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
Reba’s Ryman Engagement Reveals Inspiration After Struggle
/by Eric T. ParkerReba celebrates 13th No. 1 album, Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope. Pictured (L-R): Sally Williams, VP GM Ryman, Scott Borchetta, CEO_President BMLG, Reba, Jim Weatherson, GM Nash Icon.
Photos: Courtesy of Reba’s Business, Inc.
February 15 was admittedly not Reba’s first time inside the Ryman Auditorium, but the day did mark the country queen’s first full show at the historic venue. It was over 50 years ago Reba and her family took a rare vacation from Oklahoma to see the Grand Ole Opry.
“I was about eight years old and got to feeling bad [during the Opry] so I said, ‘Mama, I think I’m gonna get sick,’” recalled Reba of her first Ryman experience. “She didn’t take her eyes off the stage and said, ‘Go find a bathroom.’ I took off and looked in every door. Finally, I walked right out the front door and vomited right on the front steps of the Ryman Auditorium. Did y’all walk in that way?”
With the crowd rolling, Reba began a two-hour afternoon set, interspersing her greatest hits with new material from her Feb. 3 gospel/inspirational album Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope.
The 2:30 p.m. matinee, which was announced shortly after strong ticket sales for the 7 p.m. engagement, featured no surprise guests but nods from the stage to buddies, including producer Tony Brown and one-time manager Bill Carter, in addition to her family.
A packed house looks on during Reba’s 7 p.m. Ryman concert
Reba reminisced about the past and present, kicking off with an a cappella “Jesus Loves Me,” which was later revealed to be the first song she sang in front of an audience. The entertainer then went right in to a recently written inspirational song she and her mother Jackie McEntire have writing credits on, called “I Got The Lord On My Side.”
The timing of the 2017 engagement was significant for Reba who—in the last few years—lost her father, Clark McEntire, before her brother Pake began recovering from a stroke and her 26-year marriage to her longtime manager ended.
“This year marks my 41st year in the music business and the first time I’ve recorded an inspirational gospel album,” said Reba, who now manages herself. “It was a year ago January 26 when we all got together with the record labels and said let’s do this. I’ve had a lot of changes in my life over the past two years and people ask me how I got through it. I can easily say it’s my faith, family and friends.”
Reba during a performance of her current single, “Back To God”
After a quick tissue break, Reba broke the mood with what she called girl-power songs. Strong anthems, mostly from her Big Machine Label Group discography, included “Goin’ Out Like That” “Consider Me Gone” and “Turn On The Radio.” Thankfully Reba’s catalog is chock-full of those resiliency/heartache titles, put on such display as during a medley of “You’re No Good,” “The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter” and “Walk On.” Reba’s current, Randy Houser-written single, “Back To God,” received a standing ovation before those larger-than-life productions of signature hits were delivered.
“This is a very special day to us, and that’s why you’ll be seeing cameras floating around everywhere because I wanted to put this on film, especially since this is the 125th anniversary of the Ryman Auditorium,” explained Reba.
With no release date announced for the filming, cameras were able to capture Reba’s surprise guests from the evening.
Pictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, Reba, Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood joined during the evening show for “Softly And Tenderly,” a title they recorded for Reba’s latest release, in addition to Linda Davis, who reunited for their 1993 Grammy-winning song “Does He Love You.” The Isaacs joined Reba on stage. The family group recorded “In The Garden / Wonderful Peace” on Reba’s new album. Speaking of, the McEntire sisters—Alice, Reba, Susie and Jackie—joined each other in a rare appearance as a quartet for “I’ll Fly Away.”
Although the Ryman Auditorium contains nearly half the audience of her residency gig with Brooks & Dunn at Caesars Palace, the audience rose to embrace the legendary entertainer after for performances of “Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia,” and “Is There Life Out There” for “Fancy,” which included the infamous red dress.
The McEntire women. Pictured (L-R): Reba, Susie (sister), Jacqueline (mom), Alice (sister)
Pictured (L-R): Linda Davis, Reba
Reba
Industry Pics: Bailey Bryan, Dailey & Vincent, Walker McGuire, Grand Ole Opry
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner Music Nashville Celebrates Second “Warner Sound In The Round” Installment
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Tom Martens, Matt Signore, Chad Schultz, Chris Palmer, Ashlee McDonald. (Front Row, L-R): Cris Lacy, John Esposito, Bailey Bryan, Peter Strickland, Lisa Ray
Warner Music Nashville celebrates its second installment in the “Warner Sound in the Round” concert series with Bailey Bryan, who performed an acoustic set, including her debut single “Own It,” for a packed room of industry guests.
Dailey & Vincent Perform At Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum’s CMA Theater
Pictured (L-R): Jamie Dailey, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s VP of Development Lisa Purcell, Darrin Vincent, and APEX Entertainment Management’s Emily Dryburgh
On Monday, Feb. 13, bluegrass superstars Dailey & Vincent performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s exclusive concert for museum members, The Big Gig. The sold-out event took place in the Museum’s CMA Theater.
For the month of February, the museum is offering special discounts and benefits on membership packages. Members may renew or join at a discounted rate of $5 off of an individual membership and 10$ off of a family membership. For more details visit countrymusichalloffame.org/membership.
Walker McGuire Visits With Cumulus Executives
Pictured (L-R): Scott Lindy (PD of WKHX), Jordan Walker, Greg Frey (Cumulus Corporate Program Director), Johnny Walker, John Kilgo (VP of label relations), John Dimick (VP Programming Operations)
Walker McGuire visited the Cumulus corporate office today in Buckhead, near Atlanta, Georgia, on their eight-week radio tour.
WIVK/Knoxville Welcomed During Special WIVK Night At The Opry
Pictured (L-R): WIVK’s Mac, who also served as guest announcer on the show, Cold River Records’ Drew Baldridge, and 650 AM WSM’s Mike Terry. Photo: Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo
On Feb. 11, the Grand Ole Opry welcomed WIVK/Knoxville for a special “WIVK Night at the Opry.”
DISClaimer: Trace Adkins Rises To The Top With “Watered Down”
/by Robert K OermannLove 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joan Baez, Indigo Girls Join Forces for Four Voices Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughGreat 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.
June 3—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
Chris Stapleton Announces New Tour, Album
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 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.
Charity Roundup: Tucker Beathard, Charles Kelley, Zach Seabaugh, John Berry
/by Lorie HollabaughTucker 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
for KING & COUNTRY, Lauren Daigle, TobyMac Top K-LOVE Nominees
/by Lorie HollabaughNominations 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.
CMA Honors Writers With Triple Play Awards Trophies
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(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]
“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:
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
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(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
/by Jessica NicholsonKeith 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.
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