CMT News

According to the Tennessean, Brown is taking legal action in response to a breach of contract suit filed by producer Jamal Jones and a production company that worked with Brown before he found mainstream success. Jones, who is known as Polow da Don, claims Brown violated a 2015 deal with him and the production company, Zone 4, when he signed his major record deal with Sony Music Nashville. Brown’s attorneys allege the 2015 deal was fraudulent because Jones and Zone 4 misrepresented their ability to use music industry connections to advance his career. The counterclaim also alleges that Zone 4 entered another agreement with Brown’s label in 2016 that renders any details with the 2015 deal “null and void.” The lawsuit and counterclaim are both being considered in the federal court based in Atlanta.

A boot-scootin’ duo, a comedic singer and a member of Music Row royalty comprise 2019’s class of inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Country Music Association made the announcement Monday morning in front of the 2019 class of inductees, current Country Music Hall of Fame members and other members of the music community during an event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Brooks & Dunn will be inducted in the Modern Era Artist category. Ray Stevens will be inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category. Jerry Bradley will be inducted in the Non-performer category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980 and Songwriter categories. The men will raise the number of those inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame to 139.

“These visionaries have transformed the genre in obvious and intangible ways,” said the event’s host, Bill Cody. “They not only impacted the world of country music, but their work has created art that implores people to laugh, to cry and to ponder the range of emotions in between.”

Brooks & Dunn, Stevens and Bradley will formally enter into the Country Music Hall of Fame during a Medallion Ceremony at the CMA Theater later this year.

Tennessean –  https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/2019/03/18/brooks-dunn-ray-stevens-jerry-bradley-among-country-music-hall-fame-inductees/3198869002/

Keith Urban may be best known to most as one of Australia’s most recognizable stars, but the singer was actually born in neighboring New Zealand. And, true to his roots, he has recognized and sent his condolences to his birthplace in the wake of the terrible tragedy that took place there Friday (March 15).

Urban displayed on social media a photo of Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House, which was lit up with New Zealand’s symbolic silver fern in recognition of the 50 people who were killed in shootings at two Christchurch mosques.

“My family and I send prayers for ALL who’ve been affected by this indescribable hatred,” Urban noted in a caption.

Urban’s wife, Australian actor Nicole Kidman, expressed the same sentiment in her Instagram stories, posting the same photo and noting simply, “New Zealand you’re in our prayers.”

A 28-year-old Australian man Brenton Harrison Tarrant, was arrested and charged with murder (more charges are expected) in connection with the attack, which marks the country’s deadliest shooting in modern history. Tarrant self-described as a white supremacist with strong anti-immigrant sentiments, and attacked on what is the holiest day of the week in Muslim culture. In addition to the 50 that died, many others were injured as a result of his actions.