Mindy McCready Found Dead

Country music superstar Mindy McCready, 37, has died Sunday, February 17th at her Heber Springs, AR from a self inflicted gun shot. Mindy was going through some mental tormil after losing her live in boyfriend, David Wilson, almost a month ago. It is no secret that Mindy had had issues with addiction in her life. She was on the 2010 VH1 reality show "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew". However, she was an incredibly talented singer and performer. Mindy McCready leaves behind two children Zander age 6 years old and Zayne age 10 months old. Her friends are planning a memorial for the singer in Nashville. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Top 20 Tailgating Songs

Tailgatimg time is upon us once again. Baseball is in spring training. NASCAR season just started with Daytona. Therefore, I thought I would share with you the top 20 tailgating somgs of country music as according to CMT. I hope you all enjoy it and feel free to express your opinions over the songs that were chosen or should have been chosen in your opinion.

20. Kenny Chesney – No shoes, No shirt, No problem
19. Craig Morgan – Redneck Yacht Club
18. Brad paisley – Alcohol
17. Joe Nichols – Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
16. Jason Aldean – She’s Country
15. Trace Adkins - Swing
14. Alan Jackson- Good Time
13. Big and Rich - Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)
12. Zac Brown Band - Toes
11. Billy Currington - Pretty Good at Drinking Beer
10. Toby Keith - I Love This Bar
9. Gretchen Wilson - Here For the Party
8. Billy Currington - People Are Crazy
7. Hank Williams Jr - All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight
6. Eric Church - Smoke A Little Smoke
5. Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried
4. Trace Adkins - City Girls Love Country Boys
3. Jason Aldean - My Kinda Party
2. Alan Jackson - 5 O Clock Somewhere
1. Blake Shelton -  More I Drink

I was a bit surprised not to see Cledus T. Judd's song "I Love NASCAR" or Rascal Flatts' Song "Fast Cars and Freedom" and also their song "Life is a Highway".

Kid Rock Cancels Shows For Illness

Kid Rock canceled his concert in Knoxville, TN on Wednesday night (Feb. 27) due to illness.

Rock wrote on his website, " I'm sick. I have been sick since after the Nashville show. I have done every shot and steroid to get better and have only gone more downhill. Time to take care of me. Hopefully be better by Memphis. Off to doctor to get more tests done. I hate this bullshit. Sorry.

Kid rock played Nashville back on Feb. 15. He is scheduled to perform in Memphis on Friday (March 1)

Toby Keith Mourns Loss of Bandmate and Friend

Carl Chuck Goff Jr., Toby Keith's bass player for the last 25 years, passed away after being in a car crash in Oklahoma on February 27th. He was 54 years old.

Toby stated in a statement on his website "We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our band member, Chuck Goff. He was a close friend for over 25 years, the band leader and bass player. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family."

Goff was credited for writing two of Toby's hits, "You Ain't Much Fun" and "Upstairs Downtown"and even had created a signature bass through Dean Guitars.

Rascal Flatts get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Rascal Flatts will be on the West coast next week when their stat is dedicated on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star will be located at 6664 Hollywood Blvd. in front of Sergeant Supply Store. The event took place Monday morning at 11:30. Congrats to the trio on another huge accomplishment.

Kenny Rogers announces autobiography

Kenny Rogers' first ever autobiography, Luck or Something Like It, will be published October 2 by William Morrow. Kenny talks about his childhood, the breakup of his band,  the First Edition, and the challenges he has faced  as a solo artist. It ought to be a great insight into an  otherwise private artist.

Keith Urban becomes American Idol Judge

Fox network offically announced Sunday (Sept. 16th), that Keith Urban and rapper Nicki Minaj are the newest American Idol judges.

Keith said in a statement distributed  by his publicist "It's really an honor to have been invited to be a part of the American Idol family. I'm looking forward to working with everyone and to seeing the same passion that I have for music in all of the participants."

This announcement follows weeeks of rumors and spectulation that Keith and Minaj would be joining Mariah Carey and Randy Jacksonas judges for season twelve. Mariah confirmed she would be back again in July. Randy has been a judge ever since the show first began.

Although the American Idol producers contacted other country music artists about becoming a possible judge, the rumors of Keith's selection for a spot intensified last week when he announced that  he would not be returning for another season of the Australian version of The Voice.

This should be interesting to watch American Idol again and see Keith as a judge instead of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, who will be missed. Now as they say in show biz "On with the show!"

Carrie Underwood likes healthy foods & doritos

I always thought that Carrie Underwood only ate healthy foods. However, she has admitted to liking truck stop doritos. I guess this just proves we're all just human and that every once in a while it is good to stop and enjoy the nacho cheesiness. Carrie told The Tennessean newspaper making good food choices is the eeasiest when she is  on the road. "I spend my days off, and this is the weird thing about me, I really love the grocery store so much. If I'm having a bad day, I go to the grocery store to buy groceries. There are so many things in my life that I can't control, but is something about me that I can control every single bit of it. I think that has something to do with it, too. I kind of become a health food nut when I'm on tour," Underwood says. "But, that's not to say we won't stop at a truck stop occasionally and I won't grab a bag of Doritos." After all you only life one so I say enjoy it.

LeAnn Rimes to Perform on VH1′s Save The Music Songwriters Series

LeAnn Rimes will perform at the VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s Songwriters Music Series on September 20. The event is taking place at William Hill Estate in Napa, Cal., and follows the kick-off event with Robin Thicke in Chicago last April. Napa is actually the second stop in the series, which has a show planned for Halloween in New York City.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s Songwriters Music Series,” LeAnn said. “Music is such an important part of my life and I’m happy to help spread awareness about the incredible work VH1 Save The Music is doing to keep music education programs in our schools. I look forward to a great show!”

“We are thrilled to have such an incredible talent in LeAnn Rimes perform at Songwriters Music Series Napa,” Paul Cothran, Vice President & Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, said. “This has been a great platform for us to spread awareness about the importance of music education and raise funds to help restore programs nationwide. With LeAnn Rimes’ help, we hope to surpass the funds raised in 2011 and we are certainly in for a great evening!”

Taylor Swift’s New Single to Make Record-Setting Debut

During a live webcast on Monday, Taylor Swift announced her new album, Red, is set to be released October 22. She also debuted the first single from the project, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” during the chat and then released it immediately afterward. According to Billboard, the single is poised for a record-setting chart debut.

“The title of Taylor Swift’s new single clearly isn’t about her relationship with radio or her adoring buying public,” the article said. “‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ appears headed for the upper part of next week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart, thanks to its immediate acceptance across multiple radio formats and a projected record first-week digital sales total.”

The single was also released to iTunes and Google Play late Monday, followed by other digital retailers on Tuesday. Fans have been snatching up the song in a hurry and extremely strong first-week numbers are expected to be reported as a result.

“‘Never’ has the retail record books in its sights,” the article continued. “Industry sources suggest that the song may sell between 450,000 to 500,000 downloads by the end of the Nielsen SoundScan tracking week on Sunday (August 19). That large a sum could earn ‘Never’ the biggest sales debut for a digital song by a woman, as well as a career-high sales week for the country/pop superstar.”

According to Time, the song “will certainly be the newest, most popular breakup anthem.” Billboard praises both the song and Taylor saying “with ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,’ Swift expands an already impressive songwriting range to incorporate a biting sarcasm within her deep-rooted confidence.”

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” hit No. 1 in all genres on iTunes in the U.S. in under an hour, and has since reached No. 1 in 24 additional countries. The track is in the top 20 in 40 other countries and is scheduled to be released soon in Mexico, UK, Japan and Germany.

Willie Nelson Cancel Fundraiser

Legendary Country music singer Willie Nelson had to cancel a fundraising performance in Colorado due to health problems.

Fred Bartit, the host for the fundraiser was quoted in The Denver Post as saying " I was told Willie woke up and had trouble breathing, so he was taken to the hospital.”

The fundraiser which was called “Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ” was going to be raising money for a Denver-area Humane Society animal shelter.

The spokesman for the shelter, Chris Gallegos, also confirmed that Willie Nelson canceled his appearance. However, Mr. Gallegos did not disclose the reason for the cancellation due to confidentiality.

Here's hope it is not too serious and Willie can get back to feeling well and like his self again.

Wynonna Postpones Concert Dates After Husband Cactus Moser was in Motorcycle Accident

Wynonna has postponed a series of concerts after her husband Michael Scott “Cactus” Moser, 55, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident late Saturday (Aug. 18) near Hill City, S.D. Moser plays drums in his wife’s band. Moser scored four No. 1 country hits back in the ’80s, as a member of the band Highway 101,
The couple were riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycles prior to Saturday’s scheduled concert at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel and Casino in Deadwood, S.D., when Moser drifted across the center line of the highway and collided with the driver’s side door of a Chevrolet Malibu. The driver of that car, 59-year-old Michael Bruce, declined medical treatment.
Wynonna, who was riding ahead of her husband and was not involved in the accident. Moser was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital and is being treated for serious. However, Mosser's injuries were non-life threatening. Moser was cited for driving on the wrong side of the road and not having a license to operate a motorcycle.
Wynonna has postponed Saturday’s concert, as well as four other dates scheduled for later this week in Canada. “The outpouring of prayer and support from friends, family and fans has been a blessing,” she said in a written statement. “Cactus is a champion. I love him deeply, and I will not leave his side.” Judd and Moser were married on June 10 at her farm near Nashville.

Lisa Marie to Make Opry Debut

Lisa Marie Presley will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on August 21. Lisa Marie’s latest album, the Americana release Storm & Grace, is her debut on Universal Republic/XIX Recordings. The project was produced by Grammy-winner T Bone Burnett.

Lisa Marie’s father, Elvis Presley, made his one and only Opry appearance on October 2, 1954 where he sang his version of Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” As written in Peter Guralnick’s Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, producer Sam Phillips was worried about seeing Bill Monroe backstage that night, concerned about his reaction to Elvis’ cover of the song.

Rascal Flatts, Del McCoury Band, and The Time Jumpers are also among the artists on the schedule for August 21. To plan an Opry visit, call (800)SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com.

Randy Travis Found Naked & Arrested for DWI After Car Crash

Country music legend Randy Travis was arrested for driving while intoxicated after wrecking his car late Tuesday (Aug. 7) night.

Reports also have surfaced that someone called the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office because a man was found lying naked in the middle of the road. Cops found Travis and his 1998 Pontiac Trans Am, which he had run into barricades on the side of the road.

Once in the back of the police car, the naked Travis reportedly threatened to shoot and kill the officers, which led to him being charged with “retaliation and obstruction,” a felony. It is apparent in his new mugshot Travis suffered some minor injuries from the car crash.

It is still unknown why he was naked. According to Grayson County Records, he was released this morning after posting bonds totaling $21,500.

This was the second time the country star has been arrested this year. He was charged with public intoxication the night of the Super Bowl after police found him drunk inside his car outside a Baptist church in Sanger, Texas.

Scotty McCreery: Different and yet the Same

Of course, Scotty McCreery's life was turned upside down when he won American Idol. That's a given, and you really have to be ready for that massive change when you first step in front of the judge's table. But fortunately for Scotty McCreery he is still the same guy he was before. "My life has changed, but I think the person I am pretty much stayed the same," he told the M Live website before he played a show in Michigan last week. "I went from being an average teenager working at a grocery store in the country, to playing music every night and doing what I loved. It's been a huge blessing. I learned a lot of things last year about the industry and about myself." He credits good family, good church, good morals and a small hometown with helping him to stay grounded. However, in a couple of weeks, McCreery will be starting his first year of college at North Carolina State University, with most of his classes on Mondays and Wednesdays so that then leaves his Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays free for touring.

Eli Young Band’s Mike Eli and Wife Welcome Baby Girl

Frontman Mike Eli and his wife, Kacey, a marketing director, welcomed daughter, Kline Olivia Diaz into the world on Monday (July 30) in Dallas. The little girl is the first child for the couple, weighed in at 6 lbs. and 15 oz. and is 20¼ inches long. She was expected to arrive in August.

“They tell you about this feeling that is beyond comparison…” the ‘Even If It Breaks Your Heart’ hitmaker told People, adding, “and the moment Kacey and I laid our eyes on little Kline we understood it’s absolutely the coolest thing ever!”

Needless to say, he’s excited to be a new dad. In naming Kline, Eli and his wife carried on the tradition of ‘K’ names, which apparently run in their family. Eli won’t be able to be on diaper duty for too long though. The singer will get to enjoy a few days of quality time with his little one before he and the band are expected onstage with Rascal Flatts in Charlotte next week.

Toby Keith to Undergo Surgery

Toby Keith is set to go under the knife this week, but that will not keep him away from the stage and the limelight for long.

Keith will have his galbladder removed after being in pain for some time.

According to a report from Got Country, Toby Keith has rescheduled his Aug. 2 performance at Fort McCoy for Aug. 30. However, he will be back on the stage Friday (Aug. 3) in Detroit Lakes, Minn., to continue his Live in Overdrive Tour.

Here is wishing Mr. Toby Keith a fast and healthy recovery.

Glen Campbell cancels international concert dates

Glen Campbell has ended up canceling his tour in Australia and New Zealand next month for health reasons. He was to be joined by Kenny Rogers. The Country Music Hall of Famer is battling Alzheimer’s disease and according to his spokeswoman, the singer was not up for “the very long flight that it would require.”

The tour dates were scheduled to be Glen’s last international stop on his Goodbye Tour. Kenny Rogers will continue with the tour as planned which kicks off on August 10 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Australian country artist will fill in as special guests.

Glen, best known for his hits like “Gentle On My Mind,” ‘’Wichita Lineman,” and “Rhinestone Cowboy,” received the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year. He also made his final appearance at CMA Music Festival. Glen has shows scheduled cross the U.S. through October.

Best of wishes go out to the singer and his family during the battle of this awful disease.

Jay DeMarcus, of Rascal Flatts, welcomes his second child

Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, are celebrating the birth of their second child. Dylan Jay DeMarcus was born yesterday afternoon (July 20) in Nashville, and weighed 7lb. 11oz. Both the little one and mom are said to be “doing well in a local hospital.”

Jay was in Detroit when wife, Allison went into labor, but he hopped a flight from the Motor City to Music City and arrived just in time to watch his new son be born. Without even ditching his hospital scrubs, he then hightailed it back to Michigan to perform with Rascal Flatts.

Dylan is the couple’s second child, and back in December 2010, the pair welcomed daughter Madeline Leigh. Big congratulations go out to Jay and Allison DeMarcus!

Miranda Lambert cancels concert dates

It is hard to believe that the tough country girl could get sick but especially bad enough to have to cancel a show.

Miranda's publicist told the Boot that "Due to overextending her voice, Miranda Lambert has been placed on vocal rest. She is under the care of her doctor and hopes to return to the road next weekend."

Thoughts and prayers go out to the East Texas country singer and her husband, Blake Shelton, as she tries to rest and get well again.