Country Billboard Chart News November 28, 2012

Country Billboard Chart News November 28, 2012

With the busy Thanksgiving holiday shopping week underway in America things were all shook up this week on the Billboard 200 albums chart with labels like UMG and Sony discounting their country artist catalogs.

Diva Rihanna with UNAPOLOGETIC debuted at No. 1 on the Top 200 chart with 237,541 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan, marking her first chart-topper. This her seventh album, follows six earlier top 10 sets dating back to her first album in 2005.

Of note UK songbird Adele with her mega-selling "21" album continues to rewrite the record books. This week, the XL/Columbia release strode past the 10 million U.S. sales mark in its 92nd week of release. "21" becomes the 21st album to shift 10 million since the firm began tracking data in 1991. The last album to sell as many copies in a shorter span of time was 'N Sync's "No Strings Attached," which raced to 10 million in its 43rd week (January 2001).

Onto country matters Taylor Swift's RED held the No. 2 slot (#1 Country) with 185,391 copies sold, an increase of 28% on last week.

In its first 5 retail weeks RED has been in the top 2 with 3 weeks at #1 on the Top 200.

Comparing sales history with her previous album SPEAK NOW, which sold 8,421 this week (up 66%) and has sold 4,229,677 copies to date reveals:

RED first 5 weeks sales

1 Week :: 1,208,290

2 Week :: 344,249 (-72%)

3 Week :: 196,225 (-43%)

4 Week :: 144,534  (-26%)

5 Week :: 185,391 (+28%) ------- Total 2,078,997 

SPEAK NOW first 5 weeks sales

1 Week :: 1,044,477
2 Week :: 327,493 (-69%)
3 Week :: 209,512 (-36%)
4 Week :: 149,537 (-29%)
5 Week :: 255,991 (+71%)   --------  Total 1,987,010

Jason Aldean's NIGHT TRAIN steamed into the top 10, moving 13-8 on the Top 200 with 103,364 copies sold (up 157%) and retains the #2 slot on the Billboard Country Album chart. Aldean's set was on sale at Target stores to earn him Billboard Greatest Gainer stripes.

Kelly Clarkson’s GREATEST HITS – CHAPTER 1 made its bow at No.11 on the Top 200 with first week sales of 74,036. The album does not appear on the Country chart but does contain tracks “Don't You Wanna Stay (duet with Jason Aldean) and her new country single release “Don't Rush” which features Vince Gill and was showcased at the 2012 Country Music Awards.

(Available on Amazon UK CD Format  and Amazon.com)

Another "Idol" legend, Carrie Underwood saw her album BLOWN AWAY blew up 13 spots to #12 on the Top 200 and moved 8-3 on the Country chart. The Sony discounted set saw sales up 349%, selling 73,679 copies for Black Friday savvy Carrie fans and the album crossed the one million scanning mark at retail. Carrie’s album has now amassed 1,009,916,  so the stack em’ high sell em’ cheap policy certainly paid dividends with the sales numbers in its 30^th week at retail for Happy Thanksgiving punters!

Blake Shelton’s seasonal release CHEERS IT'S CHRISTMAS moved up to No.18 on the Top 200 and holds the #4 country slot. His sales of 52,499 were up 83% with a total to date of 149,554.

The newly crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year also watched his album RED RIVER BLUE move 21-8 on the country chart and rising 115 places on the Top 200 selling 27,129 copies up a massive 572% (828,327 current total)  

Lady Antebellum dropped 2 slots on the Top 200 with ON THIS WINTER'S NIGHT and moved 3-5 on the country board. Their sales of 51,723 were up 51%  and the album has hauled in 158,340 copies.

On his 6^th chart week Scotty McCreery with CHRISTMAS WITH SCOTTY dropped one place despite selling 49,581 copies up 111% (167,618 total)

Black Friday sales proved a winner for Columbia Nashville’s  Kenny Chesney with his Gold-selling WELCOME TO THE FISHBOWL with the second biggest sales jump this week climbing from #86 to #39 (Top 200) and up from 14-9 on the country chart. His sales of 26,144 was a 305% retail boost (535,289 total)  

There was a Top 200 re-entry at #91 for Lionel Richie with TUSKEGEE, his sales of 13,128 were up 528% on last week and this platinum certified album has reached a total of 1,049,272.

Also granted a chart re-entry was at No.101 is George Strait’s ICON. His sales of 12,332 were up 968% as he moves 48-16 on the country chart. This was due to fans picking up $1.99-$3.99 copies at Best Buy, Walmart and Target and they also popped Alan Jackson’s hits package PLAYLIST: BEST OF ALAN JACKSON into their baskets.

Jackons sales of 8,745 were up 646% on last week (12,920 Total sales)  giving him his first showing on the Top 200 with this album which  jumped 73-19 country placings. This Arista Nashville/Legacy offering put him in the percentage-based Pacesettter spotlight.

Elsewhere Catalog album WHITE CHRISTMAS by Martina McBride makes its annual showing on the Top 200 (#152). It sold 8,462 copies up 304% on last week and over the years has hauled in a 1,624,272 number.

Overall album sales, in all genres, in this past chart week (ending Nov. 25) totaled 9.74 million units, up 44% compared with the sum last week (6.76 million) and down less than 1% compared with the comparable sales week of 2011 (9.78 million). Year-to-date album sales stand at 267.79 million, down 4% compared with the same total at this point last year (278.72 million).

Billboard Top 200 (Country Album positions #1 - #28)

(TW) This Week, (LW) Last Week, Co (Country Album Chart placing / Movement)

Top 25 Billboard Hot Country Songs

On Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart - which blends:

a) All-format airplay, as monitored by BDS  b) Sales, as tracked by Nielsen SoundScan and c) Streaming, according to BDS it see’s:

Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" holding onto number one for a eighth week on its 15th retail week. 

Taylor now ties the all-time record for the most weeks at No. 1 by a solo female artist, noted as the Big Machine release WANEGBT logged an eighth week at the summit.

The record—matched two months after the chart’s ranking method shifted from core country radio audience to a digital, streaming,and expanded radio hybrid—has been held for 48 years by Connie Smith’s blockbuster 1964 hit “Once a Day.” Widely considered to be peerless among country music’s strongest female singers, Smith was honored with Country Music Hall of Fame membership earlier this year.

Swift’s eight weeks hasn’t been accomplished by any artist since Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett spent eight cumulative weeks with “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Somewhere” a little more than nine years ago, and hasn’t been done in consecutive weeks since Lonestar’s “Amazed” in 1999. Although chart-topping runs of eight or more weeks were commonplace prior to Smith’s streak, the only song to hold that long between “Once a Day” and “Amazed” was the late David Houston’s nine-week stretch with “Almost Persuaded” in 1966.

A song from the TV show "The Voice" bows at No.3 with Cassadee Pope with her take of CMA song of the year “Over You”. It is in the top 10 on the overall Hot Digital Songs chart for the first time since the first season's finale in June 2011. She also tops this weeks Country Digital Chart.

Also of note on Hot Country Songs is the Zac Brown Band’s “Goodbye in Her Eyes” (Atlantic/Southern Ground) which lifts 14-12 with Greatest Gainer roses for the chart’s biggest overall airplay gain.

The biggest digital spike is posted by Carrie Underwood’s “Two Black Cadillacs” (19/Arista Nashville), which shoots 49-37 following a performance on the Nov. 19 American Music Awards (ABC).

Outside the top 25 Tim McGraw’s “One of Those Nights” (Big Machine) nets the fattest streaming increase and moved from 34-31.

Top 25 Hot Country Songs

Taylor Swift with ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” stays at #1!

Florida Georgia Line with “Cruise” stays at #2

Cassadee Pope with “Over You” debuts at #3

Luke Bryan with “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” is down one, #3 - #4

Hunter Hayes with former number one “Wanted” is down, #4 - #5

Carrie Underwood with “Blown Away” drops , #5 - #6

Jake Owen with “The One That Got Away” stays at #7

Rascal Flatts with “Come Wake Me Up”stay at #8

Justin Moore with “Til My Last Day”is up one, #10 -#9

Lee Brice with “Hard To Love” drops four, #6- #10

Miranda Lambert with “Fastest Girl In Town” is down 2 spots,  #9 - #11

Zac Brown Band with “Goodbye In Her Eyes” move up two, #14 - #12

The Band Perry with “Better Dig Two” stay at #13

Kip Moore with “Beer Money” drops 3 places, #11 -#14

Gary Allan with “Every Storm” (Runs Out Of Rain) falls, #12 - #15

Eric Church with “Creepin” is down one slot, #15 - #16

Randy Houser with “How Country Feels” is down, #16 - #17

Greg Bates with “Did It For The Girl” is up one, #19 - 18

Jason Aldean (w Luke Bryan & Eric Church) and “The Only Way I Know” is up #21 -#19

Brad Paisley with “Southern Comfort Zone” drops three, #17 -#20

Kenny Chesney with “El Cerrito Place” is up one, #22 -#21

Taylor Swift with “Begin Again” drops four, #18 - #22

Little Big Town with “Tornado” is up one, #24 - #23

Jason Aldean with former #1 “Take A Little Ride” falls, #20 - #24

George Strait with “Give It All We Got Tonight” debuts at #25

Country Songs

*** No. 1 *** (8 weeks) "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” Taylor Swift

** Hot Shot Debut ** No.3 “Over You” Cassadee Pope

** Greatest Gainer/Airplay  ** “No.12 “Goodbye in Her Eyes” Zac Brown Band

** Greatest Gainer/Streaming ** No.31  “One Of Those Nights” Tim McGraw

** Greatest Gainer/Digital **  “No.37 “Two Black Cadillacs” Carrie Underwood

New No.25 “Give It All We Got Tonight” George Strait

New No.48 “A Holly Jolly Christmas” Lady Antebellum

Re-Entry No.43 “ Can’t Shake You” Gloriana

Re-Entry No.50 “When She Says Baby” Jason Aldean

Billboard Country Airplay Charts

Jake Owen achieves his third and slowest No. 1 climb with “The One That Got Away” (RCA Nashville), which steps 2-1 in its 29th week on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.  It was released on May 21, 2012 .

His quickest ascent (24 weeks) happened when “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” spent the first of two weeks at the summit on the Sept. 17, 2011, chart, followed by another two weeks with “Alone With You,” which peaked in its 26th chart week in April. The Florida native is one of 10 artists to lead the chart twice this year—he replaces Luke Bryan’s “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” (Capitol Nashville), which dips to No. 3 after leading the chart for two weeks. Bryan is the only artist to crown the chart three times so far this year.

Top audience contributors for Owen’s single during the Nielsen BDS tracking week are led by 1.3 million impressions at WUSN Chicago, followed by KKGO Los Angeles (1.3 million), WYCD Detroit (866,000), KEEY Minneapolis (787,000) and WIL St. Louis, Mo. (784,000).

Just a few days before learning the good news, Jake and his wife Lacey welcomed their first daughter, Olive Pearl Owen. With infectious lyrics and an irresistible driving energy, “The One That Got Away” is a true story written by Jake along with Jimmy Ritchey and Dallas  Davidson. The song is from his chart-topping album Barefoot Blue Jean Night that has launched back-to-back, multi-week No. 1 hits with the PLATINUM-selling title track and the GOLD-certified “Alone with You.”

The four-time American Country Awards nominee will make the television debut performance of “The One That Got Away” on the fan-voted awards show airing on FOX TV on Monday, December 10.

Currently, Jake is on the road with his first headlining tour “CMT ON TOUR JAKE OWEN: THE SUMMER NEVER ENDS 2012” and he continues to make CMT history with the most consecutive sold-out shows for the annual nationwide tour since its inception eleven years ago. In 2013, Jake will join Jason Aldean’s NIGHT TRAIN TOUR.  (RCA Nashville Press Release)

Country Airplay

*** No. 1  (1 week) *** "The One That Got Away" Jake Owen

**  Most Increased Audience ** No.4 “Come Wake Me Up” Rascal Flatts (+3.62 Million)

** Most Added” No. 25 "One Of Those Nights” Tim McGraw  (+31 )

** Hot Shot Debut ** No.57 “Jingle Bell Rock” Blake Shelton feat. Miranda Lambert

Debut No.58 “Forever” Aaron Lewis

TOP DIGITAL SINGLES in Country Music (28 November 2012)

After a head-turning performance of Miranda Lambert’s “Over You” on the Nov. 19 episode of “The Voice” (NBC), contestant Cassadee Pope opens atop Billboard’s Country DigitalSongs with 152,128 digital downloads, according to Nielsen Sound-Scan, and also posts the Hot Shot Debut at No. 3 on Hot Country Songs.

Pope’s version also arrives at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Lambert’s original re-enters Country Digital Songs at No. 7 jumping up from 54 (Riser of the week) with 40,223 copies sold up 500% on last weeks 6,703 number (1,082,200 total)—it previously peaked at No. 2 in March and topped the May 19 Country Airplay chart.

The song took home the Song of the Year trophy at the 2012 Country Music Assn.Awards. Miranda co-wrote the song with her hubby, “Voice” coach Blake Shelton.

Cassadee Pope (born August 28, 1989) is a 23-year old singer/songwriter and Florida native. Pope has also fronted pop/punk band Hey Monday and released a self-titled solo EP in May that charted for one week in June (No. 25) on the Billboard Heatseekers tally.



Cassadee Pope



Since Hey Monday’s hiatus, Cassadee embarked on a solo career which was announced in December 2011, but reassured fans that the band was not "broken up." In early 2012 she played her first acoustic solo tour before releasing her debut self titled EP on May 22, 2012, featuring four songs; "Original Love", "Secondhand", "I Guess We're Cool", and "Told You So".

In the summer of 2012, she confirmed that she auditioned for Season 3 of The Voice. On September 25, 2012, Cassadee performed for her blind audition on NBC's "The Voice," and she received four button pushes from the four judges. She then competed on Blake Shelton's team

On the Voice’s Episodes 23-24: the Top 10 performances were aired on Nov 19^th resulting in Cassadee Pope and Melanie Martinez receiving the iTunes bonus.

Cassadee Pope's version of  "Over You" (Republic Label) sold between the night it was performed, Nov. 19  and Nov. 25 to debut at No. 3 also on the overall Digital charts. Melanie Martinez's take on the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" followed with sales of 55,000 (No. 30)

During a Voice conference , Cassadee responded to some of her critics who claim that she has a vocal cord up on her competition -  "I definitely think going on tour and performing a lot has really helped me, but the same could be said for everyone else who has ever played shows," Pope told reporters: "This just isn't something I've ever experienced before, especially in a competition setting, because a tour definitely isn't anything like that."

Watch Cassadee’s Voice performance of  “Over You” >>  YouTube  it’s available on US iTunes

Last weeks No. 1 Florida Georgia Line with “Cruise” drops to #2. It sold 78,089 (down 3%) and has reached total sales of 1,140,994.

Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back” stays at #3 on the country chart selling 63,789 downloads (-35%) and has a 2,649,505 tally. It holds a #24 slot on the overall Billboard Digital Chart. Other songs by Swift which do not show on the Country chart are at #15 “I Knew You Were Trouble” (86,715 sales /861,476 total), “Red” at #112 (19,337 sales/568,856 total) and at #118 “22 “ (18,639 sales/ 209,013 total)

Her country single “Begin Again” sold 24,564 this week (-10%) with a total of 521,774 so far.

Carrie Underwood rounds out the top 5 with former #1 Billboard Country Airplay song  “Blown Away” which sold 44,495 copies(+1%) and has sold 1,376,938

George Strait is new at #9 with “Give It All We Got Tonight” selling 38,261 copies in its debut retail week.

Songs dropping out of the Top 30 are Miranda Lambert  “Fastest Girl In Town” (12,615 sales), Thomas Rhett “Beer With Jesus” (11,657 sales) and Kelly Clarkson/Vince Gill “Don’t Rush” . 

Billboard Country Digital Singles Chart Top 30

(LW) Last Week  (TW) This Week 

*Numbers are rounded to nearest 1000th.

 

Country Bites News snippets Nov 19 – Nov 23

Country Bites News snippets November 19 – Nov 23

LINKS / SOURCES shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

Belfast Acoustic / Singer Songwriter Eilidh Patterson has some Irish gigs coming up:

Saturday (24th Nov) Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Sat 1st December,Drumbo (in Ruth Trimble's full-band show), Thurs 6th December, Ballymoney Town Hall (solo acoustic show)  and Sat 15th Dec, Ulster Hall, Belfast (performing with with New Irish Choir & orchestra)

Allan Watkiss BBC Radio Sheffield comes of air the end of December after nearly a 12 year run. The 3 hour "Your Country" show 4pm - 7pm is sadly NOT included in the January 2013 schedule. This is the first country music casualty of the cutbacks in Local BBC Radio and was announced on air Sunday Nov 18 >> Audio

Yorkshire, the UK's biggest county, will have no Country programme on the BBC.

Irish singer songwriter Pete Kennedy joined Steve Cherelle’s Big Country Show on BBC Radio Essex to talk about songwriting, play some live music and discuss his experience opening for Neil Sedaka on his UK Tour (Oct 6 - Oct 24). Pete who won Album of the Year at the BCMAwards for "The Nashville Sessions Vol 1" performed an acoustic version of  "Tomorrow Never Comes", a #1 some 21-years ago for Garth Brooks and "Love Me Anyway" from Pete's new release "The Nashville Sessions Vol 2" (UK iTunes) Listen back from 28 mins (Available till Oct 25) - www.bbc.co.uk

Popular Irish star Derek Ryan has always believed in dreams coming true which will come to friution this week with the release of his third album, DREAMERS AND BELIEVERS.

"This is the album I have always wanted to record," Derek says. "It is an uplifting collection of some of my favourite songs which I believe reflects the mood of my fans who come to my dances and concerts. "They always come in with a smile despite these hard times and, at the end of the night, I hope they feel that they've been given a real boost."

The title track of the album has a special significance for the Co. Carlow man and former lead singer of Irish boyband D-Side. It was written by legendary composer Pete St John, famous for his classics, such as The Fields Of Athenry and The Rare Ould Times.

"Pete St John is one of my songwriting heroes and a man I have admired for many years," Derek reveals.

"In 2005 he paid me one of the greatest compliments I have ever had, and which gave me the belief in my own songwriting. Pete judged a song contest in which I had an entry, and said of my song, 'that was so good I wish I had written it myself'."

DREAMERS AND BELIEVERS will be released on Amazon UK on December 10, 2012.

Fionnuala Gill the ANUNA founding member and Riverdance lead vocalist has Christmas produce available with her solo album WHISPERS OF LOVE.

A qualified aromatherapist and Reiki practitioner, Fionnuala has always been deeply interested in the healing qualities of sound and song. She believes that music is a language beyond words and something that effortlessly connects the head and heart.

Website Blub: In the world of Irish music, Fionnuala’s debut album, Whispers of Love, shines through like a glimmering light. While steeped in her Irish heritage, the breath-taking honesty of Fionnuala’s performance sets her music apart from all others, suspending her listeners in a world of possibility and hope. Each song on this album carries deep meaning for Fionnuala, a meaning which is translated across boundaries of language, culture, and time. In the glut of over-produced albums which fill the shelves of shops today, Whispers of Love is a jewel of simplicity and brilliance

Fionnuala’s international career gathered momentum when she was asked to tour as lead singer with Riverdance, with which she performed throughout the USA, UK and Europe. In 2003 she joined the internationally acclaimed group Secret Garden. With worldwide sales exceeding 3.5 million albums, Fionnuala has performed with them in Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Norway, and Ireland. WHISPERS OF LOVE will be available from Amazon UK on December 3rd 

UK CHART NEWS

On the Official UK Singles Top 100 Chart (Week Nov 24, 2012)

Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” drops from #19 to #25 and “Love Story” drops from 61-86 

After 70 chart weeks Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” is down 80-98

On the Official UK Albums Top 100 (Week Nov 24, 2012)

Taylor Swift’s album RED in its 4th retail week drops from #12 - #17.

Foster & Allen with The Ultimate Collection make their debut at #38

Lady Antebellum in their 120th chart week with NEED YOU NOW fall from #63 to #84 but remain atop the Official UK Country Album Chart.

On the Hotdisc Chart (Nov 18, 2012 Chart)

Irishman Aidan Quinn, son of Philomena Begley, is up to 4 on the Top 40 with “Would You Go With Me” and claims the British & Irish No.1 position this week.

After 10 weeks at number 1, on the Hotdisc Top 40 Toby Keith displaces Branch & Dean as the “Red Solo Cup” singer-songwriter  climbs one place to make it to number 1 this week with his tongue in cheek "I Like Girls That Like Beer”

JT Hodges who is Toby's Showdog/Universal label mate moves up to number 2 with “Sleepy Little Town” to give a unique one-two for the label.

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES

19 Nov 2012 Kim Mclean - Shadows and Light (Hippie Chick Twang) 2CD

Amazon UK MP3 Downloads

19 Nov 2012 Uncle Cracker - Midnight Special (EMI)

Amazon UK CD Format - Amazon UK MP3 Downloads

19 Nov 2012 Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Live From Alabama (Lightning Rod Records-Thirty Tigers)

Amazon UK CD Format - Amazon UK MP3 Downloads

19 Nov 2012 Jo El Sonnier -  Come On Joe / Have A Little Faith (Morella Records)

Amazon UK CD Format  (2 albums on 1 CD)

19 Nov 2012 Lady Antebellum - On This Winter's Night (Capitol Records Nashville)

Amazon UK CD Format - Amazon UK MP3 Downloads

** NOTE ** Own The Night World Tour [Blu-ray] [2013] This title will be released on January 14, 2013.

19 Nov 2012 - Chris Isaak - CHRIS ISAAK LIVE! Beyond The Sun DVD (Vanguard Records)

Amazon UK DVD

AUSSIE NEWS

Prior to her first visit to Australian shores Elizabeth Cook will release her acclaimed album WELDER, produced by the legendary Don Was (Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Kris Kristofferson), on January 11.

Elizabeth will head to the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival and will also play selected sideshows.

NEWS

Garth Brooks is planning a world tour in the fall of 2014, his first in 16 years, hotel developer Steve Wynn confirmed Saturday (Nov 17) . Wynn also revealed during an interview that he's developing a "new genre" with an entertainment "A-Team," his term.

Among those he linked to the project: Kenny Ortega, the co-director of Michael Jackson's comeback tour; master puppet designer Michael Curry of "Lion King" fame; and Mark Fisher, known for creating spectacular live entertainment.

Garth Brooks (90's photo)



"It's an idea that hasn't been seen here before," Wynn said, adding that he's convinced Las Vegas is ripe for an alternative to Cirque du Soleil. "I think we've exhausted that genre."

Wynn offered a hint of things to come when he said he has "picked a company with probably the greatest group of male and female dancers I've seen in my life." In fact, he had just left a rehearsal with 18 dancers, he said, adding the project started six months ago.

Brooks, 50, ended a three-year, 180-show run Saturday night with two shows at Wynn Las Vegas. But he'll be back soon for a one-off. He'll return to Las Vegas this winter for a "Live From the Wynn" special of the one-man show he's been doing, Wynn said.

"He's itching to get started on the world tour," Wynn added.

And yes, Brooks will keep the private jet that Wynn added as an enticement to draw the country icon out of retirement. Brooks and Wynn had agreed to a five-year deal, with the stipulation that either party could end it sooner.

"He gets the plane. He did what he was supposed to do. We're square," Wynn said. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Carrie Underwood is 4 for 4 as BLOWN AWAY became her 4th Consecutive Country Album Win at The American Music Awards. Carrie Underwood debuted her new single, “Two Black Cadillacs,” on The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards with a spectacular performance. The song, written by Underwood, Josh Kear and Hillary Lindsey, is the third single off her critically acclaimed album Blown Away, which garnered a win as “Favorite Country Album.” This win marks the fourth consecutive time an Underwood album has taken home the top album prize at the American Music Awards. Now a seven-time AMA winner, Underwood has been the fans’ choice in the country album category on every album she’s released, also claiming the “Favorite Country Album” honor for her debut Some Hearts in 2007, Carnival Ride in 2008, and Play On in 2010  (SONY Press)

Read more / videos 2012 American Music Awards Blog Post

The Recording Academy® has announced the 2013 Grammy Hall Of Fame® Inductees . Continuing the tradition of preserving and celebrating great recordings, The Recording Academy® announced the newest additions to its legendary GRAMMY Hall Of Fame® collection. Country Music makes the list with:

Country (Single)- "ACT NATURALLY" Buck Owens (Johnny Russell, Voni Morrison)  Capitol (1963) 

Country (Album) - FOGGY MOUNTAIN BANJO Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs And The Foggy Mountain Boys Columbia (1961)

Full listing at www.grammy.org

Taylor Swift to Give thanks from Tokyo - When you are as busy as Taylor Swift is, there’s no telling where you’ll spend the holidays. For instance, this Thanksgiving, Taylor will be in Tokyo. She admits, “It’s gonna be interesting trying to find turkey there.” But she doesn’t mind that she sometimes has to skip tradition for her career. “That’s kinda how my life goes. I’m just like, you know, wherever I’m gonna be I’m gonna be,” she says. “And I know that when I am putting out a record all bets are off… I just like, put my head down and just like wake up when they tell me to and I just do what I’m told … like a lot. So, that sounds depressing but I kinda think it’s fun.” And while Thanksgiving is a day to reflect and be thankful, that’s something Taylor always tries to do in her life. Even when she’s exhausted and hasn’t had a day off in ages, Taylor says she reminds herself, “It’s hard work but it’s also my childhood dream. So, I also keep a tight grasp on the fact that careers end every day. It is possible for you to say the wrong thing, do the wrong, have a bad, like, stroke of luck and it could be over so why not appreciate every single day while you have it ‘cause there’s no guarantee for anything"  >>  Audio [BMLGPromo]

Tickets that went on sale for Taylor Swift’s two July RED Tour stops at Foxborough, Mass.'s Gillette Stadium, with the back to back stadium shows sold out in just 5 minutes. Last Friday, Taylor sold out three stadiums: Toronto's Rogers Centre (sold out in 5 minutes), Detroit's Ford Field (sold out in 10 minutes), and Chicago's Soldier Field (sold out in 25 minutes), as well as arenas in Los Angeles (2 shows in 1 minute), Washington DC (2 shows in 5 minutes), Atlanta (2 shows in 5 minutes), Miami, Tampa, Columbus, San Diego and Sacramento.

Tickets for Taylor's two August shows in Kansas City also sold out over the weekend.

Taylor  The RED Tour will now include 11 stadium stops, for a total of 62 shows in 45 cities in 29 states and 3 provinces in 2013

On Tuesday in Los Angeles Court records show country singer Deana Carter has filed for legal separation from her husband of three years.

Deana Carter

 The "Strawberry Wine" singer cites irreconcilable differences for her breakup from Brandon Malone. Her filing states the couple separated in August 2011, less than two years after they were married in October 2009. Carter and Malone have no children together. Her filing indicates the couple does not have any agreement on how the couple's assets will be divided - LOS ANGELES (AP)

CMT OFFSTAGE: Scotty McCreery's Thankful He's Like Hannah Montana! When Scotty McCreery counts his blessing this Thanksgiving, I think he'll be thankful he's just living a pretty normal college life. In the recent People Country magazine, he compared his situation to that of Miley Cyrus' Disney character Hannah Montana. "People ask me, 'How do you do it?' I say, 'I'm like

Hannah Montana!' I have my school life, and then I go on the road," McCreery said. "I want to keep a balance of the two." So far, so good. And he doesn't worry as much about keeping a low profile on the North Carolina State University campus like he did in the beginning of the school year. But he's determined to get his degree because Garth Brooks told him to. And McCreery says of that encouragement, "I mean, he's doing pretty good for himself, so I think I'll take his advice."

And here's why we're thankful for McCreery. He is turning his holiday show on Nov. 23 in New York City into the Beacon Theater Benefit for Hurricane Sandy Relief. "Being from North Carolina, I have seen firsthand what hurricanes can do. I wanted to figure out a way to help," he said

Josh Turner plans to spend a lot of time outside this holiday season.“When it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s a great time to go hunting, especially in South Carolina,” he said. “That’s when the temperatures are starting to drop and the conditions are getting right, and especially in November, kind of the tail end of the rut, as far as deer season. It’s a good time to get in the deer stand whether you kill anything or not, it’s just a great time to just get away from everything and get away from the noise and the lights and the diesel fumes and just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.”

Country Stars Share Thanksgiving Plans, Favorite Dishes, Memories & More at www.countrymusicislove.com

Jake Owen and wife Lacey welcomed the Thanksgiving Day arrival of their first child, daughter Olive Pearl, who was born Thursday (Nov. 22) in Nashville. Weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces, she will go by her middle name in honor of Owen's godmother who passed away in July just months after the newlyweds found out they were expecting. "Lacey and I are so excited to start our own family," Owen said in a statement issued by his publicist. "We are looking forward to teaching Pearl everything we learned from our parents and also learning from her."

Amy Grant and Vince Gill are set for a three night stand next month at the Ryman Auditorium. Their Christmas at the Ryman shows will be Dec. 18, 19 and 20. Details here. Grant and Gill are also scheduled to perform at “A Celebration of Carole King and Her Music,” Dec. 4 at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre.

SINGLE / ALBUM/ DVD/ VINYL NEWS

Rascal Flatts ‘ALL ACCESS & UNCOVERED’ DVD is out (Nov 19 - Big Machine Records) in America

All Access and Uncovered: The Making of Changed and Beyond gives a never-before-seen look behind-the-scenes with the award winning, chart-topping Country band Rascal Flatts. Featuring live performances, intimate interviews and home video footage, The Making of Changed and Beyond takes Rascal Flails fans on a journey as the guys work to complete their acclaimed album Changed.

George Strait’s new single, “Give It All We Got Tonight,” from his 2013 forthcoming album was most-added at country radio release week and now fans can purchase the track exclusively online (US iTunes Only) and in Walmart stores at beginning Monday, Nov. 19.  The Walmart exclusive will also feature Strait’s 1985 No. 1 hit, “The Cowboy Rides Away,” in celebration of his upcoming The Cowboy Rides Away Tour with special guest Martina McBride commencing on January 18, 2013 in Lubbock, Texas.

(Essential Broadcast Media)   >>  AUDIO

Taylor Swift has announced another exclusive format for her #1 album RED - a limited edition 12 inch Vinyl! A must-have for any fan! The vinyl album includes the 16 tracks from Red in a beautiful fold out double vinyl sleeve. Released on 3rd December 2012,

numbers are strictly limited and only available from the Official Universal Music store for £17.99

PRESS RELEASES

Kenny Rogers will celebrate the 31st Anniversary of his Christmas & Hits Tour in 2012 with a festive show featuring live performances of holiday classics and his biggest hits.  The one-of-a-kind vocalist and entertainer will perform at venues across America, once again joined by special guest Billy Dean, beginning on November 23rd in Catoosa, Oklahoma and wrapping December 23rd in Westbury, New York. Rogers is known for creating an inviting atmosphere with his Christmas & Hits Tour, which consistently receives rave reviews and has become a holiday tradition in its own right since its start 31 years ago.  The “Christmas” portion of this year’s inviting set will include heartfelt performances of traditional and original songs such as “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Joy To The World,” and “Mary, Did You Know.”  Local choirs and children will have an opportunity to showcase their talents, having once again been chosen to perform with Rogers in each city of the tour.  (More info Webster & Associates PR)

Billy Dean said "I look forward to Kenny's Christmas and Hits Tour because of the personal gift it gives me each year," says Dean.  "It puts a lot of smiles on faces and it brings folks together in the spirit of the season and those are things I love being a part of.  The audience gives us something special back every night and those of us on tour become family."

This holiday season marks Dean's third year joining Rogers on the road for his annual Christmas tour. - Absolute Publicity

Randy Travis & The Avett Brothers will Team for All-New Episode of CMT Crossroads on Friday, November 23. Meeting and collaborating for the first time on the CMT Crossroads stage in Nashville, Randy Travis and The Avett Brothers will perform some of Travis’ most famous hits along with some of The Avett Brothers’ most memorable tunes, including some from their current album, THE CARPENTER. (More info Webster & Associates PR)

Brother/sister Lee and Elaine Roy aka THE ROYS are sounding "last call" for Danny Stewart's Bluegrass Cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's spectacular ship, Sensation, January 20-24. They are thrilled to be a part of this grand adventure and are urging their fans to sign up now to reserve their cabins. The cost ($499) includes luxurious shipboard accommodations for two and all food and beverages except for carbonated and alcoholic drinks.  The vessel departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, and ports of call include the exciting islands of Freeport and Nassau. (Press Publicity)

Lucas Hoge, who was a nominee for Best Male Vocalist for the Inspirational Country Music Awards (ICM's) 2012 has seen his s single  “Have I Done Something” go to #1 on the Inspirational Country Music Chart. Inspired by a true story, Have I Done Something prompts listeners to take action in aiding those around them. "I remember watching the news and thinking 'someone should really do something about that'...and then I turned the question on myself," explains Hoge. "I feel very blessed that this song has been embraced by inspirational country music stations and their listeners."  (Nashville Music Media Press Publicity)

Craig Morgan, Jana Kramer and Kool And The Gang will join a star-studded Skating & Song Event celebrating Cancer Survivorship.  “Kaleidoscope On Ice presented by Levine Cancer Institute airs Sunday, Nov. 25 on CBS TV. More details  - Monarch Publicity Press

ARTICLES

Spotify founder Daniel Ek has spoken candidly about the amount of revenue rights-holders can expect to earn from streaming services, saying it will take 200 streams of a song to earn the equivalent of a paid for download.

Speaking to QZ.com, Ek went on to say that beyond that number, however, the streaming model is “better”, its effect simply kicks in further along the lifecycle of a track. “I can tell you it will take you 200 song listens before you make the same amount of money [as a download],” he told the site. “But because the consumption behavior is entirely different, and the revenue then increases perpetually, it’s not even a question of if this model is better, it’s just when in the lifecycle it’s better.”

CMA Close UP - How Country Stars Build Their Road Crews by Mark Crawford - Country Music wouldn’t be where it is today without great artists. But those stars couldn’t grow their audiences without virtuoso road crews. In many ways, the road crew is just as important a part of the tour as the performer…Full story at www.cybergrass.com

REVIEWS

Kris Kristofferson (GENEVA Concert) - -- Extract: Oxford scholar, athlete, U.S. Army helicopter pilot, country music composer, one-time roustabout, film actor, singer, lover of women, three times a husband and father of eight -- seems ready to meet his maker.

At least, that was the clear impression he left with an audience of middle-aged-and-upwards fans at a concert in Geneva this week, a message underscored by his 28th and latest album, "Feeling Mortal" and its coffin-dark cover.

At a frail-looking 76, his ample beard more straggly than ever and his always gravel-laden voice gasping out the familiar lyrics of his great classics from "Bobby McGee" to "Rainbow Again", the hereafter appears at the front of his mind…"I've begun to soon descend, like the sun into the sea," runs the title song of the new CD......After the concert, the Kristofferson family left for Zurich and Vienna to continue the tour. "This may be our last goodbye," he sang in a final song. "We may not pass this way again." ….Read More

INTERVIEWS

Willie Nelson: Road Rules And Deep Thoughts - Nelson speaks with NPR's Rachel Martin about his family life, being forced to choose between marijuana and tobacco, and where a touring musician looks for spirituality >> Audio Link

Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings From the Road: As part of a publicity tour for his new book, Willie Nelson was also onn Late Show with David Letterman November 21, 2012. During his chat with David Letterman, Nelson revealed that he penned not one but three songs in one eventful car trip from Houston to Nashville in 1961 - 'Crazy,' 'Night Life' and 'Funny How Time Slips Away.'  >>  YouTube

Lindi Ortega is American Songwriter’s Writer of the Week. After moving from Toronto to Nashville, Lindi Ortega is back with Cigarettes & Truckstops, the followup to last year’s head-turning Little Red Boots. We spoke with the singer-songwriter, who had a cameo role in last week’s Nashville, about picking up and leaving, the first song she ever wrote and more.

LISTEN

Chantal Kuegle a “youthful and spirited” Canadian Country vocalist is ready to inspire listeners with her debut single, “Never Alone,” hitting radio stations today. The song was produced by Grammy nominated legend Kent Wells (Dolly Parton) and was self-penned by Kuegle. "Chantal's smooth, rich voice coupled with her honest songwriting is why she is one of my favorite artists,” said Kent. “Her waters run deep and her music is a reflection of that!  I'm grateful to be a part of her musical journey."

“Never Alone” is an inspirational ballad that calls into reminiscence the sounds of musical greats such as Faith Hill, Sara Evans, and Celine Dion. The timeless message is sure to appeal to fans of all ages, and Chantal’s striking vocals are sure to stand out among the crowd. (Press Release)
Listen to her song at soundcloud.com

Scarletta is a hot new independent trio working their single up the Music Row charts. The band features Aubrey Collins, Nathan Stoops and Benji Harris. The song was written by Scarletta and Paul Wagner. The single and their upcoming debut album was produced by Blake Chancey (Dixie Chicks, Maggie Rose).

Fiercely feisty and fun trio Scarletta is heating up country radio airwaves with their “smash single”, “Right Here, Right Now.” The song has now broken into the Music Row Top 30, and for good reason.

“It’s one of those tunes you don’t get tired of hearing or playing! We always have such a great time on the air with them and you can count on KLMJ to keep playing Scarletta!” says KLMJ’s Mike Betten. Listen to the song at soundcloud.com

Lorrie Morgan has a fun and flirtatious Christmas song out - Audio Press Release

GREATEST HITS: CHAPTER ONE by Kelly Clarkson Full Listen Party at music.aol.com

WATCH

Taylor Swift debuted her new single "State of Grace" from her latest album, Red, on THE US X FACTOR staget. Her advice to the contestants? "Be nice to people."
>>  YouTube

The likeable and adorable Ali Isabella who played the Wembley 2012 Country Festival has a new video "So Free" from the Album SAY YOU'LL BE MINE
>>  YouTube

Carrie Underwood gives a sneak peek at 'Two Black Cadillacs' music video inviting you to cruise into Black Friday by viewing the just-released trailer of her forthcoming music video, “Two Black Cadillacs.” Chill and thrill seekers .The full music video will premiere in January. “Two Black Cadillacs” is her brand new single >> YouTube

Christina Aguilera premieres “Just A Fool” On ‘The Voice’ sharing the stage with her co-star, Blake Shelton >> YouTube

COUNTRY RECIPE

Trisha Yearwood - Daddy’s Biscuits Recipe

COUNTRY FASHION

Read more / videos 2012 American Music Awards Blog Post

COUNTRY GOSSIP

Taylor Swift, I was not Amused! The CMAs hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwod continued in country fashion with their annually fun and games. This tradition was seen last year for example, Faith Hill’s sense of humour totally added to Brad & Carrie’s comical skit about whether the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Barbies were anatomically correct. During the 2010 CMAs Lady Antebellum took the fun on board when Brad “accidentally” mistook them for Lady Gaga.

Brad & Carrie
CMA Fun ?



 This year, Willie Nelson’s reaction to Carrie’s crack about “doping charges” and having his award taken away made the joke even funnier. But was someone hurt by the butt of jokes, Miss Taylor Swift? Carrie hoped that everyone was in on the joke when they poked fun but NOT everyone walked away laughing as Taylor took a verbal beating during the 2012 opening monologue.

The hosts picked up on Swift’s hit song ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.’- “I can’t keep track of all these trades… Peyton Manning is a Bronco,” Paisley said. “Tim Tebow is a jet,” Underwood responded.

“The greatest trade of the year had to be the Kennedy family, who somehow traded Arnold Schwarznegger for Taylor Swift,” Paisley quipped. Cue snare drum. Then Underwood whispered to Paisley, informing him the Princess Red sweetheart hitmaker had in fact called it quits with beau Conor Kennedy. “Are they ever gonna get back together?” Paisley asked. “Never,” Underwood replied.

“Never?” he asked again. “Never,” Underwood repeated.

During the exchange the cameras failed to pan on the 22-year old Swift - it’s because she wasn’t laughing.

“We’re not trying to hurt anyone with the monologue, we’re just trying to be funny and entertaining,” CMA Awards show executive producer Robert Deaton told Country Aircheck (according to MJsBigBlog). “I’m not in the truck, so I don’t see all the cameras. I’m backstage dealing with time, Brad, Carrie and anything that comes up we might need to add. Paul Miller, the director, said he couldn’t tell whether she thought it was funny or not, and we always want to be respectful if we’re not sure. We’re not trying to hurt anyone with the monologue, we’re just trying to be funny and entertaining. There are so many things that have me waking up wondering if we’re pushing things too far .. You never know for sure how they’re going to take it. Most of the time, I think we hit it pretty well. In that case, [the camera man] couldn’t tell, so he didn’t want to cut to her. It’s better to err on the side of being conservative.”

‘Begin Again’ hitmaker confirmed that she wasn’t amused by the joke. When the New York Times asked Swift why the cameras didn’t show her, she replied: “They don’t pan to you if you’re not laughing.” Enough said!”

The raw news that she and Conor had split surfaced just before the CMA Awards aired and she was in no mood yet to laugh about it with millions of live ABC TV viewers.

Related  News - The Many Insecurities of Taylor Swift (NY Times)

Taylor Swift has become the target of vicious messages by vile internet trolls, who have threatened to kill her if rumours are true.

A group calling themselves the Directioners posted a string of cruel tweets aimed at the 22-year-old singer, attacking her over her reported relationship romancing One Direction’s hunk Harry Styles.

A 1D- obsessed teen using the name Patrick Bateman — the fictional serial killer from movie American Psycho — sent blonde babe Taylor a series of chilling Twitter messages

The sicko wrote: “You’re a f***ing ugly bitch. I want to stab you to death & play around with your blood.”

Another fan using the handle @fatalelovato posted: “Taylor Swift is a paedo. She’s dating Harry Styles”

Harry and Taylor were first linked in March 2012 after they crossed paths in LA at the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards - and now it appears they've very close. Harry, 18, was also spotted with Taylor in the show's canteen and reportedly after she rehearsed he jumped on stage, picked her up, put her over his shoulder and carried her off. They were also seen walking "hand-in-hand."

'I wasn't at rehearsal, but heard about it,' says One Direction mentor and Syco Entertainment boss Simon Cowell, reports the Daily Star. 'I think they are good together.'



Taylor and Harry



The pair are believed to have started dating a few weeks ago after her relationship with Conor Kennedy came to an end last month. Insiders claim they saw the couple canoodling backstage at the US X Factor earlier this month, with Harry even joining Taylor's mother in the audience as the We Are Never Ever Getting Back together hitmaker performed her soundcheck.

The show's co-host Mario Lopez also confirmed he saw the pair 'walking hand-in-hand', which no doubt will breaks hearts amongst many of Harry's teenage followers. Mario told listeners of his 104.3 MY FM radio show on Friday night: 'Taylor Swift was the special guest performer, and [here's] a little inside scoop for you. 'During rehearsals, Harry from One Direction came and slapped me on the back, and said, "Hey, Mario, how ya doing?" And I said, "What are you doing here?" And he sort of [pointed] toward Taylor.

'So Taylor Swift and Harry from One Direction - you heard it here first. [They're] officially hanging out, I can say that much.

Meanwhile Taylor just closed on the house across the street from Conor Kennedy’s grandmother, Ethel. The Boston Globe reports instead of the $13.5 million dollar asking price, she got it for $4.8 million!

Jessica Simpson has completed her 60lbs In 6 Months Weightwatchers loss transformation. After giving birth to her daughter Maxwell Drew, the “Come On Over” singer and “Daisy Duke” actress Jessica showed off her new slim figure at an event for her fashion line the Jessica Simpson Collection in Tampa on Saturday (Nov 17, 2012). Two days prior, she had posted a sneak peek on Twitter of a forthcoming commercial for Weightwatchers. It's not been an easy road for Simpson, who admitting that she was struggling to kick her pregnancy craving of macaroni and cheese. "My body is not bouncing back like a supermodel," she said in September, "I'm just your everyday woman who is trying to feel good and be healthy for her daughter, her fiancé and herself." Her partnership with the weight loss brand hasn't been without its controversy, given that she was paid a reported $3 million to lose the 60lbs.

Kelly Clarkson, the 30-year-old “Don’t Rush” singer wants to elope with her boyfriend in the near future! She has been dating 35-year-old talent manager Brandon Blackstock (stepson of Reba McEntire) for nine months but believes they will get married soon even though they aren't engaged yet.

She told 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' today (20.11.12): "We are totally going to get married. We love each other. We are totally going to get married one day."I mean, he's got to put a ring on at some point. But I'll wait it out."

Asked if she has thought about the kind of wedding she wants to have, the 'Stronger' singer said: "Honestly I've never been the girl to plan a wedding. We will totally, probably elope." The brunette star also revealed she is looking forward to spending a romantic Thanksgiving with her boyfriend on Thursday (22.11.12) and also to their first Christmas together next month

TWEETS

Luke Bryan – LukeBryanOnline: Can not believe I’m ending my night by celebrating with kelly clarkson and @ reba! I’m one lucky guy.

Taylor Swift – TaylorSwift13: Walked into my AMA dressing room and there was this little bowl of candy in there. Literally shrieked with excitement. Need to tone it down.

Lady Antebellum – LadyAntebellum: And yes we just met the @ psy_oppa. Should’ve busted out the dance moves. #AMAs