[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 140 (Tuesday, August 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING LULA CLAY NAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 29, 2017

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, today we honor Lula Clay Naff, America's 
First Lady of theatre management, innovative booker and 35-year manager 
of the historic Ryman Auditorium.
  Born in 1875 in Fall Branch, Tennessee, Mrs. Naff almost single-
handedly elevated the Ryman as the must-see, must-do Nashville venue 
for musicians, speakers, and actors. She rose to prominence as a young, 
widowed mother, years before the 19th Amendment granted women the right 
to vote, let alone oversee a 2,360-seat event space.
  Her remarkable decision-making skills and bold instincts shifted a 
religious setting to an entertainment destination. Her shrewd booking 
acumen filled pews with some of the biggest names in music, theatre and 
public speaking. She was a trailblazer for working women and a 
visionary for performance arts. As Mrs. Naff widened the Ryman's 
roster, the venue grew in respect and prestige. The Grand Old Opry's 
31-year run on the Ryman stage was her swansong and a showcase for her 
influence.
  She retired in 1955 at the age of 80 as Manager Emeritus, having 
elevated the Ryman through a half-century of diverse, cultural events. 
In 2015, the Ryman opened Cafe Lula to commemorate Mrs. Naffs legacy 
and longevity in shaping one of Nashville's greatest event 
destinations.
  We honor Lula Naff with a SOURCE Award, recognizing her vital 
contribution to the success of Music Row and the Nashville 
entertainment industry.