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Jo Walker-Meador
1924 - 2017
Jo Walker-Meador
1924 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1924
DIED
2017
Jo Walker-Meador Obituary
One of 10 children in a Tennessee farming family, Walker-Meador worked in an aircraft plant during World War II. She then studied to become an English teacher but took a clerical position with the Country Music Association in 1958, becoming the young organization’s first paid employee.
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When Executive Director Harry Stone resigned in 1962, Walker-Meador informally took over his duties on an interim basis. It is said that when the CMA’s board met to select a permanent replacement, country legend Minnie Pearl suggested Walker-Meador, saying, “Jo’s doing all the work. Why don’t we just hire her?” The board did so, and she served as executive director until retiring in 1991.
Under her leadership, the CMA established the annual Country Music Awards in 1967, as well as the annual Fan Fair, now known as the CMA Music Festival, in 1972. Walker-Meador also helped create the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the early 1960s. She worked tirelessly to expand country music’s popularity, both in the U.S. and internationally, and saw radio stations dedicated to the genre multiply from 100 to more than 2,000 during her tenure as executive director. She also grew the CMA itself from about 200 members to more than 7,000.
Following her retirement, the CMA established the Jo Walker-Meador Award, given annually to recognize “outstanding achievement by an individual or company in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.” In 1995, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 2008, her name was added to Nashville’s Walk of Fame.
Walker-Meador is survived by a daughter, Michelle Walker; two step-children, Rob and Karen Meador; and a brother, Pete Denning.
30 Entries
September 12, 2017
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
Patsy Kidd
August 20, 2017
May you Rest In Peace,You will always have a "special" place in my heart,your lovely and caring daughter Michelle will forever keep your Spirit Alive, for sure "A Chip Off The Old Block".your love and kindness shown to me shall never be forgotten,
Love Always,Patsy
P.S. Later Edith
August 19, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time now and days ahead.
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Dennie Simpson
August 19, 2017
Rest in peace, Jo. My condolences go too her family. I hope your warm memories will give you peace during the hard times.
I was the computer lady at CMA, and Jo was Exec. Dir. for most of the time I worked there. She retired and then I left to go to nursing school. We were to see each other again regularly when she and Bob began volunteering at the hospital in which I worked.
I think an era in Nashville has ended with her passing.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Linda Denning Hazzard
August 18, 2017
Love you Aunt Jo!
Marsha Gepner
August 18, 2017
They called us Jo's Girls. She was our mentor, our role model, our inspiration. None of us who worked at CMA during the Jo Walker-Meador years will ever forget her or be able to thank her enough for the experience, support, knowledge and opportunity she gave us. An enthusiastic ambassador for country music, she was a devoted champion of her beloved music around the globe. We will remember fondly that big, gregarious smile; that unmistakable Tennessee drawl; and her own special Southern charm which enchanted the thousands of people she met all over the world. Jo, you left your indelible mark on Nashville and country music and the CMA, and a lasting impact on the people who worked for you. We will miss you. You will always be our Jo. We love you.
Jacki Alexander
August 18, 2017
Aunt Jo, you were such a sweet, kind, smart, funny amazing woman. Mike and I will miss you so much. It was always enjoyable sitting and chatting with you about your life. Our family will not be the same. I am happy you are with Bob, my grandfather and your siblings. Love always
Dot Denning Gudger
August 17, 2017
Amazing lady! Proud she's a Denning!
Sue Halford
August 17, 2017
God-speed, my dearest Jo. Thank you for the precious, irreplaceable friendship that spanned almost 31 years. You will live in my heart forever. Love you always, Sue
Sue
August 17, 2017
God be with you
August 17, 2017
Godspeed Jo....
Karen Vander Molen
August 17, 2017
Thinking about what an amazing life Jo Walker-Meador lead before the Lord called her home. I'm lucky to have been one of the folks who met her when she helped me as a SCORE mentor. Not having grown up in Nashville, I didn't recognize her name as a Nashville CMA icon. She was generous with her time and talent, even checking in with me a couple of years after...With deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones in their grief
Don Rhodes
August 17, 2017
I was fortunate to be able to have lunch with Jo last year when traveling thru Nashville. My wife was her secretary in the 60's and remained close for all these years. Michelle, haven't seen you for years but always talked about you with your mother - she loved you so much.
Don Rhodes (Debbie)
Michael Denning
August 17, 2017
So sorry to hear about Jo. We met when I was doing the first Denning book in 1991. She really enjoyed talking about the family.
August 17, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Patti Zimmerman
August 17, 2017
Such a lovely, giving, sharp and humble lady. Jo will continue to have a special place in the hearts of many!
August 17, 2017
My condolences to the family. May all your fond memories bring you comfort and joy.
Marshall & Thelma Helm
August 17, 2017
A wonderful neighbor and friend who has blessed us with her beautiful spirit through the years. We will miss her dearly.
August 17, 2017
What a long and full life! So many cannot say the same. Jo's fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet her in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
August 17, 2017
Go with God Jo, you will never be forgotten, you made the CMA what it is today.
Adrian Barnette
August 17, 2017
We'll miss you !
August 17, 2017
Sorry to hear of your loss. Jo will always be remembered for her dedication and love. May God provide loving comfort to the family during this difficult time. Psalm 23
TC Aikens
August 17, 2017
The loss of a loved one leaves a hole that only God can close however the cherished memories we have of them can last a lifetime. Hosea 13:14
August 16, 2017
A wonderful lady who worked hard and will be missed very much. May the God of comfort be with her family and friends at this time of deep sorrow. God love you.
L Wu
August 16, 2017
So dedicated a woman behind the scenes in the country music entertainment industry. What dedication to the arts and may it comfort all to know anyone that she will return to the days of her youth as promised at Job 33:25.
Scott Chamberland
August 16, 2017
Rest in Peace
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