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Oprah Winfrey To Interview Carrie Underwood And Mike Fisher

Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Oprah Winfrey will travel to Nashville, Tennessee this summer to film all new episodes of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” where she speaks with Carrie Underwood and her NHL husband Mike Fisher, marking the first time cameras have ever been invited inside their cabin retreat for an intimate, in-depth interview. Underwood reflects on her rise to stardom as she looks back on her journey. For their first television interview together, Underwood and Fisher talk about how they balance their successful and fast-paced careers with their two year marriage. The couple also takes Winfrey to their new plot of land where they plan to build their dream home.

Kenny Chesney's ‘Amazing’ Night In New Orleans

In a city famous for live music, Kenny Chesney and band took the stage last night at the House of Blues in New Orleans to wrap up the 3rd Annual “Amazing Race” Charity Event. The race is a signature event of the Brees Dream Foundation, which was founded by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and wife Brittany. This year, the event partnered with the Just Keep Livin Foundation, founded by Matthew McConaughey and fiancée Camila Alves.

Of the show Chesney said, “We’ve been in tour rehearsals for weeks now so it was great for us to get on stage and feel the energy and feedback from the crowd. Tonight was all about playing music to help celebrate this great event. People in this town love music and helping out their neighbor and I was glad to be a part of it.”

The intimate setting of the House of Blues allowed for some very special moments. A one of kind auction item allowing the highest bidder to sing on stage with Kenny raised $10,000. The two sang his # 1 hit, “Somewhere With You.” The night ended with Drew Brees and Matthew McConaughey uniting with Chesney on stage for an encore performance of Chesney’s gridiron anthem, “Boys of Fall.” “Kenny has been a dear friend and always expressed interest in working with the foundation. This is such a wonderful way to end the race and his support means the world to us,” said Brees and McConaughey.

With the ‘Brothers of the Sun’ Tour kick off only three weeks away, it’s back to rehearsals for Chesney and crew. The all stadium, 20 + city tour with longtime friend Tim McGraw, begins in Tampa, FL on June 2. In addition, Chesney’s highly anticipated 13th studio album, ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl,’ is available June 19.

The Brees Foundation and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundations partnered for the 3rd Annual “Amazing Race” which provides after school fitness and wellness programs in the New Orleans area. All proceeds from the event will benefit the charities as well as go towards providing care, education and opportunities for children and families in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

Martina McBride And Husband To Celebrate 24 Years

Martina McBride and her husband John will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary this Tuesday, May 15th, and she says the secret to their success and longevity is pretty simple. “Well first of all I got lucky and chose well,” she says with a laugh. “And we just have a lot of respect for each other and we are really good friends, and I think that that‟s really important. We’ve grown together instead of apart. So it‟s all worked out. He’s a great partner and I try to be a good partner back.” Chances are her latest song, “Marry Me,” will be part of many marriage proposals and weddings for couples who hope to one day be able to celebrate 24 successful years to together.

In other Martina news: Martina McBride will sing the national anthem during pre-race ceremonies at the 96th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I am extremely excited that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has invited me to this year’s Indy 500,” said Martina. “It is a huge honor to sing the National Anthem at what is known as the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’” “We welcome Martina McBride to IMS to perform The Star Spangled Banner shortly before the engines fire for the 96th Indianapolis 500,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “Her unforgettable voice and stage presence will add special meaning to this tribute to our country and the veterans who have served it with great dedication and sacrifice.”

Contact: jerry@nashville.com

Lady Antebellum Fan Gets A Big Surprise

Lady Antebellum fan Jessica Stokes appears on Anderson to explain why she loves the country group, saying, “Ever since I heard their first song on the radio, just every song after that I’ve loved, loved, loved.”

Jessica goes on to explain she has never been able to see her favorite band in concert because her husband is in the air force and their family lived in Germany for three years. “There’s not a whole lot of country music going on in Germany.” Stokes recalled a few summers back, when she and her husband were going to attend a Lady Antebellum concert in London, but couldn’t go because she missed her flight.

As a military wife who doesn’t get to see her husband very often, Jessica says one particular song, “I Run to You,” really resonates with her. “That song makes me think about him… and there are so many songs that remind me of our relationship.”

See what happens when Jessica realizes her three favorite musicians are backstage to greet her.

Contact: jerry@nashville.com

Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus Puts The Phone Down

In this day and age where everyone is so connected to their cell phones Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus admits one of his biggest pet peeves is people who won’t put down their cell phones when they’re out to dinner. “It’s a little bit disconcerting when you’re at dinner trying to hang out with friends and everybody’s text messaging. That’s kind of gettin’ on my nerves,” he says. “Sometimes you just want to go out to dinner and enjoy each other and then you have some folks sittin’ there that are totally tuned out just texting away.” Jay admits that he and his wife, Allison, have been guilty of this behavior, so he says, “We’ve actually made a pact that when we go to a restaurant and sit down we put the phones away.” Rascal Flatts phones were no doubt blowing up when they recently cel-ebrated their song “Banjo” going #1, and now they’re preparing to release their next single, “Come Wake Me Up,” off of their Changed album.

Contact: jerry@nashville.com

Bucky Covington's Close Call

Bucky Covington’s tour bus was involved in an accident today on I-65 in Birmingham, AL while out for a run of tour dates. Covington had already been dropped off for an earlier appearance that day and was not onboard at the time of the accident. At this time, there appear to be no serious injuries in either vehicle although a few passengers were taken to a nearby hospital for further examination. Tonight’s show and this weekend’s dates in Germantown, Illinois (5/11) and Kenosha, Wisconsin (5/12) will go on as scheduled. One thing is for sure, Bucky will soon be in the market for a new tour bus so he can continue to entertain his fans on the road this summer and fall!

Contact: jerry@nashville.com

Kenny Rogers And Warner Brothers Back Together

Warner Bros. Records and Kenny Rogers, have announced they will join forces once again to create sweet music together. Rogers made the revelation Wednesday night during his first of two sold-out performances at the Ford Theater in Nashville as the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s 2012 Artist-in-Residence.

Rogers, whose catalog on Warner Bros./Reprise Records includes a string of multi-platinum albums and career hits recorded over the span of several decades, returns to where it all began in 1967 when his career was ignited with his mega-hit with the First Edition, “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).” Rogers’ new album is being produced by award-winning producer, Dann Huff, and is scheduled for release later this year.

“I’m looking forward to returning home to Warner Bros. Records after all these years,” commented Rogers on his new deal. “Our history together, combined with the incredible team that’s in place now, provides the catalyst for a great new relationship going forward.”

“With his unique storytelling ability and soulful voice, Kenny Rogers’ music has touched generations across all musical formats. He has not only had a remarkable career but is truly an American icon,” said John Esposito, President & CEO of Warner Music Nashville. “Warner Music Nashville looks forward to continuing his musical legacy but more importantly, having him back home at Warner Bros. Records.”

Recognized as one of the greatest entertainers and storytellers of all time, Rogers celebrated his 50th year in show business in 2008. In the incomparable span of his career, Rogers has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums. His long list of timeless classics includes an impressive 24 #1 hits – “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Lucille,” “She Believes in Me,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “We’ve Got Tonight” among them. Two of Rogers’ albums, The Gambler and Kenny, are featured in the About.com poll of “The 200 Most Influential Country Albums Ever”, and his Greatest Hits album has sold over 24 million copies worldwide to date. He is the RIAA’s 8th best-selling male artist of all time with 1 Diamond album, 19 Platinum albums and 31 Gold albums.

“The Gambler,” one of the biggest hits of Rogers’ career, spawned five movies and became the longest running mini-series in the history of U.S. television seen by 100 million people. Rogers starred as Brady Hawkes.In addition, Rogers is an accomplished photographer, having studied under the assistant of photography great, Ansel Adams. He has published three photography books and authored four books, including one based on his hit tour and musical, “The Toy Shoppe.”

Rogers assumed his position at the forefront of the movement to aid the hungry after the death of his friend Harry Chapin – leading to the World Hunger Media Awards. He was also a participant in the “We Are the World” performance which raised millions for famine relief in Africa. Born in Houston, and raised in a housing project, Rogers was awarded the Horatio Alger Award in 1990, given to those who have distinguished themselves despite humble beginnings.

Contact: jerry@nashville.com

Alan Jackson: Denise Is A Great Role Model

Alan Jackson’s wife Denise wrote a book, It’s All About Him: Finding The Love Of My Life, that chronicled the couple’s relationship and marriage. It was a huge success, debuting at number-one on The New York Times Best-Sellers List when it was released several years ago. Alan believes her accomplishment set a really good example for their three daughters, showing that a mom can do things outside of the household, too.
“I think it’s been great for them to see her do something out there that’s, again, not typical for a parent at all. But she’s a great role model for them anyway and always has been, whether she did anything professionally or not. I could see it in their eyes, you know, that they were surprised — very surprised, and also, I could see them with interest looking at her thinking it was special for her to do that. So, I think it was a very good thing for the kids to see that.”

Contact: jerry@nashville.com

Attention Gretchen Wilson Fans!

Fans of Gretchen Wilson will have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive VIP package when she hits the road with ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down on The Gang of Outlaws Tour. The highlight of the package will be an exclusive meet & greet with Gretchen on her tour bus.

In addition to the meet & greet and tour of Gretchen’s home-away-from-home, the VIP Package begins with an exclusive VIP-Only Laminate and includes a guaranteed ticket in one of the first 15 rows of the concert, one-of-a-kind Gretchen Wilson Box Set with an American flag and mini Constitution, personal photo taken with Gretchen, and an autographed copy of her critically-acclaimed I Got Your Country Right Here album. VIP Package purchasers will also be permitted to bring one additional Item to be autographed.

The Gang of Outlaws Tour, brings three leaders of their respective genres together for six weeks of performances this May and June. The tour will alight at select eastern, southern and mid-western venues, kicking off May 25 in Manchester, NH.

For additional details or to purchase a VIP Package, visit www.GretchenWilsonVIP.com or www.GretchenWilson.com.

Contact: jerry@nashville.com

Carrie Underwood Debuts On Top

Carrie Underwood’s fourth album, Blown Away, makes history today by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart making her only the second country artist in the 47 year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at No. 1. With more than 267,000 albums sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan, Blown Away debuts at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart making Carrie only the second country artist in history to have three consecutive albums debut at No. 1.

In addition to holding the No. 1 spot on both the country and all-genre album sales charts, Blown Away also holds the No. 1 spot in digital sales, with more than 107,000 copies sold, making Blown Away country’s best-selling digital album debut since 2010.

“Good Girl,” the lead single from Blown Away, was just certified GOLD by the RIAA for sales of more than 500,000 digital singles. The song is currently Top 10 and climbing on the country airplay charts.

Since releasing Some Hearts in 2005, Carrie has sold more than 14 million albums with Some Hearts, 2007’s Carnival Ride, and 2009’s Play On making her the best selling American Idol in the US. She’s amassed 14 No. 1 singles, six of which she co-wrote, and became the first country artist in history and the only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 No. 1 singles from their first two albums. Underwood currently leads the nominations for the upcoming CMT Music Awards with five. She is a five-time Grammy winner, a two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, a three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner, and a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Contact: jerry@nashville.com