Highwaymen Box Set Reissue Arrives (Back) On Shelves

What is old is new again. Originally released in 2000, a three CD box set of music by the Highwaymen has been reissued. The Highwaymen were a country music supergroup that came together in 1985. But before they came together, the four members (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson) were already hugely successful and influential entertainers with recordings stretching back to the '50s. This triple disc set brings together solo recordings from all four members and includes classic studio and live performances of songs such as 'On The Road Again', 'I Walk The Line', 'White Lightning', 'Pancho & Lefty', 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' and many more.

Check out the track listing and listen to clips of the songs here…

Amy Grant Releases Brand New EP Album

Mrs. Vince Gill has some new music!

Amy Grant’s "She Colors My Day...featuring Unafraid"- a new 4 song EP- is now available exclusively at ITUNES (click here), and available at other digital stores starting May 12, 2009.

Songs include: She Colors My Day (new)
Unafraid (new)
Baby Baby

Oh How The Years Go By.

"She Colors My Day" is a fun, up-tempo pop song celebrating the love between moms and daughters. "Unafraid," co-written by Amy Grant and long time collaborator Wayne Kirkpatrick, is a poignant and timeless tribute to motherhood from all angles, including a touching verse about Amy's own mother. In honor of moms across the world, Amy is partnering with the songwriters of "She Colors My Day" and the skin care company, philosophy, to donate all royalties from the downloads of "She Colors My Day" to the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund.

WHY EIF? Because the song was inspired by a brave mom named Annette Tauber who was dying of breast cancer and leaving behind 4 precious daughters. Her good friend and philosophy founder, Cristina Carlino, wrote "She Colors My Day" in her memory and is hoping that the money raised for the Women's Cancer Research Fund will prove to be a lasting legacy of Annette's love for her daughters.

CD Reviews- Jake Owen- Easy Does It

The Background:

Jake first hit the national scene with the release of his 2006 debut album, Startin’ with Me, which launched a trio of hit singles, including the title track, “Yee Haw,” and “Something about a Woman.” Since then, he’s toured with some of country music’s biggest names, including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, and Sugarland. "The only way to connect with that guy in the front row is to be honest about what I know, and sing about what I know," Jake says. "I think people get that with this album. When someone's truthful, people get it. But if someone doesn't believe what I'm singing, they're not going to connect with it because they'll have their guard up. There's no belief there. It's all about truth. In order for people to gravitate towards your music and buy into what you're saying, they have to know it's true."

The Review:

Jake Owen gets kudos ahead of time for being cemented as a solid Nashville singer-songwriter. While his handsome face. stubbled looks and great smile might melt the ladies hearts, he’s now proven himself as the full music package. With eight of the ten tracks written by Jake Owen’s own hand, and with one smash top single “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” already atop the charts, he has certainly avoided any sophomore slump. It’s all bar-friendly, radio-friendly and chick-friendly slow soulful music that hints at sentimentalism. Some might call this safe. Some might call it predictable. I don’t see it that way at all. Owen is a solid writer, a great vocalist, a solid performer and while some might complain of predictability, this is only his second album. Solidly received consistent top 20 hits must speak to a level of success- if not popularity. As for the album, there’s 4 excellent songs and a lot of good ones. "Every Reason I Go Back" tackles the subject of small-town life where "everybody knows your name" and a “dirt road trip down memory lane.” It makes the analogy that all the bad things about small towns are the same reasons you head back. The song has a strong electric guitar bridge and the “everyman” song topic is sure to make this a radio hit. "Nothing Grows in Shadows" is a more mature song topic that explores the consequences of bullying- complete with a twist in this song at the end. He does a great job of describing his own experiences which make the song more convincing. Overall, it’s a very good album, if not great- certainly one I’d recommend in owning in your collection.

Sounds Like:

Blake Shelton & Randy Houser

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Don’t Think I Can’t Love You
Who Said Whiskey (Was Meant To Drink A Woman Away)
Every Reason I Go Back
Nothin’ Grows In Shadows

The Verdict:
Three And Half Stars Out Of Five

On This Date In Country Music- Reba McEntire Made Her Country Music Chart Debut

Reba McEntire made her chart debut on this date in 1976 with her Mercury single “I Don’t Want To Be A One Night Stand.” The song would go all the way to… get this… number 88 on the charts. You can listen to the song here…

1720 Signs Stevie Walker To New Record Contract

1720 Entertainment (whose roster includes Grammy-nominated country star Jamie O'Neal and one of country's hottest rising stars Rissi Palmer) is proud to announce the signing of country singer-songwriter Stevie Walker. She will release her first single, "Don't Wanna Be Me Today," to country radio in July, with her debut album following this fall.

Not long after moving to Nashville, Walker developed a friendship with 1720 owner Terry Johnson. "Terry is just one of those people fueled by passion for the music," Walker says. "I knew he was the right guy and that he and those around him were the kind of people I wanted on my team--people who really believe long-term in the music."

A uniquely gifted singer-songwriter, Walker's tunes have been featured on the motion picture soundtracks of The Wedding Planner and Cruel Intentions, Part 2, as well as episodes of the hit TV shows "Laguna Beach" and "Saving Grace." Superstar Martina McBride has also taken notice of Walker's brilliant work and recently recorded one of Walker's songs for her latest album.

"Our team is very excited about introducing Stevie Walker and her music to the world," says 1720 Entertainment President and CEO, Terry K. Johnson. "Stevie is an amazing songstress with unlimited potential. Country music fans are going to love her music, what she stands for, and everything about her."

For more information on Stevie Walker, visit www.myspace.com/steviewalker.

New Music Video From Randy Houser

For several weeks, country music fans have been watching and forwarding the hysterical YouTube video of 4-year-old Drake lip syncing Randy Houser's new hit single "Boots On," (currently in the Top 25 and is the fastest climbing single in the Top 25 by a new artist ). Drake's nanny captured the young performer on video when he was in his car seat in the back of her vehicle. The toddler lip syncs and plays an incredible guitar....well, a plastic guitar. The video was seen by Universal Records South execs and like everyone else, they were amazed by Drake's unique interpretation complete with facial expressions and lots of foot tapping.

When it came time recently to shoot a music video for "Boots On" everyone agreed, including Houser, that Drake had to be a part of it. “When we saw the video, we knew we had to do something with it,” states Fletcher Foster, URS Senior VP/GM. “We had to incorporate Drake’s video somehow.” So Foster and video director Eric Welch came up with the idea to shoot Houser as if he is in the front seat of the car watching Drake in the back seat. Footage from the nanny's video was cut into the footage shot of Houser to make a complete video.

Watch it here…

Randy Houser

More CMT Music

More CMT Music Videos

Lynyrd Skynyrd Loses Another Band Member

Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans passed away this week after losing "a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer," according to a statement issued Wednesday by the band. A southern rocker by birthright (raised in Georgia before moving to Mississippi), Evans joined Skynyrd in 2001, following the death of original bassist Leon Wilkeson.

Evans was a member of the Outlaws before being called up to Skynyrd as the replacement for one of his heroes and greatest influences. In addition to his full-time status in Skynyrd, he had also more recently formed a side-project with Bobby Capps of .38 Special called EVANSCAPPS.

"He's gone off to a better place brother, if you believe in Christ, in Jesus," the band's lead singer, Johnny Van Zant, said Thursday. "I'm just proud to know that his head was in the right place, and his heart too."

"I talked to him last week, and he told me how much he enjoyed that," Van Zant said Thursday. "Ean did a lot of great stuff in his life, played in front of a lot of people, did what he loved to do. Not many people can say that."

It's been a tough year for Skynyrd. Keyboard player Billy Powell died in January, leaving guitarist Gary Rossington as the only original member still with the band.

"He and Billy are talking now, I know, along with the rest of them," Van Zant said. He gave a laugh. "Pretty soon we're going to have an orchestra up there."

Chuck Wicks and Chris Young Added To 12 Other Artists For Golf & Guitars

We’ve been promoting a great charity concert event in Sacramento this next Friday, May 15th at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. Now more good news, country music star and Dancing With The Stars sensation Chuck Wicks and up and coming country artist Chris Young have been added to the other 12 artists scheduled to perform- including Bucky Covington, Jamie O'Neal, John Michael Montgomery, Steve Holy and more. Each artist will perform a handful of acoustic songs- making this nearly 3 ½ hours of amazing country music underneath the stars. The price? Only $20. Go to http://www.golfandguitars.com/ for more information.

Charlie Daniels Returns From Yet Another US Troops Tour Overseas

Passion. Devotion. Patriotism. Three words that define Charlie Daniels and his band like no other.

The Charlie Daniels Band recently concluded their third overseas visit of U.S. military troops in Kuwait and Iraq. The legendary musician toured bases in Ar Ramadi, Balad, Al Qayyarah, Tikrit and Kuwait, performing for thousands of appreciative servicemen and women. Stars for Stripes, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing celebrity entertainment to troops deployed overseas, organized the seven-show, nine-day trip."

The reason I enjoy going to Iraq is because for a few days I am honored to walk among the finest young people America has to offer," Daniels recently wrote in his website soapbox. Daniels is currently on tour through the end of 2009. Tour dates can be found at http:/www.CharlieDaniels.com/tour.htm

Three Country Acts Among Seven Inducted To West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame

The 2009 West Virginia Music Hall of Fame includes a few classic country acts in this year’s inductees.

The seven acts were announced Wednesday at the state Cultural Center in Charleston. They'll be inducted into the Hall of Fame in November.

Hall of Fame Director Michael Lipton says this year's inductee come from all types of musical backgrounds. "They've all been extremely important and helped shape the music of the entire country," Lipton said.

Three of the acts hail from a country background.

Doc and Chickie Williams are music legends from the northern panhandle. The couple became regulars on WWVA in Wheeling. Doc founded Wheeling Records back in the 1940s and is the oldest living member of Jamboree USA. Chickie passed away in 2007. (Listen to them sing “Crepe Upon The Cabin Door” here)



The Bailes Brothers from Kanawha County were the first West Virginia group to become regulars on the Grand Ole Opry back in 1944. The four brothers had such hits as "I Want to Be Loved" and "Down By the River Bend." Homer Bailes is the only surviving member of the group. (Listen to them sing “Watch & Pray” here)



Harold "Hawkshaw" Hawkins hailed from Huntington. He got his start in music when he won a local radio contest in 1938. He went on to record hits such as "I Love You a Thousand Ways" and "Lonesome 7-7203." He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry but died in the 1963 plane crash that also killed Patsy Cline. (Listen to him sing “Sunny Side Of The Mountain” here)

Watch Taylor Hicks New Country(ish) Music Video- Seven Mile Breakdown

"This record and the song really represent who I am as an artist- the country-rock and blues side of me," he tells Popeater.com. "I'm from Alabama, so there is definitely some country origins in my background, both musically and personally."

That’s the quote from American Idol winner Taylor Hicks about his new “country” single and music video "Seven Mile Breakdown" that you can watch below that has just hit the airwaves. (Email subscribers, hit the headline to watch the video.)

Up & Coming New Nashville- Ruby Summer (With Exclusive Interview)

Two surfer girls from California are poised to take over Nashville this summer. Recently signed to Disney’s Carolwood Records, this new duo of sisters is called Ruby Summer. Ruby is 17, Summer is 20. Hailing from Encinitas, California, they surf, dance, act, play guitar, dulcimer, and other various sundry things with strings. They originally recorded music in their sudio in their garage which they call "The Glitter-Box.” They grew up on the records of Joni Mitchell and the artistry of our own parents- their father a longtime musician himself. Their debut album will be released in early summer. The girls say about the new album, “It represents Art reflecting Life, a long Journey of Relationships, Redemption, and Becoming. We played the local coffee shop by night, wrote songs with our Dad by day, and now we're recording and telling our stories. We hope to inspire and unite people with our music, the way that music unites and inspires u.”

The duo is certainly one of the more interestingly influenced acts to come aboard the country music scene in recent memory. You can catch a quick video about Ruby Summer here and then read the interview we had with them on Tuesday below…



That Nashville Sound- What brought you to music in the first place?

Ruby Summer- The love of music. We love it. It changes a bad day, it can promote forgiveness, love, redemption. It speaks to the soul. We express ourselves through art, we just came out that way. Our parents nurtured our artistic and creative side and taught us how to write songs. Both of our parents (we're sisters) are incredible songwriters and singers and musicians, so it runs in the family.

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

RS- Our music is very honest, we would like to consider it uplifting and positive. The stories and the feelings are true, and we feel a lot of people in the world have the same stories. Music is a universal language. Nothing brings people together like music does, and that's our mission. To bring people together. This world is already so difficult as it is, so the more we love each other and are there for each other, it might just make life that much easier. Ruby and I have been through lots of struggle in our life with family and friends and we just hope to be a light in a place of darkness. Music inspired us during hard times, we hope to do that to someone else.

TNS- What kind of excitement and expectations to you have being recently signed to Disney's new label?

RS- Oh man, the excitement is unreal. We're extremely lucky and fortunate. It's a wonderful family to belong to, we couldn't have asked for anything better. Expectations? Umm.... I guess we just expect our record to come out, and to tour, and the rest is hard work and lots of prayer.

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

RS- We love Joni Mitchell. She just never get's old. Our favs are "California", "Clouds" "Carey" and "A Case of You" That's a lot of "C's". But we also love Allison Krauss, Billy Holiday, Jack Johnson, Keith Urban, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and we love love love Paramore. It's kind of an eclectic mix.

TNS- What's next for the two of you? Where do you hope to be career-wise a couple years from now?

RS- Well... we're just waiting for our record to come out, and as far as where we'd like to be in a couple years..... we could tell you, but if we exploit our dreams out loud, they might not come true. (laughter)

TNS- Okay, some random quick questions (which do you like best?):
Opry or Opera? Opry
Record stores or downloads? Stores
Fine dining or southern cooking? Summer: dining, Ruby: Southern
Ballparks or gardens? Gardens
West Coast or East Coast? Oooh.... gotta represent West. But we DIG Nashville.
Nickname for your instruments? Ruby calls her autoharp "Fox" and Summer's dulcimer is called "Joni" our fav guitar is called "Seagull."

Dolly Parton Parade Broadcast Live This Friday

The Dolly Parton Parade this Friday (5/8/09) will be broadcast live via TheSmokies.TV, the new web media from S. D. Professionals. The live show hosted by radio personality, Tammy Kelly and Kate Phillips starts at 6pm eastern and can be viewed for free on http://www.thesmokies.tv/.

The new media is sure to create major interest with visitors “clicking on” to the net to watch the parade along with a live interview with The Smokies Ambassador, Dolly Parton. Some high profile entertainers will also be featured throughout the broadcast.

“The live broadcast opens up an entirely new audience with millions of potential viewers and is breaking new ground in reaching the ever increasing internet savvy public, not only locally but worldwide” said Jacob Timmons of S. D. Professionals. “We feel it is the perfect opportunity to do our part to stimulate tourism in the Great Smoky Mountains because millions of potential viewers will convert into millions of potential new visitors to the area. “

New Book On Johnny Cash Hits Shelves

Throughout his career, Johnny Cash has been depicted - and has depicted himself - as a walking contradiction: social protestor and establishment patriot, drugged wildman and devout Christian crusader, rebel outlaw hillbilly thug and elder statesman. Leigh H. Edwards’ brand new book Johnny Cash and the Paradox of American Identity explores the allure of this paradoxical image and its cultural significance. She argues that Cash embodies irresolvable contradictions of American identity that reflect foundational issues in the American experience, such as the tensions between freedom and patriotism, individual rights and nationalism, the sacred and the profane. She illustrates how this model of ambivalence is a vital paradigm for American popular music, and for American identity in general. Making use of sources such as Cash's autobiographies, lyrics, music, liner notes, and interviews, Edwards pays equal attention to depictions of Cash by others, such as Vivian Cash's publication of his letters to her, documentaries and music journalism about him, "Walk the Line", and fan club materials found in the archives at the Country Music Foundation in Nashville, to create a complete, albeit fragmented, portrait of Cash and his significance as a cultural icon.

$5 Albums From Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton & Jamey Johnson

Amazon has two of country’s legends and one of its brightest new stars on sale with MP3 albums for only five bucks. A Lincoln will buy you Kenny Rogers most famous album, The Gambler, Dolly Parton’s newest release Backwoods Barbie and Rolling Stone’s vote for best country album last year, Jamey Johnson’s That Lonesome Sound.

Adam Gregory & John Schneider To Star In Movie Together

Country recording artist Adam Gregory has signed on to co-star in the upcoming film "WWJD" based on one of the best-selling Christian books of all-time. The rising star sped up the U.S. charts in the summer of 2008, breaking into the Top 30 with his first stateside single, "Crazy Days."

Based on the classic Charles Sheldon book, "In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do," the novel currently sells an average of 100,000 copies per year and is available in 26 languages around the world. More than 40 million copies have been sold since it was written in 1896, second only to the Bible. Gregory will star in the film alongside John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard TV show, Nip/Tuck, CSI, Smallville) and Maxine Bahns (The Mentalist, The Lost Tribe).

"My faith and my music are very closely related," says Gregory. "I feel truly blessed for an opportunity where I can incorporate both into a project that serves a bigger purpose and will hopefully reach millions of others."Gregory's original song "What Would Jesus Do," from his recent Canadian release Crazy Days, will also be featured in the film. The song was co-written by Keith Follese and Billy Yates.

The film, produced by Joe and Jack Nasser and Kevin Otto of Nasser Entertainment Group, follows four individuals (a singer, a newspaper editor, a wealthy philanthropist and a minister who has lost his faith) as they vow to walk in "the steps of Jesus."

Filming on the project begins this week in Los Angeles, CA.

Disney’s Record Labels Drop Josh Gracin, Marcel & Phil Stacey- Add New Artists Ruby Summer & The Parks

With internet rumors floating around that Josh Gracin has joined fellow Lyric Street Records label-mates Phil Stacey and Marcel as former Lyric Street Record label-mates, it has been confirmed through the company’s website by his omission. Gracin joins other key artists such as John Berry, Sawyer Brown, Lari White and Aaron Tippin as other previous artists released from their record deals with Lyric Street.

The label is part of the Disney Music Group, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company. President Randy Goodman, formerly a general manager for RCA Records, founded the label in 1997. The label launched a subsidiary label, Carolwood Records, in late 2008. Jessica Andrews was the first artist signed to this subsidiary label, followed by Trent Tomlinson (who was formerly signed to Lyric Street proper) and Love and Theft. This leaves five artists on the Lyric Street label: Rascal Flatts, Sarah Buxton, SHeDaisy, Billy Ray Cyrus and Bucky Covington.

Two new artists have been added to the Carolwood label. The first is a duo of sisters named Ruby Summer (pictured). Ruby is 18, Summer is 20. They are from Encinitas, California who surf, dance, act, play guitar, dulcimer, and other various sundry things with strings. The other is another family-oriented duo called The Parks. Johnny and Clint Park are father and son, who have a hankering for Southern-rock barnburners and country ballads. "Musically, Dad and I are on the same page," Clint says matter-of-factly. "We're very Texas-influenced."

A Little Nascar History With Your Country Music- Marty Robbins Flashback

Marty Robbins is best known for his famous hit “El Paso” and for being an Opry performer for many years. But he was also a very successful race car driver, winning the “Rookie Of The Year” honors on the newly created Nascar circuit before an illegal carburetor in a top ten race at the end of the season dropped him back a few points. But it was on this date back in 1975 that made Robbins call it a career behind the wheel. (He would later race a handful of races in the late 70’s and early 80’s.) Just 7 months after getting 37 stitches in his face, two broken ribs and a broken tailbone in a crash trying to avoid hitting stalled cars at 160 MPH in Charlotte, Robbins would be in a wreck at the Winston 500 that ruptured his gas tank and caused a huge fire. Robbins escaped with just minor injuries but refocused strictly on his musical career from then on out.

October 6, 1974 National 500- Charlotte, NC 1974
Dodge #42- Started 42nd, finished 42nd
Trying to avoid hitting stalled cars, Marty hit the wall at 160 mph. Marty's injuries resulted in 37 stitches on his face, two broken ribs and broken tailbone.

May 5, 1975 Winston 500- 1974
Dodge #42- Started 17, finished 31
After a wreck that resulted in a ruptured gas tank and a fire, Marty said he was going to retire from racing.

Watch Collin Raye Perform On The Early Show

A stable of the country music scene for nearly the last two decades, multi-platinum-selling artist Collin Raye performed "Mid-Life Chrysler," one of his newest songs, at the Second Cup Café on The Early Show on CBS on Saturday, May 2nd. Watch it here…

That Nashville Sound Looks Back On This Date In Country Music- 1955 & 1963

On this date back in 1955, Webb Pierce’s (pictured) single “In The Jailhouse Now” gave the Decca artist a number one hit for an astonishing 21 straight weeks- that’s 5 months at number one. Written by Jimmie Rodgers, it was web’s 9th straight #1 hit over a four year period. In the Jailhouse Now is a song performed by many artists . Artists who also recorded the song include Pink Anderson, Willie Nelson, Suzy Bogguss, Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Guy Clark, Tim Blake Nelson with The Soggy Bottom Boys, Leon Russell and Doc Watson. Catch Pierce sing the single here…



8 years later and less than two months after dying in a plane crash that also claimed Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Randy Hughes, Hawkshaw Hawkins topped the country charts with a posthumous number one hit called “Lonesome 7-7203.” The song first appeared on the Billboard country chart on March 2, 1963- three days before he died. The song was absent from the charts for the two weeks following his death, but re-appeared on March 23 and spent 25 weeks on the chart, four of them at number one, an accomplishment that eluded him in life. It would hit number one on today’s date. Listen to him sing this classic tune here…

Remembering Bing Crosby and Country Music's First #1 On His Birthday

Happy Birthday to Bing Crosby- he would have turned 106 today (he passed away back in 1977). While most people don’t consider Crosby country, he holds the honor of being the very first singer to have a song to top the newly introduced Country Music Billboard charts (then callled "Hillbilly and Western Singles") in early 1944. You can listen to Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters singing their million selling Pistol Packin' Mama, released in 1943 here…



In great western music style, it’s a true story. Cherokee County Texas sheriff Bill Brunt was killed in a shootout with bootleggers in 1939. This song was written about his wife, Mary Brunt, who served out the remaining portion of his term with a pistol strapped to her side.

TNS Wishes Happy Birthday To Eric Church

That Nashville Sound would like to wish Eric Church a warm and welcome 32nd birthday today- he has penned and sung our favorite album to date in 2009, Carolina. Signed to Capitol Records in 2006, Church released his debut album Sinners Like Me that year. This album produced three Top 20 country hits in "How 'Bout You", "Two Pink Lines" and "Guys Like Me", as well as a #51 in its title track. A fifth single, "His Kind of Money (My Kind of Love)" was never included on an album. Following it is his sixth single, "Love Your Love the Most", the lead-off to Carolina. Celebrate his big day by watching his brand new video here…