NATD Names Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductee

Pictured (L-R): Bonnie Sugarman, Tony Conway, Rice, Steve Tolman. Photo: Daniel Helland

Music industry veteran Tandy Rice was recently presented with the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD)’s highest honor as the first inductee into the NATD Hall of Fame.

“For your immeasurable contributions to the Nashville community, with love, respect and deep gratitude, we hereby proclaim NATD charter-member and past President, Mr. Tandy Rice, the first inductee into the NATD Hall of Fame,” stated current president Steve Tolman during the surprise presentation.

Now in his mid-70s, Rice helped develop the careers of artists including Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, Tom T. Hall, The Kendalls, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius and Jerry Clower. He went into PR for a few years, signing artists such as Hank Williams, Jr., Waylon Jennings, Kitty Wells and Chet Atkins. He gave rise to the infamous Billy Carter’s “Billy Beer” as President and CEO of Top Billing International.

Rice later served on the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association (CMA) for over a decade and as President in 1981.

The Franklin native graduated from military college The Citadel in South Carolina. He served three years with the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command before returning to Vanderbilt and earning a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts. He served as an adjunct professor at Belmont University.

“What a great thing it is to be recognized by your peers in this way,” said the still impeccably groomed and polished Rice during his informal acceptance speech. “You are all so very dear to me. Through all the struggles and the adventures, we remain a family. If I had any advice to give you, it would be to just love one another and everything else will be okay.” Rice went on to recognize many of the people he had worked with throughout the years and encouraged some up-and-comers.