Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » vince gill

ACM Poll: Vocal Event of the Year

Jeanna D. — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:41:36 +0000

Next up… “Vocal Event of the Year”! Who doesn’t love a good country collab?

Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson took this award home last year for their cross-over mega-hit, “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Both are back in the category again this year, except with brand new and separate collaborations!

Who will win? Don’t Rush – Kelly Clarkson Featuring Vince Gill; Easy – Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield; Feel Like A Rock Star – Kenny Chesney (Duet With Tim McGraw); Let It Rain – David Nail Featuring Sarah Buxton; or The Only Way I Know – Jason Aldean With Luke Bryan & Eric Church?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

“We’re All For The Hall” Announcement

Tia — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:24:51 +0000

Keith Urban‘s “We’re All For The Hall” benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will return for the fourth consecutive year.

The show, which will feature an all-star lineup, will take place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on April 16th, 2013. Some of the invited artists include Keith, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Kid Rock, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver and Hank Williams, Jr.

This year’s theme will be “Rebels and Renegades, the Outlaws are IN”. The past three benefit concerts have raised a collective $1.5 million, which is directed toward the Museum’s operating expenses, caring for the collection, exhibitions, programs, and more.

Museum board president Vince Gill created All for the Hall, an artist-led fundraising initiative for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Funds raised from the concert also go toward preservation efforts, exhibitions and educational programs about the culture and value of country music.

“The purity in making music on your own terms – to create art in your own way – for me, is at the heart of the outlaw spirit,” said Urban. “It’s those outlaws that we celebrate this year, who not only made it possible for a guy like me to do what I love, but who play a pivotal role in the strength of Country music’s diversity.”

Tickets will go on sale on March1st at 10AM CST. For ticket and VIP package information, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Kelly Clarkson takes on Clive Davis

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:56:52 +0000

Music superstar Kelly Clarkson is standing up for herself in a message posted on her Facebook and Twitter accounts today. Music superpower Clive Davis released a memoir, and which Kelly claims he spreads false information about her and she gives her side of what happened.

Kelly, who has released multiple country singles (“Because Of You” with Reba McEntire, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean, “Mr Know It All” country version, and “Don’t Rush” with Vince Gill), is frustrated at what Clive wrote in his book.

Read Kelly’s statement below:

So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music. I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.

First, he says I burst into “hysterical sobbing” in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. Max, Luke and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn’t be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way.

But, yes, I did cry in his office once. I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called “Because Of You.” I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a “sh*tty writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.” He continued on about how the song didn’t rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with.
But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn’t include that in the book.

He also goes on to say My December wasn’t successful because I co-penned the album and it didn’t have “pop hits”. Well, first let me say, I’ve co-penned many of my “pop hits.” Secondly, My December went platinum (It sold 20,000 less than All I Ever Wanted which followed My December.) Hardly a huge failure. Never Again, the ONLY single they released in the US from that record was a Top 10 hit. I am very proud of that and I have my fans to thank. But, again, what’s most interesting about his story is what he leaves out: He doesn’t mention how he stood up in front of his company at a convention and belittled me and my music and completely sabotaged the entire project. It never had a chance to reach it’s full potential. My December was an album I needed to make for myself for many reasons and the fact that I was so completely disregarded and disrespected was so disheartening, there really aren’t words to explain….

Anyway, I love my job. I love my music. I love my fans. I love my label and all of my professional relationships… now. And I am grateful for Clive for teaching me to know the difference.

Cheers to another amazing year! And, as always, thanks for listening!

KC

What do you think about Kelly’s message? Do you support the 2012 Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year nominee standing up for herself? Read her statement here on Whosay.

Kip Moore, Vince Gill & Pam Tillis appearing on Nashville

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:44:41 +0000

ABC’s hit new series “Nashville” is really pumping up its country music cred. After already having country stars Chris Young and Brantley Gilbert have cameo performances on previous episodes, producers announced that Kip Moore, the legendary Vince Gill, and Pam Tillis will be part of the February 27th episode. The episode follows the birthday of character Deacon, who is played by Charles Esten.

Kip, who is a fan of the show, shares on why he hopes fans don’t think the real Nashville isn’t as dramatic:

”I don’t think that everybody believes that’s exactly how Nashville is. Tell people to lighten up a little bit. It’s TV. You gotta put the drama in there, and you gotta do stuff entertaining for people.”

Check out the preview for “Dear Brother” below. Who do you want to see appear on the show next?

Interview: Trey Graham, Everybody!

Jennifer Swirsky — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:41:52 +0000

A few of us have followed Trey Graham since about 2005 — back when he hit the road as background vocalist on Kelly Clarkson’s tour. Trey won the hearts of Kelly’s fans with his stellar vocals and endearing personality. After taking a slight detour for a bit, Trey is back on the road toward a music career, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where this journey takes him! We caught up with Trey and learned about his past, his present (he is currently auditioning for NBC’s The Voice!), and predict great things for his future. Without further ado, Trey Graham everybody!

For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you began performing/writing?

Music was always a part of my family growing up . We listened to music and sang throughout every day. I started performing and writing when I was a junior in high school with a couple of my buddies, all of whom are still involved in the music business to this day. After graduating high school, music was a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed but never thought seriously about pursuing it as a career. It was during my senior year of college that changed that. A very good friend of mine that has had great success in the industry called with his vote of confidence, and he suggested that I move out to LA and give it a go. When I got out to LA, he introduced me to Kelly Clarkson. She is such a truly kind and sincere person. By the end of our first day hanging out, she offered me a spot singing backup for her on her next tour. It was a pretty amazing experience. I went on two tours with Kelly and that’s when I caught the bug. I knew that I wanted to pursue music as a full time career. So, ever since then, I was writing, singing, traveling; trying to make something happen. It’s been a wonderful ride.

How would you describe your musical style?

This is such a hard one to answer. I have so many different genres that I like to perform that it’s hard to put a label on what my musical style is. If I had to describe it, I would say that I am a pop rock singer with country and R&B influences.

We know that you have experience on a big tour. What is one thing you took away from that tour that has helped you grow as an artist?

Sincerity. Vulnerability. Work ethic. Humility. Graciousness. Joy… wait, did you say one thing? I learned so much on those tours that I can credit a large portion of who I am as an artist to the people that I worked with during that time.

You have performed in huge arenas and in small, intimate venues. Which do you prefer and why?

Each one has its own benefits. I would say that I’m partial to huge arenas merely for the fear factor. I feel much more comfortable playing in front of large groups. I think it’s that vulnerability that makes intimate shows so great, but it also makes them much more frightening.

You took a few years off from pursuing your music career. What made you get back on the musical path?

It was another phone call from a good buddy. He had been thinking about me and my story and felt that The Voice might be a great opportunity to give it another shot. It took a little convincing, because I know how taxing this business can be. But now I’m in it with the full support of my family and friends and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of this story.

We have heard that you are in the process of auditioning for NBC’s “The Voice” (go become a “fan” on his Facebook page, people!). How do you prepare for that type of audition?

For me, I hadn’t really sung in almost 2 years. So a lot of the preparation has to be vocal conditioning. I am just trying to get my wind back, my strength back. I get together with my old band about twice a week and just sing for hours. Hopefully I’ll be ready to go in a couple of weeks.

Can you give us any hints about your audition(s)? Anything at all? Maybe even whose chair you most want to see turn around?

I’m looking forward to the audition process. There is a long road before I would even get in front of the judges. I don’t necessarily want to play favorites with the judges, but of course Blake Shelton would be my number one choice. We have quite a number of connections that I would love to discuss with him but, more importantly, he’s a proven winner!

What other projects are you currently working on?

Currently my focus is on The Voice. I do think that working on a few side projects will be coming up shortly. I’d love to do a Texas country record with my brothers. I’m also interested in doing a pop rock record with some of the players from my original band. In all honesty, the future is wide open.

If you could work with anyone in music, who would be your dream collaboration?

I’d love to work with a number of artists for a number of different reasons. Writing, style, voice, etc. My dream collaborations would range from Vince Gill to Darius Rucker to John Legend. It’s too difficult to pick just one!

Quick-fire round:

1. Ravens or 49′ers? - 49ers are the better team, but I’m rooting for the Ravens (AFC)
2. All-time favorite country song? - The Dance – Garth Brooks
3. If you could open for anybody, who would it be? - Kelly Clarkson, she crosses so many genres and she has amazing fans.
4. Guilty pleasure? Swiss Cake Rolls (perfection)

5. One item you can’t leave home without (other than your American Express, of course)? My keys.

6. Shameless plug of Trey Graham … ready, go! - I’m going to steal a quote that Paco Estrada said, “Trey Graham’s voice is natural, organic, honest, and true. The most important ingredient is his never wavering integrity, and that’s what I hear most when he sings. Knowing his soul is a great privilege.”

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Trey! We wish you the best of luck during your auditions for The Voice and can’t wait to see where that road takes you!

Calling All Kelly Clarkson Country Critics!

Jennifer Swirsky — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:28:04 +0000

If you are a frequent visitor of this website, you know that the staff here recognizes, appreciates, and, well, flat out loves us some Kelly Clarkson. We have always embraced her as a country music stepchild and, now, country music itself has made it more official and has clearly adopted her into their family. However, it seems that some country music fans out there are struggling with the genre’s “newcomer.” We would love to say we understand the conundrum, but we don’t. Maybe it is because we know Kelly’s relationship with country music isn’t nearly as new as people may believe. In fact, to us, it was only a matter of time before pop-rock, man bashing Kelly turned the corner and embraced her musical roots. So, for all of you nay-sayers out there, we have compiled a Top 10 list to show you just why Kelly Clarkson going country makes perfect sense.

1. Before Kelly even auditioned for Idol, she locked herself in a closet with a tape recorder, aka her “music studio,” and recorded demos to send to record labels in hopes of getting herself a gig. One of those demos was her rendition of “To Make You Feel My Love.” Kelly recorded it around the time Garth Brooks released his own version, which was featured in the film “Hope Floats.”

2. When Kelly won Idol, she was given the opportunity to hit the stage and sing a duet with HER idol, Ms. Reba McEntire. This was six years before the two would hit the road together and tour the United States (and ten years before Kelly practically joined Reba’s family). Even back in 2002, Kelly’s fans knew that, eventually, their girl would go country. Very few can hold their own with Reba, and Kelly didn’t just hold her own — she made us ask Linda Davis who?! (Sorry Hillary [Scott] … no disrespect to your mama!)

3. Starting in 2004, Kelly hit the road on her own tour and it became the norm for her to cover other artists’ songs as part of her set. During her “fair tour” of ’04, Kelly added Reba’s hit “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?” Kelly has covered this song many times on stage — both on her own tour and during television specials. It doesn’t get much more country than this, folk!

4. Back on tour she goes, and back to the covers as well! In 2005, Kelly introduced her fans to an up and coming country group, Rascal Flatts, when she added “I’m Movin’ On” to her set list. She introduced the song by explaining that the lyrics described her life perfectly … and her vocals fit the song perfectly as well.

5. Speaking of Rascal Flatts, the group obviously found something special in Kelly, because they asked her to join them on stage in 2006 to perform their huge hit “What Hurts the Most” at the ACM Awards. If one of the hottest groups in the history of country music can see Kelly’s niche for country music, why can’t you?

6. When do you know you have really made it in music? Easy. When your childhood idol not only performs with you as a favor on stage, but decides several years down the road that a song you wrote (when you were sixteen, mind you) and put on your own album is a song she, too, wants to record. Wait, not only does she want to record your song because it is incredible, but she wants you to lend your vocals to it and make it a duet. That’s right, oh skeptical ones, Reba didn’t let Kelly sing HER song, it is quite the contrary! Are you a believer yet?

7. Ring ring goes the phone, and yet another hot country act asks for Kelly’s involvement in his/her own music. You all might have heard of Jason Aldean, the man who sells out every show, be it in an amphitheatre or stadium. Like Rascal Flatts and Reba, Jason realized the pipes on the little small town Texan and invited her to join him on a song for his album. “Don’t You Wanna Stay?” became a huge hit and is still played on country music stations as if it is brand new to the airwaves. Hmmm … we are now up to three very credible country acts who not only embraced Kelly’s talent, but reeled her in for her involvement in country music. Interesting…

8. Kelly evidently started to realize how much the country community loves having her around, as she decided to remake her own song, the first single off her last album “Stronger,” called “Mr. Know It All.” The track has a smooth vibe on her album with just the right amount of attitude and is far from country sounding … and then it was redone. Enter strings. “Mr. Know It All” took on a whole new life, complete with an acoustic sound and a bit of a twang in the vocals. The track was not only released on iTunes, but worked its way to radio and the Top 40 countdown. Looks like Kelly is starting to break free of her role as country duet girl and make her way toward country soloist, huh?

9. Appropriately, Kelly recently moved to Nashville. Coincidence? We think not. Kelly also wrapped up her latest North American tour in Nashville, where she covered a song in memory of her guitarist, Aben Eubank’s, uncle who recently passed away. What song did Kelly choose? “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill. Call this foreshadowing perhaps, as Kelly covered a Vince Gill song in Music City in front of an audience filled with her fans and musical peers. Number 10 on our list might shine some light on what type of hint Kelly could have been giving us.

10. Vince Gill resurfaces, and this time Kelly isn’t covering him. She’s singing WITH him. Kelly’s latest single, “Don’t Rush,” features Vince Gill during the chorus and has a smooth, jazz vibe coupled with the perfect amount of country to get this girl an invitation to perform (with Vince Gill) at the 46th Annual Country Music Association Awards.

To wrap this up, while we would love to go on and on and continue to explain to all of you who doubt that Kelly belongs in country music just how very misguided you are, we will take a step back and let you watch these ten videos that speak volumes. Need we say more?

Our Top 10 Favorite CMA Awards Moments

Jennifer Swirsky — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:18:49 +0000

1. All things Miranda and Blake! We just cannot choose between Miranda and Blake’s heartfelt, emotional acceptance speech after winning “Single of the Year” for “Over You,” Miranda’s fiery performance, Miranda’s classy acceptance speech for “Female Vocalist of the Year,” Blake’s confusion during his speech for “Male Vocalist of the Year,” and Blake’s acceptance for “Entertainer of the Year.” The Shelton household has a lot of redecorating to do because they are bringing home many new trophies after last night’s show!

2. Mmmmmotorboatin’…Brad Paisley teaching the pure and innocent people of the world just what Little Big Town is doing out there in the ocean…We would like to thank Brad for the entertainment and sex education we received at an hour that was far too early for such content on basic television!

3. Couples couples everywhere! Count ‘em, folks. There were four separate married couples sharing the stage at one time or another last night. Four! Miranda and Blake shared an award, as did Karen and Jimi of Little Big Town and Shawna and Keifer Thompson of Thompson Square. And Faith Hill and Tim McGraw performed during a tribute to Willie Nelson. Country music breeds rock solid marriages … and wildly successful spouses!

4. Speaking of Willie Nelson, how about that tribute to the singer-songwriter? Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban joined forces to pay homage to this country music sensation. The one question we have is whether Toby Keith was hanging out in Willie’s bus, trying to get herbally inspired for his next great bus song…

5. Kelly Clarkson goes country, and does it in a big way! You might know her as a typically angry rock-pop, boy-bashing songstress. However, in case you have been living under a rock for the last ten years, Kelly has always had a Texas drawl and southern charm. That is why it comes as no shock to us that she is continuing to cross the aisle into country music territory. Kelly hit the stage with another huge name in country music, Vince Gill, and seduced America with her latest baby-making single, “Don’t Rush.” It will be interesting when the statistics for 2013 babies come out — how many of them will be born on or around August 1? #blamekelly

6. Carrie’s wardrobe. One dress after the other was to die for. And one slit after the other was higher up her one, perpetually bare leg. Stunning; breathtaking … there aren’t words that do Carrie justice. One thing we know is that those babies conceived during “Don’t Rush” should all be fighting the stork for just a small piece of the genetic jackpot Carrie hit!

7. Little Big Night! The mega-talented, but often under appreciated quartet finally scored big, winning vocal group and single of the year, due in large to their massive summer hit “Pontoon.” While they were on track to become the Susan Lucci of the CMA’s, they finally nabbed a pair of coveted trophies. It only took an odd combination of motorboatin’ and a whole lot of Jesus to score them the win…Who knew the man upstairs was a voting member?

8. Brad Paisley. We’d argue that there’s no better award show host than Paisley, who is quick on his feet, witty and charming without ever coming off contrived. Oh, and he randomly busts into the Gangnam Style dance! He’s also got a knack for knowing how to add the perfect amount of sentiment without coming off saccharine. We have to applaud his short homage to Andy Griffith, as well as his musical shout out to New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Very few could parlay Alicia Keys “Empire State of Mind” into “Southern Comfort Zone” into a full-out gospel choir. Amen, Brad Paisley. Amen.

9. Shut outs. Although it was a huge night for some of country’s faves, a few others were surprisingly shut out. Most noticeably missing from the line of acceptance speeches were the incumbent Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift, and the guy with more momentum than a Night Train, Jason Aldean. While we didn’t have to bust out our shocked faces for Taylor being left out, we’d have bet on Aldean nabbing a trophy. Same for Lady Antebellum, who we felt was a shoo-in for vocal group of the year. Carrie Underwood AND her flawless legs also failed to score any trophies this year, but with legs like that, and Mike Fisher, we’re sure she’ll be just fine.

10. Humility and pure talent. The CMA’s aren’t a show about covering yourself in fake blood, floating over the audience or stage-crashing. There’s a genuine feeling of community and camaraderie (exemplified by Miranda Lambert’s acceptance speech), and at the end of the day, it seems that country music is one big family. Sure there are some egos and some smoke and mirrors, but at the end of the days, the CMAs stand out in a sea of award shows because they seem much more genuine. It’s shows like this that remind us WHY we love country music.

Let us know which moments you loved, hated, loved to hate! We can’t wait to hear your most favorite and least favorite parts of the night!

Ronnie Dunn defends Kelly Clarkson’s Country Cred

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:38:24 +0000

Kelly Clarkson has been one of the topics up for debate this morning after last night’s Country Music Association Awards. While some country fans are confused why the pop superstar earned a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year, (which was awarded to fellow Texan Miranda Lambert), the industry has come out in support of Kelly. One of the supporters just happens to be the iconic Ronnie Dunn, formerly of Brooks & Dunn. He took to his Facebook page to defend Kelly Clarkson after some of his own fans were vocal about not welcoming her to country music.

Ronnie said:

“Mark E Lemothe writes: ” Friends with Kelly Clarkson yet?”

Kelly is a friend and one of the BEST singers I’ve ever been in a room with. Went to Tahiti with her. Texas girl, down home…as real as they come. I think her heart’s in Country Music. She can sing like an angel.”

Check out Kelly’s performance of her country single “Don’t Rush” below with Vince Gill and let us know what you think – do you want to see her go completely country?

LISTEN NOW! Kelly Clarkson’s New Single With Vince Gill “Don’t Rush”

Jessica Crans — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:26:30 +0000

Just a little over an hour ago, 98 WSIX premiered Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill‘s new duet “Don’t Rush.” Kelly took to Twitter to share her excitement over her new country song:

Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson): No, I’m totally not in my car waiting to hear my song Don’t Rush played 4 the 1st time on 97.9 in Nashville ….that would be embarrassing:)

Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson): Thank you @98WSIX for playing my new song Don’t Rush!! I sat in my car, in front of my house, just so I could hear it ha! I owe y’all!!

How cute is she?

If you didn’t already think Kelly was getting in tune with her country side – here’s your proof! Kelly has previously had country hit duets with a re-recording of her hit “Because of You” with fellow singer and good friend Reba McEntire, along with the smash “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean. Kelly also recorded a country version of her single “Mr. Know It All” for country radio.

“Don’t Rush” is off her upcoming Greatest Hits – Chapter 1 album due out next month. Kelly is also nominated in the CMA Female Vocalist of The Year category for this week’s CMA Awards.

The song has somewhat of an older, but sexy country feel. Listen below to hear your first listen of “Don’t Rush”(Or if you’re like us, this is your 10+ listen because you can’t get enough of it…)

We just have one wish left: Make a country album, Kelly!

Kelly’s team has confirmed that the single will be available for purchase on iTunes starting tomorrow. What do you think? Let us know below!

Vince Gill’s the Big Winner at ICM Awards

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:22:16 +0000

The 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards rolled out the red carpet at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony for Inspirational Country artists last night. Vince Gill was a big winner of the night, taking home two awards—Mainstream Inspirational Country Song and Mainstream Country Artist. Other winners included Chuck Day for Entertainer of the Year, Joyful Noise for Faith, Family and Country Movie and The Roys for Inspirational Bluegrass Artist.

Highlights of the evening included performances by Mac Powell, performing music from his new country album, as well as moving performances from Andy Griggs, John Berry, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and Crawford Crossing. Dr. Johnny Lee Cook was the recipient of this year’s Living Legend Award. Ronald McDonald was on-hand representing Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville—a portion of the proceeds from the week-long event were donated to the charity.

In addition to being aired on Total Living Network, Golden Eagle Broadcasting, TCT Television Network and NRB Network, Nashville’s News 2, WKRN-TV, the ABC affiliate in Nashville, Tenn., will be airing the awards this year for the first time. The 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards will air on Dec. 23 from 1pm-3pm.