Little Jimmy Dickens plied the crowed with humor before
going "Out Behind the Barn" at the Aug. 13 show in Mel
McDaniel's honor. (Photo: Rollins Media)
It was standing room only on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Nashville Palace, where 650-plus country fans of all ages turned out for a benefit show and concert to aid the ailing Mel McDaniel.
In all, more than 35 musicians, including last-minute additions, volunteered to entertain for the cause. From Little Jimmy Dickens, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, David Ball and Tommy Cash, to John Conlee, Jack Greene, Charlie Louvin, Jean Shepherd, Buddy Jewell, Ricky Lynn Gregg and many more--there was no shortage of performers ready to take the stage for two songs per artist to fill the evening with back-to-back music and goodwill.
Although the man the evening was built around, Opry member McDaniel, 66, was unable to attend because of his ongoing health challenges, the singer's wife, Peggy McDaniel, checked in to share her gratitude for everyone's efforts and generosity on her family's behalf during her beloved husband's health crisis.
"Peggy is just thrilled by the turnout and the out pouring of love from the community," said event co-organizer Cathy Rust, referring to Mel's missus. "She was so emotional on Thursday. She just could not believe the number of people that came to the event and the number of entertainers that gave of their time and talent to be part of it."
On the silent auction side, a guitar donated by the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood--who hails from McDaniel's own Oklahoma hometown of Checotah--was a steal, going for only $320, Meanwhile, two guitars signed by Opry members went for $700 and $850, respectively, and a guitar donated by George Strait was scored for $600..
The biggest-ticket in the auction, however, proved to be the "Ole Mel" guitar with the likeness of McDaniel painted on it by Guy Gilchrist. This item was snatched up for $1,175 by none other than Mrs. George Jones. That's right, Nancy Jones, sans her famous hubby, was in attendance and this scribe saw country fans tickled pink just to see her in the crowd, where she mingled to and fro with a smile on her lips and, oftentimes, a cell phone to her ear.
Other country-music celebrities dotted the crowd here and there, including Tim Gates, lead singer of country act Due West, who was avidly tweeting about the show and its top-notch entertainment via his cell phone. At one point, he urged all who follow him on Twitter to come on out to the Palace and hear some "real country music."
At the close of the evening, event organizers reported that about $23,000 was raised to help McDaniel and family with their medical bills.
"All in all, I think it was a hit!!!" Rust confirmed.
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