Cracker Barrel Launches “Five Decades, One Voice” to Honor Women in Country Music in Celebration of Its 50th Anniversary
Cracker Barrel celebrates some of the country music industry’s most talented female artists and shines a spotlight on the next generation
LEBANON, Tenn. (July 9, 2019)– As the brand nears its 50thanniversary in September, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store today announced the launch of “Five Decades, One Voice,” a program to celebrate legendary female country music artists and those who will follow in their footsteps. With radio airtime for female country artists at an all-time low, Cracker Barrel is using its 50thanniversary as a moment to recognize an underserved population in the music industry and lend a voice to help elevate this group of inspirational artists.
Cracker Barrel is partnering with four female pillars in the country music industry, who have each selected an emerging female artist to lift up and mentor. Partner artists include:
-
-
-
- Trisha Yearwood partnering with songwriters Caitlyn Smith, Connie Harrington and Erik Dylan
- Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town partnering with Ingrid Andress
- Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum partnering with Bailey Bryan
- Brandi Carlile partnering with Tenille Townes and a special performance with Tanya Tucker
-
-
Cracker Barrel is creating the opportunity for these artists to come together for a one-on-one mentoring session where each pair will record three songs together – one from each artist, then one iconic country song – all to be featured on Cracker Barrel’s website and social channels leading up to the brand’s 50thanniversary in September. Over those past 50 years, music has remained a part of the Cracker Barrel story – especially country, bluegrass and gospel. In the early days, Cracker Barrel guests often enjoyed live music by local musicians on our front porches. It was a popular gathering spot for bluegrass pickers that wanted to play their guitars and banjos for an audience.
Building on Cracker Barrel’s rich heritage in music, the “Five Decades, One Voice” campaign will continue to celebrate, support and empower women in country music by:
-
-
-
- Developing and releasing an exclusive compilation album with songs handpicked by partner artists, with one dollar from every album sold benefitting She Is The Music, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the number of women working in music – songwriters, engineers, producers, artists and industry professionals.
- Creating an all-female in-store playlist for guests to enjoy in every Cracker Barrel location during the company’s anniversary month in September with songs handpicked by the “Five Decades, One Voice” partner artists.
- Partnering with two nationally syndicated radio programs –The Bobby Bones Show and Women of iHeart Country– to share the experiences of the partner artists, as told through their own words.
-
-
Together, these five iconic women who are paving the way for emerging female artists have won 18 Grammys, 23 CMA Awards and 29 ACM Awards, and each are committed to sharing their unique experiences and advice to help lead the future generation of women in country music to success.
“This initiative was a no brainer for us to be a part of,” said “Five Decades, One Voice” partner artist Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. “We’ve been in the music business for 20 years and have had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. We looked up to the women trailblazers before us – Loretta, Emmylou, Reba, Dolly, Trisha, Martina – to inspire us and guide us through all these moments in our career. It’s so important for us all to lift each other up and even the playing field for these girls to have a shot at success. There is no reason why the world shouldn’t hear their voices for years and years to come.”
“Five Decades, One Voice” follows Cracker Barrel’s long history of iconic female-driven artist partnerships – working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood – who have been at the heart of Cracker Barrel’s music history since the very beginning and instrumental in fostering the warmth and hospitality felt at America’s home-away-from home.
“As we celebrate our golden anniversary, we want to acknowledge and give back to the voices that have supported us and help lift up the next generation of female country music artists,” said Cracker Barrel’s Senior Vice President of Retail Laura Daily. “Music has always been a soundtrack to our heritage, so it’s an honor to be a part of the conversation and help raise awareness for the important role women play in the country music industry.”
This year, Cracker Barrel presented its Country Legend Award to the one-and-only Loretta Lynn in recognition of her iconic career spanning over 50 years. Loretta’s groundbreaking role in country music has inspired female musicians for decades. As the most awarded female country recording artist in history, she has lifted up a generation of women in the industry and been a source of inspiration for this campaign.
Lynn lent her voice to the “Five Decades, One Voice” program, narrating its launch video. “For five decades, I have seen many female artists who are still fighting for the chance to be heard,” said Lynn. “I want to help them bring their talents to the table and have a chance to be heard, and trust me; there’s plenty to go around.”
For more information about Cracker Barrel’s “Five Decades, One Voice” campaign and to watch the mentor sessions and duets, visit crackerbarrel.com/onevoice.
About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) shares warm welcomes and friendly service while offering guests quality homestyle food and unique shopping – all at a fair price. By creating a world filled with hospitality and charm through an experience that combines dining and shopping, guests are cared for like family. Established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn., Cracker Barrel and its affiliates operate 660 company-owned Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations in 45 states and own the fast-casual Holler and Dash® restaurants. For more information about the company, visit crackerbarrel.com.
###
Elice Cuff
The GreenRoom
www.thegreenroompr.com
Office: (615)-242-7444
Cell: (615)-686-1976
elice@thegreenroompr.com