The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will offer insight into country music’s latest chapter with the opening of its first exhibition of 2020, American Currents: State of the Music, on Friday, March 6, 2020. The exhibit runs through Feb. 7, 2021.
Now an annual offering, American Currents: State of the Music represents the ongoing research, analysis, vigorous debate, and yes, even argument, among curators and museum staff to determine the most important developments in country music over the previous year.
“Each year brings new components to the country music story, and 2019 was no different,” said Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Last year, we witnessed unprecedented collaborations, recording-breaking chart success and the continued evolution of the genre, reaching a broader audience. American Currents allows us to highlight these moments and share their significance in country music history.”
Those featured in American Currents: State of the Music are artists, musicians and songwriters who have shaped today’s country music story. Those included in this year’s exhibition are: Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Blanco Brown, Brandi Carlile, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Jenee Fleenor, Florida Georgia Line, Country Music Hall of Fame member Tom T. Hall, The Highwomen, Lil Nas X, Hillary Lindsey, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, John Prine, Chris Stapleton, Tanya Tucker, Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen.
The exhibit also features the Unbroken Circle, which illustrates the connection between country music’s past, present and future by sharing the stories of today’s artists and those who have influenced them. Included in this part of the exhibit are Erin Enderlin and Country Music Hall of Fame member Reba McEntire; Cody Johnson and Chris LeDoux; Billy Strings and Jerry Douglas; Tenille Townes and Patty Griffin; and Yola and Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton.
Get more information about American Currents: State of the Music
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In 1999, The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Dolly during the Country Music Association Awards ceremony on Sept. 22.
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Watch Dolly's performances from that day.
Their collaboration on "God Only Knows" earned Dolly Parton & for King & Country the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song on Sunday, January 26, 2020. This marks Dolly's 10th Grammy win including her Lifetime Achievement Award and MusiCares Person of the Year Award. This is the fourth Grammy win for the Australian duo comprised of Joel and Luke Smallbone. While not present at the awards, Dolly expressed her excitement and gratitude. She said,
"I am so excited that for King and Country and I won a Grammy for 'God Only Knows!' Thank God and thank all of you!"
Joel and Luke accepted the award during the Grammy's Premiere Ceremony. They later shared this message with their fans on social media.
"We’re floored.. and dedicate these to anyone needing a new beginning, a fresh start, and a new dawn. These awards for us represent redemption for our family. If you’re wondering if your story can be used for good, it can be.." -- for King & Country
In addition to the Grammy win, “God Only Knows” also won “Song of the Year” honors at the K-LOVE awards and received a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. See a full list of winners from the 62nd Grammy Awards highlights and more at Grammy.com.
This powerful music video for “God Only Knows” features Dolly as she and the Smallbone brothers struggle to find themselves before resigning to faith and belief. They shot the full-length video in Nashville, produced by Patrick Tohill and directed by Benjamin Smallbone.
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Photo Credit: Curtis Hilbun
On January 30, 2020, Dolly will take the stage of the historic Ryman Auditorium for The Dustin J. Wells Foundation’s The Gift of Music concert. Tickets for The Gift of Music Concert are $100 and $85 (for obstructed view) plus applicable service charges. Concert tickets are available online starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24. The event is also the featured entertainment for The Crown Council, a group of dental teams gathering in Nashville for their 25th Annual Event.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Gift of Music concert will go to Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation. Established as a national identity in 2014, this charitable organization is dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats cancer while sparing the patient. For more information, go to the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation.
Since its inception in 2008, the benefit concert has had the support of some of music's greatest artists, including Ronnie Dunn, Kellie Pickler, Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Peter Cetera, Peter Frampton, Ronnie Milsap, Gunnar Nelson, and many other generous and talented musicians who have donated their time and talent to support the efforts and causes of Dustin's foundation. This year’s Gift of Music concert continues the trend of big star participation including Dolly, Lee Greenwood, Lonestar, Collin Raye, T.G. Sheppard, Drew Baldridge, Abby Anderson, and more.
Because of his strong love for music, donating to the W.O. Smith Music School is another way Dustin can be remembered, by sharing the “Gift of Music” with underprivileged children in the Nashville community. With the provision of free instruments and 50 cent lessons, these young lives can continue to be changed, grown and enriched in memory of Dustin.
Visit The Dustin J. Wells Foundation for more information on the concert and to purchase tickets.
On January 19, fans celebrate the monumental career and living legacy of Dolly Parton. Dolly is a true country music icon with countless reasons to be celebrated! From her first performance at the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13 to her success today, with each year of her unbelievable career, Dolly fans have loved and followed this incredible songstress. Having such a storied career, Dolly has been recognized for her musical prowess, business acumen and incredible generosity.
Happy Birthday, Dolly! And Thank You for continuing to inspire the dreams of generations and generations to come.
To celebrate Dolly's Birthday, here's a challenge to test your Dolly knowledge! How much do you really know about Dolly Parton and her spectacular career? Find out below and share your results.
Today, American Greetings announces a multi-year partnership with Dolly Parton that includes digital and physical products integrating the legendary singer-songwriter’s music in unique ways. Additionally, cards featuring her now-classic “Dolly-isms” will roll out in the coming months. Dolly Parton’s birthday is this weekend and the team at American Greetings will be giving fans across the world birthday surprises for years to come. The inaugural Parton product offering, a birthday audio & video “SmashUp” e-card, will take inspiration from Parton’s hit song “9 to 5”.
“I am so thrilled to begin this relationship with the folks at American Greetings,” says Parton. “When presented with this opportunity I knew it was perfect for me. I love connecting with people in unique ways and being able to integrate products that take inspiration from my music and the life lessons I have learned through the years makes this extra special. I know first-hand how a few words in a card can change someone’s day for the better. I am looking forward to working with the Creative group at American Greetings to develop cards that do just that!”
This is Dolly’s first line of greeting cards. The digital products will be available worldwide and the physical products will initially be available in eCommerce channels.
“We are so excited to announce this relationship with Dolly because we make products that are expressions of happiness, laughter, and love, all of which are qualities that she personifies with her infectious, joyful personality,” says Rob Matousek, GM – Direct to Consumer Business at American Greetings. “We believe everyone should feel as special as they are, especially on their birthday. Creating these products with Dolly helps us inspire people to share some happiness with friends and family on their special day.”
Additional announcements are forthcoming as to specific product lines. Fans can register for product alerts at americangreetings.com/dolly.
