Big Country Notes for Mar 2

SUGARLAND CELEBRATES PLATINUM PARTY IN NASHVILLE

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush called the Platinum certification of their album “Along for the Ride” a “humbling experience.” The two were honored Tuesday at a party at the CMT offices in Nashville. Bush told the crowd of well-wishers, “I still remember going door to door trying to convince people to buy our records.” The party also honored the duo’s number one hit “Want To” and co-writer Bobby Pinson. Just prior to the party, Jennifer and Kristian had announced the final nominees for the CMT Music Awards, which will be held April 16th.

KENNY ALPHIN SAYS HE KNOWS WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE DOWN TO “LAST DOLLAR”

Kenny Alphin of Big & Rich knows exactly how the person feels in the Tim McGraw hit “Last Dollar,” which he wrote. Alphin was literally down to his last 200-dollars when he was in Las Vegas in 2002. He says, quote, “That was all the money I had and I had maxed out my credit cards.” He adds, “I figured I could go down to the blackjack tables and turn that 200 into two thousand dollars and I’d go home and pay my rent and my credit card bills.” Unfortunately for Kenny, he turned the 200 into 21 dollars. Kenny says, quote, “I tipped the dealer 20 dollars and kept the other dollar. Then I went to the room and wrote that song.” McGraw heard the tune three years later when Alphin demoed it. Tim told him he wanted to cut it but Big Kenny thought he was joking. Several years later McGraw asked him for the song again and Alphin gave it to him to record. Now that Kenny has found success with Big & Rich, he says he doesn’t want to forget what it’s like to be that person down to his or her last dollar. Kenny says, quote, “You have to live your life as if you have nothing to lose – that’s true freedom.”

TOBY KEITH JAMS FOR INVITED GUESTS DURING COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR

Toby Keith performed at the Music City Jam during Country Radio Seminar in Nashville Tuesday night. Keith sang his own songs among those of invited guests Carters Court, Flynnville Train and Lindsey Haun. He also introduced special guests Bobby Bare, Crystal Gayle and Montgomery Gentry during the evening’s performance. He and Bare sang “Detroit City” and “Marie Laveau.” He called Bare one of the most influential songwriters in his career. Toby dueted with Crystal on “You and I” and “Making Up For Lost Time.” As she was leaving the stage he turned around to his band and said, quote, “I just sang two songs with Crystal Gayle!” Keith also sat in on the Flynville Train set because one of the singers was having throat problems. He and Montgomery Gentry sang the Marshall Tucker hit “Can’t You See.” They closed the evening with a toast and a rockin’ rendition of “Beer for my Horses.”

JOE NICHOLS WILL SING AT ANNA NICOLE SMITH’S FUNERAL

Joe Nichols is going to the Bahamas to sing at Anna Nicole Smith's funeral. The singer was asked to come to the ceremony by Smith's attorney, Howard K. Stern. Joe, who was one of Smith’s favorite singers, met her in 2005 when he was playing on the Grand Ole Opry. “Entertainment Tonight” reports that Nichols will perform "I'll Wait for You," a track from his “III” album, and the country gospel song "On the Wings of a Dove." Smith died February 8th in a Florida hotel room. The funeral, which is being held in Nassau, is for invited guests only.

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL HAS HIGHEST SALES OF COUNTRY MALE ARTIST THIS YEAR

Jason Michael Carroll is having a great year. His debut album “Waitin’ in the Country” is in its third week in “Billboard’s” top country album chart. The heavy sales spurred by the hit single “Alyssa Lies” have put the disc in the top ten best selling country albums so far this year. Jason says, quote, “I was really scared for the label to put out a song as deep and dark as ‘Alyssa Lies’ for the first single. It is a very special song.” He adds, quote, “It was a surprise that so many people connected with the song but sad too, because it’s a bigger issue than I thought when I wrote the song.” As previously reported, the album charted at number one with the highest unit sales of any new artist since Billy Ray Cyrus in 1992. Carroll, who says he is a fan of Billy Ray, says he has not had the opportunity to meet the singer of “Achy Breaky Heart” yet.

TROY GENTRY SENTENCED IN SHOOTING OF BEAR

Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry has been given a three-month sentence and a 15-thousand dollar fine in his shooting the captive bear, Cubby, last year in Minnesota. He will not have to serve the three months as it is a probated sentence. Gentry pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge last November. As part of a plea deal entered in November, Gentry will forfeit the 600-pound black bear and the bow he used during the hunt and will not hunt in Minnesota for five years.

GRAND OLE OPRY RETURNS TO OPRYLAND COMPLEX FOR SHOWS

The Grand Ole Opry returns to the Grand Ole Opry House tonight at the Opryland complex. The radio show has been at the Ryman Auditorium for the past four months. Performing this weekend are Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, John Waite, Craig Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Danielle Peck and Porter Wagoner. Morgan says, quote, “It’s a thrill every time I play the Opry. I think a lot has to do with fact that Opry legends still there – people like Jim Ed Brown, John Conlee -- that’s what makes it very special.” The Tuesday Night Opry returns next week with a lineup that includes Diamond Rio, Restless Heart, the Del McCoury Band and Jimmy Dickens.

QUICK BITES

Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook has a broken toe. He says he was going to get on his couch and when he swung his leg around his toe caught against the wooden base and cut it to the bone.
“The Tennessean” reports that Reba McEntire's people are talking to Beyonce's camp about including her on Reba's upcoming duets album. The disc, slated for a fall release, will feature duets with Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, Justin Timberlake, Don Henley and Kelly Clarkson.
According to “Billboard” magazine, Merle Haggard is cutting a bluegrass album. He is also doing a compilation for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store featuring six of his classic hits and six new songs.

Kellie Pickler, Brooks & Dunn and Academy Award winning actor Forest Whitaker are among the 20 new members of the American Red Cross' sixth annual National Celebrity Cabinet. In addition, the 2007 National Celebrity Cabinet will include 30 alumni, such as Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts, among others. Cabinet members work to promote awareness of Red Cross services.

Big Country Notes for Mar 1

RODNEY ATKINS SAYS HE’S PROUD TO REPRESENT COUNTRY MUSIC TO DETRACTORS

One man’s treasure is another man’s lack of comprehension. That proved to be absolute truth recently when Rodney Atkins was the musical guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Another of Leno’s guests, comedian Bill Mahar, made the statement to host Jay Leno that the only reason he listened to country music was to make fun of it. Atkins took offense, not because he felt like Maher was insulting him, but rather his musical heroes and country music. Atkins says, quote, “I was proud to be the country music artist there that night to be able to give credit to country music after he said that.” Atkins says he’s seen firsthand what country music can do for people, He adds, quote, “I’ve seen kids in hospitals light up when I sing ‘If You’re Going Through Hell.’ I’ve had letters from people who told me that song helped them through a crisis.” Rodney says that Leno came up to him after the show and told him, quote, “Thank you for being a class act and for singing a song about what values are all about.” Atkins said he looked for Maher after the show but he had left as soon as the taping was over.

“NASHVILLE STAR” WINNER CHRIS YOUNG GIVING UP CROWN TONIGHT

Country music will have another “Nashville Star” winner tonight. USA’s country music talent show will crown a new winner tonight and it’s given last year’s winner, Chris Young, cause to reflect on his last year. Young says, quote, “I’ve definitely been thinking about what I’ve accomplished this past year.” He adds with a laugh, quote, “I might go from being the winner of “Nashville Star” to the guy who records for RCA!” Tonight’s finale will choose one winner from the three remaining contestants -- siblings Angela and Zac Hacker, and David St. Romain. Each contestant brings something away from the experience. St. Roman says, quote, “I’ve learned to listen to what the people experienced in the business say.” Angela says she has learned the power of television and Zac says he’s learned what it means to be focused.

LeANN RIMES COMMENTS ON BRITNEY SPEARS SITUATION

LeAnn Rimes knows the ups and downs of being a young superstar and the singer says she’s sympathetic to what pop singer Britney Spears is going through. LeAnn says, quote, “I grew up in front of everyone … the public knew about all the issues I had with my family.” She adds, quote, “As a young girl my family didn’t encourage me to speak out so for many years I didn’t really know who I was.” Rimes says she hopes that Spears’ family will reach out to her and help her while she’s going through rehab. LeAnn says, quote, “I know what it feels like and I hope she can get on the right path.”

KENNY CHESNEY FANS ARE ROCKIN’ AND READY TO PARTY

Kenny Chesney says his fans are known for the parties they throw in the parking lot before his shows. His recent performance at the Jupiter Bar & Grill in Tuscaloosa, AL on the first night of his guerilla college bar tour brought out the best in his fans. Chesney says, quote, “Judging from the other night, it looks like everyone is geared up, jamming hard and seriously into getting out there and playing the big sheds, arenas and stadiums.” Chesney says he loves the small intimate atmosphere of the bars because the music he does is perfect for the setting. He says, quote, “If there's ever a time and a place for these songs it's a beer joint where kids come to listen to music.” Chesney adds, quote, “You know, these songs aren't so different from what I played for tips in college – they feel like what people with acoustic guitars on bar stools play around the world every night.”

QUICK BITES

Kenny Rogers received the Career Achievement Award from the Country Radio Broadcaster’s at the DJ and Radio Hall of Fame dinner Tuesday night. The award is presented to a deserving artist who has been a major influence on the growth and success of Country Radio. In attendance were Billy Currington and Vince Gill.

Little Big Town introduced a surprise guest to the crowd who attended their performance in Nashville Tuesday night. John Mellencamp joined the group onstage at a club on Lower Broadway, where Little Big Town was performing for invited guests during Country Radio Seminar. They performed three songs from his new album, which they do guest vocals on. Others on the show were Clint Black, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Mark Wills and Laura Bryan.
Jason Aldean's second album, “Relentless,” will be released May 29th.

Marty Stuart is producing Kathy Mattea's new project, "Coal" a stripped down, acoustic album that honors the music of the coal mines, especially those in Kathy’s native West Virginia. The album is expected to be released later this year.

Daryl Worley will host a benefit for Cystic Fibrosis during the week of the CMA Music Festival in Nashville

Big Country Notes for Feb 28

TOBY KEITH HONORED WITH AWARD FROM BMI FOR 50 MILLION AIRPLAYS

Between the Ford trucks and the fried bologna sandwiches, there was no mistaking it was Toby Keith’s hour to shine in Nashville yesterday. Toby was honored by the performance rights organization Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) for having his music reach the 50 millionth performance airplay milestone. He joins a very elite group of songwriters, among them John Lennon, Elton John, Barry Gibb and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, who have also achieved the same number of performances for their songs. Keith says, quote, “I had no idea what it meant to have airplay of 50 million spins.” When asked who among the other writers who had achieved the same honor before him he would like to write with, Keith replies, quote, “It would have to be John Lennon. He would be the most intriguing. I mean he’s a Beatle.” He adds, quote, “That’s a nice group to be associated with.”
· How long does it take to play 50 million spins? Since 1993, Toby's songs have been heard on the airwaves for approximately two-million-500-thousand hours.

TIM McGRAW AND FAITH HILL HEADLINE BENEFIT FOR SHARE THE BEAT

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are sharing the beat on March 10th in Nebraska. Tim and Faith will headline the University of Nebraska Medical Center's "Share the Beat" benefit to raise awareness about organ donation. They will join host James Denton of ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” Phil Vassar, Riviers Rutherford and Alana Grace. The James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness is a sponsor, and James Redford and his father, actor Robert Redford, will also be there.

RASCAL FLATTS HAVE TWO SONGS SURPASS ONE MILLION DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

Rascal Flatts is big in technology, and according to Nielsen SoundScan the group has had two digital tracks pass the one-million-paid-download mark in the last two weeks. “What Hurts The Most” and “Life Is A Highway” have both sold more than one million digital downloads each, making Rascal Flatts the first country artist in the history of SoundScan to have two songs reach this level. The band continues their busy schedule. They are out on the 2007 “Me and My Gang” tour and are working on their new album. Additionally the trio has been in the Los Angeles area shooting the video for their latest single, “Stand.”

TOBY KEITH SAYS HE’S ASKED KRIS KRISTOFFERSON TO BE IN HIS NEXT MOVIE

Toby Keith is still working on the script for his next movie, “Beer For My Horses.” The movie is based on his hit single and the video he did with Willie Nelson. The singer says he has not finished the script because he has been involved in so many other projects, including his tour and running his Show Dog Nashville record label. Keith says, quote, “I just need to get to work and get it finished.” Toby revealed that he has talked to singer/songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson about taking a part in the movie. The singer says, quote, “There is a part in there that I kinda had him in mind for.” He declined to say whether Kristofferson had accepted and said he had not asked anyone else to take a part in the production. Keith says he hopes to do a movie every other year and plans to start on “Beer for my Horses” the last quarter of 2007.

EMERSON DRIVE’S NEW SONG ALREADY A FAN FAVORITE

Fans were familiar with Emerson Drive’s new single “Moments” before it was every released to radio. The group’s Brad Mates says, quote, “We are able to take these songs that are on the album out and play them for the crowds and get reactions from the people before we ever record them.” Mates adds, quote, “I’ve found it’s very important to do that. You learn a lot from your fans, especially those who have been with you from the start.” Emerson Drive’s fans will be thrilled to learn that the group has been nominated for a Juno for Country Recording of the Year for their album “Countrified.” The Juno awards are Canada’s equivalent to the GRAMMY awards in the states. The winners will be announced April 1st.

WILLIE NELSON RELEASES SINGLE AS DOWNLOAD

Willie Nelson’s single "Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth?" is now available as an online download. The song features Nelson’s friends including Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons of The Doobie Brothers, plus Willie's sons Lukas and Micah. Nelson wrote the tune on current politics and world affairs on Christmas Day 2003. He says, quote, "I have a son who was born on Christmas. But the dual celebration that day was shadowed by the war in Iraq as well as other military and political conflicts around the globe.” Nelson adds, quote, "I was watching TV and the war was going on and the bombs were going off. I said to my wife, 'There's babies dying and mothers crying.' She said, 'Write that down.'" Nelson wrote that down plus lines like “How much oil is one life worth?” and “Is this what God wants us to do?” Nelson considers the song an extension of his ongoing personal commitment to causes that make the world a better place – among them his Farm Aid shows and the promotion of bio-diesel fuel. Proceeds from the sale of the single benefit the National Veterans Foundation. To download it go to http://main.losthighwayrecords.com/ and click Willie’s name under artists, then look for the downloadable song.

SONGWRITERS PERFORM SERIES OF SHOWS IN NEW YORK CITY

Keith Anderson, Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, Jeffery Steele and Craig Wiseman are among the songwriters who will perform for “CMA Songwriter Series Salutes the Men of Country Music” on March 29th at Joe’s Pub in New York City. These writers have written hits for Garth Brooks, George Jones, George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw and Montgomery Gentry. Anderson says, quote, "I love performing live with my full band, but none of that would be possible without the songs. This setting gives us the chance to tell the stories behind the songs that people have heard, and it helps the songs take on a whole new meaning for the listeners."
This concert kicks off a series of four singer/songwriter concerts in New York sponsored by the Country Music Association (CMA). The second concert, on May 31st, will be themed "CMA Songwriters Series Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Bluebird Café;" October 4th’s concert will be "CMA Songwriters Series Salutes The Women of Country Music." The final show on November 29th will be titled "CMA Songwriters Series Salutes the Groups/Duos of Country Music." Songwriters for additional shows will be announced in the coming months.

CHARGES AGAINST HANK WILLIAMS JR. DROPPED

Misdemeanor assault charge against Hank Williams Jr. have been dropped by the district attorney's office in Memphis, TN. The charges stemmed from an incident that happened in 2006 when Hank’s daughters were in a Memphis hospital recovering from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Holly Hornbeak, a 19-year-old waitress, alleged that Williams yelled obscenities and choked her while she was working in the bar of the Peabody Hotel. District Attorney General Bill Gibbons has declined to specify whether an out-of-court settlement was reached between Williams and Hornbeak.

QUICK BITES

Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, have named their first child William Huckleberry Paisley, according to the singer's publicist. Mom and Dad Paisley will call their son Will. He was born Thursday at a Nashville hospital.

Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, LeAnn Rimes and Gretchen Wilson have been added to the list of performers for the 2007 CMA Music Festival June 7th-10th.

Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, The Wreckers and Dierks Bentley have designed birdhouses to help the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville. The public will bid on the birdhouses March 8th at the annual Birdhouse Event at the Mall at Green Hills.

The March 12th issue of “Country Weekly” reports that Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw renewed their wedding vows during a cruise in January. The couple first said their vows in 2001.

Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler perform the final show for this season’s Soundstage on March 1st. Other performers for the season included Lee Ann Womack and Jewel.

Bomshel and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute have teamed up to auction off a Wicked Women of Tequila Rose chopper over CMTAuctions.com. The motorcycle will go on the auction block in early March. The winning bid will be announced at the duo’s concert in Grand Rapids, MI on March 24th. In addition to Bomshel, the Wicked Women Of Tequila Rose motorcycle has been signed by a host of country artists including Rodney Atkins, Steve Holy, and Jo Dee Messina.

Big Country Notes for Feb 27

MONTGOMERY GENTRY ONCE AGAIN HOST ACM MOTORCYCLE RIDE

It’s the freedom of the road that keeps Montgomery Gentry riding their motorcycles, and the duo will ride for charity on May 13th when for the fourth time they’ll host the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Celebrity Motorcycle Ride in Las Vegas. Riders will cruise through Nevada’s desert and then up into the mountains before arriving at their final destination, Fremont Street. There, country artists will participate in the finale, a concert that will feature past and present ACM award nominees as well as newcomers to the industry. Eddie Montgomery says, quote, "It's something I look forward to every year—I'm happy to be a part of it!" Troy Gentry says, quote, "It's been incredible to watch it grow from 100 bikes to over 15-hundred bikes.” He adds, quote, “It's impressive that these amazing people and fellow artists donate their time and money for such a worthy cause and charity. I'm flattered to say I'm involved."
· To register for this year’s Academy of Country Music Celebrity Motorcycle Ride, go to www.acmcountry.com. Registration fees start at 30 dollars. Proceeds benefit the Academy of Country Music® Charitable Fund, which promotes music education and humanitarian programs.
· The motorcycle ride precedes the Academy of Country Music awards. The show will be broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 15th at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

KENNY CHESNEY CAN’T BELIEVE HE’S IN SWIMSUIT ISSUE OF “SPORTS ILLUSTRATED”

Kenny Chesney admits that the swimsuit issue of “Sports Illustrated” is one that he never missed buying, but now fans can find him in the 2007 issue, currently on newsstands. Kenny says, quote, “Me and my fraternity brothers used to go right out and buy the swimsuit issue when we were in college. I can’t believe I’m in it.” Chesney is paired with Marisa Miller in an ocean scene that has him dressed for the beach and her dressed in not very much. Chesney says the two were able to get acquainted during the shoot. He says, quote, “I could tell doing this shoot, we had very similar lives. We’re both very normal people, but then the lights come on, she becomes this other person. People who seem me onstage know what that means…” Other celebrities in the issue are Jimmy Buffett, rockers Aerosmith, rapper Kanye West and pop star Beyonce.

TRACE ADKINS MEETS HIS TALLEST FAN

Trace Adkins has found a fan he can look up to. When the singer was at a concert in Pennsylvania recently, he met Otis Key of the Harlem Globetrotters. Key is six-foot-ten-inches tall, four inches taller than Adkins. Otis, who’s in his tenth season as a Globetrotter, was in University Park doing interviews for an upcoming event and heard that Atkins was playing. Since Trace is one of his favorite singers, the basketball player stopped by to see the concert. Reports are that Otis sang along to every song. In even better news, Atkins’ song “Ladies Love Country Boys” went to the number one spot on the “Billboard” country charts and the Mediabase country charts this week.

CRAIG MORGAN GOES GOLD WITH DEBUT ALBUM

Craig Morgan must be living right: His debut album “My Kind of Livin'” has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Morgan celebrated the milestone yesterday at a party in Nashville. The singer says, quote, “It’s exciting and I’m excited for the label. It’s a huge accomplishment.” Morgan explains that it takes great songs and hard work to accomplish a Gold record. Craig says, quote, “Without a great song we couldn’t do what we’ve accomplished. Secondly, there’s a lot of hard work by a lot of people that goes into making this happen.” Morgan believes in hard work. Today he’s in Washington, D.C. to perform for teens graduating from a school sponsored by the U.S. Army. Craig says, quote, “The Army takes these underprivileged or high school students that the system says won’t succeed … and they have an 82-percent rate of success with these students who wouldn’t otherwise have received a high school diploma.”

DANIELLE PECK ALREADY WORKING ON SOPHOMORE PROJECT

Danielle Peck says she’s trying to make time to write songs for her new album. Peck says, quote, “It has been harder to write as much as I would like because of my jam-packed schedule on the road.” She adds, quote, “I do make time when I have more than one day home at a time.” While Peck says she has songs that she didn’t record on her debut album, she is writing tunes for her sophomore disc, which she hopes to begin recording soon. She says, quote, “I am also meeting with publishers and they are playing me some amazing songs. I can’t wait to get into the studio!” Danielle is finding time in her busy schedule to host a benefit for her favorite charity, Safe Haven, on March 26th in Nashville. Safe Haven is a Nashville-based organization that provides shelter to homeless families. For more information go to www.safehaven.org.

KELLIE PICKLER HAS HER OWN IDOL MOMENT WHEN SHE MEETS DOLLY PARTON

Kellie Pickler is at a loss for words. Yesterday morning she went to her record label, thinking she had a meeting there. Instead she was introduced to her music idol, Dolly Parton. Pickler says, quote, “I was so star struck … and I knew I was going to cry … but I didn’t want to because I was afraid my eyelashes would fall off.” Pickler says Dolly told her she had fake eyelashes too so, quote, “We have something in common … we’re both fake.” Picker was thrilled that Dolly also had on red high heels. She says, quote, “I almost didn’t wear mine today. She had this little red bag to match her heels and we got pictures.” Kellie says she’s always been a huge fan of Parton’s and has studied her work. She says, quote, “I admire her as a person, songwriter, performer – her whole career. To meet her and have her be exactly the way you want her to be was refreshing and incredible.”

JUNE CARTER CASH “ANCHORED IN LOVE” ON TRIBUTE DISC

"Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash" releases June 19th with contributions by Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, Ronnie Dunn, and Willie Nelson along with actor Billy Bob Thornton and pop singer Sheryl Crow. The latter met June when she sang on Johnny Cash’s “American III” disc. June’s son, John Carter Cash, says of Crow, quote, “When my mother passed away, Sheryl was there at the funeral, and she got up and sang some music with Emmylou.” Crow sings “If I Were a Carpenter” with Willie on the tribute album. Carter says, quote, ”It was a heartfelt thing, a matter of the spirit, and also to pay respect to my mother and father’s great original recording, when my parents turned the Tim Hardin song into a duet.”

QUICK BITES

New Music From An Old Friend,” featuring Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and other singer/songwriters, is in Target stores today. The disc includes a new and old tune by these writers and others, among them pop stars Kenny Loggins and Richard Marx. “New Music From An Old Friend” is one of the new releases from The Spotlight Music Series from Target.

John Berry has a new “Greatest Hits” collection. Included on the disc are “Your Love Amazes Me,” “She’s Taken a Shine” and “Change My Mind.”

Taylor Swift’s self-titled album is the Country Pick Of The Month for February on British Airways.

Tanya Tucker was among the guests at the Oscar party “Night of 100 Stars.” The formal sit-down dinner viewing party included past Oscar winners and nominees and celebrities covering every spectrum of the entertainment business. Tucker says, quote, “A great friend of mine, designer Peter Nygard, insisted that I go to this year’s event. I’m such a huge fan of a lot of the actors that were there.”

Keni Thomas’ “Alabama Home” is the official theme song for Talledega Superspeedway’s 2007 Race Events. The song, written and performed by Thomas, promotes five separate race events at Talledega. Fans can also find Keni’s music on Domino Pizza’s home page, www.dominos.com. The pizza chain is offering free music downloads, a chance to appear in their new TV commercial, and an opportunity to participate in the new Fan Fuel NASCAR(R) sweepstakes. Thomas has been in the studio recording his new album with producer Brent Maher.

John Anderson’s first video in six years, “A Woman Knows,” will debut Thursday on CMT’s Top 20 Countdown at 4pm CT. “A Woman Knows” is set to enter rotation at CMT and CMT Pure this weekend.

Big Country Notes for Feb 26

MARTINA, CARRIE AND KELLIE SET TO APPEAR ON “AMERICAN IDOL”

Country music will be well represented on the sixth season of “American Idol.” Carrie Underwood is set to make her second “Idol” appearance since her win in 2005 this season on March 8th. She will perform her current hit “Wasted.” Kellie Pickler will also appear which will mark her first return to the “Idol” stage. She’ll sing her current song “I Wonder.” Additionally, Martina McBride has been selected as one of nine new celebrity coaches to work with the contestants this season. She will also perform. Only Carrie’s date has been announced. “American Idol” airs on FOX.

CHESNEY HITS THE ROAD ON HIS ANNUAL COLLEGE TOUR

Kenny Chesney’s “Keg in the Closet” tour has become a tradition among the college crowd. The 2007 trek kicks off today at the Jupiter Bar & Grille in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. “They’re always absolutely insane at the Jupiter Bar & Grille,” Chesney says. “They kick us in the butt, and really get us digging into our memory bank for songs.” The singer explains that the whole point of the tour is to “play every song we know, a few we don’t really remember and make up whatever we can’t fake.” Following Tuscaloosa, the tour heads to Tallahassee, Florida tomorrow and to Gainesville on Wednesday. “Keg in the Closet” is a forerunner of Chesney’s new ”Flip Flop Summer” tour which kicks off on April 12th in Omaha, Nebaska. Joining the singer are Pat Green and Sugarland.

REBA McENTIRE AND KELLY CLARKSON PREVIEW NEW DUET

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson teamed up together for a taping of “CMT Crossroads” last Thursday night in Nashville. Among the numbers they performed was a new duet “A Lot Like You” before the invitation-only crowd. The song will appear on Reba’s upcoming duets disc due in stores this fall. McEntire is busy working on the project and has recorded eight songs so far. She confirmed that she’s already sung with Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Carole King, Don Henley, Kenny Chesney and, of course, Clarkson. Justin Timberlake will also be on the album. Reba says, quote, “Justin Timberlake did write a song for us to sing together and we’re hoping to do so in the near future.” “CMT Crossroads” pairs country music stars with popular artists from other musical genres—pop, rock, R&B. The show will premiere later this year.
· Next on Reba’s calendar—she will perform at the 2007 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo on Thursday.

NICOLE KIDMAN WANTS KIDS WITH KEITH URBAN

In an interview on Oprah Winfrey’s pre-Oscar telecast Thursday night, Nicole Kidman, already mom to adoptees Isabella and Connor with Tom Cruise, revealed to good pal Russell Crowe she wanted more kids. “Am I going to have a baby? I hope so,” Kidman said. Crowe told her “I want to see you walking around barefoot and pregnant,” to which the actress replied, “I’d like to see that, too.” In the conversation, Crowe asked Nicole about husband Keith Urban’s stint in rehab. She says, quote, “We’ve dug really deep. Three months into our marriage we had to dig really deep. And that’s what we are doing. We’re in the process of doing that.”

DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE FOR TAYLOR SWIFT

She may be only 17-years-old, but rising star Taylor Swift has accomplished more in the last few months than many singers. Last week in Nashville, she celebrated her first Gold album for her self-titled disc with a big party. She said, “This Gold party meant to me that something I used to dream about a year ago is actually, most definitely possible.” She has never lacked motivation saying, quote, “I feel like I was very lucky to find what would motivates me early in life.” Swift adds, quote, “Staying motivated is seeing the crowds I perform to every single night and seeing that they know the words to my songs.” Among her many accomplishments include her first stint on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and enjoying her first big hit “Tim McGraw.” Currently, she’s on tour with superstar George Strait. In April she joins Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour.

KENNY CHESNEY DOESN’T WANT PEOPLE TO FORGET HE’S ALSO A SONGWRITER

When it comes to accomplishments, Kenny Chesney has a huge list, including the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year honors. One of his talents that he hopes fans and peers won’t lose sight of is his ability as a songwriter. Chesney penned his current hit “Beer in Mexico” while lounging by the pool at friend Sammy Hagar’s home in Mexico. He’s also written his hit “Old Blue Chair” as well as “You Had Me From Hello,” “Road and the Radio” and “Guitars and Tiki Bars.” Kenny says, quote, “I got into the business as a songwriter, and the confidence level grew over the years. I just love making music…and songwriting’s still a very, very important part of my life.”

SARA EVANS DOES PHOTO SHOOT FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS

Sara Evans has been in front of the cameras again. This time she wasn’t dancing – she was doing a photo shoot for the American Red Cross. Evans is on the organization’s Celebrity Cabinet for the third year in a row. Sara took part in a new photo shoot for a national public service campaign that will be seen nationwide beginning next month. The singer joins a list of celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis, model Niki Taylor and Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden who are helping to spread the word about the Red Cross and its efforts to assist people nationwide. Sara says, quote, “My responsibility as a spokesperson is to get the word out about the organization at every opportunity.”

QUICK BITES

Mark Wills will perform a benefit concert for the TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers on March 10th. The event will take place in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Wills serves as honorary chairman of the foundation. The organization provides immediate benefits to families in the U.S. and Canada from federal, state, county and local law enforcement organizations. Over one-million-dollars has been distributed to over 300 families in the U.S. and Canada since November 2004.

Craig Morgan’s current CD “My Kind of Lovin’” has been certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500-thousand copies. The singer will celebrate his latest achievement with a Gold party tomorrow in Nashville.

The 2007 Houston Rodeo & Livestock concert series kicks off tomorrow with George Strait. Others performing include Reba McEntire, Clay Walker, Josh Turner, Gretchen Wilson, Alan Jackson, Pat Green, Martina McBride, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley and Brooks & Dunn. The series wraps up March 18th with ZZ Top.