Top O' The Charts

George Strait’s new album Twang is the number one album in all of America. This is the fourth time in George’s career that a new release has debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at number one on the Top Country Albums chart. This is also the first CD George has contributed to as a writer. … Carrie Underwood has started a charity in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma - the C.A.T.S. - Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation. Carrie says the town she grew up in has always been supportive of her and this is a way to give back. … The Rolling Stone collector’s edition comes out later this week and features a conversation between Brad Paisley and Kevin Jonas who have become friends. In the issue Jonas asks Brad why some people “hate” country music. Brad answers by saying, “To some degree we deserve it. Our job in country music is telling true stories, the things that matter to us. I think at times we've strayed from that, and our songs have become very defensive and anti every other kind of music -- sort of like, 'We're country, and we're this, and we're that.' " … Rodney Atkins stopped by The Holston Home for Children in Greeneville, Tennessee this week to attend the opening of a house that has been named after him. Rodney lived at the center when he was an infant and says it was important for him to attend the ceremony because he can relate to the children currently live there. He wanted to bring the message of hope because that’s what he feels the center is all about.