Craig Morgan participates in the Second Annual NRA Country ACM Celebrity Shoot on Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Las Vegas. Photo credit Sara Kauss.

NRA Country and the Academy of Country Music partnered for the Second Annual NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot, hosted by ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Blake Shelton. The sporting clays competition, emceed by Headline Country’s Storme Warren, took place on Saturday, March 31, 2012 as part of The Week Vegas Goes Country® – the week leading up to the 47^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, a star-studded event produced for television by dick clark productions that will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS.  Blake will also co-host the Awards alongside Reba McEntire for the second consecutive year.

Check out all the shooting stars in our NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot! >>

Lee Lakosky of Outdoor Channel’s “The Crush with Tiffany and Lee” took home a Wayne LaPierre Signature Edition Shotgun as the top celebrity shooter. Craig Morgan came in as top scoring country artist for the day. Team Rivette Refuge Preserve, led by celebrity captains Craig Morgan and ACM nominee Aaron Lewis, took the top Team designation with each member being awarded a collector’s edition Remington 1911 pistol inscribed with a one-of-a-kind NRA serial number for their win.  Additional celebrity participants included: Lee Brice, two-time Super Bowl winning legend Dave Butz, Craig Campbell, Easton Corbin, Ira Dean, Edens Edge, The Band Perry’s Neil and Reid Perry, Cowboy Troy,Outdoor Channel personalities Matt Duff, Tiffany Lakosky, Nick Mundt and Laura Schara,plus TNA Impact Wrestling stars Jeff Hardy and James Storm.
 
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Nan Kelley visits Miranda Lambert on tour and interviews her for Top 20 Country Countdown. Photo by Meaghan Mitchell.

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown was hot this week! Host Nan Kelley headed to Louisville to catch up with Miranda Lambert on her On Fire Tour and also got to chat with Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann. Plus, Rascal Flatts shared secrets from the set of their “Banjo” video, all while Nan counts down the Top 20 videos of the week! Miss Friday night’s premiere? Check the schedule for re-airs throughout the weekend!

On the chart this week, Carrie Underwood claims the top spot with her new video, “Good Girl.” Alan Jackson is the lone male in the Top 5, coming in at No. 2 while Lauren Alaina, Miranda Lambert and Katie Armiger round out the first five videos on the countdown. New videos from Love and Theft and Josh Turner make their debuts this week at No. 17 and No. 18 respectively.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Carrie Underwood – “Good Girl”
2. Alan Jackson – “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore”
3. Lauren Alaina – “Georgia Peaches”
4. Miranda Lambert – “Over You””
5. Katie Armiger – “Scream
6. Keith Urban – “For You”
7. Lady Antebellum – “Dancin’ Away With My Heart”
8. Keith Urban – “You Gonna Fly”
9. Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars – “Safe & Sound”
10. Taylor Swift – “Ours” Continue Reading

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Grandpa Jones (1913 - 1998) and Minnie Pearl (1912 - 1996), both featured performers on the television series, 'Hee Haw,' laugh while posing together in a promotional portrait for the TV special, 'The World's Largest Indoor Country Music Show,' 1978. (Photo by NBC Television/Courtesy of Getty Images)

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation is celebrating 25 years of service and Minnie Pearl’s 100th birthday with the launch of the ‘Minnie Moments’ campaign. The campaign will feature stories from clients, survivors and caregivers who have used MPCF’s services as well as memories from celebrities and fans of Minnie Pearl.

Fans are invited to share their moments at www.minniepearl.org/minniemoments. MPCF will be collecting “Minnie Moments” throughout 2012 and sharing them in newsletters, on Facebook and Twitter and at minniepearl.org. Craig Morgan and Wynonna Judd are just a few of the celebrities who contributed their memories of Minnie to the campaign.

“Minnie was always nice,” U.S. State Senator of Tennessee, Lamar Alexander, said. “She shook the last hand, she signed the last autograph, she always said something nice to the newest person on the Opry. She said to me one time, ‘I’ve gotten to the point in life where I don’t think people are so hot no matter how big they are if they’re not nice.’

In addition to stories from celebrities and fans about Minnie Pearl as a performer, MPCF is capturing stories from those who best know the organization’s unique and compassionate guidance.

“Being diagnosed with cancer pushes both patients and those who care for them into a frightening place,” Susan Earl Hosbach, Executive Director of MPCF, said. “MPCF is there to help them navigate their cancer journey with answers, advice and support. Minnie Pearl’s generosity and caring spirit continue to impact so many through her legacy, The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation…that is what we celebrate by sharing these stories.” Continue Reading

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Reba McEntire & Blake Shelton photo courtesy of the ACM.

Blake Shelton will host the Second Annual NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot on Saturday, March 31 as part of The Week Goes Country, the week leading up to the 47^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Blake will also serve as co-host along side Reba McEntire when the ACM Awards air live from Vegas the next night, April 1, on CBS at 8/7 p.m. Central.

The NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot, presented by SoundGear by LaPierre, is a two-course, 10-station, 40-target sporting clays competition for 20 teams of five shooters. Each team will be include a celebrity captain, with prizes going to the top team and top shooter. GAC’s Storme Warren will serve as emcee for the event.

“It’s great for NRA Country to be back and to continue our partnerships with the ACM and Blake for these righteous causes,” Wayne LaPierre of NRA Country said. ”The fun and spirited competition out there on the range accentuates the many common bonds shared by the country music community and the NRA including love of outdoors, devotion to country and sincere gratitude for the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform.”

“The Academy is thrilled to continue this partnership with Blake and NRA Country,” said Bob Romeo, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Country Music. “Many traditions and values are shared among the country music and outdoor enthusiast communities. Today we get to have a little fun together, while paying our respects to the men and women of our armed forces at the same time.” Continue Reading

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Photo by Alana Goldmann, courtesy of Schmidt Relations.

Luke Bryan brought Spring Break to this week’s Top 20 Country Countdown. He dropped by to chat with Suzanne Alexander host about his new EP, Spring Break 4… Suntan City as well as being on tour with Jason Aldean. Plus, host Nan Kelley counted town the Top 20 videos of the week, chosen by you. Miss Friday night’s premiere? Check the schedule for re-airs throughout the weekend!

On the charts this week, Alan Jackson’s “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore” takes over the top spot while videos from Lauren Alaina, Katie Armiger, Taylor Swift and Luke Bryan round out the Top 5. Keith Urban checks in with two videos on the countdown. His “You Gonna Fly” is in the No. 6 slot while his latest, “For You,” debuts at No. 9.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Alan Jackson – “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore”
2. Lauren Alaina – “Georgia Peaches”
3. Katie Armiger – “Scream”
4. Taylor Swift – “Ours”
5. Luke Bryan – “I Don’t Want This Night To End”
6. Keith Urban – “You Gonna Fly”
7. Lady Antebellum – “Dancin’ Away With My Heart”
8. Chris Young – “You”
9. Keith Urban – “For You”
10. Jake Owen – “Alone With You” Continue Reading

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Craig Morgan's 2012 CD, This Ole Boy. Photo courtesy of Black River Entertainment.

Craig Morgan’s new album, This Ole Boy, released February 28th, became the highest chart debut of his career with a Top 5 entrance on Billboard’s Top Country Album Charts. The new album moved more than 12,000 units, posting the best opening week numbers since his 2006 release, Little Bit of Life.

Read our review of Craig Morgan’s This Ole Boy »

It was a busy album release week for Craig. He visited five states in six days, promoting his new music. This week, he appeared on the syndicated program Better TV. He will make his acting debut on Lifetime’s Army Wives on March 18th at 9/8 CT.

This Ole Boy is Craig’s first new music in three years and his debut release on Black River Entertainment. Co-produced with Phil O’Donnell, Craig co-wrote 7 of the 12 songs on the new record. The debut single, “This Ole Boy,” is climbing the charts and the song’s video stars actress Angie Harmon.

Watch the video for ” This Ole Boy” now » Continue Reading

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GAC hosts Suzanne Alexander and Nan Kelley catch up with Trace Adkins at the 2012 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Photo credit GAC staff.

This week’s Top 20 Country Countdown headed down to Texas where host Nan Kelley pulled on her boots and spurs to talk with the men of GAC’s Xtreme Bulls series. Trace Adkins and Dierks Bentley even took time out from their duties as performers to chat with Nan! If you missed the Friday night premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the weekend to see if your favorite videos made the countdown!

On the chart this week, Scotty McCreery scores his twelfth week at No. 1 while the rest of the Top 5 remains unchanged as well. Lady Antebellum’s latest, “Dancin’ Away With My Heart,” debuts at No. 11. New videos from Miley Cyrus and Craig Morgan also make their countdown debuts  this week. Continue Reading

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Craig Morgan's 2012 CD, This Ole Boy. Photo courtesy of Black River Entertainment.

It’s like having Saturday morning breakfast at your favorite diner down on Main Street. Between reading the news and sipping coffee, conversations with friends inevitably turn to fond memories carrying a hint of nostalgia. On his sixth studio album, This Ole Boy due in stores February 28, Craig Morgan speaks to blue collar America with an easygoing collection that spends time reflecting on the good ole days.

Co-produced by Craig and Phil O’Donnell, This Ole Boy features 12 new songs showcasing the 47-year-old singer/songwriter fully entrenched in his music and sounding as comfortable as ever. The voice and feeling that many know so well from previous hits like “That’s What I Love About Sunday” are evident throughout the record as Craig makes his debut for new label home Black River Entertainment. This Ole Boy is Craig’s first new album since 2008’s That’s Why, but the good-natured approach he takes on songs like current Top 25 hit and title track “This Ole Boy” sound like the welcome return of a good friend. With happy-go-lucky guitar themes and flowing vocal melodies, Craig sings with a soft country twang, She sweetens my tea and she butters my biscuit / I am who I am and buddy she gets it.

Craig extolls the virtues of small town life and songs like “Whole World Needs A Kitchen” and “More Trucks Than Cars” pay humble ode to simpler times and less hectic lifestyles. On the radio-ready “More Trucks Than Cars,” nicely crafted visuals like the gas station attendant who knows your name and the waitress who calls you “baby” roll smoothly over a music bed of light pedal steel, banjo and electric guitars. “Show Me Your Tattoo,” a song destined to be a crowd favorite at concerts with its meaty country/rock guitar riffs, takes a slightly different approach as it subtly addresses rural rebelliousness. Craig displays innocent – albeit in the young teenage male sense – wonder at what her new ink could possibly look like as the swampy southern rocker pounds along.

Craig co-wrote seven of the album’s twelve songs, including “I Didn’t Drink,” which relates the record’s heaviest themes. The song depicts the tear-jerking story of being driven to drink due to the pain of a loved one’s cancer. Over dramatic piano tones, Craig holds the listener’s attention throughout this classic country song. Though this is easily the album’s darkest moment, most of This Ole Boy hums an optimistic tune.

Craig’s thirst for adventure shows up most notably on “Being Alive and Living” and “Better Stories.” The two standout album cuts celebrate living life to the fullest and without regrets. Craig delivers an impassioned vocal on the chorus of the former featuring the insightful line, There’s a difference between being alive and living.

This Ole Boy is full of easygoing charm. Songs like the sexy “Love Loves A Long Night” and “Fish Weren’t Bitin’” fill out a solid collection that feels like a warm conversation. Craig’s music and voice have always been engaging and accessible, and it’s no different here. So come on in, order a cup of coffee and pull up a seat – we’ve got some catching up to do.

Key tracks – “This Ole Boy,” “Being Alive and Living,” “Love Loves A Long Night,” “Show Me Your Tattoo”

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Craig Morgan alongside servicemen and women. Photo courtesy of Black River Entertainment.

Craig Morgan is the NRA Country Artist of the Month for February. Having served 10 years in the U.S. Army before launching his music career, Craig is one of several country stars joining the This Is NRA Country movement in support of our U.S. military, appreciation for the outdoors, and love of family.

“As someone who has served alongside the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, I have a huge sense of pride in what this country stands for and what our freedom means,” Craig said. “As many service men and women make their way home and reunite with family, we are here to give them support and encouragement along with our gratitude. I am Craig Morgan and I am NRA Country.”

Watch Craig’s “This Ole Boy” video now >>

After Craig’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Army, he completed another nine years in the Army Reserves. He continues to support our troops through overseas tours of military bases, Jack Daniel’s Toast To The Troops USO care package packing parties, and free concerts for Army family members. Continue Reading

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Craig Morgan photo courtesy of Monarch Publicity.

Have you written the next big country music hit? If you think you have, don’t forget to enter the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s fifth annual Music City Songwriting Competition. Craig Morgan is serving as the honorary ambassador.

The competition will accept entries through January 31, 2012 and is open to amateur songwriters only. All entries received January 27-29 will be reviewed by noted Nashville producer/songwriter Doug Johnson. Doug’s top pick will have the opportunity to perform the song before a Craig Morgan show in 2012.

Songs may be submitted on CD to Music City Songwriting Competition, P.O. Box 190633, Nashville, TN 37219 or as an MP3 file online at www.americansongspace.com/contest/musiccity2011. Submission fee for the first song is $25. Each additional song is $15. For more information and to enter a song, please visit www.themusiccitysongwriter.com.

The winning songwriter will receive a $1,000 cash prize, two roundtrip Southwest Airline tickets to Music City and spend five nights at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville during CMA Music Fest. While in town, the winner will be interviewed on GAC as well as Sirius XM’s “Music Row Happy Hour with Storme Warren.” Craig Morgan will also offer a mentoring session and autographed CD to the winner.

The winning song will be played on Sirius XM Radio’s “Music City Connection: Heroes Behind the Hits,” a monthly radio show recorded and produced by the Nashville CVB, and the winner will be featured in American Songwriter Magazine. Additionally, the winner will receive a writing session with a professional songwriter, a demo recording session at Sound Stage Studio and a single song publishing deal with Black River Entertainment. Complimentary admission to over 30 Nashville attractions and a pair of Durango boots, as well as two four-day tickets to CMA Music Fest, are also included.

Entries will be narrowed down to the top 25 which will then be judged by a panel of top names in the Nashville music industry, including Craig Morgan, Grammy-winning songwriter Tim Nichols, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Lawrence Music Group’s Alex Torrez, GAC and Sirius XM personality, Storme Warren and Nashville CVB President, Butch Spyridon. Judges will rate each song based on the following criteria: melody, composition, originality, lyrics and, most importantly, commercial appeal. Continue Reading

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