Ronnie Dunn Single

Though Brooks & Dunn may have come to an end, Ronnie Dunn is now making his own name for himself on the country music airwaves. His first single from his upcoming solo debut album, “Bleed Red,” is currently on the radio, with the music video and song currently available for purchase.

The full track listing and cover art has been revealed for the self-titled debut album, “Ronnie Dunn,” which is set to drop on June 7. The anticipation only began to rise when the music video for Dunn’s “Bleed Red” premiered Friday on CMT, CMT.com and CMT Pure as a part of the network’s Big New Music Weekend. This video was one of the six world premiere videos airing that are part of the only videos featured on CMT throughout the April 22-24 weekend music hours.

Fans can currently pre-order Dunn’s upcoming album online at Amazon.com. The complete album track listing is below:

1. Singer in a Cowboy Band
(Ronnie Dunn/Craig Wiseman)

2. I Don’t Dance
(Ronnie Dunn/David Lee Murphy/Craig Wiseman)

3. Your Kind of Love
(Maile Misajon/Jeremy Stover)

4. How Far to Waco
(Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride)

5. Once
(Jamie Floyd/Philip LaRue/Peter Sallis)

6. Cost of Livin’
(Phillip Coleman/Ronnie Dunn)

7. Bleed Red
(Andrew Dorff/Tommy Lee James)

8. Last Love I'm Tryin’
(Ronnie Dunn)

9. Let the Cowboy Rock
(Ronnie Dunn/Dallas Davidson)

10. I Can’t Help Myself
(Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride)

11. I Just Get Lonely
(Ronnie Dunn)

12. Love Owes Me One
(Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride/Bobby Pinson)

For more information about Dunn visit RonnieDunn.com.

Steel Magnolia raises cell phones

With the help of Chevrolet and CBS Radio, as well as a little work from the hand of God, Steel Magnolia has aided in the effort to gather over 800 cell phones for Chevrolet’s “Cell Phones for Soldiers” campaign. Along with this initiative, they have also raised funds to purchase pre-paid calling cards to send soldiers who are serving abroad.

Those students at collected the most phones from Ft. Pierce, FL’s John Carroll High School and Tampa, FL’s Braden River High School, thus winning acoustic performances from the southern duo who are composed of Meghan Lindsey and Joshua Scott Jones.

“We really love this campaign. We know what it’s like to be away from home. Being able to connect our soldiers with their loved ones back home and play for these students who worked so hard for this cause is a win-win all the way around,” Lindsey said.

The winning high school beat out eight over schools in the West Palm Beach area, which collected more than 500 cell phones that will be used to buy international calling cards for the servicemen and women across the world. Steel Magnolia, then, awarded both schools – over 1,000 students – a free concert, which included performances of their Top 10 hit “Keep On Lovin’ You,” and their newest single, “Last Night Again.”

“This was a terrific way for our Chevrolet dealers to partner with local high schools for the benefit of our men and women serving overseas. ‘Cell Phone For Soldiers’ is a great organization and we appreciate Steel Magnolia’s partnership with this event,” said Tom Gilbert, Chevrolet Southeast Regional Marketing Manager.

Girls' Night Out!

The best-of-the-best female country artists will be coming together to perform for one night on Friday April 22 on the CBS Television Network at 9 p.m. in “Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country – The Concert of the Year.” This show is meant to honor Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Jennifer Nettles and Carrie Underwood.

The women are all being recognized for different achievements. Lambert, for example, is being honored for being the only female artist in the Academy’s history to ever win Album of the year – twice (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” in ’07 and “Revolution” in ’09).

McBride is being recognized by ACM Lifting Lives for her dedication to raising social consciousness of domestic violence, while encouraging female empowerment.

Reba is being acknowledged for winning Female Vocalist more times than any other artist in the Academy’s history, which is an astonishing seven times.

The Judds are being recognized for being the ACM’s most award-winning female duo, having won Vocal Duo of the Year seven years in a row (1981-1990), as well as Song of the Year in 1984 for “Why Not Me.”

Loretta Lynn is being honored for her spectacular 50-year career as a leading female artist in country music, including being the only female artist to win Artist of the Decade, Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Jennifer Nettles is being acknowledged for being one of the only two female artist in history of the ACM to ever perform and solo write the winning Song of the Year, which was “Stay” in 2007.

Carrie Underwood is being honored for being the only female artist in the Academy’s history to win Entertainer of the Year – twice (2008, 2009) – and Female Vocalist three times, and winning a total of ten ACM Awards in all.

The special tribute performances will feature Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, John Fogerty, The JaneDear girls, Little Big Town, Pistol Annies (also featuring Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley), Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, and – of course – the honored female artists, as well.

Tickets from the live event benefited ACM Lifting Lives. For more information visit acmcountry.com or liftinglives.org.

MerleFest 2011

It’s that time of year again – the rain is falling, the flowers are blooming and MerleFlest 2011 will be kicking off Thursday April 28 and run through Sunday May 1, all of which will happen on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

The list of performers fits the “traditional plus” definition that is hoped to be offered by the festival’s host, Doc Watson, as he does every year. The term was coined by Watson to describe the unique mix of music that is found at MerleFest, which ranges from traditional, to roots-oriented Appalachian sounds, as well as Americana, country, bluegrass, and “whatever other styles we were in the mood to play,” Doc said.

“MerleFest provides a true value to its customers and an affordable weekend getaway,” said festival director Ted Hagaman. “When you consider that you can see over 90 artists on 14 stages, the admission prices are extremely reasonable. Also, there are no hidden charges. We provide free parking, a free shuttle that will deliver you to the entrance, a free program guide as you enter, and all children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. In addition, our Little Pickers Area for children offers each child the opportunity to make crafts and participate in several interactive exhibits- all free of charge.”

Collectively, the award-winning lineup has earned47 Grammy Awards, over 50 International Bluegrass Music Awards, four Americana Music Association Awards, and many, many others. Doc Watson was even awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998, as well as received the National Medal of the Arts from President Bill Clinton in 1997, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences at the 2004 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Those in attendance at MerleFest are promised to receive many unexpected and special surprises throughout the festival, as well as spontaneous jam sessions and one-of-a-kind musical collaborations. For the complete lineup and stage schedules, as well as more information about MerleFest, visit merelfest.org.

MerleFest 2011 tickets can be purchased at merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857, or at the gate. The gates open on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. and on Friday-Sunday at 9 a.m.

Gary Allan kicks-off CMA Daily Concerts

The CMA Music Festival will be celebrating its 40th birthday this summer, which kicks off Thursday, June 9 in downtown Nashville, and will a slew of shows through Sunday, June 12. The line-up for the numerous shows, such as the Daily Concerst on the Shevrolet Riverfront Stage, includes artists from the past and present, as well as up and coming acts.

The Daily Concerts series will kick-off June 9 at 10 a.m. with what is promised to be high energy and high entertainment from multi-Platinum recording artist Gary Allan. This will mark Allan’s first performance at the CMA Music Festival since 2006. The Daily Concerts on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage are free and open to the public.

"Gary Allan will provide a dynamic start to 2011 CMA Music Festival at the Daily Concerts on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage," said CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore. "This stage is packed with great hit-makers from the '70s through today, spotlighting all the decades of CMA Music Festival's existence. And it's free! We invite everyone to come and enjoy the great music on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage."

The Daily Concerts will come to an end on Friday June 10 with Darryl Worley, It will close on Saturday June 11 with Billy Ray Cyrus, and Terri Clark will close the show on Sunday June 12.

The artist lineups that are currently announced are listed below in alphabetical order:

Thursday, June 9: Gary Allan, Emerson Drive, Colt Ford, Jack Ingram, Sammy Kershaw, Craig Morgan, James Otto, Jake Owen, Randy Rogers Band, and Steel Magnolia.

Friday, June 10: Frankie Ballard, Bucky Covington, Brett Eldredge, Jo Dee Messina, Randy Montana, Heidi Newfield, Sawyer Brown, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, and Darryl Worley.

Saturday, June 11: Crystal Bowersox, Jason Michael Carroll, Billy Ray Cyrus, Steve Holy, Lonestar, David Nail, Corey Smith, Mel Tillis, and Chuck Wicks.

Sunday, June 12: The Bellamy Brothers, Terri Clark, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Josh Kelley, LoCash Cowboys, Jerrod Niemann, Troy Olsen, and Sunny Sweeney.

The entire performance order will be available on CMAFest.com, which is the offical website of the CMA Music Festival. More information, along with additional artists and up-to-date information, will be revealed closer to the event date.

John Rich, Gary Busey showdown on Celebrity Apprentice

Country rocker, and celebrity apprentice contestant, John Rich may now be realizing just what fellow country star and former celebrity apprentice contestant Trace Adkins meant when he said the show was an “exercise in restraint.” This became a bit too clear for Rich when it came to his teammate Gary Busey.

Last week’s episode, which aired on April 10, showed the precursor of tension that was yet to appear on the episode aired April 17. This episode showed the eccentric actor returning from the boardroom victoriously. This left Busey’s Backbone team groaning in unison. They were all hoping that Donald Trump would have kept musician Mark McGrath and “fired” Bussey. Rich even mentioned to the actor that he was creating conflict within the group. “You’re either cray or a saboteur,” Rich said. “And I don’t think you’re crazy.”

For the episode, when Busey was named project manager of the weeks challenge, the men’s team ensured enough room to let him fall. The group was to write, produce and star in a live cooking demonstration that featured Omaha Steak products, all the while creating special meals and variety packs with the product. Busey was found to be unorganized and ineffective, which left him frustrated by his team – especially when he, ironically, assigned the task of cooking to Meat Loaf, who had admitted he did not know how to cook. He also failed to give any responsibilities to the other two members of the group, Rich and Li’l Jon.

Rich, then, tried to create the menu for the dish Meat Loaf was cooking. Busey, then, continuously intruded on the singer, which caused to leave the menus to be a matter for the actor. Then, when the menus were printed incorrectly, Busey pointed to finger to Rich, who claimed the mistake to be that of Busey’s lack of proofreading.

“We have been locked in a room with a mad man,” Rich said. Reportedly, more feathers were ruffled when Busey denied referring to Rich as “boy” off-camera the previous day, but he did, however, admit to calling him “K-boy,” as an abbreviated version of “cowboy.” This, however, did not seem very plausible to, well, anyone.

When it was time to leave the kitchen, with no time to prepare or rehearse, the men were forced to go into the presentation cold turkey. However, Meat Load was able to impress the Omaha Steak executives, who said that he could become a spokesperson for the company due to the amazing success he had. Then, it was Busey’s turn to step up and describe the occasions surrounding each meal. Busey went on to share time-consuming and rather bizarre, absurd stories – including one about a family flying a kite after a Father’s Day dinner, which all left the audience scratching their heads.

Then, it was time for the boardroom. In there, the women’s team, A.S.A.P, was declared to be the winner. The guys were able to let out their frustration with Busey. Here is where Rich described Busey’s skills as project manager as a “catastrophic collapse of time management.” Li’l Jon then chimed in, saying the actor was “orbiting in outer space,” the entire time of the challenge. When Busey finally had what was coming to him from the Chairman of the Board – fired – the others waited in the room until Busey entered the elevator to avoid any awkward confrontations and accusations.

To find out what happens next on Celebrity Apprentice, watch on Sundays on NBC at 9 p.m. Next Sunday, both teams are given the challenge to take on the task of creating an ad campaign for the Trump Hotel Collection.

As for country superstar Rich, he agreed to appear on Celebrity Apprentice in order to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The singer-songwriter-producer also wrote and recorded “For the Kids,” [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/for-the-kids-single/id426540944] with all the proceeds of the song’s download from iTunes to benefit the hospital.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/18/john-rich-gary-busey-celebrity-apprentice/

Urban takes a breather

Keith Urban kicked off a tour in his homeland of Australia this month, as a part of his Get Closer world tour. This has left many eager crows, with high-level energy, anticipation, and excitement anxiously awaiting and participating throughout every moment of Urban’s shows. However, when Urban finds audience members sitting idly, maybe tapping their feet, and minding their own business, Urban knows something is a bit off.

“It’s the prison warden security,” Urban said to AdelaideNow. "God forbid that everyone can have a good time. A concert is supposed to be two hours of unbridled freedom, to be in the moment, to have the best night. You should be allowed to do that."

Being back home, Urban took advantage of his own freedom, and took his band and labelmates Lady Antebellum, who is also touring with Urban, down to the Sutton Forest farm owned by Urban and his wife Nicole Kidman. Here, the group reportedly spent their time riding motorcycles and dirt-biking. The Adelaide paper also reports that later on, during a show, Urban ribbed Antebellum’s Charles Kelley onstage during their show, joking how silly the long-legged singer looked riding a short bike.

While all the traveling can leave Urban feeling a bit jetlagged every now and then, and with the newest addition to his family – baby Faith Margaret – schedules have been adjusted and arranged to accommodate the little one, and the family. “You know the meaning of minority rules when a baby is in the house,” Urban said.

While Urban and his family are in a constant struggle to keep what is private, private, there is also so much that can be revealed without revealing too much. Recently, Urban let fans in one some of his family’s intimate moments through the video for his most recent single, “Without You.” He told AdelaideNow that the director shot footage of Urban with daughter Sunday Rose on set that day, which stirred up quite a bit of emotion in the southern singer.

"I had Sunny with me on set and sat her down and just wanted to shoot a bit of her to keep for ourselves for our home movies,” Urban said. “And watching her was the part that really moved me. I wanted all the images to fly by in a very dream-like way and not be so blatant. This song is obviously so personal, and we're obviously very private people, so it was a question of how to balance that and honor the authenticity of the song."

While the Australian portion of Urban’s tour has come to an end, fans can view footage from several of the shows at keithurban.net. Up next for Urban is an appearance on “CMT Crossroads” with partner John Mayer on April 30 in Las Vegas. This is in correlation as part of the 2011 Tiger Jam at Mandalay Bay, a night of music and festivities to benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/18/keith-urban-australia-tour-2011/

Save The Music Songwriter's Series to feature The Band Perry

On June 2, the New York based non-profit organization The VH1 Save the Music Foundation will be hosting a fundraising concert in Nashville, featuring The Band Perry at the Hard Rock Café. Tickets to the Songwriters Music Series are $100.

The Save the Music Foundation will also be hosting other events throughout the coming months to raise money and awareness. Such as on May 10 at the Hard Rock Café in New York City, Glee star Matthew Morrison will be performing. In September, a similar concert to those in New York and Nashville will be taking place in Los Angeles.

The VH1 Save the Music Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to restoring musical instruments and educational programs in public schools throughout the United States. While doing this, they are also dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music as a part of each child’s complete education.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1662084/the-band-perry-will-play-vh1-save-the-music-concert-in-nashville.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle

Keith Urban Admires Eric Church

Just because a person may have ‘made it big’ in the country music industry doesn’t mean that person is not fans of other musicians. For example, country musician Eric Church recently found out that fellow country music star Keith Urban is a big fan of his music.

“That’s huge praise,” Church told CMT on April 13, once finding out. “I’ve said this before, but I’m a straight-up music snob. There are not a lot of things I like, and I love with Keith does. I always have.”

Church and Urban have both found their ways into their own niches of the music industry, but this does not mean that their fans, and their admiration of each other, does not overlap. "You know,” Church said, “he's always been a guy that has a lot of respect because he's a musician, he's a writer, he makes great records, he tours. He's the real deal. ... So to have someone like that pay attention and care what you're doing means a lot.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-offstage/1662057/offstage-eric-church-loves-keith-urbans-love-the-most.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle

Taylor Swift Won't Bare It All

Despite her high rising career, Taylor Swift won’t be proving her adulthood as most celebrities her age are, which is by shedding their clothing. The 21-year-old songstress assures that she will not become as provocative as her peers anytime soon, or ever for that matter.

"I wouldn't wear tiny amounts of clothing in my real life, so I don't think it's necessary to wear that stuff in photo shoots," Swift said to US magazine.

However, the one place where Swift does bare it all is in her music, which seems to be working to her benefit. Swift received her first ACM Entertainer of the Year award earlier this year, as well as awards for celebrating 20 million album sales, as well as 35 million songs sold worldwide.

Currently, Swift is on tour for her nearly sold-out Speak Now World Tour 2011.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/13/taylor-swift-clothing/

Julie Roberts multiple sclerosis

It’s been about 5 years since we last heard new music from Julie Roberts, which has left many fans in speculation about her hiatus. Julie Roberts recently took to her blog to inform fans one of the main reasons for her absence.

"A circumstance that I was dealing with when recording my second album was I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis," Julie said. "It all started when I was on the road touring for my first album. I'd be in the middle of a show and couldn't hold my microphone anymore. I'd have to switch the microphone between my hands, back and forth to get through a song."

The blonde bombshell admitted that her health troubles took some of her confidence, as well as casted a negative shadow on the process of recording for her second album. Roberts admits to not listening to her sophomore album in over a year.

"I believe I haven't listened to the 'Men and Mascara' album in over a year because I thought I didn't do a good job with it," Roberts said. "As I was recording that record, my mind was on my record, then it would switch to my health, then back to my record," therefore, not giving it her full attention and dedication.

Along with her health concerns, Roberts was faced with more hardships when she lost her home and personal belongings in the Middle Tennessee 2010 Flood, which took many of the residences homes in the area.

However, her personal setbacks have not held her back completely from her music. She has since learned to love her second album, and now offers fans hope for new music in the close future.

"My tentative plan is to have my record ready by Memorial Day weekend to sell at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and on iTunes, of course," says Julie. "If that changes, I will update you, but plan that for now! I am excited and anxious to tell you all the details of the recording of every song."

The entire blog post can be read here: http://julierobertsjourney.blogspot.com/

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/13/julie-roberts-multiple-sclerosis/

Soul Surfer Box Office Hit

Carrie Underwood is not only a multi-award winning, and extremely talented, country crooner, but now she is also an actress in a box office hit. Soul Surfer, which features Underwood’s first film role, erned $11.1 million over its opening weekend.

The film earned $5,014 per theater, which the Wall Street Journal says is the best of any wide release.

The film tells the inspirational story of Bethany Hamilton. Hamilton is a surfer who lost an arm due to a shark attack several years ago. Underwood plays Hamilton’s youth minister. Hamilton is played in the movie by Anna Sophia Robb, who appeared at the ACM Awards previously this month.

Soul Surfer received an A-plus rating from CinemaScore. This polling website asks viewers to assign a letter grade to new movies, which intends to project the projects’ earnings.

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1661739/soul-surfer-earns-111-million-in-opening-weekend.jhtml?rsspartner=rssFeedfetcherGoogle

CMA Music Festival Nightly Concert Tickets

The 2011 CMA Music Festival will be taking place in downtown Nashville June 9-12. This event will be celebrating its 40th birthday, as well. It will also be, once again, filmed for an ABC television special, which is to air later in the summer.

The Nightly Concerts at LP Field during CMA Music Festival are, undoubtedly, the best way to enjoy and receive the full CMA Music Festival experience, and at an unbeatable price. On Saturday, April 16 at 11 a.m. ET, tickets for these Nightly Concerts will go on sale to the public for $35 (plus handling fees) for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field. Fans are able to purchase these tickets through Ticketmaster or at Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. They can also be purchased through CMAfest.com or 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).

"You simply cannot beat the value of a CMA Music Festival single ticket to the Nightly Concerts," CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore said. "Thirty-five dollars to enjoy a night filled with performances from today's superstars and rising talents is an unbelievable price. With such a low cost, we anticipate that these tickets well sell quickly, so fans interested should consider purchasing now."

The artists shceudled to appear at LP Field are as follows:

Thursday, June 9: Jason Aldean, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band.

Friday, June 10: Sheryl Crow, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Ashton Shepherd, Keith Urban, and more to be announced soon.

Saturday, June 11: Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Josh Turner, and Chris Young.

Sunday, June 12: The Band Perry, the JaneDear girls, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, and more to be announced.


Artists are scheduled and subject to change, and additional artists will be announced in the near future.

Those in attendance of the CMA Music Festival can also know that they are providing needed instruments and musical education supplies to Nashville students. CMA Music Festival is a charity event which benefits music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education.

More than $4.9 million has been donated to date. These proceeds to go purchase musical instruments and supplies. This also includes an annual endowment gift for the Country Music Fall of Fame and Museum’s Words & Music program. The program, which is titled “Keep the Music Played,” was founded in 2005 for the CMA Music Festival and its participating artists, so that they are all able to give back to the community.

For more information about CMA Festival, visit CMAfest.com.

Need You Now Most Downloaded Country Single

The Grammy award-winning hit “Need You Now” has now accomplished another amazing feat. This week, it became the No. 1 most downloaded country song of all time, surpassing Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” which previously held the top spot.

This track, from Lady Antebellum’s Triple Platinum “Need You Now” sophomore album, recently earned Grammy’s for “Song of the Year,” Record of the Year,” as well as “Country Song of the Year.”

On Last Sunday’s 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, the band received awards for Album of the Year: Need You Now, as well as their second consecutive Vocal Group of the Year award.

As for now, the country music trio is making the trip to Austrailia for the first time, to partner with Keith Urban’s Get Closer 2011 World Tour. The tour kicked off April 8 in Adelaide. For more information and a full list of upcoming appearances, visit ladyantebellum.com.

Lady A's Hillary Scott Not Engaged

It seems to be yet another case of the I-Told-You-So’s! Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott donned a shimmering diamond ring – on her left ring finger – at last Sunday’s Academy of Country Music Awards. The presence of this band on her finger generated many whispers and speculations about whether or not the counter singer is engaged.

Backstage, however, Scott was adamant in saying she was, in fact, not engaged. All the way, band mate Charles Kelley resoundingly excalimted, “I told her not to wear that! I told her it was going to start rumors!”

“"First of all, I'm not engaged! On the record," Scott said to The Boot. "Whenever you wear fancy jewelry like this, you just put it on the finger that fits, and this is the finger it fit on. I'm not engaged yet."

Although, an engagement for Scott is not too far fetched of a concept. Scott has been dating drummer Chris Tyrrell since last year. The two rang in the New York together in Florida, and Scott has raved about him being a romantic. Over Christmas, the two were in Saratoga, NY, where Tyrrell planned a day and event full of events for them – including a horse-drawn carriage.

However, in the mean time, Lady Antebellum is hitting the road with Keith Urban’s Get Closer 2011 world tour. When they return to the states, they will continue to work on their third follow-up album to the multi-platinum, “Need You Now.”

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/08/lady-antebellum-hillary-scott-not-engaged/

Zac Brown Band Number 1

The Zac Brown Band can add another notch to their belt, given that they have just recently earned their seventh consecutive #1 hit with their latest song, “Colder Weather,” on Mediabase this week.

The song was co-written by Brown, as well as longtime collaborator Wyatt Durrette, band member Coy Bowles and Levi Lowrey from Brown’s label, Southern Ground Artists. “Colder Weather” is particularly special for Bowles, due to the fact that it marks his first #1 hit as a songwriter. "It's a very personal song for all of us," Bowles said. "It's something that really resonates because of where it came from. I think it's some of the best music we have ever made."

This is the second single from “You Get What You Give,” which also tops the Billboard Hot Country chart, simply days after the band’s performance on the Academy of Country Music Awards. They performed “Colder Weather” in a duet with James Taylor, which Brown recalls as the “best musical moment of my whole career.”

“Colder Weather” is the follow-up single from Zac Brown Band’s #1 hit, “As She’s Walking Away,” which features Alan Jackson. The song was awarded Vocal Collaboration of the Year during the Sunday ceremony of the ACM Awards.

The Judds Are Back

Country music’s most loved mother-daughter duo, The Judds, are back with the release of a new album, “I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection.” The newest compilation of The Judds will feature twelve classics, as well as two new songs, “I Will Stand By You and “Back Home,” which features Alison Krauss. The Essential Collection is in stores now.

These new recordings mark the first time the two have recorded together since 2004, the last time being when Naomi and Wynonna recorded “Flies On The Butter,” which is also in the new album. Other tracks on the album include fan favorites such as, “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days),” “Turn It Loose,” and their anthem, “Love can Build A Bridge.”

Recently, The Judds were recognized as the most award-winning female duo in ACM history. They also joined the ranks of Miranda Lambert, Jennifer Nettles, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride and Reba for the ACM Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country, which will air on CBS April 22.

The Judds will also be appearing in their own television documentary entitled “The Judds.” This show will appear on the new Oprah Winfrey network (OWN). The show will capture Wynonna and Naomi’s moments together as they experience and perform on their first tour in 10 years. The 2-hour premiere of “The Judds” starts Sunday April 9 at 9 p.m. EST on OWN.

Alan Jackson pops in new label

Alan Jackson recently found a new label to call home under Capitol/EMI Records. Recently, he decided to show his thanks and appreciation during a normal Friday-at-work surprise visit.

Jackson showed up unannounced at the offices and visited with every staff member. He made his way starting at the reception desk, going to very office, meeting and every person between. He took time to shake hands and speak with everyone from CEO Mike Dungan to those who sweep and clean the restrooms.

To make the sweet surprise even sweeter, he sent everyone lunch from Jim-n-Nick’s barbecue restaurant, with all the fixin’s. This included chocolate cake with banana and chocolate pies. And no, it doesn’t stop there, he also sent a large cooler of assorted iced beer. I bet the staff members who decided to take that Friday as a sick day are not too pleased!

Source: http://www.cmt.com/news/hot-dish/1661167/hot-dish-alan-jackson-makes-strong-first-impression-at-his-new-label-home.jhtml

Honey to the Bee races to #1

Blake Shelton recently co-hosted the ACM Awards in Las Vegas. The night was also extra memorable for Shelton, given the fact that he performed and debuted his new single, “Honey Bee.” This single, which was written by Rhett Atkins and Ben Hayslip, is from is upcoming album.

That night, after the live telecast, “Honey Bee” was made available for download. It then immediately rose to the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Country Singles Chart. For a listen to the newest hit single, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJ9RJgsmOQ.

However, this was not Shelton’s only performance of the night. He opened the ACM Awards with his sweet southern ballad, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking,” in a candle-lit room that was made as a shrine (including pictures of her around the room) to his bride-to-be, and fellow country star, Miranda Lambert. He was serenading who, appeared to be, his beloved fiancé wearing a silk-robe. Turns out, the silk-robed woman was actually Shelton’s co-host for the night, Reba, wearing a blond wig.

To learn more about Shelton’s upcoming album and tour dates, visit blakeshelton.com.

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/04/blake-shelton-honey-bee/

Kenny Chesney's Tour Beings with Bang

Kenny Chesney’s 2011 “Goin’ Coastal” Tour launched but a mere seven-shows ago, and he is already receiving some of the highest accolades he has in his career. The tour, in all, will visit nearly 60 stadiums, amphitheater and arenas across the nation.

His March 25 sol-out performance in St. Paul, MN, left the St. Paul Pioneer Press saying, “"the Tennessee native delivered the same high-energy, fan-friendly show that made him the second-biggest selling live act of the past decade" and the Minneapolis Star Tribune continued with praise for Chesney saying he, "started in fourth gear the moment he took the stage."

The shows thus far have featured Chesney singing songs from his 2010 #1 album, “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” with songs like “The Boys of Fall,” “Somewhere With You,” and his current single “Live a Little.” He has also been showcasing and sprucing-up many of his 21 #1 hits.

The Des Moines Register said, “the star had the crowd on its feet nonstop, eating up his every word and move,” of Chesney’s March 24 performance in Des Moines, IA. This comes to no surprise, given that is act also includes his opening acts and crew members joining the fun, as well as a mixed up set list from show-to-show. Chesney has also thrown a little bit of surprises in the mix, such as his own rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun,” as well as U2’s “With or Without You” during his almost three-hour performance.

For a full list of Chesney’s tour dates, visit tickets.kennychesney.com.

Dierks Bentley pre-ACM Bash

In order to prepare for the night of festivities at the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, Dierks Bentley threw a beach party on Mandalay Bay Beach in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The event began with a VIP party at 8 p.m., which showcased Bentley’s tour openers: Miss Willie Brown and Josh Thompson. Then it continued with a set by ACM Album of the Year (“Up on the Ridge”) nominee Bentley himself, featuring “Feel That Fire,” “Every Mile a Memory,” “Free and Easy,” and his latest single “Am I The Only One.”

The night was undoubtedly fun for all those in attendance. The crowd rocked along with Bentley, with their drinks raised high in the air, and wading into the water in front of the stage. At one point, Bentley was even handed a beer by a fan, took a drink, and then gave it right back.

Bentley even noted, “I hope that helps somebody get luck tonight,” as he sang his southern ballad, “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes,” and couples swayed. He also played “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do,” “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Sideways,” and “Settle for a Slow Down.” He also covered some of his favorites, such as “Ocean Front Property” by George Strait and Waylon Jennings’ “All My Eyes.” He also managed a bluegrass influenced version of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell,” as well as the theme from “Dukes of Hazzard:” “Good Ole Boys.”

Bentley will release his sixth studio album later this year, as well as performed on last night’s ACM Awards live broadcast. The next stop on his Jagermeister Country Tour is Houston, Texas on April 6.