VINCE GILL - STARS TURN OUT TO HONOUR PRESTON

Singers VINCE GILL, SHERYL CROW and BRENDA LEE were joined by a host of country music stars to honour Country Music Hall of Fame member FRANCES PRESTON. The Leadership Dale Franklin Award was presented to Preston on Tuesday (18Sep07) in recognition of her contributions to the music industry throughout her career. Now retired, Preston served as president and CEO of BMI from 1986 until 2004 after joining the performance rights organisation in 1958 and opening its regional office in Nashville. Country star Vince Gill hosted the Nashville event, which featured congratulatory video messages from Dolly Parton and Al Gore.