(L-R) Jay Leno, Eddie Montgomery, Love Ride founder and Glendale Harley-Davidson owner Oliver Shokouh, and Troy Gentry
Montgomery Gentry wrapped up the release week of their latest album, Rebels On The Run, by headlining a concert at Castaic Lake. They performed for the thousands of motorcycle riders who participated in the 28th Annual Love Ride in Southern California. One of the largest organized motorcycle rides in the country, the Love Ride has raised over $14 million for various charities. This year’s beneficiary was Autism Speaks.
Prior to the Ride, the country duo took part in the kick-off festivities at the Glendale Harley-Davidson dealership. They were introduced alongside the likes of Love Ride Grand Marshall and Tonight Show host Jay Leno, Honorary Grand Marshall and award-winning actor Robert Patrick and numerous other Hollywood heavy-weights.
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MCA artist and baseball enthusiast David Nail will sing “God Bless America” tonight (Oct. 28) during the seventh inning stretch at game seven of the World Series, between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. “I’m truly honored to be asked to sing ‘God Bless America’ tonight,” says Nail. “Obviously being from Missouri and a Cardinal fan, just to be able to watch game seven in person is a once in a lifetime experience in itself.” Nail will also make an appearance on the GAC series Day Jobs on Sunday (Oct. 30), where he will put in a full day of work at a Missouri Dairy Queen. Nail’s sophomore album The Sound of a Million Dreams is due for release Nov. 15.
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Keith Urban sang his hits for a sold-out Opry House audience Tuesday night (10/25) and the audience decided to sing back. After the CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee performed his first song of the night, “Sweet Thing,” fans gathered near the stage and serenaded Urban with “Happy Birthday” in honor of his 44th birthday on Wednesday (10/26). Urban concluded his Opry set with “Making Memories of Us” and “Where the Blacktop Ends.” He is scheduled to return to the Opry twice next month.
This Saturday Oct. 29, Opry member Charlie Daniels will also be celebrating his 75th birthday at the Opry with birthday shows that include guest of honor and fellow Opry member, Clint Black. Special guests will also include The Grascals, Lee Greenwood, Gretchen Wilson and more. Fans at home can celebrate Daniels’ birthday early by visiting the Opry’s YouTube channel this week, which includes a special playlist of Daniels’ Opry performances.
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After celebrating his 80th birthday last month, George Jones is keeping busy with thirty-five shows scheduled (dates below) throughout the U.S. and Canada from now through November 2012.
Jones said, “I’m always excited to get back out on the road and we’re working up new shows and new songs. I’m feelin’ great and givin’ the road hell!”
2011
Oct. 28 – Elkhart, IN – Lerner PAC
Oct. 29 – Waukegan, IL – Waukegan, IL
Oct. 30 – Green Bay, WI – Oneida Casino
Nov. 18 – Beckley, WV – Convention Center
Nov. 25 – Ft. Smith, AR – Convention Center
Nov. 26 – Texarkana, TX – Perot Theater
Dec. 2 – Grand Berry, TX – Rio Brazos Live
Dec. 3 – Fulton, MS – Community College
Dec. 17– Tulsa, OK – Osage Casino
2012
Feb. 3 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Feb. 4 – Tunica, MS – Sam’s Town
Feb. 9 – Daytona Beach, FL – Peabody Auditorium
Feb. 10 – Melbourne, FL – King Center
Feb. 17 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center
Feb. 18 – Columbus, OH – TBA
Feb. 24 – Reno, NV – TBA
Feb. 25 – Wendover, UT – TBA
March 1 – Pendelton, OR – TBA
March 2 – Shelton– WA – TBA
March 3-4 – Lincoln City, OR – TBA
March 23 – Metropolis, IL – TBA
March 24 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
April 20 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino
April 21 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino
May 10 – 20 – Canada – TBA
June 3 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
July 27 – 28 – Pigeon Forge, TN – Country Tonight
Aug.17 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theater
Aug. 18 – Durham, NC – Durham PAC
Sept. 22 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theater
Oct. 12 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
Oct. 13 – Renfro Valley, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Nov. 9 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
Nov. 23 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s Winnie Arena
Nov. 24 – Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino
Making Connections Online
/by adminBaker notes that like songwriting, there is also a craft to using language with respect to “point of view.” When an artist is describing their music they should be aware of using first person, second person and third person to best effect.
“First Person is when you write about yourself: I just wrote a new song,” says Baker. “Second Person is when you speak directly to the reader: You will really enjoy this new song,” and “Third Person speaks from a more distant, observer viewpoint: Suzy just wrote a new song.”
When an artist describes his or her own music Baker suggests second person, “You will be swept away,” as opposed to third person, “The listener will be swept away.” For artist bios and quoting press stories he suggests third person point of view, “According to the the Salt Lake Tribune….,” as opposed to first person which would be awkward, “I am one of the most widely recognized experts…”
Use first person sparingly, especially for telling personal stories. To read it all click here…
CMA Ballots Due Tomorrow
/by Caitlin RantalaHere’s a recap of the final nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood
Taylor Swift
New Artist of the Year
The Band Perry
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Thompson Square
Chris Young
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
Album of the Year (Award to Artist and Producer(s))
All About Tonight, Blake Shelton, Produced by Scott Hendricks, Warner Bros. Nashville
My Kinda Party, Jason Aldean, Produced by Michael Knox, Broken Bow Records
Speak Now, Taylor Swift, Produced by Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift, Big Machine Records
This Is Country Music, Brad Paisley, Produced by Frank Rogers, Arista Nashville
You Get What You Give, Zac Brown Band, Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown, Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
Single of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
“A Little Bit Stronger” Sara Evans, Produced by Tony Brown, RCA Nashville
“Colder Weather” Zac Brown Band, Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown,
Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Produced by Michael Knox, Broken Bow Records
“Honey Bee” Blake Shelton, Produced by Scott Hendricks, Warner Bros. Nashville
“If I Die Young” The Band Perry, Produced by Paul Worley, Republic Nashville
Song of the Year
“Colder Weather,” Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey, and Coy Bowles
“Dirt Road Anthem,” Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford
“If I Die Young,” Kimberly Perry
“Mean,” Taylor Swift
“You and Tequila,” Matraca Berg and Deana Carter
Musical Event of the Year
“As She’s Walking Away” Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson, Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert, Columbia Records Nashville
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Broken Bow Records
“Old Alabama” Brad Paisley featuring Alabama, Arista Nashville
“You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, BNA Records
Vocal Duo of the Year
Civil Wars
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square
Music Video of the Year
“Honey Bee” Blake Shelton, Directed by Trey Fanjoy
“If I Die Young” The Band Perry, Directed by David McClister
“Mean” Taylor Swift, Directed by Declan Whitebloom
“Old Alabama” Brad Paisley featuring Alabama, Directed by Jim Shea
“You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, Directed by Shaun Silva
Musician of the Year
Sam Bush – Mandolin
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar
Dolly Makes “Joyful Noise” on Big Screen
/by Sarah SkatesDolly Parton stars alongside Queen Latifah in the upcoming movie Joyful Noise, set to open nationwide Jan. 13, 2012. The superstar divas portray church choir leaders in a small Georgia town who are having a hard time working together to win the National Joyful Noise Competition.
The major motion picture from Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures also features Kris Kristofferson and Courtney B. Vance (Law & Order).
Todd Graff (Bandslam) directed Joyful Noise from his original screenplay. The film is produced by Oscar® nominee Michael Nathanson (L.A. Confidential), Joseph Farrell, Catherine Paura, and Oscar® nominees Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove (The Blind Side). The executive producers are Timothy M. Bourne, Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere, with Yolanda T. Cochran and Steven P. Wegner serving as co-producers.
Inspirational Christian Music Award Winners
/by Sarah SkatesRicky Skaggs was named Entertainer of the Year
Megan Alexander and Storme Warren hosted tonight’s (10/28) ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. Here’s the complete winners list:
Entertainer of the Year: Ricky Skaggs
Male Vocalist: Chuck Day
Female Vocalist: Kali Rose
Vocal Duo: Joey + Rory
Vocal Group/Band: Sunday Drive
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song: “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” Justin Moore
Inspirational Country Song: “I’ll Stand Up And Say So,” Chuck Day
Songwriter: Russ Murphy
Mainstream Country Artist: Jeff Bates
New Artist: Chuck Hancock
Musician: Ricky Skaggs
Comedian: Johnny Lee Cook
Video: “Hello World,” Lady Antebellum; Director, Roman White
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist: The Roys
Movie: Soul Surfer, Sony Pictures, Director: Sean McNamara
Radio Personality: JR Pitsenbarger
Radio Station: WCWV, Summersville, WV
Youth In Music Award: Renee Spencer
Music Evangelist: Johnny Lee Cook
Television Network: Daystar
Friday Photo Spread
/by MichelleVince Gill appeared on NBC’s TODAY (10/26) with host Matt Lauer. Gill is in New York this week promoting his new album Guitar Slinger.
(L-R): Lauer, Gill Photo: NBC News/TODAY
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Tracy Lawrence’s song, “Saturday In The South,” has been chosen by CBS Sports Network for telecasts of SEC conference college football. Each week during SEC football telecasts, Lawrence’s song will be part of an LG-sponsored vignette series. The song was also highlighted earlier in the year when Fox Sports South Network adapted it for its college football theme.
(L-R): CBS Sports commentators Verne Lunquist and Gary Danielson; CBS Producer Craig Silver; Tracy Lawrence Photo: Alex Torrez
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Lee and Elaine Roy were spotted on the set during an August taping of RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner, and show host Larry Black invited them to perform. “It was totally unexpected,” laughs Elaine Roy. “We were really lucky our fiddle player Clint White happened to be with us.” The Roys performed “Give A Ride To The Devil” from their current Rural Rhythm Records’ CD, Lonesome Whistle. This is The Roys’ second appearance on the show this year.
(L-R): The show’s featured guest Leona Williams, Elaine, Lee and fiddler Clint White.
Photo: EMI Music Publishing Signs Enderlin
/by FreemanASCAP songwriter/artist Erin Enderlin recently signed a publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing. Enderlin’s songwriting credits include Alan Jackson’s “Monday Morning Church,” Lee Ann Womack’s “Last Call,” and “You Don’t Know Jack,” co-written with Shane McAnally and cut by Luke Bryan for Tailgates & Tanlines. She is also currently working on an album with Jim “Moose” Brown and Jamey Johnson.
(L-R): ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan, Tim DuBois, Red Light Management’s Tracy Gershon, EMI Music Publishing’s Laura Wright, Josh Van Valkenburg, Erin Enderlin, and EMI Music Publishing’s Missy Wilson and Tom Luteran. Photo: Anna Maki
Artist Visits: Johnny Solinger, Claudia Lee
/by FreemanRocker Johnny Solinger stopped by MusicRow’s headquarters to preview his single “Livin’ Out A Country Song,” for the staff and to discuss his country roots. The Texas born artist also joined multi-platinum hard rock band Skid Row as lead singer in 1999. “Livin’ Out A Country Song” has been shipped to radio and Solinger will be making the rounds soon.
(L-R): Red Dirt Music’s Ben Ewing; guitarist/artist Richie Owens; Solinger; MR President Sherod Robertson; MR News Editor Sarah Skates; MR Chart Director Jon Freeman; MR Art Director/Production Mgr. Christie King
Up and coming artist Claudia Lee also dropped by MusicRow’s offices to discuss her first single and video “Hollywood Sunset,” as well as her acting career. Lee currently stars in the CW series Hart of Dixie, airing Mondays at 8 pm CT.
(L-R): MR Publisher David Ross, Lee, MR Chart Director Jon Freeman
Brad and Carrie Audition For CMA Hosting Gig
/by FreemanYou can’t take anything for granted, apparently. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood may have done an admirable job of hosting the CMA Awards for the past three years, but they don’t get to coast when it comes to this gig. A recent series of videos shows how the pair were forced to go back through the humiliating audition process once again, and faced competition from some of entertainment’s biggest names.
Industry Ink (10/28/11)
/by Sarah SkatesThe co-op’s Nancy Russell hosted a dinner at Giovanni’s in Nashville on Wednesday night (10/26). Russell won the dinner party for 12 during at a charity auction at the ‘Ete du Vin Nashville Crush event in July. Proceeds from the auction benefited the American Cancer Society. Pictured standing (L-R): Joe Galante, former Chairman, Sony Music Nashville; Phran Galante; Tom Baldrica, President, Average Joe’s Entertainment; John Esposito, President/CEO, Warner Music Nashville; Nancy Russell, President/Owner, the co-op; Tom Becci, COO/Finance, Capitol Records Nashville; Luann Becci; Maurice Miner, the co-op; and Jane Dungan. Seated: Tracy Baldrica; Mike Dungan, President/CEO, Capitol Records Nashville; and Chantal Esposito.
• • •
Belmont University will host industry vets Joe Galante and Clint Higham as guests at the next Insider’s View seminar on Wed., Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in Belmont’s Massey Performing Arts Center. Co-sponsored by Avenue Bank and moderated by Harry Chapman, the evening’s panel discussion will revolve around the importance of building a team of trusted advisers in the entertainment industry, particularly their guidance of Kenny Chesney’s career. Members of the industry are invited to attend.
• • •
The NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT has a Halloween deadline of Oct. 31. The contest boasts career-building industry relationships designed to help unsigned songwriters navigate the road to becoming professional hitmakers. The Grand Prize Winner will receive an exclusive mentoring session with songwriter/musician Charlie Daniels. All genres encouraged. Enter at nsai.cmt.com.
• • •
Starting Nov. 1, song entries may be submitted via the U.S. Postal Service to PO Box 121855, Nashville, TN 37212 or the contest page on Sonicbids. The deadline to submit material is February 18, 2012. Previous contest winners include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Adrienne Young, Michael Reno Harrell, and more.
Artist Roundup
/by contributor(L-R) Jay Leno, Eddie Montgomery, Love Ride founder and Glendale Harley-Davidson owner Oliver Shokouh, and Troy Gentry
Montgomery Gentry wrapped up the release week of their latest album, Rebels On The Run, by headlining a concert at Castaic Lake. They performed for the thousands of motorcycle riders who participated in the 28th Annual Love Ride in Southern California. One of the largest organized motorcycle rides in the country, the Love Ride has raised over $14 million for various charities. This year’s beneficiary was Autism Speaks.
Prior to the Ride, the country duo took part in the kick-off festivities at the Glendale Harley-Davidson dealership. They were introduced alongside the likes of Love Ride Grand Marshall and Tonight Show host Jay Leno, Honorary Grand Marshall and award-winning actor Robert Patrick and numerous other Hollywood heavy-weights.
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This Saturday Oct. 29, Opry member Charlie Daniels will also be celebrating his 75th birthday at the Opry with birthday shows that include guest of honor and fellow Opry member, Clint Black. Special guests will also include The Grascals, Lee Greenwood, Gretchen Wilson and more. Fans at home can celebrate Daniels’ birthday early by visiting the Opry’s YouTube channel this week, which includes a special playlist of Daniels’ Opry performances.
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Jones said, “I’m always excited to get back out on the road and we’re working up new shows and new songs. I’m feelin’ great and givin’ the road hell!”
2011
Oct. 28 – Elkhart, IN – Lerner PAC
Oct. 29 – Waukegan, IL – Waukegan, IL
Oct. 30 – Green Bay, WI – Oneida Casino
Nov. 18 – Beckley, WV – Convention Center
Nov. 25 – Ft. Smith, AR – Convention Center
Nov. 26 – Texarkana, TX – Perot Theater
Dec. 2 – Grand Berry, TX – Rio Brazos Live
Dec. 3 – Fulton, MS – Community College
Dec. 17– Tulsa, OK – Osage Casino
2012
Feb. 3 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Feb. 4 – Tunica, MS – Sam’s Town
Feb. 9 – Daytona Beach, FL – Peabody Auditorium
Feb. 10 – Melbourne, FL – King Center
Feb. 17 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center
Feb. 18 – Columbus, OH – TBA
Feb. 24 – Reno, NV – TBA
Feb. 25 – Wendover, UT – TBA
March 1 – Pendelton, OR – TBA
March 2 – Shelton– WA – TBA
March 3-4 – Lincoln City, OR – TBA
March 23 – Metropolis, IL – TBA
March 24 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
April 20 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino
April 21 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino
May 10 – 20 – Canada – TBA
June 3 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
July 27 – 28 – Pigeon Forge, TN – Country Tonight
Aug.17 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theater
Aug. 18 – Durham, NC – Durham PAC
Sept. 22 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theater
Oct. 12 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
Oct. 13 – Renfro Valley, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Nov. 9 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
Nov. 23 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s Winnie Arena
Nov. 24 – Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino