CMT Music Awards Tap Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker for Gregg Allman Tribute
Late Southern-rock pioneer Gregg Allman, who was laid to rest on Saturday in Macon, Georgia, will be remembered with a special performance at the 2017 CMT Music Awards.
Set for Wednesday, June 7th, the awards have tapped Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley to take part in a tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter and leader of the Allman Brothers Band, who died at 69 on May 27th.
Aldean, a lifelong fan of the Allman Brothers, posted a personal message online following Allman’s death. “He made it seem possible for a kid to come out of Macon, Georgia, make a name for himself and make it in this business,” he wrote. “He was such an inspiration to so many of us that tried so hard to imitate him but could just never quite do it the same. Thanks for the music and thanks for making me believe I could achieve my music dreams too.”
The network has also announced a new lineup of collaborations: Luke Bryan will re-team with his CMT Crossroads partner Jason Derulo, and Brothers Osborne will jam with Seventies guitar hero Peter Frampton. They join previously announced artists Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town and Kelsea Ballerini. In addition, rising stars Brett Young, Chris Lane, Jon Pardi, Midland and Lauren Alaina will perform portions of their songs.
Hosted by Nashville actor Charles Esten, the 2017 CMT Music Awards air live on June 7th at 8:00 p.m./ET.