Some of the best country, gospel and bluegrass music in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Argentina was heard. There was competition of aspiring artists from North, East, South, West United States, Canada, New Zealand and Argentina starting Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am until 11:30 pm each day and all of this was free to the general public at the Country Tonite Theater.
NACMAI 2007 Hall of Fame Dedication and Show was be held on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at 8:00 pm at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. This Special Tenth Anniversary of the NACMAI started with the dedication of a physical location for the NACMAI Hall of Fame. The unveiling of display cabinets of memorabilia of some of Country Music Greats was be held with an opportunity to meet some of them and obtain autographs. There are cabinets with displays from Billy Walker, Donna Fargo, Stonewall Jackson, Jeannie Seely, Marty Robbins, Helen Cornelius, Jim Ed Brown, Kenny Dean, Margo Smith, Skeeter Davis, Jeanne Pruett, Tommy Barnes, John Conlee and “Little” Jimmy Dickens.
There was be a special show with performances by NACMAI Hall of Fame members; John Conlee, one of the most respected vocalist to emerge during the urban cowboy era, John is known for his melancholy voice such as heard on “Rose Colored Glasses;” Jeannie Seely, this singer/songwriter and Grand Ole Opry® member has won a Grammy Award for “Best Country & Western Vocal Performance, Female;” Jim Ed Brown, with his sister, Maxine, were a featured act on the Louisiana Hayride and recorded “Looking Back To See,” followed by their signature song, “The Three Bells;” Helen Cornelius, first known for her songwriting, her vocal abilities were soon discovered with her now country standard, “I Don’t Want To Marry You:” Stonewall Jackson, who has gone down in the history of country music as the only unknown artist who has ever been signed to the Grand Ole Opry® roster without first having a recording contract; and representing his father, Marty Robbins, we will have Ronny Robbins, a great singer in his own right and currently operating Marty Robbins Enterprises in Nashville. The NACMAI Hall of Fame Dedication and Show was hosted by Jeanne Pruett.
What a special night this was!
On Friday, March 9, 2007, at 1:00 pm the NACMAI Educational Program was held at the Comfort Inn-Apple Valley. The seminar was moderated by Jeanne Pruett, 1998 NACMAI Hall of Fame member. The seminar consisted of Tommy Barnes, 2006 NACMAI Hall of Fame member, discussing “Marrying the song to the artist and information on choosing the right artist for a song;” Jeannie Seely, 2000 NACMAI member, will speak on “Building an image and how to network;” Jim Ed Brown, 2005 NACMAI Hall of Fame member, will instruct us on “Keeping your individualism while being a part of a hit trio and a hit duet career;” John Conlee, 2004 NACMAI Hall of Fame member, guide us on “Career decisions and how they impact your longevity in the music business;” and Helen Cornelius, 2004 NACMAI Hall of Fame member, will teach us how to accompany yourself on the stage with an instrument, stage presence and stage makeup.”
The NACMAI Hall of Fame and Awards Show was held on Sunday, March 11, 2007, at 1:00 pm at the Country Tonite Theatre. This show included the induction into the NACMAI Hall of Fame of Young Harmony (Johnathan and Ginger Bond), well known Gospel Duo and Dove nominees, and one of the best songwriters in Nashville, Jerry Foster. The Pioneer Award was given to Jack Greene, who will be present and performing. There were also be performances by Country Tonite and some NACMAI affiliated state members.