Keith Invites You to CMT for "Invitation Only"

Multi-platinum country superstar, KeithUrban,accustomed to performing in sold-out arenas to thousands of fans, performs before a small crowd of fans in the new stripped-down CMT concert special, Keith Urban: Invitation Only. The special premiers Friday, Nov. 9 at 10p EST. The one-hour special will alsostream online at CMT.com.

In a departure from the typical concert special, Urban delivers his greatest hits including "Making Memories of Us," "Who Wouldn't Wanna BeMe," "Somebody Like You" and "You're My Better Half," as well as his newest hits, "Everybody," "Once In A Lifetime" and "Got It Right ThisTime" for a small audience in Nashville, Tenn. Urban also opens up to the crowd, taking personal questions from his fans and deliveringrevealing and candid answers.

Urban, whose Greatest Hits album hits stores on Nov. 20, is the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year for the past three years. He has three multi-platinum albums, seven #1 hits, and is currently nominated for multiple CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

Labels: CMT, Keith Urban

posted by Derrick at 5:46 PM 0 Comments

Lonestar Brings The Holidays To Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel stores and multi-platinum recording group Lonestar have combined authentic country music with the joys of Christmas this holiday season. The result is a new CD titled "My Christmas List" and places another exclusive recording in Cracker Barrel's growing collection of quality country music.

On sale November 6th at all Cracker Barrel locations and online at crackerbarrel.com, "My Christmas List" features eleven newly recorded songs and Lonestar's new lead singer, Cody Collins. In addition to Christmas classics like the CD features two new songs.

"I think this Christmas CD is very special in that it has more of our heart and soul collectively as a band than ever before," said drummer Keech Rainwater. "It features great Christmas songs arranged and recorded in a powerful and unique way."

The "Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Presents Lonestar's My Christmas List Tour" begins November 29th in Dubuque, Iowa. The tour also includes shows in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland and North Carolina.

Since forming in 1992, Lonestar has scored 17 hit singles on the Billboard chart, including ten #1 hits and has sold more than ten million records. Three of their CDs went platinum, including 1999's Lonely Grill which went triple-platinum. More success followed in 2003 when "My Front Porch Looking In" was named Billboard's "Most Played Country Song of the Year."

Labels: Lonestar

posted by Derrick at 5:40 PM 0 Comments

Lady Antebellum 'honored' to open for McBride

posted by Derrick at 12:32 PM 0 Comments

Parton Glad to Be Able To Say Goodbye

Dolly Parton said Monday she feels like a part of her died along with her old duet partner, Porter Wagoner.

"Part of him will always live through me and my music as he was my first big break," Parton said.

Parton said she was able to visit Wagoner before he passed. She said she was there with his family, sang for him and prayed with him.

"It felt good that I had the opportunity to say goodbye properly," Parton said.

Wagoner and Parton shared a number of duets in the '60s after Parton broke it big following a stint on his show. Parton says her mega-hit "I Will Always Love You" was wrote to Wagoner.

Porter Wagoner, 80, will be laid to rest Thursday after a funeral at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

Labels: Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner

posted by Derrick at 4:07 PM 0 Comments

Carrie Still Nervous About "Ride"

Arguably one of the most anticipated albums this year has hit stores, and the reaction could be huge. Carrie Underwood brought her "Carnival Ride" to stores last week, and the album is projected to sell almost half a million copies in its debut week.

Underwood, however, is still nervous about the success of the album, which follows her six-time platinum debut album, Some Hearts.

"Even if it doesn't sell as many, I feel like we've made a better album, which is what you want to do," Underwood said. "You want to keep getting better and have better songs and keep sounding better and moving forward. So even if we don't reach the numbers, I'm definitely still very pleased with it. I don't think it will be a letdown at all."

Since her debut, Underwood has garnered two Grammies, three #1 country hits, and throngs of fans. The first single from "Ride" is at #4 this week on Billboard's country singles chart.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

posted by Derrick at 4:39 PM 0 Comments

Remembering Porter Wagoner

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Sound And Speed Event Announced; Jackson To Headline

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Porter Wagoner, 80, Dies Of Lung Cancer

Porter Wagoner, the rhinestone-clad Grand Ole Opry star who helped launch the career of Dolly Parton by hiring her as his duet partner, died Sunday. He was 80.

Wagoner, who had survived an abdominal aneurysm in 2006, was hospitalized again in October 2007 and his publicist disclosed he had lung cancer. He died at 8:25 p.m. CDT in a Nashville hospice, a spokeswoman for the Grand Ole Opry said.

"The Grand Ole Opry family is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our dear friend, Porter Wagoner," said Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager of the Opry. "His passion for the Opry and all of country music was truly immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time."

His illness came after a comeback that saw him recording again and gaining new fans even as he reached his 80s.

In May 2007 he celebrated his 50th year in the Opry.

The Missouri-born Wagoner signed with RCA Records in 1955 and joined the Opry in 1957. "It's the greatest place in the world to have a career in country music," he said in 1997.

His showmanship, rhinestone suits and pompadoured hair made him famous, with his own syndicated TV show, "The Porter Wagoner Show," for 21 years beginning in 1960.

Among his hits, many of which he wrote or co-wrote, were "Carroll County Accident," "A Satisfied Mind," "Company's Comin'," "Skid Row Joe," "Misery Loves Company" and "Green Green Grass of Home."

In 2002, Wagoner was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Country On-Demand will have much more on this developing story.

Labels: Dolly Parton, Grand Ole Opry, Porter Wagoner

posted by Derrick at 11:07 PM 0 Comments

Porter Transfered To Hospice

posted by Derrick at 9:50 AM 0 Comments

Trace and Trump?

posted by Derrick at 7:00 PM 0 Comments

Josh Gracin Proud of New Single

posted by Derrick at 6:53 PM 0 Comments

Paisley Write Opry Anthem

Opry member Brad Paisley has written and recorded a new theme song for OPRY LIVE on Great American Country television network. The tune showcases Paisley's instrumental prowess as well as his award-winning songwriting ability and will debut this Saturday.

Paisley named the theme "From Uncle Jimmy to Justin," referencing Uncle Jimmy Thompson, who played fiddle on the 1925 inaugural broadcast of what would become the Grand Ole Opry, and Paisley's fiddle player Justin Williamson.

"The Drama Kings and I went into the studio last week with the daunting task of coming up with music that encompasses the many generations and styles that are the Grand Ole Opry," says Paisley. "I like what we came up with and I hope the fans out there do, too. I'm very proud to be a part of this and, yes, the Drama Kings is our newly adopted band name."

Paisley is the subject of a 13-page feature in the December issue of Guitar Player. The magazine will be on stands Oct. 30.

Labels: Brad Paisley, Grand Ole Opry

posted by Derrick at 12:47 PM 0 Comments

Mandrell Goes To Music City Walk of Fame

posted by Derrick at 1:17 PM 0 Comments

Adkins Cites "Career Opprotunity" For Hits Project

posted by Derrick at 1:09 PM 0 Comments

Tucker: Malibu "a war zone."

posted by Derrick at 6:20 PM 0 Comments

Drum Roll.. Paisley Brings Band to CMA Show

Brad Paisley will perform his most recent number one single, "Online," at the upcoming CMA Awards, and he'll do with some help - the Brentwood High School marching band. The band from the Nashville area school played on the record on Paisley's Album of the Year nominee, "5th Gear."

"Online" hit #1 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart in September. Paisley's album has sold over 633,000 copies.

"I'm really honored to give the band a chance to play on national TV," said Paisley. "They did a great job on the record and I know they will do a great job at the Awards."

Paisley goes into the CMA Awards with five nominations, including Music Video of the Year for "Online" and Entertainer of the Year. The Awards will air live, Wednesday, November 7, on ABC.

Labels: Brad Paisley, CMA Awards

posted by Derrick at 6:10 PM 0 Comments

Sugarland Brings Christmas To Wal-Mart

posted by Derrick at 1:47 PM 0 Comments

Garth Is Very Superstitous

Garth Brooks admits that when it comes to planning his schedule, well, more than just managing time comes into consideration. Brooks won't be playing on November 13 in Kansas City.

"I wish I had a cool answer, but the bottom line is I'm superstitious," he says. And fear of the jinx plays a big part in another Brooks move: His November 5 appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Yes, that's the same day he's opening the KC run. "Jay Leno has launched every album for us the nightbefore release."

In the excitement of adding shows in Kansas City, Brooks and company double booked the fifth, causing a seemingly irreconcilable conflict with Leno. "So I called and apologized," Brooks says. "They called me back and moved the taping up. They're going to record early for the first time in 18 years."

After the 1pm taping, Garth and crew will jet to Kansas City, where they'll perform for thousands while the folks at home watch him on the Tonight Show. "It's gonna be tight, but it's gonna be fun," Garth says.

Labels: Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood

posted by Derrick at 10:51 AM 0 Comments

Krauss and More Join CMA Lineup

posted by Derrick at 4:23 PM 0 Comments

Keith Urban A Dad.. Kinda

Keith Urban's greatest hits package coming out in November now has a name along with a few newly recorded songs.

"Keith Urban Greatest Hits: 18 Kids" will be out Nov. 20 on Capitol Nashville. The CD features 2 newly recorded tracks, a remake of Steve Forbert's 1979 hit, "Romeo's Tune," and a new full band recording of "Got It Right This Time (The Celebration)," plus all of his number 1 hits.

Urban said, "These songs are like my children. That's what prompted the "18 Kids" subtitle."

Also debuting in stores on Nov. 20 will be a special edition of "Keith Urban Greatest Hits: 18 Kids," which in addition to the audio CD, will contain a DVD of 12 of Keith's most popular music videos including his most recent video, "I Told You So."

All tracks have been re-mastered for "Keith Urban Greatest Hits: 18 Kids."

The greatest hits package will include:
"Romeo's Tune"
"Got It Right This Time (The Celebration)"
"I Told You So" *
"Stupid Boy" *
"Better Life" *
"Making Memories of Us" *
"Once In A Lifetime" *
"Tonight I Wanna Cry" *
"You're My Better Half" *
"Days Go By" *
"But For The Grace Of God"
"You'll Think Of Me" *
"Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" *
"Raining on Sunday" *
"Where The Blacktop Ends"
"Your Everything"
"Somebody Like You" *
"Everybody"

*featured on DVD

Urban will return to the road, with his "Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour" on Nov. 1 and will perform at the CMA Awards on Nov. 7.

Labels: Keith Urban

posted by Derrick at 4:10 PM 0 Comments

"Everything Is Fine" For Josh Turner

Josh Turner's next CD will be called "Everything Is Fine." The 12-track set will be the follow-up to his double-platinum disc "Your Man." Turner wrote or co-wrote seven of the tunes, including his fastest rising single to date, "Firecracker."

He had the opportunity to write two of the songs with one of his heroes, John Anderson. There are also two duets on the disc -- Trisha Yearwood joins him for "Another Try" and R&B singer Anthony Hamilton is featured on "Nowhere Fast."

"Growing up, traditional country music was always where my heart was at because those songs were speaking about the life that I was living in rural South Carolina," says Turner. "The music was all about love and work and life and just the everyday stuff that people go through."

The album is scheduled to be released on October 30th. Turner will likely play a tune from the collection when he officially become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. His induction is set for Saturday.

Labels: Grand Ole Opry, Josh Turner

posted by Derrick at 10:13 AM 0 Comments

Reba's "Duets" Takes Singer To 50 Million Sold

After only one month since the album launch and a hit debut single, "Because Of You," Reba Duets is certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. with sales of more than one million copies.

"I'm so excited over the wonderful acceptance of this CD," said Reba. "I've always been a huge fan of all the artists on the album so I'm not surprised to see how many people agree with me!"

The second single from the CD, "The Only Promise That Remains" with Justin Timberlake, is scheduled for an official add date of November 5th.

Reba will perform "When You Love Someone Like That" with LeAnn Rimes at the "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" which will air on ABC November 7th. Reba is nominated for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year with Kelly Clarkson for "Because of You."

Labels: Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire

posted by Derrick at 4:37 PM 0 Comments

Carrie Goes To Target For "Carnival Ride"

Target is offering guests a very special music and video package from two-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood. Available October 23, Carnival Ride, Underwood's new album, will feature bonus DVD footage available exclusively at Target. Included with the 13-track album will be a DVD weaving interview footage with live, acoustic performances of four new album songs, including Underwood's latest Top 5 single, "So Small."

"I have really enjoyed the process of putting together this new album," says Underwood. "I spent more time writing and recording songs for Carnival Ride, and I am so proud of what we've created. Thanks, Target, for helping me give my fans a more intimate look into my music."

Carnival Ride is the second album from the reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist and follows the phenomenal success of her ACM Award-winning Album of the Year, Some Hearts, which launched five #1 singles and is certified for sales of six million copies.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

posted by Derrick at 4:41 PM 0 Comments

Reba Has A New Single With A New Friend

Reba McEntire released the second single from her Reba Duets album today to radio. For the follow-up to her first top 10 hit since 2003, McEntire tapped pop star Justin Timberlake.

The duet began as a suggestion given to Reba in the dressing room of her sitcom, Reba.

"One day [Joanna Garcia and I] were in the makeup room there on the set," says Reba, "and Joanna said, 'You know who you ought to do a duet with? Justin.' I said, "Do you think he would?" And she said, "I know he would! He loves you!"

Sure enough, Timberlake stepped up with "The Only Promise That Remains," which he co-wrote with best friend Matt Morris expressly for McEntire.

"I told Justin I was very nervous about hearing the song," she says. "I didn't know if it was going to be 'Sexy Back II' or what!"

Timberlake, whom McEntire now describes as "cute as a button," wove his own harmony vocal into the song as co-producer with Reba, and joined her list of incredibly talented pals.

"It was really a lot of fun getting to know him," says McEntire. "We went to supper after recording, and just hung out. He's very down-to-earth."

Labels: Justin Timberlake, Reba McEntire

posted by Derrick at 4:23 PM 0 Comments

Porter Wagoner In Serious Condition

posted by Derrick at 2:14 PM 0 Comments

82 Years For The Grand Ole Opry

Carrie Underwood and Ronnie Milsap will be among those helping the Grand Ole Opry celebrate its 82nd birthday this weekend. The Opry's Birthday Bash will include two shows both tonight and tomorrow, while Milsap will play a special matinee show tomorrow.

Underwood is set to present her new single "So Small" during the televised portion of the show. Carrie says the Opry is one of the amazing things about being in country music, "It's just filled with tradition, and it's very inspiring just to be here."

Other performers for the weekend include Emerson Drive, Lorrie Morgan, Travis Tritt, Steve Wariner, and Jeanie Seely, while other activities set for the weekend include backstage tours, children's events, a picnic in the Plaza, and an Opry Pie Auction benefiting the Opry Trust Fund.

Labels: Carrie Underwood, Emerson Drive, Grand Ole Opry

posted by Derrick at 10:02 AM 0 Comments

Captiol Records Artists Have Strong Showing at ASCAP

posted by Derrick at 9:51 AM 0 Comments

Merle: America "slipping away"

posted by Derrick at 11:31 AM 0 Comments

GAC Is "The Home Of Garth Brooks"

Great American Country television network (GAC) offers millions of Garth Brooks fans the exclusive television premiere of his new video, "More Than a Memory."

The new Garth Brooks video, which premieres exclusively on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown on October 19 (8 p.m. ET) kicks off two months of special GAC programming centered on Garth Brooks and his music.

GAC will air the new Garth Brooks video "More Than a Memory" several times each day during regular music video programming through Oct. 26.

The exclusive television premiere of the new Garth Brooks video is the first of many special programs that GAC will present this fall as the network becomes "The Home of Garth Brooks." The fastest-selling solo artist in music history will join GAC personality Lorianne Crook for an exclusive one-on-one conversation. Offstage with Lorianne Crook featuring Garth Brooks will air on GAC on November 3.

On November 6, Brooks will release The Ultimate Hits, a three-disc set containing 30 classics, three new songs and a bonus track on two audio CDs. The set also includes a DVD with 33 videos including never-before seen footage. GAC will premiere a 60-minute music special GARTH BROOKS: The Ultimate Hits, on Nov. 18 (8 p.m. ET). The program documents the story behind production of the three-disc set.

"The return of Garth Brooks to the country music scene, and the arrival of new, fresh Garth Brooks music video is cause for great celebration," said Ed Hardy, GAC president. "We are honored that this megastar has chosen GAC as the exclusive television platform to bring this video to his millions of fans. GAC is 'The Home of Garth Brooks.'"

Garth Brooks' single, "More Than a Memory," made country music history, entering the charts at No. 1 when it was released to radio in September.

"Although Garth Brooks formally retired from touring in 2001, his music remains popular with fans of all age groups. There is incredible pent-up demand for 'all things Garth," Hardy said.

As The Home of Garth Brooks, GAC will present numerous additional programming exclusives leading up to the holiday season.

In addition, GACTV.com offers Garth Brooks fans an opportunity to win a trip to Garth's sold-out concert in Kansas City, Mo., on November 14, and to pre-order the new CD/DVD release Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Hits. Following the on-air premiere of Garth's new video, "More Than a Memory," fans can log onto GACTV.com to watch the video online, and get a complete schedule of all of GAC's on-air programming.

"For those millions of devoted Garth Brooks fans, there is no better place to be than GAC this fall," Hardy said. "Stay tuned. There is much more to come."

Labels: GAC, Garth Brooks

posted by Derrick at 10:20 AM 0 Comments

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas For Toby Keith

Holiday classics take center stage for the one-hour holiday special, A Toby Keith Classic Christmas, premiering Saturday, November 24 at 10:00-11:00 p.m., ET on CMT. Singing yuletide favorites in front of an intimate Nashville audience, superstar Toby Keith delivers a scaled down performance reminiscent of a family gathering with a visit from special guest, Jewel.

Featuring stirring renditions of popular favorites, A Toby Keith Classic Christmas includes "Winter Wonderland", "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy" and "The First Noel." Keith and Jewel collaborate together on "The Christmas Song" and give a rousing performance of the spiritual "Go Tell It On the Mountain."

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Toby Keith has yielded five No. 1 albums in his career and recently marked 23 No. 1 singles with his latest chart-topper, "Love Me If You Can." Keith's new two-disc set, A Classic Christmas, in stores now, is the hitmaker's first Christmas album in 10 years. The 20-track album features songs performed in A Toby Keith Classic Christmas as well as other holiday classics.

Labels: CMT, Jewel, Toby Keith

posted by Derrick at 10:04 AM 0 Comments

CMAs Add Big Names To "Country's Biggest Night"

Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Rascal Flatts, plus many others, have joined the lineup for the 41st Annual Country Music Association Awards. The show will air live Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 8/7C on ABC.

For the first time in CMA history, more than one artist will go to the podium to host the show. The CMA has tapped Rimes and Sara Evans to do some of the hosting. More artists will be announced.

"Providing additional on-air opportunities for several of our artists to host segments of the program provides a different point of view throughout the night and keeps the pace of the CMA Awards fresh and exciting," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese.

The CMA has also called on Rimes to perform the duet "When You Love Someone Like That" with McEntire. The song is from Reba Duets.

Also performing will be Rodney Atkins, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift.

Rascal Flatts will appear twice on the show. They will open the 41st annual award show with the title track to their newest album, "Still Feels Good." Later in the show they will be joined by R&B star Jamie Foxx; the two acts will collaborate on "She Goes All The Way", which can be found on Flatts' new disc.

"When there is a meaningful and tangible connection between artists from seemingly diverse musical styles, bringing them together on the CMA Awards creates magical moments that resonate with our audience and expand awareness of the format," said Genovese about the duet.

All the above join already named performers Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland and George Strait, among others.

Labels: Country Music Association, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire

posted by Derrick at 10:01 PM 0 Comments

Track List: George Strait 22 More Hits

22 MORE HITS TRACK LIST
1. How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls
2. Amarillo By Morning
3. The Fireman
4. Gone As A Girl Can Get
5. When Did You Stop Loving Me
6. Marina Del Rey
7. Desperately
8. The Cowboy Rides Away
9. Lovebug
10. Cowboys Like Us
11. She Let Herself Go
12. You’ll Be There
13. Don’t Make Me Come Over There And Love You
14. What Do You Say To That
15. Drinking Champagne
16. You’re Something Special To Me
17. Meanwhile
18. Adalida
19. If You Can Do Anything Else
20. Unwound
21. If You’re Thinking You Want A Stranger (There’s One Coming Home)
22. Overnight Success

Labels: George Strait

posted by Dustin at 9:28 PM 0 Comments

Garth Goes Pink For Komen Cure

Garth Brooks will team with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer organization, with the release of the Pink Edition of "Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Hits."

The pink version of the hits package, which drops Nov. 6, will be devoted to the Komen charity and available from Komen's online Promise Shop, at http://www.komen.org/garth.

From each Pink Edition sold, $10 will go to Komen with the collection being sold for $15 at the web site.

The 3-disc set contains 30 classics, 3 new songs and a bonus track on 2 audio CDs. The set also includes a DVD with 33 videos including new and never-before-seen footage. Additionally, the album will feature important breast health and breast cancer information along with an instructional card on breast self-examination.

"Through the release of this very special - and very pink - edition of The Ultimate Hits, Garth Brooks is actively joining Susan G. Komen for the Cure in our promise to end breast cancer forever," said breast cancer survivor Hala Moddelmog, Komen for the Cure's president and chief executive officer.

"We're excited about the potential from this relationship, and we're grateful that Garth is featuring important breast health and breast cancer information from Komen with the album. Through this example of his artistry and generosity, Garth is giving Komen a unique opportunity to raise significant dollars and reach millions of people, ultimately helping us to save lives."

Brooks said he was inspired to participate after watching his wife, Trisha Yearwood, train for and participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The event challenges participants to walk 60 miles over 3 days to benefit Komen and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

Brooks said making the album was "a heck of a lot easier than me trying to walk 60 miles."

Producing and packaging the limited Pink Edition of his album with its distinct design and messaging, he said, was a way he could contribute to saving lives and searching for the cures for breast cancer.

Labels: Garth Brooks

posted by Derrick at 8:54 PM 0 Comments

"Giants" Adds A Country Giant

The tribute to country legend Hank Williams, Jr., just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Today, CMT announced the addition of Alan Jackson to the stellar lineup.

Also appearing on the show will be Shooter Jennings, son of the late Waylon Jennings, and Holly Williams, daughter of Hank Jr.

The two hour special, CMT Giants: Hank Williams, Jr., will be taped live on Oct. 25 at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Previously announced performers include Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Steven Tyler, Gretchen Wilson, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Jimmy Kimmel and Terry Bradshaw will make appearances.

CMT Giants: Hank Williams, Jr., will premiere on CMT on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 9/8C.

The Giants franchise began last year when Reba McEntire was payed tribute by some of music's biggest stars, such as Dolly Parton, Kelly Clarkson and Faith Hill.

Labels: Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Gretchen Wilson, Hank Williams Jr., Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw

posted by Derrick at 12:54 PM 0 Comments

Gill Goes To Walk Of Fame, Too

posted by Derrick at 1:09 PM 0 Comments

Opry Performances Come To DVD

Classic Grand Ole Opry performances are headed to DVD. The eight-volume "Opry Video Classics" includes 120 stage highlights from the 1950's into the 1970's. Porter Wagoner, Johnny Cash, June Carter, and George Jones, are among the featured performers, along with Tammy Wynette, Bobby Bare, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, and Dottie West.

In addition to the multi-disc set, a single volume, "Legends," showcases live performances from the 1960's and 70's with footage from Cash and Lynn as well as Conway Twitty and Patsy Cline. "Opry Video Classics" will be released on November 20th.

Labels: Grand Ole Opry

posted by Derrick at 12:45 PM 0 Comments

Keith's "Hits" In Stores November 20

Country superstar Keith Urban will release his Greatest Hits this fall, the highly-anticipated compilation from the Grammy Award winner and 3-year reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year.

Keith has sold more than 10-million units worldwide, climbed country radio charts with 7 #1 singles and 8 Top-5's, and continues to reach fans on his international tour.

The tracklisting is as follows:

• Better Life (#1 single for 6 weeks, #1 video CMT for 4 weeks)
• Making Memories of Us (#1 single for 5 weeks, #1 video on CMT 3 weeks)
• Days Go By (#1 single for 5 weeks, #1 video on CMT 3 weeks)
• You'll Think of Me (#1 single for 4 weeks, #1 video CMT for 3 weeks)
• Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me (#1 single for 3 weeks, #1 video CMT for 2 weeks)
• Somebody Like You (#1 single for 5 weeks, #1 video for 2 weeks)
• But for the Grace of God (#1 single, #1 video CMT for 2 weeks)
• I Told You So (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• Tonight I Wanna Cry (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• You're My Better Half (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• Raining on Sunday (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• Where the Blacktop Ends (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• Your Everything (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• Once in a Lifetime (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• Stupid Boy (Top 5 single, #1 video on CMT)
• Everybody (currently climbing country radio charts)

It is unknown if Urban will include any new music on the album. A special edition will be released as well. It will include a DVD that includes 14 video hits.

Urban's current album, Love, Pain, and the whole crazy thing is double platinum.

Labels: Keith Urban

posted by Derrick at 11:21 PM 0 Comments

CMT Debuts Mini-Movie, "Between Raising Hell & Amazing Grace"

Country outlaws Big & Rich reinvent the music video for their new single "Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace," which will world premiere on CMT on Sunday, October 14 at 8:00 p.m., EDT. Big & Rich reveal their acting chops in a mini-western set to music, which was filmed in Los Angeles recently with director Robert Deaton.

The nearly six-minute short film will air as companion programming to CMT Movies, beginning with the network premiere of "Wyatt Earp," the 1994 movie staring Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid. A 30-second trailer will debut today during CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN on Thursday, October 11 at 4:00-7:00 p.m., EDT.

"Once again, Big & Rich have innovated the way one sees music. Premiering the clip as a short film before a feature-length western deepens the overall homage to the movie experience you used to get in theatres," said Jay Frank, vice president of music and talent, CMT. "That creativity alongside the internet and mobile promotion is why superstars like Big & Rich come to CMT to debut their musical visions."

CMT will feature behind-the-scenes footage from the set when it debuts BEHIND THE SHORT FILM on CMT Mobile beginning Thursday, October 11. In addition, CMT.com will stream the short film and behind-the-scenes footage beginning Monday, October 15.

The film showcases the classic western battle between good and evil, with John Rich as a gunslinger and Big Kenny Alphin portraying a preacher with a drinking habit. Always a professional, John Rich wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty during the filming of "Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace." Rich performed his own stunts for the short film, which included falling from a horse several times and jumping out of a barn.

Labels: Big and Rich, CMT

posted by Derrick at 9:52 PM 0 Comments

"22 More Hits" Perfect Companion To "50 #1s"

After over 25 years of making timeless country music, selling over 65 million albums and scoring 55 #1 singles, making George Strait the all-time leader for #1 singles in all formats, he is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Fresh off the success from his latest platinum release It Just Comes Natural,which includes 3 #1 singles, comes Strait's 22 More Hits. 22 More Hits is truly the perfect companion piece to his multi-platinum 50 Number Ones.

22 More Hits is in stores November 13.

The new collection includes some of George's biggest hits that didn't reach that #1 chart position including favorites like "Unwound", his first single and first top 10 hit, "If You're Thinking You Want A Stranger," "Amarillo By Morning," "The Fireman," "Cowboys Like Us," "You'll Be There" and many more. The album also includes the brand new single "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls."

"How 'Bout Them Cowgirls" was released to radio in August and was top 15 after just six weeks of airplay.

Strait will embark on a major concert tour in January. The run, featuring Little Big Town, will begin in Austin and wrap up March 7 in Lubbock, TX.

Labels: George Strait, Little Big Town

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Big & Rich Go To GMA, CMA

posted by Derrick at 1:57 PM 0 Comments

No Surprise Here: Underwood, Flatts, McGraw Top AMA Noms

posted by Derrick at 11:41 AM 0 Comments

The Big Dog Goes #1

posted by Derrick at 9:30 PM 0 Comments

Taylor Goes To "Regis & Kelly", Sets Milestone

CMA Horizon Award nominee Taylor Swift will perform two songs on Live With Regis & Kelly this Wednesday, October 10th. The syndicated talk show airs in New York at 9:00 a.m. EDT (live), in Los Angeles at 9:00 a.m. PDT, and in Nashville at 9:00 a.m. CDT.

Late last night Taylor hit another milestone on her MySpace page , topping 26 million music streams. Her stream count reached 25 million less than two weeks ago.

Taylor's appearance on Live With Regis & Kelly will be her first televised performance of her new single, "Our Song," which is climbing the Billboard charts even more rapidly than her previous releases. Taylor is especially excited about the success of "Our Song" because it is her first single released that she wrote by herself without any co-writers.

"Like 'Tim McGraw,' the song was finished in like 20 minutes," said Swift. "I wrote it about this guy I was dating, and how we didn't have a song. So I went ahead and wrote us one. I think there's just some sort of magic in the way the track sounds like it's bouncing, almost!"

Also on the show, Taylor will perform the fan-favorite "Picture to Burn," which never fails to elicit huge response in her live show. Both are from her platinum-selling, self-titled debut CD released on Big Machine Records.

Swift will release a deluxe edition of her album, featuring three new tracks and a DVD containing behind the scenes videos and more, on November 6.

Labels: Taylor Swift

posted by Derrick at 2:06 PM 0 Comments

Garth Sell