Grammy Nominations Coming December 7

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The Recording Academy will announce the 58th Annual Grammy Awards nominations on Monday, Dec. 7.

The first categories to be announced will be Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year, which will be revealed live on CBS This Morning at 8:15 a.m. ET. At 8:30 a.m. ET, the complete nominations list will be made available on Grammy.com.

More than 200 experts from various musical backgrounds and disciplines recently listened to and categorized all Grammy entries across 83 categories and 30 fields, during the Recording Academy’s annual screening committee meetings.

First round ballots were completed earlier this month. Final round ballots will be due Jan. 15, 2016.

“With such a high volume of entries, the awards process requires a lot of energy,” said Bill Freimuth, Senior Vice President of Awards for The Recording Academy. “But music makers put their hearts and souls into these recordings, so it’s important to respect that work by giving each entry the time and consideration it deserves to make sure it’s presented to voters in the right context on the first ballot.”

The eligibility period for the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards is Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015.

The 58th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from from the Staples Center, Feb. 15 on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Music Biz Accepting Program Ideas For Nashville Convention

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In advance of its May convention in Nashville, Music Biz is seeking program ideas from industry professionals. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 11.

Program ideas can be submitted by both Music Biz members and non-members. Each application will be reviewed by the Music Biz 2016 Convention Workgroup and Music Biz staff, who will judge each submission on overall quality, focus, and innovation; relevance to the issues facing the music and entertainment industry; sound research and theoretical basis (if applicable); and practical implications to the Music Biz membership. Those who are selected for inclusion will be contacted by January 15.

Submissions are being accepted in the following categories:

• Metadata & Information Technology — A high-level look at digital data issues and the ways we can work together as an industry to ensure that consumers can easily find and discover the music they want and that music product accounting is accurate and expedient.

• Startups & Developers — Labels, managers, artists and more are looking for new ideas to take their business to the next level. We are seeking presentations that demonstrate how to build viable and legal products and services for today’s music industry.

• Metrics & Sales Analysis — We are seeking presentations that give market and consumer insights on all commercial models that attendees can use to make the most informed business decisions.

• Artists, Management & Touring — As the music industry continues to evolve, so too does the role of artist managers, who now have a greater stake in artist development and commerce than ever before. We are seeking presentations that give managers the tools they need to succeed.

• Songwriting & Publishing — This program block is designed to provide expert insight into the challenges and opportunities songwriters face in the digital age. Sessions should be proposed to provide perspective about songwriter payments, consumer trends and monetization strategies for platforms like YouTube, and more.

• Entertainment & Technology Law — Discussions will merge entertainment law issues with insight on the new technology and media concerns that are at the forefront of the entertainment and technology industries.

• Advertising & Branding — Artists are turning to brands in a quest for ancillary sources of revenue. We’ll take a deeper look at how partnerships have evolved and the impact of these partnerships on both parties.

• Digital Marketing — Sessions for artists, managers and labels looking to build better strategies for marketing music. Discussions should be proposed that cover distribution, promotion, social media, SEO, playlisting and more.

• Physical Commerce — From vinyl to sales reporting to manufacturing on-demand and more, these sessions will focus on the future of the physical retail business.

• Music Business Education — Geared towards educators and/or students, these sessions aim to showcase ideas on how to take music business education to the next level.

• Breakout Sessions — 30-minute slots for general or specialized topics not covered in the tracks above.

Music Biz 2016, hosted by the Music Business Association (Music Biz), will be held from May 16-18 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

Charity News: Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett, Mark Wills, Chase Bryant

Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett Surprise St. Jude Patient With Private Concert

Pictured (L-R): Kinsee's mother, Holly; grandmother, Sandra; Brett Eldredge; Kinsee; and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Dusty Draper / CMA

Pictured (L-R): Kinsee’s mother, Holly; grandmother, Sandra; Brett Eldredge; Kinsee; and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Dusty Draper / CMA

As part of the making of CMA Country Christmas, artists Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett surprised 14-year-old Kinsee with a private performance of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Kinsee has been a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since she was 8 years old. Kinsee was diagnosed with leukemia after becoming sick while on vacation with her grandparents. Her treatment included chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and radiation. Within several weeks of starting chemotherapy, Kinsee’s cancer was in remission; she has now been in remission for five years.

The performance from Eldredge and Rhett was taped for the two-hour CMA special. CMA Country Christmas offers a platform to increase awareness for the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Our industry, artists, and country radio have a strong connection to St. Jude and we are honored to provide this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kinsee while we also bring important recognition to the Hospital,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Kinsee’s recovery is something we can all celebrate, because she represents the hope and happy ending we desire for all children – especially during the holidays.”

Hosted for the sixth time by Jennifer Nettles, CMA Country Christmas airs Thursday, Dec. 3 on ABC.  Taped at the Grand Ole Opry House, CMA Country Christmas is a celebration of the season featuring performances from Kelsea BalleriniDan + ShayMickey GuytonJewelCharles KelleyMartina McBrideDavid Nail, Nettles, PentatonixLeAnn RimesDarius RuckerBrian SetzerMichael W. Smith, and Lindsey Stirling.

 

Mark Wills Joins Helping A Hero National Gala

Mark Wills

Mark Wills

Entertainer Mark Wills is slated to take part in Helping A Hero’s 2015 National Gala on Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Bayou City Events Center in Houston. Helping A Hero is a Houston-based non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides support for military personnel who are severely injured.

Wills is slated to perform during the event, which will be hosted by 60 Minutes correspondent Lara Logan. Former Presidential candidate Herman Cain will receive the Patriot Award, while Houston’s Joanne King Herring will receive the Defense of Freedom Award.

Helping a Hero was created to provide specially adapted homes at a deeply discounted price for qualifying service members while engaging the community to provide services and resources for the recipients and their families. Through the HelpingaHero.org Home Program, 100 severely wounded heroes from 22 states have been awarded a specially-adapted home that addresses their physical adaptation needs.

For more information, visit helpingahero.org.

 

Chase Bryant To Headline Charity Concert

Chase Bryant Music For Mobility

Brooke Eden and Carly Pearce plus hit songwriters Shane Minor, Wendell Mobley and producer/songwriter Derek George will join headliner Chase Bryant for his inaugural “Music For Mobility”concert on Sunday, Nov. 22.  The event will raise money for The Arthritis Foundation and will take place at Nashville’s The Listening Room beginning at 7 p.m.

Raising awareness and monies for arthritis treatment research is a cause deeply personal to the rising star. In fact, two of Bryant’s close family members suffer from debilitating arthritis.

“A lot of people don’t realize just how painful arthritis is and that it also affects young children. My cousin Emma has suffered from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since she was two years old. She’s already had a number of surgeries and treatments because of the disease. My aunt Jenifer also suffers from arthritis. This is personal for me. My hope is to raise money for research to discover more effective treatments and – ultimately a cure — for the disease,” says Bryant.

General admission tickets are $15 in advance. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $45. Each VIP ticket includes preferred seating, a meet-and-greet with Bryant after the show and an autographed poster. VIP Table Packages are available for $500 per table. VIP Table Packages include a table for four in the front row, four meet-and-greet passes for after the show, four autographed posters and one autographed guitar.

All ticket packages are available at eventbrite.com.

Hank Williams Jr. Achieves Sixth Decade on Country Chart

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Hank Williams Jr. has charted for his sixth consecutive decade on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, due to his new single, “Are You Ready For the Country?”

The single is a duet with Eric Church and the first release from Williams’ first album for Nash Icon Records, a division of the Big Machine Label Group. The track enters at No. 58 on this week’s chart.

“It’s surreal to stand back and take in the fact that Hank Williams Jr. is on our artist roster,” said Scott Borchetta, President/CEO Big Machine Label Group. “His music means so much to so many and he truly defined numerous moments in country music over the last six decades. It is our true honor to be part of the next chapter as he continues to blaze his own unique musical trails. Message to ALL Hank Jr. fans–you are going to love this music–this is the good stuff.”

Nash Icon Records will release Williams’ album, It’s About Time, on Jan. 15. The country legend re-recorded “Born to Boogie” for the project with Brantley Gilbert and Justin Moore, with Brad Paisley on guitar. Williams’ debut album was released in 1964.

Anderson East To Headline ‘Devil In Me Tour’ In 2016

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Singer-songwriter Anderson East will spend much of 2016 on the road, headlining his “Devil In Me Tour.” The cities that will be visited include New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more. Special guests Andrew Combs and Dylan Leblanc will join on select dates.

East’s album,  Delilah, was the first project from producer Dave Cobb’s imprint, Low Country Sound/Elektra Records. Cobb has also produced Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Isbell.

Cobb says of East, “You don’t hear voices like that everyday. The first time I saw him was at the Bluebird in Nashville—he started to sing and shut the place down. And he had the charm and wit to completely hold the audience in the palm of his hand. When I got the chance to have my imprint LCS, he was the first person I wanted to sign. When he sings you can hear the soil and landscape of great southern soul in his voice and he’s a amazing writer as well.”

PASTE PRESENTS: ANDERSON EAST “DEVIL IN ME TOUR”

Jan. 28—Louisville, KY—Headliners Music Hall*
Jan. 29—Birmingham, AL—WorkPlay Theatre*
Jan. 30—Atlanta, GA—Terminal West at King Plow Arts Center*
Feb. 4—Richmond, VA—The Broadberry*
Feb. 5—Baltimore, MD—Sound Stage Baltimore*
Feb. 6—Charlottesville, VA—The Southern*
Feb. 9—Vienna, VA—Jammin’ Java*
Feb. 11—Philadelphia, PA—World Cafe Live*
Feb. 12—New York, NY—Bowery Ballroom*
Feb. 13—Boston, MA—Brighton Music Hall*
Feb. 14—Northampton, MA—Pearl Street*
Feb. 16—Pittsburgh, PA—The Club at Stage AE*
Feb. 18—Cincinnati, OH—20th Century Theater*
Feb. 19—Indianapolis, IN—The Hi-Fi*
Feb. 20—Milwaukee, WI—Shank Hall*
Feb. 21—Evanston, IL—SPACE*
Feb. 23—Minneapolis, MN—Varsity Theater*
Feb. 24—Des Moines, IA—Vaudeville Mews*
Feb. 25—Kansas City, MO—The Riot Room*
Feb. 27—Denver, CO—Larimer Lounge†
Feb. 29—Salt Lake City, UT—The State Room†
March 3—Spokane, WA—The Bartlett†
March 4—Seattle, WA—Tractor Tavern†
March 5—Vancouver, BC—The Cobalt†
March 6—Portland, OR—Mississippi Studios†
March 8—Sacramento, CA—Harlow’s†
March 10—Mill Valley, CA—Sweetwater Music Hall†
March 11—San Francisco, CA—The Independent†
March 12—West Hollywood, CA—The Troubadour†
March 13—Solana Beach, CA—Belly Up Tavern†

*with special guest Andrew Combs
†with special guest Dylan Leblanc

Nashville Entrepreneurs Enter Playlist Promotion Game

crosshairlogoEntrepreneur Garrison Snell, with the Nashville-based company Gyrosity Projects, has now created Crosshair to be “the telephone book of Spotify playlists.”

Crosshair offers a DIY approach to searching and directly messaging Spotify playlist owners based on their number of followers, names of playlist owners, or by type of company/organization owns the playlist.

Crosshair has welcomed its first Nashville client and will continue to entertain the interest of four additional parties in the demo trial period. The reason for only five clients on the platform during the trial is to ensure rigorous testing before opening it to the public.

“We want to make sure every consumer experience with our products is of the highest quality, whether that is with our management clients, marketing clients or software products,” says Snell. “The idea for Crosshair came about when thinking about what basic tools could help artists build their businesses. Owning the ability to build relationships with playlisters should be a key part of an artist’s teams overall strategy. One of our primary goals is to create tools that we would want to use for our management clients. Crosshair is the first of many in this space for us.”

Pricing for Crosshair has yet to be determined when it fully rolls out in January. There is a small monthly fee to be involved in the trial period.

Playlist promotion for streaming services recently bubbled to the surface country artist Kane Brown. Brown is managed by Jay Frank, UMG’s Senior Vice President of Global Streaming Marketing. Frank has continued to operate DigMark, a consultancy firm appealing to creators of popular digital playlists. Frank’s company promotes across multiple platforms and has an in-house promotions team.

Crosshair founder Snell can be reached by email at garrison@gyrosityprojects.co. Learn more at gyrosityprojects.co.

Crosshair Screen Shot.

Crosshair Screen Shot.

Bobby Karl Works Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards

Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards. Pictured (L-R): Debbie Linn, Leadership Music; Reba, Steve Buchanan, and Jo Walker-Meador, honorees; Nashville Mayor Megan Barry; Mike Craft, Leadership Music.

Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards. Pictured (L-R): Debbie Linn, Leadership Music; Reba, Steve Buchanan, and Jo Walker-Meador, honorees; Nashville Mayor Megan Barry; Mike Craft, Leadership Music. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 517

In the fall of 1975, Reba McEntire launched her phenomenal country music career, Steve Buchanan arrived in Nashville as a freshman at Vanderbilt University and Jo Walker-Meador was at the midpoint of her long tenure as the executive director of the Country Music Association.

Exactly 40 years down the road, these three were honored by Leadership Music on Monday night (Nov. 16) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater. Jo was presented with the inaugural Founding Council Award. Steve was given the Brian Williams Ambassador Award. Reba won the organization’s 10th Dale Franklin Leadership Award, its highest honor.

LM executive director Debbie Linn and board president Mike Craft welcomed the crowd, noting that LM is now in its 27th program year and has 1,028 alumni. Event co-chairs Erika Wollam-Nichols and Jeff Gregg explained the criteria for the three awards and thanked sponsors.

Host Hillary Scott, of Lady Antebellum, grew up in the Nashville music business as the daughter of Lang Scott and Linda Davis. “This feels a little bit like a family reunion,” she said. “No family reunion is complete without a strong woman to look up to. And that woman is Jo Walker-Meador.”

The executive took over the CMA when fewer than 100 stations were programming the genre. Today, country is a billion-dollar industry.

Alabama took the stage first. “If there’s ever been an angel in country music,” said lead singer Randy Owen, “it’s Jo Walker-Meador.” The group performed the beautifully written (by Becky Hobbs and Don Goodman) “Angels Among Us” in Jo’s honor.

Then Mac Davis offered “That’s Where Songs Come From.” Following a tribute video, Brenda Lee was endearing with her humor, candor, sincerity and drama.

“I’m here to celebrate the incredible gift to our industry that is Jo Walker-Meador,” said Brenda. “Jo literally rocked the cradle of an entire industry. She is the Matriarch of Music Row.”

Brenda said she performed her first show for the CMA in 1958 (when she was 13 years old). She delivered the emotional Sophie Tucker monologue from her old nightclub act, ending it by singing  “Unforgettable,” with customized lyrics. “Jo, thank you for making each of our lives richer.”

Garth Brooks presented the Founding Council Award. “I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful things they had to say,” said the 91-year-old Jo. “I think I’m getting far more credit than I’m due. I’m honored and flattered and pleased.”

Don Schlitz recalled his early days in Nashville working the graveyard shift as a computer operator at Vanderbilt University. Earlier in the evenings, he sang his songs at Phranks ‘n’ Steins on West End Avenue, then walked to work on campus accompanied by student fans Buchanan and Ken Levitan, then both freshmen.

The songwriter performed his newly written (with Josh Kear) “The Ryman.” Buchanan was instrumental in saving the historic venue when it was slated for the wrecking ball.

Following a tribute video, Nashville TV cast members took the stage. Buchanan is the show’s executive producer. Aubrey Peeples, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, spokesman Chip Esten, Sam Palladio and Jonathan Jackson, backed by Colin Linden, performed “A Life That’s Good” in Buchanan’s honor. Levitan and Callie Khouri presented the Brian Williams Ambassador Award.

“Brian made a difference,” said Buchanan. “Receiving this award in his name makes me feel I am not worthy. He was charming, sincere, loving and caring. I hope all of your souls will echo the way that Brian Williams’s and Dale Franklin’s do.” Amen, brother.

Hillary began the Reba portion of the eve by singing “Does He Love You” with Martina McBride. Hillary’s mother was Reba’s original vocal foil on the song. Following Reba’s tribute video, Trisha Yearwood rocked out on “Fancy.” Ronnie Dunn sang his ballad “I Keep on Loving You.” Reba’s son, race-car driver Shelby Blackstock, presented the accolade.

“Leadership is a great organization and a great mission to be on,” Reba said in accepting. “It’s important to leave something as you go. They say this award is about leading by example. This has been a wonderful night.”

A who’s-who of Music Row was there to offer numerous standing ovations. Several attendees appeared in the tribute videos, including the video-hilarious Jeannie Seely and Pete Fisher, plus Bill Denny, Joe Galante, Randy Goodman, Mary Ann McCready & Roy Wunsch, Tony Brown, Sarah Trahern, Bob Romeo and Shane McAnally.

During the cocktail hour, we supped on shrimp-and-grits skewers, marinated vegetables, sweet-potato gnocchi, flatbreads, quinoa salad and turkey, brie and cranberry biscuit sandwiches.

Marion Kraft, Marion Williams, Jody Williams, Sally Williams, Judy Harris, Judi Turner, John Zarling, John Esposito, Mike Vaden, Michael Martin, Martin Fisher, Bob Romeo, Bobby Tomberlin, Sherod Robertson and Ken Robold plus Sylvia, Stacy Schlitz, Susan Stewart, Doug Johnson, Diane Pearson, Daniel Miller, Dennis Lord, Dale Bobo and Donna Hughes mingled.

Ben Vaughn introduced me to young singer-songwriter Cale Dodds, from whom we expect great things. Cale has an online EP called Wild and Reckless. Labels, start your bidding.

Also working the room were such fabulons as Jim Ed Norman, Julie Boos, Justin Levinson, Jewel Coburn, Gene Ward, George Briner, Allison Brown Jones, Anita Hogin, Amy Kurland, Frank Bumstead, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Patsy Bradley, Lori Badgett, Scott Borchetta, Brett Wolcott & Lydia Lenker, Terry Hemmings, Clint Higham, Tim Fink, Regina Stuve, Peggy Whittaker, Suzanne Lee, Rick Murray, Neil Spielberg, Kos Weaver, Patrick Clifford, etc. etc. etc.

After all, Leadership Music is where the elite meet.

Rascal Flatts Slated For Second Las Vegas Residency

Rascal Flatts

Photo: rascalflatts.com

Rascal Flatts will return to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas for a second nine-show residency, beginning in February 2016.

Rascal Flatts Rhythm & Roots will run from Wednesday, Feb. 17 through Saturday, March 5. Tickets for the residency will go on sale Friday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m., and begin at $39.95 (plus applicable service fees).

“We had such a great time at The Joint earlier this year,” said Joe Don Rooney. “Being the first country act to have a residency there we didn’t really know what to expect. The shows were wild and we knew that if given the chance we would come running back. We are going to mix it up a bit this time and are working through ideas on how to make it a different experience for the fans. It’s Vegas, so you can bet we’re gonna be stepping up our game.”

“Rascal Flatts isn’t just one of the best country bands out there – they’re one of the best bands, period. Things really become special when a fan can see them in a venue that’s a fraction of the size of what they normally perform in,” said Bobby Reynolds, vice president of booking at AEG Live Las Vegas. “Gary, Jay and Joe Don loved the intimacy of The Joint and the connection they had with their fans – literally reaching out and touching them. They realized how much fun they had during their last residency, and we all couldn’t wait to do it again.”

“We took a huge leap of faith by switching up our signature rock ‘n’ roll residencies and bringing in a country music group,” said Chas Smith, vice president of entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. “Rascal Flatts really knocked it out of the park and helped influence a lot of other country music programming on property. We are extremely excited to have these guys back at The Joint for what is sure to be another successful residency.”

Show Dates:
Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2 at 8 p.m.
Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m.

Tickets will be available at the Hard Rock Hotel box office, or by calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at axs.com.

Pandora Acquires On-Demand Streaming Service Rdio

pandora-logoRdio—the Oakland, California-based, on-demand streaming service providing access to more than 30 million songs, which Cumulus has a 15 percent stake of—will be acquired by Pandora in a $75 million cash deal.

Key assets involved in the deal, announced yesterday (Nov. 16), include technology, intellectual property, and talent (with the exclusion of Rdio CEO Anthony Bay). If approved, the remainder of Rdio is expected to file for bankruptcy and shutter its existing service, which currently operates in over 100 countries.

The acquisition will allow Pandora to begin to more directly competing with on-demand streaming services like Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, Google Play, Rhapsody, or Apple Music. Additionally Pandora may increase international availability, as the service is only available in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

“Whether streaming through radio, on-demand or in-person at live events, Pandora is building the definitive source for fans to discover and celebrate music,” said Brian McAndrews, chief executive officer at Pandora. “Wherever and however fans want to hear music, we intend to be their go-to destination…We seek to be the definitive source for music discovery and enjoyment globally,” he continued in describing a full on-demand paid subscription model, intended “to substantially broaden our subscription business.”

Pandora has been subject to lower rates and a more simplified licensing structure because of its limited, non-interactive streaming model (amount of skips per hour, not offering full-album streaming). Earlier this month, Pandora stated its deal with Sony/ATV music publishing will allow “new flexibility to the company’s product offering over time.” According to Variety, “music licenses typically don’t transfer to a new owner with an acquisition, so Pandora would still have to strike direct deals with the labels to keep Rdio up and running.” The current announcement will help Pandora, however, realize plans to “expanded [its] listening experience by late 2016, pending its ability to obtain proper licenses.”

Although the streaming giant currently offers an ad-free version—Pandora One—charging $4.99 a month, Pandora has seen advertising revenue grow only 31 percent year-over-year while its content acquisition costs soared 90 percent, and it failed to turn a profit after deducting operating expenses, according to Ad Age.

Rdio was founded in 2010 by Skype’s co-founders Niklas Zennstroem and Janus Friis, who remained heavily involved in the company and is thought to have invested more than $200 million in Rdio, according to Variety, where Janko Roettgers continues:

In 2013, Rdio struck a deal with U.S. radio giant Cumulus, trading 15 percent of its equity for $75 million in radio advertising, that valued the company at $500 million.

In early November, Cumulus revealed to investors that it had taken a $19.4 million writedown on its equity in Rdio this year.

“Cumulus will no longer be airing radio ads for Rdio,” reads a statement from Cumulus with no mention of a transfer of ownership or cash benefit. “Cumulus stations now streaming through Rdio Live will remain available until the Rdio service winds down, which is expected to occur after the transaction is approved.”

CMT Artists of the Year Special To Honor Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton

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Kenny Rogers and Chris Stapleton are the latest honorees named as part of the upcoming CMT Artists of the Year special, to be aired live from Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 2, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Rogers will be honored with the “Artist of a Lifetime” award, presented by Ram Trucks. Rogers, who earlier this year announced his retirement from touring, will be honored for his extensive music career spanning across multiple genres for decades. The entertainer is the second recipient of the honor, with Merle Haggard receiving it in 2014.

“You go through your life and your career and you try to do the right things and make the right decisions. You don’t always do that, but I have been very lucky. I am grateful for it all. This is a great honor and one I highly treasure. Being in with Merle Haggard on anything is always a thrill. To CMT, the fans, and all who made this incredible award possible, I can’t thank you enough,” said Rogers.

Following his memorable CMA Awards performance with Justin Timberlake and triple CMA Awards wins, Stapleton will be honored with the first “CMT Artists of the Year Breakout” honor. He will also perform during the show.

However, this won’t be Stapleton’s first CMT Artists of the Year appearance. He previously performed Luke Bryan’s single “Drink A Beer” with Lady Antebellum during the CMT Artists of the Year taping in 2014. Stapleton is a co-writer on the song, and Lady Antebellum filled in for Bryan after he had to cancel his appearance following the sudden death of his brother-in-law in Georgia.

Rogers and Stapleton will join previously announced CMT Artists of the Year 2015 honorees Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt.

CMT Artists of the Year is executive produced by Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin. Jayson Dinsmore and Margaret Comeaux serve as executive producers for CMT.