Nashville – Music industry veterans Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase were honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award for their impact on country music during an event held Monday night (2/20) at the Grand Ole Opry House. The honor was a well-kept surprise for both who were recognized as a powerhouse duo who for 34 years have been delivering Country music news, interviews and performances to fans across the globe via television, radio and online channels. No other personalities have played such a key role in the creation of Country content on television, entering fans’ homes via TNN (The Nashville Network), becoming an extension of the family, and introducing multiple generations of future superstars and legends to more than 80 million homes. The evening benefitted the Opry Trust Fund, which for more than 50 years has supported members of the country music community in nee.
Among the artists who participated in the evening with performances, appearances and taped messages were Trace Adkins, Moe Bandy, John Conlee, Billy Dean, Tareva Henderson, Tracy Lawrence, John Michael Montgomery, Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs, T.G. Sheppard, Doug Stone, Tanya Tucker, The Whites and Mark Wills along with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood presenting Crook & Chase with their award.
Garth commented that it was fitting the event was held on the Opry stage as Lorianne & Charlie also “made country music famous.” When accepting the award an emotional Lorianne shared, “we feel like we’ve grown up in the business with you guys. Thank you for trusting us with your artists. It’s been a beautiful, life changing dance.” Charlie broke the emotional moment telling the crowd, “the biggest reward about this award is it has Garth and Trisha’s fingerprints on it!”
The inaugural celebration honored Bob Kingsley in 2014. Due to the overwhelming response and success of that evening, Bob opted to make it an annual event where individuals would be honored on the stage of the Opry. The award, given to Joe Galante in 2015 and Jim Ed Norman in 2016, recognizes the most deserving individuals across the country music industry, including record labels, radio, and media.