Country Music News

TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Wed., Oct. 31)

Folk singer/songwriter Tom Paxton was born in 1937.

Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" first entered the charts in 1970.

The Marshall Tucker Band played a benefit in Atlanta for the presidential candidacy of Jimmy Carter in 1975.

Alabama made its first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in 1982.

"High Lonesome" by Randy Travis was certified gold in 1991.

COUNTRY MUSIC TRIVIA

Q: What Opry member won the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 1990?

A: Clint Black, who steps up to the Opry mic on Nov. 10.

MUSIC AND MORE

REBA'S FUNNY SITCOM GETS EXTENDED LEASE

The folks at Warner Bros. Television have told versatile singer-actress Reba McEntire that she can produce more episodes of her popular sitcom "Reba."

The order to produce the full 22 episodes effectively clears the way for the show to run a full season -- by modern TV standards. An executive for the network says McEntire's show is the company's first real "breakout" hit of the new season.

During the past two years, McEntire has risen from the ranks of country singer to the status of cross-over star -- doing TV and also starring as Annie Oakley for a time on Broadway in "Annie, Get Your Gun." Her Great White Way stint drew her much praise from some of New York's most critical reviewers.

"Reba" airs Friday nights on the WB network.

(Thanks to UPI Hollywood Reporter Pat Nason)

RASCAL FLATTS FLYING HIGH

While en route from Nashville to Los Angeles for a concert at the House of Blues on Tuesday, the guys from Rascal Flatts were recognized by a Southwest flight attendant and she invited them to sing for the plane. Happy to oblige the request, Gary, Joe Don and Jay headed to the plane's back galley and performed over the intercom -- a cappella -- the tune "We Are," a song about living out your dreams. The passengers gave them a standing ovation.

"How often do you get an opportunity like that?" said Gary. "It was nice to bring a little happiness on board. Too many Americans are tense to fly, maybe we brought a moments peace," added Joe Don. And in Jay's usual wit, "I guess we broke the seat belt rule when they stood up to applaud!"

A live performance video for Rascal Flatts' new single "I'm Movin' On" was filmed during the House of Blues concert.

WEBB PIERCE TRIBUTE

Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Pam Tillis, George Jones, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, The Del McCoury Band and BR549 are among the artists who will pay tribute to the late Webb Pierce in an album set for release Jan. 8. The 21-track album on Audium Records will feature BR549 singing "There Stands The Glass" and The Del McCoury Band's rendition of "Walking the Dog."

TRIP TO THE DOCTOR

Fans of Billy Ray Cyrus will have a chance to win a trip to see him film "Doc" in a Country Weekly/PAX TV promotion. The sweepstakes promotion ad appears in the Nov. 13 issue of Country Weekly, on newsstands now. The grand prize is a trip for two to Toronto, Canada -- where the show is filmed -- and a meeting with Billy Ray. PAX TV will feature promotional spots during the show for the sweepstakes.

COMING SOON TO THE OPRY STAGE

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

Dec. 15: Tracy Lawrence, Jeff Carson

(For Opry tickets, log on to opry.com or call 615-889-3060 or TicketMaster at 615-255-9600. Artists and schedule subject to change.)