Tuesday Newsday

Wow! What a show last night. ABC’s presentation of the CMA Music Fest: Country’s Night To Rock … rocked! Most performers were given airtime for one song each, with a few notable superstar exceptions, so the variety was excellent. Since it was a pre-recorded production, fans were spared the technical gaffes present in most live award shows, and the corrective post-production techniques were kept to a minimum, making it a great national showcase for country music. The only disappointment sensed from fans flooding message boards last night was in regards to the behind-the-scenes portions that were intertwined with the performances. All in all, the show was a great showcase for America’s music. Next up, the CMA will be in the spotlight with award nominations tomorrow in New York and Nashville. Comment and let us know about your favorite performances.

News from Around The Country….
It was predicted that it would happen, and now it’s been announced. Toby Keith’s latest movie Beer For My Horses will be released on DVD this November. Toby says a lot of extras will accompany the disc. Tim McGraw’s 2000 release Greatest Hits has officially been certified six-times Platinum by the RIAA. The news comes just as Tim gets ready to release his third collection of singles titled Greatest Hits, Volume 3 on October 7th.

George Strait’s next project is for his littlest fans … and future fans. Hushabye Baby: Lullaby Renditions of George Strait is coming out November 18. George is the latest in a series of country artists whose hits have been re-recorded as lullabies for the Hushabye CD series. The new album's songs maintain the traditional country sound, while adding soothing instruments to create music intended to lull infants to sleep. Now, if you just can wait for your next fix of new Strait music, how about George’s take on “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven”? Yes, Kenny Chesney’s latest hit of the same name. It’s available on ITunes. George recorded the song with the intention to put it on Troubadour. In the meantime, he had played the song for Kenny at a tour stop in Alabama, and when it didn’t make the final cut for George’s album, Kenny jumped at the chance to record it.

September is Hunger Action Month, and Phil Vassar is teaming up with CMT to raise money for the hunger-relief organization Feeding America. Phil re-recorded a special edition of the title song to his newest CD Prayer of A Common Man to be sold exclusively at Rhapsody.com. Proceeds from the download will go to Feeding America through the end of the year.

And don’t laugh, but even after the major flop of TV’s Secret Talents of the Stars, Clint Black is giving stand-up comedy another try. Clint’s new comedy special is coming to TV in October. Clint Black is giving comedy a second shot. Apparently, TV executives were so impressed with Clint’s comedic skills, they approached him about doing his own TV special. He’s been practicing with several gigs at a Nashville comedy club. On second thought, DO laugh this time! It helps the ratings.