Photos: Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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The GMA Foundation (GMAF) inducted Aretha Franklin, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Rex Humbard, Love Song and Ricky Skaggs as the newest members of the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 during a gala at Trinity Music City in Hendersonville, TN.

Those honoring the careers of the new Hall of Fame members were Dailey & Vincent, Dottie Peoples, Gordon Mote, Greg Long, The Isaacs, Jamie Grace, Michael W. Smith and The Talleys. The evening was hosted by Jason Crabb and Jaci Velasquez. The ceremony was taped by Trinity Broadcasting Network for future broadcast.

Pictured: The family of Rex Humbard, Dallas Holm, Love Song, Ricky Skaggs and The Hoppers. Photo by Gretchen Demonbreun / The Judy Nelon Group / GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Hosts Jaci Velasquez (L) and Jason Crabb (R). Photo by Michael Ernst / The Judy Nelon Group / GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame

The Talleys and The Hoppers perform during the induction of The Hoppers. Photo by Jim Sulcer / The Judy Nelon Group / GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Gordon Mote (L) and Dallas Holm (R) perform during the induction of Dallas Holm. Photo by Jim Sulcer / The Judy Nelon Group / GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Snapshots (8/03/12)

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The Band Perry, Justin Moore, The Mavericks, Sunny Sweeney and Greg Bates entertained Country music and racing fans alike prior the Brickyard 400 last Sunday (7/29). Each was also showcased on the No. 38 car, driven by Front Row Motorsports’ David Gilliland. Fans have the opportunity win a race-used firesuit and a guitar signed by the artists. Visit www.RacecarsAndCountryStars.com for details. This marks the second consecutive year for the label to participate as a presenting sponsor at the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(L-R): Sunny Sweeney; Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta; Greg Bates; Justin Moore; David Gilliland and The Band Perry’s Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry hit the track to check out the No. 38 car just before the engines start.

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Carrie Underwood made her CMA Songwriters Series debut July 31 in a sold-out performance at Royale in downtown Boston. Underwood, a respected songwriter in her own right with seven of her 15 No. 1 hits as co-writes, was joined by respected Nashville songwriters Brett James, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and CMA Songwriters Series host Bob DiPiero. The show also streamed live on CMASongwritersSeries.com.

(L-R) BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations and CMA Board Member, Jody Williams; Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO and CMA Board Chairman, Gary Overton; CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Sheri Warnke; songwriter Luke Laird; Underwood; songwriter and CMA Board Member, Brett James; songwriter Hillary Lindsey; songwriter, CMA Songwriters Series host, and CMA Board member, Bob DiPiero; CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore; and XIX Entertainment Manager and CMA Board member, Ann Edelblute. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

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Bucky Covington recently attended the 51st Annual International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Convention held in Philadelphia, PA, where IAFF President Harold Schaitberger surprised him with a personalized Fire Fighter helmet to thank him for his work with the organization. Over the last year, Bucky has been working closely with Help The Good Guys and the IAFF Charitable Foundation to provide financial relief to injured fire fighters and their families. Covington will be releasing his sophomore album Good Guys on September 11 with a portion of the proceeds from the first week sales benefiting the IAFF Charitable Foundation.

Covington (L) and Schaitberger (R) Photo: Jocelyn Augustino

Aaron Lewis to Host Charity Golf Tournament

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The inaugural Aaron Lewis Invitational Charity Golf Tournament is set for Saturday, August 11, at the award-winning Crumpin-Fox Golf Club in Bernardson, MA.

The event is hosted by It Takes A Community Foundation, the charitable 501c3 organization started by multi-Platinum recording artist Aaron Lewis and his wife Vanessa, along with Crumpin-Fox Golf Club and Zeke’s Smokehouse Grill. All the proceeds will benefit the R.H. Conwell Community Education Center in Worthington, MA.

The tournament entry fee includes a round of golf with cart, a tee gift package, contests, lunch, a cocktail and dinner reception plus an evening concert featuring a performance from Lewis. Sponsorship packages are available. Please visit www.itacf.org for more information.

Corey Wagar – Take Ya Back

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Country music’s latest rockin’ phenomenon, Corey Wagar, is ready to “Take Ya Back” with her brand new single.

Corey, who is known for her ‘sweet and sassy’ sound is here to give radio folks a song that will bring back memories of listening to their favorite artists on the radio. “Take Ya Back” was penned by Corey with Beau Fuller and Cece DuBois and produced by Kent Wells (Dolly Parton), who also produced her debut album.

Corey’s last single was the girl-power anthem “I Hate My Boyfriend,” which reached No. 32 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. Additionally, the Country Music Association named her the “Who New To Watch 2012” artist in CMA Close Up.

This country music spitfire has found a knack for “Jersey meets Nashville” music. Corey has recently opened for the Charlie Daniels Band, LeAnn Rimes and Lee Brice, and her fan base continues to grow. She will also be in Nashville for the CMA Music Festival June 7-10.

www.coreywagar.com
www.facebook.com/CoreyWagarOfficial
www.twitter.com/CoreyWagar

Little Big Town To Host 2012 Ride For a Cure

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Country foursome Little Big Town is back to host the 2012 Ride For a Cure on Sunday, June 10, marking the group’s sixth consecutive year hosting. All proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation.

The event will stay true to form with the exception of a new starting location for registration and the pre-ride Jam Session that will be Mickey Roo’s (509 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN 37069) in the Kroger Independence Square parking lot on Hillsboro Pike. Registration begins at 8 am. Pre-ride entertainment will include Cali Rodi and riders will depart at 10:30 am for the Harley-Davidson Columbia Superstore.

Post-ride festivities will begin at 12 pm and include a lunch hosted by Applebee’s, an All-Star Jam Session with performances by Lauren Alaina, Dean Alexander, Love and Theft and Little Big Town as well as a live auction for all attendees.

Marty McIntosh – Looking For Reasons

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Marty McIntosh is proud to present country radio with his new single “Looking For Reasons,” which is going for immediate adds.

With the help of producer and friend David Frizzell, Indiana native McIntosh recorded his first album The American Night for Nashville America Records. The title cut, written by Dennis Knutson and Roger Allan Wade, was released to radio with a party-filled music video filmed on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, where McIntosh currently resides. A star-studded CD release party was held in Alabama to the delight his hometown fans.

McIntosh’s fan base continues to grow as he performs regionally and through appearances like the world famous Midnight Jamboree, America’s second oldest continuous radio show. Additionally, he has shared the stage with Ronnie McDowell, T.G. Sheppard, Razzy Bailey, Little Texas, Collin Raye and a host of other great artists.

www.martymcintoshmusic.com

Tracy Lawrence Hosts 2nd Annual Golf & Concert For A Cure

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Tracy Lawrence

For the second year, Tracy Lawrence will host his Golf & Concert For A Cure benefiting Lace Up 4 Pink and Susan G. Komen of Greater Nashville on April 29-30.

The multi-day charity event will begin at 6 pm Sun., April 29 with a concert at The Mill in Lebanon, TN featuring Lawrence, Ira Dean, The Roys, Lorrie Morgan, Joanna Smith, Rick Huckaby, and special guests. WSIX radio afternoon DJ Anthony Allen joins as special guest host for the concert and live auction.

The golf tournament will be held on Mon., April 30 at the Five Oaks Golf & Country Club in Lebanon with the LPGA tour’s Angela Stanford, Kristy McPerson, Gerina Piller, and the NFL’s Glenn Streno. Additional music and media celebrities include Cathy Martindale, Rick Marino, Lisa Manning, Dave Innis and Paul Gregg of Restless Heart, Cory Hildreth, Ty Brown, Kim Tribble, Don Ellis Gatlin, and Scotty Alexander.

“This is a special event for me and for a great cause,” said Lawrence. “Over 200,000 women are affected by breast cancer each year. The Golf & Concert For A Cure will help provide local communities with the vital resources needed to combat the disease and one day find a cure.”

Tickets for the concert and tournament can be purchased online here.

Brian Grilli – Damn Good Day

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For rising star Brian Grilli, recording and producing an album of songs to showcase his songwriting and musicianship is a dream come true. Brian’s song “Letters from An Outlaw” is to be featured on Season 7 of “Sons of Anarchy” and is on Brian’s solo debut album, “Damn Good Day.” Brian, who was formerly in the Regional Act, “The Trailerhood,” is venturing out into virgin territory as a solo act.

“I think of all my influences first trying to make it as new artists and how they were willing to take risks and try anything, and I admire that.” The risks that Brian is willing to take are reflected in the album’s eclectic offering. Taking country music even further into the rock arena, his tracks have busted genres. The album was recorded at Clay Garden Studio in Norfolk, VA, with Brad Rosenberg at the helm of the console, and it was mastered by Richard Dodd. It features 11 tracks that have Brian playing all guitars, mandolin, banjo and lap steel. In Brian’s words, these are “some of the best songs I’ve ever written.”

Brian describes his own music as fun and youthful while at the same time signifying deep meaning.  “Music is about stories. Some of those stories can be meaningful and still be fun. I never write a song that I think I or other folks can’t relate to in some way, shape, or form. My music will always reflect who I am.”

A former Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and an Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Brian hopes that his music will provide a new means for him to give back to his community.  “I would like to give back to Wounded Warriors and Veterans for protecting this country and our freedoms.”

Brian has had the opportunity to perform across the US, from his hometown in Virginia Beach, VA to The Viper Room in Los Angeles.  Brian has shared bigger stages with Cheap Trick, Sarah Darling, Smithereens, Lucero and Iggy Pop among others.

Following his upcoming hometown performances to perform songs from his new album, Brian will be promoting “Damn Good Day” nationwide with his band The Southern Prophets. Brian also knows that, with the support of family and friends on his side, anything is possible for him to achieve his goals. “Everyone has dreams…” he states. “I am just going for mine now and giving it my best shot!”

www.briangrillimusic.com

 

David Frizzell — “Say Hello To Heaven”

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“I gave David Frizzell’s new song ‘Say Hello To Heaven’ a spin during my morning show and the phone started ringing immediately. Not one call was negative and one call in particular almost moved me to tears. I had a father call in who had lost his daughter to a drunk driver. He was sobbing and wanted me to tell David thank you. He said hearing the song almost makes him want to forgive the drunk driver who took his daughter from him. Tell David thank you for such a great song…this is what country radio is all about. I challenge my fellow programmers to put this song on the air and just let their listeners decide if this song should be heard. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…I was.”
—Mike Thomas, KFAV, Warrenton, MO

“We tested ‘Say Hello To Heaven’ on our ‘Smash or Trash’ program. I issued a 3 tissue alert. Both women and men voted, and for the first time in a long time, we received 100% Smash! They could hear the pain in David’s voice as he delivers this story like the pro he is.”
—Bill Booth, WKDZ, Cadiz, KY 

David Frizzell is raising awareness for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) with his new single, “Say Hello To Heaven.” Written by Nashville producer Buddy Hyatt, the song tells the story of a wife and mother who dies in a car accident.

April is the annual observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, and this year Frizzell’s promotion will benefit MADD thanks to the support of Liberty Tax Service. The cause is a personal one for Frizzell. His niece lost her life on her 32nd birthday in a 1998 accident involving a drunk driver.

“Madd was there even before I or others in the family could get there,” Frizzell said. “They provided so much care and support; services that I had no idea they offered.”

The single made its national television debut in a very special installment of the “Frizzell & Friends” franchise on RFD-TV. Taped at The Texas Troubadour Theater, home of the famed Midnight Jamboree radio show, the special featured appearances by Buddy Hyatt, Jett Williams, Jimmy Fortune, and Moe Bandy. 

Frizzell’s book on the life of his brother Lefty Frizzell, I Love You a Thousand Ways, was named one of the top music books of 2011 by CMT. The foreword was written by family friend, Merle Haggard.

http://www.davidfrizzell.com/

Steve Richard — “Toothbrush”

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Force MP Entertainment artist Steve Richard is offering “Toothbrush” as his latest single to Country radio. Here’s a sampling of what the tastemakers are saying:

“Definitely Steve’s best release to date and quite possibly the catchiest song so far this year!”
—Kelly Green 100.9 The Farm/WEIO, Huntingdon, TN

“This may be just what a playlist needs..great song with a cool message and not the same old sound.”
—Ken Dillon, PD, KDKD FM/AM, Clinton MO

“THIS is the song you’ve been waiting for from Steve, it’s such a fun song (and so true when you think about it). It’ll melt your listeners’ hearts! Plus it’s short and uptempo, PERFECT for that Spring/Summer book!”
 —Jim Quinton, Chief Operator/PD/MD, Mountain Country 103.9 & 94.3 FM, WPPL-FM, Blue Ridge, GA

“This song will show the world your teeth as you smile and sing along. Steve Richard hits it out of the park…5 out of 5 dentists will agree this song shines!”
—Ted Cramer, WIFE-FM

Steve Richard’s musical journey has never been about labels. A dynamic performer, he has toured with rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Dickey Betts, as well as country greats Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry and Craig Morgan.

“The positive response we’re getting is exciting and gratifying,” said Richard. “I realized a long time ago that the most important thing a songwriter or singer can do is reach people. I’m very grateful to be connecting with so many people. I thank Country radio for playing my two highest charting singles to date, ‘Eighty Acre Church,’ and ‘Love’s Gotta Go Somewhere,’ and I thank all of you, in advance, for your support of ‘Toothbrush.'”

http://www.steverichardmusic.com