New Kenny Chesney Album Debuts at No. 1
Country star Kenny Chesney scores another Number One debut on the Billboard 200 this week with his latest album, Hemingway's Whiskey. This marks Kenny's sixth chart-topper on that list. Garth Brooks is the only other Country artist to have more Number Ones on the Billboard 200. He has topped the chart eight times.
Glee Sets New Billboard Record
The cast of the popular television show Glee has set a new record for the most appearances on Billboard's Hot 100 chart by a non-solo act. The Beatles held the previous record with 71. The cast of "Glee" has six new entries on this week's chart to bring their total to 75. Elvis Presley holds the solo artist record with 108 entries on the Hot 100.
Recording Academy Salutes Country Legend Loretta Lynn
On October 12, the Recording Academy's 2nd annual "Grammy Salute To Country Music" will take place at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The event will honor Country legend Loretta Lynn for her 50 years in the music business. "We are delighted to be paying homage to Loretta Lynn, a true country music pioneer and cultural icon, whose distinctive musical style has confronted social issues while remaining wildly entertaining," Neil Portnow, President of the Recording Academy said. "It is only fitting that we celebrate Loretta at our Salute To Country Music event, as she has worked diligently to ensure that country music remains a vital part of our culture, and has paved the way for many of today's talented artists and likely for generations to come." Earlier this year, Loretta received a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. Last year's inaugural Grammy Salute To Country Music paid tribute to Vince Gill.
'Sister Act' Heads to Broadway
Sister Act, the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, is headed for Broadway. The show will begin previews at New York's Broadway Theatre in late March 2012 and open on April 20. Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken wrote the musical score. A theatrical adaptation of Sister Act debuted last year in London.
New Album Releases October 12:
"I Am Not A Human Being" by Lil Wayne
"Charleston, SC 1966" by Darius Rucker
"The Band Perry" by The Band Perry
"Hello Tomorrow" by Dave Koz
"Light You Up" by Shawn Mullins
"Heartland Highway" by Sister Hazel
"The Perfect Gift" by The Canadian Tenors
"In and Out of Consciousness: The Greatest Hits 1990-2010" by Robbie Williams
"Many Great Companions" by Dar Williams
"Now That's What I Call Christmas! 4" by various artists
"Now That's What I Call Club Hits, Vol. 2" by various artists,
"Celtic Thunder Christmas" by Celtic Thunder
"Holly Happy Days" by the Indigo Girls
"Merry Christmas" by Shelby Lynne
"Christmas Is A Time…(To Say I Love You)" by Katharine McPhee
"Christmas In Harmony" by Wilson Phillips
"Smooth Jazz Tribute To Nelly" by various artists.
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits:
The Nevada Wild Fest will take place October 15-17 in Las Vegas. The event showcases artists in Country, alternative Country, southern rock, Americana, roots, and bluegrass music. Headliners include Montgomery Gentry, Kenny Rogers, Lonestar and Glen Campbell. Also on the bill are John Ford Coley, the Eli Young Band, Lee Brice, Jason Michael Carroll and Love and Theft. In addition to the many concerts, the festival features a Country Fair & Fun area with carnival rides, a kids fun zone, dance hall, poker saloon and other activities.
Awards Presentations/Winners:
The 5th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Hip-Hop Awards will air on October 12. The ceremony was taped in Atlanta, Georgia on October 2. Top winners included Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj with three trophies each. Miami rapper Rick Ross picked up two honors.
Look Who's Going on Tour!
On October 14, classic rock band Styx will kick off a U.S. tour in Evansville, Illinois. The group will be performing its 1977 album The Grand Illusion and 1978's Pieces of Eight in their entirety. Lead singer Tommy Shaw says, "This is the most unique Styx concert ever. It's a hybrid experience of enjoying the artistry of the vinyl album and the energy of our live performance. Some songs have never been performed live." Shows will wrap up on November 13 in Atlanta, Georgia. During their 38-year career, Styx has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.
On October 16, Elton John and Leon Russell will begin a U.S. tour to support their upcoming collaborative album, The Union. They'll close the tour on November 21 in Lakeland, Florida. The Union, produced by T-Bone Burnette, will be released on October 19.
