Big Country Notes for JUNE 19

CARRIE UNDERWOOD HITS ANOTHER MILESTONE

One million people are walking around with their cell phones playing “Before He Cheats.” Carrie Underwood’s number-one hit has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as having been downloaded one-million times. Carrie makes country music history with this accomplishment as only the second country artist to have one of their songs hit the million mark in ringtone purchases. Waylon Jennings’ “Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys)” was the first country song to gain what’s known as Mastertone status from the RIAA. “Before He Cheats” was recently recognized as an RIAA Platinum Digital Single, signifying one million purchased downloads.

BRAD PAISLEY RELEASES “5TH GEAR” TODAY

Brad Paisley finds it hard to say no to a good song idea, so that’s why his new album “5th Gear” has 15 songs on it instead of what is considered the norm of ten to 12. Brad explains, quote, “They all fill different niches. I like to put songs on the album that are unique in that they say things that haven’t been said before.” Paisley includes a duet with Carrie Underwood, “”Oh Love.” He also includes another episode of the adventures of the Kung Pao Buckaroos titled “Bigger Fish To Fry.” Among this album’s buckaroos are Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Vince Gill, and Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton. There’s even a special track to recap previous Kung Pao Buckaroo episodes that Brad says was meant as a joke. The singer says, quote, “So many of the TV shows – “24,” “Boston Legal” – are doing it we thought we’d do one for “Kung Pau Buckeroos.” He adds with a laugh, quote, “As if you need a recap ‘cause the storyline is so detailed you know.”
The video for Brad's new single “Online” will premiere on itunes June 26th. It features William Shatner and Jason Alexander, who also directed it. Both were in Paisley’s “Celebrity” video in 2003. The video follows the story line of the song and shows just how easy it is to make up a new personality when you’re meeting other folks online.

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL TOPS SALES CHARTS DURING CMA MUSIC FEST

The fans at CMA Music Fest have spoken and Jason Michael Carroll came out on top. Carroll’s debut album “Waitin’ in the Country” was at the top of the list when it came to CD sales from the Borders booth in the exhibit area. Carroll helped boost sales by performing several times throughout the festival. Not only was he on the main show at LP Field, he was on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stage and at the ABC CMA Music Festival Block Party and the CMA Music Festival Block Party. His first single “Alyssa Lies” went into the top five on the country chart and his new single “Livin’ Our Love Song” is already climbing the charts.

KENNY CHESNEY’S SECOND STADIUM TOUR DATE COMING UP THIS WEEKEND

The bigger the crowds the more fun on stage. That’s a fitting motto for Kenny Chesney’s “Flip-Flop Summer” tour, which storms into Lincoln Financial Field this Saturday. It will be Kenny’s second stadium date of the season and expectations are that it will be one big party from start to finish. Not only will Pat Green and Sugarland be there, they will be joined by Brooks & Dunn and Sara Evans. Kristian Bush of Sugarland says, quote, “If you’re seen the tour it’s like fireworks going off all the time.”

DIERKS BENTLEY DOES COUNTRY PROUD AT BONNAROO

Dierks Bentley wasn’t really worried about being one of a few country acts at the Bonnaroo Arts & Music Festival last weekend. His Friday performance demonstrated why. Craig Shelburne of CMT.com says, quote, “Rather than trying to suddenly rock like the rest of the lineup, Dierks Bentley cranked up the country music during his Friday afternoon slot.” Shelburne says Dierks had a huge crowd and most of the people sang along to his songs, which seemed to surprise him. Dierks invited musician Sam Bush and singer/songwriter Buddy Miller to join him for his set. Dierks says, quote, "We didn’t want to go out and try to do anything different – we wanted people to hear what our country music is all about.” Other country-based artists at the festival included Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin and Grand Ole Opry member Dr. Ralph Stanley.

BON JOVI RELEASES NASHVILLE-INFLUENCED “LOST HIGHWAY” TODAY

Last year Bon Jovi was on the country charts with Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles singing “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” This year they are making a solo effort with the single “(You Want to) Make a Memory” from their album “Lost Highway,” which is in stores today. The album definitely has a Nashville influence and includes duets with LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich. Jon Bon Jovi told “Billboard” magazine, quote, "The line is so blurred between new country and [adult top 40], it wasn't a difficult leap. We had to just make sure we weren't patronizing the true country format.” Bon Jovi and fellow band member Richie Sambora are not newcomers to Nashville. They have been going to the Tennessee music town since the early 1990’s because, according to Jon, the city’s creative community inspires him. He readily admits that he doesn’t hear much he likes on the top 40 charts but, quote, “When I listened to Keith Urban, Gary Allen and Big & Rich, I heard the same kind of stories I'd been writing for 25 years. I thought, 'I get it: Write a record, go back to your storytelling days and say something about yourself.' "
Bon Jovi will be on this morning’s NBC “Today Show” Spring/Summer concert series.
A series of “Unplugged” concerts featuring Bon Jovi performing material from the new album will air beginning Friday on MTV, VH1 and CMT on three consecutive nights.

TRENT WILLMON RAISES MONEY FOR HORSES FOR HEALING

Trent Willmon is no stranger around horses. The Texas native put a lot of ranching experience under his belt before he headed down the road as a country singer. That’s one of the reasons when Horses for Healing asked him to be their spokesperson he signed on right away. Already Trent has raised 150-thousand dollars for the organization at its Barn Dance benefit in Bentonville, Arkansas. Willmon says, quote, “I believe Horses for Healing is such a special program because I have seen the positive effects horses have had on the lives of children with special needs, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” He goes on to say that every horse has a different personality and it’s the interaction between the horse and child that allows them to work together toward a common goal. Trent says, quote, “The simplicity of this relationship has a unique healing and calming effect, whether you are a seasoned horseman or a child with special needs.”
HFH is a nonprofit that uses therapeutic horseback riding to help special needs children. The program touched Willmon, a father and horse lover, who flew to the facilities in Northwest Arkansas last month to view the program first hand. Since then, he’s been a vocal advocate of the group and their mission to help kids.

JUNE CARTER CASH TRIBUTE BOOK AND CD IN STORES TODAY

John Carter Cash is paying tribute to his late mother June Carter Cash. John’s book and companion disc “Anchored In Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash” is in stores today. John says, quote, "Almost all of the people who participated in the album were family or friends who knew her personally. Emmylou Harris was a close friend for years and years. Mom was a close friend with Billy Bob Thornton, Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn and Willie Nelson.” He adds, quote, “It's just a gathering of loved ones, really, tp pay homage to her music.” June co-wrote “Ring of Fire” with Merle Kilgore. John Carter says he always had Elvis Costello in mind to sing the song on the album. He says, quote, “He was very close with both of my parents, and it was his suggestion that we use autoharp in order to focus more on my mother's version of the song rather than my father's version." Other highlights of the album include:
Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow on the lead track "If I Were A Carpenter."
Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn's foot-stomping duet on "Jackson."
Billy Bob Thornton and the Peasall Sisters' version of "Road to Kaintuck"
Roseanne Cash's vocal on the spiritual "Wings of Angels."
Ralph Stanley’s rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," which he recorded in the old Carter family home in southwest Virginia. John Carter says, quote, "It was an enlightening and unforgettable experience to see such an icon of regal standing paying respects to one of his contemporaries."
Loretta Lynn singing “Wildwood Flower.” John Carter says, quote, “She told stories about my mother from the early days in the 1960s and how they were on the road together. But the most overwhelming thing to me about being around Loretta is how much like my mother she is - her temperance, her speech, how caring she is as a human being. So it was very touching to be in the studio with her; it was almost like being in the studio with my mom."

QUICK BITES

Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris will take fans to the sunny Caribbean on the “Cayamo: A Journey Through Song” cruise in 2008. The ship departs the Port of Miami on February 4th, 2008 on the Carnival Victory and returns on February 10th. Tickets go on sale on Monday.

Suzy Bogguss will release her new album “Sweet Danger” on September 4th.

Charlie Daniels will be the special opening guest at the "Home for a Hero" benefit concert July 17 at Greer Stadium. The show will raise funds for local soldier Sgt. Kevin Downs, who was injured in Iraq. Also on the bill -- Joe Diffie, Collin Raye, John Berry, David Lee Murphy and Paulette.

One of the best selling items for Jack Ingram lately is a pair of female underwear. Jack says, quote, “I often wonder what the dudes think when their wife or girlfriend comes home from the concert with ‘Jack Ingram’ on their panties. I’m sure it makes for some interesting moments.” Some fans take it a step further. Jack says, quote, “The fun part is when they ask me to sign them. I never really thought when I embarked on a career in music that I’d be signing panties, but I’m not saying I’m necessarily opposed to it.”

Danielle Peck performs on tonight’s Tuesday Night Opry.

IN STORES TODAY

Brad Paisley – “5th Gear”
Bon Jovi – “Lost Highway”
Various -- “Anchored In Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash” (Ronnie Dunn, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Rosanne Cash)