Tag Archives: Luke Bryan

CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: CHRIS YOUNG

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Chris Young hits the Black Carpet at the 2010 CMA Awards in Nashville.

Like a handful of the other 2011 CMA Awards nominees (Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Steel Magnolia, Kelly Clarkson) Chris Young made his start on television. In 2006, he won the fourth season of the popular Country competition series, Nashville Star (USA), earning Young a deal with RCA Records in Nashville. While it’s easy to group him with so many budding artists who have broken out from reality TV, the past five years have set Chris Young apart as one of Country’s shining new talents. Young joins The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Thompson Square as a New Artist of the Year nominee – his second consecutive nomination in the category.

More about Chris Young

Growing up in Murfreesboro, Tenn. just 35 miles from the Country Music capital of the world, it seemed destined for Chris Young to wind up in Music City.  So it came as no surprise to friends and family when Young was declared the winner of Nashville Star in May 2006 and released his self-titled debut album shortly after. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and produced the Top-50 singles, “Drinkin’ Me Lonely” and “You’re Gonna Love Me.”

Chris Young’s sophomore album, The Man I Want to Be, was the start of many “firsts” for the Country newcomer.  It became Young’s first Gold-certified release and generated his first No. 1 single with “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” which also earned Young his first GRAMMY nomination in 2010.  The album also produced the hit singles “The Man I Want to Be” and “Voices” which both claimed the top spot on the Country Songs chart.

On July 12, 2011 Young released his third studio album on RCA Nashville, titled Neon. It sold over 70,000 units in its first week, peaking at No. 2 on the Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Top 200 all-genre chart. The album showcased Young’s clear talent as a songwriter, co-writing seven of the 10 tracks, including the No. 1 hit “Tomorrow” and the current single, “You.” Young has opened for Country superstars like Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton, as well as opening dates for fellow CMA Awards nominee, Jason Aldean, in October.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: LUKE BRYAN

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Luke Bryan on the Red Carpet at the 2009 CMA Awards.

Luke Bryan returns to the “45th Annual CMA Awards” in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 9 as a nominee for New Artist of the Year. Bryan, along with fellow nominee Chris Young, was previously nominated for the Award in 2010. No different from previous years, 2011 brings fierce competition in this category of rising stars, which also includes The Band Perry, Eric Church and Thompson Square.  While it might be easy to assume some friendly rivalries among the Country artists, Bryan was humbled by the nod and the opportunity to sit alongside his fellow nominees:

“These moments are life changing and I am very thankful to have this opportunity to represent the future of our format along with the other four nominees who I not only consider my peers, but my friends as well.”

More about Luke Bryan

Like so many young hopefuls before him, Luke Bryan moved to Nashville in 2001 with the dream of becoming a Country star. While it would be years before Bryan landed a record deal, he became a successful songwriter in his early career in Music City, writing cuts for artists like Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. In 2007 Bryan’s break finally came when he was signed with Capitol Nashville. His debut album, I’ll Stay Me, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and produced the single, “All My Friends Say,” which became Bryan’s first Top 5 hit.

Bryan’s sophomore release, Doin’ My Thing, hit stores on Oct. 9, 2009 and quickly turned Bryan into a chart topping success. While the album itself peaked at No. 2, Bryan’s hit singles “Rain Is a Good Thing” and “Someone Else Calling You Baby” claimed the top spot on the Country Songs chart, solidifying Bryan as one of Nashville’s most promising artists.

Now almost a decade after he made his way from small town Georgia to the Country Music capital known as Nashville, Luke Bryan’s star shines brighter than ever.  His newest album, Tailgates & Tanlines (August 2011), debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, selling over 145,000 units in its first week.  The albums lead-off single, “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” became Bryan’s best-selling single to date, with over 1 million digital downloads sold.  In September, Luke Bryan embarked on his “2011 Farm Tour” traveling the country to play beaches, farms, fields and fairgrounds. On Feb. 24, 2012 Bryan will open Jason Aldean’s highly anticipated show at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: ALABAMA

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Brad Paisley & Alabama on the set of their music video for "Old Alabama."

Throughout the 1980s Alabama collected an astonishing nine CMA Awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award three times (’82-’84.) 2011 earns the band nominations for Musical Event and Music Video of the Year for their collaboration with fellow nominee and co-host, Brad Paisley.  Their single, “Old Alabama,” was released in May 2011 and instantly shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Songs chart.  No stranger to No. 1 hits, after nearly 40 years in the business, Alabama continues to prove that success is not just for Country newcomers.

More about Alabama

Since the release of their first album (Wild Country) in 1976, Alabama has released 19 studio albums, two holiday albums, two Christian-Gospel albums, over 15 compilations and 64 singles – 32 of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Songs chart. They’ve sold over 73 million albums worldwide and earned dozens of awards, including two GRAMMYs.

Alabama wins Entertainer of the Year in 1982.

If the numbers don’t show it enough, then the music speaks for itself.  Alabama has given Country Music listeners some of the most treasured hits of their time, including classics like “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight,” “The Closer You Get,” “Song of the South” and “Jukebox in My Mind.” In 2005, the band was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

While their industry accolades and career longevity prove their legend-status, Alabama continues to win the hearts of fans through their generosity and continuous charitable efforts.  On June 14, 2011 Alabama hosted and headlined “BAMA Rising: A Benefit Concert for Alabama Tornado Recovery,” which raised money to aid the victims devastated by tornadoes in Alabama and surrounding southeast areas.  The benefit concert featured a number of Country stars, including fellow CMA Awards nominees, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride and Sara Evans. The event raised over $2 million for tornado recovery efforts.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: SUGARLAND

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Sugarland accepts Vocal Duo of the Year at the 2008 CMA Awards.

For a group that consists of only two people, Sugarland continuously proves that they don’t need a 10-piece band to captivate 20,000-plus crowds.  Since 2004 Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush have captured the hearts of Country Music fans with their musical chemistry, energetic stage presence and catchy hits. They have released four Platinum-certified albums and earned five No. 1 Country singles.   As reigning Vocal Duo of the Year winners, the pair is nominated again in 2011 for the CMA Award which they have claimed every year since 2007.

More about Sugarland

Sugarland’s first single, “Baby Girl,” is a telling story of the group’s musical beginnings in Georgia, where they played local bars around Atlanta and near-by towns, making a name for themselves in the early ‘00s singer/songwriter scene.  As the lead-off single to their debut album, Twice the Speed of Life, “Baby Girl” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and set a record for the highest-peaking debut single from a group in over 13 years.

Jennifer and Kristian perform "Settlin'" at the 2006 CMA Awards in Nashville.

Sugarland earned their first No. 1 hit with “Want To,” the lead single from their sophomore studio album, Enjoy the Ride.  The album produced three more singles, including “Stay,” for which Nettles won CMA’s Song of the Year in 2008 and a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Song in 2009. Their third album, Love on the Inside, not only featured Nettles and Bush as vocalists and musicians, but also as songwriters. The duo co-wrote all of the album’s 12 tracks, including their No. 1 hits, “All I Want to Do,” “Already Gone” and “It Happens.”

With 2011 drawing to a close, it’s clear that Sugarland has no intention of slowing down.  On Oct. 19, 2010 they released their fourth studio album, aptly titled The Incredible Machine, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts. Since then, the duo has released three singles, including the lead-off hit, “Stuck Like Glue.”  Sugarland began their “Incredible Machine Tour” in 2010 and will continue touring across the US until October 2011. The tour ranked No. 38 on Pollstar’s “Top 50 North American Tours (2010 Year End),” grossing $19 million.

The tour has featured openers such as Jake Owen, Julianne Hough, Randy Montana, Sara Bareilles, as well as fellow CMA Award nominees, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: RASCAL FLATTS

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The group performs "Why Wait," the lead single from current album NOTHING LIKE THIS, at the 2010 CMA Awards.

For Country trio Rascal Flatts, “The 45th Annual CMA Awards” (Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8|7c on ABC) nomination for Vocal Group of the Year marks the 10th consecutive year that they have received the honor and makes them eligible for their 7th potential win in the category. Rascal Flatts held the position for six years straight from 2003-2008. The band’s newest album, the Platinum-selling Nothing Like This, and their popular massive summer tour are just part of what have made the past year a huge success for Gary, Jay and Joe Don.

More About Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts accept Vocal Group of the Year in 2006.

This prolific trio has a penchant for turning out back-to-back No.1 singles and multi-Platinum albums. Of seven studio albums, the last six debuted at No.1, making them one of only four Country bands to achieve such a feat. With over 40 music industry awards to their credit — including 7 CMA Awards, this group’s history reads like one unbelievable success story.

Members Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, vocals), and Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, keyboard, piano, vocals) joined forces in 1999 and released their self-titled debut the next year — which sold more than 2 Million copies. Between their freshman album and their triple-Platinum sophomore release Melt (2002), Flatts scored eight top ten hits, including No.1 singles “These Days” and “Mayberry.” Every one of their next five albums debuted at No.1 with Platinum or higher certifications from the RIAA. In fact, both Feels Like Today (2004) and Me and My Gang (2006) attained certified Platinum status five times over, signaling sales of more than 5 million units for each title. With an aptitude for dominating multi-genre charts and producing numerous top ten crossover singles, Flatts has set a high standard for those hoping to enter the ranks of the musical elite. More importantly though, the trio has had a major influence in making Country Music a universal household genre, thus paving the way for other artists to reach new audiences.

20 million album sales and 25 million digital downloads into their career, the group is still surpassing industry milestones and looking for new ways to enthrall lifelong fans. In 2011, Rascal Flatts collaborated with pop sensation Justin Bieber on the single “That Should Be Me” whose video won them a 2011 CMT Music Award. “The Flatts Fest Tour” in summer 2011 earned them a nomination for Billboard’s fan-voted “Best Tour of the Year” Award. Having toured in the past with industry heavyweights like Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Luke Bryan and Sara Evans, to name a few,  Rascal Flatts’ concert ticket sales have surpassed the 6 million mark to date career to date. And Flatts enthusiasts still have a lot to look forward to for this group’s future. Lead vocalist LeVox speaks for the group when he says, “The goal is to continue to make amazing music together for at least the next ten years, because we honestly feel like we’re just getting started.”

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7 MILLION Country Fans ROCK ‘CMA Music Festival’ on ABC!

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You know it’s a party when 7 MILLION of your closest friends show up!

Thanks to the fans who watched the 2011 “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” on ABC Sunday night!  Y’all helped Country Music have a BIG SHOWING to a national TV audience.  In fact, with 7 MILLION viewers, last night’s telecast earned ABC its most viewers in the time period in five years!  That’s 7 MILLION fans who relived the excitement we experienced here in Nashville back in June, 7 MILLION fans who caught amazing performances by the likes of Trace Adkins, Alabama, Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Zac Brown Band!

Here are some of our favorite tweets from friends during the show:

  • @Opry: WOW @Lauren_Alaina w/ @MartinaMcBride & @ScottyMcCreery w/ @joshturnermusic together!
  • @GACtv: @taylorswift13 showing off some mad banjo skills on the CMA Music Fest: Country’s Night to Rock special on ABC tonight. #cmafest
  • @FollowCMT: I always want to go sit on a beach when I hear @ZacBrownBand. Who’s with me? #CMAfest
  • @JoeDonRooney: Thx so much to all you #CountryMusicFans for making #CMAfest such a #Success this year! #KeepOnRockin
  • @cmilove: I wish @kelly_clarkson would make a full country record. She’s got one of THE BEST voices in all of music. #cmafest
  • @adrianftaylor: love how @DierksBentley announced so many great artists #cmafest country music’s night to rock! CMA knows who the fave is to see! #Dierks
  • @LBTmusic: Loved singing with @rascalflatts on #cmafest… so cool.
  • @MusicRow: Country girls, are you shaking it? Luke Bryan sez so. #cmafest
  • @MartinaMcBride: Thanks 4 all the sweet comments re. One Night @ #CMAFest.
  • @manderho: Little Big Town makes everything sound that much better #CMAfest

So, what was your favorite performance or moment from the special?  We want to hear it.  Sound off below!

CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade: New Route, Debut Attractions, More Stars and Plenty of Excitement

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For five years, fans who didn’t want to wait for Thursday morning have begun the CMA Music Festival party one day early. The Festival’s Kick-Off Parade does that and more, with veteran and fast-rising new artists riding classic Chevy vehicles through the streets of Downtown Nashville.

This year, though, visitors can enjoy fresh perspectives on the action along a new route. From the corner of Second Avenue North and Church Street, the all-star procession winds two blocks past the restaurants and businesses that line Second Avenue and then turns right. From there, it rolls down Broadway toward an afternoon of great – and FREE – music at the Chevy Music Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza.

Following right behind a huge inflatable musical note, signifying the start of the Parade, Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee leads the way as Grand Marshal. Dozens of artists follow in an array of vehicles supplied by Carl Black Chevrolet and members of the Nashville Corvette Club. The lineup this year includes Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bo Bice, Ash Bowers, Carter Twins, Jeff Cook, Diana DeGarmo, Fast Ryde, Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, The Harters, Buddy Jewell, KingBilly, Jesse Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Jerrod Niemann, James Otto, Danielle Peck, Point of Grace, Marty Raybon, Pam Tillis, Trent Tomlinson and Chuck Wicks (artists participating subject to change).

Many favorites from past parades are back this year, from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the Nashville Sounds, Nashville Predators and Tennessee Titans mascots. But new participants will join the fun too, among them the Pryme Tyme Athletics cheerleaders, young members of the Nashville Children’s Theater, the Color Guard and Honor Guard from the Metro Nashville Police Department and more. In total, there are approximately 20 more units in this year’s Parade than in 2009, according Parade Coordinator Dell Courtney.

“Part of our task was to increase the efficiency of how the parade moved down the street, by making sure everything was in the right order and to make sure our volunteers are properly informed of what needed to be done and when it needed to be done,” said Courtney, who owns VisionWorks, a Louisville-based company that specializes in planning major events such as parades, festivals and trade shows. “Then we added elements to make the parade a little different – for example, we have a very strong patriotic element this year – without taking away from what the fans come to see, the artists in Corvettes and Silverado trucks.”

The Chevy vehicles, the Big Kenny, Luke Bryan and Wrangler/George Strait trucks, the Music City Drum & Bugle Corps, the rowdy Nashville Rollergirls and ever-civilized Geico Gecko and all their parade-mates hit the road at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, June 9.

Paisley & Underwood on TV; Shelton, Corbin & Gokey on shelves

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Jay Leno returned to NBC’s “The Tonight Show” last night and featured musical guest (not to mention 2010 CMA Fest rock star) Brad Paisley.  Did you catch it?  What’d you think?  (Check it: http://bit.ly/aAY2uL)

Carrie Underwood (also a CMA Fest superstar!) showed off her considerable acting and comedy chops on last night’s “How I Met Your Mother” on CBS, playing a woman who has “hooked” lead character Ted.  I thought she did an awesome job!  She was a natural.  Maybe she’ll follow in her fellow Okie Reba’s steps one day and have her own sitcom…  (Full episode: http://bit.ly/10Bwb)

There’s lots of great music coming out of the Music City, including this week’s batch:

  • Blake Shelton – Hillbilly Bone
  • Easton Corbin – Easton Corbin
  • Danny Gokey - My Best Days  (Side note: Danny came in to perform for the CMA staff last Monday, 2/22, and he blew us away.  What a powerful voice!)
  • Luke Bryan - Spring Break 2 (EP available exclusively at iTunes)

Other releases this month include Gary Allan‘s Get Off on the Pain (3/9), Alan Jackson‘s Freight Train (3/30) and Gretchen Wilson‘s I Got Your Country Right Here (3/30).

What’s on your shopping list?  Have you picked up any other recent releases?  What are your faves out there right now?  Let us hear it!

To Follow Cory: www.Twitter.com/ChappedMan