Judds Invite Fans to “Name That Tour”

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In preparation for their highly anticipated 2010 final tour, superstar duo The Judds are inviting fans to become part of Judds “herstory” by naming their upcoming tour with The Judds Name That Tour Contest.

“We have shared so many memorable moments with our fans over the last 26 years and we know that we would not be here without their love and support,” said the Judds in a statement. “They are our family of choice and this tour is truly a family affair. So, it just felt right to ask them to help us name the tour. After all, they are the reason we are embarking on this journey together one last time.”

The prize winner, to be judged by Wynonna and Naomi, will receive a prize package that includes a mention in the 2010 Commemorative Judds Tour Book, a personal “thank you” video message from The Judds and $500 in tour merchandise

Entries should be “authentic,” and will be judged on originality, creativity, and the ability to capture the scope of the event. To enter, visit www.wynonnna.com, complete the entry form and submit a single tour name for the tour. All Entries must be received by April 23 at 11:59 PM CT. Limit one entry per person. The winning entry will be announced in June.

Shania Twain Heads To TV


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People magazine reports that country superstar Shania Twain is getting ready to star in her own television show. Why Not? With Shania Twain, an hour-long series, will premiere on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.

“The show will follow [Twain] as she begins her climb back to the top, a personal journey filled with risk, revelations and unexpected adventures,” said a statement from the network.

This won’t be Twain’s first on-camera experience since her estrangement from husband/producer Robert “Mutt” Lange. In addition to her January appearance as an audition round guest judge on American Idol, the singer has been posting personal videos on her website in recent months, chronicling her travels and family life. 

An air date for Why Not? With Shania Twain has yet to be announced.

ACM Awards Adds Performers, Presenters

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The Academy of Country Music has announced that Laura Bell Bundy, Billy Currington, John Fogerty, Jack Ingram featuring Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith with Dave Koz, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker are scheduled to perform as part of the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire.

In addition, Kristen Bell, Jamie Foxx, Julianne Hough, LL Cool J, Matthew McConaughey and LeAnn Rimes are scheduled as presenters. The ceremony will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18th at 7:00 PM CT on the CBS Television Network.

The above artists join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood.

Trace Adkins Comics? There’s an App For That

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Show Dog-Universal Artist Trace Adkins recently became a comic book action hero with the release of Luke McBain, an original, four-issue comic book mini-series, inspired by Adkins’ persona and Southern roots. Previously available only at comic book stores across North America, Luke McBain comics are now being offered as their own app through the ComicStore digital comics platform designed specifically for the new Apple iPad.

Since the launch of the premiere issue in November 2009, the adventures of Luke McBain have been a hot-selling item. The merging of country and comics has been well received, and now the series has the opportunity to reach a brand new audience via Apple’s iPad. The Luke McBain iTunes apps will expand to the iPhone and iPod Touch in the coming months, with advanced features that will deliver the finest and most elegant digital comics available.

The iPad editions of Luke McBain #1-4 are currently available for download from the iTunes App Store for $2.99 each.

Leadership Music Names Oertley Chief Staff Executive

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Karen Oertley

The Board of Directors of Leadership Music has named music industry veteran Karen Oertley to the position of Chief Staff Executive for the educational, non-profit organization, effective April 26.

In her new role as Executive Director, Oertley will assume responsibility for directing the planning of the yearly class program, and fundraising, event committee supervision, community alliance and alumni communication efforts, among other duties.

“Karen brings a strong business background combined with an in-depth knowledge of both the music industry and Leadership Music,” said Pat Collins, President of the Leadership Music Board. “The degree of expertise that she brings to this position is impressive. I anticipate new growth and success for Leadership Music under Karen’s guidance.”

Previously, Oertley was Vice President of the Billboard Music Group, where she served as group publisher of Musician magazine and publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Business, the international newsweekly for the live entertainment industry. She also held oversight of VNU’s Nashville office, housing Billboard, Airplay Monitor and The Talent Touring (Boxscore) Database Division. She was later appointed publisher of Nielsen Business Media’s Hospitality Design magazine, based in New York. Most recently, Oertley has served numerous clients as a marketing and business development consultant and been an active community volunteer.

“I have always considered Leadership Music to be a gift, and I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the organization,” Oertley says. “With an alumni base of 800 industry leaders, Leadership Music is a vital and essential element in the continuing dialogue on the evolution of the music business. I look forward to working with the board, the staff, and our alumni to further the organization’s mission and objectives.”

Oertley is a Leadership Music alumna, class of 1995, and has been a member of the board of directors as well as the Alumni Committee, the Digital Summit Marketing committee and other program committees. She has also served on the boards of the Academy of Country Music (ACM), the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), and the Nashville Sports Council, where her participation continues through the Charities Committee. She has been an active member of other industry organizations including NARAS, CMA, IAFE, IAAM, and IAAPA.

Artist News: Jamie Tate, Steel Magnolia, Laura Bell Bundy, Mark Wayne Glasmire and More

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Jamie Tate Records With 82nd Airborne Chorus
Bodell Records artist Jamie Tate was in Nashville last Wednesday (3/31) to record a song, “I’ll Give My All,” with the world-renowned 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus. The session took place at Black River Music Group’s recording studio, where the 82nd Airborne Chorus contributed back-up vocals to Tate’s patriotic anthem. The song was co-written by Lane Caudell and Blake Mevis.

Top row, l to r: President of Cauley Music Group Bob Crumley, “I’ll Give My All” co-writer and co-producer Lane Caudell, artist Jamie Tate. Bottom row, l to r: “I’ll Give My All” co-writer and co-producer Blake Mevis, Black River Group recording engineer David Biondolillo.

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Steel Magnolia Picks Up Steam
The momentum continues for Big Machine Records’ Steel Magnolia. This week alone, the duo picked up two 2010 CMT Music Award Nominations as well as a Top 10 hit. Steel Magnolia (Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones) earned two CMT Music Awards on Monday – the first for Duo Video of the Year for their debut single, “Keep On Lovin’ You.” The duo was also nominated for USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year. 

Steel Magnolia’s double nominations come on the heels of the duo’s ACM nominations for both Top Vocal Duo and Top New Vocal Duo. 

Also on Monday, Steel Magnolia’s debut single, “Keep On Lovin’ You,” entered the Top 10 on the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart. “Keep On Lovin’ You,” is the highest charting debut single from a male/ female Country duet act in the history of the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart.

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GAC Introduces Broadway’s Bundy
Mercury Records newcomer Laura Bell Bundy will be profiled in an upcoming GAC special, Introducing: Laura Bell Bundy. The special will feature Bundy and those those closest to her talking about her remarkable career, which began began on the stage of New York’s Radio City Music Hall when she was 9 years old and includes starring Broadway performances in hit shows like Wicked, Hairspray and Legally Blonde. Bundy was signed to Mercury Records in 2008 and began working on her debut disc, Achin’ and Shakin’, which will be released April 13.

“I think I’m most proud of it because I’ve been true to myself through the process,” Bundy says. “I couldn’t have imagined the creative process being any better than it was.”

GAC will premiere Introducing: Laura Bell Bundy on Sunday, April 11, 10:00 pm CT.

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Mark Wayne Glasmire’s Radio Days
Singer/songwriter Mark Wayne Glasmire kicked off his Eyes Wide Open radio tour on April 5 with a station visit at KQUS in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  The four-day, 10-station radio promotion sweep supports Mark’s upcoming country radio release, “You Opened My Eyes.” Glasmire is visiting stations in Arkansas and Oklahoma. While on the road, the singer/songwriter received news that leadoff single “You Opened My Eyes” was nominated for Best Country Song for the 18th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2010.

Sirius/XM Unveils All-Alan Jackson Radio

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SIRIUS XM Radio announced today (4/7) that it will launch Alan Jackson’s Freight Train Radio, a seven-day long, commercial-free music channel celebrating the music and career of the country music superstar. The channel will launch on Friday, April 9 at 11:00 pm CT and will run until Thursday, April 15 at 10:59 pm CT on SIRIUS channel 61 and XM channel 17.

Alan Jackson’s Freight Train Radio will feature the award-winning country superstar talking about and playing music from his 18-album career, from his first album, Here in the Real World, to his most recent release, Freight Train. Jackson will personally introduce each song and share stories and personal anecdotes about writing, recording and performing some of the most popular country hits of all time.

In addition to hearing non-stop Alan Jackson music, listeners will hear Jackson introducing and playing songs by his favorite artists, both traditional and contemporary, including George Strait, Randy Travis, Lee Ann Womack, Hank Williams Sr., Hank Williams Jr. and George Jones.

Jackson also talks about family life, how it’s changed over the years with his success and share personal stories about his father and what it means being a father.

DISClaimer 4-7

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B-o-r-i-n-g.

In general, that’s what this week’s listening session was. There is nothing in this stack of platters that will change your life. Indeed, most of these discs will barely rouse you from your spring slumbers.

The most exciting thing here comes courtesy of our DisCovery Award winner. Kyle Park is a triple threat as a singer, writer and producer. Lend him your ears.

Our Disc of the Day comes from perennial competitor Anthony Smith. His “Love Is Love Is Love” has an unusual sound and is just intriguingly different enough to earn him some airplay. I hope.

CHELSEA RAE/Hook ‘Em

Writer: Chelsea Rae; Producer: Josh Mendez; Publisher: none listed; JKMusicwerks (630-439-6006)

—Imaginatively produced, with a steady drumbeat, fishing-line effects and a cool, stuttering repeated guitar riff. Her vocal just has enough moxie to sell this feisty “attitude” number.

COLT FORD/Chicken & Biscuits

Writer: Colt Ford/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Jayson Chance & Shannon Houchins; Publisher: Average ZJS/Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe (CDX) (www.coltford.com)

—I hate country rapping. Most especially when the song is this dull.

PAUL OVERSTREET/Kennesaw Cove

Writer: Paul Overstreet/Billy Aerts/Scott Lynch; Producer: Billy Aerts & Paul Overstreet; Publisher: Scarlet Moon/Stormey/Baby Gray/Par, BMI; Scarlet Moon (CDX) (615-496-6163)

—The kids go fishing. Sis has a busted lip and black eye from her boyfriend, who has disappeared. Wonder why the fish are feeding on the bottom of the Cove? I just love a good, dark story song. Don’t you?

THE SPRINGS/Summer All Year Long

Writer: Stewart Halcomb; Producer: Lamar Morris & Larry Marrs; Publisher: none listed, BMI; CFC (CDX) (334-393-2376)

—Brightly bouncing. Too bad the lead singer is strangulated and wimpy.

RAY STEVENS/Caribou Barbie

Writer: Max T. Barnes/Matt Cline/Brent Baxter; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Ray Stevens/Grand Avenue/Songs of Peer/Chords of RPM, BMI/ASCAP; Clyde (CDX)

—“Palin for President has a nice ring to it.” It does? “She’s read the Constitution, too.” She has? Musical drivel from the nut-jobbers.

KYLE PARK/I’m Missing You

Writer: Kyle Park; Producer: Kyle Park; Publisher: Kyle Park, BMI; Winding Road (www,kyleparkmusic.com)

—It’s not the most original song idea in the world, but this kid sings with great heart and verve. What’s more, he is a superb producer with a terrific touch for both acoustic and electrified elements. Highly recommended.

RANDY HOUSER/I’m All About It

Writer: Randy Houser/Ed Hill/Mark D. Sanders; Producer: Mark Wright & Cliff Audretch III; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog – Universal

—He’s such a fine singer. Why is he squandering himself on this?

NATHAN LEE JACKSON/Inside

Writer: Nathan Lee Jackson/Mila Lukich/Jonn Hamlin; Producer: Jeff Glixman; Publisher: Starbarn/Quarter Sun/Seven Tulip Lane/Mila Lukich, ASCAP; Star City (www.starcityrecording.com)

—Atmospheric. His somewhat thin voice doesn’t match the drama in the production, but he tries hard.

ANTHONY SMITH/Love Is Love Is Love

Writer: Anthony Smith/Eric Silver; Producer: Anthony Smith & Eric Silver; Publisher: Krankit/Pickanbo, BMI/ASCAP; Krankit (www.anthonysmith.com)

—It feels like it is lumbering at first, but as it picks up steam, the churning tempo makes super audio sense. Wave a hankie as this one leaves the station, shouting harmonies all the way.

GWEN SEBASTIAN/V.I.P.

Writer: Gwen Sebastian/Brian Eckert/Dean Miller; Producer: Louis Newman; Publisher: Midnight Ride/Brian Eckert/Songs of Universal/Prince of the Road, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Open Road/Lofton Creek (www.gwensebastian.com)

—She’s a barefoot girl tripping the light fantastic in velvet-rope, high-heels Hollywood. Breezy and bright.

Rodney Atkins and Velveeta “Get Together”

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Velveeta Shells & Cheese is teaming up with Curb Records artist Rodney Atkins for a summer-long partnership with Velveeta Shells & Cheese. This is the first time Velveeta Shells & Cheese has partnered with a country music artist; it is also among the first national marketing sponsorships for Atkins.

At the center of the campaign is “Get Together,” a new song by Atkins written exclusively for Velveeta Shells & Cheese. The new song is featured in Velveeta Shells & Cheese TV advertising and will also be available starting in May as a free download for the first 100,000 fans. Also starting in May, fans can enter an essay contest for a chance to win the “Ultimate Get Together” – a private cookout and concert with Atkins in the winner’s backyard.

In addition, a custom Velveeta Shells & Cheese “Side Shack” will provide family entertainment at select Rodney Atkins summer concert tour stops. Through radio, in-store and on-site festival promotions within the concert tour markets, consumers can enter for a chance to win VIP entrance into the Side Shack, where they can perform virtually alongside Atkins on an interactive screen and enjoy some of the best views of Atkins concert. A few winners will also have the opportunity to participate in meet-and-greets with Rodney.

“Although I spend a lot of time on the road, I’m a regular guy – a husband and a dad – and there is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my family and friends over a good meal,” Atkins says. “I’m excited to team up with Velveeta Shells & Cheese to encourage folks to ‘get together’ and to enjoy some good food and good music this summer.”

Beginning in May, visit www.GetTogetherWithRodney.com/Velveeta for contest details.

Bentley’s Bluegrass Outing Due June 8

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Multi-platinum artist Dierks Bentley will release his new, largely acoustic album, Up On The Ridge on June 8. His fifth Capitol Nashville studio project is steeped in the bluegrass and roots music that moved Bentley to become a country musician in the first place. The leadoff single and title track, inspired by time spent on a plot of land in rural Tennessee, will be released to country radio on April 12.

“I fell in love with this kind of music the first time I walked into the Station Inn with a fake I.D. at 19 years old,” Bentley says. “These guys, who were my age, were playing their instruments so hard it knocked your head back. After that, I never missed a Tuesday night there in almost eight years. Without the whole bluegrass community taking me in, I would have had no place to start from. It is my foundation.”

Produced by Jon Randall Stewart and engineered by Gary Paczosa, Up On the Ridge finds Bentley collaborating with some of bluegrass music’s brightest lights, including Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers, the Del McCoury Band, mandolinist Sam Bush, dobro player Rob Ickes, guitarist Bryan Sutton, fiddler Stuart Duncan, and mandolinist Ronnie McCoury. In addition to the five selections co-written by Bentley himself, the songs come from such varied sources as Bob Dylan, U2 and Kris Kristofferson. Guest vocalists include Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson and Miranda Lambert.

To preview a short film on the making of Up On The Ridge, click here.

Up On The Ridge Track List:

1.     Up On The Ridge
(Written by Angelo Petraglia, Dierks Bentley, Background Vocals by Alison Krauss)

2.     Fallin’ For You
(Written by Shawn Camp, Paul Kennerly, Background Vocals by Chris Stapleton)

3.     Senor (Tales of Yankee Power) (with The Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile)
(Written by Bob Dylan)

4.     Rovin’ Gambler (with The Punch Brothers)
(Written by Jon Randall Stewart, Dierks Bentley)

5.     Draw Me A Map
(Written by Jon Randall Stewart, Dierks Bentley, Background Vocals by Alison Krauss)

6.     Bad Angel (Featuring Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson)
(Written by Verlon Thompson, Suzi Ragsdale)

7.     Fiddlin’ Around
(Written by John Scott Sherrill, Shawn Camp, Jeff Austin, Background Vocals by Vince Gill)

8.     You’re Dead to Me
(Written by Tim O’Brien, Jon Randall Stewart, Dierks Bentley, Background vocals by Tim O’Brien)

9.     Pride (In The Name Of Love) (with The Punch Brothers featuring Del McCoury)
(Written by Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, Dave Evans, Paul David Hewson)

10.  Love Grows Wild
(Written by Julie Miller, Buddy Miller)

11.  Bottle to The Bottom (featuring Kris Kristofferson)
(Written by Kris Kristofferson)

12.  Down In The Mine
(Written by Jon Randall Stewart, Dierks Bentley, Background vocals by Sonya Isaacs)