January, 2009

Singer discusses people who are never satisfied with government...

Singer gives up smoking, gains a Grammy nom...

Even other Country Music artists mistake Billy Currington for Dierks Bentley...

Songbook teaches songs of piano and guitar...

Eric Church, Diamond Rio, Chuck Wicks appearing...

Taylor Swift just got her own line of clothing after signing on with Jones Apparel Group’s L.E.I. as the face of their campaign. In doing so, she was also given her own line of sundresses, a style that she has greatly helped popularize among some of the younger generations...

Celebrating a No. 1 song is an exciting event not only for the artists, but also for the songwriters.  BMI hosted a party for just that reason this week to mark the success of Montgomery Gentry's latest, “Roll With Me.” Troy Gentry even stopped by to celebrate with them...

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Feb. 9 issue of Country Weekly is dedicated to love, Country style...

Apparent heart attack caused death...

Hall launches Precious Jewel Fund campaign to keep instruments owned by legends...

Special features Bentley's international performances and his home life...

After his second album debuted in March, Justin Townes Earl is set to go on tour...

Few artists have experienced a more intriguing career trajectory than Craig Morgan. He's managed to find success on both major and indie record labels, and with a firmly established sense of self and clearly defined creative vision, he's consistently steered his career to the right place at the right time. These days, the right place is BNA Records, which has released his latest album, That's Why...

Should've been a cowboy? Thanks to Toby Keith's clothing line, TK Steelman, that dream can soon become a reality. TK Steelman, which is targeted toward men in the 25-54 demographic, will launch Feb. 18 at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in Las Vegas...

Country Music's biggest teenage breakout star, Taylor Swift, is gracing the March cover of Teen Vogue and discussing how she went from a Pennsylvania hometown girl to the jewel of Nashville's eye...

Lady Antebellum will also appear on compilation CD...

Book is a follow-up to Rimes' Grammy-nominated single, "What I Cannot Change"...

Album includes musical guests Vince Gill, Dolly Parton and Earl Scruggs...

Dan Huff produced the album...

"Load Up the Bases" becoming stadium staple...

A project that has been in the works since the 1970’s is finally completed and is soon to hit shelves. Willie Nelson has collaborated with a western swing band called Asleep at the Wheel, and the finished product will be available next month...

While Taylor Swift was in Los Angeles, taping her CSI guest star appearance, her mother was at home rearranging her bedroom. Swift blogged about the decorating changes, the new home for a certain prized poster and commented on her guest appearance on CSI, an experience she'll tell her grandchildren about...

Reba McEntire recently passed Dolly Parton as the No.1 female on the all-time Billboard list with 56 Top 10 hits. McEntire’s partnership with Brooks & Dunn on “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” helped her reach this goal...

A female artist with a song in a hit movie and Johnny Cash with a new sound in this weeks' reviews...

Members of Bentley's All Access Fan Club can listen to the new album today, Jan. 27...

The home, valued at around $1.5 million, is a total loss with the fire, water and smoke damage...

Hair ad campaign to start in April...

Song is available for free download at the online iTunes store now... 

Just off the heels of claiming his 13th No. 1 single, “Start a Band,” Brad Paisley has announced his 2009 summer tour, American Saturday Night. Paisley will be joined by Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne on his 41-city tour, which will kick off in Charlotte, N.C., on June 5...

"She Wouldn't Be Gone" marks Shelton's second consecutive hit, bringing his total number of No. 1 singles to five. Shelton will also be appearing on George Strait's tour beginning in May...

Katie Couric has asked the three superstar Country artists to be performers on her All Access Grammy Special on Feb. 4...

Sex and Gasoline nominated in folk category...

McCoy to perform at state fairs, rodeos, festivals and more... 

Duo to appear on radio program on Saturday, Feb. 7...

Students produce and perform at the Showcase...

Aldean's third album features the single "She's Country" and his very own touring band. "I think you can definitely feel that energy," Aldean said of Wide Open...

Swift told Radio Disney, "“My cat is awesome. We have sort of this love-hate relationship where she sort of acts like she hates me when I get home because I’ve been gone for so long. She has this horrible scream that she does. It’s so loud and she runs around the house screaming. Then I wake up the next morning and she’s lying on my chest purring."...

Jamey Johnson has had a very quick road to success with his first single, "In Color." The inspiration for the song came from a conversation Johnson had with his late grandfather...

Singer names upcoming album, "Defying Gravity"...

New leg of the tour kicks off today and ends Feb. 22...

LeAnn Rimes, Montgomery Gentry also set to headline Jamboree with McGraw...

The latest single from Alan Jackson, "Country Boy," reached the top of the Billboard and R&R Country airplay charts this week, making Jackson's third No. 1 from his album, Good Time. The other two No. 1 singles were "Good Time" and "Small Town Southern Man."...

John Conlee, Vince Gill and Danielle Peck on the bill...

It seems Taylor Swift and her recent ex, Joe Jonas, are soon-to-be coworkers. The Nashville songstress is slated to be a part of the soundtrack for the upcoming Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience...

Country duo Brooks & Dunn are currently at the No. 9 spot on the charts for latest single, "Cowgirls Don't Cry." This marks the 41st Top ten single for the duo, which surpasses long time leading group Alabama...

Singer says he’s honored to perform for the former President...

Annual celebration set for Sept. 26...

Hard-rock, blues band The Black Crows set to headline the show...

Jagermeister Tour kicks off in January...

Kenny Chesney is hitting the road in 2009 in a big way with his Sun City Stadium Carnival tour, which kicks off May 2 in Dallas. The tour will feature special guests Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum...

Eventful and Little Big Town announced today that country musicians across the nation can register and compete to land a spot as the opening act on Little Big Town's upcoming A Place to Land tour. The top four acts will perform at different stops on the tour during March...

George Strait announced this week that Blake Shelton will be joining him as an opener during his 2009 tour, which kicks off May 9 in Hidalgo, Texas. Shelton will appear alongside previously announced opener Julianne Hough throughout most of the tour...

This week's CD review artists sing about country values with a southern rock edge and a traditional sound...

Country legends to be featured in exclusive designs

Country star McEntire is back in the studio recording her first solo album in more than five years...

Festival gives fans something to look forward to during colder months...

Festival gives fans something to look forward to during colder months...

Festival gives fans something to look forward to during colder months...

Last weekend, Brad Paisley launched his final leg of the Paisley Party Tour, and already, his first three shows in Memphis, Little Rock and Pensacola are sold-out, with his New Orleans show almost reaching its capacity as well. Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker are the opening acts for the tour...

The past three days have been filled with talented musicians and performers all celebrating one cause: the presidential inauguration. On Sunday, Jan. 18, many performers such as Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock and others performed at the Inauguration Celebration on HBO. Two Country artists also joined the list for the celebration: Garth Brooks and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland...

Billy Currington hit the top of the charts for the third time recently with his newest single, “Don’t.” The song is off his third album with Mercury Nashville, Little Bit of Everything. Currington is also set to make several appearances on the national spectrum is the next few months...

Billy Currington hit the top of the charts for the third time recently with his newest single, “Don’t.” The song is off his third album with Mercury Nashville, Little Bit of Everything. Currington is also set to make several appearances on the national spectrum is the next few months...

Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Darius Rucker among those to perform...

Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Darius Rucker among those to perform...

Billy Currington hit the top of the charts for the third time recently with his newest single, “Don’t.” The song is off his third album with Mercury Nashville, Little Bit of Everything. Currington is also set to make several appearances on the national spectrum is the next few months...

Last weekend, Brad Paisley launched his final leg of the Paisley Party Tour, and already, his first three shows in Memphis, Little Rock and Pensacola are sold-out, with his New Orleans show almost reaching its capacity as well. Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker are the opening acts for the tour...

Last weekend, Brad Paisley launched his final leg of the Paisley Party Tour, and already, his first three shows in Memphis, Little Rock and Pensacola are sold-out, with his New Orleans show almost reaching its capacity as well. Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker are the opening acts for the tour...

Last weekend, Brad Paisley launched his final leg of the Paisley Party Tour, and already, his first three shows in Memphis, Little Rock and Pensacola are sold-out, with his New Orleans show almost reaching its capacity as well. Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker are the opening acts for the tour...

Billy Currington hit the top of the charts for the third time recently with his newest single, “Don’t.” The song is off his third album with Mercury Nashville, Little Bit of Everything. Currington is also set to make several appearances on the national spectrum is the next few months...

Homecoming concert will feature other artists as well...

Dixie Chick Martie Maguire will revisit her roots at the 36th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival...

New independent record label to fill gap in Nashville...

Floyd Domino, Merle Haggard and George Strait also appear on "Last Dance" tribute...

Taylor Swift will follow her performance on Saturday Night Live on Jan. 10 with a guest spot on TV's most-watched drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation...

Dolly Parton, Kellie Pickler, Ronnie Dunn and others will be playing at the Wildhorse Saloon on Feb. 2 to raise money for music lessons for underprivileged children...

Carrie Underwood is the latest artist to be added to the list of performers for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Underwood will join fellow American Idol alumni Jennifer Hudson...

Paisley responded to Memphis critics by inviting Gene Watson to open for him...

Upcoming movie will guest star Country artists such as Dolly Parton anf Taylor Swift...

Paula Nelson is finding her own way into the music industry...

Emerson Drive once again receives Reader's Choice Award Nomination for "Best Major Performance"...

Trace Akins has four national TV appearances scheduled for this week. He appeared on Lifetimes Health Corner yesterday, Sunday, and is scheduled to appear on the Ellen Degeneres Show and The Late Late Show...

The 2009 Houston Livestock Show is filled with Country performers. The event will take place from March 3-22. Performers include Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts and many more...

This week, Rascal Flatts will be releasing their newest single "Here Comes Goodbye." The song was cowritten by American Idol finalist Chris Sligh and Clint Lagerberg. In addition to their upcoming single, in March the trio is booked to perform at Houston's Livestock and Rodeo...

Case relating to statements by lead-singer Natalie Maines...

The Jägermeister Country Music Tour will kick off on Jan. 31...

Songwriting contest gives newcomers a chance to win big...

Other artists to perform include Joe Diffie, Vince Gill, Tracy Lawrence...

Show to feature Billy Dean, Jamie O'Neal and Ashton Shepherd...

Mars/Pedigree hosted a gala in Franklin, Tenn., last weekend to celebrate the release of the new hit movie, Hotel For Dogs. Webb would've been in doggy-heaven..

Veteran Country Music artist James Stroud has headed up a partnership to launch an international music and entertainment exchange program this year. Stroud has settled plans for various Country Music concerts and events to take place in China...

Country artist Dierks Bentley will try a new, fun way to take his current single to the top, with a game. Bentley and his label will be shipping Cracker Jack boxes to Country stations all over the U.S. to win prizes...

Brain surgery went well...

Contender in finals of Colgate Country Countdown talks to Country Hound's Bev Moser...

Sago Mine Disaster inspires the trio's latest heart-tugger...

Being dropped from record label taught singer/songwriter valuable lesson...

Keith Urban will be premiering his new music video on Friday, Jan. 16, but don't look for it on TV right away. "Sweet Thing," the first single off his new album, due out March 31, will debut on MySpace.com...

Wanna go to the ACMs in style? Now you can. The Academy of Country Music Awards has partnered with What A Trip! Entertainment to offer the first ever VIP trip packages to the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas...

Kenny Chesney will be performing at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, live from Los Angeles, Calif. The Country star received a Grammy nod for his song, "Shiftwork," a collaboration with George Strait...

"Carolina" to have spring release, accompanying tour...

In Overdrive debuts Feb. 5...

Price also to be reduced...

Cochran to give wheelchair to deserving veteran...

Since debuting five years ago with their hit "Baby Girl," Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland have racked up more than 5 million album sales, won their second consecutive CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Award and collaborated with pop icons Beyoncé, Bon Jovi and Melissa Etheridge. And while much of their success can be attributed to hard work and elbow grease, it also boils down to two words: no fear...

Since debuting five years ago with their hit "Baby Girl," Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland have racked up more than 5 million album sales, won their second consecutive CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Award and collaborated with pop icons Beyoncé, Bon Jovi and Melissa Etheridge. And while much of their success can be attributed to hard work and elbow grease, it also boils down to two words: no fear...

There’s good news for fans of both CSI:  Crime Scene Investigation and Country star Taylor Swift. UsMagazine.com reports that Swift has landed a role on the hit crime drama. Appearing on the show is something she’s been talking about wanting to do for months, according to MTV.com...

Catch Garth Brooks and Jennifer Nettles performing for President-elect Barack Obama and his family at the 56th Presidential Inauguration Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 18, on HBO...

This week, Bev Moser reviews different formats of Country Music by some of our best writers and artists...

Bob That Head tour to end in March...

Loretta Lynn is re-recording her No.1 hits album with John Carter Cash...

Country Music news program will have a new name but the same faces beginning Thursday night...

Owen offered his basement as shelter to the crew of People magazine...

No pressure for Taylor Swift this past weekend. After all, she was only the youngest Country singer to ever appear on Saturday Night Live. Swift handled the show flawlessly, performing "Love Story" and "Forever & Always." The time in between, on the other hand, was a different story...

CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley has reached his thirteenth No. 1 single with his new song "Start A Band." He is currently gearing up for the final shows in his Paisley Party tour, in which Dierks Bentley will be opening for him...

Billy Currington titled his latest album, Little Bit of Everything, to identify the various musical styles recorded. The album offers a variety of tempos but steered clear of any emotional content. Currington, who recently spent time in extended therapy for anger management and child trauma, purposely stayed away from sad songs...

Merle Haggard files a lawsuit after environmental group forges his signature and exaggerates his involvement...

Tune in today to see Jamie O'Neal's "Like A Woman" music video debut...

Hagar was member of the Hagars vocal duo, as well as a cast member on Hee Haw...

Book about self-acceptance written by Willmon's mother...

Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert chosen as openers for Chesney's Sun City Carnival tour...

Wynonna Judd is normally very quiet about her private issues, especially with her weight, but that will be changing in the coming weeks. Starting this week, she will be appearing in a series of TV commercials for the over-the-counter weight-loss aid, alli...

Tim McGraw is a family man and takes his fatherly duties very seriously, but when it comes to the idea that his daughters may some day date, McGraw told Family Circle magazine, “I think I am in denial"...

Jason Michael Carroll rides 2008 success into January 09...

Legendary Country crooner discusses using weed with Rolling Stone...

Veteran songwriter and up-and-coming performer also nominated for multiple Grammys...

Country Music stars are showing their support for a new music venue in Dothan, Ala. George Jones, Jake Owen and Travis Tritt are scheduled to appear at a rally this Saturday, Jan. 10, to support the building of Country Crossing, a resort and entertainment facility developed by Ronnie Gilley...

Loretta Lynn, John Conlee, Blake Shelton among performers...

Country Music star Dierks Bentley, along with music legends Connie Smith and Charlie Louvin, are joining the ranks of Country Music and racing celebs, like Darrell Waltrip, for this year’s Sprint Sound & Speed fan festival, taking place in Nashville this weekend...

The Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame is set to honor Country’s own superstar, Dolly Parton, by making her a member at a ceremony set for Feb. 2 in Nashville. Parton joins artists like The Statler Brothers, Al Green and Amy Grant in this prestigious group of people devoted to spreading the word about gospel music...

Iraq veteran killed over song choice...

Mackenzie Adkins to perform in Wizard of Oz...

This Is My America, a three-disc project that tells the story of America's history using songs and spoken narratives, employs the talents of 56 award-winning singers and songwriters to complete its task, including Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, Charley Pride and many more...

Rascal Flatts announced via text message to their fans that the name of their next album will be Unstoppable and will be released on April 7. Unstoppable is co-produced by Dan Huff and Rascal Flatts and is the band's first studio album since 2007's Still Feels Good...

48-year-old California man claimed legend Arnold had a romantic relationship with his mother...

Country artists were shining Wednesday night at the People's Choice Awards in Los Angelos. Rascal Flatts and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood were the big winners of the night, taking home a combined total of four awards...

Cowboy doesn't miss being bossed around...

After three year hiatus, Country Music comedian is back with "Waitin' On Obama"...

Mitchell Keller considers his own Capitol Broadcasting Network to be the future of broadcasting...

Auction to benefit teenager with Spina Bifida will now close on Jan. 31...

Country music trio to guest on show Thursday night. Also playing Joe's Pub in NYC...

North American tour to take Urban through Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and more...

Chesney’s 2008 Poets and Pirates tour ranked No. 4 on Pollstar’s list of the highest-grossing concert tours, while his tour reigned at No. 1 for total ticket sales in 2008. On average, a ticket to Chesney’s concert costs $71.24 per ticket, which is significantly cheaper than the three acts that out-grossed Chesney...

Carrie Underwood doesn't like to talk about her personal life, but lately, her actions have spoken louder than words. Lately, the superstar has been seen with Canadian hockey star Mike Fisher...

Artists bring in new sounds for a new year...

Gregory's 2009 tour will raise money and provide shoes for families in need...

One of the more popular judges on Nashville Star, this Country Music songwriter and singer is on a roll...

By texting NEWRFCD to 66937 from your mobile phone before the end of today, Tuesday, Jan. 6, you can be among the first to find out the name and release date of Rascal Flatts' upcoming album...

Fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis when Dierks Bentley performs in iTunes' Live From Soho series on Jan. 12 at the Apple Store in the New York City neighborhood...

The Jonas Brothers came to Music City and went Country with their special concert, The Jonas Brothers + Friends. The pop trio rocked out to a sold-out Ryman Auditorium on Sunday night, with a guest list including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and others...

Teen country music sensation says its the perfect gift for her mom's birthday...

Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award given to family for its contributions to Country Music...

Country Music's biggest songwriters perform their hits during the series...

New dates include performance in New York City...

When Country superstar Trace Adkins looks back on his music career in the year 2008, his list of accomplishments, which include releasing his 10th studio album, Trace Adkins: X (TEN), performing for the U.S. Armed Forces during a USO trip and numerous concerts during his American Man tour, will also contain taking home the No. 1 video for Great American Country's Top 50 Videos of 2008...

Former American Idol Kristy Lee Cook says that her recent label, Arista Nashville, dropped her because there wasn’t enough resources for her and another more famous Idol, Carrie Underwood...

Kicking off the Country charts for 2009, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift continue to top the Billboard rankings. Flatts' single, "Here," has held the songs summit for two weeks, while Swift's Fearless has been welded to No. 1 on the albums for seven weeks...

After negotiations, instruments belonging to Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash and Maybelle Carter will remain in museum...

Groups will tour the southeast throughout January...

Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, the Grascals, Ronnie Bowman, IIIrd Tyme Out, Nothin' Fancy, Grasstowne and Rarely Herd to perform...

Former rocker up for multiple Grammy awards from duet with Alison Krauss also...

Will join Carrie Underwood as Country Music performers on the 35th annual show from Los Angeles...

Daily & Vincent, Del McCoury join Opry greats like Vince Gill...

Nielsen also reports a record year for music sales overall due to huge increases in digital sales...