NASHVILLE, TN – GLAAD, today announced the addition of country music legend Crystal Gayle and songwriter/producer Desmond Child to the lineup of the inaugural Concert for Love and Acceptance. The event, presented by GLAAD and Herndon, will feature artists and celebrities in a coalition of support for LGBT acceptance and will take place at City Winery (609 Lafayette St.) in Nashville, Tenn.
“Growing up in South Carolina as a fan of country music, it is so gratifying to see music royalty like these two artists standing up for love and acceptance,” said Zeke Stokes, Vice President of Programs at GLAAD. “This sends a strong and potentially life-saving message to young people – wherever they are – that there is nothing wrong with them and that they are worthy of love just the way they are.”
Gayle is a Grammy-winning artist with 20 number one country hits to her credit and was the first female country artist to achieve platinum sales for an album.
“It’s such an honor to welcome Crystal Gayle and Desmond Child to this event to help encourage an environment that will make it easier for young people at risk to get help and feel comfortable about who they are and not have to go through the same struggles that I have faced,” said Herndon.
Called a “genius” by Steven Tyler, Child has reigned for nearly three decades as one of music’s most successful creative forces. His list of accolades includes Grammy awards, 70 Top 40 singles, and songs that have sold more300 million albums worldwide. His collaborations have included Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Ricky Martin, KISS, Kelly Clarkson, and Cher. His songwriting credits include Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Aerosmith’s “Angel,” and Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”
The first-of-its-kind country music event, which will take place during CMA Fest, will be co-hosted by Herndon and political commentator and author Meghan McCain. Performers and special guests previously announced include Melinda Doolittle, Shelly Fairchild, Billy Gilman, Jennifer Knapp, Jamie O’Neal, and Pastor Stan Mitchell of GracePointe Church. Additional performances and appearances will be announced.
The Concert for Love and Acceptance is supported by Major Sponsor Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Official Sponsor Honey Maid. Other partners include Academy of Country Music, Nashville Cares, Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Equality Project, Unite Magazine, and WWE.
Tickets are available now at http://glaad.org/nashville. Proceeds benefit GLAAD’s work to accelerate acceptance.
