Ronnie Dunn Performs a Stealth Show at The Stage

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Ronnie Dunn strapped on his guitar at The Stage and surprised a crowd from the streets of Lower Broadway on Tuesday (11/8), the night before the CMA broadcast. His performance is said to have been recorded, but no further details were available.

“I figured I’d play beer joints for free,” Dunn said during his set, which featured a mariachi and a few songs from his former life, including “Neon Moon,” “Red Dirt Road,” “Something Bout You” and “Play Something Country.”

“Getting the music back to the people, back to the bars makes me feel more alive,” says the man who made his mark playing beer joints around Oklahoma before chasing a dream to Music City in the late 80s. “Country music is real life, where it’s lived and breathed… and you don’t get much real-er than playing for people packed in a bar that’s too hot, too loud and are too ready to forget everything that’s troubling them.”

Star-Packed CMA Show Ropes In Viewers

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Aldean wins Album of the Year.

A strong performance line-up scored top ratings for last night’s (11/9) CMA Awards, making ABC the most-watched network of the night with an average of 16.3 million viewers tuning in, according to Zap2It. This comes following a 10-year contract extension between the CMA and ABC, announced yesterday. By comparison, last year the show drew about 16.45 million viewers.

First time nominees and winners The Band Perry and Jason Aldean scored multiple honors, but otherwise no act walked away with more than a single trophy, meaning more artists, and their teams are merrily basking in today’s post-CMA glow. For the audience at home and in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the evening played mostly like a super-cool three-hour concert where they happened to hand out a few awards. The amazing stage set cascaded in waves of warm gold, glowing like the lights of a Las Vegas casino.

Aldean’s hard-earned and much deserved wins included Album of the Year. He shared the honor with longtime producer Michael Knox for the double platinum, envelope-pushing My Kinda Party. Accepting proudly, Aldean recalled first meeting the producer who would prove so impactful on his career: “This guy found me in a club in Atlanta, Georgia, brought me to Nashville 15 years ago and has made every record I’ve ever done.” Aldean and Kelly Clarkson’s super duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” was a shoo-in for Vocal Event.

His performance of “Tattoos On This Town” showcased what he does best: no frills, what-you-see-is-what-you-get, amped up country rock. Onstage he delivers a straight-ahead, full-throttle concert, in the studio he’s a little more adventurous, such as invoking country rap for the mega hit “Dirt Road Anthem.”

Swift receives a standing ovation from her peers. Photo: Caitlin Rantala

A monumental world tour and a gazillion album sales earned Taylor Swift her second Entertainer of the Year trophy. From the acceptance stage she thanked artists from Usher to Tim McGraw who joined her as surprise guests on the road. This entertainment mastermind doesn’t do anything halfway, so it was fitting that her extremely stripped down performance of “Ours” came with a sparse set and modest “what-I-wear-around-the-house” wardrobe. For the star it was a leap forward, showcasing the song without the distracting over-the-top theatrics that have boggled happy fans on her Speak Now tour. Still, given Swift’s M.O., I was waiting for the costume tear-away that never came.

Hot husband and wife Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert continued their respective reigns as Male and Female Vocalists of the Year. Shelton turned the fun loose from the get-go with opening number “Footloose,” featuring the song’s original hitmaker Kenny Loggins and offering the first of many pyrotechnic spectacles.

When Lambert marched onstage to perform current single “Baggage Claim” she came off like an artist in charge, completely in command of the stage, band and crowd. And no country awards show would be complete without ‘Ran setting something on fire, so she obliged with some pyro for the finale. And for the record, her newest album Four The Record has already secured my vote for 2012 CMA Album of the Year.

The Band Perry wins Single of the Year as presenter Kellie Pickler applauds.

The Band Perry and their monster hit “If I Die Young” swept the MusicRow Awards earlier this year, and the sibling trio continued the trophy take-homes last night, winning Single and New Artist. As sole writer, Kimberly Perry also received Song of the Year. Enduringly elegant, she explained to the fans, “Thank you for bringing ‘If I Die Young’ to life…I truly believe that ‘If I Die Young’ would have been written with or without me, it was a song that was meant to be. But I was so excited to have pen and paper in hand when it was ready to come to earth.” She stunned during their performance of “All Your Life,” oozing confidence in a red-sequined floor-length sheath. It was a bold look we haven’t seen from her before, maybe she taking notes from show-stopping tourmate Reba. Word is, Mom Perry handles wardrobe for the siblings.

Wardrobe was also a key part of Lady Antebellum’s performance of “We Owned The Night.” The band led an onstage chorus in the song, with everyone dressed in striking black and white contrast.

Zac Brown Band’s take on “Georgia On My Mind” featuring Gregg Allman warmed this Georgian’s heart, but left me wondering why they chose a cover song for the second time in three years. Either way, ZBB kills it on the classics.

Fellow Georgian Luke Bryan kept the stage hot with “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” The routine involved a crew of dancers and even had the star busting out a few dance moves of his own…oh, and more pyro.

Co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood kept the banter lively, exchanging Tim and Faith Barbie dolls, joking about Bradcephus with Hank Jr., and carousing with Little Jimmy Dickens dressed as Justin Bieber.

Keith Urban was the first of several great performers to pop up on a stage in the middle of the crowd. Following suit was sunny Scotty McCreery, fine voiced Chris Young, and party-hearty Eric Church. (He is one of my faves, but needs to lose the shades in the dark.) Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter offered mid-audience acoustic matrimony on “You And Tequila.” With director Shaun Silva, it won Video of the Year.

Accepting the Duo award, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush explained, “Our fans saved us this year.” Indeed, the Indiana State Fair tragedy made it a difficult year for the band and crew. They recently returned to the area for a benefit concert. Sugarland’s stage show is something of power, and they turned in a passionate set last night with pop rocker Matt Nathanson.

Fantastic pairings helped fuel the extravaganza. Lionel Richie was joined by Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and Darius Rucker on some of his biggest hits. The Flatts also teamed with soaring pop vocalist Natasha Bedingfield. Faith Hill looked outside of country to find her latest song, “Come Home,” which was first recorded by OneRepublic. She gave a dramatic read of the single during her first CMA Awards performance in five years. Also joining forces were Urban, Paisley and Vince Gill for a tribute to ailing Glen Campbell. And producers tapped twirling acrobats to accent Sara Evans’ performance of “Stronger.”

Fiery opening number "Footloose." Photo: Caitlin Rantala

Songwriting Benefits – Mark Your Calendar

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Tim Nichols

Grammy Award winning songwriter Tim Nichols has enlisted Bob DiPiero and Rivers Rutherford along with Barry Dean, Danny Orton and Madison Cain for an evening benefiting High Hopes this Saturday (11/12) at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. The ‘Smart Casual Attire’ event will feature a silent auction at 6pm followed by dinner with wine and entertainment.

High Hopes preschool and pediatric therapy clinic has served Middle Tennessee for over 25 years equipping children and youth with skills necessary to achieve success through education, rehabilitation and loving support.

Tickets are available at www.highhopesnash.com or by phone at (615) 522-5616 and are $150 each or $1,500 for tables of ten.

• • •

Nashville-based Women Rock For The Cure will host a writers round at The Listening Room Café’s signature “Sound Good Do Good” evening on Monday (11/14). The event will feature singer/songwriters Bonnie Baker, Lisa Carver, Coldwater Jane, Stephanie Lambring, Caitlin Lynn, Mark Irwin and Kate York helping to raise funds and awareness for Women Rock For The Cure’s mission to connect and aid young adults fighting breast cancer.

Tickets are available at www.listeningroomcafe.com or at the door for $10. Show starts at 6pm. Women Rock For The Cure was founded as a nonprofit in 2007 by four friends with ties to the music industry.

Americana Special To Air On PBS

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The Avett Brothers perform during the 10th Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring

ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival will air Nov. 19 on PBS, featuring performances by Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Gregg Allman, Alison Krauss, The Avett Brothers and The Civil Wars. Check local listings for times.

The hour long special, hosted by Jim Lauderdale, was filmed live at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 13 during the Americana Music Association’s Honors and Awards. The show opens with a performance of “I’ll Fly Away,” in tribute to the 10th anniversary of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, with Harris, Krauss and others, and closes with a finale spotlighting rock legend Allman.

Also included are performances from Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Robert Plant and The Band of Joy, Candi Staton,  Lucinda Williams, Elizabeth Cook, Justin Townes Earle, Jessica Lea Mayfield, and Amos Lee. Many artists are backed by Miller’s all-star band, featuring Don Was, Greg Leisz, the McCrary Sisters, along with John Deaderick and brothers Cody and Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars.

“It was time to bring the Americana Honors to another level,” said Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association. “We could not have better partners than Nashville Public Television president and CEO Beth Curley for our Middle Tennessee premiere, and Austin City Limits executive producer Terry Lickona to take this to a national audience.”

Included Performances:
Emmylou Harris Alison Krauss Buddy Miller, Jerry Douglas and Don Was / I’ll Fly Away, “O Brother” Tribute Performance
The Avett Brothers / The Once And Future Carpenter
Lucinda Williams / Blessed
Amos Lee / Cup of Sorrow
Elizabeth Cook / El Camino
The Civil Wars / Barton Hollow
Justin Townes Earle / Harlem River Blues
Jessica Lea Mayfield / For Today
Buddy Miller / Gasoline And Matches
Candi Staton / Heart On A String
Jim Lauderdale / Life By Numbers
Robert Plant / Monkey
Gregg Allman / Melissa

Bobby Karl Works The CMA Press Room

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The Band Perry discuss their three wins backstage.

Photos by Alan Mayor

Chapter 384

Jason Aldean

At the 45th annual CMA Awards, they spread the love around.

The big Entertainer (Taylor Swift), Female (Miranda Lambert), Male (Blake Shelton), Duo (Sugarland), Group (Lady Antebellum) and Video (Kenny Chesney/Grace Potter & director Shaun Silva) awards were the sole ones taken home by their respective winners.

Jason Aldean, who took home Album of the Year with producer Michael Knox, also won Vocal Collaboration with Kelly Clarkson. The Band Perry won Best New Artist, plus Single of the Year. Its lead singer, Kimberly Perry won Song of the Year.

It is a measure of how popular and mainstream country music has become that the Media Room at the Bridgestone Arena was packed. We were so close to one another, we were practically sharing DNA. They ran out of food for us and had to send out for pizza. It was worth it: Every major winner came backstage to visit.

The room erupted in cheers when Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year. The woman’s tour did, after all, sweep triumphantly around the globe this year. So we felt like justice had been served.

“I just didn’t want to think about it,” she said of her nomination. “You don’t want to have high hopes. To have it happen twice [she also won in 2009] is just freaking me out….It’s all because of the fans. They’re the ones who decide whether you’re playing in an arena or a theater.

Taylor Swift

“The most amazing feeling is to watch a song….You write it. You play it in your living room on guitar. You record it. Then 50,000 people are singing it back to you…..The Speak Now Tour is very theatrical. And every song has its own treatment. Now as I finish [writing] songs, I can kind of picture them on stage. It’s kind of a day-dreamy job.”

By the way, her award was noted as “Act 13” on the script and show rundown, and it followed the 13th commercial break. As you know, that’s the lucky number Taylor draws on her hand each night.

“I was really surprised and humbled,” said Miranda Lambert of her win. “I was just kind of here to be a part of it. I was prepared for someone else to take this home.”

Earlier this week, she became the first country female to have her first four albums all debut at No. 1 on the charts. “It’s kind of crazy to think you’re making history,” Miranda remarked.

Lambert and Shelton

On stage, she blurted, “It’s gonna be a good night tonight, Bay-bay,” to new husband Blake Shelton. “I have no idea what I said, but apparently everybody thinks Blake is getting lucky tonight,” she said backstage. “It’s my birthday in, like, an hour [which is today], so we’re going to celebrate with our families. This is a great way to end a crazy year. I’m living in the moment, and every moment is special right now.”

Miranda, Taylor and Kimberly Perry are all young, female singer-songwriters who won major awards. Miranda said she admires the fact that Kimberly and Taylor wrote their songs solo and aspires to be like them.

“Who runs the world? Girls. I’m proud of the female singer-songwriters,” she concluded. Blake Shelton joined her for some duo backstage photos. They are the first married couple to take home the Male and Female prizes since Tim McGraw and Faith Hill did so in 2000.

“Last year when this happened, in the back of my mind, I had the idea that I’d been doing it so long that the industry felt sorry for me, and it was a sympathy vote,” Blake recounted. “This year, I thought that was a fluke. The industry is fickle.

“I’m numb right now. When I wake up in the morning, it is going to look like this trophy is under my sheets, and it won’t be. That’s how happy I am.

“Eighteen months ago, if you had told me this was all going to happen, I’d have told you [that] you were crazy. It doesn’t seem real to me, still.”

Chesney, Potter, and Silva

“Country music is all about the song,” said Video winner Grace Potter. “What’s great about Kenny’s audience is that they’re listeners.”

“We had never met before we went into the studio to record this song [‘You and Tequila’],” Kenny Chesney reported. “I felt like I needed the other side, the female perspective. I heard her song ‘Apology’ and said, ‘That’s the voice I need.’ Shaun Silva captured that chemistry on film on a beach in California.”

Much was made, backstage, about the number of cross-genre collaborations on the show. Among the “carpetbaggers” to country, in addition to Potter, were Kenny Loggins, Natasha Bedingfield, Matt Nathanson, Greg Allman and Lionel Richie.

“I think it reflects the way that people listen to music today,” Kenny commented. “We see that here tonight.”

And you know what? The Grace Potter and Lionel Richie duets (with Little Big Town, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts) were more “country” than many of the performances by the country stars.

“R&B and country are REAL,” explained Lionel of his crossover. “I was wanting to do a country album. I came here to do research and found out that the country artists knew the lyrics of my songs better than I did. So I changed it into a duets album.” In fact, so many Nashville artists wanted to participate that his forthcoming CD is now “Part One,” and “Part Two” is in the works.

“I felt like with the success I had with Kelly [Clarkson], we had a decent shot [for a trophy],” said Jason Aldean. “But as far as Album goes, that wasn’t expected at all. This album has been special in a lot of ways. From the guys in my band who played on it, to producer, to record label, to management, there’s a lot of people involved in making a record. It’s a group win. It’s a big one, and this album will be here long after I’m gone.”

Between Jason, Taylor and The Band Perry, it was a big night for small labels. “It is the joy of our lives to sing this song [“If I Die Young”] with you every night,” Kimberly Perry told the cheering fans on stage. In the Media Room, she added, “The CMA’s have always been the Super Bowl in The Band Perry household. So we feel like we just won the Super Bowl.”

Sugarland

“There’s no way we should be singled out among the groups on that [nominee] list,” said Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood in gratitude for their win. Lady A is preparing to launch a tour to support its new CD, Own the Night. “It’s a culmination of what the past five years have been for us,” said the group’s Hillary Scott backstage. “We’ve rehearsed for three weeks. We’re really excited. We drew out the stage design on a paper plate, and now it’s come to life.”

“The fans saved our lives this year,” said Sugarland’s Kristian Bush. Backstage, Jennifer Nettles explained that after August’s fatal audience accident in Indiana, the duo’s fans helped in the healing process: “We’re thankful and counting our blessings.”

Despite this being the duo’s fifth consecutive win, she added that they do not take anything for granted: “You can’t expect anything in this industry. If you do, you’re setting yourself up.” Kristian added, “You appreciate all the work that all the other acts are putting in. You’re just happy to be here with them.”

Glen Campbell and wife

One of the most moving segments of the telecast was the tribute to Glen Campbell by Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Jimmy Webb. It was even more heartbreaking backstage when it became clear that Glen, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, did not recall meeting them. He is courageously continuing his farewell tour, which comes to the Ryman on Nov. 30 and Dec. 5. “I’ve got my three kids with me, and they’re my musicians now,” he reported. “That way, I can get them cheaper!”

As shoulder-to-shoulder as we were in the Media Room, those covering the Red Carpet arrivals were allotted practically inches to stand in. Out there, we learned that Alabama’s Mark Herndon is now drumming for Leah Seawright. The husband/wife duo Thompson Square was thrilled to be there, since this was Shawna & Kiefer Thompson’s first such experience. Shawna has ditched the zebra-striped hair look and gone with black tresses.

It was quite amusing when Tim McGraw & Faith Hill arrived. Fans shrieked, and photographers practically shoved the preceding TV star aside. Which proves that we don’t need to import award presenters from another medium. Except we love ESPN’s Erin Andrews and St. Louis Cardinals World Series MVP David Freese.

Martina McBride arrived in a purple sequined evening jacket. Ginnifer Goodwin (ABC’s Once Upon a Time) was in a flouncy, black-and-white, strapless cocktail dress. Kellie Pickler was lean and lovely in a sky-blue, body-conscious evening gown. Kimberly Williams Paisley wore a vivid red satin number with off-the-shoulder straps.

LeAnn Rimes was gorgeous in an icy white sparkling gown with cascading ruffles. Carrie Underwood was sparkling in a gold creation, one of 1,000 costume changes for her that night. Laura Bell Bundy hosted the pre-telecast ceremony in a blue-and-beige sequined top with a plunging neckline and a full, flowing, azure chiffon skirt that had a slit up to her waist revealing the top was a bathing suit.

Laura Bell announced the Video win, as well as Mac McAnally’s fourth consecutive Musician of the Year honor. “I’m not sure I belong in the same zip code with these other players,” he remarked of his competition. The Radio winners were also announced pre-tel.

Then the telecast began. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were at their funniest as hosts. The recent Hank Williams Jr. football flapdoodle was mocked, and he hilariously appeared to join in the fun. The Tim & Faith Barbie dolls were a stitch. In the audience, Tim blushed beet red, while Faith howled. Miss Piggy and Little Jimmy Dickens as “Baby Justin Bieber” were also a hoot.

Four women twirled on silks overhead while Sara Evans sang. Every time the camera went to Sara, the men in the Media Room howled in protest. Martina McBride, Eric Church and Chris Young were standouts. So was Greg Allman with The Zac Brown Band. Of Lady A, all I can say is “Wow.” “Footloose” with Blake and Kenny Loggins was a pop-retread dud. The producers showed a stunning lack of imagination by employing pyro, again, for Miranda’s spot.

Although the audience seemed lukewarm about it, I thought Sugarland’s collaboration with Matt Nathanson was stunning. After I get done writing this, I’m seeking out his debut pop CD. The press room was divided as to whether Natasha Bedingfield was wearing a Muppet or a discarded 70’s shag carpet during her duet with Rascal Flatts.

Here are some moments to remember from the lower levels of the Bridgestone Arena. Kris Wilkinson wrote the arrangements for the Glen Campbell tribute, but was still starstruck to see him backstage. Glen sweetly talked in “Donald Duck” voice to Luke Lewis’s little daughter Georgia when they were introduced. Rac Clark (Dick’s son) is a newlywed. “Third time’s the charm,” he said. I can’t wait to call my brother in Pittsburgh to tell him I pee’d in the men’s room next to Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw. “Just tell him we hung out together,” Terry suggested. I urged him to make a new country record. “A comeback at age 63?” he responded. “Just look at Loretta,” I replied.

Mingling in the madness were Ray Sells, Vanessa Sellers, Becca Walls, Colt Ford, Peter Cooper, Kay West, Mark Humphrey, Tom Roland, Dan Vandandingham (who pointed out to Taylor that his last name has 13 letters), Jake Owen, Reese Witherspoon, Deborah Evans Price, Ken Tucker, Hunter Hayes, Tony Brown, Teddy Gentry, Storme Warren, Greg Travis, George Walker IV, John Dwyer, Holly Gleason, our Media Room hosts Wendy Pearl and Gary Voorhies, Chuck Aly, Phyllis Stark, Wes Vause, Vernell Hackett, Paula Erickson, Brad Schmitt, Brian Mansfield, Beverly Keel, Tree Paine and Lucas Hendrickson.

We celebrated our own when Jessie Schmidt announced that Fox News’s Ashley Dvorkin was this year’s CMA Media Achievement award winner, and when Bob Doerschuk gave the CMA Close Up Award of Merit to student photographer Bennett Farkas.

FOX News Channel entertainment producer Ashley Dvorkin was presented the 2011 CMA Media Achievement Award backstage in the media center during the "The 45th Annual CMA Awards." Pictured (l-r): Wendy Pearl, CMA VP of Corporate Communications; Dvorkin: and Jessie Schmidt, CMA Board member. Photo: Alexa Sullivant / CMA

CMA Awards—And The Winners Are…

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The 45th Annual CMA Awards airing live last night (Nov. 9) on ABC awarded the following winners. (Winners noted in bold red.)

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CMA Broadcast Award winners were revealed in October, and the winners are here and here.

Country Noms for People’s Choice Awards

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Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum are among the country artists nominated for the fan voted, multi-genre 2012 People’s Choice Awards.

Shelton, in his first time being nominated for the awards show, received nods in Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Country Artist.

Swift is nominated for Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Country Artist and also Favorite Headline Tour.

Lady A’s Own The Night received recognition with a nomination for Favorite Album of the Year. Additionally, the band is nominated for Favorite Country Artist, vying against Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts.

NBC’s The Voice, where Shelton sits on the coaching panel, is also nominated for Favorite TV Competition Show.

The People’s Choice Awards will air live on Jan. 11, 2012 at 9/8c on CBS from the Nokia Theatre LA Live.

To vote for awards show, visit www.peopleschoice.com/pca/vote.

Industry Pre-Parties at BBR/Stoney Creek Bash

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Stoney Creek's Thompson Square played at the BBR/SC Bash, and their hit "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" is 2011's top played country song.

A near capacity crowd of industry workers flocked to Hard Rock Cafe’s Reverb Room last night (11/8) for Broken Bow/Stoney Creek’s second annual Pre-CMA Party. The label also wrangled radio personnel in town for the CMA Awards to showcase some of its top-shelf talent.

Newcomer Dustin Lynch was first to perform, offering some of the rock swagger that’s worked so well for his labelmate Jason Aldean. The Tullahoma, Tenn. native’s songs included “That’s The Thing About A Hurricane” and “She Cranks My Tractor.”

Speaking of Aldean, the BBR flagship artist has been virtually everywhere this week. He was there mingling in the crowd at Hard Rock, before he had to make his way over to the BMI soiree. Prior to CMA voting, the young star was delivering Double Platinum plaques around town to commemorate his top-selling My Kinda Party album, and label execs Jon Loba, Lee Adams, Carson James, and Rick Shedd presented him with his own special version of the milestone. He’s nominated for just about every CMA award on the docket, including Entertainer of the Year, and he’ll perform on the show tonight. He has also started working on the followup to My Kinda Party.

James Wesley was up next, in a bizarrely mismatched green trucker hat and red graphic t-shirt. Thankfully his questionable sartorial choices didn’t keep him from delivering the vocal goods, including his recent hit “Didn’t I.”

The news of the evening was Stoney Creek’s addition of Randy Houser, who reminded the audience that he’s one of the best singers in town with a short acoustic performance accented by barrelhouse piano. Seriously Stoney Creek, get this dude something gritty and soulful, and I’ll be first in line to buy it.

Stoney Creek breakout success Thompson Square was the headlining act, and the husband-wife team charged through an amped up set that included recent CountryBreakout No. 1 “I Got You,” as well as album cuts like “Glass” and “As Bad As It Gets.” SC boss April Rider interrupted Keifer and Shawna’s set to present them with a plaque commemorating their smash “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” which is apparently the most-played country song of 2011. The duo responded by finishing their set with a triumphant, grin-inducing run through the endlessly catchy tune. Tonight they’re nominated for New Artist of the Year and Duo of the Year.

The Hard Rock’s open bar kept the cocktails and beer flowing, and servers roved with platters of satay and coconut shrimp, in addition to a table well-stocked with fresh veggies, assorted cheeses and spinach dip. Spotted in the crowd were Ebie McFarland and team (Amanda, Leigh, and Darlene), Craig Bann, Michelle Goble, John Shomby, Jaime Marconette, Natalie Kilgore, MR staffers Caitlin Rantala and Eric Parker, and Billboard chart guru Wade Jessen.

Bobby Karl Works The BMI Awards

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Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins were named Songwriters of the Year and co-wrote Song of the Year "All Over Me," recorded by Josh Turner. Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Davidson, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, EMI Music Publishing’s John Platt and Ben Vaughn, Turner, Akins, EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Russell

Chapter 383

More Stars Than There Are in the Heavens.

Underwood on the red carpet.

That was the slogan at MGM Studios during Hollywood’s golden age, but for country lovers, it was also true at the BMI Awards on Tuesday evening (11/8). Get this:

Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Bill Anderson, John Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Hall of Fame Steelers quarterback and country songwriter Terry Bradshaw (!), Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Ralph Emery, Vince Gill & Amy Grant, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Craig Morgan, Jerrod Niemann, pop star John Oates, Paul Overstreet, Jake Owen, Randy Owen of Alabama, Blake Shelton, Ray Stevens, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, Clay Walker, Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young.

And that’s just scratching the surface. I’ll tell you more in a moment.

Georgia Peach Pickers band mates Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins, who are frequent songwriting collaborators, tied for BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. They held their twin trophies high and were presented with custom Martin guitars.

“Wow, it really actually happened,” said a beaming Dallas. “This is a Big Deal. I thank the writers in this room for teaching me about craftsmanship. This is the best night: I was the worst waiter that Nashville, TN has ever seen. I accept this award representing the State of Georgia. God bless country music.”

“This is unbelievable,” Rhett exclaimed. “I’m a singer and a songwriter, but I’m a fan first of all. I want to thank Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins and Luke Bryan for recording our songs. Wherever Hank Williams Jr. and George Strait are tonight, you’re the reason I’m standing up here. I love Nashville!”

Sony/ATV Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year. This is the company’s 10th consecutive win and its 35th time to win through BMI history overall.

The BMI Country Song of the Year was presented for the first time as the Frances W. Preston Award. Frances received a standing ovation when she was introduced as, “the best friend a song ever had.”

Braddock accepts his BMI Icon award.

The trophy went to “All Over Me,” the Josh Turner hit co-written by Rhett and Dallas. Their other winning songs were “Farmer’s Daughter” (Dallas), “Rain Is a Good Thing” (Rhett) and (together) “All About Tonight,” “Gimmie That Girl” and “The Shape I’m In,” as well as “All Over Me.”

The biggest award of the evening went to new Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Braddock, to whom the evening was effectively dedicated. He is the 2011 BMI Icon.

“We will not stop loving him today, or any other day,” said Del Bryant.

“When I was a teenager, I would read Billboard magazine every week and memorize the charts,” Bobby reminisced. “I noticed that all my favorite country and rock ‘n’ roll records were with BMI. I wanted to become a BMI writer. That’s the truth….We are so lucky. We get to earn a living doing something we love, writing songs.”

Throughout the awards show, the certificate presentations paused for performances of Bobby’s gems. Pistol Annies did a super countrified “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.” Blake Shelton, who was discovered and first produced by Bobby, chose a humorous and obscure title, “Same Old Song.”

John Anderson delighted the crowd with “Would You Catch a Falling Star.” LeAnn Rimes and Vince Gill teamed up for the iconic “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Singing a torchy lead, LeAnn reached down into her lower register and totally nailed it. Martina led the standing ovation.

Gill and Rimes salute Braddock with a splendid rendition of "He Stopped Loving Her Today."

“To hear these new interpretations of these old songs just thrills me,” said Bobby.

The musical interludes helped the evening move along smoothly. When you’re giving out 50 awards, things can get a mite tedious. Musical punctuations made the extravaganza seem much livelier.

As usual, the BMI garage was utterly transformed for the occasion. Now it can be told: The mastermind behind the opulent décor is BMI’s own Bucky Farnor.

The garage columns were covered in mirrors with glowing, fabric shaded lights clustered above each. Masses of violet hydrangeas, green anthurium blossoms, lime mums, purple winter cabbage heads, greenery and tall peacock feathers were arranged at the bases. The center stage was ringed with amber light strands and greenery. Two giant floral towers topped with tall stuffed peacocks flanked the band stage.

“We’re proud as peacocks,” explained Del. “There’s a theme here. We are proud to represent your works and proud to be your family and your friends.”

Urban and Kidman arrive at the BMI Country Awards.

Lime green tablecloths held silver candelabras dripping with crystals on elegant beaded chargers as the centerpieces, surrounded by pale blue glass votives. Dazzling guitarist Guthrie Trapp played as we took our seats. He was ear ecstasy.

I promised I’d drop more stellar names. Among those seated at those tables were The Band Perry, Big Kenny, Josh Thompson, James Otto, Mark Collie, Lauren Alaina (it was her 17th birthday, what a party), Brantley Gilbert, Dailey & Vincent, Eden’s Edge, Kip Moore, Scotty Emerick, members of the Zac Brown Band, Sarah Buxton, Jennifer Hanson & Mark Nesler, Gerry House, Terry McBride, Jack Ingram, American Idol alumnus Casey James, Keith Stegall, Hunter Hayes, Del McCoury & Ronnie McCoury, Brett Eldredge, Lee Roy Parnell, Sam Bush, new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Thom Schuyler, Deborah Allen, Dickey Lee, Al Anderson, Sandra Lee and The Warren Brothers.

“Welcome to the 59th BMI Country Awards,” Del proclaimed. “This room is beautiful, and you are beautiful in it.”

BMI awards host Jody Williams proposed a toast to all the wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, parents and pas who support struggling songwriters.

“Welcome to the greatest cocktail party in country music,” said Clay Bradley. He pointed out that 16 writers were winning their first BMI country awards this year: “There is nothing like being embraced by the Nashville songwriting community.”

That night, the community included Michael Kosser, Mike Hollandsworth, Mike Vaden, Mike Milom, Tom Shapiro, Tom Collins, Bob Montgomery, Bob Doyle, Bob Schieffer (yes, the Face the Nation TV star is a BMI country songwriter, too), Bob Beckham, Red Lane, Lane Brody & Eddie Bayers, Scott Hendricks, Sandi & Scott Borchetta (who just won a T.J. Martell Award in New York), Norro Wilson, Wally Wilson and his fellow double-initials Luke Laird, Luke Lewis, Fletcher Foster and Dean Dillon.

Also attending the gala were Mark Bright, Mark Wright, Jim Foglesong, James Stroud, John Wiggins, Jerry Crutchfield, Jeff Stevens, Even Stevens, Frank Liddell, Dick Frank (did you know he is the king of daffodil growers?), Dennis Morgan, Don Henry, Rod Essig, Ron & Regina Stuve, Roy Wunsch & Mary Ann McCready, Lewis Anderson, Sherod Robertson, Cindy Heath, Joe Galante, Jo Walker-Meador, Tim Nichols, Jerry Bradley, Anastasia Brown, Clint Higham, Greg Fowler and the mono monikered Angelo and Busbee.

Former BMI honcho Roger Sovine attended, arriving from L.A. (Lower Alabama, where he is retired). Dale Morris talked about his talented new bi-lingual management client, Andy Gibson. Josh Leo had his new production client with him, singer Morgan Tobias. Kent Blazy, Larry Henley, Walter Campbell, Bruce Hinton (also retired, to both Sun Valley and Mexico), Kyle Young, Ansel Davis, David Wykoff, Becky Harris and Sherman Halsey worked the room.

Looks we liked: Allison Jones wore a ruched eggplant-hued, body-conscious cocktail dress with a plunging bodice. Red-haired Phran Galante donned an eye-popping, red-orange creation with slashed sleeves. Leggy Nicole Kidman was breathtaking in a figure-hugging, floor-length red & white gown with a dramatic, asymmetrical neckline. Ashley Monroe chose a beige mini dress with starburst, silver-sequined designs and long fringe dripping from the hem.

Taylor Swift accepts for "Back To December."

Natalie Hemby looked great in a floor-length, draped evening gown with dramatic alternating red and black panels. Miranda Lambert was in a black ruched cocktail dress with lace bodice, sleeves and back. Carrie Underwood glowed in silver-and-black shiny tiger stripes on a tight mini dress. Butch Baker dusted off his dad’s 60-year-old gold brocade tux jacket. Tall Taylor Swift showed off a plum-purple, patterned, long-sleeved, glittering, sequined mini dress. She’ll be named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in December. Blake Shelton was in a crisp white shirt with rolled sleeves, a red tie, a navy vest and blue jeans. Eternally young Connie Bradley wore a vivid red evening jacket.

Ree Guyer Buchanan was in a clingy, floor-length ebony jersey gown and extra-long, sparkling earrings. Martina McBride was a knockout with her upswept hair and halter-necked, flowing evening gown in autumn tones of umber and ochre. The chiffon creation had a wafting train and was gathered with a jewel clasp at the waist. Hubby John McBride wore a dark velvet corduroy jacket.

The salad was a meal in itself – artichoke, roasted red pepper, Portobello mushroom, baby greens, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, roasted yellow pepper and zucchini. We dined on beef medallions over mashed potato and excellent crab cake plus asparagus spears, baby carrots and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Desserts were served downstairs in the BMI lobby. We were serenaded there by Hall of Famer Harold Bradley & The All Star Band. The repertoire? Why, BMI country classics, of course. Singer Chuck Mead did the chestnuts proud.

Fun facts to know and tell: With 500-some workers, BMI is the largest employer on Music Row. In 1953, BMI became the first-ever organization to give awards to country writers and publishers.

 

Topical WebReads: Co-writers For Sale and Crowdfunding To Fame

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>>>American Songwriter’s Rand Bishop raises some important questions about hit songwriters selling writing appointments to anyone with cash, in Makin’ Stuff Up: Selling The Dream.

“I can’t fault any songwriter for exploring every avenue possible to keep the pantry stocked,” says Rand. “However, not every alternative is on the up and up. I personally know and genuinely like several of the writers who are milking what has become Music Row’s newest cash cow. However, I do not endorse what they are doing, nor do I feel they are going about their business in a completely forthright manner. It’s not so much that wannabe’s are paying hit writers exorbitant fees for co-writing appointments. … To me, the murky part is the implicit promise that, by writing with a bona fide ‘hit writer,’ a thus-far credit-less dilettante will immediately be welcomed into the exclusive hit-maker club just by having his or her name juxtaposed next to someone who has penned a chart topper or two.”

The web site offering this service, www.songwriterinstitute.com says, “Songwriter Institute connects serious amateur and professional writers with seasoned, successful hit songwriters. Through our intimate retreats, coaching, and appointments we provide aspiring writers an unmatched edge in the business of music.” According to the site, the cost of a full-day writing session is $2,500. There is a long list of well known writers participating who are pictured on the site, but I was unable to find the names anywhere on the site of the people running this company.

What do you think about this??? [Please comment below]

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>>>“In a down economy, it’s difficult for entrepreneurs to access the capital needed to build their venture from the ground up,” says Jane Hendrick Sr. Manager, Audience Development at the Gerson Lehrman Group. “Luckily, projects can now be funded by a powerful combination of the social internet and generous networks of friends, colleagues, and communities. This model is called ‘crowdfunding’ and is sweeping the startup nation by storm. It seems to be an entrepreneur’s dream, but are there problems in the way?”

Hendrick’s organization has created an infographic called Drawing a Crowd: The Crowdfunding Phenomenon Heats Up that examines the current crowdfunding landscape including a recent effort to purchase Pabst Blue Ribbon using crowdfunding that was shut down by the SEC…