Taylor Swift
Chapter 328
Photographer: John Russell / CMA
It’s Taylor’s world; the rest of us just live in it.
As surely the entire known universe is aware by now, the country-pop princess bagged four CMA Awards Wednesday night (11/11), including the monumental Entertainer of the Year trophy. That win makes her the youngest person in history to be so named and the first female artist to earn it since the Dixie Chicks in 2000.
“Every single year of my life, I have watched the CMA Awards, so I know what this means,” said Taylor Swift backstage. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m just very appreciative right now.” She was informed that legendary artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton have praised her achievements. “Thank you for telling me that,” she replied. “It’s such an honor to know that Reba McEntire knows my name. Reba has been so wonderful to me. So has Faith Hill, who is my idol.
“I have no idea what’s going on. I’m stunned. Tonight, I’m just gonna dance around with my band and my crew and my record label. I couldn’t be more grateful…..I feel so lucky to be able to sing country music and to go to New York and sing country music in those places,” most recently Saturday Night Live, which she hosted last week.
Taylor has been the opening act for all four of her fellow Entertainer nominees. One of them was CMA co-host Brad Paisley. “Next year, we’re not going to take any opening acts out,” he quipped backstage. “I’m kidding. I’m really proud of her. She’s an amazing artist of natural talent. She’s taking country music to places it’s never been. She’s the biggest thing in music right now.
“And a child shall lead them,” he added in Biblical fashion.
Brad was a double winner as Male Vocalist and for Musical Event for “Start a Band” with Keith Urban.
“’Start a Band’ was bittersweet for me,” he said with tongue in cheek. “Because I really wanted to win that one alone.”
Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum
The other double winner was Lady Antebellum, who won Single of the Year and dethroned six-time champs Rascal Flatts as Group of the Year.
“That was a complete shock,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley backstage. “Rascal Flatts: That’s some big shoes to fill.” He added that the first concert he ever saw was by fellow nominees The Eagles.
As we all know, viewers don’t remember who won or lost. They remember who performed well. On that score, Taylor, Brad and Lady A all delivered in spades. Taylor’s show-opening “Forever & Always” featured tossing a chair from a riser, sliding down a fireman’s pole and writhing on the floor clad in black. She also performed “Fifteen” seated on a stool in the audience with her acoustic guitar while fan girls surrounding her sang along. Brad was inspirational, rocking “Welcome to the Future” both vocally and with blistering guitar licks. Lady A’s magnificently sung “Need You Now” was magical in a blue, smoky atmosphere with white confetti wafting through the air to the stage.
Vince Gill and Chris Daughtry
We also were charmed by the beautifully melodic “Tennessee Line” by Daughtry with Vince Gill, by Jamey Johnson & Kid Rock doing “Somewhere Between Jennings and Jones,” by the delicate “I’m Alive” by Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews and by Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Keith Urban and Billy Currington.
All the greats were gathered backstage in the press room — Neil Haislip, Ken Tucker, Peter Cooper, Kay West, Whitney Pastorek, Bob Paxman, Chuck Aly, Lucas Hendrickson, Bob Doerschuk, Larry McCormick, Hunter Kelly,
Jamey Johnson and Kid Rock
Alan Mayor, Brian Mansfield, Cindy Watts, Greg Travis, John Rose, Eileen Finan, Vanessa Sellers, Terry Bumgarner and rotating flacks including Karen Tollier, Dixie Owen, Judy McDonough, Karen Byrd, Liz Cavanaugh and Paula Erickson.
Jack Ingram was doing the Sirius play-by-play. Craig Morgan was covering for Premiere Radio. Little Big Town, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Lady Antebellum and assorted other celebs strayed in from the green room. Steve Betts, Vernell Hackett and Deborah Evans-Price
Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews
were all AOL reps. Ed Rode and George Walker kept things light by engaging in a mock photo fight. As the ABC affiliate, Brad Schmitt commanded first stop in the TV-interview lineup. George Voorhies presided. Donna Hughes has become sort of our Helen Thomas, generally getting the lead question with the visiting stars.
Down there beneath the Sommet arena, we are treated well, being provided with show rundowns, big viewing screens, headphones, ample photo ops, digital-photo delivery runners and food (box lunches with turkey wraps or ham sandwiches, take your pick).
Among our press-room highlights was Naomi Judd proclaiming, “I’m on the lecture circuit. I speak on an encyclopedic number of topics. I’m a communicator.”
Lady A’s Hillary Scott explained, “Dave [Haywood] is the brains, the glue that holds us together. Charles [Kelley] is the hustler. He pushes us.” “She’s the heart,” responded Charles. “And she’s the hottest,” added Dave.
Darius Rucker
“I was really making this record for me,” said New Artist winner Darius Rucker. “I wasn’t thinking about whether it would work or not….The acceptance is really unbelievable.”
“In Color” collaborator James Otto said that he likes writing hits for others even better than he likes writing them for himself.
Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell recalled, “When Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and me started headlining our own shows, it was a huge deal. Now, it’s completely normal [for country’s women], but believe me, back then, it was groundbreaking.”
Gorgeously gowned in gold, Barbara was also a charmer on the pre-show red carpet. To the disappointment of many, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman breezed by without stopping to chat.
Meanwhile, Keith Bilbrey was cheerleading in the pre-show ceremonies. Stalling for time while waiting for envelopes, Love & Theft delivered a flawless, a cappella, harmony-soaked rendition of “Runaway.” The trio was breezy and bright while presenting a trio of accolades.
Mac McAnally was named Musician of the Year. “I’m tickled to get nominated in the only category you don’t have to diet to be a part of,” he quipped, adding, “Music’s the best thing in the world.”
Taylor’s “Love Story” won Best Video. “Most of all, I’d like to thank my sweetheart Eddie,” said director Trey Fanjoy. “I’m living my own ‘Love Story.’” Brad and Keith weren’t present for their “Start a Band” win.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood
Brad and Carrie co-hosted with aplomb, beginning with their parodies, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Kanyes” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” directed at Brooks & Dunn.
“You smell amazing,” Carrie said to Brad. “It’s intoxicating.” “I’m wearing Tim McGraw,” he explained. “What a coincidence,” she responded. “I’m wearing Faith Hill’s ‘Parfums.’”
Speaking of scents, Brad introduced Kid Rock as “a pungent combination of whiskey and Waffle House.” Kid presented Single of the Year to “I Run to You” by Lady A.
Continuing their banter, Carrie said to Brad, “I don’t feel well. Can you feel me and tell me if I’m hot?” She launched into “Flu” to the tune of “Blue.”
Carrie was the eve’s fashion maven, appearing in (1) silver bangles, (2) one-shoulder fluffy red, (3) crimson satin, (4) silver tap pants, a purple crystal necklace and a white tunic to sing “Cowboy Casanova,” (5) green taffeta, (6) a tie-dyed floor-length, multi-hued gown and (6) yellow chiffon. Did I miss any?
Nobody in the press corps applauded Kellie Pickler’s new red hair. But she was exquisite in floor-length silver lame alongside fellow presenter Jake Owen, snappy in a checkered mauve tux. LeAnn Rimes looked fine draped in white, and Faith Hill was divine in flowing black.
Since the show occurred on Veteran’s Day, references to our troops were plentiful. “We spent a lot of time talking about our grandfathers in World War II while writing this,” said Song of the Year co-writer Lee Thomas Miller. “It’s Veteran’s Day. Fort Hood, our prayers are with you.” “We couldn’t get up here without thanking our veterans,” said Hillary Scott. Carrie Underwood introduced the uniformed troops in the audience, who stood to wild applause. “God bless our military,” said Barbara Mandrell.
Zac Brown
The Zac Brown Band is the most refreshing thing to happen to country music this year, but instead of doing one of their own tunes, they disappointingly performed “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” George Strait was uncharacteristically uptempo with “Twang.” Darius Rucker waded out into the delighted crowd singing “Alright.” Nicole Kidman clapped and blew a kiss to hubby Keith Urban after he performed “Til Summer Comes Around.”
Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” return to the CMA stage was welcome, particularly since his The Blind Side film costarring Sandra Bullock premieres this month. The final Brooks & Dunn CMA performance was “Honky Tonk Stomp” with Z.Z. Top’s Billy Gibbons in support. Jason Aldean did “Big Green Tractor,” and Reba McEntire sang
Tim McGraw
“Consider Me Gone.” Martina McBride saluted the Hall of Fame with “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” featuring inductee Charlie McCoy recreating his original harmonica part and George Strait taking the George Jones role (except he evidently can’t sing harmony).
Jimmy Dickens made a surprise appearance, snatching the mic from Brad in a “Kanye” moment to laud Taylor’s video win. “What kind of security do we have that a four-foot-nine, 88-year-old man can get through it?” Brad snipped.
“I want to thank every single person in this room tonight for not running up on this stage,” wisecracked Taylor when she won Female Vocalist. “I just got a hug from Kris Kristofferson. I’m good.”
Presenters included Lee Ann Womack & Kris Kristofferson, Patricia Heaton & Neil Flynn, Randy Houser & Robin Roberts, The Judds and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with Julianne Hough. Whispers backstage had it that Julianne and Chuck Wicks are kaput, by the way.
Taylor was weeping when she concluded the night with her Entertainer win. “I’ll never forget this moment,” she vowed.
“How about that?” said Brad. “Nineteen years old!”
“What about us?” said Carrie. “We were awesome!”
Yes, you were.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMA Awards
/by Bobby KarlTaylor Swift
Chapter 328
Photographer: John Russell / CMA
It’s Taylor’s world; the rest of us just live in it.
As surely the entire known universe is aware by now, the country-pop princess bagged four CMA Awards Wednesday night (11/11), including the monumental Entertainer of the Year trophy. That win makes her the youngest person in history to be so named and the first female artist to earn it since the Dixie Chicks in 2000.
“Every single year of my life, I have watched the CMA Awards, so I know what this means,” said Taylor Swift backstage. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m just very appreciative right now.” She was informed that legendary artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton have praised her achievements. “Thank you for telling me that,” she replied. “It’s such an honor to know that Reba McEntire knows my name. Reba has been so wonderful to me. So has Faith Hill, who is my idol.
“I have no idea what’s going on. I’m stunned. Tonight, I’m just gonna dance around with my band and my crew and my record label. I couldn’t be more grateful…..I feel so lucky to be able to sing country music and to go to New York and sing country music in those places,” most recently Saturday Night Live, which she hosted last week.
Taylor has been the opening act for all four of her fellow Entertainer nominees. One of them was CMA co-host Brad Paisley. “Next year, we’re not going to take any opening acts out,” he quipped backstage. “I’m kidding. I’m really proud of her. She’s an amazing artist of natural talent. She’s taking country music to places it’s never been. She’s the biggest thing in music right now.
“And a child shall lead them,” he added in Biblical fashion.
Brad was a double winner as Male Vocalist and for Musical Event for “Start a Band” with Keith Urban.
“’Start a Band’ was bittersweet for me,” he said with tongue in cheek. “Because I really wanted to win that one alone.”
Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum
The other double winner was Lady Antebellum, who won Single of the Year and dethroned six-time champs Rascal Flatts as Group of the Year.
“That was a complete shock,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley backstage. “Rascal Flatts: That’s some big shoes to fill.” He added that the first concert he ever saw was by fellow nominees The Eagles.
As we all know, viewers don’t remember who won or lost. They remember who performed well. On that score, Taylor, Brad and Lady A all delivered in spades. Taylor’s show-opening “Forever & Always” featured tossing a chair from a riser, sliding down a fireman’s pole and writhing on the floor clad in black. She also performed “Fifteen” seated on a stool in the audience with her acoustic guitar while fan girls surrounding her sang along. Brad was inspirational, rocking “Welcome to the Future” both vocally and with blistering guitar licks. Lady A’s magnificently sung “Need You Now” was magical in a blue, smoky atmosphere with white confetti wafting through the air to the stage.
Vince Gill and Chris Daughtry
We also were charmed by the beautifully melodic “Tennessee Line” by Daughtry with Vince Gill, by Jamey Johnson & Kid Rock doing “Somewhere Between Jennings and Jones,” by the delicate “I’m Alive” by Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews and by Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Keith Urban and Billy Currington.
All the greats were gathered backstage in the press room — Neil Haislip, Ken Tucker, Peter Cooper, Kay West, Whitney Pastorek, Bob Paxman, Chuck Aly, Lucas Hendrickson, Bob Doerschuk, Larry McCormick, Hunter Kelly,
Jamey Johnson and Kid Rock
Alan Mayor, Brian Mansfield, Cindy Watts, Greg Travis, John Rose, Eileen Finan, Vanessa Sellers, Terry Bumgarner and rotating flacks including Karen Tollier, Dixie Owen, Judy McDonough, Karen Byrd, Liz Cavanaugh and Paula Erickson.
Jack Ingram was doing the Sirius play-by-play. Craig Morgan was covering for Premiere Radio. Little Big Town, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Lady Antebellum and assorted other celebs strayed in from the green room. Steve Betts, Vernell Hackett and Deborah Evans-Price
Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews
were all AOL reps. Ed Rode and George Walker kept things light by engaging in a mock photo fight. As the ABC affiliate, Brad Schmitt commanded first stop in the TV-interview lineup. George Voorhies presided. Donna Hughes has become sort of our Helen Thomas, generally getting the lead question with the visiting stars.
Down there beneath the Sommet arena, we are treated well, being provided with show rundowns, big viewing screens, headphones, ample photo ops, digital-photo delivery runners and food (box lunches with turkey wraps or ham sandwiches, take your pick).
Among our press-room highlights was Naomi Judd proclaiming, “I’m on the lecture circuit. I speak on an encyclopedic number of topics. I’m a communicator.”
Lady A’s Hillary Scott explained, “Dave [Haywood] is the brains, the glue that holds us together. Charles [Kelley] is the hustler. He pushes us.” “She’s the heart,” responded Charles. “And she’s the hottest,” added Dave.
Darius Rucker
“I was really making this record for me,” said New Artist winner Darius Rucker. “I wasn’t thinking about whether it would work or not….The acceptance is really unbelievable.”
“In Color” collaborator James Otto said that he likes writing hits for others even better than he likes writing them for himself.
Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell recalled, “When Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and me started headlining our own shows, it was a huge deal. Now, it’s completely normal [for country’s women], but believe me, back then, it was groundbreaking.”
Gorgeously gowned in gold, Barbara was also a charmer on the pre-show red carpet. To the disappointment of many, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman breezed by without stopping to chat.
Meanwhile, Keith Bilbrey was cheerleading in the pre-show ceremonies. Stalling for time while waiting for envelopes, Love & Theft delivered a flawless, a cappella, harmony-soaked rendition of “Runaway.” The trio was breezy and bright while presenting a trio of accolades.
Mac McAnally was named Musician of the Year. “I’m tickled to get nominated in the only category you don’t have to diet to be a part of,” he quipped, adding, “Music’s the best thing in the world.”
Taylor’s “Love Story” won Best Video. “Most of all, I’d like to thank my sweetheart Eddie,” said director Trey Fanjoy. “I’m living my own ‘Love Story.’” Brad and Keith weren’t present for their “Start a Band” win.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood
Brad and Carrie co-hosted with aplomb, beginning with their parodies, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Kanyes” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” directed at Brooks & Dunn.
“You smell amazing,” Carrie said to Brad. “It’s intoxicating.” “I’m wearing Tim McGraw,” he explained. “What a coincidence,” she responded. “I’m wearing Faith Hill’s ‘Parfums.’”
Speaking of scents, Brad introduced Kid Rock as “a pungent combination of whiskey and Waffle House.” Kid presented Single of the Year to “I Run to You” by Lady A.
Continuing their banter, Carrie said to Brad, “I don’t feel well. Can you feel me and tell me if I’m hot?” She launched into “Flu” to the tune of “Blue.”
Carrie was the eve’s fashion maven, appearing in (1) silver bangles, (2) one-shoulder fluffy red, (3) crimson satin, (4) silver tap pants, a purple crystal necklace and a white tunic to sing “Cowboy Casanova,” (5) green taffeta, (6) a tie-dyed floor-length, multi-hued gown and (6) yellow chiffon. Did I miss any?
Nobody in the press corps applauded Kellie Pickler’s new red hair. But she was exquisite in floor-length silver lame alongside fellow presenter Jake Owen, snappy in a checkered mauve tux. LeAnn Rimes looked fine draped in white, and Faith Hill was divine in flowing black.
Since the show occurred on Veteran’s Day, references to our troops were plentiful. “We spent a lot of time talking about our grandfathers in World War II while writing this,” said Song of the Year co-writer Lee Thomas Miller. “It’s Veteran’s Day. Fort Hood, our prayers are with you.” “We couldn’t get up here without thanking our veterans,” said Hillary Scott. Carrie Underwood introduced the uniformed troops in the audience, who stood to wild applause. “God bless our military,” said Barbara Mandrell.
Zac Brown
The Zac Brown Band is the most refreshing thing to happen to country music this year, but instead of doing one of their own tunes, they disappointingly performed “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” George Strait was uncharacteristically uptempo with “Twang.” Darius Rucker waded out into the delighted crowd singing “Alright.” Nicole Kidman clapped and blew a kiss to hubby Keith Urban after he performed “Til Summer Comes Around.”
Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” return to the CMA stage was welcome, particularly since his The Blind Side film costarring Sandra Bullock premieres this month. The final Brooks & Dunn CMA performance was “Honky Tonk Stomp” with Z.Z. Top’s Billy Gibbons in support. Jason Aldean did “Big Green Tractor,” and Reba McEntire sang
Tim McGraw
“Consider Me Gone.” Martina McBride saluted the Hall of Fame with “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” featuring inductee Charlie McCoy recreating his original harmonica part and George Strait taking the George Jones role (except he evidently can’t sing harmony).
Jimmy Dickens made a surprise appearance, snatching the mic from Brad in a “Kanye” moment to laud Taylor’s video win. “What kind of security do we have that a four-foot-nine, 88-year-old man can get through it?” Brad snipped.
“I want to thank every single person in this room tonight for not running up on this stage,” wisecracked Taylor when she won Female Vocalist. “I just got a hug from Kris Kristofferson. I’m good.”
Presenters included Lee Ann Womack & Kris Kristofferson, Patricia Heaton & Neil Flynn, Randy Houser & Robin Roberts, The Judds and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with Julianne Hough. Whispers backstage had it that Julianne and Chuck Wicks are kaput, by the way.
Taylor was weeping when she concluded the night with her Entertainer win. “I’ll never forget this moment,” she vowed.
“How about that?” said Brad. “Nineteen years old!”
“What about us?” said Carrie. “We were awesome!”
Yes, you were.
CMA Awards Coverage Around The Web
/by adminTaylor Swift. Photo: John Russell
Taylor Swift is youngest to ever win CMA’s top Award [LA Times]
Country Music Assn. voters largely turned their back on tradition in anointing teenage country-pop star Taylor Swift and a whole slate of relative newcomers with most of its top honors at Wednesday’s CMA Awards ceremony in Nashville.
Taylor Swift: Young, fearless and in control [LA Times]
In 1958, Johnny Cash released the song “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” the story of a pretty small-town girl who won Hollywood fame but gave it all up for the boy next door. In 2009 — on Wednesday night, actually, in Nashville, at the annual Country Music Assn. Awards ceremony — Taylor Swift updated and obliterated that story line.
CMA Awards 2009: all the performances as they happen [LA Times]
Opinionated reports on all the artist performances.
It’s Taylor Swift’s night at CMAs, with four awards [USA Today]
Old favorites competed with young upstarts at Wednesday night’s Country Music Association Awards, and age didn’t always trump beauty.
Taylor Swift sweeps CMA’s biggest honors [Tennessean]
In the end, it was Taylor Swift. Also in the beginning and in the middle.
CMA awards take a few digs at Kanye West [MSNBC]
Country music took a swipe at Kanye West’s infamous September interruption of Taylor Swift at the MTV VMAs at Wednesday night’s CMA awards in Nashville.
CMA Awards best and worst, starring Taylor Swift, the ghost of Kanye West, and Carrie Underwood’s purple sequined hot-pants [EW.com]
Taylor Swift became the youngest person to win the Entertainer of the Year, the final prize given out last night at the 43rd annual Country Music Association Awards. And the restraint she showed on last week’s Saturday Night Live in not making a Kanye West joke went out the window at the CMAs
Star Studded Post Party Pics [Updated]
/by Sarah SkatesThe Valory Music Co. VP of Promotion Jon Loba, Reba McEntire, Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta and Taylor Swift watch a re-broadcast of Taylor’s winning moment for Entertainer of the Year at the Big Machine Label Group CMA After Party last night. Photo Credit: Rich Kalonick
Universal Records South celebrated Country Music’s Biggest Night with newcomer Baylie Brown, Eli Young Band, two-time nominee Randy Houser and former CMA winner, Joe Nichols. The label held its party at classy Italian bistro Giovanni's. Front Row (L-R): Chris Thompson (EYB), Joe Nichols, Universal South Pres. Mark Wright, Baylie Brown, Sr. VP/GM Fletcher Foster, Randy Houser, James Young (EYB). Back Row (L-R): Mike Eli (EYB), VP Promotion Teddi Bonadies, Jon Jones (EYB)
Warner Music Nashville hosted a lavish party at its offices, cheering James Otto's CMA win for co-writing Song of the Year, "In Color." The environmentally conscious green event also marked the company's official name change and new leadership. Pictured (L-R) Otto, new Warner Music Nashville chief John Esposito, and Blake Shelton. Photo: Kay Williams
Sony Music Nashville celebrated wins by Brad Paisley last night, who co-hosted the show for the second year with labelmate Carrie Underwood. Paisley claimed honors for Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for his duet with Keith Urban on “Start a Band." Pictured (back, L-R): Sony Music Nashville Promotion VP Skip Bishop; Jake Owen; Kix Brooks; Sony A&R Exec. VP Renee Bell; Ronnie Dunn; and Sony Marketing VP Tom Baldrica and Sales & Operations Sr. VP Paul Barnabee. (front, L-R): Sony Exec. VP Butch Waugh; Paisley; McBride; Lambert; Underwood; Mandrell; and Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante. Photo: Tony Phipps
Universal Music Group Nashville converged on Gulch hotspot Cantina Laredo for its intimate after-party, toasting wins by Sugarland (Vocal Duo) and Jamey Johnson (Song Of The Year). Left photo: Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, UMG Nashville Chairman Luke Lewis and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush. Right photo: (L-R) UMG Nashville EVP/GM Ken Robold, Lewis, Jamey Johnson and VP A&R Brian Wright. Photo Credit: Peyton Hoge
43rd Annual CMA Awards Winners
/by contributorTaylor Swift
photos by Alan Mayor
Entertainer Of The Year
Taylor Swift
Male Vocalist Of The Year
Brad Paisley
Female Vocalist Of The Year
Taylor Swift
Vocal Group Of The Year
Lady Antebellum
Vocal Duo Of The Year
Sugarland
New Artist Of The Year
Darius Rucker
Album Of The Year
Fearless, Taylor Swift
Produced By Nathan Chapman And Taylor Swift
Big Machine Records
Single Of The Year
“I Run To You,” Lady Antebellum
Produced By Victoria Shaw And Paul Worley
Capitol Records Nashville
Song Of The Year
“In Color”; Written By Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller And James Otto
Musical Event Of The Year
“Start A Band,” Brad Paisley (Duet With Keith Urban)
Arista Nashville
Music Video Of The Year
“Love Story,” Taylor Swift
Directed By Trey Fanjoy
Hall of Fame Inductee
Barbara Mandrell
Musician Of The Year
Mac McAnally – Guitar
Sugarland Tapped For Grammy Noms Special
/by Sarah SkatesNominees in select Grammy categories will be revealed during a primetime television special airing Wed., Dec. 2, 8 PM/CT on CBS. Sugarland is the first Country group announced to perform on The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night. The Black Eyed Peas and Maxwell are also set for the show hosted by LL Cool J at Club NOKIA in Los Angeles. The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, and be broadcast on CBS.
In more Sugarland news, People.com has an exclusive comedic video of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush promoting their Christmas album Gold And Green. They also taped an episode of GAC Nights in support of the project and GAC Pres. Ed Hardy, Sr. VP Sarah Trahern, and host Suzanne Alexander presented them with a triple platinum plaque for their debut record Twice The Speed of Life and double platinum plaque for Love On The Inside, which vies for Album of the Year at tonight’s CMA Awards.
(L to R): Suzanne Alexander, Sarah Trahern, Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush and Ed Hardy. Photo: Jenny Dew
Country People’s Choice Awards Nominees
/by Sarah SkatesKeith Urban and Tim McGraw are in the running for Favorite Male Artist. Vying against Beyonce and others in the Female category are Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.
Up for Favorite Country Artist are Brad Paisley, Underwood, Urban, Rascal Flatts, and Swift. Swift also scored a nod for Favorite Pop Artist.
Most voting is done online, but in a sign of the times, there are five categories that can only be voted on by text message.
More than 18 million fan votes were cast to determine the final nomineees. Twilight and True Blood are among the other top nominees. More here.
New Music From Trailer Choir and More
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto (L-R): Show Dog Nashville’s Trailer Choir’s Crystal Hoyt, Virginia Beach’s WGH MD Mark McKay and PD John Shomby, Trailer Choir’s Butter and Big Vinny
Trailer Choir has been making the rounds at the CMA Premiere Radio remotes, debuting the “HOLLA-day” version of their hit single “Rockin’ the Beer Gut” by singing a portion of the song in radio interviews.
Josh Thompson released his self-titled, digital EP this week, including debut single “Beer On The Table.” Produced by Michael Knox (Jason Aldean), the four-track EP includes the single, as well as “Blame It On Waylon,” which he co-wrote with Rhett Akins, “Won’t Be Lonely Long” which Thompson co-wrote with George Ducas and Arlis Albritton, and the powerful self- penned, “Sinner.”
American Idol season eight finalist and new 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey made a surprise call to his Milwaukee hometown station WMIL / FM 106.1 to world premiere his debut single, “It’s Only.” Officially shipping to country radio in mid-November, the ballad can be heard now on dannygokey.com, with a digital single set for release on Dec. 15 and a full album arriving next year.
Melonie Cannon and Rural Rhythm Records are giving away free downloads of her song “Send A Little Love.” It is from her album produced by friend Ronnie Bowman and her father Buddy Cannon. Bowman wrote the song with John Scott Scherrill.
ABC-TV Special Leads Into Tonight’s CMA Awards
/by Sarah SkatesABC's Robin Roberts talks to Tim McGraw for the TV special.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night” is upon us. CMA Awards tickets are sold out, ABC has been hyping Country with special programming, and downtown traffic is being adjusted for load-in to the Sommet Center.
As part of the CMA Awards excitement, last night (11/10) ABC presented the hour-long special In The Spotlight with Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville. The Good Morning America co-anchor visited with Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Loretta Lynn, Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, President Barack Obama and many others.
According to Zap2It.com’s Fast National ratings for last night, Tuesday, Nov. 10, the show came in second place among the networks for the 10 PM/ET hour. With 9.6 million viewers it was behind CBS’s The Good Wife (12.9 million) and ahead of NBC’s The Jay Leno Show (5.7 million).
Tonight’s CMA Awards start at 7 PM local time, with pre-show awards being handed out by Love And Theft beginning at 6:30 PM. The Awards air on ABC starting at 7 PM. CMT goes live with its annual, exclusive coverage of the red carpet at 6 PM and streaming at CMT.com. SIRIUS XM’s The Highway (SIRIUS 60, XM 16) will broadcast live from the Awards from 6-10 PM/CT.
Road closures will affect parts of Clark Pl., 6th Ave., 7th Ave., Franklin St., and Demonbreun between 4th and 7th.
Country Celebrates Veterans Day
/by Sarah Skates(L-R) Chevy National Promotions Manager Phil Caruso; Curb recording artist Rodney Atkins; 8-year-old Christopher Beason; Master Sgt. Bubba Beason; and ABC News correspondent Bill Weir.
“Chevy Salutes America’s Heroes” contest winner Master Sgt. Bubba Beason of the U.S. Air Force was awarded a 2010 Chevy Equinox yesterday (11/10) during ABC’s Good Morning America broadcast from the Sommet Center. Country artist Rodney Atkins presented Beason and his family with the car. Beason’s son, Christopher, entered his father in the contest and he was chosen over thousands of entries. Beason, a member of the 305th Maintenance Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., and his family will attend tonight’s The 43rd Annual CMA Awards.
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Radney Foster’s new video, which accompanies his single “Angel Flight,” will be released today, Veteran’s Day (11/11). Darren Cameron of Man Bites Dog, directed the video in Dallas. Foster wrote “Angel Flight” with fellow Texas songwriter Darden Smith to tell the story of the aircrew that fly fallen soldiers home to their final resting place. The Air National Guard entrusted with flying these soldiers refer to the journey as the “Angel Flight.” The Texas National Guard cut through plenty of red tape to assist Foster and the producers in the making of the video. Proceeds from sale of “Angel Flight” benefit Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation. To see the video click here.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: BMI Awards
/by Bobby KarlThe night’s big winners at the 2009 BMI Country Awards in Nashville. (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, Pres./CEO Sony ATV Music Publishing Nashville; Martin Bandier, Chairman/CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Del Bryant, BMI Pres./CEO; 2009 BMI Icon Kris Kristofferson; Song of the Year honoree Taylor Swift; Songwriter of the Year Bobby Pinson; Jody Williams, BMI VP Writer/Publisher Relations Nashville; Clay Bradley, BMI Asst. VP Writer/Publisher Relations Nashville; and Phil Graham, BMI Sr. VP Writer/Publisher Relations. Photo: John Russell
Chapter 327
More Stars Than There Are in the Heavens.
That was the saying about the MGM lot during Hollywood’s golden age in the ‘30s and ‘40s. If there’s an organization in country music that can say the same in this golden age of country music, it is surely BMI. The performance rights organization’s 57th annual Nashville banquet (11/10) positively glittered with stardust.
We entered on the red carpet directly behind twinkling Taylor Swift, who held her red-ribbon medallion award against her form fitting cream-colored sheath for every photographer who asked. It meant that the line moved slowly, but it was fascinating to see how kind and patient she was with the demands of celebrity.
Once inside, we encountered super novas and baby stars alike. Joey + Rory, Jack Ingram, James Otto, Jake Owen, Jeffrey Steele, Jamey Johnson and Jimmy Wayne were mingling. So were Steve Cropper, Ray Stevens, Shawn Camp, Craig Morgan, Gary Chapman, Steve Wariner, Radney Foster, The Band Perry, American Idol’s Danny Gokey (whose debut single had dropped that day), Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Suzy Ragsdale, Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, Billy Burnette and Keith Anderson.
I am not finished: Trent Tomlinson, Rodney Atkins, Terry McBride, Kid Rock, Patty Griffin, Emmy-winning actress Patricia Heaton of Everybody Loves Raymond fame, Dickey Lee, Luke Bryan, Heidi Newfield, Rodney Crowell, Billy Gibbons of Z.Z, Top and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame fame, The Zac Brown Band, The Warren Brothers, Brooks & Dunn and such Hall of Famers as Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Phil Everly and (I am told, but never saw) Randy Owen, with Jim Foglesong, Jo Walker-Meador and Harold Bradley sprinkled on top for good measure.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the BMI ICON award to Kris Kristofferson. BMI’s Del Bryant recounted the Hall of Famer’s bio, noting that Kris moved to Nashville in 1965 after sending his songs to the late Marijohn Wilkin, whose son Bucky Wilkin (of Ronnie & The Daytonas “G.T.O.” fame) was in the crowd. Marijohn escorted Kris to the Opry, where Johnny Cash “took his breath away.” A biographical video began with Rosanne Cash proclaiming, “I love you like a brother, a father and a friend.”
Vince Gill sang “Why Me, Lord” and drew a standing ovation. Patty Griffin sang a super soulful “Help Me Make it Through the Night” and drew a standing ovation. Willie Nelson said, “First of all, I want to say how proud I am to be here tonight to see this man get what he deserves. There is no better writer alive than this man.” Willie then sang “Loving Her Was Easier” and drew a standing ovation. All three pitched in on “Me and Bobby McGee” and drew, yes, a standing ovation.
“I want to thank Vince and Patty and Willie for making me cry at my table,” said a tender and moved Kris. He pointed out and thanked Fred Foster and Bob Beckham in the crowd and recalled such mentors as Roger Miller (whose widow Mary Miller attended), Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Bill Anderson and Hank Cochran. “I better give the mic back, because I’m getting emotional right now,” Kris concluded, his silver ICON bowl in hand.
Bryant also presented the President’s Award to Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn. “Superstars are a distinct breed,” he said. “Nobody tells a story, sings a melody and brings us to our feet better than Brooks & Dunn…I couldn’t be prouder to present this to you.”
“This is the reason I came to town, to write songs,” said Kix. “Jody Williams and I were roommates in military school when we were 16 years old. He’s the one who got me to move to Nashville.” Quipped Ronnie, “I’m just thankful that you didn’t show any of those old bad-hair pictures.” Each was given an engraved silver tray.
Speaking of Jody, he and Clay Bradley, assisted by Beth Mason, passed out the 50 BMI Awards for the most performed country songs of the year. Bobby Pinson was named Songwriter of the Year. “Nobody does this for awards,” Bobby said. “This is a really, really big deal. This is the second most fun you can have in a parking garage,” he quipped about the banquet’s location on the transformed fourth floor of the BMI parking facility.
The Song of the Year went to Taylor Swift for “Love Story.” “Every songwriter here, you inspired me to become part of this town,” she said. The Publisher of the Year honor was again claimed by Sony-ATV Music.
Back to that transformed garage: The blue-lit room featured mirrored columns with greenery and clusters of “parachute” lights. The pale gray tablecloths held silver candelabra centerpieces dripping with crystals and holding glowing votives.
Our first course was pear slices and cream cheese with spinach salad drizzled with crumbled walnuts and bacon. The main course was surf & turf with green beans, mashed potatoes and tender carrots.
One could easily be distracted from the food (and many were, despite repeated pleas to “Take your seats”) by the presence of so many blue-chip songwriters. Norro Wilson, Larry Henley, Bob DiPiero, Tom Shapiro, Don Cook, NSAI Songwriter of the Year Wynn Varble, Thom Schuyler, Chuck Cannon, Even Stevens, Dennis Morgan, George Teren, Jim Collins, Bobby Braddock, Kent Blazy and Craig Wiseman were all in the house.
Everyone was garbed to the nines. Looks we liked included Leslie Satcher in her elegant, fringed burnt-velvet green evening poncho and Carla Wallace’s cream-colored formal suit. Lady Goodman/Holly Gleason was in a floor-length black-and-purple gown. Birthday girl Miranda Lambert shined in a vivid, electric-red sheath. Vicky McGehee turned heads in a lovely, simply cut, classic blue frock. Judy Harris chose a purple rhinestoned evening jacket. And you couldn’t miss Aimee Mayo’s encrusted, silver-sequined skinny pants and furry black vest.
Industry titans Mark Bright, Mark Wright, Doug Howard, Tom Collins, Paul Worley, Fletcher Foster, Gary Overton, Pat Higdon, Tony Conway, Dann Huff, Jerry Crutchfield, Clarence Spalding and Joe Galante schmoozed.
I have been loving our table assignments. At SESAC, we had dined with Joe Nichols and his band. At BMI, we had a ball seated with Bill Anderson, Steve & Caryn Wariner and Josh Leo, who was escorting Monique, the lead singer of a New York band he’s producing called Her & King’s County.
The who’s-who crowd also contained Bill Denny, Kurt Denny, Billy Ray Hearn, Bill Ivey, Brent Maher, Dale Bobo, Scott Borchetta, Barbara Orbison, Mickey Raphael, Katie Gillon and John Dorris. Walter’s widow Heidi Hyatt was shepherding the stellar Belleville Outfit, who performed during dinner. The group includes Champ Hood’s nephew and performs several of Walter Hyatt’s songs from Uncle Walt’s Band. Heidi said its third CD will be recorded with Matt Rollings.
Arthur Buenahora, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell, Craig & Pamela Brown Hayes, Leslie Tomasino DiPiero (THERE, you finally got your shout-out), Tim Wipperman, Dick Frank, Mike Milom and Jim Free worked the room with such award winners as Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, Tom Douglas, Monty Criswell, Michael Heeney, Bill Luther, Phil O’Donnell, Clint Daniels, Brett Beavers, the recently wed Dallas Davidson, Steve McEwan, Lee Thomas Miller, new-to-BMI Liz Rose, Keith Follese, Luke Laird (who is engaged to BMI’s Beth Mason), D. Vincent Williams, Wade Kirby and Rodney Clawson.
As is the custom, after the awards banquet we returned to the cocktail lobby downstairs for dessert and beverages.