Featured Country Artist | NASHVILLE STARVISION™

Little Big Town All Around

April 2, 2015 By NashStar

Little Big Town released their first album in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2005 with their second album, “The Road to Here”, that they reached their success. However, 2014 has been their pinnacle in terms fame and fortune. Their latest single “Day Drinking” has out-performed all their former releases and the vocal group keeps moving from strength to strength.

The “Pain Killer” tour was launched on the 8th of November in Youngstown, Ohio, and will continue until the 13th December in Rockford, Illinois. Thirteen cities are booked for the tour and they will be accompanied by Brett Eldredge and Brothers Osborne, who will handle the opening acts. Upon announcing the tour they also showcased the cover art for the new album which was released in late October. Fans will be glad to know that this time around they are selling special VIP packages for the tour, giving them more time with the band.

Among the surprises that graced Little Big Town over the year, one of the biggest happened at the Grand Ole Opry. This was the first place they played together as a group and for more than 10 years they have delivered great performances on that stage. However, on 3 October, after finishing a three-song set, Reba McEntire came from the side of the stage and asked the group if they would like to become part of the Grand Ole Opry group. According to the president and general manager, Pete Fisher, it was a long time coming. Over the years they have grown so much and their commitment to the organization has never been questioned. Their induction on 17 October was led by Little Jimmy Dickens and Vince Gill.

A couple of days later they gave one of their most memorable performances when they joined Jimmy Fallon the Tonight Show. With the house band, the Roots, they sang “Stay All Night” and everyone who saw it probably wished that Little Big Town could stay all night. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Country, the group admitted that a big part of their edge comes from their producer, Jay Joyce. He pushes them to try things they wouldn’t ordinarily try and they have dubbed him the rock & roll guru.

A little later on the group got another big surprise in the form of a CMA award. After giving a show-stopping performance and participated in a very unconventional duet with pop star Ariana Grande, they received the vocal group of the year award. This was also the third time in a row they raked in this award.

The last single they dropped off the “Pain Killer” album is “Girl Crush”. Many are saying that it’s their best song ever. The band itself told fans that they should prepare themselves for something a little different and this is exactly what “Girl Crush” represents. It has been described as sexy and simple while other praise it for the original lyrics. The ability to create something new, especially when it seems like everything’s been done already, is no small feat.

Vince Gill: A Silky Smooth Sound All His Own

December 23, 2014 By NashStar

For more than 30 years Vince Gill has been a popular part of country music and at the age of 57, he has built up a legendary reputation. He has recorded 19 solo studio albums, not counting his collaborations, and placed more than 40 singles on the charts. His name has been added to the Country Music Hall of fame and to date he has sold 26 million albums with the counter still running. The only real question is what will Gill achieve next?

Childhood and Development

Vincent Gill was born on April 12, 1957. He grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and unlike most kids who are steered away from following music as a career, Gill was eagerly supported by his father. As a spare-time musician Gill’s father had a great love for music and his encouragement aided Gill in mastering several instruments. These included the guitar and banjo. Before Gill reached Northwest Classen High School his music skills had evolved with profound precision. His first taste of performing came during his teenage years after he joined Bill Perry, Bobby Clark and Mike Perry in the band “Bluegrass Revue”. However, this wasn’t the only bluegrass band he played with. After graduating, Gill performed with quite a number of bands.

Collaborations and Albums

Gill’s first step onto the national country scene was in 1979 with the band “Pure Prairie League”. By the time he became part of the band it was struggling in terms of band members. Several of them had broken away and through auditions Gill impressed Mike Reilly with his versatile talents. They recorded the album entitled “Can’t Hold Back”. The vocals for their hit song “Let Me Love You Tonight” was handled by Gill. In 1980 he moved on to join Rodney Crowell’s backing band, “The Cherry Bombs”. Things really started to take off for Gill during this time. He even received an invitation from none other than Mark Knopfler to join his band, “Dire Straits”. He didn’t accept the invitation though, but he did provide backup vocals on their “On Every Street” album.

In 1983 Gill decided to break away from the band scene and moved to Nashville with his wife and daughter to focus on a solo career. He was signed with RCA Records at the time and his debut mini-album as a solo artist was called “Turn Me Loose”. On this mini-album was his first chart single entitled “Victim of Life’s Circumstances”. This was followed by a full album, “The Things That Matter”, in 1985. Two top ten hits came from this collection, one a duet with Rosanne Cash, “If It Weren’t For Him”, and a solo single, “Oklahoma Borderline”. Things were just heating up for this ambitious musician as he released his first top 5 single in 1987 entitled “Cinderella” off the album “The Way Back Home”. Apart from doing his own thing, Vince participated in various other projects such as making himself available as a studio musician and a songwriter.

Detailed Discography

Turn Me Loose – 1984
Gill’s debut album peaked at no. 64 on the US Country charts and all 3 singles released from it reached a top 40 position.
Victims of Life’s Circumstances – No. 40
Oh Carolina – No. 38
Turn Me Loose – No. 39

The Things That Matter – 1985
The following year Gill reached no. 63 on the US Country charts with this album. His popularity was gaining great moment as the 4 singles that came from it reached high chart positions.
True Love – No.32
If It Weren’t For Him – No. 10
Oklahoma Borderline – No. 9
With You – No. 33

The Way Back Home – 1987
Gill’s reputation was breaking borders as the album reached no. 13 on the charts. It also saw the release of his first top 5 single.
Cinderella – No. 5
Let’s Do Something – No.16
Everybody’s Sweetheart – No.11
The Radio – No.39

When I Call Your Name – 1989
The sales for Gill’s fourth album went through the roof, reaching platinum status twice. It was obvious that there was no stopping this country force from becoming a legend.
Never Alone – No.22
Oklahoma Swing – No.13
When I Call Your Name – No.2
Never Knew Lonely – No.3

Pocket Full Of Gold – 1991
This album release also received double platinum status in addition to reaching no.5 on the charts. The 4 singles that came from it all settled in top 10 positions.
Pocket Full Of Gold – No.7
Liza Jane – No.7
Look At Us – No.4
Take Your Memory With You – No.2

I Still Believe In You – 1992
After a string of hits Gill was getting used to breaking borders, and this album was no exception. It settled comfortably at no.3 on the charts and the sales turned platinum status no less than 5 times. To top it off 4 out of the 5 singles that came from the album reached no.1.
I Still Believe In You – No.1
Don’t Let Your Love Start Slippin’ Away – No.1
No Future In the Past – No. 3
One More Last Chance – No.1
Trying To Get Over You – No.1

When Love Finds You – 1994
Two years after the “I Still Believe In You” album’s success Gill struck gold again, or platinum for that matter. “When Love Finds You” went to no.2 on the US Country album charts and reached platinum status 4 times. From the album 6 singles were released, 5 of which made it to the top 10.
Whenever You Come Around – No.2
What The Cowgirls Do – No.2
When Love Finds You – No.3
Which Bridge To Cross – No.4
You Better Think Twice – No.2

High Lonesome Sound – 1996
This album went to no.3 on the charts and also went platinum in terms of sales. All 5 singles that came off it went into the top 20.
High Lonesome Sound – No.12
Worlds Apart – No.5
Pretty Little Adriana – No.2
A Little More Love – No.2
You And You Alone – No.8

The Key – 1998
Gill would reach his first no.1 album in 1998 with “The Key” and platinum status was a natural result.
If You Ever Have Forever In Mind – No.5
Kindly Keep It Country – No.33
Don’t Come Cryin’ To Me – No.27
My Kind Of Woman/My Kind Of Man (Duet with Patty Loveless) – No.27

Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – 2000
The Millennium received Gill with open arms as this album reached gold status regarding sales and a no.4 position on the charts.
Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – No.20
Feels Like Love – No.6
Shoot Straight From Your Heart – No.31

Next Best Thing – 2003
Early in 2003 Gill once again found a spot in the top 5 with this album. All 4 singles that came from the collection entered the charts.
Next Best Thing – No.17
Someday – No.31
Young Man’s Town – No.44
In These Last Few Days – No.51

These Days – 2006
In 2006 Gill was back to selling platinum status albums and this was his third consecutive 4th spot release on the charts.
The Reason Why – No.28
What You Give Away – No.43
How Lonely Looks

Guitar Slinger – 2011
Every album Gill touched turned to gold and this one stayed true to the legend. Nothing could keep him out of the top 10 including “Guitar Slinger” which settled at no.4
Threaten Me With Heaven – No.42

Bakersfield – 2013
Even though no official singles were released from “Bakersfield” it still reached no.4 on the charts while selling more than 50 000 copies in the US alone.

Compilation Albums

Throughout his career Gill has released 12 compilation albums. The 1992 collection of “I Never Knew Lonely” ranked at no.47 on the charts and reached gold status for sales. The album that performed the best in terms of sales and chart position was “Souvenirs”. It came out in 1995, went platinum 3 times and held the number 3 position on the charts. Another notable compilation album was “Love Songs”. It reached no.36 on the charts and was released in 2010. However, fans will agree that any compilation album that features Vince Gill is worth making part of the collection.

Christmas Albums

Let There Be Peace On Earth – 1993
This was Gill’s first holiday album. It went straight to no.3 and reached double platinum status.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – No.52
It Won’t Be The Same This Year – No.74

Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection – 1998
Gill’s second holiday album was also a great success as it reached platinum status in addition to no.6 on the charts.
Blue Christmas – No.74

‘Tis The Season – 2000

Christmas Collection – 2006
No singles from this album reached the charts, but the album itself made it to no.68.

Music Videos

Looking at the music videos Gill has made, it’s hard to find a favorite, but five clearly stand out: “When I Call Your Name”, “Liza Jane”, “I Still Believe in You”, “Go Rest High on that Mountain”, and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away”.

“When I Call Your Name” was co-written with Tim DuBois. It was released in May 1990 as the third single and title track from the album When I Call Your Name. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

In sepia tone, the video is a sad and melancholy telling of the loss love.

“Liza Jane” was co-written with Reed Nielsen. It was released in June 1991 as the second single from the album Pocket Full of Gold. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The video was a near disaster as it was planned for an outdoor night shoot at a drive in with fireworks, but rain forced everyone inside for most of the shoot as Gill explains in the opening, umbrella in hand.

“Go Rests High on that Mountain” was released in August 1995 as the sixth single from “When Love Finds You”. Gill began writing the song after the death of troubled country music star Keith Whitley, who died in 1989. However, he did not finish writing the song until several years later following the death of his eldest brother Bob, in 1993.

The song won the CMA’s Song of the Year award in 1996 and a BMI Most-Performed Song award in 1997. It also received three Grammy Awards and made it to #14 on the Country Singles chart in 1995.

The video here is of a live performance with Allison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs, two of Gill’s favorite bluegrass crooners.

The “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” video was a lot like “Liza Jane” shot in a low-budget free style mode. Gill on a small stage playing to a crowd of enthusiastic fans. However, the stars came shinning through for Gill with the likes of Little Jimmy Dickens, Bruce Hornsby, Patty Loveless, Michael McDonald, Reba McEntire, Lee Roy Parnell, Carl Perkins, Leon Russell, Leland Sklar, Pam Tillis, Kevin Welch, Kelly Willis and Kentucky Headhunters drummer Fred Young. Randall Tex Cobb makes a quick appearance to cut a rug with Singer/Songwriter/Dancer Pam MacBeth.

Awards and Other Specialties

Even though he received an award for Top New Male Vocalist in 1984 by the Academy of Country Music, his award collection only started to grow during the 90’s. Between the Country Music Association and the Grammy Awards he received more than 35 awards. These vary between best single, best song, best album, vocalist of the year, entertainer of the year and best country instrumental performance. Among all the awards he has won, being inducted into the Country Hall of Fame, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1991, there is one award that truly stands out. The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence in country music he received is only shared by one other country singer, and he is the great Johnny Cash.

As well as winning awards, Gill also had another talent and it was hosting the CMA Awards from 1992 until 2003, setting the bar for every other host that followed. In 2014, Gill was presented with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence during “The 48th Annual CMA Awards

Personal Life

As for Gill’s personal life, his first marriage was to Janis Oliver. Mainly remembered as one of the singers for “Sweethearts of Rodeo”, which was very popular during the 80’s. On occasion Gill was the sound engineer for the band during concerts. Gill and Oliver only had one daughter and they officially got divorced in 1998 after a long separation.

Gill’s current wife is also a singer and she is well-known for her country gospel hits. Gill married Amy Grant in 2000 and they too have a daughter.

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Their plans for the holidays are busy, as can be expected, but on Christmas day they won’t be doing any performances. Apparently Vince is in charge of the cooking this year while wife Amy has the pleasure of filling the stockings.

Upcoming Tour

Fans will be happy to know that Gill is planning a special mini-tour for January next year. He teamed up with Lyle Lovett and together they will be hitting the east coast with “Songs and Stories”. It’s only a 4 day tour, but it’s not your typical one. Instead of having bright lights and big bands to back them up, they are going to handle their own music. It’s going to be much more intimate and there will be duo and solo performances.

Just the thought of these two great singers and songwriters sharing a stage without any distractions is enough to motivate old and new fans. The tour will kick off on the 27th in Glenside, PA, and it will end on the 30th in North Charleston, SC. Fans are already begging them to extend their tour and visit their towns, but we’ll have to wait and see if they can be convinced to oblige.

Gary Morris – The Voice!

December 7, 2014 By NashStar

There’s the TV show The Voice, and there’s the man The Voice – Gary Morris, who comes from a long line of traditional country and gospel singers.

No stranger to hits, he has had more than 25 hit singles including the popular ballad The Wind Beneath My Wings, along with nearly 20 albums and counting.

In honor of his 66th birthday we take a look back on where he comes from and some of his many accomplishments over the years.

Childhood and Youth

Born on December 7, 1948, Gary showed early signs of talent for singing and sports. After moving during the late 50’s from Fort Worth to North Richard Hills, Texas, he teamed up with his twin sister Carey to win a talent competition. They were in the third grade at the time and their version of the hit song This Old House brought them victory. However, singing remained a hobby rather than a lifestyle. Morris also has a younger brother Mark.

While attending Richland High School, Gary participated in no less than 4 sport activities leading to a scholarship at Cisco Junior College. Here singing and music did become a serious part of his life.His next move was to Colorado where he and two friends formed a trio, taking the first steps on the road towards becoming a music legend.

Their first show took place in a Colorado Springs bar and the overwhelming response they received from the crowd was an obvious sign that they were on the right track. He decided that college had to wait and went in pursuit of his new found career.

Music Career

By the 1970’s, Gary was able to make a living performing in nightclubs situated around Denver. He also made some extra money through Frontier Airlines for the commercial jingles he wrote for them. His breakthrough came in 1976 when he joined the campaign of presidential candidate Jimmy Carter. He typically performed at fundraisers and when Carter won the election he upgraded to the White House. This is where Norro Wilson spotted Gary. Wilson, a Nashville music producer was impressed with him, even more so when Gary handed him a demo. Wilson wasted little time signing him to Warner Bros. Records.

After signing with Warner Bros. in 1980, several songs from the first self-titled album made it to the top 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. But as 1981 was coming to a close, Headed for a Heartache reached No. 8 on the charts, followed up by Don’t Look Back at No. 12 and Dreams Die Hard at No. 15. Gary Morris was beginning to make it in the music business!

In 1983, Gary released the album Why Lady Why and one of the four featured singles was the well-known hit Wind Beneath My Wings. The ballad-based album acquired gold status and it included The Love She Found in Me and Velvet Chains, both of which made the top 10 on the Billboard Charts.

1984 held two more top ten songs for Gary, Between Two Fires and Second Hand Heart, but in 1985 he achieved every singer’s dream – his first No. 1 hit with Baby Bye Bye.

By 1987 he added 4 more No. 1 hits, I’ll Never Stop Loving You, 100% Chance of Rain, Leave Me Lonely, and Makin’ Up for Lost Time.

In 1987, Gary took a several year break from country music to play Jean Valjean on Broadway in Les Misérables (see below).

By 1992, Gary was “off Broadway” and back to Nashville working on a record deal with Liberty Records, but unfortunately no album resulted. However, the video to one song, Love Hurts did get made into a video (see below). It tells the story of a man coming home to find the love of his life isn’t there anymore, and as much as he tries to shun out the pain, nothing works. We’ll be providing more insight into to this video that nearly cost Gary his life!

Now with more time to himself, Gary became heavily involved with his TNN TV show, The North American Sportsman, and his music publishing company, Gary Morris Music. Fortunately, his publishing company helped launch the careers of hit songwriter Victoria Shaw, who co-wrote The River (Garth Brooks) and Faith Hill who worked as an assistant in the office. It was only when a singer didn’t show up to record a demo that Faith volunteered to sing in her place. No one in the office, including Gary, had any idea she could sing. It wasn’t long before she moved from behind a desk to in front of a microphone – and millions of fans.

Album Releases

1982 – Gary Morris
This was the first album Gary released and it features 4 charting songs, namely:
Sweet Red Wine
Headed for a Heartache
Don’t Look Back
Dreams Die Hard

1983 – Why Lady Why
This is the second album Gary released with Warner Bros. and as mentioned earlier, it reached certified gold status. The chart singles include:
Velvet Chains
Wind Beneath My Wings
The Love She Found in Me
Why Lady Why

1984 – Faded Blue
The third album release contained 3 chart singles, of which Baby Bye Bye went to number one. These are:
Between Two Fires
Second Hand Heart
Baby Bye Bye

1985 – Hits
Two singles from this collection reached the Billboard Country music singles chart:
Lasso the Moon
Finishing Touches

1985 – Anything Goes
Three hit singles came from this collection and they were:
I’ll Never Stop Loving You (No. 1)
100% Chance of Rain (No. 1)
Anything Goes

1986 – Plain Brown Paper
It’s one of the first unplugged albums that became very popular and has three singles that made the charts.
Honeycomb
Leave Me Lonely (No. 1)
Plain Brown Paper

1987 – What if we Fall in Love?
The following year Gary collaborated with Crystal Gayle to release this album with three chart singles. The album itself also reached the Billboard Top Country Albums charts.
Makin’ Up for Lost Time (N0. 1 song from CBS Series “Dallas)
Another World
All of this and More

1988 – Every Christmas
It’s the only Christmas album Gary released during the 80’s and features 10 songs. It was also the last album with Warner Bros.

1989 – Stones
Two singles from this album made it into the Billboard charts. At this time Gary had signed with Universal Records, but this was the only album they released.
Never had a Love Song
The Jaws of Modern Romance

1990 – These Days
Just by looking at the album cover you can tell that Gary was moving into modern times with his look. Released by Capitol Records, one single made it to the charts.
Miles Across the Bedroom

1990 – Greatest Hits Vol II
This album picks up where Hits left off. Included is the theme song from the soap opera Another World, a duet with Crystal Gayle. Of special note is that it also includes You’re Welcome to Tonight, a duet with Lynn Anderson, and co-written by posthumous Nashville StarVision player Grant Boatwright.

2001 – Lone Star Knight
Recorded with an independent label, House Records, Gary experimented with songs that didn’t really include country and mostly focused on pop.

2008 – I Believe
The first gospel album released by Gary.

2014 – Faith and Freedom
His most recent album is dedicated to the troops of the United States.

Gary’s music is available directly from GaryMorris.com as well as Amazon.com and iTunes. Also available at Gary’s website are lots of other music items (My Son, Your Christmas a duet CD with his son Matt Morris), dvds, apparel, and autographed pictures. Check it out!

Acting Career

One of Gary’s most notable roles as an actor is his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the Grammy award-winning Broadway production Les Misérables. His version of Bring Him Home which is featured on the album, reached platinum status. Gary was also the first country singer to make the successful transition to opera beginning with Puccini’s La Boheme alongside Linda Ronstadt.

As for television, Gary has made several guest appearances on popular shows like Mike Hammer and Designing Women. But one show everyone has come to associate Gary with the most is without a doubt North American Sportsman. For 5 years he was the host of this adventurous hunting and fishing show featuring celebrity guests such as General Schwarzkopf, Ted Nugent, Troy Aikman, Ed Marinaro, Lee Horsleym and others including famous hunters like Knight & Hale. The show ventured throughout North America, Alaska being a favorite and as far away as Africa and Argentina.

His home in Colorado also plays witness to the love he has for fresh air and mountain range scenery. Since 2001 he has been the owner of the Mountain Spirit Lodge, a fishing and hunting haven that can accommodate up to 20 guests.

Gary also took part in one of the most moving PBS documentaries ever made. It was called Gary Morris and the Art of Tretyakov. He was the first musician to perform live in that majestic Russian museum that holds thousands of artworks, and the music he chose complemented the paintings perfectly.

Charity Events

Gary has always supported charities, but a cause he is more passionate about above all else is supporting the military. Before he even released his first album Gary was doing a USO tour. For him it’s not about the war or religion, but standing by those brave men and women who sacrifice themselves to protect their country. Even now he does anything he can to raise funds, whether it’s attending a golf game, special events or concerts. He also shows a lot of support for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). It was established to help those who have lost loved ones while serving the military.

Living Legacy

Critics have described his voice, “The Voice”, as transcending. It’s because of singers like Gary that music is called a form of art.

His versatility in the entertainment industry has taken him across the globe, giving performances not just in the White House, but also for the queen of England. In fact, he’s always been a little elusive making it hard to keep track of him and all his accomplishments. When he wasn’t hosting his own TV program, he was taking recurring roles in other favorite shows, cutting a new record, playing road gigs and benefits, supporting a good cause or simply out somewhere in the wilderness enjoying nature.

When Scott Hamilton, an Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater, won his battle with cancer and made a return he wanted Gary to perform on his CBS comeback special.

Who can forget the self-produced acoustic album, Plain Brown Paper, Gary released before unplugged sessions became so popular? Gary has even produced a Hungarian rock band.

On your 66th birthday, we thank you Gary Morris! We thank you for the way you touched our lives through your voice and talents, and we thank you for what you have yet to produce. We hope this day will be special in every possible way and that there will be many more to follow!

Gary Morris Home Page
Gary Morris-Facebook

Blake Shelton – On Top!

November 27, 2014 By NashStar

You will be hard-pressed to find a country music fan that doesn’t know the name Blake Shelton, and with good reason. His 11th studio album “Bringing Back the Sunshine” has broken so many records for this year that it’s hard to keep track. It was released in September and within the first week it sold 101,000 copies. Alongside his longtime friend and producer, Scott Hendricks, the album features a vocal power not yet heard from Blake. The combination of songs is a great balance between sentimentality, nostalgia, romance and some fun. At the age of 35 he still has many records to break in terms of sales, but it seems he prefers to do this sooner rather than later.

Recently Blake appeared on “60 Seconds” where he spoke to Norah O’ Donnell about his success, life and everything that goes with it. Answering questions about the album which debuted at No.1, Blake conveyed to O’ Donnell that the popularity of the music is largely based on how people relate to it. This is the bond between the artist and those who listen. More importantly, they want to relate to the artist and when he’s at home he does all the normal things other people. This is also where is inspiration comes from.

http://youtu.be/ZyxOwm76T80

When Blake isn’t making music he loves to fish, hunt, farm and drive back roads. He was raised in Oklahoma and for the most part he lived with his dad. Blake is the youngest of 3 siblings, but unfortunately he lost his older brother and hero, Richie, in a car accident. Blake was 14 at the time. When he was 17 he moved to Nashville in hopes of making a career out of music and this dream only materialized 8 years later with the release of the album “Austin”.

Earlier this month Blake accepted the CMA’s “Male Vocalist of the Year Award” for the fifth consecutive time. The only other person with this accomplishment is Vince Gill. To top off the festivities he performed the second single off the new album, “Lonely Tonight”, for the first time alongside Ashley Monroe. Ashley features on the album and the music video.

http://youtu.be/GhU7iP3cQLc

As for breaking records, Blake is officially the first country star to top the Billboard Artist 100 chart. As if that isn’t great enough, the first single off the album, “Neon Light”, became his 13th consecutive No. 1 release, which is a first for the Billboard Country Chart. Blake has already been nominated for several “People’s Choice” awards next year and he has received a nomination for “Favorite Country Male Artist” for the “American Music Awards”.

Currently Blake has been quite busy with the ever popular reality show “The Voice”. This isn’t something that is new to him, seeing as he was a judge on “Nashville Star” and “Clash of the Choirs”. “The Voice” is now in its 7th season and in support of the top ten finalists he and Adam Levine (co-coach) stood by as they performed at the “CityWalk Christmas Tree Lighting” following the red carpet event for the show. Out of the previous 6 seasons, contestants with Blake as a coach have won 3. In March next year he’ll be on the road again, starting with the “Runaway Country Festival” in Melbourne, Florida, and moving on to Florence, Arizona, for the “Country Thunder Music Festival” in April.