Lady Antebellum’s leading lady, Hillary Scott, has been tapped to host Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Awards honoring Jo Walker-Meador, Steve Buchanan and Reba McEntire on Monday, November 16, 2015.
Leadership Music will honor the three music industry luminaries at a gala cocktail reception, awards presentation and musical tribute beginning at 5:30 pm at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater. Big Machine Label Group is the title sponsor for the 2015 event. CMA’s legendary long-time Executive Director, Jo Walker-Meador, will receive a new award named for Leadership Music’s Founding Council; Steve Buchanan has been chosen as the recipient of the Brian Williams Ambassador Award, and Reba McEntire, award-winning musical artist, television personality and Broadway star will be honored with Leadership Music’s prestigious Dale Franklin Award.
“It’s always special to help recognize passionate people in our industry,” said Scott. “All three of these honorees have personally made amazing contributions not only in Nashville but have been part of sharing Country Music across the globe. I’m thrilled to have been asked to host and look forward to celebrating in a few weeks!”
The Leadership Music® Dale Franklin Award, named for the first Executive Director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest attributes of leadership and leading by example. Previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009), Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson (2010), CMA (2011) and Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Alabama’s Randy Owen (2012).
Seven-time GRAMMY awarding-winner Hillary Scott serves as one-third of the world’s most popular groups Lady Antebellum, selling over 11 million albums worldwide and earning six PLATINUM singles. The three-time ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” recently wrapped their sold-out headlining WHEELS UP 2015 TOUR, which extended the group’s 7FOR7 initiative granting seven surprises for seven fans. Additionally, their multi-level organization LadyAID continues bring awareness and generate support for children locally, nationally and globally with Scott’s heart particularly drawn to serving in Haiti. In addition to co-writing hits for Lady Antebellum, she has also penned songs for artists such as Blake Shelton and Sara Evan’s No. one hit “A Little Bit Stronger.” Additionally, as a former MTSU student, the singer recently started a scholarship at her alma mater for young women seeking a career in the music industry. For more information visit www.ladyantebellum.com
