Photo credit: Moments by Moser
Presented by Big Machine Label Group
Founding Council Award: Jo Walker-Meador
Brian William Ambassador Award: Steve Buchanan
Dale Franklin Award: Reba McEntire
Glitz, glam and a country music fam. The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards red carpet brought to light the closeness of the country music community. It is an annual event to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest quality of leadership and leading by example. This year’s recipient is country music’s fiery hot pistol – Reba McEntire.
Jo Walker-Meador, longtime executive director of the Country Music Association was awarded the Founding Council Award and President of the Opry, Steve Buchanan, was awarded the Brian William Ambassador Award.
More photos from the #LeadershipMusic #DaleFranklin Red Carpet tonight! A photo posted by FOCUS on the 615 (@focus_on_the_615) on
Reba: “To everybody in the industry, I’ve been in the business now 40 years this month. I have so many people to thank who have paved the way for me. What do you do in the business? You do say you entertain, that’s your number 1 job. It’s also very important to leave something as you go. I’ve always thought it was really good idea to teach by example.
See the video below for Red Carpet interviews and musical highlights from the night:
Fellow country musicians and industry leaders shared their favorite memories of Reba. From shots and conga lines through a restaurant in Cancun to squirting Bean-O on her dinner because “I love eggplant but eggplant doesn’t love me,” Reba is always the life of the party.
“There are so many people I’d love to thank, but I’m about dying to use the bathroom right now so bad,” Reba said.
The common thread in every message to Reba was how much her friends and coworkers have learned from her over the years No doubt about it – everyone in the CMA Theater that night loves “Red.”
“Yes I do like my brown liquor. I do like that very much, and I have a great time. I love life, and I’m gonna continue loving life,” Reba said.
Check out the video below for full performances to honor Reba by Hillary Scott, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, and Ronnie Dunn. Includes the full speech from Reba.
