Big Country Notes for MAY 4

JOSH TURNER AMAZED AT HIS THREE ACM NOMINATIONS

Josh Turner says he thought he might get one Academy of Country Music nomination this year; instead he got three, the most nods he’s ever received from the Academy. His proudest moment would be if he were to win the “Vocal Event of the Year” with Dr. Ralph Stanley. Josh says, quote, “If I had to choose one to win that would be the one. I’m such a huge fan of Dr. Ralph and everything he’s done as a solo artist and with the Stanley Brothers.” Turner is up against Brooks & Dunn with Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow performing “Building Bridges;” Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn and Ashley Monroe on the duet “I Don’t Want To;” Gretchen Wilson featuring Merle Haggard with “Politically Uncorrect” and Hank Williams Jr. with Wilson, Big & Rich and Van Zant performing “That’s How They Do It in Dixie.”

Turner’s “Would You Go With Me” is up for “Single of the Year” against Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” George Strait’s “Give it Away,” Heartland’s “I Loved Her First” and Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most.”
The song also drew a nomination for its writers, Shawn Camp and John Scott Sherrill in the “Song of the Year” category. There it rivals “Amarillo Sky,” written by John Rich, Big Kenny and Rodney Clawson and performed by Jason Aldean; Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” written by Chris Tompkins; Strait’s “Give It Away” written by Bill Anderson and Buddy Cannon; and “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” recorded by Rodney Atkins and written by Sam and Annie Tate and Dave Berg.

The 42nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas May 15th at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on CBS.

MULTIPLE COUNTRY STARS SET FOR STAGECOACH FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson are just a few of the country stars booked for the inaugural Stagecoach festival this weekend in Indio, California. The festival gets underway tomorrow and continues into Sunday, featuring a host of singers and songwriters including Sugarland, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. The event will provide musical entertainment as well as country memorabilia, vintage cowboy gear, folk art, seminars in how to be a trail boss, and blacksmith demonstrations.Here is the latest Stagecoach lineup:
May 5: George Strait, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Robert Earl Keen, Richie Furay, Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson, David Serby, Earl Scruggs, Nickel Creek, Yonder Mountain String Band, the Grascals, the John Cowan Band, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Riders In The Sky, Red Steagall, Waddie Mitchell, Sons Of The San Joaquin, Cowboy Nation.

May 6: Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland, Gary Allan, Pat Green, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Raul Malo, Junior Brown, Drive-By Truckers, Alejandro Escovedo, Railbenders, Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Marty Stuart, the Del McCoury Band, Abigail Washburn with the Sparrow Quartet featuring Ben Sollee, Sasey Driessen and Bela Fleck, the Flatlanders (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Butch Hancock), Garrison Keillor, Baxter Black, Cowboy Celtic, Don Edwards, Katy Moffat.

LeANN RIMES OFFERING TRIP TO CMA MUSIC FEST

LeAnn Rimes is offering one fan a trip of a lifetime. She has teamed with Chevy to bring one lucky winner to the 2007 CMA Music Fest! Among the items the winner will receive are hotel accommodations in a downtown Nashville hotel, domestic roundtrip airfare and admission to exclusive, private events. They will also be given tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and CMA Music Festival tickets for all events taking place June 7th – 10th at the event. To sign up for the contest check out Rimes’ website at www.leannrimesworld.com.

KIX BROOKS STARTING OWN WINE COMPANY

Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn is taking Mel Tillis’ advice to “stomp them grapes.” Brooks is opening a winery just south of Nashville in Errington, TN. He told a radio station that he is just a few weeks away from having wine in the facility. Brooks says, quote, “Just like any construction project it has taken us a long time.” He adds, quote, “We have 15-thousand cases of wine in barrels and a machine that will do 17-hundred bottles an hour.” The singer says they aren’t relying on, quote, “Kix Brooks, hillbilly singer” to market the wine but if they have a wine that wins some medals they might name it KB Select. Brooks will also not just be a spokesman for the winery. He says he has personally planted four or five hundred vines himself in the vineyard. Brooks says, quote, “It’s neat to start at the beginning and see how they turn out.” The first wine sold from the new business will be made from NAPA Valley, California grapes. Brooks thinks within a couple years the grapes they’ve planted will have matured enough to make the wine from them. When asked if he was getting in the vats and stomping the grapes he replied, quote, “Yeah, in sterilized cowboy boots.”

TOBY KEITH RAISES 500-THOUSAND WITH CHARITY EVENT

The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised more than 500-thousand dollars for Ally's House Charity last weekend. Toby upped the price of a dinner for 20 at his local I Love This Bar And Grill when he told bidders that he would join them. Then he said Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops, former OU and Dallas Cowboy’s head coach Barry Switzer and Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry would also join them. Finally he said dinner would not be at the restaurant but at his house. The total bid for the package was 58-thousand dollars. Ally's House is named after Allison Webb, daughter of Keith's friend and original bandmate Scott Webb. Ally died in August of 2003, one month short of her third birthday, from a form of kidney cancer called Wilm's tumors.

CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL BE FILMED FOR ABC TELEVISION SPECIAL

Fans who come to this year’s CMA Music Fest may see themselves on TV. ABC is filming the event for a two-hour special that will air July 23rd at 9 p.m. Eastern. Crews will film all aspects of the event for "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock." Included in the footage will be the evening performances at the Tennessee Titans Stadium. Sara Evans has just been added to the lineup for those concerts. She will perform along with Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, The Wreckers and Reba McEntire. This is the third time ABC will broadcast a special from the event. The CMA Music Festival is June 7th – 10th in Nashville.

PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULL OFFERS COUNTRY MUSIC CD ON WEBSITE

Country music has always been touted as being about the working folks in America. Perhaps that’s who presidential hopeful John Edwards had in mind when he came up with the latest thing in campaign donations. His website has posted a message that says anyone who donates 50 dollars or more to Edwards’ campaign will receive a copy of the new country music disc “Moneyland” which features various artists. Among the acts on the album are Merle Haggard, Welch, Marty Stuart, Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris, Bruce Hornsby & the Fairfield Four, Mac Wiseman, the Del McCoury Band and more. According to South Carolina Democratic Leader John Land, quote, “’Moneyland’ tells the story of the plight of rural America, through a collection of recordings, both old and new, from legendary country and bluegrass recording artists." Edwards was in Nashville the end of April. Among the artists who joined him at the Ryman Auditorium were McCoury, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, Chely Wright and actress Ashley Judd.
Edwards’ website mentions music he is listening to right now – Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “This Shirt” is one of the tunes listed.

JOE NICHOLS RACES AND RIDES

After singing the National Anthem at the Talladega 500 race on Saturday in Orlando, Florida, Joe Nichols enjoyed the privilege of hanging out in the pit area during the race with Jeremy Mayfield’s crew and the Bill Davis Racing Team. The next day Joe and his band attended a VIP party at Universal Studios Theme park. Apparently folks go to see another side of Joe and his fun-loving group. They were especially enthralled with the park’s Revenge of the Mummy ride, which the park kept open especially for the partygoers. The Mummy ride starts with a trip on a mine cart into an elaborate ancient tomb that’s “haunted" by the Mummy. Joe's group loved the dark special effects and the 45-mph roaring rollercoaster ride so much that they rode the ride over and over.

QUICK BITES

Michael Martin Murphey will be on CBS’ “Late Show with Dave Letterman” on May 21st to explain to Dave what a sodbuster is. Seems Dave loves Murphey’s song “Wildfire” and had his band play it one night a couple weeks ago. He was talking about the song, and said, quote, “I love that song but what is a sodbuster?” Now he’s having Murphey on to explain! Of course Michael will perform “Wildfire.”

The Oak Ridge Boys were recognized with the Bronze Winner in the Education category by the 28th Annual Telly Awards. The honor was for their part in hosting the 2006 “World’s Largest Concert for Feed the Children.”

According to the “Tennessean,” last season’s “Nashville Star” winner Chris Young will escort actress Adrianne Leon of “The Young and the Restless” to the ACM Awards show in Las Vegas on May 15th. Chris is up for Top New Male Vocalist. The 42nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas May 15th at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on CBS.

Ronnie Milsap will play a rather unusual gig for him on Tuesday. The singer will perform as part of a songwriter’s night at the club Loser’s near Nashville’s Vanderbilt University area.

“American Idol” alumna Bucky Covington has a new girlfriend. He met Katherine when he went into the new Mickey Roo’s Texas barbecue place in Franklin, just south of Nashville. According to WKRN’s “Bradon2,” once Bucky found out she was single he became very persistent in asking her out.

Eric Church sold 29-hundred tickets in four hours to a May 20th concert in his hometown of Granite Falls, North Carolina. The show is a benefit for South Caldwell High School in Hudson, North Carolina, Church’s alma mater. Church says, quote, ““By doing this benefit, I’m hoping that the people of the region know how proud I am to be from there, and how proud I am to tell people about that town.”

While Billy Joe Shaver was in Atlanta last week he stopped in a studio to record new versions of the theme song for “Squidbillies.” The cartoon is in its second season on Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's late night programming block for young adults. Shaver also recorded some commentary for the upcoming "Squidbillies" DVD.

On the Opry this weekend: Pam Tillis, Jake Owen, Mel McDaniel and others.

Big Country Notes for MAY 2

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS CELEBRITIES SHOULD DO GOOD FOR OTHERS

Carrie Underwood’s association with “American Idol” has taken her to great heights in her career. It also allowed her to give back to this earth, something she feels celebrities should do. Carrie filmed a video piece for the “Idol Gives Back” special in Africa. During her two-day tour there she visited and played for schools, orphanages, hospices and health care centers in and around Johannesburg. Carrie says, quote, “Nobody wants to think about children suffering and going hungry and dying from AIDS and things like that.” She adds, quote, “Hopefully we can make their lives better.”
Carrie is making the video available for download at iTunes. All proceeds from downloads will go to raise awareness and funds for organizations that provide relief programs to help children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa. Carrie says, quote, “When you hear how much money they [‘American Idol’] have raised you just think how that money can do so much good in places that really need it.”

BIG & RICH FIRST COUNTRY ACT TO HAVE VIDEO EXCLUSIVE ON ITUNES

It should come as no surprise that Big & Rich have another first in their career. The duo is the first country act to premiere an exclusive music video on iTunes. The new video for their hit single “Lost In This Moment” can be purchased and downloaded exclusively at the iTunes store through Tuesday. “Lost in this Moment” is the lead single from the duo’s upcoming album, “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace,” which releases on June 5th. It is a love song, which John Rich says is a little different for them. He explains, quote, “It was a song I wrote with Keith Anderson and Rodney Clawson … it’s a cool song but definitely a different sound than anything Kenny and I have done to date.” The video features framed wedding footage of everyday and celebrity couples. <>
Following the one-week iTunes exclusive, the video will stream exclusively at pepsismash.com/bnr Tuesday through Wednesday. The site also contains exclusive footage of Big & Rich, whose image will be featured on 500 million Pepsi cans this summer.

BILLY CURRINGTON CELEBRATES PLATINUM WITH “DOIN’ SOMETHIN’ RIGHT”

Billy Currington is definitely doing something right. His sophomore album “Doin’ Somethin’ Right” has been certified for sales of one million units. It is his first Recording Industry Association of America Platinum certification. That’s not all the good news for Billy -- the third single, “Good Directions,” from the album is currently in the top five on the country charts. Currington says, quote, “I couldn’t be happier. It feels amazing to know that I have so much support out there with the fans. It seems like the shows just keep getting better and better and I’m having a blast!” While this album continues to sell, Currington is in the studio putting finishing touches on his third album which will be out this fall.

JASON ALDEAN ADDING TO HIS FAMILY

Jason Aldean announced last night that he and his wife Jessica are expecting their second daughter later this year. Jason's daughter Keeley just turned four years old and is excited about having a little sister. Aldean made the announcement in Nashville at a listening party for his new album “Relentless” which releases on May 29th.

BILLY RAY CYRUS WALTZES RIGHT BACK TO “DANCING WITH THE STARS”

Billy Ray Cyrus didn’t exactly waltz into the judges hearts but fans voted him and partner Karina Smirnoff back for another week last night on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” The pair also danced the Samba in Monday night’s competition. Cyrus showed considerable surprise when it was announced that John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska were voted off this week. That leaves four pairs of dancers to learn two new dances for next Monday night’s show. Cyrus wrote on his blog on CMT.com, quote, “I’m having the time of my life. We made it further than I thought we would and I’m so appreciative to Karina for her patience with me.” The two also revealed that Smirnoff will make an appearance on an upcoming “Hannah Montana” with Cyrus and his daughter, Miley. Billy Ray says, quote, “Karina is a natural born actress and this thing she’s doing on ‘Hannah Montana’ is just a small stepping stone to her acting career.”


TOBY KEITH WILL READ MOVIE MAJOR LEAGUE MOVIE SCRIPT

Toby Keith used to want to be a cowboy. Now he wants to be more of an actor. In fact, Keith told the “Tennessean” that he a big-time major league movie was offered to him. He says, quote, "They are sending it to me, and I'm going to read it. It's a very secret piece. They won't hardly give me any information on it.” While Toby had to give his word he wouldn’t talk about the movie, he did say the movie would be directed by, quote, “… a monster director, major-league producer. It’s a big high-profile piece that is going to be very talked about. The people they told me they're getting in it would make this movie an automatic must-see whether it's good or not.” Keith just finished turning in a treatment for his movie “Beer for my Horses.” It will be the big screen version of his video with Willie Nelson for the song by the same title.

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON FINISHES COUNTRY MUSIC ½ MARATHON

Sunday was a good day for Carolyn Dawn Johnson. She finished her third ½ Marathon. The singer was running beside a friend who came into Nashville to run in the Annual Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon. Johnson says, quote, “This race was her first ½ marathon. I wanted to be there for her and encourage her to keep going. It was such a great day.” Carolyn’s official time was 2:28:04, or about 11:18 minutes a mile. While celebrating the race, Johnson is also celebrating her new single, “Got A Good Day” from her forthcoming summer release “Love & Negotiation.”

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC ANNOUNCES PRE-SHOW WINNERS

The Academy of Country Music announced the winners of awards that will be presented before the live telecast of the 42nd annual Academy Of Country Music awards on May 15th. Musicians of the Year are Glenn Worf, Bass; Eddie Bayers, Drums; Aubrey Haynie, Fiddle; Brent Mason, Guitar; John Hobbs, Piano/Keyboards; Stuart Duncan, Specialty Instrument (mandolin); Michael Johnson, Steel Guitar.
Producer of the Year is Dann Huff, who has worked with the likes of Faith Hill, Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts.
The Venue of the Year is the Grand Ole Opry house in Nashville and Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California is Nightclub of the Year. The show will air May 15th on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern.


QUICK BITES

Keith Urban returns to Europe -- Germany, UK and Scotland -- in the Fall for another leg of his “Love, Pain and the whole crazy World” tour. At that time he will make up the date he had to cancel in Manchester, England when he lost his voice.

Big & Rich's John Rich, Pam Tillis, and Eric Church are among the artists who will be on hand for Marty Stuart’s late night jam during the CMA Music Festival. Other on the bill – Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, rocker Neko Case and Ashley Monroe.

Trent Willmon hosts CMT’s “America’s Top Cowboy” beginning May 19th. Six contestants will compete in various areas including livestock roundups, horseback shooting contests, bronc busting and a cowboy triathlon. Willmon says, quote, “The last cowboy standing will also possess the fearless spirit of the American Cowboy and a heart as big as Texas.”

Willie Nelson will hold his Fourth of July picnic in George, Washington this year. Among those already scheduled to perform are Old 97s, Southern rockers Drive-By Truckers and singer-songwriter Amos Lee. It’s the first time the picnic has been held outside of Texas since Nelson held the first one in Dripping Springs, Texas in 1973.

Porter Wagoner recently shot a music video for “Committed to Park View,” a Johnny Cash composition he recorded for his new album “Wagonmaster.” Filming took place at the Tennessee State Penitentiary which no longer houses prisoners.

Big Country Notes for MAY 1

RASCAL FLATTS PLACE THEIR EIGHTH SINGLE AT TOP OF CHARTS

Rascal Flatts members are standing tall today. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney learned yesterday that their single “Stand” has gone to number one on the “Country Aircheck” singles charts. This is the group’s eighth single to reach number one. It’s their third single overall from the “Me and My Gang” album. The guys were in the studio when they got word. They’ll perform the song on the ACM Awards Show May 15th in Las Vegas. The show airs at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

BRAD PAISLEY LOVES INTRODUCING HIS FANS TO NEW ARTISTS

Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour got underway last Thursday in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On it he’s introducing three major new acts in country music – Kellie Pickler, Jack Ingram and Taylor Swift. Brad says, quote, “People like George Strait and Alan Jackson helped me early in my career … so I think I should do that for someone else.” Bradley is on the road despite recently admitting he hates to leave new son Will (William Huckleberry) at home with wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The tour travels to Evansville, Indiana on Thursday, Moline, Illinois on Friday and Champagne, Illinois on Sunday.

Brad and Kimberly are featured in this week’s “People” magazine. The two discuss how their routine has changed since the baby was born. Kimberly says of her beauty routine, quote, “I’ve lowered my standards since Will was born. We’re not high maintenance at all. We spend our time in sweats and we’re lucky if we shower!
” 5th Gear” – Paisley’s fifth studio album -- is due out June 19th.

BLAKE SHELTON IS LOST IN THE 80’S ON NEW ALBUM OUT TODAY

Blake Shelton’s “Pure BS” doesn’t mean what you might think. It means “pure Blake Shelton” and the singer says for the first time in his career he made an album that is exactly what he wanted. He says, quote, “I fell in love with country music in the 80’s and that’s what I wanted for this album … so if someone says the songs sound old that makes me very proud.” The eleven-song disc includes three tunes co-written by Blake. There are also guest appearances by George Jones and John Anderson on “The Last Country Song.” Blake introduces two new producers on the project – Brent Rowan and Paul Worley. They joined long-time producer and songwriter Bobby Braddock to give Shelton a good combination of serious songs mixed with a few that show off Shelton’s wit. Of the new producers, Shelton says, quote, “They helped me find more of myself that I didn’t know was there. I had to dig down deeper and be uncomfortable again … and feel like I had something to prove to that them.”

MIRANDA LAMBERT RELEASES NEW ALBUM TODAY

Miranda Lambert has surely been an ex-girlfriend but she’s definitely not crazy, though on her new album, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” she seems a little of both. The eleven songs reflect that wild side of Miranda, the one that includes a touch of southern rock. The songs also show her softer side with tunes including “More Like Her” and “Love Letters.” Lambert says, quote, “To me, country music should be something that brings out an emotion in someone.” While she wrote or co-wrote eight of the songs, Miranda says she put aside a few of her songs for better ones written by other songwriters. Her criteria for picking an outside song – it has to sound like something she would have written. She says, quote, “I think I’m always going to write for where I am in my life…[and] I think I’ll always look back and go ‘I remember that time in my life’ for every record I make.”


KEITH URBAN CONTINUES TO WOW EUROPEAN FANS

Keith Urban played to a sold-out crowd at London’s Sheppard’s Bush Empire last Tuesday and Wednesday. The crowd knew every song, even those from his latest album “Love, Pain and the whole crazy thing,” singing along to every word. His successful performances in England follow sold-out shows in Germany. After crowd-pleasing shows in Manchester and Birmingham, England, Urban heads for his native Australia. He kicks off the “Love, Pain and the whole crazy World” tour in Brisbane on May 11th – 12th. He’ll make use of the break by rehearsing his band for the rest of the tour.
Glam.com bestowed the title of “Sexiest Singer” to Keith in its online poll of 60-thousand people.
Keith told “E! News Daily” that he has always wanted to be a father. While negating rumors that wife Nicole Kidman is pregnant, Urban says he hopes he will be ready when the time arrives for them to have a child.

MARTINA McBRIDE SAYS SHE HAS NO SET ROUTINE BEFORE GOING ONSTAGE

Martina McBride dazzles her audience without going through any checklist before she hits the stage. She told CMT.com that although she knows she should warm up her voice before she goes on she doesn’t always do it. She says, quote, “I try to drink lots of water before I go on … and I either eat an hour or two before I go on or I wait until afterwards.” She also goes through a spiritual moment where she, quote, “says a little prayer asking God to bless the show and to let the music do what it's meant to do, whatever that may be. I always have lots of candles in my dressing room.” She adds that her voice gets stronger the longer she sings, which is why she does “Broken Wing” and “Independence Day” toward the end of the show.

QUICK BITES

Wynonna Judd performed “Ain’t Misbehavin’” Sunday night during a tribute to jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. The special will be a part of PBS-TV’s “Great Performances” series. Others on the show include Stevie Wonder, who made a surprise appearance, along with Natalie Cole and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Fitzgerald, who died in 1996, would have been 95 last Wednesday. The show will air June 6th on PBS. A companion CD will be released by Verve Records on June 6th.

Little Big Town and Sarah Buxton will perform at The Recording Academy's ninth annual GRAMMY Block Party next Tuesday in Nashville. The invitation-only party may draw as many as one thousand music industry professionals in Nashville to the performances.

Taking a cue from the name of their recent tour together, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr. are looking for their number-one “Rowdy Frynd.” Fans who think they qualify may post a 30-45 second clip on the Rowdy Frynds YouTube website, www.youtube.com/group/rowdyfrynds. Submissions can be of people singing, dancing or otherwise demonstrating why they are the artist’s rowdiest friend.

Grand Ole Opry member Dr. Ralph Stanley will sing for the Queen of England when she is in Richmond, Virginia to address the state’s General Assembly. The Queen and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will be there to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.

Michael Peterson has launched his new website www.michaelpetersonmusic.com. The site has many new features and tools including an interactive jukebox to exclusive, behind-the-scenes audio and video features.

Stella Parton, Jeannie Seely, Charlie Louvin, Razzy Bailey and Stonewall Jackson will be on the annual ROPE concert June 7th at Nashville Night Life Theatre near the Opryland complex.

Pam Tillis, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Alison Krauss were among the performers who played the 20th annual MerleFest music festival in Wilkesboro, N.C. this past weekend. The four-day festival is a tribute to the memory of Watson's late son, Merle.

Big Country Notes for APR 30

JOHN RICH’S LOS ANGELES VISIT PAYS OFF FOR BIG & RICH

When John Rich of Big & Rich went out for the GRAMMYS in February he decided to stay a few extra days in Los Angeles. He says, quote, “I didn’t have any plans, I just wanted to see what I could get into.” Rich went to rapper Wyclef Jean’s concert at the House of Blues and before he knew it, he was onstage with him. He says, quote, “I met him before the show and then when he saw me in the front row he stopped the band and had his bouncers literally lift me up onstage.” After talking with Wyclef further, Rich discovered he is a huge country music fan. John says, quote, “He says that Charlie Daniels’ ‘The Devil Went down To George’ is the song that got him to want to be a rapper.’ The result was the two decided they wanted to do something together. They sent Wyclef “Please Don’t Call the Police, Man,” which they were getting ready to record and he sent them a rap segment and recorded it and sent it back. The song is on the duo’s upcoming album “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace,” due out June 5th.

BRAD PAISLEY KICKS OFF “BONFIRES & AMPLIFIERS” TOUR IN CHATTANOOGA

When Brad Paisley and special guests hit the stage last Thursday in Chattanooga, TN, the crowd was ready for them. It was opening night of the “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour and everyone was well received. Jack Ingram, Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler are all aware of Brad’s affinity for practical jokes. Taylor didn’t exactly play a joke on Brad but she did vow to carry around a cardboard stand-up of the singer until she met him. Sure enough, Swift was spotted with a stand-up Brad at lunch, during sound check and in the backstage area prior to the show. Just before show time she and cardboard Brad ran into the real thing in the hallway and she actually got to meet him. No word on where cardboard Brad now resides.

MIRANDA LAMBERT SAYS SHE’S GROWN SINCE FIRST ALBUM

Miranda Lambert says she grown a lot since she recorded her first album. Her sophomore effort, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” due out tomorrow, will reflect that growth. Miranda says, quote, “I’ve learned a lot about myself and about the road. I think it shows in my voice and in my [song] writing.” Lambert says she fells like she’s the same person as always, which includes being distrusting when dealing with people. She explains, quote, “My father is a police officer and I think that influenced me to not be very trusting of people. I pick and choose who I will let close to me.”

JUDD'S HUSBAND ENTERS INNOCENT PLEA FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

The estranged husband of country music star Wynonna Judd has entered a plea of "not guilty" to charges of child molestation. Dan Robert Roach was arraigned in a Tennessee courtroom last week on three counts of aggravated sexual battery. Roach was arrested in Texas last month, and brought back to Nashville to face the charges. Judd filed for divorce from Roach shortly after the charges were filed against him. Roach's attorneys convinced prosecutors to reduce bail to 75-thousand-dollars, but the judge also ordered him to remain in Tennessee, and to stay away from children. (Metro Source)

JOE NICHOLS RELEASES SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Joe Nichols is showing another side to fans with his new single “Another Side of You.” The song is off his new album project, which is due out in late summer or early fall this year. Nichols says, quote, ““I always enjoy the process of recording new material – being in the studio with the musicians and the producers and creating something we all feel is special.” For this disc Nichols paired with producers Mark Wright and Brent Rowan, of whom he says, quote, “Both of these men get where I am coming from and what I want to accomplish in the studio. I feel like we captured something fresh and vibrant, and I can’t wait for everyone to get a taste of this new music.”

KELLIE PICKLER HELPS ONE SPECIAL MOM GO TO THE ACM AWARDS

Kellie Pickler is helping a special mom fulfill her dreams. The singer recently taped a segment for CBS' “Early Show” on which she helps a special mom prepare for her dream trip to attend the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 15th. The piece will air the day before the awards. Interestingly, Kellie’s current single “I Wonder” is about a person who did not grow up with a mother in her life and is very autobiographical for her. Pickler was raised by her grandparents and has spent very little time with her birth mother. She is nominated for Top New Female Vocalist along with Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift at the ACM Awards. The show will air May 15th on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern.

CMT.com reports that Kellie choked up on the last line of “I Wonder” last Thursday in Chattanooga. The occasion was opening night of Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour. Kellie joins Jack Ingram and Taylor Swift on the tour with Brad.

DANIELLE PECK BATTLES TESTOSTERONE BY TAKING HER SISTER ON THE ROAD

The formula worked for Michelle Branch – now Danielle Peck is giving it a try. Danielle is the only girl traveling the road with her all-male band. To counter-act all the testosterone on the bus the singer is bringing friends out with her this summer. Danielle says, quote, “My sister even comes out on the road a lot with me these days.” Danielle is following in the footsteps of Branch, who invited her friend Jessica Sharp to join her on the road. It didn’t take long for the two to form the Wreckers. While Danielle doesn’t have plans to seek a duet partner, she says, quote, “I figure that the guys like it better when they don’t have to watch the chick flicks with me!”

CELEBRITIES PLAY BASEBALL FOR CHARITY

Country stars will be singing “Take me out to the ballgame” on June 7th when they come together in a friendly competition for the City of Hope. Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Craig Morgan and Rodney Atkins have already signed up for Lynnco Custom Cycles 17th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge. The baseball game, Presented by Gibson Foundation at 1p.m. at Nashville’s Greer Stadium, will pit two teams of celebrities against each other for the research and treatment center. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, 615-255-9600 or at www.ticketmaster.com. In past years many of country music’s most popular entertainers have come out to support the center’s work to find cures for life-threatening diseases.

QUICK BITES

The winner of the CMT/NSAI Song Contest will have the opportunity to sit down with John Rich of Big & Rich as part of their grand prize package. Charlie Worsham and Kyle Hurlbut of Nashville are the winners of the songwriting contest.

Taylor Swift and Jack Ingram will be featured throughout the month of May through Cinema Sounds, an in-theater music video program running on more than 65-hundred screens in AMC, Regal, United Artists and Cinemark theaters.

CMT One Country will hold an online auction of items from the CMT Awards Show. Include in the auction are gifts from the custom designed talent gift bags given to celebrities participating in the awards show as well as autographed memorabilia and donated merchandise from artists. The auction, benefiting CMT One Country partners America’s Second Harvest, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity and the USO (United Service Organizations), closes on May 10th.

Jack Ingram has extended his Real American Music brand with the addition of Real American Music Minute, a series of audio tour diaries debuting this week on his website, MySpace page and artist page at CMT.com. Jack will file audio reports numerous times throughout the week.

Crystal Gayle was named “Best Female Entertainer” in the second annual American Entertainment Magazine’s Reader’s Choice awards. Crystal says, quote, “I love performing and we always have a great time with our audience and I’m pleased that my show is appreciated by talent buyers and promoters.” The Oak Ridge Boys were declared “Best Music Act” and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band “Best Duo or Group.” Kris Kristofferson was named “Entertainer of the Year.”

Christian worship singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin’s video Amazing Grace” (My Chains are Gone)” is being played on CMT. It’s from “Music Inspired by the Motion Picture Amazing Grace” that includes Martina McBride singing “How Great Thou Art.”


“DISTURBIA” RULES BOX OFFICE AGAIN; “SPIDEY-3” READY TO GO

The psychological thriller “Disturbia” spent its third – and likely last – consecutive week atop the U.S. box office, taking in an estimated nine-point-one-million-dollars, bringing its three-week total to just over 52-million. The first blockbuster of the summer season, “Spider-Man 3,” opens this Friday and will undoubtedly take over the top spot. Both previous “Spider-Man” flicks took in well over 100-million-dollars during their opening weekends. Other upcoming blockbusters include “Shrek the Third" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."
This weekend’s number-two film was another new supernatural thriller, “The Invisible,” which earned an estimated seven-point-six-million-dollars. The Nicolas Cage action picture “Next” debuted at number three with seven-point-two-million. As for other new releases, “The Condemned,” a violent action flick starring pro wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin, premiered at number nine with four-million-dollars in receipts, while the comedy "Kickin' It Old Skool” starring Jamie Kennedy opened at number eleven with two-point-eight-million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. (final figures will be released today):

1. "Disturbia," $9.1 million.
2. "The Invisible," $7.6 million.
3. "Next," $7.2 million.
4. "Fracture," $7.1 million.
5. "Blades of Glory," $5.2 million.
6. "Meet the Robinsons," $4.84 million.
7. "Hot Fuzz," $4.8 million.
8. "Vacancy," $4.2 million.
9. "The Condemned," $4 million.
10. "Are We Done Yet?", $3.4 million.