New "Nashville of the South" Resort Planned in Alabama

Music Row runs all the way to Alabama evidently.

Ronnie Gilley, his family members, business partners, staff, city and government officials, celebrity guests, and residents of Houston County and surrounding areas participated in a special presentation and celebration at the official groundbreaking of Country Crossing held on location at the site located off U.S. Hwy. 231 South in Dothan on Monday, October 27.

Ronnie Gilley Properties, in affiliation with Resorts Development Group II, recently closed on the purchase of a 400-acre parcel that will become the home of Country Crossing- an unprecedented, master-planned resort and entertainment facility designed to become a mega tourist destination for the entire country. More than 2,000 folks were in attendance along with a number of celebrities and special guests including Academy Award-winning actor, musician, singer and comedian, Jamie Foxx, country music legend, George Jones (Ronnie Gilley Properties' national spokesperson), as well of some of the biggest names in country music (John Anderson, Tracy Lawrence and Lorrie Morgan). The country music stars (including Darryl Worley) will endorse various venues/restaurants with more celebrities expected to come on board.

Ronnie Gilley Properties is scheduled to break ground to begin the development in the coming days. Country Crossing will feature star-powered, celebrity-themed venues and restaurants, a hotel, amphitheatre, family entertainment center, RV Park and festival grounds. A variety of events will be held on the festival grounds including a series of music festivals (Country, R&B, Blues, Classic Rock, Gospel and more), rodeos and monster truck competitions.

Country Crossing is scheduled to open in Fall 2009.

For more information visit www.countrycrossingalabama.com.

TNS Giveaway- Win Autographed Zac Brown Band CD's

That Nashville Sound is happy to announce a fun new contest for our readers. Between now and Tuesday, November 18th, email us at ThatNashvilleSound@hotmail.com OR subscribe to That Nashville Sound in order to be entered to win one of three exclusive autographed cd's (from the whole band!) of Zac Brown Band's new release- The Foundation. That's it... no other hooks. We'd just love to hear from all of you! We love your posts! Please remember to also send an email with your name and address so we can get you one of the three autographed CDs if you are chosen as our winner!

Contest Rules

Enter to WIN an Autographed Zac Brown Band CD – The Foundation

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS CONTEST

TERMS: This contest ends at 11:59 PM ET on November 17, 2008.

PRIZE: 3 winners will each receive one (1) autographed Zac Brown Band CD – The Foundation, given away by That Nashville Sound

ODDS OF WINNING: Odds of winning will be determined by the number of entries received.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST: You are automatically entered into the Contest when you complete and transmit the on-screen entry form before 11:59 PM ET November 17, 2008. That Nashville Sound is not responsible for transmission and/or computer error. Three (3) random selections will be held on or about the following date: November 18, 2008. Limit one entry per individual. That Nashville Sound reserves the right to modify scheduling of the contest without prior notice.

NOTIFICATION: The Prize winner will be notified via e-mail after drawing date. Prize winners do not need to be online at time of notification.

REDEMPTION: The prize will be sent to the winner's home address after confirming eligibility.

ELIGIBILITY: All legal US residents who are 18 years or older may participate in this contest. Employees and their immediate family members (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter and spouse) of That Nashville Sound are NOT ELIGIBLE. This contest is void wherever prohibited or restricted by law and is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Limited to one prize per person.

That Nashville Sound and participating promotional companies are not in any way liable for damage, loss or injury resulting from computer malfunctions, misdirected or incomplete entries or acceptance and use of the prize. Winners assume liability for injuries caused or claimed to be caused by participation in this Contest, or the use or misuse of any prizes. That Nashville Sound reserves the right in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this contest should virus, bugs or other causes beyond the control of sponsor, corrupt the administration, security or proper play of the contest. Winners may be required to execute an affidavit of eligibility and release which must be completed and returned within 21 days of notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Taxes, and additional shipping, handling and delivery fees in excess of the prize amount, if any, are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. By registering to win the prize, the winner grants That Nashville Sound permission for the use of his/her name and likeness for advertising and future promotion purposes without additional compensation (except where prohibited). Un-accepted prizes may not be awarded. By entering the sweepstakes, you agree to join and review our email list. All email promotions include instructions for removing your name. This contest is subject to these complete and official rules.

Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis Release New DVD

Eagle Eye Media has released Live From Jazz At Lincoln Center New York City on DVD by legendary trumpeter and educator Wynton Marsalis and country music superstar/renegade Willie Nelson.

On this stage, over two nights in January of 2007, blues, jazz and country meld together to create an awesome whole. From New Orleans to Georgia, from the pens of such titans as Hoagy Carmichael, Jimmy Reed, Hank Williams, Duke Ellington, Willie himself and others, these two men give the concert of a lifetime. This is the superb set of music that makes up the current Willie & Wynton Two Men With The Blues CD, for it is deep within the folds of the blues where these two seemingly diametrically-opposed giants find common ground. One now gets to see the rare chemistry, the knowing onstage looks, and the inherent joy of making this blissful music. Blues music, from its inception, has always been a music meant to uplift. Tracks are intercut with interviews of both men where they expound articulately about the material and the presentation.

Willie & Wynton Clip I

Willie & Wynton Clip II

Stony Run Signed To First Record Contract With GMG/Universal South

Back in early September, That Nashville Sound ran a story on the Nashville band Stony Run in our Up And Coming New Nashville Series. We’re happy to say that this week, the band was signed to their first record contract with Global Music Group/Universal South and will be releasing their first album in 2009.

The group is made up of three individuals; Marty Short, his wife, Angela Short and his sister, Anna Ash. There powerhouse harmony blend and unique sound will send chills and captivate any audience. With songs in their back-pockets, vocals trained for success and hearts to entertain they were drawn to Nashville by their deep love for country music. They left the hollows of Virginia and headed for Tennessee determined to find their place there. It wasn’t more than a few weeks that they were singing their way into the hearts of all who heard them. Marty Short who sings lead and harmony is also the creative musician within the group. His fun, down to earth personality and his love for music was instilled in him as a child. Marty and his five siblings grew up singing, but it was his older sister Anna Ash who shared the same dream and determination as her baby brother Marty. Geared for success they headed toward their dream. Anna Ash not only sings lead and harmony but she is a true entertainer. Her love for people shines through both on and off stage. Along beside the two siblings is Marty’s wife Angela. She sings lead, harmony and writes and co-writes most of the trio’s songs. It would appear that this group of young people came from out of nowhere but the truth of the matter is that the trio has been singing for years with Marty’s adopted father and his wife, as a family group. It was with their family the soon to be trio of Stony Run developed strong harmonies and dedication.

Global Music Group was founded by Roland Turner and Anthony Marotta, in New York and Tennessee. In June of 2008, GMG purchased hip-hop label Death Row Records for $25 million. That was the same label that released albums by Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog and was made available after former founder Marion "Suge" Knight filed bankruptcy in the wake of a $107 million judgement he was ordered to pay to label co-founder Lydia Harris. Stony Run is the second country artist signed to the label.

TNS Single Review- Jack Ingram- That’s A Man

The Academy of Country Music Awards’ reigning Best New Male Vocalist Jack Ingram is back on the charts with his first single off his “sophomore” album called “That’s A Man.” I parenthesize the fact that this is his second album as anyone familiar with country music recognizes that Ingram spent years on the tour trail, selling indie albums before he finally had his first major label album release on Big Machine Records two years ago. Released to country music radio mid-October, this song has already moved up to the top thirty and continues to rise. In fact, “That’s A Man” is Ingram’s fastest rising single he’s released yet.

Jack Ingram doesn’t have the sweetest sound out there. His style is a little rough around the edges. He’s not going to blow you away with his range. It doesn’t matter a bit, though. His strength is drawing the listener into his lyrics and distinctive voice. His “everyman’s” style of singing and his choice of great songs that tell a story are what have made him popular on country radio. “That’s A Man” continues that great trend of songs that are like lyrical magnets, making the listener pause and take notice because they want to make sure to hear every word.

“Read about a man who said his family had been farmin’ the same land in Ohio
For a hundred years
Felt like he’d paid for it ten times over
With his own blood, his own sweat, and his own tears
If he had to he’d be out there on that tractor workin’
Seven long hot days a week
Yeah he’s the kind of fella that people get real quiet
When he stands up to church to speak
They know when he speaks
Oh that’s a man
That’s a stand tall walk straight put God’s share in the collection plate man”

Those aren’t Rascal Flatts “Bob Your Head” type of lyrics- they’re deep and meaningful and Ingram delivers them with a great performance not by a sophomore album artist, but by the veteran he is. Click here to go listen to his new single.

The Wilkinsons Continue Big Country Things In Canada With New Release

Greatest Hits… and Then Some is the first greatest album by Canadian country music group The Wilkinsons. The album was released in October by Angeline Entertainment. It features five new tracks and eight of The Wilkinsons' greatest hits, all of which have been newly recorded.

Founded in 1998, the group comprises lead singer Amanda Wilkinson, her brother Tyler Wilkinson, and their father, Steve Wilkinson. The Wilkinsons broke achieved success late in 1998 with the hit single "26 Cents", a Number One on the Canadian country music charts and Top 5 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts. Although their U.S. success waned after "26 Cents", The Wilkinsons have continued to have singles in the charts in Canada. Lead singer Amanda Wilkinson has also created several solo recordings in addition to her career in The Wilkinsons.

The Wilkinsons were also the subject of a fictionalized "reality television show" on the CMT Canada network, The Wilkinsons. The show follows the family as they move back to Ontario, from Nashville. In 2006, the show was nominated for Country Music Program or Special of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Their first single When I'm Old is currently nearing the Top 20 (and rising) on the Canadian country charts. You can listen to the new single here.

The track list for Greatest Hits... And Then Some is below:

"26 Cents" - 3:53
"Fly (The Angel Song)" - 3:43
"Paper Doll" - 3:49
"Boy Oh Boy" - 3:01
"When I'm Old" - 3:58
"You Heal Me" - 3:32
"L.A." - 3:15
"1999" - 3:35
"Diamonds" - 3:56
"Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend" - 3:33
"Your Car" - 4:13
"Shame on Me" - 3:49
"Little Girl" - 4:09

CD Review- Brad Paisley- Play- The Guitar Album

When I toured the Country Music Hall Of Fame last summer, one of the pieces of memorabilia that caught my eye was a well-worn guitar from Johnny Cash. I sat at a nearby bench with eyes transfixed on the instrument, wondering how many miles and what kind of stories that six-string could tell. I thought about that while June was certainly the love of Johnny’s life, that guitar probably was a close second, carrying him through the toughest times of his life and celebrating with him during his triumphs. It was likely an odd little love affair, but one that certainly wasn’t at the forefront of his stage persona.

For Brad Paisley… not so much. His bride, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, should be wildly jealous. His love affair with a paisley printed electric guitar has hit every major news publication and he doesn’t care who knows it.

Brad Paisley might be one of contemporary country music's best songwriters, but on his fifth album, he speaks with his fingers. With "Play- The Guitar Album,'' Paisley shows off his amazing guitar-playing musical chops on 11 instrumental songs and 5 including lyrics. “Play” is Paisley at his very best- he thinks himself a musician first and a singer second- and this is an honest love letter to the art of music.

This isn’t completely foreign territory for Paisley. Each of his previous four albums have had at least one rocking instrumental song that features his incredible guitar skills. He even won a Grammy earlier this year for Best Country Instrumental Performance in "Throttleneck.” These have always been songs that felt great to blast as loud as your car speakers will go while flying down the freeway. I’m sure more than once, they’ve been the cause for speeding tickets. And if that’s true, Highway Patrols across the country might have cause for concern of writer’s cramp with “Play.”

Paisley dials up a huge wide array of styles including a crazy mix of “Ghost Riders In The Sky” and Beach Boys with “Turf’s Up.” He matches B.B. King’s guitar chops and singing blues on “Let The Good Times Roll.” It’s guitar picking heaven when he gathers Nashville’s most respected guitarists for a jam on "Cluster Pluck.'' It's a six-stringed summit of Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, John Jorgenson, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert and Steve Wariner. He includes a guitar solo tribute to guitar-building hero Les Paul. The highlight of the album is “Come On In”- a collaboration with one of his own mentors, Country Hall-Of-Famer Buck Owens. The posthumous duet borrows from Buck's great country instrumental "Buckaroo,'' then retools his 1964 song "Hello Trouble'' on its way to completing a latter-day recording its composer never finished. The current hit off the album, a duet with Keith Urban called “Start A Band” is a sure-fire chart-topper with both guitarists at their very best. It’s fascinating listing to the song and being able to pick out each other’s guitar play just as you would vocals.

When Paisley has his electric guitar in-hand, the album is well… electric. It’s only when he drops things down acoustically when vocals are missed. Acoustic songs like “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” feel like something’s missing. It may just be that we’re used to Paisley having something really valuable to say like a “When I Get To Where I’m Going” or “Whiskey Lullaby.” It’s not that it isn’t beautiful without lyrics, it just feels a bit empty.

The album finishes with a welcome little treat. Paisley released “Waitin’ On A Woman” two albums back and amazingly, it took 3 years after the album’s release for the single to hit #1. He has a new version of the song with the venerable Andy Griffith wording the parts of the song where the old man is talking about his wife of many years. Those that have seen the video know the power that it adds to the song. Now you can have the recorded version of that video.

“Play” is certainly unlike anything else you have in your music collection. It’s a must-have for any musician- a collective “how-to” of guitar playing and easily the most fun album to play loud of anything you’ve heard lately. Now only if it came with a radar-detector… and maybe some marriage counseling for Mrs. Paisley.

Note- for a limited time, listeners can hear "Play- The Guitar Album" in its entirety here.

Happy Birthday To The Late Roy Rogers- Born Way Back in 1911

Happy Birthday to the late Country Music Hall-Of-Fame Member Roy Rogers- singer and actor. He and his wife Dale Evans, his golden palomino horse Trigger, and his German Shepard Bullet, were featured in over one hundred movies and The Roy Rogers Show. The show ran on radio for nine years before moving to television from 1951 through 1957. For many Americans (and non-Americans), he was the embodiment of the all-American hero.

Listen along as Roy and Dale sing us the quintessential country song Happy Trails at the end of their television show:

Former Lonestar Lead Singer Richie McDonald's Debut Solo Single Hits Country Radio Nov 10th

In 2007 after 27 Billboard country charted hits under his belt with Lonestar, Richie McDonald walked away from his bandmates, promising to continue his career as a solo artist later down the road. After a Christmas holiday music CD and a Wal-Mart exclusive Christian record, McDonald tackles country radio with his new single How Do I Just Stop that hits stations on Monday, November 10th. McDonald's distinctive voice and sound make it clearly stuff fans of Lonestar will love, however it is much darker than most of his previous releases.

Signed to Stroudavarious Records back in July, this is the first release off his upcoming Slow Down album that will be released in 2009.

You can here the single here first.

Hear It First- Eli Young Band's "Always The Love Songs"

The Eli Young Band, whose Jet Black and Jealous album we reviewed just this morning, was kind enough to send a link with a free listen of their brand new single climbing the charts- "Always The Love Songs." It's a great tune- very representative of the new album as a whole. Enjoy the listen.

Steve Martin Brings In The Big Guns For 09 Bluegrass Release

Steve Martin is is an Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, composer and now... genuine bluegrass musician & star.

This past summer, John McEuen started producing an album for his lifelong friend, actor Steve Martin. John says "The Steve album is coming along great! People will be shocked at how vast and varied is music is, and how hot he plays… this album will show Steve as a composer of unique hot and soulful music, and as a songwriter with an unusual twist for lyrics. And, in the 44 years I've known him, I've never heard him playing better." ...

And while he may be best known for his comedic roles in such movies as Parenthood and The Jerk, those that remember his stand-up comedy days know his trusted banjo was always by his side. Martin is making a mostly instrumental album and has recruited some major Nashville talent to help him out. Respected bluegrass musicians Earl Scruggs, Jerry Douglas, David Amram and Tony Trishka are jamming with Martin on the album and Vince Gill, bluegrass artist Tim O'Brien and timeless Dolly Parton will sing on the three songs that will include vocals.

Martin's album, filled with all original music, is due for release early next year.

CD Review- Eli Young Band- Jet Black and Jealous

Who knew the road to Nashville was a beautiful scenic drive through Denton, Texas?

Composed of Mike Eli (vocals & guitar), James Young (guitar), Jon Jones (base guitar), and Chris Thompson (drums), the Eli Young Band has released their first major label album Jet Black and Jealous on Universal South Records. (The band released three previous cd’s on the independent label Carnival).

Denton, Texas tells the real story of this bands rise to country radio. Eli & Young began as an acoustic duo when they attended the University of North Texas together. They’ve played a rigorous schedule in Texas, developing a major following in the Lone Star State and opening concerts for such acts as Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert and the prestigious Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The lead-off single of the album, When It Rains, spent more than thirty weeks on the country charts and the second chart single, Always the Love Songs is currently climbing the charts now.

The cover of Jet Black and Jealous tells much of the story inside on the CD itself. Four young handsome guys dressed in leather and black with a single cowboy boot. The Eli Young Band is part of the new generation of country, the more modern sound where style and substance go forward hand in hand. Imagine what would happen if Rascal Flatts was melded with Dierks Bentley with a hint of the radio-friendly Pat Green thrown in for good measure. The album includes and effective mix of slow and upbeat songs- all played with a variety of instruments- including mandolin and harmonica.

While not particularly commanding, lead singer Mike Eli's voice does a great job of leading the way, drawing the listener in with a sweeping roller-coaster ride of vocals that are backed by sweet harmony-drenched choruses made so popular by the before-mentioned Flatts trio. All of the songs borrow generously from pop music, but interestingly enough, the album still sounds and feels completely country. Surprisingly, the first track released to radio, When It Rains, was the one song borrowed from their biggest indie album, Level. The resources of the bigger label shine through, however. The newer version has more polished vocals, harmonies and added more banjo, pedal steel guitar and electric guitar. It’s a great tune that is one of those few that make you want to blast it loud in your car down the freeway. The whole album teeters on the edge of becoming a rock and roll album, but never crosses the line- due largely to the instrumentalization and the southern-friendly lyrics. Pop production, rock and roll style and country sound all hit head-on in a Texas three-way stop sign and what was created was an up-and-coming band that hopefully, with a little luck, could make some noise in a crowded country music scene. Always The Love Songs has a great hook that should allow it to continue to climb the music charts and it will likely be followed by Radio (which radio stations will play simply for its self-fulfilling prophecy) and the dark and dangerous rocker Throw and Go.

One of the very best things about reviewing new music is the new gem that you find unexpectedly. It’s like the prize at the bottom of a Cracker Jacks box. Jet Black and Jealous by the Eli Young Band is that prize. It’s a full album filled with a collection of songs, all able to stand strongly on their own, but pure joy to listen together as one. A definite two-thumb-upper…

Listen To Toby Keith's "That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy" Album Here

Toby Keith's 13th studio album That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy has been released this last week and although it most certainly will be the number one selling country album since it went on sale, we've heard from many of you that you'd like to hear it first. So... try before you buy- courtesy of Show Dog Records.

That Dont Make Me a Bad Guy

Entertainer, entrepreneur and film star Toby Keith has succeeded at many endeavors in his career, but this album release only reinforces his reputation as a singular musical force. That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy displays Keith's greatest strengths in full flex: as a songwriter, vocalist and producer. Writing has always been at the very center of Keith's accomplishments, as he's written almost all of his biggest hits. It started with his very first single and No. 1 smash "Should've Been A Cowboy," and extends to his current single and also No. 1 hit "She Never Cried In Front Of Me." As the first single from the new album, the song is one of 11 cuts crediting Keith's pen. Enjoy!

Up And Coming New Nashville- Sarah Gunsolus (With Exclusive Interview)

From the time she was a little girl, Sarah Gunsolus was running around and singing praise songs that she heard in church. Her mother said that she drove all visitors in their house crazy with her constant loud singing. She knew from the time she was a little girl that she wanted to be a performer and entertainer and she realized her talent and love for music around the age of eight. After spending her first year of college in her hometown, she realized that she had to get out and chase her dreams as a country music singer. Her parents helped to get her up to the big city of Nashville, TN where she enrolled at Belmont University in the Music Business program and landed an internship with Curb Records on Music Row. Many great things are happening with her career including her being featured on Fox's show Nashville.
You can listen to some of her great music and vocals here.

That Nashville Sound had an opportunity to sit down with Sarah for an exclusive interview:

TNS- What brought you to Nashville?

SG-I moved to Nashville about four years ago to pursue a career in the music industry as an artist/writer. I have been writing & singing since I was about 8 years old. I chose to pursue Country Music as a career because it was simply the only choice for me. As of now, I've had some of the biggest breaks you can have in this town, and some of the biggest letdowns you can have. This industry is such a rollercoaster ride and it takes a certain kind of person to try and take the music business on, but I am absolutely that person. I love what I do and cannot imagine my life any other way!

TNS- Looking over your career thus far, what do you rank as a couple of the highlights?

SG- Looking back as of now, I would have to say the few highlights in my musical career were firstly, moving to Nashville. So many people have huge dreams, but for one reason or another are unable to actually chase them. I feel blessed to be able to pursue my dreams! Other highlights are when I got my first record deal and when I got my first publishing deal. In the end, I decided to walk away from my deal because of differences that couldn't be resolved. However, I learned so much during this time and grew as an artist and a writer. Also, about a year ago I was able to participate in a reality show that was shot in Nashville aptly named "Nashville". It was about young artists in the music business trying to make it in the big city. However, FOX Network dropped the show after two episodes, but just the same, it was a great experience and I learned so much about that area of the entertainment industry.

TNS- What might people be suprised to find out about you?

SG- I think people would be very surprised to see how many different aspects I have to my personality. I am from SOUTH, Georgia and I fish, hunt, play paint ball, go boggin', but I also am obsessed with fashion, love to shop, love makeup, hair, lipstick, and I am about as girlie girl as it gets. Another interesting thing is that I am really funny! Not bragging, but its true, I'm hilarious! Well, other people think so, unless they are lying...

TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?

SG- Well, at the moment, my ipod is broken. I know, disturbing...what shall I work out to? But on my Itunes and in my CD player there is about everything that is considered music. Surprisingly I love rap, hip hop, COUNTRY, Rock, R&B, and everything else under the sun. I also love listening to other songwriter compilation CDs. As an artist I am always listening for great music to eventually put on an album. So...to answer the question, I have Charlie Robison, Whitney Houston, Vince Gill, Lil' Wayne, Young Jeezy, Ryan Adams, Bryan Adams, John Mayer, One Republic, Jessica Andrews, George Strait, Amy Grant (all time favorite), Lee Brice, Patty Griffin, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Sarah Bareilles, T.I. and the list goes on!

TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward ten years, what do you see for yourself?

SG- If I could look into a crystal ball about 10 years from now, I will probably have done a few albums and written a million songs! I think as an artist/writer, you have to continually grow and change with the business, but find your own nitch and voice, and say what you think will touch people. I am a huge believer in destiny, so I know that wherever I am, it will be where I am supposed to be. I'm just going to be who I am, and share that with the whoever wants to listen. Hopefully through my music and life, I'll touch someone, inspire someone, bless someone, and have a blast while doing it!

Martina McBride's RIDE Hits Country Radio Early

Martina broke the news in her latest journal entry, "Ride" is now in the hands of Country Radio! The first single off her new upcoming album wasn't supposed to be released until Monday, November 17th, but the reaction from radio has been so good that things changed quickly- it was moved up to this past Friday the 31st.

From Martina's journal entry: "Early reaction has been so great from radio that we actually moved the release date up. Everyone should have it by now, so hopefully you will start hearing it on your favorite radio station."

You don't need to wait for your radio station to play it, however. That Nashville Sound brings it to you here first.

TNS Literary Week- Randy Owen's "Born Country: How Faith, Family and Music Brought Me Home"

All this week, we've been celebrating the written side of music style with our mini-feature, That Nashville Sound Literary Week. This is the fifth and final installment of the series.

Randy Owen, the front man and lead vocalist for one of the biggest music groups of all time, was raised in rural Alabama, grew up working on a small sharecropper farm, and today lives on this same land that his family worked for generations. Born Country: How Faith, Family and Music Brought Me Home weaves together never-before-shared stories about life on the road with the legendary band Alabama, Randy's family, his experiences with temptation in the face of superstardom, and how he held on to his traditional Christian values through it all. An inspirational story about how a poor country boy became a country music hero to millions of fans, the book will reveal never before shared material about Randy’s close relationship with his father, his troubled teen years, and how his down-home country roots kept him grounded. Each chapter begins with Randy’s lyrics to an Alabama song that sets up the stories of his life, instantly connecting readers with their favorite songs and the man behind the music.

Born Country is an inspiring story about how a poor country boy came to touch the lives of millions of fans. It will be released Tuesday, November 4th at all major book stores.

Watch Beer For My Horses Tonight On CMT!

Toby Keith's second feature film, Beer for My Horses, will make its television debut tonight on CMT. Co-produced by CMT Films and Keith's Show Dog Productions, the film will be released on DVD on Nov. 11, and also stars Rodney Carrington, Barry Corbin, Claire Forlani, Willie Nelson, Ted Nugent and Tom Skerritt. Written by Keith and Carrington, Beer for My Horses follows the exploits of small-town deputies and best friends who defy the local sheriff to embark on an outrageous road trip to save Keith's girlfriend from drug lord kidnappers.