In the News

Dateline: November 19, 2008



TAYLOR SWIFT’S FEARLESS MAKES HISTORY WITH #1 DEBUT ON BILLBOARD’S TOP 200 ALL – GENRE ALBUM SALES CHART

SHATTERS ALL-GENRE RECORD FOR MOST TOP 20 DEBUTS IN A CALENDAR YEAR

SWIFT HAS BIGGEST DIGITAL COUNTRY ALBUM DEBUT IN SOUNDSCAN HISTORY

MYSPACE MUSIC PLAYS TOP 120 MILLION

Singer/songwriter Taylor Swift has solidified her position as one of the most important artists to emerge on the popular music scene this decade as her sophomore album, Fearless, debuted this morning in the #1 slot atop Billboard’s Top 200 Albums Chart, with sales of 592,304 copies in its first week in stores. This is the largest opening U.S. sales week in 2008 by a female artist in all genres of music, and the fourth biggest overall, behind Lil Wayne, AC/DC and Coldplay.

With 129,046 copies sold digitally, Fearless is the biggest country digital album debut in the history of Nielsen’s Soundscan, and the 4th biggest digital album debut to date, behind only Coldplay, Jack Johnson, and Kanye West.

Taylor, who writes all of her own material and co-produced her album, has the highest country sales debut of 2008 -- the only other country artists this year to debut at #1 on the Top 200 chart were Alan Jackson, George Strait and Kenny Chesney. Fearless is the highest sales debut for a female country artist since Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks’ 2002 album releases.

“White Horse,” a track from Fearless that was featured on the season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy, will debut at #13 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 singles chart this week, giving Taylor her 6th Top 20 debut of 2008. This breaks the all-time Billlboard record for the number of Top 20 debuts in a calendar year by any artist. In addition, Taylor’s 6 debuts and 7 total tracks on tomorrow’s charts each tie her with Hannah Montana for the most by a female artist in a single week. Of the 13 tracks on Fearless, 11 have now spent time on the Hot 100.

Taylor reached another huge online milestone today, surpassing the 120 MILLION mark for music streams on MySpace, where she is consistently at the top of their highest ranking artists in all genres of music. Taylor has had more than 20 million MySpace streams in the past 10 days.

“Love Story,” the lead single from Fearless, is currently in its second week at #1 on both the Billboard and USA Today/Country Aircheck country radio charts, reaching a weekly radio audience of more than 40 million listeners. When Fearless was released last week, it secured the #1 slot at the top of iTunes all-genre Top Albums chart, with six songs placing in the mainstream Top 20. Taylor had 13 of the Top 15 songs on iTunes’ Top Country Songs chart, including the entire Top 10.

Fearless has already become Nashville’s most critically-acclaimed record this year, earning rave reviews from many of the nation’s top publications, including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Billboard, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Village Voice, Blender, People, Entertainment Weekly and The Associated Press.

Taylor released her self-titled debut CD in 2006, it has since been certified triple-platinum (with sales of more than 3.5 million copies), and is currently the best-selling country title of 2008. Taylor is the only female artist ever to have five consecutive Top 10 singles from a debut album on the Billboard country chart, and at the age of 17, she became the youngest person ever to single-handedly write and sing a number-one country single entirely on her own ("Our Song" spent 6 consecutive weeks at #1 atop Billboard's Country Singles Chart). She is the first female solo artist in country music history to write or co-write every song on a platinum-selling debut CD.

At last week’s 56th Annual BMI Country Awards, Taylor took home the prestigious Song of the Year award. “Teardrops On My Guitar” was honored for receiving more airplay in the past year than any other country song. “Teardrops” earned iTunes’ #1 Country Song of 2007 honors and it achieved RIAA Digital Platinum certification in early 2008. Taylor currently has 4 digital platinum singles, 2 digital gold singles and 1 mobile gold single.

Taylor was named this year’s Top New Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music, and won 2008 CMT Music Awards for Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year. She was named Choice Breakout Artist at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards, and was honored as the Superstar of Tomorrow at the 10th Annual Young Hollywood Awards, making her the first musician to ever receive this prestigious award. She received a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and a CMA nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year. In 2007 she was named Country Music's Hottest Female Artist by AOL Music and Best New Artist by the editors of iTunes. She won the 2007 CMA Horizon Award, as well as the Nashville Songwriters Association International's Songwriter / Artist of the Year. She is currently nominated for an American Music Award for Favorite Female Artist – Country, and for two People’s Choice Awards: Favorite Star Under 35 and Favorite Country Song (for “Love Story”).

Taylor’s album will be released worldwide early next year. She has toured with Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill and Brad Paisley, and is currently preparing for a 2009 headlining tour.

To hear music from Taylor Swift, log on to: www.taylorswift.com or www.myspace.com/taylorswift.


FAITH HILL BRINGS “JOY” TO NEW YORK IN SUPPORT OF FIRST CHRISTMAS ALBUM JOY TO THE WORLD

Faith Hill is set to hit New York City in support of her recently released Christmas album Joy to the World. The 11-song recording, released on Warner Bros. Records, was two years in the making, and features such classics as “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” and the album’s current single “A Baby Changes Everything.”

Faith’s first stop will be The Today Show on November 24th, where she will perform on the show’s “Concert Series.” Later that day, Faith will be making an appearance at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square to sign copies of her album at 12pm (EST).From there she’ll visit The View on November 25th, followed by an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, to air on November 28th. Faith will also tape two songs for the December 3rd Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center.

Joy to the World features The Nashville String Machine as well as the London-based choirs Metro Voices and The London Oratory School Boys Choir. Grammy Award winner David Campbell (Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Beyonce) provides a newly composed full orchestration for Joy, which gives such classics as “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “Winter Wonderland” a fresh, unique, and at times big band groove.

Joy To The World was co-produced by Dann Huff, Byron Gallimore and Faith. It was engineered by Allen Sides.

For more official Faith Hill news and information, exclusive video and blogs from Faith, go to www.faithhill.com.


Dateline: November 10, 2008

RICHARD MARX GOES A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY WITH NEW VINCE GILL DUET

Song Featured on New Marx Album Sundown Available Now on www.RichardMarx.com

Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer Richard Marx and 18-time CMA Award Winner Vince Gill have paired up to record The Beatles classic, “And I Love Her,” which is featured on Richard’s November release, Sundown. The longtime friends have previously worked together; Vince singing background vocals on Richard’s 1994 multi-platinum release Paid Vacation and Richard co-writing and producing “If You Ever Leave Me,” Vince’s 1999 duet with Barbra Streisand, and co-writing "Someday," a hit from Vince's Next Big Thing album in 2003. Sundown is now being offered exclusively on www.RichardMarx.com.

The album boasts the signature sound that has given Richard record sales of nearly 50 million worldwide. It includes original material written and performed by Richard. Along with “And I Love Her,” the album features a duet with Toni Braxton and contributions from Vertical Horizon frontman Matt Scannell and country singer Jessica Andrews.

“I've been buddies with Vince for years,” says Richard. “I remember seeing him perform at the Grammys in the early 90s. I was so blown away that I got his number and called him just to rave. We recorded “And I Love Her” the old fashioned way: live, in the same room, standing side by side. It was great fun to do.”

Echoing Richard’s words of praise and admiration, Vince says “"Richard is a very, very talented man. He's a gifted singer, gifted songwriter and gifted producer. Even more importantly, he has a wicked sense of humor. God knows I love to laugh. It was an honor to be asked to do this duet."

Richard Marx is a renowned singer, songwriter, and producer. In addition to selling tens of millions of records, he has written, co-written, and/or produced mega-hits for the likes of Barbra Streisand (“If You Ever Leave Me,”) Josh Groban (“To Where You Are,”) NSYNC (“This I Promise You,”) Natalie Cole (“Angel On My Shoulder,”) Kenny Rogers (“Crazy,”) and Keith Urban (“Better Life” and “Everybody.”) His 2004 collaboration with the late Luther Vandross resulted in “Dance With My Father,” a Grammy Award winner for Song of the Year. He has written thirty-seven top 30 chart hits, including an astounding thirteen #1s. Among those were his own hits as an artist, “Hold On To The Nights,” “Satisfied,” and the classic “Right Here Waiting.”

Vince Gill has sold more than 26 million albums and has earned 18 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1993 and 1994. He is tied with George Strait for having won the most CMA Male Vocalist Awards (five), and is currently second only to Brooks and Dunn for accumulating the most CMA Awards in history. Gill is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and has received 19 Grammy Awards to date, the most of any male Country artist.


Dateline: October 29, 2008


Photo Provided by: Loud Mouth Entertainment
Pictured L-R: Dial-Global's Linda Fuller and Tenacity Records' Mark Wills.

Music Row Cops--Mark Wills and Dial Global's Linda Fuller

Mark Wills recently stopped by to visit with Dial-Global's Senior Producer Linda Fuller to talk about his new radio single "The Things We Forget," as well as his new album, Familiar Stranger, due out in stores nationwide on 11/4. While interviewing both Fuller and Wills compared police badges--Wills is a reserved deputy just outside of Atlanta, GA and Fuller is a proud mother of an officer from Broward County Sheriff's Department. No donuts were harmed during the taping of this interview.


Dateline: October 28, 2008


Photo Provided by: John Russell / CMA

REESE WITHERSPOON WILL BE A PRESENTER AT "THE 42ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS"

Rodney Atkins and Kellie Pickler Will Perform

"Country Music's Biggest NightTM" continues to grow as Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon is the first presenter announced for "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards." Nominees Rodney Atkins and Kellie Pickler have been added as performers. "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network Previously announced performers include co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, along with Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and The Wailers, the Eagles, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.

"We are thrilled to have Reese return to the CMA Awards this year to honor the best in Country Music," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Among this year's most successful rising artists are Rodney and Kellie, and we are happy to have them perform on the Awards as well."

Witherspoon first appeared on the CMA Awards in 2005, when she co-presented an Award with Joaquin Phoenix, her co-star in the Johnny Cash bio picture, Walk the Line. The actress, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in that movie, has also starred in Legally Blonde, Rendition, and Sweet Home Alabama, among others. Witherspoon, who was raised outside Nashville, will appear next in Four Christmases, due in theaters on Nov. 26.
Atkins is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year. Earlier this year, Atkins joined Paisley on the "Bonfires and Amplifiers" tour, and more recently completed Brooks & Dunn's "Cowboy Town" tour. His album, If You're Going Through Hell, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and spawned four No. 1 singles. Atkins is currently working on a new album that will be released in 2009.

Pickler is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year. Her self-titled, second album recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. She is only the sixth Country artist to debut their first and second albums at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Albums Chart in the SoundScan era. Pickler's current single is "Don't You Know You're Beautiful."

Tickets for the 2008 CMA Awards are on sale now and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (615) 255-9600; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Bronze-level seating (upper level); $327.75 for Silver-level seating (club level); and $382.50 for Gold-level seating (lower level). All prices include sales tax but exclude applicable service/handling fees.

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2008 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay® is the Official Beauty Sponsor of the 2008 CMA Awards. Additional promotional partners include Borders®, Carl Black Chevrolet, Durango Boot®, and Tetley® Iced Tea.

REBA McENTIRE’S THREE-DISC BOX SET 50 GREATEST HITS ARRIVES IN STORES TODAY

COLLECTION FEATURES 46 OF HER 55 COUNTRY TOP 10s

Reba McEntire - 50 Greatest Hits , the first-ever box set from the artist renowned worldwide as “the Queen of Country Music,” arrives in stores today, October 28th, 2008.

Spanning her tenure with MCA Records, beginning in 1984, 50 Greatest Hits features 20 1 hits and 46 Top 10 singles. In her more than 20-year career, Reba has sold over 50 million records, won countless awards, sold out world-wide concert tours, dazzled Broadway critics with her lead role in Annie Get Your Gun, and starred in feature films and the long-running WB sitcom Reba. This collection is her ultimate retrospective, and follows her hugely successful Duets album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

Reba herself wrote the liner notes for the 3-disc collection, released on MCA Nashville/UMe. 50 Greatest Hits is chronologically arranged, opening with the #1s “How Blue” and “Somebody Should Leave” from 1984’s My Kind Of Country, and concluding with “Because Of You,” her recent #2-charting duet with Kelly Clarkson. The set features 46 of Reba’s 55 country Top 10s, including 20 of her 22 #1s.




Photo Provided by: 2008 Copyright Grand Ole Opry Photo By: Chris Hollo, Hollo Photographics, Inc.

Grand Ole Opry - Kerry Collins Presents Jimmy Dickens autographed football in recognition of 60th anniversary as Opry member

On the stage of the Grand Ole Opry this past Saturday night, Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins presented Little Jimmy Dickens with a football autographed by the team in recognition of Dickens’ 60th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Collins’ Opry visit was a good luck charm for the Titans, as after the team’s Monday Night Football win they are now 7-0. Dickens, meanwhile, celebrates his big 6-0 this Saturday night at the Opry with friends Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, George Jones and others during Opry Live on GAC, 8:00pm CT.


Shawna Russell Releases Video EPK for Latest Single “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels”

Video Includes Live Performance Clips, Interview Footage and Photos of Rising Oklahoma Star
Shawna Russell has released a video EPK for her latest Way Out West Records single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels.”

Shot on location at the Sellers Ranch, near Drumright, Oklahoma, the video includes live concert footage, behind-the-scenes interview clips and photos from Russell’s music career.

Set to a live recording of “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” Russell talks about some of the experiences that she has had during her professional career – from playing for tips and meals at a local cafe when she was 13 – to going on the road full-time when she was 17 performing at some of the top music clubs in America. She also discusses the making of her debut CD, GODDESS.

Russell’s “Wheels” is gaining strong momentum at radio and is currently climbing the Music Row, Texas Music, Texas Regional Radio, New Music Weekly and Roots Music Report charts.

To view the EPK, go to www.shawnarussell.com.


Dateline: October 27, 2008


Photo Provided by: Grand Ole Opry

CRAIG MORGAN INDUCTED AS NEWEST MEMBER OF GRAND OLE OPRY BY OPRY MEMBER JOHN CONLEE

BNA Records recording artist Craig Morgan became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight, inducted by Opry member John Conlee before an Opry House audience including family, friends, and fans.
Officially welcoming Morgan as an Opry member, Conlee said, “I had the great pleasure of being the Opry member to first bring him on this stage the first time he guested on the Grand Ole Opry, and what an honor that was. As we’ve become friends…it was plain to me that no one loves the Grand Ole Opry more than this young man right here. He loves it as much as he loves his country, and he’s proven that with his service to his country before.” Turning to Morgan, Conlee continued, “I’m proud to call you friend and I’m proud to call you ‘brother Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan’. Welcome to the family, sir.”
“Thank you so much,” Morgan replied. “I didn’t prepare a speech because I knew I would probably mess it up. I am extremely honored and grateful to the Grand Ole Opry. I am proud to be a part of it and I hope I can uphold its standards.”

Morgan made his Grand Ole Opry debut on April 21, 2000 and was invited to become an Opry member during a special concert for U.S. troops at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina on September 18. That evening was a homecoming of sorts for the singer, who was stationed at Ft. Bragg from 1990 to 1992 during his ten-year active duty tenure in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

“If you love country music, you have to love Craig Morgan,” said Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher. “Everything about Craig speaks quality, from the way he writes and sings his songs to the way he lives his life. The Grand Ole Opry is proud to welcome such a fine man to our esteemed membership roster.”

The induction aired live on Opry Live on GAC: Great American Country. The Opry Member Award presented to Morgan during the induction is a 14-inch bronze and oak wood replica of the Opry’s vintage microphone stand designed by renowned sculptor Bill Rains. Fans can visit Youtube.com/OpryLive to see the induction moment plus a live Opry performance of Morgan’s new single “Love Remembers.”

Morgan is a Nashville native who has built his tremendous popularity with massive radio airplay of his signature hits, including: “Love Remembers,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2005. He has performed on the Grand Ole Opry more than 130 times, and plays over 200 sold-out concerts a year. Morgan is signed to Sony Music Entertainment’s BNA Records, and released his fifth studio album, That’s Why, just this week. He spent ten years on active duty in the U.S. Army before launching his music career, and makes a point to perform as often as possible at U.S. military installations both in the U.S. and abroad. He was awarded the USO Merit Award in 2006 for his tireless support of U.S. soldiers and their families. He lives just outside of Nashville with his wife Karen and their four children.

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year, and the Tuesday Night Opry continues through Dec. 16. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or log on to www.opry.com.

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. A uniquely American experience for more than 80 years, the Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM, XM Satellite Radio, and opry.com. The syndicated weekly program, America’s Grand Ole Opry Weekend, airs on more than 200 country radio stations across the country and on the Armed Forces Radio Network, and Opry Live airs each weekend on GAC: Great American Country and CMT Canada. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels. For more information, visit opry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com



Photo Provided by: Capitol Records Nashville

TRACE ADKINS "X" (TEN) HITS THE STREETS ON NOVEMBER 25

Major Television, Print and Online Media Blitz Scheduled

TRACE ADKINS "X" (TEN), his tenth album for Capitol Records Nashville, will hit the market on November 25. This album marks the second time he has teamed up with producer Frank Rogers who also produced his last studio album Dangerous Man containing his multi-week #1 single "Ladies Love Country Boys," and his most recent multi-week #1 "You're Gonna Miss This" from American Man, Greatest Hits Vol II album.

"Muddy Water," the lead hit single from "X", is a soul-stirring ballad about the power of redemption. The accompanying music video now airing in heavy rotation on CMT and GAC cable networks, features his Celebrity Apprentice co-star and actor, Stephen Baldwin in the starring role. Although Baldwin has starred in dozens of big-screen films, "Muddy Water" marks the first music video for the award-winning actor.

In anticipation of the album, Adkins will also grace the pages of Billboard, Road King, Country Weekly, People, First Magazine, and the Associated Press to name a few. He will also be making numerous national television appearances, including a performance on the nationally televised (ABC) 2008 CMA Awards, a GAC special Trace Adkins: X (TEN) Days, chronicling his recent USO Trip to Iraq and Afghanistan, the 82nd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," "Bonnie Hunt," Fox News Channel's "O'Reilly Factor," Fox's "Talk Show With Spike Feresten," the new nationally syndicated talk show "The Doctors," Fox's "Morning Show with Mike and Juliet," TV Guide Network special, "Hottest Stars of Country Music," CNN and DIY Network's "Indoors Out," to name a few.

Trace Adkins "X" (TEN) will give fans anything and everything they have always loved about his music over the past 12 years, including the gospel-and bluegrass-sired song and his current hit single "Muddy Water." In addition, there are songs like "Sweet," which turns a common national expression into a tight and particularized country tune, and "I Can't Out Run You," a vocal tour de force about the weight of romantic obsession in which Adkins records a haunting country soul song, in 2008, Sinatra-style. These songs show how both sides of Adkins' music work with a great stylistic co-cooperation: "Hillbilly Rich" wouldn't be nearly as good without the rooted center of Adkins' steady, nuanced baritone, and "Sometimes a Man Takes a Drink" could be tradition merely without his ability to infuse heritage styles with modern tensions and vibes. And the album features as well a song like "Till The Last Shot's Fired," which looks at military history and personal sacrifice, and in which Adkins' vocal is augmented by the rare presence of the West Point Cadet Choir." An energetic tune built around a heavy guitar lick -- Adkins introduces the song as "a little funkabilly" -- called "Better Than I Thought It'd Be" and a thoughtful orchestrated ballad, "All I Ask For Anymore," round out the album.

What's clear now, though, is that a dozen years into his career, Trace Adkins is not just an undeniable country music force. With his larger-than-life personality, steely determination and proven ability to compete in other medias, he's a force that will continue to come.


BRAD PAISLEY RELEASES PLAY ON ELECTION DAY – NOVEMBER 4

Back-to-Back Weeks of TV Appearances Kick-Off with Good Morning America and The View

Reigning CMA Male Vocalist and two-time ACM Top Male Vocalist Brad Paisley will be releasing his new album, Play, on Tuesday, November 4 – Election Day. The guitar-based, mostly instrumental album contains 16 tracks, with 11 written or co-written by Paisley. Five of the songs include special guest vocal and musical collaborations with B.B. King, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner, Buck Owens and Andy Griffith in a never-before-released version of “Waitin’ on a Woman” featuring the vocals of Paisley and guest star Griffith, as they were heard in the song’s CMA Award nominated music video.

Paisley will be heading to New York City for appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America and The View on Tuesday, November 4, The Late Show with David Letterman on CBS on November 5, and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars on November 11 before he co-hosts the The 42nd Annual CMA Awards on ABC on November 12.

Paisley’s current single, “Start a Band,” a duet with Keith Urban, has reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart this week, just seven weeks after release.


Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records Releases Debut Album from Joey+Rory Tomorrow

The Life of a Song features the fast-moving single “Cheater Cheater”

Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records is set to release the debut album from traditional country duo Joey+Rory tomorrow. Produced by Carl Jackson, The Life of a Song features the acoustic sounds and smooth harmonies of the husband-and-wife act, who together wrote seven of the album’s ten tracks, including the lead single, “Cheater Cheater.” The song is currently #45* Aircheck/Mediabase and #41* R&R/BDS, and was featured as iTunes’ Single of the Week last week, where it was downloaded over 300,000 times.

In addition to strong and immediate reactions from country radio, Joey+Rory have enjoyed overwhelmingly positive early reviews from fans and press alike. Music Row’s Robert K. Oermann calls the pair “longtime favorites of mine,” relating how “Joey’s sensational, fiery country soprano takes the strong lead here while the track froths and churns beneath” on “Cheater Cheater.” Jon Bream of The Minneapolis Star-Tribune praises Joey+Rory’s ballads, calling “Sweet Emmylou” and their waltz rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” “delightfully old-school country in an Emmylou kind of way.” Online, Joey+Rory buzz continues to build, as Roughstock.com states “Quite simply, it’s one of the best albums that you are likely to hear, quite possibly the rest of this decade.” About.com declares “They will definitely find a devoted following as more people listen to their songs,” and the9513.com calls the single “a mature (well, ok, mature-themed), delightfully acoustic country barn-burner.”

Having attracted a devoted core fan following during their run on the CMT reality competition series Can You Duet in the spring of this year, Joey+Rory are now taking their story and their music to the masses as the new faces of Overstock.com. The couple is currently starring in the online retailer’s new national advertising campaign, “At Home with the O,” with projected impressions set at 1.8 billion. Shot at home in their 1870’s farmhouse and family restaurant, Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse, the spots reflect Joey+Rory’s down-to-earth authenticity, viewable here. Overstock.com has also just launched this behind-the-scenes look at the Joey+Rory campaign.

Joey continues to bake breads and pies for Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse, and will cater an intimate CD release party for friends, family and industry next week in Nashville. Joey+Rory will also be featured in upcoming issues of Performing Songwriter, Nashville Lifestyles, The Tennessean and on Words and Music, premiering November 8th.



Photo Provided by: Russ Harrington

DARIUS RUCKER TO PERFORM ON THE TONIGHT SHOW

Rucker continues media tour with upcoming appearances on The Tonight Show, Chelsea Lately, Daily 10, TV Guide, and CNN's Headline News

Continuing the momentum behind his #1 album debut, LEARN TO LIVE, and off the helm of his two-week #1 single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," Capitol Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker will appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on October 27, 2008.

"This will be the first time I've had the opportunity to perform "Don't Think" on a late night show," Rucker notes, "and I am thrilled to have this opportunity."

Rucker will also appear on Fox Sports Net and Comcast SportsNet's Best Damn Sports Show Period on October 29th (check local listings for show time) and E!'s Chelsea Lately on November 5th at 11:30 PM ET; CNN's Headline News, TV Guide, and E!'s Daily 10 will air later this week. Check local listings.

Rucker's follow-up single, "It Won't Be Like This For Long," is celebrating its debut on the charts--making Rucker one of the only artists to have a Top 10 and a Top 45 record currently charting.

Rucker will continue to make promotional appearances across the country on behalf of LEARN TO LIVE; in January, Rucker will open dates for artist Brad Paisley on The Paisley Party tour. For updated information on performances and appearances, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.



Photo Provided by: Big Machine Records

Adam Gregory Releases "What It Takes" to Radio

Big Machine/No Strings Attached/Midas Records recording artist Adam Gregory has released his second U.S. single, "What It Takes," to radio, garnering double digit adds in its first week.

Gregory follows up the success of his Top 30 summer anthem "Crazy Days" with a more mature ballad, an emotional delivery that finds the singer looking inward and wondering aloud "What It Takes" to meet the expectations of the song's protagonist.

Gregory co-wrote the song with much of the same group that delivered his first single: Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs and Joe Leathers. The addition of Greg Crowe rounded out the songwriting team. Keith Follese and Brad Allen co-produced the track, as well as the entire album, due out in early 2009.

"The idea for the song actually came about after a conversation my manager had on the telephone with his girlfriend at the time," says Gregory. "He turned to me after he hung up and said, 'Adam, I don't know what it takes to be her man,' and something just clicked right then and there. We knew we had something. I picked up the guitar and we started writing. We later finished the song in Fort Pierce, Florida with Lee, Kyle, Joe, and Greg."

Late last week, Gregory was in Nashville to shoot the video for "What It Takes." The video, which was directed by Roman White, will be released in the coming weeks.

The 23-year-old rising star will continue touring through the end of the year, combining a lengthy radio tour with appearances tied to his recent partnership with Cricket Communications, Inc. In addition to radio visits, Gregory will stop at Cricket stores in select cities across the country to meet fans, sign autographs and play live material from his forthcoming debut. He will also be making his third appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on October 28th.

Gregory concluded the summer with the digital release of more than 100 sports team remixes of "Crazy Days." Earlier this summer, he completed a realignment of his agreement with No Strings Attached and Midas Records to include a long-term promotion and distribution deal with Big Machine Records.

For more information, visit: www.adamgregory.com.


Dateline: October 25, 2008


Photo Provided by: Schmidt Relations

Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas Sign Copies of My Little Girl Book At Barnes & Noble in New York City

McGraw Tapes First Appearance on Rachael Ray

Prior to yesterday’s book signing at the Barnes & Noble on 5th Avenue in New York City, fans formed a line six hours early down several city blocks to get their chance to have Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas sign copies of their new children’s book My Little Girl.

One of the signing’s highlights was a young couple who had drove from Virginia earlier in the day for the chance to meet McGraw. When they made their way to the book table, the boyfriend proposed to his girlfriend by hiding a “will you marry me” note inside a book Tim was to sign. When McGraw opened the book to autograph it, he noticed the handwritten note on an index card and handed it to the young woman and said, “I believe this is for you.” …And she said yes.

Earlier in the day, about the time fans were beginning to gather for the in store, McGraw made his first appearance on the Rachael Ray Show. The show will air November 5.


Dateline: October 24, 2008


Photo Provided by: Island Def Jam

Fall Out Boy Takes Over The Radio Airwaves on October 31 to Set a Guinness World Record(R)

Fall Out Boy's FOLIE A DEUX out December 16, featuring the single "I Don't Care"

Multi-platinum Island Records band Fall Out Boy announced today that they are attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the Most Interviews on Radio in a 24 Hour Period by a Pair of Two. Pete Wentz and Patrick Vaughn Stump have teamed up to take over the radio airwaves to as many stations across the fifty states in a span of 24 hours. Their record quest will begin at 3:00am PST on October 31, at Premiere Studios in Los Angeles. The current Guinness World Record for the most radio interviews by a pair of two is currently 57 radio stations in 24 hours (completed in May 2008).

Fall Out Boy will release their third Island album, FOLIE A DEUX on December 16th. The first single is "I Don't Care" which is gearing up to be a hit at Modern Rock and Pop radio The video debuted on iTunes on September 25 and has been accepted across all music video channels including MTV and Fuse. In addition, Fall Out Boy will be MTV's 52/52 Choose or Lose Artist The Week of October 26-November 4, giving them the equivalent of over 11 hrs of on-air promotion that week on the channel. Fall Out Boy currently has seven songs, including "I Don't Care" on iTunes Top 100 Alternative Chart.

Fall Out Boy have built up a loyal following through relentless touring; they have performed over 1200 shows since their inception in 2000. The band's 2007 release Infinity On High debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and was the follow-up to From Under The Cork Tree, their Island debut of May 2005, which spent 72 weeks on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Hailing from Chicago, Fall Out Boy -- Patrick Stump (vocals/guitar), Pete Wentz (bass), Joe Trohman (guitar), and Andy Hurley (drums) -- have appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone, Spin, Blender, and Alternative Press and have performed on NBC's Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, CBS's The Late Show with David Letterman, ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, and more. They have won three MTV Video Music Awards and have received a Grammy nomination as well.


WORLD SERIES GAME 3 IS A HOMERUN FOR COUNTRY MUSIC

TAYLOR SWIFT AND TIM MCGRAW HAVE STRONG TIES TO HOME TEAM AND EACH OTHER

Two of country music’s brightest stars, Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift, will take the field Saturday night at Philadelphia’s Citizens’ Bank Park for Game 3 of the 2008 Major League Baseball World Series. Swift will sing the national anthem, McGraw will deliver the game ball.
Swift is a Pennsylvania native who sang her first National Anthem at the age of 10 for her hometown team, the Reading Phillies. She went on to perform the anthem for many other teams and events, including The Harlem Wizards, the Philadelphia 76ers, and even at the US Open, but on Saturday she returns home for the World Series, her first performance for the Phillies. Swift, who launched her music career at the age of 16 with a song called “Tim McGraw,” will stand on the field with her hero, Tim McGraw, who will deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound with a local member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the official charity of Major League Baseball.

McGraw, the son of the most popular sports legend of Philadelphia, will deliver the ball to honor his late father, Tug McGraw. The last pitch thrown in the last Phillies World Series was by Tug McGraw.

Swift and McGraw first met in May of 2007 at the Academy of Country Music Awards, when on live television, Swift stepped from the stage after her performance of her hit “Tim McGraw” to introduce herself to the song’s namesake. Later that year, McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill, invited Swift to join them as the opening act on their Soul2Soul tour.


Dateline: October 23, 2008


Photo Provided by: Danny Clinch

JESSICA ANDREWS SIGNS TO CAROLWOOD RECORDS

Debut single “Everything” delivers to country radio on November 4

After breaking the news of the creation of Lyric Street sister imprint Carolwood Records earlier this month, President Randy Goodman today revealed the new label's first signing and first radio single with platinum-selling artist Jessica Andrews, a tested 10-year veteran of the music business at the ripe old age of 24.

“We’re thrilled to have an artist of Jessica’s caliber and track record to help us launch Carolwood,” relates Goodman. “The music is great and everyone is excited about her debut single, ‘Everything.’ Our goal with Carolwood was to come out of the box and take our first single all the way and Jessica gives us that credibility and shot.”

Andrews first exploded on the country music scene at the age of 15 as her first single hit the charts and later made her mark on the music scene with her chart-topping single and album of the same name, Who I Am. In recent weeks Andrews has been hard at work in the studio with Rascal Flatts bassist Jay DeMarcus, who produced her debut Carolwood Records single, "Everything."
“I’m really excited to be a part of Carolwood Records and pumped to be the first artist and first new music they deliver to country radio,” says Andrews. “Over the last few years I’ve been focusing on writing and getting geared up with new music. Marcel wrote an amazing song in ‘Everything’ and working with Jay [DeMarcus] has been the icing on the cake. I’m just ready to get out there and share my new music.”

Jessica Andrews' debut Carolwood Records single "Everything" marks the singer/songwriter's first new music in over three years. The song will deliver to country radio on November 4 for immediate airplay.


To learn more about Jessica Andrews, log on to www.myspace.com/JessicaAndrews.

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


Dateline: October 22, 2008

LUKE BRYAN LANDS AN ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH LUCCHESE BOOTS

Luke Bryan lands an endorsement deal with Lucchese Boots.

“I have always been a fan of Lucchese boots so this is a great partnership for me,” says Luke Bryan. “It’s been a lot of fun getting to know the folks at Lucchese. They have been great from the very beginning. I really look forward to our partnership through this next year.”

Bryan’s current single “Country Man” has reached the Top 10 on the country singles charts. This follows his Top 5 smash “All My Friends Say.”

Luke Bryan has had a career-making 2008 with not only getting the endorsement from Lucchese Boots, but his #1 song he co-wrote with Rachel Thibodeau “Good Directions” for Billy Currington just won ASCAP’s Song of the Year. Also in 2008, Bryan received his first two major award nomination including the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year nomination and his first nomination from the Academy of Country Music for “Best New Male Artist.” The Georgia native was part of three major tours in 2008 of country music’s biggest artists - Kenny Chesney’s “Poets & Pirates” stadium dates, Trace Adkins’ “American Man” tour and Dierks Bentley’s “Throttle Wide Open” tour.

Since its beginnings, Lucchese has produced nothing but the finest boots the world has known. Lucchese Boots are still handmade in the USA the way they were made over a century ago. Our unique twisted cone comfort last, coupled with exceptionally superior leathers, “old world” traditional lemon wood hand pegging, and a century of experience offers you a product second to none. Lucchese Boot Company selects only the finest aniline-dyed hides and skins found worldwide. Luccheses century long tradition of craftsmanship and quality ensures the wearer the finest, unprecedented comfort and fit available.



Photo Provided by: Lyric Street Records

RASCAL FLATTS GREATEST HITS RELEASES ON OCTOBER 28

Early shipments include three limited edition Christmas standards

After spending more than twenty-five weeks at the top of the radio charts and selling more than 17 million albums, country music's favorite band, Rascal Flatts, will release its first ever greatest hits collection on Tuesday, October 28.

Greatest Hits Volume 1 gives fans a look back at thirteen of the band’s biggest hits and chronicles Rascal Flatts’s rise as the biggest selling country band of the decade. The project highlights the band's best songs that have made them the CMA, ACM, CMT and AMA reigning Group of the Year for several years running.

Early shipments of the band’s Greatest Hits Volume 1 will deliver an excellent value for the Rascal Flatts fan. It will come packaged in a foil embossed 2-disc package that contains not only thirteen singles but also three newly recorded Christmas songs as bonus tracks – the holiday classic “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and an a capella version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

RASCAL FLATTS GREATEST HITS VOLUME 1 TRACK LISTING

Prayin' For Daylight
I'm Movin' On
These Days
I Melt
Mayberry
Feels Like Today
Bless The Broken Road
Fast Cars And Freedom
Skin (Sarabeth)
My Wish
What Hurts The Most
Stand
Life Is A Highway

LIMITED EDITION BONUS TRACKS
White Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Since their career launched in 2000, Rascal Flatts has sold over 17 million albums, scored 9 #1 singles and 17 top 10 hits and each of their five albums are multi-platinum sellers. They are the reigning AMA, CMT, ACM and CMA Vocal Group of The Year with two, six, five and five respective consecutive wins. They were honored as the 2008 Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot® Humanitarian Award recipients during the recent ACM Awards show in May. This honor, in part, due to their dedication to raising funds for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where in the past 4 years they have donated 3 million dollars, as well as their work on the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet board.

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


Beyonce Reveals Title and Details About Her Forthcoming Double Album 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' Available Everywhere Tuesday, November 18

Music World Music/Columbia Records is releasing I Am... Sasha Fierce, the new full-length double album from the international superstar and cultural icon Beyonce on Tuesday, November 18.
"The new record is a double album and has two covers, like a magazine would have two covers," Beyonce revealed. "One of the covers is named I Am... and the second cover is named Sasha Fierce. That is my alter ego and now she has a last name. I have someone else that takes over when it's time for me to work and when I'm on stage, this alter ego that I've created that kind of protects me and who I really am. That's why half the record, I Am..., is about who I am underneath all the makeup, underneath the lights, and underneath all the exciting star drama. And Sasha Fierce is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken side and more glamorous side that comes out when I'm working and when I'm on the stage. The double album allows me to take more risks and really step out of myself, or shall I say, step more into myself, and reveal a side of me that people only know me see."

One of 2008's most hotly anticipated new album releases, Beyonce's new album is the artist's first new studio collection since the Grammy-winning multi-platinum-selling B'Day debuted at #1 on charts around the world shortly after its international release on September 4, 2006 (in celebration of Beyonce's 25th birthday).

Beyonce's fans got their first taste of the two sides of I Am... Sasha Fierce with the simultaneous release in early October of "If I Were A Boy" (from I Am...) and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" (from Sasha Fierce).

Songs on Beyonce's I Am... include "If I Were A Boy," "Halo," "Disappear," "Broken Hearted Girl," "Ave Maria," and "Satellites." Beyonce's Sasha Fierce performances include "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," "Radio," "Diva," "Sweet Dreams," and "Video Phone."

I Am... Sasha Fierce is Executive Produced by Beyonce Knowles and Mathew Knowles for Music World Productions, Inc.

www.beyonceonline.com
Fan club: www.welovebeyonce.com
www.houseofdereon.com
www.columbiarecords.com


Dateline: October 20, 2008

Wanna Be a Music Video Stylist? Now's Your Chance!

Lesley Roy is looking to her fans for inspiration for her upcoming "Unbeautiful" video. Thanks to LuLus.com, Lesley will choose ONE lucky fan to make their dream come true as her music video stylist! Help choose a clothing look that will be worn in her next music video - just listen to "Unbeautiful" now and put together your inspired look! Your work could appear on MTV, Vh1, or YouTube on rising rockstar Lesley Roy. LuLus.com will outfit Lesley and also award cool prizes to the winning music video stylist! Good luck!!!

ENTER TO WIN: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/contest.show?id=34814


Leona Lewis is Fourth Best-Selling Artist Worldwide in 2008

British Singer's Self-Titled Debut, Spirit, is Seventh Best-Selling Album in the U.S. this Year

'Bleeding Love' is Best-Selling Single of 2008

New Single 'Better In Time' #4 on the Top 40 Chart

British sensation Leona Lewis has become the fourth best-selling artist worldwide in 2008, thanks to the extraordinary success of her debut album, the R.I.A.A. platinum-certified Spirit, which has sold more than four and a half million copies worldwide. In addition, Spirit has sold more than 1.17 million copies in the U.S. according to Nielsen SoundScan, making 23-year-old Lewis the seventh best-selling artist in the country so far in 2008.

Spirit, a mix of fresh pop and R&B, filled with songs with a contemporary edge, features an all-star roster of collaborators including Ryan Tedder ("Apologize"), famed songwriter/producers Akon (Gwen Stefani, T-Pain), Ne-Yo (Rihanna, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson), Dallas Austin (Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Pink), Stargate (Rihanna, Beyonce, Ne-Yo), J.R. Rotem (Britney Spears, Sean Kingston), Max Martin (Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears), and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald (Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne). For the first time, Clive Davis and Simon Cowell teamed up to sign Lewis to J Records/SyCo Music (Cowell's division of Sony BMG), and together produced Spirit.

Spirit has been on a record-breaking tear ever since its release in November 2007 in the U.K., where it entered the British album chart at No. 1 and became the U.K.'s fastest-selling debut of all time. In the U.S., Spirit debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart a week after its release by J Records/SyCo Music on April 8th, 2008, marking the first time in music history that any album by a British female artist has entered Billboard's Top 200 album chart at No. 1, as well as the first time any British artist, male or female, has claimed the top spot with a debut album.

Beyond the incredible record breaking sales and radio stories, Leona has been embraced by the media: Oprah Winfrey exclaimed: "Wow, Talk about a 'Star Is Born! You're the real deal, girl!'" Blender's cover story stated "Mariah, Leona Lewis is Pop's Next Megastar" and Vibe describes her as "a balladeer with grace, vivacity, and dignity ... with a strong lithe tone that could peel paint ..."

No doubt, much of Spirit's success can be attributed to its blockbuster smash single "Bleeding Love," co-written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 the week of March 27th, making Lewis the first British female solo artist to top the Hot 100 in more than 21 years. The single spent 35 weeks on the chart, four of them at No. 1 (breaking yet another all-time record for a British female solo artist) and smashed the radio spin record with the most weekly plays ever in a one-week period at the Top 40 radio format with 10,665 spins. "Bleeding Love," the biggest selling single of the year has been a Billboard Digital Song chart-topper and has sold more than 3 million tracks in the U.S., while the ringtone has been certified platinum with over 1.4 million sold, with a total of nearly 5 million digital and mobile track sales combined.
Leona's new massive hit single "Better In Time" is climbing up the charts and currently holds the #4 spot on the Top 40 chart, and has sold over 1 million digital and mobile tracks combined.

For more about Leona Lewis, please visit her official website, www.leonalewismusic.com


Dateline: October 15, 2008

American Idol David Cook Will Release His Self-Titled Debut Album on November 18th

First Single 'Light On' is Available at All Digital Music Providers

American Idol winner David Cook will release his self-titled debut album on November 18th, 2008 (19 Recordings / RCA Records). The first single, "Light On," produced by Grammy winning producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Kid Rock) is currently available at all digital music providers.

"Light On" was co-written by one of rock music's most influential innovators, Chris Cornell, lead singer and songwriter for Soundgarden and Audioslave, and acclaimed producer / songwriter Brian Howes, who has worked with superstar rock bands such as Hinder and Puddle of Mudd.

In late September "Light On" premiered on AOL Music's pop culture news site, PopEater.com, receiving over 1 million plays in less than week. Cook has been busy in the studio, co-writing many of the upcoming album's tracks alongside some of music's hottest rock songwriters.

The cover art for David Cook is currently available at: http://www.davidcookofficial.com/news/album-cover-and-song-titles

Please see below for official tracklisting:
01 Declaration
02 Heroes
03 Light On
04 Come Back to Me
05 Life on the Moon
06 Bar-ba-sol
07 Mr. Sensitive
08 Lie
09 I Did It for You
10 Avalanche
11 Permanent
12 A Daily Anthem
BONUS TRACK
The Time Of My Life
Dateline: October 12, 2008

Jonas Brothers to Play Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Game to Kick Off Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Nationally Televised Performance to Support Longest-Running Annual Fundraiser

The red hot Jonas Brothers band will perform live at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game in a nationally televised halftime show that will air on Fox television network on November 27, 2008 at 3:15 pm CST, it was announced today. The performance will officially kick off the 2008 Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas campaign, which runs nationally through Christmas Eve, December 24th.

For the past 11 years the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game halftime show has officially launched the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign on a national stage, becoming annual holiday tradition. Since the partnership began in 1997, the annual Red Kettle campaign has raised more than $1 billion, which has helped the Army to serve 30 million people each year nationwide. Last year, the campaign raised a record $118 million. Previous halftime performers include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny's Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gillman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

"I was born in Dallas, which makes performing with my brothers at the Cowboys Halftime on Thanksgiving an in credible honor," said Nick Jonas. Added brother Joe Jonas, "This year, more than ever, the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign will make a huge impact for families at Christmas and throughout the year. It's very important for us to give back." Kevin Jonas finished, "We'd like to thank Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys, Israel Gaither, and The Salvation Army for inviting us to be part of this awesome Thanksgiving tradition. We'll remember this for a long time to come."

The Jonas Brothers - Kevin, Joe and Nick - will perform songs from their platinum third studio album A Little Bit Longer, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in August. Since their recording debut in 2005, Jonas Brothers have released three studio albums and stared in Camp Rock, a 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie. Additionally, Jonas Brothers will be staring in a new Disney Channel Original Series, J.O.N.A.S!, which is expected to debut on Disney Channel in Spring, 2009.

"There are no other artists more in touch with America's youth than Jonas Brothers," said Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. "So, this is a great chance for us to get the word out about The Salvation Army's vital work to a whole new generation of donors."

The Salvation Army also announced today that Mr. Jones has agreed to serve as the national honorary Christmas chairperson. In this capacity, he will act as an advocate for the campaign at Christmas and also help to get the word out about The Salvation Army's critical programs year-round. Mr. Jones and his family have been major supporters of The Salvation Army for more than a decade. In 1998, Mr. Jones and his wife, Gene, opened the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Center for Children - a Salvation Army child care center for low-income families in Dallas, TX. In 1999, the family received the Evangeline Booth Award, one of the Army's highest national service honors. Mr. Jones is now an Emeritus member of The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board and his daughter, Charlotte Jones Anderson and wife Gene currently serve as active board members.

"In addition to our excitement about Jonas Brothers helping us launch this annual campaign, we're thrilled that Jerry Jones has agreed to serve as our permanent national honorary Christmas chairperson," said Lieutenant-Colonel David Jeffrey, National Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army. "Jerry, his family and the entire Dallas Cowboys organization have been great friends of the Army for many years. Their support helps the Army serve, on average, 30 million Americans in 5,000 communities nationwide each year."


Dateline: October 9, 2008

3 DOORS DOWN ANNOUNCES RESCHEDULED SHOWS PRESENTED BY WRIGLEY’S EXTRA FRUIT SENSATION

Universal Republic rockers 3 Doors Down have rescheduled a series of U.S. shows from their hugely successful Wrigley’s Extra Fruit Sensation Summer Tour, the last leg of which was postponed due to Brad Arnold’s bout with laryngitis. 16 shows were postponed in all, with rescheduled dates being added in December (see below) and this coming January. The band was urged to postpone the remainder of their September dates on Doctor’s orders so that the tireless vocalist could properly rest his voice. The new December dates will also include on the bill San Diego band Switchfoot and Nashville Rockers American Bang.

Shows have already been rescheduled for December, with the band setting up pre-sales for the rescheduled dates. Tickets from the originally scheduled Orange Beach, AL and Pikeville, KY shows will be honored on their new dates. Fan club members will have access to a special pre-sale that will start on Monday afternoon. They will receive notification via the fan club about this pre-sale. Additionally, all other fans that purchased tickets previously will have access to a pre-sale for the rescheduled shows that will start on Wednesday for a limited time only. All necessary refunds can be obtained at point of purchase. In an attempt to further invite people to the shows, the band will be offering a select number of reduced priced “fan appreciation” tickets that will be sold on a first come-first serve basis. The band has also added a newly scheduled date on December 6th in Biloxi, MS at the Hard Rock Hotel that will benefit the band’s charity, The Better Life Foundation.

“We are excited to get back on the road,” stated Arnold. “It’s where we belong, and where we feel the closest to all our fans, who have been so supportive and loyal to us throughout the years.” The band is also heading across the pond for a series of shows in the UK and Europe throughout the month of October and early November. The group will end their tour of Europe with a sold-out show in front of 6,000 people in Helsinki, Finland. It will be the first time rock fans will get an opportunity to see the band perform in the historic capital. Along with a very special first comes a very special last. 3 Doors Down earn the distinction of being the last band to perform at the famed Yankee Stadium in New York City after their appearance at the 2008 State Farm Home Run Derby on July 14th.

3 Doors Down has also just released a new single, “Let Me Be Myself,” from their smash new album 3 Doors Down. Their #1 Active Rock and Adult top 40 hit “It’s Not My Time” helped blaze the way for the new single, with “Let Me Be Myself” recently crowned as the most added new track at the Hot AC radio format. 3 Doors Down is also drawing acclaim by fans and critics as the most definitive release of the band’s platinum-plus repertoire (‘3 Doors Down has offered the strongest collection of their career’ wrote the Associated Press.) The band piled up even more raves this summer for their no-holds barred arena tour, the Wrigley's Extra Fruit Sensation Summer Tour – which featured accomplished rockers Staind and Hinder.

3 Doors Down, the 4th studio release from the relentless fivesome, topped the Billboard Top album chart and the coveted iTunes Album chart during its opening week at the end of May, (their second #1 album debut in a row, and their fourth to reach the Top Ten). The CD has gone on to become one of the most consistent rock bestsellers of 2008. 3 Doors Down has sold more than 15 million albums in their career and is considered one of the premier rock bands of the past decade.

3 DOORS DOWN RESCHEDULED DECEMBER DATES:

12/4 Orange Beach AL - Wharf at Orange Beach – On Sale Now
12/6 Biloxi MS - Hard Rock Hotel (Band sponsored Better Life Foundation Event) – On Sale Now
12/9 Pikeville KY - Eastern Kentucky Events Center – On Sale Now
12/10 Cincinnati, OH - US Bank Arena – On Sale October 25th
12/12 Charlotte NC - Cricket Arena – On Sale October 18th
12/13 Hampton VA - Hampton Coliseum – On Sale October 25th
12/17 Greensboro NC - Greensboro Coliseum – On Sale October 18th
12/18 Fairfax VA - Patriot Center – On Sale October 18th
12/20 Atlanta GA - Gwinnett Center – On Sale October 25th


Dateline: October 2, 2008



Photo Provided by: The CMA. Brad by: David McClister. Carrie by: Andrew Eccles.

BRAD PAISLEY AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO HOST AND PERFORM ON "THE 42ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS" NOV. 12 LIVE FROM NASHVILLE ON ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

The reigning CMA Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will unite to host "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards." This is the first time that either artist will have hosted "Country Music's Biggest NightTM." "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"We are excited to have our reigning Male and Female Vocalist host the CMA Awards this year," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to their musical talent, Brad's quick wit and Carrie's gracefulness will serve them well in this role. CMA is happy to offer both of them their first opportunity to host a nationally televised network awards show. "

In addition to their hosting duties, Paisley and Underwood will also perform on "The CMA Awards." Previously announced performers include Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban, with more performers to be announced soon.

"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to host the Awards show," says Paisley. "We're going to have a good time - start to finish."

"I am so excited to host a show I grew up watching, and am so thrilled to spend this night with the fans and Brad," says Underwood. "It's going to be a party!"

Underwood toured with Paisley in 2006, and the two became fast friends. The artists, who are both members of the Grand Ole Opry, reunited last year to record the duet "Oh Love" for Paisley's most recent album, 5th Gear.


Dateline: October 1, 2008

Demi Lovato Solo Album Don't Forget Debuts at # 2!

Demi Lovato's solo recording debut album, Don't Forget, on Disney's Hollywood Records debuts at # 2 on the Billboard Top 200 today selling 88,973 units. The critically acclaimed album features 16-year-old Demi's # 1 Radio Disney single, "Get Back," and its strong debut marks her second ranking this year in the album chart's Top 3 (she leads the soundtrack to the Disney Channel Original Movie "Camp Rock" which debuted at # 3). Demi's Don't Forget is also the highest debut on this week's Billboard Top 200.

The stellar debut follows a whirlwind summer for the singer/songwriter/musician/actress Demi Lovato. She kicked off the summer starring in the Disney Channel's "Camp Rock" which has now reached over 69.5 million unique viewers in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. In July through early September, she toured with Jonas Brothers on their sold out "Burnin' Up" 2008 summer tour, impressing critics and fans along the way with her powerhouse voice and musical abilities on both piano and guitar. In this week's Entertainment Weekly, the article reports, " ... her album, while full of catchy choruses, abandons the usual tinkly teen-pop tropes for meaty guitars and percussion; raucous lead single 'Get Back' is more Benatar than Backstreet."

Demi wrote or co-wrote all but two of the songs on Don't Forget. With producer John Fields at the helm, Demi teamed up with Jonas Brothers to co-write and co-produce several of the album's 11 songs. Demi recently revealed in an interview she not only has a five year plan, but a 20 year plan, aspiring to star in and direct feature films.

Demi is currently in production of her new Disney Channel Original Series "Sonny with a Chance," a fish-out-of-water comedy in which she plays a Wisconsin teen who moves to L.A. when she's cast in her favorite sketch comedy show for kids and tweens.

Today, Demi will be performing "Get Back" on Ellen. Please check local listings.


RASCAL FLATTS TO CONTINUE “BOB THAT HEAD TOUR” INTO WINTER 2009

Multi-platinum selling group Rascal Flatts announced plans today to continue their sold-out “Bob That Head Tour” into 2009. The 2008 leg will wrap up November 2, after a two-day play in Uncasville, Connecticut at Mohegan Sun. “Bob That Head Tour” winter 2009 dates will launch in mid-January and will run with approximately 25 shows. Dates, cities and on-sales will be announced later this fall. Epic/Columbia Nashville's Jessica Simpson will open the 2009 “Bob That Head Tour” shows.

“There is nothing more we love about music than performing across America on tour for our fans,” says Gary LeVox, leader singer of Rascal Flatts

Since their career launched in 2000, Rascal Flatts has sold over 17 million albums, scored 9 #1 singles and 17 top 10 hits and each of their five albums are multi-platinum sellers. On October 28, the group will launch their first hits package- Greatest Hits, Vol 1. They are the reigning AMA, CMT, ACM and CMA Vocal Group of The Year with two, six, five and five respective consecutive wins. They were honored as the 2008 Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot® Humanitarian Award recipients during the recent ACM Awards show in May. This honor, in part, due to their dedication to raising funds for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where in the past 3 years they have donated 2.2 million dollars, as well as their work on the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet board.

Jessica Simpson grew up with a mix of musical influences, and while it was her multi-Platinum pop success that introduced her to countless fans, it was country music where she found her heart. The release of her Epic/Columbia Nashville debut country album, Do You Know, was met with a resounding cheer, debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and launching Jessica’s first country hit, “Come on Over.” It’s one of eight songs she co-wrote for the album, which also includes her new single, “Remember That,” and the title track, featuring friend and hero, Dolly Parton. Acknowledging her roots as a country girl, Jessica has said, “I took the long way around to get back to where I came from,” but with Do You Know, she’s truly found her home.

For more tour information go to www.rascalflatts.com.


Joey+Rory Named Overstock.com Spokespersons

Couple to star in national ad campaign, launching today

Overstock.com, Inc. today announced that the online shopping site has partnered with country music duo Joey+Rory, naming them the company’s official spokespersons and the focus of their forthcoming nation-wide ad campaign.

Beginning today the husband and wife team of Joey Martin and Rory Feek will be seen as the new face of Overstock.com as the company launches a new 60 second “At home with the O” ad campaign, which features two television commercials filmed at the couple’s 1870’s farmhouse and family restaurant near Nashville, TN. The first of the two commercials debuts nationally today, and is available for viewing on Overstock.com.

“Joey and Rory are a perfect fit for Overstock - they represent us well and the people who shop with us,” said Overstock.com’s Stormy Simon, SVP of branding and customer care. “They’re a loving American couple with strong values, and we happily welcome them in to the Overstock family.”

Alan Bunton, Overstock.com’s creative director discovered the couple during their appearance on CMT’s 2008 reality competition series, Can You Duet. The couple’s exposure as finalists on the show opened the door to Overstock.com and landed them a record deal with Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records. The label is poised to release the duo’s debut album, The Life Of A Song, featuring the current single “Cheater Cheater,” on October 28th.

“As I watched I couldn’t help but be attracted to them,” Bunton said. “They’re immensely talented, but also humble and human – perfect for Overstock.com and the customers we serve.”

“We’re thrilled and humbled to have been singled out by Overstock.com to represent their company and their values. We’re honored that they recognize the value in the simplicity of our lifestyle and music and have allowed us to remain authentic,” stated Joey+Rory.

Joey+Rory join NBA all-star Carlos Boozer and spokeswoman Brianna Walker as representatives for Overstock.com.


Mark Wills Is A Very "Familiar Stranger" In Iraq

Great American Country (GAC) Camera's Documented The Trip--Special to be aired in November

To show his continued support of our troops, Mark Wills recently made his fifth goodwill tour to Iraq to entertain the soldiers serving there. What follows is his own retrospection of this very special return trip to the Middle East.

Wills writes: This is my fifth trip overseas to entertain our fighting troops. I treasure all of these times and am thankful for the privilege to be able to shake hands with the men and women who wear the uniform of our military. I was joined this time by Trent Willmon, Ray Scott, and Siren from American Gladiators. Our trip started like each of my previous trips, with a LONG flight to Kuwait!

I am a big military history fan and I had watched the series "Band of Brothers" so during our layover in Kuwait I got a most pleasant surprise when I had the good fortune to meet "Babe" Heffrin, Wild Bill Garnier and Donald Malarkey; three of the men whose lives were portrayed in that HBO mini series. It was such an honor to sit down with them and the time flew by as I listened to them share their stories from WW2. To be totally honest with you, I was a little ashamed to think about the times I had whined about being too hot in my protective "body armor," and needed to stop for a moment and rest, when I heard them telling their stories of what they had endured in France.

Our nine-day trip into Iraq was amazing. We performed at least once every day and sometimes twice. The soldiers were incredible and made it obvious that they really appreciated us coming. These are very impressive men and women who must endure very harsh living conditions and risk their lives every day for our freedom and we shouldn't forget that each of them is someone's father, mother, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or best friend.

We had a great time and want to thank all the men and women who helped make our trip possible especially those who acted as our tour guides while making sure we were protected. Trent, Ray and I were able to spend the night in one of Saddam's palaces and I even got to hit golf balls off the balcony of another one; now, that is what I call a long drive.

After each trip to Iraq, I return MORE thankful for what I have and EVEN MORE thankful to be an AMERICAN. No matter what you believe, our troops are doing one HELL of a job and they, and their family members, are to be commended and respected for their sacrifice to our country.

"Mark Wills: My Military Diary," a documentary of this trip filmed by GAC, will be aired as a special program on November 11, Veterans Day. For more information, visit GACTV.com or www.markwills.com


Dateline: September 30, 2008



Photo Provided by: The Grand Ole Opry

LITTLE JIMMY DICKENS 60TH OPRY ANNIVERSARY SIGNATURE SHOW SET FOR NOVEMBER 1

Opry Members Trace Adkins, George Jones and Brad Paisley Among Those Scheduled to Appear

The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® will honor its longest-standing member, Little Jimmy Dickens, with a Signature Show celebrating the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s 60th Opry Anniversary on Sat., Nov. 1 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Among the artists scheduled to participate in the celebration are friends and fellow Opry members Trace Adkins, George Jones, and Brad Paisley.



Photo Provided by: The Grand Ole Opry

Introduced by Roy Acuff in 1948, Dickens-- always decked in his rhinestone-studded suits-- has entertained Opry audiences with a succession of hits such as “A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed,” “Out Behind The Barn,” “Take an Old Cold Tater And Wait” (the song that prompted Hank Williams to dub him “Tater”), “May The Bird of Paradise Fly up Your Nose,” “Country Boy,” and “The Violet and the Rose” as well as his trademark comedic timing.

The legendary entertainer shares a kinship with the entire Opry family and the country music community, including Adkins, whom he invited to join the Opry from atop a kitchen ladder on the Opry stage in 2003; Jones, with whom he has shared stages for 50 years; and Paisley, who has invited him to appear in a number of award-winning music videos.

“Jimmy Dickens is uniquely and forever tied to the Grand Ole Opry,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “He is one of the most beloved and respected people in the history of not only the Opry, but all of country music, and we are thrilled to celebrate this landmark anniversary with him.”

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year, and the Tuesday Night Opry continues through Dec. 18. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or log on to www.opry.com.




Photo Provided by: The Greenroom PR

MORE ARTISTS ADDED TO LINEUP FOR DIERKS BENTLEY'S "MILES & MUSIC FOR KIDS III"

Bentley lands cover of USA WEEKEND'S "Make A Difference Day" Issue

Dierks Bentley announced today the next wave of talent confirmed to participate in his third annual "Miles & Music for Kids" celebrity motorcycle ride and concert this Sunday, Oct. 5 in Nashville. Joining Bentley and his friends Tim McGraw and John Rich will be members of Lady Antebellum, Jamey Johnson, Halfway to Hazard, the Warren Brothers and the first family of racing's Kyle Petty.

The ride departs Cool Springs Harley Davidson at 2:00pm CT and will travel through beautiful Williamson County and downtown Nashville, culminating in a jam session at Riverfront Park. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or on site. In the two previous years, "Miles & Music for Kids" has raised over $250,000 for the Monroe Carroll Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Additionally, Bentley will be featured alongside NASCAR's Kasey Kahne on the cover of USA Weekend's "Make A Difference Day" issue on Sunday, Oct. 19. The issue will highlight the charitable work they each do to help build better communities and the more than three million ordinary people who participate in "Make A Difference Day" annually, making it the nation's largest day of volunteering. The issue is read by more than 23 million people.

For more information visit www.dbmilesandmusic.com.


Dateline: September 4, 2008



Photo Provided by: The CMA/Bob D'Amico and Craig Sjodin / ABC-TV

CMA LAUNCHES REDESIGNED MUSIC FESTIVAL SITE WITH INTEGRATED WEB AND VIDEO EXPERIENCES TO PROMOTE AWARENESS FOR "CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL: COUNTRY'S NIGHT TO ROCK" AIRING MONDAY ON ABC

CMAfest.com and ABC.com Both Offer Fans a Behind-the-Scenes View of 2008 CMA Music Festival

CMAfest.com is newly designed and providing Country Music fans more ways than ever to be a part of the CMA Music Festival experience, including interactive videos. The site features special performance footage from the Festival, picture flipbooks from LP Field, links to more Country Music information, and an invitation for any Country fan to receive the periodic CMA Exclusive e-newsletter, where fans can get up-to-date CMA announcements and artist information.

"Awareness of the Festival peaks in the days leading up to the airing of our network, primetime special Monday on ABC," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "And the redesigned site provides a great platform for reaching music fans who are potential Festival attendees."

"CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" airs Monday, Sept. 8 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. The special features performances from the CMA Music Festival and behind the scenes stories of fans and the artists they admire.

The television special will be hosted by three of today's hottest hit-makers, Taylor Swift, Julianne Hough and Kellie Pickler and include performances from Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Hough, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Dwight Yoakam.

Fans visiting the site have the opportunity to get a head-start on next year's Festival by purchasing tickets for 2009. CMAfest.com's newest element showcases interactive videos for fans to be a part of the action as it was captured during the 2008 CMA Music Festival.

CMA and ABC.com will give Country Music fans the chance to go backstage and see interviews and artist interactions from the 2008 CMA Music Festival at CMAfest.com and ABC.com, as well as on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter social networking sites via YouTube.

"The online world is growing everyday and CMA is very excited to give fans an interactive experience," said Genovese. "Both CMA and ABC are delighted to provide special videos just for the fans. After all, it is the fans that make the Festival such an overwhelming success."


Dateline: August 26, 2008

Fall Out Boy's New Release FOLIE A DEUX Scheduled for November 4th Election Day

FIRST SINGLE 'I DON'T CARE'

FALL OUT BOY HEADLINES 'ROCK THE VOTE BALLOT BASH' IN DENVER, ON FIRST NIGHT OF DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

Fall Out Boy's 'Beat It' nominated for Best Rock Video at 25th annual MTV VMAs

Multi-platinum three-time MTV VMA-winning Island Records group Fall Out Boy have officially announced their upcoming new third Island album FOLIE A DEUX, to be released on November 4th 2008. The band told a packed audience about the release last night at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, when they headlined the "Rock the Vote Ballot Bash." FOLIE A DEUX was produced by Neal Avron at The Pass Studios in Los Angeles. The first single will be the track "I Don't Care." Radio dates to be announced shortly.

For FOLIE A DEUX, Fall Out Boy spearheaded a politically charged group that unveiled cryptic "Big Brother" type messages in order to support and ignite a democratic process. Impressively, the creative album roll-out garnered over 1 million impressions in just one week online across literally hundreds of websites such as absolutepunk.net, friendsorenemies.com, Live journal communities and many other popular music websites, including the band's own site, www.falloutboyrock.com. "This roll-out was started to engage people and let them tell their own stories. We came up with the beginning and the end, while the rest happened organically," says FOB bass player Pete Wentz.

Meanwhile, Fall Out Boy's cover of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" has been nominated for Best Rock Video at this year's 25th annual MTV VMAs. The worldwide cablecast takes place live from Paramount Studios in Hollywood, on Sunday night, September 7th at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern).




Photo Provided by: The Valory Music Company

Jimmy Wayne Featured as Great American Country's "Artist of the Month" for September

New Album, Do You Believe Me Now, in Stores TODAY

NATIONAL TV PERFORMANCES THIS WEEK:

Aug. 26th -- GAC Nights

Aug. 27th -- The Daily Buzz

Sept. 1st -- 43rd Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon

GAC will spotlight Jimmy Wayne as its Artist of the Month in September, highlighting his new album Do You Believe Me Now, which lands on store shelves today. The album includes Wayne’s hit single of the same name which holds steady at #4 on Billboard/ RR and rises to #3 this week on the USA Today/ Mediabase Chart.

Today, Wayne will be featured on GAC's series On The Streets and on GAC Nights, where he will treat viewers to a special acoustic performance of songs from his album which streets the same day. Wayne will also be profiled on Country Music Across America, premiering September 4th on the network.

Fans who visit www.GACTV.com beginning today will be delighted by the tribute to Wayne, which will feature exclusive in-studio acoustic performances of songs from the album. For a limited time, visitors to GACTV.com can order an autographed copy of Do You Believe Me Now through partner FYE stores.

Also on GACTV.com, Wayne shares the inside scoop on the stories behind his new songs, such as "I'll Be That," "One on One," and the autobiographical "Kerosene Kid." He talks about the excitement of recording the duet, “No Good For Me” with music legend Patty Loveless and working with John Oates, who lends vocals to the anthem, “Where You’re Going.” Fans can also check out Jimmy Wayne photo galleries, ringtones, video airtimes, tour dates, and more at GACTV.com

In addition, Wayne has partnered with GAC on a week-long radio tour which will hit 120 markets. The tour will be produced from GAC radio studios in Nashville. Wayne will conduct the interviews during his travel to Orlando to appear on nationally-syndicated morning show, The Daily Buzz (on Aug. 27th), and to Charlotte, NC, where he will perform two hometown in-stores.

Rounding out the weekend, Wayne will perform his hit single on the 43rd Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon live from the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas on September 1st.

About Jimmy Wayne

Wayne has a musical track record that includes a Top 10 self-titled album which garnered a string of hits on the Billboard Country chart including “Stay Gone” (#3); “I Love You This Much” (#6); and the Top 20 hits “Paper Angels” and “You Are,” all co-written by Wayne. He has been featured on GAC, CMT, and the ABC Family Channel as well as in the pages of Country Weekly, The Washington Times, Billboard, Radio & Records, and People magazine. In addition, Wayne was deemed one of music’s “Next Big Things” by USA Today.

Wayne’s new album is now available via pre-sale at www.thevalorymusicco.com/jimmywayne/index.cfm?id=34 or at www.myspace.com/jimmywaynemusic


Dateline: August 22, 2008

Best of Both Worlds: Hannah Montana's Miley Cyrus to Celebrate 'Sweet 16' Birthday and Honor Youth Volunteers at Disneyland Bash

Tickets For Unforgettable Celebration Go On Sale Aug. 30

When the world's most popular teenager turns "Sweet 16," it's cause to celebrate. And when that teen is Miley Cyrus -- star of Disney's "Hannah Montana" -- there's no better place to celebrate than at a Disney Park.

To honor the occasion and Miley's philanthropic passion, Disneyland Resort in California has created "Miley's Sweet 16 -- Share The Celebration," an unforgettable event for Miley and her fans that also will serve to recognize Youth Service America and help drive awareness of the need for youth volunteerism.

The Hollywood-style bash is planned for Sunday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 11 p.m., with ticket sales limited to 5,000 fans.

Tickets, priced at $250, go on sale at 9 a.m. PDT, Saturday, Aug. 30, at www.disneyparks.com/miley

For Miley, the birthday bash is a once-in-a-lifetime event and she plans to make new Disney theme park memories during the evening. "I only turn 16 once, so it's going to be an awesome party with my favorite rides, hanging out with friends, fireworks and more," she said. "I'll even get to sing a couple songs."

The evening will celebrate Miley's career as a Hollywood Records solo musical artist and as the "secret pop star" she portrays on the wildly popular Disney Channel series, "Hannah Montana."

Miley's Sweet 16 at Disneyland will feature a medley of party elements, large and small, that will allow guests to join in the celebration of Miley's magical milestone. Special Party Zones will highlight the music and fun of Miley and Hannah Montana with themed activities and entertainment. Some of Miley's favorite attractions will be open in each Party Zone, and the party will end with a bang as fireworks fill the Disneyland sky.

Sharing the Celebration with Youth Service America

In addition to all the birthday fun, Miley's Sweet 16 will shine a spotlight on Youth Service America, an organization that seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people, ages 5 to 25, serving as volunteers. (For more information, visit www.YSA.org .)

In keeping with Miley's passion for youth volunteerism, Disney Parks will make a significant contribution to Youth Service America.

With the organization's involvement in "Miley's Sweet 16 - Share The Celebration," Miley said she hopes that other young Americans will be encouraged to volunteer in their own hometowns.

"The best part of the party is we're going to recognize some really cool kids from Youth Service America who are giving back to their community," she said. "That's so awesome because I think it's really important for kids like us to volunteer."

For More Party Information

For ongoing information about "Miley's Sweet 16 - Share The Celebration" party at Disneyland Park in California, as well as details on how to obtain tickets, fans may go to www.disneyparks.com/miley for details.




Photo Provided by: Lyric Street Records

RASCAL FLATTS RELEASE FIRST GREATEST HITS COLLECTION ON OCTOBER 28

Includes three new limited edition Christmas songs as bonus tracks

After spending more than twenty-five weeks at the top of the radio charts and selling more than 17 million albums, country music’s favorite band, Rascal Flatts, will release its first ever greatest hits collection on October 28.

Greatest Hits Volume 1 will chronicle Rascal Flatts’s rise as the biggest selling country band of the decade and will highlight the band’s best songs that have made them the ACM, CMA, CMT and AMA reigning Group of the Year for several years running. It will offer up sixteen tracks, including thirteen of the vocal group’s smash hits like “What Hurts The Most,” “Life Is A Highway,” “I’m Movin’ On” and the six week #1 smash “Bless The Broken Road.”

The initial limited edition release will be presented in a special foil-embossed 2 CD package. This limited edition version will include three newly recorded Christmas songs as bonus tracks – the classic “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and an a capella version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The three holiday tracks will be available as part of Rascal Flatts’s Greatest Hits Volume 1 for a limited time and are the only Christmas songs currently available from the band.

Rascal Flatts Greatest Hits Volume 1 track listing

Prayin’ For Daylight
I’m Movin’ On
These Days
I Melt
Mayberry
Feels Like Today
Bless The Broken Road
Fast Cars And Freedom
Skin (Sarabeth)
My Wish
What Hurts The Most
Stand
Life Is A Highway


LIMITED EDITION Bonus tracks

White Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock
I’ll Be Home For Christmas


Dateline: August 20, 2008

Jonas Brothers Make Historical Debut of 'A Little Bit Longer' With Three Titles in Top Ten

Jonas Brothers' A Little Bit Longer debuts at # 1 on the Billboard Top 200 today selling 525,093 units, making it the 3rd highest debut of 2008. Rounding out the top ten, are the soundtrack to Camp Rock featuring Jonas Brothers at # 8 and Jonas Brothers' eponymous CD at # 10. This marks the first time an artist holds three titles in the top ten in Sound Scan history. The last group to come close was *NSYNC with 2 albums in the top 10 in 1999. Disney Music Group holds four of the top ten titles; the aforementioned and Miley Cyrus' Breakout at # 4.

Jonas Brothers' meteoric rise as a pop culture phenomenon has experienced countless # 1s. On iTunes, Jonas Brothers have had six consecutive # 1 singles; "S.O.S.," "When You Look Me In The Eyes," "Burnin' Up," "Pushin' Me Away," "Tonight," and "A Little Bit Longer." The first single from A Little Bit Longer, "Burnin' Up," debuted as the # 1 most added single at Top 40, and set a new record for most requests in 24 hours for Radio Disney's radio request phone lines.

Jonas Brothers have been recognized for their impressive talent with several awards as well. They won 6 Teen Choice Awards for 2008 including Choice Summer Song for "Burnin' Up," Choice Male Hottie, Choice Music Breakout Group, Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icons, Choice Music Love Song for "When You Look Me In The Eyes" and Choice Music Single for "When You Look Me In The Eyes." They have been nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards for 2008 already, including the most prestigious award, Video of the Year, and for Best Pop Video for "Burnin' Up." Jonas Brothers will have their first MTV VMA performance September 7. Jonas Brothers recently were featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, and are the youngest group to hold that distinct honor.

Jonas Brothers spent several days in New York surrounding the release date of A Little Bit Longer. The kick-off began with a Good Morning America summer concert in Bryant Park, breaking all attendance records with a crowd of over 20,000. The performance was followed by several sold out shows including Jones Beach, a three night sold out engagement at Madison Square Garden, and a benefit show for Ross Schools. In addition to hosting MTV's TRL for 4 days, a performance on Live! With Regis & Kelly, a secret surprise performance at the Apple Store in Soho, Jonas Brothers created pandemonium in Times Square as they arrived to buy their CD at the Virgin Mega Store on Monday at midnight. They were greeted by an estimated 15,000 fans cheering on their beloved idols.

Jonas Brothers are currently on their sold out "Burning Up" summer tour. Attendance for their 2008 tours which include the "Look Me In The Eyes" tour and "Burning Up" tour has surpassed more than 1 million fans. Reviewers have likened the mania at the shows to that of the Beatles. The tour is being filmed by Walt Disney Studios for a 3-D movie to be released in February of 2009. The tour is also being photographed for the fall release of Jonas Brothers' first book published by the Disney Book Group.

Reviews for A Little Bit Longer have been glowing as well. Rolling Stone's 4 star lead review raves, "The boys' fantastic third album is steeped in the fuzzed-up guitars, three-part harmonies, and cotton-candy choruses of Big Star and Cheap Trick." Blender's four star lead review touted, "Jonas Brothers are basically like the Beatles, only more talented and sooo much cuter."

Jonas Brothers started their summer with the premiere of Disney Channel's Original Movie "Camp Rock." It has now reached over 38.5 million unduplicated viewers in the U.S., Canada and Latin America and is rolling out across Europe next month. "Camp Rock" Extended Rock Star Edition debuted on DVD this week in the U.S. Their short form reality series, "Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream," airs on Disney Channels worldwide and they begin production on the comedy series "J.O.N.A.S." next month for premiere in spring 2009 on Disney Channel.

With all the frenzy surrounding them, Jonas Brothers still make time to give back. Jonas Brothers started their own foundation, Change for the Children (see http://www.changeforthechildren.org/) to support programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and a will to succeed. Supporting children with Diabetes will be an important focus of the foundation, given that Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Nick recently announced his partnership with Bayer with their My CONTOUR Meter and the launch of http://www.nickssimplewins.com/ where Nick gives simple every day tips for managing diabetes. The current initiative of the foundation is "YOU Decide. YOU Donate" which empowers their fans to research and support one of five participating charities. As part of their commitment to this program, the Jonas Brothers have provided a $10,000 grant to each of the five organizations involved. During the "Burning Up" tour, Jonas Brothers have been auctioning tickets and meet & greet passes through http://www.charityfolks.com/ to raise money for the foundation, which has yielded over $275,000 to date. A special Nick Jonas t-shirt is being sold at the concerts as well, raising additional dollars for Change for the Children. Sales from the t-shirt have netted over $420,000.

Yet their energy is still boundless. While on tour, Jonas Brothers are already recording new material on a Verizon tour bus specially outfitted with a recording studio. They have also leant their talent to other artists, having co-written and co-produced several songs on their "Camp Rock" co-star Demi Lovato's debut album.

Jonas Brothers certainly have been living their dream to the fullest. With a # 1 album, yet another dream is fulfilled.


Dateline: August 14, 2008

FANS CAN BID TO LOOK GOOD IN KEITH URBAN AND FRIEND¹S T-SHIRTS FOR ST. JUDE AUCTION

KeithUrban.net to Host Auction Benefiting St. Jude Children¹s Research Hospital

On Thursday, August 14th, www.KeithUrbanAuction.com will host the "You Look Good in My Old T-Shirt Auction," an online auction benefiting St. Jude Children¹s Research Hospital, a renowned pediatric treatment and research facility. Keith, along with several other country music artists, including LeAnn Rimes, Dolly Parton, Josh Turner, and Carrie Underwood, will auction off autographed shirts that they have worn. The auction will offer fans the chance to not only win a completely unique and personal commemorative item from a favorite artist, but also contribute to a worthy cause. Fans can bid at the auction, which was named after Keith's hit single and crowd favorite "You Look Good in My Shirt," by logging onto www.KeithUrbanAuction.com. All proceeds will go to St. Jude Children¹s Research Hospital.

"St. Jude is a charity that is very near and dear to my heart," says Keith. "Our fans have always graciously offered their support in past fund-raisers we have done for St. Jude, so I think this auction will be a great success." St. Jude Children¹s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information about St. Jude, please visit www.StJude.org. For more information about CountryCares, log on to www.CountryCares.org.

For more official Keith Urban news and information go to www.keithurban.net.


Dateline: August 11, 2008

New Kids On The Block Return to The Block

ICONIC POP GROUP RETURNS WITH NEW ALBUM AND SOLD-OUT TOUR

Pop supergroup New Kids On The Block are back. Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Jordan and Jonathan Knight return on September 2, 2008 with The Block, their first album together in almost 15 years.

Featuring the first single, the hit mellow jam "Summertime," the album also features collaborations with some of the biggest names in pop music. R&B superstar Ne-Yo appears on "Single," the follow-up to "Summertime." Other collaborations include "Grown Man" (with The Pussycat Dolls and uber-producer Teddy Riley), "Put It on My Tab" (with the ubiquitous Akon), "Big Girl Now" (with NY dance-pop diva Lady GaGa) and the much-buzzed about "Full Service" (with fellow supergroup New Edition).

NKOTB will support The Block with a sold-out tour that starts on September 18 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and continues through the end of November. NKOTB are also gearing up for an exclusive 90-minute live event, "New Kids On The Block: A Behind The Music Special Event" premiering on VH1, September 28 at 8PM (ET/PT). In a first-of-its-kind production, the special will celebrate the history of the New Kids On The Block while also documenting their inspired 2008 reunion in their own words. Interspersed throughout the special will be live reports from Boston, counting down until VH1 airs a live broadcast of the first three songs from the world renowned groups sold out concert at the TD Banknorth Garden in their hometown of Boston, Massachusetts.

A virtual media frenzy followed the group's official reunion announcement, including word that the band had signed to Interscope Records for the new album. Fans got a sneak peak of the guys at their first public performance together in 15 years live on NBC's 'TODAY' Show on May 16, 2008. The reunion of all five members of the famed 90s group that sold millions of albums and sparked a worldwide phenomenon was enthusiastically embraced by one of the largest crowds of screaming fans the show has ever seen.

A phenomenal fan base has always been one of the cornerstones of the group's success. After the initial announcement of the reunion on live television, the website was overwhelmed with traffic causing a temporary system crash. The NKOTB.com webmasters worked quickly to get the site back online with all the news and photos. Fans are encouraged to sign up for more information at http://www.nkotb.com/.


Dateline: August 8, 2008



Photo Provided by: Lyric Street Records

JOSH GRACIN RELEASES NEW SINGLE “UNBELIEVABLE” DEDICATED TO WIFE ANN MARIE

Follow up to his Top 10 hit “We Weren’t Crazy”

While still riding the high of his recent Top 10 hit “We Weren’t Crazy,” country crooner Josh Gracin is readying to release his newest single, “Unbelievable.”

Written by Gracin for his wife of seven years, “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” is a beautiful love song that shares Josh’s innermost thoughts and feelings. “Ann is an amazing woman and mother to our kids,” said Gracin. “I just had to write this song to tell her how incredible she is. This is my favorite song on the record because it’s 100% me.”

“Unbelievable” is from Josh Gracin’s recently released sophomore CD, We Weren’t Crazy. His self-titled debut album is certified gold by the RIAA and has sold over 700,000 copies. He’s one of only three new male country singers to be introduced in the last four years to earn a gold album. Josh is also the only male solo country artist in recent years to release a debut album with three consecutive Top 5 country hits, including his first #1, “Nothin’ To Lose.”

To learn more about Josh Gracin, log on to www.myspace.com/joshgracin or www.joshgracin.com.


Dateline: July 31, 2008

MAMMA MIA! - The Movie Soundtrack and Original Cast Recording Rule the Charts!

In an astounding week of sales across the board, both MAMMA MIA! The Movie Soundtrack and the MAMMA MIA! Original Cast Album are runaway smashes, ruling the Billboard, iTunes and Amazon charts.

The Movie Soundtrack has garnered the #3 chart position on Billboard's Top 200, achieved #1 status overall on the iTunes Music Store, and #1 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart, all in its third week of release.

Additionally, the Soundtrack's debut marked the highest charting week ever in history for an ABBA recording. Eight years after its release, The Original Cast Recording also currently holds the #1 position on Billboard's Broadway Chart. The beloved musical has been seen by more than 30 million people in 170 cities and eight languages around the world.

Chris Roberts, President, Classics and Jazz International/Chairman, Decca Label Group, commented, "The success of the MAMMA MIA! Soundtrack and Cast Recording further solidify the power of the franchise, with its ever-growing popularity. The music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, and these recordings have taken on a life of their own. We are proud and excited to be part of this continued phenomenon."

Mixed, mastered and produced by ABBA's musical geniuses Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the soundtrack is the ultimate souvenir from the hit film. Andersson and Ulvaeus reunited in Stockholm with the musicians who played on the original ABBA songs to record the disc in February 2007. It was the first time the musicians had played the songs together since ABBA toured more than 25 years ago. Along with producing the recording, Andersson also played keyboards. He commented, "We didn't have to think about it -- it was in the fingers."

Both MAMMA MIA! The Movie Soundtrack and Original Cast Album are available now on Decca and Decca Broadway respectively.

www.mammamiamovie.com / www.deccarecords-us.com




RICK HUCKABY SURPRISES LOYAL FAN WITH BENEFIT CONCERT

Mother of Two Receives Aid in Fight Against Cancer

Last week, Rick Huckaby took time out of his busy schedule to help a fan when they needed it most. Despite the grueling schedule associated with the release of his upcoming new single, "Ain't Enough Blacktop" scheduled for release on August 4, Huck hopped a plane and headed to Gahanna, Ohio, (located near Columbus) to headline a surprise benefit concert for Brandy Hickman. Mother of two young girls, ages 7 and 10, Brandy was recently diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Over the years, Hickman and her husband, Jay have been avid supporters of Rick and his music, traveling hundreds of miles to catch shows and soliciting friends and family to do the same. "When I got the call about Brandy and what her family wanted to do to help her cover the cost of medical bills, it was a no-brainer," said Rick, whose own father succumbed to cancer in 2006 at the age of 60.


Photo Provided by: Lisa Evans

Pictured L to R: Andy Huckaby of HeadCoach Music, Jason Hickman, Brandy Hickman, Courtney Hickman, Kathryn Hickman, Rick Huckaby, Rick Stover of Coaches

Even after inviting more than two hundred family and friends, event organizers Lisa Evans and Kelly Zimmerman were still able to keep the entire event secret until Brandy and her family arrived. Huckaby played an amazing set, rocking it out for a couple of hours. After playing and selling out of CDs and pictures, he donated all the money from the merchandise sales to the event. "Through Rick's generous support and the support of sponsors, volunteers, Rick Stover of Coaches, the community, family and friends, the event was able to raise over $8000 in donations and sales. My family and I can never repay the generosity that everyone has given to help Brandy," expressed Eva