Pictured (L-R): Ronna Rubin, Holly Gleason, Cathy Gurley, JoAnn Berry, Anita Hogan, Barbara Baker and Tammy Genovese. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 605
It’s always “Old Home Week” at the SOURCE Hall of Fame awards banquet, and this year’s event was no exception.
The gala is now so popular that it sells out months in advance. That’s because everyone you’ve ever met and liked in the Nashville music biz attends and because it’s such a cool idea to honor, “the women behind the music.”
Staged at the Musicians Hall of Fame on Tuesday night (Sept. 25), this 16th annual celebration honored Barbara Baker, JoAnn Berry, Tammy Genovese, Holly Gleason, Cathy Gurley, Anita Hogin and Ronna Rubin.
Brenda Lee, Barbara Baker, Jeannie Seely. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
“I am so pleased to be among the ladies being inducted tonight,” said Barbara. “I have had such a blessed life.”
Her journey has taken her through Blue Crest Music, Tree International, Frank Mull Promotions, Ray Baker Productions and Baray/Honeytree Publishing.
Her producer/publisher husband Ray Baker and their enduring songwriting friend Dallas Frazier cheered Barbara on. Connie Smith sent video congratulations.
“It’s just such an honor to be here,” said JoAnn Berry. “It’s been a great trip and a great career.”
Jeannie Seely, JoAnn Berry, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
JoAnn went from KHOO radio in Waco to The Jim Halsey Company, the Dick Blake Agency, World Class Talent and her own management and show-production firm. The Oak Ridge Boys appeared via video to salute her.
Tammy Genovese alluded to how male dominated the Nashville music business is. “I am so appreciative of what these SOURCE women do to acknowledge women in this industry,” she added.
Following a long career at the CMA, Tammy joined The Country Network (TCN), then launched her own Music City Sports & Entertainment Group.
“To recognize all these women is to recognize the real guts of this music,” said Holly Gleason. “Thank you very much for this honor, but really it’s been my privilege to serve the message….I’ve written for just about anybody whose check would clear the bank.”
Jeannie Seely, Holly Gleason, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Holly has worked as a music journalist, publicist, editor, songwriter and university educator.
Her video greeting came from Kenny Chesney. Tanya Tucker did the video honors for Cathy Gurley.
“This is definitely an exciting night,” said Cathy. “It was, and still is, an unpredictable ride. Music is a gift that enriches us, whoever and wherever we are.”
Jeannie Seely, Cathy Gurley, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Cathy’s career stops have included Jamboree in the Hills, the CMA, Gurley & Co., Capitol Records, Spirit of America and You Have the Power.
Suzanne Lee reminded the crowd that three prior SOURCE honorees passed away during the past year, Helen Farmer (1926-2018), Hazel Smith (1934-2018) and Jo Walker-Meador (1924-2017). Citing the banquet as “a labor of love,” she recognized the event’s planning committee and sponsors.
Co-host Brenda Lee called Kay Smith to the stage to say, “There have been many people who have been involved in this, but really, THIS is the one,” who hatched the SOURCE concept. “And wasn’t this a good idea?” The audience applauded its approval.
Pictured (L-R): Co-host Jeannie Seely, Source President Mandy Gallagher, Source Treasurer Catherine Moore, Holly Gleason, Ronna Rubin, JoAnn Berry, Cathy Gurley, Barbara Baker, Anita Hogan, Tammy Genovese, Chair of Source Hall of Fame Committee Suzanne Lee, co-host Brenda Lee, Source Vice President Alicia Jones and Source Secretary Jennifer Turbow. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Co-host Jeannie Seely continued the honors by bringing Anita Hogin to the podium. Anita recalled the chapters of her life by thanking Shelby Singleton, Jack Clement, Roger Cook & Ralph Murphy (Picalic Music), Ted Hacker (International Artists Management and Hugh Howser (H3 Events). Diamond Rio offered a video salute.
“I fell in love with country music, and I knew I’d found my place,” said Anita. “You’ve made me so, so happy.”
“It was Teddy Roosevelt who said, ‘Speak softly and carry a big publicist,” quipped Ronna Rubin. She recalled Cathy Gurley and Mary Ann McCready as mentors and thanked her “wing women,” Jenny Bohler, Judi Turner and Susan Niles. Helping people to make their music dreams come true, “is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
“It was Saint Teresa who said, ‘We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.’”
Jeannie Seely, Ronna Rubin, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Ronna’s video greeting came from Dwight Yoakam, and her cheering tablemates included Bohler, Gary Kraen, Deb Barnes, Maura O’Connell, Tom Roland and her always-genial “spousal equivalent,” Fred Pierson.
“We’re just having a big party here tonight,” Brenda beamed. She and Jeannie were having as much fun as anyone, trading wisecracks and ad libs on stage as they guided us through the three-hour ceremony.
Among the merry makers were power couples Joe & Linda Chambers, Pat & Charlie McCoy, Chuck & Sandy Neese and Areeda & Joe Stampley. Also working the room during the cocktail hour were Susan Stewart, Stacy Schlitz, Mike Martinovich, Martha Moore, Claire Cook and Fletcher Foster. Pianist/singer Ronnie Brown provided the soundtrack, and Monster Energy drinks funded the libations.
Jeannie Seely, Tammy Genovese, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
We dined on baked Springer Mountain Farms chicken, braised carrots and cheesy risotto. Greens, shaved parmesan, tomato cubes and black-eyed peas were mixed in the salad. Each dessert cup held a chocolate brownie embedded in caramel and topped with whipped cream and a white chocolate square stamped with the SOURCE logo.
The happy diners included David Pomeroy, David Wade, Karen Clark, Karen Conrad, Jackie Monahan, Jackie Patillo, Debbie Carroll, Debi Fleischer, John Zarling, John Lomax III, Bonnie Garner, Bonnie Sugarman, Paul Moore and Paula Szeigis.
Andrea Conte was there to support Cathy Gurley, because of You Have the Power. This was heroic considering how busy her schedule is campaigning to get hubby Phil Bredesen elected Senator.
Among those basking in the convivial, “Old Home Week” atmosphere were Amy Kurland, Bebe Evans, Beverly Keel, Bob Doyle, Brandi Simms, Burt Stein, Buzz Cason, Charlie Monk, Christy Walker-Watkins, Dale Bobo, Diane Pearson, Don Cusic, Ed Benson, Fiona Prine, Hank Adam Locklin, Jennifer Turnbow, Judy Harris, Laura Crawford, Lisa Harless, current SOURCE prez Mandy Gallagher, Margie Hunt, Nathan Pyle, Neal Spielberg, Pat Rolfe, Preshias Harris, Ray Shelide, Ron “Snake” Reynolds, Sarah Brosmer, Whitney Daane and Woody Bomar.
Jeannie Seely, Brenda Lee, Anita Hogan. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
