| NEWS W/C 16th November |
| Following her performance on "Children In Need" on November 20th, Taylor Swift generously donated £13,000 to the appeal - On November 20th assault and harassment charges against John Rich relating to an incident last March were dismissed by a Nashville judge - Lady Antebellum's single "Need You Now" has been certified Gold - Dierks Bentley is planning to release 2 albums in 2010, one of which will be bluegrass - Keith Urban has received 4 nominations for the Country Music Association of Australia Awards including "Best Male Artist" and "Best Country Album" - Wynonna and Naomi Judd may be returning as a duo for a US tour next year - Taylor Swift is to create a line of greeting cards, gift packaging, stationery and other related items with the American company American Greetings - Allison Moorer has signed to Ryko and a new album "Crows" is scheduled a February release - Faith Hill has split from her manager, Gary Borman - Trace Adkins has a 2 year endorsement deal with BC Headache Powder - Country Music executives ,Evelyn Shriver and Susan Nadler are to be the co-presidents of the independent record label, "Country Crossing Records" which includes Lorrie Morgan, John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Lee Greenwood and Louise Mandrell on its roster |
| NEWS W/C 9th November |
| On November 12th, Taylor Swift received the CMA's "International Artist Achievement Award" - Gary Allan's forthcoming album "Get Off On The Pain" is set for a February release - Taylor Swift has gone into the record books yet again as the first solo female act in a decade and the youngest artist ever to be named CMA Entertainer of the Year - On Darius Rucker's forthcoming album, there is a duet with Brad Paisley - Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood will be performing at the American Music Awards on November 22nd - A new film called "A Pure Country Gift" stars Katrina Elam - The "People's Choice Awards" are held on January 6th and in the Favourite County Artist category the nominees are Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift, In other categories Country artists who have received nominations are Tim McGraw and Keith Urban (Favourite Male Artist category), Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift (Favourite Female Artist category) and Taylor Swift (Favourite Pop Artist category).- The CMA Awards are to be shown in the UK on Film 24 channel, available on Sky and Freesat on November 18th at 8pm |
| CMA AWARD WINNERS |
| The winners at this year's CMA Awards were announced on November 11th and are:- ENTERTAINER:- Taylor Swift MALE VOCALIST:- Brad Paisley FEMALE VOCALIST:- Taylor Swift VOCAL GROUP :- Lady Antebellum VOCAL DUO :- Sugarland NEW ARTIST:- Darius Rucker MUSICIAN:- Mac McAnally (guitar) SINGLE OF YEAR (award to artist & producer):- "I Run To You" - Lady Antebellum ALBUM OF YEAR (award to artist & producer):- "Fearless" - Taylor Swift SONG OF YEAR (award to songwriter):- "In Color" - songwriters Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto MUSICAL EVENT:- "Start A Band" - Brad Paisley (with Keith Urban) MUSICAL VIDEO (award to artist and director):- "Love Story" - Taylor Swift The CMA Awards are to be shown in the UK on Film 24 channel, available on Sky and Freesat on November 18th at 8pm |
| NEWS W/C 2nd November |
| Dolly Parton is to appear in a new BBC series starting at the end of November exploring how faith shapes lives - Guitarist Tommy Cash underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome on November 5th - Joe Diffie has a new album "Live At Billy Bob's Texas" is released this month - The 2nd cookery book from Trisha Yearwood "Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood" is published in April - Dolly Parton, Ernest Tubb, Charlie Daniels, Kid Rock and Tootsie Bess (Tootsie's Bar) will be inducted into Music City's Walk of Fame on November 8th by the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers in the Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville - Taylor Swift has gone into the record books again this week claiming the Billboard record for the longest charting album of this century with her self titled debut album "Taylor Swift"which has spent 157 weeks on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart, more weeks on the chart than any album this decade - Alan Jackson is working on a new album which is anticipated will be released in the Spring - Mickey Gilley continues to recover from the serious injury he sustained to neck and spinal cord in July |
| NEWS W/C 26th October |
| A country music film called "No More Things" which features Lee Ann Womack and Tracy Byrd has been released in the USA and the soundtrack include songs from Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt, Blaine Larson, Tracy Lawrence, Pam Tillis and Clay Walker - The state of North Carolina has dedicated 6 miles of road as "Donna Fargo Highway" - Mark Collie married Tammy in a ceremony in Columbia, Tennessee on October 24th - Jo Dee Messina's album "Unmistakable", her first in 5 years is scheduled for an early 2010 release - A 3cd set entitled "Kenny Rogers the First 50 Years" was released in the USA on October 27th and is a 45 track collection including all the original versions of his biggest hits together with 3 new songs and a booklet - Tickets for all Taylor Swift's 15 shows on her "Fearless 2010 Tour" in the USA sold out within a few minutes - Garth Brooks' first 5 weekend of concerts in Las Vegas sold out in 5 hours - A lawsuit has been filed against Travis Tritt for $418,000 claiming that his business owed more than $430,000 for technical services provided to him as part of his 2006 tour - Former Drifting Cowboys steel guitar player, Robert D Norred died on October 25th - Billy Ray Cyrus stars in a Christmas film "Christmas In Canaan" which premieres on the Hallmark Channel in the USA- |
| NEWS W/C 19th October |
| Crackerbarrel Old Country Store is to stock a lifestyle collection "Alan Jackson Collection"created in conjunction with the singer and will include menswear, ladieswear and collectibles etc. - Justin Moore and his wife are expecting their first child in February - October 17th has been named "Danielle Peck Day" in the town of Zanesville, Ohio which is close to where Danielle was born in Coshocton - In the latest "Pollstar" rankings for concert tours in North America, Kenny Chesney is at No 5, Rascal Flatts (10), Keith Urban (12), Brad Paisley (16) and Taylor Swift (19) - John Rich and his wife are expecting their child |
| SONGWRITER AWARDS |
Both ASCAP and NSAI announced their songwriter awards this week and the country winners were:- ASCAP WINNERS NSAI Professional Songwriters Division's awards( informally dubbed "The Songs I Wish I'd Written") |
| NEWS W/C 12th October |
| Whitney Duncan makes her Opry debut on October 16th - Ralph Stanley's autobiography "Man of Constant Sorrow My life And Times" has been published in the USA - At a press conference on October 15th, Garth Brooks announced he was coming out of retirement but did not expect to release any new music or concert tours for another five years - Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band have been added to the list of artists to appear at this Year's CMA Award Show in November - Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook are expecting their first child in March 2010 - A new exhibition which will run until the end of 2010 chronicles the lives of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash - Charlie Daniels has released a cd/dvd Christmas package called "Joy To The World A Bluegrass Christmas" - Chet Atkins and Charlie Daniels were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame on October 12th |
| AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS |
The nominees in the Country section of the American Music Awards are:- In addition Taylor Swift has been nominated in the following categories, "Pop/Rock Female Artist", "Pop/Rock Album" and "Adult/Contemporary Artist " |
| NEWS W/C 5th October |
| The Nashville Music Awards were held on October 8th and the winners are shown below - Deana Carter married Brandon Malone on a beach in Malibu, California on October 3rd - In November, six Waylon Jennings albums from the late 60's are to be re-issued in 3 cd sets - Lady Antebellum's self titled debut album, recently released in the UK has been certified Platinum - Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery Gentry) has opened his own restaurant, called Eddie's Steakhouse, in Harrodsburg - Record producer and label executive, Shelby Singleton who was responsible for such hits as Jeannie C Riley's "Harper Valley PTA" and LeRoy Van Dyke's "Walk On By",died on October 7th following a battle with cancer - Lady Antebellum's second album "Need You Now" is due for a January release - Doug Kershaw, D L Menard, Jimmy C Newman and Jo-El Sonnier are to be inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on October 9th - Sugarland are to appear on a TV programme later in the year called "Life From Abbey Road" as a tribute to the Beatles - Michael Martin Murphey has signed a recording contract with Rural Rhythm Records - Sunny Delight Beverages in the USA have signed Martina McBride to appear in their advertising - Ty Herndon is to release a new album in 2010 - Caitlin & Will and Keith Anderson have parted company with Columbia Records Nashville - Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban are all to appear on the CMA Awards show in November - Kim Richey is to release a new album early in 2010 - Taylor Swift has moved from her parents house and bought her own home in downtown Nashville - Emmylou Harris received a honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music on October 4th - BNA Records and Pat Green have parted ways after only 2 albums |
| NASHVILLE MUSIC AWARDS |
At the Nashville Music Awards held on October 8 th, the country winners were:- |
| NEWS W/C 28th September |
| Two of Brooks & Dunn's semi-trucks were involved in an accident early on October 2nd in Northern California but nobody was hurt - Josh Turner's next album "Haywire" which was due for a November release but has been put back until February 2010 - Gretchen Wilson's single "Work Hard, Play Harder" is the first from her album "I Got Your Country Right Here" which will be released on her own recently formed record label "Redneck Records" early in 2010 - On November 8th, Vince Gill is to receive the 2009 "Spirit of Will Rogers Award" - Fiddle player Amy Farris was found dead at her home during last weekend - The IBMA Awards were held on October 1st, the winners are below - The Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 84th birthday on October 10th - Toby Keith is to perform at the concert at this year's Nobel Peace Prize on December 1th in Oslo - On September 27th, Holly Williams married drummer, Chris Coleman at an historic farm estate in Nashville - Jeff Bates and his wife Kelly are expecting their first child in the Spring - Carrie Underwood is to receive the 2009 Nashville Symphony's Harmony Award |
| IBMA AWARD WINNERS |
| The winners at this year's International Bluegrass Music Association Awards held on October 1st are:- BLUEGRASS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:- Dillards - Lonesome Pine Fiddlers ENTERTAINER:- Dailey & Vincent VOCAL GROUP :- Dailey & Vincent INSTRUMENTAL GROUP :- Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper MALE VOCALIST :- Dan Tyminski FEMALE VOCALIST :- Dale Ann Bradley EMERGING ARTIST :- The SteelDrivers SONG (Recording Title, Artist(s), Producer(s),:- "Don't Throw Mama's Flowers Away" - Danny Paisley & Southern Grass(artists), Chris Stuart &Ivan Rosenberg(writers) ALBUM (Recording Title, Artist(s), Producer(s), Label):- “Wheels,” Dan Tyminski (artist), Patrick McDougal (writer) RECORDED EVENT (Song Title, Featured Artists, Producer(s), Label):- “Proud To Be A Daughter of Bluegrass;” Daughters of Bluegrass featuring Dale Ann Bradley, Heather Berry, Lisa Martin, Gloria Belle, Sierra Hull, Rhonda Vincent, Lisa Ray, Linda Lay, Sally Jones, Jeanie Stanley, Carol Lee Cooper, Sonya Isaacs, Becky Isaacs Bowman, Michelle Nixon, Jeanette Williams, Sophie Haislip, Louise Tomberlain, Mindy Rakestraw, Lizzy Long, Frances Mooney, Lorraine Jordan, Annette Kelley, Lily Lieux, Dixie Hall, Judi Marshall, Melissa Lawrence, Beth Lawrence, Rebecca Frazier, Donica Christensen, Lisa Manning & Jenni Lyn Gardner (artists); Dixie Hall, Paula Wolak & Frances Mooney (producers); Blue Circle Records GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE ( Song Title, Artist(s), Songwriter(s), Producer, Label):- “On The Other Side;” Dailey & Vincent (artist); Jimmy Fortune, Kevin Denney & Tom Bodkin (writers); Jamie Dailey & Darrin Vincent (producers); Rounder Records INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE (Tune Title, Artist(s), Songwriter, Producer(s), Label “Jerusalem Ridge,” Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Bill Monroe (writer), Jeff White & Michael Cleveland (producers), Rounder Records INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS :- BANJO:- Kristin Scott Benson BASS:- Marshall Wilborn FIDDLE:- Michael Cleveland DOBRO:- Rob Ickes GUITAR:- Josh Williams MANDOLIN:- Jesse Brock INTERNATIONAL GROUP:- Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper |
| NEWS W/C 21st September |
| Jo Dee Messina is finishing work on her next album "Unmistakable" but no release date has yet been set - Crystal Gayle gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 2nd - Dolly Parton's cd/dvd set "Dolly Live From London" which includes interviews, is to be released in November - Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Hank Williams Jnr, Dolly Parton, Jerry Reed and Harlan Howard were given Pioneer Status Awards from the ACM on September 22nd for their contributions to country music - Lady Antebellum's No 1 single "I Run To You" is being used in an advertising campaign on USTV for financial services company TIAA-CREF - Rascal Flatts' "Greatest Hits Vol 1" is to be re-released in October as a limited edition consisting of 2cd set with 4 bonus tracks recorded live, interviews and a poster of the group - Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame on September 17th - On September 18th, Lucinda Williams married her manager, Tom Overby, on stage after her concert at the First Avenue venue in Minneapolis |
| AMERICANA MUSIC AWARD WINNERS |
The winners at this year's Americana Music Awards held on September 17th are:- In addition Lifetime Achievement Award were presented to John Fogerty (for songwriting), Sam Bush (for Instrumentals), Asleep At The Wheel (for performance) and Emmylou Harris received the Jack Emerson Award |
| NEWS W/C 14th September |
| Lorrie Morgan's new album "A Moment In Time" is set for an October release and is a mix of new songs and some of Lorrie's favourite classics such as "Are You Lonesome Tonight" as well as two duets with Tracy Lawrence and Raul Malo - Taylor Swift is included in People Magazine's "Best Dressed List"- On October 18th, Toby Keith will receive the NSAI "Songwriter/Artist of the Decade" and Craig Wiseman will receive the award for "Songwriter of the Decade" at the National Songwriters Association's International Songwriter Achievement Awards - Kenny Chesney has told "Entertainment Weekly" that he will not be touring in the summer of 2010 - Gretchen Wilson is to be honoured by the National Coalition For Literacy with the 2009 NCL Leadership Award on September 16th - Taylor Swift was rudely interrupted, when she was giving her acceptance speech for the "Best Female Video Award" (You Belong With Me) at the MTV Music Video Awards on September 13th, by Kanye West who burst onto the stage and stole the microphone from Taylor saying that Beyonce should have won the award. He was booed by the audience, and later in the evening he was asked to leave the show. He has received countless criticism from all quarters and has since apologised fro his behaviour - Zac Brown's wife, Shelly, gave birth to their 3rd child, a daughter on September 9th |
| CCMA WINNERS |
| The winners at this year's Canadian Country Music Association Awards held on September 13th are:- FANS CHOICE:- Johnny Reid FEMALE:- Crystal Shawanda MALE:- Johnny Reid GROUP/DUO:- Doc Walker ROOTS ARTIST/GROUP:- Corb Lund RISING STAR:- Tara Oram SINGLE:- Brothers - Dean Brody ALBUM:- Dance With Me - Johnny Reid SONGWRITER:- A Woman Like You (written by Johnny Reid / Brent Maher; recorded by Johnny Reid) CMT VIDEO:- A Woman Like You - Johnny Reid |
| NEWS W/C 7th September |
| Taylor Swift's album "Fearless" is being re-released with six new songs and a dvd of photographs, tour footage and videos - Nominees for this year's CMA Awards were announced on September 9th, details below - On September 5th, Barbara Mandrell became the first woman to be inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame at the International Steel Guitar Convention in St Louis - Taylor Swift's worldwide album sales have now passed the 10 million mark and has sold more than 20 million paid song downloads, more than any other artist in country music history - Lyle Lovett has a new album "Natural Forces" released in October - Joe Nichols' forthcoming album "Old Things New" is now being released on October 27th - Songwriter J D Souther is to receive the ASCAP Golden Note Award on October 19th in Nashville |
| NEWS W/C 31st August |
| Razzy Bailey was inducted into the America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame on September 2nd - LeAnn Rimes has announced on her website that she and her husband are to divorce - On October 17th, Garth Brooks is to be inducted into the Oklahoma State University Alumni Hall of Fame - Zac Brown Band's album "The Foundation" has achieved Platinum status - On October 18th, Tammy Wynette is to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame along with songwriters, Kye Fleming and Mark D Sanders - Sugarland are releasing a 10 track Christmas album "Golden Green" on October 6th - Toby Keith is to open another "I Love This Bar & Grill" in WinStar World Casino which is in Texas - Carrie Underwood's next album "Play On" and is due to be released in November - "Beautiful Mess" is the title of Diamond Rio's autobiography which will be published in September - Toby Keith's album "An American Ride" has been rescheduled for release on October 6th - The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers and the Dillards are to be inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame - The 80's pop star Tiffany is hoping to record a country album by the end of the year |
| NEWS W/C 24th August |
| CMA nominees are to be announced on September 9th by Darius Rucker and Lee Ann Womack - Reba McEntire's latest album "Keep On Loving You" is No 1 on Billboard's Country Album and Top 200 Album Charts, it is her first No 1 to hit the No1 spot on the Top 200 and now holds the record as the female country artist with the most No 1 albums on Billboard's Country Album Charts with 11 No 1's since the chart was launched in 1964 - Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are to host the CMA Awards on November 11th - Jack Ingram has smashed the Guinness World Record with 215 interviews in 24 hours which is the most consecutive radio interviews in a 24 hour period - Jerry Lee Lewis is to release his first country album since 1970 and will feature tracks by Kris Kristofferson - Larry Knechtel, a keyboard player who has played with artists such as the Dixie Chicks and Hank Williams Jnr, died on August 20th - On August 23rd, Garth Brooks received the Dale Franklin Leadership Music Award which is given for leadership in the Nashville Music Business Community - Anne Murray's autobiography "All Of Me" is published in October - Rascal Flatts' album "Unstoppable" has been certified Platinum - Taylor Swift's debut album "Taylor Swift has been certified 4 Platinum - Toby Keith is opening another "I Love This Bar & Grill" later this year in Pittsburgh - On August 20th, LeAnn Rimes was questioned by police, but not arrested, after being involved in a traffic accident in West Los Angeles |
| NEWS W/C 17th August |
| Robert Earl Keen has a new album "The Rose Hotel" on the Lost Highway label set for a September release - A 2 cd Country Christmas compilation "Now That's What I Call Country Christmas" is released in October and includes tracks from Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Johnny Cash, Sugarland and Alabama - Carrie Underwood has formed a fund to help her hometown area of Checotah, Oklahoma and it will help general causes, needs and services in the area - Kenny Chesney has developed a new casual clothing line for both men and women called "Blue Chair Bay" - A 4 cd box set of Dolly Parton is to be released in October covering the years from 1957-1993 - Shania Twain is to be a guest judge of the Chicago auditions of the US TV Show "American Idol" - Josh Turner's new album "Haywire" is to be released in November - Gates Nichols, the steel guitar player for Confederate Railroad died on August 14th |
| NEWS W/C 10th August |
| Bomshel's debut album "Fight Like A Girl" is released in September - Brooks & Dunn have announced on their web site that they intend to go their separate ways next year - Big & RIch have their Greatest Hits collection released in September - Darius Rucker's album "Learn To LIve" has been certified Platinum - On August 11th, Tracy Lawrence was hospitalised in Nashville after he was diagnosed with early stages of pneumonia - Carrie Underwood is to be inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame on September 9th - Hello magazine has named Shania Twain as Canada's most beautiful woman - Neal McCoy, Michael Martin Murphey and Linda Davis are to be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame - Bill Anderson is to start work on a new album which is expected to be released before Christmas - The Bellamy Brothers are releasing a career retrospective with "Anthology Vol 1" - Miranda Lambert's album "Revolution" is due out at the end of September - The Oak Ridge Boys have a new album out called "The Boys Are Back" |
| NEWS W/C 3rd August |
| Luke Bryan's album "Doin' My Thing" is released in October - Lorrie Morgan and Joe Nichols are to star in the Broadway musical production of the film "Pure Country" - Billy Currington and one of his band members were among a large number of people injured during a severe storm on August 1st, when a stage collapsed at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, Canada, one person was killed - Holly Williams has got engaged to her drummer boyfriend Chris Coleman |
| NEWS W/C 27th July |
| Banjo player, Charlie Cushman had a triple bypass surgery on July 28th - Ralph Stanley's autobiography "Man of Constant Sorrow - The Life And Times of A Music Legend" published in October - Gretchen Wilson has parted company with her record company and intends to start her own label in the near future - Mel McDaniel has left hospital and is now in a rehabilitation facility as he continues to recover from his heart attack which he suffered on June 16th - On September 9th the Recording Academy will host its first ever Grammy salute to country music honouring Vince Gill who will be presented with the Recording Academy's President's Merit Award to honour his professional achievements and remarkable career - Tim McGraw's "Southern Voice" album is set for an October release - Lonestar's song "Amazed" is the most popular choice for UK newlyweds' first dance with Shania Twain's "From This Moment On" taking the number 3 slot - Phil Vassar's next album has been deferred until November - On August 14th San Antonio, Texas will honour Tracy Lawrence by making him a Honorary Citizen |
| NEWS W/C 20th July |
| Rachel Proctor has a new album "What Didn't Kill Me" set for an August release - Hank Williams Jnr's latest album "127 Rose Avenue" will be his last for Curb Records - On July 21st a permanent restraining order was issued against a Nashville woman who has been stalking Gary Allan - On November 12th a four issue comic book series called "Luke McBain" is to be published and centres around a character based on Trace Adkins - The Universal Music Publishing Group have signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Keith Urban - Sugarland have been forced to cancel concerts due to Jennifer Nettles' reoccurring vocal problems - Mandolin player Sam Bush is to receive the Lifetime Achievement for Instrumental Award form the Americana Music Association on September 17th - Jamey Johnson is to release a new album in the autumn |
| NEWS W/C 13th July |
| Jason Aldean is to promote Wranglers in the US - Merle Haggard has been forced to postpone or cancel dates in his current tour because of head and neck pains - Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss are to perform at an educational workshop at the White House - Luke Bryan has a new album "Doin' My Thing" due for an October release - Ferlin Huskey has been discharged from hospital and is recuperating at home - Donna Fargo was inducted into Carolina's Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame on July 16th - Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum) married Cassie McConnell on June 6th - Toby Keith releases a new album "American Ride" in the autumn - Willie Nelson's next album will be highlights from his 10 years with Lost Highway Records together with 3 new tracks |
| NEWS W/C 6th July |
| Mickey Gilley was seriously injured in a fall on July 5th and underwent surgery on July 7th - Asleep At The Wheel are to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance at the American Awards on September 17th - The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic held in June raised $550,000 for children with cancer and families - Jennette McCurdy of Nickledon's TV programme "iCarly" has signed with Capitol Nashville - New albums due in the next few months include Patty Loveless "Mountain Soul II" (September), Rosanne Cash "The List" ( October) and Carrie Underwood, no title yet in November- Mel McDaniel suffered a heart attack on June 16th and is in a serious condition in a Nashville hospital - Philadelphia, Mississippi, has a "Marty Stuart Day" on July 9th and is naming a road "Marty Stuart Drive" - Ferlin Huskey was admitted to hospital on July 2nd |
| NEWS W/C 29th June |
| Holly Williams makes her Opry debut on July 3rd - In November "Dolly LIve In London"dvd will be released but in the meantime, Dolly Parton's album "Very Best Of" has sold in excess of 300,00 copies in the UK - Alan Jackson's suburban mansion "Sweetbriar" is for sale at a cool $38 million - Terri Clark will release a new album "Takes The Long Way Home" in September - Josh Turner and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed the birth of their 2nd son, Corby Lynch Turner, on June 26th - The BMI is to honour Kris Kristofferson as a "music icon" during their Country Awards in November - Tim McGraw's first studio album "Southern Voice" in over 2 years is set for an autumn release - Kassidy Osborn of the group, SHeDAISY, has got married - Ray Price is recovering surgery on June 23rd to remove a pre cancerous polyps from his colon - Taylor Swift set an attendance record at the 14th annual Country USA Festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on June 24th |
| NEWS W/C 22nd June |
| Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelly has married Cassie McConnell - Dolly Parton has finished writing her first childrens' book called "I Am A Rainbow", proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit a charity "Imagination Library" - Guitarist and songwriter, Tim Krekel, who has worked with and written for many artists including Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Jimmy Buffett, Pam Tillis, Crystal Gayle and Kathy Mattea, died from cancer on June 24th - Jason Aldean's album "Wide Open" has been certified Gold - The soundtrack from "Hannah Montana The Movie" has been certified Platinum - Toby Keith is play his first European tour later this year including dates Glasgow, London, Dublin and Belfast see tour page for details - Montgomery Gentry were inducted into the Opry on June 23rd - Charley Pride was made a honorary Canadian citizen on June 20th and given a key to the city of Edmonton - Two members of Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys were injured in a car accident, on June 22nd, including his grandson who sustained 2 broken legs - After 17 years without a record deal the Gatlin Bros are releasing a new album "The Pilgrimage" this summer - Chris Cagle has been told to rest his vocal chords which has meant his gigs for June, July and August have had to be cancelled - Julianne Hough is to star in a remake of the film "Footloose" - Aaron Tippin is to be honoured at the DAR 118th Continental Congress in mid July for his outstanding dedication and service to American troops and their families |
| NEWS W/C 15th June |
| Taylor Swift is appearing at Wembley Arena on November 23rd - Zac Brown Band are to release a live dvd/cd set later in the year - Guy Clark has a new album "Sometimes The Song Writes You" in September - Alan Jackson is to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame next year - Travis Tritt's father, James E Tritt, died on June 15th - Faith Hill is to launch her own fragrance in September - - Kellie Pickler has been voted "Sexiest Vegetarian Alive" by "People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals" - Martina McBride has helped raise in excess of $72,000 for the YWCA in the Nashville area in a celebrity auction - Blaine Larson has signed with the new label "Treehouse Records" - Shooter Jennings proposed to his girlfriend, Drea Matteo (an actress from "The Sopranos"), during a show on June 11th |
| CMT MUSIC AWARDS |
The CMT Music Awards were held on June 16th and the winners were:- |
| NEWS W/C 8th June |
| Loretta Lynn was inducted into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame on June10th - Tim McGraw has a new fragrance called "Southern Blend" under his franchise with Coty Beauty - Nashville producer Barry Beckett, who has worked with numerous artists including Kenny Chesney, Alabama and Neil McCoy, died on June 10th aged 65 - A new book has been published about Garth Brooks called "The Garth Brooks Factor : The Career Behind Country's Big Boom" - Lorrie Morgan celebrated 25 years at the Opry on June 9th - Brady Seals has an album "Playtime"set for an August release - Lady Antebellum are in the process of recording their second album - Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts and Jeffrey Steele are latest lifetime members of Nashville Songwriters Association International |
| NEWS W/C 1st June |
| A new record label called "Republic Nashville" have signed Sunny Sweeney and the new duo Fast Ryde - In Forbes Top Celebrity 100, there are several country performers, Kenny Chesney at No 31, Rascal Flatts (42), Toby Keith (59), Taylor Swift (69) and Carrie Underwood (75) - George Strait's current album "Troubadour" has been certified Platinum and he has now had 33 Platinum or Multi-Platinum albums making him the artist with the most RIAA Platinum certified albums in country music and 3rd in all genres being beaten The Beatles and Elvis Presley - Chet Atkins and Charlie Daniels will be officially inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum on October 12th - John Rich was ordered out of a cafe after throwing a bottle when being asked to leave so as not to violate the state mandated time to stop consuming alcohol - The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is to honour Carrie Underwood when an exhibition opens on June 11th until the end of December - Miranda Lambert has raised $120,000 in her "Cause For The Paws" event on May 17th in aid of the Humane Society of East Texas - Luke Bryan is working on his second album |
| NEWS W/C 25th May |
| On May 28th, John Rich (Big & Rich), who faces charges of 2 misdemeanour counts of assault and one misdemeanour account of harassment relating to a dispute with a Nashville Star contestant, has been released on a bond of $3,000 after turning himself in to the Nashville Police - Kellie Pickler had to cancel 2 shows due to bronchitis - James Otto has a new album due for an autumn release - The latest No 1 on Billboard's Country Airplay Charts, "Then" by Brad Paisley makes him the only artist in 20 years to have 10 consecutive No 1 singles - Montgomery Gentry are to become the latest members of the Grand Ole Opry and will be officially inducted on June 23rd - Six miles of road in North Carolina is to be known as Donna Fargo Highway - Jay Bennett, former member of Wilco died on May 24th |
| NEWS W/C 18th May |
| Texas State Legislature have named Willie Nelson as the 2009 Texas State Musician - Taylor Swift has two awards at the BMI Annual Pop Awards for her crossover hot "Teardrops On My Guitar" and also the BMI President's Award which celebrates individuals who have had special influence on the industry - The group Drive-By Truckers have left New West Records - Toby Keith's youngest daughter, Krystal, is to start work on an album in 2010 - "A Heartbeat And A Guitar" is a new book being published in October telling about the collaboration between Johnny Cash and Peter Lafarge - LeAnn Rimes and her husband Dean have put their Nashville home up for sale - Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt is planning a country music career - Reba McEntire is returning to this year's CMA Fest, after a 13 year absence, to sign autographs - John Michael Montgomery is starting his own record label called "Stringtown" and is planning to record an album covering 70's and 80's Outlaw songs |
| NEWS W/C 11th May |
| In Maxim magazine's "Hot 100 Females", Carrie Underwood is at No 60, Taylor Swift (50) and Julianne Hough (25) - Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and Charlie McCoy will be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on May 17th - Dolly Parton has just released a children's book called "I Am A Rainbow" written by her for children between 4 years and 8 years old - Brooks & Dunn and Dierks Bentley have received the CMA's International Achievement Award which was presented during their final gig in Australia - This year's CMA Awards are to be held on November 11th - Stephen Bruton died on May 9th, apart form being a performer he has also produced albums and played on tracks - Norm Stevens who used to play guitar for many top names died on May 11th |
| NEWS W/C 4th May |
| On May 8th Dolly Parton received a honorary degree of humane and musical letters from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville - Taylor Swift's album "Fearless" has gained Gold certification in the UK - In "Glamour Magazine's" 50 Most Glamorous Women, Taylor Swift is at No 35 and Carrie Underwood at No 25 - Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, has to rest her voice due to a viral tonsil condition forcing the duo to cancel some gigs - Willie Nelson's long time stage manager, Poodie Locke, died on May 6th following a heart attack - "Hello" magazine has voted Shania Twain the most beautiful Canadian - Josh Gracin has parted company with Lyric Street Records - Jason Aldean's single "She's Country" has been certified Gold for more than 500,000 digital downloads - On May 5th, the musical "9 to 5", based on the film with Dolly Parton, has received 4 Tony Award nominations - Toby Keith is set to open his second "I LOve This Bar & Grill" restaurant at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills , Michigan |
| NEWS W/C 27th April |
| Vern Gosdin who suffered a stroke several weeks ago and had numerous hits including "Chiseled In Stone" which was CMA's Song of the Year in 1989, died in a Nashville Hospital on April 28th, He was 74 - Garth Brooks is to be the executive producer for a new LIfetime Television film based on his hit "Unanswered Prayers" - Readers of "Country Weekly" magazine have voted Chris Young "Country Music's Hottest Bachelor - In FHM's "Sexiest Women" poll, Taylor Swift made No 76 |
| NEWS W/C 20th April |
| Randy Travis' album "Around The Bend" was named Country Album of the Year at the Gospel Music Association's 40th Annual Dove Awards on April 23rd - On April 24th Taylor Swift received the key to the city of Evansville, Indiana, the city's council president also declared April 23rd "Taylor Swift Day" - On May 19th the Tractors are releasing their first album "Trade Union" in six years - Toby Keith has opened his "I Love This Bar And Grill" at Mesa, Riverview - In the USA "Forbes" have published the Top Ten Country Earners with Kenny Chesney (1), Rascal Flatts (2), Toby Keith (3), Taylor Swift (4), Brooks & Dunn (5), Tim McGraw (5), Brad Paisley (7), Sugarland (8), Carrie Underwood (8) and Alan Jackson (10) - Bluegrass singer/songwriter Becky Schlegel and her banjo playing husband, Heath Loy, became parents of Harley Allen on April 15th - Blackbird Vineyards Napa Valley has teamed up with Martina McBride to launch the 2006 Martina McBride Signature Series Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine - Brad Paisley son, born on April 17th has been called Jasper Warren - Jimmy Dean and his wife escaped without injury from a fire at their home on April 20th but 3 firefighters suffered minor injuries - Alabama's front man Randy Owen received the Donald R Myers Humanitarian Award on April 20th from the Appalachian Regional Commission - Jamey Johnson's album "That Lonesome Song" has been certified Gold - An independent film called "Noble Things" in which Lee Ann Womack makes her acting debut, premiered at the Nashville Film Festival on April 20th - Zac Brown Band's album "The Foundation" has been certified Gold - Ferlin Husky was taken into hospital on April 17th with congestive heart failure and pneumonia - On May 8th, the University of Tennessee East College of Arts & Sciences will grant a honorary doctorate degree to Dolly Parton |
| NEWS W/C 13th April |
| Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly welcomed their 2nd son on April 17th - Jason Aldean's latest album "Wide Open" has sold more than 100,000 units in the first week - Rascal Flatts have taken the No 1 slots in the latest Billboard Charts in Hot Country Singles and Top 200 with "Here Comes Goodbye" and their album "Unstoppable" is No 1 on the Country Album chart - Tim McGraw is to co-star with Sandra Bullock in a forthcoming film called "The Blind Side" - George Strait's brother Buddy was found dead in a San Antonio hotel room on April 10th - Taylor Swift donated her prom dress to a charity auction and it raised $1,200 - On April 8th Charlie Daniels received the Joe M Rodgers Spirit of America award |
| NEWS W/C 6th April |
| Marty Stuart, Josh Turner and producer "Cowboy" Jack Clement are due to be inducted into Music City Walk of Fame on April 19th - Joe Nichols is to star in a Broadway production of the film "Pure Country" which starred George Strait - Miranda Lambert is to appear in a US TV commercial for "Cotton Inc" - On April 9th, Doug Stone was arrested and charged with domestic battery after alleging attacking his 21 year old son - Keith Urban, whose latest album "Defying Gravity" is No 1 on the latest Billboard Country Album Chart is also No 1 on Billboard's "Top 200 Albums", the first time he has achieved that position - In a website survey by Redbook, readers voted Faith Hill's look as the one they would most want to steal - "9 to 5" the musical made its Broadway debut on April 7th - "Dancing With The Stars" professional Julianne Hough, who on Sunday won the ACM's "Top New Female Vocalist"award is to quit the show to concentrate on her singing career - Eddie Rabbitt, who died in 1998, has a "No 1 Hits" album released in May and includes 17 singles that topped the Country Charts - On April 6th George Strait was presented with the ACM Artist of the Decade" award by Garth Brooks |
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| ACM WINNERS |
| The winners in the main categories of this year's ACM Awards held on April 5th, are:- ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR – Carrie Underwood TOP MALE VOCALIST – Brad Paisley TOP FEMALE VOCALIST – Carrie Underwood TOP VOCAL GROUP – Rascal Flatts TOP VOCAL DUO – Sugarland TOP NEW MALE VOCALIST – Jake Owen TOP NEW FEMALE VOCALIST – Julianne Hough TOP NEW VOCAL DUO/GROUP – Zac Brown Band ALBUM OF THE YEAR - "Fearless" - Taylor Swift SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] "You're Gonna Miss This" - Trace Adkins, Produced by Frank Rogers - Capitol Nashville SONG OF THE YEAR [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)] "In Color" - Jamey Johnson - Composers: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto Publishers: Big Gassed Hitties (BMI), Eldorotto Music Publishing (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lucky Thumb Music (BMI), New Song of Sea Gayle (BMI), Noah's Little Boat Music (BMI) VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] "Waitin' On A Woman" - Brad Paisley - Producer: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea - Director: Jim Shea, Peter Tilden VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company ] "Start A Band" - Brad Paisley Duet With Keith Urban - Produced by: Frank Rogers - Arista Nashville |
| NEWS W/C 30th March |
| The founder of Broken Bow Records, Benny Brown, has launched a new independent label, Stoney Creek Records and Megan Mullins is switching joins the new venture - Actor Steve Martin makes his Opry debut on May 30th with a performance from his debut music album "The Crow New Songs For The Five String Banjo" - Gretchen Wilson has a new single, released in April, called "The Earrings Song" - The musical production of "Conway Twitty The Man The Music The Legend The Musical" has Elizabeth Cook playing the role of Joni Twitty, one of Conway's daughters - Steve Wariner is working on a tribute album to Chet Atkins which is hoped will be released later this year - At the Canadian Juno Awards the Country Recording of the Year was "Beautiful Life" by Doc Walker - Former Grand Ole Opry manager and announcer Hal Durham has died, He was 87 |
| NEWS W/C 23rd March |
| Dan Seals, who had numerous country chart entries including 11 No 1's, died of March 25th from cancer - The Family bluegrass band GoldHeart, who are touring the UK in April/May, have signed with Rural Rhythm Records - Merle Haggard and the late Harlan Howard will receive the ACM Poets Award for their songwriting contributions to country music while Dolly Parton will receive the Jim Reeves International Award and the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award will be given to Randy Travis, Hank Williams Jnr, Kenny Rogers and the late Jerry Reed. The Tex Ritter Award for country music orientated film goes to "Beer For My Horses" starring Toby Keith - Tracy Lawrence and several people travelling with him escaped a bus accident without serious injury on the road to Nashville when the left front tyre of the bus blew out and the driver lost control - Keith Stegall has signed to Sony/ATV Nashville - Dolly Parton has been ranked the 10th most powerful person in Tennessee according to the Power 100 survey from Business Tennessee magazine - On March 26th in New York City the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation presented Toby Keith with the Johnny "Mike" Spann Memorial Semper Fidelis Award |
| NEWS W/C 16th March |
| Rascal Flatts' latest single "Here Comes Goodbye" has sold 126,000 copies on iTunes and become the best first week sales of any country digital single in its history - Neal McCoy, Michael Martin Murphey and Linda Davis are to be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame on August 15th - On March 18th at the Austin Music Awards, Reckless Kelly were named Best Performing Band in the Country section - Willie Nelson had to postpone 6 tour dates through illness - Sugarland's dates in Ireland were cancelled through illness and they hope to reschedule - Nashville label Country Thunder Records has closed down - Mac McAnally has signed with Toby Keith's Showdog Records |
| NEWS W/C 9th March |
| On April 28th, Clay Walker is to receive the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's highest honour, the MS Hope Award for outstanding civic and community service - A survey by the Country Radio Broadcasters Inc and Edison Research, listeners who said their first radio choice was a Country Radio station chose Brad Paisley as top artist followed by Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and Tim McGraw. The most popular emerging artists were Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band whilst all time favourites were George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks and Rascal Flatts - Ryan Adams married Mandy Moore on March 10th in Savannah, GA - Loretta Lynn guests on Todd Snider's forthcoming album "Excitement Plan" scheduled for a June release - Sara Evans is working on her next album which should be released later this year and also is writing a book - Sugarland were forced to cancel 2 dates in Europe as Jennifer Nettles lost her voice - Hank Locklin, best known for his single "Send Me The Pillow You Dream On", died on March 8th. He was aged 91 - The ACM announced winners of the Top New Male Artist, Jake Owen, Top New Female Artist, Julianne Hough, Top New Duo or Group, Zak Brown Band. All 3 will now vie for the Top New Artist Award at the ACMs in April |
| NEWS W/C 2nd March |
| Irby Mandrell, father of Barbara Mandrell died on March 5th in a Nashville hospital - The group Gloriana make their Opry debut on March 6th - Merle Haggard received the "Career Achievement Award" from the Country Radio Broadcasters at their annual meeting on March 3rd - Ernest "Ernie" Ashworth who had several hits in the 1960's including a No 1 "Talk Back Tremblin' Lips", died in Nashville on March 2nd aged 80 - Miranda Lambert has launched her own range of jewellery, which she designs and handcrafted herself, through ENDYDESIGNS.COM - Taylor Swift is at No 2 on the UK Singles Chart issued 1st March with "Love Story" - Jeff Carson who had a No 1 hit with "Not On Your Love" in 1995 has now become a full time police officer for the city of Franklin, Tennessee |
| NEWS W/C 23rd February |
| Anne Murray is to receive a honorary degree from the University of Prince Edward Island on May 9th - Daryle Singletary has signed with E1 Music - Toby Keith is to appear in a new film called "Provinces Of Night" - On March 2nd, Record Executive and producer, Tony Brown is to receive the 2009 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award honouring his contribution to the music industry - Darius Rucker's album "Learn To Live" has been certified Gold - Tim McGraw's children's book "My Little Girl" has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2009 "Mom's Choice Award Gold Seal" - Buddy Miller suffered a heart attack on February 19th and underwent a successful triple bypass heart operation on February 20th |
| NEWS W/C 16th February |
| Josh Turner and his wife, Jennifer are expecting a child in the summer - Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton have raised $70,000 at a recent concert to help build an animal shelter in Oklahoma - A star shaped plaque was unveiled by Marty Stuart in downtown Meridian, Mississippi as a tribute to Jimmie Rodgers - Lisa Brokop and her husband, Paul are expecting a child in August - Dolly Parton is releasing a new album "Sha-Kon-O-Hey : Land Of Blue Smoke" to benefit the Smokey Mountain Community and will be available at Dollywood, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and through the Smokey Mountain Association - Dolly Parton is to receive an Honorary Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee in May - Corb Lund has signed a new deal with New West Records - Little Jimmy Dickens had returned home after recuperating at a rehabilitation Centre in Nashville following surgery on his brain |
| SPBGMA WINNERS |
| The winners in the main categories at the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music In America held on February 14th were:- ENTERTAINER: Rhonda Vincent |
| NEWS W/C 9th February |
| Alecia Nugent's next album album has been rescheduled for a May release - According to Billboard, Kenny Chesney is the top Country Music money maker and 6th in all music genres - Alison Krauss and Robert Plant are working on their next album together - The state of Mississippi want celebrate their Country Music heritage by establishing a Country Music Trail across the state - Taylor Swift is on a promotional tour of the UK next week and is scheduled for several TV and radio appearances - Darius Rucker's album "Learn To Live" has been certified Gold - LeAnn Rimes is to receive the Home Depot Humanitarian Award at the ACM Awards show on April 5th - Singer Molly Bee, best known in the 50's and 60's, died on February 7th - Miranda Lambert is working on a new album which is due out in September - A Taylor Swift concert at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on May 22nd, sold out in just 2 minutes |
| GRAMMY WINNERS |
Winners at the Grammy Awards, held on February 8th, in the Country categories are:- |
| NEWS W/C 2nd February |
| SHeDAISY have a new album "A Story To Tell" to be released in the Spring - Toby Keith is to receive the highest honour, "MOAA Distinguished Service Award" for his exceptional support of military people, from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) - Ricky Skaggs is re-issuing 4 of his country albums from the 1980's, the first being "Highways & Heartaches" on February 24th - Steel guitarist Tom Brumley, who played with Buck Owens and Rick Nelson died on February 4th in San Antonio, Texas. He was 73 - Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and Charlie McCoy are to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame - Jamie O'Neal has a new album set for a May release |
| NEWS W/C 26th January |
| Kenny Chesney is selling his $5.7 million home in Key West, Florida - Toby Keith is launching his own clothing line called "T K Steelman" offering reasonably priced clothing aimed at men between 25 and 54 years old and will include T shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, cowboy hats and baseball caps - Rachel Proctor is putting the finishing touches to her next album which is hoped to be released in the Spring - - Kellie Pickler is to appear in series of adverts for 'Sexy Hair' products in the USA - A Hendersonville mansion which once belonged to Tammy Wynette has been severely damaged by fire - Taylor Swift has taken the top position on Forbes list of Best Selling Musicians of 2008 with Sugarland at No 8 - Holly Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Jnr, has signed a deal with Mercury Records - Brooks & Dunn's latest Top Ten single "Cowgirls Don't Cry" is their 41st Top Ten single and put them ahead of the group Alabama for the most Top Ten singles by any Country duo or group and with Reba McEntire on the radio version of the song it gives her her 56th Top Ten single making her the Top Country Female Artist with the most Top Ten Singles |
| NEWS W/C 19th January |
| Keith Anderson is to have minor vocal cord surgery - Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift are to appear in the new "Hannah Montana" film - Willie Nelson had given his old tour bus to his daughter, Paula Nelson - Little Jimmy Dickens has been moved from hospital to a rehabilitation centre to recuperate from his surgery - Taylor Swift's album "Fearless" has become the longest running No 1 by a solo female artist since 1995 on Billboard's Pop Album Chart - Jo Dee Messina gave birth to her first child, a son Noah Roger on January 19th in a Nashville hospital |
| NEWS W/C 12th January |
| Dixie Chick, Martie Maguire is to record a fiddle album - Alan Jackson's "Good Time" has topped a poll of nightclub proprietors and dance instructors for 2008's Top Country Dance Song - Little Jimmy Dickens is recovering from brain surgery on January 13th to alleviate a buildup of blood - Mandolin player, Butch Baldassari, a member of Weary Hearts and Lonesome Standard Time, died on January 10th - On January 10th Taylor Swift went into the record books again as the youngest country singer ever to appear on the US TV Show "Saturday Night Live" - Garth Brooks is to perform at a ceremony leading up to the inauguration of Barack Obama as the nest US President - Patty Griffin has started work on her next album - Taylor Swift is to appear on the US TV Show "CSI" as a teenager Haley Jones who's parents run a seedy Las Vegas hotel - Loretta Lynn is working on a new album which will be released later this year and will be in a traditional country style but deal with modern issues, She is also working on an album of re-recorded versions of her No 1 hits from the last four decades |
| NEWS W/C 5th January |
| Chely Wright's next album "Notes To The Coroner" is tentatively set for a summer release - Dolly Parton is to be inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame on February 2nd -At the "People's Choice Awards" Carrie Underwood received "Favourite Star Under 35" , "Favourite Female Singer"and "Favourite Country Song" with "Last Name " awards and Rascal Flatts took the "Favourite Group" award - Taylor Swift is launching a line of sun dresses at Wal-Mart in the Spring - On January 5th James Otto underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff - Steel guitarist Walter Haynes, who played with artists such as Little Jimmy Dickens, Del Reeves and Jeanne Pruett, died on January 1st |