"No more singing, just killing" Dierks Bentley communicated in the studio early last week through a wireless headset and controller as he shifted his focus from recording his next album to rocket launchers and sniper riffles in an online, trash-talking battle of Halo 3, as the first country artist to team up with Xbox 360's "Game with Fame" program. The event was just one element of Dierks having been chosen as the first-ever Country artist for the Xbox LIVE Artist of the Month program during the month of May.

Labels: Dierks Bentley

The King of Country will re-release his Fresh Cut Christmas this fall via MCA Nashville. The album was originally released exclusively by Hallmark Stores in the winter of 2006. The album went platinum.

UMG Nashville and George Strait held onto the rights for the album, and after the contract with Hallmark expired, have decided to release the album to the wholesale public. The tracklist will follow the original release, with cuts like "We ThreeKings," "Deck the Halls," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." New tracks are also expected on the release.

No date was given for the release.

Randy Owen, lead singer of Hall of Fame group Alabama, is penning his autobiography "Born Country."

The book chronicles Owen's life from his humble beginnings living in extreme poverty and hardship as the son of share coppers in northeast Alabama to forming the band Wild Country with his cousin Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook to signing with RCA Records and eventually being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"This book was really something important for me to do for my family," he sys. "We touched on every segment of my life - it's really a microcosm of my life. God had had a big plan for me and guided me through the good and the bad. There were definitely painful parts that were hard to relive."

"Born Country" and Owen's debut solo album "One On One" will both be in stores nationwide on Tues., Nov. 11.

Labels: Alabama, Randy Owen

Blake Shelton will be making an appearance on NBC's "Nashville Star" this Monday, June 30. "Family Week" is the show's emphasis, and Shelton will be performing his current hit "Home," from his recently released Pure BS Deluxe Edition album. The 2-hour special will air live on NBC at 9/8C pm. and repeat on CMT on July 4 at 9/8C pm.

Sara Evans will be a celebrity contestant on CBS' "Million Dollar Password", a modern version of the classic show, hosted by Regis Philbin this Sunday, June 29 at 8/7C pm. Evans faced Steve Schirripa of The Sopranos and his partner. Evans helped her partner try to win the $1 million prize.

Labels: Blake Shelton, Sara Evans

Today Phil Vassar released a new single to country radio. The song "I Would" is a personal song that was inspired by the singer's break up with wife Julie.

"In December of last year I was in Las Vegas playing a show," said Vassar. "My divorce had been final for a couple of months and I was still coming to grips with the sudden change. I met an older man one afternoon and he proceeded to tell me about his life and all the things he would change if he could.

"I went up to my hotel room and started thinking about all the things I regretted in my life, and all the things I wish I could change and this song poured out of me. I think we all have regrets in our lives, things we wish we had done differently or could go back and change. I have gotten past the worst part of the hurt in my breakup, but like all of us, there are a lot of things I have done and not done in my life, not just in relationships, that if I could change, I would."

The single is from Vassar's best-selling album Prayers of a Common Man, which also features the hit "Love Is A Beautiful Thing."

Labels: Phil Vassar

As flooding continues to ravage agricultural and rural towns on the banks of the Mississippi River and other rivers, Farm Aid is activating its Family Farm Disaster Fund to get immediate relief to family farmers in Iowa, Wisconsin and across the Midwest. Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson will distribute the first grant from the Family Farm Disaster Fund on Saturday, June 21, to the Iowa Grassroots Coalition, a group of farm and faith-based organizations in Iowa working on the recovery effort.

"Our hearts go out to the folks all along the Mississippi who are being affected by the severe floods that have taken out towns and farms in Iowa and Wisconsin," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "At Farm Aid, we have had friends in these communities for 23 years who can deliver immediate support to family farmers, getting them back on the land, growing good food for all of us."

Reports indicate that at least four million acres of farmland are underwater and that a high percentage will not be replanted this growing season. Many family farms in the region growing specialty crops and produce are not adequately covered by federal crop insurance and may not have the financial support necessary to rebuild.

Farm Aid emergency assistance is supporting local recovery efforts in Iowa and Wisconsin, delivering an initial $10,000 in disaster-relief funds to grassroots organizations. Since the Family Farm Disaster Fund was activated on Wednesday of this week, more than $40,000 has already been donated by individuals and organizations, including Best Buy and WhiteWave, makers of Horizon Organic and Silk Soymilk.

"In the face of the devastation caused by the flooding across the Midwest, Farm Aid is proud to work with the individuals and organizations that have already stepped up and shown their support for family farmers. Together, we will help these farmers rebuild and protect our source of good food," said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar.

Contributions can be made to Farm Aid's Family Farm Disaster Fund online at http://www.farmaid.org/.

Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised more than $30 million to support programs that help farmers throughout America and promote food from family farms.

Labels: Willie Nelson

Toby Keith's commitment to the U.S. military was recognized in a resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole in the House of Representatives June 10. The Oklahoma congressman noted Keith's six USO to visit troops on the front lines, "Toby has done so much to show his commitment and appreciation to our nation's armed forces," Cole said. "He has given his time and energy to put on performances for our troops overseas and at home. He has really gone out of his way to support our servicemen and women and their families.

"I believe Toby deserves to be acknowledged for his work. He's shown a unique understanding of the dedication and difficult work the members of the Armed Forces do, and he has made it his priority to bring joy and entertainment back to them. I am proud to bring forth this resolution commending Toby Keith for all that he has done to boost the morale of the military. He has made Oklahoma very proud."

Keith, a native Oklahoman, has performed for more than 135,000 service members, most recently visiting forward bases in Afghanistan and Iraq in April. He has also made stops in Cuba, Germany, Belgium, Kosovo, Italy and Africa in his efforts to show his appreciation to those who defend our country.

"I appreciate Congressman Cole's recognition in introducing this resolution," Keith said, "and I have to say that the real glory belongs to those men and women I've met who leave their families and put it on the line for the rest of us. Getting to visit with them once a year is the biggest honor for me, and I will continue to encourage other artists and performers to make that USO trip."

Labels: Toby Keith

Country music's biggest stars have assembled for the upcoming Country Sings Disney project, in stores Tuesday, July 8. The fifteen song collection features classic and contemporary Disney tracks performed by today's favoritecountry stars, including Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Bucky Covington, Little Big Town, Josh Gracin, Phil Stacey, SHeDAISY and more.

The song selection includes cuts from the Disney movies "The Little Mermaid," "CARS," "The Lion King," and "Tarzan." Some songs are newly recorded while others have been previously released.

In addition, fans can catch Billy Ray Cyrus in the "Real Gone" music video at all online video outlets and country music video networks CMT and GAC.


TRACK LISTING:
1. Billy Ray Cyrus featuring Miley Cyrus - "Ready, Set, Don't Go"
2. Rascal Flatts - "Life Is A Highway"
3. Tim McGraw - "Wherever The Trail May Lead"
4. Martina McBride - "Through Your Eyes"
5. Trisha Yearwood - "Blue Beyond"
6. Bucky Covington - "You’ll Be In My Heart"
7. Phil Stacey - "Can You Feel The Love Tonight"
8. Bonnie Raitt - "Will The Sun Ever Shine Again"
9. Alison Krauss - "There Is Life"
10. Josh Gracin - "When I See An Elephant Fly"
11. SHeDAISY - "Baby Mine"
12. Little Big Town - "We Go Together"
13. Faith Hill - "Part Of Your World"
14. Brad Paisley - "Find Yourself"
15. Billy Ray Cyrus - "Real Gone"

Lyric Street Records and Walt Disney Records are a part of the Disney Music Group. The Disney Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of the Walt Disney Studios.

Bandit Records will release Burn the Playhouse Down: The Unreleased Duets, by George Jones, a collection of never before heard duets between Jones and his illustrious guests on August 19, 2008.

Those making appearances on the album include Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Emmylou Harris, Jone's ex-wife Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton.
The tracks were recorded in a series of sessions in 1988, 1991, and 1994. The duets did not make the originally released albums.

Also appearing on the collection is a recent recording, "You and Me Time." Jones duets with daughter Georgette Jones, who also co-wrote the song about her relationship with her famous dad. The track was produced by Keith Stegall in 2007.

Labels: George Jones

Some great new songs have been released to digital music retailers this week... download them now!

"Life In A Northern Town" [Live] - Sugarland, Little Big Town and Jake Owen

"All I Want To Do" - Sugarland

"Come On Over" - Jessica Simpson

"You Look Good In My Shirt" - Keith Urban

"Don't You Know You're Beautiful" - Kellie Pickler

Labels: Jake Owen, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town, Sugarland

Unplugged, unstoppable and armed with a bag full of unforgettable hits and pure, undiluted honky-tonk vibe, superstars Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart will re-unite and re-ignite this fall, hitting the road for a multi-city tour that reprises their unforgettable and highly successful "No Hats" tour back in the early '90s. The duo will serve up acoustic renditions of the hits they enjoyed together, such as "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'," "This One's Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time)" and"Honky-Tonkin's What I Do Best," along with a full helping of songs from their individual chart-topping catalogs.

As individuals, their high level of understanding and respect for country tradition is matched only by the depth of their musicianship and the consistent integrity of their artistry through the decades. When they come together ­with Tritt's Georgia-soulful southern rock perfectly complementing Stuart's high-octane Mississippi mojo, the results are as inspiring as they are explosive.

Tritt and Stuart will be performing together in cities from coast to coast. Already-scheduled dates for this highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind touring event include: Phoenix, AZ, Charlottsville, VA, and Harrisburg, PA.

Labels: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt

There's no doubt about it: Toby Keith is one of the busiest men in the music business. Keith just recently wrapped up filming on his new motion picture, "Beer For My Horses," and is preparing to release the soundtrack and a new studio album later this year.

The soundtrack, set for release August 5, contains tracks by Keith, Mel Tillis, Carter's Chord, David Allen Coe, and Rodney Carington, who cameos in the film. The lead single from the soundtrack is "Off The Hillbilly Hook," by Show Dog Nashville group Trailer Choir.

Keith is readying the release of his next radio single, "She Never Cried in Front Of Me," as well. The song is from a new studio album expected this fall. The single goes to radio on July 7.

Currently Keith is on tour with Montgomery Gentry and others as part of the "Biggest Baddest Tour."

Labels: Montgomery Gentry, Toby Keith

MCA Nashville will officially release Lee Ann Womack's new single "Last Call", written by Erin Enderlin and Shane McAnally, to radio June 30. Her highly-anticipated seventh album, produced by Tony Brown and titled Call Me Crazy, will debut this Fall.

"I'm so fired up to be back doing what I feel like I was born to do,which is making country music," said Womack. "The time I spent writing, looking for songs, and meeting with Tony felt so effortless and natural. One of my favorite things when making a record is working with some of the best singers and musicians in the world...it was so fun to have some of them work on this project."

Four of the twelve tracks are co-written by Womack and fans will discover two other very well-known male voices accompanying the songstress, Keith Urban and George Strait. Last time Womack and Strait collaborated was for "Good News, Bad News", which earned them a Country Music Association award for "Musical Event of the Year."

Womack has sold over 6 million albums, won two Grammy's, and most recently garnered critical acclaim for There's More Where That Came From. Released February of '05 on CD and classic vinyl, There's More swept Country Music Association trophies in the fall of the same year for "Album of the Year" and "Single of the Year"("I May Hate Myself In the Morning"). She is also recognized for #1 singles "The Fool," "A Little Past Little Rock," "I'll Think Of A Reason Later" and the mega smash "I Hope You Dance."

Labels: Lee Ann Womack

The fifth annual Toby Keith & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic raised a record-setting $709,000 for Ally's House, a local nonprofit that helps children with cancer and their families. The total bested last year's $500,000, pushing the 5-year total past $2.3 million.

"I knew we could make a difference with Ally's House, but it really is even bigger than I'd hoped," Keith said. "We've helped a ton of families...and we're proud that we have never had to turn away an Oklahoma family that needs help."

As in past years, many participants went home with some one-of-a-kind events on their calendars. The June 6-7 gathering brought 750 celebrities and guests together for golfing, music and a silent auction. Top auction items this year included dinner with Keith with 2 selling for $35,000 each. A Deadliest Catch package brought $27,500 for a chance to ride with Captain Sig and the Northwestern crew from the hit Discovery Channel crab fishing series.

Other top items include a cameo spot in an upcoming Keith music video that sold for $25,000, and tickets to a Las Vegas Keith performance with meet and greet passes, which went for $12,000. Autographed memorabilia at the auction included items from Tiger Woods, George Strait, Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, LeBron James, Carrie Underwood, Andre Agassi, Tony Stewart, Peyton Manning, Loretta Lynn, Troy Aikman, Nolan Ryan and Tom Hanks.

All funds go directly to Ally's House, the Norman-based organization named for Allison Webb, the daughter of original Toby Keith band member Scott Webb. Ally died at age two after losing a battle with kidney cancer. "Ally fought her cancer about a year, and she wanted at least one parent with her all the time and Scott and Linda both work," Keith said, explaining the inspiration behind Ally's House.

Labels: Toby Keith

Taylor Swift's next release will be a CD/DVD package entitled Beautiful Eyes, available July 15 exclusively at Wal-Mart. The collection will be featured on a custom Swift/LEI Jeans corrugate in the apparel section, as well as spotlighted in the music section.

The CD will include "Beautiful Eyes" (exclusive), "Should've Said No" (alternate version), "Teardrops On My Guitar" (acoustic version), "Picture To Burn" (radio edit), "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," and "I Heart ?" (exclusive).

The DVD will include "Beautiful Eyes" (new), music videos of "Picture To Burn," "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," "Tim McGraw," "Teardrops On My Guitar," (pop version), and "Our Song," as well as "The Making of 'Picture To Burn'," GAC New Artist Interview, and "Should've Said No" (video from ACM 2008 performance).

Swift earned another RIAA award this week for the digital Gold certification of her single “Picture To Burn.”

Labels: Taylor Swift

Some of country's legends will be featured on a new compilation announced today by Sony/BMG Nashville. Country's 20 Classic Songs of the Century will hit stores July 22nd and features such cuts as "I Will Always Love You" (Dolly Parton), "Family Tradition" (Hank Williams, Jr.), "Amarillo By Morning" (George Strait), and "Crazy" (Patsy Cline).

Officially sanctioned and presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the anthology represents six decades of "the very best by the very best," as chosen by country radio, retail, and music history professionals. The release calls the tracks "recordings which have defined yesterday's legends and inspired today's stars."

The packaging features extensive liner notes and photos from the Hall of Fame and its historians.

TRACKLIST:
"Here in the Real World" - Alan Jackson
"Ring of Fire" - Johnny Cash
"Amarillo By Morning" - George Strait
"Days Go By" - Keith Urban
"Crazy" - Patsy Cline
"Okie from Muskogee" - Merle Haggard
"Coal Miner's Daughter" - Loretta Lynn
"Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain" - Willie Nelson
"I Will Always Love You" - Dolly Parton
"Crazy Arms" - Ray Price
"Hello Darlin'" - Conway Twitty
"Family Tradition" - Hank Williams, Jr.
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" - George Jones
"Stand By Your Man" - Tammy Wynette
"Kissed An Angel Good Morning" - Charley Pride
"El Paso" - Marty Robbins
"Walking The Floor Over You" - Ernest Tubb
"It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" - Kitty Wells
"Your Cheatin' Heart" - Hank Williams
"Forever and Ever Amen" - Randy Travis

Digitally remastered, the set features millions worth of digital downloads and songs that are "woven into the very fabric of American heritage."

Country star Sara Evans married former University of Alabama quarterback Jay Barker Saturday evening in an outdoor ceremony at a Franklin, Tenn., farm near Evans's home, PEOPLE reports exclusively.

Evans's son Avery, 8, walked his mother down the aisle, preceded by her two daughters, Olivia, 5, and Audrey, 3. The couple's seven children (Barker has four from his previous marriage) sat on quilts during the ceremony and were the only attendants. They collectively gave their parents away.

The short ceremony featured Nashville songwriter Marcus Hummon, a close friend of Evans's, singing "God Bless the Broken Road," the Rascal Flatts hit he cowrote – a song that the couple says has deep meaning for their relationship. Christian minister Joe Beam, who was responsible for introducing the couple last fall, performed the ceremony.

Evans met Barker, the host of a morning sports radio show in Birmingham, Ala., through minister Joe Beam when each had turned to him for support after their respective divorces last year.

"He was our own personal matchmaker," laughs Evans, who says that Beam made both of them promise – before they even met one another – that they would let him officiate at their wedding. "I think God told Joe to get us together." They were engaged in March. "It was hard for me to believe he was real and that he loves me the way he loves me," Evans tells PEOPLE. "I thank God many times a day for bringing me Jay."

PEOPLE magazine will have pictures from the ceremony in next week's issue.

Labels: Sara Evans

BNA Recording artist Terri Clark has recently joined the ranks of music legends such as Sting, John Mayer & Eric Clapton with the release of her very own Fender Signature guitar. The Terri Clark Fender Acoustic Guitar is natural and classic, but is embellished with features that set it apart from all others, such as the exquisite abalone and pearl "TC" headstock inlay.

Clark, one of the few female artists whose guitar chops are worthy of being included with some of Fender's best, is thrilled. "For as long as I can remember, the guitar has been like my right arm," she said. "I started playing at a very young age, even before I took up singing. It has been my compadre and the first thing I look to when I need a friend. I truly believe I may not have achieved what I have if I had not been a player. I accompanied myself through every live label and publishing audition and played for tips so I could buy bread and milk when I first moved to Nashville."

With more than four million albums sold, Clark's career and reputation have soared on the strength of compelling songwriting, dynamic live performances, and nearly a dozen Top 10 hits, including "Girls Lie Too," "When Boy Meets Girl," "I Just Wanna Be Mad," and "Better Things to Do." So it seems only fitting that Clark, the hardest working girl in country music, is currently the only female artist with her own guitar model in Fender's Signature series. "Hopefully I will live up to the name and prove that girls kick ass too!"

Labels: Terri Clark

Country On-Demand has learned that Robert Plant and Alison Krauss will film two shows from their "Raising Sand Tour" in September for a future release on DVD. The shows to be filmed will be played at The Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri.

Plant and Krauss were originally scheduled to play the Fox Theater on June 19th. A letter from the group's management confirmed that the dates had been rescheduled for September 24 and September 25. The letter cited "high demand" as reason for the added date.

The show also features producer T. Bone Burnett.

The album Raising Sand is certified platinum and features the Grammy-winning track "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)."

Labels: Alison Krauss

Josh Gracin announced today that he and wife Ann Marie are expecting a new addition to their family. The couple looks forward to welcoming the new baby later this year.

"We're all excited about the new addition to the Gracin clan," said Gracin. "And Briana, Landon and Gabriella can't wait to meet their new brother or sister."

Josh and Ann Marie were married in January 2001. This will be the fourth child for the couple. Gracin, a former Marine and "American Idol" finalist, released his sophomore album last month.

Labels: Josh Gracin

Taylor Swift goes the MTV route next week with her prom experience and co-hosting a full week of TRL, the popular music television program.

On Sat., June 21 at 3 p.m., Swift is the star of "Once Upon A Prom" where Swift will attend the prom of a Tuscaloosa, Ala. high school senior. In the 60-minute special, Swift, who missed her own prom due to scheduling conflicts, takes a night out to join the senior class of Hillcrest High. The show follows Swift decides which of 40 dateless teens will escort her. Leading up to the "Once Upon A Prom" special, Swift will act as host throughout the day and pop in to give viewers an inside look at prom stories. She will introduce segments featuring today's biggest celebrities as they dish about their wild prom experiences. She will also give a humorous look at over-the-top outfits, shocking moments and memorable tales from viewers across the country.

Swift also will guest host TRL starting Monday, June 16th through Thursday, June 19th, premiering daily at 3 p.m. eastern. This marks the first time a Nashville music star will be taking the mic as co-host of TRL for a full week. She is the first of a string of several artists taking on co-hosting duties for full weeks throughout the summer. To wrap up the week, Swift will treat fans to performances of her hit singles "Our Song" and "Picture to Burn."

Swift will also be making a cameo in the upcoming Hanna Montana motion picture. The young singer told PEOPLE.com, "I'm playing one of my own songs and just in the background of one of the scenes...I'm just like the bar band, which is kinda fun." The movie stars Billy Ray and daughter Miley Cyrus.

Labels: Taylor Swift

Capitol Nashville Recording Artists Little Big Town raised $35,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation’s second annual Ride For A Cure motorcycle ride on Sunday, June 8, 2008.

Little Big Town, with the help of artists Darryl Worley, Lonestar, Jennifer Hanson, Gary Chapman, GAC's Storme Warren, Ira Dean, Chuck Wicks, Jeff Allen, Christian Kane, Earl Brown, Bluefield, Kendall Johnson, Levi Rose, Randy Houser, Ray Scott, Jamie Johnson, The Roys and FLOORD showed great spirit as they turned out to ride from the Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs to the future Harley-Davidson of Columbia site in 95+ degree heat where they met fans, enjoyed a barbecue lunch and performed in a post-ride jam session.

"Everyone seemed to have a great time and we were so pleased to see such wonderful support from the many sponsors, participants, artists and fans that came to help us raise vital dollars for research," said Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town. "Ride For A Cure was a great way for us to end CMA Music Fest week by giving back to such a wonderful cause as the T.J. Martell Foundation."

Prior to the start of the ride, Little Big Town was awarded the T.J. Martell Foundation - Nashville Division's Artist Appreciation Award for their generous support in the Foundation's mission of funding leukemia, cancer and AIDS research. Mike Kraski, Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Board of Directors Artist Relations Committee and Laura Heatherly, Executive Director of the Foundation presented a special plaque to Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Roads and Phillip Sweet.

"Little Big Town is a great example of how artists can get really get involved with a music industry supported cause such as the T.J. Martell Foundation and help raise vital dollars for research," said Kraski. "After attending some Martell events and learning about the mission of the charity, they decided they wanted to play a major role with the organization and host the motorcycle ride."

Labels: Little Big Town

Trace Adkins is working with the two U.S. senators from Tennessee to promote legislation to assist schools in protecting 2.2 million children nationwide who suffer from life-threatening food allergies. Adkins, whose 6-year-old daughter Brianna suffers from severe food allergies, raised public awareness of the problem while raising money for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) as a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice.

Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, both Republicans, announced Monday (June 9) they will co-sponsor the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act to develop voluntary guidelines for schools to prevent exposure to food allergens and ensure a prompt response when a student suffers a potentially fatal reaction. The bill also calls for grants to be provided to implement food allergy management guidelines in public schools.

Noting that he and his wife have been seeking this legislation for more than three years, Adkins said, "There have been no consistent standardized guidelines to help schools safely manage students with their food allergies. This bill will help keep kids safe while at school and parents will be more at ease knowing an action plan is in place."

Labels: Trace Adkins

NBC will celebrate the nation's 232nd birthday with its annual "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular," and country superstar Kenny Chesney will be there to perform.

Chesney will perform his hit "Never Wanted Nothing More" as part of the celebration. Hosted by former NFL New York Giant Tiki Barber and "The Today Show's" Natalie Morales, the show will also feature performances by Natasha Bedingfield and former "American Idol" contestants Katharine McPhee and Jordin Sparks.

Macy's Fireworks, the country's largest Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza will feature more than 35,000 brilliant shells exploding over New York City. The show airs Fri., July 4, at 9/8C on NBC.

Labels: Kenny Chesney

Known for his award-winning music videos, including the most recent ACM and CMA Video of the Year winner, "Online," Paisley will bring "Waitin' on a Woman" to life with the help of special guest star, Andy Griffith.

"One of the greatest moments in my career was getting to shoot this video with Andy Griffith and getting to know him," Paisley said. "I'll cherish this video and opportunity to become friends with this wonderful and influential man for the rest of my life. Andy was my #1 choice for the video - he is the perfect person that embodies wisdom, years, and personality of the character in the video."

Griffith plays the character of an older man telling the younger Paisley that a woman is worth waiting for. The video will debut in late June.

Labels: Brad Paisley

The excitement and overwhelming demand from fans for tickets to Carrie Underwood's headline tour, the "Carnival Ride Tour," is no surprise. As one of the hottest country tours on the road this year, additional dates have been added through December. Shows beginning September 23 will feature special guest Little Big Town.

Nearly 600,000 fans have been a part of the "Carnival Ride Tour" audience to date. Underwood will hit 51 cities in the U.S. and Canada this fall, in addition to her wrapping the current leg with opening act Jason Michael Carroll ending June 24. She will also play a select number of fairs and festivals this summer.

Underwood was recently inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry and named Top Female Vocalist at the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive time.

Fall dates for the "Carnival Ride Tour", with select dates going on sale starting Friday, June 20, are on www.carrieunderwood.fm.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

CMA Music Festival hit an all-time high attendance record in 2008 with a 9.4 percent increase over 2007 during the four-day Festival, Thursday through Sunday, in Downtown Nashville.

"Even with gasoline prices around $4 a gallon and weak economic conditions around the country, we saw an increase in our attendance on every level from local and regional participation to those fans that traveled from around the world," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. "I believe that speaks to the strength of the event, the popularity of our artists, the dedication of our fans, and the entertainment value of the Festival."

The average daily attendance in 2008 was 52,000. By comparison, in 2007 the average daily attendance was nearly 48,000.

"We made a decision this year to announce our attendance as a daily average rather than a four-day aggregate so people are not overwhelmed by a huge number and potentially turned off from attending the Festival because they are concerned about parking or moving around downtown," Genovese said. "It is actually much easier than people think and we want to communicate that in a new way."

Fans definitely enjoyed themselves and made it known at the Box Office. Tickets for CMA Music Festival 2009, which will be held June 11-14, went on sale Saturday and Gold Circle four-day ticket packages sold out in a record 15 minutes. By Sunday, advance sales bested sales during the same period in 2007, by 4.2 percent.

CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to music education on their behalf through
a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education called "Keep the Music Playing."

To date, CMA has donated more than $1 million on behalf of the artists who participate in the Festival - including $368,500 from the 2006 CMA Music Festival and $655,600 from 2007 CMA Music Festival.

Labels: CMA Music Festival

Saturday, June 8 was a day to remember for young Taylor Swift. She made country music history at the CMA Country Festival in Nashville, Tennessee when she sat and signed autographs for 900 fans. The teenager went through three Sharpie marker pens as she staged an eight-hour signing marathon.

It's easily the longest a female star has sat for a signing session at the annual country music extravaganza. Garth Brooks famously scribbled his name for thousands of devotees during a 23-hour period at the event in 1996.

Swift also told a group of fans gathered in front of the Ryman Auditorium on Friday that her next single would be "Love Story" from her new album, set for release this fall. Part of the music video was filmed as Swift performed the song several times.

Labels: Taylor Swift

On Friday, Faith Hill gathered members of the media and a few friends together to preview her newest project, a holiday album titled Joy To The World.

As Country On-Demand first reported, the album features 11 tracks including classics like "What Child Is This?" "O Holy Night," and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Hill also recorded a new song for the album, "A Baby Changes Everything." The album will be in stores in late September.

The new track will be the single to "showcase the album to the world." Written by Craig Wiseman and Tim Nichols, the song was inspired by a sermon given by Wiseman's wife.

"I simply adore this record," Hill said to a crowd of about 30. "This record has been three years in the making, and is so very special to me."

The album features the Nashville Symphony and the London Boy Choir and is produced by Byron Gallimore and Dan Huff.

Absent from the album are "Where Are You Christmas?" and "The First Noel," which appeared as a duet with Josh Grobin on his holiday album last year. Hill's publicist said there would be no bonus tracks because Hill didn't want to "interrupt the flow of the album."

Labels: Faith Hill

Rodney Atkins needs to thank his son, Elijah. He got to meet Garth Brooks because the little guy had to use the restroom.

"He said, 'Hey Rodney.' He called me Rodney, that's funny," said the singer. "He knew who I was. I talked to him [briefly] about what he meant to me. It was pretty cool. I said, 'If I never talk to you again, I want to thank you for every thing. You showed me music can be magic.'"

Atkins discussed his career and personal life with the media before taking the stage in front of a record-sized crowd Saturday night at LP Field.

He told reporters there was "no pressure to go #1" with his new album. Instead, the singer says the pressure lied in "not knowing if this was the last record."

"That pushed me into being myself," Atkins said. "I just found songs, great songs, that people relate to."

It's that relation that keeps Atkins real and connects him to the fans. "I don't use the word fan very much," he said. "I think we're all just friends that haven't met yet. You sing a song about your kid or a struggle your going though, someone else is going through the same thing."

Atkins said he never "prayed to be famous" and that he "doesn't know what fame is. It's this elusive thing."

"I hoped to be something I loved, and I wasn't smart enough to be a doctor," Atkins said. "So here I am."

The singer said he will finish work on his new album in the coming weeks. He will spend the 4th of July with his family in Hawaii. His current single is "Invisibly Shaken" from his album If You're Going Through Hell.

Labels: Rodney Atkins

Little Big Town talked to the press today about their 2nd annual Ride for the Cure and their new album backstage at the CMA Music Festival.

The group, which recently moved to Capitol Records, announced they will re-release their latest album, A Place To Land, in the fall. The quartet is recording 4 new songs for the project, which will also include the release of "Life In A Northern Town" with Sugarland and Jake Owen.

"[Life in a Northern Town] is one of those things where we had talked about doing something with them and Kristian [Bush of Sugarland] suggested the song," Jimi Westbrook said. "We wanted big vocals, this epic thing. A montage was put together to thank CMT for sponsoring the tour, that got the ball rolling, and it’s been amazing."

A new single, "Fine Line," will be released next week and the group will be filming the video in the coming weeks.

As part of the CMA Music Festival, Little Big Town will host their 2nd Annual Ride for the Cure motorcycle ride. The ride ends with a jam session with particpants. Proceeds benefit the TJ Martell.

"We wanted to do something to bring people together to raise money for a great cause," said member Phillip Sweet." Karen Fairchild added, "we worked with them at 'Country in the Rockies' so it seemed like a natural fit."

Labels: Little Big Town

Craig Morgan has a new record label and spent quite some time talking about it to the press Saturday night before taking the stage at the CMA Music Fest. Morgan says the label has really opened up and let him take control.

"I have much more creative freedom here at Sony/BMG," Morgan said. "This record is more Craig Morgan than any other record I've every done before. So if you don't like it, blame me."

The debut single from his album, expected in late September or early October, "Love Remembers," was released to radio recently. Morgan said the choice to release it was a joint decision.

"We wanted to do something we hadn't done before on the last few singles," he said. "We picked this one together. It wasn't just [the label.]"

Morgan also sent out a challenge to fellow singer Trace Adkins. "Y'all can tell him to join me [in a tour of the Persian Gulf] this December." The tour will bring Morgan home on Christmas Eve.

The singer was also asked about his fans' commitment to his career. He responded by saying "it blows my mind every time I step on stage. These people are taking vacation, spending their hard earned money..."

Don't forget to check out our COMPLETE coverage at our CMA Fest On-Demand section!!

Labels: Craig Morgan

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE 2008 CMA FEST ON COUNTRY ON-DEMAND!!! I GUESS YOU COULD SAY THAT WE HAVE THE CMA FEST ON-DEMAND!

Life will imitate art for Lyric Street recording artists Bucky Covington and Marcel when the two appear as musicians in the upcoming Hannah Montana feature film. Their appearance comes at the personal invitation of Billy Ray Cyrus.

"I've never been on a movie set so I don’t know what to expect," said Covington. "I've
always been a fan of Billy Ray's music and it really is an honor for him to ask me
to be a part of what is sure to be the biggest movie released next year."

In addition, the Marcel and Tony Mullins penned song "Backwards" will also be
featured in the movie.

"I had heard early on that they were planning to make the song 'Backwards' a part of
the movie," said Marcel. "That was really cool, and then to get the phone call from
Billy Ray asking me to be in the movie, this is going to be really amazing."

Hannah Montana: The Movie, starring Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus, is currently
filming in the pair's home state of Tennessee. The film is scheduled for release in
theaters in 2009.

Labels: Billy Ray Cyrus, Bucky Covington, Miley Cyrus

A letter today was posted from Shania Twain addressing her divorce from her estranged husband-producer Muttt Lange. The letter, posted on her official fanclub and website, quotes Twain as saying she "need some time to heal this broken heart need some time to heal this broken heart."

"I wanted you all to know that I could not be getting through this without you," said Twain about her fans. "Your letters, emails and words of encouragement give me strength. Your overwhelming support reminds me to smile, no matter how deep the pain and to always be grateful for all the beautiful blessings in my life."

Twain reassures fans that she "will be back and hopefully stronger than ever" and says that music has been her therapy through her personal struggle. "I look forward to sharing it with all of you as I begin this new journey," said the singer.

Labels: Shania Twain

The story here gets confusing. Brad Paisley recorded his new single, "Waitin' On A Woman," for his 2006 release Time Well Wasted. He loved the song so much, he was determined to get it on country radio. That never happened.

Fast forward to 2008 and "Woman" is Paisley's new single and an added track to his latest album 5th Gear. The song will be available on all hard copy releases and should already be in stores. The song has been re-recorded special for the radio release.

The song was wrote by Don Sampson and George Varble.

Labels: Brad Paisley

Nashville's favorite redhead, Reba McEntire, is headed to Los Angeles to film the music video for her current single, according to the singer's official website.

The single, "Every Other Weekend," is featured as a duet with Kenny Chesney on McEntire's Reba Duets album, but showcases Skip Ewing on the radio single release. Ewing wrote the song.

It was not known whether either Chesney or Ewing would join McEntire for the video shoot.

Labels: Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire

Reigning ACM, CMA and AMA Vocal Group of the Year winners Rascal Flatts have been confirmed to appear and perform in the upcoming Hannah Montana movie.

Hannah Montana: The Movie, starring Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus, is currently filming in the pair's homestate of Tennessee. The film is scheduled for release in theaters in 2009.

Labels: Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Rascal Flatts

After Country On-Demand reported first that there will be a Deluxe Fan Edition of Sugarland's new album Love On the Inside, we now have more details about the upcoming release.

Mercury Nashville today announced the album will include 17 tracks (12 regular and 5 bonus) in special packaging with an expanded CD booklet, as well as access to download exclusive music video and "behind the scenes making of the album" footage.

Here's the tracklisting:

Labels: Sugarland

Rascal Flatts member Joe Don Rooney and wife Tiffany Fallon welcomed their first child this weekend.

Jagger Donovan Rooney was born Saturday, May 31 at 3:50pm, Nashville time. Jagger weighed in at 6.45 pounds and is 20 inches long. Mother and son are doing well.

"We are absolutely blown away by this little miracle gift that God has given to us," said Rooney and Fallon in a statement released by Lyric Street Records. "We can't wait to see what the future has in store for baby Jagger and our new family!"

Rooney will resume touring with Rascal Flatts this weekend. The band is on the "Bob That Head Tour" through the summer.

Labels: Rascal Flatts

Big Machine Records newcomer Fisher Stevenson has been dubbed by MSN Music as "One To Watch" along with hot rising country artists James Otto and Lady Antebellum. The feature can be found on the homepage of the music website, along with streaming audio of Stevenson's first single "No Tomorrow Here Tonight."

"No Tomorrow Here Tonight" has already been added at over two dozen monitored country radio stations and is receiving an overwhelming response from programmers across the country.

In his first appearance at CMA Music Fest this week, Stevenson's jam-packed schedule includes multiple media appearances, autograph signings and a concert performance at Nashville's Riverfront Park at 5:45pm on Friday, June 6.

To check out the MSN Music feature, visit www.music.msn.com

For other upcoming appearances, visit www.myspace.com/fisherstevenson

Labels: Fisher Stevenson

Jeff Cook, founding member of the RIAA's "Country Music's Group of the Century," Alabama, will be on-hand in Ft. Payne, Alabama for the city's unveiling of the band's bronze statues.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by our home town in such an elaborate way," says Jeff. I want to personally express my gratitude to all the people involved in making this happen. Thank you, Fort Payne."

The city of Ft. Payne, Alabama will present the bronze statues on Saturday, June 7th at 11:00 AM at the city park in downtown Ft. Payne. The public is invited to the unveiling. Cook will perform with his band afterward.

Alabama, to its record, has won over 150 industry awards including two Grammy Awards, eight CMA “Entertainer of the Year” Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, and its very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1989 the band was named the ACM's "Artist of the Decade" and in 1999 the CMA named the band "Country Group of the Century." In 2005, Alabama received country music's highest honor when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Labels: Alabama

Playgirl magazine will release its annual country music issue next month, with singer Craig Hand on the cover.

"It came about last year," Craig, 29, explained. "I was talking to my publicist, Kirt Webster, and he had mentioned it to me. He said, 'Send me a couple of pictures and maybe we can get you in it.' I didn't make it last year. This year Kirt called back and said, 'Still interested?' 'Yeah, love to!'"

Craig flew from his home in St. Augustine, Fla., to Nashville during Country Radio Seminar for the photo shoot. "A couple weeks later, I got a call from the photographer and he said I made the cover."

He appears nude in the magazine, "but it's done tastefully." "My mom is OK with us since I am not baring the full nudity," he said with a laugh. "I got her permission before I did it. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, I couldn't upset those people too bad.

"My wife has had aspirations to be in Playboy, so it was a joke a couple of years ago: 'I'll see if you make the cover of Playboy before I make in on the cover of Playgirl. Now it's happening, and it's kind of funny."

Craig hopes the publicity will help his career. He was signed to Category 5 Records, but the label shut down. "I've been writing a lot, and I'm independently releasing a single over the summer," he said. "With the help of Playgirl, hopefully we'll find a label that wants to work with us."

The July/August issue also features photos of Keith Urban, Darryl Worley, and Jason Meadows and interviews with Clay Walker, Tory Gentry, and Trent Willmon.

"Definitely in Playgirl, you get to see things that aren't available anywhere else," Playgirl contributor Christine Fontana said. "We have a lot of fun with the questions. We get to talk about love and relationships and we get to be a little edgier."

Labels: Craig Hand