Big Country Notes for Feb 13

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS SHE’S WRITING SONGS FOR NEW ALBUM

Carrie Underwood says she’s writing songs for her new album, but doesn’t know if she’ll be very good at it. Carrie says, quote, “It’s definitely something I would like to develop. Even if I don’t contribute that much my writing partners will learn a little bit more about me so they can write songs that are better suited to me.” Among the folks Carrie has been writing with are Hillary Lindsey, Brett James, Steve McEuen and Rivers Rutherford. Underwood says she has sat down with the writers with a blank slate. She says, quote, “I think it’s bet to work that way and just see what happens. It’s not like I feel the need to write about something specific.” Carrie adds, quote, “I’ve never done this before so I’ll just see where it takes me.”

TIM McGRAW, FAITH HILL TAKE MAJOR TOUR OF THE YEAR FROM POLLSTAR

There wasn’t much soul-searching going on when “Pollstar” gave Tim McGraw and Faith Hill the "Major Tour Of the Year award" last Thursday night. The award went to the couple’s “Soul2Soul II” tour during the magazine’s 18th annual “Pollstar” Concert Industry Awards. Garth Brooks is the only other country artist to win that award – he received it in 1991 and 1993. McGraw and Hill have a chance to match Brooks’ record of two years in a row. They head out on this year’s “Soul2Soul 2007” concert tour, which is scheduled to begin in June.

KEITH URBAN BRINGS IN 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR HOSPITAL

Keith Urban’s first U.S. concert since his stay at the Betty Ford Clinic in Los Angeles was a huge success. Urban’s show brought in 50-thousand dollars for St. Jude Children’s Hospital when he performed to a sold-out house in Chicago last Thursday. The singer also donated all proceeds from his merchandise sales to St. Jude. The audience was an enthusiastic one, even when Urban forgot the words to one of his hits, “Making Memories of Us.” CMT.com reports that in the middle of the song, Urban encouraged the audience to sing along, but they forgot the words. At that point, the singer had to admit that he too had forgotten the words. Urban told the crowd, quote, "Time for honesty. I was trying to get you to sing on the bit I forgot. Pathetic, isn't it?" CMT.com reports that the crowd cheered him on throughout the 90-minute performance. Urban alternated between playing with his band and doing acoustic numbers throughout the evening.
More dates have been added to Keith’s website. He plays Des Moines, IA on July 29th, Wilkes Barre, PA on August 14th, East Rutherford, NJ on August 15th, Spokane, WA on September 13th and Seattle, WA on September 15th.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY AND LONESTAR REPRESENTED ON TONIGHT’S “WHEEL OF FORTUNE”

Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry and Dean Sams of Lonestar, along with Julie Roberts, are the artists representing country music tonight on “Wheel of Fortune.” The game show is dedicating this week to country artists who are playing for their favorite charities, paired with regular “Wheel of Fortune” players. Troy says, quote, “At home when you’re playing along with the television there’s no pressure … but there’s major stress when you’re there in person.” His singing partner, Eddie Montgomery, agrees, saying, quote, “I was nervous. I remember solving those puzzles real quick and easy at home but when you’re up there it’s really different.” The two also noted that the people who come to be on the game are serious players and host Pat Sajek and Vanna White were very nice. Troy and Eddie are both playing for the Country Music Association’s “Keep the Music Playing” and Roberts will donate her winnings to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

THE WRECKERS FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THEY’LL DO MAJOR TOUR THIS YEAR

Jessica Harp and Michelle Branch of The Wreckers say that they once sat at home and hoped that one day they would be a part of the Nashville music scene. Now the duo has a hit album and has been asked to go out on the road with Keith Urban on his “Love, Pain and the whole crazy World” tour. Jessica says, quote, “It all feels really surreal to me at this point.” Michelle agrees, saying, quote, “There was a point in both our lives where we just were sitting in a lawn seat at a concert just enamored with the whole thing.” She adds, quote, “I think the most exciting thing about being on these tours is we’re playing arenas and stadiums and places we one day hoped we would play.” The girls say it feels good to have been invited to be a part of Urban’s tour. Michelle says, quote, “It’s a great way for us to have the opportunity to really see how these established artists do their show every night and how it all works. It’s really inspiring.”


VINCE GILL STARTS SPRING LEG OF HIS “THESE DAYS” TOUR

If he had his own private golf course, Vince Gill could place a GRAMMY at every hole. The singer won his 18th GRAMMY award Sunday night for “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” for “The Reason Why” but he wasn’t in Los Angeles to pick it up personally. He chose to stay in Nashville to be with his family before heading out on a five-week spring tour. Gill says, quote, “I don’t think that I’ve ever missed a Grammy show—I was torn about that. I’m regretful that I couldn’t be there to receive the Grammy but thankful that I got to spend one more night at home with my family.” The trek takes him into mid-America and up and down the East Coast. Gill and his 15-piece road band resume his “These Days” tour tonight in Champaign, IL.


KELLIE PICKLER SAYS HER FANS ARE TURNING INTO HER FRIENDS

Kellie Pickler says “American Idol” helped her come into country music with a fan following. She says, quote, “There are people who know my name who watched me on the show, so I didn’t have to start out without anyone knowing me.” Kellie says she doesn’t like to call the folks who follow her career fans. The singer says, quote, “I like supporters better because they have been so supportive of me and everything I do. They come to all the shows -- it’s amazing.” She says she has all kinds of people who attend her shows, from toddlers to people in their 90’s. She says, quote, “I don’t want to be one dimensional – I want to touch everybody.”

Kellie’s father is back behind bars. Sony BMG’s Wes Vause has told UsMagazine.com that Kellie is aware of the situation. Clyde Pickler was released from a Florida prison last year after spending three years there for stabbing a neighbor. He is now in a Stanley County, NC jail facing multiple charges. They include assault on a female, communicating threats and assault with a deadly weapon. Clyde Pickler is being held on a 20-thousand-dollar bond. (Metro Source)

QUICK BITES

Taylor Swift will be on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” tonight.

“Rolling Stone” magazine reports that Willie Nelson is collaborating with Mariah Carey on a song and film combo. No word on what the project is.

Trent Tomlinson has launched his first fan club with a new website. Trent’s fans can join “T-Town” online fanclub for exclusive behind-the-scenes video and pictures plus special contests. Fan club members will also have access to ticket pre-sales and the opportunity to score meet-and-greet passes to Tomlinson’s concert dates. Visit the newly styled website at www.trenttomlinson.com.

Randy Travis is in the studio with producer Kyle Lehning working on his upcoming country album.

Watch for Cowboy Troy to perform his new single “Buffalo Stampede” on Thursday night’s “Nashville Star” on USA. John Rich of Big & Rich will back him on the song.

Big & Rich will perform the National Anthem for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Fox February 18th from the Daytona International Speedway. Big Kenny is adamant that friend and fellow Chevy driver Sterling Marlin will win.

Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence and Pam Tillis will perform at the South by Southwest Music Conference March 14th-18th in Austin, TX.