Bernard Porter and Carrie Brockwell are both thrilled to be returning to Richmond to be part of Richmond Symphony’s Nashville Hit Makers on Thursday, October 9, at Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center.
Porter, CEO of PCG Universal in Nashville and a Richmond native, will serve as host and executive producer of the show while Chesterfield native Brockwell will sing some of her original songs.
The evening, which celebrates the art of songwriting, also features hitmakers Victoria Shaw, 2024 Inductee in the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame, and Gary Burr, whose music has been recorded by everyone from Christina Aguilera and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson.
During the evening, Porter will talk about the stories behind some of country music’s biggest songs, the songwriting process and the significance of the artists featured in the event.
Porter’s Virginia Roots Run Deep
Porter looks at being in Richmond as a homecoming. His father’s family has called Virginia home for more than 150 years, much of his extended family still resides in the Commonwealth, and both of his parents are buried here.
Porter grew up near Forest Hill Park and later lived in Chester before moving to Virginia Beach where he worked, helping book talent and concerts. A guitar player, Porter performed with Country Music Hall of Fame member Donna Meade, widow of entertainer Jimmy Dean, when he was only 17 years old.
“That was a big thing for me to be her protégé,” he says, noting his work in Virginia Beach eventually took him to Los Angeles and Nashville where he has lived since 1991.
Porter’s career has included everything from artist management to brand development. He has worked with legendary artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. He was also instrumental in helping to set the stage for Jason Aldean’s recording career.
He believes Virginia’s artists, songwriters and musicians have helped shape the music industry. One of those artists is Brockwell, whom Porter was impressed with and is working with as a newer artist.
“She is a good singer’s singer,” he says, noting her songs have a strong melody.
Brockwell’s Career Began with a Golden Ticket to Hollywood from American Idol
Brockwell, 20 and a junior at the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville, began working on her career at the age of 15. Since then, she has earned “EP of the Year” from the Josie Music Association as well as “Vocalist of the Year- Female Country Alumni” at the Josie Music Awards.
Brockwell made her debut at Nashville’s famous Blue Bird Café in a show featuring and hosted by Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter Victoria Shaw. She has also appeared at the Listening Room Cafe in Nashville and performed on WSM 650 AM, the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry.
A songwriter as well as a singer, Brockwell says she has been “sending my work into the world and having it listened to and loved.”
And now, she’s back in Richmond once again singing with the Richmond Symphony — two years ago she sang with the symphony for its holiday performance of Let It Snow!
She says she’s happy with her life and her career.
“I feel like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, and it’s wonderful,” she says.
For more information on Richmond Symphony’s Nashville Hit Makers, visit richmondsymphony.com.
