[Naco1776]

ASCAP honors Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire

Yahoo! Buzz Digg Newsvine Reddit FacebookWhat's this?NASHVILLE (AP) — Alan Jackson won songwriter/artist of the year honors for his hits A Woman's Love and Small Town Southern Man during the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers country awards Monday.
Other big winners were Dave Berg, songwriter of the year for Don't Make Me (Blake Shelton), It's Good To Be Us (Bucky Convington), Moments (Emerson Drive), These Are My People (Rodeny Atkins) and What Kinda Gone (Chris Cagle); and Rachel Thibodeau, country song of the year for Good Directions (Billy Currington).

Reba McEntire won ASCAP's Golden Note Award, which is presented to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones.

Brooks & Dunn, Lee Ann Rimes and Kelly Clarkson honored McEntire by performing some of her songs. McEntire herself surprised the crowd by singing one of her earliest hits, (You Lift Me) Up to Heaven.

EMI Music Publishing won publisher of the year for How Long (Eagles), Never Wanted Nothing More (Kenny Chesney), Small Town Southern Man (Jackson), Online (Brad Paisley), Lost in This Moment (Big & Rich), Letter to Me (Paisley), Laughed Until We Cried (Jason Aldean), The More I Drink (Shelton), Lucky Man (Montgomery Gentry), All-American Girl (Carrie Underwood), Ticks (Paisley) and Stronger Woman (Jewel).

Great American Country received ASCAP's Partners in Music Award, and several songwriters including McEntire, Lyle Lovett, Buddy Miller, David Lee Murphy and Brent Rowan won the Silver Circle honor in recognition of 25 years or more of membership in the performance rights organization.

ASCAP honors Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire - USATODAY.com

[borgjohnson]

Country's brightest come out in force for ASCAP Awards
By Beverly Keel • October 14, 2008

Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley and Alan Jackson are just a few of the major country stars who turned out at the Ryman Auditorium on Monday night to celebrate the songwriters at the 2008 ASCAP Country Music Awards.

"The songwriting community has been awesome to Rascal Flatts," said guitarist Joe Don Rooney, who was decked out in a black Dolce & Gabbana suit accented with metallic silver pinstripes. "Our career lives and dies by hit songs, and as long as these songwriters keep writing hits and we write hits, Rascal Flatts is going to be around for a long time."

Joe Don's bandmate Jay DeMarcus also was in attendance, sporting a black Paul Smith jacket with muted floral embroidery and a Dolce & Gabbana shirt. Singer Gary LeVox was noticeably absent due to illness. But Joe Don promised that Gary will be well in time for the group's Friday night show at Sommet Center.

Kellie Pickler,Rascal Flatts' one-time tourmate, was the picture of old-world glamour, wearing a strapless, bright red chiffon dress embellished with ruffles at the empire waist and matching lipstick. But don't ask her who designed it. Kellie laughed that she hadn't been with her stylist all day and didn't have a clue. The one thing she did know: Jimmy Choo shoes.

"I love red," she said. "It's my favorite color because I think it signifies who I am. I think it's a strong color, and I am a strong woman."

Dierks Bentley was one of the first country singers to walk the red carpet last night. Dierks admitted that he didn't spend a lot of time picking out his plaid shirt and pair of jeans, but he has an excuse: new daughter Evalyn Day, who is a little over a week old. The proud father was showing off pictures to friends on his digital camera.

"She's back home tonight so I can go out partying," he joked.

Billy Currington knows what it's like to get dressed at the last minute. Billy, whose new CD, Little Bit of Everything, comes out today, was wearing a black suit and white shirt with no tie.

"I bought it just waiting for someone to die," Billy joked. "My grandfather used to tell that joke. I just pulled it out of my closet and put it on 30 minutes ago."

Also in black, Alan Jackson walked the carpet with his wife, Denise, who said she picked out his clothes a couple of days ago.

"I've never been crazy about getting dressed up and going to awards shows," said Alan, who wore a black jacket with white embellishments, dark jeans and a cream cowboy hat.

LeAnn Rimes and husband Dean Sheremet arrived looking snazzy as always. LeAnn was wearing an over-the-shoulder brown chiffon dress with gold accents by Stella McCartney and Halston shoes that her hubby picked out.

"I feel a little glamour and a little bohemian in this dress," she said. "It's kind of sparkly, and I feel pretty."

Reba McEntire, in true superstar style, was one of the last country singers to walk the carpet. Radiant in grape satin knee-length Versace, Reba said she chose the fitted scoop-neck dress because she liked the color and it was very comfortable.

But if there was a belle of the ball, it had to be ASCAP senior VP Connie Bradley. Impeccably put together as always, Connie was wearing a carob-colored double-breasted taffeta jacket and matching fitted skirt that flared at the bottom by Sylvia Heisel. Connie greeted every artist on the carpet and served as the evening's emcee.

"It always turns out well," she said of the evening. "What's really amazing is (that the event has) the top five songs of the year performed by the songwriters who wrote them. That's what makes this different."

[kewlie78189]

very cool!!

[borgjohnson]

2008 ASCAP Country Music Awards

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:

Dave Berg, "Don't Make Me" (Blake Shelton), "It's Good To Be Us" (Bucky Covington), "Moments," (Emerson Drive), "These Are My People" (Rodney Atkins) and "What Kinda Gone" (Chris Cagle).

SONGWRITER/ ARTIST OF YEAR:

Alan Jackson, "A Woman's Love," "Small Town Southern Man."

SONG OF THE YEAR:

"Good Directions" written by Rachel Thibodeau. Published by Castle Street Music and Dan Hodges Music.

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR:

EMI Music Publishing for "How Long," "Never Wanted Nothing More," "Small Town Southern Man," "Online," "Lost In This Moment," "Letter To Me," "Laughed Until We Cried," "The More I Drink," "Lucky Man," "All-American Girl," "Ticks" and "Stronger Woman."

PARTNERS IN MUSIC AWARD:

Great American Country (GAC)

2008 ASCAP Country Music Awards Most Performed Songs

• "A Woman's Love"; Writer: Alan Jackson; Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing ~ Yee Haw Music

• "All My Friends Say"; Writers: Lonnie Wilson ~ Luke Bryan* ~ Jeff Stevens*; Publishers: Groove Puppy Music ~ Black In The Saddle Songs

• "All-American Girl"; Writers: Ashley Gorley ~ Kelley Lovelace ~ Carrie Underwood*; Publishers: Songs of Combustion Music ~ Bug Music/Windswept ~ Didn't Have To Be Music ~ EMI Music Publishing

• "As If"; Writers: Hillary Lindsey ~ John Shanks ~ Sara Evans*; Publishers:Warner/Chappell Music Publishing ~ Raylene Music ~ John Shanks Music

• "Because Of You"; Writers: Kelly Clarkson ~ Ben Moody* ~ David Hodges*; Publisher: Smelly Songs

• "Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)"; Writers: Marla Cannon-Goodman ~ Casey Beathard*; Publishers: Universal Music Publishing ~ Big Yellow Dog

• "Don't Blink"; Writers: Chris Wallin ~ Casey Beathard*; Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing ~ Mama's Dream Music

• "Don't Make Me"; Writers: Dave Berg ~ Marla Cannon-Goodman ~ Deanna Bryant; Publishers:Universal Music Publishing ~ Big Yellow Dog ~ S1 Songs America ~ BergBrain Music ~ Cal IV Entertainment ~ Sony/ATV Music Publishing

• "Everybody"; Writers: Richard Marx ~ Keith Urban*; Publisher: Chi-Boy Music

• "Everyday America"; Writers: Jennifer Nettles ~ Lisa Carver ~ Kristian Bush*; Publishers: Jennifer Nettles Publishing ~ Sony/ATV Music Publishing ~ Big Alpha Writers Group

• "Fall"; Writers: Clay Mills ~ Shane Minor* ~ Sonny LeMaire*; Publishers: Still Working For The Woman ~ MXC Music

• "Famous In A Small Town"; Writers: Travis Howard ~ Miranda Lambert*; Publisher: Watsky Music

• "Firecracker"; Writers: Josh Turner ~ Pat McLaughlin* ~ Shawn Camp*; Publishers: Universal Music Publishing ~ Bream Buster Music

• "Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go)"; Writers: Dierks Bentley ~ Rod Janzen ~ Brett Beavers* ~ Robbie Harrington*; Publisher: Big White Tracks

• "Good Directions"; Writers: Rachel Thibodeau ~ Luke Bryan*; Publishers: Castle Street Music ~ Dan Hodges Music

• "Guys Like Me"; Writers: Deric Ruttan ~ Eric Church*; Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing

• "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love"; Writers: Clay Mills ~ Tia Sillers*; Publishers: Still Working For The Woman ~ MXC Music

• "How I Feel"; Writers: Chris Lindsey ~ Martina McBride* ~ Aimee Mayo* ~ Brad Warren* ~ Brett Warren*; Publisher: Moonscar Music

• "How Long"; Writer: J.D. Souther; Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing ~ EMI Music Publishing

• "I Need You"; Writers: Tony Lane ~ David Lee*; Publishers: Sony/ATV Music Publishing ~ Ed And Lucille Music

• "I Wonder"; Writers: Chris Lindsey ~ Kellie Pickler ~ Aimee Mayo* ~ Karen Rochelle*; Publishers: Universal Music Publishing ~ Pickle Butt ~ Magic Farming Music

• "It's Good To Be Us"; Writers: Dave Berg ~ Tim James; Publishers: BergBrain Music ~ Cal IV Entertainment ~ Bug Music/Windswept ~ 3 Ring Music

• "Johnny Cash"; Writers: John Rich ~ Rodney Clawson* ~ Vicky McGehee*; Publisher: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

• "Just Got Started Lovin' You"; Writers: Jim Femino ~ James Otto* ~ D. Vincent Williams*; Publisher: Fezsongs

• "Laughed Until We Cried"; Writers: Ashley Gorley ~ Kelley Lovelace; Publishers: Songs of Combustion Music ~ Bug Music/Windswept ~ Didn't Have To Be Music ~ EMI Music Publishing

• "Letter To Me"; Writer: Brad Paisley; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Sea Gayle Music

• "Livin' Our Love Song"; Writers: Tim Galloway ~ Glen Mitchell ~ Jason Michael Carroll*; Publishers: Lil Ninja Tim-mae ~ Ameribrit

• "Lost In This Moment"; Writers: John Rich ~ Keith Anderson ~ Rodney Clawson*; Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing ~ EMI Music Publishing ~ Romeo Cowboy Music

• "Love Me If You Can"; Writers: Chris Wallin ~ Craig Wiseman; Publishers: Wallerin Music ~ Bug Music/Windswept ~ Bud Dog Music ~ Big Loud Shirt

• "Lucky Man"; Writers: David R. Turnbull, IV ~ David Lee*; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Sea Gayle Music

• "Me And God"; Writer: Josh Turner; Publishers: Sony/ATV Music Publishing ~ Red Cape Songs

• "Measure Of A Man"; Writers: Radney Foster ~ Gordie Sampson; Publishers: Universal Music Publishing ~ Songs of Combustion Music ~ Bug Music/Windswept ~ Passing Stranger Music ~ Spunkersongs ~

• "Moments"; Writers: Dave Berg ~ Annie Tate* ~ Sam Tate*; Publishers:Warner/Chappell Music Publishing

• "More Than A Memory"; Writers: Kyle Jacobs ~ Lee Brice* ~ Billy Montana*; Publishers: Curb Songs ~ Fortune Favors The Bold ~ Jacobsong

• "Never Wanted Nothing More"; Writers: Chris Stapleton ~ Ronnie Bowman*; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Sea Gayle Music ~ Son Of A Miner

• "Nothin' Better To Do"; Writers: LeAnn Rimes ~ Dean Sheremet ~ Darrell Brown; Publishers: Curb Songs ~ Lucky In Love ~ Lonely Poet Society ~ Grey Ink Music

• "Online"; Writers: Brad Paisley ~ Kelley Lovelace ~ Chris DuBois; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Sea Gayle Music ~ Didn't Have To Be Music

• "Small Town Southern Man"; Writer: Alan Jackson; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Tri Angels Music

• "So Small"; Writers: Hillary Lindsey ~ Luke Laird ~ Carrie Underwood*; Publishers: Raylene Music ~ Laird Road Music ~ Universal Music Publishing

• "Somethin' About a Woman"; Writers: Bob Regan ~ Jake Owen* ~ James Ritchey*; Publishers: Sony/ATV Music Publishing ~ Mt Tallac Music

• "Stay"; Writer: Jennifer Nettles; Publisher: Jennifer Nettles Publishing

• "Stealing Cinderella"; Writers: Rivers Rutherford ~ Chuck Wicks ~ George Teren*; Publishers: Universal Music Publishing ~ C E W Publishing ~ Memphisto Music

• "Stronger Woman"; Writers: Jewel ~ Marv Green*; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Wiggly Tooth Music

• "Take Me There"; Writers: Neil Thrasher ~ Kenny Chesney ~ Wendell Mobley*; Publishers: Crosstown Songs ~ Major Bob Music ~ Sony/ATV Music Publishing ~ IslandSoul Music

• "The More I Drink"; Writers: David R. Turnbull IV ~ David Lee Murphy ~ Chris DuBois; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Sea Gayle Music ~ Old Desperadoes ~ N2D Publishing

• "These Are My People"; Writers: Dave Berg ~ Rivers Rutherford; Publishers: BergBrain Music ~ Cal IV Entertainment ~ Universal Music Publishing

• "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind"; Writers: Don Poythress ~ Wynn Varble* ~ Tim Johnson*; Publisher: Universal Music Publishing

• "Ticks"; Writers: Brad Paisley ~ Kelley Lovelace ~ Tim Owens; Publishers: EMI Music Publishing ~ Sea Gayle Music ~ Didn't Have To Be Music ~ Bug Music/Windswept ~ Bud Dog Music ~ Chamaland Music

• "Tough"; Writers: Joe Leathers ~ Monty Criswell*; Publisher: Curb Songs

• "Watching Airplanes"; Writers: Jonathan Singleton ~ Jim Beavers*; Publishers: Crosstown Songs

• "What Do Ya Think About That"; Writers: Brett Jones ~ Anthony Smith*; Publisher: Jonesbone Music

• "What Kinda Gone"; Writers: Dave Berg ~ Candy Cameron ~ Chip Davis*; Publishers: BergBrain Music ~ Cal IV Entertainment ~ Music of RPM ~ Horipro Music

• "Winner At A Losing Game"; Writers: Gary LeVox ~ Joe Don Rooney ~ Jay DeMarcus*; Publishers: Sony/ATV Music Publishing ~ Digital Warrior ~ S1 Songs America

• "You Still Own Me"; Writers: Johnny Reid ~ Noah Gordan ~ Philip Douglas; Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing ~ Curb Songs ~ Charlie Monk Music ~ New Zoo Baby Publishing ~ Scott and Soda ~ Gremlin Corner Publishing

• "You're Gonna Miss This"; Writers: Ashley Gorley ~ Lee Thomas Miller*; Publishers: Songs of Combustion Music ~ Bug Music/Windswept

* Denotes writer's share not licensed by ASCAP

[The Raz Man]

That is so awesome!

[carries1gurl]

awesome!

[borgjohnson]

Reba, Brad and Kellie on the ASCAP red carpet