Big Country Notes Friday

DIXIE CHICKS LEAD COUNTRY GRAMMY NOMINATIONS WITH FIVE

The Dixie Chicks landed five GRAMMY nominations Thursday – two in country categories and three in other ones. In country, the Chicks received nods for Best Country Vocal Performance/Duo or Group, for "Not Ready to Make Nice" and Best Country Album for "Taking the Long Way." They were also nominated for Record and Album of the Year for "Taking the Long Way." In the former category they are up against Mary J. Blige, James Blunt, Gnarls Barkley and Corinne Bailey Rae and in the latter Gnarls Barkley, John Mayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Justin Timberlake. "Not Ready To Make Nice" received a Song of the Year nod for Chicks members Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, who wrote the tune with Dan Wilson. Also in this category is Carrie Underwood’s song, "Jesus, Take The Wheel," which was co-written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson. Underwood was also nominated for Best New Artist, bringing her total GRAMMY nominations to three. "Jesus, Take The Wheel" was also nominated for Best Country Song, with the award going to its previously mentioned writers. Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley and Gretchen Wilson received two nominations each. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will be aired live on February 11th from Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA, AT 8:00 p.m. EST on CBS.


COUNTRY ARTISTS RESPOND TO GRAMMY ANNOUNCEMENTS

As artists were told about their GRAMMY nominations they began to respond to the honor. Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, who was nominated for Best Duo/Group, says, quote, "What a wonderful way to cap off an incredible year. We are so honored." Dierks Bentley, who received nods for Best Country Song and Best Country Male Performance, says he is honored to be included in the latter category with George Strait. He says, quote, "Being such a country music fan, the Grammys never really crossed my mind as a possibility. It's really flattering to be recognized by an organization that represents all genres of music."

Carrie Underwood is up for her first GRAMMY for Best Country Song, Best Song, Best New Artist and Best Female Country Performance. She says, quote, "In my wildest dreams I could have never imagined this incredible year. I am so thankful to the country music community … and my fans. Today, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

Kenny Rogers, nominated for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for his song "Calling Me" with Eagles member Don Henley, says, quote, "It’s been overwhelming for me how well I’ve been treated over the years by the Recording Academy. I couldn’t be more grateful to be nominated again this year, especially for my song with Don Henley."

John Rich of Big & Rich, whose video is nominated for, says, quote, "We are absolutely elated." His duo partner Big Kenny adds, quote, "It was important for us to record this song. This is one of our proudest moments."

COUNTRY MUSIC WELL REPRESENTED IN OTHER GRAMMY CATEGORIES

In addition to the country music categories, country artists and their recordings are scattered throughout the rest of the GRAMMY nominations.
Alan Jackson’s "Precious Memories" and Randy Travis’ "Glory Train" are up for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album.

Under Best Traditional Folk Album, Bluegrass great Ralph Stanley, who is on Josh Turner’s new single "Me and God," is nominated for his album "A Distant Land To Roam." Linda Ronstadt has a nomination with Ann Savoy for "Adieu False Heart."

In Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album nominees include Rosanne Cash for "Black Cadillac" and Guy Clark for "Workbench Songs." Emmylou Harris is nominated with Mark Knopfler for "All the Roadrunning."

In the Best Comedy Album category, CMT show host Jeff Foxworthy is nominated with his pals Ron White, Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall for "Blue Collar Comedy Tour – One For The Road." White has an individual nod for "You Can’t Fix Stupid."

In the category of Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media country music is well represented on three albums. Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Linda Ronstadt are on the "Brokeback Mountain" album. Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and Hank Williams Sr. are on the "Cars" soundtrack and Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon sing the songs of Johnny Cash and June Carter on the "Walk the Line" disc. Shooter Jennings also contributes on the latter along with several other artists.

Dolly Parton’s song "Travelin’ Thru" from the movie "Transamerica" is nominated for Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media.

Johnny Cash’s "Personal File" is nominated for Best Recording Package. Art work is by Nashville-based graphics artist Randall Martin.

"Like Red on a Rose," Alan Jackson’s latest disc, received a nod in the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical category.

Three of Rick Rubin’s country albums drew Producer of the Year, Non-Classical nods for him – Johnny Cash’s "Americana V: A Hundred Highways" and "God’s Gonna Cut You Down," and The Dixie Chicks’ "Taking the Long Way Home."

Big & Rich’s "8th of November" is up for Best Short Form Video.

TIM McGRAW TAPPED TO PLAY POLICE CHIEF IN NEW MOVIE

Tim McGraw goes from the role of a loving dad in his recent movie, "Flicka," to portraying a police chief in "In the Valley of Elah." According to "The Hollywood Reporter," the movie is shooting in New Mexico. It co-stars Tommy Lee Jones as a war veteran in search of his son, who has gone AWOL after returning from Iraq. Other cast members include Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon and James Franco. Before "Elah" hits the big screen, fans can see McGraw in a darker role in "The Kingdom," starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. The thriller is about a deadly bombing attack against Americans working in the Middle East. Tim told "AOL Music News Blog," quote, ""I play a husband whose wife is killed in a suicide bomber attack. I only had a couple scenes because I was working so hard, I had to fit it in. But it was pretty intense... I like heavier [roles]. I can't see me doing a romantic comedy."

KIMBERLY ROADS OF LITTLE BIG TOWN MARRIES

Kimberly Roads and longtime friend Stephen Schlapman were married on November 28th. The couple was married on an island in the Caribbean. In attendance were family and band members Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet. Kimberly says, quote, "When I least expected it, love came back to me, and I am so grateful to God for His blessings and for our family and friends who were able to join us in the celebration." The couple took time for a short honeymoon before returning to Nashville. Then Kimberly went back out to finish up Little Big Town’s 2006 tour.

In other marriage news, Jimi and Karen say they are finally going to get to go on a honeymoon. The couple married earlier this year and only recently announced their nuptials. While Jimi confesses that all the boxes haven’t been unpacked in their new home, Karen is adamant that the couple will take a vacation somewhere on a sunny island around Christmas time.