NNASHVILLE, TN (Top40 Charts) The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) held their 6th Annual NATD Honors Gala honoring seven Nashville leaders at the Hermitage Hotel. The who's who of Nashville's entertainment industry joined together to present to honorees.
John Cowan of New Grass Revival Fame and current band member of The
Doobie Brothers performed "
Song For You" in honor of Leon Russell, veteran musician and member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame and presented the award to Leon Russell's daughters, Sugaree,
Honey and Coco.
Red Light Management's Charlie
Brusco and special guest, Martina McBride, presented to Rod Essig, Agent and Co-Head of the Nashville office of Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Mike Smardak, award-winning promoter and President of Outback Concerts, received his award which from
Music Agent and Co-Head of CAA's Nashville office, John Huie.
The legendary
Randy Travis was also honored; country artist
Michael Ray performed a medley of Travis' hits with Marty
Stuart presenting his award. Pete Weber, sportscaster and the voice of the Nashville Predators, honored Olympic Gold-medalist and one of the top defensemen in the NHL newly acquired by the Nashville Predators, P.K. Subban. The MWS Group's Chaz Corzine presented to Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold-medal figure skater, actor, and speaker. Doc McGhee, industry visionary and accomplished artist manager who heads McGhee Entertainment, was presented his award by John Esposito, the CEO and President of Warner
Music Nashville.
Franklin, Tennessee resident and Lipscomb University student, Mallory Corzine, was presented with a $5,000 scholarship. Corzine is studying to be a child life specialist and plans to work at St. Jude's Children Hospital, where she received treatment for and beat cancer. Throughout her treatment and surgeries for her brain tumor, she found sign language was a helpful way to retain her memory. This inspired her to minor in sign language and interpreting.
"NATD has been a Nashville music industry staple for nearly 60 years. Thanks to the support of our board and members, we have been able to continue the association's traditions while beginning new initiatives to continue to bring together leaders in our collective industries," said Steve Tolman, NATD President. "All seven of our honorees this year represent all that is good here in Nashville. They all are leaders in their fields whether it be music, sports or another entertainment form."
NATD was founded in 1958 and professionally represents, directs, and promotes the entertainment industry through its members. Today those members generate over $300 million dollars annually for Nashville-based artists. The organization not only serves as a forum for idea exchange among its members, it also serves as a vehicle for other facets of the industry to share information vital to the overall growth of the Nashville music and entertainment industry. NATD members foster camaraderie among "friendly competitors" which seems to be unique to the closely knit Nashville music and entertainment community. As part of its philanthropic program NATD provides scholarship funds for students showing exemplary performances in academics, civic duties, and personal goals. For more information, please visit www.n-a-t-d.com.
