Crystal Gayle honoured with Bill Anderson Icon Award
By Preshias Harris
The elegant Estate at Cherokee Dock, former home of Reba McEntire, was the setting for Love From Music City’s 5th Annual Gala on October 5th with an evening of music, entertainment, surprises, and support for foster children throughout Middle Tennessee and orphans abroad.
The special event began with a VIP red carpet where I was able to talk to many of the artists and celebrities in attendance. You’ll find some of the comments they shared with me below.
Stairs: JD Shelburne, Denny Strickland, Tim Atwood, Nathan & Suzanne Young,
Danica Hart, Trea Swindle, Devynn Hart (Chapel Hart),
Front row: Jeff Shannon, Cherish Lee, Makenzie Phipps, Charlene Tilton, Jonny and Crystal Brown, Crystal Gayle, Shanda and Robb Tripp, Devon O’Day, LaVerne and Edith Tripp, Buddy Jewell, Melissa Luman, NEDY.
(Photo by: Tanya Long /Reflections By Tanya)
The red carpet was followed by hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and live musical performances. Artists present at the gala included Pam Tillis, Buddy Jewell, Marty Raybon, Devon O’Day, Cherish Lee, Charlene Tilton, JD Shelburne, Tim Atwood, Chapel Hart, NEDY, Makenzie Phipps, Denny Strickland, Billy Mason, Chris Golden, Nathan & Suzanne Young, who joined Crystal Gayle, the recipient of this year’s Bill Anderson Icon Award. Gayle was recognized for her contributions made to the community and for her role as a trailblazer and legendary performer, epitomizing everything Love From Music City stands for. The organization has a 50 year legacy of feeding and clothing orphans across the globe, with 10 years including local, Middle Tennessee foster children.
“It’s an honor to be given the Bill Anderson Icon Award by Love From Music City,” shared Crystal Gayle. “And it’s an honor to be associated with Love From Music City and the great work they do helping and loving orphans and foster children.”
Crystal Gayle’s reign in the music business includes 20 No. 1 country hits, six albums certified Gold by the RIAA, and the first female artist in country music history to reach platinum sales with her 1977 album, We Must Believe in Magic.
On the red carpet…
On the red carpet, I met with Chapel Heart – I love these ladies! I met them many months back in our office on Music Row. I heard what I thought were angels singing next door. In fact it was sisters Danica Hart and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle. ‘We are blessed to have the amazing 2021, despite the pandemic. Helping causes like this makes you feel like you’re doing your part.” said Devynn Hart. Trea added, “It’s our responsibility to do our part, this is what this community is about, pulling together to help each other.” You can find more about Chapel Hart and their new album, The Girls Are Back In Town here where you also see their music video, “You Can Have Him Jolene.”
Next I spotted Makenzie Phipps who shared with me: “I am so glad to be a part of this great organization. For all they have been doing for the orphans, feeding the hungry and especially the military.” Makenzie is so sincere and is a true country girl at heart. Check her music out at: Spotify … Apple Music and iTunes. Follow Makenzie on Socials: Facebook and Instagram.
It was so good to see Melissa Lumen Phillips. She and our team at Country Rewind Records have been working for over two years on a special collector’s release of her late father Bob Luman‘s country classics. The album is titled Honky Tonk Man. More on Country Rewind releases here.
I then caught up with Tim Atwood. The last time I saw Tim he was at the Nashville Palace a few months back, promoting a Benefit. Tim said, “I am so happy I can be a part of this. It is pretty special to be able to be with your fellow musicians to help support this great charity.” He always has something good going on. He and Jeannie Seely have been working on a project. More about that coming up soon. Catch up with Tim (who has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry over 8,500 times) here.
I have known Billy Mason since I first moved to Nashville. He was a founding member of the Dancehall Doctors, Tim McGraw‘s band for over 29 years. Billy shared how grateful he was that this charity has reached so many in need. ‘I am blessed to be a part of a great cause,” he told me. There’s a touching story about Billy here.
It was so good to catch up with Crystal Gayle. One of her biggest hits “You’ve Been Talking In Your Sleep” was co-written by our friend and former next door neighbor Roger Cook. It was one of her biggest records and it came out in 1978. Crystal was very humbled by the award and told me, “It’s incredible to be able to receive the Bill Anderson Icon Award. It’s so wonderful to be involved in this charity. It’s such a wonderful cause that is still giving hope.” Stay current with Crystal here.
“The 5th Annual Love From Music City Gala was an evening of memories and heartfelt emotions as we raised money for orphans abroad and Foster Children throughout the Middle Tennessee area,” said CEO Shanda Tripp. “We would like to thank all of the artists and sponsors who came together to make the event possible and to honor Crystal Gayle with the Bill Anderson Icon award.”
The generous support of those who contribute made it possible for all proceeds from the event to be immediately put to work. Throughout COVID, this organization continued to raise funds, being the sole contributor for food and basic survival needs to their orphanages in Haiti. Love From Music City put together an unforgettable evening for their 5th Annual Gala, having filled each seat with people who have made a difference in the lives of others.
Love From Music City Organization is passionate about helping and serving those in need with a focus is on local foster children and orphans abroad, advocating to ensure their needs are met. Love From Music City believes that every motherless child has a voice and should be heard and is determined to help these children and rightfully help and show respect. Everyone needs to know they are loved and that they matter.
More information about Love From Music City here.