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Nominations for 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards

August 12, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Bill Keith (L) and Larry Sparks (R) will be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

Nominees for the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards were announced today (Aug. 12) during an event at the Sirius XM Theater inside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The awards ceremony will be Thursday, Oct. 1 in Raleigh, NC with hosts The Gibson Brothers.

IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event in Raleigh also consists of the IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1), Wide Open Bluegrass presented by PNC (Oct. 2-3) and the Bluegrass Ramble showcases (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1).

Special Awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Awards, will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Momentum Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Bill Keith
Larry Sparks

2015 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Alison Brown
Murphy Henry
International Bluegrass Music Museum
“Bashful Brother” Oswald Kirby
Steve Martin

2015 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Hot Rize
The Earls of Leicester
The Gibson Brothers
The Del McCoury Band

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Flatt Lonesome
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Gibson Brothers

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Punch Brothers
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
The Earls of Leicester

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Big Black Train” – Earls of Leicester (artist), Stanley Johnson, George Sherry (writers)
“Fiddlin’ Joe” – Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Mark Brinkman (writer)
“Her Love Won’t Turn On A Dime” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Bart Butler, Timothy Johnson, Shane Minor (writers)
“Moon Over Memphis” – Balsam Range (artist), Mark W. Winchester (writer)
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller (artist), Bill Monroe, Guy Stevenson, DeWayne Mize (writers)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Brotherhood – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producers), Rounder
Five – Balsam Range (artist), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
The Earls of Leicester – The Earls of Leicester (artist) Jerry Douglas (producer), Rounder
Too – Flatt Lonesome (artist), Andrea Roberts, Tim Surrett (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
When I’m Free – Hot Rize (artist), Hot Rize (producer), Ten In Hand Records

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Holding To The Right Hand” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Marvin Clark (writer), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Insured Beyond The Grave” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artist), Standing Tall and Tough (album), Ira Louvin, Charlie Louvin (writers), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Stacking Up the Rocks” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Melton (writer), Balsam Range (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
“What a Wonderful Savior Is He” – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Brotherhood (album), William G. Brewster (writer), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producer), Rounder Records
“Who Will Sing for Me” – The Earls of Leicester (artist), The Earls of Leicester (album), Carter Stanley, Ralph Stanley (writer), Jerry Douglas (producers), Rounder Records

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Backdraft (You Light It, You Fight It” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Metlon, Marc Pruett, Tim Surrett, Darren Nicholson, Caleb B. Smith (writer), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Come Along Jody” – Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper (artist), On Down the Line (album), Benjamin F.”Tex” Logan (writer), Jeff White, Michael Cleveland (producers), Compass Records
“Cumberland Gap” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Sammy Shelor (arrangement), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“The Three Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), The Three Bells (album), Jean Villard, Bert Reisfeld (writers), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producer), Rounder Records
“Yeah Man” – Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (artist), Cold Spell (album), Michael Munford (writer), Frank Solivan (producer), Compass Records

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Against The Grain”- Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, featuring Garth Brooks (artists), Larry Cordle (producer), MightyCord Records
“Blue Memories” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“For Buddy” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers), Rounder Records
“Test of Time” – Steep Canyon Rangers & Edie Brickell (artists), Carl Jackson (producer)
“TheThree Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers) Rounder Records
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller, with Peter Rowan, Michael Feagan, Buddy Spicher, Ernie Sykes, Roland White and Blake Williams (artists), Stephen Mougin (producer) Dark Shadow Recording

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Adkins & Loudermilk
Band of Ruhks
Becky Buller
Mountain Faith
Snyder Family Band
The Earls of Leicester
Volume Five

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Shawn Camp
Del McCoury
Buddy Melton
Russell Moore
Tim O’Brien

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley
Becky Buller
Claire Lynch
Amanda Smith
Rhonda Vincent

BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Mark ‘Brink’ Brinkman
Becky Buller
Bill Castle
Shawn Lane
Donna Ulisse

See complete list here.

Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry.

The IBMA Awards Show will be broadcast live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction) and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of BMI, Deering Banjos, the International Bluegrass Music Museum and Mountain Home Music Company.

Lecrae Leads GMA Dove Nominations

August 12, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Lecrae heads into the Dove Awards as the leading nominee.

Lecrae leads the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award nominations with seven, as announced today (Aug. 12) in Nashville. Following with five nominations are for KING & COUNTRY, and with four each, Crowder, Matt Maher and Chris Tomlin.

The 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. CT. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, Oct. 18.

On hand for today’s nominations announcement at Lipscomb were Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, GMA executive director Jackie Patillo and artists Audio Adrenaline, Jason Crabb, Colton Dixon, Joseph Habedank, Casey J and RED.

Nominees for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year will be made in a special announcement in coming weeks.

Select categories are below. See full list here.

Artist of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Lecrae
Mercy Me

New Artist of the Year
About A Mile
Danny Gokey
I Am They
Lauren Daigle
NF

Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin
for KING & COUNTRY
Hillsong UNITED
Lecrae
MercyMe

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year
Booth Brothers
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Collingsworth Family
The Isaacs

Gospel Artist of the Year
Erica Campbell
Fred Hammond
Israel & New Breed
Jonathan McReynolds
Tamela Mann
Tasha Cobbs

Dove Award nominees are determined by over 1,500 professional GMA members. Winners will be voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500. Voting for the final winners will run Aug. 20 – 27.

Tickets to the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards are now on sale at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville or at www.doveawards.com. Ticket prices range from $35 to $200.

for KING & COUNTRY

Granger Smith Signs With BBR Music Group

August 12, 2015/by Lorie Hollabaugh

Pictured (L-R): Top Row: BBR Music Group’s Rick Shedd and Teddi Bonadies; Tyler Smith, Manager, TS Management, LLC; BBR Music Group’s Carson James. Bottom Row: BBR Music Group’s Benny Brown; Granger Smith; BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba

Granger Smith has joined the artist roster at Broken Bow Records Music Group. Smith has cultivated a huge social media following of nearly four million fans and consistently sells out headlining tours and breaks attendance and merchandise records. His brand new single, “Backroad Song,” is already making waves at country radio, and his full-length debut for the label will be produced by Frank Rogers.

“I tell unsigned acts looking for deals all the time to create demand—prove to labels you can connect with an audience,” says BBR Music Group’s Executive Vice President Jon Loba. “Granger is the epitome of doing just that and is doing it nationally—not just regionally. His touring and merch business is already out-performing many signed acts with multiple hits. We are so excited to add Granger to the BBR Music Group family and look forward to amplifying the rabid demand he has created for himself and his alter ego Earl Dibbles Jr.”

Gloria Gaynor Recording New Project in Nashville

August 12, 2015/by Lorie Hollabaugh

Gloria Gaynor, best known for her power anthem “I Will Survive,” is recording a new CD in Nashville produced by Capitol CMG writer Chris Stevens. The pop star is also collaborating with producer/engineer F. Reid Shippen and American Idol alum Melinda Doolittle on the new project, which will feature a collection of Christian songs with positive energy and an uplifting spirit.

Gaynor penned a book, We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song, in 2013 about the ways “I Will Survive,” has touched people from all walks of life. On top of her concert schedule, she also appears at motivational speaking engagements around the country, recently appearing at SXSW in Texas, the CCU Women in Philanthropy & Leadership Conference in South Carolina, and GRAMMY’s on the Hill in Washington, DC.

“’I Will Survive,’ should remind us to be proactive in this world,” explains Gaynor about the enduring popularity of the song. “In trying times, people are always looking for answers and direction of what to do and where to go next. So is it really so hard to believe that ‘I Will Survive’ has more relevance now than it did in 1979? Through this song we can relate to a person who has faced the same struggles and summoned the strength to rise above and survive. When you are knocked down you get back up, shrug off the hit and survive—don’t be afraid of the future!”

Jennifer Nettles Joins Dolly Parton Flick

August 11, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Jennifer Nettles in “Chicago.”

Jennifer Nettles has been cast in NBC’s upcoming Dolly Parton movie, Coat of Many Colors. Nettles will play Parton’s mother, Avie Lee Parton.

Nettles’ acting resume includes starring in the Broadway production of Chicago. Her television resume lists time as a coach on ABC’s Duets.

Parton is exec producer of the movie set in 1955 in east Tennessee. NBC describes the project as “a family-oriented faith-based story… [about overcoming tragedy to] discover the healing power of love, faith, and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Parton who she is today.”

Pamela K. Long penned the film and executive produces with Parton and Sam Haskell. Magnolia Hill Entertainment and DP Productions produce in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Also joining the cast are Gerald McRaney (Longmire) and Ricky Schroder (NYPD Blue, Scrubs, Silver Spoons). Schroder’s country music connections include work on the music video for Brad Paisley’s “Whiskey Lullaby.”

McRaney will play Grandpa Jake Owens; and Schroder will play Dolly’s father, Lee Parton. They join previously announced Alyvia Lind, who will portray the young Parton.

Nashville Walk of Fame To Induct Trisha and Garth

August 11, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks. Photo: Chris Hollo

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will receive the 64th and 65th stars on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame on Sept. 10. The induction ceremony is free and open to the public at 2:00 p.m. in Walk of Fame Park.

“Trisha and Garth are two great artists who represent what makes Nashville special,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “They are musicians. They are entrepreneurs. And they are generous community advocates. The way they care about Nashville is as inspiring as their music. Garth stood strong with the city during the 2010 flood recovery, and we will never forget that. The city of Nashville is proud to recognize their accomplishments as individuals through inducting them into the Walk of Fame, and we are thrilled they will be our first husband-wife team to receive this honor.”

Brooks is the number one selling solo artist in US history with more than 136 million albums sold. He has been inducted into the International Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Yearwood is a platinum-selling, New York Times best-seller and Grammy and Emmy Award-winning maven. She has debuted a line of cookware, cutlery and home furnishings line. The couple married in 2005 and recently relocated back to Nashville. They are both currently performing in the three-year Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood.

“Their impact individually and collectively on Nashville’s musical heritage is immeasurable and has spanned decades,” said Ken Levitan, Yearwood’s manager and Chairman of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. (NCVC) Board of Directors. “Their worldwide success has helped shine a spotlight on Music City and been a catalyst for millions of fans to come here.”

Established in 2006, the permanent sidewalk medallions are aimed to tribute musicians from all genres who have made significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and have contributed to the world through song or other industry collaboration. Nominations are open to the public and are accepted in the categories of Artist, Musician, Songwriter, and Producer/Music Industry Executive. Application forms are reviewed by the Music City Walk of Fame anonymous selection committee.

The Music City Walk of Fame is an official project of Music City, the charitable foundation of NCVC and is produced with the support of founding sponsor Gibson Guitar and sponsors Durango Boot, Hard Rock Café, the City of Nashville and Metro Parks.

NASH Launches Film Division

August 11, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Cumulus is launching NASH TV Films, which will produce and distribute original feature-length films, with its debut film Walk Tall: The Journey of Sugarland’s Kristian Bush.

The original one-hour documentary will air over the first two weekends of September across more than 80 markets, reaching 53 percent of the country via the established platforms of Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest television broadcaster in the country, and other broadcasters. The film will be available on TV stations in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, Indianapolis, and Nashville. To view the trailer and see a list of airdates and times visit www.nashtv.com.

The Executive Producers of Walk Tall are Cumulus executives John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content and Programming, and Stokes Nielson, Director of Video Content, Strategy & Production. Nielson is also the director of the film.

“Walk Tall represents NASH’s expansion of original content into long-form films and documentaries, giving our audience incredible one-of-a-kind access into the lives and legacies of their favorite artists,” said Dickey. “We are partnering with Sinclair Broadcast Group for the first of a powerful line of films that capture the heart and spirit of Country music as seen through the eyes of fans and the artists.”

“This is the story of my life and my career over the past twenty years—from my mother passing away to my divorce to the tragedy in Indiana—and the bands and the songs that came from those experiences,” said Bush. “I’m excited to be here at the start of this promising partnership, experiencing firsthand the way Cumulus and Sinclair are dreaming up the future of how stories will be told in the music business and helping artists like me share music with more people than ever.”

In addition to country radio stations, the NASH brand includes NASH Country Weekly magazine, live concerts/events, online content, television programming and now original feature-length films.

Carnival To Release Hailey Whitters’ Debut Album

August 11, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Hailey Whitters

Carnival Music will release Hailey Whitters‘ debut album, Black Sheep, on Oct. 2. An album release party will be held Sept. 29 at Nashville’s The Basement with her backing band of the studio musicians from the record.

This 10 song collection, produced by Derek Wells, features three solo-writes as well as co-written titles with Matraca Berg, Adam Wright and Stephanie Lambring (full list below). In March 2014, MusicRow‘s Robert K. Oermann reviewed a sample of Whitters’ material saying, “Very, very promising. Keep your ears on this newcomer…Send more.” A behind-the-scenes video of the full-length project can be seen here.

Whitters moved from Shueyville, Iowa, population just shy of 600, and signed a publishing deal with Carnival Music in 2012. Martina McBride recorded Whitters’ solo-written “Low All Afternoon,” although the track listing for McBride’s Nash Icon project is not finalized, Whitters’ version is included on her own album.

Whitters also signed with APA for booking in May 2015, opening for Randy Houser, Leon Russell, Chris Knight, and Corey Smith. She will play her home state, as well as Texas, North Carolina, and Kentucky before October when she hits Joe’s Bar in Chicago.

Album pre-orders will be available Friday, August 14. More information at haileywhitters.com.

Black Sheep Track Listing:
1. Long Come To Jesus (Hailey Whitters/Matraca Berg)
2. City Girl (Adam Wright/Shannon Wright)
3. Late Bloomer (Whitters)
4. Black Sheep (Whitters/Wright)
5. Low All Afternoon (Whitters)
6. One More Hell (Whitters)
7. Heartbreaker (Whitters/Wright)
8. People Like You (Whitters/Kelsey Anna)
9. Pocket Change (Mando Saenz/Shelly Colvin)
10. Get Around (Whitters/Stephanie Lambring)

Big Kenny’s Home Life To Be Featured On TLC

August 11, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

“Big Kenny” Alphin

Kenny Alphin, aka “Big Kenny” of Big & Rich, will be featured in a one-hour special on TLC called Big Kenny and Family. The show will follow the home life of Kenny, his wife Christiev, and their sons, Dakota, Lincoln, Christopher and Cameron, during a break from touring as one half of Big & Rich.

Big Kenny And Family will premiere on Wed., Sept. 2 at 9:00 p.m. CT on TLC. It is produced by Pilgrim Studios, in association with Boomboombooya, Inc. for TLC. The executive producers are Craig Piligian, Yanne Debonne, Aaron Semmel, and Clay Vandiver. Kenny Alphin serves as producer on the program.

Industry Ink: Chris Wyatt, Jeff Stevens, Ty Herndon

August 11, 2015/by Lorie Hollabaugh

Wyatt Departs Parallel

Chris Wyatt

Parallel Entertainment Artist Manager Chris Wyatt has exited the company to pursue a new opportunity that has yet to be announced. Wyatt maintains his share of ownership in Parallel Music Publishing. He can be reached at ctwyatt@ctwyatt.com.

Music Master Jeff Stevens

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum explored the life of producer Jeff Stevens during a Music Masters Q&A last Saturday (August 8). Led by the museum’s editor Michael McCall, the discussion followed Stevens’ work as a songwriter and producer for Luke Bryan. The program was capped off with an acoustic performance by Stevens.

Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Michael McCall and Jeff Stevens. Photo by Jason Davis, Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Pictured (L-R): Michael McCall and Jeff Stevens. Photo: Jason Davis

Herndon Inks With Buddy Lee

Ty Herndon has entered into an exclusive booking agreement with Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA). “We are truly excited that Ty Herndon is joining the BLA team,” commented BLA’s David Kiswiney.

Pictured (L-R): Back: Brian Fee, Aura Guadagno, Kat Boggs, Amy Aylward, Nicole Wyatt, Joe Lee, Angela Roland; Front: Zinnia Martinez, Ty Herndon, David Kiswiney