Today the Associated Press announced Glen Campbell, who celebrates his 77^th birthday today, will release a new album of new takes on his hits called See You There, out July 30. The album includes Glen’s signature songs such as “Gentle On My Mind,” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Hey Little One,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” “True Grit” and “Rhinestone Cowboy.” The collection, which will be released by Surfdog Records, was produced by Dave Darling (Brian Setzer) and Surfdog founder Dave Kaplan. It also includes “There’s No Me…Without You,” which Glen wrote with Julian Raymond for 2011′s acclaimed Ghost On The Canvas, “What I Wouldn’t Give” and “I Wish You Were Here,” which were bonus tracks from Ghost On The Canvas, and the previously-unreleased “Waiting on the Comin’ of my Lord,” a track that was recorded during the Ghost On The Canvas sessions but never completed until now.

The story behind See You There echoes that of his 1967 breakthrough album, Gentle On My Mind. Both were recordings that Glen never intended to be released as an album; sessions that occurred simply because the songs yearned to be sung. While recording Ghost On The Canvas, Glen found himself at a crossroads. While he forged vibrant new artistic relationships – acolytes Jakob Dylan, Paul Westerberg and Teddy Thompson penned songs for the album and it featured guest appearances by such admirers as Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Brian Setzer and members of the Dandy Warhols – Glen simultaneously felt a tug from some of his earliest hit singles. So he laid down new vocals for these songs – and then set the tracks aside. Continue Reading

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GAC sends prayers for a speedy recovery for George Jones, who was admitted to a Nashville hospital earlier today for observation.  During a routine checkup, doctors found he was running a slight fever with irregular blood pressure.

George’s shows this weekend in Atlanta, Ga. and Salem, Va. are postponed.  Information on the rescheduling of these concerts will be available soon.

Last November George announced he’d be playing his final concert in Nashville this year. Continue Reading

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Show Dog-Universal recording artist Krystal Keith has released the video for her song “Daddy Dance With Me,” the surprise gift she recorded for her father Toby Keith and first played for him at her wedding.

“I wrote it for my father-daughter dance at my own wedding, and we just did the video,” she says. “It was an amazing experience. I got to work with director Mike Salomon, who I’ve known forever because he’s done a lot of my father’s videos.”

The clip intersperses Krystal performing the song with video from an actual wedding reception. “Of course, I was the bride in the song, but it’s a theme that applies to all weddings,” she says of the tune she co-wrote with Mica Roberts and Sonya Rutledge. “We shot the video at a beautiful church in Los Angeles and I’m really excited for the song to get out there.”

Watch the video below: Continue Reading

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The Country Music Association announced today that Bobby Bare, “Cowboy” Jack Clement, and Kenny Rogers will become the newest members of the revered Country Music Hall of Fame.

Rogers will be inducted in the “Modern Era Artist” category, while Bare will be inducted in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Clement will be inducted in the “Non-Performer” category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the “Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980,” and “Songwriter” categories. Bare, Clement, and Rogers will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 118 to 121 members.

Kenny, who’s currently in the studio working on new music posted a video thanking his fans just moments after he got the call from Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer:

“The highest musical honor achievable for a Country Music artist or industry leader is to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and these are all outstanding and highly deserving individuals,” said Steve Moore. “’Cowboy’ has been responsible for producing many of the iconic songs in Country Music. Bobby pioneered the Country concept album and was one of the first artists to take the format to Europe. And Kenny’s crossover success throughout a lengthy career introduced Country Music to a much wider audience.” Continue Reading

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The Academy of Country Music announced today GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer to perform with Brad Paisley at the 48^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. In addition, country superstars Gary Allan, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young and Eli Young Band have been added to present. The ceremony, which will be co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, honors country music’s top talent, as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists. It is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS.

Click here for the complete list of performers and presenters >>

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The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions announced today that Awards co-host Blake Shelton will open the telecast with a can’t miss exciting performance featuring co-host Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley on guitar, Sheryl Crow, and Pistol Annies, including Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. This marks the world premiere performance of “Boys ‘Round Here,” Blake’s second single off his latest album, Based On A True Story… The ceremony honors country music’s top talent, as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists, is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS.

They join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jewel, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and The Band Perry have been announced as performers at the 48^th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. Brad Paisley will headline the 3^rd Annual ACM Fan Jam, along with special guests Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes, and New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s nominees Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer and Florida Georgia Line.

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The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions announced today that 2 Broke Girls star Beth Behrs, Vegas star Michael Chiklis, Grammy award-winner Sheryl Crow, The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco, music star John Fogerty, omg! INSIDER co-anchor Kevin Frazier, San Francisco 49ers NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, country music artists Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and Kacey Musgraves, Entertainment Tonight co-anchor Nancy O’Dell, country music artists Jake Owen, Reba and Keith Urban, and A&E’s Duck Dynasty stars Willie & Korie Robertson are scheduled to present as part of the 48^th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. The ceremony, which will be co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, honors country music’s top talent, as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists. It is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS.

They join previously announced presenters Continue Reading

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The Academy of Country Music announced today the line-up of free music performances and special events held during the open-to-the-public ACM EXPERIENCE,a family-friendly country music lifestyle event held April 5-7, 2013 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  Artists including Jewel, Katie Armiger, Easton Corbin, Jerrod Niemann, Danielle Peck, Tate Stevens, Charlie Worsham, Blackberry Smoke, Love and Theft and more will be featured.

Special ACM EXPERIENCE music events (full schedule below) include: Continue Reading

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Great American Country (GAC) will be the only place on television to see all of the excitement of the Academy of Country Music Awards’ live red carpet arrivals in a format that has expanded to 90 minutes. ACM Red Carpet Live, Sunday, April 7, 6:30/5:30c will feature interviews with the top stars appearing on the 48^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Hosts Suzanne Alexander, Nan Kelley and Storme Warren will chat with nominees from a variety of categories, asking the questions on viewers’ minds from what they’re wearing to what they enjoy most about the special night. “The ACM Red Carpet in Vegas is always one of the top star-studded and fun carpets of the year,” said GAC GM Sarah Trahern. “We decided to expand the live show to 90 minutes so fans can get more of the experience of being up close with the stars.”

GAC is also the place for exclusive and complete ACM Awards coverage – backstage interviews with winners, show highlights and memorable moments – on Headline Country, Thursday, April 11, 3/2c and Top 20 Country Countdown, Friday, April 12, 8/7c.

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Today, the Academy of Country Music is announcing the winners of awards that will not be televised during the 48^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, due to time constraints. The ceremony will be telecast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS. Special Awards, Industry Awards, MBI (Musician, Bandleader, Instrumentalist) and Songwriter of the Year honorees will be feted at the 7^th Annual ACM Honors event on September 10, 2013 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award – Keith Whitley and The Judds have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.

Keith Whitley brought a blend of traditional bluegrass, classic country and contemporary songwriting influences to his timeless recordings. Although his catalog is regrettably small, this Kentucky native stands as one of the most respected vocalists of his era, thanks to a rich baritone that effortlessly conveyed the emotion of any song. Whitley first entered the Top 10 in 1986 with “Ten Feet Away,” setting the stage for enduring ballads like “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “When You Say Nothing at All” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” all of which reached No. 1 before Whitley died in 1989 at age 33.

The Judds gave country music an acoustic boost in the 1980s, ultimately racking up 20 Top 10 hits. They picked up seven consecutive ACM Awards in the Vocal Duet category, as well as a Song of the Year trophy for “Why Not Me.” Their winning streak began in 1984 with “Mama He’s Crazy,” the first of 14 No. 1 hits. Fans also identified with the ups and downs of Naomi and Wynonna’s mother-daughter relationship, adding another dimension to modern classics like the nostalgic “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” and the empowering “Love Can Build a Bridge.”

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

Crystal Milestone Award – Jason Aldean has been chosen to receive the Crystal Milestone Award, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.

Jason Aldean soared to stadium headliner status in 2012. He sold out his first stadium show last year, moving more than 27,000 tickets for Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. All tickets were purchased more than two months in advance. Aldean’s arena show tickets went quickly too. He sold 24,000 tickets in two minutes for his Indianapolis show, along with 20,000 seats in just four minutes in St. Louis. Aldean is now swinging for the rafters with his “Night Train Tour.” Stadium shows on the itinerary include Wrigley Field in Chicago, Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA, and Boston’s Fenway Park—which sold out in seven minutes, setting a venue record and making Aldean the first country act to headline the historic ballpark. The Academy is honoring Aldean for this remarkable achievement.

Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Award include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift.

Gene Weed Special Achievement Award – Blake Shelton has been chosen to receive the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music.

Blake Shelton stepped into his role on NBC’s The Voice as a well-known figure in country music circles. Now he’s a household name to millions of viewers who appreciate his lively personality, his honest approach toward aspiring talent and his camaraderie with pop stars like Christine Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine. That broad appeal paved the way for a network special to coincide with his first holiday album, Cheers, It’s Christmas. A three-time ACM Awards co-host, Shelton is climbing the charts with “Sure Be Cool If You Did.” Look for his “Ten Times Crazier Tour” starting in July.

Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award include Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson and George Strait.

Jim Reeves International Award – Lady Antebellum has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.

Lady Antebellum seized the day with their “Own the Night World Tour,” ultimately performing to more than a million fans in 11 countries and three continents. Along with packing venues in the U.S. and Canada, the trio sold out three shows at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Band members Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott also accepted the honor of opening for a musical hero, Bruce Springsteen, at London’s Hard Rock Calling. A three-time winner in the ACM Vocal Group category, Lady Antebellum will release its fourth studio album, Golden, in May, likely taking their newest hit “Downtown” around the globe.

Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, among others.

Mae Boren Axton Award – Tommy Wiggins has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.

Tommy Wiggins co-founded the organization that is now the Academy of Country Music. While pursuing opportunities performing on radio and on stage, Wiggins lived in Tucson and Nashville before relocating in 1960 to Los Angeles, where he appeared on local television shows. Along with releasing several singles on Stadium Records, Wiggins launched a radio industry publication titled D.J.’s Digest. In 1964, he teamed with songwriter Eddie Miller and club owners Mickey and Chris Christensen to stage a Los Angeles-based awards show and form the Country Western Music Academy–later renamed the Academy of Country Music–to draw attention to country artists based on the West Coast.

Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed and David Young.

Poet’s Award – Guy Clark and Hank Williams have been selected to receive the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.

Guy Clark has earned the respect of countless songwriters by crafting his compositions with wit, wisdom and warmth. This native Texan made a lasting impression with his 1975 debut album Old No. 1. His extensive songwriting catalog includes cuts by Johnny Cash (“Texas 1947”), Kenny Chesney (“Hemingway’s Whiskey”), Rodney Crowell (“She’s Crazy for Leaving”) and Ricky Skaggs (“Heartbroke”). Meanwhile, his own recordings of “L.A. Freeway” and “Desperadoes Waiting for a Train” make listeners feel as though they know him personally. The 2011 collection, This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark, received a Grammy nomination for best folk album.

Hank Williams remains one of the most revered songwriters in history. A native of Alabama, Williams’ commercial style found a champion in music publisher Fred Rose in 1946. Despite a brief career, Williams catalog includes “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Hey Good Lookin’” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” His compositions have been recorded by Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffett, Norah Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charley Pride, Linda Ronstadt and Hank Williams Jr., among many others. The legendary figure was found dead on Jan. 1, 1953. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 and received the 1973 ACM Pioneer Award. Hank Williams will be honored posthumously.

Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker. Continue Reading

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