 Loretta Johnson (centre) pictured with her sisters Kay & Loudilla (photo by Marti Clayton) |
NASHVILLE--A memorial concert for Loretta Johnson, one of three co-founders of the International Fan Club Organization (IFCO), will be held June 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Nashville Palace (2611 McGavock Pike, Nashville–near Opryland). After a lengthy illness, Loretta passed away from bone marrow cancer in Nashville on April 13th at Alive Hospice.
Over the past forty years, IFCO has promoted and helped numerous country artists build their careers, and has also been instrumental in developing shows and festivals throughout the US and the UK. The annual “IFCO Fun Fest” show is widely considered to be the precursor to “Fan Fair,” known today as the “CMA Music Festival.” This year, for the first time in over forty years, there will be no IFCO show. Instead, this non-IFCO sponsored memorial for Loretta Johnson will be held. Between running IFCO and taking care of Loretta, there was not enough time for Loretta’s sisters, IFCO co-founders Loudilla and Kay Johnson, to put together a show for 2009.
Artists currently scheduled to appear or perform at Loretta’s memorial concert include: Billy Yates, Charlie McCoy, Linda Davis, Buddy Jewell, Ty Herndon, Michael Peterson, Jimmie Van Zant, Steve Hall & Shotgun Red, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Deborah Allen, Baillie and the Boys, Annie Simms, Tommy Cash, David Church, and Moore & Moore.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Loretta Johnson Medical Fund. Because Loretta’s illness was lengthy, she left many medical bills. Direct contributions to her medical fund can be made to The Loretta Johnson Medical Fund, Contribution Account, Bank of America, 133 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 791-3525.
A silent auction at the event will include items donated by area businesses and celebrities. Those wishing to donate an item to the auction may also contact Carrie Moore-Reed, Third Coast Talent, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or items can be mailed to her at Third Coast Talent, P.O. Box 334, Kingston Springs, TN 37082.
Ticket prices are $30 reserved, $25 general admission. For tickets and other information, please contact benefit organizer, Terri Church, First Country Entertainment, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 740-974-9885.
