Tom T Hall

Tom T. Hall, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Country Music Highway committee members, and TourSEKY announced two new initiatives surrounding famed highway U.S. Route 23. Known as the ‘Country Music Highway,’ the stretch of road winding along the eastern corridor of Kentucky, has given rise to several country stars including The Judds, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn, Rebecca Lynn Howard and more.

The new initiatives will include a talent competition to discover the next generation of artists from the area, as well as the development of a charitable organization, the ‘Country Music Highway Arts Education Fund,’ which will support music programs in Kentucky schools and aid children in discovering their passion for music. The initiatives are aimed to bring awareness of the highway’s significance to the next generation.

“I am certain that Governor Beshear will agree with me when I say how proud we are to honor the rich musical heritage springing from the State of Kentucky,” Jeff Crowe, President and CEO of Tour SEKY, said. “Our youth is teeming with musical talent and I am excited to see the impact the program will have upon them.”

The Country Music Highway Road to Fame competition will begin in mid-March. The winner will receive a scholarship to participate in career development and coaching under the direction of PCG Nashville, an acoustic guitar, and a plaque recognizing their achievement. The contest is open to artists 13-35 years old from the 15 counties that border the highway. More information can be found at www.cmhroadtofame.com.

“I’m really excited about the competition because it will show that some of the best talent can be found in the hills of Eastern Kentucky,” Tom T. Hall, a native of the area, said. Continue Reading

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Blake Shelton photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Each year GAC asks fans to help us choose the best of the best country music videos released during the prior 12 months for our year end Top 50 Videos of the Year countdown. Here are the voting results for 2011 based on videos released and added to the GAC playlist from Nov. 1, 2010 to Oct. 31, 2011.

1. Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You”
2. Jason Aldean w/Kelly Clarkson — “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
3. Keith Urban — “Without You”
4. Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem”
5. Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood — “Remind Me”
6. Blake Shelton — “Honey Bee”
7. Lady Antebellum — “Just A Kiss”
8. Alan Jackson — “Long Way To Go”
9. Scotty McCreery — “I Love You This Big”
10. Trace Adkins — “Just Fishin’” Continue Reading

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Photo courtesy of norahjones.com.

Norah Jones is a GRAMMY-winning jazz/pop artist, but country music has always been one of her biggest influences. Following the success of her debut album, Come Away With Me, she and four friends formed the group The Little Willies. Named after Norah’s childhood hero, Willie Nelson[Norah grew up in Texas], the group started performing unannounced shows of country cover songs at a small venue in New York.

“I think I had to leave home for me to know how much country music meant to me,” she told the New York Times. “I listened to Hank Williams, Dolly Parton and Willie growing up, but I wanted to play jazz. When I listened to Bill Evans, I transcribed the chords. When I listened to ‘Red Headed Stranger,’ I just listened to enjoy it. But it really seeped in more than I could have known.”

Almost six years after The Little willies released their debut album, they’re back with a new album, For the Good Times. The album, which hits stores January 10, includes covers of songs by Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. The New York Times asked Norah to create a five-song playlist of her favorite Texas songwriters. Willie Nelson, of course, came in on top. The Little Willies cover Willie’s “Permanently Lonely” on their new album. Continue Reading

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Though it may be hard to believe, 2011 is already drawing to a close. And being that this is the final month of the year, music reviewers are busy formulating their various “Top 10” lists of what they believe were the year’s best projects.

It’s been a great year for country music, and the music industry in general, as CD sales are actually up for the first time in a very long time. Part of this, I believe, is that there really was an abundance of terrific music released.

Below, I offer my opinion on what were the 10 best albums of the year in no particular order. It’s always a tough task to come up with only 10, as some very worthy albums can’t be included by the very nature of a “Top 10” list. So please, if your favorite album isn’t on here, let us know what you loved and what got you singing along all year long. And don’t forget to check out our album review section for reviews of these CDs and more, HERE!

Pistol Annies: Hell On Heels

Pistol Annies' 2011 CD, Hell On Heels. Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Born out of a midnight conversation between singer/songwriters Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley, the  album Hell On Heels had the initial feel of a one-off side project. Peel back the layers, though, on this tough-as-nails collection, and it’s immediately evident that these three kindred spirits were channeling something worth a whole lot of attention. Reminiscent of classic outlaw women like Loretta Lynn, Hell On Heels stares weighty subject matter straight in the face while taking on issues like class struggle, teen pregnancy and looking out for number one. Stripped down to a foundation of acoustic and reverb-tinged guitars, the textured harmonies are bright as each of these immensely talented women add their unique voice. Hell On Heels debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 5 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart upon its release. Key tracks – “Hell On Heels,” “Housewife’s Prayer,” “Beige,” “Boys from the South”

Vince Gill: Guitar Slinger

Vince Gill's 2011 CD, Guitar Slinger. Photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

On the follow-up to his epic, Grammy-award winning set These Days, Vince Gill opts for an introspective approach both in his songwriting and guitar playing. Thoughtful guitar lines weave in between philosophical meditations on life and death, human nature and love. Grammy-nominated single “Threaten Me With Heaven” ponders the hereafter with a bittersweet sentiment while the thumping outlaw number “Billy Paul” questions how a seemingly sane person can go crazy so suddenly. Vince’s guitar work is exceptional as he showcases bluesy, instinctive leads at every turn. And he even packs a little of that R&B soul into his voice on songs like “When The Lady Sings the Blues.” Guitar Slinger debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 14 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart when it was released. Key tracks – “Threaten Me With Heaven,” “Guitar Slinger,” “Who Wouldn’t Fall In Love With You,” “The Old Lucky Diamond Motel”

Eric Church: Chief

Eric Church's 2011 CD, Chief. Photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Eric Church’s third album, Chief, is a defining work for the 34-year old North Carolina singer/songwriter. Sure, his first two records elicited some pretty solid acclaim and commercial success, but this time around Eric sounds more comfortable and confident than ever, while seemingly finding his “sound.” The result is a hard country adventure through songs full of temptation, love, nostalgia and a few good times with a couple iced-down cold ones. On Chief, Eric pushes himself harder than ever, both lyrically and musically. He’s not afraid to blend Southern Gospel with crunchy rock guitar (“Country Music Jesus”), or R&B roots with atmospheric grooves (“Hungover & Hard Up”). It’s the hugely successful combination of these different elements and willingness to push the envelope that provides support for Eric’s soulful voice and intelligent approach. Chief landed at the top of the Billboard Top 200 all-genre chart upon its release, has already been certified Gold and is also nominated for the GRAMMY Country Album of the Year award. Key tracks – “Creepin’,” “Hungover & Hard Up,” “Springsteen,” “I’m Getting Stoned”

David Nail: The Sound of a Million Dreams

David Nail's 2011 CD, The Sound of a Million Dreams. Photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Bluesy piano, raw slide guitar and a voice that bears the complexities of its subjects, The Sound of a Million Dreams comes alive with stirring southern soul. On his sophomore album, David Nail dives deeper into the R&B-infused country that earned him a Grammy nomination last year. The shake of “Grandpa’s Farm,” packed with country nostalgia and gospel back-up singers, or the hard charging “She Rides Away,” demonstrates David’s vocal depth while always conveying the song’s true emotional undertones. While his blue-eyed soul and dapper look in some ways break from current Nashville trends, the stories and characters of songs like “That’s How I’ll Remember You” connect deeply with a downhome and authentic feel. The Sound of a Million Dreams debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Key tracks – “She Rides Away,” “Catherine,” “Catch You While I Can,” “Let It Rain”

Brad Paisley: This is Country Music

Brad Paisley's 2011 CD This Is Country Music.

On This is Country Music, Brad Paisley takes on the challenge of representing an entire musical genre on one, 15-song collection. There’s acoustic-based traditional country (“Toothbrush” with singing fiddle and pedal steel), Southern rock power (“Old Alabama” featuring icons Alabama) and bluegrass (“Be the Lake” showcasing some fancy banjo pickin’), as well as other influences ranging from the Nashville Sound to Southern Gospel. Joined by guests including Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and Clint Eastwood, Brad ties the expansive project together with his twanged-out virtuoso guitar playing and unique sense of humor; i.e. the revved-up “Camoflague” uses country-fried guitar licks while telling the story of the high school kid who painted his Chevy Cavalier 100% camo. This is Country Music debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, No. 2 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart and was nominated for CMA Album of the Year. It has also been certified Gold.  Key tracks – “This Is Country Music,” “New Favorite Memory,” “Working on a Tan,” “Eastwood”

Ronnie Milsap: Country Again

Ronnie Milsap's 2011 CD, Country Again.

On the title track “Country Again,” Grand Ole Opry member Ronnie Milsap breaks it down for all the young’uns. The ’70s outlaw-feeling tune tells the story of a Dodge truck – that just so happens to be a time machine. After returning from a trip to the future, the truck’s driver, Tommy, shocks his neighbors even more with tales of true blue, authentic country music on the radio. This anecdote alone should give heavy indication that Country Again leans uber-traditional, and no one can do it quite like Ronnie. Walking the line between aching honky tonk and polished Nashville Sound, Ronnie brings the twang on his first new set in five years while tracks like “Almost Mine” showcase his fine touch and feel behind the piano. Key tracks – “Country Again,” “You’re The Reason I’m Living,” “Oh Linda,” “If You Don’t Want Me To”

Toby Keith: Clancy’s Tavern

Toby Keith's new album Clancy's Tavern is in stores now!

Like your favorite neighborhood pub, Clancy’s Tavern gathers an intriguing cast of characters with some very entertaining stories. There’s the lonely guy in the corner staring at his beer (the country blues shuffle “I Need To Hear A Country Song”). Over at the bar, two lost souls search for meaning that won’t be there in the morning (the slow, melancholy “Just Another Sundown”). Then there’s the dark, seedy figure in the back booth (the spooky “Club Zydeco Moon”) and the loud frat guys with all the laughs (the absurdly catchy “Red Solo Cup”). And while everyone carries on, Toby Keith tends the bar, pouring drinks and slipping in thoughtful lines about perception and love as he serves up his best album in years. Clancy’s Tavern debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 5 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart. Key tracks – “Just Another Sundown,” “I Need To Hear A Country Song,” “Beers Ago,” “Red Solo Cup”

Alison Krauss & Union Station: Paper Airplane

Alison Krauss & Union Station's 2011 CD, Paper Airplane. Photo courtesy of Rounder Records.

On their first new studio album in seven years, Alison Krauss and Union Station return to the stirring bluegrass they helped bring to the mainstream. With an angelic voice that weaves effortlessly through the intricate arrangements provided by bandmates including Barry Bales (bass) and Ron Block (banjo), Alison leads evocative pieces like the haunting “Lie Awake” and tormented “My Love Follows You Where You Go.” The playing is impeccable with acoustic intonation that is vibrant and pure. Songs like “On The Outside Looking In,” sung with an authentic blue-collar rawness by guitarist Dan Tyminski, jump from the speakers while Jerry Douglas’ virtuoso dobro work remains captivating as ever. Paper Airplane debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, No. 3 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart and marked Alison’s most first week sales with 83k. Key tracks – “Lie Awake,” “On The Outside Looking In,” “Sinking Stone,” “My Opening Farewell”

Sunny Sweeney: Concrete

Sunny Sweeney photo courtesy of Republic Nashville.

A bottle of red, a bottle of white/ Which one will it be?/ I can’t decide, Texan singer/songwriter Sunny Sweeney sings with a flippant kiss-off on the opening track “Drink Myself Single.” It’s the first glimpse of smoke from the fire spreading just below the surface of Concrete, and it certainly isn’t the last. Throughout the 10-song collection, Sunny confronts her cheating man’s wife a la Dolly Parton on the bluegrass-tinged “Amy,” strikes a no-nonsense pose that includes a few threats on “Helluva Heart,” and struggles with her inner rebel trying to break free on “The Old Me.” Sunny’s a complicated woman, and the closing track “Fall For Me” shows this best with a subtle daydream about the object of her affection. Produced with a modern edge and beautiful harmonies against classic honky tonk influences, Concrete is solid evidence that the fire is just getting started. Concrete debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Albums chart when it was released.  Key tracks – “From A Table Away,” “Mean As You,” “Hulluva Heart,” “Fall For Me”

Miranda Lambert: Four the Record

Miranda Lambert's 2011 CD, Four The Record. Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Even at her quietest, most introspective moments, singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert’s voice maintains its power. On her fourth album, Miranda trades in a few of the anthems, but not the intensity, that has brought her both critical and commercial success. Ballads like “Over You” showcase her strikingly emotional and melodic voice while “Better In the Long Run” (a duet with husband Blake Shelton) rolls along with expressive descriptions of making love work despite the struggles. Four the Record is packed with insightful moments that continue to highlight Miranda’s growth as an artist and her adventurous spirit. The sexy “Fine Tune” utilizes a talk box and R&B groove, and the beautiful, atmospheric “Oklahoma Sky” sprawls open and free to a methodical acoustic guitar. This isn’t to say that Miranda doesn’t let loose. The unhinged “Mama’s Broken Heart” is brilliant, and together with the rebellious “Fastest Girl In Town,” provides more than enough evidence that no one can channel the chaos quite like Miranda. Four the Record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 3 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart upon its release. Key tracks – “Mama’s Broken Heart,” “Fine Tune,” “Better In The Long Run,” “Look at Miss Ohio”

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The last day of October is more than just an excuse to put on a funny costume. As it turns out, the date has been quite an important one for country music. Here’s a list of some notable events that happened on Halloween, courtesy of RolandNote.com, the ultimate country music database! For more country music and Halloween, check out our Halloween section with pumpkin carving templates, fright night memories from the stars and more!

Oct 31, 1912 – Dale Evans born in Uvalde, Texas. In December 1947, she marries Roy Rogers, with whom she stars on radio and TV. She also writes their classic closing theme “Happy Trails”

Oct 31, 1921—Malissa Monroe dies at the family home near Rosine, Kentucky. No one bothers to tell her son, 10-year-old Bill Monroe, that she’s dead until after she’s already been buried

Oct 31, 1931 – Lester Flatt marries Gladys Stacy at the courthouse in Cookeville, Tennessee

Oct 31, 1934 – At a Halloween party in Halifax, Hank Snow meets his future wife, Minnie Aalders

Oct 31, 1947 — Promoter Connie B. Gay books Eddy Arnold for the first-ever country show at Washington, D.C.’s Constitution Hall. Also on the bill are comedians Minnie Pearl and Rod Brasfield

Oct 31, 1952 – Hank Williams checks into a Shreveport hospital with acute intoxication

Oct 31, 1954 – When Eddy Arnold plays Memphis’ Ellis Auditorium, a young Elvis Presley finds his way backstage. Presley meets Arnold and The Jordanaires, and spots–though he does not talk to–Colonel Tom Parker

Oct 31, 1960 – Elvis Presley records “Crying In The Chapel” at Nashville’s RCA Studio B. The single goes unreleased, however, for more than four years

Oct 31, 1964 – Darryl Worley born in Savannah, Tennessee. Noted for the strong traditional influence on his music, the lanky singer builds a solid career after his 2000 debut, striking a major chord for patriotism with his 2003 release “Have You Forgotten?”

Oct 31, 1966 – Decca releases Loretta Lynn‘s “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)”

Oct 31, 1974 – Emmylou Harris records “If I Could Only Win Your Love” and her first single, “Too Far Gone”

Oct 31, 1983 – Lee Greenwood tapes the syndicated “Solid Gold” in Los Angeles, then visits the home of MCA chairman Irving Azoff to present him a tape of “God Bless The U.S.A.”

Oct 31, 1987 – Dolly Parton opens a restaurant in Honolulu, the Dockside Plantation

Oct 31, 1991 – Randy Travis accepts a unique Halloween treat: a gold album for “High Lonesome”

Oct 31, 1993 – Actor River Phoenix dies of a drug overdose outside the Viper Room in Los Angeles. His final picture was “The Thing Called Love,” based on Nashville’s famed listening room, The Bluebird Café

Oct 31, 1995 – Bryan White, Derek George and John Tirro write “So Much For Pretending” on Halloween, distracted periodically by trick-or-treaters

Oct 31, 1998 – Lari White blows out the speakers when she sings the national anthem before the Miami Hurricanes’ football game against Boston College

Oct 31, 2000 – “I Hope You Dance” becomes Lee Ann Womack‘s second platinum album

Oct 31, 2005 – “Inside TV” lists the Top 10 TV witches of all-time, ranking Lisa Hartman Black at #9 for her portrayal of Samantha Stevens’ grown-up daughter in the late-’70s series “Tabitha”

Oct 31, 2006 – During a Tuesday edition of the Grand Ole Opry, Jeff Bates gets down on one knee at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to propose to Kelly Vaughn. She nods yes

Oct 31, 2007 – Taylor Swift goes trick-or-treating in Hendersonville, Tennessee, disguised as the hairy “Star Wars” character Chewbacca

Oct 31, 2010 – Trace Adkins performs for U.S. soldiers in Basra, Iraq, near the outset of a USO tour

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Miranda Lambert photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Miranda Lambert is teaming up with iPhone app Hipstamatic to give fans a chance to win an autographed guitar. The ‘Listen & Create’ contest will merge Miranda’s music with the app’s unique analog camera settings.

The contest will allow fans to listen to Miranda’s song “Mama’s Broken Heart” from her upcoming album, Four The Record, and then submit photos using Hipstamatic’s lenses, flash and film options to express their emotions. The contest is live now at http://community.hipstamatic.com/contests/64 and runs through October 18. Continue Reading

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BMI will honor Bobby Braddock as a BMI songwriting Icon during its 59th annual Country Awards. The private ceremony is slated for Tuesday, November 8 at BMI’s Music Row offices in Nashville.

The Icon award is given to BMI songwriters who have had a “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Braddock, who will be celebrated with an all-star musical tribute that evening, joins a list of past honorees that includes Billy Sherrill, John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Isaac Hayes, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, the Bee Gees, Ray Davies, James Brown and more.

At first glance, there seem to be two Bobby Braddocks. One writes heart-wrenching songs, such as “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the sadness of which famously made George Jones wary; the other Braddock deals in wry hilarity, like his13th career No. 1, Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy.” Continue Reading

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Miranda Lambert's Four The Record album cover. Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Miranda Lambert’s highly anticipated new album, Four The Record, comes out November 1 and she is sharing a few details as the date grows closer. The first single, “Baggage Claim,” is already a Top 15 hit and features Josh Kelley on background vocals and Steve Winwood on the B-3 organ. Besides the standard 14-song album, there will also be a Limited Deluxe Edition version that includes a bonus song and a DVD featuring Miranda sharing the stories behind her new music.

Watch Miranda’s Fan Q&A! >>

“I’m so ready for the fans to hear it,” Miranda said. “‘Baggage Claim’ is such a groovy song and I’m glad it’s the first single. But just like Revolution, not one song represents the whole album. There are ‘All Kinds Of Kinds’ of music on the record, and I’m so excited for it to get out there.” Continue Reading

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Clockwise from top left: Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley & Taylor Swift.

Topping the list of final nominees with five nominations each for The 45^th Annual CMA Awards are Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift. Right on their heels are The Band Perry and Zac Brown Band, who each received four nominations as a group, while individual members Kimberly Perry (of The Band Perry), Coy Bowles and Zac Brown (of Zac Brown Band) each earned a solo nod as a songwriter.

“‘Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm)’ is shaping up to be a tight race with an outstanding group of new and established nominees topping the list,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “With no clear frontrunner there will be a heightened level of excitement and anticipation for the CMA Awards in November.”

The 45^th Annual CMA Awards will be hosted for the fourth time by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 8-11 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

For the sixth year, the announcement of the final nominees in five of the 12 CMA Awards categories was made live on ABC News’ Good Morning America with The Band Perry and Jake Owen delivering the news from the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Finalists in the other seven categories were announced by Jerrod Niemann and CMA Vocal Duo and New Artist of the Year nominees Thompson Square from the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, which was home to the first broadcast of the CMA Awards in 1968.

Jason Aldean received first-time nominations in five categories in 2011 including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for My Kinda Party, produced by Michael Knox; and Single and Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson, also produced by Knox. Jason has two prior nominations including the Horizon Award in 2007 and in 2008 when the category changed names to CMA New Artist of the Year. Kelly was last nominated in 2007 for Musical Event of the Year with Reba McEntire for “Because of You.”

Jason’s golden touch in 2011 extended to songwriters Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford, who penned his “Dirt Road Anthem,” nominated for Song of the Year.

CMA’s reigning Entertainer of the Year, Brad Paisley, received five nominations for Continue Reading

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Carrie Underwood & Brad Paisley will host the 2011 CMA Awards. Photo courtesy of the CMA.

Nominations were announced this morning for the 45th Annual CMA Awards, to be held Wednesday, November 9 at 8/7c on ABC. What do you think of the list? Leave us a comment below!

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

New Artist of the Year
The Band Perry
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Thompson Square
Chris Young

Vocal Duo of the Year
The Civil Wars
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

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