BIG MACHINE RECORDS BECOMES NEW MUSICAL HOME FOR RASCAL FLATTS
Written by Neil Haislop
Jul 28, 2010 at 11:41 PM
BIG MACHINE RECORDS BECOMES NEW MUSICAL HOME FOR RASCAL FLATTS
NOTHING LIKE THIS ALBUM HITS STORES NOVEMBER 16
NEW SINGLE “WHY WAIT” TO BE RELEASED TO COUNTRY RADIO IMMEDIATELY Nashville – (July 29, 2010) – Disney Music Group finalized arrangements today for the release of the forthcoming Rascal Flatts record Nothing Like This to be on Big Machine Records. The Rascal Flatts catalogue will remain with the Disney Music Group.
As Big Machine Records becomes the new musical home to Rascal Flatts, who are Country Music’s most awarded group of the millennium and an act at the pinnacle of their career, the final touches are being made on the group’s next album Nothing Like This, its seventh studio release. Nothing Like This will be in stores on November 16 and was produced by Dann Huff and is the follow up to Unstoppable released in 2009. The lead-off single, “Why Wait,” was written by Neil Thrasher, Tom Shapiro and Jimmy Yeary, and is going out to Country radio immediately.
Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta says, “Rascal Flatts are the biggest band in Country Music and we’re honored and thrilled to have them join the Big Machine Records family. While they are celebrating their first ten years together I selfishly can’t wait to start on their next ten years. They have made a fantastic new album and they are completely energized and ready to take on not only the US but also the rest of the world. Why wait?”
“We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Big Machine Records!,” says Jay DeMarcus, bassist and background vocalist for Rascal Flatts. “We believe that Scott Borchetta and all of the folks over there are a perfect fit for what Rascal Flatts is trying to accomplish over the next few years. The last 10 years have been amazing but we are even more excited about the next phase of our career; Scott understands us, he knows what we're about and it's always a wonderful thing to have someone who believes in you and your music that much in your corner.”
KEITH URBAN TO PERFORM FOR GRAMMY BENEFIT
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On July 23 Keith Urban, three-time GRAMMY Award winner headlined the GRAMMY Foundation®'s signature benefit Starry Night concert at the LA Tennis Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. Rising folk/rock stars the Avett Brothers opened the benefit. This event was presented in association with the Farmers Classic tennis tournament presented by Mercedes-Benz, and was held three nights prior to the tournament's opening. Starry Night benefitted the GRAMMY Foundation's GRAMMY in the Schools® music education programs for high school students and the Southern California Tennis Association's foundation.
As part of Urban's sold-out, two-hour concert, six GRAMMY Camp participants were called up to the stage to perform Urban's No. 1 hit "Days Go By." Katie Gavin of Winnetka, Ill., Savannah Meares of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Brenna Miles of La Canada Flintridge, Calif., sang background vocals, India Pascucci of Burbank, Calif., played drums, and guitarist Kristen Castro of Simi Valley, Calif., and violinist Kevin Schwarzwald of Pacific Palisades, Calif., were both featured with solos during the song. The crowd reacted with thunderous applause.
"Having those kids onstage with us on Friday really serves as a reminder of what is possible when you're lucky enough to find your passion," said Urban. "I was so impressed by their talent and their obvious love for playing." The kids first met Urban onstage prior to the concert during his afternoon soundcheck, when he and his band worked with the campers to put the finishing touches on their performance.
CROSS COUNTRY GO FANS WITH LUKE BRYAN
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Luke Bryan is currently enjoying the tremendous success of his new album, DOIN' MY THING, which contains his co-penned, No. one hits "Do I" and "Rain Is A Good Thing." AND, he's come up with a truly cool promotion for fans sponsored by LongHorn Steakhouse and Miller Lite. The two companys sent two lucky sweepstakes winners and their guests “Cross Country” with Luke Bryan.
The winners received a VIP experience at Bryan’s headlining show at the Brickyard 400's Miller Lite Cars and Guitars concert in Indianapolis as well as his performance at Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, WI.
As part of the grand prize, they also got to ride with Luke on his tour bus from Indianapolis, IN to Twin Lakes, WI, giving them a glimpse of what life is like on the road.
LEE BRICE HAZED BY LADY A
Lee Brice’s Top 10 hit “Love Like Crazy” got the star treatment from Lady A today in the band’s Wednesday Webisode. Thanks to Lady A’s clever way with a lyric, the title track to Brice’s debut CD is now a love song to…biscuits and gravy and the gastronomic marvels of the Waffle House menu.
"This is really funny, and I am honored that Lady A decided to tackle my song," Brice said. "I understand that mine is the second song they've spoofed and only two songs in, they've perfected the craft. Hey guys, how about a writing session in the next few weeks?”
“Love Like Crazy” spends its 48th week on the charts this week, making it one of only four titles to spend at least 48 weeks on the Billboard Country Songs chart in the magazine’s 66-year history. On the flip side, Brice co-wrote Garth Brooks’ smash hit “More Than a Memory,” the only song in the chart’s history to debut at the #1 position.
To view the entire webisode, check out http://ladyantebellum.com/media/videos/webisode-wednesday-episode-116.
REBA'S "TURN ON THE RADIO" VIDEO TURN ON NATURE'S WRATH
Reba and her team braved brutal temperatures as well as a terrifying electrical storm that manifested a nearby tornado while filming the music video for her new smash single, “Turn on the Radio,” Monday night in Nashville.
Production began mid-afternoon near downtown in a century-old warehouse with temperatures as sizzling hot as the video’s storyline, which sees Reba standing up for herself against a man that’s done her wrong – and showing him, for the final time, who’s boss.
At one point during the afternoon the heat index in Nashville reportedly reached 108 degrees – while Reba, director Randee St. Nicholas, and crew struggled to keep from melting amidst the humidity and additional heat of the production lights; however, the blistering heat was not the last challenge Reba and team would face during the production of “Turn on the Radio.”
Shortly after dinner, cast and crew watched from the top floor of the warehouse as a fast-moving electrical storm blew in – with lightning so intense that the shoot’s generator was promptly shut off for fear of a lightning strike and the ensuing safety risk.
Reba and crew were then rushed down into the dilapidated basement of the warehouse as the crew received word that a confirmed tornado had touched down only a few miles from downtown Nashville AND that the tornado had spun on its tail and was heading straight toward the shoot location.
Reba and crew waited in silence as the sirens sounded, the diagonal rain and hail pounded the walls of the warehouse and the storm passed over.
“Shooting for “Turn on the Radio” resumed shortly afterward. Fortunately there were no reports of injuries in Middle Tennessee although the storm knocked down trees and limbs as well as brought down power lines and tore shingles off roofs.
“Turn on the Radio” is the lead single from Reba’s upcoming album (title TBD) which will be in stores on November 9. The song is moving quickly up the charts, rising NINE positions to #32 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and jumping FIFTEEN spots to #33 on the USA Today/ Country Aircheck Chart (powered by Mediabase) this week.
“Turn on the Radio,” produced by Dann Huff, will be available at iTunes on August 3.
MIRANDA LAMBERT TO CELEBRATE HER MONTH-LONG STAY AT #1
Next Tuesday, Miranda Lambert will rightfully celebrate her four weeks at #1, courtesy of the huge success of "The House That Built Me." The gathering will be at a popular Nashville night spot on Auguest 3rd.
THIS WEEK’S TAKE 6 TUESDAY TAKES ON “TOP 6 NASCAR DRIVERS…AND WHY” w/BLAKE SHELTON
Everyone knows that Blake Shelton loves hunting, Twitter and country music, but did you know that he is a NASCAR enthusiast? This week’s Take 6 Tuesday, Blake shells out his expert opinion on who he thinks is the Top 6 NASCAR Drivers…and why. There’s no telling who made the list! Find out for yourself at www.blakeshelton.com <http://www.blakeshelton.com/> .
CLAY WALKER RELEASES NEW SINGLE
Clay Walker will release the second radio single Where Do I Go From You off his new studio album, She Won't Be Lonely Long, released June 8, 2010 on Curb Records. Produced by Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Randy Travis) and written by Don Cook, Clint Daniels and Ryan Tyndell,"Where Do I Go From You" is the second single off Walker's ninth studio album.
LITTLE BIG TOWN FANS CAN COUNTDOWN TO THE BAND'S FORTHCOMING ALBUM
Little Big Town's exclusive iTunes Countdown to their forthcoming album The Reason Why began yesterday with the track "The Reason Why," and pre-release tracks will be available exclusively on the iTunes Store every week for four weeks leading up to the album release. Subsequent tracks include "Kiss Goodbye," (available August 3) "Why Oh Why," (available August 10) and "All The Way Down" (available August 17) and each track will count towards the purchase of the full album through iTunes' Complete My Album feature. The Reason Why hits stores on August 24 on Capitol Records Nashville.
In addition to the weekly track, Little Big Town will offer fans a video podcast series that complements the weekly countdown. The podcast will give fans an inside look at the making of The Reason Why with footage and in-depth stories from the band. This platinum selling and Grammy nominated band are known for hit such as “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and currently have a Top 15 single “Little White Church.” Little Big Town are on tour with Sugarland this summer.
NSAI SONG CONTEST PRESENTED BY CMT INCLUDES STAR MENTORING
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) announces the dates for the NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT. Kicking off August 1 and running through October 31, 2010, the contest boasts unparalleled career-building industry relationships designed to help unsigned songwriters navigate the road to becoming professional hitmakers. The Grand Prize Winner will receive an exclusive mentoring session with Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker.
Nashville pro writers, publishers and industry professionals will narrow down the finalists over three rounds of judging and select the Grand Prize Winner, 10 Runners-Up and 10 Honorable Mentions before the Top 10 (excluding the Grand Prize Winner) are posted on nsai.cmt.com <http://www.nsai.cmt.com> . Fans can vote online for their favorite song from January 15 through February 28, 2011. Last year there were more than 450,000 votes for the CMT Listeners’ Choice.
JIMMY WAYNE'S PILGRIMAGE FOR FORSTER CARE NEARS END
Six states and 1700 miles later, not to mention more blisters than he cares to count, Jimmy Wayne is closing in on Phoenix Arizona. The artist is now less than 100 miles away from the final destination of his Meet Me Halfway walk, begun in Nashville, Tennessee on January 1, 2010. It’s been a long journey, often through harsh conditions, but Wayne says despite the difficulty of the walk, he would do it all again.
“This has been one of the most challenging, and at the same time rewarding experiences of my life,” Wayne said. “I know that might sound strange, but it’s true. This journey has made me think back on the childhood I had – there were many nights I didn’t know where I would sleep, and had no idea if I’d have any food. Even today, there are kids out there facing the same problems—nowhere to go, no one to care for them. It’s just amazing that in this country child homelessness and hunger are still issues. If this walk has helped even one child find a permanent home with a caring family, it’s been worth every step. And if me doing it all over again would help another, I’m ready.”
Wayne hopes to have even more support when he crosses the finish line at HomeBase Youth Services in Phoenix the next morning. People are invited to meet him at Indian Steele Park at 8:00 am PT on Sunday August 1st and walk the last half-mile to HomeBase with him. There, the youth and staff of HomeBase will welcome Wayne across the finish line. And that same night, Wayne will perform a special invitation only concert for area foster children at the Hard Rock in Phoenix. Wayne plans to broadcast the concert live via ustream, beginning at 7:30 PM PT. Just prior to kicking off the show, he will talk with the kids and staff back at Monroe Harding in Nashville through skype.
Once Wayne hits Mesa, AZ on July 31st, he and his band will take over Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill to perform a free and open to the public concert to say thanks to everyone who has supported him on this 1700 mile journey. The show begins at 7:30 pm PT.
Follow the final and continuing steps of the journey at meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com. For complete details on the finale weekend events, please visit: http://projectmmh.org/index.php?page=About/PHX.
TOUCHTUNES JUKEBOX TRIBUTE TO LYNYRD SKYNYRD
TouchTunes Interactive Networks, the largest interactive in-venue entertainment network in North America, and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), the market-leading catalog division of Universal Music Group, today announced an exclusive jukebox tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. The newly released album, "Sweet Home Alabama – The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd," will be promoted nationwide on TouchTunes Digital Jukeboxes and BarflyTV screens. TouchTunes will be the exclusive jukebox network to feature the album until 2011. In partnership with UMe, the album will be promoted from July 27 through August 9, 2010, and highlight classic Skynyrd tracks performed by today’s top country music artists, including Eric Church, Randy Houser, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Uncle Kracker, Randy Montana, Ashley Ray and Eli Young Band. The compilation album was produced by Jay Joyce featuring artists and songs that include: · "The Ballad Of Curtis Loew," Eric Church · "Simple Man," Randy Houser · "All I Can Do Is Write About It," Uncle Kracker · "Call Me The Breeze," Shooter Jennings · "Four Walls Of Raiford," Jamey Johnson · "Tuesday's Gone," Randy Montana · "Gimme Three Steps," Eli Young Band · "Sweet Home Alabama, Ashley Ray
JAMES OTTO'S LATEST CD, SHAKE WHAT GOD GAVE YA, BOWS SEPT. 14
Warner Bros. Records and GRAMMY-nominated James Otto bring more groovy soul to country music with the release of his much-anticipated new album Shake What God Gave Ya on September 14. Otto’s uniquely-blended, country-meets-soul sound can be found somewhere between Nashville and Memphis.
“Musically I’d say I’m the love child between Ronnie Milsap & Barry White,” laughs Otto. “This sexy, sultry, soulful sound makes you wanna move and dance. And that is exactly what I want fans to do while listening to this album, Shake What God Gave Ya!” Shake What God Gave Ya Track Listing: 1. Are Ya With Me 2. Groovy Little Summer Song 3. Lover Man 4. Soldiers & Jesus 5. Love Don’t Cost A Thing 6. Sun Comes Round Again 7. Shake What God Gave Ya 8. It’s A Good Time (For A Good Time) 9. Just Like Sunshine 10. Let’s Just Let Go 11. She Comes To Me 12. Good Things Gone Bad featuring Ronnie Milsap
Currently Otto is on the road headlining solo dates and opening for Toby Keith and Trace Adkins on the American Ride Tour with upcoming shows in Guthrie Center, IA (7/31); San Bernardino, CA (8/3); Folsom, CA (8/5); Mt. View, CA (8/6); San Diego, CA (8/7), and Phoenix, AZ (8/8).
WYNONNA GETS AWARD
Wynonna Judd, will receive The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award for 2010.
Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte will be on hand for an evening of music and heartfelt memories on Tuesday, August 24th, as Nashville celebrates Wynonna for her countless contributions to the Nashville community and future generations who wish to pursue a career in the music industry.
The event will be held at Conservation Hall at the Tennessee Residence in Nashville, Tenn. The invitation-only gala begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening will be filled with music and tributes from friends and esteemed members of the community including a proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. Invitations may be requested by emailing
accompanying a donation of $200. All donations benefit the Cecil Scaife Music Business Scholarship Endowment for an educational scholarship to be awarded in Wynonna Judd’s name.
RANDY MONTANA DEBUTS AT OPRY
Mercury Nashville singer/songwriter Randy Montana made his Grand Ole Opry debut last Friday, July 23rd at Nashville’s famed Ryman auditorium. Montana included his Top 40 debut single “Ain’t Much Left Of Lovin’ You” in his set.
“Playing the Opry was amazing. During the first verse of the single the crowd started clapping which has never happened before, so I was thinking to myself ‘Oh gosh, something's going wrong’.” “Thankfully everything was ok. I guess the crowd was just enjoying the song,” Montana joked. “The overall experience was a really cool thing to be a part of.”
Check out Montana’s version of “Tuesday’s Gone” on the newly-released Sweet Home Alabama: The Country Music Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd album which pays homage to the Southern rockers and is available now exclusively at Walmart.
Last Updated ( Jul 29, 2010 at 06:59 PM )
CARRIE UNDERWOOD'S "DO IT," DOES IT
Written by Neil Haislop
Jul 26, 2010 at 12:58 AM
CARRIE UNDERWOOD'S "DO IT," DOES IT...moving up one to top the charts this week at #1....as...
JERROD NIEMANN's inspired performance of "LOVER LOVER" feels the love as it rises two to #2...while,
THE ZAC BROWN BAND's "FREE" ...is free-climbing towards the top with a 3 notch vault up to #3... and ...
LUKE BRYAN's "RAIN IS A GOOD THING, slips from #1 to 4th place...leaving...
KEITH URBAN's "I'm In," shouting I'M IN.. as it rounds out the Top 5 at #5 this week.
SUGARLAND's NEW SINGLE HUGE COUNTRY, HUGE CROSSOVER
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Sugarland's new single, "Stuck Like Glue," should stick like glue in the highest regions of multiple charts. On first listen, "Stuck Like Glue," is vintage Sugarland. The first version released has more funk (a bit jarring) in the sound and lyrics, enough to encourage a more "country" edit that was released this weekend. Listening to both ultimately makes you feel like either version could be a huge crossover success. Iconic country consultant, Jaye Albright says, "I love it, Lady A has a crossover competitor."
TAYLOR SWIFT'S NEW ALBUM VERY PERSONAL
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If you've been friend or foe to Taylor Swift in the last few years, you might pay attention to her upcoming new album, SPEAK NOW. Taylor says it's full of stuff needed to say to the people in her life, "“Saying the right thing at the right moment is so crucial that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I've begun to fear more than that is letting the moment pass without saying anything,” Taylor says of the very personal collection that is SPEAK NOW. “These songs are made up of words I didn't say when the moment was right in front of me. These songs are open letters. Each is written with a specific person in mind, telling them what I meant to tell them in person.” Starting on August 20th, SPEAK NOW will be available for special pre-sale on the site www.SpeakNow13.com. In case you missed the live chat, you can watch a replay of the event at here.
Taylor co-produced the project with Nathan Chapman, and the first single from the new record, “Mine,” will be released on August 16th.
WILL TAYLOR'S 3RD ALBUM TO MAKE HISTORY?
Taylor Swift's career has already broken down many barriers for teen stars in country music. Her first two albums have knocked down doors and opened doors for Taylor that even she could never have dreamed possible. The result of her explosive career is just how big will her 3rd studio album, SPEAK NOW, be? The question from Billboard is, can Taylor's 3rd album be one of the few to debut with over a million sales. The last album to do so was Lil Wayne's "That Carter III" in 2008.
REBA'S NEW ALBUM TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 9TH
Reba will release her yet-to-be-titled new album on November 9th. Reba’s lead single from her upcoming album, “Turn on the Radio,” earned Billboard Hot Shot Debut status a week before it’s official impact date and is Most Added this week at radio.
JARON AIMS TO HAVE AUTHENTIC EXCHANGE WITH FANS, ON AND OFF THE STAGE “I try not to hide anything from my fans. I like to lay it all out there for them to see," states Jaron of Jaron And The Long Road To Love, after getting offstage tonight on Toby Keith's AMERICAN RIDE Tour in Vancouver, BC CANADA. "I try to pull the curtain back and blur the lines between being the artist and being the fan whether on stage or thru social media. I try to be as disarming as possible because I'm a fan just like they are. I give them what I would want if I were in their position. And I'm frequently in their position as I’m also a fan of other artists. I understand how fans react when they are moved by music, because I’m also moved by it. As an artist I'm getting to open for Toby Keith and as a fan I'm getting to go out and watch him every night.” Following tonight's show, Jaron will jet to Burbank, CA for a Tuesday night appearance on NBC's T
JIMMY WAYNE ON FINAL LEG OF MEET ME HALFWAY WALK; PHOENIX ARRIVAL EVENTS ANNOUNCED
It's been a long 1,700 miles, beginning in Nashville, Tennessee with one of the coldest winters on record, and continuing through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico with hailstorms, tornadoes, severe rain and flooding and then triple digit temperatures all along the way. But Jimmy Wayne is finally nearing his end goal: Phoenix, Arizona. The organizer of Meet Me Halfway [click here for more info] will arrive in the Phoenix area the weekend of July 31st, with a free concert set for Mesa, AZ on July 31st and the official arrival into Phoenix the morning of August 1st. The July 31st event will be an evening concert at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill. Jimmy and his band will perform a free concert at the venue, beginning at 7:30 pm, which is being considered the "Last Big Push" rally to cheer the recording artist on into Phoenix. Then on August 1st supporters are invited to walk the last mile of Meet Me Halfway with Jimmy. The public is invited to gather Sunday morning (specific time and location to be announced), and walk the last mile with Jimmy to HomeBase Youth Services. Once at HomeBase, the official program will begin. More details will be announced in the coming days.
Last Updated ( Jul 26, 2010 at 01:20 AM )
TOBY KEITH PUTS BULLETS IN THE GUN FOR BULLETS ON THE CHARTS
Written by Neil Haislop
Jul 23, 2010 at 03:25 PM
TOBY KEITH PUTS BULLETS IN THE GUN FOR BULLETS ON THE CHARTS
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His physical presence is described as, "a load" to deal with in person, and his hit-making muscle makes him a load on the music scene and Toby is currenlty locked and loaded again for his upcoming new album BULLETS IN THE GUN, that's aiming for an October 5th release.
The collection's first volley has already left the barrel with his lead single "Trailerhood," one of the fastest-rising singles on the charts, jumping five spaces this week to No.31 just three weeks after its official release.
MEANWHILE,
TOBY'S American Ride Tour opened last month with a full-bore big-stage assault atthe PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Sponsored by Ford Trucks, the tour will hit dozens of cities through its Sept. 25 conclusion in Boston.
Remaining July dates:
July 22 Boise July 23 Portland, OR July 24 Seattle July 25 Vancouver July 27 Paso Robles, CA July 29 Sacramento July 30 Los Angeles July 31 Las Vegas
MIRANDA PREMIERES NEW VIDEO
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To follow up her huge #1 single, "The House That Built Me", Miranda Lambert sees her future getting even prettier with the release of her new single "Only Prettier."
The video for this tongue-in-cheek commentary about mean-girl cattiness will make its world premiere on VEVO August 3rd at 12AM ET with a 48 hour exclusive. The “Only Prettier” video will be available on all media outlets beginning August 5.
The “Only Prettier” video will be available across the VEVO platform, which includes VEVO.com, VEVO on YouTube and the destinations where VEVO powers music video such as AOL and CBS Interactive Music Group’s sites.
Directed by Trey Fanjoy, the video was shot against a 1950’s rockabilly backdrop at a middle school gymnasium in Joelton, TN. Lambert asked friends Kellie Pickler, Laura Bell Bundy and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott to join her in a mini-movie as two rival cliques of girls attend a high school sock hop.
NOTES: “Only Prettier” is the fourth release from her critically acclaimed third album, Revolution, and follows her four-week #1 “House That Built Me,” as well as her first career #1 single “White Liar.”
This fall Lambert is headlining “CMT On Tour: Miranda Lambert REVOLUTION.” The nationwide tour which crosses 28 cities and includes special guests Eric Church and Josh Kelley will kick off on the one-year anniversary of the release of her album Revolution on September 29 in New York City.
WILLIE NELSON DEFENDS SHIRLEY SHERROD
It doesn't matter what your politics are, because the false accusations of racism and doctored video clips that cost Shirley Sherrodd her job at the Department of Agriculture, rank as one of the filthiest, most vicious political dirty tricks in history...made more unforgivable because the woman they targeted was, and is, a great friend of America's farmers of every race and creed. Thankfully, people who know her and work with her have come to her defense, including small farmers she's helped and country legend Willie Nelson.
Willie posted this blog in support of Sherrod:
"Shirley Sherrod has been a great friend to me, Farm Aid and family farmers for 25 years. She has always worked to improve economic opportunities for family farmers in the South, going back to when I first met her as the director of the Georgia Field Office for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. Like Ms. Sherrod herself has said, she's always tried to help those who don't have, so that they can have a little more. "The real story of Shirley Sherrod deserved to be told a long time ago. She has had an amazing impact on the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of families and communities throughout the South. Farmers of every race have struggled with the income inequities that have persisted for generations, and advocates like Ms. Sherrod have moved mountains to ensure that families can remain in their homes and on their farms."
Nelson adds... "While all family farmers in our country face an uphill battle to stay on their land, growing good food for rest of us, black farmers have lost their land at an alarming rate, faster than any other family farmers. Lending discrimination and inequities in agriculture programs are largely responsible for the shrinking number of black farmers.
Farm Aid began supporting the Federation in 1985, where Shirley worked at the time, because of the group's unique ability to reach out and help struggling farm families in the South. Many had owned their land for generations and were, and continue to be, under constant threat. We continue to support the Federation's work to this day, and hundreds of farmers are still on their land because of Ms. Sherrod's efforts. During her time at the Federation, she fought to make sure that family farmers got what they needed to stay on their land. She has been a national leader for family farmers and a compassionate, courageous advocate for all struggling family farmers. Shirley Sherrod has dedicated her life to working on behalf of family farmers, civil rights and the alleviation of poverty and it's up to Secretary Vilsack to right this wrong immediately. This country desperately needs more farm advocates with Ms. Sherrod's expertise. But this is not just about a job -- it's about ensuring that Shirley Sherrod has the opportunity to continue to support family farmers and the rural poor, something she has spent her life doing."
KENNY PRAISES WRITERS OF "THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN"
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Kenny Chesney’s hot new single, “The Boys of Fall,” climbs the radio charts Chesney is quick to give a tip of the hat to songwriters Casey Beathard (beth-ard) and Dave Turnbull for crafting an amazing song. Kenny says that — the first time he heard it — he knew it was going to connect with a lot of people in a big way. Co-writer Casey Beathard, by the way, is already known to Kenny fans as the writer of “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “The Road and the Radio,” and “Don’t Blink,” while Dave Turnbull has had a hand in writing such songs as Montgomery Gentry’s chart-topping “Lucky Man,” ”That’s Why” — the title track to Craig Morgan’s latest album — and Chuck Wicks‘ current single, “Hold That Thought.”
DIERKS BENTLY TO BE DAD X2
People.com reports that Dierks Bentley, and his wife Cassidy this year – the couple are expecting their second child in December, the country star tells PEOPLE exclusively.
"We're so excited that our daughter Evie is going to get a baby sister or brother for Christmas," says Bentley, 35, who told PEOPLE when Evie was born that she made life "twice as big."
But, he says, no one's more eager for the new addition than the 21-month-old. "She's pretty obsessed with a baby doll she carries around now ... We'll see how she does with the real thing!" Bentley says.
CARRIE'S BEAUTY SECRETS? NO MAGIC INVOLVED
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Carrie Underwood says she doesn’t have any particular secrets for how she tries to look her best. “It’s not a little secret; it’s just overall health, I think. I work out, I drink a lot of water — I just try to moisturize and kind of…it’s not all about the make-up and the stuff like that, the stuff that’s on the outside. It kind of starts from the things that you do before you go to bed or when you wake up in the morning, so it’s just…it’s kind of all the behind-the-scenes stuff that matters the most.”
JERROD NIEMANN CELEBRATING NUMBER ONE DEBUT ALBUM
Jerrod Niemann has the number-one country album in the nation with his big-time major-label debut, Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury! The folks who count the sales over at Nielsen SoundScan tallied nearly 34,000 copies sold in Jerrod’s first week, enough to bump Lady Antebellum out of their six-month lock at number-one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums sales chart! It’s impressive stuff — Jerrod’s album is only the second release to debut at number-one country this year…he’s the onlycountry male to debut at the top in 2010…and it’s one of only three albums this year to even get to number-one on the country albums chart.
PHIL VASSAR JOINS THE COUNTRY VIBE THE BECCA AND CHUCK
On a special edition of The Country Vibe, taped at Nashville’s LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, hitmaker Phil Vassar visits with co-host Chuck Long. Vassar talks with Chuck about the highs and lows of being on the road during the recent CMA Music Fest.
Additionally The Country Vibe introduces audiences to its new reality segment, “Glory Bound: Chasing Bailey Grey.” Throughout the second season, viewers will get an unfiltered look at the Texas singer, named “Music Row” magazine’s Breakout Artist of the Year in 2008, as she pursues her dreams of making it in country music. Viewers can also follow Grey’s adventures, challenges and triumphs on TheCountryVibe.com and Twitter.
The second season of The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca debuted on the fast growing cable network, Resort & Residence-TV (R&R-TV), with multiple airings each week. R&R-TV airs on Direct-TV, Ch. 354. The entertainment/news series continues on BlueHighways-TV, AMG-TV and Untamed Sports-TV. Check listings for times.
Upcoming guests on season two of The Country Vibe include Justin Moore, James Otto, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Steel Magnolia, Jerrard Niemann, Josh Thompson and Mark Chesnutt.
ALSO... The Country Vibe Goes International; Gets New Nashville Home
The CW-Nashville (WNAB; Comcast Ch. 18) is the new Nashville home for The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca. The show airs Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. in the channel’s country-tv block, along with Crook & Chase at 9 p.m. and Inside Music Row at 10 p.m.
The Country Vibe airs internationally in the United Kingdom on The Showcase Channel on Sky 201 & Freesat 403. Distribution to 10.5million homes in the UK, with millions more inside satellite footprint tuning in from Ireland & Europe. Air times are Sundays/Mondays 7:30pm; Tuesdays/Saturdays 1:30am.
The combined number of households for The Country Vibe’s second season is 62 million.
Last Updated ( Jul 23, 2010 at 03:56 PM )
TAYLOR SWIFT’S CD #3, SPEAK NOW, OUT 10-25
Written by Neil Haislop
Jul 21, 2010 at 11:31 AM
TAYLOR SWIFT’S CD #3, SPEAK NOW, OUT 10-25
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During her live web chat yesterday, Taylor Swift revealed that her third studio album will be released worldwide on October 25th.
Entitled SPEAK NOW, the album be the most Taylor-ed yet since it contains 14 tracks, all written solely by Taylor. Taylor co-produced the project with Nathan Chapman, and the first single from the new record, “Mine,” will be released on August 16th.
“Saying the right thing at the right moment is so crucial that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I've begun to fear more than that is letting the moment pass without saying anything,” Taylor says of the very personal collection that is Speak Now. “These songs are made up of words I didn't say when the moment was right in front of me. These songs are open letters. Each is written with a specific person in mind, telling them what I meant to tell them in person.”
NOTE: Starting on August 20th, Speak Now will be available for special pre-sale on the site www.SpeakNow13.com.
SPEAKING OF LIVE CHATS...
SUGARLAND FANS HAVE CHANCE FORE "REAL LIVE" CHAT...FACE TO FACE WITH THE DUO VIA SKYPE
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To celebrate Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush gracing the cover of the June 26 Country Weekly, on newsstands now, CW is giving one lucky winner the chance to talk to the dynamic duo via the cutting edge video conferencing service Skype.
What'll you talk about with Sugarland if you win? The Incredible Machine Tour? Their forthcoming album, also called The Incredible Machine? Their new single, "Stuck Like Glue"? That's up to you, but you won't be talking to them at all if you don't sign up!
Details at CountryWeekly.com beginning TODAY, July 21.
CLAY WALKER'S NEW SINGLE ON THE WAY
Clay Walker has announced his new single, "Where Do I Go From You." The song goes for adds on August 2nd.
JIMMY WAYNE TO FINISH HIS TREK JULY 31ST
It's been a long 1700 miles, beginning in Nashville, Tennessee with one of the coldest winters on record, and continuing through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico with hailstorms, tornadoes, severe rain and flooding and then triple digit temperatures all along the way. But Jimmy Wayne is finally nearing his end goal-- Phoenix, Arizona. The organizer of Meet Me Halfway will arrive in the Phoenix area the weekend of July 31st, with a free concert set for Mesa, AZ on July 31st and the official arrival into Phoenix the morning of August 1.
STEEL MAGNOLIA’S NEW SINGLE “JUST BE BEING YOU (HALO & WINGS) LAUNCHED AT ITUNES YESTERDAY
Steel Magnolia’s sweeping power ballad, “Just By Being You (Halo & Wings),” is available for purchase at iTunes.
Fans can purchase both the single AND the music video, which became a Top 5 most-streamed video at CMT.com after it’s world premiere on the network.
The second single from the hot duo’s self-titled, debut album (available Sept. 21) is already a Top 40 hit at Country Radio. “Just By Being You (Halo & Wings),” is the follow-up to the Top 5 smash, “Keep On Lovin’ You,” which was featured in the hit film Valentine’s Day.
BIG KENNY BACK FROM AFRICA
BIG KENNY WRITES:
"I just got back from Africa. Wow, what a crazy whirlwind trip! Two days flying over to Kenya, two days visiting food and school programs in Mathare and Kibera Slums with World Food Programme in Nairobi.
Meeting some of the most talented kids ever whose parents (if they have any) make about a $1 a day. The kids come to school because they get a cup of food a day, ….that way they can survive, focus and are excited to get an education. Truly the kind of stuff that is changing lives. And the talent the kids have (we’ll have more videos of their talent in coming days) is just fantastic! Anyway then saw the Masai Mara game reserve and visited with the Maasai tribe. Wait ’til you here my new song I was inspired to write by them. Was ten feet away from lions in the wild, got charged by and elephant and made lots of friends from around the world. Then performed a show Sunday night at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden where we presented the song “Heart Of Africa” as an anthem for the continent and a celebration of the great movement forward they have had with the World Cup. My performances there were accompanied by the Mathare Community Outreach school children, the Shangilia children, and the song a dance of the Maasai Worriors. Click here to check it out.
JOEY AND RORY REACHING OUT WITH GIFTS
TO each and every person who inspired Joey+Rory’s new single “This Song’s For You” they are offering a FREE download of the song! Fans can go to http://www.joeyandrory.com/download and download the latest single featuring Zac Brown Band for simply being a Joey+Rory fan.
If one song isn’t enough the Digital 45 of “This Song’s For You” is available now on iTunes! Fans can purchase the single for 99¢ and receive Joey+Rory’s cover of Loretta Lynn’s hit “You Ain’t Woman Enough” for free! Fans can buy the Digital 45 by going to http://bit.ly/bpppJn and then clicking “Buy Album”. Two songs for the price of one! Why? Because “This Song’s For You”!
Last Updated ( Jul 21, 2010 at 11:34 AM )
PAISLEY POPS UP ON WATER WORLD STAGES
Written by Neil Haislop
Jul 20, 2010 at 08:45 PM
PAISLEY POPS UP ON WATER WORLD STAGES
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If you've ever seen Brad Paisley back stage before a show, you notice that he's as cool and loose as can be prior to going on stage to play for thousands of fans (recently 25,000 at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Chicago). So it's not so surprising that Brad might pop up to perform on one of his took his H2O World Tour stages before the show as he did in Chicago Friday.
Paisley made a surprise appearance during Josh Thompson’s set on the Water World stage and played Merle Haggard’s “Ramblin’ Fever” with him. More than 5,000 fans were already in the Water World Plaza and enjoyed the unexpected treat.
The H2O World Tour continues later this week with shows in Toronto (Thursday), Cleveland (Friday), Saratoga Springs (Saturday) and Harrington, DE on Sunday.
REBA HOPES TO TURN ON RADIO WITH "TURN ON THE RADIO"
Reba’s lead single from her upcoming album, “Turn on the Radio,” earned Billboard Hot Shot Debut status a week before it’s official impact date at radio.
“Turn on the Radio,” a lively, modern day kiss-off anthem was a must-record for the superstar. The great new music in Reba’s pocket is the reason why the star wanted to get back into the studio so soon.
"I fell for the song immediately," said Reba, "I love that it’s an up-tempo, strong woman song about a woman who has been done wrong by her lover and is telling him to turn on the radio if he wants to hear from her through their favorite song. Dann Huff and the musicians did a wonderful job bringing the heart beat out in the song. It definitely gets your attention from the very start of the song."
“Turn on the Radio,” produced by Dann Huff, will be available at iTunes on August 3.
ALSO...Reba recently became only the 4th person in history to receive the National Artistic Achievement Award in recognition of her dedication to enriching the national legacy of the performing arts as well as her lifetime of musical contributions.
NICHOLS GETS DIGI SINGLE AWARD
Joe Nichols’ multi week #1 hit single “Gimmie That Girl” has been certified gold by the RIAA, selling more than 500,000 digital downloads. Just eight weeks ago, the Show Dog-Universal Music artist’s single topped the charts for the third consecutive week, making it the first multi-week #1 single for 2010 and Nichols only the sixth artist since 2008 to achieve such a goal on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts. The song remains the top recurrent single this week.
“The Shape I’m In” is the follow-up to “Gimmie That Girl” and is currently going for adds.
Last Updated ( Jul 20, 2010 at 08:46 PM )
TAYLOR SWIFT TO HOST LIVE WEBCAST ON TUESDAY
Written by Neil Haislop
Jul 19, 2010 at 12:20 AM
TAYLOR SWIFT TO HOST LIVE WEBCAST ON TUESDAY
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Taylor Swift will be talking to fans around the world live on the web this week! “I’ve spent the last two years out on the Fearless tour and working on my new record,” Taylor said. “I’ve gotten so many questions from fans -- on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, my website, everywhere really, and it’s so incredible to see how excited everybody is about what’s next. I want them to be the first to know about my new music, and I can’t wait to talk to everybody as directly as I can!”
On Tuesday, July 20th at 4PM CT, Taylor will be live from Nashville, answering questions and talking to fans for the first time about her highly-anticipated third studio album. The chat can be accessed at Taylorswift.com, MySpace.com/TaylorSwift, Facebook.com/TaylorSwift and Ustream.tv/taylorswift. Fans can submit questions directly into the live Ustream chat window on all viewing sites.
REBA'S NEW ONE AVAILED AT iTUNES
Reba's new single "Turn On The Radio" will be available for sale at iTunes and all digital retailers on August 3rd. Click here to download a countdown widget.
MEANWHILE...
AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, REBA STILL GETS EXCITED TO HEAR HER SONGS ON THE RADIO
When Reba's hears her current single, "Turn On The Radio," on the radio, it still turns her on to hit America's airwaves. That's pretty amazing when you consider the first time she heard herself on the radio was 34 years ago when she released her first chart single "I Don't Want To Be a One Night Stand." As far as we know she's never been a one night stand, and she certainly was never a one hit wonder since scoring her first hit on the radio with "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven." What's interesting is that Reba doesn't just love hearing her own songs on the radio, she still love LISTENING to radio. "Listening to the radio is very relaxing, informative and entertaining," notes the superstar. "It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. I really do get excited every time I hear my songs on the radio. It’s a form of acceptance for me. Someone still wants to hear me sing. It’s a great feeling and I never take it for granted."
CRACKER BARREL AND CRAIG MORGAN DELIVER “THAT’S WHY!” TO MORGAN FANS
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is gearing up for the latest release in its exclusive music program: country music star Craig Morgan’s That’s Why – Collector’s Edition. This CD features 13 songs, including the top radio hits “Bonfire” and “This Ain’t Nothin,” as well as two previously unreleased songs.
JEWEL IS AN EXPLOSION OF CREATIVITY
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Jewel is an artist in every sense of the word: singer, songwriter, poet, performer, painter, actress…the list goes on and on. We asked the superstar how she channels her creativity on a daily basis. "I don’t have to choose what I will do on any given day because it chooses me," exclaims Jewel. "It’s hard to describe - kind of like describing the difference between thirst and hunger. They are both strong impulses, but impossible to describe the subtle difference that causes you to reach for a glass instead of a spoon. That’s how it is with my art. One day I feel hungry to write poems. It’s just quiet. There is no melody to distract and I can focus on the distilled emotion that poetry lets me capture. Other times I find my hand reaching for a guitar, and I can feel a song wanting to be born."
JEWEL CAN ALSO BE FUNNY, Jewel teamed with FunnyOrDie.com for a viral video that has the superstar dressing up as a frozen foods representative and performing Undercover Karaoke of her hits to unsuspecting patrons.
JARON TO PERFORM ON THE TONIGHT SHOW
Jaron of Jaron And The Long Road To Love will perform his hit single "Pray For You" on Tuesday, July 27th on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Jaron's single is quickly becoming a worldwide phenomenon: in addition to being a runaway hit in Canada, the track just cracked the top 15 in Australia!
STEEL MAGNOLIA'S SELF-TITLED DEBUT COMING 9/21
Steel Magnolia, will release their self-titled debut album on September 21st. The album includes Steel Magnolia’s smash hit, “Keep On Lovin’ You,” as well as their brand new single, the sweeping power ballad, “Just By Being You (Halos And Wings),” which is currently a Top 5 highest-streamed video on CMT.com and rises to #41 this week on the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart.
ALSO, Steel Magnolia will perform this Thursday, July 22nd on CTV's CANADA AM program, the top-rated morning TV program north of the border. The duo will be in Toronto for an appearance later that day on Brad Paisley's H2O World Tour at the Molson Amphitheater…Jaron of Jaron And The Long Road To Love recently taped an exclusive interview for Windows Media. Click here to watch it.
NEW SINGLE “WHY WAIT” TO BE RELEASED TO COUNTRY RADIO IMMEDIATELY
