Top News

"Girl On The Billboard" Songwriter Dies

Jan. 5, 2009 — Walter Haynes, a producer and steel guitarist who wrote the Road Hammers’ 2008 single "Girl On The Billboard," died Jan. 1 in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 80.

Grammy Nominees Visit Kosovo

Jan. 5, 2009 — A troupe of songwriters, including two who are currently nominated for Best Country Song in the Grammy Awards, are in Europe in the midst of a two-week tour of American military bases that began the final week of December. Thom Shepherd and the Nashville Songwriters Band is named, rather appropriately, for one of the writers responsible for the military-themed David Ball hit "Riding With Private Malone." Band mate Bob Regan is currently up for Best Country Song for Randy Travis’ recording of "Dig Two Graves," while fellow band member Wade Kirby is nominated in the same category for co-writing George Strait’s "I Saw God Today."

Naomi Judd Celebrates "Miracles"

Jan. 5, 2009 — Naomi Judd, whose successful battle with Hepatitis C has been a source of hope for many others with life-changing diseases, is appearing during January on a public-affairs television show, "Sharing Miracles."

Diamond Rio Geared for Another Marathon

Jan. 5, 2009 — Diamond Rio is once again revving up its fan-based charity wing, Team Rio, with hopes of raising more than $100,000 for charity through the annual Country Music Marathon.

Plant Recognized by Grammys, Queen

Jan. 5, 2009 — As his collaboration with Alison Krauss gives Robert Plant country credentials that could never have been imagined at the outset of his career, the former Led Zeppelin front man is also receiving an honor from the Queen which was probably also out of the question when "Whole Lotta Love" sent the group to superstardom in 1970.

Merle Haggard: Joint Coverage

Jan. 5, 2009 — Merle Haggard took a number of pot shots last week as he turned the corner in his battle with cancer. The Hag had surgery in early November to remove a lemon-sized tumor from his lung, and his relationship with weed changed because of it.

Brad Paisley Plots Next Album, Tour

Jan. 5, 2009 — Brad Paisley is just 10 days away from the next leg of his Paisley Party Tour, but he’s already looking ahead to his next concert run, which will coincide with the release of a new album this summer.

Taylor Swift Heads to "SNL"

Jan. 5, 2009 — It looks as if big things will continue to happen for Taylor Swift in 2009. She’s expected to begin her first headlining tour later in the year, and she’s already slated to be the musical guest on the first new episode of NBC’s "Saturday Night Live," airing this Saturday.

$750,000 Settlement Saves Johnny Cash Guitars

Dec. 31, 2008 — Bringing a gut-wrenching issue to a conclusion, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has reached a settlement with the estate of a businessman whose posthumous bankruptcy case could have forced the institution to relinquish historic instruments that formerly belonged to Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe and Mother Maybelle Carter, of the Original Carter Family.

Luke Bryan: Happy Old Year!

Dec. 31, 2008 — There’s plenty of reason to look forward to the new year, but the one we’re leaving behind was pretty good to Luke Bryan. He had his first hit in 2007 in with "All My Friends Say," but "Country Man" gave him a second Top 10 single in ’08 and proved Luke is no fluke. And that was just one of several ways the last 12 months proved fortuitous.

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