Big Country Notes for Feb 2

KENNY CHESNEY TO ATTEND SUPER BOWL THIS WEEKEND

Kenny Chesney has been friends with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning since Manning was a University of Tennessee star player and Chesney was finding his place in country music. The two have always been there to encourage each other so there’s no doubt that Chesney will be in Miami for the Super Bowl this weekend. Chesney says, quote, “These moments don't come along very often. Peyton's always been great about coming out and hanging with me and the guys. It's a pretty cool thing to see someone you've known this long playing in the Super Bowl - and I wouldn't miss his first Super Bowl for the world.” Kenny says he knows what it’s like when people don’t give you the support you need when you’re just starting out in a career. He says, quote, “It can get in your head and make you think, maybe you can't… But even then, you gotta believe you can, and you gotta keep going. That's what makes Peyton such a champ - he never gave up.”

SARA EVANS TO HEADLINE POST-RACE CONCERT FOR COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON

Sara Evans will be taking part in the Country Music Marathon in Nashville on April 28th. Sara won’t be running – she’ll perform at the post-race concert for those who ran the race earlier in the day. Evans says, quote, “It's amazing that the runners will have the energy to do anything after a marathon... let alone attend a concert! I imagine I'll see a lot of sore folks trying to dance.” An expected 25-thousand runners and 100-thousand spectators will be on hand for the Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon. The race begins at Centennial Park and snakes through Music Row and along beside the Cumberland River before it ends at LP Field, home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.

DARRYL WORLEY SAYS NEW ALBUM “HERE AND NOW” SHOWS A SENSE OF FREEDOM

The Darryl Worley singing on his album “Here and Now” is the same man as before – he’s just coming from a different perspective. Worley says, quote, "A thread runs through this album: that sense of freedom that comes not only from within but also through things you experience in your life.” He adds, quote, “When so many changes happen on the outside, they're bound to affect you on the inside too. So these songs don't come from the same Darryl Worley you've had the opportunity to meet and get to know." Worley has made several trips to visit and perform for the military in Afghanistan and Iraq in the last few years, which he says has changed his life. Plus he went through some personal drama with a divorce in the last year. Worley says, quote, “This is not just new music or a new direction. This is a somewhat different guy who's gone through a lot and come to a place where I want to let some of the seriousness go and help people laugh, smile, and have a good time."

THE WRECKERS WON’T BE GOING TO THE GRAMMYS

Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp of The Wreckers didn’t think they had a chance to be nominated for a GRAMMY this year so they booked a concert date on February 11th. Now that the duo is nominated for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for “Leave the Pieces,” they are bummed that they aren’t going to be able to go. Jessica says, quote, “We are so excited about the nomination…we just thought it wasn’t gonna happen this year.” Michelle adds, quote, “We weren’t even watching the announcements that morning. We were on the bus and our phones started ringing and we were still sleeping.” The duo predicts that the Dixie Chicks will win the award for their category. The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

TOBY KEITH WILL JOIN LABELMATES FOR SHOWCASE IN NASHVILLE

Toby Keith and Show Dog Nashville labelmates Rushlow Harris, Flynnville Train and Carter’s Chord will perform at a showcase in Nashville on February 27th. The event is on the eve of Country Radio Seminar, where Keith is scheduled to headline the Music City Jam on February 28th. Keith is presenting his label’s roster to the men and women in town for the seminar, which brings to Nashville a couple thousand major radio deejays and programmers for an intensive three-day convention. Music City Jam is sponsored in part by the Academy of Country Music.

TRENT TOMLINSON TO REPLACE TAYLOR SWIFT AT CRS-38 NEW FACES SHOW

Trent Tomlinson is stepping in for Taylor Swift on the Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces Dinner and Show in Nashville on March 2nd. Swift had to withdraw due to a scheduling conflict – she is booked on a show with George Strait that night in Kansas City, MO. Tomlinson will join Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Jack Ingram and Miranda Lambert, who were previously announced to be on the show. This is a major concert for up-and-coming artists because they perform in front of hundreds of radio deejays and program directors in Nashville for the annual Country Radio Seminar. A representative from Swift’s label says she will perform at Big Machine’s “Big Night Out” concert on March 1st at the convention.

MIRANDA LAMBERT SAYS ITS GREAT BEING FROM A SMALL TOWN

Miranda Lambert may have a new tour bus, be on the road with Toby Keith, and have a sophomore album release on the horizon but she says knows her roots. The singer says she loves being from the small town of Lindale, TX. Miranda says, quote, “It feels good to come from a small town where people supported me so much through this whole thing.” She adds, quote, “They are still supportive but also they still look at me as just Miranda from Lindale.” Lambert has been busy writing most of the songs for her upcoming album “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Miranda called in some heavy hitters as co-writers including Patty Griffin and Gillian Welch. The new disc will include a cover of the Emmylou Harris classic “Easy From Now On” co-written by Carlene Carter and Susanna Clark.

JULIE ROBERTS CELEBRATES HER BIRTHDAY IN LONDON

Julie Roberts will never forget her 28th birthday. She celebrated the event yesterday in London while she was performing as part of the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Third Annual “New From Nashville” tour. After Jace Everett, who was on tour with her, joined her onstage for a rendition of the Johnny Cash/June Carter classic “Jackson,” he led the crowd in a rousing version of “Happy Birthday.” Roberts continued celebrating by sharing cake and cocktails at the very hip Royal Garden Hotel. The CMA gave her a gold Irish harp necklace from Dublin, where she performed on Monday. Julie says, quote, “To be able to celebrate my birthday in London in the middle of CMA’s New From Nashville has been just awesome – the best birthday present ever!” The tour ends tomorrow night in Glasgow, Scotland.

QUICK BITES

Carolyn Dawn Johnson had the opportunity to meet one of her major influences and heroes when she ran into Nancy Griffith while taping Country Music Television’s “Studio 330 Sessions.” Johnson was there to talk about her new album “Love & Negotiation.” Griffith was there to feature her new disc, “Ruby’s Arms.”

Billy Currington is making Valentine’s Day special for a lucky fan. The UMG music store on eBay is offering a special Valentine’s Day prize package that includes a dozen roses and a Valentine’s Day card signed by the singer. Check out http://stores.ebay.com/Universal-Music-Store to place a bid.

Lee Ann Womack's performance on the PBS’s “Sound Stage” will be show in early February. Her special guest on the concert is Julie Roberts. Check local listings for specific airdate and time.

Steve Azar wil visit John Haley Elementary School in Irving, TX on Thursday as part of an Afterschool Alliance program. Azar will lead the students in a few songs and talk to them about what they like best about after school learning. Azar has joined with the program provides homework assistance and tutorials. Steve plans to show his support in various ways for after hours learning. That evening Azar will open for Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

On the Grand Ole Opry this weekend: Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Riders in the Sky, Aaron Tippin and other Opry members.

Big Country Notes for Feb 1

KEITH URBAN TO MAKE HIS DEBUT APPEARANCE ON “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE”

Keith Urban heads for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on February 10th. It will be the singer’s debut performance on the television show. Urban will perform two songs. He joins Oscar Nominee/SAG award winner Forest Whitaker, who is also making his first appearance on the groundbreaking program. Whitaker will host the show. “Saturday Night Live” has welcomed other country singers over the years including Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Randy Travis, Rosanne Cash, the Charlie Daniels Band, Anne Murray, Kris Kristofferson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Urban’s appearance is the first for a country singer since the Chicks were on the show in 2003.
The Wreckers will join Keith on his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour” beginning June 8th in Phoenix, AZ. They will be on the bill for all 36 concerts in 33 cities.

CRITICS PICK KENNY CHESNEY AS LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR

A group of national music critics chose Kenny Chesney as the Live Act of the Year in the “Nashville Scene’s” Country Critics' Poll. Chesney admits he was surprised at the honor. He says, quote, “I get that they [critics] have their standards -- and the things that connect with them aren't always the things that connect with the largest amount of people.” He says when he’s onstage he plays to his fans, not any music critics who might be in the audience. Chesney says, quote, “What I think is cool is they [critics] actually get that. They get how hard we work at rocking the people who come to see us… how hard we try to throw a big ole party everywhere we go, and send people home feeling like summer just hit them between the eyes.” Kenny says he believes the critics understand how important the things he sings about are in his fans lives and adds, quote, “By recognizing what we do on the road, it's kinda like the critics recognize how important those people coming to the shows are -- and that makes me really happy.”

TRACE ADKINS HEADS OUT ON “DANGEROUS MAN” TOUR TONIGHT

Two dangerous men and a woman hit the concert trail tonight. Trace Adkins kicks off his 2007 tour in University Park, PA along with Craig Morgan and Danielle Peck. Trace told the Pennsylvania’s centredaily.com, quote, “"This is the first time we're taking a female out with us. We were looking for a female that was coming out and looked like she would do promising things and that seems to be Danielle." Peck told the newspaper, quote, “I'm really looking forward to taking the music out there to the people." Adkins says he will probably do about 90 shows this year. He adds, quote, “90 shows is going to be a break. We did 130 shows last year." The tour continues to Fairfax, VA tomorrow and Salisbury, MD on Saturday. It comes to Pikeville on Friday, February 23. Tickets are available at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center or on line at http://www.ticketmaster.com


Trace will be a guest on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” on February 18th. Portions of a concert Adkins performed in Austin, TX to help raise money to renovate a couple’s home so it will better accommodate their children who have been diagnosed with varying degrees of autism.

ALABAMA SET TO RELEASE SECOND ALBUM OF INSPIRATIONAL SONGS

Alabama found Gold with their first “Songs of Inspiration.” The group is hoping for the same with the release of “Songs of Inspiration Volume II” on March 27th. The first volume, released last year, entered “Billboard’s” top country albums chart and its two Christian/gospel albums chart. Randy Owen of Alabama says, quote, “This project is about performing these songs and just laying your heart and soul on the line vocally, some of it with tears and some with so much feeling that it takes all you can to get the words out.” The second project is a continuation of traditional hymns and three original songs. Classics include “Will the Circle be Unbroken,” “Down by the Riverside,” “Lonesome Valley” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Owen adds, quote, “These are songs that my mother, grandmother and grandfather – some who have gone and some who are still with us – would like.” The three original songs are “When It Comes My Time,” written by band member Teddy Gentry, “The Refrain of John Dillon James,” written by Ronnie Rogers and “One Life,” written by Buck Moore and Eric Todd. The Del McCoury Band provided vocals and instrumentation on “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and Riders In The Sky sing vocals on “Love Lifted Me.”

In related Alabama member news, Jeff Cook continues to work with his new duo, Cook & Glenn. North Carolina native Mitch Glenn is the other half of the duo, which is booked for a show March 17th in Huntsville, AL opening for Heartland.

BLAKE SHELTON’S “DON’T MAKE ME” IS EXPRESSION OF THE SINGER

Blake Shelton says the first time he heard his new single “Don’t Make Me” he thought it was a great song but he wasn’t sure it was one he would record. He tells CMT.com that the further into the new album he went, quote, “I started to realize maybe that song being on the edge of whether it’s me or not is exactly why I should do it – maybe I should expand a little bit, should try some new things on this album.” Now Blake things that this will be one of the favorite songs people pick from the disc because, quote, “You know when you hear it, it’s so true. It’s a song that says something no other song has ever really said before.” The song, about a guy who tells his girl he’s going to leave because he sees that for whatever reason it’s hard for her to love him. Shelton says the one thing he knows for sure about the song is, quote, “It completes this album. It’s hard to find a song that’s an expression of who you are and also completes an album with the rest of the music.”

KELLIE PICKLER NOT INTERESTED IN FINDING HER MOTHER

Kellie Pickler’s new single “I Wonder” is a series of questions to her mother, who left her when she was two years old. While Kellie sings the questions she has no real desire to find her estranged mother to ask them in person. The only time Pickler has lived with her mother was when she was around 10 years old, and she has related on various occasions that her mother was physically and mentally abusive to her. A few months ago a writer at the “Charlotte Observer” tracked down the singer’s mother and her side of the story was very different from the way Kellie remembers things. Pickler says, quote, “She denied everything and completely made herself look like the victim. I’m not mad at her, I don’t hate her.” Kellie adds, quote, “I was really hurt that my hometown paper would do that to me. I’m their hometown girl, I try to represent the state of North Carolina the best I can. So I was really hurt when he printed it and made her look like the victim.” The singer says she has worked all her life on getting past growing up without a mother and having a father who abused drugs and alcohol and served time in prison. She says, quote, “Sometimes things are better left alone. I haven’t talked to her, seen her or had any contact with her and I have no desire to. Maybe in the future but not now.”

Kellie will guest on “Larry King Live” tonight. She'll talk about the success of her Gold selling debut album, “Small Town Girl,” her upcoming tour with Brad Paisley and about being an “American Idol” finalist.

HANK WILLIAMS JR, LYNYRD SKYNYRD ANNOUNCE “ROWDY FRYNDS” TOUR

All their rowdy fans will come out to see Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The artists have announced their “Rowdy Fryds” tour, which kicks off April 22th in Huntsville, AL, with dates running through June. Johnny Van Zant of Skynyrd and the country duo Van Zant says, quote, “Hank played with Skynyrd years ago and it was one heck of a show. Since then, we’ve been looking for the opportunity to tour together because his fans are our fans, and vice versa.” Williams says, quote, “Talk about a show…I can’t wait to see what happens in those cities!”
Dates for the “Rowdy Frynds” tour:

April
11 - Huntsville, AL
13 - Tampa, FL
20 - Indianapolis, IN
21 - Peoria, IL
27 - Baltimore, MD
28 - Raleigh, NC

May
4 - Nashville, TN
5 - Charleston, WV
11 - Dayton, OH
12 - Auburn Hill, MI
18 - Sioux City, IA
19 - Minneapolis, MN
25 – TBD
26 - Orange Beach, FL

June
1 - Atlanta, GA
2 - Greenville, SC
8 - University Park, PA
9 - Albany, NY
15 - Louisville, KY
16 - St. Charles, MO

Hank Williams Jr. is ready for some football! He and touring pals Lynyrd Skynyrd will be a part of Craig Ferguson’s special Super Bowl edition Sunday after the touchdowns have been scored. CBS will air a special edition of Ferguson’s “Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson” following the evening news. Hank says, quote, “This is going to be a rocking party. The Skynyrd guys are my friends and every time we get together it becomes a party.” Count on rockin’ performances by the two entertainers.

In other Hank Jr. news, CMT host the world television premiere of “A Country Boy Can Survive” today on “CMT Top 20 Countdown.” This is the first video Hank has done for the song, which was a hit the first time around 25 years ago.

JASON ALDEAN PREMIERING SONG FROM UPCOMING ALBUM AT CONCERT

Johnny Cash has been making its way to Jason Aldean concerts. That would be the song “Johnny Cash,” and the singer says his fans are loving it. Aldean says, quote, "This is a song I've had my eye on for a couple of years. When we are recording, I always try and think about what songs will be good for our live show, and this is one of those." “Johnny Cash” is the first single off the new album, which will be released in the spring of this year. Aldean will join Rascal Flatts next Thursday in Charleston, WV, for their "Me & My Gang" Tour.

QUICK BITES

Craig Morgan tells Pennsylvania’s “CentreDaily” that his next single release will be "Tough." He says, quote, “It talks about the women in my life and how much tougher they are than I am and why. Every guy has a woman in their life ... who is tougher than they are."

Pam Tillis plans for the release of her new album, “Rhinestoned,” on April 17th. It will be on her Stellar Cat label. Songwriter Gary Nicholson is co-producing the album with Tillis and Matt Spicher.

John Mellencamp’s “Freedom’s Road,” featuring vocals by Little Big Town, is his highest debuting album ever on the all-genre “Billboard” 200 chart. It entered the charts this week at number five, making it his first top ten album in ten years.

Phil Vassar is scheduled to perform for a fundraiser tonight night at the Musicians Hall of Fame. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Middle Tennessee.

Lorrie Morgan, Gary Nichols and Trick Pony have been added to the annual "Country Thunder" music festival, taking place April 12-15 at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, Arizona. Previously announced artists include Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire, Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry, Tanya Tucker, Phil Vassar, Neal McCoy and others.

Sarah Buxton will be a part of this weekend's "Max It Out" event benefiting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The event will be held at Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon.

“American Idol” contestant Bucky Covington will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on March 9th. Bucky told Larry King, quote, "That is just going to be awesome man, I am really looking forward to it and I just hope I don't screw up!" His self-titled debut album will hit stores on April 17th.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. will release five new CDs in the “Live Classics” series. Country legends like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings are just a few of the many artists whose Opry performances are captured on this special collection available exclusively at Cracker Barrel.

Tracy Lawrence will be featured in an “At Home” feature in the March 12th issue of “Country Weekly.”

Big Country Notes for Jan 31

CW NETWORK MAY CANCEL “REBA” AFTER THIS SEASON’S RUN

The sitcom “Reba” starring Reba McEntire on the CW network may be over. Reports in several publications including “Variety” say the network is looking for a viewership made up of a more urban audience, although the new season of “Reba” has done very well for its Sunday night timeslot. The “Northwest Herald” in Illinois spoke with actress Melissa Peterman who plays Barbra Jean on the show. Peterman says, quote, “We’re doing so well for the CW that we can’t quite figure it out. We still have new episodes that are coming up and there is always the possibility that next year could happen but right now it seems like it’s not going to happen.” According to CW, the series will conclude its sixth season with back-to-back episodes on February 18th. There is no mention on Reba McEntire’s website about the future of the show.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS SHE’S TAKING MORE TIME TO RECORD NEXT ALBUM

Carrie Underwood went from being the winner of 2005’s “American Idol” to a whirlwind schedule. She was not only visiting all the talk shows and doing a tour with other “Idol” contestants, she was recording her first album, “Some Hearts.” Carrie is back in the studio working on her sophomore effort and is using a little different approach. Underwood says, quote, “This time I get to take a little more time with it. The first one we had deadlines, even though we made sure not to skimp on anything.” While she is working on a new album, what will probably be her last single from “Some Hearts” is climbing the charts. Carrie says of “Wasted,” quote, “Of course I hope it will be as successful as the others have been. Its message is just about a person who has come to a crossroads in their life. They can’t put up with stuff anymore so they’ve decided it’s best to move on.” The singer adds, quote, “It is done in a way that is not sad and depressing – it’s an upbeat kind of song, about someone who is starting over.”

MONTGOMERY GENTRY RECORD 81 VERSIONS OF “LUCKY MAN”

Cities with National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball teams are getting specially edited versions of Montgomery Gentry’s single “Lucky Man.” The duo of Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery have customized the line “Last Sunday when my Bengals lost, Lord it put me in a bad mood” 81 times for the major leagues as well as college sports teams. Each version will include the name of a specific team. Eddie says, quote, “This is probably my favorite song on the whole album. T-Roy and I both grew up in Lexington, so we saw plenty of bad (NFL Cincinnati) Bengals years – definitely a few good ones, but a lot of bad ones.” Troy adds, quote, “Yeah, and this song really lent itself to plugging other teams in there. Every team has bad seasons just like we have good and bad seasons in our life. You just have to appreciate whatever you’re going through – good or bad.” The edited version of the song is being sent to the country radio station in cities that have the major league or college sports teams.
In a move designed to spur a little extra competition between the two Super Bowl cities, the Colts version of “Lucky Man” was sent to the country radio station in Chicago, and the Bears version was sent to the one in Indianapolis.

RASCAL FLATTS HANG WITH THE BENGALS CHAD JOHNSON IN SUPER BOWL AD

Rascal Flatts sure know how to party. The group will be one of the artists featured in a Super Bowl commercial with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson. The concept of the ad is a Super bowl party for Chad’s friends. Rascal Flatts will be joined by David Beckham, Janet Reno, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, LL Cool J, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Angus T. Jones, Chad Johnson, Reggie Bush, Edgerrin James, Warren Sapp and avid NFL Fan Matt Aselton. The ad, called “Hanging with Chad,” will air during CBS’s Super Bowl XLI broadcast this Sunday. The ad was created specifically by the NFL Network to be played in the state that is also famous for its “hanging chads.”

DARRYL WORLEY IS PLEASED TO BE AT HIS NEW 903 RECORDS LABEL

Don’t tell Darryl Worley not to do business with friends. He’s done exactly that, hooking up with pal Neal McCoy’s 903 Records label in Nashville. Worley says, quote, “It couldn’t be any better than it is. I think an ideal situation for an artist in this business would be to have someone running the company and making important decisions who knows and understands what we experience as artists. Neal is that person.” The only down side Worley can think of to working with Neal is sometimes having to open shows for the entertainer, who is known for his excellent stage performance. Darryl says, quote, “I had to go on after him a couple of times so I try not to get myself in that position anymore.” Worley says he and Neal have similar philosophies when it comes to making business decisions. In fact, when it came time to decide on Worley’s second single, he says Neal told him, quote, “I don’t know what your plans are for a second single but if you don’t release ‘I Just Came Back From a War” I will.” Worley adds, quote, “We see eye to eye and we have a great relationship. I couldn’t be happier to be where I am.”

CLINT BLACK SAYS JIM CROCE BIG INFLUENCE WHEN HE WAS PLAYING CLUBS

Clint Black fans who knew him when he was playing clubs in Houston might remember that he once sang a lot of Jim Croce songs. Now Clint is paying homage to Croce by recording “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song” for his new “Love Songs” album. Black says, quote, “I’m a huge Jim Croce fan, so it was a natural for me to include his song in this collection. I was trying to find my own voice in this cover, but it is hard to get away from that original Croce sound, which is so good.” He adds, quote, “While his is more of a rolling, finger pickin’ style, my version has a slower groove—more of an R&B style.” Except for the Croce cut, the new album is filled with love songs from Black’s previous albums, all of which were re-recorded for this project. The cover is pretty special too – it’s an original Peter Max painting of Black and his wife, Lisa Hartman Black.
Clint and Lisa will make an appearance on “Dr. Phil” on Valentine’s Day for a special live performance of their hit duet, “When I Said I Do.”

TRACY LAWRENCE RELEASES “FOR THE LOVE” CD THIS WEEK

Tracy Lawrence is hitting the top 40 with his new single “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” from his CD “For The Love,” which is in stores now. It’s the first studio collection from Lawrence in nearly three years. The single is a duet with Brad Arnold of the alternative rock group 3 Doors Down. It opens the CD, and another version of the song featuring Tracy’s friends Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw closes it. Lawrence says, quote, “We wanted to release the version with Kenny and Tim as a single but there was just too much red tape to go through with the record labels to get it done.” He pointed out that the three singers came to town about the same town and became friends and hung out together. Tracy says, quote, “It’s so great to see how well they are doing in their careers.”
This isn’t the first time Brad and Tracy have recorded together. Arnold made a cameo appearance in Tracy’s video “It’s All How You Look At It” in 2004.

QUICK BITES

Keith Urban will perform on the NBC’s “Today Show's” Concert on the Plaza on February 16th.

Steve Azar, who continues on the Bob Seger tour through March, received a standing ovation when he performed at Madison Square Garden with Seger’s “Face the Promise” tour. Azar says, quote, “I've always imagined how cool it might be to someday perform at Madison Square Garden, where so many of my musical influences have played over the years. But actually being there -- on the same show with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band-- was truly a great night that I will always remember!”

On March 27th the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Shanachie Entertainment will release “The Best of the Flatt & Scruggs” television shows, volumes one and two, on DVD. Each volume is made up of two 30-minute episodes from the Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt’s classic show “Flatt & Scruggs at the Opry” which were taped in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Wreckers perform tomorrow night on the USA Network’s "Nashville Star." The show’s host, Jewel, is also slated to perform.

Allison DeMarcus, wife of Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, wrote the cover story for the February 12th issue of “Country Weekly.” Allison spoke with several celebrity spouses about love, romantic getaways and more tender topics. Among those featured—Alan and Denise Jackson, Brad and Kimberly Paisley and George and Norma Strait.

Big Country Notes for Jan 30

KENNY CHESNEY INVITES SUGARLAND AND PAT GREEN ON SUMMER TOUR

Kenny Chesney is planning a party and he’s inviting a few friends. Chesney will bring Pat Green and Sugarland along to make sure everyone has a good time on his “2007 Flip-Flop Summer” tour. Chesney says, quote, “My fans come to have a good time -- and they like it when you get in there and have fun with them.” He adds, “One thing I can say these two acts have in common is not just their willingness to have fun with the fans, but the fact that like me and my guys, they really seem to thrive on that connection.” Kenny says there is more to planning a tour than getting the dates lined up explaining, quote, “When you've got the kind of fan base that I've been lucky enough to have - the loyal fans who come back year after year and they bring their fans - you double owe it to them to make it the best night of the summer!” Chesney had the most attended tour in all of North America last year. He has played to more than six million people who've come out to see him over the past five years.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD FAVORITE OF U.S. YOUTH IN HARRIS SURVEY

Carrie Underwood is a favorite of the youth of America. In a recent poll by Harris Interactive, 41-percent vote of respondents said Carrie would win the GRAMMY in the all-genre category of Best New Artist. R&B singer Chris Brown was the closest contender with 33-percent. Underwood’s song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” was chosen as the favorite for the all-genre category of “Song of the Year” with a 37-percent vote. Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You” was next with 26-percent and James Blunt’s “Your Beautiful” came in a close third with 25-percent. The Dixie Chicks were fourth with six percent for “Not Ready to Make Nice” and “Put Your Records On” by soul singer Connie Bailey Rea came in fifth with five percent. The Dixie Chicks came in fourth for Record of the Year and Album of the Year with eleven percent of the votes. The Harris Interactive YouthQuery(SM) omnibus of just over 17-hundred U.S. youth ages eight through 18 was conducted online from December 14th to 22nd, 2006. The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

DIERKS BENTLEY SET TO VISIT CRAIG FERGUSON WITH THE GRASCALS

Dierks Bentley and his pals in the bluegrass band the Grascals will guest on CBS’ “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson” on February 12th. They will perform a song written by Dierks, “Prodigal Son’s Prayer.” The group recorded the song with the GRAMMY-nominated singer for his hit album “Long Trip Alone.” The scheduled appearance is the night after the GRAMMY awards. The song was recorded at the Charles Bass Correctional Complex in Nashville and includes rhythm tracks provided by the inmates humming and stomping their feet. This isn’t the first collaboration for the two recording artists. Dierks made a guest appearance on the Grascals’ GRAMMY-nominated album “Long List of Heartaches” on the track “Being Me.” Terry Eldredge of the Grascals says, quote, “I’ve known Dierks for a long time and I’m thrilled with all his success. He’s always been a fan of traditional and bluegrass music and we had a great time in the studio together.” The Grascals are set for a Grand Ole Opry appearance on February 9th.

LITTLE BIG TOWN PLAY PROMINENTLY ON NEW JOHN MELLENCAMP ALBUM

Little Big Town is all over the radio these days. Not only is their single “I’m Good” heading for the top of the charts, they are on John Mellencamp’s hit single “Our Country.” The song is also featured in the current Chevrolet advertising campaign. Group members Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet and Kimberly Rhodes are on eight of the tracks on Mellencamp’s album “Freedom’s Road,” which was released last Tuesday. Westbrook says, quote, “John Mellencamp has long been an influence on us. To actually be in the studio with him, working on his CD was an amazing experience. We are honored that he asked us to be a part of it." The other exciting news for Little Big Town is their GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With along with the Dixie Chicks, the Duhks, Rascal Flatts and the Wreckers. They are also nominated for Best Country Album with the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson and Josh Turner. The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

KELLIE PICKLER VISITS DOLLY COMPLEX IN NASHVILLE

Kellie Pickler was late for her interview yesterday, rushing into the room, apologizing but declaring she had a great excuse for the tardiness. She says, quote, “My publicist and I got in the car to leave the restaurant and my publicist told me that Dolly’s [Parton] office was across the street.” Pickler made a U-turn and drove up to the gates of the office complex. She says, quote, “I was pushing on the bell trying to get the gates to open … after five minutes I gave up and started to get back in the car and the gates just swung open.” Once inside the compound Kellie and her publicist found an open door and proceed to take a self-guided tour of the offices. Kellie describes them, saying, quote, “It was so neat being in there … there were Dolly pictures on the wall and plaques for writing all the songs.” Kellie got to sit in a chair where she figures Dolly must have sat and also spoke into a microphone she’s sure Dolly has sung into. Finally a man who worked there spotted them and came up to inform them that Dolly was not in the building. He recognized Kellie and congratulated her on her recent hit with “Red High Heels.” Kelly says, quote, “I told him to tell Dolly hello for me and that I’m a big fan. So that’s why I’m late.”

CLINT BLACK RELEASES “LOVE SONGS” TODAY

Clint Black has re-recorded some of his favorite love songs from previous albums. He is releasing them today on an album titled “Love Songs” just in time for sweethearts to enjoy during Valentine’s dinner. Black says, quote, “I wanted to do a record that’s not just a reissue of hits. Sometimes when I go back and revisit my older recordings, I find little things that, in hindsight, I feel I could improve on just a bit—some new twist that might make it just a little bit better.” Included on the disc is the duet with is wife, Lisa Hartman Black, “When I Said I Do,” as well as “Something That We Do,” “Half the Man” and “My Imagination.” Also on the project is a Jim Croce song, “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song.”

SON OF SONGWRITER AND SINGER JEFFREY STEELE DIES IN ATV ACCIDENT

Alex Levasseur, the 13-year old son of singer and songwriter Jeffrey Steele, was killed Sunday when at ATV he was driving threw him off as he was attempting to manipulate through a curve in the road. According to Brad Schmidt at WKRN-TV, Alex was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he died. Steele is a well-known songwriter who has written hits for Montgomery Gentry, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts and others. Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry told WKRN, quote, "Children are a precious gift and sometimes they are taken away from us too soon. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Jeffrey and his family during this very difficult time." Gentry’s singing partner, Eddie Montgomery, also lost a son in a car accident in 1991. He says, quote, "It's something that changes your life forever. Jeffrey was there for me and helped me express the pain I felt with the song ‘Clouds’. My heart truly bleeds for the family. They are in my prayers and in my heart." Rascal Flatts issued a statement as a group today to WKRN that said, quote, "We have been extremely privileged to come to know Jeffrey and enjoy great musical success together over the past few years and it broke our hearts to hear the sad news. It is just unfathomable to imagine ever losing a child. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Jeffrey and his family during their sorrow." Alex was the youngest of four children of Jeffrey and his wife, Stephanie.

QUICK BITES

Willie Nelson will perform in Miami at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts tomorrow.

Hank Williams Jr. performs at Friday night's NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards.

Tim McGraw, Chris Cagle, Neal McCoy, Heartland, Jamie O’Neal and comedian Bill Engvall left port Sunday for a Caribbean cruise. The singers and numerous fans will dock in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow.

Keith Anderson fans can bid on tickets and a meet and greet with the artists with proceeds benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Check out the auction at www.cmtauctions.com.

Julie Roberts heads for London, Dublin, Ireland and Glasgow, Scotland Tuesday on behalf of the Country Music Association. In a promotion billed as New From Nashville, Julie will perform in Dublin today, London on Thursday and the Glasgow on Saturday.


IN STORES TODAY
Clint Black – “Love Songs”
Various – “Totally Country Vol. 6” (includes songs by Gretchen Wilson, Sugarland, Big & Rich, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and more)
Travis Tritt – “The Very Best of Travis Tritt”

Jake "The Snake" is back!

All of us at the radio station had a big surprise today when my daughter, Jessica brought my grandbaby by for a visit. It's always good to show off the little fellow and the staff is always glad to see him. I hope I didn't hurt Bobby McGee's feelings when I made him wash his hands twice before holding him.

"The Snake" is doing great. He's sleeping more between feedings and eating more and growing and growing and growing!

Thanks to all of you who ask about him when I see you out or when you call.

Big Country Notes for Jan 29

KENNY CHESNEY’S “THE ROAD & THE RADIO” CERTIFIED TRIPLE PLATINUM

The accolades keep on coming for Kenny Chesney. His hit album “The Road and the Radio” has been declared triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, signifying shipments of three-million copies. Chesney says that gives him a benchmark to work from, adding, quote, “… if we're starting from here, we really have our work cut out for us - especially in terms of where the bar's set. Good thing me and the guys really like pushing ourselves to hit it even harder in concert.” Although his entire tour has not been announced, Kenny has informed his fans that he’ll do six stadium shows this year. Although the first one isn’t until June 9th in Philadelphia, PA, Chesney says, quote, “It takes a lot of focus and people to get these shows to be the way I want them to be for my fans.” He says he understands what fans want when they come to his shows because, quote, “… I took the artists I loved, the records I bought and the concerts I went to very seriously… and I try to put as much into this as I hope the people I was into did back when I was going to see them.

TIM McGRAW AND FAITH HILL TOUR POSSIBLE FOR 2007

Although no official announcement has been made, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill may be planning another “Soul2Soul II” tour leg this year. McGraw’s fan club site is soliciting memberships in the singer’s fan club, dangling 2007 pre-sale ticket opportunities as one of the selling points. The notice explains that if folks join Club SuperSoul, an upgraded version of the fan club, they will have the opportunity to enter drawings to attend a pre-show party with Tim and Faith, access to new exclusive audio and video footage, plus receive a Club SuperSoul 2007 T-shirt. They will also have access to exclusive Soul2Soul 2007 merchandise and Club Supersoul content from the Soul2Soul II and 2007 tour. The notice continues, quote, *In order to participate in 2007 pre-sales, you must purchase a MCGRAWFAN or Club SuperSoul membership (new or renewal) after January 1, 2007…the opportunity to enter pre-show party drawings will only be available to members who purchase a new or renewal Club SuperSoul membership after January 1, 2007. Interested fans can check out Tim’s website at www.timmcgraw.com.

WYNONNA INVITES PATTI LaBELLE TO NASHVILLE FOR BENEFIT CONCERT

Wynonna Judd and Patti LaBelle have been friends for years but they’ve never sung together. That will change on April 21st when LaBelle joins Wynonna for Divas Nashegas in Nashville. Wynonna told “The Tennessean,” quote, “When I reached out to her to ask her to join me at this year's Divas event for Oasis, I thought it would be nearly impossible to pull off because she is so busy with her new record and being on tour." Judd adds, quote, "When I got her response, I literally squealed and did a hallelujah dance because when she and I get together in a room, there's a lot of sassy attitude and positive spirit. She is a real soul music singer, and I know she's going to bring the tent down!" Divas Nashvegas is an annual fundraiser for the Oasis Center. The organization offers safety, hope, healing, and opportunities for growth to every youth, whether homeless, needing counseling, or wanting to become involved in their community.

MIRANDA LAMBERT CAN’T BELIEVE SHE HAS A GRAMMY NOMINATION

“Kerosene” has ignited the fire for Miranda Lambert. The singer has a GRAMMY nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance alongside Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson and Carrie Underwood. Lambert says, quote, “I didn’t even know the GRAMMY nominations were coming up and my manager told me they were the next day and that I might have a chance to get one.” Lambert says she really didn’t think she would but then her manager called to tell her she was up for Female Vocalist. Miranda says, quote, “I couldn’t believe it … I just never thought I would get one this year.” The 49th annual GRAMMY Awards air February 11th on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

DARRYL WORLEY WISHES PEYTON MANNING WELL IN UPCOMING SUPER BOWL

Darryl Worley loves football so he’s been following the path to the Super Bowl pretty closely. He’s been especially interested since the Indianapolis Colts have made it to the big game. In fact, Worley was on hand when the Colts beat the New England Patriots in Indianapolis last weekend. Worley says, quote, “We had a great trip home because everybody was pumped about the Indianapolis win.” Darryl adds, quote, “I was a fan of [quarterback] Peyton Manning when he was at the University of Tennessee so I’m looking forward to seeing him playing the Super Bowl.”

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL SAYS “ALYSSA LIES” CONTINUES TO IMPACT LISTENERS

For seven kids in Augusta, GA, hearing “Alyssa Lies” was a turning point in their lives. Jason Michael Carroll says he had a schoolteacher in Augusta ask him if she could play his song for her class. She told him she wanted to have them write a report on what the song meant to them. Two months later, the teacher got back in touch with Jason and told him that seven kids spoke up after hearing the song to say they were in abusive situations in their homes. All of the students received help, either through counseling or by being removed from their situation Carroll says, quote, “Every artist dreams of having the opportunity to touch somebody’s life.”

ESCAPED CONVICT STEALS CRYSTAL GAYLE’S BUS

Crystal Gayle’s husband, Bill, received a strange call last Thursday. Police in Lakeland, FL, wanted to know if Crystal had sent her bus to the NASCAR race to pick up driver Tony Stewart. After assuring them he had not, Bill called the lot where Crystals bus was parked only to find out it had been stolen. It didn’t take police long to figure out that the driver of Crystal’s bus was escaped fugitive Christopher Daniel Gay. Gay was caught Friday night after dropping off a prostitute in an area where police were conducting an undercover prostitution sting. The officers pulled the bus over and Gay was arrested without incident. Crystal says, quote, “I am relieved that nobody was hurt. I do know that the bus must have been rocking and rolling with a prostitute on board and we’ll have to do some cleaning with Clorox.” The 45-foot blue Prevost is being returned to the singer, condition unknown.

QUICK BITES

Big & Rich and John Mellencamp guest on this morning's "Imus in the Morning" radio and television TV show.

Brad Paisley will play the New Orleans Jazz Festival in its first weekend, April 27th – April 29th. Other scheduled for the event include Jerry Lee Lewis, Harry Connick Jr., Van Morrison and the Allman Brothers Band.

Faith Hill, The Wreckers, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and Sugarland are just a few of the artists on “Totally Country Vol. 6,” which will be in stores tomorrow. Others on the project include Gary Allan, Lonestar, Keith Anderson and Gretchen Wilson.

Joan Osborne plays the Grand Ole Opry February 9th and 10th. Osborne recently released her first country album “Pretty Little Stranger.” She says, quote, “The Grand Ole Opry is such an important part of American culture and history. I can’t remember when I’ve been this excited - to be asked to play the same stage that Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, Patsy Cline and so many others have graced is a true career highlight.” The album features Opry members Vince Gill and Alison Krauss along with Rodney Crowell.

Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn has been tapped to host the Symphony Spring Fashion Show that features Oscar de la Renta's fall collection on May 1st.

Keith Urban has won an award for outstanding achievement by the Country Music Association of Australia. The singer was born in Whangarei and raised in Australia.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna and his wife, Matraca Berg, will perform at the Third Annual Sweethearts for Scholarship Dinner & Auction, hosted by Nashville State Community College Foundation, on Friday. All event proceeds will benefit the General Scholarship Fund for deserving students at Nashville State Community College (NSCC).

Tracy Lawrence has become a spokesperson for Cinch jeans. He will be wearing the latest styles from the jean manufacturer this year. Lawrence’s new album “For the Love” will be in stores tomorrow. It includes the song "Find out Who Your Friends Are," featuring vocals from Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.

Blaine Larsen says his new single “Spoken Like a Man” speaks to the guys. Larsen says, quote, “It’s got a really great message,” he tells us. “I just thought it was cool to have a song on there that spoke to the guys that are at the bar on the weekends…just hanging out, having a good time, playing pool and shooting the breeze.”

Megan Peeler has won the 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown. LeAnn Rimes hosted the show from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Peeler was presented with a 100-thousand dollar Grand Prize check and the title "Best New Act in Country Music". Many of today's top country artists have competed in past local, state, regional and national competitions, including Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans and Montgomery Gentry. The 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown National Final special will air nationwide over syndicated television in April.