The latest from Jimmy Carter in Nashville

-- All-Star Lineup Pays Homage to One of the Original Master Craftsmen of Country Music -- -- Country Songs Make Up Half of Most-Performed Songs in 2011 from BMI Catalogue -- NASHVILLE, October 30, 2012 – Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), the global leader in music rights management, honored its Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year at the 60th annual BMI Country Awards held at the company’s Nashville, TN building. Also saluted were the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most-performed songs on radio and TV from BMI’s country repertoire. In addition, the incredible songwriting career of Tom T. Hall was celebrated by naming him a BMI Icon. Hall joins other BMI Icons who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers” including Billy Sherrill, John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Isaac Hayes, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, the Bee Gees, Bobby Braddock, Bill Anderson, Ray Davies, James Brown and more

WITH MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION ALBUMS SOLD, TAYLOR SWIFT’S RED SCORES HIGHEST SOUNDSCAN SALES WEEK IN OVER A DECADE RED SETS NEW RECORD FOR HIGHEST WORLDWIDE DIGITAL ALBUM SALES DEBUT IN ITUNES HISTORY SWIFT EARNS CRITICAL RAVES AND SHATTERS SALES RECORDS WITH SECOND CONSECUTIVE MILLION-PLUS SELLING DEBUT Nashville, TN – October 31, 2012 – Billboard reports, “It's official: Taylor Swift's ‘RED’ sold a whopping 1.208 million copies last week in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan,” scoring music’s highest weekly sales number in more than a decade (since 2002’s The Eminem Show), and earning Taylor a new page in the history books as the only female artist (and the fourth artist ever) to hit the 1 million first-week figure twice since SoundScan began tracking actual sales in 1991. RED notched the 8th largest first-week debut in SoundScan chart history, and the 2nd biggest week ever for a female artist. RED, released on Big Machine Records, debuts at No. 1 on the Bil

Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Matraca Berg, Charlie Daniels Band, And More Set For Saturday Night Shows NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 24, 2012) The Grand Ole Opry® will celebrate the 80th anniversary of “I’ll Fly Away,” one of the world’s most beloved Gospel songs, with a special performance led by Vince Gill during this Saturday’s 7:00 p.m. Grand Ole Opry show. “I’ll Fly Away” was written by Albert Brumley, writer of more than 600 published gospel songs including “Turn Your Radio On,” “I’ll Meet You In The Morning,” and “This World Is Not My Home.” Information on the “I’ll Fly Away” Foundation created by the Brumley family can be found at www.illflyawayfoundation.org Gill, Nashville’s top male Grammy®-winner, will be joined at the Opry Saturday by Alison Krauss, the top female Grammy®-winner ever, as well as other award-winners including Matraca Berg and the Charlie Daniels Band. Show times are 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances a

6-TIME GRAMMY WINNER TAYLOR SWIFT TO HEADLINE 58 STADIUM AND ARENA SHOWS IN 2013 ED SHEERAN SLATED AS SPECIAL GUEST ON ALL SHOWS NASHVILLE, TN – October 26, 2012 – Taylor Swift announced tonight that she will launch a North American stadium and arena tour in early 2013 in support of her blockbuster new album, RED. Taylor made the special announcement in partnership with ABC News on tonight’s primetime TV special “All Access Nashville with Katie Couric – A Special Edition of 20/20.” Watch the announcement here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoJj-5nAGpM. RED was released this week to widespread worldwide critical acclaim and has already topped the iTunes album sales charts in 40 countries. On The RED Tour, Taylor is currently slated to headline 58 shows in 45 cities in 29 states and 3 provinces in 2013. The tour will kick-off on March 13 in Omaha, Nebraska and continue through September. Acclaimed singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran, whose duet with Taylor from her RED album, “Everythi

Nashville, Tenn – Oct. 26, 2012 – CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean’s recently announced 2013 NIGHT TRAIN TOUR stop at Boston’s historic Fenway Park sold out in just seven minutes this morning. Aldean is the first county artist to headline Fenway, and the July 13, 2013 show will also feature special guests Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. "When we started talking about playing stadiums, my only request was to play venues that were special and really meant something to me," explains Aldean. "At 100 years old, Fenway Park is one of the most iconic baseball stadium in the country and there is absolutely nothing in the world that could be more special than selling that place out…as an entertainer and as a huge baseball fan. This has been the most unbelievable week…all I can say is THANK YOU." Aldean announced the date last Thursday when he jetted across the country and made surprise appearances at Fenway, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and t

Randy Owen of super group ALABAMA, rocker MEAT LOAF and Surprise Guest to Perform Defiance, OH (October 25, 2012) - "Musicians For Mitt" hosted by John Rich will kick off tonight in Defiance, Ohio, as the Celebrity Apprentice alum gathers musicians to help bring Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to The White House. Rich performed last week in Daytona Beach, Florida, during a rally event that featured both Gov. Romney and Congressman Ryan. "This is going to be an event,"said John Rich. "Governor Romney is all about bringing people together from all walks of life for the betterment of America and that is what we are supporting with tonight's musical extravaganza." Tonight, "Musicians for Mitt" will feature Randy Owen, lead singer of super group ALABAMA, performing some of Alabama's biggest hits as well rock legend Meat Loaf. A surprise very special guest is also scheduled to take the stage. Musicians taking the stage this week for

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Aldean's Fifth Album NIGHT TRAIN In Stores Now Nashville, TN – Oct. 18, 2012 – CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean continues a whirlwind album release week with a major surprise announcement today with the first announced stadium dates planned for his 2013 NIGHT TRAIN TOUR. Aldean kicked off the day at Boston’s Fenway Park with Red Sox EVP/COO Sam Kennedy on hand to announce his July 13, 2013 date, making history as the first country artist to ever play the famed stadium. He traveled to Chicago’s Wrigley Field this afternoon and was joined by Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts to reveal that his long history of record-breaking Chicago area shows helped catapult him to stadium level headliner for the July 20 tour stop. The Macon, GA native and lifelong Georgia Bulldogs fan ended the day in Athens, GA by surprising a crowd of UGA students who thought they were attending a pep rally. When the curtain dropped, Aldean appeared to reveal that he will hold the first ever conce

Entertainment Weekly Awards The Album An A-, Calls Aldean's Delivery "EPIC" Nashville, TN – Oct. 15, 2012 – Capping off a record-breaking year in sales, radio airplay and touring numbers, CMA Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Jason Aldean released one of 2012’s most buzzed about new albums, NIGHT TRAIN . Release week kicks off in New York City with national media appearances including Good Morning America (10/16) and Live! with Kelly and Michael (10/17), among others. On Oct. 18, fans will want to track Aldean and the NIGHT TRAIN closely online for release week surprises not to be missed. Follow the countdown and watch it live on 10/18 at www.jasonaldean.com. "We posted the full stream of the album on iTunes this past week, and the fan reaction has been incredible…really more than I ever expected," says Aldean. "They've been messaging me and tweeting about their favorite songs, and I love getting that feedback

Nashville – (Oct. 15, 2012) – Two-time CMA and AMA Award nominee and platinum-selling artist Luke Bryan and Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership. The partnership centers around a series of cross-promotions and marketing collaborations across Cabela’s and Luke Bryan's year round activities. Co-branded marketing campaigns will appear in Cabela’s world famous stores, as well as in their catalog and e-commerce materials. Social media and content collaborations will offer fans an exclusive, behind the scenes look into Luke’s off-stage activities as an avid outdoorsman. “My love for the outdoors is something that has been a part of me ever since I can remember,” says Luke. “It seems there was never a time when we weren’t hunting, fishing, farming or playing outside since I was very young. Teaming with Cabela’s is such a natural fit for me.” “Luke is the perfect partner for Cabela’s as he co

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 15, 2012) This past weekend Brad Paisley sent WYCD-FM Detroit morning show producer and co-host Steve Gunwald on a mission. His goal was to purchase and deliver a cow to an African tribal chief in Kenya. Grunwald made the trip and accomplished the task by presenting a young female calf, “Paisley,” to the Chief of the Masai tribe on behalf of Paisley. The traveling saga began in 2007 when Paisley bet Grunwald that he could not travel to 10 countries in 10 days – Grunwald accepted the wager and took along a life-size Paisley cut out to document his travels with photos. Grunwald has kept in contact with some of the people he met his first trip to Africa and recently received a request to provide the Kenyan tribe a cow – something that would support the whole village for a long time. Grunwald made this known to Paisley and in a recent interview Paisley offered to fund the trip and “The Brad Paisley Cow Project” began! Grunwald documented his entire jou

With Special Guest The Band Perry NASHVILLE – (Oct. 15, 2012) – Super group Rascal Flatts announced today they will extend their Farmers Insurance Presents “Changed Tour” with a winter leg of 20 dates starting January 10 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Special guest The Band Perry will join Rascal Flatts for the 2013 leg of the tour. Rascal Flatts is known for their highly energetic performances and state-of-the-art production. The Minneapolis Star shared, “country music’s best-selling trio of all time brought lots of harmonies, a little humor and imaginative video. They came across as committed, fun-loving, crowd-pleasing entertainers.” And the Orange County Register claimed Rascal Flatts performance of “What Hurts The Most” in their encore at the mid-September show at Verizon Amphitheater “definitely helped put the show over the top as the best country performance of the fading summer season.” Remaining Farmers Insurance Presents “Changed Tour” 2012 dates: 10-20 Atlanta,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Friday, October 12, 2012) – George Strait’s The Cowboy Rides Away Tour featuring special guest Martina McBride was so popular when tickets went on sale this morning that six tour markets sold out within the first few hours—with Lubbock, Texas selling all 15,431 tickets within just 15 minutes. “I never expected the fans would react like this. It’s just incredible,” shared an ecstatic Strait upon learning the news. “I really do have the best fans in the world, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the road very soon.” In addition to Lubbock, sold out cities include Oklahoma City, Okla., St. Paul, Minn., Albuquerque, N.M., Las Vegas, Nev., and Las Cruces, N.M. In select markets, remaining single show tickets are still available for purchase. The full list of tour dates is listed below with tickets available by visiting www.GeorgeStrait.com; ticket prices begin at $69.50 with V.I.P. packaging available for purchase. THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY TOUR – 2

Alaska Cruise 7 NT Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord Celebrity Solstice June 7, 2013 Cruise with KOKE FM’s Bob Cole and News & Comment Reporter, Jimmy Carter Space is Limited , Call 512-845-5898 for Pricing or CLICK HERE for more information. Book Your Cabin Today To Lock In The Best Rate Date Port/City Activity Arrival Departure Day 1 Seattle, Washington 5:00 PM Day 2 At Sea Day 3 Ketchikan, Alaska Docked 7:00 AM 4:00 PM Day 4 Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska Cruising 6:00 AM 10:00 AM Day 4 Juneau, Alaska Docked 1:30 PM 10:00 PM Day 5 Alaska Inside Passage Cruising Day 5 Skagway, Alaska Docked 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Day 6 At Sea Day 7 Victoria, British Columbia Docked 6:00 PM 11:59 PM Day 8 Seattle, Washington 7:00 AM INTERESTING PORTS OF CALL AND ATTRACTIONS… KETCHIKAN Misty Fjords National Monument Totem Bight State Park Great Alaska Lumberjack Show Creek Street Totem Heritage Center Tongas National Forest JUNEAU Alaska’s State Cap

David Nail Gets First American Country Awards Nod -- Historic #1 “Let It Rain” Up for Single of the Year by a Breakthrough Artist Las Vegas: David Nail walked off with his first nomination for the American Country Awards, set to air Dec. 10, live on Fox. “Let It Rain,” his record-making #1, is among the nominees for Single of the Year by a Breakthrough Artist at the 3rd annual awards. “I couldn’t be prouder,” says the Grammy nominated vocalist, who’s been called “Stunning” by Billboard. “Not only was ‘Let It Rain’ my first #1 record… and they told me it was the slowest rising #1 in any genre… I got to co-write it with Jonathan Singleton, so there were so many different firsts for me, all in one.” The song of reckoning and consequences for one night of breaking a vow, “Let It Rain” was the single that wouldn’t die. Finally finding the top of the charts after 49 weeks, Nail performed the song that same week on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” “Almost a year later, it’s great to

“Dirt Road Diaries Tour” Launches in January                    Nashville-(October 11, 2012) - Luke Bryan’s career has rocketed towards superstar status in the past couple of years.  He has seen his recent album  tailgates & tanlines  sell over one million copies and remain a Top 5 album for all of 2012, co-hosted the “CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" special on ABC, taken home trophies at both the ACM Awards and CMT Music Awards and opened concert tours for artists such as Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw.  In 2013, Luke will take another giant step and headline his first major tour, the  “Dirt Road Diaries Tour . ”   The  “Dirt Road Diaries Tour”  will kick off in Evansville, Indiana on January 17 with tickets on sale beginning Friday, October 26. The 20-city first leg will go through March and features Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line as openers. Live Nation is the national tour promoter. Log on to  www.lukebryan.com  or  www.livenatio

He Performs on Imus in the Morning on Thursday and Is Joined by Alison Krauss Friday on The Late Show with David Letterman NASHVILLE, TN – Award-winning singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson is joined by some of the greatest names in country music on his new album, Living For a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran, that will be released on Tuesday, Oct. 16 and is already receiving rave reviews. Johnson is joined on the album by Asleep at the Wheel, Bobby Bare, Hank Cochran, Elvis Costello, Ronnie Dunn, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Leon Russell, George Strait and Lee Ann Womack. Johnson will perform a few songs on Imus in the Morning on Thursday. On Friday, he will be joined by Alison Krauss to perform “Make the World Go Away” on The Late Show with David Letterman. On Monday, Oct. 15, Johnson will discuss the project with Eddie Stubbs on WSM-AM at 7 p.m. CT. On Tuesday, Oct. 16, Johnson will celebrat

Nashville, Tenn. (October 10, 2012) - Entertainment icon Barbra Streisand has included the Larry Gatlin-penned “Try To Win A Friend” on her latest album, Release Me. Originally recorded in the late 1970s, Streisand picked the song from her vault, which contains recordings spanning from 1963 to 2011. “Try To Win A Friend” was one of Streisand’s favorite songs to play as she practiced her new guitar skills for the filming of “A Star is Born.” Unfortunately, the scenes she was practicing for ended up on the cutting room floor but she recalls meeting Gatlin and practicing the song with him in her home. “I remember meeting Larry Gatlin and having him come over to my house,” recalls Streisand. “It was such a thrill to have him play it and I love the way he sang.” On Streisand releasing his song, Gatlin notes, “If I could pick one female pop artist to record one of my songs, it would be Barbra, and every songwriter on the planet would agree. If they tell you different, they’re lyin’! Th

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 8, 2012) – The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® celebrated its 87th birthday last weekend with star-packed shows, backstage tours, and more. Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Jimmy Dickens, Casey James, Ray Stevens, Steve Wariner, and others performed and shared the stage with a larger-than-life Opry 87th birthday cake. James also performed a special Opry Plaza Birthday Party show. The Opry will continue to celebrate throughout the month of October with a schedule full of star-packed special shows and events. On Tues., Oct. 16, Darius Rucker will be inducted as the newest member of the Opry, and a portion of the show will air live on “Noteworthy at the Opry” on GAC at 8 p.m. Central. Among those appearing that night are Clint Black, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, and Rucker. On Tues., Oct. 23 the Opry will mark the life and legacy of one of its most iconic members, Minnie Pearl, who was born 100 years ago this month. The show will celebrate the performer’s

Nashville, Tenn. (October 8, 2012) - The Oak Ridge Boys are making ready to mark 40 years of their phenomenal musical journey and international success. They’ll be kicking off The Oak Ridge Boys 40th Anniversary Tour on January 19 & 20, 2013 at the historic Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, Texas. There’ll be a commemorative CD that features 4 decades of hits and collaborations, plus a network television special. Fans can be on the lookout for a commemorative poster and keepsake memorabilia. Venues across the U.S. and Canada are teaming up as hosts for the Grammy-winning group’s milestone celebration and what’s sure to be a packed performance schedule. Show stops for the 40th Anniversary Tour will include John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Jamboree in the Hills, and the Kentucky State Fair. Special events will take place for all concerts at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson, including America by Rail’s special excursions and train stops at the venue during the tour. Other hi

Nashville, TN October 8, 2012 -- The second annual Johnny Cash Music Festival, held October 5th on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, raised approximately $200,000 according to the show's executive producer Bill Carter. Like last year’s sold out concert, proceeds from this year’s event will fund the restoration of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess, Arkansas, as well as support a scholarship fund established in the international superstar’s name. This year's event starred Johnny's daughter Rosanne, who also hosed the event, Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley and the Civil Wars. The goal is to establish the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home as a museum to honor the legacy of the Man in Black. Keeping the attraction in Cash’s hometown of Dyess will help boost the local economy. It is of interest to note another piece of historical data attached to the house. Cash’s family moved to Dyess and the 40 acres of land as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Ne

NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME INDUCTS TONY ARATA, MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER, LARRY HENLEY, KIM WILLIAMS Nashville, TN October 8, 2012 -- Country artist and songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter and songwriters Tony Arata, Larry Henley and Kim Williams were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Fame during the organization's 42nd Anniversary Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony, held last night at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Presented by AT&T, the event celebrated the musical contributions of the newest inductees through star-studded performances of some of their biggest hits. “It was an evening worthy of these great songwriters and the contributions they have made to put the music in Music City,” said John Van Mol, Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “The evening also capped a week of major news