Before Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, before Vince Gill, before Reba McEntire — there was a long line of equally-talented CMA Awards Show hosts. In 1983, Anne Murray co-hosted with Willie Nelson. Watch our exclusive interview with Anne, as she recalls the question she asked Willie just before going onstage.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. photo courtesy of Wortman Works.
The Country Music Association has announced the first group of presenters for The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, and airing live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The first celebrities announced as Awards presenters during “Country Music’s Biggest Night” are NASCAR superstar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.; stars of ABC’s “The Middle,” Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton; Julianne Hough; nominee Randy Houser (for both New Artist and Music Video of the Year for “Boots On”); nominee Jake Owen (New Artist of the Year); Kellie Pickler; CMA Award winner LeAnn Rimes; and ABC News’s Robin Roberts, co-anchor of “Good Morning America” and host of the upcoming “Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville” ABC television special (airing Nov. 10). Continue Reading
Kenny Chesney performs at the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field in Downtown Nashville Sunday, June 14 during the 2009 CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the Country Music Association.
Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift are making big news by quickly selling out their upcoming tours — but Kenny Chesney‘s still at the top of the list for now.
USA Today reported on the strongest tours in the country and found that Kenny is No. 1 in all genres.
“You know,” says Kenny of the honor, “to me, it’s about rocking the fans… and I never want to have a ticket price that keeps the people who buy my records or listen to my songs in their truck from coming out and partying with us. If I can make sure there are always seats people can afford – and even try to keep the best seats where they’re reasonable for what they are – then I feel like I can keep having the party of the summer when I go out. Again, to me, it’s about that moment and having fun with your buddies. Continue Reading
Jake Owen photo by GAC Staff.
Many male musicians will tell you their earliest motivation to sing or play guitar was a simple one: They wanted to attract girls.
Jake Owen has discovered firsthand that it works. He’s become a magnet for female fans, and he doesn’t mind it one bit, though his parents have mixed reactions about the frenzy their son has stirred.
Carrie Underwood photo by Matthew Rolston, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.
When the 43rd Annual CMA Awards air on Nov. 11, some fashionistas will be watching just to see what co-host Carrie Underwood is wearing. The country superstar regularly shows up on best dressed lists, striking the perfect balance between sexy and classy. Continue Reading
Kenny Chesney (l) photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville; Dave Matthews photo courtesy of Red Light Management.
When Kenny Chesney performs at The 43rd Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 11, he’ll share the mic with rock artist Dave Matthews on their new duet, “I’m Alive.” Kenny and Dave recorded the song for Kenny’s Lucky Old Sun album and it’s also the current single from Kenny’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 CD.
“I’m Alive” was originally recorded by Willie Nelson for Willie’s 2008 album, Moment Of Forever (which was produced by Kenny).
Other performers already announced include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Billy Currington, Vince Gill and Daughtry, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Zac Brown Band. Continue Reading
Brad Paisley photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.
Country music stopped referring to itself as C&W — for country & western — four decades ago, but Brad Paisley is reinvigorating the association (kinda, sorta) by bringing a new series, tentatively titled “Nashville,” to the CW Network.
Brad is joining with a quartet of Hollywood talents — “Heroes” actor Zachary Quinto, “One Tree Hill” producer Mark Schwann and “Chuck” writers Neal Dodson and Matt Bomer — to develop the drama, which follows a talented female singer and a male songwriter as they try to build entertainment careers in Music City. Brad — whose wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, is an established actress — will contribute music to the production and make occasional appearances.
Lady Antebellum photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.
Looks like the sophomore slump won’t be a problem for Lady Antebellum. “Need You Now,” the title cut and first single off their upcoming CD, is already the fastest-rising single of their career thus far. It’s currently a Top 10 Billboard hit.
So what exactly can fans expect from Need You Now, to be released Jan. 26, 2010?
“This song, and what we’ve finished of the new album so far, is all about passion,” says guitarist/vocalist Dave Haywood. “There’s a real sense of urgency and fire, almost like a spark has reignited us creatively in the studio… Continue Reading
Brad Paisley photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.
Brad Paisley‘s not ready for Saturday night to end. He just announced that he’s continuing his “American Saturday Night” tour into 2010, adding 19 dates. Special guests for the tour are Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore.
Currently, Brad has a lot on his plate. In addition to the tour, he’s prepping for the “43rd Annual CMA Awards” on Nov. 11. Brad will be co-hosting with Carrie Underwood and is up for seven awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for American Saturday Night.
If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at awards shows, Brad is ready to tell all. Continue Reading
Keith Urban photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.
The Country Music Association has announced the first round of performers for the “43rd Annual CMA Awards.” Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.
“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Brad and Carrie, airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Continue Reading
Take a trip inside the world of country music with host Storme Warren! Watch full episodes of Headline Country now.
