Big Country Notes for Mar 1

RODNEY ATKINS SAYS HE’S PROUD TO REPRESENT COUNTRY MUSIC TO DETRACTORS

One man’s treasure is another man’s lack of comprehension. That proved to be absolute truth recently when Rodney Atkins was the musical guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Another of Leno’s guests, comedian Bill Mahar, made the statement to host Jay Leno that the only reason he listened to country music was to make fun of it. Atkins took offense, not because he felt like Maher was insulting him, but rather his musical heroes and country music. Atkins says, quote, “I was proud to be the country music artist there that night to be able to give credit to country music after he said that.” Atkins says he’s seen firsthand what country music can do for people, He adds, quote, “I’ve seen kids in hospitals light up when I sing ‘If You’re Going Through Hell.’ I’ve had letters from people who told me that song helped them through a crisis.” Rodney says that Leno came up to him after the show and told him, quote, “Thank you for being a class act and for singing a song about what values are all about.” Atkins said he looked for Maher after the show but he had left as soon as the taping was over.

“NASHVILLE STAR” WINNER CHRIS YOUNG GIVING UP CROWN TONIGHT

Country music will have another “Nashville Star” winner tonight. USA’s country music talent show will crown a new winner tonight and it’s given last year’s winner, Chris Young, cause to reflect on his last year. Young says, quote, “I’ve definitely been thinking about what I’ve accomplished this past year.” He adds with a laugh, quote, “I might go from being the winner of “Nashville Star” to the guy who records for RCA!” Tonight’s finale will choose one winner from the three remaining contestants -- siblings Angela and Zac Hacker, and David St. Romain. Each contestant brings something away from the experience. St. Roman says, quote, “I’ve learned to listen to what the people experienced in the business say.” Angela says she has learned the power of television and Zac says he’s learned what it means to be focused.

LeANN RIMES COMMENTS ON BRITNEY SPEARS SITUATION

LeAnn Rimes knows the ups and downs of being a young superstar and the singer says she’s sympathetic to what pop singer Britney Spears is going through. LeAnn says, quote, “I grew up in front of everyone … the public knew about all the issues I had with my family.” She adds, quote, “As a young girl my family didn’t encourage me to speak out so for many years I didn’t really know who I was.” Rimes says she hopes that Spears’ family will reach out to her and help her while she’s going through rehab. LeAnn says, quote, “I know what it feels like and I hope she can get on the right path.”

KENNY CHESNEY FANS ARE ROCKIN’ AND READY TO PARTY

Kenny Chesney says his fans are known for the parties they throw in the parking lot before his shows. His recent performance at the Jupiter Bar & Grill in Tuscaloosa, AL on the first night of his guerilla college bar tour brought out the best in his fans. Chesney says, quote, “Judging from the other night, it looks like everyone is geared up, jamming hard and seriously into getting out there and playing the big sheds, arenas and stadiums.” Chesney says he loves the small intimate atmosphere of the bars because the music he does is perfect for the setting. He says, quote, “If there's ever a time and a place for these songs it's a beer joint where kids come to listen to music.” Chesney adds, quote, “You know, these songs aren't so different from what I played for tips in college – they feel like what people with acoustic guitars on bar stools play around the world every night.”

QUICK BITES

Kenny Rogers received the Career Achievement Award from the Country Radio Broadcaster’s at the DJ and Radio Hall of Fame dinner Tuesday night. The award is presented to a deserving artist who has been a major influence on the growth and success of Country Radio. In attendance were Billy Currington and Vince Gill.

Little Big Town introduced a surprise guest to the crowd who attended their performance in Nashville Tuesday night. John Mellencamp joined the group onstage at a club on Lower Broadway, where Little Big Town was performing for invited guests during Country Radio Seminar. They performed three songs from his new album, which they do guest vocals on. Others on the show were Clint Black, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Mark Wills and Laura Bryan.
Jason Aldean's second album, “Relentless,” will be released May 29th.

Marty Stuart is producing Kathy Mattea's new project, "Coal" a stripped down, acoustic album that honors the music of the coal mines, especially those in Kathy’s native West Virginia. The album is expected to be released later this year.

Daryl Worley will host a benefit for Cystic Fibrosis during the week of the CMA Music Festival in Nashville