Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The CMA Musicfest Riverfront Stage Lineup


Find out who kicks off the four days of summer fun, sun, and Country Music, from legends to the the latest up-and-comers, June 5-8 at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. Pick a spot on the Cumberland River bank to lounge all day, or come and go as you please... the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is completely FREE!

Gates open at 9 AM/CT for four-day ticket holders and 9:45 AM for the general public.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Keith Urban: Behind The Scenes At American Idol

You’ve wanted to know what happens behind-the scenes and behind the cameras at American Idol, and now’s your chance!

Here’s a link for the second installment of Keith Urban’s new video series, Idle Chatter.



The American Idol judge and award-winning entertainer takes fans behind the cameras for an informative and humorous look at what happens backstage at the popular FOX-TV show.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Thomas Rhett is Enjoying Being Embraced By The Country Music Family

It’s only been about two years since Rhett released his debut single, but already, he has become a well-respected writer, performer and singer in the country music community. His latest single, “Get Me Some of That” is top five and steadily climbing the charts and he’s already been invited on tour by Jake Owen and Brantley Gilbert this year, having landed the middle slot on Brantley’s tour. Thomas says, “It’s been pretty incredible. You know, being on tour with Brantley is a blessing… This year and last year were just amazing, having a number one under my belt and hopefully one on the way, and gettin’ a record out there and just playin’ a bunch a shows.”

Part of Thomas’ success comes from his incredible work ethic. He knows how blessed he’s been and he says, “We just don’t ever stop. We’re just kinda full-throttle and it’s where I wanna be and I’m just havin’ the best time in the world doin’ it.”

Thomas will be out with Brantley and Eric Paslay on The Let It Ride Tour throughon May 18th.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Eric Church Puts Scalpers On Notice

Tickets are selling quickly for all shows on the first leg of Eric Church’s recently announced and highly anticipated “The Outsiders World Tour” with special guest Dwight Yoakam, and fans are encouraged to make their purchases now in order to guarantee a seat for what will undoubtedly be one of the hottest concert tours of 2014.

Over 14,000 tickets have been sold since Friday at Target Center in Minneapolis making it one of the hottest stops on the first set of announced dates. In fact, currently only a small number of seats directly behind the stage—unofficially coined “The Choir Loft”—in the upper bowl remain for Minneapolis fans who want to purchase seats for Church’s Sept. 16 show. However, that will change momentarily this afternoon (Apr. 25) at 5:00 PM/CDT, as 902 tickets have been identified as being purchased by scalpers that were in violation of the sales limits of the show. Those ticket orders have been cancelled, and the 902 tickets will be put back into the system for sale at that time.

“A lot of acts just want to sell as many tickets as they can and they don't care who they sell them to,” said Church, a long-time foe of ticket scalping. “I want my fans to be the ones who buy tickets to my shows, and I want scalpers to back off. I can't stop ticket scalpers completely, but I can definitely make it harder for them.”

All ticket orders for Church’s “The Outsiders World Tour” will be scrutinized to combat scalping as much as possible so that the fans can have the best opportunity to see the concert for the originally intended price.

Opening the tour on different dates throughout the first leg will be rising country music duo Brothers Osborne, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Brandy Clark, or the hard rocking band Halestorm.  For ticket dates and information, visit www.ericchurch.com.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Kenny Rogers Exhibit Opens This Summer At Country Music Hall of Fame

With driving artistic instinct, a trademark husky voice made for storytelling, polished showmanship and effortless charisma, Kenny Rogers conquered radio, television and film en route to becoming a beloved American icon. The Museum will pay tribute to Rogers with the cameo exhibition Kenny Rogers: Through the Years, which opens in the museum’s East Gallery on August 15, 2014, and runs through June 14, 2015.

“Kenny Rogers redefined and elevated country music superstardom in every sense,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “He blurred traditional genre lines and substantially expanded the core demographics of country music’s audience, all by being true to his unique artistic vision. His versatility is astounding. We could not be more thrilled to share this detailed presentation of his story.”

Rogers has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. What’s more, he has charted a single in each of the last seven decades—including 21 Billboard #1 country hits. According to the RIAA, he has one diamond album, 19 platinum albums, and 31 gold albums.  He has earned three Grammys, six Country Music Association awards (including a 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award), eight Academy of Country Music awards—including Entertainer of the Year in 1978—and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

From the enduring wisdom of "The Gambler" and the forlorn tales of "Lucille" and "Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love to Town)," to the success of his collaborations with Dottie West, Dolly Parton and others, Rogers took hallmarks of classic country music, such as rich storytelling and iconic duets, and made them larger than life—and very much his own. That’s just skimming the surface of his musical contributions alone. In the 1980s, he starred in the five-part Gambler series that attracted more than 100 million television viewers. In addition to his achievements as vocalist and actor, his accomplishments as musician, photographer, author, Off-Broadway star, entrepreneur, and humanitarian round out his résumé.

Born in Houston, Kenny Rogers formed his first band—an R&B and doo-wop harmony outfit called the Scholars—while in high school, in 1956. After solo work and performing as a bassist and singer with a jazz trio led by Bobby Doyle, Rogers joined folk group the New Christy Minstrels. A year later, he and bandmates Mike Settle, Terry Williams, and Thelma Camacho departed to form the First Edition, soon adding drummer Mickey Jones. Their recording of Mickey Newbury’s psychedelic “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” hit #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and after a rebranding as Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, the group lit up pop and country charts with the gut-wrenching “Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love to Town),” written by future Country Music Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis.

By the mid-’70s, members of the First Edition decided to embark upon solo careers. After modest success, Rogers struck country gold with another heartbreaking single, “Lucille,” from his self-titled album. The 1977 Grammy-winning song topped the country charts, reached the Top Five on the pop charts, and was named the CMA Single of the Year. “Lucille” was followed in quick succession by the hits “Daytime Friends,” “Sweet Music Man” and “Love or Something Like It.”

Rogers’ next album, named for a song about a card-playing drifter with advice for a weary traveler, hit the shelves in 1978. “The Gambler,” written by then-unknown songwriter Don Schlitz, became Rogers’ career song and inspired five TV movies starring Rogers as Brady Hawkes, “The Gambler.” In 1979, the song helped Rogers clinch the Best Male Country Vocal Performance Grammy and CMA honors for Album of the Year (The Gambler) and Male Vocalist of the Year. Rogers’ run of chart smashes continued with “She Believes in Me” (1979), “Coward of the County” (1979), and the Lionel Richie-penned ballad “Lady” (1980).

Known almost as well for his duets as for his solo recordings, Rogers continued to top the charts in the 1970s and ’80s with his collaborations. He recorded a string of hits with frequent partner Dottie West, including “Every Time Two Fools Collide” (1978), “All I Ever Need Is You” (1979), and “What Are We Doin’ in Love” (1981). The pair won Vocal Duo of the Year at the 1978 and 1979 CMA Awards. In 1983, he partnered with Dolly Parton for one of the most popular duets in music history: “Islands in the Stream” earned them ACM Single and Top Vocal Duo awards that year.  In 1985, Rogers sang on the landmark USA for Africa recording, “We Are the World,” and in 1987, following another string of hits, Rogers teamed with Ronnie Milsap for a Grammy-winning performance on “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine,” which topped the country chart.

After forming his own company, Dreamcatcher Entertainment, in the late 1990s, Rogers returned to the country charts on Dreamcatcher Records with “The Greatest,” another Schlitz-penned tune. The follow-up, “Buy Me a Rose,” climbed to #1 in 2000. As decisive proof of his enduring significance in the 21st century, Rogers released the critically acclaimed Water & Bridges in 2006. In 2011, his first gospel album, The Love of God, became his 21st Top Ten country album. His memoir, Luck or Something Like It (2012), made the New York Times Best Seller list.

Rogers was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and received the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award the same year, but he shows no signs of slowing down. In 2013, he released his latest album, You Can’t Make Old Friends, and the title cut, a duet with Parton, earned the pair their third Grammy nomination. Rogers is currently performing on his Through the Years World Tour, which has included performances at such popular festivals as Bonnaroo, Stagecoach and Britain’s Glastonbury Festival.

Kenny Rogers: Through the Years will be accompanied by an ongoing series of programs throughout the exhibit’s duration.

Kenny Rogers Media Contact:
Kirt Webster, kirt@websterpr.com, 615-777-6995 x232
Keith Hagan, khagan@skhmusic.com, 917-886-8961

Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum:
Kay Clary, kclary@countrymusichalloffame.org, 615-416-2084
Emily Hester, ehester@countrymusichalloffame.org, 615-291-8406

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Watch The 2014 Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees Today

CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with Country Music’s highest honor. Inductees are chosen by CMA’s Hall of Fame Panels of Electors, which consist of anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors.

Members are inducted during a special Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater. During the Medallion Ceremony, friends and colleagues pay tribute to each inductee through words and song. Each inductees’ bronze plaque is unveiled that will be on display in the Museum’s rotunda.

Streaming Live: April 22, 2014 at 10:00 AM/CT from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Rotunda

Inductees will be announced in the (1) Modern Area category, (2) Veteran Era category and the category that rotates between Non-Performer, Recording and/or Touring Musician, and this year’s category, (3) Songwriter. To be eligible for the Modern Era Category, the inductee must have received national prominence more than 20 years ago. To be eligible for the Veteran Era Category, the inductee must have received national prominence more than 45 years ago.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Brantley Gilbert Says Three Things Scare Him

At first glance, Gilbert looks like a pretty tough guy, with all his tattoos and piercings, so you might think there isn’t much that scares him. The “Bottoms Up” singer says there isn’t much that he’s afraid of, but he does admit:
“As far as being afraid of anything, there’s not a lot. But, I do have three things that kinda mess with me a little bit, and that’s my biggest fears: and that’s snakes, sharks and commitment.”
Brantley is currently out on his Let It Ride Tour with Thomas Rhett and Eric Paslay, and his new album, Just As I Am, will be released on May 19th.

Josh Turner Signs Copies Of His First Book

Josh will be at Lifeway Christian Store, located at 1725 Galleria Blvd. in Franklin, Tenn. (just outside Nashville), on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm to sign copies of his first book, Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood.

Releasing nationwide April 29 with Thomas Nelson, an imprint of Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Man Stuff shares stories Turner has learned over the years as a son, brother, friend, husband and father.
“I was raised in a strong Christian family in a tight-knit community in rural South Carolina,” said Turner in the book’s introduction. “I was taught why being thoughtful, respectful, and considerate of others makes life more fulfilling, and why trusting God with your life’s decisions is wise. If all that sounds a little old-fashioned, well, that’s because it is. And I’m okay with that.”
Jase Robertson, star of A&E’s hit television series "Duck Dynasty," provides the foreword for Man Stuff.  Last year, Turner sang a duet with Robertson’s wife Missy on the song “Why I Love Christmas” from the Platinum-certified holiday album, Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas.

The book signing begins at 6:15 pm and ends at 7:15 pm and is free and open to the public.

Press Contacts:
Ebie McFarland / Scott Stem
Essential Broadcast Media
ebie@ebmediapr.com / scott@ebmediapr.com
(615) 327-3259

Katie Powell
Thomas Nelson
Katie.powell@harpercollins.com
(615) 804-9244 

Leigh Parr
UMG Nashville
Leigh.parr@umusic.com
(615) 524-7516

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Luke Bryan To Next Month's Billboard Music Awards

Just announced:  the first group of musical performers at this year’s Billboard Music Awards.

Bryan, Imagine Dragons, John Legend and OneRepublic will all join previously announced Jason Derulo, as performers in the live awards show, airing on Sunday, May 18th, on ABC from 8:00 PM–11:00 PM ET, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Luke is a finalist in 6 categories this year, including Top Male Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Country Album and Top Country Song twice. Once for his hit “Crash My Party,” and again for “That’s My Kind Of Night.”

Billboard Music Awards finalists are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital singles sales, radio airplay, touring, streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, VEVO, Spotify and other popular online destinations for music. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Entertainment and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 11, 2013 through March 9, 2014. 

Since 1940, the Billboard charts have been the go-to guide for ranking the popularity of songs and albums.  The “2014 Billboard Music Awards” is produced by dick clark productions.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Jerrod Niemann And ACM Help Deaf Kids "Hear The Music"

Niemann brings Songs for Sound kids onstage during his performance at the 2014 ACM Party for a Cause Festival in front of a 10,000+ audience to raise awareness for cochlear implant programs.

L to R - Jacob (brother of CI recipient), Lexi - CI recip., Charlotte - CI recip.

PHOTO COURTESY of SARA KAUSS PHOTOGRAPHY

Miranda on Ellen Today


Check out Ellen and Miranda on the web.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Country Music Hall Of Fame More Than Doubles In Size


Join the Museum staff, government officials, and cherished artist-friends on Tuesday, April 15 for the Expansion Grand Opening festivities!

PLAN YOUR MUSEUM VISITNEW GALLERY SPACES NOW OPEN!

Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr., Darryl Worley, Aaron Tippin, Toby Keith (And Others) Are Real Teddy Bears

Operation Teddy Bear, which started in 2012 as an initiative of Harris Jewelry, continues in support of our military, both at home and abroad through the sale of uniformed teddy bears.  Teddy Bears representing all branches of the military can be purchased for $15.00 at www.operationtroopaid.org or www.mybuddybears.com. 
 
Since its inception, Operation Troop Aid has garnered the support of music celebrities across multiple genres, from KISS to Toby Keith and Cheap Trick to Charlie Daniels.  Operation Troop Aid’s mission is to make a positive difference and inspire deployed U.S. service members by letting them know America stands with them.  Operation Troop Aid provides care packages and bill assistance with revenue generated through professional concert promotions, entertainment initiatives and public financial generosity.

To date, Operation Teddy Bear has raised over $100,000 to help Operation Troop Aid, a 501(c)3 organization, send care packages to deployed personnel and sponsor events for military families and communities.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Kacey Musgraves: George Strait Has Been A Big Influence On Her Music

Kacey picked up the ACM Award for Album of the Year for "Same Trailer Different Park," was thrilled that George Strait was voted Entertainer of the Year.

In fact, she was so happy for him, she crashed the pressroom while he was talking to the press backstage, telling the Country Music Hall of Famer she loved him.
“Growing up in Texas, George Strait has been a huge influence on me. He has stayed so true to what he is since day one. He has never wavered,” says Kacey. “When you get George Strait, you get quality – quality songs, quality voice. He’s just so classy, and he’s not hard to look at either.”
Musgraves is hitting the airwaves with her latest single, “Keep It To Yourself,” from her award-winning Album of the Year.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

"Peace Love and Country Music"

Ronnie Dunn’s second album as a solo artist is being released today on his own Little Will-E Records in partnership with e-commerce retailer and Southern lifestyle destination Country Outfitter.

To support the release, Dunn will also be performing “Country This” on The View tomorrow (April 9). The show airs weekdays at 11:00 a.m. ET on the ABC Television Network.

Ronnie has earned many accolades throughout his more-than-20-year career, as part of country music’s most-awarded duo Brooks & Dunn and as an individual artist and songwriter. He had a hand in writing six of the 14 songs on Peace Love and Country Music, including “Let’s Get the Beer Joint Rockin,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Country in Texas,” all of which he penned solo.

“I really wanted fans to have a say in which songs I put on this album,” said Dunn. “I put a few songs out on social media to see what people liked, or maybe what they didn’t respond to, and we built the album from there. Partnering with Country Outfitter just makes sense because they represent all aspects of the country lifestyle, and music is a huge part of that.”

The physical edition of Peace Love and Country Music is available exclusively at Country Outfitter, an e-commerce company and destination for Southern lifestyle apparel and entertainment. To purchase a copy, please visit www.countryoutfitter.com. Digital editions are currently available at all digital retailers.

For more information on Ronnie Dunn, please visit www.ronniedunn.com or follow on Twitter @RonnieDunn and www.Facebook.com/RonnieDunnMusic.

Media Contacts:
Essential Broadcast Media, LLC
Ebie McFarland | Stephanie Rew
(615) 327-3259

Press materials available at www.ebmediapr.com/ronniedunn

Can One Nashville Label And It's Artists Make A Dent In Hunger?


With radio's help they can!  (click to grab some star-filled psa's)

Monday, April 7, 2014

Taylor Swift Sells Out In One Minute

The 24 year old superstar sold out Shangai's Mercedes Benz Arena in one minute, making it the fastest ticket on-sale in Chinese concert history.

The Red Tour will cover Asia this summer.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Nice work, CBS and ACM


Tim McGraw Flies From Dallas To Las Vegas

After performing at the 2014 NCAA March Madness Music Festival he headed to Las Vegas for the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards where he tops the list of most nominated artists with a tally of seven nominations.

During his performance on the ACM Awards, McGraw will launch an unprecedented program called “Countdown To Sundown.”  When fans Shazam his ACM performance, they can join the Countdown program and will automatically have access to exclusive content and be entered to win a season pass for 2 tickets to each of Tim’s summer tour dates including an all expense paid trip to the tour’s opening night on May 8th. 

His upcoming album is set for release on Sept., 16.   Country radio is already on board with lead single “Lookin’ For That Girl,” which climbs into the Top 20 on the charts this week.

Throughout the “Countdown To Sundown,” as the march towards street date heats up, the GRAMMY winning entertainer will be revealing new songs from the album through major primetime television performances and will provide fans with exclusive access to free downloads, first listens, behind the scenes looks, exclusive tour experiences, contests and more throughwww.countdowntosundown.com.

“When you finish making an album, all you want is to have everyone hear it as soon as possible,” said McGraw.  “I’m in the unique position this year that I’m able to tour ahead of the album and introduce the fans to these songs early.   I’ve never done anything like this before, but in a world driven by immediate gratification, I want to be able to play a song live somewhere and then have it available for download right then.  You just never know where new music might pop up over the next few months… It’s going to be a fun summer!”

On May 8, McGraw will kick off his SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN 2014 TOUR bringing his “characteristically high-octane” (Billboard) show to over 30 cities.  Joining him for the summer run will be rising stars Kip Moore and Cassadee Pope.  For a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit www.timmcgraw.com.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Ready For The ACM Awards

The 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will open with an explosive performance by The Band Perry, and feature a slate of special performances by artists including Luke Bryan, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, and Florida Georgia Line on the LIVE broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Dierks Bentley with Sheryl Crow, Lee Brice, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts will all perform on the TV show.

Miranda Lambert will duet with Blake Shelton,plus Eli Young Band and Rascal Flatts have been added to the country superstar lineup for a televised concert event featuring some of the biggest names in country music paying tribute to our armed forces.

Fans have multiple ways to interact and participate in the events leading up to and throughout the broadcast.  of the ACM Awards.

Lots o’ sponsors for what has become a huge financial success for the once-non-profit ACM these days.
Miranda Lambert will duet with Blake Shelton,plus Eli Young Band and Rascal Flatts have been added to the country superstar lineup for ACM PRESENTS: AN ALL-STAR SALUTE TO THE TROOPS, a concert event featuring some of the biggest names in country music paying tribute to our armed forces. - See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/press_releases.html#sthash.Pby3GG0j.dpuf
Miranda Lambert will duet with Blake Shelton,plus Eli Young Band and Rascal Flatts have been added to the country superstar lineup for ACM PRESENTS: AN ALL-STAR SALUTE TO THE TROOPS, a concert event featuring some of the biggest names in country music paying tribute to our armed forces. - See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/press_releases.html#sthash.Pby3GG0j.dpuf

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Keith Urban Set To "Raise 'Em Up"

Keith is excited to return to the stage with his tour this summer. The trek, which will feature Jerrod Niemann and special guest, Brett Eldredge, will feature an all-new stage production and some music that wasn’t performed during his previous Light the Fuse Tour.

“Whatever my vision may be, it’ll keep moving and changing as we actually start to put the tour together, but I want to be able to create a different experience for everybody than what we’ve done in the past,” says Urban. “There’s a lot of anthemic quality to the record and a lot of energy to the record. So, to expand upon songs from that album in the set, but also to bring in some sort of album track rarities from Be Here, potentially Golden Road, Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing, some of those records, because we get fans coming to multiple shows. I like the fact that so many of ‘em, they’re really, really knowledgeable of my whole catalog, and this would be a good opportunity to pull out some songs we’ve never even done in concert before.”

The Raise ‘Em Up Tour kicks off July 12th north of the border at the Calgary Stampede, before opening in the U.S. July 17th in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The tour is currently scheduled to wrap September 13th at the Washington State Fair.

On Sunday, Keith will be performing at the ACM Awards, where he’s up for six awards including Male Vocalist of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for both “We Were Us” (with Miranda Lambert) and “The Highway Don’t Care” (with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift).