Toby Keith Reflects On Patriotism

If you want to know what Toby Keith thinks about something, just ask him.  The singer has never shied away from stating his opinion, even when it comes to politics.  Toby says the most difficult thing about being patriotic is, quote, "dealing with the morons in the world who isolate you and put you on an island."  He also notes that his views don't lean one direction or another, which makes it difficult for more politically polarized people to understand him.
        
Keith says he is always amazed at people -- both on the left and the right -- who try to politicize social issues, such as the right to carry a gun, gay marriage, and global warming.  He explains, quote, "If the polar cap is melting and we're doing it I need to go educate myself and find out what I can do to help save the planet."  On the musical front, Toby's on his "Biggest and Baddest Tour."  His next show is coming up in Phoenix, Arizona on July 10th.

Country Artists Celebrating Fourth Of July On Television

Those fans that prefer to celebrate the Fourth in front of the television set can still see a good amount of country music tomorrow.  Kenny Chesney will be on NBC's annual "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular," singing "Never Wanted Nothing More."  He's a repeat performer for the special, having first appeared on the show in 2003.  Jerry Lee Lewis will be in the nation's Capitol for the 28th annual celebration of "A Capitol Fourth," which will air on PBS.  Rascal Flatts will join conductor Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on the "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" on CBS.  Lee Greenwood will perform on an "Entertainment Tonight" special from The National Museum of Patriotism.  He'll sing "God Bless the U.S.A." surrounded by 30 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.  Lonestar will perform tonight in Warner Robins, Georgia for a show that will be taped and aired over the Armed Forces Network tomorrow.

Fourth Of July A Special Work Day For Artists On Tour

For many country artists the Fourth of July is another work day as they entertain fans celebrating the nation's birthday.  Luke Bryan, who will be in Norfolk, Nebraska with Craig Morgan and Terri Clark, says it's always fun to perform on the Fourth.
      
He adds that he'll find a way to be with his family after the show is over.  Other artists away from home for the Fourth this year include Dierks Bentley, who'll be in Missoula, Montana, and Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, who'll perform at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.  Bucky Covington, Julianne Hough, and John Michael Montgomery will play the Red, White and Boom Festival in Lexington, Kentucky.  Tim McGraw, Josh Gracin, Phil Stacey, Jason Aldean, and Trent Tomlinson are also on the road, while Little Big Town is far from home -- the group will be performing in Hawaii.  Also working on the holiday are Phil Vassar, The Lost Trailers, and Michael McDonald, who are lending their talents to Nashville's celebration at Riverfront Park.  And Willie Nelson is set to host his annual Fourth of July picnic at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Selma, Texas.  Joining him will be Ray Price, Pat Green, Billy Joe Shaver, Asleep at the Wheel, Los Lonely Boys, Merle Haggard, and David Alan Coe.

Keith Anderson's "C'mon" Used In Nascar Video

         
The title track to Keith Anderson's upcoming album, "C'mon," is providing the soundtrack for a NASCAR video.  While the singer continues prepping for the release, he's added another top ten single to his resume with "I Still Miss You."  Keith, who co-wrote the song wtih Tim Nichols and Jason Sellers, says "C'mon" sets the tone for the album.
       
Also included on the upcoming disc is Keith's version of "Lost in this Moment," a number one hit for Big & Rich that he co-wrote with the duo's John Rich.

Kenny Rogers Selling His Georgia Home

For those looking for a home in Atlanta, Georgia, Kenny Rogers' mansion is up for sale.  The singer, who plans to move his family to a three-thousand square-foot ranch home he's building, is selling his current home for just under eight-million-dollars.  The nine-thousand square-foot home sits on one-and-a-half acres, has six bedrooms and six baths, and comes furnished.  The home boasts and Italian-style décor along with a pool and a gym.  Rogers says he enjoys buying and fixing up homes, then putting them back on the market.  However, the singer will probably hang on to the 150-acres where his ranch house is being built.

Darryl Worley Developing Second Worleybird Café

Darryl Worley is opening a second Worleybird Cafe.  The singer says he plans to break ground later this year, and hold the grand opening in early 2009.  While the café will offer the same home cooked recipes as his original Savannah, Tennessee location, it will carry a different theme.  While the original restaurant is a showcase for Worley memorabilia, the second Worleybird Café will focus on the military and will honor the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces.  It will also offer live music in an attached theater.  Bird number two is being developed in Country Crossings in Houston City, Alabama.

Nicole Kidman Recalls First Ultrasound Of Baby

Keith Urban's wife, actress Nicole Kidman, says seeing her baby for the first time was an emotional experience.  She tells "Vogue" magazine that she cried when she saw their child for the first time on an ultrasound.  She explains, quote, "I didn't think I'd get to experience that in my lifetime."  Nicole adds, quote, "To feel life growing with you is something very, very special, and I'm going to embrace that completely."  Urban and Kidman are expecting the arrival of their first child this month.  Keith is playing close to home this week.  He's set to perform on Kenny Chesney's "Poets & Pirates" stop at Nashville's LP Field on Saturday.  Also on the bill are Gary Allan, Sammy Hagar, and LeAnn Rimes.

Sugarland Offering Fans "Deluxe" Experience This Fall

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland have announced a contest that ties in with their new album, "Love on the Inside: The Deluxe Fan Edition."  Everyone who buys a copy of the deluxe CD is entered for a chance to win one of five "Platinum Tickets."  The winning tickets bring numerous prizes, including a paid trip with hotel to Nashville and the Country Music Association Awards in November.  Winners will also get to meet Kristian and Jennifer and get a private concert from them.  Kristian describes the promotion as "the ultimate fan experience."  The official rules can be found online at www.sugarlandmusic.com.  The contest begins on July 22nd, the same day that "Love on the Inside" is released.

Craig Morgan Pranks New Band Members

Practical jokes seem to be standard on country music tours.  Usually it's one artist pulling a joke on a tour mate, but Craig Morgan recently put one over on a couple of his band members.  When the singer was performing with Kellie Pickler, he joined her for their meet-and-greets with their buses up next to each other.  Two of Craig's band members were Pickler fans and had not met her, so they asked Craig if he would introduce them to her.  He agreed, and asked Kellie if she would say hello to his guys.  Then he told policemen who were working security at the buses to keep his guys from going over to Pickler's bus.  Morgan notes that his band members were completely fooled.
       
Now Craig is likely watching his back, since he probably expects that the band guys are working overtime to figure out a way to get him back.

Quick Bites

It'll be a working July 4th holiday for Billy Ray Cyrus.  He'll be a guest on the syndicated "Live with Regis & Kelly" tomorrow.

Rodney Atkins' new video, "Invisibly Shaken," is now on CMT.  Atkins went to Percy Warner Park in Nashville to put pictures to the lyrics of the song, which reflect on love gone wrong.  The tune first appeared on Rodney's debut album, and fan demand made the singer look at it again for his "If You're Going Through Hell" project.

Kathy Mattea will host a viewing of the Michael O'Connell film "Mountain Top Removal" for friends and peers in the music industry next Thursday.  The movie is about the process coal companies use to remove the element from the ground. It was filmed in Kathy's home state of West Virginia.  The singer says, quote, "I am saddened we've progressed to the point where we consider this an acceptable practice."  Mattea's new album, "Coal," is filled with coal mining songs that address how the industry impacts mining families and the land around the mines.

Country TV Today And Tonight

MAVERICKS: HONKY TONK HEROES (BIO) Johnny Cash, George Jones, Toby Keith, Hank Williams Jr., Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, more.
MAVERICKS: HONKY TONK ANGELS (BIO) Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Ray Charles, Judy Collins, Kris Kristofferson.
BIOGRAPHY (BIO) Dolly Parton. Guests Porter Wagoner, Lee Ann Womack, Shania Twain, Tanya Tucker, Billy Ray Cyrus.
COYOTE UGLY (ENC) LeAnn Rimes, Tara McLean, Tyra Banks. A determined aspiring songwriter slings drinks and "bar dances" to finance her pursuit of stardom.
SOUNDSTAGE (RAVE HD) Lee Ann Womack, Julie Roberts.
AFTERMATH: THE STATION FIRE FIVE YEARS LATER CONCERT (VH1) John Rich, Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, Twisted Sister, Stryper, others.
NASHVILLE STAR (CMT) Billy Ray Cyrus, John Rich, Jewel, Jeffrey Steele.
CMT MUSIC AWARDS 2008  (MHD) Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus host. Performers Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn.
CMT CROSSROADS (MHD) Big & Rich, John Anderson.
INVITATION ONLY (MHD) Keith Urban.
CMT SUMMERFEST (MHD) Separate episodes feature Sara Evans and Hank Williams Jr.
THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON (CBS) John Hiatt.

Celebrity Birthdays Include

Country star is Johnny Lee is 62
Country star Aaron Tippin is 50
Actor Kurtwood Smith ("That '70s Show") is 65
Actor Michael Cole ("Pete" of "The Mod Squad") is 63
Actress Betty Buckley is 61
Actress Jan Smithers ("WKRP In Cincinnati") is 59
Actor Tom Cruise is 46
Actress Hunter Tylo is 46
Actor Thomas Gibson ("Criminal Minds," "Dharma & Greg") is 46
Actress and voice talent Yeardley Smith ("The Simpsons," "Dharma & Greg") is 44
Actor Tommy Flanagan ("Sin City," "Alien Vs. Predator,") is 43
Director Ken Russell ("Tommy") is 81
Screenwriter Tom Stoppard ("Shakespeare in Love") is 71
Lawyer Gloria Allred is 67
Humorist Dave Barry is 61
Talk show host Montel Williams is 52
Baseball star Moises Alou is 42

Today In Country Music History

Today in 1954, Johnny Cash was discharged from the U.S. Air Force.

Today in 1965, Roy Rogers' faithful steed, Trigger, died at the age of 33.  In heartfelt tribute, Roy had Trigger mounted and put on display at the Roy Rogers Museum in California.

Today in 1980, Willie Nelson's "Electric Horseman" soundtrack album was certified Gold.

Today in 1982, Ronnie Milsap's "Any Day Now" hit number one on the Billboard country chart, while Alabama's "Take Me Down" peaked at number 18 on the pop singles chart.

Today in 1992, Alan Jackson's single "Midnight in Montgomery" hit number one on the "Radio & Records" country chart.

Today in 1993, Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.  She was inducted by Garth Brooks, and was the first bluegrass performer to join in 31 years.

Today in 1996, Joe Diffie's "Life's So Funny" album was certified Gold.

Today in 1998, Kenny Chesney's "That's Why I'm Here" hit the top of the "Radio & Records" country chart.

Today in 1999, John Michael Montgomery performed prior to the race at NASCAR's Pepsi 400 at the Daytona Motor Speedway in Florida.

Today in 2001, the funeral for Chet Atkins was held at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.  Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Steve Wariner, Connie Smith are among those that participated in the service.

Today in 2001, Opry star Johnny Russell died in Nashville of diabetes.  He was 61.

Today in 2001, Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood performed at the Delaware River & Bay Authority's sixth annual hospital benefit.

Today in 2001, it was revealed that the "Girls' Night Out" tour, which featured Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Jamie O'Neal, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, had entered into a charitable partnership with USA Harvest.  The ladies asked those attending the shows to bring non-perishable food donations to collection points at each stop on the tour.

Today in 2003, Darry Worley and Andy Griggs performed a free concert for military members and their families at Fort Bragg, near Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Today in 2004, Josh Gracin sang the national anthem prior to the Pepsi 400 at the Daytona Motor Speedway in Florida.

Today in 2004, Montgomery Gentry sang for soldiers at the Fort Leonard Wood Army Base in Missouri.

Today in 2005, Willie Nelson opened a biodiesel station in Carl's Corner, Texas, between Dallas and Waco.  The pollution-reducing fuel, which is a blend of soybeans or cooking oil with gasoline, can be used in diesel tanks.

Today in 2007, Josh Turner released "Live at the Ryman" through Cracker Barrel restaurants across the U.S., and the "Evan Almighty" soundtrack, featuring LeAnn Rimes, Blue County, Jo Dee Messina and Hal Ketchum, hit stores.

Today in 2007, Boots Randolph died at a Nashville-area hospital, eight days after suffering a brain hemorrhage.  He was 80.