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.

In a recent list, men’s magazine Maxim.com named their list of the Hottest Women of Country Music today. Populating the list are very beautiful women whose looks and talent helped them make names for themselves in the scene. There are a few surprise entries here but most of the women on the list are perennial favorites and predictable entries. Maxim’s list was released in no particular so that since its release, bloggers have debated over these choices left and right. Let’s take a look at the highlights…

Julianne Hough- Topping the list is this two-time Dancing With the Stars champ who went on to become a country singer. Often described as a blond bombshell, she actually achieved critical acclaim for her self-titled debut album released in 2008.

Taylor Swift- Who doesn’t know Taylor Alison Swift? She certainly took the world by storm via her hit albums and country songs and that infamous Kanye West incident at the MTV Awards. Controversies aside, she has proven that she has the looks and the talent to sell many records and win the hearts of country and pop music fans alike.

Cheyenne Kimball- Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kimball is one-third of exciting new band Gloriana, American Music Awards’ Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2009. As the vocalist and mandolin and guitar player, Kimball helped catapult the band to national stardom through the songs from their chart-topping self-titled debut album, which was also released this year.

Shania Twain- Miss Twain is probably the sexiest Canadian export the pop an docuntry music scenes have ever had. Her awesome voice, not to mention her sexy and sultry look, helped her achieve a rare crossover success when her unforgettable album “Come on Over” became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician and the best-selling album in the history of country music.

Carrie Underwood- Underwood, a Checotah, Oklahoma native, is best known for her American Idol win in which she bested fellow final three Vonzell Solomon and Bo Bice. She went on to become one of the most successful alums of the competition, bagging nominations and awards from the CMA, the Grammy’s, and the AMA. In her debut year, Underwood received two Grammy awards for “Best New Artist” and “Best Female Country Vocal Performance.” Just recently, she also made history as a back to back “Entertainer of the Year” awardee from the Country Music Association.

Other noteworthy names in the list include Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Kellie Pickler, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill. For the complete list and gallery, head on over to: http://www.maxim.com/girls/girls-of-maxim/85010/hottest-women-country-music.html.

Susan Tucker, the show’s creator says, “It’s important to draw attention to the fact that, beyond the world of the major label artists, there is a whole other realm of artists; those that are out there making great music and working hard, all without the money and support of a major record label.” Tucker, of the Nashville-based Copeland Tucker Management has certainly made the right choice of venue where such an important event could be held.

Owned and managed by the Gaylord Entertainment Company, the legendary Wildhorse Saloon is a popular country/western-themed restaurant located right in the heart of Nashville—ground zero for the country music scene. With an extremely large dance floor, open bar, and spacious indoor concert atrium, this is certainly one of the premier venues in Nashville and is perfect  for a huge event such as “Country Indie.”

“Country Indie” is actually a series of monthly shows that shall be kicked off on December 15^th, 2009, with a concert to be headlined by Kim McLean and Sage Keffer. McLean, is of course, an award winning songwriter whose beautiful country love songs have been recorded by the likes of Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, and The Martins. Her music has also been featured on shows such as West Wing and Hope and Faith. Her “Angels and Eagles” duet with Ms. Dolly Parton, which is included in her CD, “Happy Face” won the Americana Song of the Year from the Just Plain Folk Awards. Meanwhile, Sage Keffer is a regular from the CMA Music Festival. Born in New Mexico and raised on the Colorado-Wyoming border, Keffer nabbed a voice scholarship at Lamont School of Music in Denver and continued to pursue a career in country music. Today, he is one of the most buzz-worthy recording artists from the Nashville scene. These two artists will perform in the inaugural concert, which shall be hosted by Nashville’s indie artist, Rachel Williams.

The monthly events will spotlight three top-level acts during each installment. Says Tucker, “There are so many great country singers & performers that country music fans would love to embrace, but they’re not getting the opportunity to know these artists for a number of reasons.” She further explains, “One of which is a lack of radio support. I’m hoping this series will help these hard working and talented artists further their careers.”

Tickets for the show, which will begin on December 15 at 7:00pm, are at $6.00. You may visit the following for more information and updates: www.wildhorsesaloon.com, myspace.com/countryindie, or facebook.com/countryindie.