Vince Gill photo by Tim Wright, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

For the first time in its 87 year history, 650 AM WSM will release a compilation of live, in-studio performances by renowned artists and songwriters on June 25. Live From The Archives of 650 AS WSM – Volume One will be available on CD, digitally, and as a limited edition two-jacket vinyl release.

“A station with such historical value as WSM, should have great moments not only preserved but shared with fans all around the world,” WSM Program Director and the album’s Executive Producer, Joe Limardi, said. “This CD and future editions will ensure that and be another chapter in our legendary story. I hope true music fans enjoy this compilation of performances as much as we did the first time we heard them.” Continue Reading

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LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 07: Musician Miranda Lambert, winner of Song of the Year and Single Record of the Year for ‘Over You’ and Female Vocalist of the Year, poses in the press room during the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 7, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage)

The 48^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards is country music’s biggest party of the year and the ACM Awards didn’t disappoint! Two country legends performed together, new music was flowing from some of country’s biggest stars and one artist picked up his first-ever Entertainer of the Year trophy! In no particular order, here are our Top 10 Moments from this year’s ACM Awards:

See photos from the ACM Awards! >>

Luke Bryan – Luke Bryan had a busy night, co-hosting the ACM Awards and debuting his brand new single, “Crash My Party.” The biggest moment of the night went to him as well when he was crowned ACM Entertainer of the Year by none other than Shania Twain. It took a visibly shocked Luke several moments to pull himself together to accept his trophy.

“Thank you guys so much,” Luke said, wiping at his tears. “Fans, for doing this to me, thank you so much for making my life what it is. What I always wanted to be was just a country singer that got to ride on a tour bus and show up on a new stage and play new music every night. This is the defining moment of my life.”

Miranda Lambert – It was a good night for Miranda Lambert. She picked up three ACM Awards, including Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Over You,” a track she co-wrote with her husband, Blake Shelton, and Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth year running.

“Last night, a huge dream of mine came true because I went from being a little girl singing in a hair brush to watching Shania Twain with Faith Hill, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson,” an emotional Miranda said as she accepted her Female Vocalist trophy. “I cried all night because I’ll never not be a fan of those beautiful women.” Continue Reading

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Andy Griggs photo courtesy of Webster & Associates.

Andy Griggs’ new all-acoustic album, Naked, opens to the cowboy strum of a Waylon Jennings song. “Old Timer,” a Western-tinged epic, details a man getting back to his roots; a man getting back to the basics and yearning for the foundation of who he is. And more than just a great song, it’s a mission statement about what Andy sets out to do on his first new project in five years.

Through 13 songs consisting of originals and a few of his personal favorites, Andy strips back the layers to a point that can only be described as minimalist. There are no flying guitar solos. There are no back-up singers. In fact the entire album, which is available now, consists of only one man and his guitar with no overdubs. Bearing it all, Naked delivers the kind of intimate, in the room experience that reveals the scars, vulnerabilities and joys listeners can feel. The sad, sad agony of, “Thrown Away,” or the soulful redemption in, “Long Time Coming,” resonate like the guitar strings Andy plays with emotion; soft one moment and shaking the next.

The focus here is on songwriting and the power of an instrument paired with a voice. The dark shades of “Understanding Hank,” where the heavy guitar tones match lines like, Now I find myself on the same lost highway he was on, work together to create stirring atmospheres. The addicted, ¾-time, “You and Cocaine,” and the hunter’s dream, “De’m Boyz,” slip deep into heavy Drop-D tuning while the hidden notes of “Superman” offset the steady chord progression as Andy wonders what it takes to be a man with an impressively soulful touch. And on “Heart Hush” (which Reba included on her 1998 album, If You See Him), the interplay between the steady rhythm of a percussive guitar and a fragile vocal performance is captivating.

Andy covers a handful of his favorite songs on the album, including two originally recorded by Keith Whitley for his 1989 record, I Wonder Do You Think Of Me. “Between An Old Memory And Me,” one of the standout cuts on Naked, is the alienated tune of a barroom loner, while “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me” uses self-deprecating humor to crack a smile through the loneliness. Do you remember those cold football games?, Andy sings before adding with a self-aware joke, I was your hero though I seldom played. Johnny Cash’s “Blue Train” makes an appearance with an entertaining in-studio intro, and the Willie Nelson classic, “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,” comes across with a tender and unguarded subtlety. However, it’s a cover of a song by Andy’s deceased brother Mason that delivers the album’s most powerful moment.

“Me On His Mind,” the story of a long-suffering sinner thankful for redemption, strikes a nerve with its Southern Gospel undercurrents and incredibly sharp narrative. Andy’s voice weighs heavy singing his brother’s words, and almost breaks down during the line, Oh God I fall on my knees, for a soul-bearing and transcendent moment. It’s the very essence of Naked, a stirring project that reveals all with an unflinching honesty.

Key Tracks – “Me On His Mind,” “Thrown Away,” “Between An Old Memory And Me,” “Heart Hush”

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Chris Young photo courtesy of Monarch Publicity.

Chris Young  helped Katie Couric go country for her episode of Katie, which aired today. The episode also featured Reba McEntire and Connie Britton. During his chat with Katie, Chris revealed a surprising secret and performed his current single, “I Can Take It From There.”

On Valentine’s Day, Chris will host a Livestream event at 5:30p|4:30c. During the event, Chris will serenade fans with his hit songs and take fan questions. For details and to join the event, click HERE. Continue Reading

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Terri Clark’s 2013 album, Classic.

Those looking for what traditionalists call country are hereby requested in the listening room. On her tenth studio album, Terri Clark – the Alberta, Canada native with a Music City soul – dishes up 11 of the genre’s most cherished possessions on a strikingly heartfelt collection.

The aptly titled Classic, now available in the states after a Fall Canadian release, draws on songwriting riches including hits such as Loretta Lynn’s “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” and Glen Campbell’s “Gentle On My Mind.” Yes, they’ve long been revered as country standards, but when Terri sings with fiery passion on the former, Many a night I’ve laid awake and cried here all night long, simultaneously scorned and lonely, she injects infectious new energy into the songs with an immediate impact.

Backed by a band that includes such Nashville A-list session players as Brent Mason (electric guitar) and The Time Jumpers’ Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Terri moves decisively through the project that aims to pull two classics from each decade starting with the ‘50s.  After setting the mood with an antique recording of Terri’s own grandmother covering Kitty Wells’ “The White Circle On My Finger,” Terri launches into Kitty’s 1952 masterpiece, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” thrusting headlong into the tune’s timeless story. Too many times married men think they’re still single, she sings with a conviction and technical prowess that quickly establishes the skill to handle the material. And on the Delbert McClinton-penned song Emmylou Harris made famous, the low-end gear jammer, “Two More Bottles of Wine,” Terri’s inflections and tones show off a compelling sincerity.

Terri’s joined throughout the project by a series of guests spanning Nashville to Canada. Dierks Bentley plays George Jones” to Terri’s “Tammy Wynette” on the pawnshop Honky Tonk, “Golden Ring,” and Tanya Tucker guests on “Delta Dawn,” a song Tanya released herself in 1972. Canadian artists Dean Brody (joining on “I’m Movin’ On”) and Jann Arden (on “Leavin’ On Your Mind”) both make their presence felt with stirring performances, especially on the latter that was made famous by Patsy Cline. However, it’s the combination of Reba and Terri on “How Blue” that steals the show. Originally released on Reba’s 1984 album, My Kind of Country, this version of “How Blue” showcases a stunning chemistry between the two, demanding that they work together again in the future.

Terri packs a suitcase full of heartache into the 37-minute collection. On “Swinging Doors,” originally written and released by Merle Haggard, she sings, My new home has a flashing neon sign, with palpable regret after being kicked out of the one with a bed. But throughout it all, it’s her clear love for the works she chooses that gives the record a fresh sound. Even on the album’s most optimistic song, the Neil Young-penned “Love Is A Rose,” her deep respect for the writing comes through in her graceful melodic ease. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the songs on Classic, because even though we may have heard these songs before, Terri’s powerful performance captures an exciting spontaneity, bringing new life to the collection.

Key Tracks – “How Blue,” “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” “Two More Bottles Of Wine,” “Leavin’ On Your Mind”

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NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 26: Country Superstar George Strait announces The Cowboy Rides Away 2012-2014 final tour on September 26, 2012 at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum/Ford Theater in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for George Strait)

George Strait will receive the 2013 CRB Career Achievement Award at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction on Tuesday, February 26. The award is presented to an artist or act that has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio through creativity, vision, performance or leadership. George’s career in country music spans more than 30 years.

“It’s been a great career and I think one of the reasons is I’ve always been fortunate enough to have good people around me and good people to work with,” George said. “Very loyal people that I get good advice from and bounce ideas off of and know that I can count on. You know you can’t do it by yourself. You can do a lot, but you can’t do it all.” Continue Reading

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Blake Shelton photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

CMA Entertainer of the Year and Grammy nominee, Blake Shelton will embark on a headlining tour of the U.S. beginning July  19 in Virginia Beach, VA. The Ten Times Crazier Tour, which features special guests Mercury Recording artist, Easton Corbin, and ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year nominee, Jana Kramer, will criss-cross the country this summer. Live Nation’s 2013 Country Megaticket is the first opportunity for fans to purchase tickets by visiting www.Megaticket.com and signing up to receive more information about this year’s Country Megaticket in their city. General public ticket on-sale for Blake Shelton concerts will go on-sale in March.  Pre-sale information, contesting, and meet & greet opportunities will be available soon to Blake’s BS’er Fan Club members via www.blakeshelton.com/bsers.  BS’ers is free to join. For all the up-to-date tour information, stay tuned to www.blakeshelton.com.

Confirmed tour dates are listed below.

This is Blake’s second headlining tour following last year’s sold out Well Lit & Amplified Tour. The CMA’s Entertainer of the Year and three-peat Male Vocalist of the Year is coming off seven consecutive No.1 singles, 12 overall, back-to-back wins on NBC’s hit show The Voice and is already celebrating his Top 20 new single, “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” which Entertainment Weekly calls “ludicrously catchy” with an A- rating. “Sure Be Cool If You Did” is Blake’s fastest-rising single to date and is the first new single off his yet to be announced new album being released this spring. His recent Christmas album, Cheers, It’s Christmas received 4 ½ of 5 stars in People Magazine and The New York Times has said “…he’s becoming the most important and visible ambassador from Nashville to the American mainstream.”

“My fans, country radio, friends, family, you name it – they know I love to perform. With The Voice schedule, I was not able to go out and perform as much as I wanted last year but I plan to make up for it this year,” Blake said with a devilish smirk. “This summer is going to be a blast. I want everyone at my shows to leave feeling like they got every penny’s worth of their ticket. I am going to give them every ounce of me on that stage because they deserve it. My fans are die hard country fans, they love to laugh and have a good time and I’m going to join them in what truly will be the Ten Times Crazier Tour.”

GRAMMY nominated Blake Shelton is CMA Awards’ Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year for his third consecutive year. Blake is one of the “most versatile of contemporary country singers” (The New York Times). He has been nominated for five GRAMMY® Awards, including a nod for Red River Blue, the Associated Press calling the album “the best album of his career” as Country Album of the Year, won ACM’s Male Vocalist of the Year for a second time, celebrated his seventh consecutive No. 1 single (his twelfth overall), and then made history by winning three consecutive CMA Male Vocalist of the Year awards and Song of the Year with his wife and Grammy winner, Miranda Lambert. Blake’s current album, Cheers It’s Christmas, features several duet performances with multiple GRAMMY Award winning artists such as Michael Bublé, long-time friend, Reba, Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson and a very special duet with his mother, Dorothy Shackleford, which they wrote together. Blake’s infectious multi-week No.1 hit, “Honey Bee” holds the record for the fastest-selling digital platinum single for a male country solo artist.

Blake Shelton’s upcoming tour dates are as follows:

2013 TEN TIMES CRAZIER TOUR DATES:

7/19     Virginia Beach, VA             Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach

7/20     Bristow, VA                           Jiffy Lube Live

7/21     Wantagh, NY                       Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

7/26     St. Louis, MO                       Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

7/27     Noblesville, IN                     Klipsch Music Center Continue Reading

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Kelly Clarkson photo courtesy of kellyclarkson.com.

Congrats to Kelly Clarkson, who announced over the weekend on Twitter that she and Brandon Blackstock are engaged.

“I’M ENGAGED!!!!! I wanted y’all to know!!” Kelly tweeted December 15. “Happiest night of my life last night! I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever ”

Kelly, who recently was nominated for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and is a frequent duet partner of Reba McEntire, is marrying into quite the country music family. Brandon is Blake Shelton‘s Continue Reading

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Pictured L-R: Charlotte Jones-Anderson, Executive VP, Dallas Cowboys, Kenny Chesney, Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander, Salvation Army, Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys. Photo by Kelly Alexander, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

While many people across the country are making final preparations for their Thanksgiving meal, four-time CMA and four-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney is adding last-minute touches for his halftime performance during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Washington Redskins at 3:15 p.m. (CT) on FOX. With his final rehearsal today at Cowboy’s Stadium in Arlington, TX, Kenny is excited to be a part of the kick-off of The Salvation Army’s 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign.

“This is a time of year when many people are in need of a helping hand. I’m excited to partner with The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys to encourage the American people to help the less fortunate,” said Kenny. “I hope my music will elevate awareness for the Red Kettle Campaign, and in the end, help provide a warm meal, clothing or a bed for someone this holiday season.”

The nationally televised show marks the 16th year the Dallas Cowboys have helped The Salvation Army launch the campaign, which began on a San Francisco pier in 1891. Kenny’s performance will help raise awareness and millions of dollars for the Red Kettle Campaign, which collected a record $147.6 million last year. Funds will support people in need, including those still experiencing the lasting impact of Hurricane Sandy this Christmas season.

Kenny will perform a number of his top hits from past albums, as well as his most recent studio album, Welcome to the Fishbowl, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Since its release in June 2012, Welcome to the Fishbowl has been certified gold and includes the hit singles “Feel Like a Rock Star,” “Come Over,” and current hit “El Cerrito Place.” Throughout his nearly 20-year career, Kenny has sold more than 27 million albums and had 24 No. 1 singles.

Since the partnership between the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army began in 1997, the Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $1.5 billion with the help of multiple top-tier musical acts spanning the past 15 years. Previous halftime performers have included: Enrique Iglesias, Keith Urban, Daughtry, Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire. Continue Reading

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Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Winners in two of the 12 CMA Awards categories were announced live on Good Morning America from New York’s Times Square this morning. Winning CMA Musical Event of the Year was Kenny Chesney’s duet with Tim McGraw, “Feel Like A Rock Star.” Winning CMA Music Video of the Year was Toby Keith and director Michael Salomon for “Red Solo Cup.”

“What a great way to lead up to ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night™’ by announcing our winners on Good Morning America and sharing the news with the GMA viewers and the fans here in Nashville,” said Steve Moore, Chief Executive Officer of CMA.

Hosted for the fifth time by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, The 46^th Annual CMA Awards airs tonight on ABC, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 8p|7c.

Kenny, who is performing Continue Reading

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