B.J. Thomas
Five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, died May 29 at home in Arlington, Texas from complications due to stage four lung cancer. He was 78.
Thomas’ expansive career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations since his emergence in the 1960s.
His career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.
He was born Billy Joe Thomas in rural Hugo, Oklahoma, before he moved to Houston, Texas with his family. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.
Thomas’s first taste of success came in 1966 when he recorded “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with producer Huey P. Meaux. Released by Scepter Records, it peaked at No. 8 on the pop charts and became his first million-selling single. He released the follow-up single, “Mama,” and delivered his first solo album that same year.
Thomas’ second million-selling hit came in 1968 with the release of “Hooked on a Feeling” from On My Way, his sophomore album for Scepter. During his days with the New York label, he became friendly with Ronnie Milsap and Dionne Warwick, who were also on the roster at the time. It was Warwick who introduced him to songwriter-producer Burt Bacharach. In January 1970, Thomas topped the charts with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Penned by Bacharach and Hal David, the song was featured in the classic Paul Newman/Robert Redford film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, earning the Oscar for best original song. Sales quickly exceeded two million copies and it has remained one of the most enduring pop hits of all time, reoccurring in such films as Forrest Gump, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Clerks II, and Spider-Man 2 as well as multiple TV shows over the years. He followed that career-defining single with a string of pop/rock hits, including “Everybody’s Out of Town,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “No Love at All” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby.”
After six years with Scepter Records, Thomas signed with Paramount Records where he released two albums—1973’s Songs and 1974’s Longhorns & Londonbridges. In 1975, Thomas released the album Reunion on ABC Records, featuring “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” which holds the distinction of being the longest titled No. 1 hit ever on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Like many successful pop/rock artists, Thomas fell into drugs and battled substance abuse. His wife Gloria became a born-again Christian and the turning point in Thomas’ life came when he became a believer in 1976. He immediately quit drugs and found an avenue for expressing his faith in gospel music. Thomas signed with Myrrh Records and released the album Home Where I Belong in 1976. Produced by Chris Christian, the project won Thomas a Grammy and became the first of two Dove Award wins. The album became the first gospel record to sell a million copies. The warmth and emotional timbre of Thomas’ voice was well suited to the genre and he became one of gospel music’s most successful artists. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” is considered one of the most poignant of the classic hymn’s many covers.
In addition to his country and gospel success, Thomas also enjoyed a healthy run on the country charts in the 1980s with such hits as “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks from an Old Lover Again,” “The Whole World’s in Love When You’re Lonely” and “Two Car Garage.” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. It won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1976 and was nominated for CMA Single of the Year. On his 39th birthday in 1981, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake’s Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.
In 2013, he released The Living Room Sessions, an acoustic album, which celebrated Thomas’ nearly six decades in the music industry. The project featured Thomas dueting with other high profile artists on his most beloved hits, which included teaming with Richard Marx for “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” Vince Gill on “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” Sara Niemietz on “Hooked on a Feeling,” Keb’ Mo’ on “Most of All,” Lyle Lovett on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and The Fray’s Isaac Slade on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The album was well-received with critics praising it as a reminder of just how engaging his voice remained after decades of recording and touring.
Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.
A quote from his website exemplifies Thomas’ humble attitude and appreciation for life. “All I am is just another guy. I’ve been very lucky,” he shared. “I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve been a husband and a father who cherishes his children and now I’m a grandfather, and I’m motivated like all these teachers and preachers and mothers and fathers to help my kids grow up with character and self-respect. I hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my music and with the majority of my life.”
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will remain private. In lieu of flowers, in-memoriam donations will be accepted by Mission Arlington, Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the SPCA of Texas.
B.J. Thomas Dead At 78
/by LB CantrellB.J. Thomas
Five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, died May 29 at home in Arlington, Texas from complications due to stage four lung cancer. He was 78.
Thomas’ expansive career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations since his emergence in the 1960s.
His career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.
He was born Billy Joe Thomas in rural Hugo, Oklahoma, before he moved to Houston, Texas with his family. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.
Thomas’s first taste of success came in 1966 when he recorded “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with producer Huey P. Meaux. Released by Scepter Records, it peaked at No. 8 on the pop charts and became his first million-selling single. He released the follow-up single, “Mama,” and delivered his first solo album that same year.
Thomas’ second million-selling hit came in 1968 with the release of “Hooked on a Feeling” from On My Way, his sophomore album for Scepter. During his days with the New York label, he became friendly with Ronnie Milsap and Dionne Warwick, who were also on the roster at the time. It was Warwick who introduced him to songwriter-producer Burt Bacharach. In January 1970, Thomas topped the charts with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Penned by Bacharach and Hal David, the song was featured in the classic Paul Newman/Robert Redford film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, earning the Oscar for best original song. Sales quickly exceeded two million copies and it has remained one of the most enduring pop hits of all time, reoccurring in such films as Forrest Gump, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Clerks II, and Spider-Man 2 as well as multiple TV shows over the years. He followed that career-defining single with a string of pop/rock hits, including “Everybody’s Out of Town,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “No Love at All” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby.”
After six years with Scepter Records, Thomas signed with Paramount Records where he released two albums—1973’s Songs and 1974’s Longhorns & Londonbridges. In 1975, Thomas released the album Reunion on ABC Records, featuring “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” which holds the distinction of being the longest titled No. 1 hit ever on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Like many successful pop/rock artists, Thomas fell into drugs and battled substance abuse. His wife Gloria became a born-again Christian and the turning point in Thomas’ life came when he became a believer in 1976. He immediately quit drugs and found an avenue for expressing his faith in gospel music. Thomas signed with Myrrh Records and released the album Home Where I Belong in 1976. Produced by Chris Christian, the project won Thomas a Grammy and became the first of two Dove Award wins. The album became the first gospel record to sell a million copies. The warmth and emotional timbre of Thomas’ voice was well suited to the genre and he became one of gospel music’s most successful artists. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” is considered one of the most poignant of the classic hymn’s many covers.
In addition to his country and gospel success, Thomas also enjoyed a healthy run on the country charts in the 1980s with such hits as “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks from an Old Lover Again,” “The Whole World’s in Love When You’re Lonely” and “Two Car Garage.” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. It won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1976 and was nominated for CMA Single of the Year. On his 39th birthday in 1981, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake’s Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.
In 2013, he released The Living Room Sessions, an acoustic album, which celebrated Thomas’ nearly six decades in the music industry. The project featured Thomas dueting with other high profile artists on his most beloved hits, which included teaming with Richard Marx for “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” Vince Gill on “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” Sara Niemietz on “Hooked on a Feeling,” Keb’ Mo’ on “Most of All,” Lyle Lovett on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and The Fray’s Isaac Slade on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The album was well-received with critics praising it as a reminder of just how engaging his voice remained after decades of recording and touring.
Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.
A quote from his website exemplifies Thomas’ humble attitude and appreciation for life. “All I am is just another guy. I’ve been very lucky,” he shared. “I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve been a husband and a father who cherishes his children and now I’m a grandfather, and I’m motivated like all these teachers and preachers and mothers and fathers to help my kids grow up with character and self-respect. I hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my music and with the majority of my life.”
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will remain private. In lieu of flowers, in-memoriam donations will be accepted by Mission Arlington, Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the SPCA of Texas.
Marketing Sr. VP Brooke Primero Exits ACM
/by LB CantrellBrooke Primero
Former Sr. VP/Marketing at the Academy of Country Music, Brooke Primero, has left her position, MusicRow has confirmed.
Primero was with the organization for 14 years. She joined in 2007 after having led the events department at the PR firm BNC (now PMK-BNC), where ACM was a client. Her experience in event marketing and media solutions resulted in highly successful campaigns during her nine years at the agency for clients including T-Mobile, General Motors, Screen Actors Guild Awards, The Miss America Pageant, GUESS?, Red Bull, 7th on Sixth and more, and for magazine clients including Vanity Fair, People, Us Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and more. Prior to that, Primero worked at Paramount Pictures where she handled talent relations and was a key contributor to developing media and promotional events—including film premieres, Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies and Oscar parties—for film launches such as Mission Impossible, Titanic, First Wives’ Club, Face/Off and many more.
Primero is initially taking time off to be with her family, but will launch a marketing consultancy called Left Coast Nash in the fall.
The ACM did not release any plans on filling the position.
Industry Ink: Bonnie Baker, Teri Nelson Carpenter, Musicians On Call
/by Lydia FarthingBonnie J. Baker Launches Bker MGMT, Signs First Client Ryan Petersen
Bonnie J. Baker, Ryan Peterson
Songwriter and producer Bonnie J. Baker has launched bker MGMT and signed Ryan Petersen as its first client.
“At bker MGMT we care deeply about the creation of music. Every artist, every player, every song is treated with respect. Our focus is to inspire and support music makers who create outside the lines. Gender bias, racial bias, homophobia, silence and fear have kept our music community divided. At bker MGMT we build bridges from the mainstream to the colorful, vibrant margins and create access for all,” says Baker. “As a company we can’t make anything grow but we can foster the environment where growth is a byproduct of living a full, balanced and creative life.”
Petersen, also an esteemed songwriter and producer, is half of the duo acting as the production team for the hit CW show Riverdale. Petersen has numerous credits to his name for artists including Matt Stell, Switchfoot, Jonas Brothes, Simple Plan, Cody Simpson, Echosmith, and Rachel Platten, to name a few.
“I couldn’t be more excited to start working with bker MGMT. I have known Bonnie for a long time and she’s always been my biggest champion and believed in me every step of the way,” shares Petersen. “Thrilled to be a part of this new chapter with her and the bker MGMT team.”
Teri Nelson Carpenter Launches Second Office For Reel Muzik Werks In Nashville
Teri Nelson Carpenter
Music and film/TV industry veteran, speaker and entrepreneur, Teri Nelson Carpenter, has opened the Reel Muzik Werks, LLC Nashville office.
The new office is located in the boutique creative community of Berry Hill on East Iris Drive. With a recording studio, writer room and lounge, this office will be the new home to a multifaceted team specializing in international rights management, licensing & clearance, music administration and music supervision for all media.
“I love Nashville and have done business here for years. This new office and recording studio is a natural extension of our commitment to Nashville’s music, artist, and television and film communities. We’re thrilled to be here,” says Carpenter.
This is Reel Muzik Werks’ second U.S. office and its new headquarters. Carpenter established the first office in 2009 in Los Angeles with successes in placement of music in blockbuster films such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. II, Puss in Boots, Geostorm and television productions such as Handmaid’s Tale, Dancing with the Stars, Shameless, NCIS: Los Angeles and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, to name a few.
Musicians On Call Teams Up With FlyteVu To Host Virtual Prom
Musicians On Call (MOC), which brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, has teamed up with artists and influencers to host the Musicians On Call Prom Presented by FlyteVu.
This virtual prom, hosted by pop artist and MOC Volunteer Zach Matari, will feature performances and messages of encouragement from Blanco Brown, Rita Ora, Joshua Bassett, Dove Cameron, Andrew Rannells, JP Saxe, Zara Larsson, Faouzia, We The Kings, and more.
“Prom is one of the more memorable milestones for teenagers, and it was important to us that a stay in the hospital not get in the way of patients making special memories,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “With hospitals remaining closed off to visitors and volunteers because of the pandemic, Musicians On Call wanted these patients to know they are not alone right now. Thanks to FlyteVu and all of the artists involved, we are excited to bring a smile to their faces this prom season.”
Jeremy McComb’s ‘Frontier Rock’ Set For June Release
/by Lorie HollabaughJeremy McComb is releasing Frontier Rock, a new six-song collection, on Average Joes Entertainment on June 18.
Inspired by McComb’s travels as a modern-day wanderer, the new compilation provides insight into his life with songs like “Cotton’s Gettin’ High,” and “Under Glass,” which harkens back to happier times captured in a picture. The EP includes McComb’s version of the classic Patty Loveless throwback track “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” as a raw duet with newcomer Sarabeth Taite, and the grungy “Withdrawals,” featuring Jonell Mosser. The collection rounds out with a soulful cover of Billie Eilish’s “When The Party’s Over.”
Fans can pre-order or pre-save Frontier Rock now, and instantly get the nostalgic new song, “Under Glass” penned by McComb and Rick Huckaby.
Frontier Rock Track List:
1. “Cotton’s Gettin’ High” – Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Luke Laird
2. “Last Man Standing” – Rick Huckaby, Matt Nolen
3. “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” Feat./Sarahbeth Taite – Gretchen Peters
4. “Under Glass” – Jeremy McComb, Rick Huckaby
5. “Withdrawals” – Jeremy McComb, Dan Olsen, Linnea Lundgren
6. “When The Party’s Over” – Finneas O’Connor
*Produced by Nick Gibbens
Kylie Morgan Announces Debut EP ‘Love, Kylie’
/by Lydia FarthingEMI Records Nashville’s Kylie Morgan will release her debut EP Love, Kylie on June 11.
Morgan co-wrote all six songs on the new EP and gives listeners the opportunity to peel back the layers of her story. Produced by Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson, Morgan details her journey through relationships, life as an artist, and life experiences.
“This EP is the most personal thing I’ve ever created. Every song is a chapter in my life, and I can’t wait for you all to listen and help me write the rest of the story.” Morgan continues, “It’s a pretty vulnerable state. I realized that every song that I’ve been writing has been either about me, about my family, about a friend, about someone I know. I wanted the whole EP to feel like a cohesive story and for every song to feel like a chapter.”
With this announcement, Morgan has also released her new song “I Only Date Cowboys” with the hope of giving listeners a glimpse into her personality. Additionally, Kylie released her official music video for the lead track on the EP, “Shoulda,” an up-tempo, rapid-fire vocal about the “should’ve known betters” when dabbling with an ex.
Love, Kylie Track Listing:
1. Shoulda – Kylie Morgan, Shane McAnally, Ben Johnson
2. I Only Date Cowboys – Kylie Morgan, Nate Kenyon, Jay Allen
3. Outdoor Voices – Kylie Morgan, Emily Falvey, Benjamin Joel Johnson
4. Break Things – Kylie Morgan, Aaron Eshuis, James McNair, Nicolette Hayford
5. Cheating On You – Kylie Morgan, Benjamin Joel Johnson, Geoffrey Warburton, Jeffrey Garrison
6. Mad I Need You – Kylie Morgan, Nicholas Oliver Ruth, Emily Weisband
William Lee Golden Reveals Secrets ‘Behind The Beard’ In New Autobiography
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“When you write your life story, and you decide to bare everything, it’s kind of scary. It feels a lot like getting naked… in front of the entire world. Now that I’ve committed to it, there is one thing going through my mind… if I was going to get naked in front of everyone, I probably shouldn’t have waited until I was 82 years old,” shares Golden.
The memoir takes readers on a journey from Golden’s childhood and teenage roots to singing on stage with the Oaks, as well as all of the shocking details in between. Behind the Beard not only takes readers through 50 years with The Oak Ridge Boys, but also dives deeper into personal hardships Golden faced throughout his life, including the reasons he left the group for nine years and how he made his return to the Oaks.
“William Lee Golden is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. But he is a person who knows who he is. He has dedicated his life to helping people. William is a man of integrity and honesty, and you will read his very honest words in this book,” adds Jim Halsey, manager of The Oak Ridge Boys.
The new book can be ordered at williamleegoldenbook.com or at Amazon.com.
Along with the launch of his autobiography, Golden is involved in several other upcoming projects, including the release of The Oak Ridge Boys’ new album Front Porch Singin’ on June 11, and working with his sons, The Goldens, on three new rock, country, and gospel albums.
Chart Action: Old Dominion Gains First Week Support
/by Alex ParryOld Dominion earns the biggest radio impact date of their career with their new single “I Was On A Boat That Day.” Garnering a cumulative 248 adds across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, this is the second most added song of 2021.
Band members Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Whit Sellers, and Geoff Sprung co-wrote the single alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. “I Was On A Boat That Day” also achieved the highest debut across the three country charts landing at No. 22 on Billboard, No. 30 on Mediabase, and No. 48 on MusicRow.
The group recently announced their We Are Old Dominion: Live At The Ballpark Tour with Scotty McCreery, Randy Houser, Matt Stell, Blanco Brown, Caitlyn Smith, and Walker County as supporting acts.
Justin Moore, Riley Green, Danielle Bradbery, Callista Clark Join Music City Grand Prix Opry Show
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, Top Row): Justin Moore, Riley Green. (L-R, Bottom Row) Danielle Bradbery, Callista Clark.
After announcing its partnership with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, the Grand Ole Opry has added more performers to the special Opry show set to take place in downtown Nashville on Sunday, August 8.
Justin Moore, Riley Green, Danielle Bradbery, and Callista Clark will now join Opry member Alan Jackson to round out the lineup. The Opry show will close out the three day festival.
“When we first began to conceptualize the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix we knew music had to be just as big a part of this event as the racing itself, and there is no better partner for this than the Grand Ole Opry–the show that made country music famous,” says Matt Crews, CEO of Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “We are looking forward to closing out what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend in the best way possible with the Grand Ole Opry.”
The three-day international festival running from Aug. 6-8, 2021 will be staged on a temporary 2.17-mile grand prix circuit in Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. The course will cross the Cumberland River via the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, making the Music City Grand Prix the only current event in motorsports to cross over a major body of water.
In addition to a weekend of racing, attendees can look forward to live music performances by top artists, best-in-class food experiences, and entertainment that centers on speed.
“The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has brought together a course like no other, an artist like no other and a show like no other to create an experience that could only take place here in Nashville,” shares Scott Bailey, president of Opry Entertainment Group. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to connect artists and fans in such a unique setting.”
Country Music Hall Of Fame Promotes Five To Senior Staff
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, Top Row): Johnny Cunningham, Kaley Daeger, Michael Gray. (L-R, Bottom Row) Ben Hall, Tori Tarvin.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has promoted Michael Gray, Ben Hall, Tori Tarvin, Johnny Cunningham and Kaley Daeger to senior director positions. Additionally, the museum’s Senior Vice Presidents, Nina Burghard and Lisa Purcell, have expanded their responsibilities in support of the institution’s technology, marketing and public relations efforts.
Gray has been named executive senior director of editorial and interpretation. In his new role, he heads the editorial team and directs major exhibitions, album releases, and other special initiatives. Since 2007, Gray has moderated Poets and Prophets, conducting career-spanning live interviews with over 40 notable songwriters. In 2021, the Metropolitan Historical Commission honored him with the Fletch Coke Award for his research and preservation work related to the rhythm & blues music scene in Nashville. Gray reports to Vice President of Museum Services Brenda Colladay.
Hall has been promoted to senior director of development. A 12-year museum veteran, Hall’s expanded role includes the oversight of fundraising initiatives and managing Country Music Hall of Fame member relations. Hall previously served as director of advancement, guiding a team responsible for accelerated fundraising through 2020, including record government funding through competitive grants; major support for BIG NIGHT (At the Museum), the most ambitious digital program in the museum’s history; and increased contributed revenue from individual donors and private foundations. Hall reports to Purcell, Senior Vice President of External Affairs.
Tarvin has been promoted to senior director of marketing, and will be responsible for marketing strategy, paid media, promotions and partnerships, digital distribution channel management, email marketing efforts, project management, and music and media licensing. During her museum tenure, she has expanded the digital footprint and online access to the museum’s rich archival content through integrated campaign management and performance-based analytics tracking, as well as launched innovative revenue streams for the museum’s e-commerce efforts. Tarvin reports to Senior Vice President of External Affairs Lisa Purcell.
Cunningham has been named Senior Director of Information and Technology Operations. In this new role, Cunningham leads the technology and innovation strategy for the museum, guides the organization’s team of systems engineers and analysts, and ensures the institution’s infrastructure and operational needs are met. Cunningham reports to Burghard, Senior Vice President of Financial Services and Operations.
Daeger has been promoted to Senior Director of Information and Technology Business Solutions. She got her start at the museum as a member of the guest relations team. Daeger then completed her masters and transitioned to the museum’s IT department. She and her team now guide the selection and implementation of institution-wide business applications and reporting systems. She also reports to Burghard.
Lefty Frizzell, Nanci Griffith, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Mark James To Join Texas Songwriters Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughLefty Frizzell, Nanci Griffith, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Mark James are the newest inductees into the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame.
The 2022 Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Weekend will return to Austin, February 11-12 to celebrate these inductees. A VIP sponsor-only DKR Pickin’ Party at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum will kick off the weekend on Friday, February 11, and Saturday’s public Hall of Fame Awards Show at the Paramount Theatre will honor and celebrate the newest class of songwriters. The weekend celebration will be packed with performances and appearances from past inductees, Grammy winners, renowned songwriters, and artists.
Frizzell is considered one of the most influential performers in country history. Between 1950 and 1954, Frizzell scored five No. 1 country hits and ten Top 10 chart singles, including “If You’ve Got The Money, I’ve Got The Time,” “I Love You A Thousand Ways,” and “I Want To Be With You Always and Always Late (With Your Kisses).” In 1972, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and his song “If You’ve Got the Money (I’ve Got the Time)” earned him the Grammy Hall of Fame Award. In 1982, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Griffith won Best Contemporary Folk Album for Other Voices, Other Rooms. With over twenty albums released, some of her greatest hits include Kathy Mattea’s cover of “Love at the Five and Dime” and Suzy Bogguss’ “Outbound Plane.” Griffith was awarded the Kate Wolf Memorial Award by the World Folk Music Association in 1995, and in 2008 the Americana Music Association awarded her its Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award.
An American country blues singer-songwriter from Centerville, Texas, Hopkins performed for over six decades, recording more albums than any other blues musician over 30 years. He scored a series of national R&B hits with “Shotgun Blues,” “Short Haired Woman,” “Abilene,” and “Big Mama Jump.” The Texas troubadour appeared in the acclaimed 1967 documentary, The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins, a tribute to his musicianship and study of the blues. In 1980, Hopkins was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.
James has penned hits for B.J. Thomas, Brenda Lee, and Elvis Presley, including Thomas’ “Hooked On A Feeling,” and Presley’s last U.S. No. 1 hit single, “Suspicious Minds.” A native of Houston, James’ greatest success came with “Always on My Mind,” a collaboration that won a Grammy for both Song of the Year and Best Country Song. In 2015, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A limited number of seats for the 2022 Hall of Fame Awards Show will be made available to the public, with a ticket sales date set to be announced in December.