Pictured with Chapman are Sue Havlish, Vanderbilt University Press (L) and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum VP of Museum Programs Jay Orr (R) Photo Credit: John Russell
Marshall Chapman performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Oct. 30 to celebrate the official release of her new book, They Came To Nashville. The book features Chapman’s conversations with fifteen artist-songwriters, including Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson and Miranda Lambert, about their first forays to Music City.
•••
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s critically acclaimed exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Presented by SunTrust exhibit has been refreshed with dozens of new artifacts such as notebooks filled with the handwritten musings, lyrics and notes of Hank Williams; an electric guitar crafted of bone and alligator hide; and a Pulitzer Prize. The exhibit, which opened in March 2008, was originally scheduled to close at the end of 2009, but has been extended through Dec. 31, 2011.
Additionally, the museum has debuted Family Tradition Encore, an exclusive online version of the exhibition that features video, photographs, awards, documents and other content not on display in the museum’s galleries. Family Tradition Encore can be viewed here.
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Hank Williams Jr.’s oldest daughter, Hilary Williams, has penned a new autobiography, Sign of Life: A Story of Family, Tragedy, Music, and Healing. She will visit the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Sat., November 6, for a special program in the Museum’s Ford Theater. The program, which is presented in conjunction with the Museum’s exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Presented by SunTrust, will begin at 1:30 p.m.; it is included with Museum admission and is free to Museum members. It will be streamed live at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.
During the program, which will be hosted by Family Tradition co-curator Michael McCall, Williams will discuss some of the stories she shares in Sign of Life, including her experiences growing up as a member of country music’s first family. She will also perform. Following the program, Williams will sign copies of her book in the Museum Store. Please visit the Museum’s web site for complete details.
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The Museum will offer two additional Family Tradition-themed programs in November: Country Costume Design and the Williams Family Style on Saturday, November 20 at 1 p.m.; and a film screening of two episodes of National Life Grand Ole Opry, both of which feature performances by Hank Williams Jr., on Sunday, November 28 at 2 p.m. Country Costume Design, a hands-on program geared toward children ages 5 to 15, will explore the stage wear of the Williams family and teach kids the basics of costume design. The program will be led by Katy K, nationally recognized western-wear designer and owner of the Nashville boutique Katy K’s Ranch Dressing. The 1965–66 episodes of National Life Grand Ole Opry include 16-year-old Hank Jr. performing with his band, the Cheatin’ Hearts. Both programs are free.
Events At The Hall: Williams Family Exhibit, Marshall Chapman
/by MichellePictured with Chapman are Sue Havlish, Vanderbilt University Press (L) and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum VP of Museum Programs Jay Orr (R) Photo Credit: John Russell
Marshall Chapman performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Oct. 30 to celebrate the official release of her new book, They Came To Nashville. The book features Chapman’s conversations with fifteen artist-songwriters, including Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson and Miranda Lambert, about their first forays to Music City.
•••
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s critically acclaimed exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Presented by SunTrust exhibit has been refreshed with dozens of new artifacts such as notebooks filled with the handwritten musings, lyrics and notes of Hank Williams; an electric guitar crafted of bone and alligator hide; and a Pulitzer Prize. The exhibit, which opened in March 2008, was originally scheduled to close at the end of 2009, but has been extended through Dec. 31, 2011.
•••
During the program, which will be hosted by Family Tradition co-curator Michael McCall, Williams will discuss some of the stories she shares in Sign of Life, including her experiences growing up as a member of country music’s first family. She will also perform. Following the program, Williams will sign copies of her book in the Museum Store. Please visit the Museum’s web site for complete details.
•••
The Museum will offer two additional Family Tradition-themed programs in November: Country Costume Design and the Williams Family Style on Saturday, November 20 at 1 p.m.; and a film screening of two episodes of National Life Grand Ole Opry, both of which feature performances by Hank Williams Jr., on Sunday, November 28 at 2 p.m. Country Costume Design, a hands-on program geared toward children ages 5 to 15, will explore the stage wear of the Williams family and teach kids the basics of costume design. The program will be led by Katy K, nationally recognized western-wear designer and owner of the Nashville boutique Katy K’s Ranch Dressing. The 1965–66 episodes of National Life Grand Ole Opry include 16-year-old Hank Jr. performing with his band, the Cheatin’ Hearts. Both programs are free.
Worley’s Cancer Center; Lawrence’s Turkey Fry; Tippin/Stroud Benefit CD
/by Sarah SkatesTippin and Stroud with the WO Smith School students at Ocean Way Studios.
I WANNA PLAY!: An Album To Put Musical Instruments Into The Hands Of Every Child In America was co-produced by Aaron Tippin and James Stroud, and features Lorrie Morgan, George Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Ray Price, Neal Sedaka and more. And making a special vocal appearance are the students of W.O. Smith Music School. Tippin is also set for a Toys for Tots benefit concert November 13 at The Mill at Lebanon, TN.
••••The Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center in Savannah, TN is celebrating its grand opening today (11/3). Fans can watch the event live on USTREAM.TV beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT. Worley’s foundation has pledged $600,000 towards the construction of the new facility.
Tracy Lawrence
••••Tracy Lawrence will host his Mission Possible Turkey Fry on Tuesday, November 23 to benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission. Joining in on the outdoor fry festivities will be Brad Arnold, GAC’s Suzanne Alexander, Burns & Poe, Chelsea Field, Matt Gary, LoCash Cowboys, Lathan Moore, Lorrie Morgan, Danielle Peck, The Roys, Jett Williams and the Titans Cheerleaders. WKDF, WSIX and WSM-FM/The Wolf will be on-site for the public event. Since the Mission Possible inception, Lawrence and his friends have donated more than 5,000 turkeys, provided nearly 35,000 meals for the homeless and raised more than $100,000.
Kelly Parkes
/by ProgrammerPlaylistEdge Records/Lofton Creek
Kelly Parkes is releasing her new single “Nothing” to country radio. The feisty 23 year-old from rural Lancaster County, Penn., loves performing and cites Carrie Underwood as her favorite vocalist. Her recording session was produced by Darran Smith (Tim McGraw) and Lofton Creek Records chief Mike Borchetta.
Parkes also recently sang the national anthem live on the SPEED Channel for a NASCAR truck race. She will be heading out on an extensive fall and winter radio promotion tour soon and she is eager to perform for programmers.
“I’m a ham,” she says. “I’ve always been a ham. I love what I do and I love that I get to do it…When I see someone on stage performing, I want to be the one up there performing.”
http://www.myspace.com/kellyparkes
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ACM Names New Board
/by Sarah SkatesIn addition to the elected positions, director-at-large positions have been appointed by Chairman Bill Mayne, President Sarah Trahern and Vice President Butch Waugh.
Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves staggered two-year terms, with half the board membership changing each year.
Newly elected and appointed directors:
ACM Board of Directors, new and returning:
Steve Richard
/by ProgrammerPlaylistForce MP
“Steve Richard paints a warm picture of rural America with ‘Eighty Acre Church’ and our listeners can truly relate. It’s a great song, and I know I’ll never look at an old man on a tractor the same way again!”
Lee Richey, PD/MD, WCJW/Warsaw, NY
“Steve Richard is one of the most talented, insightful singer/songwriters in today’s country music scene. ‘Eighty Acre Church’ gives the listener hope that no matter what challenges you’re faced with, you will survive with your faith.”
Clanci Whatley, PD/MD WQSI/Auburn, AL
“Steve Richard ‘Stomp’ed his way right onto our airwaves and now with ‘Eighty Acre Church,’ he has embraced our souls. Cruising down a Texas Hill Country highway with the tune playing over the hum of the tires, you look out across fields and understand… you’re not alone.”
Dawn Dale, PD, KNAF/Fredericksburg, TX
Steve Richard’s latest single “Eighty Acre Church” speaks to rural core American values and can be found on his second album Up To Somethin’, which was produced by Phil O’Donnell (Craig Morgan). “Eighty Acre Church” recently garnered Richard nominations at the Inspirational Country Music Awards, where he was named the New Artist of the Year.
Richard’s musical journey has never been about labels. A dynamic performer, he has toured with rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Dickey Betts, as well as country greats Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry and Craig Morgan. “Stomp,” from his self-titled first album, ignited a line dance craze and became an interactive video game, while his “Bridge Back Home” became an anthem for the National Wrestling Alliance. Fans among the Christian music community also took to the debut Steve Richard, which was produced by John Rich and Michael Bradford (of Uncle Kracker fame).
http://www.steverichardmusic.com/
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The Songwriter Agency Opens In Nashville
/by FreemanAmong those on the roster are Regie Hamm (David Cook’s “Time Of My Life”), Buddy Cannon, Wynn Varble, Deanna Bryant (Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy”), and Phillip White (Rascal Flatts’ “I’m Moving On”).
“We created The Songwriter Agency as an outlet for some of the most talented and gifted composers and creators of award-winning music to get out and perform their songs,” says Compton, President/co-founder of the company. “Music fans know the songs, now they’ll get a chance to listen to the creators of songs that are literally woven in the fabric of our lives.”
For booking opportunities contact Randy Harrell at 904-437-8463 or randy@thesongwriteragency.com.
Aldean’s “Party” Starts Today
/by Sarah Skates“We took more time to make this record than any other we’ve done, and I definitely think you can hear that in the singing,” says Aldean. Among the album’s highlights is a duet with pop star Kelly Clarkson. By offering a total of 15 tracks, Aldean wants to give fans more value in their purchase.
Aldean’s promotional media visits started this morning (11/2) with a performance on NBC’s Today and an intimate sold-out album release show at NYC’s Irving Plaza. He will make his way to the west coast for The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Nov. 5, and from there Aldean will head back to Nashville to perform on ABC’s broadcast of the 2010 Country Music Awards on Nov. 10. He will also perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Nov. 15.
Aldean is currently nominated for two American Music Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, and an American Country Award.
Reba Previews New Album; McGraw Single Out Today
/by Sarah SkatesAt a recent listening party (L-R) Valory's George Briner, Miranda Williams, JoJamie Hahr, Reba, Scott Borchetta, Brooke Yancey and Jon Loba.
The Valory promotion team is traveling across the country letting fans and radio preview the new album from Reba. All The Women I Am lands in stores Nov. 9, and until then the ‘Rate The Reba’ tour is hitting anywhere from 2-5 cities per day. The dates are a mix of VIP listening sessions for stations and fan-driven events for local listeners.
Also, radio network Dial Global descended on Nashville last week to host Reba’s album premiere special from Starstruck Studios. Contest winners were in the studio audience. The radio special will air the week of Nov. 8 on more than 600 stations nationwide, and across the world on Armed Forces Radio Network.
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Written by Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Brett Beavers and Jim Beavers, “Felt Good On My Lips” is one of two bonus tracks that will be included on Number One Hits. The double-CD collection features 22 chart-topping singles and will be released Nov. 30 by Curb Records.
A new studio album is expected from McGraw in 2011. In the meantime, fans can catch him on the big screen in Country Strong, which will be released in theatres nationwide on January 7, 2011.
Bentley To Kick-off CMA Awards Day; Last Day For Voting
/by Sarah SkatesDierks Bentley
•••Reminder: Voting for the final ballot of the CMA Awards closes today (11/2).•••
Dierks Bentley will kick-off CMA Awards day (11/10) with a performance on ABC News’ Good Morning America, and will take the stage again that night on The 44th Annual CMA Awards.
Also on Good Morning America, CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley and NASCAR superstar Jeff Gordon will present a new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze to the winner of the “Chevrolet Salutes America’s Heroes” contest honoring a member of the armed services.
The Good Morning America performance and car presentation will take place on the plaza of the Bridgestone Arena, site of the 2010 CMA Awards. The event is free and open to the public on the corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue in Nashville and is presented by Chevrolet.
In more CMA Awards news, Jason Aldean will join pop/rock star Kelly Clarkson for a performance, and newly announced presenters include Martina McBride, JoAnna Garcia (ABC’s Better With You) and Ty Pennington (ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition). Rodney Atkins will present Awards in categories announced during the Pre-Telecast Ceremonies.
Bentley and Paisley are each nominated in three categories this year.
The Judds and Shania Twain Set For TV Series
/by MichelleThe Judds follows the lives of duo Naomi and Wynonna Judd as they prepare for their first tour in ten years together. “After 25 years of touring, recording and singing the music we love, we are beyond excited to begin this new adventure together and share it with the fans. To have this opportunity is amazing and the OWN Network is the perfect home for us,” adds Wynonna and Naomi.
According to Oprah.com, “in their first television series…Wynonna and Naomi are ready to share their celebrated and complicated lives and as Wynonna says, ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly’ with viewers.”