Country Music News

TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Tues., Jan. 22)

Teddy Gentry, bass player for Alabama, was born in 1952.

"Ozark Jubilee" debuted on ABC-TV in 1955.

Regina Nix, of duo Regina Regina, was born in 1965.

Glen Campbell's single of "Wichita Lineman" was certified "gold" in 1969. It was his first gold record.

The three-hour special, "Fifty Years of Country Music," aired on NBC-TV in1978.

Hank Williams Jr.'s "Strong Stuff" album was certified "gold" in 1986.

Reba McEntire's "Whoever's In New England" album was certified "gold" in 1987.

MUSIC AND MORE

GARTH BROOKS COMES THROUGH FOR POOR KIDS

A charity founded by Garth Brooks distributed more than $325,000 worth of goods to disadvantaged Las Vegas children.

The distribution -- by the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, World Vision and The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino -- consisted of food, clothes, shoes, toys, school supplies and other items that were donated by organizations across the nation to be given to seven local Las Vegas charities helping more than 3,500 children. It was one of nine that has taken place around the world in the last nine months.

"On behalf of all our participating Major League Baseball and National Hockey League Players, I would like to thank The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and World Vision for the incredible work they have done to benefit children in need. Through the efforts of The Venetian, World Vision and our Foundation were able to locate seven extraordinary charities right here in the Las Vegas area that are doing some amazing things for the children of this city," said Brooks. "As a board member and a father of three daughters, I am proud to have two organizations of this caliber as a 'Teammate for Kids'."

The Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation -- formerly known as the Touch'em All Foundation -- contributes financial resources to selected non-profit organizations that effectively serve and benefit children. The Foundation enlists the help of 242 MLB and 47 NHL players who donate a pre-determined sum based on their on-field/on-ice performance. At the conclusion of each calendar year, all player donations are collectively tripled by other foundations, local and national business sponsors, and individuals. Since the Foundation's conception in 1999, the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation has donated over $17 million to children's charities in 37 states and 34 countries.

'SOLDIERS' SOUNDTRACK DUE OUT SOON

A bunch of country stars contributed to the soundtrack of the movie "We Were Soldiers." Now, according to producers, the CD from the movie is set for release on Feb. 26, just days before the planned March 1 release of the movie in theaters across the country.

The movie stars Mel Gibson. Among the Nashville stars who teamed to provide the backgrounds: Johnny Cash, who appeared with Dave Matthews; Brooks & Dunn; Lee Ann Womack; Jamie O'Neal with Michael McDonald. The news provider country.com reports that additionally, Jars of Clay and Steven Curtis Chapman and Train appear on the movie soundtrack.

The album will be released by RCA. The record company says that most of the material was recorded specifically for the movie, some of it is brand new.

(Thanks to UPI Feature Reporter Dennis Daily)