Ernie Ball/Music Man Artists Receive 14 Total AMA Nominations Endorsees Span Pop & Rock, Adult Contemporary, Alternative, Country and Contemporary Inspirational Genres

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (November 15, 2007) - The nominees for this coming Sunday's American Music Awards have been announced, and nine Ernie Ball and/or Music Man endorsed artists have received a total of 14 nominations! Held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA and airing live on ABC, Sunday, November 18 at 8/7c, the American Music Awards promise a night of honorary celebration and live musical entertainment. Ernie Ball and Music Man endorsees joining the nominees include:

• Daughtry (Music Man) - One of the most-nominated artists of the night, Daughtry is up for Favorite Pop or Rock Album for "Daughtry"; Favorite Artist in the Adult Contemporary Music Category; and Favorite Breakthrough Artist.


• Linkin Park (Music Man) - Also leading with three nominations, longtime Music Man endorsee Linkin Park is in the running for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop or Rock Category; Favorite Pop or Rock Album for "Minutes to Midnight"; and Favorite Artist in the Alternative Rock Music Category.


• Rascal Flatts (Ernie Ball) - Leading the group of Ernie Ball/Music Man country artists, Rascal Flatts has received nominations for Favorite Country Album for "Me and My Gang" as well as Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Country Category.


• Brad Paisley (Ernie Ball) - No stranger to the Ernie Ball family, Brad Paisley is among the nominees for Favorite Male Artist in the Country Category.


• Big & Rich (Ernie Ball and Music Man) - A dual endorsee, Big & Rich join Rascal Flatts with a nomination for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the County Category.


• Maroon 5 (Ernie Ball) - Maroon 5 is the second of three Ernie Ball/Music Man artists to receive a nomination for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop or Rock Category.


• Nickleback (Ernie Ball) - Proudly sponsored by Ernie Ball, Nickleback accounts for the third and final nominee for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop or Rock Category.


• The White Stripes (Ernie Ball) - Joining Linkin Park, The White Stripes have also been nominated to win Favorite Artist in the Alternative Rock Music Category.


• Casting Crowns (Ernie Ball) - Rounding out the nominations, Casting Crowns has received one nomination for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary Inspirational Category.

Ernie Ball is a leading innovator of guitar strings. The company was the first to offer rock strings with the introduction of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge® single strings. Ernie Ball also produces Music Man® guitars and basses, volume pedals and other accessories. Strings and accessories are available in more than 5,500 music stores throughout the U.S. and in 75 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball Company at (805) 544-7726, or visit their website at .

These products are Ernie Ball trademarks registered in the USA and many foreign countries:

ERNIE BALL®     CUSTOM GAUGE®     SLINKY®     EARTHWOOD®
MUSICMAN®
STINGRAY®     SILHOUETTE®     AXIS®
STERLING®     4+2®     3+1®

Trademark ownership is indicated by the symbol ®, however, for the sake of brevity it is omitted during the story.

Contact:
Derek Brooks
Ernie Ball, Inc.
(800) 543-2255

Media Contact:
Keith Negrin
MORSEKODE
(952) 853-9555