Category Archives: Award Shows

Celebrating the best in Country Music!

Congratulations 2017 ACM Award Winners!

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ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™ JASON ALDEAN NAMED ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR MIRANDA LAMBERT WINS FEMALE VOCALIST FOR THE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THOMAS RHETT WINS HIS FIRST MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD [bctt tweet=”Winners Announced for the 52ND @ACMawards – Country Music’s Party of the Year!” username=”CMNBlog”] Winners have been announced for the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, which aired LIVE earlier this evening on the CBS Television Network from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.  The industry named Jason Aldean as Entertainer of the Year, the evening’s biggest honor. This is the second consecutive win for Aldean in this category. Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year for the eighth consecutive year, breaking her own record for consecutive wins in that category. She also won Album of the Year for The Weight of These Wings. Thomas Rhett won Male Vocalist of the Year for the first time. He was also awarded with Song of the Year for “Die a Happy Man,” winning two trophies in that category as both Artist and Songwriter. Brothers Osborne won Vocal Duo of the Year. They also previously won New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year Presented by T-Mobile. Maren Morris and Jon Pardi were also previously announced winners for New Female Vocalist of the Year presented by T-Mobile and New Male Vocalist of the Year Presented by T-Mobile, respectively. Florida Georgia Line received two ACM Awards (off camera categories) for Vocal Event of the Year for “May We All” featuring Tim McGraw and Single Record of the Year for “H.O.L.Y.” ACM CEO Pete Fisher surprised the duo with these Awards at the ACM Party for a Cause: WME Bash at the Beach event on Saturday April 1st. Little Big Town won the Vocal Group of the Year award for the third consecutive year, their fourth win in that category overall. “Forever Country” received Video of the Year Presented by XFINITY and was awarded to producers Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern, Damon Whiteside and Director Joseph Kahn. The show featured an unprecedented number of duos and special collaborations: 14-time ACM Award® winner and 14- time ACM Awards® host Reba McEntire and contemporary Christian artist Lauren Daigle performed “Back to God,” superstar duo Tim McGraw and Faith Hill performed the world television premiere of their new single “Speak To a Girl,” Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris sang “Craving You,” Cole Swindell and Dierks Bentley rocked out “Flatliner,” and Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban performed their hit single “The Fighter.” Plus Florida Georgia Line and the Backstreet Boys teamed up for “God, Your Mama & Me” followed by a powerful performance of the popular “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”. Following is the list of winners in the 14 categories voted on by the membership: Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean Male Vocalist of the year Thomas Rhett Female Vocalist of the year Miranda Lambert Vocal Duo of the year Continue reading Congratulations 2017 ACM Award Winners!→

Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show

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FROM PLAYING HOUSE PARTIES TO COUNTRY’S BIGGEST STAGE  OLD DOMINION RETURNS WITH A PERFORMANCE ON  THE “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™”  LIVE FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 2 ON CBS It’s been a long road from playing house parties for pocket change to performing on the “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™”, but Old Dominion, 2016’s ACM New Vocal Group of the Year and a 2017 nominee for Vocal Group of the Year, is ready. On Sunday, April 2, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the five-piece band of songwriters returns with a performance of their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on this year’s show airing on CBS .  “Last year our performance was 90 seconds,” says Old Dominion lead singer Matthew Ramsey. “It was over in a flash. We walked off stage and I got a little wobbly-kneed as it all sank in,” he adds, recalling their first big break. “Winning the trophy for New Group our first year out was such an honor, but to be nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for a second time and have the opportunity to perform our new song, it really feels like we are on a new level. To be able to deliver the message of this song to an audience of this size means more than we can possibly express. It truly is a career high point.” Proving that they are not your average country band, Old Dominion combines old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit into musical magic, and has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in the format, fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound resulting in three Top 5 singles, including two No. 1s. They released their first full-length album Meat and Candy, which Entertainment Weekly called a “deceptively smart, occasionally cheeky, stellar debut,” in 2015. Success soon followed and Old Dominion released their Platinum two-week No.1 “Break Up With Him” and RIAA certified Gold hit “Snapback” prior to their third single “Song For Another Time,” which also reached the top chart position. The group released their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on March 10, giving fans their first taste of new music from the band’s upcoming sophomore album expected for release later this year. After claiming the ACM New Vocal Group prize in 2016, they spent the summer on Kenny Chesney’s Spread The Love Tour and followed that with their headlining Meat and Candy Tour, with 15 of the dates tapped as Stagecoach Spotlight: Old Dominion Meat and Candy Tour; the first-ever tour produced by the award-winning Stagecoach Music Festival and celebrated sold-out attendance on all dates. In addition, they picked up additional nominations in 2016 for CMA New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year as well as Favorite Due or Group – Country for the 2016 American Music Awards. This spring, they joined Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabond Tour. Old Dominion consists of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers. Hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, The Continue reading Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show→

Your 2017 ACM Awards Kelsea Ballerini Watch Guide!

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Kelsea Ballerini on Country Music News Blog

The 2017 ACM’s are upon us and this year it’s all about Kelsea Ballerini, including a  special encore performance from “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” nominee Kelsea Ballerini airing exclusively on Xfinity right after the ACMs, check out the details below. Before the ACM Awards: Brush Up On This Year’s Nominees: Check out the official list of 2017 nominations at ACMawards.com/nominees to brush up on your country knowledge prior to the ACMs. Behind the Performance: If you have Xfinity TV, you can indulge in your passion for country music by accessing exclusive ACM content, including a behind the scenes look at preparations for Kelsea Ballerini’s encore performance, as well as archival clips from prior ACM Awards shows. You can also check it all out online at Xfinity.com/ACMawards. Watching the ACM Awards – Sunday, April 2nd: Red Carpet Pre-Show: The exclusive red carpet coverage will live stream exclusively on Twitter @ACMawards, beginning at 3pm PT/6pm ET. LIVE Television Broadcast: Tune into CBS on Sunday, April 2nd at 8pm ET/delayed PT to watch the ACM Awards broadcasted live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley returning to co-host. NASCAR on Stage: NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers Darrell Wallace, Jr. and Elliott Sadler will trade in their driving gloves for an official results envelope as they will take the stage to present the Video of the Year Award presented by XFINITY. Fans can follow @XFINITY on Twitter as Sadler and Wallace, Jr. will take over the handle on Sunday afternoon to provide behind the scenes content from their view on the Red Carpet and leading up to the presentation. After the ACM Awards: Exclusive Encore Performance: Immediately following the television broadcast, don’t miss an encore performance by “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” nominee Kelsea Ballerini, available exclusively On Demand for Xfinity TV subscribers. She’ll be performing her new song “High School” off her upcoming album, so don’t miss this preview of Kelsea’s next hit!

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® TO CELEBRATE 11th ACM HONORS® ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017 AT NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM

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ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

Winners of the Industry Awards, Studio Recording Awards and Special Awards to be Celebrated at the Annual Event More Information at ACMcountry.com WHAT:                 The 11TH ANNUAL ACM HONORS™ is an evening of live music and tributes celebrating recipients of the Academy of Country Music’s Special Awards, Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards. The event will return to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for the eighth consecutive year. Additional details including this year’s winners, host, performers and event details will be announced the coming weeks. For more information please visit www.acmcountry.com WHEN:                 Wednesday, August 23, 2017 WHERE:               Ryman Auditorium – 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219   MORE:                  About the Academy of Country Music Founded in Southern California in 1964, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) is a fan-focused artist and industry-driven organization, providing the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of ACM LIFTING LIVES, the charitable arm of the Academy, which works to improve lives through the power of music. The Academy has a rich history in the entertainment industry, having been founded when Southern California was a hotbed of emerging country music and when Westerns were a staple of television programing and film production.  Comprised of more than 4,900 professional members nationwide, the ACM is headquartered in Encino, Calif. For more information, log onto www.ACMcountry.com or www.ACMLiftingLives.org.   ###

2017 ACM Award Nominees!

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This morning, the nominees were announced for the 52ndAcademy of Country Music Awards, taking place on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and airing on the CBS Television Network (live 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT). Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return to host for the second consecutive year. TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON CBS, SUNDAY, APRIL 2, FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS Keith Urban Leads with Seven Nominations; Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris Each Receive Six Nominations; Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw Each Receive Five Nominations; Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton Each Receive Three Nominations   [bctt tweet=”52nd @ACMawards nominations announced today! Don’t miss #ACMawards LIVE April 2 8pm on #CBS ” username=”CMNBlog”] Nominations were announced today for the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, honoring country music’s superstars and hottest emerging talent. Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return to host for the second consecutive year. The ACM Awards® are produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2 (live 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. Ten-time ACM Award winners and multi-platinum trio Lady Antebellum announced the nominees in five categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, and Vocal Group of the Year live today on “CBS This Morning.” “Entertainment Tonight” hosts Nancy O’Dell and Kevin Frazier announced additional nominees on ETonline.com. Keith Urban leads with seven nominations in five categories, including his seventh for Entertainer of the Year and 10th nod for Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban is nominated twice, as both artist and producer, in the Album of the Year category for Ripcord.  He received an additional two nominations, for both artist and producer, in the Single Record of the Year category for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which is also nominated in the Song of the Year category. Seven-time Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert received six nominations and is once again nominated in the Female Vocalist of the Year category.  Lambert received her fifth nomination in the Album of the Year category for The Weight of These Wings. Lambert’s “Vice” received nods in the Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year categories.  Also, she received two nominations for “Vice” in the Song of the Year category, as both artist and songwriter. First-time ACM nominee Maren Morris earned six nominations in four different categories. Morris received nominations in both Female Vocalist of the Year and New Female Vocalist of the Year categories. She is also nominated twice for Album of the Year, as both producer and artist, on HERO.  Morris is twice nominated as both artist and producer in Single Record of the Year for “My Church.” Reigning Vocal Duo of the Year Florida Georgia Line leads group nominations with five nods, including their fifth Continue reading 2017 ACM Award Nominees!→

Live From Las Vegas: The 52nd Annual ACM Awards!

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ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music announced today that the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™ will broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. This marks the first time the show will broadcast from T-Mobile Arena. The Academy of Country Music® announced today that the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®,  will broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. This will mark the first time the show will broadcast from T-Mobile Arena. The 52nd ACM Awards, honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in country music, will feature exciting performances, unprecedented collaborations, surprising moments and more to be announced in the coming months. [bctt tweet=”Just announced! 52nd @ACMawards will air LIVE from Las Vegas’ @TMobileArena April 2 at 8pm on #CBS!” username=”CMNBlog”] Details about The Week Vegas Goes Country®, including information on the ACM Party for a Cause® events, activities, and official ACM after parties, is forthcoming. For event updates, ticket on-sale dates and hotel information, please check back often.

THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING

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Latest Installment Of The Best-Selling Series Features 21 Hits From The World’s Biggest Superstars And Emerging Talent 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Hits Stores And Digital Retailers Jan. 20 Album Pre-Order Available Now; Gives Fans The Chance To Attend Music’s Biggest Night® Pre-order The 2017 GRAMMY NOMINEES Album Here: 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs The Recording Academy®’s GRAMMY Recordings® and Atlantic Records have revealed the track listing for the 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees album. Set for release on Jan. 20 in stores and via digital retailers, the latest installment of the best-selling series — now in its 23rd year — features a collection of GRAMMY-nominated music for the upcoming 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. A portion of album proceeds benefit the year-round work of the GRAMMY Museum Foundation™ and MusiCares Foundation® — The Recording Academy-affiliated charitable organizations focused on music education programs and critical assistance for music people in need. The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album is highlighted by 21 hits from the world’s biggest superstars and hottest emerging talent, including Album Of The Year nominees Adele, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Drake, and Sturgill Simpson and Best New Artist nominees Kelsea Ballerini, The Chainsmokers, Maren Morris, and Anderson .Paak among others. “The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album provides a unique playlist, and showcases some of the greatest songs and talented artists that make up this year’s incredible nominees,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “We are pleased to collaborate with Atlantic Records on this project, which provides support for the invaluable programs and initiatives our charities produce throughout the year.” “It has been a fantastic year for music, and we’re very happy to partner with the Recording Academy once again to release a tremendous collection of GRAMMY-nominated artists and songs,” said Julie Greenwald, Chairman & COO of Atlantic Records. “It’s great to have all these amazing and diverse performances together on one album, especially when it supports the wonderful work done by the Recording Academy’s charities.” Music fans can log on to 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs through Jan. 19 to pre-order the 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album, and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on CBS at 8p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). *No purchase necessary to enter or win. Visit 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs for details and eligibility requirements 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Track Listing BEYONCÉ “Don’t Hurt Yourself” Feat. Jack White Album Of The Year TWENTY ONE PILOTS “Stressed Out” Record Of The Year Best Pop Duo/Group Performance SIA “Cheap Thrills” Feat. Sean Paul Best Pop Duo/Group Performance DRAKE “Hotline Bling” Album Of The Year ADELE “Hello” Record Of The Year Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album JUSTIN BIEBER “Love Yourself” Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album THE CHAINSMOKERS “Closer” Feat. Halsey Best New Artist Best Pop Duo/Group Performance KELSEA BALLERINI “Peter Pan” Best Continue reading THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING→

KELSEA BALLERINI NOMINATED FOR BEST NEW ARTIST AT THE 59th ANNUALGRAMMY AWARDS

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Kelsea Ballerini on Country Music News Blog

“Peter Pan” Soars To Platinum Success; Fantasy-Themed Single Is Her Second 1-Million Seller “Yeah Boy” Quickly Climbing The Country Radio Charts Quickly becoming one of country’s most beloved new superstars, KELSEA BALLERINI is nominated for Best New Artist in the all-genre category at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 12. Humbled by receiving her first GRAMMY nomination, Ballerini instantly took to social media Tuesday morning to share her sweet reaction. “I was 15 the first time I saw a GRAMMY. It was in a studio I was recording some of my first demos in. I remember asking if I could hold it, being its biggest fan, and knowing how important it was,” she recalled on Instagram. “I wish I could go back and tell that 15 year old starry eyed girl that she’d be nominated a few years later. #BestNewArtist @recordingacademy” Read her additional tweet here. She also took a moment to record a special video message to her fans: WATCH The Black River artist is also celebrating her fastest-selling single to date, “Peter Pan,” which has now been officially certified PLATINUM by the RIAA. An epic, girl-power anthem about a love interest who will never grow up, “Peter Pan” was co-written by Ballerini with Jesse Lee and Forest Glen Whitehead and is her second taste of PLATINUM success following the breakout debut, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Both tracks, plus the GOLD-certified “Dibs,” were part of Ballerini’s groundbreaking first album, THE FIRST TIME. “PLATINUM IS SO MANY. Knowing this song had the reaction it did and that a million people liked it enough to welcome it into their radios and stereos and lives is so incredible,” Ballerini shares. “As a songwriter, that is one of my proudest accomplishments so far.” Resonating strongly with country fans since its release in March, “Peter Pan” was already a historic milestone, making Ballerini the first female artist – including duos or groups – to hit #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with her first three singles. Simultaneously, the fantasy-themed tune rose to the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, also making Ballerini the first female artist to score a double #1. A visually-stunning video for the track was directed by Kristin Barlowe and has already been viewed over 22 million times on YouTube, which can be watched here. Heading for a strong finish to 2016, Ballerini kicked off her first ever headlining tour – aptly titled THE FIRST TIME TOUR – claiming sold out dates in Washington, D.C., her hometown of Knoxville, TN, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, MN, Boston, New York City, and Buffalo, NY. The tour continues this week with upcoming shows at The Wiltern in Los Angeles (12/8) and a two-night run at Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas (12/9-10) before wrapping in Houston, TX (12/14). Meanwhile, Ballerini’s new single – the fun-and-flirty “Yeah Boy” – is currently making its way up the charts. She’ll also perform at Kelly Clarkson’s Miracle on Broadway benefit concert in Continue reading KELSEA BALLERINI NOMINATED FOR BEST NEW ARTIST AT THE 59th ANNUALGRAMMY AWARDS→

Hunter Hayes Stacks CMA Awards Week With Multiple Performances on National Television

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Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist tapped to perform the national anthem live on FOX during Game Six of the World Series on Tuesday, Nov. 1 prior to debuting his new single, “Yesterday’s Song,” on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Wednesday, Nov. 2 NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – CMA Award-winning artist and five-time GRAMMY nominee Hunter Hayes will be making several appearances on national television in the days leading up to the 50th Annual CMA Awards this week, kicking off last night with a lively duet with Jake Owen on ABC’s eighth annual pre-CMA Awards special All Access Nashville: Celebrating the CMA Awards with Robin Roberts and continuing tonight, Nov. 1 with a performance of the national anthem during Game Six of the 2016 World Series airing at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. As previously announced, Hayes will also debut his new single, “Yesterday’s Song,” via a special hologram performance from the CMA Theater in Nashville on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live at 11:35 / 10:35 p.m. CT following the CMA Awards telecast on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Watch a clip of Hayes and Owen performing “Friends In Low Places” during last night’s television special here. Hayes is currently working on his third studio album for Atlantic / Warner Music Nashville and continues to perform select headlining dates across the country. For more information and the latest updates, visit www.hunterhayes.com or follow on Twitter/Instagram @HunterHayes and www.Facebook.com/HunterHayes. About Hunter Hayes Hailed as a “country-rock-blues guitar hero in the making” by the Los Angeles Times, five-time GRAMMY nominee Hunter Hayes is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who roared onto the music scene with his double-Platinum-selling, No. 1 self-titled debut album and chart-topping sophomore album, Storyline, on Atlantic / Warner Music Nashville. With three No. 1 singles already under his belt (including the multi-Platinum smash “Wanted,” double-Platinum “I Want Crazy” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak”), and Hayes delved into unprecedented territory with the innovative rollout of new music via streaming and digital platforms in 2015, culminating in the release of a special, three-disc collection dubbed The 21 Project. While recording for his forthcoming third full-length studio album, Hayes surprised fans by releasing three new songs via social media (“Yesterday’s Song,” “Amen” and “Young Blood”) and his new single, “Yesterday’s Song,” is currently available at digital retailers and Country radio.  

Ricky Skaggs to Perform at "The 50th Annual CMA Awards" Airing Nov. 2 on ABC

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Fourteen-time GRAMMY® Award-winning music legend Ricky Skaggs will perform on “Country Music’s Biggest Night.”  Skaggs, a former CMA Entertainer of the Year, will be part of a star-studded lineup next week at “The 50th Annual CMA Awards.” “What a joy it is to be back at the CMA Awards,” says Skaggs.  “And to be included with so many of my heroes is very humbling.” Additional legendary performers include Alabama, Roy Clark, Charley Pride, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, George Strait, Charlie Daniels, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks and more. “The 50th Annual CMA Awards” will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. It’s been a busy fall for Skaggs.  He will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame tonight in Nashville and on Monday, October 31, he will be honored by ASCAP when he receives the organization’s prestigious Founders Award. About Ricky Skaggs Earning 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY® Awards, 11 IBMA Awards, nine ACM Awards, eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), two Dove Awards, three honorary Doctorate degrees, a GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2013 Artist-In-Residence, an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in the Instrumentalist category along with countless other awards, Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music. Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows. He started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive GRAMMY®-nominated albums. His newest release, Hearts Like Ours, with his wife, celebrated artist Sharon White of The Whites features the couple dueting on handpicked country love songs. And the Grand Ole Opry member has released his first-ever autobiography, “Kentucky Traveler.” The book details the life and times of Skaggs and provides a descriptive history of Country and Bluegrass music, as told by the master himself. In addition to his regular touring schedule with his band, Kentucky Thunder, he has recently performed a string of dates with his better half Sharon White along with guitar legend Ry Cooder on the critically-acclaimed “Cooder-White-Skaggs” tour and from time to time continues to hit the road with versatile singer/songwriter and pianist Bruce Hornsby on another critically-acclaimed tour, “Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder.” For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.rickyskaggs.com.