Country Music News

TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Thurs., Oct. 25)

The late Minnie Pearl was born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon in Centerville, Tenn., in 1912.

Alabama's "Greatest Hits" album was certified multi-platinum in 1989.

Alan Jackson hit No.1 with "Someday," the same day his "Don't Rock The Jukebox" album went platinum in 1991.

Singer Roger Miller died of lung cancer in Los Angeles in 1992. He was 56.

The daughters of Loretta Lynn, Peggy and Patsy --- performing as the Lynns --- debuted on the Billboard charts in 1997.

Billy Ray Cyrus performed at a benefit for Nashville's Second Harvest Food Bank in 2000.

COUNTRY MUSIC TRIVIA

Q: What Holliston, Mass., native won the Country Music Association's prestigious Horizon Award recognizing career growth, the Academy of Country Music's top new female vocalist award and the Boston Music Awards' artist of the year, on her way to becoming Billboard's Most Played Country Female of 1999?

A: Jo Dee Messina, who performs at the Opry this Saturday.

MUSIC AND MORE

THE MAN IN BLACK

Johnny Cash was released Monday from Baptist Hospital in Nashville. The 69-year-old country legend spent two weeks in the hospital undergoing treatment for bronchitis. Cash is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

CMA ADDS ARTISTS

Opry member Brad Paisley and newcomer Jamie O'Neal will perform at the 35th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 7.

Paisley will sing his new single "Wrapped Around," while Jamie will do "There Is No Arizona." New group Nickel Creek will perform a two-song medley from their self-titled album. Opry members Alan Jackson and Trisha Yearwood will also perform on the show. Clint and Lisa Harman Black, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, Chely Wright, Jo Dee Messina, Gary Allan, Rascal Flatts and Dwight Yoakam will present awards.

The ceremony will air live from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

GREATEST HITS

Reba McEntire has released her third "Greatest Hits" album and has been working the media circuit to promote the CD. She appeared on New York's "WB Morning News" and NBC's "The Today Show," as well as "Live with Regis and Kelly." Fans can chat with McEntire Thursday on MSN.com beginning at 8 p.m. ET. They can also catch Reba in the November issue of In Style, on newstands this week, as well as in upcoming episodes of "The View" and "Pure Oxygen."

Meanwhile, Alan Jackson's "Greatest Hits Collection" has gone five times platinum.

2002 COUNTRY CALENDAR

A new 2002 calendar, the "Down Home Country 2002" calendar, will raise funds for the treatment and awareness of Downs Syndrome. Country artists including Opry members Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Martina McBride and George Jones appear on the calendar. Also featured -- Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Charlie Daniels, Billy Ray Cyrus and Trace Adkins. The calendar can be purchased for $10 (plus $3 postage and handling) by calling (800) 733-5315 or logging on to dsamt.org.

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, Jo Dee Messina

Nov. 2: Lorrie Morgan, Sherrie Austin

Nov. 3: Lorrie Morgan, Sherrie Austin, The Isaacs

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

Nov. 10: Trace Adkins, Clint Black

Nov. 11 Benefit Concert: Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Marty Stuart, Porter Wagoner, Steve Wariner

Nov. 30: Joe Diffie, Steve Wariner

Dec. 1: Joe Diffie, Asleep at the Wheel

Dec. 8: Travis Tritt

Dec. 14: Jeff Carson