The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night by Opry member Jimmy Dickens. The legendary country music group made up of William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban and Duane Allen was invited to join the Opry last month. The group was surprised on stage by a video greeting from former President George Bush who explained that he has been a fan since they performed “Elvira” on the White House lawn.
Taylor Swift won Teen Choice Awards in five of the six categories she was nominated in during last night's awards show. Taylor won Choice Music: Female Artist, Female Country Artist, Country Single for “Mean,” Choice Break Up Song for “Back to December,” Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon and she was honored with the Ultimate Choice award. Actress Emma Stone presented Taylor with the awards. In other country categories, Jason Aldean won the Choice Music: Male Country Artist award and Lady Antebellum picked up the Choice Music: Country Group surfboard. Taylor was the only country artist to show up in person.
Ronnie Dunn has officially joined a new kind of “million-air’s club.” The legendary singer-songwriter has garnered more than 60-million performances of his extensive music catalog and was recently honored with several MillionAir awards. Though Ronnie names “Neon Moon” as his favorite work, he admits that it was “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” that let him know that he was onto something special as a songwriter.
Keith Urban’s first fragrance has been in the works for some time now. Finally, the cologne has a name, Phoenix. Keith said that he didn’t name it after himself because the last thing he wants to “make a man do” is have to say, “I’m wearing Keith Urban” when asked about his cologne. This is Keith’s first fragrance but he knows a thing or two about them, admitting that he has been a Brut man in the past and more recently he’s worn Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana and Doir for men. Phoenix is available for pre-order now.
It was a big night last night as country music returned to the Grand Ole Opry and Blake Shelton was asked to become a member. After Blake and Trace Adkins performed “Hillbilly Bone,” Trace then took the microphone and teased Blake about his tweets. He then said, “The Grand Ole Opry has decided they’re going to tweet you.” An image then popped up on a screen that said “Blake, you’re invited to join the Grand Ole Opry.” Trace then turned to Blake and said, “I’m officially here and have the authority to ask you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.” Blake accepted the invitation and gave Trace a big hug. Blake’s fiancé, Miranda Lambert, was in the audience smiling ear to ear with the news. As for the upgrades made during the post-flood renovations, the Grand Ole Opry now has 3 new HD projection screens are stage, 18 newly themed dressing rooms including Friends & Neighbors (dedicated to celebrity guests of the Opry), Into the Circle (showcasing quotes from artists on their debut nights), and The Roy (in honor of Roy Acuff). The only original part that remains of the backstage is the Post Office. The names are in alphabetical order except for Little Jimmy Dickens. His box should be on the top row according to his last name, but in order to reach his box it’s been moved to the middle row.
Family and friends gathered recently at at Loretta Lynn’s museum in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee Friday to celebrate 50 years of making music. It was that long ago that Loretta wrote her breakthrough hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” It’s a rarely mentioned factoid that she had to take out six verses before she recorded it. At the time, she had no idea the impact the song would have on her career. Loretta said, “I just thought it was another song of people talking about their life ya know. I didn’t think about it ever being anything. But it was a smash and I’m real proud. I’m proud to be a coal miner’s daughter, I am.”
Joe Bonsall from The Oak Ridge Boys has released his eighth published book, From My Perspective, which is a collection of commentaries and stories about life, music, faith, and America, all told in Joe’s perspective. Look for it at your favorite book retailer.
Martina McBride’s latest online video gives you a view of Martina’s experience at a Naval Air Station before a recent concert. Check out Martina and her entourage watching a flight demonstration, and experiencing what it feels like to sit in the pilot seat of an aircraft. At the end of the day, Martina was presented with a plaque which featured two command jets.
Rascal Flatts is heading back to American Idol. While Shania Twain plays mentor next week, The Flatts will be on to perform "Unstoppable" and join Shakira in singing her song, "Gypsy." You may remember the trio’s ties to the show in the past. In 2005, Gary, Jay, and Joe Don performed on the night Carrie Underwood won the 4th Season. They also appeared on the Idol Gives Back episode in 2007. Oh, and as previously announced, Lady Antebellum will also be on Idol next week.
News From Around The Country If you can’t wait until next week, you may want to catch Rascal Flatts on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution show tonight on ABC. ….. Laura Bell Bundy’s debut album, Achin’ and Shakin’ debuted at number five on the Billboard’s Top Country Album chart. She will continue her album launch with performances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and will also tape a segment of Chelsea Lately. Laura Bell’s ACM performance is also available on iTunes. ….. The Johnny Cash Project, an online global art project and visual testament to the life and career of Johnny Cash, was officially launched yesterday with over 5,000 frames submitted to the website. The website celebrates the February 2010 release of American VI: Ain’t No Grave - Johnny Cash’s final studio recording. ….. And finally, let’s offer congratulations to Diamond Rio, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Ty Herndon. They were among the winners at the Gospel Music Association's 41st annual Dove Awards held Wednesday night in Nashville. Diamond Rio picked up the country album award for The Reason, and the Oak Ridge Boys received long form music video honors for A Gospel Journey. Ty won a Dove in the bluegrass recorded song category for co-writing "When We Fly" with Joel Lindsay and Wayne Haun.
Live from Nashville ... The locals joke that CMA Fest Week is always the worst week of weather all year; it's either hot or it rains. So far it's been both. Yesterday it rained, today hot sunshine is breaking through the clouds, and tomorrow's forecast is more rain. Yours truly will miss the additional rain, because it's time to come home for the weekend. For the record, the CMA Fest is as busy and intense as you see on TV. GAC has played a big part in the festival, so there should be plenty of footage for you to see, and ABC will air the highlights of the nightly concerts in a special later this summer. Last night, Dierks Bentley announced that he was doing "Sideways" for TV. When you see it, remember that that show took place in the wee hours of the morning after a rainstorm.
Anyway, this morning more concerts were going on at the daytime stage by the river. Enjoy The Oak Ridge Boys and Bucky Covington. More pictures to be posted later.
Kellie Pickler recently spent time at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, viewing the latest trends, meeting with designers, and watching the latest fashions walk down the runways. Kellie was spotted alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kim Kardashian, Nicky and Paris Hilton, among others. Kellie was seen in a variety of clothing and hair styles, many of which are not seen on country stages or red carpets. Which raises the question: Do country artists need to be dressed in high dollar fashion? Is it an obligation to the celebrity lifestyle to keep up with the coasts? Or should a country artist be more concerned with relating to their audience in middle America? Click off your opinion on the Listener Poll or write your comments.
This week Jake Owen releases his sophomore CD. Jake wrote 8 of the 10 songs on Easy Does It. To kick off release day, look for Jake performing the current single, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” on ABC's Good Morning America tomorrow.
Trace Adkins will make a couple visits to the Glenn Beck Show this week. This afternoon, Trace will talk with Beck about current events on his live show on Fox-TV. Then on Saturday, Feb. 28, Trace will be back on the weekend edition of Beck’s show to perform "Marry for Money" and "Muddy Water." The radio-version of the Glenn Beck Show airs weekday mornings from 7 – 10 and Saturday from 4 – 7 pm on KSNM-AM 570, sister station to KGRT.
The nominations for the Gospel Music Association’s 40th Annual Dove Awards have been released. Among the nominees in the country categories are George Strait “I Saw God Today,” the Oak Ridge Boys “Did I Make A Difference,” and Point of Grace “I Wish” in the Country Song category awarded to the writers. Randy TravisAround The Bend and I Richie McDonaldTurn To You are listed among the Country Album nominees. And up for special event album is the soundtrack to Billy: The Early Years, last year’s film about evangelist Billy Graham. The soundtrack features music by Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Patty Griffin, Brad Paisley and Josh Turner, among others. Nominated in the same category is How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites From the Grand Ole Opry, another compilation featuring country artists. The Dove Awards will be given out April 23 in Nashville.
Is it Monday already? The last week of January? How nine flies. Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday that Jason Aldean was a new artist with “Hicktown”? He’s putting out his third CD on April 7th. He’s calling it Wide Open. It’s produced by Michael Knox and features Jason’s touring band to give a bit of his live flavor to the recordings. Regarding the title, Jason says, "Wide open is the only way I know how to live. When it came time to give this album a title, that track just summed it all up...it describes my personality and attitude 100 percent. Me and the guys in the band went into the studio and recorded these songs live, and tried to picture ourselves playing them in an arena down the road somewhere. I think you can definitely feel that energy."
Last week we told you about Brooks & Dunn besting Alabama with the Top 10 single “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.” Well now the keepers of the statistics have added things up for Reba McEntire’s part in the single and have revealed that she bests Dolly Parton. Reba’s participation on the song credits her with a 56th Top 10, the all-time record for a female country artist. It’s interesting that for quite some time both Reba and Dolly were tied at 54 Top 10s. Then in 2006, Dolly moved ahead to 55 with her inclusion on Brad Paisley’s “When I Get Where I’m Going.” Soon enough, Reba came back to tie when her Kelly Clarkson duet “Because of You” went Top 10. The Brooks & Dunn single now inches Reba into the lead. Dolly should be plotting her next move as we type.
News From Around The Country Kellie Pickler has landed an endorsement deal with Sexy Hair. She’ll appear in the hair care company’s promotional materials throughout 2009. Keith Anderson will be on vocal rest throughout February. All shows and appearances have been cancelled so Keith can recover from minor vocal cord surgery. "I'm grateful to be able to take this time off during the dead of winter, a typically slower time on the touring schedule," said Kieth. "I certainly look forward to hitting it full throttle in March."
And here’s a story that has gone largely untold. Due to the overwhelming media coverage of the elections last fall, the devastation caused to Galveston, TX by Hurricane Ike didn’t get as much publicity as perhaps it should have. The September 11, 2008 hurricane was the third most expensive hurricane to hit American soil behind Katrina and Andrew. 75% of all structures on Galveston Island were damaged. Smaller communities were wiped off the map. The death toll has still not been finalized due to the number of people who stayed in their homes and have still not been found. Galveston Island and the surrounding coastal region are still reeling in the aftermath. The situation has not stopped The Oak Ridge Boys, and they have stepped up to bring awareness to the situation. Rather than canceling, The Oaks made their 7th Annual appearance at Galveston’s 1894 Opera House this past weekend. The Opera House, like much of the area, was damaged by the hurricane, but volunteers worked tirelessly to get the theatre in shape for the Oaks’ appearance. Word was that former President George HW Bush and his wife, Barbara, were in attendance, and The Oaks have called upon former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton to get the story of Galveston’s need for aid told the rest of the country.
Just 14 shopping days until Christmas! Still looking for the perfect gift? The Top 5 CD’s that Santa will be stuffing in stockings are: Taylor Swift –Fearless Faith Hill – Joy To The World Elvis Presley – Christmas Duets Rascal Flatts – Greatest Hits Taylor Swift – Taylor Swift
Rolling Stone Magazine has also come out with it’s list of the Albums of the Year. Only two country acts show up on the Top 50 list. The rock album TV On The Radio’s Dear Science tops the list. Jamey Johnson lands at number 32 for his GRAMMY nominated project That Lonesome Song. Taylor Swift scored spot 39 with Fearless. Ironically, the album right below her at number 40 is the Jonas Brothers A Little Bit Longer.
News From Around The Country The employees of the General Motors plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, got an early holiday gift this year when The Oak Ridge Boys showed up with tickets to their December 10 concert. The plant announced earlier this year it was going to be shutting down on December 23; The Oaks heard about it while they were appearing on local morning TV shows to promote the show. “We've seen this type of news from many places in our travels across the country," said Joe Bonsall. "When we heard about the plant closing just before Christmas, we just knew we had to do whatever we could to try to bring some joy to these folks. Our hearts and prayers are with them and all who are facing tough times in this economic climate.”
Luke Bryan made a special appearance this past Sunday at Nashville’s LP Field for the Marine’s annual toy drive at the Tennessee Titans/Cleveland Browns game. He made a special donation to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots of kids baseball bats, gloves and balls on behalf of Rawlings Sporting Equipment. Luke stuck around to perform the National Anthem in front of the sold-out crowd, and to see the Titans go 13-1 over the Browns. The local Toys for Tots campaign continues here at The Country Station. You can donate new, unwrapped toys for boys or girls of any age at Toy Boxes found in businesses all around town. Also look for the coin jars to donate your spare change to the 2nd Annual First Light Federal Credit Union Coin Run to benefit Toys for Tots. Stay tuned to hear the details on how you can be a winner when you help make a child smile.
Happy Monday. Overall, it was a slow news weekend, but a couple of fun things did pop up. It’s been announced that Trace Adkins asked his Celebrity Apprentice buddy Stephen Baldwin to make a guest appearance in his new video for “Muddy Water.” The video was shot last week in Montgomery County, TN, and it should be hitting the video channels soon.
Here’s one you have to see to believe. So click here. Yes, that is really The Oak Ridge Boys for sale on eBay. For the bargain starting price of $25,000, you can bid for The Oaks to come to your house for a New Year’s Eve party. This is the first time any musical act has ever put themselves up for bid on the internet marketplace. It’s also the unusual for The Oaks to work on New Year’s Eve, a time they typically reserve for their families. But this year, the group will do a private concert for the highest bidder. “I have to admit, I am a huge fan of eBay,” tenor Joe Bonsall says, “How cool that we will be auctioned off for New Year's Eve.” “You name the place, enter your winning bid and we'll be there!” Duane Allen promises. Joe adds, “I hope somebody from Hawaii wins!” All the particulars are spelled out on the auction page. Bidding ends September 21, 06:34 PDT for the concert of a lifetime.
And if you’re looking for a little diversion from your mundane Monday, you may want to try to clean up Ashton Shepard’s Pickin’ Shed. It’s a drag and drop game that asks players to arrange the objects in picture. When a transparent object is placed in the correct position, it turns to color. When all objects are arranged, you’re rewarded with Ashton’s video for “Sounds So Good.” It’s cute. Why not?
Happy Monday. Today’s Monday Music Madness features the soundtrack to Beer For My Horses. Not only does the CD contain the title song from Toby Keith and Willie Nelson, but you’ll also get the Trailer Choir “Off the Hillbilly Hook,” music from Ted Nugent, Rodney Carrington, and more. Stay tuned to Win It Before You Can Buy It.
Also this week, tune in to WIN Elvis #1 Hit Performances DVD. The daily Elvis Password that you need to win is found in the left sidebar under the Spotlight Artist.
New to the CD Release list, Taylor Swift will release her next album, Fearless, on Nov. 11 on Big Machine Records. Taylor wrote or co-wrote all 13 songs, and will be launching a new website, thetaylornation.com, on Aug. 22, where the album will be available for pre-sale. A limited-edition box set, featuring a CD, leather bracelet, T-shirt, picture book and decal, will also be available. The first 10,000 fans to purchase the boxed set and upload their photos will have their pictures included in a mosaic image in the album artwork and on the CD.
Things are sweet for Jewel and Ty Murray. News sources were abuzz this weekend with word that the two longtime lovebirds were married in the Bahamas last Thursday. The wedding was not a big surprise to those close to the couple or country music fans who were given a huge hint of the impending nuptials with Jewel’s latest single “I Do.”
Things are not so sweet in Sugarland. Former band mate Kristen Hall is suing Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush for $1.5 million dollars over unshared profits on Sugarland’s success. The suit contends that Hall created the band's name and that she, Nettles and Bush entered into an agreement to equally share profits and losses. The full story can be found on the CMT News Feed.
Last week, two babies were born to two Clay’s. Clay Walker and his wife, Jessica, welcomed their son, William Clayton Walker. Clay left a concert in Oregon to rush home for the birth in Houston. He is a perfect 6 lbs & 12 ounces, 20 inches long. And American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken and his friend and record producer Jaymes Foster announced the birth of their son, Parker Foster Aiken. He was born in North Carolina and weighed in at 6 lbs & 2 ounces, 19 inches long. It must be true what they say: things are bigger in Texas.
Keith Urban will have a duet with fellow Australian Olivia Newton-John on her new album, Olivia Newton-John & Friends: A Celebration In Song. The song was co-written by Keith and Olivia and was originally featured on an album that was only released in Australia in 2002. Look for “Sunburned Country” on the album next to collaborations with Barry Gibb, Richard Marx, Sir Cliff Richard and others. Royalties from the album will benefit the Olivia Newton-John Cancer And Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
Ever wonder why Elvis Presley continues to top Forbes.com’s annual list of Top-Earning Dead Celebrities? Two words: Elvis Week. Memphis hosts a collection of activities for vacationing Elvis devotees that would put Disney World to shame. It all started this past Saturday, one week prior to the 31st anniversary of Elvis’ passing. Over 2000 early risers participated in the 26th Annual Elvis Presley International 5k Run to benefit Cerebral Palsy. The weekend finished with an Elvis fans-night baseball game, an Elvis tribute-artist contest, Elvis-themed fireworks, gospel breakfast, scavenger hunt and enough parties to rock any jailhouse. The week continues with an Elvis Expo, the introduction of the Elvis and Priscilla Barbie Doll Gift Set, and a special guest for the Elvis Insiders Conference. Richard Sterban, currently with the Oak Ridge Boys, will appear to share his memories of touring and performing with Elvis. Richard sang bass for JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, and toured with Elvis in the early 70's. Richard Sterban is second from the left in the photo.
Elvis Week Video of the Day: Bucky Covington sings “Suspicious Minds” at the SNM State Fair / October 2007
Hope everyone had a festive fourth and a nice long weekend. Despite most country stars working holiday festivities around the country all weekend, news is relatively slow today. A new poll has been posted for you, and we’ll catch up some news that may have slipped through the cracks recently.
Whiskey Falls is taking their show overseas to England, France, and Japan. This summer the band will play in London at the world famous Borderline , followed by an appearance at the Country Rendez-Vous Festival in France. In October, Whiskey Falls will play the Country Gold Festival at the largest active volcano in Japan. The band also has their baseball-themed song “Load Up the Bases” being used by Fox Sports South as the official theme song for the network’s Major League Baseball coverage.
Word is also out that the Oak Ridge Boys have been named honorary members of the Barbershop Harmony Society. “To be recognized among the greatest harmony singers in the world is a huge honor,” said Duane Allen, lead singer of the Oak Ridge Boys. “After all, the Barbershop Harmony Society is all about harmonizing, and the Oak Ridge Boys have always said, 'Singing in harmony is great, living in harmony is even better.'” The Oak’s join legendary artists such as Gordon Lightfoot, the Osmond Brothers, Irving Berlin, Dick Van Dyke, Meredith Willson (author and composer of “The Music Man”), Mitch Miller and Bill Gaither who have also been extended honorary membership by the Barbershop Harmony Society.
