NCAA Elite Eight

Here I am on Saturday morning waiting for the NCAA Elite Eight to be whittled down to the Final Four. I have a chance in the office pool. Just about everyone picked North Carolina either to win the thing or at least make it to the championship game. I did not! I know we are all UK fans, but I honestly can't see why anyone who is a UK fan could possibly pick North Carolina and have to root for them. I celebrated mightily when Duke lost and was hoping former UK Unforgettabe John Pelphry and his Arkansas Razorbacks could some how get rid of the Tar Heels, but it didn't happen. Once again the classless UNC coach ran up the score against a Kentucky kid. You may remember when Roy did it to UK while at Kansas. So here we are with ESPN saying Roy Williams and Rick Pitino have never met in the NCAA Tournament. They have met in the regular season and I hope Rick kicks his butt this time.

I know it means this UK fan will be cheering for Louisville, but that's OK! It's the lesser of two evils.

On The WWW!

In case you haven't noticed, WDHR is now being streamed on the internet. Holy Cow!!! Now we can be heard all over the world. I have received several calls and e-mails from college buddies and friends from out of town, who have clicked on the listen live icon and enjoyed a few hours of Big Country.

Now, I am asking you to spread the word. If you have family serving in the Military or have loved ones who have moved away and would like to have a little taste of home, please direct them to http://www.wdhr.com so they too can listen in to what is going on in Eastern KY.

Feel free to sign the guestbook or send an e-mail to me at jeffmeek@wdhr.com. We would love to hear from you and where you are while listening to Big Country WDHR.

Where Does The Holiday Go?

When I was a boy, it seem like Christmas would never get here. I suppose it was the anticipation of the presents I would get from Mom and Dad and my grandparents. I always had two lists. One for the parents and one for the grandparents. I would start thinking about my list shortly after my birthday in July. Both lists were long and if I was lucky, I'd get about half of what was on the lists. Those presents stayed under the Christmas tree for what seemed like forever. When no one was in the room, my brother and I would try to sneak a peek at what was under the tree. There was always a curious looking gift that we just had to know what it was so somehow the wrapping would accidentally get torn to reveal what the gift was. When Mom saw the tampered gifts, a yell would permeate the house "Jeeeefffffffrrrreeeeyyyyy!!!!!! GET IN HERE!!!!!! I knew that present would be taken back to the store only to have Santa bring one just like it on Christmas morning.

My brother and I always looked forward to Christmas and Birthdays because other than school clothes, we didn't get too many things throughout the year.

Now fast forward to present day when I have to ask my children for a Christmas list. It is difficult for them to make one because I and my parents and grandparents spoiled both of them by giving them what they wanted when they wanted it. I think I learned a lesson a little too late since Jessica is now 20 and Shelby will soon be 15. I wonder what they would do if they had only received school clothes throughout the year and things like Cd's, DVDs, Playstation 2 games, cell phones and all the others things they have received over the years on no occasion at all had to wait?

I think Christmas and Birthdays would be a little more exciting. I just don't think I could have bared the other days of the year!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a wonderful 2008.

Now What?

Greetings all,

When we first started these blogs, I knew it would be easy. I would just gather some country music news and post that to keep everyone up to date on what was going on with the big country stars. Now Dave, our IT guy, has decided to put that info on the front page. That puts me in the quandry of having to come up with different material for my blog.

So here goes...

I have spent a better part of the last year with daily visits to Pikeville Medical Center for treatment on my foot. I've had surgery twice in that period of time and spent time in the Wound Care Center and the Infusion room. It has been a slow process but one that has been worth the effort. I can't say enough about the people at PMC. The care I received was outstanding. The Wound Care Center is top notch and I would encourage anyone, especially diabetics, with a spot that won't heal to see these folks ASAP.

I will miss all of these people, but it won't be for long. I will eventually have to have the same procedure on the other foot. Old man arthur hasn't been good to my feet and it must be corrected. Everyone who wakes up with an ache or pain knows what I'm talking about.

Thanks to Celia, Daphne, Craig, Tabitha, Dr. Fleming and Dr. Maynard in Wound Care and to Faye, Diane, Val, Bernedda and the other nurses who I met over the last year. You are all wonderful.

Until next time,

JLM

Big Country Notes for OCT 10

LEANN RIMES TALKS “FAMILY”

LeAnn Rimes is calling her new disc her “most revealing and intimate album” to date. She explains that she drew on her own experiences for “Family,” and the material, quote, “talks about relationships between a husband and wife, between mother and daughter and also among my friends, who are very much my extended family.” The singer wrote 12 of the 14 songs for the project. She penned many of the tunes with her husband, Dean Sheremet, while she also worked with other Nashville writers as well. She teamed up with Marc Broussard to write and record one of the duets on the disc. The two tracks she didn’t write are her duets with Reba McEntire and Bon Jovi.

UNDERWOOD, MCGRAW, RASCAL FLATTS TOP COUNTRY AMA NOMINEES

Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts are the top country nominees for the upcoming American Music Awards. Underwood's “Some Hearts,” McGraw's “Let It Go,” and Rascal Flatts' “Me And My Gang” face off for Favorite Album – Country. Tim, along with Toby Keith and Brad Paisley, is in the running for Favorite Male Artist – Country, and Rascal Flatts is up against Brooks & Dunn and Big & Rich for Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Country. Underwood's second bid is for Favorite Female Artist – Country. Martina McBride and Taylor Swift are her competition. Swift says she's very excited to be vying for the award, especially since the winners are determined by the fans. This year – for the first time – award recipients in all categories will be determined by online voting at http://ama.abc.com. Votes will be collected through November 1st. The 35th annual American Music Awards will be presented in a ceremony in Los Angeles and air on ABC on November 18th. Here is a complete list of the 2007 American Music Awards country nominees: Favorite Male Artist Toby Keith Tim McGraw Brad Paisley Favorite Female Artist Martina McBride Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood Favorite Band, Duo or Group Big & Rich Brooks & Dunn Rascal Flatts Favorite Album Tim McGraw - "Let It Go" Rascal Flatts - "Me And My Gang" Carrie Underwood - "Some Hearts"

TRISHA YEARWOOD TO OPEN FOR GARTH IN KANSAS CITY

Trisha Yearwood will be the opening act for her husband, Garth Brooks, when he plays his shows in Kansas City next month. She singer originally declined to take the opening slot because her album will be released that week. But when tickets sold out in less than two hours for the original show and other nights were added, Yearwood realized it was a great opportunity. She says, quote, “I basically said ‘Why wouldn’t I want to sing in front of 153-thousand people and get to be with my husband every night?’ So I said yes.” Trisha says both she and Garth were shocked to discover the demand to see him in concert. Her new album, “Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love,” will hit stores November 13th. Brooks' nine-night Kansas City, Missouri run is set for November 5th through the 12th, with a final show on the 14th.

TOBY KEITH, KENNY CHESNEY TO HELP SAMMY HAGAR CELEBRATE

Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith will help rocker Sammy Hagar kick off his U.S. tour at his birthday bash in Cabo San Lucas this weekend. Hagar will be celebrating his 60th at his Cabo Wabo Cantina on Saturday. Other friends, including Ted Nugent, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse are also expected to attend. It’s tradition for Hagar to celebrate his birthday with what he calls the “ultimate” birthday party. Last year more than 15-hundred fans lined up for the chance to gain admittance to the event.

RASCAL FLATTS OFFER ADVICE TO MUSIC BUSINESS NEWCOMERS

The guys in Rascal Flatts have some sage advice for folks who want a career in music. They note that the most important thing is to never give up. A close second is to understand that to be taken seriously, the newcomer has to make the decision to move to the town where their music is recorded, be that Nashville, New York or Los Angeles. With their multi-platinum success and sold-out tour schedule, the band members likely know what they're talking about. Rascal Flatts' latest studio effort, “Still Feels Good,” debuted at the top of the Billboard charts. The band will launch its next round of tour dates in Chicago on Friday.

DIERKS BENTLEY'S MEANINGFUL MUSIC

Dierks Bentley writes much of the music he records. He says he tends to record his own material because he wants to be able to say every line in each song means something to him. Bentley has been working on his next album, which he admits is probably a year away from being released. For the upcoming project he’s been teaming with writers he hasn't worked with before in order to come up with something different for the new project. Bentley's current songwriting partners are Rodney Crowell, Radney Foster and Jim Lauderdale.

RAUL MALO PULLING DOUBLE DUTY IN NEW YORK CITY
Raul Malo will be busy today. He’ll be performing at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “All for the Hall” concert with Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood, Jewel and Patty Griffin at the Nokia Theater. He agreed to the show even though he'd already committed to performing at an all-star tribute in honor of Elton John. Malo says, quote, “I made sure that I could arrange my schedule to take part in both events. No way was I going to be up there and not show up for our Hall of Fame!” He’ll take the stage at Carnegie Hall for the Elton salute, before heading over to the Nokia for the country show. Malo will be back in Nashville tomorrow for a sold out concert at the Belcourt Theater.

BELLAMY BROTHERS JOIN WITH FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY ON TOUR

The Bellamy Brothers have started working with Food For The Hungry as their tour sponsor. The duo's fans will be able to sign up to help children who are suffering and hungry around the world. David Bellamy says, quote, “We feel very fortunate to be able to work with Food For The Hungry as they have done so much in providing aid and care to children in places that have been struck by disaster, like New Orleans and Peru.” He adds that it’s a great way to work with their fans to help provide relief to those in need. The Bellamy Brothers' involvement with the charity begins with the duo's performance in Waco, Texas tonight.

QUICK BITES

Montgomery Gentry are lending their talents to the Fourth Annual Kenny Beard & Friends Writers in the Round on Tuesday. Other performers will include Paul Overstreet, Jeff Bates and newcomer Aly Cutter. All funds raised from the concert will benefit the Mt. Juliet Christian Academy.

Dierks Bentley and Ricky Skaggs will perform a benefit concert later this month for Butch Baldassari. The respected Nashville musician, record producer and adjunct associate professor of mandolin at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music is battling cancer. Others on board for the show include songwriter Shawn Camp, The Grascals and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, which Butch founded. All proceeds will go to Baldassari and his family. More information is available online at www.mandolincafe.com. The site is also accepting donations. The concert is set for the Martha Rivers Ingram Performing Arts Center at Blair School of Music in Nashville on October 22nd.

Van Zant will perform a special acoustic concert for troops on Sunday. The duo, featuring brothers Johnny and Donnie Van Zant, will be in Ft. Hood, Texas for the event.

Big Country Notes for OCT 8

GARTH MANIA HITS KANSAS CITY

Garth Brooks' concert plans have grown – and ticket demand has kept pace. According to CMT.com, the country superstar has sold out a total of nine shows in Kansas City, Missouri. Initially the entertainer had promised Wal-Mart he would perform on November 14th as a “thank you” to the company for its marketing efforts on his behalf over the last couple of years. But when tickets went on sale Saturday the one show turned into nine shows; after each date was sold out, a new one was added. The concerts, set for Kansas City's Sprint Center, are set for November 5th through the 12th, then the final show on the 14th. Those first eight dates sold out within two hours. Brooks' latest best-of collection, the three-disc “The Ultimate Hits,” will hit stores on November 6th.

BRAD PAISLEY CONTINUES TOUR INTO 2008

Brad Paisley will keep his “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour on the road into next year. The singer has announced a new set of dates for the trek, which extend the journey into February. He'll launch the new set of 16 shows in Denver on January 16th. The singer credits his sponsorship with Hershey’s in allowing him to keep ticket prices affordable and give the fans a state of the art show. Paisley says he enjoys the visual aspects of his performance, noting, quote, “It’s really fun and impressive to see what we have going on behind us, from an almost holographic Alison Krauss appearing to virtual fire and 56 amplifiers that turn into TV’s.” The technology also enables Krauss to sing with Brad on their hit “Whiskey Lullaby.” Brad notes, quote, “You really believe she’s there.” Rodney Atkins and newcomer Chuck Wicks are the openers for the trek. His next show will be in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Thursday.

The newly announced dates for Brad Paisley's “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour:

Jan. 16 Pepsi Center in Denver, CO
Jan. 17 Casper Events Center in Casper, WY
Jan. 18 Metra Park Arena in Billings, MT
Jan 19 Adams Fieldhouse in Missoula, MT
Jan. 23 Idaho Center in Boise, ID
Jan. 24 Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, UT
Jan. 26 Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas
Jan. 27 TBD
Jan. 31 Fed Ex Forum in Memphis
Feb. 1 Thompson Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN
Feb. 2 Macon Centroplex in Macon, GA
Feb. 15 Sommet Center in Nashville, TN
Feb. 16 TBD
Feb. 21 Resch Center in Green Bay, WI
Feb. 22 Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL
Feb. 23 TBD

BROOKS AND DUNN SAY THEY’LL NEVER BE EQUAL TO THEIR HEROES

Brooks & Dunn's Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn say they just can't grasp that they've won more Country Music Association awards than Merle Haggard. Kix notes he just doesn't feel like his duo is in that league, explaining, quote, "When I think about Merle Haggard I can't say my name or Brooks and Dunn in the same sentence." He and Ronnie both agree that while it is cool to be able to hang out with the singers and songwriters who are their heroes, they'll never be able to accept that they are equals. Kix admits he finds it a little intimidating that people like Kris Kristofferson even know who he is.

Brooks & Dunn have 19 CMA trophies. The performers, who are among the nominees for Vocal Duo of the Year, are scheduled to perform on The 41st Annual CMA Awards, which will air on ABC on November 7th.

TAYLOR SWIFT HAS NEW MUSIC ON THE WAY

Taylor Swift has a gift for her fans just in time for Christmas. Next month the singer will release “The Taylor Swift Limited Deluxe Edition,” an enhanced version of her Platinum self-titled debut disc. The new package is a CD/DVD dual set which will contain three new tunes and a special home movie of her life over the past year. Swift compiled and edited the film herself. The singer was also involved in all aspects of assembling the project. Taylor says she wanted to compile a project for her fans that encompassed her music, her live performances, and insight into her life. Other extras in the set include her first Grand Ole Opry performance of her hit “Tim McGraw” and behind-the-scenes footage of her video shoots for the songs “Teardrops On My Guitar” and “Our Song.” “The Taylor Swift Limited Deluxe Edition” hits stores on November 6th.

LEANN RIMES TO BE HONORED BY “REDBOOK” MAGAZINE

LeAnn Rimes is among the honorees at the “2007 Strength & Spirit Awards” event later this month. “Redbook” magazine is celebrating a decade of honoring “ordinary women leading extraordinary missions.” Rimes will be recognized for her charitable and community efforts. The other honorees are Ashley Judd, and Ali Larter. The “2007 Strength & Spirit Awards” will be held October 22nd in New York City. In other LeAnn news, she’ll be performing the duet “When You Love Someone Like This” with Reba McEntire on the 41st annual CMA Awards next month. The song appears on “Reba: Duets” and LeAnn’s upcoming CD “Family,” which will arrive in stores tomorrow.

MIRANDA LAMBERT LEARNED NOT TO “JUDGE THE BOOK BY ITS COVER”

Miranda Lambert says when she first met Travis Howard on “Nashville Star” she didn’t like him. Now the two frequently write songs together. Lambert says that when they met she was just a small town girl from Texas, while he was from Georgia but had been living in Los Angeles. Miranda says he looked very different from anyone she'd ever seen before, which was somewhat off-putting, but after she heard some of the songs Travis had written, she changed her mind about him. The two co-wrote Lambert's current single, “Famous In A Small Town,” which is on her CD “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”

QUICK BITES

Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Toby Keith, and Carrie Underwood are coming out to support their native Oklahoma. The singers will join fellow Oklahomans Blake Shelton and singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb to perform at the Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular on November 16th.

Vince Gill and Amy Grant will be guests on NBC’s “Weekend Today” this Saturday. In addition, Amy’s memoir “Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far” will arrive in stores next Tuesday. Her “Greatest Hits,” a special edition CD/DVD package, was released last week.

Tonight in New York City Little Big Town will be celebrating their new album “A Place To Land” with a release party and intimate performance. While there, they are making the media rounds. “A Place To Land” will hit stores on November 6th.

Big Country Notes for OCT 4

RASCAL FLATTS TOP CHARTS WITH NEW CD

Rascal Flatts is on top of both the "Billboard" all-genre Top 200 album chart as well as the country album chart this week with the new CD "Still Feels Good." The disc sold 547-thousand copies the first week after its release. In addition to being the top selling CD this week, it's also logging the biggest one-week sales figures for a country artist this year. "Still Feels Good" is the third consecutive album for Rascal Flatts to debut on the Billboard 200 at number one. The trio joins Kenny Chesney and Alan Jackson as the only country artists since 2000 to have three or more consecutive albums enter the all-genre chart in the top spot.
The sales figures for "Still Feels Good" include 44-thousand digital albums, which gives the disc the best first week digital numbers of any country album. The disc sold another 93-thousand individual tracks through downloads. Rascal Flatts first single from the album, "Take Me There," was the most popular of the downloaded songs.

KENNY CHESNEY FINDS INSPIRATION IN WILLIE NELSON

Kenny Chesney says Willie Nelson was an influential figure for his latest album, "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates." He explains that was looking for both professional and personal inspiration, and it came to him as he was co-producing Willie's album with Buddy Canon. Kenny says he tried to soak up everything he could learn from Nelson, while at the same time giving him direction for the album they were working on. Kenny notes that Willie is very carefree, adding that he's the epitome of a poet and pirate.

LEANN RIMES TAPING “CMT CROSSROADS” WITH JOSS STONE

LeAnn Rimes is finding she has a lot in common with her "CMT Crossroads" partner, Joss Stone. Both the country star and the British R&B singer-songwriter became famous as teenagers, and they've both been able to maintain successful careers over the years. LeAnn and Joss are now seeing their careers come together with the "Crossroads" taping, coming up in Nashville on Tuesday. The invitation-only performance will include the two singing each other's songs along with interviews with each of the vocalists.

SARA EVANS GETS PERSONAL WITH HITS COLLECTION

Sara Evans says the material on her upcoming "Greatest Hits" album will reflect her beliefs and personality. The project includes songs such as "Saints and Angels," which demonstrate her faith, and tracks that show her sense of humor, like "Cheatin'." Evans notes that one of the things she enjoys about performing is getting the chance to humor herself while making others laugh. But the singer credits her mother with teaching her how to balance her serious side with her sharp wit. She adds that she's also learned a lot by watching the way her idols -- including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire -- handle both personal and professional matters. Evans' "Greatest Hits" will be in stores on Tuesday.

KELLIE PICKLER, TAYLOR SWIFT WRITE SONG TOGETHER

Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift are seeing an advantage to hitting the road together. The young country stars became good friends while on Brad Paisley's "Bonfires & Amplifiers" tour, and have even teamed up to write a song. Kellie says she's added their collaborative tune, "The Best Days of Your Life," to her live sets. She's also considering including the cut on her next album. "The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" says the song is about an unfaithful ex-boyfriend. But Kellie denies it was written about her ex, Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo. The two have reportedly split up. According to "The Nashville Tennessean," Kellie claims the hockey player cheated on her.

MEMORIAL SET FOR LATE EX-EMERSON DRIVE BASSIST

The family and friends of the late Emerson Drive bassist are organizing a memorial in his honor." A Celebration of the Life of Patrick Bourque" is set for Nashville's Belmont Church on October 9th. Fans are welcome to attend the public service. Those wishing to pay their respects in a more tangible way are being asked to make a donation to the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee. The contributions will support the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. Bourque became a member of Emerson Drive following bassist Jeff Loberg's departure in 2002. He was played on the group's last two albums -- 2004's "What If?" and last year's "Countrified," which features Emerson Drive's first chart-topping hit, "Moments." Bourque had just left the band back in August. He was found dead at his home in Montreal last week -- two days before his 30th birthday.

COUNTRY STARS SIGN ON FOR UPCOMING CHARITY CONCERT

Tanya Tucker and T.G. Sheppard have been tapped to perform at the Steve Cropper Classic concert, set for Nashville next week. The event is a benefit for the T.J. Martell Foundation, an organization that supports research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. Other country artists on the bill include Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson, T. Graham Brown, Gary Morris, and Con Hunley, while Kim Carnes, Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner, and The Rascals' Felix Cavaliere are among the classic rock and soul stars slated to appear. Cropper is best known for his work with Booker T and the MG's -- the house band for Memphis' Stax Records studio. He was also a member of the Blues Brothers Band, and worked with Otis Redding, co-writing the late R&B legend's Grammy-winning hit "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay." The Steve Cropper Classic is set for the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on October 10th.

DIAMOND RIO PREPPING FOR ANNUAL GOLF FUNDRAISER

Diamond Rio will hold its 5th annual Arby's Charity Tour Nashville next weekend. The event includes a golf tournament, a Diamond Rio concert, and live and silent auctions. Shania Twain's autographed lyrics for "You're Still The One" and a signed script from the pilot episode of the TV series "Medium" are some of the items going up for bid. The concert and auctions will take place at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville on October 14th. The next morning golfers will gather to tee off at the Hermitage Golf Course. Diamond Rio's Marty Roe says he's hoping that this year the weather will hold for the event, recalling that over the last few years rain has kept them from hitting the links. He notes that instead, quote, "we ended up playing sports trivia to see who took home the trophy." The fundraiser supports the one-on-one youth mentoring program Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

QUICK BITES

Andy Griggs is featured in “Nashville Lifestyles” magazine's 2007 list of the city’s 25 Most Beautiful People. The list was unveiled at the 8th Annual 25 Most Beautiful People Party, at Nashville's Sambuca restaurant. Andy says he's not sure just how he got picked for the honor, noting, quote, “half the time my wife has to stop me on my way out the door to fix my hair or to tell me that my clothes don’t match.” Amy Grant, Barbara Mandrell, and Emmylou Harris also made the list. The issue is on newsstands now.

Shelby Lynne will preview her new album of Dusty Springfield songs during a special intimate performance in Nashville on November 13th. “Just A Little Lovin',” will be in stores on February 5th.

“Best of Flatt & Scruggs TV Show: Volumes 3 and 4” will be released on Tuesday. These DVDs contain more down-home entertainment from Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and The Foggy Mountain Boys. They include special guests Ricky Skaggs and Randy Scruggs.

Little Texas is taking part in two charity auctions. Band members are selling their backstage and all access passes from the 2007 CMA Music Festival, which they're willing to autograph, to help out the Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue. The other auction, which will be conducted on eBay beginning October 10th, features an acoustic/electric guitar donated by a fan who asked the band to use the instrument to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.