Our Country RoadCountry Music news and reviews

This morning Toby Keith visited Fox and Friends. Toby always has something to say and he weighs in on the Gulf oil spill as well as Nashville’s flood recovery. Toby also performed his next single, “Trailerhood”, the title track off of his next album which is due out later this year. Toby is getting ready to launch his “American Ride Tour” this weekend at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. The “American Ride Tour” is also featuring Toby’s labelmate, Trace Adkins and rising star, James Otto.

Toby Keith’s annual charity golf tournament, auction and concert, held in his native Norman, OK, raised nearly $600,000 this year. According to CMT.com, the proceeds will go to an Oklahoma’s Children’s Hospital called the “OK Kids Korral”. The children’s hospital is set to open in 2012 and is on the grounds of the University of Oklahoma Medical Center. Two fans each bid $28,000 for a chance to have dinner with Toby. During the concert portion of the weekend Toby shared the stage with label-mate Phil Vassar, as well as David Allan Coe and Larry the Cable Guy.

Also, this past weekend Toby played the first sell-out concert at Fort Knox’s Godman Army Airfield. The crowd attracted more than 10,000 fans, which doubled last year’s showing for Brooks and Dunn. All proceeds from the concert will be reinvested and go to help military families.

Happy Memorial Day to everyone especially those who serve, have served, and have family that serve in our armed forces. There are many patriotic songs that I could post, but one of our favorites is Toby Keith’s “American Soldier”. What is your favorite patriotic country song???

Forbes Magazine has a great article on the top earning country music stars. The article talks about the stability of the country music industry comparatively to the rest of the genres. It also talks about fan loyalty and dedication to artists that continue year after year. Kenny Chesney took the top earning spot followed by Toby Keith. Taylor Swift, with the help of her massive “Fearless Tour”, made a huge move this past year and finished #3. The only real surprise was Carrie Underwood coming in at #10. I would have expected her to be higher on the list. Here is an excerpt from the article. Fans should definitely head over to Forbes Magazine and read the entire piece.

“Unlike success on the coasts, fame in Nashville seems to come with an irrevocable ticket into the hearts and wallets of country fans who, like the heroes of a sad song, are in it for the long haul.”

“Their loyalty is one big reason why Nashville seems to be a time warp back to the days when the music industry was all-powerful and radio stations dictated who would become a star. Over the last year country has remained calm as the rest of the business continues to shed dollars and talent. Country album sales were down only 3% in 2009, compared with double-digit declines in rock, alternative and rap.”

Here is the Top 10 list of earners in country music. The exact monetary figure is an estimate. Check out a slide show of all of the Top 10 along with facts and figures on their earning at Forbes.com.

1. Kenny Chesney – $50 Million
2. Toby Keith – $48 Million
3. Taylor Swift – $45 Million
3. Rascal Flatts – $45 Million
5. Tim McGraw – $30 Million
6. Keith Urban – $28 Million
7. George Strait – $25 Million
8. Brad Paisley – $22 Million
9. Alan Jackson – $15 Million
10. Carrie Underwood – $13 Million

Laura Bell Bundy and Evan Farmer announced the final nominees for the CMT Music Awards on People.com today.

And here are the CMT Music Awards 2010 Nominees ….

Female Video of the Year:
* Miranda Lambert- “White Liar”
* Reba McEntire- “Consider Me Gone”
* Taylor Swift-”You Belong With Me”
* Carrie Underwood-”Cowboy Casanova”

Male Video of the Year:
* Jason Aldean-”The Truth”
* Billy Currington-”People Are Crazy”
* Toby Keith-”American Ride”
* Tim McGraw-”Southern Voice”
* Keith Urban-”Til Summer Comes Around”

Group Video of the Year:
* Gloriana-”How Far Do You Wanna Go”
* Lady Antebellum-”Need You Now”
* Rascal Flatts-”Here Comes Good Bye”
* Zac Brown Band-”Toes”

Duo Video of the Year:
* Brooks & Dunn: “Indian Summer”
* Steel Magnolia-”Keep on Lovin You”
* Sugarland-”Keep You”
* Sugarland-”Night Swimming/Joey”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
* Luke Bryan-”Do I”
* Easton Corbin-”A Little More Country than That”
* Steel Magnolia-”Keep on Lovin You”
* Laura Bell Bundy-”Giddy on Up”

Collaborative Video of the Year:
* Taylor Swift & Kellie Pickler-”Best Days of Your Life”
* Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins-”Hillbilly Bone”
* Jason Aldean & Bryan Adams-”Heaven”
* Kenny Chesney & Dave Matthews-”I’m Alive”

Video Director of the Year
*Deaton Flanigen (eligible videos include: Jason Aldean’s “The Truth” and Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home”)
*Chris Hicky (eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” and Justin Moore’s “Small Town USA”)
*Shaun Silva (eligible videos include: Kenny Chesney’s “Out Last Night” and Rascal Flatts’s “Summer Nights”)
*Roman White (eligible videos include: Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” and Kellie Pickler’s “Best Days of Your Life”)

CMT Performance of the Year
*Lady Antebellum – “Lookin’ For A Good Time”
*Reba McEntire – “Consider Me Gone”
* Tim McGraw – “Southern Voice”
* Brad Paisley – “Then”
* Carrie Underwood – “Temporary Home”

Video of the Year:
* Toby Keith-”American Ride”
* Lady Antebellum-”Need You Now”
* Keith Urban-”Til Summer Comes Around”
* Jason Aldean-”The Truth”
* Miranda Lambert-”White Liar”
* Carrie Underwood-”Cowboy Casanova”
* Kenny Chesney-”Out Last Night”
* Zac Brown Band-”Toes”
* Brad Paisley-”Welcome to the Future”
* Taylor Swift-”You Belong with Me”

Fans can vote online at CMT.com through June 8 to determine the winners. The final nominees for Video of the Year will be announced at the beginning of the live show, and fans can then vote at CMT.com and via text message throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.

Here are two youtube clips of Toby Keith talking about his recent USO tour in Korea. Toby is known for his dedication to the troops who have always responded very well to him. In this interview Toby talks about his USO tour, strange things he was asked to sign and much more. The reporter is a military reporter stationed in Korea. Toby doesn’t have to but he continues to go back overseas again and again. He is one of the most patriotic guys you will meet. Enjoy.

Randy Houser revved up country music fans the night before the ACM Awards at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill at Harrah’s Casino. CMT.com streamed live the late night, high energy set that included Randy’s hits like “Boots On”, “Whistlin’ Dixie”, “Anything Goes” and his latest single, “I’m All About It”. You can still watch Randy in action on CMT.com by following the link. Among those in attendance on Saturday night at Toby’s restaurant were Toby himself, Joe Nichols, Trace Adkins and the Trailer Choir (all of which, including Houser, are on Toby’s newly merged label “Show Dog-Universal Records”). Check out these pictures from Randy’s show courtesy of Vegasnews.com

- The show opened up with a bang. The first performance was by Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, John Fogerty and Charlie Daniels!!! Check it out.

- Reba told some awful jokes before Cher who introduced Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins to perform “Hillbilly Bone”.
- Billy Currington performs “That’s How Country Boys Roll”
-Kenny Chesney performs “Ain’t Back Yet”
- Faith Hill presents Song of the Year
Lady Antebellum wins ACM Award for Song of the Year for “Need You Now” This will definitely not be the last time they make it on stage tonight. Check out the video of Hill present and Lady A accepting!!!

- Laura Bell Bundy performs “Giddy On Up”. Lots of dancers and very similar to the popular video. It will be interesting to see how she is embraced by country music.
- Toby Keith performs a tribute to Wayman Tisdale with “Cryin’ for Me”. Great song. Not used to seeing Toby at award shows though.
- Zac Brown Band checks in from their USO Tour. In the commercial you saw that you can get a free ZBB CD if you write a letter to a serviceman or woman overseas. Pretty cool eh.
- Joe Nichols presents Single Record of the Year Award Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” wins again. Boy, its easy to find Lady A video clips tonight. Where are the rest of them???

- L.L. Cool J introduces Taylor Swift’s performance of “Change”. Taylor is accompanied by a large choir from San Diego.
- Top New Artist segment of the program
- Gloriana perform “Wild at Heart” on the smaller stage surrounded by fans.
- Luke Bryan all by himself on the big stage singing his #1 hit “Do I”. Love this song. Way too short.
- Joey and Rory performing “Cheater, Cheater”. They are likable. I think they do deserve more play on the radio. They have a new CD coming out in June.
- The Top New Artist is Luke Bryan!!!! Good for Luke. He is pumped and deserves it.
- Lady Antebellum continue their huge night with a performance of their current #1 hit, “American Honey”. They look great and are on top of the world right now!!!
- Rascal Flatts perform “Unstoppable”. CSI and the Olympics had their time with this song now it’s only for country music fans. Great song.
- the lovely Kristen Bell presents “Album of the Year” goes to Miranda Lambert’s “Revolution”. White Liar is a great song and Miranda really deserves this despite really tough competition. Miranda says that her music is the only thing she lives for….did she forget Blake…hmmm. Then the first ACM blooper of the night as they cut off Miranda’s producer in an awkward moment.
- Another stop at the USO tour of Zac Brown Band before Jason Aldean’s performance of his current single, “Crazy Town”. Once again, how did Jason Aldean miss getting nominations at this show??? I guess he will have to settle for sold out arena show right now.
- Miranda Lambert performs “The House that Built Me”. Lambert is trying to rival the big night that Lady A is having. She might do it too!!! I do like this dress better than the orange carpet dress. Where is the pink guitar??
- LeAnn Rimes presents the Home Depot Humanitarian Award to Montgomery Gentry. Great guys. Make sure you catch the GAC special on them when it is replayed about how they got together and their road the top. It is a great story…the stuff songs are made out of. A great moment seeing Eddie Montgomery in tears as he says how great our country is.
- Dierks Bentley and Jack Ingram perform “Barbie Doll”. Why are there old ladies on stage with them. A little weird for me.
- Carrie Underwood performs “Temporary Home”. Beautiful floral gown. She is unbelievable. This song really shows off her ability to tell a story. – Reba presented Carrie with a “Triple Crown” award. The Triple Crown is winning “Entertainer of the Year”, “Top New Artist” and “Top Female Vocalist”…I think….even though Reba messed up saying it!!!
- Top Vocal Group ACM Award goes to Lady Antebellum I really thought the Randy Rogers Band had a chance there. The night of Lady A keep going.
- Tim McGraw performs “Still” with the Dancehall Doctors behind him. Everyone is dressed in black.
- Brad Paisley takes to the stage with his current single “Water”. Where are the hot tubs?? Great violin and guitar solos!!! Ahh yes, there is the water. Looks nice and hot!!!
- Little Mama is drooling for Matthew McConaughey who just gave a pair of boots to Carrie Underwood. Remember the last time the two of them were at an awards show??? I believe Carrie put her foot in her mouth. McConaughey presents Top Male Vocalist to Brad Paisley who is still all wet and tries to give McConaughey a hug!!! Paisley’s wife and McConaughey co-starred on “We Are Marshall” a few years ago.
- Reba is tearing up introducing Brooks and Dunn’s last ACM performance….the winning song was “My Maria”. Tremendous song. A great way to go out. But Ronnie’s microphone doesn’t kick in much during the first verse. It is amazing to watch all the other stars singing along to “My Maria”.
- Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood present the Top Vocal Duo award to Brooks and Dunn. Fitting end to an amazing 20 year run. Can’t wait to see the “Last Rodeo Tour” this summer.
- Reba performs “I Keep On Loving You”. Great pictures of country couples in the background. Probably Reba’s best dress of the night too.
-Top Female Vocalist goes Miranda Lambert. She is shocked saying, “You’ve go to be kidding me”. Kinds of a surprise but it looks like Miranda’s award show.
- Keith Urban performs “I’m In”. Great song. Had a camera following him around stage that gave a great look at the crowd a few times. Keith doesn’t play his current single, “Til Summer Comes Around” but plugs a new song that will fly up the charts after that performance. Very smart move.
- Entertainer of the Year goes to Carrie Underwood. Hugs all around as Carrie makes her way on stage. What a year it has been. Huge tour, engagement, EOTY. WOW.
-Darius Rucker closes down the 2010 ACM Awards with “Forever Road”. Darius hit the country music scene by storm the last two years. I am so excited that he is in the mix and I think he will continue to come out with great songs and albums for years to come. What a great country voice.

An amazing showcase for country music. No one can deny the strength of country music right now. I am sure there were some new converts tonight to the greatest genre in the world. Goodnight and God Bless.

I think the ACM Awards are going to be 6 hours long this year. They can not possibly cram any more performers into one awards show. Today, the Academy of Country Music unveiled a few more performers to add to the list. The new additions are Billy Currington, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert.

Toby Keith will also be on hand to perform “Cryin’ For Me” with sax player Dave Koz. Dierks Bentley and Jack Ingram will be playing together and are expected to sing “Barbie Doll”, their collaboration from Ingram’s latest album. Also added to the lineup is John Fogerty who launched a country album in 2009. Performers who were previously announced for the April 18 show include Laura Bell Bundy, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum and Reba McEntire, set to host for the 12th time in her career.

The ACMs are getting close. Sunday, April 18th at 8 pm on CBS is the place to be for this tremendous event. Be sure to set your DVR to catch all the great performances.

Source

Toby Keith will be hosting his seventh annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic May 21-22 in his hometown of Norman. The proceeds will again go to assist Oklahoma children and their families who are coping with pediatric cancer. This years Golf Classic starts on Friday, May 21 with dinner, live entertainment and silent and live auctions. Participants will tee-off the next day, and the winner of the Ford Shootout closest-to-the pin contest will drive away in a new Ford F-Series pickup.

Some of the auction items are said to include a Food Network experience with Guy Fieri on the set of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (I want that!!) and ESPY tickets to a SeaDream Caribbean Voyage and autographed memorabilia from Carrie Underwood,Brett Favre, Steve Young, Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael Phelps, Kelly Clarkson, Cold Play, Chris Allen, Trace Adkins and more.

According to Bam’s Blog,
“The tournament, auction and dinner benefits the Toby Keith Foundation, which is funding the OK Kids Korral, a 16-room guest lodge that will house pediatric cancer patients and their families on the grounds of Oklahoma University Medical Center. With completion expected in 2012, the 30,000-square-foot facility will be a haven of respite for families of young children struggling through cancer treatments.”

In other Toby Keith news, Toby will be in Detroit for the grand opening of his restaurant, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills, where it will open to the public at 6PM.

During the event, Keith will meet with radio contest winners, VIP invited guests and executives of Ford Motor Co. The Detroit News reports that “the 22,000 square-foot restaurant has a capacity of 1,300. It features 50 HD TV monitors, an 85-foot guitar-shaped bar, a mechanical bull and live music five nights a week. It also touts a Southern-style menu that includes pulled-pork sandwiches, fried bologna sandwiches, meatloaf and southern fried Twinkies. This will be the 6th “I Love This Bar & Grill” for Toby Keith and the first one in Michigan.