Big Country Notes for Jan 5

TIM McGRAW AND FAITH HILL FEATURED ON “OPRAH” TODAY

Today’s “Oprah” features clips of what the talk show host calls “Never Before Seen ‘Oprah’ Outtakes.” Among the clips – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s first television interview together February 7th last year. Tim and Faith sing their steamy duet, “Let’s Make Love.” The husband and wife’s rendition of the song causes Oprah Winfrey to exclaim, quote, “You guys must have great sex!” Watch for Tim’s reaction to that statement! Other guests on the show include actor Vince Vaughan and dog whisperer Caesar Millan.

GEORGE STRAIT SAYS HE LIKED “IT JUST COMES NATURAL” RIGHT AWAY

George Strait’s current single “It Just Comes Natural” was an instant hit with the singer. Strait says he found the tune among a group of songs he had been sent to listen to. It’s also one of a number of relationship songs on his latest album. George says, quote, “I didn’t consciously set out to record an album of relationship songs but I realized that there were a lot of them there as I went through the recording process.” The song also became the title of his album, but Strait cautions not to read too much into that. George says, quote, “I wouldn’t say this [singing] just comes natural for me. It’s always an effort.” He adds, quote, “I’m fortunate to sing but I don’t think I could be so bold as to say it just comes naturally.”

CARRIE UNDERWOOD HAS A NEW FAN WEBSITE

Carrie Underwood has a new website that offers everything a fan might want. The singer’s new site not only gives information on Carrie’s activities, there's also a free area where folks can click in to see news, photos, events and announcements. Fan club members get special consideration with an area with blogs from Underwood. Other exclusive content in this area includes message boards and information on ticket pre-sales and meet-and-greets with Carrie at her concerts. Members will get exclusive information about Underwood that's not available to the general public. Carrie says the site will make it easy for her to connect with her fans.

LeANN RIMES PHOTO ON KELLOGG’S CEREAL TO BENEFIT WOUNDED SOLDIERS

LeAnn Rimes likeness will be on Kellogg’s Cereal boxes, coming to your grocery aisle soon. Rimes just did a photo shoot for the project, which will raise money for Salute to America’s Heroes. The singer has supported the organization, which helps wounded soldiers and their families, over the past few years. Rimes is adamant about families. In fact, her next album will be titled “Family,” and the singer has written all the songs except one, which she co-wrote with her husband, Dean Sheremet. LeAnn says, quote, “It’s kind of a family affair on this record. I’ve just kind of spilled my soul and I’m very excited about it.” The disc is scheduled for a spring release.

NAOMI JUDD RELEASES BOOK, “GUIDE TO AGING GRATEFULLY”

Naomi Judd has written a new book on a subject she takes to heart. “Naomi's Guide to Aging Gratefully: Facts, Myths, and Good News for Boomers” targets the 78-million baby boomers in the U.S. today, examining society’s myths about aging. The singer discusses ways for readers to find more meaningful ways to define themselves so that there is no need to dread growing older. Ever the optimist, Judd believes that aging is an opportunity for new experiences. She offers tips on finding simplicity and streamlining possessions. Naomi talks about getting along with grown children and how she applies her knowledge with daughters Ashley and Wynonna. She also discusses secrets to getting along in marriage that she has discovered during her 17-year union with husband Larry Strickland. Naomi is the author of two bestsellers, “Naomi's Breakthrough Guide” and “Love Can Build a Bridge.” She has also written three children's books and “Naomi's Home Companion.”
Naomi will be at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Nashville next Friday to sign her new book. Line numbers are required and are available with the purchase of “Naomi's Guide to Aging Gratefully.” Saturday she will be at the Hermitage Walmart and Sunday she will be at Books a Million.

CLINT BLACK RELEASING ALBUM OF LOVE SONGS

Love songs never grow old and to prove this, Clint Black has gone in and re-recorded a dozen of his favorite songs from previous albums. “The Love Songs” will include the duet with his wife, Lisa Hartman Black, the Grammy-nominated “When I Said I Do.” It will also include “Something That We Do,” “My Imagination” and “Half the Man.” Black says, quote, “Sometimes when I go back I find little things that I feel I could improve on just a bit … some new twist that might make it just a little better.” The disc will also include one song he didn’t previously record -- the Jim Croce hit “I’ll Have To Say I Love You With A Song.” Clint says, quote, “I’m a huge Jim Croce fan so it was a natural for me to include his song in this collection.” The album will be in stores on January 30th, just in time for Valentine’s Day gift giving for Clint’s fans.

MIRANDA LAMBERT HITS THE ROAD THIS MONTH

Miranda Lambert will open her new tour in Kennesaw, GA on January 13th. The tour will take her up the east coast to New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey. Lambert will then drop back into the deep south to perform shows in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Last year at this time, Lambert was getting ready to tour as George Strait’s opening act. She recalls the tour with fondness, partly because her dad was with her selling merchandise. Miranda says, quote, “Dad and I got the chance to go hang out with George and his wife. My dad and George talked about Africa…George had been several times and my dad was getting ready to go there.” Lambert adds, quote, “It wasn’t like you were talking with George Strait, it was like just me and my dad were sitting there hanging out and talking with friends.”

QUICK BITES

Sara Evans will perform "You'll Always Be My Baby" on ABC’s “Good Morning America's Winter Concert Series" next Wednesday. Evans has already started touring this year, with upcoming dates scheduled for North Carolina, Ohio, Maryland and her home state of Missouri.

Chely Wright raised 20-thousand dollars for the Topeka Association of Retarded Citizens (TARC) when she performed a concert in her hometown during the holidays. TARC surprised Chely by announcing they plan to build a children’s playground called “The Wright Place.” The singer says, quote, “I’m proud to be part of this community and their continued effort to improve it. Topeka is synonymous with ‘community,’ a place where citizens become caring neighbors and friends.”

George Strait says, quote, “Johnny Bush is one of our state’s treasures.” Willie Nelson calls the Texas honky-tonk singer one of his “oldest and dearest friends.” Bush, who wrote Nelson’s hit “Whiskey River,” releases his autobiography, “Whiskey River (Take My Mind): The True Story of Texas Honky Tonk,” on March 1st. An album titled “Kashmere Gardens Mud: A Tribute to Houston’s Country Soul” will release February 27th.

Willie Nelson starts off the year with a UK tour beginning January 19th in Dublin, Ireland. He ends that tour in Glasgow, Scotland on January 28th, then heads stateside for a January 31st concert in Miami. From Florida he continues the tour through Mississippi, Texas, California, Arizona and Utah.

Hank Williams Jr. will perform at the National Football League’s Alumni Player of the Year awards February 2nd at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL.

Blaine Larson, Pam Tillis, Gene Watson, Trace Adkins and more make an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.

Big Country Notes for Jan 4

CARRIE UNDERWOOD LISTS ALAN JACKSON AND FAITH HILL AS FAVORITES

Carrie Underwood has Alan Jackson and Faith Hill at the top of her personal playlist. Underwood was asked by iTunes to list her current favorite 15 songs and Jackson's "Like Red on a Rose" and Hill's "Stealing Kisses" top Carrie’s country favorites. Carrie told iTunes, quote, “Alan Jackson was, is, and always will be the king of country music to me. He was my first concert, and I have always respected him immensely.” She adds, quote, “This song is smooth and romantic and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!" Underwood says country songs tell stories and Faith’s song, quote, “is very representative and makes one think about what the song is really talking about. Faith sings it beautifully, as always, and the video is very meaningful." Also on Carrie's country list are George Strait's "The Chair," Keith Urban's "Once in a Lifetime," and Brad Paisley's "Waitin' On a Woman."

TRAVIS TRITT TO PERFORM AT INAUGURATION OF GEORGIA’S LT. GOVERNOR

Travis Tritt will lend his talents to the Great State of Georgia for the inauguration of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle on Sunday. The show will be held at The Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The singer is currently in the studio working on his debut album for Category 5 Records. The album, co-produced by Tritt and “American Idol’s” Randy Jackson will be released in late Summer 2007. Tritt, a native of Georgia, was inducted into The Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

LITTLE BIG TOWN TO GUEST ON “CONAN O’BRIEN” MONDAY

Little Big Town will perform its single “Good As Gone” when they make an appearance on NBC’s “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” Monday. During the holiday season, group members and newlyweds Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook actually got to take time for a honeymoon, while Kimberly Roads and Phillip Sweet stayed home for their rest and relaxation. The band is starting 2007 with the same intensity with which it closed 2006. “Billboard” magazine named them the Independent Artist of the Year for 2006, and their disc “The Road To Here” Independent Album of the Year. “The Road to Here”was certified Gold in early 2006, and is nearing Platinum status. Little Big Town toured with major names in music last year, including Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and rocker John Mellencamp, who was so pleased with the band’s turn as his opening act that he asked them to perform on his new CD, set for release in early 2007. Little Big Town will begin work on their new album early this year, with a release date set for the fall.
· Little Big Town received their first ever GRAMMY nominations in December for Best Country Album for “The Road To Here” and the other for Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals for their hit single “Boondocks.” The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS.

RUSHLOW HARRIS COMFORTABLE PERFORMING ACOUSTIC SET ON TOUR

Rushlow Harris members Tim Rushlow and Doni Harris are seasoned performers. It should come as no surprise that the duo performed a 20-minute acoustic set as the opening act for Toby Keith last year. Tim says, quote, “Every night we are focused and we give it our all. After that 20 minutes we come off stage and we’re soaking wet.” He adds, quote, “We don’t want a band right now because we feel doing the acoustic show sets us apart and we’re confident we can pull it off. If we’re not we shouldn’t be up there.” Rushlow says he isn’t sure if they will be on Toby’s tour this year or not but, quote, “We’ve had other people call to see if we’re available to come and open their show.” The two say they think they are intriguing to other artists as an acoustic act, just as Keith Urban was when he first started out. Like Urban, the two have had to learn what it takes to entertain an audience. Tim says, quote, “We’ve learned to be entertaining and how to care about the audience … I know Keith learned that early on and he had a great acoustic show.”

QUICK BITES

Toby Keith’s movie “Broken Bridges” releases on DVD Tuesday. Keith co-stars with Kelly Preston as his wife and Lindsey Hahn as his 16-year-old daughter. The movie also features Willie Nelson and Burt Reynolds.

Mel Tillis celebrates his 50th anniversary this year. He wrote the hit single "I'm Tired" for Webb Pierce in 1957. These days finds Tillis fitting a few dates in amongst his hobbies of painting and fishing. The singer/songwriter is also working on his first novel.

“American Idol” finalist Bucky Covington has signed a recording deal with Lyric Street Records in Nashville. His debut single, “A Different World,” will release this month. He says people don’t realize what the show can do for a singer. Covington’s debut project is produced by Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller.

The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating 50 years in the business this year. Group member Joe Bonsall credits the fans of the group for their longevity. He says, quote, “I think we have a tremendous core group of fans who are growing older with us. We have folks our age, their kids and their kids kids.” He adds, quote, “I know there are tons of families who make the Oak Ridge Boys a part of their tradition. When they stay with you year after year it makes a difference.”

“Literary Cash,” a new book that features essays and short stories based on the life of Johnny Cash and his songs, will be released later this month. It is available for pre-order at amazon.com.

Big Country Notes for Jan 4

CARRIE UNDERWOOD LISTS ALAN JACKSON AND FAITH HILL AS FAVORITES

Carrie Underwood has Alan Jackson and Faith Hill at the top of her personal playlist. Underwood was asked by iTunes to list her current favorite 15 songs and Jackson's "Like Red on a Rose" and Hill's "Stealing Kisses" top Carrie’s country favorites. Carrie told iTunes, quote, “Alan Jackson was, is, and always will be the king of country music to me. He was my first concert, and I have always respected him immensely.” She adds, quote, “This song is smooth and romantic and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!" Underwood says country songs tell stories and Faith’s song, quote, “is very representative and makes one think about what the song is really talking about. Faith sings it beautifully, as always, and the video is very meaningful." Also on Carrie's country list are George Strait's "The Chair," Keith Urban's "Once in a Lifetime," and Brad Paisley's "Waitin' On a Woman."

TRAVIS TRITT TO PERFORM AT INAUGURATION OF GEORGIA’S LT. GOVERNOR

Travis Tritt will lend his talents to the Great State of Georgia for the inauguration of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle on Sunday. The show will be held at The Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The singer is currently in the studio working on his debut album for Category 5 Records. The album, co-produced by Tritt and “American Idol’s” Randy Jackson will be released in late Summer 2007. Tritt, a native of Georgia, was inducted into The Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

LITTLE BIG TOWN TO GUEST ON “CONAN O’BRIEN” MONDAY

Little Big Town will perform its single “Good As Gone” when they make an appearance on NBC’s “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” Monday. During the holiday season, group members and newlyweds Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook actually got to take time for a honeymoon, while Kimberly Roads and Phillip Sweet stayed home for their rest and relaxation. The band is starting 2007 with the same intensity with which it closed 2006. “Billboard” magazine named them the Independent Artist of the Year for 2006, and their disc “The Road To Here” Independent Album of the Year. “The Road to Here”was certified Gold in early 2006, and is nearing Platinum status. Little Big Town toured with major names in music last year, including Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and rocker John Mellencamp, who was so pleased with the band’s turn as his opening act that he asked them to perform on his new CD, set for release in early 2007. Little Big Town will begin work on their new album early this year, with a release date set for the fall.
· Little Big Town received their first ever GRAMMY nominations in December for Best Country Album for “The Road To Here” and the other for Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals for their hit single “Boondocks.” The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS.

RUSHLOW HARRIS COMFORTABLE PERFORMING ACOUSTIC SET ON TOUR

Rushlow Harris members Tim Rushlow and Doni Harris are seasoned performers. It should come as no surprise that the duo performed a 20-minute acoustic set as the opening act for Toby Keith last year. Tim says, quote, “Every night we are focused and we give it our all. After that 20 minutes we come off stage and we’re soaking wet.” He adds, quote, “We don’t want a band right now because we feel doing the acoustic show sets us apart and we’re confident we can pull it off. If we’re not we shouldn’t be up there.” Rushlow says he isn’t sure if they will be on Toby’s tour this year or not but, quote, “We’ve had other people call to see if we’re available to come and open their show.” The two say they think they are intriguing to other artists as an acoustic act, just as Keith Urban was when he first started out. Like Urban, the two have had to learn what it takes to entertain an audience. Tim says, quote, “We’ve learned to be entertaining and how to care about the audience … I know Keith learned that early on and he had a great acoustic show.”

QUICK BITES

Toby Keith’s movie “Broken Bridges” releases on DVD Tuesday. Keith co-stars with Kelly Preston as his wife and Lindsey Hahn as his 16-year-old daughter. The movie also features Willie Nelson and Burt Reynolds.

Mel Tillis celebrates his 50th anniversary this year. He wrote the hit single "I'm Tired" for Webb Pierce in 1957. These days finds Tillis fitting a few dates in amongst his hobbies of painting and fishing. The singer/songwriter is also working on his first novel.

“American Idol” finalist Bucky Covington has signed a recording deal with Lyric Street Records in Nashville. His debut single, “A Different World,” will release this month. He says people don’t realize what the show can do for a singer. Covington’s debut project is produced by Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller.

The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating 50 years in the business this year. Group member Joe Bonsall credits the fans of the group for their longevity. He says, quote, “I think we have a tremendous core group of fans who are growing older with us. We have folks our age, their kids and their kids kids.” He adds, quote, “I know there are tons of families who make the Oak Ridge Boys a part of their tradition. When they stay with you year after year it makes a difference.”

“Literary Cash,” a new book that features essays and short stories based on the life of Johnny Cash and his songs, will be released later this month. It is available for pre-order at amazon.com.

Big Country Notes for Jan 3

DOLLY PARTON NAMED “TENNESSEAN OF THE YEAR”

Dolly Parton says she has a whole new set of fans who call her “The Book Lady.” The new title is the result of Parton’s literacy program, Imagination Library, which puts books in the hands of children from birth until they enter kindergarten. Parton was named “Tennessean of the Year” by Nashville’s newspaper, “The Tennessean” primarily because of this program. Parton told the paper, quote, “"Of all the people [you] could have picked. It's a great, great compliment. I've been very humbled by it." The free book idea has spread outside of her home county of Sevier to Tennessee, Canada and Europe. This year’s goal is to mail seven million books to children. Dolly says, quote, “Everywhere I go little children come up to me. What's the sweetest thing is the kids really think I bring the books myself and put them in the box. I always joke and say they think I'm like Peter Rabbit or Santa Claus.”

MONTGOMERY GENTRY STARS OFF NEW YEAR WITH A BANG

Montgomery Gentry knew the lyrics to “Some People Change” were powerful the first time they heard it. Released in the fall, the single continues to draw national interest from radio and television. Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery are scheduled to sing the song on MSNBC’s “Imus in the Morning” on January 16th. They will also make an appearance on MTV’s “Sound Off with Matt Pinfield,” with an airdate to be announced. Eddie says, quote, “Our parents taught us to always try to reach out and help other people. The song also takes me back to my grandmother and grandfather, who taught us to listen to and believe in the man upstairs.” And while they won’t be talking about “Some People Change” when Troy and Eddie tape “Wheel of Fortune’s” Country Music Week, they hope to make changes with the money they win. They have designated their earnings to go to the Country Music Association Music and Schools Program and the Camp Horsin’ Around. The latter program is a Lexington, KY, camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children with serious chronic illnesses and physical disabilities through interactions with horses.

Montgomery Gentry will perform "Some People Change" on the “Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson” January 18th on CBS.

Eddie appeared as a surprise celebrity guest during the second half of the University of Kentucky versus Eastern Kentucky this past Saturday. Traditionally a star will assist the cheerleaders in spelling “Kentucky” in between the quarters -- Eddie assisted in spelling the “Y” with his arms.

RUSHLOW HARRIS WORKING ON FIRST ALBUM FOR TOBY KEITH’S RECORD LABEL

You could say Rushlow Harris has been working on their first CD release for Toby Keith’s Show Dog Records all their life. Cousins Tim Rushlow and Doni Harris say their first release will be filled with great songs. Tim says, quote, “We’ve got about five songs complete…so we have to go in the studio during January and get the other half done.” Rushlow says the duo hasn’t had much time to finish recording the album because they’ve been on the road with Toby and they’ve been busy promoting the single “Bagpipes’ Cryin’.” The duo hopes they have raised awareness for themselves through the video for the song and through their television promotion with Mr. Coffee, which includes short clips of the two growing up and explaining their backgrounds. Tim says, quote, “Toby keeps telling us ‘Boys this is your shot.’ We want to be ready when it all comes together.”

JO DEE MESSINA LEAVES FOR USO TOUR FRIDAY

Jo Dee Messina will bring music to U.S. military when she visits Naples, Venice and Vicenza, Italy beginning Friday. While on the five day tour Jo Dee will perform some of her hits as well as songs from her latest album “Delicious Surprise.” Jo Dee performed at the USO’s 65th Anniversary Gala last September, and is looking forward to lending her continued support by entertaining and meeting with service members and their families during the tour. Messina says, quote, “I believe that it is so important to show our appreciation and support for all that they do to protect and serve our country. I’m looking forward to a good time and some great shows.”

EMERSON DRIVE PARNTERS WITH AMERICA’S SECOND HARVEST

Emerson Drive is partnering with America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network to raise awareness for feeding those in need. After recording their new single “Moments” the group was inspired to seek out an organization that can help people who have fallen on hard times. Second Harvest is the largest hunger relief organization in the United States. Fans will find Second Harvest Network information tables and collection receptacles at Emerson Drive concert venues this year. The group will also appear in public service announcements for the organization. Brad Mates of Emerson Drive says, quote, “Thanks to our fans, we’ve had a blessed career. Getting involved with a great organization like America’s Second Harvest is our way help out those less fortunate.”

JIMMY BUFFET’S “TAKE THE WEATHER WITH YOU” GOES GOLD

Jimmy Buffett will be taking precious metal with him now that “Take The Weather With You” has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Buffett’s latest project was certified Gold in less than three months after its release. The album was Buffett’s second consecutive number-one debut album on the Billboard Country Chart. After recording more than 40 projects, Buffett returned to his country roots for this disc. In addition to his Nashville influences, other musical styles include New Orleans, Mexico and Key West, FL. Jimmy included a version of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings” on the album. In a tribute to the historic bars along the Gulf Coast, many destroyed by recent hurricanes, Buffet wrote and included “Bama Breeze.” The singer/songwriter also takes a philosophical look at the devastation of New Orleans in the ballad “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”

GRAND OLE OPRY MEMBER DEL REEVES DIES AT HOME IN CENTERVILLE,TN

Grand Ole Opry member Del Reeves passed away New Year’s Day at his home in Centerville, Tenn. The 73-year old singer died after a lengthy battle with emphysema and other illnesses. Reeves’ first major hit was “Girl on the Billboard,” followed by “Looking at the World Through A Windshield,” “The Bells of Southern Belles” and “Good Time Charlie’s (Got The Blues).” He was instrumental in bringing both Lee Greewood and Billy Ray Cyrus to Nashville. The North Carolina native got his professional start in music in California as a singer and songwriter. He moved to Nashville in 1962 and joined the Opry in 1966. In addition to his music career, Reeves appeared in eight movies, including “Sam Whiskey,” “Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar” and “Cotton Pickin' Chickenpickers.” Reeves also had his own syndicated television show, “The Del Reeves Country Carnival,” in the early '70s. Reeves made his last Grand Ole Opry appearance in August 2002. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, and daughters Anne, Kari and Bethany. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

QUICK BITES

The 33rd Annual People’s Choice Awards will be held at the Shine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 9th.

Hank Williams, Jr. will talk with Matt PIttfield for his MTV show “Sound Off with Matt Pittfield.” Hank taped the show when he was in New York City recently. He talks about his career, the near-fatal mountain climbing accident and becoming the face of “Monday Night Football.”

Clay Walker will perform during intermission at the Versus Invitational presented by Amp’d Mobile in Madison Square Garden on Saturday. This is the first event of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2007 Built Ford Tough Series tour. The performance will air on NBC on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. EST.

Little Big Town, Robert Earl Keen, Blue County and Richard Marx will perform at Country in the Rockies in Steamboat Springs, CO January 26th – 30th. Hit songwriters who will perform include Deborah Allen, Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols and Lari White.

The new season of “Nashville Star” kicks off January 11th. Pop singer Jewel co-hosts the series with Cowboy Troy. Judges will be Blake Shelton and Alabama’s lead vocalist Randy Owen along with returning judge Anastasia Brown.

Big Country Notes for Jan 2

ALAN JACKSON, TIM McGRAW HAVE FIRST RELEASES IN NEW YEAR

Alan Jackson and Tim McGraw both have new releases for the New Year. McGraw’s video for “Last Dollar” premiered New Year’s Day on CMT. Jackson will release a new single, “A Woman’s Love,” on January 8th. The song was written by Jackson for his album “Like Red on a Rose.” The track is one fans should already be familiar with – Jackson first recorded it for his “High Mileage” album but did not release it as a single. When Alison Krauss was looking for songs for the current album, which she produced, she suggested he re-record it. For his video, McGraw made use of footage from his and wife Faith Hill’s “Soul2Soul II” tour. The production features behind-the-scenes moments as well as special effects and stylized frames that add an artistic touch to the entire experience.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD DATING DALLAS QUARTERBACK TONY ROMO

Rumors have been flying about Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and Carrie Underwood. Romo told the “Journal Gazette/Times Courier” in Charleston, IL (where he played college football), that the rumors are true. Speculation about the relationship surfaced after Carrie was seen giving Romo a hug on Christmas Day at Texas Stadium when the Cowboys played the Philadelphia Eagles.

MARTINA AND JOHN McBRIDE FIND HARMONY IN MARRIAGE

Martina McBride says in some ways, her husband John is the better partner in their marriage. The singer spoke with “The Tennessean” about her family and what it’s like for she and John to work in the music business. Martina says, quote, “John is giving and always available on every level. He is a really great partner with the kids. I got really lucky." While Martina is a successful recording artist, John still works for the sound company he founded and owns and runs one of Nashville’s most respected recording studios, Blackbird. John is also Martina’s co-manager. All that sounds like they could be together a little bit too much, but Martina says, quote, "We are best friends. We love to hang out together, we love to work together.” She adds, quote, “There is no part of our lives that doesn't intertwine, and it works. And we have things about us that are really similar, yet things that are really different, and we complement each other."

KEITH ANDERSON HOPING FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN NEW YEAR

With a gold record behind him for “Three Chord Country and American Rock’n Roll” and a new album in front of him, things are looking pretty good for Keith Anderson. The singer jokes that he is a 15-year overnight success and admits that for a while it was hard for people in his hometown of Miami, OK, to see that he was making progress after he moved to Nashville. Keith says, quote, “Every year I was doing better and I was writing with people like [songwriters] Jeffrey Steele and Bob DiPiero and I was coming home with cool songs but that didn’t mean anything to anybody.” Even after he had his recording deal, Anderson says people weren’t coming out to his shows when he played in his hometown. He says, quote, “I’m not slamming anybody or my hometown…I love going back there. But it’s a long road to get where I am.” Looking ahead to the New Year, Keith says he is excited about the new album that he’s been working on. He says, quote, “I just want to make sure that with he first single we come out of the box running hard, and then we’ll go out and have a great year touring and winning over more people.”

RUSHLOW HARRIS KNEW TOBY KEITH YEARS BEFORE THEY SIGNED WITH HIS RECORD LABEL

Tim Rushlow and Doni Harris admit to knowing Toby Keith almost 20 years but are quick to point out that they are younger than him. The singers were in different bands but kept crossing paths on the same club circuit in Texas and Oklahoma. Tim was in Little Texas, Doni was in Lariat and Toby had Easy Money. The paths have crossed again with Rushlow Harris signing with Toby’s Show Dog Nashville record label. Tim says, quote, “We were talking to Toby and we asked him why he signed us instead of some 20-year olds. He told us he liked our writing and our harmonies and he knew we had a great work ethic.” Rushlow adds, quote, “It was so rewarding to feel the passion from a guy who is a superstar and has started his own label.”


BARRY GIBB IN AWE OVER LIVING IN JOHNNY CASH’S OLD HOME

Barry Gibb says he gets really inspired when he’s in Johnny Cash’s former home in Hendersonville, TN. Gibb and his wife bought the house and are in the process of remodeling it. Barry spoke with “The Tennessean” about purchasing the home. He says, quote, “Do you realize how many hit songs have been written in that four or five acre area, including the Roy Orbison home next door? The inspiration, being surrounded by the musical atmosphere that has been there for 35 years – we just had to buy it.”
The former member of the Bee Gees says he can feel Cash’s spirit in the house. He says, quote, "You feel like someone is watching. You feel like there is a presence in the house of both Johnny and June (Carter Cash). I still haven't seen a tall man wearing black clothes yet, but I am very much into it and hope that I do."



STILLER, SMITH MOVIES HOLD ONE-TWO PUNCH AT BOX OFFICE

"Night At The Museum" and "The Pursuit Of Happyness" continue to lead the movie box office. Closing out 2006, the movies will hold the number one and number two spots at the North American box office for a second straight weekend. "Museum," which stars Ben Stiller, pulled in an estimated 37-point-eight million over the three-day box office weekend to bring its two-week haul to 116-point-nine-million dollars. "Happyness," which stars Will Smith, collected another 19-point-three-million to maintain its runnerup standing. Meantime, the much-talked-about movie-musical "Dreamgirls" continues to work its way up in the box office ranks. Still in limited release, the star-studded movie jumped four places to number three this weekend with 15-point-five-million in box office receipts.
Rounding out the top five at the three-day box office was the family film "Charlotte's Web" at number four with 12-million dollars in box office receipts. The Sylvester Stallone boxing drama "Rocky Balboa" slipped two places to number five with eleven-point-four-million.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. (final figures will be released Wednesday):
1. "Night at the Museum," $37.8 million.
2. "The Pursuit of Happyness," $19.3 million.
3. "Dreamgirls," $15.5 million.
4. "Charlotte's Web," $12 million
5. "Rocky Balboa," $11.4 million.
6. "The Good Shepherd," $11.2 million.
7. "Eragon," $8.5 million.
8. "We Are Marshall," $8 million.
9. "Happy Feet," $7.8 million.
10. "The Holiday," $6.7 million.

Sorry, Ive been away for awhile!

For those of you who have visited my blog on a regular basis, I must apologize for the lack of postings. I found myself hospitalized for a week and that really caused a backlog of paperwork here at the station that had to be put in my outbox.

As for my visit to the hospital, I developed an infection in my foot and had to receive anitbiotics by IV for the week and I am still being treated at Pikeville Medical Center in the Wound Clinic.

Thanks to the staff on the 7th floor for making my stay as pleasant as possible and thanks to my co-workers for covering for me.

Today, our regular Big Country Notes posts will resume.

As always, contact me by email jeffmeek@wdhr.com

Bless you all!

Jeff