NASHVILLE, TN-September 9, 2009—The 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show (ICM Awards) announces that Jason Crabb, Randy Houser and Adam Gregory have been confirmed to appear on the award show which will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. CST at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium located in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
On the heels of the June release of his best-selling, self-titled Spring Hill solo debut, award winning singer/songwriter Jason Crabb will perform on the show. Also making their first appearances on the annual award show are Universal Records South recording artist Randy Houser, and Adam Gregory from NSA/Midas.
Jason Crabb is best known as the powerhouse lead vocalist for one of Southern Gospel’s most acclaimed and awarded groups, The Crabb Family. In addition to 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY™ nominations with his family, Crabb has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, at the final Billy Graham Crusade in New York, and has sung with the legendary Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, among many other diverse and prestigious opportunities.
His solo debut was produced by Tommy Sims (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith), Norro Wilson (Kenny Chesney, Reba) and Crabb, and features guest appearances from Vince Gill, Sonya Isaacs and the Gaither Vocal Band. Noted music journalist Robert K. Oermann says of Crabb, “If you have ever heard him sing, you have never forgotten the experience, because this man is one of the greatest male voices of his generation. Searing, soulful and stunning, he can make the hairs on your arms tingle, raise goosebumps all over and compel you to turn it up to ‘10.’” Jason Crabb debuted at #1 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian/Gospel Christian Retail chart the week following its release.
Los Angeles Times says Universal South’s Randy Houser is adding “grit to the genre” on his exceptional debut album Anything Goes, which has positioned the Mississippi-born, soul-drenched country singer and songwriter to become one of the next big artists to emerge in the genre. Houser received a great response from both fans and radio programmers with his first single, the gripping, strikingly emotional ballad, “Anything Goes,” which catapulted into the Top 20 after an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman. His current hit single, “Boots On,” is currently No. 3 and climbing the Country radio charts, while the hilarious music video featuring a talented toddler rocking out to the song with his toy guitar has become a YouTube sensation.
As a recording artist and live performer, Houser has quickly earned a reputation for having one of the strongest voices in Nashville and is the only new male artist that has reached Top 2 since February 2008. At the helm of co-headlining the national CMT ON TOUR ’09: JAMEY JOHNSON AND RANDY HOUSER in October, Houser will visit 30 markets across the country.
Twenty-four-year-old recording artist Adam Gregory is a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After signing his first record deal with Sony Music Canada at age 13, he scored several Top Ten hits and Gold records in his native country before permanently relocating to Nashville in 2007. The rising star sped up the U.S. charts in the summer of 2008, breaking into the Top 30 with his first stateside single, "Crazy Days." Shortly after, Gregory released his follow-up single, "What It Takes," which was followed by promotional tours with both Cricket Communications, Inc. and Soles4Souls.
Additional performers include: James Payne, 2008 ICM Music Evangelist of the Year and past ICM Living Legend winner. James is celebrating 30 years of full time ministry. He has preached over 5000 crusades and continues to be in great demand for revivals and camp meetings. James is a Grammy nominated songwriter and has authored over 2000 songs. Tommy Brandt, 2008 ICM Male Vocalist, and 2008 Entertainer of the Year Del Way, who is also nominated for four ICM awards this year. Greg McDougal and female vocalist nominee Amanda Fessant have been added as well.
In addition, Multi-platinum recording artist Ricky Skaggs & The Whites will be performing. The Cherryholmes and 2008 ICM Entertainer of the year CrossCountry the Band are slated as the first performers added to the show.
Previously announced performer, Jeff Bates, will be unable to appear at the ICM Awards. Bates states, "I deeply regret that I will be unable to be at this year's ICM Awards and feels blessed to be nominated." He has a tour booked in Japan with Mark Wills and Trent Willmon.
Previous show performers and presenters have included: Collin Raye, Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence, Natalie Grant with Wynonna, Charlie Daniels, Andy Griggs, Lonestar, Jamie O’Neal, Josh Turner, Lee Greenwood, Emerson Drive, Richie McDonald, Linda Davis, Diamond Rio, Brian Littrell, Randy Owen, The Isaacs, Point of Grace, Phil Stacey, Melanie Walker, Jeff Bates, Tammy Cochran, Del Way and many more. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
The annual Inspirational Country Music Awards are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Christian and Inspirational Country music. Inspirational Country music is inspired by Faith, Family, and Country™. Tickets are $45.00 and are on sale now. For tickets, more information and show highlights, please visit http://www.icm-awards.com/
In addition, the Christian Country Music Association is proud to announce that TCT Networks, The Worship Network, Cornerstone TeleVision, NRB Network, My Family TV, CTS Television Canada, Angel Two Network, Total Living Network, Golden Eagle Broadcasting (Oral Roberts University) and DayStar Television Network will be airing this year’s ICM Awards!
The Inspirational Country Music Convention and Awards Show is a yearly event that draws music fans, broadcast media (radio, print, and TV) and the industries top artists to Nashville to showcase music and to discuss industry related issues. The member-voted ICM Awards Show is the keynote event of Inspirational Country Week, slated for October 11-15, in Nashville, TN. The convention and show are presented by the 501C-3 not-for-profit corporation, founded in 1992, The Christian Country Music Association.
http://www.ccma.cc/
###
