Chesney holds the distinction of being the recipient of the Billboard Touring Award for Top Package Tour for four consecutive years from 2005 and 2008. Thus far, he has had nine tours including Greatest Hits (2001), No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems (2002), Margaritas N’ Senorita’s (2003), Guitars, Tiki Bars & A Whole Lotta Love (2004), Somewhere In The Sun (2005), The Road & The Radio (2006), Flip-Flop Summer Tour (2007), Poets & Pirates (2008), and his most recent Sun City Carnival Tour (2009) for which he toured with Lady Antebellum, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, and country singers such as Miranda Lambert and Julianne Hough, to name a few.

Known for his energetic brand of country tunes and country love songs, Chesney has had success as a solo artist ever since he first released his debut album called, “In My Wildest Dreams” which was released on the independent Capricorn Records label in 1994. His subsequent albums all sold millions of copies, slowly helping him secure a spot in the firmament of great country singers who came before him. Apart from appearances in compilation albums, he has since released 11 studio albums including “In My Wildest Dreams” (1994), “All I Need to Know” (1995), “Me and You” (1996), “I Will Stand” (1997), “Everywhere We Go” (1999), “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” (2002), “When the Sun Goes Down” (2004), “Be as You Are (Songs from an Old Blue Chair)” (2005), “The Road and the Radio” (2005), “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates” (2007), and the latest “Lucky Old Sun” (2008).

When asked why he would not want to tour this summer, Chesney shared, “It would be easy to keep doing it, because it’s fun, and the fans are unbelievable. But I don’t know — then you realize that at some point you’re missing a part of your life. My life has been a lot about parking lots. I need to recharge creatively, and get off the clock of having to be somewhere just because, and having to keep juggling all these things. And people needing answers. I just felt like this year it finally hit me that I need to get reconnected with my family. I wanna do some things that I’ve never gotten to do, like see other parts of the world, write some more songs. Do some shows that are completely different for me. I might wanna go do an acoustic show at Red Rocks or something. Something to feed my soul.”

He then went on to endorse whom fans should check out this summer by saying, “I do think that anybody who hasn’t gone to see Keith Urban is missing it. That’s my opinion.”

Whether or not he has decided to take a break, there is no doubt that Chesney has already cemented his place among the top country singers of his time, and his fans will surely be there when he decides to have another successful tour.

For more tips and information about country singers, please visit country love songs

In a recent interview, Nelson said, “This is a group of songs that when they first came out, it didn’t take them very long to become standards, just like ‘Stardust,’ ‘Moonlight in Vermont,’ ‘All of Me’ and ‘Georgia’ are considered standards, so are ‘Dark as a Dungeon,’ ‘Freight Train Boogie,’ ‘Pistol Packin’ Mama’ and ‘Satisfied Mind.’ These are all standard songs from another field of music, but they are still the same category. They are just as good in their own way.”

The album, also containing classic country love songs given the Willie Nelson treatment, was produced by T Bone Burnett and musicians such as Riley Baugus in banjo, T-Bone Burnett himself, and Dennis Crouch on acoustic bass. As for working with Burnett, Nelson says, “T Bone and I are old friends. We were playing golf one day in California and started wondering why we never had done a record together, so we started talking about it.” He adds, “He brought most of the songs to the session, called all the musicians together. I trusted him and I knew he’d get the right guys and the right songs, and sure enough, I think he did.”The resulting album, “Country Music” marks his first ever collaboration with the award-winning producer who also won for his works with a diverse group of artists such as Alison Krauss and Robert Plant.

The massive album contains 15 noteworthy tracks that span a few decades of hit country standards and country love songs from some of the legendary country singers of all time. The tracks include “Man With The Blues,” “Seaman’s Blues,” “Dark As A Dungeon,” “Gotta Walk Alone,” “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down,” “My Baby’s Gone,” “Freight Train Boogie,” “Satisfied Mind,” “You Done Me Wrong,” “Pistol Packin’ Mama,” “Ocean of Diamonds,” “Drinking Champagne,” “I Am A Pilgrim,” “House of Gold,” and “Nobody’s Fault But Mine.”

Nelson has recently confirmed that he is returning for the 40th anniversary of the Glastonbury Festival June of this year, alongside diverse musical acts such as Slash, U2, Muse, Pet Shop Boys, Scissor Sisters, Ray Davies, Jackson Browne, Dr. John, Richard Thompson, Nick Lowe, MGMT, The Stranglers, the XX, and Stevie Wonder. Nelson is also currently on tour promoting his latest album. His tour dates until October of this year have already been announced, including tour stops in most major US and European cities.

For more tips and information about country singers, please visit country love songs

1. Got Talent?

It cannot be any more emphasized that talent is crucial in this kind of industry. Sometimes, it is not even enough that you know how to sing. As you would have probably noticed, most of the big country artists today also know how to play musical instruments like the guitar, piano, and so on. Moreover, you need to have a distinct talent, something which has not been heard yet before. So if you want to make your way to stardom, this is the first thing that you really should have—talent. Without it, it would be going into a war zone without ammunition in your guns.

2. All in the Name

Aside from the talent, you also need to have the right name. When we say, “right name” we mean of something that can catch people’s attention and stick into their minds even after a long time. Take Taylor Swift for example, now that is a catchy name, isn’t it? It is no wonder, she climbed into the charts that swiftly. How about, Tim McGraw, that name just grows on you! If this would mean having to change your name or using an alias, you would need to do so.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

This cliché is something you have heard a thousand times before but it is worth repeating because it is only through practice that you will be able to master something, and that includes singing or playing a country song. Being new in an industry would make you feel nervous and jumpy, practicing would help ensure that you get it perfect despite your sweaty palms and racing heart.

4. Write while you Sing

One thing that can give you an edge is to write your own songs. If you love listening to country love songs all the time, you may just have the tune or melody in your head that you can use to create a new hit. Who knows? There might be a songwriter hiding inside you.

5. Hoard all the Gigs

When you are still starting out, gigs may be very cheap, and some would even have to be free. Don’t lose hope. It is okay to get as much exposure as you need to even if means being badly paid or not being paid at all. Just the fact that you are getting the exposure that you need would give you a better chance in making it big out there. Remember, at this point, you cannot afford to be choosy with your gigs. Take whatever you can.

The music industry is a stiff and competitive business. There is no sure way of making it to the peak of stardom but whatever you do, do not ever give up. There would be hurdles along the way but keep in mind that success would be sweeter if the journey to your destination is harder.

For more tips and information about country singers, please visit country love songs.

Carrie Underwood

American Idol Carrie Underwood’s fashion style goes from casual chic (simple accessories, knee length sundresses) to modish elegant (sparkly cocktails dresses paired with gladiator high heels) depending on the occasion. Do not forget to die your hair the same shade of blond as hers to complete your Carrie Underwood look.

Taylor Swift

This young country superstar, known for her amazing voice and wondrous country love songs, bedazzles everyone with her beautiful golden curls, tantalizing eyes, and of course, a fashion statement that has her name written all over it. Her style, which you can characterize as a cross between funky retro and modern rock star, mainly thrives on dresses, skirts, retro headbands, antique necklaces, glitzy gowns, off-the-shoulder tops, and skinny jeans. She also loves to wear halter-styled dress paired with cowboy boots and topped off with several bracelets on one wrist. Complete the get-up with a sparkly acoustic guitar. It would be great if you can play it, of course.

Kenny Chesney

The country idol, who is widely known for his island laid-back fashion style, is usually seen donning a tank top, faded jeans, cowboy hat, and a pair of roper boots. For the props, you can have an electric guitar with a pirate skull and crossbones designs. And of course, it would also help if you have a six-pack and if you are ruggedly handsome.

Tim McGraw

Speaking of ruggedly handsome, another country icon with fashion style worth emulating is Tim McGraw. This country singer, whose fashion trademark is a stylish cowboy hat, even has his own fashion line that sells different kinds of stunning Tim McGraw Hats. So if you want to look like him, the first thing to do is to buy a hat with his name on it.

Toby Keith

Toby Keith is well known for his part-rocker and part-biker fashion style with a touch of “country sexy”, which is indeed suitable for his brawny build. Catch his style by tearing the sleeves of your shirts and wearing them as sleeveless shirts. Pair this with a cowboy hat, a Levi jacket, faded wash jeans, and roper boots.

Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton’s style is on the simple cute side with a touch of masculinity just enough to have girls go gaga over him. This country singer’s trademark look includes a dark long-sleeve shirt, denim jeans, and roper boots.

Reba McEntire

Another country superstar whose fans adore everything she has done including her acting in motion pictures and her Broadway performance. To get her style, you must first have her fiery red hair (through dying or wearing of a wig) then don a long red satin dress that has a slit right up to the hip. Complete the look with a pair of black high heels.

Snagging your country singer’s fashion style is as easy as following the special tips mentioned in this article. Do not forget to put in a dash of creativity and to sprinkle in your own ideas so you can add a unique quality to your look.

For more tips and information about country singers, please visit country love songs.

Making a name for herself as a singer and great songwriter of great country love songs, just last year, Swift also received the ACM Album of the Year award (“Fearless”) and the Academy of Country Music’s Crystal Milestone Award in recognition of her success in the past year. Apart from the ACM Awards, Swift also received a multitude of accolades from the Grammys (Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Fearless; Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for “White Horse”); the American Music Awards (Artist of The Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, Favorite Country Female Artist, Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist, and Favorite Country Album); Country Music Association Awards (Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, International Artist Achievement Award, Album of the Year, and Music Video of the Year); and the CMT Music Awards (Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year). These are but some of the awards she harvested last year.

With all these achievements, it is now safe to say that Swift has created a niche for herself in the country music scene, bringing her achievements up to par with other female country love songs such as Carried Underwood and Miranda Lambert, among many others. On the strength of her well-known country love songs with a pop-tinged sound, Swift has certainly come a long way from her early years.

This year, all her fans are anxiously awaiting the 45th Annual ACM Awards to see if Swift can once again conquer the country music scene with her brand of unique country love songs. However, this year’s batch of nominees are not weak contenders either, thus the awards show promises to be a night of friendly competition. In the Entertainer of the Year category, Swift is nominated alongside country heavyweights Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and the Zac Brown Band. Meanwhile, in the hotly contested Top Female Vocalist of the Year category, Swift is pitted against fellow female country singers, such as Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Lee Ann Womack.

The Song of the Year Category is expected to be a head to head match between Swift’s “You Belong With Me” and Underwood’s hit single “Cowboy Casanova.” Other nominees include “Need You Now” by supergroup Lady Antebellum, “People Are Crazy” by Billy Currington, and “White Liar” by Miranda Lambert.

The 45th ACM awards will air on April 18, Sunday (8:00 PM ET) via CBS.

For more tips and information about country singers, please visit country love songs.

The likes of Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton evoke images of traditionally-clad country singers decked in western-style frocks and ensembles. These are all great artists in their own and rights and have held supremacy in more ways than one. However, at present, new artists have continued to reshape and slowly change our perceptions regarding women in country music. Today, country love songs are not just about heartaches and broken relationships anymore.

In the 1990’s, artists such as Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Lee Ann Womack first opened the doors with their brand of country music doused with sex appeal and tremendous commercial and crossover potential. Today, artists such as Miranda Lambert, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland continue in this tradition, giving audiences a different and, dare we say, bolder image of modern day country singers. Let’s take a look at their career highlights.

Miranda Lambert (http://www.mirandalambert.com/)
Twenty-six year old Miranda Leigh Lambert first broke into the scene through her participation in the 2003 season of Nashville Star, a reality TV program aired over at NBC. Her third place finish did not prevent her from eventually achieving superstardom. She later signed with Epic Records, through which she released her debut album, “Kerosene.” All four singles from the album- “Bring Me Down,” “Kerosene,” “Me and Charlie Talking,” and “New Strings”—were certified Top 40 hits. In 2007, she transferred to Columbia Records Nashville and recorded her sophomore album, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” which produced her first Top 10 hit (”Gunpowder & Lead”). All of her three albums debuted at the No. 1 Spot on the Billboard Country Music Album Charts. She has been nominated for Grammys, CMAs and ACM awards in which she won a Top New Female Vocalist award in 2007.

Hillary Scott (http://ladyantebellum.blogspot.com/)
Scott is, of course, one-third of the fast rising group Lady Antebellum (known for their harmony-driven country love songs), which recently grabbed the Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group for “I Run To You” at the recent Grammy Awards, successfully establishing their hold of the category over veterans such as Rascal Flatts and Brooks & Dunn. After graduating from high school, Scott, a country singer by heart, worked with singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw, through which she met her future band mates. Scott, a native of Nashville, TN, is not just a pretty face with a big voice, she is also an award-winning songwriter recognized for her contributions to “Love Don’t Live Here” and “Lookin’ for a Good Time,” two of Lady Antebellum’s hit songs.

Jennifer Nettles (http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/)
The sexy, on-stage presence of Nettles helped propel Sugarland as one of the fast-rising musical acts of today. Together with Kristian Bush, Nettles successfully translated their electrifying stage performance into hit singles and multi-platinum record sales. Prior to joining Sugarland, Nettles had already been an established singer working the Atlanta, Georgia music circuit through her previous bands, Soul Miner’s Daughter and the Jennifer Nettles Band. Like Scott, Nettles is also an established singer and songwriter, co-writing songs with Cory Jones for two Soul Miner’s Daughter albums, “The Sacred and Profane” (1996) and “Hallelujah” (1998).

Music wasn’t initially in the picture for Holy. He came from a large family whose occupation had been with their drilling business. In fact, if not for the music, Holy may have established a career here as well. Fortunately, Holy had developed an interest for music, which was his way of dealing with the death of his father, and later, his father. Clearly seeing country music love songs as his redemption, says Holy, “Music was the only thing that gave me relief.”

Upon his graduation from high school, Holy found himself among the 500 aspiring talents auditioning for “The Johnnie High Country Revue” in nearby Arlington, Texas. Little did he know that his involvement with the famed talent show will give him the break he had been waiting for; he finished first in the competition and went on to become Entertainer of the Year as voted by the show’s fans. After honing his musical skills throughout the Texas country music scene for several years, he eventually caught the attention of LeAnn Rimes and his father, Wilbur, who signed him to famed Nashville label Curb Records. Wilbur would later produce his debut album “Blue Moon.” At the same time, LeAnn also helped introduce him to a wider audience when she asked him to open for Rimes at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1998.

His debut single called “Don’t Make Me Beg,” was released in October 1999, and his debut album went on to produce two more Top 20 singles, culminating in his biggest single of the time, “Good Morning Beautiful.” This song introduced him to a wider audience when it was featured in the Jennifer Lopez movie. In 2006, Holy scored another hit with wildly popular “Brand New Girlfriend,” from an album of the same name released under Curb Records.

What sets Holy apart form his peers is that he is never afraid to experiment. In fact, he refuses for his music to be pigeonholed to just one stereotype citing various influences such as Charlie Rich, Mickey Gilley, John Conlee, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, and even a variety of Doo-Wop vocal groups as his vocal influences. In fact, in his Las Vegas show one would also hear him cover hits from artists such as the Commodores, Roy Orbison, and Dean Martin.

Of his songs, Holy says, “There’s no common thread in any of them. Basically, what’s going on in my life at the time is what I focus on musically.” Currently, he is busy working on his third album, which is set to be released early next year where it will be announced in our country music blog. The single “Might Have Been,” is already generating positive buzz. “People in radio have said this is probably going to be my biggest hit yet,” says Holy.

He adds, “Life is good, I think. I’m real excited. I can’t wait!” Indeed, it has been an interesting journey so far and country music fans will surely be waiting for his next album.

This album closely follows previous releases by Nelson, known for his wide range of musical influences, which he is never afraid to explore and produce great albums from. Just recently, Nelson released a solo album called “American Classic,” in which he explores the jazzified sound of standards with artists such as Diana Krall and Norah Jones. Prior to this, Nelson has also done collaborations with country singers such as Ryan Adams, Kenny Chesney, Wynton Marsalis, and even Toots Hibbert.

This time, Nelson has done it again, releasing a collaborative project with the best Western swing band in the US, none other than Asleep on The Wheel. Already, this album has been hailed by critics and fans as one of the best to have come out in 2009. It consists of twelve tracks handpicked by legendary producer Jerry Wexler consisting of songs that represent the history of Western swing—right from its Dixieland and blues roots. The tracks included are “Hesitation Blues,” “Sweet Jennie Lee,” “Fan It,”  “I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None o’ This Jelly Roll,”  “Oh! You Pretty Woman,” “Bring it on Down to My House,” “Right or Wrong,” “Corrine Corrina,” “I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World,” “Shame on You,” “Won’t You Ride in My Little Red Wagon,” and  “South,” which features Paul Shaffer and Vince Gill.

As for Asleep at the Wheel, “Willie and the Wheel” is a long overdue project whose early beginnings could be traced back almost two decades back when legendary producer Jerry Wexler first met the members of the band. It is quite ironic that Wexler had been initially reluctant to sign the band. Says Asleep at the Wheel band leader Ray Benson with a chuckle, “He said the guitar player needed to practice — me — and he was right!”

Nevertheless Benson and Wexler eventually became friends and when Benson learned of how Wexler had once hand-picked tunes that he thought would suit Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel, he approached Nelson about the project, and the rest is history. Fortunately, even though Wexler died in 2008. Willie and the Wheel were already able to complete the album, culminating in its release this year as a tribute to the great producer at the same time.

This collaboration though is not a flash in the pan because Benson’s band has already played with Nelson over the years on country love songs and more. Says Benson of Nelson’s quirky musical style, “It’s idiosyncratic and unusual and totally original and unique. That’s the appeal: You do things the Willie way, or you fall flat on your face.” He adds, however, that “He’s a joy to play with. My drummer said he treats time like an avant-garde jazz musician. I love it. It’s amusing, it’s stimulating, it’s great fun!”