Stars Raise Big Bucks For Flood Relief
09:01 AM,
Monday 5/17/10
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Music artists joined forces Sunday, raising more than $1.5 million for Nashville flood relief.
Brad Paisley opened the concert / telethon that aired on the GAC Network from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, performing “Welcome To The Future.” The country star then looked into the audience at his wife, Kimberly Williams Paisley, who was co-hosting the event.
“My wife’s up there. I think it’s time to start things off with a donation. We’re going to donate $100,000, get it going,” he said, before asking his wife with a sheepish grin, “Is that OK?”
May 3, 2010
(AP Photo)
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Paisley wasn’t the only one reaching into his own pockets. Scott Borchetta, CEO of Taylor Swift’s label, Big Machine Records, donated $100,000.
There was plenty of star power on stage. Martina McBride, Rodney Atkins, and Cece Winans were just a few notables pitching in.
“We certainly weren’t spared,” Keith Urban said after performing a rendition of The Beatles’ “Help” while his wife Nicole Kidman stood in the wings. “Our place out in Franklin, we had quite a bit of damage out there. And other than a lot of my musical equipment – which floated down the river toward Smyrna, I think is where it was seen last – it’s just been a very moving experience for me.”
The Grand Ole Opry House, bottom, and Opry Mills Mall, top, are surrounded by floodwaters.
May 4, 2010
(AP Photo)
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Sheryl Crow, who moved to Nashville five years ago, described herself as a newcomer to Music City.
“I’ve lived a lot of different places, but I’ve never felt home until I lived here,” Crow said.
Other performers included Lady Antebellum, Will Hoge, Keb’ Mo’ and rising country artist Randy Montana. All money raised from the telethon and concert will go to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
--Jay Smith