Country Universe

The 44th Annual ACM Awards Reaction, Part One

February 11, 2009 Guest Contributor 6

The Academy of Country Music revealed its nominees for the 44th annual awards show slated for Sunday, April 5. Album of the Year nominations will be announced in March, likely to coincide with the presentation of the

44th Annual ACM Awards Nominations Announcement

February 11, 2009 Guest Contributor 18

The Academy of Country Music announced nominees for their 44th annual awards ceremony this morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, Leann Rimes and Jessica Simpson were on hand to present

Lambert, Cash Prep New Releases

February 10, 2009 Guest Contributor 4

Two of country music’s most critically-acclaimed artists are scheduled to release new discs later this year. While the gold-certified Crazy-Ex Girlfriend continues a formidable chart run, Miranda Lambert is finishing her third album in Nashville, tentatively set for

An Interview with Marty Stuart

February 10, 2009 Guest Contributor 16

Widely acclaimed as one of country music’s greatest warriors, Marty Stuart turned a childhood obsession into a lifelong career filled with hit records and collaborations with numerous Nashville legends. A member of the Country Music Foundation and the Grand

44th Annual ACM Awards Projections

February 9, 2009 Guest Contributor 38

On Wednesday, February 11, the Academy of Country Music will unveil the nominees for their 44th annual awards ceremony. Last year, the usual suspects prevailed. Brad and Carrie repeated in the Vocalist categories, Brooks &

Taylor Swift, “White Horse”

February 9, 2009 Guest Contributor 11

In the new video for her single, “White Horse,” our little Taylor Swift is growing up. A convincing reconstruction of a real-life breakup (Swift only sings her brutal truths), this project is the most subtle

Grammy Musings From the West Coast

February 9, 2009 Guest Contributor 39

As soon as tonight’s awesome Country Universe Live Blog finished, I had the opportunity to watch the Grammy Awards (which were recorded on my DVR – the best and only way to really watch an awards

Grammy Live Blog

February 8, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 408

11:28 Kevin: Goodnight all. See ya at the ACM Live Blog! 11:26 Dan: You know what is a surprise? Krauss and Plant both giving completely lucid-sounding speeches. Love ’em both, but those are two of

Grammy Pre-Show Live Blog

February 8, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 51

The following categories are being announced on the Grammy pre-show. Winners will be posted as they are announced. Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album: Gaither Vocal Band, Lovin’ Life Best Traditional Folk Album: Pete

2009 Grammy Wish List

February 7, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 7

For the third year in a row, I’m sharing my personal Grammy Wish List. 2007 was a good year, with my preferences winning in 15 of the 22 categories I cared about – a 68%