Merle Haggard‘s 1969 Capitol Records album Okie From Muskogee is among the 25 new inductions to its distinctive GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, which recognizes both singles and album recordings over 25 years old.

The Recording Academy announced its 2017 additions, also including Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” Arlo Guthrie‘s “City Of New Orleans,” Bonnie Raitt‘s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” Rod Stewart‘s “Maggie May,” and the Everly Brothers‘ “Wake Up Little Susie,” among many others.

“The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame represents all genres of music, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which The Academy has become renowned,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “Memorable and inspiring, these recordings are proudly added to our growing catalog and are an integral part of our musical, social, and cultural history.”

Recordings are reviewed by a special member committee comprised of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees. With 25 new titles, the Hall, now in its 44th year, currently totals 1,038 recordings.

Eligible recipients receive an official certificate from The Recording Academy. For a full list of recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, visit grammy.org.

Clive Davis Meets With Dolly Parton

Sony Music Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis recently visited with Dolly Parton during her Pure & Simple concert in Miami, Florida.

Davis has earned five Grammys and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-member. During his legendary career, he has guided the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Chicago, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, Blood Sweat and Tears, Santana, Alicia Keys, and numerous others.

In 1988, Davis helped launch Arista’s Nashville division, which became home to artists including Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley and more.

In 1989, Davis teamed with L.A. Reid and Babyface to form LaFace Records, which included Usher, TLC, and Pink, among others. In 1994, Davis teamed with Sean “Puffy” Combs in a 50/50 joint venture to launch Bad Boy Records, which became home to artists Faith Evans, Puffy Combs, Notorious B.I.G. and more.

 

Keith Urban Donates Concert Tickets To New Zealand Civil Defence, Emergency Services and Defence Force Personnel

When Keith Urban’s ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2016 arrives at the Westpac Stadium in New Zealand this Saturday, dozens of Civil Defence, Emergency Services and Defence Force personnel will be enjoying the show, thanks to a generous ticket donation by Urban. Urban heard about the Nov. 14 Kaikoura earthquake while finishing up the North American leg of his ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2016.

“We cannot forget the incredible work of our first responders at the local Civil Defense, Emergency Services and Defense Force,” said Urban. “These courageous men and women answer the call without hesitation and represent the best of the human spirit. I’m incredibly appreciative of not only what they did to protect everyone effected by the Kaikoura quake, but of what they do each and everyday – and so to have them come see us play and show them our appreciation is an honor.”

Civil Defense, Emergency Services and Defense Personnel have worked since the earthquake to assist people in affected areas in the top of the South Island and the Wellington region.

Wellington is the only New Zealand stop on the ripCORD World Tour 2016, after which it will head to Australia for performances in Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.

 

Bill Anderson To Guest On Steve Earle’s Outlaw Country Channel On SiriusXM

“Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson will be Steve Earle’s guest during his hour-long show on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country Channel 60 this Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. ET, to promote his new autobiography Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music and bonus acoustic CD with previously unreleased tracks. Click here to order.

 

Charlie Daniels welcomed a superstar lineup of talented friends for his 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 30). Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Chris Stapleton, Travis Tritt, 3 Doors Down, and Larry The Cable Guy performed performed for a packed house. Notably, Bryan has made headlines for a fan altercation during his performance at the event.

Later in the evening, Daniels was surprised onstage by Randy Travis, as Travis  and Lt. General Keith Huber presented him with the inaugural Rare Country Humanitarian of the Year honor.

The jam featured a variety of the artists singing standards like “Can’t You See” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

As part of Rare Country’s involvement in the event, the outlet hosted a private VIP Pre-Jam party at the Bridgestone Arena, which featured acoustic performances by Kellie Pickler, Mark Collie and Ryan Weaver, with a special appearance by Purple Heart recipient and Army veteran BT Urruela.

“Looking back over my 50 plus year career, this is among the top five shows I have ever done in my entire life, Volunteer Jam 2016,” said Charlie Daniels.

A portion of the proceeds from the night went to the The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager, David Corlew, to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.