7th Annual NATD Honors Gala Set For This November

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) announced today four Nashville leaders who will be recognized at the 7th Annual NATD Honors Gala, scheduled for November 14, 2017, at the Hermitage Hotel. Honorees include David Corlew, long-time personal manager for Charlie Daniels and co-founder of Blue Hat Records, Barbara Hubbard, Executive Director of American Collegiate Showcase (ACTS), Jeannie Seely, GRAMMY®-Award-Winning country artist and Butch Spyridon, President/CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.

he Gala will begin with a reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. For tickets and sponsorship information visit www.n-a-t-d.com.

About NATD 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 close-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.

About David Corlew
David Corlew has worked with The Charlie Daniels Band for 44 years, serving as Daniels' personal manager for the last 28 years. Corlew also holds the title of President/Co-Owner of Blue Hat Records which recently celebrated their 20th year of releasing albums and DVD projects. Even winning a GRAMMY Award for Amazing Grace Vol. II (A Country Salute to Gospel) in 1998. In 1999, The Corlew Music Group was formed, producing over 150 cuts to date, from artists such as Reba, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, and many other country superstars. In 2005, Corlew formed d corlew films which has filmed several projects for Charlie Daniels' Band, including their 2005 tour of Iraq and Southwest Asia as well as developing projects for CMT, GAC, and other networks. Corlew and Daniels also co-founded the not-for-profit organization The Journey Home Project which sees it's mission to assist veterans with military organizations who do the most good. David is a former President of the Academy of Country Music Board of Directors and Governor to the Nashville Chapter Board for NARAS. He is currently a member of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Board of Directors and President of the Stars For Stripes Board of Directors.

About Barbara Hubbard
A spit fire with an Arkansas twang came to Las Cruces, New Mexico in the early 50's and has since left a legacy in the community and an impression on the entertainment businesses. Barbara Hubbard started as a biology teacher where she met her husband and later explored careers as a Campus Activities Program advisor and cheer-leading coach for New Mexico State University. She was named Director of Special Events in 1977 which quickly lead her to her current title as Executive Director of the American Collegiate Showcase. Although ACTS has changed over the years, their mission remains the same: providing educational scholarships and experience for students wishing to display their talents in the performing arts field. With the scholarship money raised, Barbara is able to take her students to various industry conferences and help nurture their involvement, giving them the exposure, networking experience, and skills to succeed in the entertainment industry.

About Jeannie Seely
"Miss Country Soul" Jeannie Seely is a GRAMMY® award-winning artist who has been recording and performing for more than six decades. A Pennsylvania native, Seely moved to LA where she met many songwriters including Dottie West who ultimately encouraged her to move to Nashville. Within a month, Porter Wagoner hired her as the female singer for his road and television series. On September 16, 1967, Seely's biggest dream came true when she became the first Pennsylvania native to become a member of the world famous Grand Ole Opry. Seely subsequently became the first female to regularly host segments of the weekly Opry shows. She's also credited for changing the image of female country performers by being the first to wear a mini-skirt on the Opry stage. On March 2, 1967, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences honored Jeannie with the 1966 GRAMMY® Award for the "Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female." A BMI-awarded songwriter, Seely's songs have been recorded by Country Music Hall of Fame members Faron Young, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Ernest Tubb and Little Jimmy Dickens, as well as by many other artists including Doyle Lawson, Lorrie Morgan and Irma Thomas. Along with placing records on the Billboard country singles chart for 13 consecutive years, Seely also served as a radio disc jockey on her own Armed Forces Network Show. For more information, visit jeannieseely.com.

About Butch Spyridon
Butch Spyridon has served as the head of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) since 1991. Over the last 25 years the NCVC has led the strategic development of Nashville's hospitality industry. During that time, Nashville has evolved into a global, year-round destination. Visitor spending in Davidson County exceeded $5.7 billion and accounts for one third of the visitor spending in the entire state. During Butch's tenure, the NCVC has been involved with development initiatives that include the Tennessee Titans, Bridgestone Arena, Music City July 4th, New Year's Eve in Nashville, the Music City Center, Music City Walk of Fame, and the first ever citywide branding initiative. Combined with the NCVC ongoing sales and marketing initiatives, the city enjoyed an unprecedented 70 months of record (year-over-year) hotel performance and has been named a top destination in the world by multiple publications for five consecutive years.

Past NATD Honors honorees include:
2016 - Rod Essig, Scott Hamilton, Doc McGhee, Leon Russell, Mike Smardak, P.K. Subban and Randy Travis
2015 - Mayor Megan Barry, Sarah Trahern, Charlie Brusco, Mike Wolfe, Peter Weber, Steve Lassiter and Kirt Webster
2014 - Gov. Bill Haslam, Rob Beckham, Tim Corbin, Demetria Kalodimos, Michael W. Smith, JP Williams and Charlie Daniels
2013 - Bernie Cahill, Tom Condon, Chaz Corzine, Martina McBride, Kevin Neal and Bob Romeo
2012 - Mike Fisher, Clint Higham, John Huie, George Jones, RoBert Williams and Alan Valentine
2011 - Alabama, Tony Conway, Mayor Karl Dean, James H. Gosnell Jr. and Barry Trotz

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