Country Music News

TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Tues., Oct. 23)

Dwight Yoakam was born in Pikeville, Ky., in 1956.

Charlie Rich's "There Won't Be Any More" album was certified gold in 1974.

"Mother" Maybelle Carter died at age 69 in 1978.

Hoyt Hawkins of the Jordanaires died in 1982.

Merle Watson died in 1985.

John Anderson had a No.1 hit with "Seminole Wind" in 1992.

Garth Brooks was among the artists who performed at VH1's "Save the Music" concert at the White House in 1999.

COUNTRY MUSIC TRIVIA

Q: What Opry member was voted the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 1987 & 1988?

A: Randy Travis, who steps up to the Opry mike on Saturday.

MUSIC AND MORE

TIM McGRAW WELCOMES MERLE HAGGARD TO SWAMPSTOCK 2001 LINEUP

Legendary artist and Country Music Hall Of Fame member Merle Haggard has been added to the entertainment lineup at this Sunday's Swampstock 2001 in Rayville, La.

Haggard and his band, The Strangers, will join Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and The Warren Brothers in performing at the annual charity event in McGraw's hometown. Proceeds after expenses will benefit Rayville's Dixie League Baseball, The Steve Colvin Scholarship Fund, and the New York Police And Fire Widows' and Childrens' Benefit Fund.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Merle Haggard to Swampstock 2001." said McGraw. "I've been singing his songs for many years, and there's not a better artist in country music. I'm especially honored to have a Country Music Hall Of Fame member on the Swampstock stage for the very first time."

Swampstock 2001 officials also announced Monday that in addition to the celebrity silent auction held on the Swampstock grounds, a special online silent auction has been established at timmcgraw.com. Autographed items from Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Clint Black, Alabama, Kenny Rogers, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Brenda Lee, Jo Dee Messina, and SHeDAISY are featured, and winning bidders may designate their payment to the Swampstock charity of their choice. The online silent auction begins Wednesday.

Gates will open at 11:00 a.m. for a 12:30 p.m. softball game and the concert will follow at approximately 3:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 in advance (plus applicable service charges) and $25 at the gate, with children 6 and under free.

Swampstock was established in 1994 by Tim McGraw to help and support youth in his home community in Louisiana.

(Advance tickets may be purchased through all area Ticketmaster outlets, Bancorp South and Richland State Bank in Rayville. Charge by phone at 318-329-0001 or purchase online at ticketmaster.com.)

LONESTAR'S MCDONALD HELPS ST. JUDE

The lead singer of Lonestar, Richie McDonald, is doing his part to support St. Jude Children's Hospital. McDonald will run in the 26th annual Marine Corps Marathon this Sunday. He is keeping a journal during his training for the marathon and fans can read excerpts at lonestar.mu. Fans can also show Richie their support by contributing at lonestar.mu.

RASCAL FLATTS TAKES TO THE SKIES

Country group Rascal Flatts is taking to the skies for several concert and appearance dates. The group flew from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles Sunday to participate in KZLA's listener appreciation show. After flying back to Nashville for a few days, they will jet to Las Vegas for the Radio Music Awards on Friday (airing live on ABC). Gary, Joe Don and Jay will be in Atlanta on Saturday and back in LA Sunday to film the video for their new single "I'm Movin' On."

PAISLEY LIKES YOO-HOO

Opry member Brad Paisley confesses he has a unique way to unwind after a concert: "Sometimes nothing is better than a bottle of Yoo-Hoo and a good cigar."

COMING SOON TO THE OPRY STAGE

Oct. 26: Confederate Railroad (debut), Charley Pride, Gail Davies w/the Jordanaires, Pam Tillis, Marty Stuart

Oct. 27: Charley Pride, Gail Davies w/the Jordanaires, Craig Morgan, Marty Stuart, Randy Travis

Nov. 2: Lorrie Morgan, Sherrie Austin

Nov. 3: Lorrie Morgan, Sherrie Austin

Nov. 9: Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins (6:30)

Nov. 10: Trace Adkins, Clint Black

Nov. 30: Joe Diffie

Dec. 1: Joe Diffie, Asleep at the Wheel

Dec. 8: Travis Tritt

Dec. 14: Jeff Carson

Dec. 15: Tracy Lawrence, Jeff Carson