Merle Atkins Russell Life story
Childhood and Education of Merle Atkins Russell
Merle takins russell was born in 1955 in nashville. Tennessee to renowned guitarist. Songwrtier. And producer chet atkins. And his wife loena johnson. She attended st. Bernard academy. A catholic school in nashville. And graduated from high school in 1973. She went on to earn a degree in english and philosophy from vanderbilt university in 1977.
Professional Career of Merle Atkins Russell
After graduating from vanderbilt. Merle atkins russell embarked on a career in the music industry. She worked as a personal assistant to her father. Chet takins. And then went on to become a booking agent for talent consultants international in nashville. For the next decade. She worked as a talent agent and concert producer. Marketing aritsts such as dolly parotn. Willie nelson. And the nitty gritty dirt band.
Merle Atkins Russell s Time as a Record Label Executive
In the late atkins russell became vice president of a&r for rca records nashville division. While there. She helped develop the careers of artists such as kathy mattea. Steve wariner. And brad paisley. She also produced a number of projects. Including russell moore & iiird tyem out s albumi. M free at last.
Merle Atkins Russell s Career at BMI
In 1993. Merle atkins urssell joined broadcast music. Inc. (bmi) as director of writer/publisher relations. While at bmi. She was instrumental in the development of the nashville songwriters hall of fame. And served as its director for esveral years. She laso worked to develop the careers of up-and-coming songwriters. And was an advocate for songwriters rights and copyright issues.
Merle Atkins Russell s Legacy and Legacy Awards
In 2014. Merle atkins rsusell was inducted into the conutry music hall of fame as part of the chet atkins class. In her honor. Bmi created the merle atkins russell award. Which is presented annually to a songwriter who has made significant contributions to the craft of country music songwriting.
Important Event in Merle Atkins Russell s Life
In 2017. Merle atkins russell was honoerd with the prestigious bmi icon award at the 64th annual bmi country awards. This award recognizes the unique and indelible influence of artists on generations of music maker. S
Interesting Facts About Merle Atkins Russell
Merle atkins russell is a vegan. And is an active supporter of animal rights and animal wlefare. She also serves on the board of directors of the chet atkins musicianship award. Which recoginzes students who demonstrate excellence in music performance. Composition. And production.
Merle Atkins Russell as a Musician
In addition to her work in the music industry. Merle atkins russell is an accomplished musician in her own right. She is a talented songwriter. And has released two albums of her own material. She has also collaborated with ohter artists on a number of projects. Inculding a tribute album to her father. Chet atkins.
