Chris Stapleton receives three ACM Award nominations

This morning, the Academy of Country Music announced the nominees for the ACM Awards.  Interestingly, Sturgill Simpson, who was awarded a Grammy for Best Country Album was left out of any of the nominees.  However, fellow Kentuckian, reigning ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Stapleton is nominated in three categories. Once again, Stapleton is nominated in both the Male Vocalist of the Year category, and the Song of the Year category with “Tennessee Whiskey.”  Also, Stapleton received a nod in the Video of the Year category for “Fire Away.”.  Below is the complete list of nominees for the 2017 ACM Awards.  Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return to host for the second consecutive year. The ACM Awards® are produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2 (live 8:00-11:00 PM) on the CBS Television Network.

Watch Chris Stapleton donate instruments to his high school

Chris Stapleton speaks with Johnson County High School band members.  Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Last week, Chris Stapleton returned to Johnson Central High School to help the school in a major way.  Not only did he perform two concerts, he also donated $57,000 worth of instruments through the ACM Lifting Lives Program.  He also helped build an outdoor stage with the students.  You can read more about his trip home by clicking here.

Break out the tissues as you watch the video below:

Kentucky native to receive Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award

Crystal Gayle - photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Today, the Academy of Country Music announced Crystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker, and The Statler Brothers will be honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award during the 10th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will take place in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.

Crystal Gayle traversed new territory as the first female country artist to achieve platinum album sales with her 1977 project We Must Believe in Magic, containing her crossover smash "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” The Kentucky native and younger sister of Loretta Lynn has been connecting with fans of country-pop for five decades, starting with the release of her debut single in 1970. Often working with hit-making producer Allen Reynolds, Gayle scored 20 No. 1 country hits during the 1970s and ‘80s, including "You Never Miss a Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye),” “I'll Get Over You,” and "Talking in Your Sleep.” She toured worldwide and starred in several prime-time television specials. In total, Gayle’s career yielded six Gold albums and four prestigious ACM Awards.

Since the release of her debut single, “Delta Dawn,” at age 13, Tanya Tucker has been influencing generations of female artists. The 1972 hit, under the guidance of legendary producer Billy Sherrill, was the first in Tucker’s string of 56 Top 40 singles, including 10 No. 1s. Boosting her success was her willingness to address difficult topics, such as adultery and revenge in the song “Blood Red and Goin’ Down.” During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Tucker scored with “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone),” “Texas (When I Die),” “Can I See You Tonight,” and “One Love at a Time.” The 1990s marked a professional high-point for Tucker, thanks to memorable songs “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” "Down to My Last Teardrop,” and “It’s a Little Too Late.” Tucker is the recipient of two ACM Awards. Today, more than fifty years since her first record deal, she is still actively touring and making music.

The Statler Brothers was a pioneering quartet comprised of Harold Reid, Don Reid, Phil Balsley, original member Lew DeWitt--and later member Jimmy Fortune. Fortune is the only remaining member who continues to tour, and he recently released his first solo album which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart. The Virginia natives intertwined gospel-inspired harmonies with country songs, getting their professional break in 1964 as Johnny Cash's backing vocalists and opening act. This launched a career that would yield numerous hits in the 1960s through 1980s, including "Flowers on the Wall,” "Bed of Rose’s,” "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine?,” “Elizabeth,” "My Only Love" and "Too Much on My Heart.” Many of their signature songs were helmed by producer Jerry Kennedy. The Statlers often used humor in their music and performances, leading to frequent appearances on Cash’s popular television show and their own successful program on The Nashville Network (TNN) in the early to mid-1990s. The Statlers garnered two ACM Awards and 2008 induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Bob Beckham, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

Academy of Country Music announces ACM Award nominees

Dierks Bentley announced the ACM Award nominees this morning live on CBS This Morning.  The ACM Awards will be held on April 3rd, live from Las Vegas, at 8:00 PM on CBS.  Dierks Bentley will be hosting with Luke Bryan.  Here is the list of the nominees:

Randy Travis reveals letter and new greatest hits album

Randy Travis has posted a personal note on his website about his appearance on the Academy of Country Music Awards.  Tuesday, he will release "On The Other Hand - All the Number Ones" album via Itunes.  You can download it by clicking the banner below.

ACM Award Recap

George Strait on the ACM Awards - from ACMCountry.com

Last night, the Academy of Country Music took over Dallas with their 50^th anniversary of the ACM Awards.  There were highlights and low lights, but in all, there was something for everyone.

Luke Bryan took home the trophy for Entertainer of the Year.  Back in 2007, he was opening for Josh Turner and Sara Evans out on tour.  His merchandise manager, Cole Swindell, took home the trophy for New Artist of the Year.  Fellow Georgia native, Jason Aldean, received Male Vocalist of the Year, beating out Blake Shelton.

Miranda Lambert dominated the awards by taking home Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. 

For the first time in so many years, Brooks N Dunn was not nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year.   However, someone else missing was Montgomery Gentry.  Florida-Georgia Line took home the honors this year.  They also won for Vocal Event of the Year with Luke Bryan with “This is How We Roll.”

Little Big Town were named Vocal Group of the Year while Lee Brice was very shocked to hear that he received Single Record of the Year for “I Don’t Dance” on his 2 year wedding anniversary.

Personally, I would have loved to have seen Dierks Bentley take home Song of the Year for “I Hold On.”  He did win for Video of the Year with “Drunk On A Plane.”

In celebration of its 50^th anniversary, the ACM Awards made history with breaking the Guinness Book of World Records with 70,252 in attendance – the most in award show history. 

Lady Antebellum - ACM Awards

Touching moments of the night included seeing Randy Travis in the audience and being recognized.  Taylor Swift’s mom, who is battling cancer, gave a very heartfelt tribute to her daughter and her achievements.  I think Nashville music community has embraced Swift as she has always been grateful to the musicians, songwriters, and more that have helped her along their way.

It was good getting to see George Strait, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Brooks N Dunn, and Alan Jackson back up on stage performing.  Probably the biggest “huh” moment was the Nick Jonas with Dan + Shay performance.  They could have easily filled that spot with a tribute to those in country music that have passed away since the last show – notably Little Jimmy Dickens and other legends. 

As far as best dressed - Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum had the most elegant and classy looking outfit last night for women.  Dustin Lynch was well suited in his baby blue suit along with his cowboy hat and western boots.

What were your favorite moments?

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3-27-2015

You can hear Jessica Blankenship live on two radio stations here in Kentucky for the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings.  I try to give you a little piece of news, some history, and a download of the week to check out.  Tune in at 8:15 am on WKFC and 9:20 AM on WFKY.

If you are a station that would like to broadcast this segment, feel free to contact me.

Seven to get ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award

Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Taylor Swift and Brooks & Dunn will be honored with the ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award.

• Garth Brooks: Most-Awarded ACM Entertainer of the Year
• Kenny Chesney: First Fan-Voted ACM Entertainer of the Year
• Miranda Lambert: Most-Awarded Solo Female Artist (18)
• Reba McEntire: Most-Awarded Female Vocalist of the Year (7)
• George Strait: ACM Winner Over Four Decades (21 over 4 decades)
• Taylor Swift: Youngest ACM Entertainer of the Year (age 21)
• Brooks & Dunn: Most-Awarded Artist (27 with 16 for Duo)

Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees

• Grady Martin - Guitarist famous for playing on Pretty Woman, Coal Miner's Daughter, El Paso, That's the Way Love Goes, and more
• The Browns - Jim Ed Brown and sisters Maxine and Bonnie. Famous for "I Take the Chance," "I Hear the Bluebirds Sing," and "The Three Bells."
• Oak Ridge Boys - Began in 1945 as a gospel quartet, The Oak Ridge Quartest, until 1962 and became the Oak Ridge Boys.  Hit songs include Elvira, I'll Be True to You, American Made, Ya'll Come Back Saloon, as well as backing up George Jones on Same Ole Me.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1951, Kent Blazy was born in Lexington, KY.  He is best known for writing hit songs "If Tomorrow Never Comes" that Garth sang, as well as Chris Young's "Gettin' You Home."

Download of the Week: Ray Scott's - Ain't Always Thirsty (download by clicking the photo below)

50th Annual ACM Awards Nominees Announced

The nominees have been announced for the 2015 50th Annual ACM Awards. It looks like the only Kentucky connection is Song of the Year nominee, "Drink a Beer," which was written by Chris Stapleton.

Here are the nominees:

Entertainer: Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line.

Male Vocalist: Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton.

Female Vocalist: Brandy Clark, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood.

Vocal Duo: Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Maddie & Tae, The Swon Brothers.

Vocal Group: Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Zac Brown Band.

Album:

Old Boots, New Dirt, Jason Aldean

Pain Killer, Little Big Town

Platinum, Miranda Lambert

Riser, Dierks Bentley

The Outsiders, Eric Church

Single:

"American Kids," Kenny Chesney

"Automatic," Miranda Lambert

"Dirt," Florida Georgia Line

"Drunk On A Plane," Dierks Bentley

"I Don't Dance," Lee Brice.

Song:

"American Kids," Kenny Chesney

"Automatic," Miranda Lambert

"Drink A Beer," Luke Bryan

"Follow Your Arrow," Kacey Musgraves

"Give Me Back My Hometown," Eric Church

"I Hold On," Dierks Bentley.

Video:

"American Kids," Kenny Chesney

"Cop Car," Keith Urban

"Drunk On A Plane," Dierks Bentley

"I'm Not Gonna Miss You," Glen Campbell

"Somethin' Bad," Miranda Lambert w/Carrie Underwood.

Vocal Event:

"Lonely Tonight," Blake Shelton f/Ashley Monroe

"Meanwhile Back At Mamas," Tim McGraw f/Faith Hill

"Somethin' Bad," Miranda Lambert w/Carrie Underwood

"The South," The Cadillac Three f/Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Mike Eli

"This Is How We Roll," Florida Georgia Line f/Luke Bryan.

2014 ACM Award Winners

Here is a list of the ACM Award Winners in order of given out:

ACM Vocal Event of the Year
We Were Us – Keith Urban And Miranda Lambert
Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban
Record Labels: Capitol Records Nashville, Hit Red Records, RCA Nashville

ACM Vocal Duo of the Year - Florida Georgia Line

ACM New Artist of the Year - Justin Moore

ACM Single Record of the Year
Mama’s Broken Heart – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

ACM Song of the Year
I Drive Your Truck – Lee Brice
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary
Publishers: Beattyville Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Great Day At This Music (BMI), Happy Tears Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI)

ACM Male Vocalist of the Year - Jason Aldean
ACM Vocal Group of the Year - The Band Perry

ACM Album of the Year
Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Mugraves
Producers: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
Record Label: Mercury Records

ACM Video of the Year
"Highway Don’t Care" by Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban.
Produced by Tameron Hedge and Chandra LaPlume and directed by Shane Drake

ACM Crystal Milestone Award - Merle Haggard
ACM Entertainer of the Year - George Strait

ACM Award Red Carpet Looks

2014 ACM Award Show Red Carpet Photos 

Ashton Shepherd

The Band Perry

Brett Eldredge

Check out more after the jump....or more on my Facebook page

Dwight Yoakam and Ricky Skaggs to be honored by ACM Awards

Dwight Yoakam

Kentucky natives Ricky Skaggs and Dwight Yoakam have been announced as recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. The announcement came today from the Academy of Country Music. They will be honored during the 6th Annual ACM Honors event in Nashville on September 24, 2012.

Ricky Skaggs is best known for both his country and bluegrass music. During the 1980s, he had over 15 Top 10 Singles, with 11 of those being number one hits. He was named the ACM’s 1981 Top New Male Vocalist and received five ACM Awards for Touring Band of the Year.

Dwight Yoakam captured the imagination of traditionalists and new listeners alike by giving hillbilly music a modern twist. Born in Kentucky but based in Los Angeles, Yoakam debuted with a twangy cover of Johnny Horton’s “Honky Tonk Man,” which led him to the ACM’s 1986 Top New Male Vocalist trophy. In all, Yoakam landed 14 Top 10 hits – some he wrote (“I Sang Dixie”) and others he revived (Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister”). Along with acclaimed albums and music videos, Yoakam proudly partnered with Buck Owens on the endearing 1988 duet, “Streets of Bakersfield.” He remains active in music and film.

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Sr., Hank Williams Jr. and Bob Wills, among others.