The latest from Jimmy Carter in Nashville

2012-01-26T20:48:00.001-06:00

BELLAMY BROTHERS FALL VICTIM TO GRAND LARCENY, VANDALISM WHILE SHOOTING MUSIC VIDEO IN
FLORIDA EVERGLADES

Thieves Break Into Bellamy Vehicles, Production Truck; Nab Personal iPad, Digital Camera, Thousands of Dollars Worth of Video Production Equipment

Nashville, Tenn. (January 26, 2012) – On a recent video shoot in the Florida Everglades, legendary country music duo The Bellamy Brothers fell victim to vandalism and grand larceny after their rental cars and production truck were broken into.

Thieves vandalized the Bellamy vehicles by prying open the door locks and stealing a personal iPad, digital camera and thousands of dollars worth of production equipment that was being used to shoot the music video.

“The police told us that most of the electronics were offered to a local pawn shop right after the theft but the owner turned the equipment down after suspecting it had been stolen,” says David Bellamy. “Fortunately, the video cameras and guitars were not taken, probably due to their size.”

The “Let Your Flow Love” singers recently spent four days in several Florida locations, shooting four different music videos with Austrian pop music superstar, DJ Ötzi. Shoot locations included the Everglades, Miami’s seaplane port and warehouse district and the Florida Keys. The four videos were shot for upcoming collaborative releases for all countries in Europe as well as South Africa, Australia and Japan.

ACM Nominations 2012

2012-01-26T10:33:00.000-06:00

Entertainer of the Year

Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Male Vocalist of the year

Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Chris Young

Female Vocalist of the year

Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Duo of the year

Love and Theft
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

Vocal Group of the year

The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

New Artist of the Year (Nominees in Feb.)

Album of the year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company)

Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Arturo Buenahora, Jr., Jay Joyce
Four The Record – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Hemingway's Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Own The Night – Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley

Single Record of the Year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company)

Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)
Produced by: Mike Wrucke
Don't You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith (Show Dog-Universal Music)
Produced by: Toby Keith
Tomorrow – Chris Young (RCA)
Produced by: James Stroud
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

Song of the Year (Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s))

Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band
Composers: Lee Brice, Liz Rose
Publishers: Cake Taker Music (BMI), Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Sweet Hysteria Music (BMI)
Home – Dierks Bentley
Composers: Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson
Publishers: Big White Tracks (ASCAP), Chestnut Barn Music (BMI), Chrysalis Music/BMG Rights (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Songs (BMI)
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: Dwhaywood Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), EMI Foray Music (SESAC), Hillary Dawn Songs (SESAC), Radiobulletspublishing (BMI), String Stretcher Music (BMI) Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
Threaten Me With Heaven – Vince Gill
Composers: Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dillon O’Brian, Will Owsley
Publishers: Grant Girls Music (ASCAP), Vinny Mae Music (BMI), Willie-O Music (ASCAP)
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter
Composers: Matraca Berg, Deana Carter
Publishers: Deanaling Music (ASCAP), Hannaberg Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc., (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

Songwriter of the Year *(Off Camera Award)

Rhett Akins
Dallas Davidson
Ben Hayslip
Luke Laird
David Lee Murphy

Video of the Year (Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)) *(Off Camera Award)

Homeboy – Eric Church
Producer: Brandon Arolfo
Director: Peter Zavadil
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Don Lepore
Director: Shawn Silva
Mean – Taylor Swift
Producer: Oualid Mouaness
Director: Declan Whitebloom
Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith
Producer: Mark Kalbfeld
Director: Michael Salomon
Tattoos On This Town – Jason Aldean
Producer: John Burke
Director: Wes Edwards

Vocal Event of the Year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company) *(Off Camera Award)

Country Boy – Aaron Lewis Featuring George Jones & Charlie Daniels (R&J Records)
Produced by: Aaron Lewis, James Stroud
Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Old Alabama – Brad Paisley Featuring Alabama (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
Remind Me – Brad Paisley Duet With Carrie Underwood (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

A few of the All PRO NFL Cheerleaders

2012-01-25T08:09:00.001-06:00

Taylor Never rests....now in London

2012-01-24T19:47:00.003-06:00

The Oscar Nominations 2012

2012-01-24T07:54:00.000-06:00

Supporting Actress
Berenice Bejo
Jessica Chastain
Melissa McCarthy
Janet McTeer
Octavia Spencer

Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh
Jonah Hill
Nick Nolte
Christopher Plummer

Best Actress
Glenn Close
Rooney Mara
Viola Davis
Meryl Streep
Michelle Williams

Best Actor
Demian Bichir
George Clooney
Jean Dujardin
Gary Oldman
Brad Pitt

Best Director
Michel Hazanivicus
Alexander Payne
Martin Scorsese
Woody Allen
Terrence Malick

Best Original Screenplay
The Artist
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
Margin Call
A Separation

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Descendants
Hugo
The Ides of March
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Best Foreign Feature
Bullhead
Footnote
In Darkness
Monsier Lazhar
In Separation

Best Animated Feature
A Cat in Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

Best Picture
War Horse
The Artist
Moneyball
The Descendants
The Tree of Life
Midnight in Paris
The Help
Hugo
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Trace Adkins 2012 Tour

2012-01-23T16:36:00.001-06:00

Grammys Coming Up!

2012-01-23T16:33:00.001-06:00

Brad's Wild Weekend

2012-01-23T15:29:00.000-06:00

BRAD PAISLEY’S VIRTUAL REALITY WORLD TOUR
CONTINUES WITH SOLD-OUT SHOWS

Tim Tebow Joins Paisley on Stage in Denver

Performs During Halftime at NFC Championship Game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 23, 2012) Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality World Tour 2012 presented by Chevrolet had another exciting weekend with three sold-out shows in Kansas City, Wichita, KS and Denver, CO. Special guests on the tour are CMA New Artist of the Year The Band Perry and 2011 American Idol winner Scotty McCreery.

During the show at the Pepsi Center in Denver Paisley invited Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos quarterback, to help him out with “Still A Guy.” The crowd went wild when their local hero stepped on stage and joined in with a few words of the song. Later that evening Paisley tweeted: “me and @TimTebow, probably not gonna be nominated for musical Duo of the year, but you never know”

Paisley, band and crew then headed to San Francisco to perform during the halftime of the NFC Championship game between the 49ers and New York Giants. Military personnel were treated to on-field access for the performance and the 49ers cheerleaders performed a dance routine during Paisley’s current single “Camouflage.”

The Virtual Reality Tour continues this week with shows in Boise, ID, Salt Lake City, UT and Las Vegas NV. Live Nation is the national tour promoter. Log on to www.bradpaisley.com or www.livenation.com for tour dates and information.

2012-01-23T15:21:00.001-06:00

CASEY JAMES TO RELEASE SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM MARCH 20

NASHVILLE, TN – 19 Recordings / BNA Records’ Casey James will release his self-titled debut album March 20. “I’m excited to be releasing my debut album,” shares Casey. “I’m thankful that I had the freedom to make the record that represents me as a musician and singer-songwriter.”

Casey continues, “I played eleven years of hard gigs in every bar and restaurant in North Texas and not many people even knew my name. That being said, I'm very thankful to American Idol for the opportunities the show gave me. I could've released a record right when the season was over, but I wanted to make an album deserving of all the fans that put me in this position. I feel like I've done that. And it feels good.”

To say that Casey had a hand in creating his debut album would be an understatement. The Cool, TX native co-wrote nine of the eleven songs on the album, played both the electric and acoustic guitar throughout, and co-produced the entire album with Chris Lindsey. The last track on the CD, “Miss Your Fire,” was written and co-produced by Casey, Chris and Aimee Mayo.

1. The Good Life (Casey James/Scooter Carusoe)
2. Crying On A Suitcase (Lee Thomas Miller/Tom Shapiro/Neil Thrasher)
3. Let's Don't Call It A Night (Casey James/Brice Long/Terry McBride)
4. Drive (Casey James/Brad Warren/Brett Warren)
5. Love The Way You Miss Me (Casey James/Brice Long/Terry McBride)
6. Undone (Casey James/Scooter Carusoe)
7. So Sweet (Casey James/Dallas Davidson/Patrick Davis)
8. She's Money (Casey James/Jaren Johnston)
9. Tough Love (Casey James/Brett James/David Lee Murphy)
10. Workin' On It (Bob DiPiero/Brandon Kinney/Daniel Tashian)
11. Miss Your Fire (Casey James/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo)

“Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” Casey’s debut single from Casey James is currently climbing the country airplay charts. Fans can purchase “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” on iTunes at http://bit.ly/yvIhfx. The video for the song can be seen on CMT.com.

For more information on Casey James visit Caseyjamesbandofficial.com.

2012-01-23T15:10:00.001-06:00

EXILE RELEASES PEOPLE GET READY, BAND’S FIRST NEW ALBUM IN 15 YEARS

Will Be Among Supergroups Playing “All For The Hall” Benefit April 10

NASHVILLE, TN – January 23, 2012 – Responding to the excitement generated by its remake of “Kiss You All Over” with country giant Trace Adkins, the band Exile is set to release People Get Ready, its first new studio album in 15 years. The official release date is January 31, 2012.

The 5-cut EP features four new songs written by the band and a hush-inspiring a cappella rendition of the Curtis Mayfield title cut. (See track listing below.)

People Get Ready is on Exile’s own Big Horse Records label (a nod to the band’s Kentucky origin). In September of 2011, Exile struck a distribution partnership with GMV Nashville ( www.gmvnashville.com) to act as its digital distributor for all major online retail. Through GMV Nashville the EP is available for single song downloads at most digital retail outlets including iTunes, Amazon MP3 and Spotify. The album was originally offered for sale in 2011 to fans who attended Exile concerts.

The new album arrives just as the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum announces that Exile will join the “All For The Hall” fundraising extravaganza on April 10 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. That event will be co-headlined by Keith Urban and Vince Gill and include such other supergroups as Lady Antebellum, Alabama, the Oak Ridge Boys, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry.

In December 2011, Trace Adkins joined Exile in the studio to record a new version of the band’s 1978 international pop hit, “Kiss You All Over.” That event and their recent performance together in Las Vegas, was videotaped for Great American Country’s Hit Exchange, a portion of which can be viewed at GAC Video Center, http://www.gactv.com/gac/video/?c=5193&videoid=0178132.

GAC will re-broadcast that historic heavy-breathing summit Jan. 22, 9:30 p. m., Jan 23, 1:30 a. m., Feb. 12, 9 p. m., Feb. 13, 1 a. m. and Feb. 23, 9:30 p. m. (All times are Eastern.)

People Get Ready track listing:

1.“Bread On The Table” (Sonny LeMaire, Shane Minor, J. P. Pennington)
2.“It’s Gotta Be You” (Sonny LeMaire, J. P. Pennington)
3.“There You Go Again” (Sonny LeMaire, Clay Mills, J. P. Pennington)
4.“I Can’t Be Your Fool” (Larry Cordle, J. P. Pennington, Les Taylor)
5.“People Get Ready” (Curtis Mayfield)

Exile will begin its 2012 tour in March. Up-to-date concert information is available at the band’s website, www.Exile.biz.

Aldean back out in 2012..weekend #1

2012-01-22T21:06:00.001-06:00

Fox showed only a song on VERY few stations...SF not so much a Country Town

2012-01-22T19:46:00.002-06:00

Jake Owen Resting after Collarbone repair surgery

2012-01-22T19:01:00.003-06:00

Taylor Swift hits red carpet for Ethel Kennedy doc

2012-01-22T18:58:00.001-06:00

HBO red carpet at Sundance Film Festival in Utah

Long-Time Penn State Coach, Joe Paterno, Dies at 85

2012-01-22T10:05:00.002-06:00

Joe Paterno, whose teams won more games than any other major-college football coach, who became the face of Penn State University and a symbol of integrity in collegiate athletics only to be fired during the 2011 season amid a child sexual-abuse scandal that reverberated throughout the nation, died Sunday. He was 85.

Severe Weather Potential for South next 24 hours

2012-01-22T08:27:00.002-06:00

Tim Tebow at the Brad Paisley show in Denver 1/21/12

2012-01-21T23:01:00.004-06:00

Grammy winning Nashville Producer Larry Butler is Dead

2012-01-20T23:32:00.003-06:00

A man with over a 100 gold and Platinum albums has died...Larry Butler Nashville Producer/songwriter and veteran musician. He was 69. Friend BJ Thomas among those speaking out...

TheBJThomas
My dear friend and music great Larry Butler died in his sleep last night. He was known for all the Kenny Rogers... http://t.co/TmQwu30h
1/20/12 1:27 PM
TheBJThomas
25 million sold on The Gambler. A true legend. A sad day for all who loved him, as he was a wonderful guy.
1/20/12 12:40 PM
TheBJThomas
He was known for all the Kenny Rogers hits. He also co wrote Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song(Hey Won't You Play).
1/20/12 12:38 PM

Larry Butler is the first and only Nashville Producer to win the coveted Grammy Award for Producer of the year.

In addition to this most prestigious award Larry has added to his credits a Grammy for Song of the Year, CMA for Album of the Year, CMA for Song of the Year, Billboard Magazine Producer of the Year, ASCAP Producer of the Year, Record World Producer of the Year, BMI award winning songwriter, over 100 Gold and Platinum record awards, 12 years of consecutive weekly charting, writing awards, publisher awards, musician awards, Cashbox Magazine Instrumentalist of the Year, Inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame Walkway of Stars.

Larry also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts from the University of West Florida and the Leaders and Legends Award from Pensacola Junior College.

Larry Butler is the first and only Nashville Producer to win the coveted Grammy Award for Producer of the year. He won this prestigious award in competition with elite Producers like Quincy Jones and others from all genre's of music.

Larry began his career at the age of six with the Harry James Orchestra; at age ten he sang with Red Foley and before he was old enough to drive he had hosted his own radio show and co-hosted a live TV show in his market. He eventually joined a Florida band, Jerry Woodward and the Esquires. While on a trip to Nashville he met a noted publisher/producer, Buddy Killen of Tree International. In 1963 with Killen's encouragement, Larry moved to Nashville with only a few dollars in his pocket. He didn't waste any time before you could hear his unique style of piano on such hits as "Hello Darlin" by Conway Twitty and "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro. Soon thereafter Larry was in high demand as a Nashville session player, backing up the likes of Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Bobby Goldsboro, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, Lynn Anderson and the list goes on....

Moving to Memphis in the late 1960's Larry hooked-up with Chips Moman. As the Gentry's they hit the pop charts with "Keep On Dancin'" and "Every Day I Have To Cry Some". During that same busy period of time Larry co-wrote the Poppies hit single "Lullaby Of Love", he was signed as a solo artist and served as Bobby Goldsboro's pianist and music director.

Larry returned to Nashville to join Capitol Records as an in-house producer. The very first single he produced, "Seven Lonely Days", became a Billboard Top-20 Country single for Jean Shepard in 1969. Moving on to CBS Records at the urging of legendary producer Billy Sherril, Larry worked closely with Johnny Cash producing some "the man in black's" biggest hits. So successful was the partnership that Larry became Cash's producer, pianist, musical director and studio manager.

1973 rolled around and Larry Butler made one of his most significant career moves by joining United Artists Records as head of the label's Nashville division. His leadership and vision brought in such acts as Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, Dottie West and the Kendalls establishing the label as one of the most successful and respected in Nashville.

Eventually Larry left UA and started his own independent company, Larry Butler Productions. His actsincluded

Charlie Rich ("You're Gonna Love yourself In The Morning")
Mac Davis ("It's Hard To Be Humble")
Debbie Boone (Are You On The Road To Loving Me Again")
Billie Jo Spears ("Blanket On The Ground")
Don McLean ("Crying")
John Denver ("Some Days Are Diamonds").
Unquestionably, Larry's biggest success was producing Kenny Rogers. It was Larry who converted Kenny to Country Music and their magical studio collaboration yielded many of Kenny's greatest hits including,

Lucille
She Believes In Me
The Gambler
Love Or Something Like It
You Decorated My Life
Coward Of The County.

Larry was also behind teaming Kenny and Dottie West to record the duets "Everytime Two Fools Collide" and "'Til I Make It On My Own". Larry also worked with Kenny and Kim Carnes on their smash hit "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer".

1980 brought Larry to the spotlight again with his Grammy for Producer of the Year and solidified his reputation as a hit maker, but, Larry was still an underated song writer. Larry teamed again with Chips Moman and penned the number 1 hit "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song". Topping the charts for both Pop and Country, the song became one of B.J. Thomas' greatest career hits. It was a BMI 3 million performance song and earned Larry Butler his second Grammy for Song of the Year. Tammy Wynette cut Larry's "Only The Strong Will Survive" while Billie Joe Spears cut " Standing Tall" which was also released by Lorrie Morgan in 1996. Larry writing credits include songs for Tree, United Artists music, April Blackwood, Great Cumberland, EMI and most recently in own Larry Butler Music.

1984 was the year Larry formed his music company, "Larry Butler Music Group, Inc. He signed writers Mickey Newbury, Dean Dillon and Julie Didier and CBS Songs administered his catalog. Larry's new group quickly produced a string of hits for George Strait including "The Chair", "Ocean Front Property" and "It Aint Cool". LBMG produced songs for Kieth Whitley, Eddie Raven, Kenny Rogers, Vern Gosdin, and Larry wrote "Wonder What You'll Do When I'm Gone" for Waylon Jennings, putting the company on the map. During a period of two short years LBMG had produced eight Top Ten cuts and and numerous Top Forty chart records.

Larry now resides in his home State of Florida and continues to produce new talent.

Friday Night Tornado Watch for Middle Tenn

2012-01-20T23:29:00.002-06:00

2012-01-20T07:50:00.002-06:00

COUNTRY SUPERSTAR BRAD PAISLEY TAKES HIS
VIRTUAL REALITY TOUR
TO HISTORIC WRIGLEY FIELD
SATURDAY - JUNE 9

With Special Guest MIRANDA LAMBERT
And Chris Young, The Band Perry, Jerrod Niemann

NASHVILLE, Tenn (Jan. 20, 2012) It was announced today that country music superstar Brad Paisley will take his Virtual Reality Tour to historic Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL on Saturday, June 9. Special guest Miranda Lambert along with Chris Young, The Band Perry and Jerrod Niemann will also be performing. Wrigley Field, affectionately known as the “Friendly Confines,” is starting its 99th season of hosting baseball, 97 of those the Chicago Cubs. This is only the 2nd time that Wrigley Field has been the site for a live country concert.

Paisley is the consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer, which has earned him three GRAMMYs, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards including Entertainer of the Year for 2010. He has placed 20 singles at the top of the charts, the latest a duet with Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me,” and his current single is “Camouflage.” Paisley’s current album, This Is Country Music, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and is his sixth consecutive studio album to debut as the nation’s country best-seller. He released his first book, Diary of a Player, on Nov. 1 and was on the New York Times Best Seller list for two weeks. Paisley’s 2011 “H2O II: Wetter & Wilder Tour” played to over one million fans in the U.S. and Europe. His 2012 tour Virtual Reality World Tour kick ed off on Jan. 12 and played to three sold-out shows and 39,000 fans that weekend. For tour dates and further information, visit www.bradpaisley.com .

About Miranda Lambert
The multi-platinum selling and reigning two-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert is ‘On Fire’ with her recently released Gold certified album Four The Record and her hot headlining tour “On Fire.” Her current single is the powerful, “Over You,” written by Miranda and husband Blake Shelton. Upon its release, Four The Record made history when it debuted atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, making Miranda the first country artist in the 47-year history of the chart to have each of her first four albums debut at # 1. Four The Record, garnered rave reviews from the press and ended 2011 on many Album of the Year lists including Rolling Stone, USA Today, People Magazine, American Songwriter, The Houston Chronicle and many others. In fact, Rolling Stone called it “…her most easeful and assured effort yet,” and added the song “Mama’s Broken Heart” to their Singles of the Year list.

About Chris Young
2011 was an amazing year for Chris Young, with nominations including: CMA New Artist of the Year, American Country Awards, and his first GRAMMY® nod, in addition to five national TV appearances. With his rich, warm baritone and penchant for writing relatable, slice-of-life songs, Young has emerged as both a critic and fan favorite. In the last few months, Young has celebrated GOLD selling status for both his sophomore album The Man I Want To Be, and smash single "Tomorrow" from his new album NEON. His latest single and follow up to four consecutive #1s, “You”, is screaming up the charts. Young has been out on the road most of this year on Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party Tour”. Miranda Lambert has selected Chris as her special guest for her tour “On Fire” starting in January 2012. For tour dates and all the latest information on Chris Young, visit www.chrisyoungcountry.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisYoungMusic.

About The Band Perry
The Band Perry's "modern throwback" style combines classic Country with an eclectic infusion of Rock, Gospel and Soul. As songwriters and musicians, their sound is rounded out by perfect three-part harmonies. Their Republic Nashville debut album, THE BAND PERRY, was released in October 2010 and has already been certified Platinum for selling in excess of 1 million copies. The project features the #1, triple-Platinum smash “If I Die Young;” Gold-certified single “You Lie” and their current ballad “All Your Life," which is on the cusp of Top 5. Contenders in the 2012 Grammy Best New Artist category, The Band Perry was previously named both 2011 ACM and CMA New Artist of the Year. TBP also earned CMA Awards for Single of the Year and Kimberly Perry was honored with the Song of the Year award. Other honors include the 2011 CMT Music Awar d for USAWEEKEND Breakthrough Video of the Year, the "Best New Live Act" Award sponsored by Nationwide Insurance as well as TEEN CHOICE and ACA award nominations and a stunning performance on the AMAs, where they received three nods.
Currently, the family band is opening for Brad Paisley's "VIRTUAL REALITY WORLDTOUR 2012" and performing their own headlining dates. They are also writing and recording their sophomore album

About Jerrod Niemann
ACM nominated country music artist Jerrod Niemann (Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville) grew up in Liberal, Kansas and experienced groundbreaking mainstream success with the release of his debut album, Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury. The critically-acclaimed release features No. 1 smash and platinum-selling hit “Lover, Lover,” Top 5 ballad “What Do You Want,” and latest Top 15 barroom anthem, “One More Drinkin’ Song.” His attention-grabbing lyrics, up-tempo cuts, heartache balladry and wicked wordplay all come together on the album with short comedic interludes to create a unique, progressive voyage into utterly unique territory in the country music landscape. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship and authenticity in his songwriting, Niemann draws from his own personal experiences in his songwriting and is also known for penning hits for Garth Brooks, Jamey Johnson, Julie Roberts and Blake Shelton. Cur rently, Jerrod is out on the road bringing his innovative, fun-filled show to fans across the nation. For a full list of tour dates and for more information on Jerrod Niemann, visit www.JerrodNiemannOfficial.com.
# # #

2012-01-20T07:26:00.001-06:00

Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood are teaming up for a special “CMT Crossroads” the night before the Super Bowl.

“CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler & Carrie Underwood Live From the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam” will air Saturday, Feb. 4.

Garth in Oklahoma

2012-01-20T06:14:00.000-06:00

2012-01-19T20:44:00.003-06:00

GRAMMY® NOMINEES COLDPLAY AND RIHANNA
TO PERFORM LIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME

NOMINEE AND 2012 MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR PAUL MCCARTNEY ALSO SET TO PERFORM ON THE
54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®

Music's Biggest Night® — Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS
Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2012) — Current GRAMMY® nominees Coldplay and Rihanna will perform live together for the first time, and nominee and 2012 MusiCares® Person of the Year Paul McCartney is set to perform as part of the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards (www.grammy.com). Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

Four-time GRAMMY winner Rihanna has four nominations: Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for Loud; and two nods in Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "What's My Name?" (with Drake), and "All Of The Lights" (with Kanye West, Kid Cudi & Fergie).

Seven-time GRAMMY-winning group Coldplay is up for three awards: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Paradise," and Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for "Every Teardop Is A Waterfall."

14-time GRAMMY winner and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year McCartney is nominated for Best Historical Album for Band On The Run (Paul McCartney Archive Collection — Deluxe Edition).

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include current GRAMMY nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift. Aldean and Minaj will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, while Clarkson, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Mars, McCartney, Rihanna, and Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Rascal Flatts....CHANGED

2012-01-19T20:44:00.001-06:00

NASHVILLE – (January 19, 2012) – Country music supergroup Rascal Flatts announced today that they will release CHANGED, their highly-anticipated seventh studio album, on April 3. Award-winning musician and producer Dann Huff co-produced the new project with Flatts.

CHANGED comes after Flatt's first Big Machine Records album release, NOTHING LIKE THIS, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country albums sales chart. Rascal Flatts is one of only four country acts to debut six consecutive studio albums at #1. NOTHING LIKE THIS went on to become a platinum-selling album, featuring two #1 hits including the certified platinum “I Won’t Let Go” and the gold-certified “Easy” (with pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield).

Since their musical debut in 2000, the band has sold over 21 million albums, 25 million digital downloads and delivered 13 #1 singles to the top of the charts.

Rascal Flatts is the most awarded Country group of the past decade, earning over 40 trophies from the ACAs, ACMs, AMAs, CMAs, People's Choice Awards and more. As one of the hottest-selling acts on tour in any genre, they’ve sold over 6 million concert tickets, and counting. Currently, the band is performing across the country on their Thaw Out Tour, which earned a slot on CMT's "Top Tours of 2012." For tour dates and album updates, visit www.rascalflatts.com.

ABOUT BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP:
At the helm of the independent Big Machine Label Group is industry veteran Scott Borchetta, who serves as President and CEO. The conglomerate encompasses Big Machine Records (founded in 2005), The Valory Music Co. (founded in 2007) and Republic Nashville (a partnership with Universal Republic founded in 2009 with Jimmy Harnen serving as President). For the second consecutive year, in 2010, Country Aircheck (Powered by USA Today) named Big Machine Records the Country Label of the Year. Also in 2010, BMR’s signature artist Taylor Swift became the 4th female artist in history (across all genres) to debut with over 1 million units sold in the first week with the release of her third album, SPEAK NOW, which is the best-selling Country studio album debut of all time. The Big Machine Label Group’s current artist roster includes Multi-Platinum superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba and Martina McBride; breakout sensations The Band Perry; established acts Justin Moore and Eli Young Band as well as hot newcomers Brantley Gilbert, Steel Magnolia, Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge and comedienne Melissa Peterman. In 5 years, BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, American Music Award, CMT Music Award, Teen Choice Award, MTV Video Music Award and People’s Choice Award accolades as well as Brit Award and JUNO Award nominations.

2012-01-19T20:43:00.001-06:00

CLIVE DAVIS AND THE RECORDING ACADEMY® PRESENT
THE 2012 PRE-GRAMMY® GALA

STAR-STUDDED EVENT TO FEATURE 2012 GRAMMY SALUTE TO INDUSTRY ICONS® HONORING VIRGIN GROUP FOUNDER
SIR RICHARD BRANSON

Sponsored by Harman, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyundai, and MasterCard Worldwide, Gala
to Take Place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., The Night Before The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2012) — For the fourth consecutive year, Clive Davis and The Recording Academy® will present the annual Pre-GRAMMY® Gala on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., the evening before the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Sponsored by Harman, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyundai, and MasterCard Worldwide, this exclusive, star-studded celebration will feature special musical performances and will be attended by the world's most renowned artists and top industry VIPs in music, film, television and new media. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

As part of the evening's celebration, the 2012 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons® will honor Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson. The Recording Academy will present Branson with the President's Merit Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry and the impact his efforts have had on music and the business of music. Past recipients of the GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons President's Merit Award include Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, David Geffen, Berry Gordy, Doug Morris, and Mo Ostin.

"The Pre-GRAMMY Gala is a special night, with the legendary Clive Davis hosting an exclusive evening of music, memorable performances and stories — the perfect precursor to Music's Biggest Night®," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "This year we are thrilled to honor extraordinary entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, whose contributions to the music industry began with a record store in London and grew into a global empire. His iconic Virgin brand is synonymous with excellence and continues to draw consumers on numerous platforms from around the world."

Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group. Born in England, Branson entered the music industry when he opened a record shop in London called Virgin Records and Tapes, and thus the Virgin brand was born. Soon after, he founded Virgin Records with Nik Powell. The label garnered unprecedented acclaim with its first release: multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield's progressive rock album Tubular Bells. Other artists signed to the label over the next 20 years would include Culture Club, Devo, Genesis, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Roy Orbison, the Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, the Smashing Pumpkins, and many more. In 1992, Branson sold Virgin Records to EMI Music, but later re-entered the music industry with V2 Records in 1996, which he later sold to Universal Music Group in 2007.

With locations spanning the United States and Europe, the Virgin Megastores chain of record stores drove the music retailing business for many years across the globe. Other entrepreneurial ventures under the Virgin Group umbrella include Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and Virgin America airlines, and telecommunications company Virgin Mobile. Branson was on the forefront of live music festivals, founding England's V Festival, and Virgin Mobile Freefest, a free U.S. music festival that raises money for RE*Generation, a Virgin Mobile initiative combating youth homelessness.

Branson has made many notable philanthropic contributions throughout his entrepreneurial career. Virgin Unite is his nonprofit organization dedicated to using global leadership to address conflict, climate change, and disease. The Elders is an initiative he founded in 2007 with Peter Gabriel, Graḉa Machel, and Nelson Mandela, addressing global issues such as health and gender equality. The Carbon War Room is an initiative that Branson founded to scale energy efficiency activity to deliver a profitable lower carbon economy. In 2009 Virgin America became the first U.S. airline to join the Climate Registry, publishing its first annual climate report and committing to reporting its emissions. In 1999 Branson was knighted for services in entrepreneurship.

Davis began his career at Columbia Records where he was appointed president in 1967 and signed such legendary rock artists as Janis Joplin, Santana, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Chicago, Loggins & Messina, and Earth, Wind & Fire. In 1974 Davis went on to co-found Arista Records and signed Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and Whitney Houston and developed the careers of the Grateful Dead, Eurythmics, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Carly Simon among the diverse roster under his leadership. His business ventures include forming LaFace Records in 1989 with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and L.A. Reid, and creating Bad Boy Records in 1994 with Sean "Diddy" Combs. In 2000, J Records was born (in partnership with BMG) and emerged as a dominant force, releasing the works of Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross and Maroon 5. Davis was then appointed chairman/CEO of BMG U.S. Label Group, where he oversaw an expanded RCA Music Group including J Records, RCA Records and Arista Records. After BMG and Sony Music merged in 2008, Davis was appointed chief creative officer, Sony Music Worldwide.

The Pre-GRAMMY Gala is part of the GRAMMY Week series of events, culminating with Music's Biggest Night. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 12, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).