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PRESS RELEASE |
Industry veteran Tony Cottrill becomes the first audio engineer to be inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame
— In a historic milestone, Cottrill became the first audio engineer ever inducted into the Hall, joining legendary Ohio-born artists including David Allan Coe, Earl Thomas Conley, Jerry Salley, Johnny Paycheck, Margo Smith, Roy Rogers and Shelly West —
Nashville, TN, August 11, 2025 — Nashville music industry veteran Tony Cottrill was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame during a special ceremony held on Saturday, July 26, at the Keepin’ It Country Farm in Waynesville, Ohio. In a historic milestone, Cottrill became the first audio engineer ever inducted into the Hall, joining legendary Ohio-born artists including David Allan Coe, Earl Thomas Conley, Jerry Salley, Johnny Paycheck, Margo Smith, Roy Rogers and Shelly West.
“To be the first audio engineer inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame is incredibly humbling,” reflects Cottrill. “I’ve spent my life behind the scenes helping others sound their best, and to be recognized for that work—especially here in my home state—means more than I can say. This honor is not just for me, but for every technician, educator, and road warrior who helps bring music to life night after night.”
A Ross County native, Cottrill’s journey in music began as a drummer in local bands before launching an enduring career in sound engineering and live production. Over the years, he has toured and worked with some of the biggest names in country music, including Ronnie Milsap, Exile, Juice Newton, Diamond Rio and Jamey Johnson. He is also the owner of Lonely Dog Productions @ The DAWg Houze Nashville North.
Beyond his work on stage and on tour, Cottrill has had a significant impact in audio education. He has taught at leading institutions including Belmont University, SAE Institute and The Recording Workshop, and served as Director of Live Sound at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville.
Cottrill currently serves as production manager and co-producer for the nationally syndicated television show Jimmy Bowen & Friends, working alongside co-producers and host Jimmy Bowen and Sonny LeMaire, multi-award-winning recording artist/hit songwriter and member of the legendary country group Exile, reinforcing Cottrill’s ongoing influence in both live and broadcast music production. Broadcast in over 200 million homes across the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, the show features a dynamic mix of emerging talent, award-winning songwriters and legendary artists.
The July 26 induction event also honored GRAMMY®-winning singer-songwriter Frank Myers, who performed some of his iconic hits. The evening featured live performances from multi-genre, GRAMMY-nominated entertainer and hit songwriter Brady Seals and his full band, followed by the induction ceremony and a high-energy finale by Richard Lynch and the Richard Lynch Band.
The momentous celebration brought together fans, friends and industry professionals to honor Cottrill’s achievements and to recognize Ohio’s enduring legacy in country music.
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Photo File 1: TonyCottrill_JackieThomas_OCMHOF.jpeg
Photo Caption 1: Tony Cottrill (left) at the 2025 Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony with Jackie Thomas, OCMHoF Director. Photo credit: Taylor ThomasPhoto File 2: TonyCottrill.jpg
Photo Caption 2: Tony Cottrill. Photo credit: Jeff McMahonPhoto File 3: TonyCottrill_Award.jpg
Photo Caption 3: The Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame plaque presented to Tony Cottrill upon his induction into the Hall
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