Award presentation slated for March 29 ‘Best of the Best’ Showcase on Belmont’s campus
Continuing a tradition of recognizing music industry greats who are also dedicated to the educational process, Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will honor Gordon Kennedy with the sixth annual Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence on March 29. The award presentation, which will occur during the University’s 2014 Best of the Best Showcase at Belmont’s Curb Event Center, will feature special performances by Belmont students as well as Kennedy colleagues Peter Frampton and Ricky Skaggs. “Best of the Best” begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
In the spring of 2008, the Curb College established the Award of Excellence in memory of program founder Bob Mulloy to annually recognize an individual who has achieved a level of excellence in the music business and entertainment industries with notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community.
Curb College Dean Dr. Wes Bulla said, “It’s an honor for us to present the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence to Gordon, who considers Bob one of his early mentors. Gordon has remained a long-time champion and unofficial spokesman for the Curb College and all things Belmont and has never said no to a favor that supports our students, faculty and programs.”
Belmont alumnus and Curb College Board Chairman Doug Howard added, “I often say that Gordon Kennedy is a ‘world class songwriter, musician, producer and performer. I need to add that he is a ‘Heaven class’ family man, friend and Christian brother. I know Bob Mulloy was extremely proud of Gordon’s professional achievements. However, the latter traits are what Bob sought to instill in his students and are truly what matter most of all.”
Born in Shreveport, La., Gordon Kennedy was raised in Nashville. Kennedy’s parents—music industry A-Team heavy hitter Jerry Kennedy and singer Linda Brannon— moved to Nashville in 1961 to try their hands in the music industry. Throughout his upbringing, Kennedy’s father played on albums for the likes of Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr, spent 16 years running Smash Records and won four Grammy Awards. Gordon followed suit, pursuing music and athletics throughout his high school career at Brentwood Academy.
While attending Belmont University, Kennedy played guitar for several Reba McEntire projects including “Today All Over Again” and her first No. 1, “Can’t Even Get the Blues.” He first became nationally recognized when he won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1997 for Eric Clapton’s No. 1 hit, “Change the World,” which he co-wrote with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Tommy Sims.
A past member of bands WhiteHeart and Dogs of Peace, Kennedy has had his songs cut by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, George Strait and Martina McBride. He has also played for Peter Frampton, Jewel, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Amy Grant.
Past recipients of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence include Donna Hilley, the International Entertainment Buyers Association, Vince Gill, Mike Curb, Clair Audio and Bandit Lites.
About the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business Showcase Series is designed to give students real world training in all aspects of live performance production, to showcase Belmont student talent, and to build a sense of community between Belmont University students and the Nashville music industry. Each school year, students are responsible for planning, running and organizing five arena showcases, one outdoor show and four writers’ nights in a professional manner that highlight the musical and technical talents Belmont students have to offer.
