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Country Music News

By DICK KELSEY, United Press International
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TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Tuesday, Oct. 1)

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Jim Reeves' "Distant Drums" began month-long stay at top of British pop charts, 1966.

Singer/Songwriter Kelly Willis born in Lawton, Okla., 1968.

Loretta Lynn recorded "Coal Miner's Daughter," 1969.

President Carter proclaimed October as Country Music Month, 1980.

Randy Travis' "Storms Of Life" album certified gold, 1986.


MUSIC AND MORE


MICKEY NEWBURY DIES AT 62

Singer-songwriter Mickey Newbury, whose songs were recorded by some of country music's biggest stars, died last weekend after a lengthy illness. He was 62.

Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson recorded Newbury's songs.

He brought together "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "All My Trials" and "Dixie" and come up with "An American Trilogy," made popular by Elvis Presley in the 1970s.


MAG'S FAN FAVORITE VOTING STARTS

Country Weekly magazine today begins taking online votes at countryweekly.com for the final round of its first-ever Fan Favorite Awards.

Alan Jackson took eight nominations -- more than any other artist -- followed by George Strait with six, five for Toby Keith, Tim McGraw got four and Brad Paisley with three.

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Faith Hill and Lee Ann Womack each received two nominations to lead female artists.

Winners will be announced in the Jan. 7 issue of the magazine.


TRITT TARGET OF CONTRACT KILLING?

Heavy security surrounds Travis Tritt while investigators try to find out whether there's a contract out on his life.

CMT.com reports a Nashville man who was once under the federal witness protection program told authorities he knew of an individual who wanted Tritt killed.

Federal investigators say the second man wanted Tritt dead over "some type of disagreement" but did not elaborate.

Tritt, after a performance in Nashville Sunday, said he was shocked to learn of the possible plot, especially since he did not know any of the people involved.

He said he and his family are taking the threat seriously, but expressed confidence in the court system and law enforcement.

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