Country Music

Capitol Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker is set to release his third country album entitled "True Believers" this coming Tuesday (May 21). The album is produced by Frank Rogers, and contains Rucker's current hit single, &amp...

Life Magazine December 5, 1998 Award winner Willie Nelson and his wife arrive at the Department of State for the Kennedy Center Honors Gala dinner Saturday, Dec. 5, 1998, in Washington. The center honored comedian Bill Cosby, musician Willie Nelson, composer and conductor Andre Previn, songwriting team of Fred Ebb and John Kander, former actress and ambassador to Czechkoslovakia Shirley Temple Black.  (AP Photo/Khue Bui) AP1998

Country stars were out in full force at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday evening. The Band Perry, Jennifer Nettles, Shania Twain, Florida Georgia Line, Kacey Musgraves, and more walked the red (blue) carpet prior to the show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Check out photos of the stars’ arrivals below…. The Band Perry Kimberly Perry of TBP Kacey Musgraves Shania Twain Taylor Swift Florida Georgia Line Jennifer Nettles Hayden Panettiere The post PHOTOS: Country Stars Arrive at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards appeared first on Country Music Is Love.

Taylor Swift is an early leader at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday with six in pre-telecast ceremonies. Swift took home Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist. Swift also took home Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Country Song for We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together and Top Country Album, for "Red." Swift is a finalist in 11 categories as is fun. and Maroon 5. Top Rock Album went to Mumford & Son "Babel."...

I may be behind in my things to do; but the work to support and erase hunger never stops.  Since the inception in 2012 of the Outnumber Hunger program 6,825,375 meals have been secured, not too far from the goal of up to ten million that has been set. Can they meet and exceed such a large undertaking?  I believe they can. In April of this year the first ever Outnumber Hunger LIve concert event took place in Las Vegas on Friday night, during the 2013 Academy of Country Music weekend.  The event brought awareness for the Outnumber Hunger Program in their quest to secure meals for its network of local food banks. This marks the second year that Big Machine Record Label is working alongside Feeding America, and General Mills to reach their goals.  There is also no shortage of support from the label's roster of artists which include The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Florida Georgia Line, Cassadee Pope and Greg Bates who put on a wonderful night of music to kick off the 2013 campaign.  There will also be other support from artists such as Rascal Flatts, Reba, the Eli Young Band, Thomas Rhett, Raelynn, The Mavericks and Ella Mae Bowen throughout the campaign. But after all the glitz and glamour the work still continues.  As part of the 42nd Annual CMA Fest taking place in Nashville June 6-9 country artist Thomas Rhett has invited fans to volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank for the 2nd consecutive year.  Volunteers will be participating in helping sort and pack food alongside Thomas to help hungry Middle Tennesseans . This event filled up very quickly and it will give those involved a chance to learn more about hunger issues throughout Middle and West Tennessee followed by sorting food for Second Harvest's Emergency Food Box Program. There is a misconception that hunger only relates to the very poor. This has led people to think it could not possibly be someone they know like a neighbor or a family in their church or childrens school.  Yet it is true; it could be anyone you least expect. Please take the time to read these startling facts and dig deep into the ways you can help this program.  It is so easy and totally affordable. You purchase certain products with the Outnumber Hunger banner on the front; find the code in the back of the packaging; go to the website; enter your code; follow the instructions and you are done.  You will feel so good knowing you helped.  http://www.outnumberhunger.com/hunger-in-america There are many programs to help fight hunger which are very easy to work into your life. You don't have to be a big star to help; the bottom line is: JUST HELP DO WHAT YOU CAN...The rewards outweigh the awards.   (Pictures by Deb Sixta)

Taylor Swift walked the Billboard Red Carpet already a winner. Pre-telecast, the singer had already won six of the coveted BMA’s. Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift Top Digital Songs Artist: Taylor Swift Top Country Artist: Taylor Swift Top Country Album: Taylor Swift “Red” Top Country Song: Taylor Swift “We [...]

10. It’s voting season – CMT voting that is! @ThompsonSquare has launched a campaign for votes through pictures like these “another piece of cmt voting art from alice blade” 9. We can’t forget that last Sunday was mother’s day, so here is a nice tweet from @ScottyMcCreery “Happy mothers day to the best mom i [...]

Keith Urban is really rackin’ up the frequent flier miles. He flew from LA where he’s been busy with “American Idol” to Caanes to join his wife Nicole Kidman at the film festival there. The two looked like adorable lovestruck teenagers. See more here.

Annie Lennox, Willie Nelson, Carole King and Berklee School of Music President Roger Brown picture:  Phil Farnsworth www.countryweekly.com by:  Sarah Rodman His songs have no doubt healed many hearts over the course of his legendary career, but now it’s official: Willie Nelson is a doctor. On Saturday, the Berklee College of Music in Boston awarded Willie an honorary doctor of music degree. He briefly addressed the graduates, telling them, “The history of music has been good, but the future is even better thanks to you folks.” Willie got to know some of the students Friday night (May 10) when he took part in the annual commencement concert, jamming with them on his tune “Night Life” and Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” for which he was joined by good friend Kris Kristofferson. Kris also surprised Willie on Saturday when he donned a cap and gown to help bestow the doctorate honors onstage. In a chat on his bus before the show, Willie said he was humbled to receive the honors and tickled that the students were so well-versed in his music. “I’m naturally shocked and surprised that this whole thing is happening to begin with, and to have a bunch of young musicians that are very knowledgeable of your music and are playing it, that’s very good.” When asked what advice he might have for the aspiring musicians, Willie said he only ever gave one piece of advice: “Don’t take my advice, do what you want to do. If it’s something that you believe in, don’t take no for an answer.” It’s a philosophy that has served him well.