Songwriters Hall Names New Class

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Kye Fleming

Kye Fleming

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) is pleased to announce this year’s inductees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame: from the Songwriter category, prolific writers Kye Fleming and Mark D. Sanders; and from the Songwriter/Artist category, late Country music icon Tammy Wynette.

The three new inductees will be welcomed into the elite songwriting fraternity by their peers at the 39th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony, presented by AT&T, on Sunday, October 18, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

Mark D. Sanders

Mark D. Sanders

“Kye, Mark and Tammy have made many poignant and enduring contributions to the music world and certainly deserve to take their places among their gifted peers,” said Roger Murrah, Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It’s an honor for us to recognize them for their outstanding accomplishments.”

Tammy Wynette

Tammy Wynette

Fleming’s songwriter credits include hits such as “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” (Barbara Mandrell) and “Smoky Mountain Rain” (Ronnie Milsap). Sanders’ resume is known for “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) and “It Matters To Me” (Faith Hill).  Wynette popularized many of her own compositions, including the standard “Stand By Your Man” and “‘Til I Can Make It On My Own.”

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists. NaSHOF’s sister organization, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), also presents its annual awards for the year’s best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by its professional songwriters division. Tickets for the event are $200 each. A limited number of seats are available to the public this year and may be purchased by contacting event director Mark Ford at hoftix@nashvillesongwriters.com or 615-256-3354.

George Strait’s Video Premieres on CMT

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CMT presents the exclusive world premiere of George Strait’s top 5 hit, “Living For The Night” available now on CMT.com and CMT Mobile. “Living For the Night” will have its broadcast premiere Monday, August 31 at 6:00 a.m., ET/PT on CMT and will be in Hot Shot rotation.

CMT will extend its promotion of Strait’s new video across all of the network’s multiple platforms, including CMT.com, CMT Radio Networks, CMT Mobile, and the digital 24-hour music channel CMT Pure, among others.

Artist News Notes

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Do you look like Tanya Tucker

Do you look like Tanya Tucker?

Saguaro Road Records is inviting Tanya Tucker look-a-likes to email their photos to tanyacontest@gmail.com by Sept. 20, along with name and contact information. Three finalists who most resemble the singer will be selected and fans will vote for the grand prize winner, who will be announced in late September. The winner will receive an autograph from Tucker, a copy of her new CD, My Turn, a Saguaro Road Records flash drive and will also be showcased on www.saguaroroad.com.
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Brad Paisley’s music video for his current hit, “Welcome to the Future,” will be used in ABC’s coverage of the 2009 Little League World Series of Baseball this coming weekend. The video—originally filmed in New York City; Washington, DC; Los Angeles; Tokyo and Kumamoto Japan—is being customized into three special versions for the Little League games.
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Toby Keith is opening another of his I Love This Bar & Grills in WinStar World Casino, about an hour outside Dallas/Ft. Worth. The restaurant/bar/venue is under construction and is scheduled to be finished in mid December 2009.

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Nashville based Blue Steel Records is releasing the debut single from Anna Garrott via CDX Vol. 482. “What A Way To Go,” goes for adds Sept. 8.

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The R.O.P.E. Awards (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) will be Oct. 8 at the Shriner’s Almeda Temple. Awards will be handed out, there will be dinner, and a performance including Jett Williams giving a tribute to Don Helms and Hank Williams. Tickets are $45 each or $1000 per table for a party of 10. Call 615-860-9257 for reservations and details.

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Jody Kristofferson, son of legendary songwriter, actor and activist Kris Kristofferson, made his pro-wrestling debut on Aug. 15. The 24-year-old started wrestling competitively at the age of seven in his home state of Hawaii. He is signed with northern California’s All Pro Wrestling and made his professional debut with the stage name “Big Country” Jody Kristofferson in Hayward, California.

Radney Foster, BBR, Steve Wariner and JabbRRR

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Tomorrow Radney Foster will release of his album Revival on a custom Interactive Flash Drive. It contains the album, five new bonus tracks, exclusive photos, and the feature-length (90-minute) documentary Behind the Confessions which Foster produced with his wife Cyndi and film maker Jeff Horny. The interactive flash drive, designed to look and act like an actual VIP pass, will also provide fans access to pre-show meet-and-greets and other special events that Foster has in the works. The new format will also enable Foster to send exclusive digital content updates directly to VIP IFD holders throughout the tour providing fans with a new level of interaction. The company behind the technology is Gigmark Interactive Media of Knoxville, TN.

Behind The Confessions will be screened during the Americana Music Festival at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater on Thursday, Sept. 17 at noon.

Video of “A Little Revival.”

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Broken Bow Records Southeast Manager Nancy Johnson is departing the label to be a full-time mother to her 3-year-old son, Benjamin. Her last day will be Sept. 3. Carson James, SVP of Promotion for Broken Bow Records, has announced Clay Henderson as her replacement. “We are sad to see Nancy leave, but still very happy and supportive of her decision. She will be greatly missed on the BBR team,” says James. Prior experience for Henderson includes working the Southeast region for Universal South, Midas Records and most recently 1720 Entertainment. He starts tomorrow and will report directly to VP of Promotion Lee Adams. Based out of Nashville, Henderson can be reached at 615-244-8600 and clay@brokenbowrecords.com.
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Steve Wariner’s SelecTone Records has reached an agreement with Allegro Media Group, one of the largest independent distributors of music in North America, to distribute his upcoming album, My Tribute to Chet Atkins. The 11-song tribute to Wariner’s friend, mentor, and former boss, first made available this summer as a Limited Edition release through Wariner’s Web site, will be available through brick-and-mortar and online retailers on Nov. 10. Allegro will also distribute the SelecTone back-catalog.

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JabbRRR is a new social network platform exclusively for country music makers and fans. It offers member profiles, news, gossip, photos and more.
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Updated: All For The Hall With Urban And Friends

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More details of the event were revealed this morning at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Museum Board President Vince Gill, who created and has led the institution’s All for the Hall fundraising initiative since 2005, announced the details of We’re All for the Hall, a special concert event to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. John Grady, Keith Urban, Mayor Karl Dean, Vince Gill and Kyle Young - photo by Donn Jones

More details of the event were revealed this morning (8/31) at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Museum Board President Vince Gill, created and has led the institution’s All for the Hall fundraising initiative since 2005. (L-R) Capital Nashville's John Grady, Keith Urban, Mayor Karl Dean, Vince Gill and CMHF Exec. Dir. Kyle Young. Photo: Donn Jones

Keith Urban rocked the Sommet Center Saturday night (8/29) with Sugarland, and announced onstage a special concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. On Oct. 13 he will return to Nashville’s arena along with Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town for an All For The Hall benefit. Additional special guests are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are a very affordable $25, or extravagant VIP packages are also available.

Produced by AEG Live, We’re All for the Hall will open with a one-hour set by Urban and his band. Then, Gill will join Urban and an all-star band of maestros to bring out special guests for a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime evening of music, friendship and camaraderie.

Presale tickets are already available with the keyword “Benefit” via Ticketmaster. General ticket sales open up on Wednesday at 10 AM.

Check out the VIP packages:
“Who Wouldn’t Want To Be Me?” Package $5000
– Invitation for two to an intimate dinner in the Country Music Hall of Fame Rotunda the evening of Monday, October 12, hosted by Keith Urban’s producer Dann Huff and co-songwriter Monty Powell closing the evening with a Blackbird Studio excursion
– Two VIP Premium Floor Concert Seats
– Invitation for two to a Post-Concert Party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum attended by Keith Urban and special guests
– One Keith Urban autographed Gibson Acoustic guitar
– One complete Keith Urban catalog on CD including: Keith Urban, Golden Road, Be Here, Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing, Greatest Hits: 19 Kids, and Defying Gravity
– One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith Urban

“Sweet Thing” Package $2000

– Two Premium Up-Front Floor Concert Seats
– Invitation for two to a Post-Concert Party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum attended by Keith Urban and special guests
– One complete Keith Urban catalog on CD including: Keith Urban; Golden Road; Be Here; Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing; Greatest Hits: 19 Kids; and Defying Gravity
– One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith

“Days Go By” Package $1,000 for two tickets
– Two Quality Up-Front Floor Concert Seats
– Invitation for two to a Post-Concert Party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum attended by Keith Urban and special guests
– One complete Keith Urban catalog on CD including: Keith Urban; Golden Road; Be Here; Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing; Greatest Hits: 19 Kids; and Defying Gravity
– One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith

Dave Ramsey To Give CRS Keynote

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dave-ramseyProminent author, radio personality and money management expert Dave Ramsey has been announced as the Keynote Speaker for next year’s CRS 41, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn. Ramsey will deliver the Keynote Address immediately following the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m.

“Following in the footsteps of last year’s success with marketing expert Seth Godin, we are extremely pleased to welcome Dave Ramsey,” says CRB Executive Director Ed Salamon. “His insight and expertise in the field of finance is something that all of our attendees will benefit from, particularly in this economic transition.”

Ramsey’s latest best-selling book is titled The Total Money Makeover, and has sold more than 1 million copies. His nationally syndicated radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show,” is heard by nearly 4.5 million listeners each week on more than 450 radio stations in the United States.

“Dave Ramsey is a perfect addition to the agenda for CRS 41. He can certainly teach us all a thing or two about successful marketing and finance and how to parlay your expertise into multiple, profitable but compatible businesses. I have no doubt Dave will set the tone for another successful CRS,” says CRB President Becky Brenner.

Early bird and installment plan registration for CRS 41 is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487.

CMA Music Festival To Rock ABC Tonight

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chesneyThe ABC primetime special CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock airs tonight (8/31) (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) with top-notch performances, interviews, and fan interaction from a plethora of Nashville’s brightest stars. The annual music bash, expanding to three hours for the first time, will have performances by Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Julianne Hough, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, John Rich, Darius Rucker, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Zac Brown Band. In addition, Kid Rock performs his smash hit “Picture” with McBride, while Wynonna and Naomi Judd reunite as The Judds to perform together for the first time at the CMA Music Festival in six years.

martina-kidThe special will show highlights from the CMA Music Festival, held June 11-14 in Nashville, with an average of 56,000 attendees per day. On and off-stage segments will include Aldean playing a nightclub concert, Paisley on his tour bus and greeting fans, Pickler shopping and eating ice cream with fans, and a day-in-the-life of Hough. There will be interviews with Brooks & Dunn, Chesney, McBride, McEntire, Rucker, and Sugarland, and Swift will answer fan submitted questions before surprising them with a meet and greet.

The fifth annual ABC special is executive-produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson.

Underwood’s “Play On” Coming In Nov.

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carrie-u-new-albumCarrie Underwood’s third album, titled Play On, will arrive Nov. 3. She is working on the Sony/Arista/19 Recordings project with producer Mark Bright, who helmed her Carnival Ride collection as well as seven tracks from her debut Some Hearts.

Play On draws its title from the name of a song featured on the new album, but it also describes the enthusiasm of the fans who love her music. Since the release of her debut album, Some Hearts, in 2005, Underwood has amassed sales of more than 10 million albums with Some Hearts and 2007’s Carnival Ride.

Underwood is a four-time GRAMMY Award winner, ACM Entertainer of the Year, and the reigning, three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner.

Sugarland Announces Holiday Album

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sugarlandSugarland is planning its first holiday-themed album for a fall release. The duo will present a 10-track record titled Gold And Green on October 6, which includes five original songs* co-written by members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. Gold And Green will be sold everywhere—whereas their most recent release was only available at Wal-Mart—and buyers will be able to access exclusive content such as downloads and the chance to enter special sweepstakes.

Track Listing
1. City Of Silver Dreams*
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Holly Jolly Christmas
4. Coming Home*
5. Gold And Green*
6. Maybe Baby (New Year’s Day)*
7. Nuttin’ For Christmas
8. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
9. Little Wood Guitar*
10. Silent Night

Sugarland has sold over 8 million records since exploding onto the music scene in ’04 with Twice The Speed Of Life. They’ve received trophies from the Grammys, Country Music Association and numerous others.

Underwood, ACM Make Surprise Donation

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Executives from the C.A.T.S. Foundation, ACM Lifting Lives and Checotah Public Schools including [left to right] Principal Brian Terry, Carrie Underwood, Erin Spahn Director of ACM Lifting Lives, and Gary Haber, President ACM Lifting Lives and Director & Treasurer C.A.T.S. were on hand at Checotah High School to surprise students with more than $117,000 in new music instruments, a joint gift from Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation and ACM Lifting Lives.

Pictured (L-R): Principal Brian Terry, Carrie Underwood, Erin Spahn Director of ACM Lifting Lives, and Gary Haber, President ACM Lifting Lives and Director & Treasurer C.A.T.S. were on hand at Checotah High School for the donation.

Carrie Underwood’s new hometown foundation, the Checotah Animal, Town & School Foundation (C.A.T.S.) and the Academy of Country Music’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives, partnered to surprise students in Checotah, Oklahoma this week with a gift valued at more than $117,000 in new instruments for their music programs—and a special appearance and performance by ACM Entertainer of the Year, Underwood.

Music students district-wide were invited to a special “last-minute” assembly at Checotah High School. Students and faculty alike were surprised when Checotah High Principal Brian Terry introduced Underwood to the stage, alongside Erin Spahn, Director of ACM Lifting Lives.

Spahn and Underwood then unveiled the gift, including an electric guitar and amp, electric piano and brass instruments such as saxophones, French horns, tubas and much more.

“When Carrie came to us with this idea, it just seemed a natural fit,” said Erin Spahn, who met with Underwood earlier this summer to plan the gift. “The Board of ACM Lifting Lives liked the concept so well, we’ve decided to build on it. Every year, we will present a matching gift opportunity to the ACM Entertainer of the Year for any endeavor that uplifts through the power of music. Carrie started that ball rolling, and we’re really proud to be a part of this with her today.”