ACM Honors Announced

My congratulations go out to ALL the award winners, but please notice "GUITARIST OF THE YEAR – J.T. Corenflos" in the list of musicians.  J.T. does all the recording work for me in Nashville.  He's a great guy to work with and easily, one of the most talented and creative musicians I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

Congratulations JT!  CM

The Academy of Country Music’s ACM Honors winners will be feted at an event held on Sept. 10 in Nashville. This year’s honorees are:

Keith Whitley and The Judds, recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. This award honors individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre. Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

Jason Aldean, recipient of the Crystal Milestone Award. This award is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Award include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift.

Blake Shelton has been chosen to receive the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music. Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award include Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson and George Strait.

Lady Antebellum has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world. Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, among others.

Tommy Wiggins has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music. Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed and David Young.

Guy Clark and Hank Williams have been selected to receive the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music. Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker.

Additional ACM Honors awards include:

INDUSTRY AWARDS:

CASINO OF THE YEAR – Red Rock Casino & Resort – Las Vegas
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR – Joe’s Bar – Chicago
VENUE OF THE YEAR – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR – Jerry Hufford – Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR – Ed Warm – Joe’s Bar

MBI (MUSICIAN, BANDLEADER, INSTRUMENTALIST) AWARDS:

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Jay Joyce
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – Chuck Ainlay
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jimmie Lee Sloas
PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR – Matt Chamberlain
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Aubrey Haynie
GUITARIST OF THE YEAR – J.T. Corenflos
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Michael Rojas
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Ilya Toshinsky
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Mike Johnson

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD:

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – Dallas Davidson

Announcing NEW 2013 TOUR DATES...

Chance McKinney Music is happy to announce some early dates for the 2013 Tour.  Many surprises are on the horizon, but let's start fillin' in the blanks for now so people can plan a few road trips throughout the West (and possibly a little further East than ever before).  So let's get to it:

01.04.13	Marysville, WA	Tulalip Resort Casino		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
01.09.12	Nashville, TN	Nashville, TN		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
01.10.12	Nashville, TN	Nashville, TN		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
01.11.12	Nashville, TN	Nashville, TN		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
03.01.13	Marysville, WA	Tulalip Resort Casino		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
03.02.13	SnoBird Ski Resort, UT	Steve Young Ski Classic		Chance McKinney	7:00 pm
03.22.13	Shelton, WA	Little Creek Casino Resort		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
03.23.13	Shelton, WA	Little Creek Casino Resort		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
05.03.13	Marysville, WA	Tulalip Resort Casino		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
07.20.13	Shelby, MT	Marias Fair		Chance McKinney	8:00 pm
07.26.13	Bothell, WA	Bothell Landing		Chance McKinney	6:00 pm
08.02.13	Marysville, WA	Tulalip Resort Casino		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
10.04.13	Marysville, WA	Tulalip Resort Casino		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm
12.06.13	Marysville, WA	Tulalip Resort Casino		Chance McKinney	9:00 pm

Stay current at:

www.ChanceMcKinney.com/Tour.html

www.FaceBook.com/ChanceMcKinneyMusic

www.Twitter.com/ChanceMcKinney

A little time to reflect...

I'd like to take this opportunity to share a little background on my musical journey today.  Yesterday, a very talented, passionate and influential figure passed away after a two year battle with colon/liver cancer.  I would be remiss if I didn't take a little time to tell you how Tim played a significant roll in my life over the past 7 years.

In 2006, I went to an NSAI Song Camp trying to improve my songwriting ability and further my music career inch by inch.  As I sat in a class doing a writing exercise, Tim (the instructor) and James Dean Hicks (co-instructor) threw out the phrase "Give Up The Ghost" and had each person outline their approach as to what would guide their direction in writing that song.

After several replies from others of religion, death, rhymes of coast and most, I raised my hand.  Being the twisted individual I am, I had a completely different take and wanted to see how far off-base I was.  Tim calls on me after a series of eye-rolling suggestions.  I launch in on how "funny" it would be to encourage those on the verge of kickin' the bucket to actually do so!  Give up the ghost... get a move on... get out of the way... I threw out a couple examples of old jv football players still talkin' glory days in bar, old crotchety folks who were bitter and angry, etc.

Most of the class was taken aback, but Tim just kept eggin' me on.  "So you think we should just write a "get it over with" song and send it to radio eh?"  I said "sure, why not?!"  He was just about to answer when James Dean Hicks jumps in and says... "I can write that song."  Tim just smiled and said "so can I."

After class, Tim made his way over and struck up a little conversation.  He found out I was in a group up in Seattle at the time and working with Becky Brenner (at CBS).  He invited me over to his publishing house (Giantslayer) and introduced me to Rory Lee Feek (his partner).  They ended up connecting me with Adam Olsen (Creative Director) who pitched me song after song of amazing work.  That lead to a whole different dimension of my career and a good, solid, 1/2 hour tangent if I let it go further on this topic.  Let's get back to Tim.

The next couple days I'd see him various places on the Row and each time, he'd make a point to come over and say "hi" or try and run me off the road in his big, white truck.  He invited me out to the Bluebird Cafe for his show one of those nights with JDH, Anthony Smith and Frank Myers.  There, he introduced me to 2 more people who would influence my career.  Anthony, and especially Frank, have been great resources and confidants with whom I still stay in contact this day.

Anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to pay respect to a #1 songwriter who had no business in pulling me under his wing, but did.  Tim Johnson may not be a household name, but his songs are and I intend to not forget his part in the line of dominos I call my career.

Please include me as part of your continued "legacy" of music left behind.  I will forever be indebted to you TJ.

Sincerely,

Chance McKinney

Songwriter Tim Johnson passed away yesterday, Oct. 21, following a battle with cancer. He was 52 and died at home. The established member of Nashville’s music community had more than 100 major label cuts to his credit, with some of his biggest hits including Diamond Rio’s “God Only Cries” and Jimmy Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now.” His talent extended to the studio, where he produced artists including Blaine Larsen. Among Johnson’s more recent cuts is “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” written with Jon Wolfe and James Dean Hicks, and recorded by Joe Nichols for his 2011 album release.

The respected songwriter was active with NSAI, where he served on its Song Camp faculty and was a longtime board member. He also assisted the organization with its legislative work in Washington, D.C. Friends say he was a champion of songs and songwriters, and always encouraged aspiring writers.

In 2007 Johnson teamed with Rory Feek and Jeff Skillen to establish the Song Trust, which had success with “Bring Him Home Santa,” a song about fathers who serve in the military.

Friends and supporters rallied around Johnson following his diagnosis with colon and liver cancer about two years ago. In February 2011 Phil Vassar, Joey+Rory, Chuck Cannon, Chuck Jones, Joe West, and Wynn Varble performed at a fundraiser for Johnson at the Bluebird Café.

Growing up in Noti, Oregon, one of Johnson’s early songwriting influences was Mickey Newbury.

Johnson is survived by his wife and two children. We here at CHANCE MCKINNEY MUSIC extend sincere condolences to his loved ones.

CMT AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Fans can vote now through June 4 to determine the winners online at CMT.com.

The 2012 CMT Music Awards marks the 11th anniversary of the show and will air live from Nashville on June 6 on CMT and CMT.com.

Video of the Year Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem” Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter — “You and Tequila” Toby Keith — “Red Solo Cup” Lady Antebellum — “We Owned the Night” Miranda Lambert — “Over You” Brad Paisley With Carrie Underwood — “Remind Me” Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield — “Easy” Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You” Taylor Swift Featuring the Civil Wars — “Safe & Sound” Carrie Underwood — “Good Girl”

Male Video of the Year Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem” Luke Bryan — “I Don’t Want This Night to End” Eric Church — “Drink in My Hand” Toby Keith — “Red Solo Cup” Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You” Keith Urban — “Long Hot Summer”

Female Video of the Year Sara Evans — “My Heart Can’t Tell You No” Miranda Lambert — “Over You” Martina McBride — “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” Kellie Pickler — “Tough” Taylor Swift — “Ours” Carrie Underwood — “Good Girl”

Group Video of the Year Eli Young Band — “Crazy Girl” Lady Antebellum — “We Owned the Night” Pistol Annies — “Hell on Heels” Rascal Flatts — “Banjo” The Band Perry — “All Your Life” Zac Brown Band — “Keep Me in Mind”

Duo Video of the Year Love and Theft — “Angel Eyes” Montgomery Gentry — “Where I Come From” Sugarland — “Tonight” The Civil Wars — “Poison and Wine” Thompson Square — “Glass” Thompson Square — “I Got You”

USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year Lauren Alaina — “Georgia Peaches” Brantley Gilbert — “Country Must Be Country Wide” Hunter Hayes — “Storm Warning” Scotty McCreery — “The Trouble With Girls” Pistol Annies — “Hell on Heels” Thompson Square — “I Got You”

Collaborative Video of the Year Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo) Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter — “You and Tequila” Brad Paisley With Carrie Underwood — “Remind Me” Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield — “Easy” Lionel Richie With Shania Twain — “Endless Love” Taylor Swift Featuring the Civil Wars — “Safe & Sound” Zac Brown Band Featuring Jimmy Buffett — “Knee Deep”

CMT Performance of the Year Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT Jason Aldean — “Tattoos on This Town” from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year Lady Antebellum — “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year Little Big Town — “Fix You” from Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert Blake Shelton — “Footloose” from Invitation Only: Blake Shelton Sting and Vince Gill — “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” from CMT Crossroads: Sting and Vince Gill Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood — “Just a Dream/Dream On” from CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood From the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam

ACM Award Results

We here at Chance McKinney Music would like to be the first to congratulate this year's Academy of Country Music Award Winners Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift

Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert

Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton

Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum

Vocal Duo of the Year Thompson Square

New Artist of the Year Scotty McCreery

Album of the Year Four the Record — Miranda Lambert (RCA)

Song of the Year “Crazy Girl” — Eli Young Band

Single Record of the Year “Don’t You Wanna Stay” — Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson

Vocal Event of the Year “Don’t You Wanna Stay” — Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson

Video of the Year “Red Solo Cup” — Toby Keith