me sing and he shared six words that forever changed my life—’You must be present to win.’ Four weeks later, my family and I moved from Arkansas to Nashville with very little.” Spoltore’ shared of her story.
Just like that, another inspiring SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards dinner was over, with six more deserving women inducted.
Radio Pics: MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by MusicRow StaffOver 60 stations across the country report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart each week. MusicRow celebrates country music’s success at radio in secondary markets.
Click here to see the current MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
WUCZ’s Dennis Banka with Jamey Johnson and Bill Anderson at the 2024 Tennessee Association of Broadcasting Banquet and Excellence In Broadcasting Awards in Nashville
Billy Jam Records artist Alex Miller was invited to kick off the 2024 WLX Radio Country Cafe Series yesterday in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. (L-R): Lonnie Box (Mid Days), Roger Wright (Owner), Charlotte Wright Stremler (VP and Program Director), Robbie Colvert (Office Manager), Alex Miller, Molly Coulter, (The X Program Director), Madi Hyde (Sales Executive) and Eddie Landtroop (Evening Drive)
Airplay Promotions / Noble 101 Entertainment’s Jason Kirkness joined NRG-Media KFGE/Lincoln, Nebraska for their annual three-day fishing trip with listeners at Ballard’s Resort in Minnesota
Artist Action: Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Trace Adkins
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood ‘Reflects’ During Surprise SiriusXM Appearance
Buzz Brainard chatting with Carrie Underwood during SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Carrie Underwood recently made a surprise appearance at SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour inside Resorts World Las Vegas—home of her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency.”
She caught up with SiriusXM’s Buzz Brainard and discussed the first anniversary of her Carrie’s Country station and the extension of her residency into 2025 as well as joining American Idol as a judge 20 years after winning the competition, her 12th consecutive show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, new “Leave A Light On (Talk Away the Dark)” collaboration with Papa Roach and more.
Cody Johnson Headlines Brazil’s Largest Rodeo Festival
Pictured (L–R): Marcos Von Kilzer (Warner Music Brazil, A&R Director), Márcio Antônio Vieira (Warner Music Brazil, A&R Manager), Marielle Javarys (Warner Music Brazil, B&D Manager), Bianca Massafera (Warner Music Brazil, Press Coordinator), Leila Oliveira (Warner Music Brazil, President), Cody Johnson, Cris Lacy (Warner Music Nashville, Co-Chair/Co-President), Luciana Costa (Warner Music Brazil, Domestic Marketing Manager), Camila Arias (Warner Music Brazil, Domestic Marketing Manager) and Camila Ferraz (Warner Music Brazil, Brand Partnerships & Syncs Manager)
Cody Johnson and his Warner Music family celebrated his headlining set at Brazil’s largest rodeo festival, Festa do Peão de Barretos.
Johnson performed to a completely sold-out crowd with more than 42,000 tickets purchased.
Trace Adkins To Team Up With Don Mattingly For ‘A Night Of Songs & Stories’
Trace Adkins will team up with Don Mattingly for “A Night Of Songs & Stories” benefiting Mattingly Charities, the former MLB player and manager’s nonprofit that seeks to support underserved youth in and around Evansville, Indiana.
Set for Nov. 21 at Evansville’s Victory Theatre, the evening will feature a special Q&A session with Adkins as well as an intimate performance of his hits. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Aug. 30). For more information, click here.
Byron Kennedy Releases ‘NashVegas’ Comedy Special
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic executive-turned comedian Byron Kennedy has released his new comedy special, NashVegas.
Featuring sets recorded live at Nashville’s Analog at Hutton Hotel and the Vegas Stand Up & Rock event venue, NashVegas finds Kennedy predicting the future while sharing his personal experiences and unique perspectives. The special is available on various platforms. For more information, click here.
“This comedy special was a far better use of my time than sitting in another meeting, and watching it would probably be a better use of yours,” he jokes.
Kennedy recently returned to Las Vegas, where his comedy career started, for a residency at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower last week. Additionally, he has previously headlined the “Breakout Artist Comedy Series” at Caroline’s in New York City, opened for Rob Schneider, made his Grand Ole Opry debut and appeared on Kevin Hart’s Celebrity Game Face.