The Boot
Martina McBride, Danny Gokey + More: Top Tweets of the Week
Filed under: Humor, Country News
Martina McBride (@martinamcbride): "Playing 'Secret Agents' with my 5 year old is pretty much as good as it gets ..."
Josh Thompson (@TheJoshThompson): "Its a good day to write a song about Animal Crackers."
Jaron and the Long Road to Love (@JaronATLRTL): "Whatever happened to velcro shoes? Those were so functional and awesome! I'm tired of tying shoes laces."
Justin Moore(@JustinColeMoore): "In no way could I be more miserable right now. Guess where I am. Ding, ding, ding! A freakin airplane the size of my cowboy boot!"
Miranda Lambert Overjoyed With Blake Shelton's CMA Nominations
Filed under: CMA Awards, Country News
"I think it's awesome," Miranda tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper. "He's been going at it like he's a new artist, playing shows and working really hard, and he's been doing this for 10 years. I think he's one of the best singers in country music, and the fact that he'd never been nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year was getting on my nerves. It's not just been a huge year for me, it's been a huge year for both of us. And if you can't win, wouldn't you rather lose to someone you love?"
As both of their careers have skyrocketed this past year in a blazing cascade of record-breaking, multi-platinum success, Miranda and Blake have been quietly melting at a slow and measured pace into each other's arms as a couple in love. There was never any hurry, as far as they were concerned ... even after four years of dating, when everyone kept asking them, when is he going to pop the big question?
Brooks & Dunn End Their Last Rodeo in Nashville
Filed under: Concert News, Country News
Without much fanfare or several celebrity friends making guest appearances, Brooks & Dunn wrapped up their 20-year partnership with a show at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena Thursday, September 2. Proceeds from the show, which featured an opening set by newcomer Tyler Dickerson, will go to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Prior to the show, a 15-minute video featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with the duo's band and crew, many of them having been with Kix and partner Ronnie Dunn for most of their run, shone a light on the pair as great bosses and nice guys. Their famous signature steerheads were out in full force located above the stage and on the bass drum (although the bubble-blowing goat and the sky-high inflatable cowgirls were nowhere to be seen!)
Shawn Camp Revisits the '90s With 'Lost' Albums
Filed under: Albums, Country News
Only problem was the powers-that-be at Shawn's label, Warner Reprise in Nashville, felt the album, "didn't sound like the latest hit," Shawn says today. "They wanted me to change everything. Told me to take all the fiddles and Dobros off and put electric guitars on. I got crossways and never did it."
The lost album is finally being issued with the title '1994,' and it's thanks to Warner Music Nashville President/CEO John Esposito, who happened into an impromptu guitar pull with Shawn during last year's Leadership Music retreat, an invitation-only gathering of industry professionals. After digging through the Warner vaults and getting his first listen to the music, Esposito said, "This stuff is magic. There's this sly, underlying sexiness to Shawn's songwriting that I dig. I was trained to sign people who are magnificent and then to allow them show their magnificence. It shouldn't be about trying to change what they do."
Gretchen Wilson Answers Fan Questions
Filed under: Exclusive, Interviews, Country News
Gretchen Wilson is hitting the charts with the title track of her latest album, 'I've Got Your Country Right Here,' so we decided to hit her with some questions from the fans. The Boot solicited our Twitter and Facebook followers for Gretchen questions and thanks to your inquiring minds, we certainly had a lot of fun things to talk to the singer, songwriter, literacy advocate and mother about. We caught up with Gretchen about politics, her daughter, the special moments in her career, getting older, what kind of man she would like to date ("lumberjack man ... big dude, hairy, tough! "), as well as the Redneck Woman's rockin' new anthem, 'I've Got Your Country Right Here.''
Danny writes, "Would you ever want to run for political office?"
I might want to, [but] I'm not saying I will. It's a question I've been asking myself a lot lately, because of where I'm headed. Something happens after you have a child. You start thinking about the world. Our parents and our grandparents really suffered and went through a lot of hard stuff so we could be as free as we are now, so that we can live the way we're living. But I feel that we're not parenting our country as well as our parents parented this country and we're leaving a lot of stuff behind. If the political world could get to a more honest place, then I might be able to find a place in it. But if being a politician and running for office means not being myself and hiding my past or watching what I say because of the region of the country I'm in, I don't know if I'm cut out for it. If we ever get to a place where we can handle some honesty and we're willing as a country to let people to speak freely without throwing our hands up in the air and saying, "racist" or "politically incorrect" or "you can't say that here" -- when we're ready to really get down to it and talk, I can probably see myself there.
Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood Needs a CMA Date!
Filed under: CMA Awards, Humor
The Associated Press reports that Dave asked his mom to go with him via Twitter (because, says Dave, "she loves Twitter for some reason"), but she had to turn him down! "OH WOW!!! YIPPEE!!! What an honor and surprise invitation!!," the proud mom tweeted, even though she's unable to attend.
Dave says he's "bummed" his mom can't go to the show but adds that he's now "in the hunt." As for the type of girl he seeking, not just as a CMA date but in general, Dave tells The Boot, "I would love to find a girl who loves to travel as much as we do. Someone who likes the ups and downs of a music career. I'm still looking for the right one!"
Keith Urban's 'Get Closer' to Be Released November 16
Filed under: Albums, Country News, Songs
And more good Keith Urban news: The CD's debut single, 'Put You in a Song' -- co-written by Keith, Sarah Buxton and Jedd Hughes -- will hit airwaves on September 13.
"I've always loved songs about the guy in love with the unattainable girl," says Keith of the new tune. "And the idea that the only chance that this poor guy is ever going to have to get close to the object of his affection is to put her in a song, just struck me. That way he'd be able to take her with him everywhere he goes ... day and night."
Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts + More Share Labor Day Blessings
Filed under: Country News
Labor Day weekend also signals the unofficial end to summer, and many of the hottest country stars are taking a look back at some of the toughest jobs they had prior to making their mark in music. Artists such as Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts also talk about the fans who keep them "employed" on the road and on the radio.
Alan Jackson's songs are all about the working man. "I've always written songs and recorded songs, other people's songs, about working people, and the working life because that's where I'm from," says the singer-songwriter. "I'd already had jobs and worked as a grown person before I ever even thought about being in the music business, so I come from that background, and ... although I hadn't had a job in a long time [laughs], I still remember a lot about it, and I remember what the lifestyle is, and I still appreciate that."
'General Hospital' Co-Stars Hit the Road as Port Chuck
Filed under: Exclusive, Interviews, Country News, Movies and TV
"Steve was an initial voice as far as me coming to the show in the first place," Scott tells The Boot. "Once I got there, he talked me up as far as what I was doing in Nashville with Blue County and musically. We even talked about the possibility of me doing something musical in the show."
Not long after Scott's 'GH' debut, Steve got to work on putting together his dream band. "I'm such a fan of Bradford's and Brandon's voices, and obviously we know that Scott's a rock star!" he says. "Everybody is so different. So I said, 'Why don't we put together a cover band? We can do it for appearances and have it be a thing where everybody will love the songs and have a great time.'"
Joe Nichols Wants to Know 'The Shape' His Fans Are In
Filed under: Country News
"We came up with this idea as a great way to connect people to a larger community," Joe explains (quote via Nashville.com). "Sometimes you just want to get something off your chest, or you want to get creative and have some fun. 'The Shape I'm In' website lets you do that -- you'll see your postcard alongside other people's, and it's all anonymous. I think this is something people will really like -- whether you're just reading other people's reports on what shape they're in, or you get involved and post your own."
Darryl Worley Ready for Annual Tennessee River Run
Filed under: Country News
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, September 16, with a fish fry and songwriters round, featuring performances by Darryl, along with several of his frequent co-writers, including Wynn Varble, Jim "Moose" Brown and Phil O'Donnell. Friday, September 17 kicks off with an early morning golf tournament, followed by an evening concert by the Marshall Tucker Band.
Saturday, September 18, promises a full day of fun for people of all ages. The day's festivities include a 5K run, a kid's fishing tournament, a motorcycle poker run and an arts and crafts fair. Saturday night's concert closes out the event with performances by Lee Brice, Danny Gokey and Joe Diffie, with Darryl headlining the show.
Keith Urban Bringing 'Sexy' Back?
Filed under: Country News
"We recorded a lot of songs and we're deciding which ones may constitute a new album," Keith tells the Burlington Free Press newspaper in Vermont. "At this stage, I would say it's not a radical departure. I can't even put my finger on what it is now. It's just a new record [laughs]. It's perhaps a bit deeper. It's a sexier record.
"I love boy/girl songs," Keith adds. "They're timeless."
Gretchen Wilson Ready to 'Jam for America'
Filed under: Country News
Proceeds from Jam for America will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, which assists severely wounded military personnel and their families. It's a cause other country superstars, including Wynonna, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry and John Conlee have all proudly supported.
Gretchen will also be performing for another charity later this month, when she joins Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Brice in a special Gulf Coast concert to help raise money for the tourism industry that has been adversely affected by the devastating oil spill. And while it may seem difficult to balance life as a singer with her time-consuming roles as both a mom and record label owner, Gretchen says it's important she finds time in her life for the things that matter the most.
Brooks & Dunn to Welcome Friends for Final Farewell
Filed under: Exclusive, Concert News, Country News
"We're really proud of the Hall of Fame and everything it stands for," Ronnie Dunn explains. "It's really cool that we have it here in Nashville and are very proud of the heritage that comes with it."
The pair, who released their debut album 'Brand New Man' in 1991, have hinted at a possible superstar line-up of guests for this last show, and Ronnie believes it's going to be a huge celebration. "We're going to have all our friends backstage. There'll be more people backstage than there will be out front probably, and that's fine with us. We'll just go out with a big party and have a cab take us home."
Jimmy Wayne Plans Album Inspired by 'Halfway' Trek
Filed under: Exclusive, Country News
Jimmy has already completed one song inspired by people he met along the way during his seven-month journey from Nashville, Tenn. to Phoenix, Ariz. "It's a consolidation of all the people I have met in one song," Jimmy tells The Boot. "This album is not going to be your bubble-gum record at all. It's inspired by this walk. It's not necessarily all about the foster kids because you don't have to beat that thing to death. It's a record about my experience -- why I walked, about the walk, the end of the walk, and what I hope happens after the walk. I'm writing down the truth and I'm writing from my heart. It's real. It's my heart."
Miranda Lambert Out-FOX-es Blake Shelton
Filed under: Country News
Life continues to be a roller-coaster ride for country's lovebirds as their busy careers keep them hopping from one venue to the next. Both appear to have their priorities in order when it comes to their careers, and Blake doesn't seem to mind at all that Miranda's profile as a "rock star" is on the rise.
"I won't lie," Blake told the Toledo Blade as he was making his way out of the NBC studios. "I think it's cool that she's a rock star. She's Miranda Lambert on stage, but she's also my girlfriend. But that's not what keeps us together. It's the fact that I know she's at home right now, and I'm getting ready to get on an airplane and fly there and be with her. I can honestly say I'm looking forward to that time with her more than being on an awards show or anything else."
Loretta Lynn Tribute CD Boasts Faith Hill, Reba + More
Filed under: Albums, Legends, Country News
Personally chosen by Loretta herself, the list is a who's-who of country and rock favorites including Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Allison Moorer, Paramore, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, the White Stripes, Lucinda Williams, Gretchen Wilson and Lee Ann Womack.
"I am so happy that these singers wanted to do this record," says Loretta. "I love 'em all, and it was so great to hear all the different ways they did my hits," she said, referring to how each artist recorded with their own choice of producer and musicians. "I hope people like it as much as I do and we sell a bunch of records!!"
Steel Magnolia Honored to Be in Company of Brooks & Dunn
Filed under: CMA Awards, Country News
"It's a huge honor," says the duo's Meghan Linsey. "We went to the CMA Awards last year, and it was our first awards show ever. I remember getting out of the car and thinking, 'Nobody's going to know who we are.' I was just scared to even get out of the car. We got through it and we've gotten to go to a couple more awards shows since then, trying to get used to it. I don't know if you ever do get used to it. I'll have to ask Brooks & Dunn. [laughs] But it's a huge honor to be nominated, especially in a category with Brooks & Dunn and Sugarland and these bands who have been around."
Toby Keith Recalls Joys and Dangers of Entertaining Troops
Filed under: Exclusive, Country News
It's one thing to show up at a safe venue on American soil to entertain loyal fans, but it's a whole different story when one goes to a war zone. We caught up with Toby to ask him about the scariest situation he's ever encountered on one of his USO tours.
Kix Brooks Takes His Show on the Road
Filed under: Exclusive, Country News
Kix, who has been dividing his time between touring with Brooks & Dunn and hosting the nationally-syndicated American Country Countdown show, will now be able to focus more time on his radio gig, including making plans travel to a different radio affiliate each month. "I'm looking forward to taking our radio show on the road next year and spending more time with the local affiliates that broadcast American Country Countdown each weekend," he says. "This will be a fantastic opportunity to create some unique listener events and have direct contact with devoted Country music fans. The concert series will showcase several of our industry's top names and also introduce some of its rising stars."