The Happy Music Center (HMC) has announced the selection of Lori Beth Brooke as a Happy Music Ambassador, a prestigious honor recognizing her significant contributions to music and her role in spreading joy through her performances. This recognition will be formally presented at the National Accordion Convention in Lewisville, Texas, on Friday evening, March 14, 2025, during her concert titled “Lori’s Yodel Blitz Concert.” The award ceremony will feature presentations by HMC President Johnny Young and Rick Custer, the NAA Convention Coordinator, underscoring the event’s importance within the music community.

Who are Happy Music Ambassadors?
Happy Music Ambassadors are individuals dedicated to using music as a tool for spreading joy, harmony, and positivity, creating connections that transcend boundaries and unite diverse communities. They are recognized for their exceptional efforts in inspiring and uplifting others, serving as beacons of musical delight and ambassadors of joy. The nomination process for this honor is open to anyone, free of charge, allowing the public to celebrate remarkable individuals who make a positive impact through music. The HMC review committee diligently selects recipients throughout the year, and nominees chosen for the award have the privilege of being presented with this accolade, often with the nominator’s assistance.

Lori Beth Brooke, a native Texan with German heritage from Austin, Texas, grew up on a dairy farm in Nordheim. Her musical journey began at a young age, playing piano before starting elementary school and learning the accordion at seven, guided by the Palmer Hughes series, mastering her first polka. By age 12, she was composing her own songs, showcasing early talent. She graduated with a B.A. in Music and an M.S. in Computer Information Systems, currently managing a database platform team in the computer industry, but her true calling remains music.

Over the past 20 years, Lori Beth has performed across a broad spectrum of genres, including classical, big band, German folk, country, and most recently, Western music. Post-college, she learned to yodel, integrating this unique technique into her performances, particularly in German folk and Western music. Her yodeling prowess led to her being named Female Yodeler of the Year in 2016 by the International Western Music Association. Her album “Texas Star,” released in 2020, was awarded the Cowboy Western Swing Album of the Year by the same association. On May 21, 2021, she released her first official music video for her original song “Guys Love Chicks Who Yodel,” available on YouTube (YouTube), further expanding her reach. Lori Beth was also named the Academy of Western Artists’ 2020 Female Western Performer and won the Walnut Valley Festival 2021 Song of the Year in the Humorous category, with nominations for Instrumentalist of the Year and Female Performer of the Year in 2021 by the International Western Music Association.

Lori Beth recently released her second album, “Light of the Moon,” in June 2024, which includes 15 songs, 10 of which are originals, ranging from straight-up country to Western swing, highlighting her ongoing creativity and contribution to the music scene.

The Happy Music Ambassador Recognition Event:
The Happy Music Center, a premier institution dedicated to music education and promoting harmony, happiness, and health among all involved, is delighted to honor Lori Beth Brooke. With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, HMC offers comprehensive musical experiences, aligning with its mission to inspire and empower musicians of all ages.

Johnny Young, President of HMC, expressed, “We are honored to recognize Lori Beth Brooke with the Happy Music Ambassador Award. Her passion, expertise, and tireless commitment have enriched countless lives, and we are proud to have her represent the values and spirit of the Happy Music Center.” This statement underscores the significance of her selection, reflecting HMC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant musical community worldwide.

Lori Beth Brooke’s Achievements and Awards:
2016 – Female Yodeler of The Year – International Western Music Association.
2020 – Cowboy Western Swing Album of the Year (“Texas Star”) -International Western Music Association.
2020 – Female Western Performer – Academy of Western Artists
2021 –  Song of the Year in the Humorous category – Walnut Valley Festival
2021 – Nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2021 – Nominated for Female Performer of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2024 – Song of the Year in the Humorous category – Walnut Valley Festival
2024 – Nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2024 – Nominated for Western Song of the Year – International Western Music Association.
2024 – Nominated for Western Swing Album of the Year (“Light of the Moon”) – International Western Music Association.

Lori Beth Brooke’s appointment as Happy Music Ambassador not only celebrates her past contributions but also anticipates her future endeavors, such as the most recent release of her album “Light of the Moon.” Her story is a testament to the transformative power of music, aligning perfectly with HMC’s mission to promote joy and harmony through artistic expression.