Video: Remembering George Jones
George Jones’ funeral is taking place this morning at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. As previously reported, the service is open to the public.
National television networks CMT, GAC, RFD, and FamilyNet, as well as local Nashville stations WKRN 2, WSMV 4, WTVF 5, WZTV 17 are broadcasting the funeral service live, with radio partners WSM 650AM and SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse (Channel 56) broadcasting the service. Fans around the world can listen online at wsmonline.com or watch online at opry.com, according to a news release.
The Country Music Hall of Famer died last Friday in Nashville at the age of 81. In the past few days, numerous country music stars and other luminaries have issued statements expressing their sorrow and condolences for his family. Pawnee-based Grammy nominee of Steve Ripley of The Tractors posted the YouTube video embedded above, featuring a young George Jones and Johnny Paycheck playing “Love Bug” on Oklahoma City’s “Mathis Bros. Country Social.”
In this Jan. 10, 2007 file photo, George Jones is shown in Nashville, Tenn. Jones, the peerless, hard-living country singer who recorded dozens of hits about good times and regrets and peaked with the heartbreaking classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” has died. He was 81. Jones died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after being hospitalized with fever and irregular blood pressure, according to his publicist Kirt Webster. (AP)
Here are some of the stars’ tributes to The Possum:
“There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.”
— Oklahoma native Vince Gill (who will attend the funeral and then travel to Mobile, Ala., to play a fundraiser tonight)
“The greatest voice to ever grace country music will never die. Jones has a place in every heart that ever loved any kind of music.”
- Owasso resident Garth Brooks (via the Associated Press)
“I was lucky enough to be on the same label as George for a while, so I got the chance to be around him at a lot of different functions. I never got an arrogance from him or a ‘I’m George Jones.’ I don’t think he ever really understood his impact and just how great he was.”
- Owasso resident Trisha Yearwood (via Billboard)
“We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…”
- Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton (via Twitter)
“God bless the gift George Jones shared with us. That voice will live on forever.”
- Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert (via Twitter)
“Happy memory of me and George. You may have left us, but your music and your legacy never will. #Legend”
- Checotah native Carrie Underwood (via Twitter)
“My prayers go out to Nancy Jones today. Her partner and husband George Jones passed this morning. We’ll miss George…”
- Oklahoma native Reba McEntire (via Twitter)
“George Jones has passed. Damn. Thought he’d live forever. Let’s break out his catalogue and play it all day Godspeed possum and family.”
- Toby Keith (via Twitter)
“God bless George Jones!”
- Former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn (via Facebook)
“We just lost one of the greatest singers on the planet,”
- Broken Arrow retro rocker JD McPherson (via Twitter)
“Such a sad say today. We lost one of the greatest country singers to ever live. Rest in peace George…”
- Thompson Square, which includes Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson
‘We are deeply saddened by the news this morning of the passing of our friend, George Jones. Our company was privileged to have represented George Jones in the 1980’s, most notably during the critically acclaimed ‘Reunion’ tour of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. We will miss this ICONIC songwriter and his unmistakable voice, but he will live on in our hearts.’
— Jim Halsey, Tulsa-based impresario
“The greatest most soulful voice in history is gone. RIP George Jones… the guys of Restless Heart will miss you greatly.”
- Restless Heart, which includes three Oklahoma natives
“George Jones’ life is an example of so many wonderful things. How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know. And one of the greatest friends you could ever have. We miss you already, George.”
-Brad Paisley
“If I’m blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!”
–Keith Urban (via Twitter)
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my all time heroes, George Jones. Georges’ music was real and he was able to touch thousands through his songs. Not only was he a great singer, but he also had the ability to make you relate to every one of his songs, no matter who you are. He and his music will remain timeless in the world of country music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.”
-Easton Corbin
“He was the greatest country vocalist that ever lived! Through the years we have all tried to emulate the passion in his voice, but no one can fill his shoes.”
- Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts
“My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends.”
— Dolly Parton
“The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.”
— Merle Haggard
“Today is a sad day in Country music. We have lost another piece of history. George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend. He will be missed by many.”
— Hank Williams Jr.
“I am very thankful I got to know George, he’s one of the greatest singers that ever lived. I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with he and Nancy.”
— Randy Travis
“George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived. He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener – I think more than anyone else. He will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”
— Kenny Rogers
Toby Keith beginning annual USO tour Saturday
Toby Keith (AP file)
Oklahoma country music superstar Toby Keith will visit and perform for troops and their families stationed in the Philippines, Guam and Hawaii as part of his 11th United Service Organization/Armed Forces Entertainment tour Saturday through May 7.
As part of his three-country USO trip, Keith will perform hits from his upcoming “Toby Keith Hammer Down Tour Presented by Ford F-Series,” which kicks off June 8 in Ozark, Ark. Additionally, the Norman resident will perform several USO shows for sailors, airmen, soldiers and Marines, according to a news release. The shows are private and open only to military ID holders.
Last year, Keith celebrated a decade of touring the globe with the USO and capped off the year with a return USO visit to the Middle East.
Since his first USO tour in 2002, Keith has traveled to 15 countries as well as visited troops aboard the USS Enterprise, USS Leyte Gulf, USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Cape Saint George. Among the countries he has visited are Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia, Cuba, Djibouti, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, South Korea and the United States. In total, the star has lifted the spirits of 225,984 servicemen and women.
“I can’t say enough about the USO and the importance of these tours,” he said in the release. “The USO has proven continuously that they are always by the side of our troops and military families. They are on the frontlines, serving troops in harms way. They are with their loved ones, helping to keep them connected through phone calls and tours like this. They are involved in the recovery process, supporting our wounded, ill and injured. And they are also there for our fallen families providing comfort and support. I am honored to volunteer with the USO again and I look forward to heading over to the Pacific to entertain them there.”
In 2007, Keith inspired the creation of USO2GO, a USO program designed to deliver much-needed electronic gaming, sports/musical equipment and personal care items to troops in remote locations. To date, USO2GO deployed bundles, which weigh nearly one ton each, have been delivered to more than 600 forward operating bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, Egypt, Djibouti and Kuwait. The program celebrated its 1,000th USO2GO bundle in 2012.
The USO strives to deliver life-changing experiences for troops and their families around the world. Go to www.uso.org to learn how the USO is helps our nation’s deployed troops, military families, wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers as well as families of the fallen.
-BAM
Toby Keith plans 10th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic charity event for May 10-11
Oklahoma country music superstar Toby Keith will celebrate 10 years of The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic on May 10-11.
For the past decade, the annual event has continued to grow, gaining more participants and raising more funds every year. The 10th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic will welcome even more celebrity golfers to the lineup and will include morning and afternoon shotgun starts for the first time in the history of the two-day fundraiser. The golf classic benefits OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home-away-from-home for pediatric cancer patients.
The 10th anniversary event will feature an evening of entertainment, fine food and live and silent auctions followed by a day of golf at Belmar Golf Club in Norman.
“Our 10th year event is really a ‘thank you’ to all of those people who have supported us over the years,” said Keith in a news release. “Ten years goes by fast when you are working toward a goal this big.”
That goal is building and operating OK Kids Korral. Over the years, funds from the Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic event have supported hundreds of pediatric cancer patients, helped with renovations to the Oncology Unit at The Children’s Hospital and will now go directly toward completing construction on OK Kids Korral.
“Our goal is to make life a little easier for families of children diagnosed with cancer. They are battling for their lives and we want to join their fight,” said Juliet Nees-Bright, Executive Director of The Toby Keith Foundation, in the release.
The Golf Classic generates most of its funds from its amazing live and silent auctions. Notable items up for bid this year include tickets to the Academy of Country Music Awards, naming rights to a room in OK Kids Korral, a TPC Sawgrass Golf Getaway in Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla., a Los Angeles talk show ticket package and passes to the Emmy Awards. Silent auction items include memorabilia from Taylor Swift, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Buffet, Derek Jeter, Mia Hamm, Blake Griffin and from Keith himself.
The Norman resident’s cause always attracts a host of celebrity friends, including MLB greats Greg Maddux and Bret Saberhagen, Olympic gold medalist Bart Conner, Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, and current and former NFL players Dermontti Dawson, Rocky Calmus, Roy Williams and Tony Casillas.
For information about the golf tournament or other ways to help build OK Kids Korral, go to www.tobykeithfoundation.org.
-BAM
Video: Krystal Keith “Daddy Dance with Me”
Oklahoma country singer Krystal Keith has released the video for her song “Daddy Dance With Me,” the surprise gift she recorded for her father Toby Keith and first played for him at her wedding.
“I wrote it for my father-daughter dance at my own wedding, and we just did the video,” she says in a news release.
“It was an amazing experience. I got to work with director Mike Salomon, who I’ve known forever because he’s done a lot of my father’s videos.”
Posted to Vevo, the clip intersperses Krystal performing the song with video from an actual wedding reception.
“Of course, I was the bride in the song, but it’s a theme that applies to all weddings,” she says of the tune she co-wrote with Mica Roberts and Sonya Rutledge.
“We shot the video at a beautiful church in Los Angeles and I’m really excited for the song to get out there.”
“Daddy Dance With Me” is a cut of Keith’s self-titled four-track EP, out today in time for Father’s Day and summer wedding season. The EP advances Krystal’s full-length album, “Whiskey & Lace,” which will be released later this year.
The Show Dog-Universal recording artist’s national debut came during an awards show duet performance of “Mockingbird” with her father.
Focused on pursuing a recording career, she heeded her parents’ wishes and completed her college degree at the University of Oklahoma before beginning work on the album in earnest.
Here are the “Krystal Keith” EP tracks:
Doin’ It
Can’t Buy You Money
What Did You Think I’d Do
Daddy Dance With Me
-BAM
New releases for April 16, 2013: The Flaming Lips, Skating Polly and Krystal Keith drop albums
Oklahoma City-based alternative rockers The Flaming Lips unleashed their new studio album, “The Terror,” today.
Along with the digital and CD versions of the album, “The Terror” is available as a special Direct-To-Consumer, Limited-Edition Silver Vinyl double-LP set, housed in a two-pocket gatefold jacket with printed sleeves.
Edmond punk-rock-pop duo Skating Polly – stepsisters Kelli Mayo, 13, and Peyton Bighorse, 17 – recently released their sophomore album “Lost Wonderfuls” on iTunes. The album debuted today CD from the SQE label.
“Lost Wonderfuls” was produced by Exene Cervenka of the seminal Los Angeles punk band X and mixed by Kliph Scurlock, drummer for The Flaming Lips.
And Oklahoma country singer Krystal Keith dropped today her self-titled debut EP, which features her emotional single “Daddy Dance With Me,” which she co-wrote to surprise her famous father, Toby Keith, at her wedding. Her full-length debut album, “Whiskey & Lace,” is expected out in a few months.
Here is a list of new albums, DVD/Blu-rays and books out this week, from Amazon.com and VideoETA.com:
Albums
The Flaming Lips, “The Terror.”
Skating Polly, “Lost Wonderfuls.”
Krystal Keith, “Krystal Keith” (EP).
Willie Nelson, “Let’s Face The Music and Dance.”
Fall Out Boy, “Save Rock N Roll.”
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Mosquito.”
Steve Earle, “The Low Highway.”
Sarah Brightman, “Dreamchaser.”
Iron & Wine, “Ghost on Ghost.”
David Bowie, “Aladdin Sane (40th Anniversary Edition).”
Jane Monheit, “The Heart of the Matter.”
Michael Feinstein and Andre Previn, “Change of Heart: The Songs of Andre Previn.”
Skid Row, “United World Rebellion: Chapter One.”
Carla Bruni, “Little French Songs.”
DVDs/Blu-ray
Angels of Sex
Disneynature: Wings of Life
Django Unchained
Dragon
The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia
Iron Man: Rise of the Technovore
A Monster In Paris
Not Suitable for Children
Save the Date
Books
My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life by Gabrielle Reece, Karen Karbo
Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts
The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder by Charles Graeber
The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker by Brad Lomenick
Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Tom Lichtenheld
Dreams Come True… All They Need Is You! by Mike Dooley, Virginia Allyn
-BAM
Live blog: 2013 ACM Awards
7:00 p.m.: As promised, our co-hosts – Oklahoma superstar Blake Shelton and first-time ACM Awards co-host Luke Bryan are getting the show off to a musical start, performing Blake’s raucous, hip-hop-infused new single “Boys ‘Round Here.” Rocker Sheryl Crow, looking sassy in a short gold dress, are now joining them, and now here come Blake’s wife Miranda Lambert and Pistol Annie looking flat-out sexy to back him up. Country traditionalists are sure to hate it, but it’s a lot of fun.
7:03: And then Brad Paisley showed up on a small stage out in the middle of the crowd for a quick smoking guitar solo. We’re less than 5 minutes in, and they’ve already got the crowd on their collective feet. Auspicious start.
7:05: “How about a shout-out to Sherwin Williams for spray-painting Luke’s jeans on,” Blake cracks. “You know how Luke’s jeans are like a Motel 6: no ballroom.” Luke’s counters that there’s nothing up front in Blake’s jeans: “What are those, size empty?” Carrie Underwood is playfully covering her mom’s ears in the crowd.
7:07: Luke and Blake are singling out Carrie, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott and the TV shows “Duck Dynasty” and “Nashville,” but somehow all the jokes end up with them picking on each other. “And to think, I used to be the stupid one,” Blake quips. Bluke, as the ACM has dubbed them, are funny together, sure, but I miss classy-sassy Reba.
7:09: “No beer bellies, no back fat and no butt cracks,” Blake says, explaining to Luke that they don’t have to abide by quite the same red carpet rules at the ACMs as they did at the no-side-boob-allowed Grammys earlier this year.
7:10: Blake is introducing a guy “who has more sand in his shorts than a swimsuit model,” so it must be time for Kenny Chesney, and His Tanness is performing his song “Pirate Flag” in his usual white straw hat, sleeveless shirt and as-tight-as-Luke-Bryan’s-jeans jeans.
Brad Paisley (AP file)
7:17: For the third year, the ACMs include the Fan Jam going on at the Orleans Arena, and Blake and Luke zipped over there during Kenny’s performance. Both arenas are packed, and the crowd over the Orleans is LOUD. Brad Paisley also has moved over there, and he’s joined by young Hunter Hayes on guitar for “Outstanding in Our Field,” which also will feature Dierks Bentley on vocals in a minute. The song, from Brad’s new album “Wheelhouse,” samples Oklahoma-bred country legend Roger Miller’s “Dang Me,” and the late, great Erick-raised singer-songwriter turned up on the big screen before the lyrics to the new song helpfully appeared. Besides featuring a couple of my favorite country guys – Brad and Dierks, plus how can you not love Hunter Hayes? – it’s a clever spin on the popular field party anthem. Read my review of “Wheelhouse,” out Tuesday, click here.
George Strait (Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman Archives)
7:24: Eli Young Band introduce fellow Texan George Strait, who is aiming on scoring his 60th No. 1 hit with “Give It All We Got Tonight,” which he is now playing. His fans hope he’s going to get there before he turns 61 on May 18. The campaign is called #60for60 (http://sixtyforsixty.com). King George has the star-studded crowd on its feet again and singing along as he croons the ballad. I got to see him a couple months ago when his farewell tour came to OKC, and I can attest that he still rules. Of course, George will perform a special tribute to the late Dick Clark with Oklahoman Garth Brooks later in the show.
7:28: Thompson Square – Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson and his lovely wife Shawna – just reminded us that fans can still vote for ACM Entertainer of the Year at http://www.cbs.com/vote. Tishomingo residents Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are competing against each other in the top category!
7:30: By the way, we’re 30 minutes into this three-hour show and not a single award has been given out during the telecast. For the record, there were more awards given out on the red carpet: Jason Aldean, Eric Church and Luke Bryan won vocal event of the year for “The Only Way I Know.”
Eric Church
7:33: Singer-songwriter Gary Allan looks handsome as ever in his shiny silver jacket, and he’s introducing Eric Church, who is performing his ballad “Like Jesus Does.” Not only is Eric in black and white, we can see his eyes and his hair! He’s not wearing his usual aviator sunglasses and trucker cap. Wow. Plus, he and his backup singer (a lovely lady show in split screen in color) sound terrific doing this stripped-down acoustic guitar rendition of the heartfelt song. The crowd goes wild!
7:37: New vocal duo/group winners Florida Georgia Line, who are competing for the overall new artist award, are performing their No. 1 hit “Cruise.” Can someone please explain the appeal of these guys? They are semi-attractive, decent-but-not-great singers who seem to do nothing but Southern rock party songs. That 60-second clip of them pretty much sums everything we’ve seen from them to this point.
7:42: Beth Behrs of the CBS series “2 Broke Girls” is onstage, but her presence isn’t just network homerism: She stars in the video for Lady Antebellum’s new single “Downtown,” and that’s the poppy new single Lady A is performing right now. They’ve got the crowd up and on their feet. Hillary Scott is wearing a navy number with a filmy skirt sort of construction that somewhat conceals her baby bump. She’s the second lady I’ve seen wearing a filmy navy accessory on her outfit; the other was Shawna Thompson, who as flowing sleeves on her gown made of similar material.
7:46: San Francisco 49ers NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Michelle Stafford of “The Young and the Restless” are going to finally present the first award, vocal duo of the year. Can Thompson Square repeat as winners in this category: I hope so! Here are the nominees:
· Big & Rich
· Florida Georgia Line
· Love and Theft
· Sugarland
· Thompson Square
Thompson Square (AP file)
7:48: Winner: Thompson Square! “Well, we want to thank God for this amazing reality we live in right now,” Keifer says, giving a shout-out to country fans, radio, their label and his parents back home.
7:50: Brantley Gilbert, the new male vocalist winner and overall new artist finalist, is crooning his song “More Than Miles.” Fun fact: While Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are the first husband and wife to compete for the best new artist, Brantley and his fiancee Jana Kramer are believed to be the first couple dueling for best new artist.
7:57: “I have a theory that the best country music singers are from the state of Oklahoma,” Luke Bryan says, citing Garth, Reba, Ronnie Dunn, Vince Gill and Toby Keith. He then turns to Blake, “Wait a minute, you’re from Oklahoma. Damn, just when I thought I was on to something.” It’s all a silly and funny way to introduce Carrie Underwood, who’s exiting a vintage Caddy in a short black gown and black gloves on a moody, misty stage. She’s performing “Two Black Cadillacs,” which is one of my favorite songs on her “Blown Away” album, but I’m surprised. I expected her to come out belting her new single “See You Again,” which she debuted Thursday on “American Idol.”
I love the sassy wink at the end of her performance.
8:02: John Fogerty and Miranda Lambert, who have a duet on his new album, are taking the stage, and he’s playfully joking that he can’t believe he’s there with Miranda Lambert. “OK rock star,” she quips back. They’re going to present album of the year, which she won last year, provided that Miranda’s super-lowcut/peekaboo dress stays up long enough. That’s a sexy, daring, not-approved-by-the-Grammys look.
Anyway, here are the nominees:
· Blown Away – Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright
· Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
· Red – Taylor Swift (Big Machine Records)
Produced by: Jeff Bhasker, Nathan Chapman, Dann Huff, Jacknife Lee, Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift, Butch Walker, Dan Wilson
· Tailgates & Tanlines – Luke Bryan (Capitol Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright, Jeff Stevens
· Tornado – Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
Eric Church
8:03: Miranda barely had to look at the envelope to announce that Eric Church won for his excellent breakthrough “Chief.” He’s back in his sunglasses and he starts his speech “I can’t believe I just met John Fogerty. We should hang out later.” He’s thanking his “great team,” his wife and the usual suspects and giving a shout-out to his baby boy.
Blake Shelton
8:05: Luke jokes that Miranda Lambert took in a puppy she found at the side of the road, which is how she found Blake, too. It’s his way of introducing his co-host’s next performance. Blake is in a small stage out in the middle of the crowd to do a stripped-down version of his latest chart-topper “Sure Be Cool if You Did.” It’s just him and couple of lovely ladies, one playing acoustic guitar with him and his “The Voice” Season 2 contestant Gwen Sebastian backing him on vocals. As often seems to be the case at these shows, it’s the low-key, stripped-down performances that are really stealing the show.
The Band Perry
8:09: Blake is immediately kicking it over to The Band Perry, who just released their new album “Pioneer,” and their kicking it up a notch or 10 with their rocking kiss-off “Done.” It seems like Kimberly Perry is really starting to come into her own as a superstar. Another number that got the crowd on its feet.
8:13: Speaking of young ladies coming into their own, Jana Kramer, who won new female vocalist of the year and is vying for overall new artist, is singing “Whiskey” and looking lovely in a short, sparkly, silver dress.
8:20: We’re back in the Orleans Arena, where Scotty McCreery is going to pass along the crown for new artist of the year, which I hope does not go to Florida Georgia Line:
Brantley Gilbert
Jana Kramer
Florida Georgia Line
8:21: Winner: Florida Georgia Line. Not a fan. They’re thanking the Lord, their team and their fans. They really need to thank those fans, who must have voted like crazy.
8:22: Jason Aldean is getting ready to perform his new song “1994.” “Back in 1994, Hunter Hayes was still breastfeeding,” Blake quips. Jason jumps out of a (presumably) mocked-up time machine to perform his latest hip-hop-infused hit while a trio of backup dancers in Daisy Dukes frolics. I do like the “John Deere Green” and Joe Diffie shout-out – good grief, I loved that song back in the day – but the novelty of Aldean’s hip-hop mash-ups has kind of worn off for me. He’s got the crowd on its feet, but I personally prefer it when he just sings.
8:25 Jake Owen, “Big Bang Theory” star Kaley Cuoco and her big hair are going to present an award. She’s wearing a very revealing gown and he’s wearing a pale plaid suit. It’s a fashion disaster, but fortunately, we’re cutting away to detail the best vocal group nominees:
· The Band Perry
· Eli Young Band
· Lady Antebellum
· Little Big Town
· Zac Brown Band
Little Big Town
8:28: Winner: Little Big Town. Congratulations to them! I love how far they’ve come in the past couple of years. “Thank you for giving us this moment,” says . Karen Fairchild. “We’re trying not to scream.” They’re thanking their team and fans, and then Karen thanks their babies “for letting us ride your bus.” Too cute! My favorite speech so far.
Miranda Lambert
8:33: “This next performer is nominated for female vocalist and entertainer of the year,” says Blake. “But the coolest thing is this morning I saw her naked.” It’s his cheeky way of introducing his bride, Miranda Lambert, who is smoking through her awesome hit “Mama’s Broken Heart,” in a short and sassy black dress. My favorite song from her album “Four the Record,” and she’s rocking it! Plus, she did her spinning and stomping dance, and I love it when she does that. She’s got the whole crowd on its feet.
8:37: Kasey Musgraves is wearing a lacy white dress that I’m kind of undecided about, while Sheryl Crow looks amazing in a figure-hugging low-cut navy column. They’re going to present song of the year, and I’m rooting for Blake and ‘Ran.
· A Woman Like You – Lee Brice
Composers: Phil Barton, Johnny Bulford, Jon Stone
Publishers: 3JB Music (BMI), Adios Pantalones (SESAC), Hears That Skyline Music (SESAC), Sixteen Stars Music (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
· Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band
Composers: Will Hoge, Eric Paslay
Publishers: Cal IV Songs (ASCAP), Will Hoge Music (BMI)
· Over You – Miranda Lambert
Composers: Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton
Publishers: Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony ATV/Tree Publishing (BMI)
· Springsteen – Eric Church
Composers: Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell
Publishers: Bug Music (BMI), Ole Purple Cape Music (BMI), Sinnerlina (BMI), Sony ATV/Tree Publishing (BMI)
· Wanted – Hunter Hayes
Composers: Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges
Publishers: Happy Little Man Publishing (BMI), Songs From The Engine Room (BMI), Songs Of Universal Inc. (BMI)
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert (AP file)
8:38: Yay! Blake and Miranda win! They’re exchanging lots of hugs and Blake is praising his wife as a songwriter and saying he’s learned so much about himself because of her. So sweet. “Enough said. Thank y’all so much,” Miranda says. They’re all smiles. Glad there were no tears this time.
8:45: Little Big Town are performing their heartbreaker “Your Side of the Bed” with a huge bed in bed in the background. It turns out that the couple in it are actually aerial dancers. The vocals are great as usual, but I’m waiting for some sexy high-flying dancing.
8:48: Wish granted as the aerialists soar together and then get back under the covers all close. And Karen and hubby Jimi Westbrook get nice and cozy to for the sad song’s big finish.
8:49: Lucky Nancy O’Dell. She gets to share the stage with Chris Young, who looks super-hot in his purple. They’re going to present single of the year, and let’s see if “Over You” can make it two:
· Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)
Produced by: Mike Wrucke
· Over You – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
· Pontoon – Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
· Springsteen – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
· Wanted – Hunter Hayes (Atlantic/WMN)
Produced by: Hunter Hayes, Dann Huff
Miranda Lambert
8:50: Winner: Yep! Miranda’s “Over You” wins again! She is going to make me cry as she gets obviously emotional as she sincerely thanks her peers for recognizing her not just as an artist and performer but also as a songwriter. So deserving.
Tim McGraw (AP file)
8:57: Whoa. I hope Luke has a good joke prepped for Blake’s polka dot tie. Yikes.
“People are making such a big deal out of Tim McGraw’s new buff look, but I say he’s always had one of the best bodies in country music,” Blake says. Luke gets to supply the punchline: “her name is Faith Hill.” Faith appears in a lovely black lace dress, and she’s introducing her husband (she says she’s praising him lavishly because she’s his No. 1 fan – “and he’s my ride home”) performing his latest single “Highway Don’t Care” with Taylor Swift on vocals and Keith Urban on guitar. Good performance of one of my favorite songs on Tim’s new album – Keith is especially awesome tearing up the big guitar solo – but I really miss curly-hair Taylor Swift. Another big standing O.
John Mayer (AP file)
9:03: LL Cool J is at the Orleans Arena getting the crowd pumped up. He’s talking about his guest spot on Brad Paisley’s new album “Wheelhouse” – they do a really thought-provoking number called “Accidental Racist” – and he’s introducing a special duet between Brad and John Mayer – two incredible triple threat singer/songwriter/guitarists – to “Beat This Summer.” It’s another of the songs on “Wheelhouse.” I just wish the sound was better since Brad’s vocals are getting a little lost in the mix. Unfortunate. There have been a few sound issues tonight, and most of them seem to be at the Fan Jam.
9:07: Ugh. It sounded like they tried to cut off the big double-guitar solo at the end with the canned music. Gotta do better.
Luke Bryan
9:08: “Ladies and gentlemen, don’t look into this man’s teeth without some form of eye protection,” Blake jokes. “He’s the best co-host I’ve had all night.” He’s introducing Luke, who emerges behind a piano and surrounded by green lasers to perform his new single “Crash My Party.” He didn’t stay behind the piano for long; he’s leaping out to show off his all-black (but still very tight) look. There’s no hip-shaking dance, since this is Luke in straight-up romance mode.
9:13: The late, great Oklahoman Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” ad is on. I could watch it all day.
9:18: I’m so ready for Garth Brooks and George Strait to show the youngsters how it’s done!
Kelly Clarkson (AP file)
9:19: Owasso resident Trisha Yearwood is looking lovely in her red dress, and she’s introducing Kelly Clarkson, who also looks lovely in her aqua dress, as she performs her country crossover song “Don’t Rush.” I was hoping that her duet partner Vince Gill would turn up to perform with her. Of course, I often wish for more Vince Gill in my life and particularly at country awards shows. Kelly still sounds great as usual crooning the bluesy song, but this song needs Vince. Still, it gets another standing O from the all-star crowd.
9:23: Michael Chiklis of the CBS series “Vegas” introduces the video highlight reel of the ACM’s “Vegas Goes Country Week.” Eeek … it’s a montage!
Jewel (AP file)
9:25: It’s back over to the Orleans Arena, where TV personality Kevin Frazier and songwriter Tori Kelly are introducing the ACM Lifting Lives spotlight performance. Jewel, who has experienced hunger and homelessness, is in a lovely white gown and strumming her guitar to croon a medley of her song “Hands” and Kelly’s “Fill a Heart.” It’s about spotlighting ConAgra Foods’ Child Hunger Ends Here program. Great cause.
9:29: Get happy, happy, happy. Willie and Korie Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” are here to present the male vocalist of the year award. Go Blake!
· Jason Aldean
· Luke Bryan
· Eric Church
· Toby Keith
· Blake Shelton
Jason Aldean (AP file)
9:30: Winner: Jason Aldean. Well, I am disappointed, and not just because of my blatant Blake Shelton fandom but because Jason seems more interested in attempting rap than singing these days.
Reba McEntire
9:32: Reba gets a standing O just for showing up. She’s teary eyed as she pays tribute to the late, great Dick Clark, the show’s longtime producer who died last year. “This evening two icons who have both been named artist of the decade, George Strait and Garth Brooks” – huge, well-deserving applause – “are performing together for the first time.” Yippee!
9:34: Garth, sporting a goatee along with his usual black hat, button-down shirt and jeans, sounds amazing as he croons “The Dance” as photos of Dick Clark and country stars flash onscreen. Man, I’ve missed hearing Garth sing.
Garth Brooks and George Strait (AP file)
9:35: Garth takes off his hat and introduce the King, and George comes out singing and strumming “The Cowboy Rides Away,” while Garth backs him on vocals. It’s amazing how easily they made this the highlight of the night. Garth takes his hat off for George, and they share a hearty handshake while the crowd continues to cheer and keeps its feet.
9:42: Luke, all dolled up in deep bluish purple suit, is introducing “the no-fly zone between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey,” Keith Urban, who is dressed in a similar apparently trendy color, and is going to present the female vocalist trophy. And he better give it to Miranda:
· Miranda Lambert
· Martina McBride
· Kacey Musgraves
· Taylor Swift
· Carrie Underwood
Miranda Lambert
9:43: Yay! Winner: Miranda Lambert, who hugs her Pistol Annies bandmates and then laughs as Keith Urban playfully kneels to hand it to her. She says she thought Carrie had it this year “and she damn well deserved it.” Miranda tearfully says she realized a girlhood dream getting to hang out with Reba, Faith and Shania last night because “I will never not be a fan of those women.” Great speech.
Hunter Hayes
9:45: Blake let’s out a “woo” and then introduces talented youngster Hunter Hayes, who is debuting his new single “I Want Crazy.” This kid is good, and I become a bigger fan every time I see him. He’s bouncing around the stage playing guitar and belting among a bunch of balls and showers of confetti.
Stevie Wonder
9:48: Hunter can barely contain his excitement as he introduces to the stage Stevie Wonder. The legend is sitting behind his keyboard belting “You Can Feel It All Over” with Hunter singing and playing his guitar and a horn section blasting. Hunter does a great job on the second verse, too. So effervescent and fun and amazing. The whole audience is up and grooving and singing along.
9:55: Blake and Luke are back and they’re introducing Vegas performer Shania Twain, who is returning to the ACMs after “10 freaking years” as Blake puts it. She still looks sassy and youthful, and she gets a standing O. “It’s just so great to be back here at the ACMs,” she says, adding she’s honored to present the fan-voted entertainer award:
· Jason Aldean
· Luke Bryan
· Miranda Lambert
· Blake Shelton
· Taylor Swift
Luke Bryan
9:56: Winner: Luke Bryan, who immediately burst into tears. He’s still wiping them away and trying to hold it together as his peers cheer him on. Miranda even gets a little teary for him. “I don’t know what to say, guys,” Luke Bryan says, fervently thanking the fans. He says all he ever wanted to be was a country singer who got to ride a tour bus and play a new stage every night. “This is the defining moment of my life, and I will never take it for granted.”
9:59: Blake hugs him and says “it’s OK buddy,” while Luke kisses his cheek. “Congratulations, you won entertainer of the year on your first and last time to host the ACMs,” Blake jokes. After an exaggerated tossing up of his hands, Luke responds, “This guy is an amazing human being right here for seeing me through this night.”
10:01: They’re sending it back to Stevie Wonder, who’s singing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” with Hunter Hayes on drums this time. Blake and Luke take the stage with him to lead the crowd in a big sing-along party. Faith and Shania are among the stars absolutely shaking it and singing in the crowd, while Blake and Luke start a dance contest on the stage. It’s a fun finish, if a bit odd for a country music awards show.
Well, that’s the show. It had its share of superstars and surprises, but now it’s no surprise that I have a deadline. Good night and have a great Monday!
-BAM
Video: Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan behind the scenes of the ACM Awards
I will be live blogging the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards starting at 7 tonight right here at BAM’s Blog!
The ACM Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 tonight on CBS, with Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan co-hosting. Check out some of their funny behind-the-scenes banter in this video.
Shelton, his wife Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Thompson Square, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Rascal Flatts are among the superstars with Oklahoma ties who have been nominated for ACM Awards.
In addition, Shelton, Lambert, Underwood and Garth Brooks have been confirmed as performers for the show, and Lambert, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire, the show’s former longtime host, have been announced as presenters.
To read my ACM Awards preview, click here.
Brooks and fellow Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait will play a special tribute in honor of the late, great Dick Clark during the show. To read more about the special performance, click here.
2013 ACM Awards nominees
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert (AP file)
I will be live blogging the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards starting at 7 tonight right here at BAM’s Blog!
The ACM Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 tonight on CBS, with Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan co-hosting.
Shelton, his wife Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Thompson Square, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Rascal Flatts are among the superstars with Oklahoma ties who have been nominated for ACM Awards.
In addition, Shelton, Lambert, Underwood and Garth Brooks have been confirmed as performers for the show, and Lambert, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire, the show’s former longtime host, have been announced as presenters.
To read my ACM Awards preview, click here.
Brooks and fellow Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait will play a special tribute in honor of the late, great Dick Clark during the show. To read more about the special performance, click here.
Here are the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards nominations, with Oklahomans marked in bold:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
· Jason Aldean
· Luke Bryan
· Miranda Lambert
· Blake Shelton
· Taylor Swift
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Jason Aldean
· Luke Bryan
· Eric Church
· Toby Keith
· Blake Shelton
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Miranda Lambert
· Martina McBride
· Kacey Musgraves
· Taylor Swift
· Carrie Underwood
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
· Big & Rich
· Florida Georgia Line
· Love and Theft
· Sugarland
· Thompson Square
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
· The Band Perry
· Eli Young Band
· Lady Antebellum
· Little Big Town
· Zac Brown Band
NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Lee Brice
· Brantley Gilbert
· Hunter Hayes
NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Jana Kramer
· Kacey Musgraves
· Sunny Sweeney
NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
· Florida Georgia Line
· Love and Theft
· Thompson Square
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR [Winners of New Male, New Female & New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year]
· Florida Georgia Line
· Brantley Gilbert
· Jana Kramer
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
· Blown Away – Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright
· Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
· Red – Taylor Swift (Big Machine Records)
Produced by: Jeff Bhasker, Nathan Chapman, Dann Huff, Jacknife Lee, Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift, Butch Walker, Dan Wilson
· Tailgates & Tanlines – Luke Bryan (Capitol Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright, Jeff Stevens
· Tornado – Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
· Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)
Produced by: Mike Wrucke
· Over You – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
· Pontoon – Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
· Springsteen – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Jay Joyce
· Wanted – Hunter Hayes (Atlantic/WMN)
Produced by: Hunter Hayes, Dann Huff
SONG OF THE YEAR [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
· A Woman Like You – Lee Brice
Composers: Phil Barton, Johnny Bulford, Jon Stone
Publishers: 3JB Music (BMI), Adios Pantalones (SESAC), Hears That Skyline Music (SESAC), Sixteen Stars Music (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
· Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band
Composers: Will Hoge, Eric Paslay
Publishers: Cal IV Songs (ASCAP), Will Hoge Music (BMI)
· Over You – Miranda Lambert
Composers: Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton
Publishers: Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony ATV/Tree Publishing (BMI)
· Springsteen – Eric Church
Composers: Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell
Publishers: Bug Music (BMI), Ole Purple Cape Music (BMI), Sinnerlina (BMI), Sony ATV/Tree Publishing (BMI)
· Wanted – Hunter Hayes
Composers: Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges
Publishers: Happy Little Man Publishing (BMI), Songs From The Engine Room (BMI), Songs Of Universal Inc. (BMI)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
*Off Camera Award
· Creepin’ – Eric Church
Producer: Iris Baker
Director: Peter Zavadil
· Merry Go ‘Round – Kacey Musgraves
Producer: Perry Bean, Kacey Musgraves
Director: Perry Bean
· Tornado – Little Big Town
Producer: Iris Baker
Director: Shane Drake
· Wanted – Hunter Hayes
Producer: Stephanie Reeves, Eric Williams
Director: Traci Goudie, Patrick Hubik
· We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
Producer: John Nguyen
Director: Declan Whitebloom
· The Wind – Zac Brown Band
Producer: Ben Kalina
Director: Mike Judge
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
*Off Camera Award
· Don’t Rush – Kelly Clarkson Featuring Vince Gill (19/RCA/Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Dann Huff
· Easy – Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield (Big Machine Records)
Produced by: Dann Huff, Brian Kennedy, Rascal Flatts
· Feel Like A Rock Star – Kenny Chesney (Duet With Tim McGraw) (Blue Chair/BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
· Let It Rain – David Nail Featuring Sarah Buxton (MCA Nashville)
Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell
· The Only Way I Know – Jason Aldean With Luke Bryan & Eric Church (Broken Bow)
Produced by: Michael Knox
-BAM
Reminder: ACM Awards live blog begins at 7 tonight!
Reminder: I will be live blogging the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards starting at 7 tonight right here at BAM’s Blog!
The ACM Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 tonight on CBS, with Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan co-hosting.
Shelton, his wife Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Thompson Square, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Rascal Flatts are among the superstars with Oklahoma ties who have been nominated for ACM Awards.
In addition, Shelton, Lambert, Underwood and Garth Brooks have been confirmed as performers for the show, and Lambert, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire, the show’s former longtime host, have been announced as presenters.
To read my ACM Awards preview, click here.
Brooks and fellow Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait will play a special tribute in honor of the late, great Dick Clark during the show. To read more about the special performance, click here.
-BAM
Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain, Gary Allan and more added as ACM Awards presenters
Trisha Yearwood
The Academy of Country Music has announced that Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer will perform with Brad Paisley at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
In addition, Owasso resident Trisha Yearwood and fellow country superstars Gary Allan, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Chris Young and Eli Young Band have been added as presenters.
The ACM Awards, which will be co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton, will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 tonight on the CBS Television Network.
Shelton, his wife Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Thompson Square, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Rascal Flatts are among the superstars with Oklahoma ties who have been nominated for ACM Awards.
Yearwood’s husband, Garth Brooks, and fellow Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait will play a special tribute in honor of the late, great Dick Clark during the show. To read more about the special performance, click here.
Plus, Shelton, Lambert, Underwood and Brooks have been confirmed as performers for the show, and Lambert and Reba McEntire, the show’s former longtime host, have been previously announced as presenters.
To read my ACM Awards preview, click here.
And follow my live blog of the ACM Awards starting at 7 tonight here at BAM’s Blog!
Here’s a rundown of what’s coming up on tonight’s show:
Performers:
Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Hunter Hayes, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, John Mayer, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Pistol Annies and The Band Perry. Brad Paisley will headline the 3rd Annual ACM Fan Jam, along with special guests Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes, and New Artist of the Year nominees Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer and Florida Georgia Line.
Presenters:
Country music artist Gary Allan, “2 Broke Girls” star Beth Behrs, Vegas star Michael Chiklis, Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow, “The Big Bang Theory’s” Kaley Cuoco, music star John Fogerty, “omg! Insider” co-anchor Kevin Frazier, country music artist Faith Hill, San Francisco 49ers NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, country music artists Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and Kacey Musgraves, “Entertainment Tonight” co-anchor Nancy O’Dell, country music artists Jake Owen, Reba, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young and Eli Young Band, and A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” stars Willie & Korie Robertson.
-BAM
