TNS Video History- One Flew South's "My Kind Of Beautiful"

Two Of The Dixie Chicks Start New Band Called Court Yard Hounds

If you're a fan of the Dixie Chicks, this news will be of interest to you. Rolling Stone Magazine is reporting that Emily Robison and Martie Maguire of the Dixie Chicks have recorded an album under the name Court Yard Hounds. The band name is a reference to the novel, City of Thieves. Recorded largely at Maguire's home studio in Austin, Texas, the album is scheduled for May and will feature Robison on lead vocals for the first time, with an appearance from the Wallflowers' Jakob Dylan. Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines will not appear on the album, but Robison and Maguire emphasized to Rolling Stone that the Chicks have not formally parted ways.

Country Legends Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson Plan New Albums This Spring

Rounder Records announced the signing of American legend, songwriter, actor, and social activist, Willie Nelson. Nelson is the creative genius behind many chart toppers including “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Red Headed Stranger,” and “Stardust.” His career has spanned six decades and more than 200 albums.

Produced by T Bone Burnett, the new album called Country Music features old-time banjo master Riley Baugus, double bassist Dennis Crouch, and T Bone himself, all musicians featured on Raising Sand, the 2009 Grammy award-winning Album of the Year by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. The album will be released on April 13th.

Another big name in country music, Alan Jackson, has scheduled his upcoming album release for March 30th. Freight Train from Arista Nashville will include 12 songs, including his new single "It's Just That Way." He wrote or co-wrote eight of the songs. As a tribute to the late Vern Gosdin, Jackson and guest singer Lee Ann Womack will duet on Gosdin's "Till the End." This is Jackson's 18th album and was produced by Keith Stegall.

Jewel Unveils Brand New Song- "Stay Here Forever"

Jewel has just released a brand new single to country radio called “Stay Here Forever.” The song is featured on the soundtrack of the new film Valentine’s Day which features one of the biggest ensemble movie casts in cinema history.

The single is also the first track from Jewel’s second album for The Valory Music Company. You can listen to the new track below. (Email subscribers can click the blue headline to listen.)

New Music Video From Billy Ray Cyrus- "We'll Get By Somehow"

New Music Video From Mark Wills- "Crazy White Boy"

New Funny Music Video From Newcomers Jaron & The Long Road To Love

A brand new group called Jaron & The Long Road To Love has a terrific "after the break-up" song that starts off all romantic and then wishes all kinds of awful things to his ex. It's a fun tune with a matching funny video. The song just entered the Top 50 on the Billboard charts and will likely keep going. Watch it below...

Vince Gill To Release Love Songs This Month

Country superstar Vince Gill is releasing his first collection of love songs just in time for Valentine's Day. The new 14-track compilation features songs from the artist's most popular albums released from 1991 to 2006.

The award winning country star personally handpicked and sequenced all of his favorite songs for the album. Fan favorites such as "Whenever You Come Around," "Love Finds You" and "The Rock Of Your Love" with Bonnie Raitt are found on the album.

The Country Music Hall of Fame has said that Gill "built a career characterized by excellence, integrity, and generosity. He has supplemented his talents as a singer, songwriter, and musician with nobility of spirit, artistic vision, and quick wit, to become one of his generation's great contributors to the ongoing vitality of country music."

Love Songs will be released in stores on January 26.

Trace Adkins Leaves Label For Toby Keith's Show Dog-Universal Label

Toby Keith, Principle and Mark Wright, President of Show Dog-Universal Music have officially announced their first signing, platinum selling superstar Trace Adkins. Trace Adkins is a multifaceted entertainer who has achieved incredible success as a performer, author, and actor. Trace made his debut in country music more than a decade ago and has since become an undeniable musical force, earning his place among the most identifiable artists of his generation. Adkins has charted 27 singles, with 14 breaking into the top 10. His albums have achieved gold or platinum status with three making their entry at #1.

"While touring together this past summer, Toby and I had some time to get to know each other better and we discovered that as artists, we share a common vision," says Adkins. "I've had 15 great years at Capitol Records/Nashville and I respect and appreciate everyone I've worked with there. But, the excitement surrounding this merger is very invigorating and I'm really excited about the future and the opportunities and possibilities that are ahead at Show Dog-Universal Music."

Mary Chapin Carpenter’s The Age Of Miracles Out April 27

The Age of Miracles, the new album from world-renowned singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter will be released April 27 on Zoë/Rounder Records.

Over the course of a 12-album recording career, Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards and sold over 13 million records. The new record follows 2008's acclaimed Christmas release Come Darkness, Come Night and 2007's Grammy-nominated album The Calling.

Recorded in Nashville, the 12-track album was produced by Carpenter and long-time collaborator Matt Rollings (Lyle Lovett, Keith Urban) and was recorded and mixed by Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler , Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson). Carpenter is backed by a band that includes Rollings (piano, B-3 organ), Russ Kunkel (drums), Duke Levine (electric and acoustic guitar), Glenn Worf (bass), Dan Dugmore (steel and 12 string guitar) and Eric Darken (percussion). The album also features guest vocals by Vince Gill on "I Put My Ring Back On" and Alison Krauss on "I Was a Bird."

A national tour is planned surrounding the release.

New Johnny Cash Album Artwork Released- More Details On Album Emerge

The February edition of Vanity Fair reveals that the release date of the Rick Rubin produced Johnny Cash album American VI: Ain't No Grave is in fact the 23rd of February on American Recordings/Lost Highway. Rubin's interview with Lisa Robinson reveals there will be a Cash original ("First Corinthians"), the title track (a traditional gospel tune) and a version of Sheryl Crow's "Redemption Day." The latter, says Rubin, "is a song [Cash] brought in and loved. He said he'd give up all the other songs just to be able to do that one; it was his favorite, content-wise." Asked about the overall feel of the album, the producer/friend states: "American V was more touching; it felt like sadness and death. VI has more power; it's more like being reborn - like the phoenix rising from the ashes."

Keith Urban's New Music Video For "Til' Summer Comes Around"

Keith Urban has just launched a brand new music video this week for his latest single, "Til' Summer Comes Around." Watch it below...

Today In Country Music History- Johnny Cash Sings At Folsom Prison

Johnny Cash performed his song “Folsom Prison Blues” live at Folsom State Prison in Folsom, Calif. on January 13, 1968- 42 years ago today. Cash had performed at Huntsville State Prison in 1957 and later performed at San Quentin. Both the Folsom and San Quentin shows were recorded and released as albums that revitalized Cash’s career.

Below is a great little movie of that historic performance...

Bomshel Premieres New Video For "19 & Crazy"

Jimmy Wayne's Making Progress In Homeless Walk Across America

For those familiar with regular country music news, you've probably heard already that Jimmy Wayne is walking his way across the United States to raise awareness for homelessness. Jimmy Wayne conduncted his first live web broadcast from the road during his 1660-mile walk for the homeless yesterday that you can watch down below.

The website for Wayne’s “Meet Me Halfway” walk from Nashville to Phoenix also went live yesterday as well- at http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com. On the site, fans can track Wayne’s progress, view video and photo updates from the road as well as donate to “Meet Me Halfway” to help homeless youth. Wayne’s Monday webcast on the new site will mark his first live broadcast since beginning his trek halfway across America on New Year’s Day.

So far, the coldest temperatures the Southeast has seen in some 50 years have slowed Wayne’s progress, but the artist is still making good time, and at this moment (Friday afternoon) is outside Jackson, Tennessee.

“I’ve had to sleep inside the past several nights because of these single digit temperatures,” Wayne said. “That wasn’t my plan, but sometimes Mother Nature wins. Next week the area will hit highs in the 40’s, downright balmy compared to what it’s been, and I hope to get some good hours of walking under my belt.”

Meet Me Halfway is a project Wayne began in order to raise awareness of the plight of homeless children, teens and young people, particularly those who age out of the foster care system and often have nowhere to go.

“This situation is one we as a nation need to talk about because there is a fix,” Wayne said. “No one should be without a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep at night. But there are hundreds of thousands of kids in this country who are faced with exactly that problem. I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people on my walk—I know what America is made of, and I know we can help these kids. It's amazing how something as simple as walking can influence many to take a stand.”

For those interested in making donations to organizations who help homeless youth or the “Meet Me Halfway” project specifically, please visit the “Meet Me Halfway” website at http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com.

Live TV : Ustream

Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Bash To Be Made Into Album

A 40th anniversary concert in October featuring a number of Rounder artists including Alison Krauss and Union Station and Mary Chapin Carpenter will be released as a CD by Rounder Records in March.

Rounder Records' 40th Anniversary Concert, an album of the concert at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry that celebrated the label's 40 years in the music industry, drops March 3. The concert will also be presented as a PBS television special that will begin airing on the network in March and released on DVD in May.

The CD will include performances from Steve Martin's show at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, from Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's 2008 CMT "Crossroads" special, and from Madeleine Peyroux's 2009 concert in Los Angeles.

Songs on the CD are:
1. Cold Dark River - Minnie Driver
2. Beloved - Minnie Driver
3. Outside People - Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
4. Think About the Good Times - Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
5. Rich Woman - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
6. River Is Waiting - Irma Thomas
7. Don't Mess With My Man - Irma Thomas
8. Don't Wait Too Long - Madeleine Peyroux
9. Dance Me to the End of Love - Madeleine Peyroux
10. Restless - Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
11. Gravity - Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
12. Pitkin County Turn Around - Steve Martin
13. Saga of the Old West - Steve Martin
14. Keys to the Kingdom - Bela Fleck
15. Another Morning - Bela Fleck
16. Why Shouldn't We - Mary Chapin Carpenter
17. He Thinks He'll Keep Her - Mary Chapin Carpenter
18. Medley: Angeles Watching Over Me/ I'll Fly Away/ Down by the Riverside

Jo Dee Messina Talks About New Single & New Album

Up & Coming New Nashville- Gwen Sebastian (With Exclusive Interview)

Gwen Sebastian, the Midwestern raised singer, brings a captivating performance to the stage with a honeysuckle sweet personality. A talented songwriter and experienced entertainer, you’d never guess this sassy singer comes from such a dirt road background.

Growing up on a farm in Hebron, North Dakota with a population of under 800, she spent the summers rounding up cattle on the family ranch and tossing flour with her mom in the kitchen. Gwen and her younger brother are just two of 117 grandchildren; consequently, she had a captive audience when she started digging her heels in the music scene. “Before I could even walk, I would sit beneath the organ as my grandma played. I would watch her feet play the pedals,” recalls Gwen. When she was only 4 years old Gwen entered her first talent contest, by age 11 she became the local church organist, and by her early teens she was regularly performing on stages alongside her parents at local weddings, fairs and bars around North Dakota.

After high school, Gwen enrolled in nursing school, but quickly hung up her scrubs to pursue a career in music. During her first semester she attended a music conference in Nashville, and with the encouragement from several A&R representatives, Gwen decided to leave school and move to Nashville. “My first performance in Music City was at the famous Bluebird Café,” smiles Gwen. “It was at that moment when I knew I made the right decision.”

Once in Nashville, Gwen became a regular performer at the world-renowned Wildhorse Saloon, and moved on to play at fairs, festivals, casinos and clubs all over the country. She has opened for acts including Taylor Swift, Sugarland and Phil Vassar. She enjoys the creative songwriter community in Music City and the opportunity to co-write with hit songwriters including Wendell Mobley (Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels,” Rascal Flatts’ “I Melt” and “Fast Cars and Freedom”) and Dean Miller (son of Roger Miller, King of the Road). “I want my fans to really connect with me and I feel that through my songwriting is the best way they can,” explains Gwen.

“Contemporary country with spunk” is how she would describe her music which features influential stylings from Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Pink and Sheryl Crow. Recently signed to Lofton Creek Records, Gwen is hoping to reach an even broader audience with her music. Her debut single, “Hard Rain,” was released to country radio in October 2009.

With what little spare time she has, Gwen enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends. “I love to eat almost as much as I love to sing,” laughs Gwen. “My band affectionately calls me ‘lunchbox.’” With a sound that deserves a home on country radio, the confidence to command a stage, and a natural talent that flows effortlessly to her audience, Gwen proves to have all the ingredients necessary to create a recipe for success.



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

Gwen Sebastian- Ever since I was little, my mom said I would dance and sing, even when I couldn’t really talk. My parents were great mentors and having music in my household was a big influence. I love to harmonize and did that that early on with my parents. That’s probably why I am really drawn to “harmony” groups like the Eagles and Diamond Rio. Music is one of the only things in life that everyone can relate to.

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

GS- My music is a representation of all of my musical influences, from Linda Ronstadt to Dolly Parton, to Pink, and also my life influences. I try to invoke positive life stories, but knowing that we all go through difficult times, allows me to write about that too. I want people to be “moved”; to either make them smile or make them cry.

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

GS- As much as I love being surrounded by people and having a good time, I can be a really good introvert. Give me a couch, some Doritos and a good suspense movie, and I’m in heaven. It also may surprise people to hear I was raised on a cattle farm in a town in North Dakota with a population less that 800!

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

GS- I get into a periods where I listen to one album for a month and then move onto another. Roseanne Cash, Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, Diamond Rio, Beyonce, Dolly, Nickelback, Big & Rich, Audioslave, everything!

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

GS- Performing at the Super Bowl! Lots and lots of charity work, especially for kids.

TNS Video History- John Anderson with Big and Rich- “Seminole Wind”