Joe Nichols Wins His First-Ever Songwriter Award
Joe Nichols, who last year won every new male vocalist award in the country genre, was honored last night for a different talent, songwriting. The Nichols-penned single "Cool To Be A Fool" was lauded as one of SESAC's most performed country songs of the past year.
"I came to Nashville to be a singer, and never really thought I'd be able to break into the world of songwriters in this town--there are just so many greats," Nichols says. "So to be recognized for my songwriting makes me incredibly proud." More...
The Grascals’ CD Single In Stores This Week
Fans of Rounder Records’ newest bluegrass signing, The Grascals, are now able to purchase their single, “Viva Las Vegas.” The bluegrass version of the Elvis Presley classic, performed as a duet with the legendary Dolly Parton, is available in stores on a commercial single that also includes “Me and John and Paul” from the group’s forthcoming self-titled Rounder debut, and an instrumental called “Sail Away Ladies.”
Until this week, the single was only available at concerts on Parton’s Hello, I’m Dolly tour, which The Grascals are opening.
“We realize that this is an opportunity so few new artists have, getting to open for Dolly and be seen and heard by her fans,” said Jamie Johnson, guitarist and vocalist for the group. “And we’re just thrilled by the response we’ve seen so far.”
The Grascals’ self-titled debut on Rounder Records will be released on February 8, 2005.
Gary Campbell To Ship New Single To Radio
Keep your eyes open for the upcoming release by Banner Records recording artist Gary Campbell. You’re the Reason Why, written by hit songwriters Byron Hill, John Rich (of Big and Rich), and Vicki McGehee, is shipping to radio in mid January 2005.
“It’s just what I had expected,” said label president/CEO John Anthony. “When I signed Gary to the label, there was no doubt he had a lot to offer. I was looking for a talented, determined, cooperative and caring artist and Gary filled those shoes perfectly.” After the ball drops and the New Year begins, Campbell will be busy preparing for a U.S. tour to support his new release. You’re the Reason Why will be added, along with a few other new tracks, to his current CD, Time, Love & Money. The new CD is scheduled to be in stores by mid-March.
Andy Griggs To Kick Off National "Toys For Tots" Campaign In D.C.
RCA's Andy Griggs is ready for a little rest and relaxation. After months on the road performing concerts, and visiting radio stations in support of his recent Top 5 hit, "She Thinks She Needs Me," and his newly-released album, This I Gotta See, a bit of downtime sounded perfect. However, a request to travel to the nation's capital to launch the national campaign for the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots drive pushed Andy's respite back a few days. But he's happy to lend his celebrity to the esteemed group that provides Christmas cheer to needy youngsters across the country.
Andy will perform for the many campaign supporters, including corporate sponsors, U.S. Marines and children, at the kick-off event to be held Friday, November 19.
Kenny Takes Fan-Voted AMA Artist of the Year Award CMA Entertainer of the Year Wins All-Genre T-Mobile Text-In Over Usher, Outkast, Norah Jones, Evanescence
The show was pretty far in -- and Kenny Chesney was certain there was no way a good ole boy from Luttrell, Tennessee could beat Usher or Outkast for the all-genre T-Mobile Text-In Artist of the Year. But when the message beeped, the winner wasn't Usher -- who'd dominated the evening, Outkast -- who'd picked up a couple awards or even Norah Jones or Evanescence.
Kenny Chesney, who'd just won his first Country Music Association Awards earlier this week with the top Entertainer of the Year and prestigious Album of the Year for his triple platinum When The Sun Goes Down, had just won his first ever American Music Award. Clearly in shock, the terminally chilled-out singer/songwriter looked into the balcony before offering, "I feel so honored. More...
Sara Evans' "Born To Fly" Certified Double Platinum
Recent Country Weekly cover girl Sara Evans has had a lot to celebrate lately. She delivered her third child, Audrey Elizabeth, just over four weeks ago, performed her #1 single (and video), "Suds in the Bucket," on the CMA Awards this past Tuesday, and her Born to Fly album has been certified double platinum.
The woman Billboard calls "country's next female superstar" co-produced the collection, which generated Top 5 hits such as the title track, "I Could Not Ask For More," and "I Keep Looking." She also won a CMA Award for the "Born to Fly" video. More...