(Pictured left-right) Country Music Hall of Fame members E. W. “Bud” Wendell and Emmylou Harris; Circle Guard members Jody Williams and Jay Orr; and Commander General of the Circle Guard and Museum CEO Kyle Young. (Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sept. 25, 2024 –The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has named Jay Orr and Jody Williams as the newest initiates to the museum’s Circle Guard in recognition of their significant contributions to the institution. Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris announced the news during an intimate luncheon this afternoon on the museum’s CMA Theater stage. Orr is a former senior leader, editor and music historian of the museum who served across nearly three decades, and Williams, a music publisher, is a longtime member of the museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees and currently serves as Board chair.

The Circle Guard unites and celebrates individuals whose highest-level contributions of time, talent and treasure to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum safeguard the integrity of country music and make it accessible to a global audience. The Circle Guard recognition ranks as the grandest distinction afforded those benefactors who exhibit an unwavering commitment to the museum and its educational mission. This is the fourth year in which the Circle Guard’s ranks have expanded since the designation was introduced by Circle Guard Founder Steve Turner in 2018.

Jay Orr retired from the museum in December 2022, after more than 26 years of service to the nonprofit organization. Orr held a variety of important leadership positions at the museum, most recently serving as executive senior director for research, editorial and content. During his tenure, Orr’s thoughtful approach to elevating the art form of country music, informed by scholarship, was evident throughout every aspect of the museum. He led the museum’s editorial team, overseeing the development of exhibits, publications and more. He also helped grow the museum’s education and public programming initiatives into the varied menu of programs offered today.

Williams, who is founder of Jody Williams Songs, has served on the museum’s board for 17 years, including in a leadership role as a trustee since 2011. He has also chaired the board’s development committee for the past decade, serving as a trusted collaborator and entertainment producer for successful fundraising initiatives in support of the nonprofit museum’s educational mission. He was named chair of the museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees earlier this year.

Each year, for the two weeks leading up to the Medallion Ceremony — which is the formal induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame for its three newest members — the Circle Guard members share the life stories of those celebrated in the Hall of Fame Rotunda by leading the Road to the Hall of Fame: Rite of Remembrance and Salute. The annual ceremony, open to all museum visitors and occurring daily for two weeks, pays tribute to each of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s yearly classes and their inducted members.

Orr and Williams join Circle Guard initiates, including David Conrad, Bill Denny, Ken Levitan, Mary Ann McCready, Mike Milom, Ken Roberts (1932-2022), Seab Tuck, Steve Turner, Jerry B. Williams and Kyle Young.