Cross-Genre Music Elite Added to Performers on 'The 39th Annual CMA Awards' as New York Connections Continue to Build for 'Country Music's Biggest Night'
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The stars appearing on "The 39th
Annual CMA Awards" are a testament to the overall popularity of Country Music
as artists from other genres and some of America's top actors join "Country
Music's Biggest Night."
Added to the star-packed line up for the 2005 CMA Awards are performances
by Bon Jovi with Sugarland front woman Jennifer Nettles; by two American
musical icons Willie Nelson and Paul Simon, who will also present the Song of
the Year Award; by nominees Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry
Douglas; and by Horizon Award nominees Miranda Lambert and Julie Roberts.
Popular New York actor James Gandolfini will be an Award presenter.
"The interest from the artistic community to be involved this year really
demonstrates the excitement about the CMA Awards and overall appeal and
universal quality of the format," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson.
"Country Music crosses genres and touches people with stories that speak to
the heart and performances that touch the human spirit."
And viewers can see for themselves when "The 39th Annual CMA Awards" airs
live Tuesday, Nov. 15 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the CBS Television Network from
Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Bon Jovi will perform "Who Says You Can't Go Home" with Jennifer Nettles
of Sugarland. New Jersey-based rockers and the Country trio from Atlanta
recently collaborated on a "CMT Crossroads" special and the power and emotion
of their performance garnered critical acclaim. The song is on Bon Jovi's
recently released album, Have A Nice Day.
Two forces in American music, Nelson and Simon will perform together and
then present the CMA Song of the Year Award, which goes to the songwriters.
"One can only imagine the significance to our writer nominees of receiving
this Award from these two revered songwriters," Benson said.
During his career, Nelson has received 44 CMA nominations and has won nine
times, including Entertainer of the Year in 1979. He has recorded with dozens
of legends and contemporary hitmakers including Ray Charles, Dolly Parton,
Julio Iglesias, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones and more. But perhaps his most well-
known collaborations were with The Highwaymen - Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings
and Kris Kristofferson.
While always remaining a Country Music entertainer, Nelson has performed
songs from a multitude of genres throughout his career. His most recent album,
Countryman, is his first-ever reggae album, merging the gospel and spirit
found in both Country and reggae.
Simon is quoted as saying he wrote "Graceland" as a salute to Elvis
Presley and his bringing together the sounds of Country and R&B. Simon has
released 11 albums in his solo career. Five are certified Gold, four are
certified Platinum and two multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry
Association of American (RIAA). Simon's illustrious body of work has
influenced many of today's Country artists.
Krauss is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year (her fourth
consecutive year in the category) and in the Vocal Group of the Year category
with Union Station. Union Station dobro player Jerry Douglas also has a
Musician of the Year nod. The group's current Rounder Records album, Lonely
Runs Both Ways, is certified Gold by the RIAA.
Lambert is one of the top two selling Country debut artists of 2005 with
her Epic Records release Kerosene, which debuted as the No. 1 Country album in
the nation. In September, Lambert was on the road opening for reigning CMA
Male Vocalist of the Year Keith Urban. Lambert first gained national attention
with her successful run on the debut season of "Nashville Star." She will be
opening for George Strait on his upcoming tour beginning Jan. 2006.
Nominated for a second year in the Horizon Award category, Roberts has
received extensive critical acclaim and unprecedented national media coverage,
including recording the theme song for "Good Morning America." Her self-titled
Mercury Nashville debut, certified Gold by the RIAA, propelled her to almost
every Top 10 list in the country including Rolling Stone, New York Times,
Chicago Tribune and The Washington Post.
Other performers already announced for the CMA Awards include Dierks
Bentley, Big & Rich, CMA hosts Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Faith
Hill, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George
Strait, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, and Lee Ann Womack.
Presenting an Award for the first time in 2005 is actor Gandolfini, star
of the hit HBO drama series "The Sopranos." Gandolfini starred with Robert
Redford in the 2001 motion picture, "The Last Castle," which was filmed in
Nashville.
Other presenters previously announced include Trace Adkins, Vince Gill,
Billy Joel, Kris Kristofferson, LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood,
Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix.
For the first time ever, tickets for the 2005 CMA Awards are available to
the general public. Tickets can be purchased by logging on to
http://www.ticketmaster.com; calling (212) 307-7171 (or any local Ticketmaster outlet
phone number); or in-person at the Madison Square Garden box office.
Tickets to the 2005 CMA Awards can also be purchased at all Ticketmaster
outlets across the nation. The ticket price is $250 (not including tax and
service charges).
The CMA Awards are produced by Walter C. Miller and directed by Paul
Miller. David Wild will script the ceremonies. MJI Programming, a division of
Premiere Radio Networks, is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards,
which includes Red Carpet coverage and a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala
event. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official automotive sponsor of
the 2005 CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2005 CMA
Awards. Additional promotional sponsors include Prilosec OTC, Country Weekly,
Creme Savers(R) Candy and Gibson Guitars. Charles Fazzino is the official
artist of the 2005 CMA Awards.
10-24-2005, 09:55 PM
