Big Country Notes for JUNE 21

TOBY KEITH’S “BIG DOG DADDY” NUMBER ONE ON BILLBOARD 200, COUNTRY CHART

Toby Keith has said if his new album “Big Dog Daddy” doesn’t do well he has only himself to blame because he produced it by himself. The singer doesn’t have to worry - the disc debuted in the top spot on “Billboard”s country album chart yesterday. It also debuted at number one on the magazine’s all-genre Top 200 chart. Keith sold just over 200-thousand units the first week the project was in stores, according to Nielsen SoundScan. His previous album “White Trash with Money” sold 330-thousand copies but debuted in the number two spot. This is Keith’s fifth album to debut at number one on the country album chart and his third to top the all-genre 200 chart. Toby’s second single from the disc, “Love Me if you Can,” is the most added record at country radio this week.

CMT FEATURES KEITH URBAN ON “CMT INSIDER” SATURDAY

Keith Urban says he was successful with his stint in rehab last year because he wanted to be. Urban took time to talk with CMT for “CMT Insider” before opening night of his U.S. tour in Phoenix. He told CMT, quote, “You can’t do it for anybody -- you know, you can’t do it because you think you should. You can’t even do it because you need to. You’ve got to do it because you want to.” The show debuts Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern. In the meantime, fans can get a preview of Urban’s show on his website, www.keithurban.net. Urban and The Wreckers continue on the “Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Tour” next week in St. Louis on Thursday and Memphis on Friday. Saturday finds them in Atlanta.

MARTINA McBRIDE SINGLE LENDS TITLE TO HER ALBUM

Picking an album title is tricky business. It has to be catchy enough to grab the attention of the potential record buyer. Martina McBride found the title of her disc “Waking Up Laughing” in a line in her current single "How I Feel.” The singer says, quote, "We were trying to think of things that you do or experience that are just the best-that make you feel the best." Martina, who co-wrote the song, contributed the image of "waking up laughing" which she says is something that's actually happened to her on three or four occasions in her life. They tossed around the line for a title and then forgot. A few months later the subject of an album title came up again and her daughter Emma said she liked the title “Waking Up Laughing.”

ABC TO AIR CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL SPCIAL NEXT MONTH

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson will sing their single “Because of You” from “Reba Duets” album on the “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” when it airs July 23rd. Other artists featured on the show will include Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood. The special was taped during the recent CMA Music Festival in Nashville. In addition to concert footage there will be some special moments as cameras follow several fans as they are experience personal encounters with their favorite country stars. The third annual special from CMA Music Festival will air at 9 p.m. Eastern on ABC.
Gold Circle seating at LP Arena for next year’s CMA Music Festival is already sold out. For more information on the 2008 event visit www.CMAfest.com.

QUICK BITES

Videos on LeAnn Rimes’ "Ready for a Miracle" and Room for Two's "Be the Miracle" from the movie “Evan Almighty” will be released in July. The soundtrack includes music by a number of artists, among them Blue County, Jo Dee Messina, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Hal Ketchum. The soundtrack will be in stores July 3rd.

Sales of Trent Tomlinson's “Country Is My Rock” have increased 45 percent over the last four weeks since his current single, "Just Might Have Her Radio On," was released.

"Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur" enters “Billboard’s all-genre Top 200 chart this week at number 15. Big & Rich are just one of the artists who contributed to the album that features John Lennon covers. Other on the project include alternative group Green Day, rockers R.E.M. and pop singer Avril Lavigne.

Sarah Buxton will release a digital EP on July 10th that will have five cuts on it. Among them will be the Keith Urban hit "Stupid Boy," which Buxton write along with "American Daughters" and "Love Is A Trip."

Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson and songwriters Bobby Braddock and Curly Putnam were among those who gathered to honor publishing great Buddy Killen Tuesday when the Music Row roundabout was renamed Buddy Killen Circle.

Recording sessions by Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family will be recognized in an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The display opens next Thursday and honors the Bristol, Virginia sessions done in 1927 that are often considered to be the first country sessions every done. On display at the museum will be the first recording, a 78-rpm disc of “The Poor Orphan Child” by the Carter Family and Rodger’s typewriter that he used to type lyric sheets for the sessions.

Big Country Notes for JUNE 20

GEORGE STRAIT SAW POTENTIAL IN “WRAPPED” AS SINGLE EARLY ON

George Strait says when he first heard his hit song “Wrapped” he thought it had potential as a single. Strait says, quote, “I always look for something a little different, whether in the melody or lyrics, and that’s how I came across it.” Strait says he was already familiar with songwriter Bruce Robison, who is a fellow Texan. George says, quote, “I had recorded another song of his called ‘Desperately.’ He’s a great Texas writer. I say Texas writer but I should say he’s a great songwriter, period.” Strait says it’s really hard to pinpoint what it is that attracts him to a song. He explains, quote, “I don’t know exactly what it is but when something strikes me it’s just there and I’ll know I want to go in the studio and cut it.”

BRAD PAISLEY FEELS LIKE HE’S REALLY IN FIFTH GEAR WITH NEW ALBUM

Brad Paisley says he feels that he has literally shifted into fifth gear with the songs on his new album “5th Gear.” He says, quote, “It feels like another gear to me in the musical theme of things.” He adds, quote, “If you’re following the gear shift on a standard transmission, you do down to second, you go back up to third, then you go back down there to fourth. That’s what it felt like what we achieved with ‘Time Well Wasted.’” The new album, on the other hand, moves ahead full throttle. “Ticks” was the first single and did very well. Now “Online” is set to hit the straightaway and take the disc further down the road to the finish line.

LONESTAR AND FRIENDS RAISE $39K FOR ST. JUDE

Kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will benefit from a group of country singers knocking over a few bowling pins. Lonestar and friends raised 39-thousand-dollars at their third annual “Lonestar & friends Strike Out for the Kids” benefit on June 3rd. Richie McDonald of Lonestar says, quote, “We couldn't have done it without all the wonderful fans and artists that came to support the event.” Bryan White, who was one of the artists on hand for the event, says, quote, “I had a blast! The guys in Lonestar are as good as they come. They have big hearts.” He adds, quote, “They know what they’ve been given and want to use it to draw awareness to the needs that these children have. I’m honored to be a part of it.” Among the artists who showed up at the event were Emerson Drive, Trent Tomlinson, Tanya Tucker, Buddy Jewell, Darryl Worley, Little Texas, Tracy Lawrence and Jimmy Olander of Diamond Rio.

TIM McGRAW, FAITH HILL HONORED BY ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw received the Academy of Country Music Career Achievement Award during a special presentation at the June 5th kick off to their Soul2Soul Tour 2007 in Omaha, Nebraska. The award is presented to an artist or artists who have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry the previous year. Last year Hill and McGraw’s “Soul2Soul”tour was the highest grossing country music tour of all-time and the most attended concert tour of the year in any musical genre. Past honorees have included John Anderson, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins and Kenny Rogers.

COUNTRY ARTISTS CONTRIBUTE SONGS TO “EVAN ALMIGHTY” SOUNDTRACK

Several country artists are included on the “Evan Almighty” soundtrack. LeAnn Rimes, Blue County, JoDee Messina and Hal Ketchum all contribute tunes to the upcoming release. LeAnn sings “Ready For A Miracle,” something Evan (Steve Carroll) needs when God (Morgan Freeman) tells him to build an ark in suburban northern Virginia. Evan could even use a little bit of Blue County’s admonition to “Walk on Water” – if it ever rains! Other tracks include Jo Dee’s “One Love” and Ketchum’s “God Makes Stars.” Among the other artists on the album are Bombshel, Creedence Clearwater Revival, ZZ Top and the Mike Curb Congregation. The film is in theatres tomorrow and the soundtrack goes to stores on July 3rd.

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC GIVES ARTISTS PIONEER AWARD TONIGHT

Marty Start will host an evening honoring Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Don Williams and songwriter Harlan Howard tonight. The Academy of Country Music (ACM) is bestowing its Cliffie Stone Pioneer award on these artists for their outstanding contributions to country music. Buck Owens will be honored with the Jim Reeves International Award. This recognition goes to an individual for their outstanding contribution to the acceptance of country music throughout the world. Industry veteran Jack Lameier will be honored with the Mae Boren Axton Award, given in recognition of his years of dedication and service to the ACM. The ceremonies will be held at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville.

HILLARY CLINTON CHOOSES CELINE DION OVER SHANIA FOR CAMPAIGN SONG

Spoofing the series finale of "The Sopranos," Senator Hillary Clinton has revealed her campaign song. In a two-part video posting on the Internet starting at HillaryHub.com, Mrs. Clinton is seen in a diner where she's joined by her husband, former President Bill Clinton. He wants to know what the campaign song will be, saying his money is on Smash Mouth. After a man walks by and glares at them, Hillary flips through a tableside jukebox listing and drops a coin into the slot. Instead of the song playing, the viewer is prompted to go to www.HillaryClinton.com/song. There, it's revealed the campaign song is Celine Dion's "You and I."
· Dion's competition was "I'm a Believer" by Smash Mouth, "Beautiful Day" by U2, and Shania Twain's "Rock this Country." Dion's "You and I" was a write-in candidate, but received the most votes of the 200-thousand cast by Clinton supporters.
(Metro Source)

QUICK BITES

LeAnn Rimes guests on Hal Ketchum’s new single “In Front of the Alamo.”

The Country Music Association awards will be held November 7th in Nashville. They will air on ABC at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. The awards moved from September to November Sweeps in 2003.

Ralph Emery has a new show on R.F.D.-TV, "Ralph Emery Live." Emery’s guests have included Willie Nelson and Lorrie Morgan.

The Oak Ridge Boys have a street named after them in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Called Oak Ridge Boys Way, it is located at the corner of Tulane Avenue and Oak Ridge Turnpike. Duane Allen of the group says, quote, “We owe much gratitude to the people of Oak Ridge.”

Bobbie Nelson will release her debut solo album, “Audiobiography,” on Justice Records in September. The 12-song album features Bobbie playing solo piano versions of some of her favorite songs from throughout her life. It begins and ends with two new songs written by her brother, Willie Nelson, who joins his sister on guitar and vocals.

Big Country Notes for JUNE 19

CARRIE UNDERWOOD HITS ANOTHER MILESTONE

One million people are walking around with their cell phones playing “Before He Cheats.” Carrie Underwood’s number-one hit has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as having been downloaded one-million times. Carrie makes country music history with this accomplishment as only the second country artist to have one of their songs hit the million mark in ringtone purchases. Waylon Jennings’ “Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys)” was the first country song to gain what’s known as Mastertone status from the RIAA. “Before He Cheats” was recently recognized as an RIAA Platinum Digital Single, signifying one million purchased downloads.

BRAD PAISLEY RELEASES “5TH GEAR” TODAY

Brad Paisley finds it hard to say no to a good song idea, so that’s why his new album “5th Gear” has 15 songs on it instead of what is considered the norm of ten to 12. Brad explains, quote, “They all fill different niches. I like to put songs on the album that are unique in that they say things that haven’t been said before.” Paisley includes a duet with Carrie Underwood, “”Oh Love.” He also includes another episode of the adventures of the Kung Pao Buckaroos titled “Bigger Fish To Fry.” Among this album’s buckaroos are Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Vince Gill, and Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton. There’s even a special track to recap previous Kung Pao Buckaroo episodes that Brad says was meant as a joke. The singer says, quote, “So many of the TV shows – “24,” “Boston Legal” – are doing it we thought we’d do one for “Kung Pau Buckeroos.” He adds with a laugh, quote, “As if you need a recap ‘cause the storyline is so detailed you know.”
The video for Brad's new single “Online” will premiere on itunes June 26th. It features William Shatner and Jason Alexander, who also directed it. Both were in Paisley’s “Celebrity” video in 2003. The video follows the story line of the song and shows just how easy it is to make up a new personality when you’re meeting other folks online.

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL TOPS SALES CHARTS DURING CMA MUSIC FEST

The fans at CMA Music Fest have spoken and Jason Michael Carroll came out on top. Carroll’s debut album “Waitin’ in the Country” was at the top of the list when it came to CD sales from the Borders booth in the exhibit area. Carroll helped boost sales by performing several times throughout the festival. Not only was he on the main show at LP Field, he was on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stage and at the ABC CMA Music Festival Block Party and the CMA Music Festival Block Party. His first single “Alyssa Lies” went into the top five on the country chart and his new single “Livin’ Our Love Song” is already climbing the charts.

KENNY CHESNEY’S SECOND STADIUM TOUR DATE COMING UP THIS WEEKEND

The bigger the crowds the more fun on stage. That’s a fitting motto for Kenny Chesney’s “Flip-Flop Summer” tour, which storms into Lincoln Financial Field this Saturday. It will be Kenny’s second stadium date of the season and expectations are that it will be one big party from start to finish. Not only will Pat Green and Sugarland be there, they will be joined by Brooks & Dunn and Sara Evans. Kristian Bush of Sugarland says, quote, “If you’re seen the tour it’s like fireworks going off all the time.”

DIERKS BENTLEY DOES COUNTRY PROUD AT BONNAROO

Dierks Bentley wasn’t really worried about being one of a few country acts at the Bonnaroo Arts & Music Festival last weekend. His Friday performance demonstrated why. Craig Shelburne of CMT.com says, quote, “Rather than trying to suddenly rock like the rest of the lineup, Dierks Bentley cranked up the country music during his Friday afternoon slot.” Shelburne says Dierks had a huge crowd and most of the people sang along to his songs, which seemed to surprise him. Dierks invited musician Sam Bush and singer/songwriter Buddy Miller to join him for his set. Dierks says, quote, "We didn’t want to go out and try to do anything different – we wanted people to hear what our country music is all about.” Other country-based artists at the festival included Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin and Grand Ole Opry member Dr. Ralph Stanley.

BON JOVI RELEASES NASHVILLE-INFLUENCED “LOST HIGHWAY” TODAY

Last year Bon Jovi was on the country charts with Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles singing “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” This year they are making a solo effort with the single “(You Want to) Make a Memory” from their album “Lost Highway,” which is in stores today. The album definitely has a Nashville influence and includes duets with LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich. Jon Bon Jovi told “Billboard” magazine, quote, "The line is so blurred between new country and [adult top 40], it wasn't a difficult leap. We had to just make sure we weren't patronizing the true country format.” Bon Jovi and fellow band member Richie Sambora are not newcomers to Nashville. They have been going to the Tennessee music town since the early 1990’s because, according to Jon, the city’s creative community inspires him. He readily admits that he doesn’t hear much he likes on the top 40 charts but, quote, “When I listened to Keith Urban, Gary Allen and Big & Rich, I heard the same kind of stories I'd been writing for 25 years. I thought, 'I get it: Write a record, go back to your storytelling days and say something about yourself.' "
Bon Jovi will be on this morning’s NBC “Today Show” Spring/Summer concert series.
A series of “Unplugged” concerts featuring Bon Jovi performing material from the new album will air beginning Friday on MTV, VH1 and CMT on three consecutive nights.

TRENT WILLMON RAISES MONEY FOR HORSES FOR HEALING

Trent Willmon is no stranger around horses. The Texas native put a lot of ranching experience under his belt before he headed down the road as a country singer. That’s one of the reasons when Horses for Healing asked him to be their spokesperson he signed on right away. Already Trent has raised 150-thousand dollars for the organization at its Barn Dance benefit in Bentonville, Arkansas. Willmon says, quote, “I believe Horses for Healing is such a special program because I have seen the positive effects horses have had on the lives of children with special needs, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” He goes on to say that every horse has a different personality and it’s the interaction between the horse and child that allows them to work together toward a common goal. Trent says, quote, “The simplicity of this relationship has a unique healing and calming effect, whether you are a seasoned horseman or a child with special needs.”
HFH is a nonprofit that uses therapeutic horseback riding to help special needs children. The program touched Willmon, a father and horse lover, who flew to the facilities in Northwest Arkansas last month to view the program first hand. Since then, he’s been a vocal advocate of the group and their mission to help kids.

JUNE CARTER CASH TRIBUTE BOOK AND CD IN STORES TODAY

John Carter Cash is paying tribute to his late mother June Carter Cash. John’s book and companion disc “Anchored In Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash” is in stores today. John says, quote, "Almost all of the people who participated in the album were family or friends who knew her personally. Emmylou Harris was a close friend for years and years. Mom was a close friend with Billy Bob Thornton, Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn and Willie Nelson.” He adds, quote, “It's just a gathering of loved ones, really, tp pay homage to her music.” June co-wrote “Ring of Fire” with Merle Kilgore. John Carter says he always had Elvis Costello in mind to sing the song on the album. He says, quote, “He was very close with both of my parents, and it was his suggestion that we use autoharp in order to focus more on my mother's version of the song rather than my father's version." Other highlights of the album include:
Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow on the lead track "If I Were A Carpenter."
Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn's foot-stomping duet on "Jackson."
Billy Bob Thornton and the Peasall Sisters' version of "Road to Kaintuck"
Roseanne Cash's vocal on the spiritual "Wings of Angels."
Ralph Stanley’s rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," which he recorded in the old Carter family home in southwest Virginia. John Carter says, quote, "It was an enlightening and unforgettable experience to see such an icon of regal standing paying respects to one of his contemporaries."
Loretta Lynn singing “Wildwood Flower.” John Carter says, quote, “She told stories about my mother from the early days in the 1960s and how they were on the road together. But the most overwhelming thing to me about being around Loretta is how much like my mother she is - her temperance, her speech, how caring she is as a human being. So it was very touching to be in the studio with her; it was almost like being in the studio with my mom."

QUICK BITES

Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris will take fans to the sunny Caribbean on the “Cayamo: A Journey Through Song” cruise in 2008. The ship departs the Port of Miami on February 4th, 2008 on the Carnival Victory and returns on February 10th. Tickets go on sale on Monday.

Suzy Bogguss will release her new album “Sweet Danger” on September 4th.

Charlie Daniels will be the special opening guest at the "Home for a Hero" benefit concert July 17 at Greer Stadium. The show will raise funds for local soldier Sgt. Kevin Downs, who was injured in Iraq. Also on the bill -- Joe Diffie, Collin Raye, John Berry, David Lee Murphy and Paulette.

One of the best selling items for Jack Ingram lately is a pair of female underwear. Jack says, quote, “I often wonder what the dudes think when their wife or girlfriend comes home from the concert with ‘Jack Ingram’ on their panties. I’m sure it makes for some interesting moments.” Some fans take it a step further. Jack says, quote, “The fun part is when they ask me to sign them. I never really thought when I embarked on a career in music that I’d be signing panties, but I’m not saying I’m necessarily opposed to it.”

Danielle Peck performs on tonight’s Tuesday Night Opry.

IN STORES TODAY

Brad Paisley – “5th Gear”
Bon Jovi – “Lost Highway”
Various -- “Anchored In Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash” (Ronnie Dunn, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Rosanne Cash)

Big Country Notes for JUNE 18

BLAKE SHELTON REMEMBERS SONGS THAT INSPIRED HIM

Blake Shelton says he can remember singing country songs by Jerry Reed, T.G. Sheppard and Kenny Rogers when he was just a kid. Blake says, quote, “Anytime a song got my attention I would listen to it over and over again until I just couldn’t stand it anymore.” He says the first song that he remembers just knocking him over was Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” Shelton says, quote, “It had a lot to do with Garth’s charisma and his ability to hold your attention. Nobody had ever done that to me before musically.” Blake adds, quote, “I think that’s the kind of feeing that I have chased ever since then with my music – trying to find out how he got that type of energy and feeling into a record. I’ll never know.”

BRAD PAISLEY PROUD TO BRING HUMOR TO COUNTRY MUSIC

Whether he’s singing about ticks or being a celebrity, Brad Paisley brings a sense of humor to country music. Brad says it’s a natural thing for him because he grew up in a time when country music was more humorous than it has been in recent history. Paisley says, quote, “It was not unheard of to have Alan [Jackson] sing a Roger Miller song or Garth [Brooks] do ‘Two of a Kind Working on a Full House’ or even ‘Friends in Low Places.’” Brad adds, quote, “I remember him [Garth] changing the words to that song and making everybody in the audience laugh and scream at the same time.” On his new record “5th Gear” Brad says he tried to look at topics that might be considered humorous but had not been done in a song before. He says, quote, “I’ve never heard about a guy who becomes a super hero once he’s on his computer and hooked up on-line.” Brad adds he sometimes worries that the humorous songs might overshadow the serious side of his music. He says, quote, “There are some very serious songs on my album and it always baffles me when someone comes up and says to me ‘All your songs are so funny.’” He adds, quote, “My last funny song was in 2005 and that was ‘Alcohol’ which was really more observational.” “5th Gear” will be released tomorrow.

CLINT BLACK SAYS SEARCHING FOR HIS SINGLE WAS HUMBLING EXPERIENCE

Clint Black’s new single took him awhile to find. For his upcoming album Black decided to record a song that he didn’t write and had not been previously recorded. The singer says once he started listening to songs he was anxious to find the perfect song to record. He says, quote, “Searching for that song has been one of the most humbling experiences I've had in this business. So many people made such a tremendous effort to find that song.” He adds, quote, “This is a first for me – recording an outside song – and it had to be something that I could not resist, even at the exclusion of one of my own songs from the CD.” Black says when publisher Tim Wipperman played him “The Strong One” he knew that was the song he wanted to cut and it would be the first single from his new album. Throughout his career Black has written more than two-dozen number one hits. Five of those were the first five singles he ever released. Black’s third album for Equity Music Group is scheduled for release later this year.

JOHN CARTER CASH RELEASES BOOK ON FAMOUS MOTHER

June Carter Cash’s 78th birthday would’ve be next Saturday, and her son with the late Johnny Cash, John Carter Cash, has written a book about his mother. “Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash” will release tomorrow. The book includes stories of June’s life on the road with the Carter Family when she was only a child and stories about her life with Cash. John includes information about her various marriages, her own trial with drugs and her skill as a musician and entertainer. John Carter says, quote, "I hope through these pages, people may come to know my mother in some of the ways I have known her, that though they may read of her pain, they will see her strength and beauty, most of all." A companion CD by the same title features songs written by or associated with June, performed by family and friends including Elvis Costello, Billy Bob Thornton, Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. The album was recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio on the Cash property in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

BON JOVI’S NEW ALBUM A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY, A LITTLE BIT ROCK ‘N ROLL

Bon Jovi is releasing its album “Lost Highway” tomorrow – a project that is being described as inspired by Nashville. Frontman Jon Bon Jovi tells “USA Today,” quote, “When we announced plans to make a ‘country’ album, the perception out there was I was going to make an Alan Jackson/Vince Gill record. The truth was, I was only thinking Sugarland/Keith Urban/Big & Rich.” He explains, quote, “That style of music is, to me, what we already have done for 25 years. It's just storytelling with great choruses." Guitarist Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi tells the newspaper, quote, "From a lyrical standpoint, there's not that much of a difference. From a musical standpoint, it's just adding the country flavors, like a pedal steel and more mandolins than usual.” Richie adds, quote, “But the guitars are still heavy at times. I played a lot more slide on this record. I played some Dobro. I had a chance to extend myself and evolve." Special guests on the project include LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich. The disc, “Lost Highway,” will be featured on several “Unplugged” performances on MTV, VH1 and CMT beginning Friday and running for three consecutive nights. This is not the rocker’s first foray into country – he had a hit with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland last year with “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”

QUICK BITES

Clay Walker will make a stop Monday, June 18, 2007, at Fox News Channel to visit the set of Your World w/ Cavuto.” He’ll then perform on Tuesday, June 19th on “Fox & Friends.” He is currently promoting his new album “Fall” on Curb Records.

Tracy Lawrence is filming a video for his number one hit “Find out Who Your Friends Are” in Enterprise, Alabama today. Close friends who are confirmed to make cameo appearances in the music video are George Jones, Darryl Worley, Roy Oswalt of the Houston Astros and Cornelius Griffin and Demetric Evans of the Washington Redskins.

John Berry has been working on his upcoming studio album, “Those Were the Days,” which should release later this year.

Gary Allan will be part of Cross Canadian Ragweed’s second annual Red Dirt Roundup September 2nd at the Stockyards in Forth Worth, Texas. Also on the bill – rockers the Black Crowes and alt-country band Son Volt.

LeAnn Rimes performed at the celebration of the opening of Samsung’s new Austin chip plant last Wednesday. It was a homecoming of sorts for the singer – 10 years ago she sang the National Anthem when the company opened its first plant there.

Merle Haggard will perform at Bass Hall in Forth Worth, Texas Wednesday night. Special guests on the show are the western swing band the Quebe Sisters.


HEADLINES FROM HOLLYWOOD

FANTASTIC OPENING FOR "SILVER SURFER"

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" rose to the occasion at the movie box office this weekend. The second film in the Marvel Comics superhero series brought in an estimated 57-point-four-million-dollars in box office receipts to open at number one. That's slightly better than the debut of the first "Fantastic Four" film, which grossed 56-million in its first three days of release in 2005. Last weekend's box office champion, the star-studded "Ocean's 13," dipped to number two this weekend with an estimated three-day gross of 19-point-one-million. Holding steady at number three was the comedy "Knocked Up" which took in another 14-point-five-million. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" was fourth with 12-million, followed by the animated penguin surfing comedy "Surf's Up" at number five with nine-point-three-million.
"Nancy Drew," the other new wide release this weekend aside from "Fantastic Four," grossed an estimated seven-point-one-million dollars to open at number seven. Former box office champ "Shrek the Third" checked in at number six with nine million-dollars in ticket sales. (Metro Source)

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. "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," $57.4 million.
2. "Ocean's Thirteen," $19.1 million.
3. "Knocked Up," $14.5 million.
4. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," $12 million.
5. "Surf's Up," $9.3 million.
6. "Shrek the Third," $9 million.
7. "Nancy Drew," $7.1 million.
8. "Hostel: Part II," $3 million.
9. "Mr. Brooks," $2.8 million.
10. "Spider-Man 3," $2.5 million.