CMA Awards-Nominated Artists Unite For Music Gifting Campaign And Contest

MARLTON, N.J. (Top40 Charts/ NARM) A number of country music's most talented acts, recently recognized as 2011 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards nominees, joined NARM, the music business association; the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); and the 'Give The Gift Of Music' campaign today to spotlight the significance of giving and receiving music as a gift.

On the heels of their new CMA Awards nominations, five-category nominee Taylor Swift and New Artist of the Year contender Chris Young debuted new video tributes that describe their most memorable music gifting stories. In her video, Swift recalls the gift of hearing her role model Faith Hill's 'This Kiss' as a defining moment that determined who she wanted to be. Taylor adds: 'If you get to love music and appreciate music and be a part of music and have it in your life, it's a gift.'

Young discusses the Christmas he received his first guitar. 'I don't know if I'd be the same artist or songwriter that I am today without that first guitar,' he says.

These videos are featured as part of a special 'Countdown to CMA' section of the givethegiftofmusic.info homepage, which also includes contributions from CMA Awards nominees Little Big Town (Vocal Group of the Year), Rascal Flatts (Vocal Group of the Year), Martina McBride (Female Vocalist of the Year), Blake Shelton (Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year) and Kelly Clarkson (Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for 'Don't You Wanna Stay' with Jason Aldean). Darius Rucker, 2009's New Artist of the Year winner, also offered a video tribute.

Additionally, the 'Give the Gift of Music' has announced a contest asking fans to share how a particular 2011 CMA Awards nominee's music has inspired them. The grand prize winner will receive two tickets to attend the CMA Awards show in Nashville on November 9 and $1,000. Special country music gift packages will go to second and third place winners. View contest deadlines, rules and entry form at givethegiftofmusic.info/search-gift-ideas/countdown-to-cma/.

Last fall, NARM and RIAA led an industry-wide effort to reenergize the 30-year old 'Give The Gift Of Music' campaign and remind consumers of the many music and music-related products that are available in the marketplace and that make great gifts.