Pistol Annies photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

To commemorate Record Store Day on April 21, Pistol Annies – Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley – will release the vinyl version of their album Hell On Heels. The CD and digital album were released in August of last year and has produced a gold single with the debut track, “Hell On Heels.”

“The music of the Pistol Annies is the three of us truly being ourselves—not only in our songwriting and storytelling, but also in the way we perform as a team,” Miranda said. “We wanted to make music that people talk about but might not want to admit and it’s the kind of raw and honest country music that deserves to be on vinyl.”

There is also a widget available at http://www.tweematic.com/pistolannies/ featuring an animated record player where fans can listen to the album with the ‘fuzz and crackle’ that goes along with a worn vinyl album. Fans will be automatically registered to win an autographed copy of the album and a Sony USB Stereo Turntable to play it on when they share the widget. Fans can find a list of participating independent record stores on the site as well. Continue Reading

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 26: Producer Dick Clark and singer/host Reba McEntire speak on stage at the '39th Annual Country Music Awards' on May 26, 2004 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Television icon Dick Clark passed away yesterday at the age of 82 after suffering a massive heart attack, reports People.com. Clark became a household name as the host of American Bandstand and went on to host and produce the $10,000 Pyramid and other game shows, as well as the American Music Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Golden Globes and, starting in 1972, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Clark suffered a stroke in 2004 that left him partially paralyzed and his speech impaired. Regis Philbin filled in for him for a year, but Clark returned a year later and addressed the audience regarding his slurred speech. He continued to appear on the show, but later passed the hosting reins to Ryan Seacrest.

Following the news of his passing, country stars took to Twitter and Facebook to offer their condolences and share their stories and memories of Clark and his legendary career. Kenny Rogers knew him well and issued a statement after receiving the news of his friend’s death.

“I’m one of the lucky people who can say that I knew Dick Clark personally,” he said. “Dick produced almost every awards show I was on during the ’80s, and he constantly encouraged me toward success. He will be missed by everyone–especially by those who knew him well.”

Little Big Town posted their condolences on Facebook. “To one of the greatest legends of our generation,” they wrote. “When we think of music & celebrations, we think of you. Thank you for what you gave us all. We love you, Dick Clark.”

Trisha Yearwood issued a similar statement through her Facebook page. “Sending love and strength to the Dick Clark family,” she said. “He was not only a legacy in the entertainment industry, but a really nice guy. We miss you. Rest in peace.”

Many more country stars tweeted their condolences:

Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys – JoeBonsall: I knew Dick Clark since I was a kid His asking me to write a section in the book 25 years of Bandstand was such an honor This is a sad loss

Reba – Reba: I will truly miss Dick Clark. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rac, Kari and the whole Clark family. Rest in peace, Dick. You deserve it.

Brad Paisley – BradPaisley: My heart goes out to Dick Clark’s family.What a life.Thank you for all you did, and your friendship. Now go get the music rockin’ in heaven.

Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts – JoeDonRooney: Dick Clark will be missed dearly! The effect he had on American music & American culture will be felt forever @rascalflatts thanks Mr. Clark Continue Reading

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Glen Campbell photo courtesy of Big Hassle PR

CMA Music Festival has included a legendary element to this year’s concert lineup. Glen Campbell, Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Rogers and The Mavericks have been added to the Nightly Concerts held at LP Field during the festival, which takes place June 7-10 in downtown Nashville.

Glen Campbell will open the performances at LP Field on Thursday, June 7. Ronnie Milsap will open on Friday, June 8, Kenny Rogers on Saturday, June 9 and The Mavericks on Sunday, June 10. The Night Concerts will once again be filmed for an ABC concert special to air in late summer.

The current lineups for the Nightly Concerts are as follows in alphabetical order:

Thursday, June 7: Jason Aldean, Glen Campbell, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band

Friday, June 8: The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Ronnie Milsap, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood Continue Reading

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Blake Shelton photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Blake Shelton is celebrating his eleventh No. 1 single. “Drink On It,” is his sixth straight No. 1 hit and comes just after Blake was named Male Vocalist of the Year during the ACM Awards. He gave credit to his team at Warner Bros., country radio and his fans for making it happen.

“I really couldn’t be happier about this one y’all,” Blake said. “Bob Reeves and the WMN team, you beat the odds and won the game, and country radio, you are my brothers and sisters. I love you. Thanks so much for always supporting my country ass. Now, let’s Drink On It!”

Blake is so thrilled with the No. 1 that he took to his popular Twitter account to solicit congratulations from some of his famous friends like Alison Sweeney, Adam Levine, Elliot Sadler, Jerrod Niemann and his favorite red head, Reba. “@reba hey red…. Aren’t you gonna congratulate me?!!!” Blake tweeted.

Reba wasn’t the only female country star he was trying to get a response from. He also hit up his wife Miranda Lambert. “@Miranda_Lambert hey boss… Aren’t you gonna congratulate me?!!!” he wrote. Miranda responded “on having a hot wife? Yea congrats.”

Despite all the well wishes and congratulatory tweets coming in from fans and famous friends alike, there was one tweet Blake had to stop the presses for. “RT: ‘@merlehaggard: Blake congratulations on your number one!!!’ Everybody stop!! Hats off.. Moment of silence.. Merle Haggard just tweeted me!!” Blake wrote, re-tweeting Merle’s congratulations. Continue Reading

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Kenny Chesney (L) and Lionel Richie perform onstage during Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert presented by ACM held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 2, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Country music superstars like Kenny Chesney,  Tim McGraw and Martina McBride will pay tribute to the legendary Lionel Richie in ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends – In Concert. The concert special airs Friday, April 13 at 9/8 p.m. Central on CBS. During the show, country stars will perform some of Lionel’s biggest hits as well as duets featured on Lionel’s new album, Tuskegee.

Artists performing include Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, The Band Perry, Big & Rich, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers, Blake Shelton and Marc Anthony. Lionel’s daughter, Nicole Richie, also makes a special appearance.

See photos from Lionel Richie & Friends Concert! >>

Duets with Lionel during the show include “My Love” with Kenny Chesney, “Sail On” with  Tim McGraw, “Hello” with Jennifer Nettles, “Lady” with Kenny Rogers, “Stuck On You” with Darius Rucker, “Dancin’ On The Ceiling” with Rascal Flatts, along with surprises.

Watch exclusive backstage videos from the Lionel Richie & Friends Concert! >>

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Luke Bryan photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Luke Bryan and Willie Nelson will take part in the Billboard Country Summit, reports Billboard. Held June 4-5 the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville as the unofficial kickoff of CMA Music Festival, the third annual Country Summit will look at several segments of the country music industry including radio, touring, publishing and digital technologies.

On June 4, Luke will take part in the Artist Development Case Study. Key members of Luke’s team, including his manager Kerri Edwards at Red Light Management and agent Jay Williams of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, will discuss the strategic moves that have taken Luke to headliner status. They will also talk about what comes next for Luke as his career continues to grow.

Willie will visit the Country Summit on June 5 to be interviewed by Billboard executive director Ray Waddell. In town for a show that night at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Willie will talk about – whatever he wants. With a catalog that includes some of country music’s greatest song, his work with Farm Aid, and having played thousands of shows, he will have plenty to discuss with the panel, including his new album, Heroes, which will be released May 15. Continue Reading

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Martina McBride photo courtesy of Republic Nashville.

Individual tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during CMA Music Festival will go on sale Saturday, April 14 at 11/10 AM CT. Tickets will be $40 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000 or through CMAfest.com or 1 (800) CMA-FEST (262-3378).

Four-day ticket packages are still available and start at $125 per person. They include admission to all four Nightly Concerts as well as all daytime festival activities, including the Fan Fair Fall where artist autograph signing sessions are held. Children three years and younger are admitted free.

Additionally, Martina McBride, Jake Owen and Hunter Hayes have been added to the Nightly Concerts. This will mark Hunter’s first performance at LP Field during CMA Music Festival. CMA will announce more artists joining the lineup soon. The Nightly Concerts will once again be filmed for a concert special airing on ABC later in the year.

The current lineups for the Nightly Concerts are as follows in alphabetical order:

Thursday, June 7:  Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band

Friday, June 8:  The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood   Continue Reading

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Country music stars sure love Twitter! This week, stars are still tweeting about the ACM Awards. Blake Shelton asks Reba for scheduling help while Reba tweets her excitement for Thompson Square’s Vocal Duo of the Year win and Kip Moore promises to add a little more bling to the next red carpet. Meanwhile, Kellie Pickler and Neil Perry of The Band Perry have their own conflicts with Siri. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/taylorswift13.

Taylor Swift – TaylorSwift13: Oh what a night….. (thank you, thank you, thank you!!!)

Blake Shelton – BlakeShelton: By the way @reba… Are we hosting the ACMs this weekend or next? Let me know when you get a chance. Thanks!!

Reba – Reba: 1st big win for Thompson Square last night! Sure would have been nice to see them win on stage during the show! I missed that!

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/RodneyAtkins.

Rodney Atkins – RodneyAtkins: Me & @KISSonline Only in Vegas! #ACMs #fb Continue Reading

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Suzanne Alexander & Toby Keith backstage at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 1, 2012.

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown went to Vegas this week! Nan Kelley and Suzanne Alexander hit the red carpet and hung out backstage at Sunday’s ACM Awards to bring you all the glitz and glam straight from the stars themselves. See photos from the red carpet >>

Tune in tonight at 9/8 CT to countdown this week’s Top 20 videos and catch interviews from the red carpet and backstage at the ACMs with Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Scotty McCreery, Chris Young, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. Check the full schedule »

See photos, videos and more from the ACM Awards >>

If you missed the last few episodes of Top 20 or want to re-watch some of your favorite interviews, head over to our Top 20 section for videos, photos and more! You can also catch Top 20 Extras, cast your votes, and take a look at the current chart to see where your favorite videos land. Visit Top 20 » 

Remember, GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown is chosen by you, the viewers. Be sure to head over to our voting page and vote daily for your favorite videos!

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Lionel Richie's 2012 CD, Tuskegee. Photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Lionel Richie’s new album, Tuskegee, a collection of 13 of his biggest hits performed as duets with country stars, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart this week. This marks Lionel’s highest-charting album since 1986 and is the best-selling debut by a country artist so far this year. Tuskegee debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, coming in behind Madonna.

“I am ecstatic!” Lionel said. “These songs are like my children, so I am overwhelmed that they are being embraced by several generations of music lovers. I am so grateful to all of my duet partners for bringing their own distinctive styles and personalities to this album and interpreting these songs in fresh new ways.”

Read our review of Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee >>

Lionel is already looking forward to more days in Music City. “I have loved my time in Nashville and can’t wait to spend more time there writing songs and collaborating in the studio,” he said. “It inspires me creatively and being there just makes my heart feel good.”

Tuskegee is a hit outside of the United States as well. The album debuted at No. 1 on Canada’s Top Albums chart and is in the Top 10 in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Holland and Sweden. Tuskegee is Lionel’s first No. 1 album in Canada in the SoundScan era and his first No. 1 album in Canada since his Can’t Slow Down album in 1983.

“What makes this so special is that I am able to experience all of this with my children,” Lionel said. “They are too young to know about the Commodores or anything that I did in the eighties. They just know me as the dad who drives them to school. I’m glad they finally get to see what I do for a living!”

Besides sharing the album with his children, Lionel appreciates the chance to share the record with those who influenced and supported him from the beginning. He named his album Tuskegee after his hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama as a way to pay tribute to his roots. Continue Reading

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