(L-R): MusicRow‘s Sarah Skates with Rising Women on the Row honorees Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman and Lou Taylor, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
All photos by Bev Moser’s Moments By Moser.
Chapter 485
This year’s edition of MusicRow’s “Rising Women on the Row” breakfast gala raised the bar in every department.
Staged in the classy Omini Hotel ballroom on Tuesday morning (March 24), the event set a new attendance record with more than 310 celebrants on hand. The entertainment, by precocious East Tennessee singer-songwriter Emi Sunshine, was a revelation. The honorees’ speeches were the most uplifting and professional that they’ve ever been. The Omni’s food, sound system, wait staff and overall hospitality were all beyond excellent.
Special guest speaker CMT’s Leslie Fram (L) with Sherod Robertson
“This is our 4th year, and once again we are sold out,” said MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson in greeting the attendees. “So thank you for coming to celebrate. This is an event to honor women in the music industry who kick ass!”
This year’s guest inspirational speaker was CMT executive Leslie Fram. Her Q&A with Sherod was full of pithy observations.
“First of all, you have to believe in yourself,” she told the crowd. “I am positive that this is going to be a great year for women.” Leslie launched the network’s “Next Women of Country” franchise to promote and empower female artists.
Kele Currier accepts her honor from Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson
One conventional country radio industry bit of “wisdom” is, “Women don’t want to hear other women.”
“None of that is true,” asserted Leslie. “We’re the ones who have to change the conversation,” she added, pointing out how female-driven the pop charts are.
“I think it’s important to give back, to mentor,” she added. “Be impeccable in your words. Explore all your passions. Believe in your intuitions.”
Sarah Skates, Tiffany Dunn and Sherod Robertson
Sherod then presented this year’s five Rising Women honorees. Kele Currier of ASCAP noted that she returned to the work force after being a stay-at-home mom. “Who knew that old dough can rise?” she joked. “I love America. I really appreciate this opportunity.”
Tiffany Dunn of Loeb & Loeb said, “I’m honored to get to work with creative people every day of my life. I definitely believe this is a team sport. This is not a job—this is a lifestyle.”
Dawn Gates accepts her honor.
“It’s an honor to be recognized, especially because there are so many women I work with who are just as deserving as I am,” said UMG’s Dawn Gates.
Honoree Jensen Sussman of Sweet Talk Publicity noted that she is a breast cancer survivor, hence her co-founding of Women Rock for the Cure. “This is such an amazing honor,” she added. “You’re all so amazingly strong and fearless and confident. So I thank all of you.”
Honoree Jensen Sussman
Lou Taylor of Tri-Star Sports & Entertainment began her acceptance speech by asking her entire staff to stand—all three banquet tables’ worth. “I’m the one who’s talking, but they do all the work,” she said. “I am nothing without them.
“I love and respect all of the women I work with. I am most proud of having created a [work] culture where the only ceiling that exists is the one on the second floor.”
All five women received commemorative plaques as well as gifts from Tiffany’s, courtesy of presenting sponsor City National Bank.
Honoree Lou Taylor with Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson
“I am proud to say I am an early adopter of this new talent, and I want you to be an early adopter, too,” said Sherod as he brought on Emi Sunshine. The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is 10 years old, but conducted herself with the poise of a grown-up.
She led an acoustic band on her co-written old-timey waltz about facing death, “Carry Me Home,” then strummed the acoustic gem “Sweet Lilly.” She told Robertson that her influences were Julie Miller, June Carter Cash and Dolly Parton, the last of whom she does resemble as a child star. She concluded her set with the bluesy, rollicking “I Am Who I Am.”
Emi Sunshine
The crowd was clearly stunned and erupted in applause.
Debbie Carroll, LeAnn Phelan, Beverly Keel, Holly Bell, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Shawn Williams, Brandi Simms, Lori Badgett, Martha Moore, Caryl Healy, Lisa Harless, Claire Cook and Diane Pearson were among those in the cheering section.
This female-centric honors event attracts many top male executives as well. Tom Lord, Woody Bomar, Mike Dungan, Kevin Lamb, Neal Spielberg, Todd Cassetty, Clay Bradley, Michael Martin, Dale Bobo and Tim Fink were clapping just as loudly as their distaff counterparts.
“Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to honor you,” said Robertson in bidding the crowd adieu.
Top Tier Entertainers To Be Honored with ACM Milestone Award
/by Eric T. ParkerThe award recognizes artists that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music by accomplishing milestones unique to the Academy of Country Music, voted on by the ACM Board of Directors.
The ACM and dick clark productions announced the seven honorees, who will each receive an exclusive trophy, commissioned by designer David Yurman. Crafted in America by master silversmiths and sculpted out of more than 1,000 grams of sterling silver on a zinc base, the trophy reflects the signature cable motif, and the hat is edged with 4.16 carats of black diamonds while the band boasts 18k gold. Topping off the statue is black onyx carved in the shape of David’s signature Albion gemstone, with the numeral 50 inlaid in 18k gold. Each winner’s name will be engraved in a sterling silver plate.
“The history of the ACM Awards and country music would not be the same without the incredible achievements by these seven superstars,” said Bob Romeo, CEO for the Academy of Country Music.
The presentation will take place during the 50th ACM Awards in Arlington, TX April 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET, extended a half an hour in celebration of the golden anniversary. The ceremony, co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, will be broadcast LIVE on CBS. Limited view tickets for the 50th ACM Awards are available at ticketmaster.com.
Watch a video featuring Yurman and the making of the trophy below.
Country Music Hall of Fame Announces New Inductees
/by Jessica NicholsonJim Ed Brown and The Browns (seated, L-R) Bonnie, Jim Ed, and Maxine Brown) and The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R): Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Joe Bonsall) are the newest inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Grady Martin will be inducted posthumously. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Grady Martin, Jim Ed Brown and The Browns, and The Oak Ridge Boys are set to become the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. During a presentation given by the Country Music Association at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Rotunda this morning (March 25), the new inductees for 2015 were announced.
The event was hosted by Brenda Lee.
Joshua Martin speaks on behalf of his father, Grady Martin, who was announced as the newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Guitarist Grady Martin was part of Nashville’s A-Team, which helped define Nashville music during the Nashville Sound era. Martin will be inducted in the Musician category. By the age of 20, he had appeared on his first recording session, joined the Opry house band, and already hit the road several times. Over the next decade he would become one of Country Music’s most sought after live performers and held positions in the bands of western swing star Paul Howard, the Bailes Brothers, Little Jimmy Dickens, and led Red Foley’s band on ABC-TV’s “Ozark Jubilee.”
He performed on Marty Robbin’s “El Paso,” Willie Nelson’s “On The Road,” Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman,” among many others. Martin passed way in 2001 at age 72.
Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy and CMA Board Chairman; Kyle Young, Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jim Ed Brown; Maxine Brown; Bonnie Brown; The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys; Joshua Martin; Shane McAnally, CMA Awards & Recognition Committee Vice Chairman; Steve Buchanan, President of Opry Entertainment Group and CMA Board member. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
The Veteran Era inductees this year are Jim Ed Brown and The Browns. Jim Ed and sisters Maxine and Bonnie rose to fame in the 1950s. Their song “Looking Back to See” became a No. 8 hit on Billboard‘s Country chart. They signed with RCA Records in 1955, working with Chet Atkins, and recording 250 sides for the label. The 1959 song “The Three Bells” topped the pop and Country charts, and rose to No. 10 on the R&B charts. The success of “The Three Bells” and following hits like “The Old Lamplighter” earned them performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and The Perry Como Show. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963, and disbanded in 1967 when Maxine and Bonnie chose to retire to raise their families.
Jim Ed followed with a solo career in the 1960s and 1970s, with songs including “Pop A Top,” “Southern Lovin’,” and more.
Jim Ed Brown and The Browns (Maxine, left, and Bonnie) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
“This is an honor. I can’t wait to see our picture hanging up here in bronze,” said Bonnie.
“This is one of the biggest thrills I’ve had in my life,” said Maxine. “We never stopped dreaming the dream. We endured all those hardships because of our love of country music and our love of the artists. A hit record and awards don’t mean very much. They last about a year, but this award from the CMA will last a lifetime and we’re so proud of this.”
Jim Brown recently released the album In Style Again, on Plowboy Records.
The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R: Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Modern Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Modern Era category inductees for 2015 are The Oak Ridge Boys. They earned their first No. 1 in 1978, and have sung harmonies for Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, Bill Monroe, and others. Their biggest hit came in 1981 with “Elvira,” followed by “Bobby Sue,” and “Trying To Love Two Women,” “Beautiful You,” “Fancy Free,” “Make My Life With You,” and others. “American Made” became a classic ad jingle.
They have released 40 albums, and sold in excess of 41 million copies.
“Thank you for deeming us worthy of the most prestigious honor to be bestowed on the Oak Ridge Boys,” said Joe Bonsall. “Thank you for your love and support.”
They thanked longtime manager, Jim Halsey, who they called “our godfather.”
“I’m not turning in my singing britches until we see how that goes,” said William Lee Golden. “Thank you, it’s been a great ride and hopefully it’s not nearly over.”
The inductions will take place during a medallion ceremony to be held later this year. With that induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame will have 127 members.
MusicRowPics: Rising Women On The Row
/by Kelsey_GradyMusicRow honored five music industry superstars yesterday (March 24) during its annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast, held at the Omni Nashville.
The event saluted ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Loeb & Loeb’s Tiffany Dunn, UMG Nashville’s Dawn Gates, Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jensen Sussman, and Tri-Star Sports and Entertainment’s Lou Taylor.
The morning also included an interview with CMT executive Leslie Fram, and a performance by rising 10-year-old singer-songwriter Emi Sunshine.
Read all about it in Bobby Karl’s recap.
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson welcomes the crowd. Photo: Moments By Moser
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson welcomes performer Emi Sunshine to the stage. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): L-R): MusicRow‘s Sarah Skates with Rising Women on the Row honorees Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman and Lou Taylor, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser.
CMT’s Leslie Fram and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Skates, Jensen Sussman, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Skates, Kele Currier, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
CMT’s Leslie Fram speaks with MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Guests enjoy breakfast before the event begins. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Skates, Tiffany Dunn, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Emi Sunshine Performs. Photo: Moments By Moser
Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jensen Sussman. Photo: Moments By Moser
Tri-Star Sports and Entertainment’s Lou Taylor. Photo: Moments By Moser
UMG Nashville’s Dawn Gates. Photo: Moments By Moser
ASCAP’s Kele Currier.
Loeb & Loeb’s Tiffany Dunn. Photo: Moments By Moser
Weekly Register: Musgraves Bakes ‘Biscuits,’ Janson Rides ‘Boat’
/by Sarah SkatesTop 5 Country Tracks TW
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time,” 57K
Zac Brown Band, “Homegrown,” 38K
Cole Swindell, “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” 27K
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush,” 25K
Kacey Musgraves, “Biscuits,” 25K
Hunt used the music video for “Take Your Time” to depict the life of a struggling mother in a bad relationship, instead of a more literal interpretation of the song. The video (below) was directed by Tim Mattia (Cage The Elephant), and the track has sold over 700k downloads.
On the country albums chart, Luke Bryan’s Spring Break…Checkin’ Out stays at No. 1 for a second week with 30K/119K RTD. The top country album debut belongs to Allison Moorer, with 1.6K copies.
Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly debuts at No. 1 on the Top 200, selling 363K (324K album only).
Celebration of Life Set For Al Bunetta
/by Jessica NicholsonAl Bunetta
A celebration of life for Al Bunetta has been set for Tuesday, March 31 at the CMA Theater, located within the Country Music Hall of Fame, in downtown Nashville, Tenn.
Bunetta spent more than 40 years guiding the careers of John Prine and the late Steve Goodman. He died March 22. Bunetta was recently diagnosed with cancer and admitted to Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, where he later died.
Seating for the celebration of life service will begin at 10 a.m., with the service starting promptly at 11 a.m.
Direct entrance to the theater can be found on the Fifth Avenue side of the building (222 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203).
Out-of-town visitors can contact the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel for a special rate of $229 daily for the evenings of Monday (March 30), Tuesday (March 31) and / or Wednesday (April 1). Please reference the ‘Bunetta Family’ special rate when calling (800) 336-3335. Reservations will be taken beginning Wednesday morning (March 25) through Saturday evening (March 28). Room availability is limited.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juri Bunetta Friendship Foundation.
Friends and colleagues of Bunetta can email jon@ohboy.com with any photos of Al to be considered for inclusion at the celebration.
Industry Ink: Southern Crossroads Music, Maggie Rose
/by Eric T. ParkerNew signees to Southern Crossroads include Nashville-based Boo Ray and Allen Thompson. From the UK, Southern Crossroads has signed Max Milligan and new Liverpool-based singer/songwriter, Lauren Davenport.
Milligan will work on production projects with the Southern Crossroads artists, while also writing spots for advertising and film/TV. Ray, Thompson and Davenport are currently working on new material to be released later this year.
“Both Boo Ray and Allen Thompson bring an excellent back catalog into Southern Crossroads and we are looking forward to developing exploitation opportunities for their material moving forward,” said Southern Crossroads Music’s Liam McMellon.
The additions join a current roster of Annie Bosko and Don Gallardo.
Maggie Rose, Play It Again Music Publishing’s Austin Marshall Engaged
Maggie Rose proposed to by Austin Marshall. Photo: Facebook
Maggie Rose, a new Play It Again Music Publishing signee, became engaged to Play It Again Music Publishing‘s EVP Austin Marshall after he popped the question on March 21 at Maryland’s Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. Rose usually sings “River Road” with her bass player Tim Braisted. Rose recalls of the proposal:
HoriPro Signs Songwriter/Vocalist Wes Hightower
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Robin Gordon (Gordon Law Group), Bradley Collins (BMI), Lee Krabel (HoriPro), Butch Baker (HoriPro), Wes Hightower, David Preston (BMI), Courtney Crist (HoriPro), Tim Stehli (BMI), Chris Skinner (Gordon Law Group)
HoriPro has signed 12-time MusicRow All-Star Musician Awards Vocalist of the Year Wes Hightower to a publishing deal.
“We are so happy to welcome Wes back to our family. Some of my favorite songs in our catalog are Wes Hightower songs. And he is one of the most heard voices on projects today,” the company said in a statement.
Hightower, a Texas native, has long been one of Nashville’s most in-demand background vocalists. He has sung on more than 150 million records sold worldwide.
In recent years, Hightower has turned his focus more toward songwriting, with songs recorded by Gary Allan, Montgomery Gentry, Gene Watson, and Sammy Kershaw, among others.
Chris Stapleton To Bring Songs from Studio To Stage on Spring Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton
Mercury Records Nashville artist Chris Stapleton, whose debut solo project Traveller will release May 5, will soon bring those songs from the studio to the stage, on his upcoming round of spring tour dates.
The dates include album release shows at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom (May 8), and New York’s Mercury Lounge (May 5).
Also on the touring lineup are gigs at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (May 2), New York’s Farmborough Festival (June 26) and Delaware’s Big Barrel Country Music Festival (June 27).
Stapleton has notched a reputation as a go-to writer for artists in Music City. Recently, his fifth career No. 1, “Drink A Beer,” was nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 2015 ACM Awards. The song was co-written with Jim Beavers and recorded by Luke Bryan.
Stapleton brings his distinctive, bluesy voice and songwriting style to Traveller, which was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded by Vance Powell at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A (with additional production from The Castle and Blackbird Studio). The project offers 12 originals, including “Sometimes I Cry.” Stapleton recently recorded a new rendition of the song live-to-tape before an industry audience during an album reveal party at RCA Studio A. The project also includes Stapleton’s recordings of Don Sampson‘s “Was It 26” and the Dean Dillon/Linda Hargrove composition “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Chris Stapleton Upcoming Tour Dates:
March 26—Duluth, MN—AMSOIL Arena*
March 27—Sioux City, IA—Orpheum Theatre*
March 28—Enid, OK—Enid Events Center*
April 30—Boston, MA—TD Garden†
May 2—New Orleans, LA—New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
May 5—New York, NY—Mercury Lounge
May 8—Nashville, TN—Cannery Ballroom
May 19—Columbia, MO—The Blue Note
May 20—Lincoln, NE—Pinnacle Bank Arena†
May 22—Rapid City, SD—Rushmore Plaza Civic Center†
May 23—Bozeman, MT—Brick Breeden Fieldhouse†
June 5—Athens, GA—Georgia Theatre
June 6—Macon, GA—Cox Capitol Theatre
June 7—Birmingham, AL—Iron City
June 26—New York, NY—Farmborough Festival
June 27—Dover, DE—Big Barrel Country Music Festival
June 28—Charleston, WV—Mountain Stage
July 3—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s Texas 4th of July Picnic
July 12—Chicago, IL—Windy City Smokeout BBQ & Country Music Fest
*with Little Big Town
†with Eric Church
Luke Laird, Eric Church Celebrated For “Talladega”
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and singer-songwriter-artist Eric Church
BMI hosted a celebration at Nashville’s Acme Feed & Seed on Monday afternoon (March 23) for the No. 1 song “Talledega,” performed by Eric Church. Written by Church and hit songwriter Luke Laird, it was the third single that went No. 1 that was co-written by both and performed by Church, following on the success of “Drink In My Hand” and “Give Me Back My Hometown.” It is Church’s fourth chart-topper overall.
For Creative Nation writer Laird, it marks his 19th No. 1 song as a writer. 14 different artists have recorded those chart-topping hits.
Laird praised Church for being a “great artist, but a songwriter first…he comes from the old school of writing. A great song is made from a great idea.”
During the celebration of “Talladega,” Church was also presented plaques for his first album, Sinners Like Me, being certified Gold and his latest project, The Outsiders, going platinum.
Among the speakers and presenters were Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, Universal Music Group’s Mike Dungan, CRB’s Holly Lane, Brandi Simms of the CMA, Beth Laird of Creative Nation, and Kent Earls of Universal Music Publishing. Ron Cox of Avenue Bank announced a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on behalf of the songwriters.
Church ended the ceremony by thanking his road crew and the number of people that help him along his career. “I’m a big believer in not recognizing what you do, but who you do it with,” said Church.
Pictured (L-R): EMI Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, BMI songwriter Luke Laird, BMI songwriter Eric Church, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Universal Publishing’s Kent Earls, Little Louder Music’s Whitney Parker, BMI’s Jody Williams.
Bobby Karl Works ‘MusicRow’s’ Rising Women On The Row Breakfast
/by Bobby Karl(L-R): MusicRow‘s Sarah Skates with Rising Women on the Row honorees Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman and Lou Taylor, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
All photos by Bev Moser’s Moments By Moser.
Chapter 485
This year’s edition of MusicRow’s “Rising Women on the Row” breakfast gala raised the bar in every department.
Staged in the classy Omini Hotel ballroom on Tuesday morning (March 24), the event set a new attendance record with more than 310 celebrants on hand. The entertainment, by precocious East Tennessee singer-songwriter Emi Sunshine, was a revelation. The honorees’ speeches were the most uplifting and professional that they’ve ever been. The Omni’s food, sound system, wait staff and overall hospitality were all beyond excellent.
Special guest speaker CMT’s Leslie Fram (L) with Sherod Robertson
“This is our 4th year, and once again we are sold out,” said MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson in greeting the attendees. “So thank you for coming to celebrate. This is an event to honor women in the music industry who kick ass!”
This year’s guest inspirational speaker was CMT executive Leslie Fram. Her Q&A with Sherod was full of pithy observations.
“First of all, you have to believe in yourself,” she told the crowd. “I am positive that this is going to be a great year for women.” Leslie launched the network’s “Next Women of Country” franchise to promote and empower female artists.
Kele Currier accepts her honor from Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson
One conventional country radio industry bit of “wisdom” is, “Women don’t want to hear other women.”
“None of that is true,” asserted Leslie. “We’re the ones who have to change the conversation,” she added, pointing out how female-driven the pop charts are.
“I think it’s important to give back, to mentor,” she added. “Be impeccable in your words. Explore all your passions. Believe in your intuitions.”
Sarah Skates, Tiffany Dunn and Sherod Robertson
Sherod then presented this year’s five Rising Women honorees. Kele Currier of ASCAP noted that she returned to the work force after being a stay-at-home mom. “Who knew that old dough can rise?” she joked. “I love America. I really appreciate this opportunity.”
Tiffany Dunn of Loeb & Loeb said, “I’m honored to get to work with creative people every day of my life. I definitely believe this is a team sport. This is not a job—this is a lifestyle.”
Dawn Gates accepts her honor.
“It’s an honor to be recognized, especially because there are so many women I work with who are just as deserving as I am,” said UMG’s Dawn Gates.
Honoree Jensen Sussman of Sweet Talk Publicity noted that she is a breast cancer survivor, hence her co-founding of Women Rock for the Cure. “This is such an amazing honor,” she added. “You’re all so amazingly strong and fearless and confident. So I thank all of you.”
Honoree Jensen Sussman
Lou Taylor of Tri-Star Sports & Entertainment began her acceptance speech by asking her entire staff to stand—all three banquet tables’ worth. “I’m the one who’s talking, but they do all the work,” she said. “I am nothing without them.
“I love and respect all of the women I work with. I am most proud of having created a [work] culture where the only ceiling that exists is the one on the second floor.”
All five women received commemorative plaques as well as gifts from Tiffany’s, courtesy of presenting sponsor City National Bank.
Honoree Lou Taylor with Sarah Skates and Sherod Robertson
“I am proud to say I am an early adopter of this new talent, and I want you to be an early adopter, too,” said Sherod as he brought on Emi Sunshine. The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is 10 years old, but conducted herself with the poise of a grown-up.
She led an acoustic band on her co-written old-timey waltz about facing death, “Carry Me Home,” then strummed the acoustic gem “Sweet Lilly.” She told Robertson that her influences were Julie Miller, June Carter Cash and Dolly Parton, the last of whom she does resemble as a child star. She concluded her set with the bluesy, rollicking “I Am Who I Am.”
Emi Sunshine
The crowd was clearly stunned and erupted in applause.
Debbie Carroll, LeAnn Phelan, Beverly Keel, Holly Bell, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Shawn Williams, Brandi Simms, Lori Badgett, Martha Moore, Caryl Healy, Lisa Harless, Claire Cook and Diane Pearson were among those in the cheering section.
This female-centric honors event attracts many top male executives as well. Tom Lord, Woody Bomar, Mike Dungan, Kevin Lamb, Neal Spielberg, Todd Cassetty, Clay Bradley, Michael Martin, Dale Bobo and Tim Fink were clapping just as loudly as their distaff counterparts.
“Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to honor you,” said Robertson in bidding the crowd adieu.
