Big Country Notes for Jan 26

NICOLE KIDMAN OKAY AFTER ACCIDENT ON MOVIE SET

Keith Urban's wife, Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, is fine after an accident on the set of her upcoming film. "People" reports that the 39-year-old actress was shooting the science fiction thriller "The Invasion" early Thursday morning in Los Angeles when a stunt car "went off course and struck a light pole." Eight cast and crewmembers, including Kidman, were nearby or involved in the accident. Kidman was briefly hospitalized, but suffered no serious injuries. The others involved are also thought to be fine. The actress' husband, country singer Keith Urban, was reportedly on the set when the crash happened.

KENNY CHESNEY STADIUM DATE TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 10TH

Calling all Kenny Chesney fans: tickets for the singer’s stadium June 9th date at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA go on sale February 10th. All of Chesney’s stadium shows sold out last year so it’s a safe bet that tickets will go fast for this year’s stadium itinerary as well. Chesney’s chosen Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans and Sugarland to join him on the outdoor dates. Other stadium dates are Philadelphia, PA, June 23rd; Seattle, WA, July 7th; Cleveland, OH, July 14th; Foxboro (Boston), MA, July 28th, and Detroit, MI, August 18th.

VINCE GILL SAYS INTEREST IN HIS ALBUM CAME BECAUSE IT WAS DIFFERENT

The “Nashville Scene’s” critic’s poll of country music named Vince Gill’s “These Days” as the second best country album, behind the Dixie Chicks’ “Taking the Long Way.” Gill told the “Scene” that the fact that the album was bold and different helped draw attention to it. Gill says, quote, “In a climate so focused on one song at a time that can be downloaded, here comes Crazy Boy with 43 songs and four CDs.” He adds, quote, “Don’t get me wrong; I’d still like to have hit songs. I’m still trying, but things have changed. Why go after country radio when it hasn’t been receptive to me?” Gill admits he’s never been one to sit down to just record a hit song for the sake of a hit song. He says he learned that from the folks he worked with early in his career – people like Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash and Emmylou Harris. He says, quote, “Those people were at all points artist-driven and at all points song-driven. They didn’t chase what was trendy. They taught me what art looks like, and 25 years later, I hope I encourage people to be artists and not just acts.”

DARRYL WORLEY SAYS SONG ABOUT SOLDIERS COMING HOME, NOT WAR

Soldiers returning from a tour of duty in a war zone are not the same men and women who left on that tour of duty. This is a fact that Darryl Worley began to recognize as he visited more and more soldiers in the war zone. His single “I Just Came Back From A War” is his effort at trying to put the thoughts of the men and women he talks to into the mind of the public. The song, co-written with Wynn Varble, is the story of a soldier coming home a changed man. Worley says, quote, “We ask these people to go off to war and experience the things they experience, and come back home and be the same guy and gal they were when they left. That’s not going to happen.” Worley has visited the men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq several times over the past few years and he says, quote, “It’s pretty incredible to have the opportunity to talk to them on that level and get their feelings and experience some of the things they do on a daily basis.” He adds, quote, “Everyone will tell you [fighting in a war] it’s a life changing thing. It’s life changing for me and I’m only there for a couple weeks at a time and highly protected and not in the line of fire.”

LITTLE BIG TOWN READY TO TOUR IN 2007

Little Big Town is ready to learn from Martina McBride when they join her tour in June. Prior to that, they’ll be doing a few dates with their buddies in Sugarland and playing a little poker. LBT member Jimi Westbrook says, quote, “We’re looking forward to being out with Martina. We’re excited to be going out with her and plan to be watching and learning some pointers from her.” The group’s Karen Fairchild adds, quote, “We like to hang out with Sugarland and watch them sing. They’re so charismatic and fun.” Little Big Town will be with Sugarland next Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Wallingford, VT, Poughkeepsie, NY and Salem, VA, respectively.

WYNONNA JUDD’S BOOK TO BE RELEASED IN PAPERBACK

Wynonna Judd’s “New York Times” best seller "Coming Home to Myself" will be released in paperback on June 5th. The book brought the story of Wynonna’s life -- with all its highs and lows -- to her fans. The singer described what it was like to go from relative obscurity to one of the biggest acts in country music, and how she had to learn to deal with who she was as well as learning to like herself.

TERRI CLARK BUSY WITH NEW SINGLE AND NEW CONCERT DATES

Terri Clark is filling up her date book. She starts touring next month in her Canadian homeland with double nights of concerts in Niagara Falls, Ontario February 9th and 10th. She follows that with an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on February 16th before heading for the West Coast and shows in California and Nevada beginning February 21st. With concerts already booked into August, Clark will have to find some time to promote her new single, “Dirty Girl,” which will be released early in April. It will be Terri’s debut release for her new record label, BNA. Terri has been in the studio with producer Garth Fundis, finishing the single and working on songs for her upcoming album. Terri has announced that she will not have a fan club party during the CMA Music Festival this year because of her extensive schedule of touring and promoting her new music.

QUICK BITES

"Forbes” magazine puts three country artists on its list of the biggest moneymakers in music. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are in second place with their “Soul2Soul II” tour, Rascal Flatts and its “Me and My Gang” tour is in third and Kenny Chesney and his “The Road and the Radio” tour came in sixth. The magazine based its ratings on the money the acts brought in. First on the list were the Rolling Stones; fourth was Madonna and fifth was Barbara Streisand. Celine Dion, Bon Jovi, Nickleback and Dave Matthews Band rounded out the top ten. Together the acts brought in 973 million in touring dollars in 2006.

Alan Jackson is scheduled to play the Grand Ole Opry on March 10th.

Check out the February issue of “In-Style” magazine – LeAnn Rimes is featured within its pages.

Tracy Lawrence will perform a concert after the NASCAR Busch Series 250 at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, IL on July 21st.

Diamond Rio’s Team Rio will meet Sunday at Crockett Park in Nashville to train for the Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon April 28th. If you’re near Nashville and want to join them, you can find more information at www.teamrio.org. The site will tell you about the group’s efforts to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

A second grade student from Tampa, FL, considers herself very lucky. Last week the young lad got a call from Kristian Bush of Sugarland. Brooke received the call because she did a lot of work in helping promote the duo’s new album "Enjoy the Ride." After their talk, Brook surprised Kristian when her entire second grade class yelled "We Love Sugarland” as the two were ending the call.

On the Grand Ole Opry this weekend -- Montgomery Gentry, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Darryl Worley, Charley Pride, Ralph Stanley, Josh Turner, Jeannie Seely and Jack Greene.

Big Country Notes for Jan 25

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC WILL ANNOUNCE AWARDS NOMINEES IN NASHVILLE MARCH 5TH

Kenny Chesney, Pat Green and Sugarland will announce the nominees for the Academy of Country Music Awards on March 5th during CBS’ “The Early Show.” The trio will join show anchor Hannah Storm from the Ford Theatre at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. The 42nd annual ACM awards show will be broadcast over CBS on May 15th from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

KEITH URBAN TELLS GERMAN TELEVISION AUDIENCE DANKE SCHON

Keith Urban says he’s feeling much better, danke schon (thank you). He relayed that message to his German fans in his first public appearance since leaving the Betty Ford Clinic for alcohol addiction. Urban discussed his time at the clinic on the German television show “Wetten, dass..? (Wanna bet?). “People” magazine reports that Urban told the audience, quote, “I'm very good, I'm feeling much better. And thank you to everybody out there.” He adds, quote, “I got a lot of support from everybody in the last three months, lots of e-mails and cards and letters. It meant a lot to me, so danke schön.” Urban performed “Once in a Lifetime” on the show, explaining that he wrote it about his relationship with his wife, Nicole Kidman. He says, quote, " 'Once in a Lifetime' is inspired by my marriage – it's a good, life-changing happening in my life. I think when you find your once-in-a-lifetime love, that's what everybody's looking for."
Look for a story on Keith in the new issue of “People” magazine on newsstands tomorrow.

GARTH BROOKS’ FOUNDATION WILL CONTRIBUTE TO PLAYGROUND IN FORT WORTH

Garth Brooks is the proud owner of a new hockey jersey. He received the shirt Monday when he announced that his Teammates for Kids Foundation will contribute to a hockey-themed “zone” playroom at the Cook Children's Medical Center of Fort Worth, Texas. The area will be a state-of-the-art therapeutic environment for pediatric patients and their families. While making the announcement at the medical center, Brooks praised the hospital’s staff, saying, quote, "Save children. It's a pretty cool job." The area will also be sponsored by the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA). The event was part of this week's National Hockey League All-Star Week festivities.
Monday evening Garth hosted a benefit for Teammates for Kids and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, performed. The night included a cocktail reception, a silent auction, dinner and a live auction. Among items that were auctioned -- an NHL-themed OC Chopper, a Dodge Nitro and a trip for two to the 2008 All-Star Game in Atlanta.

JOSH TURNER SAYS ALBUM NOMINATION THE ONE HE WANTED

Josh Turner is thrilled with his Best Country Album nomination for the upcoming GRAMMY awards. Turner says he appreciates that award because he understands how much work goes into the making of an album. He says, quote, “I don’t go in and say let’s make sure we have two or three singles to put on the record. I go in and try to make sure every song is strong and every song is worth putting on there. That’s what we did and now here we are with a GRAMMY nomination.” Turner is up against the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Little Big Town and Willie Nelson for Best Country Album. He’s also nominated for Best Country Male Vocal for his single “Would You Go With Me.” Other nominees in that category are Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, George Strait and Keith Urban. The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

SARA EVANS SAYS HER TIME ON “DANCING WITH THE STARS” GAVE HER CONFIDENCE

Sara Evans has more confidence these days. The singer says the experience she gained while participating in last season’s “Dancing with the Stars” is always with her. Evans says she can feel the difference in her confidence and the way she carries herself on stage. She thinks fans will be able to see the changes when they come to see her show this year. The singer has a string of dates before her in 2007. She is already booked through August, including six stadium shows with Kenny Chesney beginning in June. Evans recently paired with her former “Dancing” partner, Tony Dovolani, when the “Dancing with the Stars” tour came through Nashville last weekend.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY DUO SAY THEY CAN STILL HANG OUT LIKE REGULAR GUYS

Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry are just regular Joes – really. The two men who comprise the duo Montgomery Gentry say they think one of the reason they have such a connection with their fans is they haven’t allowed success to change them. Troy says, quote, “Eddie and I still do the same things that we did before, back when we played the clubs … we still go out to eat and hang out.” He adds, quote, “There’s no mystique. We’re not hard to find!” The two Kentuckians will play the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night.

TOBY KEITH BEGINS TOUR TONIGHT AS “BROKEN BRIDGES” SALES SURGE

Toby Keith heads for Albany, NY tonight to debut his 2007 “Hookin’ Up and Hangin’ Out” tour with special guests Lindsey Haun, Flynnville Train and Miranda Lambert. As he travels into the cold north, Keith has been told that sales for the “Broken Bridges” DVD have done well and have sparked a spike in sales of the movie’s soundtrack album. The soundtrack, which is on Toby’s Show Dog Nashville record label, had a 123-percent increase in sales since the DVD became available. Keith co-starred in the film with Kelly Preston, Haun, Willie Nelson and Burt Reynolds. As he prepares for his tour, Keith also gets ready to release his new single, “High Maintenance Woman,” on February 12th.

TRACY BYRD RECEIVES DR. RICHARD SHORKEY AWARD TONIGHT

Tracy Byrd loves kids. Tonight he will be recognized for his work with special needs children at an event in his hometown of Beaumont, TX. Byrd will be presented with the Dr. Richard Shorkey award for his dedication and service to children with disabilities. Byrd, who is a Children’s Miracle Network ambassador, has always taken time to help kids with special needs. Not only does he give of his time, he takes time to get to know some of the children and develop relationships with them, which enriches their lives. Tracy and his wife Michelle have three children, Evee, Logan, and Jared.

HANK WILLIAMS JR. RE-RELEASES “A COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE” ON SONGS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Hank Williams Jr. is still a country boy and he’s still survivin’! Williams celebrates the 25th anniversary of his classic “A Country Boy Can Survive” by releasing a re-mixed version of the song. His new version climbed into the top 50 on the country charts this week, 25 years to the week that the original song went number one. Williams says, quote, “Well you know that song represents a lot of Americans. It did 25 years ago and it’s more profound than ever today with the state of the world.” He adds, “I performed this song when [coalminer] Randal McCloy got to return home last year, and he is a true example of a miracle and a true country boy that survived.” Williams plans to release a new music video for “A Country Boy Can Survive,” which is on his current album “That’s How They Do It In Dixie; The Essential Collection,” which is in stores nationwide.”

THREE 1970’S DOLLY PARTON ALBUMS SET FOR REISSUE

Three Dolly Parton albums will be reissued April 3rd. RCA/Legacy will release 1971's "Coat of Many Colors," 1973's "My Tennessee Mountain Home" and 1974's "Jolene." Each disc will include previously unreleased studio tracks as bonuses. Among the new songs are an acoustic version of “My Blue Tears,” “Just As Good as Gone,” “Cracker Jack, Barbara on Your Mind” and “Last Night’s Lovin’.” Parton will play four U.S. dates before leaving for a European tour that begins March 6th in Horsens, Denmark. She is performing February 13 in Santa Rosa, CA; February 14th in Santa Ynex, CA; February 15th in Indio, CA; and February 16th in Primm, NV. A&E will run Dolly’s “Biography” Saturday.

QUICK BITES

Tim McGraw will return to perform at the Brett Favre Celebrity Golf Tournament & Auction May 4th -6th in Tunica, SM. The event benefits the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation.

Rascal Flatt’s Joe Don Rooney and his wife, Tiffany Fallon, will be featured in the ABC “InStyle” special on celebrity weddings February 5th.

Little Big Town performs on USA;s "Nashville Star" tonight.

Trent Tomlinson forgot to sing his hit “One Wing in the Fire” at a show last week in Kansas City, MO. Not wanting to disappoint fans, Trent pulled out his guitar and performed an acoustic version of the song at his merchandise booth after the show. To top it off, he gave everyone in the crowd a free T-shirt.

Steve Azar fans are getting a preview of his new album when they see him on the Bob Seger tour. Azar is making advance copies of the disc, “Indianola,” available at the concerts. Before beginning his tour with Seger this month, Azar taped shows for “Wheel of Fortune’s” Country Music Week in February. He is playing for the St. Cecilia Foundation, a nonprofit corporation that he and his wife formed to help various charitable organizations provide aid to sick, disadvantaged and abused children.

Phil Vassar sold out three shows in the past week -- Annapolis, MD; Harrisburg, PA; and Atlantic City, NJ. Vassar is currently working on a new studio album, due for release this year.

Beverley Mitchell of the CW’s “7th Heaven” recorded her new album, released Tuesday, in Nashville. The actress, who co-wrote seven of the disc’s 14 songs, says, quote, “I’ve always appreciated country music because of the songs—they’re real and honest. When I realized my dream of being able to write and record my own album, I knew Nashville was the place that best suited me as a writer and a singer.”

Woody Bradshaw

It was my pleasure to welcome Woody Bradshaw to our studios on Tuesday, January 23rd. He came to Pikeville to promote his new CD Lightning In A Bottle. He was gracious enough to perform 3 songs from the CD for us. Look for more from Woody in the next week on http://www.cmt.com

Check out more about him on his website http://www.woodybradshaw.com

There is a link there to his MYSPACE page where you can hear more of his music.

Big Country Notes for Jan 24

GRETCHEN WILSON CELEBRATES GRAMMY NOMINATION AT NASHVILLE PARTY

A number of GRAMMY nominated artists gathered at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville Monday night to celebrate their GRAMMY nominations. Among them was Gretchen Wilson, who is nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “I Don’t Feel Like Loving You Today.” The song is up for Best Country Song for its writers, Matraca Berg and Jim Collins. Wilson says, quote, “Being here tonight I’m excited about representing the song itself. It’s the first GRAMMY nomination I’ve had for a song I didn’t write.” She adds, quote, “I write most of my songs so a song has to be really good for me to cut it.” Other artists who turned out for the party were Carrie Underwood, Big Kenny of Big & Rich, Little Big Town, Josh Turner, Matraca Berg and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna, who co-wrote last year’s Best Country Song – Rascal Flatts’ “Bless The Broken Road.” The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

MIRANDA LAMBERT READY TO GO ON TOBY KEITH TOUR TOMORROW

Miranda Lambert is ready to hit the road this year. She’s got a new bus and a new gig. The singer is the opening act on Toby Keith’s “Hookin’ Up and Hangin’ Out” tour along with Lindsey Haun. The tour kicks off tomorrow in Albany, NY and travels to Vernona, NY, on Friday and Portland, ME, on Saturday. Miranda is also excited about the fact that she has a new bus in which she will travel. Lambert says with 12 people on the road and her being the only girl, she had to have her own space. The singer says, quote, “I couldn’t wait to get something that was mine and built for me. It makes it easy to be on road.” The bus was designed by Junk Gypsy, who does all Lambert’s merchandise. Miranda says, quote, “It’s absolutely amazing. You walk in and you don’t feel like you’re on a bus, you feel like you’re in a house. It’s so cool.” Personal details include Merle Haggard lyrics on the ceiling. Miranda describes it as, quote, “… like a cowgirl rock ‘n roll bus, I can’t wait to get on the road and spend time in it.”

LONESTAR LENDS HELP TO ADOPTAPLATOON SOLDIER SUPPORT EFFORT

Lonestar wants people to write to our soldiers. The group is helping raise awareness for The AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort (AAP). The effort, founded in 1998, is a nonprofit organization managed nationwide by volunteer mothers to ensure that members of the military are not forgotten. It provides needed mail support and promotes patriotism in schools and communities. The group’s Michael Britt will show his support for AAP during his appearance on Wheel of Fortune February 12th – 16th, which has been designated Country Stars Week. Britt’s earnings on the show will be donated to AdoptaPlatoon. Members of Lonestar urge their fans to become involved with the various projects supported by AAP.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD TAKES FOUR CMT.COM LOADED AWARDS

Carrie Underwood racked up four awards including Number One Digitally Active Female Artist for CMT’s cmt.com Loaded Awards. Rascal Flatts were also multiple winners, taking the Number One Digitally Active Group. They also took Number One Streamed Music Video for “What Hurts the Most.” Keith Urban took the top male honor for Number One Digitally Active Male Artist. The awards were created specifically for CMT’s broadband channel CMT Loaded and winners are determined solely by the fans’ clicks. Each winner receives the CMT.com Loaded Mouse Award, a hand-painted gold computer mouse mounted inside a genuine mason jar.

TAYLOR SWIFT SAYS NEW SINGLE IS REAL LIFE STORY

Taylor Swift’s new single “Teardrops on my Guitar” is a story she knows all too well. Swift says the song echoes her feelings when she was in high school and had a horrible crush on a guy named Drew. Taylor says, quote, “Drew would sit there every day talking to me about another girl - how beautiful she was, how nice and smart and perfect she was." The singer adds, quote, “I guess this is a good example of how I let my feelings out in songs, and sometimes no other way. I love this song, because of its honesty and vulnerability.” The singer says that to this day, Drew and his girlfriend are still together and he has no idea about this song or her true feelings for him. Taylor is currently on tour with George Strait and will join Brad Paisley’s tour in the spring.

QUICK BITES

Jo Dee Messina headlined the festivities following Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen's second inauguration Sunday night in Nashville. The singer performed at the governor's Pioneer Ball at the Wildhorse Saloon.

Country Music Hall of Famer Earl Scruggs was honored Sunday in Nashville with a surprise party celebrating his 83rd birthday. Among the family and friends who gathered at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum were sons Gary and Randy Scruggs, plus friends John Anderson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band members Jeff Hanna and Jimmy Ibbotson, Travis Tritt, Emmylou Harris and Tom T. Hall. Scruggs was born January 6th, 1924, in Flint Hill, N.C.

Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs performed songs from their upcoming CD when they taped CMT “Crossroads” last week. They were joined by John Anderson for a rendition of “Super Freak.” The show is set to air February 24th.

Willie Nelson and actress Jessica Simpson will perform February 10th in Dallas at a benefit for the AetheriA Foundation, which provides college scholarships for artistically gifted students. Nelson and Simpson co-starred in the 2005 film version of "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Jeffrey Steele will be on a panel in Los Angeles February 10th titled “How I Wrote That Song.” Steele has written songs for Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry and Gretchen Wilson. The panel, sponsored by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) and the “Los Angeles Times,” is a part of the GRAMMY Week celebration. Others scheduled to participate are Cee-Lo (Gnarls Barkley), Dallas Austin, Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy, Sean Garrett, Kara DioGuardi and Butch Walker. The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

Big Country Notes for Jan 23

KEITH URBAN THANKS FANS FOR SUPPORT DURING HIS STAY AT BETTY FORD

Keith Urban says he never felt alone during his stay at the Betty Ford Center, where he underwent treatment for alcoholism. The singer says, quote, “I got cards, I got letters, I got emails. When I finally got to my laptop, and I could retrieve them all, there were hundreds of emails. I just didn't expect that kind of support, I truly didn't, and it helped so much.” Urban says that no one event led him to check himself into the center on October 15th, 2006, just, quote, “a lot of small moments that were starting to accumulate that were telling me very loud and clear that I was a long way from my program of recovery.” Learning to manage his life was one of the reasons Keith stayed at the center for 90 days. He says, quote, “The first 30 days I learned about abstinence … then there was all this other area of my life to learn about… it's hard to quantify what I learned but suffice to say, it's been one of the most impactful times of my whole life.” Urban says he’s ready to be back on the road and doing what he loves most, which is playing music. He plans to play some club gigs in Europe before starting his "Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy World" tour with arena engagements in Australia. After that he will return to the U.S. for arena shows.
Keith is up for a GRAMMY for Best Country Male Performance for “Once in a Lifetime.” Although there have been reports that Urban will attend the GRAMMY awards show on February 11th, his publicist, Paul Freundlich, says, quote, “We don’t anticipate Keith attending the GRAMMY Awards this year.”

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS SHE IS EXCITED TO BE GOING TO THE GRAMMYS

Carrie Underwood is going to the GRAMMY awards next month. Not only is she going for the first time, it’s her first time as a nominee. Underwood is up for the all genre category of Best New Artist and for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” She says she is honored to represent country music as a Best New Artist alongside James Blunt, Chris Brown, Imogen Heap and Corinne Bailey Rae. She adds, quote, “Getting a nomination for Best Female is really awesome. Of course, the competition is stiff as always.” She is nominated with Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes and Gretchen Wilson. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” is also nominated for Best Country Song and Song of the Year. The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

SUGARLAND GEARING UP FOR TOUR NEXT WEEK

Sugarland has a big year ahead for touring. They’ll headline their own tour in support of their Platinum album “Enjoy the Ride” the first part of the year, then they’ll join Kenny Chesney’s “Flip Flop Summer” tour along with Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans and Pat Green. First on the agenda, the group’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush will headline shows through March, performing at various shows with fellow artists Little Big Town, Rodney Atkins and The Wreckers.

RASCAL FLATTS BACK IN STUDIO TO RECORD NEW ALBUM

Rascal Flatts is back in the studio to create more of the same for their fans. Group member Jay DeMarcus told “The Tennessean,” quote, “We aren't trying to re-invent the wheel with our sound, because it's been good to us so far." He adds, quote, "We always try to better ourselves from the last record. We always try to challenge ourselves to find better songs than the last time and to find hit songs and keep cutting hit music.” Despite the fact that critics have not always been kind when reviewing their music, DeMarcus explains that the group loves country music and they aren’t crazy about the fact that there is negativity about their music despite its success. DeMarcus says, quote, “Sometimes I don't really give a whole lot of weight to what the critics say about us. We believe there's room for all of us, whether we are traditional or country-pop or whatever label they want to put on us.” The band is working on the follow-up to their top selling album, “Me and My Gang,” which turned out to be the best-selling album in all genres last year.

MIRANDA LAMBERT SAYS SHE STANDS OUT FROM OTHER FEMALE SINGERS

Miranda Lambert admits she was worried when her first album came out how she would stand out from other female artists. Lambert says, quote, “When I released ‘Me and Charlie Talking’ I think there were 12 other new chick singers. I thought ‘How in heck am I going to get on radio?’” Miranda says that by recording music that she believes in and by being herself, she had managed to find her own niche. One thing Lambert says she won’t do to be noticed is enter into a marketing campaign that focuses on her body and not her music. She says, quote, “If I can’t be recognized for my music then maybe I should think about [doing] something else. I just feel like I make good enough music to carry me through.” She adds, quote, “I don’t want to market myself by wearing little or no clothes because when you do that you can’t eat!”

A DOZEN CHRIS LEDOUX ALBUMS BEING REMASTERD BY RECORD LABEL

He was a rodeo star before country music discovered him. But first and foremost, the late Chris LeDoux always stayed true to himself. LeDoux, who gained recognition in country music when Garth Brooks sang about him in his hit single “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” was the 1976 World Championship Bareback Bronc rider. By that time he had already recorded nearly 20 albums of material about his rodeo life. Capitol Records has digitally remastered a dozen LeDoux discs, recorded between 1974 and 1993, pairing them together into six releases due in stores on March 20th. Each will retain its original artwork. LeDoux, who passed away in March 2005 from a rare form of cancer, has sold more than six million units and has one Platinum and two Gold album certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America.

QUICK BITES

Kenny Chesney was up all night after the Indianapolis Colts won their bid for the Super Bowl. Seems the singer was partying with his friends, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his brother, Eli, as well as singer Con Hunley and tight end Dallas Clark. Kenny told WKRN-TV’s Brad Schmidt, quote, “We sang all night … then had to call a car at 4:30 a.m. to take us to the airport. Now that’s rock ‘n roll.”

Never follow small children or cute animals. Keith Urban should have taken that advice to heart. His co-star this past weekend on the German television show, “Wetten, dass…?” was Sweet Pea, a dog who could balance glasses of water on his head. Urban valiantly performed despite the competition.

Toby Keith will close out the 40th Anniversary of Milwaukee’s Summerfest on July 8th. Also appearing will be Flynnville Train and Miranda Lambert. The festival begins on June 28th.
According to tmz.com, country music will be represented on the next season of “Dancing with the Stars” -- Billy Ray Cyrus will be one of the contestants. Others heading for the dance floor are former "90210" actress Ian Ziering, Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila Ali and former 'NSYNC member Joey Fatone. A representative for "Dancing" would not confirm the names to tmz.
Dustin Wilkes, Rickiejoleen and Tim LaRoche have been eliminated from the USA Network’s “Nashville Star.”

Aaron Tippin has some competition in his new video for “He Believed.” Aaron’s son, Teddy, plays a younger version of his father in the project. Tippin wrote the song after his father died in an auto accident in 2005. He says, quote, “He [father] taught me to stand for what I believe in.”

Alison Krauss joins British pop/rocker John Waite on his 1984 hit “Missing You” in a version that has been shipped to country radio.

More on the Gene Autry tribute album … in addition to the previously mentioned Alabama’s Randy Owen, the disc will include vocals by Marty Stuart, Charlie Daniels, Riders in the Sky, Vince Gill and John Anderson.

The Tracy Byrd Hunting & Fishing Expo takes place Friday through Sunday in Knoxville, TN.

Big Country Notes for Jan 22

PAISLEY SAYS HAVING TWO DOUBLE PLATINUM ALBUMS TAKES PRESSURE OFF

Brad Paisley says the pressure is off for him on his next album. Paisley's "Time Well Wasted "disc has gone double platinum, joining "Mud on the Tires" in that category. The singer says it takes a little pressure off of him as he heads into the studio to record his next release. Paisley says, quote, "It helps to know that … there’s a couple of million people that I won’t have to twist their arms too hard to buy the new one." The pressure may be off in the studio, but Brad might find it as he heads out on his "Bonfires and Amplifiers" tour in April with Kellie Pickler, Jack Ingram and Taylor Swift. The entertainer has a lot to live up to -- last year Brad entered "Billboard" magazine’s Top 25 Tour list for the first time, grossing 28-million-dollars and playing before 750-thousand people in 97 shows.

REBA McENTIRE BUSY WITH NEW ALBUM AND UPCOMING CONCERT DATES

Look for Reba McEntire at Wal-Mart. Not in person, but on the disc "Reba's 20th Century Masters - The Millenium Collection." Reba personally chose the 12 songs on the album, including "(You Lift Me) Up To Heaven" and "Fancy" to be on sale exclusively at the national retailer through February. It will then become available to other consumer outlets in March. While that album is on the shelves, Reba is working on her duets project with fellow Ronnie Dunn, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Don Henley and Kelly Clarkson. Plus Reba hits the road beginning March 1st when she plays the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Other dates on the book include April 13th, Florence, AZ; May 26th, Waxahachie, TX; June 9th, Pryor, OK; June 23rd, Gilford, NH; July 15th, Craven, Sask.; July 18th, Twin Lakes, WI and July 21st – 22nd, Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming.

The Reba Wear Spring Season clothing line is now available for viewing. Visit www.RebaWear.com to browse through the new styles coming to stores. Of her new line, Reba says, quote, "We've taken all your comments and suggestions from the past year and come up with a fresh spring look that I'm very proud of and we hope you like." She adds, quote, "I still believe clothes should look good but also be comfortable. So I'm bringing back some of my favorite knits that feel so good against your skin but are also very flattering. Plus all of our colors for Spring 2007 are feminine and rich. We've worked hard to find the most flattering shades and prints."

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS SHE CAN’T BELIEVE ALBUM CONTINUES TO SELL

Carrie Underwood is amazed but thankful that her album "Some Hearts" continues a brisk business at the cash registers. She says every time she gets the news that another Platinum certification has happened, she has one of those ‘wow’ moments. Carrie says, quote, "When it sold two million I was really happy and after it sold three million I thought that was it. I just knew it had topped out." Now that the "Some Hearts" has sold five million copies, the singer gives total credit to her fans and the folks who helped her build her career. She says, quote, "People have been so great to me. I mean, the fans…the audience … And hopefully I can give back to them as much as I can, because this has just been incredible."

MARTINA McBRIDE’S NINTH ALBUM INCLUDES SONGS SHE CO-WROTE

Martina McBride is probably tickled pink now that she’s close to releasing her new album. Martina’s "Wake Up Laughing," her ninth album, is set to go to stores on April 3rd. The singer produced the album and wrote a couple tunes for it as well, including her current single "Anyway." McBride is looking forward to going on the road with Little Big Town and Rodney Atkins and performing the new material for her fans. The singer says, quote, "As exciting as it is to create a new album, there's nothing quite as thrilling as getting the immediate feedback from a live crowd. She adds, quote, "I'm especially happy about being joined by Little Big Town and Rodney Atkins. We put a lot of thought into which artists to include on this tour and I really feel like this show is going to be a treat for my fans from beginning to end!"

KELLIE PICKLER SAYS SONG "I WONDER" ONE OF MOST PERSONAL SONGS ON ALBUM

Kellie Pickler found it hard to get through her song "I Wonder" on "The View" last Friday. The singer, who was co-hosting the ABC show for the second day, says the song is one of the most personal on the album. Kellie wrote the song about her mother, who left when she was two years old. Pickler says that in the song she poses questions to her mother that she'd like to ask. On a lighter note, the singer revealed that when she was a child she got a lot of kidding because of her name. She says, quote, "Kids used to call me pickle butt. So now I’ve named my music publishing company Picklebutt Music." Kellie maintains a great outlook on life, saying, quote, "Laughter can make you live longer…and I’d much rather laugh than cry." Pickler will no doubt be laughing as she joins Brad Paisley on his "Bonfire and Aplifiers" tour beginning April 26th in Chattanooga, TN.

HAGGARD, NELSON AND PRICE RELEASE TRIO ALBUM

There’s a new trio in country music. Hall of Famers Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Price will release their debut album, "Last of the Breed," on March 20th. It's the trio’s first album together. The two disc, 22-song collection contains classics including guest vocals by Vince Gill on "Heartaches by the Number" and Kris Kristofferson on "Why Me Lord." Other inclusions are Mickey Newbury’s "Sweet Memories" and Cindy Walker’s "Night Watch." There are also a couple new songs penned by Willie, "Back to Earth," and Haggard, "Sweet Jesus."
Willie, Merle and Ray will play a series of concerts together beginning in March with Asleep at the Wheel as their backup band. Stops include March 9th, Prescott Valley, AZ; March 12th, Loveland, CO; March 13th, Colorado Springs; March 15th, Tulsa, OK; March 19th, Nashville; March 22nd, New York; March 10th, Las Vegas; March 11, Rio Rancho, NM; March 16-17, Austin, TX; March 23rd, Detroit. Several other dates for the tour are pending.

TAYLOR SWIFT ALBUM GOES GOLD

Taylor Swift thinks it’s time to have a party. The 17-year-old didn't want to have a party for the release of her self-titled album, but now that the disc has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, Taylor says, quote, "I think it's time to have that party!" The album debuted at number three in the "Billboard" top country album charts and took just 13 weeks to sell 500-thousand albums, putting it in the Gold category. Taylor’s currently touring with George Strait and Ronnie Milsap, which should help boost those album sales just a little bit more in the coming weeks. Her mother, Andrea, remembers telling Taylor she needed a backup plan in case the music career didn’t work out. Andrea says, quote, "But seeing her on that stage in Memphis opening for George Strait and with all the exciting milestones, I have to admit, maybe she can put her backup plan on hold for a while."

QUICK BITES

Keith Urban will post an exclusive message to his fans today at 11 a.m. ET at keithurban.net .

Kenny Chesney is featured in the January 25th issue of "Entertainment Weekly." He tells the magazine that he’s ready to be back on the concert stage. Kenny says, quote, "I'm itching to get back after it. I tell people all them time: we're like a baseball team, six months on, six months off - and three of those to get ready – [so it] feels like it's time to start spring training."

Alabama will release its second inspirational collection on March 27th titled "Songs of Inspiration Volume 2." Frontman Randy Owen is serving as a celebrity guest judge on the new season of USA's "Nashville Star." Owen has also been in the studio recording music for a 100th anniversary tribute album to Gene Autry, which will be released sometimes round his birthday in September.

George Strait took time to make a surprise visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis last weekend. Strait, along with Ronnie Milsap and Taylor Swift, was in the delta town for a concert. The singer took a tour of the hospital and then spent some time visiting patients. Strait’s tour continues to Portland, OR, Wednesday and Boise, ID, on Thursday.

Tim McGraw and Jamie O’Neal will be sporting a new tan after 2007 Country Cruise Getaway, Sunday through Wednesday. Jamie has a new single, "God Don’t Make Mistakes," scheduled for release in March.

Josh Turner has the fifth best selling country album of 2006, with "Your Man" surpassing one-point-five million in album sales. That means Josh joins the ranks of Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, the Dixie Chicks and Tim McGraw – the only other artists who have sold more albums than Turner. "Your Man" brought Josh two Grammy nominations -- for Country Album of the Year and Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "Would You Go With Me." The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.