HERE FOR THE PARTY (Items on Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Kellie Pickler, Shooter Jennings, Sheryl Crow, Anne Murray, Paul Brandt)

Taylor Swift joins the company of Gretchen Wilson ("Here for the Party") and Carrie Underwood ("Some Hearts") as the only women this decade to to hit the Billboard Country top ten with the four singles from her debut album. "Pictures to Burn," meanwhile, will be soon followed by a fifth single from the disc. And Taylor will perform the ditty at the CMT Awards on April 14.
Taylor's next album is in the oven and should be served later this year. It will include some songs that she's stored up for five years, she tells Billboard in a Q&A. She also reveals other stuff (like her ringtone for calls from Kellie Pickler).

Remote Patrol: NBC's "Last Call" features a repeat with Shooter Jennings tonight and Sheryl Crow on Thursday...Kellie Pickler visits "Ellen" on Wednesday...Anne Murray, Aaron Lines and Paul Brandt will perform on the Juno Awards Sunday night (Must be a neighbor to the north to view).

THE BEST OF BOTH AWARDS (Items on Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson, Bon Jovi)

Miley Cyrus was a big winner at Saturday's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, walking in with three bodyguards and walking out with two awards. Miley picked up orange balloons (the zeppelin thingies that are handed out by the Nick people) for Favorite Female Singer and Television Actress.
Here's a report from the orange carpet on the orange awards from the Orange County Register, featuring a photo of the host, whose name is Black but who starred in "Orange County."
Meanwhile, Miley's "Hannah Montana" movie is casting extras for the shoot in Tennessee. An open call is being held April 6 at the Sommet Center in Nashville.

Dances with Willies: Speaking of bodyguards, in Kevin Costner's upcoming (summer) movie, "Swing Vote," he plays a member of a Willie Nelson-tribute band, The Half Nelsons. Willie appears in the movie.

The Lost Highwaymen: What was it like for Bon Jovi going country with their latest album? '"It felt like we were throwing a grenade out and putting our fingers in our ears and then waiting . . . seeing what would happen." sez the group's Richie Sambora (quoted just hours before his DUI arrest this past week).

Also...: A Huntsville, Alabama TV news anchor realized a dream by serving as an announcer at the Grand Ole Opry on March 15 and the evening was a doozy. Here's more, including video.

A CUP OF AMBITION (Items on Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, Dwight Yoakam, Wynonna, Dierks Bentley, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Neal McCoy)

The musical version of Dolly Parton's movie, "9 to 5" is set to premiere in Los Angeles this fall with a target of eventually working out the kinks (Or "M&M's," as Jane Fonda said in the movie) and heading to Broadway. The show will open at the Ahmanson Theatre in L.A. in early September and run through mid-October, according to BroadwayWorld.com.
The cast includes Alison Janney of "The West Wing" in the Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin) role and Megan Hilty as Dolly's Doralee Rhodes. Stephanie J. Block of Broadway's "Wicked" will play the Judy Bernley role originated by Fonda.
The music is Dolly's baby and includes the original movie theme she penned, as well as the title track of her current "Backwoods Barbie" album.
BTW: The difference between Barbie (the doll) and "Backwoods Barbie" is that the former has a townhouse and the latter has an outhouse, according to Dolly.
Much of this info isn't new but was publicly unveiled Friday night at an event at the House of Blues in La La Wood, which you can check out here.
For ticket info (you gotta buy an Ahmanson season pass for tix to "9 to 5") go to CenterTheatreGroup or call 213-972-4444.

None for the Gipper: The concerts at college football stadiums slated this spring, a series of "Gridiron Bashes," if you will, have been cancelled.
So no Alan Jackson at Alabama, no Sara Evans with Kid Rock at LSU, no Dwight Yoakam at WVU, no Wynonna and Dierks Bentley at UK, no Taylor Swift and Montgomery Gentry at Tennessee, no Kelly Clarkson at Iowa and no ZZ Top at A&M.
So why? Because of potential NCAA violations regarding student athlete participation.

Who Says You Can't Go Home?: ...One Australian reviewer, who adds that native son Keith Urban is the Jon Bon Jovi of country.

Don't Pray for Rain: Native son of The Lone Star State Neal McCoy will return to sing The National Anthem when the Texas Rangers open their season at home on April 8.
Before that, you can catch Neal on GAC's Opry telecast thsi weekend.

FARM AID (Items on Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss)

Willie Nelson's latest pause for the cause is the Animal Legal Defense Fund's campaign spotlighting dairy product producers who support a calf ranch that violates anti-cruelty laws.
A petition backing up the ALDF's position has 24,000 signatures and grew by over a thousand once Willie voiced his opinion.
"As a cowboy, I must stand up for cows," Willie sez, noting that small-town farmers that cared for their animals are being pushed aside by corporate farms that treat the animals like "machines."
Said petition is available for signatures here. And, what the heck, let's check up on Farm Aid.
By the way, as you might expect, Willie, is not only super keen,...he's super Green (Item from the Willie-est spot on the net, stillisstillmoving.com).

Merle Test: Merle Haggard is attempting a bluegrass tour for this fall and if it makes it to the road, Marty Stuart and Alison Krauss could be on board. Meanwhile, Merle's vote this November is leaning from the left to the right.

C'MON DOWN TO MY HOUSE (Items on Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Neal McCoy, Dave Matthews Band)

Martina McBride's "Waking Up Laughing" tour just grew dates. The singer's outings will include opening acts Jason Michael Carroll, Jack Ingram and/or Chris Young, depending on your town and venue.
If you've never seen Martina live, here's what you can expect.
More Martina here discussing piercing the veils of producing and writing her own music.
...And will Martina be part of Canada's Best Album?

Bailee and the Boy: When I first looked at the picture in this story, I thought Tim McGraw was doing a guest gig on "Hannah Montana." But it's actually about a Frito's commercial we'll soon be seeing.
The youngster playing one of his daughters in the spot has pics of the shoot on her webpage.

Shake It: Neal McCoy gets the Rhino-treatment with The Very Best of Neal McCoy, coming in June. In addition to his '90's hits and "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On," the disc will include new Neal music.

Save Me: Buy a Dave Matthews Band concert seat through Ticketmaster, get a free album.

THE THUNDER ROLES (Items on Garth Brooks, Lonestar, George Strait, Reba McEntire)

Garth Brooks' new video, "Midnight Sun," debuts tonight on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown (or y'all can check it out here). The clip was inspired by a "Saturday Night Live" skit, sez Garth.
Meanwhile, Garth is part of a star-studded public service announcement for the AARP's Divided We Fail, an organization bringing light to the health care and financial security crisis that many Americans face. Here's a look:



Let's Be Us Again: Lonestar will release its first (non-holiday) album with new lead singer Cody Collins in September on their own record shingle. Their first Cody single, "Let Me Love You," is just out.

"Trouba" Before: GAC on George Strait's new album before it heads to stores Tuesday.

Surprise By Design: Reba McEntire designs for Dillard's; hubby Narvel Blackstock designs for their home.

MORE SHIFTWORK (Items on Kenny Chesney, Allman Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, Junior Brown)

Kenny Chesney's "Poets & Pirates" road extravaganza just added five more stops to the massive schedule as Kenny looks to become the first touring artist (possibly) to sell a million tickets for seven straight years (like I just said). The KC shift will work shows in Ohio, Oklahoma, Michigan and Wisconsin that have been tacked onto the "P&P" schedule.

Ramblin', Interrupted: The Allman Brothers yearly run of NYC shows (scheduled for May) has been postponed for '08 because Gregg Allman is recovering from the side effects from his (successful) recovery from Hepatitis C. But they'll be good to go in June.

Emerald Cities: An eight-city Earth Day celebration will include concerts featuring the likes of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Junior Brown, Los Lonely Boys. Ahead of that, a boatload of cities globally will go down for an "Earth Hour," including Chicago and San Francisco.

YOU'RE (NOT EXACTLY) FIRED (Items on Trace Adkins, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Little Big Town, Reba, The Cyruses, Darryl Worley)

"The Celebrity Apprentice" finale appeared to be a love letter to Trace Adkins, deservedly so (One blogger has already suggested he get his own reality show), but Trump gave the crown to Piers Morgan.
Meanwhile, you can download Trace's finale version of “You’re Gonna Miss This" over at iTunes with proceeds going to FAAN (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network), Trace's chosen charity for the competition.

The Good Stuff: Kenny Chesney's 40th birthday party this week was a star-studded, but private affair, but somebody got in to tell us this.
Meanwhile, KC is looking to hook up into a rare millionaire's club.

Saskatoonless: Rascal Flatts had to postpone a Canadian show Wednesday (3/26) night after Gary LeVox (Or DeVox as the local paper sez) lost le vox.

Yes BS: Blake Shelton will host a CMT Music Awards Video of the Year special on April 5th with Little Big Town and Julio Iglesias, Jr. Also, expect a call from Reba McEntire.
The awards show itself, of course, will be hosted by Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus, who finds the "Hannah Montana" movie script is to his liking.

Congrats: Pink bubble gum cigars to Darryl Worley and the wife, who welcomed their new daughter in the world Monday (3/24) night.

Who Says You Shouldn't Drive Home?: Bon Jovian Richie Sambora was arrested in California on suspicion of DUI, reportedly with two minors in his Hummer.

Music Square Journal: Music Row magazine is changing hands.

SOME THINGS TO BE PROUD OF (Items on Montgomery Gentry, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift)

While Montgomery Gentry's new album still appears to lack a title, it's set for a June 21 release date and several guests will be aboard the effort with Eddie and Troy. Toby Keith will guest on "I Pick My Parties" and Five for Fighting dude John Ondrasik with get in the cage with the guys on a ditty called "Roll With Me."
Meanwhile, the MG fellas are super-busy with several charitable endeavors...
Both lads are onboard a Clorox "Wipe Out Cancer" campaign with Country Weekly magazine.
Eddie and his wife are co-chairs of a campaign to organize a year-round camp for chronically and terminally ill children. Camp Horsin' Around would be located in Eddie's home turf of Kentucky. (Here's more on what the campaign needs...and here's where you can donate).
T-Roy is involved with the Patient Advocate Foundation, which is a non-profit group that provides services and information to patients unable to get medical insurance. He's recorded public service announcements for the effort which you'll be catching on a radio or tv near you...or right here now:



Meanwhile, Eddie's steakhouse I mentioned here a couple of days ago?...It'll actually be a steakhouse...and shopping and entertainment complex.

Aqualung: Twenty years ago, we almost lost Willie Nelson to a collapsed lung.

Rumours: Is Sheryl Crow gonna be working with Fleetwood Mac? "Definitely," sez Sheryl. "Huh?" sez Mac.

OMG!: Carrie love talk. Carrie (with Keith Urban) tour talk.

Not Too Swift: Taylor Swift's monster debut album has been out for ages, this lady points out, so why is she just now reviewing it?

THEIR NECK OF THE WOODS (Items on Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, Eric Church, Diana DeGarmo, Whiskey Falls)

A preliminary list of performers for this summer's Toyota Concert Series on (the) Today (show) was announced this morning. The list is a bit spartan, country-wise, but new additions will be sprinkled throughout the season, the Peacock promises. Right now, Today has Kenny Chesney penciled in for May 13, Rascal Flatts on July 11, Miley Cyrus on July 25 and Sheryl Crow August 1.
Trace Adkins, by the way, will be on Today Thursday morning to plug his final two showdown with Piers Morgan on that evening's "Celebrity Apprentice" finale on NBC. He's also slated to stop by "Regis & Kelly" and FOX News tomorrow morning.

Two More Bottles of Wine: She sang about "Cheap Whiskey," but Martina McBride loves fine wine.

Bravo!: When the Atlanta Braves open their season Monday (3/31) night (Against the Pirates...I'm sure I'm in for another long season), Eric Church, Diana DeGarmo and Whiskey Falls will each be there to lend a song, in some cases, two.

NASHVILLE, ETC. STAR (Items on Kenny Chesney, George Takei, Phil Stacey, Bucky Covington, Dolly Parton, American Idol, Paula Nelson)

Kenny Chesney, who hits the big 40 today, is bringing the (new) talent show contest concept on tour with him, according to his website. "The Big Star Competition" will be held in stops along the way on his "Poets & Pirates" tour this year. The deal is that competitions will be held in two varieties: the night before stadium shows on the "P&P" tour at the venue site or several weeks prior in towns with KC arena or auditorium shows scheduled.
Then the winning artist will get to open Kenny's show in their hometown and the grand prize winner gets to open the final tour shows in Tulsa, St. Louis and Indianapolis, a tour bus to use for said gigs, $25,000 and an audition with the A&R department at Kenny's record company.

Sulu Act: A sneak peek at George Takei's attempt at singing country from the upcoming "Secret Talents of the Stars" program.

Philly Idol: Phil Stacey and Bucky Covington will be on "American Idol" next week, just as Dolly Parton arrives to mentor the contestants. Meanwhile, Phil will make his Grand Ole Opry debut this weekend.

The Kick Inside: What did Willie Nelson's daughter Paula do when a drunk jumped up on stage recently? A li'l kung fu...watch:

SIMPSON MANSION (Items on Jessica Simpson, Willie Nelson, Emilio Navaira, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift)

This whole country music thing must be serious for Jessica Simpson. $3.47 million serious. The singer has apparently forked over that amount for a Nashville mansion. Take a look at the Music City digs here.
As Jess works on said country disc, Willie Nelson is helping along the way and Jessica returns the favor by appearing in his video for "You Don't Think I'm Funny Anymore."
Willie, meanwhile, has yet to work with his dream duet partner: Barbra Streisand.

Best Thoughts: ...to Tejano musician Emilio Navaira who Monday (3/25) remained in critical condition in a Texas hospital Monday following an accident involving his tour bus in Houston over the weekend. The mainstream country audience might remember Emilio from a minor hit in the mid-'90's, "It's Not the End of the World."

Tell Us What You Think: The Calgary Sun's admittedly snobby music critic on Rascal Flatts in concert: "It's the kind of contrived, Vegas-infused, country-shlock that makes snobby music critics around the globe grumble a collective sigh and point two thumbs down while making gagging sounds in the backs of their throats."
But she did seem to like opening act Taylor Swift.

HONEYSUCKLE ROLES (Items on Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Randy Travis, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift)

Willie Nelson's got a mighty busy schedule for someone who's 75 years old. In addition to all of the music he puts out, he also has a heavy movie slate.
Of course, there's the "Beer for My Horses" project with Toby Keith. But he's also flexing his acting chops elsewhere:

-"Shoot Out of Luck," a Texas-based comedy featuring Vincent Pastore of "The Sopranos" and Girl Next Door Kendra Wilkinson. Willie is also "Creative Executive Producer" for the flick and is contributing music.
-"The Boom Boom Room," a drama with pin-up Dita Von Teese and Katherine Helmond (You know, "Mona" from "Who's the Boss?").
-"Surfer Dude," a upcoming Matthew McConaughey comedy.

...and Willie appears as Willie in these projects:
-"Swing Vote," a Kevin Costner comedy slated for this summer.
-"Delta Rising," a documentary on blues music.
-"Guitar Man," a doc about "the greatest guitar picker on earth (who) can't get a gig!"

...also floating around is "Fighting With Anger," an action film with Willie as a black belt (in Tae Kwon Do) hitman. He also exec-produced the flick. And the dude lauded as the #2 Green Artist by Billboard is featured in "Fields of Fuel," a doc on alternative fuel.

Captain's Log Stardate 2008.04.26: Randy Travis will entertain at William Shatner's horse show in California in April.

Like We Never Logged On at All: Two Tim Mcgraw fans met and married after meeting one of the singer's message boards.

Pop the Bubbly: Taylor Swift's next record, which she's penning ditties for right now, will include a song co-written with Colbie Caillat.

I COULD NOT ASK FOR MORE (Items on Sara Evans, Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood)

Sara Evans has been dating former Alabama quarterback Jay Barker since last year and the two are now engaged, People reports. The whole deal-hickey about Sara Evans and the current Birmingham, Alabama radio sports-talk host dating sprung to light a few months ago, again through the people at People.
Meanwhile, kiddies, Country Weekly is taking us behind the scenes of a recent photo shoot with the bride-to-be.
Jay's station, WJOX, has a website that springs up ads and nothing else in place of any kind of content I've been trying to check (at least in Firefox and Explorer), but they do have a 12-minute MP3 of a recent Vince Gill interview conducted by Jay and Sara and "The Opening Drive" crew.
Y'all don't have to dig sports to enjoy the chat as Sara describes Jay as "glowing" in the opening and Vince uses the same description about his Mrs. (Amy Grant). In between, they talk NCAA hoops (Vince has been catching the games involving Nashville's Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities).

Ain't Worth Missing: More details about Toby Keith's greatest hits package that will include nuggets from his pre-Show Dog days. It will also have the newer Show Dog pedigree, as well as that (mainly) 1990's output on Mercury, Polydor, A&M and DreamWorks Records, with 35 cuts in all, and lands May 6.

Spec Spot: When Carrie Underwood played Hamilton, Ontario recently, the show spawned this review/editorial.

ALL THE GOLD (AND APPLE BLOSSOMS) (Items on Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Jason Michael Carroll, Rhonda Vincent, Garth Brooks)

In The Tennessean, a catch-up with Larry Gatlin, who, with the Brothers, will be performing at a Vanderbilt Voice Center benefit at The Ryman in Music City in April. The piece also points out that the Gatlins are also featuring tunes from their first album of new music in almost two decades while on tour.
There's also details on an epiphany Larry recently had that makes me think that he's been reading this book.
Elsewhere in Gatlinville, the Brothers have just added a YouTube channel (There's only one video aboard so far, but it's a sweet one). Here's another sweet one, not from the YTGBC*:


...Larry, meanwhile, will be the firefighters’ marshal for the 81st Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia. Larry will be hanging at events on May 2 and 3. On the 3rd, the Festival's Country Music show will feature Jason Michael Carroll and Trent Tomlinson. the following day, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage top-bill the Festival's Bluegrass Festival (emceed, let me add, by ggcolumn amigo and "Duke of Bluegrass," Jack Duke).

The Thunder Rollbacks: Apparently, some Walmart stores have Garth Brooks' "The Entertainer" 5-DVD set clearance-priced at five bucks.

Because You're Mine (for $18.89): Speaking of DVD's, "Walk the Line" gets the "Extended Cut/2-Disc" treatment in a new edition out Tuesday. The extras (over the original DVD release) are five new documentaries and 17 minutes of extra footage tacked into the film.

Remote Patrol: A Conan repeat Monday has Sheryl Crow while "Last Call" repeats with Shooter Jennings Tuesday..."The Tonight Show" has Steve Earle on tap for Tuesday and his wife, Allison Moorer, on Thursday. k.d. lang is Leno-bound Friday...Trace Adkins and his co-"Celebrity Apprentice" finalist Piers Morgan are set for "Regis & Kelly" Thursday morning...Also Thursday: Travis Tritt's "Biography" on the Bio Channel.

*YouTube Gatlin Brothers Channel.

CSI: DOLLYWOOD (Items on Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, Elvis Costello, Carrie Underwood, George Jones, ZZ Top, Ronnie McDowell)

Checking in with Dolly Parton...On this weekend's GAC Top 20 Country Countdown, we find out that the title track to "Backwoods Barbie" was penned for her planned "9 to 5" stage production (Which is nearly ready to punch the clock)...Meanwhile, Dolly is ready for a hit single again (The first one from "Barbie" popped a top in the 40's on the chart)...And hey, kids, y'all know what show she loves (but sends her to sleep)?...And that she holds a important, permanent place in politics overseas?

Turn that Radio On: Ronnie Milsap is following Dolly's lead and releasing his next record on his own label...Elvis Costello's label is Lost Highway, but his next platter will be served on vinyl only.

Carny Folk: Carrie Underwood's headlining road schedule just got thicker.

Grand Tears: A 32 year old man wept through an entire George Jones show...was it the legend or the Wisconsin air? (Scroll down through the Johnny Depp tearfest)

Z to Z: ZZ Top are tres busy hombres with a new studio album, live DVD and some road time on tap. Meanwhile, Zedster Billy Gibbons will appears on the season finale of FOX's "Bones."

Tennessee Vols: Volunteer and go to the CMT Music Awards Red Carpet...perhaps.

McDowell Rod: Ronnie McDowell's 45th album will include Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys and other friends.

HAVE I TOLD YOU YOU'RE THE GREATEST? (Items on Reba McEntire, Collin Raye, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kris Kristofferson)

Reba McEntire and Collin Raye will be among the country contingent performing at at Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIV in Phoenix on April 5. John Mellencamp is also onboard for the event that raises funds for the Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute.
Meanwhile, Reba (who celebrates her birthday next Friday) has just added a new line of footwear the her line at Dillard's and the locals in Dallas came out Friday (3/21) when the lady herself showed up. Up next in the Reba collection: luggage.
Meanwhile, if you saw Reba and Kelly Clarkson along the way on their sold-out tour, you could be a winner!

Un-Vaulted: For its two-decades anniversary, Steve Earle's "Copperhead Road" is getting the "Deluxe Edition" treatment with a second disc that includes 11 never-released-before live cuts...An old Lynyrd Skynyrd tune has been "unearthed" and could be tacked onto the group's next album, due next year.

Kristofferson: A damned fine piece on Kris on The Times UK website.

I WANT IT THAT WAY (Items on Trace Adkins, Nashville Star, Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Shania Twain)

"Talkin' to the Backstreet Boys is time out of my life that I'll never get back."
-Trace Adkins, Thursday night (3/20) on "The Celebrity Apprentice."

Memo to NBC from ggcolumn: Are you ready for the next great reality show? Then, please, pluh-eeeeze!, hire Trace Adkins to road manage The Backstreet Boys' tour and make it into your next big hit. If VH1 can spin-off a spin-off of a spin-off of a spin-off of a reality show, y'all can get off of your peacock feathers and give us a spin-off of a quasi-spin-off of a reality show.
In just the teeny bit of time Trace spent in the stewardship of a Backstreet Boys gig, sparks flew and Trace spewed a veritable Bartlett's volume-full of homespun, quotable consternation.



Oh sure, there's Trace's own tour to consider, but c'mon...make it happen!

"Star" Search: 6,000 thousand hopefuls showed up for "Nashville Star" auditions in Music City today...Here's a check in on the D.C. auditions..."Star" military-only auditions have also been going on at several locations stateside, including one coming up on April 11 in Norfolk, Virginia...Meanwhile, a boatload of other reality shows are casting.

Eyes Wide Shut: What did wifey Nicole Kidman do while hubby Keith Urban played a recent gig down under? Yawned...and fidgeted...and checked out her nails.

Vander-Built: Does going to college in Nashville give ya an natural education in country music? Maybe.

BC-in' Ya Later: The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame's move halfway the country has hit a snag because a lawyer died...Also from the Great White North: Native songstress Shania Twain can't carry Martina McBride's lunchpail.
Shania...pail...no. Shania...trail....yes (trespassers welcome!).

CANDLE IN THE WINDOW (Items on Miley Cyrus, Trace Adkins, Jessica Simpson, Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Ebsen)

Miley Cyrus is now immortalized in wax, courtesy of Madame Tussauds NYC museum. Check it out for yourself.
Get ready, Australia, you're getting Miley in the flesh soon.

Celeb Apprentice Watch: The Trumpster pink-slipped Lennox Lewis and Carol Alt, the latter because he specifically wanted a USA vs. UK showdown between Trace Adkins and Piers Morgan, aka, the final two on "The Celebrity Apprentice."
They'll work a charity event involving a Backstreet Boys show (They're still around?).
UPDATE: Team USA Cap'n Trace plans to whipping out some starpower to aid his team (Which includes back-from-furlough Marilu Henner and Lewis). He just whipped out the names of Montgomery Gentry, Ronnie Milsap and Dean Samms of Lonestar.
UPDATE, JR.: Piers grabbed Fergie (Not her, her) for his side. Meanwhile, Trace is dickering with the Backstreet Boys' "dude" about easing up on their concert rider.
UPDATE III: Trace and the Boys are at odds over the lads need for wheat grass; "Are you punking me?!?!" Trace exclaimed.
EPILOGUE: The finale is next week and the teaser has Trace wondering why the BB's need nail polish.

I Prefer the Daisy Dukes: The lead singer of Fall Out Boy likes to prance about in Jessica Simpson's shoes. I though he dated the sister, the one who likes to do a li'l hoedown.

A to E Street to Z: The encyclopedia of Bruce Springsteen.

Bubbling Crude: Buddy Ebsen's widow is selling off some of the late actor's stuff, including items from "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Barnaby Jones."
Here's my favorite item.

OTTOMOTIVE (items on James Otto, Jimmy Wayne, Big & Rich, Conway Twitty, Anne Murray, Martina McBride, Emmylou Harris)

James Otto's kisser will be displayed on the hood of driver Mike Harmon's No. 84 ride at Saturday's Pepsi 300 race in Nashville. Jimmy Wayne, by the way, will sing the National Anthem before the race. ESPN2 will televise the Nationwide Series race. James' "Sunset Man" album rises to retail on April 8...Ahead of NASCAR'S Samsung 500 race, Big & Rich will perform at Texas Motor Speedway on April 4.
...And while James will be Mike Harmon's co-pilot (sort of) on Saturday, let's not forget another famous co-pilot named Otto.

Cam Do!: If you can't make one of the three audition locations for casting of the Conway Twitty musical, "It's Only Make Believe," fear not. Producers are now accepting try-outs via YouTube.

You Won't See Me?: Anne Murray believes that her latest album, a duets project, could be her last...maybe. Meanwhile, Anne and a number of her duet guests (including Olivia Newton-John, k.d. lang, Emmylou Harris and Martina McBride) will appear on a CBC (Canadian television) special Monday night (3/24).

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (Items on Minnie Pearl, Neil Diamond, Natalie Maines, Conway Twitty, Miley Cyrus)

One of America's greatest sportswriters (No, not this guy), is pulling for Nashville's Belmont University in the NCAA Tournament. He's not rooting because of the underdog thing (The Bruins are playing #2 Duke Thursday in a first round game). Nor is it because Belmont is the home of The CMT Music Awards. Nah, it's because of Belmont alum Cousin Minnie Pearl.
UPDATE (3/20): The Dookies' opener was almost (B)ruined.

Leftoverture: Neil Diamond's next album will include a duet with Natalie Maines of The Dixie Chicks, his first duet, apparently, since he and Barbara Streisand whined to each other, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," decades ago.
Meanwhile, Neil, like Dolly Parton, will be a mentor on an upcoming "American Idol."
Re: "Idol." I can't believe Amanda bit the dust tonight, while Kristy Lee (Dolly "on helium," Simon sez, God bless her) remains. Shocker!

Making "Believe:" More on the upcoming Conway Twitty musical, from The Tennessean, here.

...and Lay Off the Vegemite, Kids!: An Aussie paper sez Miley sez no to bingers. "I don't feel like to go out and have fun you have to be drunk all the time," the 15-'tweener is quoted. Law enforcement in all 50 states agree, by the way.
But if you must binge, the good folks at Walmart hope you'll do it here.

FEELING HAGGARD (Items in Merle Haggard, ACM Awards, Willie Nelson)

Merle Haggard is heading back out on the road with a trek that starts next month. Meanwhile, Merle's site is undergoing renovation; while the paint dries, you're welcome to shop around.

The "Time Constraintees" Announced: The (so called) off-camera nominations for the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards have been announced. These are the folks who play, play on, produce, and promote the artists and songs that will get the actual air time on CBS May 18.
The winners will be awarded prior to the broadcast and then...a) An up-and-coming artist will present a video compilation of that ceremony in a Vegas ballroom or b) Mr. Announcer will mention them before the show goes into a commercial message for Velveeta.
Long story short: CBS doesn't want to waste airtime on a guy from, say St. Cloud, Minnesota thanking his momma and God when they can use to the airtime to tell us that a "very special" "New Adventures of Old Christine" is coming up on Monday.

Willie Nelson for President: ...sez this guy, who admits he was really high the last time he saw Willie.

PHASERS ON STUN (Items on Clint Black, Charlie Daniels, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow)

"This killin' time is killin' me," Clint Black once sang. But it's also the tune TV network honchos have been crooning as they try to fill in programming gaps created by the recent writer's guild strike and figure out a way to develop their own "American Idol."
The new CBS reality show, "Secret Talents of the Stars," attempts to fill both holes for the Eyeball network (Warning: There will be juggling).
And the contest will feature not one, but two, country singers...sort of. Clint Black himself is onboard the menagerie of the famous trying out a new talent. In Clint's case that means trying to make it as a stand up comedian. But dig, captain! Former "Star Trek" dude George Takei will do his darndest to make it as a country singer!
The whole deal debuts April 8 and each week four celebs will appear with viewers voting for the best act performing outside of their milieu, while a to-be-anounced judging panel critiques their acts. Then the final four will compete in the finale on May 22.
Before all of that, Clint is set to debut a set of what he does best on CMT.com's "Unplugged at Studio 330" tonight.

Volunteer Jams: Can you believe Charlie Daniels is marking 50 years in the business of show? As a result, he's been piling up justified accolades this year and was just inducted into The Grand Ole Opry. Here's a swell piece on the man that includes this nugget: His first song to be recorded was the flip side of Elvis Presley's "Kissin' Cousins" 45.

It's Your Vote: Are Tim McGraw and Faith Hill gonna headline an enviromental concert to kick off the Democratic Convention in Denver in August (with Sheryl Crow and others)? Maybe.

ENJOY THE RIDE (Items on Jennifer Hanson, Darryl Worley, Ronnie Milsap, Heidi Newfield, Trace Adkins)

Jennifer Hanson and Darryl Worley will be trotted around ten southern venues on a CMA Fest preamble tour, ahead of the actual event itself in Nashvegas June 5-8.

The Grand Tour: Ronnie Milsap and his grandchildren are featured in the latest issue of Grand magazine.

Let that Pony Run: Catchin' up with Heidi Newfield as the unstabled ex-Trick Pony singer prepares to unleash her solo stuff in Beverly Keel's Tennessean column.

Ice Road Truckers: The (Canadian) Country Music Hall of Fame is trekking from Calgary to Merritt, British Columbia.

Every Light in Tropicana Field is On: The Tampa Bay Rays (They had the "Devil" scratched from their name in the offseason) need all the help they can get. Maybe a Trace Adkins concert will do the trick.

FLAMEWORTHY! (Items on Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Steve Holy, Luke Bryan, Lee Roy Parnell)

You can add Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, (A duet? I dunno) LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn to the lineup for the CMT Music Awards April 11 in Nashville. Meanwhile, one of the co-hosts is making sure that her name is correct as touted by CMT.

(Keg) Out of the Closet: Kenny Chesney's warm-up bar gigs in The Sunshine State had 'em spilling into the streets.

Badge of Dishonor: The two ex-Dallas policemen involved in an ugly incident at Steve Holy's homestead last year could face twenty years in the pokey.

Blue Bubblegum Cigars All Around!: Luke Bryan and his Mrs. welcomed son Bo into the world today...Congrats, too, to Lee Roy Parnell who popped the question to his honey, who responded in the affirmative.

Sarcasm Break: Julianne Hough's "Dancing" star partner Adam Carolla is a real class act.

DOLLY GOOD (Items on Dolly Parton, American Idol, Trace Adkins, Buck Owens, Carrie Underwood)

Dolly Parton will appear on "American Idol" on April 1 and 2 as a mentor, Dolly Parton On-Line sez, with the leftover contestants performing ditties from the Dolly catalog (I hear there's an "I Will Always Love You" stampede going on right now). While Dolly critiques, she won't be a critic. Dolly Q&A's with AOL and expounds on just about everything, including which of today's artists will be sticking around for awhile. And here's another Dolly feature from Spinner. Meanwhile, don't blame Dolly Parton's "puppies" for her recent back troubles (that delayed her tour and played havoc with her schedule), she says, "I've been wagging these things around for years." In other Dolly news, she's expanding her terrific Imagination Library program (that supplies free books to children) to the UK. Dolly Parton, a woman who stands up to her name.

Hmmm...: Trace Adkins just amped up his tour schedule, which tells me he won't be in the employ of Donald Trump anytime soon. Meanwhile, Quizno's is adding the Cowboy Club confection he and Stephen Baldwin can up with to their menu.

Oildale Dried Out: The legendary Oildale recording studio started by Buck Owens in Bakersfield, California is closing its doors.

No Word on Easter Eggs: The DVD release of "Enchanted" includes Carrie Underwood's "Ever Ever After" video, among many extras. Or just go here.

Blog Spot: Blogcritics Magazine is giving away some CMT Music Awards/Can You Duet? booty via a contest.

SWIFT ACCESS (Items on Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town, Miley Cyrus)

Taylor Swift, amid the photo shoots, touring, awards, toy contracts, etc., is busy working on her second album, which is earmarked for a late '08 release. In addition to a ditty co-written with Kellie Pickler, Taylor's also written a tune with Colbie Caillat for the disc.
Meanwhile, Taylor's personal playlist includes George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, and...Eminem, Kanye West, John Mayer, Coldplay, Maroon 5, Boys Like Girls, and All-American Rejects.
All of the above (and more) is revealed in a Q&A with Billboard's Ken Tucker.
Meanwhile, in the land of Swift, Taylor's "Picture to Burn" clip just started airing on CMT and GAC Monday (3/17) and her "Our Song" has become her second Platinum digital single. Plus, Taylor's #1 fan meets her #1 artist.
Kellie, meanwhile, is headed back to "American Idol." She'll perform her hit, "Red High Heels," on Wednesday's (3/19) broadcast.

Knowing Me, Knowing You: Are Little Big Town country music's answer to ABBA? Meanwhile, the Swedish super group's drummer has died.

Hannah by the Pound: Walking around the local Walmart last night, I was stunned by the fact that that at every single spot I stopped I could do a scan and see some piece of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus merchandise (Did I see Hannah beef jerky?). I mean, she's bigger than Sam's Choice!
Here's a list of (just) some of the merchandise available across the pond from the 'tweener dubbed a teenage Elvis by a Disney London flack. Actually make that little Elvis, sez Dolly Parton (who'll be on "Hannah Montana" this Thursday).

ERIN GO BRA (Items on Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Mark Wills, Kelly Clarkson)

Dolly Parton said it: "When I talk to a man, I can always tell what he’s thinking by where he is looking. If he is looking at my eyes, he is looking for intelligence. If he is looking at my mouth he is looking for wisdom....But if he is looking anywhere else except my chest he’s looking for another man."
More Dolly: "Put me back on the radio!"

"Teardrops on My Calamari?:" Taylor Swift's next album will include a ditty the dynamo co-wrote with Kellie Pickler.

Including the Stuff They Put Inside Stretch Armstrong: Mark Wills returns as the host of GAC's "The Years," which launches with the highlights of 1988.

Harping: Two more music mags go from rags to web-only editions.

Behind Hazel Skirts: Kelly Clarkson goes commando.

OSMANIA CONTINUES (Items on The Osmonds, Julianne Hough, Loretta Lynn)

The Osmonds were in Orlando over the weekend for events tied into their Children's Miracle Network charity (Which they founded with John Schneider 25 years ago) and plenty of family news was spilling out, especially Donny doings.
The brood's 50th anniversary performance that's been featured on PBS this month will be available for your purchasing pleasure on April 1 on CD, DVD and special Collector's edition packages.
Meanwhile, Donny & Marie are doing something Trace Adkins, et al. are busting their hump to do: work for Donald Trump; They'll host the Trump-owned Miss USA Pageant from Las Vegas on NBC April 11.
And let's spend a day with Donny, courtesy of TV's creepy "The Insider" show, shall we? Donny's the new co-host of the program, perhaps temporarily, I guess, replacing Pat O'Brien, who's working out some more issues concerning getting "wild."
Donny's also got a set of foreign shows set with his brothers and a Las Vegas stand this summer with Marie.
And did you hear the one about Donny "Osbourne?"
"Dancing with the Stars" gets started tonight without an Osmond onboard, but Donny could be following Marie onto the hoof-fest.

Hough Stuff: "Dancing" also went sans a country artist on its celebrity roster this year, so one of the professional dancers took care of that problem and became a country singer: Thank you, Julianne Hough.
The Hough-enator is partnered with Adam Carolla this year on the competition and the pair will appear on Carolla-crony Jimmy Kimmel's show Wednesday night (It's a repeat, kids).
Elsewhere on the Remote Patrol, it's Sheryl Crow Monday! She'll be on "Ellen" and "Last Call." That's pretty much it, but I highly recommend checking out Billy Bragg on "Conan" tonight.

Lynned an Ear: ...for a wide-ranging review of Loretta Lynn's recent show in Joliet, Illinois.

OK FROM MUSKOGEE (Items on The Grand Ole Opry, Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis, Cowboy Troy, James Otto, John Anderson, George Jones)

Carrie Underwood was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry last night with Randy Travis doing the asking and Carrie R.S.V.P.-ing, it seemed, before he was finished. Her induction is set for May 10.
Meanwhile, The 9513 was all over it, before (way before) and after.
Take at gander...



Sleeps with the Fishes: Raybaw Records, the Warner Bros. imprint mobbed-up with the MuzikMafia, is history. The label's most scanner-happy release was Cowboy Troy's debut and Raybaw also released efforts from John Anderson and James Otto. Otto's currently riding high on the singles chart and his April album is scheduled to be Raybaw's swan song. Cowboy Troy steps up to Warner Bros, with his next release.

Operators are Standing By: Time Life has a yummy George Jones box set coming in May.

Capitol Idea: The city Of Wheeling, West Virginia is prepared to pony up $2.5 million to save one of country music's hallowed halls.

What's that Girl? Timmy's Written an Autobiography?!? Lead the Way!: Here.

PRIDE OF THE RANGERS (Items on Charley Pride, Billy Ray Cyrus, Cindy Walker, Diana DeGarmo, Snoop Dogg, Shooter Jennings)

Billy Crystal did it with the Yankees (0-1 with a strikeout this week against the Pirates), Garth Brooks has done it with (it seems) most of Major League Baseball and Charley Pride, too, is in spring training, working out with the Texas Rangers.
With no offense to the others, Charley's got the bona fides to work out with the pros, since he was one himself; He played in the Negro Leagues and MLB's minor leagues (He was once even traded for a bus). He's also been to spring training at least since the early 1970's with either the Brewers or Rangers.

Could've Been Me: It was just Billy Ray Cyrus, sans daughter, in a gig Thursday night in Chicago.

I Love Everything About You: The legacy of Cindy Walker reflected here.

Extra! (Extra!): Diana DeGarmo (seguing from "Gone Country") will be among the former "American Idols" featured on a new FOX Reality Channel show, "American Idol Extra."

Doggy-Style: Snoop Dogg is going country...sort of.

Shooter from the Hip: Shooter Jennings on coming home, living in L.A., the new baby and his favorite contemporary country.

CLOVERFIELD (Items on Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Shooter Jennings, Neal McCoy, Kenny Chesney, Dan Tyminski, Sheryl Crow, Billy Bob)

Here's a country collection that's not only yummy, but a great cause a well. Eleven tracks from 4-H alumni such as Sugarland, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Hillary Lindsey, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Luke Bryan and Alabama are included on "Clover Country." It's a delicious set (worthy of a blue ribbon, easily) comprising the very classic to the very new.
The disc will be available on March 25, but you can order yours now here.
Meanhile, is "Backwoods Barbie" really Dolly Parton's first appearance in the Billboard Top 200 Charts in this millennium?

The Godfather: Nicole Kidman (and Keith Urban, I suppose) have made George Clooney an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, Keith chats up baby's days out with globe-trotting parents.

How 'Bout Them Vols!: Shooter Jennings, who is all aboard Charlie Daniels' Vounteer Jam dates this year, is caught up with here.

No Doubt About It: Neal McCoy will release a greatest hits collection on Rhino in early summer. The effort includes 19 Neal chesnuts and a new ditty, "Redneckified."

Two Days a Week: Lennon/McCartney songs were yummy for "American Idol's" ratings this week, not so much for contestant Kristy Lee (Who survived anyway).

San Francisco Treat: Tickets for Kenny Chesney's P&P extravaganza's Northern California stop go on sale Saturday (3/15).

The Bluegrass is Greener: Dan Tyminski so busy with soundtracks and with Alison Krauss music and shows, is readying the release of his first Dan Tyminski Band album in eight years.

Go Your Crow Way: Sheryl Crow will be doing something with Fleetwood Mac soon, helping to fill a bit of a distaff drought in the over four-decade-old troupe.

General Lead: Dukesfest is moving closer to Hazzard County this year...and Batman's gonna be there, old chum!

Monster's Ball: Billy Bob Thorton should stick to his day job, this Brit observer sez.

Shocked, Y'all: Where's Michelle Shocked? Here.

MM-MM-MM-MM-MM TOASTY (Items on Trace Adkins, Chris Cagle, CMA Fest, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, LBT, Eddy Arnold)

While the "Prime Rib Cowboy Club" sandwich that Trace Adkins and Team Empresario mate Stephen Baldwin created for Quizno's on last night's "Celebrity Apprentice" may have ben yummy, it was knocked out by "The Champ." That sandwich, created by the Team, Hydra trio of Piers Morgan, Carol Alt and Lennox Lewis, raised more money for charity in the competition's lastest round. And while Trace was the project manager, his partner Stephen took the axe from The Trumpster.
By the way, Quizno's wants you to taste-taste the sandwiches for yourself.
And there's good reason; next week's competition will be organizing a charity auction and concert...right in Trace's wheelhouse (He'll perform, for sure). However, half of the final four will be pink-slipped right off the bat in next week's edition.
Trace, meanwhile, is "a Republican because (he doesn't) have anywhere else to go."
He wasn't in on the Quizno's competition, but an alleged Chris Cagle fist sandwich has brought about a lawsuit.

More Fan Fare: The performers list for the CMA Festival just grew by leaps and bounds.

Kero-Seen: Is Miranda Lambert "Terrifying?" Esquire thinks so...Meanwhile, Miranda's not-terrified honey, Blake Shelton, performed this week in Nashville with his "Home-" boy Michael Bublé.

GA-See: Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town will be tube-worthy for the GAC-televised portion of The Grand Ole Opry Saturday night on the cabler.

Best Thoughts: ...to Eddy Arnold, who lost his wife Sally this week. She passed away Tuesday at the age of 87, while Eddy is on the mend in a Tennesseee hospital after hip replacement surgery after a fall. They were married for 66 years.

TRACTOR BEAM (Items on Craig Morgan, Sugarland, Chris Cagle, Graham Parker, X, Dolly Parton, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Bruce Springsteen)

It was inevitable: Craig Morgan performed his hit, "International Harvester" for a group of...International Harvester dealers. Ahead of playing in Peoria, Craig talks to the locals about his military (and Walmart) past, family, politics and his next album.
Meanwhile, Craig's webpage has photos of tricked-out tractors from a recent contest promoting the the "IH" single.

Sweets from the Sweet: Sugarland just punched up their tour schedule for '08.

Play It Loud: Chris Cagle discusses life as a country song here and this weekend on CMT's "Insider" show.

Life Gets Better: New Wave cool dude Graham Parker is touring and his record company is offering a free download on their site...(But how much is free music worth? Sounds like a question for a panel discussion)...Also touring: punkers X (with their orginal lineup). The group's John Doe chats here (Y'all will remember him as Earl, George Strait's helper in "Pure Country").

Both Sides Soon: Dolly Parton will be among the contributers to an upcoming Judy Collins tribute album.

Happy Trails: The granddaughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is a first-grade teacher and ambassador to their legend.

Spitzergate: The woman described as in a federal affidavit as the woman former (as of Monday 3/17) New York Governor Eliot Spitzer met up with in Washington, D.C. is an aspiring singer. She's even selling her...music. Spitzer, meanwhile, is no stranger to the music industry.

E Street Banned: An Australian woman was arrested after he stabbed her mate to death because he wouldn't allow Bruce Springsteen music in the household.

GONE "NASHVILLE" (Items on John Rich, Nashville Star, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood)

The kids over at NBC must've been reading the ratings sheet for CMT's "Gone Country" because the Peacock has tapped "GC" czar John Rich to act as an "judge/mentor" when the competition moves to NBC from USA Network.
And Julio Iglesias, Jr. might want to consider "Cat's in the Cradle" as a follow-up to his country debut, because his patron will also write and produce the single for this year's "Nashville Star" winner.
"Star" shines this summer on NBC, debuting June 9 with Billy Ray Cyrus hosting.
Meanwhile, "Nashville Star" auditions are underway and continue in Washington, D.C. on Friday, next Tuesday and Wednesday in Austin and March 21 and 22 in Nashville.

Jackson Family Honors: Alan Jackson's new album bowed on top of the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart with 119,000 copies sold (besting the new Janet Jackson album). His previous effort, "Like Red on a Rose," bloomed in the fourth slot when it debuted on the chart, despite selling 149,000 copies.

Spit Take: The Comedy Central Roast of Willie Nelson has been postponed, dammit.

Dolly Partin': Dolly's back problems, which postponed her tour, are to blame again as she cancels her SXSW appearance.

Siriusly: XM satellite radio is dedicating an entire channel to George Strait.

Thinkin' About Stew: Ahead of the release of Trisha Yearwood's cookbook, GAC chats her up on vittles she makes for her old man.
In honor of Trisha's effort, here's this clip:

"GONE" NOT FORGOTTEN (Items on Gone Country, John Rich, Austin City Limits, Marty Robbins, Tim McGraw)

"Gone Country" was CMT's highest-rated series in history, the network is touting. The John Rich-led project, of course, brought Bobby Brown, Carnie Wilson, Dee Snider, Diana DeGarmo, Julio Iglesias Jr. (The winner), Maureen McCormick, Sisqó to Rich's compound to compete to get country single relesaed to radio. The mix of "Making the Band" and "Green Acres" brought in over two million sets of eyeballs for its finale, which will be repeated early Wednesday (3/12) evening.

Austin City Unlimited: PBS' venerable "Austin City Limits" is moving to a new theater that'll be ready in the next couple of years, CMT reports...Also moving: the annual Marty Robbins Festival in Arizona (and the Marty Robbins museum as well).

No "Country" for Old South?: A group opposed to the Branson-esque country-theme village Country Crossing planned for Alabama is calling people via automation, warning of gambling, strip joints and watering holes that they say will follow. The whole deal is being blamed on this article in a local religious paper.

MySpace: Why is this even a news story?

Paula Kabul: The finale of "Afghan Star," that country's version of "American Idol," is this Friday. It's a monster hit, but not everybody will be watching.

I TOLD YOU SO (Items on Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Jennifer Hanson)

Randy Travis is offering his latest single, "Faith in You," as a free download now and for a limited time at his website. You'll need to register for a free basic account with RandyTravis.com and when you're asked where you heard about the promotion, just mention the name posted across the top of this blog, would ya? Thanks...
"Faith" is the debut single from Randy's upcoming (July) album, "Around the Bend."

Spirit of '73: Randy had "1982," Alan Jackson's latest celebrates the spirit of "1976" and Jennifer Hanson's just-out single, "73," tackles the year (and beyond) of her birth.

C'mon Mary Ann: Dawn Wells from "Gilligan's Island" just had a series case of The Willies.

#@*!: Is guy is the dirtiest country singer-songwriter ever (language alert)?

HONKY TONK TOUR ASSOCIATION (Items on Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, Buddy Jewell, Ray Scott, Diana DeGarmo)

The 2008 edition of The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party is on the way. This year's edition will feature Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, Buddy Jewell and Ray Scott.
The April 27 show in Las Vegas (at Deep Rock Drive) will be available for your online viewing (and listening) pleasure, per Mark's website.
Here are the rest of the HTTP dates I could find:

4/27 Las Vegas, NV-Deep Rock Drive
5/24 Nashville, TN-Wildhorse Saloon
6/14 Parker, AZ-Blue Water Resort
6/20 Katy, TX-Mo's Place
6/27 Saute Ste. Marie, MI-Kewadin Casino
6/28 Richland Center, WI-Star Spangled Celebration
7/4 Norman, OK-Riverwind Casino
7/5 Elk City, OK-Riverwind Casino
7/12 Hanford, CA-Kings Fair
7/25 Jim Thorpe, PA-Penn's Peak
7/26 East Falmouth, MA-Barnstable Fair
7/27 Webster, MA-Indian Ranch
8/2 Yorkville, IL-Kendall County Fair
8/3 Hutchinson, KS-McGraw's
8/9 Lovington, MI-Lea County Fair
8/16 Chihuahua, MEXICO-Country Chihuahua at Parque "El Palomar"
8/19 Rapid City, SD-Central States Fair
8/30 Rutland, VT-Vermont State Fair
9/9 Wooster, OH-Wayne County Fair

DeGarmo in Key: "Gone Country" contestant Diana DeGarmo is sticking with CMT, at least through April. The former "American Idol" will be the face of the second year of the cabler's involvement with Youth Service America in CMT One Country. The initiative aims to motivate the young folks to be a part of Global Youth Service Day(s) April 25-27.
“On behalf of CMT One Country and Youth Service America, I am delighted to speak to youth about the importance of volunteering,” says DeGarmo, press release-style. “I am inspired and honored to be part of a generation that is recognizing more than ever the importance of giving back.”

USED HEART FOR SALE (Items on Gary Allan, Chris Young Keith Anderson, Kenny Chesney, Chuck Wicks, Chris Cagle, Trent Tomlinson, George Strait)

"Country Weekly's" annual poll searching for Country's Hottest Bachelor has proclaimed Gary Allan has the top single dude, according to the March 24 issue. Chris Young was the runner-up to the "Airplanes" voyeur with Keith Anderson, Kenny Chesney, and Chuck Wicks rounding out the top five. The rest of the top ten singles chart had Chris Cagle, Blake Shelton, Billy Currington, John Rich and Bucky Covington.

No Longer Eligible...: is Trent Tomlinson. He's getting married in about two weeks and the singer is moving from Nashville to North Carolina to be with his intended. "I'm in the middle of a bunch of rednecks, exactly the way I like it." Trent told The Dunkin Daily Democrat.
Meanwhile, Trent and the soon-to-be-Mrs. Tomlinson already have a jump start on their family; their daughter just turned eight-weeks old.

Round About Way: George Strait's Carson, California show on March 29 has been moved to Anaheim to accommodate George's in-the-round sound. Ticket-holders, check here for what to do.

HEAD CASES (Items on Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban)

Rascal Flatts have been added to the performance lineup for the CMT Music Awards and you have, too...maybe. The Flattsicles want y'all to send in a video of you singing along to their ditty, "Bob That Head," and, um, bobbing your head. Clips of about 20-30 seconds can be submitted now. Then, they'll feature (perhaps) your contribution as part of their "Bob" performance on the show.

Shiftwork: Kenny Chesney has a club date set for Wednesday in Panama City Beach, Florida at this joint and then on Saturday here in Key West (Even though their schedule says otherwise).

Urban Hits: Two country tracks bring up the rear (for some reason) on the latest "Now!" compilation CD. "Vol. 27," arriving Tuesday (3/11), features Taylor Swift's "Teardrops on My Guitar" and "Everybody" from Keith Urban.

POSSUM HOLLER (Items on George Jones, Heidi Newfield, Bucky Covington, Doug Stone, Hank Cochran, T. Graham Brown, American Idol)

George Jones held court at CRS in Nashville Friday in a session in which he talked about his favorite artists today and yesterday, favorite partners and the legendary track he didn't think would be a hit (Which it's not usual for other artists to cover).
Meanwhile, painting's loss was country's win.

Stone, Rolling: Seen and heard at CRS: Heidi Hewfield bearing new (solo) music, Bucky & Doug Stone and some BMG-ers "Rolling" on the (Cumberland) River.

NACMAIHOF: The North American Country Music Association's International Hall of Fame will induct Hank Cochran and T. Graham Brown, among other during ceremonies this weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Where's "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow?:" "American Idol's" exec producer and vocal coach explains the song selection process for contestants.

WHAT A DOLL (Items on Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Dierks Bentley, Deana Carter, Shooter Jennings, Carrie Underwood, Gordon Lightfoot, Keith Richards)

Taylor Swift's people have inked a deal with a toy-making concern to produce "a line of fashion dolls wearing Swift's most memorable fashions, role-play toys (including Swift's signature crystal guitar), accessories, and craft and activity sets that encompass the world of the pop culture mega-star." In other words, Taylor toys are coming to store shelves this fall.
Elsewhere in Taylorville, she's 18 going on...18 and back atop the country albums chart.
Look for Taylor Friday as she pops up on a "Live! With Regis & Kelly" repeat.
Elsewhere on the Remote Patrol, Sheryl Crow is on Leno tonight and Jimmy Kimmel Wednesday....Craig Ferguson has Dierks Bentley Tuesday, Deana Carter Wednesday...Shooter Jennings is on "Last Call" Tuesday...Alan Jackson counts down his top ten music videos today on CMT.

"Girl" Talk: Carrie Underwood's "All American Girl" moves to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking her fifth number one, two more than any other female artist (Faith Hill, Jo Messina and Sara Evans each have three) this decade, the magazine's Chart Beat tells us.
In total, Carrie's logged 18 weeks on top with her hits, which is- get this- the 172nd #1 hit by an "American Idol" artist in Billboard (Even William Hung as one).

Gitche Gumee: At age 69, Gordon Lightfoot's voice is shot, but he still performs...At 64, Keith Richards has taken up The Bible and still looks like hell.

WIRE TO "WIRE" (Items on Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson)

Steve Earle and Allison Moorer talk marriage (his eighth! Or is it his seventh?) and life on tour here. Meanwhile, Steve has been appearing on HBO's "The Wire." Tom Waits' "Way Down in the Hole" serves as the series theme with different artists covering the song over its seasons. This year, Steve's version is serving duty at the show's opening. The tune closes out his current disc, "Washington Square Serenade," which just picked up a Grammy for Contemporary Folk/Americana Album (And features a duet with the Mrs.).
The couple were stompin' the joint in Chicago Friday night, says this reviewer.

The Green Mile: Vince Gill, Merle Haggard and, perhaps, Willie Nelson will be among the artists travelling across America (Left to right on your map) aboard The Green Train. The initiative, partially spearheaded by Merle, aims to promote global awareness on dwindling natural resources with a whistle-stop tour on the rails and a series of concerts.



Mountain Music: The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame is looking for nominations for its second class. Make your choice by the end of March.

THINKIN' ABOUT YOU (Items on Trisha Yearwood, Statler Brothers, Crystal Gayle, John Mellencamp, Reba McEntire)

Trisha Yearwood's Nissan Live Set is now available to watch on Yahoo! Music. Along with a nice handful of hits, Trisha answers a few questions for her crowd. Among them is the perennial about dinner guests with people who've passed. Her pick: Jesus, Elvis and her late father.

How 'Bout Captain Kangaroo?: Statler Brothers Harold and Don Reid discuss their new book on the Brotherhood with their hometown paper. Who knew they were pals with Muhammad Ali and Kurt Vonnegut?

"About Three Inches Off the Ground:" Is Crystal Gayle's hair still long?

Cougar Tracks: The life and times of John Mellencamp recapped on the eve of his induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Heart to Hart: Reba McEntire's lullaby from Reba Hart's hometown paper.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASKETBALL (Items on Tim McGraw, Def Leppard, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Wanda Jackson, Keith Urban)

Tim McGraw's coupling with Def Leppard, "Nine Lives," will be used for the opening of ABC's NBA broadcasts for the rest of the season. Tim and the Leppards recently filmed a special video that will be used and when the b-ball playoffs kick in, the video will also be featured on ESPN's NBA coverage.
The whole doo-hickey premieres with Sunday's (3/9) contest between the Spurs and Suns.

Your Pickler: According to the press in Salt Lake City, where she stopped recently with Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler is either very bright or dizzy.

Magic Wanda: Wanda Jackson is the subject of a new documentary currently on the film festival circuit.

All I Need is Organic Mixed Greens, Red Peppers, Yellow Peppers, Sweet Potato, Red Potatoes, Tomatoes, Asparagus, Fresh Spinach, Blueberries, Strawberries, Eggs, Organic Smoked Salmon, Organic Fresh Salmon, Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast, Tea, Coffee, Spring Water, Smoothie Drinks and Carb-Control Protein Shakes and I'm Fine: ...at least according to Keith Urban's new, clean-living concert rider.

MADE MAN (Items on John Rich, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Maureen McCormick, Dierks Bentley, Lonestar, Richie McDonald)

Julio Iglesias, Jr. was named the winner of "Gone Country" Friday night on CMT as "GC" czar John Rich told the son-of-a-crooner that he'd deliver his country debut to radio.
Meanwhile, several "GC" also-rans are busy: As per his prerogative, Bobby Brown still wants to land on The Opry stage...Maureen McCormick has already bounced back with another TV gig...interviewing the Cyruses.
It took 91 years, but Maureen's former boss is finally a star.
And as long as we're talking Marcia Brady, what has Shirley Partridge been up to?

What was I Shrinkin'?: The recent video shoot for Dierks Bentley's "Trying to Stop Your Leaving" entailed the singer taking a cold dip in the Ocoee River, as detailed on CMT's "Insider" this weekend.

...Plus Watching "Barney" Sixteen Times: What was really behind Richie McDonald's exit from Lonestar? A sippy-cup.
Meanwhile, Richie's solo debut will be a contemporary Christian effort, complete with a re-do of a Lonestar song.

ALL THE FIXIN'S (Items on Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Carlene Carter, Phil Vassar, Craig Morgan)

In a week that saw Montgomery Gentry score their fastest-rising single ever, an ACM nomination, held on in the CMT Awards chopdown...and get duo stuck in an elevator, Eddie Montgomery announced that's he's opening a steakhouse (Try the T-Roy Prime Rib).

Mum's the Word: Brad Paisley started work this week on his all-instrumental record.

Come on Back: Catching up with Carlene Carter and the hard decade she's lived here.

Speaking of "Carlene...:" Should we expect Phil Vassar's new album to come out on 8-track tape?

Almost Home: Craig Morgan didn't wait long to ink a new record deal...Fresh from his breakup with Broken Bow Records, he's landed safely in the arms of Sony/BMG.

STUDIO AUDIENCE WANTED

How would you like to spend the day making a TV show in Nashville? Then set aside this coming Monday (3/10), Tuesday (3/11) and/or Wednesday (3/12). The faith-based talk show "Faith Cafe" is looking for audience members- QUICK!
Taping each day will entail arriving between 8-8:30am and sticking around until 6:30pm or perhaps a little later. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Shows taping on Monday will include guests Gary Moon, Fort Pastor, Gary Burd, The Bellamy Bros., Nate Larkin, Mark Harris, Debbie Turner and Lenny LeBlanc.
The Tuesday shows will have 33 Miles, Kerby Anderson / Dillion Burroughs, "American Idol" vet Mandisa, Warren and Becky Selman, Misty Rae, Taylor Mason and Chris Maxwell.
Wednesday show tapings will feature Joann Rosario, Michelle Conn – Intl. Justice Mission, Christine Dente, David Kinnaman, Michael and Heidi O'Brien, Stellar Kart and Sarah Kelly.
Producers perefer that audience members be 18 years of age or older.
To attend, email moorecasting@comcast.net with your name and the names of those attending with you. Include the age, contact phone numbers and a current photo on each individual (for security).
Please say which taping (or all tapings) you are interested in: Taping # 1, Monday, March 10; Taping #2, Tuesday, March 11 and/or Taping # 3, Wednesday March 12. You may attend all 3 days. You will be sent directions to NorthStar Studios and arrival time with a confirmation, once your information is processed.
This is a selective audience, so your name must be on the production list to attend and get through the studio front entrance.

THE ART OF THE DEAL (Items on Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Mark Knopler)

Last night on "The Celebrity Apprentice," Trace Adkins and his Empressario cohorts fell to the Hydra camp, but the singer was saved when Omarosa got Trump's pink slip. The challenge involved selling artwork and Trace ended up with a few sales. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan gave Trace a peck.
We shoulda known that the Big O's fate was sealed on the contest because she was one of Trace's "TCA" guests as he worked the room at CRS Wenesday night and the others (Nely, Marilu and Tiffany) have been hanging around the unemployment office, courtesy of Trump.
Trace, in case you were wondering which side of right he hangs (and haven't read his book), considers himself to be a "Dennis Miller Conservative." Huh...
Trace's tour lands in Bloomington, Indiana tonight. Next week, he'll be in D.C. to keynote speak at a news conference on endangered Civil War sites.

BDSM: Sorry, Milwaukee. Brooks & Dunn can't make it May 30.

Money for Something: Buy tix to a Mark Knopfler concert, get a CD.

The Pipes, the Pipes aren't Calling: An Irish pub in New York has banned "Danny Boy" through St. Patrick's Day.

PICTURES TO BURN (Items on Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, Rascal Flatts, Steve Earle, Miley Cyrus)

Taylor Swift's cover story in Blender magazine doesn't hit newsstands until Tuesday, but it's online now. Besides the article (and because it's Blender and because Taylor is female) there's plenty of photos snapped for the cover on the mag's site.
Meanwhile, free Taylor music will be available as part of the Body By Milk campaign on March 18 here.

Hooked on Classics: A evening at the symphony with Willie Nelson here...An evening with the symphony, fashion and Rascal Flatts here.

You Bet Your Sweet Bippy: How good is the Joan Baez album that Steve Earle is producing? So good that the word to describe it needs an asterisk.

Mom, Dad...: Wasn't the Hannah Montana concert film in theaters just yesterday? It's heading to Walmart Tuesday, elsewhere in April.

PAISLEY TIED DOWN (Items on CMT Music Awards, Brad Paisley, Sugarland, Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks, Jewel, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn)

The final nominees for the CMT Music Awards were unveiled today and Brad Paisley's "Online" clip picked up four nods. Sugarland's "Stay" video picked up three nominations and another for the duo's performance of the song at last year's awards. It was CMT.com's most-eyeballed clip last year. Meanwhile, Shaun Silva is the hot-helmer in Music City: He's up for Video Director of the Year and called the shots on three of the Video of the Year nominees.
Oh yeah, "American Idol" also has four nominations...sort of.
Brad was busy at CRS in Nashville Wednesday night and introduced "Dancing with the Stars" (and upcoming country) diva Julianne Hough...who really hasn't been busy at all.
Brad's upcoming tour this year, meanwhile, will feature Julianne, as well as Chucks Wicks and Jewel, both of whom were with Brad at CRS. They'll be 42 dates on the horizon for the quartet and (I'm thinking) lots of free chocolate.

Believers Wanted: Auditions for several roles in "It's Only Make Believe," the musical based on Conway Twitty's life and career are coming up. The three-city schedule starts in late March in Hollywood, then moves onto Vegas and then Nashville. Besides Conway there are several roles to cast, including Loretta Lynn.

McBRIDE & THE RIDE (Items on Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Naomi Judd, Brad Paisley)

Martina McBride's next album will be a live set, due later this year and this month PBS stations will air a Martina concert during their "March Pledge."
Stations all along the Public Broadcasting Systems will be interrupting the show to ask for money, which could net you a DVD of Martina's "Great Performance" in lieu of the usual tote bags.
Here's a check-in from Martina's tour.
Meanwhile, Martina's former boss, Garth Brooks, held court at CRS (Country Radio Seminar) in Nashville Wednesday morning.

Here Comes the Judd: The judges for CMT's "Can You Duet" show have been announced.

Starbucks: Brad Paisley is a "Battlestar Galactica" fan.

NODDIN' AWAY (Items on Kenny Chesney, ACM Awards, Jerry Reed, George Jones, Eddy Arnold, Josh Turner, Taylor Swift, John Mellencamp)

Kenny Chesney paced the ACM Awards nominations Tuesday, picking up 11 nods ("I was blown away," he said). Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood announced the nominees (and were nominated themselves) and had nothing but "The Good Stuff" to say about the toppermost nominee.
The Entertainer of the Year category this year will be decided by fans (who can vote starting May 5). The ACM promises details are coming on the process that will allow shoppers to choose from the seven dudes nominated in the five slots. Brad thinks it's a great idea.
Kenny is sure hopin' for your vote since an EOY win would be his fourth in a row.
Here are more reactions from nominees.
(Just for the record) here are the nominees:

Entertainer of the Year:
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Keith Urban

Male Vocalist:
Rodney Atkins
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist:
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
LeAnn Rimes
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Group:
Diamond Rio
The Eagles
Emerson Drive
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts

Vocal Duo:
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Halfway To Hazard
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland

New Male Vocalist:
Luke Bryan
Jack Ingram
Jake Owen

New Female Vocalist:
Sarah Buxton
Kellie Pickler
Taylor Swift

Top New Vocal Duo or Group:
Carolina Rain
Lady Antebellum
The Wreckers

Album of the Year:
Brad Paisley "5th Gear"
Miranda Lambert "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
Kenny Chesney "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates"
Rodney Atkins "If You're Going Through Hell"
Taylor Swift "Taylor Swift"

Single Record of the Year:
Don’t Blink Kenny Chesney "Don't Blink"
Miranda Lambert "Famous in a Small Town"
Big & Rich "Lost In This Moment"
Sugarland "Stay"
Gary Allan "Watching Airplanes"

Song of the Year
Kenny Chesney "Don't Blink"
Rodney Atkins "Watching You"
Big & Rich "Lost In This Moment"
Sugarland "Stay"
Emerson Drive "Moments"

Video of the Year:
Kenny Chesney "Don't Blink"
Big & Rich "Lost In This Moment"
Brad Paisley "Online"
Sugarland "Stay"
Rodney Atkins "Watching You"

Vocal Event of the Year:
Reba McEntire/Kelly Clarkson "Because of You"
Tracy Lawrence/Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney "Find Out Who Your Friends Are"
Kenny Chesney/George Strait "Shiftwork"
Bon Jovi/LeAnn Rimes "Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore"
Vince Gill/Sheryl Crow "What You Give Away"

Variety (The entertainment trade rag, not the spice of life) has updated their story that leaked the nominations a tad early yesterday.
Here are a couple of ACM fun facts from The Tennessean. And in Cincinnati, they don't care if it's the Academy of Country Music or the Country Music Association.
Meanwhile, KC is bar-hopping this weekend in Kentucky and Alabama (after all) with the ten buck cover charge going to charity.

Legends Row: Jerry Reed recieved a special honor Tuesday from American veterans...George Jones' next album will include a duet with Tanya Tucker...Eddy Arnold is recovering from a fall Sunday at his Tennessee home. The 89-year old entertainer required hip surgery.

So It's Not Just Me...: Josh Turner is fighting a sinus infection that's cramping his schedule's style.

Mi' Network TV: Miley Cyrus will perform at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards March 29 on the cabler. She's nominated in several categories.
You know who else'll be appearing on the show? This youngster.
Speaking of the young folks, country ditties are going nitey-nite on a new set of lullabies that features tunes from the likes of Taylor Swift and....Johnny Paycheck.

Remote Patrol: VH1 Classic, and then VH1, will broadcast the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony next week that will include John Mellencamp going in...Is a former "Hee Haw Honey" joining the "Today" show?...The new season of "Nashville Star" will bow on NBC June 9; the Peacock will bow another go-round of "America's Got Talent" June 24. Heads up! The show is taping/auditioning in Dallas today and tomorrow, in Chicago March 16-17, in Los Angeles at the end of March and beginning of April and in NYC April 9-11.

NO KIDDING (Items on the ACM Awards, Conway Twitty, Robert Hazard)

The nominees for the Academy of Country Music Awards are supposed to be announced this morning at 8:30am est/7:30am Nashville time, but I'm writing this 45 minutes prior because Variety posted this item overnight.

Here's what their story says the major nominees are:

Album of the Year:
Brad Paisley "5th Gear"
Miranda Lambert "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
Kenny Chesney "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates"
Rodney Atkins "If You're Going Through Hell"
Taylor Swift "Taylor Swift"

Single of the Year:
Kenny Chesney "Don't Blink"
Miranda Lambert "Famous in a Small Town"
Big & Rich "Lost In This Moment"
Sugarland "Stay"
Gary Allan "Watching Airplanes"

Song of the Year:
Kenny Chesney "Don't Blink"
Rodney Atkins "Watching You"
Big & Rich "Lost In This Moment"
Sugarland "Stay"
Emerson Drive "Moments"

Entertainer of the Year:
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Keith Urban

Male Vocalist:
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rodney Atkins
George Strait
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist:
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
LeAnn Rimes
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

UPDATE: Yep, Variety had them. Here are all of the nominations.

No Kidding, II: The Conway Twitty musical mentioned here about a month ago is a go. "It's Only Make Believe" will tour the country starting this summer at various venues. According to the press release on the show, the story will be told through the viewpoint of Twitty's children.
Meanwhile, Conway's widow is critical of a lawsuit just filed by the Twitty children over publishing and royalties.

No Kidding, III: The guy who wrote this song is a folkie these days.

KRISTOFFERSON (Items on Kris Kristofferson, Garth Brooks, Nashville Star, Jessica Simpson, Chris Cagle)

Kris Kristofferson heads to the U.K. for a few weeks in mid-March and the across-the-pond newspaper The Guardian has a splendid piece on the legend where he talks politics, movies, music and...beards.

Paging Dr. Skaggs: Ricky Skaggs will receive an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.

Touch 'Em All: Garth Brooks occasionally mingles in baseball...and Roger Clemens says Garth occasionally mingles as The Rocket at parties, at least in the land of fictional online humor.

"Star" Trek: More who, where, when, what about "Nashville Star" casting here.

Cowboy Up: Tony Romo says no to an engagement with Jessica Simpson, yes to her country album.

What Kinda Gone: Has it really been five years since Chris Cagle's last touched the top ten before his latest hit?

CMA FEST KIX OFF (Items on Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner, Sara Evans)

Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner, Kellie Pickler, Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Atkins, Jewel and Lady Antebellum are set for this year's CMA Music Fest, Beverly Keel reveals in The Tennessean today. The festival runs June 5-8 in Music City. Here's more info or call, y'all, for tickets at 1-800-CMA-FEST.

Y'All Come Back Saloon: BK also sez tomorrow morning's announcement of the ACM nominees (by Carrie and Brad Paisley with Miranda Lambert and Rodney Atkins performing) needs an audience. If you can make it to the Wildhorse Saloon at 5am cst tomorrow, email ACMaudience@gmail.com pronto (Use the address from ggcolumn, because I think it's mixed up on The Tennessean's webpage as of 2:30pm cst).

Perfect: Sara Evans wasn't feeling so hot when the photo for the cover of her greatest hits album was taken, but she still managed to look stunning.

LET THE "GOOD TIME" ROLL (Items on Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Arlo Guthrie, Garth, Willie, Taylor Swift, Jeff Healey)

Alan Jackson's "Good Time" CD hits retail tomorrow and the singer is ready to promote the puppy.
Here's a CMT Q&AJ on the record and from the cabler's "Nashville Skyline" web column, an ode to the disc, in which Alan wrote all 17 cuts. If you missed the premiere of his "Invitation Only" special on CMT Saturday night, fear not: It's on today at 2pm est and again on Saturday. Or you can watch it online here.
Alan's invasion of Siruis Radio's Prime Country channel continues through Tuesday.
Alan will grace the cover of Country Weekly (AJ webmaster: Check your spelling) with next week's issue.
On April 11, AJ will perform a show at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the Gridiron Bash event at the University of Alabama. Here's ticket info on the show; the 'Bama A-Day game on the 12th is free.

Ready Mercury: Dolly Parton's new disc "will satisfy those with Barbara Mandrell cassettes while charming those who prefer Emmylou on their iPods," sez The (San Jose) Mercury News.

Union Jack Station: What value can you place on Robert Plant's decision to shun a Led Zeppelin reunion tour in favor of an outing with Alison Krauss? 100 million British pounds!

Circle Unbroken: An effort is underway in southwestern Virginia to develop a cultural heritage center to recognize the area's role in the birth of country music.

City (North) of New Orleans: Catching up with Arlo Guthrie.

Remote Patrol: "The Tonight Show" is already back in repeats with Garth Brooks this evening and Willie Nelson on Wednesday...An "Ellen" repeat Wednesday will have Taylor Swift...Blake Shelton stops by "The Late Late Show" Friday night.

R.I.P.: Canadian blues-rocker Jeff Healey passed away Sunday at the age of 41. He had been fighting the cancer that took his life his entire life. It was also what robbed him of his eyesight when he was only one. His latest album, "Mess of Blues," is slated for an April 22 release.

RECLINE (Items on Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Travis Tritt, Kelly Clarkson)

It was 45 years ago this Wednesday that a plane carrying Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins and several others from Kansas City to Nashville crashed in Tennessee, killing all aboard. Here's a retrospective on country's greatest female vocalist.

Gone-a-Courtin': Conway Twitty's children are going to court, seeking a portion of his royalties from his publishing concerns (sold away a few years before he passed away)...The divorce between Randy "Brother of Dolly" Parton and the town with his signature theatre became final Friday. And the alimony's a real killer...Despite legal action against his record label (whose head has issues), Travis Tritt is rolling out live shows.

Little Elvis: I just pointed you to teenage Johnny Cash, now it's a 10-year old "Girl Elvis."
I'm still looking for "AARP Taylor Swift." Speaking of which, Garth Brooks may soon have company at the retirement village.

Since You've Been Gone: Carrie-nation will get mad, but Kelly Clarkson remains the best "Idol" has to give, this chap says.

VAN LEAR PROSE (Items on Loretta Lynn, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Whiskey Falls, Taylor Swift)

Loretta Lynn, fresh from inducting her sister into Kentucky's Music Hall of Fame, has been selected as one of this year's inductees into The Songwriter's Hall of Fame, where she'll be joined by the likes of John Sebastian of The Lovin' Spoonful and the dude that wrote that co-wrote this ditty.
Loretta, meanwhile, got a real middling concert review from these folks in Florida, but at least will save a few coins on birthday candles after this correction by the paper.

Pollstars: Kris Kristofferson has endorsed Barack Obama, Tim McGraw endorses Kristofferson and Garth Brooks is on the ballot in Oregon.

Morning Shot: Whiskey Falls performed this morning on CBS' "Saturday Early Show."

Morning Blend: Taylor Swift will be the cover gal on April's edition of Blender magazine (On news stands March 11).
And Jeez! This guy from Cinema Blend really doesn't like country music.

Remote Patrol: "Opry Live" on GAC has Ricky Skaggs, Terri Clark, James Otto, Elizabeth Cook tonight....Alan Jackson's "Invitation Only" special debuts on CMT at 9pm est...Wilco musically guests on "Saturday Night Live" later while the gal from "Juno" hosts...An "Austin City Limits" repeat tonight has The Dixie Chicks.