Rick Diamond/Ethan Miller, Getty Images

With all the outpouring of love and mourning over the death of Donna Summer, no country artist has expressed the true loss of such an iconic artist as eloquently as Dolly Parton. The ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer issued an official statement about the death of her fellow singer and songwriter on Thursday.

“I can’t believe we’ve lost another wonderful singer. Donna, like Whitney, had one of the greatest voices ever. I loved her records,” says Parton (quota via MSO PR). As expected, Parton is as distraught by Donna Summer’s death as she was by Whitney Houston’s passing in February.

Of Summer, Parton adds, “She was the disco queen, and will remain so. I knew her and found her to be one of the most likable and fun people ever. She will be missed and remembered.”

Known best for her disco hits ‘Last Dance,’ ‘McArthur Park’ and ‘Hot Stuff,’ Summer also had a little known connection to country music — at least as a songwriter. She penned ‘Starting Over Again’ with her surviving husband, and the song later became a No. 1 for both Parton in 1980 and Reba McEntire in 1995.

Summer died Thursday morning (May 17) at the age of 63 after a battle with lung and breast cancer. She is survived by her husband Bruce Sudano, their daughters Brooklyn and Amanda, as well as her daughter Mimi from her previous marriage. “Words truly can’t express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time,” writes her family in an official statement.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/tommy-crain-death-2011/" title="Country Artists We Lost in 2011" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Ethan Miller/Christopher Polk, Getty Images

Finally, the star-studded CMT Music Awards lineup is ready for your eyes! And from the looks of it, this year CMT could be more about the live talent than they will be about actually giving out awards.

Among those set to rock Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena during the 11th annual CMT Music Awards ceremony on June 6 are Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band and Lady Antebellum.

Of course, all of these artists have been nominated for awards too, so they are likely to spend quite a bit of time on stage. Carrie Underwood is set to have the night of her life with a stunning five nominations, while Lady Antebellum have racked up a respectable three.

If you haven’t voted for which artists you’d like to see win yet, visit the CMT website to cast your picks! The awards show will air live from Nashville on Wednesday, June 6 on CMT and CMT.com.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

CBS

Last night, Conan O’Brien visited ‘The Late Show With David Letterman’ – his first appearance on that show in over 13 years and his first late-night appearance since being fired as host of ‘The Tonight Show.’ Naturally with their combined dislike of Jay Leno, you could see where the interview would be going…

It didn’t take long before Letterman brought up Jay Leno with Conan who quipped he had no idea the topic would come up.  Said Conan of their interview and the eventual Leno discussion:

“You know [Leno is] watching right now. He’s getting a live feed in a satellite truck right now, watching every second.”

For his part, Letterman said he was “delighted” by everything that went down with Leno, Conan and ‘The Tonight Show’ with the exception, of course, of Conan losing his job.  They each did their Leno impressions – the squeaky voice, the head bob, etc. – and generally had a few laughs at ‘The Tonight Show’ host’s expense. All in good fun (ahem).

You can watch clips from David Letterman’s interview with Conan O’Brien’s below:

Source: ScreenCrush.com

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

George Strait is celebrating his 60th birthday today (May 18)! There isn’t an artist in country music who’s been as successful for as long as the King. He’s charted at least one song every year since his debut single ‘Unwound’ hit in 1981. Strait got his start in an unusual way, however. In fact, there are a number of quirks about the legend’s life you might find surprising.

The famously private Texas cowboy isn’t prone to sharing the details of his personal life like the younger generation. Instead, he prefers to spend his off time tending to his other hobbies and interests. Did you know he barely picks up a guitar between tours and albums? Click the button below to find 10 more pieces of George Strait trivia that only his biggest fans would know. You might learn a thing or two.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/george-strait-10-things-10" title="10 Things You Didn't Know About George Strait" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Local 15

When fire engulfed 12-year-old Justin Jackon’s Milton, FL, home on Sunday at 2AM, his mother was at work and his father was out of state. So if anyone was going to save his four younger siblings, it was going to have to be him.

Knowing what he had to do, Allen made three trips back into the burning home. The most harrowing was when he pulled out his three-year-old sister, who remained asleep during the ordeal.

“I had to pick her up and she was real stiff. I was just real scared at that point,” said Justin, who also had to kick a door in to gain clear access to her room.

Not only did he save his younger brothers and sister, but Justin had the presence of mind to let the four family dogs out. (Although, sadly, two still perished in the flames.)

The house ended up burning to the ground, but Justin downplayed talk that he was a hero. “Not really,” he said when asked if he thought what he did was heroic. “I was just helping my family and stuff.”

Justin’s aunt, Cri Jackson, disagrees with his modest assessment.

“He ran back in not once, not twice, but three times to save his siblings,” she said. “He’s our little hero.”

Learn more about Justin — who we have no problem laying the hero tag on — in the video below.

Source: TheFW.com

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Disco legend Donna Summer has died after a battle with cancer, TMZ is reporting. She was 63 years old.

Insiders say she wanted to keep the disease quiet, and a friend said that as recently as two weeks ago, Summer seemed okay and was even finishing up work on a new album.

The five-time Grammy winner shot to fame in the 1970s with songs like ‘Love to Love You Baby,’ ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘Bad Girls,’ and continued her reign on radio airwaves into the ’80s with hits including ‘She Works Hard for the Money’ and ‘This Time I Know It’s for Real.’

Summer was also the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 on the US Billboard chart.

[TMZ]

Tom McCarthy, My Country 95.5

Recently, Rodeo Rick, and some members of the My Country management & sales crew had the pleasure of making a trip to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee – for the annual Country Cares For St. Jude Kids radiothon meetings.  It’s where Country stations from all across America get together with Country artists, to tour the hospital, meet patients, doctors, and families, and make plans for a great radiothon in their respective hometowns.

With so many Nashville stars in attendance that are fans of St. Jude – they were more than happy to lend their celebrity to some cool giveaway items for this year’s Casper radiothon.  One of those is a sweet cowboy hat – autographed by the following folks:

• Randy Owen (founder of Country Cares For St. Jude, and of course, lead singer of Alabama)
• Brent Anderson
• Lauren Alaina
• Martina McBride
• Lee Brice
• Katie Armiger
• Kelleigh Bannen
• Kix Brooks
• Stephen Baker-Liles & Eric Gunderson (Love & Theft)
• Keith Burns & Michelle Poe (Burns & Poe)
• Tim Dugger
• Kip Moore
• Dean Berner, Hannah Blaylock & Cherrill Green (Eden’s Edge)
• Mike Eli, James Young, Chris Thompson & Jon Jones (Eli Young Band)
• Jana Kramer
• Jason Wyatt & Stokes Nelson (The Lost Trailers)
• J.T. Hodges
• Steve Holy
• Damien Horne, Krista Marie & Nick Hoffman (The Farm)
• Andy Gibson
• Tyler Farr
• Margaret Durante
• Brad Hall, Tim Gates & Matt Lopez (Due West)
• Dustin Lynch
• Randy Houser
• Glen Templeton
• Jon Pardi
• Canaan Smith
• Thomas Rhett
• James Wesley
• David St. Romain
• Darren Warren
• Josh Thompson

All those who become a Partner In Hope today (Thursday) on day one of our radiothon, are in for the hat – we’ll pick a winner at the end of the day.  Become one now, at 1-800-330-9727.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer who was grandfathered in with an unlimited data plan after the company eliminated the option for new customers, enjoy it while it lasts — the company will be moving you to a tiered plan soon.

Speaking at the JP Morgan Technology, Media and Telecom conference on Wednesday, Verizon CFO Fran Shammo said customers with unlimited 3G data access will be required to switch to a data-share plan after transitioning to the company’s 4G LTE service.

“LTE is our anchor point for data share. So, as you come through an upgrade cycle and you upgrade in the future, you will have to go on to the data share plan,” Shammo said. “Everyone will be on [it]. A lot of our 3G base is on unlimited… [and] when they migrate off 3G they will have to go to data share.”

So when will that happen and how much will it cost? The data share plan is scheduled to launch in mid-summer, but pricing details have yet to be announced.

[Fierce Wireless]

The Green Room PR

“This event started as an idea we had in the studio last year to crash someone’s prom,” says Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott (quote via the Green Room PR). “We had no idea at the time it would fill such a need. We are amazed by the support we’ve gotten from our fans, sponsors and the press. This is one of the proudest moments of our career!”

The moment Scott is referring to is the private concert held last night (May 15), during which $285,000 was raised to rebuild the community of Henryville, a small town in Indiana that was struck by a devastating tornado earlier this year. The ‘Dancing Away With My Heart’ trio performed a 45-minute set for the juniors and seniors at the KFC YUM! Center as part of the school’s prom night, which was followed by a full-fledged post-party concert that was open to the general public in order to help raise funds for the rebuilding process.

Lipton Tea also pledged their support for the effort in the spirit of their Drink Positive and Live Positive message, a campaign that Lady A already supports.

The band exceeded their donation goal, which was set at $250,000. All proceeds raised from the concert portion of Rebuilding Henryville will remain local through the New Hope/Indiana Bankers Association for the benefit of the disaster relief fund. Fans who are unable to attend Rebuilding Henryville can still get involved by making donations in any amount here.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

DougDillard.net

Doug Dillard, an accomplished banjo player who gained notoriety with his appearances on the ‘The Andy Griffth Show,’ passed away last night (May 16) after a trip to a Nashville emergency room, according to the Boot. The IBMA’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame member was 75-years-old.

Born in Salem, Mo. in 1937, Dillard began playing guitar by the age of 5. By his teenage years, the young virtuoso was already a seasoned banjo player, crafting his skills performing in bands for both radio and television appearances. Dillard’s most notable career highlights include his partnership with brother, Rodney, to form the Dillards. Their unique bluegrass sound caught the attention of television executives, which lead to recurring appearances on ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’

After parting ways with the Dillards, the banjo player joined folk-rock group the Byrds for their first European tour. Shortly after, Dillard joined forces with the band’s former member Gene Clark, forming Dillard & Clark — a defining duo in the country-rock blend revolution.

As a studio musician, Dillard’s progressive Grammy-winning banjo playing can be heard on albums from Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, the Beach Boys and the Monkees. Actor-turned-bluegrass musician Steve Martin cites Dillard as one of his musical influences. As for Dillard, he found his way into the banjo world at the guidance of the legendary Earl Scruggs, who passed in March.

Details about a funeral for the banjo-playing great have yet to be announced.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/tommy-crain-death-2011/" title="Country Artists We Lost in 2011" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Rich Denison, Townsquare Media

**UPDATE**

The Casper Police Department is investigating two deaths at a home in the 400 block of West 12^th Street.  Few details are available, but investigators have said that two bodies were found in the home Thursday morning.   We will have more information as soon as it is released by the Casper Police Department.

**

Casper Police are conducting an investigation on 12^th Street, and Natrona County School District Officials want to ensure parents that there is no danger to students.  The large police presence prompted some concerns, but the district notified parents by telephone that students were safe, and that no schools were on lockdown.

The investigation is near a number of Natrona County Schools.  It’s not yet known what prompted the police investigation, but details are expected later today.

K2Radio.com

Michael Loccisano / Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Fans got a peek at Reba McEntire‘s new sitcom today. The country great shared a trailer of ‘Malibu Country,’ a show that stars the redhead as an aging, aspiring country star who’s trying to begin a career after a divorce from a country legend. She isn’t the only superstar to appear on the small screen, however. Carrie Underwood was on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and Taylor Swift‘s ‘Mean’ got the ‘Glee’ treatment yesterday. Find video of both in the Daily Roundup.

Also included in this recap of the hottest music news stories are a few from outside of country, like Justin Bieber‘s thoughts on beer and a review of ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’

Today on Taste of Country:

‘Malibu Country’ Trailer Gives First Look at Reba McEntire’s New Comedy Series
Taylor Swift’s ‘Mean’ Gets the ‘Glee’ Treatment in New Video
Kenny Chesney Expands His Band Prior to Brothers of the Sun Tour Kickoff
Miranda Lambert Picks Up Yet Another Stray Puppy
Before They Were Famous: Clint Black
Lady Antebellum Head to Indiana to Rebuild Henryville High School
Josh Kelley, Katherine Heigl Reveal Details About New Adopted Daughter
Best Hump Day Song – Readers Poll
Carrie Underwood Brings ‘Good Girl’ to the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Stage
Taylor Swift Teams Up With Ed Sheeran for New Album
New Country Music Releases – June 2012
Discover America Commercial – What’s the Song?
Toby Keith’s Annual Golf Classic Event Set for May 19 in Oklahoma

Taste of Country Also Recommends:

Justin Bieber GQ Profile Reveals He’s Tried Beer, Likes Metallica + is ‘Flaky’
‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ Review
Jay-Z: ‘Jack White Is Insane’
‘Anchorman 2′ Poster Debuts, Teaser to Play Before ‘The Dictator’
Bill Ward Officially Out of Black Sabbath Reunion After ‘Final Effort’ Fails

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

When it comes to country music, it’s Taylor Swift‘s world and we’re all just living in it — according to Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list. The 22-year-old music mogul placed No. 11 on the exclusive countdown, making her the highest-ranked country musician.

The list ranked each celebrity based on five factors: money, television/radio, press, web and social rank. Swift’s strongest showing was in social appeal, landing at No. 7. The crossover appeal of her last multi-platinum album, ‘Speak Now,’ also proved helpful, giving the entertainer a No. 14 placement in television/radio. Swift racked in an impressive $57 million in the last year, making her the 22nd richest celebrity on the list.

But the ‘Ours’ isn’t the only powerful star in country music. Toby Keith placed No. 49 overall, earning a cool $55 million from his successful singing career, I Love This Bar and Grill restaurant brand and new line of Wild Shot tequila. Kenny Chesney follows closely at No. 53, earning an impressive $44 million on the strength of his rigorous tour schedule.

Swift’s profile will no doubt rise significantly with the release of her highly-anticipated new studio album, which is expected to be released later this year. No specific details have been released, but British rocker Ed Sheeran is the latest confirmed collaborator on the project. In an interview with the New Yorker this past fall, Swift revealed that the songs she’s penned thus far for her 2012 album are “sad.”

“Being so busy, there’s not a lot of time to stop in the middle of the day and just kind of think about this feeling that you just realized about a relationship you had a year ago,” says Swift. “The ones I love the most end up happening very quickly.”

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-songs/" title="Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Alan's Country Records/EMI Nashville

With the release of Alan Jackson’s long-awaited ‘Thirty Miles West’ just weeks way, the country superstar has divulged the official track listing for the 13-track album. The project, Jackson’s first under his own label Alan Country Records, in partnership with EMI Nashville, may be his 17th studio attempt, but the Georgia native admits he is still able to create a relevant album title that references his own person life.

“There’s this highway that’s been in existence for forever now — it’s called the Dixie Highway and it runs from north of Michigan all the way down to South Florida, and I wrote a song about it that’s on the album,” he explains. “I grew up on Highway 34 outside of Newnan, Georgia, and that’s where we came up with ‘Thirty Miles West.’ I think we were about thirty miles west of the official part of the Dixie Highway that runs through Georgia.”

When speaking about the album’s current radio offering, ‘So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore,’ Jackson says the connection to the song was instant. “At first, it raised the hair on my arms when I heard the demo,” he says. “It’s the kind of song that made me want to be in country music. I’m such a big fan of that kind of song. Sad songs, break-up songs and heartache songs are always the best ones to bring that emotion out … People are comparing it to a new ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’ I wouldn’t want to put myself in that category with George [Jones], but it is a great song.”

Written by esteemed songwriter Jay Knowles and Jackson’s nephew, Adam Wright, ‘So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore’ is Top 30 and climbing. ‘Thirty Miles West’ will hit store shelves and digital retailers on June 5.

Alan Jackson’s ‘Thirty Miles West’ Track Listing:

1. ‘Gonna Come Back as a Country Song’
2. ‘You Go Your Way’
3. ‘Everything But the Wings’
4. ‘Talk Is Cheap’
5. ‘So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore’
6. ‘Look Her in the Eyes and Lie’
7. ‘Dixie Highway’ (featuring the Zac Brown Band)
8. ‘She Don’t Get High’
9. ‘Her Life’s a Song’
10. ‘Nothin’ Fancy’
11. ‘Long Way to Go’
12. ‘Life Keeps Bringin’ Me Down’
13. ‘When I Saw You Leaving (for Nicey)’

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/new-country-music-releases-june-2012/" title="New Country Music Releases 2012" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Remember – St. Jude is a “hospital without walls”, meaning that they share freely any of their research, all over the world.  We’ve talked to tons of families right here in Casper who have received treatment protocols developed in Memphis, yet never set foot in St. Jude.  Can you help become a Partner In Hope, at 1-800-330-9727 – or donate online?

Those of us who remember Danny are getting a few more grey hairs every year – he was a legendary comedian, television, and film actor who came to America’s attention in the 50′s, probably best known through his 13-year run on Make Room For Daddy, which later came to be known as The Danny Thomas Show. Here’s a sample, for the uninitiated:

The story of how Danny Thomas came to found St. Jude is an amazing one.  More than 70 years ago, he was a struggling entertainer in Detroit – with a new baby on the way.  Danny visited a local church, and was so moved during the Mass, he put his very last $7 in the collection box.  When he realized what he’d done, he prayed for a way to pay the hospital bills that were enroute – and the very next day, he was offered a small part that would pay 10 times the amount he’d given to the church.  Danny had experienced the power of prayer.

Two years later, he had achieved some small acting success – but was struggling to take his career to the next level.  Once more, he turned to the church – and prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes.  His prayer – “help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.”

His career started to take off, and soon he moved to Chicago to pursue better offers.  A few years later, at another turning point in his life – Danny visited the church once again and remembered his pledge to St. Jude, and repeated it – and in the years that followed, he became internationally known as an amazing entertainer, and with his new success, he began to make good on that promise – starting the early discussions in the 1950′s that would lead to the concrete form his vow might take.

Through fundraisers, his entertainment connections, his fellow Americans of Lebanese descent, and donations from everyday folks – St. Jude began to take shape in Memphis, Tennessee – and it’s amazing what it has become over the last several years.  Talk about a lasting legacy – few could compare to Danny Thomas’s.

Take a virtual tour of the hospital, and learn more about the life-saving work going on at St. Jude.  Then, pick up the phone and join us – become a Partner In Hope at 1-800-330-9727, or donate online.

Royce DeGrie, Getty Images

A number of years ago I was given the unique opportunity to travel to Memphis and spend a little time at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and see the amazing things that they do for the patients and their families. The Mission of St Judes has not changed over the course of its 50 years. It is,

….to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.

Now in order for the kids to receive the treatment that they do and for the families to receive the assistance that is given, a lot of money is raised in any number of ways. One of those ways is thru a radiothon, and My Country is proud to be a part of this fundraising once again. This is no small project to be involved with and wouldn’t be possible without the help of a number of your favorite country stars that have embraced the St Jude organization and help radio stations like ours share the stories of the hospital and the families through word and song.

When I traveled to Memphis, I had the opportunity to spend some time with folks like Trick Pony, Brad Paisley, Mark Mcquinn and others to share these stories. One young fellow still sticks in my mind as he was just getting started in his music career and was a rather quiet and shy guy hanging on the periphery. From those early days he has come a long way and continues to give time and money to the hospital and gives his support to the radio stations that join in the effort. That fellow was Keith Urban.

Keith Urban Live at St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital from St. Pierre on Vimeo.

Keith continues to support St Jude and joins us in asking you to do the same. St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today’s most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly.
You can help today by checking things out HERE. And be sure and listen in over the course of the next couple of days and listen in on the inspiring and sometimes heart wrenching stories that we have to share about St Jude Hospital.