Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sorry for the lack of posting, however, I had been out of town a few days and also having an issue with my Internet connection. I hope that it will fixed very soon, until then, bare with me!
Craig Morgan Invited to Become Member of the Opry
When people ask me who should be a member of the Opry, Craig Morgan's name always comes up immediately. I can't say it enough how happy I am to see him be invited to the Opry. Its where he belongs, no doubt.
Sony BMG recording artist Craig Morgan was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening during a special concert for U.S. troops at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Opry member John Conlee surprised Morgan by walking on stage during Morgan’s performance of “Rose Colored Glasses.” Conlee asked if Morgan knew where he was going to be on October 25 and he replied “I don’t know.” “Well, I happen to know that you're going to be on the Opry,” said Conlee. “How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?" Morgan then proceeded to break down on stage and exclaimed "Oh, God Yes! I do love the Grand Ole Opry! And I gotta tell you, it’s cool to be invited right here."
Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits, among them “Almost Home” (named “Music Row” Song of the Year in 2003), the chart-topping summer anthem “Redneck Yacht Club,” and “That's What I Love About Sunday,” which spent five weeks at #1 and was “Billboard's” Most Played Country Song of the Year in 2005. Morgan is set to release his fifth CD, That's Why, on Oct. 21. The album's lead single, “Love Remembers,” is rapidly climbing the charts.
Kenny Rogers "50 Years" available at Cracker Barrel
Kenny Rogers is one of those legendary artists that I could never write enough about. You see, it was his 8 track of "The Gambler" that I believe planted that seed in me that grew me into a country music fan. Through the years, I've never stopped enjoying his great songs and country sound. Now, Kenny Rogers has become the newest artist to team up with The Cracker Barel Country Stores to release a CD. Simply titled "50 Years", the 12 track CD includes three new tracks along with 9 of his most known, and country music's most classic, songs from his career thus far.
"Coward of the County," "Island in the Stream," and yes, "The Gambler" are among the hits that you will find along with the three new songs..."She'll Believe You," that shows off his still strong vocals, "Something's Wrong in Vegas," a little bit faster song that you hear those distinctive vocals come alive, and "Only Time Will Tell" that continues to showcase his talent delivering a country music story. Rogers never changes his signature style of true country music, and the talent of delivering a song.
Over a 100 million records sold of 65 different albums, Rogers is celebrating his 50 years recording music and I can't think of any better way by releasing this special album.
This album is exclusively available at Cracker Barrel Country Stores and online at their website. This CD continues the great collection available at their resturants/stores that include Alabama, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Josh Turner, Merle Haggard, Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, Charlie Daniels, and "Songs of the Year" a various artist cover album. Stop by your closest location or visit online and browse through this excellent collection of albums. The Cracker Barrel understands the power of country music. You will understand when you listen to one of their masterpiece recordings just why they are the presenting sponsor of The Grand Ole Opry and so dedicated to country music.
Darius Rucker: "Learn to Live"
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Music fans probably recognize the name Darius Rucker pretty quickly from his work with Hootie and the Blowfish. Now, the country music community is getting to know him really well with his new solo project titled “Learn to Live.” Now, here lately, quite a few artists from other styles of music have tried to break into the world of country music. Some have done well, others, well not so much. I’ve come to the conclusion that Darius Rucker understands two things. First, an understanding that lyrics are important in a country song. Second, he also he knows marketing; what will sell and what won’t in contemporary country music. You see, what we have here is an album that doesn’t shake any ground, yet the ground is solid. The country angle of this album, well, I must say it is pretty much a new country sound, with a mediocre influence of traditional.
The first track off the album titled “Forever Road” is a very smooth contemporary track that country radio I’m sure is just waiting to play…nothing special, no, but an enjoyable listen. Immediately after, the next track excites me. “All I Want” is a two-step shuffle song that shows that Rucker does indeed understand what traditional country music is. Sadly, that is the only opportunity we get to hear this style from Rucker because track three is his current hit single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” which follows in the same thought process as the first track, with stronger emotion and vocal delivery. The other tracks are average, with the exception of “Drinkin’ and Dialin,” a fun little drinkin’ song.
As I listen to the rest of the album and Rucker’s strong and distinct vocals, I start to notice something very important here on this album; Song choice. Lyrically, for the most part, each and every song includes country songwriting of the highest level. 11 of the 12 tracks include co-writing credit to Rucker. Producer Frank Rogers (Brad Paisley) has 7 co-write credits. As does great writers such as Rivers Rutherford (Chuck Wicks, Jason Michael Carroll, Gary Alan, Gretchen Wilson,) Clay Mills (“Beautiful Mess” Diamond Rio,) and Ashley Gorley (Carrie Underwood, George Strait, “You’re Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins.) Having talented songwriters and excellent song choice, overall, saved this album.
“Learn to Live” is a nice country debut album for Rucker. The blend of his distinctly familiar vocals, country lyrics, and a contemporary sound really works well, but leaves country music fans want even more contemporary traditional sounds like he offered us on “All I Want.”
Charlie Walker 1926-2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Honky-tonk singer and Grand Ole Opry star Charlie Walker died Friday at age 81 from colon cancer.
Walker died Friday morning in the Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, TN. Walker became a top country music disc jockey on San Antonio's KMAC in the '50s while he recorded regional hits, including his first charting song "Only You, Only You." His biggest hit was in 1958 with the "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down."
He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967, and became a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1981.
Walker died Friday morning in the Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, TN. Walker became a top country music disc jockey on San Antonio's KMAC in the '50s while he recorded regional hits, including his first charting song "Only You, Only You." His biggest hit was in 1958 with the "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down."
He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967, and became a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1981.
“The Grand Ole Opry family will miss our friend and Opry member, Charlie
Walker, We are truly grateful for all of the musical moments he has shared with
us on the Opry stage and over the airwaves as a disc jockey. We will dedicate
this weekend’s Opry shows to his memory.”
--Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager.
His biography from the Opry's website ends by saying "Newer country music fans that may not know his name will recognize Charlie’s Texas swing, country shuffles, and solid honky-tonk. Chances are, if (his music) sounds familiar, it’s because today’s young artists heard it first from Charlie Walker." Now, that is a such a true statement. He is a true legend of the music.
When a member of the Opry passes away, it is a truly sad day for country music. However, the show must go on and The Grand Ole Opry. It is tonight, and in the customs of the Opry, the show is dedicated to his memory. However, the Opry doesn't get sad, rather celebrates and honors the music and life of the artist.
Reba McEntire: BoxSet and Tour With Kelly Clarkson
Also, on October 28, a special boxset will be released. Finally, after many greatest hits albums, fans of Reba McEntire will have a single 3 CD boxset titled "50 Greatest Hits" that will include 20 #1 songs and 30 other tracks that made it into the top 20. The nice thing is that this boxset is set chronologically. You play the first track "How Blue" and continue through the journey of songs to "Because of You" with Kelly Clarkson. I think this will a great set. I love when collections are set up this way. It allows you to really understand the path of an artists' career such as Reba. You hear a life story, the maturing of an artist, and how the sounds of an established artist has to change to maintain the highest level of quality and the styles have to change with time. Not many artists these days can even do something like this.
Also, on October 28, a special boxset will be released. Finally, after many
greatest hits albums, fans of Reba McEntire will have a single 3 CD boxset
titled "50 Greatest Hits" that will include 20 #1 songs and 30 other tracks that made it into the top 20. The nice thing is that 
this boxset is set
chronologically. You play the first track "How Blue" and continue through the journey of songs to "Because of You" with Kelly Clarkson. I think this will a great set. I love when collections are set up this way. It allows you to really understand the path of an artists' career such as Reba. You hear a life story, the maturing of an artist, and how the sounds of an established artist has to change to maintain the highest level of quality and the styles have to change with time. Not many artists these days can even do something like this. This type of project not only will be excellent for Reba fans, but as well as historical in nature. This boxset can be preserved nicely for the history books of country music. This is one for everyone to own. I will be sure to remind you of this release as it gets closer.
Reba McEntire is certainly amazing. She has a legendary career in country music, that still is very much so alive, a hit television show, a successful clothing line, a footwear line, and even a bed linens collection all available through Dillard's. Even with all the different things she has
done outside of the actual recording of music, the fans never forget her music. That's where it started, and always will be. That is Reba at her best.
Tour Dates: Conway Twitty Musical: "It’s Only Make Believe"
Friday, September 12, 2008
Back in March, I wrote a blog on a upcoming musical about Conway Twitty. There are some comments left from a few people that had the chance to see the final dress rehearsal. Sounds like an excellent show, no doubt.
The show has dates scheduled Wabash, IN tonight, and then beginning in October continues to Peoria, IL, Nashville, TN, Branson, MO, Maggie Valley, NC, and several dates in Laughlin, NV. I sure hope more dates will come for this show.
As I mentioned in March, this musical is so important. Conway Twitty's music is and has been so important to country music and his story is important to be understood by country music fans that love his music. The musical tells his story through the eyes of his children from his humble beginnings to being a true country music legend.
If you live in one of those areas mentioned, wish I did, this is a show that you have to go see. Visit http://www.conwaytwittymusical.com/ for more information about this musical. Also, some tickets may be available through Ticketmaster.
Patty Loveless "Sleepless Nights"
Picture this. You are sitting around the living room after a good southern dinner on a Sunday evening. The family is gathered, the television is off, and each family member picks up an instrument and starts to play some good ol’ classic country music. Well, that is the exact image I got right before I put in Patty Loveless’ newest release “Sleepless Nights.” However, that feeling didn’t stay around too long. You see, the album is much darker than that. The real mood of the album comes from a different story. This album was created after the loss of her mother-in-law in 2005, and the death of her mother the next year. Her brother had a stroke, and she had stopped touring. Sitting at the dinner table listening to classic songs with her husband, she began to think she would like to record some of the songs she was hearing. Out of those conversations, Loveless delivers an incredible cover album of 14 classic country songs, yet, a slowed down arrangement and Loveless lending chilling and heart-filled vocals.
The album does start off on a high-pace and the excellently delivered rendition of George Jones’ “Why Baby Why.” “Crazy Arms” (Ray Price) is a signature Loveless’ vocal fills the room. You feel each and every lyric come out and touch you. Hank Locklin’s “Please Help Me , I’m Falling” is again full of excellent vocals. The title track, “Sleepless Nights” (The Everly Brothers) features Vince Gill on this heartbreaking ballad that really brings the background story of the album to light.
The instrumentation on the album cannot go unmentioned either. Hall of Fame Guitarist Harold Bradley (Patsy Cline), the most legendary pianist Pig Robbins, and just as legendary, Al Perkins on steel guitar appear on many tracks. These players make the album. They set the mood, and oh yes, they make it a true country music album, by far.
This is an album is an excellent example of how country music works. There is a story to every album, every song in its way it was performed. It also shows that songs mean something different to everyone at even different times of their lives. At first listen, this album may not feel like Loveless’ best work, however, with the personal story and giving it another listen, it’s a masterpiece.
Singstar Country On Playstation 2
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Now, this is really cool. If you own a Playstation 2, you should get excited for an upcoming release from the Singstar game.
Singstar is a karaoke style competition game that you use a special microphone with the Playstation 2 to play. It plays the video of the song, words at the bottom, and judges if you are on key and holding notes correctly. The game features modes to play with others such as "pass the mic," battle, and duet. You can also use a special web-camera to make videos of your own performances. The series includes titles such as rock, pop, 80's and such.
Well, on October 28, a country edition will be available.
The Singstar Country will include 30 songs from artists such as Kenny Chesney, Jessica Simpson, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and Faith Hill. On the cover you see Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson, and Alan Jackson pictured as well as mentions of Kellie Pickler, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, and Sara Evans.
I'm not much of a gamer, however, I will be seeking out a friend that has the console to try this one out I do believe.
Also, there is a special contest "Sing Your Way to the CMA Awards" will be featured in 12 major radio markets where they will hold competitions to win tickets to the show.
Kenny Chesney Final 2008 Tour Stop Live on XM
XM's No Shoes Radio (XM-18) will broadcast live from the final stop of Kenny Chesney's 2008 Poets & Pirates Tour this Saturday in Indianapolis.
The broadcast will include a live acoustic concert by Chesney just outside the stadium, live backstage reports and the entire concert live. Openers Luke Bryan and Brother Trouble will also perform during the acoustic set beginning at 12p ET.
XM fans, be sure to not miss this special event.
CMA Nominations: The Day After Thoughts
Well, the list is out. Time to look through the list and begin to think about what's missing and what did make the list. This year though, I don't see many "shocks" or anything missing, but one song. "More Than A Memory" I thought for sure would make the nominations for Song of the Year, but then again, looking at the list, which song would come off?
We have a ways to go before the winners are announced, but the Country Music Alive guide to the CMA's has been posted today. It includes all the quick links to download or buy CMA nominated music, a downloadable PDF that you can use to predict the winners, and once we start to hear names of performers and presenters, they will be posted as well.
http://cmaawards.countrymusicalive.com is the site to visit.
That will be all for now on this topic. We still have to get through September and October.
2008 CMA Nominations
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Here is the officical list of the CMA Nominations for the 42nd Annual CMA Music Awards..... More information can be found at http://cmaawards.countrymusicalive.com and on the official website of The CMA Awards http://www.cmaawards.com ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Kenny Chesney FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR SINGLE OF THE YEAR “Gunpowder & Lead” “I Saw God Today” “Stay” “You’re Gonna Miss This” ALBUM OF THE YEAR Cowboy Town Good Time Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates Troubadour SONG OF THE YEAR “I Saw God Today” “Letter To Me” “Stay” “You’re Gonna Miss This” MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Sugarland featuring Little Big Town and Jake Owen Kenny Chesney (duet with George Strait) MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR “Good Time” “Stay” “Waitin’ On A Woman” “You’re Gonna Miss This” MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Sugarland
Keith Urban
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban
Jason Aldean
Rodney Atkins
Lady Antebellum
James Otto
Kellie Pickler
Eagles
Emerson Drive
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
The Wreckers
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
“Don’t Blink”
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
Miranda Lambert
Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia Records
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville
Sugarland
Produced by Byron Gallimore, Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles
Mercury Nashville
Trace Adkins
Produced by Frank Rogers
Capitol Records Nashville
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
Carnival Ride
Carrie Underwood
Produced by Mark Bright
19 Recordings Limited/Arista/Arista Nashville
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks
Arista Nashville
Alan Jackson
Produced by Keith Stegall
Arista Nashville
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville
(Award goes to Songwriter and Primary Publisher)
“Good Time”
Alan Jackson
EMI-April Music/Tri-Angels Music
Rodney Clawson/Monty Criswell/Wade Kirby
Big Red Toe/Extremely Loud Music/Steel Wheels Music/Blind Mule Music
Brad Paisley
EMI-April Music/New Sea Gayle Music
Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles Publishing
Lee Thomas Miller/Ashley Gorley
EMI Blackwood Music/New Songs of Sea Gayle/Noah’s Little Boat Music/Songs of Combustion Music
(Award to each Artist)
Josh Turner featuring Trisha Yearwood
“Another Try”
MCA Nashville
“Every Other Weekend”
MCA Nashville
“Gone, Gone, Gone”
Rounder Records
“Life In A Northern Town”
Mercury Nashville
“Shiftwork”
BNA Records
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Don’t Blink”
Kenny Chesney
Directed by Shaun Silva
Alan Jackson
Directed by Trey Fanjoy
Sugarland
Directed by Shaun Silva
Brad Paisley
Directed by Jim Shea
Trace Adkins
Directed by Peter Zavadil
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar
George Jones: 2008 Kennedy Center Honoree
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman and George Jones will be awarded the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement in the arts, along with choreographer Twyla Tharp and musicians Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who.
The Honors gala is the Kennedy Center's most important annual fundraising event, supporting its performing arts, education, and outreach programs. In addition to the gala performance in the Center Opera House, the Honorees are treated to a White House reception and banquet.
I can't think of anyone better than George Jones to be awarded this high honor. Each year the Kennedy Center's national artists committee and past honorees present recommendations for proposed Honorees to the Board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Honors recognize a lifetime of contributions to American culture through the performing arts, whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television. Who else can you think of that fits a description that includes "contributions to American Culture" than George Jones.
George Jones has been called, the "greatest living country singer," and has dearly earned his reputation by deep song lyrics and of course that vocal presence that can't be mistaken for anyone else. "The Possum" keeps on giving the fans what they want. More music and continues to tour, with almost 100 shows a year still.
"I am completely overwhelmed to be the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors,"
"I can't believe that I have been included in the same company as previous winners that are country music legends: Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Roy Acuff and Willie Nelson. Since I was a young man, I have just done what I love and that is sing country music, and I never dreamed that something this special would happen to me. I am completely humbled and will be proud to accept the award!"--George Jones
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Tour
Not a suprise, but looks like Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are teaming up for a co-headlining tour this fall. The tour kicks off in Richmond, VA at the Virginia State Fair and runs for only 7 more dates, ending in Dallas, TX.
This show sounds really cool to me. The tour will feature special seamless shows Miranda will take fans from the early days of "Me & Charlie Talking" to the fist pumping "Gunpowder & Lead" while Blake fans can expect the gamut from his number one singles, "Austin," "The Baby," "Some Beach," and "Home" to the rowdy "The More I Drink" and fan favorite "Ol' Red." An intimate acoustic set by Blake and Miranda will be nestled in-between and each show will conclude as both artists and their bands reunite on-stage for the show's energetic finale.
Now, that sounds pretty fun to see. Nice to see the show will be non-stop. If it is coming close to you, check it out. The show dates are above for tickets.
CMA Award Nominees Tomorrow
Don't forget....Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift will announce the final nominees in select categories live from New York City on ABC’s “Good Morning America” during the 8:30 AM (all time zones) half-hour segment. Then, Lady Antebellum and James Otto will announce the nominees for the remaining categories on a special edition of “CMT Insider,” airing live from Nashville at 10:00 AM/ET.
The announcement of the final nominees leads up to The 42nd Annual CMA Awards which airs live Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) from the Sommet Center in Nashville on the ABC Television Network.
The Country Music Alive special website http://cmaawards.countrymusicalive.com will be updated Wednesday evening or Thursday, pending on the official press release timing. The website will be fully updated with all the nominees and links to be sure you have all the nominated music downloaded or bought.
"Love Story" Taylor Swift
Monday, September 08, 2008
Well, we now have the first single from Taylor Swift's new album "Fearless." It is titled "Love Story."
I have a feeling this is a great preview of what is to come from the new album. The song seems to be inline with Swift's debut sound. No real shocking style change or anything, which is good to hear.
The song has not been made available for download quiet yet, I will let you know when it is. It is another song dealing with young love. Very well written and pretty catchy tune. I think overall the fans of Taylor Swift will be very happy with the new single.
XM's highway 16 has been playing the new song, not sure how quickly other radio stations will pick it up, I'm sure it will be pretty quickly for sure.
The new album, "Fearless" is due in stores on November 11, and is already available for pre-order from Amazon.com so it will be delivered on its release day. The track listing is available on her web site already.
Country Music Alive Update: New Releases
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Hello there Country Music Alive Supporters!
Today, the new release section was updated. Between now and November, I have 31 albums listed for you. There a lot of exciting new releases upcoming and Country Music Alive has the links to pre-ordering for you on the website. Support the website and order your CDs from the links provided. It truly makes a difference.
Just some of the highlights include Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Kellie Pickler, and Toby Keith all have albums upcoming. There even more listed. I believe Country Music Alive has one of the most extensive lists out there.
Visit: http://www.countrymusicalive.com/albums/releases.php
Amazon.com offers Amazon Prime free trial memberships. It offers free 2 day shipping on any order. $3.99 for overight shipping. You can also share the benefit with upto 4 other household members. Try out Amazon Prime today for a month free trial as you ordering. So, try the trial and order your CD and then cancel if you don't wish to keep it, and that makes shipping free. Cick here
Now, if you spend over $25, you get standard shipping free on most items at Amazon.com
Chuck Wicks At Wal-Mart in Jonesboro, AR and Manchester, NH
Fan of Chuck Wicks? If you live close to or in Jonesboro, AR or Manchester, NH you can have that chance. He will be on hand to sign autographs and meet his fans at Wal-Mart on the following dates:
September 15
Wal-Mart
1815 E. Highland Dr.
Jonesboro, AR
Time: 12:00pm
September 25
Wal-Mart
300 Keller St.
Manchester, NH
Time: 12:00pm
You can also enter to win a personal phone call from Wicks along with an autographed CD by calling a phone number and singing his newest single "All I Ever Wanted" through September 30. He currently is on tour with Brad Paisley and Jewel through mid-October. You can Also check out his debut album that includes the new single and his hit "Stealing Cinderella."
Study Says Country Fans Are Outgoing and Hardworking
A very interesting study is taking place at
Through 36,500 responses from around the world, Professor Adrian North has been looking at this link Most of his findings thus far are not so much surprising, rather, supplies documentation. An with this type study, it takes the issue from being a stereotype to fact.
Classical music listeners seem to be creative, at ease, have high self esteem, but not very outgoing. Rap fans are outgoing and have high self esteem. Rock and Roll fans are not very gentle, but at ease, high self esteem, are creative, hardworking, and not very outgoing.
Country music fans the study shows as hardworking and outgoing. The traits lead to having characteristics like arousing, celebratory, and stimulating. That really sums the country music fan up really well.
Have you ever been to The CMA Music Festival and stood in line for an artist autograph and talked to the people around you and maybe even made a friend? Have you been to a concert and talked to the people around you between set changes? How about talking to a friend or something about an artist and someone else joins the conversation? Country music fans are very outgoing, and friendly as well I believe. Hardworking is also very true. If you are reading this, you are probably a country fan. Think about your own life. What kind of hours do you keep at work? On top of that, what else do you do in daily life.. hobbies? traveling? family? outings with friend? concerts? We live very busy lives that I believe equate to hard work. But, work as in the sense of jobs... country music fans are indeed hardworking. The fans of the music are the blue collar workers, the service jobs, medical field such as nursing, military, and jobs that keep odd hours and hard work when we are. At concerts or any event where country music fans are apart of, we love having a lot going on to keep us being stimulated, and when proper, celebratory. We get excited about our music taste and truly love it. Don't you agree?
Now, of course, the study doesn't mean only these certain types of people listen to a certain style of music.Country music listeners are of all types of personalities, lifestyles, and charaestics. However, as a whole, I really do agree with the findings thus far.
What do we learn from this study? Well, like I said, it confirms alot of what people thought of traits of certain music tastes. With information of this nature, the record labels can you use it marketing decisions, the same with advertisers. They have more information to use to target their audience. Now country music may not really need this information, I think the advertisers really understand the country music audience very well, but certainly may help in other styles of music. In fact, an upcoming blog will be dealing with product endorsements of country music artists that deal with just this type of topic.
This particular portion of the study appears to be over, however, the website does have what appears to be a related questionnaire on the study website now. If you would like to take the quick survey, visit http://www.peopleintomusic.com/
To read more detail, including a small audio clip from the professor, and more personality traits of other styles of music visit:
Hee Haw Premieres Sunday, Country's Night To Rock Monday...
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Don't forget, this Sunday night at 8pm EST on RFD-TV will begin showing HeeHaw in the order in which the episodes were aired. This week, special guests include Loretta Lynn and Charlie Pride. Check with your local cable or satellite company for channel.
And then on Monday, at 9pm on ABC check out Country's Night To Rock: The CMA Music Festival Special. The show airs from 9-11 and will be hosted by Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler and Julianne Hough and will include many performances and apperances of some of the hottest country music stars. It will be a great insight to the CMA Music Festival from this past June and I expect even some behind the scenes type segments as well for those that attended to see something a little special for them. If you haven't seen it, below is the commerical for the show.
The 42nd Annual CMA Awards Preview Posted
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Its getting close to that time of year... The CMA Awards. AS in past years, Country Music Alive will be providing extensive coverage of the show on the blog and a special website.
The website is up and running. You can visit the site for lots of information on the Awards, and even more as we get closer. The site will be updated as information is released on items such as performers, presenters, the nominees, and after the show the full list of the name of the songs performed and of course the winners. The site will also feature many links to downloads and album information so you be sure you have all the CMA nominated and winning songs in your collection.
There is also information on purchasing tickets to the actual show.
You can also e-mail and request to be notified when updates are made to the website.
Upcoming updates will include the nominee announcement which is scheduled for September 10, 2008. Not far away... in fact Wednesday! November 12, 2008 is the show. The official website of the CMA Awards has not been updated quiet yet, but you can visit it at http://www.cmaawards.com
Jerry Reed 1937-2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Jerry Reed Hubbard died from emphysema and was in hospice care. Reed was a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and actor. He was 71.
Most of us will remember him for two things. First, the classic movie "Smokey and the Bandit" in which he was Cletus Snow... radio handle "Snowman." He also performed the theme song "East Bound and Down." He also was awarded a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1972 for "When You're Hot, You're Hot."
Jerry Reed was more than just that however. His first career charting song, "Guitar Man," was covered by Elvis Presley. Reed and Chet Atkins performed on 2 albums together, and made numerous appreances on "Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour."
"Redneck in a Rock & Roll Bar," "The Bird," "East Bound and Down" went to #2, "She Got the Goldmine (I Got The Shaft",) and "Lord, Mr Ford" both went to #1.
He acted in several movies as well. "Waterboy"and all 3 "Smokey and the Bandit" movies are a few.
Its a truly sad day for country music. We all miss his humor and talent. All the truckers show give a pull on the air horn for the Snowman....
Above, you will mind a small Amazon player where you can listen to clips of his music. Above that, additional links to clips and ordering information. For more information read this excellent article posted on the Tennessean website.
