Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban onstage at the ACM Honors. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
All-time ACM awards champion Miranda Lambert was in the spotlight again at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday evening (8/21).
Lambert won the organization’s Gene Weed Milestone Award to cap a night that also honored songwriters, venues, musicians and other behind-the-scenes figures, as well as her fellow stars. Lambert’s five CDs to date have all won Album of the Year statuettes from the California-based Academy of Country Music (ACM).
“I don’t even know what to say – I’m so humbled,” said Lambert. “I mostly just want to thank Nashville. To be part of this community and family, I’ll never get over it.”
Her award was presented by Keith Urban, who joined her on a duet of “The House That Built Me.”
“In her, I saw a kindred spirit right away,” he said. “You followed your muse unapologetically.”
The ACM also presented Cliffie Stone Icon awards to Martina McBride and to Brooks & Dunn. McBride’s award was presented by Lauren Alaina.
“You are my hero,” said Alaina to McBride. “You taught me how to sing.”
“All I have ever wanted to do is sing and carry the flag for country music,” said McBride in accepting. “All I ever wanted to do was leave a body of work that mattered to people, and do it with integrity and authenticity. I’m so honored and so blessed.”
Alaina sang “Independence Day,” and Caylee Hammack sang “Broken Wing” in the awardee’s honor.
Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride and Caylee Hammack. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Brooks & Dunn statuette was presented by Ashley McBryde, who sang “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” in a soulful duet with Chris Harris that brought the house down. Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn accepted via video.
One of the other emotional highlights of the event was the presentation of Songwriter of the Year to Shane McAnally.
“I’m still really in awe of the fact that I get to write songs,” he said. “Beyond that, I really didn’t know that you could be in country music and be gay. This town has never for a minute made me feel anything but loved and accepted. I love country music, and I love this town.”
McAnally also thanked his husband and business partner, Michael McAnally Baum, who, “tells me every day that I can be anything.” Following his speech, the honoree received a standing ovation from the fans and industry attendees of the show.
McAnally also accepted the Jim Reeves International Award on behalf of his frequent collaborator, Kacey Musgraves.
His own award was presented by Midland, who sang “Burn Out” and “Mr. Lonely,” both of which McAnally co-wrote and produced.
Midland with Lori Badgett and Shane McAnally. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
ACM Poet Awards were given to Kye Fleming, Rodney Crowell and Billy Joe Shaver, all members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell presented Fleming’s honor. “I’ve been retired for 22 years, but there was no way you could have kept me away from tonight to honor….Kye Fleming,” Mandrell said. “She is somebody who means the world to me.”
Kye Fleming and Barbara Mandrell. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
Tenille Townes sang a bluesy arrangement of “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” then joined Maddie & Tae in the finale of the duo’s “I Was Country (When Country Wasn’t Cool).”
“I’m blessed, and that’s the biggest thing to say about it,” said Fleming of her honor. “It’s the best gift in the world.”
Chris Janson sang “Honky Tonk Heroes” and “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal” in Shaver’s honor and accepted on the songwriter’s behalf. Chris Young delivered “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” as the event’s kick-off performance in honor of Crowell. Daughter Hannah Crowell accepted her father’s accolade.
Chris and Kelly Janson. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
An apparently impromptu performance earned another of the night’s standing ovations. With just piano accompaniment, Trisha Yearwood delivered “One More For the Road” from her Sinatra tribute album. WME’s Gayle Holcomb encouraged her to make that record. Yearwood presented the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award to her buddy Holcomb.
Gayle Holcomb and Trisha Yearwood. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The hit movie A Star Is Born was recognized with the Tex Ritter Award. Many of the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga songs on its soundtrack were co-written with Nashville talents. The film’s music supervisors, Julia Michaels and Julianne Jordan, accepted.
Nashville concert locales swept the ACM honors this year, claiming Small (Ryman Auditorium), Medium (Ascend Amphitheater) and Large (Bridgestone Arena) Venue of the Year prizes.
The other winning venues were Coctaw Casino (Durant, OK); Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, CT, with its award accepted by pop star Tony Orlando) and Joe’s on Weed Street (Chicago, IL). The last-named was represented by Ed Warm, who is also the current ACM board president.
Ed Warm, Bobby Bones and Lori Badgett. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
Warm was a double winner, since he also claimed the Promoter of the Year accolade. The Festival of the Year was Faster Horses (Brooklyn, MI). Nicole More of Wilson Events won Talent Buyer.
The night began with opening remarks by RAC Clark. Then radio personality and Dancing With the Stars champion Bobby Bones was glib and amusing as he presented the Musician honors. They went to Derek Wells (guitar, also the evening’s bandleader), Dave Cohen (keyboards), Mike Johnson (steel), F. Reid Shippen (engineer), Glenn Worf (bass, not present), Matt Chamberlain (drums, not present), Jay Joyce (producer, not present) and Ilya Toshinski (specialty instruments).
This was the 13th annual ACM Honors presentation.
Maddie & Tae. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
Industry Ink: Music Health Alliance, MC1/Claudette King, Warner Partners With Audiomack
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic Health Alliance Offers Free Dental Days
Music Health Alliance is underwriting four days of free dental care this fall for members of Nashville’s music community. Exams, teeth cleanings, x-rays and emergency extractions will be provided onsite by Dr. Eileen Conway Seitz in a mobile dental unit, which will be located outside Music Health Alliance’s offices in Berry Hill (2737 Larmon Dr, Nashville, TN 37204) on September 6, 20 and October 4, 18. Reservations are required, by calling 615-200-6896 or emailing erin@musichealthalliance.com to schedule an appointment.
MC1 Signs Claudette King
Claudette King
MC1 Nashville has signed Claudette King, the youngest daughter of B.B. King, to Dark Lonesome Records.
Claudette is a San Francisco, CA native who now lives in Atlanta. She was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and is touring nationwide.
Darlene Fowler, CEO/President of MC1 Nashville, says, “MC1 Nashville is incredibly honored and excited to welcome Miss King to Dark Lonesome Records. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this incredibly talented artist.”
Warner Becomes First Major To Partner With Audiomack
Audiomack has achieved 210 percent year-over-year growth in daily active users over the last 12 months, and exists as a service that is completely free to independent artists, including the ability to upload an unlimited amount of music. The company was launched in 2012 by Dave Macli and David Ponte.
ACM Honors Salute Country Industry At Ryman Gala
/by Robert K OermannMiranda Lambert and Keith Urban onstage at the ACM Honors. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
All-time ACM awards champion Miranda Lambert was in the spotlight again at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday evening (8/21).
Lambert won the organization’s Gene Weed Milestone Award to cap a night that also honored songwriters, venues, musicians and other behind-the-scenes figures, as well as her fellow stars. Lambert’s five CDs to date have all won Album of the Year statuettes from the California-based Academy of Country Music (ACM).
“I don’t even know what to say – I’m so humbled,” said Lambert. “I mostly just want to thank Nashville. To be part of this community and family, I’ll never get over it.”
Her award was presented by Keith Urban, who joined her on a duet of “The House That Built Me.”
“In her, I saw a kindred spirit right away,” he said. “You followed your muse unapologetically.”
The ACM also presented Cliffie Stone Icon awards to Martina McBride and to Brooks & Dunn. McBride’s award was presented by Lauren Alaina.
“You are my hero,” said Alaina to McBride. “You taught me how to sing.”
“All I have ever wanted to do is sing and carry the flag for country music,” said McBride in accepting. “All I ever wanted to do was leave a body of work that mattered to people, and do it with integrity and authenticity. I’m so honored and so blessed.”
Alaina sang “Independence Day,” and Caylee Hammack sang “Broken Wing” in the awardee’s honor.
Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride and Caylee Hammack. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Brooks & Dunn statuette was presented by Ashley McBryde, who sang “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” in a soulful duet with Chris Harris that brought the house down. Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn accepted via video.
One of the other emotional highlights of the event was the presentation of Songwriter of the Year to Shane McAnally.
“I’m still really in awe of the fact that I get to write songs,” he said. “Beyond that, I really didn’t know that you could be in country music and be gay. This town has never for a minute made me feel anything but loved and accepted. I love country music, and I love this town.”
McAnally also thanked his husband and business partner, Michael McAnally Baum, who, “tells me every day that I can be anything.” Following his speech, the honoree received a standing ovation from the fans and industry attendees of the show.
McAnally also accepted the Jim Reeves International Award on behalf of his frequent collaborator, Kacey Musgraves.
His own award was presented by Midland, who sang “Burn Out” and “Mr. Lonely,” both of which McAnally co-wrote and produced.
Midland with Lori Badgett and Shane McAnally. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
ACM Poet Awards were given to Kye Fleming, Rodney Crowell and Billy Joe Shaver, all members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell presented Fleming’s honor. “I’ve been retired for 22 years, but there was no way you could have kept me away from tonight to honor….Kye Fleming,” Mandrell said. “She is somebody who means the world to me.”
Kye Fleming and Barbara Mandrell. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
Tenille Townes sang a bluesy arrangement of “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” then joined Maddie & Tae in the finale of the duo’s “I Was Country (When Country Wasn’t Cool).”
“I’m blessed, and that’s the biggest thing to say about it,” said Fleming of her honor. “It’s the best gift in the world.”
Chris Janson sang “Honky Tonk Heroes” and “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal” in Shaver’s honor and accepted on the songwriter’s behalf. Chris Young delivered “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” as the event’s kick-off performance in honor of Crowell. Daughter Hannah Crowell accepted her father’s accolade.
Chris and Kelly Janson. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
An apparently impromptu performance earned another of the night’s standing ovations. With just piano accompaniment, Trisha Yearwood delivered “One More For the Road” from her Sinatra tribute album. WME’s Gayle Holcomb encouraged her to make that record. Yearwood presented the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award to her buddy Holcomb.
Gayle Holcomb and Trisha Yearwood. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The hit movie A Star Is Born was recognized with the Tex Ritter Award. Many of the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga songs on its soundtrack were co-written with Nashville talents. The film’s music supervisors, Julia Michaels and Julianne Jordan, accepted.
Nashville concert locales swept the ACM honors this year, claiming Small (Ryman Auditorium), Medium (Ascend Amphitheater) and Large (Bridgestone Arena) Venue of the Year prizes.
The other winning venues were Coctaw Casino (Durant, OK); Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, CT, with its award accepted by pop star Tony Orlando) and Joe’s on Weed Street (Chicago, IL). The last-named was represented by Ed Warm, who is also the current ACM board president.
Ed Warm, Bobby Bones and Lori Badgett. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
Warm was a double winner, since he also claimed the Promoter of the Year accolade. The Festival of the Year was Faster Horses (Brooklyn, MI). Nicole More of Wilson Events won Talent Buyer.
The night began with opening remarks by RAC Clark. Then radio personality and Dancing With the Stars champion Bobby Bones was glib and amusing as he presented the Musician honors. They went to Derek Wells (guitar, also the evening’s bandleader), Dave Cohen (keyboards), Mike Johnson (steel), F. Reid Shippen (engineer), Glenn Worf (bass, not present), Matt Chamberlain (drums, not present), Jay Joyce (producer, not present) and Ilya Toshinski (specialty instruments).
This was the 13th annual ACM Honors presentation.
Maddie & Tae. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
DISClaimer: Kip Moore, Kendell Marvell Come Out On Top
/by Robert K OermannKip Moore takes home Disc of the Day for “She’s Mine.”
You take a week off, and you return to an “in” box crammed with tunes.
These 10 are just a fraction of the backed-up and piled-up releases waiting to be auditioned. As you might expect, there are both studs and duds.
Heading the “studs” column is Kip Moore. He has the Disc of the Day. But he’s not without plenty of competition, namely from Blake Shelton, Jon Pardi, Vince Gill and, especially, Tenille Townes.
The DisCovery Award this week goes to Kendell Marvel. He might look like a veteran to you, but to me he sounds shiny and new.
Kendell Marvel gets the DisCovery Award.
JON PARDI/Tequila Little Time
Writers: Jon Pardi/Rhett Akins/Luke Laird; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jon Pardi, Bart Butler & Ryan Gore; Capitol Nashville
—I like the mariachi coloring—horns, squeezebox, rhythm—as well as the overall romantic beach vibe. Charming and hit bound.
TENILLE TOWNES/Jersey on the Wall
Writer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Columbia Nashville
—I’m completely on board with this singer-songwriter. “Somebody’s Daughter,” “White Horse” and “I Kept the Roses” were just the beginning. This track’s scintillating tempo underlies an extraordinary lyric about a boy who died too young and a heartbroken girl who asks, “Why?” Tenille Townes is the future. Get on board now.
VINCE GILL/Forever Changed
Writer: Vince Gill; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; MCA Nashville
—Powerful and poignant. It’s a ballad about the scars that are permanent in the wake of child sexual abuse. His trembling, emotional delivery will shake you to your core. This is one more reason why the man is one of the all-time country-music greats.
TEMECULA ROAD/Never Knew I Needed You
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Buena Vista
—Quite polished and professional. Perhaps a little on the slick side, but these kids can really sing, and the tune is catchy. Promising. Next time, inject a bit more warmth and grit, please.
KIP MOORE/She’s Mine
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Scott Stepakoff; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kip Moore; MCA Nashville
—The edgy energy grabs you from the opening notes. When he swings into the chorus, it’s katy-bar-the-door. By the time he got to the finale, I was on my feet with my fist in the air. A superb blue-collar rocker with just the right touch of angst and questing.
CANAAN SMITH/Beer Drinkin’ Weather
Writers: Canaan Smith/Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Canaan Smith, Brian Kelley & Tyler Hubbard; Round Here
—I’m certainly glad that he’s staging a comeback. I just wish it was with a stronger song than this routine boozer.
BLAKE SHELTON & TRACE ADKINS/Hell Right
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner Music Nashville
The ”Hillbilly Bone” team reunites for an attitude stomper about raising a ruckus the right way. Don’t look for meaning or melody—it’s the macho vibe that counts here.
KENDELL MARVEL/Hard Time With the Truth
Writers: Kendell Marvel/Dan Auerbach/John Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Dan Auerbach & Dave Ferguson; Easy Eye Sound
—Very cool. Marvel has an admirable track record as a songwriter for others. This slab of “outlaw” country proves he has the vocal chops for stardom, himself. He has a baritone for the ages.
MAREN MORRIS/The Bones
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Publishers: International Dog/Downtown DMP/Jimmy Robbins/Round Hill/Extraordinary Alien/Oh Denise/Warner-Tamerlane/Big Music Machine; BMI/ASCAP; Greg Kurstin; Columbia Nashville
—Attractive pop music.
RILEY GREEN/I Wish Grandpas Never Died
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; BMLG
—He sings wonderfully. The track is tasty. The lyric is dreadful: Even for a country music song, this is outstandingly emotionally manipulative.
The Kinkead Entertainment Agency Signs Royal South
/by Sarah SkatesFront row (L-R): Caylee Mizzell-Smith, Royal South’s SaraBeth, Glen Mitchell, and Vickie Vaughn. Back row (L-R): Gregory Scott, Art Benson, Bob Kinkead, Julie Devereux, Dennis Kurtz, Lea Swatosch and Paige Zuidema
The Kinkead Entertainment Agency has signed fast-rising country trio, Royal South. The group is comprised of SaraBeth, Glen Mitchell, and Vickie Vaughn—all individual artists in their own right, who between them have garnered hit songs, Grand Ole Opry performances, industry awards, world tours and a loyal social media following.
Royal South is working with hitmaking producer Paul Worley.
The Kinkead Entertainment Agency is headed by CEO Bob Kinkead and Pres./Head of Film & TV Julie Devereux. The agency’s roster also includes Billy Ray Cyrus, Mark Wills, Roseanne Barr and many more.
Artist Action: Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, Lee Brice, Shay Mooney, Jesse Labelle
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, Lee Brice Tapped As Brand Ambassadors
Jesse Labelle Wows Garth Crowd At Canadian Show
Shay And Hannah Mooney Expecting Second Bundle Of Joy
Asher Mooney
Shay Mooney (of Dan + Shay) and his wife Hannah just announced on social media that they will get another visit from the stork and are expecting their second child in early 2020. The exciting news about the baby boy was revealed by big brother Asher.
New Music From The Cadillac Three Featured On TV’s College Game Days
/by Lorie HollabaughGrammy-nominated frontman Jar
“We’re all big college football fans, and being from the South, have a special affinity for those in the SEC so it’s pretty badass that a song we wrote is going to amp up excitement for fans each Saturday night, whether they’re rocking out with us or if we’re the playlist for their weekend,” shares Mason.
As their road-worthy anthem “Crackin’ Cold Ones with the Boys” gains traction across playlists nationwide, TC3 has announced a West Coast leg of their Country Fuzz Tour, which will include stops at Los Angeles, CA at The Troubadour (11/1 & 11/2); San Jose, CA at Club Rodeo (11/3); San Diego, CA at House Of Blues (11/4); Tempe, AZ at Marquee Theatre (11/5); Grand Junction, CO at Warehouse 2565 (11/7) and Denver, CO at The Grizzly Rose (11/8). Tickets are on sale now at TheCadillacThree.com.
Along with their own headline dates, TC3 also joins select dates on Luke Combs’ Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour.
Old Dominion Visit NBC’s ‘Songland’
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Whit Sellers, Shane McAnally, Geoff Sprung, winning songwriter Katelyn Tarver, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, and Jeep/FCA CMO Olivier François
On Wednesday night, Nashville hitmakers Old Dominion were the guest recording artists on NBC’s lauded series Songland, as they looked for a song to be featured in a new Jeep® commercial.
Contestant Katelyn Tarver teamed with Songland producer/songwriter Shane McAnally to compose “Young,” and their song was selected to be released and featured in the 90-second commercial, in which Tarver appears as a character.
Each week Songland features hit songwriters including Nashville’s own McAnally, alongside Ester Dean and Ryan Tedder.
Tarver is a Glennville, Ga. native currently living in Los Angeles, Calif.
See Old Dominion perform “Young” here.
CMHoF To Host Conversation with Brooks & Dunn, Clarence Spalding This Weekend
/by Sarah SkatesAdditionally, Brooks & Dunn will be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October.
Proud of the House We Built: A Conversation with Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and Clarence Spalding will be held in the museum’s CMA Theater.
Details here.
Alabama Postpones 50th Anniversary Tour Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughBass player and vocalist Teddy Gentry released a statement to fans regarding the cancellation: “The ’50th Anniversary Tour’ has been very special to us. The support of the fans and their energy at all of our shows has led to some of the most fun we’ve ever had onstage. As disappointed as myself, Randy, and Jeff are to have to postpone this tour for all of our incredible fans, we know that Randy’s recovery is what is most important for everyone at this time. We would like to thank our fans, promoters, and venues and we look forward to seeing you all soon.”
Rescheduled dates for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.
Taylor Swift Says She Will “Absolutely” Re-Record Her First Six Albums
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Swift Lover
According to preview clips from an upcoming interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Taylor Swift says she will “absolutely” re-record her first six albums.
Those original album recordings of Swift’s first six projects, beginning with her debut through 2017’s reputation, are among the assets Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired during the recent partnership with Big Machine Records. Swift announced her signing to Universal Music Group in November, and her first album under the new label, Lover, releases Friday.
According to a release, when asked whether she would re-record her previous recordings in order to regain control of her masters, Swift tells CBS Sunday Morning’s Tracy Smith she would.
“That’s a plan?” Smith asks to which Swift says, “Yeah, absolutely.”
Swift also tells Smith that she learned of the Big Machine/Scooter Braun deal “when it was online,” and that she had not received notice from her team about the deal.
As previously reported by MusicRow, following the news that Ithaca Holdings had acquired Big Machine Label Group, Swift posted a missive on Tumbler, referring to the deal as her “worst case scenario” followed by a public response from BMLG’s Scott Borchetta.
“When I left my masters in Scott’s hands, I made peace with the fact that eventually he would sell them,” she said. “Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine the buyer would be Scooter. Any time Scott Borchetta has heard the words ‘Scooter Braun’ escape my lips, it was when I was either crying or trying not to. He knew what he was doing; they both did. Controlling a woman who didn’t want to be associated with them. In perpetuity. That means forever.”
Borchetta responded with a post stating that Swift had previous notice of the sale, stating, “So, it’s time for some truth…It’s time to set some things straight. Taylor’s dad, Scott Swift, was a shareholder in Big Machine Records, LLC. We first alerted all of the shareholders on Thursday, June 20th for an official shareholder’s call scheduled for Tuesday, June 25. On the 6/25 call the shareholders were made aware of the pending deal with Ithaca Holdings and had 3 days to go over all of the details of the proposed transaction. We then had a final call on Friday, June 28th in which the transaction passed with a majority vote and 3 of the 5 shareholders voting ‘yes’ with 92% of the shareholder’s vote.
“Out of courtesy, I personally texted Taylor at 9:06 p.m., Saturday, June 29 to inform her prior to the story breaking on the morning of Sunday, June 30 so she could hear it directly from me.”
The wide-ranging interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Swift will air Aug. 25 at 9 a.m. ET.