Marty Stuart Honors Country’s Mississippi Roots

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Country music legend Marty Stuart unveiled the first marker, in honor of Jimmie Rodgers, for the Mississippi Country Music Trail in his home state on Tuesday, June 1. Stuart played an instrumental role in developing and campaigning for this program to pay tribute to Mississippi’s stronghold on country music’s history.

“It was a very special day for me to be able to present the first plaque for the Country Music Trail in Mississippi,” says Stuart. “What makes it even more special is that this marker honors the father of country music, Jimmie Rodgers, who is a hero and true inspiration to me. He laid the blueprint for what country music is all about and I’m proud to represent our state and help acknowledge its place in country music history.”

The next marker on the trail will honor Stuart, in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Other trail markers will feature Charley Pride, Conway Twitty, Jerry Clower, Faith Hill and Paul Overstreet, among others.

Continuing his crusade to pay tribute to Mississippi’s rich American musical heritage, Stuart will bring his acclaimed traveling personal memorabilia collection, Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart’s Musical Odyssey, to Meridian, MS beginning July 10 and is also set to perform with Merle Haggard at the MSU Riley center on July 25.

For more information visit www.martystuart.net.

New Boots, New Single, NASCAR For Curb’s Rio Grand

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Nashville based Brand N Music Partnerships, has announced that Corral Boots and Curb Records artists Rio Grand have entered into a one-year brand partnership and endorsement agreement. This strategic integrated marketing campaign includes tour bus decals, product endorsements, retail appearances, digital components and a tour sponsorship element.

The campaign launched in May with a concert at Hillbilly’s in McAllen, Texas, located near the Corral Boot headquarters. Additionally, Rio Grand will make appearances in many key account retail stores nationwide.

“Rio Grand represents the face of Texas and country music, something that we feel is critically important to the Corral Boots brand,” says General Manager Distribution Retail Sales, George Allen. “We hope that this is just the beginning of a long and lasting relationship between Rio Grand and Corral Boots.”

“We are very excited about our relationship with Corral Boots and this is really a natural partnership,” Fred Stallcup, lead guitarist of Rio Grand says. “We believe in the product, the brand, and we wear it proudly. The timing is right and coincides with the launch of our new single ‘Beckett’s Back 40,’ which is making its way to radio right now.”

Rio Grand and Corral Boots will also offer fans the opportunity to win an exciting grand prize package that includes custom Corral Boots, plus tickets and backstage passes to a Rio Grand concert of their choice, and other contests throughout the year.

In other Rio Grand news, the band will be joining NASCAR drivers Scott Lagasse, Scott Wimmer and Trevor Bayne on EPSN Television.

The segment will air tomorrow (6/5) during the live telecast of the Federated Auto Parts 300 from Nashville Super Speedway. The Rio Grand appearance will include some on-camera time with the drivers and an acoustic performance. The segment and race will air on EPSN2 beginning at 7:30 PM/CT.

Buddy Cannon Recovering From Surgery

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Buddy Cannon

Producer/songwriter Buddy Cannon, MusicRow’s 2004 Producer of the Year, is recovering at home after  undergoing successful surgery to clear a blockage in his right side carotid artery.

The surgery was performed Tuesday morning at Vanderbilt Hospital. He was released Wednesday and is chilling out at home. The blockage was discovered after an ultrasound scan and surgery was deemed necessary. Cannon plans to resume daily activities next week.

Cannon currently produces Kenny Chesney, Ashton Shepherd and Ash Bowers. As a songwriter, he is responsible for country classics including “Set “Em Up Joe,” “Give It Away” and “I’ve Come To Expect It From You.”

“Block Party” Returns To CMA Fest

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The ABC Summer Block Party will return to the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. The party gets started on Friday, June 11 continuing through Saturday, June 12 and will run from 11:30 AM-5:00 PM/CT.

This year’s Block Party, hosted by Rossi Morreale (Dating in the Dark) and Brandon Barash (General Hospital), is filled with entertainment for the entire family. Located at the CMA Music Festival Family Zone in the Walk of Fame Park (between Fourth and Fifth Avenue on Demonbreun) the party will include daily activities and games such as “Name that ABC Tune” and “Daytime Drama.”

In addition to the games, autograph sessions and Q&A sessions will be held with Jillian Harris, Paige Hemmis, and Tracy Huston (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition); Bobbie Eakes (All My Children); Melissa Archer, Bree Williamson, and Kassie De Paiva (One Life to Live); and Kelly Monaco, Bradford Anderson, Laura Wright, Steve Burton, and Scott Reeves (General Hospital). ABC-branded souvenirs will be given away, including T-shirts, totes, journals, electric fans, and towels.

There will be plenty of music as well with scheduled performances on Friday, June 11 by Capitol Nashville recording artist Emily West and BNA recording artist Chris Janson in addition to Port Chuck: Steve Burton, Brandon Barash, Bradford Anderson, and Scott Reeves (Jason Morgan, Johnny Zacchara, Damien Spinelli, and Steve Webber on General Hospital). On Saturday, June 12 the Divas of Daytime: Kathy Brier formerly from One Life to Life, Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer on One Life to Live), and Bobbie Eakes (Krystal Carey on All My Children) will perform and mark their return to the Block Party as a trio.

Also, ABC and Soapnet have donated $50,000 to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help with the flood recovery. In partnership with the Office of the Mayor and Davidson County’s Office of Emergency Management, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee ensures that one gift can impact the widest range of charitable needs in times of disaster.

Gibson Unveils Brad Paisley Signature Acoustic

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In celebration of Brad Paisley’s picking prowess, Gibson Acoustic has introduced the Brad Paisley J-45 Model, a custom-appointed acoustic guitar from Gibson’s luthier’s shop in Bozeman, Montana. Constructed in the image of the J-45 “round-shouldered” dreadnought with Paisley’s own preferences for a solid Adirondack Red Spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and one-piece custom mahogany neck with “modified V” profile and 24 3/4”-scale rosewood fingerboard, it’s a sultry instrument on par with the best pre-War Gibson flat-tops, yet equipped as a top-flight performance machine for today’s professional.

Only 300 Brad Paisley Model guitars are being  produced by Gibson Acoustic, and each one comes with a formfitting hardshell case with plush blue lining, an owner’s manual, Gibson’s Gold Warranty, label personally signed by Paisley, and a Certificate of Authenticity.

Details such as original 1942-spec scalloped red spruce & hide glue X-bracing, a Fishman Ellipse Aura pickup and preamp system and a bone nut and saddle all work to ensure rich, resonant tones, either unplugged or fully amplified, while a hand-sprayed nitrocellulose a bright Cherry Sunburst finish, multi-ply top binding, double-ring rosette, tortoiseshell pickguard with paisley engraving, mother-of-pearl dot inlays with MoP paisleys at the 12th fret, and “Brad Paisley” signature engraved truss-rod cover all declare that this is a rare and exclusive instrument.

Walmart Offers “Strait Live” DVD Reissue

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On June 15, the Artist of the Decade will re-issue George Strait Live on DVD exclusively to Walmart. Backed by his Ace in the Hole Band, George Strait is captured for the first time on video performing greatest hits and all time fan favorites at the Dallas Reunion Arena on New Year’s night 1986-1987. George Strait Live has been digitally re-mastered with 5.1 surround sound and includes five bonus music videos made available for the first time ever for fans on DVD.

George Strait Live track listing:

“The Fireman”
“Deep Water”
“The Cowboy Rides Away”
“Hot Burning Flames”
“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind”
“Dance Time In Texas”
“You’re Something Special To Me”
“Six Pack To Go”
“Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her”
“Amarillo By Morning”
“All My Ex’s Live In Texas”
“Rhythm Of The Road”
“Any Old Time”
“You Look So Good In Love”
“Marina Del Ray”
“Unwound”

Bonus Music Videos:

Amarillo By Morning
The Chair
Check Yes Or No
She’ll Leave You With A Smile
Living For The Night

Jimmy Ritchey Unveils Vibe Room Music

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Songwriter/producer Jimmy Ritchey has announced a new collaborative venture, Vibe Room Music. A newly-established Music Row assembly located at 38 Music Square East, 2nd Floor, Vibe Room Music is made up of Ritchey, publishing veteran Jeff Carlton and a variety of multi-talented songwriters. The company is poised to introduce a library of compositions in a variety of styles suited for a multitude of formats.

Ritchey has also announced the signing of Pam Tillis to Vibe Room Music. Over the course of her 30-year career, Tillis has enjoyed top ten hits including her co-written “One of Those Things” and “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life).” She was named the CMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 1994. Her songs have been recorded by an assortment of artists including Chaka Khan, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Gloria Gaynor, Conway Twitty, Lorrie Morgan, Holly Dunn, and Sweethearts of the Rodeo.

“Pam’s reputation speaks for itself,” Ritchey says. “Her name alone gives Vibe the ‘Wow!’ factor. She is one talented lady and represents the Tillis dynasty with poise, grace, wit and tenacity. We’re thrilled to be working with her, and I have no doubt the best is yet to come from Pam.”

A co-writer on George Strait’s current Top 5 single, “I Gotta Get To You,” as well as the title cut from Strait’s latest album, Ritchey was also instrumental in discovering Jake Owen and co-wrote Owen’s latest single, “Tell Me.” He has produced records for Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt and Tommy Shane Steiner. He is presently working on recording projects with Blaine Larsen, Star De Azlan, and new Sony Records artist Joanna Smith.

Day-to-day operations in the Vibe Room will be handled by Carlton, who will serve as Vice President. Carlton brings 30-years experience to the organization. He has worked with writers including Tony Martin, Lee Miller, Bobby Pinson, Monty Criswell, Erin Enderlin, and Tommy Karlas, as well as Ritchey.

In addition to Tillis, the Vibe Room Music roster of songwriters includes Treehouse recording artist Larsen and artist/writer Sam Hunt. Nancy Tuck is Director of Administration.

44th Annual CMA Awards Set For Nov. 10

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The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that The 44th Annual CMA Awards will air Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

“The CMA Awards is ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’ and is one of the most highly anticipated events for our industry each year,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “It’s a night to recognize and honor our finest performers, songwriters, record producers, musicians, and music video directors.”

The 2009 CMA Awards came in No. 3 for the week in the 18-49 demo and No. 5 for the week in total viewers, according to Nielsen. Held during November Sweeps (Nov. 11), The 43rd Annual CMA Awards dominated the night, ranking No. 1 in all six half-hours of the night in both total viewers and Adults 18-49 (5.3/14). In fact, it was a clean sweep on the night as the network also took top honors of the evening across all key Adults, Men, and Women demographics (18-24, 18-49, 25-54), as well as registering as the top-rated broadcaster with Teens (12-17) and Kids (2-11).

The program beat second place CBS by 5.7 million viewers with 17.3 million people tuned in. The CMA Awards gave ABC its biggest Wednesday audience with non-sport programming in well over four years and its highest Adult 18-49 numbers in two years. An estimated 36 million viewers watched all or some portion of the live, three-hour broadcast.
The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958.

Winners of The 44th Annual CMA Awards will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

“The CMA Awards recognizes the best of our format. Our artists and music resonate with people from all walks of life and that’s what makes this ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’,” said Moore.

The eligibility period for the 2010 CMA Awards is July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. All voting for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be conducted online. The first ballot and instructions will be e-mailed June 29 to CMA members in good standing who are eligible to vote. Voting for the first ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, July 15.

The second ballot will be e-mailed to CMA members Aug. 10. Voting for the second ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, Aug. 23. The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced in early September.

The third and final ballot will be e-mailed to CMA members Oct. 15. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends at 5:00 PM/CT, Nov. 2.

The 44th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, and Paul Miller is the Director. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

The first CMA Awards Banquet and Show was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast on NBC Television for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The Awards aired on NBC through 1971, and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevy: the Official Ride of Country Music.

The Stars Will Sign at CMA Music Fest

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The stars are aligning for autograph signings at the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall at the upcoming 2010 CMA Music Festival. Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and the Judds are among the artists set to meet the fans face-to-face this year.

“The fan and artist interactions in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall are the heart of the CMA Music Festival experience,” said CMA Board Chairman Steve Moore. “This year we have invited new exhibitors, artists, technologies, and partners to help improve the experience for our attendees. And to top it off, we have a terrific list of artists eager to spend one-on-one time with their fans.”

Both McGraw and Rascal Flatts will make their return to the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall. McGraw’s last appearance in the Fan Fair Hall was in 2000, and Rascal Flatts last appeared in 2002.

The Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall will undergo a makeover, becoming an educational feast for the eyes. Photos and facts dating back nearly four decades will adorn the walls as well as the updated CMA Booth, which will host autograph signings for the first time.

The Judds will make an exclusive appearance in the CMA Booth, marking the first time the popular mother/daughter duo has signed autographs at the event since the 1990s when the event was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Other artists signing in the CMA Booth include Laura Bell Bundy, Danny Gokey, Randy Houser, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Josh Thompson, and Chuck Wicks.

Back by popular demand, CMA will make available individual tickets to the Fan Fair Hall on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13 only. Entrance to the Fan Fair Hall will be exclusive to four-day ticket holders on Thursday and Friday, June 10-11. The $15 passes will go on sale Friday, June 11 exclusively at the cash-only information booth within the Nashville Convention Center, home of the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall.

Some of the other stars confirmed to sign throughout the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall include Jason Aldean, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, David Ball, Frankie Ballard, The Band Perry, Bo Bice, Big Kenny, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, Luke Bryan, Burns & Poe, Carter’s Chord, Tommy Cash, Cherryholmes, Mark Chesnutt, Terri Clark, Cowboy Troy, Diamond Rio, Whitney Duncan, Emerson Drive, Fast Ryde, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Jack Greene, Adam Gregory, George Hamilton IV, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Mallary Hope, Julianne Hough,  Joey + Rory, Lady Antebellum, Blaine Larsen, Jesse Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love & Theft, Patty Loveless, Irlene Mandrell, Jo Dee Messina, Randy Montana, Jimmy C. Newman, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, O’Shea, James Otto, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Melissa Peterman, Richard Petty, Point of Grace, John Rich, Julie Roberts, The Roys, Sawyer Brown, Brady Seals, Kevin Sharp, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Trent Tomlinson, Trailer Choir, Two Foot Fred, Uncle Kracker, Bryan White, The Whites, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley, Billy Yates, and more. All artist appearances are subject to change.

Several stars and their fan clubs opt to present their own booths, which often reflect the artists’ personal style including: Trace Adkins, Razzy Bailey, Brooks & Dunn, Bucky Covington, Billy Gilman, Con Hunley, Alan Jackson, Buddy Jewell, The Kentucky Headhunters, Mindy McCready, Dolly Parton, Marty Raybon, Riders In The Sky, LuLu Roman, Ashton Shepherd, Doug Stone, Gretchen Wilson and Chris Young.
Several new exhibitors join the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall experience in 2010 including the US Air Force, Lynn Anderson International Fan Club, Carhartt, The Country Network, Dillards for the Reba Brand, Dish Network, DRIVE4COPD, Farm Boy & Farm Girl, PlayStation Experience Truck, Southern Belle Glamour, Sprint, Universal Music Group Nashville, VELVEETA Shells and Cheese, and Votre Vu.

Returning exhibitors include Barnes & Noble, Big Machine Records, Chevy, CMT, Cupit Music, DigitalRodeo.com, Divas of Daytime, Duck/Buck Commander, Durango Boots, Grand Ole Opry, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, Great American Country (GAC), Lamon Records, Microsoft, Music City Merchandise, Nashville Palace, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, RFD-TV, R.O.P.E., Roper Apparel and Footwear, Silpada Designs, Skaggs Family Records, Tootsies, Waggin’ Train Dog Treats, Warner Music Nashville, and WSM-AM.

Fans can get a schedule of when artists will be appearing in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall by texting “SCHEDULE” to 66937.

Show Dog-Universal Promotes Natalie Moore

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Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore has been promoted to Director of Artist Development and Creative Services for Show Dog-Universal Music, it was announced today (6/3) by George Nunes, General Manager of the label to whom Moore reports.

Formerly, Moore served as Manager of Artist Development and Creative Services for the company. In her new role, Moore is responsible for overseeing artwork, design, photo shoots, video shoots, and media with independent publicity for all Show Dog – Universal Music artists.

“Natalie has played a key role at Show Dog–Universal and her contributions have been invaluable,” said Nunes. “Her work ethic and attention to detail is second to none. I am extremely proud to be working with Natalie and this promotion is well-deserved.”

Moore joined Universal Records South in 2003 as Artist Development Coordinator with the creative and publicity departments.