Veteran Nashville Music Journalist and Author Vernell Hackett Dies at 77

Veteran music journalist Vernell Hackett , a longtime chronicler of Nashville’s top music artists, died on Aug.

14 in Chicago, after suffering from cardiac arrest.

Hackett was 77.

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Though she initially had plans to pursue a career in crime reporting, her passion for music led her on a path to becoming a top music journalist.

She and her husband Ken relocated to Buffalo, N.

Y., to live closer to his family, before relocating to Nashville.

Hackett worked for booking agent Tandy Rice at Top Billing International, where Rice represented artists including Dolly Parton , Jim Ed Brown , Jerry Clower , Porter Wagoner, Jeannie C.

Riley, Tom T.

Hall and others.

Hackett was known for her heartfelt and vivid storytelling, her deep connections with artists and songwriters, and her passion for music and creativity.

Hackett’s work in journalism included time as an editor of Country News , Country Rhythms and American Songwriter magazines.

Hackett was a co-founder of American Songwriter magazine, and she served as the publication’s editor-in-chief for over a decade.

She also freelanced for many publications, as well as radio syndicators.