The Power of Women: Nashville event, hosted by Variety, introduced a unique twist this year by featuring live music—a first in the event’s 16-year history. Held at Nashville Yards, the celebration was enhanced by a house band composed of esteemed local musicians, familiar to the VIP attendees. This musical backdrop elevated the atmosphere, reaching a crescendo when the band honored four celebrity honorees with a heartfelt medley of their iconic songs.
Event Innovation and Musical Direction
The incorporation of a live band was masterminded by Go West Creative, a prominent female-led production agency in Nashville. Entertainment producer Jeremy Vaughn collaborated with music director Tyler Cain, who expertly assembled a group of top-tier musicians. Cain, having worked with many of them for over two decades, utilized his connections to create a star-studded ensemble, which included notable performers like keyboardist Jen Gunderman and drummer Chris Kimmerer.
Heartfelt Performances and Personal Connections
Leading the band was Meghan Linsey, who performed a medley starting with Reba McEntire’s “Fancy” and concluding with Sheryl Crow’s “Strong Enough.” Linsey also presented her new single, “Humble Again,” which reflects her challenges and triumphs throughout her career. This personal insight resonated deeply with the audience, particularly in a community such as Nashville, where journey and perseverance are highly valued.
Connections Among Musicians and Honorees
Linsey expressed her meaningful connections with all four honorees, most notably having opened for Reba McEntire on tour. The musicians in the house band also shared ties to the honorees. For example, Gunderman has played with Crow’s live band, while Kimmerer has credits on Kelsea Ballerini’s albums. These connections underscored the tightly-knit network that characterizes the Nashville music scene.
A Celebration of Resilience
Tyler Cain emphasized the communal spirit of Nashville, noting the long-standing relationships among the musicians and their shared histories with the honorees. This sense of community was palpable during the event, particularly during the tribute medley, which served as a powerful reminder of both the struggles and achievements faced by women in the music industry.
Inspiring Words and Future Aspirations
“It’s hard to eat when you’ve got a lump in your throat,” remarked Callie Khouri, one of the Power of Women Impact List honorees, after experiencing Linsey’s emotional performance. Linsey herself noted, “I thought it was a good song for this event because it’s about the Power of Women.” She shared her excitement about her musical journey, stating she feels she is now truly finding her sound and voice after years in the industry.
Messages of Perseverance
Linsey’s reflections on her career serve as a testament to the resilience inherent in the music industry. “Honestly, I relate so much with each one of these women,” she said, stressing that perseverance is vital. “I literally got my first record deal in 2009 and I’m still here… that is the power of women—the fight and just staying with it.”
