"I feel so fortunate to have such a great week ahead of me," said Hummon. "Attending the CMA Awards in New York with a nomination for Song of the Year and then heading home to Nashville to debut 'Surrender Road' a few days later is humbling. Win or lose at the CMA's - I know it will be an unforgettable week!"

The story line of Surrender Road follows Manuel, a Hispanic boxer from Brooklyn who has fallen into the trap of taking money to throw fights. Emily, a starving artist from the South, is struggling to make her name in the New York art scene. One night, in Times Square, these two lost souls meet, feel a connection they cannot explain, and find themselves on the path to their destiny.

In addition to the #1 "Bless the Broken Road" recorded by Rascal Flatts, Hummon's other songwriting successes include "Born To Fly" by Sara Evans, "Ready To Run" and "Cowboy Take Me Away" by the Dixie Chicks, and "One Of These Days" by Tim McGraw.

Hummon has also written six other musical productions, including Warrior: An American Tragedy, Atlanta and American Duet, which is in development for the Off-Broadway stage.

Nashville Opera's production of Surrender Road is directed by the company's artistic director John Hoomes, and stars tenor Hugo Vera as Manuel and mezzo-soprano Pilar Cragan as Emily. Manuel's mentor is played by baritone Richard Drews, and Vito, the small-time gangster, is played by bass Alonzo Murphy-Johnson, a Nashville native. Performances are scheduled for Friday, November 18 at 8pm, Saturday, November 19 at 8pm, and Sunday, November 20 at 2pm at the Blair School of Music on the campus of Vanderbilt University (2400 Blakemore Avenue). All seats are $30. For tickets call (615) 255-ARTS.]]> 2005-11-14T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234584 Anderson, Al, Braddock, Bobby, Bryant, Del, Gentry, Montgomery, Gill, Vince, Grant, Amy, Hanna, Jeff, Hicks, James Dean, Hill, Ed, Hummon, Marcus, Loveless, Patty, Martin, Tony, Montana, Billy, Overstreet, Paul, Pinson, Bobby, Prestwood, Hugh, Rascal Flatts, Rochelle, Karyn, Shapiro, Tom, Shelton, Blake, Steele, Jeffrey, Wariner, Steve, White, Phillip, Williams, Hank, Country, Rock, International Vince Gill, Jerry Reed and Roger Murrah are the newest additions to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. They were inducted Sunday, October 16 during annual ceremonies conducted by the Nashville Songwriters Foundation at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

Hugh Prestwood, Jeffrey Steele, Dennis Morgan

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) conferred a series of Songwriter Achievement Awards, with the top prizes won by BMI affiliates. BMI Award-winning writer Jeffrey Steele earned his second NSAI Songwriter of the Year title, honored this year for his compositions "Gone," recorded by Montgomery Gentry, and "Help Somebody," recorded by Van Zant. NSAI's Song of the Year honors went to "Bless the Broken Road," written by Bobby Boyd, Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon. The song, previously recorded by Hummon, was a recent hit for Rascal Flatts.

Del Bryant, Patty Loveless

Longtime friend and fellow Hall of Famer Rodney Crowell gave a poignant introduction speech for Vince Gill, followed by a stunning performance of "Whenever You Come Around" by Gill's wife, Amy Grant. Patty Loveless brought the house down with her rendering of Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain," backed by John Hobbs and Al Anderson, who also paid tribute to Gill by treating the audience to a sampling of his other signature songs, including "When I Call Your Name," "Never Knew Lonely," "Pocket Full of Gold," "Don't Let Our Love Start Slipping Away," "I Still Believe in You," "Look at Us," "Whenever You Come Around," and "Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn)."

NSAI's Mark Alan Springer, Phillip White, Roger Murrah, Jeff Hanna, Bobby Boyd, Vince Gill, Jeffrey Steele, Del Bryant, James Dean Hicks

Blake Shelton and BMI's Thomas Cain saluted Murrah, whose hits include "Goodbye Time," "Don't Rock the Jukebox," "High Cotton," "I'm in a Hurry (and Don't Know Why)," "We're in This Love Together," "Ozark Mountain Jubilee," "It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow)," "Life's Highway," "It's a Little Too Late" and "National Working Woman's Holiday." Murrah's induction speech was provided by Hall of Fame member Bobby Braddock.

Billy Montana, Del Bryant	Jeffrey Steele

Steve Wariner joined Jeffrey Steele, Reed band member Mark Thornton and guitarist John Knowles to celebrate Reed, whose classics include "East Bound and Down," "Amos Moses," "When You're Hot, You're Hot," "A Thing Called Love," "Guitar Man," "The Claw," "Crazy Legs," "Misery Loves Company," "Talk About the Good Times" and "Tupelo Mississippi Flash." Longtime friend Bobby Bare provided the induction speech.

Besides honoring the Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist of the Year, the writers of NSAI's Professional Songwriters Division also singled out 13 songs and their writers for its 2005 Achievement Awards (informally dubbed "The Songs I Wish I'd Written").

BMI recipients were Bobby Boyd, Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon for "Bless The Broken Road," Bart Butler and Bobby Pinson for "Don't Ask Me How I Know," James Dean Hicks and Roger Murrah for "Goodbye Time," Phillip White for "He Gets That from Me," Hank Williams, Sr. for "Hey, Good Lookin'," Joe Diffie, Tony Martin and Tom Shapiro for "My Give a Damn's Busted," Billy Montana for "Suds in the Bucket," Ed Hill, Karyn Rochelle for "Georgia Rain" and Paul Overstreet for "Some Beach." "Bless The Broken Road" was the top choice of the NSAI Pro writers.]]> 2005-10-17T05:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234537 Artists, Alabama, Anderson, Bill, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Buffett, Jimmy, Douglas, Jerry, Evans, Sara, Gentry, Montgomery, Hummon, Marcus, Keith, Toby, Krauss, Alison, Lambert, Miranda, Lonestar, McBride, Martina, McGraw, Tim, Nelson, Willie, Rascal Flatts, Roberts, Julie, Sugarland, Twain, Shania, Urban, Keith, Musical Styles, Bluegrass, Country, Urban Keith Urban and Toby Keith lead the list of BMI songwriters and artists nominated for the 39th Annual Country Music Association Awards. The announcement was made September 7 from New York City, this year's host city for the ceremony being held November 15 at Madison Square Garden. This is the first time in CMA history that the awards show is being held outside of its traditional home in Nashville.

Keith Urban	Toby Keith	Byron Gallimore

With four nominations a piece, both Urban and Keith are up for Entertainer of the Year, marking the fourth year in a row Keith has been nominated in that category. They will also compete for Video of the Year. Urban hopes to repeat his Male Vocalist of the Year win from last year and score an Album of the Year award with Be Here.

Sugarland	Rascal Flatts

Toby Keith's other nods include Single and Song of the Year for his hit "As Good As I Once Was." The song, from his latest album Honkytonk University also earned a nomination for co-writer Scotty Emerick and producer James Stroud.

Big & Rich	Alison Krauss

Both Urban and Keith are eligible for additional trophies as co-producers on their respective nominations.

Producer Byron Gallimore, newcomers Sugarland and reigning Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts followed with three nominations each, while country duo Big & Rich, bluegrass singer Alison Krauss and dobro master Jerry Douglas made it onto the double nominees list. Krauss and her band Union Station (of which Douglas is a member), nominated for Vocal Group of the Year, have also just picked up an impressive 14 IBMA Awards nominations.

Jerry Douglas	Brooks & Dunn	Julie Roberts

Twelve-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Brooks & Dunn, who return to host "country music's biggest night," will try once again to retain their crown. BMI Icon Bill Anderson picked up another songwriter nod for the Alison Krauss hit "Whiskey Lullaby" (named 2004's Musical Event), and country legend Willie Nelson took home his 44th CMA nomination for the Lee Ann Womack duet, "I'll Never Be Free."

Tim McGraw	Diamond Rio

Other BMI CMA nominees include Julie Roberts, Marcus Hummon, Jeff Hanna, Tim McGraw, Randy Scruggs, Jimmy Buffett and Diamond Rio.

Alabama	Glen Campbell

A highlight of the live show will be the induction of BMI country greats Alabama and Glen Campbell into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The prestigious award is the highest honor in country music and recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the genre throughout their careers. Campbell will be inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between World War II and 1975" category and Alabama will be the first artist inducted in the new "Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present" category created earlier this year. Their inductions will increase the Hall of Fame membership to 95.

Miranda Lambert	Sara Evans	Martina McBride

BMI's 2005 CMA Nominees:

4 Nominations
Toby Keith
Keith Urban

3 Nominations
Byron Gallimore
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland

2 Nominations
Big & Rich
Jerry Douglas
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Martina McBride

Single Nomination
Bill Anderson
Brooks & Dunn
Bobby Boyd
Tony Brown
Jimmy Buffett
Diamond Rio
Scotty Emerick
Jeff Hanna
Marcus Hummon
Miranda Lambert
Lonestar
Brent Mason
Tim McGraw
Montgomery Gentry
Willie Nelson
Jon Randall
Julie Roberts
Randy Scruggs
Darran Smith
James Stroud
Shania Twain
Union Station
The Warren Brothers

Since 1996, the Durango Songwriter's Expo has provided a perfect blend of music business seminars and workshops, song listening/critique sessions, live songwriter showcases, and a live hit writer concert to close the event. With registration limited to 200 attendees, the Expo is truly an intimate event that offers unparalleled networking opportunities.

Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

This year's special guests include songwriters Jeffrey Steele, Al Anderson, Marcus Hummon, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna, as well as industry pros including Interscope/A&M's Tony Ferguson, Chrysalis' Sara Kapuchinski, Columbia's Beka Callaway and Marshall Altman, Aware's Steve Smith, Sony's Clay Bradley, BMG's Michelle Berlin, Harlan Howard Songs' Melanie Howard, Maverick's Kevin Williamson, and a bevy of other producers, managers, and writers.

In just the last few months, Expo attendees Ken Johnson, Warren Sellers, Richard Harris and Julianne Hansen have been signed to deals as a direct result of their Expo experience. In addition, two #1 songs have been written at this event by participating hit songwriters.

Pictured are BMI's Bradley Collins, Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney, Marcus Hummon, Rascal Flatts' Jay DeMarcus, and Bobby E. Boyd

The awards presentations also praised the contributions of publishers Careers-BMG Music Publishing and Jeff Diggs Music (Hanna's company), producers Mark Bright and Marty Williams, and Lyric Street Records. The single is included on the #1, platinum-plus album Feels Like Today.

Producer Mark Bright, RF's Jay DeMarcus, BMI's Bradley Collins, Marcus Hummon, Bobby E. Boyd, RF's Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox, and producer Marty Williams

In addition to celebrating their multi-week #1 (six weeks on Billboard and R&R charts), the creative team also shared congratulations on their 2005 Academy of Country Music nominations. "Bless the Broken Road" is up for Song of the Year (nods to Boyd, Hanna, Hummon, Rascal Flatts, Careers-BMG Music and Jeff Diggs Music) and Single of the Year (Rascal Flatts, Bright and Williams). Rascal Flatts also earned a Top Vocal Group mention; they have won the award the past two years.

Danny Wells, Trent Tomlinson, Lyric Street's Doug Howard and Randy Goodman

Collectively, Boyd, Hanna and Hummon have written two dozen songs honored with BMI Awards or Million-Air plaques, including "In Pictures" and "Working Man's Ph.D.," (Boyd); "Baby's Got a Hold On Me" and "Down That Road Tonight" (Hanna); and "Born to Fly," "One of These Days" and "Cowboy Take Me Away" (Hummon).

Famous Music's Glenn Middleworth, David Lee, Famous Music's Curtis Green

"Bless the Broken Road" was written in 1993 and recorded three times prior to the Flatts: by Hummon on his 1995 Sony album, All in Good Time; by Melodie Crittenden, who released it as a single and music video on Asylum Records in 1997; and by Christian group Geoff Moore & the Distance.

Helen Naylor, Careers-BMG's Karen Conrad

Scott Siman, Marcus Hummon, BMI's Paul Corbin

Hope, Bobby, Hallelujah and Stacey Harrison Boyd

Bobby E. Boyd, Bug Music's Dave Durocher (accepting on behalf of Jeff Diggs Music), Careers-BMG Music's Karen Conrad, Marcus Hummon, Careers-BMG Music's Michelle Berlin

photos by Kay Williams

Tim McGraw	Keith Urban	Toby Keith

BMI songwriters nominated for Song of the Year were Tim Nichols for "Live Like You Were Dying"; Toby Keith and Chuck Cannon for "American Soldier"; Bobby E. Boyd, Marcus Hummon and Jeff Hanna for "Bless the Broken Road"; and Bill Anderson and Jon Randall for "Whiskey Lullaby."

Alison Krauss	Byron Gallimore

Alison Krauss scored five nominations: one for Alison Krauss + Union Station as Top Vocal Group and four courtesy of song, video, single, and vocal event nominee "Whiskey Lullaby." Keith Urban, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Toby Keith and producer Byron Gallimore received four nods each. Big & Rich, Rascal Flatts and producer Mark Wright received three nominations each.

Big & Rich	Mark Wright

Diamond Rio paired their Top Vocal Group nomination with one for the Home Depot Humanitarian Award; online voting is underway for the fan-voted honor.

The ACM Awards show, set for May 17 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, will be broadcast live on CBS-TV.

Rascal Flatts	Julie Roberts

BMI nominees for the 40th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards:

Entertainer of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Keith Urban

Top Vocal Group
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Diamond Rio
Lonestar
Rascal Flatts
The Notorious Cherry Bombs

Top New Artist
Big & Rich
Julie Roberts

Top Vocal Duo
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
The Warren Brothers

Diamond Rio	Sara Evans

Top Female Vocalist
Sara Evans
Martina McBride

Top Male Vocalist
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Keith Urban

Video of the Year
"Live Like You Were Dying"
Tim McGraw

"Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)"
Big & Rich

"Whiskey Lullaby"
Alison Krauss

Brooks & Dunn	Martina McBride

Vocal Event of the Year
"Creepin' In"
Norah Jones and Dolly Parton
Arif Mardin and Norah Jones, producers

"Hey Good Lookin'"
with Clint Black and Toby Keith
Michael Utley, producer

"Party for Two"
Shania Twain

"When the Sun Goes Down"
Uncle Kracker

"Whiskey Lullaby"
Alison Krauss

Song of the Year
"American Soldier"
Toby Keith
Toby Keith and Chuck Cannon, writers
Tokeco Tunes and Wacissa River Music, Inc.

"Bless the Broken Road"
Rascal Flatts
Marcus Hummon, Bobby E. Boyd and Jeff Hanna, writers
Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc. and Jeff Diggs Music

"Live Like You Were Dying"
Tim McGraw
Tim Nichols, writer
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

"Whiskey Lullaby"
Alison Krauss
Bill Anderson and Jon Randall, writers
Mr. Bubba Music, Inc., Reynsong Publishing Corp., Sony/ATV Tree and WhaYa Say Music

Single Record of the Year
"Bless the Broken Road"
Rascal Flatts, artist/producer

"Days Go By"
Keith Urban, artist/producer

"I May Hate Myself in the Morning"
Byron Gallimore, producer

"Live Like You Were Dying"
Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw, Byron Gallimore and Darran Smith, producers

"Redneck Woman"
Mark Wright and Joe Scaife producers

"Whiskey Lullaby"
Alison Krauss

Album of the Year
Be Here
Keith Urban
Producers: Keith Urban

Here for the Party
Mark Wright and Joe Scaife, producers

Live Like You Were Dying
Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw, Byron Gallimore and Darran Smith, producers

Restless
Sara Evans, artist/producer

Producer of the Year
Bryon Gallimore
James Stroud
Mark Wright

Engineer of the Year
Justin Niebank

Musicians of the Year
Bass
Mike Brignardello
David Hungate
Larry Paxton

Drums
Eric Darken

Fiddle
Glen Duncan
Stuart Duncan
Larry Franklin
Rob Hajacos
Jonathan Yudkin

Guitar
J.T. Corenflos
John Jorgenson
Brent Mason
Bryan Sutton

Piano/Keyboards
Gordon Mote

Specialty Instrument
Jim Hoke
Jim Horn
Rob Ickes
Randy Scruggs

Steel
Dan Dugmore
Sonny Garrish
John Hughey
Mike Johnson
Robby Turner]]> 2005-03-07T17:00:00-05:00