Nashville is gearing up for a star-studded ceremony as four exceptional figures are set to be inducted into the prestigious Music City Walk of Fame. The late “tropical troubadour” Jimmy Buffett, the revered gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, visionary hospitality leader Colin Reed, and cherished Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody will join the ranks of music legends on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Music City Walk of Fame Park.
This year’s induction holds special significance as both Reed and Cody are being honored in celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s upcoming 100th anniversary. Colin Reed, the driving force behind Ryman Hospitality Properties, has played a pivotal role in shaping Nashville’s iconic music venues, while Bill Cody, a long-time announcer and host, has been a familiar voice at the Opry for years.
The ceremony will also mark the posthumous induction of Jimmy Buffett, who passed away on September 1, 2023, following a courageous battle with Merkel cell skin cancer. This induction is a celebration of his unparalleled contributions to music and his enduring legacy in Nashville and beyond.
The Fairfield Four, Nashville’s gospel greats, will also be honored for their over 100 years of spreading their a cappella gospel sound. Known for their role in the film *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*, the group has garnered numerous accolades, including three GRAMMY Awards and two Lifetime Achievement Awards. Their timeless vocal harmonies continue to inspire, with current members Joseph Thompson, Levert Allison, Larrice Byrd, and Bobbye Sherrell carrying the torch of African American gospel music.
The ceremony promises to be a memorable event, as Nashville pays homage to those who have left an indelible mark on its cultural landscape. “From Jimmy Buffett’s island-infused melodies to the soulful acapella harmonies of The Fairfield Four, this is an exceptional group,” said Ken Levitan, Chairman of the NCVC Board of Directors and Founder of Vector Management. “We are especially proud to induct two Grand Ole Opry icons. Colin Reed’s contributions to the growth and success of the hospitality industry, including his leadership in reopening the Opry after the 2010 flood, are unparalleled. Bill Cody has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Nashville’s music legacy as a revered Opry host, country music historian, and long-time emcee of the Music City Walk of Fame ceremonies.”
The public is invited to attend the induction ceremony and witness this historic moment. Singer-songwriter and longtime Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally will lead the tribute to Jimmy Buffett, his close friend and fellow Walk of Fame member. Shannon Sanders, BMI Nashville’s Executive Director of Creative, and an award-winning producer, will honor The Fairfield Four. The announcement of additional presenters and one more inductee will follow soon.
The Music City Walk of Fame, established in 2006, spans Nashville’s Music Mile, connecting downtown to Music Row. Each inductee is honored with a permanent medallion embedded in the sidewalk, symbolizing their contribution to Nashville’s musical legacy. Nominations for the Music City Walk of Fame are open to the public and evaluated in categories such as Artist, Musician, Songwriter, and Producer/Music Industry Executive. A selection committee reviews all applications anonymously, ensuring that each inductee has made a significant and lasting impact on Nashville’s musical landscape.
