Big Country Notes for AUG 1

DENISE JACKSON SAYS HUSBAND ALAN’S SUPPORT MEANS SO MUCH
Denise Jackson says she didn’t let her husband Alan Jackson read the rough drafts of her just released book “It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life.” It wasn’t until the book was in a more cohesive form that she gave the manuscript to Alan. She explains, quote, “We have a little log cabin on the back of our property that overlooks the Harpeth River. He went down there to read it.” She addds that when she went to check on him about three hours later, he, quote, “got up off the sofa and had tears in his eyes and he said to me ‘This is so wonderful; I am so proud of you.’” Denise acknowledges that it was a hard decision to make to put their lives out there for people to read about, but notes that Alan was supportive from the start. However, that doesn't mean he wasn't nervous about it, but Denise admits, quote, “I was a little nervous about it too but I knew I had to be honest and transparent for this to appeal to people.” The book is in stores now.

FAITH HILL TELLS FAN TO LEAVE HUBBY ALONE

Faith Hill is making sure fans know Tim McGraw is her man. During a "Soul2Soul" concert in Tim's home state of Louisiana on Saturday, a female fan grabbed him in the crotch as he exited the stage. But wife Faith singled out the fan in front of thousands and said, "Somebody needs to teach you some class, my friend." She scolded the more exuberant fan, saying people shouldn't grab at somebody else's husband, adding that it's, quote, "very disrespectful." Hill's representative confirmed the incident to "People" magazine but wouldn't give any more details. He said that the singer, quote, "dealt with the situation on the spot and said all that needed to be said from stage." The couple has been married for ten years and have three daughters. McGraw and Hill's "Soul2Soul" tour continues with a show in San Diego, California tomorrow.
Someone captured the moment in question on tape. It can be viewed online at www.tmz.com.

CLINT BLACK DEBUTS SINGLE “THE STRONG ONE” ON REGIS AND KELLY TOMORROW

When Clint Black performs “The Strong One” on “Regis and Kelly” tomorrow he'll be playing the first single he’s ever released that he didn’t write. Black says he was encouraged to look for outside material for his upcoming album. The first time the singer heard “The Strong One” he felt sure he wanted to record it. Clint says, quote, “It’s one thing to be looking for a song that’s gonna be a hit. It’s really something else when you find a song that you think has a message that will really touch people.” Clint chose to sing the song on “Regis and Kelly” because he likes doing the show and he believes the lyrics to the tune will touch the hearts of the viewers who watch it. “The Strong One” is from Black’s upcoming album, which will be released on October 9th. Black will kick off his “Up Close & Personal” tour August 23rd in Cerritos, California.

TOBY KEITH ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR IN ABOUTCOUNTRY AWARDS

Toby Keith has an Entertainer of the Year nod to his credit. The singer earned the title in the fan-voted 2007 AboutCountryAwards on the website About.com. He pulled in 48-percent of the votes from the 68-thousand participants. Other winners include Pat Green, who was named Male Artist of the Year, and Keith Anderson, who received the nod for New Male Artist. Female Artist of the Year went to LeAnn Rimes, while Kellie Pickler captured New Female Artist. Emerson Drive was named Group of the Year, and the band's hit “Moments” took Song of the Year. Blue County was chosen as Duo of the Year. New Group honors went to Whiskey Falls, while the self-titled debut release from former “Nashville Star” winner Chris Young picked up Album of the Year honors.

EMERSON DRIVE CELEBRATE THE BAND'S FIRST NUMBER ONE HIT

Emerson Drive celebrated the success of the group's number one single “Moments” Tuesday with parties in Nashville. Band frontman Brad Mates says having a chart topping song is a type of validation for the band. He adds that he's glad that such success didn’t come quickly. The singer explains, quote, “It’s always been a gradual climb and I think you respect the industry that much more and you respect each individual in the group that much more because of the work and effort that goes into making your group solid.” Emerson Drive will be performing “Moments” on CBS' “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” tomorrow night.

STEVE AZAR PRESENTS CHECK TO ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

Steve Azar is helping out St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The singer-songwriter recently stopped by the facility to present a check for 20-thousand-dollars from his St. Cecilia Foundation to the hospital's fundraising organization, the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities. Azar says, quote, "It's my honor to be able to give to St. Jude Children's Hospital as I have always admired and supported their amazing work and all that they do for children.” He also thanked his fans, noting, quote, "They have been extremely generous in helping us support such an important cause and I am constantly reminded of the kindness of so many who help the misfortune of others." Some of the money was raised at the "Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation’s Benefit and Jam," which took place in Nashville last June. The event also included a silent auction to bring in additional funds.

QUICK BITES

Rascal Flatts have added a Nashville show to the trio's fall tour. The guys will perform at the Sommet Center on September 21st.

Brad Paisley will be a guest on NBC's “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” tonight. He'll perform his hit single, “Online” for the television audience. As a bonus he'll play his chart topper “Ticks” for the audience in the studio. Both songs, along with an exclusive interview from his backstage dressing room, will stream online at www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/Toyota_Concert_Series/ immediately after the broadcast.

Collin Raye will give the audience a special treat when he performs on Sean Hannity’s Freedom Concert in Dallas next Saturday. He'll present his new video for "A Soldiers Prayer" during the event. The clip features home-movie-style footage from the families of service men and women. It was produced in cooperation with the U.S. military.

Tammy Cochran's new album, “Where I Am,” is doing more than just entertain. A portion of the proceeds from each copy sold will go to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The cause is close to Tammy's heart. She wrote her hit song “Angels” about her brothers who passed away from the disease.

Martina McBride’s single "How I Feel" is being used in a Crest Nature’s Expressions television commercial. It will also be a part of in-store displays for the product.