Jimmy Wayne.

Jimmy Wayne is teaming up with Memphis Representative Mark White to help guide a bill through Tennessee’s legislation that will eliminate the sunset for the Transitioning Youth Act, a program that provides assistance to foster children between the ages of 18-21 after they age out of the foster care system. The bill is part of Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s legislative package, much of which deals with economic development and reforming government operations.

The program and legislation is a priority for Jimmy, who was a foster child and homeless at the age of 16. Jimmy walked from Nashville to Phoenix in 2010 as part of his foundation, Project Meet Me Halfway, to raise awareness about teenage foster children. He has been working with State legislators and members of Tennessee State government to advocate on behalf of foster youth.

“When I was a 16-year-old homeless kid, Bea and Russell Costner, who were in their mid 70s, gave me a home,” Jimmy said. “That kind of support and stability allowed me to go back to high school, on to college and also the chance to pursue my dream to be in music. Every child deserves the kind of support that Bea and Russell gave to me. I’m hopeful the great State of Tennessee will continue to provide its foster kids with that support.”

“I have studied this issue over the past few weeks and feel very strongly about making sure this program continues for teenage foster children,” Rep. White said. “Jimmy Wayne is a great example of what happens when young adults are provided a helping hand. Far too often, they are forgotten and left behind. We can do better than that in Tennessee and it’s an honor to be carrying such important legislation.” Continue Reading

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Edens Edge photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

Have you made your New Year’s Eve plans yet? Check out where you can catch some of your favorite country stars ringing in 2012, both live and on TV:

Edens Edge will perform at the third annual “Bash On Broadway” in Nashville along with The Farm, Jeffrey Steele and headliner Lynyrd Skynyrd.The free show will take place on Broadway beginning at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will be broadcast live to a national audience on Sirius XM Radio. GAC’s Storme Warren will serve as emcee.

The Band Perry will close out the year with a performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, as part of the Los Angeles celebration. The special will air on ABC December 31.

Rodney Atkins, Joe Nichols and Lauren Alaina will perform live from the Las Vegas strip during FOX’s American Country New Year’s Eve Live special. Hosted by Rodney Carrington, the special will also feature performances by Eli Young Band and Toby Keith and include coverage from the ball drop at New York City’s Time Square. Tune in to FOX at 11/10c December 31 to catch it.

Chris Young will be headlining a New Year’s Eve show at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sarah Darling will headline the 4^th annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Parkin Panama City Beach, FL. Taking the stage at 10:45 p.m., Sarah will be the final performer before the 800-pound glowing beach ball begins its descent and final countdown to 2012.

The Grand Ole Opry will ring in 2012 with Friday and Saturday night Opry performances at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. John Conlee, Craig Morgan, Mandy Barnett, Jeannie Seely, Jimmy Wayne, Little Jimmy Dickens and Jean Shepard are all on the schedule for the December 30 show, while Little Jimmy Dickens, Jimmy Wayne, Jett Williams, Jan Howard, Mandy Barnett and Dailey & Vincent are all scheduled to appear on December 31.

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David Nail photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

This time of year, people like to count their blessings — and country stars are no different. We asked several of your favorite artists what they’re thankful for this holiday season and the answers ranged from family, music and health to…chain saws!

With a new album on shelves just in time for the holidays, David Nail is giving thanks for his career. “This year, I am most thankful for the opportunity to keep doing what I believe I was put here on this earth to do – which is, travel around the country and sing country music and perform and hopefully entertain you all,” he told GAC.

For Jimmy Wayne, he’s thankful for his new companion. “This Thanksgiving holiday, I’m thankful for many things – obviously, my health and having a home,” he said. “But something that just happened to me over the year was, I got a dog. I’m truly thankful for her. She has really brought a lot of light into my life.”

It’s been a chaotic year for American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. He hasn’t had much time to spend with his family between competing on the show and traveling the country promoting his debut album, so what he’s most looking forward to is family time.

“This year for Thanksgiving, I’m extra thankful for the family I have and how they’ve supported me throughout this journey,” Scotty said. “It’s been a trying time in the family, because we haven’t been able to be together. It’s the first time it’s ever been like that. Since February, it’s just been me and mom out here on the road and Dad and Ashley back home. And Ashley’s in college. It’s great to have a family that’s been there to support me and still stand together as a core group.” Continue Reading

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Jimmy Wayne

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate the holiday season with an assortment of programs and events for the entire family. They will also have limited edition holiday posters from the Hatch Show Print and special offers from the Museum Store, just in time for holiday shopping.

Jimmy Wayne will help kick off festivities on Friday, November 25 at 4 p.m. Central with the lighting of the Museum’s Christmas tree. He will also perform and sign copies of his new book, Paper Angels. The next day, November 26, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites will be in the Museum Store at 2 p.m. to sign copies of A Skaggs Family Christmas Volume 2.

For those who like to start their morning off with country music, the Museum will host a special breakfast with Bill Cody on Friday, December 2 as he broadcasts live from the Museum’s Curb Conservatory. Admission is $6.50 and includes breakfast, performances by Ronnie Milsap, Julie Roberts, Victoria Shaw and more and the chance to win a museum prize pack.

Saturday, December 3 is a busy day at the Museum. The day starts off with a cookie decorating class at 10:30 followed by a songwriter session with Deborah Allen at 11:30 p.m. She will sign copies of her new children’s book, The Loneliest Christmas Tree, following her performance. From 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. the Museum will hold the family program Make Letterpress Art with Hatch Show Print, where attendees will learn about letterpress printing straight from the staff of Hatch Print Show. The day will wrap with Phil Vassar signing copies of his Noel and Live on Broadway album at 3:00 p.m.   Continue Reading

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Photo courtesy of Alliance Media Relations.

Jimmy Wayne’s first novel, Paper Angels, hit store shelves today. While the story is a work of fiction, it was inspired by Jimmy’s own childhood as a recipient of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Jimmy wrote Paper Angels with best-selling author Travis Thrasher.

“When my sister and I were kids, we were represented by two of those little paper angels hanging on the Salvation Army Christmas tree,” Jimmy said. “Our family was going through a really tough time, and had it not been for the Salvation Army and the people who selected our paper angels, we wouldn’t have had a Christmas. I have never forgotten that and to this day I am still grateful for the generous hearts who take care of these kids at Christmas.”

Paper Angels tells the story of Kevin Morrell, a 43-year-old husband and father whose design and marketing firm is struggling in the down economy, and Thomas Brandt, a 15-year-old boy reeling from the effects of an alcoholic father. Kevin and Thomas’s lives and stories collide when Kevin picks an angel from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project in the middle of a busy mall. The angel leads him to Thomas, his siblings and their mom, Lynn, who is penniless and struggling after escaping their abusive home. Continue Reading

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Country music stars sure love Twitter! Here at GAC, we follow them too. This week, Taylor Swift hearts Norway,  John Rich gives a “Celebrity Apprentice” update, Martina McBride is truly blessed — and Blake Shelton prays for his liver. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/taylorswift13.

Taylor Swift:  @taylorswift13    Norway! Where have you been all my life?!?! It’s freezing and beautiful. Can’t feel my hands.

Jimmy Wayne:  @JimmyWayne    One thing to remember as an adult: don’t share your bday party w/a 5 yr olds. Guess who gets the shaft?

Rascal Flatts‘ Jay DeMarcus:  @JayDeMarcus    Interviews and more interviews.. Never thought I’d have to talk so much about Bieber’s hair!!! Wow.

Blake Shelton:  @blakeshelton   I now a lay me down to sleep I pray my lord my liver to “act-like-this-night-never-happened”…

Martina McBride:   @martinamcbride    Having a glass of bubbly and watching Frasier with my husband. It’s been a great night. Kids are happy. Lots of laughs. I have been blessed.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/juliannehough.

Julianne Hough:  @juliannehough    So I’m trying new ways to stay in shape… This one is highly unfashionable… But man is it a workout! Continue Reading

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Country music stars sure love Twitter! Here at GAC, we follow them too. This week, Gloriana‘s Mike Gossin has a little fun in baggage claim, Jimmy Wayne hikes with his dog and Montgomery Gentry‘s Eddie Montgomery dreams of steak while on a diet. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Gloriana's Mike Gossin, photo courtesy of Twitter.com/glorianatheband.

Gloriana:  @glorianatheband    Just landed in seattle. For ole time sake! GTV “Mike at airport”-Mike

Jack Ingram:  @JackIngram    Givin my mornin viewing away but just saw Adele on Today show and that song is Killer! Wow! Sounds great!

Taylor Swift:  @taylorswift13    I love Tokyo, I love Tokyo, I love Tokyo! Thank you for two magical nights at the Budokan. Unforgettable.

Kellie Pickler:  @kelliepickler  rolling down the highway in my tour bus. gonna hop in the shower and attempt shaving my legs, hope we don’t hit a pot hole.

LeAnn Rimes:  @leannrimes    Only in Texas would you see horses tied up at the gas station Continue Reading

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Country music stars sure love Twitter! Here at GAC, we follow them too. This week, country music lost one of its legends, Charlie Louvin, and Dierks Bentley tweeted his respects. Reba McEntire posted a photo from her video shoot for “If I Were a Boy,” and Martina McBride admitted to indulging a little before her upcoming photo shoot. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Charlie Louvin and Dierks Bentley photo courtesy of Twitter.com/DierksBentley.

Dierks Bentley:  @DierksBentley   an old school pic of me and charlie louvin. I learned a lot listening to louvin brothers records.God bless them.. 

Kellie Pickler:   @kelliepickler    trying to convince my husband that we should get rid of everything, sell our house & live like gypsies in a airstream. travel and dream.

Whitney Duncan:  @whitneyduncan    Taking a bubble bath while being serenaded by my bf & his guitar. This would b super romantic if he wasn’t playing me my own songs. Haha

Martina McBride:  @martinamcbride    Came home from studio and had a Fat Tire, a yummy brownie, glass of milk, and some pistachios. Photo shoot in a month. Me..in total denial.

Jimmy Wayne:  @JimmyWayne    I remember sleeping outside when I was 14 yrs old & going to bed hungry .. now I’m having breakfast w/a Senator. Bea & Russel saved me! Continue Reading

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Jimmy Wayne says this picture was taken "somewhere in nowhere New Mexico, on US 60 West." Photo courtesy of artist.

At this time a year ago, Jimmy Wayne was putting in a bit of lat-minute training as he made plans for a journey that had all kinds of potential pitfalls he could not completely anticipate. He announced just before Christmas 2009 that he intended to walk halfway across America — from Nashville to Phoenix — to raise awareness for the issue of homeless teens.

Jimmy did indeed set off on his Meet Me Halfway walk on New Year’s Day with Middle Tennessee windchills appropriately in… the teens, and his excursion became one of the most unusual pursuits of 2010. It stands at No. 8 as GAC counts down the one dozen top country news stories of the past 12 months.

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Martina McBride photo by Kristin Barlowe, courtesy of Front Page Publicity.

Brad Paisley poked fun at reality-TV stars in his hit “Celebrity” and used “Online” to make fun of a guy who posed as a studly, all-American guy, masking the nerd that he really was.

In 2010, the themes of those two songs collided weirdly in the latest Internet phenomenon: the Twitter fake star. Plenty of people assumed deliberately phony names — Not Kenny Chesney, Drunk Swifty, Rascal Fats, Bobblehead Brad — and used their online mask as a shield while they poked fun at the stars and the music business in general.

One of those fakes put down Jimmy Wayne’s cross-country charity walk from Phoenix to Nashville, and Jimmy got hopping mad about it. Then Jimmy started looking at the faux versions of the stars a little more closely and changed his tune a bit.

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