November, 2008

T.G. Sheppard shares stories about his new duet project and special "Magic Behind The Music" DVD...

Months later, Morgan gets his wife an anniversary gift...

Singer of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" says he is last resort for songwriters with racy lyrics...

New banjo, guitar players added to The Rage...

Get your fill of Country Music entertainment on this weekend's Opry with Darius Rucker, Restless Heart, Lorrie Morgan, and more...

Tracy was joined by friends including Brad Arnold from 3 Doors Down, Lorrie Morgan, actor David Keith, and others (including yours truly) throughout the day...

The December 2008/January 2009 issue of CosmoGirl features Country Music star Taylor Swift as the 2008 Girl of the Year. Swift can be seen on the cover of the issue and in a 5-page spread in the magazine currently on newsstands...

Suzy Bogguss brings a taste of New York Jazz to her new project, promting the title of the CD, Sweet Danger. Bogguss has another new project in the works and a new tour underway; we chatted about these as well as a look back at her life...

Cast of ABC hit show donates to charitable cause...

Nicole and husband Keith Urban make home in Tennessee doing simple things like delivering Meals On Wheels....

Stacy Peavy’s single “A Better Woman” was just released to Country radio. Her fun, upbeat single tells women to be happy with who they are no matter what other people think...

In anticipation of the Thanksgiving Holiday, Tim McGraw took to a turkey suit on Saturday Night Live. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill love traditional Thanksgivings, where they can spend time with family and give thanks...

Little fiddler Emma Victoria Pichette was born in Nasvhille on Friday, Nov. 21...

The music video from Walker's 2006 album debuted at No. 1 last Friday...

While Keith Urban's latest single, "Sweet Thing," is climbing the charts, he is slowly compiling the album that will feature the song.  Despite pressure from Capitol Records to have the album completed by Christmas, Urban said he expects the album -- which he began working on after his summer tour with Kenny Chesney ended -- to be released in 2009... 

The couple came in at No. 4 on the list, raking in $35 million...

Advance tickets on sale exclusively through BradPaisley.com...

Azar trying to teach his children the benefit of giving back...

Artists scheduled to appear include the Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, the Infamous Stringdusters and more!...

Del McCooury Band pickin' the stage apart at Tuesday's Grand Ole Opry...

For the second year in a row, Larry the Cable Guy will be releasing his Christmas Extravaganza on DVD. Larry the Cable Guy's Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 25...

With the elimination of Julianne Hough's dance partner, Cody Linley, from Dancing with the Stars, Hough may be done too. She said she will not be on the spring season of the ABC series...

2009 has been a big year for Taylor Swift with all of her No. 1 singles and her sophomore album reaching No. 1 on the charts. This soon to be 19-year-old Country star may have a busy lifestyle, but she stays humble. Her family is of great importance, and she respects her parents and their advice, unlike most teenagers...

GAC special looks at Shepherd family's Thanksgiving...

Songwriter Randy Houser takes his turn at fame...

Members of the MuzikMafia set to raise money for  victims of Hurricane Katrina...

Boukadakis has a gift of capturing the most interesting details of life and transforming them into great songs...

Female Country stars take over with Terri Clark, Patty Loveless, Nanci Griffith and more...

The 2008 People Magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" issue hits newsstands this Friday, and Country Music performer Blake Shelton finds himself with a new title: One of the Sexiest Men Alive..

Country stars Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley will be headlining two of the days of next year's Country Stampede, a 4-day music festival in Manhattan, Kansas...

Aspiring Country, pop singer-singersongwriter Ryan Laird has found a new way of getting the attention of Country superstar Taylor Swift. Nashvillians heading down Broadway and 17th Avenue can see Laird’s billboard asking Swift if she’ll produce an album for him...

The Tallahasse-born singer promotes his love of togetherness...

The pair was eliminated the week after Hough made her return from having an appendectomy...

TV show, lawsuit on artist's plate...

As predicted earlier, Taylor Swift took the top spot on this week's charts with her latest album, Fearless, which was released last week. What wasn't predicted was how badly she would outdo the competition...

Time has been flying for Country Music star John Michael Montgomery, as this week sees CMT News celebrating Montgomery's latest album in four years, Time Flies. The singer spent that time recovering from various surgeries, including a total hip replacement, and a downward turn that ended in rehab...

In an interview with Women's Health, Taylor Swift admitted she was bullied in high school, and despite her rising fame, she still considers herself unpopular...

BamaJam Music & Arts Festival to take place in the city of Hunan next May...

The show will shed light on her rocky life and career, including details on her relationship with pitcher Roger Clemens....

Catch the biggest artists in Country Music once again on CMT

Films video with Roman White, known for his work with Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood...

Makin' Stuff Up due in December...

Fellow Country Music stars Brad Paisley and Keith Urban debuted their collaborative video on GAC yesterday, just less than a week after Paisley won a Video of the Year award at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards. "Start A Band," a duet by Paisley and Urban, has a video game feel to it -- two kids who resemble the Country pair in their younger days battle each other...

Country star Trisha Yearwood and her mother, Gwen, recently joined Lorianne Crook for her first Celebrity Kitchen Holiday Special. The group made two of Yearwood’s special desserts and enjoyed a bit of music as well. Fans can catch the episode Thursday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. EST on RFD-TV...

Singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele, who starred on GAC's Hitmen of Music Row and also served as a judge on the latest season of Nashville Star, has released three albums exclusively through Best Buy stores across the country. The albums will also be available through some digital outlets...

Will perform newest single...

The decorated Marine will spend Thanksgiving Day at Palo Alto VA Hospital in California...

Will travel country as part of National Endowment for the Arts council...

Jimmy Wayne and Montgomery Gentry take the Opry stage this Tuesday...

While Trace Adkins continues his tour with Country icon Alan Jackson, Great American Country will premiere a new special, Trace Adkins X (TEN) Days, on Nov. 25 at 9 p.m. EST. The show documents Adkins' visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he performed for 10,000 United States military personnel in partnership with the USO...

Underwood gives Twain relationship advice, telling reporters in the CMA Awards press room that Twain is "better off holding your head up high and walking away"...

It’s “Miller Time” for Luke Bryan. The Academy of Country Music's Best New Male Artist nominee landed a sponsorship deal with Miller Lite that started this week and will run through Dec. 31, 2009. According to Bryan, his relationship with Miller Lite goes "way, way back"...

Pair to premier their newest video for "Start A Band" on GAC today...

Though he never mentions her name, he gives his perspective on their recent relationship...

An Americana band born out of Brooklyn, blends songs of heartbreak and defiance with a positive and sunny outlook on life...

In celebration of his DVD release, Charlie Daniels will have a meet and greet with fans at the Country Music Hall of Fame...

Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller join forces with Emmylou Harris...

Taylor Swift's new album, Fearless, just came out last week and already it is making its way to the top of the charts. According to Billboard, the album sold 200,000 copies on release date, Nov. 11, and it's predicted to do great things...

Multi-platinum artist Blake Shelton will release his fifth album, Startin’ Fires, on Warner Bros. Records tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 18. The album is produced by acclaimed producer Scott Hendricks (Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn), except for two tracks, and includes guest vocals from Miranda Lambert...

Trace Adkins and Alan Jackson have spent the last month on a fall tour, which runs through Nov. 23. In talking about touring with Jackson, Adkins said, “You can look at the way Alan walks and tell that he’s not really too concerned.  I have never seen that man even hint at the fact that he was in a hurry to do anything..."

Nominees And Those In Attendance At The Awards Party After The Show Ends At The Schermerhorn

Russell to be judged by music legends George Jones, Peter Gabriel, Keith Urban and more...

“She’s Country” available for free download to fan club members...

Kevin Costner has done a lot in his life. He’s directed a movie, won an Oscar and ridden with buffalo. Now, he can add performing at the Grand Ole Opry to the list. Costner and his band Modern West performed at the Ryman, The Stage and the Sommet Center in the past week. The actor said that this week ranks as one of the highest points of his life...

The pair of hot guitar pickers and singers would like for their managers to work it out...

The Grascals, Jamie O'Neal, Emily West and more!...

Country Music superstar Shania Twain surprised viewers and attendees this past Wednesday at the 42nd CMA Awards, taking the stage in the final hour to present the last award of the night, Entertainer of the Year, to Kenny Chesney...

We visit with Adam before a show at the Tin Roof in Nashville and ask him about his goals, dreams and what is important to him in the future...

"Where I'm From" is first off upcoming album...

Isabella Sophia Gracin was born Wednesday, Nov. 12, in Nashville...

Mel, Pam, Mel Jr. and Carrie April Tillis will make 11 stops, beginning Nov. 29...

John Rich, one half of country duo Big & Rich, spent this Veteran's Day in New York, entertaining President Bush and thousands of veterans...

Prior to the CMA Awards, there were the 56th Annual BMI Country Awards, held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Nashville, celebrating the best in Country Music. The black-tie ceremony was hosted by BMI executives Del Bryant and Jody Williams and gave honors to the writers and publishers of the most-performed Country Music songs from the past year...

Kenny Chesney scores his fourth "Entertainer of the Year" award in five years.  Brad Paisley picks up hardware as "Male Vocalist of the Year", and Carrie Underwood sings her way into "Female Vocalist of the Year"...

Survey picks the two stars to win big at CMAs tonight...

Redhead signs with Valory Music...

Jessica Simpson will open for one of Country's biggest acts on next leg of Bob That Head tour...

Artist will join Mark Miller and Trepp Nagel in hosting the year-long Outdoor Adventures TV show....

Wyatt promised to perform for couple after they caught his attention as a show...

Country Music was recognized yet again, as several Country stars were recently nominated for the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards, which allow fans to honor their favorite television shows, movies and music. Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts received two nominations each. Fellow singers Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney were also nominated. The awards will air live in January on CBS...

Little Jimmy Dickens' 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry was celebrated on Nov. 2. Pam Tillis made a surprise presentation of hybrid roses for the celebration which included the Grand Ole Opry rose and the Little Jimmy Dickens rose. The colors, sizes and shapes were chosen to reflect the uniqueness of Little Jimmy Dickens and the Grand Ole Opry and their contributions to Country Music...

The Hag is resting comfortably at home just five days after operation...

DVD of Nashville performance released today...

The Academy of Country Music joins forces with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for third consecutive year...

Bright has produced multi-platinum albums by Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts...

Lorrie Morgan, Del McCoury Band, Suzy Bogguss, Jack Ingram and more...

In an exclusive interview with CountryHound, the Country Music sensation talks about her new album, Fearless, how it differs from her debut album, what being "fearless" means to her and more! See the full video of the interview here...

Taylor Swift was 11 years old when she first performed in front of a large crowd. “…I got picked to sing the national anthem for a 76ers game…” Swift explained during an exclusive interview with CountryHound......

If you still haven’t gotten your tickets for Country’s Biggest Night, you’re in luck! Chevy has partnered with CMA to offer a ticket package to the 2008 CMA Awards at a reduced price. A limited number of tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 2 p.m. CST today, Nov. 11, and will continue through Wednesday, Nov. 12...

Two of Australia's biggest names, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, will be a part of Country Music' biggest night...

Cowboy shaves under arms...

Nelson sent letter to Obama to seek support of Good Food Movement...

To release "Color of the Blues" and "If Teardrops Were Pennies"...

Tragic accident ends his football career but doesn't dampen his spirit for success...

Tim McGraw is about to add his name to a list that only few other Country artists are a part of...host of Saturday Night Live. McGraw will host his very first episode of Saturday Night Live on Nov. 22 at 11:30 p.m. EST on NBC...

Additional performers and presenters for The 42nd Annual CMA Awards were announced by CMA over the weekend. Vince Gill, Julianne Hough, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, Jake Owen, John Rich and Jimmy Wayne were announced as additional presenters. Additionally, Darius Rucker, previously announced as a presenter, will be performing as well...

Seven new members were added to the Music City Walk of Fame Sunday. Fans braved cool weather to line-up and see new inductees Martina McBride, Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Little Richard, Elvis Presley (no he wasn’t there but was represented by band member Joe Moscheo), former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald and the first executive director of the Country Music Association – Jo Walker-Meador...

First half of tour and digital album lead to more success...

Stars like George Clinton and Justin Guarini head to Nashville to compete for Country radio succecss...

California Country Music festival draws big names like Kenny Chesney and Reba McEntire...

Get your MerleFest 2009 tickets while they're hot!...

Vince Gill, Josh Turner, Billy Currington, Kevin Costner - what a show...

Country sensation Taylor Swift has a busy week ahead of her. Tonight is the premiere of her CMT Crossroads episode with Def Leppard, Tuesday, Nov. 11, marks the release of Swift's sophomore album, Fearless, and on Nov. 12, the CMA Awards come to Nashville. In addition to all of that, Swift is Country Hound's Artist of the Month for November...

How do you prepare to host one of the biggest nights of the year in Country Music? Country singer and co-host of the CMA Awards, Brad Paisley, seems to have found the answer. Paisley has been giving himself a little history lesson by watching tapes of old award shows, even the Oscars. He’s also talked with awards show host veteran Vince Gill to get some advice...

Country Music recording artist Jason Aldean is not only nominated for New Artist of the Year, but the Georgian will be performing his latest song, "She's Country," from his third studio album at this year's CMA Awards show...

Group of local Marines also volunteers for event...

Non-malignant cancerous growth removed from his right lung...

Show Dog Nashville trio celebrates with a self-titled EP...

Cochran, a Marine veteran, brings "some real country music to the Big Apple"...

According to Alan Jackson, it's about that time of year to begin working on his next album. But with his latest album, Good Time, still releasing singles, Jackson told Billboard.com he's in no rush to start the process again...

A new episode of CMT Crossroads featuring Country Music darling Taylor Swift and classic rockers Def Leppard will premiere on CMT this Friday, Nov. 7, at 9 p.m. EST. All the members from the cross-genre pairing told CMT News they are excited about the episode. Swift said her counterparts were her number one choice, an influence from her mother's appreciation for the band...

It is only natural for musicians to go on tour after they start a band – and that is exactly what Brad Paisley and Keith Urban are considering after teaming up for their single, “Start a Band.”...

Known as a Country singer for the working man, Haggard will be recognized for his contributions to Country Music...

McCready served a short sentence after violating her probation from an earlier arrest...

Rodney Atkins, Kevin Costner, the Eli Young Band and Heidi Newfield will perform during the free kickoff concert...

Election Day may be over, but you will be able to vote to help GAC prepare for their year-end countdown...

Fans Of Good Southern Cooking Can Now Take Home Biscuit Mixes, Other Treats From The Opry...

Are Country star Carrie Underwood and former star of The Bachelor, Travis Stork, together? According to several sources, Stork has been seen backstage at a couple stops on Underwood’s Carnival Ride tour. The Post-Chronicle also reported that the couple was seen together in New York City...

The enormously popular father/daughter, acting/singing pair will perform on ABC News' Good Morning America Wednesday, Nov. 12, and they are also scheduled to present a trophy that night during The 42nd Annual CMA Awards live from Nashville on ABC.  The Good Morning America concert event will take place on The Chevy Stage at the Sommet Center's outside plaza at the corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue in Downtown Nashville and is presented by Chevrolet.

Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner is used to being in the spotlight, but he will be in a different spotlight this month. Costner and his band, Modern West, in which he plays lead guitar, will be performing at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, Nov. 8, when the show returns to its home at the Ryman Auditorium...

The Walk the Line star recently announced his plans to quit acting and focus on music...

After leaving a restaurant in Los Angeles, Ca., paparazzi attacked the pop-turned-Country singer and her friends...

Supergroup successfully manages performing and family time...

Familiar Stranger, Wills' first album with Tenacity Records, is in stores today...

Little Jimmy Dickens won't let a presidential election stop the show...

Brad Paisley is used to making days special for his fans, but one recent performance was a little different. Paisley was performing in the second show at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night as part of Little Jimmy Dickens' 60th anniversary as an Opry member when a fan jumped up on stage and hugged him...

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Wynonna Judd plans to begin an 18-city Classic Christmas Tour. The tour will end just in time for Wynonna to head home for the holidays...

The list of presenters and performers for Country’s Biggest Night just keeps on getting bigger. Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus have been added to the star-studded lineup of award presenters during the 42nd Annual CMA Awards. Other additions include Heidi Newfield, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack, Taylor Swift, and Darius Rucker, who is making his CMA debut...

Album due in early 2009...

4-song album available for download on Nov. 4...

Miranda Lambert is this month's cover girl in the Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. In addition to the cover, Lambert will be performing at the 2008 CMA awards show, and is continuing her tour with Blake Shelton...

Taylor Swift's favorite Halloween costume was the one she wore last year. While some of her friends dressed in "girly" costumes, she and her best friend thought giant space creatures were the way to go...

Music industry professionals from all genres will share their expertise at EXPO...

Carrie Underwood has begun the extended leg of her very successful Carnival Ride tour. In addition to her tour, Underwood is nominated for two CMAs, her single is No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and she is co-hosting the CMA's...