Big Country Notes for Jan 29

KENNY CHESNEY’S “THE ROAD & THE RADIO” CERTIFIED TRIPLE PLATINUM

The accolades keep on coming for Kenny Chesney. His hit album “The Road and the Radio” has been declared triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, signifying shipments of three-million copies. Chesney says that gives him a benchmark to work from, adding, quote, “… if we're starting from here, we really have our work cut out for us - especially in terms of where the bar's set. Good thing me and the guys really like pushing ourselves to hit it even harder in concert.” Although his entire tour has not been announced, Kenny has informed his fans that he’ll do six stadium shows this year. Although the first one isn’t until June 9th in Philadelphia, PA, Chesney says, quote, “It takes a lot of focus and people to get these shows to be the way I want them to be for my fans.” He says he understands what fans want when they come to his shows because, quote, “… I took the artists I loved, the records I bought and the concerts I went to very seriously… and I try to put as much into this as I hope the people I was into did back when I was going to see them.

TIM McGRAW AND FAITH HILL TOUR POSSIBLE FOR 2007

Although no official announcement has been made, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill may be planning another “Soul2Soul II” tour leg this year. McGraw’s fan club site is soliciting memberships in the singer’s fan club, dangling 2007 pre-sale ticket opportunities as one of the selling points. The notice explains that if folks join Club SuperSoul, an upgraded version of the fan club, they will have the opportunity to enter drawings to attend a pre-show party with Tim and Faith, access to new exclusive audio and video footage, plus receive a Club SuperSoul 2007 T-shirt. They will also have access to exclusive Soul2Soul 2007 merchandise and Club Supersoul content from the Soul2Soul II and 2007 tour. The notice continues, quote, *In order to participate in 2007 pre-sales, you must purchase a MCGRAWFAN or Club SuperSoul membership (new or renewal) after January 1, 2007…the opportunity to enter pre-show party drawings will only be available to members who purchase a new or renewal Club SuperSoul membership after January 1, 2007. Interested fans can check out Tim’s website at www.timmcgraw.com.

WYNONNA INVITES PATTI LaBELLE TO NASHVILLE FOR BENEFIT CONCERT

Wynonna Judd and Patti LaBelle have been friends for years but they’ve never sung together. That will change on April 21st when LaBelle joins Wynonna for Divas Nashegas in Nashville. Wynonna told “The Tennessean,” quote, “When I reached out to her to ask her to join me at this year's Divas event for Oasis, I thought it would be nearly impossible to pull off because she is so busy with her new record and being on tour." Judd adds, quote, "When I got her response, I literally squealed and did a hallelujah dance because when she and I get together in a room, there's a lot of sassy attitude and positive spirit. She is a real soul music singer, and I know she's going to bring the tent down!" Divas Nashvegas is an annual fundraiser for the Oasis Center. The organization offers safety, hope, healing, and opportunities for growth to every youth, whether homeless, needing counseling, or wanting to become involved in their community.

MIRANDA LAMBERT CAN’T BELIEVE SHE HAS A GRAMMY NOMINATION

“Kerosene” has ignited the fire for Miranda Lambert. The singer has a GRAMMY nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance alongside Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson and Carrie Underwood. Lambert says, quote, “I didn’t even know the GRAMMY nominations were coming up and my manager told me they were the next day and that I might have a chance to get one.” Lambert says she really didn’t think she would but then her manager called to tell her she was up for Female Vocalist. Miranda says, quote, “I couldn’t believe it … I just never thought I would get one this year.” The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

DARRYL WORLEY WISHES PEYTON MANNING WELL IN UPCOMING SUPER BOWL

Darryl Worley loves football so he’s been following the path to the Super Bowl pretty closely. He’s been especially interested since the Indianapolis Colts have made it to the big game. In fact, Worley was on hand when the Colts beat the New England Patriots in Indianapolis last weekend. Worley says, quote, “We had a great trip home because everybody was pumped about the Indianapolis win.” Darryl adds, quote, “I was a fan of [quarterback] Peyton Manning when he was at the University of Tennessee so I’m looking forward to seeing him playing the Super Bowl.”

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL SAYS “ALYSSA LIES” CONTINUES TO IMPACT LISTENERS

For seven kids in Augusta, GA, hearing “Alyssa Lies” was a turning point in their lives. Jason Michael Carroll says he had a schoolteacher in Augusta ask him if she could play his song for her class. She told him she wanted to have them write a report on what the song meant to them. Two months later, the teacher got back in touch with Jason and told him that seven kids spoke up after hearing the song to say they were in abusive situations in their homes. All of the students received help, either through counseling or by being removed from their situation Carroll says, quote, “Every artist dreams of having the opportunity to touch somebody’s life.”

ESCAPED CONVICT STEALS CRYSTAL GAYLE’S BUS

Crystal Gayle’s husband, Bill, received a strange call last Thursday. Police in Lakeland, FL, wanted to know if Crystal had sent her bus to the NASCAR race to pick up driver Tony Stewart. After assuring them he had not, Bill called the lot where Crystals bus was parked only to find out it had been stolen. It didn’t take police long to figure out that the driver of Crystal’s bus was escaped fugitive Christopher Daniel Gay. Gay was caught Friday night after dropping off a prostitute in an area where police were conducting an undercover prostitution sting. The officers pulled the bus over and Gay was arrested without incident. Crystal says, quote, “I am relieved that nobody was hurt. I do know that the bus must have been rocking and rolling with a prostitute on board and we’ll have to do some cleaning with Clorox.” The 45-foot blue Prevost is being returned to the singer, condition unknown.

QUICK BITES

Big & Rich and John Mellencamp guest on this morning's "Imus in the Morning" radio and television TV show.

Brad Paisley will play the New Orleans Jazz Festival in its first weekend, April 27th – April 29th. Other scheduled for the event include Jerry Lee Lewis, Harry Connick Jr., Van Morrison and the Allman Brothers Band.

Faith Hill, The Wreckers, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and Sugarland are just a few of the artists on “Totally Country Vol. 6,” which will be in stores tomorrow. Others on the project include Gary Allan, Lonestar, Keith Anderson and Gretchen Wilson.

Joan Osborne plays the Grand Ole Opry February 9th and 10th. Osborne recently released her first country album “Pretty Little Stranger.” She says, quote, “The Grand Ole Opry is such an important part of American culture and history. I can’t remember when I’ve been this excited - to be asked to play the same stage that Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, Patsy Cline and so many others have graced is a true career highlight.” The album features Opry members Vince Gill and Alison Krauss along with Rodney Crowell.

Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn has been tapped to host the Symphony Spring Fashion Show that features Oscar de la Renta's fall collection on May 1st.

Keith Urban has won an award for outstanding achievement by the Country Music Association of Australia. The singer was born in Whangarei and raised in Australia.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna and his wife, Matraca Berg, will perform at the Third Annual Sweethearts for Scholarship Dinner & Auction, hosted by Nashville State Community College Foundation, on Friday. All event proceeds will benefit the General Scholarship Fund for deserving students at Nashville State Community College (NSCC).

Tracy Lawrence has become a spokesperson for Cinch jeans. He will be wearing the latest styles from the jean manufacturer this year. Lawrence’s new album “For the Love” will be in stores tomorrow. It includes the song "Find out Who Your Friends Are," featuring vocals from Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.

Blaine Larsen says his new single “Spoken Like a Man” speaks to the guys. Larsen says, quote, “It’s got a really great message,” he tells us. “I just thought it was cool to have a song on there that spoke to the guys that are at the bar on the weekends…just hanging out, having a good time, playing pool and shooting the breeze.”

Megan Peeler has won the 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown. LeAnn Rimes hosted the show from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Peeler was presented with a 100-thousand dollar Grand Prize check and the title "Best New Act in Country Music". Many of today's top country artists have competed in past local, state, regional and national competitions, including Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and Montgomery Gentry. The 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown National Final special will air nationwide over syndicated television in April.