Bill Mayne
Longtime music and radio industry executive and former CRB/CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne has died at 72 after a long-term illness.
Mayne’s nearly 50-year career included a decade at the helm of CRS as well as time at multiple radio stations and a 15-year stint at Warner Bros. in Nashville.
Mayne started his career in radio, working on-air in programming roles across diverse formats, including top 40, rock and country music, where he found his calling. Mayne launched KASE in Austin and went on to lead KZLA/KLAC in Los Angeles and KSCS/WBAP in Dallas.
After time spent in radio, he transferred over to the records side of the building, joining Warner Bros./Nashville. During his 15 years there, Mayne held various influential roles, from regional to VP of Promotion, eventually becoming Sr. VP/General Manager and VP of Promotion.
A devoted member of the CRB Board, Mayne became the Board Vice President before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2009. He held the position for a decade before stepping down in 2019. The same year, Mayne received the organization’s President’s Award and was recognized for the significant contributions he’d made to the radio industry.
The multi-hyphenate business man also presided over Mayne Entertainment, an artist management company, and Mayne Street Consulting, a private entertainment consulting firm, offering valuable insights and guidance to clients in the entertainment field.
Mayne was also deeply involved in the industry’s charitable endeavors, serving as a former Board member of the Country Music Association and spent over 35 years on the Academy of Country Music Board of Directors, including roles as Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the ACM. His legacy also includes co-founding the St. Jude Country Cares for Kids Program, a monumental initiative that has raised over $700 million for St. Jude since its inception in 1989. Additionally, he held the role of National VP for MDA and was a distinguished member of Leadership Music and the Mayor’s Nashville Music Council.
Mayne is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sallie Mayne, who was his steadfast partner throughout his incredible journey. He is also survived by his sons Bryant Mayne and Christopher Mayne, his grandchild Everleigh Mayne and mother-in-law Helen Wood.
Mayne’s life will be memorialized at a Celebration of Life event on Jan. 30, 2024 on the second floor of ACME Feed & Seed from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to drop by at their convenience, and come ready to share stories and fond memories of Mayne. In addition to sharing stories, a special montage is being created to commemorate Mayne’s journey through the years. Contributions to the photo montage can be sent to rj@crb.org to be included.
Donations can be made in his honor to St. Jude and ACM Lifting Lives.
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RJ Curtis, the current Executive Director of CRB/CRS, shared the following statement regarding Mayne’s passing: “The passing of Bill Mayne marks a profound loss for the entire country music community. Bill was a true giant in every sense of the word. His fifty years of passionate work positively impacted everyone he met, in nearly every segment of our business, through his time in radio, the music industry, artist management, entrepreneurialism, and, of course, his decade of leadership as Executive Director for CRB. Bill Mayne navigated the organization through a period of great adversity, ultimately reestablishing CRS as the premier industry event that it is today.”
Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, shared, “On behalf of our membership and Board of Directors of the Academy and ACM Lifting Lives, I am deeply saddened by the loss today of Bill Mayne, a true giant of the Country Music industry, an invaluable champion of the Academy of Country Music, and one of our longest serving Board Members. Bill dedicated more than 35 years of service to the ACM Board, including serving as the Chairman for both the Academy and ACM Lifting Lives. I am comforted that we were able to celebrate his phenomenal legacy this summer by presenting him with our ACM Service Award at the 16th ACM Honors. Bill had a huge heart, as evidenced by his incredible philanthropic work, including his service to ACM Lifting Lives. His impact, passion, and devotion to the Country Music industry and community will live on forever. On behalf of all of us at the ACM, we send our love and prayers to his family, friends, and all who have been lucky enough to work with and know him.”
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said, “Bill had great passion for Country Music going back to his days in radio. I first worked with him in 1996 on a TV special when he was with Warner Bros. Nashville. I was struck by his enthusiasm for the format and ability to get things done. Years later, we were both officers of the ACMs, where his great knowledge of board governance and organization was a huge asset to our leadership team. Most recently, we got to work together when he joined the CMA Board of Directors, where he served from 2016 to 2018. My deepest condolences to Sallie and his sons.”
Longtime Music & Radio Industry Executive Bill Mayne Passes Away
/by LB CantrellBill Mayne
Longtime music and radio industry executive and former CRB/CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne has died at 72 after a long-term illness.
Mayne’s nearly 50-year career included a decade at the helm of CRS as well as time at multiple radio stations and a 15-year stint at Warner Bros. in Nashville.
Mayne started his career in radio, working on-air in programming roles across diverse formats, including top 40, rock and country music, where he found his calling. Mayne launched KASE in Austin and went on to lead KZLA/KLAC in Los Angeles and KSCS/WBAP in Dallas.
After time spent in radio, he transferred over to the records side of the building, joining Warner Bros./Nashville. During his 15 years there, Mayne held various influential roles, from regional to VP of Promotion, eventually becoming Sr. VP/General Manager and VP of Promotion.
A devoted member of the CRB Board, Mayne became the Board Vice President before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2009. He held the position for a decade before stepping down in 2019. The same year, Mayne received the organization’s President’s Award and was recognized for the significant contributions he’d made to the radio industry.
The multi-hyphenate business man also presided over Mayne Entertainment, an artist management company, and Mayne Street Consulting, a private entertainment consulting firm, offering valuable insights and guidance to clients in the entertainment field.
Mayne was also deeply involved in the industry’s charitable endeavors, serving as a former Board member of the Country Music Association and spent over 35 years on the Academy of Country Music Board of Directors, including roles as Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the ACM. His legacy also includes co-founding the St. Jude Country Cares for Kids Program, a monumental initiative that has raised over $700 million for St. Jude since its inception in 1989. Additionally, he held the role of National VP for MDA and was a distinguished member of Leadership Music and the Mayor’s Nashville Music Council.
Mayne is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sallie Mayne, who was his steadfast partner throughout his incredible journey. He is also survived by his sons Bryant Mayne and Christopher Mayne, his grandchild Everleigh Mayne and mother-in-law Helen Wood.
Mayne’s life will be memorialized at a Celebration of Life event on Jan. 30, 2024 on the second floor of ACME Feed & Seed from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to drop by at their convenience, and come ready to share stories and fond memories of Mayne. In addition to sharing stories, a special montage is being created to commemorate Mayne’s journey through the years. Contributions to the photo montage can be sent to rj@crb.org to be included.
Donations can be made in his honor to St. Jude and ACM Lifting Lives.
—
RJ Curtis, the current Executive Director of CRB/CRS, shared the following statement regarding Mayne’s passing: “The passing of Bill Mayne marks a profound loss for the entire country music community. Bill was a true giant in every sense of the word. His fifty years of passionate work positively impacted everyone he met, in nearly every segment of our business, through his time in radio, the music industry, artist management, entrepreneurialism, and, of course, his decade of leadership as Executive Director for CRB. Bill Mayne navigated the organization through a period of great adversity, ultimately reestablishing CRS as the premier industry event that it is today.”
Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, shared, “On behalf of our membership and Board of Directors of the Academy and ACM Lifting Lives, I am deeply saddened by the loss today of Bill Mayne, a true giant of the Country Music industry, an invaluable champion of the Academy of Country Music, and one of our longest serving Board Members. Bill dedicated more than 35 years of service to the ACM Board, including serving as the Chairman for both the Academy and ACM Lifting Lives. I am comforted that we were able to celebrate his phenomenal legacy this summer by presenting him with our ACM Service Award at the 16th ACM Honors. Bill had a huge heart, as evidenced by his incredible philanthropic work, including his service to ACM Lifting Lives. His impact, passion, and devotion to the Country Music industry and community will live on forever. On behalf of all of us at the ACM, we send our love and prayers to his family, friends, and all who have been lucky enough to work with and know him.”
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said, “Bill had great passion for Country Music going back to his days in radio. I first worked with him in 1996 on a TV special when he was with Warner Bros. Nashville. I was struck by his enthusiasm for the format and ability to get things done. Years later, we were both officers of the ACMs, where his great knowledge of board governance and organization was a huge asset to our leadership team. Most recently, we got to work together when he joined the CMA Board of Directors, where he served from 2016 to 2018. My deepest condolences to Sallie and his sons.”
Creative Nation Adds To Roster, Extends Deals
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Abby Holcomb, Luke Laird, Alex Tamashunas, Kelsey Granda; (L-R, front row): Emily Furman, Beth Laird, Sandra McCracken, Abigail Bruner. Photo: Emily Stearns
Sandra McCracken has signed a publishing deal with Creative Nation.
McCracken is a Grammy-nominated and Dove-award winning singer-songwriter and hymn writer from Nashville. She has produced 15 solo albums over two decades, including Psalms (2015) and God’s Highway (2017), which made the top 50 on Billboard Heatseekers chart without support from a major label.
She has had many songs featured in TV, including “Ten Thousand Angels” on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, and has over 15 million streams. Blending the old and new, McCracken has also shown a unique ability to recast sacred scripture texts into theologically rich songs, including the release of November Songs with fellow Shadowlands band members Brett Tyler and Creative Nation’s Luke Laird.
“We are excited to partner with Sandra McCracken as she broadens her writing community. Luke and I have long admired Sandra’s artistry — after we worked together on the Shadowlands project, we were eager to do more,” says Creative Nation Founder and CEO Beth Laird. “She is a great new addition to our team to diversify our roster.”
“I’m such a fan of these writers with a catalog of songs with so much depth and heart. So grateful to join this stellar, storytelling team at Creative Nation,” McCracken says.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Jayne Hamblin, Abigail Bruner, Brandon Gill, Kelsey Granda; (L-R, front row): Abby Holcomb, Emily Furman, Beth Laird, Jonathan Hutcherson, Luke Laird. Photo: Emily Stearns
Additionally, Steve Moakler and Jonathan Hutcherson have also extended their deals with the company.
Laird shares, “We are happy to announce that we have extended our deals with Steve Moakler and Jonathan Hutcherson. They are both outstanding artists, songwriters and people that bring so much passion and creativity to our roster and culture at Creative Nation.”
Hutcherson, a Kentucky native, moved to Nashville in 2018 after appearing on The Voice at age 16. His independent single “Strangers” racked up more than 1 million Spotify streams as he logged countless sessions around Music City, balancing a job at Lowe’s to stay afloat. He signed his deal with Creative Nation in 2019 and has since cultivated his sound, releasing his self-titled EP in 2021.
“The last four years with CN have been some to remember. I’ve gotten to chase down a lot of dreams with this crew and it’s become a true home for my songs and for me as an artist. This team, the culture, and the heart behind the company is everything I want to be a part of. Grateful to God for the road behind us and the road ahead,” Hutcherson says.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Abby Holcomb, Alex Tamashunas, Jayne Hamblin, Brandon Gill, Luke Laird; (L-R, front row): Abigail Bruner, Kelsey Granda, Steve Moakler, Beth Laird, Emily Furman. Photo: Katie Kauss
Moakler is a Pennsylvania native whose more than 15 years in the industry has resulted in hits with Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Ben Rector, Reba McEntire and more. As an artist, Moakler has toured with Old Dominion, Willie Nelson, Dan + Shay and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He released his most recent album Make A Little Room last year, containing “Let’s Go To The Lake,” “Numbered,” “You Being You” and more.
“I’m thrilled to continue working with Creative Nation… I’m truly inspired by everyone on the team and so grateful to be a part of it,” Moakler says.
The War And Treaty, Riley Green, More Added To ‘All For The Hall’ Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe eighth annual “All for the Hall” benefit concert has added some artists to the lineup for the Dec. 5 event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Hosted by Keith Urban and Vince Gill, the show will now feature a star-studded lineup that includes Trisha Yearwood, Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, Hardy, Patty Loveless, The War And Treaty, Riley Green, Mickey Guyton, Stewarts Creek High School senior Abigail Sowards and surprise guests. The additions come as Dierks Bentley and Jordan Davis are forced to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
This year’s “All for the Hall” benefit, themed “The Song Remembers When,” will consist of artists performing a song that defines a memorable moment in their life, in addition to one of their own hits. This marks Urban’s eighth “All for the Hall” concert in Nashville.
The evening will also include an original song from the museum’s flagship education program, Words & Music, which pairs students with songwriters to teach lyric writing and language arts through music. With the support of songwriter Paulina Jayne, Sowards will perform her song, “These Moments,” alongside her fellow classmates John Dechira and David Guydon. Sowards’ song is about cherishing day-to-day moments with her family before she leaves home after high school. For more information, click here.
Collectively, the event has raised $4.3 million in support of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and its educational programs.
Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates Launches New Venture, Band & Crew Financial
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Mates
Emerson Drive vocalist Brad Mates is pivoting from his longtime career as an artist and launching a brand new venture, Band & Crew Financial.
Mates and the rest of Emerson Drive enjoyed a successful career as a touring act for over two decades, and after moving to Maine years ago, he developed an interest in the financial world and discovered a new passion for helping change people’s lives through investing and preparing for the future. Mates worked to become knowledgeable as a financial planner, and then came upon the idea to cater to a part of the industry that is often overlooked and underestimated, those who are often behind-the-scenes and in support positions, and decided to form Band & Crew.
“In my position as an artist in the business, I’ve observed when you meet someone in the financial industry it’s often the big box company, someone in a suit and tie, who has never been deep in the industry like we have,” explains Mates. “So I think there’s a comfort level for a lot of people to have someone who understands a little bit of their path and challenges in the music business. And now that I’ve come back in from the other side of the industry, I knew we had to be different than other financial companies, so I decided to offer financial services hyper-focused on supporting all stages that an individual goes through in their respective career path.
“Our difference at Band & Crew is our background in the industry, hands and feet on the ground in this business for 25 years, that makes us stand out the most. And I truly believe it can help a lot of younger acts and even established acts and folks at the back end of their careers that are potentially retiring, just a place that feels like home for them to come and do business.”
The new company will offer a variety of services including investments, insurance and business guidance for both families and individuals, including IRAs, mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, long term care, retirement plans, IRAs, 401Ks and more.
Band & Crew Financial is headquartered in Lewiston, Maine, but Mates will be traveling all around the country working with clients in cities like Nashville, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Detroit. More information on the new company can be found at bandandcrewfinancial.com.
ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons Signs With Spirit Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Kara Jackson (Spirit Music Nashville), Derek Wells (Spirit Music Nashville/2Mix Music), AJ Burton (Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution), Mike Fiorentino (Spirit Music Nashville), Billy F Gibbons, Frank Rogers (Spirit Music Group/Spirit Music Nashville), Andy Hodges (Spirit Music Nashville) and Kennedy Murphy (Spirit Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Billy F Gibbons has signed a worldwide publishing administration deal with Spirit Music Nashville for his solo work.
Best known as one-third of legendary rock band ZZ Top, Gibbons is known as one of the most inventive and dexterous guitarists of the rock genre. As a vocalist, his growl-style singing is unmistakable, standing out on such hits as “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Cheap Sunglasses,” all of which he wrote. BMI honored Gibbons with its coveted Troubadour Award in September.
“We are thrilled to welcome Billy F Gibbons to the Spirit Music family,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Billy is a world class artist, an industry icon and one of the coolest humans on earth. He has undeniably shaped the sound of modern music and we are honored that he’s entrusted us as his publishing partner.”
Gibbons shares, “Spirit rising…! As is with Billy F Gibbons and the bonus of joining the Spirit music team taking large charge and ready to make loud noise!!! We roll. Spirit rising…”
Apart from his work with ZZ Top, Gibbons has recorded with a myriad of notable artists. He released his debut solo album Perfectamundo in 2015 and its follow-up The Big Bad Blues in 2018. In 2021, Gibbons released Hardware, an album produced with Matt Sorum and Spirit Music Nashville’s Director of A&R and Production, Mike Fiorentino.
“Billy F Gibbons is a music legend who has been part of rock & roll royalty for half a century,” says Fiorentino. “Being able to work with one of the world’s most prolific guitar heroes is truly an honor, and we are looking forward to building a long-lasting partnership. And a special shout out to Tim Montana for bringing BFG into our Spirit family!”
Weekly Register: Dolly Parton Rocks The Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonDolly Parton‘s Rockstar rules the country albums chart this week, scoring the top debut at No. 1 with 128K in total consumption (118K album only/9.8 million song streams) according to Luminate data. The project marked Parton’s biggest debut sales week of her career.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At Time remains at No. 2 with 68K (3.2K album only/82 million song streams), followed by Zach Bryan‘s self-titled album at No. 3 again with 44K (4.1K album only/51 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) moves up to No. 4 with 37K (17K album only/26 million song streams), while Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album shifts down to No. 5 with 36K (465 album only/46 million song streams).
This week on the country streaming songs chart, Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” continues to hold the No. 1 slot with 18 million streams, adding to 293 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” stays at No. 2 with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.053 billion ATD, and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” rests at No. 3 with 12 million streams, adding to 1.080 billion ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” returns to No. 4 with 10 million new streams, adding to 484 million ATD, as Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover rises back to No. 5 with 8.6 million streams, adding to 521 million ATD.
Dylan Scott Celebrates Fourth Chart-Topper With ‘Can’t Have Mine’
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott has achieved his fourth No. 1 single with “Can’t Have Mine,” on both the Mediabase and Billboard charts.
The latest No. 1 was written for Scott’s wife, Blair, with whom he recently welcomed a son—their third child. The single also recently achieved Platinum certification, marking 8 million RIAA certified units over Scott’s seven singles and one album, and the fourth RIAA certification he has received this year.
Fans can catch the Jockey Outdoors brand ambassador during his headlining “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us Tour,” visiting 15 cities this fall. Scott’s latest album, Livin’ My Best Life, features the fiery leadoff track “New Truck” along with “Can’t Have Mine,” and he’s racked up career streams exceeding 2.5 billion. He also recently won his first GMA Dove Award in 2023 for the song “Good Morning Mercy” alongside Jason Crabb.
JUST IN: CTM Outlander Signs Sam Hunt To A Worldwide Publishing Deal
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Van Hunt (Between the Pines Music), Mike McKool (Co-Founder, Outlander Capital Management), Erin McKool, Sam Hunt, André de Raaff, (CEO, CTM Outlander), Thomas Deelder, (Creative Director, CTM Outlander), Jitze de Raaff, (President, CTM Publishing) and Willie Jones (Loeb & Loeb LLP). Photo: Weatherly Photography
CTM Outlander has acquired the publishing catalog of five-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, and signed him to a go-forward publishing deal for his future works.
CTM Outlander is a partnership between the Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool, and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.
“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” shares Hunt.
de Raaff says, “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better.”
He continues, “We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world. We look forward to supporting Sam in his endeavors and expansion, and are excited to work with him in the country music space and international scene.”
McKool adds, “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”
Throughout his career, Hunt has been honored with numerous awards including multiple ACM Awards, an American Music Award and CMT Music Award as well as numerous nominations for the Grammys, CMA Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
The Georgia native has nine No. 1 hits including: “Body Like a Back Road,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard to Forget,” “House Party,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me” and “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” Hunt also has success as a songwriter with several top artists. Some of his No. 1 hits as a songwriter include “Come Over” by Kenny Chesney, “Cop Car” by Keith Urban, “I Met A Girl” by William Michael Morgan and “We Are Tonight” by Billy Currington. Hunt has continued his success with the release of his No. 1 hit “23” and his current radio single “Outskirts,” which is currently top 40 and climbing on country radio.
Hunt’s single “Body Like A Back Road” recently obtained RIAA Diamond-certification, becoming the eighth country artist ever to reach this status. The single has since surpassed that status, and currently sits at 11-time Platinum-certification.
Derek Crownover, Willie Jones, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb & Loeb LLP handled the transaction on behalf of Hunt.
Chris Stapleton Leaps Into Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellChris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke
As his new studio album Higher impacts the country charts, Chris Stapleton jumps from No. 12 to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Four songs from Stapleton’s Higher are currently charting, including “White Horse,” “Think I’m In Love With You,” “What Am I Gonna Do” and “It Takes A Woman.”
Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 this week with nine songs on the charts. Artist-writers Zach Bryan (No. 2), Jelly Roll (No. 4) and Chayce Beckham (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
In Pictures: ‘MacKenzie Porter + Friends’ Concert Raises $85K For American Cancer Society
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Lily Rose, Walker Hayes, MacKenzie Porter, Dustin Lynch, Madeline Merlo and Nate Smith; (L-R, front row): Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society) and Alana Springsteen. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Country artist MacKenzie Porter hosted “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer,” her inaugural benefit concert as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, Nov. 20.
Porter performed fan-favorites tunes “These Days” and “Pickup,” and debuted some new music from her forthcoming full-length album as well as previously-released tracks “Bet You Break My Heart” and “Chasing Tornadoes,” which Madeline Merlo and Porter transformed into a surprise duet for the special night.
Pictured (L-R): Maggie Ryan, Dan Ryan (Founder & CEO, Ryan Aviation Group), Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society), Miriam Kamal and MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Aubrey Wise
“This means so much to me,” she shared from the stage. “Cancer has affected my life in so many ways and I’m sure it has every single person in this room. I’ve always wanted to be involved in something like this.”
The event raised a total of $85,000 for the American Cancer Society, including a $20,000 donation from sponsor Ryan Aviation Group.
Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen, Lily Rose, Walker Hayes and Dustin Lynch also took the stage to support Porter and the American Cancer Society. The crowd was serenaded with Smith’s “Whiskey On You,” Springsteen’s “Goodbye Looks Good On You,” Rose’s “Villain,” Hayes’ “Fancy Like” and Lynch’s “Small Town Boy.” Porter joined in for performances of Hayes’ “Halloween” and her double-Platinum, six-week No. 1 collaboration with Lynch “Thinking ‘Bout You.”
“These artists are so busy so the fact they’re here shows how much this means to all of us,” she continued. “Doing good, spreading love, and helping people is the reason we’re all here.”
The evening ended with a milestone moment as Lynch presented Porter with a career plaque in celebration of her six No. 1 songs at Canadian country radio and seven Music Canada Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications.
Nate Smith performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise
Alana Springsteen performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise
Dustin Lynch surprises MacKenzie Porter with career plaque during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Brayln Kelly