CMA Nominations Announced

Brooks & Dunn And Brad Paisley Lead Nominees With Six Nominations Each For “The 40th Annual CMA Awards,” Country Music's Biggest Night

Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and Newcomer Carrie Underwood Receive Four Nominations; Rascal Flatts and Dolly Parton Score Three Nominations Each

Brooks & Dunn Host 2006 CMA Awards From Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center Monday, Nov. 6 on the ABC Television Network

NASHVILLE – The final list of nominees for “The 40th Annual CMA Awards” is an across-the-board collection of hard-core traditionalists, Country Music hit makers, mainstream innovators, with a healthy dose of up-and-comers added to the mix.

The final nominees for the 2006 CMA Awards are:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
Keith Urban

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to artist and producer)
“Believe” Brooks & Dunn Produced by Tony Brown/Kix Brooks/Ronnie Dunn Arista Nashville

“Better Life” Keith Urban Produced by Dann Huff/Keith Urban Capitol Records Nashville

“Jesus Take The Wheel” Carrie Underwood Produced by Mark Bright Arista Nashville

“Summertime” Kenny Chesney Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney BNA Records

“When I Get Where I’m Going” Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton) Produced by Frank Rogers/Chris DuBois Arista Nashville

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to artist and producer)
Hillbilly Deluxe Brooks & Dunn Produced by Ronnie Dunn/Kix Brooks/Mark Wright/Tom Shapiro/Tony Brown/Bob DiPiero Arista

Me And My Gang Rascal Flatts Produced by Dann Huff/Rascal Flatts Lyric Street Records

Precious Memories Alan Jackson Produced by Keith Stegall Arista Nashville

The Road And The Radio Kenny Chesney Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney BNA Records

Time Well Wasted Brad Paisley Produced by Chris DuBois/Frank Rogers Arista Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to songwriter and primary publisher)
“8th of November” Big Kenny/John Rich ig Love Music/WB Music/Rich Texan Music

“Believe” Craig Wiseman/Ronnie Dunn Sony/ATV Tree/Showbilly Music/Big Loud Shirt

“Jesus Take The Wheel” Hillary Lindsey/Brett James/Gordie Sampson Dimensional Music of 1091/Raylene Music/No Such Music/Passing Stranger

“Tonight I Wanna Cry” Keith Urban/Monty Powell Universal Music/Lanark Village Tunes/Guitar Monkey Music/Coburn Music

“When I Get Where I’m Going” Rivers Rutherford/George Teren Universal Music/Memphersfield Music/House of Full Circle Music

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Sara Evans
Faith Hill
Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood
Gretchen Wilson

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dierks Bentley
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
Little Big Town
Lonestar
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Van Zant
The Wreckers

HORIZON AWARD
Miranda Lambert
Little Big Town
Sugarland
Josh Turner
Carrie Underwood

CMA World

Kenny Chesney Sells One Millionth Ticket

There aren't very many people who can sell a million tickets over a single tour -- let alone do it multiple times in a row. And then there's Kenny Chesney, who's not only done it on his five last tours, but the reigning and back-to-back Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year has done it over each of the past five consecutive summers - playing to a total of 5.8 million fans.

Now that's something pretty impressive - wouldn't you say so.


technorati tags:Kenny Chesney

Country Music Top Ten for Week of 8/27

1 1 Rodney Atkins, If You're Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)
2 2 The Wreckers, Leave The Pieces
3 3 Steve Holy, Brand New Girlfriend
4 5 Little Big Town, Bring It On Home
5 8 George Strait, Give It Away
6 9 Brooks & Dunn, Building Bridges
7 10 Faith Hill, Sunshine and Summertime
8 13 Josh Turner, Would You Go With Me
9 7 Brad Paisley, The World
10 4 Toby Keith, A Little Too Late

technorati tags:Country Music Top Ten, Rodney Atkins, The Wreckers, George Strait

Matt Kenseth Wins Again

Kenseth is on fire. Taking the win at Bristol he captured his fourth win of the season. And, with back to back to back, that's right his 3rd consecutive, wins he's clinched a spot in the playoffs. Oh, did I mention he won Bristol last year also.

"If we can go into the Chase like this, we'll have a shot at the championship. The guys are operating at a championship level," Kenseth said. "I was worried about going into the Chase and not running good. But this is what it's about, bringing your best piece and go there and try to win some races." NASCAR

Nextel Cup Driver Standings
Rank Driver Points
1 Jimmie Johnson 3499
2 Matt Kenseth 3492
3 Kevin Harvick 3178
4 Kyle Busch 3097
5 Jeff Gordon 3091
6 Denny Hamlin 3070
7 Jeff Burton 3064
8 Tony Stewart 3056
9 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 3051
10 Mark Martin 3049

technorati tags:Matt Kenseth, NASCAR, Bristol Motor Speedway

George Strait Releasing His 34th Album

Unlike the King of Rock and Roll, the King of Country is still going strong in the second half of his career. George has sold more than 62 million albums and has had 52 number ones. His new album "It Just Comes Natural" is set to release on Oct 3rd. Obviously, for him it does Come Natural.

Beyond the accolades, Strait is revered most for his traditional brand of music that serves as a soundtrack for the cowboy lifestyle and the weekend heartbeat of America’s dance halls and honky-tonks. From sophisticated Western swing and clever barroom anthems to sawdust two-steppers and smoky neon ballads, Natural is all that and more. It’s vintage Strait... Story


technorati tags:George Strait, It Just Comes Natural, King of Country

NASCAR Sharpie 500 at Bristol

The NASCAR Nextel Cup series Sharpie 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The event is the second Cup race there this season. Saturday at 7:40pm ET on TNT

2006 Winner
Kurt Busch

2007 Qualifying order
1 Mark Martin
2 Jamie McMurray
3 Morgan Shpherd
4 Clint Bowyer

technorati tags:NASCAR, Bristol Motor Speedway, Nextel Cup, Sharpie 500

Nashville Star Auditions

The Nashville Star is starting up with their Open Call Auditions for Season 5 soon. If you want to have a chance to be like Chris Young, don't miss your chance. They could be in a city near you. For more information and cities they'll be in, go to the USA Network.

technorati tags:Nashville Star Auditions, Nashville Star, Chris Young

John Michael Montgomery Settles DUI Charges

Montgomery gets a little slap on the wrist after being charged of three pretty substantial crimes. He was arrested back in February after being pulled over for eratic driving. When he was pulled over the officer found two guns and prescription bottle not belonging to him in his vehicle.

According to the Associated Press, Montgomery, 41, will pay $663.50 in fines and court costs and was ordered to complete an alcohol education program. His driver's license will be reinstated when he completes the program, Caldwell said. The agreement was reached Tuesday.

Charges of having a concealed deadly weapon and having a prescription in an improper container were dropped as a part of the plea deal.

I don't think the rest of us would get off that easy.

technorati tags:John Michael Montgomery, Country Singer, I Love the Way You Love Me, John Michael Montgomery DUI Plea

Darryl Worley to Divorce Wife of Five Years

Darryl Worley who's hits include, "I Miss My Friend" and "Have You Forgotten" is divorcing his wife of five years, Beverly. They both say it’s amicable and that they remain close friends. Their careers have just taken a toll on their marriage.

technorati tags:Darryl Worley, Darryl Worley divorce, Darryl Worley Songs

Kenseth Gets His Third Win of '06

Kenseth takes his third checkered flag of the season.

He told reporters, "What I thought of was Las Vegas, Bristol and Chicago because we were in a position to win all three of them and I got run into twice and passed once," said Kenseth, who held on for his third Cup win of the season and the 13th of his career. source AP

Not this time though. On a 36th lap restart Gordon did make a push, and even though his lap times were faster than Kenseth's, he ran out of time. Kenseth was smart and made sure he had enough tires left to not let this one slip away. He was able to hold off Jeff Gordon for the victory.

Country Music Top Ten for Week of 8/20

1 1 Rodney Atkins, If You're Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)
2 3 The Wreckers, Leave The Pieces
3 8 Steve Holy, Brand New Girlfriend
4 2 Toby Keith, A Little Too Late
5 9 Little Big Town, Bring It On Home
6 4 Gary Allan, Life Ain't Always Beautiful
7 7 Brad Paisley, The World
8 12 George Strait, Give It Away
9 11 Brooks & Dunn, Building Bridges
10 13 Faith Hill, Sunshine and Summertime

technorati tags:Country Music Top Ten, Rodney Atkins, The Wreckers, Faith Hill

Win Nocona Boots from Trace Adkins

Hey, anybody want a free pair of boots. Go here for the “Ladies Love Country Boys” and Nocona Boots Giveaway! contest from Trace Adkins.

technorati tags:Trace Adkins, Nocona Boots, Ladies Love Country Boys, Free Boots

NASCAR GFS Marketplace 400

Matt Kenseth's crew chief Robbie Reiser says he's not content with sitting second in the Nextel Cup Series standings. That's why he's taking one of his team's best cars to Michigan this weekend. More

Watch the NASCAR GFS Marketplace 400 at the Michigan International Speedway this Sunday at 2:00pm ET on TNT.

technorati tags:NASCAR, GFS Marketplace 400, Michigan International Speedway, Matt Kenseth

Produce the Next Faith Hill Video

08/11/06 : HILL PLACES CREATIVE FAITH IN HER FANS AS CMT HOSTS CONTEST FOR BEST

Grammy-award winner Faith Hill and CMT have joined to invite fans to produce their own video version for her latest single, "Sunshine & Summertime" from her #1 album, FIREFLIES. The winning video will be selected by August 28th and will air on CMT Top 20 Countdown on August 30th at 4:00-6:30 p.m. ET/PT. All submissions must be received by August 20th at CMT.com, http://www.faithhill.cmt.com, as an Mpeg, AVI or Quicktime clip via FTP, which cannot exceed 30 seconds in length. The secondary prize winner will receive various electronic gadgets, including a camcorder and accessories.

technorati tags:Faith Hill, Sunshine & Summertime, Fireflies, Produce Faith Hill Video

Gold Strikes Gold With WSOP Win

I don't know that I'm that happy for this guys win. He was an ex-LA agent or TV producer. Doesn't seem as much of a good story as Raymer or Moneymaker winning. Oh well, I'm probably just jealous.

The new king of poker was crowned early today when Malibu, California, resident Jamie Gold, 36, won the No-Limit Texas Hold’Em Main Event at the 37th annual World Series of Poker presented by Milwaukee’s Best Light. Gold took home $12 million, the largest prize ever awarded in a live poker tournament.

He outlasted a record field of 8,773 players who anted up the $10,000 buy-in for the Main Event, creating an unprecedented prize pool of $82.5 million -- the largest for any sporting event in history. The Main Event at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino was the culmination of the 46-event World Series of Poker, which this year generated more than $158 million in total prize money. Read the rest of the story.

technorati tags:WSOP, Jaimie Gold, Las Vegas

Faith Hill, Tim McGraw Tour Review

At least one show from the tour seems to not have been a must see concert.

An exerpt from Jim Harrington of the Inside Bay Area
...one of the selling points of this tour is that you get to see the husband-and-wife duo sing some duets. Yet, with the notable exception of the show-ending "I Need You," the duets were the weakest moments of the show.

Even some of the fans, who regularly love everything unconditionally, could be heard grumbling on the way out of the venue that the show wasn't as good as they had hoped.

The concert, which began nearly an hour after the advertised start time, opened with a great deal of drama. The houselights went dark and some vaguely Wagnerian sounds, crossed with a little Guns'N Roses-style rock, filled the venue. Some soft piano caressed our ears and then the stars rose up on platforms through the stage to sing "Like We Never Loved at All."

And that's pretty much how the two vocalists sang the song — like they'd never loved at all.
Read the whole story.

technorati tags:Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Soul to Soul II

Dixie Chicks tour moves to Canada

Just weeks after the Dixie Chicks cancelled, postponed or rescheduled some of it's North American tour dates, they played to a packed house just north of the border.




Chicks charm

Mon, August 14, 2006

A full house at the John Labatt Centre was in Dixie heaven last night with their idols.

By JAMES REANEY, FREE PRESS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNIST

That was one loud and beautiful detour that brought Dixie Chicks to a sold-out John Labatt Centre last night.

With a predominantly female crowd of 9,300 fans cheering on their three heroes and the Chicks' excellent band, the Texas country rock superstars were in Dixie heaven all night.

Read the rest of the story.

technorati tags:Dixie Chicks, Natalie Maines

Country Music Top 10 for week of 8/13

1 1 Rodney Atkins, If You're Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)
2 2 Toby Keith, A Little Too Late
3 5 The Wreckers, Leave The Pieces
4 8 Gary Allan, Life Ain't Always Beautiful
5 4 Brad Paisley, The World
6 6 Kenny Chesney, Summertime
7 7 Rascal Flatts, Me And My Gang
8 10 Steve Holy, Brand New Girlfriend
9 9 Little Big Town, Bring It On Home
10 3 Carrie Underwood, Don't Forget To Remember Me

technorati tags:Country Music Top 10, Rodney Atkins, The Wreckers, Carrie Underwood

Harvick Gets It Done At The Glen

Harvick and Stewart battle it out at the Glen. Stewart passed Harvick and I thought it was over.

Kevin Harvick hasn't had the results Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart have had on NASCAR's road courses. That may be about to change.

Running in the top 10 from the start of the race Sunday at Watkins Glen International, Harvick did what few thought was possible: He passed Stewart for the lead with three laps to go and won his first road race. Read the rest of the story.

technorati tags:Kevin Harvick, NASCAR, Tony Stewart

Lawnmower Races at Loggers' Jubilee

2006 JUBILEE! AUGUST 10-13, 2006

Every year on the second weekend of August, the town of Morton, Washington opens it's doors and welcomes all to come and experience their past and present community history. The Loggers' Jubilee has become "the Granddaddy of all Logging Shows" and a celebration for people of all ages. From the Main Street Parades to the Lawnmower races, the world famous Logging show to the Jubilee Queen Coronation, Morton's Loggers' Jubilee promises a good time for anyone.

Friday August 11th, 2006
Lawnmower Races:Time Trials 6:00pm, Racing 7:00pm

More Information

technorati tags:Lawnmower Races, Loggers' Jubilee

Alabama Inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame

Alabama's Awards Are Many and a Long Time Coming

By Ronna Rubin

Aug. 7, 2006–"For us it was, as they say, the outhouse or the penthouse!", Randy Owen, lead singer of country's Alabama says of all the hard work that made them the ninth biggest-selling group of all time, ahead of acts like the Beach Boys, Queen and Led Zeppelin.

Owen and bandmates Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon talk about their remarkable career with Master Series host Bill Cody for a special episode airing at 8 pm ET, Thursday, Aug. 17). Shot at Nashville's historic Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the group was present for a special medallion ceremony commemorating their induction into the revered Country Music Hall of Fame.

News : Music Beat : Alabama's Awards Are Many and a Long Time Coming : Great American Country

technorati tags:Alabama, Country Music Hall of Fame

NASCAR at the Glen

Next up for NASCAR - Road Racing.

The AMD at the Glen
Glen Watkins, NY
A 2.45 mile track with 11 turns
NBC Sunday, 8/13 at 1:00pm

Alan Jackson Helps Tornado Victims

NASHVILLE, TN Friday Aug.4.2006 /netmusiccountdown.com/

Alan Jackson performed a private concert Wednesday night for volunteers and donors at the Grand Ole Opry.The concert will help raise money for the family of Hendersonville, Tennessee firefighter Jerrod Hawkins and his wife Amy and their two sons. Amy was paralyzed by a massive F-3 tornado in April while trying to protect her sons. Two songs from Jackson's concert, "Remember When" and "Livin' on Love" will air as part of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in the Fall.

Net Music Countdown: Alan Jackson Performs At Benefit

technorati tags:Alan Jackson, Hawkin's Family, Tornado victims

Top 10 Country Songs - 8/6/06

Chart position - This week/previous week
1 3 Rodney Atkins, If You're Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)
2 4 Toby Keith, A Little Too Late
3 2 Carrie Underwood, Don't Forget To Remember Me
4 1 Brad Paisley, The World
5 8 The Wreckers, Leave The Pieces
6 5 Kenny Chesney, Summertime
7 6 Rascal Flatts, Me And My Gang
8 7 Gary Allan, Life Ain't Always Beautiful
9 9 Little Big Town, Bring It On Home
10 10 Steve Holy, Brand New Girlfriend

According to Billboard music charts.

technorati tags:top 10 country songs

Johnson Wins at the Brickyard

Nextel Cup point leader Jimmie Johnson fell to 38th on lap 39 when he blew a tire, but he was able to nurse his car to pit road and weather a pit-road fuel fire. He took over the top spot at lap 117 and then charged from eighth to the lead with nine laps to go after a late-race restart. He became the second driver to win the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same season, joining Dale Jarrett who turned the trick in 1996.

FOX Sports - Nextel Cup - Race Trax

technorati tags:NASCAR, Jimmie, Johnson, wins, Allstate400

NASCAR Allstate 400 at the Brickyard

The NASCAR Nextel Cup series heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend for Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. The event is the only Cup race there this season. The race is Sun., 2:30 ET on NBC. Tony Stewart is the defending race winner.

Allstate 400 at the Brickyard - NASCAR - Yahoo! Sports

technorati tags:NASCAR, Allstate, 400, Indianapolis

Kenny Chesney Dating Again

Kenny Chesney apparently has found love again. According to People magazine the singer has been dating the Colombian born actress and model Vane Millon since April when the two met during a music video shoot. The NY Post had reported earlier that he was quietly seeing Renee Zellweger again, whom he had his short four month wedding annuled in December. Chesney told the Nashville Tennessean that this was untrue.

technorati tags:Kenny Chesney, dating, Vane Millon, Renee Zellweger

George Jones Tribute Album

As recording of the Category 5 Records CD tribute to George Jones gets underway, many top Country artists have lined up to participate, offering their talents to salute the man many consider the greatest Country artist ever. GOD’S COUNTRY ships in mid-October. Slated as the debut single, the title track performed by George Jones (who appears courtesy of his long-time label Bandit Records).

This fall George Jones turns 75, but everyone who knows him agrees his music is truly ageless. Confirmed so far to perform on GOD’S COUNTRY are Vince Gill with "She Thinks I Still Care; "Joe Diffie singing "White Lightning;" Sammy Kershaw with "He Stopped Loving Her Today;" Pam Tillis with "Take Me;" Mark Chesnutt singing "Walk Through This World;" and Tracy Lawrence singing "The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)."

See the rest of the story at Category 5 Records.

technorati tags:George Jones, Tribute Album

Your Country Stage Name

If you've always wanted to be a famous country singer, you'll need a great stage name. Well, here's some help - just use this generator to get your name. Go ahead give it a try.

technorati tags:Country name generator, stage name

Red Bull Soap Box is Coming to St. Louis!

This looks like such a blast. I always wanted to do this when I was a kid. I just wish I had the time to put into building one.


Who says only racecars with engines have speed? For car fanatics and gear heads to under-the-hood rookies and full-service pump customers – the Red Bull Soap Box Race may be the ticket to speedway stardom. This unique non-motorized racing event takes to the streets in St. Louis’ Forest Park on October 28.

See the rest of the story at Red Bull.

technorati tags:Red Bull, Soapbox Derby, St. Louis

2006 Wrangler ProRodeo Summer Tour

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) along with Pro Rodeo Tour LLC, is pleased to bring you the 2006 Wrangler ProRodeo Summer Tour. Like the 2006 Wrangler ProRodeo Winter Tour, the Summer Tour will feature 12 stops and will run from mid-June through September, culminating with the three-day Summer ProRodeo Tour Finale Sept. 28-30 in Omaha, Neb.

Eight of the 12 events will be televised on Fox Sports Network (FSN).

Click for more information on Tour dates.

technorati tags:PRCA, Wrangler, ProRodeo, Summer, Tour

Vince Gill Helping Out in New Orleans

Press Release

Source: Academy of Country Music

Country Music Superstar Vince Gill, Academy of Country Music and the Home Depot to Build New Playground in New Orleans
Monday July 31, 5:00 am ET

KaBOOM! Playground to Honor Gill as 2006 Recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award

BURBANK, Calif., July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Country Music® and The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, announced today that country music superstar Vince Gill will join volunteers from The Home Depot and the surrounding community to construct a new KaBOOM! playground in one day at the relocated campus of the International School of Louisiana (ISL) in New Orleans on September 25, 2006. The playground is being built in honor of Gill, who was the 2006 recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award at the 41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

technorati tags:Vince Gill, KaBoom, building, playground