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. Continue Reading

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Randy Travis photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Randy Travis, Rodney Atkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ashton Shepherd and The Roys are among the country artists joining award-winning musician and musical director Randy Scruggs and an all-star string band to  bring Charles ‘Pa’ Ingalls’ old time fiddle music to life as part of a PBS special filmed at Middle Tennessee State University, reports The Daily News Journal. Dale Cockrell, director of MTSU’s Center for Popular Music and a scholar of the early American music seen in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little house on the Prairie book series, is coordinating all aspects of the special.

Pa’s Fiddle: America’s Music, will be broadcast during the 2012 June pledge-drive season on PBS stations throughout the country. A new CD, Pa’s Fiddle: American Fiddlers, featuring a portion of the 127 songs mentioned in the Little House books, will be released June 5 but is available as a pre-release special right now at www.laura-ingalls-wilder.com.

Dale Cockrell is the founder, owner and president of Pa’s Fiddle Recordings LLC, a record label dedicated to recording the music referenced in the book series. He worked with actor Dean Butler, who played Laura’s husband, Almanzo, in the “Little House” TV series to create the Pa’s Fiddle project. “I’ve been working on the ‘Pa’s Fiddle’ project for about 12 years now and sometimes it’s felt like we’ve been pushing that boulder up that hill every day,” he said. “Now we’re finally at the top and get to share this music with everyone.” 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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Taylor Swift photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

Billboard.com has released their list of the Top Country Artists of 2011. Artists are ranked based on album sales, song downloads and airplay, touring revenue, Social 50 chart action, ringtone sales and streaming data provided by Nielsen BDS. Congratulations to Taylor Swift for being named the Top Country Artist of 2011! What do you think of this ranking? Who’d top YOUR Top 50 list? Leave us a comment below!

1. Taylor Swift
2. Jason Aldean
3. Lady Antebellum
4. Zac Brown Band
5. Blake Shelton
6. The Band Perry
7. Rascal Flatts
8. Kenny Chesney
9. Brad Paisley
10. Luke Bryan
11. Keith Urban
12. Miranda Lambert
13. Sugarland
14. Eric Church
15. Scotty McCreery
16. Toby Keith
17. Thompson Square
18. Chris Young
19. Billy Currington
20. Tim McGraw Continue Reading

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Eli Young Band photo courtesy of Universal Records South.

Billboard.com has released their year-end Top Country Songs chart for 2011. Here are the 50 most popular country songs of the year based on radio airplay audience impressions as measured by Nielsen BDS. Congratulations to Eli Young Band for having the No. 1 song of the year with “Crazy Girl!” Of note, the song was co-written by Lee Brice who recorded “Love Like Crazy,” the Top Song of 2010.

1. “Crazy Girl” – Eli Young Band
2. “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” – Jake Owen
3. “Take A Back Road” – Rodney Atkins
4. “Tomorrow” – Chris Young
5. “You Lie” – The Band Perry
6. “Am I The Only One” – Dierks Bentley
7. “You and Tequila” – Kenny Chesney
8. “Honey Bee” – Blake Shelton
9. “Just Fishin’” – Trace Adkins
10. “Let Me Down Easy” – Billy Currington
11. “Here For A Good Time” – George Strait
12. “Knee Deep” – Zac Brown Band
13. “Just A Kiss” – Lady Antebellum
14. “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” – Justin Moore
15. “Made In America” – Toby Keith
16. “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” – Luke Bryan
17. “Heart Like Mine” – Miranda Lambert
18. “God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton
19. “Don’t You Wanna Stay” – Jason Aldean w/Kelly Clarkson
20. “What Do You Want” – Jerrod Niemann Continue Reading

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Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records.

Rose Palermo, attorney for Rodney Atkins, released a statement this morning in response to reports that Rodney was arrested on November 21 for domestic assault. The website TMZ reports Rodney’s wife, Tammy Atkins, called 911 at 7:47  a.m. on November 21 — claiming the two had been arguing throughout the night in their home.

Via Rodney’s publicist, Ms. Palermo released this statement:

This was an unfortunate verbal dispute between Mr. and Mrs. Atkins within hearing range of their child, and when Mr. Atkins realized their child was in hearing range of the argument his first priority became getting out of the earshot of the child, and that is when Mrs. Atkins called the Police and gave them her version of the argument, which is completely untrue. Mr. Atkins realized that he would have no recourse but to file a complaint for divorce. Since filing the complaint for divorce he has exercised substantial parenting time with the parties’ son and he will continue to do so while the divorce is pending. The criminal complaint does not allege that any harm came to the child or Mrs. Atkins and as a result the court has not prohibited Mr. Atkins from having parenting time with his son. Under Tennessee state law, anyone can swear out a warrant to the police and have a warrant issued to an arrest. Obviously that is the case here, since according to the explicit terms of the warrant, it’s entirely based on the word of Mrs. Atkins. The police did not witness any assault because none occurred. The police did not witness any violence between Mr. and Mrs. Atkins. It is entirely based on her word.

Mr. Atkins plans to spend significant time with his child over the Christmas holidays and respectfully requests privacy at this time. Mr. Atkins wants to thank his fans for standing by him as he is confident the truth will prevail.

This report is issued by Rose Palermo, Nashville, Tn., attorney for Rodney Atkins.

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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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Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records.

Rodney Atkins will perform at the 2011 National Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 1 on the Ellipse at President’s Park in Washington, D.C. along with OneRepublic and singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius. Carson Daly will host the event, which will feature a special appearance by Kermit the Frog. More performers and special guests will be announced in the coming days.

The ceremony can be viewed live online at www.thenationaltree.org beginning at 4:30 PM/ET with the National Christmas Tree Lighting pre-show. The event will also air on public television through the month of December. Check local listings or visit www.thenationaltree.org for air dates. Continue Reading

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Miranda Lambert And Nan Kelley. Photo by Cheryl Ecton.

Miranda Lambert has new music out this week and stopped by GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown to talk about her latest project, Four The Record, with host Nan Kelley. Miranda also discussed the success of her all-girl group Pistol Annies, being nominated and performing on this year’s CMA Awards and of course, gave the dirt on husband Blake Shelton. If you missed Friday’s premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the week!

Read our review of Miranda Lambert’s Four The Record >>

On the chart this week, Scotty McCreery and Blake Shelton are in control, making up four of the Top 6 videos. Scotty remains at No. 1 this week with “I Love You This Big” while his new video, “The Trouble With Girls,” debuts at No. 3. Blake comes in at No. 5 and No. 6 with “God Gave Me You” and “Footloose.” Reba’s latest, “Somebody’s Cheslea,” debuts this week at No. 11.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Scotty McCreery – “I Love You This Big”
2. Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
3. Scotty McCreery – “The Trouble With Girls”
4. Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
5. Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”
6. Blake Shelton – “Footloose”
7. Martina McBride – “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
8. Taylor Swift – “Sparks Fly”
9. Toby Keith – “Made In America”
10. Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does” Continue Reading

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Charlie Daniels photo courtesy of Webster PR.

The Grand Ole Opry is returning to its most famous former home, the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The Opry began its three month winter run at the Ryman on Tuesday night with a show featuring Rascal Flatts, Rodney Atkins and more. Artists scheduled to appear at the Opry at the Ryman include Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars, Marshall Tucker Band, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Charlie Daniels and more.

Over the weekend, the Opry helped Charlie Daniels celebrate his 75th birthday with a cake before his performance. Check out the photo HERE.

During the show, Tennessee National Guard Major General Max Haston promoted Charlie to the Guard’s rank of Brigadier General. Charlie was inducted into the Opry family in 2008.  Continue Reading

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