Nashville Love

The official 2015 Keith Urban Calendar to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is on sale. The calendar features photos taken by fans during Keith’s Raise ‘Em Up Tour. Since 2003, this limited edition, one-of-a-kind calendar has raised more than $850,000 for the lifesaving mission of the hospital.

In 2002, Keith Urban called on members of his fan club to help raise funds for St. Jude. Urban fans took his message to heart, making the inaugural calendar in 2003 an immediate hit and an annual project. The 2015 calendar marks the 13th edition of the calendar.

The new calendar costs $15 and is available now at www.keithurbanfans.com

Photo:  Nicole Kidman / Facebook

Keith Urban and wife, Nicole Kidman have released a new video that features them and their two beautiful daughters - Sunday and Faith.  The singer and his actress/director wife appear to have joined Reba McEntire's Pray For Peace campaign which Nicole confirmed in the message that she shared with the video.  Nicole shared on her Facebook page:  "Keith, the girls and I are joining Reba McEntire to ‪#‎PrayForPeace‬. xxNic".  It's a short video, only 18 seconds and you can watch it here.  

Reba McEntire explains the Pray For Peace concept on her own Facebook where she shared: "The idea to write the song “Pray For Peace” came to me last year as I was walking on our place in Gallatin, Tn. For days I’d sing, “Pray for Peace”, over and over. It wasn’t until several months later did the other parts start to fall in place. Some, not until we got into the studio to record it.  I feel this song is a gift from God. I have never worked on a song as long as this one. It went from a bass drum, fiddle and singers to guest artist singing with me, adding more instruments and even a choir and a bagpipe!  It’s an act of perseverance, prayer, hope, fellowship and mostly love."  Watch the video for the song below.

The We’re All 4 The Hall benefit concert, led by Keith Urban and Vince Gill, will return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on May 6th.

This year’s theme is all about the songs. Songtellers (A LARGE Intimate Evening) will feature Urban, Gill, Brantley Gilbert, Brett Eldredge, Carrie Underwood, David Nail, Deana Carter, Kacey Musgraves, Kip Moore, Lee Ann Womack with Buddy Miller, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Reba McEntire and Ronnie Milsap.

Each artist will perform a song they have written or recorded, or a classic hit, and each artist will tell a story regarding why the song was written, or why it was recorded.

Reserved seat tickets, which are priced at $35 and $50 (does not include Ticketmaster surcharge), will go on sale April 4 at 10 a.m. CST and are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the Bridgestone Arena box office or by calling 800-745-3000. A limited number of VIP ticket packages will also go on sale on April 4 at ticketmaster.com.

“I think this is going to be an extremely unique and revealing night for everyone,” said Urban. “Not only are we going to see extraordinary ‘one of a kind’ performances, but we’re going to hear some stories that just may have us hearing these well known songs in a whole new way.”

Previous We’re All 4 The All concerts have collectively raised more than $2 million in support of the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum’s preservation efforts, exhibitions and educational programs. In addition, Urban has teamed up again with rally.org to help fans raise funds for the Country Music Hall of Fame and to compete for prizes including VIP tickets. For more information go to www.keithurban.net.

“The first four All 4 the Hall concerts have netted more than $2 million,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “They continue to be our most successful fundraisers, with the proceeds helping to fund the care of our unrivaled collection, exhibitions, educational programs and more. The museum appreciates the generosity and unwavering support that Keith Urban and Vince Gill continue to display for our institution and for this genre of music. Fans eagerly anticipate this show, expecting, and getting, a unique, entertaining, and world-class line-up that only Keith and Vince can inspire. This year’s concert will not disappoint.”

Photo: Academy of Country Music

Nominations for the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced on Wednesday, Jan. 29, with Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert leading with seven nods each.

Close behind is Keith Urban, who nabbed six nominations, as well as Lee Brice, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift , with six apiece.

In the coveted Entertainer of the Year category, Lambert, Shelton and Swift will face Luke Bryan and George Strait.

Bryan, who is the reigning ACM Awards Entertainer of the Year, will join Shelton as cohost of this year's ACM Awards when they air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 6 on CBS.

Fans will help select the winner of both the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year, and the New Artist of the Year Presented By Kohl’s.

Produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00 PM live ET on the CBS Television Network.

Here is the complete list of nominees:

Entertainer of the Year

Luke Bryan

Miranda Lambert

Blake Shelton

George Strait

Taylor Swift

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jason Aldean

Lee Brice

Luke Bryan

Blake Shelton

Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year

Sheryl Crow

Miranda Lambert

Kacey Musgraves

Taylor Swift

Carrie Underwood

Vocal Duo of the Year

Big & Rich

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Love and Theft

Thompson Square

Vocal Group of the Year

Eli Young Band

Lady Antebellum

Little Big Town

The Band Perry

Zac Brown Band

Album of the Year

Based On a True Story - Blake Shelton

Crash My Party - Luke Bryan

Here's To The Good Times - Florida Georgia Line

Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves

Two Lanes of Freedom - Tim McGraw

Single Record of the Year

"Cruise" - Florida Georgia Line

"Highway Don't Care" - Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban

"I Drive Your Truck" - Lee Brice

"Mama's Broken Heart" - Miranda Lambert

"Wagon Wheel" - Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year

"Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)" - Gary Allan

"I Drive Your Truck" - Lee Brice

"Mama's Broken Heart" - Miranda Lambert

"Mine Would Be You" - Blake Shelton

"Wagon Wheel" - Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum

Video of the Year

"Better Dig Two" - The Band Perry

"Blowin' Smoke" - Kacey Musgraves

"Highway Don't Care" - Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban

"I Drive Your Truck" - Lee Brice

"Mama's Broken Heart" - Miranda Lambert

"Two Black Cadillacs" - Carrie Underwood

Vocal Event of the Year

"Boys 'Round Here" - Blake Shelton Featuring Pistol Annies & Friends

"Cruise (Remix)" - Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly

"Highway Don't Care" - Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban

"Wagon Wheel" - Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum

"We Were Us" - Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert

OFF CAMERA AWARDS - The following off-camera awards will be presented during the 8th Annual ACM Honors event on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 in Nashville.

Songwriter of the Year 

Rhett Akins

Rodney Clawson

Ashley Gorley

Luke Laird

Shane McAnally

Studio Recording Awards:

 (FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSICIAN/BANDLEADER/INSTRUMENTALIST (MBI) AWARDS)

Bass Player of the Year

Mike Brignardello

Kevin “Swine” Grantt

Mark Hill

Michael Rhodes

Glenn Worf

Drummer of the Year

Chad Cromwell

Fred Eltringham

Shannon Forrest

Greg Morrow

Lonnie Wilson

Guitar Player of the Year

Jeff King

Troy Lancaster

Brent Mason

Rob McNelley

Jerry McPherson

Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year

Tony Harrell

John Jarvis

Charlie Judge

Tim Lauer

Gordon Mote

Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year

Glen Duncan

Larry Franklin

Jim Hoke

Danny Rader

Bryan Sutton

Steel Guitar Player of the Year

Dan Dugmore

Paul Franklin

Steve Hinson

Russ Pahl

Scotty Sanders

Audio Engineer of the Year

Derek Bason

Ben Fowler

Mills Logan

Steve Marcantonio

Justin Niebank

Producer of the Year

Mark Bright

Dann Huff

Michael Knox

Frank Liddell

Paul Worley

The video for Keith Urban‘s new single, “We Were Us,” featuring Miranda Lambert, will make its world debut on Friday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m. ET on Urban’s Facebook page. The premiere will be followed by a Facebook chat with Urban where he’ll answer questions about the making of the clip, his new album Fuse, and his Fuse tour.

The new video was filmed on location before a live audience at Edna’s bar in Oklahoma City and directed by Becky Fluke and Reid Long.

Keith Urban introduced his new URBAN Guitar Collection via HSN, HSN.com and HSN Mobile on Sunday, Nov. 3, resulting in a sellout debut. Urban’s first appearance on HSN marks the largest guitar debut ever for the entertainment lifestyle retailer.

“With the sellout world premiere of the URBAN Guitar Collection, HSN has once again demonstrated its unique ability to showcase a brand across all platforms like no other retailer in the world,” said Joy Mangano, President of Ingenious Designs, an affiliate of HSN. “This unprecedented launch marks the beginning of an exciting and dynamic partnership and I congratulate Keith on his tremendous debut. I look forward to our continued success as we work together to provide access to high-quality guitar packages to aspiring musicians everywhere.”

The URBAN Guitar Collection features two versions of the “Phoenix Edition” guitars – electric and acoustic/electric — and was offered in Brazilian Burst, Emerald Brazilian Burst, Rich Black and Vintage Natural Ivory. It is part of a 21-piece set that includes a custom amplifier, coated guitar strings, embroidered guitar strap, guitar picks, instructional DVDs featuring one-on-one lessons from Urban

Earlier this morning, the CMA award winners for Musical Event of the Year and Video of the Year were revealed by the Country Music Association. During a segment of Good Morning America, it was revealed that Tim McGraw‘s “Highway Don’t Care,” which features Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, won Musical Event of the Year.

The video for “Highway Don’t Care” directed by Shane Drake, won Video of the Year.

The awards show will feature a string of musical collaborations, including performances by Luke Bryan with Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban with Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band with Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Hunter Hayes with Jason Mraz, as well as Alan Jackson and George Strait (in a tribute to the late George Jones). Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts will honor Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Rogers.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will host the CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Recording Academy has announced the first round of performers for the upcoming “Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! – Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night,” which will take place Dec. 6. Keith Urban will join Drake, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Robin Thicke on the one-hour special, which is hosted again this year by LL Cool J from L.A.’s Nokia Theater. Guests will be treated to an exclusive concert by Thicke as well following the broadcast. The special will air on CBS beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

The program will include performances by past Grammy winners or nominees, and several nominations will be revealed live during the duration of the show as well. This concert marks the sixth time nominations for the annual Grammys will be announced live on primetime television. Tickets for the special go on sale to the general public on Thursday, Oct. 17, and will be available online at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be held live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, and broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

“Country Music’s Biggest Night™” is bringing together the biggest names in Country Music with today’s announcement of performers for “The 47th Annual CMA Awards.”

Three-time nominee this year Jason Aldean, three-time nominee this year Luke Bryan, reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert, reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town, former CMA Entertainer of the Year Tim McGraw, reigning CMA Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton, two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift, and former CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urbanare all scheduled to perform.

Hosted for the sixth consecutive year by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, “The 47th Annual CMA Awards” will air live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 6 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Nominated this year for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year for “The Only Way I Know” with Aldean and Church, Bryan has seven career CMA Awards nominations. He was first nominated in 2010 for New Artist of the Year and has been a presence at the CMA Awards every year since. This marks his first nomination for the night’s highest honor, CMA Entertainer of the Year.

Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town is nominated in that category again, as well as for Album of the Year for Tornado, and Music Video of the Year for the album’s title track. In addition to their win last year for Vocal Group of the Year, their song “Pontoon” was named Single of the Year.

Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Urban is also nominated for Single, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year for “Highway Don’t Care” with McGraw and Swift. Urban has been named Male Vocalist of the Year three times (2004-2006) and is a six-time CMA Award winner with 29 career CMA Awards nominations.

Winners of “The 47th Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP. The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Thursday. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Monday, Oct. 28 (5:00 PM/CT).

Four-time GRAMMY Award winner and American Idol® judge Keith Urban, long committed to numerous music education programs, today announced that he has teamed with leading interactive lifestyle retailer HSN to offer an affordable line of guitars to as many aspiring musicians as possible, as well as to those seeking to learn how to play. The URBAN™ Guitar Collection, which includes two one-hour instructional DVDs and his first custom created, limited-edition acoustic and electric guitar line, will become available for sale exclusively on HSN, HSN.com and via HSN Mobile on Sunday, November 3rd, 2013 at 12:01 A.M. (ET). A portion of the proceeds from the URBAN™ Guitar Collection, as well as guitar packages, will go to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (www.mhopus.org) and The Grammy Foundation (http://www.grammyfoundation.org/).

“I’ve watched some of the greatest guitarists in the world perform and I’ve seen people just learning how to play,” said Urban. “The looks on their faces are almost always the same and the connection with the instrument is genuine.”

The URBAN Guitar Collection features two versions of the “Phoenix Edition” guitar - electric and acoustic/electric – and will be available in Brazilian Burst, Emerald Brazilian Burst, Rich Black and Vintage Natural Ivory. It is part of a 21-piece set that includes a custom amplifier, coated guitar strings, embroidered guitar strap, guitar picks and more.

“We are thrilled to welcome Keith Urban to HSN,” said Joy Mangano, President of Ingenious Designs, an affiliate of HSN. “Great stories and great storytelling are at the heart of everything we do, and I can’t think of a better guitarist and storyteller than Keith. His guitar-playing skills are legendary, and the passion he has for music will surely inspire our viewers to pick up a guitar and play when Keith makes his debut in November.” 

Urban recently released his seventh studio album FUSE, which marked the first time that ANY country artist has simultaneously debuted at #1 on the all-genre charts in the United States, Canada and Australia. He is currently on the road for his “Light The Fuse Tour”. At each show, Keith uses the standard Phoenix guitar – the same guitar that will be available at HSN – and then signs it and gives it away to one lucky fan in the audience.

Urban has sold more than 15 million albums. He’s won four GRAMMY Awards and was the first artist to win the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award®, for best new artist, and go on to win Best Male Vocalist, a title he’s captured three times, as well as the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award. He’s won five Academy of Country Music® Awards, an American Music Award® and People’s Choice Award®. He’s had 15 No. 1 singles and five consecutive platinum or multi-platinum albums.