Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY (Tuesday, Oct. 8) Advertisement Laura Rogers of Po' Folks Band born in Russellville, Ark., 1957. Ernest Tubb's "Slipping Around" began 17 straight weeks at No. 1, 1949. Kenny Rogers wins CMA Album (The Gambler), Male Vocalist and Vocal Duo (with Dottie West) of the Year, 1979. "The Gambler," written by Don Schlitz, wins CMA Song of the Year, 1979. MUSIC AND MORE GILL, PAISLEY, B&D PLAYING CMA AWARDS SHOW Vince Gill, who is hosting the CMA Awards for the 11th consecutive year, has been added to the list of artists who will perform at next month's show. Brooks & Dunn and Brad Paisley also have just been added to the list of those scheduled to perform at the 36th annual CMA Awards show, set for Nov. 6 in Nashville. The latest additions join an already star-studded lineup that includes Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, George Strait and Shania Twain. Advertisement Gill's new album is due out early next year. MARTINA PLANS CHRISTMAS TOUR Martina McBride will play several cities in "The Joy of Christmas," a holiday road trip that kicks off in Philadelphia on Nov. 26. It's a multi-media event, using a group of actors playing various roles to compliment carols and holiday music from McBride's 1998 Christmas album. The two-hour show will play Chicago, Nashville and other towns through Dec. 22. SUCCESS OF TRACY'S 'CUERVO' FUELS NEW ALBUM Tracy Byrd's "Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo" hit No. 1 on Billboard's country singles chart, providing a shot of momentum for work on his next album. Byrd tells LAUNCH he's heard some great songs as he works through the planning stages of his third album for RCA Records, which he expects to start recording soon. After 28 weeks on the singles chart, "Cuervo," from Byrd's "Ten Rounds" album released in July 2001, currently is No. 4.
