TNS Video History- EmmyLou Harris & Dave Matthews Sing Johnny Cash’s “Long Black Veil”

Originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell and made more famous by being included on Johnny Cash’s “Orange Blossom Special” album, this take is very special.

Roseanne Cash Releases New Music Video For “I’m Moving On.”

Roseanne Cash has a brand new album called the The List. They’re all songs culled from a list of the 100 most important songs her father, Johnny Cash, gave to her in her younger days. The first video from the album has just come out called “I’m Moving On.” Watch it below…

Big Kenny Reveals His Flower Power On New CD

You can pick up a copy of Big Kenny’s (of Big & Rich fame) The Quiet Times of a Rock & Roll Farm Boy, which will be encased in “flower power” biodegradable packaging complete with real wild flower seeds, on November 10th. That’s right, if the CD packaging is planted in dirt and watered, it will grow flowers. Play the video below and you can see for yourself from the man himself.

Big Kenny Plants His Music from Big Kenny Alphin on Vimeo.

Listen To The New Kris Kristofferson Single "Closer To The Bone"

Kris Kristofferson has a brand new album coming out next week that we’re very excited about. The first single- also the title track to the album- has been released to radio and you can listen to it below…

Clay Walker Covers Lynyrd Skynyrd

We had a big Clay Walker fan send in this video of their hero singing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and I thought I would share. Enjoy the video below…

Dolly Parton Readies New Live CD/DVD

The great Dolly Parton will release a CD/DVD set, Dolly: Live From London, on November 10 on Dolly Records. Filmed at the O2 Arena in London in 2008, the collection features 15 songs and numerous anecdotes about her life. She will release the live version of "Here You Come Again" as the first single and video from the project.

The DVD portion of the set will feature exclusive intimate interviews Dolly between the songs, an “Interview” segment with Dolly’s staff who share what it’s like working for Dolly, and a “Soundcheck” feature where fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at Dolly’s show and “witness her joking with the band, mapping out the show and hypnotizing everyone with her angelic performance style and unique songwriting.” Other portions of the DVD will include a “London Loves Dolly” feature where fans share their favorite songs, memories, and personal experiences with Dolly and a “Meet-N-Greet” segment that follows a few lucky fans that get the chance to meet Dolly backstage

That Nashville Soundbites- Veronica Ballestrini- What I’m All About

That Nashville Sound receives many different CD release’s throughout the from indie and small-labels that we’re doing short CD reviews to. We call them That Nashville Soundbites- it’s a feature that will allow us to give some props to some albums and artists that deserve a spotlight on their work.

Release Date: August 21, 2009
Music Label: TimBob Records
The Skinny: This collection of country/pop songs center on teen dreams, love and angst and draws comparisons (perhaps unfairly) to Taylor Swift. Ballestrini reveals the most of her rich vocal talents on stripped down acoustic songs like “Destiny” instead of the slickly produced title track.
Sounds Like: Taylor Swift & Jessica Andrews
Standout Tracks: "Pray When It Rains," "Going There,” “Eskimo Kisses” & "Bullet Life"
The Verdict: Two & A Half Stars Out Of Five

CD Reviews- Patty Loveless- Mountain Soul II

The Background:
Inspired by her critically acclaimed and commercial hit album from 2001, Mountain Soul, comes the long-awaited follow up to one of Patty Loveless's best-loved albums. In Mountain Soul II, Patty's Kentucky roots shine through like a breath of fresh air, featuring her crystalline country vocals amid bluegrass-tinged accompaniment. Patty is surrounded by a stellar supporting cast, including country and bluegrass legends Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Al Perkins, and Del and Ronnie McCoury, making Mountain Soul II completely authentic and unlike most anything being released from Nashville today.

The Review:
“We wanted to make the record as if people were actually sitting there and watching it all take place. Not as if we were onstage, but like we were in somebody's living room -- we almost were -- and people were there and we were entertaining them", explains Patty Loveless in an interview back in 2001. Mountain Soul I, and now Mountain Soul II, are musical homecomings for Loveless, a native of eastern Kentucky and a descendant of the coal mines. Patty’s tragically father died of black lung in 1979. As she explains, "There are the three kinds of music [country, bluegrass, and hillbilly] I grew up on, and I really wanted to blend those three for this record, but keep the different kinds different.” As was its processor, the Mountain Soul II songs are a mix of gospel, country, and hillbilly standards, as well as contemporary tunes that time warp their musical heritage. It’s all about stories and historic themes. While the music is entirely different, the recordings reminded me intensely of the Rick Rubin produced Johnny Cash American Man albums- particularly the later ones. There was a reality and a rawness to those songs that made them “feel” like they were part of someone’s soul. Thus it is on Mountain Soul II. The songs are all played with acoustic, stringed instruments that highlight the Kentucky twang in Loveless's alto voice. I don’t profess to be an expert on bluegrass. I certainly enjoy the genre, but find it much harder to objectively and critically review. But there are many pieces here to like, however. The highlight for me is the last track, “Diamond In My Crown.” Written and backed vocally by Loveless’s friend Emmylou Harris, the song is worth the price of the CD alone. It’s haunting and vocally damn near perfect and the old Wurlitzer organ sound playing in the background gives it an almost ethereal feel. It would only makes sense that songs that come from someone’s soul would have a heavenly sound to it, now wouldn’t it?

Sounds Like:
Sara Evans voice and the music of Union Station

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Busted
Half Over You
When The Last Curtain Falls
Bramble and the Rose
Diamond In My Crown

The Verdict:
Three And A Half Stars Out Of Five

Big & Rich Ready Their Greatest Hits For Next Week

Big & Rich announced the upcoming release of the duo’s first greatest hits collection on September 29. The DVD/CD combo Big & Rich: Greatest Hits, will include 15 hits plus the unreleased track, “The Man I Am Right Now.” The DVD includes nine music videos. A specially created direct-to-consumer piece will also be available only from the band’s website, www.bigandrich.com and will include all the above mentioned highlights plus three additional bonus tracks.

Lady Antebellum Releases New Music Video For "Need You Now"

Officially this was released last week on YouTube, but it just became available to embed on our site this morning. So here it is... the brand new single off Lady Antebellum's to-be-released sophomore album, "Need You Now."

CD Reviews- Diamond Rio- The Reason

The Background:
With over 20 years together and the signature harmonies that have made them a country music household name, Diamond Rio makes their first foray into the Contemporary Christian Music genre with their newest project, The Reason. Having sold 10 million albums in the country marketplace, their 11th studio album enters spiritiual territory previously uncharted by the band, leaning heavily on the themes of struggle, trust and the undeniable presence of God in their lives.

The Review:
That the band has moved to a CCM format isn't entirely a surprise considering that some of their biggest hits like “Beautiful Mess” have leaned towards a Adult Contemporary sound and that another big hit, “I Believe,” covered some of this ground and was a huge success across several charts. It’s also not unprecedented with the Oak Ridge Boys frequently covering gospel themes and Tracy Lawrence going this route earlier this year. But it is the strength of Marty Roe’s vocals and the incredible instrumentalization of the band that makes it all work. Roe’s passionate and motive voice is perfect for an inspirational album. And combined with their long-admired harmonies, it makes for a perfect recipe for Christian radio. The album has many bright moments. There’s “The Reason,” a big soaring piano ballad that’s not only a great explanation of the album, but includes meaningful lyrics that remind of second chances. “God Is There” has an “I Believe” feel to it, but it’s unusual theme of telling the story through a story of teen pregnancy makes it all the more touching and real. The echo feature in the bridge is haunting. The contrast of mandolin and electric guitar on “Moments” is a beautiful production. And those that enjoy Diamond Rio’s bluegrass playing during live shows can even get a hint of it on “Wherever I Am.” What do we miss on the album? They’re such incredible musicians (they’ve never had any studio players on any of their albums), we miss not having more “country” features on the album. The fiddle and mandolin on “Moments” serve as a reminder that we’d like to see more if it prominently played in the album. And while the consistent theme of celebrating God ties the whole album together well, a couple of the songs feel a bit “campy” like “In God We Still Trust.” Overall, it’s not a big departure for those that love the Diamond Rio sound, only a new message- a message of faith.

Sounds Like:
Steven Curtis Chapman

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
The Reason
God Is There
Moments

The Verdict:
Three And A Half Stars Out Of Five

Country Music Hall Of Fame Reveals Expansion Wishes

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is gearing up for a $40 million, 140,000-square-foot expansion, according to Exec. Dir. Kyle Young as reported in the Tennessean. Speaking to the Rotary Club of Nashville, Young said the plan, long on the institution's drawing board but still in its initial planning phase, is to double the current facility's size.

"We really need to expand," Young said. "We know what happens when you don't do that. ... It's good business to want to build on success."

The hall moved downtown from Music Row in 2001 so it could have more space and attract more visitors. Its approximately 140,000-square-foot building cost about $37 million to build.

BNA Records & Pat Green Part Ways

In a press release to Country Aircheck, it was announced that BNA Records (Sony) and Pat Green have amicably parted ways after two albums on the label- 2006’s Cannonball and 2009’s What I’m For- produced six mid-level hits for both artist and record company. All references to Green have been taken down off of the record label's website.

David Nail Covers Marvin Gaye

David Nail, he of the “Red Light” and “I’m About To Come Alive” country music hits, sang Marvin Gaye’s “Lets Get It On” this week at the Tin Roof in Nashville. Watch the video below…

Record Label's Fight It Out Over New Ronnie Milsap & Trace Adkins Song

Amid calls and emails from angry firefighters, police officers and their families, BLEVE Records has decided to go forward with the release and promotion of "My First Ride." This song, by BLEVE recording artist Ronnie Milsap features Trace Adkins and is the lead single from a multi artist compilation CD due out Nov. 1.

Independent American owned BLEVE Records stopped promotion of the single after German/UK owned conglomerate Capitol Records issued a cease and desist order claiming they had no knowledge of the song and ordering the immediate halt of further promotion or sales of "My First Ride." In a legal document sent to BLEVE via email on Sept. 15, 2009, Capitol charged BLEVE with the "unauthorized use and exploitation of Trace Adkin's performance and name and dilution of the value of Capitol's valuable property."

Mickey Milam, retired Metro Nashville police officer and BLEVE President and CEO, states that this song was green lighted through Trace's management company and Capitol Records had full knowledge of the project. "There didn't seem to be a problem," states Milam, "until this single started climbing the charts and garnering radio attention. "

Milam, a retired Metro Nashville police officer, started BLEVE Records to benefit the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the International Association of Firefighters' (IAFF) disaster relief funds. These funds, which aid firefighters and police officers and their families after a disaster or in times of need due to injury or death in the line of duty, were severely depleted by 9/11 and recent devastating hurricanes. The proceeds from the sale of "My First Ride" and the compilation CD were slated to help replenish these funds.

BLEVE has offered all along to pay standard royalty rate to Capitol Records for Trace's performance. All artists/labels on the forthcoming compilation CD are being compensated for their performances.

"My First Ride" was originally planned as a solo song by legendary entertainer Ronnie Milsap. However, Ronnie's long time friend Trace Adkins volunteered to lend his deep baritone voice to the project.

"Trace was gracious enough to sing on this song, not only as a favor to his good friend Ronnie Milsap, but also because he believes in our cause," says Milam.

"This is an important project on many levels," Milam says. "This is the first major national fund raising effort that benefits firefighters and police officers. These two organizations are renowned for their ability to raise money for other causes, but now there is an immediate need to help their own." Milam cites the IAFF's recent contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The IAFF contributed over 28 million of the 60 million dollars raised for Jerry's Kids during the MDA Labor Day telethon event.

Milam states that there has been on outcry of support from firefighters, police officers and their families as well as members of the music community and fans of Ronnie and Trace. From words of encouragement to offers of organized protest, the phone calls and emails haven't stopped pouring in. Milam says, "I think when the general public hears about this, the roar will be even louder. "

Ronnie Milsap has never wavered in his belief that BLEVE should continue to fight this fight. With Capitol's threats of legal action, Milsap counters, "Make me a sign, I will lead the picket line!"

The Amazing Story Of Canjoe John

That Nashville Sound doesn’t regularly share human interest stories, but this one written by J Brian Long, a freelance writer to the News Sentinel and Knoxnews.com was too fascinating and heartwarming to pass up. It’s a feature on a man building musical instruments out of sticks, cans and strings for sick kids and making (& fulfilling) a promise to one day play that instrument on the Grand Ole Opry. If you would like to help fund this wonderful charity called Tour Of Smiles, send any donations to The CanJoe Company attn Tour Of Smiles/ 2357 Feathers Chapel Rd./ Blountville, TN 37617/ 423-323-0174.

A stick, a string and a can.

These are the only things musician John L. VanArsdall says he needs to put smiles on the faces of area children who are suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses.

VanArsdall of Blountville in upper East Tennessee, fashions these three simple items into musical instruments he calls "canjoes." Donning a signature cowboy hat, he tours area children's hospitals as "Canjoe John," serenading patients in their hospital rooms, teaching them how to play canjoes, and then presenting them one of their very own. He calls his mostly self-funded, monthly project the "Tour of Smiles," and VanArsdall says it is one of the most rewarding things he has ever done.

"The canjoe is simple: 10 frets based on the diatonic scale, one string, a can, and a piece of wood," explains VanArsdall.


“Not too CANplex," he adds, grinning. "These kids can learn how to play a tune in minutes, and it can lead them to other instruments. I usually don't let them know they're going to receive a canjoe until the end of the lesson. It really blows their minds when I say: 'This one is yours.'"

VanArsdall became familiar with canjoes when, in 1990, he received one from his friend Herschel R. Brown, a building contractor in eastern North Carolina. "Herschel and I shared an interest in mountain dulcimers," says VanArsdall. "I would go visit him, and Herschel would show me his dulcimers that he made as a hobby. One day, Herschel invited me over to show me a new creation. I arrived at Herschel's shop, and he pulled down from a hook a funny-looking instrument he had just made from a slender-fretted stick, one string and a 12-ounce beverage can as its resonator. He then handed one to me and said: 'Here, son, take this cute little one-stringed dulcimer, I call it a "canjoe," and show them to people. They'll love them.' So, I took it and played it for some folks, and sure enough, they loved it. I came back to Herschel and told him: 'Herschel, I can CANmercialize these!' He gave me permission to make as many as I wanted, and for a while we worked together marketing them."

In 1994, VanArsdall and Brown went their separate ways in regard to the instrument, Brown concentrating on the mass production of do-it-yourself canjoe kits, while VanArsdall founded the Canjoe Company. He played at various music festivals, eventually evolving into a full-time entertainer while selling his own custom, handmade version of the instrument already assembled, stained, finished, signed, dated and ready to play.

Though he can also play the fiddle, dulcimer, harmonica, strumstick and guitar, VanArsdall says the canjoe holds a special place in his heart. He says that not only does the simple instrument invoke a sense of joy when he plays it for children in the hospitals he visits, it also was an important part of the relationship between he and his late wife, Paula, during the last months of her life. It is also the instrument that allowed him one of the most memorable experiences of his life: a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

Paula died in 1995 of complications from kidney cancer. In the months before her death, she would often request that he play songs for her on the canjoe. "I played for her every day there toward the end," he says. " 'Play me this, play me that,' she would say, and so I would.

"As I kept playing, I kept improving, and she kept encouraging me.

"When I saw the joy it brought to her, I decided that I'd take the canjoe and do something good with it. I felt that there was something in this little thing more powerful than money. So I made a promise to Paula that I would play the canjoe at the Grand Old Opry one day, and I took it upon myself to prove to the world that the canjoe is more than just a stick, a string and a can."

In 2000, VanArsdall created his own radio show, "The Canjoe Old Time Radio Show," which showcased "old-time" country music on WPWT in Bristol, Tenn.

In 2001 he became a key member of the music committee for Bristol's first "Rhythm & Roots" music festival. VanArsdall also performed at that festival and met Roni Stoneman, former star of "Hee Haw."

VanArsdall played fiddle as part of Stoneman's band at the festival where he also met Stoneman's guitar picker, Jenni Chestnut. Jenni introduced VanArsdall to her husband, George Chestnut, of Nashville, a world-renowned master restorer of fiddles who had many connections with people associated with the Grand Ole Opry.

"I told George that I wanted to get on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, that I had promised my wife I would do it, and I desperately wanted to fulfill that promise." VanArsdall says. "I asked him how I could do it.

"He told me he knew Mike Snider (an Opry member and regular performer), and that he would see what he could do to make it happen. I was very hopeful and excited. I knew that playing at the Opry would get me the credibility I would need to make it easier to get into hospitals and begin my Tour of Smiles so I could do something really positive with the canjoe.

"And it happened. On Nov. 4, 2006, at the place where Hank stood, and Patsy Cline, I also stood and played my canjoe. It was one of the most amazing four minutes of my life, so far."

From there, VanArsdall began what he feels is his life's work.

"Immediately, I embarked on my Tour of Smiles," he says. "At first, I had a little bit of a difficult time. I would try to get into these hospitals and there was a lot of misunderstanding as to what my intentions were. I finally got in touch with Joanna Simeone at East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville. She was very willing to listen to me and was so supportive. I went to events like Camp Eagle's Nest, Camp Cure, and Jammin' in Your Jammies. The response from the kids was just great."

Simeone, public relations specialist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, says the Tour of Smiles has been a blessing to patients. "When you are able to actually watch a child's spirits being lifted, it is a powerful, powerful thing," she says. "When I first got a call from this unique man that referred to himself as Canjoe John, I have to say that I had some apprehensions about what kind of 'music therapy' he could bring to our hospital with just a can on an old piece of barn wood with a string. Nevertheless, we talked for quite some time that first conversation, and I invited him to come on a guided tour of the hospital's inpatient floors. "What I saw that day convinced me that Canjoe John was more than a man with a silly instrument. This was a deeply caring human being, passionately called to bring smiles and warmth to children in need. Since that first visit, Canjoe John has handmade and distributed hundreds of canjoes."

VanArsdall has also completed volunteer courses to give his tour access to Niswonger Children's Hospital and Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport, and Norton Community Hospital in Norton, Va.

Whatever hospital he visits, his message is essentially the same.

"I build the canjoes for these kids out of rough sawn lumber," he says. "I do that because not only is it beautiful when it's finished, but it's also symbolic of these kids' diseases and illnesses. "Rough sawn lumber has natural defects and flaws, things about it that aren't 'perfect.' My point to these kids - and they understand it emphatically when I explain it to them - is that even though this instrument might have flaws and defects, that doesn't mean it should thrown away, right? It still works, it still has value. I tell them that just because their own bodies might also not be perfect, that no one is going to throw them away, either; their lives still have value as well, and no one is going to give up on them. And they get it. They understand. And they smile."

Up & Coming New Nashville- Sixtyfourwest (With Exclusive Interview)

Sixtyfourwest, best known for their late night party sets and extensive song selection, is hitting its stride and spreading its fan base. Starting off as coffee-house musicians while at the University of Kentucky, guitarist Bill Yackey and singer Aaron Weaver knew the group needed more.

The two found their niche in bar scene in Lexington and Louisville, KY, playing weekly while steadily building up their fan base and set list. It is their song selection, in fact, that keeps people coming back. Like the perfect jukebox, Bill & Aaron incorporate classic 80s and 90s tracks into a set list of Top 40 and originals. It’s no surprise to hear Ryan Adams, followed by Journey, then finish up with “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”

The group’s popularity on campus earned them invitations to play at some of UK’s largest fundraisers and events, as well as numerous Greek parties and functions.

Being classically trained musicians both chorally and orchestrally, the two don’t let the bar and party scene get in the way of making great music. As a cappella and choir veterans, there is no lack of powerful harmonies in their songs. In stage settings, the group incorporates percussionist Chris Burgess and often features Aaron playing the cello in addition to Bill’s acoustic guitar.



That Nashville Sound had a chance to sit down and chat with guitarist and vocalist Bill Yackey about the duo.

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

Bill Yackey- We have both been involved in music for as long as I can remember. Aaron’s parents are both choir directors, and his dad taught us both in high school. Aaron went to school on a cello scholarship, I’ve been playing piano since 5th grade and taught myself guitar in high school. We both were in the University of Kentucky choir and a cappella group. I could probably fill an entire page talking about musical things we’ve done up until this point.

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

BY- Everything we do is based on having a good time. And that’s what music really should be about, right? I think I’m happiest when I’m playing in front of people, and if I can pass that feeling onto others, I’ve completed that mission. Notwithstanding, the music has to be good in order to resonate with an audience, so that’s when the real work comes in.

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

BY- Probably our extensive choral backgrounds – we’ve sung together (literally next to each other) for more than 13 years. It’s funny, the same songs we sang in a cappella groups at sorority houses in college we cover as a band. Every now and then we have to remind each other to “breathe before this phrase,” or “we’re going sharp on this one note.” I feel like a lot of people just get up there and sing. With us, it’s more cerebral than that. And I think it pays off.

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

BY- It changes every day of course, but there have been some albums that have really changed the band over the years, Carencro – Marc Broussard, Only By The Night – Kings of Leon, and For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver. Right now, I can’t get enough Company of Thieves and Paolo Nutini.

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

BY- Well, we both have jobs and lives outside of music, so I’d like to see myself getting a promotion at my day job. Music-wise, I’d like to see us play bigger and bigger venues. Louisville has some really good opportunities and festivals all year long. Its not a bad place to get a start as a band. I’d also like to see us expand – there’s a lot of things you can do with 5 or 6 people that you can’t do with 2 or 3.

TNS- Quick questions… Favorite Hobby?

BY- I’m big into golf, weightlifting and social media stuff. Aaron likes soccer and basketball, and of course our favorite pastime is partying with friends.

TNS- Record stores or downloads?

BY- I’ve turned into an iTunes addict, sadly. I still support the last great record store, Ear-X-Tacy on Bardstown Rd. in Louisville. Heaven help us if anything were to happen to that place.

TNS- Favorite food?

BY- When Aaron and I eat together it is usually at one of the following places: El Nopal (Mexican), Qdoba, Little Caesars, or Subway (where we have both crafted “masterpiece” sandwiches).

TNS-West Coast or East Coast?

BY- Mid-west ride til’ we die.

TNS- Nickname for your guitar or other instrument(s)?

BY- I used to have a Washburn, my first guitar, that I called “Ol Trusty,” mainly because I beat the hell out of it for like 7 years. Now we just call the Taylor “The Taylor.” Aaron’s cello is called “Lady Chocolate.”

FREE Song Download Of The Day- The Brand New Jerry Lee Lewis Single

Jerry Lee Lewis has a brand new country song that’s been released to radio and for a limited time, Amazon is offering it for FREE. Click HERE to download your free version of “Mean Old Man.” Here’s a great description of the song from the site.

"Mean Old Man," the new single from Jerry Lee Lewis, takes the source material from Kris Kristofferson and gives it the shambling, rocking country workout it deserves. The arrangement's loose and fun, and while Jerry Lee's voice has developed a tremble here and there, it fits the song perfectly. This is no transformative reworking of another's material, like Johnny Cash's "Hurt," but rather a rockin' statement of defiance from a guy who many figured wouldn't make it to his age.

Trisha Yearwood Partners With Campbell Soup & The Grammy Foundation To Help Children Rediscover Music In Schools

Trisha Yearwood, Campbell Soup Company and the GRAMMY Foundation announced this week plans to make music education more accessible in tens of thousands of schools across America. Research has shown that when students have access to arts, they tend to also perform better in the classroom. Unfortunately, music programs are being eliminated at many elementary and secondary schools due to the budget pressures impacting schools across the country. Campbell Soup and the GRAMMY Foundation tapped three-time GRAMMY Award Winner Trisha Yearwood to launch the enhanced program.

To help address this disturbing trend, Campbell is partnering with the GRAMMY Foundation to provide schools access to the sort of innovative resources needed to offer students a well-rounded music education. Through the partnership, the GRAMMY Foundation`s proprietary Discovery Through Music curriculum will be made available to nearly 60,000 schools nationwide that are registered in this years Labels for Education program. Customized for children in kindergarten through 6th grade, the new curriculum will help young students understand the basic elements of music, including beat, tempo, rhythm and pitch, and apply these fundamentals as part of lesson plans for language arts, math, science and technology.

Bucky Covington Returns To Rockingham, NC To Give Back To His Hometown Community

After earning national recognition as a finalist on "American Idol" and firmly establishing himself as one of country music's most genuine and interesting entertainers with three consecutive Top 10 hit singles and the best-selling country debut release of the 2007 class, Bucky Covington is returning to his roots for his first hometown concert in Rockingham, NC.

"When I was on American Idol the whole town pulled together - all of the business, churches - everyone. They all went above and beyond to help out and show me their support," remembers Bucky. "Now it's my time to give back."

For Covington this homecoming is a way of giving back to the community that has supported him over the years, and to show his deep appreciation he will be hosting an unprecedented party in the city's Harrington Square featuring a free concert on September 26, 2009 at 7:00pm.

In addition to the concert, Covington's planned activities include taking part in the local BackPack Pals outreach program, which provides nutritional weekend meals and snacks to children whose primary source of food is the local school cafeteria. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a canned good or other non-perishable food item to help support the community's BackPack Pals program and Our Daily Bread Christian Food Ministry.

"One of the best places to play is at home," says Bucky. "We've had the incredible privilege of playing shows in Europe, Alaska and all across the States, but there's nothing like going home and performing. Every time you look out at the crowd, you see people you know. And to be able to help out BackPack Pals, which is such a great organization and worthy cause, tops off this homecoming."

The Little Opry House In Nashville, Indiana Burns To The Ground

Tragically, the Opry in Nashville has burned down. Just not the one you’re thinking of.

Crews from across Brown County and surrounding areas fought a large fire at The Little Nashville Opry house in Nashville, Indiana last night. The fire started around 10:30 Saturday night, however, crews are still on the scene battling problems - hotspots and flare-ups.

The Little Nashville Opry held its first performance in April of 1975. According to its website, it has hosted some of Indiana's top musicians and some of country music's popular performers.

George Jones and Loretta Lynn were just two of the big names scheduled this fall.

Scores of country music's most popular names, as well as Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian groups and popular vocalists like Tom Jones and Wayne Newton, have appeared at The Little Nashville Opry over the years.

Keith Urban & Lady Antebellum Cover The Eagles

Early this month, we had posted a video of Keith Urban singing the Eagles' "Seven Bridges Road" with Sugarland. Later on a different leg of his tour, he brought Lady Antebellum out on stage to do the same. Enjoy the video below...



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TNS Video History- Alabama's "40 Hour Week (For a Livin')"

"40 Hour Week (For a Livin')" is a song made famous by the band Alabama. Originally released in 1985, the song was the title track to Alabama's sixth album. Alabama holds the record of the longest uninterrupted streak of number ones in the history of the Billboard magazine Hot Country Songs chart, with 21 songs peaking atop the chart between 1980 and 1987, "40 Hour Week (For a Livin')" was the song that set the new standard.