Bentley Goes ‘Home’

Dierks Bentley has released the single “Home” off his upcoming album. Bentley penned the new track with Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers. “One of the best parts of being a traveling musician is getting to meet people from all over the country and hear about what's happening in their lives and towns...the struggles and the joys,” said Bentley. “They're the inspiration for this song. The lyrics speak to the challenges we've had as a country, but hopefully the song leaves you feeling inspired and optimistic.” His new CD is set for release in early 2012 and has already scored the No. 1 hit “Am I The Only One.” Bentley will kick off the first leg of his “Country & Cold Cans” tour on October 6th in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

Brad Paisley In First Amendment Ad

Sunday's Parade magazine is a good place to see Brad Paisley's ad about the First Amendment. It shows him with his guitar, performing at a microphone in a T-shirt with the stylized cityscape from his “American Saturday Night” tour. His eyes are closed and his right arm is raised with his finger pointed high. At the top of the ad are the words: “Free to play, to sing, to speak, to write.” Below Paisley's photo the ad says “thanks to the First Amendment, you can be whomever and whatever you want to be.” The campaign's website is 1forall.us. The First Amendment campaign is connected with Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The purpose is to publicize and study the five freedoms in the First Amendment: speech, the press, religion, assembly and petition.

Country Stars Pay Tribute To Mark Twain

Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Ricky Skaggs, Joe Diffie and others are paying tribute to Mark Twain. They're part of a two-CD set, with a 40-page booklet, called “Mark Twain: Words and Music.” It's spoken word and music to tell the life story of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, AKA Mark Twain, whose 175th birthday was celebrated last year. The double-album is narrated by Garrison Keiller with Clint Eastwood as the voice of Twain and Jimmy Buffett voicing Huck Finn. The CD, due out tomorrow, will benefit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Honors Bakersfield Sound

Nashville wasn't the only hot spot for country music. California produced its share of hits, many with a distinctive mix of honky-tonk, rockabilly and Western swing. The music of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and others from California will be celebrated at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum starting in March 2012. “The Bakersfield Sound” will fill 5,000-square feet of exhibition space at the museum in Nashville. Not only will it give due to Buck and Merle, but to many others such as Bill Woods, Herb Henson, Billy Mize, Fuzzy Owen and Bonnie Owens, who was divorced from both Buck and Merle and was a performer in her own right. “The Bakersfield Sound” will be narrated by Dwight Yoakam, who remade Buck's 1973 hit “Streets of Bakersfield” in 1988 as a duet with Buck. The exhibit opens March 24th and runs until the end of 2013.

Artist of the day - Dierks Bentley

• Dierks Bentley released his self-titled debut album in 2003. The platinum album featured “What Was I Thinkin’?” “My Last Name” and “How Am I Doin’?”
  
• Bentley’s sophomore album, “Modern Day Drifter,” hit No. 1. The first single, “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do,” peaked at No. 3; “Come a Little Closer” was a chart-topper.
  
• Bentley’s 2006 CD, “Long Trip Alone,” went to No. 1. “Every Mile a Memory” and “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” topped the charts along with the title track. A fourth single, “Trying to Stop Your Leaving,” peaked inside the Top 5.
  
• Bentley released “Greatest Hits/Every Mile A Memory 2003 – 2008” in May 2008. The set included two new singles, “Sweet And Wild” and “[With] The Band.”
  
• Dierks dropped “Feel That Fire” in February 2009. The title track marked his 6th No. 1. The set also houses the hits “Sideways” and “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes.”
  
• Dierks released an exclusive six song EP as part of iTunes’ “Live From Soho” series in June 2009. The intimate performance was recorded at Apple’s flagship Soho store in January 2009.
  
• Bentley’s latest album, “Up on the Ridge,” earned 3 Grammy nods, two for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Bad Angel” and “Pride (In The Name Of Love),” and for Best Country Album.
  
• Bentley recently scored his eighth No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with “Am I the Only One,” from upcoming album, due early next year.
  
• Dierks Bentley will kick off his “Country and Cold Cans Tour” October 6th in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. The tour will run through November 19th after hitting a total of 22 cities. Jerrod Niemann and the Eli Young Band opens.
  
• Dierks will perform a version of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” on September 29th as part of “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’s” week-long tribute to the rock band.
  
• Dierks Bentley will be joined by the Eli Young Band, Colt Ford and Josh Thompson for his sixth annual “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and concert in Nashville taking place October 16th. He will host a similar event in the Chicago area on October 9th with a concert featuring the Eli Young Band, Jerrod Niemann and others.
  
• Official website: www.dierks.com

Jeff Bates Shows His Compassionate Side

Jeff Bates wishes everyone could stare hunger and poverty in the face the way he recently did. Bates spent a week in Colombia, visiting communities with Compassion International. “There are children out there who are hungry, without medical care and who will never be able to go to school and get an education to help them better themselves,” Bates said. “It breaks my heart, tortures my soul, haunts my spirit and mind and makes it hard to sleep at night.” Bates sponsors a child through Compassion International.

Luke Bryan’s Sell-Out Weekend

Luke Bryan kicked off his first major headlining tour last weekend. “CMT ON TOUR: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines” was a sell-out in New York City and broke attendance records in Utica, New York. Also over the weekend, tickets for Bryan’s “Farm Tour” concert in Athens, Georgia, set for Friday, September 30th, has sold out. The “Farm Tour” concerts will take place during a two-week break in the “CMT ON TOUR” shows – September 29th in Clemson, South Carolina, and will wrap in Carrollton, Georgia, on October 7th.

Reba Admits Her Competitive Streak

Reba McEntire is one of the most successful female country artists ever, but says even if given the chance, she wouldn’t go back and give her younger self advice about the music business and what was to come. “That would ruin it,” she said. “If I said, ‘Be patient’ that would ruin the spontaneity or the ambitiousness that I have and had and the determination and the competitiveness that I’ve always had.” Reba has always been competitive and plans to stay that way. “I don’t care if it’s playing backgammon or hopscotch,” she said. “I just love to be competitive. I was that way in sports and school, singing, 4-H club. I just love to compete. I like to win but if I don’t, I just still wanna compete.”

Toby Talks Taxes

Toby Keith has never been one to be afraid to speak his mind about anything. Now he is sharing his thoughts on the controversy about whether the rich should pay a higher percentage in income tax. Talking to the Boston Herald, Toby stopped short of saying the rate should be jacked up. But he added, “I expect the wealthy to write a check ‘cause it’s as bad as it’s ever been.” “It would be unpatriotic not to try to save the country. I’m sure people will bi*ch about it, but if it meant we get to operate in this country and live here another day, then so be it. One way or another, before it’s over they’re gonna have to come and take big money from the earners and big corporations to save the country.”

Jason Aldean Has Piled Up Over 20 Songs For New Album

Jason Aldean has enough songs set aside to make two new albums, but says he will soon begin whittling down a “pile of 20, 25 songs” to the one’s that work best for his fifth studio album. Aldean, who will begin recording in October, says he waits to hear the songs before deciding which direction to take with a new project. Aldean has also been writing songs, but says he won’t include more than a couple of his own cuts on any album. “It’s just not the way I operate. I’m such a fan of so many other writers, and even though I may have a song that I think is cool and good, it seems like I always find something that I like better and end up booting my own songs off the record.” He also hints that there could be a fifth single from “My Kinda Party” before he begins releasing new music. “Tattoos on This Town” is his current single. In November, Aldean will be up for five CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

Martie Maguire’s House For Sale

Dixie Chicks and Courtyard Hounds fiddler player Martie Maguire is selling her House in Austin, Texas, for $6.4 million. She and husband Gareth Maguire bought the ranch for $2.75 Million in 2004, and the price has more than doubled in just seven years. The seven acre property has multiple structures in addition to the main house. There’s the entertainment annex with kitchen, dining room, dance studio and bar. A recording studio also comes complete with kitchen and rehearsal space. And there’s a five-stall horse stable and riding arena. The main house was built in 1975 and features four bedrooms, but there are three separate guest houses for a total of nine bedrooms.

Rodney Atkins Joins CMA Songwriters Series

Rodney Atkins will take part in the CMA Songwriters Series on November 3rd at Joe’s Pub in New York City. Atkins is a co-writer on several of his hits, including “Watching You” and “Farmer’s Daughter.” Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

CMA Awards’ Entertainer Nominees To Perform

Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban will perform on the CMA Awards on November 9th in Nashville. All five artists are nominated in the Entertainer of the Year category. Aldean, Paisley, Shelton and Swift are all nominated for five awards each, while Urban is also nominated in the Male Vocalist category. Paisley will co-host the event with Carrie Underwood. The CMA Awards will air live on ABC. Additional artists will be announced at a later date.

Rimes To ‘Stream Lady & Gentlemen’ Two Days Early

LeAnn Rimes is making her upcoming covers album, “Lady & Gentlemen” available to stream 48 hours prior to its official release at LeAnnRimesworld.com as a special thank you to all of her fans for their support. Rimes co-produced “Lady & Gentlemen” with Vince Gill and Darrell Brown. The album features a dozen cover songs from classic country artists like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, as well as one of Rimes’ own songs, “Blue” – her 1996 debut track that propelled her to stardom. “Lady & Gentleman” is due out September 27th.

Lady A Surprise Fans

Ellen DeGeneres set up a prank for her show on a couple that really loves Lady Antebellum. Ellen had the couple do an interview in a restaurant. Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood were dressed as servers. Dave and Hillary went out separately to set things on the table, but it wasn’t until Charles went out  third that the couple recognized Lady A. The woman then teared up as all three group members came out and serenaded the couple with an a cappella version of “Need You Now.”

Taylor Swift Offers Free Foo Foo

Taylor Swift is encouraging fans to visit her official Facebook page to sign up for free samples of her new fragrance, “Wonderstruck.” Described as “a gourmand floral ... a charming and sparkling surprise of vibrant fruits, kissed by a bouquet of soft petals and a touch of sweet indulgence,” the scent will be available in department stores beginning in October.

Highest Paid Country Stars

Toby Keith tops the latest Forbes list of the highest-paid country stars. Keith earned an estimated $50 million between May 2010 and May 2011, his I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant chain, a sponsorship deal with Ford Trucks and other business activities, Forbes said. Taylor Swift ranked second with $45 million in earnings, and Brad Paisley placed third with $40 million. Others on the list include:

4. Tim McGraw	$35 million	8. Alan Jackson	$22 million
5. Rascal Flatts	$34 million	9. Carrie Underwood	$20 million
6. Kenny Chesney	$30 million	10. Sugarland	$18 million
7. George Strait	$24 million

Faith Hill - Artist of the day

• Faith Hill’s debut album, “Take Me as I Am,” was released in 1993. Her debut single, “Wild One,” held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks. The title track from 1995’s “It Matters to Me” gave Hill her third chart-topping hit. Faith and husband Tim McGraw’s first duet, “It’s Your Love,” was No. 1 for six weeks and gave Faith her first CMA award, for Vocal Event.
  
• The 1998 album “Faith” produced the hit “This Kiss,” which went to No. 1. Other hit singles included “Let Me Let Go” and “Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me.”
  
• 1999’s “Breathe” debuted at No. 1 and sold more than 8 million copies. The title track stayed at No. 1 for six weeks.
  
• She earned three Grammys in 2000 – Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Album and Country Collaboration with Vocals for the McGraw duet “Let’s Make Love.”
  
• 2002’s “Cry” album sold 2 million copies. The title track won a 2003 Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal - Performance.
  
• Hill released “Fireflies” in 2005. The first single, “Mississippi Girl,” reached No. 1. She and McGraw also scored another hit with “Like We Never Loved at All.”
  
• Hill issued her first Christmas album, “Joy to the World,” in 2008. Her debut fragrance, “Faith Hill,” launched in 2009; she followed up with a second perfume this summer called “True.”
  
• Hill has been ranked the 39th best artist of the 2000-10 decade by Billboard. She is also familiar to football fans as the voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
  
• Hill contributed the new track “Give in to Me” to the “Country Strong” soundtrack. She also collaborated with George Strait for his new album, “Here for a Good Time,” contributing background vocals on “A Showman’s Life.”
  
• Mattel has introduced the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Barbie dolls. They come together as a gift set for $69.95. Faith and Tim will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary this October.
  
• Faith is once again performing the opening theme for NBC “Sunday Night Football,” “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” She is currently in the studio recording what will be her first release of new music in six years.
  
• Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will tour Australia starting March 14, 2012. Australia will be the only place that she and her husband will perform together next year. The joint tour marks the first time in five years that the couple have done a length run of shows together, the last being their “Soul2Soul II” tour, which grossed more money than any other tour ever.
  
• The Tim McGraw/Faith Hill 2012 Australian tour kicks off at the Burswood Dome in Perth on March 14.
  
• Official Web site: www.faithhill.com

Blake Shelton Sings On ‘Top Chef’ Promo

The 2011 “Top Chef” Season 9 commercial shows host Padma Lakshmi gnawing on rib bone in support of the show’s fall season and features Blake Shelton’s hit “Hillbilly Bone” playing in the background. The hit Bravo show shot the season in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Texas. Season 9 premieres November 2nd, but the ad featuring Shelton’s track is airing now. Shelton’s voice can also be heard in the remake of “Footloose,” which hits theaters on October 14th. Fans can expect a music video for Shelton’s “Footloose” track soon.

Burns & Poe Record Anthem For Jobseekers

Keith Burns and Michelle Poe of the duo Burns & Poe recently recorded “I Need a Job,” a new tune intended to shed comedic light to a serious problem plaguing people all over the country. “The song just kind of wrote itself,” Keith said. “My co-writer, John Ritter, and I knew when we started writing this tune that we were creating a song to voice the frustration, hopelessness and need that many feel. A job means more than just paying the bills; it’s about self-respect, self worth and pride. Working is part of the American way. People don’t want a handout, they want a job.” Burns & Poe released a self-titled two-disc CD set earlier this year, and are currently touring behind the set.