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Home Sweet Home

Got an extra $172,000 a month in your household budget? That estimated mortgage payment, along with $7.6 million down, will get you Alan Jackson's Sweetbriar plantation home outside Nashville. Just placed on the market for $38 million, the home features a 19,000-square-foot home on 135 acres. Six bedrooms, seven full baths, a 20-car garage, gymnasium, a log cabin overlooking the Harpeth River and a barn with a two-bedroom apartment are among the amenities.

It's a Hit-Filled Summer with Brooks & Dunn's #1s... and then some

With more than 30 million albums sold, superstar duo Brooks & Dunn has amassed dozens of chart hits, and fans can look for their favorites with the September 8 release of the duo's #1s … and then some. True to its title, the 30-song, double-disc collection will feature classic hits and chart-toppers and two new tracks, including the duo's current smash, "Indian Summer."

Pending final sequence, a complete track listing is as follows:
A Man This Lonely
Ain't Nothing 'Bout You
Believe
Boot Scootin' Boogie
Brand New Man
Cowgirls Don't Cry (featuring Reba McEntire)
He's Got You
Hillbilly Deluxe
Honky Tonk Stomp *
How Long Gone
Husbands and Wives
I Am That Man
If You See Him/If You See Her (with Reba McEntire)
Indian Summer *
It’s Getting Better All the Time
Little Miss Honky Tonk
Lost and Found
My Maria
My Next Broken Heart
Neon Moon
Only in America
Play Something Country
Red Dirt Road
Rock My World (Little Country Girl)
She Used to Be Mine
She’s Not the Cheatin' Kind
That Ain't No Way to Go
The Long Goodbye
We'll Burn That Bridge
You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
(* new songs)

Kenny Chesney Plans Hard Rock Show in New York

Maybe he’s not technically a “rock star” rock star. The kind with long hair and a drug habit. But when a country star becomes an Ambassador of Rock, based on the Hard Rock Cafe’s definition, that says a lot. So now that Kenny Chesney has announced that he’ll play New York’s Hard Rock on Sept. 15, it’s pretty obvious that he’s progressed in America’s eyes from East Tennessee country boy to iconic arena rocker. Some of the other acts performing at various locations during the tour are Bruce Springsteen, Nine Inch Nails, Neil Young and the Killers. I’m sure he’s honored to be included in that group of musicians. But personally? I’d rather see Chesney than all those other bands combined.

Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith Among Top Earners, Says Forbes

Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith are among the 10 top-earning musicians in all genres of music, according to a new report from Forbes magazine. Chesney comes in fifth on the list with earnings of $65 million from June 2008 to June 2009. Rascal Flatts is tied for sixth place (with AC/DC and Coldplay) with earnings of $60 million. Toby Keith comes in 10th with earnings of $52 million. Other top-earning musicians were Madonna ($110 million), Celine Dion ($100 million), Beyoncé ($87 million), Bruce Springsteen ($70 million) and the Eagles ($55 million).

NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Love and Theft

Each of the hard-rocking harmonizers in Love and Theft has a unique background: In Palm Harbor, Fla., Stephen Barker Liles grew up on contemporary Christian music, Johnny Cash, Elvis and basketball, while Brian Bandas mixed his b-ball with influences that ranged from jazz to Tim McGraw to the Goo Goo Dolls in Austin, Texas, and Eric Gunderson drew inspiration from his grandfather's bluegrass banjo gigs around Charlotte, N.C. All went to college and then changed course when they felt the call to pursue their musical ambitions. They met in Nashville, where it became apparent almost at once that they belonged together onstage and in the studio.

For six months they rehearsed, rotated lead vocals, polished their assertive but nuanced vocal blend and wrote songs. Signed to Carolwood Records, they teamed with producers Jeff Coplan and Robert Ellis Orrall on their debut album World Wide Open. The album offers 11 tracks written or co-written by the band, with "Runaway" tagged as the first single. Written by Liles with Rob Blackledge and Canaan Smith, it opens with an urgent, low-key beat and a lyric that captures someone at that moment of breaking from a dead-end job into a life where the only certainty is adventure. As their voices soar on the chorus, climbing higher one at a time, it's easy to sense what drew these guys to Music City. Their harmonies earned them a berth on Taylor Swift's tour and drive them now as they begin the ride of their lives.

Michael Jackson Dies via tmz.com

We've just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.

Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We're told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.

A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived. A cardiologist at UCLA tells TMZ Jackson died of cardiac arrest.

Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but he was completely unresponsive.

A source inside the hospital told us there was "absolute chaos" after Jackson arrrived. People who were with the singer were screaming, "You've got to save him! You've got to save him!"

We're told one of the staff members at Jackson's home called 911.

La Toya ran in the hospital sobbing after Jackson was pronounced dead.

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

Montgomery Gentry Selected for Grand Ole Opry Membership

Montgomery Gentry were inducted as Grand Ole Opry members during ceremonies in Nashville on June 23. Opry member Charlie Daniels surprised Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry by extending the invitation during Tuesday night's (May 26) Opry performance. Daniels walked onstage and told the duo, "I have been chosen to do something very special. I have known you guys for a long time, and I am very proud of all your accomplishments. If you agree to it, on June 23, you're gonna be made members of the Grand Ole Opry!" Gentry responded, "I'm speechless," and Montgomery borrowed a handkerchief from Daniels to wipe his eyes. Montgomery Gentry made their Opry debut on March 3, 2000.

Julianne Hough Goes Footloose on Film

It’s all but official: After much chatter about Julianne Hough’s movie audition, she’s been offered the co-starring role in next year’s remake of the Kevin Bacon movie Footloose.

The only issue is apparently timing. She needs to be available for filming in March 2010, according to both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Paramount Pictures plans to turn the production around in time for a June 2010 release, according to E! Online.

If she accepts, Julianne will star opposite Chace Crawford, the one-time boyfriend of Carrie Underwood. Julianne had her audition with Chace, and the two spoke highly of each otherward.

Director Kenny Ortega, noted for his work in the High School Musical franchise, was also highly complimentary of Julianne.

"I love her," Kenny told E! "I adore her. I'm a big fan of hers — not only how beautiful but how deep her talent goes."

Julianne, who was teamed with boyfriend Chuck Wicks in the most recent season of "Dancing With The Stars," has previously indicated she would not be appearing in this fall’s episodes, though she did leave the door open to return to "DWTS" in the future.

Released 25 years ago, the original version of Footloose was successful both on the screen and in music stores. The soundtrack — featuring Kenny Loggins, Karla Bonoff, Deniece Williams and Bonnie Tyler — spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and was certified by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of 10 million copies.

Julianne would not be the only country female Kenny Ortega has worked with. He previously directed a video for Lorrie Morgan.

Toby Keith Plans First-Ever European Tour

Toby Keith will head overseas in November for his first-ever European tour. The first shows take place Nov. 9 in Glasgow, Scotland, and Nov. 10 in London. The nine-city tour includes stops in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway before ending on Nov. 22. Keith has achieved international success with his latest album, That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy, and single, "God Love Her."

Keith Urban Adds Australian Dates, Plans New Music Video

Keith Urban has added several Australian dates to his Escape Together World Tour. Urban will perform Dec. 12 in Melbourne, followed by shows in Wollongong (Dec. 14), Sydney (Dec. 16) and Brisbane (Dec. 18). Urban's next tour date is in Milwaukee, Wis., on Friday (June 26). In addition, he will film a new music video for "Only You Can Love Me This Way" during his concert Saturday (June 27) in Des Moines, Iowa.

Sugarland Secures First Network Special on ABC

Brad Paisley Grabs Three Wins at CMT Music Awards

With three wins, Brad Paisley emerged on top at the 2009 CMT Music Awards, although it's likely that Taylor Swift's three performances are what country music fans will be talking about in the days to come. She also won two awards -- including video of the year for "Love Story" -- during Tuesday night's (June 16) show at Nashville's Sommet Center.

Aside from a pre-taped opening segment that led into "Thug Story," her humorous, tongue-in-cheek rap video with T-Pain, Swift also provided an inspired performance of "You Belong With Me" and then closed the show with Def Leppard in a collaboration on the British rock band's late '80s hit, "Pour Some Sugar on Me."

In addition to Paisley and Swift, other award winners included Dierks Bentley, the Zac Brown Band, Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Keith Urban and director Trey Fanjoy. The show was hosted by actor-comedian Bill Engvall.

Paisley's wins included a male video nod for "Waitin' on a Woman," which featured an appearance by actor Andy Griffith. Paisley and Urban also shared the collaborative video prize for "Start a Band." Paisley shared another honor -- the CMT performance of the year award -- with Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, George Strait and Paisley for their performance of "Country Boy" during the TV special, CMT Giants: Alan Jackson.

Jackson was joined onstage by Paisley and Bentley to accept the award.

"Twenty years ago this week, I signed my record deal here in Nashville," Jackson said. "I've made, I think, about 45 country music videos in that time, and CMT and all the fans have been there with me ever since."

Paisley and Urban joked around while picking up their trophies for "Start a Band." Paisley thanked the fans "for taking a song all about playing the guitar and making it something that radio made a No. 1 hit."

"And learn guitar, kids," Urban added. "Get the real thing."

"Rock Band never got anybody a date," Paisley chimed in. "Never."

Martina McBride Raises $72,000 for YWCA

Martina McBrideMartina McBride's annual auction during the CMA Music Festival raised more than $72,000 for the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Among the high bids were $4,000 for a guitar signed by Dolly Parton and $3,500 for a framed keepsake that included a copy of McBride's Shine and songwriter Andrew Dorff's handwritten lyrics for her latest hit, "Ride." Money raised at the auction assists the YWCA's Weaver Domestic Violence Center, which last year provided over 15,000 nights of safety to women and children who were victims of domestic violence.

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM SHANIA…really it’s from her.

Dear Friends,

I am so excited to be writing to you personally again after so long.

First I want to apologize for the delay in releasing new music. Music
is the basis of our relationship, after all, and I realize I'm not
holding up very well on my end of the relationship! But music has a
mind of it's own, and is ruled by a writer's emotions and state of
mind, not by a time frame or wishful thinking. I wish like crazy that
I had new music by now since I dream of how fun it would be to see you
all again out on tour with new songs to sing, but as most of you know,
I have been side-tracked slightly over this past year.

The personal issues that took place just over a year ago have been
well documented, and there’s no need to go into more detail here.
Since then, I've been inspired by my pain to write and use writing as
a therapy through the suffering. I truly wouldn't wish this on
anybody as a means to get inspired, but it's been a productive period
with so much emotion trying to find it's way out. However, there is
no telling how long it will take me to actually finish these songs and
record them so they can get out to you.

As many things as there have been to write about through this
difficult time in my life, healing is serious business and has taken a
lot of the wind out of my sails, slowing me down at times. As you
know, I am a mom and all my energy goes to making sure my little man
is healthy and happy in every way. This is a full time job, as any
parent understands, but especially difficult when you are battling
your own personal crisis at the same time while trying to spare your
child of being affected by your own suffering.

One time when I was having a weak moment listening to some sad music
and sobbing and slobbering over my computer’s keyboard, Eja walked up
behind me and asked me why I was crying. He wasn't sad at first--just
totally surprised to see his mom crying (he is seven and never saw me
cry before), and didn't know what to make of it. During this intense
period, I was managing to hide my devastation from Eja and cried only
when I was alone; but this one time was just too hard for me to
control and I broke down. I was quick on my feet to answer him
though and told Eja that music was very powerful and can make people
quite emotional. It can make you want to dance, feel angry, happy or
sad and that THIS this song was sad and made me cry. He accepted
this, hugged me and went back to what he was doing. Phew, that was
tough!

The energy it has taken me to deal with my personal life and managing
to still be a responsible parent has been challenging, and while I
have been putting what energy I have left at the end of each day into
my writing, it's been hard to put it all together into song format.

Please be patient and I will do my best to continue working on a
finished album!
Each morning I put my son on the school bus, feed our two dogs Sony
and Dolly, drink my orange juice and sit down at the computer to
write. I spend most of my time working with lyrics right now, sorting
thoughts, expressions and concepts. It often comes out in the form of
poetry, diary notes or e-mails to friends. My friends are great
listeners and are very patient and generous about it. I often go back
to my e-mails for song ideas. When I write in letter form, I don't
hold back. I just write it as it comes without considering format,
topic, manners, etc. Some of my best songwriting ideas are coming
this way.

Time has a way of making everything right, and it is my hope that good
music will eventually come out of it. I say "good music” since I
don't want to just throw anything at you, just for the sake of
hurrying up to get it out. I want my new music to be something I'm
personally satisfied with and proud to share with you.

I have friends and family around constantly coaxing me to focus on my
music. "Your fans miss you. They want new music. It's been too
long." They're all dying for something new too, so they are pretty
relentless about it! I know you certainly all do deserve new music
and tour dates; not only because it's been so long, but also because
of the HUGE support you've all given me during this period. The many
blogs and e-mails have warmed my heart, strengthened my confidence,
given me courage, and have often even made me laugh out loud…in a good
way! I know I am not alone and realize through your support that you
are all rooting for Eja and I, and our well-being. Thank you!

The other day I started writing a few pages about being hungry as a
kid. Some of it was painful to think about but it also made me laugh
at the funny times. Reflecting on that period of my life, I realize
how true it really is to learn to take the good with the bad. To
appreciate that you can't have one without the other. The trick is to
give the "good" at least as much of your energy as the "bad" and not
to get stuck focusing more on the "bad". I decided to start writing
about other stages of my life to help take my focus off the current
phase I'm going through. When I'm feeling down, I figured changing my
focus to write about other periods of my PAST would help pull me out
of the sadness and on to new chapters in my life. It works.

I will sign off now but I look forward to my next letter/blog to you.
I just wanted to fill you in a bit on what's going on with me and
music, as well as extend my thanks for all of the support that you
have given me over this last year and for all these years; and to
assure you that I'm fine and managing very well, in fact. I'm
enjoying my child, friends and family like I haven't in years, and
it's great. I've been experiencing and seeing new things every day,
living life with a different and more optimistic attitude. I've
jumped out of an airplane at 10,000 feet, I'm riding Spanish and
Arabian horses, traveling to exotic places, I've been deep sea diving
for the first time! I pull the odd all-nighter, read more books,
listen to Eja's favourite music with him, LOUD [ironically his
favourite band is AC/DC] and basically I'm enjoying life.

Till next time, my friends. Be well, and peace and happiness to all
of you.

Love,

Shania

www.fanclub.shaniatwain.com
6/12/2009

Alan Jackson Celebrates His 20th Anniversary With Free Concert

The tribute evening was free to Jackson loyalists -- if they got in line in time in front of the club on Lower Broadway. With fans lining up early, soon there was a long procession of Jacksonphiles -- many of whom brought coolers and lawn chairs for the wait -- that almost rivaled his world's longest line dance. It also added to the general throngs of crowds and the festive atmosphere that marked downtown Nashville as thousands of country fans descended on the city for the CMA Music Festival.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean welcomed the fans in the club for the evening and noted the significance of Jackson's accomplishments. He introduced Country Music Association CEO Tammy Genovese, who also congratulated Jackson and brought on Jackson's longtime labelmate, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn. They showed a video of Jackson's career highlights and presented him with an elaborate collage commemorating his success.

Brooks recalled his history with Jackson, especially how the latter was responsible for the formation of Brooks & Dunn. "[Arista Records head] Tim DuBois told me and Ronnie Dunn that he already had a boy singer [Jackson]," Brooks said, adding that DuBois' advice was for Brooks and Dunn to form a duo to avoid competing. "Alan keeps that music right on the line," Brooks said. "He is country music."

Jackson and his longtime band the Strayhorns took over the stage after the opening remarks and didn't let up for an hour and 42 minutes of nonstop music. To start, he reached back for the title song of his first album, 1990's Here in the Real World, which was also his first chart hit. Then he ran through such fan favorites as "Wanted," "Livin' on Love," "Drive," and "Tall, Tall Trees" and worked his way through his recorded catalogue, all the way up to songs from his latest Good Time.

As ever, Jackson sang much and spoke little during the evening. He thanked his fans and said, "This is too much attention for this ol' country boy." He also poked fun at his usual attire, pointing to his jeans and remarking, "I finally saved up enough money to buy me some blue jeans without holes in 'em." And he introduced a few of his songs, prefacing "A Woman's Love," for example, by saying, "This song is from a few years ago, but I'm still trying to learn about things like a woman's love."

The closer, as most in the crowd suspected, was a rousing and rocking version of his 1993 hit "Chattahoochee." After its raucous close, many of the diehard fans pressed around the stage and called for an encore, but Jackson -- ever a man of a few, well-chosen words -- had clearly delivered his message for the night. And, judging from the fans' reactions as they left, no one was disappointed.

Forbes lists Country Music's Top Money Makers for 2008: