Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean Lead CMT Music Awards Nominees

Leading the way with three nominations each for the CMT Music Awards, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are top contenders according to the list of full nominees. Following closely behind are Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band with two nominations each.

The 2010 CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on June 9 on CMT and CMT.com. Country music's biggest stars are slated to perform, including Keith, Lady Antebellum, Lambert, Underwood and Urban, with more to be announced.

Fans can vote online at CMT.com through June 8 to determine the winners. The final nominees for video of the year will be announced at the beginning of the live show, and fans can then vote at CMT.com and via text message throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night's big winner.

Video of the Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.

• "American Ride" - Toby Keith
• "Cowboy Casanova" - Carrie Underwood
• "Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum
• "Out Last Night" - Kenny Chesney
• "The Truth" - Jason Aldean
• "'Til Summer Comes Around" - Keith Urban
• "Toes" - Zac Brown Band
• "Welcome to the Future" - Brad Paisley
• "White Liar" - Miranda Lambert
• "You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift

Male Video of the Year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

• "American Ride" - Toby Keith
• "People Are Crazy" - Billy Currington
• "Southern Voice" - Tim McGraw
• "The Truth" - Jason Aldean
• "'Til Summer Comes Around" - Keith Urban

Female Video of the Year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

• "Consider Me Gone" - Reba McEntire
• "Cowboy Casanova" - Carrie Underwood
• "White Liar" - Miranda Lambert
• "You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift

Group Video of the Year
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

• "Here Comes Goodbye" - Rascal Flatts
• "How Far Do You Wanna Go?" - Gloriana
• "Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum
• "Toes" - Zac Brown Band

Duo Video of the Year
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

• "Indian Summer" - Brooks & Dunn
• "Keep On Lovin' You" - Steel Magnolia
• "Keep You" - Sugarland
• "Nightswimming/Joey" - Sugarland

USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year
Best video from an artist's major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)

• "A Little More Country Than That" - Easton Corbin
• "Do I" - Luke Bryan
• "Giddy On Up" - Laura Bell Bundy
• "Keep On Lovin' You" - Steel Magnolia

Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)

• "Best Days of Your Life" - Kellie Pickler featuring Taylor Swift
• "Heaven" from CMT Crossroads: Bryan Adams and Jason Aldean - Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams
• "Hillbilly Bone" - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
• "I'm Alive" - Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews

CMT Performance of the Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

• "Consider Me Gone" from Invitation Only: Reba - Reba McEntire
• "Lookin' for a Good Time" from the 2009 CMT Music Awards - Lady Antebellum
• "Southern Voice" from Invitation Only: Tim McGraw - Tim McGraw
• "Temporary Home" from Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood - Carrie Underwood
• "Then" from the 2009 CMT Music Awards - Brad Paisley

Video Director of the Year
Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year

• Deaton Flanigen (award eligible videos include: Jason Aldean's "The Truth" and Carrie Underwood's "Temporary Home")
• Chris Hicky (award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert's "White Liar" and Justin Moore's "Small Town USA")
• Shaun Silva (award eligible videos include: Kenny Chesney's "Out Last Night" and Rascal Flatts' "Summer Nights")
• Roman White (award eligible videos include: Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" and Kellie Pickler's "Best Days of Your Life")

Miranda Lambert And Blake Shelton Lead Winners In 2011 CMT Music Awards

The good: Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, The Band Perry and Blake Shelton were among the music video award winners at the 2011 CMT Music Awards.

The bad: No awards show has more of a inferiority complex with its own genre as the night was sprinkled with video wins by Justin Bieber, a hosting by rocker Kid Rock, The Band Perry singing Rihanna lines from Eminem songs, Lady Antebellum covering Prince and performances by Ludacris. Why can't a country music show be a country music show? Celebrate what you are.

Below is a listing of the winners:

Video of the year: Taylor Swift, "Mine."

Male video of the year: Blake Shelton, "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking."

Female video of the year: Miranda Lambert, "The House That Built Me."

Group video of the year: Lady Antebellum, "Hello World."

Duo video of the year: Sugarland, "Stuck Like Glue."

Breakthrough video of the year: The Band Perry, "If I Die Young."

Collaborative video of the year: Justin Bieber and Rascal Flatts, "That Should Be Me."

CMT performance video of the year: Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band, "Margaritaville."

Best web video of the year: Blake Shelton, "Kiss My Country Ass."

Video director of the year: Trey Fanjoy, "The House That Built Me" and "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking."

CMT Announces Award Nominees

Nearly every single major country music star is included in the pack of 2010 CMT Award nominees. The nominations were announced today (April 5) for the fan-voted awards show, which will air live from Nashville on June 9.

The first round of voting for each category begins today at CMT.com and runs through May 3. On May 11, CMT will announce the four finalists in each of the categories (except Video of the Year, which will include all finalists until the day of the show). Fans can then vote through June 8 to determine the winners.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean – 'The Truth'
Kenny Chesney – 'Out Last Night'
Toby Keith – 'American Ride'
Lady Antebellum – 'Need You Now'
Miranda Lambert – 'White Liar'
Brad Paisley – 'Welcome to the Future'
Taylor Swift – 'You Belong With Me'
Carrie Underwood – 'Cowboy Casanova'
Keith Urban – ''Til Summer Comes Around'
Zac Brown Band – 'Toes'

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean – 'The Truth'
Kenny Chesney – 'Out Last Night'
Billy Currington – 'People Are Crazy'
Toby Keith – 'American Ride'
Tim McGraw – 'Southern Voice'
Brad Paisley – 'Welcome to the Future'
Darius Rucker – 'Alright'
Keith Urban – ''Til Summer Comes Around'

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Laura Bell Bundy – 'Giddy On Up'
Miranda Lambert – 'White Liar'
Martina McBride – 'I Just Call You Mine'
Reba McEntire – 'Consider Me Gone'
Kellie Pickler – 'Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You'
Taylor Swift – 'You Belong With Me'
Carrie Underwood – 'Cowboy Casanova'
Lee Ann Womack – 'Solitary Thinkin''

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Gloriana – 'How Far Do You Wanna Go?'
Lady Antebellum – 'American Honey'
Lady Antebellum – 'Need You Now'
Rascal Flatts – 'Here Comes Goodbye'
Rascal Flatts – 'Summer Nights'
Trailer Choir – 'Rockin' the Beer Gut'
Zac Brown Band – 'Highway 20 Ride'
Zac Brown Band – 'Toes'

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Bomshel – 'Fight Like a Girl'
Brooks & Dunn – 'Indian Summer'
Brooks & Dunn – 'My Maria' from INVITATION ONLY: BROOKS & DUNN
Caitlin & Will – 'Address in the Stars'
Joey + Rory – 'Play the Song'
Steel Magnolia – 'Keep On Lovin' You'
Sugarland – 'Keep You'
Sugarland – 'Nightswimming/Joey'

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Best video from an artist's major breakthrough album)

Ryan Bingham – 'The Weary Kind'
Luke Bryan – 'Do I'
Laura Bell Bundy – 'Giddy On Up'
Easton Corbin – 'A Little More Country Than That'
Randy Houser – 'Boots On'
Justin Moore – 'Small Town USA'
Steel Magnolia – 'Keep On Lovin' You'
Chris Young – 'Gettin' You Home'

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists)

Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams – 'Heaven' from 'CMT Crossroads'
Brooks & Dunn featuring Billy Gibbons – 'Honky Tonk Stomp'
Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews – 'I'm Alive'
Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings – 'Somewhere Between Jennings and Jones' from 'CMT Crossroads'
John Mellencamp featuring Karen Fairchild – 'A Ride Back Home'
Kellie Pickler featuring Taylor Swift – 'Best Days of Your Life'
Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins – 'Hillbilly Bone'
Sugarland featuring The B-52s – 'Love Shack' from the 2009 CMT Music Awards

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
(Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT)

Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams – 'Heaven' from 'CMT Crossroads'
Dierks Bentley – 'Sideways' from the 2009 CMT Music Awards
Lady Antebellum – 'Lookin' For A Good Time' from the 2009 CMT Music Awards
Reba McEntire – 'Consider Me Gone' from 'Invitation Only: Reba'
Tim McGraw – 'Southern Voice' from 'Invitation Only: Tim McGraw'
Brad Paisley – 'Then' from the 2009 CMT Music Awards
Sugarland featuring The B-52s – 'Love Shack' from the 2009 CMT Music Awards
Carrie Underwood – 'Temporary Home' from 'Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood'

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Deaton Flanigan (award eligible videos include: Jason Aldean's 'The Truth' and Carrie Underwood's 'Temporary Home')
Darren Doane (award eligible videos include: Zac Brown Band's 'Toes' and 'Highway 20 Ride')
Trey Fanjoy (award eligible videos include: Reba McEntire's 'Consider Me Gone' and Lady Antebellum's 'American Honey')
Chris Hicky (award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert's 'White Liar' and Justin Moore's 'Small Town USA')
Michael Salomon (award eligible videos include: Toby Keith's 'American Ride' and Dierks Bentley's 'Sideways')
Shaun Silva (award eligible videos include: Kenny Chesney's 'Out Last Night' and Rascal Flatts' 'Summer Nights')
Roman White (award eligible videos include: Taylor Swift's 'You Belong With Me' and Kellie Pickler's 'Best Days of Your Life')
Theresa Wingert (award eligible videos include: Carrie Underwood's 'Cowboy Casanova' and Martina McBride's 'I Just Call You Mine')

New Music Video From Randy Houser

For several weeks, country music fans have been watching and forwarding the hysterical YouTube video of 4-year-old Drake lip syncing Randy Houser's new hit single "Boots On," (currently in the Top 25 and is the fastest climbing single in the Top 25 by a new artist ). Drake's nanny captured the young performer on video when he was in his car seat in the back of her vehicle. The toddler lip syncs and plays an incredible guitar....well, a plastic guitar. The video was seen by Universal Records South execs and like everyone else, they were amazed by Drake's unique interpretation complete with facial expressions and lots of foot tapping.

When it came time recently to shoot a music video for "Boots On" everyone agreed, including Houser, that Drake had to be a part of it. “When we saw the video, we knew we had to do something with it,” states Fletcher Foster, URS Senior VP/GM. “We had to incorporate Drake’s video somehow.” So Foster and video director Eric Welch came up with the idea to shoot Houser as if he is in the front seat of the car watching Drake in the back seat. Footage from the nanny's video was cut into the footage shot of Houser to make a complete video.

Watch it here…

Randy Houser

More CMT Music

More CMT Music Videos

CMT Award Winners Include Carrie Underwood's Trifecta For Video Of The Year

Carrie Underwood won her third straight CMT Music Video of the Year Award at last night's CMT Music Awards in Nashville, TN- making it her 11th belt buckle she's taken home from the show.

The 2014 CMT Music Awards included performances by Blake Shelton, Brantley Gilbert, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Hunter Hayes, Jake Owen, Jennifer Nettles, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, and Miranda Lambert. In addition, Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, Danielle Bradbery, David Nail, Thomas Rhett and Tyler Farr will be performed short-sets on the Nationwide Insurance Stage.

The 2014 winners:

Group Video: The Band Perry, "Done"

Breakthrough Video: Cassadee Pope, "Wasting All These Tears"

Impact Award: Alan Jackson

Male Video: Blake Shelton, "Doin' What She Likes"

Performance Video: Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, "Oh No/All Night Long" from "CMT Crossroads"

Collaborative Video: Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, "This Is How We Roll"

Female Video: Miranda Lambert, "Automatic"

Duo Video: Florida Georgia Line, "Right Here"

Video of the Year: Carrie Underwood, "See You Again"



 

That Nashville Sound Wednesday Newsbytes- Music Videos, New John Conlee & Johnny Cash

Lots and lots of music videos out the last couple of days- would be interested to know if you have any favorites. And item number one on today's list will certainly be on my Christmas list.

- Johnny Cash’s much-acclaimed box set of primarily unreleased material, Unearthed, is to be reissued as a nine-album vinyl box set on November 3, 2017. To celebrate the Man in Black’s enduring and influential legacy, American Recordings and UMe have reconfigured this monolithic collection for its first-ever vinyl release, spreading Unearthed’s 79 songs over nine high-quality 180-gram vinyl LPs while expanding the original box's distinctive packaging for the long-playing format. The Unearthed vinyl box features a pair of cloth-bound books housed in an LP-sized black cloth slipcase. One book holds the nine LPs, while the other is a gorgeous 60-page coffee table book that incorporates Sylvie Simmons' extensive liner notes, drawn from five days of interviews at Cash's home in Tennessee, as well as Cash and Rubin's comments on every song on the set, plus a copious selection of photographs from the recording sessions, including some of the last photos ever taken of Cash.  Unearthed was originally released as a CD box set by producer Rick Rubin’s American Recordings in November 2003, two months after the country superstar’s passing.

- After 2000's Classics and 2015's Classics 2, John Conlee is prepping to release Classics 3 on November 17 on his own Rose Colored Glasses label.

- The Bottom Live Archive (a Northeast nightclub that recorded thousands of performances from the early 80's to the mid 90's) is releasing Harry Chapin: The Bottom Line Archive Series from a performance Chapin did in 1981.

- Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers went by NPR and did a Tiny Desk Concert together. Martin's in rare form like normal.

- Shania Twain released a new music video for "Swingin' With My Eyes Closed."

- Kenny Chesney released a new music video for "Young." 

- Danielle Bradbery released a new music video for "Hello Summer."

- Becca Mancari released a new music video for "Golden."

- Jenna Paulette released a new music video for "Coolest Girl in the World."

- Jarrod Dickenson released a new music video for "Take It From Me."

- The Kenny Shepherd Band released a new music video for "Nothing But The Night."

- Willie Watson premiered a new music video for "Gallows Pole." 

- Paul Cauthen released a new music video for "Saddle." 

Carrie Underwood Is The Big Winner At 2012 CMT Awards

Carrie Underwood was the big winner at the CMT Music Awards last night taking home the Video Of The Year award for "Good Girl" and Collaborative Video Of The Year with Brad Paisley for "Remind Me" at the 2012 CMT Music Awards. Here is the official recap and list of winners:

Video of the Year:Good Girl; Carrie Underwood

Male Video of the Year:I Don't Want This Night to End; Luke Bryan

Female Video of the Year:Over You; Miranda Lambert

Group Video of the Year:We Owned the Night; Lady Antebellum

Duo Video of the Year:I Got You; Thompson Square

USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year:The Trouble With Girls; Scotty McCreery

Collaborative Video of the Year:Remind Me; Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood

CMT Performance of the Year:Tattoos on This Town (from CMT Artists of the Year); Jason Aldean

CMT Music Award Nominees Announced

Jason Aldean led all other artists with four nominations for this year’s 2011 CMT Music Awards. The awards nominees were announced Wednesday morning live on the “Today” show by CMT’s Evan Farmer and hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown Band each received three nominations each. Winners will be selected through an online voting process at CMT.com.

The 2011 CMT Music Award Show is in it's 10th year and will appear live from Nashville on Wednesday, June 8 on CMT and CMT.com.

The nominees in each of the 2011 CMT Music Awards categories include:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
•Jason Aldean– “My Kinda Party”
•Kenny Chesney– “The Boys Of Fall”
•Lady Antebellum– “Hello World”
•Miranda Lambert– “The House That Built Me”
•Rascal Flatts– “Why Wait”
•Sugarland– “Stuck Like Glue”
•Taylor Swift– “Mine”
•The Band Perry– “If I Die Young”
•Carrie Underwood– “Undo It”
•Zac Brown Band– “Colder Weather”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
•Jason Aldean– “My Kinda Party”
•Kenny Chesney– “The Boys Of Fall”
•Toby Keith– “Bullets In The Gun”
•Blake Shelton– “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”
•Keith Urban– “Without You”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
•Sara Evans– “A Little Bit Stronger”
•Miranda Lambert– “The House That Built Me”
•Reba – “Turn On The Radio”
•Taylor Swift– “Mine”
•Carrie Underwood– “Undo It”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
•Lady Antebellum– “Hello World”
•Little Big Town– “Little White Church”
•Rascal Flatts– “Why Wait”
•The Band Perry– “If I Die Young”
•Zac Brown Band– “Colder Weather”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
•Steel Magnolia– “Last Night Again”
•Sugarland– “Stuck Like Glue”
•The Civil Wars– “Barton Hollow”
•The JaneDear Girls– “Wildflower”
•Thompson Square– “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
•Lee Brice– “Love Like Crazy”
•Aaron Lewis – “Country Boy”
•Jerrod Niemann– “Lover, Lover”
•The Band Perry– “If I Die Young”
•Thompson Square– “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
•Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson– “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
•Justin Bieber feat. Rascal Flatts – “That Should Be Me”
•Kid Rock feat. Sheryl Crow– “Collide”
•Aaron Lewis feat. George Jones and Charlie Daniels– “Country Boy”
•Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow– “Coal Miner’s Daughter”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
•Martina McBride and Train– “A Broken Wing” from CMT CROSSROADS: TRAIN AND MARTINA MCBRIDE
•Reba– “If I Were A Boy” from UNPLUGGED: REBA
•Darius Rucker and Adele– “Need You Now” from 2010 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR
•Keith Urban and John Mayer– “Sweet Thing” from CMT CROSSROADS: JOHN MAYER AND KEITH URBAN
•Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett– “Margaritaville” from CMT CROSSROADS: JIMMY BUFFETT AND ZAC BROWN BAND

BEST WEB VIDEO OF THE YEAR (New for 2011)
•Jason Aldean–“My Kinda Party” (Live From The CMT Webcast)
•Luke Bryan–“It’s A Shore Thing”
•Lady Antebellum–“Stars Tonight”
•Blake Shelton–“Kiss My Country Ass”
•Taylor Swift–“Mine” (Live from the Speak Now Album Release Party)

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
•Deaton Flanigen(award eligible videos include: Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow’s “Collide” and the JaneDear Girl’s “Wildflower”)
•Trey Fanjoy(award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” and Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”)
•Chris Hicky(award eligible videos include: Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” and Keith Urban’s “Without You”)
•David McClister(award eligible videos include: The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” and LeAnn Rimes’ “Swingin’”)
•Roman White(award eligible videos include: Lady Antebellum’s “Hello World” and Kellie Pickler’s “Makin’ Me Fall In Love Again”)

Mark Wills Invites Fans To Make Video For "Crazy White Boy"

With more than six top ten and three number one songs on the country charts, including the smashes, "19 Somethin'," "I Do, Cherish You," and "Don't Laugh At Me," Mark Wills has the option of selecting country's best video directors to develop and produce his music videos. For his next single, "Crazy White Boy," Mark is asking his fans not only to give their input, but to put themselves both behind and in front of the camera.

"'Crazy White Boy' is my theme song and is a favorite of our fans every time we play a concert," Mark explains. "Often, after shows, fans will come up to me not only telling us how much they love the song but how the song is also their personal theme song. They then proceed to tell us these funny and unbelievable stories of the crazy things they and their friends do while listening to our music." It was during one of these meetings that the idea of having a fan make his video came about. "I thought that these stories portrayed the fun and true spirit of the song more than anything we could imagine. So, why not give our fans a chance to show us just how crazy they are? And then give the fans a chance to vote on their favorite video submissions."

Mark has created a special web page where fans can not only submit and view the video entries, but also cast their vote on which videos should be the winners. Mark is also excited about the voting process. "Voting is immediate and in real-time. Fans can see which video is in the lead at any time. It's easy for everyone to get their families and friends involved in the voting and picking the winners selected to be included my next video." These winning clips will be included along with footage shot with Mark and Chris Brackett, star of Sportsman Channel's top rated show, "Arrow Affliction."

Fans and future music video makers can visit www.markwills.com for more details, contest rules and a link to the online submission form. Winners will have their video played on Mark's websites and will receive a special Mark Wills prize package and a congratulatory call from Mark.

That Nashville Sound Monday Newsbytes

Lots of independent music news in this morning's edition of That Nashville Sound's Newsbyte:


- Roots rocker Kenny Wayne Shepherd has a new album forthcoming. Lay It On Down is due August 4 on Concord Records. Recorded at Echophone Studios in Shepherd’s hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana and produced by Shepherd with Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Natasha Bedingfield, Kate Voegele), the album was largely recorded live in the studio to analog tape.

- Olivia Lane premiered her new music video for "Wrong Girl."

- Newly-signed-to-Atlantic-Records Kelly Clarkson calls her album coming out later this year her most soulful yet.

- Buena Vista Records (Disney) has a new country band named signed Temecula Road and they have a new music video for "Hoping" that just came out.

- On August 25, Nashville's Blank Range will release their debut album Marooned With The Treasure distributed by Thirty Tigers. This release makes the band's first full length album after three years of touring the country heavily behind their first two EPs Phase II and Vista Bent.  Listen to "Opening Band" via YouTube:

- Suzi Oravec had CMT premiere her new music video for "Long Drive Home."

- On August 25, a new live concert performance will be available from Waylon Jennings. Check out Turn Back the Years: Live in Dallas 1975 Vinyl LP Record

- Jimmy Lumpkin and the Revival have a new music video for their track "Every Time I Leave."

- Elliot Root has a cool artistic music video for "10,000" that has just been released.

- Connecticut native April Kry has a new music video for "While We're Young" that was just unveiled.

- A new 1986 concert performance done by Johnny Cash will also be seeing a release on August 4, 2017. Take a peek at Any Old Wind That Blows: Live In Concert 1986.

- Former Pepsi Southern Original competition winner Rachel Lipsky has a new music video for "Dancin' In The Neon" that was just released.

- Kenny Rogers will be hosting“All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration,” an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 7PM CT. This once-in-a-lifetime concert event will honor Kenny Rogers' historic 60-year career and will feature the final performance together by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

“As I'm bringing this chapter of my career to a close, this will be an unforgettable way to celebrate with my talented friends, who I'm so grateful to have crossed paths with,” says Kenny Rogers. “It means so much that they would feel compelled to do this for me. Of course, the night would not be the same without Dolly Parton being part of it. We've enjoyed a special friendship for decades, and I'll forever look back fondly on the many collaborations, performances, and laughs we've shared as some of the most extraordinary moments of my career. I know it will be a moving experience for us standing on that stage together for one last time."

This one-night-only concert event taping will bring together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Kenny Rogers. “All In For The Gambler” will feature performances by Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Elle King and many other special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

- Respected industry veteran and excellent public relations guru Cary Baker sent me a big list of indie and/or lesser-know releases for this summer and beyond. I'll be adding them to my master list of album releases soon, but in the meantime, peruse this list and let me know if anything piques your interest:

June 2, 2017 – Amy Black – Memphis (Reuben) – produced by Scott Bomar (Bo-Keys), mixed by Adam Hill (Ardent) and featuring Charles Hodges, Leroy Hodges, Howard Grimes and other Memphis veterans; video premiere on PopMatters.

June 2, 2017 – Cowbell – Haunted Heart (Damaged Goods) – U.K. duo proffers psychobilly, greasy rock ’n’ roll and maximum R&B; Blurt premiered the title track.

June 2, 2017 – Robert Lamm – Time Chill (Omnivore) first-ever comp of his solo recordings

June 9, 2017 – Game Theory – 2 Steps From The Middle Ages (Omnivore) - their final album, expanded and remastered, with liners by Mitch Easter and others

June 16, 2017 – The Dustbowl Revival – The Dustbowl Revival (Signature Sounds) – No Depression premiered the first video

June 16, 2017 – Various Artists: Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records (label TBA) featuring Valerie June, Bobby Rush, Luther Dickinson, Jimbo Mathus, Million Dollar Quartet, Chuck Mead. PopMatters premiered the Dickinson track; NPR premiered the Valerie June track.

June 16, 2017 – Big Star – The Best of Big Star (Stax/Craft/Concord) – includes some rare singles mixes; Brooklyn Vegan premiered a rare single mix.

June 16, 2017 – Rosebud – Rosebud (Omnivore) – the further adventures of Judy Henske, Jerry Yester and three cohorts in expanded edition of Straight/Reprise LP

June 23, 2017 – Allen Ginsberg/William Blake – The Complete Songs Of Innocence And Experience by William Blake, Tuned by Allen Ginsberg (Omnivore)

June 23, 2017 – Willie Nile – Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan (River House) – The Observer broke the story and premiered a song.

June 23, 2017 – Glenn Morrow’s Cry for Help – Glenn Morrow’s Cry for Help (Rhyme & Reason) – new band from Bar/None Records founder and Individuals frontman. Brooklyn Vegan broke the news and premiered a track.

June 30, 2017–  Art Pepper – Art Pepper Presents West Coast Sessions Vol. 3: Lee Konitz and Art Pepper Presents West Coast Sessions Vol. 4: Bill Watrous (Omnivore)

July 7, 2017 – Chris Bell – Looking Forward: The Roots of Big Star (Omnivore) including un-heard tracks, of which Billboard premiered one, and excerpted a biography chapter

July 14, 2017 – Korby Lenker – Thousand Springs (Soundly Music/RED) – More than 30 contributors include Nora Jane Struthers, Anthony Da Costa, Carrie Elkin, Amy Speace, Molly Tuttle, Kai Welch, Angel Snow, Becky Warren and the Punch Brothers’ Chris “Critter” Eldridge; No Depression premiered the first track.

July 28, 2017 – Arthur Alexander – Arthur Alexander (Omnivore) – his out-of-print Muscle Shoals-recorded Warner Bros. album, expanded.

August 11, 2017 – Paul Kelly – Life is Fine (GawdAggie/Cooking Vinyl/RED) –

August 11, 2017 – Peter Himmelman – There is No Calamity (Himmasongs/Six Degrees) rockin’ new album produced by Steve Berlin; HuffPost broke the story and premiered a video.

August 11, 2017 – A.J. Croce – Just Like Medicine (Compass) – produced by Dan Penn; featuring Steve Cropper, Vince Gill, David Hood, McCrory Sisters, plus his first-ever Jim Croce cover on record (never-before-recorded song)

August 11, 2017 – Chris Fullerton – Epilepsy Blues (Eight 30 Records) – Central Texas singer/songwriter’s debut

August 11, 2017 – Dwight Yoakam – Live from Austin, TX; Buck Owens – Live from Austin, TX (New West) – live albums from PBS’ Austin City Limits series now available as 180g vinyl and DVD/CD packages.

August 18, 2017 – Ray Wylie Hubbard – Tell The Devil I’m Gettin’ There As Fast As I Can (Bordello/Thirty Tigers) – Rolling Stone premiered the title track which features Lucinda Williams and Eric Church

August 18, 2017 – Raspberries – Pop Art Live (Omnivore) – 2-CD live 2004 Cleveland reunion concert with all the hits and interesting covers; Ultimate Classic Rock premiered an un-head track.

August 25, 2017 – Alex Chilton – A Man Called Destruction (Omnivore) reissue with bonus tracks. The Big Takeover premiered a never-before-heard track.

September TBA, 2017 – Lloyd Price (Universal) –  new studio album from R&B pioneer

September 1, 2017 – Jan & Dean – Filet Of Soul Redux: Live Remote From Hullabaloo Club ‘65 (Omnivore) – live album with comedy elements that was rejected by Jan & Dean’s label, and shelved until now. Notes by Dean Torrence and David Beard. Best Classic Bands premiered a track.

September 8, 2017 – Bash & Pop – Friday Night Is Killing Me (Omnivore) – Tommy Stinson’s post-Replacement band’s debut album, expanded. Brooklyn Vegan and The Big Takeover premiered  track.

September 15, 2017 – Chris Bell – I Am The Cosmos (deluxe edition) (Omnivore 2CD/Digital) expanded edition with any never-before-heard tracks

September 22, 2017 – Flamin’ Groovies – Fantastic Plastic (Megaforce) – new album

September 22, 2017 – Eileen Jewell – Downhearted Blues (Signature Sounds)

September 22 2017 – Woody Guthrie (Bear Family) – two books in a slipcase plus three CDs, a tribute concert featuring Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan

September 22, 2017 – Linda Perhacs – I’m a Harmony (Omnivore) – psychedelic folk artist’s newly recorded album, produced by Fernando Perdomo

September 29, 2017 – 9/29 – Art Pepper – Art Pepper Presents West Coast Sessions Vol. 5: Jack Sheldon; Art Pepper Presents West Coast Sessions Vol. 6: Shelly Manne (Omnivore)

October 6, 2017 – Whitney Rose – Rule 62 (Six Shooter/Thirty Tigers) – with a rather exciting producer and band TBA)

October 6, 2017– Jerry Yester – Pass Your Light Around (Omnivore) ‘70s recordings

October 13, 2017 – Gene Clark – Gene Clark Sings For You (Omnivore)

October 13, 2017 – Chris Barron – Angels And One Armed Jugglers (Chrysanthemum) – solo album from Spin Doctors’ singer

November 24, 2017 – Chris Bell – The Complete Chris Bell (Omnivore) 6 LPs vinyl only

November 24, 2017 –  11/24 – Various Artists – The Soul Of Baltimore: The Ru-Jac Records Story (Omnivore) 4-CD compendium of Baltimore/DC soul

TBA Q3 2017 – Action Skulls – new band featuring Vicki Peterson (Bangles), John Cowsill and Bill Mumy.

TBA Q3 2017 – Fernando Perdomo – The Golden Hour (self release) – producer of Linda Perhacs, Cait Brennan and more, recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis

TBA Q1 2018 – Janiva Magness (fathead/Blue Elan) – follow-up to her Grammy-nominated album

Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line and Miranda Lambert Lead CMT Award Winners

Last night's CMT Country Music Television Awards were light on country music and light on awards, but provided a some highlights along its two hours of television. Underwood won top honor video of the year Wednesday night for "Blown Away," capping the evening with an emotional tribute to Oklahoma tornado victims before taking the fan-voted award for the second year in a row. Miranda Lambert and Florida Georgia Line were the night's top winners with two awards apiece.

·         Video of the Year: Carrie Underwood-  “Blown Away”

·         Male Video of the Year: Blake Shelton-  “Sure Be Cool if You Did”

·         Female Video of the Year: Miranda Lambert- “Mama’s Broken Heart”

·         Group Video of the Year: Lady Antebellum- “Downtown”

·         Duo Video of the Year: Florida Georgia Line- “Cruise”

·         Breakthrough Video of the Year: Florida Georgia Line- “Cruise”

·         Collaborative Video of the Year: Jason Aldean with Eric Church and Luke Bryan- “The Only Way I Know”

·         CMT Performance of the Year: Miranda Lambert- “Over You”

·         Nationwide Insurance On Your Side Award- Hunter Hayes

That Nashville Sound Thursday Newsbytes

The Randy Rogers Band

Lots of new music videos out today including four live performance videos from Jon Pardi off of his fantastic new California Sunrise album out last week. "She Ain't In It" is particularly strong- one of the favorite tracks of the year so far.

- Jon Pardi - "Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose" - Music Video

- Jon Pardi - She Ain't In It" - Music Video

- Jon Pardi - "California Sunrise" - Music Video

- Jon Pardi - "Nobody In His Right Mind Would've Left Here" - Music Video

- Brett Eldredge - "Wanna Be That Song" - Music Video

- Cam talked about her latest single "Mayday" and the story behind the song on this video interview.

- Kelleigh Bannen - "Landlocked" - Music Video

- Randy Rogers Band - "San Antone" - Music Video



 

That Nashville Sound Friday Newsbytes: Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley & More

It must be the official start to summer, because several new music videos and musical performances were released yesterday and we've got them all under one convenient umbrella for you this first of June morning. Enjoy watching.

- Steven Curtis Chapman is back with a new expansive music video for his new song "Remember To Remember."

- "Must've Never Met You" is the name of Luke Combs new music video.

- Luke Combs also released a second music video for "A Long Way" off of his new deluxe album, This One’s For You Too.

- Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne collaborated a new music video for "Burning Man." 

- Michael Ray released a new music video for his song, "Summer Water."

- Steve Moakler went on WSM 650 to do an acoustic video performance of his new song "Suitcase."

- Keith Urban and Julia Michaels released a new music video for their new music collaboration, "Coming Home." 

- Aaron Lewis stopped by to sing his patriotic original "Folded Flag" acoustically for everyone at Country Rebel HQ for the Country Rebel HQ Sessions.
 

That Nashville Sound Sunday Newsbytes - New Music Videos & Upcoming Releases

We're playing catch-up this weekend with lots and lots of new music videos and a handful of new album introductions. TNS would love to hear from you- what's your favorite off of the list below?

- Tracy Lawrence has set November 10, 2017 as the release date for one of the most ambitious and significant albums of his career. Good Ole Days celebrates the country legend’s indelible mark on country traditionalism with an album of 11 duets pairing a selection of his most iconic hits with some of country and rock’s contemporary superstars and newcomers. See a video about the project HERE. The collaborative collection includes guest appearances by Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Easton Corbin, Dustin Lynch, Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Kellie Pickler and Chris Young. 3 Doors Down leader Brad Arnold makes his country music debut on the title track “Good Ole Days,” which is the second of the two original songs.

- On November 10th, Jeff Bates will be releasing an EP called Troublemaker.

- Blake Shelton released a new music video for the song "I'll Name The Dogs."

- Alison Krauss released a new music video for the track "Windy City."

- Whitney Rose released a new music video for her new song "Better To My Baby."

- Maggie Baugh released a new music video for "Catch Me."

- On the eve of Irma making landfall, it seems appropriate that Georgia-native Derek Hoke's next album is titled Bring the Flood. It comes out on Oct. 13 on Little Hollywood Records.

- Award-winning bluegrass artist Donna Ulisse has a new project out on Sept. 22 on Mountain Home Records called Breakin' Easy.

- Jack Ingram will be releasing a new song on Sept 19, a Next Waltz project with a cover of Jason Eady's "Why I Left Atlanta."

- Kelly Clarkson will return with her debut project for Atlantic Records on Friday, Oct. 27. The new album, Meaning Of Life, will feature songs including “Move You” and the album’s first single, “Love So Soft.”

- Valerie June and her top flight band stopped by Los Angeles' legendary public radio station KCRW on June 7th, 2017, for a live session on the their flagship Morning Becomes Eclectic program and released it into an live EP this week. Valerie June - Live at KCRW features eight songs from her critically acclaimed album The Order of Time (released earlier this year.)

- Blackbird Presents Records and CMT have combined forces and have announced the broadcast premiere and CD/DVD release of The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson. The broadcast, concert film and music release features a collection of legendary singers, songwriters, and rising superstars who came together for a once-in-a-lifetime concert event taping in Nashville, Tennessee at the Bridgestone Arena to celebrate the songs of music icon Kris Kristofferson. CMT will premiere the 90-minute broadcast on Friday, October 27 at 10 PM ET/PT, and Blackbird Presents Records will release the full-length concert film as a CD/DVD combo, which is available for immediate preorder at http://songsofkristofferson.com and http://pledgemusic.com/projects/songsofkristofferson.  The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson features captivating performances, in-depth interviews, and compelling behind-the-scenes footage with Kris Kristofferson, Jessi Alexander, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Ryan Bingham, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Emmylou Harris, Jack Ingram, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, The Travelin' McCourys, Reba McEntire, Buddy Miller, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Jon Randall, Darius Rucker, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack.

- Calico the Band, the California Americana country group led by the female duo of Manda Mosher and Kirsten Proffit, premiered their Western-themed music video for "Cold Cold Love," the latest single from the band's forthcoming album Under Blue Skies. Click here to watch the video that was filmed just outside of Joshua Tree, a Southern California location which has a "mystical cosmic country connection that is inspiration for us," says the band. -

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes: Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Kacey Musgraves & More

This morning's column has several new music videos and a couple of exciting project updates for potential release later in the year. (Click on the blue link to watch the performances or get additional information on the news tease.)

- Lee Brice has a new music video for his song, "Boy".

- Keith Urban performed the new track "Never Comin' Down" off last week's album release live on Late Night With Seth Meyers.

- LeAnn Rimes "reimagined" her hit "One Way Ticket" and filmed the live performance video from one of her concerts. It's a great reminder of the pipes that young lady has.

- Kacey Musgraves released her new music video for the song, "Butterflies".

- Lindi Ortega released her new music video for the song, "Liberty".

- Luke Combs released his new music video for the song, "Beautiful Crazy".

- John Mellencamp recently released a live DVD of a concert featuring he and Carlene Carter and unveiled a music video of him performing "Pink Houses" from the project.  

Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood Lead The Winners At 2nd Annual American Country Awards

American Country Awards of 2011 were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Monday (Dec 5) 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In its second year of existence,the ceremony was co-hosted by Kristin Chenoweth and Trace Adkins.

The country music awards show is entirely voted on by fans. Created by the Fox Network, the awards honor country music artists in music, video, and touring categories. In addition to the CMA Awards, the ACM Awards, and the CMT Music Awards, it is the fourth major-awards show completely dedicated to the country music industry.

The full list of nominees are listed below, and the winners’ names appear in bold.


Single of the Year: Female
Sara Evans, ‘A Little Bit Stronger’
Miranda Lambert, ‘Heart Like Mine’
Reba McEntire, ‘Turn On The Radio’
Taylor Swift, ‘Mean’
Carrie Underwood, ‘Mama’s Song’ — WINNER

Single of the Year
Billy Currington, ‘Let Me Down Easy’
Tim McGraw, ‘Felt Good On My Lips’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’
Chris Young, ‘Voices’ — WINNER
Zac Brown Band Feat. Alan Jackson, ‘As She’s Walking Away’

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Justin Moore
Jake Owen
Chris Young — WINNER

Music Video of the Year
Sara Evans, ‘A Little Bit Stronger’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Blake Shelton, ‘Who Are You When I’m Not Looking’ — WINNER
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’
Josh Turner, ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’

Music Video: Male
Jason Aldean, ‘My Kinda Party’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Blake Shelton, ‘Who Are You When I’m Not Looking’ — WINNER
Josh Turner, ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’
Keith Urban, ‘Put You In A Song’

Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, ‘My Kinda Party’ — WINNER
Kenny Chesney, ‘Hemingway’s Whiskey’
Brad Paisley, ‘This Is Country Music’
Taylor Swift, ‘Speak Now’
Keith Urban, ‘Get Closer’
Zac Brown Band, ‘You Get What You Give’

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery — WINNER
Jerrod Niemann
Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

Single of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Rascal Flatts, ‘Why Wait’
Sugarland, ‘Stuck Like Glue’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’ — WINNER
Zac Brown Band, ‘Colder Weather’

Single of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Craig Campbell, ‘Family Man’
The JaneDear Girls, ‘Wildflower’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’ — WINNER

Music Video: New Artist
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Craig Campbell, ‘Family Man’
Brett Eldredge, ‘Raymond’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’ — WINNER

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood — WINNER

Music Video: Female
Sara Evans, ‘A Little Bit Stronger’
Reba McEntire, ‘Turn On The Radio’
Ashton Shepherd, ‘Look It Up’
Taylor Swift, ‘Back To December’
Carrie Underwood, ‘Mama’s Song’ — WINNER

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley — WINNER
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean — WINNER
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, ‘My Kinda Party’ — WINNER
Luke Bryan, ‘Someone Else Calling You Baby’
Billy Currington, ‘Let Me Down Easy’
Tim McGraw, ‘Felt Good On My Lips’
Chris Young, ‘Voices’

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration
Jason Aldean Feat. Kelly Clarkson, ‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ — WINNER
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Lady Antebellum, ‘Hello World’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, ‘As She’s Walking Away’

Artist of the Decade
Keith Urban
Brad Paisley
Garth Brooks
Rascal Flatts
Brooks and Dunn
Alan Jackson
George Strait
Kenny Chesney
Tim McGraw
Toby Keith — WINNER

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
Jason Aldean Feat. Kelly Clarkson, ‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ — WINNER
Kenny Chesney Feat. Grace Potter, ‘You and Tequila’
Brad Paisley Feat. Alabama, ‘Old Alabama’
Zac Brown Band Feat. Jimmy Buffet, ‘Knee Deep’
Zac Brown Band Feat. Alan Jackson, ‘As She’s Walking Away’

Touring Headline Act of the Year
Jason Aldean — WINNER
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

Carrie Underwood & Lady Antebellum Lead Winners In Inaugural American Country Awards

Country music superstar Carrie Underwood took home six awards from the first-ever American Country Awards on FOX, including Artist of the Year. Lady Antebellum was next with four wins. That Nashville Sound would like to hear what you thought of the awards show!


The complete winners list is as follows:

Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
"Little More Country Than That," Easton Corbin

Single of the Year: Duo or Group
"Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Single of the Year: Female
"Cowboy Casanova," Carrie Underwood

Single of the Year: Male
"Why Don't We Just Dance," Josh Turner

Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Easton Corbin

Single of the Year
"Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Album of the Year
"Play On," Carrie Underwood

Music Video: Breakthrough Artist
"A Little More Country Than That," Easton Corbin

Music Video: Duo or Group
"Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

Music Video: Female
"Cowboy Casanova," Carrie Underwood

Music Video: Male
"Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins

Music Video of the Year
"Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins

Touring Headline Package of the Year
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
Lady Antebellum

Artist of the Year: Female
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Male
Brad Paisley

Artist of the Year
Carrie Underwood

Greatest Hits Award
Alan Jackson

Decade Award
Rascal Flatts

Video Visionary Award
Toby Keith

Interview Flashback - On The Road With Whitney Duncan

I have been blessed to write contributions/reviews/interviews/opinion pieces for several country music and roots-oriented websites and publications over the years including Saving Country Music, Nashville Scene, Country California, Country Weekly, American Noise, The 9513 and Engine 145. As a regular contributor to the last two in that list, I did close to a 100 interviews with different artists- and since both of those great sites have come down, I will reprint some of those interviews here to give them a home in perpetuity. This interview was originally published in October 2009 on The 9513.

Whitney Duncan didn’t say “I want to be a country music singer” with her very first words, but she might of well have. With a passion that belied her age, Whitney sang at school events, including multiple elementary and middle school graduations as well as finished as a medalist at a talent competition at Loretta Lynn's ranch.  

Country music was always her first love. She begged to go to the famed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in downtown Nashville and managed to get up on stage and play when she was barely a teenager. She began travelling to and from Nashville from her home in Scotts Hill, TN in high school, writing with some of Nashville’s best writers. By her senior year, she had landed a record deal. Almost immediately, Duncan landed a duet with country legend Kenny Rogers but the first big record release still eluded her. She’d write and co-write cuts for Lee Ann Womack, Katie Arminger and Crystal Shawanda in the meantime.

In 2007, Duncan participated on the USA network show Nashville Star and self-released her debut album. After placing on Nashville Star, she signed to Warner Bros. Records Nashville and the life of the recording star started in motion. Her first solo single, "When I Said I Would" tasted the charts at #48 but it is her third single, “Skinny Dippin’,” that is making its mark. It is in the Top 20 on the Music Row charts and just entered the Billboard Top 50. Meanwhile, the sexy video for the latest single has been a staple across the country music video stations.   

KEN MORTON, JR.- Have you been given the key to the city from the mayor of Scotts Hill yet?

WHITNEY DUNCAN- I was! It was awesome. A few years ago, they did that. They had a little parade in town. This town has the nicest people and the coolest people ever. 

KMJ- I understand it was your grandfather that introduced you to country music. Tell me about that influence.

WD- I could always hear him singing around the house and he had such a great voice. But he would never perform in front of other people or anything. And he was always such a big fan of country music. He definitely introduced me to it- and Elvis. I would go to my grandparents house on the weekends a lot and I was a total granddaddy’s girl. I would go and we would watch Elvis performances, movies and everything. I was obsessed with Elvis from age four. We would also constantly watch the Jerry Lee Lewis movie Great Balls Of Fire. Oh my gosh. We would watch that movie every single weekend. As a little girl, I could say the words to the movie before they came out of the actor’s mouths. When I find out that Dennis Quaid was not Jerry Lee Lewis, I think I cried. (Laughter) When I finally saw the real Jerry Lee Lewis, I said, “That’s not Jerry Lee Lewis!” I had in my mind that Dennis Quaid was Jerry Lee Lewis. I was pretty heartbroken. Not to say that Jerry Lee Lewis isn’t good-looking or anything, but he is no Dennis Quaid. I would say that Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis- both of them- made me want to sing. My parents never played or anything but they both loved music and we always had it around the house and playing in the car. My dad didn’t like country too much. He would listen to the Rolling Stones, John Cougar Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and all that stuff. My mom would listen to nothing but country. There would always be that battle.

And of course, my mom always won. She loved Tanya Tucker, Tammy Wynette, Travis Tritt, Don Williams and all that stuff. I had a lot of different influences growing up in music. 

KMJ- And just how early were you performing at the famed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge?

WD- Too young! When I wanted to go somewhere, my parents were the best. I could talk them into anything. I always wanted to go Tootsies. And during the day, there’s lots of tourists and stuff in there. So I got to go up and play with the house band. I did “Stand By Your Man.” Of course. But I had to get out of there when it started to get dark and they started to serve alcohol. I think I was 10, 11 or 12. 

KMJ- Most acts get complimentary beer- for you it was Roy Rogers and Shirley Temples.

WD- (Laughter) Exactly! Looking back, that was fun.

KMJ- Your most recent single “Skinny Dippin’” sold an impressive 50,000 digital downloads partly due to a pretty racy music video that any warm-blooded male found appealing. Any hesitations in that video shoot?

WD- We got a lot of treatment ideas for that video. I was very picky on what I would do and what I wouldn’t do. The song is such a visual song in itself. It had to line up with the song and even make the song better. I really think this treatment did that. It kept it young and flirty and fun. And even funny in some places. Instead of… well lets just say that a lot of the ideas we got were… over the top. When were agreeing to do this, I was saying, “I won’t do that. I will not do that. I certainly won’t do that.” It was hard. And I thought they pulled it off great. I don’t think it’s too racy of a video for sure. When I sent it to my parents, that was my test. If it went too far, they won’t like it. Because they’re the most conservative people you’ve even known. When I sent it to them, Mom loved it and thought it was beautiful. I was good to go. If Mom and Dad approve, then we’re good. 

KMJ- Your first singles have flirted with the big charts thus far, and your most recent single seems to making a dent. Any sense on why the first couple of singles haven’t made a bigger splash at radio yet?

WD- In places that they’re playing it in daytime hours, it is connecting. That’s what’s so awesome. It’s selling like crazy. On the Music Row charts, it’s up to number 17. Stations that are playing it are getting a reaction from their audiences. On stations that don’t play it, you can’t get a reaction from something you can’t hear. It’s really hard as a new artist. You have stations that will only play a certain amount of songs. And they don’t necessarily always want to take a chance on a new artist. That makes it really difficult. It’s sad that it is that hard. It’s hard for that new artist to get a song played these days. When it’s played, it gets a reaction, though. And that’s really all you can ask for. 

KMJ- What can we can we expect on your upcoming album, “Right Road Now?”

WD- I co-wrote the whole thing and I’m most excited about that. It’s a wide variety. “Skinny Dippin’” is the fun side of me but there are many other songs that are deep and dark and I like that too. It’s a big variety of stuff from fun, happy and up-tempo to the other side. There’s something for everyone. I was very picky with songs- I always have been. These are my favorites. 

KMJ- Has Warner Brothers set a release date yet?

WD- All I know is early in 2010. It’s been changed so many times, it’s ridiculous. When they get a date, they’ll tell me and that’s when I’ll get excited.

KMJ- How frustrating is it for the artist to be in that record label “holding pattern?” It seems a bit like purgatory from the outside looking in.

WD- I don’t focus on that part too much. I totally understand what they’re doing and it makes complete sense. You want to put out a record when you have the most audience. That part makes sense to me. Until you get that, there’s no real reason to put it out. People can get a taste of it on i-Tunes. You can even buy the digital EP that will hopefully tide you over until the record comes out. Granted, no one will be happier than me the day it comes out. For sure. You put your heart and soul into something like this for so long, you want to get it out for the fans. Ultimately, that’s the whole point of music. 

KMJ- You performed at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time this month- how was that experience?

WD- I am not one to get nervous. I never get nervous. But when I walked on that stage, I thought I was going to vomit. I was SO nervous. I wasn’t even nervous before. Walking into my dressing room was a really cool moment. When I stood on the side of the stage, John Conlee was introducing me. And I love him and his voice. I always have. That’s really cool. When I walked out there, it hit me like a ton of bricks. This is the Opry. It was a really cool moment. 

KMJ- Any special behind-the-scenes moments for you?

WD- I got to take my picture with Little Jimmy Dickens! That was so cool. He’s such a nice guy. I also got my picture taken with John Conlee. All my parents got to come backstage. As special as this was for me it was more special for my grandparents. The Grand Ole Opry is the be-all end-all for them. They used to come up to my house every Saturday and we would all watch the Grand Ole Opry together. This, for them, was like the fact that I had finally made it. He’s always told me I would have made it when I get invited to play on the Grand Ole Opry. My granddaddy never goes anywhere, but you bet he came to the Grand Ole Opry that night. 

KMJ- You’ve written cuts for other artists like Lee Ann Womack, Katie Armiger and Crystal Shawanda- any other songs out there on hold or being cut by other artist?

WD- Yes! I got a LeAnn Rimes cut. It’s a beautiful song and I was upset at first when it didn’t get to make my record. But it’s a big ballad and gorgeous and I can’t wait for you all to hear it. 

KMJ- When a singer/songwriter has a song cut by another artist, is there as much pride on that song as if you cut it yourself?

WD- I think probably even more so. I’m really hard on my songs. But when someone else cuts it, they’re saying they love it to. They love it enough to want to cut it themselves. 

KMJ- What is country music to Whitney Duncan?

WD- It’s definitely my life. From an early age, I’ve never wanted to do anything else. And I’ve never doubted it for a minute. There have been times in which I’ve asked if I’d ever get my chance or shot. I’ve kept with it and I love it. I don’t know what I would do without it. There’s really nothing else I’d rather do. 

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes- New Music Videos & New Releases

We're playing catch-up this weekend with lots and lots of new music videos and a handful of new album introductions. TNS would love to hear from you- what's your favorite off of the list below?

- Union Station member Dan Tyminski has an album coming out just under his surname on October 20 called Southern Gothic. The album will be released by Mercury Nashville.

- In September of 2016, Luck Reunion and Third Man Records took over a mansion in East Nashville creating an analogue studio space with the goal of inspiring collaboration. Artists were invited to perform live and record 2 songs as part of a series called the “Luck Mansion Sessions." The video of the collaboration between Rodney Crowell and John Paul White (The Civil Wars) has just been released.

- Jana Kramer released new music. The new track "I've Done Love" has been released via her own Sophie Dog Records.

- Old Dominion released the new music video for "Not Everything's About You" from their upcoming album Happy Endings- out August 25th.

- The intriguing The Last Bandoleros released the new music video for "River Man."

- Anderson East released his new music video for "All On My Mind." 

- Kip Moore released his new music video for "Blonde." 

- A Dr. Ralph Stanley Forever: A Tribute Concert is set to include performances from Dierks Bentley, Heidi Newfield, Daryl Worley, T. Graham Brown, Ralph Stanley II, T. Bone Burnett and Doug Supernaw along with many others. The concert will be at The Grand Ole Opry House on October 19.

- Hoping to perhaps to repeat the Taylor Swift phenomenon, Warner Music Nashville has signed 13-year-old Tegan Marie to a record deal.

- Lucinda Williams has re-recorded her 1992 album Sweet Old World and plans a September 29 release of the new/old project via Thirty Tigers.

- Former Hot Chelle Rae lead singer Ryan Follese dropped a surprise self-titled album via Big Machine Records yesterday.

- Stephanie Quayle ("Drinking with Dolly" & "Winnebago") will have her new album Love The Way You See Me drop on September 8.

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes - Lots of New Album Announcements & New Music Videos

Plenty of new album announcements came out yesterday as well as a few new music videos to share- all the news that's fit to print is below:

- Marc Broussard released a new music video for "Lonely Night in Georgia" featuring the Elijah Gospel Choir.
- The Highwomen released a new music video for "Redesigning Women."
- Gwen Sebastian released a new music video for "Rock Stars."
- Midland released a new music video for "Put The Hurt On Me."
- The Mavericks released a new music video for "Come Unto Me."

- The before-mentioned The Highwomen—a new collaborative movement formed by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires—officially launches today with the release of the group’s debut single, “Redesigning Women.” The single is the first unveiled from collective’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, which will be released September 6 on Low Country Sound/Elektra Records.

“Anyone can be a Highwoman,” Carlile notes. “It’s about banding together, abandoning as much ego as humanly possible, holding one another up and amplifying other women every chance we get. Shoulder to shoulder. One push, one love.”

The Highwomen track listing:
1. Highwomen (written by Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Jimmy Webb)
2. Redesigning Women (written by Natalie Hemby, Rodney Clawson)
3. Loose Change (written by Maren Morris, Maggie Chapman, Daniel Layus)
4. Crowded Table (written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna)
5. My Name Can’t Be Mama (written by Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires)
6. If She Ever Leaves Me (written by Amanda Shires, Jason Isbell, Chris Thompkins)
7. Old Soul (written by Maren Morris, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz)
8. Don’t Call Me (written by Amanda Shires, Peter Levin)
9. My Only Child (written by Natalie Hemby, Amanda Shires, Miranda Lambert)
10. Heaven Is A Honky Tonk (written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Ray LaMontagne)
11. Cocktail And A Song (written by Amanda Shires)
12. Wheels Of Laredo (written by Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)

- Corb Lund has announced he's coming back into our lives with a new covers project, taking on tracks by the likes of AC/DC, Bob Dylan and Billy Joel. The EP release is called Cover Your Tracks, and it will arrive on September 13 via New West Records.

The record is made up of eight songs. In addition to taking on tracks by those aforementioned artists, Lund also covers works by Nancy Sinatra, Marty Robbins, the Eagles, and Willie Nelson & Ray Charles.

Says Lund on the project, "Earlier this year I recorded a bunch of cover songs by some of my favoritee artists and writers from various periods in my life, mostly for fun and to get them out of my system. Many of the songs we've been playing live for years. Being re-inspired by this stuff and getting back in the studio to cut it was a great warm up for making another record of my own songs, which I'm working hard on writing as we speak. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy listening to these old favorites as much as we enjoyed recording them."

- Grammy award -inning country music singer and Grand Ole Opry member Crystal Gayle announced the upcoming release of her first new album in nearly 16 years, You Don’t Know Me. Available everywhere September 6, with a pre-sale beginning August 9, the new album is being released by Southpaw Musical Productions, and distributed by BFD in partnership with The Orchard. Co-produced, recorded and mixed by Crystal's son Christos Gatzimos, You Don’t Know Me is a collection that finds the acclaimed stylist exploring the songs of such country legends as George Jones, Patsy Cline, Buck Owens and Eddy Arnold. The album might come as a surprise to those who associate Crystal with an uptown sound that made her a star on both country and adult-contemporary pop charts. But she has known this repertoire of hardcore country standards all her life.

“This wasn’t a stretch at all,” says Crystal. “This project is a labor of love that my son, Christos, and I produced together. It is filled with country classics that I grew up singing. They are very much a part of my history and I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. I feel very lucky to have known and worked with many of the artists who had the original hits.”