Canadian Women in Country ...

Some great Canadian country has been released recently thanks to our 'women in country'. Victoria Banks new CD - When You Can Fly - includes her current hit - The Wheel. This week - The Wheel - is the fastest rising Canadian song on the charts. The CD will be released in April. You can pre-order on her web site http://www.victoriabanks.net/ ... Misty Lee Olsen's new single - Little Bit of Love - is starting to make some strong moves. Check her out at http://www.mistyleeolsen.com/ ... and how come Samara Yung (photo) has not been grabbed by one of the major labels. She has a great voice. The variety of songs and themes on her album is refreshing. And the production is superb! The album - Show Me The World is available through her web site at http://www.samarayung.ca/ ... and Samara's new single - Big ol' Monday Morning - will be added to our playlist this week. PS: She is nominated in four categories at the 2009 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards: Rising Star, Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the year and Single of the year!

John Rich (Shutting Detroit Down) says that Garth Brooks is the 'greatest country performer ever!' In an AOL.com interview Rich said, "I want to write and record an album with Garth Brooks. I've only met him briefly and have never had a conversation with him. But if Garth would ever allow me to record with him, to write a couple of songs and just stomp a hole through the floor in the studio with him, that would be a really big deal to me. I think he'd like me if he ever got to know me. A guy who swings on a rope but then can turn around and make 50,000 people bawl their eyes out . . . he's the greatest country performer of all time."

JB

Let's have some fun ...

WE"VE GOT A WINNER ... THANKS FOR ALL YOUR ENTRIES!

Congratulations to Dolores Rys from Pittsburgh, PA! She sent the first email with the right answer: WOLD by Harry Chapin!

Okay ... let's find out who is reading this blog ... I am taking liberties with a song that was a hit back in 1974 ... the FIRST person to identify the song ... and name the artist and the actual (original) title ... will WIN 3 Canadian country CD's ... if you're from here you can pick them up ... if you're from away I will mail them to you ... okay here goes ... good luck!

* I am the afternoon DJ on 1035 The Eagle
* Playing all the hits for you wherever you may be
* The bright good afternoon voice who's heard but never seen
* Feeling all of fifty-eight going on fifteen

Email your answer to jay.bedford@eagle1035.com

JB

Rest in peace ...

Dan Seals, the former pop singer who notched 11 No. 1 country hits between 1985 and 1990, died Wednesday (March 25) following treatments from lymphoma. He was 61. Seals was one-half of the pop duo, England Dan & John Ford Coley, which earned a major pop hit in 1976 with "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight." As a solo artist, Seals won a CMA Award in 1986 for - BOP - the same year he and Marie Osmond won a CMA vocal duo award for their No. 1 hit, "Meet Me in Montana." (from CMT.com)

JB

Some more stuff ...

This year the CCMA's big four day event will be held in the same city as the Juno's - Vancouver BC. Mark your calendar, Canadian Country Music Week will be held September 10th till 13th. If you're a big country fan and you want to show your support for our incredible country music industry: join the Canadian Country Music Association at http://www.ccma.org/

Tracy Lawrence was involved in an accident on Sunday while returning to Nashville from a gig in Nevada. When the tire on his touring bus blew, the bus lurched into the opposite lane, but there was no on-coming traffic at the time. The driver pulled the bus to a stop and everyone walked away unscathed.

The Kennedy Center's Spring Gala is copming up on May 3rd in Washington. This year it is being billed as 'A Celebration of Women in the Arts'. Country will be well represented with LeAnn Rimes and Reba McEntire among the ladies that will attend the event.

JB

Country shorts ...

John Rich’s Son Of A Preacher Man album comes out on Tuesday, and he led up to the big day by shooting a video this week for the CD’s gang buster single "Shuttin’ Detroit Down."

On March 29, Trace Adkins will be the grand marshal and honorary starter for the Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 in Virginia. That means Trace will lead a group of 500 men, women and their families selected to serve as honorary grand marshals ... from Bob Kingsley's web site ... http://ct40.com/

Mac McAnally signed a record deal with Show Dog Records, founded and operated by Toby Keith. Mac earned his first No. 1 hit as a part of a duet with Kenny Chesney called 'Down the Road.' Although, never a performer, Mac has written Alabama's 'Old Flame,' Ricky Van Shelton's 'Crime of Passion,' Sawyer Brown's 'All These Years' and Kenny Chesney's 'Back Where I Come From.' ... also from Kingsley's website!

JB

Shediac ...

Chris Leblanc may live in Calgary but his heart and his roots are in the Maritimes! Chris is a native of Shediac New Brunswick. He was recently nominated for “Country Recording of the Year” at the ECMA's in Cornerbrook (losing out to Tara Oram). His current hit - And Then Some - is from his debut album 'Too Much Nothin'.

More books from country artists! So Sara Evans is releasing a series of novels and now Garth Brooks is releasing a book called - The Garth Factor - on May 28th. The book will examine Garth Brooks' career in country, and also take a look at his family life.

And last Sunday, Garth performed another private show in Calgary for the (NHL) Flames to thank them for giving to his Teammates for Kids Foundation.

By the way Garth is on tonight's Tonight Show With Jay Leno! ... that looks weird: "tonight's Tonight show" ... but that is what it is ...

JB

Play Misty For Me!

We welcome singer / songwriter Misty Lee Olsen to our playlist with her new single - A Little Bit Of Love. Misty hails from Barrie, Ontario and is attracting attention from both sides of the border; as a writer in Nashville and as a singer in Canada! LeAnn Rimes producer, Joel Feeney, is producing her debut CD, ‘The Story of a Girl’. It will be released on Canada's largest private label - Royalty Records. In July 2008, Misty's song, "Stay Away" was featured in the Hallmark Channel, made-for-TV movie "Every Second Counts", airing to 85 million households in the U.S., which garnered her lots of buzz state-side.

And ... tonight is the night: Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Randy Travis are set to perform on American Idol. The three stars are appearing as part of the hit show's Grand Ole Opry Week. Brad will perform his new single - Then. Carrie and Randy will sing a duet of her current single, "I Told You So," a No. 1 hit for Travis in 1988.

JB

Martina & Johnny ...

Martina McBride will be releasing her new CD on Tuesday, March 24th. There is a banner on The Eagle website. The banner links to a page that includes a preview of the album plus video clips of Martina, behind the scenes footage and more! We will have copies of the CD to give away on air. Listen for your cue to call!

Johnny Reid's new album - Dance With Me - certified gold 48 hours after being released ... and his single - A Woman Like You - is the most played current Canadian country song on Canadian country radio! Johnny is on a cross country tour in support of his new album with concerts in 22 cities over 45 days!

JB

Today's big hits ...

This week's top 3 International hits ... #1 Keith Urban - Sweet Thing, #2 Toby Keith - God Love Her, #3 Darius Rucker - It Won't Be Like This For Long ...

The top 3 Canadian country songs ... the ones getting the most airplay ... Johnny Reid - A Woman Like You, The Roadhammers - Homegrown, Gord Bamford - Little Guy ...

Are you a Kenny Chesney fan? Well, here's good news! A second volume of Kenny Chesney's Greatest Hits will be released on May 19th. The 15-song CD will include hits like "The Good Stuff," "There Goes My Life" and "Never Wanted Nothing More," as well as a brand new single called, "Out Last Night."

JB

Victoria Banks ...

Victoria Banks is a singer/songwriter from Muskoka, Ontario. As a writer she is best known for writing Jessica Simpson hit "Come on Over" and Sara Evans hit "Saints & Angels" (which earned her a 2003 ASCAP Country Music Award and a SOCAN International Achievement Award). As a singer, she is gaining attention on Canadian country radio with her latest single "The Wheel" ... Listen for it on The Eagle ... (http://www.victoriabanks.net )

In a new survey conducted for Country Radio Broadcasters, Brad Paisley ranked first among listeners' favorite country stars. Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and Tim McGraw were hot on his heels in popularity. The most popular emerging artists: Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and the Zac Brown Band ...

In case you missed it ... Ryan Adams (Whiskeytown) and Mandy Moore were married on Tuesday (March 10th) in Savannah, Georgia ...

JB

Brody on Opry ...

Canadian country singer Dean Brody makes his Grand Ole Opry debut performance on April 17th. His comment, "Another one of my music dreams come true! I've been backstage a couple times but to actually be invited to sing is way too cool for words!" ...

Next Wednesday night, March 20th, Carrie Underwood returns to the stage where she got her big start - American Idol. She will perform her current hit "I Told You So" with fellow Opry member Randy Travis. Brad Paisley will also perform ...

Jimmy Boyd died this past Saturday (March 7th). He had a top 10 country hit with his 1952 recording of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" ...

JB

From Jessie Farrell ...

From CCMA Female Vocalist of the Year ... Jessie Farrell ...

Hi Jay ... Gord Bamford and I have been having a great time on the Redhead & Redneck Tour! This is a special co-headlining tour currently playing across the Prairies. The response has been so great that we're hoping to add Ontario and Eastern Canada dates later this year. The day after our last date on this run of the Redhead & Redneck tour, I fly back to Vancouver for the Juno's where I'm nominated for Best New Artist. And then it's straight back to Nashville to finish recording my next album. I already have three songs recorded and hope to have a new song on the radio in April! ... xo Jessie

JB

Music and Books ...

The new closing theme song for America Idol is Home Sweet Home by Carrie Underwood. When you purchase the song on iTunes, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Humane Society of the United States.

Yes, Sara Evans will release a new albumn this year ... but she will also release her debut novel, which Sara promises to be an "emotional, Southern-flavored, multigenerational tale, featuring a compelling love story." She goes on to say: "I believe there is power in great stories. This is the kind of book I love to read and share." She is planning a series of four books with an on-going linked story line.

JB

Randy, Jewel, Barbara and Dierks ...

Randy Owen of Alabama fame has been awarded the Artist Humanitarian Award by the Country Radio Broadcasters Association. Randy is heavily involved in Country Cares for St. Jude Kids. Last year's recipient, Clay Walker, made the presentation.

Jewel's dancing days are done! She has dropped out of the hit ABC-TV show Dancing With the Stars due to injuries. Jewel has fractured tibias in both legs.

Irby Mandrell, father and longtime manager of Barbara Mandrell, died Thursday, March 5, in a Nashville hospital at age 84. Irby played a key role in Barbara's life and career as her manager for more than 30 years.

Dierks Bentley may feel he doesn’t deserve his blessed existence, but he’s “truly happy” with his wife, new baby and red hot career. Shortly before the release of his new Feel That Fire CD, Dierks Bentley took time out to chat about his new music . . . and the new woman in his life, daughter Evie. Since then, both the title cut and the new CD have hit number one on the charts and “Sideways” has been announced as the project’s second single. Check out the Country Weekly website for more of his story.

http://www.countryweekly.com/dierks_bentley/feature/1407

JB

Album of the year ...

The Academy of Country Music has announced the nominees for the Album of the Year. It will be a tight squeeze to come out with a winner. All the albums feature top production, an excellent selection and variety of songs and great performances. The nominees are: George Strait (Troubadour), Carrie Underwood (Carnival Ride), Montgomery Gentry (Back When I Knew It All), Jamey Johnson (That Lonesome Song) and Taylor Swift (Fearless). The 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be held on April 5 in Las Vegas.

One of my favourites, Kellie Pickler, has included three Canadian dates in her summer tour schedule. Unfortunately, there all in western Canada: July 8th in Calgary, July 10th in Craven Saskatchewan and July 11th in Winnipeg Manitoba. I think the Eagle should give away a trip to her Winnipeg show ... and I should win! What do you think?

JB

Jewel ... ry ...

Miranda Lambert has launched her own line of jewelry including necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are designed and crafted personally by Miranda. Demand has been so high that the company selling the items reports that it's practically out of stock!

Darryl Worley is set to release his latest album, Sounds Like Life, June 9th. The album was produced by James Stroud, who signed Darryl to his first recording contract!

Jewel is ready! Dancing With the Stars contestant Jewel, who is recovering from tendonitis in her knees, reports that she will be "good to go" for the show after resting.

JB

She's from Nova Scotia ...

She's from Nova Scotia ...

One of the songs you will hear played on the Eagle is called - Off And Running - by Mandy Atkins. Mandy is from Truro and although she is new to recording, she is well known to live audiences in the central part of Nova Scotia. She has opened for Michelle Wright and shared the stage with the Stampeders and the Trews.

Check out her web site at http://www.mandyatkins.com/

JB

Taylor, Shawanda and Six West ...

Taylor Swift's sophomore album, 'Fearless,' has bounced back into the #1 slot following her Grammy performance ... the album has sold over 2.6 million copies since its release 14 weeks ago!

Canadian country music star Crystal Shawanda will perform live on the 2009 JUNO Awards broadcast live from Vancouver’s General Motors Place on Sunday, March 29th.

In early January, Scott Roberts had in-studio guests Abbey Powell & Jason Hastie sing live on the air. We received numerous compliments about the interview and their performance. Well, Abbey and Jason (better known as Six West) have released their debut CD called Something Beautiful. It's in stores now and also available through their web site at http://www.sixwestmusic.com/

PS ... their current hit on the Eagle is called - Romance This Life

JB

Toby, Ernie and Zac ...

Toby Keith has announced that Trace Adkins will join his 2009 "America's Toughest Tour." The tour kicks off on June 18th in New Jersey and runs the duration of the summer. So far no Canadian dates have been announced.

This past Saturday night I played a great old song on the Saturday Night Kitchen Party called Talk Back Trembling Lips by Ernie Ashworth. I am saddened to report that Ashworth, the longtime star of the Grand Ole Opry, died in Nashville today (March 2,2009) at 80. By the way, that song peaked at #1 in 1963 and stayed on the country charts for an amazing 42 weeks

And, the Zac Brown Band's debut single "Chicken Fried" has sold over 1,000,000 copies to date ... and the band is also nominated for Top New Vocal Group by the Academy of Country Music Awards.

JB

New Music ...

New music this week on 1035 The Eagle ...

INTERNATIONAL
Alan Jackson - Sissy's Song
John Rich - Shuttin Detroit Down
Jason Aldean - She's Country

CANADIAN
Darren McGinnis - More Than Me
Emily Taylor Adams - Things We Remember
Lisa Hewitt - Better In Texas
Longshot - You Slow Me Down

JB