Country Stars To Salute McCartney At Ryman

/by

“Let Us In” Nashville will hold a special benefit concert on Mon., Nov. 7 at the Ryman Auditorium. The concert will benefit The Women and Cancer Fund, which was established in the memory of Linda McCartney.

The “Let Us In” Nashville event will be hosted by actor and musician Jeff Daniels, who will also perform. The concert will feature Sarah Darling, SHeDAISY, Steel Magnolia, Phil Vassar, Ricky Skaggs, Cheyenne Kimball, Juliana Cole, Jordyn Shellhart, Chuck Wicks, Blue Sky Riders and more. Each artist will sing an original version of a Sir Paul McCartney song, as well as songs from their respective catalog.

Performers for the event, along with several other artists who are unable to attend the live show, have contributed their original version of a Sir Paul McCartney song for a benefit album, “Let Us In” Nashville – A Tribute To Linda McCartney. The album will be released Monday, Nov. 21 via Reviver Music and distributed by BDG/RED Distribution. The “Let Us In” Nashville benefit event will also be filmed and recorded for a live DVD release.

Tickets for the event are available now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

The following artists and songs will comprise the tribute album:

Blue Sky Riders (Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr) – “Junk”
Juliana Cole – “Bluebird”
Jeff Daniels – “Heart Of The Country”
Sarah Darling – “Blackbird”
Tommy Emmanuel – “She’s A Woman”
Nikki Shannon Fernandez – “I Saw Her Standing There”
Cheyenne Kimball – “Mull Of Kintyre”
Samantha Landrum – “Pipes Of Peace”
Timothy B. Schmit, Mark Hudson, Laurence Juber, Denny Seiwell – “Every Night”
Ricky Skaggs – “Listen To What The Man Said”
SHeDAISY – “With A Little Luck”
Jordyn Shellhart – “I Will”
Nancy Siranni – “Calico Skies”
Steel Magnolia – “Maybe I’m Amazed”
Phil Vassar – “Lady Madonna”
Chuck Wicks – “No More Lonely Nights”

Making Connections Online

/by

Guerrilla Music Marketing Online author Bob Baker offers some informative advice on how to best communicate with fans across social networking platforms on the Hypebot.com, music think tank blog.

Baker notes that like songwriting, there is also a craft to using language with respect to “point of view.” When an artist is describing their music they should be aware of using first person, second person and third person to best effect.

“First Person is when you write about yourself: I just wrote a new song,” says Baker. “Second Person is when you speak directly to the reader: You will really enjoy this new song,” and “Third Person speaks from a more distant, observer viewpoint: Suzy just wrote a new song.”

When an artist describes his or her own music Baker suggests second person, “You will be swept away,” as opposed to third person, “The listener will be swept away.” For artist bios and quoting press stories he suggests third person point of view, “According to the the Salt Lake Tribune….,” as opposed to first person which would be awkward, “I am one of the most widely recognized experts…”

Use first person sparingly, especially for telling personal stories. To read it all click here…

CMA Ballots Due Tomorrow

/by

Final ballots for the 45th Annual CMA Awards are due tomorrow (11/1) at 5 PM/CT. The award show will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Bridgestone Arena. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return as hosts for their fourth consecutive year.

Here’s a recap of the final nominees:

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood
Taylor Swift

New Artist of the Year
The Band Perry
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Thompson Square
Chris Young

Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

Album of the Year (Award to Artist and Producer(s))
All About Tonight, Blake Shelton, Produced by Scott Hendricks, Warner Bros. Nashville
My Kinda Party, Jason Aldean, Produced by Michael Knox, Broken Bow Records
Speak Now, Taylor Swift, Produced by Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records
This Is Country Music, Brad Paisley, Produced by Frank Rogers, Arista Nashville
You Get What You Give, Zac Brown Band, Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown, Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records

Single of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
“A Little Bit Stronger” Sara Evans, Produced by Tony Brown, RCA Nashville
“Colder Weather” Zac Brown Band, Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown,
Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Produced by Michael Knox, Broken Bow Records
“Honey Bee” Blake Shelton, Produced by Scott Hendricks, Warner Bros. Nashville
“If I Die Young” The Band Perry, Produced by Paul Worley, Republic Nashville

Song of the Year
“Colder Weather,” Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey, and Coy Bowles
“Dirt Road Anthem,” Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford
“If I Die Young,” Kimberly Perry
“Mean,” Taylor Swift
“You and Tequila,” Matraca Berg and Deana Carter

Musical Event of the Year
“As She’s Walking Away” Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson, Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert, Columbia Records Nashville
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Broken Bow Records
“Old Alabama” Brad Paisley featuring Alabama, Arista Nashville
“You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, BNA Records

Vocal Duo of the Year
Civil Wars
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

Music Video of the Year
“Honey Bee” Blake Shelton, Directed by Trey Fanjoy
“If I Die Young” The Band Perry, Directed by David McClister
“Mean” Taylor Swift, Directed by Declan Whitebloom
“Old Alabama” Brad Paisley featuring Alabama, Directed by Jim Shea
“You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, Directed by Shaun Silva

Musician of the Year
Sam Bush – Mandolin
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar

Dolly Makes “Joyful Noise” on Big Screen

/by

Dolly Parton stars alongside Queen Latifah in the upcoming movie Joyful Noise, set to open nationwide Jan. 13, 2012. The superstar divas portray church choir leaders in a small Georgia town who are having a hard time working together to win the National Joyful Noise Competition.

The major motion picture from Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures also features Kris Kristofferson and Courtney B. Vance (Law & Order).

The musically driven story brings together a cross-section of genres with songs performed by the cast as well as Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. Parton penned original songs for the film, including “Not Enough (Love)” and “From Here to the Moon.” Five-time Grammy Award winner Mervyn Warren composed the score.

Todd Graff (Bandslam) directed Joyful Noise from his original screenplay. The film is produced by Oscar® nominee Michael Nathanson (L.A. Confidential), Joseph Farrell, Catherine Paura, and Oscar® nominees Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove (The Blind Side). The executive producers are Timothy M. Bourne, Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere, with Yolanda T. Cochran and Steven P. Wegner serving as co-producers.

 

Inspirational Christian Music Award Winners

/by

Ricky Skaggs was named Entertainer of the Year

Megan Alexander and Storme Warren hosted tonight’s (10/28) ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. Here’s the complete winners list:

Entertainer of the Year: Ricky Skaggs
Male Vocalist: Chuck Day
Female Vocalist: Kali Rose
Vocal Duo: Joey + Rory
Vocal Group/Band: Sunday Drive
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song: “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” Justin Moore
Inspirational Country Song: “I’ll Stand Up And Say So,” Chuck Day
Songwriter: Russ Murphy
Mainstream Country Artist: Jeff Bates
New Artist: Chuck Hancock
Musician: Ricky Skaggs
Comedian: Johnny Lee Cook
Video: “Hello World,” Lady Antebellum; Director, Roman White
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist: The Roys
Movie: Soul Surfer, Sony Pictures, Director: Sean McNamara
Radio Personality: JR Pitsenbarger
Radio Station: WCWV, Summersville, WV
Youth In Music Award: Renee Spencer
Music Evangelist: Johnny Lee Cook
Television Network: Daystar

Friday Photo Spread

/by

Vince Gill appeared on NBC’s TODAY (10/26) with host Matt Lauer. Gill is in New York this week promoting his new album Guitar Slinger.

(L-R): Lauer, Gill Photo: NBC News/TODAY

• • •

Tracy Lawrence’s song, “Saturday In The South,” has been chosen by CBS Sports Network for  telecasts of SEC conference college football. Each week during SEC football telecasts, Lawrence’s song will be part of an LG-sponsored vignette series. The song was also highlighted earlier in the year when Fox Sports South Network adapted it for its college football theme.

(L-R): CBS Sports commentators Verne Lunquist and Gary Danielson; CBS Producer Craig Silver; Tracy Lawrence Photo: Alex Torrez

• • •

Lee and Elaine Roy were spotted on the set during an August taping of RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner, and show host Larry Black invited them to perform. “It was totally unexpected,” laughs Elaine Roy. “We were really lucky our fiddle player Clint White happened to be with us.” The Roys performed “Give A Ride To The Devil” from their current Rural Rhythm Records’ CD, Lonesome Whistle. This is The Roys’ second appearance on the show this year.

(L-R): The show’s featured guest Leona Williams, Elaine, Lee and fiddler Clint White.

Photo: EMI Music Publishing Signs Enderlin

/by

ASCAP songwriter/artist Erin Enderlin recently signed a publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing. Enderlin’s songwriting credits include Alan Jackson’s “Monday Morning Church,” Lee Ann Womack’s “Last Call,” and “You Don’t Know Jack,” co-written with Shane McAnally and cut by Luke Bryan for Tailgates & Tanlines. She is also currently working on an album with Jim “Moose” Brown and Jamey Johnson.

(L-R): ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan, Tim DuBois, Red Light Management’s Tracy Gershon, EMI Music Publishing’s Laura Wright, Josh Van Valkenburg, Erin Enderlin, and EMI Music Publishing’s Missy Wilson and Tom Luteran. Photo: Anna Maki

Artist Visits: Johnny Solinger, Claudia Lee

/by

Rocker Johnny Solinger stopped by MusicRow’s headquarters to preview his single “Livin’ Out A Country Song,” for the staff and to discuss his country roots. The Texas born artist also joined multi-platinum hard rock band Skid Row as lead singer in 1999. “Livin’ Out A Country Song” has been shipped to radio and Solinger will be making the rounds soon.

(L-R): Red Dirt Music’s Ben Ewing; guitarist/artist Richie Owens; Solinger; MR President Sherod Robertson; MR News Editor Sarah Skates; MR Chart Director Jon Freeman; MR Art Director/Production Mgr. Christie King

Up and coming artist Claudia Lee also dropped by MusicRow’s offices to discuss her first single and video “Hollywood Sunset,” as well as her acting career. Lee currently stars in the CW series Hart of Dixie, airing Mondays at 8 pm CT.

(L-R): MR Publisher David Ross, Lee, MR Chart Director Jon Freeman

Brad and Carrie Audition For CMA Hosting Gig

/by

You can’t take anything for granted, apparently. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood may have done an admirable job of hosting the CMA Awards for the past three years, but they don’t get to coast when it comes to this gig. A recent series of videos shows how the pair were forced to go back through the humiliating audition process once again, and faced competition from some of entertainment’s biggest names.

Youtube video

Youtube video

Youtube video

Industry Ink (10/28/11)

/by

The co-op’s Nancy Russell hosted a dinner at Giovanni’s in Nashville on Wednesday night (10/26). Russell won the dinner party for 12 during at a charity auction at the ‘Ete du Vin Nashville Crush event in July. Proceeds from the auction benefited the American Cancer Society. Pictured standing (L-R): Joe Galante, former Chairman, Sony Music Nashville; Phran Galante; Tom Baldrica, President, Average Joe’s Entertainment; John Esposito, President/CEO, Warner Music Nashville; Nancy Russell, President/Owner, the co-op; Tom Becci, COO/Finance, Capitol Records Nashville; Luann Becci; Maurice Miner, the co-op; and Jane Dungan. Seated: Tracy Baldrica; Mike Dungan, President/CEO, Capitol Records Nashville; and Chantal Esposito.

• • •

Belmont University will host industry vets Joe Galante and Clint Higham as guests at the next Insider’s View seminar on Wed., Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in Belmont’s Massey Performing Arts Center. Co-sponsored by Avenue Bank and moderated by Harry Chapman, the evening’s panel discussion will revolve around the importance of building a team of trusted advisers in the entertainment industry, particularly their guidance of Kenny Chesney’s career. Members of the industry are invited to attend.

• • •

The NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT has a Halloween deadline of Oct. 31. The contest boasts career-building industry relationships designed to help unsigned songwriters navigate the road to becoming professional hitmakers. The Grand Prize Winner will receive an exclusive mentoring session with songwriter/musician Charlie Daniels. All genres encouraged. Enter at nsai.cmt.com.

• • •

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, now in its 20th year, will begin accepting entries starting Nov. 1. Presented in conjunction with MerleFest 25, the contest will be held under the direction of volunteer chair Jim Lauderdale. MerleFest 25 takes place April 26-29, 2012 in Wilkesboro, N.C.

Starting Nov. 1, song entries may be submitted via the U.S. Postal Service to PO Box 121855, Nashville, TN 37212 or the contest page on Sonicbids. The deadline to submit material is February 18, 2012. Previous contest winners include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Adrienne Young, Michael Reno Harrell, and more.