Jeff Giles
Randy Houser Plans Benefit Show for Teacher Who Inspired Him to Follow His Musical Dreams
Randy Houser plays dozens of dates every year, but when he rolls into Mississippi next month for a show at the Neshoba County Coliseum, he and his band will be putting something extra special into their performance.
That night, they won’t just be playing for the fans — they’ll be playing a benefit for Thomas Carson, the band director whose guidance helped inspire Houser to finish school, head to N
Zac Brown Band to Start Work on New Album Next Month
The Zac Brown Band sold more than one million copies of their ‘You Get What You Give’ album, dominated the radio with three hit singles, and toured like crazy. However, it doesn’t look like they’re taking a break any time soon. In fact, they’re planning to start their next album.
Del McCoury Revisits ‘Old Memories’ with Bill Monroe Tribute Album
With more than five decades as a professional musician to his name, Del McCoury is an elder statesman of American music, but at an age when many artists tend to slow down, McCoury refuses to rest on his considerable laurels.
In fact, with a pair of albums out in 2011, he’s busier than ever.
Brantley Gilbert Shares the Story of the Dog He Rescued, Alley
Rick Diamond, Getty Images
The old line about country music is that it’s all about trucks, women, and dogs. And like most jokes, although it overstates the situation, it does include a nugget of truth.
Take, for instance, country newcomer Brantley Gilbert. His latest single, ‘Country Must Be Country Wide,’ is currently shooting up the charts, giving him his first hit — but that isn’t as importan
Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift to Perform at 2011 CMAs
You already know Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are going to return for another round as hosts when the 45th annual CMA Awards roll around this year. But with the gala ceremony looming on the calendar, we still don’t know which performers will be joining them on stage.
Well, the night’s full lineup is still a closely guarded secret, but the first few names have been announced and it looks like
Trailer Choir’s ‘Big Vinny’ Hickerson Felt Like He’d ‘Won the Lottery’ When He Got Cast on ‘The Biggest Loser’
As a member of the country duo Trailer Choir, “Big Vinny” Hickerson has done things most people only dream of, including scoring a top 20 album and a top 40 single. And as evidenced by his nickname, as well as his vocals on Trailer Choir’s hit ‘Rockin’ the Beer Gut,’ he’s learned to use his ample girth as an asset.
A recent health scare made Hickerson see things differently, however — and now that
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Australian Tour Won’t Lead to US Shows
The last time they toured together, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw shattered records, so when they announced they’d be teaming up again for a string of Australian dates next year, American promoters — and plenty of American fans — were hoping it’d be the prelude for a stateside sequel.
Better start saving up for those plane tickets now, though, because McGraw and Hill say their Australian shows will be
Scotty McCreery Puts His Songs Through the ‘Mama Crying Test’
Your long wait is almost over, Scotty McCreery fans. The ‘American Idol’ winner’s first album, ‘Clear as Day,’ is just a couple of weeks away from release, and you’ll finally be able to hear the rest of what the ‘I Love You This Big’ singer has in store for you.
And if you don’t like it? Well, you can blame Scotty’s mom.
Brad Paisley’s First Book, ‘Diary of a Player,’ Set for November 1 Release
Howard Books
For most people, it would be more than enough to achieve success as an award-winning recording artist, prolific hit songwriter, and highly-respected musician. But Brad Paisley is not most people.
Having conquered the Billboard charts, Paisley decided to tackle a different kind of bestsellers’ list with his upcoming book debut, titled ‘Diary of a Player: How My Musical Heroes Made a
How Was Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott Inspired by ‘Sister Act 2?’
With millions of albums sold and a growing list of hits to their name, Lady Antebellum are one of the fastest-rising young acts in the music business. As they gear up to promote their just-released third album, ‘Own the Night,’ they’re on the verge of delivering one of the biggest sales successes of 2011.
And according to singer Hillary Scott, none of it might have happened if it wasn’t for Whoopi
Taylor Swift and Her Amazing Music Sales Enter the Guinness Book of World Records
Over the last few years — and multi-platinum albums — Taylor Swift has taken up seemingly permanent residence on the charts, not to mention the hearts and iPods of millions of fans.
Now, she also has a pair of spots in the Guinness Book of World Records to call her own.
Reba McEntire to Star in New TV Series, ‘Malibu Country’
Reba McEntire struck sitcom gold with her first series, the sensibly titled ‘Reba,’ which ran on the WB and CW networks from 2001-2007. She’s concentrated on her music career since ‘Reba’ left the air, releasing a trio of bestselling albums — including her most recent effort, 2010′s ‘All the Women I Am’ — and returning to the road for successful tours.
Viewers who still mourn the loss of ‘Reba’ ca