ACM Adds Performers, Web Series

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Eric Church (L), and The Band Perry (R) are nominated for ACM New Artist


The Academy of Country Music announced today that Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Reba, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band with James Taylor are scheduled to perform as part of the 46th Annual ACM Awards. In addition, Nancy O’Dell and Ryan Seacrest are scheduled as presenters.
In related news, New Artist of the Year nominees Eric Church and The Band Perry will document their adventures in the “Road To The ACM Awards” web series, exclusively on CBS.com. The webisodes will lead up to the April 3 awards show, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on CBS. See the series here.
The two acts each won ACM Awards earlier this year—Church was named New Solo Vocalist and sibling trio The Band Perry won New Vocal Duo or Group. Now they are going on to compete for New Artist of the Year, and the winner will be announced live on the ACM Fan Jam concert stage as part of the awards show telecast. TBP and Church will perform at the event being headlined by Sugarland.
Other newly announced Fan Jam performers include Randy Houser, Little Big Town, and Steel Magnolia, with appearances by Laura Bell Bundy, Sarah Darling, Bradley Gaskins and Casey James.
Fans can vote for New Artist and Entertainer of the Year at www.VoteACM.com.

Nashville World Music Leader Aashid Himons Passes

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Aashid Himons, 68, one of Nashville’s leading world-music exponents, died Saturday morning at Vanderbilt Hospital following a long illness.
Himons is perhaps best known as the leader of Afrikan Dreamland, a group that fused reggae, new age, blues, jazz and African musical styles. As that band’s leader as well as a solo artist, Himons recorded more than 30 LPs, cassettes and CDs.
He created Nashville’s first long-form music video, hosted the long-running cable-access TV show Aashid Presents, appeared in the independent films Circle of Fault and Existo and was featured in a number of country video clips.
Born in 1942 and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, Archie Himons was a child prodigy who was on The Today Show as an 8-year-old. He began performing professionally at age 15 in 1957, singing country music.
As the lead singer of The Majestics and The Parliaments, he recorded r&b singles for the Fern, Sue and Dial labels. Dial Records, a Nashville label, began recording him as a solo artist billed as “Little Archie” in 1968.
After stints in New York, Los Angeles, Central America and Pittsburgh, Himons returned to Nashville in 1979 with Aashid as his new first name and Afrikan Dreamland as his new band and new sound. The group also included Darrell Rose and Mustafa Abdul-Aleen (attorney Neal McAlpin Jr.).
Afrikan Dreamland’s rhythmic, hypnotic, reggae-jazz fusion style quickly became popular with Music City’s young people in the 1980s. The group regularly performed at progressive political events as well as in Nashville nightspots.
In 1984, its video for “Television Dreams” became the first by an American reggae band to be aired on MTV. That clip was included on 1985’s Apartheid Kills, Nashville’s first video album. The group’s 10 audio albums included 1981’s Jah Message and 1982’s Dance and Survive.
After Afrikan Dreamland ended in 1987, Himons launched his TV show and collaborated with a number of other notable Nashvillians, including Kirby Shelstad, Giles Reaves, Bonita Hill, Tony Gerber, Fred Burch, Daryl Sanders, Mike Simmons and Roy “Futureman” Wooten. His later CDs included 1995’s The Leaders, 1997’s Will They Ever Understand, 1998’s Mountain Soul, and 1999’s West Virginia Hills.
Standing nearly seven feet tall and wearing his hair in long dreadlocks, Aashid Himons was often called to appear as a colorful extra in Nashville videos.
In 1995, he co-founded Nashville’s Society of Black Artists, SOBA.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Ferlin Husky Funeral Today

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The funeral for Ferlin Husky will be held this afternoon (3/21) in Hendersonville – the Country Music Hall of Fame member died on Thursday March 17 at age 85 following 30 years of heart problems.
His funeral will be officiated by the Rev. Dallas Frazier. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Frazier was a protégée of Husky’s. Frazier was treated as an adopted son by Husky and wrote seven of the superstar’s charted singles. Husky was also an early career booster of the late Tommy Collins and Buck Owens.
As a concert entertainer, Ferlin Husky is considered to be the top showman of his era.
He charted more than 50 titles between 1953 and 1975. Husky also recorded as “Terry Preston” and as a comic alter ego named “Simon Crum” on such light-hearted hits as 1955’s “Cuz Yore So Sweet” and 1958’s “Country Music Is Here to Stay.”
His hit making began with 1953’s “A Dear John Letter” and “Forgive Me John,” duets with Jean Shepard that launched both artists’ radio careers. Shepard will serve as an official pallbearer at the funeral. “Simon Crum” is also listed as a pallbearer.
Husky’s biggest solo hits included “I Feel Better All Over” (1955), “Gone” (1957, his biggest pop-crossover smash and regarded as the first true “Nashville Sound” recording), “A Fallen Star” (1957), “Draggin’ the River” (1959), “Wings of a Dove” (1960, his biggest all-time country hit), “The Waltz You Saved for Me” (1962), “Timber I’m Falling” (1962), “I Hear Little Rock Calling” (1966, written by Frazier), “Once” (1966), “Just for You” (1968), “Heavenly Sunshine” (1970) and “Sweet Misery” (1971).
Formerly a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast, Husky was also notable as one of country’s most prolific B-movie makers, He was featured in nearly 20 of them, including Country Music Holiday (1958), Mr. Rock & Roll (1958), Las Vegas Hillbillies (1966), Hillbillies in a Haunted House (1967) and Swamp Girl (1971).
He was prominent on TV, beginning with hosting Hometown Jamboree in L.A. in 1951. He made several appearances on NBC’s Kraft Television Theatre in the 1950s, reportedly was chosen to replace Arthur Godfrey as the host of CBS’s Talent Scouts in 1958 and guest starred on he programs of Steve Allen, Ed Sullivan, Rosemary Clooney, Mike Douglas and many others.
In later years, Ferlin Husky performed frequently in Branson, MO and opened a “Wings of a Dove” museum at Twitty City in suburban Nashville.
Married six times, Ferlin Husky is survived by seven of his nine children, by 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 2 P.M. this afternoon at the First Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Internment will follow at Hendersonville Memorial Gardens. In addition to Jean Shepard, pallbearers will include Charley Pride, Jimmy Capps, John Conlee, Ray Stevens, Bill Anderson, Frankie Miller, Keith Bilbrey, Eddie Stubbs, Keith Adkinson and Jett Williams.
Contributions may be made to Sumner Hospice, 575 E. Bledsoe Street, Suite 9, Gallatin, TN 37066.

Happy Birthday Sheri!!

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On Friday, March 18, the Country Music Association Strategic Partnerships and Strategic Marketing departments presented Vice President Sheri Warnke with “Swarnke’s ‘Modern (work) Family’” plaque in honor of her birthday.
POSTER: Featured are CMA staffers as “Modern Family” cast members (back, l-r: Chris Epperly as Cameron, Marty Filogamo as Lilly, Ben Bennett as Jay, Sheri Warnke as Gloria, Catherine Blackwell as Alex, Angela Mendenhall as Haley; front, l-r: Tammy Donham as Mitchell, Sarah McGrady as Claire, Lara Henley as Manny, Cory Chapman as Phil and Eric Jensen as Luke).

Eye On Idol

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American Idol contestants took a trip back in time on Wednesday (3/16), selecting songs from the year they were born. Interscope head Jimmy Iovine and his team of producers were on hand to give the songs a modern touch and coach contestants through the performances.

Karen Rodriguez


Ultimately New York native Karen Rodriguez was sent home on the results show, making her the second consecutive female in the Top 13 to exit. The Idol judges opted not to use their solitary save, but Randy Jackson pointed out that the decision was not unanimous. Rodriguez has struggled with both ends of her range over the last couple episodes, most recently with Taylor Dayne’s “Love Will Lead You Back.” Judge Jennifer Lopez addressed the problem, saying she hoped Karen would find some songs that suited her voice. Translation: don’t sing Mariah, Whitney or Celine.
Joining Rodriguez in the bottom three were Naima Adedapo and Haley Reinhart, who have so far failed to make a big impact. 20-year-old Reinhart has a unique, rough quality to her voice, but the fact that she’s jumped across the stylistic map every week from Alicia Keys’s “Fallin’” to Patsy Cline/LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue” and finally to Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight” has left many wondering if she has any idea what kind of an artist she wants to be.

Scotty McCreery


Adedapo, perhaps more than any of the other contestants, has the distinct look of a star—beautiful, exotic, and colorful. But her pitch and control issues have gotten more obvious every week, especially in her rendition of Tina Turner’s 1984 classic “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” Unless something miraculous happens, both Adedapo and Rinehart will likely be on the way out in the next two or three weeks.
It’s a talented field overall with several strong contenders, but no obvious Top 3. The two country-centric singers, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, have both consistently turned in solid performances and look poised to last deep into the competition. Inexperience could be a trouble spot for both, however. McCreery has well-defined idea about what kind of artist he is, but has yet to fully develop the chops of his stylistic forebears like Josh Turner and Randy Travis. Alaina is a naturally talented, powerful singer, but at 15 her still-forming musical identity and lack of maturity could be problematic as the challenges start demanding more ingenuity.

Pia Toscano


If any contestant is a lock for the final, it’s Pia Toscano. She’s had less TV time so far than McCreery and Alaina, which will keep people interested, and she’s given knockout performances every week. She’s one of the rare singers with the range and power to sing a Whitney Houston song like “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” with confidence, and that is going to carry her far.
Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams and James Durbin could also find themselves lasting to the end if they continue to perform well. Durbin is the season’s token rocker with a penchant for screaming Judas Priest songs, but he’s also displayed noticeable growth since the Top 13 were selected–an important factor for Idol voters. Casey Abrams falls squarely in the lovable weirdo division. He never fails to turn in a compelling performance, most memorably on “I Put A Spell On You,” but health issues have already sidelined him two TV appearances. Will that upset his chances as the stress of the competition sets in? McDonald is similar in look and style to many previous winners of the show with a big fan base to boot, but his inability (or unwillingness) to play to the audience may alienate some of his support.
In the less-likely-to-win category, Stefano Langone, Thia Megia, and Jacob Lusk have also had some big moments but don’t appear to be threats to take the whole competition. Lusk puts his entire being into every soul-drenched performance, but his tendency to over-sing (like Heart’s “Alone”) severely limits his potential. Megia is another teenage contestant, but seems woefully out of step with what’s currently happening in popular music. Her voice is strong, but her bizarre song choices (“Colors of the Wind,” really?) don’t exactly make a convincing argument for her star power. To his credit, Langone turned in a great performance of the cheeseball hit “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” on Wednesday, but he’s still getting lost among some of the bigger personalities.
Bottom line, it makes for great TV. The new judges have an engaging chemistry together, and there are numerous memorable contestants to watch. We’ll be covering events from the Idol show every week, so make sure to check in here and share your thoughts with us.

Little Champion Signs Jennifer Kennard

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(L-R): Martina McBride, Jennifer Kennard, Glenn Middleworth and John McBride.


Little Champion Music LLC and principals John and Martina McBride have signed Jennifer Kennard to Songs Of Blackbird (BMI). Senior Creative Director, Glenn Middleworth, says “We’re looking forward to a long term relationship with Jennifer and expect great songs to come from her skill set of creativity, energy, enthusiasm and networking. Jennifer comes to Songs Of Blackbird with a proven track record, including a cut, ‘Virginia Bluebell’ on the current platinum selling Miranda Lambert album, among many others.”
Little Champion Music (ASCAP)/Songs Of Blackbird (BMI) is the publishing arm of Blackbird Studios. The three-year old company also includes award winning songwriter Rachel Thibodeau, who co-wrote the current chart-climbing Steve Holy single, “Love Don’t Run,” and up-and-coming singer/songwriter Jason Sever.

(L-R): Martina McBride, Jason Sever, Rachel Thibodeau, Jennifer Kennard, Glenn Middleworth and John McBride.

Benefit News

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Stars Go Blue Raises $36,000 for the Blue Note Fund

Recently, the Colon Cancer Alliance presented the 3rd Annual “The Stars Go Blue” for Colon Cancer Benefit featuring “Couples in Country Music” at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater in Nashville, TN. The event raised $36,000 for the Blue Note Fund, which provides financial support for colon cancer patients in need of assistance. Hosted by Storme Warren, along with his wife, Allison Warren the event featured rare, acoustic performances by MCA’s Josh Turner with his wife and band member, Jennifer; Linda Davis with her husband singer/songwriter, Lang Scott; Paul Martin, former lead singer of Exile and current member of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives with his wife, Jamie Martin; and Charlie Kelley, “The Stars Go Blue” creator and Grammy nominated producer/artist with his wife, GAC personality, Nan Kelley. Charlie Kelley was honored with the 2011 Visionary Award for his work to create the Blue Note Fund.

(L-R): Storme Warren, Allison Warren, Paul Martin, Jamie Martin, Josh Turner, Nan Kelley, Charlie Kelley, Linda Davis and Lang Scott. Photo: Randi Radcliff


Jimmy Wayne


Jimmy Wayne Named National Spokesperson for CASA

In an effort to raise awareness and recruit volunteers to help America’s abused and neglected children, the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association has teamed up with country music artist Jimmy Wayne, who will serve as a national spokesperson for the organization. Wayne will open the 30th annual National CASA conference in Chicago on March 20. Himself a former foster youth, Wayne will share his personal story and perform for over 1,500 CASA and Guardian ad litem volunteers, staff and supporters from across the county. “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Jimmy Wayne and are very appreciative of his willingness to support our national cause for children,” said Michael Piraino, CEO of the National CASA Association. “Jimmy’s personal experiences in foster care add immeasurable authenticity to his role as a spokesperson for National CASA. He will be an inspiration to the youths we serve and our national network of volunteers, as well as others who may want to become more involved in helping abused and neglected children.” For more information about the National CASA Association, please view our website at www.casaforchildren.org.

WMBA Garners Top-Earner Award at Bowl For Kids’ Sakes

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) raised $1,775 in donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Solid and CAA sponsored charity event, Bowl for Kids’ Sake on Tuesday (3/15). The WMBA’s, “Dolls with Balls”, received the “Top- Earner” award for their fundraising efforts with $12,000 being raised in total for the charity.

(L- R): Kama Upton, Amanda Fletcher, Betsy Walker, Laura Covington, Tina Hill, Daina Goodwin and Amanda Joyner

Jerry Douglas


Jerry Douglas—Americana at the Bluebird Cafe

The Americana  Music Association will present an evening with Jerry Douglas and friends as the Bluebird Café, Thursday March 24 at 9pm. Widely known as the foremost master of the Dobro, Jerry Douglas has played with J.D. Crowe & the New South, the Country Gentlemen, Boone Creek, and Strength In Numbers. Tickets are $25 and proceeds go to support the Americana Music Association. For more information or tickets visit www.americanamusic.org or www.bluebirdcafe.com.


David St. Romain


Rising Star David St. Romain To Play Two Benefits

In the midst of launching and promoting his new album, Aria Records recording artist David St. Romain is lending a hand to worthy causes. On March 23, St. Romain will headline a benefit show in Roswell, GA benefiting the Pink Kick-Starter Project, a registered program of Bikers Battling Breast Cancer. Three days later, March 26, he’s the featured musical guest at the Never Quit Never Forget Gala in Baton Rouge, LA which benefits the Lone Survivor Foundation’s efforts to welcome home, empower and restore wounded soldiers and their families. Also benefiting from the event will be the United Warrior Survivor Foundation, which supports surviving spouses of special operations forces. For more information, go to www.neverquitneverforget.org.

Steep Canyon Rangers Perform at Garden & Gun Music Issue Party

The Steep Canyon Rangers performed recently at the Station Inn in Nashville during Garden & Gun’s Music Issue Party. The Farewell Drifters and Shannon Whitworth also performed. All proceeds went to benefit Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School, which provides instruments and lessons to kids in need.

Photo: Tamara Reynolds Photography

Register Online for the MCTI

The 38th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational will be held Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1 at the Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Tennis Center at Vanderbilt University. MCTI is the only fundraising event that directly benefits the Center for Child Development at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.  MCTI provides essential funding for the Center’s services not covered by medical insurance for children with disabilities and their families. Register online at www.musiccitytennis.com.

Church Hopes For Happy Ending

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Eric Church is looking for a happy ending at the upcoming 46th Annual ACM Awards where he is nominated for Top New Artist of the Year. His latest viral video plays on his trophy hopes showing a hesitant hostess at a massage establishment being asked, even pleaded with, to do something special for her client. “It will only take a second, I promise,” begs the towel covered middle-aged man. “I could lose my job,” responds the masseuse. [watch it below]
Fans can vote for their favorite Top New Artist and Entertainer of the Year at www.voteacm.com. The show will air Sun. April 3 on CBS. The official voting started March 11 and continues until April 3 at 5 p.m. PT.
Eric Church fans can win prizes for helping to spread the word and one fan will win a signed guitar. Fans entering the contest visit www.ericchurch.com to receive a personalized URL to share the video with friends. The person who gets the most people to watch through that personal link will win.
Church recently celebrated his second Gold certified single, “Love Your Love The Most.” The song was written by Church and Michael Heeney. The Capitol Nashville artist’s new single is “Homeboy” from his third studio album to be released later this year.

TV Appearances

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Sugarland Co-Hosts GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown

Sugarland will co-host this week’s GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown, airing tonight (3/18). Little Big Town also stops by to chat on the episode. Pictured: Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush on the set of their Incredible Machine Tour with GAC host Suzanne Alexander.

The Grascals Appear on RFD TV’s Larry Country Diner

The Grascals will appear on RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner Saturday (3/19). The group’s set included a fiery performance with special guest Darryl Worley on “White Lightning,” his duet from the group’s current album, The Grascals & Friends-Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin (Cracker Barrel/BluGrascal Records). Check local listings for specific channel information. (L-R): Renae Johnson, Jimmy Capps, Jamie Johnson, Terry Smith, Keith Bilbrey, Kristin Scott Benson, Larry Black, Terry Eldredge, Danny Roberts, Jeremy Abshire, Nadine and Dee Ann Grand. Photo: Jeremy Westby

The Marty Stuart Show Welcomes Loretta Lynn

Country Music Legend Loretta Lynn joined Marty Stuart and Connie Smith on The Marty Stuart Show March 12. The show is currently in its 3rd Season and brings traditional country music into living rooms across the country every Saturday night on RFD-TV. Check local listings for more information. Photo: Bill Thorup

Promotions at CMA Announced

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(l-r) Donham, Bennett, Blackwell (Photos Courtesy CMA)


The Country Music Association has promoted Tammy Donham, Ben Bennett, and Catherine Blackwell to new positions in the organization’s Strategic Marketing Department.
Donham has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing from her previous position as Senior Director of Marketing. She began her employment with CMA in 1996. She is responsible for overseeing advertising and promotional campaigns for the CMA Awards, CMA Music Festival, and CMA Country Christmas events and television specials – including radio, out-of-home, print, broadcast and online initiatives. Donham works closely with ABC Television Marketing, Synergy, and Affiliate teams, as well as other event partners, to maximize promotional opportunities for CMA properties across all platforms.
Bennett has been promoted to Senior Manager of Digital Strategy. He was previously the Manager of Digital Consumer Marketing. Bennett was hired by CMA in 2008 as the organization’s first Online and Mobile Marketing Manager.
Blackwell has been promoted to Marketing Manager from her previous position as Senior Marketing Coordinator. She joined CMA in 2004 as Membership Administration Assistant. She reports to CMA Director of Marketing Cory Chapman.