Gord Bamford accepts during the 2013 CCMAs. Photo: Larry Wong, Edmonton Journal
and
Taylor Swift were among the big winners at the 31st Annual
Canadian Country Music Association Awards Sunday night (Sept. 8) in Edmonton.
Swift’s
Red received Top Selling Album of the Year during the evening’s festivities, while Bamford––nominated for seven awards––took home three recognitions during the evening for Album, Single, and CMT Video of the Year, alongside previously accepting Songwriter of the Year and Record Producer of the Year honors earlier in the week.
Terri Clark took home the Fans Choice Award during the ceremony, which was kicked off by
Emerson Drive’s performance of “We Are This Town.”
Darius Rucker and
Hunter Hayes also performed and presented awards during the telecast.
Dean Brody took the trophy Male Artist of the Year, while the Group/Duo of the Year honors went to
The Stellas, a husband/wife duo from Whitby, Ontario, whose daughters
Lennon and Maisy appear on the ABC-TV sitcom
Nashville.
The Band Perry also performed during the show and announced news of their upcoming Canadian tour backstage at the event, according to the
Edmonton Journal. View a complete list of the winners
here.
2013 CCMA Winners:
Fans’ Choice Award – Terri Clark
Single of the Year: “Leaning On a Lonesome Song” – Gord Bamford
Album of the Year:
Is It Friday Yet? – Gord Bamford
Female Artist of the Year:
Kira Isabella
Male Artist of the Year: Dean Brody
Group or Duo of the Year: The Stellas
Rising Star Award:
Bobby Wills
Songwriter(s) of the Year: “Leaning On a Lonesome Song” – Gord Bamford,
Buddy Owens,
Ray Stephenson
Interactive Artist of the Year:
High Valley
Top Selling Album of the Year:
Red by Taylor Swift
Gord Bamford, The Stellas Winners At Sunday's CCMAs
/by Lorie HollabaughGord Bamford accepts during the 2013 CCMAs. Photo: Larry Wong, Edmonton Journal
Gord Bamford and Taylor Swift were among the big winners at the 31st Annual Canadian Country Music Association Awards Sunday night (Sept. 8) in Edmonton.
Swift’s Red received Top Selling Album of the Year during the evening’s festivities, while Bamford––nominated for seven awards––took home three recognitions during the evening for Album, Single, and CMT Video of the Year, alongside previously accepting Songwriter of the Year and Record Producer of the Year honors earlier in the week. Terri Clark took home the Fans Choice Award during the ceremony, which was kicked off by Emerson Drive’s performance of “We Are This Town.” Darius Rucker and Hunter Hayes also performed and presented awards during the telecast.
Dean Brody took the trophy Male Artist of the Year, while the Group/Duo of the Year honors went to The Stellas, a husband/wife duo from Whitby, Ontario, whose daughters Lennon and Maisy appear on the ABC-TV sitcom Nashville.
The Band Perry also performed during the show and announced news of their upcoming Canadian tour backstage at the event, according to the Edmonton Journal. View a complete list of the winners here.
2013 CCMA Winners:
Fans’ Choice Award – Terri Clark
Single of the Year: “Leaning On a Lonesome Song” – Gord Bamford
Album of the Year: Is It Friday Yet? – Gord Bamford
Female Artist of the Year: Kira Isabella
Male Artist of the Year: Dean Brody
Group or Duo of the Year: The Stellas
Rising Star Award: Bobby Wills
Songwriter(s) of the Year: “Leaning On a Lonesome Song” – Gord Bamford, Buddy Owens, Ray Stephenson
Interactive Artist of the Year: High Valley
Top Selling Album of the Year: Red by Taylor Swift
Founder of Bluebird Café To Be Honored
/by Eric T. ParkerAmy Kurland
Amy Kurland, retired owner and manager of the The Bluebird Café listening room will be presented with the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award at the 43rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Music City Center on October 13.
Pat Alger, Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation, made the announcement today (Sept. 9) for the distinction, which recognizes an individual who has nurtured songwriters and helped them master the art and craft of songwriting.
“Amy Kurland has created a home for Nashville writers at every level of success to test their talents in front of a respectful and loyal audience,” said Alger. “Her steadfast belief that an audience was just as interested in the people that created a song as they were in the singer who sang it is the enduring strength behind the Bluebird’s iconic success and it set the standard for songwriter nights all over Nashville.”
Previous recipients of the honor include music publishers Bob Beckham (2008), Bill Hall (2009), David Conrad (2011) and Donna Hilley (2012), in addition to Frances Preston (2010).
Sister organization NSAI will also present its annual awards for the year’s Best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by the professional songwriters division at the AT&T-sponsord event. This year’s previously announced inductees include Will Jennings, Layng Martine, Jr., Randy Owen (Alabama) and Jeffrey Steele.
Tickets are available to the public at $225 a seat, by email or phone 615-256-3354.
To date, the songwriter’s hall boasts 188 members from all genres of music who have reached the pinnacle of their craft. In 2013, the Hall of Fame realized a long-held dream with the opening of a physical presence in Nashville’s Music City Center.
Keith Urban Lights His 'Fuse' in Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonThe lyrics to Keith Urban’s “Sweet Thing” neatly summarized Friday night (Sept. 6) in Nashville for thousands of music aficionados. The triple threat guitar picker, vocalist and songwriter, flanked by his band of capable string-pickers and rhythm keepers, kept the musical revelry going from dusk well into the evening as he previewed songs from upcoming album Fuse, slated to be released Tuesday (Sept. 10).
The evening began with an outdoor concert at Nashville’s Cumberland Park, which streamed live for Yahoo! Ram Country and in NYC’s Time Square. The tone for the evening was set with a handful of familiar hits, beginning with the wholly appropriate “Long Hot Summer,” followed by “Sweet Thing.”
He slowed down the momentum for the debut performance of “Cop Car,” a quirky, sultry ballad of a romance stemming from illegal hijinks and their handcuffed consequences. He followed it by returning largely to his musical wheelhouse for another featured song from Fuse, “Even The Stars Fall 4 U,” a poetic lyric laid atop a bed of rock rhythms and tight harmonies.
Far from just a preview of the album, the full-production concert was a glimpse into the musical exuberance that lingers throughout the Light The Fuse Tour, an evening cloaked with giddy (though not overly indulgent) guitar solos and helmed by Urban’s easygoing command of the stage.
Flanked by Danny Rader, Brian Nutter, Chris McHugh and Jerry Flowers, Urban returned to his previous hit “You Gonna Fly” before welcoming guest Eric Church for the folksy “Raise Em’ Up,” an all-encompassing anthem rallying the support of music, love, the flag, and families. He followed with “Good Thing,” a Southern rock-soaked diddy that finds Urban claiming he “knows a good thing when he sees it.” Another track from Fuse and sure to be a crowd pleaser.
He ended with the enduring “Somebody Like You,” a soul-lifting romp of self-forgiveness and romantic courage, which still commands an audience sing-along more than 10 years after its release. Indeed, Urban briefly handed over lead vocal duties, deftly highlighting the melody with his own guitar work. An extended guitar solo led to a performance of the tune’s additional verses included at the end of Urban’s Golden Road.
Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban and Steven Tyler perform at Tootsies. Photo: Chris Hollo
Urban then made the jaunt to a trio of clubs in Nashville, including The Stage, Tootsies and Legend’s Corner. During his club show at Tootsies, Urban welcomed a special, surprise guest as Aerosmith frontman and former American Idol judge Steven Tyler joined him onstage for a collaboration (starts at 7:03).
For all the No. 1 songs, awards, increased television exposure thanks to the American Idol circuit, and well-documented rise to the upper crust of Country music fame, it is clear that at the core, Urban remains a musician’s musician. And a passionate music enthusiast who delights in the shared joy that draws in both artist and fan, regardless whether the setting is a outdoor venue or an intimate music hub dotting the downtown streets.
Keith Urban makes his way to a trio of club shows amid a crowd of supporters in downtown Nashville. Photo: Chris Hollo
Artist Updates (9-6-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood took a fall during a recent concert at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. During a performance of “Undo It,” Underwood’s five-inch heel caught on the hem of a long shirt she was wearing, causing her to fall onstage.
Ever the professional, Underwood kept singing. She later tweeted a photo of her foot in a walking brace, making jokes and assuring fans that it was not broken.
• • •
Casey Donahew Band
Casey Donahew Band will bring their brand of country and rock to the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado when AXS-TV airs an encore performance of the Casey Donahew Band’s performance at Red Dirt on the Rocks on Sunday, Sept. 8.
The concert originally aired on May 26, with a string of talented artists. The encore performance will be aired beginning at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT.
• • •
Michael W. Smith has invited Jason Crabb to join him for the final leg of his “Worship Around The World” tour. The tour is slated to hit approximately 12 cities across the country, including Tulsa, Okla.; Longview, Texas; Syracuse, N.Y.; Bangor, Maine; among others. In the past year, Smith has toured to over a dozen countries including Brazil, Abu Dabi, Baharain, Europe, Canada, Malasia, Singapore and will just land in the United States from Iceland as this final tour leg begins. For a full list of tour dates, visit michaelwsmith.com or jasoncrabb.com.
Pictured (L-R): Jason Crabb and Michael W. Smith
Industry Ink (9-6-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson“I’ve enjoyed Blackberry Farm for years,” said Sandbox President/CEO Jason Owen. “It’s truly a magical place and my team and I are excited about the endless possibilities with this partnership. The creative process has already been extremely rewarding and we have a lot of exciting things in the works.”
• • •
SWAT Music Group has signed Jay Brunswick to their Nashville publishing family. Brunswick has had 37 major and independent cuts by artists such as Josh Thompson, Jimmie Van Zant and Russell Hitchcock (Air Supply).
Pictured (L-R): SWAT co-owner and president Johnny Garcia, Jay Brunswick, and Noah McPike (Almon Law, PLLC).
• • •
Kristen McRary
Kristen McRary has exited Country Radio Seminar after eight years of working with the organization in Event Support/Registration.
“My time at CRS has been amazing,” says McRary. “I worked with a wonderful staff & board of directors that taught me about radio, event planning, logistics and the music business as a whole. I was honored to work for such an incredible organization.”
McRary is looking for her next opportunity and can be reached at kristenmcrary@gmail.com
• • •
Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kalisa Ewing recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Ewing has cuts on upcoming releases by Kelly Clarkson and Kellie Pickler.
Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher (VP/GM of Grand Ole Opry), Kalisa Ewing, and publisher Todd Wilkes (KingSpirit Music).
• • •
Brad Paisley paid a call on The Bobby Bones Show this week, hanging out as a special guest on Thursday morning (Sept. 5). Paisley is currently promoting his single “I Can’t Change the World.”
Pictured (L-R): Clear Channel SVP Programming Rod Phillips, WSIX OM/PD Michael Bryan, Premiere Radio Sr Natl Director of Music Initiatives Robin Rhodes, Bobby Bones, Paisley, The Bobby Bone Show’s Amy and Lunchbox, and Arista Nashville VP Promotion Lesly Tyson.
Leadership Music Digital Summit Reveals Dream Project Finalists
/by Jessica NicholsonFinalists include:
– Leigh Fogle, CUREative Content. CUREative Content curates and aggregates art, music and education applications for healthcare facilities and delivers this content to their clients/patients through hospital provided tablets, flat screen televisions, and patients mobile devices. CUREativeContent aims to transform the patient experience by connecting the arts through technology.
– Chad Marcum, Ripple Music. Ripple is a cloud-based platform for interactive music and sound content that engages listeners, empowers musicians, and strengthens the industry of music for today and tomorrow.
– Marc Lempert, Groove Gallery’s “Communication Rock.” Communication Rock is an experiential documentary project that explores the relationships forged between music, the artists, sign-language interpreters and fans that can only experience the music through the interpreters due to hearing challenges. Chronicled during the summer mega rock festival circuit, Communication Rock : The Interpreter Project includes live performances by Pearl Jam, Black Keys, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Ghostland Observatory and many more.
– Kelsey Kinsel, Salvation City. Salvation City is a company committed to raising awareness of suicide prevention by giving hope through music and distributing educational resources into schools nationwide. A 10-artist compilation album has been pressed and packaged and prize money will go towards marketing. The album creates social change by raising awareness and funds for the cause, but it also continues to pay royalties to the music creators.
The panel that will judge each project includes:
– Marcus Whitney, Moontoast
– Amanda Cates, Spalding Entertainment
– Sloane Scott, Flo Thinkery
– Genevieve Jewell, The Collective
– Voting via Twitter by the Summit audience
Panelists, speakers and judges to be present during the Leadership Music Summit include Christian Jorg, Dave Haywood, Lance Kelley, Karen Blair, Julie Boos, Michael Burcham, Jenn Downs, Dez Dickerson, Randy Goodman, Chuck Fetterly, Andre Gaccetta, Brody Harper, Jeremy Holley and others.
'MusicRow' No. 1 Song
/by Eric T. ParkerJason Aldean has toured the country this year with his own “Night Train.” The tour, named after the album’s title track and current MusicRow No. 1 song, talks about sneaking out to a spot nobody knows to hear box cars in the distance.
In his new music video (below) for the Michael Dulaney and Neil Thrasher track however, it’s clear Aldean is also referring to his 2013 tour by the same name. This year, the singer’s semi trucks have rolled into towns across the country, breaking records at shows including UGA’s Sanford Stadium, Boston’s Fenway Park, Wyoming’s Cheyenne’s Frontier Days.
Since debuting in 2005, the reigning ACM Male Vocalist of the Year has become one of Country’s top entertainers. Early CMA voting consideration has the Broken Bow recording artist up for Entertainer, Album and Male Vocalist of the Year, in addition to Single of the Year (“Take A Little Ride”), Song of the Year (“Night Train”), Video of the Year (“1994”) and Collaboration of the Year (“The Only Way I Know” feat. Eric Church and Luke Bryan).
Congratulations to the teams at BBR, Spalding Entertainment, Buddy Lee Attractions and the GreenRoom PR for this most recent No. 1!
Lady A and the Mavericks Added to ACM Honors Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThose artists join previously announced musical performers Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill & Paul Franklin, Kree Harrison, Robert Earl Keen, Lorrie Morgan, Jesse Keith Whitley, Chris Young, and Thompson Square on the celebration, which touts the non-televised special honorees and winners from the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
Jason Aldean will also be awarded the Crystal Milestone Award during the evening, while Blake Shelton is set to receive the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award.
Tickets for the event are available at Ticketmaster.com and at the Ryman Auditorium box office.
Brantley Gilbert To Perform At GEICO 400 NASCAR Race
/by Michael_SmithBrantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert will kick off the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ GEICO 400 race with a pre-race concert at Chicagoland Speedway’s infield on Sunday, Sept. 15. While fans with tickets listen to Gilbert’s music from grandstand seating, Pit and Infield Fan Zone Experience pass holders can listen to the singer’s hits from the infield, including “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.”
“Anytime we have an opportunity to bring someone as talented as Brantley Gilbert, to a race of this magnitude to play in front of such an incredible group of NASCAR, we’re thrilled to do so,” says Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “I know Brantley will put on an amazing show!”
“As one of our sport’s most anticipated events, the kick-off to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup deserves one of music’s most exciting acts, and Brantley Gilbert certainly fits that mold,” says Chicagoland Speedway president Scott Paddock. “We have a history of top-talent performing here and by continuing to provide our fans with first-class entertainment, along with the GEICO 400, a playoff caliber race that has paved the way for back-to-back Champions, we are confident that our guests will have the experience of a lifetime this September.”
For more information, visit ChicagolandSpeedway.com.
Neal McCoy To Release Charley Pride Tribute Album
/by Lorie HollabaughPride made a cameo appearance in the video for “Kaw-Liga,” and he and McCoy have a longtime friendship and mutual admiration society – Pride has mentored McCoy since first hearing him sing at a competition in Dallas in 1981. Pride has enjoyed a career that has spanned nearly 50 years and has sold more than 70 million albums. He turns 75 this year, and is touring Australia for the first time in 17 years this November.
A film about his life starring Terrence Howard was reportedly in the works awhile back but got stalled during the Hollywood writer’s strike, according to Sunshinecoastdaily.com.