Lainey Wilson Shines Bright at the All for the Hall Benefit Concert
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Lainey Wilson offered fans a memorable evening during the recent “All for the Hall” guitar pull, an event dedicated to supporting the Country Music Hall of Fame’s educational programmes. Held on September 17, the event took place at the Novo in Los Angeles and featured an impressive line-up of musicians, including country icons Jelly Roll and Lukas Nelson.
The highlight of the night came when Wilson, 34, surprised attendees by inviting renowned guitarist John Mayer to join her on stage. The pair performed their collaborative track “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” marking the first time they had played the song together in public. Mayer, who is now 48, jumped into the performance with enthusiasm, recalling the playful nature of their initial collaboration when they created the song.
During her set, Wilson recounted the experience of writing the track at Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles, revealing how she and her team had sought out Mayer specifically for his unique sound. “The day we actually wrote this song, I was like, ‘Man, there is somebody that I’m thinking in particular that needs to play on this song,’” Wilson shared with the audience before welcoming Mayer, who joked, “I said, ‘Let’s go!’ I grabbed my guitar.”
Mayer’s signature guitar solo heightened the emotional resonance of the performance, ending an energetic night filled with music and camaraderie among the artists. The concert featured a range of acoustic performances, showcasing the talents of Wilson, Nelson, and Jelly Roll.
Wilson’s set included well-loved hits such as “4x4xU,” “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” and “Heart Like a Truck.” She also collaborated with Lukas Nelson on “More Than Friends,” as well as a heartfelt rendition of “You Can’t Make Old Friends” in tribute to Dolly Parton. The diverse setlist resonated with the audience, embodying Wilson’s expansive musical range.
Lukas Nelson, 37, captivated attendees with his own performances, notably “Find Yourself,” which notably drew the evening’s only standing ovation. Jelly Roll, 41, contributed to the night’s entertainment with powerful performances of his popular tracks, including “I Am Not Okay,” “Need a Favor,” and “Save Me.”
Throughout the evening, the camaraderie among the performers was palpable, marked by light-hearted banter and engaging anecdotes. Conversations ranged from Wilson’s recent wedding in May to Nelson’s new romance, creating a relaxed atmosphere that facilitated an intimate connection with the audience.
An inspiring element of the night was the contribution from local students of Manual Arts High School, who performed an original song developed during a Words & Music program in collaboration with songwriters Liz Rose and Phil Barton. Their performance not only highlighted emerging talent in the music scene but also reflected the educational mission of the Country Music Hall of Fame, serving over 125,000 individuals through programmes designed to foster music education.
As the evening came to a close, the success of the event was apparent. The All for the Hall concert not only showcased the immense talent of both established and upcoming artists, but also raised crucial funds that contribute to the preservation and promotion of country music history. The blending of renowned musicians with passionate young talent made for a night to remember, underscoring the importance of supporting music education in communities across the country.