Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ BMI) - The legendary Charlie Daniels gathered with friends and family in a special reception at BMI's
Music Row offices to celebrate Daniels' fifty-year milestone in the music industry. Attendees enjoyed fellowship and cocktails in BMI's main lobby, transformed into a gallery of Charlie Daniels' photos and memorabilia documenting his prolific career.
The event, hosted by BMI's Vice-President of Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams, included presentations and recognitions from Williams; Adjutant of Tennessee Major General Gus Hargett; Nashville Mayor Karl Dean; Gaylord Entertainment's Senior Vice President of Media and Entertainment Steve Buchanan, on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry; Senior Vice-President of the William Morris Agency Steve Hauser, President of Richards & Southern Terry Calonge, National Liaison for The Spirit of America Tour Cathy Gurley; and Daniels' longtime manager and President of Blue Hat Records, David Corlew. Presenters recognized Daniels' considerable achievements, both musical and humanitarian: his dedication to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, the historical and cultural impact of his Volunteer Jam concerts and his legacy as both a musician and songwriter were among the points of praise.
During the event, Daniels received many honors including a certificate of merit from the Governor of Tennessee, the Adjutant Distinguished Patriot Medal, a proclamation from the City of Nashville, a letter from the President of the United States, and a plaque to commemorate Daniels' record sales of 500,000 units on Blue Hat/Koch.
2008 has already proven to be an eventful year for Charlie Daniels. He was recently inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and was awarded a Career Achievement Award by the Country Radio Broadcasters. He is also gearing up for the 2008 Volunteer Jam Tour, which kicks off next month.
Born in Wilmington, NC, Daniels was raised on a musical diet that included Pentecostal gospel, local bluegrass bands, rhythm & blues, and country music. He has scored hits on the rock, country, pop and Christian charts and counts awards from the Country Music Association (CMA), Academy of Country Music (ACM), TNN/Music City News Awards, and the Gospel Music Association (GMA) among his many accolades. His signature song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," topped both country and pop charts, bringing him international acclaim. As of September 30, 2007, BMI has recorded more than four million performances of the tune.
Daniels' current Blue Hat/Koch Records CD release, Deuces, is his first duet album and features guest artists Travis Tritt; Bonnie Bramlett; Gretchen Wilson; Vince Gill; Earl, Gary & Randy Scruggs; Dolly Parton; Darius Rucker; The Del McCoury Band; Brenda Lee; Brooks & Dunn; Marty Stuart; Montgomery Gentry; and Brad Paisley.
For more information on Charlie Daniels, please visit www.charliedaniels.com. For interview, album, or photo requests, please contact AristoMedia at [email protected].
