DISClaimer: Trace Adkins Rises To The Top With “Watered Down”

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Love songs and ballads are the order of the day.

Among those basking in a post-Valentine glow are LANCO, Brett Young, Nick Tyrrel and Kip Moore. The first named has a possible wedding classic on its hands. Young has the romantic-balladeer role sewn up.

Trace Adkins rises to the top with a moving ballad about growing older, gaining wisdom and slowing down. He wins the Disc of the Day award.

The DISCovery Award goes to the Houston-based Charlie & The Regrets. In a world of synth productions and chick-fantasy, bro-country lyrics, they sing and write about what’s going on in the real world.

CHARLIE AND THE REGRETS/Time Moves Slow
Writers: Harrison/Golden; Producer: Derek Hames; Publishers: none listed; Edgewater (track)
– This dark, doomy country rocker has a swampy undertow that is inescapable. Its portrait of folks living on the wrong side of the tracks has both hopelessness and power.

BRETT YOUNG/In Case You Didn’t Know
Writers: Brett Young/Tyler Reeve/Kyle Schlienger/Trent Tomlinson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Super Big/Caliville/Big Machine/Brown Hound/Kyle Schlienger/Big Spaces/BootHeel/Big Mosquito/Amplified, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
-We need one of these right now, a tender and expressive ballad that tugs the heartstrings. He’s a guy who has trouble expressing himself, but aches out his emotions with a plaintive plea for her love.

YouTube video

 

KIM McABEE/Journey On
Writers: Ty Herndon/Caleb Collins; Producer: Ty Herndon; Publishers: none listed; Soigne (track)
– Be brave. Hold your head high. Weather the storm. A better day is coming. This is a beautifully written expression of hope and inspiration. Play it.

SAM HUNT/Body Like A Back Road
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville (download)
– The electro backing track stays out of the way as he drawls his praise of his baby’s anatomy (”I know every curve like the back of my hand”). The song is minimal, but the groove is insistent.

YouTube video

 

NICK TYRREL/Breathe The Air Tonight
Writers: Nick Tyrrel/Clark Abbott; Producers: Dustin Smith/Clark Abbott; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; NT (CDX)
– He sings with authority. The track bops lightly as he spins a wish for romance. The production veers between simple clarity and fuzzy, too-dense electric guitar noodling.

LANCO/Greatest Love Story
Writer: Brandon Lancaster; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Arista (download)
– This love story burbles along at a jaunty pace. A belated Valentine for your country listeners, and quite possibly a wedding-dance evergreen.

YouTube video

 

BRIAN PHAROAH/Fighting Another War
Writers: Bill DiLuigi/Brian Pharaoh/Randy Barber; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: 888 Red/Spunkem, SESAC/BMI; Spunkem (CDX)
– He’s trying to get through PTSD with her love as his weapon. It’s a great story. I just wish he was a better singer.

KIP MOORE/More Girls Like You
Writers: Kip Moore/Steven Olsen/Josh Miller/David Garcia; Producers: Kip Moore/David Garcia; Publishers:© 2017 WB Music Corp./Point Break Publishing/Music of the Corn, admin. by WB Music Corp.; WB Music Corp./Music of the Corn, admin. by WB Music Corp.; Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing/D Soul Music, admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com (ASCAP); Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Jack 10 Publishing/Songs of the Corn, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI).; MCA Nashville (download)
– Urgent. Stomping. Upbeat and positive. I remain a fan.

YouTube video

 

RION PAIGE & CORENASHVILLE/Rise
Writers: Ali Payami/Katy Perry/Max Martin/Savan Kotecha; Producer: CoreNashville; Publishers: When I’m Rich You’ll Be My Bitch/WB/MXM/Kobalt/Wolf Cousins/Warner Chappell/Scand/Ma-Jay, ASCAP/STIM; CoreNashville
– This “country” take on Katy Perry actually isn’t all that far from the original. Tuneful and catchy.

TRACE ADKINS/Watered Down
Writers: Matt Jenkins/Trevor Rosen/Shane McAnally; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: none listed; BBR/Wheelhouse/BMG (download)
– I love it when he really sings. This ballad is a vocal showcase that gives him space to be truly expressive. More than that, it is a superb meditation on aging and finding grace. Honest and profound.

YouTube video

 

 

Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joan Baez, Indigo Girls Join Forces for Four Voices Tour

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Great Performances – Joan Baez 75th Birthday Celebration at The Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway, New York, NY. January 27, 2016. Photo: Joseph Sinnott

Longtime friends Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Indigo Girls members Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have teamed to form a special group, Four Voices, and will play some exclusive tour dates this June, which will include a stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The four became friends over 25 years ago when Baez invited Ray and Saliers to perform at a 1991 benefit at the Berkeley Community Theater for her human rights organization, Humanitas. Upon accepting, Ray and Saliers suggested enlisting Carpenter as well, and following a successful performance the four reconnected a year later at an Earth Day Celebration in Boston and at the Newport Folk Festival. They mulled over the idea of touring together at Baez’s 75th birthday concert at the Beacon Theatre and solidified the new tour a year later.

Tickets for the shows go on sale beginning the week of Feb. 20.

FOUR VOICES TOUR DATES:
June 3—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
June 5—Raleigh, NC—North Carolina Museum of Art
June 6—Charlottesville, VA—Sprint Pavilion
June 8—Kettering, OH—Fraze Pavilion
June 9—Rochester Hills, MI—Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
June 11—Chicago, IL—Chicago Theatre
June 12—Grand Rapids, MI—Meijer Gardens
June 14—Toronto, ON—Massey Hall
June 16—Gilford, NH—Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
June 17—Lenox, MA—Tanglewood

Chris Stapleton Announces New Tour, Album

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Chris Stapleton is bringing his All-American Road Show to cities across the country this year beginning March 9 and will have brand new music to play for fans as well, as his new album is set to drop May 5 — exactly two years to the day since his stellar, award-winning Traveller CD was released.

The tour, which will include stops at L.A.’s Forum, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheater and Wrigley Field, will feature special guests Brothers Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Anderson East, Brent Cobb and Margo Price. Exclusive fan club pre-sales will begin Feb. 21, and public ticket sales begin Feb. 24. Citi card members will have access to pre-sale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass Program beginning Feb. 21. The tour will offer two premium VIP packages on tour, including an interactive collection of instruments and memorabilia. Full details can be found at cidentertainment.com.

“CHRIS STAPLETON’S ALL-AMERICAN ROAD SHOW” 
(newly announced dates in bold)
March 9—Houston, TX—Rodeo Houston
March 18—London, ON—Budweiser Gardens* (SOLD OUT)
March 19—Ottawa, ON—Canadian Tire Centre*
March 22—Winnipeg, MB—MTS Centre*
March 24—Calgary, AB—Scotiabank Saddledome*
March 25—Edmonton, AB—Rexall Place*
March 27—Vancouver, BC—Rogers Arena*
March 28—Seattle, WA—Key Arena†
March 30—Las Vegas, NV—Pearl Theater – Palms Casino Resort† (SOLD OUT)
April 6—Columbus, GA—Columbus Civic Center† (SOLD OUT)
April 8—Ft. Lauderdale, FL—Tortuga Music Festival
April 20—Roanoke, VA—Berglund Center‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 21—Pikeville, KY—East Kentucky Expo Center‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 22—Pikeville, KY—East Kentucky Expo Center‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 27—Columbia, MO—Mizzou Arena+
April 28—Cape Girardeau, MO—Show Me Center+ (SOLD OUT)
April 29—Bloomington, IL—U.S. Cellular Coliseum+ (SOLD OUT)
May 5—Alpharetta, GA—Verizon Amphitheatre§
May 11—Virginia Beach, VA—Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at VA Beach§
May 12—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek§
May 13—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion§
May 18—San Diego, CA—Mattress Firm Amphitheatre§
May 19—Phoenix, AZ—Ak-Chin Pavilion§
May 20—Los Angeles, CA—The Forum§
May 23—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre§
June 1—Fresno, CA—Save Mart Center at Fresno State§ (on-sale March 10)
June 2— Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre§
June 3—Wheatland, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre§
June 9—Southaven, MS—BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove#
June 10—Birmingham, AL—Oak Mountain Amphitheatre#
June 15—Charleston, WV—Charleston Civic Center#
June 16—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center#
June 17—Indianapolis, IN—Klipsch Music Center# (on-sale March 3)
June 22—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center#
June 23—Manhattan, KS—Country Stampede
June 24—North Platte, NE—Nebraskaland Days
June 29—Chicago, IL—Wrigley Field†† (SOLD OUT)
July 5—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest††
July 6—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest††
July 14—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center#
July 15—Hartford, CT—The XFINITY Theatre#
July 16—Darien Lake, NY—Darien Lake Performing Arts Center#
July 20—Holmdel, NJ—P.N.C. Bank Arts Center#
July 21—Wantagh, NY—Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater#
July 22—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Lube Live#
July 28—George, WA—Watershed Festival
July 29—Central Point, OR—Country Crossings Music Festival
July 30—Mountain Home, ID—Mountain Home Country Music Festival
August 3—Duluth, MN—AMSOIL Arena**
August 4—Prairie Du Chien, WI—Country on the River
August 5—St. Louis, MO—Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre**
August 10—Hershey, PA—Giant Center**
August 11—Pittsburgh, PA—KeyBank Pavilion**  
August 12—Philadelphia, PA—BB&T Pavilion**  
August 17—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage**  
August 18—Cleveland, OH—Blossom Music Center**  
August 19—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre**  (on-sale March 3)
August 25 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion**
*with special guest Lindi Ortega
†with special guest Maren Morris
‡with special guest Brent Cobb
+with special guest Lucie Silvas
§with special guests Brothers Osborne and Lucie Silvas
#with special guests Anderson East and Brent Cobb
**with special guests Margo Price and Brent Cobb
††with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Charity Roundup: Tucker Beathard, Charles Kelley, Zach Seabaugh, John Berry

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Tucker Beathard Inspires CMA EDU Students

Tucker Beathard performs. Photo: BMLG

Tucker Beathard performed a special set for CMA EDU students in Nashville at the CMA Tuesday (Feb. 14). CMA EDU is the CMA’s campus-based program that offers college students an inside look into the music industry. Offering insight into his rise so far, Beathard played an acoustic set that included songs from his Fight Like Hell EP and answered questions about his breakout year and goals for the future.

 

Charles Kelley, Zach Seabaugh Join St. Bernard Benefit

Charles Kelley (photo: Jim Wright); Zach Seabaugh (photo: Eric Hernandez)

Charles Kelley and Zach Seabaugh have been added to the lineup for “The Stars Salute St. Bernard Academy” benefit concert, joining previously announced performers The SteelDrivers, Rodney Crowell and Aberdeen Green. The event will take place at the Ryman Auditorium on April 18 and tickets are available at the Ryman Box Office or by visiting the school’s website here. 

The three-hour concert is a celebration of St. Bernard Academy, the city’s very first elementary school founded by Sister Mary Catherine McAuley of the Sisters of Mercy. SBA joins Fisk University, St. Cecilia and Montgomery Bell Academy as the four oldest schools in Tennessee.

 

John Berry And Friends To Aid South Georgia Tornado Victims

John Berry is returning to his home state of Georgia to aid victims of the storms that ravaged the area on January 22, killing nearly 20 and destroying hundreds of homes and doing over $100 million in damages. On February 26, Berry will join Buddy Jewell, Ray Scott, Cyndi Thomson, and others for the “South Georgia Strong” tornado relief benefit concert at the UGA Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. Proceeds go to those affected by the storms, and tickets are $30.00 and may be purchased online at Freshtix.com.

 

for KING & COUNTRY, Lauren Daigle, TobyMac Top K-LOVE Nominees

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Nominations for the 5th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards have been announced, and for KING & COUNTRY, Lauren Daigle and TobyMac topped the nominations with nods in three categories each, including Artist of the Year. Big Daddy Weave, Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Danny Gokey, Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Ryan Stevenson, and Zach Williams received two nominations each, with Hillary Scott & The Scott Family receiving nods for Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Thy Will.”

The awards will return to the Grand Ole Opry House on May 28. Each category’s honorees were chosen by fans, who will also select the winners with voting opening on May 1. 

Male Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin
Crowder
Danny Gokey
Jeremy Camp
Matthew West
TobyMac
 
Female Artist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Hillary Scott (Hillary Scott & The Scott Family)
Lauren Daigle
Meredith Andrews
Natalie Grant
Nichole Nordeman
 
Group/Duo of the Year
Big Daddy Weave
Casting Crowns
for KING & COUNTRY
MercyMe
NEEDTOBREATHE
Skillet
 
Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin
Danny Gokey
for KING & COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle
MercyMe
TobyMac
 
Worship Song of the Year
Big Daddy Weave “The Lion and the Lamb”
Crowder “My Victory”
Jesus Culture “Fierce”
Natalie Grant “King of the World”
One Sonic Society “Great Are You Lord”
Phil Wickham “Your Love Awakens Me”
 
Song of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY “Priceless”
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family “Thy Will”
Lauren Daigle “Trust In You”
Ryan Stevenson “Eye of the Storm”
TobyMac “Move (Keep Walkin’)”
Zach Williams “Chain Breaker”
 
Breakout Single
7eventh Time Down “God Is On The Move”
Love & The Outcome “The God I Know”
Ryan Stevenson “Eye of the Storm”
We Are Messengers “Magnify”
Zach Williams “Chain Breaker”

CMA Honors Writers With Triple Play Awards Trophies

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(L-R) Rhett Akins, Hillary Lindsey, Shay Mooney, Jesse Frasure, Cole Swindell, Ross Copperman, and Craig Wiseman; back row (l-r) Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Niko Moon, Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, and Matt Jenkins.
Photo Credit: Donn Jones / CMA [Click photo to enlarge]

CMA gathered some of the industry’s best and brightest writers together yesterday to honor their successes over the past year at the CMA’s Eighth Annual Songwriters Luncheon at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Twenty top songwriters were awarded with a Triple Play Awards trophy for penning three No.1 songs within a 12-month period by host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Nashville and CMA Board member. Former Chief Executive Officer of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Donna Hilley was also honored posthumously during the ceremony with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence.

“Donna Hilley had a deep admiration for songwriters and artists. She played an instrumental role in so many iconic and legendary careers. Her tenacity, grace, and commitment to this industry won’t be forgotten,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Ross Copperman upped the ante on the day, receiving two trophies for a whopping six No. 1 songs in a year and bringing his Triple Play Awards count to four.

CMA Board member Troy Tomlinson presents a 2017 CMA Triple Play Award on Feb. 15, 2017 to Luke Bryan at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/ CMA

“Songwriters are often honored for their creativity, and rightly so,” said Tomlinson. “The Triple Play Awards honor not only that creativity inherent in the craft, but also the work ethic it takes to achieve the milestone of three chart-topping songs in 12 months.”

Triple Play winners in attendance at the luncheon included Rhett Akins, Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson, Copperman, Zach Crowell, Dallas Davidson, Brett Eldredge, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Niko Moon, Shay Mooney, Cole Swindell, and Craig Wiseman.

Each winner received a video message from a fellow recipient that played before each presentation. Triple Play recipients Zac Brown, Jon Nite, and Carrie Underwood joined in with fellow honorees by submitting special congratulatory video messages to winners. Among those receiving their first Triple Play honor were Brett Eldredge, Jesse Frasure, Matt Jenkins, Niko Moon, and Shay Mooney.

CMA Board member Troy Tomlinson presents a 2017 CMA Triple Play Award on Feb. 15, 2017 to Brett Eldredge at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

CMA Triple Play Award recipients:

  • Rhett Akins: “Mind Reader,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day,” “I Know Somebody”
  • Zac Brown: “Homegrown,” “Loving You Easy,” “Beautiful Drug”
  • Luke Bryan: “Strip It Down,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day,” “Move”
  • Rodney Clawson: “Confession,” “You Look Like I Need A Drink,” “May We All”
  • Ross Copperman: “Break On Me,” “Drunk On Your Love,” “Confession,” “American Country Love Song,” “Setting The World On Fire,” “I Know Somebody”
  • Zach Crowell: “Heartbeat,” “Church Bells,” “Middle Of A Memory”
  • Dallas Davidson: “Tonight Looks Good On You,” “Kick The Dust Up,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day”
  • Brett Eldredge: “Mean To Me,” “Lose My Mind,” “Drunk On Your Love”
  • Jesse Frasure: “Crash And Burn,” “I Like The Sound Of That,” “Fix”
  • Ashley Gorley: “Heartbeat,” “You Should Be Here,” “T-Shirt”
  • Matt Jenkins: “Confession,” “Setting The World On Fire,” “Song For Another Time”
  • Luke Laird: “Gonna,” “T-Shirt,” “Head Over Boots”
  • Hillary Lindsey: “Smoke Break,” “Church Bells,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color”
  • Shane McAnally: “John Cougar, John Deere, John3:16,” “Stay A Little Longer,” “T-Shirt”
  • Niko Moon: “Homegrown,” “Loving You Easy,” “Beautiful Drug”
  • Shay Mooney: “Nothin’ Like You,” “I Like The Sound Of That,” “From The Ground Up”
  • Jon Nite: “Smoke,” “Strip It Down,” “Break On Me”
  • Cole Swindell: “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” “Let Me See Ya Girl,” “You Should Be Here”
  • Carrie Underwood: “Little Toy Guns,” “Smoke Break,” “Heartbeat”
  • Craig Wiseman: “Anything Goes,” “Gonna,” “Came Here To Forget”

Debbie Tenpenny (r) accepts the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence on behalf of her late mother, industry leader Donna Hilley, from CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Troy Tomlinson during the CMA Songwriters Luncheon Wednesday at Marathon Music Works in Nashville.
Photo Credit: Donn Jones / CMA

Cole Swindell (r) accepts his CMA Triple Play Award from host Troy Tomlinson during the CMA Songwriters Luncheon Wednesday at Marathon Music Works in Nashville.
Photo: Donn Jones / CMA

CMA Board member Troy Tomlinson presents a 2017 CMA Triple Play Award on Feb. 15, 2017 to Shay Mooney at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

Greg Bates, Skip Black, Victoria Goodvin Join Liv Write Play

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(Back Row, L-R): Ilya Toshinskiy, Partner, Producer, Musician at Liv Write Play, LLC; Dennis Kurtz, VP and Partner at Liv Write Play, LLC; Olivia Lane, Aaron Scherz, Victoria Goodvin, Creative Director at Liv Write Play, LLC; Angelica Franzino, Office Manager at Liv Write
Play, LLC. (Front Row, L-R): Greg Bates, Skip Black. Photo: Courtesy of Liv Write Play, LLC

Songwriters Greg Bates and Skip Black have signed with Liv Write Play Publishing.

Bates, who was a solo artist on Republic Nashville, has cuts under his belt by Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore, and William Michael Morgan. The Nashville native had a Top 5 hit with “Did It for the Girl.” 

“I’m so excited to be joining such an amazing team of staff and writers at Liv Write Play,” Bates shares. “I look forward to future successes at this new creative home.”

“Greg is a very in-demand writer in Nashville. We know how fortunate we are to have him,” says Ilya Toshinskiy, Liv Write Play, LLC Partner. “With his kind of talent and versatility, he’ll be able to fit into so many different writing situations. His potential is unlimited.” 

Black moved to Music City in 2007 from North Carolina and started a publishing deal with Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Kye Fleming the same year. He has had cuts with Gary Allan, Edens Edge, LOCASH, Craig Morgan, Eric Paslay, and Drake White, among others.

“I’m grateful to be a part of the excellent team that Liv Write Play has assembled,” Black adds. “Their great work ethic and commitment to their writing staff has me excited about what the future holds. I’m thankful we partnered for my next chapter!”

In addition, Live Write Play has hired Victoria Goodvin as Creative Director. Goodvin was previously creative manager at Row Entertainment and Song Factory. Originally from Princeton, North Carolina, Goodvin graduated with a B.A. degree in Entertainment Industry Studies from Belmont University in 2013.

BREAKING NEWS: ACM Nominations Announced

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Keith Urban wasted no time over the past year, releasing the smash hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” from his artistically and commercially successful Ripcord project. Urban is the leading nominee at the upcoming 52nd Annual ACM Awards, which will air Sunday, April 2 from Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, live on CBS.

Urban leads with seven nominations in five categories, including his seventh for Entertainer of the Year and 10th nod for Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban is nominated twice, as both artist and producer, in the Album of the Year category for Ripcord. He received an additional two nominations, for both artist and producer, in the Single Record of the Year category for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which is also nominated in the Song of the Year category.

“I’ve been a musician since I was 6 years old,” Urban said via a statement.  “I just love writing songs, making records and touring.  So for the ACMS’s to recognize Ripcord in such a big way today is humbling.  I share these nominations with everyone in my life who made it possible – and a BIG shout out to all of our fans, who came out to see us on the ripCORD tour.  Can’t wait to play for you all again soon.”

If Urban wins Entertainer of the Year, he would be eligible to receive the Academy’s prestigious Triple Crown Award, which is given to those who have won New Male/Female Vocalist of the Year, Male/Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. He was previously honored with the New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2000 (presented in 2001) and Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005 (presented in 2005 and 2006, respectively).

Other leading nominees include Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris, with six nominations each.

Reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Lambert receives her eleventh nod for Female Vocalist of the Year. If she wins, it will be her eighth consecutive win in this category. She is the current record holder for most consecutive wins in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. Lambert earned a total of six nominations including Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for The Weight of These Wings, Single Record of the Year for “Vice,” Video of the Year for “Vice,” and two nominations as both artist and songwriter in Song of the Year for “Vice.” Currently, Lambert has earned the second-highest number of awards in ACM history, with 26 awards. Brooks & Dunn continues to hold the record of most ACM Awards with 28.

First-time ACM nominee Morris is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, New Female Vocalist of the Year, two nominations for Album of the Year as artist and producer of Hero, and two nominations for Single Record of the Year for “My Church” as artist and producer.

Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw garnered five nominations apiece, while Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton earned three nominations each.

In addition to Morris, other first-time ACM nominees this year include Lauren Alaina, with a nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year; Kane Brown, nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year; Chris Lane, nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year; LOCASH, nominated for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year; Jon Pardi, nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year; Chris Young and Cassadee Pope, nominated for Vocal Event of the Year, “Think Of You”; and Brett Young, nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year.

For the first time in the history of the award, a woman has been nominated in the Songwriter of the Year category (off-camera award). 2017 marks a big change in the category, with two females nominated: Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna. Both also received nominations as songwriters for Song of the Year nominees, for “Blue Ain’t Your Color” (Hillary Lindsey) and “Humble And Kind” (Lori McKenna). They compete against Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird, and Shane McAnally.

“Forever Country” a Country Music Association project produced by two-time ACM Award winner Shane McAnally, received two nominations. This is the first time a Country Music Association project has been nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award. It is nominated in both the Video of the Year presented category and Vocal Event of the Year category. The song is a medley of John Denver‘s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Willie Nelson‘s “On the Road Again,” and Dolly Parton‘s “I Will Always Love You,” recorded by the Artists of Then, Now & Forever.

Additionally, several out-of-genre artists received their first ACM Awards nominations, including Rhiannon Giddens (nominated for Song of the Year, “Kill A Word” with Eric Church), Elle King (nominated for Vocal Event of the Year, “Different For Girls” with Dierks Bentley), P!nk (nominated for Vocal Event of the Year, “Setting The World On Fire” with Kenny Chesney).

Lady Antebellum announced the nominations Thursday morning (Feb. 16) on CBS This Morning. Luke Bryan returns to co-host the awards for the fifth consecutive year, joined again by co-host Dierks Bentley for the second consecutive year.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Dierks Bentley
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Big & Rich
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
Kane Brown
Chris Janson
Chris Lane
Jon Pardi
Brett Young

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
Lauren Alaina
Cam
Brandy Clark
Maren Morris
* four nominees only

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
A Thousand Horses
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Black – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Dig Your Roots – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

HERO – Maren Morris
Producers: busbee, Brad Hill, Maren Morris; Record Label: Columbia Nashville

Ripcord – Keith Urban
Producers: Jeff Bhasker, busbee, Nathan Chapman, Nitzan Kaikov, Dann Huff, Tyler Johnson, Johnny Price, Nile Rodgers, Keith Urban, Greg Wells; Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville

The Weight of These Wings – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf; Record Labels: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Blue Ain’t Your Color”-Keith Urban
Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville

“H.O.L.Y.”– Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

“Humble And Kind”-Tim McGraw
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Labels: McGraw Music, Big Machine Records

“My Church” – Maren Morris
Producers: busbee, Maren Morris; Record Label: Columbia Nashville

“Vice” – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf; Record Labels: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen
Publishers: WB Music Corp (ASCAP), Music Of The Corn (ASCAP), HillarodyRathbone Music (ASCAP), BMG Gold Songs (ASCAP), House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Spirit Catalog Holdings (S.a.r.l.), Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP)

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
Songwriters: Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc (BMI), Cricket On The Line (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI), Eastman Pond Publishing (BMI), Music of Big Deal (BMI), Nice Life (BMI), Frederic And Reid Music (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Brodsky Spensive Publishing (BMI)

“Humble And Kind” – Tim McGraw
Songwriter: Lori McKenna
Publishers: Songs of Universal Inc (BMI), Hoodie Songs (BMI)

“Kill A Word” – Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens
Songwriters: Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Publishers: Emileon Songs (BMI), Little Louder Songs (BMI), Longer And Louder Music (BMI), Mammaw’s Fried Okra Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI)

“Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Dean Dillon, Linda Hargrove
Publishers: Universal-Songs Of PolyGram International (BMI), EMI Algee (BMI)

“Vice” – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Smack Hits (GMR), Kobalt Music Group,
Ltd. (GMR), Anderson Fork In The Road Music (ASCAP), Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc. (ASCAP), Smackville Music (ASCAP)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY XFINITY [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“Fire Away” – Chris Stapleton
Director: Tim Mattia; Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

“Forever Country” – Artists of Then, Now & Forever
Director: Joseph Kahn; Producers: Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern, Damon Whiteside

“Humble And Kind” – Tim McGraw
Director: Wes Edwards; Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

“Peter Pan” – Kelsea Ballerini
Director: Kristin Barlowe; Producer: Michelle Abnet

“Vice” – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy; Producer: Ashley Bergeron Ford

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR*(Off Camera Award)
Ashley Gorley
Luke Laird
Hillary Lindsey
Shane McAnally
Lori McKenna

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Different For Girls” – Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King; Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

“Forever Country” – Artists of Then, Now & Forever
Producer: Shane McAnally; Record Label: MCA Nashville

“May We All” – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

“Setting The World On Fire” – Kenny Chesney Featuring P!nk
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville

“Think Of You” – Chris Young Featuring Cassadee Pope
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young; Record Labels: RCA Nashville, RCA Records

MusicRowLife: Thomas Rhett and Wife Lauren Expecting And Adopting

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Thomas Rhett and Wife Lauren. Photo via Thomas Rhett/Twitter

Congratulations to an elated Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren, who are expecting not one but two babies — after finding out Lauren was pregnant shortly after they had already begun the process of adopting a baby from Africa. People Magazine reports the couple discovered they were pregnant while on a week-long safari in Tanzania in December with friends Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and wife Hayley, who were able to celebrate the happy news with them.

 

 

Margo Price, Brent Cobb Join Jamey Johnson’s Stagecoach Spotlight Tour

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Jamey Johnson

Jamey Johnson will embark on an eight-city tour billed as the Stagecoach Spotlight Tour: Jamey Johnson. Special guests Margo Price and Brent Cobb are set to join Johnson. All three Stagecoach Spotlight Tour musicians are set to perform at the 11th annual Stagecoach Country Music Festival this April.

“Working with Jamey is something we have wanted to do for a very long time. So much so, we decided to double down on both a festival appearance and a tour. A bill like this, that includes Margo Price and Brent Cobb, only comes around once in a lifetime,” says Stacy Vee, talent buyer for Stagecoach and the Stagecoach Spotlight Tour.

Each show will be unique, in part because Johnson doesn’t create a set list. “I don’t know what I’m going to do until I am standing there doing it,” he says. “That is a freedom I have enjoyed ever since I began doing this, the ability to try something new.

“You’ll see me do a lot of my songs, including my old stuff,” he says. “If I have a new song that I want to share, you will hear that. When I’m not doing my songs, I’ll be doing everybody else’s that I like, from every format. My taste is vintage, traditional, and that is not to say that everything I do is old. There are a lot of new writers these days that are putting out great music that I find in the same vein as the old stuff I like and we may try some of that out.”

Tickets for the Stagecoach Spotlight Tour: Jamey Johnson Tour go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. local time. Stagecoach Festival pass holders and American Express card members can purchase tickets beginning Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time at www.stagecoachfestival.com/spotlighttour.

The Stagecoach Spotlight Tour: Jamey Johnson dates include:

April 25: San Diego; The Observatory North Park
April 27: Los Angeles; The Theatre at Ace Hotel
April 28: Las Vegas; Brooklyn Bowl
April 30: Tempe, Ariz.; Marquee Theatre
May 3: Denver; Ogden Theatre
May 8: Portland, Ore.; Crystal Ballroom
May 9: Seattle; Showbox SODO
May 11: San Francisco; The Warfield Theatre