Leonard Cohen’s country roots are showing
John Prine, James McMurtry and Jimmie Dale Gilmore will be on stage to honour Leonard Cohen. The artist is being recognized by the Glenn Gould Prize for his “lifetime contribution that has enriched the human condition through the arts,” according to the organization. Cohen is the ninth recipient of the prize. Other music stars and speakers include Cowboy Junkies, Adam Cohen (Leonard’s son), Gordon Pinsent, Travis Good (of the Sadies), Greg Keelor and Serena Ryder. Cohen will accept his award on Monday, May 14 in Toronto at Massey Hall.
Keith Urban riding high after vocal surgery
Keith Urban’s voice is recovering after surgery late last year to remove a polyp and nodule from his vocal cords. On Tuesday, Urban gave it a workout during the All for the Hall benefit concert. At the show Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts and the Oak Ridge Boys took to the stage to announce that Urban will be invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. He’ll be inducted on April 21. Urban also has a new song out, called “For You,” from the movie Act of Valor. The film features real-life members of the Navy SEALS and Urban will donate his royalties to the Navy Seal Foundation.
Willie Nelson statue unveiling
Willie Nelson will attend the unveiling of his statue in Austin, Texas. An eight-foot bronze statue of Nelson, by artist Clete Shields, will be unveiled on April 20. Nelson will be performing at the Johnny Cash tribute We Walk the Line later that night.
New Alan Jackson album on his own ACR label
Alan Jackson’s 17th studio album is set for release on June 5. It’s called Thirty Miles West, and the title was inspired by a stretch of road known as the Dixie Highway. The road runs 30 miles west of Jackson’s hometown in Newnan, Ga. The disc will be the first release on his own label, Alan’s Country Records (ACR), and it will be distributed by EMI. The current single is “So You Don’t Have to Love me Anymore.” Jackson will be performing in Ontario on April 19 in Sudbury, April 20 in London and April 21 in Hamilton.
Randy Travis’s ex-wife files lawsuit
Randy Travis’s ex-wife and former manager, Elizabeth, has filed a lawsuit against her ex-husband. The suit alleges that Randy breached the couple’s post-divorce management contract by intentionally interfering with Elizabeth’s ability to do her job. Randy is currently touring in celebration of his 25years in the music industry.
Dolly Parton working on a biographical musical
Dolly Parton has been known for keeping her career diverse. She’s a singer, songwriter, actress and amusement park owner. Now Parton is working on a stage musical about her life. Parton apparently has Kristin Chenoweth in mind to portray her on stage.
Pistol Annies relate to The Hunger Games
All three members of the Pistol Annies are fans of the book, The Hunger Games, and their song “Run Daddy Run” was inspired by a line from the book. Pistol Annies made it a point to get their music onto the film’s soundtrack, joining fellow country artists Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars. The Piston Annies ladies can also relate to the character, Katniss Everdeen: Angaleena Presley is a coal miner’s daughter, Miranda Lambert hunts with a bow and Ashley Monroe’s father died when she was young, and she helped to care for her mother.