Florida Georgia Line opened the show with Luke Bryan, Jason Derulo and members of ZZ Top.
Photos: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images/CMT.com
Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan won two belt buckles each at last night’s (June 4) fan-voted CMT Music Awards, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The entertaining show was packed with performances, thrilling fans on stages inside the arena and outside on Broadway. Carrie Underwood received the top prize, Video of the Year.
Nothin’ bad from these two.
was an engaging host, pulling off stunts including dressing up like
Alan Jackson, and starring in funny pre-taped videos. (Forget Tinder, in one video she used the fictitious app Hollr to search for a co-host.) Having Bell return as host is a big win for CMT; she is one of the hottest entertainers right now, thanks to her work on blockbuster
Frozen.
Lee Ann Womack and
Kacey Musgraves honored Jackson for his 25 years of making music videos with a performance of his classic “Livin’ on Love.” Underwood presented the icon with the first-ever CMT Impact Award.
John Legend and
Jason Derulo glided in from the pop/R&B world and fit in nicely. Legend performed “All of Me” with
Jennifer Nettles and
Hunter Hayes.
Inside, the Nationwide stage gave up-and-comers a chance to play a verse/chorus, with highlights including
Dan + Shay and
Brett Eldredge. (Some of the rising males seem to be mimicking Luke Bryan’s dance moves.) See a complete
winners list.
Top 10 highlights:
10. Dierks Bentley appeared in character on the red carpet, showing up as Riser Air’s Captain Johnson. Later onstage, he brought out dancing stewardesses to help with “Drunk On A Plane,” but a more elaborate set would have pushed the performance to the next level.
9. Brantley Gilbert’s too-cool swagger during “Bottom’s Up” made his backflip off the riser even more unexpected.
8. Outside the arena,
Jake Owen sent warm, happy vibes to the crowd with his sunset performance of “Beachin.’”
7. Eric Church and
Lzzy Hale scorched the stage with a guitar-heavy take on “That’s Damn Rock and Roll.”
6. Keith Urban played inside the “Bluebird Cafe.” Accompanied only by his electric guitar, Urban was on a set made to look like Nashville’s famed venue, but was actually inside the arena.
Brantley Gilbert’s other skill: acrobatics.
The Real Big Pepsi Block Party shut down Broadway, where
Blake Shelton thrilled a mass of fans with “Boys ‘Round Here.”
4. Lady Antebellum’s “Bartender” offered a fresh groovy sound from one of Country’s favorite bands. The female-driven song is a perfect showcase for
Hillary Scott, who looked gorgeous during the outdoor set.
3. The show opened with a rowdy rendition of “This Is How We Roll/Talk Dirty” with the quadruple star power of
Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Jason Derulo and
ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and
Dusty Hill. FGL, Bryan and Derulo blasted up on to the stage seemingly out of nowhere and the bros even had a (loosely coordinated) dance routine. It was the energetic start the show needed to capture fans’ attention from the get-go.
2. Carrie Underwood and
Miranda Lambert gave a damn good take on “Somethin’ Bad.” The Platinum-haired divas brought loads of personality and avoided the performance pitfall of trying to out-do one another. Adding to the effect was Lambert’s new look, Underwood’s big hair and powerful wind machines. (Wonder what happened after they got to New Orleans?)
1. Little Big Town played new single “Day Drinking,” starting off with an all-white set and wardrobe and ending in a splatter paint bonanza of color.
Little Big Town’s paint party.
Eric Church brought a Halestorm.
Marty Stuart Brings Eclectic Lineup To Late Night Fan Jam
/by Jessica NicholsonMarty Stuart and Travis Tritt
Marty Stuart welcomed a well-caffeinated crowd of fans for his 13th annual Late Night Fan Jam, which stretched into the wee hours of the morning. In the midst of the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Festival, the Late Night Fan Jam offered a musical oasis for fans who prefer their music pure and unprocessed.
The evening, which served as fundraiser for MusiCares, was held Wednesday, June 4 at the Ryman Auditorium, and featured an eclectic lineup including Travis Tritt, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Connie Smith, LeAnn Rimes and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore (of duo Sam & Dave).
Emi Sunshine
Stuart held court throughout the evening, revving up the crowd with his own ‘90s favorites including “Hillbilly Rock.” “Country music sounds better here than anywhere in the world,” said Stuart before performing the traditional folk song “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” (also known as “In The Pines”).
The evening further proved that age does nothing to diminish talent. The evening featured artists from age 9 to 76, all immensely talented. Nine-year-old Emi Sunshine, was previously featured on The Today Show. During her Ryman performance, she offered a cover of “Blue Yodel Number 6” and the original tune “Johnny, June and Jesus.” The talented tyke’s strong voice and effervescent stage presence should continue garnering her fans for years to come.
Jim Glaser
At 76, Jim Glaser still possesses a voice as smooth and supple as tenors half his age. He performed several gems, including “Lights of Albuquerque.”
Rimes offered a medley of “I Need You,” and a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Backed by guitarists and Stuart on mandolin, Rimes’ voice is as soulful as ever.
Granting the wish of a fan in the front row, Stuart performed with wife Connie Smith as she launched into “Cry, Cry, Cry” and her 1967 song “Cincinnati, Ohio.”
Pictured (L-R): Sam Moore and Marty Stuart
Once Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Moore took to the stage, the evening quickly became the “Sam Jam,” as the audience rose to its feet to sing along with his renditions of “Soul Man,” “Rainy Night in Georgia,” and “Let The Good Times Roll.”
The evening ended with a performance from Tritt, who welcomed his daughter Tyler Reese Tritt for a duet of “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” Tritt then offered his favored ‘90s hits including “Great Day To Be Alive” and “Somebody,” before Stuart joined him onstage for their signature duet, “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin.’”
“He sent the idea of a duet to Hank Williams, Jr., first and he didn’t record it,” Tritt revealed. “Then they sent it to me. I said yes, but I wasn’t in Nashville when [Marty recorded] his part. Marty and I first met at the video shoot for the song. We came together and between takes we would sit on his bus and talk about our history and backgrounds. We’ve referred to ourselves as brothers from different mothers. We made a pact that no matter what happens through the years, we will always be brothers because we are joined in music and honor of each other.”
The evening’s musical lovefest surely proved a highlight of attendees’ 2014 CMA Music Fest.
Sheryl Crow Enlists Friends For Nashville-Area Academy Benefit
/by Jessica Nicholson“It’s amazing to live in a community with so many creative people that support one another. We’re blessed to have an institution like New Hope Academy dedicated to providing extraordinary educational opportunities while including a diverse student base, including the underprivileged,” says Crow. “These shows are one way I contribute personally and also invite my fans to help foster their success.”
New Hope is a non-profit school in Franklin promising an excellent, classical education with a special mission for the underprivileged. This is Crow’s third series of benefit concerts to help raise resources and awareness for the school.
Industry Ink (6/5/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ACM’s Jenny Driessen, PR News’ Steve Goldstein, and ACM’s Jenelle Scott.
The Academy of Country Music won top honors at the Social Media Icon Awards presented by PR News at a luncheon recently in New York, winning the “GOOGLE+ Circle Growth” category in recognition of the Academy’s 2013 marketing campaign. The ACM won top honors at last year’s awards for its Twitter campaign.
The Social Media Icon Awards honor the most outstanding social media campaigns in the communications and public relations arena. The Academy ranked 316 out of 24,829,631 of all Google+ pages for businesses, according to circlecount.com. Fans/Users who added the Academy’s Google+ page to their circles increased by 89,950 percent from Jan. 1 through Dec. 6, 2013.
“Our dedicated social media team virtually never rests, and I think our devotion to music fans is something they recognize,” said Brooke Primero, SVP, Publicity & Marketing for the Academy of Country Music. “Fans know we’re there for them as much on a Sunday morning as we are on a Tuesday afternoon, and they respond to that consistency with a loyalty we’re proud of. Country music is nothing without the fans.”
The Academy faced off with other finalists including Guthy-Renker and Voto Latino.
• • •
Singer-songwriter Lacy Green has entered into an exclusive songwriter agreement with Dan Hodges Music, LLC.
Pictured (L-R): Susan Hodges, Loeb & Loeb’s Michael Johnson, Lacy Green, Dan Hodges. Photo: Robbie Quinn
• • •
Pictured (L-R): The KP Agency’s Mandy KenKnight, Trinity Productions’ Brad Hall, The KP Agency’s Lisa Corbitt Powers
Nashville-based entertainment companies The KP Agency and Trinity Productions have joined to bring various aspects of event management under one roof. The KP Agency partners Mandy KenKnight and Lisa Corbitt Powers specialize in corporate meetings, trade shows, commercials, music videos, models, talent and events. Meanwhile, Brad Hall of Trinity Productions will offer audio-visual services including sound, lighting effects, and more.
The KP Agency and Trinity Productions share more than 50 years combined experience, with a client list that has included Budweiser, Toby Keith, New Balance, Gaylord Opryland, BMI and the ACM.
MusicRowPics: The Band Perry Receives Challenge Coins for 'Chainsaw'
/by Sherod RobertsonPictured (L-R): Neil Perry, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, Kimberly Perry, MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson, and Reid Perry.
The Band Perry‘s Neil, Reid and Kimberly Perry were honored with MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins during their CMA Fest press conference this morning (June 5).
Neil Perry and Kimberly Perry
“Chainsaw,” the fourth single from the trio’s sophomore album Pioneer, was released March 3, 2014 and climbed to No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart on May 22, 2014.
Writers Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Matt Ramsey were also recently feted for the chart-topping hit, when they received their own MusicRow Challenge Coins.
“Chainsaw,” produced by Dann Huff, was published by Universal Music Corporation, Smack Ink, Smack Songs, LLC, Want a Fresh One Music, Black River Entertainment LLC, Music of RPM, and Sonic Geo Music.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow chart director Troy Stephenson, Matt Ramsey, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally and MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson.
Top 10 Highlights From the CMT Music Awards
/by Sarah SkatesFlorida Georgia Line opened the show with Luke Bryan, Jason Derulo and members of ZZ Top.
Photos: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images/CMT.com
Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan won two belt buckles each at last night’s (June 4) fan-voted CMT Music Awards, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The entertaining show was packed with performances, thrilling fans on stages inside the arena and outside on Broadway. Carrie Underwood received the top prize, Video of the Year.
Nothin’ bad from these two.
Kristen Bell was an engaging host, pulling off stunts including dressing up like Alan Jackson, and starring in funny pre-taped videos. (Forget Tinder, in one video she used the fictitious app Hollr to search for a co-host.) Having Bell return as host is a big win for CMT; she is one of the hottest entertainers right now, thanks to her work on blockbuster Frozen.
Lee Ann Womack and Kacey Musgraves honored Jackson for his 25 years of making music videos with a performance of his classic “Livin’ on Love.” Underwood presented the icon with the first-ever CMT Impact Award.
John Legend and Jason Derulo glided in from the pop/R&B world and fit in nicely. Legend performed “All of Me” with Jennifer Nettles and Hunter Hayes.
Inside, the Nationwide stage gave up-and-comers a chance to play a verse/chorus, with highlights including Dan + Shay and Brett Eldredge. (Some of the rising males seem to be mimicking Luke Bryan’s dance moves.) See a complete winners list.
Top 10 highlights:
10. Dierks Bentley appeared in character on the red carpet, showing up as Riser Air’s Captain Johnson. Later onstage, he brought out dancing stewardesses to help with “Drunk On A Plane,” but a more elaborate set would have pushed the performance to the next level.
9. Brantley Gilbert’s too-cool swagger during “Bottom’s Up” made his backflip off the riser even more unexpected.
8. Outside the arena, Jake Owen sent warm, happy vibes to the crowd with his sunset performance of “Beachin.’”
7. Eric Church and Lzzy Hale scorched the stage with a guitar-heavy take on “That’s Damn Rock and Roll.”
6. Keith Urban played inside the “Bluebird Cafe.” Accompanied only by his electric guitar, Urban was on a set made to look like Nashville’s famed venue, but was actually inside the arena.
Brantley Gilbert’s other skill: acrobatics.
5. The Real Big Pepsi Block Party shut down Broadway, where Blake Shelton thrilled a mass of fans with “Boys ‘Round Here.”
4. Lady Antebellum’s “Bartender” offered a fresh groovy sound from one of Country’s favorite bands. The female-driven song is a perfect showcase for Hillary Scott, who looked gorgeous during the outdoor set.
3. The show opened with a rowdy rendition of “This Is How We Roll/Talk Dirty” with the quadruple star power of Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Jason Derulo and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill. FGL, Bryan and Derulo blasted up on to the stage seemingly out of nowhere and the bros even had a (loosely coordinated) dance routine. It was the energetic start the show needed to capture fans’ attention from the get-go.
2. Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert gave a damn good take on “Somethin’ Bad.” The Platinum-haired divas brought loads of personality and avoided the performance pitfall of trying to out-do one another. Adding to the effect was Lambert’s new look, Underwood’s big hair and powerful wind machines. (Wonder what happened after they got to New Orleans?)
1. Little Big Town played new single “Day Drinking,” starting off with an all-white set and wardrobe and ending in a splatter paint bonanza of color.
Little Big Town’s paint party.
Eric Church brought a Halestorm.
Artist Photos (6/5/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonCraig Morgan was presented with a plaque by F3 Entertainment recently, commemorating his milestone reach of 1 million Facebook likes. More than 700,000 fans were added in less than a year, with the success of his latest hit “Wake Up Loving You” contributing to the recent growth. Morgan was honored as he hosted his annual Fan Club Party from Music City Indoor Karting & Entertainment.
Pictured (Front row, L-R): Sarah Johnson, FBMM; Mollie Cochrane, F3 Entertainment; Craig Morgan; Gordon Kerr, Black River Entertainment; Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Doug Johnson, Black River Entertainment. (Back row): Jake Kennedy, CAA; Jeff Hill, CAA; Ken Madson, F3 Entertainment; Chris Hughes, F3 Entertainment; Jordan Sloat, Black River Entertainment. Photo: F3 Entertainment
• • •
Rodney Atkins, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Tyler Farr close out the fourth annual “Music City Gives Back” concert in downtown Nashville. The shindig benefits Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School.
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Rodney Atkins
• • •
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched 2014’s Hot Nights at the Hall with performances from Striking Matches, Michael Ray and Cam. The series, free to museum members, will continue on July 10 with Josh Thompson and on Aug. 1 with Holly Thompson.
Pictured (L-R): Michael Ray, Cam, CAA’s Rod Essig, Striking Matches’ Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Jenny Alexander. Photo: Randi Radcliff.
• • •
Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr kicked off his CMA Music Festival week on Tuesday morning with Cumulus’ America’s Morning Show.
Pictured (L-R): Chuck Wicks, Terri Clark, Farr and Blair Garner.
• • •
Average Joes and Marco Club Connection celebrated CMA Music Fest with the Mud Digger 5 release party at Second Fiddle on Lower Broadway on June 3.
Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, VP/Marketing & Promotions, Average Joes Entertainment; Shannon Houchins, CEO/President, Average Joes Entertainment; AJE Artists Twang and Round, Sarah Ross, Lenny Cooper; Marco Club Connection’s Brooke Swenson, Jeff Walker, President, AristoMedia Group; Matt Watkins, VP of Marketing and Operations, AristoMedia Group
Alan Jackson, CMHoF To Celebrate 25 Years of Hits
/by Jessica NicholsonAlan Jackson performs during a secret show at Nashville’s The Stage on June 4. Photo: Chris Hollo.
More than 60 charted singles, 35 No. 1 hits, 55 music videos, 16 CMA Awards, 18 ACM awards, three CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.
These are just a sampling of the accolades Alan Jackson has amassed during his 25 years in the spotlight since the release of his first single, “Blue Blooded Woman,” in 1989, and his first No. 1 song, “Here In The Real World,” in 1990.
On Thursday, June 5, radio personality Gerry House hosted Jackson’s performance, along with Universal Music Nashville CEO Mike Dungan, CAA booking agent John Huie, and Country Music Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young at the CMHoF’s Ford Theater to announce a string of events commemorating Jackson’s 25-year career. Dungan credited “Here In The Real World” with bringing him into the world of Country music. “I could not stop playing this song. I was working around these pop music people, and I’m playing ‘Here In The Real World’ over and over. It was that song that made me feel like I want a career in Country music and in Nashville. I attribute that song to the reason I came here.”
In 2015, Jackson will launch a 25-year anniversary tour, with dates to be announced soon. On Aug. 29, 2014, the Country Music Hall of Fame will open an exhibit dedicated to Jackson’s illustrious career as a singer, songwriter and entertainer. Among the memorabilia will be the Harley Davidson bike featured on the cover of his 1992 album, A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little ‘Bout Love), as well as the red leather jacket featured in his “Mercury Blues” video.
Jackson has made his 1955 Thunderbird available for display during the exhibition’s opening weekend.
In addition, Jackson will become the Country Music Hall of Fame’s 12th Artist-in-Residence for two concerts on Oct. 8, 2014 and Oct. 22, 2014. The artist-in-residence program will take place in the 800-seat CMA Theater.
“To have all this happen and get to where I am today, it’s the American dream,” Jackson said. “People don’t realize that we had nothing and I didn’t know anything about music when I started. Some guy said, ‘You sound as good as those people on the radio, you should move to Nashville.’ So I did. So much has happened.
Jackson said, of opening his collection of memorabilia to the museum, “It’s so many awards from so many places—radio stations give me things, mayors give me keys to the city, it’s crazy. I can’t believe it when we walk through our house, it makes my head spin. I always try to take it back to the music. I came here to sing Country music, and if you keep having a song every now and then that means something, it will keep your career going for a while. I’m still a fan. I hope it all goes back to the music, ‘cause all the other stuff in the spotlight doesn’t mean anything without the music. Thanks Country Music Hall of Fame for all of this attention.”
He was quick to confirm that he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. “A lot of people were asking if this was a retirement announcement. I tell people, ‘I don’t know what I will retire from, I don’t work that much now,” he quipped. “A lot of my heroes just kept working. I’ll probably do the same thing as long as I’m enjoying it and the fans enjoy it.”
Dunn Signs With William Morris Endeavor
/by Jessica NicholsonClare Dunn recently signed with William Morris Endeavor for exclusive booking representation. The Colorado native has been touring in support of her self-released single “Get Out,” which is top 25 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. Dunn has recently opened dates for Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Hank Williams, Jr., Jamey Johnson, Parmalee, Colt Ford, and others.
She will be performing on the Bud Light Bridgestone Stage during CMA Fest on Saturday, June 7 at 4:30 p.m.
Pictured (L to R): WME’s Jay Williams, Clare Dunn, WME’s Kevin Neal
MusicRowPics: Akins, Hayslip Honored with 'MusicRow' Challenge Coins
/by Jessica NicholsonRhett Akins and Ben Hayslip were recently honored with a MusicRow Challenge Coin for their work on Jason Aldean‘s “When She Says Baby.” The song reached No. 1 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout chart for the week of Feb. 6, 2014. Publishers on the song include EMI Blackwood Music, WB Music Corp., Tar-Cam-Knox Music, Get A Load Of This Music.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, songwriter Rhett Akins, and MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow chart director Troy Stephenson, songwriter Ben Hayslip and MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson
MusicRow launched the MusicRow Challenge Coins in 2014 to honor songwriters and artists whose works have topped the MusicRow Country Breakout chart.
Challenge coins celebrate distinguished individuals, and the challenge coin term and tradition is believed to date back to WWI, when they were initially given to American soldiers. Varying accounts exist, but the most common story behind the coin’s name is as follows. After receiving a challenge coin, organization members carried it with them at all times. When challenged to prove membership, they would produce it to verify their membership status. Some stories add if the member couldn’t produce the coin, they had to buy the challenger(s) a drink and vice versa.
MusicRowRecess: Fan Fair Flashback
/by Sarah SkatesRemember when it was called Fan Fair and it took place at the fairgrounds? Relive Nashville in the ’90s, courtesy of these photos submitted by Bev Moser and JoAnn DiUbaldo.
