50th Anniversary of ACM Awards To Be Held at AT&T Stadium

/by

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones at the ACM Awards. Photo: ACM

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones with George Strait at the ACM Awards. Photo: ACM


During last night’s (April 6) 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and GM Jerry Jones, along with the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and fellow Texan George Strait shared the news that the 50th Anniversary of the ACM Awards will be broadcast live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8 p.m. ET live on CBS Television Network. According to Jones, the event will make use of Ranger Stadium, as well.
Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan will return to host the show, which will conclude three days of events, including the 3rd annual ACM Party For a Cause: 50 Years of Music & Memories, which is slated for April 17-18, 2015 in Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. The two-day outdoor music event will feature live Country music on multiple stages, a country marketplace with food trucks and vendors and more. The event will include more than 30 different artists, with participating artists to be announced at a later date.
“For our 50th Anniversary, we wanted to invite more fans than ever to our party,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “Tickets to the ACM Awards sell out in minutes, country fans make their vacation plans around our events. In 2015, we’ll celebrate with the biggest group of mega artists at ACM Party for a Cause and allow more music fans to experience the awards by hosting it in the premier stadium in the country.”
“I won my first ACM in 1984, and to see a landmark event like the ACM Awards move to one of the biggest venues in the country to create a historical country music experience of this magnitude, it is a testament to the fans,” said Strait. “I am thrilled to have been a part of the announcement of this milestone event coming to my home state of Texas.”
Tickets for the event–including a singular, exclusive ACM Awards golden anniversary will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at ticketmaster.com.

2014 ACM Winners

/by

George Strait wins Entertainer of the Year at the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

George Strait wins Entertainer of the Year at the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: ACM


George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean were among the big winners at the 49th Academy of Country Music awards. Strait won Entertainer of the Year. Lambert took home the Female Vocalist of the Year honor, as well as the Single Record of the Year honor for “Mama’s Broken Heart.” Musgraves, who was a co-writer on “Mama’s Broken Heart” along with Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, earned Album of the Year for her debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park. Aldean took home Male Vocalist of the Year.
Lambert and Keith Urban won Vocal Event of the Year honors for “We Were Us”; Urban also has producer credit on the song. He also made an appearance in the Taylor Swift/Tim McGraw video “Highway Don’t Care,” which garnered the Video of the Year honor.
The Band Perry took home honors as Vocal Group of the Year, while Aldean won Male Vocalist of the Year. Lee Brice‘s “I Drive Your Truck,” penned by Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander and Jimmy Yeary, took home Song of the Year honors. MusicRow subscriber members also voted “…Truck” Song of the Year for last year’s MusicRow Awards.
Florida Georgia Line was named Vocal Duo of the Year, while Justin Moore earned the Best New Artist trophy. Merle Haggard was also honored (on his birthday) with the prestigious Crystal Milestone Award, presented by Garth Brooks.
At the top of the program, it was announced that in 2015, the 50th Anniversary Academy of Country Music Awards will be held at the AT&T Stadium (formerly known as Cowboys Stadium) in Dallas, Texas.
View evening ratings.
View MusicRow’s review. 

View after-party photos.
The Band Perry wins Vocal Group of the Year.

The Band Perry wins Vocal Group of the Year.


Nominees (winners marked in bold):
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Bryan
Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Lee Brice
Luke Bryan
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
acm miranda featured

Trisha Yearwood (l) and Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert (r).


Female Vocalist of the Year
Sheryl Crow
Miranda Lambert
Kacey Musgraves
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Love and Theft
Thompson Square
Vocal Group of the Year
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
New Artist of the Year (previously announced semi-finalists)
Brett Eldredge
Justin Moore
Kip Moore

Florida Georgia Line wins Vocal Duo of the Year. Photo: ACM

Florida Georgia Line wins Vocal Duo of the Year. Photo: ACM


Album of the Year [Award To Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
Based On A True Story… – Blake Shelton
Producer: Scott Hendricks; Record Label: Warner Bros. Records
Crash My Party – Luke Bryan
Producer: Jeff Stevens; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Here’s To The Good Times – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Republic Nashville
Same Trailer Different Park – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves; Record Label: Mercury Records
Two Lanes Of Freedom – Tim McGraw
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Label: Big Machine Records
Jason Aldean wins Male Vocalist of the Year. Photo: ACM

Jason Aldean wins Male Vocalist of the Year. Photo: ACM


Single Record of the Year [Award To Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
“Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Republic Nashville
“Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Label: Big Machine Records
“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice
Producers: Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, Matt McClure; Record Label: Curb Records
“Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf; Record Label: RCA Nashville
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Producer: Frank Rogers; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Justin Moore earns New Artist of the Year. Photo: ACM

Justin Moore earns New Artist of the Year. Photo: ACM


Song of the Year [Award To Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” – Gary Allan
Songwriters: Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Matthew Warren
Publishers: Always Alone Songs (ASCAP), Crystal Beach Music (BMI), Raylene Music (ASCAP)
“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary
Publishers: Beattyville Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Great Day At This Music (BMI), Happy Tears Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI)
“Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
Publishers: 351 Music (BMI), Crazy Water Music (ASCAP), Little Blue Egg (ASCAP), Songs of Parallel (ASCAP), Vista Loma Music (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
“Mine Would Be You” – Blake Shelton
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan
Publishers: Doc and Maggie Music (ASCAP), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Get A Load Of This Music (ASCAP), Great Day At This Music (BMI), Hopeless Rose Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Songwriters: Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor
Publishers: Blood Donor Music (BMI), Special Rider Music (SESAC)
 
Garth Brooks presents Merle Haggard with the Crystal Milestone Award. Photo: ACM

Garth Brooks presents Merle Haggard with the Crystal Milestone Award. Photo: ACM


Video of the Year [Award To Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
“Better Dig Two” – The Band Perry
Producer: Eric Williams
Director: Declan Whitebloom
“Blowin’ Smoke” – Kacey Musgraves
Producer: Josh Goldstein
Director: Honey
“Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
Producers: Tameron Hedge, Chandra LaPlume
Director: Shane Drake
“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice
Producer: Karen Martin
Director: Eric Welch
“Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Reagan Rosson
Director: Trey Fanjoy
“Two Black Cadillacs” – Carrie Underwood
Producer: Steve Lamar
Director: P.R. Brown
Vocal Event of the Year [Award To Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
“Boys ‘Round Here” – Blake Shelton Featuring Pistol Annies & Friends
Producer: Scott Hendricks; Record Label: Warner Bros. Records
“Cruise (Remix)” – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly
Producers: Joey Moi, Jason Nevins; Record Label: Republic Nashville
“Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Label: Big Machine Records
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Producer: Frank Rogers; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
“We Were Us” – Keith Urban And Miranda Lambert
Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban; Record Labels: Capitol Records Nashville, Hit Red Records, RCA Nashville
Off-camera 2014 ACM Winners were previously announced.
Off-camera radio winners were also previously announced.

Rocket Tone Records Debuts Country Project

/by

Buck 22

Buck 22


Nashville indie label Rocket Tone Records has launched its first Country format endeavor, with Eric Mellencamp overseeing the new project. Mellencamp previously worked in West Coast radio promotions with Curb Records in Nashville.
The label has added Johnny Bennett as COO, and Audra Briner as VP, Promotion. The label’s first Country artist is Buck 22, son of Dionne Warwick. Buck 22 will release “Country Pride” as his debut single.

Merle Haggard Cancels Show Due To Pneumonia

/by

merle haggard 2013 photoMerle Haggard canceled his concert at the The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Okla., on April 3 due to pneumonia. “My apologies and we will reschedule. Hopefully be able to sing tomorrow night in Wichita,” said a statement via Twitter.
Wishes for a swift recovery go out to Haggard, as he has a busy weekend planned. He is slated to take part in two George Strait concerts, one Friday night (April 4) at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan., and then on Saturday (April 5) at Pepsi Center in Denver (both dates also feature Lee Ann Womack).
On Sunday April 6, Haggard will be honored at the 49th annual ACM awards by Miranda Lambert and Strait, and will be presented the Crystal Milestone Award by Garth Brooks.

LifeNotes: Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith

/by

arthur smith11Arthur (“Guitar Boogie”) Smith died Thursday (April 3) at his home in Charlotte, N.C., at age 93.
Smith appeared on the Billboard Country charts in 1948 with “Banjo Boogie” (which reached No. 9) and “Guitar Boogie” (which reached No. 8). 1949’s “Boomerang” also peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Country chart. His compositions have been recorded by numerous artists, including Johnny Cash, The Oak Ridge Boys, Barbara Mandrell and others.
In 1955, Smith composed a banjo instrumental he titled “Feudin’ Banjos.” Smith took on Warner Bros. after the song appeared (uncredited) as the song “Dueling Banjos” in 1972’s Deliverance. The song went to No. 5 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. Smith’s lawsuit won a substantial settlement, which gave him songwriting credit and back royalties.
He earned a BMI Song of the Year award in 1973; that same year he was honored with a Grammy as the original writer of “Dueling Banjos.” He was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
He hosted the syndicated program The Arthur Smith Show, which became one of the first Country music television shows to be syndicated nationally.
Smith is survived by wife Dorothy, children Reggie, Clay, and Connie Brown. He also has seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

YouTube video

Shelton, Lambert To Duet On ACM Military Special

/by

acmMiranda Lambert will perform a duet with Blake Shelton, plus Eli Young Band and Rascal Flatts have been added to the lineup for ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops, a concert event that will feature Country artists paying tribute to the armed forces.
Marcus Luttrell (retired Navy SEAL), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Craig Morgan, Nancy O’Dell (Entertainment Tonight), and Sheryl Underwood (The Talk) will present during the show. The special will be hosted by LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, and will be taped Monday, April 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops, will be broadcast Tuesday, May 20 at 9 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network.
These artists join previously announced performers Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Merle Haggard, Hunter Hayes, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Kellie Pickler, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy.

The Swon Brothers To Make Opry Debut April 12

/by

swon brothers11

The Swon Brothers


Brothers Zach and Colton Swon of Arista Nashville duo The Swon Brothers have been touring non-stop since their debut on NBC’s The Voice. On April 12, they will make another debut, this time on Country music’s most revered stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
The Swon Brothers will perform their debut single, “Later On.” Their debut album, produced by Mark Bright, will be released later this year.
“We’ve dreamed about playing the Opry since we were kids and to know that we are going to actually get to sing on that stage is an overwhelming feeling,” says Zach Swon.
“This is going to be one of the greatest nights of our lives,” says Colton Swon. “Playing the Grand Ole Opry seemed so far out of reach as a kid and now we get to follow in the footsteps of our heroes. Really hard to believe it’s happening!”

Artists Added To GMA Honors Celebration

/by
gma honorsThe inaugural GMA Honors Celebration and Hall of Fame induction has added special guests David Crowder, dc Talk (TobyMac, Michael Tait, Kevin Max), Earnest Pugh, Ellie Bannister Holcomb, Kirk Whalum, Lenny LeBlanc and Steven Curtis Chapman to its lineup.
The GMA Honors and Hall of Fame Induction will take place April 29 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville. Previously announced performers include Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, will host the evening’s program.
The GMA has also announced the “Love Your Country. Vote. Faith Family and Freedom Tour” as this year’s presenting sponsor. The tour, produced by Rendy Lovelady and RLM/Mission Management, will bring Country and Gospel artists together to encourage Americans to vote.
The previously announced Honors recipients are Dr. Bobby Jones, Don Moen, Michael Guido, Show Hope and World Vision. Hall of Fame inductees will include Brown Bannister, Gaither Vocal Band, Rich Mullins and Take 6.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to raise awareness for the legacy of Gospel music. Each of these inductees or honorees has made a definitive mark on the fabric of our musical tapestry. While each has different gifts and has contributed in different ways, all of their stories highlight God’s faithfulness. We’ll be able to celebrate this through GMA Honors with some very special friends and truly inspiring performances,”  says GMA Executive Director, Jackie Patillo.
Individual tickets or full tables are available for purchase, which include full dinner service with our honorees and guests. Contact the GMA office at service@gospelmusic.org.

Artist Updates (4/4/14)

/by

John Anderson and Tracy Lawrence wrapped a special concert series this week that included the hit duo performing in some of the most renowned music venues in the US. Concert goers experienced one of kind performances as the two shared some of their biggest hits together.
While in LA for a concert stop, Lawrence took time to visit with actor Michael Roark, the co-star of his new music video “LIE.” Roark, best known for his film and TV roles in Dolphin Tale, Magic Mike, Sleepy Hollow, Banshee, The Following and Revolution, plays the friend of Lawrence in this steamy tale of love, friendship, and betrayal.

Pictured (L-R): John Anderson, ??, ??, Tracy Lawrence

Pictured (L-R): John Anderson, Michael Beyer, Michael Roark, Tracy Lawrence.
Photo By Alex Torrez

 • • •

chelsea bain1Bigger Picture Group’s Chelsea Bain has partnered with Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, a world leader in engine-off vehicle heating equipment, to promote the benefits of its Air Top 2000 ST bunk heaters and Thermo Top C coolant heaters among trucking owner-operators.
At the Mid-America truck show in Louisville, Ky., Bain met fans and performed in Webasto’s booth, while over 80,000 attendees gathered at the annual forum for the heavy duty trucking industry.

 • • •

Black River Entertainment held an event last week that mixed the worlds of country music and professional hockey. The night was a chance for country music industry tastemakers to mix and mingle with players from the Buffalo Sabres and Black River Entertainment recording artists Kellie Pickler, Craig Morgan and Kelsea Ballerini.
Black River and the studios at Sound Stage provided a Nashville VIP experience that included catering from Edley’s Bar-B-Que and Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant. Guests also stopped by Ronnie’s Place recording studio to sample Tennessee Whiskey in the Jack Daniel’s Room. The evening concluded with a pickin’ party, complete with bonfire, s’mores and music provided by Ballerini, Passport Records’ Brassfield Aly, and Black River Publishing’s Josh Kerr.

Pictured (L-R): Terry Pegula and Kim Pegula, Black River Entertainment recording artists Kellie Pickler and Craig Morgan, and CEO Gordon Kerr.(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Black River Entertainment)

Pictured (L-R): Terry Pegula and Kim Pegula, Black River Entertainment recording artists Kellie Pickler and Craig Morgan, and CEO Gordon Kerr. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Black River Entertainment

• • •

Natalie Stovall and The Drive spent a good portion of the last two weeks in Panama City Beach, Fla. At the favored Panama City destination Spinnaker Beach Club, the band wrapped eight nights of shows for 40,000 fans.

natalie stovall111

Natalie Stovall and The Drive

• • •

soul circus cowboysSoul Circus Cowboys will perform at Nashville’s The Rutledge on Tuesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The Florida-based band is comprised of lead vocalist Billy McKnight, drummer Jason Alfano, bassist Michael Bach, guitarist/vocalist Terry Cole, and guitarist Stephen Haendiges.

Industry Pics (4/4/14)

/by

ASCAP hosted its monthly songwriters showcase at The Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. The in-the-round performance featured songwriter-artists Jonathan Kingham and Shane Hines (of Paperhouse), Big Machine Music songwriter-artist Courtney Cole and up-and-coming songwriter-artist Brad Blackburn.
The Bluebird Cafe’s late show included ASCAP Songwriter of the Year winner Dave Berg, Blue Sky Riders (Kenny Loggins, Gary Burr) member Georgia Middleman, and songwriters Philip Coleman and Annie Tate.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Brad Blackburn, Courtney Cole, Shane Hines and Jonathan Kingham. Photo by ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Brad Blackburn, Courtney Cole, Shane Hines and Jonathan Kingham. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.


Pictured (L-R): Dave Berg, Georgia Middleman, Philip Coleman and Annie Tate. Photo by ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski.

Pictured (L-R): Dave Berg, Georgia Middleman, Philip Coleman and Annie Tate. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.

 • • •

Ken Paulson, Dean of the College of Mass Communication at MTSU, spoke at a recent SOURCE luncheon. Paulson, who was executive director of the First Amendment Center for many years, spotlighted five women whose songs changed the world with a song.

Pictured (L-R): SOURCE President Denise Nichols, Past-president Debbie Carroll, Paulson and former President Lainie Allbee.

Pictured (L-R): SOURCE President Denise Nichols, Past-president Debbie Carroll, Paulson and former President Lainie Allbee.

 • • •

SESAC sponsored The Recording Academy’s 2014 Grammys On The Hill Awards in Washington, D.C. on April 2. Seven-time Grammy winners Lady Antebelllum were presented with the Recording Artists’ Coalition Award in recognition of their artistic accomplishments and advocacy.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Pat Collins, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, the Recording Academy’s Neil Portnow and Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Pat Collins, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, the Recording Academy’s Neil Portnow and Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood.