Hall of Fame Salutes Mary Martin

Last night (11/17) the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum presented an in-depth interview with visionary music industry executive Mary Martin. The program was the 2009 installment of the Museum’s Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum, made possible by the Gibson Foundation. Martin spoke with host Jay Orr for nearly two hours, sharing highlights of her storied career, including encouraging Bob Dylan to work with The Band, signing Leonard Cohen to his first management deal, signing Emmylou Harris to her first record deal at Warner Bros., and managing Van Morrison and Rodney Crowell, among many other achievements. The annual program was established in 2007 to honor music industry leaders who are legatees of pioneering manager and booker Louise Scruggs.

Pictured (L-R): Gary Scruggs, VP of Museum Programs Jay Orr, Martin, Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs and Gibson Foundation Executive Director Nina Miller. Photo: Donn Jones