For many country artists the Fourth of July is another work day as they entertain fans celebrating the nation’s birthday. Luke Bryan, who will be in Norfolk, Nebraska with Craig Morgan and Terri Clark, says it’s always fun to perform on the Fourth. He adds that he'll find a way to be with his family after the show is over. Dierks Bentley will be in Missoula, Montana, while Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers will perform at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Josh Gracin will spend the holiday in McKinney, Texas before returning home to spend the remainder of the weekend with his family in Tennessee. Bucky Covington, Julianne Hough, and John Michael Montgomery will play the Red, White and Boom Festival in Lexington, Kentucky, and Phil Stacey will take part in the Wild West Fest in Hays, Kansas before taking a few days of vacation visiting family in Oklahoma. Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean are in St. Louis, Missouri. Trent Tomlinson will celebrate with a show at Boat Basin Park Amphitheater in Bainbridge, Georgia. The Lost Trailers, Phil Vassar, and Michael McDonald are lending their talents to Nashville’s celebration at Riverfront Park. Willie Nelson is set to host his annual Fourth of July picnic at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Selma, Texas. Joining him will be Ray Price, Pat Green, Billy Joe Shaver, Asleep at the Wheel, Los Lonely Boys, Merle Haggard, and David Alan Coe. Little Big Town is marking the holiday in America's 50th state – the group is performing in Hawaii.

Those fans that prefer to celebrate the Fourth in front of the television set can still see a good amount of country music tomorrow. Kenny Chesney will be on NBC’s annual “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular,” singing “Never Wanted Nothing More.” He's a repeat performer for the special, having first appeared on the show in 2003. Jerry Lee Lewis will be in the nation’s Capitol for the 28th annual celebration of "A Capitol Fourth," which will air on PBS. Rascal Flatts will join conductor Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on the "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" on CBS. Lee Greenwood will perform on an “Entertainment Tonight” special from The National Museum of Patriotism. He'll sing "God Bless the U.S.A." surrounded by 30 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Lonestar will perform tonight in Warner Robins, Georgia for a show that will be taped and aired over the Armed Forces Network tomorrow.

Kathy Mattea will host a viewing of the Michael O’Connell film “Mountain Top Removal” for friends and peers in the music industry next Thursday. The movie is about the process coal companies use to remove the element from the ground. It was filmed in Kathy's home state of West Virginia. The singer says, quote, “I am saddened we’ve progressed to the point where we consider this an acceptable practice.” Mattea’s new album, “Coal,” is filled with coal mining songs that address how the industry impacts mining families and the land around the mines.

Wynonna, who recently performed at the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, has had a long-standing relationship with the military -- beginning with her first U-S-O tour with The Judds in 1985. For Wy, entertaining the troops has nothing to do with personal politics -- it's about supporting our servicemen and women. She says, "This isn't about being a Democrat or a Republican, this is about being a child of God singing songs to encourage people in a really bitter time."

Ricky Skaggs and Doc Watson will be the subject of the Sugar Hill Records' Americana Master Series with new compilation albums due on July 8. Watson's releases for the label span from 1960 through 2006. Selections on the collection include solo work, as well as duets with Marty Stuart, Bryan Sutton and son Merle Watson. Skaggs' collection includes early recordings like "I'll Stay Around" and "Little Cabin Home on the Hill." Skaggs was also a member of the bluegrass band Boone Creek whose album, One Way Track, was Sugar Hill's first release as a label in 1978.

The late Buddy Holly's backing band The Crickets, and Booker T. and the MGs are among the new additions to the Musicians Hall of Fame. Nashville's "Tennessean" newspaper says they'll join Al Kooper, The Memphis Horns, The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and producer Billy Sherrill as the Hall's 2008 inductees. The Musicians Hall of Fame recognizes people who might not be household names but who have made significant contributions to popular music. The 2008 inductees will be honored at an event in Nashville on October 28th. Booker T. and the MGs and The Memphis Horns played on numerous Stax Records sessions, backing such greats as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, and others. Kooper has worked with a host of rockers including the Rolling Stones, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. He produced Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," and played the organ on Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone." The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section's credits include Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and Paul Simon's "Kodachrome." Sherrill produced material for many classic country stars including George Jones, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Charlie Rich.

Wynonna's been in the studio recording her first C-D of original music in five years. In an interview on her website, Wy reveals that the album will give a nod to some of the female artists who've inspired her -- including Bonnie Raitt. She says, "Unless we stop and pay homage to and respect to those who came before us, the blessings stop. I'm paying tribute to those chicks who rocked before me and paved the way." The as-yet-untitled album should be in stores this fall.

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers—backed by the 110-piece United States Air Force Band—will present a special concert on the 4th of July (Friday) in Washington, DC on the National Mall, next to the Washington Monument. The Gatlins are one of the most-awarded vocal groups in country music, with such hits to their credit as All The Gold In California, Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You), She Used To Be Somebody’s Baby and The Lady Takes The Cowboy Every Time. A Grammy Award-winning songwriter (for “Broken Lady”) Larry Gatlin is also a 2008 nominee for induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

George Strait can boast 56 number ones, but he’s not likely to boast about his very first band. The singer says he had a band in high school with a few of his buddies. He admits that not only did he not know how to play guitar, he didn’t really take music very seriously back then. George explains that it wasn’t until he became interested in country music a few years later that he began to seriously consider it as a career. That career includes his latest hit, “Troubadour,” the title cut from his current album. Singing background vocals on the song is Vince Gill. 

The Statler Brothers' Don Reid says the group's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame doesn't mean the band is coming out of retirement. The group decided to put their career to rest back in 2002. Reid notes that he, his brother Harold Reid, and band mates Jimmy Fortune and Phil Balsley will return home to enjoy their new-found Hall of Fame status. During their induction ceremony Sunday night, Reba McEntire performed “Flowers on the Wall,” with Vince Gill becoming an impromptu back-up singer. McEntire also thanked the Statlers for helping her move from nightclub singer to arena entertainer. She told the guests, quote, “I’d been singing in clubs, and my voice was just about to go, because the smoke was killing me,” and added that she told her booking agent she was no longer going to play the clubs. A couple weeks later the Statlers called to ask her to open their show. McEntire continues, quote, “You took me under your wing, you showed me how to be professional, to treat it like a business, and I’ll never forget it.” During his comments, Don gave Johnny Cash credit for taking the group on the road with him and giving the Statler Brothers the opportunity to take their music nationwide.

Cross Canadian Ragweed, Kathy Mattea, blues singer Marcia Ball, neo-blues/folkie Langhorne Slim, acoustic/bluegrass singer Tim O'Brien and Texas quintet Band of Heathens were added to the list of bands playing the Americana conference showcase being held Sept. 17-20 in Nashville. The additions join James McMurtry, The Belleville Outfit, Jim White, Paul Thorn, The SteelDrivers and The Snake The Cross and the Crown. More performers will be announced as the festival approaches. The 9th Annual Americana Festival and Conference will offer seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Nashville Convention Center by day, while each evening brings more than 80 stacked Americana showcases.

Willie's Place at Carl's Corner, Texas -- Willie Nelson's entertainment hub and truck stop -- reopens today with special guests David Allan Coe and Ray Wylie Hubbard performing at Willie's Place Theater. The filling station, which pumps Bio-Willie -- Willie's premium blend of bio-diesel fuel, is the country's largest "green" truck stop. It will be a busy week for Willie as he hosts his legendary Fourth of July Picnic on Saturday at The Showgrounds at SamHoustonRacePark in Houston.

Tom T. Hall and the Statler Brothers are officially in the Country Music Hall of Fame. They were formally welcomed last night at the prestigious Medallion Ceremony. The festive evening included numerous other Hall of Fame members who were on hand to salute two of the newest inductees. Vince Gill was slated to launch the ceremony with the traditional opening hymn. Bobby Bare, Heather Berry, Tony Mabe, Michelle Nixon, and Ralph Emery were among those set to honor Hall, while Brenda Lee Reba McEntire, and Daily & Vincent were among those scheduled to salute the Statler Brothers. Another 2008 inductee, Emmylou Harris, who was honored in a similar ceremony back in April, was also expected to appeared, along with Jim Foglesong, Teddy Gentry of Alabama, Sonny James, the Jordanaires, Jo Walker-Meador, and E. W. "Bud" Wendell. Hall and the Statler Brothers' Medallion Ceremony took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

ALSO......




Brothers Don and Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers will sign copies of their book “Random Memories” today at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville. They will make their appearance at the Broadway Avenue location of the record shop at 4:00 p.m.

Vince Gill and wife Amy Grant will perform at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 U.S. Senior Open. Fans of the couple are being offered a block of tickets that are on sale now at the reduced rate of 100-dollars. The event will take place on July 28th in Colorado Springs, Colorado. All proceeds from the concert go directly to Challenge Aspen, a program that provides year-round recreational, educational, cultural, and competitive experiences for anyone with a disability. To get ticket information log onto www.challengeaspen.org.

Merle Haggard had a star-studded audience last Wednesday during his concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Checking out his performance were Martina and John McBride, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, Gretchen Wilson, Jewel, and Cher.

Willie Nelson will host his Fourth of July Picnic a day late this year. On July 5th Nelson will welcome Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Pat Green, Los Lonely Boys, and Asleep at the Wheel to his annual event at The Showgrounds at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, Texas. David Allan Coe, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver, and Johnny Bush are also slated to participate.

Former long-time members of Waylon Jennings' band have formed Waymore's Outlaws as a tribute to the late singer with singer/songwriter Tommy Townsend on lead vocals. The band will make its headline debut at Franklin, Tenn.'s July 4th celebration. "We're all really excited about getting out and playing this music that was such a big part of our lives, and I think Waylon's fans will really like Tommy's talents and energy on stage," said Jennings' longtime bass player/tour manager Jerry "Jigger" Bridges. "We wouldn't do this without the blessing of Jessi (Colter, Waylon's wife) and we plan to make her and the entire family proud." In addition to performing Jennings' hits, Waymore's Outlaws will also back Townsend on his own music. He had a had some radio play last year with "Cowboys Want It" as half of the country duo Townsend O'Donnell. The duo parted ways earlier this year, and Townsend continues to sing, write and play as he pursues a career as a solo artist.

George Strait will headline next year's Country Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin. He will perform on June 28th, 2009. Tickets go on sale in December.

George Jones got a bit starstruck this week when he attended a signing for Gene Hackman's new book on the Civil War. According to MusicCityT-V-dot-com, George could hardly speak when it was his turn to meet the actor-turned-author.

Travis Tritt teams up with dobro legend Jerry Douglas for "Marriage Made in Hollywood," a track from Jerry's upcoming C-D Glide that's due out on August 19th.

The Statler Brothers and Tom T. Hall will officially be welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame this weekend. Fans are invited to line the red carpet at the Nashville museum’s Demonbreun Street entrance on Sunday as members and invited guests enter the Hall of Fame building for the ceremony. Among those expected to attend are newly inducted member Emmylou Harris along with Hall of Famers Teddy Gentry of Alabama, Vince Gill, Brenda Lee, and Sonny James. Others likely to walk the red carpet include Reba McEntire, Bobby Bare, and John Carter Cash. Also on hand will be the duo Grandstaff, which features cousins Will and Langdon Reid – the sons of Statler Brothers Don and Harold Reid. The Jordanaires and Pop Stoneman daughter Roni Stoneman are also slated to attend.

Randy Owen is releasing his autobiography this fall. The lead singer for the group Alabama says the book “Born Country” will chronicle his early life of extreme poverty and hardship through the success of Alabama and the group's eventual induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Randy says that in the book, quote, “we touched on every segment of my life,” noting, quote, “There were definitely painful parts that were hard to relive.” He penned the piece with journalist Allen Rucker, who has co-authored books on Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich. “Born Country,” as well as Randy’s solo album “One on One,” will be available on November 11th.

It may be June, but it's beginning to feel like Christmas. At least, apparently it is for George Strait because word came out today that the Texas troubadour will release his third Christmas album this fall. The disc, which is likely to drop in October, contains 10 songs and is expected to include Christmas classics, such as "Deck the Halls." Strait's last holiday disc was "Merry Christmas Wherever You Are" in 1999.

George Jones will release Burn Your Playhouse Down, a collection of never before heard duets with some of music's biggest names -- including Keith Richards, Leon Russell, Vince Gill, Ricky Scaggs, Mark Chesnutt, Tammy Wynette and Georgette Jones, his only child with Tammy. The songs were recorded at various sessions, including the famous Bradley Barn Sessions and the recording sessions from his album, Friends in High Places. The album is scheduled to be released on August 19th.


Burn Your Playhouse Down track listing:

"Burn Your Playhouse Down" with Keith Richards
"Window Up Above" with Leon Russell
"Selfishness in Man" with Vince Gill
"She Once Lived Here" with Ricky Skaggs
"I Always Get Lucky With You" with Mark Knopfler
"You're Still on My Mind" with Marty Stuart
"When the Grass Grows Over Me" with Mark Chesnutt
"I Always Get Lucky" with You with Shelby Lynne
"Tavern Choir" with Jim Lauderdale
"Rockin' Years" with Dolly Parton
"Lovin' You, Lovin' Me" with Tammy Wynette
"You and Me and Time" with Georgette Jones

Lorrie Morgan celebrates her 49th birthday today [Friday], if she has time. The country hit maker has just finished one album, which is scheduled to be released later this year, and is putting finishing touches on a collection of country standards to be released next year. And if rock legend Eddie Money had his way, she would be singing with him too. He tells us, "I'd like to do a duet with Lorrie Morgan because she's got a little bit of raspiness to her, but my wife thought she was too good-looking." In between albums, Lorrie continues to maintain a steady stream of tour dates including a stop tomorrow night in Reinholds, Pennsylvania.

Willie Nelson will be holding a press conference on July 3rd at Willie’s Place at Carl’s Corner, which is 40 miles north of Waco in central Texas. During the media event Nelson will discuss rebuilding and expanding the landmark Carl's Corner truckstop into a roadside oasis and entertainment complex for 21st Century trucking and travel. The new complex will boast the largest fueling station in the nation pumping BioWillie premium biodiesel. It will also include a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, as well as a restaurant and clean restrooms and showers for truckers, and wireless Internet service. The facility will also allow for overnight parking for trucks, cars, busses, and Rvs. The event will feature music on three stages with concerts by Merle Haggard, Ray Price and Nelson. Other concerts will be held throughout the week.

Willie's commitment to energy independence, America's farmers, the environment and the community where he was born and raised all come together with his stature as a superstar musician and entertainer with his involvement in the rebuilding and expansion of the landmark Carl's Corner truckstop into a roadside oasis and entertainment complex for 21st Century trucking and travel.

Willie's Place at Carl¹s Corner will include:

€ The largest fueling station pumping BioWillie premium biodiesel in the nation.

€ A state of the art entertainment complex that includes the two music venues, both featuring the finest national and Texas musical artists.

€ A modern, full-service roadside facility for truckers and travelers with a restaurant and other food services, clean restrooms and showers, a laundry, overnight parking for trucks, cars, busses and RVs, general store and gift shop, media room and HDTV big screens throughout Willie's Pace showing sports, news and entertainment, and wireless internet service.

€ A BioWillie production facility where local farmers can bring their crops to be transformed into fuel that they can also use to power the diesel vehicles and equipment.

€ An exhibit of Willie Nelson memorabilia at the Theater and a central locale for purchasing Nelson merchandise.

€ The famed dancing frogs by noted Texas artist Bob Wade that were a landmark sight on I-35 by the side of the road atop an 18-wheeler that will now welcome visitors to the entertainment complex.

The July 3rd Willie's Place event is an invitation to preview America's most unique truck stop, with food by Texas Roadhouse Restaurants, all day concerts on three stages, a live look at XM satellite broadcasting -- but remember to fill up before you stop off because the pumps won't be pumpin' until September! The day's events will include concerts by Merle Haggard and Ray Price at the Willie¹s Place Theater along with the Willie Nelson show.

Nelson will also be playing at sold-out benefit concert at the Theater for the Freddy Powers Parkinson's Foundation on Monday (6/30), Tuesday (7/1) & Wednesday (7/2). David Allan Coe and Ray Willie Hubbard will perform at the Whiskey River Saloon.

On Saturday (7/5), Nelson will also be hosting his legendary Fourth Of July Picnic at The Showgrounds at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston. Performers include Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Pat Green, Los Lonely Boys, Asleep at the Wheel, David Allan Coe, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver and Johnny Bush.

Steve Earle introduces a signature Martin acoustic guitar that he helped design with Matt Umanov, who owns a guitar shop in Greenwich Village in New York. It’s the M-21 Steve Earle Custom Edition Signature Model. It will carry the signitures of Earle and Umanov. Earle is also announcing the second part of a North American tour, which begins June 27 in Tucson. Special guest will be Allison Moorer.

Ricky Skaggs treats listeners to his new CD with a different sound to some of his songs with a new album called “The High.” The newly recorded disc features 12 of Skaggs’ hits, done bluegrass style. It is available beginning July 1, only at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.

Len “Snuffy” Miller, who was the drummer in Bill Anderson’s original Po’ Boys band, was found dead in his Nashville home Tuesday (6/24). Years ago, Bill Anderson wrote in his autobiography, “I nicknamed him ‘Snuffy’ because of his nervous habits when we would travel. In those days, we rode to our concert dates in cars, and Snuffy was always afraid we were going to have an accident. ‘Look out!’ he would constantly yell at whomever was driving, that car’s gonna pull out in front of us and we’re all gonna be snuffed out.” Bill continued, “I finally heard ‘snuffed out’ one too many times. Len, if you say that one more time, when we go onstage tonight I’m going to introduce you as ‘Snuff Miller,’ I threatened. He did and I did, and from that moment on nobody ever called him Len again. Snuffy was a big fan favorite on the road because he was so animated and so naturally funny. The wacky nickname didn't hurt either. Snuffy also possessed a good singing voice and he could go from being very funny to singing a serious song and leave the audience breathless. A major New York newspaper once wrote in a review of the show that Snuffy's stage antics was "cornball humor done well." He also tried to make it on his own as an artist, then later he played drums for both Dottie West and Nat Stuckey. He produced records for awhile, the most notable being the very successful comedy albums for Jerry Clower. He also worked in various capacities behind-the-scenes for Conway Twitty, but eventually gave up on the music business altogether and became a bus driver for the Nashville Sounds minor league baseball team. He also drove for some of the athletic teams at Vanderbilt University. 
 

Lynn Anderson joined Ringo Starr onstage Sunday night at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Randy Travis says his upcoming album, “Just Around the Bend,” has one of the best selections of songs he’s ever recorded. Travis will offer the album in several versions. The Deluxe Edition includes the CD's eleven tracks plus a special DVD with two versions of his “Faith in You” music video. It also includes two of Randy’s “CMT Studio 330” performances, “Three Wooden Crosses,” and “You Didn’t Have A Good Time.” The Deluxe Edition also includes six months of free online access to the singer’s new fan club, which will debut July 15th – which is also the day the album arrives in stores. But fans who don't want to wait will be able to download the album from iTunes beginning July 1st. This version includes two unreleased tracks, “One in a Row” and “Lead Me Home.” It will also have the “Faith in You” theater performance video and digital booklet.

Kenny Rogers will narrate “We The People,” a three-part documentary scheduled to be released on President’s Day next February. The comprehensive educational program tells the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, bringing history to life through reenactments. The film is a collaboration of the Bill of Rights Institute, the Smithsonian Institute and Inland Sea Productions, Inc.

Merle Haggard and Crystal Gayle are just two of the artists participating in “This Is Our Time,” a new single that will be released June 23rd. Also on the project are Gene Watson, Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely, Johnny Rodriguez, and David Frizzell.

Keith Anderson and Restless Heart are among the acts you'll get to see at this year's Tennessee River Run. The Darryl Worley-hosted shindig will take place in early-mid-September. Elsewhere, Darryl will perform his new single, "Tequila on Ice," at a pair of concert events this weekend. In other news, the singer will hold a benefit for his foundation via a July 15 function at a motorcycle dealership in Jackson, Tenn.

The Charlie Daniels Band and Craig Morgan will perform before this year's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27th. The concert is free to all Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Race Day ticket holders.

Alan Jackson will appear on C-M-T's Paid Vacation With Pauly Shore. The show, which premieres on Friday, follows a typical blue-collar family as they are treated to a luxury vacation in Florida. On the show, Alan invites the family to his show and to meet him backstage.