Wynonna Judd will receive The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award for 2010. Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte will be on hand for an evening of music and heartfelt memories on Tuesday, August 24th, as Nashville celebrates Wynonna for her countless contributions to the Nashville community and future generations who wish to pursue a career in the music industry.
The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award was founded in the name of the Music Row pioneer and veteran, who was instrumental in the formation of the music business program that is now known as the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
Passionate about the music industry and education, it was Scaife’s vision to form a college level program to produce successful musicians, artists and music business executives by giving students an opportunity to formally learn about the industry that was so fulfilling and exciting for him.
“Wynonna personifies the spirit of this award. She has given so generously of her heart, talent and time to help the next generation realize a better life and better chance at success through her work with youth in our community and students pursuing a career in the music industry,” said LaRawn Scaife Rhea. “It is a great honor to award The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award to Wynonna for the many special opportunities that she has made available to students through her special mentorship.”
About Cecil Scaife
Cecil Scaife was highly respected for his love of the music industry and education. It was his vision to see the formation of an educational program to produce successful musicians, artists and music business executives by giving students an opportunity to formally learn about the industry that was so fulfilling and exciting for him.
It was Cecil Scaife who originally conceived the idea of creating a music business program and, along with the assistance of many friends from Music Row and good friend Bob Mulloy, founded the program that grew to become The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
Scaife, a native of Helena, Arkansas, started his career in the music business working at KFFA radio in Helena. He went on to work for legendary producer Sam Phillips, and was the first Marking Manager/Promotion Manager at Sun Records during the early days of Elvis Presley's career. Over the years he worked with artists Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and others. Cecil Scaife was a founder of the Gospel Music Association, President of NARAS, Nashville, and founder of Music, Inc.
Congratulations Wynonna!