The network television premiere performance of Taylor Swift's new single "Mine" will occur during ABC's September 1st TV special CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock. Taylor taped the performance during a top secret fan event in Nashville during CMA Music Fest in June.
TAYLOR SWIFT'S SINGLE "MINE" LEADS OFF FOR NEW ALBUM
After the debut single, "Mine", being rushed to radio and the market place Taylor Swift's new album, SPEAK NOW, will be released August 20th. “Mine” is available at iTunes here. SPEAK NOW, Taylor’s third album, will be released on Big Machine Records and contains 14 tracks, all written solely by Taylor. Taylor co-produced the project with Nathan Chapman. Starting on August 20th, SPEAK NOW will be available for special pre-sale on the site www.SpeakNow13.com.
JERROD NIEMANN SCHEDULED FOR AUTOGRAPH SESSION OPRY ORIGINALS TOMORROW
Jerrod Niemann will be visiting with fans and signing autographs at Opry Originals: The Shop on Broadway located in downtown Nashville’s famed Lower Broadway area at 300 Broadway on Tues., August 10, 9:15 – 10:00 p.m. Central, immediately following his performance on the Tuesday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. Niemann will sign copies of his debut CD, Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury.
Jrrod's Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury, album which hit #1 in its first week on Billboard’s Top Country Albums sales chart. Co-produced by Jerrod, the album has earned critical acclaim from The New York Times, USA Today, and others, and features this week’s #1 country single, “Lover, Lover.”
MIRANDA LAMBERT: A Prettier Anthem
Miranda Lambert feels like she’s found a chick anthem in her new hit, “Only Prettier.” She’s hoping that a lot of girls will connect with the song in just the way that she was sold on the fun, yet honestly gutsy lyrics suggested by her co-writer, Natalie Hemby.
MIRANDA SAYS, “‘Only Prettier’ is, to me, it’s an anthem. It’s my own anthem, and I want girls to have their fists in the air singin’ ‘Only Prettier’ with me.”
CHRIS YOUNG CASTS FAMILY MEMBERS IN VIDEO
If you’ve seen the cool music video for Chris Young’s newest single, “Voices,” what you may not know is that it features a whole bunch of Chris’ real-life family. The storyline of the video has Chris coming “home” for a special family occasion, so the casting couldn’t have been better. But Chris tells us that his camera-shy mom was a bit reluctant to be in the video, which has led to a little playful teasing.
Chris Young says that his mom was a bit shy about appearing in his video for “Voices.” (:25) “Oh, no, Mom was very shy. My mom is in that video a lot, and she was like, ‘Hey, whatever you do, just kind of use me a little bit, and then I’ll be out.’ She didn’t want any part of bein’, like, a big set piece in the video. And of course, she’s, like, one of the only people that you see twice. So, I’ve laughed at her a little bit about that. She’s like, ‘I didn’t even want to be in the video.’ So — and not in a bad way, she’s just one of those people, she’s like, if there’s a camera nearby, she’s like, ‘I’ll take the picture.’ She’s always that person, so it was kind of cool.”
HAVING HIS DAD in the video was even more meaningful for Chris,
“My dad — you know, first of all, it’s cool to have my dad in the video anyway, you know, with him goin’ through…he went through lung cancer and chemo for that and everything and is doin’ really well now, but you know, the fact that I got to use my dad in a video. I mean, you know, it’s kind of weird to say, but who knows if he — it was a flip of a coin kind of thing of whether he was gonna do really well or he’d still be sick and maybe not be able to be in my video, so I was glad to have him in there. And unless you know who my dad is, you can’t really pick him out, ’cause I’m walkin’ up at the very beginning, there’s my cousin — I guess technically my cousin-in-law, I don’t know (laughs) — I guess that’s what he is, and then my dad is sittin’ there under the car hood lookin’ at a car.”
ALSO, RANDOM NOTES: The network television premiere performance of Taylor Swift's new single "Mine" will occur during ABC's September 1st TV special CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock. Taylor taped the performance during a top secret fan event in Nashville during CMA Music Fest in June… CMT RADIO LIVE WITH CODY ALAN heads to Ft. Myers, FL for the second stop on the CMT RADIO LIVE WITH CODY ALAN ON TOUR. Alan, along with local affiliate Gator Country 101.9 FM (WWGR-FM), will broadcast live and host a free outdoor concert for fans featuring The Valory Music Co.’s Justin Moore and Big Machine’s Steel Magnolia on Sunday, August 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Market Plaza in Gulf Coast Town Center…Taylor Swift was the only Country artist to receive a nomination at the upcoming MTV VMA Awards, where she is up for Best Female Video for "Fifteen." She is vying for the honor against Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," Ke$ha's "Tik Tok," Katy Perry's "California Gurls" featuring Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé's "Video Phone"(Extended Remix) featuring Lady Gaga.
RASCAL FLATTS' NEW SINGLE "WHY WAIT" SCREAMS ONTO CHARTS
Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus gathered in Santa Barbara, CA earlier this year with Producer Dann Huff to record their new album NOTHING LIKE THIS [in stores November 16th] in a new setting. And the first song the band cut on the California coast ended up being "Why Wait," the album's lead single, which Jay feels brings a fresh twist on the Flatts' signature sound. “I think right when we heard ‘Why Wait,’ it instantly caught my attention as we were listening down through literally hundreds of songs on our comp CDs. I kept going back to that one because it’s such a unique melody and such a unique feel for us," he says.
JEWEL AND TY MURRAY CROSSING AMERICA ON MOTORCYCLE
It's no secret Jewel is always up for a new adventure. Perhaps it was her rugged childhood on the Alaskan tundra that instilled that desire of discovery, or perhaps it is her current life on the Texas ranch she shares with Husband Ty Murray. Whatever it is instinctively that causes the superstar to challenge herself, she is taking adventure to the next level this summer on a BMX motorcycle journey with Ty that has--so far--taken them from their home in Stephenville, TX to their current location in Colorado Springs, CO. “My husband and I have both worked really hard at our careers, since we were little kids. It’s something that we focused on since we were both [laughs] six years old. And we both hit the road at a young age – him to the rodeo and doing several cities a day, and me as a musician," notes Jewel from a roadside stop. "We both started professionally around 18 years old. And that’s all we’ve done up until now is tour every year. Every summer I’ve always been on the road, and we just thought if we don’t do it now, we’re never gonna do it. We need to take time off, no matter what’s going on, and just make time to go see the States and have an adventure while we’re young enough to really enjoy it." With a journey on this scale, practical questions come to mind, so we asked Jewel about packing for a trek like this. "Luckily, I’ve lived out of a suitcase my entire life, and for a girl, I really don’t pack a lot," she muses. "Sometimes I pack less than [my husband] Ty does. All I brought are a couple pairs of pants, a couple little sundresses and motorcycle gear, and that’s it!” Fans can follow Jewel's journey on Twitter here.
REBA SAYS HER MUSIC SHAPED BY AMERICAN CULTURE; RECENTLY HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTION
Reba recently received the National Artistic Achievement Award during her performance in Washington DC for PBS' A Capitol Fourth celebration [click here to watch it]. Reba has always been very vocal about her love of this country and her support of the men and women who serve their country. We asked the superstar what it meant to be recognized in this way. We also asked Reba how she feels the American culture and its people has shaped her music through the years. "It was a very touching evening for me at the Nations Capitol performing the songs 'America The Beautiful' and 'God Bless America' in front of 300,000 people. We were all there celebrating our freedom, thanking the ones who make that possible and reveling in the beauty of the night. The fireworks behind the Washington Monument was breath taking! I was very humbled to be honored with the National Artistic Achievement Award," recalls Reba. "The music I have gotten to make over the years has totally been formed from our American culture. How we live, deal with private situations, our children, our parents, love, life, death, our freedom, the list goes on and on. Country music is our American culture. It tells the stories of how we live. That’s why people can relate to our music so well. We’re telling their story." Lucky for us, that musical story continues this fall as Reba prepares to release her next album on November 9th.
TOBY KEITH iPHONE-iPAD WRITING
Written by Neil Haislop
Aug 05, 2010 at 11:17 PM
TOBY KEITH iPHONE-iPAD WRITING
cf.com
Like most good songwriters Toby Keith says ideas for songs come to him all the time. And, many times he can't stop what he's doing to pull out a piece of paper and a pencil and write them down. That's all changed he tells us, thanks to his iPhone and iPad.
"I used to leave myself voice mails when I had an idea...now I have this little voice recorder app on my iPhone and I can record an idea anywhere, any time because you always have your phone with you...and then play it back without having to remember what they were...and it's changed my songwriting output...it's brought it up 500 percent, because when I sit down to write I just play the ideas back and go," Toby explains.
On top of that Toby says he has an app on is iPAD that allows him to take a song idea to a rough demo. "With right lines in hook up, you can put down a vocal, guitar track, drum line...and even do a little mix down demo.'"
Toby says, he credits this new way of writing for having so many good new songs on his upcoming new album, BULLETS IN THE GUN, due out October 5th. Toby declares, "It's the strongest songwriting project I've had in the last 4 or 5 years."
JOSH THOMPSON WITH CHUCK AND BECCA
With hit songs like “Beer on the Table” and “Way Out Here,” Josh Thompson is on a roll. The singer/songwriter takes time off from his hectic schedule for a visit on this week’s The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca. Thompson gives Chuck and Becca a humorous view of life on the road with Brad Paisley, talks about writing with country legends and divulges why it’s dangerous to invite family to be in his music videos.
NOTE: 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.
TAYLOR'S "MINE" RUSHED TO RADIO AND ITUNES
Written by Neil Haislop
Aug 04, 2010 at 11:48 AM
TAYLOR'S "MINE" RUSHED TO RADIO AND ITUNES
Due to overwhelming fan demand, Taylor Swift’s lead single, “Mine,” from her upcoming album, SPEAK NOW (in stores Oct. 25), has been rush released to iTunes and to Country radio. An unauthorized low-quality mp3 file of the single appeared online earlier today. As the low-quality file started to spread virally the decision was made to rush release “Mine" to iTunes and Country radio to ensure that Taylor’s fans were able to hear the single as she intended. Within the first couple of hours of it's release to Country radio, “Mine," had already jumped into the Top 35 on Billboard’s Top Country Songs chart. “Mine” is available at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mine-single/id385990165
ALAN JACKSON SONG TRIBUTE TO HARD HAT WORKERS LIKE HIM
Alan Jackson grew up in a home with a hard-working father who gifted Alan the same work ethic he had as he taught his son how to repair all kinds of motors and how to buy and sell everything from cars to motor boats to buses to houses. So, it's no surprise that Alan can pay such knowing tribute to workers with his newest hit, “Hard Hat and a Hammer.” for Alan, it’s a very genuine and natural kind of thing to write and sing songs that reflect the values of the workaday life. Alan’s been there and he understands what it’s all about, though he’s quick to admit with a laugh, it’s been a while since he’s “had a job.”
Alan Jackson says that the workingman values of ”Hard Hat and a Hammer” have always been a part of his music. “I’ve always written songs and recorded songs, other people’s songs, about workin’ people, and workin’, the workin’ life ’cause I mean, that’s where I’m from. I mean, I worked…I’d already had jobs and worked as a grown person before I ever even thought about bein’ in the music business, so I come from that background, and…although I hadn’t had a job in a long time (laughs), I still remember a lot about it, you know, and I remember what the lifestyle is, and I still appreciate that.”
TAYLOR ONLY COUNTRY NOMINEE FOR MTV VIDEO AWARDS FOR 2010
Big Machine's Taylor Swift is the only country artist nominated for the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, with "Fifteen" getting a nod for Best Female Video. Lady Gaga leads with 13 nominations, followed by Eminem with eight. The show airs live Sept. 12 at 9pm ET. We can't confirm if Kanye West will try a second Rectal Orifice of the Year award.
HERE'S THE LATEST BLAKE SHELTON TAKE 6 TUESDAY VIDEO CLIP
“Top 6 Things Miranda Would Tell You, That I would Deny”
cf.com
Who knows Blake better than fiancée and fellow country singer, Miranda Lambert? Blake’s bringing his fiancée into this week’s Take 6 Tuesday list with “Top 6 Things Miranda Would Tell You, That I Would Deny.” You never know what to expect with Blake and Miranda in the mix, but you know it’s going to be a whole lot of trouble – and laughter. Check out this week’s Take 6 Tuesday at www.blakeshelton.com <http://www.blakeshelton.com/> .
6. She says she's a better fisherman than me...ennuh..wrong.
5. I suck my thumb.
4. I pick my nose when I think nobody's looking...I know they're lookin'"
3. I actually like Shmirnoff Ice...
2. That I actually think her dogs are cute.
1. That her wedding ring came with a free weed eater.
BRAD OFFERS HITS AND GREAT TUNES BY THE BUNCH
Brad Paisley has just announced his upcoming album, and it’s a lot cooler than your everyday greatest hits collection. Called Hits Alive, the two-disc set will include one disc chock-full of Brad favorites , with a second disc, packed with previously unreleased live recordings of Brad hits. Look for Hits Alive to release on November 2nd!
CHESNEY FANS TAKE NOTE, DIGI SINGLE AVAILABLE NOW
Kenny Chesney is headed the charts again with his latest, “The Boys of Fall,” released yesterday as a digital single! You can get your copy right now at your favorite online music store. It’s the first single from Kenny’s upcoming album, Hemingway’s Whiskey, releasing September 28th
CHRIS YOUNG A CHEEZE NOODLE NUT
The New York Daily News writes of last week’s passing of 90-year-old Morrie Yohai, a man who had a variety of roles in life, but may well best be remembered as the creator of the classic snack, the Cheez Doodle…which happens to be a sentimental favorite for Chris Young. e.”
Chris Young talks about his love for the Cheez Doodle, just days after the death of Morrie Yohai, the man who created the classic snack. (:30) (note content) “I actually, you know what, I know this sounds really funny, but bein’ somebody that’s on the road all the time and just eats crap for food about 90 percent of the time…and especially, like, as a kid, if I could get a hold of them, one of my favorite things in the world was Cheez Doodles. I mean, come on, they’re awesome. There’s cheese and a doodle, in the same thing. I mean, it’s just a…I mean, I’m gonna have to mark this day on my calendar. It’s kind of sad that that guy’s…you know, I’m kind of poking fun a little bit, but it is kind of sad. I mean, you know, it’s one of those things that, at least for me bein’ a kid, I totally remember, all the time.”
CRAIG MORGAN RIDING FOR A CAUSE
This weekend, it’s a lot of fun for a good cause, as Craig Morgan once again hosts his annual charity ride and concert, in and around his Tennessee hometown of Dickson. The Saturday charity ride offers participants the chance to hit the trails with some of the top names in motocross, including pro riders Kevin Windham, Cowboy Kenny Bartrum, Barry Hawk, Fred Andrews, and more. You can come out just to watch, or bring your dirt bike, ATV, or four-wheeler to join the fun, all to benefit Billy’s Place — a home to be built for displaced children — through the Craig Morgan Charity Fund. On Sunday, the good times roll on with a concert featuring Craig, Aaron Tippin, and others. Look for details on times, tickets, and more on craigmorgan.com, but Craig recently gave us the lowdown on the cool place to be this weekend. (AUDIO INFO BELOW) • Craig is riding the airwaves now with “This Ain’t Nothin’,” which you can find on his That’s Why album, as well as the new That’s Why - Collector’s Edition, available
GRETCHEN GIVES BACK
Dollar General Corporation recently partnered with Gretchen and Reckitt Benckiser to launch Literacy Rocks. To kick-off Literacy Rocks, Reckitt Benckiser donated $250,000 to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support literacy initiatives. In addition, for every Lysol, Air Wick or Finish product purchased at Dollar General, Reckitt Benckiser will donate 5 cents to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, up to $75,000.
FARM AID TO MARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN MILWAUKEE
Farm Aid took to the field today to reveal details about its 25th anniversary benefit concert, scheduled for Oct. 2 at Miller Park in Milwaukee.
Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp joined executive director Carolyn Mugar by webcast at an on-field news conference at the home of the Milwaukee Brewers to reveal details about the all-day music festival that will mark their 25th year.
“For 25 years, Farm Aid has worked to keep family farmers on the land,” said Nelson. “This anniversary concert is a chance for everyone to join with Farm Aid to support the family farmers who are growing hope for America, through the good food they produce, the economies they build, and their care for the soil and water. Family farmers are the backbone of our country, and right now we need them more than ever.”
Mellencamp shared why Milwaukee is a perfect place to celebrate Farm Aid’s silver anniversary.
“Midwest farmers share the same struggle as family farmers across the country. They are survivors, and they’re on the land creating solutions for America’s most pressing issues,” said John Mellencamp from his home-state of Indiana. “Since 1985, Farm Aid has been a way for everyone in this country to step up and be part of the solution, because nobody is going to solve these problems on their own. It’s going to take all of us working together.”
Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America will feature Nelson, Mellencamp, and fellow Farm Aid board members Neil Young and Dave Matthews, with other top artists to be announced. The show will be broadcast live on DirecTV.
Tickets for Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America will go on sale Saturday, August 14, at 9 a.m. CDT and are available at the Brewers box office, by phone at (414) 902-4000 or online at www.tickets.com. Ticket prices range from $39.50 to $97.50, including facility fee.
Farm Aid will offer special advance sale tickets to Farm Aid members beginning Friday, August 6. To become a Farm Aid member, visit www.farmaid.org.
TRACE ADKINS STOPS BY CMT’S STUDIO FOR A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF THE WEB SERIES “UNPLUGGED,” DEBUTING AUGUST 2 AT CMT.COM
Trace Adkins performs some of his song favorites and reflects on how he got his start in country music when a new episode of CMT’s original web series, UNPLUGGED, debuts today at CMT.com.
In a stripped-down studio concert, he delivers songs from his upcoming album Cowboy’s Back In Town, including “Still Love You” and his current hit single “This Ain’t No Love Song.” He covers Larry Grahams’ “One in a Million,” and the country music icon takes fans down memory lane with a performance of “This Ain’t No Thinkin’ Thing,” from his debut album, Dreamin’ Out Loud. Adkins reveals his greatest influence to his first guitar, and talks about what it was like growing up on country music. He shares a smile as he talks about his first traumatic public performance dressed as a cat in his third grade school play. “I didn’t sing again ‘til I was seventeen. It scared me pretty b ad,” Adkins recalled.
PAISLEY DIDN'T LET A LITTLE...ACTUALLY A LOT OF, H2O, RAIN ON HIS PARADE
This past Saturday evening Brad Paisley performed in Fairlea, WV as part of the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic. The rains came but didn’t quench the crowd’s enthusiasm or Paisley’s.
Paisley’s H2O World Tour continues this week with three dates in Texas – Hidalgo, Houston and Dallas.
JIMMY WAYNE FINISHES HIS 1700 MILE WALK
When Jimmy Wayne crossed into the Phoenix, AZ city limits on July 31st, it was a victory seven months and 1700 miles in the making. Wayne walked halfway across America to raise awareness of homeless teens, particularly those who age out of the foster care system at 18 and without any support often find themselves homeless.
Wayne was a foster child and spent his childhood and teens living in many different group and foster homes until at the age of 16, he was taken in and given a home by Bea and Russell Costner, a couple in their 70’s. Wayne lived with them for six years, which allowed him to finish high school and college. The Meet Me Halfway walk and campaign was inspired by the Costners and their willingness to give Wayne something he never had before – stability and a home.
“It’s really a challenge for me to put into words what this moment means to me and what I felt when I reached that Phoenix city limits sign,” a visibly emotional Wayne said. “It dawned on me several days ago that if I got to Phoenix on July 31st I would arrive on the anniversary of Bea Costner’s death. Touching the city limits sign—I just felt Bea was smiling down on me.”
Wayne celebrated that night by doing what he does best—performing. He and his band took over Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill in Mesa to performs a free concert to thank all of his supporters.
LUKE BRYAN TO PERFORM #1 HIT “RAIN IS A GOOD THING” ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE
Luke Bryan will perform his co-penned #1 hit “Rain Is A Good Thing” on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, August 9.
“I love the energy of this show and can’t wait to be a guest performer!,” said Bryan.
Capitol Records Nashville artist Bryan is currently enjoying the tremendous success of his new album, DOIN’ MY THING, which contains his co-penned, #1 hits “Do I” and “Rain Is A Good Thing.” Bryan was recently named the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Artist and Top New Solo Vocalist, both fan-voted, and won a CMT trophy for the fan-voted USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of The Year for his “Do I” music clip. Bryan currently has two Teen Choice Award nominations as Male Country Artist and Country Album.
CRAIG MORGAN HEADS TO BIG APPLE IN SUPPORT OF LATEST RELEASE
Country music hit-maker Craig Morgan is ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple this week as he heads North to promote his latest album “That’s Why: Collector’s Edition” available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.
Morgan’s media rounds will include stops at Fox Business Network on Tuesday, Aug 3rd; ABC’s What’s The Buzz on Tuesday, Aug 3rd; Good Day New York on Wednesday, Aug 4th; Fox Business Primetime on Wednesday, Aug 4th; Fox News Channel’s Hannity on Wednesday, Aug 4th; and Fox & Friends Outdoor Summer Concert Series on Friday, Aug 6th.
Additional media happenings include visits to US Weekly for an acoustic online performance; Fox Entertainment feed (interview for all Fox affiliates); Westwood One radio syndicate; online interview at FoxNews.com’s Strategy Room; interview for MLB.com; acoustic performance for AP TV; and performance at the Sirius XM studios.
TERRI CLARK TO LAUNCH SECOND LEG OF SOLD- OUT UNPLUGGED AND ALONE TOUR IN SUPPORT OF ACCLAIMED NEW ALBUM THE LONG WAY HOME
This week, Terri Clark announces the second leg of her critically acclaimed solo acoustic tour. After a hugely successful, SOLD OUT tour this Spring, the singer/songwriter has decided to put together a second run in the Fall. The “Unplugged and Alone” tour will begin on September 25th in Kansas City, MO, making stops in some of the nations most coveted Theaters including The Birchmere before the tour wraps on November 10th in Easton, MD.
Clark’s latest album THE LONG WAY HOME is an eleven song critically acclaimed masterpiece that represents the ups and downs of her life. Country Weekly claims it’s “the best album of Terri Clark’s career. ” She was at last willing to pull back the veil, allowing the listener to know her, to really know her. “Not only am I not ignoring the big pink elephants, I’m putting it right out there,” Clark allows. “It’s about telling the truth, my truth, which happens to be a truth a lot of other people live, too…” said Clark.
IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD DEPT:
FOX plans fan-elected American Country Awards for December By Mikey O'Connell | August 1, 2010 9:48 PM ET
Just when you were thinking there aren't enough televised award shows in your life, FOX comes to the rescue with the announcement of another country music kudofest.
The Hollywood Reporter saysthe network is readying the American Country Awards, not to be confused with the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Country Music Association Awards or the Country Music Television Awards.
A two-hour ceremony, broadcast live on the East Coast, is planned for Las Vegas on December 6. And to separate itself from the host of other country awards, ACA plans to let fans vote for the winners.
Now, we're up for any excuse to indulge in a little Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift, but is this anywhere in the vicinity of a good idea? Award shows have been lucky for their recent boon in viewership and it seems like FOX is looking a gift horse in the mouth -- a nice country lyric, come to think of it.
Follow Zap2it and MikeyLikesTV on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news.
CHARLIE DANIELS BAND TO RELEASE NEW MUSIC
Legendary Blue Hat Records/E1 Entertainment act, The Charlie Daniels Band, is set to release a new collection of patriotic songs on Aug. 10 titled Land That I Love.
The full-length release, co-produced by Daniels, Patrick Kelly and Casey Wood, features 15 tracks, including newly recorded studio versions of “Iraq Blues” and “(What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks 2010.” “Iraq Blues” was written during previous Charlie Daniels Band tours in Iraq, and the 2010 update of “(What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks 2010” includes an additional verse the iconic musician wrote to “reflect life in America in the 21ST
Other songs on the collection include Daniels classics such as “Simple Man,” “This Ain’t No Rag, It’s A Flag,” “In America,” “Still in Saigon” and more. Land That I Love will be available digitally through most major online retailers, including iTunes, Amazon.com and Rhapsody.com and in select retail stores on Aug. 10. The “Iraq Blues” and “(What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks 2010” singles are both currently available at iTunes and Amazon.com.
The Charlie Daniels Band continues their busy tour schedule through the end of 2010, kicking off a run of Sean Hannity Freedom Concert performances on August 6 in Jackson, N.J. For more information and updated CDB tour dates, visit www.CharlieDaniels.com.
Land That I Love century.” track listing:
1. My Beautiful America 2. America, I Believe In You 3. American Farmer 4. Let Freedom Ring 5. (What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks 2010 6. This Ain’t No Rag, It’s A Flag 7. Still In Saigon 8. The Last Fallen Hero 9. In America 10. Star Spangled Banner 11. Freedom And Justice For All 12. Iraq Blues 13. Simple Man 14. Red Skelton’s Pledge Of Allegiance 15. Summer Of ‘68
Last Updated ( Aug 04, 2010 at 08:39 PM )
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
cf.com
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
cf.com
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
CF.COM
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
cf.com
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
cf.com
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
cf.com
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"
cf.com
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
cf.com
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.
Due to overwhelming fan demand, Taylor Swift’s lead single, “Mine,” from her upcoming album, SPEAK NOW (in stores Oct. 25), has been rush released to iTunes and to Country radio.
Alan Jackson grew up in a home with a hard-working father who gifted Alan the same work ethic he had as he taught his son how to repair all kinds of motors and how to buy and sell everything from cars to motor boats to buses to houses. So, it's no surprise that Alan can pay such knowing tribute to workers with his newest hit, “Hard Hat and a Hammer.” for Alan, it’s a very genuine and natural kind of thing to write and sing songs that reflect the values of the workaday life. Alan’s been there and he understands what it’s all about, though he’s quick to admit with a laugh, it’s been a while since he’s “had a job.” 
Farm Aid took to the field today to reveal details about its 25th anniversary benefit concert, scheduled for Oct. 2 at Miller Park in Milwaukee.
NEW SINGLE “WHY WAIT” TO BE RELEASED TO COUNTRY RADIO IMMEDIATELY
