Billboard Music Awards: Luke Combs, Kenny Chesney, Maren Morris, Lauren Daigle Among Top Winners

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Lauren Daigle performs. Photo: BBMA/Instagram

Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay and Lauren Daigle were among the top winners at last night’s Billboard Music Awards.

Luke Combs took home three honors, including Top Country Artist and Top Country Male Artist, as well as Top Country Album, for This One’s For You. With his album win, he broke Chris Stapleton’s three-year domination in that category.

Florida Georgia Line, who earned Top Country Song for “Meant To Be” with Bebe Rexha, became the first artist to win the honor three times. The duo previously earned this award in 2014 (“Cruise” with Nelly) and 2017 (“H.O.L.Y.”).

Maren Morris and her “The Middle” cohorts Zedd and Grey earned Top Dance/Electronic Song for their smash hit. Kenny Chesney earned Top Country Tour, while Carrie Underwood was named Top Country Female Artist. Dan + Shay took home Top Country Duo/Group and joined Tori Kelly for a performance.

Lauren Daigle also earned three honors and is the first female solo artist to win the Top Christian Artist honor twice, following her previous win in 2017. Daigle earned Top Christian Album (Look Up Child) and Top Christian Song (“You Say”). Daigle also turned in a stripped down but still dramatic rendering of the award-winning crossover ballad.

Taylor Swift opened the show with a performance of her new song “ME!” with Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco.

YouTube video

 

ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist
Cardi B
WINNER: Drake
Ariana Grande
Post Malone
Travis Scott

Top New Artist
Bazzi
WINNER: Juice Wrld
Lil Baby
Dua Lipa
Ella Mai

Billboard Chart Achievement Award
Dan + Shay
Drake
WINNER: Ariana Grande
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Dua Lipa

Top Male Artist
WINNER: Drake
Post Malone
Travis Scott
Ed Sheeran
XXXTentacion

Top Female Artist
Cardi B
WINNER: Ariana Grande
Halsey
Ella Mai
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group
WINNER: BTS
Dan + Shay
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
Panic! At The Disco

Top Billboard 200 Artist
WINNER: Drake
Ariana Grande
Post Malone
Travis Scott
XXXTentacion

Top Hot 100 Artist
Cardi B
WINNER: Drake
Ariana Grande
Juice Wrld
Post Malone

Top Streaming Songs Artist
Cardi B
WINNER: Drake
Ariana Grande
Post Malone
XXXTentacion

Top Song Sales Artist
WINNER: Drake
Ariana Grande
Imagine Dragons
Lady Gaga
Post Malone

Top Radio Songs Artist
Cardi B
WINNER: Drake
Ariana Grande
Maroon 5
Post Malone

Top Social Artist
WINNER: BTS
EXO
GOT7
Ariana Grande
Louis Tomlinson

Top Touring Artist
Beyoncé & JAY-Z
Bruno Mars
WINNER: Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
Justin Timberlake

Top R&B Artist
H.E.R.
Khalid
WINNER: Ella Mai
The Weeknd
XXXTentacion

Top R&B Male Artist
Khalid
WINNER: The Weeknd
XXXTentacion

Top R&B Female Artist
H.E.R.
WINNER: Ella Mai
Queen Naija

Top R&B Tour
WINNER: Beyoncé & JAY-Z
Childish Gambino
Bruno Mars

Top Rap Artist
Cardi B
WINNER: Drake
Juice Wrld
Post Malone
Travis Scott

Top Rap Male Artist
WINNER: Drake
Post Malone
Travis Scott

Top Rap Female Artist
WINNER: Cardi B
City Girls
Nicki Minaj

Top Rap Tour
WINNER: Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Drake
Travis Scott

Top Country Artist
Jason Aldean
Kane Brown
WINNER: Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line

Top Country Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Kane Brown
WINNER: Luke Combs

Top Country Female Artist
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
WINNER: Carrie Underwood

Top Country Duo/Group
WINNER: Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion

Top Country Tour
Luke Bryan
WINNER: Kenny Chesney
Shania Twain

Top Rock Artist
WINNER: Imagine Dragons
Lovelytheband
Panic! At The Disco
Queen
Twenty One Pilots

Top Rock Tour
WINNER: Elton John
The Rolling Stones
U2

Top Latin Artist
Anuel AA
Bad Bunny
J Balvin
WINNER: Ozuna
Romeo Santos

Top Dance/Electronic Artist
Calvin Harris
Kygo
Marshmello
Odesza
WINNER: The Chainsmokers

Top Christian Artist
Cory Asbury
WINNER: Lauren Daigle
For King & Country
Hillsong Worship
MercyMe

Top Gospel Artist
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tori Kelly
WINNER: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Marvin Sapp

ALBUM AWARDS
Top Billboard 200 Album
Cardi B — Invasion of Privacy
WINNER: Drake — Scorpion
Post Malone — Beerbongs & Bentleys
Travis Scott — AstroWorld
XXXTentacion — ?

Top Soundtrack
13 Reasons Why: Season 2
A Star Is Born by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
WINNER: The Greatest Showman

Top R&B Album
Ella Mai — Ella Mai
H.E.R. — H.E.R.
Khalid — American Teen
The Weeknd — My Dear Melancholy,
WINNER: XXXTentacion — 17

Top Rap Album
Cardi B — Invasion of Privacy
WINNER: Drake — Scorpion
Post Malone — Beerbongs & Bentleys
Travis Scott — AstroWorld
XXXTentacion — ?

Top Country Album
Jason Aldean — Rearview Town
Kane Brown — Kane Brown
WINNER: Luke Combs — This One’s for You
Dan + Shay — Dan + Shay
Carrie Underwood — Cry Pretty

Top Rock Album
Dave Matthews Band — Come Tomorrow
Imagine Dragons — Origins
Mumford & Sons — Delta
WINNER: Panic! at the Disco — Pray for the Wicked
Twenty One Pilots — Trench

Top Latin Album
Anuel AA — Real Hasta la Muerte
Bad Bunny — X 100pre
J Balvin — Vibras
Maluma — F.A.M.E.
WINNER: Ozuna — Aura

Top Dance/Electronic Album
Clean Bandit — What Is Love?
David Guetta — 7
Kygo — Kids in Love
Major Lazer — Major Lazer Essentials
WINNER: The Chainsmokers — Sick Boy

Top Christian Album
Cory Asbury — Reckless Love
WINNER: Lauren Daigle — Look Up Child
For King & Country — Burn the Ships
Hillsong Worship — There Is More
Zach Williams — Chain Breaker

Top Gospel Album
Snoop Dogg & Various Artists — Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love
Aretha Franklin — Gospel Greats
Koryn Hawthorne — Unstoppable
WINNER: Tori Kelly — Hiding Place
Jonathan McReynolds — Make Room

SONG AWARDS
Top Hot 100 Song
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin — “I Like It”
Juice Wrld — “Lucid Dreams”
WINNER: Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B — “Girls Like You”
Post Malone — “Better Now”
Travis Scott — “Sicko Mode”

Top Streaming Song (Audio)
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin — “I Like It”
Juice Wrld — “Lucid Dreams”
Post Malone — “Better Now”
WINNER: Travis Scott — “Sicko Mode”
XXXTentacion — “SAD!”

Top Streaming Song (Video)
WINNER: Drake — “In My Feelings”
Juice Wrld — “Lucid Dreams”
Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B — “Girls Like You”
Travis Scott — “Sicko Mode”
XXXTentacion — “SAD!”

Top Selling Song
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin — “I Like It”
Drake — “In My Feelings”
Halsey — “Without Me”
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper — “Shallow”
WINNER: Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B — “Girls Like You”

Top Radio Song
Khalid & Normani — “Love Lies”
WINNER: Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B — “Girls Like You”
Post Malone — “Better Now”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line — “Meant to Be”
Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey — “The Middle”

Top Collaboration
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin — “I Like It”
Khalid & Normani — “Love Lies”
WINNER: Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B — “Girls Like You”
Marshmello & Bastille — “Happier”
Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla $ign — “Psycho”

Top R&B Song
DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper & Quavo — “No Brainer”
WINNER: Ella Mai — “Boo’d Up”
Ella Mai — “Trip”
Khalid — “Better”
Lil Dicky ft. Chris Brown — “Freaky Friday”

Top Rap Song
WINNER: Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin — “I Like It”
Drake — “In My Feelings”
Juice Wrld — “Lucid Dreams”
Post Malone — “Better Now”
Travis Scott — “SICKO MODE”

Top Country Song
Kane Brown — “Heaven”
Luke Combs — “She Got the Best of Me”
Dan + Shay — “Speechless”
Dan + Shay — “Tequila”
WINNER: Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line — “Meant to Be”

Top Rock Song
Foster the People — “Sit Next to Me”
Imagine Dragons — “Natural”
Imagine Dragons — “Whatever It Takes”
Lovelytheband — “broken”
WINNER: Panic! At The Disco — “High Hopes”

Top Latin Song
Bad Bunny ft. Drake — “Mia”
Daddy Yankee — “Dura”
DJ Snake ft. Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B — “Taki Taki”
Nicky Jam & J Balvin — “X”
WINNER: Casper Magico, Nio Garcia, Darell, Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny & Ozuna — “Te Bote”

Top Dance/Electronic Song
DJ Snake ft. Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B — “Taki Taki”
Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa — “One Kiss”
Marshmello & Bastille — “Happier”
Tiësto & Dzeko ft. Preme & Post Malone — “Jackie Chan”
WINNER: Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey — “The Middle”

Top Christian Song
Cory Asbury — “Reckless Love”
WINNER: Lauren Daigle — “You Say”
For King & Country — “joy.”
Hillsong Worship — “Who You Say I Am”
Tauren Wells — “Known”

Top Gospel Song
Todd Dulaney — “Your Great Name”
WINNER: Koryn Hawthorne — “Won’t He Do It”
Tori Kelly ft. Kirk Franklin — “Never Alone”
Jason Nelson — “Forever”
Brian Courtney Wilson — “A Great Work”

Little Big Town To Host 2019 CMT Music Awards

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Little Big Town. Photo: Courtesy CMT

Little Big Town will return to host the 2019 CMT Music Awards for the second consecutive year. The fan-voted award show airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5 at 8 p.m. ET.

Little Big Town has graced the awards show’s stage as both hosts and honorees, with three past wins in the Group Video of the Year category and multiple performances over the years. The announcement of the chart-topping recording artists returning to host comes on the heels of the release of their critically acclaimed new song “The Daughters,” from their upcoming ninth studio album.

Carly Pearce will reveal the nominations for this year’s show on Tuesday, May 7 on NBC’s TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, along with a special performance of “Closer To You.”

Fans can purchase pre-sale tickets for the 2019 CMT Awards beginning Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster using password “BUCKLEUP”. General sale begins Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. CT.

Little Big Town To Host 2019 CMT Music Awards

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Little Big Town. Photo: Courtesy CMT

Little Big Town will return to host the 2019 CMT Music Awards for the second consecutive year. The fan-voted award show airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5 at 8 p.m. ET.

Little Big Town has graced the awards show’s stage as both hosts and honorees, with three past wins in the Group Video of the Year category and multiple performances over the years. The announcement of the chart-topping recording artists returning to host comes on the heels of the release of their critically acclaimed new song “The Daughters,” from their upcoming ninth studio album.

Carly Pearce will reveal the nominations for this year’s show on Tuesday, May 7 on NBC’s TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, along with a special performance of “Closer To You.”

Fans can purchase pre-sale tickets for the 2019 CMT Awards beginning Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster using password “BUCKLEUP”. General sale begins Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. CT.

ASCAP’s Annual Distributions Cross $1 Billion Mark For Second Straight Year

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ASCAP has released figures from 2018 and announced its annual total revenues for the year topped $1.227 billion, marking an increase of 7% over 2017.  The company’s distributions also crossed the $1 billion mark for the second year in a row, with $1.109 billion in royalties paid out to its songwriter, composer and publisher members. Distributions increased by $102 million, up 10% year-over-year.

ASCAP domestic revenue from US music licensing surpassed the prior year by 7% to hit $906 million. Audio Streaming revenue was up by 25% and Audio Visual by 7% year-over-year.  General and Background revenue, which encompasses more than 800,000 bars, grills, taverns, hotels, retail stores, fitness centers and other businesses, grew by 9%.

ASCAP secured a total of $321 million in 2018 foreign revenue, an increase of 7% over the prior year. Domestic distributions from ASCAP-licensed and administered performances in the US increased to $814 million, up 12.5% over 2017.  Foreign distributions totaled $295 million, an increase of 4%.

The number of individual music performances processed by ASCAP’s proprietary data matching systems skyrocketed into the trillions in 2018.  The company also decreased its operating expense ratio for the second consecutive year, with nearly 90 cents of each dollar collected going back to its music creator members.

“ASCAP’s outstanding 2018 results were driven by our team’s laser focus on making smart, strategic deals to yield growth and stability for our members,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “Four years into our six-year strategic plan, we are seeing healthy year-over-year compound annual revenue growth rates averaging 7%.  In 2018 alone, our commitment to efficiency and innovation allowed us to pay more than $100 million more to our members in distributions than the prior year all while we continue to take the steps necessary to protect their future.  Above all, we owe our success to the popularity of the ASCAP music repertory, which is beloved and enjoyed by listeners around the world on every platform.”

Major music creators entered into agreements with ASCAP in 2018 including Migos, Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Louis Bell, Starrah, St. Vincent, Savan Kotecha, Greg Kurstin, French Montana, Miguel, Mike Will Made-It, Kehlani, Calvin Harris, Gucci Mane, Marco Antonio Solís, Goldlink, Meek Mill, Jared Gutstadt, Ashley Gorley, Joseph Trapanese, David Vanacore, James Taylor, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Natti Natasha and the estates of Bob Marley and George Michael. Total ASCAP membership increased by approximately 46,000 in 2018 and currently stands at more than 700,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.

ASCAP’s Annual Distributions Cross $1 Billion Mark For Second Straight Year

/by

ASCAP has released figures from 2018 and announced its annual total revenues for the year topped $1.227 billion, marking an increase of 7% over 2017.  The company’s distributions also crossed the $1 billion mark for the second year in a row, with $1.109 billion in royalties paid out to its songwriter, composer and publisher members. Distributions increased by $102 million, up 10% year-over-year.

ASCAP domestic revenue from US music licensing surpassed the prior year by 7% to hit $906 million. Audio Streaming revenue was up by 25% and Audio Visual by 7% year-over-year.  General and Background revenue, which encompasses more than 800,000 bars, grills, taverns, hotels, retail stores, fitness centers and other businesses, grew by 9%.

ASCAP secured a total of $321 million in 2018 foreign revenue, an increase of 7% over the prior year. Domestic distributions from ASCAP-licensed and administered performances in the US increased to $814 million, up 12.5% over 2017.  Foreign distributions totaled $295 million, an increase of 4%.

The number of individual music performances processed by ASCAP’s proprietary data matching systems skyrocketed into the trillions in 2018.  The company also decreased its operating expense ratio for the second consecutive year, with nearly 90 cents of each dollar collected going back to its music creator members.

“ASCAP’s outstanding 2018 results were driven by our team’s laser focus on making smart, strategic deals to yield growth and stability for our members,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “Four years into our six-year strategic plan, we are seeing healthy year-over-year compound annual revenue growth rates averaging 7%.  In 2018 alone, our commitment to efficiency and innovation allowed us to pay more than $100 million more to our members in distributions than the prior year all while we continue to take the steps necessary to protect their future.  Above all, we owe our success to the popularity of the ASCAP music repertory, which is beloved and enjoyed by listeners around the world on every platform.”

Major music creators entered into agreements with ASCAP in 2018 including Migos, Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Louis Bell, Starrah, St. Vincent, Savan Kotecha, Greg Kurstin, French Montana, Miguel, Mike Will Made-It, Kehlani, Calvin Harris, Gucci Mane, Marco Antonio Solís, Goldlink, Meek Mill, Jared Gutstadt, Ashley Gorley, Joseph Trapanese, David Vanacore, James Taylor, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Natti Natasha and the estates of Bob Marley and George Michael. Total ASCAP membership increased by approximately 46,000 in 2018 and currently stands at more than 700,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.

Dolly Parton Appoints IMG As Global Licensing Representative

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

Dolly Parton has appointed IMG as her first exclusive global licensing representative. Parton is already a client in North America of IMG partner company WME, where she signed in 2018.

The multi-year partnership will see IMG work with Dolly to create a lifestyle brand that will provide new touchpoints for the eight-time Grammy Award winner’s fans around the world. A diverse range of licensed consumer product initiatives will be explored, including everything from fashion and jewelry to homeware and accessories.

Parton said, “I am excited to be working with IMG on a global scale to give my fans products that they will cherish for years to come. You might even see my mug on a mug!”

“I’m so excited for Dolly to partner with IMG globally. Dolly’s brand is already proven and we are excited to take it to the next level,” said Dolly’s Manager, Danny Nozell, CEO of CTK Management.

Gary Krakower, Vice President of Licensing, IMG, said: “Dolly Parton is an international icon and we are thrilled to be working with her. Together, we look forward to building cohesive lifestyle brand products that will celebrate Dolly and bring her iconic style and personality to her millions of fans worldwide in engaging new ways.”

Achieving 25 RIAA certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum awards, Dolly Parton has had 26 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard country charts, a record for a female artist. In addition to the Grammys, she has had 10 Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, four People’s Choice Awards, and three American Music Awards, and has sold over 100 million albums worldwide.

In fall 2019, Netflix will release an eight-part anthology film series called Heartstrings through Dolly’s Sandollar Productions in association with Sam Haskell’s Magnolia Hill Productions. Each film in the series will center on one of her masterful songs. This year also marks the 33rd anniversary season of Dollywood, Dolly’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., which has hosted more than two million visitors annually since its opening in 1986.

Dolly Parton Appoints IMG As Global Licensing Representative

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

Dolly Parton has appointed IMG as her first exclusive global licensing representative. Parton is already a client in North America of IMG partner company WME, where she signed in 2018.

The multi-year partnership will see IMG work with Dolly to create a lifestyle brand that will provide new touchpoints for the eight-time Grammy Award winner’s fans around the world. A diverse range of licensed consumer product initiatives will be explored, including everything from fashion and jewelry to homeware and accessories.

Parton said, “I am excited to be working with IMG on a global scale to give my fans products that they will cherish for years to come. You might even see my mug on a mug!”

“I’m so excited for Dolly to partner with IMG globally. Dolly’s brand is already proven and we are excited to take it to the next level,” said Dolly’s Manager, Danny Nozell, CEO of CTK Management.

Gary Krakower, Vice President of Licensing, IMG, said: “Dolly Parton is an international icon and we are thrilled to be working with her. Together, we look forward to building cohesive lifestyle brand products that will celebrate Dolly and bring her iconic style and personality to her millions of fans worldwide in engaging new ways.”

Achieving 25 RIAA certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum awards, Dolly Parton has had 26 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard country charts, a record for a female artist. In addition to the Grammys, she has had 10 Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, four People’s Choice Awards, and three American Music Awards, and has sold over 100 million albums worldwide.

In fall 2019, Netflix will release an eight-part anthology film series called Heartstrings through Dolly’s Sandollar Productions in association with Sam Haskell’s Magnolia Hill Productions. Each film in the series will center on one of her masterful songs. This year also marks the 33rd anniversary season of Dollywood, Dolly’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., which has hosted more than two million visitors annually since its opening in 1986.

CMA Foundation Honors Top Music Teachers At Fourth Annual Awards

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The CMA Foundation held its fourth annual Music Teachers of Excellence event on Tuesday night (April 30) honoring 30 music educators from across the country for their exemplary work. The invite-only program was live streamed from Marathon Music Works in Nashville.

Hosted by Dierks Bentley, the event honored 10 music educators from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across the state of Tennessee, and 10 from across the U.S. Honorees were selected for their dedication to bringing a high-quality music program to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music. The celebration included dinner with 26 artists from the country music community and performances from Bentley.

Bentley also welcomed his children’s music teacher, Bakari King, as his special guest for the evening. During the event, students from CMA Foundation grantee Granbery Elementary School in Brentwood, Tennessee joined Bentley for a performance of his current single, “Living.”

“Without effective, innovative, and talented music teachers – and the support of their principals, superintendents, parents and the greater community – successful music programs would not be possible,” said CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns. “It has become increasingly obvious that investing in teachers is vital to the well-being and success of our students and helps to strengthen the ecosystem of arts education. This event is our way of showing our support as you overcome some challenges to change lives in your classrooms every day. We see your strength. We hear you. We celebrate you.”

In addition to Tuesday’s celebration, the CMA Foundation has invested a total of $5,000 to each recipient – $2,500 for each teacher’s music program and $2,500 to use for whatever they’d like, with past winners using their award earnings for down payments on homes, continuing education, to record their own music, and more. U.S. Bank is this year’s Music Teacher of Excellence Awards supporting partner, continuing its ongoing partnership with the CMA Foundation.

2019 Music Teachers of Excellence Tennessee Award Recipients:

Bryant Adler, Alcoa Intermediate School, Alcoa City Schools – Alcoa, TN
Kathryn Affainie, Granbery Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Brentwood, TN
Josephine Cappelletti, Coulter Grove Intermediate School, Maryville City Schools – Maryville, TN
Benjamin Easley, Nolensville High School, Williamson County Schools – Nolensville, TN
Carole Smith Grooms, Freedom Middle School, Franklin City Elementary School District – Franklin, TN
Sherie Grossman, Mt. Juliet High School, Wilson County School District – Mt. Juliet, TN
John Hazlett, McGavock High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Michael Holland, Nolensville High School, Williamson County Schools – Nashville, TN
Trey Jacobs, Nashville School of the Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Kevin Jankowski, W.H. Oliver Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Robbin Johnston, Clarksville High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System – Clarksville, TN
Spencer Nesvick, Houston Middle School, Germantown Municipal School District – Germantown, TN
Denise Rives, Barksdale Elementary School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System – Clarksville, TN
Matthew Taylor, Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Alice Asako Walle, Waverly Belmont Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Susan Waters, W.H. Oliver Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Anna Laura Williams, Siegel Middle School, Rutherford County Schools – Murfreesboro, TN
Franklin Willis, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Old Hickory, TN
Frank Zimmerer, Antioch High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Antioch, TN
Ben Zolkower, Hillwood High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN

2019 Music Teachers of Excellence National Award Recipients
 
Kevin Brawley, Torrence Creek Elementary School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools – Huntersville, NC
Sheldon Frazier, North Cobb High School, Cobb County School District – Kennesaw, GA
Robyn Starks Holcomb, Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls School District – Sioux Falls, SD
Jeff Horenstein, Meadowdale High School, Edmonds School District – Lynnwood, WA
Theresa Kennedy, Jamestown Middle School, Guilford County Schools – Jamestown, NC
Chris Maunu, Arvada West High School, Jefferson County R-1 School District – Arvada, CO
Henry Miller, Sierra Vista Middle School, Irvine Unified School District – Irvine, CA
Amy Rangel, Glendale High School, Glendale Unified School District – Glendale, CA

CMA Foundation Honors Top Music Teachers At Fourth Annual Awards

/by

The CMA Foundation held its fourth annual Music Teachers of Excellence event on Tuesday night (April 30) honoring 30 music educators from across the country for their exemplary work. The invite-only program was live streamed from Marathon Music Works in Nashville.

Hosted by Dierks Bentley, the event honored 10 music educators from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across the state of Tennessee, and 10 from across the U.S. Honorees were selected for their dedication to bringing a high-quality music program to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music. The celebration included dinner with 26 artists from the country music community and performances from Bentley.

Bentley also welcomed his children’s music teacher, Bakari King, as his special guest for the evening. During the event, students from CMA Foundation grantee Granbery Elementary School in Brentwood, Tennessee joined Bentley for a performance of his current single, “Living.”

“Without effective, innovative, and talented music teachers – and the support of their principals, superintendents, parents and the greater community – successful music programs would not be possible,” said CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns. “It has become increasingly obvious that investing in teachers is vital to the well-being and success of our students and helps to strengthen the ecosystem of arts education. This event is our way of showing our support as you overcome some challenges to change lives in your classrooms every day. We see your strength. We hear you. We celebrate you.”

In addition to Tuesday’s celebration, the CMA Foundation has invested a total of $5,000 to each recipient – $2,500 for each teacher’s music program and $2,500 to use for whatever they’d like, with past winners using their award earnings for down payments on homes, continuing education, to record their own music, and more. U.S. Bank is this year’s Music Teacher of Excellence Awards supporting partner, continuing its ongoing partnership with the CMA Foundation.

2019 Music Teachers of Excellence Tennessee Award Recipients:

Bryant Adler, Alcoa Intermediate School, Alcoa City Schools – Alcoa, TN
Kathryn Affainie, Granbery Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Brentwood, TN
Josephine Cappelletti, Coulter Grove Intermediate School, Maryville City Schools – Maryville, TN
Benjamin Easley, Nolensville High School, Williamson County Schools – Nolensville, TN
Carole Smith Grooms, Freedom Middle School, Franklin City Elementary School District – Franklin, TN
Sherie Grossman, Mt. Juliet High School, Wilson County School District – Mt. Juliet, TN
John Hazlett, McGavock High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Michael Holland, Nolensville High School, Williamson County Schools – Nashville, TN
Trey Jacobs, Nashville School of the Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Kevin Jankowski, W.H. Oliver Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Robbin Johnston, Clarksville High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System – Clarksville, TN
Spencer Nesvick, Houston Middle School, Germantown Municipal School District – Germantown, TN
Denise Rives, Barksdale Elementary School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System – Clarksville, TN
Matthew Taylor, Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Alice Asako Walle, Waverly Belmont Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Susan Waters, W.H. Oliver Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN
Anna Laura Williams, Siegel Middle School, Rutherford County Schools – Murfreesboro, TN
Franklin Willis, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Old Hickory, TN
Frank Zimmerer, Antioch High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Antioch, TN
Ben Zolkower, Hillwood High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools – Nashville, TN

2019 Music Teachers of Excellence National Award Recipients
 
Kevin Brawley, Torrence Creek Elementary School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools – Huntersville, NC
Sheldon Frazier, North Cobb High School, Cobb County School District – Kennesaw, GA
Robyn Starks Holcomb, Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls School District – Sioux Falls, SD
Jeff Horenstein, Meadowdale High School, Edmonds School District – Lynnwood, WA
Theresa Kennedy, Jamestown Middle School, Guilford County Schools – Jamestown, NC
Chris Maunu, Arvada West High School, Jefferson County R-1 School District – Arvada, CO
Henry Miller, Sierra Vista Middle School, Irvine Unified School District – Irvine, CA
Amy Rangel, Glendale High School, Glendale Unified School District – Glendale, CA

Michael W. Smith Honored For Three Decades Of Influential Hits

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Michael W. Smith. Photo: Kurt Heinecke

Contemporary Christian Music luminary Michael W. Smith was honored last night (April 30) by the top names in Contemporary Christian, Gospel, country and pop music, for his 35-year career in music. Notably, in the same time span, Smith has earned 35 No. 1 singles.

Host Kathie Lee Gifford said that the original idea for the concert was to welcome 35 artists to celebrate 35 years, but interest from the artist community swelled, and last night more than 50 artists gathered to perform three hours’ worth of songs recorded or written by Smith, as well as some classic hymns and surprises.

Gifford began the evening by bringing out Smith and his wife Deborah, who took their seats on stage. But when artists are honoring a talented singer/songwriter/pianist whose music helped shape what became the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) genre, and who also penned numerous classics such as Amy Grant’s “Thy Word” as well as his own 1983 hit “Great Is The Lord” (which he co-wrote with his wife Debbie), and his 1991 crossover hit “Place In This World” (co-written with Amy Grant), it’s tempting to bring him in for collaborations, which they did often throughout the evening.

Amy Grant, Wynonna, Randy Travis, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jordin Sparks with Jordan Smith, Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, Charlie Daniels, the Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill with Wayne Kirkpatrick, Matthew West, Avalon, The Oak Ridge Boys, CeCe Winans, Francesca Battistelli, Sandi Patty, Natalie Grant, Ricky Skaggs with the Isaacs, Jason Crabb, Lee Greenwood, Mark Lowry, Jim Brickman, T. Graham Brown and more performed throughout the evening.

Several video messages came from former President George W. Bush, U2’s Bono and Franklin Graham.

Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell offered a stunning vocal that held closely to Smith’s original on “Place In This World.” Matthew West offered “Go West Young Man,” while Charlie Daniels offered the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” before giving up one of his own signature hits.

“This is probably the most secular song ever, but Michael wants it and Michael gets it,” Daniels said, before bringing fire and fiddle for a rendition of “Devil Went Down To Georgia,” as Smith joined on piano and background vocals.

Rascal Flatts offered a moving rendition of “Pray For Me,” and later Randy Travis walked onstage with his wife Mary Travis, where they greeted and hugged Smith.

Smith was later joined onstage by the members of his original band. They brought him an original tour jacket, before he sat behind the piano for “Could He Be Messiah,” “Be Strong,” and “You Need A Savior.”

MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard greeted the crowd, and explained that though the band was set to perform, he was sick with laryngitis. He invited Smith to take his place to lead his hit “Secret Ambition.”

Several comedians were also featured throughout the evening, including Steve Lowry, who performed a snippet of his parody “Face In This World.” “We are the same age,” he joked, looking at Smith. “While I was doing ministry, someone was getting facials,” he quipped.

The show closed with Smith joining longtime friend, co-writer, and tourmate Amy Grant at the piano, as she performed her classic “Thy Word,” before they were joined by the rest of the cast of performers for Smith’s signature “Friends.”

Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox with Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell. Photo: Kurt Heinecke

“35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith” full setlist:
Phil Keaggy, Mac Powell, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Point of Grace – “Agnus Dei”
Jason Crabb – “Love Crusade”
Ricky Skaggs with The Isaacs – “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Zach Williams – “I’ll Stand”
David Hamilton – Instrumental
David Hamilton, Jordin Sparks, Jordan Smith – “All is Well”
Matthew West – “Go West”
Charlie Daniels – “How Great Thou Art”
Charlie Daniels with Michael W. Smith – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”
Jars of Clay – “I’ll Lead You Home”
Rascal Flatts – “Pray for Me”
Avalon with Jay DeMarcus – “I Will Be Here”
Mark Lowry – “Face in This World”
Gatlin Brothers with Phillips, Craig & Dean – “Shine On Us”
Sandi Patty and Natalie Grant – “How Majestic”
Jim Brickman – “Love of My Life”
Michael W. Smith with original band – “Could He Be Messiah,” “Be Strong,” “You Need a Savior”
Randy Travis and Steven Curtis Chapman – “Above All”
Lee Greenwood with Wes King and sons – “There She Stands”
Brian Littrell – “Place in This World”
Michael W. Smith – “Secret Ambition”
Oak Ridge Boys – “Draw Me Close”
Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Katinas, Matthew Ward, Calvin Nowell – “Crown Him with Many Crowns, ” “Easter Song”
CeCe Winans with Point of Grace – “King of Glory”
Matt Maher – “This is Your Time”
Laura Story with Francesca Battistelli – “How to Say Goodbye”
Russ Taff – “Healing Rain”
Wayne Kirkpatrick with Vince Gill – “Never Been Unloved”
Mark Hall – “I’m Waiting on You”
Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon, Wynonna, CeCe Winans – “Help Is on the Way”
Wynonna – “Majesty”
Amy Grant with Michael W. Smith – “Love Will Find a Way,” “Thy Word”
All sing including T. Graham Brown – “Friends”

Wynonna with Michael W. Smith. Photo: Gretchen Demonbreun

Scott Hamilton with Vince Gill. Photo: Kurt Heinecke

Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. Photo: Gretchen Demonbreun