CountryMusicVIP.com News

BLAKE SHELTON ENTERTAINS A SOLD-OUT CROWD AT FIRST HEADLINING SHOW IN NASHVILLE AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:21:29 +0000

BLAKE SHELTON ENTERTAINS A SOLD-OUT CROWD AT FIRST HEADLINING SHOW IN NASHVILLE AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Nashville � March 19, 2010 - Academy Of Country Music Award Nominee Blake Shelton put on a high-energy, entertaining show, to a sold-out crowd at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Thursday night in Nashville, Tenn. Shelton performed fan favorites and new songs from his recently released album, Hillbilly Bone, including the No. 1 title track from the album and sixth No. 1 for Shelton, featuring longtime friend Trace Adkins. The fans were in a frenzy when surprise guest Adkins took the stage to perform the smash hit, and it only escalated when singing along to the incredibly catching chorus, �you can�t help, but hollerin� yee haw.� Shelton also performed his first multi-week No. 1 single �Austin,� and his multi-week No 1 singles, �The Baby.� �Some Beach,� �She Wouldn�t Be Gone,� and �Home� among others. He also performed his next single, �It�s All About Tonight,� which will be featured on his next release.

�I�m not going to lie to you, well �. I would lie to you,� Shelton said with a smirk. �But, I�m not lying about this �.I�m nervous as crap up here. I didn�t know if people would come out and see me, but I�m sure as hell glad you did.�

In addition to the comedic, sing-along duet with Adkins, the new album includes six new tracks from Shelton. Hillbilly Bone is produced by Scott Hendricks. The album debuted at No. 3 on Billboard's Top 200 chart, making it last week's highest charting debut album and his highest debut of his career on the all-genre chart. The new album also came in at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums Chart. His last single, "I'll Just Hold On," broke into the Top 10 on the country singles charts and was the follow-up to his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and "Home." Shelton's hits also include his five-week No. 1 debut single, "Austin," and two additional multi-week No. 1singles "The Baby" and "Some Beach."

PLATINUM-SELLING GROUP POINT OF GRACE RELEASE EIGHTH STUDIO ALBUM, NO CHANGIN� US

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:20:48 +0000

PLATINUM-SELLING GROUP POINT OF GRACE RELEASE EIGHTH STUDIO ALBUM, NO CHANGIN� US

Cooking With Grace: A Cookbook From Point Of Grace With Julie Adkison Released On Same Day As Album

03/17/2010 - Nashville, TN � Word/Warner Bros. Records Artists and Platinum-Selling Group Point Of Grace (Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones) are letting their fans know there is �No Changin� Us� with their eighth studio album release of the same name. No Changin� Us was released on Tuesday, March 9 to all digital and physical retailers and is the group�s first studio album release in more than three years. Produced by GRAMMY� Award-Winning Producer Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), the album also features their new single, �Come To Jesus.� In addition, Point Of Grace released their first cookbook, Cooking With Grace: A Cookbook From Point Of Grace with Julie Adkison, which features a collection of southern-inspired recipes, cooking advice, family photos and stories from the trio on the same day, of which a portion of the proceeds will go to The Raining Season, a non-profit organization that provides housing, nourishment and education to orphaned children and impoverished families in Africa.

True to their contemporary Christian roots, the new album is also tinged with a country sound as the trio�s fan base expands into the mainstream country market. With eleven Christian and country-inspired tracks, the new album will share their message of love and positivity with more people than ever.

�The collection of songs is a nice balance of who we are,� says Cappillino. �We are three women that have our faith, love our country and are very family-oriented.�

�It�s our prayer that there are going to be songs that will speak to somebody and they�ll hear it, whether it�s on country or Christian radio, and it will bring about a life change for them.� says Jones. �It was definitely our intention to expand our audience and sound with this new album. We want to reach every mother, father, sister, brother, daughter and son with our music and hopefully make an impact with our music,� says Breen.

Since forming at Ouachita Baptist University 19 years ago, the two-time GRAMMY� nominees have sold more than 8.5 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total including radio staples �Steady On,� �The Great Divide� and �Circle of Friends�), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They�ve won 10 prestigious Dove Awards, including Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2008 for �How You Live� and Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2009 for �I Wish.�

TRACK LISTING:

1. He Holds Everything

2. Wildflower

3. Hometown

4. There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace

5. No Changin� Us

6. Love and Laundry

7. What About Jesus

8. Chalk In The Rain

9. The Greatest Show On Earth

10. A Good Place To Turn Around

11. Come To Jesus

BLAKE SHELTON SELLS OUT FIRST HEADLINING SHOW IN NASHVILLE AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:19:29 +0000

BLAKE SHELTON SELLS OUT FIRST HEADLINING SHOW IN NASHVILLE AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN

Nashville � March 16, 2010 � Fans quickly jumped at the chance to see Academy Of Country Music Award nominee Blake Shelton perform at the world-renowned Ryman Auditorium in his first headlining show in Nashville, Tenn., and now the one-night only show is sold-out. In addition to Reprise/Warner Bros. Records artist Shelton performing his past hits, fans will get to hear him perform songs from his new album Hillbilly Bone, including his No. 1 and ACM Nominated single, �Hillbilly Bone.�

�If anyone knows me, they know how important country music and its history is to me,� said Shelton. �I�ve been lucky enough to perform at the Ryman as part of the Grand Ole Opry and that is an honor unto itself. I cannot wait to stand-up on the historic Ryman stage, in front of my family and fans, and give the best performance of my life.�

Shelton released his sixth studio album, Hillbilly Bone, on March 2. In addition to the comedic, sing-along duet with Trace Adkins, �Hillbilly Bone,� the new album includes six new tracks from Shelton. Hillbilly Bone is produced by Scott Hendricks. His last single, "I�ll Just Hold On," broke into the Top 10 on the country singles charts and was the follow-up to his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles "She Wouldn�t Be Gone� and �Home.� Shelton's hits also include his five-week No. 1 debut single, "Austin," and two additional multi-week No. 1singles "The Baby� and �Some Beach.�

GLORIANA CHOSEN BY COUNTRY MUSIC FANS AS WINNER OF THE ACM TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:18:56 +0000

GLORIANA CHOSEN BY COUNTRY MUSIC FANS AS WINNER OF THE ACM TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP

Gloriana To Compete For Fan-Voted Top New Artist Award At The 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards; Voting Begins April 1st at VoteACM.com

03/16/2010 - Nashville, TN � Gloriana has been chosen by country music fans as the winner of the ACM Top New Vocal Group. The foursome will go on to compete alongside Luke Bryan and Joey + Rory for the Top New Artist Award, which will be voted on by fans at www.VoteACM.com beginning Thursday, April 1st and will end Sunday, April 18th at 8pm EST when the live broadcast of the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards starts. The Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 18th at 8:00pm EST on the CBS Television Network

�We have the best fans anyone can ask for and we are so grateful to them for helping us win our first ACM Award for Top New Vocal Group,� said Cheyenne Kimball. �We are so honored to be a nominee for the Top New Artist Award and cannot wait to attend the ACM Awards,� added Tom Gossin.

Voting for Top New Artist will take place at www.VoteACM.com powered by CBS.com beginning Thursday, April 1st and will end at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 18th. The winner of the new Top New Artist category will be awarded on the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Gloriana is featured on over 50 million milk containers in schools across the U.S. as part of the Milk Rocks! campaign. The Gloriana Milk Rocks! campaign is going on now and students can enter* at www.milkrocks.com for a chance to win a $10,000 prize to use for future educational purposes from Paper Mate�, a global leader in stylish, innovative writing instruments, along with three concert tickets and meet and greet passes to an upcoming Gloriana performance. Gloriana, who are currently on the road with Taylor Swift and American Idol alum Kellie Pickler on the FEARLESS 2010 Tour through June, recently released their single �The World Is Ours Tonight,� which is currently climbing the country charts.

BLAKE SHELTON RISES TO THE TOP OF THE COUNTRY SINGLES CHARTS WITH HIS ACM AWARD NOMINATED HIT "HILLBILLY BONE"

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:17:43 +0000

BLAKE SHELTON RISES TO THE TOP OF THE COUNTRY SINGLES CHARTS WITH HIS ACM AWARD NOMINATED HIT "HILLBILLY BONE"

03/15/2010 - Nashville, TN � Academy of Country Music Award nominee, Blake Shelton's SIX PAK album Hillbilly Bone became a champagne hit last week, selling over 71,000 units and making it Warner Bros/Reprise Records artist Shelton's highest album debut on Billboard's Top 200 Chart to date, coming in at No. 3. Now the title track from the album, featuring longtime friend, Trace Adkins, is making an impact at radio. "Hillbilly Bone" is currently No. 1 on the Billboard and Country Aircheck (Mediabase) charts, making it Shelton's sixth No. 1.

"I�m honored how country radio has embraced me over the last 10 years," said Shelton. "You dream of having a No. 1 song all your life and now country radio has blessed me with six. I want to personally thank every program director, music director and on-air personality who has played this single. Thank you all for your support over the years! I also want to thank John Esposito, Bob Reeves and the Warner Music Nashville promotion team. I am forever grateful for the support you guys have given me. I couldn't ask for a better family. Last, but definitely not least, I want to thank Trace Adkins for singing on this song. He definitely helped bring it home to # 1.�

In support of the new album and No. 1 single, Shelton will be appearing on E! Entertainment's "Chelsea Lately" on March 18.

In addition to the comedic, sing-along duet with Trace Adkins, the new album includes six new tracks from Shelton. Hillbilly Bone is produced by Scott Hendricks. The album debuted at No. 3 on Billboard's Top 200 chart, making it last week's highest charting debut album and his highest debut of his career on the all-genre chart. The new album also came in at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums Chart. His last single, "I'll Just Hold On," broke into the Top 10 on the country singles charts and was the follow-up to his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and "Home." Shelton's hits also include his six-week No. 1 debut single, "Austin," and two additional multi-week No. 1singles "The Baby" and "Some Beach."

BLAKE SHELTON ANNOUNCES FIRST HEADLINING SHOW IN NASHVILLE AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM. Tickets Go On Sale Friday, March 5

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:16:58 +0000

BLAKE SHELTON ANNOUNCES FIRST HEADLINING SHOW IN NASHVILLE AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM. Tickets Go On Sale Friday, March 5

02/25/2010 - Nashville, TN � There is a first time for everything and for Warner Bros. Records/Reprise Recording Artist Blake Shelton, the next few weeks will bring him a couple of firsts. Shelton recently announced the release of his first SIX PAK album, Hillbilly Bone, set for release on March 2, and he is now announcing his first headlining show in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Shelton�s headlining show at The Ryman is set for Thursday, March 18 and tickets will go on-sale Friday, March 5.

Beginning March 2, there will be a BSer Fan Club only pre-sale. For full details, including the pre-order code, fan club members can visit www.blakeshelton.com on March 2. Fans can also join Shelton�s fan club by visiting www.blakeshelton.com/membership.

In addition to the comedic, sing-along duet with Trace Adkins, �Hillbilly Bone,� which is currently No. 6 on the Billboard and Country Aircheck (Mediabase) charts, the new album will include five new tracks from Shelton. Hillbilly Bone is produced by Scott Hendricks. Shelton has previously released five studio albums, including his most recent, Startin' Fires. His last single, "I�ll Just Hold On," broke into the Top 10 on the country singles charts and was the follow-up to his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles "She Wouldn�t Be Gone� and �Home.� Shelton's hits also include his six-week No. 1 debut single, "Austin," and two additional multi-week No. 1singles "The Baby� and �Some Beach.�

BLAKE SHELTON ANNOUNCES FIRST HEADLINING SHOW IN NASHVILLE AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM. Tickets Go On Sale Friday, March 5

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:16:03 +0000

WHITNEY DUNCAN IS ON THE �RIGHT ROAD NOW� WITH HER NEW ALBUM, AVAILABLE ON WHITNEYDUNCAN.COM AND ITUNES

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:15:16 +0000

WHITNEY DUNCAN IS ON THE �RIGHT ROAD NOW� WITH HER NEW ALBUM, AVAILABLE ON WHITNEYDUNCAN.COM AND ITUNES

Fans Get Opportunity To Select One Single To Be Featured On Album

02/23/2010 - Nashville, TN � Reprise/Warner Bros. Records Recording Artist Whitney Duncan is set to release her debut album, Right Road Now, exclusively to fans on www.whitneyduncan.com and iTunes on April 20. Due to popular demand, the label decided to release Duncan�s album exclusively on her web site and iTunes to give her fans the music they have been asking for. The album will not be available in stores.

As a special treat to her fans, starting on Monday, Feb. 22 at 6:00 PM/CST and for 24 hours, a poll will be posted on her site to give fans an opportunity to select one of three songs they feel should be featured on the new album. The winning song will be featured the album.

Duncan is an intriguing voice in contemporary country music. In her late teens, Country Music Icon Kenny Rogers asked Whitney to duet on "My World Is Over," which she wrote. Furthermore, establishing her songwriting abilities, she penned songs for LeAnn Rimes, Crystal Shawanda and Lee Ann Womack to name a few. Whitney shows a depth and vocal prowess in her songwriting that most young women can only dream of achieving. She co-wrote every single song on Right Road Now.

For more information on Whitney Duncan, please visit www.whitneyduncan.com/

GLORIANA RELEASES NEW SINGLE �THE WORLD IS OURS TONIGHT�

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:14:25 +0000

GLORIANA RELEASES NEW SINGLE �THE WORLD IS OURS TONIGHT�

Gloriana First Country Artists To Be Featured On Channel One News� �Hear It Now�

02/22/2010 - Nashville, TN � ACM Awards Top New Vocal Group nominee and AMA Award winners Gloriana release new single �The World Is Ours Tonight� from the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The single, which is now available for airplay, can be purchased at iTunes and through February 28th all proceeds from the purchase of the song will go to Team USA. In other exciting news, Gloriana is the first country act to participate in Channel One News� �Hear It Now� music program.

Gloriana recorded �The World Is Ours Tonight� exclusively for the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack and upon release received an enthusiastic response from fans. It instantly became clear that this should be the foursome�s next single, and radio agrees. Gloriana, Rascal Flatts, Mariah Carey, and 3 Doors Down recorded music videos that have premiered during NBC�s broadcast of the Winter Olympic Games. �The World Is Ours Tonight� video can also now be seen on CMT and GAC.

Gloriana is featured as an emerging artist on Channel One News� �Hear It Now� music program. Channel One News reaches nearly six million teens through their daily satellite news broadcast to eight thousand middle and high school classrooms across the country, which is 25 percent of all U.S. teens each day. Not only will Gloriana be featured in classrooms across the country through the program, but an interview, streams of songs and videos, including their hit debut single �Wild At Heart,� are available online at www.channelone.com. On the first day of Gloriana�s launch on �Hear It Now� the band�s Twitter page (twitter.com/glorianatheband) fluttered with messages from new teen fans excited to hear Gloriana�s music at their school.

For more information on Gloriana please visit: www.gloriana.com.

GLORIANA FEATURED ON AT&T TEAM USA SOUNDTRACK FOR 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:13:40 +0000

GLORIANA FEATURED ON AT&T TEAM USA SOUNDTRACK FOR 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

GLORIANA FEATURED ON AT&T TEAM USA SOUNDTRACK FOR 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

02/11/2010 - Nashville, TN � Top new country group Gloriana will be featured on the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The foursome recorded a brand new song, �The World Is Ours Tonight,� for the soundtrack which is available now for purchase on iTunes. The proceeds from the tracks purchased during the Olympic Games, which take place through February 28th, will benefit Team USA. Gloriana, Rascal Flatts, Mariah Carey, and 3 Doors Down also recorded exclusive music videos that will appear during broadcasts of the Olympic Games on NBC.

�To be able to team up with such amazing artists including Rascal Flatts and Sugarland on this soundtrack and support Team USA and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games is an opportunity we are so grateful for,� said Mike Gossin. �We hope it helps Team USA to win Olympic Gold across the board!�

Gloriana joins other well-known artists on the soundtrack including Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Mariah Carey, 3 Doors Down, and Train among others, to help support the men and women on Team USA competing at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. AT&T wireless customers can purchase songs, ringtones, and answertones through the MEdia Mall (AT&T App Center), and can access a link to these never-before-released tones by texting*USA to 2257 (standard text messaging rates apply). In addition, the music videos which will be featured during NBC�s Olympic Games coverage will be available via TV, PC and wireless device through AT&T U-verseSM TV, AT&T Fan Zone and wirelessly through AT&T Mobile Video.

Rounding out an extremely successful start to 2010, Gloriana has been nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocal Group of the Year. Fan voting for the three newcomer categories will begin at VoteACM.com on Friday, February 26th, and will close on Friday, March 12th. The 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 18th at 8:00pm EST on the CBS Television Network

For more information on Gloriana please visit: www.gloriana.com.

BLAKE SHELTON GIVES FANS ADVICE ON THE WORST VALENTINE�S DAY CARDS IN HIS WEEKLY �TAKE 6 TUESDAY� SERIES

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:12:45 +0000

BLAKE SHELTON GIVES FANS ADVICE ON THE WORST VALENTINE�S DAY CARDS IN HIS WEEKLY �TAKE 6 TUESDAY� SERIES

Popular �Take 6 Tuesday� Series Continues Weekly Until March 2 On www.blakeshelton.com

02/09/2010 - Nashville, TN � Before you go out and purchase your loved ones a Valentine�s Day card, Warner Bros. Records� Blake Shelton has some advice for you! Shelton gives his hilarious, no nonsense take on the top six worst Valentine�s Day cards in his popular �Take 6 Tuesday with Blake Shelton� series on www.blakeshelton.com. The weekly series began on December 31 and will continue until Tuesday, March 2 when Shelton�s new SIX PAK album, Hillbilly Bone, will be released.

If fans missed the previous �Take 6 Tuesday� videos, they can still check them out at www.blakeshelton.com/media/videos and they include:

Top 6 Inappropriate New Year�s toasts
Top 6 Fan submitted pictures
Top 6 People I've met in country music
Top 6 Words that should not be in a country music song
Top 6 Most interesting gifts from a meet & greet

On March 2, Shelton will release his sixth studio album, Hillbilly Bone. The title track, featuring Trace Adkins, is currently #9 on the Billboard and Country Aircheck (Mediabase) charts and #2 on the Music Row Chart. His last single, "I�ll Just Hold On," from Startin� Fires, broke into the Top 10 on the country singles charts and was the follow-up to his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles "She Wouldn�t Be Gone� and �Home.� Shelton's hits also include his six-week No. 1 debut single, "Austin," and two additional multi-week No. 1 singles "The Baby� and �Some Beach.�

For additional information on Blake Shelton, please visit www.blakeshelton.com.

BLAKE SHELTON GIVES FANS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ORDER NEW ALBUM EARLY WITH SEVERAL EXCITING PRE-ORDER OPTIONS

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:11:58 +0000

BLAKE SHELTON GIVES FANS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ORDER NEW ALBUM EARLY WITH SEVERAL EXCITING PRE-ORDER OPTIONS

02/05/2010 - Nashville, TN � Warner Bros. Records� Blake Shelton is giving his fans a chance to express their inner �Hillbilly Bone,� with several pre-order options for his new album, Hillbilly Bone, set for release on March 2. Fans will get the chance to purchase the new SIX PAK album at www.blakeshelton.com in three different pre-order package options. The new album features the title track, which is Shelton�s fastest rising single of his career and the first duet with his friend Trace Adkins. Hillbilly Bone marks the sixth studio album for Shelton.

Pre-order options on www.blakeshelton.com for Hillbilly Bone are as listed below:

Starts Feb. 16, ends March 1:
-BSer Hillbilly Bone Premiere Pak: 1 yr. Fan Club Membership + T-Shirt + Autograph Hillbilly Bone SIX PAK CD
-BSer Hillbilly Bone Pak: 1 yr. Fan Club Membership + Autographed Hillbilly Bone SIX PAK CD�
-Hillbilly Bone CD + Tee Pak: Autographed Hillbilly Bone SIX PAK CD + T-Shirt

For a complete list of pre-order options and to check-out Blake�s new �Take 6 Tuesday� videos, please visit www.blakeshelton.com.

LARRY THE CABLE GUY WANTS YOU TO JOIN HIM FOR THE ULTIMATE TAILGATE PARTY WITH HIS NEW DVD, IN STORES FEBRUARY 2

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:11:10 +0000

LARRY THE CABLE GUY WANTS YOU TO JOIN HIM FOR THE ULTIMATE TAILGATE PARTY WITH HIS NEW DVD, IN STORES FEBRUARY 2

World Television Premiere This Sunday On Comedy Central

01/29/2010 - Nashville, TN � Super Bowl XLIV is upon us and Jack Records/Warner Bros. Records Comedian Larry The Cable Guy is throwing the ultimate tailgate party with his new DVD release, �Larry The Cable Guy: Tailgate Party.� The DVD will be in stores on February 2. In addition, the World Television Premiere of the special debuts Sunday, Jan. 31 at 9:00 PM EST/PST.

The special was filmed during a unique performance in front of more than 50,000 people at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE on Independence Day in support of Husker Fans on the UNL Campus. Larry�s appearance was in conjunction with The City Of Lincoln�s 2-day event, �Uncle Sam Jam.� Performing in the largest comedy show ever recorded, Larry The Cable Guy gives a large amount of new material about TV, Hot Dogs and �buying in bulk.�

Larry The Cable Guy released his first album on Warner Bros. Records, A Very Larry Christmas, in 2004 and went on to release The Right To Bear Arms in 2005 and Morning Constitutions in 2007. Two of Larry�s albums are certified Gold by the RIAA: Lord, I Apologize on Hip-O-Records and the GRAMMY�-nominated The Right To Bear Arms, while Larry The Cable Guy�s Christmas Spectacular and A Very Larry Christmas are certified Platinum. He has starred in such movies as Larry The Cable Guy: Health Inspector (2006), Delta Farce (2007), Witless Protection (2008) and lent his voice to the Disney/Pixar Film Cars. He will reprise the role of Mater in Cars 2 and his new series "Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy" will premiere on the History Channel in the third quarter of 2010.

For additional information on Larry The Cable Guy, please visit www.larrythecableguy.com

GLORIANA RECEIVES ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION FOR TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:10:10 +0000

GLORIANA RECEIVES ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION FOR TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP

01/27/2010 - Nashville, TN � Top selling new country group Gloriana has been nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocal Group of the Year. For the second year, the three newcomer categories � Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Duo, and Top New Vocal Group �will be opened up to interactive fan voting through VoteACM.com. The winner in each category will be announced in mid-March and will move on to compete for Top New Artist of the Year at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 18th at 8:00pm EST on the CBS Television Network.

"It is an absolute honor to be nominated for an ACM Award," said Rachel Reinert. �We are going from just attending the ACM Awards and playing Freemont Street last year, before our CD was even released, to being nominated this year. We are all just so thankful for that and for all the support we have been getting � it�s amazing.�

Fan voting for the three newcomer categories will begin at VoteACM.com on Friday, February 26th, and will close on Friday, March 12th. The winner in each category will be announced shortly after and will move on to compete for Top New Artist of the Year.

Gloriana, who recently was awarded the Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the AMA Awards, has had an exciting year. In addition to having the top selling debut single (�Wild At Heart�) and album by a new country group in 2009, they will make their first trip to Australia next week for a two week run opening up for Taylor Swift. Gloriana, as well as Kellie Pickler, will open for Taylor when The Fearless 2010 Tour returns to the U.S. in March with shows through June, most of which have already sold-out. In addition to opening up for Taylor Swift, the foursome has toured with some of country music�s biggest stars including Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, and Dierks Bentley.

For more information on Gloriana please visit: www.gloriana.com.

BLAKE SHELTON ANNOUNCES TRACK LISTING FOR NEW SIX PAK ALBUM ENTITLED HILLBILLY BONE

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:09:04 +0000

BLAKE SHELTON ANNOUNCES TRACK LISTING FOR NEW SIX PAK ALBUM ENTITLED HILLBILLY BONE

01/22/2010 - Nashville, TN � Upon the heels of the recent release announcement of Blake Shelton�s new album, Hillbilly Bone, comes the exciting news of the tracks that will be included on the album. In addition to the comedic, sing-along duet with Trace Adkins, �Hillbilly Bone,� the album will include five new tracks from Shelton. The album Hillbilly Bone will be released on March 2 and is produced by Scott Hendricks.

The single and video for �Hillbilly Bone� is currently available from all digital service providers.

Shelton has released five studio albums, including his most recent, Startin' Fires. His last single, "I�ll Just Hold On," broke into the Top 10 on the country singles charts and was the follow-up to his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles "She Wouldn�t Be Gone� and �Home.� Shelton's hits also include his six-week No. 1 debut single, "Austin," and two additional multi-week No. 1 singles "The Baby� and �Some Beach.�

TRACK LISTING:
1. Hillbilly Bone
2. Kiss My Country Ass
3. You�ll Always Be Beautiful
4. Can�t Afford To Love You
5. Delilah
6. Almost Alright

For additional information on Blake Shelton, please visit www.blakeshelton.com.

JESSICA HARP RELEASES NEW SINGLE �A WOMAN NEEDS�

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:08:18 +0000

JESSICA HARP RELEASES NEW SINGLE �A WOMAN NEEDS�

01/20/2010 - Jessica Harp graces radio today with her sassy, empowering single, �A Woman Needs,� the title-track off her forthcoming album. Jessica, who was once part of the GRAMMY nominated duo, The Wreckers, is no stranger to the powerful lyrics in �A Woman Needs.� The song talks about taking risks and getting second chances to follow your dreams. �A Woman Needs is a really special song,� Jessica says. �It�s about women coming into their own and following their dreams, following their paths, and sometimes taking the path unknown. I think the obvious answer with me, the dream that I�ve followed, is the dream that I�ve had since I was three years old � to grow up to be a country singer.�

The video for �A Woman Needs� will premiere on AOL�s The Boot on Monday, Jan. 25 and making of the video webisodes are currently featured on the site. The webisodes will run in correlation with a contest where fans will obtain a code at the end of each webisode to enter on the sweeps page. The sweeps page is located at www.jessicaharp.com/awomanneeds and the winner will win a weekend getaway to Nashville and a meeting with Harp.

Nashville Selected to Host the National Folk Festival, 2011 � 2013

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:13:11 +0000

Nashville Selected to Host the National Folk Festival, 2011 – 2013

The National Council for the Traditional Arts announced today with Mayor Karl Dean and Compass Records Group that Nashville has been selected as the host city for the National Folk Festival in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The announcement was made during a press conference held at ASCAP's offices in Nashville featuring ASCAP artist Emmylou Harris.

The "National" is the oldest and longest-running multi-ethnic traditional arts festival in the nation. This moveable exposition of traditional music and culture will be presented in downtown Nashville for three consecutive years, with the final year in Nashville marking the Festival's 75th anniversary. Nashville won this honor in a competitive process involving 40 cities across the nation.

"No city in the United States can match the raw talent, creativity, and long history of making music like we have here in Nashville. You combine that with our growing international diversity and growing recognition and appreciation for the arts, and you have a city that is well primed to host the National Folk Festival and to create an event of a caliber worthy of serving as the celebration of its 75th anniversary," Mayor Dean said.

The National Folk Festival effort in Nashville will involve the entire community and bring together many diverse groups to work toward the common goal of building the festival. An estimated 800 volunteers will work with festival planners, city employees and community leaders, creating an event that will bring the region numerous benefits.

The festival is expected to draw upwards of 80,000 attendees in its first year, increasing to over 150,000 by year three and is expected to have an estimated $10-15 million in economic impact per year. The National's stay is also intended to lay the groundwork for a new annual festival that will continue in Nashville after the National moves on in 2014.

For over 70 years, the National Folk Festival has provided a way for people to embrace the cultural traditions that define us as Americans. This three-day free, public outdoor event celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft, storytelling, food and more.

With downtown Nashville as the backdrop, audiences can expect a diverse array of continuous music and dance performances by the finest traditional artists from all parts of the Nation, a Tennessee Folklife Area with craft demonstrations, exhibits and stage presentations focused on the heritage of the region and state, a Family Area, regional and ethnic food courts, and a festival marketplace offering fine handmade regional crafts.

The festival will shine a light not only on the traditional roots of music that has made Middle Tennessee world famous, but also on the musical and cultural traditions of immigrant groups new to Nashville and the region, with the goal of reflecting the increasingly multi-cultural character of the city, state and nation.

Nashville's National Folk Festival will be operating as a 501©(3) nonprofit and will be produced in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville, and the Compass Records Group. A fundraising effort to support the festival is underway and both corporate and private sponsorship are being sought.

For more details, visit www.NashvilleNFF.org, www.nationalfolkfestival.com

Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley Lead ASCAP ACM Awards Nominations

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:11:48 +0000

Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley Lead ASCAP ACM Awards Nominations

ASCAP's country music writers and artists dominated the nominations for the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which were announced on March 2nd, 2010, in New York City. Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley led ASCAP nominees with four each, sharing the categories Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist of the Year. Kenny Chesney also picked up a nomination for Vocal Event of the Year for "I'm Alive," while Brad Paisley was tapped for Album of the Year with American Saturday Night and Video of the Year with "Welcome To The Future."

Repeat nominees and past ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO panelists Joey + Rory received two nominations, including both Top Vocal Duo of the Year and Top New Vocal Duo of the Year. Other multiple nominees include Frank Liddell with four, while Steel Magnolia, Billy Currington, Mark Bright, and Buddy Cannon picked up two nods apiece.

The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging talent, will be hosted for an unprecedented 12th time by ASCAP Member Reba McEntire, and will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18th, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

ASCAP's 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards nominees are:
Entertainer Of The Year

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Top Male Vocalist Of The Year

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Top Female Vocalist Of The Year

Reba McEntire
Lee Ann Womack
Top Vocal Group Of The Year

Rascal Flatts
Top Vocal Duo Of The Year

Joey + Rory
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Top New Solo Vocalist Of The Year

Chris Young
Top New Vocal Duo Of The Year

Joey + Rory
Steel Magnolia
Top New Vocal Group of the Year

Gloriana
Album of the Year

American Saturday Night
Artist: Brad Paisley
Producers: Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers

Lady Antebellum
Producer: Paul Worley

Play On
Producer: Mark Bright
"Quitter" - Producers: Max Martin (STIM/ASCAP), Mark Bright

Revolution
Producer: Frank Liddell
Single Record of the Year

"Need You Now"
Producer: Paul Worley

"People Are Crazy"
Artist and Producer: Billy Currington

"Red Light"
Artist: David Nail
Producer: Frank Liddell

"White Liar"
Producer: Frank Liddell
Song of the Year

"Cowboy Casanova"
Composers: Mike Elizondo, Brett James

"Need You Now"
Composer: Josh Kear

"People Are Crazy"
Artist and Composer: Billy Currington
Video Of The Year

"Welcome To The Future"
Artist: Brad Paisley
Vocal Event Of The Year

"Hillbilly Bone"
Artist: Trace Adkins

"I Told You So"
Artist: Randy Travis
Producer: Mark Bright

"I'm Alive"
Artist and Producer: Kenny Chesney
Artist: Dave Matthews
Producer: Buddy Cannon

"Seeing Stars"
Artist: Patty Griffin
Producer: Jeremy Stover
Producer Of The Year

Buddy Cannon
Dann Huff
Frank Liddell
Frank Rogers
Audio Engineer Of The Year

Ben Fowler
Top Bass Player Of The Year

Michael Rhodes
Jimmie Lee Sloas
Top Percussionist / Drummer Of The Year

Eddie Bayers
Chad Cromwell
Chris McHugh
Top Piano / Keyboard Player Of The Year

Tim Akers
Steve Nathan
Top Specialty Instrument(s) Player Of The Year

Nashville String Machine
Ilya Toshinsky
Top Steel Guitar Player Of The Year

Bruce Bouton
Paul Franklin

ASCAP Elevates Nashville to Regional Office to Serve all Musical Genres

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:10:45 +0000

ASCAP Elevates Nashville to Regional Office to Serve all Musical Genres

Industry Veteran Tim DuBois to Lead Expanded Nashville Office

Nashville, TN — ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento announced a major expansion of the company’s Nashville operations which will be elevated to a Regional Office serving all genres of music.

Effective immediately, the newly established ASCAP Nashville Regional Office will be overseen by Nashville-based industry veteran Tim DuBois, who has been appointed Vice-President and Managing Executive of the operations, reporting to ASCAP Senior Vice-President and head of Domestic Membership Randy Grimmett. Connie Bradley, Senior Vice-President of ASCAP Nashville, will continue to serve the company as a Senior Advisor, reporting to Grimmett, in a role she had been discussing with LoFrumento for some time. In her new role, Bradley will advise the organization on trends and developments, travel on behalf of ASCAP and work closely with high-profile writers on special projects.

As a result of ASCAP’s expanded emphasis and investment in Nashville, the new Regional Office will now serve a broader array of members across musical genres and a multi-state geographic footprint while bolstering its services to new and existing members, according to LoFrumento.

“The City of Nashville commends ASCAP for recognizing Music City’s evolution into a vibrant mecca, known worldwide for developing musical talent of all genres,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “As the 2010 Grammys indicated, Nashville is producing today’s most popular music, and boasts one of the most energetic and talented pools of writers and performers in the country.”

The expansion reflects Nashville’s growing importance as a global music capital that is a magnet for songwriters and publishers in a spectrum of genres. Nashville is today the launching pad for many of the most talented writers and performers in all genres of music and the ASCAP office will respond to this growth and change in the marketplace by taking on a regional approach to its core mission in Nashville. ASCAP also expects to expand the geographic region the office serves, serving other parts of Tennessee, as well as Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, the Carolinas, Florida and Virginia, among others, LoFrumento said.

"From Brad Paisley to Paramore, from the Kings of Leon to Alan Jackson, Nashville is the home to many of the most exciting developments in today’s music industry," said LoFrumento. "Our office, while continuing to serve the needs of Country and Christian music’s greatest writers and publishers, will expand our vision and strategy to also meet the needs of the Pop, International, Urban and Folk writers, as well as film, television and symphonic composers, who work, live and thrive in this region."

In announcing DuBois’ appointment, Grimmett said, “ASCAP is privileged that an executive of Tim’s stature has joined us in this leadership role. Tim’s vision of the music industry and of Nashville’s prominent role dovetail perfectly with our expanded focus in Nashville. He will direct the daily operations of our team and office here, while assuring that ASCAP’s importance and impact grow even greater. We look forward to helping Tim fulfill that mission during this exciting time of expansion for ASCAP.”

DuBois stated, “I am excited about this opportunity to lead ASCAP’s Nashville Regional office. I believe ASCAP’s recognition of the influx and development of other successful genres of music in Nashville speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to our whole community. In addition, I hope to be able to address the growing needs of the business professionals who represent all genres of music here and to align the mission, goals and business strategies of this office with those of ASCAP’s Domestic Membership.”

DuBois has had a long career as one of the most successful executives in the recording industry having led both Arista Records and Universal South Records. A Clinical Professor of Management at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management and long-time ASCAP member, DuBois’ storied career has included recognition as a songwriter, manager, record executive and producer. Five songs that he has co-written have been No. 1 hits. DuBois’ songs have received numerous awards, and two Grammy Award nominations. As a producer, his accolades have included over twenty No. 1 and top 5 singles and more than a dozen gold, platinum, and double platinum albums. Tapped to open a Nashville division of Arista Records in 1989, DuBois discovered and signed Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, BlackHawk, Pam Tillis and Diamond Rio. DuBois quickly turned the new label into one of the most successful in country music history, selling more than 75 million records worldwide in just four years.

After serving as president of Gaylord Entertainment’s Creative Content Group in 2001, DuBois went on to head Universal South Records with producer Tony Brown in 2002, a position he held until 2006. DuBois was recognized as the most powerful person in the music industry by Business Nashville in 1996, Record Executive of the year in 1992 by Pollstar, and was included in Entertainment Weekly’s list of 101 Most Powerful People in Entertainment in 1994 and 1995.

DuBois currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and has served as a board member of the Country Music Foundation, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Leadership Music, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is a co-founder and board member of MyWerx LLC, the former chairman of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is a board member of Sun Trust Bank in Nashville.

“We applaud Connie Bradley’s contributions to ASCAP over her 34 years with our organization,” said LoFrumento. “Her name will always be synonymous with ASCAP Nashville. She is a dedicated and hardworking executive, and we are thrilled that her vast knowledge base will continue to inform our strategic plans as an advisor for us.”

“John LoFrumento and I have been discussing this transition and new role for some time and I am pleased that these changes have come to fruition,” Bradley said. “After 34 years, this new role as a Strategic Advisor is an exciting change for me. I can focus on the strategic direction and vision for ASCAP, an organization I have loved for my entire career. I am also looking forward to having a bit more time to spend with my family. I am delighted to welcome my good friend Tim DuBois to ASCAP and to work with him during such a dynamic time of change as our organization broadens to meet the expanded role of Nashville as a music capital.”

ASHLEY GORLEY NAMED SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AT 47th ANNUAL ASCAP COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:09:09 +0000

ASHLEY GORLEY NAMED SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AT 47th ANNUAL ASCAP COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

Alan Jackson, JD Souther, EMI Music Among Top Honorees

NASHVILLE, TN, October 20, 2009 – It all begins with a song and last night (Oct. 19) the writers of country music's most performed songs of the past year were honored by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). The 47th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards – ASCAP at the Ryman – were held at country music's mother church, the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, before an audience of more than 1,500 distinguished songwriters, top country stars and music industry leaders.

Honorees and special guests in attendance included Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins, Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride, Keith Anderson, JD Souther, Jackson Browne, Rodney Crowell, Darryl Worley, Jason Michael Carroll, Love and Theft, David Nail, Eric Church, Bucky Covington, Heidi Newfield, Jimmy Webb, Chuck Wicks, Danny Gokey and Billy Currington. Tennessee Titans punter Craig Hentrich also attended.

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

ASCAP Songwriter of the Year: Ashley Gorley was honored for "You're Gonna Miss This” and "Start a Band."

ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year: Alan Jackson for "Good Time" and "Country Boy."

ASCAP Country Song of the Year: "You're Gonna Miss This," written by Ashley Gorley; publishers are Songs of Combustion Music and Bug Music/Windswept.

ASCAP Publisher of the Year: EMI Music Publishing for "All Summer Long," "Come On Over," "Country Boy," "Country Man," "Good Time," "I Still Miss You," "I'm Still A Guy," "Relentless," and "Start a Band."

Both Gorley and Jackson were presented with special, limited edition Gibson Les Paul guitars.

Connie Bradley, ASCAP senior vice president and Paul Williams, ASCAP president and chairman of the board hosted the evening which opened with a performance from rising star David Nail. Williams took a brief break from his hosting duties to wow the audience with a medley of his iconic hits. The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Hall of Famer has written timeless classics including "We've Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days and Mondays," and "Just An Old Fashioned Love Song."

A total of 51 song honors were handed out while interspersed with very special performances by the writers of the year's top 5 most performed songs. Those performances included "Good Time" by Alan Jackson; "You're Gonna Miss This," (Trace Adkins) performed by Ashley Gorley; "Waitin' on a Woman," (Brad Paisley) performed by Don Sampson; "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," (Darius Rucker) performed by Clay Mills and "Roll With Me," (Montgomery Gentry) performed by Tommy Karlas.

The ASCAP Golden Note Award is presented to songwriters, composers and artists that have achieved extraordinary career milestones and this year it was presented to an architect of the southern California sound, JD Souther. A musical tribute to Souther included Lee Ann Womack's powerful performance of the Linda Ronstadt hit, "Faithless Love," Rodney Crowell honoring his friend with a performance of the Eagles' classic, "New Kid in Town," Love and Theft's sweet take on "You're Only Lonely," and Souther's beautiful interpretation of one of his many Eagles' hits, "Best of My Love."

Gerry House and the House Foundation were awarded the ASCAP Partners in Music Award for their contributions toward the promotion and support of songwriters, musicians and artists. Martina McBride presented Gerry House, producer Richard Falklen and House Foundation members Al Voecks, Mike Bohan and Duncan Stewart with their award.

ASCAP also recognized a distinguished group of songwriters with the Silver Circle honor in recognition of 25 years or more of ASCAP membership. Those writers are Bruce Bouton, Darrell Brown, Gregg "Hobie" Hubbard, Richard Marx, Charlie Monk, Steve Nathan, Tim O'Brien, Bob Regan, Leon Russell, Jimmie Lee Sloas, Adele Tyler, Dan Tyler, Paul Worley and Richard Young.

Immediately following the awards show, songwriters, artists, industry VIPs and guests followed the red carpet to the AT&T building for the official Post Awards Party, a celebration known for amazing food and beverages and an equally amazing view of Music City from the 27th floor of the high rise building. Hard Rock Café and Corona beer were sponsors of the Post Awards Party.

Once again Connie Bradley served as executive producer of ASCAP at the Ryman, collaborating with co-producers Terry Bumgarner and Josh Jackson. Keith Beck of BSA served as associate producer. Additional planning for the evening was provided by ASCAP staffers Suzanne Lee, Herky Williams, Earle Simmons, Pat Rolfe, John Briggs, Dan Keen, Mike Sisted, Ralph Murphy, Anna Maki, Mary Self, Chad Green, Marc Driskill, Charline Wilhite, Meghan Muse and Jesse Willoughby.

ASCAP APPOINTS MARC DRISKILL TO NEW VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, NASHVILLE POSITION

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:08:21 +0000

ASCAP APPOINTS MARC DRISKILL TO NEW VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, NASHVILLE POSITION

Nashville, TN, September 10, 2009: Connie Bradley, Senior Vice President of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) today announced that Marc Driskill has joined ASCAP as Vice President and General Manager, Nashville. In this newly established position reporting to Bradley, Driskill will direct the goals and objectives of the Nashville Membership staff as well as focus on ASCAP's general membership efforts.

Bradley commented, "We are delighted to have Marc rejoin us at ASCAP. His business skill and acumen have been well regarded in Nashville both during his previous tenure at ASCAP and in the intervening years at Big Loud Shirt. He will bring a focus and energy to our operations here that will be crucial to our continued success."

Driskill rejoins ASCAP from Big Loud Shirt and Big Loud Bucks Administration, music publishing and copyright administration companies, respectively, where he served for more than three years as Chief Operating Officer for both entities. Prior to his experience at these companies, Driskill was Assistant Vice President, Nashville with ASCAP for nearly eight years. "I am grateful to be rejoining Connie Bradley and the ASCAP team in Nashville. Connie has been an incredible mentor to me and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity to help ASCAP achieve its ultimate success," stated Driskill about the appointment.

About ASCAP
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 350,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

Jason Aldean Releases "Crazy Town" From Platinum Album Wide Open Feb. 18, 2010

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:59:58 +0000

Jason Aldean Releases "Crazy Town" From Platinum Album Wide Open Feb. 18, 2010

02-19-2010 - Following on the heels of three consecutive multi-week No. one smash hits, country music star Jason Aldean will release a fourth single �Crazy Town� from his PLATINUM album WIDE OPEN this week. The official add date at country radio is Mon., March 1.

�This song really is all about the love-hate relationship that every new artist has with Nashville when they�re just starting out�the ups and downs can be pretty overwhelming�it takes a lot of hard work to push through,� explains Aldean. �I�ve been playing this one to kick off my live show, and the fans go nuts when they hear the first guitar lick�it gets �em on their feet and sets the tone for the rest of the night.�

Fans can now keep up with the latest news from Aldean with a free iPhone application. Available through the iTunes App Store, the application serves as a one-stop shop for all things Jason, from Twitter and Facebook updates to concert tickets and fan club access. To check it out, click
here:http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jason-aldean/id355903551?mt=8.

In the past nine months, Aldean has dominated the charts with three consecutive multi-week No. one hits (�She�s Country,� �Big Green Tractor,� �The Truth�) spending a total of eight weeks at the top spot, more than any other country artist in the last year. He is currently crisscrossing the country selling out arenas and setting attendance records on his own WIDE OPEN tour, and he will join Brooks & Dunn�s �Last Rodeo� tour later this spring. For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.jasonaldean.com.

Jason Aldean Scores 3rd Consecutive Multi-Week #1 With His Smash Hit "The Truth"

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:58:30 +0000

Jason Aldean Scores 3rd Consecutive Multi-Week #1 With His Smash Hit "The Truth"

02-08-2010 - Country rocker Jason Aldean has been steadily cementing his status as country music�s next superstar. This week, Aldean�s smash hit �The Truth� holds the No. one spot for another week. This marks the third consecutive multi-week No. one from his PLATINUM album WIDE OPEN. Aldean has spent a total of eight weeks at the summit in only nine months, more than any other country artist in the last year.

�I don�t think my fans expected me to come out with a song this traditional, but it was important to me to show them this side of what I like to do as well. It may have been a curve-ball for them, but for me, it was an obvious nod to some of my childhood influences like McGraw and Strait.� says Aldean. �The last year has been one crazy ride�thanks to my awesome fans, my producer, my band and crew, country radio and the list goes on and on�my wildest dreams didn�t look this good.�

Aldean is currently setting attendance records and selling arenas out across the country on the winter leg of his WIDE OPEN tour. He will join Brooks & Dunn for a portion of their �Last Rodeo� tour later this spring.

Jason Aldean Runs Wide Open Into Winter Tour With First Weekend Already Sold Out

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:57:38 +0000

Jason Aldean Runs Wide Open Into Winter Tour With First Weekend Already Sold Out

01-19-2010 - Multi-Platinum country music star Jason Aldean is kicking off 2010 with a sold-out first run of his WIDE OPEN arena tour, starting this Friday, Jan. 22. Greenville, SC is the first stop with over 11,000 tickets sold, marking the most tickets sold by a country artist in that venue since superstar Kenny Chesney stopped there in early 2006. The next day Aldean will play to a hometown crowd of over 7000 in Macon, GA, a show that sold out nearly two months in advance. Aldean previously sold out 17 consecutive dates on the fall run of the tour.

�We�ve spent the last few weeks at home revamping our show, adding new production elements and working on our set lists to make this leg of the WIDE OPEN tour better than ever,� says Aldean. �The fans are showing us so much love...there�s no better feeling in the world than taking the stage when the place is sold out...it�s a total adrenaline rush. I live for it. Get ready Greenville and Macon...we�re ready to show you the time of your lives.�

COUNTRY Financial has signed on as the presenting sponsor on a portion of Aldean�s WIDE OPEN tour, making the shows part of their �Road Trips and Guitar Picks� concert series. COUNTRY is teaming up with Aldean to offer a deeper layer of involvement to fans, especially those who can�t go to a concert. The Road Trips and Guitar Picks� website will feature prizes, games, and the opportunity to interact with other fans at www.tripsandpicks.com. Serving more than one million homes and businesses in the U.S., COUNTRY offers a full range of financial and insurance services, helping families protect what they have, save for a comfortable future and achieve financial security.

Jason Aldean Hits Platinum with Wide Open

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:56:30 +0000

Jason Aldean Hits Platinum with Wide Open

12-04-2009 - Only eight months after its release, Jason Aldean�s third studio album WIDE OPEN has been certified PLATINUM by the RIAA for sales of one million copies. Aldean is the only solo country artist in 2009 to release an album and earn PLATINUM status in the same calendar year.

�Getting my first platinum album back in 2006 was one of the proudest moments in my career so far,� said Aldean. �Put this one at the top of that list too. 2009 was a really special year for me, and I have so much to be thankful for going into the holidays!�

WIDE OPEN hit big out of the gate dominating the No. one spot on the country charts for a total of six weeks in 2009 with �She�s Country� and �Big Green Tractor,� Aldean received his career first American Music Award nomination and recorded his first live DVD WIDE OPEN LIVE & MORE, which has also been certified GOLD. He shows no signs of slowing down as his new single �The Truth� pushes its way toward the Top 10 at the same dizzying pace.

Taylor Swift To Receive NARM's Artist of the Year Award

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:48:58 +0000

Taylor Swift To Receive NARM's Artist of the Year Award

March 26, 2010 - NARM announces that it will honor multi award-winning Big Machine recording artist Taylor Swift with the Artist of the Year Award. The presentation will take place at the 2010 NARM Convention on Monday, May 17, in Chicago.

This past year, Swift became the youngest singer/songwriter ever to win both the CMA Entertainer of the Year and the Grammy Award for Album of the Year (and the first female solo Country artist ever to win the Grammy honor). The Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music also voted �Fearless� 2009�s Album of the Year. Released in November of 2008, the album reached double-Platinum in just four weeks and became the top-selling album all genres of 2009, as well as the best-selling Country album for both 2008 and 2009. Her career record sales have already topped 13 million.

Swift, who debuted on the NARM stage at a Universal Music showcase in Chicago in 2007, joins the list of musical artists who have gone on to superstardom after performing at NARM, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, N�Sync, and Josh Groban, among others.

NARM President Jim Donio says, �We are thrilled to welcome Taylor back to NARM, and we are especially proud to recognize her extraordinary creative and commercial achievements with our Artist of the Year Award. She has made a brilliant and stellar contribution to the music industry in just a few years and we congratulate her on this much-deserved honor.�

Other NARM award recipients for 2010 include Melissa Etheridge, who will accept the association�s Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award; and songwriting team Leiber and Stoller, who will be honored with NARM�s Outstanding Achievement Award for Musical Collaboration.

Steel Magnolia Joins Brad Paisley's H2O Tour!

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:48:03 +0000

Steel Magnolia Joins Brad Paisley's H2O Tour!

March 22, 2010 - Brad Paisley announced the first leg of his highly anticipated 2010 tour, H2O World Tour presented by Chevy, today on World Water Day � a day to draw attention to the 1 out of 5 people around the world who lack access to safe drinking water. Paisley is proud to partner with Hope Through Healing Hands� campaign for clean, safe water. With donations made to the campaign at each tour stop HTHH will be digging wells and purifying water in America and around the world.

H2O World Tour will hit more than 75 cities in the United States, Canada and Europe over the next 12 months. Chevy is title sponsor for the tour. Special guests will be Darius Rucker and Justin Moore. Appropriately, Paisley�s current single is �Water,� from his American Saturday Night album.

H2O World Tour will include a �Water World Plaza,� sponsored by Sea Ray Boats and Skinny Water, and will turn every city into a water festival. Focal point in the Plaza area will be the �Water World Plaza Stage� featuring emerging new stars Easton Corbin, Steel Magnolia and Josh Thompson. The tour extravaganza will open each day at 4:00pm with music starting at 5:00pm. In addition to the music stage there will be multiple water-themed activities � including a Chevy H2O FLW fishing simulator, dunking booth, Hope Through Healing Hands� campaign booth, and more.

Chevy will be providing a Corvette driving simulator for concert goers to test the latest Corvette ZR1 series as well as their individual driving and racing skills against Paisley himself. �If they can beat me, they can meet me,� laughs Paisley.

�I�ve never been this excited about a tour,� continues Paisley. �After one of the worst winters I can remember, we�re going to make up for it this summer.�

The tour will kick off May 21-22 in Virginia Beach, VA and Washington, DC. Live Nation is the national tour promoter. Tickets went on sale March 12 at LiveNation.com.

"Brad has always considered the fans first and foremost when planning a tour, and the H2O Tour is no exception. Brad's vision was to have a full day of activity at each of the shows, and also provide a great value for the fan's dollar,� says Brian O�Connell, President, Nashville Touring, for Live Nation. �Introducing Easton Corbin, Steel Magnolia, and Josh Thompson to the tour on the �Water World Plaza Stage,� and Darius Rucker and Justin Moore sharing the Main Stage continues Brad's commitment to bring the hottest acts in Country Music to enhance his spectacular show, and deliver value to the fans each and every night. The H2O tour will prove to be the kick off to a great fun- filled summer!�

H2O World Tour dates:
May 21 | Virginia Beach, VA | Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
May 22 | Washington, DC | Jiffy Lube Live
May 28 | Kansas City, MO | Sprint Center
May 29 | St. Louis, MO | Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
June 4 | Toledo, OH | Lucas County Arena
June 5 | Indianapolis, IN | Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
June 6 | Cincinnati, OH | Riverbend Music Pavilion
June 11 | Detroit, MI | DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 12 | Pittsburgh, PA | First Niagara Pavilion
June 18 | Darien Lake, NY | Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center
June 19 | Philadelphia, PA | Susquehanna Bank Center
June 23 | London, England * | Shepherds Bush Empire
June 24 | London, England * | Shepherds Bush Empire
June 25 | Oslo, Norway * | Notodden Music Festival
July 16 | Chicago, IL | First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
July 17 | Moline, IL | iWireless Center
July 22 | Toronto, ONT | Molson Ampitheatre
July 23 | Cleveland, OH | Blossom Music Center
July 24 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 25 | Harrington, DE | Delaware State Fair
August 5 | Hidalgo, TX |State Farm Arena
August 6 | Houston, TX | Woodlands Pavilion
August 7 | Dallas, TX | Superpages.com Center
August 12 | Daytona Beach, F | Ocean Center
August 13 | Tampa, FL | Ford Amphitheatre
August 14 | West Palm Beach, FL | Cruzan Amphitheatre
August 21 | Boston, MA* | Gillette Stadium
August 27 | Charlotte, NC | Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
August 28 | Raleigh, NC |Time Warner Cable Pavilion
September 9 | Spokane, WA | Spokane Arena
September 10 | Portland, OR | The Amphitheatre at Clark County
September 11 | Seattle, WA |Gorge Amphitheatre |
September 15 | Mountain View, CA | Shoreline Amphitheatre
September 17 | San Diego, CA | Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
September 18 | Phoenix, AZ |Cricket Wireless Pavilion
September 19 | Albuquerque, NM | The Pavilion
September 23 | Boise, ID | Taco Bell Arena
September 24 | Salt Lake City, UT | USANA Amphitheatre
September 25 | Denver, CO | Comfort Dental Amphitheatre

Log on to www.bradpaisley.com and www.livenation.com for on-sale and up to date information on H2O World Tour - dates to be added.

* Paisley only shows.

Taylor Swift's FEARLESS is Most Awarded Album in Country Music History

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:43:37 +0000

Taylor Swift's FEARLESS is Most Awarded Album in Country Music History

March 18, 2010 - Taylor Swift�s six-times-Platinum FEARLESS album was officially recognized as the Most Awarded Album in the History of Country Music last night at a private dinner in Nashville.

FEARLESS is the only album in history to win the all-genre Album of The Year GRAMMY, plus Country Album of the Year Awards from the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the American Music Awards.

Representatives from NARAS, The American Music Awards, The Country Music Association, and the Academy of Country Music all joined Big Machine Records Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta for an unprecedented group presentation honoring Taylor for her achievement.

FEARLESS, released in 2008, has won every album award in the country music genre, and was named all-genre Album of the Year at the 2010 GRAMMY Awards. Taylor, who turned 20 in December, was the youngest artist in history to win the music industry�s coveted top prize and she is also the award�s first-ever solo female country winner, and the first solo female winner in more than a decade. Taylor wrote or co-wrote every song on FEARLESS.

�We tend to always look forward when it comes to Taylor, but tonight it was time to stop for a moment and look back on one of the most successful music works of all time,� said Scott Borchetta of the historic evening. �The 18 months of our lives known as the �Fearless� era have been history-making, euphoric and triumphant. The sales, the airplay, the accolades and the awards have all just been incredible. But, most important to me is that my friend Taylor and her collective team of family, record label, management and her road family continue to raise the bar with work ethic, achievement and enjoyment. Dreams do come true.�

Taylor was also honored at last night�s event for:

* More than 13 Million in total record sales
* More than 25 Million Digital Downloads
* The 6X Platinum (6 Million) Certification of FEARLESS
* FEARLESS as the #1 selling album in the US in both 2008 & 2009
* The 5X Platinum (5 Million) Certification of Taylor Swift
* The #1 and #2 positions atop Nielsen�s BDS 2009 Top 10 Most Played Songs chart (all genres), with �You Belong With Me� and �Love Story�
* The #1 spots on both the 2009 Top 10 Artist Airplay chart (all genres) and the Top 10 Artist Internet Streams chart.
* Her four most recent #1 singles (�Should�ve Said No,� �Love Story,� �White Horse,� and �You Belong With Me�)

This week also marks Taylor�s 10th consecutive Top 10 Country single, and with that she becomes the only female artist in the 66 year history of Billboard�s Hot Country Songs chart to score at least five Top 10s apiece from her first two major album releases. Taylor is currently nominated for four 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards, including Entertainer of the Year, and tonight she returns to her home state of Pennsylvania to continue her FEARLESS 2010 Tour with the first of two sold-out shows at the Wachovia Center. Presented by American Greetings, the 40-date tour visits arenas and stadiums in 32 cities in 26 states and provinces in the US and Canada over the next 3 months.

A complete listing of tour dates is available at www.taylorswift.com

Taylor is a four-time GRAMMY winner, the top-selling digital artist in music history, has had singles top both the Country and Pop radio charts, and had the #1 best-selling album in any genre of music in both 2009 and 2008. This year she became the youngest artist in history to win the GRAMMY Award for Album of the Year. Also at the 2010 GRAMMYs, she took home the awards for Country Album of the Year, Best Country Song, and Best Country Female Vocal Performance.

In 2009, she was named Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, and also became the youngest artist in the 43-year history of the Country Music Association to win the CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year.

Taylor currently holds the Billboard all-genre records for most first-week downloads by a female artist, for the longest charting album of this century and for most Top 20 debuts in a calendar year, as well as the Billboard record for the largest overall airplay audience for a country-based act.

Save the Date for The 2010 CMT Music Awards June 9

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:42:32 +0000

Save the Date for The 2010 CMT Music Awards June 9

March 16, 2010 - It is still winter in most of the country, but CMT is looking ahead to the summer and wants fans to mark their calendars for the ninth annual CMT MUSIC AWARDS which will broadcast live from Nashville�s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 on CMT and CMT.com. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 10 at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Bridgestone Arena Box Office. The show honors the best country music videos of the year and will be sure to feature country�s biggest superstars in sizzling live performances.

The first round of nominations for the 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS will be announced on Monday, April 5. Host and performance information will be announced at a later date. Fans can get more information as it becomes available on Twitter (@FollowCMT) or become a fan of the CMT MUSIC AWARDS on Facebook. Also, fans can join the discussion now at CMT.com's community and talk about who they want to see on the show, discuss travel plans and more.

The 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS is the start of CMT�s �Summer of Music� celebration which kicks off this June in Nashville, coinciding with two of the summer's most anticipated events for country music fans. The 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS is live on June 9 and the CMA Music Festival rocks downtown Nashville and LP Field June 10-13, with more than 100 hours of live music, 30 hours of autograph signings, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and thousands of ardent country music fans from around the globe.

Taylor Swift to Perform at "ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn - The Last Rodeo"

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:41:52 +0000

Taylor Swift to Perform at "ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn - The Last Rodeo"

March 11, 2010 - The Academy of Country Music announced today that Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Hudson, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Sugarland will perform at the television taping of the all-star concert special, ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS & DUNN � THE LAST RODEO on Monday, April 19, 2010 to air Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will be produced for television by dick clark productions. Tickets are available now for the live concert event.

These country music superstars will join the previously announced performers Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

The event, which will air Sunday, May 23, 2010, will tape the day after the 45th ANNUAL Academy of Country Music Awards which are produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Tickets are still available to the public for this event for $150 and $100 through Ticketmaster.com. Proceeds of all sales benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, which works to improve lives through music. For more information, log onto www.acmliftinglives.org or www.acmcountry.com.

Steel Magnolia Makes Billboard History!

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:40:57 +0000

Steel Magnolia Makes Billboard History!

March 10, 2010 - Big Machine Records artists Steel Magnolia�s Top 15 hit, �Keep On Lovin� You,� has become the highest charting debut single from a male/ female Country duet act in the 66-year history of the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart.

�Keep On Lovin� You� rose to #14 on the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart this week and as well as continuing its ascent on the USA Today/Country Aircheck chart (powered by Mediabase), resting at #12.

The history-making Steel Magnolia (comprised of Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones) is multiple 2010 Academy of Country Music Award Nominees for overall Top Vocal Duo of the Year and also Top New Vocal Duo. The awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18th on CBS.

Fans can still vote for the ACM Top New Vocal Duo Award at www.VOTEACM.com now thru 5 pm EST on Friday, March 12th. Meghan and Joshua discuss their excitement over their ACM nominations and how they consider their fans �our friends� here: http://www.acmcountry.com/media/video.php?vidKey=ue8RTMiIse4

Steel Magnolia will perform on the Grand Ole Opry, The Show That Made Country Music Famous, this Saturday night, March 13th, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.

The duo will also perform as part of the Dillon Transportation Concert Series immediately following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday, April 3rd.

Taylor Nominated for 2010 JUNO Award

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:40:03 +0000

Taylor Nominated for 2010 JUNO Award

March 3, 2010 - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced the nominees for the 2010 JUNO Awards. Among the nominees was Taylor Swift for International Album of the Year for FEARLESS!

Winners will be declared at the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards on Saturday, April 17 to be held at the St. John�s Convention Centre, as well as at THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS broadcast on CTV on Sunday, April 18 at Mile One Centre in St. John�s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Tickets to THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS go on sale starting this Saturday, March 6 at 12:00 PM (NDT). Prices are $49.00, $99.00 and $189.00 (plus taxes and surcharges) and can be purchased at the Mile One Centre Box Office; by phoning (709) 576-7657 or 1-800-361-4595 (toll free) or online at www.admission.com. To view a complete list of the 2010 JUNO Awards nominees and bios, go to www.junoawards.ca.

Web Links:
Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca
CTV�s JUNO Awards website: www.junos.ctv.ca
St. John�s Host Committee: www.ruckusontheedge.com
CARAS website: www.carasonline.ca
CTV website: www.ctv.ca

ACM Nominations Announced!

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:39:11 +0000

ACM Nominations Announced!

March 2, 2010 - Nominations were announced today for the 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS�, a star-studded event produced for television by dick clark productions broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Country super stars Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton read the nominations live this morning during CBS� The Early Show broadcast from New York City. As previously announced, Reba McEntire will return for an unprecedented 12th time to host this year�s show.

For the third year, fans will select the winner of the Academy�s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year and for the second year, the three newcomer categories for the annual Academy of Country Music Awards �Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Group and Top New Vocal Duo � will also be opened up to fan voting. The winner in each Top New category will then move on to compete for Top New Artist which is also a fan voted category. Online voting for all fan voted categories will be available at www.voteACM.com. The winners of Entertainer of the Year and Top New Artist will be announced live during the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Taylor Swift is nominated for five awards, including her first nod for Entertainer of the Year. If Swift wins Entertainer of the Year, she will be the eighth female in Academy history to win in this category. Swift is nominated as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for �You Belong With Me,� for which she is also nominated for Video of the Year and she also received a nomination for Top Female Vocalist.

Members of the Academy of Country Music select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, and select the final top eight nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category (up from the previously selected five) and the top three nominees in newcomer categories, Top Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Group and Top New Vocal Duo (different from last year�s categories of Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group). Presenters and performers who will appear at the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Following is the list of final nominees. Winners in each of the following categories, except where noted, will be presented with an ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD during the live television broadcast:

Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band

Top Male Vocalist of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Keith Urban

Top Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack

Top Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Randy Rogers Band
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

Top Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland

TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST of the Year *
Luke Bryan
Jamey Johnson
Chris Young

TOP NEW VOCAL DUO of the Year *
Bomshel
Joey + Rory
Steel Magnolia

TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP of the Year *
Eli Young Band
Gloriana
The Lost Trailers

Album of the Year
[Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]
American Saturday Night - Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers
Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Victoria Shaw, Paul Worley
Play On - Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright
"Quitter" Produced by Max Martin & Shellback for Maratone Productions and Mark Bright
Revolution - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
The Foundation - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown

Single Record of the Year
[Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]
"Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
"People Are Crazy" - Billy Currington (Mercury)
Produced by: Carson Chamberlain, Billy Currington
"Red Light" - David Nail (MCA Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
"Toes" - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown
"White Liar" - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke

Song of the Year
[Awarded to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
"Cowboy Casanova" - Carrie Underwood
Composers: Mike Elizondo, Brett James, Carrie Underwood
Publishers: Brett James Cornelius Music (ASCAP), Carrie Okie Music (BMI), Rincon Ave Music
(ASCAP), Stage Three Songs (ASCAP)

"Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: EMI Foray Music (BMI), Darth Buddha (ASCAP), Dwhaywood Music (BMI), Hillary Dawn Publishing (SESAC), Radiobullets Publishing (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Year Of The Dog Music (ASCAP)

"People Are Crazy" - Billy Currington
Composers: Bobby Braddock, Troy Jones
Publishers: Crozier Music Enterprises LLC (BMI), Mighty Nice Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music (BMI)

"White Liar" - Miranda Lambert
Composers: Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
Publishers: Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music (BMI)

"You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift
Composers: Liz Rose, Taylor Swift
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Taylor Swift Music (BMI)

Video of the Year
[Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] (Off Camera Award)
"Boots On" � Randy Houser
Producer: Eric Welch
Director: Eric Welch (Drake footage: Vickie Vaughn)

"Need You Now" � Lady Antebellum
Producer: Clarke Gallivan
Director: David McClister

"Welcome To The Future" � Brad Paisley
Producers: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea, Peter Tilden
Director: Jim Shea

"White Liar" � Miranda Lambert
Producer: Tameron Hedge
Director: Chris Hicky

"You Belong With Me" � Taylor Swift
Producer: Randy Brewer
Director: Roman White

Vocal Event of the Year
[Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] (Off Camera Award)
"Hillbilly Bone" - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins (Reprise Records / Warner Music Nashville)
Producer: Scott Hendricks

"Honky Tonk Stomp" - Brooks & Dunn featuring Billy Gibbons (Arista Nashville)
Producer: Ronnie Dunn, Terry McBride

"I Told You So" - Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis (19/Arista Nashville)
Producer: Mark Bright

"I�m Alive" - Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews (Blue Chair/BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

"Seeing Stars" - Jack Ingram featuring Patty Griffin (Big Machine Records)
Produced by: Jack Ingram, Jeremy Stover

* Fan voting for Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Group and Top New Vocal Duo began at VoteACM.com on Friday, February 26 and will close on Friday, March 12. The winner in each of the three categories will be announced March 23, and will move on to compete for Top New Artist. Fan voting for Top New Artist and Entertainer of the Year begins on Thursday, April 1 at VoteACM.com. Fan voting for Top New Artist will close at 5pm PT on April 18th (before the LIVE show starts) and fan voting for Entertainer of the Year will close during the third hour of the LIVE broadcast.

Taylor Swift Receives Five ACM Nominations

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:37:56 +0000

Taylor Swift Receives Five ACM Nominations

March 2, 2010 - Taylor Swift was at home in Hendersonville, Tenn. this morning when she heard the news that she had received five Academy of Country Music Award nominations, including one for the evening�s top honor, Entertainer of the Year.

Taylor is nominated in four categories: Entertainer, Top Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year (for �You Belong With Me� � nominated as artist and songwriter), and Video of the Year (for �You Belong With Me�). The 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, April 18th at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

At last year�s ACM Awards, Taylor was awarded the Academy�s Crystal Milestone Award, and her Fearless album was named Album of the Year. The disc went on to win four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Country Album. Fearless was also named Album of the Year by the Country Music Association and Favorite Country Album at the American Music Awards. In 2009, Taylor was named Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, and also became the youngest artist in the 43-year history of the Country Music Association to be awarded country music�s top prize when she took home the CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year.

This Thursday night (March 4th), Taylor kicks off the North American leg of her FEARLESS 2010 Tour with a sold-out show at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. The 39-date tour will visit arenas and stadiums in 31 cities in 25 states and provinces in the US and Canada over the next 3 months. Last month, Taylor took the FEARLESS tour overseas, playing eight sold-out shows in Australia and Japan. A complete listing of tour dates is available at www.taylorswift.com.

Kellie Pickler returns this year as a featured artist on all of the North American tour dates, and Gloriana is back to open all of the shows. The TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS 2009 TOUR was the hottest ticket of the year, wowing fans and critics worldwide. Capacity crowds packed arenas around the globe, and the blockbuster tour was chronicled in the one-hour primetime NBC network special Dateline: On Tour With Taylor Swift.

Steel Magnolia Picks Up Second ACM Nomination

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:36:55 +0000

Steel Magnolia Picks Up Second ACM Nomination

March 2, 2010 - Big Machine Records artists Steel Magnolia picked up an additional 2010 Academy of Country Music Award Nomination today for overall Top Vocal Duo of the Year, announced live on the CBS Early Show this morning.

Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones of Steel Magnolia were at their home in Nashville waiting for the tape-delayed broadcast to air when they received a text from their manager informing them of their Top Vocal Duo nomination.

�We thought our manager meant the Top NEW Vocal Duo Award,� said Jones. �Then she started naming off all the superstar nominees like Brooks & Dunn and Sugarland and then we realized we had been nominated for THE Top Vocal Duo Award as well! We couldn�t believe it. Then Meghan got another text message and started doing a little dance!�

�We are so grateful to the Country music industry and all of our fans for embracing us and our sound," said Linsey. �From the bottom of hearts we thank you and we love you. Our dreams wouldn�t be coming true without each of you.�

�Thank you to Country Radio for taking the time to listen to us in all your conference rooms across America and giving us a chance to play for you and to connect with you. It�s an honor to be able to do that, � continued Jones. �We know you�re the key holders to the fans and without you none of this would be possible.�

Steel Magnolia is also nominated for Top New Vocal Duo at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards. The awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18th on CBS.

Fans can vote for the ACM Top New Vocal Duo Award at www.VOTEACM.com now thru Friday, March 12th.

The duo released their self-titled debut EP digitally last week. STEEL MAGNOLIA EP features their Top 15 smash, �Keep On Lovin� You.� The song has made its mark on both Country music AND Hollywood as the lead single from the Valentine�s Day Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The hit film has broken box office records and earned more than $90 million to date. Steel Magnolia�s debut EP also includes favorites �Ooh La La� (as heard on CMT�s Can You Duet?) and the acclaimed, �Edge of Goodbye,� as well as two new live tracks.

Jack Ingram Sets Off for First-Ever Australian Tour

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:35:38 +0000

Jack Ingram Sets Off for First-Ever Australian Tour

February 26, 2010 - After playing thousands of shows from roadhouses to arenas in nearly every corner of the U.S., award winning singer/songwriter Jack Ingram is about to embark on his first Australian tour kicking-off at CMC Rocks the Snowys on March 6 in Sydney.

�I hear that Australian�s love their music, love their beer and love to have a real good time�I think we�re going to have a lot in common,� says Ingram. �The opportunity to go over to Australia, play my music and meet a bunch of new people is something I�m very much looking forward to.�

From Sydney, Ingram will hit the road with international country stars Doc Walker (Canada) and Steve Forde (Australia) as part of CMC ROCKS. The rockin� country crew will make stops in various cities, culminating with a show in Brisbane.

In preparation of his Australian run, Ingram caught up with CMC in Nashville at the CMA Awards, the historic Ryman Auditorium and more. The show, �Rollin� With Jack Ingram,� was one of the most watched shows on the Australian network for the month of February and will air again today.

Upon his return stateside, the road warrior�s �Acoustic Motel� tour will pick back up in Atlanta, Ga. on March 23 at Eddie�s Attic before heading up the east coast.

For more information and a complete list of tour dates, visit www.jackingram.net.

Big Machine Records Signs Melissa Peterman

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:34:35 +0000

BMR Signs Melissa Peterman

February 23, 2010 - Big Machine Records is proud to announce the addition of actress Melissa Peterman to its label family. Peterman, a star of film and television, will release her debut comedy album on Big Machine Records this Spring.

�I have always wanted to be a recording artist mostly because I really want a tour bus...I hear those things are a party on wheels" says Peterman. "The truth is I love what I do and to get a chance to share my stand-up with fans who haven't had the opportunity to see me live is very cool. And the great part of having your own comedy CD is I am already done Christmas shopping. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the BMR team and am so excited about releasing my first comedy cd on a label with such a great track record.�

�I�m a huge fan of Melissa�s and I�m thrilled that she�s going to join us,� says Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine Records. �From �Fargo�s� �Hooker #2� to Reba�s �Barbra Jean� to the host of CMT�s #1 show �Singing Bee�, she�s been cracking up America for years. Now it�s time to record it!�

Worldwide audiences starting loving Melissa Peterman the moment she began portraying the ditzy home wrecker Barbra Jean on Reba.

The host of CMT�s #1-rated series of 2009, �The Singing Bee,� has also appeared in television shows including "Surviving Suburbia," "Rita Rocks," "Just Shoot Me,� �Living With Abandon,� and has hosted CMT�s �Comedy Stage� as well as the Hollywood Bowl�s Sound of Music Sing-A-Long. She appeared in the hit Coen brothers film, Fargo, as Hooker #2, the Method Man film, How High, and most recently starred in the independent comedy Dirty Politics.

In addition, the Minnesota native has performed in a number of stage productions, including the commercially and critically acclaimed, Tony �N Tina�s Wedding, in which she performed in over 600 performances.

Peterman is currently performing at arenas across America on tour with George Strait, Reba and Lee Ann Womack. The comedy star previously opened for Reba and Kelly Clarkson on their Two Worlds, Two Voices Tour. She is managed by Darris Hatch and represented by the APA agency.

Steel Magnolia Goes Top 15 / New EP Feb. 23rd

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:32:34 +0000

Steel Magnolia Goes Top 15 / New EP Feb. 23rd

February 18, 2010 - Big Machine Records artists Steel Magnolia jumped into the Top 15 on the Billboard Country Song Chart this week with their hit, �Keep On Lovin� You� � the highest charting single from a debut Country duo in over three years.??

The single is featured on the original motion picture soundtrack of the hit film, Valentine�s Day, which shattered box office records this past weekend. ?

The Academy of Country Music Award Nominees (for Top New Vocal Duo) will release a 5-song EP next Tuesday, February 23rd, simply entitled STEEL MAGNOLIA EP.

The EP features the hit single, �Keep On Lovin� You,� as well as fan favorites �Ooh La La� (as heard on CMT�s Can You Duet?) and the very first song the on and off-screen couple ever wrote together, the no-nonsense heartbreaker, �Edge of Goodbye.�

?The EP also includes two live performances of new songs �I Need You� and �Fast As You� from the rising stars.

?�It�s been such an amazing, whirlwind year for us and we�re so excited to share some of our new music with our fans,� said Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolia.

�We�re so appreciative to Country radio and all the support they�ve given us,� adds Joshua Scott Jones. �These past few months have been a dream come true for us � we can�t wait to see what the next few have in store.�?

?The Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18th on CBS at 8 pm ET/ 7 pm CT. ??Fans can begin voting for the ACM Top New Vocal Duo Award at www.VOTEACM.com beginning Friday, February 26th.

Taylor Swift's Australian Tour Garners Rave Reviews and Top Sales

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:31:40 +0000

Taylor Swift's Australian Tour Garners Rave Reviews and Top Sales

February 16, 2010 - Taylor Swift kicked of her FEARLESS 2010 Tour with seven sold-out shows in Australia last week, and both critics and fans were notably impressed by her dynamic two-hour show. She headed for Japan over the weekend, having earned a stack of strong reviews from the Australian press, as well as #1 spots atop Australia�s ARIA and iTunes Sales charts.

Taylor garnered praise from top critics at every stop on her Australian tour:

Adelaide: �We've had the booty-liscous, the lip-syncher and the outright gaga roll through town, but Adelaide was in the presence of a true pop princess whose charisma and sheer innocence was mesmerising. It was refreshing to witness a No.1 artist dedicate her heart and soul to the delivery of her songs, rather than just her dance moves....and it was clear that this is a musical talent who is only at the beginning of her career. Adelaide has not seen the last of Taylor Swift.� �Adelaide Now

Melbourne: �In a world of manufactured teen pop, Swift is a refreshing antidote. She's squeaky clean, dodges scandal, and has a positivity and professionalism that belies her years. Her songs are simple but effective�and the atmosphere was as electric as any boy band concert. The night's best moment came when Swift sang Hey Stephen in a stage near the back row and slowly worked her way back to the front for the next few songs, enthusiastically hugging dozens of fans along the way. It was a simple gesture but one that instantly set her apart from most of her contemporaries.� �The Herald-Sun

Sydney: �Swift was never less than on-message and in control�..and she has a belter setting which kicks arse. Structurally, melodically and lyrically [her songs] feel like the work of a talented teenager, not a Music Row hack, and her audience is new school, and screamingly happy. You couldn't help but be enchanted by her.� � Morning Herald

Newcastle: �GRAMMY award winning US singer Taylor Swift was back on her country pop throne at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre last night. Throughout her concert Swift shifted between a country twang and a rocker's roar, all the while commanding the dancers and musicians on the large Newcastle stage.� �The Herald

Brisbane: �Most appealing about Swift is the strength of emotion that runs through her self-penned songs. Her voice was not flawless...but it was strong and true. When she sings, it's believable. She seems utterly at home in an arena setting and comfortable with countless costume changes, and she effortlessly bounds across the enormous stage.... and takes to the crowd mid-show, walking through the throng, hugging small girls, signing autographs and slipping gifts of glittery bracelets on to her wrists.� �The Australian

Following the tour, Taylor�s FEARLESS album held the #1 spot atop Australia�s ARIA Country Albums Sales Chart and her self-titled CD (released in 2006) moved to #6. FEARLESS also held the #3 spot on the ARIA all-genre albums chart. At iTunes Australia, Taylor had 8 of the Top 10 tracks on the Country chart, including positions 1-7. FEARLESS and Taylor Swift were the #1 and #2 Country albums, respectively.

Taylor continues the FEARLESS 2010 Tour tomorrow night at Tokyo�s Zepp Arena, before returning home to kick off the US portion of the tour March 4th in Tampa.

In other Taylor news, she was nominated for two Kids� Choice Awards this week: Favorite Female Singer and Favorite Song (for �You Belong With Me�). The Kids� Choice Awards air live on Nickelodeon on March 23rd. Additionally, Taylor makes her feature film acting debut in Valentine�s Day, which opened last week at the top of the North American box office charts with record-setting Valentine's Day weekend ticket sales.

Taylor Swift Wins Four Grammy Awards

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:30:21 +0000

Taylor Swift Wins Four Grammy Awards

February 1, 2010 - Taylor Swift can now add Multiple Grammy Award Winner to her list of accolades, as she took home four awards from last night�s 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, including the night�s top honor, Album of The Year. Taylor, who turned 20 in December, is the youngest artist in history to win the music industry�s coveted top prize. She is also the first solo female country winner ever of the award, and the first solo female winner in more than a decade.

Taylor also won the Grammy for Best Country Album for �Fearless,� and took home trophies for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance for her hit �White Horse.�

Taylor, who accepted her Album of the Year Award from John Legend and Carlos Santana, called her big win a �beautiful, beautiful surprise,� saying from the big stage, �Thank you so much! I just hope you know how much this means to me, and to Nathan [Chapman], my producer, and to all these musicians that you see on this stage, that we get to take this back to Nashville! This is for my dad: Thank you for all those times you said I could do whatever I wanted in life. And my mom: You�re my best friend. All of us, when we�re 80 years old and we�re telling the same stories again and again to our grandkids� this is the story we�ll be telling.�

Earlier in the night, Taylor thanked her record label, Big Machine, for letting her write all of the songs on her records, and songwriter Liz Rose, her co-writer on �White Horse,� for �writing songs with me when she had absolutely no reason to do so.�

Taylor�s �Fearless� album has proved to be a favorite with fans, critics and industry voters, selling more than 5 million CDs, receiving massive critical acclaim, and sweeping the awards categories this season. In addition to winning Grammy awards for Album of the Year and Best Country Album, the project was lauded as Album of the Year by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and was named Favorite Country Album at the American Music Awards.

Immediately following last night�s show, Taylor and her band left for LAX, heading to Australia and Japan, where she will perform several sold-out shows before returning to the States to launch her FEARLESS 2010 tour March 4th in Tampa.

ack Ingram Introduces "Free" as Latest Single

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:12:30 +0000

Jack Ingram Introduces "Free" as Latest Single

January 22, 2010 - Award winning singer/songwriter Jack Ingram will introduce �Free� as the next single off his third major label album BIG DREAMS & HIGH HOPES (Big Machine Records) on Jan. 25.

�The lyrical content is obviously what�s on everybody�s minds these days�what�s important is all the stuff you don�t have to pay for�they�re the sights and sounds that make you forget all your problems. And musically, it just feels like a good day comin� on�it makes you want to go outside and take a big ol� breath of fresh air�it feels like a good start for 2010.�

Produced by Jay Joyce, �Free� is a breezy and uplifting embrace of the finer non-material things in life. Billboard labels it as an album highlight �echoing the best work of Glen Campbell,� while the Cleveland Leader calls the tune �a toe-tapping playful number that has tons of vibrant fiddles, guitars and snares as he belts it out boldly.�

To preview �Free,� click here: http://thegreenroompr.com/jackingram.html.

On Jan. 1, Ingram tweeted, �Resolution: 1 song per week. Not saying they'll be good- just done. The only way 2 get this done will be less tv and more reading. More later.�

What�s more is Ingram will pack his guitar and kick off a one-man tour of listening rooms, reviving his �Acoustic Motel� tour concept from years back. The set will feature songs from his current album BIG DREAMS & HIGH HOPES, as well as old favorites and songs from some of Ingram�s biggest influences. The first date kicks off Feb. 13 at Joe's Bar in Chicago.

�I spent a lot of years on the road by myself�and a lot of my favorite songs have been written sitting on the edge of a motel bed. We�re going to totally recreate that vibe for this tour�there�s even a set that looks like an old dingy motel room. It�s not easy to entertain a room for of people by yourself for a couple of hours, so it really comes down to the songs. It�s a totally different kind of pressure than it is to play a big arena or stadium. I�m excited about trying it again.�

ACOUSTIC MOTEL TOUR DATES:

2/13 Chicago, IL Joe�s Bar(
2/14 Minneapolis, MN The Fine Line Music Caf�
3/23 Atlanta, GA Eddie�s Attic
3/24 Alexandria, VA Birchmere(
3/25 Annapolis, MD Ram�s Head on Stage(
3/26 Foxboro, MA Showcase Live(
3/28 Philadelphia, PA World Caf� Live(
3/29 New York, NY City Winery

For more information and additional tour dates, visit www.jackingram.net.

SoundScan Lists Taylor Swift As The Top-Selling Digital Artist In History

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:10:00 +0000

SoundScan Lists Taylor Swift As The Top-Selling Digital Artist In History

January 7, 2010 - With over 24.3 million digital tracks sold to date, Taylor Swift is the top-selling digital artist in music history, according to sales figures released yesterday by Nielsen SoundScan. In addition, her FEARLESS album was 2009�s top-seller, with sales last year in excess of 3.2 million copies, and Taylor claimed both the #1 and #2 positions atop Nielsen�s BDS Top 10 Most Played Songs chart (all genres), with �You Belong With Me� and �Love Story,� respectively. She also topped the all format 2009 Top 10 Artist Airplay chart with over 1.29 million song detections, and the Top 10 Artist Internet Streams chart with more than 46 million song plays.

FEARLESS was also the top-selling album of 2008, and Taylor is the youngest solo artist ever to top the year-end sales chart. FEARLESS, now quintuple-platinum, also topped Billboard�s 2009 all-genre Top 200 Albums chart and was named Country Album of the Year by the editors of iTunes. Taylor�s self-titled debut album, released in 1996, currently holds the record for Billboard�s longest charting album this century, and she is tied with the Beatles and Mariah Carey for Billboard�s Most Top 20 Debuts.

Taylor finished 2009 not only with the best-selling album, she was named Billboard�s Artist of the Year, as well as Entertainer of the Year by the Associated Press. She topped People magazine�s Most Intriguing People of 2009 list, was named a Person Who Mattered by the editors of Time magazine, a Person of the Year by NBC, and was featured as one of Rolling Stone�s 100 People Changing America. People named her one of 2009�s 10 Best Dressed Celebrities and also one of the year�s Most Beautiful People.

Taylor started off the New Year with a big win at last night�s People�s Choice Awards in Los Angeles, taking home the all-genre Favorite Female Artist award. Earlier in the day she made a surprise appearance at CES in Las Vegas, where Sony Chairman & CEO Sir Howard Stringer introduced her as the newest Brand Ambassador for Sony Electronics.

Taylor�s next television performance will be on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, broadcast live on CBS on January 31st. Taylor is nominated for eight Grammies, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. She makes her feature film acting debut in Garry Marshall�s Valentine�s Day, set for US release on February 12th, and takes her sold-out FEARLESS tour back on the road in Australia next month. Her line of American Greetings cards will also hit stores in February.

Big Machine Records Announces Promotions, Additions

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:08:30 +0000

Big Machine Records Announces Promotions, Additions

January 5, 2010 - Big Machine Records is proud to announce the promotion of Mandy McCormack to Sr. Representative of West Coast Promotion and Marketing as well as the addition of Alex Valentine as Representative of Southwest Promotion and Marketing.

McCormack most recently served as Big Machine�s Southwest Promotion and Marketing Representative. McCormack started her career at After MidNite with Blair Garner just months after the show�s launch where she served as Talent/Music coordinator then later onto Assistant Program Director for the entire After MidNite Entertainment Country division. McCormack was then hired as Music Director at KZLA in Los Angeles before being promoted to Assistant Program Director.

�Mandy�s passion and approach to developing the Big Machine artist roster in the Southwest has already been entered into the history books,� said Jack Purcell, Big Machine�s VP of Promotion. �Utilizing her already existing relationships this move takes her back to her stomping grounds and to the front line of radio airplay�the West.�

�Ain�t gonna lie...I�m going to miss the hell out of all of my amazing friends that I get to work with everyday in the Southwest. But like Dorothy said...there�s no place like home! I am very proud and honored that Scott Borchetta and Jack Purcell want me to take over the West Coast for Big Machine,� said McCormack. � I couldn�t be more excited not only to return to Southern California but to reunite with some of my ol� radio friends � and to also work with those amazing programmers that I�ve just read about. It�s a Big 2010 Machine!�

Valentine most recently served as the Director of Promotion for Columbia Nashville after having been promoted from the Arista Nashville promotion staff in 2008. Valentine has spent 15 years in radio on programming staffs at stations including WGN, WQXA, WPST, KISF, KDGE, KKZN. He most recently programmed for CBS/ Dallas (KRBV-KJKK) until 2005.

�When talent the likes of Alex Valentine becomes available there�s only one thing to do. You hire him,� said Purcell. �The addition of Alex to our Big Machine family really rounds out our team and further compliments the attitude and approach we share with our radio partners.�

"I've been a student of the music industry my entire radio career in search of a greater understanding of how labels operate in regard to breaking new artists,� said Valentine. �After having witnessed the accomplishments of Scott, Jack and the team at Big Machine over the last three years I've been involved in the Country format, I feel strongly that this is a place I can continue to learn & grow as a label executive... and they sent me the Jack Ingram catalogue with Loveless Cafe Biscuit Mix and homemade chocolate chip cookies... Best professional decision I've made so far!"

Mandy McCormack can be reached at 615-324-7762 and at mandy.mccormack@bigmachinemail.com
Alex Valentine can be reached at 830-624-2539 and at alex.valentine@bigmachinemail.com

About Big Machine
Scott Borchetta founded independent label Big Machine Records in September 2005 and serves as its President/CEO. In its first year Big Machine scored its first #1 single (Jack Ingram�s �Wherever You Are�), placed five singles in the Country Top 30, received a nomination for Record Label of the Year, and placed all three of the label's three new artist releases in the Top 10 Most-Played New Artists of 2006 (as monitored by Mediabase and reported by USA Today and Country Aircheck).

Big Machine�s signature artist Taylor Swift (the CMA and AP�s reigning Entertainer of the Year and the American Music Awards� 2009 Artist of the Year) was the best-selling all-genre artist of 2008 and her current album, Fearless, repeated her success when it became 2009�s highest-selling album of the year across all genres. Fearless - the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and American Music Awards� 2009 Country Album of the Year - has spent more weeks at #1 atop the Billboard Top Album chart than any other album in the last 10 years with an astounding 11 weeks at #1. Taylor re-wrote the record books when her worldwide smash single "Love Story" became the first ever Country crossover single to hit #1 on the Billboard and USA Today Top 40 airplay charts. Her follow-up single, �You Belong With Me,� repeated the same feat.

Big Machine Records, was Billboard�s #1 Top Country Album Imprint of 2009, decorating it as the highest-selling record label group on Music Row. In 2009, Big Machine partnered with Universal Republic to create Republic Nashville. The Big Machine Label Group�s current artist roster includes Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Jewel, Trisha Yearwood, Jack Ingram, Jimmy Wayne, Billboard�s �New Country Artist of 2009� Justin Moore, Steel Magnolia, The Band Perry, Fast Ryde and Sunny Sweeney.

In 4 years, Big Machine Records artists have received 6 Country Music Association Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 4 Academy of Country Music Awards, 4 CMT Music Awards, 3 Teen Choice Awards, 1 MTV Video Music Award as well as 13 GRAMMY Nominations and 5 People�s Choice Award Nominations.

Dierks Bentley Featured In Esquire Magazine�s April Music Issue

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:15:12 +0000

Dierks Bentley Featured In Esquire Magazine�s April Music Issue

Exclusive MP3 Download of Original Song �Somewhere In Mississippi� Available March 29 on Esquire.com

NASHVILLE, TN � March 18, 2010 � Country music singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley has been handpicked by leading men�s lifestyle magazine Esquire to be part of their April Music Issue, available on newsstands March 23.

In Feb., five musicians converged in Clarksdale, Miss., at the Shack-Up Inn for a two day fashion shoot with world-renowned photographer Danny Clinch. At the end of the trip, each songwriter was challenged to write, perform and record an original song that included the phrase �Somewhere in Mississippi.� Bentley�s song will be available for download on March 29 for one day only, and a full EP of all the songs will be available April 5 at esquire.com.

Until then, for a behind-the-scenes clip of the shoot and recording session, visit www.esquire.com/miss.

Bentley�s also gearing up for his roots-inspired new album UP ON THE RIDGE due this summer and a tour that will hit venues ranging from small rock clubs to major festivals across the country. For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

Luke Bryan Reportedly Had A �Wild Weekend� At Spring Break 2010

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:14:41 +0000

Luke Bryan Reportedly Had A �Wild Weekend� At Spring Break 2010

NASHVILLE, TN � March 18, 2010 � ACM Top New Solo Vocalist Luke Bryan just got back from his Spring Break 2010 tour, sponsored by Costa Del Mar Sunglasses and Miller Lite, and he reportedly lived out the words to one of his own songs - �Wild Weekend� - (one of the three self-penned songs on his second Spring Break EP �Spring Break 2�Hangover Edition.�).

The Capitol Nashville rising star rolled in to Florida for a sold out show at the Swamp in Ft.Walton Beach and the following afternoon he literally shut the local Wal-Mart down when he did an instore performance and autograph session for the spring break college crowd. After spending the afternoon mingling with the college kids on the beach, he performed for another sold out crowd of over 4,000 wild spring breakers at Spinnaker�s. Hundreds of fans had to be turned away because it was over capacity. Students were even seen hanging over hotel balconies to catch a glimpse of Bryan�s show.

Luke Bryan will be in Las Vegas in April to compete for the ACM Top New Artist at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Luke Bryan, the 2010 ACM Top New Solo Vocalist, released his sophomore album, Doin� My Thing, on Capitol Records Nashville in October 2009, debuting at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The CD includes his #1 gold single �Do I� and new smash hit �Rain Is A Good Thing.� Bryan is currently headlining his own dates as well as opening for Jason Aldean on the �Wide Open Tour� and will be a featured act on Miranda Lambert�s upcoming spring tour.

Dierks Bentley Puts Together Up On The Ridge Tour Featuring The Travelin� Mccourys And Special Guest

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:13:13 +0000

Dierks Bentley Puts Together Up On The Ridge Tour Featuring The Travelin’ Mccourys And Special Guest

Bentley To Play Marquee Bluegrass Music Festivals
Including Merlefest and Telluride

(Nashville, TN – March 15, 2010) – As a prelude to the release of his bluegrass and acoustic roots inspired new album by the same name, singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley will kick off his UP ON THE RIDGE TOUR in Portland, OR on April 21. Tickets for the run of 24 shows in 30 days go on sale this Fri., March 19. Each show will be highlighted by the scorching acoustic musicianship of Bentley’s backing band the Travelin’ McCourys and Texas based singer/songwriter Hayes Carll in the opening slot.

The UP ON THE RIDGE tour will hit venues ranging from small rock clubs to major bluegrass festivals across the country as Bentley previews new music from the upcoming album, due this summer, and reworks his biggest hits with surprising new arrangements for the run.

Much more than just a bluegrass concept album, the new disc features Bentley working with some of the finest acoustic musicians in the world, including the Del McCoury Band and Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers. The disc also features a number of vocal and instrumental contributions ranging from Alison Krauss and Miranda Lambert to Tim O’Brien and Sam Bush. Working with an award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Jon Randall Stewart and world-class recording engineer Gary Paczosa, Bentley has crafted an album with rooted familiarity as well as big surprises.

“The only way I know to explain what this new album is to all the fans is to just get out on the road and play it for them,” he adds. “I’ve been rehearsing and working on set lists already� every show is going to be different and really special. There aren’t any better acoustic musicians in the world than the Travelin’ McCourys, period. And I’ve been a big fan of Hayes for a long time. It’ll be a total blast�I’m already plotting and planning on how to fit more dates into the schedule!”

With Ron McCoury on mandolin, Rob McCoury on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle and Alan Bartram on bass, the Travelin’ McCourys are the latest incarnation of the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass -The Del McCoury Band. Known for their individual prowess on their instruments and their rapidly expanding reputation as collaborators, the Travelin’ McCourys are twenty-first century musical pilgrims and adventurers.

After a debut indie release and an acclaimed self-released sophomore album, singer/songwriter Hayes Carll found a home at Lost Highway. TROUBLE IN MIND, Carll’s Lost Highway debut released in April 2008, features a collection of songs that blend some of the finest elements of folk, country and rock with brainy, quirky lyrics. Since the release, Carll has toured almost non-stop, both with his band and solo. As a result of Carll’s patience and hard work, TROUBLE IN MIND was the #1 R&R Americana Album of 2008 and the #1 Country album at Amazon for 2008. TROUBLE IN MIND has received consistently high-praise in the press, including glorious reviews on three different NPR programs. Fans can expect a new album later this year.

UP ON THE RIDGE Tour Dates:

4/21 | Portland, OR | Wonder Ballroom
4/22 | Boulder, CO | Boulder Theater
4/23 | Colorado Springs, CO | | Arnold Hall Ballroom
4/24 | Austin, TX | The Parish
4/28 | Athens, GA | 40 Watt Club
4/29 | Greenville, SC | Blind Horse Saloon
4/30 | Wilkesboro, NC | Merlefest
5/2 | Knoxville, TN | Bijou Theatre
5/3 | Charlottesville, VA | Jefferson Theatre
5/4 | Athens, OH | Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Mem Auditorium
5/5 | New York, NY | Highline Ballroom
5/6 | Foxborough, MA | Showcase Live!
5/7 | Portsmouth, NH | The Music Hall
5/8 | South Burlington, VT | Higher Ground Ballroom
5/9 | Northampton, MA | | Calvin Theatre & Performing Arts Center
5/11 | Portland, ME | Port City Music Hall
5/12 | Philadelphia, PA | Theatre of the Living Arts
5/13 | Pittsburgh, PA | Mr. Smalls Theatre
5/17 | State College, PA | State Theatre
5/18 | Richmond, VA | The National
5/19 | Baltimore, MD | Rams Head Live
5/20 | Washington, DC | | 6th & I Historic Synagogue (on sale March 26)
5/21 | Charlotte, NC | Coyote Joe’s
5/22 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium (on sale April 2)

Visit www.dierks.com for pre-sale info and for more on the upcoming album.

LUKE BRYAN�S GROUNDBREAKING ACM CAMPAIGN �I�M VOTING FOR LUKE BRYAN (DON�T VOTE FOR LUKE BRYAN)� SPR

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:10:08 +0000

LUKE BRYAN�S GROUNDBREAKING ACM CAMPAIGN �I�M VOTING FOR LUKE BRYAN (DON�T VOTE FOR LUKE BRYAN)� SPR

Nashville, TN (March 9, 2010) - Luke Bryan rounded up some of his celebrity friends to put a unique twist on his ACM campaign for �Top New Solo Vocalist.� Bryan has done a fun spoof on the "Don't Vote" video used during the 2008 presidential campaign with twenty-three of his closest artist friends, comedians, and professional sports buddies. The video, already considered a viral success with over 20,000 views, has created quite a buzz since being posted last Wednesday on Bryan�s official YouTube page.

In addition to YouTube the video has been picked up by numerous media sites including AOL�s The Boot, Yahoo!, TV Guide and Country Weekly.com. Country radio station�s across the country are chatting the video up on air to listeners as well as posting it to their own station websites for listeners to watch.

The video is not only being viewed by Bryan�s core country music fans but he�s also getting support from people who have no idea who he is, like user mileyhannah930 who posted, "I don't even know who Luke Bryan is but the video was hilariously awesome so he�s got my vote."

To see the video for yourself or to help spread the word about Luke click here

Below is a full list of all the celebs that came out to support Luke in his �Don�t Vote� video:

Phillip Sweet (Little Big Town)

Kimberly Schlapman (Little Big Town)

Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum)

Hillary Scott (Lady Antebellum)

Dave Haywood (Lady Antebellum)

Dierks Bentley

Jason Aldean

Haylie Duff

Blake Shelton

Little Jimmy Dickens

Emily West

Kenny Rogers

Jennette McCurdy

Jeff Dunham (w/ Walter)

Too Slim (Riders In The Sky)

Ranger Doug (Riders In The Sky)

Mel Tillis

Jon Lajoie

Chipper Jones

Tony LaRussa

Mark McGwire

Adam Wainwright

Dierks Bentley Preps Up On The Ridge Showcasing Passion For The Bluegrass And Roots Music That Fuele

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:09:25 +0000

Dierks Bentley Preps Up On The Ridge Showcasing Passion For The Bluegrass And Roots Music That Fuele

Country Star Shows The Depth of His Artistry

With World Class Collaborators

Nashville, Tenn. � March 8, 2010 � Singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley has said many times that if he hadn�t discovered bluegrass, he�d never have become a country singer or landed a record deal. His love for country was kindled by the energy and artistry of bluegrass, and he�s never lost his passion for it. Now, seven years into one of the most distinguished and critically acclaimed country careers of modern times, Bentley has plunged deeply into acoustic roots music. The results of that creative journey will come out this summer as the very special new album Up On The Ridge.

Much more than just a bluegrass concept album with guests, Up On The Ridge features Bentley working with some of the finest acoustic musicians in the world, including long-time collaborators the Del McCoury Band and a magical new musical partnership with Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers. The disc also features a number of vocal and instrumental contributions ranging from Alison Krauss and Miranda Lambert to Tim O�Brien and Sam Bush, among many others.

�This album won�t come as a surprise to my hard core fans,� says Bentley. �They've asked me: �when are you going to make a bluegrass record?� And I was just waiting for the right time.� So with a grueling tour behind him, Bentley felt liberated to pursue the project. And for his career home, Capitol Nashville, Up On The Ridge represents a rare and exciting opportunity to capture an artist working entirely from the heart.

�I didn�t want this to be �Dierks Bentley and friends� or a �Dierks does bluegrass� kind of album. I wanted each song to have something special about it, and in the end I think each song really does have its own thing going on.�

Those songs came from Bentley�s proven pen, as well as some unexpected sources, such as Bob Dylan. Working with an award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Jon Randall Stewart and world-class recording engineer Gary Paczosa, Bentley has crafted an album with rooted familiarity as well as big surprises. �It�s my version of bluegrass music,� he says. �It�s not just banjos cranked up to eleven. It throws out a big net.�

In the 1950s and 60s, bluegrass and country music overlapped, living side by side on the radio and in record bins. Even though that�s rarely the case today, Bentley sees no reason why he shouldn�t be able to pursue all the styles that influenced who he is as an American musician. He is clearly destined for a long career, and Up On The Ridge is likely to be regarded as one of its highlights.

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC� AWARDS

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:08:50 +0000

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC� AWARDS

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE

45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC� AWARDS

COUNTRY MUSIC�S PARTY OF THE YEAR�

* * * *

FANS WILL VOTE AGAIN FOR ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR;

TOP NEW ARTIST CATEGORY FAN VOTED FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

TELECAST TO AIR LIVE FROM MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

SUNDAY, APRIL 18th AT 8:00 PM LIVE ET/ DELAYED PT ON CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Lady Antebellum leads with 7 nominations;

Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood each receive 6 nominations;

Taylor Swift receives 5 nominations;

Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley each receive 4 nominations;

Zac Brown Band receives 4 nominations, with Zac Brown receiving 2 additional nods

NEW YORK, NY (March 2, 2010) � Nominations were announced today for the 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded event produced for television by dick clark productions broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Country super stars Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton read the nominations live this morning during CBS� The Early Show broadcast from New York City. As previously announced, Reba McEntire will return for an unprecedented 12th time to host this year�s show.

For the third year, fans will select the winner of the Academy�s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year and for the second year, the three newcomer categories for the annual Academy of Country Music Awards �Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Group and Top New Vocal Duo � will also be opened up to fan voting. The winner in each Top New category will then move on to compete for Top New Artist which is also a fan voted category. Online voting for all fan voted categories will be available at www.voteACM.com. The winners of Entertainer of the Year and Top New Artist will be announced live during the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

This morning Lady Antebellum led with seven nominations, including Album of the Year for Lady Antebellum and Top Vocal Group. In addition, Lady Antebellum was nominated for Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year for �Need You Now.� They were also nominated as a producer for Single Record of the Year and as a composer for Song of the Year.

Miranda Lambert is nominated for six awards, including Album of the Year for Revolution and Top Female Vocalist. Lambert won the 2007 Album of the Year for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. She is nominated for Single Record of the Year and as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for �White Liar,� which is also nominated for Video of the Year.

Carrie Underwood is nominated for six awards, including Entertainer of Year. Underwood is the reigning Entertainer of the Year, and, if she wins that category again, she will be the first female in Academy

history to capture two Entertainer of the Year trophies. Underwood is also nominated as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for �Cowboy Casanova,� as well as Vocal Event of the Year for �I Told You So� with Randy Travis. In addition, Underwood is nominated for Top Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for Play On. If she wins Top Female Vocalist, it will be the fourth consecutive year she has won the category. Underwood also won the 2006 Album of the Year for Some Hearts.

Taylor Swift is nominated for five awards, including her first nod for Entertainer of the Year. If Swift wins Entertainer of the Year, she will be the eighth female in Academy history to win in this category. Swift is nominated as an artist and composer for Song of the Year for �You Belong With Me,� for which she is also nominated for Video of the Year and she also received a nomination for Top Female Vocalist.

Kenny Chesney is nominated for four awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. If he wins Entertainer of the Year, it will be his fifth win in the category. He is currently one of only 3 acts in Academy history to achieve four wins for Entertainer of the Year. He is also nominated as an artist and producer for Vocal Event of the Year for �I�m Alive� with multi-platinum recording artist Dave Matthews.

Brad Paisley is nominated for four awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. Paisley is the reigning Top Male Vocalist, and, if Paisley wins the category, it will be his fourth consecutive Top Male Vocalist title. Paisley is also nominated for Album of the Year for American Saturday Night and for Video of the Year for �Welcome to the Future.� Paisley won the 2005 Album of the Year for Time Well Wasted.

Zac Brown Band is nominated for four awards including Entertainer of the Year, their first nomination in the category. If Zac Brown Band wins Entertainer of the Year they will be the third vocal group in Academy history ever to win the award. Zac Brown Band is also nominated for Album of the Year for The Foundation, Single Record of the Year for �Toes,� and Top Vocal Group. They are the reigning Top New Vocal Group.

Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band also received two additional individual nominations as the producer for both Album of the Year for The Foundation and Single Record of the Year for �Toes.�

Also, in its ninth year, the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award will be given to Montgomery Gentry for their ongoing community service and charitable giving of their time and talent. The award recognizes country music artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need.

Members of the Academy of Country Music select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, and select the final top eight nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category (up from the previously selected five) and the top three nominees in newcomer categories, Top Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Group and Top New Vocal Duo (different from last year�s categories of Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group). Presenters and performers who will appear at the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Following is the list of final nominees. Winners in each of the following categories, except where noted, will be presented with an ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD during the live television broadcast:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

CAPITOL NASHVILLE SIGNS SINGER/SONGWRITER WALKER HAYES

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:07:43 +0000

CAPITOL NASHVILLE SIGNS SINGER/SONGWRITER WALKER HAYES

Nashville, TN (February 11, 2010) � Capitol Records Nashville signs singer/songwriter Walker Hayes to its roster. The Alabama native is already hard at work writing and recording his debut album for the label. Look for his debut single to hit radio this spring.

CMT Onecountry Supports First Lady Michelle Obama�s�Let�s Move Health And Wellness Initiative

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:07:12 +0000

CMT Onecountry Supports First Lady Michelle Obama�s�Let�s Move Health And Wellness Initiative

DariusRucker Serves As CMT Spokesperson for theInitiative

NASHVILLE�February 9, 2010�CMT ONECOUNTRYis providing media support for FirstLady Michelle Obama�s just announcedLet�s Movecampaign toencourage communities, families and kids to lead healthier, moreactive lives.CMT hasenlisted the support of Darius Rucker for targeted public serviceannouncements to encourage the CMT audience to get active, eathealthy and learn moreabout the campaign atwww.letsmove.gov.

In addition to Rucker�s involvement, CMT ONE COUNTRY�scommitment toLet�sMovewill continue throughout 2010 by highlighting the work ofnon-profit partner, Feeding America, in particular their work toprovide nutritious meals via the BackPack Program and Kids CafeProgram.Additionally,the initiative will receive on-air support from CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWNand CMT INSIDER.

�CMT ONE COUNTRY is pleased to join forces with FirstLady Michelle Obama to encourage our viewers and their families toget active,�said Lucia Folk, director of public affairs, CMT.�CMT ONE COUNTRY�s goal isto motivate our viewers to better themselves and their communitiesthrough making a difference. We believe starts at home with thehealth and well-being of your family.�

�I have three children, so fitness and health areserious concerns in our household.I�ve been blessed to have awonderful wife that starts my family�s healthy lifestyle initiativeat home, but there are so many children out there without thatguidance and encouragement," said Rucker.�By making this acommunity effort, we can extend that knowledge beyond just thehousehold and make an active lifestyle a way oflife.�

Let�sMoveiscomprehensive, collaborative, and community-oriented and willinclude strategies to address the various factors that lead tochildhood obesity.Itwill foster collaboration among the leaders in government, medicineand science, business, education, athletics, community organizationsand more.And it willtake into account how life is really lived in communities across thecountry�encouraging, supporting and pursuing solutions that aretailored to children and families facing a wide range of challengesand life circumstances.

DariusRucker first came to prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriterfor the pop group Hootie&The Blowfish, whose 1994 debut,Cracked Rear View, soldmore than 16 million copies to become one of the best-selling albumsin history. In early 2007, Rucker signed with Capitol RecordsNashville and has since been embraced by the country music communitywith his chart-topping 2008 debut,Learn To Live�an albumthat has produced three consecutive No. 1 singles and current Top 5single,�History In The Making.�Rucker's transition has been highlypraised, withThe New YorkTimesproclaiming he has "one of the year's most vibrantcountry albums." Rucker�s success in the country music format wasrecently recognized at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he receivedthe Top New Artist title.Although he was awarded new artist, Rucker�s philanthropicefforts began over a decade ago and have included CharlestonChildren�s Hospital, St. Jude, City ofHope,PattisonAcademy, Musicians On Call,The Special Olympics, Victory Junction Camp, and CMT OneCountry.For moreinformation, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.

CMTONE COUNTRY, CMT's pro-social initiative, was launched in the fallof 2005 to promote civic participation and inspire CMT viewers totake action and bring about important change in their communities.CMT ONE COUNTRY partners include Feeding America (formerlyAmerica�s SecondHarvest), Boys&Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity,Hands On Network and the USO (United Service Organizations), andChildren�s Miracle Network. Led by Advisory Board members PresidentJimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and General Colin Powell, whose combinedservice toAmericais legendary,CMTONECOUNTRY.com aims to offer tools to help anyone start making adifference immediately. For more information visitCMTONECOUNTRY.com.

Lady Antebellum Dominates Billboard�s Top 200 For A Second Week

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:06:47 +0000

Lady Antebellum Dominates Billboard�s Top 200 For A Second Week

Lady A Schedules TODAY Performance for March 3rd

Nashville, TN - Feb. 10, 2010 � GRAMMY Award winning country music group Lady Antebellum�s sophomore album NEED YOU NOW earned the No. one spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart today for a second consecutive week with an impressive two weeks� sales total of over 689,000 albums.

Lady A is the first country group to hold a multi-week No. one since the Dixie Chicks in 2006. The trio joins an elite group of only six all-genre artists who have held on to the top spot for multiple weeks in the past 12 months that includes Jay-Z, Susan Boyle and Eminem.

Fans can catch Lady A perform multiple songs on their recently rescheduled TODAY (NBC) visit on Tues., March 3. For more information, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

EMILY WEST�S �BLUE SKY� DEBUTS ON COUNTRY RADIO

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:06:17 +0000

EMILY WEST�S �BLUE SKY� DEBUTS ON COUNTRY RADIO

Nashville, TN � Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Emily West has released �Blue Sky� to country radio this week. The song, which features Keith Urban, is the first single from West�s upcoming self-titled debut album. A passionate singer with a rich and distinctive voice, West is also a songwriter who co-wrote the heartbreaking �Blue Sky� with Gary Burr after her parents dissolved their marriage of 32 years.

�That time period was devastating and so difficult to go through but I needed to let go and just write my pain out on paper,� shares West. �I�m happy to have experienced the healing process of creating such a personal piece of art and only hope it touches someone else�s life.�

West sent �Blue Sky� to label-mate Keith Urban who after listening to the track agreed to sing and play guitar on the song. Urban explains, �Emily West is an original. She had this song she wanted me to hear and it was �Blue Sky�. I just loved it.�

West is featured in an article about misunderstood song lyrics in the March issue of People Country which is on newsstands now. She can also be seen in the GAC special �Introducing Emily West,� which takes the audience on a journey from her eight year old talent competitions at the Holiday Inn to her debut on the Grand Ole Opry and everything in between. This intimate look into the life of Emily West is filled with family home movies, an inside look at the ups and downs of the music business and an interview with Keith Urban.

For more information on Emily West check out http://www.emilywestmusic.com/.

Luke Bryan Premieres �Rain Is A Good Thing� Video Exclusively On iTunes February 9

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:05:06 +0000

Luke Bryan Premieres �Rain Is A Good Thing� Video Exclusively On iTunes February 9

Nashville, TN (February 8, 2010) � Capitol Records Nashville recording artist and ACM �Top New Vocal Soloist� nominee Luke Bryan will premiere his new video �Rain Is A Good Thing� on iTunes beginning February 9. The video, directed by award-winning director Shaun Silva, was shot back in October at Bryan�s inaugural Farm Tour show and includes over 3,500 of his rain-soaked fans who stuck out the mud and wet weather to see Bryan�s high-energy live show.

�Rain Is A Good Thing,� the followup to his recent #1 song �Do I,� off his sophomore album Doin� My Thing, is at #35 on the Billboard and #37 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts after only five weeks making it Bryan�s fastest rising single to date.

Bryan is currently out on the road opening for Jason Aldean�s record-setting sold out "Wide Open Arena Tour." His second album, Doin� My Thing, for Capitol Records Nashville landed at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and #6 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 album chart selling over 57,000 albums in its first week of release, more than doubling the first week sales of his debut album I�ll Stay Me in 2007.

For more information on Luke Bryan check out www.lukebryan.com

LADY ANTEBELLUM DOMINATES SALES CHARTS DEBUTING AT NO. ONE ON THE BILLBOARD TOP 200 WITH OVER 480,000

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:04:37 +0000

LADY ANTEBELLUM DOMINATES SALES CHARTS DEBUTING AT NO. ONE ON THE BILLBOARD TOP 200 WITH OVER 480,000
LADY A TAKES HOME GRAMMY FOR �BEST COUNTRY PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS�

Nashville, TN - Feb. 3, 2010 � The Country Music Association�s 2009 �Vocal Group Of The Year� Lady Antebellum�s sophomore album NEED YOU NOW scored the No. one position on the Billboard Top 200 chart today with sales soaring over 480,000 units.

�We are absolutely stunned�the love and support we were feeling last week from the fans and everyone around us was so incredible,� said Lady A�s Dave Haywood. �These songs are about our lives�they�re really personal�and to be getting such awesome feedback from everyone who bought the record is so validating. THANK YOU, Lady A fans�see you on the road soon!�

Reviews of NEED YOU NOW are pouring in with Billboard already proclaiming it will be a �genre staple this year.�

�Charles Kelley's whiskey-rough and Hillary Scott's honey-sweet voices mix like a drink that goes down warm and smooth�In a town where song is king, records don�t often sound this good.�
USA TODAY

�Its impressively well-considered second album reveals a connection to the craftsmanship and flair for sordid detail that's served country artists since the heyday of George and Tammy and Dolly and Porter�Lady A delivers an emotional punch.� Los Angeles Times

�Lady Antebellum's second album, �Need You Now,� achieves what a follow-up to a million-selling debut should. It accentuates what distinguishes the trio's talent-rich harmonies, grown-up melodies and a special group dynamic-by sounding more mature and more aware of what makes them special." Associated Press

�Charles Kelley's and Hillary Scott's voices intertwine with a piercing white-soul lilt that feels uniquely theirs.� Entertainment Weekly

More good news came at Sunday�s GRAMMY awards ceremony as the critically acclaimed trio took home the trophy for �Best Country Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocals" for their No. one hit �I Run To You.� Additionally, following their performance of the title track and No. one smash �Need You Now,� the song shot straight to the top of the all-genre iTunes digital single chart.

�We were so focused on making that GRAMMY performance the best it could possibly be,� remarked Hillary Scott. �We put all of our emotions into it, and really just went for it. We�ll never forget what an amazing week we had!�

LUKE BRYAN CELEBRATES FIRST GOLD DIGITAL SINGLE

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:03:54 +0000

LUKE BRYAN CELEBRATES FIRST GOLD DIGITAL SINGLE

Nashville, TN (January 21, 2010) � Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Luke Bryan has another �first� to celebrate this week with the RIAA certifying his single �Do I� GOLD, signifying sales of more than 500,000 digital singles . This comes on the heels of �Do I� clinching the #1 spot on the country radio chart. On Monday, January 25, the Georgia native will release the follow-up single �Rain Is A Good Thing� to radio listeners.

Bryan hits the road this Saturday in Macon, GA opening for the much anticipated Jason Aldean "Wide Open Arena Tour." His second album, Doin� My Thing, for Capitol Records Nashville landed at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and #6 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 album chart selling over 57,000 albums in its first week of release, more than doubling the first week sales of his debut album I�ll Stay Me in 2007.

Keith Urban Debuts Fourth Music Video From Grammy Nominated CD Defying Gravity

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:02:53 +0000

Keith Urban Debuts Fourth Music Video From Grammy Nominated CD Defying Gravity

Four-time Grammy nominee Keith Urban debuts his newest video this week, for his latest single ��Til Summer Comes Around,� the fourth from his Grammy nominated Album of the Year Defying Gravity. The video is available at www.keithurban.net, CMT.com and on iTunes. It can also be seen on CMT.com and on CMT/GAC. It was directed by Noble Jones and was shot over two days last month in Los Angeles. The majority of filming took place in and around the picturesque Santa Monica Piers, before fans, curious onlookers and a throng of paparazzi.

The song, co-written by Urban and Monty Powell, already stands at #14 in just nine weeks on the chart.

Urban said of the song, �I had this idea about a theme park. For me,

there�s something fascinating and deeply sad about theme parks in the wintertime when they�re shut down. I loved that metaphor. So I said to Monty that I wanted to write about a guy who meets a girl at a theme park. They have this brief fling and she says she�ll be back, so every year he�s still there waiting. �Longing� is such a powerful feeling, and if you�re going to write about love, that�s a powerful way to get at it.�

Next stop for Urban, the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, where he�s nominated for Best Country Album (Defying Gravity), Best Male Country Vocal Performance (�Sweet Thing�), Best Country Collaboration with Brad Paisley for �Start A Band,� and Best Long Form Music Video for �Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing,� from 2008�s �Love, Pain and The Whole Crazy Thing World Tour.�

Early this month Urban won Favorite (All Genre) Male Artist from the People�s Choice Awards and in December he was handed his first American Music, for Favorite Male Country Artist.

For more official Keith Urban news and information go to www.keithurban.net

LADY ANTEBELLUM SHARES MORE DETAILS ON SOPHOMORE ALBUM "NEED YOU NOW" IN ANTICIPATION OF ITS JAN. 26

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:01:50 +0000

LADY ANTEBELLUM SHARES MORE DETAILS ON SOPHOMORE ALBUM "NEED YOU NOW" IN ANTICIPATION OF ITS JAN. 26

Nashville, TN � Jan. 5, 2010 � GRAMMY nominated country group Lady Antebellum is unveiling new details today about their white hot sophomore album NEED YOU NOW, in stores Jan. 26, 2010.

The critically acclaimed trio, comprised of singer/songwriters Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, co-write eight of the disc�s 11 tracks together and with some of Music Row�s most awarded songwriters. Veteran Paul Worley returns as producer, and Lady A makes their first outing as co-producers on the second album.

�We touch on a lot of really personal things in these songs,� says Kelley. �There�s a lot of emotion�there�s love, heartache, nostalgia, vulnerability, happiness and hopefulness. We hope that fans will get to know us even better when they listen to it.�

NEED YOU NOW Track Listing:

1. NEED YOU NOW
2. OUR KIND OF LOVE
3. AMERICAN HONEY
4. HELLO WORLD
5. PERFECT DAY
6. LOVE THIS PAIN
7. WHEN YOU GOT A GOOD THING
8. STARS TONIGHT
9. IF I KNEW THEN
10. SOMETHING 'BOUT A WOMAN
11. READY TO LOVE AGAIN

Lady Antebellum recently celebrated the longest chart-topper of 2009 with the lead and title track �Need You Now,� which spent five consecutive weeks at No. one and was also certified PLATINUM just before the holidays.

LUKE BRYAN CELEBRATES FIRST #1 WITH �DO I�

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:00:52 +0000

LUKE BRYAN CELEBRATES FIRST #1 WITH �DO I�

Bryan�s �DOIN� MY THING� Headlining Tour Wraps Up In His Home State of Georgia

Nashville (December 14, 2009) � Capitol Nashville recording artist Luke Bryan has a lot to celebrate this holiday season. The first single, �Do I,� off his new album Doin� My Thing, has landed at #1 on the 12/14/09 Country Aircheck/MediaBase chart, the first of his career. The video spent an amazing 7 consecutive weeks at #1 on the GAC Top 20 countdown.

The song, co-written by Bryan and Lady Antebellum�s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, garnered 37.2 million audience for the singles chart of 12/7/09. That is the fifth largest weekly audience of any single on the BDS/Billboard chart this year.

Earlier this month, Bryan wrapped his first hugely successful Miller Lite sponsored headlining tour, �Doin� My Thing Tour,� in his home state of Georgia. During the tour he performed a special show for his hometown of Leesburg, Georgia as well as kicking off his inaugural Farm Tour show in Statesboro, Georgia � over 8,000 fans attended both. These shows are specially created concerts put together as a way to give back to a charity or organization in local farming communities. These special one-off shows will continue throughout Bryan�s career with additional dates already planned for 2010 and will be announced in 2010.

Bryan released his second album, Doin� My Thing, for Capitol Records Nashville landing at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and #6 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 album chart selling over 57,000 albums in its first week of release, more than doubling the first week sales of his debut album I�ll Stay Me in 2007. Bryan�s first single off the new album, his co-written song �Do I,� is the highest charting single of his career.

In January Bryan will hit the road again performing his own headline dates as well as guesting on Jason Aldean�s Wide Open Tour.

Jake Owen Is Ready to Hit the Airwaves with �Tell Me�

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:43:50 +0000

Jake Owen Is Ready to Hit the Airwaves with �Tell Me�

New Single from Owen�s Easy Does It Collection Is at Radio Now

March 16, 2010 - Nashville, TN � RCA Nashville hitmaker Jake Owen thunders into country radio this week with his new single, �Tell Me,� one of the most distinctive tracks from his Easy Does It collection and the one he playfully calls his �Bonanza song.�

Written by Owen, Don Poythress, and album producer Jimmy Ritchey, �Tell Me� is one of eight tracks that Jake co-wrote for Easy Does It, and it�s one of his favorites.

Lyrically, it�s about wishing he�d been warned about the hurt of a good love gone wrong, but sonically, he says, �The intro to it really sets the mood. There�s got to be a feel for me. I have to feel something when I listen to a song, and �Tell Me� is a lot like that. It�s got this dark, mysterious kind of sound to it. It starts out with kind of the John Wayne riding in on the open range, then you�ve got like the Bonanza thing in there.�

�Jake Owen kicks off his sophomore effort in rakish lonely-rambler style with the dark, driving �Tell Me,�� was Entertainment Weekly�s description of the album-opener and new single, which follows the #2 smash, �Don�t Think I Can�t Love You� and Owen�s recent Top 10, �Eight Second Ride,� as the third single from Easy Does It.

Be watching for Jake on the road all spring and summer, with upcoming dates in Hampton, VA (3/21), Sioux City, IA (3/25), Lincoln, NE (3/26), and St. Charles, MO (3/27). For a complete list of upcoming concerts and more, visit Jake online at www.jakeowen.net or www.myspace.com/jakeowen.

Since releasing his debut album, Startin� with Me, in 2006, RCA Nashville recording artist Jake Owen has celebrated five consecutive Top 15 singles. Owen has appeared on such national programs as ABC�s Good Morning America and the primetime CMA Music Festival: Country�s Night to Rock, and has toured non-stop with the biggest names in country music. Jake has received nominations for Country Music Association Awards, a GRAMMY Award, and was named Top New Male Vocalist at the Academy of Country Music Awards in April of last year. His sophomore album, Easy Does It, released on February 24, 2009.

Kenny Chesney Gets Back to the Music: 3-D Film Finalized, Returns to the Studio with New Songs

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:43:22 +0000

Kenny Chesney Gets Back to the Music: 3-D Film Finalized, Returns to the Studio with New Songs

Kenny Chesney Gets Back To The Music
After Finalizing 3-D Movie Edit, He Returns to the Recording Studio
Current Single, �Ain�t Back Yet� and Many Other Favorites Are Available on His Greatest Hits II Out Now!

March 12, 2010 - Nashville: Though his �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D� has provided the high-intensity performer with a unique perspective on what he does when he hits those stadium sized stages every summer and the opportunity to learn about film and sound editing, the songwriter from East Tennessee returned to his first love this week to resume work on his next studio album. Working with long time co-producer Buddy Cannon, Chesney assembled many of the musicians who've helped define his sometimes tropical, sometimes pensive, always rocking kind of country.

�It felt so good to be back in the studio,� admits the man who's won the CMA's prestigious Album of the Year for his quadruple platinum When The Sun Goes Down. �I mean, being in the studio is always such an awesome experience� because I came to town to write songs and maybe get to sing'em. But when you're in the studio and you're bringing them to life, creating the way they're going to be heard, that's just such a creative time - and I am blessed to work some of the very best musicians in not just Nashville, but honestly the world.�

With his current single �Aint' Back Yet,� the end theme for his 3-D movie - which opens nationally for a limited time release on April 21 - already in the Top 10 three weeks after being shipped, it's obvious radio is ready for new music from the 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year. With some songs being held over from sessions last year and a full line-up of songs from Paul Overstreet, Casey Beathard, Matraca Berg, Guy Clark and Neil Thrasher, the three days in the studio were music to more than Chesney's ears.

�There are so many great songs out there, it's hard to decide what you want to do� cause you know you're leaving some amazing stuff on the table,� explains the man who's sold over a million tickets each of the past 8 summers, including NFL stadiums in Boston, Detroit, Seattle, Philadelphia, DC and Tampa.

�The biggest challenge is trying to decide which songs take you new places without losing sight of where you've been, to find those moments that say something about who you are - and how your fans are living life. I'm lucky, because not only do I write all the time, but people pitch me songs all the time, too. I get the best of all worlds, and I'm spoiled in the music that I get to hear.�

Though no firm release date has been set, look for Chesney's next album to hit stores this fall. In the meantime, fans can pick up Greatest Hits II, which now includes the ESPN College Football anthem �This Is Our Moment� and the current Top 10 single �Ain't Back Yet.�

�The thing about my schedule,� Chesney says. �It's meant it's been a while since the fans had new music they can put their hands on. This was the best way to get them something fresh while taking our time and enjoying making this record. If they like it half as much as we have so far, I know this next record is something they're gonna really love.�

Danny Gokey Makes Chart History with Debut Album!

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:42:52 +0000

Danny Gokey Makes Chart History with Debut Album!

Danny Gokey Achieves Best First-Week Album Sales by a Debut Country Male in 18 Years!
My Best Days Makes History with Highest First-Week Digital Sales by a Debut Country Act
Gokey Returns to the Grand Ole Opry This Weekend

Nashville, TN � 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey powers his way into the chart record books this week, as his March 2 debut album, My Best Days, brought out the fans, with first-week sales of more than 65,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The accomplishment nets Gokey the best opening-week sales by a debut country male since 1992.

The soaring success of My Best Days includes a sizzling digital album tally in excess of 19,000 downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan, earning Danny a #1 berth in chart history with the best first-week digital album sales ever recorded by a debut country act.

The album�s total sales also earn My Best Days this week�s highest chart entry by a debut artist, landing at #3 on Billboard�s Top Country Albums chart and #4 on the all-genre Billboard 200.

After crossing the country with an event-packed release week filled with in-store appearances, concerts, radio visits, and television � including a Thursday return to American Idol to sing his hit, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me� � Gokey will be in Nashville this weekend for a March 13 performance on the Grand Ole Opry. Gokey made his Opry debut earlier this year and will play both Opry shows this Saturday, in addition to meeting fans at a CD signing from 5:30 PM � 6:30 PM at The Opry Shop.

About Danny Gokey: Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans nationwide as a finalist on Season Eight of American Idol, and on March 2, the Milwaukee native and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist released his debut album, My Best Days. Danny credits his late wife, Sophia, with the inspiration to pursue his musical dreams on Idol, and he continues to honor her with the charitable work of the Sophia�s Heart Foundation, founded in her memory. For more information on all things Danny, visit him online at www.dannygokey.com.

Alan Jackson Fans Can Countdown to the Release of "Freight Train" on the iTunes Store Starting Today

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:42:30 +0000

Alan Jackson Fans Can Countdown to the Release of "Freight Train" on the iTunes Store Starting Today

Free 60-Second Preview Available on Billboard.com
Three-Week, Three-Song Rollout for Jackson�s March 30 Album Release

March 9, 2010 - Nashville, TN � Superstar Alan Jackson�s 18th album, Freight Train, releases on March 30, and a new track from the album will be available for purchase exclusively on the iTunes Store every week for three weeks heading into the album release. Each song will also be available as a free 60-second preview on Billboard.com.

The exclusive iTunes Countdown pre-release tracks begin today with �Hard Hat and a Hammer,� and each will count toward the purchase of the full album through iTunes� Complete My Album feature. The subsequent tracks include �Every Now and Then� (available March 16) and �Where I Belong� (available March 23).

For each new track every week, fans will be able to visit Billboard.com for a 48-hour exclusive preview of the song immediately prior to its Tuesday release on iTunes, with each posting remaining on Billboard.com for a week from its debut.

�It�s Just That Way,� the first hit single from Freight Train, is currently available as a digital single through the iTunes Store and will also count towards the purchase of Freight Train via the Complete My Album feature.

Alan Jackson is one of the most successful and respected songwriter/performers in music. His career has spanned 20 years, netted 50 million album sales and met with consistent critical acclaim. Jackson�s most recent collection, Good Time, became the fourth album of his career to debut simultaneously at #1 on Billboard�s Top Country Albums and all-genre Billboard 200 sales charts and netted three #1 hits.

Carrie Underwood's Highly-Anticipated "Play On Tour" Kicks Off This Thursday

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:42:00 +0000

Carrie Underwood's Highly-Anticipated "Play On Tour" Kicks Off This Thursday

Nashville � March 9, 2010 � One of country music�s most anticipated tours of 2010, the Carrie Underwood �Play On Tour,� will kick off this Thursday, March 11 in Reading, PA at the Sovereign Center, with special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia. The �Play On Tour,� hydrated by vitaminwater� and sponsored by PEDIGREE� Brand, is currently slated to run through June 20 in Saskatoon, SK at the Credit Union Centre.

Tour Director, Raj Kapoor has put together one of the year's biggest country music tours by bringing in top name collaborators including Michael Jackson's "This Is It" Production Designer, Michael Cotten, and Emmy Award Winning Costume Designer, Soyon An. The �Play On Tour� will bring to life Underwood�s hits with new and personal expressions of the songs. The tour also plans to bring Underwood closer to her fans with an unexpected surprise, guaranteeing that even the audience at the back of the house will sometimes have a front row seat at the concert. World-class production and one-of-a-kind special effects make sure that Underwood's �Play On Tour� will be a night her fans soon won't forget.

Underwood�s previous tour, 2008�s highly successful �Carnival Ride Tour,� wrapped after 137 shows with over 1.2 million fans in attendance.

Underwood is a six-time 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) nominee and the reigning 2009 ACM Entertainer of the Year. She is also a five-time Grammy Award winner, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and a three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner. Underwood has amassed more than 11 million in U.S. album sales since her debut CD in 2005, more than any other American Idol winner. Along the way, she has consistently broken new ground and became the first country artist in history to achieve eleven consecutive #1 singles.

Craig Morgan is new on the charts with his latest single, �This Ain�t Nothin�,� from his BNA Records album, That�s Why, which also features his recent hits, �Bonfire� and �Love Remembers.� In 2008, Morgan received one of country music�s highest honors � he was inducted into the membership of the Grand Ole Opry. Morgan has made more than 150 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and plays over 200 sold-out concerts a year. He spent ten years on active duty in the U.S. Army before launching his music career, and makes a point to perform as often as possible at U.S. military installations both in the U.S. and abroad.

Sons of Sylvia are currently finishing up their debut album release on 19 Recordings/Interscope Records due this spring. Ashley, Austin, and Adam Clark (formerly known as The Clark Brothers who won FOX�s Next Great American Band) are longtime friends of Underwood, and the band is currently featured on her new album in a powerful collaboration called �What Can I Say.�

Please go to www.carrieunderwood.fm for up to date tour information.

Brad Paisley Closes Out AMERICAN SATURDAY NIGHT TOUR - Heads to HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO March 11

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:41:39 +0000

Brad Paisley Closes Out AMERICAN SATURDAY NIGHT TOUR - Heads to HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO March 11

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 8, 2010) This past weekend Brad Paisley closed out his highly successful American Saturday Night Tour with sold-out shows in Greenville, SC, Knoxville, TN and Charleston, SC. Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore were his special guests for the final leg of the tour and helped Paisley close out each show by joining him on the encore finale, �Alcohol.�

Saturday night at the North Charleston Coliseum Brad took a hard fall onstage at the end of �Alcohol� but he jumped back up, thanked the audience and told them good-bye. Once he left the stage he was transported to the local hospital via ambulance and after undergoing tests it was determined he was just badly bruised. He is very sore today but continues to give updates on Twitter.com/paisleyofficial.

Paisley will be playing the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this Thursday (March 11) evening. He currently has the honor of holding the attendance record (73,003) of any country music artist in the 78 year history of the Rodeo.

Jerrod Niemann�s �Lover, Lover� Rocks the Radio as Country�s Hottest New Single

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:41:17 +0000

Jerrod Niemann�s �Lover, Lover� Rocks the Radio as Country�s Hottest New Single

Single from Upcoming Album Available Digitally March 9
Hear It Now at www.jerrodniemannofficial.com

March 4, 2010 - Nashville, TN � Hot new recording artist Jerrod Niemann is feeling the love at country radio as his Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville single, �Lover, Lover,� leads the pack as the most-added new song hitting country radio playlists this week. Already a noted songwriter best known for co-writing Garth Brooks� �Good Ride Cowboy,� it�s Niemann�s vocal talent that takes center stage here as the Kansas native tackles all nine parts on a great song he�s loved for years.

Niemann recalls �Lover, Lover� from when it charted in 1993 for group Sonia Dada, and he says, �Just from the first moment I heard it, it always made me feel good. I found myself singing it over the years, and I loved how it was so acoustic driven and also relied a lot on harmonies.� When it came time to start work on his album, Jerrod knew he had to include �Lover, Lover.� He smiles, �Although the subject matter is about a guy leaving a girl, it still feels good. So I guess if you�re going to be sad, you might as well be tapping your foot while you�re crying.�

Country radio listeners aren�t the only ones falling under the song�s catchy spell, with Music Row�s Robert K. Oermann cheering �Lover, Lover� as �a groove-soaked hand clapper with a rumbling undertow and some super stacked chorus harmonies. Pretty dang catchy and irresistible.�

Jerrod�s album is slated to arrive later this year, but fans won�t have to wait long for �Lover, Lover,� with the release of the digital single this Tuesday, March 9.

In addition to listening for �Lover, Lover� on the radio, fans have the chance to check it out online, along with a sampling of other tracks and more at www.jerrodniemannofficial.com.

Amid a busy radio tour, Niemann has also been playing selected dates with longtime friend and songwriting buddy Jamey Johnson, including upcoming shows March 19 in Asheville, NC, and March 20 in Knoxville, TN.

Josh Thompson�s Album "Way Out Here" Debuts in the Top 10 on the Country Album Sales Chart

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:40:49 +0000

Josh Thompson�s Album "Way Out Here" Debuts in the Top 10 on the Country Album Sales Chart

Way Out Here is the Highest Debut From A New Country Act This Year
Second Single and Title Track, �Way Out Here,� Hits Country Radio Next Week

March 3, 2010 - Nashville, TN � Columbia Nashville newcomer Josh Thompson burst onto the country album sales chart this week, as his debut album Way Out Here earns first-week sales in excess of 15,000 units, the # 9 spot on Billboard�s Top Country Albums chart, and #28 on the Top 200 chart. Way Out Here is the highest debut from a new country act this year, and the highest debut from a new solo male since Justin Moore in August 2009.

Josh Thompson�s second single and the album�s title track, �Way Out Here,� will follow-up the Top 20 hit �Beer On The Table.� The title refers to a backwoods, simpler way of life, where people refuse handouts and homes are �protected by the good Lord and a gun.� Of the album's 10 tracks produced by Michael Knox (Jason Aldean), Josh wrote or co-wrote each of them, collaborating with some of Nashville's A-list writers including Rhett Akins, David Lee Murphy, George Ducas, Casey Beathard and Dallas Davidson. �Way Out Here� will be available to country radio next week, officially impacting on March 29.

Josh's debut album has drawn praise from countless critics including NPR Fresh Air�s Ken Tucker who lauds, �Way Out Here is impressive not just for the confidence of Thompson's delivery, but also for its consistency� he comes on like an old pro at making country-music albums. That is, he makes them the way they used to, when albums arrived on vinyl, five songs to a side.� Way Out Here has impressed other media outlets including People Magazine, Country Weekly, AOL�s The Boot, CMT.com and Roughstock.com who touts the album as �is one of the most impressive country debuts in recent history."

In addition to listening for the new single, Josh Thompson fans can catch any of his shows on the Jagermeister Country Tour which runs through March. Fans can also look forward to seeing him on the road this summer as he joins Brad Paisley�s H20 2010 World Tour starting in May.

For more information, be sure to check out www.joshthompsonofficial.com

Kenny Chesney+Steve Miller Rock The Ryman, Then Take Tootsies To Tomorrow

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:40:16 +0000

Kenny Chesney+Steve Miller Rock The Ryman, Then Take Tootsies To Tomorrow

Kenny Chesney & Steve Miller Rock Tootsies into Tomorrow
Celebrate CMT �Crossroads� Taping By Sneaking Across the Ally
Greatest Hits CD out Now

03.03.10 - Nashville: After treating a standing room only crowd at the Ryman Auditorium to almost two hours of music, Kenny Chesney and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller decided to celebrate their �Crossroads� taping by doing an impromptu jam at historic Music City night spot Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. A few moments to collect their breath after leaving the stage, the pair of music men walked down the ally between the Ryman and the storied bar, snuck in the back door and made their way to the front stage and straight into Miller's classic �Fly Like An Eagle.�

�If you're at the Ryman� and you want to do it the way the old Opry stars did, everybody knows it was out the back door of the Ryman, cross the ally and sneak in the back door of Tootsies. Kristofferson drank there, and Willie, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline. If I was gonna show my friend what this experience was all about - especially after a night as great as our 'Crossroads' taping had been� then we had to do Tootsies!�

And boy, did they. Taking the stage at a little bit before 11, the pair played until sometime the next morning on the tiny stage in the front window. Beyond Miller classics like �Take The Money & Run,� �Abracadabra,� �The Joker� and �Rock'n Me,� the pair indulged in an improv freestyle blues that leaned into the �Red House� chord progressions, a romping take on Hank Williams Sr's �Mind Your Own Business,� Chesney's �Livin' In Fast Forward� and Stevie Ray Vaughan's �Love Struck Baby.�

�The thing about Steve Miller is he's a music guy, not a genre guy. He loves everything and sees the sweet spot on Hank Sr. as easy as he does Jimmy Reed� and that's what makes being onstage with him so much fun - and what makes his songs hit people in so many places at one time. And you know it's funny, because those songs are such a part of who we are, when I looked out at the crowd - at the Ryman or at Tootsies - you could tell that everyone listening was suddenly 17 years old again and right in that moment of being young, being free and being so alive and in love with music.

�But what's funny, for me, is as much as I have a time and place for every one of those songs� and those are powerful memories, just look at 'I Go Back,' after tonight, those songs for me are going to be standing onstage with one of my idols, getting to live one of those crazy dreams you have when you're a kid. Those impossible dreams are every bit as much a part of the music as anything�.�

Though no air date has been set, look for �Crossroads� to debut on CMT: Country Music Television in July. As the 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year completes editing on �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D� and gears up for his return to the Houston Rodeo Thursday, March 4, rhere's plenty of music to come. Beyond his 4 Academy of Country Music nominations - Entertainer, Top Make and Vocal Event for �I'm Alive� with Dave Matthews - Chesney's �Aint Back Yet� hits the Top 10 the week of its official release and appears to be ready to spend a long time at #1.

Kenny Picks Up 3 ACM Nods, On Verge of CMT "Crossroads" w Steve Miller

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:39:34 +0000

Kenny Picks Up 3 ACM Nods, On Verge of CMT "Crossroads" w Steve Miller

Kenny Chesney Scores Three --
4-Consecutive ACM Entertainer of the Year Repeats Entertainer, Male Vocalist
& Picks Up A Vocal Event w Dave Matthews for �I'm Alive�
Greatest Hits II Available Now

03.02.2010 - Nashville: He was up late jamming with good friend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller gearing up for CMT's �Crossroads� taping tonight at the Ryman Auditorium. He was so lost in the moment, Kenny Chesney completely forgot the Academy of Country Music nominations were being announced. But that didn't stop the California-based organization from recognizing the only performer who's sold over a million tickets each of the past eight years with another Entertainer of the Year nod as well as a Top Male Vocalist and Vocal Event for �I'm Alive,� his duet with Dave Matthews. That song, his current �Ain�t Back Yet,� and many other favorites are available on his Greatest Hits II out now!

�You know, you're so busy making the music, you don't always remember to check in with the business behind the music,� explains the man who's spent the last three months immersed in editing �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D,� which opens across the country April 21. �But don't think it means any less� or I'm any less thrilled to hear my name called. I got into this to move people, to connect - and I'm very grateful for all the opportunities the music and the fans have given me. When you put all those things together - and your peers recognize that work and that passion - well, that's a big part of why these awards and these nominations matter.�

Moving from a heart-to-heart talk with Miller for �Crossroads� to a full camera rehearsal at the Ryman, Chesney got to share the moment with the man whose �Rockin' Me� provided the second verse to �I Go Back,� one of Chesney's definite hits from the multi-platinum When The Sun Goes Down. Though no major tour is on the books for 2010, Chesney is slated to play the Houston Rodeo this Thursday, March 4, and finish the multi-dimensional sound mix for �Summer in 3-D.�

�To sit around and talk with someone like Steve Miller about life, music, the career, the dream, that makes for a pretty amazing day,� says the man who started out a songwriter from Luttrell, TN. �He's seen so much, made music that's a part of who I was growing up� and his perspective on all of it, the importance of these things really struck me. It makes it even sweeter in a way, because this is someone who truly understands what goes into things like this�

�And it reminds me, too, that music isn't about labels, if you're making it about the right things. This is Dave Matthews first ACM nomination� and he is an artist from a whole other world musically, who's my friend and someone who shares the truth of what 'I'm Alive' is saying with me� and we didn't worry about anything else but that, and here we are! To me, this is the lesson of all of it.�

As �Aint Back Yet,� the end theme recorded for �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D,� scorching the charts - it is #15 bullet this week - Chesney's music is rocking as hard as the movie that captures 5 stadium shows on last year's precedent-setting Corona Extra Sun City Carnival Tour. Though no word is official, Chesney will no doubt be on hand in Las Vegas April 18 when the annual Academy of Country Music Awards show is broadcast live in CBS.

Danny Gokey's "My Best Days" Album Releases Tuesday as He Returns to "American Idol" on March 4

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:38:25 +0000

Danny Gokey's "My Best Days" Album Releases Tuesday as He Returns to "American Idol" on March 4

Cross-Country Release-Week Schedule Includes Idol Performance of Single, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me�

February 25, 2010 - Nashville, TN � Millions of viewers got to know Danny Gokey as a finalist on Season Eight of American Idol, and next week, he�ll not only celebrate the March 2 release of his debut album, My Best Days, but also a return to the Idol stage on March 4 for a performance of his feel-good single, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me.�

Currently, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me� is climbing the country airplay Top 40, and fans anxious to hear more of Danny�s new music have an exclusive chance to preview his album online now on the Rhapsody player at CMT.com.

Gokey�s American Idol performance is one part of a cross-country album release week filled with media and personal appearances beginning Monday in Washington, D.C., and rolling through Atlanta, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis, before visiting Danny�s Milwaukee hometown on Saturday.

Fans can keep up with Danny�s appearance schedule online at dannygokey.com, where they can also pre-order My Best Days. The exclusive pre-order will include the CD, an instant download of �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,� and an autographed CD booklet (while supplies last).

Catch Danny�s American Idol guest performance on the live results show Thursday, March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

About Danny Gokey: Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans nationwide as a finalist on Season Eight of American Idol, and the Milwaukee native and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist is now poised to release his debut album, My Best Days. Danny credits his late wife, Sophia, with the inspiration to pursue his musical dreams on Idol, and he continues to honor her with the charitable work of the Sophia�s Heart Foundation, founded in her memory. For more information and all things Danny, visit him online at dannygokey.com.

Brooks & Dunn and Friends - Final Date on The Last Rodeo Tour to Play Nashville as a Benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame� and Museum

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:37:53 +0000

Brooks & Dunn and Friends - Final Date on The Last Rodeo Tour to Play Nashville as a Benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame� and Museum

August 10 Nashville Performance Wraps the Duo�s Final Tour Together
Venues Announced for Most Shows, on Sale March 6

February 25, 2010 - Nashville, TN � Superstar duo Brooks & Dunn made a special appearance today during the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville to announce that the final show on their upcoming concert trek, The Last Rodeo Tour, will be Brooks & Dunn and Friends, a benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame� and Museum. Set to take place at Nashville�s Bridgestone Arena on August 10, with special guests to be announced, the show will mark the concert culmination of the duo�s groundbreaking 20-year career.

In sharing the news, Brooks & Dunn offered this statement: �For several years, we have tossed around ideas for the best way to make a contribution to the Museum. We have a tremendous appreciation for the road that was traveled by the great stars that came before us. Their long nights in station wagons with instruments strapped on the roofs built an industry that allowed us to cruise around in big tour buses. Our last show together will certainly be a historic point in our lives and careers, and we feel it�s only right that the proceeds from this concert go to a place where all history in our business is so reverently preserved.�

�The enormity of this gesture, including the endorsement it implies and the example it sets, is something the Museum�s board and staff will contemplate with gratitude for a very long time,� said Museum Director Kyle Young. �We are grateful to Kix and Ronnie for supporting our educational mission and for putting the Museum on the radar screen of their nation of fans. The only word for them is magnificent!�

The Nashville show will join the majority of The Last Rodeo Tour dates going on sale March 6. A complete list of dates and markets appears below. Visit www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com for tickets. Fans can watch the duo�s website at www.brooks-dunn.com for all the latest tour information.

Ticket price for the Nashville show will be $25 (plus convenience fee). The show will be produced by Brian O�Connell on behalf of Live Nation.

Alternating selected dates on The Last Rodeo Tour will be Jason Aldean (on most shows through June13), with Gary Allan on board for the remaining dates. Tyler Dickerson will be opening throughout the tour. Guests for the Nashville show will be announced at a later date.

The tour follows last year�s release of Brooks & Dunn�s career-spanning double-disc collection, #1s � and then some, which features 30 favorites in all, including an amazing 23 #1 hits.

(dates below on sale March 6, except as noted )

March 20* -- Houston, TX -- Houston Rodeo
April 23 -- Sacramento, CA -- SleepTrain Amphitheatre
April 24 -- Mountain View, CA -- Shoreline Amphitheatre
April 25* -- Indio, CA -- Empire Polo Grounds
April 30 -- Spokane, WA -- Spokane Arena
May 1** -- Tacoma, WA -- TacomaDome
May 2*** -- Vancouver, BC -- General Motors Place
May 4*** -- Calgary, AB -- Pengrowth Saddledome
May 5*** -- Edmonton, AB -- Rexall Place
May 6*** -- Saskatoon, SK -- Credit Union Centre
May 14 -- St Paul, MN -- Xcel Energy Center
May 15** -- Bloomington, IL -- US Cellular Center
May 16 -- Columbus, OH -- Schottenstein Center
May 21 -- Phoenix, AZ -- Cricket Pavilion
May 22 -- Albuquerque, NM -- The Pavilion
May 27 -- Wichita, KS -- InTrust Bank Arena
May 28 -- Tulsa, OK -- BOK Center
May 29 -- Dallas, TX -- Superpages.com Center
May 30* -- Baton Rouge, LA -- Bayou Fest
June 3 -- Charleston, WV -- Charleston Civic Center
June 4 -- Charlotte, NC -- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
June 5 -- Raleigh, NC -- Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
June 11** -- Tampa, FL -- Ford Amphitheatre
June 12** -- W Palm Beach, FL -- Cruzan Amphitheatre
June 13 -- Jacksonville, FL -- Jacksonville Arena
June 17 -- Hershey, PA -- Giant Center
June 18 -- Virginia Beach, VA -- Virginia Beach Amphitheater
June 19 -- Washington, DC -- Jiffy Lube Live
June 25 -- Hartford, CT -- Comcast Theatre
June 26 -- Boston, MA -- Comcast Center
June 27 -- Bethel, NY -- Bethel Woods Pavilion
July 2* -- Dauphin, MB -- Dauphin Country Fest
July 8* -- Fort Loramie, OH -- Country Concert at Hickory Hills Lake
July 9 -- Cleveland, OH -- Blossom Music Center
July 10 -- Darien Lake, NY -- Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
July 15 -- Atlanta, GA -- Lakewood Amphitheatre
July 16 -- Indianapolis, IN -- Verizon Wireless Music Center
July 17* -- St Clairsville, OH -- Jamboree in the Hills
July 18 -- Cincinnati, OH -- Riverbend Music Center
July 23* -- Minot, ND -- North Dakota State Fair
July 24* -- Cheyenne, WY -- Cheyenne Frontier Days
July 25** -- Omaha, NE -- Qwest Center
July 29 -- Detroit, MI -- DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 30 -- Pittsburgh, PA -- First Niagara Pavilion
July 31 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Susquehanna Bank Center
August 6** -- Kansas City, MO -- Sprint Center
August 7** -- St Louis, MO -- Verizon Wireless Music Center
August 8** -- Chicago, IL -- First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
August 10 -- Nashville, TN -- Bridgestone Arena

* Shows currently on sale
** On-sale date TBA
*** On sale March 5

Brad Paisley to be First Musical Guest When Jay Leno Returns to "The Tonight Show" March 1

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:33:05 +0000

Brad Paisley to be First Musical Guest When Jay Leno Returns to "The Tonight Show" March 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 22, 2010) The guest line-up for Jay Leno�s first show back as �The Tonight Show� was just released and Brad Paisley will be the musical guest � along with Jamie Foxx and Olympic Gold medal Skier Lindsey Vonn.

�The Tonight Show� airs weeknights at 11:35pm ET on NBC.

Brad Paisley's AMERICAN SATURDAY NIGHT TOUR Completes Weekend Run of Four Sold-Out Shows - Including Staples Center, LA

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:32:36 +0000

Brad Paisley's AMERICAN SATURDAY NIGHT TOUR Completes Weekend Run of Four Sold-Out Shows - Including Staples Center, LA

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 22, 2010) Brad Paisley�s American Saturday Night Tour whipped around the west coast this past weekend with four sold-out shows in Fresno, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Reno.

The Staples Center in Los Angeles was sold-out with over 13,000 fans and was the place to be and be seen as apparent with the celebrities in attendance which included William Shatner, The Jonas Brothers, Patrick Warburton, Mary O�Donnell, Zach Quinto, Sheryl Crow, Danny McBride, REO Speedwagon, among others.

The American Saturday Night Tour will take a break this week and then concludes next weekend, March 4 - 6 in Greenville, SC, Knoxville, TN and Charleston, SC. Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore are special guests on the tour.

ALAN JACKSON'S �IT'S JUST THAT WAY� VIDEO DEBUTS MONDAY

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:32:03 +0000

ALAN JACKSON'S �IT'S JUST THAT WAY� VIDEO DEBUTS MONDAY

DAUGHTER MATTIE CREATED THE TREATMENT FOR THE FIRST SINGLE FROM FREIGHT TRAIN

19 FEBRUARY 2010 - �It�s Just That Way,� the first video from Alan Jackson�s March 30 album, FREIGHT TRAIN, will be airing as of Monday, February 22, on both CMT and GAC. The video was filmed at an antebellum farmhouse in Spring Hill, TN, and at various locations in Tampa, FL, and was directed by the award-winning Roman White. The charming and whimsical story depicted in the video was written by Jackson�s oldest daughter, Mattie. �We looked at a lot of treatments, but hers was the best,� says Jackson. �I was so proud when everyone picked it.�

�It�s Just That Way� was written by Keith Stegall, Vicky McGehee, and Kylie Sackley, but, says Jackson, �It�s such a beautiful melody, I wish I�d written it myself.�

Mattie Jackson is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She makes her debut as a journalist in the June issue of Paula Deen Cooking. �The video depicts a backwards reality, with metaphors of nature�s undeniable realities,� she wrote in her treatment. �And illustrates a love that is as pure and dependable as the sun rising in the sky.�

Mattie might as well have been talking about the 30-year marriage of her parents, and apparently her father feels the same way about �It�s Just That Way.� �It reminds me of Denise, and how we have been together forever. Sometimes we just look back and think of where we started and how it all happened, and it�s just like it was supposed to be,� he said.

Superstar Alan Jackson�s 18th album, FREIGHT TRAIN, was produced by longtime collaborator Keith Stegall and features 12 songs, 8 of which were written by Jackson. In a moving tribute to the legendary Vern Gosdin, who passed away last year and for whom Jackson has long expressed admiration, Jackson enlisted Lee Ann Womack to record �Till the End,� Gosdin�s 1977 classic duet with Janie Fricke.

BNA RECORDS ARTIST CHRIS JANSON GEARS UP FOR GOOD CAR-MA

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:31:35 +0000

BNA RECORDS ARTIST CHRIS JANSON GEARS UP FOR GOOD CAR-MA

02.19.10 - NASHVILLE, TN � BNA Records new artist Chris Janson is well suited for life on the road as a musician and artist. After all, when he moved to Nashville after high school, he lived in his car for three nights until he got a gig at Tootsie�s where he played every night for a year! But the adventures of being a road warrior always present new obstacles.

On the way to Knoxville on day one of his radio promo tour, the fuel pump in Janson�s truck busted. Luckily, his BNA radio rep was following in his car and after getting a wreck service to take care of the truck, Janson was back on his way to Knoxville.

While in Florida earlier this week, Janson left his jacket in his unlocked vehicle for a minute as he stopped to get a bite to eat. When he returned, his jacket was gone. Janson said, �I�m the guy who�ll give somebody the shirt or jacket off my back but I can�t because somebody stole it,� he laughed. Temperatures in Florida have been well below average all week!

Jacket-less Janson returns to Music City this weekend in preparation for Country Radio Seminar, which is in Nashville next week. He has a show in Nashville next Tuesday night at the Rutledge and a standing gig at Puckett�s in Leipers Fork, TN the first Saturday of every month.

Listen for Chris Janson�s BNA Records debut single to be released to radio next month.

# # #

For more information on Chris Janson visit: http://www.myspace.com/chrisjanson

Online Event, Video Debut, and More Help Fuel Excitement for Danny Gokey's "My Best Days"

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:31:04 +0000

Online Event, Video Debut, and More Help Fuel Excitement for Danny Gokey's "My Best Days"

More than 15,000 Fans Log on to See Dallas Radio Performance;
Music Video Debuts at #3 on GAC�s Fan-Voted Top 20 Country Countdown

February 15, 2010 - Nashville, TN � As 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey heads toward the March 2 release of his debut album, My Best Days, the fan excitement over Danny and his music continues to be high. In its first chart week, Danny�s music video for his single, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,� made an impressive debut on GAC�s weekly fan-voted Top 20 Country Countdown, earning a #3 chart berth in the episode that premiered Friday night.

The video captures all the upbeat musical energy of the single, which Music Row declared as �catchy as all get out,� while the new issue of Billboard cheers �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me� as �so far the feel-good country song of 2010, with its soaring melody, singalong chorus and positive message.�

Danny brought that feel-good vibe to Dallas radio�s KSCS last week, where a morning on-air visit with the station�s Dorsey Gang preceded his performance for a group of lucky winners at the station. More than 15,000 fans logged on to KSCS.com to watch Danny�s performance in what the station billed as their first official live streamed concert.

Fans can keep up with Danny�s appearance schedule online at dannygokey.com, where they can also pre-order My Best Days. The exclusive pre-order will include the CD, an instant download of �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,� and an autographed CD booklet (while supplies last).

About Danny Gokey: Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans nationwide as a finalist on Season Eight of American Idol, and the Milwaukee native and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist is now poised to release his debut album, My Best Days. Danny credits his late wife, Sophia, with the inspiration to pursue his musical dreams on Idol, and he continues to honor her with the charitable work of the Sophia�s Heart Foundation, founded in her memory. For more information and all things Danny, visit him online at dannygokey.com.

Brad Paisley�s �American Saturday Night� Becomes a Presidents Day Chart-Topper

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:30:28 +0000

Brad Paisley�s �American Saturday Night� Becomes a Presidents Day Chart-Topper

Paisley 16th #1 Single Becomes His 12th in a Row,
Including Three from His American Saturday Night Album

February 15, 2010 - Nashville, TN � Superstar Brad Paisley celebrates Presidents Day in style today as his all-American smash, �American Saturday Night,� marches into the #1 spot on the Mediabase country airplay chart, becoming his 12th consecutive #1 single and the 16th of his career.

Paisley�s dozen in a row � based on country airplay as charted by BDS or Mediabase � vaults him further into the record books, second only to country legend Sonny James as the solo country artist with the most consecutive #1 singles in country chart history.

�American Saturday Night� follows �Welcome to the Future� and �Then� as the third chart-topping single from Paisley�s widely acclaimed American Saturday Night album, which ranked as TIME magazine�s 2009 #1 album of the year in any genre of music.

Paisley is currently on the road with his American Saturday Night Tour and will be performing on ABC�s Jimmy Kimmel Live! this Wednesday, February 17. This week, the tour continues with a stop in Fresno, CA, on Thursday, followed by the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 19, Las Vegas on the 20th, and Reno on Sunday. For complete tour dates and much more, visit Brad online at www.bradpaisley.com.

KELLIE PICKLER TO APPEAR ON ELLEN DEGENERES MARDI GRAS SPECIAL NEXT WEEK

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:27:01 +0000

KELLIE PICKLER TO APPEAR ON ELLEN DEGENERES MARDI GRAS SPECIAL NEXT WEEK

February 12, 2010 - Country starlet Kellie Pickler will be spending Fat Tuesday with one of her favorite people, Ellen DeGeneres, during Ellen�s upcoming Mardi Gras special episode next week. Ellen, who�s hometown is New Orleans, will chat with Kellie about her current single, �Didn�t You Know How Much I Loved You,� her recent USO tour, and her current album Kellie Pickler. The episode will air Tuesday, February 16th.

Kellie�s current hit single, �Didn�t You Know How Much I Loved You,� continues to climb the country singles chart, following in the wake of her Top 10 single, �Best Days Of Your Life,� both from her current self-titled album.

Josh Thompson Debuts Two Brand-New Music Videos On CMT Top 20 Countdown And AOL�s The Boot

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:42:22 +0000

Josh Thompson Debuts Two Brand-New Music Videos On CMT Top 20 Countdown And AOL�s The Boot

Fans Trek Through Blizzard To See Show In NYC

February 11, 2010 - Tune in to this week's CMT Top 20 Countdown as newcomer CMT host Evan Farmer sits down to chat with Josh Thompson about his Top 20 single, �Beer On The Table,� and get details on the February 23rd release of his album, Way Out Here. Josh filmed a series of videos for various songs off of his forthcoming album, one of which, titled �Blame It On Waylon,� will be unveiled during the countdown. Airtimes are February 12th and 13th at 11AM EST and February 14th at 11:30AM EST. The brand-new video will also be available to watch anytime on cmt.com beginning February 12th.

On Tuesday February 16th, Josh will debut a second brand-new video, for the title track of his forthcoming album, �Way Out Here,� on AOL�s TheBoot.com.

Josh kicked off the Jagermeister Country Tour with Eric Church last night in New York City, after the first tour date in Baltimore was cancelled due to inclement weather. Despite a foot of snow and hazardous travel conditions, over 600 fans piled into The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza to catch Josh perform songs from his debut album Way Out Here, out February 23rd. Josh and his band are braving the cold weather and heading north in their trusty white van, �Van-A-White,� to play their next show in Albany, NY.

For 24/7 information on Josh Thompson, be sure to visit www.joshthompsonofficial.com

Miranda Lambert's Headline Tour Kicks Off March 18th!

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:41:49 +0000

Miranda Lambert's Headline Tour Kicks Off March 18th!

2010 Performances Include Lilith Fair Tour, Bonnaroo and Two Appearances on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Nashville, Tenn. (February 10, 2010) � Platinum recording artist Miranda Lambert brings her �Roadside Bars And Pink Guitars� Tour to her fans this Spring. Gearing up on March 18th in Beckley, WV, the tour will make stops in at least 22 cities and more to be announced. This is Lambert�s first official headlining tour. She will be joined by David Nail, James Otto, Randy Houser and Wade Bowen among others.

In addition to her own headlining tour, Lambert will take part in the prestigious Lilith Fair Tour and joins an A-list lineup including Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Dave Matthews Band and Norah Jones, performing at this year's Bonnaroo Music Festival in June.

"In the last 5 years, I have learned so much from all the amazing artists I�ve toured with,� said Lambert. �Now it's my turn to venture out and do more shows of my own. I�m happy that there are a lot of great new artists who are willing to come out and support my tour.�

Fans, critics and peers agree it's time for the award-winning Texas singer/songwriter to take center stage. Recent performances have garnered such praise as �one of modern country�s most formidable talents� from The Oklahoman and from the Dallas Morning News �She can command a stage as good as any of the genre big boys.�

Last week, Lambert, who's latest single "White Liar" from her album REVOLUTION recently hit #1, taped an episode of ABC�s Extreme Makeover Home Edition, which airs this spring and was a presenter at the Grammy Awards, where she was also nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her self-penned song �Dead Flowers." While in Los Angeles as part of Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night" Tour, she will tape two upcoming shows for the Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (air dates TBA.)

The three-time GRAMMY nominee received rare perfect reviews for REVOLUTION from countless publications including 4 stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an A from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from SPIN, NY Times, Washington Post and more. Many claimed REVOLUTION the �Best Album of 2009� in any genre including NPR's "All Things Considered." Amongst the many accolades, the Nashville Scene Critics Poll voted Miranda Lambert�s REVOLUTION as the year's best album and her "White Liar" as the year's best single; they also named her Female Vocalist of the Year and runner-up Artist of the Year.

ROADSIDE BARS AND PINK GUITARS CITIES INCLUDE:
Beckley, WV
Ft Worth, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Kennewick, WA
Medford, OR
Duluth, GA
Orlando, FL
Airway Heights, WA
Florence, AZ
Cincinnati, OH
Akron, OH
Kalamazoo, MI
Amarillo, TX
Belton, TX
Houston, TX
Jonesboro, AR
Bossier City, LA
Stillwater, OK
Spencer, IA
Mankato, MN
Davenport, IA
New Braunfels, TX

For more information on Lambert's upcoming events and schedule or for pre-sale ticket information visit www.mirandalambert.com

Kenny Chesney's GREATEST HITS II Gets TWO New Tracks

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:41:09 +0000

Kenny Chesney's GREATEST HITS II Gets TWO New Tracks

3-D Movie Theme �Ain't Back Yet� & ESPN's �This Is Our Moment� Added

2.10.10 - Nashville: Doing a Greatest Hits - when you've had as many chart-toppers as Kenny Chesney - is never any easy thing. But when you're as musical and creative as the full-tilt songwriter/showman from Luttrell, Tennessee slowing down the creative process long enough to catch up can be harder. So, with his well-documented love of college football yielding ESPN's college football theme �This Is Our Moment� earlier this fall and the high-impact stadium concert experience �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D� screaming out for a song to tie the 5-stadium, 6 night and a whole lotta, in-between footage together yielding the driving �Ain't Back Yet,� Chesney needed a way to get the music into his fans hands.

Always one to color outside the lines, the man who played to over a million fans for the 8th consecutive summer, decided that given the immediacy of this music, it made more sense to do the unusual - and put the two songs on his currently available Greatest Hits II. Working with the team at his label to find a creative way to make this happen, the result offers a few options to get one's hands on �Ain't Back Yet� and �This Is Our Moment.�

�Those two songs are so much a moment,� says the man who played the New Orleans' Saints Super Bowl Victory Bash in Miami Sunday night. �You want them when the moment is still fresh� and I won't have a record out til next fall. So with all the options that are available in today's world, I kinda felt like there has to be a way to get this music to people, to be creative with it. I went back to my record company and asked them to help me figure this out.�

Available digitally on March 2, the songs are also being stripped onto physical copies of Greatest Hits II and should be in the marketplace around the same date. As with anything that is outside the mold, which is much of the way Chesney dreams, details are being sorted out as they go. But for the man who grew up on the songs of Tom Petty, Van Halen, Jackson Browne and Alabama, the most exciting part of this is the ability to accelerate the process.

�It's the possibilities that have always thrilled me,� Chesney says. �Not what's been done, but what could be� It's what made me leave Luttrell all those years ago� say 'Why not stadiums�' and then last summer, 'Why not 3-D?' If you keep asking and dreaming, you can do amazing things. And, you know, that's what these two songs are about, too: the work, the will, the desire - and what's possible.�

�Ain't Back Yet� isn't going for adds until early March, but it's already country's radio's most downloaded song. The theme from �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D� captures the drive it takes to get to being one of the guy who's sold over a million tickets each of the past 8 summers.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD�S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED �PLAY ON TOUR� ADDS MORE SHOWS

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:40:42 +0000

CARRIE UNDERWOOD�S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED �PLAY ON TOUR� ADDS MORE SHOWS

Nashville � February 9, 2010 � One of country music�s most anticipated tours of 2010, the Carrie Underwood �Play On Tour,� has just announced the addition of more shows this summer due to popular demand. The �Play On Tour,� hydrated by vitaminwater�, will kick off March 11 in Reading, PA at the Sovereign Center, with special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia, and is now currently slated to run through June 20 in Saskatoon, SK at the Credit Union Centre.

Underwood�s previous tour, 2008�s highly successful �Carnival Ride Tour,� wrapped after 137 shows with over 1.2 million fans in attendance.

Underwood is a five-time Grammy Award winner, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the 2009 Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, and three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner. Carrie Underwood has amassed more than 11 million in U.S. album sales since her debut CD in 2005, more than any other American Idol winner. Along the way, she has consistently broken new ground and became the first country artist in history to achieve eleven consecutive #1 singles.

Craig Morgan is new on the charts with his latest single, �This Ain�t Nothin�,� from his BNA Records album, That�s Why, which also features his recent hits, �Bonfire� and �Love Remembers.� In 2008, Morgan received one of country music�s highest honors � he was inducted into the membership of the Grand Ole Opry. Morgan has made more than 150 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and plays over 200 sold-out concerts a year. He spent ten years on active duty in the U.S. Army before launching his music career, and makes a point to perform as often as possible at U.S. military installations both in the U.S. and abroad.

Sons of Sylvia are currently finishing up their debut album release on 19 Recordings/Interscope Records due out in 2010. Ashley, Austin, and Adam Clark (formerly known as The Clark Brothers who won FOX�s Next Great American Band) are longtime friends of Underwood, and the band is currently featured on her new album in a powerful collaboration called �What Can I Say.�

A full tour itinerary is listed below including the newly added June dates. Please go to www.carrieunderwood.fm for up to date tour information.

Date -- City -- Venue

March 11 -- Reading, PA -- Sovereign Center
March 12 -- Albany, NY -- Times Union Center
March 13 -- Providence, RI -- Dunkin Donuts Center
March 15 -- Portland, ME -- Cumberland County Civic Center
March 16 -- Bridgeport, CT -- Arena at HarborYard
March 19 -- Atlantic City, NJ -- Boardwalk Hall
March 20 -- Mashantucket, CT -- MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods
March 21 -- Worcester, MA -- DCU Center
March 23 -- Hamilton, Ontario -- Copps Coliseum
March 24 -- Kanata, Ontario -- Scotiabank Place
March 26 -- Trenton, NJ -- Sun National Bank Center
March 27 -- Amherst, MA -- Mullins Center
March 29 -- Wilkes Barre, PA -- Wachovia Arena
March 31 -- Rochester, NY -- BlueCross Arena
April 1 -- Pittsburgh, PA -- Petersen Civic Center
April 3 -- Pikeville, KY -- Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
April 6 -- Columbus, OH -- Schottenstein Center
April 7 -- Peoria, IL -- Peoria Civic Center
April 9 -- Indianapolis, IN -- Conseco Fieldhouse
April 10 -- Rockford, IL -- Rockford MetroCentre
April 12 -- Ft Wayne, IN -- Allen County War Memorial
April 13 -- Saginaw, MI -- Dow Events Center
April 14 -- Lansing, MI -- Breslin Student Events Center
April 23 -- Grand Rapids, MI -- Van Andel Arena
April 24 -- Toledo, OH -- Lucas County Arena
April 25 -- Cincinnati, OH -- US Bank Arena
April 27 -- Richmond, VA -- Richmond Coliseum
April 28 -- Charleston, WV -- Charleston Civic Center
April 30 -- Fayetteville, NC -- Crown Coliseum
May 1 -- Columbia, SC -- Colonial Life Arena
May 2 -- Augusta, GA -- James Brown Arena
May 4 -- Tallahassee, FL -- Tallahassee County Civic Center
May 5 -- Pensacola, FL -- Pensacola Civic Center
May 7 -- New Orleans, LA -- Lakefront Arena
May 8 -- Lafayette, LA -- Cajundome
May 10 -- Beaumont, TX -- Ford Park Events Center
May 12 -- Austin, TX -- Frank Erwin Center
May 13 -- Corpus Christi, TX -- American Bank Center
May 15 -- Tucson, AZ -- Tucson Arena
May 18 -- Fresno, CA -- SaveMart Center
May 20 -- Sacramento, CA -- ARCO Arena
May 21 -- Reno, NV -- Reno Events Center
May 22 -- Las Vegas, NV -- Orleans Arena
May 29 -- Everett, WA -- Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center
May 30 -- Spokane, WA -- Spokane Arena

****New Dates:

June 1 -- Nampa, ID -- The Idaho Center
June 3 -- Broomfield, CO -- Odeum Colorado
June 4 -- Colorado Springs, CO -- Colorado Springs World Arena
June 12 -- Birmingham, AL -- BJCC Arena
June 13 -- Lexington, KY -- Rupp Arena
June 15 -- Springfield, MO -- JOH Arena
June 17 -- Fargo, ND -- Fargodome
June 18 -- Winnipeg, MB -- MTS Centre
June 20 -- Saskatoon, SK -- Credit Union Centre

Sesame Street Creates "Carrie Underworm" Character For Carrie

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:40:18 +0000

Sesame Street Creates "Carrie Underworm" Character For Carrie

Nashville- (Feb 8, 2010) � Five-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood will appear on America�s longest running children�s television show, Sesame Street, as a specially created character known as �Carrie Underworm.� Underwood recorded the song, �The Worm Anthem,� specifically for the show.

The episode in which �Carrie Underworm� performs is currently slated to air February 11, March 17, April 8, and April 26 on PBS.

To take a peek, go to: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xboh5q_carrie-underworm_shortfilms

Fans Flock to Radio Visits to Cheer Danny Gokey!

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:39:50 +0000

Fans Flock to Radio Visits to Cheer Danny Gokey!

Excitement High for March 2 Album Release, My Best Days

February 4, 2010 - Nashville, TN � 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey is winning new fans everywhere with his feel-good single, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,� and both new fans and old friends who cheered him on Season Eight of American Idol are turning out in droves for Danny�s personal appearances.

Currently amid a busy radio tour, the fan excitement has been riding high with a Wednesday midday event with station WIOV in Pennsylvania attracting more than 250 people. The previous evening, a show with WBEE in Rochester, NY, set a new attendance record for the station, with some fans traveling from as far away as Madison, WI.

WBEE PD Billy Kidd declared, �Danny Gokey is ALREADY a star. Listeners already know him, his story, and his amazing, upbeat attitude on life. His fans connected with him in a big way here in Rochester when close to 500 people packed a club on a cold and snowy Tuesday night.�

Fans can keep up with Danny�s schedule online at dannygokey.com, where they can also pre-order his debut album, My Best Days, set to release on March 2. The exclusive pre-order will include a copy of the CD, an instant download of �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,� and an autographed CD booklet (while supplies last).

About Danny Gokey: Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans nationwide as a finalist on Season Eight of American Idol, and the Milwaukee native and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist is now poised to release his debut album, My Best Days. Danny credits his late wife, Sophia, with the inspiration to pursue his musical dreams on Idol, and he continues to honor her with the charitable work of the Sophia�s Heart Foundation, founded in her memory. For more information and all things Danny, visit him online at dannygokey.com.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SURPRISES YOUNG FAN WITH NEWS SHE'S PERFORMING AT CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN JUNE

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:39:24 +0000

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SURPRISES YOUNG FAN WITH NEWS SHE'S PERFORMING AT CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN JUNE

February 05, 2010 - NASHVILLE - A trembling 15-year-old fan was the first to find out: Carrie Underwood will be among the stars performing at this year's CMA Music Festival Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville.

Underwood took time out of her packed Super Bowl rehearsal schedule, where she is singing the National Anthem on Sunday, to call 15-year-old Riley Ahlstrand with the news. Ahlstrand, an ardent fan of the Festival, was being interviewed by a news crew from the Nashville ABC affiliate (WKRN) when reporter Brad Schmitt's phone rang and he handed it to the wide-eyed teen.

On the line was Underwood to tell the nearly speechless girl that she would be performing at the Festival this year; and Ahlstrand heard it first.

"I always look forward to the excitement of CMA Music Festival," said Underwood after the call. "Its fans like Riley that make the week so much fun."

"This is the best thing that has ever happened, said Ahlstrand, with tears still streaming down her face. "I couldn't have dreamed anything cooler than this!"

Ahlstrand came to WKRN's attention after she sent an email to CMA: "My dream is to meet Carrie Underwood, and the CMA Music Festival is my absolute favorite thing.I want more than anything for Carrie Underwood to appear at CMA Music Festival this year. Thank you so much for everything that you do, and for putting on such a spectacular week June 10-13! This truly is the ultimate fan experience."

"CMA Music Festival is about the fans and this was a terrific way to kick off what is sure to be a star-packed roster of artists performing this year," said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. "We have a long history of surprising our fans and creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and this is only the beginning."

2010 CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13. Nashville's signature music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. This unparalleled celebration of America's music draws thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. CMA Music Festival was dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music Festivals" by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year.

Tickets are available now. Four-day ticket prices range from $110 to $185. To purchase tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com; or www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE. For information on ADA seating, please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news. MySpace users may want to visit www.MySpace.com/cmamusicfestival, while Facebook users can check out http://www.facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Fan Fair� is a registered trademark of CMA.

Kenny Gets Superbowled By ESPN: Mike & Mike Friday AM, NFL Countdown Sunday @ 1

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:38:46 +0000

Kenny Gets Superbowled By ESPN: Mike & Mike Friday AM, NFL Countdown Sunday @ 1

02.04.10 - Nashville: With two friends in the big game, Kenny Chesney will most definitely be heading to Miami for the Super Bowl. And having had a strong connection to ESPN, two of the all sports networks' biggest shows have reached to the 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4-time Country Music Entertainer of the Year to stop by and talk about the upcoming game.

Look for Chesney to be a guest on �Mike & Mike,� where he's a frequent call-in presence, on Friday morning on both ESPN-2 and ESPN Radio. Then tune into a special Super Bowl Sunday edition of �NFL Countdown� Sunday at 1 pm to see Chesney talking about the game, being drafted - and cut - as a New Orleans Saint and, no doubt, the general mayhem in Miami.

�It's not like I'm the definitive voice or anything,� Chesney says of the two stops on ESPN, �but I do think I represent the definitive football fan. Me and the guys watch these games, live and die over who's playing who all season when we're closing out the tour - and this is, obviously, the biggest game of the year� So I love that Golic and Greenberg want me on their show.

�As for 'NFL Countdown,' well, that's like doing the Grammys for football. That's about the best analysis there is� and I'm looking forward to being part of their coverage.�

Chesney got his Super Bowl pregame started early - as No Shoes Radio (www.noshoesradio.com) has been broadcasting daily since Tuesday and carried a live concert by Uncle Kracker Wednesday night - and can't wait to get down to South Florida to get into the action. With editing on his �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-d� in the final stages, he's been working double shifts trying to be able to get out of town and just have a good time.

�You'd never believe how much work goes into something like this,� he laughs. �But once you're in, you can't just stop. So as much as I wanted to be down at the pool with Uncle Kracker, I've been in an edit bay, cutting film, changing shots - cause when the wheels go up tonight for Miami, I wanna be able to just forget about everything and enjoy some football!

�I know this year's Super Bowl is gonna be a great game. I'm not gonna bet on it, but I wouldn't want to� and that's half the fun of it! So I'm gonna get up early Friday, go hang with Mike & Mike and then have so much fun I'm gonna be ready to get back to work on the film on Monday!�

With �Ain't Back Yet,� the recently recorded Chris Tompkins/Craig Wiseman theme song for the movie, hitting country radio any day now, look for the hard-charging entertainer to have a song of equal velocity on the air. As the groundhog's shadow promises 6 more weeks of winter, this'll warm up your morning commute and set the tone for an April 21 national release for the 3-D movie that captures the heart, the energy and especially the fun of last summer's Sun City Carnival NFL Stadium dates.

Carrie Underwood Lands Supporting Film Role In Soul Surfer

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:38:20 +0000

Carrie Underwood Lands Supporting Film Role In Soul Surfer

NASHVILLE- (Feb. 4, 2010) � Five-time Grammy award winner Carrie Underwood has landed a supporting role in her first studio movie Soul Surfer. The inspirational film is based on the autobiography of 19-year-old champion surfer Bethany Hamilton, who, for over six years, has defied all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age thirteen. Underwood will play Sarah Hill, a church youth leader. Filming is to take place in February.

The film also stars Academy Award winner Helen Hunt as Bethany�s mother Cheri, Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid as Bethany�s father Tom, and Young Artist Award winner AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton. The cast also includes Lorraine Nicholson (as Alana Blanchard) and Kevin Sorbo (as Holt Blanchard).

Soul Surfer is produced by Mandalay Vision/Brookwell McNamara Entertainment/Life�s A Beach Entertainment. Soul Surfer is a Sean McNamara Film production distributed by Affirm Films, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company.

#1 Video, Super Bowl Anthem, and More Add to an Incredible Week for Carrie Underwood

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:37:54 +0000

#1 Video, Super Bowl Anthem, and More Add to an Incredible Week for Carrie Underwood

Hollywood Bowl Performance set for October 2

February 3, 2010 - Nashville, TN � After winning her fifth GRAMMY Award this past weekend, superstar Carrie Underwood is headed toward another amazing weekend as she performs the national anthem for Sunday�s Super Bowl XLIV, but today she has a touchdown of her own, scoring today�s #1 video on iTunes with �Temporary Home.�

iTunes debuted the powerful video yesterday with a two-day exclusive, February 2 and 3, and �Temporary Home� will hit the broadcast airwaves when it makes its television debut February 4 in Hot Shot rotation on CMT and in Turbo rotation on GAC.

Fans can also be watching for Carrie on the cover of the March issue of Cosmopolitan, on stands early this month, with an Allure cover feature hitting stands for their April issue.

Looking ahead, Underwood will make her first appearance at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, October 2, with a concert performance that will involve the renowned Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Tickets for the performance go on sale Sunday, February 14.

Carrie Underwood�s �Temporary Home� Video Debuts Exclusively on iTunes

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:37:27 +0000

Carrie Underwood�s �Temporary Home� Video Debuts Exclusively on iTunes

Powerful Video to Premiere on Tuesday, February 2

February 2, 2010 - Nashville, TN � Superstar and five-time GRAMMY Award winner Carrie Underwood, fresh from earning her fifth GRAMMY trophy this weekend, has yet another major hit with her heartfelt new single, �Temporary Home,� and today, the powerful video for �Temporary Home� will debut on iTunes with a two-day exclusive for purchase and download, running February 2 and 3.

Fans can also be watching for the �Temporary Home� video when it makes its television debut on February 4 at both CMT and GAC.

Underwood�s videos have consistently been major fan-favorites, and Carrie�s video for �Before He Cheats� ranked as the fan-voted #1 video of the decade in a recent online poll on CMT.com.

�Temporary Home� is the second smash from Carrie�s Platinum-certified album, Play On. The album also includes her chart-topping �Cowboy Casanova,� now RIAA certified as a Platinum Digital Single, becoming Underwood�s tenth single to earn Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum certification.

Brad Paisley Sells Out Gillette Stadium In Boston In One Day

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:36:56 +0000

Brad Paisley Sells Out Gillette Stadium In Boston In One Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 1, 2010) Brad Paisley continues his hot touring streak across North America as his first stadium show sells out. This past Saturday when tickets went on sale for Paisley�s August 21 show at Boston�s Gillette Stadium, not only did it become the latest venue to sell-out, it also happens to be the biggest venue to sell-out as well, as more than 50,000 tickets were sold.

Also appearing with Paisley at Gillette Stadium for the 7th Annual New England Country Music Festival are Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Darius Rucker and new comer Easton Corbin.

Paisley�s highly successful American Saturday Night Tour was recently touted as the #2 tour in attendance of all genres in Billboard�s Hot Tour tally for 2010 so far. The tour continues this weekend in Tupelo, Mississippi, Birmingham, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi.

The Truth Is "White Liar" Becomes Miranda Lambert's 1st #1 Song

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:36:30 +0000

The Truth Is "White Liar" Becomes Miranda Lambert's 1st #1 Song

Performs The Song on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson in February

01.25.10 - NASHVILLE, TN -- Her albums all debuted at #1, have been certified Platinum and Gold, she�s won ACM Awards and been nominated for CMA and Grammys, and now, singer songwriter Miranda Lambert can add a # 1 single to her resume with �White Liar,� one of 11 songs she wrote or co-wrote on her current album, Revolution.

With songs like, �Gunpowder & Lead, �Famous In A Small Town� and �Kerosene,� Lambert�s songs have already become part of the fabric of country music. Bob Kingsley, the authoritative voice and Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Famer sums up Lambert�s talent with, �Miranda Lambert is one of the most complete artists of her generation. She has proven herself to be one of our best singers and entertainers, but it is as a songwriter that she is moving into elite territory. She is on record as being an admirer of Haggard, and there is nothing idle about the claim. Like Merle, she knows the ways of the adult human heart, and with each album she is growing in her ability to express them. With Revolution, Miranda brings the spirit of her musical idols to bear on state-of-the-art country. Both her listeners and the future of the genre are in good hands.�

Lambert shared the big news on Twitter with a photo of champagne and cigars writing, "Celebrating Number 1! First class all the way! She can continue her celebration while at the upcoming Grammy Awards where she will be presenting and is nominated for Best Female Country Performance for 'Dead Flowers.� In February, Lambert will perform �White Liar� on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

With Revolution, Lambert received rare perfect reviews from countless publications including 4 stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an �A� from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from SPIN, NY Times, Washington Post and more. Many claimed Revolution the �Best Album of the Year� in any genre. In 2008, she won the coveted ACM Album of the Year and in 2007, ACM�s Best New Female Award. She is currently touring with Brad Paisley on his �American Saturday Night� Tour.

Kenny Chesney Returns To Vegas; Hits Hard

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:36:03 +0000

Kenny Chesney Returns To Vegas; Hits Hard

Kenny Chesney Returns To The Joint
Hard Rock Las Vegas Venue Gets 4 Shows in 2010: May 14-15, July 2-3
Greatest Hits II Out Now

Nashville: When Kenny Chesney said he wasn�t staging a major tour, the 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year was clear that he intended to get out on the road and play for his fans� And true to his word, a few major outdoor festival announcements have been made. Now the high-intensity performer who is hard at work on �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D,� the concert film which captures 5 of his stadium-sized shows and arrives in theatres April 21, announces a far more intimate way to hear the songs that have become the soundtrack to summer for this century.

The shows � May 14 & 15 and July 2 & 3 � bring Chesney, the face of Corona Extra, back to the Joint at the Hard Rock Las Vegas, where he was part of the opening weekend which also included Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, and the Killers. For the man who�s used to rocking close to 60,000 people, the chance to be in a venue where the farthest seat from the stage is merely 155 feet away appeals to the man known for his unannounced Keg in the Closet tours of college and beach bars.

�Obviously we like to play,� Chesney laughs about his band. �The beauty of the Joint is that not only is it a great rock and roll room, but they�ll let us get up there and play� and play� and play. We have so much fun, because we can throw in all kinds of stuff we don�t get to play in our regular show, and the audiences are diverse enough that no matter what we throw at them, they know the songs!�

In April 2009, Chesney not only played a whole lot of his songs and covers from U2 to Steve Miller, Van Halen to Tom Petty, he also brought his very talented road crew onstage to share in the jamming during his over 3 hour set. No word on what will happen this year, but no doubt Chesney will take his 4 Joint shows well into the Keg in the Closet zone.

�That�s what�s so great about a gig where the capacity is under 4000, especially at the Joint,� Chesney enthuses. �It�s the best of both worlds: you get the energy of a club, but it�s still enough of a stage that there�s room to run around and have fun! Because when we do these smaller, less structured shows, we like to let loose without tripping over each other or getting tangled in someone�s chord.

Chesney, who was recently cited by The Los Angeles Times as the 2nd biggest artist of the decade for record sales, touring impact and hit singles, released two albums in 2009: the intimate Lucky Old Sun, which yielded the #1s �Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven� and �Down the Road,� a duet with the song�s writer Mac McAnally, and Greatest Hits II, featuring �Out Last Night� and �I�m Alive,� a duet with Dave Matthews � and is preparing to his next studio release.

Danny Gokey�s Music Video for �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me� to Premiere Tuesday on AmericanIdol.com

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:35:39 +0000

Danny Gokey�s Music Video for �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me� to Premiere Tuesday on AmericanIdol.com

January 25, 2010 - Danny Gokey�s Music Video for �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me� to Premiere Tuesday on AmericanIdol.com

48-Hour Exclusive Gives Idol Fans a First Look at Danny�s Debut Video

Nashville, TN � 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey found fame as a finalist on Season Eight of the FOX blockbuster, American Idol, and beginning tomorrow, January 26, AmericanIdol.com will offer a 48-hour exclusive premiere of Danny�s debut music video, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me.�

Capturing all the feel-good energy of the single currently at country radio, �My Best Days Are Ahead of Me� is the first track from Gokey�s Mark Bright-produced debut album, My Best Days, slated for release on March 2. Along with staying on top of all the latest news on Danny, fans can now pre-order his My Best Days album at dannygokey.com.

Kenny Chesney �Ain't Back Yet� End Theme for �Summer in 3-D�

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:35:14 +0000

Kenny Chesney �Ain't Back Yet� End Theme for �Summer in 3-D�

With a Studio Album Slated for Fall, Chesney Finds A Song for His Life
Greatest Hits II Out Now

01.21.10 - Nashville: Part of the reason for taking a year between major concert tours was so that Kenny Chesney could take his time and really enjoy the process of making his next endeavor - and part of the reason was the amount of work that he knew was going to go into the editing, mixing and support of �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D,� released nationally April 21 by Sony Picture Entertainment's The Hot Ticket division.

But the further the 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year got into the stadium-capturing movie, the more he felt like it needed a song that captured everything that went into his life leading to playing in NFL stadiums across the nation. He explains, �I wanted a piece of music that encapsulated the things in my life that brought me here� that showed the things that had brought me there.�

Chesney found such a song in �Ain't Back Yet,� a driving song about the things that push us from Craig Wiseman and Chris Tompkins, which goes to country radio on Feb 8. With the opening lines, �I heard a song 'bout a ramblin' man, bought a guitar and I started a band/ I got a gig at the local Am Vet, I was gone and I ain't back yet�,� the song celebrates fast cars, first love, chasing dreams and knowing sometimes the surface is never enough when there's something larger on the horizon.

�That song is pretty much everything about what happened to me, especially with the music,� Chesney admits. �You get so focused on what you're trying to accomplish, it takes over� and there's nothing that's going to come between you and your dream. For some people, it's sports; for me, it was the music. You know, there's a price you pay to do this, but look at what this is�

�Or as the bridge goes, 'Lookin' back at the moments, black and white/ I wouldn't change a thing that changed my life/ For the worse, for the better, man, I was gone, gone forever� The laughs, the smiles, the trails, the tears/ It's hard to hate what got me here�' Pretty much sums it up.�

Certainly the singer/songwriter from Luttrell, Tennessee is one of the hardest working men in music. In addition to last year's more introspective Lucky Old Sun - which yielded the multiple week #1s �Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven� and �Down The Road,� a duet with fellow Grammy nominee Mac McAnally - Chesney's Greatest Hits II was among 2009's best-selling releases.

A headliner for only 8 of the past 10 years, Chesney was the #2 ticket seller for the past decade - and has headlined multiple stadiums each of the past 5 summers, including Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Sam Francisco where �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D� was filmed. With �Ain't Back Yet,� Chesney's found a song that embodies everything that makes this high intensity concert boil.

SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE SIGNS NEW ARTIST JORDYN SHELLHART

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:34:40 +0000

SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE SIGNS NEW ARTIST JORDYN SHELLHART

Debut Album In A Room Now Available Exclusively At Best Buy

January 21, 2010 - Jordyn Shellhart, a 15-year old singer/songwriter from Franklin, TN has signed a record deal with Sony Music Nashville. The young artist first got her start after playing her music for songwriting heavyweights Frank Rogers and Chris Dubois. She was offered a publishing deal on the spot with Sea Gayle Music, the day after her 14th birthday.

Sony Music Nashville is distributing Jordyn�s first album, In A Room, following a series of summer performances in conjunction with Best Buy�s @15TM initiative to give voice to teens. After being introduced to Best Buy�s Musical Instrument stores, Jordyn recorded the entire album in a room at her manager's house, using only instruments and sound equipment that are available at Best Buy.

Jordyn, the straight �A� student and professional songwriter, attends Centennial High School during the day, and writes music after school. The high school sophomore is adamant about graduating before pursuing a full-fledged country music career. It is her hope to inspire and act as a role model for other teens. Jordyn has documented her recording process on her website, and let�s her fans stream her music and download free tracks. For more information, visit www.jordynshellhart.com.

THE LOST TRAILERS JOIN BIG BOI FROM OUTKAST IN HAITI RELIEF

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:34:13 +0000

THE LOST TRAILERS JOIN BIG BOI FROM OUTKAST IN HAITI RELIEF

1.20.10 - ATLANTA, GA -- On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Stokes Nielson, Drew Nielson and Manny Medina of The Lost Trailers lent their time and talent to �Atlanta Cares For Haiti,� a celebrity fundraiser hosted by Antwan �Big Boi� Patton of Outkast.

Through CARE ATLANTA, the benefit raised money for relief in Haiti. CARE�s main focus is women and children, specifically taking care of pregnant women, who have no access to medical care. In the past week, CARE has raised around one million dollars for Haiti relief. That number is including the benefit from Monday night.

The Lost Trailers guitarist and founding member Stokes Nielson said, "It's important for us to be a part of this wonderful relief effort. It was inspiring to see so many people from every walk of life come together in a spirit of giving. The Lost Trailers were thrilled to represent country music and to be involved in such a special night." Big Boi and CARE reached out to The Lost Trailers to be a part of this event.

For more information on CARE ATLANTA, the website for CARE is www.care.org.
For more information on The Lost Trailers, the website is http://www.thelosttrailers.com/

Brad Paisley To Headline Gillette Stadium-Boston, Mass - 7th Annual New England Country Music Festival - August 21

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:33:38 +0000

Brad Paisley To Headline Gillette Stadium-Boston, Mass - 7th Annual New England Country Music Festival - August 21

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 20, 2010) It was announced today that reigning ACM and CMA Male Vocalist Brad Paisley will headline the 7th Annual New England Country Music Festival at Gillette Stadium in Boston, MA on August 21. Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 30 at 10:00am at TicketMaster.com or by phone at 866-448-7849. Ticket prices are $82.50, $52.50 and $29.50. Other artists on the bill include Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans and Easton Corbin.

Country music superstar Brad Paisley is a consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer, which has earned him three GRAMMY�s, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards and 13 Country Music Association Awards and is currently nominated for 2 Grammys for 2010. Paisley has released eight critically acclaimed studio albums that have accumulated sales of over 10 million units. His most recent album, American Saturday Night, released on June 30, 2009 debuted at #1 on Billboard�s Top Country Albums sales chart. Paisley has 15 #1 singles � the last 11 consecutive � extending a streak already unmatched by any other country artist in the 19-year history of Nielsen BDS- monitored airplay. Paisley�s innovative and entertaining tours have consistently placed in the Top 5 in Pollstar for attendance. In the past 12 months Paisley has played to over 1.2 million fans in over 75 markets with an impressive 54 sell outs � so far. Paisley�s current single, �American Saturday Night,� is currently #8 on the Country Singles Charts of Billboard and MediaBase this week.

Kenny Chesney's 3-D Soundstage Experience: Awed By Fans + the Lives That Got Him There

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:04:07 +0000

Kenny Chesney's 3-D Soundstage Experience: Awed By Fans + the Lives That Got Him There

Greatest Hits II Available Now

01.19.10 - Los Angeles: He knew when he decided to start shooting in 3-D, his stadium shows were something special. Even more than the high energy, good time celebrations of life the way people really live and love it, Kenny Chesney sensed that what he was sharing with his fans� what he had built with his band, crew and management team� was more than one great big rock show.

And then he got to Sony Studios in Los Angeles to work on placing the various audio tracks in the surround sound and look at the color-adjustments for the 3-d edit, which is done on a full-sized cinema screen. That was when it, �Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D,� really hit the 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music and 4-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year.

�All of a sudden, I'm hearing the music all around me� and then when I saw the images up on that giant screen� all I could think of were all the lives that had come together to get me to that point,� the obviously moved singer/songwriter from Luttrell, TN said standing outside the soundstage. �I've been looking at this footage for months now� in both 2-D and 3-D, so I know it pretty well. But when you see it like that, especially when you see the fans' faces looking out from the screen�

�Well, you see the people singing along, reaching up, clapping along - and it just hits you: these aren't people who're here because they like the songs. They're here because they believe in what we've built, too� because they were a big part of this: telling their friends, coming back, playing me in their trucks, on the way to things that were such a part of their lives.

�To see that kind of passion� To be able to really see those faces where I can just stand there and take it all in� Now that is something I don't see very much, and I go to a lot of shows, and watch a lot of crowds, but the folks who come out for us, well, it's something I can't explain, but I can't wait for the fans to get to see themselves, to get to see what me and the guys get to see every night! It's cool��

With a national opening April 21, Chesney is under the gun to get all the editing and sweetening done in time for the prints to be manufactured. Though the process can be tedious, Chesney says that his time in California has really kicked him into overdrive.

�Anyone who knows me knows I'm not afraid of the work - and I very much care about the quality of what I do,� he explains. �Some things are harder than others� Some things take more time� But honestly, I can't think of very many things I've been as fired up about finishing and getting out to the fans. The places these cameras go, the way the songs and the people are captured� This truly is closer than you can get with a ticket, but it's also the chance to see things from a perspective that's not just mine, but where none of us could ever go��

Brad Paisley's 2.5D Video For "American Saturday Night"

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:03:36 +0000

Brad Paisley's 2.5D Video For "American Saturday Night"

Nashville, Tenn. (January 19, 2010) Brad Paisley�s video for his hit single, �American Saturday Night,� has tapped cutting edge technology to present a very unique visual for his fans.

Over 20,000 still photos were used to build the 2.5D world that includes Paisley, his band (The Drama Kings), and over 100 �extras.� Several shoots were done with a green screen and the final look is as if the whole video is a �pop-up book.� The feat was completed in just four weeks with a team of less than ten people. Branded Picture Company produced the video.

�American Saturday Night� is currently No. 8 on Billboard and MediaBase country singles charts. �American Saturday Night� is airing on CMT and GAC and you can also view on bradpaisley.com.

JOSH THOMPSON DEBUT ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON OFFICIAL SITE

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:03:07 +0000

JOSH THOMPSON DEBUT ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON OFFICIAL SITE

Josh Thompson Wins Fan Voted Poll On gactv.com!

January 13, 2010 - Josh Thompson fans anxiously awaiting the February 23rd release of Way Out Here can now pre-order their copy of forthcoming debut album on Thompson�s official website. Fans who pre-order the album on www.joshthompsonofficial.com will also receive an autographed booklet. Visitors to the site can also view videos and upload photos, follow Josh on Twitter, check on upcoming events, interact in forums, and compete for the top score on the �Whack-A-Beer� online game. Fans also have the ability to stream and purchase all four tracks already available on Thompson�s self-titled digital EP.

While critics have already pegged Thompson as the artist to watch in the New Year, country music fans have also voted Josh Thompson as the "artist they are most excited about for 2010," in a recent poll taken on gactv.com. Thompson won the fan voted poll with a staggering 56% of the votes! To see the full gactv.com poll results, click here.

With Way Out Here available in stores on February 23rd, his debut single, �Beer on the Table,� climbing up the airwaves and landing at MediaBase�s #18 spot this week, and his 32-date Jagermeister Country Tour kicking off next month, Thompson has a lot to look forward to in the upcoming year.

For 24/7 info on Josh Thompson, be sure to check out www.joshthompsonofficial.com.