Billy Ray Cyrus turns 50 today with the news that he will soon be a grandfather. Billy's 22-year-old son, Trace, and his girlfriend, Brenda Song, are expecting their first child together. Brenda is an actress. You may have seen her on the Disney Channel’s Suite Life of Zack and Cody or in the moive, The Social Network. Trace is a member of the pop-rock band Metro Station.
Dierks Bentley is taking his Miles & Music charity motorcycle ride to Chicago October 9th. The ride will be followed by a concert featuring Dierks, the Eli Young Band, Jerrod Niemann and more. With these rides, Dierks has helped to raise millions of dollars for Children’s Hospitals across the country. The event is in its sixth year, but this is its first stop in the Windy City. Proceeds from the ride will be donated to Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital.
At her Speak Now tour stop in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, Taylor Swift surprised fans by bringing out teen sensation Justin Bieber to sing his hit, “Baby.” Taylor tweeted after the show, “You think you’ve heard LOUD screaming in your life.. Then [Justin Bieber] comes out and does a surprise song during your show. Woah. Unreal.”
And finally, Brad Paisley has joined the Cell Phones for Soldiers campaign which sends 60-minute calling cards to U.S. troops around the world so that they can call home. When fans donate a used cell phone to the program, a calling card is distributed to a soldier in need. Collection boxes can be found at Brad’s H20 II tour stops or you can visit bradpaisley.com for information on how to mail one in.
Showing posts with label Billy Ray Cyrus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Billy Ray Cyrus. Show all posts
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Mid-week. Ready For Vacation?
Is it time to start planning for the Annual CMA Music Fest already? How time flies. The yearly country music love fest will take place June 9 – 12 in Nashville, and plans for entertainment are emerging. Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, Brad Paisley, and New Artist of the Year, Zac Brown Band, will join Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Ashton Shepherd, the JaneDear girls, Josh Turner, Little Big Town, and Chris Young for the nightly concerts at LP Field. More details will be released in coming weeks.
Trace Adkins is going to make a side-kick out of that puppet, yet! Look for Trace tonight on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He’s bringing along the puppets that costar with him in his “Brown Chicken Brown Cow” video. There’s a video on Trace’s website that has Trace and his puppet counterpart reminding people to tune in. Trace promises to be funny while on the show and the puppet – well he admitted to sleep during their appearance.
And finally, Billy Ray Cyrus and Patty Loveless are judging a songwriting competition to help raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Songwriters are challenged to write a motivational song to encourage people to take control of their health. The winner has a chance to perform their song at the CMA Music Festival. You can log on to the host website to vote for your favorite song and support the cause.
Trace Adkins is going to make a side-kick out of that puppet, yet! Look for Trace tonight on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He’s bringing along the puppets that costar with him in his “Brown Chicken Brown Cow” video. There’s a video on Trace’s website that has Trace and his puppet counterpart reminding people to tune in. Trace promises to be funny while on the show and the puppet – well he admitted to sleep during their appearance.
And finally, Billy Ray Cyrus and Patty Loveless are judging a songwriting competition to help raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Songwriters are challenged to write a motivational song to encourage people to take control of their health. The winner has a chance to perform their song at the CMA Music Festival. You can log on to the host website to vote for your favorite song and support the cause.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday Briefing
Jimmy Buffett will be released today from the hospitalized after falling from a stage during his show in Sydney, Australia Tuesday night. Reports allege that Jimmy crashed into a large gap in the front of the stage during the finale. Fans were then urged to leave as Jimmy lay on the floor in the first row of seats waiting for paramedics. Various reports have surfaced alleging that Jimmy was unconscious for up to ten minutes; flashing lights may have affected his vision and caused the fall; full reports of the incident should surface with the details of the accident as Jimmy recovers.
It seems pretty noteworthy to mention that Charlie Louvin, a Country Music Hall of Fame member as one-half of the Louvin Brothers, died early Wednesday morning after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 83. He received the cancer diagnosis in July.
On the lighter side of things today, Grammy-nominated artist Chris Young has been talking about what it has been like out on tour with Rascal Flatts. After getting used to outdoor shows in the summer, moving inside for the winter months made for an embarrassing moment on stage one night for Chris. “I wasn’t used to how dark it was on stage and where Joe Don left his pedal board,” Chris said, “So I’m walkin’ across the stage and, uh … I stepped right on his gain pedal and so all the sudden it was just like ridiculously loud and he’s starin’ at me goin’, ‘Smooth…that was good man.’” Chris continues touring with Rascal Flatts through March and then will join Blake Shelton for a few stops on the 2011 All About Tonight tour.
Nominees for the 31st Annual Razzie Awards were announced earlier this week and included stars such as Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Pattinson, Miley Cyrus, and her father Billy Ray Cyrus. Billy Ray’s nomination is in the Worst Supporting Actor category for his role in the movie, The Spy Next Door, with George Lopez. Taylor Swift’s 2010 movie Valentine’s Day appeared in a few categories but Taylor herself was not nominated.
It seems pretty noteworthy to mention that Charlie Louvin, a Country Music Hall of Fame member as one-half of the Louvin Brothers, died early Wednesday morning after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 83. He received the cancer diagnosis in July.
On the lighter side of things today, Grammy-nominated artist Chris Young has been talking about what it has been like out on tour with Rascal Flatts. After getting used to outdoor shows in the summer, moving inside for the winter months made for an embarrassing moment on stage one night for Chris. “I wasn’t used to how dark it was on stage and where Joe Don left his pedal board,” Chris said, “So I’m walkin’ across the stage and, uh … I stepped right on his gain pedal and so all the sudden it was just like ridiculously loud and he’s starin’ at me goin’, ‘Smooth…that was good man.’” Chris continues touring with Rascal Flatts through March and then will join Blake Shelton for a few stops on the 2011 All About Tonight tour.
Nominees for the 31st Annual Razzie Awards were announced earlier this week and included stars such as Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Pattinson, Miley Cyrus, and her father Billy Ray Cyrus. Billy Ray’s nomination is in the Worst Supporting Actor category for his role in the movie, The Spy Next Door, with George Lopez. Taylor Swift’s 2010 movie Valentine’s Day appeared in a few categories but Taylor herself was not nominated.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Taylor's Been Waxed
News From Around The Country
Last week, Sugarland sold 202,000 copies of their new CD, The Incredible Machine, and that was enough to top both the Billboard Country albums chart and the Billboard Top 200 chart. This is their fourth studio album, and this time they gave fans the option of a Deluxe Edition DVD with a behind the scenes look at making the album. …. After 17 years of marriage, Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife, Tish, have filed divorce papers in papers in Tennessee, citing irreconcilable differences. In a statement, the pair said, “As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family. We are trying to work through some personal matters. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.” Billy Ray and Tish have five children together. ….. Taylor Swift visited Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square yesterday to witness the unveiling of the wax figure of likeness. The figure wears a shimmering black and silver dress which Taylor donated to the museum for the exhibit. In other Taylor news on album release week, her media schedule includes appearances Monday on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Tuesday on Dancing With the Stars. …. And finally, here’s something interesting to look forward to. Actress Jane Seymour was on ABC’s show, The View, recently, and she said that she thinks country legend Johnny Cash is an angel watching over her teenage son, Johnny. Her son met Cash on multiple occasions, became quite obsessed, and hopes to follow in his footsteps. She said, “Something extraordinary is happening to this kid. He is writing the most amazing music, he is being recorded already, and you're going to hear about him.” Jane was close friends with Johnny and June Carter Cash who both made appearances on her show, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Merle's Going To Try To Look Happy
The first three dates for Taylor Swift’s world tour have been leaked by a Japanese website. So now we know. The tour will kick off in Osaka, Japan on February 13th, 2011. Considering Taylor’s lucky number is “13” one could suspect that’s why she chose that date. According to the website, she will have 85 shows in 18 different countries. In other Taylor news, her iPhone/iPod application, Mix Me In2 Taylor Swift, has been nominated for Best Music Engagement App by Billboard. The winner will be chosen on October 5th at the Music App Summit in San Francisco.
Alan Jackson will be celebrating the 20-year anniversary of his debut album with the release of a double-disc collection. All 34 of his number one hits will be featured on the project, along with two rare tracks and the new single, “As She’s Walking Away,” from Zac Brown Band. The compilation album will be out on November 23rd.
TV Schedule
Thursday night, Jamey Johnson will perform a new song from his upcoming 25-track double disc, The Guitar Song, on the Late Show With David Letterman. Friday morning, Sugarland will be stopping by the Today Show on NBC. That evening, Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum will be participating in the Stand Up For Cancer telethon benefiting cancer research. The special will air on 17 different channels. Blake Shelton will rock the house on Friday night when he performs on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. Sunday, Kenny Chesney’s Boys of Fall documentary will rebroadcast on ESPN2.
Then later this year, on December 28th, Merle Haggard will be on TV. Merle will be recognized by the Kennedy Center for his contributions to the American culture. Other legends to be recognized include Paul McCartney, composer Jerry Herman, and Oprah Winfrey. Merle tells the Associated Press, “I don't know exactly what to do, I guess just sit there and look like you're having fun.”
And finally, as Billy Ray Cyrus finishes working one TV show with one of his children, he’s picking up another show with another child. According to reports, Billy Ray and his son, Trace, are developing their own show, UFO: Unbelievably Freakin’ Obvious, for the SciFi Network. The two will be hitting the road together to travel the country and investigate conspiracy theories and urban legends. Billy Ray says, “My son has always had an interest in these things and I look forward to the series.”
Alan Jackson will be celebrating the 20-year anniversary of his debut album with the release of a double-disc collection. All 34 of his number one hits will be featured on the project, along with two rare tracks and the new single, “As She’s Walking Away,” from Zac Brown Band. The compilation album will be out on November 23rd.
TV Schedule
Thursday night, Jamey Johnson will perform a new song from his upcoming 25-track double disc, The Guitar Song, on the Late Show With David Letterman. Friday morning, Sugarland will be stopping by the Today Show on NBC. That evening, Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum will be participating in the Stand Up For Cancer telethon benefiting cancer research. The special will air on 17 different channels. Blake Shelton will rock the house on Friday night when he performs on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. Sunday, Kenny Chesney’s Boys of Fall documentary will rebroadcast on ESPN2.
Then later this year, on December 28th, Merle Haggard will be on TV. Merle will be recognized by the Kennedy Center for his contributions to the American culture. Other legends to be recognized include Paul McCartney, composer Jerry Herman, and Oprah Winfrey. Merle tells the Associated Press, “I don't know exactly what to do, I guess just sit there and look like you're having fun.”
And finally, as Billy Ray Cyrus finishes working one TV show with one of his children, he’s picking up another show with another child. According to reports, Billy Ray and his son, Trace, are developing their own show, UFO: Unbelievably Freakin’ Obvious, for the SciFi Network. The two will be hitting the road together to travel the country and investigate conspiracy theories and urban legends. Billy Ray says, “My son has always had an interest in these things and I look forward to the series.”
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday Briefing
News From Around The Country
Brad Paisley is still waitin’ on a woman. No little Paisley yet. As expected, Rascal Flatts has the number one album on the Billboard Country Chart and the Billboard 200 Chart with Unstoppable. “Here Comes Goodbye” continues to dominate the singles charts. Jason Aldean’s Wide Open CD sold enough to grab the number two spot. Miley Cyrus has been given PETA’s Compassionate Citizen Award after taking some chickens from the set of the Hannah Montana movie home as pets. Meanwhile, papa Billy Ray Cyrus is allegedly upset with Jamie Foxx about some comments he recently made suggesting that Miley should make an adult tape. Jamie apologized for those comments Tuesday night on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. LeAnn Rimes will perform the National Anthem as part of the ceremonies leading up to the Kentucky Derby on May 2nd. The short film, The Book Lady, which chronicles Dolly Parton’s work with her Imagination Library, will screen at this year’s Nashville Film Festival. Miley Cyrus and Keith Urban are featured in the documentary which originally opened last month at the Cleveland International Film Festival.
And finally, Hank Williams Jr. introduced the Bocephus Bailout package yesterday to help tax-payers get through these hard times. The Bocephus Bailout Package will allow a fan to become an "Honorary Crew Member for the Day." The fan will “win” a thousand dollar paycheck plus an additional 15 hundred towards travel and hotel to see Hank in concert. It also includes a lot of other Hank, Jr. stuff like a limited edition Monday Night Football guitar. Get in on The Bocephus Bailout here.
Brad Paisley is still waitin’ on a woman. No little Paisley yet. As expected, Rascal Flatts has the number one album on the Billboard Country Chart and the Billboard 200 Chart with Unstoppable. “Here Comes Goodbye” continues to dominate the singles charts. Jason Aldean’s Wide Open CD sold enough to grab the number two spot. Miley Cyrus has been given PETA’s Compassionate Citizen Award after taking some chickens from the set of the Hannah Montana movie home as pets. Meanwhile, papa Billy Ray Cyrus is allegedly upset with Jamie Foxx about some comments he recently made suggesting that Miley should make an adult tape. Jamie apologized for those comments Tuesday night on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. LeAnn Rimes will perform the National Anthem as part of the ceremonies leading up to the Kentucky Derby on May 2nd. The short film, The Book Lady, which chronicles Dolly Parton’s work with her Imagination Library, will screen at this year’s Nashville Film Festival. Miley Cyrus and Keith Urban are featured in the documentary which originally opened last month at the Cleveland International Film Festival.
And finally, Hank Williams Jr. introduced the Bocephus Bailout package yesterday to help tax-payers get through these hard times. The Bocephus Bailout Package will allow a fan to become an "Honorary Crew Member for the Day." The fan will “win” a thousand dollar paycheck plus an additional 15 hundred towards travel and hotel to see Hank in concert. It also includes a lot of other Hank, Jr. stuff like a limited edition Monday Night Football guitar. Get in on The Bocephus Bailout here.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Pre-Release Hype Has Made The Climb
Hannah Montana, The Movie, opens nationwide today. It’s an extension of the TV show, but because this super-sized episode was largely filmed on location in Tennessee, there is a lot more country music throughout the movie. Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus star, but look for cameos from Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington, and Marcel. The Flatts and Taylor pretty much play themselves as friends of "Miley" and each sing well-placed numbers. Bucky and Marcel can be seen as band members in Miley and/or Billy Ray's bands. Last night in Nashville, the red carpet premiere saw plenty of celebrity with children in tow: Sara Evans, Phil Vassar, Martina McBride, Clint Black and Big Kenny.If country music infiltrating the tween pop world isn’t enough for you, how about more country music on the Great White Way? Dolly took 9 to 5 to Broadway, next up is Pure Country. Joe Nichols will play the lead role in the Broadway version of the film. Joe is supposed to be going to New York City at the end of October, so that the show can start in early 2010. Joe said the production is an updated version of the 1992 movie. Asked how he feels about stepping into a role originated by George Strait, Joe said, "It feels pretty amazing. He's been a hero of mine since I was a little kid so to come along behind him … on Broadway and do something that people dream their whole lives of doing is pretty amazing."
News From Around The Country
Keith Urban debuted Defying Gravity at the top of the sales charts. It’s the first of his albums to best the number three opening slot that he’s so familiar with. Toby Keith has reportedly backed out of his next movie project due to a production conflict with his annual USO tour. Taylor Swift donated her prom dress to an online auction that helps girls give and receive the dress of their dreams; it earned $1200. And finally, all that dancing seems to be paying off. With more than one-half million profile views, Chuck Wicks ranks as the number two country artist on MySpace for the past two weeks, second only to Carrie Underwood.
And your Harley photo of the day: Brad Mates from Emerson Drive: 
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday Music Store Dance
Chulianne waltzed out of the gate last night on Dancing With the Stars, and Chuck finally got the 8’s he’s been wanting! Remember when Billy Ray Cyrus was on Dancing? He never did achieve that elusive 8. Chuck Wicks got two for continued improvement! Julianne’s coaching on which moves look like a student vs. a professional really helped as Chuck was waltzing Julianne across the dance floor to “Feels Like Today.” See what happens when you give these kids country music to dance to? Hostess Samantha had to ask the obligatory question regarding the drop to one knee at the end of the dance, “Anything we should know?” Chuck was quick to respond, “No!” Overall, all couples stayed in line to where they’ve been placing among the pack. Previous predictions for the bottom of the leader board should hold up, as at this time in the competition it’s just a matter of order as to who goes next. Likely out: Steve-O & Lacey or David & Kym.
Several new CDs are out today that we've been speaking of lately.
Sunday night at the ACM’s, Billy Ray Cyrus pimped the album to 14.1 million viewers. Today Back to Tennessee hits the shelves. The album features 12 new tracks, including another Billy Ray / Miley duet “Butterfly Fly Away,” which will be heard in the Hannah Montana movie. Look for Billy Ray tomorrow (4/8) on Good Morning America and Regis and Kelly, and on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno next Monday (4/13).
Jason Aldean also drops his 3rd studio album, Wide Open, today. Riding the success of the first single, “She's Country,” Jason will be in 8-cities in 8-days to promote the project.
Highlights from the cross-country trek include next Friday's (4/10)appearance on NBC's Today Show, followed by an evening appearances at the Atlanta Braves home season opener to throw out the first pitch and sing the National Anthem. Jason will rock ABC-TV's Jimmy Kimmel Live's outdoor concert series on May 1st.
Several new CDs are out today that we've been speaking of lately.
Sunday night at the ACM’s, Billy Ray Cyrus pimped the album to 14.1 million viewers. Today Back to Tennessee hits the shelves. The album features 12 new tracks, including another Billy Ray / Miley duet “Butterfly Fly Away,” which will be heard in the Hannah Montana movie. Look for Billy Ray tomorrow (4/8) on Good Morning America and Regis and Kelly, and on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno next Monday (4/13).
Jason Aldean also drops his 3rd studio album, Wide Open, today. Riding the success of the first single, “She's Country,” Jason will be in 8-cities in 8-days to promote the project.Highlights from the cross-country trek include next Friday's (4/10)appearance on NBC's Today Show, followed by an evening appearances at the Atlanta Braves home season opener to throw out the first pitch and sing the National Anthem. Jason will rock ABC-TV's Jimmy Kimmel Live's outdoor concert series on May 1st.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Chulianne Debut Tonight
The Donald has his sights set on Clint, but he stayed employed another week. Shedding the quiet country boy image of the first episode, Clint Black stepped up to a more active role in last night’s Celebrity Apprentice. He worked closely with project manager, Scott Hamilton, in creating a comic character for a marketing campaign. Several of the KOTU team members felt they weren’t being heard with Scott and Clint running the show, but in the end it was not Clint who was called back into the boardroom. Calling out his interruptions, Scott brought Tom Green back into the boardroom. Then taking Trump’s advice to bring a second person, Scott called out Hershel Walker, a moved that surprised Trump and his associates, as they seemed to feel that Clint should have come back for a talking to regarding his alleged argumentativeness. From their war room, the women watched the boardroom grilling and several of the ladies made unkind comments about Clint’s vibes. In the end, it was Scott who was fired due largely to his decision to name the team’s comic character EEE, rather than anything that started with a Z to match the company’s name.
The countrified Dancing With The Stars takes to the floor tonight. Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough are a couple to watch. "Chulianne" has been a source of much discussion in the days leading up to the premiere. Early on, many felt that being a pre-established couple would provide an unfair advantage, since the awkward ‘getting-to-know-you’ period is not applicable. Julianne has vigorously denied any advantages. The dancing will speak for itself. Viewers will then speak louder than any critics. Ty Murray is on; his wife, Jewel, is off. Nancy O’Dell is also off, and cast replacements were promised to be announced during tonight’s premiere. One of the dancing quick-studies is supposed to be Melissa Rycroft, the girl not chosen by would-be fiancé “Bachelor” Jason Mesnick. Reportedly, pro-dancer Tony Dovoloni has been teaching Melissa routines in a hurry, so they will be ready for the first episode.The first round of your ACM Fan Voting duty is done. Julianne Hough, Jake Owen and Zac Brown Band all received new artist awards from the Academy of Country Music on Friday for Top New Female, Top New Male, and Top New Group respectively. Next you’ll be asked to vote among these three to see who will receive the Top New Artist award during the live telecast of the ACM Awards on April 5th on CBS.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus have made country chart history. Miley debuts “The Climb” at #48, while Billy Ray sits comfortably at #59 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Both songs are from Hannah Montana: The Movie, opening April 10. The soundtrack will be out March 24. Billy Ray’s song is also the title track to his new CD out April 7. The history happened when for the first time in nearly 20 years, a father and daughter have appeared on the chart with separate solo singles. The last time that happened was when Johnny and Rosanne Cash had separate singles on October 5, 1990.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Going Out Tonight?
So what have you been dancing to? The 5th Annual list of the Top Ten Country Dance Club Songs has been released. The list was created from data compiled by surveying more than 215 nightclubs and dance instructors.#1 - Alan Jackson "Good Time"
#2 - The Zac Brown Band "Chicken Fried"
#3 - Kid Rock "All Summer Long"
#4 - Matt Stillwell "Shine"
#5 - Toby Keith "She's a Hottie"
#6 - Lady Antebellum "Love Don't Live Here"
#7 - Sugarland "All I Wanna Do"
#8 - James Otto "Just Got Started Lovin' You"
#9 - Adam Gregory "Crazy Days"
#10 - Craig Morgan "International Harvester"
Faith Hill, Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus have been added to the list of performers appearing at events surrounding next week’s inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama. Billy Ray and Miley will perform during Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future, a TV concert special honoring military families, airing Monday on the Disney Channel. Faith is scheduled to appear at The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration, a special airing Tuesday on ABC.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Little Jimmy Dickens is recuperating after undergoing brain surgery in Nashville. The 88-year-old Grand Ole Opry member had been diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, a clot created when blood vessels tear and blood accumulates in the space between the brain and its protective covering within the skull. Another Country Music Hall of Fame member, Charley Pride, underwent similar surgery in 2004.
Martina McBride will sing the National Anthem at the AFC Championship game on January 18th in Pittsburgh. Steelers’ fans see Martina as a good luck charm, since her rendition of the Anthem has led to 26-5 wins for the NFL home teams. However the “charm” didn’t work when she sang at the Titans’ LP Field this past weekend when the team was defeated by the Baltimore Ravens.Friday, December 26, 2008
Oh! Oh! Oh! The Flipside of Christmas '08.
The Country Station hopes Santa Claus was kind to you this year, and that you will continue to enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend.
The holiday increased James Otto’s lead in the Listener Poll looking for your favorite song of 2008. There’s a pretty close race going on for the remaining spots in next week’s finals, so keep voting all weekend.
With most country stars enjoying the holidays at home, news is pretty slim this time of year, but since Christmas is all about the kids, let’s share Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus’ visit to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. Just shy of Christmas, Billy Ray Cyrus offered a $60,000 check to the Vanderbilt Eskind Diabetes Clinic on behalf of the non-profit Fraternal Order of Eagles. The father and daughter also signed autographs for the kids and sang Christmas songs with them. In addition, George Jones' wife, Nancy, delivered several hundred toys to the hospital following a toy drive at their home last week.
The holiday increased James Otto’s lead in the Listener Poll looking for your favorite song of 2008. There’s a pretty close race going on for the remaining spots in next week’s finals, so keep voting all weekend.
With most country stars enjoying the holidays at home, news is pretty slim this time of year, but since Christmas is all about the kids, let’s share Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus’ visit to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. Just shy of Christmas, Billy Ray Cyrus offered a $60,000 check to the Vanderbilt Eskind Diabetes Clinic on behalf of the non-profit Fraternal Order of Eagles. The father and daughter also signed autographs for the kids and sang Christmas songs with them. In addition, George Jones' wife, Nancy, delivered several hundred toys to the hospital following a toy drive at their home last week.
Friday, July 25, 2008
MOOOO-ving some records….
Taylor Swift is not too far removed from studying history, and now she’s making it. Her two albums, Beautiful Eyes, and Taylor Swift, sit at number 1 and number 2 respectively on the Billboard Country albums chart. Taylor is the only artist this decade to accomplish such a feat. Her latest, one-store exclusive CD/DVD release moved 44,652 copies. The self-titled debut moved another 34,622 copies making that CD number two in sales. Makes you wonder how the upcoming compilation CD Princess Disneymania Volume 1 will do when it comes out on September 30th. Taylor and Carrie Underwood are a part of this one. They are the only country artists on the set with Carrie recording “So This Is Love” from the movie Cinderella and Taylor cutting “Home” from Beauty & The Beast. Country music around the web this Feel Good Friday finds Randy Owen’s daughter moooo-ving livestock. Randy and wife Kelly were there as proud parents last week when daughter Randa’s Hereford cow entry, Purple Clover L25T, was chosen as the Champion in the “Horned Owned Heifer” category at the 2008 Junior National Hereford Expo in Kansas City. Randa has been showing cattle since she was a child, and she is now a high school senior.
Chris Cagle has been found not guilty of all domestic violence charges. The ruling came after Chris’s girlfriend, Jennifer Tant, invoked the 5th amendment and refused to testify. The charges stemmed from an altercation Cagle and Tant had in May while reportedly intoxicated. Cagle alleged in police reports he was hit on the head by an umbrella, and subsequently pushed Tant to protect himself. Officers found bruises on Tant's arms, as well as a cut lip, and charges were filed against both of them. Cagle has since come forward apologizing for the incident but insisting he was not drunk. After the court hearing and trial were held in Davidson County, TN, this statement was issued by Cagle's Attorney, Bill Ramsey: "It's a shame these charges were ever brought. PERIOD! Chris was not, and never was, guilty of domestic violence, abuse or assault and the Judge properly found him 'Not Guilty.' Chris is relieved the accuracy of the matter has been revealed and the ordeal is over." While the books are now closed on this case, Cagle still faces a different trial in the fall. He's due in a Tucscon, Ariz. courtroom on September 23 to face assault charges stemming from a fight outside a nightclub last December.
And finally, a Friday can’t end without more on Vince Gill. He’s temporarily traded his putter for a pen, addressing his love for the game of golf in the current issue of Sports Illustrated. Vince notes that his 7-year old daughter Corrina has recently taken up the sport, adding that any time he takes her to the course he's mindful of advice he received from pro-golfer Johnny Miller, who told him to always make golf fun for the kids. Now, this isn’t golf, but it is fun. Vince Gill and Amy Grant are getting their own street – Grant Gill Lane in Wichita Fall, TX. A Habitat for Humanity home has been named after the couple, as has the entire road. Vince and Amy have been continually active with the charity throughout the years, donating time and money to building homes for underprivileged families. They donated all proceeds from a Wichita Falls concert to Habitat for Humanity a few years back, which helped build their now namesake home.Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Hot And Peppery...
Happy Half Off Wednesday. If life keeps you indoors most days and you’re not seeing a lot of sun this summer, don’t miss the Half Off Offer today from the Hot Pepper Tanning Company. Certificates are on sale this morning at 6 am, while supplies last.
Today’s country music news is peppered with a little bit of everybody. Billy Ray Cyrus is going to star in another movie. The family flick Flying By will put Billy Ray into the role of a real estate developer who decides to rejoin his high school rock band after 25 years. Heather Locklear will play his outraged wife in the film that examines the internal battle between fun and responsibility. There’s no word on a release date for this newly announced project, but it likely won’t be anytime around the release of the highly anticipated Hannah Montana: The Movie.
Keith Urban will be a part of the all-star Fashion Rocks concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 5. The show will be broadcast on CBS on Sept. 9. Additional performers include Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, Duffy, Fergie, Kid Rock, Lil Wayne, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake. Proceeds from the fifth annual concert will benefit Stand Up to Cancer.
Big and Rich are parking the tour buses for the rest of the year. It was previously announced that the duo would be taking most of 2008 off while Big Kenny was undergoing physical therapy for a neck injury suffered several years ago in a car accident. The slowdown, however, didn’t stop either man from pursuing individual projects or performing the occasional Big and Rich show. "Kenny has no problem doin’ shows every now and then," John Rich says. "It’s just that constant, 100-shows-in-a-year thing that you can’t do." At this past weekend’s show at a music festival in Wisconsin, however, Big and Rich announced that they won’t be doing any more shows in 2008.
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant have concluded the better part of the Rising Sand Tour. The pair has a few more scattered dates in September and October, after which they are considering working on another album together. "I don't remember any of us really hoping for anything," Alison said regarding the first CD. "We were looking for a good time. With T Bone, Robert and myself, it was something very different than what we've done. It was, 'Let's go see what this is like.'" As it turned out, the Raising Sand album reached No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and appeared on numerous critics’ best-of-2007 lists. And now Raising Sand is one of 12 albums nominated for the Mercury Prize, the annual award determined by a panel of judges in the British music industry. The winner will be announced on Sept. 9. Other nominees for the prestigious honor include Adele, British Sea Power, Burial, Elbow, Estelle, Laura Marling, Neon Neon, Portico Quartet, Rachel Unthank & the Winterset, Radiohead and the Last Shadow Puppets.
And finally, Alan Jackson has reached another career milestone. Having just scored his 33rd #1 single with “Good Time,” the title track to his 17th album, Alan has just received the news that his cumulative album sales have crossed the 50-million mark.
Today’s country music news is peppered with a little bit of everybody. Billy Ray Cyrus is going to star in another movie. The family flick Flying By will put Billy Ray into the role of a real estate developer who decides to rejoin his high school rock band after 25 years. Heather Locklear will play his outraged wife in the film that examines the internal battle between fun and responsibility. There’s no word on a release date for this newly announced project, but it likely won’t be anytime around the release of the highly anticipated Hannah Montana: The Movie.
Keith Urban will be a part of the all-star Fashion Rocks concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 5. The show will be broadcast on CBS on Sept. 9. Additional performers include Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, Duffy, Fergie, Kid Rock, Lil Wayne, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake. Proceeds from the fifth annual concert will benefit Stand Up to Cancer.
Big and Rich are parking the tour buses for the rest of the year. It was previously announced that the duo would be taking most of 2008 off while Big Kenny was undergoing physical therapy for a neck injury suffered several years ago in a car accident. The slowdown, however, didn’t stop either man from pursuing individual projects or performing the occasional Big and Rich show. "Kenny has no problem doin’ shows every now and then," John Rich says. "It’s just that constant, 100-shows-in-a-year thing that you can’t do." At this past weekend’s show at a music festival in Wisconsin, however, Big and Rich announced that they won’t be doing any more shows in 2008.
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant have concluded the better part of the Rising Sand Tour. The pair has a few more scattered dates in September and October, after which they are considering working on another album together. "I don't remember any of us really hoping for anything," Alison said regarding the first CD. "We were looking for a good time. With T Bone, Robert and myself, it was something very different than what we've done. It was, 'Let's go see what this is like.'" As it turned out, the Raising Sand album reached No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and appeared on numerous critics’ best-of-2007 lists. And now Raising Sand is one of 12 albums nominated for the Mercury Prize, the annual award determined by a panel of judges in the British music industry. The winner will be announced on Sept. 9. Other nominees for the prestigious honor include Adele, British Sea Power, Burial, Elbow, Estelle, Laura Marling, Neon Neon, Portico Quartet, Rachel Unthank & the Winterset, Radiohead and the Last Shadow Puppets.
And finally, Alan Jackson has reached another career milestone. Having just scored his 33rd #1 single with “Good Time,” the title track to his 17th album, Alan has just received the news that his cumulative album sales have crossed the 50-million mark.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)