CMT News

Both Capitol recording artists Deana Carter and Steve Wariner were winners at the recent Gibson Guitar Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Carter, who won the Best Female Country Guitarist award, said "I've never been recognized as a guitar player before. Maybe now I'll play more on my albums." Her current album Everything's Gonna Be Alright includes several guitar-driven songs, including her newest single, "You Still Shake Me." Her father, guitarist Fred Carter Jr., was one of the top session players of the 60s and 70s, recording with such artists as Simon & Garfunkel, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan.

"Being recognized as a guitar player is great, especially since that's why I came to Nashville," says Wariner, who tied with Randy Scruggs for the Best Male Country Guitarist award. "I wouldn't be here without my mentor and friend Chet Atkins. I know he'll be happy to hear about this." Wariner is putting the final touches on his second album for Capitol Records, scheduled for release in May. The title track, and latest single, "Two Teardrops" is racing up the charts and receiving the same strong emotional response as his Grammy-nominated "Holes In The Floor of Heaven."

Winners of the Gibson Guitar Awards are chosen by the editors of guitar magazines. Other winners include Courtney Love, John Fogerty, Steve Earle, Lisa Loeb, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Melissa Etheridge. Brian Setzer was given the lifetime achievement award. The ceremony was held at the Hard Rock Café in Los Angeles.