TrueTunes Hosts All-Star Benefit for Former CCM Editor Bruce Brown

On August 9, the Nashville music community — along with countless artists, friends, and fans from across the country — will come together both in person and virtually for the Big Beautiful Bruce Brown Benefit, a heartfelt night of music, memories, and support for one of the foundational voices in contemporary Christian music journalism.

Bruce Brown, a beloved writer, editor, manager, and champion of faith-fueled music, was CCM Magazine’s Managing and Contributing Editor from 1982 to 1998 — a crucial era that shaped not just the magazine but an entire generation of Christian music. During those years, Brown’s byline, insight, and editorial leadership helped guide readers through the ever-expanding landscape of Christian rock, pop, and beyond. His passion for music and his fierce belief in the artists he covered made him a trusted voice for readers and a true advocate for musicians navigating a growing industry.

Since taking the helm of CCM Magazine earlier this year, Logan and Amanda Sekulow have made it their mission to honor the magazine’s legacy — and the people like Bruce Brown who built it. Today, Bruce faces one of his toughest personal challenges yet: a rare blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), requiring frequent travel for treatment and costly care. In true community fashion, his friends and fans have stepped up to make sure he doesn’t face it alone.

The benefit — produced by True Tunes and organized by a close-knit team of Bruce’s longtime friends and industry colleagues — will be held at The Well Coffee Shop in Nashville’s Green Hills neighborhood at 7 p.m. CST, with an in-person pre-show gathering and a private live-streamed concert for all who can’t be there in person.

The lineup reads like a who’s-who of CCM Magazine favorites and industry legends: Jimmy A, Bob Bennett, The Choir, Eddie DeGarmo, Rob Frazier, Dan Haseltine, Glenn Kaiser, Phil Keaggy, Phil Madeira, Kevin Max, Charlie Peacock, Dave Perkins, River & Rail, Mike Roe, Russ Taff, Chris Taylor, Ojo Taylor, Terry Taylor, Michelle Lynn Thompson, The Throes — and special non-musical appearances by Amy Grant and many more.

It’s a testament to the mark Bruce has left not only on the pages of CCM Magazine but in the lives of the artists he championed and the readers he inspired.

“We are all looking forward to joining together to help support and encourage our friend for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” says longtime friend, True Tunes producer and event ringmaster John J. Thompson. “There are a lot of people in our musical community who love this guy for all that he is and all that he has done for the CCM industry and artists. When I was very young and had some decidedly ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas about music, culture and connecting with an audience, Bruce was one industry insider I could always count on for sound advice and encouragement. The opportunity to work with him so closely these last five years on the podcast has been one of the true blessings of my life. Everyone needs a Bruce in their life.”

Joining Thompson behind the scenes are longtime Brown associate and former CCM Magazine editor Kathleen Ervin, along with journalist and artist manager Mark Hollingsworth and his team, Josh Kato and Kaelyn Rozgony.

Donors who contribute $10 or more to Bruce’s GoFundMe campaign will receive a private link to stream the event. We encourage you to sign up at TrueTunes.com/BBBBB.

Bruce Brown spent decades telling the stories of countless artists. Now, the CCM community is stepping up to tell his — and to remind him that he’s not alone in this fight.

For details and donations, visit the official GoFundMe page: Help Bruce Battle Rare Blood Cancer.