His fans are used to seeing him with a tool belt around his waist, but Eric Stromer actually moved to Los Angeles with a guitar slung over his shoulder. The charismatic host of such do-it-yourself shows as AOL Living's 'GMC Trade Secrets' and HGTV's 'Over Your Head' is now returning to his first love: country music.

Set for an early 2010 release, Eric's album, appropriately titled 'Fix It Man,' lets fans in on a little secret: the PEOPLE's 'Sexiest Men' honoree can teach you how to drive a nail, but he can also hammer out a tune. Written and produced with buddies Rich Herring and Scott Van Zenn, the collection showcases the varied musical influences Eric grew up on, merging classic country with soul and old school rock 'n' roll.

The Boot sat down to talk with the Chicago native and dad of three about his new venture. Eric couldn't mask the excitement in his voice as he spoke about finally fulfilling his lifelong dream.

You're not just jumping on the country bandwagon -- you actually started out singing as a kid. What sidelined your music career?

I've been a musician -- playing drums, guitar, singing and writing songs -- for forever. That was the original plan, and it somehow got derailed by this TV and construction thing. That took over just because it hit first. Music is why I became an artist in the first place. It's the thing that terrifies me and gives me the most spiritual uplifting -- fear and confidence all wrapped up into one. You put your ass on the line -- so raw and exposed that it's scary sometimes -- but when you're done, it's amazing.

While Jimmy Wayne boasts four co-writes on his upcoming CD, 'Sara Smile,' he also boasts a lot of famous tunesmiths on other tracks.

"There's a song Keith Urban wrote called 'Things I Believe.' I'm very excited for people to hear that," Jimmy tells The Boot. "It's hard to sing something he wrote and make it your own, because he has such a signature sound. There's no doubt that he's the writer on this song, but I tried to make it mine as best as I could. I love this song and am very grateful that Keith gave it to me."

The upcoming George Strait - Reba McEntire tour just got even more star power! Lee Ann Womack has been added to the bill on the upcoming trek, which kicks off Jan. 22 in Baltimore, Md.

"'Does Ft Worth Ever Cross Your Mind'? 'Whoever's In New England'? 'The Fireman'? 'Little Rock'? 'Wrapped'? 'The Last To Know'? We're talking classic country from the source," gushes Lee Ann, citing some of her tourmates' biggest hits. "I can't imagine a better tour to be on than George Strait and Reba McEntire -- and now I'm not imagining!

"I'm trying to figure out what to wear," she continues, joking," because you can't out-starch George and you sure can't out-spangle Reba!"

Kenny Chesney will be popping out of movie screens next year, and we have your exclusive sneak preview right here on The Boot. The country superstar has captured his electric live concert experience in a 3-D movie, 'Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D,' slated for release in April 2010. Filmed at stadium concerts in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Seattle, Boston and Indianapolis, the footage was shot with 22 3-D camera rigs, a blimp and several ancillary cameras, bringing to life Kenny's award-winning live show from every possible angle.

"It's amazing to me how intense this footage is. It's me in a way I've never seen myself -- and I can't wait to share it with my fans," says Kenny. "I put all of myself into my shows -- a lot of heart and sweat and stuff most people might not think is all that important, but I do ... and always have. This film captures every little detail in a way that makes it even more important than I thought it was when we were working on it, and it makes my fans even more in my face than when I'm onstage, which is great!"

Julianne Hough, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood have made the pages of Maxim for a second time this year. The three country beauties appeared on the magazine's Hot 100 list back in May, and now they've scored slots on another sexy Maxim countdown -- the hottest women in country music.

In addition to Julianne, Taylor and Carrie, Maxim's Hottest Women in Country Music list includes Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson, Jessie James, Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott, Gloriana's Cheyenne Kimball, Danielle Peck, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Kristy Lee Cook, Julie Roberts and Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman.

A who's-who list of stars wrapped up a busy awards show week with dinner and a movie Thursday, as Tim McGraw hosted the Nashville premiere of his new film, 'The Blind Side.' Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Kix Brooks, Barbara Mandrell, Wynonna, Randy Travis, Heidi Newfield, Lady Antebellum, the Lost Trailers and Julianne Hough were just some of the big names who came out to support Tim's heartwarming new film. Wife Faith Hill gave reporters a good laugh on the red carpet when asked how she felt about her hubby's kissing scene with co-star Sandra Bullock.

"She's gorgeous," Faith said with a smile. "I wish I was kissing Sandra Bullock!"

She was country when country wasn't cool, but Barbara Mandrell is happy that country music has quite a strong cool factor these days. And the music icon believes that's largely due to the singers who do a lot more than sing.

"I've always been one for show-business," Barbara told The Boot Wednesday on the CMA Awards red carpet. "I like performing, and I used to get criticized for having production value. But now it's all that! People need to get what they pay for! Otherwise, just listen to recorded music."

So who does Barbara think is a great, all-around entertainer? She sites two country heartthrobs.