Cathy Gurley
Veteran Music Row publicist Cathy Gurley died suddenly on Tuesday (Jan. 20) at age 76.
During her long tenure as a music industry figure, she worked with such stars as Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart, and Gary Morris. Since 2012, she has been the CEO of You Have the Power. Founded by former Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte, this organization’s mission is to empower victims of violent crimes. Gurley also served on a number of other social-service boards.
Born in Pittsburgh, Gurley attended Wheeling College in West Virginia. She edited the school’s newspaper while working on her degree. This led to becoming a reporter at the Wheeling News-Register.
In 1974, she became the publicist for WWVA radio and co-founded its Jamboree in the Hills festival. She supervised the design, planning, promotion, publicity, and advertising of this annual event for eight years as it grew into one of the largest country-music festivals in America. In 1976, she received the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism in the radio category for “Care and Feeding of America.”
The Country Music Association’s board of directors met in Wheeling in 1982. Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador was impressed with Gurley and offered her a job.
Gurley came to Nashville in 1982 to become the Director of Public Information for the CMA. She promoted its annual TV awards show, Fan Fair (which became the CMA Music Fest), Close-Up magazine and 25th-anniversary gala in Washington, D.C.
Her jobs at the Jamboree and at the CMA put her in touch with virtually every artist, record label, manager, and booking agent in Nashville. In 1985, she launched her own firm, Gurley & Co. In addition to publicity, her company handled marketing, management, or promotion, depending on the artist. Clients eventually included Mattea, Stuart, Tucker, Morris, Connie Smith, Patty Loveless, Lynn Anderson, and Carlene Carter, among others.
When Jimmy Bowen took over Capitol/Liberty Records in 1990-95, he named her the label’s Vice President of Creative Services. Then he outsourced all of the company’s publicity functions. Gurley & Co. was hired to represent the label’s entire roster, including Brooks, Tucker, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Suzy Bogguss, Billy Dean, John Berry, Chris LeDoux, Charlie Daniels, and more than a dozen others.
Gurley became close to her mentor, Frances Preston. Among that executive’s chief interests was the cancer research underwritten by the T.J. Martell Foundation. In 1993, Gurley became one of the founding board members of the charity’s Nashville branch. She worked in 1994-2008 on its Country In the Rockies annual fund-raising events for the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at Vanderbilt. After Preston’s retirement, Gurley spent many days with the late Country Music Hall of Fame member, helping her to begin a memoir.
She was selected for the 2001 Leadership Music class. In 2002, she helped to launch the Spirit of America tours. These brought entertainment to more than 100 military bases around the world and co-starred Daniels, Miranda Lambert, Billy Ray Cyrus, Aaron Tippin, Dierks Bentley, and dozens of others.
Gurley became an adjunct faculty member at both Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State (MTSU). In 2011, she joined the board of directors for the revitalized Wheeling Jamboree on WWVA in West Virginia.
During this period, Gurley became ever more active in Music City’s crime issues. She became a member of the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Sexual Offender Treatment board, the Domestic Death Review board, and ACES of Nashville.
She helped to launch Voices from the Garden, remembering the children lost to violence in Davidson County. She developed school curricula to heighten awareness of sex trafficking, delinquency among at-risk youths, and domestic violence. She also worked with Friends of Warner Park, McNeilly Center for Children, and StandUp2Cancer. In 2012, she became the CEO of You Have the Power.
Gurley was honored at the 2018 SOURCE Hall of Fame awards. These are given annually to outstanding Nashville music-business women. Brenda Lee inducted her, and Tanya Tucker participated via video.
She began experiencing gastrointestinal issues last fall. Her condition worsened and despite numerous specialists, tests, hospitalizations, and procedures, doctors were unable to diagnose her condition. She was recently hospitalized and was moved to the ICU where she passed away.
Gurley is survived by her daughter, Meagan Sullivan, five grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, six nieces and five nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church (3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212) with a reception immediately following. Donations can be made to She Should Run or the Children’s Memory Garden at Centennial Park Nashville.
Carrie Underwood To Headline Wildlands 2026 In Montana
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood. Photo: Randee St. Nicholas
The Wildlands Festival has announced the lineup for this year’s event, which returns July 31-Aug. 1 at the Big Sky Events Arena in Montana.
Set against the backdrop of 11,166-foot Lone Mountain, the sixth annual festival will feature headliner Carrie Underwood, along with performances from LeAnn Rimes, Riley Green and Kaitlin Butts. Produced by Outlaw Partners, Wildlands is a conservation-driven event which raises funds for conservation groups devoted to preserving the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, benefiting vital land, water and wildlife initiatives. The lead conservation partner for 2026 will be the Property and Environment Research Center.
Previous Wildlands Festival artists include Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, Lord Huron, Dierks Bentley, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Indigo Girls, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Robert Earl Keen and Madeline Hawthorne, among others.
CRS & Whitney Allen Launch ‘Hot Mic’ Scholarship For Emerging Female On-Air Talent
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Radio Seminar and recently retired Country Radio Hall of Fame on-air personality Whitney Allen have partnered to launch the new Whitney Allen “Hot Mic” Scholarship, designed to support and elevate emerging female on-air talent in country radio.
The scholarship will award one recipient a complimentary full registration to CRS 2026, along with round-trip airfare to Nashville and accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel, ensuring hands-on access to the educational and networking event. The purpose of the Whitney Allen “Hot Mic” Scholarship is to identify female on-air personalities early in their careers who are striving to make a meaningful impact at their station, in their community, and within the country format.
Allen began her radio career in 1979 and transitioned into country radio in 1982. After early success at KCBQ/San Diego, she moved into the L.A. market at Pirate Radio and KIIS before joining the nationally syndicated “After Midnite” in 1995. She later hosted afternoons at KZLA/Los Angeles and went on to create and host “America’s Hot List,” as well as “The Big Time” and “Big Time Saturday Night.” Over the course of her career, Allen earned multiple CMA and ACM Personality of the Year nominations, was named a Radio Hall of Fame nominee, received a Gracie Award in 2018, and was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.
“Your program director, music director, or owner may attend CRS and return with notes on what stood out to them or what they felt was important,” says Allen. “And while that insight is valuable, it’s still only part of the story. When you’re not there in person, you miss the full picture. Hearing success stories and seeing the stats is one thing, but experiencing the presentations firsthand, delivered with real-world experience, energy, and genuine passion, is something entirely different. That’s what stays with you when you go home. That’s what sparks new ideas, shifts perspective, and inspires real change.”
Eligible female applicants must have one to five years of experience in the radio industry, serve in a primary on-air role, and be first-time attendees of CRS. Applications must be submitted here by Feb. 2.
BREAKING: Todd Horvath Named BMI President & COO
/by Lauryn SinkTodd Horvath.
BMI has named Todd Horvath as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 26.
In this new role, Horvath will report to BMI CEO Mike O’Neill and oversee the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize its platforms, identify new sources of revenue and improve the affiliate experience at BMI. He will divide his time between BMI’s Nashville and New York offices.
Horvath’s addition to the BMI leadership team will enable O’Neill, who recently extended his contract through 2029, to continue to focus on the strategic vision of the company.
“I’m excited to welcome Todd to BMI as we build upon the many efforts we’ve undertaken over the past three years to create long term value for our affiliates,” says O’Neill. “Todd’s unique skill set is a perfect complement to our team, and I look forward to his contributions as we continue to drive growth and position BMI for the future.”
Horvath joins with more than 20 years of experience in the international financial services sector, with a significant focus on integrating transformative technology into organizations. Most recently, he served as Equifax President of U.S. Information Solutions. Prior to that, Horvath was the President of Banking Solutions for Fiserv, where he led multiple billion-dollar divisions and drove a significant technology transformation. He also spent nearly 15 years at ADP, ultimately overseeing all its international business as President of Multinational Clients.
“I’m honored to join BMI at a time of great change and opportunity in the industry,” adds Horvath. “I’ve spent a good deal of time getting to know Mike over the past few months, and I am excited by his vision for the company and BMI’s mission on behalf of its songwriters, composers and publishers. I look forward to working with the entire team at BMI to unleash additional opportunities that will continue to position BMI as the leading PRO in the business.”
Aaron Tippin Signs With 8 Track Entertainment, Celebrates Living Legends Of Aviation Induction
/by Lorie HollabaughAaron Tippin. Photo: Ryan Nolan
Aaron Tippin has signed with 8 Track Entertainment, and will release a new single, “American Sky,” on Feb. 13, marking his’s debut on the Muscle Shoals/Nashville–based label.
“We’re beyond excited to have Aaron Tippin as part of the 8 Track family,” shares Noah Gordon, President of 8 Track Entertainment. “His legendary voice, artistic authenticity, and love for this country are unparalleled. We can’t wait for his country fans to hear this new music!!”
Tippin will perform the new song at the induction ceremonies for the Living Legends of Aviation in Los Angeles tomorrow (Jan. 23), where he is set to be inducted during the black-tie gala. Hosted by John Travolta, The Living Legends of Aviation honors individuals who have made significant contributions in aviation, and highlights Tippin’s long-standing connection to flying. He became a licensed pilot at 14 and soloed on his 16th birthday. Tippin comes from a family of pilots including his father and uncle, who flew the Alaskan bush before Alaska became a state. Both of Tippin’s sons are now third-generation pilots.
Written by Tippin’s son Tom Tippin and produced by Grammy award-winning engineer Noah Gordon, “American Sky” explores freedom, optimism, and the power of believing in what’s possible.
‘’American Sky’ means a lot to me for several reasons,” says Tippin. “I come from a family of aviators and I was a professional pilot before I became a singer. Our son Tom, who is also a pilot and singer, wrote this song, which is extra special. This song is about the American dream. We live in the greatest country in the world where the sky’s the limit. If you have a dream and work hard at it, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
Industry Ink: BMI, Marty Stuart, Molly Tuttle, Madeline Merlo, More
/by Lauryn SinkBMI Kicks Off Acoustic Lounge 2026 Series At Bluebird Café For 2026 Series
Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Claire Dodelin and BMI’s Clay Bradley. (L-R, front row): Thomas Edwards, KC Bruner, Eddie And The Getaway and Ricky Manning. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
BMI kicked off its monthly series, BMI Acoustic Lounge, earlier this week (Jan. 20) at The Bluebird Café. Hosted by BMI’s Exec. Director of Creative, Nashville, Shannon Sanders, the showcase featured BMI/Electric Feel Entertainment songwriters KC Bruner, Eddie And The Getaway, Thomas Edwards and Ricky Manning.
“BMI Acoustic Lounge reinforces our commitment to creating meaningful spaces where our songwriters can be heard, and we are fortunate to pair the series with one of the most rooted venues in Nashville’s songwriting history,” Sanders said. “Erika Wollam Nichols and her team at the Bluebird have originated an intentional environment where our songwriters can authentically connect with an audience that is there to listen.”
The next BMI Acoustic Lounge show is scheduled for Feb. 24.
Marty Stuart’s Congress Of Country Music Dedicates Cynthia Lake Building
Artist Green Room. Photo: Courtesy of Congress of Country Music
Marty Stuart‘s Congress Of Country Music recently dedicated the Cynthia Lake Building, which will house administrative offices for Congress of Country Music staff and provides a green room for visiting artists.
“I’m so thankful to Cynthia for her vision and generosity,” shares Stuart. “This building is more than a space– it’s a home for artists, staff and for the heart of country music.”
Martin Guitar & Molly Tuttle Launch Two New Signature Models
Martin Guitar has partnered with Molly Tuttle to launch the D-18 Molly Tuttle and D-X2E Molly Tuttle. Unveiled at The 2026 NAMM Show, the models follow Martin’s recently refreshed Road Series and the launches of the Super D-18, Super HD-28, Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus, and Custom Shop M Paisley Ember Burst.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing Martin guitars ever since I started playing the guitar,” Tuttle says. “To see my name on this Martin guitar and to have had a hand in designing it, it was just a huge moment for me.”
Both instruments will be available online and through authorized Martin dealers.
Madeline Merlo Earns Canadian Gold Certification
Pictured (L-R): Bryan Columbus, BMG’s VP, Recorded Music, Canada, Madeline Merlo, Lindsay Hyslop, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Director, Recorded Music, Canada.
Madeline Merlo has earned a Gold certification in Canada for her single “Broken Heart Thing” featuring Dustin Lynch. The track recently won the 2025 CCMA Award for Musical Collaboration of the Year.
BMG’s VP, Recorded Music, Canada, Bryan Columbus and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Director, Recorded Music, Canada Lindsay Hyslop recently surprised her in Nashville with the plaque.
Bayker Blankenship Earns RIAA Platinum Certification For ‘Maxed Out’
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Daniels (co-writer), Bayker Blankenship, Jackie Jones (RIAA).
Bayker Blankenship has earned his first RIAA Platinum Certification for his single “Maxed Out.” Released in 2024, the track was written by Blankenship and Trevor Daniels, and produced by Joe Costa.
“Thank you to RIAA for taking the time to come out to band practice and present the platinum plaque yesterday. Really means a lot to me and the whole team!” shares Blankenship.
Bri Bagwell Named Deep Ellum Brewing Company Brand Ambassador
Bri Bagwell.
Bri Bagwell has been named lead brand ambassador for Deep Ellum Brewing Company.
“Bri represents everything Deep Ellum Brewing stands for— creativity and Texas pride,” shares Kolby Cowart, Digital Marketing Manager at Deep Ellum Brewing Company. “She’s original, hardworking, and unafraid to stand out, which makes her an ideal partner for our brand.”
Rose Falcon Extends Curb/Word Publishing Partnership
/by Lorie HollabaughRose Falcon & Sarah Schumacher.
Singer-songwriter Rose Falcon has extended her publishing agreement with Curb|Word Music Publishing.
Since first signing with the company in 2020, Falcon has penned songs for artists including Chase Matthew, Redferrin, Wyatt Flores, Rodney Atkins, Tim Dugger, Jake & Shelby, Madison Hughes, Rotundo, Sean Oliu, Trevor Snider, and others. As an artist, she collaborated with Rodney Atkins as the duo Rod + Rose, releasing a self-titled EP and a collection of Christmas songs, including their original “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on Curb Records.
Prior to joining Curb|Word, Falcon earned her first No. 1 with Eric Paslay’s “Friday Night.” She also co-wrote “Give Into Me,” featured in the 2010 film Country Strong and recorded by Faith Hill and also by film stars Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester, whose rendition was certified Gold in 2014. Early in her career, Falcon signed with Columbia Records, releasing a self-titled debut album that earned placements across film, TV, and major national ad campaigns including Verizon, JCPenney, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Estée Lauder. She later signed with Show Dog-Universal Music and released two EPs for the label.
“I always love when Rose turns in a new song because I know I’m going to hear lines that no other writer could have possibly written,” says Sarah Schumacher, Head of Creative, Country Publishing. “She has a clear perspective that translates across all genres and allows artists the freedom to explore lyrically while remaining authentic to their own artistry. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Rose!”
“I’m genuinely excited for this next chapter with Curb|Word Music Publishing,” says Falcon. “There’s a rare alignment in this team that feels like purpose more than coincidence, and Sarah Schumacher continues to create rooms with a passion and intuition you simply can’t manufacture. I don’t believe in wasted days, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who aim at the same horizon.”
Trey Pendley Slates Debut EP ‘Podunk’
/by Madison HahnenTrey Pendley will release his debut EP Podunk on Feb. 27 via Leo33.
The six track collection will feature previously released tracks “Drunk As Any Rich Man,” “Podunk,” and “The Dog.” Writing collaborations on the project include Ben Chapman, Meg McRee, Timothy Scott Bruns and more.
“Podunk is essentially me owning every part of where I’m from. The good, the bad, and the sometimes hilarious,” shared Pendley. “Those experiences shaped how I see the world and now, how I write songs. When I realized this song sums up my past in that way, it made sense to name the whole EP after it. This project is for the people who grew up the same way I did and never tried to be nothin’ different.”
In addition to his own EP, Pendley is also a co-writer on Luke Combs’ recently released “15 Minutes.”
Podunk Tracklist:
1. “Drunk As Any Rich Man” (Trey Pendley, Jacob Bryan, John Davidson)
2. “Podunk” (Trey Pendley, Delaney Ramsdell, Andrew Petroff)
3. “Like A River” (Trey Pendley, Ben Chapman, Meg McRee)
4. “As Good As It Gets” (Trey Pendley, Jacob Bryant, John Davidson)
5. “The Dog” (Trey Pendley, Timothy Scott Bruns)
6. “TV Tray” (Trey Pendley, Timothy Scott Bruns)
Ana Cristina Cash To Explore ‘The Sunshine State’ On New Album
/by Madison HahnenThe nine track project was produced by John Carter Cash and Willie Breeding and recorded at Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville. Ana co-wrote six of the tunes, as well as one solo-write. Writing partners across the collection include Gabriella Scotto, Frank Ray, Willie Breeding and more.
“Daybreak,” “Cheap Margaritas,” and “Last Call” will feature both English and Spanish versions on the album.
“That duality is present in everything I do,” Cash shares. “I’m proud to be an American living in Nashville, working deeply within the country music space, and equally proud of my Hispanic culture. I grew up speaking both English and Spanish at home, so it felt natural to record Spanish versions of several of my songs.
“I drew a lot of inspiration from the nostalgia of growing up in South Florida,” she continues. “You can hear that imagery throughout songs like ‘Florida Girl,’ ‘Janice,’ and ‘Don’t Give Up,’” she notes. “The first home I grew up in was in rural West Miami, before it was built up, right near the Florida Everglades—wild and untouched at the time. I only had four neighbors, a dirt road, orange trees in the backyard, and our own chickens. That home and that formative period of my life influenced so much of this record.”
The Sunshine State Tracklist:
1. “Daybreak” (Ana Cristina Cash, Willie Breeding, Gabriella Scotto)
2. “Cheap Margaritas” (Erika Ender, Frank Ray, Willie Breeding, Jess Cayne)
3. “Florida Girl” (Ana Cristina Cash, Willie Breeding)
4. “Janice” (Ana Cristina Cash)
5. “Last Call” (Ana Cristina Cash, Jodi Marr, Willie Breeding)
6. “Don’t Give Up” (Ana Cristina Cash, Erika Ender)
7. “Un Break (Daybreak Versión En Español)” (Ana Cristina Cash, Willie Breeding, Gabriella Scotto, Jodi Marr)
8. “Cheap Margaritas (Spanglish Version)” (Erika Ender, Frank Ray, Willie Breeding, Jess Cayne)
9. “Tu Última Llamada (Last Call Versión En Español)” (Ana Cristina Cash, Jodi Marr, Willie Breeding)
Ashley Anne Signs With One Spark Entertainment
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, top row) Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law, PLLC), Victoria Powell (Gutt Law, PLLC), Trevor Perkins (PERK PR & Creative), Braeden Rountree (WME), Adam Fisher (WME) and Janelle Flint (WME). (L-R, bottom row): Craig Dunn (One Spark Entertainment), Ashley Anne, and Nicole Lewis (One Spark Entertainment).
Ashley Anne has signed a management deal with One Spark Entertainment.
The Virginia Beach native has shared stages with Avery Anna, Caylee Hammack, Charles Wesley Godwin, Tigirlily Gold and Josh Turner, among others. She released her debut project dear dolly in January 2024, followed by her sophomore project, call me when you land, the following November. She was selected for selected for Spotify’s Fresh Finds Class of 2024, and made an appearance at Spotify House on the Fresh Finds Stage during CMA Fest. Anne will release her next single, “happy birthday,” tomorrow (Jan. 23).
“They say the artist needs to be the most passionate team member for it to work, but I’m so confident Craig and Nicole are as on fire about my music as I am. I feel so blessed to hit my pillow knowing they have my best interest as a human and are continuously moving the needle as business partners,” shares Anne.
“Ashley is the kind of artist you don’t forget once you hear her,” says Craig Dunn, Founder of One Spark Entertainment. “I’ve been following her journey for the past few years, and watching her growth as both a songwriter and an artist has been incredibly exciting. She has a rare combination of instinct, voice, and perspective that sets her apart and positions her for real longevity. Artists like Ashley don’t come along every day, and we’re thrilled to partner with her to build something meaningful and lasting.”
“Ashley is the kind of artist who elevates everyone around her,” adds Nicole Lewis, Manager at One Spark Entertainment. “From day one, working together has felt natural, and that level of trust and creative synergy is rare. Her creative instincts and strong sense of identity make collaboration both inspiring and effortless. She knows who she is and where she wants to go, which makes this partnership incredibly exciting. We’re committed to helping her translate that vision into a long, impactful career.”
Music Publicist & Non-Profit Leader Cathy Gurley Passes
/by Robert K OermannCathy Gurley
Veteran Music Row publicist Cathy Gurley died suddenly on Tuesday (Jan. 20) at age 76.
During her long tenure as a music industry figure, she worked with such stars as Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart, and Gary Morris. Since 2012, she has been the CEO of You Have the Power. Founded by former Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte, this organization’s mission is to empower victims of violent crimes. Gurley also served on a number of other social-service boards.
Born in Pittsburgh, Gurley attended Wheeling College in West Virginia. She edited the school’s newspaper while working on her degree. This led to becoming a reporter at the Wheeling News-Register.
In 1974, she became the publicist for WWVA radio and co-founded its Jamboree in the Hills festival. She supervised the design, planning, promotion, publicity, and advertising of this annual event for eight years as it grew into one of the largest country-music festivals in America. In 1976, she received the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism in the radio category for “Care and Feeding of America.”
The Country Music Association’s board of directors met in Wheeling in 1982. Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador was impressed with Gurley and offered her a job.
Gurley came to Nashville in 1982 to become the Director of Public Information for the CMA. She promoted its annual TV awards show, Fan Fair (which became the CMA Music Fest), Close-Up magazine and 25th-anniversary gala in Washington, D.C.
Her jobs at the Jamboree and at the CMA put her in touch with virtually every artist, record label, manager, and booking agent in Nashville. In 1985, she launched her own firm, Gurley & Co. In addition to publicity, her company handled marketing, management, or promotion, depending on the artist. Clients eventually included Mattea, Stuart, Tucker, Morris, Connie Smith, Patty Loveless, Lynn Anderson, and Carlene Carter, among others.
When Jimmy Bowen took over Capitol/Liberty Records in 1990-95, he named her the label’s Vice President of Creative Services. Then he outsourced all of the company’s publicity functions. Gurley & Co. was hired to represent the label’s entire roster, including Brooks, Tucker, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Suzy Bogguss, Billy Dean, John Berry, Chris LeDoux, Charlie Daniels, and more than a dozen others.
Gurley became close to her mentor, Frances Preston. Among that executive’s chief interests was the cancer research underwritten by the T.J. Martell Foundation. In 1993, Gurley became one of the founding board members of the charity’s Nashville branch. She worked in 1994-2008 on its Country In the Rockies annual fund-raising events for the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at Vanderbilt. After Preston’s retirement, Gurley spent many days with the late Country Music Hall of Fame member, helping her to begin a memoir.
She was selected for the 2001 Leadership Music class. In 2002, she helped to launch the Spirit of America tours. These brought entertainment to more than 100 military bases around the world and co-starred Daniels, Miranda Lambert, Billy Ray Cyrus, Aaron Tippin, Dierks Bentley, and dozens of others.
Gurley became an adjunct faculty member at both Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State (MTSU). In 2011, she joined the board of directors for the revitalized Wheeling Jamboree on WWVA in West Virginia.
During this period, Gurley became ever more active in Music City’s crime issues. She became a member of the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Sexual Offender Treatment board, the Domestic Death Review board, and ACES of Nashville.
She helped to launch Voices from the Garden, remembering the children lost to violence in Davidson County. She developed school curricula to heighten awareness of sex trafficking, delinquency among at-risk youths, and domestic violence. She also worked with Friends of Warner Park, McNeilly Center for Children, and StandUp2Cancer. In 2012, she became the CEO of You Have the Power.
Gurley was honored at the 2018 SOURCE Hall of Fame awards. These are given annually to outstanding Nashville music-business women. Brenda Lee inducted her, and Tanya Tucker participated via video.
She began experiencing gastrointestinal issues last fall. Her condition worsened and despite numerous specialists, tests, hospitalizations, and procedures, doctors were unable to diagnose her condition. She was recently hospitalized and was moved to the ICU where she passed away.
Gurley is survived by her daughter, Meagan Sullivan, five grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, six nieces and five nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church (3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212) with a reception immediately following. Donations can be made to She Should Run or the Children’s Memory Garden at Centennial Park Nashville.