Jake's New Photos

It's hard to believe that my grandson, Jakob is nearly 5 months old. He recently had a new batch of pictures taken. I will share them with you over the next few days.

Big Country Notes for MAY 31

TIM McGRAW RESPONDS TO HIS ACM AWARDS SHOW PERFORMANCE

Tim McGraw is overwhelmed at the response to the performance of his song “If You’re Reading This” on the ACM Awards May 21st. Tim says, quote, “The response of the people; to see in their words how this song has touched them, is so inspiring.” McGraw co-wrote the song with the Warren Brothers as a tribute to the families of fallen heroes. As a result of country radio playing the televised version, “If You’re Reading This” debuted at number 35 on the country singles chart last week. McGraw’s manager, Scott Siman, says they are working with Tim and his label to address the fact that there isn’t a studio version of the song. Tim and The Warren Brothers wrote the song just a few days before the ACM Awards and he has not had time to go into the studio to record it.

BRAD PAISLEY USES A “DOUBLE” TO SHOOT NEW VIDEO

Actor Jason Alexander has become a Brad Paisley impersonator. Dressed in jeans, a tight T-shirt and a white cowboy hat, Alexander poses as Paisley in the singer’s new video “Cooler Online.” Additional props include an electric guitar and thick black glasses. The song is about how people represent themselves differently on the Internet from who they really are. Paisley says, quote, “This concept is about a guy who is totally 100 percent outcast. We tried to paint a picture of somebody who really doesn’t have it all going on in real life but he goes home to his computer and becomes a super human version of himself.” The song is from Paisley's upcoming album, “5th Gear,” which will be in stores June 19th.

TRACE ADKINS OUT SPEAKS HIS MIND IN NEW BOOK

Trace Adkins is not a shy man and not one to hold back on his opinions. Now he’s putting those opinions on paper in his upcoming book “A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions From a Freethinking Redneck." Scheduled for a September release, the book will offer the singer’s views on everything from the environment to family and the war on terror. Adkins uses his own personal experiences to talk about the issues that he believes are dividing society today. He uses the story of how a former wife shot him through the heart as a vehicle to illustrate the importance of accepting personal responsibility and forgiving others. He cites his hometown in rural Louisiana and the way it was crippled by unions as an argument that unions should be abolished.

BIG & RICH, GRETCHEN WILSON TO STAR IN MACY’S GLAMORAMA FASHION EVENT

Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy are going haute couture on us. The members of Nashville’s MuzikMafiz will headline Macy’s annual Glamorama charity fashion event in Chicago on August 24th. According to nwi.com, this year’s event is themed “Country and Couture Collide” and event organizers hope to raise more money than ever for the Chicago Art Institute and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The event is highly anticipated as each year top fashion designers from around the world unveil the latest fashion line trends. All the members of the Muzik Mafia will make in-store appearances Aug. 24 at Macy's on State Street. To date, Glamorama has raised more than 15-million-dollars for charity.

ADDITIONAL ARTISTS JOIN COUNTRY WEEKLY FASHION SHOW ON WEDNESDAY

Country artists will be involved in numerous activities next week during the CMA Music Fest. Many will find themselves rushing from fan club party to concert to tractor pull. Blue County, Trick Pony, Ty Herndon, Jason Michael Caroll and Lee Brice will be walking the runway at “Country Weekly’s” Fashion Show Presented by Wrangler on Wednesday. Host Clay Walker will also welcome artist-turned-models Trent Willmon, Darryl Worley, Lonestar, Tanya Tucker, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Neal McCoy, Danielle Peck and Chris Young. The singers will wear the hottest fashions from Wrangler and Nashville’s Flavour as well as the coolest jewelry provided by Tiffany & Company. The show will be held at the Hard Rock Café in Nashville as part of the CMA Music Fest.
After the event, fans cans bid online for the Dolce & Gabbana gown worn by Sara Evans when she accepted her first ACM Award for “Female Vocalist of The Year”. The bidding will go live on www.musiciansoncall.org.

CARRIE, SHANIA AND EMMYLOU AMONG WORLD’S SEXIEST VEGETARIANS

Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, and Emmylou Harris are among those vying for the title of World's Sexiest Vegetarian. The informal poll is being conducted by the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which has a list of nearly 400 stars from which to choose -- including artists from other musical genres as well as actors, athletes, and other celebrities. Other musicians on the lists include former Beatle Paul McCartney; members of the bands U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fall Out Boy, Pearl Jam, Weezer, and Good Charlotte; and rappers Andre 3000, Mos Def, and Common. Other celebrities vying for the title include actors Noah Wyle, Natalie Portman, Naomi Watts, and Tobey Maguire; the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell; the Washington Wizards' Anthony Peeler; music producer Rick Rubin; and former first daughter Chelsea Clinton. To place a vote, visit the website www.peta2.com. (Metro Source)

NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS DESCEND ON NEW YORK CITY TONIGHT

The songwriters who invented the “in the round” format at Nashville’s Bluebird Café will be in New York City tonight. Thom Schuyler and Fred Knobloch will kick off the “CMA Songwriter Series Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Bluebird Café” this evening at Joe’s Pub. Knobloch says, quote, “It’s an honor to bring the Bluebird tradition to the fans in New York City.” Joining them will be Jelly Roll Johnson and Tony Arata. Among them these writers have had hits by Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, Trisha Yearwood, Lacy J. Dalton, Faith Hill, Michael Martin Murphey and Alan Jackson.
This is the 25th anniversary year for the Bluebird, which has been the launching pad for many country artists including Garth Brooks, who was discovered there. CMA will host additional shows at Joe’s Pub on October 4th with “CMA Songwriters Series Salutes The Women of Country Music” and November 29th when they present “CMA Songwriters Series Salutes the Groups/Duos of Country Music.”

QUICK BITES

Blake Shelton is working once again with director Roman White to shoot the video for his forthcoming single “The More I Drink.” White also directed Shelton’s latest, “Don’t Make Me.”

Billy Ray Cyrus’ upcoming album has an official name – “Home at Last.” It will be released on Walt Disney Records July 24th.

Clay Walker announces the debut of his Band Against MS Foundation’s new website. Fans can check it out at www.bandagainstms.org. Walker describes it as a definitive source of information for those living with Multiple Sclerosis.

The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum in Benham has a section on its top floor dedicated to Loretta Lynn, the "Coal Miner's Daughter," with some of Lynn's costumes and many photographs and recordings.

Cledus T. Judd will release his tribute album to Ray Stevens, “Boogity, Boogity -- A Tribute to the Comedic Genius of Ray Stevens,” later this summer on Curb Records. Guests on the album include Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Joe Diffie, Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Phil Vassar, Darryl Worley and Wynonna. The project also includes a collaboration with Stevens himself on "The Streak." A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Minnie Pearl Foundation for childhood cancer.

Big Country Notes for MAY 30

KENNY CHESNEY’S CURRENT TOUR VERY DIFFERENT FROM HIS COLLEGE DAYS

Kenny Chesney has an entourage of semis and a road crew on his current “Flip-Flop Summer” tour, but the singer can still remember the days when it was just him and his truck. Kenny recalls, quote, “When I was in college I would go to the music store and rent my sound equipment. Then I’d put it in the back of my truck and drive to every bar in East Tennessee and Virginia and play.” Today Chesney is driving all across America in his spiffy tour bus, carrying several semi-loads of equipment and a crew that sets up the stage and tears it down. His venues are packed arenas and stadiums instead of clubs but the fans still love the music. Chesney says, quote, “This tells you that people are really passionate about country music and about our music. They’re not only listening to our music on the radio, but they’re living their life with it and they want to experience it live.”

MONTGOMERY GENTRY SAY MAYA ANGELOU AN INSPIRATION TO THEM

Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry renewed a friendship Monday night. The duo met with Dr. Maya Angelou backstage prior to their performance of “Some People Change” at Fisk University in Nashville. Dr. Angelou had asked the duo to sing the song prior to her speaking engagement at the college. Dr. Angelou says, quote, “When I listen to Montgomery Gentry they are young men I can claim as my sons – they don’t know that but it’s alright.” Troy says, quote, “Dr. Angelou is an inspiration. I am honored to have shared a moment in time with her. Her presentation is a life experience that no one should live without.” Eddie says, quote, “What an incredible night that was. You can just feel the energy around Dr. Angelou, and there is no doubt in my mind, before I meet the man upstairs, Dr. Angelou will be the first one to greet me with open arms. I will never forget that moment!"

BIG & RICH HELP PROMOTE PEACE THROUGH JOHN LENNON’S MUSIC

Big & Rich are telling everyone to promote peace. They are the sole country act on the charity project “Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur.” The two-disc set features covers of the late John Lennon’s solo work. Big & Rich recorded the former Beatles’s "Nobody Told Me" from his posthumously released album "Milk and Honey." Others on the album include rockers U2, Green Day, Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, and Avril Lavigne. Jakob Dylan and Dhani Harrison, sons of folk-rocker Bob Dylan and Lennon's former Beatle band mate George Harrison, respectively, team up for one of two versions of "Gimme Some Truth." "Instant Karma; The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur" will be available June 12th. It’s aim is to help raise money and awareness of the fight for human rights around the world.

TAYLOR SWIFT KEEPING HER WORD ABOUT TAKING TROPHY ON THE ROAD

Taylor Swift is keeping her promise to her fans. When she won the fan-voted CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video, she promised fans that she would bring the buckle out for them to see. Swift says, quote, “I've taken the award to every single meet and greet line on the Brad Paisley [Bonfires & Amplifiers] tour so far. I think this might just be the most photographed award ever!” Taylor explains that she wanted to take the belt buckle award out for two reasons – she wanted to thank the fans who voted for her and because fans hardly ever get to see an artists’ award unless it is in a museum. She says, quote, “When I was little, I always wanted to see what it would be like to hold an award like a CMT trophy. And now I love seeing people's reactions to it! They voted for my video and I think they deserve to feel like they got something back from that.”

JACK INGRAM’S NEW VIDEO PREMIERS TOMORROW ON CMT

Jack Ingram’s “Measure of a Man” video shows him driving a 1969 Mach One Ford Mustang. While the video is very serious, Ingram was thrilled to be able to drive such a cool classic car. The singer explains that the video chronicles him finding his father both physically and emotionally. Ingram says, quote, “One minute I am doing a performance shot under a Nashville overpass with my Beat Up Ford band, and the next I jump in a 1969 Mach One Ford Mustang and go looking for my dad. It was killer…and I actually got to drive the car around some.” He adds, quote, “You know, it’s funny, I guess there are common themes beginning in my videos…there seems to either be a car or a chick. And with ‘Love You’ we had both!” The video world premiere is tomorrow on CMT’s Top 20 Countdown.” It will also debut online at www.cmt.com.

MERLE HAGGARD RELEASES ALBUM OF NEW “OLD” MATERIAL THROUGH CRACKER BARREL

Merle Haggard has a new album filled with old material. When Cracker Barrel asked Merle to do a project for their new label he came up with a unique idea. He went through about 600 songs that he previously recorded but had not released. He picked 12 of them to be on the album “Working Man’s Journey,” which was released yesterday. Haggard says, quote, “I had the working man in mind when I went through the archives. We’re talking about a guy who spent his lifetime writing songs for the common man. These are all working man songs.” Among the songs on “Working Man’s Journey” are previously unreleased versions of classic Haggard songs including “If We Make It Through December,” “Are The Good Times Really Over,” “Working Man Blues,” “Kern River” and “Rainbow Stew.”

COUNTRY FANS WILL MEET LORI McKENNA ON DEMAND

Fans can now demand to see Lori McKenna when she joins Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s “Soul2Soul 2007” tour. The “Demand Lori McKenna” competition will allow fans based in 14 cities on the tour to demand that Lori perform a special, free acoustic session where they live. The city with the most demands for Lori will host the performance, with tickets going exclusively to the “Eventful Demanders” that take part. McKenna says, quote, “I’m very grateful to Faith and Tim for the opportunity to be part of their tour, but playing to a small group, whether it’s in a coffee shop or local bar, also means so much.” She adds, quote, “This contest gives me the opportunity to reach out to my fans in a very personal way and I can’t wait to see the results of the contest.” The contest runs through Friday. The tour kicks off in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 5th.

QUICK BITES

Kellie Pickler will perform the National Anthem at today’s National Hockey League Stanley Cup game between the Ottawa Senators and the Anaheim Ducks. The game will be played in Anaheim, California, beginning at 5 p.m. PT.

Dolly Parton has autographed an auto harp to be auctioned of to benefit The Songwriters Hall of Fame programs. Parton will receive the Johnny Mercer Award from the organization June 7th.

Jimmy Webb signed a Baldwin M. Satin Ebony 5'2" Baby Grand Piano which also included signatures from a list of celebrities including crooner Tony Bennett, producer Jimmy Jam and pop icon Phil Collins. Fans can big on these and other items at www.charitybuzz.com.

If you’ve always wanted to own one of those famous Fender Telecasters but couldn’t afford the real thing, here’s your chance. The die-cast company GMP has created tiny replicas of three of Fender’s most famous instruments – the Telecaster, Stratocaster and bass guitars. The telecaster has always been a favorite of country musicians. Waylon Jennings played a telecaster. It was the sound behind Buck Owens, played by his lead guitar player Don Rich. Modern-day artists like Brad Paisley and Gary Allan, who were influenced by these artists, continue the sound in their music.

Chely Wright is offering a number of major prizes at her “Reading, Writing and Rhythm” benefit Tuesday. American Airlines, a primary sponsor, has donated five fly-aways to see Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Reba McEntire and/or Keith Urban in concert. The packages include two show tickets, two meet & greet passes and two round-trip air tickets from any domestic destination in the US. Silent auction items include a full-size casino-style poker table, an assortment of guitars and country music memorabilia.

Big Country Notes for MAY 29

KEITH URBAN SAYS HE’S READY FOR U.S. PHASE OF TOUR

Keith Urban has played to packed houses, frantic crowds and critical praise in the early dates of his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour.” The singer has traveled from Germany to the United Kingdom and Australia to bring his music to his fans. He kicks off the North American leg of his tour on June 8th in Phoenix, Arizona. Urban says, quote, “I’m ready. So far the tour has been incredible – fantastic crowds – a great vibe. I can’t wait to get back to America.” The 30-city North American leg of the “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour” promises Urban’s trademark electrifying concerts combined with world-class production for a show that will feature the hits from his recent multi-platinum release, “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing,” as well as many of many number one songs which have defined his career – “Better Life,” “Days Go By,” “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” and “Somebody Like You.”
While Urban performs a 56-foot-wide by 28-foot-high video wall projects pre-recorded imagery and live footage from six cameras in high-definition.
Urban entourage includes eleven trucks carrying miles of cable and thousands of pounds of machinery will be running on Bio-Diesel. Urban says, quote, “I’m especially proud to be able to do what we can for the environment.”

JASON ALDEAN ALBUM “RELENTLESS” IN STORES TODAY

Sometimes the pressure is on for an artist recording his sophomore album, but Jason Aldean says that wasn’t necessarily the case with his album, “Relentless,,” which releases today. He says, quote, “I think because people liked the first album and we have found a niche the pressure is not so bad.” He adds, quote, “Obviously every album you want to make better and kind of try to outdo the first one and I think that’s probably where the pressure comes into play.” “Relentless” has 12 songs, many of them written by proven hit-writing songwriters like Brett James, Jim Collins and Tom Shapiro. Aldean says it was definitely easier to get high caliber songs after he had a proven track record with his first self-titled album. He says, quote, “I just want people that have been waiting for two years for this second album to come out to feel like it’s been worth the wait.”


BRAD PAISLEY IS TICKLED WITH NEW ALBUM

Life is good for Brad Paisley. His “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour is doing well and his upcoming album ‘5th Gear” is ready for release. Paisley says he’s tickled with the album. While he says the music for this release is more mature, there are still some fun songs on it like his first single “Ticks.” Brad says, quote, “I was totally ready to get every bad review in the book. I didn’t care. All I cared was that the people out there got what I was going for with that song.” Paisley says the album does show some maturity and reflection while other songs are a little risky. He says, quote, “The songs we have I’m real happy with.”

FAITH HILL SURPRISES CROWD TO DUET WITH LORI MCKENNA

Faith Hill turned up at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville Thursday night to hear songwriter Lori McKenna sing. Before the night was over, Hill had taken to the stage to duet with Lori on “Falter.” Hill is a big fan of McKenna’s, having recorded three of her songs on her album “Fireflies.” Hill’s husband Tim McGraw accompanied her to the club. He produced Lori’s upcoming album “Unglamorous,” which is due in stores August 14th. The couple has invited McKenna to be a part of their upcoming “Soul2Soul Tour 2007” which kicks off in June 5th.

JACK INGRAM SAYS RESPONSE TO SINGLE WAS UNSETTLING

Jack Ingram’s current single is a cover song. He took the Hinder hit “Lips of an Angel” and not only recorded it for his album “This is It” but released it as a single. When it first was released word came back that fans were split on whether they liked it or not. Jack told the “Columbian,” quote, "Half of the people said they loved it. The other half said they hated it. I started to freak out a little bit. I said, 'Oh my God, we had all this momentum and now we're going to screw it up’.” Now that the songs been out there awhile Jack has come to believe that it has helped raise his profile among fans. He says, quote, "In some respect [singles] 'Wherever You Are' and 'Love You,' they were cool, but 'Lips' kind of helped push people to go 'Who's that?' 'What's his name?' " Ingram adds, quote, "Because of the polarizing situation, it allowed people to take an interest in me, who I am and why I did that song."

BILLY RAY CYRUS WILL RELEASE NEW ALBUM A MONTH EARLY

Billy Ray Cyrus took time off from working on his upcoming album “Father’s Day” to participate on "Dancing with the Stars." Now Cyrus says making that move has given his career such a boost that the record label will release the disc on July 23rd instead of August 28th. Billy Ray and his dancing partner Karina Smirnoff were voted off the show May 8th. One of the songs on the new project, “Ready, Set, Don’t Go,” is a song Cyrus wrote for his daughter Miley when she left Nashville to go to Hollywood to star in the hit sitcom “Hannah Montana.”

RODNEY ATKINS HOSTS ABC’S TALENT SEARCH TONIGHT

Rodney Atkins will host a free live country music performance at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville tonight. Sponsored by ABC, attendees will get to vote on the best singer from six pre-selected contestants who had to connect with Martina Mc Bride. The Wildhorse segment will be part of ABC’s upcoming original program "Six Degrees of Martina McBride" that will air this summer. The program follow six singers from the middle of nowhere with nothing but their dreams. The contestants have to track down Martina McBride in six steps or less, proving the theory that everyone in the world is connected by a human chain of six people. Once they do that, the six people must prove they can sing. The winner will get a record deal.

DIY NETWORK DOING GRAND OLE OPRY MAKEOVER

The Grand Ole Opry is getting a makeover. Music fans shouldn’t be alarmed, however – the DIY Network is coming to Nashville tomorrow to renovate four of the dressing rooms at the Grand Ole Opry house. Their intent is to transform the rooms from drab to dynamic. Terri Clark, who will participate in the makeover, offered her decorating tips. She says, quote, “I love really warm, sort of darker browns and plum colors. And I always paint the ceilings in my house.” A DIY spokesperson says the goal is to showcase the Opry’s story by designing inspirational and welcoming areas for the country artists who perform on the show. Individual rooms will be renovated around four central themes: Women of the Opry, Songwriters & Lyrics, Honky-Tonk/Rhinestone, and Roy Acuff. Trace Adkins, another participant, was outspoken in what they should do with Acuff’s dressing room. He says, quote, “You ought to just take it off the hinges, cause Mr. Acuff’s policy was the door was never closed. That would be cool, just take it off!” The result will be well-deserved upgrades in amenities including vanities, countertops, sinks, flooring/carpeting, lighting and furniture. The episodes featuring the makeover will air in October. In addition to Adkins and Clark, the two special half-hour episodes will feature, Bill Anderson, Dierks Bentley, Little Jimmy Dickens, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis and others.

QUICK BITES

A parade through downtown Nashville featuring Jason Michael Carroll, Tanya Tucker and Darryl Worley will be the kick-off event of the CMA Music Festival on June 6th. After the parade the artists will participate in a concert in the downtown area. The event will be led by NASCAR drivers Scott Wimmer and Shane Huffman.

The recording studio that Ronnie Milsap once owned was dedicated to the singer last Thursday. A bronze plaque will be on display in the newly opened Warm Front Studio. Milsap bought the studio from Roy Orbison in 1978 and recorded many of his hit songs there.

Tonight’s annual Cops & Jocks softball game at Mundy Memorial Park in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee will feature Vince Gill, Chris Young, Keith Anderson and Dean Sams of Lone Star. Other celebrities playing for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving benefit include Daryl Singletary, Linda Davis, Erika Jo and Lee Brice.

Montgomery Gentry, Charley Pride and Neal McCoy have been added to the second session of the CMA Celebrity Close Up Series at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on June 7th. The program offers fans an inside look at the lives of their favorite country artists. Speaking of Charley and Neal, the two recently performed at baseball great Nolan Ryan’s 60th birthday party at his ranch outside Austin, TX.

Mike Curb, owner of Curb Records in Nashville, is offering a free recording session or a cash reward for the return of the LeAnn Rimes edition guitar that was stolen off the front lawn of the record company. The guitar was stolen on April 20th and is a part of the Nashville Guitartown Project.

Chevy will sponsor a music stage at the Sommet Center (formerly the Nashville Arena) during the CMA Music Festival, held June 7-10 in downtown Nashville. The stage will feature Beverley Mitchell, Sunny Sweeney, Johnny Rodriguez and Cherryholmes.

Mary Chapin Carpenter has canceled all of her tour dates in June and July. According to her website, he singer was recently treated for a blood clot in her lung. She is recovering at her home in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Emmylou Harris will headline a fundraiser series for Happy Tales animal rescue in Franklin, TN beginning with the first show on Wednesday. Wednesday Night Wags will run through July 4. Other performers scheduled for subsequent nights include Rodney Crowell, Cathy Baille, Kim Carnes and John Hiatt.

“The Tennessean” reports that Larry Gatlin debuted a new song, “Americans, That’s Who” on the Grand Ole Opry last weekend. Gatlin wrote the song on a barf bag an airplane heading to Las Vegas after reading an article about all the horrible things America has done around the world. Gatlin says, quote, "Johnny Cash once said that if something torques you off, then you'll write a song about it. That article torqued me off. So I took a barf bag off the back of the seat and wrote the song." The singer says he wrote the song to remind people of the positive things America has been responsible for.