Artists Honored, Legends Return

Written by Jon Williams

It’s been a big week for news and events in country music.

First and foremost, the American Country Awards were held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Tuesday night. It was a star-studded affair, hosted by Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick and featuring performances by Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, and Kellie Pickler, among others. The awards, voted on by fans, recognize the best of the past year in a variety of categories. The big winners on the night were Florida Georgia Line (six awards) and Blake Shelton (four awards), as well as Luke Bryan, who was named artist of the year. For a complete list of the night’s winners, click here.

That same day, it was announced that a new Johnny Cash album will be released in March, featuring unheard music from the country legend. Out Among the Stars was recorded in the early ‘80s and then never released. The material was mostly forgotten and assumed lost, and has only recently been rediscovered. This will be the fourth album release since Cash’s passing in 2003, the first since American VI: Ain’t No Grave in 2010. Stay tuned for ordering information on the upcoming album.

Finally, Garth Brooks announced this week on Good Morning America that he will begin touring again in 2014. Brooks shocked the music world when he announced his retirement from touring and recording in 2000, at the height of his immense popularity, saying he wanted to spend time with his wife (country singer Trisha Yearwood) and children. Now, with his youngest daughter about to graduate from high school, Brooks is ready to get back to what he does best. In preparation, Brooks has released a 6-disc compilation, Blame It All on My Roots, which features his take on songs which have influenced him over the course of his life and career, a mixture of classic country, classic rock, and more. There’s no word yet on any upcoming releases of new original material, but you have to imagine that’ll be the next step.