Big Country Notes for OCT 3

BROOKS & DUNN'S CHANGE IN FANS

Brooks & Dunn are recognizing a change in their audiences. The duo's Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn note they sometimes get approached for an autograph by fans who say their moms are big Brooks & Dunn. Neither singer is sure why they are attracting second-generation fans, but they have their theories. Kix suggests it might have to do with the duo's entertaining and high energy shows. Brooks & Dunn have upcoming shows set for Denver on Friday and Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday. The two are currently promoting their new album “Cowboy Town.” Kix and Ronnie will appear on NBC’s “The Today Show” tomorrow morning, and visit the syndicated “Live with Regis and Kelly” on Friday.

TIM MCGRAW'S WEBSITE DEVELOPING NEW PAGE TO HONOR TROOPS

Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This,” which he performed on the Academy of Country Music Awards in May, is inspiring a new way to honor members of the military. The singer is adding a page to his website that will serve as a living memorial to U.S. troops. On the page people will be able to upload photos and post stories about their loved ones in the service. The website will also feature a live performance of McGraw's "If You're Reading This." The area will be up and running tomorrow via www.timmcgraw.com.

MARTINA MCBRIDE DISCUSSES FRIENDSHIP WITH FAITH HILL

Martina McBride says she and Faith Hill are good friends. Martina tells “Reader’s Digest” that they have a lot in common, including being moms to daughters. She says that when they talk, she and Faith might discuss the industry in general but they don’t ask each other for advice on specific career issues. Martina notes they typically turn to one another for tips on domestic matters, such as cooking or decorating. Martina's feature is in this month’s issue of “Reader’s Digest.”

"GLEN CAMPBELL GOODTIMES AGAIN" DVD REFLECTS VARIETY SERIES' DIVERSITY

Highlights from the TV variety series "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" are now available on DVD. "Glen Campbell Goodtimes Again" features clips from the series' three-and-a-half-year run, including performances from an array of stars. Campbell's show featured pop and R&B artists along with a number of country legends. But the host admits that he clashed with the network over bookings, which executives apparently didn't think were diverse enough. Campbell recalls, quote, "It came down from the big wigs at CBS that the show was getting 'too country,' and I said, 'Well, which country is it?' And I think I kind of ticked them off on that one." Non-country artists featured on "Glen Campbell Goodtimes Again" include Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Rick Nelson, and Cher. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Bobbie Gentry, Anne Murray, B.J. Thomas, and John Hartford are also included on the DVD, along with five solo Campbell performances. "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" originally aired on CBS from January 1969 until June 1972.

NEAL MCCOY AND FRIENDS' SUCCESSFUL ANGEL BENEFIT

Neal McCoy's giving the East Texas Angel Network more than 500-thousand-dollars. That's how much the singer raised through his benefit for the organization last week. He was among the performers at his 13th annual event, which took place in Longview, Texas Saturday night. Jamie O’Neal, the von Trapp Family Singers, comedians Williams and Ree, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders also took part in the show. At the sponsor’s dinner, Neal auctioned off his private Montana home for a week, which brought in 42-thousand-dollars for the cause. Since 1995, McCoy has raised more than four-million-dollars for the charity.

SHOOTER JENNINGS' CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Shooter Jennings' memories from when he was a kid include people such as Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., and Kris Kristofferson stopping by his house to visit his dad, Waylon Jennings. The younger Jennings also recalls not really thinking it was all that special. He says, quote, “I completely didn’t care. I was into playing my video games or playing with my toys in the basement.” He admits that later on he realized just how special these visits were, and understood more about these people who were coming in and out of his house. Shooter will release his third album “The Wolf” on October 23rd. On the project he hosts a special guest of his own. The Oak Ridge Boys contribute to the track “Slow Train.”

QUICK BITES

Keni Thomas will sing “God Bless America” at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series UAW-Ford 500 at Alabama’s Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday. The race will be broadcast on ABC. Thomas’ song “Alabama Home” was included in the Superspeedway’s national advertising campaign.

Tanya Tucker will be celebrating her birthday this week in Nashville. She’ll perform at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, and on her birthday – which is coming up on October 10th – she'll be at the Ryman Auditorium for the Steve Cropper Classic. Following the Ryman show, Tanya will make her way to Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge for a private party.

Carrie Underwood will give the debut TV performance of her current hit “So Small” on the Grand Ole Opry’s 82nd birthday broadcast, airing on October 20th. Underwood's new album, “Carnival Ride,” will be in stores on October 23rd.

Toby Keith is the latest to sign on for the upcoming salute to Hank Williams Jr. He's slated to take part in "CMT Giants: Hank Williams Jr." Others on board for the show include Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Gretchen Wilson, as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, and blues great Buddy Guy. "CMT Giants: Hank Williams Jr." is scheduled to be taped at the Gibson Theater in Los Angeles on October 25th, and make its broadcast debut on CMT on November 17th.

Luke Bryan is giving fans the opportunity to watch and remix the video to his single, "All My Friends Say." Details are available online at http://remix.lukebryan.com/.