DAN SEALS 1948-2009 (Items on Dan Seals, Dolly Parton, Merle Hggard,Jerry Reed, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis. Hank Williams Jr., Toby Keith)

Dan Seals, a pop hitmaker in the 1970's who was one of the rulers of the country charts in the 1980's, died Wednesday night after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 61.
Last June, Dan's manger reported that Seals was receiving radiation treatments for lymphoma. He said at the time, “The prognosis is good. He has the best medical care he can get, and he's in good spirits.”
In the 1970's (England) Dan's work with John Ford Corley notched a number of hits, most notably "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight."
Before Dan was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, he was working with older brother Jim Seals (Whose Seals & Crofts were also burning up the pop charts in the '70's) as a duo, Seals & Seals. The fruit of the labor included a number of tracks that had been recorded and will eventually be released.
As if the family tree were not already fruitful enough, Seals' cousins included country singer Johnny Duncan, songwriters Troy and Chuck Seals and Brady Seals (formerly of Little Texas, solo material and the combo Hot Apple Pie).
Dan's country output included a #1 duet with Marie Osmond, "Meet Me in Montana," the first of nine straight country chart-toppers. After a #5 peak for "They Rage On," he immediately tacked on two more summit-reachers.
Brad Paisley tied Dan's nine-straight #1 streak when "Start a Band" hit #1 and looks to top him with a tenth-straight chart-topper with his latest, "Then."
Dan passed away at his daughter's Nashville home.

ACM, etc.: The Academy of Country Music has announced a number of 2009 award winners ahead the broadcast give-out (April 5 on CBS), though they won't actually be handed out until a special ceremony September 22.

*Dolly Parton will receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which goes to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.

*The Poet’s Award, honoring songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music will go to Merle Haggard and Harlan Howard.

*Jerry Reed, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, and Hank Williams Jr. will be gifted with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.

*The Tex Ritter Award is handed out to the film released and/or receiving major exposure during the preceding calendar year, featuring or utilizing country music...and your winner is...Toby Keith's "Beer for My Horses."

*The Mae Boren Axton Award, given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music will go to David Young.

A number of musician and industry awards were also announced.

BACKWOODS BARBIE (Items on Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, JR)

BusinessTN magazine has placed Dolly Parton at #10 on its 2009 Power 100 list, the only country artist on the hot 100 (three record label heads, led by Curb's Mike Curb at #14- made the list).
In designating our lady of Dollywood in such a lofty position, BTN says, "Arguably Tennessee’s most recognizable brand around the world, Parton is a leading spokesperson for state tourism efforts. Her Imagination Library, through which hundreds of thousands of kids receive free books monthly, covers all 95 Tennessee counties and is making significant headway in other states, Canada and Europe. Parton is the businesswoman behind Pigeon Forge’s Dollywood amusement park, Tennessee’s top tourist attraction. She recently released a new country album."
Oh, yeah, that country album...
"Backwoods Barbie," Dolly's latest platter, gets the "Collector's Edition" treatment at your local Cracker Barrel this Monday with new artwork and three Parton catalog tracks tacked on.
Meanwhile, in a chit-chat with CMT.com, Dolly talks about two of the younger talents in music:
"I have been extremely impressed with (Taylor Swift), especially with her songwriting. I think she does magnificent work. She seems such a likeable little person, but I don't know her. But I love watching her. My husband gets a kick out of her. He just loves watching her. He thinks she's great. But I'm real impressed with the depth of her sometimes. I'll tell you someone else that's great like that -- little Miley Cyrus. Miley is such a great songwriter -- a lot of surprises about her that people don't know yet. She's still just Hannah Montana to a lot of people, but I think that she could have a very big career as a singer-songwriter even when she gets past the Hannah Montana days."
You can catch Dolly's new video for "Backwoods Barbie" on your favorite music clip outlet...or right here...

What I Cannot Change: LeAnn Rimes, a former teen country superstar herself, has been the subject of possible infidelity this week, covered here and here.
If true, one possible reason is that LeAnn's hubby, Dean Sheremet, is gay, maybe...

Fest Feast: Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley and John Rich have been added to the lineup for this year's CMA Music Festival.

TAYLOR'S ALLURE Items on Taylor Swift, Hannah Montana, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, John Rich)

Taylor Swift's next news stand appearance hits next week when the April issue of Allure magazine, with her puss on the cover lands (Nashville Gab alerts us...'Gab's ALL OVER stuff! Check 'em out, if you don't already).
Take a look at the photo shoot here.
Meanwhile, as Taylor laid out her headlining tour dates...and tickets went on sale...And they were selling at Chesney-esque speed.
And, as we head into the weekend, Taylor's looking for a Houston solution...
Also, Taylor's got a track ("Crazier") and appears in "Hannah Montana: The Movie." The soundtrack appears Tuesday, but you can pre-order it here, now.

Something's Gotta Give: That whole LeAnn Rimes canoodling with her "Northern Lights" co-star Eddie Cibrian thingie has grow a new hair, via US Weekly, which broke the story(?) this week, as the rag's website added video (embedded below) of the singer-actress and the actor smooching...



For more on this item, check the lead story in the previous post...and here's the (steamy) trailer for "Northern Lights.


In, um, less controversial news from Camp Rimes, she'll join Reba McEntire and various other divas at D.C.'s Kennedy Center May 3 for "A Celebration of Women in the Arts."
If there's an an on-set

The Time has Come: Also in print is Martina McBride, who submits to a Q&A with the gay-themed magazine "Out." It's a rather candid interview in regard to not just the gay community in country music, but other things.
Martina's new album, "Shine," lights up store shelves Tuesday.
BTW: If you're looking for the Martina tunes performed on "American Idol" this week, our lady of song is only too happy to oblige.

The Pope of Motown: Six months ago, Mickey Rourke would have been a prime candidate for John Rich's "Gone Country" has-been-fest. But a movie "The Wrestler," that garnered Mr. Rourke an Oscar nomination-later, and now Mickey's a featured player in John's video for "Shuttin' Detroit Down," along with Kris Kristofferson.
J.R.'s "Son of a Preacher Man" long-player arrives Tuesday...you can hear and sample it here, even though they say it's John's first solo effort (which it's not).

RIMES CHIMES IN (Items on LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Rascla Flatts, Jessica Simpson, Vince Gill, Rhett Akins)

The kids over at US Weekly say that LeAnn Rimes hooked up, in an extra-marital way, with her co-star in the Lifetime movie (premiering this Saturday), "Northern Lights," Eddie Cibrian.
Rimes, who has been married for a few moons to Dean Sheremet, got closerthanthis with Cibrian on the set, US sez, citing print edition pictures that "features pictures taken from a video security camera that show the two holding hands and kissing on a romantic dinner date at Mosun and Club M in Laguna Beach, California on March 7."
Additionally, Us reports that the new couple met for a three-hour tryst at the Malibu Beach Inn on March 14."
On a message at her website, LeAnn says, "This is a difficult time for me and my loved ones, but I appreciate all your continued support. I would like to assure all of you that this is a place for you to hear things directly from me and as you all know, not everything in our lives is always black and white."

"Hee-Haw and AM Radio": ...Two things Darius Rucker loved as a kid...all that and more in a Q&A with the Houston Chronicle...Meanwhile, Darius has become just the third male solo country artist to open his career with two straight number one singles (the others being Clint Black and Clay Walker).

Mountain Music: The Governor of West Virginia wants native son Brad Paisley to win Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Remote Patrol: Jay Leno's big-name guest list swells as he toils his final days (nights?) in the 11:30 p.m. (est) slot; Garth Brooks will be his musical guest tonight, his only other guest will be a fella known as President Barack Obama.

Rascal Flatts in Phoenix: "They love what they do." Plus opener Jessica Simpson "wasn't nearly the trainwreck she is portrayed as."

Vince Gill Everywhere: Vince is doing his live sets his way "These Days" and just added a bunch of dates.

'Get Me (Re-) Started: Rhett Akins is all over the radio these days...as the writer of of numerous hits for other artists.

COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET (Items on Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Tim McGraw, Mel Tillis)

Kenny Chesney has a second Greatest Hits offering in the offing May 19, his label sez.
The set will include a dozen of Kenneth's biggest ditties of the decade, plus three more tracks, including a new tune, "Out Last Night."
“We’ve been all kinds of places musically,” Kenny sez. “And it was a little hard knowing how to pull it all together. In the end, I think we wanted to reflect what we’ve sorta become known for. I think if this music has been about anything, it’s been about having fun, loving where you are in your life and recognizing how special the moments you share with your friends are."
Kenny's currently warming up for his 2009 stadium, etc. trek with a set of "Keg in the Closet" shows. A show in Key West brought out half of the sports world, including longtime Kenny pal Peyton Manning (QB of the Indianapolis Colts) and New Orleans Saints coach (and Kenny doppelgänger) Sean Payon.
Meanwhile, Kenny-crony Mac McAnally has just signed a label with Toby Keith's Show Dog Records, Country Standard Times tells us.

Grand Ole Idol: This week's sessions of "American Idol" will be "Grand Ole Opry" week (with the contestants going country, of course) and feature guests Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Randy Travis.
While Carrie's version of "Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home” will be used as the send off song to voted-off contestants, the Humane Society will receive the proceeds from the song...and The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance is none too pleased about that.
Who's the most popular country artist in the U.S.? 13,000 radio listeners say it's Brad.

A Moment Too Soon: Tim McGraw's spoken before of political aspirations, but right now it's now the right time to throw his hat into the ring. He told the GAC Nights radio show that y'all have to wait for his brood of gals to grow up before bringing up any campaign literature.

Mark Your Calendar: Today is Mel Tillis Day in Marion County, Florida.

Fiddlin' Around: In L.A., of all places, is where we catch up with Mark O'Connor (and the mustache and hat are gone).

Blame the Economy: A Nashville radio legend has axed a Nashville radio legend.

REMOTE PATROL (Items on Carrie Underwood, Sheila E., John Rich, Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes, Jewel, Clint Black, Hank Locklin)

In case you weren't one of the eighty-zillion "American Idol" viewers who noticed it Wednesday night, Carrie Underwood is singing this year's sing-off for eliminated contestants...and it's that Grand Ole Opry staple, Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home.”
In other news, GGcolumn has finally used an umlaut!

Is "Gone Country 3" gone already?
Yeppers! And John Rich selected Sheila E. as the winner. Here's her single and video, Rich-ly produced for radio ('like the song/ 'love the leather pants!)...

Elsewhere on the Remote Patrol, Rascal Flatts drops in on Ellen Thursday...Trace Adkins joins Jimmy Fallon Friday night...Leno will feature Randy Travis on Friday.

21 million folks were glued to Taylor Swift's guest appearance on "CSI" Friday night, giving the autopsy-rama its best numbers since (long-time) lead William Peterson split in January.
If you weren't among those eyeballs catching Taylor on The Eyeball Network or if you just wanna see the episode again, catch it here.
In the meantime, "judging by the enthusiasm she brought to the role, this probably won't be the last time Swift fans get a chance to see her act," sez MTV.

LeAnn Rimes is one busy woman, 'has nothing to do with music, though; she's got her Lifetime movie premiering March 21 and now she's lined up a gig-within-a-gig on a new CBS "Punk'd-esque" show landing on April Fool's Day (Jessica Simpson is on board, too).

Jewel seems to be a good sport about being bumped from "Dancing with the Stars" with an injury...but is she really(?) (thanks to tvtattle for uncovering this gem from Jewel:



Elsewhere in country stars on reality shows news, "The Celebrity Apprentice," with Clint Black aboard, is already leaking (its few) viewers in week two...Meanwhile, Clint's truly wearing a black hat on Trump's show.

R.I.P.: When I think I Hank Locklin, my mind immediately starts humming his hit, "Please Help Me, I'm Falling."
But there was so much more to The Grand Ole Opry member, who passed away Sunday at home in Alabama at the age of 91.
You might not know the name Jimmy Boyd, but you know the song, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." He sang it, in 1952, at the age of 13...and died Saturday at the age of 70.

MR. SATURDAY NIGHT (Items on Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Ricochet)

Brad Paisley's new studio effort, "American Saturday Night," will land sales-side on June 30, CMT.com reports.
It'll arrive two years and 11 days after his last album, proper, "5th Gear."
I'm not counting last year's "Play," which Brad envisioned as an instrumental album until (I'm assuming, the overlords at his label goaded- ordered?- him to tack some vox humana onto the effort...not that I'm complaining).
"ASN's" first single, "Then," lands at radio on Monday and you can buy it a week from Tuesday.
Meanwhile, is Brad's wife having breakfast with Sheryl Crow? Or is that just an internet rumor?
Either way, "Then" is directed at Brad's Mrs., actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
From the road...in Washington State, Brad's "$7 million production comes with 1,600 of amps of power, 200 thousand watts of lighting, 340,000 watts of sound and 83,000 pounds of equipment hanging in the air" and channels Roger Miller, George Strait and Eric Clapton in a medley.

Tuckered In: Tanya Tucker is back after a self-imposed three year exile...in June...with an album of covers.
"My Turn" will feature a set of covers of hits by Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Faron Young, among others and Dwight Yoakam's production genius, Pete Anderson is helming the boards.
Yummy!

New Bayou: Tim McGraw previewed new music this week at the Country Radio Seminar's annual jam....but wondered when (his label) Curb Records would let you own it...
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift will fill the head slot at the CRS jam next year...and, back in (Tim's home state of Louisiana), Taylor, via phone, showed why she's a country star, by calling and serenading a fan in the hospice unit of a hospital in The Bayou State.

Seasoned Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Molasses Glaze: Sounds tasty doesn't it?
Would ya believe Keith Urban's Escape Together tour has an official Tour BBQ Pitmaster and he made that dish while Keith did a li'l tailgatin'.
Catch the pix and recipe here, over at the GGcolumn Press Release Page.

Whose Hospital Bed Has Your Protective Boot Been Under?: Remember the dudes from Ricochet?
They're still out there, touring and recording...and for bassist Greg Cook he'll be sans one cowboy boot, thanks to a fall at home.

ACM ANNOUNCES NEWBIE KUDOS (Items on ACM Awards, Julianne Hough, Zac Brown Band, Jake Owen, Sara Evans, Heidi Newfield, Eric Church, Elvis Presley)

The Academy of Country Music have announced the winners of the Top New Female Vocalist, Male Vocalist and Vocal Duo or Group for the year's 44th annual give-out.
First time was the charm for Julianne as she bested Sarah Buxton and Ashton Shepherd. Ditto The Zac Brown Band who beat Eli Young Band and The Lost Trailers.
Jake Owen's re-appearance in the Male category must've helped because he topped tough competition in Jamey Johnson and James Otto.
So now the three artists jump into a competition for Best New Artist (overall, y'all), determined by you (with voting starting March 16 at www.VoteACM.com) with the results unveiled at the ACM Awards themselves on April 5 from Las Vegas and broadcast on finer CBS stations nationwide.
If you can't pick a winner, GAC will help ya decide with a special March 19 hosted by Sara Evans.
Meanwhile, Zac and his co-writer on "Chicken Fried" were topped with country gravy this week in Music City.

On a Mission: Heidi Newfield's evolution from Trick Pony (2001's ACM Top New Vocal Duo or Group) to solo ACM (many times) nominee, from The Los Angeles Chronicle.

Church Not Nessessarily Every Sunday: Checking in on Eric Church, who plans to only release a new album every three or four years.

'Just as Long as I Get to See "The Jungle Room": Graceland is hiring!...and has three new exhibits.

DANCING WITHOUT THE STARS (Items on Jewel, Billy Ray Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna, Cowboy Troy, Trisha Yearwood, Crystal Gayle, Martina McBride)

As (maybe) expected, Jewel has pulled out of "Dancing with the Stars" as the show heads to Monday's premiere. After initially being diagnosed with tendinitis in her knees, an MRI revealed that the songbird has fractures in both of her legs (EEK!).
Thus her departure, though she's sure to be an audience fixture on the broadcast, rooting on her hubby, Ty Murray.
Meanwhile, a woman who shares a resume stat with Jewel (host of "Nashville Star'), the gorgeous Nancy O'Dell, is also pulling out of the competition because her "torn meniscus will require knee surgery" (double EEK!).
So that means the two former "Nashville Star" hosts tapped to tap (and more) this season on "DWTS" are out. Former Hugh Hefner bed, um, I mean, Playmate, Holly Madison has already been announced as one of the replacements.
Since former "Nashville Star" host Billy Ray Cyrus has already been on the show and LeAnn Rimes is too busy to hoof, I say, "Wynonna and Cowboy Troy, duke it out for that final slot!"

Where Your Road Leads: Trisha Yearwood, once the whole country music career-slows down, is angling for a career on Broadway.
Meanwhile, Trisha calls out critics of singers who don't write, as opposed to the singer-songwriter.

Driving in Your Sleep: Crystal Gayle's stolen tour bus has been recovered.

Watch Out, GGcolumn!: You know who's really gotten into blogging? Martina McBride, that who.

ACM ALBUM NOMS ANNOUNCED (Items on Montgomery Gentry, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Jamey Johnson, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Ernie Ashworth)

The Academy of Country Music have finally given us their nominations for Album of the Year for this year's awards handout (April 5 on CBS).
I couldn't figure out why the ACM delayed the long-player announcement until now (I'm not a Music City-insider and/or not savvy enough), but CMT (which is both the former and latter of the previous parenthetical portion of this sentence) sez it was because of "a revision in the qualifications. Previously, albums had to sell 300,000 copies to be considered, but that is no longer the case."
...or because the ACM wanted to "stunt" announce the noms to get more juice heading into the ceremony.
Whatever...here they are:

* Back When I Knew It All
Montgomery Gentry, Produced by Blake Chancey
Columbia

* Carnival Ride
Carrie Underwood, Produced by Mark Bright
19/Arista Nashville

* Fearless
Taylor Swift, Produced by Scott Borchetta, Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift
Big Machine

* That Lonesome Song
Jamey Johnson, Produced by The Kent Hardly Playboys
Mercury

* Troubadour
George Strait, Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA

So with the adjustments, the top nominee tally is still paced by Brad Paisley with six and Heidi Newfield with five. But Jamey and George are now also up for five, with the Album nods.
...and The Kent Hardly Playboys? GAC explained that for us, last August.
Also, Thursday, the ACM announced a group of performers for the show that includes nominees Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Heidi, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Taylor...along with non-nominee Tim McGraw.

Meanwhile, Carrie has scored a high fashion gig (high fashion, my girlfriend tells me). She'll appear in a print ad (see it here) along with Eva Longoria, Brooke Shields, Lauren Hutton and Anjelica Huston touting Badgley Mischka® ’s 20th anniversary celebration campaign.
Look for it in the April issue of your fave fashion rag.

...and Taylor's "CSI" appearance was "Enthusiastic, If Not Emmy-Worthy," sez one reviewer on another network, that, like "CSI" parent CBS, shares a corporate boss.

R.I.P.: Grand Ole Opry member Ernie Ashworth, whose signature hit, "Talk Back Trembling Lips," was a monster hit, passed away this week, after a sudden illness, aged 80.
Irby Mandrell, the father of Barbara Mandrell, died Thursday.
Extremely instrumental in his daughter's career, he was present last month when she was announced as one of the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

TAYLOR TIME (AND CHANNEL) (Items on Taylor Swift, Jewel, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Big & Rich)

While we anticipate tomorrow's "CSI" appearance (new clip below) as "the exceedingly hot daughter of a trashy owner of a seedy motel," Taylor Swift's "Fearless" notches its 11th week as the top-selling album in America...and provides a li'l revenge against The Jonas Brothers.
But watch out Taylor, U2's coming...
Taylor, who cameos in The JoBros' underwhelmingly performing concert movie, deserves her own movie because she steals the show from the hirsute trio, sez this scribe.
Meanwhile, this guy sez that most "Nashville has a reputation for turning out crap," but Taylor is one of Music City's finest.
Here's that clip from Thursday's "CSI:"


At least one critic sez Taylor "acquits herself well" in the episode.

Jewel-ry Counter: While Jewel battles tendinitis in her knees as she preps for Monday's premiere of "Dancing with the Stars," a rumor has hatched that she's already been replaced by a "Girl Next Door."
But as of today, Jewel's blog has her still planning to make it to the dance floor.
And did ya know...Trace Adkins and LeAnn Rimes have both told ABC "no" when asked to dance?

Jewelry Maker: In addition to wine, Miranda Lambert makes jewelry? But it's just about sold out.

Big & Jewelry: Big Kenny Alphin of Big & Rich has scored a role in an upcoming movie and his wife, Christiev, will be on QVC Thursday morning with pieces from her jewelry line for your purchasing pleasure.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN (Items on Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, Mark Wills, Minnie Pearl, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Keith Urban)

A lot of touring news this week, as I play catch up...

Toby Keith's "America's Toughest Tour" laying out this summer will feature Trace Adkins along for the tough stuff. The "Twin Towers of Musical Muscle" start their shows in New Jersey on June 18.
Meanwhile, in our Nation's Capitol: Did you hear that the director of the (national) Office of Management and Budget, whose iPod is stuffed full of country music, quoted Toby Keith before a House Budget Committee this week?
He also quoted another country singer, Montgomery Gentry.

New mama Jo Dee Messina will launch a slate of a dozen shows the day after Tax Day in Verona, New York. The Music Room Series will feature Jo Dee sitting in an intimate setting.
"I wanted to use this tour to give folks the opportunity to get to know me on a more personal level," JDM sez, "I'm leaving out the fancy production and using the show time to 'visit' with the audience for a while - as if they were to come to the house and sit with me in my music room. I think it will be a lot of fun. Instead of going to see a show, the audience will be a part of a show".

The day after the day after Tax Day will see the first date roll out on this year's edition of The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party, that's country tells us. Mark Wills returns to top off the bill. Trent Willmon is also back, joined by newbie Jeff Bates (Wills and Willmon were joined by Ray Scott and Buddy Jewell last year).

Also hitting the road: a statue of Minnie Pearl.

Tickets for the big Strait/Reba/Shelton/Hough concert opener at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium sold out in about an hour....except that they didn't...because the stadium is so big, more tickets will go on sale Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Tracy Byrd is flying to Europe then hitting the autobahn for his first-ever shows on the continent....While Joe Nichols will be in a land down under.

Speaking of Down Under: Nicole Kidman loves the nudies...as long as it involves hubby Keith Urban...and there's staples involved.

Much Appreciated: CMT's annual round-up of who lives where, label-wise, in Nashville.