Big Country Notes for AUG 16

RODNEY ATKINS SAYS SINGLE IS ALL ABOUT HIM

Rodney Atkins notes that his single “These Are My People” could have been written about him. The singer explains that when he was looking for songs, Dave Berg -- who co-wrote the hit single “When You’re Going Through Hell” -- asked him what kind of tunes he preferred. Atkins says he asked for, quote, “songs that I can sing and honestly say that I’m the guy in that song.” Berg and co-writer Rivers Rutherford then brought him “These Are My People” and Atkins admits he couldn’t believe how closely the lyrics applied to him, noting, quote, “I went to junior college, I shot BB’s at old beer cans, I grew up near the railroad tracks …it was like it was written about me.” “These Are My People” is Atkins' third single from his latest CD, “When You're Going Through Hell.”

FAITH HILL WORKING ON COMPLETION OF HER “GREATEST HITS” COLLECTION

Now that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have concluded their “Soul2Soul Tour 2007,” Faith can turn her attention towards the completion of her greatest hits collection. But the singer's having one problem assembling the disc – too many choices. Since this is Hill's first best-of project in a 15-year career, she has lots and lots of hits to consider. In addition, Hill will be adding at least one new tune to the mix. “Faith Hill: The Hits” is expected to hit stores this fall.

REBA MCENTIRE SAYS SHE AND KELLY CLARKSON FIRST FRIENDS, THEN DUET PARTNERS
Reba McEntire says it was an almost instant friendship after she met first “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson. The two were introduced when Reba was a guest performer on the reality competition show. Because the two are from sister states – Texas and Oklahoma – Reba notes they immediately had something in common. She also recalls that at the time she was a little worried Kelly might lose some of her down-home personality, but the next time they met she realized that wasn’t going to happen. Reba adds that as they spent more time together, their friendship grew. Now the two have a hit duet, “Because of You,” and Reba couldn’t be more pleased. She says it's been a long time since a song has moved her like this one has. “Because of You” is the first single from the upcoming album “Reba Duets,” which will be released on September 18th.

DWIGHT YOAKAM, BUCKAROOS GATHER TO HONOR BUCK OWENS

Dwight Yoakam and Raol Malo continue to honor the late Buck Owens. The two took to the stage Tuesday night in a special tribute to the country legend to mark his birthday. Owens’ band The Buckaroos and other artists also took part in the event, at Buck’s club, The Crystal Palace, in Bakersfield, California, to pay tribute to the music innovator and Country Music Hall of Famer. Fans gathered from across the country to hear stories and listen to his friends and admirers perform his hits, including “Act Naturally” and “(I’ve Got A) Tiger by the Tail.” In addition, Buck's slated for another honor. The city of Bakersfield is planning to name a post office after him.

TRAVIS TRITT HEADS OUT ON MEDIA TRAIL TO PROMOTE NEW ALBUM

Travis Tritt is busy letting his fans know about his upcoming studio album. “The Storm” is his first collection of new material in three years. The singer will kick off a whirlwind media tour in New York City on August 28th with an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show, during which he'll perform songs from the disc, and later that day he'll also visit with CNN's Glen Beck. On September 5th Tritt will perform on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Tritt's “The Storm” will be released on Tuesday.

EMERSON DRIVE GETS “INKED”

The guys in Emerson Drive are planning to carry their number one record, “Moments,” with them forever. The group taped an episode of TLC’s new series “L.A. Ink,” a spin-off of “Miami Ink,” during which band members decided to get tattoos commemorating their first chart-topping single. When not going under the tattoo needle, Emerson Drive is out on the road, performing before sold out and record-setting crowds across the United States and Canada.
Emerson Drive will kick-off the 2007 Canadian Country Music Association Awards with “Moments” on September 10th. The group has four nominations heading into the event, including bids for Single and Video of the Year with “Moments,” Album of the Year for the CD “Countrified,” and Group or Duo of the Year. All five instrumentalists in the band also earned nominations for a spot in the 2007 CCMA All-Star Band.

CHRIS YOUNG PERFORMING SERIES OF SHOWS IN NASHVILLE

Former “Nashville Star” winner Chris Young is in the midst of a series of concerts in and around his hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “The Tennessean” reports that the singer has scheduled eight shows for his Nashville followers because the local fans told him they don't see him enough. Young explains the shows benefit both him and his supporters, noting, quote, “We’re doing a mini-concert series just for them and I get to test material for the new album, which will be out next year." Upcoming shows include full-band concerts tonight and on August 30th at 3rd & Lindsley, and acoustic performances on August 28th and September 18th at Dave & Buster's.

QUICK BITES

Kenny Chesney will soon be trying his hand as an NFL wide receiver. Nashville's WKRN-TV says the singer will be suiting up with the New Orleans Saints for their practice tomorrow morning in Cincinnati. Chesney’s expected to be decked out in pads and helmet for the workout, in advance of the Saints' game against the Bengals. He'll get to test his skills in catching passes from quarterback Drew Brees.

Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Brett James, who co-wrote Carrie Underwood's “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” will perform for the Carriage House Music Series at Belle Meade Plantation on September 26th. The intimate series is the first of its kind to be held at Belle Meade.

Heartland’s lead singer, Jason Albert and his wife Kelly, welcomed the arrival of their baby girl, Kelson Noël, on Tuesday. She was born in Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama, tipping the scales at seven-pounds, six-ounces. Mama, baby, and Jason are all doing well.

Tim McGraw's latest single, "If You're Reading This," is debuting at number one on the iTunes Top Songs list. The track has also given his CD "Let It Go" a boost, as it's once again on the rise.


TODAY MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELVIS PRESLEY'S DEATH

Today marks the 30th anniversary of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley's death. The singer passed away August 16th, 1977 after suffering a heart attack at Graceland -- his home in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 42-years-old. Last night, the annual Candlelight Vigil was held in front of the mansion, where thousands of mourners participated in a moment reflection and remembrance into the wee hours of the morning. Elvis had multiple number one hits songs during his career, including "Love Me Tender," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Don't Be Cruel." His only child, now 39-year-old daughter Lisa Marie Presley, told "USA Today" that she has recorded a duet of sorts with her father to mark the milestone anniversary of his death. The song is a reworking of Elvis' "In The Ghetto" and features Lisa Marie's voice tracks laid down with his.