Country Music Shines At 55th Annual Grammy Awards

Country music may not have crossed over completely into the mainstream of pop music in fact country music is still much country music regardless how you see and define the who and what of the genre. The traditional, blues, folk, soul, honky tonk and Americana sounds still have a place in radio. Country music took to the stage at the 55th annual Grammy Awards Sunday February 10,2013 with performances from Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown of the the Zac Brown Band, Mumford and Sons, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Hunter Hayes, all who brought their own form of artistry to their fellow industry peers. 
Taylor Swift who opened the show brought a new spin to audiences on her mega multi platinum hit "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" with an eye popping, eye candy Alice In Wonderland theme. Swift the ringleader triumphed conquering the evil queen of hearts. 

In the collaborating duet Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley complimented each other well  on a vocal level so harmonizing in the arrangement of Lambert's "Over You" and Bentley's "Home". The duet worked, the pair received praise from the audience including Lambert's husband fellow country artist Blake Shelton cheering them both on.

Mumford and Sons arousing traditional blues folk country sound of their performance "I Will Wait" gave the crowd something to clap and stomp their feet to, the sing along tune was in fact one of many high lights of the night. The incorporating of the banjo and horns gave the song a more traditional country sound.
Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band was well on hand to take to the stage in a tribute performance of "Put The Lord On Me" with Elton John, Mumford and Sons, Mavis Staples and lead vocalist of the Alabama Shakes for those we will forever remember who passed away this past year to remembering Sandy Hook Elementary. The High lighted performance was the night's most touching momentous performance.  


Country music truly shined giving everyone something to talk about from Carrie Underwood's screen projector dress to Taylor Swift's call out during her on stage performance to many other highs and lows of the biggest night of the year.

Country Music City Promotions sends well wishes to all the winners.
CONGRATULATIONS!! 



WINNERS

• Best Country Solo Performance  - Carrie Underwood  "Blown Away"
• Best Country Song  - "Blown Away" SONGWRITERS  Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins,  Artist Carrie Underwood

• Best Country Duo/Group Performance  - "Pontoon"  Little Big Town 
• Best Country Album  - Uncaged  Zac Brown Band
• Album of The Year Babel  Mumford and Sons

The next best to come from country roots, Americana, blues and folk, the winners in these categories are;

• Best Americana Album - Slipstream  Bonnie Raitt
• Best Blues Album  -  Locked Down  Dr.John
• Best Folk Album  -  The Goat Rodeo Sessions   Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile  

For more high lights, the complete list of winners, photos and videos of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards visit the official site and stay tune to Country Music City Promotions for the latest updates in country music.

2012 Year End Review

As we look back in country music of 2012 it was still dominating most radio stations, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert reigned the charts, Dierks Bentley and Kellie Pickler gave us the most traditional country albums, rising artists Kip Moore and Casey James proved their hard work pays off and Little Big Town experiences the biggest highlight of their careers, paying your dues in this industry is years in the making.

During the first half of the year Kellie Pickler released her most highly anticipated album 100 Proof and what was receieved was the most refreshing sound in country music. The traditional classic honky tonk feel good vibe made leaps and bounds from the ever catchy "Unlock That Honky Tonk" to "Where's Tammy Wynette", the title track "100 Proof" gave us the real Kellie Pickler at her finest. The small town country girl from Albemarle, North Carolina has music row talking and country music noticed, Country Weekly's  senior editor Tammy Ragusa tells us " We haven't heard the last from her, this girl is going places", she tells fans live on +Country Music Chat ~ #CMchat+ Year End Review.  Kellie Pickler knows her directions and will prove longevity in her career. 100 Proof is the must have album of 2012.

Dierks Bentley tapped into what was the most promising of his career after releasing an album that could have well been put on the back burner, needless to say Bentley went ahead and delivered. "Home" went on to shine and win all on it's own, the title track "Home" reminded folks what America is all about. Dierks went on to release 4 hit singles "Am I The Only One", "5-1-5-0", "Tip It On Back" and "Home". Bentley's bluegrass, country soul and twang is truly infectious.  The Grammy nominated Bentley released a 5 song EP Country and Cold Cans and introduced his fan base to new country from Brantley Gilbert to Thomas Rhett. In 2013 Dierks will co headline with Miranda Lambert on a 33 date Locked and Reloaded tour. There is simply no place like home for Dierks Bentley.

New comers Kip Moore and Casey James may have started their country music paths quite differently however their country sound has the ladies jumping for joy.  What many may not know Kip Moore is more than an artist and performer, he in fact is a songwriter among things who has written with other artists of the field from fellow friend of Thompson Square Keifer Thompson to songwriter,producer Brett James, I say Kip Moore keeps the music flowing. Moore debuted his first solo effort as a singer songwriter with "Up All Night" that has spawned the mega hit "Somethin' Bout A Truck" and rising hit "Beer Money". I say give us more of Kip Moore.



Many American Idol followers will remember Casey James from the hit FOX reality TV program who came in third place in season 9, James went on to release his self titled debut Casey James that gave us the hits "Let's Don't Call It A Night" and "Crying On A Suitcase". James is a triple threat, musician, songwriter, entertainer and humanitarian. Casey and the Casey James band have become the most welcoming group to participate for such great causes who have raised more than $15,000 for +St. Jude Children's Research Hospital this past November for No Shave November. James continues to reach out to special causes including St. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project and others. There is no limit to what Casey James can do. Skies the limit for the mutli-talented .

Kip Moore's "Up All Night" and Casey James self titled albums are must have albums of 2012.  Country radio keeps Moore and James fans well pleased in rotation. 

 Out of the pearly gates of Hollywood and into country music Jana Kramer beat the odds of Hollywood meets country who gave people something to talk about earlier this year, Jana went on to debut her first album, her first single "Why Ya' Wanna" became a fast fan favorite and country radio took notice of it,Why Ya' Wanna went on to become gold certified. The One Tree Hill star balances film and TV with her growing music career. Kramer's second single "Whiskey" truly showcases a down to earth country girl at heart who knows a thing or two when it comes to delivering a performance. You can't take the country out of Hollywood, or is it Hollywood out of the country. Kramer is a delight and loves her fans more than anything, I say Jana fans will want more Kramer in 2013.





2012 has been the year for artists Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Eric Church to name a few. Miranda's Four The Record album has won Lambert numerous awards for "Over You" written by Miranda and husband Blake Shelton, that song means the world to Miranda and Blake, to win awards for sharing such a personal story with the world has been a little bittersweet for the reigning CMA female vocalist and ACA winner. Blake Shelton himself has had a year full of highs that would include winning the coveted CMA Entertainer of The Year award among releasing his most personal album to date Red River Blue that has landed Blake a Grammy nomination for his single "Over". Miranda herself landed a grammy nomination for best country album for, Four The Record, it's been an unbeatable year for Blake and Miranda. 
Throughout the summer of 2012 Little Big Town took the biggest splash in their career's chart topping the year with their multi platinum hit "Pontoon" from their 5th studio album Tornado, Jimi, Karen, Kimberly and Phillip have blown through country radio and country music fans and industry peers jumped on board to help celebrate with the group on this huge milestone. Little Big Town went on to win 3 coveted CMA awards for Pontoon, ACA Awards and landed them a grammy nomination. Tornado has swept Little Big Town in new territory and it's well deserving for the group. 
Eric Church might beat to a different drummer and well what has come of it, his most critically acclaimed album Chief that has brought us the hit singles "Springsteen", Creepin", "Homeboy" and "Drink In My Hand". Church who toured most of the year is feeling the accolades pile up who won the ACA with writers Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell for Springsteen, the CMA for Album of The Year for Chief and recently grammy nominated for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for Springsteen. I say Church has a good gripe on things.
Who else has had a big year in country music, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, these Georgia men have a lot going for themselves. Bryan dominated country radio as did Aldean for that matter and the awards, those accolades are so sweet for Luke Bryan who took home the most ACA's, I say Luke Bryan keep on beaming with that 100 watt smile. Jason Aldean who toured feverishly throughout the year released a record breaking milestone in his career with the new album Night Train that not only dominated in record sales, also in digital sales. For Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean they'll keep on truckin'. 
Country legend, yes, icon, yes, George Strait the man who's inspired many of today's artists has undoubtedly been in the limelight in 2012, who I have to point out has been named more times in Country Weekly than I can count. Obviously, Strait keeps on the straight and narrow touring the country who continues to bring his southern twang to adoring fans. The biggest story of the year was in fact Mr. Strait announcing he will hang up his cowboy boots in late 2013, the final tour might not send George off into the sunset, he's leaving memories behind for those who have followed his career. 

As I leave you with this in 2012, country music still rings on and not far into the distance. We will hear much more diversity in 2013. 

Spend Your Christmas With Jennifer Nettles And All Star Cast For CMA Country Christmas

Photo Courtesy of cmaworld.com 

Who says Christmas is too early? Spend this Christmas with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and your favorite country artist. Join host Jennifer Nettles and an all star cast for the third annual CMA Country Christmas in Nashville Saturday November 3,2012. The show will air on TV later this holiday season. See performances from Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Scotty McCreery, The Band Perry, Colbie Caillat, John Legend, Katherine Jenkins, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Keith Urban and your host Jennifer Nettles.
Tickets are still available here!
CMA Country Christmas Ticket Page 
And stay tune for the latest additions at CMA World CMA Country Christmas here at CMA World.com  CMA Country Christmas official page

  

New In Country Music

Country music keeps on growing with these new releases, Eric Church brings fans his new video for the new single " Creepin' " while Lauren Alaina brings the latest lyrics video for "Eighteen Inches". From an out law rebel to a young woman finding her way, Church and Alaina will have fans listening. View "Eighteen Inches" lyrics video here  YouTube - Lauren Alaina Official "Eighteen Inches" Lyrics Video see Creepin' on CMT here CMT - Eric Church "Creepin"  In other music news Big and Rich have made their return as a duo with a new album Hillbilly Jedi in stores now, their first single release "That's Why I Pray" has made an impact on country music fans and in country music, those lyrics ring true to everyone these days. Want more on Big and Rich visit the official web site here  Big and Rich
You'll be inspired to make a difference after watching the video for "That's Why I Pray", seen here on CMT  CMT - Big and Rich "That's Why I Pray"  Dierks Bentley releases new single and video "Tip It On Back" from his critically acclaimed Home album. Country music is a whole lot sweeter with Dierks. Watch "Tip It On Back" on cmt.com CMT - Dierks Bentley "Tip It On Back"

Stay tune to Country Music City Promotions for the latest updates in country music and more.

The 2012 Academy of Country Music Honors

On Monday September 24,2012 Dierks Bentley will host the 6th annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee at 7:00pm. Scheduled to perform include Luke Bryan, Kellie Pickler and Ashley Monroe, additional artists to perform will be announced.  Traditional bluegrass country artist Vince Gill who's hits have included Threaten Me With Heaven, Don't Go Rest High On That Mountain, I Still Believe In You,When I Call Your Name, If You Ever Have Forever In Mind, Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away, Next Big Thing and more will be inducted into the Academy of Country Music Honors. The accomplishments Vince Gill has achieved in his career continue to inspire me in my own writing. Congratulations Vince for the Career Achievement Award, you have my heart. Among the list of honorees include artists, songwriters, musicians, and entertainers.
Bobby Braddock - Poets Award
Kenny Chesney - Crystal Milestone Award
Emmylou Harris - Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
Gayle Holcomb - Mae Boren Axton Award
Alan Jackson - Jim Reeves International Award
Roger Miller (posthumously) - Poets Award
Billy Sherrill - Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
Ricky Skaggs - Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
Dwight Yoakam - Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award

Starting Friday August 17th at 8am PST tickets will go on sale to the public, ticket prices are
$37.00 , tickets can be purchased at The Ryman Box office, Ryman.com,  all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.
Come together for the 6th Annual ACM Honors and walk away with memories you'll never forget.
For more information visit the sites listed here

Academy of Country Music ACM Honors 
      
The Ryman ACM Honors 

The Ryman Box Office 

·

New Music Releases

New music is steaming up on radio, it's going to be a long hot summer of songs.  Rascal Flatts have announced their new single "Come Wake Me Up", while Jake Owen has released a follow up single from his multi platinum album Barefoot Blue Jean Night "The One That Got Away". Dierks Bentley is calling the digits on "5-1-5-0" from his critically acclaimed album  Home. New music from Little Big Town sounds so sweet for LBT fans, it's well long over due, the single "Pontoon", Pontoon is currently on the Nashville Country Club's new music poll. David Nail's "The Sound of A Million Dreams" stands out amongst the list of new releases, hear the song on radio now, it will have you tuned in. Lee Brice keeps on giving, it does show on his sophomore album, his labor of love. "A Woman Like You" has charted success and now with it's new release "Hard To Love" Brice is easy to love.Kenny Chesney announces his new single "Come Over" which is now available for rating at rate the music. There's a sea of more new music to come from your favorite artist. 

The new music list is growing for you country music fans. Here's an updated list!


Blake Shelton "Over"
Big & Rich "That's Why I Pray"
Randy Houser "How Country Feels"
Jerrod Niemann "Shinin' On Me"
Lady Antebellum "Wanted You More"
Craig Morgan "Corn Star"
Rodney Atkins  "Just Wanna Rock N' Roll"

For more on new country music stay tune at Country Music City Promotions for the latest.
Want to hear your favorite new song on radio? register and join the Nashville Country Club and rate the songs, follow the link to get started
Nashville Country Club



 Currently on radio rotation

Jerrod Nieman "Shinin' On Me" 
Randy Houser "How Country Feels", 
Kenny Chesney  "Come Over"
David Nail  "The Sound of A Million Dreams" 
Lee Brice " Hard To Love"
Rascal Flatts "Come Wake Me Up"
Dierks Bentley "5-1-5-0"
Jake Owen "The One That Got Away"




Send your radio requests in today!!

The Sweet Taste of Country Music

The sound of country music comes from a legion of talent these days, the variety is simply endless, still no signs of slowing down country music continues to bring out the best in every artist in the genre. As I spent the weekend going through a multitude of music I came up with this list of artists who have been shining bright these days and let me just say, there's no shortage of fantastic music.

Madonna Nash "Dirty Little Secret"
Kellie Pickler "100 Proof"
Katie Armiger "Scream"
Dustin Lynch "Cowboys & Angels"
Trace Adkins  "Million Dollar View"
Rascal Flatts "BANJO"
Gloriana "(Kissed You) Goodnight"
Eli Young Band "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
Dierks Bentley "Home"
Kip Moore "Somethin' Bout A Truck"
Phil Vassar "Don't Miss Your Life"
Craig Morgan "This Ole Boy"
Shy Blakeman "Crying In Your Sleep" featuring with Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton "Drink On It"
Miranda Lambert "Over You"
Neal McCoy "A-OK"
Josh Turner "Time Is Love"
Thompson Square "Glass"
Brantley Gilbert "You Don't Know Her Like I Do"

Get Your Dierks Bentley Preview



Dierks Bentley's new album drops Tuesday February 7th, so why not preview a sample right now at Dierk's Amazong music page right here;
Dierks Bentley Amazon music

With having a list of credits previously on past albums "Home" will have you singing like no other person on the planet. The graspy twang hits all the right notes making me a true fan after all. Woo hoo!! give me a little Dierks anytime.

Country Music City Promotions will continue to keep you informed on Dierks Bentley, be sure to check back with the site, after all you'll never know what your gonna get.

Versatility Of Great Country Music

New in country music, well there's no shortage of great, fantastic music these days. Rascal Flatt's released their new single "Banjo", we're getting down to the banjo fiddle playin' sound of these country men. Despite always getting the short end and not considered country,Rascal Flatts proves it on Banjo the first single release from their new album Changed set to be released April 3,2012.

Kellie Pickler is more than 100 Proof, she's the raw deal here folks, the title track of her newly released album will have you singing along, the powerful ballad of living love 100 Proof. 100 Proof is currently climbing the mediabase charts with no signs of slowing down. This is the single to shape her career and push it full throttle ahead.

Katie Armiger shows her true confessions on the new single Scream, it's those things in life we want to scream about at the top of our lungs,Armiger has lungs, the power ballad will give you goosebumps.

Neal McCoy tells us it's "A-OK" on his new single, the uptempo infectious melody will surely have you singing and dancing along,maybe a whistle or hand clapping even.

The Farm is freshly fun,upbeat and positivly down right enjoyable, this new trio in country music has released their first debut single "Home Sweet Home". Kick up your heels, get in those clubs, Home Sweet Home will have you boot scootin' along.

Josh Turner has returned with a batch of new songs,a new album is coming later in the year since his last album Haywire was released two years ago, in that period of time Turner conjured up new material, toured the states,brought a new addition into his family and was inducted into The Grand Ole Opry. Time is love and paitence,wait one minute!, "Time Is Love" is new to country radio music listeners and to all Turner fans and really,time is love,it's more than just a song it's a phrase, a saying,I'm happy and proud to say it. The midtempo song has sweet appeal,nothing sugar coated just enough sweet to curb your craving to his deep southern voice.

Dierks Bentley's currently new single "Home" makes us feel proud were we come from and the freedom we still live and breathe. There's no place like home. Expect to see Dierks promote his new album, the release comes Tuesday February 7th.

There's no denying it, country music is jammed packed, a whole lot to listen to,there's so much versatility these days. Turn on your radio's, get online, listen to some fantastic country music;vote and request what you want to hear. Having a difficult time deciding, The Nashville Country Club,NixaCountry and CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan gives you you're musical freedom. NixaCountry will play your request as The Nashville Country Club keeps you well up to date on what's getting played on air and rate the music; your opinions count, CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, well you get everything on one plate,listen to country music and submit a request. It's simply un-ending,keep country music at your fingertips.
Visit The Nashville Country Club, NixaCountry, and CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, don't want another minute!

The Nashville Country Club

CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan

NIXA Country Official Website

Dierks Bentley Get's Busy With New Album



Dierks Bentley is set to release his 6th studio album on Tuesay February 7,2012 which will infact be heavily promoted. The album features the hit single "Home" currently on country music radio.
Bentley has had a string of performances in previous weeks, want to see Dierks on tour?,  visit the tour dates listed here at Country Music City Promotions.
Dierks is set to appear on the following television programs in the coming week in promotion of the album's release. More appearances yet to come.


Monday February 6th The Today Show with Hoda & Kathie Lee on NBC at 11:00am eastern standard time

Tuesday February 7th The Today Show on NBC  between the time of 7:00am - 12:00pm eastern standard time

Wednesday February 8th Late Night with David Letterman on CBS at 11:30pm eastern standard time

 Sunday February 12th The 54th Annual Grammy Awards on CBS at 8:00pm eastern standard time


Want to hear Dierks's new single "Tip It On Back" visist Entertainment Weekly.com
Entertainment Weekly News Dierks Bentley "Tip It On Back"

Dierks Bentley Tour Dates

Dierks Bentley Tour Dates

February 2, 2012   Ryman Auditorium  Nashville,TN

February 4,2012 Hard Rock Cafe - Boston,MA

February 8, 2012  Bowery Ballroom  New York, NY

February 9,2012  Joe's on Weedstreet Chicago,IL

February 15,2012 The Center In Vancouver for Performing Arts Vancouver, BC

February 16,2012  Interior Savings Centre Kamloops, BC

February 17,2012  Prince George CN Centre Prince George, BC

February 19,2012 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton, AB

February 21,2012 Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB

February 23,2012 Burton Cummings Theatre Winnipeg, MB

February 25,2012 AT&T Center San Antonio, TX

March 3,2012  Professional Bull Riders Dickies Iron Cowboy 111 feat.Dierks Bentley
                        Cowboys Stadium Arlington,TX

June 21,2012  Country Music Fest Cadott,WI (performance at 11pm)

"ALL" dates will be updated as more dates are announced, check back right here at The Country Music City Promotions.

Stay up to date on Deirks' tour dates through his official web site and at ticketmaster to order tickets.

Music Rolls On In 2012

Many artists are gearing up for the 2012 touring season, it's looking good fans, you'll be happy to hear Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw are teaming up together for their "Brothers Of The Sun" tour,dates are yet to be announced,for the latest updates on Kenny and Tim you can visit their official web sites right here;
Kenny Chesney Tim McGraw Special Guests on The Brothers Of The Sun" tour Jake Owen and Grace Potter and The Nocturnals.

Billy Currington is super excited to be a headliner in 2012, this is a first for Currington, so excited infact he's taking his fellow label mates on tour with him, David Nail and Kip Moore. No love done gone for these men. It's gonna be a hot one!! Dates are yet to be announced/confrimed at this time, be sure to visit Billy's official web site for further updates.
Billy Currington


As Dierks Bentley wrap's up his "Country & Cold Cans" tour, he tosses in an added bonus touring Canada and Austraila in 2012 extending his recent wrap up of Country & Cold Cans which will begin
February 15,2012 in Vancouver, BC. Dates to are yet to come, visist Dierks official web site for the lates info.
Dierks Bentely

Jason Aldean has had a phenominal year in music and in touring, the "My Kinda Party" tour begins January 20,2012 in Greenville, South Carolina at the Bi Lo Center, Aldean was quick to announce his special surprise invitation, to have American Idol runner-up Lauren Alania to join him on tour in 2012, Alania accepted. Also on touring duties with Aldean is Aldean's buddy Luke Bryan. It's gonna be a real party on this tour.
Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Lauren Alania


The latest updates will come available in weeks to come,check back for the latest!!