News arrived early yesterday from Nashville that AristoMedia chief executive officer Jeff Walker passed away suddenly on Monday, aged 65.

He will always be remembered for his tremendous effort in making inroads for global artists to share stages in Nashville and beyond.

In 1980 he founded AristoMedia Group, a publicity and marketing firm, building an impressive roster of clients.

The Marco Promotions arm of the group, which centred on radio promotion, has a client list that included 

Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, the Dixie Chicks and Trisha Yearwood.

In the video promotion sector, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and Shania Twain were all part of the Jeff Walker success story.

Nashville mayor Karl Dean told The Tennessean Jeff should be applauded for providing a pipeline for international artists to come to Nashville.

“His zeal for growing country music’s appeal around the globe made him an integral part of our Sister Cities program,” Mayor Dean said.

“In particular, Jeff Walker helped develop our partnership with Tamworth, the Country Music Capital of Australia, and nurture our relationship with Edmonton, which also has strong music ties to Nashville.”

He was honoured with the CMA President’s Award and the CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award.

On a visit in recent years, CMAA president and Bushwackers leader, Dobe Newton presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his untiring efforts in the music business.

New Englanders will no doubt remember Jeff through his association with Nick Erby and radio statio 2TM.

He is survived by his wife Terri, daughter Christy Walker Watkins, son John Walker and their families. 

His father Bill Walker and stepmother Jeanine also survived him, according to a MusicRow obituary. 

EARLIER this week Luke O’Shea and Amber Lawrence released a brand new collaboration, a song called Catch You, which will be the first single from Luke’s forthcoming album.

Written by Luke, Catch You was conceived to help raise awareness about those living with post-traumatic stress disorder and those offering support.

The video stars Damien Thomlinson, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, and an inspirational young Australian.

Along with Damien and Luke, Amber is a proud ambassador for DefenceCare, an organisation that helps current and ex-serving members of 

the Australian Defence Force and their families in times of injury, illness or crisis.

Amber said she really hopes people are touched by the powerful video shot by Duncan Toombs, and perhaps moved to donate what they can to DefenceCare to help support the great work they do.

Check out the clip on YouTube, where it’s called I Will Catch You.

SINCE the passing of Audrey Auld on August 9, there’s been an outpouring of grief from around the world.

Her beloved husband and best friend, Mez, has been inundated with condolences.

To help offset medical costs incurred during Audrey’s illness, he launched a GoFundMe campaign, with the target of raising $50,000.

Within five days, 228 people had donated $21,240 – or at least, that was the tally yesterday morning.

It’s really heartening to see people give so freely to help Mez through the toughest days of his life.

f you can spare anything, please visit the site, watch the video (get out the tissues) and give what you can. You will find the campaign atwww.gofundme.com/u52axu54

ON THIS side of the planet, good friends of Aud’s, Camille and Stuie French, have organised an Audrey Auld Mezera Memorial Day at Greenacre Bowling Club in Sydney.

Stuie and Camille, Hunter and Suzy Owens and lots of special guests will donate their time and talents to the cause.

“Please tell all your friends about this event. Come along and join us for a very special afternoon for Audrey,” Camille said.

The cost is $10 at the door. The venue location is 231 Roberts Rd, Greenacre. It will be held on Sunday, September 13, at 3pm.

If anyone would like to donate but can’t get there, I’ll be only too happy to pass on any donations on the day.

They can be dropped in to the front counter of The Leader office on the Brisbane/Marius St corner.

TOMORROW night at The Pub there’s a bit of a first happening for some truly local talent.

For the first time Patti Morgan will be joined by her sister, Kerry Walsh, and Patti’s longtime duo partner, Lynette Guest, on The Pub stage. and they have a hot band in Dally Croft on lead guitar, Joey Croft on drums and Mike Casey on bass.

When Kerry first moved to Tamworth, she would often get up and have a sing at the Currabubula Jam with Lynette and Patti, or add her harmonies to the overall sound.

“This is the first time we’ve all been together like this in a band show, so we will drag out some old stuff, some of the dance music we used to do years ago,” Patti said.

“Because we are doing quite a few of the old ones, we might make a few blues, but that’s all part of the fun of the night.

“We’ll mix it up with some of the newer stuff as well, so there will be lots of variety.”

Showtime is 8pm, but get there early and maybe have some dinner. That way you’re assured of a good seat for the show. You can book a table by phoning 6765 5655.