Una To Host Terry Skinner Memorial Symposium

Mar. 19, 2015

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

Bryan Rachal, University Communications

FLORENCE, Ala. - The University of North Alabama Department of Entertainment Industry is honoring one of its former professors and famed songwriter, Terry Skinner. The Terry Skinner Memorial Symposium will take place Wednesday, April 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mane Room in Florence.

Skinner taught briefly as an adjunct professor in the Commercial Music program at UNA in the 1980s. He passed away in November 2014 at the age of 71. Skinner's family asked that any memorial should go to UNA's Department of Entertainment Industry.

In honor of the Skinner family's generosity, the Department of Entertainment Industry decided to use the money to give back to the songwriting community by hosting the Terry Skinner Memorial Songwriter Symposium.

Dr. Bob Garfrerick, chair of the Department of Entertainment Industry, said they're honored to be the recipients of such generosity. "Our department is grateful to the family and donors, and we are proud to honor Terry Skinner's legacy by giving back to the songwriting community," he said.

Skinner, along with his writing partners had many hits, primarily in the 1980s, including the Carpenters' and Alabama hit, "Touch Me When We're Dancing." Skinner is also known for his chart topper, "Even the Nights are Better," which was made famous by the band Air Supply.

Throughout his career, Skinner had five No. 1 hits and had songs recorded by artists such as, Narvel Felts, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, Tanya Tucker, Melissa Manchester, Highway 101, Billy Crash Craddock and Shenandoah. He was also a co-producer of country group, The Forrester Sisters.

The event will begin at 1 p.m., with a short presentation honoring Skinner, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Walt Aldridge. Panelists include, Mark Narmore, Chad Green, Norbert Putnam and longtime Skinner writing partner Jerry Wallace. The panel will be followed by an old-fashioned "Cassette-Roulette," which is an opportunity for budding songwriters to get feedback on their songs from professionals in attendance.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information on UNA's Department of Entertainment Industry: http://www.una.edu/entertainment/