Miranda Lambert Gets Five CMA Nods

CMA’s 2010 Broadcast Awards Finalists

Chris Young Signs With ShopKeeper Management

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Israel Houghton Set To Make Appearance On The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Sept. 8

Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton highlights the greatest Gospel commandment with Love God. Love People. releasing TODAY amidst acclaim on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. Featuring the musically masterful energy that has become synonymous with Israel Houghton recordings, the album also reveals special guest appearances by Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and Take 6’s Claude V. McKnight, III, Mark Kibble and Joey Kibble, as well as song co-writes with Meleasa Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims and Michael Gungor.

Following yesterday’s release of the album, Israel Houghton, widely acclaimed as an innovative worship leader, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, is tapped by The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to sit in with Rickey Minor and the Tonight Show Band Sept. 8. Collaborating live with Minor on the NBC late night talk show fits in well with Houghton’s many talents. Widely known as a master collaborator, Houghton draws out the best performances from all those around him. Having written or co-written 11 CCLI Top 500 favorites, creating a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe, Love God. Love People. follows Israel’s acclaimed GRAMMY Award winning and Billboard Top 200 hit, The Power Of One, and promises to be an inspiration to all who listen.

In addition to “The Tonight Show” appearance, Houghton appears today on “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” and Sept. 2 on the nationally syndicated “The Tavis Smiley Show”. Music from Love God. Love People. is also being heard nationally as the current radio single, “You Hold My World,” which was named the No. 1 “Most Added” song two weeks in a row, makes its debut this week on Billboard’s Gospel Indicator chart at No. 26 with a bullet. Additionally, the heart of the new album captured in the song “Others,” penned by Houghton and his wife, Meleasa, was released to AC radio just last week.

For more information, go to www.israelhoughton.net

 

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Memphis Based Crushing Juliet Set To Release Its Broken Cadillac CD

What is an absolute miniscule frame of pop music today, Crushing Juliet has a giant voice in so many ways. The Memphis, Tennessee based rock band, is an accessible alternative pop rock act, not only in terms of the styling, their (Crushing Juliet) debut CD, is the straight up approach to pop music today. As a product and means of expression, the debut album is flawlessly put together, with great production (David Cowell), professionally packaged, showing off what is a prized asset — for Sunset Records. It is very easy to forget that many of the pop stars of the yester year are influencing today's pop stars with a similar scale of control with their songs. And it would no doubt be easy to appraise Crushing Juliet's debut CD as a commercial release for the mainstream, the band is led by an impressive singer, skillful at integrating what is vocal tradition and pop rock characteristics.

Crushing Juliet is much more than your every day pop rock band. Rather, the band is releasing an album naturally understanding with a way with words, dynamic sound and with pop nuances that identity the band in a great way. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow is a top quality, catchy, proficiently tailored pop song that will very likely now be being admired by pop music fans and a young audience. The first single "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow, "is being set up by the label (Sunset Records), and the album is filled with other catchy songs like the song that is also the album title name, "Broken Cadillac," to the "Kiss Me Goodbye" track and down to the closer on the debut CD, "The Words You Say," signal a serious new vocal talent in pop music today.

Broken Cadillac is less likely to be lumped into any particular style of music, and is more likely to be seen as a quality CD from beginning to end, by a band that is being set up successes all over the world. "The band has great songs" says Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Records, and "the response to the song and the marketing stats for the song are through the roof," collaborating as teens, the four (4) piece band is made up with Justin McKee (Vocals), Steve Hatmaker (Guitar), Lonnie Hammer (Drums) and Alan Doty (Bass). The songs on Broken Cadillac do indeed sound perfect for the college, alternative, pop and sub modern radio markets. With a Mark Ronson-like production (Davis Cowell), the material on the album not only sounds like pop hits, they are also clear and alive sounding on every song. Likewise, the tracks, Round and Round, Dirty Girl and Street Walker also seem very familiar and the band (Crushing Juliet) has great promise with the release of the Broken Cadillac debut CD.

The vocals (Justin McKee), is an instrument in itself which are coupled with capable song writing with great players and great production (David Cowell) are what make this album and band an one to look for and listen for this year.

For more, visit http://www.crushingjuliet.sunsetrecordings.com/

 

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Brazilian And Latin Sounds Romance Brooklyn's Pete's Candy Store

September 14th promises to be an exotic adventure at Brooklyn's Pete's Candy Store when singer/songwriter Maya Solovey hits the stage to take the audience on a journey to the land of Saudade, the theme for the evening. Be prepared for a night of reminiscence, love and passion as you let your thoughts go and flow while Solovey romances you with Brazilian and Latin music. To complete the experience, Solovey is bringing arepas and plantains to seduce your sense of taste prior to the performance, while you pamper yourself with the purchase of your favorite drink from the bar.

"The theme for the night -- Saudade -- is something I've always wanted to do," Solovey said. There's not usually enough time in a normal night for me to play all of my songs in Portuguese and Spanish, and my hope is that this will allow a new kind of fluidity to the evening. It's a different thing when you listen to music in a language you don't understand, because then, you listen to what the voice is saying. "Saudade" is one of the most important themes to Brazilian music and culture, and while it is said to be indescribable, the closest description is "the love that stays" when someone goes away. With this music and with this entire night, I hope to carry that theme in a way that envelops and enraptures the heart, as well as the senses."

As an international artist and a trilingual songwriter, Maya Solovey has merged the acoustic/folk songwriting tradition into the territories of pop, bossa nova, and even the high drama of cinematic scoring. Her music is a surprising, yet rational marriage between many cultures as she sings in Portuguese, Spanish and her native English tongue. Her new self-titled album, Maya Solovey, released July 15th, has already gathered notice from journalists and music critics. Her song "Eu Vi" was featured in a Ralph Lauren runway video for winter fashion week, while her song "Como Yo Lloro Por Ti" will be featured on a in a FIFA World Cup compilation, and another 3 songs will be featured in an upcoming shark documentary called "Shark Allies". Tom Moon, on air critic for NPR, and journalist for Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine said, "Here's a rarity: An original voice who really is original! Drawing inspiration from all over the map, Maya Solovey has developed a deep, enchanting sound that's unlike anything else out there right now." Bassy Bob Brockmann, a multiple Grammy winning producer/mixer said, "Maya Solovey is an exceptional songwriter, possessed of a voice that is haunting, soothing, and erotic all at the same time. Her music, I'm sure, will change the world."

For more, visit http://www.mayasolovey.com

 

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TPAC Announces 2010-2011 Family Field Trips

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center has announced the 2010-11 series of performances designed for family audiences.

The upcoming season of “TPAC Family Field Trip,” sponsored by Regions, will feature comedy, storytelling, music, and theatre performed by artists from Nashville to the Netherlands. Prior to each Saturday afternoon performance, audience members take part in activities in the lobby and leave TPAC with resources for talking about the experiences they shared together.

Unlike anything else presented in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, the series, in its fifth year, gives audiences of all ages a fun, family-friendly experience with the live performance. The lively, high-quality entertainment includes performers with international reputations and a multi-cultural blend of art with broad appeal to people of different ages and backgrounds.

The four-show series includes:

Post Comedy Theater, November 13, 2010, The one-man show featuring Robert Post delivers a loose, playful approach to comedy that invites audiences into his creative, zany world. Post is an entire theatre company himself, specializing in rapid-fire character changes, and such skilled manipulation of everyday objects that they seem to come alive! An accomplished mime, juggler, and comedian, Post uses his many talents to unleash imagination and play with possibilities.

The Frog Bride, December 11, 2010, Set against a stunning backdrop of live video and images by painter Wassily Kandinsky, this hip adaptation of a classic Russian tale is told by David Gonzalez, a consummate storyteller with Monsey, NY-based Rain Art Productions, who plays every role. Live musicians weave original jazz and Prokofiev’s music throughout the words and visions. Filled with comic sparkle, this performance shows us the qualities of innocence, wonder, as well as discovery through the characters of princes, frogs, witches, and one very enchanted young lady.

Before the People Came, April 2, 2011 A horrible drought has settled on the desert plain, leaving the animals weak with thirst. Rabbit discovers a juicy pear tree, but it is guarded by a vicious tiger in no mood to share. Working together, the animals overcome this obstacle in a most unexpected way. Written for children by Dr. jeff obafemi carr, the artistic director of Nashville’s Amun Ra Theatre, this musical is a heartwarming adaptation of an African folktale, infusing lessons on the importance of sharing and the value of diversity with original jazz tunes that children will love.

Performance in which Hopefully Nothing Happens, May 7, 2011, A nearly empty stage is the setting for an unconventional performance from Theatergroep Max of the Netherlands full of the joys of absurdity. A security guard locks the stage door and goes about his duty – to make sure absolutely nothing happens. Cue an actor trying to enter, and you end up with the very essence of drama – conflict! This international company sets up a string of hilarious, problem-solving challenges, enticing children to think in inventive new ways.

Each show in the series will be performed for school audiences during the week through TPAC Education’s comprehensive education program. The individual titles in the Regions TPAC Family Field Trip were selected for the unique opportunities they provide for audiences of all ages and to offer a blend of experiences as a season package.

One hour before each performance, the TPAC lobby is transformed into a fun, interactive space featuring activities and giveaways. A limited number of ‘pay what you can’ seats are available beginning 90 minutes prior to each performance at the TPAC Box Office. With a minimal contribution to TPAC Education, patrons may gain admission based on an honor system of what they can afford to pay.

All four shows are now on sale in a discounted package price of $44 per person. Patrons also may choose any three shows for $33 per person. Subscriptions may be purchased at the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills), by calling 615/782-6560, online at www.tpac.org/familyfieldtrip,  or by mail.

Single tickets go on sale Monday, September 13. To purchase children (ages 2-12) tickets for $11, and adults tickets for $14 visit www.tpac.org/familyfieldtrip,  the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills), or call 615/782-4040. For groups of 10 or more, please contact TPAC Group Sales at 615/782-4060 or groups@tpac.org  to purchase tickets at a group rate of $7 per ticket.

For more information on TPAC Family Field Trip performances, visit www.tpac.org/familyfieldtrip  or call 615/782-4000.

 

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Billy Currington Breaks 20-Year KY State Fair Attendance Record Saturday With Over 20K

Multi platinum-selling Mercury Nashville recording artist BILLY CURRINGTON drew in a crowd of over 20,000 fans Saturday night to Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, to surpass a 20-year Kentucky State Fair attendance record previously set by Charlie Daniels.

Currington’s fourth album titled ENJOY YOURSELF will be available everywhere SEPTEMBER 21. Lead off single “PRETTY GOOD AT DRINKIN’ BEER” holds strong in the #2 chart position. Fans can now pre-order the album on iTunes at http://bit.ly/BillyEnjoyYourself  and receive a bonus acoustic track of the single.

For more, visit www.billycurrington.com

 

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Three Bridges Reaches Booking Agreement with BSA

Exciting trio Three Bridges has reached an exclusive booking agreement with the Beckie Simmons Agency.

Elliott McCoy of Three Bridges said, “We are so excited about being back with Beckie and the rest of her staff. We firmly believe that the Beckie Simmons Agency is the premier booking agency in Southern Gospel music, and we know that she will do a tremendous job booking Three Bridges.”

"My friendship with Elliott McCoy goes back quite a few years,” mentioned Beckie Simmons. “I must say the group Three Bridges has always been very entertaining and musically innovative. Now, adding the voices of Shannon Smith and Jeremie Hudson (formerly of The Imperials), Elliot has retained the same level of vocal and spiritually quality as always! Shannon and Jeremie are not only amazingly talented singers, but also ordained ministers. Elliott can be proud of the talent these two young men bring to Three Bridges, and BSA is happy to be a part of their innovative, unique ministry!"

The Beckie Simmons Agency promotes the biggest and brightest names in Southern Gospel music including such artists as Gold City, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Jason Crabb, The Bowling Family, The Freemans, The Pfiefers, LeFevre Quartet, Crystal River, and many more. To find out more information on the Beckie Simmons Agency – visit http://www.bsaworld.com .

Three Bridges has been preparing for the release of their highly anticipated new recording. The yet-to-be-titled new release will be the first to feature new members Shannon Smith and Jeremie Hudson.

For more information on Three Bridges, visit them on the web at http://www.threebridges.net

 

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Switchfoot Launches Fall Tour With The Almost On Oct. 1

SWITCHFOOT will head out with The Almost this fall on a tour that launches October 1st in Lynchburg, VA. Pre-sale tickets will be available through Friends of the Foot beginning Wednesday, September 1st. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, September 2nd. For ticketing information and further details, visit www.switchfoot.com. The band, which just wrapped up a summer outing with Goo Goo Dolls, will also perform at Celebrate Freedom Atlanta, the largest free one-day concert in Atlanta, on September 4th, and the Austin City Limits Festival on October 10th. (See below for itinerary.)

“The Sound (John M. Perkins’ Blues),” the band’s current single, is one of eight songs included on the new Switchfoot iTunes Session, available beginning today. (Link for purchase: http://bit.ly/a1yMFI.) “The Sound” is a Top 10 hit at Modern Rock radio and the accompanying video has been added to Fuse’s “#1 Countdown” and MTVu. The song was inspired by civil rights activist John M. Perkins, who appears in the video. Jon Foreman, lead vocalist/guitarist for SWITCHFOOT, has penned nine articles for The Huffington Post, including one detailing his recent meeting with Perkins:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/the-living-blues-john-m-p_b_613733.html

“The Sound” has been featured in television spots for Walt Disney Pictures’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, as well as promotional spots for Bravo and Verizon Wireless’ fall 2009 ad campaign for the BlackBerry® Storm™ 2. It follows SWITCHFOOT’s hit, “Mess of Me,” which the band has performed on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” “Your Love is a Song,” another track from Hello Hurricane, is currently climbing the charts at HOT AC and Christian AC radio.

“On their seventh album, Switchfoot set the mood with U2-esque shimmer, fuzzed-out rockers that would make Dave Grohl green with envy, and jangly garage-rock,” said Alternative Press while Rolling Stone noted: “the group added some heft to its super catchy alternative rock…‘Mess of Me’ is a stop-start rocker that kicks off with a serrated guitar scrawl, and ‘Bullet Soul’ is a crescendoing punk rager.” “Switchfoot has much in common with arena-rocking peers like Coldplay and Snow Patrol…wrapped around huge hooks and intercut by Foreman’s incisive, discontented lyrics,” observed Paste.

SWITCHFOOT is Jon Foreman (vocals/guitar), Tim Foreman (bass), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (keys/guitar) and Drew Shirley (guitar)

For more information on SWITCHFOOT, visit http://www.switchfoot.com

 

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Tickets For The 44th Annual CMA Awards Go On Sale Sept. 18

CMA announced yesterday that tickets will go on sale for "The 44th Annual CMA Awards" on Saturday, Sept. 18 (10:00 AM/CT), and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com;  calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level. All ticket prices include sales tax but exclude applicable service/handling fees.

"The 44th Annual CMA Awards," hosted for the third consecutive year by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will be broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM ET) on the ABC Television Network.

 

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Joe Nichols Featured On MLB.com

Anyone who knows Joe Nichols knows he takes baseball very seriously and that he is an avid Cardinals fan. Nichols has combined his two passions – music and baseball – at MLB.com. The Show Dog-Universal Music artist is featured on the site, performing some of his biggest hits and prognosticating the baseball season, the teams and his favorite players.

“Can it get any better than this? I get to perform and I get to talk baseball,” Nichols said. “MLB.com has always been my go-to site for baseball news—I’m almost a fanatic when it comes to keeping up with the games and players. This has to be a highlight in my career.”

To hear Nichols perform his recent three-week #1 hit “Gimmie That Girl” and the classic “Take Me Out To The Ballgame," as well as talk some baseball smack check out: http://mlb.com/mlb/news/entertainment/artists/joenichols/index.jsp.

 

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Bug Music's Roger Murrah Congratulates Easton Corbin

Easton Corbin receives congratulations from Bug Music Sr. Vice President Nashville, Roger Murrah. Corbin was among the first set of nominees for 2010’s 44th Annual CMA Awards announced today, receiving three nominations including, New Artist of the Year, as well as Song of the Year and Single of the Year, for his recording of “I’m A Little More Country Than That.” According to Murrah, “Even before we had the privilege of signing Easton to Bug in December of 2009, I became an instant fan and believer the moment Carson Chamberlain played me Easton’s music. I’m really not surprised by his success.”

 

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America's Got Talent Winner Kevin Skinner set to release debut album "Long Ride"

Reigning NBC hit show America’s Got Talent winner Kevin Skinner is gearing up to release his debut album, “Long Ride.”

Skinner saddled up for the ride of his life when the NBC reality series held auditions at Harrah’s in Metropolis, Illinois, just across the river from Kevin’s old Kentucky home. He answered the call to audition and the rest, as they say, is music business history.

In 2009, Kevin Skinner went from unemployed farmer to overnight sensation. After he sang his first song on America's Got Talent (a cover of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes"), Piers Morgan said, “That was one of the most emotional, powerful performances I’ve seen in a long time.” Suddenly Kevin Skinner was everyone's favorite "Chicken Catcher" and he brought audiences to their feet.

Kevin went on to win the competition and $1-million.

For more about Kevin, visit www.kevinskinnertheofficialsite.com

 

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Sanctus Real Garners First-Ever No. 1 AC Radio Hit With "Lead Me"

GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning Sanctus Real released on Sparrow Records in March its most critically acclaimed album to date, Pieces Of A Real Heart. The fifth studio offering from the band, the album has since gathered an ever-growing cache of musical milestones, including the No. 1 radio hit, “Forgiven,” and the band’s eighth No. 1 radio single and first-ever Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) No. 1, “Lead Me.” The fastest climbing AC radio song ever for the band, “Lead Me” is also No. 1 on this week’s overall Billboard Christian radio national audience chart and makes its video debut on iTunes Sept. 7. The song is further gathering acclaim from Casting Crowns, 10th Avenue North and others, as well as the first-ever song endorsements from Focus on the Family and FamilyLife.

“Sanctus Real's ‘Lead Me’ is a beautiful reminder for men to stand up and be the husbands and fathers God called them to be,” says Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family. “It’s a message every dad in our culture needs to hear, and I’m glad the song is making a significant impact on the radio.”

“It’s rare to hear a song that penetrates to the depths of the soul, stirs the emotions, reveals the innermost thoughts and seeks help from the only One who has it,” says Dennis Rainey, President and Co-Founder of FamilyLife, a subsidiary of Campus Crusade for Christ International. “‘Lead Me’ does all this and more. It’s a relevant message for marriages and families today. Lead Me is a timeless message that should motivate every married man to stand up and fight for his family by kneeling down to pray.”

“‘Lead Me’ is a prayer song of God’s leadership that every man needs to hear, amazing song!” adds Chris Huffman of Casting Crowns.

“‘Lead Me’ is probably the most intensely convicting and inspiring song I’ve heard on Christian radio in years,” continues Mike Donehey of 10th Avenue North. “I literally wept the first time I heard it. Matt put words to my heart’s cry and for that I’m infinitely grateful.”

 

For all the latest Sanctus Real news, including it tour dates, go to www.sanctusreal.com

 

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Listener Driven Radio Adds Four to Engineering/Support Team

Listener Driven Radio (www.listenerdrivenradio.com), the leader in interactive programming tools for broadcasters, announced today the addition of four industry veterans to its engineering and support teams. The new members of the LDR team are Brian Seeders, Blake Weber, Craig Bowman, and Gale Parmelee. This is the second announcement regarding team growth for LDR this Summer, following the appointment of Greg Hunt as VP/Affiliate Relations in July.

Seeders joins the company as Chief Engineer and will oversee the continued development and robust growth of the LDR platform for radio stations. With experience in high-level software design and development, Seeders will also manage new feature development.

Weber joins LDR as Support Engineer, and will focus on working with radio stations to easily and effectively utilize the LDR system. Weber’s prior experience includes development and implementation of support and helpdesk operations for Windstream as well as several years of experience developing software.

A veteran broadcast engineer, Bowman also joins the team as a Support Engineer. He will support radio station automation system integration with LDR for real-time audience control of on-air systems. Bowman’s experience includes several years as a lead engineer for Scott Studios/SS32 and installation/support engineering for Prophet Systems. He has also worked as Chief Engineer for a number of major broadcasters as well as Director of Corporate Engineering for Liggett Broadcasting.

Parmelee, a veteran radio programmer who originally joined LDR last year has been promoted to the role of VP/Programming Support. Parmelee will work with LDR affiliate Program Directors to maximize ratings impact using the LDR system. Gale will work with stations to write liners and imaging and provide support to PD’s to fully exploit the system’s ability to produce PPM results.

“This has been a year of tremendous growth for LDR,” said Daniel Anstandig, President of LDR. “These additions bring a significant amount of talent to the team and further empower LDR clients to realize success in growing ratings and revenue from the platform. When new affiliates sign with us, they can be certain that they will receive world class engineering and programming support from the LDR team.”

 

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Lisa McCallum Signs At ASCAP

Leslie T. DiPiero of Tom-Leis Music & Randy Wright of Wright Hook Music came by ASCAP to celebrate the signing of artist/songwriter Lisa McCallum. Lisa has a recent cut on the new Katie Armiger album, “Confessions of A Nice Girl” and is a showcased performer at Falls View Casino in Canada.

Pictured from L to R: ASCAP's Robert Filhart, Wright Hook Music's Randy Wright, ASCAP's Tim DuBois, Lisa McCallum, Tom-Leis Music's Leslie T. Dipiero, and ASCAP's Marc Driskill, Michael Martin and Ryan Beuschel.

 

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Joey+Rory Scores CMA Nod For Vocal Duo Of The Year

Husband/wife duo Joey+Rory are flying high and it’s not only a national sweepstakes with Southwest Airlines that has them on top of the clouds. The couple learned of their CMA Duo of the Year nomination today while busily preparing for the release of Album Number Two, due out September 14th. Rory also received word that the hit song he penned “A Little More Country Than That” received Song of the Year and Single of the Year nominations.

"We're both very proud to be nominated for CMA Duo of the Year again, it's a thrill just to have our name on the same list as the other great duos in the category,” Joey says. “Personally, I'm especially excited my husband Rory's song is nominated in two categories...for single and song of the year. This nomination is truly a testament to not only what a great artist he is...but also what an incredible songwriter he is and has been all these years."

“I’m going to Disney World!” laughs Rory. “Actually I really am. We’re flying Southwest Airlines today with our girls for a quick trip before embarking on a working cruise with Zac Brown Band and country music fans. We will certainly celebrate the nominations on the high seas!”

CMA Vocal Duo of the Year nominee Joey+Rory is set to release Album Number Two on September 14, 2010. The first single from the album, “This Song’s For You,” is available for free download at www.joeyandrory.com.

 

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Hilary Williams Returns With 'Sign of Life'

Hilary Williams is pure country music royalty. The daughter of Hank Williams Jr., she was busy pursuing her own career ambitions to follow in her father's and grandfather's footsteps, when a horrific car accident in 2006 shattered her plans. Traveling with her sister, Holly Williams in March of 2006, en route to a family funeral, the SUV they were riding in hit a rough patch of pavement and rolled four times before landing on its roof.

Now, four years, 23 surgeries and a grueling schedule of painful therapy sessions later, the tenacious young woman has chronicled her long journey to recovery in a new book, 'Sign of Life: A Story of Family, Tragedy, Music and Healing.'

'Sign of Life' is also a song Hilary wrote while in the middle of her arduous recovery. "When I was in the hospital, I was complaining to the doctor, 'God, I'm in so much pain,'"she recalls. Her doctor's response, "Pain is a sign of life," became the catalyst for her healing.

Her father, who refers to Hilary as "the strongest person I know," (quote via Nashville's Tennessean), sings the praises of his daughter in the book's foreword. "People think her Daddy is tough?" he boasts. "No, nothing like my daughter."

The book, scheduled for a November release, is only part of Hilary's comeback. The busy singer-songwriter -- who counts fellow artist Kellie Pickler among her closest friends -- is also moving full-speed ahead with her music career, including collaborating with famed DJ and producer, Leko, for a dance remix of 'Signs of Life.' Hilary continues to perform in and around her hometown of Nashville.

 

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Hank Williams III Hosts Benefit for Nashville Animal Shelter

Hank Williams III, known for his edgy music and rowdy shows, will show a gentler side on September 18 when he participates in a benefit for Happy Tales Humane Shelter in Franklin, Tenn. The event will include an afternoon motorcycle ride and an evening performance.

"I'm doing this for Happy Tales because it is a no-kill animal shelter," Hank tells The Boot. Hank says his cat and his three dogs, Trooper, Moma Hance and Roadie (pictured above) are all are rescue animals.

Hank III, the son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of Hank Williams, wrote ten of the eleven songs on his latest album, 'Rebel Within,' which he recorded and produced at his home studio. As might be expected, Hank III is an independent thinker. "I don't like being told what to do, and I don't need to be told what my record should sound like," he says.

An avid hunter, Hank III is participating in a four-part series, 'Wild Life,' for the Field & Stream website. It features the singer, along with former NFL star Kyle Turley, on a turkey hunt at his dad's private ranch in Paris, Tennessee.

The singer/songwriter has released six discs since his 1999 debut. He's currently on tour throughout the Southeast and often does three-hour shows, with an hour each of country, hillbilly and hard rock. "I give everybody some of what they came for," Hank says of his musically eclectic shows.

The motorcycle ride begins at the Cool Springs Harley Davidson dealership at 2:00 PM CT. Registration gets underway at noon. Riders will travel from the Franklin-based retail store to the Loveless Barn west of Nashville on Highway 70, where the concert will take place. Riders pay $40 per person, or $50 for two riders per bike, which entitles them to the concert and other activities at Loveless Barn.

Admission for those who wish to attend the concert and activities at Loveless Barn is $20. The general admittance area will be standing-room-only (no seats). VIP tickets are available for $75 per rider or $50 for concert only, which gives the purchaser access to a special viewing area at The Barn, a souvenir poster and a private meet-and-greet with Hank III. Music at the Loveless Barn begins at 3:00 PM with local artists. Other activities include an airbrush tattoo artist, silent auction and various food and drink concessions. The evening concert with Hank III begins at 6:00 PM.

 

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David Nail Recalls 'Discovering' Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott

Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum was discovered by David Nail -- just a little too late.

"I first met Hillary [in] downtown [Nashville] one Sunday night. I really had no clue who she was," David tells the Daily Dunklin Democrat newspaper in his hometown of Kennett, Mo. "I saw her sitting in with the house band somewhere and I immediately called the head of the [recording] staff at my record label and told him that if he was smart, he would come down and see this girl. I thought she was a superstar.

"I had never done anything like that before so I feel like he kind of thought maybe it was pretty important. So he did [come to the location] and he immediately walked through the door and called me an idiot and said, 'That is Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum.'"

Chalk his excitement up to the long road David traveled to launch his own career.

"There were definitely moments when I thought about giving up, David tells The Boot. The only problem was, I had no idea what in the world I was going to do! I like to think the miles I've driven have made me not just a better artist but a better person."

David adds that after he introduced himself to Hillary, they formed a bond that goes beyond either of their respective music careers. "We became really good friends right away. She is quite possibly the sweetest girl you'll ever meet. I've had the privilege to get to know the other guys in the band since then. So I guess there has always be that friendship there first and foremost. They are arguably one of the most successful acts in music, period. Not just country music."

David is currently on tour with Lady A. Their next concerts are scheduled for September 1 in Syracuse, N.Y. and September 2 in Allentown, Pa.

 

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Trace Adkins Fans to Get a Double Dose of Hits

Capitol Records is planning one last hurrah with Trace Adkins. The country superstar left the label earlier this year to join forces with Toby Keith's label, Show Dog Universal. But Capitol still has one more project to release on Trace, and a big project at that.

A double-disc compilation of 28 of Trace's biggest hits, titled 'The Definitive Greatest Hits Package: Til The Last Shot's Fired,' will be released this fall. It includes songs spanning Trace's illustrious career, from his debut single in 1996, 'There's a Girl in Texas,' to his final release on the label, 'All I Ask For Anymore.' Also included are Trace's three No.1 hits: 'You're Gonna Miss This,' '(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing' and 'Ladies Love Country Boys,' as well as several of his classic tunes, such as 'Hot Mama,' 'Songs About Me,' 'I'm Tryin,' ''Then They Do,' and his platinum-selling novelty tune, 'Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.' [Watch Trace perform 'Honky Tonk Badonkadonk' live in our studio below.]

The album, which is scheduled for an October 12 release, comes only two months after Trace's debut CD on Show Dog/Universal, 'Cowboy's Back in Town,' which just landed in the No. 1 spot on the country albums charts. And while Trace has no ill feelings towards Capitol Records, he also says he has no regrets about making the switch. "I've always had the freedom I've wanted with making albums, but there's a little bit more that comes with being involved with a label like Show Dog," he tells The Boot. "I appreciate the faith that they've had in me, and I hope that it's proven to be a good decision on both our parts. That's really what I'm hoping for this year."

In addition to hitting the road with good friend and boss, Toby, as part of the American Ride tour, Trace is also spending time in Hollywood, alongside Matthew McConaughey in the upcoming flick, 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' where the 6'6" singer plays the role of a bike gang leader. The character, Trace admits, was an easy one to portray. "I just put on a leather jacket and ride the bike, so it's gonna be fun," he reveals to The Boot. "I'm looking forward to it."

 

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Brad Paisley Pours More H20 Into His Tour Schedule

Brad Paisley is having so much fun on his H20 World Tour, he's decided to continue the splashy celebration. The Grammy winner just announced he will extend the tour through November 20, adding 13 more shows to the 45 dates already on the books.

The tour, which includes friends Darius Rucker and Justin Moore as opening acts, has a much larger purpose than just giving fans a good time.

"It's not all fun and games," Brad tells The Boot about his water-themed show, "There's obviously going to be fun and games with the Chevy simulators and the fishing thing and the dunking booth for DJs and all of that, but then there's a booth that talks about water charities. That was my intent in the beginning, to make this thing more important than just a bunch of people getting drunk on the lawn every night."

The next leg of the tour, which is sponsored by Chevy, includes shows from Connecticut to California, as well as several Canadian dates. Click here for upcoming tour dates.

In other Brad news, the singer is releasing an album of some of his best-known tunes, called 'Hits Alive,' in November. He's also rumored to be working on an album of all-new music as well. His latest single, 'Anything Like Me,' is currently in the Top 30 and climbing.

 

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Jonalee White's Sugar Released Yesterday

Jonalee White's sophomore album, Sugar released yesterday (8/31) and it was anything but a "quiet release". The album contains her latest single, Naked As Fools, which moved her up the airplay charts farther than she's ever been before and a video that hit big on CMT Pure Country, GAC and CMT.com.

Of her latest creative work, Jonalee says, “This is a playful, uplifting CD that expresses women’s independence through love, work and play.”

As the album releases, Jonalee's schedule gets more hectic. September 2nd - Cleveland Indians' AAA team, the Columbus Clippers game features Jonalee singing the National Anthem on the jumbotron AND...the first 2010 people through the gates get a FREE copy of the Sugar CD. Jonalee is the Brand Ambassador for the new online jukebox outlet, Musicati.com. She plays the October 23rd CMJ 2010 Music Marathon & Film Festival at New York City's Ace Of Clubs. She's co-headlining the We’re America Tour with Cody McCarver that benefits Operation Troop Aid.

Born and raised in Erie, PA, Jonalee eventually made it south to Lexington, KY. She holds a Master's in School Counseling and now resides in Cincinnati.

 

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Miranda Lambert Gets Five CMA Nods

Miranda Lambert earned five CMA Award nods at yesterday’s (8/31) announcement of final nominees in select categories.

Justin Moore and Chris Young unveiled the nominees in seven categories this morning from the stage of the historic Ryman auditorium. Steel Magnolia announced finalists for the 2010 CMA Broadcast Award Personality and Radio Station of the Year, plus the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast Personality.

Final nominations are being revealed as part of a two-day, two-city announcement, with the second round coming tomorrow (9/1) morning courtesy of Lambert and Dierks Bentley on ABC’s Good Morning America at 8:30 AM.

This year’s 44th Annual Awards show tagged “Country Music’s Biggest Night” will be broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM ET) on ABC.

“The CMA Awards final nominations are the most anticipated annual announcements in Country Music,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “By making the announcements over two days, we hope to focus even more attention on all the deserving nominees and their accomplishments.”

CMA’s official radio partner, Premiere Radio Networks, will carry the Awards and Broadcast Award nominations live to Country Radio as they are announced each day.

2010 FINAL NOMINEES

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Bryan
Easton Corbin
Jerrod Niemann
Chris Young
Zac Brown Band

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
“A Little More Country Than That” — Easton Corbin; Producer: Carson Chamberlain (Mercury Nashville)
“Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins; Producer: Scott Hendricks (Reprise Records)
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum; Producers: Paul Worley, Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
“The House That Built Me” — Miranda Lambert; Producers: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke (Columbia Nashville)
“White Liar” — Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell, Wrucke (Columbia Nashville)

SONG OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“A Little More Country Than That” — Writers: Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble
“Need You Now” — Writers: Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Josh Kear
“The House That Built Me” — Writers: Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
“Toes” — Writers: Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Driskell Hopkins, Shawn Mullins
“White Liar” — Writers: Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Hillbilly Bone” — Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins; Director: Roman White
“Need You Now” — Lady Antebellum; Director: David McClister
“The House That Built Me” — Miranda Lambert; Director: Trey Fanjoy
“Water” — Brad Paisley; Director: Jim Shea
“White Liar” — Miranda Lambert; Director: Chris Hicky

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin — Steel Guitar
Dann Huff — Guitar
Brent Mason — Guitar
Mac McAnally — Guitar
Randy Scruggs — Guitar

Coming tomorrow morning
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Award goes to Artist and Producer)
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR (Award goes to each Artist)

 

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CMA’s 2010 Broadcast Awards Finalists

Final nominees for the nation’s top Country radio stations and broadcast personalities were delivered to Country Radio today (8/31), when Steel Magnolia revealed the 2010 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year finalists live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The announcements were carried live to Country radio stations by CMA’s official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks.

The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) and broadcast live by ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night” for a third year.

Click here to see the other nominees revealed this morning. Additional CMA Award final nominees will be announced tomorrow, Sept. 1 (8:30 AM/All time zones) on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

CMA BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
National
“The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – Jim Owens Entertainment and Premiere Radio Networks
“CMT’s Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“The Lia Show” (Lia Knight) – Dial Global

Major Market
“Ben & Matt Show” (Ben Campbell and Matt McAllister) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
Paul Schadt Morning Show” (Paul Schadt, Meg Butterly, and Geof Knight) – WKKT, Charlotte/Gastonia, N.C.; Rock Hill, S.C.
“The Laurie DeYoung Morning Show” (Laurie DeYoung) – WPOC, Baltimore, Md.
“Steve Austin” (Steve Austin) – WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
“Randy and Dave” (Randy Price and Dave McKay) – WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
“Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray in the Morning” (Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens) – WUSN, Chicago, Ill.

Large Market
“Bucky & Bob: The Talk of Austin” (Bucky Godbolt and Bob Cole) – KVET, Austin, Texas
“Karen, Scott and Radar in the Morning” (Karen Dalessandro, Scott Dolphin, and Tony “Radar” Hess) – WMIL, Milwaukee/Racine, Wis.
“The House Foundation” (Gerry House, Mike Bohan, Richard Falklen, Al Voecks, and Duncan Stewart) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
“Eddie Stubbs Show” (Eddie Stubbs) – WSM, Nashville, Tenn.
“Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Jeffrey “Maverick” Bolen, and Jason Statt) –WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio

Medium Market
“Mornings with Brian and Kellie” (Brian Pierce and Kellie Michaels) – KFDI, Wichita, Kan.
“The Kat 103 Morning Show with Steve Lundy, Gina, and Craig” (Steve Lundy, Gina Melton, and Craig Allen) – KXKT, Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
“Tom & Becky in the Morning” (Tom Owens and Becky Palmer) – WBBS, Syracuse, N.Y.
“Kevin Richards Show” (Kevin Richards) – WGNA, Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.
“Andy & Alison and the Morning Crew” (Andy Ritchie, Alison Mencer, and Jimmy Holt) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.

Small Market
“Scotty and Carissa in the Morning” (Scotty Cox and Carissa Loethen) – KCLR, Jefferson City, Mo.
“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene/Springfield, Ore.
“The Good Morning Guys” (Brian Gary, Todd Harding, and Susan Moore) – KUAD, Ft. Collins/Greeley, Colo.
“The Jess Wright Show” (Jess Wright and David Conrad) – WFRE, Hagerstown, Md.; Chambersburg/Waynesboro, Pa.
“The Dex and Mo Show” (Bill Poindexter and Melissa Turner) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.

CMA RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
Major Market
KEEY – Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
KWJJ – Portland, Ore.
WIL – St. Louis, Mo.
WSOC – Charlotte/Gastonia, N.C.; Rock Hill, S.C.
WYCD – Detroit, Mich.

Large Market
KAJA – San Antonio, Texas
KASE – Austin, Texas
KVET – Austin, Texas
WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
WTQR – Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, N.C.

Medium Market
KFDI – Wichita, Kan.
KXKT – Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
WBBS – Syracuse, N.Y.
WGNA – Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.
WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.

Small Market
KCLR –Jefferson City, Mo.
KUAD – Ft. Collins/Greeley, Colo.
WFRE – Hagerstown, Md.; Chambersburg/Waynesboro, Pa.
WGSQ – Cookeville, Tenn.
WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.

 

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