Bob Dylan to be honored as 2015 MusiCares® Person of the Year

This press release just came in this morning...

TEN-TIME GRAMMY^® WINNER BOB DYLAN
TO BE HONORED AS 
2015 MUSICARES^® PERSON OF THE YEAR AT
 25TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE
 
Performers Include Beck; the Black Keys; Crosby, Stills & Nash; John Doe; Norah Jones; 
Tom Jones; Los Lobos; John Mellencamp; Willie Nelson; Bonnie Raitt; Eddie Vedder; 
Jack White; and Neil Young

Annual Gala Benefiting The MusiCares Foundation^® and Its Health and Human Services Programs for Music People Will Be Held During GRAMMY^® Week 
on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2014) — Bob Dylan will be honored as the 2015 MusiCares^® Person of the Year on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, it was announced today by Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the MusiCares Foundation^® and The Recording Academy^®, and Bill Silva, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board. Proceeds from the 25th annual benefit gala dinner and concert — to be held in Los Angeles during GRAMMY Week two nights prior to the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® — will provide essential support for MusiCares (www.musicares.org), which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Performers at the tribute concert include GRAMMY winners Beck; the Black Keys;
Crosby, Stills & Nash; Norah Jones; Tom Jones; Los Lobos; John Mellencamp; Willie Nelson; Bonnie Raitt; Eddie Vedder; Jack White; and Neil Young; as well as singer/songwriter John Doe. Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer and recent Emmy^®winner Don Was will be the evening's musical director. Additional performers will be announced shortly.

"In celebrating the 25th anniversary of our MusiCares Person of the Year tribute, it is most fitting that we are honoring Bob Dylan, whose body of creative work has contributed to America's culture, as well as that of the entire world, in genuinely deep and lasting ways," said Portnow.

"Bob Dylan's songwriting ability is unmatched, and it will be an extraordinary evening to hear his work showcased by such a remarkable group of artists," said Silva.

The 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a dinner, the award presentation and a tribute concert by renowned musicians. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. The celebration culminates with the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The MusiCares Foundation^® offers programs and services to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities and car payments; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills; psychotherapy; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses. MusiCares offers nationwide educational workshopscovering a variety of subjects, including financial, legal, medical, and substance abuse issues, and programs in collaboration with health care professionals that provide services such as flu shots, hearing tests, and medical/dental screenings. The MusiCares MAP Fund allows access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCaresSafe Harbor Rooms, supported by the Bohemian Foundation, offer a support network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. MusiCares holds weekly addiction support groups for people to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. The MusiCaresSober Touring Network is a database of individuals across the United States who can take music people to recovery support meetings while on the road.

Established more than 20 years ago by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.org. For breaking news and exclusive content, please like "MusiCares" on Facebook, follow @MusiCares on Twitterand Instagram.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

For information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, please contact Dana Tomarkenat MusiCares, 310.392.3777.

Sights and Sounds: John Fogerty, Dream Theater, GRAMMY Awards update

Happy Monday everybody! Here are several just-in newsworthy items worth sharing...

JOHN FOGERTY’S NEW RELEASE WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE AVAILABLE MAY 28, 2013 ON VANGUARD RECORDS

FOGERTY’S NEW RECORDING OF HIS CLASSIC “BORN ON THE BAYOU” WITH KID ROCK WAS USED IN NFL NETWORK’S COVERAGE OF SUPER BOWL XLVII


ALBUM AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW ON ITUNES AND AMAZON!


JOHN FOGERTY’S much-anticipated album WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE will be released May 28, 2013 on Vanguard Records, his first for the label. Beginning today (February 4), the album is available for pre-order in both the iTunes and Amazon stores (see the album cover above and the tracklisting below). One of the album’s highlights--FOGERTY’s immortal swamp rock smash hit “Born On The Bayou” which the legendary rocker has recorded with Kid Rock—was used by NFL Network in their coverage of Super Bowl XLVII fittingly played in New Orleans.

Wrote a Song for Everyone tracklisting
1. Fortunate Son (with Foo Fighters)

2. Almost Saturday Night (with Keith Urban)

3. Lodi (with Shane Fogerty and Tyler Fogerty)

4. Mystic Highway (John Fogerty solo)

5. Wrote a Song for Everyone (with Miranda Lambert feat. Tom Morello)

6. Bad Moon Rising (with Zac Brown Band)

7. Long As I Can See the Light (with My Morning Jacket)

8. Born on the Bayou (with Kid Rock)

9. Train of Fools (John Fogerty solo)

10. Someday Never Comes (with Dawes)

11. Who'll Stop the Rain (with Bob Seger)

12. Hot Rod Heart (with Brad Paisley)

13. Have You Ever Seen the Rain (with Alan Jackson)

14. Proud Mary (with Jennifer Hudson featuring Allen Toussaint and the Rebirth Brass Band)


Produced by FOGERTY, one of rock’s most important artists and a national treasure who’s sold over 100 million records, WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE is a celebration of his iconic songbook and a collection of 12 classics and deep tracks from his remarkable canon of hits as well as two brand new songs, “Mystic Highway” and “Train of Fools.” FOGERTY performed alongside an array of today’s biggest superstars from the country, pop and rock worlds including Foo Fighters, Bob Seger, Keith Urban, Jennifer Hudson, Kid Rock, Brad Paisley, the Zac Brown Band, My Morning Jacket, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert and more. The album also sees FOGERTY teaming with an acclaimed new band like Dawes, who were eager to acknowledge the groundbreaking songwriter/guitarist’s titanic influence. FOGERTY also recorded his classic “Lodi” with his sons Shane and Tyler Fogerty at Abbey Road Studios in London.


As FOGERTY explains in a cover story in the current (January/February) “Legends” issue of American Songwriter: “I encouraged each of these artists to come up with their own vision of my song, rather than just redoing what I’d recorded in the past. I was hoping they’d have some different twist so it would be fresh, so I’d have to work, too. I wanted it to be something new.”


WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE marks FOGERTY's ninth studio solo album since disbanding Creedence Clearwater Revival. Mixed by Bob Clearmountain, it was recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville except for "Proud Mary" which was recorded in New Orleans with Allen Toussaint and the Rebirth Brass Band. FOGERTY recorded “Fortunate Son” with Foo Fighters at their 606 studio using "the" legendary Neve recording console featured in the #1 iTunes documentary Sound City. FOGERTY has performed with the Sound City Players, the all-star band assembled by Dave Grohl to play the music created for the film and other classics, at recent shows at both the Sundance Film Festival and the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.


JOHN FOGERTY will tour in 2013 and look for him to be at this year’s SXSW in Austin (dates/events TBA).

www.johnfogerty.com

http://www.facebook.com/johnfogerty

https://twitter.com/John_Fogerty

www.vanguardrecords.com



About John Fogerty:

John Fogerty--singer, songwriter and guitarist--has sold over 100 million records, earning 18 Gold Albums and 10 Platinum Albums. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, won the Grammy Award for his album Blue Moon Swamp in 1997 and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. He is also a BMI Icon Award Winner. In addition, Fogerty and his #1 phenomenal recording “Centerfield” were honored during the 2010 National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies--the first time the National Baseball Hall of Fame has immortalized a musician or song as part of the annual ceremonies. He’s also called the “Father of the Flannel Shirt.”



DREAM THEATER RELEASES TRAILER FOR NEW DVD, BLU-RAY, CD LIVE AT LUNA PARK
Live At Luna Park, a live concert captured on 2DVD, Blu-ray, Digital Video, 2DVD/3CD, Blu-ray/3CD, and a deluxe edition (2DVD/Blu-ray/3CD), will drop in May 2013. To whet the appetite of their fans, Dream Theater have released this trailer: http://bit.ly/14uKWvI

Live At Luna Park was filmed over two nights in South America – home to one of Dream Theater’s most ardent fanbases. The DVD was filmed after a 15-month world tour, hitting 35 countries.


“This is without a doubt the closest a viewer at home will come to experiencing a live Dream Theater concert,” states guitarist and founding member John Petrucci. “Between the hi-def video, the huge audio mix and the documentary style behind the scenes footage, you are truly transported to the arena and completely immersed in the entire live experience.”


“We have the greatest fans on the planet and the people of Argentina are no exception!” adds Petrucci. “The energy and vibe at Luna Park was truly electric and contagious. The perfect synergy between band and audience. We are immensely proud of this DVD and incredibly excited to share it with everyone!”


Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide.


BRUNO MARS, RIHANNA, AND STING TO JOIN TOGETHER FOR A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE ON THE 55TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®


NOMINEE KELLY CLARKSON ALSO SET TO PERFORM ON MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT®

Beyoncé, Hunter Hayes, Jennifer Lopez, Pauley Perrette, and Prince
Are Set to Present at the Music Industry's Premier Event


The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards® — Hosted by LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS
Sunday, Feb. 10, 8 P.M. ET/PT

#TheWorldIsListening


SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2013) — Nominees Bruno Mars and Rihanna, as well as 16-time GRAMMY® winner Sting, will join together for a special performance, and current nominee Kelly Clarkson is set to perform on the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards® telecast. Sixteen-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Beyoncé, current nominee Hunter Hayes, singer/actor Jennifer Lopez, actor Pauley Perrette, and seven-time GRAMMY winner Prince will appear as presenters. The music industry's premier event will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 10, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook.

Two-time GRAMMY winner Clarkson has three nominations: Record Of The Year (along with Greg Kurstin, Serban Ghenea, John Hanes, Jesse Shatkin, and Chris Gehringer) and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," and Best Pop Vocal Album for Stronger.


GRAMMY winner Bruno Mars is up for Best Rap Song for "Young, Wild & Free" (along with Calvin Broadus, Chris Brody Brown, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, and Cameron Thomaz).

Previously announced performers for the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards include current nominees Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert, The Black Keys, FUN., the Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Jack White, as well as Elton John and current nominee Ed Sheeran performing live together for the first time, Alicia Keys and current nominees Maroon 5, and Justin Timberlake. The Black Keys, FUN., the Lumineers, Ocean, and Sheeran will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are nominees Carly Rae Jepsen and Katy Perry, actor Kaley Cuoco, actor and three-time Emmy® winner Neil Patrick Harris, five-time GRAMMY winner Faith Hill, three-time GRAMMY winner Tim McGraw, and four-time GRAMMY winner Keith Urban. Two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J returns as host of Music's Biggest Night®.

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

Sights and Sounds: Recent album reviews, Paul McCartney, Scissor Sisters, the Black Keys

I hope everybody had a nice holiday weekend. I enjoyed an amazing victory by the Angels over the Yankees last night! The Bronx Bombers were impressive, but the Anaheim Angels prevailed (that's about as much sports talk you will ever get here...)

Here are a few things to check out to set the week off right.

You can read my roundup of a number of roots, blues and Americana releases on Music Worth Buying here, including the latest albums from the Tedeschi Trucks Band and Sonny Landreth.

A media release that caught my eye over the weekend announced that Paul McCartney is making his directorial debut courtesy of a short black and white film of his song "My Valentine" that will be shown before all theatrical showings of the forthcoming The Intouchables. The release reads, in part: "The three minute short film, which came to fruition following an original idea by Stella McCartney, stars Academy Award© winner Natalie Portman (BLACK SWAN, BEAUTIFUL GIRLS) and Golden Globe© winner Johnny Depp (FINDING NEVERLAND, CHOCOLAT). Portman, who was exclusively dressed by Stella McCartney for the film, and Depp translate the lyrics of the song through sign language throughout the film each with their own distinct interpretations, and Depp adds soul midway through the film with a guitar solo, which was recorded live."

You can also view the video below:





The Scissor Sisters' Magic Hour is out today on Casablanca Records. The new album is the follow-up to 2010's Night Work, which debuted at number 1 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums Chart. For more info on the band, including their upcoming U.S. tour, visit http://www.scissorsisters.com/




Finally, MTV today announced that the Black Keys will perform at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards.

The duo is set to perform their single "Gold On the Ceiling" from El Camino at the show, set to air live on Sunday, June 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. For more info, visit http://www.mtv.com/.

Sights and Sounds: Record Store Day releases, Jon Anderson, Ricky Skaggs

Why get scared on Halloween when so much new music awaits? I went digging through the dark labyrinth of my inbox and unearthed a few gems to share. So if you have interest in the upcoming 'Black Friday' and other chilling updates, read on...


WARNER BROS. RECORDS AND AFFILIATED LABELS ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE VINYL RELEASES FOR NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY ON BLACK FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011



VINYL PACKAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, IRON AND WINE, TOM PETTY (PICTURED), THE BLACK KEYS AND ERIC CLAPTON


In keeping with its commitment to the annual vinyl bonanza that is Record Store Day, a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the U.S. and hundreds of similar stores internationally, Warner Bros. Records has announced that it will make several vinyl pieces available on November 25th (or Black Friday, if you speak retail), exclusively in honor of 2011's second annual Record Store Day. April saw the release of vinyl from The Flaming Lips, Devo, Mastodon, Sonic Youth, and others. The day after Thanksgiving, the following very special exclusive releases will go on sale in record stores across the country and at www.becausesoundmatters.com:


Red Hot Chili Peppers: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Remastered and reissued for the first time in 20 years, this Anniversary edition of the SoCal funk-rock giants' classic 1991 album will be released on 140-gram red vinyl and is limited to 2,500 units domestically. Produced by Rick Rubin, Blood Sugar Sex Magik has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide and was the Red Hot Chili Peppers' introduction to worldwide popularity and critical acclaim, spawning several hit singles including "Under The Bridge" and "Give It Away."

$34.98



Iron and Wine: Live at KCRW
This live collection features Iron and Wine, fronted by Sam Beam, in an intimate on-air acoustic performance at Los Angeles' influential tastemaker radio station KCRW this past Jan 26, 2011. This intimate performance includes songs from Iron and Wine's current album Kiss Each Other Clean, and other favorites as well as audio from his interview with Jason Bentley. The package includes a limited-edition LP pressed in an edition of 2,500 copies only and a CD.

$24.98



Tom Petty: Kiss My Amps (Live)
This limited-edition LP features six live tracks from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' 2010 tour supporting their album Mojo - Petty's first album with the Heartbreakers in eight years. It includes "Sweet William," a B-side recorded live during the 2008 tour and referred to at the time by Rolling Stone as their "new favorite Petty song." Limited to 5,000.

$24.98



The Black Keys: Two-song 12" EP
The Black Keys' new record El Camino will be released Dec 6th on Nonesuch Records. Produced by Danger Mouse and The Black Keys, the album was recorded in the band's new hometown of Nashville. A limited-edition 12" of the already popular single "Lonely Boy," pressed on limited edition vinyl, will be available at independent retailers as part of Record Store Day, with another album track, "Run Right Back," on the B-side.

$10.98



Eric Clapton Blues Box
We are proud to present the definitive sound and vinyl offering of three of Eric Clapton's most celebrated blues explorations. This three album five disc box has been carefully recut for vinyl at Bernie Grundman Mastering by Chris Bellman and pressed on the finest grade 180- gram European vinyl for the highest quality analog sound imaginable. Box set includes: From The Cradle, Riding With The King and Me And Mr. Johnson, plus a unique 12" x 12" lithograph. Each box is beautifully packaged in a high quality paper wrapped design. This title is non-exclusive to Record Store day but limited to 2500 copies.

$124.98


About Record Store Day:
Record Store Day is managed by the Music Monitor Network and is organized in partnership with the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) and celebrates the culture of independent record stores by playing host to in-store events/performances, signings and special product releases on a global scale on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

For more about National Record Store Day, please visit www.recordstoreday.com.




Open Doors Will Always Open Hearts... OPEN – The New Opus By Jon Anderson

Digital Download Available Now


Asheville, NC – Much to the excitement of music fans across the globe, on October 25, 2011 legendary YES vocalist Jon Anderson will release as a digital download an epic musical work entitled OPEN. A return to the long-form composition that Jon Anderson is best known for, (“Close To The Edge”, “Gates of Delirium”, "Revealing" and “Awaken”), OPEN is a 21-minute exhilarating musical journey; a pioneering effort that weaves intricate melodic and harmonic themes within a classical music framework whilst showcasing Anderson's iconic vocals and timeless melodies throughout. In many ways OPEN is a return to Jon Anderson's musical roots, as YES music continually flows through his veins, making it only natural to revisit now and again. Coupled with wonderful orchestration by his neighbor and good friend Stefan Podell, messages of peace, love, light and freedom are further explored within OPEN, making listening an uplifting and joyous experience!

" 'Forever taken to that place of understanding,' are the first lyrics of OPEN, as though I am always remembering my true musical journey. To create this work, I sat with my 19th Century guitar and strummed ideas last spring 2010. Songs just poured out of me that week, and before I knew it I had created a long form musical idea, and with the help of Stefan Podell's powerful orchestration, we put together what is now 'OPEN.'

It has 4 movements all intertwined, and seems to have a life of its own. For those who love this kind of music, I feel so happy to present it as one of many I hope to create over the coming years. My love 'Janee' has helped in production with her unique musical observations and her angel voice. I am so happy and thankful... Many Blessings." Jon Anderson - October 2011

In other news, Jon Anderson is currently on tour in the US and Canada with fellow former YES member Rick Wakeman. The legendary duo performed a series of successful concerts in the UK in 2010 in support of their critically acclaimed CD release 'The Living Tree', and have now brought their highly anticipated show to America! In December 2011 Jon will be performing select solo concerts in South America. Go to www.jonanderson.com/tour.html for more information. Lastly, Jon Anderson's latest CD release 'Survival & Other Stories' has been garnering rave reviews worldwide by critics and fans alike. You can purchase the CD at: www.amazon.com/Survival-Other-Stories-Jon-Anderson/dp/B004XIQHWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308606761&sr=1-1

Jon Anderson's OPEN is available as a digital download on October, 25, 2011 and can be obtained at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/open-single/id474552662?ls=1

For more information: www.JonAnderson.com or www.facebook.com/thejonanderson


Music Icon Ricky Skaggs named Entertainer of the Year and Musician of the Year at 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards


"I always try to entertain folks with good clean fun and stories from my youth," says Skaggs of the Entertainer of the Year nod. "I always try to bring the gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ to our shows as well. I think now more than ever, people all over the country need hope. I'm very thankful to have won this award. I certainly look up to all of the people in this category. They are taking the gospel out to the folks who really need to hear it. Thanks again so much. It means a lot to me."

Music icon Ricky Skaggs was named Entertainer of the Year and Musician of the Year at the 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show held on Oct. 28, 2011. Held at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the star-studded evening included a memorable performance of "Somebody's Prayin'" that featured Skaggs, John Elliot and six members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. The track is from Ricky's July-issue CD, COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE. The show was co-hosted by GAC-TV's Storme Warren and Inside Edition's Megan Alexander.

This year marks Ricky's 50th in the entertainment field, and his rise to the top has been unparalleled in music history. From his days as a valued band member for artists like Ralph Stanley and Emmylou Harris, to the release of his first solo recording in 1981, Skaggs has taken his lively, distinctively American form of music out of isolation and into the hearts of audiences across the country and around the world. Skaggs was honored to be chosen from among the very best of musicians, and says: "It means a lot to have been included with pickers whom I so admire. I am honored to have won Musician of the Year." Credited with "single-handedly saving country music" in the mid-80s by renowned guitarist and producer, Chet Atkins, Skaggs has since blurred the edges of various genres, but maintained his unique musical individualism.

Ricky was honored by Power Source Magazine last week at their # 1 Awards Party held at the Wildhorse Saloon for "Someday Soon," a hit from last year's MOSAIC album. Skaggs has previously won the following ICM Awards: Musician of the Year, Christian Country Music Association - 1994, 1995; Musician of the Year - 2008; Inspirational Bluegrass Artist (with The Whites) - 2008; Mainstream Country Artist (with The Whites) - 2008; Mainstream Country Artist - 2009 and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist - 2010. The 14-time Grammy® winner has also been honored with eight Academy of Country Music Awards and eight Country Music Association Awards.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder hit the road next week for one show in Louisiana before heading North for seven engagements in Canada, November 4 - 12. They return stateside for shows in Virginia and Pennsylvania before Ricky embarks (with The Whites and family) November 28 on A Skaggs Family Christmas Tour. The seasonal tour, the entourage's eighth in as many years, is in support of A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO, which was released last month. The 10-song disc features both studio and live recordings, and includes a bonus DVD filled with 26 performances of traditional seasonal favorites and new compositions. A Skaggs Family Christmas Tour concludes with an evening at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center on December 22. Information: www.rickyskaggs.com.

Speaking of the ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show, other major wins of the night included Lady Antebellum’s Hello World, in the Video category. Noted Dave Haywood of Lady A on their award: "This was a really emotional song and definitely the most dramatic video we've ever made. We are honored with the recognition from the Inspirational Country Music Award voters and we just appreciate the support of our fans. We want to give a shout out to Roman White, who directed this video and created such a powerful visual story for our song...big thanks to him as well."

Big Machine Label Group’s rising new superstar Justin Moore proved a winner with this year’s voters with Mainstream Inspirational Country Song honors being award to If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away. “This song is a gift from God,” he noted in acknowledging the honor. “I can’t think of a better way and a better place to win my first ever award so thank you very much and God bless you guys.”

Jeff Bates proved equally strong as a mainstream contender as he walked the Schermerhorn stage to receive Mainstream Country Artist top honors. Film honors went to Soul Surfer -- the dramatic true story of young surfer Bethany Hamilton’s deep encounter with God after losing her arm in a shark attack at the age of 13. Directed by Sean McNamara, who also co-wrote the screenplay with collaborative writer Deborah Schwartz, McNamara was at the Schermerhorn to accept the award.

An emotional highlight of the evening was the naming of The Fox Brothers as the recipient of the coveted Legend/Pioneer Award.

Information: www.ICM-Awards.com