No Respect For Merle

Kennedy Center Awards are tonight.  Most of the articles and promotion for the show reads something like, "McCartney, Winfrey and others" honored tonight.  One of those "others" is Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard.  While I can't argue that Sir Paul and Oprah are more famous than "Hag", to me he means than both of them put together.  From the 60's through the 80's, no one loomed larger over the Country music landscape than Merle Haggard.  While physically small, he was larger than life.  He could do it all; sing, write, and perform while being strong enough to buck the Nashville star system by succeeding his own way.  In 2010 Merle Haggard continues to do it his own way.  Long live Merle.  My hero.

Wishful Packaging

Is it presumtous to put not yet released songs on a "Greatest Hits" or "Number One's" package?  I think it is. If the song or songs are then released to radio and are not hits or do not make number one, what then?  I suppose all releases are hits with someone.  Just askin'.

CMA Awards 2010

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood did a great job hosting again this year, teasing Nashville's royalty and keeping the show moving. Funny line: (paraphrasing) "After the night Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are having ... expect a baby in 9 months."

Kelly Clarkson performed a powerful song with Jason Aldean, "Don't You Want To Stay Here A Little While".  No surprise that the song was released today to Country radio.

Gwyneth Paltrow sang the title song from her new movie, "Country Strong". Vince Gill sang with her to lend support. She got a standing ovation (in spite of looking nervous during the performance). 

Blake Shelton wins Male Vocalist of the Year, beating out a bunch of heavyweights.  Well deserved.

Blake's fiance Miranda Lambert wins Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and sings the Song of the Year for "House That Built Me".   2010 is the Year of Miranda.

Sissy Spacek introduced a tribute to Loretta Lynn. There wasn't a dry eye in house as Loretta came out to sing "Coal Miner's Daughter" with Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow.  I had the privalege of interviewing Loretta (and Sissy) when Coal Miner's Daughter was released, and can tell you that there is no one more genuine and deserving of everything she's received than Loretta Lynn.  She is truly a national treasure.

Why did Taylor Swift utter the word "What?" after her performance.  We may never know.  We do know that after her incredible 2009, the woman who just sold a million albums got shut out of winning any awards last night.

Finally, Brad Paisley gets the well deserved Entertainer of the Year award, giving a heartfelt acceptance speech.   Glad to know that men are now allowed to cry in Country Music.

Is Gwyneth Overshadowing the CMA Awards?

Have you noticed that TV promos for tonight's CMA awards focus mostly on Gwyneth Paltrow's debut singing performance?  Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that her spot on the show will no doubt attract viewers who might not otherwise watch.  But I can't help feeling that some of our biggest stars are getting the short shrift.  At least promotionally.  Let's hope her performance on the show is a big hit.  It would be even better if her new movie, Country Strong, is a bigger hit.

Where's Taylor?

No disrepect to today's CMA nominees (they are a great bunch), but I do not understand how last year's Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift, is shunned from even a nomination in that category? Did Kanye West hijack the voting?

Shorter Is Better: At least this is true with respect to song length. Could a trend be emerging? Witness new releases from Justin Moore, Billy Currington, Carrie Underwood in the 2:50 something range. Why does this matter? It helps both radio and records. Radio gets to play more songs and records gets more new songs played. Why? At the risk of sounding techno-geeky, new currents are often in "drop" positions and they are less likely to be dropped by the computer if they are shorter and can get aired before a time sync for commercials. If I lost you on that one, just know that shorter songs are less likely to be dropped. Bring on the shorties!

Idea For A New Country Song: Way Out Here we've got a Bonfire going in the Back Woods where I'm a Little More Country than how The Country Boys Roll their Hillbilly Bone.

Give Back, Advance Your Career: The state of the radio industry is such that we need all the help we can get. There are quite a few radio organizations that can use your help. Volunteer to serve on committees putting on radio conventions like the Country Radio Seminar, the NAB, The Midwest Conclave and your state broadcasters. Most states put on an annual convention. Not only can you make a difference, but you’ll make valuable contacts that will not only enrich you personally, but will advance your career.

If you have time to serve on one committee, serve on two. Make the time. Make a difference. I have the privilege of currently serving on the CRB (Country Radio Seminar) Board and the Agenda Committee for the Midwest Conclave. For more information, drop me an email and I’ll get you the contact information to get you involved. You’ll be glad you did.

Where Will The Innovation Come From? Not Nashville, according to the NY Times:

Click here: Grudgingly, Nashville Inches Into the Future - NYTimes.com

It speaks to a point I made on my blog a few months ago. Where are the new stars?

And that while great music comes from Music City, we need to be open to Country sounds from the rest of the Country to help spark innovation.