In case you missed it...
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction happened earlier this week, with 10 new members joining the prestigious institution. This week’s ceremony inducted both the 50th and 51st classes, due to COVID’s postponement of last year’s ceremony. Inductees included Kent Blazy and Brett James in the songwriter category, Spooner Oldham in the veteran songwriter category, Steve Earle in the songwriter/artist category and Bobbie Gentry in the veteran songwriter/artist category, for the 2020 class. For 2021, Rhett Akins and Buddy Cannon were inducted in the songwriter category, John Scott Sherrill in the veteran songwriter category, Toby Keith in the songwriter/artist category and Amy Grant in the veteran songwriter/artist category for 2021. The night featured a whole host of performances including: Trisha Yearwood performing “Ode To Billie Joe” to honor Gentry, John Anderson performing “Wild and Blue” to honor Sherrill, Thomas Rhett performing “That Ain’t My Truck,” to honor his dad Akins, and Carrie Underwood was joined by James to sing her hit “Jesus Take The Wheel,” which he wrote. Also performing was Jason Isbell, who sang “I’m Your Puppet” to honor Oldham, Kenny Chesney performed “Set ‘Em Up Joe” to honor Cannon, Vince Gill celebrated wife Grant with a performance of “Breath of Heaven,” Emmy Lou Harris celebrated Earle with a performance of his song “Pilgrim,” Ronnie Dunn paid tribute to Keith with a performance of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” and Blazy was honored by Garth Brooks with a performance of “If Tomorrow Never Comes."
Lauren Alaina has been named the CMA Foundation’s newest Artist Ambassador, and will participate in events and initiatives that enhance the Foundation’s mission, to ensure children have the opportunity to make music. “I would not be Lauren Alaina without the role music education played in my life,” says Alaina. “I’m grateful for the music programs I was in throughout my middle school and high school years. I’m honored to join the CMA Foundation in their mission to make sure all kids have the same opportunity to make music a part of their lives.” As part of role, Lauren is set to host a virtual “Fansgiving” on November 22ndwhere fans will be able to chat with Lauren and cook alongside her as she reads from her new book “Getting Good at Being You.” Tickets for the event cost $10 and go on sale Friday.