Big Country Notes for Sept 20

KENNY CHESNEY'S “POETS & PIRATES” A COUNTRY NUMBER ONE

Kenny Chesney finds himself at number one again. His album “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates” debuted at the top of the “Billboard” country album chart. The disc came in third on the magazine’s all-genre Billboard 200 album chart, behind rappers Kanye West and 50 Cent. Chesney had hoped his sales might soar ahead of the rappers, who were having a feud to see which of them would land at number one. West took the honors. But Kenny says he thinks that in the end his music speaks for itself, noting that his albums tend to show consistent sales figures long after they're released. Chesney's still promoting his disc. He'll be featured on CBS' “The Early Show” this morning.

RASCAL FLATTS GEARING UP FOR ALBUM RELEASE

Rascal Flatts will have a new album in stores next week. The 13-track “Still Feels Good” includes songs co-written by group members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney, as well as tunes from hit songwriters. One of the writers of the trio's current single, “Take Me There,” is pal Kenny Chesney, who teamed up with Wendell Mobley and Neal Thrasher to pen the tune. While Chesney had initially planned to record the song himself, he later decided it was a great fit for Rascal Flatts. The guys in the band agreed the first time they heard the song. “Still Feels Good” will be released on Tuesday.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SPENDING LOTS OF TIME ON CMT

The video for Carrie Underwood’s “So Small” will receive a multi-format world premiere on CMT and iTunes today. The country music TV station will devote six straight hours to the first clip from Underwood’s upcoming album. CMT stands for “Carrie Music Television,” and runs from 6:00 a.m. until noon Eastern Time today. This is the first time CMT has offered such a showcase for a new video. It's estimated that “So Small” will air 66 times within the six-hour span. CMT.com will carry an exclusive online stream of “So Small” tomorrow as well. Today's CMT event coincides with the music video’s launch for purchase at the iTunes Store, which will be the exclusive source to buy the clip throughout its debut week. “So Small” will be on Underwood's sophomore CD, “Carnival Ride,” which will hit stores on October 23rd.

BROOKS & DUNN'S HECTIC LIVES

When Brooks & Dunn are on the road, there is very little down time. Typically, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn's days are spent on the bus heading for a concert, doing a sound check at the show’s venue, or onstage performing. But once they're off the road, life doesn't slow down for either performer. But Dunn says it's not the same, noting the focus is very different. He explains, quote, “It’s typical family stuff – chasing kids from one ball game to the next. It’s hard being a mom and dad these days.” But right now the duo's hectic life is of the touring variety, as Brooks & Dunn is currently on the road with Alan Jackson. Their next show will be north of the border, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on September 26th. In addition, the duo is prepping for the release of their new album “Cowboy Town,” which will hit stores on October 2nd.

DOLLY PARTON'S ATTITUDE SINGLE

Dolly Parton is laughingly calling herself “Digital Dolly.” That's the name she gave herself when iTunes debuted her new single “Better Get To Livin’” a few weeks ago. The singer-songwriter says the tune stems from a conversation she had with co-writer, Kent Wells, told her she needed to pen a tune about her attitude. Dolly notes that so many people ask her about her secret to success that she decided he was right. Parton explains, quote, “I think life has always been a pressure cooker and people react to whatever pressures they’re under at the time according to their tolerance level and mental attitude.” She adds, quote, “This song says some things to let people know they’re not the only ones in that fix.” “Better Get To Livin'” is from Parton's upcoming album “Backwoods Barbie,” which is due in stores after the first of the year.

SARA EVANS HIT TOPS ITUNES COUNTRY VIDEOS LIST

Sara Evans' clip for her hit “As If” is the number one country video available at iTunes. “As If” is the first single from her upcoming “Greatest Hits” album. Sara co-wrote it with Hillary Lindsey and John Shanks. The album features four new songs, all of which Evans had a hand in writing. The hits on the disc include “No Place That Far,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Real Fine Place to Start.” Evans' “Greatest Hits” covers her ten-year career. The CD will be released on October 9th.

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON TO PLAY HISTORIC NASHVILLE BENEFIT

Carolyn Dawn Johnson is helping Belle Meade Plantation continue to be a viable historic part of Nashville. The singer is joining songwriters Tim Nichols and Rivers Rutherford in performing for the Carriage House Music Series on September 26th. The show will take place in the actual carriage house of the old plantation. The evening will feature a southern-style meal from the legendary Loveless Café. The last concert in the Carriage House series will include sets from Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson and country legend Jimmy Dean on October 17th. That night the second annual Bill Anderson Heritage Award will also be presented. A number of surprise guests are expected to make appearances.

COUNTRY STARS MARK SALES ACHIEVEMENTS

Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, and Big & Rich can celebrate sales accomplishments. The Recording Industry Association of America announced Tuesday that Nichols' “Man With a Memory” and Evans’ “Real Fine Place” have achieved Platinum status, indicating sales in the U.S. have reached the one-million mark. Meanwhile, Big & Rich's “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace” has been certified Gold for sales of 500-thousand copies.

QUICK BITES

Travis Tritt has a duet on singer-songwriter Larry Cordle’s new album “Took Down and Put Up.” Tritt contributes to “Rough Around the Edges,” a song of Larry’s that he recorded back for his CD “No More Looking Over My Shoulder.”

Lee Greenwood is re-releasing his CD “Inspirational Songs.” The eleven-track album includes the songs “Amazing Grace” and “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Trick Pony's Keith Burns and Ira Dean introduced their newest addition, lead singer Aubrey Collins, to the staff at the Country Music Association. The trio showed up and gave what they termed a “hyper-energized live performance” for the entire staff.

Emerson Drive’s lead singer Brad Mates has been selected to participate in the Nashville business leaders' Power Lunch, a benefit for the Nashville Opera. The event gives bidders the chance to get advice from some of the most successful people in Nashville. More information about the event is available online at www.nashvillepowerlunch.com.

The CMA Songwriters Series returns to New York City tonight with “Joe’s Pub in the Park.” Tunesmiths Bob DiPiero, Gretchen Peters, Rivers Rutherford and Victoria Shaw will perform. These writers have penned hits for such stars as George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill ,and Garth Brooks.

Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow and Brenda Lee were on hand Tuesday night to honor Country Music Hall of Famer Frances Preston. She received the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award.