Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Ricky Skaggs

Josh Turner’s “Punching Bag” Hits Stores Today

Nicole Piering — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 02:55:03 +0000

With over five million albums sold since the release of his debut Long Black Train, Josh Turner is ready to step back into the ring of country music with the release of his fifth album, Punching Bag. The MCA Nashville album hit stores today and features the Top-15 hit “Time is Love.”

With his deep and uniquely country voice, Josh Turner and his album are receiving rave reviews from the critics. MAVERICK magazine notes, “It’s always tough to bring something new to a musical genre, but Josh Turner has achieved that near-impossible task again and again, yet has never overlooked just where country music has come from. It’s [his] skill at taking stock of everyday situations…some of them quite mundane… and turning them into musical classics that makes him possibly the most important artist to have emerged in country music for years and years.”

Additionally, The Washington Post praises Turner’s purist approach to the music, as he sidesteps pop and stays true to his country roots. ”These days, it seems like every male country artist wants to sound like Jon Bon Jovi fronting Def Leppard in 1985 — except for Turner, who might be the only million-seller left in Nashville making contemporary country albums without the slightest whiff of arena rock or pop.” The Associated Press echoes this sentiment, writing, “Turner once again proves he ranks among the most effective — and most hard-core country — performers of his generation.”

In the album’s liner notes, Turner imparts his wishes upon his listeners. “I hope my music can bring you the inspiration and motivation to keep moving forward. I hope it brings a smile to your face. I hope it makes you tap your toes. I hope it brings a happy tear to your eyes and makes you want to share your life with others around you.”

In support of Punching Bag, Turner will appear on NBC’s Today Show on Wednesday, June 13, and ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday, July 11. He will also appear on PBS’ A Capitol Fourth on July 4.

Punching Bag Track Listing:
Introduction by Michael Buffer
“Punching Bag”
“Time Is Love”
“Deeper Than My Love”
“Good Problem”
“Cold Shoulder”
“Find Me A Baby” (feat. Turner’s wife and children)
“Whatcha Reckon”
“Pallbearer” (feat. Iris DeMont and Marty Stuart)
“For The Love Of God” (feat. Ricky Scaggs)
“I Was There”
“Left Hand Man”

For more information, please visit www.JoshTurner.com.

Meet Jana Kramer At The Opry

Ted Efron — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:47:12 +0000

Jana Kramer is making her Grand Ole Opry debut this coming Friday and she’s giving her fans the chance to meet her there.

You can enter for an opportunity to meet the “Why Ya Wanna” singer by visiting HERE. The thing is you don’t have much time left to enter. The deadline is tomorrow (April 10) at 4:00pm ET. According to the contest guidelines, winners will be selected at random and contacted by email no later than Wednesday, April 11.

Also scheduled to apepar this Friday at The Opry are Thompson Square, Hunter Hayes and Ricky Skaggs.

If you’re unable to join Jana at The Opry, you can catch her for free next week. On Monday, April 16 she’s performing at 12th and Porter in Nashville. The free, all-ages show is being taped by CMT. Doors will open at 5:00pm, and the show will start at 5:30. Entry will be first-come first-serve.

We’re now a little less than two months away from the release of Jana’s debut album. The self-titled disc comes out on June 5th.

Early ACM Winners Announced

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:04:44 +0000

Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs are early winners for the 47 annual Academy of Country Music! They were announced today as off-camera winners before the April 1st award show. The telecast airs live on CBS on April 1st from Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 8 pm EST. They are once against hosted by Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton for the second year in a row. Some awards were announced early due to time constraints of the live broadcast.

The following special awards, industry awards, and MBI awards will be given out in a special ACM Honors ceremony in Nashville on September 24th.

The ACM Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded when the ACM Board of Directors feels that these are clear and deserving candidates. Industry professionals are voted on by the professional members of the Academy. The MBI category is voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category. The songwriter of the year ballot is voted on by the professional members of the Academy in the following categories; Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist, Composer, Music Publisher/SRO, Record Company, and the Producer/Engineer/Studio Manager membership.

See the full list of winners below:

Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award

Emmylou Harris, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs and Dwight Yoakam have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.

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, among others.

Crystal Milestone Award

Kenny Chesney, four-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, has sold more than 10,500,000 tickets on his 11 national tours, selling out stadiums across the country. His successful shows have promoted the entire genre to delighted fans while helping other country acts and cross-over artists gain exposure nationwide. The Academy is honoring Kenny for this remarkable achievement.

Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Award include Garth Brooks and Jennifer Nettles.

Career Achievement Award

Vince Gill has been chosen to receive the Career Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration who have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year.

Vince Gill returned to the country scene in 2011 with an appealing new album, Guitar Slinger, and the enthusiastic response proved that he had been missed. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean proclaimed an official Vince Gill Week in conjunction with the album’s release. Gill also served as Grand Marshal of Nashville’s Christmas parade. In addition, Gill and wife Amy Grant graced the cover of Good Housekeeping, while Sting shared the stage with him on an acclaimed CMT Crossroads. Meanwhile, the Country Music Hall of Fame member appeared on multiple talk shows and earned a Grammy nod for “Threaten Me With Heaven.”

Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Reba and Kenny Rogers.

Jim Reeves International Award

Alan Jackson has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.

Alan Jackson’s down-home music and laidback personality has translated well internationally. He played for eager audiences in Sweden and Norway in August 2011, brought back by popular demand following his 2009 shows. Jackson’s album, Good Time, has also earned platinum sales in Norway. Jackson also toured Australia for the first time in March 2011. He’ll play four arena shows in Canada in April 2012, as well as a summer concert at the Craven Country Jamboree in Saskatchewan. Jackson won his first ACM Award as 1990’s Top New Male Vocalist, an honor that coincided with career-building tour dates in the UK and Germany.

Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, among others.

Mae Boren Axton Award

Gayle Holcomb has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.

Gayle Holcomb, a country music industry leader at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, has served as an Academy of Country Music board member for 17 years and five years as ACM chairman. During her tenure as chair, Holcomb was a driving force for the organization’s rapid change and growth, including moving the Awards show from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in 2003. Holcomb helped launch ACM Lifting Lives in 2005, guiding the vision for the charity as it got underway initially, and continuing her support of the organization by becoming chairman. She made the initial endowment to form the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, in honor of her mother, to enable the Fund to respond quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs of ACM members, staff and members of the country music community.

Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed and David Young.

Poet’s Award

Bobby Braddock and Roger Miller have been selected to receive the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.

Bobby Braddock is a master storyteller with more than 40 years of songwriting success. A Florida native, Braddock moved to Nashville in 1964 and worked for a time as Marty Robbins’ piano player. His classic cuts include Tammy Wynette’s divine “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” and George Jones’ iconic (and ACM Award-winning) “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” as well as the famous couple’s enduring duet, “Golden Ring.” Braddock also earned ACM nominations as a songwriter for Tracy Lawrence’s “Time Marches On,” Toby Keith’s “I Wanna Talk About Me” and Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy.” He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.

Roger Miller charmed listeners with characteristic wit on classics like “King of the Road” and “Dang Me.” Miller, an Oklahoma native, grabbed early songwriting success with Ray Price’s “Invitation to the Blues.” In 1985, he earned acclaim for writing the score of the musical Big River. To honor his brilliant career, he received the 1987 ACM Pioneer Award. Miller died in 1992 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995. Contemporary stars like Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson have kept his legacy alive with terrific renditions of “Husbands and Wives” and “Tall, Tall Trees,” respectively.

Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – Dallas Davidson

INDUSTRY AWARDS

CASINO OF THE YEAR – Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR – Jimmy Jay – Jayson Promotions, Inc.

NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR – Billy Bob’s Texas – Ft. Worth, TX

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR – Brian O’Connell – Live Nation

VENUE OF THE YEAR – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

MBI (MUSICIANS, BAND, INSTRUMENTAL) AWARDS:

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Frank Liddell

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – Justin Niebank

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Michael Rhodes

PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR – Shannon Forrest

GUITARIST OF THE YEAR – Kenny Greenberg

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Stuart Duncan

PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR – John Hobbs

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Aubrey Haynie

STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Paul Franklin

Jukebox Music Festival Announces Lineup

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:36:53 +0000

Looks like it’s officially Festival Friday for country music. The brand-new country music festival, Jukebox Festival, will be launching this July with a bang. Kellie Pickler, Scotty McCreery, Alan Jackson, and Joe Nichols will all be part of the 3-day festival July 20th to 22nd at the Shasta County Fairgrounds in Anderson, California. Scotty will headline Friday night, and Kellie will headline Saturday night.

Other country music acts set to be part of the line-up include Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis, Mark Chesnutt, Daryl Singletary and the Western Swingmasters Asleep At The Wheel. Additional performers for all four stages will be announced as the date gets closer.

To get your tickets, or for more information on the festival, fans can visit jukeboxmusicfestival.com.

A Skaggs Family Christmas Comes To RFD-TV

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:44:56 +0000

Get ready, country music fans! Another Christmas special will be airing this weekend. The hour-long “A Skaggs Family Christmas” special will air December 8th and 9th on RFD-TV. The show features Ricky Skaggs and his wife, Sharon, and their kids Molly and Luke, along with Buck and Cheryl White with Cheryl’s daughter Rachel Leftwich.

“Singing carols and hymns ‘our way’ is a tradition that started in our living room years ago,” explains Sharon White. “It’s evolved into a show that, over the last nine years, the Lord has led us to share in churches and symphony halls and at the National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington D.C.,” says Ricky.

The special, filmed at the Ryman Auditorium, will also air performances by Ricky’s band Kentucky Thunder, along with Jim Gray and the Nashville Session Players.

Catch the special when it airs on December 8th at 10 pm EST, and again on December 9th at 4 am EST and 5 pm EST.

Percussionist Tom Roady Passes Away

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:04:52 +0000

Our thoughts are with the Nashville community and the friends and family of Tom Roady today. The Tennessean is reporting that he passed away Sunday night while on tour. Tom contributed to the recordings of Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Dixie Chicks, Kenny Chesney, Bob Seger, Joan Baez, Wilson Pickett, Tom T. Hall, and James Brown.

He was tragically diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer in October, but he never let it slow him down. He was rehearsing Sunday for the tour with Ricky Skaggs and The Whites when he passed away.

Tom, a St. Louis native, was a major part of the Nashville music scene. His work appeared on some of the biggest hits in country music including: Brooks & Dunn’s “My Maria,” Kenny Chesney’s “When The Sun Goes Down,” and Vince Gill’s “What The Cowgirls Do.”

He is survived by his wife, Melanie. The service will be held Sunday, December 4th at Highland Park Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ricky Skaggs The Big Winner At Inspirational Country Awards

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:47:59 +0000

Ricky Skaggs was the big winner last night at the 7th annual “Inspirational Country Music Association’s Faith, Family & Friends” award show held in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony. He was named the “Entertainer of the Year” by the association on his 50th anniversary in the industry. He was also given the “Musician” award, and performed a heart stirring version of “Somebody’s Prayin’.”

“I always try to entertain folks with good clean fun and stories from my youth,” noted Skaggs in accepting the Entertainer of the Year honor. “I always try to bring the gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ to our shows as well. I think now more than ever, people all over the country need hope. I’m very thankful to have won this award. I certainly look up to all of the people in this category. They are taking the gospel out to the folks who really need to hear it. Thanks again so much. It means a lot to me,” he concluded.

The “Inspirational Country Music Association’s Faith, Family & Friends” awards marked the end of the “Inspirational Country Music Week” in Nashville, which ran from October 24th to the 28th.

Ricky Skaggs Up For Five ICM Awards

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:59:56 +0000

he ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Top 5 finalists were announced yesterday, and Ricky Skaggs secured nominations in five categories: Legend/Pioneer Award, Entertainer, Inspirational Country Song (“Someday Soon”), Musician and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist. For Skaggs, who has previously won several ICM Awards, this year’s nominations are particularly sweet. “I’m very grateful to the ICM for all the nominations,” says Skaggs. “When I started playin’ and singin’, they didn’t have award shows like they do now, so I’ve never been driven to win them. I just love the music and I love the fact that God uses music to speak to people’s hearts. That’s what I’m in it for, to be a messenger of His Love.” The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards will be held on Friday, October 28 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Ricky has been honored with the following ICM Awards: Musician of the Year, Christian Country Music Association – 1994, 1995, Musician of the Year – 2008, Inspirational Bluegrass Artist (with The Whites) – 2008, Mainstream Country Artist (with The Whites) – 2008, Mainstream Country Artist – 2009 and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist – 2010.

Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood & Rascal Flatts up for ICM Awards!

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:25:55 +0000

The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards nominees were announced yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee, and a lot of today’s major stars earned some nods. Carrie Underwood, The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, Ronnie Dunn, Josh Turner, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, and Randy Travis were just some of the stars nominated in one of the 22 main categories for the 2011 ICM Awards.

The categories were voted on by members in a variety of different honors like entertainer, song, new artist, group, songwriter, duo, musician, radio station, film, and television. The top 5 finalists in each category will be announced on August 30th. The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis and Susie McEntire are up for the legend/pioneer title.

The 2011 ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards will run October 24th to the 28th in Nashville.

For a full list of the early nominees, click the “read more” button.

Entertainer

Chuck Day
Jeff Bates
Johnny Lee Cook
Mary James
Point of Grace
Ricky Skaggs
Russ Murphy
Steve Richard
The Roys
Tommy Brandt

Male Vocalist

Chuck Day
Greg McDougal
Guy Penrod
Jayc Harold
Jeff Bates
Mike Rimmey
Russ Murphy
Steve Richard
Tommy Brandt
Will Peppers

Female Vocalist

Amanda Fessant
Chelley Odle
Kali Rose
Kathy Joy Bell
Laura Dodd
Mary James
Misty Treece
Nicole Hope
Sandra Dee
Sharon Parks

Vocal Duo

Amanda Fessant featuring Tommy Brandt
Austins Bridge
Branded
Bruce & Betsy Mullen
Dailey and Vincent
Franklin Road
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Joe+Rory
Johnny Lee Cook featuring T. Graham Brown
The Roys

Vocal Group or Band

Corey Brooks Band
CrossCountry The Band
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Last Light Band
Point of Grace
Sunday Drive
The Akins
The Amundruds
The Isaacs
The Springs

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song

Bleed Red- Ronnie Dunn
Family Man- Craig Campbell
Hello World- Lady Antebellum
I Won’t Let Go- Rascal Flatts
If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away- Justin Moore
Mama’s Song- Carrie Underwood
Raymond- Brett Eldredge
That’s Important to Me- Joey+Rory
The Breath You Take- George Strait
Voices- Chris Young

Mainstream Country Artist

Buddy Jewell
Carrie Underwood
Craig Campbell
Craig Morgan
Jeff Bates
Joey+Roy
Josh Turner
Rascal Flatts
Ronnie Dunn
The Band Perry

Inspirational Country Song

I Believe- Sunday Drive
I Hope Heaven Has A Dirt Road- Will Peppers
I Wonder What God’s Thinking- The Roys
I’ll Stand Up And Say So- Chuck Day
Loves Gotta Go Somewhere- Steve Richard
On My Knees Again- Amanda Fessant featuring Tommy Brandt
One Day Closer- Jeff Bates
Someday Soon- Ricky Skaggs
Sweet Forgiveness- Kali Rose
That’s What Freedom Costs- Russ Murphy

Songwriter

Amanda Fessant
Chuck Day
Greg McDougal
James Payne
Jeff Treece
Kris Miller
Mike Rimmey
Paul Staggs
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt

Legend/Pioneer Award

Bruce Haynes
Fox Brothers
Fred Bacher
Lisa Daggs
Melanie Walker
Oak Ridge Boys
Randy Travis
Ricky Skaggs
Ron Corneilus
Susie McEntire

Video

Family Man- Craig Campbell: Bigger Picture Group, Director-Shaun Silva
Hello World- Lady Antebellum: Capitol Nashville, Director-Roman White
I Am Strong- The Grascals w/Dolly Parton: BluGrascal Records , Director-David Corlew
If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away- Justin Moore: Valory Music Co., Director-Peter Zavadil
If I Die Young- The Band Perry: Republic Nashville, Director-David McClister
Mama’s Song- Carrie Underwood: Arista Nashville, Director-Shaun Silva
Raymond- Brett Eldredge: Atlantic Records, Director-Shaun Sliva
Real- James Wesley: Broken Bow, Director-Chris Hicky
This- Darius Rucker: Capitol Nashville, Director-Trey Fanjoy
Voices- Chris Young: Sony Music, Director-David McClister

New Artist (*)

Aubree Bullock
Chuck Hancock
Kali Rose
Lathan Moore
Lucas Hoge
Nathan Stanley
Rene Herbert
Renee Spencer
Rorey Wesney
The Parish Family
Tyson Bowman
(*) 11 artists in category indicate a tie.

Musician

Andy Leftwich
Brent Mason
Charlie McCoy
Dennis Agajanian
Doyle Lawson
Gordon Mote
Greg McDougal
Jayc Harold
Ricky Skaggs
Tim Atwood

Comedian

Anita Renfroe
Barry McGee
Chonda Pierce
Cuzin Gus
David Ferrell
Jeff Treece
Johnny Lee Cook
Ken Davis
LuLu Roman
Tim Steed

Radio Personality

Bob Flotte
Dick Johnson
Gary Richardson
J.R. Pitsenbarger
Leon Joplin
Marty Smith
Mona Faith
Rich Miller
Scott Perkins
Wayne Morton

Radio Station

Inspirational Country Radio Network
KABF-Little Rock, AR
WBFC- Stanton, KY
WCWV-Summersville, WV
WJCR – Upton, KY
WKAX-Russellville, AL
WSGM-Tracy City, TN
WSM AM 650 – Nashville, TN
WTYS- Marianna, FL
WYEA- Sylacauga, AL

Inspirational Bluegrass Artist

Bruce & Betsy Mullen
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Kathy Joy Bell
Lawrence Bishop
Nathan Stanley
New Jerusalem Bluegrass
Ricky Skaggs
The Grascals
The Isaacs
The Roys

Youth In Music

Abbey Gregory
Aubree Bullock
Calina Boggs
Candy Boggs
Hannah Faith
Matthew Wacaster
McDougal Kids
Renee Spencer
Tommy Brandt II
Voices of Glory

Music Evangelist

Barry McGee
Chuck Day
Corey Brooks
CrossCounty The Band
Dennis Agajanian
Greg McDougal
Johnny Lee Cook
Mary James
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt

“Faith, Family & Country Movie”

Amish Grace
Charlie St. Cloud
Country Strong
Get Low
Pure Country 2: The Gift
Secretariat
Soul Surfer
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader
Toy Story 3
Waiting For “Superman”

Television Network

Christian Broadcasting Network
Cornerstone Television Network
Daystar
Family Friendly Entertainment Network
Gospel Music Channel
Great American Country
NRB Network
TBN
TCT Networks
Total Living Network