Urban and Kidman Expecting : Charlie Daniels Gets Inducted: Bluebird has a Birthday

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Just a few noteworthy news bites: E! Online reports that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are now expecting their first child together after a year and a half of marriage. This is in addition to the two children Nicole had adopted with former husband Tom Cruise. CMT says legendary Charlie Daniels will finally join the ranks at the Country Music Hall of Fame on January 19th. He will be honored by Marty Stuart and Connie Smith at his induction ceremony. Country Weekly reminds us that the well-renowned birthplace of many of todays greatest artists turns 25! The Bluebird Cafe celebrates a milestone for certain!Country Music Photo Gallery

Country Album Sales Dropped 16.3 Percent in 2007

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“Country albums in 2007 suffered a 16.3 percent dip in sales from those of a year before, falling from almost 75 million copies to just under 63 million, according to the annual compilation from Nielsen SoundScan.”-CMT Rumor has it sales are down in Nashville. While some seem surprised by this, I certainly am not. It used to be that each new star had somethin’ about them that really stood out. The hot canadian. The rustic cowboy. The rodeo man. The girl next door. You know who I’m talkin’ about. But in the year 2007 if I were interested in buying say… 10 new albums from the newest chart-toppers I’d be hard-pressed to find 10 that sounded different from each other. Hmmm… tough choice #1; Kelli Pickler or Taylor Swift? Kenny Chesney or Kieth Urban? Who can tell the difference anymore? I think sales only dropped in proportion to the number of options. ~WC~ Country Music Photo Gallery

Steve Holy Gets Held at Gunpoint

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Steve Holy‘s new album “Men buy the drinks” may not be the best advice after all. According to CMT , Steve was out having drinks, took the party home, then found himself held at gunpoint: “Two Dallas police officers are on administrative leave after allegedly holding Steve Holy and a friend at gunpoint at the singer’s home in Dallas during the early hours of Dec. 27. The Dallas County district attorney’s office is investigating to determine whether aggravated assault charges should be filed against officers Randy Anderson, 25, and Paul Loughridge, 48. Holy said he and a friend were at a bar on Greenville Avenue when he began talking to an off-duty police officer he was acquainted with who introduced him to Anderson and Loughridge, who were also off duty at the time. After the bars closed, the five returned to Holy’s house to play foosball. When the officer Holy knew left the house, Anderson and Loughridge began questioning whether he was a country singer and became belligerent even after he showed them a CD cover. At one point, the two men allegedly held a gun to the back of Holy’s head while he was face down on the kitchen floor. They eventually allowed Holy to go upstairs to get his identification, and he told his wife to call 911.” I can hear the radio parody now… “I got a brand new guardsman… I had him trained just to defend… ” ~WC~Country Music Photo Gallery

Jessica Simpson goes Country

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I can’t say I’m a supporter of this latest career move. Just because someone let you throw on a pair of daisy dukes doesn’t mean you’re the next heart of the southland! Billboard reports that this Texas pop princess is really just a country girl at heart: “I am a country girl,” says Jessica Simpson. “I grew up in Texas, and country music was what I listened to. I always wanted to make a country album, but I wanted to wait until the time was right.”“I think there is a strength in female country artists,” Simpson adds, citing Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and Reba McEntire as some of her inspirations.Asked what has surprised her most since starting the follow-up to 2006’s “A Public Affair,” Simpson says, “Nashville is a very warm city. The people are friendly and kind. There is a sense of community, which thrives on music. There is no animosity … only respect for one another’s talent.” Well Jessica, may you find much respect, and hopefully a little talent in your new endeavor. Her newest project is due out of Capitol Nashville later this year. ~WC~Country Music Photo Gallery

Keith Urban joins Kenny Chesney on the 2008 Poets and Pirates tour

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Kenny Chesney will get a little help from old friend Keith Urban when he hits the road next summer on his annual stadium tour . Kenny announced Friday that Keith would join him for the July 26 date in Foxboro, Mass., followed by as many as eight other stadium shows on his 2008 Poets & Pirates tour. Kenny Chesney first took Keith Urban out on his Guitars, Tiki Bars & a Whole Lotta Love tour three years ago. “Which is why I’m glad I have the ability to play stadiums,” Kenny says. “It’s the only way that it would make sense for Keith where he is in his career to be able to come out and do some shows with us. We couldn’t do this anywhere else…and it’s something I’ve wanted to do since he played the first stadiums shows with us three years ago. “If you’re committed to bringing the fans the best show possible,” Kenny continues, “who else would you call? Keith does it all — and he’s someone I’ve spent time in the islands with, toured the country with, laughed with, hung with, made music with. It’s gonna be as much fun backstage when we’re not rocking as it is onstage — and that’s saying something.” Keith Urban says he’s excited about joining the tour too. “What Kenny Chesney’s stadium concerts are is the biggest party you’ve ever been to with the loudest ghetto blaster you’ve ever heard and the audience still singing louder than us,” he says. “Me, I’m just a kid like 65,000 others that are going to run away with the circus this summer. Bring it on, Kenny.” The tour will also feature LeAnn Rimes as an opening act. ~Courtesy of GACTV Be sure to get your Kenny Chesney 2008 Concert Tour Tickets NOW! Simply use the ticket selection menu on the right. Save time, buy online! 2008 Tour Dates: 04.26.08 University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC 05.03.08 Pizza Hut Park – Frisco, TX 05.10.08 M & T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, MD 05.24.08 Cleveland Browns Stadium – Cleveland, OH 05.31.08 University of Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ 06.08.08 AT & T Park – San Francisco, CA 06.14.08 Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA 06.21.08 Soldier Field – Chicago, IL 07.05.08 LP Field – Louisiana Pacific Field – Nashville, TN 07.13.08 Turner Field – Atlanta, GA 07.17.08 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, VA 07.19.08 Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA 07.26.08 Gillette Stadium / New England Patriots – Foxboro, MA 08.02.08 Ford Field – Detroit, MI 09.13.08 Lucas Oil Field – Indianapolis, IN Stay tuned for additional tour dates!Country Music Photo Gallery

Taylor Swift is all over the charts

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Taylor Swift is the darling of the Billboard country charts this last reporting period before Christmas. Her single, “Our Song,” holds at No. 1 for the second week, her self-titled album moves back to the No. 2 spot in its 60th week out and four selections from her Christmas album, Sounds of the Season, are twinkling on the lower branches of the song chart. The week’s highest charting new song is the Garth Brooks–Huey Lewis romp, “Workin’ for a Livin‘,” which enters at No. 50. That’s a worthy leap but pale in comparison to Brooks‘ “More Than a Memory,” the first single from his current album, which debuted at No. 1. The Eagles continue their long run at the summit of the albums chart with Long Road Out of Eden. According to the latest Nielsen Soundscan measurement, that collection has sold more than 2.2 million copies in just seven weeks. There are no new albums this week, but three former chart dwellers have returned to the list: Rodney Carrington‘s King of the Mountain (No. 70), Larry the Cable Guy‘s Morning Constitutions (No. 71) and the multi-artist Original American Classics: Country Greats (No. 74). In addition to the Brooks-Lewis duet, there are two new songs: Sugarland‘s “Winter Wonderland” (No. 58) and Swift’s “White Christmas” (No. 59). Carrie Underwood‘s Carnival Ride, Brooks‘ The Ultimate Hits and Rascal Flatts‘ Still Feels Good round out the Top 5 albums in that order. The remaining Top 5 songs, also in descending order, are Josh Turner‘s “Firecracker,” George Strait‘s “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” Montgomery Gentry‘s “What Do Ya Think About That” and Sugarland’s “Stay.” Kenny Chesney’s hard-charging “Shiftwork” barrels from No. 34 to No. 25. Now it’s back to the mall. ~Courtesy of CMT.com Country Music Photo Gallery

The Greatest “Greatest Hits” Albums of 2007

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~Courtesy of CMT I’ve been making a list (and checking it twice) of some of the Greatest Hits albums in country music this year. Now you can see why Santa never forgets about Nashville. Slide this article beside the milk and cookies and hope for the best. Trace Adkins, American Man: Greatest Hits, Volume II (Capitol Nashville) Rather than finish a new album right now, Adkins opted to raise a ton of money for charity by appearing on TV’s Celebrity Apprentice. Five years of hits and three new songs are included here. Gary Allan, Greatest Hits (MCA Nashville) It took 10 years to build a catalog of hits, starting with “Her Man” in 1996. Highlights include “Smoke Rings in the Dark” and “Best I Ever Had,” plus two new songs. Garth Brooks, The Ultimate Hits (Pearl) This latest repackaging includes his instant No. 1 hit, “More Than a Memory,” all the fan favorites (“Friends in Low Places,” “The Dance“) and a DVD full of music videos. Sara Evans, Greatest Hits (RCA) If you only know her from Dancing With the Stars, this collection is a real fine place to start, spanning from 1998’s “No Place That Far,” to her current single, “As If.” Crystal Gayle, Greatest Hits (EMI) This collection dips into several label vaults for No. 1 hits like “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” “Talking in Your Sleep,” and her duet with Eddie Rabbitt, “You and I.” Faith Hill, The Hits (Warner Bros.) The mega-hit “Breathe” is the powerful centerpiece, but other choice cuts from her early career include “Wild One,” “It Matters to Me,” “This Kiss” and “Let Me Let Go.” Tracy Lawrence, The Very Best of Tracy Lawrence (Rhino) If you listened to country in the 1990s, you’ll recognize “Sticks and Stones,” “Time Marches On” and many more. Find out why his friends at radio supported his comeback. George Strait, 22 More Hits (MCA Nashville) A companion to 50 Number Ones, this disc picks up several classics that didn’t quite top the chart, including “Amarillo by Morning,” “The Cowboy Rides Away” and “Desperately.” It also features his latest single, “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls.” Travis Tritt, The Very Best of Travis Tritt (Rhino) Often tagged as rowdy, Travis Tritt can write tender songs, too, from “Help Me Hold On” to “Best of Intentions.” When he sang “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” the fans sure agreed. Keith Urban, Greatest Hits: 18 Kids (Capitol Nashville) In 2000, he finally broke through — and hasn’t looked back. “But for the Grace of God,” “Somebody Like You” and “Days Go By” (all No. 1 singles) are still fun to sing along with. Trisha Yearwood, Greatest Hits (MCA Nashville) From “She’s in Love With the Boy” to “I Would Have Loved You Anyway,” she has a knack for hearing a hit when she selects songs. For the first time, they’re all in one place — with two new songs. In addition, with the Sony/BMG merger, a number of artists are now represented Continue reading The Greatest “Greatest Hits” Albums of 2007→

New Larry the Cable Guy Videos

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Larry the Cable Guy has released four videos from his new CD Christmastime in Larry Land. The videos are available on YouTube through the links below and include outtakes from the CD performed live and two animated videos. Larry the Cable Guy’s YouTube videos: Office Holiday Party Tips Green Christmas Farting Jingle Bells Plus-Sized Fashion Shorts (Animated Video) Larry’s opening monologue sets the stage for the show, as Larry falls into a dream sequence of his ultimate fantasy of having his own Christmas radio special. The CD includes song parodies, commercials and skits, with “The Live Nativity,” “Dysfunctional Family Christmas,” “The Tobacco Company Choir,” “Q&A With Santa” and “Farting Jingle Bells.” Christmastime in Larry Land features celebrity guests such as Paula Deen, Trace Adkins, Cowboy Troy, TG Sheppard and Gladys Hardy. Larry The Cable Guy’s very own media player including E-mailable Christmas Cards: Here!Country Music Photo Gallery

Toby Keith, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood Offer New Holiday Music

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It’s the holiday season, and you’re going to the mall anyway, so how about stuffing a stocking with these new Christmas albums? Diamond Rio, The Star Still Shines These guys must love A Charlie Brown Christmas as much as we do, presenting both “Christmas Time Is Here” and an instrumental jam, “Christmas Is Coming.” Toby Keith, A Classic Christmas A generous helping of religious songs on one disc and secular singalongs on the other, this is Toby Keith’s second Christmas package, following a batch of originals in 1995. Larry the Cable Guy, Christmastime in Larryland Somebody has spiked the holiday punch lines. Listen to this one when the kids aren’t around. There’s a DVD version, as well. Raul Malo, Marshmallow World & Other Holiday Favorites If your favorite thing to open at Christmas is another bottle of vodka, shake up your holiday party with this disc. “Feliz Navidad” is always a kick. Martina McBride, White Christmas A blend of solemn hymns and perky holiday favorites, this reissued disc adds four new songs to its wish list. It’s wrapped in a new album cover, too. Mindy Smith, My Holiday The sensitive, spiritual songwriter turns in a quiet, soothing Christmas disc with a few new songs. Alison Krauss harmonizes on “Away in a Manger.” Taylor Swift, Sounds of the Season Thanks to this teen star, a new generation of sensitive girls may discover the melancholy but oh-so-melodic “Last Christmas.” She also includes two original holiday songs. Pam Tillis, Just in Time for Christmas You don’t have to see her Christmas show at Opryland Hotel to buy this lovely CD, but if you can somehow get to Nashville, an irresistibly warm and fuzzy feeling awaits you. Randy Travis, Songs of the Season He wraps his rich baritone around “O Holy Night,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “Joy to the World,” along with a new song he wrote, “Our King.” Conway Twitty, A Twismas Story The country legend loaded up the sleigh with squeaky Twitty Birds for a holiday album released in 1983. After growing up with the kid-friendly album, Twitty’s granddaughter is now featured on the CD reissue. Various Artists, Hear Something Country – Christmas Carrie Underwood asks, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” We sure do — Christmas songs from Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Kellie Pickler and many more. Various Artists, Mary Did You Know?: 17 Inspirational Christmas Songs From Today’s Top Country Artists Josh Turner, Joe Nichols and LeAnn Rimes are among the country stars inspired to share the true meaning of Christmas. Wynonna and Kenny Rogers sing the title track.Country Music Photo Gallery

Trace Adkins: A Personal Stand

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Editor’s note: Trace Adkins‘ new album, American Man, Greatest Hits Volume II, will be released Dec. 4, but he’s also getting national media attention for his first book, A Personal Stand Roughneck. In this excerpt, the third chapter of the book, Adkins shares memories of his early days in Louisiana. I Came Here to Live: Growing Up in Sarepta I grew up in a town where tough was a cigarette and a souped-up car on a county road. — “I Came Here to Live” (from Dangerous Man) I grew up in Sarepta, Louisiana. Population 924. Three years ago, they finally replaced the flashing red and yellow light with a brand-new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 371 and Highway 2. Sarepta is located about forty miles northeast of Shreveport and ten miles south of the Arkansas line. The next-closest town is Springhill, population 5,000, seven miles north up Highway 371 (as a matter of fact, I was born in the hospital there). Sarepta is a “dry” town, so to this day, you still have to drive to Springhill to buy any alcohol. Geographically and culturally, Louisiana can be cut up into three different slices. The northwest corner of the state is a North Texas-type environment where the economy is based on oil, timber and cattle. Northeast Louisiana is river bottom, a lot like Mississippi and southeastern Arkansas, with lots of farming and agriculture. Southern Louisiana is Cajun-influenced, with cities like New Orleans, New Iberia, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. (Other Louisiana natives may disagree, but don’t pay any attention to them.) Read more on CMT.com Country Music Photo Gallery