Thompson Square to Perform on Jay Leno

Thompson Square Performing on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Friday, March 4th. The husband-and-wife duo, Keifer and Shawna Thompson, that is Thompson Square are set to perform this Friday, March 4th on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The couple’s hit single “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” is currently #7 on the country radio charts, and has been Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America this week. “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” is featured on their self-title debut album, Thompson Square. The duo have toured as the opening act for Jason Aldean, as well as performed solo. Fans have already embraced Thompson Square because of their charming and magnetic quality. Check out the “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” video now! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDUOcHg5ijg] Be sure to check local listings for Friday night’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Carrie Underwood Donates to Save the Children

Carrie Underwood Presents Donation to Save the Children from the Proceeds of Play On Tour Carrie Underwood provided a check of $140, 125.68 from the proceeds of the Fall 2010 leg of her “Play on Tour” to Save the Children, the world’s leading independent organization supporting children. Save the Children strives to provide aid in times of crisis as well as battle everyday struggles children face worldwide including poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease. Underwood donated 36 cents from every ticket sold between September and December 2010 to the organization. Carrie Underwood was inspired by the lyrics from her song “Change” on her most recent album Play On which talks about how only a little bit of spare change could be added up to make a positive change in the world.

Jamey Johnson Receives Gold Certification

UMG Nashville Present Jamey Johnson with Gold Certification for The Guitar Song Jamey Johnson, known for his hit song “In Color” has received a plaque from Universal Music Group Nashville commemorating the gold certification of his double album, The Guitar Song. Johnson’s album is packed with 25 songs, and was nominated for the Best Country Album Grammy earlier this year. Johnson expressed his gratitude to all the folks who helped get this successful album together. “It’s always cool to stop what you’re doing and bring the whole team together. These guys and gals usually don’t get to see each other on a regular basis, so it’s good that when they do, we’re celebrating an accomplishment like that. It’s something everybody worked equal parts on and holds an equal amount of responsibility for the success of it.” -Jamey Johnson Johnson is currently performing on tour with Kid Rock.

Brantley Gilbert Gets Signed

Brantley Gilbert signs with The Valory Music Co., with album due later this year. Brantley Gilbert has impressed the executives of The Valory Music Co. with his charismatic personality and faithful fan base. Valory Music is now proud to have Brantley on their roster. “I sincerely feel like countless prayers are being answered, and countless blessings are in store. I take great pride in the fact that the people who have stuck with me through thick and thin—my brothers and my TRUE friends—are here with me now as we embark on this journey. We’ve got the muscle, we’ve got the Big Machine, and we’re all on a mission. It’s goin’ down baby!” -Brantley Fans may recognize Brantley’s songwriting work on the hit “My Kinda Party” made popular by Jason Aldean. Sources say Brantley’s first album will release later this year with a single to hit airwaves in April.

Win Johnny Cash Bootlegs from CMNB!

Legacy Recordings releases the first 15 years of Johnny Cash’s recording career in a 2-disc set and we’ve got your copy! Legacy Recordings continues its’ Bootleg Series by setting their sights on the Man In Black. Beginning today, February 2nd, you can purchase a special edition 2-disc collection featuring Johnny Cash‘s first 15 years of recordings with Sun Records and Columbia Records titled “Memphis To Hollywood: Bootleg Vol. 2“. To celebrate this historic collection, Country Music News Blog is giving away a special Johnny Cash Prize Pack! The prize pack includes 1 copy of the From Memphis To Hollywood: Bootleg Vol. 2, 1 limited edition Bootleg Vol. 2 t-shirt, 1 limited edition 12×12 poster. Enter to win by Subscribing to our email newsletter! It’s that simple! Johnny Cash – Memphis To Hollywood: Bootleg Vol. 2 Album Details: * CD ONE: 1955 Memphis radio broadcast on KWEM – 11 ultra-rare, previously unreleased demos recorded prior to his signing with Sun Records – seven Sun outtakes produced by Sam Phillips and Jack Clement from 1954 to ’57 – and more! * CD TWO: From the Columbia vaults, 25 non-album singles, B-sides,and outtakes, 11 of them previously unreleased in the U.S. Follow-up to Personal File aka Bootleg Vol. 1 of 2006 Available at both physical and digital retail outlets starting February 22, 2011, through Columbia/Legacy. * Prize provided by Sony Music. * Entries must be received by Tuesday March 1. * Winners will not be eligible for another prize drawing until 90days after this one. * 1 Winner will be drawn Wednesday March 2nd and will be notified individually.

New Love For Taylor Swift?

Does Taylor Swift already have a new romance in the works? Taylor Swift certainly has no short list of admirers, but it seems one has a slightly better chance of reaching Taylor. Adam Young (of Owl City fame) apparently heard the rumor that Taylor’s song “Enchanted” was written about him, and decided to share a valentine’s day response. “Dearest TAYLOR, I’ll be the first to admit I’m a rather shy boy and since music is the most eloquent form of communication I can muster, I decided to record something for you — as sort of a “reply” to the breathtaking song on your current record. This is what I wanted so badly to tell you in person but could never quite put into words: Everything about you is lovely. You’re an immensely charming girl with a beautiful heart and more grace and elegance than I know how to describe. You are a true princess from a dreamy fairy tale, and above all, I just want you to know … I was enchanted to meet you too. Love, ADAM.” Listen to Adam’s version of “Enchanted“.

Maxim’s 2011 Hottest Women of Country Music

Maxim Magazine releases their 2011 feature of the 13 hottest women in country music. Maxim magazine has passed out their list of the thirteen hottest women in country music, and I have to agree that it’s a good list… with one exception. What in the heck is Gwyneth Paltrow doing on it?!?! She’s as much a woman of country music as Will Farrell is a real anchorman! Just because you play a role in a movie does not mean you are then entitled to all the “celebrations” of the industry that role fell in! Granted, Maxim’s “Hottest Women” lists are hardly career milestones, it’s just the country title that gets to me. Anyhow, on with the list, and in no particular order: Gwyneth Paltrow as “Kelly Canter,” from the movie “Country Strong.” Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville. Taylor Swift photo courtesy of Big Machine Records. Jessie James photo courtesy of Mercury Records. Julie Roberts photo courtesy of UMG Nashville. Shania Twain photo by Bryan Bowen Smith, courtesy of UMG Nashville. We’ve got more photos of Shania Twain in her photo gallery » Julianne Hough photo courtesy of UMG Nashville. Carrie Underwood photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville. Kellie Pickler photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville. Cheyenne Kimball photo courtesy of Emblem Music. Miranda Lambert photo by Randee St. Nicholas, courtesy of Front Page Publicity. Sara Evans photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville. Hillary Scott photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville. Sunny Sweeney photo courtesy of Republic Nashville.

Justin Moore is On Fire!

Or at least Justin Moore’s tour bus is on fire. Justin Moore may think twice before booking anywhere near Detroit in the future. On his first visit there a fan brazenly stole a custom guitar from him. Now it is reported that his tour bus caught fire en-route to the very same Royal Oaks Theater. Well . . . we really love coming to the Detroit area. I just hope in the future it gets a little more simple, as far as our trips go,” Moore said in a statement. “In all seriousness, we’re thankful that we’re all safe, and feel blessed. It could’ve been a lot worse than it was. It is reported that the damage was minimal, and the crew made it safely to the hotel, smoking bus and all.

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Wedding Details

Blake Shelton dishes the dirt on the wedding of the year! Blake Shelton revealed to E! Entertainment News that at least one rumor about his upcoming wedding to Entertainer of the Year, Miranda Lambert. After attending a Neil McCoy concert, the couple became determined to have him perform at their wedding,and according to Blake, they managed to nab him. Blake and Miranda’s wedding is expected to take place in May, and though no other details are confirmed, we doubt they’ll be quite as double-O-seven about things as last year’s princess, Miss Carrie Underwood.

Easton Corbin – Little More Country Than That Giveaway!

Easton Corbin is stealing the hearts of America and he’s about to steal yours too! Country Music News Blog is giving away 5 copies of Easton Corbin‘s debut album “A Little More Country Than That” to our readers in celebration of his THREE ACM Nominations! Sign up for our email newsletter and be automatically entered to win! Then head over to VoteACM.com and vote for Easton to win Top New Country Artist! You can vote daily, so please do! Subscribe here! * Prize provided by EMG Promotions. * Entries must be received by Sunday Feb 6th. * Winners will not be eligible for another prize drawing until 90days after this one. * 5 Winners will be drawn Wednesday Feb 23rd and each will be notified individually. Can’t wait to win it? You can get Easton Corbin on Amazon today!