11/6/2007 Stephen L. Betts Country Music Week isn’t just limited to Nashville and the CMA Awards. This week, People magazine publishes its Country Music Special Issue, a newsstand-only edition dedicated entirely to the country music scene. Among the artists included are Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson and Taylor Swift. There’s also an exclusive peek at the homes, private retreats and family traditions of some of country’s biggest stars. Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley are on the cover of the issue, which features a look inside the couple’s dream house, a 6,500-sq.-ft. log cabin home on their 87-acre estate in Franklin, Tenn. “This house with the smell of pancakes, bacon, coffee and a fire in the fireplace, it’s the best thing in the world,” says Kimberly. The couple also shares exclusive first photos of their 8-month-old baby, William Huckleberry Paisley. Huck, as the couple calls him, was born on Feb. 22 and is named for Mark Twain’s character (“a free thinker,” says Brad). “Before Huck arrived, “I thought, ‘I’m a free spirit – how am I going to give that up?’” says Brad. He confided in his preacher, who told him, “You won’t even remember what you gave up – it will be that inconsequential.” Says Brad: “He’s right. The first time you come home and your son sees you and laughs, you forget.” Also in the issue are visits to the homes of Sara Evans, Taylor Swift, Gretchen Wilson and others for an intimate look at the rooms they love most. Martina McBride gives readers a tour of her kitchen and shares recipes for her personal culinary creations. “By taking time to make a meal or throw a party, it is a gift you give to the people you care about,” says Martina. Carrie Underwood, who has gone from farm girl to red carpet superstar, speaks with People about her evolving look, and shares her seven style secrets. Tip #1? Hire a stylist! “It’s a girls dream, having people who want to make you look great. I’ve gotten more confident, being able to wear beautiful clothes,” Carrie says. There’s also an American Idol “down home” reunion, catching up with 11 contestants who live in Nashville, including Kellie Pickler, Bo Bice, Bucky Covington, Carmen Rasmusen, Josh Gracin, and others. Says former contestant Mandisa of her fellow Idol gal pals, “I love everybody, but I’m close to my girls [Kellie Pickler and Melinda Doolittle]. I have their names programmed into my TiVo, so it automatically records them and I get to see them!” [Hey, Mandisa, you can also keep up with your favorite artists’ TV appearances at the CountryHound Entertainment Guide!] The issue also features a special “Star Rides” section, with Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins and Little Big Town showing off their favorite modes of transportation. John Rich 9of Big & Rich) makes no apologies for the Bentley he drives, telling People, “I know it’s an extravagant thing, but if you’re working damn hard, it’s OK to go off the charts once in a while.” The Country Music Special issue of People is on newsstands now.
