Paisley Family Covers “People”

BPaisley-cvThe Paisley family is featured on the cover of the current issue of People Magazine. The inside five-page spread includes the first photos of Jasper along with big brother Huck and gives the scoop on how Kimberly shared the news of her pregnancy with Brad, and how they share parenting responsibilities.

Excerpt from article: And while Huck can name every member of Brad’s band, the curious kid is still puzzled over what everyone else in the world does. “The greatest question he’s asked is, ‘Mommy, does Jesus play the banjo?’’’ says Brad.

[Updated] Paisley Scores 7, Leads CMA Nominations

ABC News anchors Robin Roberts congratulates Darius Rucker and Lee Ann Womack after they announce some of the final nominees for "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" broadcast live on ABC News’ “Good Morning America” from the their studios in New York City’s Times Square on Sept. 9. photo: ABC/ Ida Mae Astute

ABC News anchor Robin Roberts congratulates Darius Rucker and Lee Ann Womack on their CMA Award nominations. The artists revealed some of the nominees live this morning (9/9) on ABC News’ “Good Morning America.”

Editor’s Note: An oversight by CMA has been resolved, resulting in Paisley’s nomination count rising to seven, and Urban’s rising to four. They were inadvertently left off the original list of nominees in the Musical Event category.

Nominees for the 43rd Annual CMA Awards were revealed yesterday (9/9) morning, with Brad Paisley leading the pack with seven nods. Paisley was nominated for Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for American Saturday Night (produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois); Single and Song for “Then” (songwriters DuBois and Ashley Gorley); Music Video for “Start a Band” with Keith Urban, which was directed by Jim Shea; and Musical Event with Urban for the same song.

Urban follows closely with five nominations. Jamey Johnson, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Zac Brown, each received four nominations.

Among the other highlights:

Strait now has 79 career total CMA Awards nominations, which ties him with Alan Jackson for the most nominations to date. He leads the trophy count with 22.

Swift’s four nominations include her first for Entertainer of the Year. The last time a solo female artist was nominated for Entertainer of the Year was Faith Hill in 2000. Shania Twain was the last female artist to claim the award in 1999.

A powerhouse in the Entertainer of the Year category, Kenny Chesney has won the trophy four times. If he takes it home again this year, it will tie him with Garth Brooks for the most wins in the category.

If Carrie Underwood wins Female Vocalist again, it will tie her with Martina McBride and Reba McEntire for most wins in the category. McBride and McEntire are nominated as well. In fact, McEntire is the female artist with the highest number of nominations in the 43-year history of the CMA Awards with 48.

Brooks & Dunn are nominated for Vocal Duo, a category they have won a record 14 times. They have 19 trophies total.

Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Keith Urban

New Artist
Randy Houser
Jamey Johnson
Jake Owen
Darius Rucker
Zac Brown Band

Musical Event of the Year
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” Brooks & Dunn ft. Reba McEntire
“Down The Road” Kenny Chesney (with Mac McAnally)
“Everything But Quits” Lee Ann Womack (duet with George Strait)
“I Told You So” Carrie Underwood ft. Randy Travis
“Old Enough” The Raconteurs ft. Ricky Skaggs and Ashley Monroe
“Start A Band,” Brad Paisley (duet with Keith Urban), Arista Nashville

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

Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland

Single of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Producer)

“Chicken Fried,” Zac Brown Band
Produced by Keith Stegall, Atlantic Records

“I Run To You,” Lady Antebellum
Produced by Victoria Shaw and Paul Worley, Capitol Records Nashville

“In Color” Jamey Johnson
Produced by The Kent Hardly Playboys, Mercury Nashville

“People Are Crazy,” Billy Currington
Produced by Carson Chamberlain and Billy Currington, Mercury Nashville

“Then,” Brad Paisley
Produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois, Arista Nashville

Album of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Producer)
American Saturday Night, Brad Paisley
Produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois, Arista Nashville

Defying Gravity, Keith Urban
Produced by Dann Huff and Keith Urban, Capitol Records Nashville

Fearless, Taylor Swift
Produced by Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records

Love On The Inside, Sugarland
Produced by Byron Gallimore, Kristian Bush, and Jennifer Nettles, Mercury Nashville

That Lonesome Song, Jamey Johnson
Produced by The Kent Hardly Playboys, Mercury Records

Song of the Year (Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“Chicken Fried,” Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette

“I Told You So,” Randy Travis

“In Color,” Jamey Johnson/Lee Thomas Miller/James Otto

“People Are Crazy,” Bobby Braddock/Troy Jones

“Then,” Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley

Music Video of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Boots On,” Randy Houser, Directed by Eric Welch

“Love Story,” Taylor Swift, Directed by Trey Fanjoy

“People Are Crazy,” Billy Currington, Directed by The Brads

“Start A Band,” Brad Paisley (duet with Keith Urban), Directed by Jim Shea

“Troubadour,” George Strait, Directed by Trey Fanjoy

Musician of the Year
Eddie Bayers- Drums
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar

Charlie Daniels’ Christmas For Kids Concert

Deuces_Band_photo1The Charlie Daniels & Friends annual Christmas For Kids Concert is slated for Nov. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium, with Gretchen Wilson and Phil Vassar among the special guests.

The Celebrity Tour Bus Show will also raise money by allowing visitors to tour the buses of more than sixty stars at the Hendersonville Wal-Mart from 5:00-9:00 PM on Mon., Dec. 14.

Christmas For Kids treats 400 children to a day-long Christmas shopping excursion, including a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, lunch and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tickets for the best available concert seating may be obtained by visiting www.Christmas4kids.org. Other reserved seating will be available starting Oct. 26 through Ticketmaster.

Kellie Pickler’s Video and Other New Music

kpKellie Pickler’s video for her newest single, “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You,” makes its world television premiere during CMT Top 20 Countdown tomorrow (9/11) 10:00–12:30 p.m. CT and online at CMT.com immediately following. Filmed in the Dominican Republic, the new video was directed by Roman White.

In addition, CMT Power Picks becomes CMT Power Pickler on Mon., Sept. 14 at 9:00 a.m. CT. The hour-long show will include Pickler’s entire video collection.

“Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You” can be viewed on CMT, CMT.com and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure.
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Universal Records South’s Phil Vassar is releasing his next single “Everywhere I Go” from his fifth studio album entitled Traveling Circus, in stores later this fall. “Everywhere I Go,” written by Vassar and Jeffrey Steele, is an emotional song about healing and remembrance. Listen to it here.
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Vveronica_covereronica Ballestrini’s debut album, What I’m All About, has been released exclusively online and features her lead-off single, “Amazing” which landed on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart and is quickly climbing.

Produced by Cliff Downs (Whiskey Falls, Ashley Gearing), the album contains six songs Ballestrini wrote, including the hit “Amazing” and title track “What I’m All About.” The Connecticut native offers pop-country crossover and her album will be released on TimBob Records.

Currently Veronica is on the road visiting radio and playing dates across the country with recent shows opening for Natasha Bedingfield and Eric Hutchinson.

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Bryan White’s new single, “The Little Things” has been shipped to radio with his eighth studio album, Dustbowl Dreams, set to be released digitally on Sept. 28. “The Little Things” co-written by White, James Dean Hicks and Erik Bledsoe, is available as a free download using a widget created by Maxx Company. The widget is complete with the story behind the song and a performance video of White. For a limited time, fans can view the widget and download the single on www.bryanwhite.com. He co-produced Dustbowl Dreams and co-wrote eight out of its ten songs.

White is a Grammy winner and has had six No. 1 singles, two platinum records, two gold records, and joined forces with Shania Twain for the monster hit, “From This Moment On.”

Special Edition Swift CD Set For Oct. Release

ATaylor_Swift_Fearless_Plati new Platinum Edition of Taylor Swift’s Fearless album is headed for stores in time for the holiday sales rush. Big Machine Records will release the CD/DVD set on Oct. 27, containing new music and video extras such as her video collaboration with T-Pain on “Thug Story,” and exclusive new behind-the-scenes photos shot by Taylor’s brother, Austin K. Swift.

“Taylor’s fans have an incredible appetite for her new music and her ongoing life experiences,” says Scott Borchetta, President/CEO of the Big Machine Label Group. “There are six new songs, over fifty new photographs from the Fearless Tour 2009, a beautiful new collector cover, all of the videos from all of the hit singles and tons of new Taylor video footage.”

Fearless, named 2009’s Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, was originally released by Big Machine in November of 2008. Now quadruple-platinum, Fearless has spent more weeks in the No. 1 position atop Billboard’s Top 200 all-genre CD sales chart than any other album this decade. Yesterday, Fearless was nominated for Album of the Year by the Country Music Association. Swift also received CMA nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.

Adkins, Songwriters, And More Local Benefits

traceadkinsTrace Adkins will headline the Southern Shindig concert on Fri., Sept. 25 at the Loveless Barn. This event is part of the annual Soldier Ride, which honors wounded soldiers. Tickets include dinner, beer, wine and the concert, and are on sale now at www.southernshindig.org or by calling 904-405-1156. All proceeds go to programs that support America’s wounded soldiers.

The bike ride, Soldier Ride Nashville, will take place the next day (9/26). For details or to register, go to www.soldierridenashville.org.

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Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant in Historic Downtown Franklin is sponsoring a benefit concert for the American Cancer Society tonight (9/10) featuring singer-songwriters Leslie Satcher, Allen Shamblin, Big Al Anderson, and James Slater. Show begins at 7:00 p.m. Reservations are $40 and includes dinner and the concert. Call 615-794-5527. $25 of each reservation will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

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The Sound Kitchen Studios will host the We Are Building Lives concert on Oct. 8 featuring Lane Brody, Saving Abel, Mark Slaughter, Keni Thomas, Eric Lee Beddingfield, and more. There will be a meet and greet with the artists as well as a cocktail reception. Proceeds will go to We Are Building Lives’ efforts to support Nashville’s homeless veterans. Details and tickets at www.wearebuildinglives.org.

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Friends of Warner Parks will hold a Full Moon Pickin’ Party tomorrow night (9/11). Musicians and music fans alike are invited to the Steeplechase Barn at the Equestrian Center in Percy Warner Park from 7:00 –11:00 pm. This fundraiser features bluegrass music under the light of a full moon. And all the proceeds from the laid-back affair will go directly back to Warner Parks to ensure preservation, protection, funding educational programs and special projects including camp-outs and hayrides for inner city kids.

Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Children 6 and under free, $10 for 7-15 year olds. Pickers with a BLUEGRASS instrument are $5. Details and tickets may be purchased online at www.Nowplayingnashville.com.

Tidbits: Digital Summit, SOLID, Symphony and More

logoThe Leadership Music Digital Summit will be held March 22 and 23, 2010. More information to follow.

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The Music Row Turkey Bowl, hosted by SOLID, is set for Sat., Nov. 21 at Ted Rhodes Park (2400 Metro Center Blvd.) in Nashville, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The 24th annual co-ed flag football tournament has become a favorite event for many on Music Row. It is a significant annual fundraiser for SOLID, Second Harvest Food Bank and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. If your music industry company would like to put together a team—or for more details— click here.

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To mark Giancarlo Guerrero’s official debut as Music Director, and to kick off the 2009/10 season, the Nashville Symphony will show the entire opening night concert on a huge video screen on the plaza of Schermerhorn Symphony Center, live and free of charge. The First Tennessee All-Beethoven Opening Night with piano sensation Lang Lang will be held Friday, September 11. Beginning at 7 p.m., one hour before the concert, the Symphony is also offering a live, pre-concert streaming video webcast, which will be available on the Symphony website at NashvilleSymphony.org.

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The Bluebird Cafe is proud to present the photographs of New Orleans-based fine art music photographer Erika Goldring. Her character-driven portfolio features photos of numerous musical acts in genres ranging from jazz to bluegrass. The Goldring exhibit will run from September 17, 2009 – January 23, 2010. The opening reception is in conjunction with The Americana Music Festival on September 19, from 3-5 PM.

Mandrell Enters Steel Guitar Hall of Fame

Barbara Mandrell with Steel Guitar Hall of Fame founder DeWitt Scott ("Scotty") accepting her Hall of Fame honor on Saturday, September 5, 2009. Photo by: Donna Stroup

Barbara Mandrell with Steel Guitar Hall of Fame founder DeWitt Scott ("Scotty") accepting her Hall of Fame honor. Photo: Donna Stroup

Barbara Mandrell became the first woman to be inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame at the International Steel Guitar Convention in St. Louis, MO on Saturday, September 5.

Known as the “Sweetheart of the Steel,” Mandrell was a multi-instrumentalist by the time she was 10. She was on tour with The Johnny Cash Show by age 13 and had her first Billboard chart record at age 21. Her NBC variety show, Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters drew nearly 40 million viewers weekly and introduced a nation to country music. Earlier this year, Mandrell was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and now accepts the honor of joining the ranks of elite masters of the steel guitar.

Driskill Returns to ASCAP as VP/GM, Nashville

Nashville, marcTN, Sept. 9, 2009: Connie Bradley, Senior Vice President of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) today announced that Marc Driskill has joined ASCAP as Vice President & General Manager, Nashville. In this newly established position reporting to Bradley, Driskill will direct the goals and objectives of the Nashville Membership staff as well as focus on ASCAP’s general membership efforts.

Bradley commented, “We are delighted to have Marc rejoin us at ASCAP. His business skill and acumen have been well regarded in Nashville both during his previous tenure at ASCAP and in the intervening years at Big Loud Shirt. He will bring a focus and energy to our operations here that will be crucial to our continued success.”

Driskill rejoins ASCAP from Big Loud Shirt and Big Loud Bucks Administration, music publishing and copyright administration companies respectively, where he served for more than three years as Chief Operating Officer for both entities. Prior to his experience at these companies, Driskill was Assistant Vice President, Nashville with ASCAP for nearly eight years.

“I am grateful to be rejoining Connie Bradley and the ASCAP team in Nashville. Connie has been an incredible mentor to me and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity to help ASCAP achieve its ultimate success,” stated Driskill about the appointment.

Photos From CMA’s Big Announcement

Nominations for the CMA Awards were revealed today, live on Good Morning America and CMT Insider. Check out photos of the big announcement.
 CMA hosts a breakfast at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City to view the CMA Awards nominations announcements live on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Sept. 9. (l-r) Dan Bowen, CMA VP of Marketing and Communications; RCA Nashville recording artist Chuck Wicks; CMA CEO Tammy Genovese; MCA Nashvhille recording artist Lee Ann Womack; CMA Board President Steve Moore, Senior VP, AEG Live!; Julie Talbott, Executive VP of Affiliate Marketing, Premiere Radio Networks and incoming CMA Board President Steve Buchanan, Sr. VP, Gaylord Entertainment. photo: Stuart Ramson

CMA hosts a breakfast at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City to view the CMA Awards nominations announcements live on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Sept. 9. (l-r) Dan Bowen, CMA VP of Marketing and Communications; RCA Nashville recording artist Chuck Wicks; CMA CEO Tammy Genovese; MCA Nashvhille recording artist Lee Ann Womack; CMA Board President Steve Moore, Senior VP, AEG Live!; Julie Talbott, Executive VP of Affiliate Marketing, Premiere Radio Networks and incoming CMA Board President Steve Buchanan, Sr. VP, Gaylord Entertainment. photo: Stuart Ramson

 CMT hosts Cody Alan and Alecia Davis and Universal Records South artist Randy Houser announce some of the final nominees for "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" on CMT’s “CMT Insider” broadcast live from their studio in Nashville on Sept. 9. (l-r) Hank Adam Locklin, CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Industry Relations;  John Hamlin, SVP Production and Development, CMT; Alan; Davis; Houser; Laurissa Ryan, Senior Director Talent Relations, CMT; and Jay Frank, SVP Music Strategy, CMT. photo: John Russell

CMT hosts Cody Alan and Alecia Davis and Universal Records South artist Randy Houser announce some of the final nominees for "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" on CMT’s “CMT Insider” broadcast live from their studio in Nashville on Sept. 9. (l-r) Hank Adam Locklin, CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Industry Relations; John Hamlin, SVP Production and Development, CMT; Alan; Davis; Houser; Laurissa Ryan, Senior Director Talent Relations, CMT; and Jay Frank, SVP Music Strategy, CMT. photo: John Russell