Bill Keith (L) and Larry Sparks (R) will be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
Nominees for the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards were announced today (Aug. 12) during an event at the Sirius XM Theater inside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The awards ceremony will be Thursday, Oct. 1 in Raleigh, NC with hosts The Gibson Brothers.
IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event in Raleigh also consists of the IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1), Wide Open Bluegrass presented by PNC (Oct. 2-3) and the Bluegrass Ramble showcases (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1).
Special Awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Awards, will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Momentum Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Bill Keith
Larry Sparks
2015 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Alison Brown
Murphy Henry
International Bluegrass Music Museum
“Bashful Brother” Oswald Kirby
Steve Martin
2015 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Hot Rize
The Earls of Leicester
The Gibson Brothers
The Del McCoury Band
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Flatt Lonesome
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Gibson Brothers
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Punch Brothers
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
The Earls of Leicester
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Big Black Train” – Earls of Leicester (artist), Stanley Johnson, George Sherry (writers)
“Fiddlin’ Joe” – Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Mark Brinkman (writer)
“Her Love Won’t Turn On A Dime” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Bart Butler, Timothy Johnson, Shane Minor (writers)
“Moon Over Memphis” – Balsam Range (artist), Mark W. Winchester (writer)
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller (artist), Bill Monroe, Guy Stevenson, DeWayne Mize (writers)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Brotherhood – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producers), Rounder
Five – Balsam Range (artist), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
The Earls of Leicester – The Earls of Leicester (artist) Jerry Douglas (producer), Rounder
Too – Flatt Lonesome (artist), Andrea Roberts, Tim Surrett (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
When I’m Free – Hot Rize (artist), Hot Rize (producer), Ten In Hand Records
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Holding To The Right Hand” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Marvin Clark (writer), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Insured Beyond The Grave” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artist), Standing Tall and Tough (album), Ira Louvin, Charlie Louvin (writers), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Stacking Up the Rocks” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Melton (writer), Balsam Range (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
“What a Wonderful Savior Is He” – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Brotherhood (album), William G. Brewster (writer), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producer), Rounder Records
“Who Will Sing for Me” – The Earls of Leicester (artist), The Earls of Leicester (album), Carter Stanley, Ralph Stanley (writer), Jerry Douglas (producers), Rounder Records
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Backdraft (You Light It, You Fight It” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Metlon, Marc Pruett, Tim Surrett, Darren Nicholson, Caleb B. Smith (writer), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Come Along Jody” – Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper (artist), On Down the Line (album), Benjamin F.”Tex” Logan (writer), Jeff White, Michael Cleveland (producers), Compass Records
“Cumberland Gap” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Sammy Shelor (arrangement), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“The Three Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), The Three Bells (album), Jean Villard, Bert Reisfeld (writers), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producer), Rounder Records
“Yeah Man” – Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (artist), Cold Spell (album), Michael Munford (writer), Frank Solivan (producer), Compass Records
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Against The Grain”- Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, featuring Garth Brooks (artists), Larry Cordle (producer), MightyCord Records
“Blue Memories” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“For Buddy” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers), Rounder Records
“Test of Time” – Steep Canyon Rangers & Edie Brickell (artists), Carl Jackson (producer)
“TheThree Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers) Rounder Records
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller, with Peter Rowan, Michael Feagan, Buddy Spicher, Ernie Sykes, Roland White and Blake Williams (artists), Stephen Mougin (producer) Dark Shadow Recording
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Adkins & Loudermilk
Band of Ruhks
Becky Buller
Mountain Faith
Snyder Family Band
The Earls of Leicester
Volume Five
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Shawn Camp
Del McCoury
Buddy Melton
Russell Moore
Tim O’Brien
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley
Becky Buller
Claire Lynch
Amanda Smith
Rhonda Vincent
BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Mark ‘Brink’ Brinkman
Becky Buller
Bill Castle
Shawn Lane
Donna Ulisse
See complete list here.
Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry.
The IBMA Awards Show will be broadcast live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction) and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of BMI, Deering Banjos, the International Bluegrass Music Museum and Mountain Home Music Company.
2nd Annual ASCAP Showcase P.R.O.motes CMA Voting
/by Sherod RobertsonLee Ann Womack performs at ASCAP’s 2015 P.R.O.mote The Vote event.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) held its second annual “P.R.O.mote The Vote” industry showcase yesterday (Aug. 11), the same day CMA ballots were emailed to voting members. The invitation-only crowd gathered mid-day at The Rosewall in Nashville to enjoy a much-welcomed schmoozefest, complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and artist performances.
Michael Martin, who heads the ASCAP Nashville membership office, says, “ASCAP created this event to remind people that every vote counts, and that just one vote can make the difference in these artists getting on the CMA Awards final ballot. We developed P.R.O.mote the Vote to raise as much awareness as possible on the day the CMA Awards second round ballot comes out.”
(L-R): RaeLynn, Kelsea Ballerini, Striking Matches’ Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis
ASCAP Creative Director Robert Filhart adds, “We created P.R.O.mote the Vote in 2014 as a way to recognize our ASCAP artist members and all of their accomplishments of the past year, and to support them in the upcoming CMA Awards voting season. Building on last year’s event, we once again partnered with Fifth Third Bank’s music group and Loeb & Loeb for another hugely successful event that we plan to continue for years to come.”
ASCAP Executive V.P. of Membership John Titta served as host and introduced featured acoustic performers RaeLynn, Striking Matches, Kelsea Ballerini, Canaan Smith and Lee Ann Womack. While welcoming the crowd from the stage, he quipped, “Thank you for letting a New York guy come up here!”
(L-R): ASCAP Nashville VP Michael Martin, Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta
Valory Music Co.’s RaeLynn opened the performances with a new song, “The Zoo” followed by her hit, “God Made Girls,” but not before expressing how thankful she was to everyone in the room for the song’s success. I.R.S. Records’ recording artist Striking Matches (Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann) hit the stage next with two songs from their project, Nothing But The Silence, produced by T Bone Burnett. After performing “Trouble Is As Trouble Does” and “Make A Liar Out Of Me,” there was no doubt Zimmermann had left the audience mesmerized with her signature guitar shredding.
Black River’s Kelsea Ballerini was up next and performed the Eddy Arnold classic, “Make The World Go Away.” Having celebrated her first No. 1 song the previous day for “Love Me Like You Mean It,” Ballerini sang her chart topper while everyone grooved along.
Canaan Smith then took the stage with “American Muscle” and “One of Those” from his recently released album, Bronco. He excitedly shared news that he was upgrading to his first touring bus right after the party was over.
“This is the stuff legends are made of,” proclaimed Titta as he introduced Lee Ann Womack who rounded out the “P.R.O.mote The Vote” bash with “Chances Are” followed by the title track to her latest album, “The Way I’m Livin’.”
Now it was time to go vote. CMA ballots for the second round have been sent out and voting closes Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6:00 p.m. CST.
Artist Canaan Smith and ASCAP’s EVP John Titta
All Photos: Ed Rode
Clay Bradley Exits BMI, Launches New Venture
/by Sarah SkatesClay Bradley
Clay Bradley has exited his longtime post at BMI as Asst. VP, Writer-Publisher Relations. He has launched his own company with a focus on managing I.R.S. Nashville duo Muddy Magnolias.
BMI’s Jody Williams says, “Clay Bradley is one of the best creative people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He is an excellent talent scout and his song sense is spot on. It’s in his blood. So, it’s no surprise to me that he would follow his instincts and venture out to work with the Muddy Magnolias. Clay was incredible in his role at BMI and signed some of our best writers…from Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney to Johnnyswim and Muddy Magnolias. At BMI we worked hard and had a lot of fun together. I’m certain there will be a lot of success in his future.”
Since joining BMI in 2008, Bradley worked to grow the performing rights organization’s roster by recruiting, signing, and retaining songwriters and publishers.
Bradley can be reached at cbradley@thirdgenent.com.
BMG Signs Marshall Altman
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Kent Marcus (Marcus & Colvin, LLP); Penny Gattis (BMI); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis, Executive Vice President); Rishon Blumberg (Brick Wall Management); Marshall Altman; Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director); Lainie Allbee (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Breanne Miller (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director)
BMG Nashville is proud to welcome multi-genre hit songwriter and producer Marshall Altman. He has produced five top-10 country singles, including Eric Paslay‘s No. 1 “Friday Night,” and Frankie Ballard‘s No. 1s “Sunshine and Whiskey” and “Helluva Life,” and current top five “Young And Crazy.”
Altman has also enjoyed stints as a major label artist, a successful A&R executive at Capitol, Hollywood, and Columbia Records, and a producer for Natasha Bedingfield, Matt Nathanson, Kate Voegele and other hit acts. As a songwriter he had the international No. 1 song “Parachute,” co-written with acclaimed artist Ingrid Michaelson.
Industry Ink: Sam Tinnesz, Joe Spann, Gene Watson
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Tinnesz Re-inks With Daywind
SESAC songwriter Sam Tinnesz has renewed his publishing agreement with Daywind Publishing. Tinnesz is an artist, songwriter, and publisher with recent activity in some of today’s hottest television shows including MTV’s Scream, ABC’s new show Quantico and FOX’s American Idol, and has received many SESAC Christian Music Awards.
Pictured (L-R): Daywind’s Rick Shelton and Chad Green, Tinnesz, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Daywind’s Ed Leonard. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Spann Joins IBMA Member Services
Joe Spann
Joe Spann has joined the IBMA as Member Services Manager. In his new duties Spann will report to Executive Director Paul Schiminger and will maintain communication regarding memberships, identify new programs to assist member career advancement, and coordinate the World of Bluegrass registrations.
The Florida native spent 10 years on the road playing guitar and banjo entertaining at Florida theme parks and also served as director of the Polk County Historical & Genealogical Library for 20 years. In 2011 he authored the reference book Spann’s Guide to Gibson 1902-1941, now considered the definitive guide to identifying and dating the stringed instruments built by the Gibson Company prior to World War II. In more IBMA news, the organization has announced nominations for it upcoming awards show.
Watson Taps Webster
Gene Watson
Gene Watson has signed with Webster Public Relations for representation. “I am excited to work with Kirt Webster and the excellent team at Webster PR,” said Watson of the new affiliation. “The company Kirt has built has done so much to preserve the legacy of real country music that I could not think of a better home.”
ASCAP To Honor Trisha Yearwood at 2015 Country Awards
/by Eric T. ParkerTrisha Yearwood will be honored at the ASCAP Country Awards.
ASCAP has set Monday, Nov. 2 for its 53rd annual black-tie ASCAP Country Music Awards. The invitation-only ceremony will be held at the Omni Nashville.
At the event Trisha Yearwood will receive the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, presented to songwriters and artists whose music gives voice to the spirit of a generation. Past recipients include George Strait, Amy Grant, and Kenny Chesney.
The ASCAP gala will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015. There will be live performances of the top five most performed songs by the award-winning songwriters and the artists who recorded them.
Yearwood has sold more than 12 million albums, and is a multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning recording artist. Her chart-topping hits include “She’s In Love With The Boy,” “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” and “How Do I Live.” Since 2007, the superstar has written three New York Times best-selling cookbooks, hosted six seasons of her Emmy Award-winning Food Network show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, and debuted a line of cookware and her own home furnishings line.
Yearwood is currently in the running to be nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Vocal Event of the Year for PrizeFighter at the 49th annual CMA Awards, to be held Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, two nights after the ASCAP event.
Randy Houser to Hit Arenas This Fall on New Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Houser
Randy Houser has announced he will headline an arena tour with openers Frankie Ballard and Craig Campbell. The We Went Tour will kick off Nov. 20 in Corbin, KY and run through Dec. 18. Houser’s new single, “We Went,” from his forthcoming Stoney Creek Records album, is currently climbing the charts.
“We’ve had a blast touring with Luke [Bryan] this summer, and it’s been an incredible opportunity to play to some people we might not have played to before,” said Houser. “We’re really looking forward to building our show this fall, playing the arenas and getting to play some new music. Frankie and Craig are both great performers, and we’re ready to get out there and show people what we’re all about!”
Ticket information and additional shows will be announced in the coming weeks.
Randy Houser We Went Tour Dates:
Friday, Nov. 20 – The Arena – Corbin, Ky.
Saturday, Nov. 21 – Hobart Arena – Troy, Ohio
Friday, Nov. 27 – Dow Events Center – Saginaw, Mich.
Saturday, Nov. 28 – Old National Events Plaza – Evansville, Ind.
Friday, Dec. 4 – La Crosse Center Arena – La Crosse, Wis.
Saturday, Dec. 12 – Choctaw Events Center – Durant, Okla.
Thursday, Dec. 17 – The Rave – Milwaukee, Wis.
Friday, Dec. 18 – Akron Civic Center – Akron, Ohio
Terry McBride Inks Publishing Deal With MV2
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: (L-R): MV2’s Clay Myers and Tony Harrell, Terry McBride, attorney Chip Petree, MV2’s Kendra Poling
Terry McBride has signed an exclusive long-term publishing agreement with MV2 Entertainment. McBride has had cuts by Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, George Strait and many more including over 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, which led to 13 singles and 12 BMI Million Airplay awards.
“It is exciting to be representing Terry and his music again,” said Clay Myers, MV2 Creative Director. “He and I had a tremendously successful eight year run before and I’m looking forward to another successful eight years with him starting now!”
“After moving to Nashville almost 25 years ago I feel fortunate that I’m still having success and extremely proud to have people like Clay Myers, Tony Harrell and MV2 excited about partnering with me for the future,” said McBride.
Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager shared, “Terry is an awesome talent combined with great energy and I am excited to have this fellow native Texan at MV2!”
McBride hails from a small town outside of Austin, Texas and made the move to Nashville in 1989. Soon thereafter he signed a recording deal with MCA Records with his band McBride & The Ride. The group went on to record four albums for the label, racking up several top five hit singles and many nominations as Vocal Group of the Year. When the group disbanded in 1995, McBride turned his focus to songwriting.
MV2 was formed by Myers and Harrell along with CEO and President James Archer and the executive team of Blake Gage and Harold Johnson.
Nominations for 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards
/by Sarah SkatesBill Keith (L) and Larry Sparks (R) will be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
Nominees for the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards were announced today (Aug. 12) during an event at the Sirius XM Theater inside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The awards ceremony will be Thursday, Oct. 1 in Raleigh, NC with hosts The Gibson Brothers.
IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event in Raleigh also consists of the IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1), Wide Open Bluegrass presented by PNC (Oct. 2-3) and the Bluegrass Ramble showcases (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1).
Special Awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Awards, will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Momentum Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Bill Keith
Larry Sparks
2015 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Alison Brown
Murphy Henry
International Bluegrass Music Museum
“Bashful Brother” Oswald Kirby
Steve Martin
2015 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Hot Rize
The Earls of Leicester
The Gibson Brothers
The Del McCoury Band
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Flatt Lonesome
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Gibson Brothers
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Punch Brothers
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
The Earls of Leicester
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Big Black Train” – Earls of Leicester (artist), Stanley Johnson, George Sherry (writers)
“Fiddlin’ Joe” – Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Mark Brinkman (writer)
“Her Love Won’t Turn On A Dime” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Bart Butler, Timothy Johnson, Shane Minor (writers)
“Moon Over Memphis” – Balsam Range (artist), Mark W. Winchester (writer)
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller (artist), Bill Monroe, Guy Stevenson, DeWayne Mize (writers)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Brotherhood – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producers), Rounder
Five – Balsam Range (artist), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
The Earls of Leicester – The Earls of Leicester (artist) Jerry Douglas (producer), Rounder
Too – Flatt Lonesome (artist), Andrea Roberts, Tim Surrett (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
When I’m Free – Hot Rize (artist), Hot Rize (producer), Ten In Hand Records
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Holding To The Right Hand” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Marvin Clark (writer), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Insured Beyond The Grave” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artist), Standing Tall and Tough (album), Ira Louvin, Charlie Louvin (writers), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Stacking Up the Rocks” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Melton (writer), Balsam Range (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
“What a Wonderful Savior Is He” – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Brotherhood (album), William G. Brewster (writer), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producer), Rounder Records
“Who Will Sing for Me” – The Earls of Leicester (artist), The Earls of Leicester (album), Carter Stanley, Ralph Stanley (writer), Jerry Douglas (producers), Rounder Records
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Backdraft (You Light It, You Fight It” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Metlon, Marc Pruett, Tim Surrett, Darren Nicholson, Caleb B. Smith (writer), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Come Along Jody” – Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper (artist), On Down the Line (album), Benjamin F.”Tex” Logan (writer), Jeff White, Michael Cleveland (producers), Compass Records
“Cumberland Gap” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Sammy Shelor (arrangement), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“The Three Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), The Three Bells (album), Jean Villard, Bert Reisfeld (writers), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producer), Rounder Records
“Yeah Man” – Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (artist), Cold Spell (album), Michael Munford (writer), Frank Solivan (producer), Compass Records
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Against The Grain”- Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, featuring Garth Brooks (artists), Larry Cordle (producer), MightyCord Records
“Blue Memories” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“For Buddy” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers), Rounder Records
“Test of Time” – Steep Canyon Rangers & Edie Brickell (artists), Carl Jackson (producer)
“TheThree Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers) Rounder Records
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller, with Peter Rowan, Michael Feagan, Buddy Spicher, Ernie Sykes, Roland White and Blake Williams (artists), Stephen Mougin (producer) Dark Shadow Recording
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Adkins & Loudermilk
Band of Ruhks
Becky Buller
Mountain Faith
Snyder Family Band
The Earls of Leicester
Volume Five
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Shawn Camp
Del McCoury
Buddy Melton
Russell Moore
Tim O’Brien
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley
Becky Buller
Claire Lynch
Amanda Smith
Rhonda Vincent
BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Mark ‘Brink’ Brinkman
Becky Buller
Bill Castle
Shawn Lane
Donna Ulisse
See complete list here.
Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry.
The IBMA Awards Show will be broadcast live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction) and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of BMI, Deering Banjos, the International Bluegrass Music Museum and Mountain Home Music Company.
No. 1 Party: “Love Me Like You Mean It”
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (l-r): Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr and Celia Froehlig, Josh Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead, Kelsea Ballerini, Lance Carpenter, Parallel Music Publishing’s Tim Hunze and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Ed Rode
It was a celebration of “firsts” at the ASCAP building in Nashville on Monday, Aug. 10. Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini scored her first No. 1 as an artist and songwriter with her hit “Love Me Like You Mean It.” It is the debut single from Ballerini’s first album titled, The First Time.
The three other co-writers on the song, Josh Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead, and Lance Carpenter, were also recognized as No. 1 songwriters for the first time.
Additionally, Whitehead was credited for his first No. 1 as a producer.
Black River Entertainment’s label team can also now say they have a No. 1 single.
“Love Me Like You Mean It” also marks Ballerini as the first solo female to take her debut single to No. 1 since Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” in 2006.
During the event, Michael Martin and Mike Sistad of ASCAP welcomed the crowd and introduced the song’s publishers to honor their writers. Taking to the mic were Parallel Entertainment’s Tim Hunze and Black River’s Celia Froehlig.
Also on hand to speak were CRB’s Bill Mayne, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and Brandi Simms of the CMA.
Lance Carpenter encouraged everyone to “Get your tissues out because I got mine.” He remembered the writing session for the song as a “fun night” and was “thankful to be standing up here today.”
Josh Kerr also shed proud tears as he described that day as a dream come true and simply unbelievable. Kerr is also a co-writer on Ballerini’s current single “Dibs,” and two other songs on the album.
Forest Glen Whitehead thanked Ballerini for allowing him to produce the song.
As Bellerini spoke to the crowd, she said that it’s important to always look forward, and added that it is equally important to not forget to look back. “I look back and remember that this song wasn’t supposed to work, but it did,” she said. “Looking back is so beautiful. I love you all and I mean it.”
Ballerini and ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta.
Lecrae Leads GMA Dove Nominations
/by Sarah SkatesLecrae heads into the Dove Awards as the leading nominee.
Lecrae leads the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award nominations with seven, as announced today (Aug. 12) in Nashville. Following with five nominations are for KING & COUNTRY, and with four each, Crowder, Matt Maher and Chris Tomlin.
The 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. CT. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, Oct. 18.
On hand for today’s nominations announcement at Lipscomb were Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, GMA executive director Jackie Patillo and artists Audio Adrenaline, Jason Crabb, Colton Dixon, Joseph Habedank, Casey J and RED.
Nominees for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year will be made in a special announcement in coming weeks.
Select categories are below. See full list here.
Artist of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Lecrae
Mercy Me
New Artist of the Year
About A Mile
Danny Gokey
I Am They
Lauren Daigle
NF
Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin
for KING & COUNTRY
Hillsong UNITED
Lecrae
MercyMe
Southern Gospel Artist of the Year
Booth Brothers
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Collingsworth Family
The Isaacs
Gospel Artist of the Year
Erica Campbell
Fred Hammond
Israel & New Breed
Jonathan McReynolds
Tamela Mann
Tasha Cobbs
Dove Award nominees are determined by over 1,500 professional GMA members. Winners will be voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500. Voting for the final winners will run Aug. 20 – 27.
Tickets to the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards are now on sale at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville or at www.doveawards.com. Ticket prices range from $35 to $200.
for KING & COUNTRY