Keith Urban Set To Complete Yearlong Tour
After performing over a year of sold-out arena shows on his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour,” Keith Urban returned to Australia where he performed before thousands at the Byron Bay East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Point Nepean “A Music Experience” Music Festival, and Tasmania Southern Roots Festival. On a brief stint that began on March 20th in Byron Bay, Urban not only performed at the Blues & Roots Festival alongside Patty Griffin and Wilco, but he even joined fellow Australian John Butler and rock n’ roll legend John Fogerty onstage at the Point Nepean “A Music Experience” Music Festival, before playing two shows at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. Urban is now set to return to the U.S. on April 9th for the final leg of his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy Carnival Ride Tour,” where he will complete more than a year of touring in Lexington, Kentucky on April 26th.
Performing before 16,000 at the Byron Bay East Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Keith sat in with platinum-selling Australian artist John Butler on his song “Funky Tonight.” It marked a reunion of sorts for Urban, who reunited with his countryman to perform the song at last year’s ARIA (Australian Records Industry Association) Awards. Urban also lent his guitar skills to music legend and former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman, John Fogerty, at the Point Nepean “A Music Experience” Festival in Melbourne. The two first met nearly three years ago when taping a CMT Crossroads episode. Urban and Fogerty performed “Broken Down Cowboy,” a new song from Fogerty’s latest release.
Six countries, three continents and over a year have seen Keith’s “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour” soar musically, and has been hailed by countless journalists as the “concert event,” “an experience to witness,” and “one not to miss.” Keith will wrap up his tour in Lexington, Kentucky on April 26th.
CMA Songwriters Series Returns To Joe's Pub In 2008
NASHVILLE — Since its debut in 2005, the CMA Songwriters Series at Joe's Pub has established itself as one of New York City's most popular and intimate nights of music. Due to popular demand, the series is back for a fourth year to highlight Nashville's internationally-renowned songwriters.
"Since its inception, the CMA Songwriters Series has been a tremendous success," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. "Contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are an enthusiastic audience for Country Music. The intimacy of Joe's Pub makes it the perfect venue to hear Nashville's songwriters perform their hits."
The 2008 series will begin Saturday, May 17 (7:00 and 9:30 PM/ET) with songwriting stars of "The Hitmen of Music Row," a television series for Great American Country (GAC). Bob DiPiero ("Blue Clear Sky" recorded by George Strait and "Take Me As I Am" recorded by Faith Hill), Tony Mullins ("How Forever Feels" recorded by Kenny Chesney and "Something's Gotta Give" recorded by LeAnn Rimes), Jeffrey Steele ("What Hurts the Most" recorded by Rascal Flatts and "Somethin' To Be Proud Of" recorded by Montgomery Gentry), and Craig Wiseman ("Live Like You Were Dying" recorded by Tim McGraw and "Believe" recorded by Brooks & Dunn) will perform from their catalog of hits as well as offer insight into the stories behind the songs.
Additional CMA Songwriters Series performances are scheduled for July 17 and October 29 and 30 (6:30 and 9:30 PM/ET). Others will be announced soon.
"Joe's Pub is extremely thrilled to have the Country Music Association back this year as not only part of our regular season, but also as part of our 10th year anniversary celebration that will begin in September," exclaimed Kevin Abbott, General Manager of Joe's Pub. "Over the past 10 years our intimate stage has been graced by some of the greatest performers of our time, and the CMA songwriters are among the most respected and talented we have had. We are honored to consider the CMA team as part of our Joe's Pub family and we are committed to showcasing the talent of Nashville's songwriters to the New York audience."
Tickets for the May 17 CMA Songwriters Series at Joe's Pub are $25 each. For information about Joe's Pub or to order tickets, visit www.joespub.com or call (212) 967-7555 between the hours of 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM/ET. Joe's Pub is located at 425 Lafayette St. in New York City. Official sponsors for the CMA Songwriters Series include American Airlines, ASCAP, BMI and Great American Country (GAC). American Airlines is the official airline of the CMA Songwriter Series.
Sister Hazel To Release Live Acoustic Album In June
Gainesville, Florida five-piece Sister Hazel will be releasing a live acoustic album on June 17th. Entitled “Before The Amplifiers, Live Acoustic,” the record features sixteen tracks (see full track listing below), including the band’s hits, fan favorites, and live concert staples, all in a stripped-down, acoustic format. The album was recorded on January 12th at Nickel and Dime Studios in Atlanta (other bands who have recorded there in the past include Indigo Girls, The B-52’s, Shawn Mullins) in front of 100 lucky fans who were chosen at random from over five thousand entries. Family and friends of the band were also in attendance. “Before The Amplifiers” is the perfect collection for both the hardcore band fans (a.k.a. Hazelnuts) and for listeners just discovering the band for the first time.
Says band lead singer Ken Block: “One of my favorite things about our band is that we have always appreciated breaking it down just as much as we love to crank it up. The fans have always connected with the acoustic sets and enjoy the acoustic moments at our bigger shows. They've been asking us to do an acoustic record for as long as we've been a band. We felt like we were in the perfect space to capture an acoustic evening and it turned out great. There are a lot of different sounds and several alternate arrangements that were a blast to play. Acoustic versions really get their power from musical subtleties, the lyricism and the naked harmonies. That's where the intimacy really shines.”
Tracks on the album include:
1) Champagne High
2) Hold On
3) Shame
4) All For You
5) Your Winter
6) World Inside My Head
7) Strange Cup Of Tea
8) Mandolin Moon
9) Just Remember
10) Come Around
11) Swan Dive
12) Happy
13) This Kind Of Love
14) Starfish
15) Change Your Mind
16) Feel It
As per usual, the band will be touring heavily leading up to and in support of “Before The Amplifiers,” with a number of summer festivals already on the itinerary. As a group that values fan input and feedback a great deal, the band will be holding their annual Hazelnut Hang again, scheduled for May 30th – June 1st in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. This weekend of performances, interaction and conversation allows fans an opportunity to connect with the band members on a personal level.
Sister Hazel has sold over two million albums and co-founded the Rock Boat (www.therockboat.com), the world's largest floating music festival, with Sixthman in 2001, which they also host annually. In 2001, the band established the charity, Lyrics for Life, which benefits children with cancer. Sister Hazel is: Ken Block (vocals, acoustic guitar), Drew Copeland (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ryan Newell (lead guitar), Jett Beres (bass), Mark Trojanowski (drums). The band can be found online at www.sisterhazel.com and www.myspace.com/sisterhazel.
Katie Armiger Featured on AOL Music
AOL Music’s ‘Country Corner’ is featuring Katie Armiger as the ‘New Face’ of country music this week. Starting today fans can log onto http://music.aol.com/countrycorner to check out Katie’s latest video for her single “Make Me Believe” as well as read a small write up on the 16 year old Sugar Land, TX native, who AOL compares to the likes of a young Martina McBride.
In the write up AOL states why Katie has become such a big hit with country music fans: “Listen to her latest single,' Make Me Believe,' and you'll have a hard time believing this songbird is only 16-years-old! Katie's mature voice and introspective songwriting transcend her young years, as heard on her eponymous debut album.”
AOL launched Country Corner last month as a way of getting country music fans up to date news on fan favorites as well as introduce them to up and coming new artists. Katie joins the list of Luke Bryan, Ashton Shepherd, and Chuck Wicks who have all been spotlighted as New Faces, a weekly feature of brand new artists. Country Corner has already gotten close to 5 million hits since its inception.
Katie recently went back into the studio to begin work on her second album, which is set to be released this June on Cold River Records. Katie has had a hand in writing all of the music on the album and has teamed up with some of Nashville’s new wave of songwriters from her close friend Ashlee Hewitt of the Hewitt Sisters, to Jonathan Lawson of Tin Cup Gypsy, to the well known Rebecca Lynn Howard. Fans will get to hear a different side to Katie on the new album with a little bit of edge that has come from a year on the road. But in true country form Katie has made sure to stay true to her roots as well as her age with down to earth, lighthearted music that will have fans in awe of what is possible from this 16 year old.
For more information on Katie Armiger please visit www.katiearmiger.com.
George Strait's Troubadour Debuts At #1 on Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums Chart
The “King of Country Music’s” 37th album, Troubadour, debuted at #1 today on the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the third time in Strait’s career that a new album has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 11th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart.
Currently, George Strait has 32 platinum albums (13 of which are multi-platinum). The only recording artists with more RIAA certified platinum albums are The Beatles with 39 and Elvis Presley with 45.
Below are album cut-by-cut audio links from George Strait himself talking about TROUBADOUR.
1) “Troubadour”
2) “It Was Me”
4) “River Of Love” (No cut-by-cut yet...)
Chart-topper Jack Ingram Becomes First Country Music Artist To Partner With NIKE For NIKE + Workout Series
Nike Sport Music:
Jack Ingram: Endurance Express Coaching Mix
Available on iTunes Now!
Ingram becomes the first country artist chosen for the Nike+ Workout series
Nike Sport Music has release Jack Ingram's top 5th album, THIS IS IT, via iTunes. Nike+ has sequenced Ingram's THIS IS IT collection for the ideal workout, complete with voice-over instruction from Ingram himself. The workout will be branded as "Jack Ingram's Endurance Express."
Ingram's "Endurance Express" will be tailored to the stamina-training athletic fan. Ingram will take listeners through one of his 4-mile training runs - just like the ones he does in pre-show to get revved up for his energetic concert performances. While learning how to regulate pace and boost stamina, the listener will gradually increase run speeds from a 9-minute per mile warm-up pace to a 7-minute per mile clip. Whether running faster or slower, the listener will be able to follow Ingram's clear, encouraging direction in order to work toward his/her goal pace.
"I love to run," proclaims Ingram. "It helps keep me fit. It helps inspire songs. It helps me to figure out what's going on in my world. With a family and work that keep me going at a very fast pace throughout my day, running provides me with the time that I can't seem to carve out on my own to find the silence and solace that I need to be productive."
Ingram's soulful, up-tempo music walks the line between country and rock and roll, laying down a steady soundtrack for pace running. Hit singles "Wherever You Are" and "Love You" from his latest album This Is It, propel you through this 35-minute workout. As you tick off the miles, Ingram keeps you motivated and entertained with his wry, straight-talking instruction.
Jack Ingram's Track List:
01) Maybe She'll Get Lonely (3:22)
02) Lips of an Angel (3:13)
03) Hold On (3:57)
04) All I Can Do (3:08)
05) Measure of a Man (3:17)
06) Great Divide (4:13)
07) Wherever You Are (3:36)
08) I Don't Want to Hurt (3:32)
09) Love You (2:43)
10) Easy as 1, 2, 3, Pt. 2 (2:42)
11) Maybe She'll Get Lonely (2:45)
Consumers can purchase the Jack Ingram: Endurance Express Coaching Mix at the Apple iTunes Music Store for $9.99.
iTunes Store Link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=274168125&s=143441
Nike+ Coaching Mixes feature today's hottest music with voiceover instruction from Nike coaches and fitness trainers that present exclusive coaching and training mixes to enhance the running experience.
Album purchase includes the continuous mix workout, individual song tracks and a digital booklet, in which Ingram-in true storyteller fashion-shares the tale of how he started running and how it helps fuel his creativity.
Riders In The Sky are Honored with the "Cowboy Spirit Award" at the 2008 National Festival of the West
Every year the National Festival of the West presents the "Cowboy Spirit Award" to recognize those men and women who have set the example of Western heroes with the integrity, strength of spirit, and moral character depicted by the American Cowboy. From its inception in 1992 when Dale Evans, "Queen of the West," and Patsy Montana, "America's No. 1 Cowboy Sweetheart," received their bronzes, this star-studded presentation ceremony was destined to become the high point of the National Festival of the West. Since that time, thousands of visitors have witnessed and become an integral part of the presentation ceremony. “America’s Favorite Cowboys” Riders In The Sky, and legendary actor John Wayne, were the recipients for 2008.
(Photo caption: Photography by Lori Faith Merritt, copyright 2008. Holding the award is Mary Brown, director and creator of the National Festival of the West.)
Heidi Newfield Makes Her Solo Debut with "Johnny And June"
NASHVILLE, TN — Heidi Newfield, possessing one of country music’s most distinctive voices, is once again impacting country radio with her debut single as a solo artist, “Johnny And June.” Landing at #46 on the R&R chart and #50 on the Mediabase chart today, “Johnny And June” is the lead single from Newfield’s yet-to-be-titled debut solo album on Curb/Asylum Records, scheduled for a summer 2008 release. Produced by Tony Brown, the forthcoming album showcases Newfield’s soulful, powerful vocals and immense songwriting talent. “With Heidi, we knew the first [single] was going to set the bar for what radio thinks about her going solo. We knew it had to be undeniable, and that’s what it became,” states Brown.
As a songwriter, Newfield is credited on 6 of the album’s 10 songs, including “Johnny And June,” which she co-wrote with Stephony Smith and Deanna Bryant. “I have always loved Heidi's voice and when we wrote ‘Johnny & June,’ I totally flipped out over how that voice sounded with this song! I thought it was a match made in heaven,” states Bryant. “This was special from the get-go for me, and I can't tell you how excited I was as a songwriter to be a part of that. It is what a songwriter's dreams are made of.”
A true performer with an explosive stage persona, Newfield is set to kick off her first-ever solo tour with an appearance at Country Thunder in Florence, Arizona on April 20th. She will also play Tampa on April 26th as well as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on April 27th as part of the 10th annual “Jammin’ to Beat The Blues” concert benefitting the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee. The forthcoming album and tour marks Newfield’s first foray into solo territory since her departure from Trick Pony, the platinum-selling band that earned four top 20 singles, an ACM Best New Artist award, and an army of fans for their rabble-rousing honky-tonk brand of country music.
"Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids" Bowling Bash
NASHVILLE, TN — This year’s fourth annual “Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids” bowling bash will be held on Monday, June 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hermitage Lanes in Hermitage, TN just outside of Nashville.
For the past three years, the charity event has been a major success. The bowling extravaganza, scheduled just in time for the CMA Music Festival, has been sold out every year since being established and has raised more than $70,000 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. With the Lonestar guys gearing up for their fourth run in the lanes, they haven’t lost any passion about participating in the event.
“Every year it feels like it’s something totally new,” says Lonestar’s keyboardist Dean Sams. “There are always new fans and artists that come out and play that gives each year a fresh feel… not to mention the cause… it’s something we want to keep doing for years to come.”
Other artists currently scheduled to join Lonestar at the bash include, Trent Tomlinson, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, American Idol’s Bo Bice and Diana DeGarmo, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen, Jamie O’Neal, Darryl Worley, Chuck Wicks, Bryan White, Chris Young, Ty Herndon, Heidi Newfield and Crystal Shawanda.
Tickets are $30.00 and may be purchased by check or money order. The ticket reservation form will be available online April 8 at www.countrycares.org. Tickets include admission to the event, dinner at the Hermitage Lanes and inclusion in the random drawing for a chance to play on one of the celebrity bowling teams. For each artist in attendance, four lucky fans will be drawn at random to play in the games with their favorite country music stars.
The “Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids” bowling bash is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. (CST) with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. (CST).
More artists to be announced soon…stay tuned!!!
2nd annual Country Weekly Fashion Show presented by Wrangler set for June 4th
NASHVILLE, TN — The 2nd annual Country Weekly Fashion Show presented by Wrangler will take place at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, June 4th at 8 PM. This one-of-a-kind fashion event, where today’s hottest country stars take over the runway, benefits Musicians On Call.
“Country Weekly couldn’t be more excited to bring a unique event back again for our 2nd year!,” declares Shane Tarleton, Country Weekly’s Fashion and Beauty Editor. “We’re bringing the stars closer to the fans in a fashion they won’t get anyplace else. From living legends to today’s hottest new stars, our fashion show will have ‘em all!”
Participating artists and hosts will be announced in the coming weeks!
About Musicians On Call:
Musicians on Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Musicians On Call continues its mission through room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities, and its CD Pharmacy and Project Playback programs.
MOC opened its first national chapter in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2007. In less than a year, we have played for over 3,000 people at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We have three weekly programs where volunteer guides and musicians visit adults in the Transplant, Dialysis, General Surgery, and Cardiac Units. For more information, please visit our website at www.musiciansoncall.org
About Wrangler:
Wrangler Western Wear, a VF Company, is available at over 2,500 western specialty, mid-tier and workwear stores nationwide that provide quality men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. For more information regarding the Wrangler family of products or to locate the Wrangler retailer nearest you, visit www.wrangler.com or call 1.888.784.8571.
VF Corporation is a leader in branded lifestyle apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, image apparel and sportswear. Its principal brands include Wrangler, Lee, Riders, Rustler, The North Face, Vans, Reef, Napapijri, Kipling, Nautica, John Varvatos, JanSport, Eastpak, Eagle Creek, Lee Sport and Red Kap.
About Country Weekly:
As America’s premier country entertainment magazine, over 3.5 million readers turn to Country Weekly for the latest news and exclusive stories about the lives, lifestyles, families, homes, favorite foods, fashion and music of country celebrities. Country Weekly is published 26 times a year by parent company American Media, Inc. www.countryweekly.com
Renee Grant-Williams Introduces Master Class Panelists And Judges
NASHVILLE, TN — Renee Grant-Williams, renowned vocal coach to some of the most sensational performers across the country, has announced the panelists and judges who will lend their time and talents to participate in her 10th Annual Vocal Master Class scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at Nashville’s SIR (Studio Instrument Rentals) rehearsal facility.
The 2008 class discussion, “10 Career-Busting Mistakes Every Singer Should Avoid,” will enable the participants to pinpoint, identify and avoid some of the most common mistakes made by entertainers and performing artists. The daytime educational assembly (9:00AM-5:00PM) will highlight training techniques with hands-on instruction provided by Grant-Williams personally. Students will also be offered instruction to become better vocalists as well and an education surrounding the “business of conducting business” as a career entertainer or performer.
Industry professionals slated to head-up the daytime instruction schedule include: Industry vet, Tara Austin (formerly of Warner/Chappell Music and currently A&R/Projects Manager for Equity Music Group); Michael Knox--Former executive for Warner/Chappell Music (1992 – 2002), Knox has left his stamp on more than 150 million records. He has proven himself to be one of Nashville's most original business minds and one of its most successful talent groomers; Bob Saporiti--(former Senior Vice President of Marketing, Warner Bros./Reprise Records, Nashville) who is one of the most respected members of the country music sector and an extraordinary entertainer in his own right.
At the close of the day, class attendees will be afforded the opportunity to demonstrate what they learned throughout the course as a performer in the Evening Performance Showcase (to be held from 7:00PM-11:00PM) wherein an esteemed team of music industry professionals will offer each participant a written critique of their performance. The Evening Performance Showcase judges are:
Clyde Brooks
A top Nashville session musician for many years, Brooks draws upon his extensive studio experience, his remarkable song sense and his ability to recognize and develop new artists resulting in major label signings and chart success. Brooks has played on more than 6,000 sessions (George Strait/Kenny Rogers/Tanya Tucker/The Oak Ridge Boys/Ronnie Milsap/Barbara Mandrell/B.J. Thomas/Dolly Parton/Kenny Chesney). He has been president of NotStock/EMI Music and has produced projects on Ronna Reeves, Sammy Kershaw and Perfect Stranger.
Emily Byrd
Emily is Director of Creative and Administrative Affairs at Full Circle Music Publishing. She has been instrumental in helping the company secure recordings by artists including Martina McBride, Jessica Simpson, Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts and countless others.
Billy Decker
Billy Decker is an “in-demand” mixing and recording engineer. He’s worked with some of country music’s hottest acts including Trace Adkins (Capitol), Chris Young (RCA), Rodney Atkins (Curb), Gary Nichols (MCA) and Mark Wills (Equity Records).
Eric Gallimore
As Professional Manager for Song Garden Music Publishing and Gallimore Productions, Eric is responsible for handling A&R duties for such country superstars as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Leann Womack, Terri Clark and many more. Following in his father’s footsteps (producer, Byron Gallimore), Eric is also producing several up-and-coming artists.
Scott Johnson
A 17-year music business executive, Scott Johnson spent 14 years as Director of Creative Services with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. During that time, Scott was also the General Manager of DKC Music; Scott oversaw all of the production projects as well as the development of artists on the DKC label. After departing Sony in January of 2006, Scott joined Love Monkey Music. In February 2007, he began his independent venture to become a full time production coordinator. Some of his clients include Brett Beavers, Joe Scaife, Scott Hendricks, Jay Joyce and Don Gehman.
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson is a renowned songwriter who has scored an extraordinary 100+ major label cuts including "The Struggling Years" recorded by the late, great Chris LeDoux, "I Let Her Lie" (Daryle Singletary), "Someone You Used To Know" (Collin Raye), "Thank God For Believers" (Mark Chesnutt), "She Misses Him" (Tim Rushlow), "The Truth About Men" (Tracy Byrd) and Diamond Rio's latest single "God Only Cries." Tim's song, "To Do What I Do," was recorded by Alan Jackson and inspired the title of Jackson's 2004 CD release, WHAT I DO. Tim also wrote "When I Think About Leavin'" (featured on Kenny Chesney's quadruple platinum album WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN).
Behind the board, Tim produced Blaine Larsen's sophomore CD, ROCKIN' YOU TONIGHT (Giantslayer/BNA Records) with co-writing credits on four songs including the title cut on the project.
Jamie Kyle
Artist/songwriter Jaime Kyle has crossed all boundaries with her songwriting (in the Alternative Rock, Pop, Christian, Country and R&B genres). Her hit songs have been recorded by Faith Hill (“Wild One”/ “Bed of Roses”), Heart (“Stranded”), Michael English (“Heaven to Earth”), Jo Dee Messina, Journey and many others. Jamie recently recorded with Ozzie Osbourne on his soon-to-be-released rock opera Rasputin.
Mark Lambert
Engineer/producer/songwriter/entertainer Mark Lambert was bandleader for Leon Russell; he’s opened for Leon during his many road tours. Lambert has worked as engineer and producer for such diverse projects as George Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Merle Haggard, Lorrie Morgan, Billy Gilman, George Canyon and Juice Newton.
Joe Meador
A 30-year music industry veteran, Joe has toured across America with such artists as Ricky Nelson, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. He’s also managed Ronnie McDowell, Hank Williams III, Submethod, Chris Reed and Six Shooter. Joe has written songs for George Strait, Ronnie McDowell and Jerry Lee Lewis. He has produced a number of CD projects and has worked on several movie soundtracks and award winning documentaries. For the last twelve years, he has been President of Grand Entertainment Group in Nashville, a top management company, and six publishing companies. Joe is well respected in the music community.
Liz Morin
Songplugger Liz Morin is currently Creative Vice President at Skyline Music Publishing Group. She began her career in the music publishing business in 1994 working at Double J Music Group; she spent six years with Encore Entertainment as Creative Vice President. Morin has had cuts by Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, George Strait, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood and many others.
Ashlee Rogers
Ashlee is the A&R/Promotion Coordinator of Robbins Nashville, home to artists Rockie Lynne and Nashville Star finalist Joshua Stevens. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) music business program with a degree in recording industry management.
Kathy Walker
A talented vocalist, Kathy launched her career as a professional background singer. She’s recorded and performed live with artists Michael McDonald, Rita Coolidge, Nicolette Larson, Patrick Simmons (The Doobie Brothers), David Pack (Ambrosia), Bobby Vinton, Kenny Loggins, Vicky Lawrence and Christopher Cross.
As a recording artist, she’s had charted singles on Warner Bros/Full Moon Records entitled “Send Me Somebody To Love” (from the motion soundtrack COAST TO COAST).
As sole owner of an independent song plugging company (Kathy Walker Songs) she’s worked with some of the industry’s most successful artists/songwriters: Michael McDonald, Randy Goodrum, Eric Kaz, Paul Williams, Jim Weatherly, Joe Beck, Richie McDonald, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Billy Sprague, James House and John Durrill.
Celebrating her 10th year, the 2008 Master Class will be Grant-Williams’ final class. A sell-out since its inception, Grant-Williams attributes the decade of success to event’s intimate group setting which allows attendees the opportunity to “experience” the results of new techniques at work as they happen—during their performances before their peers.
Space is limited. Registration for this year’s Master Class with Renee Grant-Williams: 10 Career-Busting Mistakes Every Singer Should Avoid is $299. Tickets can be purchased by calling (615) 244-3280 or by visiting www.myvoicecoach.com.
Carrie Underwood Doubles Up Atop the Sales, Video and Airplay Charts!
NASHVILLE, TN — Three-time GRAMMY winner and reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist Carrie Underwood continues to rock on all cylinders this week, with both of her albums inside the country Top 10 and a host of chart stats and certifications underscoring the continued success of her 7x-Platinum 2005 debut disc, Some Hearts, as well as her Double-Platinum current release, Carnival Ride.
This week, Carrie accomplishes the impressive feat of scoring two singles inside the country airplay Top 20, with Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart showing her new single, “Last Name,” jumping to #17, while “All-American Girl” is now #12, after a previous two-week stint at #1.
“All-American Girl” is also going strong at Radio Disney, where it moves to #15 on this week’s Top 30 Countdown. The video, meanwhile, is currently #1 on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown, where Carrie also holds the #2 spot with “How Great Thou Art,” which she recorded for the GAC-televised concert special and like-titled album, How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites Live from the Grand Ole Opry.
Separately, in addition to the current Top 10 country sales of both of Carrie’s albums, two of her #1 singles – “Wasted” (from Some Hearts) and “So Small” (from Carnival Ride) – have both recently been RIAA certified as Gold Digital Singles, recognizing 500,000 purchased downloads.
As Carrie looks ahead to her May 10 induction into the Grand Ole Opry, she’s busy on the road, co-headlining with Keith Urban, as well as headlining her own “Carnival Ride Tour,” which has played to sellout crowds at every show since its launch on February 18.
In addition to appearing on the cover of People’s Style Watch issue (on sale now), fans can also look for Carrie as she performs on American Idol: Idol Gives Back, airing this Wednesday, April 9, at 7:30 PM ET, on FOX.
The 2008 CMT Music Awards will also welcome Carrie for a performance as the show airs this Monday, April 14, at 8 PM ET, on CMT and CMT.com. A four-time CMT Award winner and double-nominee this year, Carrie is up for Video of the Year (for “Wasted”) and Female Video of the Year (for “So Small”). Fans can vote for their favorites online at CMT.com through April 11, with additional voting for the final Video of the Year nominees taking place during the telecast.
Carrie’s newest hit, “Last Name,” is her third co-written smash from Carnival Ride, along with the #1 singles, “So Small” and “All-American Girl.”
Arista Nashville Group Jypsi Releases Self-Titled Digital Album Debut Today!
NASHVILLE, TN — Fresh, different, vibrant, head-turning … the list of potential adjectives to describe Arista Nashville buzz group Jypsi is virtually endless – and well-deserved – for the four-member sibling group who’ve been performing since the band’s sixteen-year-old lead singer was only three. With today’s digital release of Jypsi’s self-titled debut album (available at major online retailers), listeners everywhere will finally be able to experience more of what Entertainment Weekly’s Chris Willman cheered from a live performance, hailing the band’s “bluegrass-informed country with rock & roll spirit.”
New fans will also have a chance to check out the excitement as Jypsi performs live on the April 16th edition of Imus in the Morning, where the band will be featured multiple times during the 6 to 9 AM broadcast window, which airs live on RFD-TV.
Produced by Blake Chancey, the band’s 12-song debut spotlights the depth of talent within Jypsi, all genuine musicians who play their own instruments, both in concert and on the album. A family band, Jypsi consists of four siblings from the Rische family – Lillie Mae (lead vocals, fiddle), Amber-Dawn (fiddle, vocals), Scarlett (mandolin), and Frank (lead guitar, vocals) – ranging in age from 16 to 26.
Brought to Nashville years ago by the legendary Cowboy Jack Clement – who produced such luminaries as Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, and many more – the band drew praise back in 2003 – and again now – from longtime CMT.com writer Ed Morris, who recently blogged on the site: “While their picking was spellbinding, it was their repertoire that won me over,” from that 2003 performance. “Writing about the band for CMT.com, I rhapsodized ‘its music absolutely sparkles.’” Coming full circle in the blog titled, “A Toast to Jypsi, a Band That Hung On,” Morris continued, “Having already praised their talent, let me now salute their stamina.”
Stamina has played a big part in the band’s journey, regularly playing six nights a week at Layla’s Bluegrass Inn on Nashville’s famed Lower Broadway, where the band’s captivating sound and style won over patrons as well as record execs, setting the stage for the release of Jypsi. Among the album’s twelve songs are the fiery instrumental, “Kandi Kitchen” (penned by the band’s Frank Rische), the punchy spirit of “I Do What I Want,” and the gorgeous single, “I Don’t Love You Like That,” which Billboard hailed for its “fresh, inviting sound … that begs for repeated listening.”
In addition to RFD-TV’s televised airing of the band’s April 16th appearance on Imus in the Morning, listeners can also tune in to the radio broadcast and find their local station at www.imusonair.com.
For more about the band, visit www.myspace.com/jypsi.
APRIL 8, 2008 (click on link below for full release)
Keith Urban Set To Complete Yearlong Tour
CMA Songwriters Series Returns To Joe's Pub In 2008
Sister Hazel To Release Live Acoustic Album In June
Katie Armiger Featured on AOL Music
George Strait's Troubadour Debuts At #1 on Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums Chart
Chart-topper Jack Ingram Becomes First Country Music Artist To Partner With NIKE For NIKE + Workout Series
Riders In The Sky are Honored with the "Cowboy Spirit Award" at the 2008 National Festival of the West
Heidi Newfield Makes Her Solo Debut with "Johnny And June"
"Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids" Bowling Bash
2nd annual Country Weekly Fashion Show presented by Wrangler set for June 4th
Renee Grant-Williams Introduces Master Class Panelists And Judges
Carrie Underwood Doubles Up Atop the Sales, Video and Airplay Charts!
Arista Nashville Group Jypsi Releases Self-Titled Digital Album Debut Today!
"The Hitmen of Music Row" will kick off the 2008 CMA Songwriters Series at Joe's Pub in New York City on May 17. (l-r) Craig Wiseman, Tony Mullins, Jeffrey Steele and Bob DiPiero.
Photographer: Denise Carberry
