Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records.

Rodney Atkins will headline the post-race concert following the 13^th Annual St. Jude Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon in Nashville on April 28. The music-themed road race attracts more than 30,000 runners and walkers and 6,000 junior races through ING KiDS ROCK Nashville and puts them on a course that is lined by many of Nashville’s best live bands. Gloriana will also perform.

“For all these people to come out and push themselves to this great of a length for such a good cause is exciting and definitely something to celebrate,” Rodney said. “It will be a fun night and I’m looking forward to being a part of it all.”

“The St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by Nissan continues as a marquee event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series,” Adam Zocks, the event’s vice president and general manager, said. “We are thrilled that Rodney Atkins and Gloriana will perform at this year’s post race concert and are proud that so many participants return year after year to experience the event and everything Nashville has to offer.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a charity partner of the Country Music Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. The hospital is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the life-saving mission of finding cures and saving the lives of children.

“Since opening its doors in 1962, St. Jude has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases through pioneering research breakthroughs and unparalleled patient care,” Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude, said. “Our lifesaving work would not be possible without the support of the public, including running enthusiasts and our St. Jude Heroes participating in the St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon.”

Race weekend will kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo on April 26-27 at the Nashville Convention Center. Participants will be able to pick up their race numbers, pick up free samples, and attend clinics on fitness-related topics like nutrition and running gear. For more information or to register for the event, visit Competitor.com.

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Luke Bryan photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville; Blake Shelton photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton topped the list of dance club hits in 2011, according to the Marco Club Connection’s 8^thannual ranking of Country dance favorites.

Every December, the Nashville-based company surveys a panel of nearly 250 club owners, DJs and dance instructors from across the country to compile its rankings. Overall votes by the panel determine each song’s placement on the list.

“The added emphasis on dance in the music videos for this year’s top club hits was hugely popular with club DJs and choreographers,” says Club Connection Manager of Venue Marketing, Bobbe Morhiser.  “By featuring dancers and dance clubs in the videos, these records leave a lasting connection with fans that dancing and Country music are a natural match.”

The 2011 Marco Club Connection Top Ten Country Dance Club Hits are:

1. Luke Bryan – “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”  

2. Blake Shelton – “Footloose” 

3. Big & Rich – “Fake ID”

4. Blake Shelton – “Honey Bee”

5. Gloriana – “Wanna Take You Home”

6. Billy Currington – “Love Done Gone”

7. Jason Aldean – “Dirt Road Anthem”

8. Dierks Bentley – “Am I The Only One”

9. The Lacs – “Kickin’ Up Mud”

10. Chris Young – “You”

“We are thrilled that ‘Country Girl (Shake It For Me)’ was selected as the No. 1 dance song of the year,” says Capitol/EMI Records Director of Media and Public Relations, Taryn Pray.  “This single took Luke Bryan to the next level, and it’s great to have the recognition of the dance club community.”

Peter Strickland, Sr. VP Brand Management & Sales for Warner Music Nashville echoed the excited sentiments of his colleagues at Capitol: “What a great way to start off 2012 finding out Warner Music Nashville has four of the Top 5 dance songs. Congratulations to Big & Rich, Gloriana and Blake Shelton.” 

A complete archive of Club Connection’s Top Ten Country Dance Club Hits by year can be viewed at www.MarcoClubConnection.com.

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Blake Shelton photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Each year GAC asks fans to help us choose the best of the best country music videos released during the prior 12 months for our year end Top 50 Videos of the Year countdown. Here are the voting results for 2011 based on videos released and added to the GAC playlist from Nov. 1, 2010 to Oct. 31, 2011.

1. Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You”
2. Jason Aldean w/Kelly Clarkson — “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
3. Keith Urban — “Without You”
4. Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem”
5. Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood — “Remind Me”
6. Blake Shelton — “Honey Bee”
7. Lady Antebellum — “Just A Kiss”
8. Alan Jackson — “Long Way To Go”
9. Scotty McCreery — “I Love You This Big”
10. Trace Adkins — “Just Fishin’”
11. Brad Paisley w/Alabama — “Old Alabama”
12. Toby Keith — “Made In America”
13. Martina McBride — “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
14. Chris Young — “Tomorrow”
15. Taylor Swift — “Mean”
16. Brad Paisley — “This Is Country Music”
17. Blake Shelton — “Footloose”
18. Lady Antebellum — “We Owned The Night”
19. Keith Urban — “Long Hot Summer”
20. Kenny Chesney w/Grace Potter — “You And Tequila”
21. Jason Aldean — “Tattoos On This Town”
22. Scotty McCreery — “The Trouble With Girls”
23. Taylor Swift — “Back To December”
24. Tim McGraw — “Felt Good On My Lips”
25. Taylor Swift — “Sparks Fly”
26. Shania Twain — “Today Is Your Day”
27. Kellie Pickler — “Tough”
28. Jake Owen — “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
29. Billy Currington — “Let Me Down Easy”
30. Lauren Alaina — “Like My Mother Does”
31. Justin Moore — “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away”
32. Loretta Lynn/Sheryl Crow/Miranda Lambert — “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
33. Rascal Flatts — “I Won’t Let Go”
34. Zac Brown Band — “Knee Deep”
35. Zac Brown Band — “Colder Weather”
36. Reba McEntire — “When Love Gets A Hold Of You”
37. Alison Krauss + Union Station — “Paper Airplane”
38. Reba McEntire — “Somebody’s Chelsea”
39. Josh Turner — “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”
40. Sugarland — “Tonight”
41. Billy Currington — “Love Done Gone”
42. Martina McBride — “Teenage Daughters”
43. Reba McEntire — “If I Were A Boy”
44. Ashton Shepherd — “Look It Up”
45. Rascal Flatts w/Natasha Bedingfield — “Easy”
46. Pistol Annies — “Hell On Heels”
47. Gloriana — “Wanna Take You Home”
48. Luke Bryan — “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”
49. Toby Keith — “Red Solo Cup”
50. The Band Perry — “You Lie”

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the JaneDear girls photo courtesy of Warner Music Nashville.

With Christmas fast approaching, the JaneDear girls and Gloriana are sharing some of their favorite Christmas memories. When she was a child, Danelle LeVerett of the JaneDear girls received one of her first instruments. “My parents gave me a ukulele when I was four years old and I loved to carry it with me everywhere I went!” she recalled.

When Danelle’s bandmate Susie Brown was a little girl, she was all about horses. She spent hours reading books about them, watching horse-themed movies, and cutting out classified ads of horses for sale so her parents would know exactly what kind of horse she wanted.

“My oldest sister had a bunch of horses, and when I was about 13 she bought a little white Arabian mare named Misty,” Susie said. “We had a pasture at our house so I could ride her if my sister was there with her saddle. A few months later on Christmas morning I went out to the living room and saw an English riding saddle, hat, and riding pants. I was so excited I put on all my new riding clothes and saddled up our organ bench just so I could sit on it.”

Gloriana’s Tom Gossin also received his first musical instrument as a Christmas gift. “I’ll never forget the Christmas when I received my first guitar – I was 12,” he said. “I disappeared into a quiet room with the guitar and emerged about three hours later and played my first song for my family, “Jingle Bells.”  Little did I know, but that present would end up shaping the rest of my life!”

Tom’s bandmate and brother, Michael Gossin, was more into a gift most any boy would love. “My favorite Christmas present as a kid was He-Man action figures,” he said. Their bandmate, Rachel Reinert, received something far more domestic than guitars and action figures. “So typical, but I got an Easy Bake Oven as a little girl and I loved it!” she said. “I wonder if I still have it?”

It’s not just presents that give the JaneDear girls and Gloriana fond Christmas memories. They also love the food that comes along with the holidays. When Danelle takes time off from her busy schedule during the holidays, she gets into the kitchen with her mother.

“I love helping my mom make Christmas sugar cookies,” she said. “They are cut out into different shapes like Christmas trees, stars and hearts and decorated with green and red frosting and sprinkles!”

Michael is a fan of one of his mother’s desserts – but he and his brothers (Tom included!) have nicknamed them something a little less appetizing. So what’s his favorite Christmas treat? “Mom’s homemade brownies,” he said. “My brothers and I called them ‘reindeer-turds.’”

For more holiday memories from some of your favorite artists including Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, and Vince Gill, check out our Holiday Memories Channel! Watch it now! >>

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Album cover art by Peter Max.

The Let Us In Nashville – A Tribute To Linda McCartney album, which features several country artists such as Phil Vassar, Chuck Wicks, Steel Magnolia and Sarah Darling performing their versions of Sir Paul McCartney songs, is now available. Proceeds from the album will go to The Woman and Cancer Fund. The album is streaming all week on MSN’s Listening Booth and AOL’s Listening Party.

The Woman and Cancer Fund was established in the memory of Linda McCartney and promotes prevention, lifestyle awareness, enhances available health services and advocates advanced breast cancer and children’s cancer research. Sir Paul McCartney has given his approval and support of the project.

On November 7, several of the artists featured on the album gathered at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for a special concert to benefit The Woman and Cancer Fund. Hosted by Jeff Daniels, Phil Vassar, Steel Magnolia, Chuck Wicks, SHeDAISY, Sarah Darling, Cheyenne Kimball (formerly of Gloriana), Juliana Cole, Jeff Daniels, Nikki Shannon Fernandez, Jordyn Shellhart, Nancy Sirianni, Samantha Landrum, and Blue Sky Riders all performed the tracks they contributed to the album as well as some of their own material.

Track Listing for Let Us In Nashville – A Tribute To Linda McCartney

1. SHeDAISY – “With A Little Luck”
2. Timothy B. Schmit, Mark Hudson, Laurence Juber, Denny Seiwell – “Every Night”
3. Sarah Darling – “Blackbird”
4. Steel Magnolia – “Maybe I’m Amazed”
5. Phil Vassar – “Lady Madonna”
6. Blue Sky Riders (Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr) – “Junk”
7. Cheyenne Kimball – “Mull Of Kintyre”
8. Juliana Cole – “Bluebird”
9. Ricky Skaggs – “Listen To What The Man Said”
10. Jeff Daniels – “Heart Of The Country”
11. Nikki Shannon Fernandez – “I Saw Her Standing There”
12. Jordyn Shellhart – “I Will”
13. Chuck Wicks – “No More Lonely Nights”
14. Nancy Siranni – “Calico Skies”
15. Samantha Landrum – “Pipes Of Peace”
16. Tommy Emmanuel – “She’s A Woman”

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Storme Warren visits Luke Bryan out on his Farm Tour.

It was an all-star lineup on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown this week! Storme Warren went down to Claxton, Georgia to join Luke Bryan on his Farm Tour and also had the chance to chat with Dallas Davidson and Rhett Atkins, who joined Luke as special guests.

Check Out Our Farm Tour Photos >>

Back in Nashville, Nan Kelley welcomed Lauren Alaina to the studio to talk about her debut album, Wildflower, which hit stores October 11.

Read Our Review of Wildflower >>

If you missed Friday’s premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the week!

On the chart this week, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood’s “Remind Me” ends James Wesley’s run at the top of the charts, knocking his “Didn’t I” video down to No. 5. Gloriana rebounds from No. 19 to No. 7 this week while Lady Antebellum stays strong with two videos on the chart.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
2. Scotty McCreery – “I Love You This Big”
3. Thompson Square – “I Got You”
4. Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does”
5. James Wesley – “Didn’t I”
6. Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”
7. Gloriana – “Wanna Take You Home”
8. Taylor Swift – “Sparks Fly”
9. Martina McBride – “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
10. Keith Urban – “Long Hot Summer”
11. Steve Holy – “Love Don’t Run”
12. Lady Antebellum – “Just A Kiss”
13. Pistol Annies – “Hell On Heels”
14. Toby Keith – “Made In America”
15. Billy Currington – “Love Done Gone”
16. Jake Owen – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
17. Chuck Wicks – “Old School”
18. Lady Antebellum – “We Owned The Night”
19. The Band Perry – “All Your Life”
20. Alan Jackson – “Long Way To Go”

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown premieres every Friday night at 8/7c with re-airs throughout the weekend. Click here for a complete schedule.

Vote daily for GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown »

Browse GAC’s All-Star Top 20 Photo Gallery »

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Top 20 Country Countdown host Nan Kelley with Montgomery Gentry. Photo by Jessica Robbins.

Montgomery Gentry and Tom McMillan dropped by for a visit on this week’s Top 20 Country Countdown. Eddie and Troy chatted with host Nan Kelley about their new video, “Where I Come From,” while Tom shared details about his new show, Tom’s Wild Life, which premieres on GAC Sunday at 9/8 CT. If you missed Friday’s premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the week — and watch Montgomery Gentry’s new video online HERE

Watch a preview of Tom’s Wild Life! >>

Gloriana continues their stronghold on the top spot this week with “Wanna Take You Home” while Taylor Swift’s “Sparks Fly” rebounds to the No. 2 position, up from No. 6 last week. Blake Shelton’s new video, “God Gave Me You,” is the only new video on the countdown this week, debuting at No. 10.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Gloriana – “Wanna Take You Home”
2. Taylor Swift – “Sparks Fly””
3. James Wesley – “Didn’t I
4. Steve Holy – “Love Don’t Run”
5. Thompson Square – “I Got You”
6. Scotty McCreery – “I Love You This Big”
7. Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
8. Lady Antebellum – “Just A Kiss”
9. Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does”
10. Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”
11. Keith Urban – “Long Hot Summer”
12. Jake Owen – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
13. Trace Adkins – “Just Fishin’”
14. Pistol Annies – “Hell On Heels”
15. Martina McBride – “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
16. Toby Keith – “Made In America”
17. Billy Currington – “Love Done Gone”
18. Kenny Chesney w/ Grace Potter – “You And Tequila”
19. Jason Aldean – “Dirt Road Anthem”
20. Alan Jackson – “Long Way To Go”

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown premieres every Friday night at 8/7c with re-airs throughout the weekend. Click here for a complete schedule.

Vote daily for GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown »

Browse GAC’s All-Star Top 20 Photo Gallery »

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Gloriana with Top 20 host Nan Kelley. Photo by Jessica Robbins.

This week on Top 20 Country Countdown Gloriana stopped by to talk with host Nan Kelley about their new video, “Wanna Take You Home,” and the changes the band has been through since Cheyenne Kimball parted ways in July. Plus, we presented the WORLD PREMIERE of Montgomery Gentry’s new video, “Where I Come From.” If you missed Friday’s premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the week — and watch Eddie & Troy’s new video online HERE!

Gloriana also returns to the top of the chart this week, bumping Taylor Swift’s “Sparks Fly” from No. 1 to No. 6. James Wesley moves up to No. 2 with “Didn’t I” and Steve Holy‘s “Love Don’t Run” moves up to take the No. 3 spot after debuting at No. 11 last week.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Gloriana – “Wanna Take You Home”
2. James Wesley – “Didn’t I”
3. Steve Holy – “Love Don’t Run”
4. Thompson Square – “I Got You”
5. Scotty McCreery – “I Love You This Big”
6. Taylor Swift – “Sparks Fly”
7. Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
8. Taylor Swift – “Mean”
9. Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does”
10. Lady Antebellum – “Just A Kiss”
11. Keith Urban – “Long Hot Summer”
12. Trace Adkins – “Just Fishin’”
13. Pistol Annies – “Hell On Heels”
14. Martina McBride – “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
15. Jake Owen – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
16. Billy Currington – “Love Done Gone”
17. Toby Keith – “Made In America”
18. Alan Jackson – “Long Way To Go”
19. Luke Bryan – “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”
20. Jason Aldean – “Dirt Road Anthem”

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown premieres every Friday night at 8/7c with re-airs throughout the weekend. Click here for a complete schedule.

Vote daily for GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown »

Browse GAC’s All-Star Top 20 Photo Gallery »

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Gloriana with Top 20 host Nan Kelley. Photo by Jessica Robbins.

This week on Top 20 Country Countdown, Gloriana stops by to chat with Nan Kelley about their new video, “Wanna Take You Home,” as well as the changes the band has undergone since Cheyenne Kimball left the group in July. Also on Top 20 this week is the WORLD PREMIERE of Montgomery Gentry’s “Where I Come From” video. Plus, Nan will count down this week’s Top 20 videos! You definitely don’t want to miss this episode so tune in tonight at 8/7 CT.

Watch Gloriana’s “Wanna Take You Home” video! >>

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown is chosen by you, the viewers, so head over to our voting page and cast your votes daily for your favorite videos!

The countdown premieres every Friday at 8/7 CT with re-airs throughout the weekend. Check the schedule for a complete list of times.

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Country Music Miniature Donkeys, based in Spicewood, Texas and owned by fourth generation ranchers Tim and Rhetta McAlister, raise and show cattle, South African Boer Goats and world class Quarter Horses – and miniature donkeys named after country stars. The farm’s two sires are ”George Jones” and “Garth Brooks.”

George, 30” tall, and Garth, also 30” tall, have a band of 35 jennets (female donkeys). All jennets have a “lovely disposition, excellent conformation and an extensive pedigree” according to the ranch’s website, resulting in high quality offspring. George and Garth have sired more than 25 National and World champions at Halter and Performance in Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the U.S.

If you would like to purchase an offspring of George or Garth, the website has a listing of donkeys for sale. For example, Tim McGraw stands 21.5 inches and is described as a true black with a small white marking on his forehead. Fathered by George Jones, Tim’s mother is Kelly Clarkson. Take a look at Tim in action:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jason Aldean is also available for purchase. He’s the son of Garth Brooks and Someday’s Cinderella. He is well behaved and said to be gentle and trusting. He stands 30” tall and you can see him below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you would prefer a girl, Sara Evans is for sale. She is a descendent of George Jones and stands just 22” tall. The McAlisters say Sara is beautiful, gentle, curious and fun to work with. Take a look at Sara to see if she is the donkey for you:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Other donkeys who have already found homes include Julianne Hough, Sarah Darling, Steel Magnolia, Gloriana, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Reba McEntire.

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