Jim Brickman at the Fargo Theatre

Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman will bring one of the most entertaining and romantic concert events of the year to cities across the country in 2012. The aptly named The Romanza Tour brings Brickman’s signature romantic solo piano melodies and hit songs to life, and exposes audiences to brand new music from his hit CD, Romanza. His engaging stage presence blends seamlessly with the mood and music to touch the heart in a special way, and let fans imaginations take them to another place. His live performances strike the perfect balance between musical intimacy, compelling storytelling and audience interaction.

Jim Brickman makes a special stop in Fargo on Thursday, February 16, 7:30 p.m., at the historic Fargo Theatre. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 23, at 10 a.m. Reserved seating tickets are priced at $32 and $45. There is also a limited # of VIP seats at $65, which include a meet & greet with Mr. Brickman. Applicable fees may apply. Ticket prices go up $5 day of show. All tickets can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 866-300-8300 or online at tickets300.com or jadepresents.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway.

Since the release of his debut album No Words in 1994, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has made him the best-selling solo piano artist of our time. His best-known compositions include the chart-toppers “Valentine,” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Simple Things” and “Peace.” Brickman has also established a reputation for his collaborations with many gifted musical artists including Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Kenny Loggins, Michael W. Smith, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Collin Raye, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, and Olivia Newton-John.

His signature style has earned him six Gold and Platinum albums, 30 charted adult radio hits, and two Grammy nominations. He recently tied for most Number One albums on Billboard’s New Age chart, and he currently holds four of its Top 10 spots. Brickman received top honors with two SESAC “Songwriter of the Year” awards, a Canadian Country Music Award and a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association.
Brickman has been a strong supporter of PBS, starring in four TV concert specials: Beautiful World (2009), Jim Brickman Live from Disney’s Magic Kingdom (2005), My Romance-An Evening with Jim Brickman (2000) and Love Songs and Lullabies (2002).

A native of Cleveland, Brickman began playing piano at the age of five and studied music at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music. He founded his own advertising music company in 1980, writing commercial jingles for such advertisers as McDonald’s, Pontiac and Kellogg’s.
Brickman has received international acclaim as a concert performer, taking his popular live concerts to more than 125 cities each year. His Jim Brickman Cruises have become an annual hot-ticket event. He’s teamed up with American Greetings, lending original music to create some of their best-selling e-Cards, and is also featured on StarGreetz, a
new internet greeting phenomenon.

Other artistic endeavors include a popular weekly radio show, Your Weekend; two best- selling books, Simple Things and Love Notes; debuts at Carnegie Hall and the White House; and international touring from Spain to Thailand. Brickman lends a hand to many charitable foundations for children, including Autism Speaks, UNICEF and Camp Heartland. A scholarship was recently established in his name at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

AN EVENING WITH ROSANNE CASH

She’s described as ‘keeping her head down and showing up for work’ but in reality she’s done much more than show up. Her impression breadth of musical contributions has stood the test of time. Following in the footsteps of her iconic father, but never in his shadow, Rosanne Cash’s illustrious career has garnered both critical and popular acclaim, all the while maintaining integrity and artistry she’s sewn into a unique tapestry of blues, rock, pop and country music.


Grammy award-winner Rosanne Cash makes a special stop in Fargo on Saturday, November 19, 8 p.m., at the historic Fargo Theatre. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 30, at noon. Golden circle tickets cost $55; reserved tickets cost $45. Applicable fees may apply. All tickets can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 701-205-3182 or online at tickets300.com or jadepresents.com. This is an all-ages performance.

Known for her breakthrough hit “Seven Year Ache” (1981), Rosanne Cash’s musical journey began as a teenager with her famous father’s road show. Her work with Emmylou Harris’ sideman/songwriter (whom Cash would later marry), Rodney Crowell, led to a solid Nashville-based body of work.

From 1978-1989, Rosanne Cash released such hits as “No Memories Hangin’ Around” (a duet with country singer Bobby Bare), “Couldn’t Do Nothing Right,” “Take Me, Take Me,” “My Baby Thinks He’s a Train,” “Blue Moon with Heartache,” “Never Be You,” “Hold On” and more. Cash took home the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for 1985’s “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me.”

Her most critically acclaimed album-to-date is King’s Record Shop. King’s spawned four No. 1 hits including “Tennessee Flat Top Box” (originally released by her father). In the mid 1990s, Cash divorced Crowell. The breakup signaled Cash’s relocation to New York City and a departure of the country sound to a more soulful, Americana sound. Her other endeavors now include fictional essays. Her newest release is The List and her most recent writing collection is Composed.

The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North. Visit RosanneCash.com.

ASCAP to honor Don Williams

Country music star Don Williams will be honored with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award during its 49th Annual Country Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 6th, at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland. The event will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011, and present awards for Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter/Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year.

The Golden Note Award is bestowed upon songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones.

Don Williams is a recording artist & songwriter who has enjoyed 45 Top Ten hits and 17 No. 1 singles. Williams’ began his career as a member of the mid-1960’s folk-pop trio, the Pozo-Seco Singers. His self-penned hits include The Shelter of Your Eyes, Lay Down Beside Me, Love Me Over Again, and his collaboration with Wayland Holyfield, Till the Rivers All Run Dry. Despite a well-known aversion to the spotlight, Williams has risen to international fame. Williams was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Martina McBride debuts 11th album on October 11th

Martina McBride will be releasing her 11th studio album, aptly titled, ELEVEN, on October 11th.

The album will feature some of Martina's most personal songs to date, with Martina penning 6 of the 11 tracks.

Jesse Keith Whitley offers free download

Jesse Keith Whitley, son of Lorrie Morgan and the late Keith Whitley, is offering a very special gift to his fans. This month marks the 23rd anniversary of "Don’t Close Your Eyes" going #1 for Jesse's dad. In tribute, Jesse added his own version of the song on his recently-released EP, Kentucky Thunder. Jesse is making that song available to fans as a free download from his website, www.jessekeithwhitley.com.

New single from Vince Gill

The first radio single in four years from Vince Gill will be released to radio stations on Aug. 29. The new single, "Threaten Me With Heaven", is the lead track from his latest album, Guitar Slinger, which is due to be released Oct. 25th on MCA Nashville.

Vince co-wrote the single with wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and Will Owsley. Since the recording of the song, Owsley took his own life, giving the song a deeper impact for the singer.

Other tracks from the upcoming album include "True Love", which features Amy Grant and her daughter, Sarah Chapman, on vocals. Daughters Jenny Gill and Corinna Gill, also will make guest appearances on the album.

Among the songwriters with credits on the upcoming project are Leslie Satcher, who penned “Bread and Water” with Gill.

MATT NATHANSON HEADING TO FARGO THEATRE

Matt Nathanson is one of those singer-songwriters with a faithful following and extensive tour schedule. But, it took 2009’s platinum selling single “Come On Get Higher” to change his landscape. Now touring in support of his newest album, Modern Love, Matt Nathanson leaves the lonely singer-songwriter title behind on his way to mainstream notoriety.

Matt Nathanson makes a special stop in Fargo, N.D., at the historic Fargo Theatre on Tuesday, September 6, 8 p.m. Tickets are general admission and cost $20 in advance. Day-of-show tickets cost $23. Applicable fees may apply. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 5, at noon and can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; open Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 701-205-3182 or online at JadePresents.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.; this is an all-ages performance.

Praised for introspective songs that balance on teeter on folk-pop-rock, Matt Nathanson’s songs have been in featured in television and motion picture soundtracks – including – American Idol, NCIS, Private Practice, Big Shots, One Tree Hill, American Wedding and American Pie Presents Band Camp.

Nathanson released Modern Love in June 2011. The first single released was “Faster.” “Run” features guest appearances by the members of Sugarland. Modern Love has reached No. 17 on the album chart, and No. 4 on the Billboard Rock Chart.

The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North. Visit MattNathanson.com for additional information.

Jason Michael Carroll - Numbers

Jason Michael Carroll's new album, Numbers, is the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program. Numbers is a compilation of songs about everyday life experiences, including his big hit "Alyssa Lies," and the title song "Numbers," which was written by Patrick Davis and Rodney Clawson.

The album debuts today exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations and online at crackerbarrel.com.

Track listing for Numbers:

1. This Is For The Lonely
2. Numbers
3. Ray Of Hope
4. Meet Me In The Barn
5. Hell Or Hallelujah
6. Can I Get An Amen
7. My Favorite
8. Don't Know Why
9. Let Me
10.Stray
11.Last Word
12.Alyssa Lies

Dirt Drifters - This is my blood

Warner Bros. Records is releasing the debut album from The Dirt Drifters today. The album is titled, This Is My Blood, and is available at all digital retailers.

The Dirt Drifters, comprised of lead singer/guitarist Matt Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Jeff Middleton, bassist Jeremy Little and drummer Nick Diamond, wrote or co-wrote 10 of the project’s 11 tracks, and played on every song of the album. They also have legend Willie Nelson for guest vocals on "I’ll Shut Up Now."

The full track listing includes:
1. Something Better
2. Always A Reason
3. There She Goes
4. It Takes A Man
5. Hurt Somebody
6. Married Men And Motel Rooms
7. I’ll Shut Up Now (ft. Willie Nelson)
8. Name On My Shirt
9. Sun Goes Down
10. Just Got Tonight
11. This Is My Blood

Dolly Parton - Better Day

In the 44 years since her first album, Hello, I'm Dolly, was released, Dolly Parton has continued to reinvent herself to the latest generation without changing either her music or herself. With her 41st studio release, Better Day, Dolly brings more of the same countrified brightness as only she can. All of the songs are penned by Dolly, who seems to still be underrated for her songwriting skills. The greatest thing is that she's still able to incorporate the old country/bluegrass sound while making it sound mainstream enough to catch the non-country listener's ear.

While the songs are all written by Dolly, they're not all new. The first single, "Together You and I", is actually a remake of a song she had recorded with her former mentor and duet partner Porter Wagoner for their 1974 LP, Porter 'n' Dolly. This version, however, has a new tempo and has been updated to suit today's country music sound. Other tracks include "Holding Everything", which was recorded by Alabama lead singer Randy Owen; "Missing You" was originally recorded by Dolly for the film "First Dog"; and "I Just Might", "Shine Like The Sun", "Get Out", and "Let Love Grow" were all songs Dolly had written for her Tony-nominated score of "9 to 5-The Musical.

Ricky Skaggs new album

Ricky Skaggs' newest CD, Country Hits Bluegrass Style, will be released next Tuesday, July 19th. The 14-song album is a mix between Skaggs’ country and bluegrass roots.

Ricky's band, Kentucky Thunder, along with some of Ricky's original award-winning country band alumni, and special friends are part of this album as well.

Blake Shelton - Red River Blue

Blake Shelton one of the rare singers who can seamlessly go from country "party boy" to heartfelt, sweet, charming "aw shucks" guy in a heartbeat. That's quite noticeable on his latest album, "Red River Blue", as well. Blake offers up some 'charmers', like "Honey Bee", "God gave me you", "I'm sorry", and "over", in contrast with the 'having a good timers' like "ready to roll", "get some", "good ole boys", and "hey". The greatest 'charmer' on this album is the title track, a duet with wife, Miranda Lambert.

The Brothers Four

The Brothers Four will be playing in concert on Friday, June 24th for the Ada-Borup All-School Reunion.

Register now to win a free copy of their "Golden Anniversay" album. Send an email to KRJBada@loretel.net to get registered.

Brad Paisley's new album

Brad Paisley will release This is Country Music on Monday, May 23rd.



This is Country Music is Brad's 9th studio album. It's a 15-track collection, with 12 of those songs co-written by Brad. There are a number of great guest performances on the album, including Don Henley on "love her like she's leavin'", Blake Shelton on "Don't drink the water", Marty Stuart, Sheryl Crow & Carl Jackson on "life's railway to Heaven", Clint Eastwood on the instrumental "Eastwood", and a duet with Carrie Underwood on "remind me".

New Eric Church album to be released in late July

Eric Church's third studio album, Chief, will be released on July 26 on EMI Records. The album is produced by Jay Joyce, who also produced Church's previous two releases.

The first single release from the new album is,Homeboy.

Here is the track listing for the new album - all but track 4 are co-written by Church:
1. Creepin’
2. Drink In My Hand
3. Keep On
4. Like Jesus Does
5. Hungover & Hard Up
6. Homeboy
7. Country Music Jesus
8. Jack Daniels
9. Springsteen
10. I’m Gettin’ Stoned
11. Over When It’s Over

CORNMEAL LIVE AT FARGO’S AQUARIUM

Cornmeal, a blue-grass, jam band based out of Chicago, will be performing live In Concert on Sunday, July 17th at The Aquarium (226 Broadway) in Fargo. The concert will begin at 10pm (doors open at 9pm). A special guest to be announced. You can purchase tickets at the door for $10. Visit JadePresents.com for additional information. This is a 21+ show. IDs must be shown at the door.

BRANDI CARLILE RETURNING TO THE FARGO THEATRE

For fans of the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile’s stunning songs have left a permanent mark on the show’s characters through the vibrant words Carlile so radiantly sings. For audiences and critics alike, Brandi Carlile’s songs are a perfect communion between artist and listener.

Brandi Carlile makes her much anticipated return to the historic Fargo Theatre on Tuesday, August 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets are all reserved seating and cost $29.50 and $37.50 for Gold Circle. Applicable fees may apply; a $1 charitable donation is included. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 6, at 1 p.m., and can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; open Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 701-205-3182 or online at JadePresents.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.; this is an all-ages performance.

Touring in support of her most recent record, Live at Benaroya Hall, Carlile and her band translate live that perfect tone and stunning beauty from Seattle’s famed hall. Carlile’s legendary riveting intensity on stage on such gems as “Turpentine, “the haunting, but rock worthy “The Story” and the emotionally-charged cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” is reason enough Rolling Stone named her one of 10 Artists to Watch.

“The Story” from her sophomore album sharing the same name, barely missed the top spot on Triple-A’s chart, while also making the US Pop 100 and Hot AC charts.

Carlile, whose influences include The Indigo Girls and Elton John, collaborated with John on “Caroline” for her third studio album, Give Up the Ghost (2009). Produced by Rick Rubin, Give Up the Ghost debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

Carlile is also 2010’s Seattle’s City of Music Breakthrough Award winner. That same year she was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist.

The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North . Visit BrandiCarlile.com for additional information.

Lucinda Williams to perform at Fargo Theater May 17th

Singer/Musician Lucinda Williams will perform at the Fargo Theater on Tuesday, May 17th. Doors open at 6:30pm with show beginning at 7:30pm. The concert is available for all ages. There will be reserved seating. Tickets are $35* and $45* (* plus applicable fees). Tickets will go on sale April 18th at noon, and are available at Tickets300 (300 Broadway N, Fargo. M-F Noon-6PM), by phone 701-205-3182 or jadepresents.com.

The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North, Fargo, ND

About Lucinda Williams
Her songs are the fabric that binds the perfect knit between blues, country and folk music. Lucinda Williams is a two-time Grammy award winning singer songwriter whose words have struck a passionate chord among numerous fan bases. Known for her traditionalistic style, her songs capture a commercial sound.

Williams recently shared with the Austin 360 newspaper, that her current release, Blessed, is satisfying and more reflective and mature than her past collections. Writer Brian T. Atkinson called it "absolutely seamless" and "one of her finest moments" and "unparalleled elegance for an hour straight."

After releasing her first albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was the 1988 self-titled album that featured one of her most famous pieces - "Passionate Kisses." In 1994 Mary Chapin Carpenter covered the song, earning Williams the Grammy for Best Country Song. Williams released Car Wheels on a Gravel Road in 1998. The album reached Gold status and earned another Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Williams' critical acclaim has never faltered. In 2002 Time Magazine named her "America's Best Songwriter." She has been nominated time and again at the Grammy's for such categories as Best Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Rock Song for "Come On" and in 2010 Best Americana Album for Little Honey and Best Song Written for Motion Picture, TV or Other Media for "Kiss Like Your Kiss" from True Blood.

Visit LucindaWilliams.com

New album for The Judds

The mother/daughter country music duo, The Judds, have released a new album, "I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection". The new compilation features twelve classics as well as two brand new songs: "I Will Stand By You" and "Back Home", which features Alison Krauss. The two new songs mark the first time the duo have recorded together since 2004 when Naomi joined Wynonna for the single, "Flies On The Butter", which is also featured on this album.

Along with the two new tracks, this collection features fan favorites such as "Mama He’s Crazy", "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)", "Turn It Loose" and the song that has become the duo's anthem, "Love Can Build A Bridge."

Emmylou Harris to release new album

Country/Folk legend Emmylou Harris will release her new album on Nonesuch Records, Hard Bargain, on April 26th. Emmylou wrote 11 of the 13 tracks including song tributes to Gram Parsons ("The Road") and the late folk singer Kate McGarrigle ("Dear Kate").

The project included just three musicians - Emmylou, producer Jay Joyce, and Giles Reeves - however, it's not a stripped-down album. To promote the album's release, Emmylou will appear on The Late Show with David Letterman on April 27th.

2011 Country Music Hall of Fame Class

The Country Music Association revealed the 2011 inductees for the Country Music Hall of Fame today.



Bobby Braddock, Jean Shepard and Reba McEntire will be the latest inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame

Bobby Braddock is inducted in the Songwriter category. He has been writing hit songs in Nashville for half a century. Some of his classics include "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and some of his more modern hits are "I Wanna Talk About Me" and the recent "People Are Crazy."

After moving to Nashville in 1964, Braddock became the piano player for Marty Robbins. He released three major label albums and also performed in Country Music-themed movies. He also added his talent as a producer, working on Blake Shelton’s first five albums.

* * * *

Jean Shepard is inducted in the Veterans Era.

She is often called The Grand Lady of the Grand Ole Opry, as she has been a member of the Opry for over 50 years. Jean had 44 charted hits between 1953 and 1978, including her first hit, "A Dear John Letter", which was a duet with Ferlin Husky.

Some of Jean Shepard's hits include: "Twice the Lovin’ in Half the Time", "Don’t Fall in Love With a Married Man", "The Root of All Evil (Is a Man)", and "The Other Woman". She also joined the cast of Ozark Jubilee on ABC TV.

* * *

Reba McEntire is a Modern Era inductee to the Hall of Fame

Reba started out her career a bit slow, but things began to soar for the Oklahoma redhead by 1984, when she won the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award for the 1st of 4 consecutive years. Two years later, she joined the Grand Ole Opry and was also named CMA Entertainer of the Year. In her music career, Reba has sold more than 55 million albums worldwide, and to date has achieved 35 No. 1 singles. She has also received 6 CMA Awards, and 2 Grammy Awards.

Reba's talents broadened to acting on the big screen (Tremors), the small screen (her own sitcom, "Reba"), and even the Broadway stage (Annie Get Your Gun).

Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductees

Garth Brooks, Leon Russell, John Bettis, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly and Allen Toussaint will become the newest members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. The event is set for Thursday, June 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Certified by the RIAA as the No. 1 selling solo artist in U.S. history, Brooks has sold more than 128 million albums and is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have six albums top the 10 million mark. As a songwriter his credits include “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and more.

Fellow inductee Leon Russell has been busy collaborating with Elton John. His songwriting credits include “A Song For You,” “This Masquerade,” ” Delta Lady,” “Tight Rope,” “Bluebird,” “Back To The Island,” and “Hummingbird.” He will also be honored with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s first Award for Musical Excellence in March.

Other inductees include John Bettis, who has written songs that have sold more than 250 million records worldwide such as “Human Nature” and “Crazy For You;” musician, songwriter and record producer Allen Toussaint, who wrote songs “Yes We Can” and “Working in the Coalmine;” and Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly who co-wrote five No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including “Like A Virgin,” “True Colors,” and “Eternal Flame.”

BANDIT RECORDS RELEASES NEW GEORGE JONES ALBUM

Nashville, TN – BANDIT RECORDS is proud to release the first new GEORGE JONES material in over 5 years. “I Ain’t Ever Slowin Down” written by Al Anderson and Stephen Bruton and “ I Should Have Called” , written by Eddie Raven are both featured in a new compilation called GEORGE JONES: HITS. Both new songs were produced by Jones’ long time producer, Keith Stegal, in 2006 and are included on BANDITS newest release. Also featured on the album are some of GEORGE’S biggest and most iconic hits such as , “The Window Up Above”, “Take Me”, “The Grand Tour” , “White Lightin” , his signature song “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today” as well as gems like “ Hell Stays Open All Night Long” and “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)”.


Once again, even in his later years, Jones’ vocals continue to amaze and evoke an emotional response as strong as his classic hits have over the last 6 decades. Retailing for $11.99, sold exclusively at Wal*Mart, the 24 song compilation will be released on Feb. 15th.

Jones, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, has had a chart appearance in each of the last seven decades (50’s through ‘10s) and extends his lead for the most chart appearances of all time to 166 titles and his chart span to 55 years, three months and one week. Jones is added to a short prestigious list of acts to chart in seven decades, previously achieved by only Eddy Arnold and Elvis Presley

Chris Young celebrates three consecutive #1s

Three times the charm for Chris Young celebrating his third consecutive No. 1 single. “Voices” from his sophomore CD, The Man I Want To Be has reached the summit a.k.a. chart heaven. Three-in-a-row is pretty sweet, but in this case it was the second go round for “Voices” which was originally released in 2008 and peaked at No. 37. Written by Young, Chris Tompkins and Craig Wiseman, “Voices” marks the second time that an artist has hit the top target after re-releasing a song. In fact, it was Randy Travis’ “On The Other Hand” that went to the top in 1986 after originally peaking at No. 67.

Young’s previous two No. 1 singles were “Getin’ You Home,” and “The Man I Want To Be.”

Chris Young was recently nominated for his first Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal and is currently on the road as part of the Rascal Flatts tour. He also has a new album scheduled for this summer. Young’s new single “Tomorrow” delivers digitally to radio this week.

Alan Jackson leaves Sony

Sony Music Nashville today announced that it and superstar Alan Jackson have ended their relationship. He was the first artist signed to the Arista roster in 1989—today under the Sony umbrella—leading to a successful partnership for more than 20 years.

According to the label’s official statement, “Sony Music Nashville wishes to thank Alan Jackson for their long association and the many hit records achieved as a result of that association. In an amicable parting, Sony confirms that Alan has delivered his final recordings to the company and wishes him well.”

“I’ve had a great run with Arista going all the way back to the beginning of my career when I signed with Tim DuBois,” explained Jackson in a statement. “I’ve gotten to work with some real great people along the way and we accomplished a lot. It just seems to me like the time may be right to change things up a bit and see what comes next.”

Jackson’s manager Nancy Russell relaunched her firm last year under the name the co-op. She has been building a team that includes former Sony exec Maurice Miner. Jackson is also represented by William Morris Endeavor.

He is gearing up for the first leg of his 2011 tour with sold-out shows in Canada, followed by his first tour of Australia. He is currently writing and working on songs for a new album.

With 50 million album sales to his credit, Jackson is a 16-time award winner at both the CMA and ACM Awards, a tally that includes three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors. He is a GRAMMY winner and has topped the country singles charts 35 times.

Blake & Reba to host ACM Awards

Blake Shelton will join Reba McEntire as co-host of the ACM Awards on Sunday, April 3rd. Reba has hosted the country awards show for over a decade.



This will mark Blake’s debut as an award show host, as he becomes the 50th host since the inception of the ACM Awards.

The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3rd, at 7pm on CBS.

Kenny Chesney & Rascal Flatts touring in 2011

Kenny Chesney & Rascal Flatts are among the stars hitting the road in 2011.


After taking a break from a lengthy tour in 2010, organizers expect this to be Kenny Chesney's biggest outing in five years. The 2011 Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s "Goin’ Coastal" tour is set for about 60 dates, including at least ten stadium shows. Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker will be on board for the duration, and Zac Brown Band will co-headline the stadiums.

The tour starts on March 17th in West Palm Beach, FL, and has stops booked through the sold-out August 27th show at Gillette Stadium outside Boston. More dates will be announced. Chesney has sold about 8 million tickets since 2000.



Rascal Flatts will launch the second leg of its "Nothing Like This" Tour this Friday, January 14th, in Sioux Falls, SD at the Sioux Falls Arena. Opening acts are Luke Bryan and Chris Young. The tour will wrap in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 12.

JaneDear's debut album to be released next month

Warner Bros. Records has set a Feb. 1st release date for the debut album from the JaneDear girls.



The self-titled project includes 11 songs all written by Susie Brown and Danelle Leverett, the duo that makes up JaneDear. They play at least seven instruments between the two of them, including accordion, guitar, bass, fiddle, ganjo, harp and mandolin.

The lead single from the album is Wildflower, and is already a Top 20 hit.

At the end of January, JaneDear will head out on their first major tour, with Jason Aldean on his My Kinda Party tour, which opens Jan. 21 in Little Rock, AR.

Here's the track listing for JaneDear's debut album:
1. Wildflower
2. Shotgun Girl
3. Merry Go Round
4. Sugar
5. Saturdays in September
6. Sing Along
7. Lucky You
8. Pretender
9. Never Gonna Let You Go
10. Free Ride
11. Everyday’s A Holiday

The Roys to release new album in March

The Roys are launching the release of their new album, Lonesome Whistle, on March 22nd, on Rural Rhythm Records. The CD was produced by the brother/sister duo, Lee & Elaine, as well as Andy Leftwich.

The lead single, Coal Minin’ Man, was written by Lee Roy and his friend Matt Rogers. It is available for digital purchase.

Steve Martin to release new bluegrass album

Steve Martin will release his second full length bluegrass album, Rare Bird Alert on March 15th. On this new album, Steve will be joined by the Steep Canyon Rangers, who toured extensively with him over the last year.

The new album includes 13 new tracks written by Steve. Sir Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks are included as guest vocalists on the project. This is the follow-up to his Grammy Award winning album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo.

Kellie Pickler weds

Kellie Pickler and songwriter Kyle Jacobs were married in an intimate ceremony on Saturday, January 1, 2011 on a private island in the Caribbean.

Shania Twain weds

Shania Twain married Frédéric Thiébaud in Puerto Rico on New Year’s Day. Forty friends and family members gathered for the intimate sunset ceremony in Rincon, Puerto Rico.



Twain was escorted down the aisle by her nine-year-old son, Eja.

Twain and Thiebaud have been dating since 2009.

MUSIC COMMUNITY GATHERS TO SUPPORT THE GRASCALS & DOLLY PARTON IN RAISING AWARENESS FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER

Nashville, TN – In a rare occasion of combined efforts, Nashville’s music community is gathering is support of “I AM STRONG,” a song drawing awareness to the childhood cancer epidemic.

Two versions of “I AM STRONG” have been recorded.  Version 1 includes award-winning, Grammy-nominated group, The Grascals, with special guest Dolly Parton.  Version 2 includes The Grascals, Dolly Parton, Randy Owen, Joe Nichols, Darryl Worley, Terri Clark, Charlie Daniels, Tom T. Hall, The Oak Ridge Boys and Steven Seagal.

A music video was directed by cancer survivor David Corlew of d. corlew films and is already gaining much notoriety.



About “I AM STRONG” and its origin:
"I AM STRONG," was written by Grascals’ band member Jamie Johnson and his wife Susanne Mumpower-Johnson along with Jenee Fleenor after The Grascals visited the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in Memphis and were inspired by the stories and power of the children being treated there. "I Am Strong" is powerful in its message and artistic vision and brings together vocals from all of the artists who also appear separately with The Grascals on other tracks on this CD.

In honor of the children and this song, Cracker Barrel is donating a percentage of the proceeds from this CD to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  The album, The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin, has 13 country music songs on it that you have probably heard before, but most likely not like this.  The Grascals bring their own bluegrass style to the tunes and bring the different tracks to life with eight of their friends, including Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels and Dolly Parton.  The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin will be available on January 10th, 2011, exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations.