Veteran Nashville Music Journalist and Author Vernell Hackett Dies at 77
During her career, Hackett worked with artists including Chris LeDoux and Dale Ann Bradley.
Vernell Hackett, a renowned music journalist and author based in Nashville, passed away on August 14 at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest. Hackett, who initially aspired for a career in crime reporting, found her true calling in the world of music journalism. Born as Vernell Dell Boswank in Riesel, Texas, she later moved to Buffalo, New York, before settling in Nashville.
Throughout her career, Hackett became well-known for her heartfelt and vivid storytelling, her deep relationships with artists and songwriters, and her unwavering passion for music and creativity. She worked as an editor for Country News, Country Rhythms, and American Songwriter magazines, and served as the magazine's editor-in-chief for over ten years. Hackett also contributed her talents to various publications, radio syndicators, and the Country Music Association's communications department in the 1980s.
Notable clients of Hackett included country music icons such as Dolly Parton, Jim Ed Brown, Jerry Clower, Porter Wagoner, Jeannie C. Riley, and Tom T. Hall. She also represented bluegrass artist Dale Ann Bradley, Americana duo Jesse and Noah, and John McEuen, the founding member of the nitty gritty dirt band. In addition, she authored several books, including a biography of Carrie Underwood and a book titled Ghosts, Gangsters and Gamblers of Las Vegas, co-written with her longtime friends and colleagues Liz Cavanaugh and Michelle Honick.
Beyond her work in music journalism, Hackett was a passionate advocate for animal rights, collaborating with rescue shelters and supporting the Robyn’s Nest shelter. Her tradition of collecting dog food and monetary donations during her birthday celebrations resulted in thousands of pounds of pet food and monetary contributions being sent to the shelter.
Hackett's close friend and Oak Ridge Boys' Duane Allen praised her positivity and shared a humorous video of a small dog singing and a big dog hitting the small dog with flip-flops. Hackett leaves behind a legacy of love for the Lord, her friends, and animals, with the hope of meeting them all in Heaven.
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