Taylor Swift's Speak Now CD. Photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

Billboard.com has compiled their list of the Top 200 Albums of 2011. Adele’s 21 was named the No. 1 album of the year, but Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album came in at No. 2. Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party was also in the Top 5, coming in at No. 4. Rascal Flatts‘ Nothing Like This album took the No. 17 spot and Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now came in at No. 19.

Other country albums in the Top 50 include Zac Brown Band’s You Get What You Give at No. 23, Lady Antebellum’s Own The Night at No. 25, The Band Perry’s self-titled debut at No. 30, Sugarland’s The Incredible Machine at No. 33, Keith Urban’s Get Closer at No. 36, Kenny Chesney’s Hemingway’s Whiskey at No. 42, and Brad Paisley’s This Is Country Music at No. 46.

The Year-End top-selling albums are ranked by sales data as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan.

Top 20 Albums of 2011:

1. 21 – Adele
2. Speak Now – Taylor Swift
3. Born This Way – Lady Gaga
4. My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean
5. The Gift – Susan Boyle
6. Tha Carter IV – Lil Wayne
7. Pink Friday – Nicki Minaj
8. Sigh No More – Mumford & Sons
9. Loud – Rihanna
10. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
11. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – Kanye West
12. Doo-wops & Hooligans – Bruno Mars
13. Recovery – Eminem
14. Watch The Throne – Jay-Z & Kanye West
15. O Holy Night – Jackie Evancho
16. Born Free – Kid Rock
17. Nothing Like This – Rascal Flatts
18. My World 2.0 – Justin Bieber
19. Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
20. Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Soundtrack – Various Artists

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Kix Brooks photo courtesy of the Country Music Association.

Tim McGraw surprised Kix Brooks with the news that he won his second CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year Award. Kix, who hosts ‘American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,’ received the call from Tim during Monday night’s taping of the weekly countdown program.

Tim’s call to Kix wrapped up a day of surprise phone calls for several radio stations and broadcast personalities. Taylor Swift called CMA Station of the Year and CMA Personality of the Year winners in the Major, Large, Medium, and Small Market categories from her Nashville home Monday morning. Kid Rock called his hometown radio station, WYCD, to let Chuck Edwards and Linda Lee of “Edwards & Lee” know they won the CMA for Major Market Broadcast Personality of the Year. Other than Kix, these are the first CMA wins for all station and personality winners.

“Winning your first CMA Award is a special moment for anyone, and we’re so happy Tim, Kid Rock, and Taylor were able to help us recognize the great work from these talented broadcasters,” Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said. “Country radio is the foundation of our industry, and it is our honor to shine the spotlight on those who are working tirelessly to share Country Music with their communities.”

The CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year and CMA Radio Station of the Year winners will be recognized during the 45th Annual CMA Awards hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. The awards will air live on ABC on November 9 at 8/7 CT from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

2011 CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year Winners:

National – Kix Brooks, ‘American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks’

Major Market – Chuck Edwards and Linda Lee, “Edwards & Lee,” WYCD, Detroit, Mich.

Large Market – Chris Carr, Jeffrey “Maverick” Bolen, and Jason Statt, “Chris Carr & Company,” WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio

Medium Market – Brian Pierce and Kellie Michaels, “Mornings with Brian and Kellie,” KFDI, Wichita, Kan.

Small Market – Scotty Cox and Carissa Loethen, “Scotty and Carissa in the Morning,” KCLR, Columbia, Mo.

2011 CMA Radio Station of the Year Winners:

Major Market -WYCD, Detroit, Mich.

Large Market – WQDR, Raleigh/Durham, N.C.

Medium Market – KATM, Modesto, Calif.

Small Market – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.

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Taylor Swift photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

Kid Rock and Taylor Swift helped the CMA notify the CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year and CMA Radio Station of the Year winners Monday morning. Kid Rock called his hometown radio station, WYCD, to let Chuck Edwards and Linda Lee of “Edwards & Lee” know they won the CMA for Major Market Broadcast Personality of the Year. Taylor notified the station they also won Major Market Station of the Year.

Kid Rock’s phone call came after Taylor personally notified several other winning radio stations and broadcast professionals across the country of their wins earlier in the morning. Taylor spread the news by calling Major, Large, Medium, and Small Market Broadcast Personality and Station of the Year winners from her Nashville home.

The CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year and CMA Radio Station of the Year winners – all first time winners in their categories – will be recognized during the 45th Annual CMA Awards hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. The awards will air live on ABC on November 9 at 8/7 CT from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. 

2011 CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year Winners:

Major Market – Chuck Edwards and Linda Lee, “Edwards & Lee,” WYCD, Detroit, Mich.

Large Market – Chris Carr, Jeffrey “Maverick” Bolen, and Jason Statt, “Chris Carr & Company,” WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio

Medium Market – Brian Pierce and Kellie Michaels, “Mornings with Brian and Kellie,” KFDI, Wichita, Kan.

Small Market – Scotty Cox and Carissa Loethen, “Scotty and Carissa in the Morning,” KCLR, Columbia, Mo.

2011 CMA Radio Station of the Year Winners:

Major Market -WYCD, Detroit, Mich.

Large Market – WQDR, Raleigh/Durham, N.C.

Medium Market – KATM, Modesto, Calif.

Small Market – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.

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Kid Rock photo courtesy of Webster & Assoc.

Kid Rock will help the famed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville celebrate its 51^st birthday. The Tootie’s Orchid Lounge 51st Birthday Bash will take place on November 23 at the Ryman Auditorium, just across the alley from Tootsie’s. Kid Rock will perform as part of his nationwide tour, giving money to and raising awareness for people in need.

“Every time I end up at Tootsie’s its a good night, and I don’t expect this night to be any different,” Kid Rock said. “It’s cool to be celebrating their birthday party with them; I like parties and seem to excel in that type of atmosphere.”

“We couldn’t be happier that Kid Rock is working with us to make the Tootsie’s Birthday Bash a ‘rockin’ good time for everyone in Nashville,” Steve Smith, owner of Tootsie’s, said. “Kid Rock is a part of Tootsie’s history.  It’s going to be a memorable night.”

Tootsie’s is known for having been used as a ‘green room’ for artists while they were performing at the Ryman as part of the Grand Ole Opry. Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb are just some of the artists who spent time at Toosie’s before and after their performances at the Ryman. “Tootsies is where the stars would come to wet their whistles and pick their guitars,” Steven said.

Tootsie’s Birthday Bash will begin at noon on the streets of Broadway in downtown Nashville. Entertainment will be on both stages at Tootsie’s as well as the rooftop of Rippy’s across the street with the possibility of a stage being set up on the street. After Kid Rock’s show, the celebration with continue at Tootsie’s.

Tickets to Kid Rock’s show are on sale now.  Ticket prices range from $45 to $85 and are available at TicketMaster or at the Ryman box office.

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l-r: Colt Ford, Jason Aldean & Brantley Gilbert. Photo by Dan Harr, courtesy of Essential Broadcast Media.

Colt Ford and a few of his friends raised over $85,000 during a benefit show at the Georgia Theater on August 16. Colt, Rhett Akins, Jason Aldean, Dallas Davidson, Mike Dekle, Edwin McCain, James Otto, and surprise guests Brantley Gilbert, Rachel Farley, and Corey Smith came together during the ‘Colt Ford and Friends’ concert that raised funds for families of fallen Senior Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian and wounded Senior Officer Tony Howard.

‘Colt Ford and Friends’ brought more than 200 people to a private reception and silent auction at the Hotel Indigo’s Rialto Room for a pre-show celebration. 1,100 fans filled the Georgia Theatre later on for an evening featuring the artists ‘in the round’ with Colt’s band backing them. The concert came about after Colt learned of the shooting in his community earlier this year that left his high school friend, Senior Officer Howard, injured and resulted in the death of Senior Officer Christian. Colt organized the fundraiser in less than a month.

“I want to say thank you to all of my friends who helped us have such a special night in my hometown,” Colt said. “To all the artists who joined in to perform or who donated items to help raise money, y’all are amazing, and I am thankful to call you all friends.  This could not have happened without y’all.”

Autographed guitars from Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, and Carrie Underwood, an autographed stage shirt from Keith Urban, ticket and meet-and-greet packages from Jason and Eric Church, Adams Golf clubs, an autographed R.E.M. package, autographed merchandise from Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Kid Rock and NASCAR’s David Ragan, a TravAmerica vacation to Cancun from Janice Brockmeyer and a luxury stay in the Hotel Indigo Athens’ Presidential Suite were among the items donated to the auction.

Of the many special moments of the night, one of the most memorable was Colt, Jason and Brantley’s performance of the No. 1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem,” co-written by Brantley and Colt. “The first time we ever did this song was me and Brantley right here [on the Georgia Theatre stage],” Colt said. “But thank you for taking this song to No. 1 for us!” he added to Jason.

“I want to thank these two guys right here for writing this song,” Jason said. “It was a hit before I ever recorded it, so thank you both.”  The rendition opened with Aldean performing the first verse, followed by Colt and Brantley’s twist on the second and third verses.

The evening closed after nearly three hours of music, with Colt thanking the crowd for their support.  “A very special ‘thank you’ to all fans that came out to show and have been praying for the families and this community,” he said. “I love y’all so much.”

Colt will present a check to NobleHeroes, a nonprofit organization created to assist the honorable men and women of public safety in America, on August 22 in Athens, Georgia. All the proceeds from the silent auction, tickets, and donations will go to the families of the officers. Visit www.nobleheroes.org for more information.

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Trace Adkins will perform during "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" airing Sunday, Aug.14, on the ABC Television Network. Trace is pictured performing at the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during the 2011 CMA Music Festival. Photographer: John Russell / CMA.

Trace Adkins has been added to the list of performers appearing during CMA Music Festval: Country’s Night To Rock. The three hour primetime concert special will air on ABC on August 14 at 8/7 CT. The special was taped during this year’s CMA Music Festival in Nashville.

Trace joins a lineup that includes performances at LP Field from Alabama with Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Josh Turner featuring Scotty McCreery, Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson , Martina McBride with Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift,  Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley and Little Big Town.

The special will also include interviews with The Band Perry, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Shania Twain as well as scenes from a late night jam session in downtown Nashville with Luke Bryan, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow and footage of Gretchen Wilson partying with Big & Rich.

Check out GAC’s photos and videos from CMA Music Festival >>

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Dierks Bentley & Little Big Town photos courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Dierks Bentley and Little Big Town have been added to the list of performers appearing during the three-hour, primetime special “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock. The special, filmed during this year’s CMA Music Festival, airs Sunday, August 7 at 8/7 CT on ABC.

“The strength of this television special, and the format, is the diversity of our stars and the depth of their talent,” Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said. “No matter what your taste, or which end of the country music spectrum you chose, you will find artists and performances in the special that will keep you entertained.”

Dierks and Little Big Town join a lineup that includes performances from Alabama with Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Josh Turner featuring Scotty McCreery, Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson , Martina McBride with Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

The special will also include interviews with The Band Perry, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Shania Twain as well as scenes from a late night jam session in downtown Nashville with Luke Bryan, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow and footage of Gretchen Wilson partying with Big & Rich.

Check out GAC’s photos and videos from CMA Music Festival >>

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Clockwise from top left: Josh Turner & Scotty McCreery; Alabama & Brad Paisley; Zac Brown Band & Alan Jackson. Photos courtesy of CMA.

CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” just got bigger. More artists have been added to the broadcast, filmed during this year’s CMA Music Festival and scheduled to air on Sunday, August 7 at 8/7 CT on ABC. For the first time during the special, fans will be treated to scenes from backstage and interviews during the three hour show. There will also be a late night jam session featured and a camera crew following American Idol’s Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina as they navigate their first CMA Music Festival.

Artists added to the lineup for the special include  LP Field performances from Alabama with Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Josh Turner featuring Scotty McCreery and Alan Jackson performing with Zac Brown Band. Previously announced performers include Martina McBride with Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

“Unique collaborations are a hallmark of this Festival and special,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The artists enjoy performing with their peers and our fans love those one-of-a-kind moments you won’t find anywhere else. And, we have them!”

Also captured on film are a late-night jam at a downtown Nashville club with Luke Bryan, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow and Gretchen Wilson partying with Big & Rich. In interviews captured by ABC, The Band Perry discusses what it’s like being siblings on the road, Jason and Kelly talk about their hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Lady Antebellum answers fan questions, Taylor Swift talks about her world tour and Shania Twain speaks about her personal life, her future, and the support of her fans.

While this year’s CMA Music Festival just wrapped up, next year’s event is already being planned for June 7-10, 2012. Tickets go on sale Saturday, July 30 at 10 a.m. Central. To relive all of this year’s events, from concerts to autograph signings to softball games, check out GAC’s CMA Music Festival coverage.

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Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles. Photo by Kate Powers, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Jennifer Nettles helped raise more than $50,000 for the Attic Community Playground through an online auction she recently hosted on CharityBuzz. The auction ran from April 18 to May 11 and items up for grabs were from some of the biggest artists in music such as Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kid Rock, Kenny Chesney, Reba, Martina McBride and of course, Sugarland.

“Thank you to all of the wonderful artists who donated tickets and passes for the ACP online auction,” Jennifer said. “Also, thank you to all of the fans who bid! Your donations are allowing students an opportunity to explore their excitement and passion for music.”

The Attic Community Playground helps provide music education opportunities for kids. Funds raised will allow the organization to begin accepting applications for a grant program this fall. The grants will be awarded to schools and music programs in need of assistance. Visit  www.atticcommunityplayground.org for more information.

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