Loretta Lynn

Fifty years after her first hit, the Recording Academy honored Loretta Lynn with a tribute. Garth Brooks was her date for the evening, which also attracted Gretchen Wilson, Kid Rock, Martina McBride, Jack White and Reba McEntire. (Oct. 13)

Tammy Wynette

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn., is paying tribute to the late country legend Tammy Wynette in a new exhibit open through June 12, 2011. Faith Hill and Reba McEntire remember Wynette's friendship and influence. (Oct. 8)

Dave Haywood: Family Man

Lady A's Dave Haywood looking for CMA Awards date
Sept. 3, 2010

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer

Lady Antebellum guitarist Dave Haywood still needs
a plus-one for the CMA Awards.

He tells The Associated Press that he asked his mom
to go with him over Twitter because "she loves
Twitter for some reason." But it turns out she can't
go.

The group is up for five awards at the Nov. 10
show, including entertainer of the year and album of
the year.

Haywood tweeted from the group's account
Wednesday: "SO humbled by the nominations!!! Very
excited. Would be more excited if my mom
@SCLadyA would be my date for the show. Mom?"

Haywood says he's "bummed" his mom can't attend,
but now he's "in the hunt." He thinks his dad will
likely come.

Singer Charles Kelley says, "You know we're in a new
age, a new era, when you're asking your mom over
Twitter to go to an awards show. That is awesome."
__


Here's a little excerpt of the phone interview, where I subtly suggest someone he could go with:

Update: Dave's mom is going on a mission trip with her church out of the country during the CMA Awards, and now he plans on taking his dad. Next time, Metta!

CMA's big donation

CMA donates $2.9 million for flood relief, music

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Country Music Association is donating more than $2.9 million to Nashville-area flood relief and music education programs.

The record donation comes from the net proceeds of this year's CMA Music Festival held June 10-13 in Nashville.

The money will be split evenly between CMA's "Keep the Music Playing" campaign and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which provides grants to help flood victims.

This year's festival went on as planned just one month after a devastating May flood caused more than $2 billion in damage in Nashville alone.

Artists who performed included Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and the Zac Brown Band.

CMA board member Kix Brooks announced the donation Wednesday at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

___

Here's a reminder of the fun we had at this year's CMA Fest:

Cheyenne Kimball

Gloriana's Cheyenne Kimball Is Engaged

by Caitlin R. King, Associated Press | September 23, 2010 5:42 EDT

Cheyenne Kimball of the country group Gloriana is engaged.

Kimball used the band's Twitter account Thursday to make the announcement: "Rumors are true! Casey Twist and I are engaged! He's the best!" Kimball's publicist Tree Paine confirmed the report.

Twist also tweeted about the engagement: "I know a certain Cheyenne who is soon to be the future Mrs. Twist. We are engaged! Love that girl!!"

Twist is a singer-songwriter from Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Gloriana's debut single "Wild at Heart" is R.I.A.A. certified gold, with a half-million copies sold. They won breakthrough artist of the year at the 2009 American Music Awards. Kimball was also featured in her own MTV reality series, "Cheyenne," in 2006.

Toby Keith

Country star Toby Keith is out with his new album, "Bullets In The Gun." He wrote or co-wrote all 10 tracks and says songwriting gives him the license to 'say anything' he wants to say. (Oct. 7)

Billy Currington

Billy Currington runs through life at own speed

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer Fri Oct 8, 5:59 am ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Billy Currington has a no-rush policy. He doesn't have to say it or put it in a contract: It's written in his DNA.

The 36-year-old country singer from the Georgia coast recently released his fourth album, "Enjoy Yourself," and the leadoff single, "Pretty Good At Drinkin' Beer," hit the No. 1 spot at the same time for his sixth chart topper.

It's a sign that he should continue to listen to his internal clock. Some of the songs he chose for the new album he found years ago, but they just didn't feel right for a project until now.

"I just kept stashing them to the side," he said in a recent interview.

When it came time to record the album, he had about 30 tracks. He eventually narrowed them to 10, including a cover of the Dave Barnes song, "Until You," and one he co-wrote, "Bad Day of Fishing." Currington says each track reflects a different aspect of his personality.

"I definitely would never record a song that didn't fit me," he said.

Currington is opening shows on Carrie Underwood's 46-city tour this fall: "It's a blessing because she's so huge as an artist and brings so many people to the table that we've never seen, we've never played in front of."

But life on the road means that he has no real home. Instead, he hops around to different parts of the country without committing to one location, whether it's Hawaii, Georgia or Nashville: "Everywhere is just 'Rent a place, rent an apartment, rent a whatever.'"

Home will be a tour bus for the next few months. When he's out on the road, Currington stays in shape by running 30 minutes to an hour each day. He will usually take off for a run with one of his band members in the middle of the day.

"Wherever we're at, whatever town, we just run the town and come back. It's pretty simple," he said. "No maps, no GPS, we just go. We always seem to find our way back."

Musically, Currington is confident he's on the right track for success. He's just in no hurry to get to his ultimate destination. Right now he's content to enjoy the journey.

"What you see out there is pretty much what I am, very laid back," he said. "In my own way I'm crazy, but I have fun with it. I love life. I love people, love what I do, love my family, and I'm always thankful for what I got."

__

Online:

http://www.billycurrington.com

James Otto

Country singer James Otto releases second album, reveals biggest fear and tribute to the military

By Caitlin R. King (AP) – Sep 17, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — These days, it's hard to bring James Otto down.

The 6-foot-5 country singer and new dad was forced into the hospital earlier this month, just a few days before the release of his sophomore album, "Shake What God Gave Ya."

But Otto isn't complaining.

"It's a very unglamorous intestinal virus that you do not want. Basically I was on morphine and an IV bag for about 96 hours and didn't get to eat. But it's all good," he said. "I really don't have to adjust my diet. It's probably more of a genetic issue."

In fact, the hospitalization came with an unexpected benefit.

"The 96 hours in the hospital is probably the best sleep I've gotten since the baby was born," Otto said, laughing.

Otto welcomed his first child, daughter Ava Katherine, on Aug. 24. His other baby — his album — was released Tuesday.

Otto co-wrote 10 of the 12 tracks, including his new single, "Soldiers and Jesus."

"Having a dad that was a drill sergeant, a grandfather that was in Korea, I was in the military myself, I look at the sacrifice of my own family and am honoured to know those men and how strong they are and what they lay on the line," he said. "I just wanted a tribute to that."

The album features a duet with Otto's musical hero Ronnie Milsap on "Good Things Gone Bad," and an uptempo nod to the economy with "Love Don't Cost A Thing."

But it's the title track that ironically reveals Otto's biggest secret.

"I have a humongous fear of dancing in public," he said.

That doesn't stop him from grooving in concert, though.

"I dance on stage ... but it's nothing consciously. It's kind of twitching and jerking," he said. "That's actually what 'Shake What God Gave Ya' is all about. It doesn't matter what it looks like, just do your thing, man, let loose."

Otto scored his first No. 1 hit in 2008 with "Just Got Started Loving You." He also co-wrote last year's ACM and CMA song of the year, "In Color," sung by Jamey Johnson.

Kenny Chesney

Country superstar Kenny Chesney talks about regaining his creativity after a year off from touring, bonding with his dad and being a celebrity. (Sept. 23)

Famous Opry Circle Re-Installed

Brad Paisley and Little Jimmy Dickens helped install an historic part of the Grand Ole Opry stage Wednesday, months after flood waters in Nashville nearly destroyed the precious piece of country music history. (Aug. 25)

Grand Ole Opry Re-Opens!

A host of country music's enduring legends joined some of today's biggest names on stage to welcome the Grand Ole Opry back home, five months after flood water forced the venue's closure. (Sept. 29)

Goodbye Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn End 20-Year Career at Nashville Show by Caitlin R. King, Associated Press | September 03, 2010 10:20 EDT The first song Brooks & Dunn ever sang together has become their last. The country music duo closed out a 20-year career at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night (Sept. 2) with their 1991 debut single, "Brand New Man," during the encore. The sold-out show was the final stop on their Last Rodeo Tour and doubled as a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Kix Brooks said early in the night, "This isn't a funeral. We did show up to party." They ran through many of their 23 No. 1 hits, including "Neon Moon," "My Maria," "Red Dirt Road" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie." Reba McEntire made the only guest appearance, singing a few lines during "Cowgirls Don't Cry." Both Brooks and Ronnie Dunn joked about the reasons for their split. Brooks blamed it on his crazy concert ideas, like picking old songs and hoping the crowd would help if he forgot the words. Dunn said he was jealous of the cowboy hats Brooks got to wear all these years. Dunn explained that it was the reason he got a tattoo of the word "Cowboy" on his right forearm. Brooks acknowledged those in the audience who played a part in the duo's success, including songwriters and people behind the scenes. In a nod to the fans, he said, "Most importantly, to the people who paid our rent for the last twenty years, all I can say is, 'Thanks.'" Walking off stage for the final time, Brooks gave Dunn a playful push. The duo has sold more than 30 million albums and won more than 80 major industry awards. Also, this is pretty cool. My article featured on the B&D website: http://www.brooks-dunn.com/story/news/brooks_and_dunn_end_20year_career_at_nashville_show

Baby News!

Ha! Not mine. Here are two exclusive baby announcements we announced in the past couple weeks. It's a boy for Francesca Battistelli

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer Tue Sep 28, 12:01 pm ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Grammy-nominated Christian artist Francesca Battistelli and husband Matt Goodwin are the proud parents of a baby boy.

Battistelli's publicist, Jensen Sussman, tells The Associated Press the couple welcomed their first child, Matthew Elijah Goodwin, on Sept. 22 at 8:47 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces and was 21.75 inches long.

Sussman says mom and baby are doing well.

Battistelli is the reigning Dove Awards female vocalist of the year. She is known for her hit songs "I'm Letting Go" and "Free To Be Me."

___

Online:

http://www.francescamusic.com/

Country singer James Otto and wife have baby girl

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer Caitlin R. King, Associated Press Writer Wed Aug 25, 12:18 am ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It's a girl for country singer James Otto and his wife, Amy.

Otto's publicist Jensen Sussman tells The Associated Press that they welcomed their first child, Ava Katherine Otto, into the world at 9:23 p.m. Tuesday at a Nashville-area hospital. She weighs 8 lbs., 2 oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long.

Otto said in a statement: "She is beautiful like her Mama, and I am already wrapped around her tiny finger."

Otto has been opening for Toby Keith and Trace Adkins this summer, and he said he returned from a gig over the weekend just in time for the birth.

Otto scored his first No. 1 hit in 2008 with "Just Got Started Loving You." He also co-wrote last year's CMA song of the year, "In Color," sung by Jamey Johnson. Otto is releasing a new album Sept. 14.

__

Online:

http://www.jamesotto.net

Little Big Town

After a 3-year-wait, Little Big Town releases 'The Reason Why.' The band explains how they used Feng Shui in the studio and compares their song 'Little White Church" to Beyonce's 'Single Ladies.' (Aug. 26)

CMA Awards - First Round Nominations

CMA announces first round of nominees

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer Tue Aug 31

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Miranda Lambert leads the first round of CMA Awards nominations with five, followed closely by Lady Antebellum with four and Zac Brown with three.

Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins as well as newcomer Easton Corbin have two each.

Lambert is competing against herself twice. "The House That Built Me" and "White Liar" are both up for single of the year and music video of the year. She's also nominated for writing song of the year contender "White Liar."

Other song of the year nominees include "The House That Built Me"; "Need You Now, co-written by Lady Antebellum; "Toes" co-written by Zac Brown; and Corbin's "A Little More Country Than That."

Both Lady A and Zac Brown Band are up for vocal group of the year against Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry.

In addition to their nod for vocal group, Zac Brown Band is nominated again in the new artist of the year category. The band is up against Corbin, Luke Bryan, Jerrod Niemann and Chris Young.

Rounding out the single of the year category is Lady A's "Need You Now," Corbin's "A Little More Country Than That" and Shelton and Adkins' "Hillbilly Bone" duet.

The final nominees will be announced Wednesday on ABC's "Good Morning America."

The CMAs are set for Nov. 10 in Nashville and will air live on ABC.

___

Online:

http://www.cmaawards.com

The Biebs!

Justin Bieber came to Nashville for a concert stop a couple weeks ago. I almost got to interview him, but due to unfortunate circumstances, it didn't work out. I did finally get to write about him, though! Love this kid!

JUSTIN BIEBER CONTRIBUTES TO TENN. FLOOD RELIEF NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Teen pop star Justin Bieber is proving he’s not the only one in his world. He brought his My World tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday and donated a portion of every ticket sale to Middle Tennessee flood relief. Concert promoter AEG Live matched the donation. Together with proceeds from last month’s show featuring Miranda Cosgrove and Kris Allen at a smaller venue, Bieber presented a check for nearly $33,000 to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Bieber says, “Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and you know Nashville, there’s so much music history here.” Record flooding in May killed 22 people statewide and caused more than $2 billion in damage in Nashville alone.

Blake Shelton

Country singer Blake Shelton explains why buying his new six-pack album "All About Tonight" could be good for your health. He also reveals details of his upcoming wedding to Miranda Lambert and why he can't wait to cut into his groom's cake. (Aug. 11)

Jaron and the Long Road to Love

Ex-Factor Drives Jaron and the Long Road to Love

Jaron and the Long Road to Love uses ex-girlfriend as inspiration for hit single, new album

By CAITLIN R. KING Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Jaron Lowenstein of Jaron and the Long Road to Love sounds more than a little bitter in his hit single, "Pray for You," as he prays for bad things to happen to his ex. But that's only part of his complicated love story.

The rest of it is laid out in his new album, "Getting Dressed In The Dark."

"There was one relationship that really sticks with me," he said. "And that's where most of the songs come from."

In fact, Lowenstein, 36, dedicates the album, released in June, to his unnamed ex-girlfriend in the liner notes, thanking her and saying that although she was "annoying at times," he deserves most of the blame and is sorry for hurting her.

"Through help of ... my therapist, we worked it out," said Lowenstein, grinning.

Then he caught himself.

"Do country people have therapists? It's such an L.A. thing. You're talking and it's not taboo to be like, 'My therapist and I were talking.' I don't know if in the country world you're allowed to admit that. I have no idea."

Lowenstein burst onto the pop scene with the 2001 hit "Crazy For This Girl," sung with twin brother Evan. It was featured on the TV show "Dawson's Creek." But a couple years later, success fizzled.

"In 2003, Evan and I decided to take a year off and do some other things. We just wanted a break from the music business, because it can be a love-hate business," said Lowenstein. "That year turned into six, and in 2009 I said, 'Evan, I've got stories to tell.'"

Lowenstein was living in Los Angeles, working as a screenwriter. Evan wasn't ready to get back into music, but he encouraged his brother to go solo.

"I wrote probably most of the songs on this album in a two-week period in L.A. before I left and jumped out to Nashville just to get away from the distractions of L.A.," he said. "I knew if I was going to start over and I was going to go back to square one and have to get stuff kicked in my face, I was going to have to get away from the comfortable lifestyle that I had built in L.A."

He started his own label, Jaronwood Records, and Evan stepped in as co-manager. Lowenstein immediately took to social media to present new music to fans and interact with them nearly everyday. Interestingly enough, those fans began to request "Pray For You" at country radio. Lowenstein is comfortable with the genre switch, saying country has gone pop more than he's gone country.

"I'm just looking for my audience," he said. "Wherever the people that like songs that are about stories and hold up a mirror to ourselves and tell stories about life and have reflection and honest accounts of relationships, wherever those stories are with the sound that I'm making, then that's where I am, and right now that's country."

Lowenstein now goes by Jaron and the Long Road to Love. He knows it's confusing, but he has his reasons.

"The idea behind it was to let my listeners know that the songs I'm going to sing and that they're going to hear from me are all about relationships. They're all about me and my experiences, where I got it right and where I got it wrong."

Lowenstein doesn't know why his road to love has been so long, but he can describe his ideal girl by quoting from his next single, "That's Beautiful To Me.

"The second verse in the song has a line that says, 'You turn every head when you walk into a room, but your kindness and your sweetened soul lingers like perfume," he said. "That's what I'm looking for."

——

Online:

http://www.jaronatlrtl.com

Sneak Peek: Reba's new video

Go behind the scenes of Reba McEntire's new music video for her single "Turn On The Radio." There was no air-conditioning in the building where McEntire shot the video late last month during the middle of a Tennessee. heat wave. (Aug. 18)

Jerrod Niemann

Not-so-newcomer Jerrod Niemann follows the non-traditional path of his good friend Jamey Johnson to country music success and reveals the secret to hitting the ultra-low notes in his top 10 hit "Lover Lover." (July 13)

"American Idol" Comes to Nashville

'American Idol' season 10 underway in Nashville

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer - Fri Jul 16

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 10th season of "American Idol" is under way in Nashville, and despite the long lines and big dreams of wannabe contestants, there's no denying that something's missing.

"'Idol's' going to be different this year first and foremost because (judge) Simon Cowell's not here," supervising producer Patrick Lynn said in an interview. "But secondly, this is our 10th season, we're going into it, and we're really this year are making it about the contestant. It's all about them, and let me tell you, Nashville, the crowd here does not disappoint."

People began lining up for wristbands outside Nashville's Bridgestone Arena early Thursday morning. By 9 a.m, Lynn estimated there were upward of 10,000 people waiting in the nearly 90-degree heat.

Contestants are mixed on Cowell's departure from the show. Some are relieved they won't have to face him; others wish they could get his critique.

Jayson Kim, 22, from Springfield, Missouri, smiled when Cowell's name came up.

"I'm kind of glad," said Kim of the fact that he wouldn't have to face Cowell in the audition. "He could be mean, and I don't like mean people. So, I'm glad."

Maurice Buchanan, a 28-year-old Christian music singer from Nashville, initially said it was "wonderful" that he would escape Cowell's assessment but then backtracked a little when he thought of Cowell's celebrity.

"I actually wanted to meet Simon," said Buchanan.

Survival instincts kicking in, he reverted back to his original feeling: "But I believe that it's good, that I can actually impress someone else."

Brett Hunter, a 16-year-old student from Hendersonville, Tenn., defended Cowell's role on the show.

"There's a difference between being mean and being honest, and he always had the honest thing to say," argued Hunter.

Fifteen-year-old Christy Barger from Loretta, Tenn., said Cowell was her favorite.

"He made the show funny," she said.

Last year, Barger would've been turned away from auditions because the minimum age was 16. However, producers changed the rules this year to allow 15-year-olds. Lynn said the decision came from a perfect storm of having to turn away talented young people from auditions and the phenomenon of Bieber-fever.

"We have a whole new generation of people that has sort of grown up with 'Idol,'" he said. "We noticed a lot of young people coming out, and then Justin Bieber came along and kind of confirmed all that. So it's kind of hand in hand."

Bieber blasted onto the scene with his 2009 hit "One Time" at age 15.

Even though 19-year-old college student Casey Wright from Moorehead, Ky., wasn't affected by the rule change, she believes it was a great idea.

"I say give as many people as you can a chance," she said.

Her 16-year-old sister Corey Wright thought so, too.

"Everyone, no matter what the age, can have a good voice. Let it show," she said.

"Idol's" ratings have slipped in recent years. Over 24 million viewers tuned in for the finale in May according to Nielsen Co, down nearly 5 million viewers the previous year.

That reality, combined with Cowell's departure is giving producers something to think about.

"We're trying to look at the show with fresh eyes this year, to kind of say, 'What's been our biggest successes' and really kind of focus on those," said Lynn. "I think it really comes down to the people behind me in line. That's what the success of the show relies upon and that's what the show is."

Wristbands will be handed out again Friday in Nashville, with auditions beginning Saturday.

__

Online:

http://www.americanidol.com

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift to release album 'Speak Now' Oct. 25

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Taylor Swift will release her third album, "Speak Now," worldwide on Oct. 25.

She announced it to her fans Tuesday through a live web chat.

It's been two years since Swift released her sophomore album "Fearless." She says, "You've got to give yourself a little bit of time to live a lot of things so you can write about a lot of things."

Swift explains that the title, "Speak Now," is the theme, and that "track by track, each song is a different confession to a different person."

She wrote all 14 tracks herself. The first single, "Mine," will be released Aug. 16. Swift also plans to launch a world tour following the release.

"Fearless" was the top-selling album of 2009 and earned Swift every major award, including four Grammys.

I Love My Country

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough keeps coy on Ryan Seacrest rumors

By CAITLIN R. KING (AP) – 7 hours ago

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country singer and "Dancing With The Stars" pro Julianne Hough isn't making her romantic life public, but she is giving hints that rumors linking her to "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest are true.

When asked Tuesday whether she is dating Seacrest, Hough laughed and said that she wasn't going to confirm or deny anything. While she answered, Hough looked up and to the right with a coy smile on her face.

Hough went on to say: "Ryan's great. He's a really good guy."

Hough was in Nashville to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp for people with Williams Syndrome. She sang karaoke with the campers at a local bar and signed autographs.

___

Online:

http://www.juliannehough.com

http://www.acmliftinglives.com

Nashville Rising

Big names flock to Nashville for flood benefit

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer – Tue Jun 22, 2:35 pm ET NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Big names from all music genres are coming together for a benefit concert Tuesday to help victims of last month's devastating flood in Nashville. Faith Hill, who is leading the Nashville Rising concert with husband Tim McGraw, said just bringing everyone in the Nashville community together in the same venue will be powerful. "Sometimes the only way we can possibly do that is to experience a tragedy like we did in the last couple of months," she said. "The musicians on stage have gone through it. Some of them have lost every instrument they ever owned, and some in the audience have lost their homes and their businesses. So we've been through this together, and we're going to pull ourselves up." The all-star line up for Tuesday night's concert includes McGraw, Hill, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Lynyrd Skynrd, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and ZZ Top. A statement on the Brooks & Dunn Website said the duo had to pull out due to illness. Performer Julie Roberts is a flood victim herself. "We went upstairs to the second floor and had to wait to be rescued for about 5 1/2, 6 hours. We lost our home that day. We lost all of our belongings, all of our cars, but we were rescued and my four dogs were rescued." She also broke her ankle during the ordeal. "It can heal," she said, with a quiet peace about her. "I'm alive and my mom's alive and my sister's alive, and I'm here to talk about it, and I'm here to sing tonight. So I feel very blessed." McGraw said the timing of the concert — nearly seven weeks after the flood May 1 and 2 — was intentional, to bring another wave of disaster relief funds to the city. "What's really the part that is the most work right now is neighborhoods, where people live and where their families live," he said. "That's where the focus is for us now is families and neighborhoods and for people to get their homes and their lives back together." Ellen Lehman, president of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, says Nashville is moving from the stabilization phase to the restoration phase where the unexpected expenses of a disaster are most acutely felt. "Since the flood, (families) are not only required to pay their mortgage and the rest of their bills, but they're also needing to pay rent," she said. "Going forward...they're going to have to find the money to rebuild. That is a huge unexpected burden, and there will be people who can't financially put together a package that will allow them to do that, and they're going to have to walk away from their homes." Lehman said over 37,000 people have filed claims with FEMA throughout 40 counties in middle Tennessee. Officials say the flooding caused over $2 billion in damage. Jason Aldean said he is grateful to McGraw and Hill for organizing the event. "All of us, all the artists involved in this thing have all adopted Nashville as our home," he said. "It's our community, and our city, and we want to help out as much as anybody. This town was built on music and who better to help the community out than the artists that kind of helped to build the city?" Organizers hope to raise upward of $2 million. The sold-out concert is Tuesday at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. __ Online: http://www.nashvillerising.org

John Mayer and Keith Urban on "CMT Crossroads

Urban, Mayer celebrate their 'arranged marriage'

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Forget eHarmony. When it comes to pairing up musicians, "CMT Crossroads" is the ultimate matchmaker.

"I see them sort of as arranged marriages," said pop star John Mayer of the series that pairs country music stars with artists from other genres.

Mayer is featured on a new episode with country singer Keith Urban that premieres on CMT Friday.

"I think at some point it would've been inevitable that we came together and played guitars together, so the only thing that's missing is we didn't just sit together and play guitars and say, 'Hey, let's do a 'Crossroads.' It was more like people who knew us and knew each other thought that would be something that made sense, and within seconds we both knew that it did."

After just a day of rehearsing for the show, Mayer and Urban were already finishing each other's sentences when describing how they put off preparing for the gig.

Mayer: "It is not our strong suits as musicians to ..."

"To be organized," said Urban.

"Yeah, we're not administrative creatures," continued Mayer. "When people say, 'Did you call Keith yet?' or 'Did Keith call you yet?'... I'm like, 'No. We're not going to call each other until we totally have to.' It's never a disrespect. It's just really hard to cold call another artist and go, 'Hey, it's John here. Want to talk about these songs?'"

But finally, Urban phoned Mayer.

"I think I said to you, 'I'm sitting at my house with a guitar and a bit of unexpected time, and I thought, well now is a good time to learn those John Mayer songs — if I only knew which ones they were!'" said Urban.

The duo ended up collaborating on Urban's hits "Til Summer Comes Around," "Sweet Thing" and "If Ever I Could Love." They sang Mayer's songs "Perfectly Lonely" and "Gravity" as well as a cover of "Faith" by George Michael.

This is the first time that the series is bringing back "Crossroads" alumni. Mayer was featured with Brad Paisley in an episode that premiered in May 2004. Urban performed with John Fogerty on a show that aired in February 2005.

One reason the series is such a success is its appeal to fans and artists alike.

"When you've been playing these songs for months or years, it's really great to hear another element on them," said Mayer. "

Urban says he loves seeing the "collaborative mojo" during episodes of "Crossroads," because "sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't."

"I also think it's important to find some musical common ground where it makes sense if you're going to collaborate with someone," added Urban. "I think in the case of John and I, we both play guitar. We both sing. We both write songs. I'm trying to find a lot of the commonality between us, where you can actually see the connection between his music and mine."

The series started in January 2002 with Lucinda Williams and Elvis Costello. Over eight years, it has featured artists including Hank Williams Jr. and Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn and ZZ Top, Kenny Chesney and John Mellencamp, Sugarland and Bon Jovi, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, Taylor Swift and Def Leppard, Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett and many more.

Chesney returns to the "Crossroads" stage with The Steve Miller Band in a new episode premiering Friday, July 9.

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Online:

http://www.cmt.com

http://www.johnmayer.com

http://www.keithurban.net

Father's Day

In honor of Father's Day, country stars Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser and Justin Moore reflect back on nuggets of wisdom their dads gave them.

CMA Fest

Country music stars stress importance of CMA Fest

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music fans are flooding downtown Nashville where water flowed just over a month ago.

The CMA Music Fest is always an important event for the city, but especially this year, since flooding that began May 1 caused over $2 billion in damage.

"I think everybody is really conscious about the flood relief and stuff like that that's going on," Carrie Underwood said. "There's a lot of charity events this week for flood relief. It's just really cool, too, the show must go on, to get out and do our thing."

Underwood performed on Music Fest's opening night Thursday at LP Field, one of the many structures that suffered extensive flood damage. There will be concerts there every night through the festival's closing on Sunday.

"This year I just think it's so much more important," Miranda Lambert said. "It's everybody coming together in a city that really needs support right now, and it's people that all have one thing in common, which is country music and the love of country music."

Lambert was scheduled to perform at LP Field on Friday night.

Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, a native of Nashville, acknowledged how much effort it took to pull off this massive event.

"The artists like us, we owe everybody with the CMA, every volunteer, everyone who has worked so hard to get the facilities back to a point where they could hold people and the show could go on," she said. "It's been a lot of work. We're thankful, because that's a way for a lot of money to be pumped back into the city. And it's one of the most fun weekends of the year in Nashville."

Her band performed a number of their hits Thursday night, including "Need You Now," "American Honey" and "I Run to You."

Tim McGraw couldn't wait to perform Thursday night.

"I've been on tour all summer, but this is the first time I've played at the new Fan Fair site, the CMA Fest. I still call it Fan Fair," he said, smiling. "But it's the first time I've played in this setting in a long, long time. I can't remember the last time, so I'm excited about it."

After all, stadium gigs are what many artists only dream about. Lady Antebellum guitarist Dave Haywood agreed.

"It's the top of the top," he said. "We played some last year with Kenny Chesney, but the energy here, when everyone comes from around the country and the world for these shows. ... There's nothing like it."

"Most of us don't know what it's like to go out and play in a stadium other than Chesney," said Jason Aldean. "So for us it's exciting to go out and play in front of that many people, and you know that every single person in that crowd is a country music fan. You know they are or they wouldn't be here this week. For me that's the coolest part about it."

Fans are a priority for artists this week, but that's not all.

"The other important side of this festival is obviously the flood, and the fact that we're able to go and show that we've risen from this as a city by having this festival," said Brad Paisley, who lost many of his guitars and other touring gear stored at Soundcheck, a popular storage and rehearsal space that was submerged.

"I know the importance of that myself, having had to go back out there and do shows with all new guitars and a crew that's very tired. This town is ready, and it's excited about the prospect of having something like this happen this quickly and be a success."

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Online:

http://www.cmafest.com/

Carrie Underwood's lucky fan

AssociatedPress — June 15, 2010 — Fifteen-year-old Riley Ahlstrand is now on a first name basis with her favorite singer thanks to an e-mail she sent to the Country Music Association, asking for Carrie Underwood to perform at CMA Music Fest.

Karen Elson

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It has taken at least a decade, but British model Karen Elson finally is out of the closet with her debut album, "The Ghost Who Walks."

The closet literally is where she would go, time and again, to write songs — and until recently, that's where they stayed.

"My closet is a completely messy, disorganized place filled with way too many clothes and mess everywhere, but it was a safe place on many different levels," she said. "First of all, it was a quiet place, which I really need to be quiet when I'm writing a song, or at least feel like I'm completely alone, but maybe on a subconscious level I just was sort of hiding myself."

One reason Elson hesitated to reveal her work is because she's married to uber-rocker Jack White, front man and guitarist of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs and drummer for The Dead Weather.

"I'd never heard her talking about making an album or recording a song or even writing a song," said White in a separate interview. "I'd never heard her talking about any of those things. She'd been in this political cabaret group called the Citizens Band for years, and I'd always known she sings like an angel, gorgeous voice."

"But then I came across that she had been writing a couple songs — she'd just been hiding them," he added.

"I was," admitted Elson. "But it wasn't that I was purposely hiding them from him. ... The way I write songs I've come to realize is that it's a very, very isolated experience for me, and I keep it very private until I feel ready to let them go."

Elson felt "daunted" when she finally played White the first couple of songs she had written for the record.

"It was so many different emotions," said Elson. "... to be so vulnerable as well and show the person that you're in a relationship with another side of you, something they know about, but maybe he didn't know how deeply involved I was."

After hearing a few songs, White coaxed her to reveal more, and they eventually went into the studio to record them.

"I put together a band and I played drums for her. We just thought, 'Let's see where we can go with this. Who knows what it's going to be like?' It turned into something incredible," he said, describing the album as a mix of folk, country and gothic music and a "beautiful voice on top of it."

Raconteurs, Greenhornes and Dead Weather bassist Jack Lawrence played on Elson's record, which was released on White's label, Third Man Records, last month. He hopes that Elson's career as a supermodel doesn't cause possible listeners to pass judgment prematurely.

"I hope people aren't cynical about it and dismiss it," said Lawrence. "It's a really good record, and if you take the time and really listen to it, I think you'll find out that there are good songs there."

Elson hopes people will focus on the music as well.

"I hope that people will just take it as the record it is," she said. "If people listen to it and say, 'Oh, it's that model singing,' fair enough. Ultimately I can't change people's opinions, and I don't really care to, either."

At 31, Elson acknowledges that she has had a "surreal" life, traveling the world as a model for the past 15 years and living in what she calls "some really strange places." But these days, Elson, White and their two children live in Nashville. Elson says it is "the most natural and relaxed day-to-day life" she's had since she was 16. As a result, she has had the time and space to reflect upon her life, pick up a guitar and write songs about it. And she plans to continue — which will mean a return to that unkempt closet.

"Everytime I write a song I still go in the bloody closet and lock the doors," she said. "For whatever reason that's become the unofficial office I guess."

Kid Rock

Kid Rock ready to party as host of the CMT Awards

By CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press Writer Caitlin R. King, Associated Press Writer – Wed Jun 9, 8:03 am ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kid Rock won't be too far out of his comfort zone as host of the Country Music Television Awards. It will be kind of like throwing a party.

"They're just kind of loose and fun, and they're geared that way — to have fun," he said of Wednesday's event, to be aired live on the network from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

"You go to the Grammys, and it's very serious. You're just like, 'Man, everyone lighten up a little bit. It's fun. It's music. Let's celebrate,'" he said. "And that's just kind of the atmosphere at the CMT Awards, just really laid back, really fun, got some over-the-top performances, a little riff raff here and there. It just creates for a good atmosphere, good time."

Kid Rock wouldn't reveal too much of what's going to happen during the show, but he did offer up a possible scenario.

"There will probably be (a moment) where I propose to Kellie Pickler," he said. "She'll immediately dump me as I'm flirting with Carrie Underwood. I'll probably be smacked by Miranda Lambert for the whole fiasco. Then me and Jamey Johnson will go get drunk."

When informed that Lambert is now engaged to fellow country artist Blake Shelton, Kid replied: "I'm not messing with Blake or Miranda. I'm actually more scared of Miranda."

Back in April, he announced on his website that he would be hosting the CMT Awards by writing, "All I can promise is I will be awesome."

Asked how he would live up to that promise, he smirked and said: "This is where the cocky me comes out ... How could I not be awesome?"

Even though he is known to many for his rock music, over the years he has made Nashville a second home through collaborations with artists including the Zac Brown Band, Willie Nelson and Gretchen Wilson.

Unlike many artists from other genres who occasionally try to crossover into country music, fans and artists seem to have embraced Kid Rock. His 2008 song "All Summer Long" was a top 5 hit on the country singles chart, and the video won a CMT Award last year. He also taped an episode of "CMT Crossroads" with Hank Williams Jr. in 2001 and had a country hit in 2002 with the song "Picture," sung with Sheryl Crow.

"I'd like to say it's because I'm skinny. I'm cute. I'm fun at parties, but I don't think that's the real reason," he said of his appeal to country listeners. "I think it boils down to the music, maybe the honesty if I had to take a guess."

In addition to his hosting duties, Kid Rock also will be performing on the show. Others in the lineup include Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, the Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Jamey Johnson, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and John Mayer.

Being pals with some of the top names in country, including some of Wednesday's performers, is why Kid Rock won't consider his hosting duties as a work night.

"The country community is kind of small, and I've been fortunate to make a lot of great friends in it," he said. "I'm just looking forward to seeing everybody and definitely looking forward to some sort of after-party. I guess hosting the show is a good excuse to throw a good after-party, right?"

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Online:

http://www.cmt.com

http://www.kidrock.com