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"I always try to entertain folks with good clean fun and stories from my youth," says Skaggs of the Entertainer of the Year nod. "I always try to bring the gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ to our shows as well. I think now more than ever, people all over the country need hope. I'm very thankful to have won this award. I certainly look up to all of the people in this category. They are taking the gospel out to the folks who really need to hear it. Thanks again so much. It means a lot to me."

Nashville, TN (October 28, 2011) -- Music icon Ricky Skaggs was named Entertainer of the Year and Musician of the Year at tonight's 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show.  Held at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the star-studded evening included a memorable performance of "Somebody's Prayin'" that featured Skaggs, John Elliot and six members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.  The track is from Ricky's July-issue CD, COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE.  The show was co-hosted by GAC-TV's Storme Warren and Inside Edition's Megan Alexander. 

This year marks Ricky's 50th in the entertainment field, and his rise to the top has been unparalleled in music history.  From his days as a valued band member for artists like Ralph Stanley and Emmylou Harris, to the release of his first solo recording in 1981, Skaggs has taken his lively, distinctively American form of music out of isolation and into the hearts of audiences across the country and around the world. Skaggs was honored to be chosen from among the very best of musicians, and says: "It means a lot to have been included with pickers whom I so admire. I am honored to have won Musician of the Year." Credited with "single-handedly saving country music" in the mid-80s by renowned guitarist and producer, Chet Atkins, Skaggs has since blurred the edges of various genres, but maintained his unique musical individualism. 

Ricky was honored by Power Source Magazine earlier this week at their # 1 Awards Party held at the Wildhorse Saloon for "Someday Soon," a hit from last year's MOSAIC album.  Skaggs has previously won the following ICM Awards: Musician of the Year, Christian Country Music Association - 1994, 1995; Musician of the Year - 2008; Inspirational Bluegrass Artist (with The Whites) - 2008; Mainstream Country Artist (with The Whites) - 2008; Mainstream Country Artist - 2009 and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist - 2010.  The 14-time Grammy® winner has also been honored with eight Academy of Country Music Awards and eight Country Music Association Awards.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder hit the road next week for one show in Louisiana before heading North for seven engagements in Canada, November 4 - 12.  They return stateside for shows in Virginia and Pennsylvania before Ricky embarks (with The Whites and family) November 28 on A Skaggs Family Christmas Tour.  The seasonal tour, the entourage's eighth in as many years, is in support of A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO, which was released last month. The 10-song disc features both studio and live recordings, and includes a bonus DVD filled with 26 performances of traditional seasonal favorites and new compositions. A Skaggs Family Christmas Tour concludes with an evening at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center on December 22.

www.rickyskaggs.com

Ricky Skaggs Accepts “Entertainer of the Year” Award Among Top Major Categories
Presented Tonight at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Nashville, Tenn. (October 28, 2011) –The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Association’s Faith, Family & Country Awards took center stage tonight at Nashville’s austere Schermerhorn Symphony Center for a presentation of their annual music awards.  It proved to be an event that transformed the elegant surroundings into a hometown celebration of pink carpet arrivals, tributes to the lives of Middle Tennessee breast cancer survivors and an evening filled with memorable moments and music with inspirational meaning.   This year’s Awards were tied “with pink ribbon” by the Inspirational Country Music Association to a highly publicized humanitarian theme which benefitted the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition.

Hosted by two faces familiar to television audiences -- Inside Edition’s national correspondent anchorMegan Alexander and GAC’s popular entertainment news anchor, Storme Warren, it was an inspirational night focused on the winners—and survivors.

Throughout the television taping before a live audience, a retinue of 136 breast cancer survivors was seated in a special honor section on the Schermerhorn stage. A centerpiece to the night was Ultimate World Fight Champion Rich Franklin who made a unique tribute presentation to the survivors in life –a personal message close to his own heart as the unusual and high profile “macho sport” male advocacy voice for breast cancer awareness.  A tribute to Ground Zero heroes brought an equally touching patriotic theme with performances by Lee Greenwood of God Bless The USA and Chuck Day with his self-penned I’ll Stand Up And Say So –selected as a theme of Herman Cain’s current presidential campaign.

Awards were given out in more than twenty categories that included both rising artists and a stellar array of major music industry names in a broad cross section of categories that included entertainer, artist, new artist, song, songwriter, group, duo, musician, radio, radio station, film, and television honors.

Highlights included Ricky Skaggs emotional acceptance of the prestigious Entertainer of the Year Award for 2011.  Fitting to the honor, this year of 2011 marks an amazing 50 years of performing—and a memorable 52nd anniversary of Skaggs love affair with bluegrass music—a love story that began for him at age five when he first picked-up his first mandolin back in Cordell, Kentucky. Performing a heart-stirring version ofSomebody’s Prayin’ it was a night of double awards for him as he also received top honors from Inspirational Country Music Award voters in the top Musician category.

"I always try to entertain folks with good clean fun and stories from my youth," noted Skaggs in accepting theEntertainer of the Year honor. "I always try to bring the gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ to our shows as well. I think now more than ever, people all over the country need hope. I'm very thankful to have won this award. I certainly look up to all of the people in this category. They are taking the gospel out to the folks who really need to hear it. Thanks again so much. It means a lot to me," he concluded.

Other major wins of the night included Lady Antebellum’s Hello World, in the Video category. Noted Dave Haywood of Lady A on their award:  "This was a really emotional song and definitely the most dramatic video we've ever made. We are honored with the recognition from the Inspirational Country Music Award voters and we just appreciate the support of our fans.  We want to give a shout out to Roman White, who directed this video and created such a powerful visual story for our song...big thanks to him as well."

 Big Machine Label Group’s rising new superstar Justin Moore proved a winner with this year’s voters with Mainstream Inspirational Country Song honors being award to If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away. “This song is a gift from God,” he noted in acknowledging  the honor. “I can’t think of a better way and a better place to win my first ever award so thank you very much and God bless you guys.”

Jeff Bates proved equally strong as a mainstream contender as he walked the Schermerhorn stage to receive Mainstream Country Artist top honors. Film honors went to Soul Surfer -- the dramatic true story of young surfer Bethany Hamilton’s deep encounter with God after losing her arm in a shark attack at the age of 13. Directed by Sean McNamara, who also co-wrote the screenplay with collaborative writer Deborah Schwartz, McNamara was at the Schermerhorn to accept the award.

An emotional highlight of the evening was the naming of The Fox Brothers as the recipient of the coveted Legend/Pioneer Award.

The brotherhood trio of Roy, Randy and Lynn Fox are true representatives of the unique blend of Christian and country music. Growing up the brothers honed their harmonies and genius for entertaining an audience in the revival and church service world of their childhood in rural Tennessee. With success in southern gospel, The Fox Brothers expanded their reach to become one of the industry’s most beloved performing groups. They have a unique history leading up to tonight’s honor.  The Fox Brothers have previously been twice honored as “Entertainer of the Year” (2000-2001) by Inspirational Country Music Association voters who also deemed them “Vocal Group of the Year” through eight consecutive wins.

More than a dozen major performance dotted the evening—including those by The Roys, Lathan Moore, Joey + Rory, Buddy Jewell, Guy Penrod, The Isaacs, Laura Dodd, and Lucas Hoge.

The presentation of the Inspirational Country Music Awards Show from Nashville were streamed live on a custom URL (www.stageit.com/faithfamilycountry) where music fans pre-accessed tickets to view the night’s online awards ceremonies.

Major Inspirational Country Music Award Category winners announced were:

Entertainer of the Year:                      Ricky Skaggs

Mainstream Country Artist:                Jeff Bates

Video Award:                                        Hello World – Lady Antebellum

Inspirational Bluegrass Artist:            The Roys

Legend/Pioneer Award:                      The Fox Brothers

Mainstream Inspirational Song:         If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away –Justin Moore.

Inspirational Country Song:                I’ll Stand Up And Say So—Chuck Day

Male Vocalist:                                        Chuck Day

Female Vocalist:                                   Kali Rose.

Vocal Duo:                                             Joey + Rory

Vocal Group or Band:                          Sunday Drive

Songwriter:                                             Russ Murphy

New Artist:                                              Chuck Hancock

Musician:                                                Ricky Skaggs

Comedian:                                              Johnny Lee Cook

Youth In Music:                                      Renee Spencer

Music Evangelist:                                 Johnny Lee Cook

Radio Personality:                               J. R. Pitsenbarger

Radio Station:                                       WCWV—Summersville, WV

Television Network:                             Daystar TV

Faith & Family Movie:                          Soul Surfer
 

The 2011 Inspirational Country Music Awards continue as the highpoint finale of Inspirational Country Music Week, an annual event presented by the Inspirational Country Music Association.  This year’s schedule which ran October 24-28^th in Nashville, was as in past years, a major drawing event across a broad cross section of industry, music fans, broadcast media, and artists in a well-orchestrated showcase of music, conference scheduling and seminar related activities.

Produced by Graham Bustin, the 17^th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards presentation will air on several networks this year.  Already set to air the telecast: 

Total Living Network

Reaching Chicago-land & Central IL via TLN Chicago 138 on Comcast Cable 

Reaching San Francisco via KTLN FP Broadcast, cable and Satellite

(Includes Comcast Cable, Astound Cable, Seren Cable, Horizon Cable, RCN, Veterans Communications, San Bruno Cable, DISH Network, DirecTV and Nellis Air Force Base)

Additional television scheduling for this year’s awards show is currently being finalized according to Jason Higgins, Executive Director of the Inspirational Country Music Association.

Resource online for additional announcements on viewership/ broadcast information: 
www.ICM-Awards.com

Additional Inspirational Country Music Association contact resources: 
Facebook.com/faithfamilycountry

THE 17TH ANNUAL INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCES BY LEE GREENWOOD, RICKY SKAGGS, JOEY & RORY, AND THE ROYS!
 

Nashville, TN (July 14, 2011) - On October 28th, The Schermerhorn Symphony Center will host the 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards, and taking the stage will be some of today's most beloved Inspirational Country artists including Lee Greenwood, Joey & Rory, and returning ‘ICM Faith, Family & Country Award' winners Ricky Skaggs and The Roys.
 
With four Inspirational Country Music Awards including the 2010 ICM/Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year, 2008 and 2009 Mainstream Country Artist of the Year and 2008 Musician of the Year, Skaggs is no stranger to the event.  In his upcoming July 19th release, Country Hits Bluegrass Style, Skaggs pays homage to both his country and bluegrass roots by featuring 14 classic country songs recorded in bluegrass style, sure to garner further national attention. In addition to hisICM Faith, Family & Country Awards, Skaggs has won a total of 8 ACM Awards, 8 CMA Awards, and 14 Grammy Awards.

A special segment during the ceremony will feature songsmith Lee Greenwood, writer of one of the most recognizable songs in America history, to honor the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 in remembrance of those affected by the tragedy. Throughout Greenwood's illustrious career he has recorded over 20 albums, sold millions and charted more than 35 singles. Greenwood's latest body of work, I Want You In My World, is an EP of seven songs including two self-written tracks, set to release on July 25th.
 
Returning to the show will be reining two-time Inspirational Country Vocal Duo of the Year, The Roys. Their most recent album Lonesome Whistle has taken the bluegrass world by storm, with the album debuting at #7 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts, and the single, "Coal Minin' Man", reaching #1 on the European Hotdisc Chart. "Coal Minin' Man” currently resides in the Top 10 in both the Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Music Profiles charts, and holds the #1 position on the Power Source Bluegrass Chart.
 
Another great addition to the night's line-up includes husband and wife duo, Joey & Rory, who won the heart of America on the 2008 season of CMT's Can You Duet.  Joey and Rory received the 2010 ACM Top New Vocal Duo Award and currently have a new album aptly titled Album Number Two, which continues to showcase their down-to-earth values. With songs featuring love and faith mixed with cowboys, fame, and the working man, Joey and Rory captivate listeners once again.
 
Preceding the awards show, the first-ever PINK Carpet Gala Event will take place as breast cancer survivors, country artists, celebrities and more join to celebrate and raise awareness for the cause. During the ceremony, orchestra seating will be filled with breast cancer survivors, each of which will be sponsored by a family member, friend, or business. For more information on sponsoring a Breast Cancer Survivor, please contact Ray Henson at 615-742-9210 x229 or visit www.ICM-awards.com.

The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards will be hosted by popular television personalities Storme Warren and Megan Alexander and will be held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. Additional events for ICM-Faith, Family & Country Week (Oct 24-28) will be held at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel and will include the Power Source No. 1 Party, daily and nightly showcases, the 2011 Talent Contest and the 2011 Songwriting Contest, as well as seminars, worship services, retail exhibits, and much more! For more information please visit www.ccma.cc.

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 music is inspired by Faith, Family, and Country™. The member-voted ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show is the keynote event of Inspirational Country Music Week, in Nashville, TN. Past shows have included performers such as: Hank Williams Jr., Ricky Skaggs, Randy Houser, Craig Morgan, Point of Grace, Wynonna, Josh Turner, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bellamy Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Andy Griggs, Jamie O’Neal, Lonestar, Merle Haggard, and more!

Inspirational Country Music Week is brought to you by Kyser Musical Products.

“Country Hits Bluegrass Style” In Stores Next Tuesday

Nashville, TN (July 13, 2011) – Musical legendRicky Skaggs’ newest CD, COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE (Skaggs Family Records), will be in stores Tuesday, July 19. The 14-song release is a mix between Skaggs’ country and bluegrass roots, something he has been sharing with fans around the country during his currentTreasure Chest Tour.

Both bluegrass and country lovers alike will enjoy the bluegrass instrumentation along with the impeccable tenor voice of Ricky Skaggs, the man who “single-handedly” saved country music in the early 80’s, according to renowned guitarist and producer, Chet Atkins.  Ricky’s eight-time IBMAInstrumental Band of the Year, Kentucky Thunder, along with some of Ricky’s original award-winning country band alumni, and special friends add to the magic of this album.

“We did such good music in the 1980s and early '90s that a lot of fans still shout out 'Honey (Open That Door),' and I felt like we needed to do those songs for them, too,” explained Skaggs.  “For years now I’ve had fans come up and ask me to do a CD that would have my old country hits on it.  So here it is, done a little different than the original recordings.  These were done in more of a bluegrass style.  Folks have loved it when we play them on the road.  Sure hope you love them too.”

Skaggs’ first two country #1 singles and standouts on the new album, “Crying My Heart Out Over You” and “I Don’t Care,” are accompanied by eight more #1 country hits, such as “Cajun Moon” and “Highway 40 Blues.”  Ricky’s superior guitar skills are showcased throughout this bluegrass rendition of his fan-favorite classic, “Country Boy.”  Other songs include “Uncle Pen,” the first bluegrass tune ever to hit #1 on Billboard’s country chart, “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” “He Was On To Something (So He Made You),” and “Somebody’s Prayin’.”

About Ricky Skaggs
14-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs is well known for both his country music classics as well as his bluegrass hits.  Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive Grammy nominated classics.  He has won a total of eight ACM Awards and eight CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1985.  Skaggs' latest album, MOSIAC, released in August 2010, marked his return to a full band sound with melody and lyrics that speak to his faith.  Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, are currently on the road for the 2011 Treasure Chest Tour.

Nashville, TN (June 13, 2011) – Grammy-award winner Ricky Skaggs will take the stage with the Boston Pops in Boston, Massachusetts on June 25th and 26th.  The Pops, commonly referred to as “America’s Orchestra,” will join Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, performing many of Skaggs' country and bluegrass hits as part of his 2011 Treasure Chest Tour. 

Led by conductor Keith Lockhart, the orchestra has popularized light, classical music through their performances at the Symphony Hall and the PBS series, “Evening at Pops.”  This is not the first time the classical orchestra music has paired up with #1 bluegrass hits; Skaggs and the Pops received rave reviews after they performed together back in 2005. 
 
Skaggs will continue on his highly anticipated Treasure Chest Tour throughout the remainder of 2011.  The tour brings together Ricky’s passion and talent in country, bluegrass and gospel music.   Following the shows with the Boston Pops, Skaggs will perform at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee on June 30th. 
 
For more information on Ricky Skaggs, including a list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.rickyskaggs.com. 
 

About Ricky Skaggs
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs is well known for both his country music classics as well as his bluegrass hits.  Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive Grammy nominated classics.  He has won a total of 8 ACM Awards and 8 CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1985.  Skaggs' latest album, Mosaic, released in August 2010, marked his return to a full band sound with melody and lyrics that speak to his faith. Skaggs has combined both his country and bluegrass roots in his upcoming July 19th release, Country Hits Bluegrass Style, which will feature 14 classic country songs recorded in bluegrass style. 

“Country Hits Bluegrass Style” Set to Release July 19th

 
Nashville, TN (June 9, 2011) – Musical legend Ricky Skaggs has announced the July 19th release of his upcoming project Country Hits Bluegrass Style on Skaggs Family Records.  The 14-song release is a mix between Skaggs’ country and bluegrass roots, something he has been sharing with fans around the country on his current Treasure Chest Tour.
 
Both bluegrass and country lovers alike will enjoy the bluegrass instrumentation along with the impeccable tenor voice of Ricky Skaggs, the man who “single-handedly” saved country music in the early 80’s, according to renowned guitarist and producer, Chet Atkins.  Ricky’s 8-time IBMA Instrumental Band of the Year, Kentucky Thunder, along with some of Ricky’s original award-winning country band alumni and special friends add to the magic of this album.
 
“We did such good music in the 1980s and early '90s that a lot of fans still shout out 'Honey (Open That Door),' and I felt like we needed to do those songs for them, too,” explained Skaggs.  “For years now I’ve had fans come up and ask me to do a CD that would have my old country hits on it.  So here it is, done a little different than the original recordings.  These were done in more of a bluegrass style.  Folks have loved it when we play them on the road.  Sure hope you love them too.”
 
Skaggs’ first two country #1 singles and standouts on the new album, “Crying My Heart Out Over You” and “I Don’t Care,” are accompanied by eight more #1 country hits, such as “Cajun Moon” and “Highway 40 Blues.”  Ricky’s superior guitar skills are showcased throughout this bluegrass rendition of his fan-favorite classic, “Country Boy.”  Other songs include “Uncle Pen,” the first bluegrass tune ever to hit #1 on Billboard’s country chart, “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” “He Was On To Something (So He Made You),” and “Somebody’s Prayin’.” 
 
About Ricky Skaggs
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs is well known for both his country music classics as well as his bluegrass hits.  Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive Grammy nominated classics.  He has won a total of 8 ACM Awards and 8 CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1985.  Skaggs' latest album, Mosaic, released in August 2010, marked his return to a full band sound with melody and lyrics that speak to his faith.  Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, are currently on the road for the 2011 Treasure Chest Tour in addition to a host of bluegrass dates. 

“Country Hits Bluegrass Style” Set to Release July 19th

 
Nashville, TN (June 9, 2011) – Musical legend Ricky Skaggs has announced the July 19th release of his upcoming project Country Hits Bluegrass Style on Skaggs Family Records.  The 14-song release is a mix between Skaggs’ country and bluegrass roots, something he has been sharing with fans around the country on his current Treasure Chest Tour.
 
Both bluegrass and country lovers alike will enjoy the bluegrass instrumentation along with the impeccable tenor voice of Ricky Skaggs, the man who “single-handedly” saved country music in the early 80’s, according to renowned guitarist and producer, Chet Atkins.  Ricky’s 8-time IBMA Instrumental Band of the Year, Kentucky Thunder, along with some of Ricky’s original award-winning country band alumni and special friends add to the magic of this album.
 
“We did such good music in the 1980s and early '90s that a lot of fans still shout out 'Honey (Open That Door),' and I felt like we needed to do those songs for them, too,” explained Skaggs.  “For years now I’ve had fans come up and ask me to do a CD that would have my old country hits on it.  So here it is, done a little different than the original recordings.  These were done in more of a bluegrass style.  Folks have loved it when we play them on the road.  Sure hope you love them too.”
 
Skaggs’ first two country #1 singles and standouts on the new album, “Crying My Heart Out Over You” and “I Don’t Care,” are accompanied by eight more #1 country hits, such as “Cajun Moon” and “Highway 40 Blues.”  Ricky’s superior guitar skills are showcased throughout this bluegrass rendition of his fan-favorite classic, “Country Boy.”  Other songs include “Uncle Pen,” the first bluegrass tune ever to hit #1 on Billboard’s country chart, “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” “He Was On To Something (So He Made You),” and “Somebody’s Prayin’.” 
 
About Ricky Skaggs
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs is well known for both his country music classics as well as his bluegrass hits.  Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive Grammy nominated classics.  He has won a total of 8 ACM Awards and 8 CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1985.  Skaggs' latest album, Mosaic, released in August 2010, marked his return to a full band sound with melody and lyrics that speak to his faith.  Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, are currently on the road for the 2011 Treasure Chest Tour in addition to a host of bluegrass dates. 

Nashville, TN (March 31, 2011) – Musical legend Ricky Skaggs is set to appear on Fox & Friends this Sunday, April 3^rd.  Skaggs will discuss his latest projects including his recently announced Treasure Chest Tour, the first tour to include both his country classics as well as his bluegrass hits. 
 
Skaggs will also pay tribute to the Academy of Country Music Awards, which take place Sunday night on CBS.  Skaggs has earned himself 8 ACM trophies throughout his career, including the title of Top New Male Vocalist in 1981. 
 
About Ricky Skaggs
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs is well known for both his country music classics as well as his bluegrass hits.  Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive Grammy nominated classics.  He has won a total of 8 ACM Awards and 8 CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1985.  Skaggs' latest album, Mosaic, released in August 2010, marks his return to a full band sound with melody and lyrics that speak to his faith.  Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, will soon be hitting the road for the highly anticipated 2011 Treasure Chest Tour in addition to a host of bluegrass dates. 
 
For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.rickyskaggs.com