Big Country Notes for JUNE 7

CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY TODAY

The CMA Music Festival officially gets underway today. The Country Music Association expects more than 50-thousand people to be in town for the country event. Fans can attend concerts, visit food demonstration areas and watch the Andy Griggs Archer Tournament. They can also wander through the exhibit area where many country artists will be on hand for autograph and photo sessions including Carrie Underwood and LeAnn Rimes. Throughout the day various stages along Nashville’s riverfront will host folks like Terri Clark, Craig Morgan, John Anderson and Gene Watson. Also among the daytime performers are Eric Church, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Trent Tomlinson and Ty Herndon. The night show at LP Field will feature Reba McEntire, who has not made a Music Fest performance in eleven years. Joining her will be Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson and The Wreckers. For those seeking other activities, there are numerous fan club events throughout the day, including those hosted by Neal McCoy, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Joe Nichols and Jason Aldean.

SUGARLAND’S NEW SINGLE GETTING BOOST FROM “GOOD MORNING AMERICA”

It’s not often that an artist’s single is heard daily on a major network morning show, but Sugarland’s new song “Everyday America” is being heard in ABC News' “Good Morning America” promotional campaign. Jennifer Nettles, one half of the popular duo, says, quote, “That’s big. That’s so much exposure.” Jennifer and her singing partner, Kristian Bush, are in Nashville this week to celebrate their recent number one with “Settlin’” and for CMA Music Fest activities. Jennifer says she thinks it’s cool they were able to celebrate their number one at the beginning of the CMA Music Fest week. She says, quote, “The fact that we have a number one is about the fans. They are the ones who hear the songs, request the songs and buy the records.” She and Kristian are hopeful that “Everyday America” will shoot to the top as well. Kristian says, quote, “The song is really a slice of life. It’s about what America is to us and to the people we see every day.” He adds, quote, “It’s very refreshing that “Good Morning America” is the correct outlet for that.”

TOBY KEITH PLANS TWO-CD SET OF CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

The ink is barely dry on the cover of Toby Keith’s new album "Big Dog Daddy,” which arrives in stores Tuesday, and he’s already talking about his next release. Keith tells “Billboard” magazine that he plans to release a two-disc Christmas album later this year. The as yet untitled project will be filled with holiday classics. Keith says, quote, “One disc has 'White Christmas' and 'Frosty the Snowman'-kind of songs. The other has very Christian-type songs like 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Silent Night.'" Keith has been working on the project for some time. He delayed release last year because he had so many other projects in the works, including the soundtrack to his movie “Broken Bridges.” The singer says, quote, "I've been meaning to do another (Christmas album) for ten years. I'm not an extremely religious guy, but I am a Christian, and I do know what the meaning of Christmas is. It's time for me to do one."
Keith tells “Billboard” that the album has a little different twist to it. He says, quote, "I cut it mainly with acoustic instruments. I called it the bluegrass band -- dobro, fiddle, mandolin, piano, acoustic bass and brushes on the drums.” Toby adds, quote, “That became a new part of me. I like to hear myself working in that atmosphere and that environment."
Toby says the movie version of his “Beer for My Horses” will be nothing like the video. He describes it as, quote, “a little more of a 'Smokey and the Bandit'-type of thing, more of a situational comedy, I guess.” He hopes to have something ready to shoot in 2008. Other films in the works – “Convoy,” an action film about civilian truck drivers in Afghanistan, and a controversial movie he says he hopes he can discuss in about 30 days.

TRACE ADKINS, JO DEE MESSINA TO PERFORM AT PRESIDENT’S DINNER

When the President of the United States extends an invitation, the answer is yes. Trace Adkins and Jo Dee Messina will perform at the prestigious 2007 President's Dinner on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Jo Dee will open the dinner by singing the National Anthem for an audience of about five thousand people. Later she and Adkins will each have a 45-minute performance. Both will have the opportunity to meet President George W. Bush, who will attend along with members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. The dinner is considered to be one of the largest annual political events of the year. Messina says, quote, “It is an unbelievable honor and privilege to be asked to attend, not to mention, perform at such a distinguished event. She adds, quote, “I am looking forward to performing and being involved in what promises to be an unforgettable night and, of course, to meeting the President.”

LeANN RIMES REVEALS SECRET TO NEW LOOK

LeAnn Rimes gets bored easily. In “Shape” magazine’s July issue she talks about what she has done to shape up and gain more endurance for her stage shows while not giving up everything she loves. Rimes says, quote, “I never deprive myself and nothing is off limits. But I’m a health nut too so I keep my diet in check.” She and husband Dean Sheremet have taken favorite recipes and made them into more health conscious versions. Plus she’s hired a personal trainer and a yoga instructor to help tone her muscles and gain stamina for her very energetic stage shows. She says, quote, “I wanted to get stronger and gain endurance so I could be better onstage and perform up to the level that my fans expect.” After learning exercise and yoga techniques, LeAnn says, quote, “I have so much more energy and I’ve never felt healthier.” Rimes demonstrates and explains several of her favorite yoga positions in the story. The magazine is now on newsstands.

EMERSON DRIVE’S “MOMENTS” GOES TO NUMBER ONE

Having a number one song happen the week of CMA Music Fest is both a blessing and a curse. Brad Mates of Emerson Drive, whose song “Moments” just hit the top spot on the “Country Aircheck” singles chart, can attest to that. He says they have been so busy that the reality of the group’s first number one hasn’t sunk it yet. Brad says, quote, “I know that in a couple days it will sink in a little bit more. We’ve had so many fans and artists coming up to us and saying congratulations.” When Mates first heard the song he wasn’t sure he could pull off the vocals to make it believable. He says, quote, “Once I heard my voice back I knew we had accomplished what we set out to do. At that point it was up to the public to see whether they believed it or not.” The singer says they hear stories at concerts and get emails about how the song has affected people in a positive way. He says, quote, “To be the artist who has a song that does that to someone, I couldn’t ask for a better song to sing.”

DARRYL WORLEY SAYS HE’S TRYIN TO CHANGE HIS IMAGE

Darryl Worley is going through a makeover. The singer, who has a photo shoot in the July issue of “Playgirl” magazine, says, quote, “People have this huge idea that I’m a pristine, clean cut, right-down-the middle kind of guy.” He adds, quote, “I have those qualities but I’m pretty on the edge too. I thought this might help change that perception a little bit.” Worley says that when he was first approached about doing the shoot for “Playgirl” he not only thought it would help change his image in the minds of fans, but physically as well. He says, quote, “I thought it would spur me to get back into a really good workout routine. I was looking to see my abs again I hadn’t seen them in about 20 years.” In the article Worley talks about that workout routine plus other topics including the guilt he feels after his divorce. He also discusses the sexual overtones that have been showing up in his music and videos. <>
“Nashville Star” runner-up Jason Meadows is also in the July issue of “Playgirl,” but he doesn’t expose as much as Worley. Keith Urban posed for “Playgirl” but has since said he regrets making that decision. Others who have been in the magazine include Billy Currington and Aaron Tippin.

COWBOY TROY AND WIFE HAVE TRIPLETS

Cowboy Troy is celebrating more than the release of his new album “Black in the Saddle.” Troy and his wife Laura just had triplets. Riley, Reese and Reagan are doing very well though their parents are not getting much sleep these days.

QUICK BITES

Dolly Parton will be honored tonight by the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City. She will receive the Johnny Mercer award, which is exclusively reserved for a songwriter who has already been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The songwriter’s body of work must be of such high quality and impact that it upholds the gold standard set by the legendary Johnny Mercer. Past Johnny Mercer Award recipients have included Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy Webb, R&B singer Smokey Robinson, pop stylists Carole King and Billy Joel and Broadway’s Stephen Sondheim.

Jo Dee Messina has been working on her latest studio album, set to be released this Fall on Curb Records. Her first single, “Biker Chick,” which Jo Dee co-produced with Jerry Flowers, will be released the first of July.

Wynonna Judd's New York Times Best Seller "Coming Home to Myself" is now in paperback.

Glen Campbell’s expertise on the guitar will be examined through 25 digital albums that will be released in the next two months. The singer played on sessions including the Monkees, Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Merle Haggard. Thirteen of the albums will be released on June 26th; the remaining 12 on July 17th. The recordings were done between 1963 and 1993 and demonstrate Campbell’s trademark of combining country mannerisms and pop melodies.

Gene Watson will perform tonight at The Nashville Palace near the Opryland complex. Watson has just signed with Shanachie Records.

Brad Paisley played songs from the new album at his fan club party yesterday in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. Fans were also treated to appearances by special guests Bill Anderson and Little Jimmy Dickens.

Big Country Notes for JUNE 6

KENNY CHESNEY’S NEW SINGLE CLIMBS CHARTS QUICKLY

In 57 hours, Kenny Chesney’s single “Never Wanted Nothing More” climbed to number 37 on the “Billboard” country charts. It’s the lead single from Chesney’s upcoming “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates” album. Kenny reacted to the news, saying, “I wanted to give people a taste of the new album … so I went with something country, something tempo, something everybody is likely to be experiencing right now!” The song was written by bluegrass great Ronnie Bowman and Chris Stapleton, but the new album has tunes from numerous hit songwriters including Don Schlitz, Bill Anderson and Jon Randall. Chesney compares his fans and their experiences to hit songs. He says, quote, “Our fans bring their whole life to our shows - and even though they come to party and have a good time, you can see it on their faces when you sing 'There Goes My Life' or 'Anything But Mine'” He adds, quote, “I hang onto everything I see. Guess that's the songwriter in me, huh?”
Chesney will be singing his new single for his fans when he plays his first NFL stadium date of the year Saturday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Other stadium dates include Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 23rd; Seattle, Washington on July 7th; Cleveland, Ohio on July 14th; Boston, Massachusetts on July 28th; and Detroit, Michigan on August 18th. Kenny says, quote, “One thing about my fans: they like to get outside, they like to tailgate and they like to have fun. For me and the guys, we couldn't want anything more.”
Tickets for Chesney’s Raleigh, North Carolina on August 3rd and Atlanta, Georgia Sept. 7th shows disappeared in less than 30 minutes. Second shows for the following nights at each venue were immediately added. It’s not the first time fans have bought all the tickets in Raleigh. Chesney remembers, quote, “Two years ago people were using wire cutters to put holes in the fence to get in because there were no tickets.” He adds, quote, “The best thing about all of it is how insane the fans have been this year. Just when I’m sure they can’t rock any harder, they show me a whole new level of how loud, how crazy, how much fun they can have at a show.”

JASON ALDEAN HEADS TO TIMES SQUARE THIS MORNING WITH A NUMBER ONE ALBUM

Contrary to the line in his hit song, “Johnny Cash,” Jason Aldean won’t be headed for Las Vegas this morning. Instead the singer will go north to New York. There he will perform his hit single “Johnny Cash” on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” live from Times Square. "Johnny Cash” is from his new album “Relentless,” which just hit the top of the “Billboard” country charts and is number four in the all-genre “Top 200” chart in the magazine. Aldean sold 90-thousand albums, enough to make him the third best country album debut of the year, right behind Tim McGraw and Martina McBride. Aldean is excited and says, quote, "We've been out on the road trying to win audiences over one at a time with our live show, but you never know if that energy is going to translate into album sales.” He adds, quote, “This is definitely a career highlight so far, and I am really looking forward to being at CMA Music Fest this week, so I can thank all the fans personally!"
Aldean’s activities during this week’s CMA Music Fest in Nashvile include a Platinum Party to celebrate his debut album on tomorrow and a stadium performance at LP Field on Friday. He will also sponsor his third annual Concert for the Cure charity event to benefit Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation later that night at the Wildhorse Saloon. Other television appearances include “Fox & Friends” Saturday.
Aldean will hit the road again with Rascal Flatts this summer and through the fall. For other upcoming appearances and tour dates, visit the newly relaunched www.jasonaldean.com.

BRAD PAISLEY SAYS HE LIKES TO APPROACH SONGS IN A DIFFERENT WAY

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that wait in grass or trees for an unsuspecting host to come along, and they don’t seem like a particularly romantic subject to write a song about – unless you’re Brad Paisley. Of his hit single “Ticks, Paisley says, quote, “A song like ‘Ticks’ is purely an exercise in trying to garner a reaction from an audience as well as trying to entertain.” Paisley likened the song topic to that of hip-hop music, which uses the lingo and dialect of the street, making it a music that is directed at a particular group of people. “Ticks” is directed at his fans, who he says might indeed need to make a tick check every now and then. Brad says, quote, “It was absolutely a thought process that involved the fans when I was writing that song. It also has a lot to do with looking for unique ways to say new things.”

LONESTAR AND FRIENDS BOWL FOR FUN AND CHARITY

The third annual Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids was a huge success. The sold out event had fans throwing strikes beside their favorite celebrities, among them Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry, former “Nashville Star” winner Buddy Jewel, Trent Tomlinson, Julie Roberts and Daryl Worley. Last year’s “Nashville Star” winner Chris Young, who was on hand to watch the competition, says, quote, “It’s great that fans come out to stuff like this to support such a great cause as St. Jude.” He adds, quote, “St. Jude is huge for me. I got to visit the hospital for the first time this year. You don’t know how it will impact you until you go.” Chris says he has urged friends to take the time to visit the research facility. He says, quote, “It’s one of those things where it helps the kids in the hospital but the research that goes on there helps people across the country and around the world.” Commending on his fans, Young says, quote, “This [CMA Music Fest] is really cool. It’s great to see people genuinely excited and have people recognize you and appreciate your music.” The annual bowling event raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

CMT PRESENTS SUMMERFECT 2007 FROM CMA MUSIC FEST

Sugarland, Sara Evans and Big & Rich will be a part of “CMT at Summerfest 2007,” CMT’s second series of specials from this Milwaukee’s annual music event. The three, one-hour concert specials will premiere the first hour August 3rd and subsequent hours on August 4th and 5th. Summerfest 2007 celebrates 40 years of music when thousands of fans descend upon Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 28th – July 8th for eleven straight days of live music from all genres. CMT’s Lance Smith will host the three specials. Additionally, CMT will tape a special episode of “CMT Top 20 Countdown” from the festival grounds.

GRAND OLE OPRY CRUISE HITS HIGH SEAS NEXT JANUARY

Craig Morgan, Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride, Hal Ketchum and Jeannie Seeley will join fans on the Grand Ole Opry Caribbean Cruise January 26th - February 2nd, 2008. Carnival Lines’ new ship Freedom will depart from Miami, Florida to visit three ports of call – San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Marten. The eight-day, seven-night cruise will feature private shows by the entertainers plus an exclusive cocktail party and question and answer sessions with the artists. Other activities on the ship include a casino, dancing, first-run movies and gourmet dining. The first 200 passengers to book their cruise will be entered to win a VIP Grand Ole Opry Nashville getaway including hotel accommodations and an all-access Grand Ole Opry experience. For more information on the cruise contact Corporate Travel Service Inc. toll free at (866) 653-6779.

EVENTS SURROUNDING CMA MUSIC FEST UNDERWAY

Among fan club parties for artists like Brad Paisley, Marty Stuart and Tracy Lawrence and afternoon block parties, country fans in Nashville for the annual CMA Music Fest have a lot to choose from. One of the afternoon events is Little Big Town’s Ride for the Cure, which begins at 1 p.m. at the Harley Davidson Cool Springs. The benefit for the T.J. Martell Foundation will include a ride from the dealership to downtown Nashville, ending at the Hall of Fame Park. A barbecue hosted by Applebees and a live auction featuring autographed memorabilia will conclude the ride. A 3 p.m. Music Fest Parade, also downtown, will culminate in a Block Party and concert at 4 p.m. at the Nashville Arena plaza. The Second Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party. Performing at the Block Party will be Cowboy Troy, this year’s “Nashville Star” winner Angela Hacker, Jason Michael Carroll, Darryl Worley and Mark Chesnutt. The event is free and open to the public.

QUICK BITES

LeAnn Rimes is inviting fans to be part of her booth at the CMA Music Fest this year. In conjunction with the release of her album “Family” she is asking fans to bring pictures of their family and friends to pin up on a special board in her booth. LeAnn will be signing autographs tomorrow from 2 – 4 p.m. Tickets will be issued to the first 120 people who make it to her booth when the doors to the exhibit hall open in the morning.

A little tropical storm didn’t deter Kenny Chesney fans in Palm Beach, Florida last weekend. By noon the parking lot was full of tailgaters and they remained at their cars until well after the concert was over. Uncle Kracker came out to duet with Kenny on “When The Sun Goes down,” “Follow Me” and “Midnight Rider/Cowboy.”

Bucky Covington’s debut single “A Different World” climbed into the Top 15 on the country radio charts, reaching a weekly audience of over 17-million listeners.

Big & Rich's album “Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace” and Cowboy Troy's disc “Black In The Saddle” were released yesterday and the members of the MuzikMafia had a huge party for their own in Nashville.

Steve Azar is bringing a few of his close friends along to help raise money at the "Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation Benefit & Jam” tomorrow. Guests who will sign autographs or join him onstage for the concert jam include Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, Super Bowl player Steve Cole, Pro-wrestler Ray Lloyd, actor Gary Valentine, Tennessee Titan Craig Hentrich and recording artists Julie Roberts and Blue County.

Big Country Notes for JUNE 5

“SOUL2SOUL TOUR 2007” KICKS OFF TONIGHT IN OMAHA

The much-anticipated revival of one of last year’s most popular tours kicks off tonight as Tim McGraw and Faith Hill debut the new version of their “Soul2Soul 2007” tour in Omaha, Nebraska. The husband and wife team say that when the tour ended last year it was as if it wasn’t really finished. Tim says, quote, “It felt like we had more to do and more ground to cover.” He adds, quote, “Everything works so smoothly on the road that we couldn’t wait to get back out there and do it again.” While the couple decline to give away too much of what the new tour will be like, Faith says, quote, “We have a phenomenal stage and there’s so much more we can do with it. We’re just going to try to give the fans even more of what they want.” When the tour is all planned and ready to roll, Faith says it comes down to just one thing. She says, quote, “We’ve been doing this long enough to know that the bottom line is you can have all the bells and whistles the law will allow but it still all comes down to the music.” Another thing that makes the tour exciting is Faith and Tim do special things for their fans, like the intimate acoustic shows for a small group of fans that they perform prior to the main event. This year they’ve added a special touch with special guest Lori McKenna, a songwriter who has written several songs that were on Faith’s album “Fireflies,” including “Stealing Kisses.” Newcomers Halfway to Hazard and Lance Miller will perform on the outdoor stage late afternoon. The “Soul2Soul Tour 2007” stays in Omaha for another night then heads to St. Paul, Minnesota on June 8th. The next date is Monday in Salt Lake City, Utah.

BIG & RICH RELEASE NEW ALBUM TODAY

Big & Rich find themselves between a new CD and their debut book project. Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich will celebrate the release of both today. Their album “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace” and the book “Big & Rich: All Access” both chronicle various chapters in the life of the duo. As for the title of the disc, Big Kenny says, quote, “It really seems like we’re always between raising hell and amazing grace -- that’s the place we live in you know.” He adds, quote, “We try our doggonest to be good guys and do good things and live in as godly a way as we possibly can but we also really enjoy life and we enjoy a good time.” Big Kenny says sometimes both he and partner John Rich push life to the extreme and when they do they, quote, “the place we always end up is back on our knees.” The disc has several guest performers, among them R&B great John Legend and hip-hop star Wyclef Jean. Legend lends vocals to “Eternity,” which he sang on the Academy of Country Music awards with Big & Rich last month. Wyclef Jean wrote and recorded a rap for “Please Man.”

Big & Rich have a series of television appearances to help promote the new projects. They will perform on the “Tonight Show’s” Outdoor Concert Series June 18th, the “Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson” on June 20th and live from Kansas City for the “CBS Early Show” Concert Series August 10th.

Track Listing for Big & Rich's “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace”:
1. Intro
2. Lost In This Moment
3. Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace
4. Faster Than Angels Fly
5. Eternity (Features John Legend) Intro
6. Eternity
7. When the Devil Gets the Best Of Me
8. Radio Intro
9. Radio
10. You Never Stop Loving Somebody
11. High Five
12. Please Man (Features Wyclef Jean)
13. You Shook Me All Night Long
14. Loud

CARRIE UNDERWOOD, SUGARLAND ON GRAND OLE OPRY TONIGHT

Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Rodney Atkins and Craig Morgan are among the artists on tonight’s Grand Ole Opry. The show officially kicks off the Opry’s participation in CMA Music Fest. Additional Opry shows during CMA Music Festival week include the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund Benefit Show at the Ryman Auditorium Thursday featuring Joe Nichols, Emerson Drive, Cherryholmes, Tracy Byrd, Chris Young, Jeff Bates, Riders in the Sky and John Conlee. Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Charley Pride, Joe Nichols and more are scheduled Friday. There will also be an Opry at the Ryman CMA Music Festival Matinee on Saturday with Lorrie Morgan, John Berry and Chely Wright in addition to the regular Saturday Opry performances.

CHELY WRIGHT’S READING, WRITING & RHYTHM OFFERS HUGE AUCTION ITEMS

Fans attending tonight’s “Reading, Writing & Rhythm” benefit hosted by Chely Wright will have the opportunity to bid on some high-profile auction items as well as hear good country music. Event sponsor American Airlines is donating five fly-away trips this year to major country concerts. Bidding interest will be high on opportunities to see Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Reba McEntire and/or Keith Urban in concert. The packages include two show tickets, two meet and greet passes and two round-trip air tickets from any domestic destination in the U.S. Also on the live auction block are two one-of-a-kind getaways -- a Grand Ole Opry Vacation including a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, backstage seats during the evening’s Grand Ole Opry Show, round-trip airfare and a stay at Opryland Hotel, and a “Sea-Ya” Fly-Away Vacation to a Caribbean destination of the winning bidder’s choice. The concert will be held at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. The evening’s festivities benefit “Reading, Writing & Rhythm.”
Scheduled to perform are Keith Anderson, Emerson Drive, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Trent Tomlinson, Clay Walker, Chris Young and Danielle Peck as well as other surprise guests.
The silent auction will include a full-size casino-style poker table, an assortment of guitars, televisions, digital cameras, computers, country music memorabilia, autographed artist swag and personal accessory items such as two Catena watches valued at five-thousand dollars each.
Chely Wright established “Reading, Writing & Rhythm” in 1999 with the objective of improving the quality of music education in America's public schools and raising public awareness surrounding the importance of music education for our nation's youth. The charity has raised over one million dollars and donated gifts of music, musical instruments and services to schools and students nationwide.

JUNE CARTER CASH INSPIRES NEW CD IN STORES TODAY

GRAMMY award winning producer John Carter Cash, the only child of Johnny and June, conceived and produced a new album “Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash,” which arrives in stores today. The project celebrates June’s life and encompasses all phases of her career, from the songs she sang with the Carter Family to her award-winning duets with her husband on “Ring of Fire” and “Jackson.” John’s sisters Rosanne Cash and Carlene Carter, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn’s Ronnie Dunn, Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Patty Loveless are among the talents lending their voices to the project. In selecting the singers, John says, quote, “Almost all of the people who participated in the album were family or friends who knew her personally. Everyone who appears on the record, whether they knew her or not, respected her and loved her dearly.” Paisley and June became friends later on in her life. John recalls his mother meeting Brad at the CMT Music Awards and his mother saying the next day “that Brad Paisley is a nice young man.” “Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash,” the book written by John Carter will be released next Tuesday.

Track Listing
1. Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson—If I Were a Carpenter
2. Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn--Jackson
3. Loretta Lynn—Wildwood Flower
4. Patty Loveless and Kris Kristofferson—Far Side Banks of Jordan
5. Brad Paisley—Keep on the Sunny Side
6. Rosanne Cash—Wings of Angels (written by June)
7. Elvis Costello—Ring of Fire (written by June and Merle Kilgore)
8. Billy Bob Thornton and the Peasall Sisters—Road to Kaintuck (written by June and her sister Helen)
9. Grey DeLisle—Big Yellow Peaches (written by June)
10. Billy Joe Shaver—Kneeling Drunkard’s Plea (written by June and her sisters Helen and Anita, her mother- Mother Maybelle Carter)
11. Ralph Stanley—Will the Circle Be Unbroken
12. Emmylou Harris—Song of John (written by June)

COWBOY TROY SECOND CD IS OUT TODAY

Be careful about what you say around John Rich. Cowboy Troy found that out when he jokingly suggested “Black in the Saddle” as a possible album title. Troy says, quote, “John just seized onto it, and the label loved it. They wouldn’t let me change it.” Troy admits he’s a fan of Gene Autry’s music and one of his favorite traditional western songs is “Back in the Saddle Again.” The singer thought it made sense and would be kind of cool to draw the title from the classic song. Rich produced the disc and contributes vocals as J. MONEY. Other guest vocalists include M. Shadows, lead singer of the hard rock group Avenged Sevenfold; MuzikMafia buddy James Otto and “Nashville Star” season five winner Angela Hacker. Troy and Hacker met on the set of USA Network’s “Nashville Star,” which Troy has co-hosted the past two seasons. The singer will celebrate the disc’s release on Thursday with a party in Nashville. “Black in the Saddle” is in stores today.

PORTER WAGONER SET TO RELEASE “WAGONMASTER” TODAY

Porter Wagoner says it was Marty Stuart who persuaded him to record a country album after he had released a series of gospel projects. Stuart says Porter is one of the easiest projects he’s done. Marty explains, “You just put him in the studio and leave him alone.” Wagoner, who suffered a near-fatal aortic aneurysm in July of 2006, told “Billboard” magazine, quote, “I just want the record to be the best I’ve ever done because it could be the last I’ll ever do.” The first single from the album, “Committed to Parkview,” was written by Johnny Cash. Cash actually gave a tape of the song to Stuart 25 years ago but Marty lost it. When he started working on this project with Porter he remembered the song. A search turned up the tape and Porter agreed to cut it. Wagoner says both he and Cash spent time in the Nashville asylum. Wagoner just celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Look for Porter and Marty to tour this summer in support of “Wagonmaster,” which is in stores today.

QUICK BITES

CMT has announced that “CMT Crossroads” show with Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson will premiere Sunday, June 24th at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.

Trace Adkins is going presidential. The singer has been invited to perform at the annual President’s Dinner on June 13th. The event, considered to be one of the largest political gatherings of the year, will be held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. More than five-thousand people are scheduled to attend, including members of both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Taylor Swift will experience another milestone Sunday night. The singer is scheduled to perform at LP Field during CMA Music Fest in Nashville. One year ago, Swift made her festival debut on the Riverfront Stage. She says of the big event, quote, “This is going to be a huge moment in my life, because I always went to that concert and watched that show in the stadium. You have all these dreams when you’re starting out and the fact that these dreams are coming true for me is such an overwhelming feeling.” In more news, Taylor will make her third appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” June 14th.

Jack Ingram is featured in a new exhibit by famed photographer Jim McGuire at Nashville’s Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, George Strait are among the other photos. The “Nashville Portraits” exhibit runs through September 9th.

Jennifer Hanson has a new video and new record label. The singer/songwriter recently shot a video for “Joyride”-- her debut single on Universal Records South. Filmed in the Valley of Fire State Park outside of Las Vegas, the clip will premiere on “CMT Top 20” Thursday. Hanson is working on a new album, which she co-produced as well as having a hand in writing all the songs.

Trent Willmon is the new spokesperson for Horses For Healing (HFH). The organization uses therapeutic horseback riding to help special needs children across Northwest Arkansas grow physically, mentally and emotionally. In addition, the singer is scheduled to headline the HFH benefit Barn Dance this Saturday.

Darryl Worley has posed “shirtless” for the July issue of “Playgirl.” It’s the publication’s annual country edition.

IN STORES TODAY

Big & Rich—“Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace”
Cowboy Troy—“Black in the Saddle”
Various artists--“Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash”
Marty Stuart—“Compadres: An Anthology of Duets”
Porter Wagoner—“Wagonmaster”
Big & Rich—“Big & Rich: All Access” book
Marty Stuart—“Country Music—The Masters” a photography book

More of Jake

Big Country Notes for JUNE 4

PLENTY OF ENTERTAINMENT DUE WHEN “SOUL2SOUL TOUR” KICKS OFF TOMORROW

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are making their “Soul2Soul Tour” an unforgettable experience for their fans. Before the couple takes the stage, concertgoers will have the opportunity to hear performances by new artists -- Halfway to Hazard and Lance Miller on the “MyGIG Infotainment Stage.” Both acts were personally chosen by Tim. McGraw and Byron Gallimore signed the duo to their record label StyleSonic and they produced Hazard’s debut single “Daisy.” Miller, who’s produced by The Warren Brothers, also has a debut single-- “She Really Loves Me.” Inside the arena, Lori McKenna, Taylor Swift and The Warren Brothers have been chosen to open for the couple. McKenna will be the opening act starting tomorrow through July 6th, then Taylor Swift opens from July 9th through July 20th, while the Warren Brothers open the rest of the dates. In keeping with Tim and Faith’s philosophy of putting the fans first, the couple says, quote, “We wanted to continue to grow and expand the experience for the fans. We have a personal connection with all of these artists and their music and look forward to them joining us on tour.” If fans want to take part in the full experience of the tour, outdoor stage activities will kick off at 4 p.m. with videos, merchandise and more. The “Soul2Soul Tour” kicks off tomorrow night in Omaha, Nebraska and ends August 11th in Anaheim, California.

CHESNEY DECIDES ON TITLE FOR UPCOMING ALBUM

Kenny Chesney took some inspiration from his friends in the islands and his fans in titling his upcoming CD. The singer says, quote, “’Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates’ pretty much says it all. At the end of the day, you strip it all off, and that’s what it comes down to: great songs that are about the smallest things and people who’re living just beyond the rules.” He adds, quote, “a lot of my friends in the islands, they’re living the pirate life and you could say that anyone living on the road, always waking up somewhere else, they’re living the pirate life, too. But I think a lot of my fans, they’re really the pirates.” Chesney downplays the seriousness of the title, saying it’s about having fun on stage coupled with the quiet moments when he’s alone. The first single from the disc is “Never Wanted Nothing More.” While crisscrossing the country on his “Flip Flop Summer” tour and producing Willie Nelson and bandmate Tim Hensley, somehow Chesney is finding time to work on the disc. Thursday, the tour plays in Columbus, Ohio and then heads to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, the first stadium date of ’07.

BIG & RICH DEBUT NEW BOOK TOMORROW

Big & Rich are hit songwriters, producers and musicians, and tomorrow they will be adding “authors” to their long list of talents. Big Kenny and John Rich have written a new book, “Big & Rich: All Access,” that Rich describes as a “biography” of the duo starting with when they met in Nashville up until now. He says, quote, It’s a real insightful thing for people that are curious as to how our music came to exist the way it does. “[There’s] a lot about the MuzikMafia in there and how we met Gretchen [Wilson], Cowboy Troy, Two Foot Fred and all these great characters that are in our world.” The duo plan a few appearances this week at the CMA Music Fest in Nashville to promote the CD and book, including an autograph session at the Borders booth in the Nashville Convention Center and a signing and performance at the West End FYE store Thursday afternoon. “Big & Rich: All Access” hits stores tomorrow along with their third album “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace.”

LONESTAR & FRIENDS STRIKE OUT FOR KIDS TONIGHT

There will be plenty of action on the lanes tonight in Nashville when Lonestar presents their third annual Lonestar & Friends, Strike Out for the Kids, a bowling party fundraiser. Joining band members Richie McDonald, Dean Sams, Michael Britt and Keech Rainwater will be Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry, Trent Tomlinson, Darryl Worley, Tracy Lawrence and Danielle Peck. Also on the lanes will be Buddy Jewell, Emerson Drive, Jimmy Olander of Diamond Rio and a host of other celebrity bowlers. A few celebrities, including Chris Young, will be on hand to mingle with the crowd but not participate in the friendly competition. Proceeds from the evening will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research hospital.

MIRANDA LAMBERT GETS IN SHAPE FOR SUMMER TOUR

You probably won’t be seeing Miranda Lambert eating at your local Waffle House anytime soon. The singer has been getting in shape with the help of a trainer and losing weight by eating healthy. In the new issue of “People,” Lambert documents her road to fitness success. Since 2005, ACM’s Top New Female Vocalist has gone from a size ten to a size four. While she hates exercising, she does follow a routine on the road four days a week. She tells “People,” quote, “I’m never going to wear a size two. People say ‘You look healthy’ and that’s fine with me.” Miranda will keep up her fitness routine when she joins Toby Keith’s “Big Dog Daddy” tour on June 21st in Birmingham, Alabama.

LONESTAR, JOE DIFFIE, JOHN BERRY AND OTHERS SING AT HOME FOR A HERO

Country music artists are always quick to step up to the plate to honor those who serve in the military. Lonestar, Joe Diffie, John Berry and others will come together on July 17th at Greer Stadium in Nashville for the Home for a Hero concert. The event will benefit Sgt. Kevin Downs and honor the Tennessee National Guard and all United States Armed Forces. Other artists who will participate include David Lee Murphy, Collin Raye and Paulette Carlson. In addition to the music there will be a formation helicopter flyover by UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters, a display of military vehicles and weaponry, Laser Shot Indoor Range System, a fireworks show and more. The concert will help raise the funds necessary to design and build a specially suited house for the 22-year-old soldier who was severely wounded in Iraq in August 2005. He is the sole survivor of an ambush that killed three American soldiers from the 278th Regimental Combat Team of the Tennessee National Guard unit. The new house will allow Kevin to live an independent life. Sgt. Downs continues his recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, but he will soon return home to Middle Tennessee.

JACK INGRAM LEARNS HOW TO REACH AUDIENCE AS OPENING ACT

Jack Ingram is grateful to be a part of Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour this summer. He says the recent success of his hit singles “Wherever You Are” and “Lips of an Angel” has given him newfound status among fans. The one thing he’s had to adjust is how he approaches his performance. As a headliner at smaller venues, Ingram has the time to build his show and draw the crowd along with him. Now that he has to share the stage with Paisley’s other special guests, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift, he gets a little less stage time. Ingram told the “Columbian”, quote, "That's the only part of it that's a drag for me. It's part of the scene and I understand it. But you kind of feel like you go out there and just about the time you're starting to hit your stride, you're done.” He adds, quote, “It feels like an extended sound check sometimes. But we do what we can. We just kind of have to come out full speed ahead."

PORTER WAGONER TO RECEIVE TEX RITTER AWARD FROM IFCO

Grand Ole Opry star Porter Wagoner will be the recipient of IFCO’s (the International Fan Club Organization) Tex Ritter Award. He will be presented the honor at the 40th Annual IFCO FunFest Show today at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Ritter, who was an actor and singer, was a supporter and longtime member of IFCO, which is an organization that overseas many of the country music celebrity fan clubs. The award was created to recognize an artist, individual or group for their contribution to country music, the music community, and fans everywhere. Previous winners have included Mother Maybelle Carter, Ernest Tubb, Roy Clark and the Oak Ridge Boys.
Headlining the 40th Annual IFCO FunFest Show will be Joe Diffie with Trick Pony, Aaron Tippin, Chris Young, Ty Herndon and others. The 2007 IFCO show benefits Nashville's Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

QUICK BITES

Kellier Pickler has joined the ranks of the fashionable. The June 4th issue of “US Weekly” recognizes the singer with having the Look of the Week at the ACM Awards last month. The gown she wore to the show was designed by Max Azria.

Van Zant, Chris Young, “Nashville Star” winner Angela Hacker, her brother and fellow finalist Zac Hacker, Bryan White and others have been added as participants for the “Third Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade.” Mark Chesnutt and Cowboy Troy have been added as performers for “The Second Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party.” The parade and block party take place Wednesday afternoon in downtown Nashville and are free to the public. Darryl Worley is the parade’s Grand Marshall and he will also be performing at the block party.

Justin Timberlake is among the artists on the “Reba Duets” disc. He wrote and produced the track “The Only Promise That Remains” for the project. Timberlake tells MTV, “I’m from Tennessee, so I’m making my grandfather very proud by working with someone like Reba.” “Reba Duets” featuring collaborations with Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes and many others – will be in stores September 18th. The first single from the disc is “Because of You” with Clarkson.

According to “The Tennessean,” Rodney Atkins, Taylor Swift and Van Zant will perform at Nashville’s Riverfront Park on July 4th to celebrate the holiday. Keni Thomas will sing the national anthem.


"PIRATES” HOLDS OFF COMPETITION FOR SECOND WEEKEND IN A ROW

The Pirates were able to fend off the competition for a second week in a row at the box office. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" came in number one, bringing approximately 43-point-two-million in sales. That brings the its ten-day total to 216-point-five-million-dollars. Opening up in second place this weekend was the comedy, "Knocked Up," with 29-point-three-million-dollars in sales. The film's distributor, Universal Pictures, is very happy with those numbers because it had hoped the movie would open in the 21-million-dollar range. In third place this week was the animated comedy, "Shrek the Third," which had about 26-point-seven-million in sales. Coming in fourth place was the new Kevin Costner thriller, "Mr. Brooks," with about ten-million-dollars in ticket sales. Rounding out the top five was "Spider-Man 3," which had a weekend total of seven-and-a-half-million dollars. So far, the superhero franchise has earned more than 318-million-dollars after five weeks and the worldwide total is at 844-million-dollars.
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. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," $43.2 million.
2. "Knocked Up," $29.3 million.
3. "Shrek the Third," $26.7 million.
4. "Mr. Brooks," $10 million.
5. "Spider-Man 3," $7.5 million.
6. "Waitress," $2 million.
7. "Gracie," $1.4 million.
8. "Bug," $1.22 million.
9. "28 Weeks Later," $1.2 million.
10. "Disturbia," $1.1 million.