Academy Of Country Music Awards Announce Full Schedule Of Events

Today the Academy of Country Music is announcing the full list of events celebrating what has come to be called "The Week Vegas Goes Country"- the week of the 44th ANNUAL Academy of Country Music Awards which are produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. The ARTIST OF THE DECADE SPECIAL honoring George Strait will be taped in the same location the next night, April 6, 2009 and will air at a later date on the CBS Television Network. The list of events-some new, some revamped-includes the ACM New Artists' Show on Fremont Street, the ACM Chairman's Ride, the 6th Annual ACM Celebrity Golf Classic, All-Star Jam, Divas Downtown on Fremont Street, and more. Details are as follows:

Friday, April 3, 2009

* ACM New Artists' Show on Fremont Street - For the first time ever, the Academy of Country Music presents the New Artists' Show on Fremont Street! This free and open-to-the-public concert starts at 6:30pm and features performances by the newest and best artists in country, on two stages in downtown Las Vegas! Specific show times, performers and stage locations to be announced at a later date.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

* ACM Chairman's Ride - Formerly called the ACM Charity Motorcycle Ride, this event has grown from its inception and for the first time ever, will be an invitation-only exclusive opportunity for artists and industry VIPs to experience a scenic half-day ride through the gorgeous Nevada landscape. Artists scheduled to participate include Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry. The event benefits the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund (ACMCF). Event details and timing will be made available only to invited, registered participants.

* 6th Annual Academy of Country Music Celebrity Golf Classic - Hosted for the second consecutive year by Rascal Flatts, this tournament tees off at 11:00am at the luxurious TPC Las Vegas and features superstars of country music. The event always sells out, and for a limited time, a number of foursomes are available for purchase, benefitting the Diane Holcomb Emergency Fund, which offers immediate financial aid and support to members of the country music community who find themselves in need. For more information on how to participate, email Erin Spahn at erin@acmcountry.com.

* Divas Downtown on Fremont Street - Featuring performances by Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, and LeAnn Rimes, this free and open-to-the-public concert will begin at 6:30pm on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. Specific show times, additional performers and stage location to be announced at a later date.
Sunday, April 5, 2009

* 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards - Hosted by Reba McEntire for a record 11th time, and featuring the hottest performances by today's superstars of country, the Awards will once again take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

* ACM All-Star Jam - This raucous, no-holds-barred jam features impromptu performances from the artists who participate in the Awards. Past performers have included Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, Sara Evans, Jack Ingram, Jewel, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, James Otto, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Gretchen Wilson, Dwight Yoakam, and many, many more.
Even though both the Academy of Country Music Awards and All-Star Jam are already sold-out, fans may still purchase VIP trip packages which include tickets to both events! VIP packages-offered for the first time ever this year-include one-of-a-kind experiences such as access to rehearsals, access to the fan "pit" area right in front of the stage, and more. For more information, visit http://www.acmtrips.com/.

Monday, April 6, 2009

* ACM Artist of the Decade Special Honoring George Strait - This Academy honor is bestowed on an artist only once every decade, and this year the brightest stars in the industry will pay tribute to the "King of Country" George Strait. Only four other acts have received this accolade, including Marty Robbins in 1969, Loretta Lynn in 1979, Alabama in 1988 and Garth Brooks in 1998. Tickets are still available for this show, which benefits the ACMCF and will air at a later date on CBS Television Network from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Performers and special elements of the show will be announced at a later date. For information on tickets or participation in these events, please email info@acmcountry.com or visit Ticketmaster.com.

New SheDaisy Album Date Set Later In 2009

SHeDAISY, sister group of Kristyn, Kassidy, and Kelsi Osborn will release their fourth studio album, titled A Story To Tell, in the spring.Kristyn Osborn co-wrote every song on the album. Bruce Leitl, of Canada, and Jann Arden co-produced the album with SHeDAISY. The album will be released September 29, 2009- the first single will be dropped early summer. Every song on the album is written or co-written by the sisters.

Dove Awards To Be At Grand Ole Opry House On April 23rd

The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be handed out at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on April 23rd. Tickets to the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 615-242-0303.

While the awards are the purpose of the show, music performances will definitely share center stage at the Dove Awards, showcasing some of gospel music’s hottest and most diverse artists. In addition to the exclusive live broadcast, Gospel Music Channel will present back-to-back encore broadcasts that night and additional re-airings following. Gospel Music Channel’s rapid growth has made it the fastest growing network in television for the past two years and GMC is now available in more than 43 million homes in all major markets on the major cable systems as well as on DIRECTV on Channel 338.

The top artist nominee for Dove Awards is current three-time Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, whose seven total nominations include Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).” His latest CD Hello Love was nominated for Praise & Worship Album, while “Jesus Messiah” from that project earned a nomination for Worship Song of the Year. Tomlin was also included in the Special Event Album category for his participation on the Passion: God of This City compilation album and in the Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song category for gospel artist LaRue Howard’s recording of Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God,” which was the 2006 Song of the Year recipient.

Two female artists have the next biggest impact, with Natalie Grant and newcomer Francesca Battistelli each receiving five nominations. Grant, the current three-time Female Vocalist of the Year recipient, receives another nomination in the category, along with a nod for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Relentless, while the No. 1 radio hit from that record, “I Will Not Be Moved” was nominated for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. The Grant-penned “Breathe on Me” rounds out her five nominations in the Worship Song of the Year category.

Battistelli, the New York-born singer songwriter and now Dove Award Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year nominee, burst on the Christian music scene with her summer 2008 hit “I’m Letting Go.” That song has now received Dove Award nominations for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, and her debut CD My Paper Heart was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.

Among the other Artist of the Year nominees, Steven Curtis Chapman (pictured) has previously won this award seven times, the last one in 2000. Chapman, who has been touring with Michael W. Smith on the United Tour, has had renewed spotlight this past year centered on the Song of the Year nominee “Cinderella” which became an anthem for fatherhood not only on Christian radio, but worldwide. “Cinderella” is also nominated for Pop/Contemporary Recorded song and Chapman’s co-write of Bart Millard’s “You Reign” is another Song of the Year nominee.

Jason Aldean's Brand New Video- She's Country

The Georgia-based country artist has a southern-rock infused hit on his hands. Watch the video below- just launched to CMT and GAC yesterday. (For email subscribers, click on the headline to watch the video.)

Happy Birthday To Mary Chapin Carpenter

That Nashville Sound wishes one of our favorite artists, Mary Chapin Carpenter, a very happy 51st birthday.

Carpenter's most successful album to date remains 1992's Come On Come On, which yielded seven charting country singles and was certified quadruple platinum in the U.S. for sales exceeding four million copies. She followed it with Stones in the Road (1994) and A Place in the World (1996), which both featured hit singles. In the 2000s, Carpenter's albums departed both thematically and musically from her early work, becoming less radio-friendly and more focused on societal and political issues. Her most recent, and most topical album to date, The Calling, was released in March 2007.

Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards, and is the only artist to have won four consecutive Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, which she received from 1992 to 1995.

Celebrate her big day with a quick watch of one of her less-celebrated but brilliant singles (and one of my wife's very favorite songs), This Shirt...

Mary Chapin Carpenter - New Music - More Music Videos

John Anderson Working Overtime On New Album

Country legend John Anderson created quite a stir on Lower Broadway in Nashville Tuesday night after a recording session with producer James Stroud. Anderson is at work on his upcoming album for Country Crossing Records with Stroud and engineer Julian King.

When the evening session wrapped, John Rich (who dropped in to celebrate the chart success of his new single “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” with his co-writer, John Anderson), then recommended the group pay a visit to Anderson’s old honky-tonk haunts. And in a flash, John Rich was introducing his “honky-tonk hero” to an elated audience at the Full Moon Saloon, now housed on the property where a teenage John Anderson started his storied career at a venue called The Wheel (now located next door to the Full Moon Saloon).

Anderson laid right into “Swingin’” with the exhilarated house band and fiddle player of twenty-three years, Joe Spivey at his side. Anderson reflected as he left the stage, “this is quite a heavy thing to be back here after all these years.”

Next, Rich and Anderson headed across the street to Legends, with James Stroud, Julian King, and Anderson’s manager, publisher and agent Bobby Roberts and publicist Jim Della Croce in tow. There, he and Spivey wowed an unexpected honky-tonk crowd with his multi-platinum smash hit, the Stroud-produced, “Seminole Wind.” Afterwards they slipped back to Rich’s private club, The Spot, where he bid Rich and his manager Marc Oswald a good night. “This was truly a good night boys, one for the books,” he said laughingly as he slipped off into the night.

Roy Clark Has Finished New Album- Previews Two New Songs At CMHOF

At a concert at the Country Music Hall Of Fame on Tuesday, February 17th, Vince Gill had a special guest join him on stage- the most recent HOF member, Roy Clark. Clark was elected from the “Career Achieved National Prominence between World War II and 1975” category just this last month and will be inducted later this year.

During the concert, Clark announced that he has completed a new album and previewed it with two new songs, "Some Days the Song Writes You" and "Hemingway's Whiskey." Hopefully, we’ll hear more as we get closer to the big festivities…

Please Call Her Dr. Dolly Parton...

The University of Tennessee will grant entertainment legend and philanthropist Doly Parton an honorary doctorate degree.

Parton, a Sevier County native, will receive a doctorate of humane and musical letters during the College of Arts and Sciences spring commencement ceremony May 8, pending approval by the UT Board of Trustees at their meeting in Memphis on Feb. 26. The UT Faculty Senate approved the action after an initial nomination by former Interim Chancellor Jan Simek.

"Because of her career not just as a musician and entertainer, but for her role as a cultural ambassador, philanthropist and lifelong advocate for education, it is fitting that Dolly be honored with an honorary degree from the flagship educational institution of her home state," said UT-Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek in a statement.

It is only the second honorary degree ever granted by UT-Knoxville. Former U.S. Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr. received a doctorate of humane letters in May 2005. In 1990, Parton received an honorary doctorate degree from Carson-Newman College for her commitment to education in Appalachia.

"It is an incredible honor for me to receive this degree from a prestigious university like UT. I've been a volunteer all my life and entertained folks around the world with 'Rocky Top,'" Parton joked in a statement. "Seriously, education and the arts are very important to me, and this degree is something that makes me and would have made my parents very proud."

Parton's five-decade musical career has produced more than 3,000 original musical compositions. Her philanthropic work has focused on the importance of reading and education in the lives of children. She founded the Imagination Library program in Sevier County in 1996, which provides children with a book every month from birth to 5 years of age.

She has also provided incentives for graduation and college scholarships to Sevier County students, as well as funds to local schools to support operating expenses.

Watch New Miley Cyrus New Country Music Video

Miley Cyrus of Hannah Montana fame hit the country charts this past year with a duet with her father, Billy Ray. Next week, her first country single as a solo artist hits country radio with "The Climb." If Taylor Swift's massive success with the teen crowd is any indicator, this thing will be huge. It's actually a really solid first effort (did I just say that?)...

Watch the new music video here...

Another Music Label To Close Its Doors

Montage Music Group, home to artists including The Road Hammers, Ryan Shupe and The Rubberband, Minnie Murphy, Little Texas and Andy Griggs, is likely to discontinue it's music production and label according to unofficial sources. It is possible that the publishing arm of the company will remain in existence, but the label fate of these artists has likely been decided. It's unfortunate that the economy has shuttered another label. Clint Black's Equity Music Group closed in the 4th quarter of 2008.

Dolly Parton Releases New Album To Benefit Her Smoky Mountain Community

The 75th anniversary celebration of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is under way. The park, with 8 to 10 million annual visitors, is the country's most popular national park.

Dolly Parton, a native of the mountains, helped launch the park's 75th anniversary by performing Feb. 10 at the annual Tennessee Sampler trade show in National Harbor, Md. She has been designated the official ambassador for the celebration. Parton is donating first-year proceeds from her new CD, "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!," to the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies organization. The title of the album means "Land of Blue Smoke" in Cherokee.

Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke is a Dolly Parton album sold exclusively at Dollywood, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and through the Great Smoky Mountains Association. While serving as honorary ambassador of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2009, Parton wrote eight pieces of music for a new stage show at Dollywood. The eight songs in the musical were recorded by Parton for this commemorative CD. During its first year of release, all proceeds from the album were donated to the non-profit "Friends of the Smokies" organization.

Strait & Reba To Kick Off New Cowboys Stadium

Country music star George Strait will headline the first concert inside the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, the Dallas Cowboys announced Tuesday. Strait’s Web site confirms that he and fellow country legend Reba McEntire will be the first star performers to take the stage inside the stadium on June 6, 2009. Strait will not only be joined by McEntire. He also will share the stage with singer and songwriter Blake Shelton and "Dancing with The Stars" champion and country singer Julianne Hough.

“George Strait is one of the most successful and prolific country music artists of all time,” said Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. “We wanted one of the greatest entertainers in the world to open what we believe is going to be one of the greatest sports and entertainment venue in the world.”

2008 American Idol Finalist Brooke White To Release Album On June 2nd

As the 2009 season of American Idol kicks into high gear, new information on on of 2008's stars has been released. Country-folksy-musician Brooke White has announced that she'll be shooting for a June 2nd release of her "High Hopes And Heart Break" album that is being published by Sanctuary Artist Group. From her blog:

Yes friends, I am making a record... (Insert "Woo twirl" here)! I am always hesitant to say this, but what the heck... I'm EXCITED! As y'all know I have been writing, writing and writing some more. I am in the thick of the creative process, and really learning a lot along the way. I am certainly one of those tortured artists that is never really satisfied, or good with being complacent, but I crave progression and improvement. I have had the opportunity to do a lot of co-writing. I have really grown to love the co-writing process... in some ways harder than writing alone, in some ways easier. But I love coming into a writing session with a great idea... a verse or a chorus, and then see it really blossom into something better than I could have dreamed up on my own. There are some really talented writers out there, and though I often times feel intimidated, I have taken on the challenge and feel like it's forced me to step it up and rise to the occasion, and really learn something new. I have loved the outcome thus far, beautiful songs that feel real and honest... whether they tell my own story or the story of another., they are real life.You know, In the end It's all about the song!Which prompts the next exciting announcement that I have decided to share with you all! I had planned on waiting to reveal it, but I can't wait! I have recieved some clear inspiration on the album title... an idea that I have been sitting with for quite some time. It just seems like it perfectly summarizes the overall landscape of the record, and really the dynamics and oppositions of real life, And Actually has found it's way into one of the lines of the songs... "my life is the sum of high hopes and heart breaks" ... so therefore the album shall be called "High Hopes And Heart Break"...

...So there you have it, a little insight into the heart and mind of this record, it's all in the works! Which brings me to one last announcement...Everyone has been inquiring as to when to expect this album, and while I have been giving a ballpark estimation of late spring -early summer, I have set a real date. So here it is, You can expect to find "High Hopes and Heart break" on June 2, 2009, which also happens to be a "New Music Tuesday" as well as my actual birthday! I know that might seem far away... but ya know what, quality takes a little bit of time, and truth is time is flying by at warp speed and June will be here before we know it!

Happy Birthday To Bryan White

That Nashville Sound wishes happy birthday to Bryan White today- he turns 35. White has charted seventeen singles on the Billboard country charts, of which four reached Number One: "Someone Else's Star" in 1995, "Rebecca Lynn" in 1996, and "Sittin' on Go" and "So Much for Pretending" in 1997. He was also a duet partner on the album version of Shania Twain's 1998 single "From This Moment On", which peaked at #4 on the Billboard charts. Overall, he has recorded four studio albums, a Greatest Hits package, and three EPs.

Celebrate his big day with a quick watch of his video, "One Small Miracle"...

Bryan White - New Music - More Music Videos

Collin Raye Prepares 4/28 Release- Never Going Back

The irony of naming his new album Never Going Back isn’t lost on Collin Raye. His new songs may subtly recall the great, organic music of a bygone era but instead of stepping back in time he pulls the sound right up into the future. At a time when pop hits are built by teams of master songwriters and musicians, Never Going Back (released April 28th on Time Life) is a welcome return to the art of the artist.
Mixing up the laid back rock and folk of mid-seventies Southern California with country and rock n’ roll, Raye creates a sophisticated and diverse album for the music fan who cheered when The Eagles won a country music Grammy. Never Going Back evokes the spirit of the day when an artist could record an album and perform it just as it sounds in a smoky club or on a stadium stage. No dancers, no pyrotechnics, no backing tracks and overdubs, just great songs by a great artist. “Before this, I’d never done an album where I’ve wanted to immediately go out and perform the whole thing,” explains Raye. Recorded in Alabama’s historic Muscle Shoals, the album feels guided by the ghosts of the country, rock, blues and pop albums that the region cultivated throughout the 70s.

From the roaring, feel-good romp of “Mid Life Chrysler” to the powerful reworking of “Without You,” a duet with Grammy nominee Susan Ashton, Never Going Back bears another trademark of the LP years; a great listen from start to finish. While every tune is as finely crafted as the next, one song, in particular, remains unforgettable. The intensely personal “She’s With Me,” written by Raye for his severely neurologically ill granddaughter, is a poignant song of unconditional love.

“This is the album I’ve always wanted to do,” says Raye, a weighty statement from the man who has four #1 Billboard country singles, 21 Top 10, four platinum albums, three AC hits, several CMA and ACM nominations and years of sold out tours already under his belt. And true to his word, he’ll head out on tour right as Never Going Back is released, ready to play every single track onstage each night.

Alaskan Country Music Star Fighting Bigger Battle Than Making It On Music Row

Alaskan country music singer Ken Peltier says he has cancer that may cost him his voice.
In December, he was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer. Doctors removed Peltier's tonsils and 47 lymph nodes from the left side of his neck. On Monday, he begins a course of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Ken Peltier flirted with the big-time in 2008.

Alaska's closest thing to a country music star shared stages with Marty Stuart, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry -- top-tier stars with legions of fans.

Despite his diagnosis, Peltier, 37, is still making music. "I'm writing a song: 'Even My Hair Left Me,'" joked Peltier, who said he wanted to finish his third album before his chemo and radiation treatments began.

"I wanted it done," he said. "That would be a big stress on me, sitting in the chair and thinking, 'That's half done. I might not ever complete it.'"

Peltier has kept his day job. He serves as statewide training administrator for the International Union of Operating Engineers, overseeing the same apprentice programs he started out in. Dr. Richard Chung, Peltier's radiation oncologist, said head and neck cancers are relatively uncommon and are "one of the hardest cancers that we treat" because treatment gives patients so many side effects, including trouble swallowing.

Mississippi And Marty Stuart Honor Jimmie Rodgers

The first of many star-shaped plaques to be placed in the sidewalks of downtown Meridian was unveiled Sunday at the MSU Riley Center. The star-plaques – designated as the Walk of Fame – will honor Mississippi artists who have made outstanding national and worldwide contributions to the arts.
The first Mississippi artist to be recognized on the city's up and coming most famous sidewalk is Meridian's own Jimmie Rodgers, one of the Fathers of Country Music.

Much groundwork has been laid over the years," Smith said. "But this, today, is the first tangible manifestation of the dream that is the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center – to create one place where the genius of Mississippi artists can be honored and celebrated."On hand for the unveiling was Mississippi country music artist Marty Stuart, who, according to former MAEC president Paul Ott, has earned the title of Favorite Son of Country Music.

Before unveiling the star, Stuart, a big Rodgers fan, talked about the famed country music man's contributions.

"Every note of country music that is played, sung, written, thought about throughout this universe today, yesterday and tomorrow all goes back to one man, Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music," Stuart said. "All of us who play and sing country music from our hearts stand in his shadow, and those who have gone before us – like Gene Autry, Ernest Tubb – acknowledge him," he said. " ... There's a whole new generation of artists who are coming on who have yet to discover Jimmie Rodgers. But if they live long enough, his music will totally make sense in their lives. He is America's music, in my opinion."

Before the unveiling of the star, Jimmie Rodgers impersonator Britt Gulley performed "The California Blues" and was joined by Stuart in singing the Rodgers' song.

That Nashville Sound's Aaron Tippin In Overdrive CD Giveaway

All complimentary subscribers to this website between now and March 1st will be entered to win this special prize of one Aaron Tippin In Overdrive CD. The subscription form is found at the top right of this website just under the masthead. Good luck!

Contest Rules
Enter to WIN an Aaron Tippin In Overdrive CD
No PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS CONTEST

TERMS: This contest ends at 11:59 PM ET on March 1, 2009.

PRIZE: 1 winner will receive one (1) Aaron Tippin In Overdrive CD, 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 March 1, 2009. That Nashville Sound is not responsible for transmission and/or computer error. One random selection will be held on or about the following date: March 2, 2009. Limit one entry per individual. That Nashville Sound reserves the right to modify scheduling of the contest without prior notice.

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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.

Up & Coming New Nashville- Dayne Lane (With Exclusive Interview)

Described by Us Weekly as “sensual and sincere, sparkling with authenticity” Dayna Lane grew up singing everything under the sun. Born into a family of dancers, artists, and architects, music was second nature to the Illinois native. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing” says Dayna. “It was a part of my life from well…birth. It’s taken me so many places and opened so many doors. Apart from my family, music has been the greatest gift I’ve ever received.”

After years of paying her dues in Chicago clubs, bars, and coffee shops, Dayna entered and won Jewel’s (Yes, the multiplatinum folk-pop-country artist Jewel) Soul City Cafe Music Quest. All of this attention led to a record deal with Vialex records and opportunities to open for Evan and Jaron, Tim Reynolds, Taylor Dane, Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe, and other national touring acts.

In 2007 Dayna moved Music City USA to begin work on her new project. “Nashville has been a dream come true” says Dayna. “All of the players, artists, and producers that touched this recording were so inspiring. At the end of the day I think we’ve created a really uplifting record. The process was amazing, so humbling. I hope it speaks to folks and finds a little place in their lives”.

After many months of work, the fruits of Dayna’s labor can be heard in record stores, on radio stations, at websites, and in clubs all over the US. Her genre-crossing album Anything You Want just hit stores in January and it’s fantastic. We had an opportunity to sit down with the lovely Ms. Lane and talk about her recent project and how she got started in the music business:

That Nashville Sound- What brought you to Nashville?

Dayna Lane- My music is what brought me to Nashville. I had been trying to get discovered since I was young. So, once I did and my label saw the country girl in me, they met with Charlie Pennachio. Charlie saw something in me and we decided as a team it was best for me to be in Nashville, since country music was what we were all feeling for me. My roots stem from folk & country. Here I am now in Nashville! I love it! I feel so blessed to have worked with some of the greatest musicians in country! Real pros. This experience has been soooo surreal!

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

DL- Highlights thus far of my career! I have had a long journey and I am glad that I have. I believe in timing and I believe truly in intuitions. I have always followed them and along my path I have done some really cool things... I got my first guitar at 17 and learned how to play it on my own. I have played with many great artists along the way. Some known, some unknown, but all fantastic. I had a band called Second Nature years and years ago. We had a country sound. The first thing that happened with them, we got to be on WGN Channel 9 News early morning show for battle of the bands. We actually won the first time and got asked back for the second show. I got to be in front of cameras and to me that was a dream come true. Though I was sick, I still had a blast! Then in 2003 I was in a competition called Soul City Cafe Music Quest. It was a chance to open up for at that time pop star "Jewel" now country star. It was a dream come true for me because I was a huge fan of Jewels'. For me, it was a true dream come true. I made it into the national finalists. I was 1 of 5 solo singers and there were 5 bands. So, ten acts all together. We were chosen out of 100,000 CD's and made it to the finalists. Then we were all in US weekly magazine. That was cool! I flew to Cali with like 12 of my friends and I met jewel, sang on the same stage as her and she came out on the stage for me before I sang It was a dream come true. I then was inspired to move to Cali because of that. I was determined to meet people in the biz. I was there for 3 months and landed my contacts. I have always been tenacious with my love and passion for singing and making music. Since I already had a country/folk background, we decided to move me to Nashville and record. I sang at Sony Tree studio's which was a dream come true! I got to play dress up and have a photo shoot. Not to mention they did my hair, my nails, I got a great massage :) I just wasn't use to being pampered! So, I was so grateful! I have been blessed with a great band on the CD. I had a killer producer Paul Hart. I had fantastic back up singers! I got to have a video shoot for you tube. That was sooo much fun. Now I am on 30 radio stations in 3 weeks of getting the CD out! I am sooooo blessed and at this point my highlights add people such as yourself. I am deeply moved that you would take the time out of your life to do a little interview on me. So, thank you sooo much.

TNS- Who were some of your earliest influences in music?

DL- Some of my earliest Influences in music. First off, my mom and my grandpa. My mother is a beautiful dancer and my grandpa is an amazing artist. They were inspiration for me to follow my dreams. Ok, so that is not music, but they helped me to believe in my passion for singing, writing and playing guitar! They were so inspirational to watch create as I grew up. Musically, I was very inspired by Kenny Rogers... He was my childhood crush. I loved Kenny! Dolly of course! Janis Joplin was a huge inspiration, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Robert Plant & Led Zeppelin, Willie Nelson, Gerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead & The Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, The Doors, Jimmy Hendrix, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Hoyt Axton, Don Williams, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Kevin Mileski, Jaclyn James, Martin Sexton... So the list would go on and on and on…. I have been inspired by sooooo many, it is not fair for me just to name a few :) I love so many styles of music! I love so many artists!

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

DL- What kind of music do I listen to? I don't own an iPod! LOL I wouldn't even know how to work one. Sad but true. I listen to Cd's and radio. I guess I am old fashion that way. I listen to country, country, and bluegrass on my Comcast Juke box, blues, and old classics. I love old and new country alike. I can honestly say there is not a country artist I don't like. I mean I feel there are sooo many amazing artists right now.

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

DL- If I had a crystal ball and saw me in ten years from now. Well first off, hopefully still alive right! LOL Honestly I hope I am still rocking out. My dreams and goals for those years to come are for others in my life and those I have not met yet. I am a huge lover! I love kids, animals, and people. I want to be able to leave this life knowing I made a difference. I am hoping that with success (crossing my fingers) I will be able to do charities of all kinds. I want to open an animal farm where all the neglected and unwanted animals can come and have a home forever. I would like to help those less fortunate. I don't want to sound cheesy but honestly I really see myself in ten years being apart of what is good and what is kind. I want to make people happy and I want to be able to help out so much so there is less struggling for those I can help! I just want to make a difference some how and any way I can. That is my musical mission
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Happy Birthday To One Of That Nashville Sound's Favorites- Ronnie Milsap

That Nashville Sound wishes Ronnie Lee Milsap (born January 16, 1943 in Robbinsville, North Carolina) a big warm birthday wish today. Known as one of country’s most popular and influential artists in the 1970s and 1980s, he became country music’s first blind superstar. He was also one of the most successful country crossover singers of his time, appealing to both country and pop markets. Milsap’s biggest crossover hits include "It Was Almost Like a Song", "Smoky Mountain Rain", "(There's) No Gettin' Over Me", "I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World", "Any Day Now", and "Stranger in My House", among others. He is credited with forty #1 hits in country music, third to only George Strait and the late Conway Twitty. Celebrate his big day with a quick watch of one of his few music videos, Any Day Now...

And don't forget, Ronnie has a brand new album coming out called Then Sings My Soul on March 1oth...

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Recording Follow-Up To Raising Sand

Jeffrey over at Country Standard Time has great news- multi-Grammy winners Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are back in the Rounder studios beginning the recording process on a follow-up album to their last album, Raising Sand. T-Bone Burnett, the producer on the first album is at the helm on the second as well...

"Alison and Robert have been in the studio for about two weeks and although we haven't heard any of the music, we've been hearing good things from the musicians," said Ken Irwin in an email.