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“55th ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™,” HOSTED BY KEITH URBAN, TO BROADCAST LIVE FROM NASHVILLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SHOW’S HISTORY

 

 “55TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™,” HOSTED BY KEITH URBAN,
TO BROADCAST LIVE FROM NASHVILLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SHOW’S HISTORY ON WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16 AT 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT ON CBS

EVENT TO BE THE FIRST AWARDS SHOW TO BROADCAST FROM THREE
ICONIC COUNTRY MUSIC VENUES: GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE,
NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM AND THE BLUEBIRD CAFE

The Academy of Country Music® and dick clark productions announced today that the 55TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™ will take place in Nashville, TN for the first time in the show’s 55-year history. In an unprecedented move, the 55th ACM AWARDS® will be the first awards show to broadcast from three iconic Country Music venues including the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. The announcement was made this morning during Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s daily press conference. Hosted by reigning ACM® Entertainer of the Year and 15-time ACM Award winner Keith Urban, the 55th ACM Awards will be broadcast on Wednesday, Sept. 16 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and will stream live and on demand on CBS All Access.

“While we were disappointed to postpone our April show in Las Vegas, we couldn’t be more thrilled to host the rescheduled 55th ACM Awards in the home of Country Music for the first time in the Academy’s history,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “First and foremost, we want to ensure the safety of our artists and industry, and to ease the burdens of traveling large teams; therefore, we decided to bring the ACM Awards to them this September in Nashville. Now, more than ever, is the time to bring our community together to honor the best in our genre, and there is no more special place to do that than three of the most revered venues in Country Music – The Grand Ole Opry House, The Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. A huge thank you to these historic venues and to the state of Tennessee and city of Nashville for all of the support in making this a reality!”

“Tennessee is honored to be a part of this historic event,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “Showcasing the talent and musical heritage of our state is always a source of pride, and it couldn’t be more valuable than this year. On behalf of all Tennesseans, I want to thank the Academy of Country Music for bringing this event home.”

“Country music has been our voice and our companion through so many difficult times and now it is our comfort as we confront and defeat the coronavirus,” said Nashville Mayor John Cooper. “I’m excited to join country music fans worldwide to celebrate with the Academy of Country Music and artists that uplift and inspire us all in these extraordinary times. And I look forward to the day when we can safely welcome visitors back to enjoy all that Music City has to offer, including over 160 live entertainment venues with the best country music shows in the world.”

“We are delighted to host the 55th ACM Awards and make history alongside the Academy of Country Music as the show comes to Nashville for the first time,” said Scott Bailey, President of Opry Entertainment Group. “We look forward to sharing this moment with our friends at The Bluebird Cafe and are pleased that fans will have the opportunity to experience the most famous stages in country music in such a unique way.”

As always, the health and safety of the artists, fans, industry, staff and partners is of the utmost importance. All guidelines set forth by national, state and local health officials will continue to be closely followed and implemented during the production along with additional safety measures to be instated by dick clark productions and the Academy of Country Music.

The 55th ACM Awards, honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in Country Music, will feature exciting performances, unprecedented collaborations, surprising moments and more to be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit ACMcountry.com. You can also like Academy of Country Music on Facebook, follow on Twitter at @ACMawards, follow on Instagram at @ACMawards and sign up for the FREE ACM A-List for more immediate updates.

As previously announced, the 55TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS was originally scheduled to air on Sunday, April 5 and was postponed due to COVID-19. ACM Lifting Lives® the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, created the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund to assist individuals working in the Country Music industry who are suffering a financial crisis as a result of the pandemic. Since April 1, the Fund has contributed $1.4 million thanks to the generous support of the Academy’s corporate sponsors FirstNet, Built with AT&T, Amazon Music and other individuals. For more information about the Fund or to donate, visit ACMLiftingLives.org.

About the Academy of Country Music Awards™
The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards™ is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the Country Music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will broadcast LIVE on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 on the CBS Television Network, and will be available to stream live and on-demand on CBS All Access. R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman, Mark Bracco and Amy Thurlow are executive producers. Damon Whiteside is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

 

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Wanda Jackson Announces New Music With Joan Jett Producing

WANDA JACKSON ANNOUNCES NEW MUSIC IN THE WORKS WITH JOAN JETT PRODUCING

The Queen of Rockabilly is in Nashville with the Godmother of Punk, working toward a 2019 release of new music.

 

Known for her energetic stage shows and pioneering presence as a female artist, the one-and-only Wanda Jackson – popularly known as the Queen of Rockabilly and the First Lady of Rock & Roll – has returned to Nashville to work on new music. Fellow female Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame member, Joan Jett, is producing the project. The as-yet-unnamed project is currently anticipated for a 2019 release. After decades of recording covers, Jackson hit the writing room for this project, co-writing with many hit Nashville songwriters including Angaleena Presley of the Pistol Annies. “Ex’s and Oh’s” singer Elle King also contributed a song to the project.

Jackson is excited to go into the studio at the end of this month in Nashville to record vocals for the project with four-time Grammy Award winner Vance Powell. Powell also assisted on Jackson’s 2011 collaboration project with Jack White; The Party Ain’t Over, which peaked at #17 on Top Rock Albums, and #58 on the Billboard Hot 200. The album also earned rave reviews from critics, as well as landing Jackson guest spots on such programs as Conan and The Late Show with David Letterman.

“The songs on this project are very dear to my heart, as a lot of them are based on my own life experiences,” said Wanda. “I’m really looking forward to sharing what Joan and I have been working on.”

Wanda Jackson has landed more than 30 singles on the Country and Pop Music Charts between 1954 and 1974. With over 40 albums to her credit, Wanda has proven to be an enduring and genre-defying legend of American music, who is still creating and establishing her legacy as an artist. In 2009 Wanda Jackson celebrated her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The announcement of Jackson’s new music comes nearly a year after the release of her autobiography Every Night Is Saturday Night: A Country Girl’s Journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Wanda tells the story of being discovered by Country Music Hall of Famer Hank Thompson, why she refused to return to the Grand Ole Opry for more than fifty years, the challenges she and her integrated band, The Party Timers, faced when touring in a less racially tolerant era, her relationship with Elvis, and how she ultimately found the love of her life.

Jackson has also secured booking representation by Deric Brown at artistLIVE in Nashville, and is now accepting offers for Wanda to perform.

“Wanda is a legend!” said Brown. “I’m very honored to have the opportunity to represent her here at Artist Live!”

Wanda Jackson 2018 Concert Dates:
JAN 12 Santa Ana, Calif. / The Observatory
JAN 21 Tulsa, Okla. / Cain’s Ballroom
JAN 26 Greenville, Texas / Texan Theater
FEB 17 Oklahoma City, Okla. / Tower Theatre
MAR 02 Weirsdale, Fla. / Orange Blossom Opry
MAR 17 Arlington, Texas / Arlington Music Hall
APR 05 Las Vegas, Nev. / Backstage Bar & Billiards
APR 07 Pioneertown, Calif. / Pappy & Harriet’s
APR 08 Los Angeles, Calif. / Roots Roadhouse
APR 26 Little Rock, Ark. / Ron Robinson Theater
APR 12 Oklahoma City, Okla. / Rodeo Opry
APR 20 Houston, Texas / Great Texas BBQ Fest
JUL 07 Tustin, Calif. / Marty’s on Newport
JUL 08 Tustin, Calif. / Marty’s on Newport
JUL 21 Cleveland, Ohio / Rock Hall of Fame
JUL 22 Detroit, Mich. / El Club
SEP 29 Montreal, Quebec / Theatre Fairmount
SEP 30 Ville de Quebec, Quebec / L’Anti Bar & Spectacles
OCT 05 Bon Aqua, Tenn. / Johnny Cash Farm

About Wanda Jackson:
Originally hailing from small-town Oklahoma, Wanda Jackson came onto the music scene at the young age of 17 with her 1954 single, “You Can’t Have My Love.” Her unique growl electrified her audiences and fans, quickly earning her the title “Queen of Rockabilly.” “Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad” and “Let’s Have A Party” were two of her earliest hits. She made her chart debut with crossover hits such as “Right Or Wrong” and “In The Middle Of A Heartache,” which were Top 30 hits on both the Billboard Country charts, as well as the Hot 100. Her 1963 Grammy-nominated album, Two Sides Of Wanda, helped to further introduce her to Country fans with hits like “The Box It Came In” and “Tears Will Be The Chaser For Your Wine.” In recent years, appreciation of Jackson and her music have grown to include multiple generations. She is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was named as one of CMT’s 40 Greatest Women In Country Music during a 2002 special, and also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance from the Americana Music Honors and Awards in 2010. In 2011, Wanda released The Party Ain’t Over, a collaboration with Jack White, earning rave reviews from critics. In 2012, Wanda released her last album, Unfinished Business, with Americana musician Justin Townes Earle producing. In 2017, Wanda released her autobiography, Every Night Is Saturday Night: A Country Girl’s Journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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DIERKS BENTLEY PAVES THE PATH TO THE MOUNTAIN WITH “SHIMMERING” (BILLBOARD) LEAD SINGLE “WOMAN, AMEN”

 

DIERKS BENTLEY PAVES THE PATH TO THE MOUNTAIN WITH
“SHIMMERING” (BILLBOARD) LEAD SINGLE “WOMAN, AMEN”

The Soaring Track Is Available Now and Makes Its Television Debut Tomorrow on
The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley found himself instantly intrigued with the idea of “Woman, Amen” when it was thrown out during a Fall co-write with songwriters Josh Kear and Ross Copperman. The result is a deeply sincere and personal message of love and gratitude made universal and then freed to soar with signature acoustic instrumentation and a full-throated anthemic chorus. Available now at Country Radio and with all digital partners, Bentley will perform the lead track from his next studio album THE MOUNTAIN tomorrow on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (1/18, check local listings).

“My wife and our relationship has been the one constant element in my life over all the ups and downs of my career and personal life,” shared Bentley. “Our journey together has made me the man I am today. I doubt my heart would even recognize the old me. This song addresses that in the most direct possible way. The personal gratitude expressed in the lyrics, mixed with a track that leans heavily on some bigger sounds, is the perfect way to introduce the album.”

Since moving to Nashville, Bentley has brought a distinguishable grit and songwriting prowess to his recordings, and he’s consistently recreated his sound with a fearlessness that has won him both critical acclaim and commercial viability. Billboard gives breadth to his latest evolution with a video glimpse into the epic landscapes of Colorado and the studio atop a Telluride mesa where the song was recorded. To watch and listen to the full track, click here: http://bit.ly/2DoWOcY

Last week, NPR previewed new music from THE MOUNTAIN (Capitol Records Nashville), which will be released in early 2018. “He pursues themes of questing and self-actualization across a wide-open terrain of arid deserts and rugged ridgelines, cactus flowers and tumbleweeds” (NPR) as the writing process came together quickly when Bentley returned to Telluride a short time later for a retreat with fellow Nashville songwriters. Guitars, banjos, mandolins and fiddles are given room to shine, and integrated into modern drum and bass sounds that will fuel the arenas and amphitheaters on the road. He has become a fixture in country music amassing 17 No. One singles, dozens of nominations including those from the ACM, CMA, GRAMMY and Billboard Music Awards while serving as a Grand Ole Opry member for over a decade. For more information on new music and upcoming appearances, visit www.dierks.com.

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Justin Moore Kicks Off “Hell On A Highway Tour” Friday, October 13

JUSTIN MOORE KICKS OFF
“HELL ON A HIGHWAY TOUR”
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

Tickets Available at JustinMooreMusic.com

Justin Moore is kicking off his highly-anticipated “Hell on a Highway Tour” on Friday, October 13 at the Monroe Civic Center in Monroe, Louisiana. The PLATINUM-selling entertainer will hit over 40 cities across the US including stops in Baltimore, MD, Birmingham, AL, and Athens, GA. Chart-topping newcomer Dylan Scott is supporting Moore throughout the tour.

“Hell On A Highway Tour” is Moore’s fourth headlining trek and is sure to include fan-favorites and No. 1 hits “Small Town USA,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Till My Last Day,” “Point at You” and “Lettin’ the Night Roll” as well as back-to-back chart-toppers “You Look Like I Need a Drink” and “Somebody Else Will” from his current album KINDA DON’T CARE (The Valory Music Co.).

HELL ON A HIGHWAY TOUR:
Oct. 13 Monroe, La. — Monroe Civic Center
Oct. 15 New Orleans, La. — UNO Lakefront Arena
Oct. 19 Baltimore, Md. — The Modell Lyric
Oct. 20 Richmond, Va. — Altria Theater
Oct. 27 Birmingham, Ala. — BJCC Concert Hall
Nov. 2 Lexington, Ky. – Rupp Arena
Nov. 3 Champaign, Ill. – State Farm Center
Nov. 4 Moline, Ill. — TaxSlayer Center
Nov. 9 Muncie, Ind. — Emens Auditorium, Ball State University
Nov. 10 Muskegon, Mich. — L.C. Walker Arena
Nov. 11 Merrillville, Ind. — Star Plaza Theatre
Nov. 16 Salem, Va. — Salem Civic Center
Nov. 17 Athens, Ga. — Akins Arena at The Classic Center

2018
Jan. 18 Rio Rancho, N.M. — Santa Ana Star Center
Jan. 19 Prescott Valley, Ariz. — Prescott Valley Event Center
Jan. 20 Salt Lake City, UT — Maverik Center
Jan. 21 Nampa, Idaho — Ford Idaho Center
Jan. 23 Tucson, Ariz. — Tucson Arena
Jan 25 San Jose, Calif. — City National Civic
Jan. 26 Los Angeles, Calif. — Microsoft Theater
Jan. 27 Ontario, Calif. — Citizens Business Bank Arena
Feb. 1 Washington, D.C. — The Anthem
Feb. 2 Salisbury, Md. — Wicomico Civic Center
Feb. 3 Newark, Del. — Bob Carpenter Center, University of Delaware
Feb. 9 Norfolk, Va. — Ted Constant Convocation Center
Feb. 10 Spartanburg, S.C. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Feb. 15 Rockford, Ill. — BMO Harris Bank Center
Feb.16 Ft. Wayne, Ind. — Allen County Memorial Coliseum
Feb. 17 Ypsilanti, Mich. — EMU Convocation Center
Feb. 23 Trenton, N.J. — Sun National Bank Center
Feb. 24 Rochester, N.Y. — Blue Cross Arena
Mar. 1 Estero, Fla. — Germaine Arena
Mar. 3 St. Augustine, Fla. — St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Mar. 8 Broomfield, Colo. — 1st Bank Arena
Mar. 9 Kearney, Neb. — Viaero Event Center
Mar. 10 Bismarck, N.D. — Bismarck Event Center
Mar. 15 Park City, Kan. — Hartman Arena
Mar. 16 Tulsa, Okla. — Brady Theatre
Mar. 23 Shreveport, La. — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
Mar. 24 Pensacola, Fla. — Pensacola Bay Center
Mar. 29 Kingston, R.I. — The Ryan Center
Mar. 30 Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena
Mar. 31 Bangor, ME — Cross Insurance Center
April 19 St. Joseph, Mo. — St. Joseph Civic Center
April 20 Cedar Falls, Iowa — McLeod Center
April 21 Green Bay, Wisc — Resch Center
April 26 Troy, OH — Hobart Arena
April 27 Youngstown, OH — Covelli Centre
April 28 Knoxville, Tenn. — Knoxville Civic Coliseum

A seasoned showman, Moore continues to blow the roof off venues after almost a decade of touring. The OC Register raves of a recent show “It was full-on energy” and Whiskey Riff adds “…Justin rocked the crowd’s face off…”

Moore’s latest single and title track of his fourth studio album, “Kinda Don’t Care,” is said to “…hits the twang factor in fine fashion,” according to Sounds Like Nashville. It recently impacted Country radio and is making its way up the charts.

For tour dates and additional information, visit JustinMooreMusic.com, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT JUSTIN MOORE:
Justin Moore’s long-awaited fourth studio album KINDA DON’T CARE earned the singer his third consecutive No. 1 album debut and features his chart-topping singles “You Look Like I Need A Drink” and “Somebody Else Will.” His most recent single, the title track from the album, impacted Country radio on September 18. The project is chock-full of new music with 16 tracks on the deluxe version and skyrocketed to No. 1 on the iTunes Country chart upon release. The Arkansas native spent three years putting the project together, which serves as a follow up to his second No. 1 album release, OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Moore holds seven No. 1’s under his signature white cowboy hat including “Point At You” and “Lettin’ The Night Roll” as well as seven Top 10 hits. The Valory Music Co. recording artist has earned multiple ACM, ACA and ACC Awards nominations. He has shared the stage with Hank Williams Jr., Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert and Brantley Gilbert and recently wrapped his co-headline AMERICAN MADE TOUR with Lee Brice.

ABOUT DYLAN SCOTT:
A Louisiana native with a lifelong passion for Country music, Dylan Scott is the total package – a powerful singer with a deep, resonating drawl; an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit; a heartthrob with an easy smile; and a dreamer who followed his father’s footsteps to Nashville. Prior to landing his record deal, Scott learned the basics of singing and playing guitar from his dad – a former guitar player for Country legends Freddy Fender and Freddie Hart. He then launched onto the Country music scene in 2013 with “Making This Boy Go Crazy,” the debut single from his self-titled EP. His follow up, the infectious “Crazy Over Me,” debuted at #14 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart and hit the Top 40 on the Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. In the summer of 2016, his debut album for Curb Records, DYLAN SCOTT, landed in the Top 5 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart, and its romantic standout single, “My Girl,” has now been RIAA-certified GOLD, while also becoming his FIRST CAREER #1 at Country radio. Continuing the momentum, Scott released DYLAN SCOTT (DELUXE EDITION) on August 4. The expanded version of his 2016 self-titled album debut features three powerful new tracks including the addictive rush of his new single “Hooked,” the real-life fairy tale of “Sleeping Beauty” (which Scott co-wrote with Lee Brice) and the head-turning heat of “Can’t Take Her Anywhere.” Having been named one of Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists, fans have streamed Scott’s songs over 200 million times and counting, and sales have topped 2.2 million stream equivalent songs – figures that continue to grow by leaps and bounds. He is currently touring the country after wrapping his opening slot on Brice’s 2016 LIFE OFF MY YEARS TOUR.

For more information on Dylan Scott and tour dates, visit dylanscottcountry.com.

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PHOTOS: LANCO’s Brandon Lancaster Ties The Knot

LANCO’S BRANDON LANCASTER WRITES HIS OWN “GREATEST LOVE STORY”
DURING INTIMATE NASHVILLE WEDDING CEREMONY

Sony Music Nashville band LANCO’s lead singer/guitarist Brandon Lancaster married his college sweetheart, Tiffany Trotter, on Sunday (9/17) during an intimate sunset ceremony outside of Nashville. Surrounded by 200 of their closest family and friends, Tiffany walked down the aisle to Coldplay’s “Til Kingdom Come” in a form-fitting off the shoulder gown by Maggie Sottero, while Brandon stood patiently decked out in a custom Kenneth Cole suit next to his groomsmen, including LANCO bandmates. The couple exchanged personalized vows as they were officiated by hometown parish, Justin Walker, who served as a teacher’s assistant in the college philosophy class where the two first met.

As exclusively reported by Entertainment Tonight, the celebration continued as guests were invited inside a rustic barn as they indulged in catering from The Chef and I and Dulce Desserts, while being treated to a custom apple-cider cocktail, “Appely Ever After.” The newlyweds graced the floor for their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “Let It Be Me,” before the area was rushed for bluegrass square dancing. Brandon and Tiffany left the evening in a blue 1949 Cadillac, ahead of jet-setting to Mexico for their honeymoon.

LANCO has been building a groundswell since the release of their self-titled debut EP, which can now count more than 50 million streams. Their Top 15 and climbing single “Greatest Love Story” is impacting fans across the country as it was penned solely by Lancaster, showcasing “nostalgic telling of young love between an all-American girl and a troublemaker separated by life and brought back together again,” (Taste of Country). Named as “the band to watch” by Bobby Bones, CMT, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, Spotify and more, LANCO gained their status from touring the country’s top festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Watershed, Faster Horses and more. For more information on LANCO and upcoming tour dates, visit LANCOMusic.com.

Photo Credit: Christian David Photo

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Academy of Country Music Announces Special Award Honorees

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® ANNOUNCES SPECIAL AWARD HONOREES
KELSEA BALLERINI, ERIC CHURCH, TOBY KEITH, BOB KINGSLEY, REBA McENTIRE, “NASHVILLE,” WILLIE NELSON, DOLLY PARTON, SHEL SILVERSTEIN AND GEORGE STRAIT

ACM HONORS™ TV SPECIAL TO TAPE AUGUST 23RD
FOR BROADCAST AT A LATER DATE ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
FOR 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

 

The Academy of Country Music® announced today the winners of the Special Awards for the 52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™. Honorees will be celebrated during the 11th ANNUAL ACM HONORS™, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will take place Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN and will be broadcast at a later date on the CBS Television Network.

Additional off-camera categories to be feted at ACM HONORS include to-be-announced Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards, along with previously announced Songwriter of the Year Award winner, Lori McKenna. McKenna is the first female to win in the ACM Songwriter of the Year category.

The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors for specific achievements. Please note that titles of select Special Awards have been updated, as noted within each category listed below. Recipients of Special Awards for the 11th Annual ACM HONORS include:

 

Cliffie Stone ICON Award – George Strait has been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Icon Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.

With 61 No. 1 singles under his belt, George Strait has captivated the charts for longer than any other artist in any genre. Winning his first ACM Award for 1984’s Male Vocalist of the Year, “King George” went on to build his country kingdom one great song at a time. Now-classic hits like “Amarillo by Morning,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “The Fireman,” “The Chair” and “Give It Away” established Strait’s smooth voice and no-nonsense style, making his live show a must-see event. Strait is one of the best-selling artists of all time with 100 million albums sold worldwide. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and was named the Academy’s Dick Clark Artist of the Decade in 2009. Though he officially retired from the road after his Cowboy Rides Away tour wrapped in 2014, Strait continues to pack houses at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with his “2 Nights of Number 1s” show featuring all his number one hits performed live.

The Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award has been renamed the Cliffie Stone Icon Award.

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Bob Beckham, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, The Statler Brothers, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

GARY HABER LIFTING LIVES AWARD – Dolly Parton has been chosen to receive the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.

Dolly Parton has held many titles over her storied 50-year career – singer, songwriter, actress, legend—but philanthropist is one that is close to her heart. Since her earliest days of stardom, Dolly has used her celebrity to support the causes she loves most. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library has to date provided 100 million books to preschool children in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. In 2016, Parton stepped up to raise money for victims of the massive wildfires in her native East Tennessee. Hosting Smoky Mountains Rise, a three-hour telethon, Dolly helped raise more than $10 million for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund, which provided money for temporary housing for families that lost their homes in the fires.

The Humanitarian Award has been renamed/incorporated into the existing Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award.

Past recipients of the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award and Humanitarian Award include Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood.

GENE WEED MILESTONE AWARD – Kelsea Ballerini has been chosen as the recipient of the Gene Weed Milestone Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.

Kelsea Ballerini went straight to the top of the charts with her first single, 2014’s “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Her self-penned debut was just the beginning of her winning streak. Her next two singles, 2015’s “Dibs” and 2016’s “Peter Pan,” also went to No. 1, making Ballerini the first female solo artist to have three consecutive No. 1 singles from a debut album since Wynonna Judd in 1992. Ballerini was named the ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year for 2015, was nominated for Best New Artist at the 59th Grammy Awards and came in at No. 2 on the Forbes “30 Under 30 – Music” list. Having wrapped up her first headlining tour, aptly titled “The First Time Tour,” Ballerini is currently working on a new album and is hitting the road with Thomas Rhett on his 2017 Home Team Tour.

The Crystal Milestone Award and Gene Weed Special Achievement Awards have been combined and renamed the Gene Weed Milestone Award.

Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Award and the Gene Weed Milestone Award include Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Jeff Foxworthy, Merle Haggard, Gayle Holcomb, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.

Mae Boren Axton SERVICE Award – Bob Kingsley and Reba McEntire have been chosen as the recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Service Award. This award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.

One of the most recognizable radio voices in the world, Bob Kingsley has been a friend to both country fans and country artists for generations. As host and executive producer of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, the Texas resident has been inducted into both the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame. Early in his career as a young disc jockey at KFOX in Los Angeles, Kingsley became involved with the fledgling Academy of Country and Western Music, which would eventually be called the Academy of Country Music. He won the Academy’s On-Air Personality of the Year award for 1966 and 1967. He was first elected to the Academy’s board of directors in 1967. He has since won a third ACM trophy for National On-Air Personality of the Year (2006) and continues to serve on the board today, making Kingsley the Academy’s longest-serving board member.

For more than 30 years Reba McEntire has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Academy of Country Music. Hosting her first ACM Awards in 1986 at Knott’s Berry Farm, McEntire has returned to the ACM stage as a host for a record 14 times—-eight of those solo. A 14-time ACM Award winner (including 7 as ACM Female Vocalist of the Year), Reba has also been an avid supporter of the Academy’s charitable efforts, donating her time and talents to numerous ACM specials and other events supporting ACM Lifting Lives. In 2017, Reba partnered with the Academy and Omaze to offer a fan a chance to meet her backstage in Vegas, with proceeds from the auction going to ACM Lifting Lives.

The Mae Boren Axton Award has been renamed the Mae Boren Axton Service Award.

Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include Barry Adelman, John Dorris, Tim DuBois, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Paul Moore, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Keith Urban, Gene Weed, Tommy Wiggins and David Young.

MERLE HAGGARD SPIRIT AWARD – Eric Church has been chosen to receive the Merle Haggard Spirit Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country legend and 20-time ACM Award Winner Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.

Over 12 years and five studio albums, Eric Church has established himself as an artist who stays true to an uncompromising path. As an intense performer and songwriter, he has brought to life the eternal themes of life, love and heartbreak in his own hellraising way through songs like “Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Springsteen,” “Give Me Back My Hometown” and “Record Year.” He has also bucked convention in the way his recorded and live music is delivered. He surprised fans—and the media—with his 2015 album, Mr. Misunderstood, which landed in the mailboxes of his fan club members without any promotion first before going out to the general public and the media the next day. For the 2017 60-city “Holdin’ My Own Tour,” Church went out solo without a support act and played two sets himself. Church holds five ACM awards, including Album of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year, Video of the Year, New Solo Vocalist of the Year and the ACM Jim Reeves International Award.

Past recipients of the Merle Haggard Spirit Award include Miranda Lambert.

Poet’s Award – Toby Keith, Willie Nelson and Shel Silverstein (awarded posthumously) have been chosen to receive the Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.

Toby Keith has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and is routinely cited as one of country’s top businessmen with bars, restaurants, race horses and golf courses to his name, but it’s his accolades as a songwriter than mean the most to the Oklahoma native. Keith began writing as a teenager and charted his first self-penned No. 1 with his debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Since then, he has pretty much ignored the Nashville tradition of cutting Music Row writers’ songs and personally written or co-written just about every song he’s ever recorded. Among the highlights of his two-decade hit-making career are blue-collar anthems “How Do You Like Me Now,” “Beer for My Horses,” “I Love This Bar” and “American Soldier.” A 12-time ACM Award winner, Keith was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Willie Nelson is an American treasure, and the songs he has written will stand the test of time. Writing since the age of six, the Texas native has penned tunes that are part of the very foundation of country music. His credits as a songwriter include classics for other artists including “Crazy” (Patsy Cline), “Funny How Time Slips Away” (Ray Price) and “Hello Walls” (Faron Young). He co-wrote the outlaw anthem “Good-Hearted Woman” with his friend Waylon Jennings. Nelson’s signature song, “On the Road Again,” won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1980. Willie was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001.

The late Shel Silverstein (awarded posthumously) is known the world over as the offbeat poet and cartoonist behind beloved children’s books Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree, but he was also an accomplished songwriter. Silverstein penned inventive songs about unusual characters for a variety of artists, including “One’s On the Way” for Loretta Lynn, “Marie Laveau” for Bobby Bare and the classic rock anthem “Cover of the Rolling Stone” for Dr. Hook. He brought his madcap imagination to the song, “A Boy Named Sue,” which became a No. 1 hit for Johnny Cash. The song won the 1969 Grammy for Best Country Song. Silverstein died of a heart attack in 1999 at the age of 68. He was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Guy Clark, Jack Clement, Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Kris Kristofferson, Bob McDill, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt (awarded posthumously), Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker, Jimmy Webb and Hank Williams.

Tex Ritter FILM Award – “Nashville” has been chosen as the recipient of the Tex Ritter Film Award. This award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.

Now in its fifth season, “Nashville” continues to tell Music Row’s stories to a world-wide audience. Airing domestically on CMT and Hulu, the hour-long drama is seen in 225 territories around the globe. Main characters Deacon Clayborne, Will Lexington, Avery Barkley, Gunnar Scott and Scarlett O’Connor have made real-life music stars out of actors Charles Esten, Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio and Claire Bowen. The cast has released 17 soundtrack albums on Big Machine Records and has toured regularly, playing to sold-out crowds in both the United States and abroad. The show has been credited as part of the recent tourism boom in the city of Nashville, which has seen an amazing increase in visitors over the past five years.

Past recipients of the Tex Ritter Film Award include Beer For My Horses, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Country Strong, Crazy Heart, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Sweet Dreams and Walk the Line, among others.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD – Previously announced winner Lori McKenna – the first female to win this category – has been chosen as the recipient of the Songwriter of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization representatives.

Lori McKenna has never lived in Nashville, yet she’s gradually become one of the most sought-after co-writers in Music City. At her kitchen table in Stoughton, Massachusetts, she wrote a heartfelt message to her five kids in the form of “Humble and Kind.” Tim McGraw carried the song to No. 1, and it also led to McKenna winning her second consecutive Grammy for Country Song of the Year. The first one was for Little Big Town’s triple-platinum single, “Girl Crush.” One of McKenna’s earliest champions was Faith Hill, who recorded “Stealing Kisses” for 2005’s Fireflies. McKenna continued recording her own albums as more stars cut her songs, including Hunter Hayes (“I Want Crazy”) and Keith Urban (“The Luxury of Knowing”). She released a new album, The Bird & The Rifle, in 2016. The project received a Grammy nod for Best Americana Album, while “Wreck You” was up for Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song. She is a co-writer on Little Big Town’s new single, “Happy People.”

Past recipients of the Songwriter of the Year Award include Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally and Roger Miller.

About ACM Honors:
ACM Honors™ is an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the Academy of Country Music Awards, including the Special Awards, Studio Recording Awards and Songwriter of the Year Award winners. The 11th Annual ACM Honors takes place Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and will be produced for television by dick clark productions to be broadcast at a later date (date to be announced) on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are executive producers. Pete Fisher and Tiffany Moon are executive producers for the Academy of Country Music.

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T-Mobile Arena Scheduled to Host BIG3 Championship Finals Saturday, August 26

BIG3 Releases Inaugural Season Game Schedule;
T-Mobile Arena Scheduled to Host Championship Finals Saturday, August 26
 
Tickets For Championship Finals On Sale Saturday, May 13 on AXS.com
 
More Than 40 Elite Basketball Stars Vying for Championship Title in Intensely Competitive Professional 3-on-3 Basketball 

Following the excitement of the BIG3 Draft in Las Vegas last weekend where all eight teams finalized their five-man rosters, the BIG3 has released the full 2017 season game matchups, including the BIG3 Championship Finals at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, Aug. 26 at 5 p.m. Tickets for the Finals at T-Mobile Arena go on sale Saturday, May 13 on AXS.com.

Each Sunday this summer, BIG3 will bring competitive 3-on-3 half-court basketball to cities throughout the country, including basketball hot beds Brooklyn, Charlotte, Tulsa, Philadelphia, Nashville, Dallas, Lexington (Ky.), Los Angeles, Seattle and Las Vegas. Fans will have the opportunity to experience high-energy match-ups and witness more than 40 of the sport’s most skilled competitors battle for the title of 2017 BIG3 Champions.

BIG3 games will be played every Sunday in a quadruple header at the same venue. Games will be presented the following night in primetime at 8 p.m. EST on FOX Sports 1 in a thrilling “Monday Night Basketball” experience. The league championship will be played on Saturday, Aug. 26 and broadcast live on the FOX broadcast network at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Featuring professional basketball’s first four-point shot, BIG3 games will be packed with highly skilled, intensely competitive matchups in the world’s most popular form of basketball – 3-on-3. The winning team will be the first to score 60 points. BIG3 games highlight the biggest basketball superstars competing at the highest competitive level. The league structure encourages this incredibly, competitive group of players to vie for a revenue share based on final league standings.

For more information and to sign up for news updates, visit BIG3.com.

The full season schedule is below including team match-ups and rosters:

2017 BIG3 SEASON SCHEDULE & TEAM MATCHUPS

WEEK 1 | June 25: Barclays Center | Brooklyn, New York
GAME 1: Ghost Ballers vs. 3 Headed Monsters
GAME 2: Tri-State vs. Power
GAME 3: 3’s Company vs. Ball Hogs
GAME 4: Killer 3’s vs. Trilogy

WEEK 2 | July 2: Spectrum Center | Charlotte, North Carolina
GAME 1: Ball Hogs vs. Tri-State
GAME 2: Trilogy vs. 3 Headed Monster
GAME 3: Power vs. Killer 3s
GAME 4: 3’s Company vs. Ghost Ballers

WEEK 3 | July 9: BOK Center | Tulsa, Oklahoma
GAME 1: Power vs. 3 Headed Monsters
GAME 2: Killer 3s vs. Tri- State
GAME 3: Ball Hogs vs. Ghost Ballers
GAME 4: Trilogy vs. 3’s Company

WEEK 4 | July 16: Wells Fargo Center | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
GAME 1: Ghost Ballers vs. Power
GAME 2: Trilogy vs. Ball Hogs
GAME 3: Killer 3s vs. 3 Headed Monsters
GAME 4: 3’s Company vs. Tri-State

WEEK 5 | July 23: Bridgestone Arena | Nashville, Tennessee
GAME 1: Ball Hogs vs. Power
GAME 2: 3’s Company vs. 3 Headed Monsters
GAME 3: Tri-State vs. Trilogy
GAME 4: Killer 3s vs. Ghost Ballers

WEEK 6 | July 30: American Airlines Center | Dallas, Texas
GAME 1: Killer 3s vs. Ball Hogs
GAME 2: 3’s Company vs. Power
GAME 3: Trilogy vs. Ghost Ballers
GAME 4: Tri-State vs. 3 Headed Monsters

WEEK 7 | August 6: Rupp Arena | Lexington, Kentucky
GAME 1: Tri-State vs. Ghost Ballers
GAME 2: Trilogy vs. Power
GAME 3: Ball Hogs vs. 3 Headed Monsters
GAME 4: Killer 3s vs. 3’s Company

WEEK 8 | August 13: Staples Center | Los Angeles, California
GAME 1: Ghost Ballers vs. 3 Headed Monsters
GAME 2: Tri- State vs. Power
GAME 3: 3’s Company vs. Ball Hogs
GAME 4: Killer 3s vs. Trilogy

WEEK 9 | August 20: Key Arena | Seattle, Washington (Playoffs)
GAME 1: 1st Place vs. 4th Place
GAME 2: 2nd Place vs. 3rd Place
GAME 3: 5th Place vs. 6th Place
GAME 4: 7th Place vs. 8th Place

WEEK 10 | August 26: T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada (Championship Finals)
Championship Finals: Winner of Playoff Game 1 vs. Winner of Playoff Game 2
Consolation Finals: Loser of Playoff Game 1 vs. Loser of Playoff Game 2

2017 BIG3 TEAM ROSTERS:

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ABOUT BIG3:
BIG3 (www.BIG3.com) is where basketball superstars play. The premier half-court, 3-on-3 basketball league, BIG3 features many of the greatest, most popular and skilled NBA players of all time, including Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Gary Payton, Kenyon Martin, Charles Oakley and more. Founded by producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, the BIG3 will combine highly competitive, physical, fast basketball and incredible fan experiences. Comprising of eight teams of five, the league will tip off its 10-week season at Barclays Center on June 25 with games airing on Fox Sports in primetime on Monday nights. Tickets are on sale at TicketMaster.com and BarclaysCenter.com.

About T-Mobile Arena:
T-Mobile Arena, the new 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. This fall T-Mobile Arena will welcome the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The city’s newest landmark features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit the T-Mobile Arena website at t-mobilearena.com.

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MULTI-FACETED ENTERTAINER KIX BROOKS SITS DOWN WITH DAN RATHER FOR THE BIG INTERVIEW TOMORROW

MULTI-FACETED ENTERTAINER KIX BROOKS SITS DOWN WITH DAN RATHER
FOR THE BIG INTERVIEW TOMORROW

“Two of Country Music’s Most Iconic Acts” Launched
Extension of Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas This Past Weekend

One of Country music’s most versatile entertainer’s Kix Brooks invites legendary host Dan Rather to his Nashville award-winning Arrington Vineyards tomorrow for a candid episode of The Big Interview (2/28 at 7:00P CT on AXS-TV). As Brooks “showcases his love of entertaining and his Southern roots” (American Profile), he also openly unravels the compelling personal backstory which led him to become one-half of the best-selling duo in country music history, Brooks & Dunn. Brooks also gives an impromptu wine-tasting and tour to Rather, while detailing the process behind his first-ever cookbook, Cookin’ It With Kix: The Art of Celebrating and The Fun of Outdoor Cooking.

In addition, Brooks and Rather discuss the extension of the longest-running Country music residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas, which launched its 2017 dates this past weekend. As “two of Country music’s most iconic acts” (Billboard) left fans with “goosebumps of an evangelical tent revival meeting that won thunderous applause and a standing ovation” (Las Vegas Sun), it showed “the collaboration is a culmination of the friendship and musical admiration Reba and Brooks & Dunn have shared since first touring together in 1993,” (Music Row).

Alongside his success with Brooks & Dunn, Brooks continues his career as a solo touring/recording artist while simultaneously exploring new paths. The CMA Humanitarian award-winner’s extensive resume includes lead acting and film producer credits, three CMA “National Broadcast Personality of The Year” awards for American Country Countdown, a Cooking Channel series “Steak Out with Kix Brooks” and co-owner of Nashville’s award-winning winery Arrington Vineyards, which was named the top Tennessee winery of the year for the third time by at the New York International Wine Festival. For more information, visit www.kixbrooks.com.

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THOMAS RHETT HOSTS “ONE OF THE BEST COUNTRY CONCERTS OF THE YEAR” DURING SOLD-OUT FIRST RUN OF 2017 HOME TEAM TOUR

THOMAS RHETT HOSTS “ONE OF THE BEST COUNTRY CONCERTS OF THE YEAR”
DURING SOLD-OUT FIRST RUN OF 2017 HOME TEAM TOUR

The Multi-ACM Nominee Tallies Tour’s 12th Sold Out Show
Including Upcoming Second Night at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater

Multi-ACM nominee Thomas Rhett kicked off opening weekend of his first-ever headlining tour with “one of the best Country concerts of the year” (Peoria Journal Star). Critics applauded the grand-slam sold out inaugural 2017 HOME TEAM TOUR run, noting it “blows away” (Erie News Now) fans with more than 21,000 in attendance. The adrenaline-filled weekend (Saginaw, MI; Erie, PA; Peoria, IL) included surprise special guest performances by Danielle Bradbery, Joe Diffie and Thomas Rhett’s father Rhett Akins, as well as an electric encore including show openers, Kelsea Ballerini, Ryan Hurd and Russell Dickerson, for Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic.”

“Blown away…blessed…amazing…there are so many words I could use to describe the last couple days,” said Thomas Rhett. “The energy this weekend was off the charts, so I can already tell this tour is going to be all about making memories with the fans.”

With “his first headlining tour underway, the best is yet to come” (Go Erie) from Thomas Rhett, as fan-demand continues to heighten after the debut run, with more than a dozen sellouts ahead including back-to-back stops at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in April.

As “2017 is already shaping up to be a banner year” (Entertainment Tonight) for Thomas Rhett, he recently earned his seventh career No. One with the fastest-rising single of his career “Star Of The Show,” from his sophomore album TANGLED UP DELUXE (The Valory Music Co.). “Always thinking outside the box and knocking it out of the park each time” (CMT), Thomas Rhett brings party anthems, dance tunes, drinking songs and love ballads with the 18-track TANGLED UP DELUXE (The Valory Music Co.) that also includes his 2X PLATINUM six-week chart-topping smash “Die A Happy Man,” which has garnered major trophies from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards and the CMT Music Awards. After drawing capacity crowds overseas last year, he returns as a “force to be reckoned with” (Daily Star) with plans to return to Europe with one of Rolling Stone’s most anticipated tours, while also making his debut headlining run in Canada in addition to US dates. For more information and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.thomasrhett.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Corey Bost

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Thomas Rhett Toasts To 2017 With New Music Video

GRAMMY NOMINEE THOMAS RHETT SHARES
THE “AMERICAN SPIRIT” WITH FANS
IN BONUS VIDEO ON VEVO NOW

After ringing in the new year with millions of people in Times Square on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2017 last night, GRAMMY-nominee Thomas Rhett brings it back home releasing a new video to fans for “American Spirit,” off his sophomore album TANGLED UP DELUXE (The Valory Music Co.). Premiering with Vevo today, the new video was shot outside of Nashville, TN and directed by TK McKamy.

“‘American Spirit’ is one of my favorite songs to sit down and play on an acoustic guitar,” said Thomas Rhett. “So, I knew I wanted to make a video for it…just to share with our fans. I knew I wanted it to be simple and something that would pull on the heartstrings and I think it’s the perfect blend of that.”

To watch Thomas Rhett capture the essence of “American Spirit” on VEVO

As Thomas Rhett continues “his journey to stardom” (TODAY), he is making waves with the fastest rising single of his career “Star Of The Show,” featured on the newly released 18-track TANGLED UP DELUXE (The Valory Music Co.). Filled with party anthems, dance tunes, drinking songs, love ballads as well as five never-before-heard tracks, the release includes his record-breaking 2X PLATINUM six-week chart-topping smash “Die A Happy Man,” which is currently GRAMMY nominated for Best Country Song and has already garnered major trophies from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards and CMT Music Awards. Thomas Rhett’s first-ever headlining 2017 HOME TEAM TOUR with special guest Kelsea Ballerini and up-and-comers Russell Dickerson and Ryan Hurd will launch on Feb. 23 and has already seen sellouts in multiple markets including Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater. For more information and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.thomasrhett.com.

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Tune In: Cyndi Lauper To Appear On “Tavis Smiley” Tonight And Tuesday Night

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TUNE IN: CYNDI LAUPER TO APPEAR ON “TAVIS SMILEY” TONIGHT AND TUESDAY NIGHT

 

International superstar Cyndi Lauper will appear on Tavis Smiley tonight Monday, October 17 and tomorrow evening, Tuesday, October 18 to open up about her latest album DETOUR (available here). Recorded and produced in Nashville, the groundbreaking album spent months on the Billboard Country charts and contains a collection of country covers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s (track listing below). The album features duets with several special guests, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss.

feature

October 17
“The Tavis Smiley Show”
11:30pm (PBS Los Angeles)
12:30am (PBS New York)
Click here for local listings

October 18
“The Tavis Smiley Show”
11:00pm (PBS Los Angeles)
12:00am (PBS New York)
Click here for local listings

“Tavis Smiley” is a high-energy exchange of views, information, and insight hosted by Tavis Smiley. The one-hour weekly program offers a unique blend of news and newsmakers in expanded conversations. The show has featured regular commentators including Cornel West, Connie Rice, Deroy Murdock, Omar Wasow, Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, Rachael Ross, Kathryn Lopez, Antonio Gonzalez, Jonathan Walton, George Johnson and others. Each weekend Tavis engages commentators and guests in substantive and provocative discussions on a wide range of topics including: politics, health, finance, sports, technology and pop culture.

DETOUR Track Listing:
“Funnel Of Love”
“Detour” – Featuring Emmylou Harris
“Misty Blue”
“Walkin’ After Midnight”
“Heartaches By The Number”
“The End Of The World”
“Night Life” – Featuring Willie Nelson
“Begging To You”
“You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” – Featuring Vince Gill
“I Fall To Pieces”
“I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” – Featuring Jewel
“Hard Candy Christmas” – Featuring Alison Krauss

Follow Cyndi Lauper on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! Visit CyndiLauper.com for more information.

Cyndi Lauper Appearance
Dec 03 Beacon Theatre – New York, NY

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About Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is a Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning (for her Kinky Boots score) artist who, after 30 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 50 million albums, has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move. With her first album, She’s So Unusual, Lauper won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and became the first female in history to have four top-five singles from a debut album. Since then, Lauper has released ten additional studio albums and was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her upcoming 11th studio album, Detour, recorded late last year in Nashville, will showcase her signature takes on classic country songs from the 1950’s and 60’s. The album will also feature appearances by some of country music’s most-celebrated artists including Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Willie Nelson. Overall, during her storied music career, Lauper has been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, seven American Video Awards and 18 MTV Awards. She recently captured her journey through music and life in her New York Times best-selling autobiography, Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir. As an actress, Lauper made her Broadway debut in The Threepenny Opera alongside Alan Cumming in 2006. She has appeared in numerous television shows, including “Mad About You” (Emmy Award) and “Bones” and films including The Opportunist with Christopher Walken, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, Life With Mikey, Off and Running and Vibes. Lauper also continues her philanthropic work through her foundation, the True Colors Fund.

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Sony Legacy Releases Four Janie Fricke Albums Digitally For The First Time Ever Today!

SONY LEGACY RELEASES FOUR JANIE FRICKE ALBUMS DIGITALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER TODAY!

Fricke Set to Appear on RFD-TV’s “Ray Stevens’ Nashville” on Oct. 29

janie-fricke

For the first time in her illustrious career, two-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year Janie Fricke is releasing four of her classic Sony Music Entertainment projects to all digital service providers for streaming and downloading. The First Word In Memory, The Very Best of Janie Fricke, Black & White and Saddle in the Wind will be available to fans on Spotify and Apple Music, among others.

“I was so fortunate to have those albums and work with great producers from that time & era in country music,” said Janie. “It will be wonderful to have them surface!”

The collection includes many of the 18-time chart-topper’s biggest hits, including “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy,” “Tell Me a Lie,” “She’s Single Again” and more (see full track listings below). Beginning her career as one of the most sought after background vocalists in the genre, the platinum-selling singer would go on to become a trendsetter in country music in the 80s, creating a legacy that continues to live on. Fans of all ages can relive the reign of the country music legend on their phones, tablets, computers and everywhere in between!

Fricke appears on an upcoming episode of “Ray Stevens’ Nashville” on October 29. The episode was shot on location in Nashville, Tenn., and will air on RFD-TV. Ray Stevens’ Nashville airs Saturday nights at 8:30 PM ET. Check out the RFD-TV schedule.

The First Word In Memory Track Listing (1984)
Talkin’ Tough
The First Word In Memory Is Me
One Way Ticket
First Time Out Of The Rain
A Love Like Yours
Your Hearts Not In It
In Between Heartaches
Another Man Like That
Without Each Other
Take It From The Top

The Very Best Of Janie Track Listing (1985)
It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy
He’s A Heartache (Looking For A Place To Happen)
You Dont Know Love
Let’s Stop Talkin’ About It
The First Word In Memory Is Me
Tell Me A Lie
She’s Single Again
Your Heart’s Not In It
If The Fall Dont Get You
Ridin’ High (w/ Merle Haggard)

Black & White Track Listing (1986)
Till I Can’t Take It Anymore
He’s Breathing Down My Neck
Take Me Like A Vacation
Nothing Left To Say
Comin’ Apart At The Seams
Always Have Always Will
Don’t Put It Past My Heart
When A Woman Cries
He’s Making A Long Story Short
I’d Take You Back Again

Saddle In The Wind Track Listing (1988)
Till I Can’t Take It Anymore
He’s Breathing Down My Neck
Take Me Like A Vacation
Nothing Left To Say
Comin’ Apart At The Seams
Always Have Always Will

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About Janie Fricke:
A three-time CMA & ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, Fricke has hit the #1 spot on the Country charts an astounding 18 times. She was named Billboard Magazine Top Female Vocalist, was the First Female Voice on the Moon, and was named the UK’s Country Music Round Up’s Most Popular International Female Solo Act. Her music has reached Gold and Platinum sales status worldwide, and the talented and personable Indiana native has recorded numerous jingles for Coca-Cola, Pizza Hut and United Airlines. Janie has released 23 albums and 36 hit singles, and she remains one of the most-beloved entertainers in the Country field.

Janie Fricke On Tour:
Oct. 15 – McConnelsville, Ohio – Ohio Valley Opry
Oct. 21 – Branson, Mo. – The Welk Theater
Oct. 27 – Victoria, Texas – Leo J Welder Center

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Jimmy Fortune Featuring The Oak Ridge Boys Honored With “Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year” at the 47th Annual Dove Awards

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Jimmy Fortune Featuring The Oak Ridge Boys Honored With “Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year” at the 47th Annual Dove Awards

The Gospel Music Association hosted the 47th Annual Dove Awards last night at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville. Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune took home the award for “Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year” for the track “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” which features legendary quartet The Oak Ridge Boys. The song was featured on Fortune’s latest critically-acclaimed album Hits & Hymns, which became the Gospel Music Hall of Fame singer’s first solo top ten project on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

“I’m extremely honored and humbled to win my first Dove award, and sharing the win with my friends The Oak Ridge Boys makes it even more special,” said Fortune. “To be recognized by the Gospel Music Association is one of the biggest moments of my life. I will treasure it forever, and I thank God for the opportunity to do this project with producer Ben Isaacs and the Gaither Music Group community.”

“The Oak Ridge Boys were at a sound check at Renfro Valley, Ken., about twenty years ago when, out of the blue, we started singing ‘Life’s Railway To Heaven,’” said Duane Allen, of The Oak Ridge Boys. “It felt so good we added it to the show that night. Since then, the song has become a regular part of our shows, so it seemed natural when Jimmy Fortune asked us to record it with him for his latest album. Now… we’re humbled and honored to hear that it has won a Dove Award. Congratulations Jimmy! Thank you for inviting us to be a part of the magic.”

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, Oct. 16. The GMA Dove Awards celebrate the contributions of artists from every style of Christian/Gospel music. Nominees are determined by over 1,600 professional members, and winners are voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500.

jimmy-fortune

About Jimmy Fortune:
Jimmy Fortune toured, sang and performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years. He joined them first as a temporary replacement for Lew DeWitt, after DeWitt heard him singing at a ski resort and recommended him. Following an audition in Nashville, Jimmy was contacted by The Statler Brothers and performed his first show with them on January 28, 1982, in Savannah, Georgia. Due to the debilitating effects of Crohn’s Disease, Lew was unable to return to the stage with the Statlers, and Jimmy was hired as a permanent replacement in August of 1982.

Fortune quickly lived up to his name. He wrote the group’s second No. 1 hit, “Elizabeth,” on their 1983 album Today, and followed that with two more No. 1 hits–“My Only Love” (from 1984’s Atlanta Blue) and “Too Much On My Heart” (from 1985’s Pardners in Rhyme). Fortune also wrote the top-10 hit “Forever” from 1986’s Four for the Show and co-wrote the top-10 hit “More Than a Name on a Wall” from 1988’s The Greatest Hits.

Jimmy and The Statler Brothers were inducted into the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007, and inducted into the CMA (Country Music Association) Hall of Fame on June 29, 2008.

After The Statler Brothers retired on October 26, 2002, Jimmy seized the opportunity to launch a solo career to share new music with his fans. His first solo CD, When One Door Closes, was released August 2003 on Audium/Koch. He released a gospel album, I Believe, in June 2005, a Christmas CD, Feels Like Christmas, in 2006, a live concert DVD in 2007 a country CD, “Windows” in 2009, “Lessons” in 2012, and “Hits and Hymns” CD and DVD through Gaither Music Group in 2015. The DVD debuted at #1 on Billboard. Jimmy is currently living in Nashville, writing, and touring.

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Kix Brooks Plans National TV Around First-Ever Cookbook

 

MULTI-FACETED ENTERTAINER
KIX BROOKS DISHES UP MULTIPLE
NATIONAL TELEVISION APPEARANCES
THIS WEEK FOR RELEASE OF
“CELEBRATION-WORTHY” (AMERICAN PROFILE) COOKIN’ IT WITH KIX: THE ART
OF CELEBRATING AND THE FUN OF
OUTDOOR COOKING OUT TOMORROW
 
Brooks To Help Make “Cooking More of a Social
Event Than a Chore” (Rolling Stone) on Upcoming
Appearances Including TODAY, Fox & Friends and
GAC in Support of First-Ever Cookbook
KIX BROOKS
 
Country music superstar Kix Brooks – one-half the best-selling duo in country music history Brooks & Dunn – reveals national television appearances surrounding the release of his first-ever cookbook, Cookin’ It With Kix: The Art of Celebrating and The Fun of Outdoor Cooking, available tomorrow, August 30th, through W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. 
 
Showcasing that he is “just as creative behind a grill as a microphone” (American Profile), Brooks will kick off Labor Day weekend in New York City by firing-up some of his signature dishes on TODAY this Thursday (9/1 on NBC) before hosting Travel & Leisure’s (www.facebook.com/travelandleisure) Facebook Live Chat (9/1 @ 1:30P CST).  Brooks will next appear on Fox & Friends (9/2 on FOX) on Friday before returning to Nashville for an autograph book signing on Saturday at the Country Music Hall of Fame (9/3 @ 3P CST at 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203). Additionally, Brooks & Dunn will also serve as a highlight during the first-ever CMT Concert Of The Summer: Jason Aldean & Friends Live At LakeShake (9/3 on CMT @ 7P CST). Capping off his television appearances, Brooks will be on hand for GAC Playlist the following Tuesday (9/6).
 
Critics are already praising the multi-faceted entertainer’s Cookin’ It With Kix: The Art of Celebrating and The Fun of Outdoor Cooking as it “weaves tales ranging from his childhood in Louisiana to days on the road with Brooks & Dunn. It also has party planning tips and other advice for making cooking more of a social event than a chore” (Rolling Stone).
 
“Showcases his love of entertaining and his Southern roots. With more than 100 recipes, from gumbo and steak to beignets and cocktails, Cookin’ It with Kix serves up celebration-worthy ideas for any gathering.” – American Profile
 
“Brooks is taking his love of all things culinary to the pages with the release of his first cookbook. With more than 100 recipes featured alongside personal stories, ‘Kix Tips,’ and drink pairings, Brooks has every party, tailgate and holiday meal covered.” – Nashville Lifestyles
 
“His Louisiana heritage shines through in delectable dishes like Smashed Tater Salad, Corn Grit Waffles, Smothered Strip Steak, and more. Enjoy some good ole’ Southern fare that the whole family will applaud.” – QVC
 
“Conveys his Louisiana background through Cajun-inspired dishes and his love of the outdoors with plenty of grilling and backyard barbecue recipes.” – Taste of the South
 
“Many of the recipes are oriented toward outdoor cooking, but many of them can be converted for the stove or oven. In addition to main courses, ‘Cookin’ It with Kix’ has chapters on side dishes, sauces and condiments, desserts and libations. Throughout the book, he encourages readers to experiment.” – The Advocate
 
“The cookbook has more than 100 family recipes, many with the flair of his Louisiana heritage of hot sauces and outdoor meals, plus his favorites of duck gumbo and beignets.” – Las Vegas Review-Journal
 
Written with long-time radio producer and friend Donna Britt, the upcoming book includes over 100 recipes showcasing Brooks’ passion for all types of outdoor cooking, oftentimes with a flare of his Louisiana heritage highlighted, in family recipes alongside personal stories. From side dishes to desserts, cocktails to hot sauces and duck gumbo to beignets, Brooks has created the perfect collection for get-togethers and easy entertaining.
 
In addition to his success as one-half of country music’s must successful duo of all time, Kix Brooks continues to his career as a solo touring/recording artist while simultaneously exploring new paths. The CMA Humanitarian award-winner’s extensive resume includes lead acting and film producer credits, three CMA “National Broadcast Personality of The Year” awards for American Country Countdown, a Cooking Channel series “Steak Out with Kix Brooks” and co-owner of Nashville’s award-winning winery Arrington Vineyards, which was just named the top Tennessee winery of the year for the third time by at the New York International Wine Festival.  This year, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center recognized his diversified spectrum of success as he was inducted into the EC Hall of Fame. Brooks & Dunn will pick up the next leg of Reba, Brooks & Dunn Together In Vegas at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in November. For more information, visit www.kixbrooks.com.
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NASHVILLE – “Moving Sale” Auction – Kicks Off Tomorrow, June 21

NASHVILLE

NASHVILLE” THANKS #NASHIES FANS AND CELEBRATES ITS UPCOMING MOVE TO CMT WITH
A SPECIAL “MOVING SALE” AUCTION,
FEATURING SELECT ITEMS FROM SEASONS 1-4

 

Fans and Collectors Can Start Bidding on June 21

 

Beginning on June 21, VIP Fan Auctions will launch a special “moving sale” auction for the critically acclaimed and fan favorite series “Nashville,” featuring 270 select items from the first four seasons as a thank you to the legions of devoted #Nashies fans and their massive #BringBackNashville campaign, and to celebrate the series’ recently announced return with a brand new season on CMT and long-time SVOD partner Hulu.  The highly anticipated fifth season of “Nashville,” produced by Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, will begin production shortly.

 

The weekly auctions will allow fans to bid on props, wardrobe and memorabilia straight from the set and can be viewed at www.nashvilletvauctions.com.  Each “Nashville” item will be offered for seven days and new items will be offered every week, through July 26.

 

Follow VIP Fan Auctions on Twitter @vipfanauctions and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/vipauctions to receive “Nashville” auction updates.

 

 NASHVILLE NASHVILLE1

 

About “Nashville”
“Nashville” is set against the backdrop of the city’s music scene and follows Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes. Both women face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them and often complicating their lives are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. Music City can mean so many things to different people. In “Nashville,” musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and are doing everything in their power to stay on top.

 

About VIP Fan Auctions
VIP is the largest seller of official studio direct Hollywood memorabilia. Since 2002, VIP has  offered television and movie memorabilia from Hollywood’s largest entertainment studios including Lionsgate, Universal Pictures, ABC Studios, NBCUniversal, Twentieth Century Fox, SyFy, BBC, Paramount Pictures, MGM, Showtime Network, Starz Entertainment, HBO,  STX Entertainment, Relativity Media and Media Rights Capital. VIP’s weekly auctions can be found at www.vipfanauctions.com.

 

About CMT
CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT, CMT.com and CMT Radio offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and are the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

 

About Hulu
Hulu is a premium streaming TV destination that offers hundreds of thousands of hours of the best of current season programming, premium original content, films and full seasons of hit series to subscribers with limited commercials for $7.99 per month or commercial free for $11.99 per month. Hulu is the only streaming subscription service that offers current season content from 5 of the 6 largest U.S. broadcast networks, as well as acclaimed Hulu Originals including The Mindy Project, The Path, 11.22.63, Difficult People and the Golden Globe® nominated comedy series, Casual. Since its launch in 2008, Hulu has been at the forefront of entertainment and technology and continues to redefine TV by connecting viewers with the stories they love.

 

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, international distribution and sales, branded channel platforms, interactive ventures and games, and location-based entertainment.  The Company has nearly 80 television shows on 40 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses. These include the critically-acclaimed hit series Orange is the New Black, the beloved drama series Nashville, the syndication successes The Wendy Williams Show and Celebrity Name Game (with FremantleMedia), the breakout series The Royals and the Golden Globe-nominated dramedy Casual.

 

The Company’s feature film business spans eight labels and includes the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, the Now You See Me, Divergent and John Wick series, Sicario, The Age of Adaline, Roadside Attractions’ Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Codeblack Films’ Addicted and breakout concert film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain and Pantelion Films’ Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

 

Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates.  Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as a foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

 

About Opry Entertainment

Opry Entertainment®, a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP), is a producer of multi-media entertainment experiences with primary interests in location-based entertainment and television and stage production. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, its core business segments include the world-famous Grand Ole Opry®, the historic Ryman Auditorium®, and legendary radio station 650 AM-WSM.

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The Voice Winner Craig Wayne Boyd to Highlight Kobalt 400 Pre-race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway


The Voice Winner Craig Wayne Boyd to Highlight Kobalt 400 Pre-race

 

Craig Wayne Boyd will put a smile on race fans’ faces prior to the start of the Kobalt 400 on March 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The most recent winner of The Voice, Boyd will perform during pre-race festivities for the 18th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at LVMS.

“Holy wow! Getting to be a part of the Kobalt 400 is going to be something I’ll never forget,” Boyd said. “There’s nothing like being at a NASCAR race… the smell of the fuel, the excitement of the crowd, rooting for your favorite driver, and now to be able to stand in the middle of it all and perform to such a loyal NASCAR audience is more than I can ask for! I am truly blessed.”

Boyd, who recently made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, will play a 15-minute set, including his hit single “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face” just prior to driver introductions.

“Craig Wayne Boyd is an up-and-coming star in Nashville, and we’re looking forward to having him on our stage before the Kobalt 400,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “It takes a special talent to win a fierce competition like The Voice, and we’re just excited to hear Craig do his thing here at LVMS.”

Boyd is making his mark in Las Vegas as he is also opening for the nine-show Rascal Flatts Vegas Riot! residency, which runs from February 25-March 14 at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Rascal Flatts will perform the national anthem prior to the start of the Kobalt 400.

The Kobalt 400 is the main event of a packed racing weekend that kicks off with two nights of World of Outlaws racing at the Dirt Track on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5. Stratosphere Pole Day follows on Friday, March 6 and the Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race is Saturday, March 7. Tickets for all events remain available. Fans also may purchase driver introduction passes, which will allow them closer access to all pre-race activities, including the performance by Craig Wayne Boyd.

craig wayne boyd

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REBA TO RECEIVE NASH ICON AWARD AT THE FIRST-EVER “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS”

american country countdown awards
REBA TO RECEIVE NASH ICON AWARD
AT THE FIRST-EVER “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS”
LIVE MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, ON FOXKELLY CLARKSON AND MIRANDA LAMBERT TO HONOR
MULTI-MEDIA ENTERTAINER WITH TRIBUTE PERFORMANCE

 

 

Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba will receive the first-ever NASH Icon Award during the inaugural AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, airing Monday, Dec.15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Having become a household name because of her success in music, television, film, theater and retail, Reba is often hailed as the “Queen of Country Music.” Her reign boasts 35 No. 1 singles and more than 56 million albums sold worldwide, as well as leading Pollstar and Billboard Boxscore as the No. 1 female country touring artist with more than nine million tickets sold.

Multi-platinum artists Kelly Clarkson and Miranda Lambert will honor Reba by performing some of her classic hits and best-known songs LIVE from the AMERICA’S COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS stage. Longtime friend and radio host Kix Brooks will present Reba with the NASH Icon Award during the live show at Nashville’s Music City Center.

“The NASH Icon Award celebrates an iconic artist who has made a profound and lasting impact on country music, and Reba is the embodiment of such an icon,” said executive producer Mark Bracco. “Her stellar career has influenced generations of artists and fans alike and we’re proud to recognize her accomplishments and her ongoing musical impact.”

“Besides being one of the classiest people to ever grace Nashville, Tennessee, Reba has not just done it her way, but she’s gotten all of her recognition the old fashioned way,” said Kix Brooks. “She’s earned it and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to tour with her dragging 21 trucks and 19 busses around, and to hear her sing by the campfire. Besides being a talented actor and host, she is seriously one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. Reba sings with her head, her heart and that amazing voice. She’s a treasure Nashville should forever be grateful for…Congratulations Red!”

Reba is a Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame inductee and has won 15 American Music Awards, 13 ACM Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, seven CMA Awards, two Grammy Awards, and an ACM Career Achievement Honor, in addition to receiving the National Artistic Achievement Award from the U.S. Congress. Most recently, Reba became the inaugural signing on Nash Icon Music, an innovative new joint venture label between Big Machine Label Group and Cumulus. She is currently in the studio recording her first new music in over five years with long-time producer Tony Brown, and is collaborating with James Stroud to blend their multi-platinum career success.

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (41 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and will honor country music’s biggest stars based on album sales and radio airplay. The NASH Icon Award aptly gets its namesake from Cumulus’ NASH brand, which serves as host to the radio program. Superstar duo Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard will host and perform. Country music heavyweights Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, along with country’s newest star Brett Eldredge, also are set to perform.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programing and Development, dick clark productions), John Dickey (Executive Vice President of Content and Programming, Cumulus), Richard Godfrey (“MTV Europe Music Awards”) and Tom Forrest (“CMT Crossroads”) are executive producers. Baz Halpin is co-executive producer.

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS finalists and winners, other than Breakthrough Artist of the Year, are determined based on statistics and radio airplay charts from Nov. 1, 2013-Oct. 31, 2014. The finalists for Album of the Year were based on album sales from SoundScan and the finalists for Artist of the Year were based on a combination of Mediabase airplay, digital data provided by Big Champagne and tour information from Pollstar. All other award categories were made up of those with the largest audience reach, according to Mediabase.

Tickets are on-sale now at www.theaccawards.com/tickets

reba

About dick clark productions
dick clark productions (dcp) is among the world’s largest producers and proprietors of televised live event programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the “American Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, and dick clark productions; as well as “Rising Star” and FOX’s upcoming game show, BOOM!, from Keshet DCP, the joint venture between Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). In 2014, dcp will debut the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS (FOX), “Hollywood Film Awards” (CBS) and “The People Magazine Awards” (NBC). dcp also owns one of the world’s most  unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with more than 55 years of dcp’s award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About Cumulus
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands in order to deliver premium choices for listeners, provide substantial reach for advertisers and create opportunities for shareholders. Cumulus provides exclusive content that is fully distributed through approximately 460 owned-and-operated stations in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 10,000 broadcast radio affiliates and numerous digital channels Cumulus is well positioned

in the widening digital audio space through a significant stake in the Rdio digital music service, featuring 30 million songs on-demand in addition to custom playlists and exclusive curated channels. Cumulus is also the leading provider of Country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand.  Nash serves over 90,000,000 Country fans through market leading broadcast radio short and long-form programming, NASH / Country Weekly magazine, Nash Live Events, Nash TV and soon to be announced Nash licensed apparel and home goods. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

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FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS”

american country countdown awards

 

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS”

LUKE BRYAN LEADS WITH SEVEN CATEGORIES;
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE GARNERS SIX

LIVE EVENT BRINGS COUNTRY MUSIC’S LONGEST-RUNNING RADIO COUNTDOWN SHOW, “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN WITH KIX BROOKS,” TO TELEVISION

LUKE BRYAN, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE AND MIRANDA LAMBERT TO PERFORM
LIVE FROM THE MUSIC CITY CENTER IN NASHVILLE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, ON FOX

 

 The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” which has recognized the best in country radio for more than 40 years, today announced the inaugural event’s finalists. Country megastar Luke Bryan dominates the list with seven nods, followed closely by superstar duo Florida Georgia Line, with six. Florida Georgia Line and Kix Brooks made the announcement on Cumulus radio’s nationally syndicated show, “America’s Morning Show with Blair Garner.”

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS will air live from Nashville’s Music City Center Monday, Dec. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX and feature performances by finalists Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Miranda Lambert. Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard will host the live music celebration. Additional performers and presenters will be announced.

Additional multiple category finalists include Jason Aldean, with four nods, and Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, who are tied with three. Brett Eldredge, Brantley Gilbert, Lady Antebellum, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell each were named finalists in two categories.

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS finalists are determined based on statistics and radio airplay charts from November 1, 2013-October 31, 2014. The Finalists for Album of the Year were based on album sales from SoundScan and the finalists for Artist of the Year were based on a combination of Mediabase airplay, digital data provided by Big Champagne and tour information from Pollstar. All other award categories were made up of those with the largest audience reach, according to Mediabase.

The Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by Samsung GALAXY® category is the only fan-voted category. Fan voting begins on November 24 and continues through December 10. Fans will vote for their favorite Breakthrough finalist by including the following in a tweet: the artist’s Twitter handle, “Breakthrough Artist” and the hashtag #ACCAwards. For more information, please visit TheACCAwards.com.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programing and Development, dick clark productions), John Dickey (Executive Vice President of Content and Programming, Cumulus), Richard Godfrey (“MTV Europe Music Awards”) and Tom Forrest (“CMT Crossroads”) are executive producers. Baz Halpin is co-executive producer.

Tickets are now on sale at www.TheACCAwards.com/tickets.

Below are the finalists for the 2014 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
•         Jason Aldean
•         Luke Bryan
•         Florida Georgia Line
•         Lady Antebellum
•         Blake Shelton

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
•         Jason Aldean
•         Dierks Bentley
•         Luke Bryan
•         Randy Houser
•         Blake Shelton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
•         Danielle Bradbery
•         Miranda Lambert
•         Cassadee Pope
•         Taylor Swift
•         Carrie Underwood

GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR
•         The Band Perry
•         Eli Young Band
•         Florida Georgia Line
•         Lady Antebellum
•         Zac Brown Band

SONG OF THE YEAR
•         “When She Says Baby” – Jason Aldean
•         “Beat Of The Music” – Brett Eldredge
•         “Lettin’ The Night Roll” – Justin Moore
•         “Drink To That All Night” – Jerrod Niemann
•         “Chillin’ It” – Cole Swindell

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
•         “This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan
•         “Small Town Throwdown” – Brantley Gilbert featuring Justin Moore
and Thomas Rhett
•         “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” – Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill
•         “My Eyes” – Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastian
•         “We Were Us” – Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
•         “Crash My Party” – Luke Bryan
•         “The Outsiders” – Eric Church
•         “Here’s To The Good Times” – Florida Georgia Line
•         “Just As I Am” – Brantley Gilbert
•         “Platinum” – Miranda Lambert

DIGITAL SONG OF THE YEAR
•         “Burnin’ It Down” – Jason Aldean
•         “Drink A Beer” – Luke Bryan
•         “Play It Again” – Luke Bryan
•         “Dirt” – Florida Georgia Line
•         “This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY®
(Fan-voted Award via Twitter)
•         Brett Eldredge
•         Tyler Farr
•         Kip Moore
•         Thomas Rhett
•         Cole Swindell

SOCIALS
Twitter:       @TheACCAs and #ACCAs
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards
Instagram:  @theaccas
Tumblr:       http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/

About AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS
The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS are based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” which has recognized the best in country radio for over 40 years. Airing live Monday, Dec. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, from Music City Center in Nashville, the two-hour show will honor the year’s best country music with awards, performances, special moments and additional surprises.

About dick clark productions
dick clark productions (dcp) is among the world’s largest producers and proprietors of televised live event programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the “American Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, and dick clark productions; as well as “Rising Star” and FOX’s upcoming game show, BOOM!, from Keshet DCP, the joint venture between Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). In 2014, dcp will debut the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS (FOX), “Hollywood Film Awards” (CBS) and “The People Magazine Awards” (NBC). dcp also owns one of the world’s most  unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with more than 55 years of dcp’s award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About Cumulus
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands in order to deliver premium choices for listeners, provide substantial reach for advertisers and create opportunities for shareholders. Cumulus provides exclusive content that is fully distributed through approximately 460 owned-and-operated stations in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 10,000 broadcast radio affiliates and numerous digital channels. Cumulus is well-positioned in the widening digital audio space through a significant stake in the radio digital music service, featuring 25 million songs on demand, in addition to custom playlists and exclusive curated channels. Cumulus is also the leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which will serve country fans through radio programming, NASH magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

 

CATEGORIES BY ARTIST

Jason Aldean:   Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Digital Song of the Year (“Burnin’ It Down”)

Dierks Bentley:   Male Vocalist of the Year

Danielle Bradbery:   Female Vocalist of the Year

Luke Bryan:   Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Album of the Year, Digital Song of the Year (“Drink A Beer”), Digital Song of the Year (“Play It Again”), Digital Song of the Year (“This Is How We Roll”)

Eric Church:   Album of the Year

Brett_eldredge_ACCA_TW_Header

Brett Eldredge:   Song of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented By Samsung GALAXY®

Eli Young Band:   Group/Duo of the Year

Tyler Farr:   Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented By Samsung GALAXY®

Florida Georgia Line:   Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Album of the Year, Digital Song of the Year (“This Is How We Roll”), Digital Song of the Year (“Dirt”)

brantley_gilbert_ACCA_TW_Header

Brantley Gilbert:   Collaboration of the Year, Album of the Year

Faith Hill:   Collaboration of the Year

Randy Houser:   Male Vocalist of the Year

Lady Antebellum:   Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year

Miranda Lambert:   Female Vocalist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Album of the Year

Tim McGraw:   Collaboration of the Year

Justin Moore:   Song of the Year, Collaboration of the Year

Kip Moore:   Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented By Samsung GALAXY®

Jerrod Niemann:   Song of the Year

Cassadee Pope:   Female Vocalist of the Year

Thomas Rhett:   Collaboration of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented By Samsung GALAXY®

Gwen Sebastian:   Collaboration of the Year

Blake Shelton:   Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year

Taylor Swift:   Female Vocalist of the Year

Cole Swindell:   Song of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented By Samsung GALAXY®

The Band Perry:   Group/Duo of the Year

Carrie Underwood:   Female Vocalist of the Year

keith_urban_Tw_Header

Keith Urban:   Collaboration of the Year

Zac Brown Band:   Group/Duo of the Year