CMT Announces Rita Wilson as Host for “CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares” Airing Wednesday, April 8 at 8PM ET/PT
04/06/20
Don Schlitz, Kim Carnes & Rogers’ Former Band & Crew Join Star-Studded Lineup
All Donations To Benefit MusiCares® COVID-19 Relief Fund
NASHVILLE - April 6, 2020 – Today CMT announced beloved singer/songwriter, actress and producer RitaWilson as host of “CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” premiering Wednesday, April 8 at 8 PM ET/PT on CMT. The uplifting celebration to honor the extraordinary life and legendary music of the late Kenny Rogers will additionally encore on MTV Live on April 10 at 8:00 PM ET/PT and CMT on April 11 at 12:00 PM ET/PT.
Rogers’ friends and collaborators including songwriter Don Schlitz (“The Gambler”) and singer-songwriter Kim Carnes (“Don’t Fall in Love With A Dreamer”)join the star-studded virtual lineup that includes Dolly Parton, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts and Vince Gill. Additionally, there will be a very special appearance from Rogers’ longtime band who toured with him for 45+ years: Gene Roy (tour manager), Frank Farrell (technical director), Keith Bugos (production manager)and Steve Glassmeyer (band member).
“Kenny Rogers introduced so many to country music. His songs crossed over into many genres. I’ll never forget the evocative angst in Kenny’s voice on ‘Ruby,’ the unmistakable hooks and his unique, authentic ability to tell a story in ‘The Gambler,’ and of course, the perfection of his duet with Dolly Parton, ‘Islands in the Stream.’” Kenny’s impact has been indelible,” shared Rita Wilson. “It’s an honor to be hosting “CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers” and to share in an evening of Kenny’s songs with so many iconic artists.”
Viewers can support CMT’s efforts by visiting musicares.org/kennyrogers and texting KENNYCARES to 41444 during the broadcast to contribute.
“CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares” is produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux. For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube and use the hashtag #CMTGiants.
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About Rita Wilson:
The multi-talented Rita Wilson is an accomplished singer-songwriter, acclaimed actress, and successful producer, with her first love being music. The likes of Michelle Obama and Brandi Carlile have praised her artistry, while The New York Times noted, “she has a catch in her voice that conveys yearning,” and Forbes called her voice, “smooth as silk.” Her latest and fourth studio album, Halfway to Home is Southern California rock meets Nashville country, featuring songs co-written with an A-List group, such as GRAMMY-winner Liz Rose, Kristian Bush of Sugarland (who she also toured with), Mozella (Madonna, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus), Mitch Allan (Demi Lovato), and Kara DioGuardi (Pink, Kelly Clarkson). Rita has performed the world over on her own headlining shows, on the iconic stages of the Grand Ole Opry and Sydney Opera House and coveted slots at Stagecoach and CMA Fest among others.
About CMT:
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube). CMT is a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC) (“ViacomCBS”). For more information, please visit cmtpress.com.
Press Contacts:
CMT
Ali Marszalkowski, Ali.Marszalkowski@viacom.com
Rebecca Lawlor, Rebecca.Lawlor@viacom.com
Rita Wilson
BT PR at 646.405.7010:
Olga Makrias,Olga@btpr.biz
Benny Tarantini, Benny@btpr.biz
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