Inside Music Row

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of country lengend George Jones.  George is about ready to retire from touring, but not before going out with a bang - he's announced his farewell tour, which will hit roughly 60 cities in 2012.  Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are mention next as they are teaming up again to host Country Music's Biggest night - The 46th Annual CMA Awards Show which airs live November 1st on ABC.  Charlie Daniels is also in the news as he gearing up for his 11th annual Christmas For Kids concert at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium - fund raised from the event help less-privileged children have a chance at a better holiday season.  The Road to the Ram Jam sweepstakes has announced Billy Currington as the final artist in the all-star country music series.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Colt Ford as he talks about his song "Angels and Demons" off his new "Declaration of Independence" album.

Country Music artists are known around the world for their big hearts, and that is shown in the new "Working On A Building" project with New Haven Records and MCM World Media.  This new CD is an inspiring collection of music created to benefit the work of International Cooperating Ministries, a non-profit foundation that has built nearly four-thousand churches, orphanages, and schools in the last 25 years.  We had a chance to catch up with Marty Raybon and a few of his friends during the music video shoot for "Working On A Building."

Larry's Country Diner may only have eighteen tables in the restaurant, but it serves almost one-and-a-half million viewers each and every month as one of the top-rated shows on the RFD-TV network.  In just two short years, it's become a staple for country fans across the nation.  We caught up with Larry Black and a few special guests on the show at a recent taping for shows to air later this year.  Here's Kelly with more.

Republic Nashville's Eli Young Band has earned their second consecutive number one hit with "Even If It Breaks Your Heart."  Once the song hit the charts, it took only 26 weeks to ascend to the top spot...ten weeks faster than their platinum hit "Crazy Girl."  Kelly Lynn caught up with the group, plus songwriters Will Hoge and Eric Paslay at a party at the Country Music Association to celebrate.

We kick off another Inside Music Row with the mention of "Country's Night To Rock."  The three-hour program airs next week on ABC hosted by Luke Bryan and Kimberly Perry.  We also catch up with Phil Vassar at the Tennessee Titans LP Field to hear him talk about the new Titans Party Stage.  Also, Luke Bryan is set to launch his fourth annual Farm Tour October 3rd in Claxton, Georgia - proceeds will fund scholarships for local students from farming families to attend local colleges.  Up next is a mention of the British Country Music Awards which wrapped up September 2nd in London after giving out a total of 21 awards.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Gloriana to hear about their song "Kissed You Goodnight."

Dolly Parton has warmed the hears of fans all around the world throughout her musical career.  During a recent overseas tour, Dolly captured her performances from London's O2 Arena and put that together with a live CD, and sold that project exclusively through Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.  We had a chance to talk to Dolly earlier this year when she first released that now-gold project.  Here's Kelly with more.

Hailing from the Volunteer state, many country artists are always willing to give back to the communities that helped get them started.  Trace Adkins is called upon regularly to help out Nashville's Brightstone, an organization that provides opportunities for adults with special needs.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Trace at a very special songwriter benefit.

Kevin Carter retired from the Tennessee Titans a few years ago, but he still has a special place in his heart for the people of Nashville.  He created a special "Waiting For Wishes" program eleven years ago, and invites lots of his friends from sports and music to help raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Kelly Lynn caught up with Kevin and his crew at the Palm to check it all out.

We'll start today's show with a special number one party for Lee Brice.  Lee has had tons of success as a writer, but ironically, his biggest hit as an artist was not one of his own.  Kelly caught upp with Lee and the writters of "Woman Like You" at a party to celebrate.  

Zac Brown Band's Southern Ground Festival is proving to be a huge undertaking...again.  The Nashville and Charleston show lineups have now been announed, and include many great southern rockers, along with delicious offerings from some of the world's best chefs.  We caught up with Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and others to talk about what kind of impact this will have on Music City when the tour rolls in September 21st.