Phil Vassar Noel Christmas Album

Phil Vassar Discusses Making of Christmas Album, Noel. It is officially the holiday season, and country music is well into the swing of things! As part of the festivities, Phil Vassar has released a special Holiday album titled simply, Noel. To offer fans a little extra cheer, Vassar took time to discuss the making of this album and give a little insight into all that goes into getting a project rolling. The album features ten holiday songs some new, some classic. As a Texas-native I have to say, I am especially pleased with the “Big Ole Texas Christmas” track. Regardless of where you call home though, you feel no doubt find something on this album you’ll enjoy. You’ll find a complete track listing below. Check out the behind-the-scenes look at Noel [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSE01af3nl4] Phil Vassar’s Noel Complete Track Listing 1. Santa’s Gone Hollywood 2. Merry Christmas Darling 3. Let’s Make A Little Christmas Tonight 4. Big Ole Texas Christmas (Feat. Ray Benson) 5. Doesnt’ Feel Like Christmas Without You 6. I Saved Christmas 7. Away In A Manger (with Kellys Collins) 8. Oh Come All Ye Faithful/Angels We Have Heard On High 9. I’ll Be Home For Christmas 10. What Child Is This

Alan Jackson Walk of Fame Induction Speech

Alan Jackson Gives Heartfelt and Humorous Acceptance Speech at Induction. On November 6th, Alan Jackson was present for the unveiling ceremony of the Music City Walk of Fame through which he was being honored for his success in the industry. In true fashion, he was humorous and heartfelt. With three CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards, 34 #1 singles, and more the 50 million albums sold, it is refreshing to see such humility from a country legend. I know this is maybe a couple weeks behind, but its worth recognizing someone of Jackson’s caliber more than once. You can see his induction speech below! Watch Jackson’s Acceptance Now

Arizona Country Thunder

19th Annual Arizona Country Thunder Announces Details. The 2012 19th Annual Arizona Country Thunder is shaping up to be one heck of a weekend! Event organizers recently secured Alan Jackson as the Sunday headliner. If that is not enough of an incentive, the line-up also includes Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Thompson Square, Big & Rich, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen, The Band Perry, Phil Vassar, Neal McCoy, Eli Young Band and others! Interestingly, Kellie Pickler is so far the only female solo act. For complete line-up days and times see the list below! Tickets for a four day pass to the concerts run for $120, or you can purchase tickets for individual days, ranging between $45 and $80. There are a variety of camping packages available for purchase. However, the event is currently at capacity. You can go to the official website to sign up for a spot on the reservation list. Arizona Country Thunder takes place in Florence, Arizona, and will take place Thursday, April 12th – Sunday, April 15th 2012. Click here for more details! Announced Line-Up (so far…) Thursday – Main Stage 4:00-5:00pm Wade Bowen 5:30-6:30pm Eli Young Band 7:00-8:30pm Craig Morgan 9:00-10:30pm Dierks Bentley Friday – Main Stage 2:30-3:30pm Steve Holy 4:00-5:00pm Sawyer Brown 5:30-6:30pm Kellie Pickler 7:00-8:30pm Jake Owen 9:00-10:30pm Big & Rich Saturday – Main Stage 2:30-3:30pm The Farm 4:00-5:00pm Neal McCoy 5:30-6:30pm Joe Nichols 7:00-8:30pm Thompson Square 9:00-10:30pm Blake Shelton Sunday – Main Stage 4:00-5:00pm Brett Eldredge 5:30-6:30pm Phil Vassar 7:00-8:30pm The Band Perry 9:00-10:30pm Alan Jackson

Country Grammy Nominations

2012 Country Grammy Nominations Announced! We are just finishing up this year’s award cycle, and those for 2012 are already gearing up. Last week, the nominations for the 54th Grammy Awards were announced, and we have a complete list of the Country, Bluegrass and Americana artists receiving recognition. I am not particularly surprised that the nominations are dominated by this year’s usual suspects, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney. It is good to see Eric Church in the running for best country album for Chief, and I have no doubt country fans will be pleased that George Strait is recognized for his album, Here For A Good Time. I find it strange that of all of Taylor Swift’s singles, “Mean” was chosen for nomination in both “Best Country Solo Performance” and “Best Song”. I enjoy many of Taylor’s songs, but that is not the most country song on her Speak Now album. It is just a little odd that it popped up in two categories. Also, I am pleased that country artists are being recognized outside of the genre categories as well. The Band Perry is up against several artists from multiple genres in the “Best New Artist” category, and Zac Brown is receiving deserved attention for his original work on the Footloose soundtrack. The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on “Grammy Sunday“, February 12, 2012, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Take a look at the list below, and tell us who you think deserves to win! Is anyone missing from the nominations? Tell us that too! Complete List of 2012 Country, Bluegrass, Americana Grammy Nominations Best Country Solo Performance “Dirt Road Anthem“, Jason Aldean “I’m Gonna Love You Through It“, Martina McBride “Honey Bee“, Blake Shelton “Mean“, Taylor Swift “Mama’s Song“, Carrie Underwood Best Country Duo/Group Performance “Don’t You Wanna Stay“, Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson “You and Tequila“, Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter “Barton Hollow“, The Civil Wars “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not“, Thompson Square Best Country Song “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not“, Jim Collins & David Lee Murphy, songwriters (Thompson Square) “God Gave Me You“, Dave Barnes, songwriter (Blake Shelton) “Just Fishin‘”, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell & Ed Hill, songwriters (Trace Adkins) “Mean“, Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift) “Threaten Me With Heaven“, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Will Owsley & Dillon O’Brian, songwriters (Vince Gill) “You and Tequila“, Matraca Berg & Deana Carter, songwriters (Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter) Best Country Album My Kinda Party, Jason Aldean Chief, Eric Church Own The Night, Lady Antebellum Red River Blue, Blake Shelton Here For A Good Time, George Strait Speak Now, Taylor Swift Best Folk Album Barton Hollows, The Civil Wars I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive, Steve Earle Helplessness Blues, Fleet Foxes Ukulele Songs, Eddie Vedder The Harrow & The Harvest, Gillian Welch Best Bluegrass Album Paper Airplane, Alison Krauss & Union Continue reading Country Grammy Nominations

Brantley Gilbert You Don’t Know Her Like I Do Video

Brantley Gilbert Releases Video for You Don’t Know Her Like I Do. Brantley Gilbert has released a video for “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do“. This particular track comes off of the deluxe edition of Gilbert’s September release, Halfway to Heaven. It is one of three additional tracks you won’t find on the original version of the album. The video for the track seems to actually use a lot of the same footage you see in the live version of his “Country Must Be Country Wide” video. Most likely, they just pulled footage from the same concert. Regardless, Gilbert’s fans are some of the most loyal around, and they will probably not care about a little repeat footage. It’s a quality song, and worth taking a look at, even if you haven’t jump on Brantley train yet! You can watch it below. Check out the video for “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” Now!

Toby Keith’s Red Solo Cup: The Glee Version

Toby Keith’s Red Solo Cup Gets A Glee Make-over. Well, we told you a couple weeks ago that the popular teen musical dramedy, Glee, had picked up Toby Keith‘s new single “Red Solo Cup” to feature in an upcoming episode. As a Glee fan (and clearly a country music fan), I was definitely intrigued. The Glee-ified rendition of Keith’s light-hearted tune is amusing, but I don’t know if it does the song justice. I am not suggesting that Toby’s new song is on its way to becoming a country classic, and I don’t think he even intended for it to be. Its clearly a fun, goof-off song, and I don’t think the Glee version is really all that fun. So, I’m a little let down. As usual though, no need to take my word for it. Check it out below, and let us know what you think! How do you feel about Toby’s song being co-opted by the popular series? Watch the Glee-ified “Red Solo Cup” Here. [youtube:www.youtube.com/watch?&v=17JgBehQLjY#!]

CMA Country Christmas Online

Watch the CMA Country Christmas Special online now! While our favorite country crooners get all of America into the holiday spirit on ABC, our hardworking crew is gathering the best clips of the special to share with those of you who would prefer to see it online. While we look for the live-feed, here’s a few clips of what our favorite stars are wishing for this Christmas!

Tim McGraw Wins Lawsuit

Tim McGraw Wins In The Legal Battle Against Curb Records! Congratulations to Tim McGraw for winning in the case he has had going against Curb Records! Earlier this year Tim was sued by Curb, the label where it all started for him 21 years ago, for breach of contract. Now he is not completely out of the dirty water yet, there will be another trial in July. But until then Tim can sing where he wants and record what he wants!

Junk Gypsies On HGTV

The Gypsies Are Taking Over One Piece Of Junk At A Time! Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith, along with their parents and other family, are THE Junk Gypsies! They have been junkin’ for a while now and don’t see an end in sight! This family business has grown over the years with decorating and designing, they have custom items and plan one hell of a party! They have a group of some high profile clients, including Miranda Lambert and Kellie Pickler, and thousands of free spirits who love a good quote on a t-shirt! I have been a customer for many years now and find them to be my go-to for unique and funky jewelry! This past Sunday evening the gypsies made their debut on HGTV with Junk Gypsies:Special Sneak Peek! In this episode they transformed a drab family room into a vibrant, gypsified family room complete with vintage cowboy comics! The show will actually kick off in the spring with full episodes, but this preview was the perfect tease! For more on the show visit www.hgtv.com and to find out more about the gypsies or buy some of their fabulous items visit www.gypsyville.com!

Jennifer Nettles Gets Married

Sugarland Front Woman Jennifer Nettles Ties The Knot! Jennifer Nettles got hitched this past Saturday to boyfriend of two years, Justin Miller. The ceremony was a small affair with family and friends, including band mate Kristian Bush, in Tennessee. Nettles, or should we say Miller, will be performing tomorrow with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Nomination Concert and will host the CMA Country Christmas special this Thursday on ABC at 9pm (ET). Congratulations to you both!