IEBA Hall of Fame Inducts Inaugural Class

L-R: Kenny Chesney, Dale Morris, Clint Higham. Photo: Kevin Kennedy

The International Entertainment Buyers Association inducted the inaugural class of the IEBA Hall of Fame last night (10/3) at Nashville’s downtown Hilton. Among the new inductees are Ron Baird, Dick Clark, Charlie Daniels, Barbara Hubbard, George Moffett, Dale Morris, Joan Saltel, Erv Woolsey and the Grand Ole Opry. Country stars Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride and Kenny Chesney made surprise appearances to celebrate some of those who have bolstered their successful careers.

Womack inducted longtime manager Erv Woolsey, McBride inducted Ron Baird, formerly of Creative Artists Agency, and Chesney inducted his manager, Dale Morris. Acclaimed trumpeter, Joey Pero, opened the ceremony in front of 500 attendees with a jazz performance. The ceremony was part of IEBA’s 40th anniversary convention, running through tomorrow night (10/5) in Nashville.

L-R: Erv Woolsey, George Moffett, Dale Morris, Bob Romeo. Photo: Kevin Kennedy

Posthumous inductees include Henry Ade, Sonny Anderson, Dick Blake, Paul Buck, Johnny Cash, Danny Davis, Billy Deaton, Dave Douds, Danny Fleenor, John Hitt, Myles Johnson, Bette Kaye, Shorty Lavender, Buddy Lee, Hubert Long, Jack McFadden, Bob Neal, Florine Oler, Wesley Oler, Harry “Hap” Peebles, Don Romeo, Sonny Simmons, E.O. Stacy, Lon Varnell, and Lawrence Welk.

L-R: Pete Fisher (Grand Ole Opry), Barry Jeffrey (WME and IEBA Chairman of the Board) Photo: Kevin Kennedy

The day ended with late night music from Paradigm Agency at The Stage on Broadway, hosted by Storme Warren, with performances from Roger Creager, Greg Hanna, Walker Hayes, Jars of Clay, Jaron & The Long Road To Love, Brantley Gilbert, Bucky Covington and WAR. Playing into the early morning were SHIROCK, Logan Mize and Stealing Angels. Details on the convention at ieba.org.