Due to overwhelming response, Phil Stacey's recording of "Old Glory" has been made available for digital download via iTunes.

"I think the sentiment of this song speaks to so many people in this country," says Stacey. "Despite our differences in politics or our differences as people, we're all united as Americans and the stars and stripes represent our strength and dignity as a country."

Phil was inspired to write "Old Glory" while serving active duty in the United States Navy as a Musician Third Class at Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida. Phil recently released his self-titled debut CD after competing in the sixth season of American Idol and continues to remain active in the Navy Reserves.

Labels: Phil Stacey

Perhaps the biggest star in country music, Kenny Chesney is about to get a whole lot bigger. Soon he will have is own radio show. "No Shoes Radio" launches July 26 on XM radio as a 24-hour station, featuring music from Chesney's audio catalog, including never-before-heard recordings, an uncut, exclusive concert broadcast from the 2008 Poets & Pirates Tour, plus random drop-ins from fans, friends and music.

"There's a lot of hits, but there are also a lot of album tracks, songs from the early part of my career, stuff from our "Keg in the Closet" shows and obscurities that you had to be there to hear," said Chesney. The show will also include music featuring both those artists who influenced Chesney's world and the kind of music capturing the sonic culture of his current "Poets & Pirates Tour."

"The way a lot of bands were for us, we're what they're listening to when they're hanging out, when they're having fun, when they need to gear up for something," said Chesney. "That's what music always did for me... and it's kind of mind-blowing to think that your songs could be that for someone else. So for all those fans out there, get ready for something pretty cool."

Other XM artist specific stations are for George Strait, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson and Coldplay.

Labels: Kenny Chesney

Willy Wonka did it, so why not Mercury's Sugarland? When the releases their third album, Love on the Inside, on July 22, some fans may get more than bargained for. Five lucky winners who purchase the Deluxe Fan Edition will receive a platinum ticket inside the album announcing their status as a winner of the platinum ticket instant win game.

The five will receive a trip to Nashville for two including airfare and two nights stay accommodations. They will also receive 2 tickets to attend the 2008 CMA Awards, a "meet and greet" with Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, an intimate Sugarland performance, and a fan pack of select Sugarland merchandise.

The Deluxe Fan Edition will include 17 tracks (12 regular and 5 bonus) in special packaging with an expanded CD booklet, as well as access to download exclusive music video and "behind the scenes making of the album" footage.

"Love On The Inside Regular Edition" will consist of 12 songs and a regular CD booklet and hits stores a week later on July 29.

Labels: Sugarland

Grammy-winning country music recording artist Gretchen Wilson takes center stage in TNT's multi-platform marketing campaign for the second season of the network's provocative drama "Saving Grace," starring Oscar winner Holly Hunter. The campaign is centered on the concept "Embrace Your Grace," which invites viewers to celebrate who they are – flaws and all – and follow their instincts to live life to its fullest, much like Hunter's character in the series.

Wilson performs her new song "Work Hard, Play Harder" from her upcoming fall release in a special music video that features clips from "Saving Grace." The video will be shown a number of times on TNT, including during the network's live coverage July 5 of the NASCAR Coke Zero 400. The video will also be seen on TNT's sister networks, TBS and truTV. It will also appear in Regal Cinemas nationwide and is currently viewable online at tnt.tv.

Labels: Gretchen Wilson

Country's hottest female is getting ready to release her third single from her sophomore album, Carnival Ride. The song "Just A Dream" comes on the heels of her sixth career #1 "Last Name."

"Just A Dream" was wrote by Hillary Lindsey, Stephen McEwan, and Gordon Sampson, and is a powerful song dealing with the effects of war on a young bride-to-be.

Underwood filmed the video recently in a small town in Tennessee. Details about the release of the video have not been released. Roman White, who has directed all of Underwood's music videos to date, was at the helm.

The single adds at country radio on July 21.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

Josh Gracin will appear on Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends Weekend this Saturday, July 5. Gracin will perform his latest hit, "We Weren't Crazy," which is already at #14 on Billboard's country singles chart. Fox & Friends Weekend is broadcast Saturday and Sunday on the Fox News Channel from 6-10a EST.

"We Weren't Crazy" is the latest hit single from Josh Gracin and is from his recently released sophomore CD by the same name. The autobiographical song was written by Gracin, Tony Lopacinski, and Bobby Pinson about Gracin's personal journey from childhood to raising children and having a family of his own.

Labels: Josh Gracin

Great Britain's premiere arena rock band and one of country music's hottest stars will come together for another episode of the hit series CMT Crossroads. CMT Crossroads: Def Leppard & Taylor Swift premieres Friday, Nov. 8 on CMT.

Before an invitation only audience in Nashville in October, Swift will join her all-time favorite rock band on stage for a night that is sure to be a memorable one for the young star.

"Every time I've seen Crossroads on CMT I've always thought, 'If I ever get to do one of those, it HAS to be with Def Leppard!,' so this is really a dream come true for me," says Swift. "I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years... so it's amazing that I'm going to get to share a stage with them this year!"

"How cool is this?! Country's hottest young star wanting to work with us!!" says Def Leppard's Joe Elliot.

Def Leppard and Taylor Swift join an elite group of performers who have taped CMT Crossroads, which pairs country music stars with popular artists from other genres—pop, rock, R&B—to play together, swap stories, and share their common love of music. Previous episodes of Crossroads have included Bon Jovi and Sugarland; Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire; Robert Plant and Alison Krauss; and most recently Maroon 5 and Sara Evans.

Labels: Def Leppard, Taylor Swift

Darius Rucker, the lead singer of rock band Hooty and the Blowfish will perform for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry stage on July 15. Rucker says its a dream come true.

"When I was asked if I wanted to perform on the Grand Ole Opry, I yelled, 'Are you kidding me?!? I've been waiting for that my whole life,' " said Rucker. "To be invited where so many of the greatest country artists have performed is an honor, and I still can't believe it has been bestowed on me."

One of the songs that Rucker will perform on the Opry is his debut single for Capitol Records Nashville, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," a Top 20 hit - and climbing - on the country singles charts. His first album for the label, the Frank Rogers-produced Learn to Live, will be released this fall.

Labels: Darius Rucker

"You Look Good In My Shirt," one of the fastest rising singles in the career of Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Keith Urban, will be added to Urban's most recent album on August 19, requiring a slight title change to the project: Keith Urban's Greatest Hits: 19 Kids. The single is currently available for download online, and will continue to be available for download as a single track.

"You Look Good In My Shirt" - currently #11 and #12 on two major country singles charts after just five weeks - first appeared in its original version on Urban's breakout 3x platinum recording Golden Road. Plans torelease the song as that CD's 5th single were scrapped when "Days GoBy," the first single from the follow up project Be Here was ready."

"Over the years it ("Shirt") has always played like a hit song," saidUrban. "That, combined with numerous requests from both fans and radio about why it was never a single, inspired us to get back into the studioand re-record the song. I'm glad that we finally have the opportunity to give everyone what they've been asking for."

To date, Keith Urban's catalog has sold more than 10 million units worldwide; Urban has charted seven #1 singles and nine Top 5 hits.

Labels: Keith Urban

The new single from Lee Ann Womack, titled "Last Call" is avaialble now on iTunes. Click here to download this great new song! Also look for it on her new album, Call Me Crazy in stores this fall.

Labels: Lee Ann Womack

"No more singing, just killing" Dierks Bentley communicated in the studio early last week through a wireless headset and controller as he shifted his focus from recording his next album to rocket launchers and sniper riffles in an online, trash-talking battle of Halo 3, as the first country artist to team up with Xbox 360's "Game with Fame" program. The event was just one element of Dierks having been chosen as the first-ever Country artist for the Xbox LIVE Artist of the Month program during the month of May.

Labels: Dierks Bentley

The King of Country will re-release his Fresh Cut Christmas this fall via MCA Nashville. The album was originally released exclusively by Hallmark Stores in the winter of 2006. The album went platinum.

UMG Nashville and George Strait held onto the rights for the album, and after the contract with Hallmark expired, have decided to release the album to the wholesale public. The tracklist will follow the original release, with cuts like "We ThreeKings," "Deck the Halls," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." New tracks are also expected on the release.

No date was given for the release.

Randy Owen, lead singer of Hall of Fame group Alabama, is penning his autobiography "Born Country."

The book chronicles Owen's life from his humble beginnings living in extreme poverty and hardship as the son of share coppers in northeast Alabama to forming the band Wild Country with his cousin Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook to signing with RCA Records and eventually being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"This book was really something important for me to do for my family," he sys. "We touched on every segment of my life - it's really a microcosm of my life. God had had a big plan for me and guided me through the good and the bad. There were definitely painful parts that were hard to relive."

"Born Country" and Owen's debut solo album "One On One" will both be in stores nationwide on Tues., Nov. 11.

Labels: Alabama, Randy Owen

Blake Shelton will be making an appearance on NBC's "Nashville Star" this Monday, June 30. "Family Week" is the show's emphasis, and Shelton will be performing his current hit "Home," from his recently released Pure BS Deluxe Edition album. The 2-hour special will air live on NBC at 9/8C pm. and repeat on CMT on July 4 at 9/8C pm.

Sara Evans will be a celebrity contestant on CBS' "Million Dollar Password", a modern version of the classic show, hosted by Regis Philbin this Sunday, June 29 at 8/7C pm. Evans faced Steve Schirripa of The Sopranos and his partner. Evans helped her partner try to win the $1 million prize.

Labels: Blake Shelton, Sara Evans

Today Phil Vassar released a new single to country radio. The song "I Would" is a personal song that was inspired by the singer's break up with wife Julie.

"In December of last year I was in Las Vegas playing a show," said Vassar. "My divorce had been final for a couple of months and I was still coming to grips with the sudden change. I met an older man one afternoon and he proceeded to tell me about his life and all the things he would change if he could.

"I went up to my hotel room and started thinking about all the things I regretted in my life, and all the things I wish I could change and this song poured out of me. I think we all have regrets in our lives, things we wish we had done differently or could go back and change. I have gotten past the worst part of the hurt in my breakup, but like all of us, there are a lot of things I have done and not done in my life, not just in relationships, that if I could change, I would."

The single is from Vassar's best-selling album Prayers of a Common Man, which also features the hit "Love Is A Beautiful Thing."

Labels: Phil Vassar

As flooding continues to ravage agricultural and rural towns on the banks of the Mississippi River and other rivers, Farm Aid is activating its Family Farm Disaster Fund to get immediate relief to family farmers in Iowa, Wisconsin and across the Midwest. Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson will distribute the first grant from the Family Farm Disaster Fund on Saturday, June 21, to the Iowa Grassroots Coalition, a group of farm and faith-based organizations in Iowa working on the recovery effort.

"Our hearts go out to the folks all along the Mississippi who are being affected by the severe floods that have taken out towns and farms in Iowa and Wisconsin," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "At Farm Aid, we have had friends in these communities for 23 years who can deliver immediate support to family farmers, getting them back on the land, growing good food for all of us."

Reports indicate that at least four million acres of farmland are underwater and that a high percentage will not be replanted this growing season. Many family farms in the region growing specialty crops and produce are not adequately covered by federal crop insurance and may not have the financial support necessary to rebuild.

Farm Aid emergency assistance is supporting local recovery efforts in Iowa and Wisconsin, delivering an initial $10,000 in disaster-relief funds to grassroots organizations. Since the Family Farm Disaster Fund was activated on Wednesday of this week, more than $40,000 has already been donated by individuals and organizations, including Best Buy and WhiteWave, makers of Horizon Organic and Silk Soymilk.

"In the face of the devastation caused by the flooding across the Midwest, Farm Aid is proud to work with the individuals and organizations that have already stepped up and shown their support for family farmers. Together, we will help these farmers rebuild and protect our source of good food," said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar.

Contributions can be made to Farm Aid's Family Farm Disaster Fund online at http://www.farmaid.org/.

Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised more than $30 million to support programs that help farmers throughout America and promote food from family farms.

Labels: Willie Nelson

Toby Keith's commitment to the U.S. military was recognized in a resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole in the House of Representatives June 10. The Oklahoma congressman noted Keith's six USO to visit troops on the front lines, "Toby has done so much to show his commitment and appreciation to our nation's armed forces," Cole said. "He has given his time and energy to put on performances for our troops overseas and at home. He has really gone out of his way to support our servicemen and women and their families.

"I believe Toby deserves to be acknowledged for his work. He's shown a unique understanding of the dedication and difficult work the members of the Armed Forces do, and he has made it his priority to bring joy and entertainment back to them. I am proud to bring forth this resolution commending Toby Keith for all that he has done to boost the morale of the military. He has made Oklahoma very proud."

Keith, a native Oklahoman, has performed for more than 135,000 service members, most recently visiting forward bases in Afghanistan and Iraq in April. He has also made stops in Cuba, Germany, Belgium, Kosovo, Italy and Africa in his efforts to show his appreciation to those who defend our country.

"I appreciate Congressman Cole's recognition in introducing this resolution," Keith said, "and I have to say that the real glory belongs to those men and women I've met who leave their families and put it on the line for the rest of us. Getting to visit with them once a year is the biggest honor for me, and I will continue to encourage other artists and performers to make that USO trip."

Labels: Toby Keith

Country music's biggest stars have assembled for the upcoming Country Sings Disney project, in stores Tuesday, July 8. The fifteen song collection features classic and contemporary Disney tracks performed by today's favoritecountry stars, including Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Bucky Covington, Little Big Town, Josh Gracin, Phil Stacey, SHeDAISY and more.

The song selection includes cuts from the Disney movies "The Little Mermaid," "CARS," "The Lion King," and "Tarzan." Some songs are newly recorded while others have been previously released.

In addition, fans can catch Billy Ray Cyrus in the "Real Gone" music video at all online video outlets and country music video networks CMT and GAC.


TRACK LISTING:
1. Billy Ray Cyrus featuring Miley Cyrus - "Ready, Set, Don't Go"
2. Rascal Flatts - "Life Is A Highway"
3. Tim McGraw - "Wherever The Trail May Lead"
4. Martina McBride - "Through Your Eyes"
5. Trisha Yearwood - "Blue Beyond"
6. Bucky Covington - "You’ll Be In My Heart"
7. Phil Stacey - "Can You Feel The Love Tonight"
8. Bonnie Raitt - "Will The Sun Ever Shine Again"
9. Alison Krauss - "There Is Life"
10. Josh Gracin - "When I See An Elephant Fly"
11. SHeDAISY - "Baby Mine"
12. Little Big Town - "We Go Together"
13. Faith Hill - "Part Of Your World"
14. Brad Paisley - "Find Yourself"
15. Billy Ray Cyrus - "Real Gone"

Lyric Street Records and Walt Disney Records are a part of the Disney Music Group. The Disney Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of the Walt Disney Studios.

Bandit Records will release Burn the Playhouse Down: The Unreleased Duets, by George Jones, a collection of never before heard duets between Jones and his illustrious guests on August 19, 2008.

Those making appearances on the album include Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Emmylou Harris, Jone's ex-wife Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton.
The tracks were recorded in a series of sessions in 1988, 1991, and 1994. The duets did not make the originally released albums.

Also appearing on the collection is a recent recording, "You and Me Time." Jones duets with daughter Georgette Jones, who also co-wrote the song about her relationship with her famous dad. The track was produced by Keith Stegall in 2007.

Labels: George Jones

Some great new songs have been released to digital music retailers this week... download them now!

"Life In A Northern Town" [Live] - Sugarland, Little Big Town and Jake Owen

"All I Want To Do" - Sugarland

"Come On Over" - Jessica Simpson

"You Look Good In My Shirt" - Keith Urban

"Don't You Know You're Beautiful" - Kellie Pickler

Labels: Jake Owen, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town, Sugarland

Unplugged, unstoppable and armed with a bag full of unforgettable hits and pure, undiluted honky-tonk vibe, superstars Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart will re-unite and re-ignite this fall, hitting the road for a multi-city tour that reprises their unforgettable and highly successful "No Hats" tour back in the early '90s. The duo will serve up acoustic renditions of the hits they enjoyed together, such as "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'," "This One's Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time)" and"Honky-Tonkin's What I Do Best," along with a full helping of songs from their individual chart-topping catalogs.

As individuals, their high level of understanding and respect for country tradition is matched only by the depth of their musicianship and the consistent integrity of their artistry through the decades. When they come together ­with Tritt's Georgia-soulful southern rock perfectly complementing Stuart's high-octane Mississippi mojo, the results are as inspiring as they are explosive.

Tritt and Stuart will be performing together in cities from coast to coast. Already-scheduled dates for this highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind touring event include: Phoenix, AZ, Charlottsville, VA, and Harrisburg, PA.

Labels: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt

There's no doubt about it: Toby Keith is one of the busiest men in the music business. Keith just recently wrapped up filming on his new motion picture, "Beer For My Horses," and is preparing to release the soundtrack and a new studio album later this year.

The soundtrack, set for release August 5, contains tracks by Keith, Mel Tillis, Carter's Chord, David Allen Coe, and Rodney Carington, who cameos in the film. The lead single from the soundtrack is "Off The Hillbilly Hook," by Show Dog Nashville group Trailer Choir.

Keith is readying the release of his next radio single, "She Never Cried in Front Of Me," as well. The song is from a new studio album expected this fall. The single goes to radio on July 7.

Currently Keith is on tour with Montgomery Gentry and others as part of the "Biggest Baddest Tour."

Labels: Montgomery Gentry, Toby Keith

MCA Nashville will officially release Lee Ann Womack's new single "Last Call", written by Erin Enderlin and Shane McAnally, to radio June 30. Her highly-anticipated seventh album, produced by Tony Brown and titled Call Me Crazy, will debut this Fall.

"I'm so fired up to be back doing what I feel like I was born to do,which is making country music," said Womack. "The time I spent writing, looking for songs, and meeting with Tony felt so effortless and natural. One of my favorite things when making a record is working with some of the best singers and musicians in the world...it was so fun to have some of them work on this project."

Four of the twelve tracks are co-written by Womack and fans will discover two other very well-known male voices accompanying the songstress, Keith Urban and George Strait. Last time Womack and Strait collaborated was for "Good News, Bad News", which earned them a Country Music Association award for "Musical Event of the Year."

Womack has sold over 6 million albums, won two Grammy's, and most recently garnered critical acclaim for There's More Where That Came From. Released February of '05 on CD and classic vinyl, There's More swept Country Music Association trophies in the fall of the same year for "Album of the Year" and "Single of the Year"("I May Hate Myself In the Morning"). She is also recognized for #1 singles "The Fool," "A Little Past Little Rock," "I'll Think Of A Reason Later" and the mega smash "I Hope You Dance."

Labels: Lee Ann Womack