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.