Lionel Richie Headed To HSN For Live Country Concert

Lionel Richie Headed To HSN For Live Country Concert
Lionel Richie will help the Home Shopping Network kick off its new series of live performances entitled “HSN Live,” during which he will perform songs off his upcoming country album, “Tuskegee.” The album, due out on March 26th, is Richie’s collection of duets with big names in country music performing many of his hits. One of those collaborators, Kenny Rogers, has been confirmed to join him on stage to perform “Lady.” Richie will appear on “HSN Live” March 16th. The event will be preceded and followed by special programming on the network’s Facebook page, including more performances by Richie and an interview with Rogers.

Jimmy Buffett Tacks More Stops Onto Tour

Jimmy Buffett Tacks More Stops Onto Tour
Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band have added more dates to the “Welcome to Fin Land” tour, this time spread throughout the Midwest and Hawaii. So far, two performances have been scheduled in Hawaii in mid-March, followed by three mainland shows: April 14th in Omaha; April 17th in Des Moines; and April 19th in Dallas. Buffett’s most recent studio set, “Buffet Hotel,” hit retailers in late 2009 via his own Mailboat Records. Buffett continues unveiling live collections for fans, with the latest offering being last September’s iTunes release “Volcano - Live 2011.” Recorded in the spring of 2011, the album showcases Buffett and the Coral Reefers playing all the songs from his 1988 album, “Volcano.”

LeAnn Rimes On New Album

LeAnn Rimes On New Album
Expect to learn a lot about LeAnn Rimes when her new album comes out. She says she’s finished writing and is headed into the studio to record next month. Rimes hasn’t released an album of original songs since her affair with new husband Eddie Cibrian and divorce from Dean Sheremet in 2010. Rimes says “life inspires. Good and bad. Pretty and ugly.” She says she laid out her heart and soul on the record and adds that her personal life comes out in her music. Rimes has been a tabloid magnet since the affair. She recently found a friend who can relate: Kim Kardashian. Rimes says they go to the same church and have hung out a couple times, adding they “click” on a certain level. Rimes says it’s great to have a friend in the industry because she doesn’t have too many of those.

Craig Campbell To Headline Daytona 500 Pre-Show

Craig Campbell To Headline Daytona 500 Pre-Show
Craig Campbell will make his way down to the Daytona International Speedway this weekend, where he’ll headline the Coca-Cola stage in the Midway Fan Zone prior to the start of the Daytona 500. Campbell will hit the stage Sunday and is slated to play a free, 90-minute set. Campbell plans to play “Family Man” and “Fish,” from his self-titled debut, as well as his new anthem “When I Get It.”

Trace Adkins Named Pilot Flying J Loyalty Program Spokesman

Trace Adkins Named Pilot Flying J Loyalty Program Spokesman
Trace Adkins has been named the spokesman for Pilot Flying J’s soon-to-be-launched loyalty program, which is set to kick off this spring. Pilot Flying J is the largest operator of travel centers and plazas in North America. Pro drivers, motorists and road warriors like Adkins rely on travel centers to survive while on the road. “As much as I travel, my band, crew and I certainly rely on Pilot Flying J travel centers as we tour the country,” Adkins said. “I think all the professional drivers, business travelers and motorists on our U.S. highways and interstates would say the same. I’m proud to partner with this driver-driven company as they serve and reward the men and women who are responsible for transporting the products and services of America!”

Neal McCoy Releasing ‘XII’

Neal McCoy Releasing ‘XII’
Neal McCoy will release his new album ‘XII” on March 6th after a five-year hiatus. The album, produced by husband and wife team Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, is McCoy’s 12th studio effort. Shelton called McCoy not only a friend but a hero, and spoke about producing the album, saying, “Our first priority with this album was that Neal only cut songs that he truly loved and was excited about. That was very important to us.” His wife commented, “It was a blast seeing Neal and Blake together…had the place laughing all the time. I think fans will hear three different artists coming together on this album with their individual takes on the music.” Tracks on the album include “A-OK,” “Real Good Feel Good” and “Crazy Women.”

New Music Coming From The Mavericks

New Music Coming From The Mavericks
The Mavericks are giving new music another go. They’ve signed a record deal with Valory and will release a new album later this year. It will mark the 20th anniversary since The Mavericks released their self-titled debut album in 1991. The band will launch a North American and European tour this summer. Their first stop will be in April at Stagecoach in Indio, California. It will be their first public performance since 2003.

The Band Perry On Paying Tribute To Glen Campbell

The Band Perry On Paying Tribute To Glen Campbell
The Band Perry feels like they were part of a “historical moment” at the Grammys when they took part in a tribute to Glen Campbell. Lead singer Kimberly Perry says their parents have always been fans and introduced them to Campbell’s music early on. Kimberly calls the band’s performance with him “an amazing crossroads” between generations. She says Campbell’s songs and his talent have “truly left a legacy that will continue to inspire new artists and new fans alike.” The Band Perry’s current single, “All Your Life,” is spending its second week at No. 1.

Artist Of The Day: Alan Jackson

Artist Of The Day:

Alan Jackson

• Alan Jackson started performing professionally when he was 20, later starting his own Dixie Steel Band. His debut album, 1990’s “Here In The Real World,” produced his first No. 1 – “I’d Love You All Over Again.” His next album, “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” produced four No. 1 singles with the title track, “Someday,” “Dallas” and “Love’s Got A Hold On You.”
  
• “What I Do” debuted at No. 1 in 2004 and included the No. 1 tune “Remember When,” as well as “USA Today,” “The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues,” “Monday Morning Church” and “Too Much of a Good Thing.”
  
• “Precious Memories,” a gospel album, was released in early 2006. The disc was named Country Album of the Year at the Dove awards. Later that year, Alan released “Like Red on a Rose,” produced by Alison Krauss.
  
• “Good Time” was released in March 2008. The album helped Jackson reach the 50 million album sales mark. The title track topped the list of the 10 most requested and played songs of 2008. “Country Boy” also hit No. 1, as did “Small Town Southern Man.” Other hits from the album included “Sissy’s Song” and “I Still Like Bologna.”
  
• Alan’s album “Freight Train” hit stores in March 2010. The album features 12 new tracks including “It’s Just That Way” and “Hard Hat and a Hammer.” Jackson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 16, 2010.
  
• Jackson celebrated the 20-year anniversary of his debut album with the November release of “34 Number Ones,” a career-spanning, double-disc collection featuring all 34 of his No. 1 hits, from 1990’s “Here in the Real World” to 2009’s “Country Boy.” The project debuted on the Top 10 on the country album chart and features a few bonus cuts, including a remake of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire” and his duet with the Zac Brown Band, “As She’s Walking Away.” That song earned Alan a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration.
  
• Jackson was recipient of the American Country Awards first Greatest Hits Award in December 2010. The 17-time ACM Award winner, 16-time CMA Award recipient, two-time Grammy-honored artist and 2011 inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has written or co-written 24 of his 35 No. 1 singles, placing him in the company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. He’s one of the 10 best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside Eminem and Metallica.
  
• Jackson’s latest hit, “So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore,” is from his forthcoming album, which will be released this year. Jackson will perform the song on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on March 30th. The video for the single was shot at Coney Island in New York City.
  
• Official website: www.alanjackson.com

‘Voice’ Judges Re-Up

‘Voice’ Judges Re-Up
With Season 2 of “The Voice” already doing well in the ratings, all four judges have agreed to come back for Season 3. Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton all have re-signed with the show and will receive substantial salary increases for doing so. Aguilera will reportedly bank around $10 million, while Green, Levine and Shelton are expected to bring in $6 million. The show is likely to return in the fall to compete directly with “The X Factor.”

Nashville Trades Guitar For Music Note

Nashville Trades Guitar For Music Note
Guitars are out and Music notes are in as the symbol of Nashville’s music scene. City promoters have changed up the logo to show the variety of sounds coming out of Music City. The Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Grand Ole Opry and the local musicians union are on board. They’re all using music notes on their websites and signage. Pop stars like Ke$ha and Hot Chelle Rae, rockers like Paramore, Kings of Leon, Jack White and the Black Keys all call Nashville home. But Gaylord Entertainment VP Steve Buchanan who oversees the Opry says country music’s role in transforming Nashville into an all-genre music hub should not be underestimated. He says “country music is what Nashville is known for around the world.”

Keith Urban Joins Pinterest

Keith Urban Joins Pinterest
Keith Urban has joined Pinterest and, in just a short time as a member of the site, amassed almost 2,000 followers. On Urban’s page, you’ll find photos of him, official videos, song lyrics, pins from friends, events, albums, merchandise and the like. His board, titled “It’s a Love Thing,” boasts the subtitle “Just a few things Keith’s loving at the moment!” On this board, you’ll find Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling,” the Civil Wars, Nicole Kidman, the book “The Night Circus” and Old Booth App, featuring a photo where Urban Old Boothed himself. Fans and followers of Urban’s Pinterest page can find also pins about his new “For You” song from the Act of Valor soundtrack. Urban even re-pins things like an Instagram picture of “Why country music is the real deal.”

Rascal Flatts Changes It Up For New CD

Rascal Flatts Changes It Up For New CD
Rascal Flatts has revealed the track list for their upcoming album, “Changed.” The songs include the title track and the album’s leadoff single, “Banjo,” as well as tracks like “Hot In Here,” “Come Wake Me Up,” “Lovin’ Me,” “Hurry Baby” and “Great Big Love.” There are some titles that sound like break up songs, such as “She’s Leaving” and “Let It Hurt.” The last couple of songs are called “Sunrise” and “A Little Home.” The album comes out April 3rd. The band will also be releasing a deluxe version of the album that features four bonus tracks. Rascal Flatts is up for the Academy of Country Music’s vocal group of the year. They find out if the win on April 1st.

Aldean Sells Out Atlanta In Four Minutes, Adds Second Show

Aldean Sells Out Atlanta In Four Minutes, Adds Second Show
It took just four minutes for ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean to sell out his May 19th “My Kinda Party Tour” show at Atlanta’s Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood. A second show has been announced for May 18th that will go on sale Friday. Aldean is nominated for six ACM Awards, including his second consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, as well as Album of the Year for “My Kinda Party,” Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” featuring Kelly Clarkson and Video of the Year for “Tattoos on this Town.” The April 1st show will air live from Las Vegas on CBS.

Kenny Chesney Fan Arrested For Trespassing

Kenny Chesney Fan Arrested For Trespassing
A Kenny Chesney fan has been arrested for trespassing on the singer’s property on Wednesday morning. Melissa Mansfield of Murrieta, California, was arrested around 2 a.m. and charged with trespassing and public intoxication. She was discovered in a bathroom near a swimming pool at his Nashville-area home after apparently sneaking around a fence, deputies said. She had reportedly been drinking wine. Chesney was not home at the time and has no connection with the woman, according to his publicist.

BamaJam Is Back

BamaJam Is Back
BamaJam is back. After taking off last year due to the legal problems of BamaJam’s founder, the festival is back in June with Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Kid Rock. The three-day entertainment music festival will be in Enterprise, Alabama, June 14-16. BamaJam 2012 spokesman Darryl Worley will perform and host the opening night. McGraw will close out the first day on June 14th. Zac Brown Band will take the stage to headline Friday’s performances, and Kid Rock closes out the festival on Sunday. Tickets will go on sale March 2nd with 3-day $99 tickets available for a limited time only. Find out more at www.bamajam2012.com. Last year’s festival was canceled because of the legal hassles of promoter Ronnie Gilley, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges involving state officials last year.

Kix Brooks Readies Debut Single

Kix Brooks Readies Debut Single
Kix Brooks will release his first Arista Nashville solo single, “New To This Town” on March 19th. The single features Joe Walsh. After spending 20 years as one half of Brooks & Dunn, the most successful duo in country music history, Brooks is heading in his own direction. “It’s a freedom of sorts,” said Brooks. “It’s not a bitter freedom by any means, just sort of a ‘well that was fun, now what?’ Sort of like being at a theme park and looking around after riding the same roller coaster you finally say, ‘Ok I think I’ll try that one over there.’”

Jake Owen Up Late

Jake Owen Up Late
Jake Owen will perform his current Top 10 single, “Alone With You” and his multi-week No. 1 platinum single “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on February 21st. Both songs are from Owen’s album “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.” On March 1st, Owen will be a guest on “Chelsea Lately.”

Alan Jackson’s New Single

Alan Jackson’s New Single
Alan Jackson is set to perform his new single on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on March 30th. “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore” is the lead single from his upcoming album, due later this year. Jackson shot the video for the song at Coney Island in New York. The new album is the first from the joint venture between ACR, Alan’s Country Records, and EMI Records Nashville.

Artist Of The Day: Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney

• Kenny Chesney’s debut album, “My Wildest Dreams,” was released in 1993. His other albums include “She’s All I Got,” “All I Need To Know,” “Me & You,” “When the Sun Goes Down,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “Greatest Hits,” “The Road & The Radio” and “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates.”
  
• Chesney’s “Greatest Hits II,” which debuted at No. 1 in 2009, yielded the No. 1 hit “Out Last Night” and “I’m Alive.” It was re-released in May 2010 with two new tracks – the ESPN college football anthem “This Is Our Moment” and the Top 5 hit “Ain’t Back Yet.”
  
• Kenny produced the critically acclaimed high school football documentary “Boys Of Fall” last year. He also released his 3D concert movie “Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D” and produced and narrated a biographical film, “The Color Orange,” on his favorite football player, University of Tennessee quarterback and Canadian Football League Hall-of-Famer Condredge Holloway. The film was produced for ESPN’s “Year of the Quarterback” series and premiered in February 2011.
  
• Chesney’s album “Hemingway’s Whiskey” has yielded the No. 1 singles “The Boys of Fall,” “Somewhere With You” and “Live A Little.” “Hemingway’s Whiskey” debuted at No. 1, his sixth album to debut at the top of the charts and his 10th No. 1 album overall. “Reality,” the fifth single from the album, was released in October.
  
• Kenny Chesney’s single “You and Tequila,” the duet with Grace Potter that’s up five Academy of Country Music Awards, was recently certified platinum. It’s the second million-selling song from Chesney’s platinum, No. 1 album “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” following “Somewhere With You,” which reached that mark last year. Chesney is up for a total of nine ACM awards, the most of any artist this year.
  
• Chesney and Tim McGraw’s “Brothers of the Sun” has already sold more than 500,000 tickets. The tour will feature stadium shows on weekend dates at venues across the country, the only cities and venues Chesney will play in 2012. The tour, which kicks off in June, will also feature special guests Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and Jake Owen.
  
• Official website: www.kennychesney.com

Toby Is Done Making Movies

Toby Is Done Making Movies
Toby Keith’s movie career ends with “Beer for My Horses” and “Broken Bridges,” because the singer says the return to films isn’t worth what it does to his first career, country music. “When I did the movies, it affected my songwriting. I think I had quality songs and we had hits and stuff, but it affected my day-to-day, my system, my routine and the volume of songs that I bring to the table when I record an album,” Toby tells The Country Vibe. “I got little or no bang. You know, songs get heard on the radio forever, but movies are like here and then they’re gone. ... There’s just not enough bang for my buck to waste that much time into a project.” Besides, he says, he has done what he meant to do. “[I] proved to myself that I could act and be in a movie with the Burt Reynolds and Kelly Prestons and people like that of the world, Tess Harpers, and hold my own. And it was like, ‘Alright, I done that. Now what did I get out of that?’ Other than the experience, we’re good.”

Wynonna Judd’s Wedding Plans

Wynonna Judd’s Wedding Plans
Wynonna Judd is gearing up for her wedding – but fans expecting a huge ceremony will be disappointed. The singer, who got engaged to fellow musician Cactus Moser on Christmas Eve, says the theme of the ceremony will be “barefoot and just fun.” “I’ve been to so many events and done so many push-up bras and sparkles and hairspray,” Judd says. “I just want to be free and have fun,” she says. “So I don’t know. Something simple and sweet.” The wedding will take place on Judd’s farm in the fall because, as she puts it, “it’s not a sweaty time for brides.”

Loretta Lynn Teams With Bret Michaels

Loretta Lynn Teams With Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels is getting some help from his friends for his new solo album, “Get Your Rock On.” Loretta Lynn will join him on a new version of Michaels hit with Poison back in 1988 called “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn.” Michaels says growing up, his dad loved country music and “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and a duet with Loretta Lynn will be a “really awesome time.” Michaels says he also wrote two songs with Lynn.

New Music From Waylon Jennings

New Music From Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings’s family will soon release songs the country music icon recorded shortly before his death 10 years ago. Musicians who worked with Jennings have gathered to finish the tracks. At least eight of the 12 songs on the tentatively titled “Goin’ Down Rockin’: The Final Recordings” were written by Waylon, and eight have not been released before. The release later this year is part of a new effort by Jennings’ family to establish a Waylon business brand similar to the booming estates of artists such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams.

Mel Tillis Receives White House Honor

Mel Tillis Receives White House Honor
Mel Tillis is one of the new recipients of the National Medal of Arts. President Barack Obama bestowed eight National Medal of Arts and nine National Humanities Medals during a ceremony at the White House East Room. The president urged the honorees to help mentor a new generation of artists and scholars. Tillis’ citation calls him one of the most inventive artists of the golden generation of singer-songwriters. The White House notes that Tillis has written more than 1,000 songs and recorded 60 albums.

Band Perry’s Next Big Show

Band Perry’s Next Big Show
At the Grammys, they shared the stage with Glen Campbell. Next week, the Band Perry will play to a sold out crowd at their first headlining show in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The tickets went on sale six months in advance for the February 22nd show and sold out in minutes.

Artist Of The Day: Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum

• Lady Antebellum formed in 2006 with Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood. Their first country single, released at the end of 2007, was “Love Don’t Live Here.”
  
• Lady Antebellum won the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Duo or Group award in 2008, as well as New Artist of the Year from the Country Music Association. They also received a Best New Artist Grammy nod last year, while “Love Don’t Live Here” received a Grammy nod for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
  
• Lady Antebellum’s self-titled debut album hit No. 4 in its opening week in May 2008. The single “Love Don’t Live Here” peaked inside the Top 5. A second single, “Lookin’ for a Good Time,” peaked at No. 11. The single “I Run to You” marked their first No. 1.
  
• Lady A won the Group of the Year and Single of the Year for “I Run To You” at the CMA Awards in November 2009, ending Rascal Flatts’ six-year hold on the Vocal Group prize.
  
• The group debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and Country Charts in February 2010 with their second album, “Need You Now.” The singles, “Need You Now,” “American Honey” and “Our Kind of Love,” each held the top spot on the charts.
  
• Lady Antebellum took home the Vocal Group of the Year awards from both the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association in 2010.
  
• Lady A was up for six awards at last year’s Grammys, taking home five, for Best Country Album, Best Record, Best Song, Best Country Song and Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for the album and title track, “Need You Now.”
  
• Lady Antebellum‘s Hillary Scott and drummer Chris Tyrrell were married last month. The couple met in 2010 when each of their bands served as opening acts for Tim McGraw.
  
• Hillary Scott was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year for the third straight year earlier this month. She was awarded for not only co-writing Lady Antebellum’s “Just a Kiss” and “Need You Now,” but also honored for her first hit for another artist – “A Little Bit Stronger” for Sara Evans.
  
• Lady A is currently on their headlining arena “Own The Night” tour. The album, “Own The Night,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart in the U.S. and Canada in September 2011, becoming the biggest first week debut by a country artist this year. Their current hit, “Dancin' Away With My Heart,” follows the chart topping lead single “Just A Kiss” and the No. 1 “We Owned The Night.” Other songs on the set include “Friday Night” and “When You Were Mine.”
  
• Lady A won the Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group trophy for the 2011 American Music Awards and was honored as one of CMT’s five Artists of the Year in December.
  
• Lady A received the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Country Album for their latest album “Own The Night.” It marks their 7th Grammy Award they have won throughout their career.
  
• Lady Antebellum joins Keith Urban, Sugarland and Trace Adkins on the soundtrack for the Navy SEAL action-thriller “Act of Valor,” due in theatres on February 24th. The soundtrack comes out February 21st.
  
• Official Web site: http://ladyantebellum.com
  

Taylor Swift In ‘The Lorax’

Taylor Swift In ‘The Lorax’
Taylor Swift will voice the role of Audrey in next month’s 3D movie adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, “The Lorax,” which she is thrilled about. “Dr. Seuss books were a huge, huge part of my childhood,” Taylor shared on the ‘Today Show.’ “It really made me fall in love with the way words fall off the page if you get them in the right syncopation and put them in the right order with the right rhymes at the end. And then that later became poetry and that became songwriting. I think I was very inspired with what Dr. Seuss was able to do with words.” Taylor also marvels that her real life is reflected in the role she voices for the film. “It was really amazing that the character ended up being a girl who was obsessed with trees because I grew up on a Christmas tree farm,” she notes. “I loved nature, I’m obsessed with going on hikes and walks ... that’s sort of part of my life I can really relate to.” Taylor also lends her vocals to a song she recorded with the Civil Wars on the highly-anticipated flick “Hunger Games,” which hits theaters on March 23rd. “The Lorax,” which also stars Danny DeVito, Ed Helms and Rob Riggle, will be released March 2nd.

Julie Roberts Is Back

Julie Roberts Is Back
Julie Roberts says she hopes her shows in Maryland over the weekend will be the start of a long-running return to center stage. “My immediate goal is to get on the road and stay on the road,” Roberts told The Washington Post. “I don’t want to be gone that long again. I want to make people aware that I’m alive.” Roberts hasn’t performed outside of Tennessee since disastrous a 2009 and 2010, which saw her lose her recording deal and television movie project, and then her Nashville home in a flash flood. “I spent the entire year of 2010 rebuilding my home and rebuilding my life,” she said. The past year was a better one for Roberts, who broke into the music business after landing a job as an assistant to the chairman of Universal Music Group Nashville. She released a new album called “Alive,” although she is soldiering on as an independent without the resources of a record company. “Music is what I love,” Roberts said. “And honestly, I don’t have another option.”

Trace Adkins Narrates Dog’s Tale For USPS

Trace Adkins Narrates Dog’s Tale For USPS
Trace Adkins is helping children learn more about Owney, a dog who played a real role in mail-service history. The free, downloadable book, “Owney: Tales From the Rails,” is available at the Postal Museum’s official website, www.postalmuseum.si.edu/owneyebook, and as an Apple iPad app. Trace reads the story and uses music to help bring to life the true adventures of Owney, who helped deliver mail in the U.S. and around the world. Owney became famous after he took up residence at the post office in Albany, New York. A postman named Clark adopted Owney, and all the other postal employees became his surrogate family. When Clark transferred to the rail post office, which transported letters and packages from town to town via the railroad, Owney went with him. Soon, the pooch was known at post office stops along the rail line as much as he was in his hometown of Albany. The story Trace narrates and sings includes Owney’s adventures in Canada and on a post office ship that took him around the world.

Good Times For McCreery

Good Times For McCreery
Scotty McCreery is rolling in the good news. Not only has he been nominated for the Academy of Country Music New Artist of the Year award, he was also alerted by fans via Twitter that his second single, “The Trouble With Girls,” had just topped 500,000 in sales, making it eligible to become his second consecutive single to reach gold status. McCreery was nominated along with Brantley Gilbert and Hunter Hayes. “It’s been an incredible year,” said McCreery, whose debut album was certified platinum. “Being up for this award means a lot to me. I am ready to head to Vegas.” McCreery’s debut album, “Clear As Day,” was certified platinum in just three months. The first single, “I Love You This Big,” has also been certified gold. He is currently touring the nation as part of Brad Paisley’s “Virtual Reality Tour 2012.”

Jason Aldean Buys The Farm

Jason Aldean Buys The Farm
Jason Aldean, who just scored his 13th Top 10 hit with “Tattoos on This Town,” celebrated his recent successes – which also includes selling out amphitheaters on his “My Kinda Party” tour and taking home two CMA Awards – by buying a 1,300 acre farm just outside of Nashville. “I’d kinda been looking for some land just to get away on and be able to take my kids out there and fish if I want to take them fishing or ride four-wheelers,” Jason said. “I like to deer hunt so I can do that.” Jason hasn’t completely moved his family to the new place yet, but he enjoys getting out there as much as he can. “It kind of gives me something to do,” he notes. “It’s kind of quiet and I can take my friends out there.”

Dolly Parton Mourns Whitney Houston’s Death

Dolly Parton Mourns Whitney Houston’s Death
Dolly Parton and the late Whitney Houston are forever connected through Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You,” which Parton wrote and first released in 1974. It was a massive hit for Houston in 1992 as part of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. Parton reacted to Houston’s tragic and shocking death on Saturday via a heartfelt post on her website, saying that her heart was broken. Parton even borrowed a line from their shared song, making her tribute that much more touching and poignant. “Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston,” Dolly wrote. “I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song, and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’” Parton presented Houston with the Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Female award for her vocal performance of “I Will Always Love You” at the 1994 Grammy Awards.

Grammy Winners - What did you think of the show?

Grammy Winners
The 54th Annual Grammy Awards were handed out last night and aired on CBS. Two-time Grammy winner and “NCIS: LA” star LL Cool J hosted the event, the first to host in seven years. After Bruce Springsteen opened the show with a performance of “We Take Care of Our Own,” LL announced there had been a “death in our family” and held a prayer for the late Whitney Houston. Immediately after, LL showed a clip of Whitney singing “I Will Always Love You” at the Grammys back in 1994. Winners include:

Album Of The Year: “21” – Adele

Record Of The Year: “Rolling In The Deep” – Adele

Best New Artist: Bon Iver

Song Of The Year: “Rolling In The Deep” – Adele.

Best Country Solo Performance: “Mean” – Taylor Swift

Best Country Song: “Mean” – Taylor Swift

Best Country Album: “Own the Night” – Lady Antebellum

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group: “Barton Hollow” – The Civil Wars

Best Folk Album: “Barton Hollow” – The Civil Wars

Best Americana Album: “Ramble at the Ryman,” Levon Helm

Best Bluegrass Album: “Paper Airplane” – Alison Krauss & Union Station

Best Historical Album: “Band on the Run (Paul McCartney Archive Collection - Deluxe Edition)” – Paul McCartney

Best Pop Instrumental Album: “The Road From Memphis” – Booker T. Jones

Best Spoken Word Album: “If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)” – Betty White

Best Comedy Album: “Hilarious” – Louis C.K.

Lifetime Achievement Awards: George Jones, The Allman Brothers Band, Glen Campbell, Antonio Carlos Jobim, The Memphis Horns, Diana Ross and Gil Scott-Heron

The full list of winners can be found at www.grammy.com.

Artist Of The Day: Rodney Crowell

Rodney Crowell

• Rodney Crowell made his debut as a drummer in his father’s band at the age of 11. He formed his own rock n’ roll band, the Arbitrators, when he was 15.
  
• Crowell moved to Nashville in 1972. Two years later he was playing bass with Emmylou Harris, who eventually recorded nine of his songs. He made his recording debut in 1978 with “Ain’t Living Long Like This.”
  
• He was married to Rosanne Cash from 1979 to 1992. Six years after their breakup he married Claudia Church.
  
• In 1980, Crowell issued his first hit, “Ashes By Now,” which was a Top 40 pop crossover success. The follow-up, “Stars on the Water,” was also popular.
  
• Rodney released 18 albums between 1978 and 2005, but didn’t hit it big until 1988 with his “Diamonds and Dirt” album. That album scored five No. 1 hits in 17 months and Rodney won a Grammy in 1989 for one of the No. 1 songs off the album, “After All This Time.”
  
• The Crowell-penned tune “Making Memories Of Us” was a No. 1 hit for Keith Urban. Rodney also recorded his own version of the song on The Notorious Cherry Bombs album. Tracy Byrd has also recorded it.
  
• Crowell returned to the spotlight in 2001 with his autobiographical album “The Houston Kid.” His most recent album is 2008’s “Sex and Gasoline.”
  
• Crowell recently released his memoir, “Chinaberry Sidewalks,” last year.
  
• A download of “Rodney Crowell: Acoustic Trio Live” – 13 tracks recorded during Rodney’s tour with Will Kimbrough and Jenny Scheinman – is available at his website.
  
• Rodney Crowell and author Mary Karr are scheduled to release “Kins, Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell” on June 5th. “Kin” marks the first collaboration between the two.
  
• Official Web site: www.rodneycrowell.com

Artist Of The Day: Craig Morgan

Craig Morgan

• Prior to his singing career, Craig Morgan spent over 10 years of active duty in the Army and an additional nine years in the Army Reserves. He is an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award.

• Morgan signed with Atlantic and released his self-titled debut in May 2000, followed by the 2003 album “I Love It,” which included the No. 2 single “Almost Home.”

• In 2005, Morgan released his third album, “My Kind of Livin’,” which included the hit “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” A four-week No. 1 hit, it was the biggest country music song of the year, according to Billboard. The album also included the No. 2 hit “Redneck Yacht Club” and “I Got You,” which Craig had originally penned for Keith Urban but then decided to record himself.

• He released the album “Little Bit of Life” in 2006. It produced three singles, including Top 10 hits in the title track and “International Harvester.” “Tough” peaked at No. 11.

• Craig Morgan was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.

• Morgan signed to BNA Records and released the album “That’s Why” in October 2008. The first single, “Love Remembers,” became his sixth Top 10 hit, while the follow-up, “God Must Really Love Me,” peaked at No. 26. BNA re-issued the album in 2009, replacing two of its tracks with the newly-recorded “Bonfire” and “This Ain’t Nothin’.”

• Craig is the spokesman for “Not Alone,” which helps military men, women and their families who are struggling with the aftereffects of combat and the difficulties transitioning to life back home. Find out more at www.notalone.com. Morgan wrote the song “Not Alone” in support of the organization, which will be included on his upcoming sixth studio album.

• Craig Morgan released a new five-song digital EP, “This Ole Boy,” last year. It’s his first release for Black River Entertainment. The title track is his current single. He co-produced the project and co-wrote one of the tracks, “The Whole World Needs a Kitchen.” The remaining tracks are “Fish Weren’t Bitin’,” “Show Me Your Tattoo” and “Better Stories.” Morgan will release the full-length album on February 28th.

• Craig Morgan visited the set of the hit Lifetime series “Army Wives” late last year to film a guest appearance for the show’s sixth season, set to air in early 2012.

• Morgan can also be seen in on his hit TV series, “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors,” on the Outdoor Channel. Morgan recently took home two trophies for the show at the Golden Moose Awards in Las Vegas. He was recognized for Best Deer Hunting and Best Turkey Hunting. The awards honor the producers and on-air talent from the Outdoor Channel’s programming.

• Craig Morgan has been declared the NRA Country Artist of the Month for February. February’s NRA Country Artist of the Month promotion gives fans the opportunity to view a personal video message from Morgan along with clips from a recent Ranger Challenge competition from Ft. Benning, Georgia. The exclusive new video can be found at www.NRACountry.com.

• Official Web site: www.craigmorgan.com

Rascal Flatts Plan Concert For Cancer Research

Rascal Flatts Plan Concert For Cancer Research
Rascal Flatts will headline the inaugural Music for Champions benefit event on March 19th at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Florida. The concert will launch the 34th annual Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament, and all concert proceeds will benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the T.J. Martell Foundation for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research. An additional performer will be announced within the next few weeks. Tickets are now available for $50. Rascal Flatts’ new album, “Changed,” will be released on April 3rd.

Carrie Underwood, Tony Bennett Join Grammy Lineup

Carrie Underwood, Tony Bennett Join Grammy Lineup
Carrie Underwood and Tony Bennett will perform together on the Grammy Awards on Sunday on CBS. The two recorded “It Had to Be You” on Bennett’s 2011 album, “Tony Bennett: Duets II.” In addition, Lady Antebellum has been added as a presenter. Other newly-announced performers include Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt – both in tribute to Etta James – as well as Chris Brown. Marc Anthony and Ryan Seacrest will also serve as presenters.

George Strait Is A Grandpa - Would you like to have George as your grandpa?

George Strait Is A Grandpa
George Strait is a first-time grandfather after his son Bubba and daughter-in-law Tamara welcomed a son last week. George broke the news during his concert in Phoenix on Friday. “I just found out yesterday, my son had a new baby,” the country icon told the audience just after singing his poignant hit, “I Saw God Today.” There’s no word yet on the name of the baby boy. Bubba’s real name is George Strait, Jr., so the tot could very well be George III. Bubba co-wrote more than half of the tracks on his dad’s “Here for a Good Time” album, along with George and Dean Dillon. The same three are also responsible for the 2009 hit, “Living for the Night.” George is currently on the road with Martina McBride.

Eric Church Angered By Scalpers - Think scalpers need to be prosecuted more?

Eric Church Angered By Scalpers
Eric Church is enjoying his first run as a headlining act on his “Blood, Sweat & Beers” tour, but he admits that being the biggest name on the marquee has its drawbacks. Church has had to face the ugly side of selling tickets – ticket scalpers – and has harsh words for those who try to make money from fans who just want to attend a great show. “Scalpers piss me off,” Eric tells Billboard. “I’ve never encountered this in my life, we’ve never been at this level, and, quite frankly, we were unprepared.” Eric says he always makes affordable tickets and preferred seating available first to members of his fan club, dubbed the Church Choir. But that gesture has backfired, as scalpers purchase those tickets first, forcing Eric’s most devoted fans to pay a higher price in order to get closer to the star. Eric says he is doing everything he can to make affordable tickets available to fans first, instead of a brokerage company, but it has been an ongoing battle.
 

Chesney’s ‘You And Tequila’ Reaches Platinum - Is it them or the Tequlia that make you crazy?

Chesney’s ‘You And Tequila’ Reaches Platinum
Kenny Chesney’s single “You and Tequila,” the duet with Grace Potter up for two Grammy Awards and five Academy of Country Music Awards, has been certified platinum. The cut is the second million-selling song from Chesney’s platinum disc “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” following “Somewhere With You.” Chesney will be busy on the road later this year. The “Brothers of the Sun” Tour, starring Chesney and Tim McGraw, has sold more than 500,000 tickets. The tour will feature stadium shows on weekend dates at venues across the country.

Honoring The Man In Black - Did you get to see him or wish you had?

Honoring The Man In Black
Johnny Cash, who would have turned 80 on February 26th, will be the focus of a series of tributes and celebrations in 2012, starting with the official ground-breaking of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project in Dyess, Arkansas. The Project will be a permanent tribute to Cash’s early life and that of his family’s, as well as reflect a historical slice of American life during the Great Depression. Arkansas State University is spearheading the restoration of not only the house that Cash grew up in and its various outbuildings, but has taken under its wing several other Dyess historic buildings in an effort to preserve the town’s rich heritage. Also set for the year-long birthday celebration is the opening of the new Johnny Cash Museum in downtown Nashville, and Columbia/Legacy will release a series of archive titles beginning with “Bootleg IV: The Soul of Truth” slated for April 3rd. In addition, three documentaries on Cash’s life are in various stages of development.

Artist Of The Day: Randy Travis

Randy Travis

• Randy Bruce Traywick began performing at the age of eight with his brother, Ricky. He and his brother entered a talent contest at a nightclub in Charlotte, North Carolina, when Randy was 16. When Ricky was sent to jail, Randy competed solo and won. Club manager Lib Hatcher gave him a job. They moved to Nashville in 1981 and married in 1991.
  
• In 1982, Travis recorded an independent album, “Randy Ray Live,” and Hatcher used it to secure a deal with Warner Bros. The label changed his name and released the single “On the Other Hand” in 1985. His next single, “1982,” was a Top 10 hit. That was followed by the re-release of “On the Other Hand” in 1986, which became his first No. 1.
  
• The 1986 album “Storms of Life” sold more than 4 million copies. Randy had a string of hits including “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “No Place Like Home” and “Diggin’ Up Bones.” He won a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance two years in a row – for the album “Always And Forever” in 1988 and “Old 8x10” in 1989.
  
• In 1997, Randy was the first artist to sign with DreamWorks Records. “Out Of My Bones,” the first single from “You And You Alone,” was released in 1998, giving the DreamWorks its first No. 1 country hit.
  
• Randy also released the albums “Around The Bend,” “I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis,” “Turn it Around” and “Three Wooden Crosses: The Inspirational Hits of Randy Travis.” He released the gospel album “I’ll Fly Away” in August 2010.
  
• Randy has a part in the 2011 movie “Jerusalem Countdown,” It is based on a book by the same name, written by John Hagee.
  
• Travis released his “Anniversary Celebration” duets compilation last year. It commemorates the 25 years since the release of his landmark debut album “Storms of Life.” The album features contributions from George Jones, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Shelby Lynne and more.
  
• Travis will kick off his “Anniversary Celebration” tour Friday in Grand Ronde, Oregon.
  
• Official website: www.randytravis.com
  

LeAnn Rimes Has Mouth Surgery

LeAnn Rimes Has Mouth Surgery
LeAnn Rimes is recovering from minor mouth surgery. The country singer revealed to fans a recent procedure that has left her with incredible jaw pain. LeAnn is reportedly recuperating at a Malibu beachfront home with husband Eddie Cibrian and several friends. While LeAnn was quick to let fans know the surgery was not elective, claiming it was a needed medical procedure, she has yet to post the reason for her surgery.

Rodney Atkins, Gloriana Set For Country Music Marathon

Rodney Atkins, Gloriana Set For Country Music Marathon
Rodney Atkins and Gloriana will perform at the 13th annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon & Half Marathon in Nashville on April 28th. The post-race performance will take place at the Bridgestone Arena and is open to the public. The race attracts more than 30,000 runners and walkers whose trek supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can register to participate in either the marathon or half marathon at http://running.competitor.com.

Jana Kramer Moves From ‘One Tree Hill’ To Nashville

Jana Kramer Moves From ‘One Tree Hill’ To Nashville
“One Tree Hill” star Jana Kramer has released the video for her debut country single, “Why Ya Wanna.” Jana is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on her full album.

Owen Back On His Feet

Owen Back On His Feet
Jake Owen performed in front of a sold-out crowd his first weekend back out on the road after undergoing surgery on January 17th to repair his broken collarbone caused by a snowboarding accident. “I’m thrilled to be back out on the road,” Owen said. “And to have a sold-out show our first weekend back is such an awesome feeling.” He performed Friday night for a near sell-out crowd at Cowboy’s in Dallas and Saturday night for a sold-out crowd at Riverwind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. On March 1st, Owen will be a guest on E!’s “Chelsea Lately,” hosted by Chelsea Handler. Owen will attend the “Act of Valor” exclusive movie premiere in Nashville. He co-wrote and recorded a song on the soundtrack for the upcoming feature film, which stars active duty Navy Seals. The film is due in theatres February 24th. “Alone with You,” entered the Top 10 this week on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart. The song is the second single from “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.

Adkins To Headline NRA Jam

Adkins To Headline NRA Jam
Trace Adkins will headline the second annual NRA Country Jam, on April 13th in St. Louis during the NRA Annual meetings. More than 70,000 NRA members are expected in St. Louis for three days that will be kicked off by Adkins and NRA Country Jam II. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation. Founded by Iraq veteran Major Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor provides post‐secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of U.S. military service members killed or disabled during service. Since its founding in 2007, the foundation has generated more than $9.8 million for post‐secondary education scholarships.

Randy Travis Arrested For Public Intoxication

Randy Travis Arrested For Public Intoxication
Randy Travis was arrested on a public intoxication charge early yesterday in Texas. Denton County sheriff’s deputies said Travis was spotted in front of a church in Sanger, Texas, with an open bottle of wine. Detectives said Travis smelled like alcohol and was taken into custody. Travis was booked about 1:30 a.m. and released a few hours later. Travis owns a ranch in Tioga, Texas, about 25 miles east of Sanger. He reportedly had been in a fight with his girlfriend. Travis later released a statement saying, “I apologize for what resulted following an evening of celebrating the Super Bowl.” He added, “I’m committed to being responsible and accountable, and apologize for my actions.”

Dierks Bentley Set For ‘Letterman’ Show And Webcast

Dierks Bentley Set For ‘Letterman’ Show And Webcast
Dierks Bentley is gearing up for the February 7th release date of his new album, “Home.” The day after the album drops, Dierks will be in New York for an appearance on David Letterman’s show, airing Wednesday night. Just prior to his appearance, Dierks will also participate in a live webcast, performing several of his greatest hits along with songs from the new collection. “Live on Letterman” will be webcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York beginning at 8:00 p.m. [ET]. Fans can watch live or on-demand at the official “Live on Letterman” website. In addition, the show will be broadcast on CBS’s JumboTron in Times Square, as well as through various mobile applications.

Billy Ray Cyrus Signs With Amazon

Billy Ray Cyrus Signs With Amazon
Billy Ray Cyrus is the latest celebrity to sign up with Amazon.com. Cyrus has a memoir, “Hillbilly Heart,” coming in spring 2013. Amazon.com, which has been aggressively expanding its publishing operation, announced yesterday that Cyrus would discuss with “great candor” everything from his early years to life as the parent of a teen superstar. Cyrus and his daughter Miley starred together in the hit TV series “Hannah Montana.”

Holly Bobo Still Missing

Holly Bobo Still Missing
Holly Bobo is still missing, but her family is still hopeful that they will find her alive. The now 21-year-old nursing student, a cousin of country singer Whitney Duncan, was kidnapped from outside of her Decatur County, Tennessee, home last April as she was preparing to leave for school. As no significant strides have been made in the case since her disappearance, the Bobo family has raised the reward money from $85,000 to $250,000 and hope that the incentive will help bring her home. Kevin Bromley, a spokesperson for the family of the missing girl said the source of the additional funds will remain private, though a rep for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation did clarify that the money is not from law enforcement.

Officer Gill

Officer Gill
Vince Gill has a surprising new gig – fighting a war on drugs in southeastern Tennessee. Gill has been sworn in as an honorary narcotics officer and presented a McMinn Co. Sheriff’s badge. “Vince’s outstanding character makes him a perfect celebrity candidate for this appointment,” says Sheriff Joe Guy. “His stance on drug abuse and his charity work go hand in hand.” Gill says, “I’ve never used drugs, and never had those types of problems. If I had, my daddy would have killed me.”

Brad Paisley Assists Fan With Marriage Proposal

Brad Paisley Assists Fan With Marriage Proposal
Brad Paisley worked a marriage proposal into his act in Las Vegas Saturday, helping a fellow West Virginian pop the question during the show. Paisley, a Wheeling native, performed a concert at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino before an audience that included Jason Davis and Vanessa Pritt of Teays Valley, West Virginia. With plenty of pre-arrangement and seats near the stage, Davis held up a sign reading, “I’m the guy from West Virginia that’s going to propose,” after Paisley sang his signature song “She’s Everything.” Paisley then handed Davis the microphone, saying, “Do it, brother,” and Davis did, asking Pritt to marry him. She said yes. “I’ve never seen so many women crying,” Davis said. “The only reason Paisley considered it was because we’re fellow West Virginians.” After the proposal, Paisley joked from the stage, “Congratulations to you, sir, and my condolences to you, ma’am.”

Kellie Pickler Drives Ram Jam Concert Series

Kellie Pickler Drives Ram Jam Concert Series
A country music contest featuring five artists, including Kellie Pickler, is being launched by the Ram Truck brand. The series will culminate in an invitation-only 2012 Ram Jam concert event December 29th in Nashville where all five artists will perform. Pickler was the first artist announced. The Road to the Ram Jam series will help bring country music fans closer to the artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes including collectible posters and vinyl records through country radio stations nationwide, free music downloads and a chance to enter to win trips for two to the exclusive Ram Jam concert. Pickler offers fans a chance to win a free download of her latest single “Tough” when they enter to win a trip for two to the Ram Jam concert. The remaining four participating artists will be announced throughout the year. All five artists will receive a one-year lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds going to benefit a military-focused charity of each artist’s choice. Find out more at www.ramtrucks.com/en/road_to_ram_jam.

New Underwood CD Coming May 1st

New Underwood CD Coming May 1st
Carrie Underwood’s new CD will be released on May 1st. No title was given for the disc. “Good Girl,” the debut single co-written by Underwood, will be released February 23rd. Underwood is doing “CMT Crossroads” with Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler with initial airings on CMT this Saturday and Sunday. She has also set to make an appearance at the 54th Grammy Awards, Country Radio Seminar in Nashville and a performance at the Nordstrom Nashville Symphony Fashion Show.

Artist Of The Day: Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood

• Trisha Yearwood rose to fame as a protégée of Garth Brooks, appearing on his 1989 self-titled debut and its blockbuster follow-up, “No Fences.”
  
• Yearwood signed with MCA Records in 1991 and released her first single, “I’m In Love With The Boy,” which became the first debut single by a female vocalist to hit No. 1 on the charts since Jeannie C. Riley did it in 1968 with “Harper Valley P.T.A.” Three more singles from the record went Top 10. She became the first female country singer ever to sell a million copies of her debut album.
  
• Trisha Yearwood’s 2005 set, “Jasper County,” marked her return after a four-year hiatus. “Jasper County” was re-issued in 2006 with an additional track, the Yearwood/Brooks duet “Love Will Always Win,” which earned a Grammy nomination.
  
• Yearwood parted ways with MCA in early 2007 and recorded her 10th album for Big Machine Records. “Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love” was released in November 2007. The title track peaked at No. 19. Yearwood was nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance by the Grammy Awards for the song. The second single, “This Is Me You’re Talking To,” peaked at No. 25. Her third single, “They Call It Falling for a Reason,” was released in 2008 and barely missed the Top 40.
  
• Yearwood’s greatest love songs were compiled into the album “Trisha Yearwood - Love Songs,” released in 2008.
  
• Trisha’s first cookbook, “Georgia Cooking In An Oklahoma Kitchen,” debuted at No. 3 on the New York Times Bestseller list in 2008. Her cookbook “Home Cooking With Trisha Yearwood: Stories and Recipes to Share With Family and Friends” was released in April 2010 and debuted at No. 2 on The New York Times Bestseller list for “How To” books.
  
• Trisha Yearwood has been tapped to host a new daytime series for the Food Network. The show, which is set to debut in April, has already begun production in Nashville. She is also working on new music.
  
• Official website: www.trishayearwood.com

Lisa Marie Presley Opens New Elvis Exhibit

Lisa Marie Presley Opens New Elvis Exhibit
Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, gave visitors to Graceland an inside look at her life with her father at his Memphis estate yesterday as she celebrated her 44th birthday with the opening of a new exhibit. The exhibit, “Elvis... Through His Daughter’s Eyes,” displays artifacts including Lisa Marie’s baby footprints, tricycle, a record player and her crib, said Kevin Kern, director of public relations for Elvis Presley Enterprises. Lisa Marie said she remembered her father singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to her and that the new exhibit includes some of her dad’s “most amazing clothes ever” and a small chest containing personal items he took with him on tour, including a photo of his father and his driver’s license.

Sugarland, Lady A Join ‘Act Of Valor’ Film Soundtrack

Sugarland, Lady A Join ‘Act Of Valor’ Film Soundtrack
Sugarland, Lady Antebellum and Trace Adkins are among the artists joining Keith Urban on the soundtrack for “Act of Valor,” an action film about an elite team of Navy SEALs and a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative. Urban provided an original song, “For You,” which is featured in the film’s closing credits. Other new songs are performed by Sugarland (“Guide You Home”), Lady Antebellum (“I Was Here”), Adkins (“If the Sun Comes Up”), Lori McKenna (“Two Soldiers Coming Home”), Jake Owen (“The Best I Can”), Montgomery Gentry (“What It Takes”), Josh Kelley (“The Best of Me”), Hunter Hayes (“Where We Left Off”) and Wynonna (“Whatever Brings You Back”). The soundtrack will be released on February 21st and the film will open in theaters on February 24th.

Swift Out Of ‘Les Miserables’

Swift Out Of ‘Les Miserables’
Taylor Swift won’t be playing Eponine as planned in the upcoming movie musical “Les Miserables,” EW.com says. Although Swift had been in talks for the part, Samantha Barks, a contender on the British singing completion series “I’d Do Anything,” has instead been cast as Eponine. Barks played the role of Eponine in the West End production of “Les Miserables” from 2010 to 2011.

Taylor Swift Donates 14,000 Books To Nashville Public Library

Taylor Swift Donates 14,000 Books To Nashville Public Library
Taylor Swift has donated 14,000 Scholastic books to the Nashville Public Library. The book donation is one of the largest received by the library. Books may be checked out at each of the city’s 21 branches. In addition, some of the books will be donated to low-income children, preschools and daycare centers, while others will be used as prizes for completing the summer reading program. Each book will have a donation plate on the inside cover that will read: “A Gift to the Children of Nashville from Taylor Swift and Scholastic Inc.”

Grammys Add Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert As Presenters

Grammys Add Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert As Presenters
Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and “Country Strong” star Gwyneth Paltrow have been announced as presenters at the Grammy Awards. The ceremony will air live from Los Angeles on February 13th on CBS. Previously-announced country performers include Taylor Swift, a duet by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson and a collaboration featuring Glen Campbell, The Band Perry and Blake Shelton.

CMA Donates $1.4 Million To Music Education In Nashville Public Schools

CMA Donates $1.4 Million To Music Education In Nashville Public Schools
The Country Music Association’s CMA Foundation is donating $1.4 million to benefit music education programs for Nashville’s 78,000 public school students. The announcement was made Tuesday night prior to the third CMA Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. Chris Young hosted the event, which also featured Suzy Bogguss and groups from 133 Metro Nashville public schools. The donation includes $200,000 for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Words & Music program, which assists language arts and music teachers with classroom instruction in the basics of songwriting. With revenues generated from the annual CMA Music Festival, the CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program has now provided more than $6.1 million to the public school system.

Tom T. Hall Promoting Country Music Highway

Tom T. Hall Promoting Country Music Highway
Tom T. Hall is giving a major shout out to his home state and a major road that helped make it famous. The country music legend is promoting a Country Music Highway Road to Fame contest. It will show off the musical abilities of the residents of eastern Kentucky. The Country Music Highway runs through the mountains of that region and gets its name from the long list of Nashville stars who came from the area. They include Loretta Lynn, Naomi Judd, Billy Ray Cyrus, Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs. Find out more at http://cmhroadtofame.com.

DBT’s Hood Protests Walmart In Song

DBT’s Hood Protests Walmart In Song
Drive-By Truckers lead singer Patterson Hood is protesting a possible Walmart in downtown Athens, Georgia, with a song. “After it’s Gone” is the new single just released by Hood and the Downtown 13. The song was inspired by the threat of a Walmart in the heart of the downtown area that nurtured the band’s career. Hood assembled The Downtown 13, a musical collective made up of Athens musicians, to celebrate the city’s musical heritage and to protest a developer’s proposed building of a Walmart in downtown Athens.

Tim McGraw Debuts At No. 1

Tim McGraw Debuts At No. 1
Tim McGraw’s 11th studio album, “Emotional Traffic,” debuted at No. 1 this week on the Billboard Country Chart, making it his 13th career No. 1 debut. The disc sold more than 67,000 units, taking over the top spot from Toby Keith’s “Clancy’s Tavern.” The CD is the second best selling CD in the U.S. behind Adele’s “21.” The hits “Felt Good on My Lips” and the current single “Better Than I Used To Be” are on the new release. Meanwhile, Kellie Pickler’s third album, “100 Proof,” debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

Willie Goes Home

Willie Goes Home
Willie Nelson is going home. Sony Legacy announced that Nelson is rejoining the label for at least five new albums starting this spring. From 1975-1993, Nelson cut top-selling singles and albums for Columbia Records, beginning with 1975’s smash “Red Headed Stranger.” Upcoming Nelson titles under the Legacy imprint will include newly recorded songs and performances as well as archival releases, personally curated by Nelson, drawn from all phases of his career including his recordings for RCA Records and others.

Chely Wright Showcases Decision To ‘Come Out’ In New Documentary

Chely Wright Showcases Decision To ‘Come Out’ In New Documentary
Chely Wright will take fans behind her emotional decision to “come out” as a lesbian in an upcoming documentary, in which she confesses she once contemplated suicide over her sexuality. Wright, who once dated Brad Paisley, logged three years of home movies and video diaries for “Wish Me Away” – a film that follows her on a personal journey to self-discovery. The raw footage, which offers an intimate glimpse into the singer’s life, captures Wright at some of her lowest moments and in a promotional clip from the movie she talks about her most desperate thoughts, stating, “I have a gun. I own a gun, and I looked at it and I put the gun in my mouth.” The rest of the project centers around Wright’s May 2010 big reveal and features her explaining her new sexual orientation to relatives, friends, fans and her pastor.

Artist Of The Day: Darryl Worley

Darryl Worley

• Darryl Worley was raised in Hardin County, Tennessee, home of “Walking Tall” sheriff Buford Pusser. A brief stint as a teacher ended when he signed a publishing deal with Fame in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
  
• Darryl signed to DreamWorks Nashville and released his debut single in 2000. “Hard Rain Don’t Last” produced the Top 15 single “When You Need My Love.”
  
• Worley’s breakthrough came in 2002 with “I Miss My Friend,” which became the title tune to his second CD and soared to No. 1.
  
• Worley wrote “Have You Forgotten?” shortly after entertaining troops in Afghanistan in 2002. The song earned him an Academy of Country Music Top Male Vocalist nomination. The song topped the charts for seven weeks.
  
• He scored another chart topper with “Awful Beautiful Life” in 2004, from his self-titled album. A second single, “If Something Should Happen,” was a Top 10 hit. The track “I Love Her, She Hates Me” stalled at No. 56 due to the closure of DreamWorks in mid-2005.
  
• Darryl released “Here and Now” on 903 Music in 2007. The album contains the Top 20 hit “I Just Came Back from a War.” The title track hit the Top 50 before the label closed.
  
• Worley released “Sounds Like Life” in 2009 through Stroudavarious Records. The lead single, “Tequila on Ice,” peaked at No. 44. “Sounds Like Life To Me” just missed the Top 10.
  
• Worley debuted the single “Keep the Change” in mid-2010. It was to be included on his seventh studio album, “God & Country,” but the album went unreleased when his record label, Stroudavarious, ceased operation.
  
• Darryl Worley has signed a recording contract with Tenacity Records/Crazytown and will release his first single, “You Still Got It,” in March.
  
• Official website: www.darrylworley.com

Casey James Reveals Album Cover

Casey James Reveals Album Cover
Casey James unveiled the cover of his self-titled debut album on USA Today’s website yesterday. The third place finalist on Season 9 of “American Idol” will release his debut album on March 20th. Casey’s current single, “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” was co-written by Casey, Terry McBride and Brice Long. Fans can pre-order Casey’s album before it’s released at http://myplay.me/16h.

Fan Gets First Speeding Ticket Going To See Pickler - Worth the ticket?

Fan Gets First Speeding Ticket Going To See Pickler
After making several TV appearances in both New York City and Los Angeles last week to support the release of her latest album, “100 Proof,” Kellie Pickler headed south to Kennesaw, Georgia, and Monroe, North Carolina, over the weekend to meet and sign copies of her new album for fans. On Saturday, Kellie spent six hours at Best Buy in Kennesaw meeting with her fans, taking photos and signing copies of “100 Proof.” On Sunday, Pickler headed to Walmart in Monroe, where hundreds of fans camped out all night just to get the chance to meet the North Carolina native. Kellie spent over nine hours signing CDs and taking pictures with her home-state fans. One fan was so eager to meet Kellie that he got his first speeding ticket on his way there. The cop who gave him the ticket showed up to Kellie’s signing and even posed for a picture with both Pickler and the guy who received the ticket. Kellie signed the fan’s ticket “Slow Down (or don’t get caught).”

Shelton, Lambert’s Super Bowl Performance Confirmed

Shelton, Lambert’s Super Bowl Performance Confirmed
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert have been confirmed to sing a duet version of “America the Beautiful” prior to Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday. It will mark their first TV performance as a married couple. Their recording of the song is now available at iTunes.

Randy Travis Announces 25th Anniversary Celebration Tour - Excited to see Randy in concert?

Randy Travis Announces 25th Anniversary Celebration Tour
June of 2011 marked the beginning of Randy Travis’ 25th year in the music industry. To commemorate that silver anniversary, Travis released his “Anniversary Celebration” record with Warner Bros., and he’s just announced a 2012 North American tour. Kicking off February 10th in Grand Ronde, Oregon, the tour will take Travis all over the U.S. and Canada, with more than 30 stops scheduled. He will likely play a significant set from his “Anniversary” record, which combines his original works with his favorites, including “More Life,” “Road to Surrender,” “He Walked on Water” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.” The album also features guest appearances by Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Carrie Underwood, Lorrie Morgan and Jamey Johnson among others.

Reba McEntire NOT Dead - Should there be some kind of punishment for hoax creators?

Reba McEntire NOT Dead
Reba McEntire is the latest celebrity to fall victim to a death hoax on the Internet. The news of her alleged death circulated so quickly that “Reba McEntire” became the No. 1 trending search topic on Google late Monday night. Her Facebook wall was flooded with comments from fans hoping that a report that the singer had fallen to her death while climbing a mountain on an Austrian movie set was untrue. McEntire took to her Twitter page yesterday to explain the hoax. “There is a rumor going around that I died after falling off a mountain in Austria yesterday while shooting a movie. While I would love to be shooting a movie in Austria, I definitely did not fall off a mountain! Nor am I dead! I am alive and kicking!!! Most of you know this already because I’ve been giving you daily accounts of Shelby’s race. Oh well. Have a great day.” McEntire did indeed tweet about her son Shelby’s race at 1:41 p.m. [ET] on Monday, proving her point. The fine print beneath the original post on the rumor site made it clear that the hoax was untrue, though the text was easily overlooked. “FAKE… THIS STORY IS 100% FAKE!” the disclaimer reads. 

 

Blake Shelton Earns More Metal - Favorite Blake song?

Blake Shelton Earns More Metal
Blake Shelton has picked up some more precious metal. He’s earned a platinum single for “God Gave Me You.” He’s also earned two gold records, for “Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton” and for “Red River Blue.” Shelton’s label surprised him with his plaques at his show Friday in Duluth, Georgia.

Dierks Bentley Expands ‘Country And Cold Cans’ Tour

Dierks Bentley Expands ‘Country And Cold Cans’ Tour
Dierks Bentley says his “Country and Cold Cans” tour of the U.S. was so much fun in the fall he’s going to continue it in the spring. He’s announced he’ll hit 20 cities, but the only date that’s been revealed so far is Los Angeles on April 13th. Bentley took the tour to Canada and Australia and wants to hit more American stops. He says he’s even going to Alaska, “giving new meaning to COLD cans.”

Ryman Auditorium Stage To Be Replaced - Best show have you have seen at the Ryman?

Ryman Auditorium Stage To  Be Replaced
The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville has only had two stages in its 120-year history. The first was installed in 1901 and the second in 1951. It’s heavily scarred from performers that have included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift and countless others. An 18-inch strip of oak from the old stage will run on the edge of the new one. The last scheduled concert is Opry At The Ryman on Friday, featuring The Oak Ridge Boys, Charley Pride and Keith Urban. Work begins Saturday. The Band Perry is scheduled to hit the new stage on February 20th.

Artist Of The Day: Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert

• Miranda Lambert began entering country talent contests when she was 16. She later appeared in a Ruffles potato chip ad and had a part in the 2001 teen comedy "Slap Her She’s French.”
  
• Lambert was 17 and still in high school when she formed the Texas Pride Band. She released an independent self-titled CD in 2001.
  
• Miranda finished first in the Texas auditions for “Nashville Star” in 2003 and third overall, which led to a recording contract with Sony. Her first major-label single, “Me and Charlie Talking,” was released in 2004.
  
• Lambert’s debut CD, “Kerosene,” entered the Billboard Country Albums Chart at No. 1 in 2005. Miranda released her second album, the chart-topping “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” in early 2007. Although the title track failed to make the Top 40, the next three singles – “Famous in A Small Town,” “Gunpowder & Lead” and “More Like Her” – were all Top 20 hits. “Gunpowder & Lead” became her first Top 10 in July 2008.
  
• Miranda’s 2009 album “Revolution” features the hit singles “Dead Flowers,” “White Liar,” “Only Prettier” and the No. 1 hits “The House that Built Me” and “Heart Like Mine.” “Revolution” debuted at No. 1 and joins her previous two releases that debuted at the top of Billboard’s Country Album Charts.
  
• Lambert is developing at TV show for ABC Family. It’s billed as a private detective show based on her childhood.
  
• Lambert has started a new all-girl band, Pistol Annies, along with Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. “Hell on Heels,” the trio’s debut album, landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart.
  
• Lambert had an amazing 2011, winning her first Grammy, releasing two No. 1 country albums, having her hit "The House That Built Me" named Song of the Year, and marrying Blake Shelton.
  
• Miranda released her new album, "Four the Record," last year. Her current single is "Over You," a ballad she co-wrote with Shelton about the death of his older brother. It is the second single released from the album. The first single, “Baggage Claim,” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. “Four The Record” debuted atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, making Miranda the first country artist in the 47 year history of the chart to have each of her first four albums debut at No. 1.
  
• Miranda will appear on the February 8th episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." She also will join the cast of "The Voice" as one of the mentors on Shelton’s team, along with Kelly Clarkson.
  
• Lambert is currently on her new headlining tour, “On Fire,” with special guests Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann.
  
• Official Web site: www.mirandalambert.com