Country Artist Craig Morgan Rescues Two Children From Fire

Craig Morgan's skills as a former EMT, Army paratrooper and Sheriff's deputy saved the lives of a Dickson, Tenn., family on Sunday afternoon.

After returning home from a stretch of concert dates, the singer spotted a house fire, and his instincts took over. He raced to the scene of the blaze and ran into the smoke-filled house to rescue two young children trapped inside. After firefighters arrived at the scene, they handed the singer a hose to help put out the flames.

Because of Craig's lightning quick reflexes, the home suffered only minor damage, and everyone in the house was safe and unharmed.

The Tennessee native has been busy filming the second season of his television show 'Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors' for the Outdoor Channel, which will debut in June. He returns to the road on Wednesday (Feb. 16) for a show in Jackson, Miss. Read more on Morgan from The Boot.

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Esperanza Spalding Calls Best New Artist Grammy Win 'Unexpected'

Who would've thought that a young jazz bassist would come in and steal the Best New Artist Grammy out from under the likes of Justin Bieber, Florence and the Machine and Drake? Not too many people, that's for sure. In fact, gambling mavens Ladbrokes and Bodog placed the odds of Esperanza Spalding winning the award at an unlikely 20-to-1.

Check out photos of Esperanza Spalding's big win and more!

But she did it, and she is the first jazz artist ever to do so.

"I really didn't think it was going to be me," a delighted Spalding told MTV News after her win. "I was one of those [surprised] people. ... It was so unexpected, that's the truth. I'm grateful to all my people in my big musical family that have given me so much support and help over the years," Spalding gushed. "I don't really think this is for me; it's for all of us. And I wish they could all be here to put one finger on this with me."

Since we're still reeling over the fact that Spalding overcame the tsunami of popularity currently surrounding her fellow nominees, it's time to take a closer look at this mega underdog-turned-big winner.

The 26-year-old Portland, Oregon, native discovered music at an early age, teaching herself to play the violin at age 5 and playing with the Chamber Music Society of Oregon. She dabbled in the guitar, the oboe and cello before settling on the bass in high school. After putting in time in at both Portland State University and the prestigious Berklee College of Music on scholarships, she broke onto the jazz scene in a big way with her album Chamber Music Society. Though Spalding was primarily known in jazz circles, her Best New Artist Grammy will surely put her on the proverbial music map for a new group of fans.

"I am a bassist, composer and singer," Spalding explained to MTV News. "I guess that's the easiest way to describe the music I do. You really just have to hear it. It's rooted in jazz, but there's a lot of stuff up in there. You just have to have a taste."

Not only that, but Spalding joined music legend Prince on his Welcome 2 America Tour. She's also performed at the White House and was featured in an ad campaign for Banana Republic.

What did you think of Esperanza's win? Let us know in the comments!

For Grammy Awards winners list, analysis, interviews, fashion and more, stick with MTV News during the big show and beyond.

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Who Is Esperanza Spalding, Grammy Best New Artist Winner?

Feb 13th 2011 10:45PMEmail ThisWho is Esperanza Spalding? The 26-year-old jazz bassist who snatched the Best New Artist Grammy out of the hands of Justin Bieber, that's who.

Although cameras quickly cut away, Bieber's disappointment at the announcement seemed clear. The AP reports Spalding had just one Grammy nomination entering the show's 53rd annual ceremony Sunday night.

Drake, Mumford & Sons and Florence and the Machine were also nominated. While a lot of people will spend the wake of Bieber's Best New Artist loss figuring out who Spalding is, there's little doubt she's extremely talented.

"From the time Esperanza Spalding appeared on the scene in 2005, the dynamic singer, bassist, composer and arranger has been heralded as jazz's next big thing," the AP wrote in a lead-up to the Grammys. "Her impressive musicianship has won her White House recital dates, praise from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock, and critical acclaim.
"I am new in that I haven't been around that long, and I'm an artist," Spalding told AOL's Spinner in January, following her Grammy nomination. "So it fits. Somebody out there thinks that in their mind that I am one of the best. It's flattering. I'll take it."

Spalding's third album, 'Chamber Music Society,' dropped in the summer of 2010. Co-producer Gil Goldstein told the AP of Spalding's nomination, "I've been kind of joking, saying it would be nice that if once in a while, the best new artist would be someone who reads and writes (music)."

See a music video for Esperanza Spalding's 'Little Fly':



Spinner's in-depth interview with Spalding gave a solid glimpse into her career: "I like to work. I like music," she explained. "The real issue is that the solo career is the odd man out in my life right now. I have much more experience playing bass for other bandleaders than leading my own gigs, and I love being a sideman just as much. That's why I got into music. It wasn't to become my own phenomenon; it was to play music with other people. So whomever wants to play with me, and I can, and I'm into it, and inspired? Then off I go."Did Esperanza's Win Pique Your Interest Or Confuse You? Tell Us! http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=982148&pid=982147&uts=1297638509http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/music/?s_channel=us.musicpop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swfGrammy Awards 2011Lady Gaga arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.Chris Pizzello, APGrammys Red Carpet 2011Lady Gaga arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Kelly Osbourne arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Actress Selma Blair arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Margaret Cho arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

TV personality Michael 'The Situation' Sorrentino arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Barry Manilow arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Musician D.L. Menard arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

Musicians Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys arrive at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Singer Justin Guarini arrives at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Grammys Red Carpet 2011

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Esperanza Spalding Beats Justin Bieber, Drake For Best New Artist

With household names like Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence + the Machine and even Mumford & Sons all battling it out for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, it was an unexpected victory for Esperanza Spalding, who nabbed the prize.

Donning a lime green halter gown with pink shoes, the jazz chanteuse took the stage and graciously accepted her prize, after passing Drake on the way. "I know I don't have a lot of time, so first, thank you to the academy for even nominating me in this category," she said. "Thank you to the incredible community and family of musicians I'm so blessed to be a part of... my friends in Portland, all my teachers, colleagues... my beautiful family who's here," she continued, before naming names.

The smiling award-winner stated that she had every intention of using this opportunity to continue making music that she felt her friends, fans and family would be proud of. "I take this honor to heart so sincerely, and I'll do my damndest to make a whole lot of great music for all of you," she gushed. "It's such a blessing and an honor. God bless. Thank you."

While most thought the Best New Artist would be landing in the hands of Drake, Bieber or Florence, Spalding came out from behind thanks to a strong following in the jazz community. In 2010 she released several albums including Reencontro and Chamber Music Society, and she also joined Prince for select dates on his Welcome 2 America Tour. Were you surprised by Esperanza Spalding's win? Let us know in the comments!

For Grammy Awards winners, analysis, interviews, fashion and more, stick with MTV News during the big show and beyond.

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