
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.
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

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
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
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
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
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.
Lambert Reveals Tracklist For 'Platinum'
/by Jessica NicholsonAs previously reported, Underwood appears on “Somethin’ Bad,” while Little Big Town guests on “Smokin’ and Drinkin'”. The Time Jumpers show off their ace musicianship in “All That’s Left,” penned by Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall.
Lambert had a hand in writing eight of the album’s generous 16 tracks. Other songwriters include Natalie Hemby, Jimmy Robbins, Shane McAnally, Riscilla Renea, Scotty Wray, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Monroe, Jessi Alexander, Luke Laird, Brett James and many others.
1. Girls – Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby/Jimmy Robbins
2. Platinum – Miranda Lambert/Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby
3. Little Red Wagon – Audra Mae/Joe Ginsberg
4. Smokin’ and Drinkin’ (feat. Little Big Town) – Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally
5. Priscilla – Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby/Jimmy Robbins
6. Automatic – Miranda Lambert/Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby
7. Bathroom Sink – Miranda Lambert
8. Old Sh!t – Brent Cobb/Neil Mason
9. All That’s Left (feat. The Time Jumpers) – Dixie Hall/Tom T. Hall
10. Gravity Is a B**ch – Miranda Lambert/Scotty Wray
11. Babies Makin’ Babies – Nicolle Galyon/Natalie Hemby/Jimmy Robbins
12. Somethin’ Bad (duet with Carrie Underwood) – Chris DeStefano/Brett James/Priscilla Renea
13. Holding On to You – Miranda Lambert/Jessi Alexander/Ashley Monroe
14. Two Rings Shy – Miranda Lambert/Brandy Clark/Heather Little
15. Hard Staying Sober – Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird
16. Another Sunday in the South – Miranda Lambert/Jessi Alexander/Ashley Monroe
[Updated] In Photos: 49th Annual ACM Awards After-Parties
/by Jessica NicholsonAward winners, nominees, and label execs partied into the wee hours in Las Vegas after last night’s 49th Annual Academy of Country Music awards, as label groups hosted festivities to celebrate their various trophy winners and nominees.
View evening ratings.
View MusicRow’s review.
View full winners list.
Big Machine Label Group’s post-ACM celebration in Las Vegas.
Pictured (L-R): First Row – The Cadillac Three’s Neil Mason, Kelby Ray, Jaren Johnston, Eli Young Band’s Jon Jones, Mike Eli, Chris Thompson, James Young; Second Row – BMLG’s Nikki Burns, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney, Gary Levox, Motley Crue’s Vince Neil, Tim Mcgraw, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, ACM New Artist Of The Year Justin Moore, Raelynn, Danielle Bradbery, Rascal Flatts’ Jay Demarcus, ACM Vocal Group Of The Year The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry; Third Row – BMLG’s Jake Basden, Jack Purcell, Mandy Mccormack, John Zarling, Matthew Hargis, Amy Staley, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Andrew Kautz, Kelly Rich, Lois White, Chris Stacey, Jackie Campbell, Mike Molinar, Alex Heddle, Jimmy Harnen, Allison Jones, Ray Pronto, ACM Vocal Group Of The Year The Band Perry’s Reid Perry
• • •
SESAC’s post-ACM party at Rouge nightclub in Las Vegas.
Pictured (left to right): SESAC’s Tim Fink, producer Laura Huie, AristoMedia’s Jeff Walker, DigSin’s Jay Frank and SESAC’s Ellen Truley. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang Publishing’s Juli Newton Griffith with singer Dustin Lynch and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Pictured (L-R): This Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, songwriter Connie Harrington, Shannan Hatch and songwriter and publishing executive Jon Mabe. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
• • •
UMG Nashville’s post-ACM celebration
Pictured: ACM presenter David Nail, ACM co-host Luke Bryan, Eric Paslay, UMG Nashville Sr. VP, Marketing Cindy Mabe, ACM nominee and performer Kip Moore, ACM performer Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, ACM nominee and performer Darius Rucker, UMG Nashville Sr. VP/COO Tom Becci, Kelleigh Bannen and ACM nominee Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet. Photo Credit: Alan Poizner
Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville Sr. VP/COO Tom Becci; George Strait; Kacey Musgraves and UMG Nashville Sr. VP, A&R Brian Wright. Photo Credit: Alan Poizner
Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville Sr. VP/COO Tom Becci; Keith Urban and UMG Nashville Sr. VP, Marketing Cindy Mabe. Photo Credit: Alan Poizner
• • •
Sony Music Nashville’s post-ACM celebration at the Mandarin Bar in Las Vegas.
Pictured (L-R): Chase Rice; Sony Music Nashville A&R VP Jim Catino, Sales VP Caryl Healey, and Chairman & CEO Gary Overton; Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson; Carrie Underwood; Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles; Miranda Lambert; Leah Turner; SMN Sr. VP Finance & Operations Mike Craft; RCA Nashville Sr. VP Natl. Promotion Keith Gale; SMN Sr. VP Marketing Paul Barnabee; Chris Young; and Arista Nashville Promotion VP Lesly Tyson. Photo: Meishach Moore / Christie’s Photographic Solutions.
Pictured (L-R): Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles, Gary Overton, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson. Photo: Meishach Moore / Christie’s Photographic Solutions.
Pictured (L-R): Chase Rice, Gary Overton, Love and Theft’s Eric Gunderson, Carrie Underwood, Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles, Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, and Leah Turner. Photo: Meishach Moore / Christie’s Photographic Solutions
50th Anniversary of ACM Awards To Be Held at AT&T Stadium
/by Jessica NicholsonDallas 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 Jessica NicholsonGeorge 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 Jessica NicholsonBuck 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 Jessica NicholsonWishes 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 Jessica NicholsonSmith 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.
Shelton, Lambert To Duet On ACM Military Special
/by Jessica NicholsonMarcus 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 Jessica NicholsonThe 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 Jessica NicholsonThe 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.