Hall Of Fame Honors ‘New Traditionalists’

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Curators at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum continue to work on additions to the Museum’s permanent exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music. The most recent updates focus on country music’s ‘New Traditionalists,’ including the Judds, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs and George Strait. These changes, which will bring the story of country music forward in time and conclude with a glimpse of the future, will be completed on May 14, 2010.

Museum officials have also announced a weekend of special programs on May 14-15 to celebrate the unveiling of this new visitor experience; highlights will include a curators’ talk on May 14 and an interview with artist Naomi Judd and record executive Joe Galante on May 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ford Theater. All programs are included with Museum admission and free to Museum members.

The Sing Me Back Home transformation, which is taking place in the Museum’s second floor gallery, includes new archival video clips and dozens of new artifacts. The most recent updates focus on the 1980s and the popularity of country music’s “New Traditionalists.’ These artists, many of whom began their careers as the pop-influenced “Urban Cowboy” era in country music was waning, embraced older country styles, such as honky-tonk and bluegrass, adapting them with a modern sensibility. Among the artists featured in this section of the exhibit are:

The Judds. Items newly on display include Wynonna Judd’s Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, custom made for her and featuring “WY2K” inlaid in mother-of-pearl on the fretboard; and the black jersey gown worn by Naomi Judd to the 1990 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Reba McEntire. Visitors will see McEntire’s blue suede gown, featuring fringed-sleeves and sequin and lace embellishments. The singer wore the dress to the 1986 CMA Awards, where she was named Entertainer of the Year. Also on display are a pair of hand-tooled black and white cowboy boots, which bear the intriguing monogram “OY.” The boots, which were modeled after a pair owned by Patsy Cline, were worn by McEntire at her 1977 Grand Ole Opry debut.

Ricky Skaggs. Among the items on display is the mandolin Skaggs played at age seven in 1962 when he appeared with Flatt & Scruggs on their television show.

George Strait. A lasso, cowboy hat, starched shirt, hand-tooled leather belt and Wrangler jeans from the Texas superstar are all on display.

BMI Christian Music Awards Honor Most-Played Songs

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BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most-performed songs on Christian radio and television during the annual Christian Music Awards last night at the company’s Music Row offices in Nashville. 

By contributing two songs each to the most-performed list, tobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Stevens, and singer/songwriter Jason Walker shared the Songwriter of the Year title, while “Lose My Soul,” recorded and co-written by TobyMac and Stevens, garnered Song of the Year honors.

Universal Music Publishing Group also earned its third consecutive Publisher of the Year crown, as host Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, along with Senior Director Thomas Cain and Director Beth Mason, of BMI’s Writer/Publisher Relations Department, presented awards spanning five categories: Christian Rock, Contemporary Christian, Inspirational, Urban Gospel and Southern Gospel.

BMI Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Phil Graham joined his staff on stage for the presentation of the night’s top honors, Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year.

During the ceremony, the audience enjoyed intimate live performances of award-winning songs. The Booth Brothers delivered a stirring rendition of “What Salvation’s Done for Me,” and while Chapman was unable to attend, the audience enjoyed the indisputably next best thing: a new band called Caleb, featuring Chapman’s sons Caleb and Will Chapman, who offered a poignant performance of their father’s hit “Cinderella.”  As the electric conclusion, multiple award-winner tobyMac performed his hit “Boomin’.”

(l-r): Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations; Caleb and Will Chapman, sons of Songwriter of the Year Steven Curtis Chapman; 2010 Special Citation of Appreciation Honoree Billy Ray Hearn; 2010 Songwriters of the Year tobyMac, Jason Walker and Chris Stevens; Publisher of of the Year, Universal Music Group’s Dale Mathews; and Phil Graham, BMI Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations.

“Hutch” Carlock Passes

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Elbert Hutchinson Carlock, known throughout the Nashville music community as “Hutch” Carlock, died Tuesday, April 20, at age 86.

In 1953, Carlock founded Music City Record Distributors, Inc., one of the largest wholesalers of records, tapes, CDs and DVDs in the United States. The company also operated the Cat’s Records retail chain for many years. Last fall, most of the Cat’s stores were closed, although one remains in South Carolina, and there are still stores with that name operating on Gallatin Road in Madison and on Lebanon Pike in Hermitage.

Music City Record Distributors grew from Carlock’s initial $500 investment to become a business whose annual dollar volume was said to be in excess of $24.5 million. The firm, located on Lincoln Street in Nashville, employs approximately 45 workers. It is currently operated by Hutch’s son, Bruce Carlock.

Hutch Carlock was a founder of the Country Music Association as well as a charter CMA board member.
In addition to son Bruce, he is survived by son Hayes Carlock and daughters Karen and Jeana Carlock, all of Nashville.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Road. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Friday with burial to follow in Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Carlock’s favorite charities — Alive Hospice, the Arthritis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America or the Mouth & Foot Painting Artists Association.

Artist News: Hayes’ “Turnaround,” Heidi’s “Playlist,” Faith’s “Runway”

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Wade Hayes Offers “Place To Turn Around”
He’s been out of the spotlight for over a decade, but on April 21, former CMA  Top New Male Vocalist Wade Hayes will officially return with Place To Turn Around, a new 11-song collection featuring nine songs penned by Hayes himself. The singer/songwriter/guitar slinger first appeared in the early ‘90s with a string of hits of hits including “Old Enough To Know Better,” “I’m Still Dancing With You” and “What I Meant to Say,” and the new project features a similar mix of edgy uptempos and tender ballads.

Place To Turn Around also reflects the experience Hayes gained over the past several years on the road fronting his own band and, more recently, as guitarist for former Alabama lead singer Randy Owen.

“It’s really good to be back out playing on my own again,” Hayes says. “I am really excited about this project, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me.”

Place to Turn Around is now available via www.wadehayes.com as well as  iTunes and at Hayes’ live shows.

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Heidi Newfield’s Performance and Playlist for Music City Marathon
Curb Records artist Heidi Newfield will appear as a special guest at this year’s Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon Annual Post Race Concert this Saturday (4/24) starting at 7:00 PM at the Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The concert is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, TicketMaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

In celebration of the 11th annual running of the Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon, Newfield has put together a playlist for the marathon runners packed with her favorite songs to run to.

“These are just a few of the choices that get me jacked up to get a full workout or run completed,” says Newfield. “I hope this playlist will give some runners the momentum and energy to finish strong.”

Newfield’s playlist is as follows:
1. Slash, Slash (entire album)
2. Beth Hart, “Broken And Ugly”
3. The Black Crowes, “Go Faster”
4. Led Zepplin, “Kashmir”
5. Kings of Leon, Only By The Night (entire album)
6. The Rolling Stones, “Sympathy For The Devil”
7. Kid Rock, “Rock N Roll Jesus”
8. The Verve, “Bittersweet Symphony”
9.  Sheryl Crow, “Steve McQueen”
10. The Who, “Baba O’Riley”

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Faith Hill Graces Project Runway
Country superstar Faith Hill will join host supermodel Heidi Klum and judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia on the season finale of Lifetime Network’s Project Runway this Thursday, April 22nd at 9 PM CT.

“Faith Hill stepped into the toughest Project Runway guest judging seat of the season, the finale, which made her a deciding voice in naming the winner,” said ‘Runway’ Executive Producer Sara Rea. “She took on the task with flying colors. Faith was invested and took the job seriously. She gave constructive, relevant criticism and had a strong point of view. We really enjoyed having her.”

“What I saw was truly extraordinary and it made judging very difficult,” says Hill. “All of the designers were creative and imaginative. But there were some whose craftsmanship was impeccable. The passion that these individuals showed, and their eagerness to learn from feedback and criticism, should prove an inspiration for those that follow them.”

DISClaimer (single reviews) 4/21/10

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Let’s hear it for the seniors.

Merle Haggard, age 73, and Willie Nelson, who will be 77 next week, both released new albums on Tuesday. And both of them are showing the kiddies how to do country music correctly.

Willie’s collection is called, appropriately, Country Music. It is also appropriately the Disc of the Day.

Also worth your spins this week are new singles by The LoCash Cowboys and Chely Wright. Both are produced and performed with extra panache.

Leah Seawright goes home with a DisCovery Award for her classroom antics on “Country Girl 101.” a single that is as clever as it is rocking.

MARK WAYNE GLASMIRE/You Opened My Eyes
Writer: Mark Wayne Glasmire; Producer: John Albani & Mark Wayne Glasmire; Publisher: Traceway, ASCAP; Traceway (www.markwayneglasmire.com)
—He sings in a clear, strong, pleasing tenor, which suits the uplifting song nicely.

CHELY WRIGHT/Broken
Writer: Chely Wright; Producer: Rodney Crowell; Publisher: Painted Red, BMI; Vanguard
—This moody, minor-key outing muses on the difficulty of learning to love anew. Her performance of it is marvelously nuanced. The deep-down rhythm track, gently strummed guitar work and whispery backing vocals all make the production a shimmering gem. A terrific listening experience.

AARON EINHOUSE/Catch A Glance
Writer: Aaron Einhouse; Producer: Walt Wilkins; Publisher: none listed, BMI; AE (www.aaroneinhouse.com)
—While sloshed on Jack Daniels, he has a roll in the hay with his best friend’s girl. They never speak of it again. But he knows she remembers it, because every now and then, “I catch a glance.” Hmmmm.

FAST RYDE/Top Down
Writer: James Harrison/Jody Stevens; Producer: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens & James Harrison; Publisher: OMG/Jody Stevens/Songs of One/Mailbox Dance, BMI/SESAC; Republic Nashvillle (www.fastryde.com)
—It’s fairly straightforward, a simple ditty about riding in the sunshine, singing along to a loud radio in a convertible. Harmless summertime fun.

LEAH SEAWRIGHT/Country Girl 101
Writer: Leah Seawright/Frank Green; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Ineylue/Frank Thomas Green, ASCAP; SkyTone (www.leahwright.com)
—She rocks with plenty of sass on this feisty list of lessons on how to treat a country girl right. Listen up, boys. Or she just might kick your tail.

LoCASH COWBOYS/Here Comes Summer
Writer: Jeffrey Steele/Shane Minor/Chris Lucas/Preston Brust; Producer: Jeffrey Steele; Publisher: Jeffrey Steele/BPJ/Sony-ATV Tree/Code Six Charles/Sony-ATV Cross Keys, BMI/ASCAP; Stroudavarious (www.locashcowboys.com)
—It is everything the title suggests, and then some. Relentlessly upbeat, impossible to ignore, eager to please, wildly engaging and completely winning.

KATIE ARMIGER/Leaving Home
Writer: Katie Armiger/Sarah Buxton/Blair Daly; Producer: Blair Daly; Publisher: Lily Road/Were Going to Maui/Internal Combustion/Southside Independent/Kickin Girls, BMI; Cold River (www.katiearmiger.com)
—She’s graduating and leaving home while the power chords crash around her vocal. Effective and emotional.

GARY P. NUNN/Taking Texas To The Country
Writer: Gary P. Nunn/Levi Mullen; Producer: Gary P. Nunn; Publisher: Nunn, BMI; Gaucamole/Campfire (track) (www.garypnunn.com)
—This is the rollicking title tune to this perennial Lone Star State favorite’s 15th studio album. He is still singing powerfully, and the lyric drops all the right names. For those of you not already fans, Nunn is the tunesmith behind “The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” (Willie Nelson), “Couldn’t Do Nothing Right” (Rosanne Cash) and “London Homesick Blues” (the Austin City Limits theme song often referred to as “Home with the Armadillo”).

MERLE HAGGARD/I Am What I Am
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Merle Haggard & Lou Bradley; Publisher: Merle Haggard, BMI; Vanguard/Hag (track) (www.merlehaggard.com)
—His golden voice pours warmth all over this meditative ballad that serves as the title tune to a dandy CD that came out yesterday. It is almost entirely self composed, proving that he’s still got it as a song craftsman, as well as sounding as cool as ever. The original is still the greatest.

WILLIE NELSON/Man With The Blues
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Publisher: Glad/Pappy Daily, BMI; Rounder/
Shangri-La (track) (www.willienelson.com)
—Also dropping yesterday was the simply titled Country Music, the latest album by the Red Headed Stranger. Produced by noted alchemist Burnett, it finds our hero warbling classics by Ernest Tubb, the Louvin Brothers, Merle Travis, Al Dexter, Porter Wagoner and other greats. The one original is a reworking of his honky-tonking debut single, recorded for D Records in 1959. Like everything else on this collection, it is a spell binding performance. Buy this record.

Anthony Smith

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“Love Is Love Is Love”

Krankit Records/Nine North

On Sunshine, Anthony Smith’s forthcoming first album for his own Krankit Records, the singer-songwriter comes on fun, funky and strong. Co-produced by Smith and veteran hit maker James Stroud with Bobby Terry lending additional production assistance, Sunshine features his latest release to country radio “Love Is Love Is Love.” The single is already climbing MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart at No. 75.

“I’m just being me,” says Smith about his unique style of country. “I have never tried to sound like anyone else. I have always wanted to be me, musically. I’m doing the kind of music I love in the only way I know how.”

In addition to being a seasoned performer, Smith is also a veteran songwriter whose songs have been recorded by a who’s who of Nashville superstars, including George Strait (“Run”), Montgomery Gentry (“Whattaya Think About That?”), Tim McGraw (“Kill Myself,” “Kristofferson”), Trace Adkins (“Chrome,” “I’m Tryin'”) and many more. That skill with the pen went into Sunshine as well, which features all original Smith compositions save for one.

“I like getting a reaction,” he says. “My music isn’t the kind you sit and passively listen to. It’s going to make you move, and it’s going to make you react and feel something. I want an emotional response – whether it’s good or bad or romantic.”

www.anthonysmith.com
www.myspace.com/anthonysmithfans

[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/10201650/asmth-lilil.mp3″ text=”Anthony Smith – Love Is Love Is Love” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

Leibovitz Shoots Swift For “Vogue;” Chesney Flick Opens Tomorrow

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Photo by Annie Liebovitz for "Vogue"

Taylor Swift appears in the May 2010 issue of fashion magazine Vogue. In the article titled “The Dazzler,” she poses for famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, and discusses her tour, upcoming fall release, and new condo.

Swift tells the magazine, “Looking back on what these past two years have been for me, it feels like this magical dream of, Really? We toured all over the world? We played an arena in London? This is happening? Readjusting my goals and dreams has been something I’ve had to do a lot lately.”

In more Swift news, American Greetings has expanded the star’s line of greeting cards to include e-cards featuring her music. American Greeting is also a sponsor of her sold-out Fearless 2010 concert tour.

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After almost a year and half from conception to the final edit, Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D is set to open nationwide April 21 for a limited run. To celebrate the film, which captures 6 NFL stadium dates on his 2009 Sun City Carnival Tour, the star returned to his native Knoxville to team with Regal Cinemas for a charity preview screening to benefit Variety: The Children’s Charity of Eastern Tennessee.

The preview screenings ultimately sold more than 1100 tickets and raised close to a quarter of a million dollars.

Whitney Duncan Debut Out Today; Jaron Album Coming In June

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Reprise recording artist Whitney Duncan’s debut album Right Road Now is being released today (4/20) on www.Whitneyduncan.com and iTunes. The project features eleven tracks, including her singles, “When I Said I Would” and “Skinny Dippin’.” It was produced by Mark Bright and John Shanks.

AOL’s The Boot exclusively premiered the video for the title track and it is now available to all digital partners including iTunes.

Duncan’s fans had a hand in selecting a song to complete the album via her web site, and they picked “Comin’ Home To You.”

She has penned songs for Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, Crystal Shawanda and Lee Ann Womack to name a few.

Track Listing for Right Road Now:
1. When I Said I Would
2. Right Road Now
3. Little By Little
4. Skinny Dippin’
5. Bed That You Made
6. Burn It Down
7. Open Road
8. So Sorry Mama
9. Kinda Crazy
10. Comin’ Home To You
11. Away

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Jaron And The Long Road To Love’s debut single “Pray For You” is doing so well at radio, Jaronwood/Universal Republic/Big Machine has moved up the release date for his debut album, Getting Dressed In The Dark, to June 22. The singer-songwriter has been busy completing the project and explains, “I think when people hear the album they will understand the “band name” better. People are a bit confused by ‘The Long Road to Love.’ At first, they think it is my band name, but when I walk out on stage by myself, people quickly realize that it’s not my band. I tell them it’s my journey.” A handful of Jaron’s songs are available now on his MySpace page, iTunes and Amazon.

Roy Orbison Salute; Stars Support Children’s Theatre; Reading Writing Rhythm

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April 23, 2010 would have been Roy Orbison’s 74th birthday, and the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville is celebrating the late musician with a benefit for Musicians On Call. Orbison’s wife and local music publisher Barbara Orbison will host the event with a line-up including Harold Bradley & Mallary Hope, Rodney Crowell, Chris Rodriguez & Eden’s Edge, Jeffrey Steele, JD Souther, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, and surprise guests performing songs spanning Roy’s five-decade career. This is just one of the late star’s birthday week events, which also includes the Orbison themed Nashville Sounds game on April 22.

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The Nashville Children’s Theatre’s 13th Annual Dragon’s Concert will feature Jamie O’Neal, Minnie Murphy, Lari White, and Viktor Krauss & Angel Snow. The fundraiser is set for Sunday, May 9th and will be hosted by country comedy favorites Doyle & Debbie, who will also perform. Tickets start at just $30, or VIP admission ($125) includes the patron’s reception, priority seating, live auction and free food and drink
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The 10th Annual Reading, Writing and Rhythm benefit concert will be held on June 8 at TPAC’s James Polk Theater in Nashville. The concert will be raising money to benefit music education programs nationwide. Serving as an unofficial kick-off to the CMA Music Festival, the event will feature Rodney Crowell, Bucky Covington, Justin Moore, Sarah Buxton, Jann Arden, and Reading, Writing & Rhythm’s Founder Chely Wright. Tickets are on sale now and are available for purchase here.

CMT Music Awards Announces Performers

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Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban are the first performers announced for the 2010 CMT Music Awards, set for Wednesday, June 9 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The first round of voting for the fan-voted show has already begun and runs through Monday, May 3, only at CMT.com, where fans will select from the top nominees in each category to become finalists. On Tuesday, May 11, CMT will announce the four finalists in each category, except Video of the Year. Fans can then vote online at CMT.com through June 8 to determine the winners of the 2010 CMT Music Awards. The final nominees for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com and via text message throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.

Tickets to the ninth annual awards show are sold out, but CMT will be offering opportunities to win tickets through artist fan clubs and partnerships, including the current sweepstakes promotion with the CMA Music Festival, for more information visit CMT.com.