Bobby Karl Works The SESAC Awards

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(L-R): SESAC's Trevor Gale, Anthony Smith, Hillary Scott, SESAC's Pat Collins and Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode

Chapter 382

On Monday night (11/7), the word of the day was glamour.

In recent years, the annual SESAC Nashville awards gala has been steadily gaining on its larger PRO competitors in terms of elegance and sophistication. That evening, the organization took flight from its previous Music Row headquarters tent, soaring upward to the 21st floor of The Pinnacle office tower downtown. Every sense was stimulated as a result – the look, the sound, the taste and the feel were all first class.

To no one’s surprise, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott was named SESAC’s country Songwriter of the Year. She not only co-wrote her million-selling group’s “Just a Kiss,” “Our Kind of Love” and “Need You Now,” but also the Sara Evans smash “A Little Bit Stronger.”

“This award goes to someone near and dear to my heart,” said SESAC’s Tim Fink. “She’s not only a great artist, a superb vocalist and a consummate entertainer; she’s also a superb human being. She’s one of the sweetest and most genuine individuals you could ever hope to know.”

Hillary works for the charity MyLife Speaks, which aids the devastated children of Haiti. Tim announced that SESAC is donating to it in her name.

“I’m so honored to be here and honored to be a part of this organization,” Hillary responded. “It means the world to feel so loved. I’m speechless.”

Hillary attended with her handsome fiancée Chris Tyrrell, proud parents Lang Scott & Linda Davis, her little sister Rylee Jean Davis and folks from her publishing family, EMI Foray / Hillary Dawn Songs, which was named Publisher of the Year.

Newly minted country star Chris Young introduced the Song of the Year winner, “Tomorrow,” co-written with Anthony Smith.

“This is pretty cool, because I don’t have to talk about myself,” said Chris. “I get to talk about one of my truly best friends, Mr. Anthony Smith. I really do thank God that he put me in the room that day with Anthony and Frank Myers. That song set the tone for my whole album. Every song had to measure up to it. It’s one of the songs I’m most proud of.”

The awards ceremony began with greetings from SESAC’s Pat Collins. Then Craig Campbell sang his amusing, award-winning “Fish.”

Trevor Gale pointed out the rising number of stars who are cutting SESAC songs. Tim Fink added that SESAC is the only PRO that gives recognition to the Americana genre. This year’s AMA show will be nationally televised for the first time. It airs on Nov. 19 on PBS as a special edition of Austin City Limits. The word “Americana” as a musical description is now in Webster’s Dictionary. Amy Beth Hale is SESAC’s Americana and bluegrass point person, by the way.

SESAC 2011 Americana awards will be sent to Jonathan Byrd, Hayes Carll, Seth Avett, Bob Dylan and Colin Brooks. Jim Lauderdale was there to receive his in person. He sang “I Lost You,” which was recorded and co-written by Elvis Costello.

“I feel like I’m at the Pinnacle of my career,” Jim quipped about the lofty party space. “Thank you to SESAC for putting the CAN back in AmeriCANa.”

MusicRow received a shout-out for celebrating its 30th anniversary. SESAC was the magazine’s very first advertiser when the publication began.

Shannan Hatch and John Mullins joined Tim in presenting the country awards. Superstar Ronnie Dunn sang the soulful workingman’s lament “Cost of Living,” co-written by SESAC’s Phillip Coleman.

“That’s a perfect song finding a perfect singer,” observed Tim.

Other winning SESAC country songs included “Amen,” “Til Summer Comes Around,” “Family Man,” “Beautiful Every Time” and “Gotta Get to You.”

But let’s get back to the sheer stylishness of the event. The Pinnacle’s 21st floor’s greatest feature is, of course, the views of the glittering lights of the city beneath on all sides. It is an open, industrial space that was draped with yards of white drapery, up-lit in tones of blue and green. Silver square cocktail tables were lit from within in varying hues. Upholstered white benches were placed at window views. Glowing light from votive candles and pillar candles in vases filled with white orchids infused the space.

Palm fronds backed the bar stations. Against one wall was a row of art-glass “chandeliers” dangling over large, white-on-white floral arrangements. During cocktails, the wait staff circulated with bacon-wrapped quail, mozzarella-and-pesto stuffed grape tomatoes and mini shrimp cakes.

The dining room held tables covered in silver cloths with satin spiral ribbon appliqués. Silver chargers were round on the rectangle tables and square on the round ones. The chairs were silver, too.

The centerpieces were glass cubes holding white hydrangea blossoms, white anthurium (a.k.a. “flamingo flower”), white orchids and white cabbage heads, surrounded by votives in vases filled with clear glass chips. Very classy. They didn’t have to go far for those floral embellishments – They came from Oshi, located in The Pinnacle’s lobby.

Anna Wilson, as always, was at the forefront of the fashion statements. She wore a faux fur white stole over a tiered satin short-length sheath, accented by black horizontal darts, black gloves, a black clutch and her spiffy escort, Monty Powell. Jayne Rogovin was right up there, too, wearing a vintage, taupe, Oscar de la Renta pants suit with a lace motif and an Alberta Ferretti velvet coat of many colors. Kristi Rose wore a black, cut-velvet tunic and ‘60s stiletto boots, while hubby Fats Kaplan was in a vintage russet tux jacket with a black satin shawl collar.

Caroline Davis was a dish in her one-shoulder patterned satin cocktail dress with a floral pattern. Its trim cut reminded her of Mad Men, she said. Joey Martin looked smashing in her floor-length black jersey gown with a wide, low-slung leather belt, white fringed mini shawl and overall-wearing escort, Rory Lee Feek. John Briggs was stylish in pin stripes. Debbie Carroll chose a sleek, black, lace cocktail dress. Pat Finch was in a vintage white tux jacket.

Linda Davis was radiant in an electric blue draped-silk top with cutaway sleeves. Iodine’s Susanne Mumpower was in a black vinyl mini dress, which contrasted with her ice-blonde hair and ruby lips. She was accompanied by husband Jamie Johnson of The Grascals. Her album, by the way, is essential listening, a riveting experience.

Mingling fabulons included Charlie Stefl, Charlie Monk, Jason Morris, Ed Morris, Tom Baldrica, Tom Luteran and Thomm Jutz. The latter is the co-producer of the multi-artist Civil War CD 1861. German born, he recently, proudly gained his American citizenship.

Gilles Godard, Gil Grand, Billy Block, Rocky Block (his son, growing up fast), Benita Hill, Jed Hilly, Al Moss, Arlos Smith, Ashe Underwood, Arthur Buenahora, Tinti Moffatt, Tim McFadden, Troy Tomlinson (losing weight stylishly, via a nutritionist), Blaine Larsen, Ben Vaughn and Bernie Nelson worked the room. Bernie introduced me to his latest collaborator, 14-year-old Easton Hamlin, who has moved here from western Kansas to improve his songwriting. That’s what I said, 14, and he’s already been writing for three years.

Also schmoozing: David Macias, Donna Duarte, Susan Stewart, Ron Cox, Kari Estrin, Woody Bomar, Peter Cronin, Noah Gordon, Victoria Shaw, Garth Fundis and Steve Williams, who has the new Oak Ridge Boys single, “Whatcha Gonna Do,” plus Mike Dungan, Karen Oertley, Nancy Shapiro, Jerry Salley, Lance Miller, Catt Gravitt and Hank Adam Locklin.

The City National Bank team was out in full force – Holly Bell, Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett were introducing their boss Martha Henderson to her first Country Music Week. “It’s not how much music you like, it’s how much can you stand?” I advised her.

I love it when they provide menu cards. It makes me sound so cultured. We dined on a first course of seasoned greens with feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, wild mushroom and roasted pear turnover with fig vinaigrette. The main course was red wine braised beef short rib, mahi mahi with lemon beurre blanc, aged cheddar grits and haricot verts (that’s green beans to you, Bub) with caramelized onions and toasted walnuts. The dessert was a yummy lemon mousse pot de crème with blueberry pudding cake.


Continuing Education

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Chris Lisle

On Wed., Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. “roadies” everywhere are invited to attend the Touring Career Workshop hosted by Chris Lisle of Chris Lisle Lighting Design at Belmont University‘s Curb Event Center.

Panelists who will share their insight at the four-hour long seminar include Lisle (Personality Traits of Touring), Robert Frost (Liability Insurance), Mark Miles (Touring Politics), Troy Von Haefen (Financial Planning), Craig Stahl (Roadie Real Estate), Stephen Navyac (Stresses on the Road), Debbie Carroll (MusicCares Programs for Roadies), RJ Stillwell (Health Insurance), JP Lourence (Fitness on the Road), Eric Elwell (“Your Career is a Business”), Jason Spence (The Advantage of Multiple Income Streams), Joy Black (Tax Planning and Accounting) and Aaron Kinssies (Having an Exit Plan).

Although the event is free of charge, please RSVP to tcw@chrislisle.com if you plan to attend.

• • • •

A debate at Vanderbilt Law School will examine the future of record labels. Joining the discussion will be Andrew Christie, Chair of Intellectual Property at the University of Melbourne; Brian R. Day, attorney at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; Lital Helman, intellectual property fellow at Columbia Law School; Terry Hemmings, president and CEO of Provident Music Group; Timothy Lee, tech policy contributor at Ars Technica; and Andrew Pollock, solicitor at Marshalls & Dent Lawyers.

Daniel Gervais, co-director of the Vanderbilt Intellectual Property Program, will moderate the debate. Held in conjunction with the University of Melbourne, the event will be 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Nov. 15 in Flynn Auditorium at Vanderbilt Law School. It is free and open to the public and will be streamed live here, and will be available after the event at news.vanderbilt.edu.

Bobby Karl Works The ASCAP Awards

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(L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP’s Marc Driskill, Publisher of the Year Sea Gayle Music’s Chris DuBois, Songwriter/Artist of the Year and Sea Gayle partner Brad Paisley, Song of the Year “The House That Built Me” writer Allen Shamblin, Sea Gayle’s Frank Rogers, Songwriter of the Year Ben Hayslip, ASCAP’s Tim DuBois, Mike Sistad and Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode

Chapter 381

ASCAP kicked off Country Music Week on Sunday (11/6) by crowning its 2011 country kings at a swellegant banquet.

Brad Paisley was named Artist-Songwriter of the Year. “I started at Belmont University in 1993, and they encouraged me to intern,” he recalled. “Some of my favorite writers were with ASCAP, like Don Schlitz, Mike Reid, Allen Shamblin (who were there) and Alan Jackson (who was not).” And so it came to be that Brad’s first music-biz job in Nashville was as an intern at ASCAP.

This is the second time Brad has been so honored. He previously won this prize in 2004.

“It never escapes me that the reason I got here was songs,” he added. “And my favorite part of this process is sitting down with the people in this room.”

Alongside Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois, Brad was also on stage to accept Publisher of the Year for the second time in a row. It has been more than 30 years since an independent publisher like Sea Gayle finished on top at ASCAP.

“Yep, I’m proud,” said a clearly moved Tim DuBois. Chris is his son.

When Ben Hayslip won Songwriter of the Year, he said, “About six years ago, I was at a crossroads. I asked God to send me a sign. He sent me Rusty Gaston….my publisher [at This Music].

“I am completely honored,” said Ben. “I’ve learned from each and every one of you. Give a round [of applause] for every songwriter in this room tonight.” This was Ben’s first top songwriter honor.

“I’m blown away,” said Allen Shamblin when his “The House That Built Me” was named Song of the Year, completing its “trifecta” as also the ACM and CMA Song winner. “I come into this room and see so many writers….I know what you’ve been through. I love y’all.”

By far the biggest crowd pleaser of the night was the presentation of the Golden Note award for career excellence to Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams.

“I am overwhelmed,” said Don. “Of all the people I’ve always wanted to thank for my career, it’s always been songwriters. You are the lifeblood of the industry….I don’t deserve this award. You do. Anyway, my heartfelt thanks. And I’m so nervous, I’m about to pass out.”

The 49th ASCAP Country Music Awards presentations to 36 hit songs’ writers and publishers were sprinkled with loads of excellent performances. Dierks Bentley launched the banquet with a smoking version of his new single “Home.” He was last year’s Artist-Songwriter winner.

The top-five songs were performed by their writers at various moments during the eve. So Brett James, Tim Nichols and Chris Young sang “The Man I Want to Be.” Ben Hayslip and Josh Turner did “All Over Me.” Tony Lane and Johnny Park turned in a hearty “Roll With It.” Allen Shamblin drew a standing ovation after his tender reading of “The House That Built Me.” The real romp was The Peach Pickers doing “Gimme That Girl,” complete with a honking horn section. Fellow Georgians Ben, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins perform under this moniker and get together every Wednesday to write country music.

The Don Williams tribute included Lee Ann Womack performing a lilting “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good.” Keith Urban and Little Big Town poured honey warmth over “We’ve Got a Good Fire Goin,’” then the ever so soulful Dave Loggins turned up the heat. Dave is the song’s composer. Don, himself, capped the segment by singing his signature songs “I Believe In You” and “Tulsa Time” and drew a standing ovation.

(L-R): Golden Note Award winner Don Williams with ASCAP Writer Board Member Wayland Holyfield, Keith Urban, Don Williams, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, Phillip Sweet. Photo: Ed Rode

The Global Impact Award went to “Need You Now.” Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace accepted on behalf of its co-writer, Josh Kear. The Civil Wars accepted their Vanguard Award via video.

The gala was ASCAP’s first time back at the Opryland Hotel since 2004. The theme was elegant simplicity. The 800 guests were seated at black-draped tables. The centerpieces were starkly modernistic black metal “star” sculptures with white pillar candles on gold fabric squares. Opryland’s massive crystal chandeliers glittered overhead in The Tennessee Ballroom.

The attendees dressed to impress. Jennifer Nettles was in a sleek tux. Angaleena Presley wore gleaming red lipstick, dangling silvery earrings and a knee-length black sheath with a rhinestone clasp at the hip. Petite Georgia Middleman was a doll in a floor-length, form fitting jersey gown in shades of pastel that descended to black at its hem. Eric Paslay topped his look with a British racing cap. The JaneDear Girls both sported fascinators atop their arty tresses.

(L-R): ASCAP VP and Managing Executive Tim DuBois, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Nettles, ASCAP VP and GM Marc Driskill. Photo: Kay Williams

Bucky Covngton wore skinny black jeans and a tails-out black western shirt. Lisa Harless turned heads in a bright blue silk shift. Karen Clark was statuesque in a strapless ebony evening gown. Gary Burr’s vest was paisley-patterned black brocade, and Tim Mensy’s was electric green. Amy Kurland looked serene in a silver tunic. Jerrod Niemann wore a sporty workingman’s cap. Tony Brown had on a black leather tuxedo jacket and was squiring willowy, crimson-clad  Jamie Antee, to whom he is engaged. Jewel Coburn lit up the room in a shiny red satin sheath. Liz O’Sullivan was in a shimmering white strapless, multi-tiered floor length gown. LeAnn Phelan had one of the prettiest ensembles of the evening, a silver-sequined black tunic dress with a lace motif and black thigh-high boots.

Basking in the fellowship were such fabulons as Paul Williams, Herky Williams, Steve Williams, Mentor Williams, Will Byrd and Jesse Willoughby, not to mention James Harris, Judy Harris, John Bettis, John Grady, John LoFrumento, a nattily attired David Nail, David Lee Murphy, David Ross, David Corlew, Dave Tunbull and David Ewing & Alice Randall. David Nail, by the way, was magnificent at the Peter Nappi Studio showcase (11/2) for his new CD The Sound of a Million Dreams.

Robert Ellis Orrall was escorted by his son, Jammin Orrall, whose Jeff the Brotherhood rock band is off on a European tour this week. Other music making celebs in attendance included Radney Foster, Kip Moore, Buzz Cason, Gretchen Peters, Chris Stapleton and Lynn Anderson. Schmoozing into the night were Gary Overton, Gary Nicholson, Gary Paczosa, Doug Casmus, Doug Howard & Linda Edell, Mark Ford, Marc Driskill, Mark Irwin and Dixie Owen, who is expecting a Christmas baby due on Dec. 21.

Earl Bud Lee, Suzanne Lee, Bob McDill, Dale Bobo, Ben Vaughn, Bo Thomas, Barry Coburn, Jim Photoglo, Jo Walker-Meador and power couples Rick & Janis Carnes, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Steve & Ree Guyer-Buchanan and Jeff Walker & Terri Hollowell Walker worked the room. Blake Chancey’s beard has gone gray! How old does this make the rest of us?

Stuart Dill has written a just-published Nashville-themed fiction thriller called Murder on Music Row. He was there, as were Kerry Kurt Phillips, Craig Wiseman, Pete Fisher, Andrew Kintz, Drew Alexander, Kevin Lamb, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Liz Hengber, Debi Cochran, Beverly Keel, Taylor Rhodes, Wayland Holyfield, Mike Sistad, Dan Hays, Clay Mills, Kay West and Marcel.

Our first course was a mixed-greens salad with tiny pears, grape tomatoes, walnuts, shaved carrots and bacon with buttermilk dressing. The entrée was tender roast beef, spiced mashed potatoes with thin onion rings, asparagus spears and roasted Roma tomato wedges. Peanut-butter mousse, chocolate truffle and little lemon-pudding cups were presented in a tidy row for dessert.

ASCAP president and board chairman Paul Williams called it, “Our annual family picnic.”

Earlier in the day (11/6) hundreds of fans gathered in the sunshine downtown to witness the newest installations at the Music City Walk of Fame. Kix Brooks, Alan Jackson, Manuel, Bobby Jones and the late Dottie Rambo, Les Paul and Dan Miller were the honorees. Reba McEntire, who already has her star, attended in support of her buddy, Kix.

(L-R): ASCAP VP/GM Marc Driskill, Songwriter/Artist of the Year Brad Paisley and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams. Photo: Ed Rode

Copyright Industries Have Major Economic Impact

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U.S. copyright industries employed more than 10.6 million workers and contributed more than $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2010, according to a new report.

The International Intellectual Property Alliance, made up of the National Music Publishers’ Association and other major copyright trade organizations, commissioned the report titled Copyright Industries in the U.S. Economy.

The report’s key findings include in 2010:

Value added to the economy
• Core copyright industries added $931.8 billion or 6.36 percent to the U.S. economy.
• Total copyright industries was $1.627 trillion or 11.1 percent of GDP.

Employment
• Core copyright industries employed nearly 5.1 million workers, 3.93 percent of the entire workforce and 4.75 percent of total private employment.
• Total copyright industries employed more than 10.6 million workers, or 8.19 percent of U.S. employment or 9.91 percent of all private employment.

Growth (2007-2010)
• Core copyright industries grew at an aggregate annual rate of 1.1 percent.
• Total copyright industries grew at a rate of 1.47 percent.
• The average growth rate of the entire U.S. economy was 0.05 percent.

The core industries’ primary purpose is to create, produce, distribute or exhibit copyright materials. These industries include books, newspapers and periodicals, motion pictures, recorded music, radio and television broadcasting, and computer software. The “total” copyright industries include the “core” as well as those whose revenues, etc. are dependent on the “core” industries, and include the “partial,” “non-dedicated support,” and “interdependent” sectors.

Details at www.iipa.com.

Rimes Joins ACM Lifting Lives in Chicago

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LeAnn Rimes performs at ACM Lifting Lives at Joe’s Bar. Photo: Jeff Dykhuis/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives recently hosted its first-ever standalone benefit concert, giving away $75,000 in gifts to Chicago-based charities in line with its mission of improving lives through the power of music.

Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes headlined the sold-out event, which took place at a ACM  Nightclub of the Year winner Joe’s Bar Chicago and raised more than $11,000. The venue provided food and drinks for all ticket buyers, and Joe’s Bar owner Ed Warm helmed the event. Singer/songwriter and American Idol runner up Crystal Bowersox also performed.

“The generosity that Ed Warm has shown to ACM Lifting Lives is unparalleled,” said Gayle Holcomb, Chairman of ACM Lifting Lives. “He took a small idea and turned it into a very successful first-ever club event for charity, which in turn benefits so many worthy organizations.”

“As someone whose life revolves around the music industry, I am honored to help support ACM Lifting Lives in their efforts to improve lives through the power of music,” said Warm. “The night was very special for everyone who attended and we can’t thank LeAnn and Crystal enough.”

The following Chicago-based philanthropies were recognized by ACM Lifting Lives and awarded with funding:

  • Chicago Children’s Choir, a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization, received a grant of $10,000.
  • Merit School of Music, a non-profit community music school providing education to 6,000 children, received a grant of $20,000
  • Ravinia Festival, which works to ensure schoolchildren benefit from music education, received a grant of $25,000
  • Snow City Arts, which provides hospitalized children with art and music education, received a grant of $25,000

 

5th Annual Music City Songwriting Competition

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Craig Morgan

The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau is announcing its fifth annual Music City Songwriting Competition with country music artist and TV host, Craig Morgan, serving as the honorary ambassador.

The competition will accept entries from Nov. 1, 2011 to Jan. 31, 2012 and is open to amateur songwriters only. Songs may be submitted on CD to Music City Songwriting Competition, P.O. Box 190633, Nashville, TN 37219 or as an MP3 file online here. Submission fee for the first song is $25. Each additional song is $15. For more information and to enter a song, please visit www.themusiccitysongwriter.com.

Entries will be narrowed down to the top twenty-five, which will then be judged by a panel of Nashville’s music industry insiders, including Morgan, Grammy-winning songwriter Tim Nichols, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Lawrence Music Group’s Alex Torrez, GAC and Sirius XM personality Storme Warren, and Nashville CVB President Butch Spyridon. Judges will rate each song based on the following criteria: melody, composition, originality, lyrics and commercial appeal.

The winning songwriter will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and a trip to the CMA Music Fest. While in town, the winner will be interviewed on GAC TV as well as Sirius XM’s “Music Row Happy Hour with Storme Warren.” Morgan will also offer a mentoring session. The winner will be featured in American Songwriter. The winner will also receive a writing session with a professional songwriter, a demo recording session at Sound Stage Studio and a single song publishing deal with Black River Entertainment.

Everyone who enters the Music City Songwriting Competition will receive a copy of Craig Morgan’s upcoming full-length CD, This Ole Boy, and the twenty-five finalists will also receive a certificate of recognition and a Music City Gift bag.

Music City Walk of Fame Inducts New Class

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Reba helped pal Kix Brooks celebrate his star.

Alan Jackson at yesterday's ceremony.

Photos by Alan Mayor

Superstar artists Kix Brooks and Alan Jackson, clothing designer Manuel, Gospel singer and national television host Dr. Bobby Jones, Queen of Gospel Music Dottie Rambo, guitar innovator Les Paul and late newsman Dan Miller were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame yesterday (11/6).

The honorees were recognized with the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers in Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. The induction ceremony was free and open to the public.

Music City Walk of Fame is presented by founding sponsor Gibson Guitar. The induction of this class bring the total number of stars along the Walk of Fame to 58.

Les Paul's son Russ beams at his late father's star.


Hollywood Heads To Nashville For CMA Awards

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Eric Stonestreet will present at the CMA Awards.

A slew of hot Hollywood talent and stars from the world of sports will present trophies at Wednesday’s (11/9) CMA Awards. On the docket is Nashville-bred celeb Reese Witherspoon, Eric Stonestreet (star of ABC’s Modern Family), Emily VanCamp (star of ABC’s Revenge), ESPN sportscaster and Good Morning America correspondent Erin Andrews, Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas (of ABC’s Once Upon a Time), 2011 World Series MVP and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese, actor Kellan Lutz (star of the Twilight movies), and Muppet icon Miss Piggy.

As excitement builds for the CMA Awards, the Country Music Association has surpassed one million digital fans, followers and subscribers. The total includes audiences on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube as well as mobile subscribers and “CMA Exclusive” e-mail subscribers.

Ben Bennett, Senior Manager of Digital Strategy for CMA, spearheads the organization’s web initiatives.

Fans will enjoy artist arrivals on the Macy’s Walk of Stars streaming live on CMAawards.com. The special will also include footage from the CMA Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony and the backstage press room.

The site has a FanChatter feature that allows fans to interact with artists and each other using Facebook or Twitter. Several new videos have been uploaded to CMAawards.com featuring behind-the-scenes access, artist interviews, rehearsal footage, hilarious outtakes from Paisley’s and Underwood’s promotional shoots, and the unofficial CMA Awards host auditions featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donnie and Marie Osmond, Miss Piggy, and more. Fans can build their CMA Awards nominee dream team with MyPicks game, and there is a CMA iPhone/Android app.

The 45th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

 

ASCAP Award Winners [Updated w/ Most Performed Songs List]

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Don Williams received ASCAP's prestigious Golden Note Award last night.

ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) hosted its 49th annual Country Music Awards last night (11/6) at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville.

The evening’s top honors were awarded to the following:

ASCAP Songwriter of the Year: Ben Hayslip
Hayslip scored his first Country Songwriter of the Year award. He wrote or co-wrote five of the most performed songs of the past year: “All About Tonight” (Blake Shelton), “All Over Me” (Josh Turner), “Farmer’s Daughter” (Rodney Atkins), “Gimmie That Girl” (Joe Nichols) and “The Shape I’m In” (Joe Nichols).

ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year: Brad Paisley
Paisley won this award for the second time. He has 27 ASCAP Most Performed Song awards, which includes three added last night with “Anything Like Me,” “This Is Country Music” and “Water.”

ASCAP Country Song of the Year: “The House That Built Me”
written by Allen Shamblin; published by Built On Rock

ASCAP Publisher of the Year: Sea Gayle Music
For the second consecutive year the ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year honors went to Sea Gayle Music who had six award-winning songs: “Anything Like Me,” “Come Back Song,” “This,” “This Ain’t Nothing,” “This Is Country Music” and “Water.” Presented to Sea Gayle Music’s Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers.

Handing out the honors were ASCAP CEO John A. LoFrumento, President and Chairman Paul Williams, VP and GM Nashville Marc Driskill, Executive VP Domestic Membership Randy Grimmett, and VP and Managing Executive Nashville Tim DuBois.

The writers of country music’s most performed songs of the period between April 2010 and March 2011 were honored. Thirty-six song honors were handed out, and the writers of the Top 5 performed their hits, including “All Over Me,” by Ben Hayslip and Josh Turner; “Gimmie That Girl,” by Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson (recorded by Joe Nichols); “The House That Built Me,” by Allen Shamblin (recorded by Miranda Lambert); “The Man I Want To Be,” performed by Brett James, Tim Nichols and Chris Young; and “Roll With It,” by Tony Lane and Johnny Park (recorded by Easton Corbin). The show kicked off with reigning ASCAP Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year Dierks Bentley performing his current single, “Home.”

A special musical tribute saluted Don Williams, who was honored with ASCAP’s Golden Note Award.

The Civil Wars received the ASCAP Vanguard Award.

The ASCAP Global Impact Award honored Josh Kear, Big Yellow Dog Publishing and Darth Buddha for “Need You Now” (Lady Antebellum).

2011 ASCAP MOST PERFORMED SONGS 

Ain’t Back Yet
Recorded by Kenny Chesney
Writers: Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman
Publishers: Angel River Songs, Big Loud Shirt

All About Tonight
Recorded by Blake Shelton
Writer: Ben Hayslip
Publishers: Melissa’s Money Music, This Music, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

Anything Like Me
Recorded by Brad Paisley
Writers: Chris DuBois ,Brad Paisley, Dave Turnbull
Publishers: Full Circle Music, Sea Gayle Music, V Bulls Music

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not
Recorded by Thompson Square
Writer: David Lee Murphy
Publishers: N2D Publishing, Old Desperadoes

Bullets In the Gun
Recorded by Toby Keith
Writer: Rivers Rutherford
Publishers: Memphianna, Universal Music Publishing

Come Back Song
Recorded by Darius Rucker
Writers: Darius Rucker, Chris Stapleton
Publishers: Cadaja Publishing, Sea Gayle Music, Son Of A Miner Songs, Universal Music Publishing

Crazy Town
Recorded by Jason Aldean
Writer: Brett Jones
Publisher: Brett Jones Music

Farmer’s Daughter
Recorded by Rodney Atkins
Writer: Ben Hayslip
Publishers: Melissa’s Money Music, This Music, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

Gimmie That Girl
Recorded by Joe Nichols
Writer: Ben Hayslip
Publishers: Melissa’s Money Music, This Music, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

Hello World
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
Writer: Tony Lane
Publishers: Ed and Lucille Songs, Sony/ATV Music Publishing

How I Got To Be This Way
Recorded by Justin Moore
Writers: Rivers Rutherford, Jeremy Stover
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Memphisto Music, Songs Of Countrywood, Universal Music Publishing

I’m In
Recorded by Keith Urban
Writers: Radney Foster, Georgia Middleman
Publishers: On My Mind Music, St Julien Music, Universal Music Publishing

Our Kind Of Love
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
Writer: busbee
Publisher: BMG Chrysalis

Roll With It
Recorded by Easton Corbin
Writers: Tony Lane, Johnny Park
Publishers: Hornbuckle Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

She Won’t Be Lonely Long
Recorded by Clay Walker
Writer: Galen Griffin
Publisher: Mas Village Music

Smile
Recorded by Uncle Kracker
Writer: Jeremy Bose
Publishers: Meadowgreen Music Company, Vandelay Publishing

Somewhere With You
Recorded by Kenny Chesney
Writer: Shane McAnally
Publishers: Crazy Water Music Little Blue Egg

Stuck Like Glue
Recorded by Sugarland
Writer: Jennifer Nettles
Publisher: Jennifer Nettles Publishing

The Boys Of Fall
Recorded by Kenny Chesney
Writer: Dave Turnbull
Publishers: Full Circle Music, V Bulls Music

The House That Built Me
Recorded by Miranda Lambert
Writer: Allen Shamblin
Publisher: Built On Rock

The Man I Want To Be
Recorded by Chris Young
Writer: Brett James
Publishers: BMG Chrysalis, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

The Shape I’m In
Recorded by Joe Nichols
Writer: Ben Hayslip
Publishers: Melissa’s Money Music, This Music, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

This
Recorded by Darius Rucker
Writers: Frank Rogers, Darius Rucker
Publishers: Cadaja Publishing, Sea Gayle Music, Universal Music Publishing

This Ain’t No Love Song
Recorded by Trace Adkins
Writers: Tony Lane, Marcel
Publishers: Chaggy Buss Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

This Ain’t Nothing
Recorded by Craig Morgan
Writers: Chris DuBois, Kerry Kurt Phillips
Publishers: Full Circle Music, Sea Gayle Music

This Is Country Music
Recorded by Brad Paisley
Writers: Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley
Publisher: Sea Gayle Music

Turn On The Radio
Recorded by Reba
Writers: Cherie Oakley, Mark Oakley, J.P. Twang
Publishers: Cherie Armour Music, Flat Earth Music, Ten Ten Music

Unstoppable
Recorded by Rascal Flatts
Writer: Hillary Lindsey
Publishers: BMG/Chrysalis, Raylene Music

Voices
Recorded by Chris Young
Writers: Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Chris Young
Publishers: Big Loud Shirt, EMI Music Publishing, Runnin’ Behind Music

Water
Recorded by Brad Paisley
Writers: Chris DuBois, Kelley Lovelace, Brad Paisley
Pubishers: Didn’t Have To Be Music, EMI Music Publishing, Sea Gayle Music

Way Out Here
Recorded by Josh Thompson
Writer: David Lee Murphy
Publishers: N2D Publishing, Old Desperadoes

Who Are You When I’m Not Looking
Recorded by Blake Shelton
Writer: Earl Bud Lee
Publisher: We’re Working Music

Why Wait
Recorded by Rascal Flatts
Writer: Neil Thrasher
Publishers: BMG Chrysalis, Feet In The Creek Music

Wildflower
Recorded by JaneDear Girls
Writer: Jeremy Stover
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Songs Of Countrywood

Wrong Baby Wrong
Recorded by Martina McBride
Writers: Stephen Barker Liles, Robert Ellis Orrall
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, It’s A Birthday Party Publishing, Orrall Fixation Music, Rockapop Music, Ten Ten Music

Sting And Vince Gill To Appear On “CMT Crossroads”

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Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com

Sting and Vince Gill are the latest duo to take the stage for an all-new episode of CMT Crossroads premiering Thursday, Nov. 24 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT. The performance, taped earlier this year at New York City’s famed Hammerstein Ballroom, resulted in an exceptional night of rocking collaborations and in-depth interviews.

The 90-minute premiere features the duo partnering on some of Sting’s hits including “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You,” and “Every Breath You Take,” plus Gill’s “Liza Jane” and “Whenever You Come Around.” The musicians’ interviews reflect on the longevity and success of their careers. They also go on to discuss their thoughts on popular assumptions about the meanings of their songs, how they’ve developed as artists, and ultimately, why they continue to play music.

Since 1985, Sting has released twelve solo albums. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of his solo career, Universal Music Group recently released Sting: 25 Years. This definitive box set collection contains three comprehensive CD’s, all re-mastered exclusively for this set, and a DVD, Rough, Raw & Unreleased. Sting also published a memoir in 2003 entitled Broken Music, which spent 13 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list. He most recently released Lyrics, a comprehensive collection of lyrics and personal commentary, also featuring photographs from throughout his career.

Gill has won seventeen more CMA honors, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has walked away with 20 Grammy Awards and has racked up sales in excess of 26 million. Gill co-hosted the CMA Awards for twelve consecutive years. He was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He recently released his first single in four year, “Threaten Me With Heaven.” The song comes off his new album, Guitar Slinger, released on MCA Records.

CMT Crossroads is produced by Tom Forrest and Kathryn Russ. John Hamlin, Margaret Comeaux and Bill Flanagan serve as executive producers for CMT.