Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Introduces New Board Members

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation has elected Dr. Bethel "Bo" Thomas, Vice President for University Advancement, Belmont University; and Kelli L. Gabriel, Sr. Vice President and Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley in Nashville; to its 2009/2010 Board of Directors. "We're delighted to welcome Bo and Kelli to our board," said Roger Murrah, Chairman of the NaSHOF Board, Bug Music Senior Vice President, Nashville, and a 2005 inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.  "Bo has been an integral part of our developing alliance with Belmont University, and both he and Kelli have the keen financial instincts to help guide us through the current economic conditions." The NaSHOF Board also elected its 2009 officers.  Murrah will serve a fourth term as Chair.  Other officers are:  Vice Chair - Wayland Holyfield, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member; Vice Chair - John Van Mol, CEO of Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence; Secretary - Pete Fisher, Vice President/General Manager, Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Entertainment; and Treasurer - Layng Martine, Jr., songwriter. Established in 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame boasts 171 members, including songwriting luminaries such as Max T. Barnes, Johnny Cash, Rodney Crowell, Bob Dylan, Don and Phil Everly, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, Harlan Howard, Bob McDill, Roger Miller, Bill Monroe, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Carl Perkins, Dottie Rambo, Jimmie Rodgers, Cindy Walker, Jimmy Webb, Hank Williams, Sr. and Hank Williams, Jr.  Induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a songwriter associated with the Nashville music community.