Monday, October 18, 2010

Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert to Perform Tribute to Loretta Lynn on 'The 44th Annual CMA Awards'

In celebration of Loretta Lynn's 50th anniversary in the music business, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert will perform together in a tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter on "The 44th Annual CMA Awards." Lambert and Crow will perform Lynn's classic signature song, "Coal Miner's Daughter."

Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, "The 44th Annual CMA Awards" airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Lambert, Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Underwood, Keith Urban, and the pairing of Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson.

Crow has received two CMA nominations thus far in her career. The first was in 2003 for Vocal Event of the Year for her duet with Kid Rock on "Picture." Her second nomination came in 2006 for Musical Event of the Year for her performance with Brooks & Dunn and Vince Gill on "Building Bridges." Crow's current album is 100 Miles From Memphis.

Lambert, the top nominee for 2010 with nine nominations, also achieved the most nominations of any female artist in CMA Awards history. She received nominations for Entertainer; Female Vocalist; Album for Revolution, produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke; two for Single, "The House That Built Me" and "White Liar"; Song for "White Liar," which she wrote with Natalie Hemby; Musical Event for "Bad Angel" with Bentley and Jamey Johnson; and two for Music Video of the Year for "The House That Built Me," directed by Trey Fanjoy, and "White Liar," directed by Chris Hicky.

In 1972, Lynn became the first woman to be voted CMA Entertainer of the Year. She has won a total of eight CMA Awards, including three wins as Female Vocalist (1967, 1972, 1973) and four consecutive wins with duet partner Conway Twitty for Vocal Duo of the Year (1972-1975). In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Lynn's first single "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl," Columbia Nashville will release Coal Miner's Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn on Nov. 9. The new album features performances of Lynn's classic songs by Crow, Jackson, Lambert, Reba, Underwood, and more artists from a variety of genres.

Tickets for the 2010 CMA Awards are on sale 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), Nashville. Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level. All ticket prices include sales tax, but exclude applicable service/handling fees. Purchase tickets early for best available seats. In 2009, the CMA Awards sold out in advance.

"The 44th Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevrolet, Proud Sponsor of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music.

Friday, October 15, 2010

PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT, Starring Katrina Elam and George Strait, Opens in Theaters Today in Select Markets

A young girl receives an amazing gift of song and becomes a country-music star – but finds it comes with a price in PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT, which opens today in select markets including Dallas, Houston, Nashville and Oklahoma City before opening wider.

PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT marks the film debut of acclaimed country music singer Katrina Elam, who stars alongside George Strait – reprising his performance in the 1992 hit Pure Country, whose multi-platinum soundtrack was the No. 1 country album that year. Director Christopher Cain, who also directed the original, co-wrote PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT with his son Dean Cain.

In PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT, three angels bestow the gift of song on the talented Bobbie Thomas (Elam); whose rise to fame and fortune takes a devastating turn that pushes her to learn the importance of faith in order to regain her talent. PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT is an Angry Monkey Entertainment and Roserock Films production, distributed by Warner Bros.

Country music enthusiasts and the legion of fans who made the first PURE COUNTRY a major hit can visit the film’s Facebook page; or the film’s official website at www.purecountry2thegift.com, where they can find local show times and more information about the movie’s release.

“George’s starring role in the first Pure Country was embraced by so many fans that I always knew at some point I wanted to revisit the world we created,” Christopher Cain said. “Katrina brings enormous talent, a fresh face and a unique voice to the heartland music setting of the movie. I hope longtime fans will find as much to love in this movie as they did in the first, and that new fans will discover what it means to be Pure Country.”

PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT is produced by Scott Duthie, Chris Cain and Hunt Lowry; executive produced by Lawrence Mortorff, Ben Horton, Phil Adams, Bryan Elliott, Ken Crain and James Tierney; and features original music by Steve Dorff, cinematography by Juan Ruiz Anchia and editing by Jack Hofstra. In addition to Elam and Strait, PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT stars Travis Fimmel, Michael McKean, Cheech Marin, Bronson Pinchot, Jackie Welch, Todd Truley, William Katt and Dean Cain.

The soundtrack to PURE COUNTRY 2: THE GIFT will be available in stores in early 2011 from Black River Entertainment to coincide with the picture’s release on DVD.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

GEORGE JONES TO APPEAR ON THE TODAY SHOW THIS THURSDAY, OCT 14TH 8 AM HOUR‏

GEORGE JONES TO APPEAR ON THE TODAY SHOW
THIS THURSDAY, OCT 14th 8 AM HOUR

Jones appears on talk show to support new book
My Country: 50 Musicians on God,
America & the Songs They Love

Country music has always played a huge role in the story of American culture, but never has country music—in all its forms—been more of-the-moment than right now. Capturing this moment is award-winning photographer, Melanie Dunea. For her new book, Dunea focuses her camera lens on the musical form most intrinsically linked to American identity- country music. In MY COUNTRY: 50 Musicians on God, America & The Songs They Love, Dunea explores the world of country music, from its gritty roots to today’s country-pop.

The book profiles 50 country music icons and includes Dunea’s stunning and highly imaginative portraits of each, shot in locations from the Grand Ole Opry to a decommissioned prison in Tennessee to the shores of the Caribbean. Alongside each portrait are a series of questions which explore the artist’s musical roots and inspirations, their defining moments, and what makes country music the heart and soul of America to them. The answers offer a revealing, highly personal look at these iconic subjects.
George Jones knew he wanted to be a country musician when he first heard Hank Williams on the radio. For Shelby Lynn there’s never been any other option: “No, that’s all I’ve ever done. It’s the most natural thing. It’s like breathing.”

Barbara Mandrell wishes she had written “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Rosanne Cash, “Hey Porter.”

Had they not been country singers, Little Jimmy Dickens would have been a jockey “not a disc jockey, just a jockey”; Dwight Yoakam would have been an industrial designer “My inclination is to design things, although I lack the formal training. I’ve always been a fan of Raymond Loewy and Coco Chanel.” Gretchen Wilson, a forensics expert and Crystal Gale would have joined the FBI.

When asked if he could thank god in person for one thing, the notorious David Allan Coe replied “I’m not sure that I believe in the God that you’re wanting me to think of.”

Kenny Chesney describes his ultimate musical experience: “A behind-closed-doors jam session in Jamaica with Bob Marley and the original Wailers…”
Also included in the book are playlists of each artists’ five favorite songs of all time—gathered together, for the first time ever.

Among the other musicians featured in MY COUNTRY are: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Wayne, Julianne Hough, Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Shelby Lynn, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, George Jones, plus many more.

About the Author:
Melanie Dunea has photographed the most influential and powerful people in the public eye. Her photographs are regularly published in magazines such as Town and Country, Vanity Fair, People, Gourmet, Newsweek, New York, Redbook and Ladies Home Journal. She is also the author of My Last Supper. Dunea resides in New York City.

JAMEY JOHNSON “THE GUITAR SONG” SPECIAL AIRING ON GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY (GAC)‏

Due to critical acclaim and popular demand, Jamey Johnson “The Guitar Song,” a one-hour special airing on Great American Country, will hit airwaves once again. Catch Jamey talk about the album, see the vinyl LP's getting pressed and watch interviews with several of country's biggest stars talk about his musical creation as well as Jamey’s writing and his unique contributions to today's country music.

Jamey Johnson's The Guitar Song will air at the following times...
Wednesday, 10/13 @ 10pm
Thursday, 10/14 @ 2am
Tuesday, 11/9 @ 9:30pm
Wednesday, 11/10 @ 1:30am
Wednesday, 11/17 @ 9:30pm
Thursday, 11/18 @ 1:30am
Wednesday, 12/1 @ 10:30pm
Thursday, 12/2 @ 2:30am & 10am

Monday, October 11, 2010

'Live at LongHorn' Challenges Aspiring Artists to 'Sing It Like Jake' for the Chance to Perform On-Stage With Country Music Star Jake Owen

LongHorn Steakhouse and its "Live at LongHorn" music program are giving one talented artist the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform live on-stage with country music star Jake Owen. The "Sing It Like Jake" contest kicks off Oct. 11, and the grand-prize winner will receive a trip to Nashville, a behind-the-scenes opportunity to travel with Jake on his tour bus from Nashville to Vero Beach, Fla., and the ultimate prize of performing live on-stage with Jake at his hometown concert at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach on Friday, Dec. 10.

To enter, contestants must upload a video of themselves singing one of Jake's songs on LongHorn's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/longhornsteakhouse) between Oct. 11 and Oct. 31. From Oct. 11 through Nov. 7, visitors to LongHorn's Facebook page can vote for their favorite video performances. On Nov. 9, the top 10 videos receiving the most votes will be named as "Sing It Like Jake" contest semi-finalists, receiving dinner for two at their local LongHorn Steakhouse and eligible for the grand prize. The grand-prize winner will be chosen by Jake Owen and a panel of judges and announced on LongHorn's Facebook page on Nov. 15.

"I remember what it was like dreaming of the opportunity to sing my heart out on stage, and I'm excited to partner with my friends at LongHorn Steakhouse to give one lucky fan that chance," Owen said. "Performing live on-stage with my band in front of thousands of fans is an amazing experience for me, and I can only imagine how amazing it will be for someone who doesn't get to do that on a nightly basis. I'll be proud to share that moment with our grand-prize winner."

"'Sing It Like Jake' continues Live at LongHorn's commitment to giving our guests meaningful, personal experiences with American country music artists who are authentic and genuine – values that are important to the LongHorn brand," said Shelly Welch, senior vice president of brand marketing for LongHorn Steakhouse. "This contest gives country music fans and aspiring artists the opportunity to showcase their talents for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform live on-stage with Jake Owen."

Contestants must be 21 years of age, a U.S. resident and have a registered Facebook account. Video submissions must be no longer than 30 seconds in length and a file smaller than 100 megabytes. For complete rules and video specifications, visit LongHorn's Facebook page.

Jake's Vero Beach concert is part of the annual "Mardy's Tennis & Jake's Music Fest," an event founded by ATP tennis pro Mardy Fish four years ago. The event benefits the Mardy Fish Foundation, which provides support for local youth organizations in the Vero Beach area, and the newly created Jake Owen Foundation, which benefits St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. For ticket information, call (866) 333-7623 or visit www.chevents.com.