Entertainment blogging from The Oklahoman's Brandy McDonnell

“Hee Haw” gets a “salute!” in Oklahoma History Center’s new exhibit

Easton Corbin still remembers vividly the Saturday TV lineup from childhood weekends spent on his grandparents’ Florida farm.

It started with “Hee Haw,” followed by “Opry Backstage” and “Opry Live.”

Although none of his kin played an instrument, the country singer-songwriter who has been dubbed “the second coming of George Strait” was raised in a musical family because of the “pickin’ and grinnin’” beaming out of his grandparents’ television set.

“One of my earliest memories is music … you know, just being around it. And that’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” Corbin, 29, told The Oklahoman in a recent phone interview. “I grew up around them a lot, so their influences (are mine).”

The “A Little More Country than That” hitmaker isn’t the only one who laughs nostalgically as he recalls gathering around the TV to watch “Hee Haw” with his family.

“Sitting with grandparents on a Saturday afternoon watching ‘Hee Haw’: The first few times, you know, you hate it. And then it just kind of grows on you. It’s just so goofy and funny, and the music was great,” said Larry O’Dell, director of collections at the Oklahoma History Center, with a wide grin.

“There’s a shared memory of ‘Hee Haw.’ Three generations of people really — it was on from 1969 to ’93 — we all remember ‘Hee Haw.’”

The Oklahoma History Center is giving a “salute!” to the long-running country variety show with the new exhibition “Pickin’ and Grinnin’: Roy Clark, ‘Hee Haw’ & Country Humor,” which opens to the public Tuesday and will be on view for a year. The 3,000-square-foot exhibit features recreations of the “Hee Haw” cornfield, barbershop and porch sets, spotlights the more than 40 Oklahoma stars who performed on the series, and traces the roots of the show’s rural humor back to 1920s tent shows and the early days of radio and television.

“Hee Haw” co-host Roy Clark and Friends will perform and tour the exhibit tonight at an invitation-only opening event that will also feature longtime “Hee Haw” producer Sam Lovullo. The exhibit is part of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s ongoing development of an Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture in Tulsa.

“Hee Haw” history

The exhibit tracks the history of “Hee Haw’s” development back to traveling tent shows put on by folks like the Standley Players. Beginning with Jack and Myrtle Standley, who got their start on the vaudeville stage, three generations of the Oklahoma family have been in the entertainment business.

“In the 1920s, Jack and Myrtle had a tent show that traveled the wheat harvest in Oklahoma, going to all the small towns. And it was like ‘Hee-Haw,’ it was music, skits, humor, and that’s what the rural people of Oklahoma enjoyed. So that’s what they catered to,” O’Dell said, noting that the Standleys’ grandson, Robert Knott, wrote and produced the film “Appaloosa.”

Their daughter, Martha Standley Knott, had a radio show on Oklahoma City’s KBYE called “Cousin Nellie,” starring a character similar to “Hee Haw” mainstay Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, better known as Minnie Pearl.

“Then, we talk about television in Oklahoma and how it was kind of pioneering for country music,” O’Dell said. “On WKY-TV, Hank Thompson had the first country music variety show in color … and Buck Owens shot his nationally syndicated show here in Oklahoma City.”

When CBS set out to create a country version of “Laugh-In,” show creators Frank Peppiatt and John Aylesworth and producer Sam Lovullo found the ideal co-hosts in Owens, and Roy Clark, who has lived in Tulsa since 1971. A virtuoso guitar and banjo player, Clark had previously showcased his musical and comedic skills on “The Tonight Show,” “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Jonathan Winters Show.”

“He was the heart of the show. He was there from the beginning to the very end,” O’Dell said. “He was perfect for ‘Hee Haw.’ … He was a triple threat because he could play, sing and do comedy.”

“Hee Haw” debuted on CBS on June 15, 1969, as a summer replacement for the “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” and it was such a success it earned a mid-season debut. Despite solid ratings, the network canceled the show in 1971 because executives felt it was “too rural.”

“They said ‘Hee-Haw’ wouldn’t last,” Clark quipped recently while being honored by the state legislature. “But we were in production for over 25 years.”

The producers put together a syndication deal for “Hee Haw” and continued the show in much the same format for another 20 years, making it one of the longest-running syndicated series in TV history. From 1981 to 1993, the show was kept on the air by broadcasting companies associated with The Oklahoma Publishing Co., which publishes The Oklahoman.

“I’m convinced that without the Gaylord family involvement, ‘Hee Haw’ would have ended its

run much earlier,” said Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, which operates the history center. “When E.L. and Thelma bought that … Mr. Gaylord’s first instructions to Sam Lovullo … were ‘don’t change a thing.’”

Lasting legacy

“Hee Haw,” which still airs in reruns on the cable channel RFD-TV, has been honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame, Museum of Broadcast Communications and Museum of Television and Radio. Many of the show’s skits — “The Cornfield,” “Pickin’ and Grinnin’,” “Pfft You Was Gone,” “Hee Haw Salutes” and “Gloom, Despair and Agony on Me,” to name a few — have become etched in the cultural consciousness and are highlighted in the exhibit.

But “Hee Haw” is perhaps best remembered for the long list of top-notch country, gospel and bluegrass musicians who performed on it. Among the Oklahoma music stars who played the show are Roger Miller, Sheb Wooley, Wanda Jackson, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks.

“The biggest country music stars went on ‘Hee Haw’ because it had a national audience,” O’Dell said.

Along with audio and video clips from the series, the exhibit will feature a documentary about “Hee Haw” that includes interviews with the cast, crew and guests.

“‘Hee Haw’ was as much a part of our family — I hate to say it — as going to church,” Brooks says in the documentary. “That was just a must.”

Easton Corbin attributes his unabashedly old-school country sound in part to those formative years watching “Hee Haw” and “Opry Live.”

“That’s the type of music that I grew up listening to and love and I just want to keep on doing if they’ll let me,” he said with a laugh.

On exhibit

“Pickin’ and Grinnin’: Roy Clark, ‘Hee Haw’ & Country Humor”

When: Opens Tuesday.

Where: Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive.

Information: 522-5248 or www.okhistorycenter.org.

-BAM

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CD review: Billy Joel “Billy Joel: Live at Shea Stadium — The Concert”

From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.

Rock

Billy Joel “Billy Joel: Live at Shea Stadium — The Concert” (CD/DVD set) (Legacy)

New York native Billy Joel gives the legendary rock ‘n’ roll venue and home of the Mets a suitably grand send-off with “Live at Shea Stadium — The Concert.”

In 2008, Joel played two “The Last Play at Shea” shows for a combined 110,000 enthusiastic fans before the final section of the stadium was torn down the following year. Two jam-packed CDs are needed to capture the two-and-half-hour concert, which mixes familiar hits, album cuts and high-wattage guest stars, including Oklahoma native Garth Brooks, Tony Bennett and Paul McCartney.

“Is this cool or what?” Joel quips to the crowd, and the show maintains a definite party atmosphere. The rollicking anthem “Only the Good Die Young,” the genre-shifting “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and the still-relevant “Allentown” are among the hit parade highlights.

The touching “She’s Always a Woman” is punctuated by a marriage proposal, with Joel playfully advising the couple, “get a prenup.” The singer/songwriter/pianist’s voice sometimes sounds strained, but his fingers are as fleet as ever. And when it comes to his signature song, “Piano Man,” with its “Take Me out to the Ballgame” lead-in, the crowd is more than happy to sing for him.

Album cuts such as “Summer, Highland Falls,” “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go out on Broadway)” and “Goodnight Saigon,” with a group of military singers accompanying Joel and his band, supply some of the evening’s most resonant moments.

The farewell party gets extra star power when Brooks belts his Joel-penned hit “Shameless,” Bennett lends his famed voice to “New York State of Mind” and McCartney revisits the Beatles’ seminal Shea show with “I Saw Her Standing There,” before closing the festivities appropriately with “Let It Be.” Along with the rest of the concert, the DVD includes bonus performances featuring Steven Tyler, John Mellencamp and Roger Daltrey.

— BAM

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Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood to appear tonight at fundraiser for National Women’s History Museum

Owasso country music couple Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will appear tonight at New York’s Radio City Music Hall for Good Housekeeping magazine’s fundraiser for the National Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C., according to CMT.com.

Yearwood and Lee Ann Womack are among the performers at “Shine On,” a theatrical event hosted by actress Rebecca Romijn. Joining Brooks on the list of presenters and guests are Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Martha Stewart, Heather Graham, Kathy Ireland and Fran Drescher, among others. The National Women’s History Museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and celebrating the diverse historic contributions of women.

-BAM

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Live blog: 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

7:00 p.m.: We’re starting out with Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton “serenading the woman he loves,” according to the announcer, and we see the handsome Ada native playing a guitar and strolling up to a blonde sprawled on a chaise. But the purple nail polish gives it away that we’re seeing Reba in a wig, who tells him, “All right, that’s enough rehearsing for your wedding night. We’ve got a show to get ready for.” Looks like Miranda almost forgot to smile there; she seemed a bit confused, so maybe that opening skit was a surprise for her.

7:02: Blake introduces the night’s first performer and it’s a great one, Brad Paisley doing “Old Alabama,” featuring, naturally, Alabama. It is a new song off his upcoming album “This Is Country Music.” Brad is smoking on the guitar as usual, and the crowd gives a well-deserved standing ovation to three of the guys from the superstar country group. Who doesn’t love Alabama? It’s another great opening number for the ACMs.

7:07: “Give me a yeehaw!” shouts Brad Paisley, as this collaboration becomes the foot-stomping good time we hoped it would be.

7:08: From the classic country of Alabama, we go to the decidedly un-country Celine Dion. Of course, she is a mainstay of the Las Vegas entertainment scene, so she’s here to welcome everyone to Vegas and tout her love of country music, since it’s “always sung from the heart.”

7:09: Celine quickly kicks it to tonight’s co-hosts, Oklahoma natives Reba and Blake. Blake starts out by reading Reba’s part about being so glad he’s here to host his 13th ACM Awards. “Didn’t you read the book I sent you?” Reba says. “‘Co-hosting for Dummies,’ yes, I read it cover to cover,” Blake replies. They say they aren’t going to make any jokes about Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan or any other celebrity scandals, so “good night!” Reba advises him to make quick quips about the country stars, so they’re good-naturedly picking on Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal, Brad Paisley and of course, Miranda. Ouch, that was a big hit on LeAnn Rimes’ marriage swapping activities, and another Blake swipe at Reba’s age, including her “natural” redhead status. Hey, she was once a natural redhead.

7:14: Reba and Blake send it to Norman resident Toby Keith for the first of the entertainer of the year nominee’s performances. Toby is performing his current single, “Somewhere Else,” his favorite track from his 2010 album “Bullets in the Gun.” It’s a deceptively bouncy brokenhearted ballad with a lot of clever wordplay.

Fan voting for entertainer of the year continues up to the start of the third hour of tonight’s show. Along with Toby and Miranda Lambert, the nominees are Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

7:17: Blake and Reba, who look sharp in their coordinated outfits, with Blake in the gorgeous gray jacket and Reba in the multicolored sparkles, are getting a ride from Brad Garrett to the Strip to the new ACM Fan Jam, a big tie-in concert for the fans. Sugarland is presiding over the first-ever Fan Jam, and the duo’s Jennifer Nettles is set to perform with Rihanna.

7:20: So far, I think Reba and Blake make a pretty good co-hosting duo, which isn’t surprising. They’re both funny people and they have close family ties – her stepson is Blake’s longtime manager – but I hope they’re going to let more of Blake’s crazy sense of humor show. Maybe not, since if you follow his Twitter feed, his language isn’t exactly PG or even PG-13. Maybe the censors fear letting him go too far off script, and I can’t say that I blame ‘em.

7:23: Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton and AnnaSophia Robb, who plays Hamilton in the movie “Soul Surfer,” are onstage, so they must be introducing Carrie Underwood, who makes her movie debut in the biopic as a youth leader. The movie opens Friday.

Interestingly, they pointed out that Carrie is the only woman to win ACM entertainer of the year award twice, without noting that she did accomplished that by winning it back to back over the past two years. Yet she is NOT nominated for EOY tonight. Ripoff. I’m just going to come out and say it. It’s a ripoff. She should have a chance to defend her title. But with the award being fan-voted and her fans going by the well-earned moniker “Carrie’s Army,” I wonder if the producers wondered if there would ever be anyone else win it if they let her defend.

People.com is reporting that Carrie, the 2005 “American Idol” winner, is performing with current “Idol” judge Steven Tyler. She’s playing her hit “Undone It,” and sure enough, here comes the Aerosmith frontman. This is actually a great song choice for this pairing, and the crowd is on its feet, with a big cheer for one of Steve’s big notes. Carrie is wearing a sassy, sparkly gray and black short dress, while Steven is decked out with Elvis flair in a white jumpsuit and full-length white coat.

7:26: Not surprisingly, they’re not stopping with “Undone It,” launching into a duet of the Aerosmith favorite “Walk This Way.” It’s still a fun performance, even if it’s not my favorite Aerosmith song and not, in my opinion, the best showcase for Carrie’s huge pipes. But she did get in a faux kiss with Steven Tyler, so that’s fun and playful.

I can hear the country traditionalists screaming right now about how not country this is, but it is a very Vegas sort of thing. Just look at the red streaks in Carrie’s hair. It’s not meant to be traditional; crossover is here to stay.

Still, as entertaining as this is, I still wish Carrie was paying tribute to fellow Checotah native and great country music voice Mel McDaniel, who died Friday.The crowd is on its feet and cheering for the rocking performance.

7:30: Brad Garrett has ushered Blake and Reba to Mandalay Bay – despite the co-hosts getting distracted by the “sights” (Chippendale dancers and showgirls) and Brad’s grousing – and they’re introducing the artists throwing the big bash, Sugarland. The duo has its usual extravagant staging going – another good hit for the Vegas setting – and Jennifer Nettles is nailing the big note for their anthem “Tonight.”

7:36: As Blake puts it, the focus is on keeping the energy high, so he’s kicking it back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where the ACM Awards are taking place. Dierks Bentley struts onto the stage singing his new single “Am I the Only One.” I adored Dierks’ last album, “Up on the Ridge,” which is up for album of the year and made my cross-genre top 10 albums of 2010, but it is so wonderful to hear raucous new music from Dierks. He’s a personal favorite, and this performance is just terrific fun, as he sprints to the upper deck to sing and party with the folks in the cheap seats. See why I love him?

7:40: OK, as much as I’m enjoying tonight’s performances, we’re 40 minutes in and we haven’t given away one award, except for the special awards that won’t be televised and were announced last week and the two awards given on red carpet. Isn’t this the ACM AWARDS? Get on with it!

7:45: Entertainer of the year nominee Keith Urban is performing the sweet-sounding ballad “Without You” on a darkened stage lit by a table lamp. It’s referencing his romance with his wife, Nicole Kidman, and the arrival of a baby girl. They recently welcomed their second daughter, Faith, who was carried by a surrogate. It’s a lovely song, but I can’t help but giggle thinking of Blake joking he’ll start writing sweet songs for Miranda when she wins an Oscar like Nicole in tonight’s opening joke barrage.

7:49: We’re zipping back to Mandalay Bay, where Sugarland is introducing Eric Church, who already has won the fan-voted top new solo artist award and is vying with The Band Perry for the fan-voted top new artist prize, to be announced tonight. I don’t like Eric’s chance of beating The Band Perry and their legion young fans and white-hot momentum. But you gotta like his performance of “Smoke a Little Smoke,” which Blake used as the punchline for his Miley Cyrus joke. Not only is Eric putting in a smoking hot performance, he’s even managing to carry off the aviator sunglasses look.

7:52: People, “Gossip Girl” star Chace Crawford and model/actress Brooklyn Decker are taking the stage, and Chace is carrying an envelope. Nearly an hour in, and we may actually see this award show give out an award. Shocking, I know.

It’s gonna be the song of the year. Go Miranda!

Nominees:

Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

A Little More Country Than That – Easton Corbin

Composers: Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble

Publishers: A Sling And A Prayer Music (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Music (ASCAP), Don Poythress Songs (ASCAP), Precious Flour Music (BMI), Universal Music-MGB Songs (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

As She’s Walking Away – Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson

Composers: Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette

Publishers: Angelika Music (BMI), Weimerhound Publishing (BMI)

If I Die Young – The Band Perry

Composer: Kimberly Perry

Publishers: Pearlfeather Publishing (BMI), Rio Bravo Music, Inc. (BMI)

Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice

Composers: Tim James, Doug Johnson

Publishers: Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sweet Radical Music (BMI), T-Bird’s Music (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

*The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert

Composers: Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin

Publishers: Built On Rock (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tomdouglasmusic (BMI)

7:55: Winner: “The House That Built Me”! Miranda takes the stage in a gorgeous short and sassy hot pink dress, but she gives the microphone over to the songwriters, Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin, who definitely deserve a chance to thank everyone and give a shoutout to all the kids out there who haven’t found a home yet. It’s amazing that someone else wrote this song, which closely reflects events in Miranda’s real life.

Even though it’s primarily a songwriting award, it still would have been nice to hear from Miranda. And come on, it’s supposed to be an AWARDS show, and they barely gave Douglas and Shamblin 30 seconds to say their thank yous. Not cool.

7:59: Entertainer of the year nominee Taylor Swift is debuting her new single “Mean.” And she’s playing the banjo. I wasn’t expecting that. But she’s totally pulling it off, and the crowd is clapping along with her pointed message to the vitriolic critics who have sometimes dumped on her. I think her performance is great, but speaking of dumpy, I’m not crazy about the beige lace frock she’s wearing. I like it much better when she rocks one of her sassy-sparkly dress, which OKC fans should get a chance to witness this fall.

She sounds great, and she has once again proven that she knows just how to deal with those who do her wrong: Write a hit song about her. Several in the star-studded crowd got to their feet to applaud her, including Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley. It wasn’t quite a standing O, but it’s clear that the crowd was won over by young Taylor’s awards show performance.

8:04: Back to Mandalay Bay and the Fan Jam, where quartet Little Big Town introduces fellow vocal group The Band Perry, which is the winner of the top new group or duo award and my favorite to win the fan-voted top new artist. They sibling trio is playing its smash “If I Die Young,” which is a good song, but I wish we were hearing a new song from them tonight.

8:07: The handsome Luke Bryan, 2010′s top new artist winner, takes the stage at Mandalay Bay to present the 2011 top new artist victor. The choices are The Band Perry and Eric Church, and Luke says it will be a “life-changing vote” for someone.

8:08: Winner: The Band Perry. Eric Church is graciously congratulates the young trio, and Kimberly Perry notes that since they’re a family band, she and her brothers want to thank they’re parents. They are also thanking the fans – “our songs are yours,” Kimberly says – along with their extended family at the increasingly big Big Machine, country radio and Eric Church. Like the graciousness being shown there.

8:14: Reba is telling everyone that Blake hosting yesterday the first-ever ACM Celebrity Shoot and wants to know how it went. Blake: “Great. I shot three celebrities and Luke Bryan.” Of course, since it’s Reba, she’s already changed outfits into a lacy navy dress, and Blake has ditched the gray jacket so he can match her.

They’re kicking it over to entertainer of the year nominee Jason Aldean, for his tongue-twisting new song “Red Dirt Anthem.” I think this one is going to have to grow on me. I usually love Jason, but the rapid-fire, nearly rap vocal delivery on this song has really taken me aback. It’s so different, I’m going to have to give it a chance to settle on my ears before I pass a final judgment on it.

8:18: Welcome “Entertainment Tonight’s” Nancy O’Dell, a bit of CBS product placement here to announce the single record of the year winner. Not crazy about this network homer as a presenter of one of our precious few awards tonight, but love the gold gown. Here are the noms, at any rate, and again, go Miranda!

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
A Little More Country Than That – Easton Corbin (Mercury) – Produced by: Carson Chamberlain
As She’s Walking Away — Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson (Southern Ground / Roar / Bigger Picture / Atlantic) – Produced by: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall
If I Die Young – The Band Perry (Republic Nashville) – Produced by: Paul Worley
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice (Curb Records) – Produced by: Lee Brice, Doug Johnson
The Boys of Fall – Kenny Chesney (BNA) – Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
*The House That Built Me — Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville) – Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke

8:20: Winner: Miranda Lambert! That’s three ACMs tonight for “The House That Built Me.” She’s thanking the producer and songwriters as amazing, but she’s not nearly as animated as she has been with past award show wins. She looks radiant in her hot pink dress and shimmering, towering gold heels, but she’s just not as bubbly as usual. She is recovering from a respiratory infection, or maybe she’s just saving her energy for her performance – and for her show Thursday in Norman.

8:25: Reba is introducing her co-host with a “man can he sing,” and Blake takes the stage in all black to perform his new song “Honey Bee.” It’s a spirited ballad, and I’m liking it. Blake’s rowdy sense of humor and country-boy antics tend to overshadow his incredible skills as a balladeer, and I’m happy to see him sort of merging those different aspects of his persona her. Plus, it’s a sweet, uptempo little song.

8:29: “Thank y’all already, by the way,” Miranda Lambert says with a big smile. She’s radiant and she’s going to be presenting album of the year, which she won last year. I’m rooting for Dierks, but I imagine Ran’s pals in Lady A or Jamey Johnson have got this. Here are the noms in this very competitive category:

Album of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA) – Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Need You Now — Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville) – Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
The Guitar Song – Jamey Johnson (Mercury) – Produced by: Arlis Albritton, Dave Cobb, The Kent Hardly Playboys
Speak Now – Taylor Swift (Big Machine Records) – Produced by: Nathan Chapman, Taylor Swift
Up on the Ridge – Dierks Bentley (Capitol Records Nashville) – Produced by: Jon Randall Stewart
You Get What You Give – Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Roar / Bigger Picture / Atlantic) – Produced by: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall

8:31: Winner: Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert shouts with a huge grin. The trio stops for hugs from Taylor Swift, and Lady A’s Charles Kelley starts their acceptance speech by thanking Miranda Lambert for winning the category last year and not being in it this year. “That really helps a lot,” he jokes. They’re thanking all the usual suspects. I must say, the speeches tonight have been admirably short but rather boring tonight. We need someone to just get up there and gush and lose their mind with excitement if the awards are going to come close to matching tonight’s performances.

8:38: Blake notes of the MGM Grand that it is huge and it would take Charlie Sheen forever to trash it. Reba: “I thought we weren’t doing any Charlie Sheen jokes.” Blake: “That’s not a joke.” Nope, but it’s funny because it’s true.

Their introducing Sara Evans, who is making a big comeback with her new album “Stronger.” And she looks and sounds amazing in slim black pants and top as she croons the title track. It’s good to have Sara back and sounding wonderful. And I’m not the only one who thinks so: She’s getting a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.

8:42: Donny and Marie Osmond are taking the stage, and they’re making a joke about their old song, with Donny declaring “Tonight, we’re all a little bit country.” They’re going to give out the vocal group of the year award, and interestingly, Rascal Flatts isn’t nominated after dominating it for so long. I love that Randy Rogers Band is, but I think Lady A takes this one without much effort.

Top Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Randy Rogers Band
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

8:44: Winner: Lady A. And apparently Charles Kelley heard my plea for some entertaining speeches. He jokes, “Sharing the stage with the Osmonds, look mom and dad.” Hilary Scott leads the trio in thanking every star who has ever let them open for them. Nice.

8:45: Duo Montgomery Gentry are introducing a montage of all the activities the ACM hosted this week as Vegas went country. They’re flubbing the canned dialogue, but it’s good to see Eddie Montgomery, even if he isn’t any good a reading a prompter. The singer said on the red carpet that he is cancer free. Awesome news.

8:51: Blake looks quite handsome in his simple black jacket and white shirt. He’s introducing the woman who will in 5 weeks become his wife, ending their career as wedding planners. “Actually, she’s the wedding planner. I’m just the guy who stands here and does this,” he said, tossing money all over the stage. “Take it. Take it all!” Hilarious!

Miranda’s got on a different but equally incredible hot pink dress as she sings her latest single, “Heart Like Mine.” She’s got a big smile, a matching pink mic and sparkles on the neckline that match her guitar strap. Even better, it seems that her recent bout of illness may have scuttled her Australian dates with Alan Jackson, but she sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to see her Thursday at OU’s Lloyd Noble Center (even if it means entering enemy territory for an OSU Cowboys alum and fan). “Heart Like Mine” is the last single from her career-changing “Revolution” album, and it really suits Miranda. But I am so ready to hear what she’s doing next. The crowd seems to love Ran as much as country fans and I do.

8:55: Country traditionalists, please just avert your eyes and plug your ears, or better yet, just run screaming from the room. We’re back to the Fan Jam at Mandalay Bay, where Sugarland’s Kristian Bush is introducing a never-before-seen bit of music history, which means it’s time for the much-ballyhooed pairing of Jennifer Nettles with Rihanna on the pink-haired diva’s “California King Bed.”

8:58: So, I’m personally loving this performance. Both Jennifer (sleek in her black pantsuit) and Rihanna (glamorously playful in her short white dress with fringe on the bodice) have powerhouse voices, and this heartbroken ballad could easily be a straight-up country strong with fewer electric guitars and more fiddles and pedal steel. With the electric guitars, it’s not any less country than most of the show. And you cannot fault the performances, even if you can argue they don’t belong on this show, because both singers sound amazing and the guitar solos burned up the stage.

I know this show happens in Vegas, but I’m really wishing that Easton Corbin or George Strait were performing tonight to bring some more traditional country to the show. Or maybe Randy Travis, who is celebrating 25 years. Plus, I think a tribute to Mel McDaniel is definitely needed here. C’mon country music, showing your roots isn’t just a hair faux pas, it’s a good idea for a format known for its rich history and strong values.

I like both traditional and contemporary country, but I think some balance is definitely needed here.

9:05: “Here we are, just two kids from Oklahoma in Las Vegas,” Reba says. She notes that back in Kiowa, the Fluffy Bunny Ranch is a petting zoo. “It kind of here is, too,” Blake quips, getting a sideways look from Reba. She encourages people to “give the kid of break” as former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn makes his awards show debut; obviously he’s no novice, he’s just making his post-Brooks & Dunn premiere singing his first solo single “Bleed Red.”

It’s a gorgeous piano ballad, and it should appeal more to traditional country fans, even though it has violins instead of fiddles. Ronnie sounds terrific, and I think part two of his career is going to be just amazing. I can’t wait to hear the full album. And he’s getting a stand O: Carrie Underwood has a beautiful smile for him, and Taylor Swift mouths “wow.” Wow, indeed.

9:11: The Judds are here talking about what it takes to be a successful duo, and Wynonna comments, “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.” These sassy ladies are almost enough to make me wish I had Oprah’s network. Almost. Here are the top vocal duo noms:

Top Vocal Duo of the Year
The JaneDear Girls
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland

9:12: Winner: Sugarland. “We’ve never been presented these nice trophies by people with such big feathers before,” Jennifer Nettles jokes as the showgirls at Mandalay Bay gives them their awards. Cute. On a side note, Jennifer gets the Reba McEntire Award for quick change artistry, for changing swiftly into that lovely purple gown.

9:13: Reba, who has changed into a shimmery pale gown, and she’s praising fellow Martina McBride, who penned the song she is about to debut, “Teenage Daughters.” She has three daughters, so not only is the perpetually young Martina – who is the perennial exception to my black is boring rule – the great country voice, she’s also the voice of experience tonight. As a mom of three, including a teenage boy myself, I love this song for being so relatable.

Clearly, I’m not the only one who could relate and love this song: She got a standing O. The crowd seems to be loving this show.

9:22: Another CBS homer, “CSI” star Marg Helgenberger, gets the honor of presenting the top male vocalist award. Go Blake!

Top Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
*Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban

9:24: Winner: Brad Paisley. I hate to see Blake go home empty-handed, but I can’t argue with the pick. He says “I’m honestly shocked. This is way too many of these for me.” He thanks country fans for giving him the chance to do this for a living, and he’s praising the other nominees, noting “I don’t want to even know how close the voting was.” He’s thanking everyone, including his parents, wife and kids and even his dog, Holler. Go Brad.

9:25: Chris Young and Julianne Hough are talking about their work with the ACM Lifting Lives music campers, people young and old who struggle with developmental disorders and issues but whom Chris says blew him away with their talents. Chris and Oklahoma-bred songwriter Brett James wrote the song “Music from the Heart,” which the campers and Darius Rucker are going to perform. It’s this year’s project from ACM Lifting Lives, the academy’s charity branch.

The crowd is on it feet clapping, and both Taylor and Carrie can be seen with tears in their eyes at the end of the performance. A few of the 25 campers also have tears on their cheeks, and they and Darius are bubbling with happiness. It’s an uplifting moment for a good cause.

The special performance will support the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, whose mission is to facilitate discoveries and best practices that make positive differences in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The VKC has hosted a music camp for people with Williams Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities for six years, and this past summer, ACM Lifting Lives sponsored the camp for the first time. Being so touched by the experience, the academy has sought to do more for those with developmental disabilities ever since, hence this performance.

9:34: Blake is getting tongue tied as he introduces his co-host, who won a special off-camera ACM for being the academy’s most-awarded female star. Reba looks sophisticated in her slim, dark pantsuit as she croons new single “When Love Gets a Hold on You.” She sounds incredible as usual; it’s no wonder she’s nominated again for top female vocalist.

Today is my 34th birthday, but when I finally grow up, I want to be Reba.

Apparently, the crowd agrees, because they’re back on their feet to cheer for the flamehaired songbird from Chockie.

9:39: “Twilight” heartthrob Robert Pattinson guides “Water for Elephants” co-star and “Walk the Line” Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon. They shot part of “Water for Elephants” in Tennessee, and Rob tells her his favorite part about Tennessee was drinking moonshine and botches the common Southern phrase “hey, all y’all.”

They’re presenting top female vocalist. Go Miranda!

Top Female Vocalist of the Year
*Miranda Lambert
*Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
*Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack

9:42: Winner: Miranda Lambert! Woohoo! “We say ‘How are all y’all,” Miranda tells Rob and Reese, and then comments that she doesn’t know why she’s up there. She gets effusive as she lavishes thanks on her fans for supporting her. I guess she was just trying to give her collaborators a chance to talk with her previous acceptance speeches, because she seems plenty thrilled now. Go Ran! Can’t wait to see here Thursday.

9:46: Reba and Blake are back, and he’s noting that she was recently was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Wax. She’s correcting him that it’s Country Music Hall of Fame and scold him, “When you’re in a hole, quit digging and start introducing.” Alan Jackson gets some big cheer as he takes the stage; unfortunately, it’s not to perform. But he’s introducing a performance that “ought to be really cool”: His recent collaborators Zac Brown Band with singer-songwriter James Taylor.

ZBB always gives such great performances on these awards shows, and they’re doing another fantastic job with Taylor on “Colder Weather.” This is definitely a highlight of tonight’s show. (Yes, Alan Jackson with ZBB would have done more to appease traditional country fans, but we’ve seen it already.) Now, James Taylor and ZBB are segueing seamlessly into Taylor’s classic “Sweet Baby James.” Oh, yeah, definitely deserving of that standing O. That was just amazing.

9:56: Ryan Seacrest is up to give EOY, and he notes, “People say this has been a great night for country music; I disagree. This has been a great night for American music.” Hmm. Interesting.

He says this is the most votes ever cast in the EOY category. Here are the nominees. Can Miranda continue to dominate?

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
*Toby Keith
*Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

9:58: Winner: Taylor Swift. “This is the first time I’ve ever won this, and I’m losing my mind,” says Taylor, who looks lovely and shocked in her long, lacy yellow gown. “The fact that this is from the fans, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me ever.” She notes she just came back from touring Asia and thanks her fans for not forgetting her.

Hmm, again. It’s not really a surprise, since it seems the ACMs set her up to win by eliminating Carrie Underwood and her huge fan base from contention. No doubt Taylor Swift had a great year with the runaway success of “Speak Now” and the accompanying tour. But I would have loved to see Miranda make it a sweep tonight. Ah, well, she did OK anyway.

9:59: Reba gives Blake the final word of the evening. “Good night,” he says. “That’s two words!” she scolds. “Damn,” says Blake.

Traditional country fans probably couldn’t have put it better. It makes me sad that Mel McDaniel didn’t get a tribute or that special award winners like Garth Brooks didn’t get any notice at all, except for Reba (and only because she was co-hosting).

Still, it was an interesting night in Las Vegas and for the annual BAM’s Blog ACM Awards live blog. It’s my birthday, so I’m going to treat myself to a piece of cake. I invite you guys to celebrate or cope with your disgust, whichever your country music affiliation, with the pastry of your choice.

Thanks for spending the evening and my b-day with me!

-BAM

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Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire chosen for special ACM honors

Country music superstars Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks are adding to the career honors they are already receiving this year.

The Academy of Country Music announced this week that the Oklahoma natives have been chosen for special awards that will not be televised during Sunday’s live broadcast of the 46^th Annual ACM Awards on CBS.

McEntire, who will co-host Sunday’s telecast with fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton, has been selected for the ACM’s Career Achievement Award, presented to artists who have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in multiple areas of the entertainment industry during the past year.

Three decades into her music career, McEntire, who will be inducted later this year into the Country Music Hall of Fame, remains one of the best-selling and well-liked country artists in history. She also has earned star status as a Broadway, film and TV actress and launched her own bedding, luggage, clothing and shoe lines.

The flame-haired singer, 55, was born in McAlester, raised on her family’s Chockie ranch and graduated from Kiowa High School. Since she got her big break singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on national TV at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, she has notched 35 No. 1 hits and amassed record sales approaching 57 million units.

A previous winner in the ACM’s entertainer of the year category, she has won the ACM female vocalist award seven times, the most of any artist. In addition, this is her 13th year to host the ACM Awards.

Pioneer Award

Owasso resident Garth Brooks and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award honoring people who are pioneers in the country music genre.

Certified by the Recording Industry Association of America as the top-selling solo artist in U.S. history, Brooks, 49, has sold more than 128 million albums. A Tulsa native who was raised in Yukon, Brooks helped propel country to the musical forefront in the ‘90s with his blend of working man’s blues, honky tonk and arena rock.

Twenty years ago, Brooks, who will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June, dominated the ACM Awards by winning album (“No Fences”), single, song and video (“The Dance”), male vocalist and entertainer of the year. A six-time winner of the entertainer award, the Owasso resident was named the ACM’s Artist of the Decade for the 1990s, while his ambitious concerts raised the bar for live shows across all genres.

In the midst of a booming career, Brooks retired in 2001, delivered his last record for Capitol Records and moved back to Oklahoma to raise his three daughters. In 2009, he reemerged to begin a five-year stint playing acoustic shows at the Wynn Las Vegas resort and casino.

Last December, Brooks played nine Nashville arena shows that raised $5 million for the flood relief efforts in Tennessee. The benefit concerts featured his wife, fellow Grammy-winning country star Trisha Yearwood.

Other awards

Others picked to receive special awards from the ACM include Taylor Swift, who will receive the Jim Reeves International Award, presented to an individual for promoting the acceptance of country music throughout the world; “Country Strong,” the recipient of the Tex Ritter Award, given to a movie released during the past year that features country music; and Tom T. Hall and Hank Cochran, who have been selected for the Poet’s Award, honoring songwriters for outstanding contributions to country music throughout their careers.

John Dorris has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given to an individual in recognition of years of service to the Academy of Country Music. The award is named for the Oklahoma-bred songwriter and career-builder known as “The Queen Mother of Nashville.”

ACM Awards

The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 7 p.m. Sunday, on the CBS Television Network. Reba McEntire, who hails from Chockie, and Blake Shelton, an Ada native and Tishomingo resident, will co-host the show.

Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert, Shelton’s fiancée, has seven Academy of Country Music Award nominations, the most of any solo artist. She and Norman resident Toby Keith are nominated along with Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban for the top award, the fan-voted entertainer of the year title. Voting for entertainer of the year continues and closes during third hour of Sunday’s live broadcast. To vote, go to www.voteACM.com.

Shelton, Reba and Checotah native Carrie Underwood also will contend for ACM Awards.

Follow my live blog of the awards show here at BAM’s Blog at blog.newsok.com/bamsblog.

-BAM

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Wednesday Video Spotlight: Drake to receive Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Hal David Starlight Award

Oklahoma native and Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman Jimmy Webb announced recently that rising hip-hop star Drake will be the recipient of the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award, to be presented at the 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner June 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Drake is one of music’s brightest new stars lauded for his songwriting prowess, melodious hooks and emotionally transparent performances. His genre-bending singing and rapping abilities earned him a recording deal with Aspire/Young Money/Cash Money in 2009, the same year The Recording Academy awarded him two Grammy nominations (Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song) for his single “Best I Ever Had.” This opus, featured on his mixtape/EP So Far Gone, spent more weeks perched at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart than any other debut single this decade.

Drake’s platinum selling debut, “Thank Me Later,” landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart with nearly 450,000 sold during its first week of release. This feat led to four additional Grammy nominations this year for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance (“Over”), and Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group (“Fancy” featuring T.I. and Swizz Beatz). Drake’s skill of commanding a diverse audience through composition solidifies his position in the pantheon of great songwriters of this generation.

“Drake shines as a talented songwriter with a unique vision,” Webb said in a news release, “and we are pleased to honor him with the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award.”

And in honor of the aware, Drake is featured in the Wednesday Video Spotlight today here at BAM’s Blog.

The Hal David Starlight Award, created in 2004, was renamed in honor of the former songwriters hall chairman Hal David for his longtime support of young songwriters. Award recipients are gifted songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs. Drake joins the prestigious company of Rob Thomas, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, John Legend, John Rzeznik, Jason Mraz and Taylor Swift – the past recipients of the Hal David Starlight Award.

This year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees include Owasso resident Garth Brooks, Lawton native Leon Russell, John Bettis, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly and Allen Toussaint. The prestigious Johnny Mercer Award will be presented to Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

About The Songwriters Hall of Fame:

The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates songwriters, educates the public with regard to their achievements, and produces a spectrum of professional programs devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. There are fewer than 400 inductees who make up the impressive roster enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The list includes Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland, Albert Hammond, Desmond Child, Paul Williams, Hal David and Burt Bacharach, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Richard and Robert Sherman, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Curtis Mayfield, Jim Croce, Phil Collins, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Webb, Van Morrison, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Diane Warren and Leonard Cohen among many others.

Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event begin at $1,000 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events at (212) 573-6933. Net proceeds from the event will go towards the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.

-BAM

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Garth Brooks, Reba, Taylor Swift, “Country Strong” win special ACM Awards

The Academy of Country Music announced today the winners of special, industry and musician awards that will not be televised during Sunday’s live broadcast of the 46th ACM Awards.

Among the special award honorees are Oklahomans Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire. Other winners include Taylor Swift, Hank Cochran, John Dorris, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Tom T. Hall and the movie “Country Strong”

The ACM Awards, which honor country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists, will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 7 p.m. Sunday, on the CBS Television Network. Reba and fellow Oklahoma star Blake Shelton will co-host the awards show.

Reba, who hails from Chockie, has been chosen to receive the ACM’s 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.

Reba, who will be inducted later this year into the Country Music Hall of Fame, is still going strong in the third decade of a stellar career and continues to thrive in country music with her winning formula of expressive singing, well-chosen songs and approachable charm. A previous winner in the ACM’s entertainer of the year category, she has won the ACM female vocalist award seven times, the most of any artist. In addition, this is her 13th year to host the ACM Awards. Along with actively pursuing opportunities on Broadway, television, film and fashion, Reba remains one of the best-selling country artists in history, with record sales approaching 57 million.

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

Owasso resident Garth Brooks and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.

A Tulsa native, Brooks combined an electrifying stage presence with exceptional catalog of songs to become a true country music superstar. Twenty years ago, Brooks conquered the ACM Awards with trophies for album (“No Fences”), single, song and video (“The Dance”), male vocalist and entertainer of the year. A six-time winner in that top category, the Yukon-bred singer-songwriter was named the ACM’s Artist of the Decade for the 1990s, while his ambitious concerts raised the bar for live shows across all genres. With 128 million albums sold, Brooks has earned 19 No. 1 hits, including the iconic “Friends in Low Places.” This summer, Brooks will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The close family harmonies of Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers gave this trio a signature sound that led to country classics like “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).” They won a Grammy for their 1976 breakthrough hit, “Broken Lady,” and reached No. 1 with “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love” two years later. Along with five career nominations for the ACM vocal group, the Gatlin Brothers picked up three 1979 trophies – Single (“All the Gold in California”), Album (Straight Ahead) and Male Vocalist for Larry Gatlin, also a talented songwriter who composed all of their singles.

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, 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.

Taylor Swift 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.

Swift has encouraged fans around the world to discover country music. In addition to multiple gold and platinum awards from dozens of countries, Swift has already performed numerous dates in Europe and Asia this year. She is the top-certified artist for digital singles in the last decade. Her multi-platinum certifications include “Love Story,” “You Belong With Me,” “Teardrops on My Guitar” and “Our Song.” Swift will embark in May on an extensive North American tour, which will include an October Oklahoma City show. Her latest album, “Speak Now” has sold more than three million copies since its release late last year.

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

The movie “Country Strong” has been chosen as the recipient of the Tex Ritter Award, which is given to a movie released and/or receiving major exposure during the preceding calendar year, featuring or utilizing country music.

“Country Strong” (produced by Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Entertainment.) is a drama film starring Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow as a country superstar staging a comeback, while two-time ACM male vocalist winner Tim McGraw played her husband and manager. Meanwhile, rising stars Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester portrayed the challenges and rewards of building a career as a performing songwriter. The accompanying soundtracks featured strong performances by the film’s four leading characters, along with country stars like Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Ronnie Dunn, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack, Chris Young and Hayes Carll, who will be playing Tulsa and Oklahoma City this week (look for my feature Wednesday).

Past recipients of the Tex Ritter Award include “Beer For My Horses,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Crazy Heart,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walk the Line,” among others.

Tom T. Hall and Hank Cochran 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.

With a keen eye on ordinary people, Hall has created an extraordinary body of music. His detailed, yet plainspoken, songs have earned him his nickname of “The Storyteller.” With a background in local radio and a stint in the Army, the Kentucky native moved to Nashville in 1964. His substantial catalog includes Jeannie C. Riley’s “Harper Valley P.T.A.” and Alan Jackson’s “Little Bitty,” as well as 21 of his own Top 10 hits, such as “I Love” and “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine.” He and his wife, Dixie, continue to write for numerous bluegrass artists.

Cochran (1935-2010) A beloved Nashville songwriter for 50 years, Hank Cochran landed memorable cuts with countless classic country artists. The Mississippi native established himself in the 1960s with hits for Eddy Arnold (“Make the World Go Away”) and Cline (“She’s Got You,” “I Fall to Pieces”), among many others. Merle Haggard landed a No. 1 single with “It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)” while Strait scored instant classics with “The Chair” and “Ocean Front Property.” Other favorites from his catalog include Vern Gosdin’s “Set ‘Em Up Joe” and Keith Whitley’s “Miami, My Amy.” Cochran died on July 15, 2010.

Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Merle Haggard, Harlan Howard and Fred Rose, Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker.

John Dorris 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. (The award is named for the Oklahoma-bred songwriter career-builder known as “The Queen Mother of Nashville.”)

Dorris launched Hallmark Direction Company in 1983 with Don Williams as his first client. Since then, Dorris has worked with numerous country artists, including ACM winners Montgomery Gentry and Blake Shelton. Prior to that enterprise, he established himself at one of Nashville’s most successful independent record labels and publishing companies, Monument Records and Combine Music Publishing, aiding the careers of artists like Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Billy Joe Shaver, Billy Swan and others. A champion of songwriters as well as an expert in tax accounting, he currently serves on the ACM Board of Directors as Treasurer.

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

The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years where the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy. The MBI ballot 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 (contained within the Affiliated category). Special Awards, Industry Awards and MBI Awards are presented to recipients at ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium

See the list of ACM industry and musician award winners after the break.

(more…)

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Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Reba pay tribute to President George H.W. Bush in “A Celebration of Service”

On Monday, the Points of Light Institute hosted “All Together Now – A Celebration of Service” at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to honor President George H. W. Bush for his visionary leadership in the American service movement.

The tribute was taped, and portions of it will air at 7 p.m. Monday, March 28 on NBC (KFOR-4 in Oklahoma

City).

The event brought together all four former presidents for the first time since the inauguration of President Obama. President William J. Clinton served as the event’s honorary co-chairman. He was joined by President and Mrs. George W. Bush and President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter.

The star-studded lineup also together some of the biggest acts in country music, soul and rock in a unique program celebrating the powerful role voluntary service can play in overcoming the challenges our communities face in the 21st century. “All Together Now – A Celebration of Service” featured performances by Oklahoma natives Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood, along with Sheryl Crow, Cee Lo Green, Sam Moore, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock and Darius Rucker.

Points of Light Institute inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world; 25 million more Americans are volunteering today as volunteered in 1989. To find out how you can get involved and make a difference, go to www.PointsofLight.org.

- BAM

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Oklahoma natives Leon Russell, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Jean Shepard earn national hall of fame status

From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.

BAM column: State musicians receive acclaim in halls of fame

In case anyone needed further proof of the wealth of musical talent born, raised or nurtured here in Oklahoma, four state icons are gaining national hall of fame status this year.

The inductions begin Monday, when Tulsa Sound pioneer Leon Russell is welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Russell will be lauded again in June, when he and Owasso resident Garth Brooks join the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Later this year, Reba McEntire, who hails from Chockie, and Jean Shepard, who was born in Pauls Valley, will answer the call from the Country Music Hall of Fame.

British pop star Elton John will rightly do the honors when Russell gets his overdue induction in the rock hall as recipient of the musical excellence award Monday during a ceremony in New York. The ceremony will air at 8 p.m. March 20 on the cable music channel Fuse.

A Lawton native, Russell, 68, grew up in Tulsa, beginning his musical career at age 14 and graduating from Tulsa’s Will Rogers High School. In the 1960s, he was an in-demand session musician. In the ’70s, he led Joe Cocker’s legendary “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” tour, performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert for Bangladesh and released a series of successful albums.

While he never stopped making music, Russell had slipped into relative obscurity until John was inspired to revive his idol’s career. A fellow singer/songwriter/pianist, England’s “The Rocket Man” invited Oklahoma’s “Master of Space and Time” to record a duet album, with Grammy and Oscar winner T Bone Burnett as producer. Director Cameron Crowe’s (“Almost Famous”) documentary chronicling the making of the album, “The Union,” will open New York’s Tribeca Film Festival next month.

“The Union” debuted last October at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, John and Russell earned a Grammy nomination for album opener “If It Wasn’t for Bad,” and the rock and songwriters halls soon came calling.

Russell will be summoned back to New York on June 16 for the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 42nd annual induction. He will be joined by Garth Brooks, who spent most of the last decade in retirement but seems as popular than ever.

Certified by the Recording Industry Association of America as the top-selling solo artist in U.S. history, Brooks, 49, has sold more than 128 million albums. A Tulsa native who was raised in Yukon, Brooks helped propel country to the musical forefront in the ‘90s with his blend of working man’s blues, honky tonk and arena rock. His songwriting credits include his hits “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and “We Shall Be Free.”

In the midst of a booming career, Brooks retired in 2001, delivered his last record for Capitol Records and moved back to Oklahoma to raise his three daughters. In 2009, he reemerged to begin a five-year stint playing acoustic shows at the Wynn Las Vegas resort and casino.

In December, Brooks played nine Nashville arena shows that raised $5 million for the flood relief efforts in Tennessee. The benefit concerts featured his wife, fellow Grammy-winning country star Trisha Yearwood.

While Brooks hasn’t received his berth in the Country Music Hall of Fame — yet — fellow Okahomans Reba and Jean Shepard last week were named to the prestigious Nashville institution. They will be inducted later this year.

Selected for the “modern era artist category,” Reba, 55, was born in McAlester, raised on her family’s Chockie ranch and graduated from Kiowa High School. She got her big break singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on national TV at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.

Since, she has sold more than 55 million albums worldwide and notched 35 No. 1 hits. She also has earned star status as a Broadway, film and TV actress.

Selected for the hall’s “veterans era artist category,” Shepard, 77, was born in Pauls Valley but raised in Southern California. In the 1950s, she was the first woman in country music to sell a million records and one of the first females allowed into the Grand Ole Opry, said Oklahoma historian Bob Burke, who believes these hall of famers prove a vital point:

“Oklahoma’s incredible story is not about places and events — it is about our people,” he said.

Hear, hear.

-BAM

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Garth Brooks, Leon Russell added to Songwriters Hall of Fame

Oklahoma superstars Garth Brooks and Leon Russell are among the musical powerhouses picked this year for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Along with Brooks and Russell, the 2011 inductee class will include the team of Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, whose hits include “Like A Virgin” and “True Colors”; John Bettis, who penned “Human Nature” and “Crazy for You”; and Allen Toussaint, who wrote “Working in the Coalmine” and “Yes We Can.”

“We are inspired by the striking caliber and range of the 2011 Songwriters Hall of Fame class,” said Songwriters Hall of Fame chairman and Elk City native Jimmy Webb in today’s announcement.

“John, Garth, Leon, Billy, Tom, and Allen each represent a unique breed of artist, warmly respected by their peers and revered by all lovers of song. As songwriters, their work has forever enriched our world’s music.”

Certified by the Recording Industry Association of America as the top-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. An Owasso resident, Brooks’ songwriting credits include his hits “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and “We Shall Be Free.”

A Tulsa native who was raised in Yukon, Brooks helped propel country music to the musical forefront with his smash albums “No Fences,” “Ropin’ The Wind,” “The Hits” and “Double Live” and an eclectic musical style blending working man’s blues, honky tonk, bluegrass and arena rock. His most recent release, the 2007 collection “The Ultimate Hits,” has been certified five-times platinum.

In the midst of his booming career, Brooks retired in 2001, delivered his last record for Capitol Records and moved back to Oklahoma to raise his three daughters. In 2009, he emerged from retirement to begin a five-year stint performing acoustic shows at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.

In December, the 1984 Oklahoma State University alumnus played a series of nine arena shows in Nashville that raised $5 million for the flood relief efforts in Tennessee. The concerts featured Brooks’ wife, fellow Grammy-winning country star Trisha Yearwood.

A Lawton native, Russell is in the midst of a career resurgence that began with last fall’s release of “The Union,” his duet album with fellow singer/songwriter/pianist Elton John.

Russell grew up in Tulsa, began his musical career at age 14 and graduated from Tulsa’s Will Rogers High School. The rock Renaissance man was a sought-after session musician in the 1960s. In the ’70s, he led Joe Cocker’s famed “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” tour, performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert for Bangladesh and released a series of successful albums.

His songwriting credits include  “A Song For You,” “This Masquerade,” “ Delta Lady,” “ Tight Rope,” “Bluebird,” “ Back To The Island,” and “Hummingbird.” Joe Cocker had a hit with “Delta Lady,” B.B. King with “Hummingbird,” and The Carpenters with “Superstar,” which Russell co-wrote with Bonnie Bramlett. George Benson’s recording of “This Masquerade” won the Grammy for best record of the year in 1977. Russell had his own chart success with “Tight Rope” at No. 11 in 1972 and “Bluebird” at No. 14 in 1975.

In an effort to revive the career of his musical idol, John invited the Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer to record a collaborative album with him, with the acclaimed T Bone Burnett as producer. “The Union” debuted in October at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, ahead of new releases from Rod Stewart, Shakira, Bob Dylan and the “Glee” cast.

Russell and John were nominated at the 2011 Grammys for best pop collaboration with vocals for “If It Wasn’t for Bad,” a track Russell wrote for “The Union.”

In March, John will do the honors as Russell is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner is set for June 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.

-BAM

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