The 2012 CMT Music Awards will be presented Wed., June 6 at 7 p.m. CT at Nashville’s Bridgestone arena. The list of presenters was revealed today (6/4) and includes Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, Alan Jackson, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, and Sara Evans, who is also spokesperson for CMT One Country.
Hosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, the show will include performances by Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Jr. and Zac Brown Band.
Also set to present are CMT’s My Big Redneck Vacation host and CMT Music Awards Twitter Tracker correspondent Tom Arnold, Redneck Island host Steve Austin, American Idol finalists Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine, 2012 Indianapolis 500 Winner Dario Franchitti, Twilight star Ashley Greene, pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, actress Denise Richards, television and movie star Dax Shepard and singer Jordin Sparks. Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and The Band Perry will also present.
Fans can vote for the winners at CMT.com, and on mobile devices at CMT Mobile or the CMT Insider app through the end of the day. The five finalists for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com, CMT mobile, CMT Insider app or via text message to determine the night’s big winner.
Michael Dempsey will executive produce the 2012 CMT Music Awards alongside director Joe DeMaio. John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux serve as executive producers for CMT.
Jackson Heads East For “Thirty Miles West”
/by FreemanJackson is currently in New York City, where he will be featured today on NBC’s The Today Show, as well as CBS’ Late Show With David Letterman this evening. He was also recently featured on GAC’s Noteworthy at the Opry, which included a special tribute from fellow Opry member Carrie Underwood. Additionally, Jackson’s likeness is featured on the current issue of Country Weekly, on newsstands now.
Thirty Miles West is Jackson’s first album for ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and EMI Records Nashville. The collection was produced by his friend and longtime collaborator Keith Stegall.
X5 Music Group Unearths Plantation Records Rarities
/by FreemanFounded by Shelby Singleton (later owner of Sun Records), Plantation Records is known for the Jeannie C. Riley smash “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” a No. 1 in 1968. Plantation also released recordings by Hank Locklin, Jimmie Davis, and Carol Channing among others.
The Singles Set collection, available on iTunes and Amazon, also includes over 30 singles that have never been released digitally. Included among those are Webb Pierce’s “Good Lord Giveth and Uncle Sam Taketh Away” from 1975, and Linda Martell’s “Color Him Father” from 1969.
“In creating custom digital products from the catalog licensed from Sun Entertainment, we were pleasantly surprised to find some great tracks from the Plantation Records catalog that have never been released digitally,” says Scott Ambrose Reilly, North American C.E.O of X5 Music Group. “There are so many gems in the Sun Entertainment catalog, many of which have only been heard on vinyl or collector’s box sets. X5’s model is all about helping people discover music they will enjoy, and we know people would appreciate these singles if properly presented to them.”
X5 initially debuted as a leader in classical music, but has since signed licensing deals with Cooking Vinyl, Welk Music Group, and OneRPM.
Twain Gears Up For Vegas Residency
/by Sarah SkatesShow Director Raj Kapoor specializes in productions with cutting edge choreography, styling, design, staging, and special effects. He has worked with Carrie Underwood, Michael Jackson, Eminem, Usher, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney, Britney Spears and countless others.
Other renowned individuals contributing to the show are production designer Michael Cotten, costumier Marc Bouwer and lighting designer Peter Morse.
“My first step in creating the show was writing out the song list, building my ideas from there,” said Twain. “I wanted to keep the hits at the heart of it all while weaving elements of surprise throughout the experience. My vision is to bring the atmosphere of each song alive through multi- dimension sensory and share the journey of my life and career with the audience from a unique perspective. The Colosseum theatre is heaven for an artist and the opportunity to collaborate with such a brilliant team is making my dream show a reality.”
Twain has announced 14 new performances, listed below, which will go on sale Fri., June 8 at 10 a.m.
March 2013: 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30
April 2013: 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10
Prices range from $55 to $250, plus applicable fees. Details at www.shaniainvegas.com.
Photo: BPG’s Stegall Honored With Million-Air Certificates
/by FreemanBMI recently presented Bigger Picture Group Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall with Million-Air certificates to recognize his hit songs “I Do (Cherish You)” and “We’re In This Love Together.” “I Do (Cherish You),” written by Stegall with Dan Hill, was recorded by both Mark Wills and 98 Degrees and has 4 million performances to date. “We’re In This Love Together,” which Stegall wrote with Roger Murrah, was recorded by jazz singer Al Jarreau and has 3 million respective broadcasts to date.
Stegall’s work as a producer has spawned more than 20 platinum and multi-platinum albums, including recordings by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, and Zac Brown Band.
“I came to Nashville to do one thing and that was to learn to write songs,” said Stegall. “I accidentally became a record producer, but I’m always a songwriter at heart.”
(L-R): BMI Vice President of Writer-Publisher Relations Jody Williams; Bigger Picture Group Chairman & Chief Creative Officer Keith Stegall; BMI Director of Writer-Publisher Relations Bradley Collins. Photo: Drew Maynard
In other Bigger Picture news, BPG singer/songwriter Ryan Kinder recently signed with SESAC for representation. Kinder is currently working on his full-length album, due for release later in 2012.
(L-R): Bigger Picture’s Alan Kates, producer/Bigger Picture Chairman Keith Stegall, Kinder, SESAC’s Dennis Lord and Bigger Picture’s Nick Garvin and Jeff Carlton. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Naomi Judd Launches SiriusXM Series
/by Eric T. ParkerAshley Judd will be the first guest for the hour debut, marking the first ever interview with mother and daughter. The Judds are expected to discuss the dynamics of their mother-daughter relationship.
The goal of the series is to inspire, educate and challenge listeners to “think twice” about topics that are controversial and fascinating, such as relationships, current events, politics, creationism vs. evolution
“I’m a communicator,” said Naomi Judd. “Whether I’m expressing myself through a book, one of my speaking engagements or chatting one-on-one with a stranger on the street, I have an insatiable curiosity about human behavior and for questioning the status quo, and can’t wait to share both our common and different experiences and take on issues.”
“Think Twice” episodes will air at 10:00 am ET, Fridays on SiriusXM Stars through July 13. Encore presentations will air Saturdays from 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET on SiriusXM Stars. Future guests include Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. Director, National Institutes of Health and Dr. Helen Morrison, a forensic psychiatrist specializing in serial killers.
Chesney Extends Agreement With Sony Music Nashville
/by FreemanSony Music Nashville has extended its recording agreement with country superstar Kenny Chesney, who has sold over 30 million albums and scored 23 No. 1 hits during his time on the label group’s roster.
(L-R): Jess L. Rosen, Esq. (Greenberg Traurig, LLP), Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO), Chesney, Clint Higham (President Morris Artists Management), Dale Morris (CEO Morris Artists Management). Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images/WireImage
“We are very happy to be renewing our worldwide partnership with Kenny Chesney,” said Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris. “He is a tremendous superstar with a unique creative vision and we look forward to sharing continued success with him in the years ahead.”
“This is Kenny’s recording home and I couldn’t be happier to say that Kenny and Sony will continue to make records together for many years to come,” remarked Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton. “And his new album Welcome to the Fishbowl may be his finest record yet!”
Under the arrangement, Chesney’s future recordings will bear his Blue Chair Records imprint, which will now be affiliated with Columbia Nashville. Concurrently, Sony Music has announced that it will retire the BNA Records imprint, Chesney’s former label home. All BNA artists and employees will now be assigned to Columbia Nashville.
Chesney’s thirteenth album Welcome to the Fishbowl is due for release June 19, and includes his current hit single “Come Over.” On June 2, Chesney kicked off the Brothers of the Sun Tour with Tim McGraw at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. The opening show, with guests Jake Owen and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, lasted nearly seven hours and featured numerous surprises and an abundance of new music.
Photo: Jill Trunnell
Presenters at Wednesday’s CMT Music Awards
/by Sarah SkatesHosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, the show will include performances by Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Jr. and Zac Brown Band.
Also set to present are CMT’s My Big Redneck Vacation host and CMT Music Awards Twitter Tracker correspondent Tom Arnold, Redneck Island host Steve Austin, American Idol finalists Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine, 2012 Indianapolis 500 Winner Dario Franchitti, Twilight star Ashley Greene, pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, actress Denise Richards, television and movie star Dax Shepard and singer Jordin Sparks. Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and The Band Perry will also present.
Fans can vote for the winners at CMT.com, and on mobile devices at CMT Mobile or the CMT Insider app through the end of the day. The five finalists for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com, CMT mobile, CMT Insider app or via text message to determine the night’s big winner.
Michael Dempsey will executive produce the 2012 CMT Music Awards alongside director Joe DeMaio. John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux serve as executive producers for CMT.
McFadden Joins Tenacity Records
/by FreemanMcFadden most recently served in the promotion departments of R&J Records and Momentum Music Group. He began his career in radio with WGAR/Cleveland and brings over 30 years experience to the Tenacity staff.
The addition of McFadden rounds out the label’s promotion team consisting of Gary Greenberg, Jeff Davis, and David Shaw, headed up by Sr. VP David Haley. Anne Sarosdy will continue to work with the promotion team in an as-yet-unnamed new role. Tenacity Records is lead by Mike Kraski and is home to artists Bill Gentry and Darryl Worley.
Congratulate McFadden here.
Mark Your Calendar (June 2012)
/by Eric T. ParkerSingle Releases
June 4
Corey Wagar/Take Ya Back
Matt Gary/City Lights/17/Quarterback
Rodney Atkins/Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll/Curb
Bill Gentry/That Kind Of Life/Tenacity
Matt Enik/A Natural/Red Dog Music Group
June 18
Gwen Sebastian/Met Him In A Motel Room/Flying Island
Craig Morgan/Corn Star/Black River
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase/19/BNA
Denae Gardner/Welcome To America/4D Records
Album Releases
June 5
Alan Jackson/Thirty Miles West/ACR-EMI Nashville
Colt Ford/Declaration of Independence/Average Joe’s
Bela Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio featuring Rodney Jordan and Jason Marsalis/Across The Imaginary Divide/Rounder
Rodney Crowell & Mary Karr/KIN, Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell/Vanguard Records
Jana Kramer/Jana Kramer/Elektra Nashville
Various Artists/Foggy Mountain Special: A Bluegrass Tribute To Earl Scruggs/Rounder
June 12
Edens Edge/Edens Edge/Republic Nashville
Josh Turner/Punching Bag/MCA
June 19
Kenny Chesney/Welcome to the Fishbowl/BNA
Marlee Scott/Beautiful Maybe/Big Ride Entertainment
June 26
Mindy Smith/Mindy Smith/Giant Leap/TVX Records
Chris Cagle/Back In The Saddle/BPG
Little Feat/Rooster Rag/Rounder
Industry Events (CMA Week)
June 4-5
Billboard Country Music Summit, presented in association with CMA at the Cannery Ballroom
Monday, June 4
Tuesday, June 5
Wednesday, June 6
Thursday, June 7
Friday, June 8
Saturday, June 9
Sunday, June 10
June 28
WMN Pickin’ on the Patio
Home of George Jones Going Up For Auction
/by FreemanAerial view of George Jones' estate
George Jones’ Williamson County estate is hitting the auction block in July, the Nashville Post reports.
The 9,700 square foot home sits on 78 acres of land, offering two guest residences and a stable among its amenities. J.P. King Auction Company will handle the sale.
This is not the first attempt to sell the property. In 2011, Jones and his wife Nancy listed the home for $15 million through Bailey & Ivy Realtors.
Jones has also been struggling with some health-related issues of late. Late in May, he was released from a Nashville-area hospital after receiving treatment for an ongoing upper respiratory infection. Jones was initially hospitalized for the infection in late March, and canceled his concert dates through June to allow time for recovery.