Lionel Richie sings “Endless Love” with Shania Twain on his new CD, Tuskegee. Photo by Alan Silfen, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Lionel Richie will release Tuskegee, a collection of 13 of his hit songs recorded as duets with some of the biggest names in country music, on March 27. Duet partners include Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and more.

In addition to the album, the Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions will tape an all-star concert special, Lionel Richie and Friends In Concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas on April 2. The special will air at a later date on CBS. Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, and Kenny Rogers are among the artists scheduled to perform.

On Tuskegee, Lionel returns to his roots, paying tribute to his hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama where he was shaped as a man and a musician. He grew up listening to country, gospel, R&B and classical music and it was in Tuskegee that he helped form the Commodores and wrote some of his earliest hits.

“Tuskegee is where it all began, the place where I felt that everything was available and possible,” he said. “It’s where I learned about life and love and the power of music, and the place I built a musical foundation that knows no genres or boundaries.”

The artists who worked with Lionel have their own connections to the legend’s songs. “Every Lionel Richie song that I can think of I had a personal experience with – high school homecomings, proms, you name it,” Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts said. “Lionel was always playing in my house. His music always said what we felt and couldn’t express.”

Says Darius Rucker, who joins Richie on “Stuck On You,” “I wanted to work with Lionel because he is one of my idols. Lionel’s more a part of my DNA really than an idol. It was an absolute honor to work with him.” Adds Jason Aldean, who selected “Say You, Say Me,” “I’ve always been a huge fan. He is probably one of the best singer/songwriters of this generation.”

This isn’t Lionel’s first venture into country music. His songs have been recorded by Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers and Alabama, while other artists have covered his songs in their sets. He’s performed on the CMA Awards three times and his 2011 performance received two standing ovations.

“When I did the CMAs and the room was singing along with me, it was really more like a family reunion than it was a concert or show,” Lionel said. “It was just great validation to know that the music was accepted like it was.” Continue Reading

ShareThis

Vince Gill photo courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry®. Photo by Chris Hollo.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has announced that Vince Gill will serve as Grand Marshal for the 59^th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade on December 2. The parade officially kicks off the holiday season downtown with the lighting of the city Christmas tree where Vince will be joined by Mayor Dean and executives from Piedmont Natural Gas, which has sponsored the parade since its beginning.

The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Christmas Around the World.’ Following the lighting of the Christmas parade, Vince will lead parade floats through the heart of downtown Nashville. “I wanted to serve as grand marshal because I just like Mayor Dean,” Vince said. “It’s that simple. He has been beyond supportive of the music community.”

“Vince Gill’s community involvement and amazing talent as a singer, songwriter and musician have made a remarkable and lasting mark on Music City,” Mayor Dean said. “I am grateful that he will be taking part in this longtime Nashville tradition.” Continue Reading

ShareThis

Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks photos courtesy of Alliance Artist & Media Relations.

Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks are set to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with John Bettis, Thom Schuyler and Allen Shamblin. The induction ceremony will take place at the 41^st Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony on October 16 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

“These five very talented individuals are among an era of powerhouse writers and artists who propelled country music to unparalleled heights beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and also made substantial contributions to popular and rock music,” said John Van Mol, chairman of NaSHOF. “We look forward to a fantastic evening of recognition for our inductees, and great entertainment for all who attend.”

The NaSHOF decided to increase the number of inductees from three to five this year. “Songwriters and songwriter/artists with ties to Nashville have made our city the songwriting capital of the world,” Van Mol said. “This year’s inductees have greatly enhanced that reputation and are richly deserving of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame honors.” Continue Reading

ShareThis

Ronnie Milsap's 2011 CD, Country Again.

Grand Ole Opry member and American music legend Ronnie Milsap has country in his soul. With 40 No. 1 country hits to his credit, third only to George Strait and Conway Twitty, he has already cemented a place for himself in the cathedral of holy honky tonks. On Country Again, his first new country set in five years, Ronnie shines as he once again shows how it’s done.

First and foremost, Country Again is couuuunnn-try. The overall feel is a blend of Nashville Sound (think strings, delicate supporting harmonies and a nice polish), honky tonk and pop production that stays true to Ronnie’s classic sound of the ’70s and ’80s. Songs like “A Better Word For Love,” an acoustic ballad with strings and a dreamy chorus, showcase Ronnie’s tender voice as he sings, Tonight when I’m out walking, I’ll ask the stars above/ if out there, somewhere, there’s a better word for love. His inflection and ability to squeeze every ounce of expression out of a single note are compelling. “You’re The Reason I’m Living” is a slow-burning love song with layered harmonies. Here, Ronnie lets all the twang hang out singing, A long long time ago, when I was down/ you picked me up and showed me true love still could be found.

Produced by Ronnie and Rob Galbraith, the twang is joyfully strong on Country Again. The repetitive, dirty electric guitar riff of the album’s title track sets the scene for some brilliant honky tonk twists. “Country Again” starts in straightforward, standard 4/4 time Continue Reading

ShareThis

Bill Anderson

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson will celebrate his 50^th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at the Opry House. Bill made his debut on the Opry stage just a few weeks before turning 21 and was inducted as a member less than three years later.

“Beginning with classics sung by Ray Price, Lefty Frizzell, Connie Smith, and more, and continuing today with unforgettable hits by the biggest names in the business, Bill Anderson tunes have hit the country charts in each of the last seven decades,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “Of course Bill is also known around the world for his own hit records as well as for blazing country music trails far and wide for others to follow. We look forward to celebrating with one of country music’s very best Saturday night.” Continue Reading

ShareThis

l-r: Josh Turner photo courtesy of UMG Nashville; Carrie Underwood photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville; Blake Shelton photo courtesy of WBR Nashville.

The Grand Ole Opry and Cracker Barrel have teamed up to release four new albums. The three-CD series Grand Ole Opry Classic Collection and the contemporary Our Kind of Country albums together feature more than 50 legendary and contemporary country music stars spanning six decades.

“The classic collection is truly ‘classic’ in every sense of the word,” said Julie Craig, marketing manager for Cracker Barrel.  “It’s as close to an Opry experience as you can get without actually being in the Opry House.  Listeners will enjoy high quality sound on every track, songs by historically renowned artists and enduring examples of some truly great performances. And Our Kind Of Country is an incredible showcase of the Opry’s current superstars and more recent additions—a dozen of the Opry’s best available on one CD for the first time.”

Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Martina McBride and more are featured on the Our Kind of Country album. All artists are Grand Ole Opry members and have collectively won every major award presented by the Country Music Association. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Becoming a father doesn’t necessarily take a lot of talent. But being a good dad – well, that is a tough undertaking. And just when Pop gets it figured out, the kid gets a little older and treats him differently. Or another one comes along and changes up the family dynamics.

Parenthood is actually a rich vein for songwriters to tap, and with Father’s Day upon us, it’s a perfect time to run through some of the best songs that deal with the old man. Some of your favorites might be missing. You could argue, for example, that the Mac Davis song “Watching Scotty Grow” belongs here or that “I Saw God Today” is a better fatherly entry from George Strait than “The Breath You Take.” But hey, that’s what lists are for: starting up a conversation. If you don’t see your favorite on here, let us know what’s missing!

In no particular order, here are 20 country songs for dads everywhere:

“Love Without End, Amen,” George Strait (1990) – The father/son relationship is often used by the church to explain God. George makes those allusions here, portraying Dad – and the guy upstairs – as someone who’s strict, loving and ultimately forgiving.

“That’s My Job,” Conway Twitty (1987) – Dad as protector, Dad as financier, Dad as inspiration from the grave. It sounds heavy, and it is. Beautifully so, with Vince Gill on supporting vocals.

“Drive (For Daddy Gene),” Alan Jackson (2002) – If your dad spent a lot of time under the hood of the car in the driveway, then Alan likely hit the nail on the head for you. There are plenty of car and boat parts in the song, but they’re just a vehicle to show how Dad steered you right.

“Seein’ My Father In Me,” Paul Overstreet (1990) – “I notice I walk the way he walks / I notice I talk the way he talks.” Get used to it, guys. Unless you work really hard at it, you’re going to be more like dear old dad than you ever expected.

“Daddy What If,” Bobby Bare (1973) – There’s something distinctly schmaltzy about this quasi-lullaby that Bobby recorded with his son, Bobby Bare Jr., who was all of seven years old when it was released. That schmaltzy quality, coupled with the obvious affection between Sr. and Jr., is exactly why it works. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Garth Brooks photo by Mark Tucker, courtesy of Pearl Records.

Superstar Garth Brooks will become a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 42^nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.

“I want to thank the Songwriters Hall of Fame for this distinguished honor,” said Garth. “To consider myself a ‘songwriter’ is something I find hard to agree with, for it is the songwriter that is the most gifted and most important ingredient in the music formula.  I am humbled and flattered by this award and want to thank the songwriters I have written with in the past.  I feel it is because of them I am receiving this award.”

If you’d like to salute Garth in person, you’d better have deep pockets. Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event begin at $1000 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, (212) 573-6933. Net proceeds from the event will go towards the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.

Certified by the RIAA as the No. 1 selling solo artist in US history, Garth has sold more than 128 million albums and is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have six albums top the 10 million mark. His most recent release, The Ultimate Hits, has been certified 5x platinum. Since breaking onto the charts in 1989, Garth has brought a variety of styles, including working class blues, honky tonk, bluegrass and arena rock. As a songwriter his credits include “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and “We Shall Be Free” to name a few. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Brad Paisley photo by Mark Kalbfeld, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Brad Paisley released a double album, Hits Alive, just five weeks ago, but it won’t be long before an all-new studio album reaches stores.

Brad plans to issue This Is Country Music April 19, naming the project after the song he debuted last month on the Country Music Association Awards. Beginning Monday, you can download the song for free for one week at www.thisiscountrymusic.com and pre-order the album. That gives you the opportunity to get additional content before the album’s release.

At the end of that one-week period, the single can be purchased at all traditional digital outlets, in addition to www.thisiscountrymusic.com.

Continue Reading

ShareThis

Loretta Lynn photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

In the 1960s and early ‘70s, when Loretta Lynn was at her commercial peak, country hits were notably short musical affairs.

“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” ran a quaint two minutes and nine seconds. “Fist City” came in at 2:13. “You’re Lookin’ At Country” was a scant 2:20.

So it was apropos that when the Recording Academy honored the Coal Miner’s Daughter Tuesday, it took just 45 minutes — short and sweet and pretty neat. Host Reba McEntire started the night off with a zippy western-swing version of “If You’re Not Gone Too Long,” bolstered by the Time Jumpers’ triple-fiddle section, pass-around solos and a walking stand-up bass.

Continue Reading

ShareThis