Big Country Notes for AUG 9

BILLY CURRINGTON TALKS TO “PEOPLE” MAGAZINE ABOUT HIS CHILDHOOD ABUSE

When Billy Currington was forced to leave the road last month due to vocal problems, he was also forced to face some much deeper issues in his life. Currington tells “People” magazine that he entered the Sierra Tucson Treatment Center in Arizona, seeking help to overcome the physical and emotional abuse he experienced as a child. Billy says he was eight-months-old when first step-dad Larry Currington came into his life. He describes the man whose name he shares as, quote, “an alcoholic who had no heart at all.” The singer says that for more than six years he was hit, thrown across the room, and subjected to the man’s constant rage. He notes that as a child he didn't understand the abuse at all, but learned to keep it to himself. Billy also admits that he wasn’t planning to go public with his time in the center, but changed his mind when he heard people thought he cancelled the dates because of a substance abuse problem. He adds that wants to share the truth with those who care about him, and he's hoping that by opening up about his past he can help others who might be facing a similar situation. Currington is featured in the next issue of “People,” which will arrive on newsstands tomorrow.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY ADDED TO FARM AID LINEUP

Montgomery Gentry has two charity events on the horizon. The duo has been added to the lineups of Farm Aid 2007: A Homegrown Festival and the 11th annual Christmas for Kids benefit concert. At Farm Aid Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry will perform alongside Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and others supporting the organization’s effort to help the family farm . Others on the bill include Farm Aid board member Dave Matthews performing with Tim Reynolds, the Allman Brothers Band and Counting Crows. Farm Aid 2007 will take place at Randall's Island in New York on September 9th. At Christmas for Kids Montgomery Gentry will join host Charlie Daniels as well as “Nashville Star” winner Chris Young, Rodney Atkins and Taylor Swift. Money raised through the special show goes to the Christmas for Kids organization, which works to make the holiday season a little brighter for underpriviledged children in middle Tennessee. The Christmas for Kids concert will take place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on November 19th. Tickets and additional information are available online at www.christmas4kids.org.

VINCE GILL PAID HOMAGE TO THE HALL OF FAMERS BEFORE ANNOUNCEMENT TUESDAY

Vince Gill isn't just a country music star – he also reveres country music history. He notes that when he went to the Country Music Hall of Fame Tuesday for the formal announcement that he would be an inductee this year, the first thing he did was pay homage to those who are already there. Gill says he spent time reviewing the names and plaques of all the Hall of Famers who've come before him, noting he has, quote, “such a reverence for all of them.” He adds that he thinks he's been able to convey the respect he has for the legends he's been able to meet. Gill, singer/songwriter Mel Tillis, and disc jockey Ralph Emery are the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. They will be formally inducted in a ceremony in October.

BRUCE ROBISON CELEBRATES NUMBER ONE WITH GEORGE STRAIT’S “WRAPPED”

Bruce Robison says he knew “Wrapped” would be a great song for George Strait. He tells the “San Antonio Express News,” quote, “It’s that kind of sweet, mid-tempo song that nobody does better than him.” The songwriter celebrated the single's chart-topping success yesterday with friends and colleagues at BMI’s Nashville offices. “Wrapped” is the second Robison-penned tune Strait has recorded. Robison was also behind the top ten hit “Desperately.” Strait also has praise for Robison, calling him a great songwriter whose material is, quote, “a little bit different than a lot of people, and that's kind of the things you look for when you’re looking for songs.” “Wrapped” actually topped the chart last September, and became Strait’s 55th number one single.

CHRIS CAGLE, LUKE BRYAN ADDED TO BIG STATE FESTIVAL IN TEXAS

Chris Cagle and Luke Bryan are the latest additions to the upcoming Big State Festival. The two-day concert features 50 performers and spans five stages. Bryan says he's excited to be taking part in the Lone Star State event, noting, quote, “I've always thought of Texas and Georgia as having some of the best music fans in the world - being such music oriented states - so this is a great chance to be able to play for the Texas fans. It's going to be a blast for sure!" Previously announced performers include Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, The Wreckers, and Jack Ingram. The Big State Festival will take place at the Texas World Speedway in Bryan-College Station on October 13th and 14th.
Earlybird ticket sales of 75-dollars for a two day pass end today, with the price rising to 95-dollars for future sales. Along with the music, the Big State Festival boasts stock car racing and a BBQ Showdown with a purse of 75-thousand-dollars.

BLUE COUNTY WORKING ON NEW ALBUM, MAY GET TASTE OF REALITY SHOW

Blue County's Scott Reeves and Aaron Benward say they believe in working several projects at once time. They've been developing on their sophomore release, while they recently also recorded two songs for the “Evan Almighty” soundtrack. In addition, the duo is exploring the possibility of being part of a reality/talent show about truck drivers. Aaron says he and Scott are currently working on the song “Brothers of the Highway,” which is a tribute to truckers and the sacrifices they and their families make for the job. He notes that the song has been getting a great reception in concert. The song may also become part of the TV project. Reeves says they can't really discuss the proposed show just yet, but teases, quote, “there are four million truckers out there and you know some of them have to have talent!”

QUICK BITES

Junior golfers at Vince Gill’s pro-celebrity golf tournament this weekend will all go home with prizes. Gibson Guitar will donate 26 Epiphone guitars to the kids playing in the event. Gill’s 15th annual "The Vinny Pro-Celebrity Invitational" will be held Sunday and Monday at Nashville Golf & Athletic Club in Brentwood.

Trisha Yearwood’s “Greatest Hits” collection will include 17 tracks featuring over seven hours of music from the singer. The album will include some of her best known material along with two new songs. The disc will be released on September 11th.

Now that Little Big Town is finished with the Martina McBride tour, band members are now in the studio putting the finishing touches on the group's second CD. The first single from the upcoming disc, “I’m With The Band,” will be out later this month. The album is slated for a November release.

Cowboy Troy and the Sharpie pen company are teaming to help students. They'll be donating school supplies to Pearl Cohn High School and W.A. Bass Middle School in Nashville.

CMT is once again looking for America’s best undiscovered country talent. “Music City Madness” is a nationwide search gives unsigned artists a chance to present original music to fans across the country. The complete rules and other information on “Music City Madness” is available online at madness.CMT.com.

Sarah Buxton's digital EP "Almost My Record" continues to be one of iTunes top selling country titles. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Buxton has scanned 19-thousand individual tracks and 23-hundred albums in just four weeks. Top selling songs include the Buxton co-writes "Innocence" and "That Kind Of Day."

Big Country Notes for AUG 7

VINCE GILL, MEL TILLIS, RALPH EMERY INTO COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

It's Mel Tillis' 75th birthday today, but he's already received a big gift. He was officially named yesterday as one of the new inductees into The Country Music Hall of Fame. Vince Gill and Ralph Emery were also tapped as honorees. The three will be officially inducted in October, during the traditional invitation-only Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition, new inductees are usually recognized at the annual Country Music Association Awards. This year's ceremony will take place in Nashville, and air on ABC on November 7th.

Gill is an 18-time Grammy-winner and has sold more than 22-million albums in his career so far. Tillis' songs have been recorded by such greats as Patsy Cline, Ray Price and Brenda Lee. He also has six number one hits to his credit. Emery, a veteran radio and TV personality, is being inducted in the non-performer category, which welcomes additions every third year. He rose to national prominence as the late-night disc jockey on the Nashville radio station WSM-AM, due to its 50-thousand watt broadcast signal. He also hosted the nationally-syndicated TV series "Pop! Goes the Country" in the 1970s, and TNN's "Nashville Now" in the '80s.

FAITH HILL, KELLY CLARKSON TO PERFORM AT “NFL OPENING KICKOFF 2007”

Faith Hill will be among the performers helping to launch the National Football League's 88th season. She's been tapped to take part in the upcoming TV special "NFL Opening Kickoff 2007 Presented By Sprint," along with John Mellencamp, Kelly Clarkson, and Hinder. The big celebration will be staged on September 6th in Indianapolis, Indiana -- home of Super Bowl 41 champions the Indianapolis Colts. The lavish kick-off event will lead into the season opener for the Colts, who will be hosting the New Orleans Saints. The 30-minute pre-game show will air on NBC and the NFL Network. It will also be available via Sprint's wireless service to Power Vision subscribers.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD GETS MTV VIDEO MUSIC NOMINATION

Carrie Underwood's crossover success is getting her recognition outside the country music arena. She's among the nominees for the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards. The former “American Idol” winner is one of the contenders in the Best New Artist category. She got the nod for her video "Before He Cheats." She's facing newcomers Amy Winehouse, Gym Class Heroes, Lily Allen, and Peter Bjorn and John for the honor. The 2007 MTV VMAs will be presented in a ceremony in Las Vegas on September 9th.

BRAD PAISLEY TAKES HIS MUSIC TO THE TROOPS

Brad Paisley's showing his appreciation for the troops. On Monday he brought his "Bonfires & Amplifiers" tour to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The singer explains that it he decided to give the special show several months ago, after he learned that many of the soldiers stationed there were slated to ship out for an 18-month tour in either Iraq or Afghanistan before the year was over. He notes he just wanted to do something special for them.
Paisley and tour-mates Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift performed before roughly 35-thousand soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell, as well as their families and the facility's staff. During the show he told the crowd that he considered it the most important concert he would play all year. A member of the commanding general's staff says Paisley show was the biggest event the installation had hosted. Officials also presented the country star with a special plaque commemorating the occasion.

TRACY LAWRENCE CELEBRATES NUMBER ONE WITH SONG’S WRITERS

Tracy Lawrence is still celebrating his chart-topping hit “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” He and the song’s writers, Casey Beathard and Ed Hill, were honored with a reception in Nashville last night. The track is the first number one for Tracy's label, Rocky Comfort Records, which he owns with his brother Laney. The accomplishment is also the first number one song from an artist who owns his own label. Lawrence says reaching the top of the chart is validation that he and his crew made the right decision. He’s also excited that his album “For the Love” is continuing to sell well. Lawrence notes that with the release of the video for “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” sales of the CD have increased. He adds, quote, “I think having a video in this stage of my career was extremely important in order to bring visibility for me back to my fan base.”

WYNONNA JUDD TALKS ABOUT RECENT PROBLEMS IN NEW ISSUE OF “LADIES HOME JOURNAL”
Wynonna Judd tells her fans not to worry about her. The singer recently granted an interview to “Ladies Home Journal” in which she talks about filing for divorce from her husband, D.R. Roach. Roach was arrested in March and indicted on three counts of aggravated sexual battery against a minor under the age of 13. Wy says she couldn’t believe what was happening to her family because, quote, “These are things that you read about and see on the news about other people.” She adds, quote, “Everything’s not all right but I am all right with everything. I’m the best I’ve ever been in the worst of times because I know I’m not in control.” The “Ladies Home Journal” issue featuring the Wynonna interview will be on newsstands Tuesday.

HALFWAY TO HAZARD TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM ON TUESDAY

Halfway To Hazard has been having a great summer. The duo of Chad Warrix and David Tolliver are on Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's "Soul2Soul Tour 2007," performing on both the outdoor and indoor stages throughout the trek. Chad and David also have a new video and their first album on the way. The current issue of "Country Weekly" features behind-the-scenes photos and stories from the shoot for the clip of the single "Daisy." CMT plans to air additional footage from the filming on its "CMT Insider" show. Halfway to Hazard will end their tenure with Faith and Tim this weekend in Anaheim, California as "Soul2Soul Tour 2007" comes to a close. The duo's self-titled debut effort will arrive in stores on Tuesday.

QUICK BITES

Phil Vassar and wife Julie Wood Vassar are getting a divorce. Papers were filed in Davidson County Circuit Court in March.

LeAnn Rimes was in Atlanta yesterday filming scenes for the upcoming movie “Good Intentions.” According to CMT.com, Rimes portrays the younger sister of a woman who turns to a life of crime to finance her sons' college education. Luke Perry, of “Beverly Hills 90210” fame, also stars in the film.

Big Country Notes for AUG 6

LITTLE BIG TOWN SINGER ARRIVES IN NASHVILLE WITH NEW DAUGHTER

Little Big Town's Kimberly Roads and her daughter Daisy Pearl have arrived safe and sound in Nashville. Young Daisy was supposed to be born in Nashville the end of August but she decided to make her debut a few weeks early, when the band was in Phoenix, Arizona on July 27th. Kimberly and her husband, Stephen Schlapman, are happy to be home with Daisy. Clint Black, who owns the group’s record label, says he loves the name Daisy Pearl. Black notes that they, quote, “both got a couple little flowers and pearls.” He and his wife Lisa Hartman Black have a daughter they named Lily Pearl. Black adds that even though Kimberly and Stephen are excited now, it’ll be nothing compared to when Daisy Pearl starts talking. Clint says, quote, “Any kind of communication, whenever they can start telling you what they want or think or asking you questions, it’s priceless.”

RODNEY ATKINS NEW COLLEGE GRAD

When Rodney Atkins left Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee and headed for Nashville to pursue a career in music, he was just a few credits short of earning his degree. Now the school offers a new major, Interdisciplinary Studies, and when officials there did research on students who qualify for that degree, Rodney’s name popped up. Atkins says he's thrilled, noting, “It’s very satisfying to finally have the degree in hand, especially after paying back all those student loans!” The singer, who was going for a major in psychology, jokingly adds, quote, “My parents must have thought I was trying to become an astronaut with the way I was just taking up space!” On a more serious note Rodney says, quote, “I think going to college was definitely a benefit to me.” The singer was presented with his degree last Monday at the Rodney Atkins Celebrity Golf Classic in Cookeville.

DIXIE CHICKS' NATALIE MAINES TAKES MOVIE ROLE

Natalie Maines will be taking on a different role in the coming months. According to Nashville's “Tennessean,” the Dixie Chicks frontwoman will portray a prison nurse in the upcoming movie “Stealing Cars.” Maines got the part after director Michael Skolniksaw her in the Dixie Chicks documentary, “Shut Up and Sing.” Natalie says she’s getting a few pointers from her husband, Adrian Pasdar, who stars in the NBC series “Heroes.” The singer tells “People” magazine that he's been, quote, “a huge help and very supportive.” Maines adds that he's offered her advice in the past on auditions, but the process, quote, "still makes me nervous because I'm inexperienced when it comes to acting." Filming on the project is scheduled to begin in September.

KENNY CHESNEY SAYS NEW ALBUM WILL REFLECT ALL SIDES

Kenny Chesney is known for his light-hearted songs, but he has a more introspective side, too. The singer says that aspect of his personality will also be heard on his upcoming album, “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates.” He cites as an example the song “Demons,” written by Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson and singer/songwriter Jon Randall. The track, which includes Vince Gill on lead guitar, is about the things that continue to haunt people long after the experiences are over. Chesney says, quote, “I feel like if I didn't sing songs like 'Demons' I wouldn't be pushing myself as an artist - or as a person.” He adds that some of the material on the new album helped him realize just who he is and understand he's at in life right now, and notes, quote, “I'm lucky, because I think my fans not only accept that level of honesty completely, I think some of them face the same thing in their own lives.” The album, due to be released September 11th, will be his first set of new music in over two years.

EMERSON DRIVE WRITING SONGS FOR NEXT ALBUM

Emerson Drive has barely had time to celebrate the group's first number one single, “Moments,” before having to start writing and looking for new songs. Lead singer Brad Mates says the band already has a couple possibilities. He explains that the group doesn’t just write a song and immediately go in and record it, but instead, quote, “we like to take songs on the road and work them up.” He adds that it’s important that everyone in the band like the song, so, quote, “we have to find music that relates to me as a singer and stuff that the guys enjoy playing that shows off their instrumentation.” Mates also admits that “Moments” has also opened new doors for the band. The guys in Emerson Drive now have the chance to write with different songwriters and have other hit songwriters pitch them tunes.

FAITH HILL TO RELEASE “THE HITS” THIS FALL

Faith Hill has a best-of collection in the works. “Faith Hill: The Hits” will cover the singer's 14-year recording career, and include such tracks as “Breathe,” “The Way You Love Me,” “Stronger,” “Cry” and “Piece Of My Heart.” Hill has been working on the disc while she’s been on the Soul2Soul tour with husband Tim McGraw, and she's received a lot of reassurance from fans that they want to hear these tunes. Hill's received hundreds of e-mails from fans telling her how much they’ve enjoyed hearing her sing their favorite songs when they come to see her perform. The album is scheduled to be released this fall.

JACK INGRAM RECALLS LESSONS OF CHILDHOOD

Jack Ingram says there are many moments from his childhood that come to mind when he sings his current single, “Measure of a Man.” The song chronicles the maturing of an individual from boyhood to manhood. One incident in particular that stands out for the singer is when, as a teenager, he and a couple friends wanted to find out what it would be like to smoke a cigarette. They decided to sate their curiosity in a fort they had built in the woods behind his house. Ingram continues, quote, “So we do our thing and as we’re leaving, we turn around a see these flames about six feet high coming up from the fort!” They tried to put the fire out but realized it was too big, so they called the fire department. Jack says, quote, “We tried to disguise our voices to the dispatcher, just like on ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’.’ The fire department came and put out the fire, and we thought we were off the hook.” But that wasn't the case. About five weeks later Jack’s dad asked him if he had something to tell him, and Jack notes, quote, “I remember thinking there are tons of things I probably could tell him! And after going back and forth, he finally asked me about the fire and I confessed I did it.” The result? Jack was grounded for a very long time.

TRACY LAWRENCE FINDING OUT HIS FRIENDS ARE NUMEROUS

Tracy Lawrence is celebrating his number one hit “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” with several parties in Nashville. At the first one, held last week at the popular restaurant Cabana, a few of his friends dropped in to say congratulations. Kenny Chesney, who contributed vocals to the track, and Tracy’s hero George Jones were among those who stopped by, while Joe Diffie, Trent Tomlinson and Wade Hayes also showed up for the festivities. Friend Jason Aldean – who also counts himself a fan of Tracy's -- couldn’t make the party but still sends his best. Jason says, quote, “Tracy and Alabama are probably the two biggest influences that I have in my career. I couldn’t believe it when I found out he knew who I was and also was a fan of mine.” Tracy will celebrate again this week at a party for the song’s writers, Casey Beathard and Ed Hill.

ALAN JACKSON HAS A SOFTER SIDE

While Denise Jackson's book, “It’s All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life,” is not specifically about her husband Alan, she has been revealing a good deal about the singer as she promotes the project. In a recent interview with “Country Weekly,” Denise says there’s a softer side to Alan that his fans will probably never see. She offers, quote, “We have a little four-pound Yorkie that wears clothes and a barrette and has this pink fuzzy fur bed.” Denise notes that she thinks fans would be surprised to see Alan carefully removing the dog’s barrette before they go to bed because, quote, “He thinks it’s going to hurt her head while she sleeps.”
Jackson will release a new best-of collection tomorrow. “16 Biggest Hits” includes “Chattahoochie,” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” I’ll Go On Loving You” and other fan favorites.

QUICK BITES

Big & Rich's John Rich has his 2005 Corvette on the auction block. The singer will donate all proceeds above the 50-thousand-dollar starting price to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. The car has just under 18-thousand miles on it and comes fully loaded. For those who want an additional star factor, Gretchen Wilson and Kid Rock have both been behind the wheel.

Country Music Hall of Famers Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs had a very successful television show in the 1960’s. Now fans who weren’t around to see the show in its first run -- or viewers who just want to reminisce -- can get two more volumes of “The Best of the Flatt & Scruggs TV Show” from Schanachie Entertainment and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The shows in this volume were taped in 1961 and 1962. One of their guests was a seven-year old Ricky Skaggs.

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles says Jack Ingram has, quote, “the most fantastic, mischievous smile ever.” Ingram was likely smiling when he recently met Country Music Hall of Famer Glen Campbell. Here's another reason for Ingram to smile – he's been tapped to perform the national anthem when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Miami Dolphins in a pre-season football game on August 16th.

"THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM" DEBUTS AT TOP OF BOX OFFICE

Jason Bourne's quest to solve his the mystery of his past has taken out an animated dysfunctional family. "The Bourne Ultimatum" rocketed to the top of the box office charts in its debut weekend, with a take of more than 70-million-dollars. That knocked Homer, Bart and the other stars of "The Simpsons Movie" to second place. The "Simpsons" made just over 25-and-a-half-million-dollars in its second weekend. The canine caped crusader "Underdog" debuted in third place with 12-million. Rounding out the top five were "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" with ten-point five million and "Hairspray" with nine-point-three million-dollars.