Through The Lens (11/26/13)

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Pictured (L-R): John Osborne, David Nail, T. J. Osborne

David Nail wrapped his North American tour with a sold out show at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom with the Brothers Osborne this past Saturday evening (Nov. 23). Nail embarked on his 40-city tour in September, playing markets like L.A., Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta.

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unnamedCarrie Underwood will make numerous TV appearances in the next few days leading up to her Dec. 5 airing of NBC’s three-hour television production, The Sound of Music Live!, based on the original musical.  In addition to her appearance during the first hour of The 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Underwood will also appear on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 28.

She’ll also appear in an hour-long special, The Making Of The Sound Of Music Live! on Nov. 27 on NBC.

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Pictured (L-R): Danny Myrick, Kent Blazy, Kris Rochester, Kendell Marvel and Phil O’Donnell

Hit Makers & Rum Chasers, the seasonal songwriter series set in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, launched Saturday night (Nov. 23) at the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Hosted by Kris Rochester, of the syndicated Tony & Kris radio show, the evening featured performances by Danny Myrick, Kent Blazy, Kendell Marvel, and Phil O’Donnell, who revealed the stories behind the songs.

ACM and CBS Launch "ACM Sessions" with Moore and Eldredge

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Justin Moore

Justin Moore


The Academy of Country Music and CBS have launched two new performances in the “ACM Sessions” online concert series. “ACM Sessions” with Justin Moore and Brett Eldredge are now available on-demand exclusively on CBS.com and CBS Audience Network partner sites.
ACM Sessions features performances from the artists, as well Q&A sessions with the artists, hosted by the ACM’s Lisa Lee. The performances were taped at The Stage on Broadway in Nashville.
“’ACM Sessions’ brings fans regular access to the country music superstars we feature annually during the ‘Academy of Country Music Awards,’” said Marc DeBevoise, EVP and GM, Entertainment, Sports and News, CBS Interactive. “The series is a great opportunity to expand our partnership with the Academy of Country Music and further support musicians throughout the year alongside our other long-running music programs like ‘Live On Letterman’ and ‘GRAMMY® Live.’”
Fans can watch “ACM Sessions” for Justin Moore and Brett Eldredge on-demand on CBS.com.

Country Christmas Projects For the 2013 Holiday Season

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sarah darling christmas album11The following recently released  projects will bring some merry melodies to your holiday season.
Sarah Darling/Have A Merry Little Christmas Darling (released Nov. 19, 2013)
– Produced by Steve Gibson, the four-track project includes “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Silent Night” and a cover of the Joni Mitchell track “River.”
Kelly Clarkson/Wrapped In Red (released Oct. 29, 2013)
-This formidable vocalist balances five original tunes with five holiday classics on her first seasonal album. Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, and Ronnie Dunn are featured guests.
Trace Adkins/ The King’s Gift (released Oct. 29, 2013)
-Straying from the typical collection of holiday standards, Adkins takes on a number of Celtic Christmas carols. The Chieftains and British fold singer Emma Stevens are featured guests.
Duck Dynasty/Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas (released Oct. 29, 2013)
Duck-Dynasty-A-Robertson-Family-Christmas-CountryMusicRocks.net_-The cast of Duck Dynasty gets plenty of help celebrating the holiday season from Country artists including Luke Bryan, George Strait, Josh Turner, Alison Krauss, and more.
Jewel/A Holiday Collection (Sept. 24, 2013)
-Jewel’s first holiday album, Joy, released in 1999. This fresh collection blends the singer-songwriter’s affinity for folk, Country and pop tunes.
Martina McBride/The Classic Christmas Album (Oct. 8, 2013)
-McBride lends her powerful, soaring voice to several holiday classics, including “Away In A Manger,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.”
Gretchen Wilson/Christmas In My Heart (Oct. 8, 2013)
-The 10-song album combines original songs with holiday classics including “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” and “Have A Holly Jolly Christmas.”
Restless Heart/Restless Heart Christmas (Oct. 29, 2013)
TAdkinsCover-This project features the new song “Season of Harmony,” along with classics including “Old Toy Trains” and “O Holy Night.”
Other holiday releases this year include:
Johnny Cash/The Classic Christmas Album (Oct. 8, 2013)
George Jones and Tammy Wynette/The Classic Christmas Album (Oct. 8, 2013)

CMT and Clear Channel Media To Partner; Cody Alan Named "After MidNite" Host

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clear-channelCMT and Clear Channel Media have joined forces to develop programming and events for its TV, radio, and digital properties. The new partnership will create the largest Country platform in radio and TV, with access to CMT’s 92 million households and Clear Channel’s 89 million listeners per month. The venture will allow cross-promotional opportunities across Clear Channel’s 125 stations in 105 markets and on iHeartRadio, the company’s free digital music service that recently reached the 40 million users mark, as well as on CMT’s multiple properties, including CMT Pure, CMT.com, and to the network’s seven million social media fans.
“I like to think there was an inevitability to this partnership,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “We know CCM+E’s leadership and we share their excitement and tenacity in working with music and talent to bring the most exciting entertainment to all of these platforms. On a personal note, I am ecstatic to once again work with former colleagues John Sykes and Tom Poleman, among CCM+E’s many forward-thinking creative executives. Country is enjoying a big moment. Clear Channel and CMT will capture it, celebrate it and spread the excitement across America to hundreds of millions.”
“We’re excited to join with CMT in this multi-faceted alliance, which will create one of the most powerful platforms in Country music,” said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “By leveraging our combined national broadcast, digital and event content, we’ll now have the opportunity to reach even more Country fans than ever before and provide even more unique experiences with music and artists, while also delivering unmatched results for our partners.
As a result of the new partnership, CMT radio personality Cody Alan has been named the new host of Premiere Networks’ syndicated show After MidNite, which has been rebranded as CMT After Midnite With Cody Alan. He’ll make his debut on the new show Jan. 6th. The program celebrated its 20th year this year and reaches nearly two million weekly listeners on its over 200 stations, and will now be available on iHeartRadio. The show will originate from CMT Radio studio in Nashville.
“I feel like Jimmy Fallon right now!,” said Alan. “To be named host of such a highly regarded late-night franchise is an exciting and humbling honor.  We’ll bring new energy, lots of star power and deep resources only CMT and Clear Channel can deliver.  And with this new partnership, I can’t wait to give fans 360-degrees of country music coverage, across multiple media platforms.”
Premiere will be the exclusive distribution partner for CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, effective Jan. 1, 2014. Premiere will handle all syndication and sales for the program. Details for a one-hour weekend program hosted by Alan will be announced later.

Artist Updates (11/25/13)

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Pictured (L-R): Suzy Bogguss and Miranda Lambert

Pictured (L-R): Suzy Bogguss and Miranda Lambert pause for a photo during the George Jones tribute in Nashville.


Miranda Lambert responded on her website to reports that the singer had undergone surgery to lose weight.
“Though I NEVER care what the tabloids have to say about me… I wanted to address this certain story they are running this week and set the record straight,” Lambert wrote. “I DID NOT have surgery to lose weight. That is ridiculous. I lost my weight the healthy and good old fashioned way. Watching what I eat and working out with my trainer Bill Crutchfield. As for the assumed number of pounds lost…? I don’t even know! Like I have always said, it’s not about a scale, it’s about how you feel and how your jeans fit. And on November 10th when I turned 30, my skinny jeans were finally baggy! Mission accomplished! So for anyone who is tempted to read the “Trash Talk” please don’t. I am proud to be a normal size girl and I want to encourage everyone to be confident at any size. Thanks for the support yall!”
Lambert was one of the numerous artists who performed during the recent George Jones tribute concert in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday, Nov. 22.

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rs_600x600-131111113012-600.kellie-pickler.cm.111113Kellie Pickler, who recently released The Woman I Am, is set to make several television appearances this week. Pickler, last season’s champion on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, will return tonight (Nov. 25) to perform her single “Little Bit Gypsy.” She will then appear on ABC’s The View on Tuesday (Nov. 26); the show airs at 11:00 a.m. ET. On Thanksgiving Day, Pickler will make her debut riding a float and performing on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The event will be carried on NBC Television from 9 a.m. until 12 noon on Thursday (Nov. 28).
 

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Photo credit: Disney-ABC

Photo credit: Disney-ABC


Amy Grant will appear the talk show Katie this Wednesday, Nov. 27. Hosted by TV personality Katie Couric, Grant will discuss the holiday season, her family and her new album How Mercy Looks From Here, which released earlier this year.
Grant will perform at select engagements with her husband, Vince Gill, in celebration of the Christmas season. Playing shows in Atlanta, Cincinnati and Nashville, Grant and Gill will showcase their beloved Christmas set alongside the skilled symphonies of each respective city. For more information on concert dates, visit amygrant.com.
In other Amy Grant news, today (Nov. 25) is also Grant’s 53rd birthday.

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Duck Commander Willie and Korie Robertson Wines Hi-Res Photo111Trinchero Family Estates welcomed Willie and Korie Robertson, of Duck Commander and Duck Dynasty fame, to Napa Valley Nov. 17-19 to meet with the Trinchero Family about their collaboration and to celebrate the successful launch of Duck Commander Wines.
During their visit, Willie (Duck Commander CEO) and his wife Korie toured the Duck Commander Wine production facilities and bottling line of The Duck Commander Wines portfolio including Triple Threat 2011 Red Blend, Wood Duck 2012 Chardonnay, and Miss Priss 2012 Pink Moscato.

AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips Exits After Restructuring

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_0722_aeg_logo-1Randy Phillips, CEO of AEG Live, is leaving the live events company, it was announced today (Nov. 25), according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Jay Marciano, COO of AEG, has been appointed Chairman of AEG Live. Marciano will supervise an Los Angeles-based executive team led by Paul Tollett, John Meglen, Shawn Trell and Rick Mueller.
Meglen will take on the role of President of Global Touring for AEG Live, while Trell has been promoted to COO of AEG Live. Mueller’s new title is President, AEG Live North America.

Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox Lists Nashville Home for Nearly $4 Million

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rascalflatts

Pictured (L-R): Joe Don Rooney, Jay DeMarcus and Gary LeVox


Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox has listed his 12,000 square-foot Nashville home for $3,350,000 according to real estate site realestalker.com.
The home boasts five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and is described as “a grand Romanesque Villa” designed by Nashville-based architect Mitchell Barnett.
The 18-room villa has at least four fireplaces and two, two-car garages, and two family-room spaces, among its many amenities.

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Jake Owen Premieres Video Trilogy On CMT Platforms

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Jake Owen

Jake Owen


Jake Owen is world premiering a trilogy of videos today (Nov. 25) for  “Days of Gold,” “Beachin,’” and “Ghost Town” at jakeowen.CMT.com.  Artists. CMT is introducing the video for “Ghost Town” for the first time, in addition to world premiering the edited video trilogy.
The three clips will make their broadcast debut during VJ For A Day: Jake Owen on Friday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m. ET and will mark the first time “Beachin’” and “Ghost Town” will be aired on television. The premieres will be promoted across all of CMT’s digital platforms, including CMT.com, CMT Pure, CMT Mobile and to the network’s more than 7 million social media fans, along with MTV and VH1’s social media platforms.

Americana Music Association Names Board of Directors for 2014

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americanamusic_logoThe Americana Music Association has revealed its member-voted Board of Directors; the board’s new term will begin in January 2014.
Re-elected or appointed for new terms are John Allen (BMG Chrysalis), Jonathan Levine (Paradigm Talent Agency), John Ingrassia (Vector Management) and Kurt Vitolo (KV Financial Group, PC), who will serve once again as Treasurer. Musicians Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller return as artist ambassadors. New board members starting their terms in 2014 include Cliff O’Sullivan (Sugar Hill Records), Scott Goldman (GRAMMY Foundation/MusiCares), Wayne Leeloy (Warner Music Nashville) and Carrie Colliton (Dept. of Record Stores/Record Store Day).
The incoming directors join returning board members current President Holly Lowman (Ramseur Records), 2014 President Elect Mark Moffatt (Independent Producer), Tim Fink (SESAC), Mary Gauthier (artist), Amanda Hale (Vector Management), Al Moss (Al Moss Promotion), Jessie Scott (Music Fog/Hill Country), Shauna de Cartier (Six Shooter Records) and Lynne Sheridan (GRAMMY Museum). Terry Lickona (Austin City Limits) and Ashley Capps (AC Entertainment) will continue to serve as Ex Officio officers of the Association.

George Jones' Music and Legacy Celebrated in Nashville

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georgejones

George Jones


“During the funeral, we mourned George Jones. Tonight, we celebrate him,” said television personality Keith Bilbrey during the four-hour musical tribute to the late George Jones at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday, Nov. 22. Truthfully, fans and artists did both as 112 musical artists took the stage on what was slated to be Jones’ last concert of his career.
Instead, Jones last concert came on April 6, 2013 at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tenn.; Jones entered the hospital the next morning. On April 26, 2013, Jones passed away at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The expanse of Jones’ musical influence after 50+ years in the spotlight was undeniable as artists ranging from Jeannie Seely and Emmylou Harris to Lee Ann Womack, bluegrass stars Dailey & Vincent, Sam Moore of soul duo Sam & Dave (Moore garnered thunderous applause for his soulful version of “The Bluesman”), to rockers Megadeath and Tommy Shaw of Styx.
Big & Rich began the evening with an appropriately humorous fashion, riding two green John Deere tractors onto the stage as they performed  “Love Bug.” They were followed by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who performed a rare duet of “Take Me,” which was one of the early hit duets between Jones and Tammy Wynette in 1965.
Among the many highlights throughout the evening were Thompson Square‘s faithful rendering of “Two Story House” and “We’re Gonna Hold On,” Lorrie Morgan‘s version of “A Picture (Of Me Without You),” which Jones released in 1972, and Morgan released in 1991, Dierks Bentley‘s “I Always Get Lucky With You,” Josh Turner‘s “One Woman Man,” Larry Gatlin‘s take on “A Good Year For the Roses,” and many others. Mandy Barnett‘s effortlessly soaring voice easily captured the crowd during a group performance of “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.”
Craig Morgan offered an upbeat and appropriately fun performance of “Finally Friday,” while Daryle Singletary‘s powerful and rowdy singalong of  the Jones classic “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” kept the crowd in a celebratory mood. Jamey Johnson and Eric Church both gave stunning, memorable acoustic performances of “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Choices,” respectively.
Repeatedly, the various announcers for the evening stressed that the concert was a once in a lifetime event, that this would never happen again. Many artists showed their gratitude to Jones’ wife Nancy Jones, the woman oft credited with saving Jones’ life. Billy Sherrill, Jones’ longtime producer and the co-writer of many of Jones and Wynette’s hits, was in attendance.
In an attempt to streamline an evening filled with such a large crowd of willing artists, several duets and groups of artists performed throughout the evening. Even the night’s intermission included Jones tributes, as Eric Lee Beddingfield‘s gripping video for “The Gospel According To Jones” (the clip featured Jones) was shown. As the evening went on, the star power only kept increasing.
Vince Gill, who performed an emotional “Go Rest High On That Mountain” with Loveless during Jones funeral at the Grand Ole Opry, instead played “Bartender’s Blues.” Gill said that performing at Jones’ funeral was “maybe the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” and he wore a shirt bearing the words “Sweet Pea.” “He always called me sweet pea,” said Gill.

George Strait walked onstage amid the crowd’s roaring approval to sing “The Grand Tour.” “I think I was named after George,” he quipped. “I should’ve been, anyway. It’s no secret what an influence he has been.” Strait was then joined by Martina McBride for the Jones and Wynette classic “Golden Ring.”
The evening’s relentless star power was reminiscent of an all-star Grand Ole Opry reunion. Despite the glittering lineup of vocalists, if Country music is indeed a family, there was no denying that one of its elder voices was sorely absent and greatly missed.
As at Jones’ funeral, Alan Jackson ended the marathon tribute with “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Only two words into Jones’ signature song, the noise of the crowd swelled as they cheered, sang along, and many lifted their drinks of choice in ultimate Country fan tribute to the legendary Jones. Jackson brought Nancy Jones onstage for the final crowd sing-along chorus. “George would have liked nothing better for all his fans here, and all the artists here tonight, to sing along,” Jackson said.
In a dramatic ending, Jackson nudged the rocking chair that had remained onstage throughout much of the evening. A lone spotlight shone on the chair, creating the impression that the beloved “Possum” himself might no longer be living, but his music and timeless voice will keep on rockin’.