Country Music News

THIS WEEKEND IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(May 31)

Lee Ann Womack debuted (1997) on the Grand Ole Opry

Randy Travis and Lib Hatcher married (1991) in Maui

Johnny Paycheck born (1938) in Greenfield, Ohio

(June 1)

Andy Griffith born in Mount Airy, N.C. (1926)

Dolly Parton moved to Nashville, Tenn. (1964)

The Everly Brothers debuted on the Grand Ole Opry (1957)

(June 2)

First radio patent awarded to Marconi (1896)

Carl Butler born in Knoxville, Tenn. (1927)

Mike Snider joined the Grand Ole Opry; 1990

OF MUSIC AND MORE

MANDRELL SELLS FONTANEL

Barbara Mandrell's luxurious log cabin home known as Fontanel is off the market. The 27,000-square-foot home with 136 acres was bought by RCA Label Group Chairman Joe Galante and talent manager Dale Morris as an investment. No word on what plans they have for the site. Said Mandrell: "I thank God so much for the incredible years we've had at Fontanel. I love the new owners as much as I love Fontanel, and I pray that they will enjoy it as much as we have." There was no mention of the sale price.

STRAIT'S BELT BUCKLE GOES INTO SPACE

Permitted to carry something into space that best represents America, Lt. Col. Paul Lockhart is packing an autographed George Strait belt buckle aboard spaceship Endeavor. Lockhart, a 46-year-old Texan, contacted Strait when he found out he'd be piloting the Endeavour space shuttle to the International Space Station. The country superstar responded with one of his silver and gold belt buckles decorated with Strait's name and the outline of a roping team. Lockhart, who is taking his first trip into space, also received a "Latest Greatest Straitest" CD from the singer. Strait autographed the disc with: "May God bless you on this incredible journey. See you when you get back. Your friend, George Strait." Endeavor's Thursday launch was delayed a day because of weather.

CHICKS ARE FLAMEWORTHY VIDEO VISIONARIES

The Dixie Chicks will receive the first CMT Flameworthy Video Visionary Award June 12, during the first CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards ceremonies.

The award will recognize the trio's accomplishments in creating music videos.

"Music videos are instrumental in bringing our music to the fans, and we take making them very seriously," Martie Maguire tells CMT. "There aren't any videos we've done that we haven't been completely involved in the creative process."

The group made its first video, for "I Can Love You Better," in March 1998. In all, they have done videos for eight songs from their first two albums. All have reached No. 1 on the weekly Top 20 Countdown chart. "Goodbye Earl" was named video of the year by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

CARTER COURT DATE RESCHEDULED

Deana Carter's scheduled appearance in Davidson County court on Thursday was moved to Aug. 15. Carter was stopped for speeding in Nashville in December and subsequently charged with driving under the influence and violation of the implied consent law.