K-Lyne’s Top Country Albums of 2010

As we journeyed through 2010, I was pleasantly surprised to notice that some mainstream country artists are bringing back more of a countrified sound (however slight it may be – at least it’s a step in the right direction). That’s always a positive in my book.

So, let’s begin:

1. Johnny Cash – American VI: Ain’t No Grave
“It’s a long and a dusty road, a hot & a heavy load, and the folks that I meet ain’t always kind. Some are bad, some are good, some have done the best they could. And some have tried to ease my troubled mind. And I can’t help but wonder where I’m bound, where I’m bound.. Can’t help but wonder where I’m bound.” - Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound

In my book, there’s never going to be anything better in country music than new music from the Man in Black. Sadly, this will be the last of the new music - so they say at the moment, but I’ve heard rumblings of some live concert recordings to come out. Johnny Cash is a legend, and he always will be. This album is a testament to that fact. Following the death of his beloved June, he immersed himself in his music, and followed his desire to record a number of songs that he’d always wanted to record before he died. As with most of his other “American” recordings, this one is simplified musically, just Johnny and a guitar. To me, that’s what makes it so intriguing. Johnny’s voice has always been (and still is) his greatest instrument – even if it does sound a bit rougher at this stage of his life. The simple acoustic guitar accompaniment highlights that. It’s what the ‘Man in Black’ has always been about – nothing flashy, but full of substance.

Highlights: “Redemption Day” (a nice cover version of the Sheryl Crow song), “Can’t help but wonder where I’m bound”, “Cool Water”, and “Satisfied Mind”.

2. Lady Antebellum – Need You Now

“And I wonder if I ever cross your mind. To me, it happens all the time. It’s a quarter after one, I’m a little drunk & I need you now. Said I wouldn’t call, but I’ve lost all control & I need you now. And I don’t know how I can do without. I just need you now.” – Need You Now

This trio made a great album. I guess it proves again that if you have some great musical harmony, along with a good story/lyrics, I’ll probably enjoy listening to it. I think Lady A found their niche with the duet-style songs, with both male & female voices taking lead on different verses. The male/female duet is something that’s been lacking in music for the past decade. You usually have your male artists, female artists, and groups which are usually all male, all female, or a mixed group with a single lead (Trick Pony, Highway 101, etc). The male/female duet has become somewhat of a lost art. I’m glad to see these three bring that back.

Highlights: “Need you now”, “Our kind of love”, “Perfect day” and “When you got a good thing”

3. Jamey Johnson – The Guitar Song

“All this gripping & grinning, boozing & winning, and running. Promises break like an egg on the hot asphalt. What the hell was I thinking, drinking like I’d never get caught. These high dollar women, and the fame and the fortune, ain’t worth the ticket I bought. When the only L.A. I knew was a Lower Alabama, back when me & Hannah was wishing on a southern star. Now it’s so complicated, I really hate it. Why’d I ever want to go so far. Takin’ depression pills in the Hollywood Hills, acting like I’m playing the part.” Playing the Part

How can you not love a guy who has Bill Anderson as a guest on a song? If that’s not good enough, how about nice renditions of “mental revenge” and the Vern Gosdin classic, “set ‘em up Joe”? Still not sold? How about a guy who sounds like a cross between Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, Waylon Jennings and Trace Adkins? The final kicker – how about 25 songs in a 2-cd set? These days it’s standard to get about 10 songs on a single album release, or even 5 or 6 songs on an EP – which I think is kind of a waste (both for artist & fan). Jamey Johnson seems to be the antithesis of today’s standard artists.

Highlights: “Playing the part”, “The Guitar Song” (featuring Bill Anderson), “Can’t cash my checks”, “dog in the yard” and “lonely at the top” (‘It might be lonely at the top, but it’s a bitch at the bottom’)


4. Dierks Bentley – Up On The Ridge

“Dance around in the dirt, listen to the crickets chirp. Hear old Jake start to howl when he hears that old hoot owl. Give you all I’ve got to give. That’s how we live up on the ridge. Won’t you come with me tonight where moonlight drips into your eyes? I just want one little kiss when we get high up on the ridge.” – Up on the ridge

This time around, the grass is blue with Dierks’ latest release. That’s right, Dierks is bringing you a dose of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, great harmonies, some knee-slapping and a little “Yee Haw” as he goes “down home” with a touch of class. He does it very well, too. Miranda Lambert makes an appearance on “Bad Angel”, and a nice guest appearance from Kris Kristofferson on “bottle to the bottom”. Dierks also gets quite brave and does a grassy version of U2’s “Pride (In the name of love)”. Surprisingly, it’s quite good.

Highlights: “Up on the ridge”, “Bad angel” (with Miranda Lambert), “draw me a map”, “bottle to the bottom” (with Kris K), and “you’re dead to me”.


5. Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn

“Well I was born a coal miner’s daughter, in a cabin on a hill in Butcher Holler. We were poor, but we had love. That’s the one thing that daddy made sure of. He shoveled coal to make a poor man’s dollar.” – Coal Miner’s Daughter

It usually takes something special for me to enjoy a tribute album from beginning to end. With this one, the only thing needed was Loretta’s wonderful songwriting, and maybe some of my favorite singers too. There are great matchups, like Alan Jackson & Martina McBride (“Louisiana Woman/Mississippi Man), the husband-wife team of Steve Earle & Allison Moorer (“After the fire is gone”), Reba with the Time Jumpers (“If you’re not gone too long”). Then there’s the one that really had me intrigued; it’s the final cut on the album, and Loretta’s signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. This time, it’s sung by Loretta, Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow. What a wonderful combination. Some may question Sheryl’s inclusion in that trio, but one only needs to take a listen to see how pronounced that her “twang” gets when surrounded with other “twangers”. She was, after all, born in the bootheel of Missouri. I also enjoyed Paramore’s take on “You ain’t woman enough (to take my man)”. The one that surprised me is Carrie Underwood’s “You’re lookin’ at country”. It just goes to show that Carrie can actually sing country music if she wanted to. Loretta’s buddies, The White Stripes, did a good job with “Rated X”. The only song I have a problem with on this album is Kid Rock’s version of “I know how”. Hey, I like the Kid, but this version of the song is just…strange.

Highlights: “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, “Louisiana Woman/Mississippi Man”, “Somebody Somewhere” (featuring Lucinda Williams), “You ain’t Woman Enough (to take my man)”, and “after the fire is gone”.


6. Chely Wright – Lifted Off The Ground

“You’ll want to take my blood to smear on a slide. But if you just read on, you’ll know how I died. Terminal sadness, chronic regret, a big ball of pain in pajamas. These are my notes to the coroner. Clues with no compromise. Notes to the coroner. Details of my demise.” – Notes to the coroner

It’s been five years since we’ve been blessed with a studio album from Chely. Her last was 2005’s The Metropolitan Hotel, which I enjoyed immensely. Chely enlists the help of Rodney Crowell on this album as producer, as well as adding his guitar & vocal talents. This seems to be a more complex album than some of her previous offerings, however I didn’t feel that it was as cohesive an album as the last one. “Notes to the coroner” is my favorite song here, however, it does have one flaw that continually irks me: she always says “Cor-in-er” instead of “Cor-on-er”. I still think they should use the song in an episode of CSI.

Highlights: “Broken”, “Notes to the coroner”, “damn liar”, “snow globe”, and “object of your rejection”.

7. The Band Perry – Self-titled

“If I die young, bury me in satin. Lay me down on a bed of roses, sink me in the river at dawn. Send me away with the words of a love song. Uh-oh, Uh-oh. Lord, make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother. She’ll know I’m safe with you when she stands under my colors. Oh, and life ain’t always what you think it outta be, no. Ain’t even gray, but she buries her baby. The sharp knife of a short life. Well, I’ve had just enough time.” –If I die young

I was moderately intrigued with this new group (comprised of sister Kimberly & brothers Reid & Neil) when I heard their first single, “Hip to my heart”. When “If I die young” was released as a single, it didn’t really hit me at first how great a song it was. However, the lyric “funny when you’re dead, how people start listening” kept getting stuck in my head. It was then that I started really listening to the story of the song. I hope they get to release a few more singles from this album, as the first two singles really haven’t shown their strength – harmony & instrumentation. The greatest part of this group is their instrumentation, with the mandolin, accordion, pedal steel and even the fiddle being highlighted, it brings the ‘down home’ feeling, which I seem to crave. The album seems to bring a variety of styles – from a smidgen of bluegrass, to rockabilly, to mainstream country, and everything in between.

Highlights: “If I die young”, “all your life”, “postcard from Paris”, “independence”, “walk me down the middle”, “quittin’ you”


8. Rhonda Vincent - Taken

“He doesn’t know that everything is changed. He still says he loves me, but now he looks away. And more than that, he says less & less each day. He’s telling me goodbye a little at a time. I can see it in his eyes, feel it in his touch. I hear it in his voice, but he don’t say much. In the quiet moments after we make love he’s telling me goodbye a little at a time.” – A Little At A Time

Rhonda’s music may be quite bluegrassy, but she also is able to bring a countrified flavor to her songs as well. You’ve got the great instrumentation – banjos, fiddles, mandolins, dobros, harmonicas, etc, but what makes Rhonda’s music so great is that she has the wonderful voice to go nicely with it. With Taken, Rhonda offers up a few well-known covers into the mix. She does wonderful versions of “Back on my mind” and “Tonight my baby’s coming home”. As great as the up-tempo bluegrass tunes are, Rhonda really shines on the slower ballads, like “A little at a time”, “taken” and “Songs of a whiporwill”.

Highlights: “a little at a time”, “In the garden by the fountain”, “back on my mind”, and “when the bloom is off the rose”

9. Blake Shelton – All About Tonight

“Hey Baby, I just asked your daddy if I could take your hand. He said ‘Boy, over my dead body’, guess I ain’t his kind of man. But I love you and you love me, so baby I’ve got a plan. We’ll push my truck off the Red Top bridge right below the Jackson Dam. And they’ll be dragging the river, catching nothing but an old catfish. They’ll be dragging the river, that’ll show that son of a bitch.” – Dragging the river

Another short EP (I’m still divided on the concept of the EP), but it’s seven pretty darn good songs. When you add in the fiancee (Miranda Lambert) for a duet and some backing vocals, that makes it even better. And how about the great cover of the Dan Seals hit, “addicted”? That’s a great song for Blake to bring back into the limelight.

Highlights: “draggin’ the river”, “all about tonight”, “who are you when I’m not looking”, “addicted” and “that thing we do”

10. Rodney Hayden – Tavern of Poets

“Dark clouds move across the night sky. Shadows dancin’ on my wall. Never thought I’d walk a rope this tight, feeling like I’m about fall, ‘cause you… just went away. I’m waitin’ on the pain. Waitin’ on this sky to explode. Waitin’ on this bridge to catch fire. Waitin’ on this road I’ve known’s a dead end, like all your desires, ‘cause you used to love me that way and I still love you that way. And we swore that it’d never change, but you broke your promise to me. I’m waitin’ on the pain. ” - Waiting on the Pain

As the title might indicate, this album is full of great bar laments. Pain, rain, lost love, and lonely nights seem to make for a great album. I’d describe Rodney’s sound as “updated cowboy”. There’s a nice acoustic guitar, with traces of mandolin, accordion, and steel guitar sound mixed in.

Highlights: “waiting on the pain”, “Last train to Rome”, “too many highs”, and “it’s just the rain”

11. Merle Haggard – I Am What I Am

“how did you find me? And how did you know I’d be here in this hole in the ground? I can’t even see out over the edge, looking up from all the way down. I thought I’d been left here to die, when I saw your face appear. What a surprise. How did you find me here? I thought I could do it, all of it, all by myself. I thought I could win every round. Then I hit rock bottom, and the blues – I’ve got ‘em. Lifted me out of my fear. How did you find me here?” - How did you find me here?

Some good old country, simple instrumentation, and a bit of Western Swing - That’s been the standard that Merle set many decades ago. He hasn’t veered from that formula, and that’s what makes his music so great. And how can you not love a good “train” song?

Highlights: “I’ve seen it go away”, “Old tanker train”, “how did you find me here”, “bad actor”


12. Michelle Branch – everything comes & goes EP (6 songs)

“Well you walked in and knocked me right out of my seat. How could a pretty little boy make such a fool out of me. You’d better run for cover, you’d better get on your knees. You’d better think about it, then turn around & leave. I’m ready to let you go. I’m reaching for something that I can’t hold. I’m tired of feeling low. I’m getting ready to let you go.” - Ready to let you go

Michelle basically picks up where The Wreckers (her duo with Jessica Harp) leaves off. It’s an enjoyable 6-song set of a country-ish Michelle music. The drawback is that it’s only a 6-song EP. I’d really like much more.

Highlights: “ready to let you go”, “sooner or later” and “summertime”

13. David Ball – Sparkle City

“what’ll I do if I don’t have you? How will I find my way? How will I know which way to go? Oh, I’m begging you to stay. I’d be lost in this old town without your love when the sun goes down. What will I do if I don’t have you? How will I find my way?” – What’ll I Do If I Don’t Have You

I categorize David Ball as kind of a Willie Nelson type: a singer/songwriter who consistently makes great, simple music. With David, you even get a bit variety in styles. There’s the cowboy/western, swing, slight contemporary, and even a bit of Mexican flavor at times as well.

Highlights: “What’ll I do if I don’t have you”, “hot water pipe”, “smiling in the morning”, and “Tulsa”


14. Hey Romeo – that’s what I am

“I’m not a floor you can walk on. I’m not a car you can drive. I’m not a trophy for winning, and I’m not a ladder to climb. I know you’re looking for something. I think there’s something you missed. I’m also looking for something, something better than this. I am a walking, talking, breathing person, living with a need for no more hurting. Looking for a better plan, hey that’s what I am.” – that’s what I am

My introduction to the music of this Canadian trio came a few months ago when their PR people notified me at the radio station of their latest single release. (yes, sometimes being in radio has its perks!) I was immediately drawn to their more countrified sound, even though it has quite a bit of mainstream country in it. As usual, it seems to be the harmonies and instrumentation that draws me in.

Highlights: “That’s what I am”, “searchin’ for you”, “he still calls me baby” and “can’t wait to see the rest”


15. Clay Walker – she won’t be lonely long

“I've nowhere to go if I wanna get down. All the usual suspects are hanging around. But after a round or two it was just a another day again. For a minute or two I'll get you off of my mind. But you keep coming back to me every time. Where do I go to get over the fact that you got on a plane and you ain't coming back? I said what I said and you did what you had to do. Where does a man have to go to get over the truth? Where do I go from you?” – Where Do I Go From You

It seems like a long time since there’s been a release from Clay Walker, but it’s actually only been three years since “fall” was released. It seems to be worth the wait, no matter how long it’s been. I never realized how much I missed his music until I listened to this album for the first time. Clay’s music seems as alive & fresh as when he first started out. I was pleasantly surprised at his cover of “Feels so right”, in which Alabama’s Randy Owen makes an appearance as well.

Highlights: “like we never said goodbye”, “where do I go from you”, “double shot of John Wayne”, and “All American”


16. Willie Nelson – Country Music

“Come listen, you fellas, so young and so fine. Seek not your fortune in the dark, dreary mine. It’ll form as a habit & seep in your soul. ‘Til the stream of your blood is as black as the coal. It’s dark as a dungeon & damp as the dew. The danger is doubled, the pleasures are few. Where the rain never falls, the sun never shines. It’s dark as a dungeon way down in the mine.” – Dark As A Dungeon

If there’s one certainty in music, it’s that each year there’s going to be at least one album released by Willie Nelson. Willie’s latest release is as simple as the album’s title, “Country Music”. That’s also where Willie is at his best, making simple country music, including covers of some of the country greats, like “dark as a dungeon”, “my baby’s gone”, and “satisfied mind”. It’s simply, just Willie.

Highlights: “Dark as a dungeon”, “my baby’s gone”, “Pistol packin’ mama”, “man with the blues”


17. Chatham Co Line - Wildwood

“ Sweet Marie, I can hardly wait, back when I thought you were my fate. But a diamond told you to walk that aisle, even though it could have been, could have been my style. She said ‘come see me when the crop comes in’ (When the water is high, you can’t afford to spin) But I’m high on the cotton and the dress is fine. (I wouldn’t spend it all if you could be mine.) – Crop Comes In

Don’t mistake this North Carolina group as just being a bluegrass band because there’s certainly a lot of Americana in the wonderful music they bring to life. ‘Wildwood’ is their fifth studio release and it’s the first they've self-produced. The music mixes banjo, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica with great harmonies. Add a great mix of stories and melodies, and you’ve got something that is starting to resemble the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Highlights: “Saturdays and Sundays”, “crop comes in”, “wildwood” and “end of the line”

18. Kid Rock – Born Free

“The concrete and steel stand strong against the wind, With the memories of what was and what has been. The sounds of sweet soul music and blue-collar blues. There were 17 colors for a Chevy all red white and blue. I heard them say that you can't save that town, But I won't leave, I will stand my ground. And it's times like these we can't replace” – Times Like These

Yes, it seems strange to see Kid Rock’s name listed in the “country” album section, but this album is much different from his previous offerings. I like the more country feel to the album, however a number of the songs seem to be a bit subpar. “Collide” is his third song with Sheryl Crow, but their first collaboration “Picture” is still far & above anything they’ve done since then, although “Collide” really isn’t too bad. The collaboration with the Zac Brown Band is probably the best thing on the album, as their voices blend well.
Martina McBride also makes an appearance on “care” (is that really her voice?), along with rapper, T.I.

Highlights: “born free”, “collide”, “flyin’ high”, “times like these” and “when it rains”

19. Little Big Town – the reason why

“I hope you’re happy now I am wide awake. Now I gotta deal with every ounce of this heartache. Why your moving on I’m stuck in this place. It’s all your fault so shut up train. Every time the front door shakes, Every time I hear the breaks, And that long whistle cryin through the night, I’m reminded of the way I feel. Just like that cold black steel gettin crushed by your wheels tonight. I can’t take no more pain so shut up train.” – Shut Up Train

Great harmonies. It gets me sucked in every time. It doesn’t really matter that their songs have become a bit more mainstream than their early songs, the melodies & harmonies overshadow that bit of annoyance. I also like the fact that they take turns on lead vocals. It brings more of a variety to the music.

Highlights: “kiss goodbye”, “shut up train”, “you can’t have everything”, and “all the way down”

20. Alan Jackson – freight train

“The love you thought was dead and gone Somehow keeps on hanging on. Even when your heart has left it far behind, Just when you have turned the page. It seems to find a way. There it is again, Every now and then. And every now and then that old feeling comes around. Every now and then I see your face in another cloud. And every now and then some old something takes me right back again.
Every now and then.” – Every Now & Then

Alan always seems to consistently put out songs that I enjoy listening to. He’s able to mix enough of the classic country with an updated style of country, but not getting too mainstream pop-y like the rest of his contemporaries these days. And hey! He’s even got a train song! That brings some extra points! And then there’s the duet with LeeAnn Womack on “’Til the end”. Okay, so it’s not as great as the Vern Gosdin/Janie Fricke version, but it’s great that he can help bring some light to an old classic.




So, that's my Top 20 for 2010. I'm hoping for the trend towards a more countrified sound continues in the new year. That would certainly brighten my spirits even more.

Be sure to add your comment and let me know your country favorites for 2010.

Kennedy Center Honors Haggard, McCartney

Washington D.C. was glowing with star power on Sunday night, Dec. 5, for the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors. Merle Haggard was among the esteemed honorees, alongside Sir Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, Bill T. Jones, and Jerry Herman.



Vince Gill opened the salute to Haggard, calling him the “poet of the common man.” Willie Nelson narrated Haggard’s video biography before performing with Sheryl Crow as part of the tribute. Also taking the stage were Kris Kristofferson and Miranda Lambert for Haggard’s “Silver Wings,” and Gill and Brad Paisley on “Workin’ Man’s Blues.” Nelson then recruited Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson onstage for “Ramblin’ Fever.”

On hand to salute McCartney were No Doubt, Dave Grohl and Norah Jones, Steven Tyler, James Taylor, and Mavis Staples.

Oprah was honored by Julia Roberts, Sidney Poitier, John Travolta, Barbara Walters, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Rock.

The gala will air Dec. 28 on CBS.

ROY CLARK JOINS BRAD PAISLEY ON STAGE

Tulsa, OK (November 30, 2010) – Roy Clark surprised Tulsa fans last Saturday night when he joined Brad Paisley on stage for a rare live performance. Brad Paisley wrapped up his H2O Tour on November 20th with his last stop at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tulsa resident and guitar legend, Roy Clark, made a special guest appearance to play an instrumental version of “Ghost Riders in the Sky” alongside Paisley.

“I learned to play guitar with a Roy Clark songbook, so I blame all of this on him” Paisley admitted to the sold out crowd.

“Brad’s show and guitar playing really inspired me! I’m going on tour!” Clark confessed after feeling the excitement and energy of Paisley’s show.

It was the first time the two CMA Entertainer of the Year award winners have ever played together. Roy Clark received the top CMA honor in 1973 and Paisley recently won the title for the first time at this year’s 2010 CMA Awards.

KENNY ROGERS RELEASES CHRISTMAS LIVE

Nashville, TN – It’s that time of year again…and that means Kenny Rogers is gearing up to celebrate the holidays, once again, on his Christmas & Hits Tour – now a holiday tradition – coming to a city near you soon…plus this holiday season we are very excited to announce the release of Kenny’s first-ever live Christmas recording, Christmas Live.



Featuring such favorites as “Silent Night,” “Mary, Did You Know,” “My Favorite Things,” “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” “Away In A Manger / O Holy Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “We Three Kings/The Little Drummer Boy,” “‘Til The Season Comes Around Again, and “The Chosen One/Joy To The World,” the album truly captures the essence of his live holiday performances so that you and yours can enjoy these special musical moments wherever you happen to be and whenever you’d like.

Available for pre-order now via www.kennyrogers.com and at Kenny’s Christmas & Hits shows on the road beginning November 26th, Christmas Live makes the perfect gift or stocking stuffer.

Listen for "The Chosen One/Joy To The World" on a radio station near you!

2010 Christmas & Hits Tour
11/26 - Bossier City, LA
11/27 - Biloxi, MS
11/28 - Anderson, SC
12/2 - London, ON CAN
12/3 - Toronto, ON CAN
12/4 - Quebec, QC CAN
12/6 - Ottawa, ON CAN
12/7 - Greensburg, PA
12/8 - Verona, NY
12/9 - Morristown, NJ
12/10 - Glens Falls, NY
12/11 - Atlantic City, NJ
12/12 - Mashantucket, CT
12/14 - Binghamton, NY
12/16 - Detroit, MI
12/18 - Lynn, MA
12/19 - North Bethesda, MD
12/20 - Reading, PA
12/21 - Virginia Beach, VA
12/22 - Westbury, NY

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Signs with New Frontier Touring

Nashville, TN – New Frontier Touring is thrilled to announce the signing of multiple Grammy and CMA award-winning artist Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to their roster for exclusive worldwide representation!



“Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and their music epitomizes what the New Frontier Touring roster is all about,” said agency prez Paul Lohr. “We are honored to be entrusted with their tour guidance, and continuing their decades of success. We look forward to working with the Dirt Band and riding with them “to Infinity and Beyond!”

Immortalized for their “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” recordings and iconic hits such as “Mr. Bojangles” and “Fishin’ In the Dark,” Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are country-rock pioneers, country-radio hit makers and modern-day standard bearers for the Americana scene. They continue to release new, vibrant and relevant music in their on-going, legendary career

Jennings To Be Honored With Tribute Collection

Late country music icon Waylon Jennings will be honored with a deluxe tribute compilation on February 8, as Scatter Records and the Big Machine Label Group team up to release The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated To Waylon Jennings, Vol. 1. Distribution and promotion will be handled by The Valory Music Co.



The star-studded tribute is part of a three volume project featuring some of country music’s best performing Jennings’ songs, including Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, Trace Adkins, Patty Griffin, and Sunny Sweeney. The lead single from Vol. 1 is “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” which supergroup Alabama reunited to record. The single goes for adds Dec. 13.

The project was conceived in 2007 by Scatter Records founder Witt Stewart, who contacted Jennings’ widow Jessi Colter with the idea. Colter also appears on the tribute, dueting with Sunny Sweeney on “Good Hearted Woman.” Colter and Jennings’ son Shooter pays tribute as well, performing “Belle of the Ball” for Vol. 1. Every performance on the collection earned Jessi and Shooter’s blessing.

“There have been several tribute albums made in my father’s honor, all of which were great tributes to his legacy. But this one has been a true passion project for a lot of artists and friends who truly wanted to remember and give back to the wonderful man he was,” says Shooter. “In the years since my dad passed away, I’ve grown as an artist and I feel this is the first time I’ve been able to give back truly to the man who inspired, influenced and nurtured me and my musical passion.”

Volumes 2 and 3 are due to be released later in 2011.

Vol. 1 tracklist:

1. This Time – Jamey Johnson
2. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way – Alabama
3. I’m A Ramblin’ Man – Randy Houser
4. Belle of the Ball – Shooter Jennings
5. Good Hearted Woman – Sunny Sweeney and Jessi Colter
6. Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out Of Hand – James Otto
7. Just To Satisfy You – John Hiatt w Waylon Jennings
8. Rose In Paradise – Kris Kristofferson and Patty Griffin
9. You Ask Me To – Trace Adkins
10. Go Down Rockin’ – Waylon Jennings

(Bonus Track)
The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want To Get Over You) – Chanel Campbell

Marty Stuart To Receive Symphony Harmony Award

Marty Stuart will receive the prestigious Harmony Award at the 2010 Symphony Ball on Saturday, December 11 at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel. Also at event, Mayor Karl Dean will be presented with the Gold Baton Award.



The Harmony Award is presented annually to individuals who have supported and helped develop Nashville’s musical culture, and shown particular interest in the many kinds of music which exist here in harmony.

Stuart is a four-time GRAMMY® winner, platinum-selling recording artist, Grand Ole Opry star, country music preservationist and songwriter. Record producer and previous Harmony Award winner Tony Brown explains, “Marty has been the torchbearer and authority on all things ‘Hillbilly, Mountain Music, Bluegrass, Traditional Country and Southern Music,’ period! He is absolutely one of Nashville’s treasures.”

Other previous recipients of the Harmony Award include Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Mike & Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, The Judds, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood.

The Gold Baton Award, being presented to Dean, honors individuals who represent the epitome of leadership, community spirit and service to others. This award has been presented by the Nashville Symphony only on rare occasions to acknowledge visionary leadership benefiting the Symphony, the music industry and the Nashville community.

The 26th annual Symphony Ball is being chaired by Lin Andrews and Janet Ayers. The ball annually raises $500,000 for the Symphony and its commitment to artistic excellence and music education. Since its inception in 1985, it has raised a total of more than $6.5 million. This year’s event is being held at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza while Schermerhorn Symphony Center continues to undergo repairs from the May flood.

Deborah Allen Entertains with New Christmas Single, “Redneck Christmas” Featuring Cledus T. Judd

(Nashville, TN – Nov. 22, 2010) Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and Country artist Deborah Allen has announced the release of a special Christmas single with Country comedian Cledus T. Judd, titled “Redneck Christmas.”

Released digitally through GMV Nashville, the humorous holiday track, written by Allen in 2009, was not recorded until 2010 when Judd stopped by the studio to provide the finishing touches and comic narrative heard throughout the song.

“I wanted to write a Christmas song that would make people smile, especially rednecks,” laughs Allen. “I thought to myself, ‘What would make a good redneck gift? A free hunting license? A case of beer? How about a good, redneck Christmas song?’ It was so much fun to write. Cledus is my favorite redneck, so of course he had to be on it, and if you wanna know the truth, I think I might have a little redneck crush on Cledus T. Judd!”

“Redneck Christmas” is currently receiving airplay at Country radio and available for purchase at iTunes and other major digital retailers, including Amazon.com. Allen self-produced the track and recorded it at Nashville Sound Project House with her guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Loudermilk, with final overdubs and mixing at Nashville’s OMNIsound Studios.

In August, the soulful Delta singer released a special Elvis Presley tribute song titled “Amazing Graceland.” Allen was inspired to write the track after a holiday performance at the legendary entertainer’s Graceland mansion in 2009. Legendary DJ, George Klein, invited Deborah to debut the song during Elvis Week at Sirrius XM Satellite radio on‘The Elvis Hour’, and a live performance at the annual Memphis Mafia reunion in 2010 in Allen’s hometown of Memphis, Tenn. “Amazing Graceland” is also available at iTunes and other digital outlets.

The artist behind such hits as “Baby I Lied” and “Rock Me,” Deborah Allen is preparing her eleventh studio album for release in early 2011. With all songs penned by Allen, the project features the standout tunes, “It Better Be Big” and “There’s A Last Time For Everything,” as well as “Amazing Graceland.” Deborah produced all of the tracks on the new CD, titled “Hear Me Now,” with the exception of three tracks, which were produced by her longtime friend and legendary songwriter/producer Bobby Braddock.

Now partnered with Delta Rock Music, Allen continues to oversee her publishing companies, Delta Queen Music and Delta Rose Music, while she finishes her upcoming album. She is also producing the debut release from promising newcomer and protégée, Margaret Phillips.

Visit www.DeborahAllen.com to learn more about “Redneck Christmas” and “Amazing Graceland.”

Dolly Parton Announces New Album, World Tour

Country legend Dolly Parton announced her website (DollyPartonmusic.net) to announce that she has a new album coming in 2011.

The as-yet-untitled album will be released on Parton’s label, Dolly Records. It’ll reportedly feature “new compositions from Dolly that have never been heard before.”

Dolly will also be doing a tour in support of the new release. She’ll kick off a U.S. tour in the summer of 2011 before moving on to Europe and Australia in the fall.

Library of Congress Presents CMA Songwriters Series Dec. 4

Platinum-selling country quartet Little Big Town and country songwriters Brett James, Lori McKenna and Bob DiPiero kick off the new Country Music Association (CMA) Songwriters concert series, which debuts at the Library of Congress on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. in the Thomas Jefferson Building’s Coolidge Auditorium, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

All concerts and public programs at the Library of Congress are presented free of charge, but tickets are required. The ticket supply for this concert, via Ticketmaster, has been exhausted; however, there are often up to 80 empty seats available for sold out concerts at start time. Interested patrons are strongly encouraged to come to the Library by 6:30 p.m. to join the standby line for no-show tickets. For more details, visit www.loc.gov/concerts/.

Giving fans an intimate glimpse at the stories behind the songs, the new concert series will be an ongoing collaboration of the Library and the CMA. Both organizations are working to celebrate, preserve and share the singular role of country music in American culture with a global audience. Building on the historic support of country music by both institutions and the Library’s vision of global access to its unparalleled collections, the Library and CMA seek to ensure that the milestones and contributions of this uniquely American art form are preserved and recorded for future generations – both in the United States and around the world – to study, understand and enjoy.

Capitol Nashville recording artists and 2010 CMA Award nominee for Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town members are Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook. “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home” and “Little White Church” are a few of the group’s top-selling hits.

Joining Little Big Town will be songwriters Brett James (“Jesus, Take the Wheel,” recorded by Carrie Underwood; “When the Sun Goes Down,” recorded by Kenny Chesney; and “The Truth,” recorded by Jason Aldean); Lori McKenna (“Stealing Kisses,” recorded by Faith Hill; “I’m Workin,’” recorded by Tim McGraw; and “Bible Song,” recorded by Sara Evans); and the host for the evening, Bob DiPiero (“Southern Voice,” recorded by Tim McGraw; “Blue Clear Sky,” recorded by George Strait; and “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl,” recorded by Brooks & Dunn).

Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association was the first trade organization formed to promote a genre of music. In 1961, CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame to recognize artists and industry professionals with country music’s highest honor. More than 6,000 music industry professionals and companies from around the globe are members of CMA. The organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advance the growth of country music around the world. For more information about CMA and the association’s awards and initiatives, visit the official website at CMAworld.com.

Country music and its roots are well-represented in the Library’s music collections, including rare gems such as "The Wreck of the Old ‘97" sung by Fred Lewey and recorded by Robert W. Gordon in Concord, North Carolina (1925); the first recording of "Tom Dooley," sung by Frank Proffitt in Beech Mountain, N.C. (1940); copyright deposits of handwritten lead sheets by country music greats before they became famous, such as "I Fall to Pieces" by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard (1960), "Crazy" by Willie Nelson (1961), "Okie from Muskogee" by Merle Haggard and Roy Ward Burris (1969), and "You’re Lookin’ at Country" by Loretta Lynn (1970); the Louisiana Hayride collection, and many more.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. It seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov and via interactive exhibitions on a personalized website at myLOC.gov.

Martina McBride signs with Republic Nashville

Martina McBride has joined the Republic Nashville roster. The signing was announced earlier today (11/8) at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.


Pictured (L-R): President of Republic Nashville Jimmy Harnen, Martina McBride, and President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta

“We’ve been busy orchestrating Martina’s long-term business plan, and today’s signing is a major component,” explained her manager Clint Higham. “Working with Martina has been especially gratifying because she is not only amazingly talented but also has a disciplined work ethic, which results in great execution of whatever we envision. Musically, I’ve never seen her in a better place, and I can’t wait for us to get the opportunity to share her new music with everyone.”
She is expected to begin recording her new BMLG/Republic Nashville album in December with producer Byron Gallimore.
“John and I moved here in 1990 with a big dream,” added McBride. “We have been blessed to have a wonderful 18-year partnership with RCA Records and [former Sony Chairman] Joe Galante, which helped us sell records and see the world. Change is not always easy, but now we are so focused on the future, I’m fired up!”
Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta noted that he attracted superstar Reba to The Valory Music Co. not long after its 2007 launch. He has followed suit with McBride joining the Republic Nashville imprint. Throughout the press conference, Borchetta echoed the phrase “dreams come true” while discussing the label group’s milestones, including the record-setting success of flagship artist Taylor Swift.
In September, MusicRow’s Crystal Ball revealed that the singer had left her longtime label Sony Music Nashville, and predicted that the Big Machine Label Group was a likely new home.
Today’s news rounds out an eventful year for McBride, who also switched managers. In May, after ending her relationship with longtime manager Bruce Allen, she signed with Morris Management’s Clint Higham, president of the powerhouse group which oversees Kenny Chesney’s career.
With more than 18 million albums sold, McBride is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and GRAMMY winner. She has charted 23 Top 10 singles, including six No. 1s.
McBride adds superstar power to the Republic Nashville roster, which also includes The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Jaron And The Long Road To Love, Sunny Sweeney and SHEL.

info from musicrow.com

Reba releases new album

Reba McEntire is releasing her 34th album, "All The Women I Am".



She will have a number of media appearances this week in support of the album release, including 'Good Morning America', 'CMA Awards' and 'the Late Show with David Letterman'.

UPCOMING REBA TV APPEARANCES:

Tuesday, November 9th
ABC – Good Morning America – 7:00 am (
GAC – On the Streets – 1:00 pm CT

Wednesday, November 10th
ABC – 44th Annual Country Music Awards – 7:00 pm CT

Friday, November 12th
CBS – Late Show With David Letterman – 10:30 pm CT

Saturday, November 13th
CW Network — Crook & Chase — 7:00 pm CT
GAC – REBA: The Collection – 10:00 pm CT (re-air)

Wednesday, November 17th
ABC – “Better With You” – 7:30 pm CT

Monday, November 29th
ABC – CMA Country Christmas — 7:30 pm

Randy Travis & Wife Split

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Randy Travis and his wife-manager, Elizabeth Travis, are splitting.

A statement from Elizabeth Travis on Friday says they have "agreed to part ways." The statement did not indicate whether they had filed for divorce.

The couple has had a 34-year business and personal relationship that began when a teenage Travis won a talent contest at his future wife's North Carolina nightclub in the mid-1970s. They married in 1991.

Elizabeth Travis says she will remain Travis' personal manager.

She guided Randy Travis' career after he won the talent contest and he eventually became one of country music's biggest stars, winning six Grammys.

News report from USA Today.

Martina McBride & Train team up for CMT "Crossroads"

Martina McBride and pop band Train will team up for an episode of "Crossroads" on CMT.

The episode is scheduled to air on Nov. 20th on CMT. Check your local listings.

Martina McBride has appeared on an episode of "Crossroads" previously with Pat Benatar.

Jack Ingram will be releasing weekly videos

Jack Ingram will now be releasing weekly videos. On his videos, Ingram will offer acoustic versions of his biggest hits, and some covers too. You can see them here

Ingram has added a few more select dates to his Acoustic Motel Tour in November. It will kicks off in Atlanta, GA on Nov. 4th.

Dixie Chicks release 2-disc collection

This week, the Dixie Chicks released a 2-disc career anthology, titled "The Essential Dixie Chicks". The album has 30 of the band’s most popular songs, including six No. 1 hits, and covering all four studio albums recorded for Sony Music.

The Dixie Chicks took a break from music in 2008, but sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire have formed a new duo, the Court Yard Hounds. The Dixie Chicks also briefly reunited this past summer for tour dates with the Eagles and Keith Urban.

Meanwhile, the Court Yard Hounds will have a live web chat with fans coming soon. Details will be posted on www.courtyardhounds.com.