Steve Earle’s MCA Albums Remastered For Vinyl Reissue

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Steve Earle-Copperhead Road-cover art

Steve Earle’s four MCA Records studio albums—Guitar Town, Exit 0, Copperhead Road, and The Hard Way—have been remastered from the original tapes by Robert Vosgien and cut for vinyl by Ron McMaster at Capitol Mastering for LP release on May 6.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, 1986’s Guitar Town was Earle’s album debut, which propelled him into the charts and across the airwaves. The album hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s country albums chart and garnered two Grammy nominations for Earle: Best Male Country Vocalist and Best Country Song for the album’s title track, which reached No. 7 on Billboard‘s country singles chart. Certified platinum in Canada and gold in the U.S., Guitar Town also features “Goodbye’s All We Got Left,” which peaked at No. 8 on the country singles chart, as well as “Hillbilly Highway” and “Someday.”

Released in 1987, Earle’s follow-up album, Exit 0, was recorded with his touring band, The Dukes. The album hit the Top 20 of Billboard‘s country albums chart and earned Earle two more Grammy nominations: Best Male Country Vocal Performance for the album and Best Country Song for “Nowhere Road.” Another single from the album, “I Ain’t Ever Satisfied,” made the Top 25 of Billboard‘s mainstream rock chart.

Copperhead Road followed in 1988, achieving what Earle has described as a blend of heavy metal and bluegrass. The album’s guest artists include The Pogues on “Johnny Come Lately,” Strength In Numbers’ Sam Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Mark O’Connor (violin), and Edgar Meyer (bass violin) on “Nothing But A Child,” Bill Lloyd of Foster & Lloyd on acoustic guitar, and guest vocalists including John Cowan of New Grass Revival and singer/songwriter Maria McKee. The album peaked at No. 7 on Billboard‘s country albums chart, and went triple-platinum in Canada and gold in the U.S.

Earle was again joined by The Dukes for 1990’s The Hard Way, the last album he released before a hiatus that stretched into four troubled years away from the studio and the stage. The aptly-titled album was recorded in Nashville as Earle was struggling with severe drug addiction. Earle later told an interviewer, “I defend The Hard Way to the death, because I almost died in the process of making it.” In 2015, the album’s “When The People Find Out” was used as the end credits music for the HBO miniseries, Show Me a Hero.

An expanded 30th Anniversary Edition of Guitar Town will be released this fall in 2-CD and digital audio packages. Details will be announced.

BMI, ALT 983 Team For Eastside Sounds With MODOC, Jonny P

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ALT 983’s Pictured (L-R): Kage, ALT983; Jonny P; Nina Carter, BMI

ALT 983’s Pictured (L-R): Kage, ALT983; Jonny P; Nina Carter, BMI

BMI and Nashville alternative station ALT 983 partnered for the latest Eastside Sounds showcase at The Basement East on Wednesday night (March 30). Presented by AT&T GigaPower, the event offered free performances from MODOC and Jonny P.

MODOC was the Artist in Residence for ALT 983, earning them exclusive interviews, in-studio performances and heavy rotation on the airwaves. Meanwhile, Jonny P opened for Leon Bridges at the Ryman Auditorium earlier this month.

Pictured (L-R): Kyle Addison, MODOC; Nina Carter, BMI; John Carlson, MODOC; Emma Applebome, ALT 983; Jody Williams, BMI; Clint Culberson, MODOC

Pictured (L-R): Kyle Addison, MODOC; Nina Carter, BMI; John Carlson, MODOC; Emma Applebome, ALT 983; Jody Williams, BMI; Clint Culberson, MODOC

Industry Ink: WAR Promotes Rouse, FGL Teams With Budweiser, T Bone Burnett At AmericanaFest

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Jessica Rouse. Photo: Facebook

Jessica Rouse. Photo: Facebook

WAR Promotion Promotes Jessica Rouse

Warner Music Nashville’s Jessica Rouse has been upped to Sr. Promotion Coordinator, WAR Nashville. She previously was Promotion Coordinator.

“Jessica’s relentless work ethic and pursuit of making the WAR promotion staff the best it can be has not gone unnoticed,” said Kevin Herring, Sr. VP, Promotion. “She takes on everything we throw at her, and will continue to do so with gusto, as her growth in this company knows no bounds!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

FGL Teams with Budweiser

Florida Georgia Line Photo: Jim Wright

Florida Georgia Line
Photo: Jim Wright

Florida Georgia Line has partnered with Budweiser as part of the duo’s Dig Your Roots Tour as well as an album release event pegged to their upcoming album later this year.

There will be co-branded products displays at retail and the duo will take part in radio commercial voiceovers and music video integrations. Florida Georgia Line will also work with Budweiser to make surprise appearances at festivals and concerts this summer. The Dig Your Roots Tour will additionally feature Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, and Kane Brown.

 

T Bone Burnett to Deliver Keynote Speech at AmericanaFest

T Bone Burnett

T Bone Burnett

T Bone Burnett will deliver the keynote speech at the Americana Music Festival & Conference, which will take place September 20-25 at Nashville’s downtown Sheraton Hotel.

Burnett is an Academy Award winner, Golden Globe winner and 13-time Grammy award winner, and in 2002 was the first recipient of the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive at the Americana Honors & Awards.

The keynote is part of the Americana Music Conference, and is only open to conference registrants. For more information and to purchase a conference registration, please visit www.americanamusic.org.

Gary Allan Re-Signs With UMG Nashville

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Front Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Gary Allan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Vice President Business and Legal Affairs Rob Femia, Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC’s David Crow, FBMM’s MaryAnn McCready, WME’s Rob Beckham, UMG Nashville Senior Vice President Promotion Royce Risser, UMG Nashville Senior Vice President A&R Brian Wright, Lytle Management Group’s John Lytle

Front Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Gary Allan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville VP Business and Legal Affairs Rob Femia, Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC’s David Crow, FBMM’s MaryAnn McCready, WME’s Rob Beckham, UMG Nashville Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser, UMG Nashville Sr. VP A&R Brian Wright, Lytle Management Group’s John Lytle

Gary Allan has re-signed with Universal Music Group Nashville, the label home for the entirety of his 20-year career. Allan will now be represented by the EMI promotion staff as part of the re-signing.

The California native released his first album, Used Heart for Sale, in 1996 on Decca Nashville (which was folded into MCA Nashville in 1999), and since then has released eight additional studio albums selling over 7 million albums total. His most recent album, 2013’s Set You Free, features the No. 1 single “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain),” which he co-wrote with Matt Warren and Hillary Lindsey.

Additional career milestones include three platinum albums, five gold albums and five No.1 hits at country radio including “Man To Man,” “Tough Little Boys” and “Nothing On But The Radio.”

“Gary is simply one of the most interesting vocalists and stylists that country music has ever known,” says UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. “He is truly a unique artist, and we are honored and thrilled to be able to continue to represent him.”

Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall To Return To Music Biz 2016

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MusicBiz logo

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will address the needs of the songwriting and publishing community in Nashville and beyond at this year’s Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall, which will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. during the Music Biz 2016 Convention at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. The event will be sponsored by Leavens Strand & Glover LLC.

The event will feature a keynote presentation from Steve Bogard, Director of The Copyright Forum and a songwriter with BBR Music Group’s Magic Mustang Music who has written nine #1 Country songs, including George Strait’s “Carried Away” and “Carrying Your Love with Me” as well as Rascal Flatts’ career breaker, “Prayin’ for Daylight.” He also serves as ex officio advisor to the NSAI Board and sits on the Board of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. His presentation will offer a unique viewpoint on today’s copyright issues, attacking the problem from both an artist and business perspective.

The Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall will also include a variety of panels featuring top publishing and performance rights professionals from companies such as Big Yellow Dog Music, BMG Rights Management, BMI, Combustion Music, Leavens Strand & Glover LLC, MusicSynk/LoudLab, ole, Secret Road Music Services, SESAC, Songtrust/Downtown Music Publishing, Streaming Promotions/Outside the Box Music, Word Entertainment, and Wrensong. Issues to be discussed include artist and songwriter development, indie publishing, synch licensing, streaming promotions, and more.

“The publishing industry is evolving rapidly in the digital age, making it difficult for songwriters to stay abreast of ever-changing digital music services while publishers take on new roles in artist development and more,” said Robby Towns, Director of Digital Strategy & Community at Music Biz. “It’s fitting that we tackle these issues head-on in Music City USA, the songwriting and publishing capital of the world. We look forward to a productive discussion that will give all in attendance a greater understanding of where things stand and what we can do together to improve the industry for all.”

Full Agenda Below:

9 – 9:20 a.m.
Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall Keynote
Although the business landscape has shifted drastically for the American songwriter, the world’s appetite for great original music is stronger than ever. Steve Bogard of BBR Music Group/The Copyright Forum will provide a brief overview of current copyright issues for songwriters, publishers, and PROs from a legislative, DOJ, and Copyright Office perspective. He’ll also recap positive signs in the recorded music market due to growth in streaming volume and income.
· Steve Bogard, BBR Music Group/The Copyright Forum

9:25 – 10:15 a.m.
Breaking the Mold: Modern Music Publishing
Almost every segment of the music industry has become a hybrid of what it used be at its inception. This is a trend that remains true and continues to gain momentum for publishers. From blockchain methodologies for artists like Imogen Heap to managing their own releases and distribution, the modern publisher is agile and forward-thinking. Our roster of expert panelists will expand upon these topics and much more.
· Moderator: Joe Conyers III, Songtrust/Downtown Music Publishing
· Kenley Flynn, Combustion Music
· Scott Jungmichel, SESAC
· Mike Steinberg, BMI

10:20 – 11:10 a.m.
Indie Publishing 2016: How Artist and Songwriter Development Is Changing for the Independent Publisher
With more and more opportunities for music placements popping up each day and many listeners discovering new artists and songs via this exposure, the role of music publishing companies has evolved to include many aspects of A&R, including songwriter and artist development. This focus is even more pronounced at independent publishing companies, many of which are responsible for developing the careers of promising songwriters and artists who have gone on to sign major label record deals and score chart-topping tracks. During this panel, executives from two of the top independent music publishing companies in Nashville will examine this new landscape, provide tips for publishers on how to successfully implement artist development programs, and explain how aspiring artists can use publishing deals to their advantage to take their careers to the next level.
· Moderator: John Ozier, ole
· Ree Buchanan, Wrensong
· John Pisciotta, MusicSynk/LoudLab
· Kos Weaver, BMG Rights Management

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Forward-Thinking Business Models in Synch Licensing & Streaming Promotion
Today, artists are being launched by publishers and synch companies with fuel from major synchs in TV shows, movies, and advertisements. With the power of just one placement, labels then begin to circle with the hope of piggy-backing on this success. Additionally, streaming has created the ability for publishers to promote artists like Jessie James Decker through playlisting strategies with significant return. We’ll discuss some of the various opportunities for synch and streaming and how the landscape continues to change for publishers.
· Moderator: Katie Jelen, Secret Road Music Services
· Charles Alexander, Streaming Promotions/Outside the Box Music
· Devon DeVries, Big Yellow Dog Music
· Randall Foster, ole
· Hillel Frankel, Leavens Strand & Glover LLC
· Joel Timen, Word Entertainment

Admission is included with a full Music Biz 2016 badge, which Music Biz members can purchase by clicking here. Passes for the Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall only can be purchased via Eventbrite. For updated information on Town Hall speakers and sessions, click here.

Carrie Underwood Extends The Storyteller Tour, Adds Nashville Date

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Storyteller tour photo

Carrie Underwood has added a fall date in Nashville to The Storyteller Tour—Stories In The Round. Since January, she has played sold-out shows across the United States, in addition to performing five shows in five countries as part of the C2C festival.

The tour has been extended through the fall, including a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 22, as well as performances at the Los Angeles Staples Center on Sept. 14 and New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Oct. 25.

The fall leg of the tour launches Sept. 4 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, and ends Nov. 28 at Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah.

She is currently on the spring leg of the tour, which runs through May 30 in London, Ontario.

“I always love being on the road performing for my fans,” says Underwood, “but something about this tour feels more magnetic than ever. Having a 360-degree view of the audience gives me the opportunity to connect with more fans and feed off their energy. I can’t wait to continue this tour into the fall!”

CARRIE UNDERWOOD Photo: Steve Jennings

CARRIE UNDERWOOD Photo: Steve Jennings

Carrie Underwood, The Storyteller Tour-Stories In The Round Fall Leg:

Sept. 4: Spokane, Washington: Spokane Arena
Sept. 6: Boise, Idaho; Taco Bell Arena
Sept. 8: Seattle, Washington; KeyArena at Seattle Center
Sept. 10: San Jose, California; SAP Center at San Jose**
Sept. 13: Bakersfield, California; Rabobank Arena
Sept. 14: Los Angeles, California; STAPLES Center
Sept. 20: Dallas, Texas; American Airlines Center
Sept. 22: Nashville, Tennessee; Bridgestone Arena
Sept. 24: Columbia, South Carolina; Colonial Life Arena
Sept. 26: Roanoke, Virginia; Berglund Center
Sept. 28: Providence, Rhode Island; Dunkin’ Donuts Center
Sept. 29: Manchester, New Hampshire; Verizon Wireless Arena

Oct. 1: Hershey, Pennsylvania; Giant Center
Oct. 4: Indianapolis, Indiana; Bankers Life Fieldhouse**
Oct. 5: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; BMO Harris Bradley Center
Oct. 7: Des Moines, Iowa; Wells Fargo Arena
Oct. 8: Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Oct. 20: Cincinnati, Ohio; U.S. Bank Arena
Oct. 22: Charlottesville, Virginia; John Paul Jones Arena
Oct. 23: Charlotte, North Carolina; Time Warner Cable Arena
Oct. 25: New York, New York; Madison Square Garden
Oct. 27: Albany, New York; Times Union Center
Oct. 28: Uncasville, Connecticut; Mohegan Sun Arena

Nov. 6: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;  FirstOntario Centre
Nov. 9: Rockford, Illinois; BMO Harris Bank Center
Nov. 11: Evansville, Indiana; Ford Center
Nov. 13: Memphis, Tennessee; FedExForum
Nov. 14: Birmingham, Alabama; Legacy Arena at The BJCC
Nov. 16: Tampa, Florida; Amalie Arena
Nov. 17: Sunrise, Florida; BB&T Center
Nov. 22: Wichita, Kansas; INTRUST Bank Arena
Nov. 23: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Chesapeake Energy Arena
Nov. 26: Las Vegas, Nevada; T-Mobile Arena
Nov. 28: West Valley City, Utah; Maverik Center

The Storyteller Tour-Ph0399 Jeff Johnson

Nashville Spirit Awards Will Honor Billy Block On April 18

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Billy Block

Billy Block

The inaugural Nashville Spirit Awards and a reunion concert honoring the late Billy Block will be held April 18 at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. Organized and hosted by Jill Block, the night will celebrate the memory and legacy of her husband, the legendary Nashville promoter, drummer, radio and TV host who passed in March 2015 from a hard-fought battle with cancer.

The concert will feature original members of the Billy Block Barn Dance house band from the 1996 launch of the weekly show at the Sutler, as well as songwriters and artists from every era of The Billy Block Show over the past 18 years. The awards will honor those in the Nashville community that share Billy Block’s kindness, generosity and talent.

Confirmed artists include: Kevin Gordon, Jim Lauderdale, Kim Richey, Tim Carroll, Jason Eskridge, Rocky Block, Nancy Terzian, Tom Mason, Peter Cooper, Thomm Jutz, Jon Byrd, Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplan, The Delevantes, Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang, Paul Burch, Michael Kelsh, Nick Pellegrino, Ray Stephenson and Gary Nicholson.

Tickets are $15 and proceeds benefit Music Health Alliance.

“As Nashville grows, many Nashvillians have voiced concern over losing the heart of our great city,” said Jill Block. “Billy was all about heart. The Nashville Spirit Awards will help us pay homage to the heart and soul of Music City. It honors the people that make it a great place to live, work, enjoy music, and raise a family. That is why Billy and I were so happy here.”

She continued, “I’m just one of many that want that kind spirit to live on, just like Billy’s spirit lives on. One of his cancer fighting mottos, was ‘Expect a Miracle’. The miracle isn’t that Billy is still walking around town hosting his show today, it’s that his spirit lives on through all of us. So let’s celebrate each other and all the wonderful spirit in this town on April 18.”

The celebration also marks the second anniversary of Billy Block Day, formally recognized by the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2014. Block was surprised by the resolution when Sen. Thelma Harper read it from the stage during the Billy Block Show at Mercy Lounge. The Tennessee State Senate also passed a resolution shortly after his passing in 2015, giving him credit as the “Godfather of Americana” and referring to his nickname of “Mr. Nashville.” Joined by her family, Jill Block gave a speech in the Senate Chambers upon personally accepting the resolution.

DISClaimer: Americana Prizes Go To Griffin House, The Roosevelts

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Griffin House

Griffin House

As we sample some current Americana music today, we find offerings from old friends and new.

In the “old friends” category, welcome back Josh Kelley, Will Kimbrough, Anthony Crawford, Griffin House, Hayes Carll and Parker Millsap. Also meet my “new friends” Left Arm Tan, The Grahams, The Roosevelts and Andrew Adkins, all of whom are here with their debut CDs.

As it happens, we have award winners from both camps. The always masterful Griffin House claims the Disc of the Day prize. The instantly-charming The Roosevelts earn a DisCovery Award.

Josh KelleyJOSH KELLEY/It’s Your Move
Writers: Josh Kelley/Rachel Thibodeau/Ben Glover; Producer: Josh Kelley; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill
-Many of you will remember Josh from his 2011 run at mainstream success with “Georgia Clay” on MCA. He’s producing himself now on Sugar Hill. His New Lane Road collection drops on April 22, but you can sample this as its lead single now. It’s an aching ode to a lover who’s drifting away. He’s Charles Kelley’s brother, and they share a vocal affinity for a lustrous melody delivered with throaty warmth. He might be signed to an Americana label, but this is as polished and commercial as anything on country radio today.

GRIFFIN HOUSE/Paris Calling
Writer: Griffin House; Producer: Griffin House & Jon Leidersdorff; Publisher: none listed; GHM
-Ten albums into his career, this Nashville troubadour continues to crank out first-rate music. A case in point is this track from his new So On and So Forth collection. The sweetly melodic ode to the City of Light flows as fluidly as the Seine. Even before the album was released this month, CNN invited him to perform it on the air. That’s par for the course, since House’s folk-pop songs have been featured on a number of film and TV soundtracks. His vulnerability tugged at my heartstrings during several of his latest lyric masterpieces. I remain a huge fan.


THE ROOSEVELTS/Peaches
Writers: James Mason/Jason Kloess; Producer: Dwight Baker; Publisher: Beard Face/J Klo, BMI; In Stereo
-This fully bearded Nashville duo churn up a big, crunchy, rootsy sound on a remarkably assured debut album, The Greatest Thing You’ll Never Learn. The lead-off tracks have terrifically infectious hooks, jaunty energy and hearty good vibrations. I was so smitten, I dove instantly into the whole collection until I got to this smoldering soul stew of bluesy heartache. An A+ from this listener.

PARKER MILLSAP/Heaven Sent
Writer: Parker Millsap; Producer: Gary Paczosa & Parker Millsap; Publisher: Northwentz, BMI; Okrahoma
-I was a huge fan of Millsap’s debut album. His new one, The Very Last Day, includes this striking song about a gay son yearning for acceptance from his fundamentalist preacher father. Gripping and essential.

ANDREW ATKINS/May the Stars Fall at Your Door
Writer: Andrew Adkins; Producer: Andrew Adkins; Publisher: Whiskey Begonias, ASCAP; Electranead
-This Music City dude does it all. He writes ‘em, sings ‘em, produces himself and plays most of the instruments on his Glass Castles album. This track from it has a very cool “pulsing” vibe that throbs beneath his clear tenor voice. The poetic lyrics fit the synth-y sound just right.

THE WOOD BROTHERS/Singin’ to Strangers
Writers: C. Wood/O. Wood/J. Rix; Producers: Chris Wood, Oliver Wood & Jano Rix; Publisher: Royal Kook/Wood Sound/Spinach Pitts, BMI/ASCAP; Honey Jar
-This Nashville trio leads off its current Paradise album with this folk-punk outing characterized by slamming beats, manic harmonica, electric-guitar punctuation and bawling vocals. Compulsively listenable.

Hayes Carll. Photo: Jacob Blickenstaff

Hayes Carll. Photo: Jacob Blickenstaff

HAYES CARLL/Love Don’t Let Me Down
Writer: Hayes Carll/Darrell Scott; Producer: Joe Henry; Publisher: Highway 87 Publishing/BMG Firefly/I Imagine Music, ASCAP/SESAC; Hwy87
-Americana fave Carll returns on April 8 with his new Lovers and Leavers collection. This stately, solemn ballad is its first focus track. The deep echo, plaintive delivery, eloquent guitar work and lonely lyric cast a magical spell.

LEFT ARM TAN/Freedom Bus
Writers: Troy Austin/Daniel Hines/Jeff Scroggins/Tim Manders/Brian Lee; Producer: Salim Nourallah; Publisher: none listed; LAT
-This loose-limbed rollicking rocker has good times written all over it. A guaranteed toe tapper. The group’s Lorene album that contains it has a due date of April Fool’s Day. The estimable Walt Wilkins and Ken Bethea from The Old 97’s make guest appearances.

WILLIE SUGARCAPPS/Dreamer’s Sky
Writer: Will Kimbrough; Producers: Trina Shoemaker & Willie Sugarcapps; Publisher: none listed; BCPR
-This is an “all-star” collective featuring such super talents as Will Kimbrough, Anthony Crawford, Savana Lee, Grayson Capps and Corky Hughes. Based on the first Willie Sugarcapps album, the band became big NPR favorites. The sophomore collection, titled Paradise Right Here, drops on April 15. It contains this drawling, easy-swaying string-band ditty celebrating the joy of relaxation.

THE GRAHAMS/Griggstown
Writer: none listed; Producer: Wes Sharon; Publisher: none listed; Creative/Three
Alyssa Graham has a piercing vocal delivery with a trembling vibrato. Doug Graham’s harmony singing is right on the money. This strummy, catchy, rapidly shuffling track is from an album titled Glory Bound. Guests include Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, Byron Berline, The Milk Carton Kids and David Garza.

The Recording Academy Plans PBS Special For Special Merit Honorees

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The Recording Academy

The Recording Academy will honor its 2016 Special Merit Awards recipients with an awards ceremony and live tribute concert on Saturday, April 23, at The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

Titled Grammy Salute to Music Legends, the event will be produced in partnership with THIRTEEN as part of the Great Performances series on PBS, set to air later this year. Led by music industry icon Don Was as musical director, the tribute concert will feature rare performances by honorees and renditions by those they’ve inspired. Performers will be announced at a later date.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees include Ruth Brown, Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Jefferson Airplane, Linda Ronstadt, and RUN DMC. Composer John Cage, pioneering country music executive Fred Foster, and Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz are Trustees Award honorees; and EMT and Dr. Harvey Fletcher are Technical Grammy Award recipients. Also being honored is Phillip Riggs, this year’s recipient of the Grammy Foundation Music Educator Award.

Previously held during Grammy Week, this is the first time that The Recording Academy has celebrated the Special Merit Awards with a stand-alone event and musical tribute. In addition to the tribute concert, special celebrity guests will present recipients their award statues and guests will enjoy never-before-seen video packages celebrating each of the honorees’ contributions to the music industry and our cultural heritage.

“For many years now, we’ve wanted to honor Special Merit Awards recipients on a larger scale with an event like Grammy Salute to Music Legends, so I’m delighted to partner with THIRTEEN Productions and PBS to bring this worthy celebration to a bigger stage,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “The contributions of our honorees are innumerable, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening as we pay tribute to their exceptional accomplishments.”

A production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET, Grammy Salute to Music Legends will be written by David Wild and directed for television by David Horn, with Mitch Owgang as producer, and David Horn and Neil Portnow as executive producers.

Artist Updates: Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Sara Evans

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Carrie Underwood Chimes In With “Church Bells”

Church Bells

Carrie Underwood will debut her new single, “Church Bells,” with a performance on the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3 on CBS. Produced by Mark Bright and written by Zach Crowell, Brett James and Hillary Lindsey, “Church Bells” ships to country radio on Friday, April 1 and officially impacts on Monday, April 11.

Underwood describes “Church Bells” as one of the most dynamic narratives on her Storyteller album. “I love songs about strong women. I love being sucked into that story: rooting for the woman and seeing that she does something powerful that she never thought she could do,” explains Underwood. “People are strongest when they’re pushed to their limits.”

 

Dolly Parton’s TV Movie Wins Christopher Award

Photo: Jeff Lipsky/NBC

Photo: Jeff Lipsky/NBC

The 2015 TV movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, is the recipient of a Christopher Award, which recognizes feature films, TV/cable programs and books for adults and young people. The awards were created in 1949 to celebrate writers, producers, directors, authors and illustrators whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” The awards ceremony will take place in New York City on May 19.

Parton said, “I love the Christopher Award slogan, ‘Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.’ I personally believe that with all my heart. I think the movie, Coat of Many Colors, a true story from my childhood, does throw a light on a lot of things like family, hope, love, kindness, understanding, and acceptance. It really spoke to the issue of bullying. I am very proud at how God works through me to shine a light, and to help heal a lot of hurt in a lot of people, and I am very proud of this award.”

Sara Evans Selected For Symphony Fashion Show

Sara Evans

Sara Evans

Sara Evans will be the featured entertainer for the 2016 Symphony Fashion Show, a glamorous evening showcasing the designs of Carolina Herrera and celebrating her 35 years as a fashion icon. Taking place April 26 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the 11th annual event is presented through a partnership among the Nashville Symphony, Carolina Herrera and Gus Mayer of Nashville, with funds going to support the Nashville Symphony’s education and community programs.

Evans will join Herrera and 2016 Symphony Fashion Show Celebrity Chair Lily Aldridge, who is an international fashion model, Victoria’s Secret Angel and Sport Illustrated Swimsuit issue model.

“I’m extremely honored to be part of the 2016 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show,” said Evans. “I have a deep love of fashion, and Carolina Herrera’s designs have always been some of my favorites. I can’t wait to perform and see what everyone’s wearing!”

“With her stunning voice, distinct country-crossover sound and incredible beauty and grace, Sara Evans is the perfect choice for this celebration of Carolina Herrera’s 35 years in fashion,” said Sylvia Bradbury and Suzanne Smothers, 2016 Symphony Fashion Show co-chairs. “We are thrilled to have Sara involved in this amazing night, and we are both looking forward to a memorable and electrifying performance.”