Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
UMG Nashville Honors Jamey Johnson for Gold Certification of The Guitar Song
Universal Music Group Nashville presented Jamey Johnson with a plaque commemorating the gold certification of his ambitious 25-song double album, The Guitar Song, during a gathering Friday at the Palm in Nashville.
The Guitar Song is up for Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and received two Grammy nominations -- Country Album of the Year and Best Male Country Vocal performance for "Macon."
The Nashville Scene’s 11th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named The Guitar Song the best album of 2011 and named Johnson Artist of the Year, Best Male Vocalist and Best Songwriter. Both Rolling Stone and Spin ranked the album No. 5 on their lists of the Best Albums of 2010 and "Macon" was ranked No. 23 on Rolling Stone’s Best Singles of 2010.
UMG Nashville chairman Luke Lewis presented Johnson with the framed plaque. "I can’t be any prouder than to hand my friend Jamey Johnson a gold record," Lewis told the crowd.
Also on hand to receive gold plaques were the album’s producers, Arlis Albritton, Dave Cobb and The Kent Hardly Playboys, and his manager, Ken Levitan.
Johnson thanked his band, producers, management and label staff for all they did to make the album a success.
"It’s always cool to stop what you’re doing and bring the whole team together," he says. "These guys and gals usually don’t get to see each other on a regular basis, so it’s good that when they do, we’re celebrating an accomplishment like that. It’s something everybody worked equal parts on and holds an equal amount of responsibility for the success of it.
"Everybody in this room has earned their money," he says with a laugh, "and I appreciate it."
Johnson is thankful for the honors and accolades the project has received and even more delighted that he could share the spotlight with those who don’t often receive attention for their work.
"We get positive feedback from the audience every night, so that is our thank you. But the people who work behind the scenes that maybe aren’t on the road with us and don’t’ get that immediate feedback, that immediate thank-you from people, it’s real important for them to get to come out and share a night like this with everyone else.
"If it hadn’t had gone gold, we’d probably still have a party and patted each other on the back no matter what because it is a good team. It’s a great team of people working hard and getting it done. Music ain’t exactly the easiest profession to be in, but it’s one of the best, if you ask me."
After the presentation, Johnson walked across the street to the Bridgestone Arena, where he performed as part of the Kid Rock tour.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Colder Weather - Zac Brown Band (Music Video)
Finally, it's out! The video stars actor Liam Hemsworth, who played the leading male role in Disney's 2010 hit film The Last Song.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Country Music Winners At the 2011 Grammy Awards
Record of the Year
"Need You Now"Song of the Year
"Need You Now"Best Male Country Vocal Performance
"'Til Summer Comes Around"Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
"Need You Now"Best Country Collaboration With Vocals
"As She's Walking Away"Best Country Instrumental Performance
"Hummingbyrd"Best Country Song
"Need You Now"Best Country Album
Need You NowBest Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media
Crazy HeartVarious Artists
Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media
"The Weary Kind"Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
CMA Music Festival 2011 Announces First Round Of Performers
The iconic CMA Music Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary when it takes over the Downtown Nashville campus for four days this summer, Thursday-Sunday, June 9-12, 2011. The event that USA Today calls “the crown jewel of Country Music festivals” started in 1972 as Fan Fair®. Forty years later, the legendary festival has become Nashville’s signature music event, which annually attracts thousands of fans from all 50 states and around the globe while raising millions of dollars for music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools. 2011 will also mark the eighth consecutive year that CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a network television special, shining a national spotlight on both the Country Music format and “Music City USA.”
The reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert, Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton, and Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum join Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, and Keith Urban as the first artists announced as performers during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during CMA Music Festival. This will be Crow’s first performance at CMA Music Festival. Additional names and performance schedules will be announced in coming weeks.
“This is an excellent collection of superstar artists to launch 2011 CMA Music Festival, continuing the legacy started 40 years ago by artists such as Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Tammy Wynette at the first Fan Fair,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
Fans can stay in the loop by visiting the all-new CMAfest.com, the official website of CMA Music Festival, which makes its debut today. On CMAfest.com fans can buy tickets, sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news, watch helpful videos to make their CMA Music Festival experience better than ever, follow the CMA Facebook and Twitter feeds for more insider info and of course see the entire lineup of Country Music’s biggest stars as they are announced for the event.
CMA Music Festival celebrates the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City USA. The artists participate for free, and on their behalf, CMA donates half the net proceeds of the Festival to support music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through the Keep the Music Playing program.
To date, more than $4.7 million has been donated to purchase musical instruments and supplies, providing thousands of Metro Nashville Public Schools students with the resources and opportunities they could not have afforded on their own, and giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school. The total also includes an annual endowment gift for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Words & Music program, which assists language arts and music teachers with classroom instruction in the basics of songwriting.
Featuring concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more, CMA Music Festival is an unparalleled celebration of America’s music. In 2010, the event drew a record-setting 65,000 fans from all 50 states and 26 nations and, for the first time, sold out each night at LP Field for the star-packed nightly concerts in advance. According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, direct visitor spending generated by the Festival totaled more than $23 million. CMA Music Festival is a four-time winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010).
Fans can purchase their tickets through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or 1-(800)-745-3000. They can also purchase them through CMAfest.com or 1-(800)-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Ticket prices are based on the level of seating at LP Field for the Nightly Concerts, and range from $115 to $325 plus handling fees.
Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE. For information on ADA seating, please call 1-800-CMA-FEST.
A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST, 1-800-345-3000 (Ticketmaster) or www.ticketmaster.com to order. The price is $32 for cars; $64 for vans/shuttles; and $124 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.
Daniel Smith Launches Valentine Promotion For “Until I Close My Eyes For Good”
Singer/songwriter Daniel Smith is offering country radio stations a sweet Valentineʼs Day promotion built around his new romantic single, “Until I Close My Eyes For Good.”
Each participating station will get five giveaway copies of Smithʼs album, The EP, which features the single, and a chance to enroll their listeners for the grand prize, which includes two tickets to the 2011 CMA Music Festival, an acoustic concert and barbecue dinner for two at Smithʼs home, limousine transportation to and from the concert and dinner and a prize package of all Smithʼs albums plus merchandise items.
The grand prize winner will be announced on Valentineʼs Day. Smithʼs earlier singles include “Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happy Hour,” “Livinʼ The Good Life, and “Thank You.”
Details about the Valentineʼs Day promotion are available through Jerry Duncan
Promotions at (615) 329-1032 or Susan Collier PR (615) 356-0375.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
David Nail Debuts New Single from Upcoming Album
Newly anointed with Grammy nominee honors for Best Male Vocal Country Performance for his last single “Turning Home,” MCA Nashville’s David Nail is wasting no time in delivering what’s sure to be another vocal standout.
“Let It Rain,” written by Nail and Jonathan Singleton and produced by Frank Liddell and Chuck Ainlay, is the debut single from his forthcoming 2011 as-yet-untitled release. “Rain” officially goes for radio adds Monday but can be sampled now at www.davidnail.com. The single will be available for purchase at www.itunes.com and www.amazon.com beginning Tuesday, February 8.
“Jonathan came in with the groove, and the words just came rather effortlessly,” explained Nail about the 2010 summer writing session that produced “Rain.” “As the track came together in the studio, it just became more and more evident that this particular song was unique. Having Sarah Buxton play such an important background vocal role brought it to an even-more-powerful, emotional level. I’m extremely excited to be back on the radio with something new.”
Despite the weather conditions, Nail made good on his show last night in St. Louis Park , Minnesota , and will play Chicago ’s famed Joe’s Bar tonight and Pontiac , Illinois ’ Crystal Palace Saturday night. Nail will then take to the West Coast with a couple California gigs before opening an already sold-out show at Los Angeles’ Troubadour alongside Dierks Bentley.
Click here to listen to David Nail's latest single, Let It Rain!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Little Big Town Pleased with ACM Nominations
Platinum-selling country group Little Big Town—which consists of members Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, and Phillip Sweet—continues to build on their already incredible year that has included a top hit, “Little White Church,” #1 debut album, The Reason Why, their fourth GRAMMY nomination, and now, the news of their 2011 ACM Awards nomination in the Top Vocal Group of the Year category.
"I hold my breath hoping for a nomination every year. It was nice to wake up this morning and hear the great news," said Schlapman in response to the nomination.
In celebration of their recent ACM and GRAMMY nominations, the group will perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, February 8 at 12:35 AM ET/11:35 PM CT on NBC.
In 2006 Little Big Town took home the ACM Award for Top New Vocal Duo or Group.
Jamey Johnson On His ACM Nominations
Jamey Johnson has received two nominations from the Academy of Country Music Awards, including Album of the Year for The Guitar Song, the most-lauded country album of 2010.
"The triumph of a gold-selling double album is shared by my family, my friends/bandmates/producers, my staff, my label, my booking agents, my publishers, my management, my publicists, my handlers, my wranglers, my fans, my dog, Willie's braids and that beautiful brunette in Toledo,” Jamey says. “Thanks all for the hard work and dedication. You all deserve each accolade. And thanks to the Academy voters for the recognition."
Jamey also received an ACM nomination in the category of Vocal Event of the Year for his performance with Colt Ford of “Cold Beer.”
"If working with Colt in the studio was a ball, touring with him on the road with the Grascals and Hank Williams, Jr. was several balls,” Jamey says. “He's a unique artist in a day where uniquity is not usually rewarded. I'm proud to be nominated alongside my friend."
Jamey is a two-time winner in the ACM Song of the Year category, taking home trophies in 2009 for “In Color” and 2007 for “Give It Away,” which was recorded by George Strait.
The Guitar Song was produced by Arlis Albritton, Dave Cobb and The Kent Hardly Playboys, all of whom received nominations as well in the Album of the Year category. In addition, two members of The Kent Hardly Playboys received individual nominations. Jim “Moose” Brown is nominated for Top Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, and “Cowboy” Eddie Long is nominated for Top Steel Guitar Player of the Year.
Jamey’s The Guitar Song, an ambitious 25-song double album, also recently received two Grammy nominations -- Country Album of the Year and Best Male Country Vocal performance for “Macon.” (He received a third Grammy nomination in Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Bad Angels” with Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert.)
In addition, The Guitar Song was recently certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Last week, the Nashville Scene’s 11th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named The Guitar Song the best album of 2011 and named Jamey Artist of the Year, Best Male Vocalist and Best Songwriter.
The Guitar Song was ranked No. 5 on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2010 and “Macon” was ranked No. 23 on Rolling Stone’s Best Singles of 2010.
“What does Jamey Johnson keep under all of that hair? Songs,” says Rolling Stone. “Nashville’s gruffest and grittiest star turns out to be its most reliable traditionalist, a Music Row pro who can write a song for every emotional season. Johnson pulled out a whole slew of them – 25, clocking in north of 105 minutes – four his double-disc fourth album: acoustic confessions and rugged boogie blues, big weepers and grim reapers, cover tunes and novelty ditties, not to mention “California Riots” and “Playing the Part,” a pair of fiercely funny, unrepentantly redneck swipes at the frou-frou blue states.”
The Washington Post, which ranked the album at No. 2 on its list of 2010’s greatest hits, says, “He sings in the baritone of God and carries a guitar covered in Sharpie squiggles – autographed from the likes of Haggard, Nelson and other country music royalty. Now Johnson’s sweeping double album raises the question: How long before he has to sign it himself?”
Spin also named The Guitar Song as No. 5 on its list of The 40 Best Albums of 2010. “Johnson’s double-album opus isn’t one of the past decade’s best country records because he’s a boundary-pushing subversive,” Spin says.
The New York Times included “Even the Skies Are Blue” on its list of Top Songs, while People included The Guitar Song in its Top 10 Music list, noting, “In an era when much of country music is designed for bite-size radio consumption, this old-school outlaw – and Matthew McConaughey BFF – served up a meaty, 25-track double album that sticks to your bones.”
He also made best-album lists of The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Paste, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Detroit Free Press, The Arizona Republic and other publications.
Jamey is currently on tour with Kid Rock.
Craig Campbell Joins Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour
With the exciting news that “Family Man” Craig Campbell will join Willie Nelson on the 2011 Country Throwdown Tour, the singer’s label, Bigger Picture Group, has shifted the release of the Campbell’s self-titled debut album to April 5 to coincide more closely with the start of the tour. Nineteen dates have so far been announced for the Country Throwdown Tour, including Denver, CO, Philadelphia, PA, Nashville, TN and Del Mar, CA.
Campbell worked in the studio with legendary producer Keith Stegall (Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson) to record his debut album. The singer co-wrote nine of the eleven songs on his forthcoming record, including the hit single “Family Man,” which is quickly climbing the charts, already at #22 Billboard / #23 Mediabase.
Craig Campbell Track Listing:
1. “I Bought It” written by Craig Campbell, Philip Douglas, Dan Murph
2. “Family Man” written by Craig Campbell, Jon Henderson, Joel Shewmake
3. “When I Get It” written by Craig Campbell, Jason Matthews, Jim McCormick
4. “My Little Cowboy” written by Craig Campbell, Dan Couch
5. “Makes You Wanna Sang” written by Craig Campbell, Rob Hatch, Lance Miller
6. “That Going Away Look (About Her)” written by Michael White, Wade Kirby, Carson Chamberlain
7. “Fish” written by Craig Campbell, Arlos Smith, Ashe Underwood
8. “Chillaxin’” written by Craig Campbell, Rob Hatch, Brice Long
9. “That’s Music To Me” written by Craig Campbell, Tim Nichols, Carson Chamberlain
10. “You Probably Ain’t” written by Craig Campbell, Keith Stegall, Michael White
11. “All Night To Get There” written by Keith Stegall, Vicky McGehee, Lee Brice
To learn more about Craig, visit www.craigcampbell.tv and follow him on Twitter @craigcampbelltv.
2011 ACM Awards Nominees
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban
Miranda Lambert
Album of the Year
Hemingway's Whiskey - Kenny Chesney
Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
The Guitar Song - Jamey Johnson
Speak Now - Taylor Swift
Up On the Ridge - Dierks Bentley
You Get What You Give - Zac Brown Band
Top Vocal Duo
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
The Janedear Girls
Top Vocal Group
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Randy Rogers Band
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Top Male Vocalist
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban
Top Female Vocalist
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
Miranda Lambert
Top New Solo Vocalist
Eric Church
Easton Corbin
Randy Houser
Top New Vocal Duo or Group
The Band Perry
the JaneDear girls
Steel Magnolia
Song of the Year
A Little More Country Than That, Easton Corbin Songwriters: Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble
As She's Walking Away, Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson Songwriters: Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette
If I Die Young, The Band Perry Songwriter: Kimberly Perry
Love Like Crazy, Lee Brice Songwriters: Tim James, Doug Johnson
The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert Songwriters: Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
Vocal Event
As She's Walking Away, Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson Producers: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall
Blue Sky, Emily West featuring Keith Urban Producer: Mark Bright
Coal Miner's Daughter, Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert, Producers: John Carter Cash, Patsy Lynn Russell
Cold Beer, Colt Ford featuring Jamey Johnson Producers: Shannon Houchins, Adrian Young
Good to Be Me, Uncle Kracker featuring Kid Rock Producer: Kid Rock
Single Record of the Year
A Little More Country Than That, Easton Corbin Producer: Carson Chamberlain
As She's Walking Away, Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson Producers: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall
If I Die Young, The Band Perry Producer: Paul Worley
Love Like Crazy, Lee Brice Producers: Lee Brice, Doug Johnson
The Boys of Fall, Kenny Chesney Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert Producers: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
Song of the Year
A Little More Country Than That, Easton Corbin Songwriters: Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble
As She's Walking Away, Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson Songwriters: Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette
If I Die Young, The Band Perry Songwriter: Kimberly Perry
Love Like Crazy, Lee Brice Songwriters: Tim James, Doug Johnson
The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert Songwriters: Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
Video of the Year
Hillbilly Bone, Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins Producer: Randy Brewer, Director: Roman White
Only Prettier, Miranda Lambert Producer: Trent Hardville, Director: Trey Fanjoy
Stuck Like Glue, Sugarland Producer: Tony McGarry, Director: Declan Whitebloom
The Boys of Fall, Kenny Chesney Producer: Don Lepore, Director: Shaun Silva
The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert Producer: Trent Hardville, Director: Trey Fanjoy
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