Dolly Parton Postpones Tour

Monday, February 11, 2008

"But hey, you try wagging these puppies around a while and see if you don't have
back problems. Seriously though, the doctors said I will be good as new in a few
weeks, and I can't wait to get back out there. See you soon, Dolly."
-Dolly Parton 2/11/2008 from her website

Well now, that's certainly a way to say it. It could go down as the country music quote of the year. It certainly got a chuckle out of me.

Her upcoming tour will have to postposed until late April or early May due to a back condition. It will take a bit of time to get the dates re-scheduled I'm sure.

Gladly, her new album "Backwoods Barbie" is on schedule for release on February 26, 2008. I have a feeling it will be very good as she returns to a country album, rather than a bluegrass album like she has delivered in the past years. Just have to wait for now and find out, but if the first single "Better Get To Livin" is any indication, we are in for a treat.

Grammy Winners: Country Music Related

**above you will find links to purchase most of the below listed winners through Amazon, DRM-free downloads range from $.089-$.099. You can also order the album that appears. One exception is The Eagles, which is only available at Wal-Mart.**

The 50th Annual Grammy Award winners of country music interest are as follows:

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Rounder Records

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
Before He Cheats
Carrie Underwood
Track from: Some Hearts
[19 Recordings/Arista Nashville]

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Stupid Boy
Keith Urban
Track from: Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing
[Capitol Records Nashville]

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
How Long
Eagles
[Eagles Recording Co. II]

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals
Lost Highway
Willie Nelson & Ray Price
Track from: Last Of The Breed
[Lost Highway Records]

Best Country Instrumental Performance
Throttleneck
Brad Paisley
Track from: 5th Gear
[Arista Nashville]

Best Country Song
Before He Cheats
Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
Track from: Some Hearts
[19 Recordings/Arista Nashville; Publishers: Big Loud Shirt Industries, Mighty Underdog Music/Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing]

Best Country Album
These Days
Vince Gill
[MCA Nashville]

Best Bluegrass Album
The Bluegrass Diaries
Jim Lauderdale
[Yep Roc Records]

Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album
Salt Of The Earth
Ricky Skaggs & The Whites
[Skaggs Family Records]

Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album
Washington Square Serenade
Steve Earle
[New West Records]

Best Short Form Music Video
God's Gonna Cut You Down
Johnny Cash
Tony Kaye, video director; Rachel Curl, video producer
[American Records/Lost Highway Records]

NASCAR and Country Music

Sunday, February 10, 2008

SI.com - Writers - Bruce Martin: Throwback approach won't save NASCAR - Tuesday February 5, 2008 4:08PM

The above link to an Sports Illustrated article is very interesting, especially with its relationship with country music in the beginning of the article. It talks about generally that NASCAR's ratings are down and sales are down at some tracks. One of the fixes that is being tried by NASCAR is bringing back country music and the article mentions year's past where the drivers were so much more accessible to the race fans.

I can remember myself in years past, during race weekend here in Richmond, you had to schedule out what lines you were going to get in to me drivers. They were everywhere in the days leading up to race day. Now, there may be one or two around. This is something country music artists haven't lost. You go to a newer country music artist's show and there is a good chance you can meet them. The more established artists, it may require a fan club membership or something of that nature, but there is a pretty good chance if you do your homework in advance, you can meet those artists, for the most part anyway. This is one idea NASCAR should take a look at.

The writer is right in that just changing the music isn't going to help. However, country music is at the core of the fans of NASCAR and always has been. The people responsible for opening concerts, National Anthem performers, and other marketing ideas should embrace country music to communicate with the fans. I really do think that would help so much. Now, its not the only thing that needs to be in place to help sales and viewers. Things such as competition level, other sponsors, marketing, ticket prices, and everything else that goes into making any product sell. NASCAR should though take note at the country music industry in the way it treats fans and get NASCAR back to being about the fans, rather than feeling like a corporate business. I know, NASCAR is a big business, but it doesn't have to "feel" that way. Get back to the grassroots.

The country music industry should take note of this, and remember to never let the grassroots and the relationship the artists have with fans never go away.

Reminder: Grammy Awards Sunday

Saturday, February 09, 2008

The 50th Annual Grammy Awards will be presented tomorrow, Sunday February 10, 2008 at 8pm EST. The show will be televised live on CBS. XM Radio will carry the Pre-Television ceremony beginning at 4pm EST on XM 2.

I am not sure how many of the country nominations will make it on to the live telecast; however, I will publish the country music related winners on Monday.

Country music is being represented on the show by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood performing. Presenting you will see Dierks Bentley, Taylor Swift, Bonnie Raitt and Lyle Lovett.

The Grammy Awards are the most important music awards of the year, I believe. This is a time that all styles of music come together for one night to honor and showcase to the world the accomplishments of music in the past year. A Grammy nomination in itself is big enough for an artist. Winning one is aout the biggest accomplishment for an artist.

There 110 categories in 31 different fields of musical expression from classical, to pop, to country, to rap, to comedy, and yes, even Polka.

The list of country nominations were blogged back in December if you wish to look at them or visit www.grammy.com for the entire list, but I guess I should make a few predictions.

Honestly, don't be suprised to see Taylor Swift win Best New Artist overall. Best Female Country Vocal Performance issuch a tight category, however, I believe Carrie Underwood will win. Male Country Vocal Performance will go to Keith Urban. Duo/Group Vocal Performance to Emerson Drive. Country Collaboration with Vocals to Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson. Country Instrumental to Brad Paisley. Country Song to Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," and Country Album to Vince Gill for "These Days." Bluegrass Album will go to Cherryholmes.

There you go, my predictions written down so tomorrow I can't say I scored a 100%.

I am sure with all the talent scheduled to perform and the presenters, tomorrow night will be special and will have its place in history, just like the other 49 Grammy events. If you are a music fan, you best take the time to enjoy Grammy Night.

Country Music Hall of Fame To Announce Inductees Feb. 12

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Goodness, the 2008 inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame are being announced mighty early. Years ago, it was during Fan Fair usually, 2002-2007 were announced in late August, and 2001 they were announced in July (12 inductees that year.)

This year's nominations according to cmt.com will be announced February 12, 2008.

Why so early? I kinda enjoyed the anticipation through out the year of who may be inducted. The "official" induction does occur until the medallion ceremony in October. I'm sure next Tuesday it will make sense, maybe.

From reading the procedures for election of inductees, this year we should have three inductees. One will be “Career Achieved National Prominence Prior to World War II. One will be “Career Achieved National Prominence Between World War II and 1975.” One will be “Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present.” All three should be performers.

2005's categories are the same as this year, the induction procedures rotate every three years. That year Alabama, Glen Campbell, and Deford Bailey were inducted.

Its near impossible to predict who will be inducted. Every year is a surprise. In August of 2007, you will find a blog entry talking about a reader's poll from the Tennessean.com that listed 10 artists that have been overlooked. That list is still true today. I found a quote from Vince Gill in 2006 that mentioned Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Randy Travis as possible inductees for that year. Very interesting in that Strait went in the next year and he did last year.

Tuesday we will know...

Brad Paisley: Instrumental Album

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Yes, you read the title line correctly, the next project from Brad Paisley will be an instrumental album. No date for its release yet, but will be sometime this year it seems.

The Tennessean Article

The quick article has Paisley commenting on that he went to Joe Galante (Sony BMG Nashville's chairman) and talked about the idea, and was given the go ahead.

Paisley is one of the artists I mention when people ask what artists are my favorite, after I explain to them that is next to impossible for me to answer. Paisley is a true musical artist. He is one of the elite artists these days that understand the spirit of country music and honors the tradition. If you see him live or listen carefully to his albums, you notice three things. Lyrically strong songs, humor and love songs (sometimes combined,) and instrumentation. Paisley now has six albums (including one Christmas album) out that each showcase the first two signatures of his artistic expression, and now it sounds like the next album he will be given the chance to showcase the third in a way that isn't overlooked by the listener that gets the album just for the hit singles. Each of his albums have at least one instrumental on it, so why not a whole album?

One thing the article did say coming from Brad that he mention that it probably won't sell. I don't believe that.

The upcoming album, I believe will be full of energy and somehow he will work some humor into the instrumentals. I also expect some guest players that will be some of country's best of the best. The fans will buy this album, no doubt. We look for something a little different than the normal, and this is downright exciting for the country music community to anticipate.

I think the fans would be very happy to hear an album that songs in the likeness of "Nervous Breakdown," "Munster Red," "Spaghetti Western Swing," "Time Warp," "Jingle Bells," and "Throttleneck."

I can't really remember the last instrumental country album that has come out. So, yes it will be a bit of an experiment to see what happens, and I will be watching closely. If it does sell well, which I believe it will, another topic that comes up is what other artists could even have the ability to do this type of album. Not many, thats for sure...

Maybe the next album could be a gospel album... now, thats a good thought for sure.

Country 2nd: "Content Analysis of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs in Popular Music"

Monday, February 04, 2008

I located a study that was published in the current issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine journal titled the "Content Analysis of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs in Popular Music."

You can read the article here:
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/162/2/169

Their research used 279 songs from the 2005 year end Billboard charts from the Pop, Hot 100, Hot Country, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop, Hot Rap, Mainstream Rock, and Modern Rock charts. They analyzed these songs for tobacco, alcohol, and drug usage.

Their results found, basically this. 41% of the songs referenced the substances in total. Rap had the highest percentage of references at 90%. Country followed with 41%.

Now, this study only researched the references, nothing about it studied what the impact was on teens and children. So, before everyone out there starts to say how bad country music is for our younger generation, they really should take a look at that impact. I have a feeling the references cited in rap music were much more violent and gain negative influence on our children.

For example, the study talks about Joe Nichols' hit "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" which is a humorous style party song. I expect Brad Paisley's "Alcohol" was a part of the study too, again same thing. Compared to the lyrics in the rap music I saw in the report, that I can't type here, country music's references, though reference the substances, are in much less violent manner.

I believe that the listener's of country music understand the impact on their children much greater and steer those children in the right direction of understanding the affects of the substances. It would be very interesting to see a report of this type done using this information and compare the impact on those children's thoughts and actions.

Experience a Willie Nelson Album: Moment of Forever

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Willie Nelson's latest album hits stores today titled "Moment of Forever." I don't there is any other artist in country music that is so interesting to listen to, and must say enjoyable. His recordings are deeply inset in country with so many different influences. Traditional to the core country, reggae, blues, jazz, you name it, Nelson's musical communication will be influenced by it. His musical communication doesn't just come in vocal presentation but rather in the form of songwriting as well. The new album includes 1 co-write and 2 writing credits of the 13.

I was wondering how many albums has Willie Nelson recorded in his lifetime. I'm not real sure if there is a solid count out there. I counted just over 90 albums off of allmusic.com that he has recorded, not including the compilation albums that have been released. BMI has 340 entries for songwriting credits for him.

The topics change (somewhat,) the quality of recordings have greatly improved through the years, but there is always a constant from the very first album Nelson recorded to the newest released today...the overwhelming talent that Nelson has for song selection. A master of music, beyond conception.

"Moments of Forever" continues Nelson's truly awesome dedication to country music. Continuing to be sure the highest level of excellence is achieved through song selection. A good song writer plays into the equation for him very highly, I'm sure. Just on this album, a quick glance I see producer Buddy Cannon, Guy Clark, Gary Nicholson, Lee Roy Parnell, Big Kenny, and Randy Newman. Also, Kris Kristofferson's "Moment of Forever," Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Dave Mathews' "Gravedigger."

The co-producer and duet partner on this album may surprise you a little, but, if you know Nelson's music just a little, nothing would surprise you. Kenny Chesney. The single is well, perfection. "Worry B Gone," well I'm sure just with a little knowledge of Nelson you may be able to figure out the topic at hand.

If you haven't ever experienced a Willie Nelson album, I don't mean just a song or two or a greatest hits collection, but a true album, I hope that you give yourself that gift. You will laugh, you will start to think deeply and maybe cry, but after the experience of a Willie Nelson album like this newest one, you will have the highest appreciation for the artistic work of Willie Nelson.

John Rich To Release Solo Album

Sunday, January 27, 2008

“If anyone knows me, they know I’m always writing music,” said Rich. “When
we decided to take this year off so Kenny could focus on rehabilitation for a
pre-existing injury, I asked Kenny if he was cool with me recording a solo
project. I would only do this with Kenny’s blessing. So, this year you can
expect a solo record from me, but Big & Rich will be back in 2009!"

If you have followed my writings through the years, you probably have a good feeling I'm not the biggest fan of Big & Rich as a group. Not because the duo isn't talented, but rather just not a fan of the music mafia sound. I am more of a new traditionalist and traditional country music.

However, a new solo project from John Rich excites me. Rich is an amazing songwriter and artist. He has won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He is the only artist to receive the award three years consecutively. That's saying a lot.

Warner Brothers is only saying it will be released sometime this year, hopefully the wait won't be too long. Of course, I will keep you updated.

Rhonda Vincent "Good Thing Going"

Friday, January 25, 2008

Rhonda Vincent
“Good Thing Going”
Rounder Records
Release Date: January 8, 2008

**note: visit the amazon.com link above to listen to clips, buy in album or MP3 format, and to watch a very nice video about the making of the album**

Country music fans and I mean real country music fans have to really dig hard to find what they are looking to hear these days. Honestly, with the exception of a few artists, traditional country music is endangered. However, we are in luck looking in other sister-styles of music such as contemporary bluegrass. To get that sound, that is where I turn, and Rhonda Vincent’s newest release “Good Thing Going” is a great example.

Vincent’s lengthy career has showcased her talented vocals and furthermore the detailed attention given to the highest quality of instrumentation in each musical project she displays her name on. “Good Thing Going” is a continued example of this signature trademark of Vincent. From the first note to the very last, there is no doubt of the artist you are enjoying.

The album begins with a very nice instrument-filled tune called “I’m Leavin” that showcases Vincent’s wonderful bluegrass vocals and has you yearning to even more. Trust me, there is much more on this album that continues that urge, like the title track that is upmost entertaining to listen to.

What really sparked my interest in this project is reading the album notes and how so closely Vincent’s bluegrass style of music compliments country music’s emphasis on real-to-life lyrical strength. Each song has its own story and background to it. Writing is so very important, and this album highlights this importance very nicely.

Oh yes, I must mention that Vincent does get a Martha White song into the album, just have to love it.

This album does have a few surprises.

III Tyme Out’s Russell Moore lends his vocal talent to “I Give All My Love To You” which is a beautiful song written wedding day song, co-written by Vincent, Herb Sandker, and Tensel Sandker, that was written for Vincent’s fan club president and webmaster. The only word comes to mind is beautiful, in lyricals, vocals, and instrumentation. Jesse McReynolds lends his mandolin expertise to the Jim & Jesse tune “Just One of a Kind,” and Keith Urban lends his vocals on the Irish traditional song “The Water is Wide.”

This indeed is a musical masterpiece for all fans of music, just another accolade of Vincent’s incredible talent that, in certain musical discussions may be overlooked. Vincent certainly has a “Good Thing Going” and I am assured that it will continue.

Overall Grade: A+

For more information on Rhonda Vincent, visit http://www.nemr.net/~rhondav/

Blog Update

My apologies to all my readers for the delay in posting. First a bit of writer's block set in and then when I was ready to write, my computer decided to get sick with a nasty virus. I wish to thank the developer of the program called ComboFix for a program that was a true lifesaver.

And now, back to the blog....

Slow January...

Thursday, January 17, 2008

January is such a slow month. Really can't find anything interesting to write about. Goodness, I mean there a few news things like Faith Hill is recovering knee surgery, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman are expecting and they squashed the rumors they were moving away from Nashville, found a brief interview from Joe Nichols, but nothing in it really worth talking about. Oh yes, and Taylor Swift still sits at #1 on the album and singles chart.

I'm sure I will do some more digging and find somethings to post, no doubt it never gets dull reading the news from the country music world.

So, whats on your mind in the country music industry? What a great time to post over on the message board or something... visit the main website countrymusicalive.com and get something started.

Until tomorrow

Jim McGuire Photography at Art Museum of Western Virginia

Monday, January 14, 2008

Wow, boy do I need to get to Roanoke, VA before March 23. Starting the 18th of this month, The Art Museum of Western Virginia will be having a photo display from Jim McGuire. His photographic work is amazing, to say the least. Any well done black and white photos you've seen lately of artists were probably photographed by McGuire. Some of the most enjoyed album covers have also been photographed by him. He is one of those artists that is finally getting his name known to the general country music listener...

I hope you will take a few moments at very least scroll through his work on his website..
http://www.nashvilleportraits.com/

Take a special look at all the covers and his Nashville Portrait section... A really enjoyable virtual visit.

Randy Owen's New Single

Friday, January 11, 2008

As a follow-up to yesterday's blog entry, I found a story on Randy Owen. We know how much support he has given to St. Jude Children's Hospital through the years, and continues to be extremely involved.

Here is another example.

“Braid My Hair” will be Randy Owens' debut solo single, and will be released on January 21st. 100% of all proceeds from the publishing proceeds will go to St. Jude's.

Learn more about the single on www.randyowen.com

Alabama "The Last Stand"

Thursday, January 10, 2008

In 2003, Alabama was on tour for the final time as a group. After all the great years of touring. I hope each of you had the chance to see them live, especially on their final farewell to America. I sure did, it was the show in Northern Virginia at the Nissan Pavilion. A buddy of mine share stories about that show still today, even though it was only a few years ago.

On the way home from the enjoyable evening, I told him to not be surprised that the live show became a CD one day. It took a bit of time, but now, "The Last Stand" is available exclusively from The Cracker Barrel.

If you didn't get to see the tour, this album is a great way to get at least a small glimpse into what it had to offer. 12 live tracks focus on some of the greatest songs Alabama ever recorded, with that special live sound. Some have longer introductions and endings, a few songs make mention of the city they were in at the time (Cleveland, OH and Tupelo, MS,) and some sound a bit more acoustic than original recordings. This live album is much more polished and just rings something more special to it than Alabama's previous live album in the 90's.

This collection is a must for any country music fan. Alabama last tour is now on CD for those of that were in the audience for the tour and for those that weren't to experience it.

This CD is available exclusively from The Cracker Barrel, in the restaurants or online.

Track List:
Here We Are
Old Flame
High Cotton
If You're Gonna Play In Texas
The Cheap Seats
Pass It On Down
The Closer You Get
Give Me One More Shot
Feels So Right
Jukebox In My Mind
Forty Hour Week
The Fans

Ken Nelson Dies...

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Unfortunately, the death of Ken Nelson won't make many news sites and probably just a few country music news sites. Hall of Fame Member since 2001, Nelson was the backbone to the Bakersfield sound of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, Ferlin Husky, Jean Shepard, Tommy Collins, Wanda Jackson, Wynn Stewart, Hank Thompson, The Louvin Brothers, and Jerry Reed that he produced.

Nelson retired in 1976, but the music he produced to this day continues to influence the artists of today. The West Coast Country Music and the Bakersfield sound is such an important part of country music and his influence of production of such sound will ever continue.

Nelson also served twice as the President of the CMA.

Though I have not read it, he did write a autobiography that was released in March of 2007 that I am now wanting to read it to learn even more about this icon. It is certainly on my list of reads in his memory...

How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites From The Grand Ole Opry

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Now this sounds like a great country music television special and album...

In conjunction with the album release of "How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites From The Grand Ole Opry," GAC will air a special television special on February 9, 2008. Scheduled to appear include Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels Band, Sara Evans, Loretta Lynn and Ronnie Milsap. Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites will be apart of the airing in pre-taped performances.

The special will be taped at the Grand Ole Opry House on January 20 and tickets are on sale now for $15. The proceeds go to the Opry Trust Fund. If you buy tickets for Opry shows in January or February, you can pickup this ticket for $5. Not bad deal at all.

The CD How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites Live From The Grand Ole Opry will be released on February 5, 2008 on RCA Records.

1. I'll Fly Away - Charlie Daniels Band/Mac Powell

2. Blessed Assurance - Alan Jackson

3. Precious Memories - Patty Loveless

4. Precious Lord, Take My Hand - Ronnie Milsap

5. Family Bible - Ricky Skaggs/The Whites

6. Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Sara Evans

7. The Old Rugged Cross - Brad Paisley

8. Wayfaring Stranger - Trace Adkins

9. Where No One Stands Alone - Loretta Lynn

10. Give Me Jesus - Vince Gill

11. A House Of Gold - Dierks Bentley

12. How Great Thou Art - Carrie Underwood

Now, this is an album to get excited about, I can't wait to hear this one. Something special comes about from gospel recordings from country music artists. I believe it has a lot to do with believing in what they are singing.

Website Changes Coming!

Saturday, January 05, 2008

It won't be a quick process, but hopefully in the next month or so, Country Music Alive is planning some new exciting features to the website. Though many of you read this blog, Country Music Alive is much bigger than just these posts.

Country Music Alive is a full featured website offering lots of information such as album reviews, new release dates, and other special features. I also provide some special articles and other fun features on the site. The site does have a few problems right now, that I am in the process of fixing, the menu doesn't work. I will be working on that this week.

The new Fan Assistance Program is something very special on the website. If you are new to country music or want to learn even more, visit this link: http://countrymusicalive.com/newfan/cover.html
You will learn about this special service that will help you learn so much about country music, on a personal level.

Coming in the next few months, I will start a podcast. I am also planning to give re-birth to a newsletter. I need you help! E-mail me at ideas@countrymusicalive.com with your suggestions on what you would like to see included in a weekly podcast and a monthly downloadable pdf style newsletter. Let me hear from you! I am excited about these projects. It may take a little time to get it up and running, but I really want to bring these features to you.

Media Outlook Not Right on Music Sales

Friday, January 04, 2008

I've read now for a few days that album sales were down in 2007, making it sound like the music industry took a hard financial hit in the year. They aren't telling the full story. No longer are album sales the only form for sales in the music industry. Albums, digital single downloads, digital album downloads, dgital video downloads, ringtones... ok you get the point.

With a little research through a few news articles, here is the real deal.

2007 was an awesome year for music, with total sales up 14%, a 1.35 billion dollar industry. The album numbers did fall drastically, but thats due to the other sales of digital formats going up.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/04/business/media/04music.html?ref=business
The headline on the article January 4, 2008 New York Times reads: "U.S. Album Sales Fell 9.5%"... the article should read: Music "Sales Up 14%, Albums down 9.5%"

Country Music's Best 2007 and Predictions

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Highest impacting female of the year really is a tie. I thought about which of the two females had something above the other. I couldn't come up with it, so Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift I believe were the best of 2007. Both females really have had such a great impact on country music in the past year. Rodney Atkins by far is my pick of the best of 2007 male artists. The past year of groups really haven't excited me, however Sugarland probably has the highest impact.

In the upcoming year, I believe that CD sales were been even lower than ever, worse than this year and Internet piracy will yet again be a hot topic. There is also the XM and Sirius merger that seems to be pretty much going to be approved. This may be the biggest news story to follow in the upcoming year with how they will be even more of an impact in music.

Country music specifically I predict even more surprises from Garth Brooks. I believe this year was just a preview of whats to come, even considering his comments throughout the year. Will this be the final year or at least some indication of George Strait retiring? It just may be the year.

I also believe that this year upcoming is going to be a big one for country music as a whole. Someone, somehow is gong to make such a splash that it will be bringing country music to the forefront of some music listeners that haven't listened to country music before.

In the upcoming year, I also think it just may be the year the country radio will be in all the radio markets, the rumors have been heard, and New York City get ready for country.

Some of my wishes for the new year are that the major labels take note of what the small independent labels are doing. Let the artists have the freedom to make their music the way they know their listeners are wanting, rather what the label thinks will sell or be marketable, I bet it will make more money. Also, I hope and wish for a way that the artwork and full package of a CD can be integrated with digital downloads. I'm not talking about just adding videos or something. I hope to see a downloadable album package; all the songs on an album, artwork, lyrics, artist comments, and most of all the credits to be sure everyone that makes the CD gets their name mentioned in the creation process.

We are into 2008, lets make it a great year for country music.