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The title of his new album is 'Meet Glen Campbell,' but the country legend jokes that he should perhaps add the word "Again" to the end of that. Campbell, the unmistakable voice behind such classics as 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and 'Wichita Lineman,' is diving into new territory on this project, covering an eclectic mix of fellow music icons, from the likes of John Lennon and Jackson Browne to U2 and Green Day.

The 72-year-old Campbell isn't worried that his longtime fans will be turned off by the different kinds of modern-day songs he's singing. Explaining that he simply looked for "songs with good lyrics" for this album, he is convinced of its universal appeal.

Continue reading Glen Campbell Covers Green Day, U2 in Our Studio

The Pretenders 'Break' Into Country

The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde recently unveiled new music from her band's first album in six years, and it may surprise longtime fans of the group's punk-fueled rock sound to learn that 'Break up the Concrete' finds Hynde in the country territory. As it happens, the shift shocks no one more that Hynde herself.

"I've avoided country music all my life," says the 56-year-old who has been living in England for the last 35 years, but has been spending more time lately in her hometown of Akron, Ohio. She quips that the geographical change has "perverted my sense of musicality," and adds, "It is odd though, isn't it, the way that country music and rock is such a separate industry here. It's nice to think we might f--- it up a little bit, and that they might not know where to play our records."

Continue reading The Pretenders 'Break' Into Country



The Black Crowes are up in arms over country star Gretchen Wilson's new song, 'Work Hard Play Harder,' which is being used in an advertising campaign for the TV drama 'Saving Grace.' The rockers are accusing Wilson, Turner Network Television, Wilson's label Sony BMG and publisher J Money Music of copyright infringement. Their legal notice alleges that Wilson and her songwriters have wrongfully exploited the Crowes' 1991 hit, 'Jealous Again,' in their ads.

"We find the musical verses of Wilson's song to be such an obvious example of copyright infringement that I expect all parties to reach a relatively quick resolution to avoid litigation," reports Pete Angelus, longtime manager of the Black Crowes.

Continue reading Black Crowes Accuse Country Songstress of Copyright Breach

Can't get behind McCain or Obama? How about a Redheaded Stranger? There's a write-in movement under way, complete with campaign song, extolling the virtues of electing country music icon Willie Nelson as the next President of the United States.

The song, available on Blushtone Records, is performed by former Pirates of the Mississippi lead singer Bill McCorvey. Its humorous lyrics include, "Let's write in Willie Nelson for president/Someone we can trust to run the government /I'll bet he could fix this/And get rid of the IRS." The song also speculates that with Willie in the White House, "Air Force One would smell like weird cigars," and that President Nelson might be able to "keep the peace between the Dixie Chicks and Toby Keith."

Continue reading Never Mind Obama and McCain: Vote Willie Nelson for President?

Johnny Cash House for Sale on eBay

The former home of Johnny Cash's parents will go to the highest bidder in an eBay auction. Nashville's Tennessean newspaper reports that the new owner of Ray and Carrie Cash's home, Floyd Robinson, is selling it to move to Florida.

Cash's parents lived in the Hendersonville, Tenn. house from 1969 until their deaths. It was then passed down to different members of the Cash family throughout the years, including Johnny and June, who lived there for a brief period while an elevator was being installed in their home just across the street. Robinson, a close friend of the Cash family, purchased the property four years ago.

According to his listing on eBay, Robinson is asking $1.4 million. The house includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a recording studio and a view of Old Hickory Lake. The lucky new owner will also get to keep a lot of Cash memorabilia inside the home, including a gold record of 'I Walk the Line,' several guitars, awards and a locket with pictures of Johnny and June inside.

Man Claims to Be Eddy Arnold's Son

A California man wants Eddy Arnold's body exhumed for a DNA test. 47-year-old Christopher Tanner is claiming to be the late country legend's son. An attorney for Arnold's estate confirmed to Nashville's Tennessean newspaper that the singer was made aware of Tanner's claim but vehemently denied his paternity.

"For one thing, what we've been told is that the petitioner is 47 years old, and it's pretty suspect that a someone who really thought Eddy Arnold was his father would wait 47 years," explained Bryan Howard, who went on to say that Arnold's family is "very upset about it and the fact that someone would try to damage his reputation.''

Continue reading Man Claims to Be Eddy Arnold's Son

Rod Stewart's Country Dreams Denied

Rod Stewart wants to add a little twang to his repertoire, but his bosses aren't having it. J Records has reportedly denied the British rock icon's proposal to record an album of country classics.

"Everybody there [at J Records] is against that, which makes me want to do it even more," Stewart tells Ireland On-line. "Apparently, the idea didn't test well, whatever that means."

Whatever those tests may be, they're not stopping Rod the Mod. He's set to release the final CD in his 'Great American Songbook' series later this year, and he hints that he's not backing down on his desire to fill it with country covers. Stewart says he wants to be able to say he has tried everything in his music career.

"I want to do records for my own peace of mind," he says. "So when I do kick the bucket, I can say, 'I did that.'"

Stewart goes on to explain that J Records CEO Clive Davis would rather him take a more festive direction, making the last album in the 'Songbook' series a collection of Christmas songs. But Stewart says he's "not into that so much."
'American Idol' will have a little twang next week when Dolly Parton will appear as a guest judge and mentor to the finalists. The country legend is set to coach the contestants through some of her own songs on the April 1 show, and return the next night to perform her new song, 'Jesus and Gravity,' the second single from Parton's new album, 'Backwoods Barbie.'

Other celebrity judges set to appear on 'American Idol' this season include Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond and theater legend Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Dolly Parton Makes Her Country Comeback

"Get Dolly Parton back on the radio!" country's original blond bombshell exclaims, sitting in her manager's Nashville office on a chilly March morning. Parton is back with her first new mainstream country music recordings in 17 years, and the legendary singer-songwriter is hoping country radio will take notice.

Her fans sure did. Parton's brand-new 'Backwoods Barbie' CD debuted at No. 2 on the country album charts, with her highest first-week sales in almost two decades. The album is the first on Parton's own label, Dolly Records. It's a venture she started after failing to get attention from the big leagues.

"They think I'm over the hill," Parton says of Nashville's major record labels. "But I don't believe that. My music is as young today as it was ever. And I always say, 'I may be as old as yesterday, but I'm as young as tomorrow, too!'"

Continue reading Dolly Parton Makes Her Country Comeback

Willie Nelson hosts a lawnmower race in this hilarious, star-studded video, with cameos by Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Jessica Simpson. Stay tuned to the very end for a dirty joke and one more, rather surprising, cameo.



Dolly Parton's Tour Is Back On

Less than a week after doctors told her to take it easy, Dolly Parton has announced that her 'Backwoods Barbie' tour is back on. The country legend is resting a sore back, caused by what she jokes was "wagging these puppies around" (referring, of course, to her breasts). The doctors' orders forced Parton to postpone her tour, which was originally scheduled to begin later this month. She'll instead kick it off in April, and all tickets for postponed shows will be honored on their rescheduled dates.

"Thanks for being patient," Parton writes to fans on her official website. "I'm mending very nicely and will be fit as a fiddle soon. And I'll not only have the fiddle, but the rest of the band as well. We can't wait to hit the road for our 'Backwoods Barbie' tour. We're anxious for you to see our new show and play you some of the new songs. Look forward to seeing you soon."

Parton's 'Backwoods Barbie' -- her first mainstream country album in 17 years -- hits shelves on February 26.
Legendary singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris is among the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Harris started her career in folk music but has found success in a number of genres, including rock, alternative, pop, gospel and bluegrass. But it was with country music where she found her identity.

"It's the music that gave me my true voice," said Harris at a press conference announcing her induction.

Tom T. Hall, the Statler Brothers and the late country-bluegrass pioneer Ernest "Pop" Stoneman will also be inducted to the Hall of Fame this year. This is the first year that the honors will not be given during the Country Music Association Awards broadcast. Instead, there will be a separate induction ceremony on April 27.

Dolly Parton Sidelined by Her Bust Line

They may be her most well-known assets, but Dolly Parton's breasts are a pain in her back. The 62-year-old music legend is postponing her North American tour after doctors told her to rest her sore back for six to eight weeks.

"Hey, you try wagging these puppies around a while and see if you don't have back problems," the notoriously humorous Parton said in a statement.

Never one to take herself seriously, Parton has long joked about her big bust line. She once famously quipped, "I wanted to be the first woman to burn her bra, but it would have taken the fire department four days to put it out."

Parton was supposed to begin her tour in Minneapolis later this month, in support of her upcoming album, 'Backwoods Barbie.' It's the first CD on her new label, Dolly Records, and her first new mainstream country music in 17 years.

Willie Nelson is 74 years old and has absolutely no plans of slowing down. Lucky for us.

The music icon and all-around national treasure somehow found time between touring, his philanthropic endeavors and his golf game to record 'Moment of Forever, ' a collection of songs that mirror his life: There's a little bit of humor, a lot of love and a sound that stands the test of time.

Spinner caught up with the Redheaded Stranger to talk about his new project and his surprisingly simple explanation for his prevalence in modern music. And, of course, we couldn't help but let the conversation drift back to his notoriously wilder days.


I hear you're talking to us in between golf games right now. What's your handicap?

My driver and my putter! [laughs]

And you actually bought a golf course!

I'm across the street from it right now. It's a little nine-hole golf course called Pedernales Country Club. We have a lot of fun over there.

So you're a golf course owner, singer, songwriter, actor, philanthropist and father of ten. Is there anything you've yet to accomplish that's on your to-do list?

I don't like to think too far ahead. I've been lucky enough to get a lot done and have a lot of success. I don't want to be greedy. And when I'm happiest is when I'm out here playing music and staying out of trouble! [laughs] In the early days, we'd be out on the road and go out and play our concert, and then go back to the hotel and party till daylight. And then when it came time to leave, you couldn't find anybody! [laughs] So I decided somewhere along the way that it's better to leave town right after the show. And since we've started doing that, I've noticed that the marriages are actually staying together. [laughs]

Continue reading Willie Nelson Has the Secret to Staying Around 'Forever'



Artist: Eagles
Video: 'Busy Being Fabulous'
Highlight: The legendary country-rockers try to keep up with a social butterfly in this sassy new video.

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