On This Week In Country Music May 28 – June 3

On This Week In Country Music May 28 – June 3

28 MAY - On This Day in Country Music

1967 - Barbara Mandrell marries Ken Dudney at the First Presbyterian Church in Oceanside, California  



Tim McGraw
Artwork



1994 - Tim McGraw collects his first #1 single in Billboard with "Don't Take The Girl".

Released on March 28, 1994 it was written by Craig Martin and Larry W. Johnson. It was Tim's fifth single overall, 

1999 - Brad Paisley makes his Grand Ole Opry debut 

2005 - Keith Urban's "Making Memories Of Us" begins a five-week stay at the top of the Billboard country singles chart. Released March 21, 2005 it was penned by Rodney Crowell. The first version was recorded by Tracy Byrd on his 2003 album THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN. One year later, Crowell and Vince Gill recorded the song as members of The Notorious Cherry Bombs. Then Keith Urban cut it on his 2004 album BE HERE.

Music video by Keith Urban performing Making Memories Of Us >>  YouTube 

Births

Phil Vassar (1964),  Singer-songwriter born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He builds a series of hits as an artist on top of a pre-existing songwriting resume that includes "Right On The Money," "I'm Alright," "Bye-Bye," "Little Red Rodeo" and "My Next Thirty Years" 

Jerry Douglas (1956), born in Warren, Ohio. Dobro player He contributes to such country hits as Ricky Skaggs' "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'," The Whites' "Hangin' Around" and Chris Hillman & Roger McGuinn's "You Ain't Going Nowhere" and a long-time member of  Alison Krauss & Union Station) 

Brent Rowan (1956), born in Waxahachie, Texas. Studio musician. He wins the Academy of Country Music award as top guitarist in 1989, first playing on John Conlee's "Friday Night Blues" in 1980, and eventually averaging 600 sessions annually.

John Fogerty  (1945)

Jimmy Rankin (1964) (Rankin Family)

29 MAY - On This Day in Country Music

1952 - Hank Williams and his wife, Audrey, were divorced.

1969 - The debut album "Crosby, Stills and Nash" was released.

1976 - Johnny Cash rides to #1 on the Billboard country chart with "One Piece At A Time". The humorous rockabilly was song written by Wayne Kemp. It would mark the last song performed by Cash to reach number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

>>  YouTube

1991 - Wynonna Judd begins recording her first solo album in Nashville 

1998 - Shania Twain launches her first major concert tour with a show in Sudbury, Ontario 

1998 - The movie "Hope Floats" opens, with Harry Connick Jr. and Sandra Bullock in the leading roles. The soundtrack includes Garth Brooks' "To Make You Feel My Love," plus Martina McBride, Bob Seger, Lila McCann, Deana Carter, The Mavericks and Trisha Yearwood 

2004 - Gretchen Wilson's debut single, "Redneck Woman," begins a five-week command of the top spot in Billboard. First released March 23, 2004 it was written by John Rich and Gretchen Wilson. The song was is Wilson's only number one single on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts to date.

30 MAY - On This Day in Country Music

1966 - Dolly Parton and Carl Dean were married

1981 - The Oak Ridge Boys' "Elvira" reaches #1 on the Billboard country chart 

1992 - Billy Ray Cyrus and "Achy Breaky Heart" begin a five-week stay at the top of the Billboard country chart . Released on March 23, 1992 it was written by Don Von Tress, originally titled "Don't Tell My Heart" and recorded by The Marcy Brothers in 1991. It was renamed "Achy Breaky Heart"  recorded by Cyrus on his album SOME GAVE ALL.  The single topped in several countries and after being featured on Top of the Pops, peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

1997 - Neil Young cancelled his European tour because he had cut his finger while slicing a ham sandwich.

1999 - In London, a bomb threat at a Kenny Rogers concert being held at Royal Albert Hall caused the evacuation of more than 3,000. No bomb was found and no injuries were reported.

2000 - Mark Chesnutt picks up a platinum album for his "Greatest Hits" 

1991 - Anne Murray's GREATEST HITS is awarded a quadruple-platinum album, signifying shipments of more than 4 million copies. She's the first country female to reach that milestone

Births

Wynonna Judd (1964), born at King's Daughters Hospital in Ashland, Kentucky, the same day her mother, Naomi Judd, graduates from high school. After performing with her mother as a record-setting duo, The Judds, she embarks on a soul-tinged solo country career 

31 MAY - On This Day in Country Music

1975 - The Eagles released "One Of These Nights."

1986 - "Whoever's In New England" takes Reba McEntire to #1 on the Billboard country chart . Kendal Franceschi & Quentin Powers wrote it and it’s considered one of her signature and breakthrough singles.

Music video  (C) 1986 MCA Nashville >> YouTube

1991 - Tracy Lawrence is shot in Shoney's parking lot on Music Row just after completing vocals for his debut album. Lawrence and a female friend were robbed by three gunmen prior to the shooting 

1995 - Shania Twain earns her first gold album, for "The Woman In Me" 

1997 - Lee Ann Womack made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

2006 - Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook are married in Nashville. Bandmates Kimberly Roads and Phillip Sweet are among the witnesses   

 

Births

Johnny Paycheck  (1938), Greenfield, Ohio, USA .Died February 19, 2003 , aged 64.

His real name was Donald Eugene , famous for recording the David Allan Coe song "Take This Job and Shove It". He achieved his greatest success in the 1970s as a major force in country music's "Outlaw Movement".  In the 1980s, his music career suffered from his problems with drugs, alcohol, and legal difficulties. He served a prison sentence in the early 1990s but his declining health effectively ended his career in early 2000.

Paul Franklin (1954), born Detroit, Michigan. Known mainly for his work as a steel guitarist. He began his career in the 1970s as a member of Barbara Mandrell's road band; in addition he toured with Mel Tillis and Jerry Reed. He has since become a prolific session musician in Nashville, Tennessee, playing on more than 500 albums. He has been named by the Academy of Country Music as Best Steel Guitarist on many occasions. Franklin has also worked with Dire Straits, Notting Hillbillies and Sting.

Casey James (1982), born in Plano, Texas. He comes to national attention on "American Idol," releasing his debut album in 2012

1 JUNE - On This Day in Country Music

1964 - Dolly Parton moved to Nashville, TN, one day after she graduated from high school and meets her future husband, Carl Dean, at a laundromat.

Kenny & Wanda

1997 - Kenny Rogers and Wanda Miller were married. It was his 5th marriage.

1999 - Arista releases Brad Paisley's debut album, WHO NEEDS PICTURES

2002 - Mary Chapin Carpenter marries contractor Timmy Smith in Batesville, Virginia. In attendance: Terri Clark, actor Sissy Spacek, rocker Dave Matthews, and songwriters Beth Nielsen Chapman and Annie Roboff 

2009 - The first event, a George Strait concert, was held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.



Diamond Rio Single artwork



1991 - Diamond Rio scores its first #1 single on the Billboard country chart with "Meet In The Middle". It was released on February 11, 1991 on the Arista Nashville and was written by Chapin Hartford, Jim Foster, and Don Pfrimmer

Diamond Rio performing Meet In The Middle. (C) 1991 BMG Music >>  YouTube

1974 - Ronnie Milsap earns the first #1 single of his career with "Pure Love," written by Eddie Rabbitt 

Births

Ronnie Dunn (1953), born in Coleman, Oklahoma. The lanky singer teams with Kix Brooks to form the harmony-laden Brooks & Dunn, whose mix of honky-tonk with rock influences makes them the dominant duo in country from 1991 until their split in 2010

 Pat Boone (1934) , Hazel Dickens (1935),  Johnny Bond (1915)

2 JUNE - On This Day in Country Music

1958 - The Everly Brothers take #1 on the Billboard country chart with "All I Have To Do Is Dream

1992 - Martina McBride begins her first major concert tour, opening for Garth Brooks in Denver, Colorado 

1999 - Shania Twain's "Come On Over" album is certified for shipments of 11 million copies, temporarily tying it with her own "The Woman In Me" as the best-selling album by a country female 

2009 - Kellie Pickler earns her first gold single with "Red High Heels”

2011 - Shania Twain receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame    

3 JUNE - On This Day in Country Music

1972 - The Eagles' "Take It Easy" was released

1972 - Donna Fargo's "The Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A." takes the top spot on the Billboard country chart.  Released March 1972  as a 7" single on Dot Records it is considered her signature song. The song was covered by Tammy Wynette on her 1972 album My Man (Understands) and Tanya Tucker also recorded the song in 1972 for her first album Delta Dawn. 

Reba McEntire weds Narvel

1989 -  Reba McEntire weds her manager and former steel guitar player Narvel Blackstock. The couple wed in a private ceremony on a boat in Lake Tahoe. Together, the pair took over all aspects of McEntire's career, forming Starstruck Entertainment, which was originally designed to help manage her career. Reba was previously married in 1976 to national steer wrestling champion and rancher Charlie Battles. Together, the couple owned a ranch in Oklahoma and managed her career. In 1987, McEntire divorced Battles and moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

1991 - Willie Nelson released his "Who'll Buy My Memories - The IRS Tapes" LP. The album was made up of songs that had been seized by the U.S. government and would go towards paying off his $16 million tax bill

Births

Jamie O'Neal (1968), born in Sydney, Australia. Her 2000 debut album nets several hits, including "There Is No Arizona" and "When I Think About Angels," helping her pick up the Academy of Country Music's top new female award

SOURCES : On-This-Day.com, Musicorb.com, CMT, YouTube

Country Bites News snippets May 20 – May 24, 2012

Country Bites News snippets May 20 – May 24, 2012

UK & IRISH News

After a sell out tour Lady Antebellum are adding an extra date. This will be on the 17th July at the O2 Birmingham Academy!

Tickets available on Ticketmaster.co.uk

The third Rockfield Country Music Festival takes place on the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday weekend from Friday 1st of June to Monday 4th June 2012. The Festival is held in the 400 acres of Monnow Valley and boasts a beautiful riverside location. The village of Rockfield, which is 3 miles outside of the market town of Monmouth, is approximately 1 hour's drive equidistant between Cardiff and Bristol, right on the England-Wales border. The Festival is a 4-day extravaganza of Wild West and country music entertainment. More than 24 country bands will take to the stage in the 120ft marquee. Each evening, Rockfield offers you some of the UK's top country music talent. Many of our acts are Country Music Award Winners, including:

BCMA Hall Of Fame nominees - Texas Tornadoes, Best Duo 2011 – Spur, Rising Star 2009 - Kay D and 2007 Nashville Star Search winner - Rachel Cain. Fore more details visit - www.countrymusicfestival.co.uk

Daniel O’Donnell will release a new single for charity on Saturday 26th May. The single ‘I’ll See This Journey Through’, was specially written by Daniel O’Donnell and Marc Roberts with the ‘Irish Cancer Society & Relay for Life’ group in mind.

All proceeds from the single will go to the ‘Irish Cancer Society & Relay for Life’.

AMERICAN country-folk singer John Prine, flew in to perform a benefit concert on May 20 at Dublin's Vicar Street.Included on the bill was: Frances Black, Brian Kennedy, Altan, Paddy Casey, Fiona Prine, Aoife Scott and Roisin O.

Irish singer Lisa Stanley is UP Country's June 2012 Cover girl – Image

Michael Weston King & Lou Dalgleish (aka highly acclaimed duo MY DARLING CLEMENTINE) have a new website with all their 2012 tour dates.

AUSSIE NEWS

Keith Urban has debuted at number on the ARIA Albums Chart for the first time in his career with 'The Story So Far,' EMI music announced Sunday.

The new album, which features 19 of the most popular songs from Urban's Get Closer, Defying Gravity, Love Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing, Be Here and Golden Road albums, also includes the previously unreleased song 'For You,' from the Act Of Valor soundtrack, as well as eight songs not previously released as part of the definitive hits collection.

Sitting at top of the mainstream chart is a first for the Grammy and ARIA award winner, who has celebrated three previous number one's on the Country Albums Chart.

"Thank you SO much Australia for making "The Story So Far" hit #1. You guys are awesome." Urban has tweeted.

Keith is currently appearing as a coach on the hit TV show The Voice, which airs on the Nine Network.

NEWS

Country music icon Ronnie Dunn’s newest solo CD debuts May 21 through the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program.  The CD, Ronnie Dunn – Special Edition, is a powerful collection of 12 songs that Dunn first released in 2011, and includes an additional two previously unreleased bonus tracks, Track 1 "I Love My Country" and Track 14 "Keep On Lovin’ You".

Big Machine Records announced May 21 that they have signed country music superstar Tim McGraw to a worldwide recording deal. The label and McGraw will release new music and distribute it world wide via Universal Music Group.

McGraw has sold 40 million albums, including 32 number one singles in his career to date.



Tim McGraw



“Many people know that I came to Nashville 23 years ago on a Greyhound bus with nothing but a guitar,” said McGraw. “And 23 years to the day, on May 9, I went back to the bus station and officially signed this deal. It was a significant way for me to mark this new beginning. Scott Borchetta has developed a powerhouse at Big Machine, and I’m happy to be a part of what he has built and to call Big Machine Records my new label home. Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling about working on a new album for this next chapter in my career. Here’s to the next 20 years!”

Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group said: "I've always felt a kinship to Tim as my dad (Mike) originally signed Tim to Curb Records. We have wanted to work together for years and I can't believe this day has finally come. His level of artistry, vision, passion and energy comes along only so many times in any given era and I can tell you with the utmost confidence that there are many, many important chapters left to write”

"I'm so pleased to add the great superstar Tim McGraw to our incredible Nashville family of distributed labels. Tim's accomplishments reach around the world and we intend to exert the full compliment of global support to Tim's new releases on Big Machine Records,” said Universal Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge.

McGraw joins a stra studded line-up of artists signed to Big Machine Label Group's roster, including Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Martina McBride and The Band Perry. With 7.8 million spins at radio, McGraw was deemed “Artist of the Decade” (2000-2010) by Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems. He has won three GRAMMY® Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, 10 American Music Awards, three People's Choice Awards and numerous other honors.

(Chris Talbott NASHVILLE, Tenn. May 21, 2012 (AP) Country music star George Jones is in the hospital again with a respiratory infection. A spokesman says the 80-year-old singer was hospitalized Monday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn., and that concert dates through June will be rescheduled where possible. Jones spent about a week in the hospital in March, also forcing a round of postponements. The "White Lightning" singer was due to return to the stage this weekend at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Jones will miss about seven shows in Georgia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arizona and Nevada.

Martin Guitars has announced that country artist Hunter Hayes will serve as C.F. Martin & Co.’s latest brand ambassador.

The 20 year-old multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer is a former child prodigy (fun fact: Hayes received his first guitar from actor Robert Duvall at age six) whose impressive debut album, Hunter Hayes, was released last year on Atlantic Records.  Hayes will be showing off his new custom model Martin 42-style guitar on his upcoming tour opening for Carrie Underwood (Martin will unveil the guitar this summer.)

“It is an absolute honor to be named an official Martin Ambassador and to be recognized by the Martin family,” says Hayes. “To me, the Martin brand is a name I can trust. They make timeless guitars and prove themselves time and again with their elegant tone and sound. The craftsmanship that goes into every piece is one that has shaped some of my favorite music, and is certainly at the forefront of my own sound. I can’t wait to show off my new Parlor 42-style model on the road!”

(May 23, 2012) Lady Antebellum was completely surprised in Augusta, GA when some special guests joined them on stage to celebrate their 200th Webisode Wednesday. The EVANS, GA Lakeside High School Marching Band came out to perform “We Owned The Night”. Over the past four years Lady A, and their amazing videographer, have captured their entire journey.

Craig Morgan's daughter, Alexandra, walked down the aisle on Saturday (May 19), as Craig and wife Karen gave her away to groom Ryan Beaird, Craig's publicist confirmed.

On Maxim magazine's Hot 100 list of the Nashville ladies, Taylor Swift leads the pack, coming in at No. 26. Julianne Hough sneaks in under the Top 50, at No. 47, while Kellie Pickler landed at No. 72. This marks the fifth year in a row for both Taylor and Julianne to appear on Maxim's Hot 100 list. They also earned a slot on Maxim's Hottest Women of Country, coming in at No. 2 and No. 4, respectively. While Taylor is thrilled to be noticed, she admits she looks to others for fashion and beauty inspiration -- including a few fellow country celebs. "I've always loved Nicole Kidman and Faith Hill," Taylor told Teen Vogue. "Shania Twain always looks beautiful."  Hot Israeli Supermodel Bar Refaeli (photo! ) was No. 1 on Maxim's list, followed by Olivia Munn, Mila Kunis, Katy Perry and Olivia Wilde rounding out the Top 5 – Complete List

The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that “The 46th Annual CMA Awards” will air Thursday, Nov. 1 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Image CMA World



The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 11,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958.

Winners of “The 46th Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

The eligibility period for the 2012 CMA Awards is July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. All voting for “The 46th Annual CMA Awards” will be conducted online. The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Oct. 4. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends at 5:00 PM/CT, Oct. 22.

Rounding out events during CMA Awards Week will be the taping of “CMA Country Christmas” Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Bridgestone Arena when Country Music’s biggest stars come together to celebrate the holidays.

Jason Aldean’s been getting nasty comments on Twitter - he responded to his 500,000 followers, "If you don't like what I do or think I'm 'ruining' country music, feel free to unfollow me. Nobody is forcing you to listen!"

Joe Nichols has left his label, Show Dog-Universal. Joe tweeted, “I’d like to thank ShowDog for doing the right thing…I’M FREE!!!!!” He also added, “Just to be clear, I’m VERY thankful for SHOWDOG and what they have done for me. Our relationship has just reached its limits and I wish them luck.”

Rosanne Cash, Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley, and The Civil Wars are named as performers due to take part at the Johnny Cash Music Festival this October in Arkansas

The CMA has just announced that the “CMA Songwriters Series” will take some of NASHVILLE’S best out west. Bill Anderson, Kristian Bush, and Bobby Pinson will join host Bob Dipiero for two nights of great music. On Tues 26 June (HOUSE OF BLUES in LOS ANGELES, CA) and Weds JUNE 27th they will be featured at Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum In Phoenix, AZ.

Chet Flippo writing for CMT’s NASHVILLE SKYLINE: So What's All This About Jason Aldean?...Some reasons why Jason Aldean is an unlikely superstar: He is a Marlboro man at a time when the world thinks it doesn’t need Marlboro men. This has nothing to do with the cigarette. No, it’s that Aldean is a return to the no-nonsense, firm-jawed alpha male in a metrosexual world. Maybe if he wore skinny jeans and a porkpie hat and pointy-toed shoes and a satin vest, he would qualify as hip.



Angaleena Presley
Courtesy Media.whosay.com



Its congrats to RCA NASHVILLE group Pistol Annies member Angaleena Presley married longtime boyfriend Jordan Powell on TUESDAY (5/22) in a private ceremony in Jackson Hole, WY. Powell is the tour manager for superstar Miranda Lambert, who is also a Pistol Annies member (photo).

Holler got hitched, y'all! Congrats Angaleena we love you!"

Matraca Berg: well sweet Jesus...congrats my little sista! and your sweet man... 

Sugarland’s, Jennifer Nettles and duo partner Kristian Bush are deep in the writing process for their next album. They've been doing quite a bit of writing apart lately.

Jennifer tells ABC News Radio, "Kristian has been writing with people from Japan.  He's been to Sweden and doing some writing.  He's obviously been doing writing stateside."

Jennifer has been spending time writing at her piano, and she adds, "We've been doing a lot of different writing, and we'll see how it pans out when we decide to go to the studio."

Not since the fall of file-sharing mogul Napster has the music industry pursued such a high-value case of copyright infringement. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has now developed an estimate of $72 trillion, yes, trillion, owed in damages from LimeWire in the aftermath of the termination of their file-sharing functions in October of 2010.

This staggering estimation was calculated by the distribution of over 11,000 songs, downloaded illegally several thousands of times each, and the RIAA is claiming compensation for each individual download that took place over LimeWire’s ten-year run.

Your Country’s Right Here: Alt country artist Mary Gauthier shows country still cares about new artists

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS

Coming June 19, 2012, the Sugar Hill Records debut for Don Williams, the iconic Hall of Fame vocalist and songwriter behind some of country music’s most enduring and legendary songs. His brand new album AND SO OT GOES can be pre-ordered as

 a) CD - $12.99 b) Vinyl LP - $19.99 - includes card redeemable for digital download of the album.

c) CD + Limited-Edition Hatch Show Print Poster - $24.99 or d) Vinyl LP + Limited-Edition Hatch Show Print Poster - $31.99 - includes card redeemable for digital download of the album.

Country music trio Gloriana will release their much anticipated second studio album A THOUSAND MILES LEFT BEHIND on Emblem Music Group/Warner Bros. Records July 31st. The band had a hand in writing all 11 tracks on the album and worked with GRAMMY Award winning producer and Emblem Music Group label owner Matt Serletic (Willie Nelson, Matchbox 20, and Aerosmith). Their single “(Kissed You) Good Night” is currently #15 on the Billboard Country Singles chart and # has become the fastest rising single of the trio’s career.

“We’ve grown up a lot as a band and have really honed in on our skills and found our sound,” Mike says. “On this record, we wanted to tell stories and I think people will be able to relate to a lot of these songs because they’re honest and come from a place that’s real,” added Rachel. “Like any new act, we were finding ourselves on the first record — in the recording process and as musicians,” Tom says. “The new album really just feels like us, who and where we are now, to the point where we know exactly what we want to do and how to get there.”

Tom, Mike, and Rachel have funneled everything they’ve learned into their second album, A Thousand Miles Left Behind, intent on revealing more of themselves as artists. The result is an alluring mix of up-tempo songs, “Wanna Take You Home,” “Sunset Lovin’,” “Go On…Miss Me,” “Doin’ It Our Way,” and graceful, heartfelt tunes: current single “(Kissed You) Good Night,” “Can’t Shake You,” “Turn My World Around,” “Carolina Rose,” and “Soldier Song”. Gloriana worked with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters for the album including Josh Kear (Carrie Underwood and Lady Antebellum), Hillary Lindsey (Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift), James Slater (Martina McBride and Tim McGraw), Danny Myrick (Jason Aldean and Big & Rich), Stephanie Bentley (Martina McBride and Faith Hill), among others. See - Cover Artwork

There is a new Hank Jr. record OLD SCHOOL, NEW RULES due out on July 10, on Blaster Records, Hank Williams, Jr.’s new label imprint, in association with Warner Music Nashville. The album will include duets with Merle Haggard titled “I Think I’ll Just Sit Here and Drink” and Brad Paisley (“I’m Gonna Get Drunk And Play Hank Williams). Williams’ first single in several years, “That Ain’t Good,” has just been shipped to radio.

“I’m excited about this new album,” said Hank. “I’m definitely ‘Old School’ and I am making music with ‘New Rules.’ People know I’m gonna say exactly what I think and this album is exactly that.”   See CD Cover Art

Hank Jr.’s Facebook page has now surpassed one million “likes”.  To celebrate, Hank, Jr. is offering a free download of his new single “That Ain’t Good.”  The free download (for an email share) is available now through midnight on May 28th (Memorial Day) at http://www.hankjr.com/

Additionally, Hank Williams, Jr. will be one of the performers on The 2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS on Wednesday, June 6. Toby Keith, who was previously announced as host of this year’s show with actress Kristen Bell

Corey Wagar, is ready to Take Ya Back, with the release of her brand new single that will hit radio Monday, June 4th.



Corey Wagar



Corey, who is known for her ‘sweet and sassy’ sound is ready to give her fans and radio folks a song that may bring back memories of listening to their favorite artists on the radio.

“Growing up, artists like Shania Twain and Tim McGraw were all over country radio,” says Corey.  “I used to sing along with a hairbrush microphone – it’s pretty cool to think that people could do the same with my music and can’t wait for it to hit radio.”

This honeysuckle hit is full of fiddles and steel guitar – guaranteed to get toes tapping and fill up the dance floors across the country. It’s packed with attitude, fun and just ‘pure Corey.’ Turn it up, roll down the windows and sing along.

Take Ya Back was penned by Corey and successful songwriters Beau Fuller and Cece DuBois. It’s produced by renowned producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton) who also produced her debut album. Her last single, I Hate My Boyfriend, reached #32 on the Music Row Charts, and the Country Music Association named her the “Who New To Watch 2012” artist in CMA Close Up.

Way Out West Records’ singer/songwriter Shawna Russell has released her latest single “Sounds Like A Party” to radio via Play MPE. The release is fast on the heels of her previous single “Waitin’ On Sunrise,” which landed at #29 last week after spending five consecutive weeks as the top small label independent artist on the MusicRow chart. Russell is only the second independent female to hit the Top 30 on their chart in the past year. “Sounds Like A Party” was produced at LOUD Studios in Nashville by Grammy-winning engineer Julian King, along with Clif Doyal and Tim Russell. 

Following the current radio success of her debut single, Boys Eat Your Hearts Out, pint-size country powerhouse Beth Cayhall adds a benchmark in her career with the May 22nd release of her highly anticipated debut album, WORTH FIGHTING FOR. This album is now available on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby.

Nashville, Tenn. (May 25, 2012) – Curb Records is proud to announce the release of the soundtrack to “The Last Ride”, a new independent movie about the life of Hank Williams.

Cover Artwork

The movie, starring Henry Thomas, Jesse James, Fred Dalton Thompson and Kaley Cuoco, focuses on the period when Williams was getting his life back in order after drugs, alcohol, two failed marriages and a hair-trigger temper had nearly ruined Williams’ legendary career.  In late 1952, he had arranged several New Year’s shows in West Virginia and Ohio. Hank Williams never got there.  Somewhere on that last highway, the country music legend passed away on New Years Day, in 1953, in the back of his powder blue Cadillac, carrying only his guitar and a notebook full of unfinished songs.  He was 29.

Inspired by the mysterious final days of Hank Williams’ life, The Last Ride is the story of that final drive through the bleak Appalachian countryside of 1950’s America.

The movie’s soundtrack plays an integral role in the telling of this story.  It contains some of the best-known Hank Williams songs as well as new material written specifically for this project.Performers include Jett Williams (Hank Williams’ daughter), the late Johnny Cash and numerous country and gospel artists. ( For full track listing see Curb Press release)

Jett Williams had this to say about the film, “In the movie, my dad doesn’t sing a note or strum a chord.  This movie captures the essence of a man who, until recently, had become one-dimensional due to the myths, the lies, the fiction and vultures who surrounded him.   Sure, it’s fictionalized from a factual point of view, but it is right on from a human emotional point of view.”

PRESS RELEASES

Nashville, TN (May 24, 2012) – Dolly Parton’s self-penned song “Coat of Many Colors” added to The Library of Congress National Recording Registry. 

Each year the Library of Congress selects 25 recordings that are “historically”, “culturally”, or “aesthetically significant” and are at least 10 years old to be added to the National Recording Registry, with selections that are being added to the registry now bringing the total number of recordings to 350.

The autobiographical song, "Coat of Many Colors," affectionately recounts an impoverished childhood in the hills of Tennessee that was made rich by the love of her family. The song was instrumental in establishing Parton’s credibility as a songwriter. Some of the other entries include: "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart." Patsy Montana. (1935), "Green Onions." Booker T. and the MG's. (1962), "I Feel Love." Donna Summer. (1977), and"Purple Rain" (album). Prince. (1984). Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution - See listing

Enterprise, AL (May 24, 2012) – BamaJam 2012 is pleased to welcome the stars of CMT’s hit reality shows “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Southern Nights,” Devin, Cody and Bubba. BamaJam 2012, slated for June 14-16 in Enterprise, Alabama, performers include Kid Rock, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, NEEDTOBREATHE, Casey James, Gov’t Mule, Uncle Kracker, Yelawolf, Ronnie Milsap, Jamey Johnson, Third Day, Stryper and more. (Full line-up - Source Webster & Associates)

ARTICLES

Idol Watch: Are You In a Rut, America? Was anyone surprised?

I don’t want to take anything away from Phillip Phillips. Though his music is not to my taste, I came to appreciate over the American Idol season that he does what he does well, and between him and the powerful but generic Jessica Sanchez in Tuesday night’s performance, he was the deserving winner. ..........Still, it’s at least a problem with a competition show when you can predict its winner well in advance based on demography. Five years in a row now, Idol has been won by a nice-mannered, soft-spoken white boy, with some combination of the attributes [is from the South / has goatee, soul patch or stubble / has strapped on a guitar at some point over the season].....This is not an “America is sexist/racist” rant. What we’ve seen over the last few seasons is probably more a shift in the balance of power toward a voting bloc of high-volume texters with a definite selection bias toward boyfriend-ishness…Read more: Link

May 24, 2012) But a couple of Ronnie Dunn’s recent Facebook posts have apparently caused a bit of friction between him and his record label, Sony’s Arista Nashville. Not surprisingly, Dunn detailed the whole incident on the social media site.

The trouble started on March 14, when Dunn posted two similarly themed comments to his fans. One said, “You pick the next single. I’m stayin’ out of it.” The second said, “Keep sounding off about the next single. It counts.”

But the next day, Dunn posted this message: “Got a call from Sony today . . . said that my FB post killed the ‘Let The Cowboy Rock’ single. Holy sh*t, I didn’t know people in the music business read this stuff!” He added, “Eight weeks (2 months) at #30 on one chart. A very appreciative shout out to the promo team. We just haven’t picked the right song. Keep the faith!”

Ronnie Dunn
Facebook Image

Later that day, in response to some angry-toned comments from fans, Dunn clarified with another, much more conciliatory, post: “There are NO ‘bad guys’ here . . . It’s just not working . . . for whatever reason . . . yet. IT WILL. The Sony promo team is giving it their all. They’re a good bunch.”

This week, Dunn’s long-struggling single was, in fact, finished, dropping 32-37 on the Billboard chart, and 31-34 on Mediabase.

Dunn quickly took to social media to campaign for his album cut, “Once,” to be the next single.

On Twitter he wrote on May 18, “After two months at #31 on the charts, a ‘Facebook post kills Let The Cowboy Rock’ by picking ‘Once’ will something good happen?”

On Facebook that same day, he took his message directly to programmers.

“Hey, radio . . . will you start playing ‘Once?’” he asked. “If a FB post can kill a single, then maybe it can get one to the top? . . . Just sneak it in on your lunch break. My name is Ronnie Dunn and I approve this message!”

One veteran country radio broadcaster said of the whole incident, “In the old days, an artist wouldn’t have a direct vehicle to express their frustrations, other than in an interview or via on-stage comments. Now, artists can vent straight to their fans, and that ripple in the pond finds many other ears too.”

Arista Nashville declined to comment on the situation, but Dunn had plenty more to say to Stark Country in an e-mail about his fans and social media. “The ultimate goal of any artist is to have fans engaged and involved in what you’re doing,” he wrote. “I want them to interact and have a hand in what I do.

“I can’t believe that I can have real-time conversations with hundreds of thousands of them at a time and hear what they have to say about all facets of my music and career,” he continued. “They are why I’m here. “Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the fans are just as savvy as most record executives when it comes to what music they like and don’t like to hear. Why wouldn’t I want their input? Ultimately, they decide whether a record is going to be a success or not.

“Up until last week, my last single, ‘Let The Cowboy Rock,’ had been stuck at No. 31 on one radio chart for two months and counting. I did everything that my record label asked me to do to help them promote the song. We were seeing minimal response to our effort. Years of experience have taught me that it is a strong sign that that song is either not connecting with people, or not being played by a number of stations. “I turned to my fans on Facebook, knowing that the label follows my posts, and asked them to pick a song for consideration as a next single. There was an immediate and enormously positive reaction to a song titled ‘Once.’

“A representative from the label’s promotion department called me early the next morning to inform me that my Facebook post had ‘killed the current single’s momentum at radio.’

 “My reaction is this: If a Facebook post can kill a single at radio, then why can’t fans from Facebook (or any other significant social media platform) propel a song to the top of the charts?

“The label is, apparently, watching my fans as they respond and interact. People at radio are, apparently, paying attention as well.”

On Facebook today he posts: Dear friends at radio...anxious to hear the feedback on ONCE ? No word from Sony today. RD :)  (Fri 25 May)

INTERVIEWS

With record labels in a precarious spot, many up-and-coming bands have been turning to crowd funding as a way to raise money for touring, recording, merch production and more. Major artists have taken note, with acts like Secondhand Serenade and The Voice‘s Nakia using the “rewards for pledges” model through sites like Kickstarter, ArtistShare and more.

Shortly after their long-awaited reunion, Ben Folds Five decided to test out this innovative new platform to help fund their first record in thirteen years. In exchange for donations, the band is not only offering prizes like signed vinyls and t-shirts, but they’re also helping to promote the music, art, videos of their fans. They’ve even offered to call each fan who downloads their new song “Do It Anyway” or makes a pledge a Vice President of Promotions for their de facto record label, encouraging them to add “#ImaDamVP” on the end of their promotional tweets. We caught up with Ben to discuss the progress of the campaign, Kickstarter goddess Amanda Palmer and why we should help fight for continued arts funding.

In an exclusive Q and A with ourstage.com: Ben Folds Talks Crowd Funding, Amanda Palmer and A New Kind of Fan Community

Pistol Annies' Angaleena Presley: The Cream Interview  - I think our personas pretty much match our personalities. I’m Holler Annie because I’m from the holler. I just spent some time in Kentucky this past weekend and bought a bunch of T-shirts from the Bull Creek flea market. They say, like, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “I Love Kentucky.” We’re all so proud of where we’re from, and we had really colorful childhoods............... I’m sort of like no-middle-ground. I’m either making you cry or making you fall out laughing. So that’s kinda just the way that I write. The other girls, they have their own style. So when we get together there’s a magic that happens. Hopefully we’re making some good music together...........Well, I’ve been doing this for 10 years. And I have written about and talked about things that people don’t want to talk about for a long time. I had a really hard way to go in Nashville, because I’m kind of a renegade in the songwriter world. I just never compromised. I just couldn’t compromise, because I do what I do. I’m not a songwriting machine.

LISTEN

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. If you have Spotify take at look at this playlist, it includes tracks from new album soundtrack Act Of Valor - Memorial Day 2012

WATCH

Carrie Underwood performing Blown Away at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards >> YouTube

THE VALORY MUSIC COMPANY artist Reba McEntire made an appearance last night on "American Idol's" finale to join former Idol" contestant Skylar Laine, in a duet. The two performed REBA’s song, “Turn On The Radio”    >>   YouTube

Zac Brown Band perform “Uncaged”, Live From New Orleans Jazz Fest, 2012 title track to their upcoming album. Is has something of a Little Feat vibe don’t ya think?  >>  YouTube

Gretchen Peters performing "The Matador" at Music City Roots live from The Loveless Cafe on 23 May 2012 >>  YouTube

Jerry Douglas’ new album  TRAVELER comes out June 26th, 2012, and features performances by Alison Krauss & Union Station, Bela Fleck, Del McCoury, Dr. John, Eric Clapton, Keb' Mo, Marc Cohn, Mumford & Sons, Omar Hakim, Paul Simon, Sam Bush, Viktor Krauss, and others. Watch the EPK >>   YouTube

 

PHOTO

Miranda Lambert sat down with W Magazine for an interview and gorgeous, Marilyn Monroe-esque photoshoot.

Miranda Lambert wears a Lyn Devon angora-blend sweater. Falke tights; Manolo Blahnik pumps. Photo 1 – Photo 2

On her persona:

“The tough-girl thing comes naturally to me. When I started out, I’d only wear jeans and tank tops. No dresses. I didn’t want these dudes in the bars that I was playing to look me up and down because I’m a blonde girl with blue eyes. I wanted to be heard, not seen. That’s how it all started.”

On Taylor Swift's impact on country music :

“Taylor Swift is a pop singer. But she really helped country music. When she hit, I was thinking, Thank God Taylor’s out there to show people we’re not cheesy. Some people still think that country music is twangy and cheesy, and they pigeonhole us. But I thought if they’re looking for Taylor’s videos or songs, they might see or hear other people they like. If her fans are watching for her, they might like me too.”

On women in country music:

“It’s tough for a girl to be a headliner in country music. For instance, I can’t get a sponsor. I love alcohol! You would think a beer company would sponsor me. I’m my own damn sponsor. And I put on my own eyeliner. A woman’s work is never done.”

(More at theboot.com)