UPDATED: 2012 Grammys: Most Oklahoma nominees have to settle for the honor of being nominated
Ryan Tedder (AP file)
UPDATED 10:48 p.m. Monday: Here are a couple more Grammy accomplishments by Oklahoma music stars, courtesy Oklahoma Rock Newsblog.
British singer-songwriter Adele won six awards – sweeping the record, album and song of the year categories – while rockers the Foo Fighters earned five prizes when the Grammy Awards were handed out tonight in Los Angeles. To read my live blog, click here.
Best known as the frontman for pop band OneRepublic, Tulsa native Ryan Tedder shares in Adele’s album of the year win as one of the producers of “21.” (In addition, Tedder co-wrote “Rumour Has It” and another “21″ track, “Turning the Tables,” with Adele.)
Tedder also was nominated for non-classical producer of the year for his work on several records, including Beyonce’s “I Was Here,” Jennifer Hudson’s “I Remember Me” and Adele’s “Rumour Has It.” But Paul Epworth, who also worked with Adele along with Foster the People, won the producer prize.
Some Oklahomans were in the spotlight during the Grammy Awards: Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton performed with The Band Perry and Glen Campbell in a tribute to Campbell, who is retiring from touring to cope with his Alzheimer’s disease. Checotah native Carrie Underwood performed with legendary crooner Tony Bennett before they presented the new artist award to Bon Iver. Reba McEntire, who hails from Chockie, and Shelton’s wife Miranda Lambert, a Texas native who now calls Tishomingo home, were presenters.
Underwood is among the various artists who collaborated with Bennett on his “Duets II” album, which won the best traditional pop vocal album.
Oklahoma City native The World Famous Tony Williams and Tulsa native Charlie Wilson, helped rapper Kanye West win three Grammys. Vocals by Williams and Wilson were featured on West’s “All of the Lights,” which won best rap song and best rap/sung collaboration.
Also, the album containing “All of the Lights,” titled “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” won best rap album. Williams’ vocals were featured on the album tracks “Dark Fantasy,” “Gorgeous,” “Runaway,” “Hell of a Life” and “Lost in the World,” according to Oklahoma Rock Newsblog.
For the most part, though, the 2012 Grammy nominees with Oklahoma ties had to settle for being nominated tonight:
- Muskogee native Ester Dean shared in an album of the year nomination as one of several producers on Rihanna’s “Loud,” but the prize went to Adele and her collaborators for “21.”
- Shelton was nominated for country album of the year for “Red River Blue,” but trio Lady Antebellum won a surprise victory in the category with “Own the Night.”
- Shelton was nominated for “Honey Bee” and Underwood for “Mama’s Song” in the best country solo performance, but singer-songwriter Taylor Swift won for “Mean.”
- Vince Gill earned his 41st Grammy nomination in the best country song category with “Threaten Me with Heaven,” which the Norman-born, Oklahoma City-bred star penned with his wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and the late Will Owsley. Also, Jim Collins and David Lee Murphy were nominated for writing Thompson Square’s “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” and Dave Barnes was nominated for penning Shelton’s “God Gave Me You.” But Taylor Swift won the country song category, again with “Mean.”
- Country duo Thompson Square, which includes Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson, received its first Grammy nod for best country duo/group performance for its breakthrough hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” But The Civil Wars scored the Grammy for “Barton Hollow.”
- Four-time Grammy winners Kings of Leon, who have ties to Oklahoma City and Talihina, were nominated for best rock album for their fifth studio effort, “Come Around Sundown.” The Grammy went to the Foo Fighters’ “Wasting Light.”
- Stephen C. Mitchell’s rock documentary “Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon,” which opened 2011’s deadCenter Film Festival, contended for best long-form music video. The prize was awarded to James Moll, the video’s director, and James Moll and Nigel Sinclair, producers, for “Foo Fighters: Back and Forth.”
- Tulsa native Charlie Wilson, former frontman of the Gap Band, was nominated for best R&B performance for his hit “You Are,” from his 2010 solo album “Just Charlie.” The award went to Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Is This Love.” In addition, Wilson, his wife Mahin Wilson and their fellow songwriters Dennis Bettis, Carl M. Days Jr. and Wirlie Morris shared a nomination for best R&B song for “You Are.” But “Fool For You,” written by Cee Lo Green, Melanie Hallim and Jack Splash, became the winning song.
- Christian worship group Gungor, which is fronted by former Tulsan Michael Gungor, earned a nod in the new best contemporary Christian music album category. Chris Tomlin won for “And If Our God Is For Us….”
Some Oklahoma talents did help others win Grammys tonight:
- The 40th anniversary Super Deluxe Edition of Derek and the Dominos’ beloved 1970 album “Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs” earned the best surround sound album Grammy. The late Carl Radle, a Tulsa native, was the band’s bassist.
- Oklahoma City kindie rock duo Sugar Free Allstars is among the various artists featured on “All About Bullies … Big and Small,” named best children’s album. The Allstars collaborated with fellow kindie rocker Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on the compilation track “Cooperate.”
-BAM
Blake Shelton, Thompson Square, Carrie Underwood and other Oklahomans competing for Grammys tonight
Blake Shelton (AP file)
Several music stars with Oklahoma ties will be part of “Music’s Biggest Night” when the 54th Annual Grammy Awards air live from Los Angeles from 7 to 10:30 tonight on CBS. Follow my live blog tonight right here on BAM’s Blog.
Here are the Oklahoma nominees and performers to root for tonight:
Ada native Blake Shelton is nominated for best country album for “Red River Blue” and best country solo performance for the album’s chart-topping first single “Honey Bee.” The Tishomingo resident’s No. 1 hit “God Gave Me You,” written by contemporary Christian singer Dave Barnes, also earned a nod for best country song, an award presented to songwriters.
In addition, Shelton and The Band Perry will give a special performance with country legend Glen Campbell during the show, and Shelton’s wife and fellow country star Miranda Lambert will be a presenter, along with Chockie native Reba McEntire.
In the best country solo performance category, Shelton will compete against Checotah native Carrie Underwood, who is nominated for her emotional ballad “Mama’s Song.” The Recording Academy this year consolidated many Grammy categories, so solo country artists are longer separated into male and female competitions.
Underwood also is featured on legendary crooner Tony Bennett’s “Duets II,” nominated for best traditional pop vocal album. Underwood, a five-time Grammy winner, and Bennett, who has 14 golden gramophones plus a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, are set to perform together on the awards show.
Country duo Thompson Square, which includes Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson, received its first Grammy nod for best country duo/group performance for its breakthrough hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” which earned songwriters Jim Collins and David Lee Murphy a best country song nomination, too.
Vince Gill earned his 41st Grammy nomination in the best country song category with “Threaten Me with Heaven,” which the Norman-born, Oklahoma City-bred star penned with his wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and the late Will Owsley. Gill already has earned the most Grammys of any male country artist with 20.
Four-time Grammy winners Kings of Leon, who have ties to Oklahoma City and Talihina, are nominated for best rock album for their fifth studio effort, “Come Around Sundown.” Plus, Stephen C. Mitchell’s rock documentary “Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon,” which opened 2011’s deadCenter Film Festival, will contend for best long-form music video.
Tulsa native Charlie Wilson, former frontman of the Gap Band, is nominated for best R&B performance for his hit “You Are,” from his 2010 solo album “Just Charlie.” In addition, Wilson, his wife Mahin Wilson and their fellow songwriters Dennis Bettis, Carl M. Days Jr. and Wirlie Morris share a nomination for best R&B song for “You Are.”
For the second straight year, Christian worship group Gungor, which is fronted by former Tulsan Michael Gungor, is celebrating a nomination for its new album. The group’s 2011 album “Ghosts Upon the Earth” earned a nod in the new best contemporary Christian music album category. Gungor’s 2010 release “Beautiful Things” was nominated last year in the now-eliminated best rock or rap gospel album division.
Best known as the frontman for pop band OneRepublic, Tulsa native Ryan Tedder is nominated for non-classical producer of the year for his work on several records, including Beyonce’s “I Was Here,” Jennifer Hudson’s “I Remember Me” and Adele’s “Rumour Has It.” Since he produced “Rumour Has It,” Tedder shares in the Adele’s nomination for album of the year for her smash “21,” too. (In addition, Tedder co-wrote “Rumour Has It” and another “21″ track, “Turning the Tables,” with Adele.)
Muskogee native Ester Dean also has a share of an album of the year nomination as one of several producers on Rihanna’s “Loud.”
The 40th anniversary Super Deluxe Edition of Derek and the Dominos’ beloved 1970 album “Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs” earned a nomination in the best surround sound album category. The late Carl Radle, a Tulsa native, was the band’s bassist.
And, Oklahoma City kindie rock duo Sugar Free Allstars is among the various artists featured on “All About Bullies … Big and Small,” nominated for best children’s album. The Allstars collaborated with fellow kindie rocker Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on the compilation track “Cooperate.”
-BAM
Thompson Square, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, other Oklahomans to compete for Grammy glory Sunday night
Thompson Square (AP file)
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Oklahomans to compete for Grammy glory Sunday night
BAM: Country duo Thompson Square, which includes Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson, are relishing their first chance to win one of the music industry’s most prestigious prizes.
Keifer and Shawna Thompson just couldn’t wrap their heads around the big news: The couple, who make country music under the moniker Thompson Square, had just become Grammy nominees.
“I’ll tell you what, “When we found that out, we just about lost our minds. That’s the big enchilada there. It doesn’t get any bigger than Grammys,” said Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson during a recent phone interview.
In a week, he and his wife will play an eagerly awaited hometown show at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami. Before they head back to Oklahoma, though, the couple will be part of “Music’s Biggest Night”: the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, which will air live from Los Angeles from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
“We’re definitely gonna go,” said Keifer Thompson. “Are you crazy?”
Thompson Square received its first Grammy nod for best country duo/group performance for its breakthrough hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” which earned songwriters Jim Collins and David Lee Murphy a best country song nomination, too.
Oklahoma nominees
The couple is hardly the only nominee with Oklahoma ties.
Ada native Blake Shelton is nominated for best country album for “Red River Blue” and best country solo performance for the album’s chart-topping first single “Honey Bee.” The Tishomingo resident’s No. 1 hit “God Gave Me You,” written by contemporary Christian singer Dave Barnes, also earned a nod for best country song, an award presented to songwriters.
In addition, Shelton and The Band Perry will give a special performance with country legend Glen Campbell during the show, and Shelton’s wife and fellow country star Miranda Lambert will be a presenter, along with Chockie native Reba McEntire.
In the best country solo performance category, Shelton will compete against Checotah native Carrie Underwood, who is nominated for her emotional ballad “Mama’s Song.” The Recording Academy this year consolidated many Grammy categories, so solo country artists are longer separated into male and female competitions.
Underwood also is featured on legendary crooner Tony Bennett’s “Duets II,” nominated for best traditional pop vocal album. Underwood, a five-time Grammy winner, and Bennett, who has 14 golden gramophones plus a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, are set to perform together on the awards show.
Vince Gill earned his 41st Grammy nomination in the best country song category with “Threaten Me with Heaven,” which the Norman-born, Oklahoma City-bred star penned with his wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and the late Will Owsley. Gill already has earned the most Grammys of any male country artist with 20.
Four-time Grammy winners Kings of Leon, who have ties to Oklahoma City and Talihina, are nominated for best rock album for their fifth studio effort, “Come Around Sundown.” Plus, Stephen C. Mitchell’s rock documentary “Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon,” which opened 2011’s deadCenter Film Festival, will contend for best long-form music video.
Tulsa native Charlie Wilson, former frontman of the Gap Band, is nominated for best R&B performance for his hit “You Are,” from his 2010 solo album “Just Charlie.” In addition, Wilson, his wife Mahin Wilson and their fellow songwriters Dennis Bettis, Carl M. Days Jr. and Wirlie Morris share a nomination for best R&B song for “You Are.”
For the second straight year, Christian worship group Gungor, which is fronted by former Tulsan Michael Gungor, is celebrating a nomination for its new album. The group’s 2011 album “Ghosts Upon the Earth” earned a nod in the new best contemporary Christian music album category. Gungor’s 2010 release “Beautiful Things” was nominated last year in the now-eliminated best rock or rap gospel album division.
Best known as the frontman for pop band OneRepublic, Tulsa native Ryan Tedder is nominated for non-classical producer of the year for his work on several records, including Beyonce’s “I Was Here,” Jennifer Hudson’s “I Remember Me” and Adele’s “Rumour Has It.” Since he produced “Rumour Has It,” Tedder shares in the Adele’s nomination for album of the year for her smash “21,” too. (In addition, Tedder co-wrote “Rumour Has It” and another “21″ track, “Turning the Tables,” with Adele.)
Muskogee native Ester Dean also has a share of an album of the year nomination as one of several producers on Rihanna’s “Loud.”
The 40th anniversary Super Deluxe Edition of Derek and the Dominos’ beloved 1970 album “Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs” earned a nomination in the best surround sound album category. The late Carl Radle, a Tulsa native, was the band’s bassist.
And, Oklahoma City kindie rock duo Sugar Free Allstars is among the various artists featured on “All About Bullies … Big and Small,” nominated for best children’s album. The Allstars collaborated with fellow kindie rocker Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on the compilation track “Cooperate.”
Thrilling nomination
Thompson Square was enjoying a rare night off when the Grammy nominations were announced Nov. 30.
“I decided to stay in and was in my pajamas, watching, I’m sure, some reality show. … Keifer and I both had forgotten that they were announcing the nominees that night, and about 10 o’clock our manager called and was like, ‘Is your husband there?’ and I know … when he wants to talk to both of us, it’s either really good news or really bad news,” she said.
“He told me about it, and all I could do was just say ‘What?’ over and over again. I was like, ‘What? You’ve gotta be kidding me.’ I thought he was joking. We finally got a hold of Keifer — he was out with some of his buddies in downtown Nashville — and his response was exactly the same. He just kept saying ‘What? What?’ like he couldn’t understand. It wasn’t processing.”
“It’s just crazy to think you’re in that kind of game,” Keifer added. “It feels good, though. We’ll take it.”
Grammy Awards Live Blog
Follow along with Brandy McDonnell’s live blog of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday here at BAM’s Blog at blog.newsok.com/bamsblog.
Thompson Square
When: 9 p.m. Feb. 17.
Where: Buffalo Run Casino, 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd., Miami, OK.
Information: (918) 542-7140 or www.buffaloruncasino.com.
-BAM
Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith and more earn ACM Award nominations
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert (AP file)
From Friday’s The Oklahoman.
Oklahomans nominated in every major ACM Awards category
Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Thompson Square and Rascal Flatts will represent the Sooner State when the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards are handed out April 1 in Las Vegas.
At least one Oklahoma star is nominated in every major category of this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards.
Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Thompson Square and Rascal Flatts will represent the Sooner State when the 47th annual ACM Awards are handed out April 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For the second straight year, Oklahoma natives Shelton and Reba McEntire will co-host the show, which will air live on CBS.
Shelton, who lives in Tishomingo, is among the nominees for the top prize, entertainer of the year, along with Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney, who earned a leading nine nominations. For the fifth year, the entertainer award will be fan-voted, with balloting beginning March 19 at Ö www.VoteACM.com.
“The support I have felt this week is overwhelming,” Shelton said in a statement. “Thank you everyone for this honor.”
The Ada native will contend for male vocalist of the year, too.
Miranda Lambert, Shelton’s wife and fellow Tishomingo denizen, will compete for the female vocalist title, while her “Four the Record” is nominated for album of the year, an award she has won twice previously. with her 2007 release “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and her 2009 effort “Revolution.”
Carrie Underwood (AP file)
Checotah native Carrie Underwood also will vie for the female vocalist honor, while she and Paisley share a vocal event of their year nomination for their chart-topping duet “Remind Me.”
Norman resident Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” is more than just a cup, it’s a two-time nominee. The rowdy party anthem is up for single record of the year, earning Keith a double nomination as the song’s artist and producer. The star-studded viral video, which has notched more than 10 million YouTube views, got a video of the year nod.
Vince Gill, who hails from Oklahoma City, is a double nominee in the song of the year race as the artist and co-writer of “Threaten Me with Heaven,” the first single from his 2011 album “Guitar Slinger.” Gill wrote the poignant ballad with his wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and the late Will Owsley.
Vince Gill (AP file)
Trio Rascal Flatts, which includes Picher-bred guitarist Joe Don Rooney, is nominated for vocal group of the year.
Thompson Square, which includes Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson and his wife Shawna, earned a nomination in the vocal duo category.
In addition, Thompson Square is among the eight semi-finalists for new artist of the year. Fan voting continues through 11 a.m. Monday to narrow the newcomer race to three finalists. Balloting to pick the new artist winner will resume March 19 at Ö www.VoteACM.com.
Among the industry awards, three Oklahoma music locales are nominated: WinStar World Casino in Thackerville for casino of the year; the Wormy Dog Saloon in Oklahoma City for nightclub of the year; and the BOK Center in Tulsa for venue of the year. Plus, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in Minneapolis, Minn., is nominated in the nightclub category.
Also, Cash and Carey (Natalie Cash and Jim Carey) of KWEN-FM in Tulsa are nominated for on-air radio personality of the year in the medium market category.
The academy announced the nominees Tuesday morning in its first-ever digital press conference, with singer Lionel Richie, actress Beth Behrs, TV personality Nancy O’Dell and TV journalist Michael Ausiello presenting the nominations via YouTube videos that were posted on the ACM’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
To see the full list of nominees, click here.
-BAM
2012 ACM Awards nominations: At least one Oklahoman is nominated in every major category
Blake Shelton
At least one Oklahoman is competing in every major category of the upcoming ACM Awards.
The Academy of Country Music announced the nominees for its 47th annual ACM Awards this morning in a digital press conference via Twitter and Facebook. Among the nominees with Oklahoma ties are Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Thompson Square, Vince Gill and Rascal Flatts.
Shelton and Reba will co-host the ACM Awards as they are broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 1 on CBS.
Among the industry awards, three Oklahoma places to see a show are nominated: WinStar World Casino in Thackerville for casino of the year; the Wormy Dog Saloon in Oklahoma City for nightclub of the year; and the BOK Center in Tulsa for venue of the year.
Also, Cash and Carey (Natalie Cash and Jim Carey) of KWEN-FM in Tulsa are nominated for on-air radio personality of the year in the medium market category.
Here are the nominees in the major categories, with the Oklahomans marked with an *. Look for the musician, technical, radio and other industry award nominations after the break.
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
* Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
* Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
* Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
* Blake Shelton
Chris Young
Thompson Square
Vocal Duo of the Year
Love and Theft
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
* Thompson Square
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
* Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
Album of the year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company)
Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Arturo Buenahora, Jr., Jay Joyce
* Four The Record – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Own The Night – Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
Toby Keith
Single Record of the Year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company)
Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)
Produced by: Mike Wrucke
Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
* Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith (Show Dog-Universal Music)
Produced by: Toby Keith
Tomorrow – Chris Young (RCA)
Produced by: James Stroud
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Song of the Year (Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s))
Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band
Composers: Lee Brice, Liz Rose
Publishers: Cake Taker Music (BMI), Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Sweet Hysteria Music (BMI)
Home – Dierks Bentley
Composers: Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson
Publishers: Big White Tracks (ASCAP), Chestnut Barn Music (BMI), Chrysalis Music/BMG Rights (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Songs (BMI)
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: Dwhaywood Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), EMI Foray Music (SESAC), Hillary Dawn Songs (SESAC), Radiobulletspublishing (BMI), String Stretcher Music (BMI) Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
* Threaten Me With Heaven – Vince Gill
Composers: Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dillon O’Brian, Will Owsley
Publishers: Grant Girls Music (ASCAP), Vinny Mae Music (BMI), Willie-O Music (ASCAP)
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter
Composers: Matraca Berg, Deana Carter
Publishers: Deanaling Music (ASCAP), Hannaberg Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc., (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Video of the Year (Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)) *(Off Camera Award)
Homeboy – Eric Church
Producer: Brandon Arolfo
Director: Peter Zavadil
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Don Lepore
Director: Shawn Silva
Mean – Taylor Swift
Producer: Oualid Mouaness
Director: Declan Whitebloom
* Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith
Producer: Mark Kalbfeld
Director: Michael Salomon
Tattoos On This Town – Jason Aldean
Producer: John Burke
Director: Wes Edwards
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley (AP file)
Vocal Event of the Year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company) *(Off Camera Award)
Country Boy – Aaron Lewis Featuring George Jones & Charlie Daniels (R&J Records)
Produced by: Aaron Lewis, James Stroud
Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Old Alabama – Brad Paisley Featuring Alabama (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
* Remind Me – Brad Paisley Duet With Carrie Underwood (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney (more…)
BAM’s all-Oklahoma top 10 albums of 2011
A version of this column appears in Wednesday’s Life section of The Oklahoman.
BAM’s top 10 albums of 2011
Column: Oklahoma recording artists from across the musical spectrum made beautiful music and reached impressive milestones in the year just past.
For fans of Oklahoma music, it’s hard to imagine a more exciting year than 2011.
Tulsa Sound pioneer Leon Russell finally made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then the Songwriters Hall of Fame for good measure, Owasso-based country star Garth Brooks joined Uncle Leon in the songwriters’ club, and Chockie ranch girl Reba McEntire and Pauls Valley native Jean Shepard were ushered into country’s hallowed hall.
Tishomingo denizens Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert squeezed in their wedding between his reality TV breakout on NBC’s “The Voice” and the release of his latest LP and her launch of side project Pistol Annies and work on not one but two albums. On the red dirt scene, Cody Canada & The Departed arrived to soothe those saddened by the breakup of Cross Canadian Ragweed, while The Great Divide reunited after more than eight years after the original lineup split.
Maud native and rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson teamed with White Stripe Jack White to make a barn burner of a comeback record, former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn made his solo debut after two decades with country duo Brooks & Dunn, and teenage Internet sensation Greyson Chance of Edmond and country duo Thompson Square, featuring Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson, released splashy debut albums.
Oklahoma City-based rock ’n’ roll mad scientists the Flaming Lips experimented the year away, recording six- and 24-hour-long songs; releasing music on USB drives encased in gummy fetuses, $5,000 real human skulls and strobe-light gizmos; and finally inviting Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon to ring in 2012 at their fifth annual New Year’s Eve Freakout.
With all those milestones, the decision to make my top 10 albums list of 2011 an all-Okie affair was easy. Figuring out who would make the final cut, now that was hard.
1. Miranda Lambert “Four the Record” (RCA Nashville) and Pistol Annies “Hell on Heels” (Columbia Nashville)
The Texas native not only fired off a fourth solo album even better than its Grammy-winning, game-changing predecessor (2009’s “Revolution”) but also lit the fuse on a doozy of a side project with her all-girl trio Pistol Annies. Between the two albums, she wrote or co-wrote 14 songs and cut a total of two-dozen, matching her impressive output with prodigious quality.
On “Four the Record,” she confidently covers a wide range of topics, emotions and musical styles, from the blazing bad-girl anthem “Fastest Girl in Town” and the galloping breakup freakout “Mama’s Broken Heart” to the affectionate celebration of diversity “All Kinds of Kinds” to the gorgeous ode to her adopted home state “Oklahoma Sky.”
With their first effort as the Pistol Annies, Lambert and fellow singer-songwriters Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley ignited the country charts with their old-school sound, sharp songsmithing and take-no-prisoners attitude. They’re pretty, they’re smart, and they’re going to say and do whatever they want. And they’re coming for you.
2. Cody Canada & The Departed “This Is Indian Land” (Underground Sound/Apex Nashville)
I can’t think of a better entrance for a new band so rooted in Oklahoma’s red dirt scene than this homage to the state’s songwriting greats. The Departed — former Cross Canadian Ragweed singer/songwriter/guitarist Canada, ex-Ragweed bassist/singer Jeremy Plato, Texas guitarist Seth James, Tulsa keyboardist/organist Steve Littleton and Yukon drummer David Bowen — tunefully pay tribute to the finely crafted story-songs of Tom Skinner, Bob Childers, Greg Jacobs and more with a debut that leaves you eager for more.
3. Wanda Jackson “The Party Ain’t Over (Nonesuch/ Third Man Records)
As he did with Loretta Lynn on her 2004 album, “Van Lear Rose,” producer/guitarist Jack White — the rocker best known for fronting The White Stripes — again demonstrates his masterful knack for celebrating a veteran performer’s storied past while still pushing her out of her comfort zone. This “Party” celebrates Jackson’s rock ’n’ roll trailblazing with smoking covers of Johnny Kidd and the Pirates’ “Shakin’ All Over” and Bob Dylan’s “Thunder on the Mountain” and recalls her country and gospel days with a funked-up version of “Dust on the Bible” and a stripped-down rendition of Jimmie Rodgers’ “Blue Yodel #6.” At 74, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is still “the sweet lady with the nasty voice.”
4. The Damn Quails “Down the Hatch” (598 Recordings)
After just two years of making music as a duo, Norman-based singer-songwriters Bryon White and Gabriel Marshall earned national and international acclaim with their debut album, which features a rootsy sound both distinctly Oklahoman and uniquely their own. As each of the 14 earthy tracks comes “Down the Hatch,” it becomes increasingly clear the fertile Oklahoma music scene has nurtured a pair of exceptionally talented country-folk performers. Get the binoculars; you’re going to want to watch these birds.
5. Broncho “Can’t Get Past the Lips” (self released)
Here’s what I love about Oklahoma music: It turns out The Damn Quails weren’t the only Norman-based upstarts who released a standout debut record in the year just past. Broncho, the side project for Starlight Mints keyboardist Ryan Lindsey, forcefully declared that punk was not dead with its brawny, frenetic “Can’t Get Past the Lips.” As a bonus, the manic standout track “Try Me Out Sometime” deservedly made NPR’s list of five garage rock favorites from 2011.
6. Stoney LaRue “Velvet” (B Side Music Group)
Warm, smooth and surprisingly mellow, the red dirt star’s long-awaited second studio album fulfilled the promise of its luxurious title. The follow-up to “The Red Dirt Album,” the Edmond resident’s 2005 debut studio effort, “Velvet” was more than worth the wait, showcasing a more mature, finely crafted sound that maintains its rootsy authenticity.
7. Other Lives “Tamer Animals” (TBD Records)
After 14 months of painstakingly sculpting their sophomore album in their Stillwater studio space, the orchestral pop-rockers were richly rewarded for the elegantly lovely fruits of their labor: The band toured with Bon Iver in 2011, and they are joining none other than Radiohead on the road in February. Catch them in concert Jan. 26 at Tulsa’s Fassler Hall or Jan. 27 at Oklahoma City’s Blue Note Lounge because we will soon be forced to love Other Lives and their evocative music from afar.
8. Colourmusic “My __ is Pink” (Memphis Industries)
Like Other Lives, experimental rock quartet Colourmusic spent months in its Stillwater recording lab conjuring up its second album. With “Pink,” the neo-psychedelic wizards tried out a distinctively different sonic formula from their fantastic 2008 debut “F, Monday, Orange, February, Venus, Lunatic, 1 or 13.” Although their sophomore effort featured a much tougher and more aggressive sound, it maintained those beautifully mesmerizing melodies. I still get goose bumps on my goose bumps hearing their 10-minute epic “The Little Death (In Five Parts).”
9. Vince Gill “Guitar Slinger” (MCA Nashville)
The Country Music Hall of Famer was never going to match the scope and audacity of his four-disc, 43-track box set “These Days,” which won the 2006 Grammy for best country album and earned an overall album of the year nomination. But the Norman-born, Oklahoma City-bred singer/songwriter/guitarist didn’t disappoint with his 12-track follow-up, which channeled Motown with “Tell Me Fool,” memorialized Billie Holiday on “When the Lady Sings the Blues” and passionately pondered life and mortality on the Grammy-nominated first single “Threaten Me With Heaven.”
10. St. Vincent “Strange Mercy” (4AD)
The Tulsa-born singer/songwriter/guitarist also known as Annie Clark continues to make music reminiscent of a diamond-bladed scalpel: The otherworldly vocals and lush melodies possess a delicate beauty, but St. Vincent’s pointed lyrics and finely honed guitar hooks will cut you open as ruthlessly as the “Surgeon” she pleads with on her third album.
-BAM
13 Days of Oklahoma Music: Carrie Underwood & Vince Gill’s “How Great Thou Art”
Merry Christmas!
The 13 Days of Oklahoma Music continue here at BAM’s Blog, as we look back on the musical milestones state artists experienced in the past year as 2011 draws to a close. Today’s installment is not only appropriate for Christmas, but also features two top-shelf Oklahoma country stars who love collaborating with one other.
In April, Carrie Underwood, who hails from Checotah, was honored during the TV concert special “Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country,” and fellow Oklahoma native Vince Gill joined her in belting an incredible rendition of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” that earned a standing ovation and so far has garnered 10.5 million YouTube hits.
In addition, Underwood recently ranked No. 7 on Forbes’ list of the top-earning women in music, shared a No. 1 hit with Brad Paisley for their duet “Remind Me,” and earned a Grammy nomination for best country solo performance for her emotional ballad “Mama’s Song.”
Gill received his 41st Grammy nomination for best country song for “Threaten Me with Heaven,” which the Norman-born, Oklahoma City-bred star penned with his wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and the late Will Owsley.
The fervent ballad is the first single from Gill’s October release, “Guitar Slinger,” his first album in five years. “Guitar Slinger” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums list and No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Also this fall, Gill taped an episode of the acclaimed series “CMT Crossroads” with British rocker Sting.
-BAM
Guy Clark tribute album “This One’s For Him” released today
Houston’s Icehouse Music has released “This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark” to celebrate Clark’s 70th birthday. Clark was born in Monahans, Texas on Nov. 6, 1941. The double-CD set is available nationwide today, according to a news release.
Among the country and Americana greats featured on the tribute album are Vince Gill, who was born in Norman and raised in Oklahoma City, and Kevin Welch, who was raised in Oklahoma and graduated from Midwest City High School.
Lovingly produced by Tamara Saviano—who is also working with Clark on his definitive biography—and frequent Clark co-writer Shawn Camp, the tribute includes 30 tracks by 33 Americana artists who are friends and colleagues of Clark or who have been influenced by his remarkable compositions. The collection was mixed and mastered by Austin engineer Fred Remmert. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
Part of the proceeds will benefit the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
Guy Clark’s poetry resonates deeply with his fellow songwriters.
“Guy’s songs are literature,” says Lyle Lovett in the release. “The first time I heard Guy Clark, I thought it made everything I’d heard up to that point something other than a song. His ability to translate the emotional into the written word is extraordinary.”
Accordingly, Clark’s most vibrant (“Instant Coffee Blues”) and vivid vignettes (“Desperadoes Waiting for a Train”) reel with cinematic landscapes (“The Last Gunfighter Ballad,” “The Cape”). Novellas frequently unfold within minutes (“Better Days,” “She Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”).
Clark’s singular storytelling chills with striking familiarity (“The Dark”). “Songs are like Japanese painting,” he explains in the release. “Less is more. One brushstroke takes the place of many if you put it in the right place. I’m trying to get whoever is listening to think, ‘Oh, man, I was there. I did that. I know what that’s about.’ Too many details take away.” Clark’s add volumes. Remember that old blue shirt? Mad Dog margarita? June bug on the window screen?
Of course, our passions forever burn brighter for the flour sack cape. Few capture courage as timelessly. “Guy Clark is like a dancer with the way he talks and a photographer with the way he writes,” noted Texas indie artist Terri Hendrix says in the release. “He’s the epitome of American songwriting.”
Clark’s watercolor imagery blueprints his legend, but generosity ultimately cements his legacy. For four decades, the longtime Nashville resident, whose own Grammy-nominated Somedays the Song Writes You (2009) soars as seamlessly as his hallmark debut Old No. 1 (1975), has cultivated songwriting talent enthusiastically. His matchless eye yields high dividends: Americana royalty Shawn Camp, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Vince Gill and Lovett barely begin the list he’s given sea legs. Young writers today immediately earn credibility with his stamp.
“Guy is the king in a lot of ways,” says rising songwriter Hayes Carll, who has split pages in the storied basement workshop where Clark writes and builds guitars. “I think everybody who was around Guy learned a lot from him and I think the entire music world is indebted to him for what he taught other writers. Everybody who had a chance to learn from him came away a better writer. He gave me a shot before I deserved one.”
As friends say, Clark’s a curator, a creative caretaker. He celebrates high watermarks that others achieve.
“This One’s for Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark” returns the favor. Artists brought two key instruments: a guitar and profound reverence. Individual investments quickly emerged. Perhaps most notably, Gill claims a haunting bond.
“Giant tears were falling all over my guitar as we were playing,” the country star remembers about serving as guitarist on Clark’s original “Randall Knife” recording nearly 30 years ago. “My dad was a lawyer, and he died when I was 40. Guy and I are tied at the hip through that song.”
“Let’s give her a good go and make ol’ Guy proud of us…” said Rodney Crowell kicking off the collection on the first day as he readied to record “That Old Time Feeling.” The double CD set was recorded live in studio with a core house band that included multi-instrumentalist Shawn Camp, guitarist Verlon Thompson, & pianist Jen Gunderman. The tribute was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and Austin, Texas with a rotating cast of other musicians including multi-instrumentalist Lloyd Maines, bass players Glenn Fukunaga, Mike Bub and Glenn Worf, and drummers Kenny Malone and Larry Atamanuik.
See the track listing after the break.
Vince Gill to serve as grand marshal of Nashville Christmas Parade
Vince Gill (AP file)
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has announced that Oklahoma native Vince Gill will serve as grand marshal for the 59th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade on Friday. The parade officially kicks off the holiday season downtown with the lighting of the city Christmas tree, where Gill will be joined by Mayor Dean and executives from Piedmont Natural Gas, which has sponsored the parade since its beginning, according to a press release.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Christmas Around the World.” Following the lighting of the Christmas parade, Vince will lead parade floats through the heart of downtown Nashville. “I wanted to serve as grand marshal because I just like Mayor Dean,” Gill said in the release. “It’s that simple. He has been beyond supportive of the music community.”
“Vince Gill’s community involvement and amazing talent as a singer, songwriter and musician have made a remarkable and lasting mark on Music City,” Mayor Dean said in the release. “I am grateful that he will be taking part in this longtime Nashville tradition.”
Fellow country music stars Conway Twitty, Patty Loveless, Charlie Daniels, Lorrie Morgan, Josh Turner and John Rich have served as grand marshal in the past. Country radio legend Gerry House led last year’s “Home for the Holidays” themed-parade.
All proceeds from the parade will benefit the Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth program, which assists low-income families in Nashville who need help paying energy bills. Since 2003, Piedmont Natural Gas, its customers and the Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation have donated more than $1.5 million to Share the Warmth energy assistance funds. For more information on the parade, visit www.facebook.com/nashvillechristmasparade.
-BAM
Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney share family memories on tonight’s “CMA Country Christmas” special
Vince Gill and Amy Grant appear on "CMA Country Christmas."
Country music’s biggest stars share their family traditions and treasured holiday memories on “CMA Country Christmas,” airing from 8 to 10 tonight on the ABC Television Network.
Hosted for the second year by Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, the special includes performances from “American Idol” runner up Lauren Alaina, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts (which includes Joe Don Rooney of Picher), Darius Rucker, Brian Setzer with special guest Brad Paisley, Sugarland, Keith Urban, and Norman-born and Oklahoma City-bred Vince Gill in a special performance with Miss Piggy.
A highlight of the special is the intimate fireside chats where the artists and their families share their personal traditions from favorite recipes, to least favorite gifts:
Vince Gill and wife Amy Grant talked about their favorite Christmas memories. Gill told a story about his sister mastering the art of opening Christmas gifts before Christmas Day – and re-sealing them. “She was good at acting surprised at what she got,” remarked Gill.
Grant told a story about her mother buying her gerbils one Christmas, only to have them found by the family cat before the big reveal. “We’re sitting around, all fuzzy feeling, then all of a sudden, I’m going, ‘What is that crunching sound under the tree?’ It was my big present – the gerbils.”
Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts talked about special holiday traditions at his home. “We kind of have a tradition now we’re starting. We kind of all have pajamas we wear – all matching.”
Rooney’s wife, Tiffany Fallon added, “Daddy only wears his for, like, 10 or 15 minutes.”
Rooney deadpanned, “When you’re dressed like a candy cane, and you’re a guy, it’s a little uncomfortable.”
Jay DeMarcus, of Rascal Flatts, sat with his wife Allison, and infant daughter Madeline (born Dec. 17, 2010), and talked about the new traditions being started in the DeMarcus home this year. “The greatest gift we got this year was this little, beautiful angel right here,” said DeMarcus, smiling and laughing along with his wife, while his daughter tugged on his shirt. “This is her first interview. As you can tell, she’s doing really well at it.”
Lauren Alaina and her mother Kristy Suddeth chatted on the couch while Alaina talked about how the family home is decorated. “We go all out,” she said. “We’re serious about our Christmas decorations. When they don’t work, we are mad.” Alaina also talked about snooping for Christmas gifts before Christmas Day.
Faith Hill talked about the big box of peanuts she and her two older brothers received from their mother and father one Christmas. They had to dig through to find money. “I got so upset because she didn’t put any money in my box. I thought, “She gypped me!’” Faith also said her husband, Country star Tim McGraw, dressed up as Santa Claus one Christmas for a benefit show. “It was actually really good,” Hill said. She said the family tradition is to read The Night Before Christmas, to bake, and make reindeer food.
Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town recalled how his siblings would all pile up on mattresses and blankets on the floor in the family’s “little bitty house.” “That is harmony. That is family. That is what Christmas is all about,” Westbrook said.
Martina McBride and her three daughters (Ava 6, Emma 13, and Delaney 16) chatted about their favorite Christmas recipe. “We have a weird salad we make,” McBride said, listing the ingredients as a jar of pimento cheese, a can of pineapple, half a bag of marshmallows, and a carton of Cool Whip, mixed together. “It’s so good!”
Kellie Pickler talked about one of her favorite holidays when she visited American troops in Iraq as part of a USO tour. She said the experience was “life-changing,” visiting with men and women who couldn’t be with their husbands, wives, and children on Christmas. “There are so many things we take for granted,” Pickler said. “We don’t realize it until it’s not there anymore – until that luxury, that freedom, is not there.”
Sugarland’s Kristian Bush recalled how as children, he and his brother slept as close to the Christmas tree as they could on Christmas Eve. “Santa left everything outside,” Bush said.
Nettles talked about the year she and her roommate decided to make candles for Christmas, but narrowly escaped disaster. “It’s quite dangerous actually,” Nettles said. “A lot went into those gifts, and I hope people still have those candles because we almost burned down the whole complex.”
A native Australian, Keith Urban explained how Christmas was always sunny and warm, which is much different from the wintry holiday he now celebrates in the United States. “My memories of Christmas growing up in the Southern hemisphere – it’s the middle of summer down there,” Urban said. “Christmas was always about going to the beach. And my fondest Christmas memory is about getting in the station wagon with my mom, dad, my brother, and me, and going to the beach for the day.”
Urban also talked about the best present he ever received. “Two Christmases ago, my lovely wife [Nicole Kidman] surprised the heck out of me with Waylon Jennings’ Telecaster that was being auctioned off at the beginning of December. Hands down – it’s the best gift I’ve ever had.”
-BAM
