Born Jerry Reed Hubbard on March 20, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, Reed first learned to play the guitar on a used model his mother purchased for him when he was still a young child. He developed his proclivity for funk-infused picking early, following his intuition instead of established musical techniques. Reed performed in roadhouses as a teenager and at 16, he began working with Atlanta publisher and radio host Bill Lowery. Lowery introduced Reed to Capitol Records, who signed the promising young musician to his first deal when he was only 17 years-old.

Chart domination temporarily evaded Reed, and after leaving Capitol and a stint in the U.S. Army, he moved to Nashville to establish himself as a songwriter and session player. Substantial successes soon followed: Elvis Presley’s “Guitar Man” and “U.S. Male,” both written by Reed, also feature his signature “claw”-style guitar playing. Legends and luminaries including Brenda Lee, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Porter Waggoner, Gene Vincent and Tom Jones would also go on to record hits penned by Reed, while his guitar licks also colored recordings by Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, and many more.

Guitar king and RCA chief Chet Atkins had also sensed Reed’s immense potential, signing him to the label with a determination to embrace and encourage Reed’s uniqueness. The hits that followed made Reed a star: “Alabama Wild Man,” “Amos Moses,” “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot” and “Good Lord, Mr. Ford” ruled country charts and crossed into the pop mainstream. “Amos Moses” generated a 1971 Grammy nomination for best male country performance, while Reed and Atkins’ instrumental collaboration earned the Grammy for best country instrumental performance the same year. “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot” underscored Reed’s streak, earning the Grammy for best male country performance the following year.

Reed’s unyielding sense of humor and disarming country charm attracted Hollywood, who tapped him most notably to star in the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy as Burt Reynolds’ sidekick, “The Snowman.” He also contributed heavily to the films’ soundtracks, co-penning the theme “East Bound and Down.”

A multiple BMI Country, Pop and Million-Air Award winner, Mr. Reed’s most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his musical prowess. His guitar-picking innovation, innate humor, inimitable vocals and wry songwriting forged multiple inroads for future entertainers. He will be greatly missed.

Click here to read music journalist Peter Cooper’s comprehensive look at the life of Jerry Reed.

Pictured at BMI in Nashville for Jerry Reed’s 2005 album release party are (l-r): Buzz Cason, Bobby Bare, former BMI Assistant Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Harry Warner, Chip Young, Bob Beckham, Jerry Reed and Jerry Kennedy. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

Al Gallico began his career in the late 30's in New York City, running errands for classical music publishing corporation G. Schirmer. After many years with Leeds Music and Shapiro-Bernstein, Mr. Gallico opened independent publishing venture, Al Gallico Music Corporation. One of his first staff writers was the now legendary Billy Sherrill.

Mr. Gallico's impact straddled traditionally disparate music business spheres, from British rock to classic country: He published country standards including "Stand by Your Man," "Almost Persuaded," "The Most Beautiful Girl" and "Let Me Be There," while his catalog also contains "House of the Rising Sun" and the Zombies' "Time of the Season," "Hold Your Head Up" and "Liar."

A name frequently mentioned alongside Nashville icons including Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley, Jerry Kennedy and Shelby Singleton, Mr. Gallico earned a formidable status as a behind-the-scenes power player. In addition to the numerous hits he published, Mr. Gallico discovered popular 70s country artist Donna Fargo, whose career song "The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA" was also published by Gallico. His success firmly stemmed from his overwhelming passion for music and its creators: The Songwriters Hall of Fame honored him with the prestigious Abe Olman Publishers Award in 1995.

Del Bryant, BMI President & CEO, noted, “I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Al since I was a youngster of 23, just starting my career at BMI. Al and his lovely wife Grace were at home in every music community — New York, Los Angeles, Nashville and London. Al was involved with the dynamic success of artists as diverse as The Pretenders, Tammy Wynette and The Zombies. He inspired and taught generations of independent publishers the true path to success — and how to have fun all along the way!"

Mr. Gallico is survived by his wife of 62 years, Grace, two daughters Gail and Linda, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held last month in Los Angeles, while a special Nashville memorial will be staged at a later date.

“I had a pop/doo-wop kind of vocal group that signed with RCA Victor and our first record was released in 1956,” recalls Crutchfield. “It’s amazing to think I’ve been in this crazy business for 50 years!”

Crutchfield’s group never had a hit. But it did start him on a successful songwriting career — and he remains a BMI writer.

“I sent a demo of ‘Little Sparrow’ to Chet Atkins and he cut it with Eddy Arnold — my first major [cover] release,” says Crutchfield, who had to sing the melody part for Atkins on the phone since it was mixed too low on the demo. He would go on to land over 150 covers by the likes of Elvis Presley, Tanya Tucker, Lee Greenwood and Tammy Wynette. His “My Whole World Is Falling Down” became a pop hit for Brenda Lee in 1963 and was also a major European hit for French singing and film star Sylvie Vartan.

But Crutchfield began producing, too. “I really enjoyed the energy of the studio — and musicians making music,” he says, and sure enough, he produced Dave Loggins’s “Please Come to Boston,” one of the most successful pop records ever cut in Nashville — not to mention country hits including Lee Greenwood’s Grammy-winning “I.O.U.”

Crutchfield would serve as Executive Vice President/General Manager of Capitol Records and President of the Nashville division of MCA Music. But he also established MCA Music Publishing (now Universal Music Publishing) as a major Nashville publishing house, and had a hand in signing and developing such top Music Row writers as Loggins, Don Schlitz, Gary Burr and Mark Nesler.

He continues to run the Crutchfield Music Group of publishing companies (its Glitterfish Music catalog has had hits by George Strait, Tim McGraw and Martina McBride) while writing a series of “The Adventures of Dr. Raccoon” children’s books.

His alma mater, Murray State University in Kentucky, is currently exhibiting his memorabilia to commemorate a new scholarship in his name, but Crutchfield looks ahead. “People complain about changes in the business,” he says, “but time marches on and you have to stay with the program.”

A former county legislator and school board president, Hall's musical career spans 35 years as an original member of renowned rock band Orleans. He has recorded 18 albums and has worked with other notable BMI artists including Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner, Bobby McFerrin, Linda Ronstadt and the Doobie Brothers.

Originally a hit for Orleans, "Still the One" was honored with a BMI Pop Award in 1976 and 1977, as well as a BMI Country Award in 1978. To date, the song has accumulated more than 4.5 million broadcast performances (roughly the equivalent of 28.5 years of continuous airplay).

Also a hit for Orleans, "Dance with Me" won a BMI Pop Award in 1975 and has been covered by such diverse artists as Bobby McFerrin, Earl Klugh and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

Hall is running in the 19th Congressional District of New York. His stated goals are to restore checks and balances to government, to make healthcare affordable and available for all, and to promote energy independence based on clean alternatives. As a songwriter and publisher, he is keenly aware of the intellectual property issues facing content owners.]]> 2006-03-02T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234363 Artists, Atkins, Chet, Bogguss, Suzy, Musical Styles, Folk Suzy Bogguss has joined BMI for performing rights representation.

Pictured in the Nashville office are BMI's Thomas Cain and Suzy Bogguss. photo by Doug Crider

Bogguss's recent work includes her contribution of "Bouncin' Off the Bottom" to the Kid Pan Alley project, a national program that brings songwriters into schools around the country. She was also part of the American Roots release Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster, which won a 2005 Grammy Award as Best Traditional Folk Album; Suzy's track was "Ah, May the Red Rose Live Always."

With over 10 studio albums to her name, Bogguss has collaborated with some of Nashville's top songwriters, including Chet Atkins, Steve Dorff, Matraca Berg, Pat Bunch and her husband, writer/producer Doug Crider. Among her biggest hits are "Letting Go," "Hey Cinderella," "Outbound Plane," "Just Like the Weather" and "Aces."]]> 2005-03-03T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233166 Artists, Atkins, Chet, Carlisle, Bill, Parton, Dolly, Wagoner, Porter, Awards, Industry Awards, Country Music Awards, Musical Styles, Country, Pop BMI legends Bill Carlisle and Porter Wagoner will become the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, bringing the Hall's total to 88. Formal induction will take place during the 36th Annual CMA Awards, which will be broadcast live on CBS-TV, Wednesday, November 6 (8:00 - 11:00 PM/EST) from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

Bill Carlisle

Porter Wagoner

Wagoner is being inducted in the annual “Open” Category, while Carlisle is to be inducted in the special “Performer Whose Career Achieved National Prominence Prior To 1980” Category. All inductees are chosen by the Hall of Fame panel of electors, consisting of more than 300 anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors.

Porter Wagoner

A Missouri native, Wagoner brought Country Music into television households on a weekly basis long before the TNN, CMT or GAC cable networks were ever conceived. Before he signed with RCA Records in 1952, “The Thin Man from West Plains” was a featured performer on Red Foley’s groundbreaking “Ozark Jubilee” (broadcast nationally on television and radio from Springfield, Missouri).

A string of successful hit songs, including “Company’s Comin’,” “A Satisfied Mind” and “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry,” led Wagoner to move to Nashville and accept an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1957. He returned to television in 1961 with “The Porter Wagoner Show,” a weekly syndicated series based out of Nashville. The program started with 18 stations and eventually grew to more than 100 stations in the early ‘70s. The series, which ended in 1981, provided a showcase for the hottest Country Music stars of the day; but the show also gave Wagoner tremendous exposure as he continued to hit the music charts with songs like “Misery Loves Company,” “I’ve Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand,” “Green, Green Grass of Home,” “The Cold Hard Facts of Life,” “The Carroll County Accident” and many more.

He won three Grammy Awards (1966, 1967, 1969) for gospel albums he recorded with the Blackwood Brothers. Wagoner added the then-unknown Dolly Parton to the cast of his television show in 1967 and soon began recording duet albums with the young singer as well as producing her solo albums. Their first collaboration, “The Last Thing On My Mind,” launched a string of Top 10 hits for the duo. They went on to win three CMA Awards (1968 Vocal Group of the Year, 1970 & 1971 Vocal Duo of the Year) as well as a 1975 BMI Country Award for co-writing "Please Don't Stop Loving Me." Wagoner and Parton went their separate ways in 1975 to focus on their solo careers. Parton would later write her classic song “I Will Always Love You” about him.

In addition to recording his own albums, Wagoner appeared in the Clint Eastwood film “Honky Tonk Man,” served as Opryland’s Goodwill Ambassador for several years and was a frequent host of the long-running “Opry Backstage” TNN television series. “The Wagonmaster” has long been known for his flamboyant rhinestone-studded Manuel stage outfits. He is currently celebrating his 45th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, where he continues to be one of its most popular entertainers. Wagoner’s new album, Unplugged, will be released on September 10.

Bill Carlisle

A Kentucky native, Carlisle established one of country music’s most enduring careers. Born in 1908, Carlisle got his start performing with his family on local radio in Louisville. His older brother, Cliff Carlisle, went on to become a popular singer in the 1930s and Carlisle soon followed in his footsteps, scoring his first big hit with “Rattlesnake Daddy.”

Although they maintained solo careers, Bill and Cliff frequently joined forces as The Carlisle Brothers and became major radio stars during the Depression, fusing hillbilly, Hawaiian, blues, yodeling and vaudeville elements into their performances. The brothers’ best-known song as a duo was “Rainbow at Midnight.” After splitting amicably with Cliff in the late ‘40s, Carlisle hit the charts with “Tramp on the Street.”

Based in the Knoxville area, Carlisle worked frequently with the Carter Family, Archie Campbell, Don Gibson, Homer & Jethro and others. He hired a young Chet Atkins for both radio and road work. Soon, Carlisle had formed a new group -- The Carlisles -- and continued recording hit songs such as “Too Old To Cut The Mustard,” “No Help Wanted,” “Knothole,” “Is Zat You, Myrtle?,” “Shake-A-Leg” and “Honey Love.” The group’s success led to an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1953, where Carlisle soon earned his nickname “Jumpin’ Bill” for his wild movements on stage during his performances. Among his awards are a 1952 BMI Pop Award for “Too Old To Cut The Mustard” (also recorded by Marlene Dietrich) and a 1953 BMI Country Award for "No Help Wanted."

The group disbanded in the mid-‘60s, but Carlisle continued as a recording artist, earning a hit with “What Kinda Deal Is This?” in 1966. He still performs regularly alongside his son, Billy, on the Grand Ole Opry, where he reigns as the oldest member and serves as a living link to the dawning days of the country music industry.

BMI's Paul Corbin, Merle Atkins Russell, the Recording Academy's Nancy Shapiro, Brenda Lee & Ronnie Shacklett

Among the guests were Ralph Emery, Delbert McClinton, producers Tony Brown and Ron Chancey, musicians Harold Bradley, Ray Edenton, John Johns and Eddie Bayers, Mark James, Bud & Janice Wendell, Katherine Bradley, and former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Bill Ivey.

Click here to read letters from Frances Preston
to Brenda Lee and the Atkins Family

Several of Atkins' relatives were on hand, including daughter Merle Russell, grandchildren Mandy and Jonathan Russell, sister Billie Rose Shockley and niece Megan Taylor. Lee was accompanied by her husband, Ronnie Shacklett (celebrating their 39th anniversary this month), as well as daughters Jolie Shacklett and Julie Clay.

Congratulations were read from Recording Academy President & CEO Michael Greene and from BMI President & CEO Frances Preston before Academy Vice President Nancy Shapiro and BMI Vice President Paul Corbin presented gifts to the Atkins Family and to Lee.

Lee's autobiography, Little Miss Dynamite: The Life and Times of Brenda Lee (co-authored with Robert K. Oermann and Julie Clay) was recently published by Hyperion Books.

Lee and Atkins are also members of the Country Music Hall of Fame; Lee is the only woman enshrined in the two Halls of Fame.

1977 BMI Country Awards: Frances W. Preston, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Neil Reshen of EMI-Full Nelson Music

Jennings sold more than 40 million records worldwide. He had 89 singles that entered the Billboard singles charts, including 53 that landed in the Top 10 and 16 that hit #1. Among his many awards are two Grammys, four CMA Awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year (1975), 15 BMI Country Awards and 5 BMI Pop Awards. His collaboration with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, and Jessi Colter, titled Wanted: The Outlaws , was the first RIAA-certified platinum country album, and lent its name to the "Outlaw" movement. Like his friend Nelson, he often bristled at the boundaries imposed on artists and music by Music Row's method of operation, and he was based for many years in his native Texas. He once said, "It wasn't until I started producing my own records and using my own musicians and working with people who understood what I was about that I first started having any real success." The duo's "Good Hearted Woman" was #1 for three weeks in 1976 and was CMA Single of the Year.

Frances Preston, BMI President and CEO, had this to say about the passing of her friend:

“Waylon was one of the most colorful songwriters I’ve ever known. In spite of the rough, tough image he sought to portray, he was also one of the gentlest people I’ve ever known. That gentleness really surfaced when his son, Shooter, was born and Waylon cherished holding him in the palm of his hand to show him off to his friends. And, of course, Jessi was the delight of his life. When Waylon and Willie and Kris were appearing together, it was one of the most exciting times in country music. Those three gigantic talents fed off each other and shared their souls with the whole world. Waylon, particularly, believed in true country music and hated the plastic country music was about to become. He was my friend and I’ll miss him.”

Jennings was born in Littlefield, Texas, on June 15, 1937. He was a disc jockey at 12 and, as a teenager, began performing regionally with a country band. He dropped out of the 10th grade and moved to Lubbock, Texas in 1954, where he performed on the radio station KLLL. There he met Buddy Holly in 1955 and joined Holly's band, playing bass, in 1958 -59. Holly produced Jennings's first single, a version of the Cajun song "Jole Blon." Jennings' career was nearly cut short by tragedy soon after it began: he was scheduled to fly on the light plane that crashed and killed Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson on February 3, 1959. Jennings had given up his seat on the plane to Richardson, who was ill and wanted to fly rather than travel by bus with those left behind.

In the early ‘60s, Jennings established himself as one of the premiere nightclub entertainers in the Phoenix area. Chet Atkins heard him play in 1965 and signed him to RCA Records. His chart-topping hits included "Are You Sure Hank Done It That Way," "Luckenbach, Texas" (#1 six weeks), "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" ( #1 four weeks), "I've Always Been Crazy" ( #1 three weeks), "Just To Satisfy You," "Amanda, " "Lucille," and "The Wurlitzer Prize."

His legendary collaborations include his work with wife Jessi Colter, and with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson in the Highwaymen.

In 1980, Jennings sang the theme for the television show "The Dukes of Hazzard " ("Good Ol Boys," which was a million seller) and was the series' narrator .

He is survived by his wife and six children. Burial service will be private; a memorial service in Nashville is being planned by the family. Fans who wish to send condolences to the family may send them to 1117 17th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212.

Waylon Jennings' BMI Million-Airs:
"Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way " 1 Million performances
"Good Hearted Woman " 2 Million performances
"Good Ol Boys" (Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard) 1 Million performances
"Just To Satisfy You " 1 Million performances

Everly Brothers

Louvin Brothers

Homer and Jethro

Formal induction for the 12 new members will take place during special ceremonies at a dinner October 4 in Nashville. The honorees will also be recognized during the 35th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 7 on CBS-TV.

Sam Phillips

Webb Pierce

Bill Anderson

Don Gibson

The 10 individuals eligible for the special induction have all been final nominees for the Hall of Fame at least three times before. Anderson and Phillips were part of the regular induction process this year in the Open and Non-Performer Categories. All inductees were chosen by the Hall of Fame panel of electors -- more than 300 anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors.

"Since 1961, only 74 individuals, duos or groups have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. With the special induction of 10 members along with our regular inductions for 2001, we are able to significantly increase the breadth and range of honorees in the Country Music Hall of Fame," observed CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "Recognizing them during a special celebration event affords us the time necessary to honor their extraordinary contributions to Country Music with participation from the entire industry."

Alabama natives Alton and Rabon Delmore began singing and picking together as children, quickly mastering a fast-fingered guitar style. They first recorded with Columbia in 1931, joining the Grand Ole Opry a year later. The Delmore Brothers went on to record some of their best-known songs for Bluebird in the late 1930s, including "Big River Blues" and "Nashville Blues." They scored a huge hit in 1949 with "Blues Stay Away from Me," and found renewed popularity with boogie and blues recordings for Cincinnati's King Records after World War II. The Delmore Brothers are considered one of the most popular country music brother duos. Rabon died in 1952, and Alton 12 years later.

Phil and Don Everly's career began early, performing with their parents, and later landing a contract with Cadence Records after high school. Publishers at Acuff-Rose introduced them to Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, who would later write their smash "Bye Bye Love." The song topped the pop and country music charts, making it one of the biggest hits of 1957, and launching the Everly Brothers to teen idol status. The Everly Brothers' unique blend of country and folk scored them countless hits including "Wake Up Little Susie," "Bird Dog" and "All I Have to Do is Dream." The duo split in 1973, but reunited in 1983 to record several albums together. The Everly Brothers continue to tour, serving as a major country influence on generations of pop and rock 'n' roll musicians. Each has won the BMI Country Song of the Year award: Phil in 1976 with "When Will I Be Loved" and Don in 1990 with "Cathy's Clown."

North Carolina native Don Gibson got his start on WNOX radio in Knoxville. By the mid-'50s, he expanded his audience through a string of recordings for RCA, Columbia and MGM, becoming one of the area's most popular performers. Already a talented guitarist, Gibson gained notoriety as a songwriter when Faron Young hit the Top 10 in 1956 with the classic, "Sweet Dreams." His song "I Can't Stop Loving You" was a hit for both Ray Charles and Kitty Wells. His own version of the song in 1958 appeared on the flipside of "Oh Lonesome Me." This double-sided hit marked his first national success as a recording artist, paving the way for him to join the Grand Ole Opry that same year. Gibson continued to tour and perform on the Grand Ole Opry until the 1990s. A living legend, Gibson is considered one of the top record-sellers in country music history. He was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year in 1967 and has earned more than two dozen BMI Country and Pop honors.

Henry (Homer) Haynes and Kenneth (Jethro) Burns teamed up in 1932 to become a new comedic/musical act, performing on Knoxville radio station WNOX with the Stringdusters Band. Though best known for their comedy, Homer was a phenomenal rhythm guitarist and Jethro was considered to be a great mandolin stylist. They made their first recording for King Records in 1946, subsequently signing with RCA in 1949. Homer and Jethro's many hits include the parodies "That Hound Dog in the Window," "Let Me Go Blubber," "The Battle of Kookamonga" and "Jam-Bowl-Liar." They were also sidemen on many hits by other artists, including Chet Atkins. Except for a brief time during Word War II, their career together spanned 38 years until Homer's death in 1971. Jethro went on to record several more albums before passing away in 1989.

A native of Littlefield, Texas, Waylon Jennings made his first musical mark as a bass player for Buddy Holly's band from 1958-1959. Jennings, who gave up his seat on Holly's fatal plane to J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, went on to pursue his desire to become a singer after Holly's death. Jennings moved to Nashville in 1965 when Bobby Bare helped sign him to the RCA label. His lean, bass-driven sound, long dark hair, and black attire in the 1970s helped define Jennings' image as an outlaw. His success continued with hits such as "I'm A Ramblin' Man" and "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way." In 1976, Jennings' work was part of country music's first platinum album Wanted: The Outlaws. Over the years, Jennings has scored countless hits with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Jerry Reed, Hank Williams Jr., wife Jessi Colter, and The Highwaymen (with Cash, Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson), and has collected more than 15 BMI Country and Pop Awards. He continues to be a major force in country music today.

The legendary quartet The Jordanaires was formed in Springfield, Missouri. Known for singing spirituals, barbershop numbers and Country tunes, they experienced their first major recording success singing backup for Red Foley on "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." The Jordanaires are probably best known as long-time, vocal backup for Elvis Presley and they were regulars on the Grand Ole Opry. They experienced enormous international success, often ranking alongside The Beatles and Rolling Stones on lists of the Top 10 Most Popular Recording Groups in the World. From the early days of "Hound Dog" and "All Shook Up," to the success of "Four Walls" and "Crazy," The Jordanaires have probably been heard on more recordings than any other vocal group in the world. They remain very active with personal appearances and recording sessions. The quartet's personnel has changed a number of times since the group's founding in 1948: Gordon Stoker (BMI), Ray Walker and deceased members Neal Matthews, Jr. (BMI) and Hoyt Hawkins will be the lineup that enters the Hall.

Don Law was born in the British Isles and rose to prominence as an executive with the American Record Corporation and Columbia Records. During Law's tenure, he conducted dozens of sessions and made many talent discoveries of his own. He eventually took over the Country division of Columbia, when his mentor Arthur Satherley retired in 1952. Law went on to produce many of the label's biggest stars including Carl Smith, Ray Price, Lefty Frizzell, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Marty Robbins, Jimmy Dean, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. Law also guided The Everly Brothers, Gordon Terry and Buddy Emmons through their first solo recordings. Law retired in 1965 after producing some of the biggest hits of his era including "El Paso," "Big Bad John" and many more. He died in 1982.

Born in Henegar, Alabama, Ira and Charlie Loudermilk each had their own talents: Ira, with his high tenor voice and mandolin abilities and Charlie, with his lead baritone and guitar playing. Together, as The Louvin Brothers, they formed a unique sound that would eventually position them among the most influential singer/songwriters in country music history. From 1951-1963, the brothers recorded for Apollo Records, Decca and later for MGM, under the supervision of Nashville producer Fred Rose. Rose later helped them secure a record deal with Capitol. By 1955, their radio work prepared them for a career-launching appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. During the 1950s, The Louvin Brothers rode high on such hits as "When I Stop Dreaming," "Hoping That You're Hoping" and "You're Running Wild," and they co-wrote five BMI Country Award-winning tunes. The Louvin Brothers were among the first country acts to do concept albums including "Tragic Songs of Life" and tribute albums to The Delmore Brothers and Roy Acuff. Charlie's career continued after Ira's tragic death in 1965 from an automobile accident. The Louvin sound lives on in Charlie's numerous appearances and performances.

Minnesota native Ken Nelson moved to Chicago as a small boy. At 12 he began his musical career with the Melrose Brothers Music Company, where he worked for five years. Nelson later became a radio announcer, followed by stints as music director for WAAF in Chicago, WJJD (also in Chicago) and WIND in Gary, Ind. In 1946, Nelson began working for Capitol Records, and six years later became the head of Capitol's Country division. There, he produced hit records by Tex Ritter, Hank Thompson, Buck Owens, Jean Shepard, Merle Travis, The Louvin Brothers and Merle Haggard. A major country music recording executive and a principal figure in establishing the Country Music Association, Nelson diligently pursued the expansion of country music. He served as a founding director and two-term president of CMA and as a trustee and chairman of the Country Music Foundation. Nelson was also instrumental in convincing the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to open a chapter in Nashville in 1964. At age 90, Nelson enjoys retirement in Southern California.

Louisiana native Webb Pierce was raised on country music, but got his own start in the music industry on local radio. In 1944 Pierce moved to Shreveport, the town where he made his debut on Louisiana Hayride on KWKH, and began his recording career with 4-Star Records. In 1950, Pierce started his own label, Pacemaker, with Louisiana Hayride director Horace Logan. Pierce moved to Decca in 1951, where he scored his first major hit "Wondering." Pierce went on to claim 13 No. 1 hits (including a remake of Jimmie Rodgers' "In the Jailhouse Now," which stayed atop the Billboard charts for 21 weeks) and earn nearly two dozen BMI Country Awards. His unmatched string of hits led him to Nashville, where he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1952. Pierce garnered more No. 1 records than any other artist in the 1950s. An astute businessman, he owned several radio stations and was part owner of Cedarwood Publishing Company. Pierce bowed out of the public eye -- with the exception of one chart single with Willie Nelson in 1982 -- enjoying his retirement from 1976 until his death in 1991.

Selected in the Open Category for 2001, South Carolina native "Whisperin'" Bill Anderson worked his way through the University of Georgia as a disc Jockey, sports writer and performer. Soon after Anderson recorded his own "City Lights" for TNT Records, Ray Price scored a No. 1 hit with the song in 1958. Anderson soon signed with Decca Records and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1961. He wrote many of his own hits including "Mama Sang A Song," "Still" and "Po' Folks," while penning classic songs for Connie Smith, Lefty Frizzell, Roy Clark and others. He ahs continued his songwriting successes into the new millennium with a new generation of artists including Steve Wariner and Brad Paisley. He has more than 40 BMI Country songwriting awards, winning his first in 1959 at BMI's debut Country Awards dinner and his latest two Citations in 2000. Anderson had his own syndicated TV show and has been a popular host for programs on ABC-TV and TNN.

Inducted into the Non-Performer Category for 2001, Sam Phillips ignited the rockabilly explosion of the 1950s. Phillips profoundly shaped the evolution of American Music. The Alabama-born producer recorded blues acts like B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf for R&B labels before establishing Sun Records in Memphis in 1952. Soon he launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison and others who drew from the roots-based, African-American sounds Phillips loved. He inspired other labels to sign young rockabilly acts and widened Country's Audience. He retired after selling Sun Records in 1969, but his influence still affects musicians in many fields.

Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame is regarded as the ultimate recognition of outstanding contributions to Country Music. There are currently 74 individuals, duos or groups in the Hall of Fame including BMI President and CEO Frances W. Preston who was inducted in 1992. Established in 1961, the Country Music Hall of Fame is managed by the CMA, which conducts the annual election of members into the Hall of Fame.

BMI songwriter Chet Atkins, known as ''Mr. Guitar'' and considered the most-recorded solo instrumentalist in music history, died at his Nashville home on Sunday, July 1 after a long battle with cancer. He was 77. A BMI songwriter since 1958 with over 200 songs in his repertoire, Atkins was widely known and admired by the general public as a master guitarist and at the same time played a less visible role behind the scenes as a musician, producer and record executive.

Born in the hills of Tennessee, Chet Atkins first came to the public’s attention as a member of the band that accompanied the Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle. Their appearances on the “The Carter Family and Chet Atkins Show” on KWTO of Springfield, Missouri were so successful that the program was nationally syndicated. This degree of visibility led Atkins to begin recording on his own for RCA Records in 1946 and to move to Nashville in 1949. There, he joined a group of studio players who are now associated with some of the most successful country recordings of all time. They include pianist Floyd Cramer and guitarist Grady Martin, as well as back-up groups the Jordanaires and the Anita Kerr Singers.

Atkins (right) is seen here in 1991 at the BMI-hosted dedication party of "Chet Atkins Place" on Music Row, only the second person (Roy Acuff was the first) to be honored with a namesake street. Presenting him with the framed street sign are BMI's Harry Warner and Joyce Rice, and former BMI VP Roger Sovine.

Atkins also showed himself to be a skillful recording studio manager. When Steve Sholes became head of RCA A&R in 1957, he put Atkins in charge of the Nashville operation. At that time, the rise of rock & roll had eroded country’s popularity with the public. Atkins helped country music recover its prominence by a skillful reconfiguration of its instrumentation. A smoother sound more dependent upon strings and vocal chorus took the place of steel guitars and fiddles. While some fussed that these practices eroded country’s authenticity, others admired Atkins’s progressive tendencies and business savvy. He never thought of country music as something fixed or unalterable. As he stated, "After I’d had a few hits, I would just draw on chord changes I’d learned in jazz and things I’d heard in gospel and classical music - bass lines, chords and such. And I’d just ad those influences when I felt like it. No one knew the difference, and sometimes we got some great sounds that way."

At a 1993 ceremony unveiling a new Chet Atkins model from Gibson Guitars: BMI's Harry Warner, Ralph Emery, Dolly Parton, Gibson's Henry Juskiewicz and Chet Atkins. photo: Alan Mayor

While he set standards as a producer and executive, Atkins continued to record a steady stream of instrumental recordings. He particularly liked to work in tandem with another performer and laid down sides with Jerry Reed, Mark Knopfler and his idol, Merle Travis. Country music, if not American music altogether, would not and will not be the same without him.