Longtime writer, editor and curator Michael McCall will retire from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at the end of 2026, concluding more than 20 years with the Nashville institution. More Local Living News
McCall joined the museum in 2006 and currently serves as associate director of editorial, overseeing written content for exhibitions, books, public programs, the museum’s website, social media and educational materials.
During his tenure, McCall has curated or co-curated more than 20 exhibitions, including the recent Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country Rock and Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy.
He has also hosted numerous museum programs, interviewing Country Music Hall of Fame members including Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Charlie Daniels, Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless and Hank Williams Jr.
“From the beginning of his tenure, Michael’s impressive journalistic sensibilities helped to establish the museum’s editorial voice,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in a release. “He brings broad historical knowledge with an innate ability to not only understand the music and the people behind it, but also place it within the greater cultural context. Before he joined the museum, he was a talented journalist and well respected by artists and musicians alike. We were lucky to have him and grateful for his two decades of service enlightening and educating us all.”
McCall also co-edited the second edition of the museum’s Encyclopedia of Country Music, published by Oxford University Press; wrote exhibition catalogs on Loretta Lynn and Reba McEntire; and authored a book highlighting the museum’s archival collection.
Before joining the museum, McCall served as senior editor of Country Music magazine from 1999 to 2003 and worked as senior music writer for the Nashville Banner from 1984 to 1990. His journalism career included interviews with Waylon Jennings, George Jones and George Strait, along with a 1986 series documenting Loretta Lynn’s USO tour of military bases in Southeast Asia.
“Working at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been the greatest honor of a career that overshot any of my dreams,” said McCall. “After arriving in Nashville, I noticed how the museum excelled at interpreting and contextualizing American roots music and its important role in popular culture. I will forever appreciate the opportunity given to me by Kyle Young, Liz Thiels and Jay Orr to work alongside a talented, committed staff in continuing the museum’s sanctified mission.”
McCall received the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism in 2007 from Belmont University and the International Country Music Conference.
His final day with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will be December 31, 2026.
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