One-by-one country music stars are taking off their cowboy boots and replacing them with army boots! The Boot Campaign was inspired by retired US Navy SEAL and author of the book Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell. The campaign is a way for Americans to give back and say thank you to our armed forces.

Country music stars involved include: legends like George Jones, Oak Ridge Boys, Jan Howard, Mel Tillis, Lee Greenwood and Charlie Daniels, along with hit-makers Josh Turner, Phil Vassar, Joe Nichols, Randy Houser, Gretchen Wilson, Little Texas, Joe Diffie, Jamie O’Neal, Heidi Newfield, Justin Moore, Chuck Wicks, Colt Ford, Randy Rogers Band, Eli Young Band, Derek Sholl, Joey + Rory and Jack Ingram.

Charlie Daniels, who even chose the Boot Campaign to be a part of his annual charity event at the Nashville Palm said, “I’ve never seen anything quite as unique as the Boot Campaign, and I’ve seen a lot!”

Also on board are bluegrass artists The Grascals and The Roys, along with Texas sensations Cross Canadian Ragweed, Robert Earl Keen, Jason Boland, Aaron Watson, Mick and the Motorcars, Reckless Kelly, Wade Bowen, Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, No Justice, Bleu Edmondson, and Granger Smith.

These celebrities along with the Boot Girls are helping to spread the organizations motto: “When They Come Back, We Give Back!” The campaign encourages Americans to purchase a pair of army combat boots to wear in support of our nation’s troops. Proceeds from the boot sales are donated to partner charities, including Luttrell’s Lone Survivor Foundation.

About The Boot Campaign
Known as “the Boot Girls,” Ginger, Leigh Ann, Sherri, Heather and Mariae banned together one fateful night in Tyler, Texas to launch The Boot Campaign giving gratitude and appreciation for the American military. The initiative is quickly gaining awareness with the repertoire of boot images expanding every day. The Boot Girls ask Americans to put their boots on during the routine of daily life to symbolically walk in the shoes of our military men and women, remembering their service and sacrifice. The Campaign’s signature boots are available for purchase online with proceeds benefiting organizations like The Lone Survivor Foundation.

For more information about The Boot Campaign, please visit: www.bootcampaign.com

Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com

The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl is hosting its MusicFest and Battle of the Bands on Wednesday, December 29th at 5 p.m., with America’s favorite Country Rockin’ band, Little Texas, kicking off the event with a free concert.

MusicFest is the ultimate party atmosphere with thousands of fans converging on world-famous Second Ave. for the outdoor party featuring the University of North Carolina and the University of Tennessee marching bands and cheerleaders.

“We want to give visitors and local fans a Music City experience in addition to a great football game,” said Scott Ramsey, president and CEO, Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. “Hosting this event, along with other BOWL Week events throughout the week, allows Bowl fans to create their own memories in Nashville. We are thrilled Little Texas is a part of this special event.”

“We were excited when Franklin American Mortgage Company asked us to participate in this year’s Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl’s Battle of the Bands,” said Dwayne O’Brien of Little Texas, “We’re really looking forward to watching the game and kicking off the party the night before in downtown Nashville.”

The event will take place on the corner of Second Ave. and Broadway downtown Nashville.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com

Hank Williams Jr,’s stellar collection of rowdy friends reads like a music business “who’s who” of famous faces – many of them on hand last night to raise a glass to Hank’s personal launch of Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey.

That “smooth going down” taste is courtesy of the secret recipe blend of the late immortalized legend of Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton – forever enshrined by his death last year as the last of a dying breed of authentic mountain men and makers of marvelous moonshine.

Keeping “Popcorn’s” legend alive will be entrusted to Hank Jr. – a man who appreciates good liquor and respects the free spirited souls of mountain men. Hank Jr. is a business partner (not a paid endorsee) with J&M Concepts and Pam Sutton.

Hank’s friends on hand to celebrate the launch included Kid Rock, Martina McBride, Zac Brown, Colt Ford, Travis Tritt, Eddie Montgomery, Josh Thompson, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Tanya Tucker, Lee Brice, Rodney Atkins, the Kentucky Headhunters, Little Big Town, The Grascals, The Roys, Little Texas, Two Foot Fred, Ira Dean and Heidi Newfield.

The new whiskey will begin in Middle Tennessee and move local bars and retail to region availability. It has a “limited edition” quality in that each batch is made by hand.

Ironic in view of its original origins with Popcorn Sutton’s life outside the reach of “the law” the brand will be the first “white whiskey” to be approved by the federal government.

Although Hank never had the privilege of shaking Popcorn Sutton’s hand in real life he attended his memorial service on October 24, 2009, in Danridge, Tennessee near Knoxville. He was admirer of the legendary moonshine runner.

“He was the last of the real mountain moonshiners that went back,” noted Hank.
“Popcorn was part of the real ‘Thunder Road’ legend, and that is a real part of country music history.”

Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com

CMTT caught up with the very busy and always charming Brady Seals during CRS 2010.  You probably know him best as part of Little Texas or Hot Apple Pie but if you listen to his solo projects you will find out quickly who the real Brady Seals is. 

Brady tells CMTT why he considers his newest album one for adults ears only and talks about his current  “The Play Time 2010 Tour”.

Find out more about Brady and where you can catch ”The Play Time Tour” at : http://www.bradyseals.com/

Nashville teed-off last Thursday, April 1, 2010, at the Hermitage Golf Course to show their support at the 10th Annual Waddell & Reed Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Fifty teams of four participated in the event with 32 celebrities joining sponsors and members of the community. Golfers played 18 holes on the picturesque course just outside Nashville and, hosts with the most, sharing in the fun, were the dynamic country music duo, Burns & Poe.

I find this kind of participation and friendship the greatest part of Nashville and the music industry.” Michelle Poe said. “Coming out, meeting fans and lending a hand, all in fun, to raise money is just one of the reasons I love this town!”

“My mother has rheumatoid arthritis and raising money for that charity in particular, which is so important to me personally, made the event even more special,” Keith Burns added. “Calling on friends to work AND play together strengthens country music, makes me happy and does leaps and bounds for the charities.”

Joining Burns & Poe and representing some of Music City’s best were legends Steve Cropper, Larry Gatlin, and Marty Raybon, award-wining songwriters and artists Ira Dean and Eric Heatherly, members of Ricochet, The Roys, Little Texas, LoCash Cowboys, The Grascals, Bo Bice,  Danielle Peck, Dustin Wilkes, Shane Thomas, Matt Gary, Lathan Moore, Scott Lindsey and Brother Trouble. Titan Craig Hendrix and LPGA golfer Clarissa Childs were among the athletes who lent their talents to the game.

Following golf, team members and attendees bid on unique memorabilia donated from Music Row. With the donations, participation fees and live auction items, nearly $20,000 was raised for The Arthritis Foundation and Christmas 4 Kids Inc. The item bringing the biggest price tag ($2,700) was a Rascal Flatts concert/bus trip (including an opportunity to join the guys on their road home). Dan Post Boot Co. also donated an assortment of boots to winning players.

Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com

Country Crossing announces artists to perform during its three-day grand opening event, January 15-17, 2010. Headliners for the event include Tracy Lawrence, Darryl Worley, Lorrie Morgan and John Anderson, who all have interests in the development. All live shows will be free to the public.

“As we’ve said all along, Country Crossing will provide first-class country music entertainment and this lineup is just the beginning,” says Ronnie Gilley, president, Ronnie Gilley Entertainment and developer of Country Crossing. “Our grand opening will be nothing short of spectacular, and we are looking forward to many more great performances in the months and years to come.”

Dates and confirmed artists include:

Friday, January 15:
5 p.m. Matt Kennon
6:30 p.m. Confederate Railroad
8 p.m. Restless Heart
9:30 p.m. Little Texas
11 p.m. Aaron Tippin
12:30 a.m. Neal McCoy

Saturday, January 16:
3:30 p.m. The Grascals
5 p.m. Houston County
6:30 p.m. John Conlee
8 p.m. Pam Tillis
9:30 p.m. Blackhawk
11 p.m. Joe Nichols
12:30 a.m. Tracy Lawrence

Sunday, January 17:
3:30 p.m. LoCash Cowboys
5 p.m. Blackberry Smoke
6:30 p.m. Bellamy Brothers
8 p.m. John Anderson
9:30 p.m. Lorrie Morgan
11 p.m. Darryl Worley
12:30 a.m. Commodores

Bluegrass sensation, The Grascals, will also perform in the Worley Bird Saloon on Saturday night, Jan. 16

The performing artists have combined record sales of more than 120 million, 66 No.1 hits and 200 top ten singles.

“This is the first time in history that 20 artist, with a combined 120 million record sales and 66 No. 1 hits, will perform in three days at one venue – all free to the public,” adds Gilley. “You won’t have to go to a big city anymore to find high-caliber entertainment. We are bringing it right here.”

For more information about Country Crossing, you can visit www.countrycrossing.net

Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com

Can’t make it to Nashville for the best 4th of July party around? We’ll miss you. But, if you can’t come here, we’ll come to you. That’s just the kind of party we throw.

Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing! will stream live from Nashville’s Riverfront Park on Saturday, July 4th.

Music starts at 6:45pm. Fireworks start at 9pm. See Wynonna, Gabe Dixon Band, the Nashville Symphony and the #1 Boom With a View (thank you, AOL). Click Here to Watch the Fireworks!~

Lee Greenwood will perform his debut Country Crossing Records single, “Why Lie” as well as his signature “God Bless The USA” — the song that’s become a 21st century national anthem– on the CBS Early Show to celebrate Independence Day – July 4th.

That same evening, Greenwood will be part of a special all music show that Governor Huckabee will host as part of his own Fox News Channel’s “Huckabee” show. Greenwood will perform “God Bless The USA” during the broadcast.

For additional information on Greenwood, please visit: www.leegreenwood.com

One of our favorite newcomers, Eric Durrance, will return to his Florida hometown to headline the 24th annual Celebrate America festivities July 4 at Tom Brown Park in Tallahassee, with a free and open 8:30 p.m. concert.

For more information on the Independence Day event and concert, including a full list of events/activities and directions to the park, please visit www.celebratetallahassee.com.

Julianne Hough and Jason Michael Carroll will be stopping at Fort Bragg for the July Fourth celebration.  Julianne is set to hit the stage at 5 p.m. and Jason Michael Carroll will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Fireworks are at 9:42 p.m.

Where: Main Post Parade Field, Fort Bragg

Information: All events are free and open to the public. Pets and glass bottles are prohibited. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early due to heavy traffic flow. Call 396-9126.

Rodeos, Fireworks and GREAT music! 

If you’re in the mood for bull riding and music, here are three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned events on Independence Day: Laramie Jubilee Days Rodeo in Laramie; the Greeley Stampede in Greeley, Colo.; and the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche, S. D.

And the Fourth of July concerts at these events include a top notch country star line up.

The musicians include:

• Eric Church and the Lost Trailers at Laramie Jubilee Days’ Fire in the Sky
• Bucky Covington and Blake Shelton at the Greeley Stampede
• Jake Owen and Little Texas at the Black Hills Roundup.

For more information visit: www.laramiejubileedays.net, www.greeleystampede.org, www.blackhillsroundup.com