Big Country Notes for APR 5

TIM McGRAW HITS TOP OF CHARTS WITH NEW ALBUM “LET IT GO”

Tim McGraw really let it go this week – the singer debuted at number one at the top of the “Billboard” 200 all-genre chart with his new album “Let It Go.” Tim’s album scanned 325-thousand copies, giving him his fourth number-one on this chart and his ninth chart topper on “Billboard’s” country chart. The disc has 13 tracks, including his hit single “Last Dollar” and a couple duets with wife Faith Hill. McGraw says he’s very proud of the new project and the fact that his band once again played on it.
In other country activity on the album charts, Alabama’s “Songs of Inspiration II” bowed at number 33 on the “Billboard” 200 and Jack Ingram’s “This is It” came in at number 34. Alabama debuted on the “Billboard” country charts at number three while Ingram came in at number four. It’s his highest debut on the country charts.

KEITH URBAN SAYS MUSIC HAS BEEN HIS THERAPY THROUGH LIFE

Keith Urban says music has helped him through the toughest points in his life. He says, quote, “In so many ways it’s been an outlet for me in a cathartic way to get things out that otherwise would have continued to wear me down. It’s like the therapists couch.” Urban says he’s been fortunate that music has always been a part of his life. Keith says one fortunate incident in his life happened when a woman came into his parents general store and asked what it would cost to put an ad in the window for music lessons. Urban says, quote, “My parents told her if she could each me to play she could put the ad in the window for free.” The triple-threat performer – singer, songwriter and musician – says it’s one thing to have an instrument but another to learn to play it. Earlier this week, Urban told a group of students at the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville, quote, “When I was a kid everyone else was out at the oval playing cricket. I was the kid in the music room playing guitar.” He adds, quote, “Music has saved my life. It’s been a guiding force, it’s kept me going.”
Urban says he’s been involved in the W.O. Smith Music School for several years. He says he sought out a program that gives children the opportunity to learn music and follow their dreams. Keith was the celebrity speaker at a groundbreaking for the school’s new location in Nashville on Tuesday. The facility will open in Spring of 2008.

BIG & RICH DESIGN NEW PEPSI COLA CAN

John Rich and Kenny Alphin of Big & Rich have an additional job description. The two men have created a unique design for the new Pepsi Cola can. The duo says, quote, "When Pepsi presented this opportunity to us, we thought it would be a great way to share our love of music with everyone while they're enjoying a Pepsi." The design will be on grocery shelves and other stores in the next few months. The duo adds, quote, "Our very own Pepsi can will be seen around the country and turned up high by millions in the coming months.” They join the pop band All-American Rejects and rapper/producer Pharrell Williams as celebrity designers for Pepsi’s new look. The three newly designed cans will feature a website address that will take fans to exclusive footage of the artists and information about their new projects. These designs are a part of Pepsi's global brand restyle. In its 109-year existence, Pepsi-Cola's look has changed just ten times, but this year alone, it will change more than 35 times.
In addition to his designing talents, John has been in the studio with Jewel producing her first country album. He told “The Tennessean,” quote, “"Her lyrics are unbelievably brilliant. She is more of a country singer than she is a pop singer.” He adds, quote, “She has all the breaks in her voice like Tammy Wynette; she has the emotion of Patsy Cline. I didn't even realize how great she was until we got in there." Rich also wore his producer’s hat when he went in the studio with Cowboy Troy to co-produce his June release, “Black in the Saddle.” John sings on the project, as does this year’s “Nashville Star” winner Angela Hacker and rock group Avenged Sevenfold.

BILLY RAY CYRUS A FAMILY MAN DESPITE NEW CELEBRITY

Billy Ray Cyrus plays a single father on his daughter Miley’s sitcom “Hannah Montana,” but in real life he and his wife Leticia have a combined family of six children. Cyrus told “Family Circle” in its April issue, quote, “Some of my favorite things to do are just hang out with the kids at home.” He says he loves to cook hamburgers on the grill and, quote, “try not to burn them to bad. I’m not a gourmet chef – I just try not to burn them too bad.” Cyrus told the magazine the last time he and Leticia had a date they went to a movie but left in the middle of it. He says, “We came home and played Ping-Pong and shot pool with the kids for hours, which was much more entertaining.” Billy Ray has been pretty entertaining himself recently on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Of his experience he says, quote, “It’s one of the most painful things I’ve ever been through. This is the sorest my body has ever been.” He adds, quote, “All this dancing has left me with an achy breaky butt.” Cyrus and his partner Karina Smirnoff will dance the paso doble to the southern rock hit “Black Betty” on next week’s show.

BILLY JOE SHAVER TURNS SELF INTO TEXAS AUTHORITIES, OUT ON BOND

Billy Joe Shaver is out on bond after surrendering to police Tuesday. The singer/songwriter was wanted on a charge of assault and on a weapons charge. Shaver shot a man in the face Saturday night at Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon in Lorena, TX, near Waco. He says the man followed him outside the club and had a knife and the shooting was in self-defense. Shaver posted a 50-thousand dollar bail after turning himself into the McLennan County jail in Waco. Shaver has had many of his songs cut by country singers, among them John Anderson’s hit “I’m Just an old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Someday).” The singer just released his first “Greatest Hits” album this week.

JUDGE REQUIRES DOUG SUPERNAW TO UNDERGO PSYCHIATRIC TESTING

Doug Supernaw told a Texas judge Tuesday that he was the subject of police conspiracy. Starpulse.com reports that the Brazos County Court judge in Bryan ordered the singer to report for psychiatric evaluation after he made the statement in a pretrial hearing. Supernaw was in court on a misdemeanor charge of evading arrest after a 2004 confrontation with a police officer. The singer explained to the judge that the conspiracy had kept him from having a career in music and also from a career in baseball. Supernaw has faced numerous drug-related arrests in the past few years. He is best known for his 1990’s hits “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” and “Reno.”

QUICK BITES

Gretchen Wilson’s 10-city coast-to-coast “Back to the Bars” tour raised over one-and-a-half million dollars for charity. Of the tour Gretchen says, quote, “My musical roots are in clubs and bars. We’ve done all these huge arenas and stadiums over the past three years – which has been amazing, but there’s nothing like playing for people standing just a few feet away.” She adds, quote, “It was really rewarding to be able to go back to these cities and these radio stations who supported us from the very beginning and give something back.”

Sugarland says their favorite place to visit in Nashville sells popsicles. Jennifer Nettles explains, quote, "Las Paletas. It's a popsicle shop with gourmet kinds, and fruit kinds and ice cream kinds and crazy flavors like wasabi and tamarind and all sorts of fun different flavors." Says Kristian Bush, quote, "You forget how much fun it is to just sit down and eat a popsicle. If that's not Sugarland, what is?"

Tiffany Fallon, wife of Rascal Flatts group member Joe Don Rooney, will co-host ""IFL Battleground." The show airs on MyNetwork Monday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern. Her co-host will be martial arts guru Bas Rutten.

Several artists will perform for the Rock Your Style concert series at different motor speedways this year. Julie Roberts visits Phoenix International Raceway April 21st; Joe Nichols, Talladega, April 29th; Shooter Jennings, Michigan, June 1st and the Daytona International Speedway on July 7th; and Uncle Kracker, Richmond International Raceway, September 8th.

The Ralph Stanley Museum & Traditional Mountain Music Center will host Dr. Ralph Stanley’s 80th Birthday Dinner and Fundraiser at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport, TN, tomorrow. Stanley will perform and promises a few surprise guests. All proceeds from this dinner will be used to support the Ralph Stanley Museum & Traditional Mountain Music Center’s operating and programming needs. Stanley duets with Josh Turner on his single “Me and God.”

Laura Bryna performed as the opening act for Emmylou Harris at United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland’s Black Tie & Blue Jeans Concert in Boston last weekend.

Emmylou Harris is being honored by the Humane Society of the United States for her work in fostering dogs who would otherwise be put to sleep. The association is encouraging contributions to The Keeta Fund, set up in honor of Emmylou's mixed-breed dog, Keeta. Donations assist the Humane Society's disaster programs for dislocated animals. Donations will be taken through the end of April at www.hsus.org/keetafund.

Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill will be featured on next month’s cover of “Ladies Home Journal.”

Jack Ingram will co-host “Southern Fried Flicks” with Hazel Smith Sunday. He will perform live on the CBS Saturday Early Show on April 14th. The singer will be the focus of his own AOL Sessions later this month.

Bucky Covington will visit with Lance Smith on the set of CMT's “Top 20 Countdown” today to talk about his debut video "A Different World"

Josh Gracin joins former NFL gridiron great Eddie George and Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson as a judge on CMT's Karaoke-Dokey tomorrow.

Sarah Buxton appears on “Nashville Music & More” Saturday on Nashville’s WSMV-TV to talk about her upcoming album and her experiences as a songwriter.

Big Country Notes for APR 4

MARTINA McBRIDE PLANNING WHIRLWIND TOUR OF MEDIA OUTLETS

Martina McBride is making the rounds of talk shows to promote her just-released album “Waking Up Laughing.” Today she’ll make an appearance on “Imus in the Morning” before taping one of personal favorites, “Emeril Live.” Then it’s back to Nashville for final rehearsals for her tour before returning to New York City for a guest appearance on ABC’s “The View” and “CNN Showbiz Tonight” on Tuesday. She returns to Nashville to be on the “CMT Awards” on April 16th. Martina then travels to Los Angeles to both perform and work with the contestants on “American Idol” on April 17th-18th. She says, quote, “I had never watched the show until this year. I went up and did ‘Canadian Idol’ and worked with the kids on that show and it gave me a whole new perspective of what the show is about.”

HANK WILLIAMS JR., MIRANDA LAMBERT ADDED TO THE AWARDS SHOW

CMT continues to bring star power to its annual awards show. Hank Williams Jr. has been added as a performer for the April 16th ceremony. Miranda Lambert, actress Melissa Peterman from the sitcom “Reba,” cooking guru Paula Deen and comedians Rodney Carrington and Ron White have all been announced as presenters. Previouslyannounced performers include Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Toby Keith and Bon Jovi. There will also be a special performance by Keith Urban from Australia, where he’ll be on tour. The previously announced presenters include Barbara Mandrell, Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Taylor Swift. The sixth annual CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville’s Belmont University on at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on CMT.
· Voting is currently underway at CMT.com to determine the winners as well as the “Flatt Out Fan Favorite,” the song that Rascal Flatts will perform to open the broadcast. The final nominees for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the show, and fans can vote at CMT.com, as well as via mobile phone, throughout the live broadcast (Eastern time zone only) to determine the final award of the night.

CHELY WRIGHT ANNOUNCES FIRST GUESTS FOR BENEFIT CONCERT

Chely Wright will welcome Keith Anderson, Emerson Drive, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Trent Tomlinson and Chris Young to her seventh Annual Reading, Writing & Rhythm Benefit Concert on June 5th. Wright says, quote, “I have become graciously humbled and overwhelmed by the outpour of support by my friends in music.” She adds, quote, “The music community is a caring and giving one and the success of the event is truly reflective of that.” The event will kick off this year’s CMA Music Festival at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Other artists will be announced as they are confirmed and there will be surprise guests throughout the evening. Chely established Reading, Writing & Rhythm in 1999. Her goal was to improve the quality of music education in America's public schools and raising public awareness about the importance of music education for students. Last year’s event raised over 100-thousand dollars for the charity. Since it was established seven years ago, the charity has donated gifts of music, musical instruments and services valued at just over one million dollars to schools and students nationwide.

DOLLY PARTON TO RECEIVE AWARD FROM SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

Dolly Parton is already in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and now she’s set to receive the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award. The honor goes to a songwriter whose body of work is of such high quality and impact, that it upholds the gold standard set by the legendary Johnny Mercer. In announcing the presentation, the Hall of Fame issued a statement saying, quote, “Dolly Parton’s songs have a straight-from-the-heart appeal combined with homespun poetry.” Others who have received the honor include Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joel and Jimmy Webb. The awards dinner will be held June 7th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

MARTINA McBRIDE, NICOLE KIDMAN WORK WITH LIFETIME’S “END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN” CAMPAIGN

Martina McBride has worked in many ways to shed light on domestic abuse and violence against women. Now she is dedicating her new single “Anyway” as a tribute to survivors of violence everywhere. The song will anchor a trailer for the movie “A Life Interrupted” starring Lea Thompson, which premiers on the Lifetime channel on April 23rd. The made-for-TV film is inspired by the true story of Virginia housewife Debbie Smith, who helped pass what has been hailed as the most effective piece of anti-rape legislation in U.S. history. The trailer will feature Martina and images of sexual assault survivors. It will air at the end of the film and will be featured in a viral e-card promoting the anti-violence message. Oscar-winning Nicole Kidman, wife of Keith Urban, is Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women, which is working with Lifetime to grow awareness through a grassroots initiative around the country. Also associated with Lifetime’s Emmy-winning “End Violence Against Women” campaign is singer Christina Aguilera.

BRENDA LEE SET TO RELEASE GOSPEL ALBUM OF DUETS NEXT WEEK

Brenda Lee will release her first gospel album next week. The child prodigy and music industry legend has asked a few of her peers to join her on the project, titled “Gospel Duets with Treasured Friends.” Artists on the album include Vince Gill, Huey Lewis, Dolly Parton, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Martina McBride, George Jones, Allison Krauss, Pam Tillis, Emmylou Harris and Charlie Daniels. Brenda says, quote, “Few people realize I actually started the very earliest days of my musical career as a child back in Georgia singing locally on weekends with the Masterworkers Quartet from Atlanta.” She adds that she’s always wanted to record a gospel album. She says, quote, “This project has far exceeded my dreams – not only with the artists who joined me on the music but in finding a label who would support me.”

PATTI PAGE AND SENATOR LAMAR ALEXANDER MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOGETHER

It may have been a first yesterday in Nashville – a U.S. Senator and a music legend got together in the studio to record a song. Patti Page and Senator Lamar Alexander were at Curb Recording Studio yesterday afternoon to record a new version of Page’s mega-hit “Tennessee Waltz.” It was the first time Alexander, who is a well-known musician in Nashville circles, met Patti. He says he’s always been a huge fan and used the singer’s hit to bring business to Tennessee when he was governor. He explains, quote, “The first time I went to Japan in 1979 to try to recruit companies here I was trying to think of ways to let Japanese know where and what Tennessee was. That’s when I found that every Japanese man of World War II age could sing ‘Tennessee Waltz; in English and would do so without being asked … so that song helped me sell the state to Japanese industry.” Page is recording a new album of new and old songs that will be released later this year.

QUICK BITES

More artists have been added to the lineup for the 2007 CMA Music Festival on June 7th-10th -- Brooks & Dunn, Kellie Pickler, Jo Dee Messina and Taylor Swift.

LeAnn Rimes will host the “Brick Awards” in New York City on April 10th. The awards honors young people who have contributed to making society a better place. The show airs on the CW network on April 12th.

Capitol Records Nashville has launched an online country music talent search contest, “The Road to Nashville.” The contest gives aspiring country singers the chance to become Nashville’s next big country star by auditioning online at http://bix.yahoo.com/TheRoadToNashville. Contestants will be judged by public voting online during the first two rounds of the contest. Jamie O’Neal will be among the judges who will choose the winner from ten finalists.

Billy Joe Shaver has released 18 of his most popular songs on a “Greatest Hits” album. It’s the first time Shaver’s fans can find songs like “”Georgia on a Fast Train” and “Old Chunk of Coal” on one disc.

Kathy Mattea, Riders in the Sky, Taylor Swift and The Wrights will perform at the ninth annual “Jammin’ to Beat the Blues” on April 12th at the Ryman Auditorium. The show benefits the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee.

Tim McGraw, bluesman B.B. King and actress Reese Witherspoon are among a group of celebrities who have signed wooden dog bones that will be auctioned to benefit the Mississippi Animal Rescue League. To check out the auction go to the Charity Folks website. It will be running through April 12th.

Big Country Notes for APR 3

THREE SUPERSTARS RELEASE “LIVE AT TEXAS STADIUM”

The 2004 stadium show featuring George Strait, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett performing together for the first time ever was a huge event. Now fans can relive the experience with the album “Live From Texas Stadium,” which releases today. The 15-song disc includes many of the singers’ classics including “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “Margaretville” and “Where I Come From.” The duets are there, too, including Alan and Jimmy’s “Five O’Clock Somewhere” and George and Alan’s “Murder on Music Row.” Strait says the idea began to gel when he, Jackson and Buffett found themselves all in one place in the Bahamas a few years ago on separate fishing trips. The show was several years in the making, but Strait calls it one of his favorite concerts ever.

MARTINA McBRIDE RELEASES NEW ALBUM TODAY

“Waking Up Laughing” must be the way Martina McBride feels this morning. Her new album of that title releases today, and while the singer always puts 110-percent into her music, this album may be a little more personal. Martina not only produced it entirely by herself, she co-wrote three of the songs on the project. The singer says someone asked her if her single “Anyway” is more personal to her since she co-wrote it (with the Warren Brothers). She says, quote, “I’m just as excited about the last single I had out, or “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” as I am this song. I feel like those songs are as honest and real and as much me as something I would have written. All that said I am very proud of it.”

“NASHVILLE STAR” ANGELA HACKER RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM TODAY

Angela Hacker may have set a record for recording her debut album. The singer, who was announced as the new winner of “Nashville Star” on March 1st, is already releasing her first album today. The disc, titled “The Winner Is Angela Hacker: Nashville Star Season 5,” features four original songs and six cover tunes. Angela told the “Times Daily” that the disc will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart and iTunes. Angela says, quote, “I can’t remember a time in my life when I ever wanted to be anything but a singer. I wrote my first song at age ten and have been working at it ever since.” She adds, quote, “Now that it’s actually happening, all I can think is ‘wow.’ What did I do right?” Hacker is already making plans for her second disc, a duet album with her 23-year-old brother Zac Hacker, who was the first runner-up in the “Nashville Star” competition. Angela will hit the road along with Zac, David St. Romain and Joshua Stevens. The tour kicks off in Hershey, PA, on July 1st. The singers will do 40 dates over a three-month period this summer.

GRETCHEN WILSON TO PREVIEW MATERIAL FROM NEW ALBUM AT ACM CONCERT

Gretchen Wilson will preview material from her upcoming album “One of the Boys” when she performs May 13th in Las Vegas. Wilson will be participating in the Academy of Country Music’s concert after its annual Country Motorcycle Ride hosted by Montgomery Gentry. The celebrity ride is a benefit for the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund, which promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs. The evening’s show will be held at the Fremont Street Experience. Gretchen’s new album will be released two days later, on May 15th, the same day as the 42nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards show. The awards show will be broadcast live over CBS.

DENISE JACKSON WRITES BOOK ABOUT LIFE WITH HER HUSBAND, ALAN

It’s not exactly a tell-all book, but Denise Jackson has written a tome about her life with hubby Alan Jackson. Set for a July release, “It’s All About Him: Finding the Love of my Life” is an in-depth look into the lives of the two childhood sweethearts. Denise talks about the couple’s struggles, dreams, successes and the near-failure of their marriage. She discusses rediscovering her faith and how that has helped to shape the life they now live. The book includes a bonus CD with two songs recorded by Alan for his wife’s project. There’s also a forward by Alan.

TIM McGRAW TO DO SPECIAL CONCERT AT CAMP JEEP

Jeep is sponsoring the “Soul2Soul Tour 2007” tour with Tim McGraw and his wife Faith Hill, so when McGraw was asked to perform a special concert at Camp Jeep on July 26th he was happy to say yes. Camp Jeep is the company’s “owner only” three-day mix of activities, including off-road driving. Held at the Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County, VA, the event always includes entertainment for the thousands of Jeep owners who attend. McGraw holds a special place in his heart for the Jeep brand. In 1996, when Tim and Faith were on tour together, they borrowed a 1978 Jeep CJ to go for a ride. It was on that drive that the two decided to build a life together. Several years later, Hill tracked down that red Jeep and gave it to McGraw as a birthday present. The couple now affectionately refers to it as their "Date Jeep."

“TODAY” SHOW ANNOUNCES SPRING/SUMMER CONCERT LINEUP

Martina McBride performs on NBC’s “Today” show this morning and “Conan” tonight. On May 11th Martina returns to “Today” with Josh Turner and Gretchen Wilson to officially kick off the show’s Spring/Summer concert series. Big & Rich guest on the series June 1st and Bon Jovi performs on June 19th.
· In other “Today” show news, Rodney Atkins will guest on April 20th.

BUCKY COVINGTON WRITES SONG WITH SAWYER BROWN’S MARK MILLER AND HOBIE HUBBARD

Bucky Covington is very conscientious about keeping his daily Internet blog going. In this week’s diary he talks about writing songs with Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller and Hobie Hubbard. Bucky explains that Mark had an idea for a song titled “Carolina Blue.” Bucky says, quote, “He thought it would be good for me since I’m from Carolina. It’s about being out in Los Angeles chasing your dreams.” He adds, quote, “The song is about watching everything fall into place except you have a girl back home that you miss … thus the reason the singer is ‘Carolina Blue.’”

QUICK BITES

Tim McGraw performs on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” this evening and Billy Ray Cyrus continues his competition on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” tonight and tomorrow night.
According to KGET.com, Dwight Yoakam is planning to honor Buck Owens with a tribute song due for release in June. Owens died at the age of 76 just over a year ago. His last number one single was “Streets of Bakersfield,” a duet with Yoakam. The Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, CA, which was owned by the singer, plans to host a party on August 12th in memory of Buck’s birthday.

RCA is re-issuing three of Dolly Parton's early solo albums today – “Coat of Many Colors” (1971), “My Tennessee Mountain Home” (1973) and “Jolene” (1974). The new discs will include previously unreleased studio tracks.

Neal McCoy performed at an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” benefit concert last week in upstate New York to raise money for the Oatman-Gaitman family from Schenectady. The family has two adopted sons who are HIV-positive. Neal says, quote, “Seeing a community pull together like this is what it's all about. I'm glad I could do my part to help and will bring home more than a good memory of the experience.”

LeAnn Rimes is in last week's issue of “Life & Style Weekly” discussing the latest trend of the purple eye shadow. Seems purple shadow makes LeAnn's Rimes' eyes look even bluer when she lines the upper and lower lids with it.

IN STORES TODAY

Martina McBride – “Waking Up Laughing”
Jimmy Buffet, Alan Jackson, George Strait – “Live At Texas Stadium”
Alison Krauss – “A Hundred Miles Or More: A Collection”
Dolly Parton – “Coat of Many Colors,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home” and “Jolene” (reissues)
“Charlotte's Web” DVD featuring Reba McEntire as the voice of Betsy the Cow

Big Country Notes for APR 2

MARTINA McBRIDE SET TO PROVE SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION THEORY ON “PRIMETIME”

Martina McBride is going to prove the “six degrees of separation” theory when she joins ABC’s “Primetime” for two one-hour specials. Show correspondent Jay Shadler visited Martina last week in Nashville to trace back her early days of the “wanna-be-country-singer” and how knowing one person who knew another person led to the singer’s big break. To advance the theory, the program has chosen six people who have three things in common – they don’t personally know Martina, they live in small towns and they have the desire to sing and be heard. The six hopefuls will get the chance to use the process of six degrees to meet McBride and have her produce their demo at Blackbird Studios in Nashville. The singer acknowledges that it takes talent, determination and luck to be heard. She adds, quote, “Looking back, the naivete it took for me and my husband John to move here with only a few contacts was crazy, but one connection led to another. I think you have to believe it will happen and take that chance.” No airdate yet for the specials. Tomorrow the singer’s new album “Waking Up Laughing” hits stores. Her multi-city arena tour kicks off April 12th in Kansas City. Opening acts will be Rodney Atkins and Little Big Town.
· The “six degrees of separation” was made famous in 1967 by social psychologist Stanley Milgram. His experiments suggested that two random U.S. citizens were connected on average by a chain six acquaintances.

LITTLE BIG TOWN’S PHILLIP SWEET GETS HITCHED

The last “single” member of Little Big Town has tied the knot. Phillip Sweet married Rebecca Arthur in an intimate ceremony last week. The wedding took place at Cedar Vine Manor, a romantic bed and breakfast in Lebanon, Tennessee, outside of Nashville. Band members Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, who married in May and Kimberly Roads, who married Stephen Schlapman last November, were among those in attendance. Sweet says he and Rebecca didn’t want to be in a serious relationship, but they couldn’t avoid each other. He says, quote, “...Once we got together, we were inseparable. Sometimes I feel like we are five years old and each other’s best friend.” The bride is a business owner and wardrobe stylist in Nashville.

BRAD PAISLEY PASSES ON MAKING A VIDEO FOR “TICKS”

Brad Paisley has decided not to make a video for his latest hit, “Ticks.” He says, quote, “I just have thought about it and I think the song just stands for itself. I think we’re going to go ahead and do the second single video and just put it out.” Another reason for not doing a video is the timing. Paisley admits that “Ticks” is moving so quickly up the chart that by the time the video is completed, “it’ll be out when it’s [a] top five [hit]. “Ticks” is the first single from his upcoming album “5th Gear” due in stores June 19th.

PHILLIP SWEET OF LITTLE BIG TOWN MARRIES REBECCA ARTHUR

Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town and Rebecca Arthur were singing “Going to the Chapel” last week. The two married at Cedar Vine Manor in Lebanon, TN just east of Nashville. Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, who married last May, and Kimberly Roads, who married last November, were in attendance. Rebecca is a wardrobe stylist in Nashville. Sweet says, quote, “Because neither of us wanted to be in a serious relationship, we tried to avoid each other for a long time. But once we got together, we were inseparable.” He adds, quote, “Sometimes I feel like we are five years old and each others best friend.” The couple will live in Nashville.

BILLY RAY CYRUS IS BACK FOR ANOTHER ROUND ON “DANCING WITH THE STARS”

Billy Ray Cyrus made it past the first round last week with partner Karina Smirnoff on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” On his blog, Billy Ray gives credit to his fans for his moving on to the next round. He says, quote, “I definitely took a lot of your advice…big smile, better hair, and I’m ‘trying’ to have more fun with it…but that’s a little hard when you’re scared out of your mind!” Last Tuesday night Billy Ray and Karina impressed the judges with their quick step to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” -- receiving a score of 21 from the judges. That’s an eight point increase from the previous week. There’s one celebrity you won’t be seeing in the competition tonight—former model Paulina Porizkova. She was voted off last week. According to CMT.com, Billy Ray and Karina are expected to dance the tango to Neil Diamond’s hit, “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon.” “Dancing With the Stars” airs tonight on ABC 8 p.m. Eastern.

TAYLOR SWIFT “OPENS” DODGERS SEASON OPENER TODAY

Taylor Swift has another career highlight to add to her list. She is performing a 30-minute concert at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles prior to the opening season game. Additionally, she will perform the National Anthem
before the first pitch. Of the honor, Taylor says, quote, “I can’t believe I have been given the chance to perform at the Los Angeles Dodgers opening day!…I have so many happy memories of going to baseball games as a little girl. I am really looking forward to it!” The Dodgers play host to the Colorado Rockies this afternoon. Swift is gearing up for Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires and Amplifiers” trek next month. Also on the tour bill is Jack Ingram and Kellie Pickler.

“NASHVILLE STAR” TOUR WITH ANGELA HACKER KICKS OFF JULY 1ST

The “Nashville Star” tour is gearing up for as many as 40 shows when it kicks off July 1st in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The trek features the show’s season five winner and Warner Bros. artist—Angela Hacker and the three runners-up: Zac Hacker (Angela’s brother), David St. Romain and Joshua Stevens. Fans will see the four 2007 finalists performing together and in full sets individually. Twenty-five dates have been confirmed with more to follow.

“NASHVILLE STAR” dates so far:
· July 1st—Hershey, PA
· July 4th—Osceola, IA
· July 6th—Robinsonville, MS
· July 7th—Kansas City, MO
· July 20th—Morrisonville, NY
· July 21st—Verona, NY
· July 22nd—Webster, MA
· July 27th—Bessemer, AL
· July 28th—Ft. Myers, FL
· August 1st—New Paltz, NY
· August 2nd—Gallipolis, OH
· August 3rd—Fayetteville, NC
· August 4th—Winston Salem, NC
· August 10th—Mt. Pleasant, MI
· August 24th—Oshkosh, WI
· August 25th—Fremont, OH
· August 31st—Anderson, SC
· Sept. 6th—Las Vegas
· Sept. 7th-8th—Jackpot, NV
· Sept. 14th—Owensboro, KY
· Sept. 15th—Springfield, OH
· Sept. 16th—Altoona, IA
· Sept. 29th—Lawrenceburg, IN
· Sept. 30th—Springfield, MO


QUICK BITES

Keith Urban will be among various luminaries at a press conference tomorrow to announce the “groundbreaking” of the future home of the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville. The new facility will allow the organization to double enrollment to serve more than 700 kids. Also on hand will be Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, the school’s Jonah Rabinowitz and Martin Fisher and John Stein, President of the Bank of America Tennessee.

Taylor Swift has been announced as the Honorary Spokesperson for Youth Service Day, which takes place April 20-22. The event is being held on behalf of CMT One Country and Youth Service America and is the largest volunteering event of its kind in the world.

George Jones University opened last Friday. Dean Tandy Rice oversaw registration and the classes on country music began with Bob Whitaker talking about the history of music in the Music City. The seminars are being held at the home of George Jones in Williamson County and center on how to enter the county music business.

Jack Ingram is giving fans the chance to own the very first pressed copy of his new album “This Is It.” Fans can find the copy selling at auction on eBay at www.universalmusicstore.com. All proceeds from the auction, which includes an autographed copy of the album and a letter of authenticity, will benefit the Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum’s All for the Hall campaign. Jack has just been confirmed to perform at the NASCAR Samsung 500 race at Texas Motor Speedway on April 15th.

Songwriter Gordie Sampson picked up a Canadian Juno Award last night for his composition “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” recorded by Carrie Underwood. The Dixie Chicks’ “Taking the Long Way” was named International Album of the Year.