Swift Leads American Music Awards Noms

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fearlessTaylor Swift leads the nominations for the 2009 American Music Awards with a total of six, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist (in both Pop/Rock and Country) and Favorite Album (in both Pop/Rock and Country). Swift is followed by Michael Jackson, who received five nominations, and Eminem, who received four. Nashville rockers Kings of Leon earned three nominations (including one for Artist of the Year), as did Beyonce, Lady GaGa, T.I., and Black Eyed Peas. Rascal Flatts and Zac Brown Band are both nominated in Favorite Country Album and Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group. Getting one nomination apiece were Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Sugarland.

The fan-voted show will be broadcast on ABC Nov. 22, at 7pm. Confirmed performers include Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez and Adam Lambert.

An abbreviated list of the nominees is below. Get the full list at http://abc.go.com/shows/american-music-awards/nominations or vote for your favorites here.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon
Taylor Swift
Lady Gaga
Eminem
Michael Jackson

POP/ROCK – Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift

POP/ROCK – Favorite Album
Fame – Lady Gaga
Number Ones – Michael Jackson
Fearless – Taylor Swift

COUNTRY – Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Darius Rucker
Keith Urban

COUNTRY – Favorite Female Artist
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

COUNTRY – Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

COUNTRY – Favorite Album
Unstoppable – Rascal Flatts
Fearless – Taylor Swift
Foundation – Zac Brown Band

SOUNDTRACKS – Favorite Album
Hannah Montana: The Movie
Hannah Montana 3
Twilight Soundtrack

ADULT CONTEMPORARY – Favorite Artist
Daughtry
Jason Mraz
Taylor Swift

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL – Favorite Artist
Jeremy Camp
Brandon Heath
Mary Mary

Underwood Sets Primetime Special, iTunes Preview

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notitleCarrie Underwood will headline her own variety television special set to air Dec. 7 on FOX at 7 p.m. CT. While the exact title of the primetime special has not been announced, the two-hour event will include appearances by guests Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, David Cook and others. Underwood will perform music from her upcoming album, Play On, as well as previous hits and holiday classics.

For three weeks leading up to the new album’s Nov. 3 release date, iTunes will exclusively offer a new track for purchase and download. The iTunes Countdown kicks-off today (10/13) with “Mama’s Song,” and subsequent tracks include “Temporary Home” (available 10/20) and “Undo It” (available 10/27). For each new track every week, fans will be able to visit Billboard.com for a 48-hour sneak preview of the song immediately prior to its Tuesday release on iTunes, with each posting remaining on Billboard.com for a week from its debut.

CMA Broadcast Awards Revealed

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Jamey Johnson surprises "American Country Countdown" host Kix Brooks in-studio with news of his CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year. (l-r) Johnson, Brooks, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Teddy Gentry of Alabama.

Jamey Johnson called several special radio stations on-air this morning (10/13) to tell them they won CMA Awards for Broadcast Personality of the Year and Radio Station of the Year. The winners, covering all market sizes, will be recognized during the The 43rd Annual CMA Awards, airing live Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network from the Sommet Center in Nashville.

Among the newly revealed winners is Kix Brooks, who is the first Country artist in history to claim a CMA Broadcast Awards trophy. As host of Citadel Media’s American Country Countdown, he won the National Broadcast Personality of the Year Award. “When Jamey Johnson walked in our ACC studio today, I wasn’t sure what was going on—thought maybe I’d forgotten about an interview or something. Next thing I know, he’s telling me that we won the CMA National Air Personality of the Year Award,” said Brooks. “The whole ACC team was in here screaming and jumping around! Everyone works hard and puts their all into making ACC the best it can be. I’m shocked, humbled, and extremely honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire American Country Countdown staff.”

2009 CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year Winners:
National – Kix Brooks, American Country Countdown, (Citadel Media)
Major Market – Cornbread, Pat James, Annie Henson, Harry Schroeder, Mac “Captain Mac” Douglas, “The Cornbread Morning Show featuring Cornbread, Pat James, Producer Annie, Father Harry, and Captain Mac,” WIL, St. Louis, Mo. (Bonneville International).
Large Market – Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, Kevin Freeman, “Jim Denny and Friends,” WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind. (Cumulus Media).
Medium Market – Jack Ryan, “WIVK at Night with Jack Ryan,” WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn. (Citadel).
Small Market – Gator Harrison, Greg “StyckMan” Owens, “Gator & The StyckMan,” WGSQ, Cookeville, Tenn. (Cookeville Communications).

2009 CMA Radio Station of the Year Winners:
Major Market – KYGO, Denver/Boulder, Colo.
Large Market – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Medium Market – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
Small Market – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.

• CMA Broadcast Award winners are not eligible to enter in consecutive years; therefore, those who received trophies in 2008 were not eligible in 2009.

IEBA Honors Touring Industry Leaders

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Chubby Checker (L) and Brenda Lee (R)

Chubby Checker (L) and Brenda Lee (R)

The 2009 Annual International Entertainment Buyers Association Honors Ceremony was held last night (10/12) at the Ryman Auditorium to honor the live entertainment industry’s elite. The show was hosted by actor Luke Perry and guests were treated to performances from Jamey Johnson, Jessie James, Lorrie Morgan, Randy Houser, Jud Laipply, Chris Young and Chubby Checker.

Brenda Lee presented Chubby Checker with the Career Achievement Award, Lorrie Morgan presented Joan Saltel with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and CAA’s John Huie presented Barbara Hubbard with the Harry A. Peebles Award for her tireless stewardship of students seeking entertainment careers.

Full list of 2009 IEBA Honorees:
Entertainment Buyer of the Year — Todd Boltin of Variety Attractions
Promoter of the Year — Outback Concerts of TN
Talent Agent of the Year — John Huie of CAA
Venue of the Year — Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Event of the Year — Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester, TN

Wynn Will Garth Play Las Vegas?

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gb_2Rumors are swirling the media landscape that Country music hero Garth Brooks is about to set up shop in Las Vegas. Speculation from Las Vegas Review-Journal, the city’s Fox affiliate, Extra, celebrity blogger Robin Leach, and other sources say that Brooks is going to do a 16-week stand at the Encore theater, part of the extravagant Wynn hotel/casino. The theater was most recently used by the late Vegas showman Danny Gans.

The only official word is that Garth is making a big announcement on Thursday, and it will be carried live on his Web site.

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The Latest From Gretchen, Shania, Reba, And More

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Willie and Gretchen after her performance at Farm Aid.

Willie and Gretchen after her performance at Farm Aid.

Gretchen Wilson played at Willie Nelson’s annual Farm Aid fundraiser, held recently in her hometown St. Louis. The only female on the bill for the day, her set included all the hits and new single “Work Hard, Play Harder.” Wilson has started her own Redneck Records and is planning a new album.

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Ontario native Shania Twain will carry the Olympic Torch through her hometown as part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay on Jan. 1. The Winter Games are scheduled for Vancouver this coming February. She released a statement about the event, “It is certain to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I am proud to have been presented with this unique opportunity and privilege, and look forward to sharing the pride with my hometown.”

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Taylor Swift, who already has a clothing line through a partnership with Wal-Mart in the US, has plans to create a dress line for British retailer Marks & Spencer. The chain has 885 stores around the world. Swift says the clothes will be modeled after her favorite sundresses.

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barb

Barbara Mandrell was presented with the James D. Vaughn “Impact Award” on October 7 at the Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

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Reba is one of the guest performers on Andrea Bocelli’s upcoming holiday album. They will pair for the Elvis classic “Blue Christmas” and also performed the song together for an upcoming PBS holiday special airing in November. Bocelli’s album, produced by David Foster, also features Natalie Cole, Mary J. Blige and the Muppets.

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Speaking of guest artists, Randy Travis, Bonnie Raitt, Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles), Lou Reed, and Jars of Clay are among the artists on the new Blind Boys of Alabama album, Duets. Due out October 27th on Saguaro Road Records, it includes classics plus four new tracks.

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Markland Moves To Warner/Chappell

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Steve-Markland-08Veteran music publisher Steve Markland has joined Warner/Chappell Music as Vice President of A&R, Nashville. He will report to Tracy Gershon, Senior Vice President and Head of A&R, and they will work together on signing emerging and established songwriters, catalog acquisition, and song placement.

Markland most recently served as VP/GM of Crossfire3, the publishing venture launched in 2007 by Vector Management, Red Light Management, and Chrysalis Music Group.

Prior to that he spent 11 years as Vice President at Windswept Publishing, after opening the company’s Nashville office in 1996. Under Markland’s leadership, Windswept won more than 50 BMI and ASCAP “Most Performed Songs” awards and worked with star tunesmiths including Jeffrey Steele, who won multiple “Songwriter of the Year” awards.

In addition, Markland has managed a number of other established songwriters, such as “Big” Al Anderson, and producer/writer Angelo. From 1993 to 1996, Markland was Director of Creative Affairs at Patrick Joseph Music in Nashville. In this role, the Ohio native helped develop the careers of award-winning songwriters including Brett James, Matraca Berg, Tim Mensy, Randy Sharp, Vince Melamed and Jim Photoglo. The Belmont University graduate’s background also includes founding Coyote Moon Music and signing a young James, as well as time at Warner/Chappell Music in Los Angeles, and RCA Nashville.

When announcing the hiring, Gershon said, “With more than 20 years of music industry experience, Steve has a solid track record in discovering and nurturing talented songwriters, and with successfully pairing songs with recording projects and artists. As a label executive, I grew to respect Steve’s talent and dedication to the artists and the music with which he worked. I look forward to having him on our team as we continue to expand Warner/Chappell’s Nashville footprint.”

Awards Highlight 15th Annual ICM Week

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icm_logoCraig Morgan, Point of Grace and Halfway to Hazard are among the artists confirmed to perform at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Thursday, October 15. The show takes place 7pm at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium in Hendersonville and tickets can be purchased for $45 from www.icm-awards.com. Additional performers confirmed for the event include Dennis Agajanian, The Carter Twins, Katalyst, Jordyn Shellhart, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, Cherryholmes, Jason Crabb, Randy Houser, Adam Gregory, James Payne and more. The 2009 ICM Awards will be aired on TCT Networks, The Worship Network, and more. A full list of award nominees is included below.

The Awards show is the keynote event of the Annual Inspirational Country Music Week, which started in Hendersonville yesterday (10/11). Attendees are treated to meet and greet sessions and autograph signings with artists, as well as numerous live music showcases like the ICM Sumner County Benefit Concert tonight (10/12), 7pm at Trinity Music City USA. Performers include Matthew Wacaster, Sandra Dee, The Roys, The Carter Twins, and Halfway to Hazard. Proceeds from the $20 admission price will go toward the purchase of weather radios for Sumner County residents.

Also included in the week is the 2009 ICM Talent Competition, scheduled for 9:30am Wednesday (10/13) at Trinity Music City USA. The cost is $200 per entrant, and any Christian or Inspirational genre is acceptable. The winning act will receive a three song project and one HMG single release marketed to radio. Register for the competition here.

2009 ICM Awards Nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Barry McGee, CrossCountry The Band, Del Way, James Payne, Point Of Grace

Male Vocalist
Allen Frizzell, Del Way, Greg McDougal, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Amanda Fessant, Denean Workman, Kathy Joy Bell, Mary James, Sandra Dee

Vocal Duo of the Year
Bellamy Brothers, Branded, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Robert & James, The Roys

Vocal Group
CrossCountry The Band, Last Light Band, Point Of Grace, The Akins, The Springs

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“Everything Is Fine” — Josh Turner
“God Must Really Love Me” — Craig Morgan
“Sissy’s Song” — Alan Jackson
“Somebody Said A Prayer” — Billy Ray Cyrus
“Up To Him” — Tracy Lawrence

Mainstream Country Artist
Jeff Bates, Josh Turner, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence

Christian Country Song of the Year
“Good Ole Boys” — James Payne and Del Way
“Loving You” — Greg McDougal with Tammy Cochran
“Make It Into Heaven” — Steve Richard
“Man Of His Word” — Allen Frizzell
“The Devil’s Game” — Tommy Brandt

Songwriter of the Year
Del Way, Greg McDougal, James Payne, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Video
“Everything Is Fine” — Josh Turner, Director: Roman White
“God Must Really Love Me” — Craig Morgan, Director: Eric Welch
“Sissy’s Song” — Alan Jackson, Director: Scott Scovill
“Up To Him” — Tracy Lawrence, Director: Flick Wiltshire
“Waitin’ On A Woman” — Brad Paisley, Director: Jim Shea/Peter Tilden

New Artist
Clay Dustin, Glen Shelton, Jayc Harold, Nichole Hope Crandell, Steve Richard, The Akins

Musician of the Year
Charlie Daniels, Dennis Agajanian, Gordon Mote, Greg McDougal, Ricky Skaggs

Legend / Pioneer Award
CrossCountry The Band, Gayla Earlene, Ken Holloway, Ricky Skaggs, Last Light Band

Comedy Act of the Year
Barry McGee, Chonda Pierce, Jeff Treece, Mark Lowry, Steve McGranahan,World’s Strongest Redneck

Radio Personality of the Year
J.R. Pitsenbarger, Leon Joplin, Red Ellis, Rich Miller, Robby Lynn

Radio Station of the Year
KIJN, Farwell TX
KKUS, Tyler TX
WCWV, Summersville WV
WJCR, Upton KY
WTYS, Marianna FL

Inspirational Country Bluegrass Award
Alison Krauss, Lawrence Bishop, Marty Raybon, New Jerusalem, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, The Isaacs

Youth In Music Award
Abbey, Calina Boggs, Hannah Belle, Luke Womac, Mackenzie Morgan, Matthew Wacaster

Music Evangelist of the Year
Corey Brooks, CrossCountry The Band, Melanie Walker, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Faith, Family, & Country Movie
Billy, The Early Years: Solex Productions
Fireproof, Provident Films
Hannah Montana: The Movie, Disney
Saving God, Cloud Ten Pictures
The Genius Club, Cloud Ten Pictures

Television Network
Daystar, Gospel Music Channel, TCT Network, Three Angels Broadcasting Network, Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN)

Musical Chairs: Writer’s Den, 17 Music Ent.

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(L-R) John Nagara, Matt Gary

(L-R) John Nagara, Matt Gary

Music businessman John Nagara has joined 17 Music Entertainment as General Manager and will be in charge of overseeing the day-to-day activities for the independent label. He will focus on marketing and promotions for flagship artist Matt Gary. Nagara’s 23-year career history includes nine years as Music Director/Assistant Program Director at WKDF, time as a promotion rep at Virgin Records America, Geffen Records and Maverick Records, and working at CO5 Music from 2006-2008. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Laura Wright

Laura Wright

Laura Wright has joined the Writer’s Den Music Group staff as Catalog Manager. She will report directly to Head of Publishing Bobby Rymer and oversee the company’s song catalog as well as handle song pitching. She can be reached at [email protected] and 615-690-6475. Recently, Writer’s Den Music Group unveiled its new logo to celebrate the re-launch of the publishing group formerly known as Montage Music Publishing. The toasting will continue later this month as the company plans to host an open house.

CMA Sessions; Symphony CD Release Party

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Pictured: (Left to Right): Steve Buchanan, CMA Board President-Elect; Steve Moore, CMA Board President; Bobby Bare; Country Music Hall of Fame member Earl Scruggs; Country Music Hall of Fame member Little Jimmy Dickens; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Randy Goodman, CMA Board Chairman; and Jay Orr, Country Music Hall of Fame Vice President of Museum Programs.

Last week during their October meetings, the CMA Board of Directors was treated to “CMA Sessions,” a private event featuring discussions between legendary superstars about their careers and lives. Participating in this installment of “CMA Sessions” were Bobby Bare, Little Jimmy Dickens, Brenda Lee, and Earl Scruggs. The event, held in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame, was produced by CMA and moderated by Jay Orr, Country Music Hall of Fame Vice President of Museum Programs.

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The Nashville Symphony celebrated the release of its latest recording with a party Sept. 29 at the Flying Saucer. The album on Naxos American Classics features two works by American composer Michael Daugherty and is the Symphony’s first release with new Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero. More than 200 people turned out to listen to the album, and hear Daugherty and Guerrero’s thoughts on the project.

Giancarlo Guerrero, Music Director of the Nashville Symphony; Michael Daugherty, composer of the Metropolis Symphony; Jim Selby, CEO of Naxos of America; Alan D. Valentine, President and CEO of the Nashville Symphony. Let me know if you have any questions about the other photos.

Pictured (L-R) at the Flying Saucer CD release party: Giancarlo Guerrero, Music Director of the Nashville Symphony; Michael Daugherty, composer of the Metropolis Symphony; Jim Selby, CEO of Naxos of America; and Alan D. Valentine, President and CEO of the Nashville Symphony.