Loretta Lynn Celebrates 50-Year Career

In 1960 Loretta Lynn charted her first single, “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl,” and launched a career that has endured five decades. During 2010, a number of events are planned to celebrate her long and prosperous journey, including the release of an all-star tribute album this fall. Sony Music Nashville is behind the project which will feature artists from a variety of genres.

Lynn shot 16 songs to the top of the charts, and 51 singles into the Top 10. Among the classic country tunes that helped her build a legacy are “One’s on the Way,” “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (with Lovin’ on Your Mind),” and her signature, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Lynn is a three-time Grammy winner who was honored in late January with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at a special invitation-only ceremony in Los Angeles. She is member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1972, Lynn was also the first woman named the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year.

Also coming in 2010 is the reissue of Lynn’s 1976 bestselling autobiography, Coal Miner’s Daughter, as well as the 30th anniversary of the classic film of the same name. It tells the story of the Butcher Holler, Kentucky native who had four of her six children before age 18, and went on to become a country music icon.

Special thanks to historian and critic Robert K. Oermann for his assistance with this story.

Luke Bryan Debuts Video, iheartradio Performance

Luke Bryan premiered his new video “Rain Is A Good Thing” on iTunes last week. Directed by award-winner Shaun Silva, the video was shot back in October at Bryan’s inaugural Farm Tour show where over 3,500 rain-soaked fans stuck out the mud and wet weather to see the Capitol Nashville star’s high-energy live show. “Rain Is A Good Thing,” is the follow-up single to his recent No. 1, “Do I.”

Bryan was also in Los Angeles recently where he performed a three song set for iheartradio which debuts today (2/15) on the web site. It features “Do I,” “Rain Is A Good Thing,” and a cover of the One Republic hit “Apologize.” All three songs are from his sophomore album Doin’ My Thing, which debuted with 57,000 albums its first week, more than doubling the first week sales of his 2007 debut album I’ll Stay Me.

Bryan is currently on the road opening Jason Aldean’s Wide Open Arena Tour. Bryan is nominated for Top New Vocal Soloist at the upcoming ACM Awards.

Adkins’ Bus In Fatal Crash

Official statement from Trace Adkins’ publicist Schatzi Hageman:

February 13, 2010… Earlier today in Caddo Parrish, Louisiana, a pickup truck crossed the center line and crashed head-on into the tour bus carrying the band of country music singer Trace Adkins. Both men in the truck were killed upon impact. None of Adkins’ band received serious injuries, however, five were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries and observation.

Adkins, who was not on the bus, had already arrived at the venue when he heard the news. He went to the scene in a van where he picked up the uninjured band members, then went to the hospital to check on the others.

“This is a real tragedy,” says Adkins. “Two people have been killed and I don’t even know their names. So out of respect for their families, I prefer not to comment too much at this time.”

Adkins, who is a native of Sarepta , Louisiana is still planning to perform a scaled-down acoustic set at tonight’s show with Martina McBride at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, Louisiana. He will not perform at tomorrow night’s concert (2/14) in Pensacola, Florida , however Martina McBride and Sarah Buxton will go on as scheduled.

Tube Time W/ Turner, Jewel, Lady A, Nail, Paisley, Pickler

Photo credit: Nick D./The Martha Stewart Show

Josh Turner made a guest appearance on Martha Stewart’s “Valentine’s Day Show” airing, Feb. 12. In addition, Turner was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition airing Saturday, February 13. Turner’s new CD Haywire was released last week.

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David Nail will perform his Top 10 song “Red Light” on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson Monday (2/15) at 12:35am ET/PT on CBS.

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Kellie Pickler will be spending Fat Tuesday (2/16) with one of her favorite people, New Orleans native Ellen DeGeneres, as part of Ellen’s upcoming Mardi Gras special.
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Jewel visited with George Lopez and performed her new single, “Stay Here Forever,” on Lopez Tonight on February 9. The single is currently at country radio and is featured on the soundtrack for the major motion picture Valentine’s Day.

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While on the West Coast with his American Saturday Night tour, Brad Paisley will visit Jimmy Kimmel Live! for an interview and performance on the Bud Light Golden Wheat Outdoor Stage, Wednesday, February 17.  The late-night show airs on  ABC 12:05am ET/PT.

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Last week in Los Angeles (Feb. 2), Lady Antebellum caught up with tennis superstar Serena Williams backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live! before they performed their No. one smash “Need You Now” and new single “American Honey.”

L-R: Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Serena Williams and Dave Haywood

Wal Mart To Sell For Ticketmaster

Mega-retailer Wal-Mart has reached an agreement with Live Nation’s Ticketmaster to sell tickets to concerts and other events at about 500 stores in select U.S. markets, including Chicago and Los Angeles. The service will be introduced in the next few months, according to Live Nation Executive Chairman Irving Azoff, who made the announcement during a panel discussion at the NBA Technology Summit in Dallas today (2/12).

The new agreement will allow Wal-Mart customers to purchase tickets for concerts, sports and other events in the retailer’s entertainment department. Live Nation also sells tickets at Blockbuster stores.

Ticketmaster lost retail outlets for event sales with the closing of big-box music retailers like Tower Records. There are no details regarding what ticket fees will be charged for in-store sales.

Underwood Partners With Pedigree

Pedigree Brand pet products is teaming up with reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood to rally dog lovers nationwide. With Pedigree’s belief that all dogs deserve a loving home and Underwood’s outstanding advocacy for adoptable dogs, Pedigree is serving as a sponsor of Underwood’s Play On Tour, offering an ideal way to highlight the cause that’s close to Underwood’s heart: dog adoption.

“I can’t imagine life without my dog, Ace,” said Underwood. “I’ve had a passion for animals my entire life. They’re such sweet and gentle souls that love you just because you love them back. That’s why I’m really excited about the opportunity to partner with The Pedrigee Adoption Drive to help get other people involved in this important cause. Showing your support is easy, just become a fan, help a dog.”

Every year nearly four million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations, and Pedigree is launching its sixth annual Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs in America. The program focuses on helping dogs in need through a variety of efforts that help generate awareness, food and funding.

Dog lovers who want to do their part to help can become a fan of The Pedigree Adoption Drive on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pedigree). For each new fan, Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to help feed shelter dogs nationwide. While on the Facebook page, dog lovers can also show their support by donating money to help find dogs loving homes, a portion of which will be matched by Pedigree up to $500,000. All donations go to The Pedigree Foundation, a non-profit, organization benefiting animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide.

Keith, Adkins Ready “American Ride” Tour

Toby Keith’s 2009 America’s Toughest tour was a big success on all fronts, leaving special guest Trace Adkins so impressed he has signed on for another hitch. Keith, with Adkins, will kick-off the American Ride tour June 19 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Thirty-nine dates are already on the books through late September. Longtime Keith tour sponsor Ford F-Series is back again as well.

Universal Records South recently merged with Keith’s record label Show Dog to create Show Dog-Universal Music. The label’s first new signing was Adkins, who cited his experience on the America’s Toughest tour as the inspiration behind his decision to join the label. A new single and album is being planned and will be announced soon.

In other Keith news, “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song),” the second single from his American Ride album, recently hit No. 1 on the Music Row chart. It joins the album title track on Keith’s long list of chart toppers and is his 28th career No. 1.

American Ride Tour dates (subject to change):
June 19 – Holmdel, NJ
June 20 – Cleveland, OH
July 10 – Raleigh, NC
July 11 – Charlotte, NC
July 15 – Sioux Falls, SD
July 16 – Minneapolis, MN
July 17 – St. Louis, MO
July 18 – Des Moines, IA
July 22 – Boise, ID
July 23 – Portland, OR
July 24 – Seattle, WA
July 25 – Vancouver, BC
July 29 – Sacramento, CA
Aug. 1 – Fresno, CA
Aug. 6 – Mountain View, CA
Aug. 7 – San Diego, CA
Aug. 8 – Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 12 – Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 13 – Denver, CO
Aug. 14 – Salt Lake City, UT
Aug. 20 – Scranton, PA
Aug. 21 – Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 22 – Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 26 – Moline, IL
Aug. 27- Cincinnati, OH
Aug. 28 – Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 29 – Detroit, MI
Sept. 2 – Atlanta, GA
Sept. 3 – Tampa, FL
Sept. 4 – West Palm Beach, FL
Sept. 9 – Toronto, Ontario
Sept. 10 – Darien Lake, NY
Sept. 11 – Washington, DC
Sept. 16 – Kansas City, MO
Sept. 17 – Omaha, NE
Sept. 18 – Chicago, IL
Sept. 23 – Albany, NY
Sept. 24 – Hartford, CT
Sept. 25 – Boston, MA

Chicks With Hits Plugging For The Cause

Songplugger’s collective Chicks with Hits is raising money for some very worthy causes by doing what they do best — pitching songs. On Tuesday, February 23 at BMI The Chicks will be pitching songs every 15 minutes to producers, artists and labels.

Confirmed participants include artist Heidi Newfield, Big Machine’s Allison Jones; Capitol Nashville’s Autumn House, who will be bringing new EMI artist Troy Olsen; Carole Ann Mobley from Warner Bros.; and producers Frank Liddell, Michael Knox, Blake Chancey and Doug Johnson. All will be coming to hear songs and participate in the fundraiser. If they pass on a song, they will donate ten dollars. When they put a song on hold, the Chicks with Hits will donate $10.

The unique event will raise money for Breast Cancer, MS and Miller Harris Asthma Camp. Sign up for your slot today by calling Ree Guyer at 830-7297 or by emailing ReeGB@aol.com

CMT One Country Supports First Lady’s “Let’s Move”

CMT One Country is providing media support for First Lady Michelle Obama’s just announced “Let’s Move” campaign to encourage communities, families and kids to lead healthier, more active lives. 

CMT has enlisted the support of Capitol Nashville artist Darius Rucker for targeted public service announcements to encourage the CMT audience to get active and eat healthy.

CMT One Country’s commitment to “Let’s Move” will continue throughout 2010 by highlighting the work of non-profit partner Feeding America for their work in the Backpack Program and Kids Cafe Program. The initiative will receive on-air support from CMT Tom 20 Countdown and CMT Insider.

You can learn more about the campaign here.

Genovese and Brooks To Schools Hall of Fame

The Nashville Public Schools Hall of Fame is gettting ready to induct six new members, including former CMA CEO Tammy Genovese and country star/CMA board member Kix Brooks. Genovese and Brooks were “instrumental” in the generous donations to the Nashville Alliance for Public Education through the CMA’s “Keep The Music Playing” program. The pair will receive the 2010 Distinguished Service Awards.

To date, the CMA donations, generated through the CMA Music Festival, have provided over $2,245,000 for new musical instruments replacing instruments for the first time in 20 years, supporting more than 41 Metro public schools.

Also being honored, with 2010 Distinguished Alumni Awards are Keith B. Churchwell, M.D., nationally renowned cardiologist, McGavock High School, 1979; Richard H. Fulton, former Congressman and Nashville Mayor, East High School, 1945; R. Milton Johnson, Executive Vice President/CFO of HCA, Stratford High School, 1974; and Walter G. Knestrick, founder of Knestrick Construction, Hillsboro High School, 1955.
The event will take place Tuesday, March 2 at 6 PM at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center. To included in the printed program, attendees must RSVP by February 11. For ticket information click here or call the Alliance at 615-783-2810.