Music News

Country singer Jamey Johnson to be honored by Alabama Music Hall of Fame

By Patrick Luce Mar 12, 2010, 16:05 GMT

Singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson to receive Alabama’s Rising Star Award. @ Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board has announced that country singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson will receive the Alabama’s Rising Star Award at the 13th Induction Banquet and Awards Show to be held in the Convention Center in Montgomery, Ala., Thursday, March 25, 2010. The show will also see seven people inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

Johnson was born in Enterprise and grew up in Montgomery. His music career has exploded since the release of his studio album ‘That Lonesome Song’ – which earned him the Academy of Country Music’s and Country Music Association's Song of the Year for his single “In Color.”

Johnson has also received acclaim for his songwriting including the CMA and ACM 2007 Song of the Year “Give It Away,” recorded by George Strait.

In a press release, executive director of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame David Johnson stated: “We are proud to be returning to Montgomery for this celebrated event honoring our state’s great music achievers and unmatched musical heritage. During this event, the audience will be entertained by some of the most successful and talented Alabamians in the music industry as well as witness seven achievers being awarded with our most prestigious honor – induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.”

The inductees and their categories are:
 
Performing artist/group category - The Blind Boys of Alabama and Eddie Levert, (the lead singer of the O’Jays.)

The Blind Boys of Alabama trace their heritage to 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega. The Grammy-winning a capella vocalists continue to influence the music world. Just last fall, they released a duets album with several major acts including Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Bonnie Raitt and Solomon Burke and others.

Clarence Fountain is the only original member still living, but he has retired from the road, while other members carry on the tradition. They went 58 years before winning their first Grammy, but then picked up the award every year between 2002 and 2005. They have been inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame.
 
Jerry Wexler Award - Former Muscle Shoals recording artist Mac Davis, of Los Angeles, California.

Mac Davis is a songwriter who found success as a recording artist with Rick Hall as his producer at Fame in Muscle Shoals. Among their hits were “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked On Me,” “Stop And Smell The Roses,” Texas In My Rear View Mirror" and "Hooked on Music.” In 1974, Davis was named the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year.
 
Arthur Alexander songwriter’s award - Singer/songwriter Mac McAnally, of Sheffield.
Mac McAnally, a Red Bay native who grew up in Belmont, Mississippi, has won numerous awards for his songwriting.

He writes and tours with Jimmy Buffett, whom he also produces. He will know January 31 if he wins a Grammy Award for the best country collaboration with vocals for his duet with Kenny Chesney on “Down The Road.”
 
Music creator - Dothan songwriter/record producer Buddy Buie and Florence session musician Jerry Carrigan
 
Entertainment industry - Elba Native, record producer/musician Paul Hornsby
 
John Herbert Orr Pioneer Award - The late Muscle Shoals musician Terry Thompson and singer/Colbert-Lauderdale County State Senator Bobby Denton.
 
Governor’s award - B. A. Nugent, of Point Clear.
 
Music industry award - Integrity, Inc. chief executive officer Michael Coleman, of Mobile.
 
Sam Phillips innovator’s award - Concert promoter Tony Ruffino, of Birmingham.
 
Media award - Original MTV veejay Alan Hunter, of Birmingham.