http://www.gactv.com GAC's top news stories. en-us Fri, 09 May 2008 21:33:13 GMT Fri, 09 May 2008 21:33:13 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Fastfwd Rss_Export v1.0 http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863826,00.html May 9, 2008 — Jerry Wallace, nicknamed "Mr. Smooth" before he scored a No. 1 country hit in 1972, died Monday of congestive heart failure, the Associated Press reports. Fri, 09 May 2008 03:48:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863826,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863813,00.html May 9, 2008 — Trisha Yearwood recently made a splash on the "New York Times" best-sellers list with her cookbook "Georgia Cooking In An Oklahoma Kitchen." Given that both are below the Mason-Dixon line, it would be easy to assume the two places have fairly similar culinary tastes, but that’s not entirely true: There is a difference. Fri, 09 May 2008 03:38:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863813,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863809,00.html May 9, 2008 — Thanks in great part to his participation in "The Celebrity Apprentice," Trace Adkins has garnered plenty of interest in film and TV. The latest development, according to the Associated Press, finds him performing the theme song to "Black Gold," a series that will debut on truTV June 18. Fri, 09 May 2008 03:31:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863809,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863807,00.html May 9, 2008 — The list of performers for the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards continues to grow. Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes and Kellie Pickler have been added to the roster for the Las Vegas production, along with Kenny Chesney and George Strait, who’ll perform "Shiftwork" live for the first time. Fri, 09 May 2008 03:22:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863807,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863805,00.html May 9, 2008 — Carrie Underwood becomes the newest addition to the Grand Ole Opry when she appears on the venerable show tomorrow night. You can bet that she's thrilled about that development, but she's not alone. Opry members Vince Gill and Dierks Bentley both think she'll have a positive effect on the institution. Fri, 09 May 2008 03:16:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863805,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863801,00.html May 9, 2008 — Jewel is 25 days from the release of her first country album, and she'll stop by to talk about the project tonight with guest host Suzanne Alexander on GAC's "Top 20 Country Countdown." Fri, 09 May 2008 03:05:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863801,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863820,00.html May 9, 2008 — Miley Cyrus’ recent cover photo for "Vanity Fair" generated plenty of heat in the media, with the 15-year-old Disney star apologizing to fans for the partially bare-back portrait that emanated from the session. Among the dissenters is Marie Osmond, who knows something about teen stardom. She was 13 years old when she recorded her first country hit, "Paper Roses," and was starring in a network TV variety show before the age of 20. Marie was not disappointed in Miley, but she felt her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, was negligent in leaving before the photo shoot was finished. Fri, 09 May 2008 03:42:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863820,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863289,00.html May 8, 2008 — Eddy Arnold, whose graceful style as a balladeer made him one of the most successful artists in country music history, died this morning at a Nashville-area care facility, according to the Associated Press. Nicknamed the Tennessee Plowboy in his earliest national incarnation, Eddy reshaped his career during the 1950s and ‘60s by donning tuxedos for his live performances and recording his songs with a string section, while dropping the genre’s traditional steel guitar and fiddle. Thu, 08 May 2008 15:03:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5863289,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862838,00.html May 8, 2008 — Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis is the first artist to sign up for the Country Music Association’s Fiesta Celebrity Grilling Challenge, a country version of the "Iron Chef" being introduced during the CMA Music Festival in June. Six celebrities will be teamed with professional chefs during the competition, with each of the participants receiving a Fiesta Blue Ember Grill. Each team is required to create an appetizer, a main course and a dessert using a "mystery box" of ingredients. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:36:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862838,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862837,00.html May 8, 2008 — When Trisha Yearwood decided to marry Garth Brooks, she recognized that one of the added dimensions to the relationship meant becoming a parental figure to his three daughters: Taylor, August and Allie. The girls range in age from 11-15, a period that frightens lots of fathers. Garth apparently does a pretty good job in handling their issues, but they’ve also run into a fair share of problems for which he has no perspective. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:32:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862837,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862835,00.html May 8, 2008 — The Oak Ridge Boys, Brenda Lee, Porter Wagoner and Conway Twitty have been tapped for the Academy of Country Music’s Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, one of numerous "off-camera" trophies the Los Angeles-based organization plans to hand out in conjunction with its 43rd annual awards show. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:23:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862835,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862832,00.html May 8, 2008 — Phil Vassar took a seat at a piano on the lawn at the White House on Tuesday as President George W. Bush presented six military spouses with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Phil sang the national anthem at the ceremony, attended by 1,100 on Military Spouse Day. He also served up three of his own songs: "Love Is A Beautiful Thing"; "I’m Alright," a hit he wrote for Jo Dee Messina; and the venue-appropriate "American Child." Thu, 08 May 2008 00:18:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862832,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862831,00.html May 8, 2008 — Gretchen Wilson spent a huge amount of time this year working to earn her General Education Development certificate, or GED — the equivalent of a high-school degree. It would have been easy for Gretchen to shrug it off. After all, her music career has her on a tight schedule, and she’s put herself in a good financial position. But she felt the diploma would be a boost to her self-esteem. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:14:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862831,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862827,00.html May 8, 2008 — Garth Brooks will be in Las Vegas during the "43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards" to perform a medley of his hits at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The slot comes in conjunction with a nationally televised presentation of the ACM’s Crystal Milestone Award, a new honor given to an artist or industry leader "to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement." Thu, 08 May 2008 00:08:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862827,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862839,00.html May 8, 2008 — Rissi Palmer walks a unique road as one of the few African-American women to pursue a career in country music. So it’s not surprising that she also earned a unique place in the media when Major League Baseball gave her ink in its "Hot Prospect" section on MLB.com. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:39:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862839,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862181,00.html May 7, 2008 — Mother’s Day is typically a time when kids pay special attention to their moms, and in Alan Jackson’s household, Denise approaches this Sunday with a newfound status as a celebrity. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:05:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862181,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862200,00.html May 7, 2008 — Joe Nichols’ current single "It Ain’t No Crime" celebrates girls and relaxation, but its theme goes even deeper. The lyrics take a stand about choosing how to live, and Joe says that’s a big reason why he recorded it for his "Real Things" album. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:21:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862200,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862210,00.html May 7, 2008 — Dwight Yoakam recently finished filming the movie <em>Four Christmases</em> in which he plays an evangelical pastor who’s dating a character portrayed by Mary Steenburgen. Acting with Mary, who’s won an Oscar and a Golden Globe award, has become a highlight for Dwight in his movie career. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:31:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862210,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862211,00.html May 7, 2008 — Rodney Atkins is the celebrity spokesman for the National Council for Adoption, a role that suits him well, given that he was adopted as a boy. He’s spoken highly of the couple that took him in, and it’s certain that Mother’s Day means a lot to him because of their acceptance. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:37:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862211,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862212,00.html May 7, 2008 — Bucky Covington’s self-titled debut album has been out a lucky 13 months — lucky in that during that time, he’s earned hits with the first two singles from that project: "A Different World" and "It’s Good To Be Us." Bucky came to prominence as a contestant on "American Idol," and because it was important to keep up the momentum he established on that show, he has a completely different view of his sophomore album than most artists. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:42:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862212,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862213,00.html May 7, 2008 — When Trisha Yearwood shot her current video, "This Is Me You’re Talking To," she picked actor John Corbett to play the part of her ex. John, who made a country album of his own, is best known for roles in "Sex And The City" and <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>, but he was not the first person Trisha considered for the part. That distinction went to her husband, Garth Brooks, who decided against it. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:47:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862213,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862219,00.html May 7, 2008 — Jim Hager, whose music and one-liners were an important part of the TV show "Hee Haw" as one-half of the Hager Twins, was celebrated in Nashville yesterday during a memorial service at the Ryman Auditorium. "I had the best brother in the universe," teary-eyed brother Jon Hager told Music City TV station WSMV. "We worked together, we lived together." Wed, 07 May 2008 04:52:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862219,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862198,00.html May 7, 2008 — Paula Abdul caught plenty of flak last week when she critiqued two performances on "American Idol" by contestant Jason Castro, even though Jason had only sung one song. Among those who was less than impressed is Big & Rich’s John Rich, who will be a judge this summer when "Nashville Star" airs on NBC. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:14:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862198,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861625,00.html May 6, 2008 — In between travelling for concert dates, parenting daughter Grace and doing homework as she earned her GED, Gretchen Wilson has started recording the fourth album of her career. The album has a heavy Southern rock feel to it, as Gretchen picks up on some of the influences that helped her get signed to a recording deal in the first place. Tue, 06 May 2008 05:05:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861625,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861640,00.html May 6, 2008 — George "Leo" Jackson — a guitar player who’s appeared on recordings by Country Music Hall of Famers Jim Reeves, George Strait and Tom T. Hall — died Sunday at his home outside of Nashville from an apparent suicide. Tue, 06 May 2008 05:14:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861640,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861628,00.html May 6, 2008 — Trisha Yearwood’s never experienced labor pains, but she likely finds herself being appreciated this Sunday on Mother’s Day. When she married Garth Brooks, she became part of a household that already included three girls, and she’s had to learn on her feet what it’s like to be a mom. One of her first decisions was not to refer to herself as a stepmother. Tue, 06 May 2008 05:09:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861628,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861540,00.html May 6, 2008 — Dierks Bentley is a country star, a hit songwriter, and now the fan favorite adds another job title to his resume: Real Man of Genius. In addition to releasing his fan-picked greatest hits album today, he's also been tabbed as the latest person to appear in the Bud Light "Real Men Of Genius" series of commercials. Tue, 06 May 2008 04:34:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861540,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861538,00.html May 6, 2008 — Kenny Chesney was put to the test this past weekend as he hit the road for three dates in the wake of an injury in South Carolina. Kenny’s right foot was caught between the stage and a hydraulic lift at a show 10 days ago in Columbia, and the initial prognosis was that he’d broken at least some toes. As it turned out, nothing was fractured, though he suffered a massive hematoma. Tue, 06 May 2008 04:28:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861538,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861619,00.html May 6, 2008 — Alison Krauss is on tour this summer with former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant, an odd couple if ever one existed. She, after all, is known for an ethereal vocal quality, while he was the shrieker on such classic rock hits as "Black Dog" and "Stairway To Heaven." Adding to the unlikeliness of their musical pairing, there’s quite an age difference: She was born in 1971, at a time when Zeppelin had already released three albums. Tue, 06 May 2008 04:56:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861619,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861542,00.html May 6, 2008 — The country singles charts have shifted into Otto-matic pilot. James Otto notched the top spot this week on both the Radio & Records and the Mediabase country singles charts with "Just Got Started Lovin’ You." Tue, 06 May 2008 04:44:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861542,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861541,00.html May 6, 2008 — Rascal Flatts’ Still Feels Good Tour ranked as the top country concert draw during the first quarter of the year, and now country music’s most-popular trio — Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney — are ready to launch the Bob That Head Tour June 13. Tue, 06 May 2008 04:39:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861541,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861260,00.html May 5, 2008 - A starched shirt, western hat and blue jeans are standard fare for Neal McCoy's public apparel, but he'll put his clothing knowledge to a greater test June 4 when he joins GAC's Suzanne Alexander to emcee the second annual Country Weekly Fashion Show at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Mon, 05 May 2008 18:07:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861260,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861256,00.html May 5, 2008 - Back in 2000, Alan Jackson released his version of a Hank Williams, Jr. song called "The Blues Man," which Joe Nichols has since adopted as a regular part of his concerts. Mon, 05 May 2008 18:02:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861256,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861263,00.html May 5, 2008 - Josh Turner felt he was privileged when Trisha Yearwood said she'd be willing to sing a duet with him on the current single "Another Try." Particularly because Trisha is notably picky about the material she records. Mon, 05 May 2008 18:14:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861263,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861264,00.html May 5, 2008 - Carlene Carter has received excellent reviews for her latest album, "Stronger," in which she tackles some of her personal demons. In the process, she's attracted some rather famous fans, including Elvis Costello and Elton John's songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. Mon, 05 May 2008 18:18:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861264,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861251,00.html May 5, 2008 - This weekend's Kentucky Derby ended in an unexpected tragedy when the second-place horse, Eight Belles, was severely injured and euthanized after completing the race. Mon, 05 May 2008 17:58:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861251,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861246,00.html May 5, 2008 - Carrie Underwood has quickly gone from a college student working toward a journalism degree to a national star with two multi-platinum albums. And though she's living a life that she had dreamed about, she never allowed herself to expect that dream would come true. Mon, 05 May 2008 17:54:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861246,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861245,00.html May 5, 2008 - Pomp and circumstance go quite nicely with the "Redneck Woman." Gretchen Wilson passed a test last month to earn her GED, and she'll collect her diploma in the traditional cap and gown May 15 at a high school in Wilson County, Tenn. Mon, 05 May 2008 17:50:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861245,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861140,00.html May 5, 2008 - Dierks Bentley has taken several unique steps with his first greatest hits album, due tomorrow. One of those steps is the hyper-involvement of his fans in creating the package. Another comes with the double slashes in the title. Mon, 05 May 2008 14:09:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5861140,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859734,00.html May 2, 2008 - Voting is now open as fans are enlisted for the first time to name the Entertainer of the Year during the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards May 18. The winner will be announced during the show, broadcast from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:28:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859734,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859736,00.html May 2, 2008 - The Dixie Chicks, Wynonna Judd and Jessica Andrews have each contributed tracks to a new compilation album that celebrates motherhood and was designed to enable relaxation during pregnancy. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:33:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859736,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859737,00.html May 2, 2008 - Songwriter Richard Fagan, charged with the murder of his business partner Tom Oteri, was ordered yesterday by a Nashville judge to undergo in-patient drug and alcohol treatment. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:37:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859737,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859725,00.html May 2, 2008 - GAC will help fans at the CMA Music Festival get close to three major country stars at different points in their careers as Taylor Swift, Randy Travis and Gretchen Wilson take part in the CMA Celebrity Close Up Series at the Ryman Auditorium June 5. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:14:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859725,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859728,00.html May 2, 2008 - For years, the prevailing wisdom in country music has been that if you want to get discovered, you almost have to live in Nashville. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:22:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859728,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859729,00.html May 2, 2008 - Phil Vassar found a ready and waiting audience for his fifth album, "Prayer Of A Common Man." Released April 22, the CD vaulted to No. 3 on the Billboard country album chart and No. 10 on The Billboard 200, which measures all genres. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:25:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859729,00.html http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859724,00.html May 2, 2008 - Dierks Bentley has a greatest hits album on the way, and Trisha Yearwood has a book on "The New York Times" bestsellers list. Both of them also have a chat with Nan Kelley on their calendars, as they drop by tonight's edition of GAC's "Top 20 Country Countdown." Fri, 02 May 2008 13:57:00 GMT http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5859724,00.html