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Big Machine Label Group Celebrates 55th Annual CMA Awards

By on November 11, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Carly Pearce Takes Home First Win for Female Vocalist of the Year

Performances from Pearce with Ashley McBryde, Thomas Rhett + Presenters Florida Georgia Line, Lady A

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 10: <> at The Bell Tower on November 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group) Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Jake Basden, Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Tyler Rich, Ayron Jones, Badflower’s Joey Morrow, Heath Sanders, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar; Front Row – Midland’s Jess Carson, Midland’s Cameron Duddy, Callista Clark, Abbey Cone, Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi Spika Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Danielle Bradbery, Conner Smith, Tiera
 

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Winners Announced At “The 55th Annual CMA Awards”

By on November 11, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Luke Combs Receives the Top Honor of CMA Entertainer of the Year

Chris Stapleton Leads the Evening with Most Wins, Taking Home Four Awards

Watch the Night’s Performances on YouTube,
and Catch the Full Show Later Tonight on Hulu

NASHVILLE—“The 55th Annual CMA Awards” made a triumphant return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, delivering an emotional broadcast celebrating the very best in Country Music. Shining a light on a community like no other, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ was filled with groundbreaking performances, heartfelt speeches and surprise wins.

Luke Combs accepts the Entertainer of the Year Award at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Luke Combs, who performed his brand new single “Doin’ This,” received the night’s top honor of CMA Entertainer of the Year, a first for the artist. Sharing that he was at a loss for words, especially after hearing presenter Alan Jackson say his name, twice, Combs acknowledged all of this year’s artists in the category before saying, “I don’t deserve to win it, but I’m sure as hell glad that I did.”

Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson accept the Song of the Year award for “Starting Over” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville..

Chris Stapleton was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four wins for CMA Album, Single, Song and Male Vocalist of the Year, while also being recognized for his work as a producer on his album and single. In addition to Stapleton, producer Dave Cobb and mix engineer Vance Powell earned two awards for CMA Album and Single of the Year, while songwriter Mike Henderson earned a trophy for CMA Song of the Year.

Brothers Osborne perform “Younger Me” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Brothers Osborne won CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, as T.J. Osborne graciously took to the stage to proclaim, “It really does feel like love wins tonight.” Jimmie Allen, who performed “Freedom Was a Highway,” received CMA New Artist of the Year, tearfully taking the stage to share that five years ago, he spent his last $100 to purchase a ticket to attend “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” just to see his hero Charley Pride perform.

Chris Stapleton and Jennifer Hudson perform a medley of “Night Life” / “You are My Sunshine” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

In one of the most emotional acceptance speeches of the night, Carly Pearce was brought to tears upon winning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year for the first time, as fellow nominee Ashley McBryde helped her to the stage. Old Dominion continues their reign as CMA Vocal Group of the Year, having now won four years in a row.

Winners announced prior to the live broadcast include Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney, taking home trophies for both CMA Musical Event of the Year and CMA Music Video of the Year for their collaboration “half of my hometown.” The song was produced by Ballerini, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins, and the music video was directed by Patrick Tracy. Jenee Fleenor took home the trophy for CMA Musician of the Year. See below for the full list of this year’s winners.

“Country Music as an artform has always been about storytelling, and this year’s CMA Awards broadcast, from performances to acceptance speeches, featured an incredibly wide range of stories—deeply personal stories, unifying stories, and fun and lighthearted stories,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “That is what makes this genre truly special, and we are so proud to have provided a platform for all of the incredible artists featured on this year’s CMA Awards to share their authentic selves with viewers around the globe. There was something poetic about returning to our home at Bridgestone Arena this year, and I am positive that I am not alone in wanting to relive the evening’s many magical moments.”

Miranda Lambert, the most-nominated female in CMA Awards history, kicked off the night with a career-spanning retrospective of her greatest hits that brought the crowd to their feet as host Luke Bryan took the stage. After greeting his fellow nominees and friends seated at tables in the audience, Bryan was surprised by his “American Idol” co-judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, poking fun at his hosting abilities. Bryan later performed his new single “Up.”

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry present the Song of the Year award at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson captivated the audience with her first-ever CMA Awards performance of “Night Life,” a song originally written and recorded by Willie Nelson and later recorded by Aretha Franklin, followed by a show-stopping surprise duet with Stapleton of “You Are My Sunshine,” the Jimmie Davis-penned classic that both Franklin and Nelson also recorded. Stapleton also performed a stirring rendition of his song “Cold.”

Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer, and Madeline Edwards perform “Love My Hair” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards shared an empowering performance of Guyton’s new song “Love My Hair,” which received a standing ovation. The performance was introduced by 14-year-old activist Faith Fennidy, a young Black girl who, in 2018, left her 6th grade classroom in tears after school officials complained that her hairstyle violated school policy. Fennidy is now an inspiration behind the CROWN Act, created to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles

In one of the night’s most touching moments, Brothers Osborne took the stage to perform “Younger Me,” a reassuring message of hope and strength to the younger version of oneself. Following a cold introduction, T.J. Osborne, who in February of 2021 publicly came out as gay, spoke about watching the CMA Awards for years and thinking how incredible it would be to be on the stage speaking his truth despite feeling that it would never be possible because of his sexuality. “I just wish, I wish my younger me could see me now.”

In true CMA Awards fashion, artists delivered once-in-a-lifetime collaborations throughout the night. Pearce and McBryde performed their heartachingly beautiful duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” while Chris Young and Kane Brown brought the crowd to their feet with their chart-topping, smalltown ode “Famous Friends.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood delivered the world television premiere of their recent No. 1 hit “If I Didn’t Love You,” and Dierks Bentley welcomed BRELAND and HARDY on stage for “Beers On Me.”

Keith Urban took to the streets of downtown Nashville, performing his new single “Wild Hearts” while walking down Broadway into Bridgestone Arena. Eric Church brought his nostalgic song “Heart On Fire” to the CMA Awards stage. Blake Shelton performed his new single “Come Back as a Country Boy.” And Zac Brown Band delivered a unifying message with their song “Same Boat.”

Rounding out the evening, Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, and Thomas Rhett also delivered stellar performances for CMA Awards viewers.

Country artist Russell Dickerson, in partnership with Chevrolet, shared the inspirational story of Sarah Frei before inviting her to join him on stage to honor the CMA Foundation’s 30 Music Teachers of Excellence sitting in the audience. The moving segment brought the room to their feet.

Following is a complete list of winners from “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.”

“THE 55TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” WINNERS:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Luke Combs

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

“Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s)

“Starting Over”
Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Carly Pearce

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Chris Stapleton

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Old Dominion

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Brothers Osborne

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)

“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)

“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
Director: Patrick Tracy

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Jimmie Allen

About the CMA Awards
The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. ABC is the network home of the CMA Awards and CMA’s other two television properties, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas.”

All balloting is tabulated by the professional services organization, Deloitte.

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte & Touche LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see http://www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of Deloitte’s legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

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Country Star Morgan Wade Opens Up About Decision To Quit Drinking And More On Third Episode Of Spotify: Mic Check Podcast!

By on November 3, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Yesterday, Spotify released the latest episode of their new podcast series, “Spotify: Mic Check”- a series aimed at connecting listeners and fans with the world’s biggest creators. The podcast features exclusively intimate conversations with musicians and podcast creators from around the globe.

 

This week’s episode welcomes rising Country star Morgan Wade to the mic to share with listeners some of her personal stories, from her decision to quit drinking and the painful breakups that inspire her music to how her genre-bending vocal style has helped catapult her rise with country and rock fans. You can listen to the full episode here.

 

Available to stream for free exclusively on Spotify, please see below for interview highlights in the episode:

 

  • Morgan Wade on her earliest musical inspirations.
    • “My earliest inspiration for music was definitely Elvis Presley. I discovered him when I was about seven years old. I just thought he was the coolest thing I’d ever heard or seen. And he was so different from anything else I had ever laid my eyes on.

 

  • Morgan Wade on her journey from classical violinist to Country/Rock guitarist.
    • “I first picked up an instrument when I was about eight years old, classical violin. And I hated it — every minute of it. And my grandmother got me a guitar. I started playing that when I was probably 11 or 12 and I never performed before. I didn’t tell anybody; Hey, I’m writing songs. It was just something that I did for myself. And so, my first time actually playing out loud music with a band was when I was 19. It was my freshman year of college and I went through a breakup.”

 

  • Morgan Wade on the power of vulnerability.
    • “We all have parts of us that we don’t want the world to see, but if we could talk more about that. Everything from addiction, to mental health, we could not feel so alone. So I think that it’s less painful to be transparent, even though it is hard in a society that just wants the perfect stuff to show.”

 

  • Morgan Wade on her decision to quit drinking
    • “You know, I would not be sitting here talking to you right now if I didn’t quit drinking.  When I first started playing music, I wasn’t always getting paid, but 90 percent of the time, you had a bar tab. And so I really did start to take advantage of that. So that was really my first introduction to drinking.”

 

  • Morgan Wade on what inspires her to write.
    • “I write when I’m inspired or when I’m going through something and I try to write and come up with something every day. The other day, I sat down and I wrote three songs and they’re three songs I know I’m going to use. When something’s supposed to come to me, it comes to me and I try not to push it too hard. I don’t want to feel like a machine. That’s why my stuff can be as authentic as it is because I only write when I really feel something.”

 

  • Morgan Wade on how Spotify has helped fans discover her music.
    • “It’s just crazy because to see to get added to these different playlists and having people be like, Hey, I discovered you because of a Spotify playlist. It’s awesome. And, you know, people in Sweden are listening to my music. I’ve never been to Sweden, but there’s somebody over there that knows who I am.”

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Scott Hamilton & Friends’ Returns For Its 5th Annual Benefit Event From Bridgestone Arena On November 21

By on October 29, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Figure skating icon SCOTT HAMILTON will host an all-star night of music and skating performances as part of the 5th annual SCOTT HAMILTON & FRIENDS, live from Bridgestone Arena on November 21 (5 p.m. CT show time). Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com for the can’t-miss event to kick off Thanksgiving week, benefitting the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation. This year’s event will also be a tribute to busbee, the beloved Nashville songwriter, record producer, publisher, record label executive and multi-instrumentalist, who passed away in 2019 just months following his Glioblastoma diagnosis.

 

The family-friendly show will simultaneously feature live music and figure skating performances to some of busbee’s greatest hits, by the biggest names on stage and ice. The music stage will feature performances by 5x Grammy award-winning group LADY A, 12x Grammy award-winner and bestselling gospel artist of all time CECE WINANS, 4x Grammy award-winning group FOR KING & COUNTRY, and 3x Grammy nominated artist GRACE POTTER, with SIXWIRE as the house band. Additional musical guests to be announced.

 

World, National, and Olympic Champions will take to the ice for choreographed group and solo performances. Celebrated figure skaters for the 2021 show include 2x Olympic Champion KATIA GORDEEVA, Olympic Gold Medalist ILIA KULIK, Olympic Bronze Medalist KAETLYN OSMOND, Olympic Bronze Medalist JEFFREY BUTTLE, Olympic Bronze Medalist MEAGAN DUHAMEL with Olympic Silver Team Medalist DYLAN MOSCOVITCH, Olympic Bronze Team Medalist JEREMY ABBOTT, Olympic Bronze Team Medalist GRACIE GOLD, 3x World Medalists KAITLYN WEAVER and ANDREW POJE, 2x US National Champion ALISSA CZISNY, US National Champion RYAN BRADLEY. Social media sensation ELLADJ BALDÉ will make his event debut.

 

Tickets for reserved seating, starting at $30.95, are available at Bridgestone Arena Box Office and ticketmaster.com. Proceeds from the concert will fund Glioblastoma research through the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient.

 

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Trailblazing Country Music Legend Charley Pride Honored With The RIAA Lifetime Achievement Award At The National Museum Of African American Music

By on October 27, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

(L-R: Mitch Glazier – CEO & Chairman of RIAA, Michele Ballantyne – COO of RIAA, Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson – Vice President of Brands & Partnerships of National Museum of African American Music, Henry Beecher Hicks III – President & COO of National Museum of African American Music, Dion Pride – son of Charley Pride, Garth Brooks, Alice Randall – moderator for the evening, Jackie Jones – Vice President of Artists & Industry Relations of RIAA, Morna Willens – Chief Policy Officer of RIAA, Tori Weems – Director, Standards & Technology of RIAA; Photo Credit: Diana King)

(October 26, 2021 – Nashville, TN) Last night at the National Museum of African American Music, Country music legend and pioneering artist, Charley Pride, was honored with the RIAA Lifetime Achievement Award. Michele Ballantyne (COO of the RIAA) was on-hand to present the honor to Charley’s son, Dion Pride, and also to the National Museum of African American Music for display.

(Dion Pride & Garth Brooks; Photo Credit: Blue Rose Inc.)

“Charley Pride was an all-time great who opened doors and challenged us all to think harder about what makes country music – and all music – great.  We are so grateful to the National Museum of African American Music and the legendary Garth Brooks for coming together to present Charley’s family with his RIAA Lifetime Achievement Award.  As a Black woman who loves country music, it was a privilege to be part of this incredible moment.” – Michele Ballantyne (COO of the RIAA)

 

 

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Summer 2022 Tickets For Country Musical “May We All” On Sale This Friday (10/29)

By on October 25, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

PERFORMANCES BEGIN JUNE 7, 2022

AT TENNESSEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

IN NASHVILLE, TN
—
CO-PRODUCED BY BRIAN KELLEY +

FEATURES A COUNTRY MUSIC GUEST ARTIST AT EVERY SHOW IN THE ROLE OF “BAILEY STONE”
—
ANTICIPATED STARS SLATED TO APPEAR:

Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, BRELAND, Brian Kelley, Canaan Smith,

Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Chris Ruediger,

Cooper Alan, Danielle Bradbery, Jamie O’Neal, Lainey Wilson, Lindsay Ell, LOCASH,

Nick Fradiani, Scarlett Burke, Thomas Mac, Tigirlily, Trent Harmon, and many more!

NASHVILLE, TENN. (October 25, 2021) — “MAY WE ALL” save the date for Summer 2022, as Brian Kelley and his production company CuzBro Productions, in partnership with Lively McCabe Entertainment (Executive Producer Michael Barra), welcome the highly-anticipated Country musical to Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, TN. Making its world premiere engagement on June 7 – July 17, 2022, tickets for the “MAY WE ALL” performances go on sale to the general public beginning at 10 a.m. CT this Friday (10/29), via TPAC.org, by phone at 615-782-4040, or at the TPAC Box Office (505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN). For groups of 10 or more, call 615-782-4060.

Adding to the excitement of this can’t-miss multi-week event is the rotating lineup of Country music guest artists who will step into the role of “Bailey Stone.” The star-studded roster expected to perform includes Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, BRELAND, Brian Kelley, Canaan Smith, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Chris Ruediger, Cooper Alan, Danielle Bradbery, Jamie O’Neal, Lainey Wilson, Lindsay Ell, LOCASH, Nick Fradiani, Scarlett Burke, Thomas Mac, Tigirlily, Trent Harmon, and many more.

“I’ve been dreaming and scheming on a musical for a while now, and for ‘MAY WE ALL’ to debut in Nashville next June is so surreal. It wouldn’t be a Country music party without some special guests and surprises,” shares Brian Kelley. “I’m thrilled to welcome my friends and fellow artists to the cast, and can’t wait to see what each one brings to the character of ‘Bailey Stone.’”

Executive Producer Michael Barra adds, “From the very beginning, we created the role of ‘Bailey Stone’ to be played by a different guest artist at every performance in Nashville. We’re already blown away by the caliber of talent and are looking forward to making these special guest moments fun for both the artist and the audience.”

Kelley will appear on SiriusXM’s The Highway live tomorrow (10/26) morning to talk all things “MAY WE ALL” with host Storme Warren. “MAY WE ALL” is the story of Jenna Coates, a small-town girl whose big-city singing career is over before it even begins, and how she returns to the people and the places of her past to find a path to the future. But going home is never easy. A lot has changed in Harmony, TN, since Jenna left and not necessarily for the better. If Jenna and her hometown are going to dig themselves out of their current crises, they’re going to need each other. And they’re going to need music.

Complementing the storyline, “MAY WE ALL” features a must-hear score of fan-favorites from Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton, Florida Georgia Line, Jessica Andrews, Johnny Cash, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, LOCASH, Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw, The Chicks, and more. Debuting exclusively as part of the musical are two original songs co-written by FGL’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard.

“We are thrilled to host the world premiere of ‘MAY WE ALL’ at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville next summer, and to be a part of this exciting collaboration,” says Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “In Nashville, you never know who is going to appear on the many stages around town. With this impressive list of guest artists making each performance a one-of-kind experience, this engagement is no exception. It’s the perfect fit for Music City.”

Lively McCabe Entertainment and CuzBro Productions developed the stage musical in partnership with BMG. The previously announced developmental production of “MAY WE ALL” at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN, will proceed in January 2022.

“MAY WE ALL” features a book by Troy Britton Johnson, Todd Johnson, and Eric Pfeffinger, with arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer, and is directed by Shelley Butler. Joining the creative team is Geoffrey Ko (Music Director), Lauren Helpern (Scenic Design), Lex Liang (Costume Design), and Zach Blane (Lighting Design), with more to be revealed.

Earlier this year, the producers also confirmed that a film adaptation is in the works, directed by Andy Fickman (She’s the Man, Parental Guidance). Information on the production, cast, and creative team is coming soon.

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Brett Young Debuts “You Didn’t” On Live With Kelly & Ryan

By on October 13, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Courtesy of Live with Kelly and Ryan.

NASHVILLE, TN (October 12, 2021) – Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Brett Young appeared on LIVE with Kelly & Ryan this morning with a debut performance of his new single “You Didn’t.” Written by Young with Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, the “soulful album closer” (Music Row), officially arrives to Country radio on November 15. Watch his segment live from The Bluebird Café here.

Young is also celebrating PLATINUM certification of his familial song “Lady,” the No. 1 lead single from WEEKENDS LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THESE DAYS (BMLG Records). Up next, the 7x chart-topper will deliver his first-ever Christmas album — BRETT YOUNG & FRIENDS SING THE CHRISTMAS CLASSICS — on October 22. Enlisting an all-star lineup of collaborators including Colbie Caillat, Sam Fischer, Dan Huff, Darius Rucker, Maddie & Tae, Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham, the eight-song collection is available for pre-order here. Young will bring the album’s must-see duets to life on “CMT Crossroads Christmas: Brett Young & Friends.” More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound, aptly dubbed “Caliville” style. With an undeniable string of hits and two albums defined by a transcendent romantic spark, he has cemented his status as Country’s master over matters of the heart. The star broadened his emotional scope on WEEKENDS LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THESE DAYS following his GOLD-certified sophomore effort TICKET TO L.A., which debuted atop the Billboard Country Albums chart. Young’s PLATINUM self-titled debut dominated the Top 20 on the Country Albums chart for 37 weeks and has contributed to 5.5 billion streams globally. He was named ASCAP’s 2018 Country Songwriter-Artist of the Year for his “melodic craftsmanship” (Billboard) and has also garnered nominations from ACM, Billboard, Teen Choice, CMT and CMA Awards. Racking seven consecutive No. 1 hits, Rolling Stone deemed Young “one of country’s most consistent radio stars.”

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Alan Jackson Achieves Over Five-Billion Pandora Streams

By on October 13, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Photo ID (L-R): UMG Nashville VP Marketing Digital Accounts Annie Ortmeier, Pandora Head of Country Programming Jennifer Danielson, Pandora Senior Manager, Artist Marketing & Industry Relations Alina Thompson, Alan Jackson, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan Photo credit: Katie Kauss

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Nashville, TN) Alan Jackson has three decades of accolades and career achievements to his credit, but he’s still adding to them and breaking new ground as he does so.

 

Friday evening in Nashville – as he wrapped his 2021 tour schedule in front of a sellout crowd of 13,000 at the city’s Bridgestone Arena – Jackson was surprised with a plaque for garnering over 5-billion streams of his music on Pandora. The Pandora Billionaire plaque was presented by UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville VP Marketing/Digital Accounts Annie Ortmeier, Pandora’s Senior Manager Artist Marketing & Industry Relations Alina Thompson and Pandora’s Head of Country Programming Jen Danielson.

 

“Five billion streams? I wish Mama could’ve heard that,” the Country Music Hall of Famer noted from the stage. “She wouldn’t know what a stream is,” the ever-humble Jackson quipped with a smile.

 

In presenting the honor, Thompson noted the achievement was not Jackson’s alone. ““This is all thanks to your amazing fans who’ve chosen to stream your songs over 5-billion times.” Jackson will be added to Pandora’s Country Billionaires station as a result of the new achievement.

Photo credit: Katie Kauss

Jackson’s Nashville concert – which capped his 2021 touring schedule – was the icon’s first full-scale Music City concert in over four years. “For those who attended, these songs were more than just radio hits – they…mirrored the stories of their lives,” Billboard said of the event. The Tennessean dubbed the concert “a night to remember,” while Music Row noted, “Jackson commanded the Bridgestone stage with charisma and pride.”

 

“I just want to say ‘Thank you’ to people like y’all who have supported my music,” the entertainer said. “It’s been a crazy ride.”

 

 

ABOUT ALAN JACKSON:

A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and an inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson’s membership among music’s all-time greats is part of a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, 30 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.

 

The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide, ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time (rock, pop and country). He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 major music industry awards – including 19 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.

 

Jackson – one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music – just released his latest album, Where Have You Gone, in May. The 21-track collection, which topped the country album chart, features 15 songs penned solely by the music icon. He’s also the man behind one of Nashville’s most-popular tourist stops, AJ’s Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.

 

ABOUT PANDORA:

Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S.  Pandora provides consumers a uniquely-personalized music and podcast listening experience with its proprietary Music Genome Project® and Podcast Genome Project® technology.  Pandora is also the leading digital audio advertising platform in the U.S. Through its own Pandora service, its AdsWizz platform, and third party services, such as SoundCloud, the Company connects brands to the largest ad-supported streaming audio marketplace in the country. Pandora is available through its mobile app, the web, and integrations with more than 2,000 connected products.

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CMT to honor Mickey Guyton as “Breakout Artist of the Year” at 2021 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR

By on September 28, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

NASHVILLE – September 23, 2021 – CMT today announced Mickey Guyton will receive the “Breakout Artist of the Year” award and will perform at the 2021 “CMT Artists of the Year” event, airing LIVE from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Wednesday, October 13 at 9p/8c on CMT. This marks only the fourth time in event history this honor will be bestowed, with the GRAMMY-nominated Guyton joining the ranks of previous honorees Chris Stapleton (2015), Kelsea Ballerini (2016) and Ashley McBryde (2019).

 

“We are thrilled to honor the immensely talented Mickey Guyton as this year’s ‘Breakout Artist of the Year.’ After relentlessly chasing her dreams in country music for years, her perseverance, tenacity and spirit have culminated in this spectacular moment of recognition where she’s finally receiving the credit she deserves,” shared Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President, Music & Talent, CMT. “Congratulations Mickey! We look forward to celebrating with you, and all of our honorees on October 13th.”

Mickey Guyton made history as the first Black female solo artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination in a country category (Best Country Solo Performance) for “Black Like Me” which she performed as part of the awards ceremony. Mickey also co-hosted the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS along with Keith Urban in April. She is currently nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year and her debut album, Remember Her Name (out tomorrow, Sept. 24), features Guyton’s “unapologetic voice country music needs right now” (Paste) with songs including “What Are You Going To Tell Her?,”  hailed by Variety as “country music’s song of the year,” and “Black Like Me,” one of the Top 10 all-genre songs of 2020 by NPR, Billboard and Associated Press.

 

First named a CMT Next Women of Country in 2014, Guyton has a long-standing history with CMT. This past year, Guyton shined on the 2021 “CMT Music Awards” stage, pulling double duty with two unforgettable performances: “Cross Country” alongside rising star BRELAND and “Friendship Train” with the iconic Gladys Knight, plus also presented Linda Martell with this year’s CMT Equal Play Award. Last month, Guyton additionally delivered a captivating performance to celebrate the legacy of country music titan Charley Pride for “CMT GIANTS: Charley Pride.”

 

This year’s 2021 “CMT Artists of the Year” will return to its original format after adapting last year to honor some of the most vital and inspirational Americans on the frontlines of the pandemic. This year, Guyton will take the stage alongside previously announced 2021 honorees Chris Stapleton, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Combs and feature never-before-seen performances and collaborations and congratulatory moments. Musical pairings, special guests and additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

The 2021 “CMT Artists of the Year” is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux, Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin and Amy Lin Johnson. The Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino. Leslie Fram is Executive in Charge of Talent; Shanna Strassberg is Talent Producer.

 

For more information, visit AOTY. CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok, use hashtag #CMTAOTY and ‘like’ CMT Artists of the Year on Facebook.

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ACM Party For A Cause Adds Keith Urban To Star-Studded Line-Up

By on August 3, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

We are so excited to share that Keith Urban will be joining our star-studded ACM Party for a Cause lineup! As previously announced, Party for a Cause will be hosted by SiriusXM’s ‘The Highway’ host Storme Warren, with live performances by Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion and special guests, Tenille Townes, Trisha Yearwood and more to be announced. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, TN. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

The event will precede the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors celebration taking place on Wednesday, August 25 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, tickets for Academy of Country Music Honors are available HERE!

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