Big Country Notes for AUG 9

BILLY CURRINGTON TALKS TO “PEOPLE” MAGAZINE ABOUT HIS CHILDHOOD ABUSE

When Billy Currington was forced to leave the road last month due to vocal problems, he was also forced to face some much deeper issues in his life. Currington tells “People” magazine that he entered the Sierra Tucson Treatment Center in Arizona, seeking help to overcome the physical and emotional abuse he experienced as a child. Billy says he was eight-months-old when first step-dad Larry Currington came into his life. He describes the man whose name he shares as, quote, “an alcoholic who had no heart at all.” The singer says that for more than six years he was hit, thrown across the room, and subjected to the man’s constant rage. He notes that as a child he didn't understand the abuse at all, but learned to keep it to himself. Billy also admits that he wasn’t planning to go public with his time in the center, but changed his mind when he heard people thought he cancelled the dates because of a substance abuse problem. He adds that wants to share the truth with those who care about him, and he's hoping that by opening up about his past he can help others who might be facing a similar situation. Currington is featured in the next issue of “People,” which will arrive on newsstands tomorrow.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY ADDED TO FARM AID LINEUP

Montgomery Gentry has two charity events on the horizon. The duo has been added to the lineups of Farm Aid 2007: A Homegrown Festival and the 11th annual Christmas for Kids benefit concert. At Farm Aid Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry will perform alongside Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and others supporting the organization’s effort to help the family farm . Others on the bill include Farm Aid board member Dave Matthews performing with Tim Reynolds, the Allman Brothers Band and Counting Crows. Farm Aid 2007 will take place at Randall's Island in New York on September 9th. At Christmas for Kids Montgomery Gentry will join host Charlie Daniels as well as “Nashville Star” winner Chris Young, Rodney Atkins and Taylor Swift. Money raised through the special show goes to the Christmas for Kids organization, which works to make the holiday season a little brighter for underpriviledged children in middle Tennessee. The Christmas for Kids concert will take place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on November 19th. Tickets and additional information are available online at www.christmas4kids.org.

VINCE GILL PAID HOMAGE TO THE HALL OF FAMERS BEFORE ANNOUNCEMENT TUESDAY

Vince Gill isn't just a country music star – he also reveres country music history. He notes that when he went to the Country Music Hall of Fame Tuesday for the formal announcement that he would be an inductee this year, the first thing he did was pay homage to those who are already there. Gill says he spent time reviewing the names and plaques of all the Hall of Famers who've come before him, noting he has, quote, “such a reverence for all of them.” He adds that he thinks he's been able to convey the respect he has for the legends he's been able to meet. Gill, singer/songwriter Mel Tillis, and disc jockey Ralph Emery are the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. They will be formally inducted in a ceremony in October.

BRUCE ROBISON CELEBRATES NUMBER ONE WITH GEORGE STRAIT’S “WRAPPED”

Bruce Robison says he knew “Wrapped” would be a great song for George Strait. He tells the “San Antonio Express News,” quote, “It’s that kind of sweet, mid-tempo song that nobody does better than him.” The songwriter celebrated the single's chart-topping success yesterday with friends and colleagues at BMI’s Nashville offices. “Wrapped” is the second Robison-penned tune Strait has recorded. Robison was also behind the top ten hit “Desperately.” Strait also has praise for Robison, calling him a great songwriter whose material is, quote, “a little bit different than a lot of people, and that's kind of the things you look for when you’re looking for songs.” “Wrapped” actually topped the chart last September, and became Strait’s 55th number one single.

CHRIS CAGLE, LUKE BRYAN ADDED TO BIG STATE FESTIVAL IN TEXAS

Chris Cagle and Luke Bryan are the latest additions to the upcoming Big State Festival. The two-day concert features 50 performers and spans five stages. Bryan says he's excited to be taking part in the Lone Star State event, noting, quote, “I've always thought of Texas and Georgia as having some of the best music fans in the world - being such music oriented states - so this is a great chance to be able to play for the Texas fans. It's going to be a blast for sure!" Previously announced performers include Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, The Wreckers, and Jack Ingram. The Big State Festival will take place at the Texas World Speedway in Bryan-College Station on October 13th and 14th.
Earlybird ticket sales of 75-dollars for a two day pass end today, with the price rising to 95-dollars for future sales. Along with the music, the Big State Festival boasts stock car racing and a BBQ Showdown with a purse of 75-thousand-dollars.

BLUE COUNTY WORKING ON NEW ALBUM, MAY GET TASTE OF REALITY SHOW

Blue County's Scott Reeves and Aaron Benward say they believe in working several projects at once time. They've been developing on their sophomore release, while they recently also recorded two songs for the “Evan Almighty” soundtrack. In addition, the duo is exploring the possibility of being part of a reality/talent show about truck drivers. Aaron says he and Scott are currently working on the song “Brothers of the Highway,” which is a tribute to truckers and the sacrifices they and their families make for the job. He notes that the song has been getting a great reception in concert. The song may also become part of the TV project. Reeves says they can't really discuss the proposed show just yet, but teases, quote, “there are four million truckers out there and you know some of them have to have talent!”

QUICK BITES

Junior golfers at Vince Gill’s pro-celebrity golf tournament this weekend will all go home with prizes. Gibson Guitar will donate 26 Epiphone guitars to the kids playing in the event. Gill’s 15th annual "The Vinny Pro-Celebrity Invitational" will be held Sunday and Monday at Nashville Golf & Athletic Club in Brentwood.

Trisha Yearwood’s “Greatest Hits” collection will include 17 tracks featuring over seven hours of music from the singer. The album will include some of her best known material along with two new songs. The disc will be released on September 11th.

Now that Little Big Town is finished with the Martina McBride tour, band members are now in the studio putting the finishing touches on the group's second CD. The first single from the upcoming disc, “I’m With The Band,” will be out later this month. The album is slated for a November release.

Cowboy Troy and the Sharpie pen company are teaming to help students. They'll be donating school supplies to Pearl Cohn High School and W.A. Bass Middle School in Nashville.

CMT is once again looking for America’s best undiscovered country talent. “Music City Madness” is a nationwide search gives unsigned artists a chance to present original music to fans across the country. The complete rules and other information on “Music City Madness” is available online at madness.CMT.com.

Sarah Buxton's digital EP "Almost My Record" continues to be one of iTunes top selling country titles. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Buxton has scanned 19-thousand individual tracks and 23-hundred albums in just four weeks. Top selling songs include the Buxton co-writes "Innocence" and "That Kind Of Day."