Noted Arranger Sheldon Kurland Passes

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Sheldon Kurland, known throughout the Nashville music community as a session musician and as the leader of The Sheldon Kurland Strings, died Wednesday, Jan. 6 at age 81.

He can be heard on such hits as “Last Cheater’s Waltz” by T. G. Sheppard, “Rose Colored Glasses” by John Conlee, “Everything is Beautiful” by Ray Stevens, “When I Dream” and “Half the Way” by Crystal Gayle, “Happy Birthday Darlin’” and “I May Never Get to Heaven” by Conway Twitty, “I Wish I Was 18 Again” by George Burns, “Fancy Free” by The Oak Ridge Boys, “Dreaming My Dreams” by Waylon Jennings and “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” by Ronnie Milsap.

He worked on recording sessions for virtually every country star in Nashville. Clients included Loretta Lynn, Kris Kristofferson, Dottie West, The Browns, Hank Locklin, Eddy Arnold, Reba McEntire, Michael Johnson, Willie Nelson, Ed Bruce, Bobby Bare, Con Hunley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Jack Clement, Hank Snow and many more.

Kurland’s contributions extend to the pop-music world, as well. He is on Jimmy Buffett’s Changes in Attitudes Changes in Latitudes LP, England Dan & John Ford Coley’s “Nights Are Forever” and Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait, as well as recordings by Donovan, James Galway and Amy Grant. He not only appeared on Comes a Time by Neil Young, he also toured with the rock superstar.

The New York native was classically trained at Julliard. He came to Nashville in 1964 to teach at Peabody College, but was soon playing sessions. He formed The Sheldon Kurland Strings in the 1970s and was featured on The Johnny Cash Show in 1969-71 and again in 1976, sometimes wearing a jacket with “Julliard” spelled out on the back in rhinestones.

Two of his children have become prominent in Nashville entertainment. Daughter Amy Kurland founded The Bluebird Café. Son Peter Kurland runs the Darkhorse Theater. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Check back with MusicRow for updates.

Underwood On CBS Sitcom; Evans at Davis-Kidd

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Carrie_07_075Carrie Underwood will appear on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother in a special one-off guest star role, set to tape later this month. Underwood will play a new character, Tiffany, an enigmatic pharmaceutical sales rep and love interest for Ted (played by Josh Radnor), in an episode scheduled to air in March. How I Met Your Mother airs on CBS Television, Mondays, 7:00-7:30 PM/CT.
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full_75761Sara Evans will appear at David-Kidd Booksellers in Green Hills on January 11 to promote her new book, The Sweet By and By. At the book signing, Evans will perform a few songs and take questions from the audience.

Other book promotion events include an appearance on ABC’s The View on Jan. 13 and more booksignings. Her inspirational fiction novel is written with best-selling author Rachel Hauck, known for titles like Diva NashVegas and Love Starts with Elle.

Clay Walker Concert To Fight MS; Artist Benefits

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clay walker

Clay Walker

Clay Walker is playing a Feb. 23 benefit concert at the Wildhorse Saloon to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis research. Chords of Hope: The Clay Walker MS Benefit Concert is presented by 98 WSIX and produced by Walker’s charity, Band Against MS (BAMS). Tickets start at $10 and will be available starting Saturday (1/9) through the Wildhorse Saloon. All proceeds will go toward multiple sclerosis research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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BLEVE Records President Mickey Milam donated 1,000 copies of the CD My First Ride to be sold to raise money for the families of four fallen police officers in Washington state. The CDs sold-out within days, raising $15,000. The multi artist-compilation features Ronnie Milsap, George Strait, Vince Gill, John Michael Montgomery, James Otto, The Bacon Brothers, and others.

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Gilda’s Club Nashville, a support community for those touched by cancer, kicks off its annual 16-week training program for the Country Music Half Marathon on Saturday (1/9). Bryan White is the Honorary Chairperson. Proceeds benefit the charity. For more information contact Deb Sandvik at 615-329-1124 or [email protected].
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Dolly

MJ2 and Dolly Parton

Las Vegas based country act MJ2 has recruited Dolly Parton, Wayne Newton, Heidi Newfield, Larry Gatlin, Cowboy Troy and more to sing on their debut single “You Can’t Say Love Enough.” Proceeds from the song, out on SweetSong Nashville Records, go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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Singer-songwriter Skip Ewing has joined forces with Béla Fleck and Dave Koz on the single “Julianaʼs Smile” to benefit Juliana Wetmore, a girl with Treacher Collins Syndrome. Available on iTunes.

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Pictured l-r: Dustin Finch, BBBSMT CEO Lowell Perry Jr, Brandon Finch

Pictured l-r: Dustin Finch, BBBSMT CEO Lowell Perry Jr, Brandon Finch

The Brothers Finch participated in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee (BBBSMT) fundraiser at the Franklin Wine Festival which raised more than $95,000. The Brothers Finch, currently working on their debut album, have appeared on CMT’s “Music City Madness 2” and “Can You Duet?”

Swift, Urban, Underwood Win PCAs

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Keith Urban

Keith Urban won overall Favorite Male Artist and Taylor Swift was voted overall Favorite Female Artist at last night’s (1/6) People’s Choice Awards. Carrie Underwood took home Favorite Country Artist at the show at the Nokia Theatre LA Live. This marks the sixth People’s Choice honor of Underwood’s career.

tsThe show is fan-voted and a record breaking 60 million online votes were cast this year to determine the winners.

Other Nashville related wins include Miley Cyrus taking home Favorite Breakout Movie Actress and Paramore being named Favorite Rock Band. Katherine Heigl, wife of UMG artist Josh Kelly, was voted Favorite TV Drama Actress.

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photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for PCA

Vampire movie Twilight was the evening’s top trophy-getter, with it or its stars winning Favorite Movie, Favorite Franchise, Favorite On-Screen Team, and Favorite Breakout Movie Actor (Taylor Lautner).

Other winners included Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, The Big Bang Theory, and House. See the whole list.

Ole Signs Chris Wallin

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(L-R): ole Chief Creative Officer Gilles Godard, Chris Wallin, and ole’s Shane Barrett

(L-R): ole Chief Creative Officer Gilles Godard, Chris Wallin, and ole’s Shane Barrett

Ole has acquired the catalogue of hit songwriter Chris Wallin and entered a worldwide co-publishing deal with him. Among the No. 1s he has written or co-written are Toby Keith’s “Love Me If You Can,” Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink,” and Montgomery Gentry’s “Something To Be Proud Of.” He brings these and over 100 more songs including hits “I’m Tryin’” (Trace Adkins) and “Speed” (Montgomery Gentry) to ole.

The White Pine, Tennessee native says he was drawn to ole’s international reach—it has offices in Toronto, Nashville and Los Angeles—and development commitment to its writers when deciding to sign with them. He says, “It’s clear that ole is a company that doesn’t stay in the box.”

He moved to Nashville in the 1980s and soon landed his first songwriting deal, garnering cuts by artists such as Lorrie Morgan, Keith Anderson, Anthony Smith, Trace Adkins, Jeffrey Steele, Confederate Railroad, Neal McCoy, Brad Paisley and Diamond Rio. Wallin is also an active advocate for songwriter’s rights and often works with NSAI to protect intellectual property rights.

Church Headlining, Thompson In Tow

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Eric Church

Eric Church is preparing to set out on his headlining Jagermeister Country Tour. The outing, in support of his Capitol sophomore release Carolina, starts Feb. 9 in Baltimore and continues for about 30 dates through the end of March. His current single “Hell On The Heart” is at No. 15 and rising on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart.

Josh Thompson

Josh Thompson

Joining Church on the road will be Columbia Nashville newcomer Josh Thompson who is heading out in his trusty van nicknamed “Van-A-White.” His debut single, “Beer on the Table,” is rising up the Country Breakout chart and currently at No. 27. His debut album Way Out Here hits outlets Feb. 23.

Before Thompson heads out with Church, he is set for Nashville Lifestyles’ “Music in the City” party on Jan. 19 at the Tin Roof, also featuring Love and Theft, Josh Kelley, Jessie James, and Steel Magnolia.

ZBB Get Grammy Slot; Gloriana To “Ellen”; More Artist Updates

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Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band has been added to the performance line-up of the Jan. 31 Grammy Awards, airing on CBS. Dave Matthews Band, Green Day, Lady Gaga and P!nk have also been added to performance schedule, joining previously announced performers and fellow nominees Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas and Maxwell...

Gloriana will play their latest single “How Far Do You Wanna Go?” on Ellen, Wed., Jan. 13 (check local listings)…

Speaking of Ellen, she joins the panel of judges on American Idol when its ninth season starts Tues., Jan. 12 on FOX…

Kellie Pickler, Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser are getting ready to go on a USO Tour, it will be Pickler’s third time visiting the troops. She is also in the January issue of Shape Magazine…

On Sat., Jan. 9, Darryl Worley will perform “God Bless America” during the pre-game ceremony for the 10th Annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX…

The new album Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers will be available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® on Feb. 1.

Earl Gaines Services; Lifenotes

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As previously reported, Nashville r&b star Earl Gaines passed away on New Year’s Eve at age 74. Services will be held Friday, Jan. 8, at St. Luke CME Church, located at 2008 28th Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 37208. Visitation will begin at 10 AM, followed by a musical tribute at 11 AM, and the funeral at noon.

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Teresa Louise Williams, daughter of rockabilly/gospel artist Billy Adams, passed away after an extended illness on Jan. 1 at age 44 in Nashville. The funeral is today (1/6) at the Carman Funeral Home in Flatwoods, Ky. A memorial fund has been established at The Green Bank, 4922 Main St., Spring Hill, TN 37174.

2010 Grammy Nominees CD Announced

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The Recording Academy’s Grammy Recordingsgrammynomscd has partnered with EMI Music to release the 2010 Grammy Nominees CD, the 16th iteration of the series and featuring nominees from the upcoming 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. Available January 19, a portion of the proceeds from the collection’s sales will benefit the Recording Academy’s MusiCares and Grammy Foundations. Nashville-related artists feature prominently among the disc’s 20 tracks, including Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, and Rascal Flatts. Complete tracklist included below.

“The diverse mix of tracks contained in this fine collection offer some of the great songs and artists that make up this year’s talented crop of nominees,” says Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “We look forward to another successful chart-topping year and to providing further support to the important work that MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation continue to do year-round. And, we thank EMI Music for their collaboration on this exceptional album.”

The collection includes several of the most recognized Grammy categories, representing nominees for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals, and Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals.

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will be held January 31 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and the live broadcast starts on CBS at 7pm CT.

2010 Grammy Nominees CD Tracklist [with artist nominations]:
1. The Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling”
[Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Album]

2. Lady GaGa – “Poker Face”
[Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year]

3. Kings Of Leon – “Use Somebody”
[Record Of The Year, Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

4. Dave Matthews Band – “You & Me”
[Album Of The Year]

5. Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
[Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]

6. Colbie Caillat – “Fallin’ For You”
[Best Pop Vocal Album]

7. The Fray – “You Found Me”
[Best Pop Vocal Album]

8. P!nk – “Sober”
[Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]

9. Kelly Clarkson – “My Life Would Suck Without You”
[Best Pop Vocal Album]

10. Katy Perry – “Hot N Cold”
[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]

11. Beyoncé – “Halo”
[Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]

12. Adele – “Hometown Glory”
[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]

13. Zac Brown Band – “Chicken Fried”
[Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

14. Sugarland – “It Happens”
[Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

15. Lady Antebellum – “I Run To You”
[Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

16. Rascal Flatts – “Here Comes Goodbye”
[Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

17. Green Day – “21 Guns”
[Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

18. Coldplay – “Life In Technicolor ii”
[Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

19. U2 – “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight”
[Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

20. Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood – “Can’t Find My Way Home”
[Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals]

Marco’s 2009 Top Dance Club Songs

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scaled_e1262623765Marco Club Connection has release its sixth annual Top Ten list of 2009’s most requested Country dance club songs, compiled from a panel of over 230 club owners, DJs and dance instructors nationwide.

The 2009 Top Ten Country Dance Club Hits are:
1. The Zac Brown Band – “Toes”
2. Randy Houser – “Boots On”
3. Jason Aldean – “She’s Country”
4. Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”
5. Gloriana – “Wild At Heart”
6. Brooks & Dunn – “Honky Tonk Stomp”
7. Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy”
8. Reba – “I Want a Cowboy”
9. Joey + Rory – “Cheater Cheater”
10. Jack Ingram – “Barefoot & Crazy

“Out of all the songs on Club Connection’s Top Ten List, we play just about every single one of them on a daily basis,” says DJ Sully, a DJ at Cadillac Ranch in Southington, Conn. “Many of our dancers strongly push what they like, and I make sure they get what they want. These songs definitely keep our customers coming back week after week.”

A complete archive of Club Connection’s Top Ten Country Dance Club Hits can be viewed at www.MarcoClubConnection.com.