Dove Award Nominations Announced

TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Jason Crabb and Francesca Battistelli Lead Artist Nominations

Artist of the Year Nominees are Francesca Battistelli, Jason Crabb, Natalie Grant, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Marvin Sapp, TobyMac and Chris Tomlin

New Artist of the Year Nominees are Audrey Assad, Chris August, Forever Jones, John Mark McMillan, Kerrie Roberts and Kristian Stanfill

Producer/Songwriter Wayne Haun leads all nominations with seven

Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year will again be voted on by the fans

GMC to produce and broadcast awards show

www.gospelmusic.org

 The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced today from the Grand Salon of the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta that TobyMac and Chris Tomlin lead the diverse group of artist nominees with six nominations each, while Jason Crabb nabs five, and Francesca Battistelli pulls in four nods from the 42^nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. This is the first time the awards have been held outside of Memphis or Nashville.  The awards show will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia at 8:00 p.m. EST.  The awards will be broadcast on GMC, America's favorite network for uplifting music and entertainment, on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

In addition to the Artist and New Artist of the Year nominees; Song of the Year, Album of the Year in each category and Short Video of the Year nominees were announced live, as well as the following:

Male Vocalist of the Year:

Chris August

Doug Anderson

Jason Crabb

Brandon Heath

Israel Houghton

Marvin Sapp

Chris Tomlin

Female Vocalist of the Year:

Audrey Assad

Francesca Battiselli

Natalie Grant

Britt Nicole

Janet Paschal

Kerrie Roberts

Laura Story

Group of the Year:

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Gaither Vocal Band

Mercy Me

Mikes Chair

Sidewalk Prophets

Tenth Avenue North

Country Artists Celebrate Valentine's Day, Another Arist Leaves His Label, Carrie Harrassed by Ottowa Media

Blake Shelton & James Otto become romantic fools in this video which you can watch by clicking on the Photo to the Right.

Craig Morgan leaves Sony BNA Find out more HERE

The press in Ottowa hasn't been all rosy for Carrie Underwood when announced yesterday that her husband Hockey Player Mike Fisher was traded to Nashville's Predators team...find out what was said HERE

Also Catch what ACM CEO said of Carrie Underwood's snub on Entertainer of the Year nomination at the ACM's 2011: HERE

Breaking News: Garth Raises $5 Million for Middle Tennessee

Gifts from the record-breaking Garth Brooks concert series at Bridgestone Arena, spearheaded by Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, total $5 million to support Tennessee flood recovery through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. To-date, The Community Foundation has collected $4.35 million of the $5 million from it’s concert sales or from amounts pledged toward this effort.
See the Show at the NCC Video Story

The nine sold-out concerts, which were held December 16-22, 2010, represent a collaborative effort of organizers and countless volunteers from across the community who donated their time and talent to make the unprecedented series happen. “Our community is indebted to Garth Brooks for not only providing nine amazing concerts and bringing thousands of people to Music City, but for the amazing generosity he has shown for flood victims who are rebuilding their lives,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

 “Playing music has never felt better or ever felt more right...I am really honored to have been a part of this happening,” said Brooks.

The Community Foundation has designated proceeds from the concerts to The River Fund, the charitable fund established within The Community Foundation by Brooks to help provide aid for flood victims through grants to nonprofit organizations. Grant allocations totaling $1.37 million from The River Fund have been made for Davidson County flood relief to Hands On Nashville, The United Methodist Committee on Relief – Tennessee Conference (UMCOR), and The Community Resource Center.

$659,500 has been allocated for a home rebuilding partnership spearheaded by Hands On Nashville, an organization instrumental in flood relief, to streamline home rebuilding efforts for flood victims in case management. This collaboration will serve all areas of Davidson County, consolidating rebuilding project supervision, construction material acquisition and delivery, and communications with other long-term recovery resources. Organizations participating in this partnership include Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Nashville Flood Recovery Network and Southeast Nashville Flood Recovery, among others.

$200,000 has been allocated for The United Methodist Committee on Relief – Tennessee Conference to continue its work to provide help to flood victims for needs which will otherwise be left unmet.

$514,795 has been allocated for The Community Resource Center, which will work to provide new household furnishings like couches, end tables, coffee tables, and more for flood victims.

Grants from The River Fund are being made to nonprofits serving flood victims in the flood affected counties of Tennessee. The Community Foundation and its volunteers are working with county-based long-term recovery committees to identify continuing need and the best ways to support flood victims. Grants from The River Fund will be made over time, ensuring the optimal management of charitable resources to help the maximum number of flood victims.

There are several flood relief funds within The Community Foundation, including The River Fund, the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund and the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. More information is available online at www.cfmt.org.

Martina McBride Gives Ode to Aretha, Miranda Invites the VIP's

Martina McBride is added to the list to salute Aretha Franklin at the Grammy's
Read More...

The VIP guest list included her entire record company. The food was upscale down-home (gourmet corn dog, anyone?). And the theme – Read More...

See Video Performance of Thompson Square who Released Music TODAY

Thompson Square release their new tunes today, see their Interview Now by CLICKING HERE

Nashville Artist Stories: Rascal Flatts Bid Goodbye to Management, Dierks is Live on the Web

Rascal Flatts end 10 year old professional connection: CLICK HERE

Dierks Bentley wrapped up a marathon studio session on Friday at Echo Mountain studio in Asheville, NC....Read More...

Alan Jackson's Induction, Steve Wariner's Guitar album...

Alan Jackson will be inducted into HOF : CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Steve Wariner talks Guitar music, Garth shows, & more:
CLICK HERE FOR MORE...

Taylor Swift Cruises, Jake Owen's Superbowl Pick & more

Taylor Swift plays on her Cruise ship & the lucky fan, Susie Santano, captures the performance: Click HERE for the Story at CMTT

 Jake Owen & other Country artists give their picks for this year's Super Bowl Sunday game: Click HERE for the Story at CMIL








(NashvilleCountryClub.com)
The 2011 ACM Nominations were announced by Miranda Lambert & Ronnie Dunn:

Nashville's Latest News/Videos: Carrie Underwood's Husband Changes Teams, Eric Church Goes Viral

Carrie Underwood's Hockey Player husband might be traded...for a different team, to find out more CLICK HERE

Eric Church released his Video for the ACM New Artist Campaign for the fans to vote him into the next round. CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

Today's Nashville News with Taylor Swift, Ronnie Dunn & More

Taylor, Carrie, & Lady A made the Nashville Country Club's site top 10 Albums of 2010, see who else made the list & listen to interviews from each: CLICK HERE

Keith Urban picked Country heart-throb Jake Owen to be on his tour of 2011 - Read More at Country Weekly's Site

Ronnie Dunn gives a preview clip to the fans on his latest solo career project coming out later this year, CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Breaking News: Alan Jackson Leaves His Label Sony

Sony Music Nashville today announced that it and superstar Alan Jackson have ended their relationship. According to the official statement, According to the label’s official statement, “Sony Music Nashville wishes to thank Alan Jackson for their long association and the many hit records achieved as a result of that association. In an amicable parting, Sony confirms that Alan has delivered his final recordings to the company and wishes him well.” Read More at Musicrow.com

ACM Showcase Video Journal from NCC

Follow me as I visit the ACM Showcase held inside the Ryman Auditorium for the Opry:
For more info. visit www.goncc.com

Keith Urban Visits Wamart's Soundcheck Studio's

Keith Urban was recently featured in a WalMart Soundcheck performing several of his new tunes from his newest album, Get Closer. Thanks to our friends over at Soundcheck they are allowing CMTT to publish 4 exclusive extras interviews and outtakes with Keith.


Read More..

Win a Chance to meet "Country Strong" Actor

Win 2 tickets to LA to get a chance to meet "Country Strong" star Garrett Hedlund. CLICK here to See More

For Interviews with the Cast & to View Trailer, CLICK HERE

Steel Magnolia Offers Free Download

The song "Ooh La La," performed on the "Can You Duet" show where Steel Magnolia won the title of the Grand Prize Winners with a record deal, now is available as a free download on Country Weekly's Site. 

Their full album releases on January 11th.  You can Pre-Order it now at www.steelmagnolia.com. 





STEEL MAGNOLIA official track listing (produced by Dann Huff):
1. Ooh La La (Joshua Scott Jones, Meghan Linsey)
2. Keep On Lovin’ You (Chris Stapleton, Trent Willmon)
3. Just By Being You (Halo and Wings) (Britton Cameron, Patricia Conroy)
4. Edge Of Goodbye (Joshua Scott Jones, Meghan Linsey Julie Moriva)
5. Bulletproof (Lori McKenna, Chris Tompkins)
6. Not Tonight (Shane Stevens, Hillary Lindsey, Matthew West)
7. Last Night Again (Joshua Scott Jones, Meghan Linsey, Hillary Lindsey)
8. Without You (Joshua Scott Jones, Meghan Linsey, Van Asa Preston)
9. Rainbow (Joshua Scott Jones, Meghan Linsey, Tommy Henriksen, Chioma Eze)
10. Eggs Over Easy ( Joshua Scott Jones, Meghan Linsey, Steffon Hamulak)
11. Homespun Love (Keith Urban, Vernon Rust)
12. Glass Houses (Joshua Scott Jones)

Taylor & Jake Gyllenhaal Call it Quits

Neither land nor sea could keep Taylor Swift and rumored boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal apart. Just last month the jet-setting couple were seen in California, New York, and Nashville to avoid spending Thanksgiving and weekends apart. However, according to People.com, the once inseparable couple have called it quits.

They’re over,” a source tells PEOPLE about the short-lived relationship. “It ended last month.”

The couple’s last “sighting” was on December 9th…Maybe a song will tell us what happened...

George Jones is Recovering After Routine Annual Visit

On Wednesday, January 5th 2011, George Jones underwent an annual routine health checkup.  Although Mr. Jones is staying overnight in a Nashville hospital, he is resting and will be released tomorrow.

“I just decided I didn’t want to drive back to Franklin in this cold weather. So I guess I’ll stay here overnight and go home tomorrow!” says humorous Country Music Hall of Fame member, George Jones.
Source: NashvilleCountryClub.com

Taylor Swift Nabs "Favorite Country Artist" at People's Choice Awards

Taylor Swift wins the People's Choice Award at last night's Awards show for Country Artist of the Year; beating out fellow nominees Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum:

See Acceptance Video by Click HERE

Melissa Peterman Debuts New CMT Show & Reba Guest-Stars

CMT’s first scripted sitcom, WORKING CLASS, starring TV veteran Melissa Peterman and Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actorEd Asner, makes its network debut Friday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT, followed by a second, all-new episode at 8:30 p.m., ET/PT.

Read More...

Comedian Ron White Hosts "Celebrities Salute the Troops" at the Opry

Lewis Black has been added to the lineup of comedians and musical acts that are participating in Ron White’s 4th Annual “Celebrity Salute The Troops”. The event is taking place at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on February 15, 2011 and will air on CMT at a later date. Black joins host White and comedians Kathleen Madigan, Vic Henley, and Tim Wilson plus musical guests Margo Rey and Rascal Flatts for this amazing night with proceeds of ticket sales going to the Armed Forces Foundation.

“This is my fourth year doing this benefit, and every year it gets better.” Ron said “I am thrilled CMT is going to be airing it so everyone can join in the fun, I’ve gathered some of my close musical and comedian friends and we’re going to see if we can’t bring a few laughs to these soldiers; raise some money, and hopefully lift their spirits. I consider it an honor and a privilege to give back however I can, for the many sacrifices of these incredibly brave men and women.”

Tickets are on sale now through the Opry House Box Office or all Ticketmaster outlets. Seats are $46.75

Special Movie Screening of "Rabbit Hole" in Nashville with Nicole Kidman Q/A

The Belcourt Theatre is pleased to announce a special screening of RABBIT HOLE with the film's star & producer Nicole Kidman in attendance for a post-screening Q & A

Saturday, January 8 at 3:00 pm

ABOUT RABBIT HOLE: Director John Cameron Mitchell (HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, SHORTBUS) has given us sweet, genre-breaking, euphorically naughty films with a bright, all-encompassing worldview, and RABBIT HOLE marks a significant progression: a pitch-perfect drama about mourning with exacting performances all around. Aaron Eckhart and Nicole Kidman, who doubles as the film’s Producer, play a couple trying to mourn the death of their young son, but unsure how to do it. Becca (Kidman) spats with family members as Howie (Eckhart) makes genuine efforts to connect. As she starts to reach out to the boy who killed her son, a teenaged driver whose life was irrevocably changed by the incident, their relationship, full of curiosity, suppressed rage and a surprising mutual recognition, forms the fascinating counterpoint to the discordant notes of a marriage in crisis.

Gwyneth & Tim Sing a Duet in "Me & Tennessee"

See Interviews with Tim, Gwyneth, & Leighton by clicking HERE 
Gwyneth Paltrow's husband, Chris Martin from the band Coldplay, also jumped in on the Country music fun by penning this melancholy tune for the "Country Strong" Sountrack, see the music video:

Tim McGraw & Gwyneth Paltrow "Me & Tennessee" - COUNTRY ...
Uploaded by SonyPictures. 

Retired Nashville Radio Personality Gerry House Receives a Roast

Country Music Roasts:
Gerry House

Presented by
Country Music Hall of Fame^®
and Gaylord Opryland^® Resort and Convention Center

Hosted by
Kix Brooks and Reba McEntire

The Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum and Gaylord Opryland^® honors Gerry House with an industry roast highlighting the people and stories that have made him a household name.  For more than thirty years, the longtime host of The House Foundation and treasured radio personality has been one of country music's most constant supporters.  Country radio's most popular artists will serve as the evening's roastmasters and roasters, and will be bringing their best House stories and songs in an evening to celebrate Gerry's contributions to country music.

Proceeds will benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Words & Music program and help to bring the educational songwriting program into Metropolitan Nashville Public School classrooms.