Bob Burnett Of Highwaymen Dies

Bob Burnett, a founder of the influential folk group the Highwaymen, died at his home in Rhode Island last week. He was 71. Burnett, who went on to become an attorney after the band’s heyday in the early 1960s, was suffering from a brain tumor when he died. The Highwaymen hit No. 1 on the charts with their 1961 single “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore” and also scored hits with “All My Trials” and “Big Rock Candy Mountain.” The Highwaymen were formed by six freshmen at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. They went on to cut eight albums before breaking up in 1964 when Burnett and two other members decided to attend graduate school.

Aldean, Shelton, Keith To Headline Country Thunder

The 20th anniversary of the Wisconsin edition of Country Thunder will feature Big & Rich, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and Toby Keith as headliners at the July 19-22 festival. Taking place July 19-22, 2012, country fans from across the nation will travel to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin for four full days of non-stop entertainment. For only $99 (price good until January 1st) you can purchase a 4-day pass gaining access to the entire weekend of music and entertainment. A campsite may be also purchased, with prices beginning at $100 for the entire weekend. Find out more atwww.countrythunder.com. 

Luke Bryan Blows Up Twitter After Restaurant Asks Him To Remove His Hat

Luke Bryan was looking forward to taking his wife, Caroline, to a popular upscale Nashville sushi restaurant Thursday night. “It’s my anniversary,” Luke tweeted at the beginning of the night. “Daddy’s getting lucky.” But as the evening progressed, Luke reported that a restaurant manager, in the middle of their meal, asked Luke to remove his hat. Then the tweets started getting more and more testy. “After 2 bottles of dom. So will never eat mediocre sushi again on my anniversary,” he tweeted. “Join me in my boycott of [the] Sushi restaurant against those who sing and perform country music,” he continued. Luke did report that he left the server a $150 tip, but he would’ve left double that “had the manager not scolded me like a child,” and then Luke asked the server to contact him via Twitter to get the rest of his tip. Luke signed off with : “I’m is drunk. Love y’all. See y’all in the morning.” The morning after, Luke issued an apology to the restaurant Virago. “Well in the wake of my drunk tweets. I do wanna apologize to virago,” he tweeted. “The food was really great and the service was great to.” 

Toby Keith Cancer Center For Kids Gets Another Approval

The Toby Keith Foundation is one step closer to opening an $8.5 million facility for families of children undergoing cancer treatment. An Oklahoma City board approved the plans last week. The 25,000-square-foot building will have 12 overnight family suites to house relatives of kids getting treatment at a nearby children’s hospital and a nearby cancer center. Toby got interested after a former bandmate’s child died from cancer. The center, for now, is going to be called the OK Kids Korral. Organizers hope to have it completed by late 2013, with building starting in the spring. 

Craig Morgan Joins Toast To The Troops Event

Craig Morgan will once again appear as the headlining act at the 15th annual Jack Daniel’s Toast to the Troops holiday event on December 16th at Virginia’s Naval Station in Norfolk. Morgan has headlined each of the previous 14 Toast to the Troops events, which feature live music, care packages for the troops and a barbecue. 

Dan ‘Bee’ Spears, Longtime Willie Nelson Bassist, Dies

Dan “Bee” Spears, who played bass in Willie Nelson’s band for more than 40 years, died Thursday night after he fell while exiting his motor home. He apparently died of accidental exposure at his property near Nashville. He was 62. Spears joined Nelson’s band in 1968, when he was just 19 years old. Before hooking up with Nelson, he played with other country heavyweights including Waylon Jennings, Guy Clark and Don Gibson. 

Mindy McCready Says Her Son Was Abused

Mindy McCready’s 5-year-old son Zander was beaten with a wooden spoon by her mother, the singer alleges in an interview that aired Friday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” McCready claims the child was scarred on his back, bottom and legs from the spoon. In the interview, McCready stated, “My mother believes she is a prophet sent from God. They see dead people all the time in their home – demons, spirits, ghosts. They were encouraging my son to go around with them to churches and go up onstage and scream gibberish.” McCready’s mother, Gayle Inge of Cape Coral, Florida, is Zander’s legal guardian. She has denied Zander was abused. The singer, who is pregnant with twins, allegedly abducted her son in Florida and returned to Nashville. On December 2nd, they were found hiding in the closet of an unoccupied vacation house in Heber Springs, Arkansas. 

Top Country Artists Of 2011

Taylor Swift was the No. 1 country artist of 2011, according to Billboard. Swift enjoyed a big year with many hit singles and the “Speak Now” tour, which concluded last month. The rankings are based on album sales, airplay, track download sales, touring revenue, ringtone sales and more. The full chart and the other 2011 year-end charts, which include Top Artist, Top Title, Top Male, Top Female and Top Duo/Group are at Billboard’s website. The Top 10 Country Artists of the Year:

1. Taylor Swift	6. The Band Perry
2. Jason Aldean	7. Rascal Flatts
3. Lady Antebellum	8. Kenny Chesney
4. Zac Brown Band	9. Brad Paisley
5. Blake Shelton	10. Luke Bryan

Artist Of The Day: Tanya Tucker

• Tanya Denise Tucker started singing when she was just 6. She recorded her first hit, “Delta Dawn,” in 1972 at the age of 13. It went to No. 6 on the charts.
• Her second single, “Love’s the Answer,” also became a Top 10 hit that year. Tucker’s third single, “What’s Your Mama’s Name,” became her first No. 1 in the spring of 1973. Two other No. 1s – “Blood Red and Goin’ Down” and “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone)” – followed.
• By age 15, she had a Grammy nomination, a “Greatest Hits” package and had appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
• Tanya was 21 when she and Glen Campbell had a yearlong affair, during which she began battling cocaine and alcohol addiction.
• She signed with Capitol Nashville in 1985 and immediately made the top of the charts with “One Love at a Time... Just Another Love” and “I’ll Come Back As Another Woman.” In 1991, four songs from her platinum-selling “What Do I Do With Me” became hits, including the Grammy-nominated “Down To My Last Teardrop.”
• Tanya won Female Vocalist of the Year at the 1991 CMA Awards, but was unable to accept because she was in the hospital after giving birth to her son, Beau Grayson. Her next album, “Can’t Run From Yourself,” also went platinum, and her video for “Two Sparrows In A Hurricane” won an ACM in 1994.
• In 2002 she founded Tuckertime Records and released “Tanya,” her first album in five years. She released an album called “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” in 2005.
• Tucker starred in her own reality show, “Tuckerville,” on The Learning Channel in 2005. It ran for two seasons.
• Tucker released “My Turn” in 2009. The consists of cover versions of country music standards, including “Love’s Gonna Live Here,” “Lovesick Blues” and “Crazy Arms.”
• Tanya Tucker is has released the single “Merry Christmas Wherever You Are.” Available digitally, the tune is the prelude to Tucker releasing a full-length Christmas record next year.
• Official Web site: www.tanyatucker.com

Dolly Parton, Wanda Jackson Join ‘VH1 Divas’

Dolly Parton will serve as a presenter while rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson will perform on “VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” airing December 19th on VH1. Parton will be joined by presenters Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony. Newly-added performers include Anita Baker, Mavis Staples and Ledisi. The headlining divas are Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence & the Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J. and Jill Scott. Previously-announced performers include Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius and Travie McCoy.

More Music Ahead For Rodney Atkins

Get ready for more music from Rodney Atkins after he signed a new deal with Curb. The deal is not only to record but to write. Atkins says he basically learned songwriting while under contract. He says label head Mike Curb encouraged him “to learn about songwriting, how to write songs, how to go in and produce those songs.” Unlike Atkins, Tim McGraw apparently has had a different experience. He recently went to court to end his contract with Curb.

McCready Defends Herself

Mindy McCready says taking her son Zander away from his grandparents in Florida was the right thing to do – even if it was illegal. “I know there are rules that are written down that we’re supposed to follow, and guidelines that we’re supposed to follow, but there’s a difference between right and wrong, and right and wrong in my opinion should come first, always,” McCready says in an interview airing today on ABC’s 20/20. She adds, “What I did was to protect my child, and there’s not a person in the world that’s going to tell me that is wrong.” The singer and Zander, 5, were found last Friday in Arkansas, three days after she picked him up from her father’s house in Cape Coral, Florida. McCready’s parents have custody of Zander, but the singer has claimed her son is in physical and emotional danger staying with them. In the interview, McCready, who is also pregnant with twins, says she’s shocked that her actions could be deemed illegal – that she couldn’t “ever think that me taking my own child, that I carried for nine months, that I gave birth to in the hospital by myself, would ever be breaking the law.” McCready was involved in a child-welfare hearing in Arkansas on Monday, and said she was happy with the outcome, though she couldn’t talk about what the ruling was.

Zac Brown Band Red Rocks Show Airing On CMT

Zac Brown Band’s sold-out Red Rocks shows this past September drew 20,000 fans to the Colorado amphitheatre, and CMT will premiere a 5-song “Zac Brown Band – Live at Red Rocks” special including the debut of a brand new unreleased song, “Sweet Annie.” The special, airing tomorrow, will also include performances of the band’s “Colder Weather” and their fastest-rising single, “Keep Me In Mind,” both from “You Get What You Give.” The special will re-air December13th and 15th. Fans can also catch the special on CMT.com and the network’s digital all-music channel, CMT Pure.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Highlights Red Carpet Dresses

Over the years, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift have walked a lot of red carpets and been to a lot of parties. Now some of the dresses they’ve worn at these events are on display for a few weeks at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The exhibit ends January 5th. It includes Dolly’s outfit that she wore on a TV special in 1990 called “Christmas at Home.” It’s also on an album cover. Then there’s McEntire’s red sequined dress from her performance at the CMA Awards in 1993 that was famous for its plunging neckline. Also part of the exhibit is Swift’s red floor-length gown that she wore on the red carpet at last year’s CMAs.

Bocephus Holds Country Music Hall Of Fame Fundraiser

The near four-year run of “Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy” at the Country Music Hall of Fame is about to end. And just as he did when the exhibit opened, Hank Williams Jr. gave a solo acoustic performance intertwined with personal memories. The sold-out concert Tuesday night was a benefit for the Hall and it raised $75,000. Williams also announced that many of the items he loaned for the exhibit would stay in the museum and its archives. “Family Tradition” opened in March 2008. It originally was scheduled to close on December 31, 2009, but was extended two years and will now close this December 31st.

Big Vinny Hickerson Sent Home From ‘The Biggest Loser’

Big Vinny Hickerson of the “Trailer Choir” may not have won “The Biggest Loser,” but he’s a winner in other ways, like with his health and his love life. His proposal to longtime girlfriend, Lori Diaz was part of Tuesday’s show. But now that he’s not in the Top 3, he’s continuing his losing ways at home. Vinny is working with a trainer, hoping to win the at-home prize of $100,000. The season finale is Tuesday on NBC.

Artist Of The Day: Jake Owen

• Jake Owen enrolled at Florida State University and later started singing in a campus bar, eventually forming the Yee Haw Junction band. With just nine credit hours of college left to earn his degree, he left for Nashville to continue his songwriting. One of his songs, “Ghost,” was almost cut by Kenny Chesney, which brought Jake to the attention of RCA Records. The track would later be included on his debut album.
  
• Owen signed to RCA two years after moving to Nashville and released his debut album, “Startin’ with Me,” in July 2006. He wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album including his three hits – “Startin’ With Me,” “Yee Haw” and “Something About A Woman.” Jake was one of the top-selling new male artists of 2006.
  
• Jake released his second studio album, “Easy Does It,” in February 2009. The album debuted at No. 2. The lead single, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You,” became his first Top 5 hit, reaching No. 2. The second single, “Eight Second Ride,” peaked at No. 11. “Tell Me” hit the Top 40.
  
• Jake won a BMI Songwriter Award for “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” as well as a 2009 Academy of Country Music award for New Male Artist.
  
• Jake Owen topped the Billboard Country Albums chart for the first time with his latest project, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.” “Barefoot” also debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 6, marking his highest-ever position on that chart. The album’s title track is already a No. 1 smash and has his latest hit, “Alone With You,” well on its way to becoming another chart-topper.
  
• Jake will hit the road with Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney on their “Brothers of the Sun Tour,” kicking off June 2, 2012 in Tampa.
  
• Official Web site: www.jakeowen.net
  

‘A Skaggs Family Christmas Live’ Comes To RFD-TV

A Skaggs Family Christmas Live comes to RFD-TV tomorrow and Friday. The hour-long extravaganza features Ricky, his wife Sharon, and their children Luke and Molly, and includes Buck and Cheryl White and Cheryl’s daughter Rachel Leftwich. Also performing is Ricky’s band Kentucky Thunder along with Jim Gray and the Nashville Session Players. The troupe treats fans to traditional holiday favorites as well as new songs that are sure to become seasonal standards.

Jake Owen Raises Money For St. Jude

Jake Owen recently played his second Stageit show to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The concerts are very spur of the moment,” he says. “There aren’t any mics or cords, just a few guitars and my MAC that has an eyesight camera on it. I tweet about it ahead of time to let everyone know we’re doing it. The other night we raised 3K for St. Jude in just 35 minutes. I would have been playing music with my friends in my kitchen anyway, so it’s a pretty cool way to give back.” Jake’s philanthropy continues on December 10th at the benefit he and his childhood friend, tennis player Mardy Fish, are hosting for the sixth consecutive year in their hometown of Vero Beach, Florida. The “Mardy’s Tennis & Jake’s Music Fest” will include performances by Eric Paslay, Chris Young and Jake. Jake’s portion of the proceeds are donated to St. Jude and The Mardy Fish Foundation, whose mission is to provide children access to after school exercise, nutritional and enrichment programs in a safe environment to prepare them healthy, productive and successful lives so they can achieve their dreams. To purchase tickets, go to www.chevents.com/mardy-and-jake.html.

Big Vinny Engaged

Vinny Hickerson of Trailer Choir is now engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Lori Diaz. “Big Vinny,” who is also a contestant on “The Biggest Loser,” proposed while the pair were on a romantic date at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, which was filmed for an episode of the show to air on Tuesday. Hickerson said he purchased a ring that reminded him of the Eiffel Tower because that symbol makes him think of beauty and love. Hickerson joined “The Biggest Loser” to motivate himself to become a fitter, healthier husband and father to Diaz’s 9-year-old son, Brennon. So far, he is down to 314 lbs. from 426 lbs. when he started.

Mindy McCready Optimistic Following Child Custody Hearing

Mindy McCready left an Arkansas courthouse a “happy girl” Monday without divulging details about a judge’s ruling on what will happen to her and her five-year-old son Zander. “I can’t talk about it, but I can tell you all I’m a happy girl. I’m a happy girl right now,” she said to reporters gathered outside the Izard County courtroom of Judge Lee Harrod. “I love Judge Harrod, I’ll tell you that. I love that man. He’s a good man,” she said. Later Monday evening, McCready sent a text message to HLN’s Jane Valez Mitchell reading: “WE WON!!! ZAN STAYS,” McCready wrote. “Court details sealed but we love Judge Lee W Harrod.” Details on when the singer may be able to take Zander back home to Nashville, and whether McCready will get permanent custody of her son remain unclear. McCready defied a Florida judge’s order last week when she refused to return her son to his grandmother’s house. She revealed at the time that she was pregnant with twins and would be unable to travel. Law enforcement authorities found the singer and her son hiding in the closet of an unoccupied house in Heber Springs, Arkansas, on Friday.

‘Elvis Country’ Reissue Due In January

Two of Elvis Presley’s albums, “Elvis Country” and “Love Letters From Elvis,” will be reissued in a deluxe two-disc set on January 3rd. Titled “Elvis Country: Legacy Edition,” the package also includes three bonus songs from each album’s recording sessions. Both albums were originally released in 1971. The set includes Presley’s renditions of several classic country hits, including Eddy Arnold’s “Make the World Go Away,” Jack Greene’s “There Goes My Everything” and Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away.”

Jason Aldean Goes Into Hiding

2011 has been good to Jason Aldean. He took home six awards at Monday’s American Country Awards show alone. But with the holidays around the corner, Aldean is planning to go into hiding until the new year so that he can enjoy his family. “I’m probably gonna go into hiding for about the next month and a half,” Aldean told CMT. “You know, I got two little girls at home – an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old – so this is my time of the year where I get to go home and be dad and kinda just hang out with them.” Aldean is due back on the road in January. The next leg of the “My Kinda Party Tour” will kick off in Greenville, South Carolina, on January 20th with Luke Bryan and Lauren Alaina in tow.

Covington Releases First Music In Two Years

After signing a record deal with Entertainment One Music Group earlier this fall, former “American Idol” finalist Bucky Covington is now releasing his first single, “I Wanna Be That Feeling.” The song, Covington’s first musical offering in nearly two years, is being made available for digital download in advance of its upcoming release to radio. Covington recently filmed the music video for the song from Nashville’s abandoned Tennessee State Prison. The clip will be released to video outlets in 2012. Bucky is busy in the studio writing and recording new music for his sophomore album, due in 2012.

Aldean, The Band Perry Added To CMA Music Fest

Jason Aldean and The Band Perry joined the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2012 CMA Music Festival. The event will be in downtown Nashville from June 7-10, 2012. Five-time CMA Award winner Carrie Underwood was previously announced as performing at the nightly shows.

Blake Shelton’s Father Sick

When Blake Shelton won the ACA music video of the year Monday night for “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking?,” he dedicated the win to his father. Dick Shelton is the hospital with pneumonia. Blake Shelton says his dad has “been having a pretty rough couple of weeks.”

The Band Perry Join Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve

The Band Perry has been tapped to perform on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” airing December 31st on ABC. Clark will appear on the special for the 40th year. He’ll be joined by co-hosts Ryan Seacrest, Fergie and Jenny McCarthy. Other performers will include Blink-182, Taio Cruz, Florence & the Machine, Gym Class Heroes, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, OneRepublic, Christina Perri and Will.i.am.

Artist Of The Day: Jason Michael Carroll

• Jason Michael Carroll won a karaoke contest and was hired by a country band that had lost its singer. Carroll was offered a performance slot at the Longbranch Saloon in Raleigh, North Carolina, but the rest of the band couldn’t make it so he went alone. He later won the televised talent contest “Gimme the Mic,” which led to a trip to New York City. That led to a deal with Arista Nashville.
  
• Carroll’s debut album, “Waitin’ in the Country,” was released in February 2007. It debuted at No. 1 and the single “Alyssa Lies” reached No. 5. That was followed by “Livin’ Our Love Song” (No. 6) and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” (No. 21). He earned Billboard Magazine’s Top New Country Artist of 2007.
  
• “Where I’m From,” the lead single from Carroll’s sophomore effort, “Growing Up Is Getting Old,” peaked just outside the Top 10. His single “Hurry Home” hit the Top 20.
  
• Jason Michael Carroll left Arista Nashville last year. He also released his very first Christmas project, “Christmas On The Farm.”
  
• Jason Michael Carroll’s latest project, “Numbers,” marks his first studio album since 2009. The album was released in July 2011 through Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The title track has been released as the first single and is quickly making its way up the charts. The CD houses 12 songs, including “Alyssa Lies,” from his 2007 album, “Waitin’ in the Country.” He just released his new single, "Meet Me in the Barn."
  
• Official Web site: www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com

2011 ACA Winners

The 2011 American Country Awards winners were announced last night in Las Vegas. The event, hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, started with a bang and a medley of hits from Adkins, which quickly turned into a funny skit between Adkins and Chenoweth. Jason Aldean was the night’s big winner, with six wins in all – including Artist of the Year. Toby Keith was named Artist of the Decade. Winners include:

Artist of the Year: Jason Aldean

Artist of the Year: Male: Brad Paisley

Artist of the Year:  Female: Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group: The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Zac Brown Band.

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist: Chris Young

Artist of the Year: New Artist: Scotty McCreery

Album of the Year: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party”

Single of the Year: Chris Young – “Voices”

Single of the Year: Male: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party”

Single of the Year: Female: Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group: Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Single of the Year: New Artist: Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration: Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay”

Touring Headline Act of the Year: Jason Aldean

Music Video of the Year: Blake Shelton – “Who Are you When I’m Not Looking”

Music Video: Male: Blake Shelton – “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”

Music Video: Female: Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration: Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay”

Music Video: New Artist: Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Artists Of The Decade: Toby Keith

Garth Brooks Announces New Concert Dates At Wynn Las Vegas

Garth Brooks has announced more dates at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for 2012. Tickets are $225 plus tax and service charge and are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-877-65-GARTH. Find out more at wynnlasvegas.com. Dates on sale include March 2, 3; March 30, 31; April 20, 21; June 8, 9. Packages also are available.

McCready Goes To Court In Arkansas

A hearing surrounding Mindy McCready’s son, Zander, and his care and custody, was held yesterday in a Melbourne, Arkansas, court, according to the singer’s publicist. “All proceedings and documentation surrounding the hearing are sealed,” a statement said. “No further information is available at this time.” McCready took her five-year-old son from her father’s home in Florida. She and the boy were eventually found hiding in a bedroom closet on Friday night in an empty summer home in Heber Springs, Arkansas. McCready was not arrested, but Zander was taken by Arkansas Department of Human Services officials. McCready, who is battling her mother for custody of her son, was ordered by a Florida judge to return to the state with her son, but she said she was unable to do so because she was pregnant with twins. Meanwhile, McCready’s mother says her 5-year-old grandson has been traumatized by his recent parental abduction. The boy’s father, Billy McKnight, says he expects to get full custody of Zander.

John Rich Bumped From Flight For Alleged Drunkenness

John Rich was asked to leave a Southwest flight in Las Vegas on Sunday after airlines personnel determined he was too drunk to travel to Nashville, according to TMZ. Rich had performed the night before at the Eastside Cannery Resort and Hotel. He reportedly got into a verbal disagreement Sunday morning with at least one other passenger while boarding the plane and continued to exhibit erratic behavior once he was seated in the cabin. TMZ said Rich was “cooperative and calm as he exited the aircraft.” Rich’s next scheduled concert is a Big & Rich date on New Year’s Eve in Reno, Nevada.

Alaina Touring With Aldean

Lauren Alaina will go on her first official country tour with fellow Georgia natives Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan for Aldean’s 2012 “My Kinda Party” arena tour. The 17-year-old singer/songwriter is supporting her debut album, “Wildflower,” and current new single, “Georgia Peaches.” The tour kicks off January 20th in Greenville, South Carolina, and continues through March 24th in East Rutherford, New Jersey. “I am so excited to be a part of the Jason Aldean tour with Luke Bryan” said Alaina. “I am a huge fan of both of them. I mean – if I wasn’t a part of the line up, I would want to be in the front row.”

New Swift Music Coming

Taylor Swift says she’s “twice as far along” in working on her next studio album as she was at this point for her previous records. In a new interview with Billboard, who named Swift their Woman of the Year, Taylor says she has written 25 new songs. Her next is on target for a late 2012 release. “I’ve had two co-writes, and I’ve written the rest of it by myself,” Swift said. “Co-writing is so much fun when you have time to schedule it in, but for me, usually songs hit me in the middle of the night and I end up writing it before dawn, so there’s no time to call somebody. When there is time and you can get in a room and talk it out and work it out with somebody, it’s like the coolest form of therapy.”

McCreery To Sing During ‘Disney Christmas Day’ Special

Scotty McCreery will join fellow “American Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson and “The Voice’s” Cee Lo Green in “The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade,” a special that will Christmas Day on ABC. Scotty, Cee Lo and Jennifer taped their segments last Friday. Scotty taped the upbeat Christmas classic “Holly Jolly Christmas” for the Disney special.

Artist Of The Day: Trace Adkins

• Trace Adkins started singing for a gospel quartet at age 17. He later moved to Nashville and released his debut album, 1996’s “Dreamin’ Out Loud.” It hit the Top 20 and spawned the No. 3 single “Every Light In The House.”
  
• Adkins released his “Greatest Hits, Vol. 1” in 2003, a few months before being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. He concluded the year by releasing the album “Comin’ On Strong.”
  
• The album “Songs About Me” holds the chart-topping title track and the No. 1 hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.”
  
• 2006 saw the release of Trace’s seventh studio album, “Dangerous Man,” which features the single “Swing” and the No. 1 hit “Ladies Love Country.”
  
• Adkins released “American Man, Greatest Hits Volume II” in August 2007. The project featured new songs including “I Got My Game On” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” In addition, Adkins released a DVD, “Greatest Video Hits,” as well as his first book, “A Personal Stand: Opinions and Observations of a Free-Thinking Roughneck.”
  
• Adkins’ album “X,” surfaced in 2008 and reached No. 7. It contains the singles “Muddy Water,” “Marry For Money” and “All I Ask For Anymore.”
  
• Adkins left Capitol and signed with Toby Keith’s Show Dog imprint. In May 2010 he debuted his first single for the label “This Ain’t No Love Song.” The album “Cowboy’s Back in Town” was released in August 2010. The video for the second single, “Brown Chicken, Brown Cow,” showcases the puppetmasters who created the faces of TV’s “Crank Yankers.” He also performed the song “Timing is Everything” on the soundtrack for the movie “Country Strong.”
  
• Adkins starred in the thriller “The Lincoln Lawyer,” a film based on the Michael Connelly novel starring Matthew McConaughey and Marisa Tomei.
  
• Trace Adkins’ latest album, “Proud to be Here,” was released in August. The album’s first single, “Just Fishin’,” hit the Top 10. The video, featuring the singer and his 6-year-old daughter Trinity, was filmed on Adkins’ property in Nashville.
  
• Country Weekly magazine recently named Trace Adkins Country’s Sexiest Man.
  
• Adkins co-hosted the American Country Awards last night with Kristin Chenoweth. In addition to his hosting duties, Trace performed his latest single “Million Dollar View,” the follow up to his recent Top 10 single, “Just Fishin’.”
  
• Official website: www.traceadkins.com

Adkins Ready To Co-Host 2011 ACAs With Chenoweth

Trace Adkins expects nothing but smooth sailing and lots of fun when he co-hosts this year’s 2011 American Country Awards with Kristin Chenoweth, airing live on FOX on tonight. Adkins was visibly nervous when he hosted last year’s inaugural fan-voted award show, but he feels more in the groove this year. Not only because he has one hosting gig under his belt, but he’s been very involved in pre-production for the show this year. Although Adkins says he hasn’t worked with Chenoweth before, he thinks the pairing will be a good match, and somewhat comical too, since she stands just under five feet tall and he stands about 6′ 6″ tall. “As far as I know, they’re not making any special provisions,” he says of the height difference. “Maybe somebody will have to carry around an apple box for her.” Toby Keith will perform the network debut of his song "Red Solo Cup" during the show. Other scheduled performers include Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and the Band Perry. Nominees include:

Artist of the Year: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown Band.

Artist of the Year: Male: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton.

Artist of the Year:  Female: Sara Evans, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group: The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Zac Brown Band.

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist: Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Justin Moore, Jake Owen and Chris Young.

Artist of the Year: New Artist: The Band Perry, Scotty McCreery, Jerrod Niemann, Pistol Annies and Thompson Square.

Album of the Year: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” Kenny Chesney – “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” Brad Paisley – “This Is Country Music,” Taylor Swift – “Speak Now,” Keith Urban – “Get Closer” and Zac Brown Band – “You Get What You Give.”

Single of the Year: Billy Currington – “Let Me Down Easy,” Tim McGraw – “Felt Good On My Lips,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” Chris Young – “Voices” and Zac Brown Band w/ Alan Jackson – “As She’s Walking Away.”

Single of the Year: Male: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” Luke Bryan – “Someone Else Calling You Baby,” Billy Currington – “Let Me Down Easy,” Tim McGraw – “Felt Good On My Lips” and Chris Young – “Voices.”

Single of the Year: Female: Sara Evans – “A Little Bit Stronger,” Miranda Lambert – “Heart Like Mine,” Reba – “Turn On The Radio,” Taylor Swift – “Mean” and Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song.”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group: The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Rascal Flatts – “Why Wait,” Sugarland – “Stuck Like Glue,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and Zac Brown Band – “Colder Weather.”

Single of the Year: New Artist: The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Craig Campbell – “Family Man,” The JaneDear Girls – “Wildflower,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want” and Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration: Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Kenny Chesney f/ Grace Potter – “You and Tequila,” Brad Paisley w/ Alabama – “Old Alabama,” Zac Brown Band w/ Jimmy Buffet – “Knee Deep” and Zac Brown Band w/ Alan Jackson – “As She’s Walking Away.”

Touring Headline Act of the Year: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

Music Video of the Year: Sara Evans – “A Little Bit Stronger,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want,” Blake Shelton – “Who Are you When I’m Not Looking,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and Josh Turner – “I Wouldn’t Be A Man.”

Music Video: Male: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want,” Blake Shelton – “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking,” Josh Turner – “I Wouldn’t Be A Man” and Keith Urban – “Put You In A Song.”

Music Video: Female: Sara Evans – “A Little Bit Stronger,” Reba – “Turn On The Radio,” Ashton Shepherd – “Look It Up,” Taylor Swift – “Back To December” and Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song.”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration: Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Lady Antebellum – “Hello World,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and Zac Brown Band w/ Alan Jackson – “As She’s Walking Away.”

Music Video: New Artist: The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Craig Campbell – “Family Man,” Brett Eldredge – “Raymond,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want” and Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.”

Jackson, The Band Perry Added To Arizona Country Thunder

Alan Jackson and The Band Perry were added to the Arizona Country Thunder line-up. Jackson is set to close out the 19th annual Arizona Country Thunder festival and will join previously announced headliners Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley and Big & Rich for the festival taking place on April 12-15, 2012. Texas-based talents like Wade Bowen and the Eli Young Band who will take the stage on Thursday along with Craig Morgan were added as well. Big & Rich previously announced for Friday night, will be joined by Steve Holy, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler and Sawyer Brown. Saturday’s line-up includes headliner Shelton, Neal McCoy, Joe Nichols, Thompson Square and new country act, The Farm! For the final day of the festival, Phil Vassar will take the stage. Illinois native Brett Eldredge, and The Band Perry also will perform.

Chris Young Starts ‘No Alcohol December’

Chris Young is planning on taking a month-long break from drinking. Or was planning on it anyway. The singer shared via Twitter that he’s inciting No Alcohol December following the ever-popular No Shave November, which means he won’t drink until after Christmas. “No alcohol December sounds not as fun right about now haha #day1of6invegastonight #notagoodplannerhere,” Young tweeted Saturday, which resulted in an overwhelming reaction from his 60,000 followers. “Surprised on how much sh** I’m getting on twitter for saying I’m NOT drinking this much haha,” he added later, telling one fan who asked what the point of his goal was that it’s “just because. Don’t worry, will start back after Christmas.” But Young is currently visiting Sin City, and it seems he may have given into temptation and peer pressure. “Sooo… At least for today that’s a scratch on the no drinking,” Young spilled, thanking his pals Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert for ruining his no drinking run just three days in. “

McGraw’s ‘Emotional Traffic’ Gets Release Date

Curb Records is finally be releasing Tim McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic” CD, and McGraw plans to release his own music as well. With one court battle against McGraw lost and another one upcoming, Curb Records decided to release the disputed “Emotional Traffic” from the singer on January 17, 2012. The label, which released a second single from the CD, “Better Than I Used to Be,” last week, has been in a dispute with McGraw over his contract. McGraw won the right in court to sign with another label. The two sides will go at it again in July whether Curb held up the release of the disc or if McGraw owes the label more music. McGraw will release a holiday single this week titled “Christmas All Over the World” and will follow it up with another new single in early 2012.

Grace Potter Grateful For ‘You And Tequila’

Kenny Chesney’s phone call to Grace Potter to ask her to join him on “You and Tequila” has led to a Grammy nomination for both of them for Best Country Duo or Group Performance. Potter is amazed that her first Grammy nomination is in a country category because she’s not a country singer. Potter is giving thanks all around for what she calls “this amazing song.” The Grammys will be given out February 12th.

Mindy McCready’s Son Taken Into Custody

Mindy McCready’s 5-year-old son Zander has been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities in Heber Springs, Arkansas after they found the singer and her child hiding in a closet. The child is the subject of a custody battle between McCready and her mother, Gayle Inge. The discovery – made at a home thought to belong to Mindy’s boyfriend – caps a search that began on Thursday evening, when McCready missed a deadline to return Zander to his grandmother, who has had legal custody since 2007. The singer’s no-show prompted a judge in Lee County, Florida, to issue an emergency pickup order. McCready had said it was unlikely that she could make the trip to Florida because she’s seven months pregnant with twins.

Taylor Swift Honored

Taylor Swift was honored Friday in New York as Billboard’s Woman of the Year. The award is based on talent, power, sales and more. At 21, Swift is the sixth person to receive the honor and the youngest. Last year’s honor went to Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Taylor rocked the Women in Music event’s red carpet in a flirty red dress and new haircut. Sporting newly-chopped bangs and smooth, straight layers, she joined her buddy Nicki Minaj in headlining the event, which honored female recording artists and music industry executives. Upon accepting her award, Taylor thanked two very important people in her life – her parents, who taught their daughter about responsibility, integrity and taking charge of her own career.

Artist Of The Day: Jerrod Niemann

• Singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann has penned songs for Garth Brooks, Neal McCoy, Jamey Johnson and Zona Jones, among others. He has also built a strong fan base as a performer with his own material.
  
• Jerrod self-released the album “Long Hard Road” in 1999. The Kansas native moved to Nashville a year later and signed a development deal with Mercury in 2001. The deal didn’t produce much, although Niemann now had a band behind him and they began touring the club circuit.
  
• Niemann self-released a second album, “Jukebox of Hard Knocks,” in 2004, and then signed with Category 5 Records in 2006, releasing the single “I Love Women (My Mama Can’t Stand).” The label soon folded and a projected album, “Behind This Microphone,” never appeared.
  
• Niemann signed to Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville in 2009. His first album on a national label, “Judge Jerrod & the Hung Jury” toppled Lady Antebellum from their No.1 perch on Billboard’s country album chart – a position the band held for six months. The album also reached No. 7 on Billboard’s all-genre album chart. The album’s first single, “Lover, Lover,” hit the top of the charts and was certified gold. The set also included the Top 5 hit “What Do You Want.” The song features harmonies from Rachel Bradshaw, daughter of former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
  
• Niemann’s latest single, “One More Drinkin’ Song,” is inside the Top 20. He recently released the holiday version of the song. He has also joined the MDA’s new campaign “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference!”
  
• Jerrod nabbed five ACA nominations – Artist of the Year, New Artist, Single of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Music Video – Male, and Music Video – New Artist (all for “What Do You Want”). The ACAs air tonight on Fox.
  
• Official website: www.jerrodniemannofficial.com

Lee Ann Womack To Hold Special Chat

Lee Ann Womack is set to hold the 3rd Annual Laws Balls Holiday Chat for all her Lee Ann Womack Social Club & Country Music Appreciation Society members. The chat takes place 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. [PT] tomorrow. Attendance is free for all Social Club members at www.LAWSocialClub.com and Womack is giving a special treat to fans that RSVP when they get there. “You always want to make these things a little special,” said Womack. “What can you do to make the fans realize how much they mean to you? And I was taking out our decorations at home a few weeks ago, and it struck me! This year, we’re not only going to decorate a tree… but everyone who asks a question or RSVPs is going to have their name on an ornament I’ve made. Then when we take the tree down, because we’re not going to leave your balls in Vegas, we’ll send them to each of you as a special gift to remember this past year!” Some of the Law Social Club members have traveled to Las Vegas to attend the National Finals Rodeo shows that Womack Is performing at. They will participate in a special meet-n-greet after her show tomorrow, where they’ll get to see the tree, get their ornament and visit with Womack.

Thompson Square Scores Two Grammy Nods

On the heels of an extraordinary breakout year, Thompson Square can now add Grammy nomination to their list of accolades. Thompson Square scored a Best Country Duo/ Group Performance Grammy nod for the No. 1 single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” The platinum-selling smash is also nominated for a Best Country Song Grammy. Thompson Square heads to Las Vegas this weekend for FOX’s 2nd Annual American Country Awards, where they are the second-highest most nominated act with 7 nods. The duo will perform “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” on the live broadcast, airing Monday. Thompson Square will also perform as part of Great American Country’s “Christmas in the Black Hills.” Hosted by Big & Rich, the holiday concert special was shot at various locations around historic Deadwood, South Dakota.  Christmas in the Black Hills premieres on GAC December 12th.

Tim McGraw Single Released By Curb

A new single by Tim McGraw titled “Better Than I Used to Be” has been released by Curb Records. The release was issued Wednesday, just hours after a Nashville court ruled against the label’s injunction to keep the singer on their roster. As a result of the ruling, McGraw is now free to record for another label. McGraw’s prior single, “Felt Good on My Lips,” was a No. 1 hit in January. A release date for McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic” album, which was at the subject of the lawsuit, has not been announced.

Mindy McCready Fails To Comply With Deadline To Return Son

Mindy McCready failed to comply with a 5 p.m. deadline to return her 5-year-old son to Cape Coral, Florida, authorities yesterday, and a court order was signed by a Lee County judge to take the child into custody and return him to his grandmother’s home, child welfare officials said. The Department of Children and Families has contacted law enforcement authorities to try to locate the child. McCready, who has a history of substance and domestic abuse, has been fighting for custody of her son Zander. She allegedly took him from his father’s home earlier this week and left the area. McCready’s mother, Gayle Inge, has custody of the boy, and Zander’s father has visitation rights. McCready is in Nashville and says she can’t travel to Florida because she’s seven months pregnant with twins. McCready said the father of her twins is a music producer named David Wilson who is supportive of her quest to regain custody of Zander. Wednesday was McCready’s 36th birthday. She said, “I hope that for my birthday, I get my son forever.”

Toby Keith To Perform At ACAs

Toby Keith will make his broadcast performance debut of “Red Solo Cup” at the American Country Awards, airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday on FOX. “Red Solo Cup” appears on Toby’s latest album, “Clancy’s Tavern.” The song also will be featured on the next all-new episode of “Glee,” airing next Tuesday on FOX.

Chesney Adds Second Boston Show

Tickets haven’t even gone on sale yet, but Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw are adding a second Boston area date to their summer stadium tour. “The Brothers of the Sun Tour” tickets go on sale tomorrow. Chesney’s publicist said demand was already so strong for the first Gillette Stadium date in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on August 25th that a second show was added for August 24th.

Aldean Stunned By Grammy Nominations

Jason Aldean snagged his first ever Grammy nominations Wednesday night and tied for the most nods of any country artist with three in the categories of Best Country Album for “My Kinda Party,” Best Country Solo Performance for “Dirt Road Anthem” and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson. Aldean said he was “totally stunned.” “I was feelin’ a pretty big adrenaline rush from our performance with (rapper Ludacris), and then to be told we had three nominations was just crazy. We were flying pretty high all night...there was definitely some celebrating on the flight back to Nashville,” said Aldean. “That ‘Album’ nomination is what artists dream of their whole career. And then for both the duet with Kelly and “Dirt Road” to get some recognition, which were both different kinds of songs for us this year, it’s just incredible.” Aldean got a standing ovation for his performance of “Dirt Road Anthem” at the “Grammy Nominations Concert Live” special. He was joined by fellow Georgia native Ludacris, who re-wrote a verse of the fan-favorite song earlier this year.

Grammy Nod Has Special Meaning For Gill

Vince Gill received a Grammy nomination for his single “Threaten Me With Heaven” for Best Country Song. The song was not a hit for Gill, but it had special meaning to him. He co-wrote the song with his wife, Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and Will Owsley. Gill is appreciative of the nomination because it serves as a lasting tribute to Owsley, who took his own life since the song was recorded for Gill’s new album, “Guitar Slinger.” “I couldn’t be more thrilled for my late friend Will,” Gill said. “This would have meant the world to him.” Gill says the song has a profound impact on him because of Owsley’s death. “In my lifetime, ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ has been the song that helped a lot of people through their grief,” he said. “I think this one will in turn hopefully do the same thing. It’s a powerful, powerful song.” This is the 41st career Grammy nomination for Gill, who has 20 Grammys.

Dr. Phil Considers ‘Cost Of Livin’’

Ronnie Dunn’s “Cost of Livin’” and its portrayal of the human impact of the nation’s current economic challenges, found its way to “Dr. Phil” and “The Doctors.” Dunn recently taped episodes of “Dr. Phil” and “The Doctors,” both of which will be themed around “Cost of Livin’.” The episode of “The Doctors” will air on Monday, with the “Dr. Phil” airdate set for December 13th. “The feedback on the song is overwhelming,” Dunn remarked. “I’ve never had a song that’s seemingly as relevant to the times and spot on to what’s going on in America and the world right now.” The song is from Dunn’s self-titled album.

Paisley Playing Quietly With Urban

Brad Paisley says he can do enough talking for two – especially if the other person includes his buddy, Keith Urban. Urban has been ordered on complete vocal rest for the next couple of weeks after having surgery last week to remove a polyp on his vocal cord. Paisley says when he gets together with Urban, he plans for them to bust out some guitars and amps and just play music. Paisley says he is “very capable” of talking while Urban stays mute. He says while he chats away, Urban can “just nod and grunt and do whatever he’s allowed to do.” Paisley says he can’t imagine what it’s like not to be able to talk for a month, but says in Urban’s case, it’s got to be great for his wife, Nicole Kidman.

Grammy Changes

The changes in this year’s Grammys will be felt among country acts. As part of its reshuffling of awards, the 54th Grammys will see the number of categories whittled from 109 to 78. And as part of the changes, men and women will compete against each other in vocal categories in country music as well as in pop and R&B. That cuts down the number of nominees since there won’t be separate categories for each sex.

Keith Urban To Join Australia’s Version Of ‘The Voice’

Keith Urban has signed up to be a judge and mentor on the Australian version of “The Voice.” Keith will reportedly be joined by Seal, rock band Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden and Aussie singer Delta Goodrem as judges and mentors for Australia’s version of the NBC show. Urban says he likes “The Voice” because it wasn’t “consumed with the way people look but how they sound.”

Artist Of The Day: Rodney Atkins

• Rodney Atkins’ debut album, “Honesty,” was released in October 2004. His single “Honesty (Write Me A List)” marked his first Top 5 hit.
  
• Atkins hit it big with his second album, 2006’s “If You’re Going Through Hell.” The album produced four No. 1 singles: “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead),” “Watching You,” “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” and “These Are My People.”
  
• Atkins’ 12th single, “It’s America,” was released in November 2008. It’s the title track to his third album. The song became his fifth No. 1 hit. The second single, “15 Minutes,” peaked at No. 20, marking his seventh Top 20 hit. “Chasin’ Girls” was released in October 2009.
  
• Rodney earned the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award in 2006, as well as five other ACM nominations and two Country Music Association nominations. Having had the Most Played Songs of 2007 and 2008, Rodney maintains an active touring schedule and has performed for over a million fans a year for the past three years.
  
• Atkins released an expanded version of his 2006 album “If You’re Going Through Hell” through Cracker Barrel stores last year. The project also includes two additional tracks – “Farmer’s Daughter” and the previously-unreleased “More Like Your Memory (Always Takes Me Back).”
  
• Rodney’s fourth album, “Take a Back Road,” hit shelves in October. The title track, the fastest rising song of his career, hit No. 1. His current single is “He’s Mine.”
  
• Official website: www.rodneyatkins.com