A Big Week For Little Big Town

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With a No. 1 album and a CMA Awards nomination for Vocal Group of the Year, Capitol Nashville’s Little Big Town has a lot to celebrate this week. The vocal quartet’s new album, The Reason Why, debut this week at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart across all genres with 41,940 albums sold, making The Reason Why the highest debuting album of their career. Little Big Town’s Vocal Group nomination marks their eighth nomination and fifth in that category.

“This will be a week we never forget, and we owe that to the incredible fans, country radio, and our new label Capitol Records,” says LBT’s Karen Fairchild.

“We are so blessed to have our album debut at the top of the charts, and to have news of this nomination in the same week is just amazing,” adds band member Kimberly Schlapman.

The group, which consists of Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook, co-produced the The Reason Why alongside Wayne Kirkpatrick and co-wrote eight of the 12 tracks.

The band launched their new album in Chicago with a sold-out album release party at Joe’s Bar and then in New York City with performances on ABC’s Good Morning America and FOX News Channel’s Fox and Friends “All American Concert Series,” with additional appearances throughout the week. LBT will play the New York State Fair on Sept. 2 before rejoining Sugarland on The Incredible Machine Tour on Sept. 3 at State College, PA’s Bryce Jordan Center.

For additional information and appearances, visit www.littlebigtown.com.

Lo Cash Cowboys Play “Double Header”

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Stroudavarious Records artists LoCash Cowboys will play a double header on Thursday night (9/2). The country duo – Preston Brust and Chris Lucas – will first perform the National Anthem at LP Field as the Tennessee Titans take on Super Bowl XLIV champions, the New Orleans Saints, and then immediately depart for their 10:00 PM performance that same evening at the Duquoin State Fair in Duquoin, IL.

“To sing the Anthem in front of 70,000 football fans in Music City will be an incredible moment for us,” commented Lucas.

Brust added, “And to be performing for a packed Duquoin State Fair audience just a few hours later where we can rock out on our full show will be a great way to cap off a most memorable day.”

LoCash Cowboys have been busy on the road and are currently in the midst of a nationwide radio tour supporting their new single, “Keep In Mind.” Penned by Jeffrey Steele and Shane Minor, the single has just shipped to country radio in advance of its September 20 add date. The song is culled from the band’s forthcoming Stroudavarious debut, This Is How We Do It,  which was produced by Steele.

Upcoming LoCash Cowboy performances:

9/2/2010    DuQuoin, IL    DuQuoin State Fair    10:00 PM
9/3/2010    Chicago, IL    Joe’s Bar    8:30 PM
9/4/2010    Philippi, WV    Barbour Country Fair    8:00 PM
9/6/2010    Independence, MO    Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival    2:30 PM
9/11/2010    Grandview, MO    KFKF Show – Gail’s Harley Davidson    12:00 PM
9/16/2010    Covington, KY    B-105 Show for the USO – Madison Theater    7:30 PM
9/17/2010    Pine Bluff, AR    Smoke on the Water AR BBQ & Music Festival    7:00 PM
9/18/2010    Beaumont, TX    Starvin’ Marvin’s Bar & Grill    8:00 PM
9/24/2010    Jackson, OH    Jackson Apple Festival    8:00 PM
9/25/2010    Hebron, OH    Hebron Music Festival    6:00 PM

Brooks Takes “Country Countdown” On The Road

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Brooks & Dunn’s Last Rodeo Tour will come to a close tomorrow night (9/2) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. While it may be the duo’s last concert together, this will not mark the end of life on the road for Brooks, who hosts the nationally syndicated American Country Countdown for Citadel Media.

Throughout 2011, Brooks will broadcast the weekly show at least once each month from the studio of a different radio affiliate. With more than 350 stations airing the popular music program, there will be no shortage of choices. Also planned for 2011 is the American Country Countdown Concert Series. In six markets between May and October, Brooks will serve as master of ceremonies for live shows featuring an array of established country artists as well as talented newcomers. The concerts are scheduled to be held in Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, DC.

“I’m looking forward to taking our radio show on the road next year and spending more time with the local affiliates that broadcast American Country Countdown each weekend,” said Brooks. “This will be a fantastic opportunity to create some unique listener events and have direct contact with devoted country music fans. The concert series will showcase several of our industry’s top names and also introduce some of its rising stars.”

In addition to his long list of chart-topping hits with Brooks & Dunn, Brooks has also been recognized as one of radio’s top broadcasting talents. In 2009, he was named National Radio Personality of the Year by the Country Music Association – the first time the award has been won by a performing artist. He has also been nominated as National On-Air Personality by the Academy of Country Music.

“Having Kix in our portfolio provides our network a true leadership position in country syndication,” said Carl Anderson, SVP of Programming and Distribution for Citadel Media. “His level of dedication to the show and our affiliates is unmatched and has taken ACC to new heights. Partnering with him to take the program on the road while also delivering a magnificent concert series for our listeners will drive 2011 success for our advertisers and our stations.”

Details on where and when the American Country Countdown tour bus will be rolling will be available at www.ACCTop40.com beginning in 2011.

Dierks And Miranda Reveal Final Five CMA Categories On GMA

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On Wednesday, Sept. 1, Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert announced the final nominees in five CMA Awards categories live from the “Good Morning America” studios in the heart of New York City’s Times Square on the ABC Television Network. The nominees were available on the Good Morning America website after they were announced in the 7:30am ET hour.

Yesterday (8/31), the finalists in seven categories were announced in Nashville from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium by Justin Moore, Chris Young and Steel Magnolia.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” known as “Country Music’s Biggest Night(TM),” will be broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday,  Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM ET) on ABC. The show is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.
ABC News’ “Good Morning America” is anchored by Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Sam Champion, and Juju Chang. The Emmy Award-winning morning news broadcast airs live Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 AM/ET on the ABC Television Network. Jim Murphy is the senior executive producer and Tom Cibrowski is the executive producer of ABC News’ “Good Morning America.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dierks Bentley
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
Need You Now
Lady Antebellum
Producers: Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum

Play On
Carrie Underwood
Producers: Mark Bright and Max Martin

Revolution
Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke

Twang
George Strait
Producers: Tony Brown and George Strait

Up on the Ridge
Dierks Bentley
Producer: Jon Randall Stewart

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to each Artist)
“Bad Angel” — Dierks Bentley featuring Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson

“Can’t You See” — Zac Brown Band featuring Kid Rock

“Hillbilly Bone” — Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins

“I’m Alive” — Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews

“Till the End” — Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack

Save The Dates: Capitol Party, CMA Tix

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Get out your calendars, these important dates have just been announced…

Capitol Records Nashville is planning its 3rd annual Street Party on Demonbreun for Wed., Oct. 13. More info to come.

••••••

Tickets for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will go on sale Saturday, Sept. 18 (10:00 AM/CT), and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena box office. Ticket prices begin at $110, plus fees.

•••••

And a reminder: CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock airs Wednesday, Sept. 1 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. Tim McGraw serves as host for the special which was taped during June’s CMA Music Festival.

Chris Young Signs With ShopKeeper Management

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Chris Young received a CMA Award nomination for Best New Artist this morning's (8/31) press conference, where he also helped reveal the nominees. Photo: John Russell / CMA

RCA Nashville recording artist Chris Young has signed an exclusive management agreement with Marion Kraft’s ShopKeeper Management.

The company also represents Miranda Lambert on Columbia Nashville and Josh Kelley on MCA Nashville.

Additionally, Shopkeeper has hired Crystal Dishmon to serve as the day-to-day contact for all artists on the roster. Megan Pool is continuing in her role as coordinator for Kraft and all artists.

The company can be contacted at (615) 383-0163 or by mail at ShopKeeper Management, P.O. Box  22128, Nashville, TN  37202.

Email addresses: Marion@shopkeepermgmt.com, Crystal@shopkeepermgmt.com, and Megan@shopkeepermgmt.com.

CMA’s 2010 Broadcast Awards Finalists

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Final nominees for the nation’s top Country radio stations and broadcast personalities were delivered to Country Radio today (8/31), when Steel Magnolia revealed the 2010 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year finalists live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The announcements were carried live to Country radio stations by CMA’s official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks.

The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) and broadcast live by ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night” for a third year.

Click here to see the other nominees revealed this morning. Additional CMA Award final nominees will be announced tomorrow, Sept. 1 (8:30 AM/All time zones) on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

CMA BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
National
“The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) –  Jim Owens Entertainment and Premiere Radio Networks
“CMT’s Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“The Lia Show” (Lia Knight)  – Dial Global

Major Market
“Ben & Matt Show” (Ben Campbell and Matt McAllister) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
Paul Schadt Morning Show” (Paul Schadt, Meg Butterly, and Geof Knight) – WKKT, Charlotte/Gastonia, N.C.; Rock Hill, S.C.
“The Laurie DeYoung Morning Show” (Laurie DeYoung) – WPOC, Baltimore, Md.
“Steve Austin” (Steve Austin) – WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
“Randy and Dave” (Randy Price and Dave McKay) – WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
“Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray in the Morning” (Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens) – WUSN, Chicago, Ill.

Large Market
“Bucky & Bob: The Talk of Austin” (Bucky Godbolt and Bob Cole) – KVET, Austin, Texas
“Karen, Scott and Radar in the Morning” (Karen Dalessandro, Scott Dolphin, and Tony “Radar” Hess) – WMIL, Milwaukee/Racine, Wis.
“The House Foundation” (Gerry House, Mike Bohan, Richard Falklen, Al Voecks, and Duncan Stewart) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
“Eddie Stubbs Show” (Eddie Stubbs) – WSM, Nashville, Tenn.
“Chris Carr & Company”  (Chris Carr, Jeffrey “Maverick” Bolen, and Jason Statt) –WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio

Medium Market
“Mornings with Brian and Kellie” (Brian Pierce and Kellie Michaels) – KFDI, Wichita, Kan.
“The Kat 103 Morning Show with Steve Lundy, Gina, and Craig” (Steve Lundy, Gina Melton, and Craig Allen) – KXKT, Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
“Tom & Becky in the Morning” (Tom Owens and Becky Palmer) – WBBS, Syracuse, N.Y.
“Kevin Richards Show” (Kevin Richards) – WGNA, Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.
“Andy & Alison and the Morning Crew” (Andy Ritchie, Alison Mencer, and Jimmy Holt) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.

Small Market
“Scotty and Carissa in the Morning” (Scotty Cox and Carissa Loethen) – KCLR, Jefferson City, Mo.
“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene/Springfield, Ore.
“The Good Morning Guys” (Brian Gary, Todd Harding, and Susan Moore) – KUAD, Ft. Collins/Greeley, Colo.
“The Jess Wright Show” (Jess Wright and David Conrad) – WFRE, Hagerstown, Md.; Chambersburg/Waynesboro, Pa.
“The Dex and Mo Show” (Bill Poindexter and Melissa Turner) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.

CMA RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
Major Market
KEEY – Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
KWJJ – Portland, Ore.
WIL – St. Louis, Mo.
WSOC – Charlotte/Gastonia, N.C.; Rock Hill, S.C.
WYCD – Detroit, Mich.

Large Market
KAJA – San Antonio, Texas
KASE – Austin, Texas
KVET – Austin, Texas
WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
WTQR – Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, N.C.

Medium Market
KFDI – Wichita, Kan.
KXKT – Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
WBBS – Syracuse, N.Y.
WGNA – Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.
WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.

Small Market
KCLR –Jefferson City, Mo.
KUAD – Ft. Collins/Greeley, Colo.
WFRE – Hagerstown, Md.; Chambersburg/Waynesboro, Pa.
WGSQ – Cookeville, Tenn.
WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.

Miranda Lambert Gets Five CMA Nods

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Justin Moore, Steel Magnolia, and Chris Young pose with CMA leadership at this morning's press conference. (l-r) CMA Board President Gary Overton, Chairman/CEO, Sony Music Nashville; CMA CEO Steve Moore; Joshua Scott Jones and Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolia; Justin Moore; Chris Young; and CMA Board Chairman Steve Buchanan, Senior VP, Media and Entertainment, Gaylord Entertainment. photo: John Russell / CMA

Reporting by Sarah Skates, Jon Freeman

Miranda Lambert earned five CMA Award nods at today’s (8/31) announcement of final nominees in select categories.

Justin Moore and Chris Young announce final nominees in select CMA categories. photo: John Russell / CMA

Justin Moore and Chris Young unveiled the nominees in seven categories this morning from the stage of the historic Ryman auditorium. Steel Magnolia announced finalists for the 2010 CMA Broadcast Award Personality and Radio Station of the Year, plus the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast Personality. Click here for radio nominees.

Final nominations are being revealed as part of a two-day, two-city announcement, with the second round coming tomorrow (9/1) morning courtesy of Lambert and Dierks Bentley on ABC’s Good Morning America at 8:30 AM.

This year’s 44th Annual Awards show tagged “Country Music’s Biggest Night” will be broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday,  Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM ET) on ABC.

“The CMA Awards final nominations are the most anticipated annual announcements in Country Music,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “By making the announcements over two days, we hope to focus even more attention on all the deserving nominees and their accomplishments.”

CMA’s official radio partner, Premiere Radio Networks, will carry the Awards and Broadcast Award nominations live to Country Radio as they are announced each day.

Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones of Steel Magnolia perform "Just By Being You (Halo & Wings)" before they announce the CMA Broadcast Awards finalists. Photo: John Russell/CMA

2010 FINAL NOMINEES

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Bryan
Easton Corbin
Jerrod Niemann
Chris Young
Zac Brown Band

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
“A Little More Country Than That” — Easton Corbin; Producer: Carson Chamberlain (Mercury Nashville)
“Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins; Producer: Scott Hendricks (Reprise Records)
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum; Producers: Paul Worley, Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
“The House That Built Me” — Miranda Lambert; Producers: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke (Columbia Nashville)
“White Liar” — Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell, Wrucke (Columbia Nashville)

SONG OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“A Little More Country Than That” — Writers: Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble
“Need You Now” — Writers: Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Josh Kear
“The House That Built Me” — Writers: Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
“Toes” — Writers: Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Driskell Hopkins, Shawn Mullins
“White Liar” — Writers: Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Hillbilly Bone” — Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins; Director: Roman White
“Need You Now” — Lady Antebellum; Director: David McClister
“The House That Built Me” — Miranda Lambert; Director: Trey Fanjoy
“Water” — Brad Paisley; Director: Jim Shea
“White Liar” — Miranda Lambert; Director: Chris Hicky

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin — Steel Guitar
Dann Huff — Guitar
Brent Mason — Guitar
Mac McAnally — Guitar
Randy Scruggs — Guitar

Coming tomorrow morning
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Award goes to Artist and Producer)
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR (Award goes to each Artist)

NaSHOF Announces New Inductees

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Clockwise: Stephen Foster, Pat Alger, Steve Cropper, Paul Davis

Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame To Induct Pat Alger, Steve Cropper, Paul Davis and Stephen Foster

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) has announced this year’s inductees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame: From the Songwriter category, hit writers Pat Alger and Steve Cropper; From the Songwriter/Artist category, the late Pop/Country star Paul Davis; and by special induction, America’s first professional songwriter Stephen Foster.

The four new inductees will be welcomed into the elite songwriting fraternity by their peers at the 40th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony, presented by AT&T, on Sunday, October 17, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

“Pat, Steve, Paul and certainly Mr. Foster have all written remarkable songs that we’ve lived our lives by through the years, and all of them are so deserving as Hall of Fame inductees,” said Roger Murrah, Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “Stephen Foster was writing songs before we even had genres.”

Alger’s songwriter credits include hits such as “Goin’ Gone” (Kathy Mattea) and “The Thunder Rolls” (Garth Brooks). Cropper’s resume is known for Pop/R&B classics such as “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” (Otis Redding) and “In The Midnight Hour” (Wilson Pickett). Davis popularized many of his own compositions, “I Go Crazy” and “Sweet Life.” Foster, regarded as America’s first professional songwriter, is remembered for Civil-War-era compositions such as “Camptown Races” and “Oh! Susanna.”

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists. NaSHOF’s sister organization, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), also presents its annual awards for the year’s best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by the professional songwriters division.

Tickets for the event are $200 each. A limited number of seats are available to the public this year and may be purchased by contacting event director Mark Ford at hoftix@nashvillesongwriters.com.

For more information visit http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com

Commerce Secretary In Nashville To Discuss Piracy

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U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke was in Nashville today (8/30) for a meeting between members of government and local music business leaders to discuss music piracy. NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison moderated the discussion featuring leaders from all levels of government: Locke, Mayor Karl Dean, Governor Phil Bredesen, and Congressman Jim Cooper.

Some of Nashville’s best creative minds and most seasoned music executives turned out for the event at Belmont University. Among those Herbison called on to offer personal experiences and opinions were songwriter Fred Knobloch, artist Big Kenny and publisher Barry Coburn.

Gary Locke

Locke spent the morning touring Music Row businesses, getting a first-hand view of how almost 20,000 jobs in Music City are directly connected to the music business. Another 55,000 jobs are indirectly supported by it, according to a study by Belmont.

Locke avoided any specifics, but says the Obama administration is focusing on establishing global intellectual property norms, promoting compliance, and strengthening the international copyright system. The Administration’s new Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator has released a Joint Strategic Plan. Locke also firmly established the Administration’s support of artist payment via the Performance Rights Act.

Look for more in-depth coverage of the event in Wednesday’s @MusicRow (paid subscribers only).