Randy Travis photo courtesy of Webster & Associates.

According to NBCDFW.com, Randy Travis was arrested Monday morning in Sanger on a charge of suspicion of public intoxication.

Randy was spotted in front of the First Baptist Church in Sanger with an open bottle of wine, police said.

“A report of a suspicious vehicle was called in to Sanger police. Police go to investigate and find him smelling like alcohol and [he] had an open bottle of wine,” said Tom Reedy, with the Denton County Sheriff’s Department.

Reedy said Sanger officers took Randy to Denton, where he was booked into the county jail at 1:30 a.m. Monday and released a few hours later.

“They take you to jail for at least four hours, time to sober up,” Reedy explained about the Class C misdemeanor, for which Randy was cited.

“I apologize for what resulted following an evening of celebrating the Super Bowl,” Randy said through his publicist Monday afternoon. “I’m committed to being responsible and accountable, and apologize for my actions.”

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Dierks Bentley's 2012 CD, Home. Photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

On his last record, 2010’s Up On The Ridge, Dierks Bentley went Appalachian while pursuing his love for bluegrass, amidst earthy tones and Americana-influenced songs. Though the album was critically acclaimed and garnered Country Album of the Year nominations from both the Grammys and CMA, the singles didn’t achieve quite the same success at radio as his previous releases. On Home, his first mainstream set since 2009’s Feel That Fire, Dierks returns with 12 contemporary songs that showcase the singer/songwriter firmly entrenched in his element and building on established strengths.

With the album’s first single, “Am I The Only One,” already reaching the top spot on the country charts, and follow-up single “Home” currently in the Top 10, it’s clear the new work is already connecting. These two songs also highlight the diversity of Dierks’ songwriting and continued artistic drive. “Am I The Only One” is a rowdy stomp through a wild night that has Dierks seeking out someone to party with, while “Home” is an introspective and vast power ballad celebrating our differences with elegant patriotism. Dierks’ ability to maneuver between lighthearted and openly emotional from song-to-song has been a key aspect to his career — and he continues to execute it flawlessly here.

Songs like the quick “5-1-5-0,” punctuated by sharp acoustic riffing and tight banjo, illustrate Dierks’ sense of humor and penchant for entertaining twists. 5-1-5-0, just this side of loco/ I’m goin’ crazy / Think I love you, baby, he sings through lyrical dips and dives. On the hard-driving “In My Head,” distorted guitars roll along while Dierks shows off his ability to develop engaging melodies over an entire song. Flowing through verse and chorus, melodies build to a powerful refrain complete with rhymes inside rhymes. You’re still in that t-shirt on my bed/ You’re every song that’s on, you’re gone, but you’re in my arms in my head, he sings with an emotional punch.

On the swaying “Tip It On Back,” Dierks cleverly alters the carefree nature found in other songs on the album with a desire for being free from troubles when faced with tough struggles. With epic-sounding production supplied by Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten, ringing guitars and twinkling mandolin lay a foundation for forgetting about Main Street closing and miles of “for sale” signs with a good old-fashioned night at the bar. It’s a smart emotional swap that gives the song extra depth.

Home features guest spots from bluegrass players Sam Bush and Tim O’Brien on “Heart of a Lonely Girl,” and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild adds beautiful dynamics to the bluesy “When You Gonna Come Around.” However, it’s Dierks’ three-year old daughter Evie who provides the most touching collaboration, singing the final chorus of “Thinking Of You” and creating the album’s most tender moment. On Home, Dierks masterfully pulls these different elements together, creating an album that succeeds in both its artistic vision as well as its mainstream appeal.

Key Tracks – “When You Gonna Come Around,” “Home,” “In My Head,” “Diamonds Make Babies”

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Billy Ray Cyrus photo courtesy of Walt Disney Records.

Billy Ray Cyrus is planning to release his memoir, reports Music Row. Hillbilly Heart will be available in hardback and ebook editions in the spring of 2013 through Amazon Publishing. Billy Ray will open up about his career, his family, and being a parent to superstar daughter Miley Cyrus.

“This is my chance to set the record straight,” Billy Ray said. “I realized that over the years that there have been untruths and misconceptions about me, my music, my life, my family and our dreams. I’m going to lay out the facts starting from August 25th, 1961 and work my way to the present, even if it stings a little.”

The book will begin with a five-year-old Billy Ray taking the stage alongside his father’s gospel quartet, The Crownsmen, and wind through his career and personal life, including when he listened to an inner voice that told him he’d find his purpose in life through music. Billy Ray found he was ‘too country’ for L.A., but despite being considered ‘too rock’ for Nashville, still reached No. 1 with his breakout hit, “Achy Breaky Heart” and later returned to stardom playing the TV father of real-life daughter Miley on Disney’s Hannah Montana. 

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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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Country music stars sure love Twitter! This week, Reba pokes fun at a hoax claiming she’d died in Austria, Sarah Buxton comes up with a clever invention, Jake Owen  deals with a tired pup, Little Big Town teases their whereabouts, and proud dad Rhett Akins hears his son, Thomas Rhett, on the radio for the first time. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/reba.

Reba – Reba: The rumors of my Austrian death are greatly exaggerated!

Little Big Town – LBTMusic: Yep, we’re in the studio with Vince Gill right now.

Sarah Buxton – SarahBuxton: Invention: The Crack Flap. Comes up over the back of your pants & covers the inevitable plumbers crack caused by today’s low rise pants.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/thebandperry.

The Band Perry - TheBandPerry: Thx Las Vegas for an amazing night!!! Fake Brad Paisley has left the building. (np)

Rhett Atkins – RhettAkins: @ThomasRhett was played on country radio for the first time today! Show my boy some love by congratulating and following him. #proudpop

Brett Eldredge – BrettEldredge: I wish there was an app to change guitar strings, I really don’t feel like doing that right now #fb

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/jakeowen.

Jake Owen – JakeOwen: He’s tired from destroying my house

Katie Armiger – KatieArmiger: You know you look rough when you go to the counter in an airport to buy medicine, and they say ‘just take it’ and don’t charge you. Ouch.

Randy Montana – RandyMontana: Just witnessed an 87 year old man do the splits in a Cracker Barrel. I can check that one off the bucket list.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/davidnail.

David Nail – DavidNail: This is the Burger King sign in my hometown of Kennett, Missouri!

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Reba McEntire photo courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

Fans were devastated when Reba’s sitcom, Reba, was canceled after six seasons in 2007, but it looks like the Country Music Hall of Famer is making her way back to network television. According to The Hollywood Reporter (via the Huffington Post), ABC has ordered Malibu Country, a sitcom pilot written by and starring Reba.

If the show is picked up for a full season, it will follow Reba as a woman who moves herself and her children away from her cheating husband and their Nashville home to Malibu, where she looks to revive her singing career. “They’ve shot a few episodes for the pilot that will air and test. If it goes well, the show will tape additional episodes for the season,” a spokesperson from Reba’s label told Country Aircheck.

Reba, manager (and husband) Narvel Blackstock, Kevin Abbott, Dave Stewart, and Pam Williams will serve as executive producers on the sitcom. An air date for the pilot episode has not yet been released. Reba’s next appearance on network TV is set for April 1, when she returns as co-host along with Blake Shelton  for the ACM Awards live on CBS at 8/7 CT.

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Kellie Pickler photo courtesy of PFA Media.

Ram Truck wants to bring you up close and personal with some of your favorite country stars. The ‘Road to the Ram Jam’ series will feature five of today’s best country artists leading up to an invitation-only 2012 Ram Jam concert on December 29 in Nashville where all the artists will perform. Kellie Pickler is the first artist announced to help launch the series.

The Road to the Ram Jam series will bring country fans closer to their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes, free music downloads and the chance to enter to win trips for two to the Ram Jam concert. For more information and to enter the sweepstakes, visit www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.

As part of the series, Kellie is offering fans a chance to win a free download of her latest single, “Tough,” when they enter to win a trip to Ram Jam. The remaining four artists participating in Ram Jam will be announced throughout the year. All five artists will receive a one-year lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in 2013 and all proceeds will go to a military-focused charity of each artist’s choice.

“The first thing I learned to drive was my grandpa’s truck so I’m definitely a truck girl,” said Kellie. “I’m excited to be part of Ram Truck’s Road to the Ram Jam. We’re going to have a lot of fun on that “Road” – me and my Laramie. I’m also excited that we will be auctioning off my Ram truck at the end of the year to benefit our veterans in need.”

Fans can see behind-the-scenes footage of Kellie in her Ram at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam as she talks about her love for trucks, her new album, 100 Proof, and how she supports our troops with the USO. She has chosen USO as the charity to receive the proceeds from the auction of her truck in 2013.

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Craig Morgan alongside servicemen and women. Photo courtesy of Black River Entertainment.

Craig Morgan is the NRA Country Artist of the Month for February. Having served 10 years in the U.S. Army before launching his music career, Craig is one of several country stars joining the This Is NRA Country movement in support of our U.S. military, appreciation for the outdoors, and love of family.

“As someone who has served alongside the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, I have a huge sense of pride in what this country stands for and what our freedom means,” Craig said. “As many service men and women make their way home and reunite with family, we are here to give them support and encouragement along with our gratitude. I am Craig Morgan and I am NRA Country.”

Watch Craig’s “This Ole Boy” video now >>

After Craig’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Army, he completed another nine years in the Army Reserves. He continues to support our troops through overseas tours of military bases, Jack Daniel’s Toast To The Troops USO care package packing parties, and free concerts for Army family members.

Fans can view a personal video message from Craig as part of his Artist of the Month promotion along with clips from a recent Ranger Challenge competition from Ft. Benning, Georgia. The footage can be found at www.NRACountry.com. Fans can also register to win an autographed acoustic guitar and a signed copy of Craig’s upcoming album, This Ole Boy, due out February 28.

A new country music artist is featured on NRACountry.com each month, highlighting what makes them ‘NRA Country.’ NRA Country is a celebration of American values – respect, honor and freedom – and powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military, and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life.

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Hank Williams Jr., Jessi Colter, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, and Josh Thompson will all be a part of radio special set to air on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country (Channel 60). Filmed in front of a live audience at the SiriusXM Music City Theatre in Nashville, the special features music from WAYLON: The Music Inside, a three-volume collection dedicated to Waylon Jenning’s music.

Read our review of The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Volume II >>

Hosted by Outlaw Country’s Hillbilly Jim, the artists share stories and songs from the stage, accompanied by guitar legend Reggie Young and his wife Jenny on cello. Audience members include Billy Joe Shaver, Cowboy Jack Clement, and Waylon’s longtime drummer/producer, Richie Albright.

Watch a preview of Hank Jr. performing “Waymore’s Blues.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Waylon: The Music Inside, Volume II, is set to release on February 7. The second of the three part series, the album features some of country’s biggest stars performing the songs Waylon made famous. Dierks Bentley, Justin Moore, Hank Williams Jr., Jessi Colter, Montgomery Gentry, Jewel, Jack Ingram, Colt Ford, Josh Thompson, Pat Green and Wyatt McCubbin are all included on the project.

The SiriusXM special premieres on February 4 at 4/5 CT and will re-air on Outlaw Country throughout the week.

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Exile photo courtesy of Morris Public Relations.

Exile will perform at the 4th annual The Stars Go Blue benefit concert on March 6 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Trace Adkins will also make a special appearance during the show. All proceeds from the event benefit the Blue Note Fund, a Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) program designed to provide financial assistance to colon cancer patients in need.

The Stars Go Blue Concert was developed by GRAMMY-nominated producer, artist and musician Charlie Kelley (and husband of GAC host Nan Kelley), who was diagnosed with colon cancer after a routine screening at age 40. Just months after undergoing successful surgery and treatment, he began working to raise awareness about  the prevention and treatment of the disease by joining the board of CCA and creating the benefit concert.

“When you’re fighting cancer, the last thing you want to think about is a bill you can’t pay,” he said. “The Blue Note Fund is our way to help others who are going through tough emotional and financial times.”  To date, the fund has awarded $125,000 to 400 patients in need.

Charlie helped create GAC’s Hit Exchange, which paired Trace Adkins with Exile to re-record one of Exile’s signature hits, “Kiss You All Over.” He is looking forward to having them participate in The Stars Go Blue. Check Hit Exchange Airtimes >>

“It’s more than obvious that Trace and Exile have a mutual respect and chemistry and that certainly translates to the stage,” Charlie said. “I’m thrilled that Exile and Trace are generously giving their time and talents to our fourth concert event.”

Tickets for the concert at $100 per person and include the concert, a VIP cocktail reception, and an auction after the concert. For more information, visit www.bluenotefund.org.

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