SheDaisy In Rehearsal For 2009 Album

We reported a few weeks back that SheDaisy is going to have a new album out on Lyric Street Records later in 2009. Here's a video showing them behind the scenes in rehearsal.

SHeDAISY Rehearsals 2009

Happy Birthday To Michael Martin Murphey

That Nashville Sound wishes Michael Martin Murphey a big birthday wish today- he turns 64.

Michael Martin Murphey has had a successful music career that has spanned four decades and included such musical genres as folk, country, rock, popular, western, and cowboy music. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he has contributed some of the best-loved songs of his generation. His songs have been recorded by Kenny Rogers, John Denver, Cher, Lyle Lovett, Flatt & Scruggs, Claire Hamill, Hoyt Axton, Roger Miller, Bobbie Gentry, Michael Nesmith, and the Monkees.

Murphey played a major role in the resurrection of the cowboy song genre, recording and producing some of the most successful cowboy music of the past forty years. His album Cowboy Songs inspired a whole series of albums. For his accomplishments in the Western and Cowboy Music field, Murphey received five awards from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, formerly known as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame) in Oklahoma City. His name is now synonymous with Cowboy Music.

Celebrate his big day with a quick watch of him playing his biggest radio hit, "Wildfire," here...

Rare Roy Rogers Guitar On Auction Block

A rare guitar owned by singing cowboy and actor Roy Rogers is hitting the auction block next month, the first of its kind ever to be offered at auction, Christie's said on Wednesday.

The C.F. Martin OM-45 Deluxe guitar is one of only 15 made by the Nazareth, Pennsylvania, company founded by a German immigrant in the 1830s.

Only 14 were believed to have been manufactured in 1930 but recent research brought to light a 15th, owned by Rogers since 1933 and the very first one produced.

The auction house expects the OM (Orchestra Model) guitar, last played by Rogers and in its original, unrestored state, to sell for $150,000 to $250,000 when it is offered along with three more of Rogers's guitars on April 3.
The guitars are being sold by The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Missouri.

"Back in 1933, performing cowboys started going for the hand-tooled boots and handmade shirts, and Roy went out and purchased the flashiest guitar he could find," said Kerry Keane, Christie's musical instruments department head and specialist for the sale.

"That was this guitar," which still bears the green sash cord Rogers attached and a gold star sticker from a flour promotion campaign Rogers did in the mid-1930s. "It has all the sparkle and twang a Hollywood cowboy could ever want," said Keane.Rogers, who died in 1998, was a two-time inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame and starred in over 100 films plus a popular television show

Listen To First Caitlin & Will Radio Single

There's a good buzz about Caitlin & Will’s newest song “Address in the Stars.” Caitlin wrote the song about her aunt who’d passed away after battling breast cancer.

About the process of the writing the song, Caitlin said, “It’s hard for me to talk about it sometimes but it was an important thing to get out there because I’ve always wanted to write a song about my aunt and the emotions I was feeling. Writing the song allowed me to pour my heart.” Duo partner Will Snyder added, “When I heard the demo of the song, I had chills, and I had to hold back the tears, and I can tell you that listening to a song, if it hits you that hard from a demo, you know it’s powerful.”

Listen to it here…

New Dolly Parton Lullaby Tribute Album Announced

L.A.-based CMH Records will issue Hushabye Baby: Lullaby Renditions Of Dolly Parton on March 24th. The latest in a series of infant remakes, the CD will feature such familiar titles as "Coat Of Many Colors," "I Will Always Love You," "Here You Come Again" and "Love Is Like A Butterfly.”

From CMH, "When it is sleepy time but your little Punkin' or Peanut won't hit the hay, try counting sheep with Hushabye Baby. We've re-imagined Dolly Parton's best-loved songs as blanket-soft instrumental lullabies. The familiar melodies of her chart-topping hits are plucked on a well-worn guitar, while gentle percussion and warm pedal steel lull baby to sweet slumber. Mom and Dad will also love these dreamy versions of their favorite songs including "I Will Always Love You," "My Tennessee Mountain Home," and "Coat of Many Colors," not to mention the blissfully quiet moments they inspire."

MARCEL Releases New Single “Believin’” From Sophomore Album On Red Stripe Planes Records

In a time when people’s hope and dreams are clashing with the state of our economic times and the everyday struggles to make ends meet, Marcel offers hope to soothe the soul that things will get better if you believe. Marcel announced the release of his next single “Believin’” from his upcoming album of the same name, which is now available on all major digital service providers. Marcel’s passion for photography led to the concept for the upcoming video, in addition to producing, directing and editing the piece.

Marcel’s upcoming album, Believin’ (Red Stripe Plane Records) is Marcel’s first album in five years. It represents breezy joy and clear-eyed sadness which battle for control as the music weaves its way through all of life’s ups and downs. "I matured so much between these albums," he says, describing a time in which he lost his record deal, went broke, lost two close family members and witnessed a fatal accident. All of it went into his art which resulted in an 11 track CD.

Marcel hit the charts with his first single, "Country Rock Star," in 2002, and followed it with “Tennessee," from his promising debut album of You, Me and the Windshield. The subsequent loss of his deal shook him to the core, but his hard work and perseverance paid off. Other artists began to record his songs— Rascal Flatts’ “Backwards”, LeAnn Rimes’ “The Weight of Love” and Jessica Andrews’ “There’s More to Me Than You”. Josh Gracin recorded both “Favorite State of Mind” and "Nothin' To Lose", but it was the latter that was the breakthrough and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

"I have been so fortunate for all the things that have come into my life," he says. "Don't get me wrong, I've worked my butt off for it, but I'm grateful for the friends and everything else God has given me. And I've learned that if you want something, you can have it if you put your mind to it and do it. Anyone can. You just have to believe.”

BAD MAGICK: THE BEST OF SHOOTER JENNINGS & THE .357′S Hits Stores On March 24th

On Tuesday, March 24 Universal Records South will release Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings and the .357’s, an all encompassing listening experience of 13 fan favorites from Shooter Jennings’ last four albums, plus two tracks never before released on CD.

Bad Magick is an album for all Shooter fans, whether this is their first album or whether they’ve been with him from his beginnings. Ten of the album’s tracks were written or co-written by the singer. The collection offers a little bit of everything and represents what his music is all about.

Born the son of a country outlaw, Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, Shooter gravitated towards the rock n’ roll music scene at an early age, but after his father’s death realized the legendary Jennings had never heard him sing a country song apart from one home recording session at a young age. Shooter moved to Music City three years later with his band, the .357’s. Together, in just a few short years, they released four country albums with a signature rock flare that drew an immediate fan base of all ages.

Combining a blend of country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll, Shooter Jennings has developed his own unique style of music, not shadowing in his famous father’s footsteps.

“I sound like myself,” explains Shooter. “I guess that comes from finally doing what I want, even though I’m embracing my heritage, too. That’s important in country music.”

In his five years as a country music artist, Shooter has had much success similar to those who have worked decades to achieve. From performing in the small club scene to playing for thousands at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Stagecoach, he has also made the late night talk show rounds with performances on the Late Show with David Lettermen, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Last Call with Carson Daly.

In conjunction with the release of the album, fans can catch Shooter’s collaboration with Jamey Johnson on CMT Crossroads which premieres March 23 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. He will also be hitting the road in late spring for an extensive tour hitting many of the top markets across the U.S.

TRACK LISTING
01. 4th Of July (Featuring George Jones singing "He Stopped Loving Her Today")
02. Gone To Carolina
03. Southern Comfort
04. The Wolf
05. Manifesto No. 1
06. Walk Of Life
07. It Ain’t Easy
08. This Ol Wheel (Featuring Doug “The Ragin’ Cajun” Kershaw)
09. Busted In Baylor County
10. Slow Train (Featuring The Oak Ridge Boys)
11. Bad Magick
12. Steady At The Wheel
13. Daddy’s Farm (LIVE)

Previously unreleased on CD
14. Lonesome Blues (LIVE) From AOL Music Sessions
15. Living Proof (LIVE)

Up & Coming New Nashville- Jay Taylor (With Exclusive Interview)

Jay Taylor is a country singer-songwriter with authentic country roots.

Now based in Nashville, Jay was raised in the Central Florida town of Duette on a 2,000-acre cattle ranch that has been in his family since the 1930s. Jay first sang in public at age 3 for the congregation of the historic Dry Prairie Baptist Church, accompanied by his mother, the church pianist. Music and performing have been part of his life ever since. “My whole family sang and my mother played piano,” he says, “so I just thought everyone knew how to sing.”

As a teenager, he took up the guitar, began writing his own songs, and dared to dream of a music career. His first professional break came right after high school graduation in 2004, when he won the Florida Super Singer contest in Orlando, topping 856 entrants. That exposure led to offers from Florida’s Sea World and Busch Gardens theme parks, where he spent three years performing livedaily, building a fan base, and regularly entertaining international audiences exceeding 5,000. He also opened for country headliners such as Diamond Rio, Lorrie Morgan, Montgomery Gentry, Little Big Town, Trace Adkins, Buddy Jewel, Trick Pony, Billy Dean, and Craig Morgan.

As comfortable onstage as he is in on the ranch, Jay performs with a presence and sound that belie his 22 years. His rich, understated baritone vocals have been compared to those of the legendary George Strait, one of Jay’s influences along with Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley, and his own musical family.

Today Jay hangs his genuine cowboy hat in Nashville, where he has recorded his first studio CD, “Plain and Simple,” and has formed his own band. The new album features six of his original songs as well as six numbers by hit country songwriter Kirsti Manna in collaboration with David Kent, Danny Myrick, Dell Gray, and Ashe Underwood. “Jay is a true talent,” says Kirsti. “He has one of those classic country voices with great emotional delivery on anything he sings.”

Fittingly, one of Jay’s original songs is the upbeat “Country Inside of Me,” an anthem to his rural heritage. The lyrics make it clear that no matter what lies ahead, he will always be a country boy at heart. And his debut CD makes it clear that Jay Taylor is a country star on the rise.

It’s as plain and simple as that. We had an opportunity to talk with this busy singer/songwriter and find out more about his plans to tackle Music City...

That Nashville Sound- What brought you to Nashville?

Jay Taylor- Above all things it was definitely music. I was working with Bill Warner, my producer, and the first time I met him I asked him if I had to move to Nashville to "make it" and he said something I will never forget. He said," You have to be present to win". I hated leaving my family, my friends, and everything I knew to start over and go from being a big fish in a small pond to being a minnow in the ocean that is Nashville....but I knew if my dream was big enough....I could grow. That is the greatest feeling....looking back and realizing what you were and where you have come. It makes you wonder how far you can really go!

TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?

JT- I would say my music is a blend of traditional country, southern rock, maybe a dash of Motown, and just enough soul to make you believe it. My main mission in writing and singing is to convey and bring out different emotions on an album, as well as my show....not just write/sing a bunch of " party songs", but I don't want 15 " tearjerkers" either. When putting on a show I want the audience to go on a trip with me through different emotions and feelings...and maybe take them back to a time in there life where they felt that emotion the strongest. Bobby Bare said it so well when he said that nostalgia may be the strongest emotion, I agree. I want the audience/listener to remember a time when they had no responsibilities to worry about. I also want them to relive a hard time in there life that they made it through, and made them stronger. I want every song in a show or on my album to bring about a different emotion and make each person feel like I was writing/singing it just for them; and essentially I am!

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

JT- All my friends make fun of me about the fact that I LOVE WWE Wrestling. I am a huge fan and have been since I was 6 years old. I guess I just never grew out of it. My favorite wrestler is Shawn Michaels. I'm not sure why really. It might be because when I was young he was just getting started, so I saw him progress from a beginner to a superstar and one of the greatest entertainers ever.......I know its a grown mans soap opera......BUT I'M HOOKED

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

JT- I like a very eclectic style of music....my favorite is definitely early-mid 90's country. But I love all types of music.....If you were going through my ipod and put it on "RANDOM" you would probably listen to George Strait singing "Amarillo By Morning", then Journey singing, "Don't Stop Believing" into The Temptations singing" My Girl" and follow that with The Eagles "Desperado". I find myself getting into different music at different times....I was hooked on oldies( 50's and 60's rock and pop) for years and years, still am20really. The more I really submerse myself into the songwriting world I find myself listening to great lyricists like The Eagles, Hank Williams Sr., and Waylon Jennings. I'm really in an "outlaw country" mood the last few weeks...Im really getting into Waylon, Willie, Johnny Cash, and other "outlaws" of that era.

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

JT- I would honestly see myself with a record deal of some kind, singing songs I have written on a stage in front of thousands of people, and the audience is singing my songs right back at me! It's been my dream for years...and I don't think there is any reason why it should change. Its extremely hard to make it that far.....but anything worth having is worth working hard for. Maybe I'm optimistic to the point of blindness.....but I love the music way too much to stop now. Also, Porter Wagoner sang a song called "A Satisfied Mind" I truly believe every word it says....the main hook of the song is,"The wealthiest person is a pauper at times compared to the man with a satisfied mind'. As long as I am happy and satisfied with my life, as cliche as it sounds, THAT is success to me.

Grand Ole Opry Photo- Gloriana & Little Jimmy Dickens

Attached is an image from Gloriana’s Grand Ole Opry debut this past Friday- everything that's great about the Opry- the shiny new right alongside the respected old guard.

Country music newcomers Gloriana got the chance to meet Grand Ole Opry member, the legendary Little Jimmy Dickens, backstage right after they performed their debut single “Wild At Heart,” which is currently in the Top 30 on R&R and Music Row.

L-R
Mike Gossin, Cheyenne Kimball, Little Jimmy Dickens, Rachel Reinert, and Tom Gossin

Download Free Kenny Rogers Music- New Single 'There's Something Wrong In Vegas'

Everybody likes free music, and we're no different. Kenny is celebrating his first 50 years in show business with gifting his fans a free MP3 of a brand new single. With essential tunes like The Gambler and "Islands in the Stream," he's one of the most recognized names in the world. Download "Something's Wrong in Vegas" for free!
DOWNLOAD KENNY ROGERS >>

Video Flashback- Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash & Carl Perkins

Back in 1970 on the Johnny Cash show, 3 legends came together all on stage. It's pretty wicked guitar playing. Watch it here...

Miley & Billy Ray Cyrus Perform A Musical Rarity

This week, Miley Cyrus debuts with "The Climb" (Walt Disney/Hollywood/Lyric Street) at No. 48 and father Billy Ray bows with "Back to Tennessee" (Walt Disney/Lyric Street) at No. 59 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Both songs will appear on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, due March 24 and in the Walt Disney Pictures film, "Hannah Montana The Movie," which opens nationwide in theaters April 10. Back To Tennessee is also the title track of Cyrus's upcoming CD, which will be released on April 7. This marks the first time in nearly twenty years that a father and daughter have appeared on the chart with separate solo singles. (Johnny and Rosanne Cash had separate singles on October 5, 1990.)

"The Climb" (Walt Disney/Hollywood/Lyric Street) has been added to over 140 stations in 4 formats of radio in just 3 weeks, making it one of the most quickly added records of the year. It has hit the Top 30 on the Top 40 radio charts and is climbing rapidly at country and Hot AC formats.

After a string of hit songs at country radio and the recent top five smash "Ready, Set, Don't Go," Billy Ray Cyrus's latest effort "Back To Tennessee" is climbing the country radio charts. Produced by Mark Bright (Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood), the album features 12 new tracks. Billy Ray co-wrote two of the tracks on the new project. In addition, country powerhouse writers Jeffrey Steele, Neil Thrasher, Craig Wiseman, Rivers Rutherford, Blair Daly, Troy Verges and Casey Beathard all contribute tunes to the new record.

A musical highpoint in "Hannah Montana The Movie," Billy Ray (as his character Robby Ray Stewart) performs "Back To Tennessee." Written by Cyrus, Tamara Dunn and Matthew Wilder, it is inspired by Billy Ray's longing to return to his roots and breathe the sweet southern air of his home state.

Back To Tennessee will also contain a special extended version (4:44) of the father/daughter duet "Butterfly, Fly Away," which was produced by Glen Ballard. A 3:11 version of the duet appears in the film and on the soundtrack.

Lee Ann Womack Call Me Crazy CD Giveaway- 5 CD's Given Away!

All complimentary subscribers to this website between now and March 8th will be entered to win this special prize of one of five Lee Ann Womack Call Me Crazy CD's. The subscription form is found at the top right of this website just under the masthead. Good luck!

Contest Rules
Enter to WIN One Of Five Lee Ann Womack Call Me Crazy CD’s - No PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS CONTEST

TERMS: This contest ends at 11:59 PM ET on March 29, 2009.

PRIZE: 5 winners will receive one (1) Lee Ann Womack Call Me Crazy 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 29, 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 9, 2009. 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.

That Nashville Sound Wants To Hear From You- What Country Song Makes You Cry?

One of our faithful listeners posed a question to That Nashville Sound that we'd thought we'd post out to the rest of our readership. We'd love to hear what you have to say with posted comments.

"What Country Song Makes You Cry?"

We'll start the ball rolling with a couple that, while not moving us to tears, certainly move us.

"Go Rest High On That Mountain" - Vince Gill (w/ Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs)

This song was a tribute that Vince wrote for his brother who had passed away, and then became a tribute to Keith Whitley. Note the "you were no stranger to the rain" line, which was a Keith Whitley song. "Go rest high on that mountain. Son, you work on earth is done. Go to heaven a shoutin' love for the Father and Son."

"Holes in the Floor of Heaven" - Steve Wariner

We witness three different events in a young man's life, as he loses his grandmother just before he turns eight, loses his wife, then at his daughter's wedding, misses his wife. All three times it rains, and we're told these are tears from the loved ones who wish they were with us. "And there's holes in the floor of heaven, and her tears are pouring down, that's how you know she's watching, wishing she could be here now."

Let's hear from YOU now... comment away.

Happy Birthday To Daryle Singletary

That Nashville Sound wishes Daryle Singletary a big warm birthday wish today- he turns 38. Signed to Giant Records in 1995, he released his self-titled debut album that year. This album produced four hits on the Billboard country charts, including the #2 "I Let Her Lie" and #4 "Too Much Fun". His second album (1996's All Because of You) produced another #2 in "Amen Kind of Love."

We'll also take this moment to promote Daryle's new Koch Records album, Rockin' In The Country that will be coming out April 21. When asked about the new release, Daryle says; “I spent a lot of time on this project, because I wanted it to be the very best representation of who I am vocally and lyrically. I invited a few of my friends that I’ve always admired, to come into the studio with me." The combination of Daryle’s voice, with special guests Rhonda Vincent, and legendary award-winning fiddler and country-rock artist Charlie Daniels, produces a sound that will have listeners interested in hearing this album.

Celebrate his big day with a watch of his #2 chart hit, "I Let Her Lie" here...

Jamie Lynn Spears Shopping Country Album

While Britney Spears continues on her career reincarnation, sources confirmed to E! News that her baby sister Jamie Lynn Spears is hoping to become the next Nashville star.

The younger Spears, who took leave of a burgeoning Hollywood career to relocate to Mississippi to raise daughter Maddie, "has been quietly working on a country album since last fall," says a source close to the family.

Although Jamie Lynn's only musical credit to date is warbling the theme song to her now-endeed Nickelodeon series, Zoey 101 (a tune cowritten by her big sister), that hasn't stopped Team Spears from "trying to get Jamie Lynn a record deal," says another insider.

The 17-year-old Spears recently recorded demo tracks in Nashville but has yet to land a label.

Watch Jessica Andrews Sing New Single "Everything" Unplugged

Watch it here...

Dolly Parton's New 'Backwoods Barbie' Video

The buxom blonde country queen's new video "Backwoods Barbie" premiered today, you can watch it here...

Tanya Tucker To Release New Album 'My Turn' June 2nd

From Tennessean.com...

Though Tanya Tucker has put more than 50 singles in the country chart's top 40 since making her debut at age 13, she quit recording when her father/manager, Beau Tucker, died in 2006.
She returns June 2 with My Turn, which finds her reworking classic songs made famous by some of country's greatest male singers, among them Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Faron Young.

"My dad basically introduced me to all those singers," says Tucker, now 50. "Most songs that I've ever done, from Delta Dawn on, were really for guys. I've spent a career taking men's songs and making them a woman's songs."

Tucker recorded with producer Pete Anderson, best known for his work on Dwight Yoakam's early hits. "Pete's got his stamp on it, for sure," Tucker says. "He prides himself on his own version of the Bakersfield sound." Guests include Jim Lauderdale; Rhonda and Darrin Vincent; bluegrass group The Grascals; and Tucker's ex-husband, Jerry Laseter.

Happy Birthday To Mickey Gilley

That Nashville Sound wishes another one of country music's living legends and best piano players, Mickey Gilley, a big warm birthday wish today. Mickey, aged 73, started out singing straight-up country and western material in the 1970s, although he moved towards a more pop-friendly sound in the 1980s, bringing him further success on not just the country charts, but the pop charts as well. Among his biggest hits are "Room Full of Roses," "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time," and the remake of the Soul Music hit "Stand by Me". Overall in his career, that spanned 15 years of chart success, Gilley has had 17 #1 hits on the country music charts.

Celebrate his big day with a quick watch of him singing a couple versions of his big hit "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time" HERE...

American Idol Rumored To Have Grand Ole Opry Week

Sources say that one of the American Idol theme weeks currently being planned is a Grand Ole Opry week. The Grand Ole Opry week would include only artists that are a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Also, they’ve posted what is reportedly the song list for Grand Ole Opry week. Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash are included on the list…

Grand Ole Opry Member Hank Locklin Passes Away At Age 91

Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin, one of the greatest and most influential tenor singers in country music history, died Sunday at his home in Brewton, Ala. He was 91. Mr. Locklin was a Grand Ole Opry member since 1960, and had recently released his 65th album, By the Grace of God.

Mr. Locklin's greatest hits included "Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On" and "Please Help Me I'm Falling." His style was a lynchpin of the much-vaunted "Nashille Sound," and he was an international ambassador for country music. He was also a beloved figure both onstage and backstage at the Grand Ole Opry: His voice was an audience favorite, and his humor and good-will backstage was a comfort to many performers.

The family is planning a private funeral and burial service.

Bucky Covington's Home Movies At The Grand Ole Opry

American Idol alum and country star Bucky Covington backstage at the Grand Ole Opry with a home movie- watch it here…

Watch Jack Black's Performance At The Grand Ole Opry

We reported last week and gave some photographs of Jack Black's performance on the Grand Ole Opry. Now you can watch the video for yourself here...

Rotary Works With Entertainer Dolly Parton to Give Children a Head Start on Reading

Country music legend Dolly Parton and Rotary clubs may seem an unusual pairing, but their shared passion for promoting literacy bridges the pop culture gap.

Rotary International announced a collaboration with Parton's Tennessee-based Dollywood Foundation to promote early childhood reading. Rotary clubs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are encouraged to support the foundation's Imagination Library program, which provides books to children from birth until age five, so that parents can begin reading to them as soon as possible.

The program is especially valuable for children in underprivileged and working class families for whom children's books might be an unaffordable luxury. Rotary club participation could include promoting the program locally, helping to identify and register the children, and paying for the books and mailings. The average annual cost is $28 per child (CAD$60 in Canada).

"In today's world, literacy is a basic requirement for success in life," says Rotary Foundation Trustee John Germ, of Chattanooga, Tenn. "For decades, Rotary clubs have supported literacy programs for children and adults, and this collaborative relationship will help lift our literacy effort to the next level by promoting early childhood reading."

"Rotarians love kids as much as I do, so I truly believe we can do something extraordinary together to help even more children love to read and succeed," says Parton, who grew up in rural Tennessee, where she witnessed the toll illiteracy can take on families. Research shows that preschoolers exposed to reading do better in school and are more likely to finish high school and go to college. The program also helps to strengthen families by encouraging positive interaction between parents and children.

The Dollywood Foundation sends each child one age-appropriate book a month, beginning with "The Little Engine That Could." Appropriately, the final title is "Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come."

For more information, visit http://www.imaginationlibrary.com

New Music From Sara Evans

Over at CMIL, they've uncovered a great new tune that Sara Evans premiered off her upcoming album at the Grand Ole Opry recently. It's a sorrowful and beautiful little tune called "What The Drink Cost Me." You can watch it here...