Twelve-time host, Reba McEntire, herself a recipient of no less that twelve ACM awards, will again grace the awards ceremony, a night typically filled with performances of the previous year’s top country songs. According to Orly Adelson, President of Dick Clark Productions and the Executive Producer of the ACM Awards, McEntire was a logical choice because, “no one does it better than Reba McEntire. She always brings spunk and personality to the show and we are honored to have the queen of country music back to host the Awards for the 12th time.”

Since its inception in 1964, the ACM Awards has honored the country music industry’s best musical talents for almost half a century. Previous winners include the music industry’s best and brightest stars- a who’s who of the country music scene for the past years. Its most prestigious award, The Artist of the Decade, has been given to country music heavyweights such as Marty Robbins (1960s), Loretta Lynn (1970s), Alabama (1980s), Garth Brooks (1990s), and George Strait (2000s). Another major award, Entertainer of the Year, have been given to the likes of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrel, Garth Brooks, and Brooks and Dunn, as well as newer artists such as Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and Carrie Underwood.

As reported in a country music blog, this year, fans also get to vote for the artists who will win in the three Top New Artist Categories. The nominees for this year’s new artist categories are Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson, and Chris Young for Top New Solo Vocalist; Bomshel, Joey + Rory, and Steel Magnolia for Top New Vocal Duo; and Eli Young Band, Gloriana, and The Lost Trailers for Top New Vocal Group.

Some of the artists that have already signed on to perform their hit country songs in what is expected to be a star-studded event include McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Rascal Flatts. Another special event which has been announced as part of the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards celebration this year is the all-star concert special, “ACM Presents” brooks and Dunn- The Lat Rodeo,” which will be taped the following night at the same venue. This show will later be aired over on CBS. This comes as a special tribute for Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, who together, became the best-selling duo in the history of country music. They will also be feted with the Milestone Award in recognition of their career achievements.

In a statement, Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music, explained why they chose to do the special. “Brooks & Dunn have defined country music for 20 years.” He added, “With this all-star concert tribute, the Academy is honored to recognize Kix and Ronnie for their contributions to the country music industry, fans and to all the artists they have helped get a break in this business.”

For many, the Grammy Awards Ceremony mean glitter, glamour, and a star-studded night of performers, presenters, and attendees gathered for the music industry’s biggest night. However, those who are the industry’s real legends, the ones who have achieved so much in their lifetimes, have already been feted with special citations in a quite ceremony which was also held in the same week as the awards show.

This year, reigning country music queen Loretta Lynn, has been given a special citation during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, which recognizes lifetime achievements in music. Although Lynn could not attend, her twin daughters Patsy and Peggy Lynn were on hand to receive the award for their mother, widely recognized as one of the best singer/songwriters of all time. “Peggy and I always said she didn’t open doors, she kicked them off the hinges,” said Patsy Lynn. This is her 50th year in country music, and it couldn’t have gotten started any better.”

Lynn, famous for her unique country music love songs and others that have a social and political message, has enjoyed a career spanning half a century of hit songs and albums, awards, and acclaim from both critics and fans alike. According to an established country music blog, her movie was even made into a movie, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. Born in a poor mining village in Butcher Hollow, KY, Lynn has had a less-privileged upbringing but that did not stop her from achieving greatness later in life.

When she was 13 years old, Lynn dropped out of the sixth grade to marry Oliver Doolittle Lynn, who was instrumental in introducing her to singing and songwriting. After hearing her sing lullabies to their children at night, Doolittle bought her a $17 guitar and encouraged her to sing, since he felt that Lynn was a better singer than the ones heard over the radio at that time. The rest, as we say it, is history. Today, Lynn is one of the most awarded artists and remains to be a gifted singer and songwriter to this day.

Like most artists her age, Lynn has had her share of ups and downs, and some of her experiences could be gleaned from songs that she wrote throughout her career. Her brand of country music love songs—and even those that are not—are admired for their authenticity, especially since Lynn is fond of singing in a traditional style. In 2004, as if to prove her staying power, she released her most critically acclaimed album to date, “Van Lear Rose,” which was the product of an unlikely collaboration with White Stripes front man Jack White. This album was nominated for five categories (Best Country Song for “Portland, Oregon” and “Miss Being Mrs.,” Best Female Country Vocal Performance “Miss Being Mrs.,” Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Portland, Oregon”). Of these, she won two awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

According to another country music blog, last year, Lynn went on tour simply because she thought it was “better than sitting on the couch and watching TV.” Clearly, Lynn has not lost her sense of humor and childlike enthusiasm; we can thus expect even better albums and some special country music love songs from this great artist in the coming days.

If there was one thing the country music artists who performed at the recent Grammy Awards proved through their performances, it is the fact that country music remains as a vital part of the American music industry through all these years. Performers such as Lady Antebellum and The Zac Brown Brand joined onstage by the legendary Leon Russell, as well as country singers Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles all represented the past, present, and future of country music, showing the world how much it has grown over the years.

First to take the stage was fast-rising band Lady Antebellum, known for their well written country love songs, who earlier won the award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, establishing their hold on the group category by wresting the award from fan favorites Brooks & Dunn and Rascal Flatts. Their rendition of their latest single “Need You Now,” from their latest album of the same title, wowed the audience because of their great vocal harmonies—one trademark country music is known for.

Next to perform were The Zac Brown Band who also won the Best New Artist Award over peers from other genres. It was such a great moment for the band especially since their win was announced by country singers Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert who were both heavyweights in the industry. In their performance, a mix of country, blues, rock and even reggae, the band announced their surprise guest, and out came Russell in front of the piano singing “Dixie Lullaby”, a collaboration he did with the band. The band also performed parts of their hit songs “America The Beautiful” and ended with “Chicken Fried.”

Underwood later took to the stage as part of the ensemble of singers who joined the 3D tribute to Michael Jackson. Another highlight of the awards show was when Sugarland’s Nettles came out on stage to do a duet with Jon Bon Jovi with the song “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Of course, the night would not have been complete if America’s reigning country sweetheart did not perform her latest country love songs. Swift also took to the stage and did her songs “Today Was A Fairytale,” “You Belong With Me,” and was later joined by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks for a duet of the band’s “Rhiannon.” Although Swift’s off-key singing was widely panned by critics the next day, her haul of four Grammy awards (Album Of The Year, Best Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Song, and Best Country Album) still validated this young country singer’s undeniable talent and panache.

Apart from the performers, other country singers also graced the event. Underwood and country great Randy Travis’ duet of Travis’ hit song “I Told You So” won an award as the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. In addition, bluegrass veteran Alison Krauss also made history by winning her 27th Grammy for her participation in the album “Yo Yo Ma & Friends: Songs of Joy & Peace.”

All in all, Nashville’s legends, superstars, and upcoming talents did the music community proud proving that country music is a genre to reckon with in next year’s Grammy Awards.

The buzz was all worth it especially when up and coming superstars such as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Sugarland and Darius Rucker, along with veterans George Strait, Tim McGraw, and Brooks & Dunn, gave the night some memorable performances that served as highlights of what was billed as “country music’s biggest night.”

Clearly, the year’s biggest winner was Taylor Swift who won four awards including Album of The Year (“Fearless”), Music Video of the Year (“Love Song”), Female Vocalist of the Year, and the much-coveted Entertainer of the Year Award which was awarded to fellow young artist Carrie Underwood a year ago. In her acceptance speech after receiving the Entertainer of the Year Award she said, “In this moment, everything that I have ever wanted just happened to me.” Swift was still reeling in disbelief backstage when she was interviewed by Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell saying, “I feel like I’m walking around in a dream right now, It’s… the CMA Awards and four awards? I can’t even believe that!”

Apart from Swift, the night’s big winners were vocal duo Sugarland who pulled an upset in the Vocal Duo of the Year category over sentimental favorite Brooks & Dunn who have announced their retirement this year. Another big surprise was Darius Rucker, former frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish, who won the New Artist of the Year Award, making history as the first black singer to have won this award for country music awards. Clearly surprised with his win, he thanked “the fans, thank y’all for accepting me. And most importantly, to country radio, you took a chance on a pop singer from Charleston, S.C., and God bless y’all for that.”

Popular group Lady Antebellum also walked off with two awards, Single of the Year (for “I Run to You”) and Vocal Group of the Year, beating out heavy favorites Rascal Flatts and the Zac Brown Band. In their acceptance speech Charles Kelley said, “Thank you so much for just letting us be up here and feel part of the community — the country music industry. You guys have been so supportive of us.”

Meanwhile, as predicted, Brad Paisley went on to win Male Vocalist of the Year in a category which included Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, George Strait, and Keith Urban as fellow nominees. Other winners include:  Jamey Johnson, Song of the Year (”In Color”) and Brad Paisley and Keith Urban, Musical Event of the Year (”Start a Band”).

In related news, ABC’s record-breaking ratings for that weekend were also boosted by the “In the Spotlight” special which aired before the awards ceremony. In the report, Robin Roberts interviewed stars including Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw.

The festival is set to start with an inaugural Burbs ‘n Bush Party wherein people of all ages can come on down to the Town Square and help open the festival with free concert featuring a great line up of country music artists followed by fireworks display at 7:30 in the evening.  This shall kick off the four-day festival featuring events such as the Songwriters Cafe, theBush Poets B’fast, the talent search, the Beaut Ute Show, the Urban Blaze Concert, the Bush Balladeers program, the Farewell Concert, and many more. Of course, the highlight of the festival will be the Main Concert on Saturday which will feature the best country stars in Australia for eight hours of non-stop country music.

Already, the list of artists set to perform for the main concert includes the best of what Australia has to offer. Headlining the event will be Troy Cassar-Daley and John Williamson who will be joined onstage by fellow Australian country music luminaries, Harmony James, Kasey Chambers, Amber Lawrence and Beccy Cole, to name a few.

Troy Cassar-Daley is well known throughout the Australian country music scene for his critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums including his most recent effort, “I Love This Place,” which was released last April. Cassar-Daley is currently touring sold-out venues around Australia in support of this album. He has 14 Golden Guitars and three ARIAs to accompany his wildly successful tour dates. Fellow headliner John Williamson is best known for his timeless tunes such as ‘‘Raining on the Rock,” “Mallee Boy,” “True Blue,” “Rip Rip Woodchip,” and “Cootamundra Wattle.” Throughout his illustrious career, Williamson has won Golden Guitars and other prestigious awards.

Meanwhile, the lady musicians will be ably represented by Harmony James and Amber Lawrence. James is the singer behind the two hit singles, “Somebody Stole My Horse” and “Tailwind,” which was the first Australian song ever to win the country category of the International Songwriting Competition. This year, Harmony released her first full-length studio album, also entitled “Tailwind.” On the other hand, Amber Lawrence is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has performed at all the major festivals across Australia. She recently won Song of the Year at the Australian Independent Country Music Awards for the single “The Mile.”

If you would like to watch these artists perform live, you may purchase tickets sold at $26.90 – $54.90 (Early Bird); $29.90 – $64.90 (Standard); and $35.00 – $70.00 (Sold at the gate). To purchase the tickets and view other event details, you may visit the country music blog  http://www.urbancountry.com.au/

This event which coincided with thanksgiving, was the culminating event of CNN’s quest to find people around the world whose efforts to alleviate specific problems in their society merited recognition and support. Of the record-number of nominees they received this year, Filipino Efren Peñaflorida won the prestigious award with his effort to provide alternative education to impoverished children in his country through pushcart classrooms. Peñaflorida, who was selected after seven weeks of online voting at CNN.com, garnered over 2.75 million votes to win the $100,000 award in behalf of his Dynamic Teen Company. Aside from this, he also received a $10,000 pledge from Wallis Annenberg, chairman of the board, and president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation who was also part of the Blue Ribbon Panel that selected the top 10 Heroes for this year.

Says CNN President Jim Walton, “This record number of nominations is further evidence of the momentum CNN Heroes has built in just a few short years.” He added, “Viewers have been engaged by these stories of inspiration and accomplishment beyond our expectations. It is truly an honor to be able to introduce the CNN Heroes to our global audience every year.”

The star-studded affair was attended by presenters such as Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Neil Patrick Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Randy Jackson, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Aside from Underwood, who performed an original orchestral arrangement of “Change” from her hit album, “Play On,” the other musical performances for the night were provided by Maxwell who sang “Help Somebody” from “BLACKsummers’night” and Grammy nominee Leona Lewis who performed “Happy,” from her second studio effort entitled “Echo.” Their performances collectively represented the spirit of the CNN Heroes campaign, which aims to give distinction and support to ordinary folks whose extraordinary efforts helped make a difference in their respective communities from countries as far as Iran, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, the Philippines and the US, among others.

Of the three performances however, it was Underwood’s finale number which perfectly summed up the night’s proceedings. The song’s lyrics talk about those “fools” who believe that they can make a difference and change the world with just a simple act. Its inspirational message of being able to bring change to someone’s life with just a small gesture and bringing hope to people who have none certainly evoked the kind of heroism exemplified by those who were being honored that night. Its bridge, “The world’s so big it could break your heart/And you just wanna help/Not sure where to start/So you close your eyes/Send up a prayer into the dark” perfectly captured the sentiments of the heroes being honored.

Susan Tucker, the show’s creator says, “It’s important to draw attention to the fact that, beyond the world of the major label artists, there is a whole other realm of artists; those that are out there making great music and working hard, all without the money and support of a major record label.” Tucker, of the Nashville-based Copeland Tucker Management has certainly made the right choice of venue where such an important event could be held.

Owned and managed by the Gaylord Entertainment Company, the legendary Wildhorse Saloon is a popular country/western-themed restaurant located right in the heart of Nashville—ground zero for the country music scene. With an extremely large dance floor, open bar, and spacious indoor concert atrium, this is certainly one of the premier venues in Nashville and is perfect  for a huge event such as “Country Indie.”

“Country Indie” is actually a series of monthly shows that shall be kicked off on December 15^th, 2009, with a concert to be headlined by Kim McLean and Sage Keffer. McLean, is of course, an award winning songwriter whose beautiful country love songs have been recorded by the likes of Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, and The Martins. Her music has also been featured on shows such as West Wing and Hope and Faith. Her “Angels and Eagles” duet with Ms. Dolly Parton, which is included in her CD, “Happy Face” won the Americana Song of the Year from the Just Plain Folk Awards. Meanwhile, Sage Keffer is a regular from the CMA Music Festival. Born in New Mexico and raised on the Colorado-Wyoming border, Keffer nabbed a voice scholarship at Lamont School of Music in Denver and continued to pursue a career in country music. Today, he is one of the most buzz-worthy recording artists from the Nashville scene. These two artists will perform in the inaugural concert, which shall be hosted by Nashville’s indie artist, Rachel Williams.

The monthly events will spotlight three top-level acts during each installment. Says Tucker, “There are so many great country singers & performers that country music fans would love to embrace, but they’re not getting the opportunity to know these artists for a number of reasons.” She further explains, “One of which is a lack of radio support. I’m hoping this series will help these hard working and talented artists further their careers.”

Tickets for the show, which will begin on December 15 at 7:00pm, are at $6.00. You may visit the following for more information and updates: www.wildhorsesaloon.com, myspace.com/countryindie, or facebook.com/countryindie.

•    Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the biggest winners in the 2009 Grammys when they swept all five categories they were nominated for, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Please Read the Letter.” Their album, Raising Sands, was a perfect merging of Krauss’ bluegrass roots and Plant’s classic-rock vibe. Their win over more “popular” acts such as Coldplay, Adele, and Leona Lewis made everyone sit up and have another look (or listen) to Americana music.
•    In the same night, King of Country George Strait won his first-ever Grammy after 30 years. He won Best Country Album for Troubadour.
•    Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” became the first single in the history to hit the top mark on the pop chart after crossing over from country on Billboard. This was just the beginning for the Tennessee native, as she seemed to be everywhere you turned in 2009—the country and music charts, Internet blogs and tabloids, retail stores, television, award shows, fashion shows, and soon movies. She ended the year with countless awards and recognitions from various award-giving bodies, most notable of which is the Entertainer of the Year award from the CMA and the Associated Press.
•    Still on Swift, what was supposed to be her most memorable moment last September at the VMAs was ruined when hiphop star Kanye West rudely interrupted her acceptance speech for Best Female Video. This stunt catapulted Swift’s fame higher into the stratosphere and ensured her place in America’s consciousness.
•    Country crooner Kenny Chesney sold more concert tickets than any other act in the decade, country or otherwise, according to industry tracker Pollstar. Bringing in $455.6 million at the gate, Chesney is the third highest-grossing artist of 2000-2009, coming after the Dave Matthews Band and Celine Dion. Meanwhile, according to Billboard magazine, Chesney was also this decade’s top 2 country act, which bases its ranking on sales figures recorded by Nielsen Soundscan.
•    Mary Ellin Travers, “Mary” in the famed folk trio “Peter, Paul, and Mary” died September 16 following a long struggle with leukemia. Several of the most popular songs from the folk music genre were recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary, including “Lemon Tree,” “Puff (The Magic Dragon),” “If I had a Hammer,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and “Blowin in the Wind.”
•    Former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rocker has made the successful crossover to country with the release of his platinum-selling album Learn to Live. He was the CMA’s Best New Artist of the Year, making him the first black artist to win a CMA since the 1980s.

This November, Joplin will be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University American Master’s Series through “Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music of Janis Joplin.” It is a fitting tribute and retrospective to the artist who has extended the genres of the blues, folk, and country. “Her impact on artists who are still on the scene today, her skill as a vocalist and her deep knowledge and use of roots music put her at the forefront,” states Lauren Onkey, Rock Hall’s vice president of education and public programs, who adds, “Janis influenced a lot of rock frontpersons, not just women.” In the 14-year history of the series, Joplin is only the second female honoree, coming after 2001 blues singer Bessie Smith.

For those who just don’t know what the fuss is all about with Janis, two of the classic tunes from Joplin include “Piece of my Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” One of her most popular songs, “Piece of My Heart” was not even a Joplin original. It was first recorded by Erma Franklin (Aretha’s older sister) but when Joplin performed it first with such intensity and heartache and the hard blues voice she has been known for, it certainly became hers and hers alone. Meanwhile, “Me and Bobby Mcgee” is a country-rock ballad from her posthumously released album “Pearl.”

“Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music of Janis Joplin,” a week-long tribute to the artist will be held at several venues and has started Monday, November 9. All of the scheduled events are free but you must get a reservation to be able to attend.

November 9 (Monday)- “Rock and Roll Night School: Spotlight on Janis Joplin”: a multimedia presentation

November 10 (Tuesday)- “Teachers Rock: Girls Rock!:” a documentary which forms the center for a seminar for educators and music teachers; and “Festival Express”: A movie on a 1970 Canadian tour featuring Joplin, the Band, the Grateful Dead, and others

November 11 (Wednesday)- “Hall of Fame Series: Jorma Kaukonen”: the guitarist from Jefferson Airplane will perform and look back on his encounters with Joplin

November 12 (Thursday)- “From Songwriters to Soundmen: John Byrne Cooke”: Joplin’s road manager muses on his time with the singer

November 13 (Friday)- Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel: Western swingers from Texas, Joplin’s home state, perform

November 14, (Saturday)- “Rock and Roll Retrospective”: Laura and Michael (Janis’ siblings), Country Joe McDonald, Jerry Ragovoy (”Piece of My Heart”), and others reflect on Joplin’s career and legacy during a conference; Tribute Concert: Guy Clark, Nona Hendryx, Lucinda Williams, and others perform at PlayhouseSquare’s State Theatre in Cleveland. Other guests include Ray Benson, Roky Erickson, Bettye LaVette, Country Joe McDonald, Bob Neuwirth, Gregg Rolie, Susan Tedeschi and Carolyn Wonderland.

For further information, you may check out http://rockhall.com/.

Garth Brooks, Album Cover

Few country music arts have had successful careers as Garth Brooks. His music and his influence over younger country artists have helped shape the genre for so many years. In 2001, Brooks, then the reigning king of country music, broke the hearts of his fans throughout the world when he announced his retirement from the scene to take time off to take care of his three children. In interviews, he has repeatedly mentioned that he will only return to the spotlight once he’s done raising his children.
Well that time came sooner than later.

In a move anticipated by the music industry for weeks, Brooks announced his plans to do a series of shows later this year. On October 15th of this year, Brooks made a joint announcement with Steve Wynn of the famous Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas, that he is set to do a series of shows to be held at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas starting this December. Quite fittingly, Brooks made this special announcement at a press conference at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, which was then followed by a second press conference at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel.

Wearing his trademark cowboy hat, Brooks announced the series of concerts that are scheduled to start on the 9th of December later this year. With this announcement, Garth now joins the ranks of famous artists who have also booked shows at the resort, including Celine Dion and Elton John, among others.

When asked about why he chose Brooks, Wynn said, “Everything about Garth’s performances—his artistry, the range of his voice and connection with his audience—is something that I haven’t seen since the Rat Pack.” He added, “I watched a man create instant love in real time, right before my eyes. Now we have the privilege at Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas to share this extraordinary, intimate experience with everyone.”

Although the full details of the financial agreement are undisclosed, it has been speculated that it could be one of the biggest yet, with Wynn even giving Brooks a private jet that he can regularly use to transfer from Oklahoma to Vegas.

At first, Brooks said he was reluctant to return to the scene until after he thought the time was right. However, he was convinced by Wynn who put together a special deal that will allow Brooks to perform in Las Vegas without compromising the promise he made to his family. Says Garth, “Steve Wynn has done what I thought was impossible. He has given me a chance to sing again for the people, while at the same time never missing a day with my children.” He further added, “I am naturally nervous, but it feels good to be out from under the low ceiling of ‘retirement’ I put on myself.”

Tickets for the special series of shows, pegged at $143, have gone on sale last October 24th of this year. For further details regarding the confirmed dates and schedule of performances, more information are available at the Wynn Las Vegas website at www.wynnlasvegas.com.