Trace Adkins to help Grand Ole Opry with marketing

Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins, whose marketing savvy earned him a Top 2 finish in NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice last year, is using some of that same know-how to assist the Opry, having actively participated as a consultant in the development of the iconic country music brand’s new marketing campaign. Adkins also serves as the voice of the campaign’s television and radio commercials which invite fans to “See The Show That Made Country Music Famous.” The spots launch this week and can be found along with print treatments beginning today at opry.com.

Adkins’ involvement in the campaign, which also features print, online, and outdoor components, included providing assessments to the Opry’s marketing team and advertising agency ranging from specifics about design elements of print ads to broad suggestions about the messaging included in TV spots.

The finished advertising product builds from the theme “The Show That Made Country Music Famous” and features iconic Nashville and Opry imagery, showcasing the connection between the Opry’s rich heritage and today’s superstar Opry members including Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood, among others.

“We’re as proud of Trace’s contributions to this effort as we were to watch him display his marketing skills week after week on national television last year,” said Opry General Manager Pete Fisher. “Once again, I have been humbled by the folks at the Opry,” says Adkins. “For them to think that I might have anything to contribute to this campaign is something I never dreamed could happen.”

The Opry began working on a new marketing campaign before Adkins filmed Celebrity Apprentice last year, working with Dallas, Texas firm Encircle Marketing on consumer research which led to the “See The Show That Made Country Music Famous” idea. “Country music fans told us they love the Opry and want it to claim its rightful place as an undeniable force which has shaped country music for generations and continues to shape country music today,” said Encircle’s Gerald Mann.

Clint Black, another member of the Opry, is set to appear on this year’s installment of Celebrity Apprentice beginning next month.

Among those appearing soon at the Opry are Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Ricky Skaggs, Josh Turner, and Carrie Underwood. The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year, and the Tuesday Night Opry returns March 3. Opry Country Classics debuts on Thursday nights beginning March 26. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or log on to www.opry.com.