Alison Krauss & Union Station photo courtesy of McDonough Media.

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas have been added to the MerleFest 25 lineup as the festival’s closing performance. MerleFest 25 will take place April 26-29 on the Wilkes Community College campus in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Held in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, son of Doc Watson, MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, which funds scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

Alison has performed at MerleFest numerous times, most recently in 2007. Jerry Douglas has performed at every MerleFest with this year’s performance marking his 25^th appearance at the festival. More than 90 artists are scheduled to perform on 14 stages throughout the weekend, including Marty Stuart, Sierra Hull, Sam Bush, Dailey & Vincent, and the Punch Brothers. A complete list of performers is available at www.merlefest.org. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Dierks Bentley photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

The Obamas are going country, reports the Associated Press. President and Michelle Obama will hold their seventh ‘In Performance at the White House’ program on November 21 featuring several country music artists. Lauren Alaina, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Mickey, Darius Rucker and James Taylor are all scheduled to perform.

Several artists will also take part in an afternoon workshop at the White House before the night’s concert. The workshop for 120 local Washington D.C. students will teach them about the history and cultural significance of country music.

Both the workshop and the concert will stream live on www.whitehouse.gov/live. The workshop begins at 2:00 p.m. ET and the concert will start at 7:00 p.m. ET. The concert also will be broadcast on PBS on November 23.

ShareThis

Joe Nichols 2011 CD, It's All Good. Photo courtesy of Universal Records South.

In many ways, It’s All Good is like the first page in the next chapter from the book of Joe Nichols. Just this past January, the 34-year-old Arkansas native released a greatest hits project that included chart-toppers like “Brokenheartsville” and “Gimmie That Girl.” Now with an empty canvas, Joe returns with his eighth studio album, a collection of 10 traditional-leaning tunes that display his natural everyman ease through lighthearted fun and moments of tight introspection.

5 Things You Don’t Know About Joe Nichols >>

Joe wastes no time on the front end of It’s All Good, jumping right into the swampy groove of lead single “Take It Off.” Against banjo and lightly distorted guitars, the message is one that whether it’s stress on the job, a bottle cap or clothes over a bikini – they all must go. You got a week-of-worries on your mind/ Go on do whatcha wanna do/ Soak you up a little sunshine, he sings with an easygoing southern drawl. Joe’s laid-back vocal delivery has always been engaging, and things are no different here. “This Ole Boy” (written by the trio of hit songwriters known as the “Peach Pickers,” Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip) features upbeat drums and an accessible fiddle hook, while Joe shows off some serious agility moving through quick lines like, She sweetens my tea and butters my biscuit/ I am who I am and brother she gets it, before slowing up to smoothly add, I ain’t gotta change a thing. [Incidentally, "This Ole Boy" was also recorded by Craig Morgan and is Craig's latest single.]

The record is more “country” than some of its contemporaries, and Joe shines on the more traditional pieces. The title cut “It’s All Good” features twin fiddles and a deep melody over bright production. I don’t get blue, I don’t get mad/ If I’ve learned one thing from the year I’ve had/ It’s even if it all goes bad/ It’s all good, he sings with tight phrasing. Self-examination and introspection are probably most evident on the standout track “Somebody’s Mama,” which takes on the subject of regret. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Ghosts, graves and tormented souls are found throughout the songs of country music. Through the years, music videos have served as a great compliment to depict some of the stories in these songs. In no particular order, here is our list of the Top 10 Most Haunting Country Videos. When you’re finished watching these videos, check out your favorite stars recalling their most memorable Halloween HERE. And if you’d like to have Brad, Carrie, Kellie, Dolly or Jason sitting on your front porch this weekend, check out our pumpkin carving templates and carve a star HERE!

“Whiskey Lullaby” – Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss

The 2005 CMA Song of the Year is a heartbreaking, traditional country ballad that Brad and Alison recorded for Brad’s Mud On The Tires record. The WW II-era video tells the story of a young soldier returning home from the Army to find his wife in bed with another man, starting the downward spiral of alcoholism that eventually kills him. “I’ll love her ‘til I die,” a note reads by his dead body. If the images of empty bottles and a man out of control weren’t enough, his death sends his cheating widow into her own guilt-fueled spiral as she too drinks herself to death. The video comes complete with two separate funerals. Adding to the haunting nature of the clip, their ghosts meet after she is laid to rest.

“Hurt” – Johnny Cash

There are several Johnny Cash videos that could have fit this list, but his breathtaking cover of rock band Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” is the most haunting as it features Johnny, just seven months before his death, reflecting on his life. Noted by many as possibly the single greatest music video of all time, the clip features archival footage of Johnny in his younger days against new images sitting alone on his throne, surrounded by decaying riches, pondering if the decisions he made were the right ones. His voice is weak, detailing exactly where he is at that moment in his life, and the raw emotions conveyed are stunning.

“Midnight In Montgomery” – Alan Jackson

Shot in black and white under a full moon amidst the headstones of an empty cemetery, Alan’s “Midnight in Montgomery” music video reaches beyond the grave to beckon the ghost of Hank Williams, Sr. Kneeling by Hank Sr.’s grave in the dark night, Alan smells “whiskey in the air” before seeing the legendary figure before him. The song’s acoustic arrangement and stirring harmonies only add to the haunting nature of the video that won the 1992 CMA Award for Music Video of the Year.

“Gravedigger” – Willie Nelson

Willie’s 2007 video “Gravedigger” essentially reels off one haunting image after another throughout the black and white clip. The music video details a funeral, where Willie plays multiple characters while the lyrics read through obituaries and ask for a shallow gave so he “can feel the rain.” Willie’s seen behind the wheel of a hearse as the driver, he’s shown as one of the attendees and he also plays a man of the cloth presiding over the burial. While one of the most striking images is Willie as the digger himself, standing three feet down in the grave with a shovel in his hands, make sure to check out the twist at the end for the most haunting image of all. The bluesy acoustic/electric arrangement sets the scene as the music gradually intensifies.

“Barton Hollow” – The Civil Wars

The first video from Nashville’s The Civil Wars, who are nominated for the 2011 CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, leaves a lot to the imagination, as they never reveal the whole story. “Barton Hollow” features quick camera edits and artistic angles, like the momentary glimpse of a swinging axe or the use of reflections in a river, to create the atmosphere. Shot in black and white, it seems as though Joy Williams and John Paul White of The Civil Wars have committed a crime and are trying to escape, but that redemption is far off as the Southern stomp song ends with the line, “can’t no preacher man save my soul.”

“The Thunder Rolls” – Garth Brooks

Recently ranked as Time Magazine’s No. 7 Most Controversial Video of all time, Garth Brooks’ emotionally charged tale of domestic violence burns with intensity. The 1991 CMA Music Video of the Year opens with an abusive husband leaving his mistress at their motel room in the middle of a storm. Lightning flashes reveal details like his wife’s black eye as she waits at home for his return. However, set against thundering acoustic guitars and pounding drums, a fight ensues upon his arrival and the abused wife pulls a gun. The last shot shows Garth standing across the street from the house as a patrol car pulls up.

“Kerosene” – Miranda Lambert

Miranda’s first music video, “Kerosene,” follows her down a path of revenge – pouring out a can of gas along the way. Leaving the house where she lives with her boyfriend, Miranda struts with a don’t-mess-with-me attitude as she creates a trail of gas leading back to their home. Black and white shots of her and the band cranking out the hard-hitting tune are split with scenes of her boyfriend in bed with another woman. “Now I don’t hate the one who left, you can’t hate someone that’s dead,” she snarls just before reaching the cheating couple with a match book in her hand.

“Haunted Heart” – Sammy Kershaw

Sammy’s black and white 1993 music video features dark alleys, industrial elevator shafts and effecting shadows to depict a man haunted by his lover’s memory. Throughout the video, it’s not so much that Sammy is searching for her, but more that her apparition appears to be around every corner. With a traditional country thump and layered harmonies, moody visuals like cigar smoke and puddles transforming into buckets of dark water create an uneasy scene.

“Jolene” – Mindy Smith featuring Dolly Parton

We’re going with the Mindy Smith version here due to the moody official music video created that features Dolly throughout. Mindy’s voice is on one hand desperate and the other seductive as she interprets Dolly’s classic song of confronting the other woman. Shots of Dolly writing the lyrics to the song are interspersed with a storyline detailing Mindy searching through dark woods to find the cheating couple. Is this sequence meant as a flashback for Dolly and the inspiration for the song she’s writing? The viewer is left wondering as the haunting acoustic guitars and touches of reverb echo even after the video is over.

“Sittin’ Up With The Dead” – Ray Stevens

In his humorous 1990 video “Sittin’ Up With The Dead,” Ray tells the story about how where he’s from, because there aren’t mortuaries, the dead would be laid out in their homes for viewings. The thing is, mourners were expected to stay by their side all night because leaving them alone just wasn’t right. Well, when Ray’s Uncle Fred passes away at age 97, a comedy of errors leads to such unnatural events as his lifeless body sitting straight up and Ray falling into an open grave while running through a cemetery. The lyrics are fun, the visuals are campy and the chorus has a sing-along hook.

Country music is full of legends, ghosts and eerie events. This is our list of the Top 10 Most Haunting Country Videos, but there are many more out there. If your favorite isn’t on the list, tell us what it is!

ShareThis

Robert Plant and Patty Griffin, with Gregg Allman, perform "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" during the finale of the 10th Annual Americana Honors and Awards Show. Photo by Erika Goldring.

Robert Plant’s Band of Joy picked up album of the year honors, and Buddy Miller earned an Artist of the Year nod, during the Americana Music Association’s 10th Annual Honors and Awards tonight at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

The event celebrated a year of the best in roots music. It opened with a moving tribute to the late John Hartford, represented by an unaccompanied banjo and bolo hat side stage,  followed by Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas and Don Was performing “I’ll Fly Away” in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the O’ Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

Jim Lauderdale served again as master of ceremonies, his ninth in-a-row, while Miller led an all-star house band comprised of famed record producer Don Was on bass, Cody and Luther Dickinson on drums, guitars and various other instruments, Greg Leisz on steel guitar and John Deaderick on keys. Adding harmonies were The McCrary Sisters: Ann, Regina and Alfreda.

It was a big night for Miller, winning not only the Artist of the Year Award, but adding another Instrumentalist of the Year Award to his treasure chest of Americana trophies, now totaling twelve. Raul Malo and Carrie Rodriguez handed him the award. Marshall Chapman presented him with the Artist of the Year.

The 2009 New/Emerging Artist Justin Townes Earle cemented his place as one of Americana Music’s heirs apparent by picking up Song of the Year for “Harlem River Blues.”  John Oates and Mindy Smith presented.

The Avett Brothers walked away with another Duo/Group of the Year win, their third after winning in 2007 and 2010 and fourth overall,  while Mumford and Sons were crowned New/Emerging Artist of the Year. Mark Olsen and Gary Louris of The Jayhawks presented the Duo/Group  Award; The Greencards, winners in 2006, presented New/Emerging Artist.

Other award highlights of the night included a tearful Lucinda Williams accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting from record executive Luke Lewis, who last year earned the Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive. She followed it with a haunting performance of “Blessed.”

Buddy Miller accepts his Instrumentalist of the year award, one of two he collected at the 10th Annual Americana Honors and Awards Show. Photo by Erika Goldring.

Joining Williams in the Lifetime Achievement categories,  the legendary Gregg Allman received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Performance. Allman is one of the architects of Southern Rock and member of the Allman Brothers Band.  Keb Mo handled the presenting honors.

Alison Krauss gave the Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist to Jerry Douglas, equally revered for his solo work, session playing, and as a longtime member of Krauss’ Union Station.

R&B Legend Candi Staton presented the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement for Executive to Rick Hall, whose groundbreaking production work at FAME Studios created the Muscle Shoals sound, a unique style that crossed musical formats.  Afterward, she took to the Ryman stage to sing her hit “Heart On A String.”

Bob Harris crossed the pond to accept his Trailblazer Award from Emmylou Harris. The celebrated radio host and journalist works as a tireless advocate for exceptional artistry, playing a pivotal role in exposing listeners to rising talent, no matter the genre.

The annual Americana Award Show was peppered with standout performances, from Amos Lee (“Cup of Sorrow”), Elizabeth Cook (“El Camino”), Earle (“Harlem River Blues”), Jessica Lea Mayfield (“For Today”), Hayes Carll (“KMAG YOYO”), The Secret Sisters (“Why Don’t You Love Me?”), Miller (“Gasoline and Matches”), The Civil Wars (“Barton Hollow”), The Avett Brothers (“The Once and Future Carpenter”) and Plant (“Monkey”).

The event was broadcast live throughout Middle Tennessee on Nashville Public Television (NPT).  An abridged version will be broadcast on PBS stations nationwide on November 19th (check local listings) as a special episode of  Austin City Limits Presents.

2011 Americana Honors and Awards recipients

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Band Of Joy, ROBERT PLANT

ARTIST OF THE YEAR: BUDDY MILLER

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:  BUDDY MILLER

NEW / EMERGING ARTIST: MUMFORD AND SONS

SONG OF THE YEAR: Continue Reading

ShareThis

Jason Aldean photo courtesy of Broken Bow Records; Zac Brown Band photo courtesy of Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records.

The second annual American Country Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5, 8-10 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed, on FOX. Jason Aldean and Zac Brown Band lead the nominees with eight nominations each; Thompson Square earned seven nods; and The Band Perry and Taylor Swift each garnered six.

Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite American Country Awards nominees at www.theacas.com. Voting is open until Friday, Nov. 11 for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Friday, Dec. 2. The nominees for each award category have been determined by four media measurement companies: BigChampagne (record sales and media consumption); Great American Country (video airplay); Mediabase (radio airplay); and Pollstar (touring data).

Hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the two-hour live music spectacular is the only country music awards show that gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories but also in previously unrecognized areas of the business such as touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has.

The American Country Awards will feature performances and appearances by the year’s chart-topping country artists. Performers and presenters will be announced soon.

Following is the list of categories and nominees for the American Country Awards:

ARTISTS:
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum                          
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Justin Moore
Jake Owen
Chris Young

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery
Jerrod Niemann
Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

Album:
Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Kenny Chesney, “Hemingway’s Whiskey”
Brad Paisley, “This Is Country Music”
Taylor Swift, “Speak Now”
Keith Urban, “Get Closer”
Zac Brown Band, “You Get What You Give”

SINGLES:
Single of the Year
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Chris Young, “Voices”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away” Continue Reading

ShareThis

Keith Urban photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Keith Urban’s We’re All For The Hall Benefit Concert will return to the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on January 18 for a third year. The concert, benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum‘s All For The Hall fundraising initiative, will feature Keith along with Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Little Big Town, the Oak Ridge Boys and more artists to be announced in the coming weeks.

“The support that this event has received over the past couple of years, I think, really speaks to the commitment to and the importance of preserving the past and protecting the future of country music,” Keith said. “We’ll have some great bands performing—part of our ‘All Together Now’ theme for the night—an especially fitting concept that we hope will capture the spirit of the evening.”

“The first two We’re All for the Hall concerts have been landmarks for this institution,” Kyle Young, Museum Director, said. “They have been the most successful fundraisers in the museum’s history, together raising roughly $1 million. And they have not only set a new standard for fundraising and event coordination, but also brought together an entire community and helped us to see what can be done by individuals when there is a collective passion for a cause. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Terri Clark photo courtest of Spalding Entertainment.

Terri Clark has a lot to celebrate. Her new album, Roots and Wings, hit stores this week and she picked up the Canadian Country Music Award for Top Female Vocalist on Monday. This is Terri’s fifth win in the category.

“I am humbled to be honored by my Canadian peers for my work over the past year,” Terri said. “Career longevity is something an artist like me dreams of and I feel that this award brings me a step closer to seeing that dream come true.  I’m eternally grateful for all the blessings in my life and for the gifts music has brought me both as a fan and an artist.” Continue Reading

ShareThis

l-r: Jon Randall, Alison Krauss, Bill Anderson and Dan Tyminski. Photo by Joel Micah for the Grand Ole Opry.

The Grand Ole Opry honored Whisperin’ Bill Anderson for his 50th anniversary as an Opry member Saturday night. Bill made his Opry debut just a few weeks before turning 21 and became a member less than three years later. “I’m more nervous tonight than I was 50 years ago!” Bill said during his performance Saturday.

Video taped messages from Brad Paisley and Steve Wariner aired during the celebration and a #50 Ryman Martin guitar was presented to Bill by Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. Alison Krauss made a surprise appearance, performing  “Whiskey Lullaby” with Jon Randall and Dan Tyminski. The song was written by Bill and Jon and was recorded by Brad Paisley and Alison. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Terri Clark photo courtesy of Spalding Entertainment.

Terri Clark will release her new album, Roots and Wings, digitally on July 26 with a physical release date of September 13. The album, produced by Terri, will include 10 tracks, nine of which she co-wrote. Alison Krauss, Sonya Isaacs and Kristen Hall can be heard on the album as well as other vocalists. Continue Reading

ShareThis