The Boot http://www.theboot.com The Boot http://www.theboot.com/media/feedlogo.gif The Boot http://www.theboot.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Jake Owen a Jazz Guitarist?http://www.theboot.com/2009/07/10/jake-owen-a-jazz-guitarist/http://www.theboot.com/2009/07/10/jake-owen-a-jazz-guitarist/http://www.theboot.com/2009/07/10/jake-owen-a-jazz-guitarist/#commentsFiled under:

Jake Owen has a twin brother, and the two are often mistaken for each other. The singer also apparently gets mistaken for other celebrities.

"I get Matthew McConaughey sometimes," Jake told The Boot in our exclusive interview. "And I used to get Tom Cruise a lot, because I have a bigger nose and dark hair. When I was in college, I had my dark sunglasses on, and I went into a gas station right by my house. [The cashier] was on her phone behind the register. She was talking to her girlfriend and she goes, 'Man, you look like Tom Cruise! You sure do!'"

But if you're looking for country singer Jake online, be sure you visit www.jakeowen.net, his official website, because there's another musical Jake Owen, whose website is www.jakeowen.com. He's a 25-year-old guitarist and composer from Austin, Texas, who in addition to his jazz-influenced solo albums has also recorded with a buzzworthy pop band called Goldspot.

The "other" Jake does have something of a country music connection, though. He's featured on a new album by Sahara Smith, which is being produced by T Bone Burnett, whose credits include Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's Grammy-winner 'Raising Sand' and the multi-platinum 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' soundtrack.

Download Jake Owen Songs
Jake Owen Interview

 

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]]>409118jake owenJakeOwenStephen L. Betts2009-07-10T14:00:00+00:00Brad Paisley Grammy Win Is a Real 'Cluster Pluck'http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/09/brad-paisley-grammy-win-is-a-real-cluster-pluck/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/09/brad-paisley-grammy-win-is-a-real-cluster-pluck/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/09/brad-paisley-grammy-win-is-a-real-cluster-pluck/#commentsFiled under:

Brad Paisley was at home on Sunday afternoon when he got the news that he'd won two Grammy awards. In the pre-telecast portion of the show, Paisley took the trophies for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for 'Letter to Me' and Best Country Instrumental Performance for 'Cluster Pluck,' a track from the instrumental album, 'Play.' Fellow pickers James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert and Steve Wariner join Paisley on 'Cluster Pluck,' and also in the Grammy win.

"As a player, accompanied by these guitar legends, I am beyond humbled to be in the record books along side my heroes for 'Cluster Pluck,'" said Paisley of the award, which was accepted by Jorgenson. "I am thinking tonight of my collaborators on this record that had never won a Grammy before now.

"Here is the coolest thing," Paisley added. "On the prelude to 'Cluster Pluck' on the album, Jimmy Dickens tells the grandson to write down these names. Well, the official monikers have changed. Let me now be the first to present to you Grammy winner Albert Lee, Grammy winner John Jorgenson, Grammy winner Brent Mason, Grammy winner Redd Volkaert, Grammy winner James Burton ... now that's just too cool ... and multiple Grammy winner Steve Wariner. Oh, lastly, this is now Vince Gill's 20th Grammy. He's off to a great start!"

Grammy Winners

 

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]]>1339613brad paisleyBradPaisleyStephen L. Betts2009-02-09T12:00:00+00:00Sugarland, Paisley, Plant & Krauss Win Big at Grammyshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/sugarland-paisley-plant-and-krauss-win-big-at-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/sugarland-paisley-plant-and-krauss-win-big-at-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/sugarland-paisley-plant-and-krauss-win-big-at-grammys/#commentsFiled under:


Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Sugarland and Brad Paisley are country's biggest winners at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.

Plant and Krauss lead the pack with five wins: Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album of the Year for 'Raising Sand,' Best Country Collaboration for 'Killing the Blues,' Best Pop Collaboration for 'Rich Woman' and Record of the Year for 'Please Read the Letter.' That's five wins out of five nominations for the duo, who are already hard at work on their second album of duets.

"We are thrilled and very grateful," said Krauss upon accepting the night's biggest honor, Album of the Year. "We'd like to thank the band who played so beautifully on this record ... and special thanks to Robert."

"I'd like to thank Alison Krauss for her kindness, patience and teaching me to sing in straight lines instead of all that swirly stuff," said a beaming Plant.

Krauss and Plant's five out of five sweep is the first since the Dixie Chicks won all five of their Grammy nominations in 2006.

Sugarland are the Grammy winners for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for 'Stay,' while lead singer Jennifer Nettles also wins Best Country Song for the hit, which she wrote solo. The duo performed 'Stay' on the live broadcast in a spine-tingling performance, followed by a collaboration with Best New Artist winner, Adele, on her hit song, 'Chasing Pavements.'

Brad Paisley is the Grammy winner for Best Country Male Vocal Performance for 'Letter to Me.' He also won Best Country Instrumental Performance for 'Cluster Pluck,' with James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee and Brent Mason.

Carrie Underwood takes home Best Country Female Vocal Performance for 'Last Name,' which she sang on the broadcast in an electrifying performance. George Strait is the winner of Country Album of the Year for 'Troubadour.' Read the full list of winners here.



Grammy Nominees - Country Categories (*Winners in bold.)

Best Country Album

'That Lonesome Song' - Jamey Johnson
'Sleepless Nights' - Patty Loveless
*'Troubadour' - George Strait
'Around the Bend' - Randy Travis
'Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love' - Trisha Yearwood

Best Country Song
(award goes to songwriters)

'Dig Two Graves' - Ashley Gorley & Bob Regan (recorded by Randy Travis)
'I Saw God Today' - Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell & Wade Kirby (recorded by George Strait)
'In Color' - Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto (recorded by Jamey Johnson)
*'Stay' - Jennifer Nettles (recorded by Sugarland)
'You're Gonna Miss This' - Ashley Gorley & Lee Thomas Miller (recorded by Trace Adkins)

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group

Brooks and Dunn - 'God Must Be Busy'
Lady Antebellum - 'Love Don't Live Here'
Rascal Flatts - 'Every Day'
Steel Drivers - 'Blue Side of the Mountain'
*Sugarland - 'Stay'

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals

Kenny Chesney & George Strait - 'Shiftwork'
*Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - 'Killing the Blues'
George Strait & Patty Loveless - 'House of Cash'
Sugarland, Jake Owen & Little Big Town - 'Life in a Northern Town'
Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban - 'Let the Wind Chase You'

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

Martina McBride - 'For These Times'
LeAnn Rimes - 'What I Cannot Change'
*Carrie Underwood - 'Last Name'
Lee Ann Womack - 'Last Call'
Trisha Yearwood - 'This Is Me You're Talking To'

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Trace Adkins - 'You're Gonna Miss This'
Jamey Johnson - 'In Color'
James Otto - 'Just Got Started Lovin' You'
*Brad Paisley - 'Letter to Me'
George Strait - 'Troubadour'

Best Country Instrumental Performance

Cherryholmes - 'Sumatra'
Jerry Douglas & Lloyd Green - 'Two Small Cars In Rome'
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones - 'Sleigh Ride'
Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jerry Douglas & Bruce Hornsby - 'Is This America?'
*Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner - 'Cluster Pluck'

 

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]]>1000503100442713396132170179alison kraussAlisonKraussbrad paisleyBradPaisleyrobert plantRobertPlantsugarlandBeville Darden2009-02-08T21:40:00+00:00Alison Krauss, Robert Plant Win Five Out of Fivehttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/alison-krauss-robert-plant-take-grammys-record-of-the-year/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/alison-krauss-robert-plant-take-grammys-record-of-the-year/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/alison-krauss-robert-plant-take-grammys-record-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under:

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss have five Grammy wins together, taking home Record of the Year for 'Please Read the Letter,' Best Country Collaboration for 'Killing the Blues,' Best Pop Collaboration for 'Rich Woman,' Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album for 'Raising Sand.' That's five wins in five nominations!

"When we started this project together, the whole game was a mystery. We gave ourselves three days and said if it didn't work, we'd go back Wolverhampton," said Plant, upon accepting Record of the Year honors. "It's been given that Nashville touch, and it feels pretty good."

"Good things happen out of nowhere," added legendary producer T. Bone Burnett.

With 26 career wins, Krauss holds the record for most Grammy wins ever by a solo artist.



Grammy Nominations - Country Categories (*Winners in bold.)

Best Country Album

'That Lonesome Song' - Jamey Johnson
'Sleepless Nights' - Patty Loveless
*'Troubadour' - George Strait
'Around the Bend' - Randy Travis
'Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love' - Trisha Yearwood

Best Country Song
(award goes to songwriters)

'Dig Two Graves' - Ashley Gorley & Bob Regan (recorded by Randy Travis)
'I Saw God Today' - Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell & Wade Kirby (recorded by George Strait)
'In Color' - Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto (recorded by Jamey Johnson)
*'Stay' - Jennifer Nettles (recorded by Sugarland)
'You're Gonna Miss This' - Ashley Gorley & Lee Thomas Miller (recorded by Trace Adkins)

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group

Brooks and Dunn - 'God Must Be Busy'
Lady Antebellum - 'Love Don't Live Here'
Rascal Flatts - 'Every Day'
Steel Drivers - 'Blue Side of the Mountain'
*Sugarland - 'Stay'

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals

Kenny Chesney & George Strait - 'Shiftwork'
*Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - 'Killing the Blues'
George Strait & Patty Loveless - 'House of Cash'
Sugarland, Jake Owen & Little Big Town - 'Life in a Northern Town'
Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban - 'Let the Wind Chase You'

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

Martina McBride - 'For These Times'
LeAnn Rimes - 'What I Cannot Change'
*Carrie Underwood - 'Last Name'
Lee Ann Womack - 'Last Call'
Trisha Yearwood - 'This Is Me You're Talking To'

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Trace Adkins - 'You're Gonna Miss This'
Jamey Johnson - 'In Color'
James Otto - 'Just Got Started Lovin' You'
*Brad Paisley - 'Letter to Me'
George Strait - 'Troubadour'

Best Country Instrumental Performance

Cherryholmes - 'Sumatra'
Jerry Douglas & Lloyd Green - 'Two Small Cars In Rome'
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones - 'Sleigh Ride'
Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jerry Douglas & Bruce Hornsby - 'Is This America?'
*Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner - 'Cluster Pluck'

See the full list of 2009 Grammy winners here.

 

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]]>Beville Darden2009-02-08T21:30:00+00:00Sugarland Win Two Grammy Awards for 'Stay'http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/sugarland-win-two-grammy-awards-for-stay/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/sugarland-win-two-grammy-awards-for-stay/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/sugarland-win-two-grammy-awards-for-stay/#commentsFiled under:

Sugarland are the Grammy winners for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for 'Stay,' in the only country category televised on Sunday's show. It was the second trophy of the night for lead singer Jennifer Nettles, who won Best Country Song for 'Stay,' which she wrote solo.

The country duo were visibly shocked upon hearing their names called. A beaming Kristian Bush thanked his wife and kids. Nettles thanked several industry peers before thanking "my mama, who carted me around to every wedding and event." She even thanked Paul McCartney, who was sitting in the front row.

Grammy Winners



Grammy Nominations - Country Categories (*Winners in bold.)

Best Country Album

'That Lonesome Song' - Jamey Johnson
'Sleepless Nights' - Patty Loveless
*'Troubadour' - George Strait
'Around the Bend' - Randy Travis
'Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love' - Trisha Yearwood

Best Country Song
(award goes to songwriters)

'Dig Two Graves' - Ashley Gorley & Bob Regan (recorded by Randy Travis)
'I Saw God Today' - Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell & Wade Kirby (recorded by George Strait)
'In Color' - Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto (recorded by Jamey Johnson)
*'Stay' - Jennifer Nettles (recorded by Sugarland)
'You're Gonna Miss This' - Ashley Gorley & Lee Thomas Miller (recorded by Trace Adkins)

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group

Brooks and Dunn - 'God Must Be Busy'
Lady Antebellum - 'Love Don't Live Here'
Rascal Flatts - 'Every Day'
Steel Drivers - 'Blue Side of the Mountain'
*Sugarland - 'Stay'

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals

Kenny Chesney & George Strait - 'Shiftwork'
*Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - 'Killing the Blues'
George Strait & Patty Loveless - 'House of Cash'
Sugarland, Jake Owen & Little Big Town - 'Life in a Northern Town'
Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban - 'Let the Wind Chase You'

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

Martina McBride - 'For These Times'
LeAnn Rimes - 'What I Cannot Change'
*Carrie Underwood - 'Last Name'
Lee Ann Womack - 'Last Call'
Trisha Yearwood - 'This Is Me You're Talking To'

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Trace Adkins - 'You're Gonna Miss This'
Jamey Johnson - 'In Color'
James Otto - 'Just Got Started Lovin' You'
*Brad Paisley - 'Letter to Me'
George Strait - 'Troubadour'

Best Country Instrumental Performance

Cherryholmes - 'Sumatra'
Jerry Douglas & Lloyd Green - 'Two Small Cars In Rome'
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones - 'Sleigh Ride'
Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jerry Douglas & Bruce Hornsby - 'Is This America?'
*Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner - 'Cluster Pluck'

 

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]]>2170179sugarlandBeville Darden2009-02-08T20:30:00+00:00George Strait, Jennifer Nettles Take Big Grammy Honorshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/george-strait-jennifer-nettles-take-big-country-grammy-honors/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/george-strait-jennifer-nettles-take-big-country-grammy-honors/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/george-strait-jennifer-nettles-take-big-country-grammy-honors/#commentsFiled under:

George Strait's 'Troubadour' is the Grammy winner for Country Album of the Year. King George was up against Jamey Johnson, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless and Randy Travis for the honor. 'Troubadour' was also the CMA winner for Album of the Year back in November.

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles is the Grammy winner for Best Country Song for 'Stay.' Nettles, who wrote the song solo, beat out the writers of Trace Adkins' 'You're Gonna Miss This,' Jamey Johnson's 'In Color,' George Strait's 'I Saw God Today,' and Randy Travis' 'Dig Two Graves.'

Carrie Underwood is the winner of Best Country Female Vocal Performance for 'Last Name,' while Brad Paisley takes home the equivalent award for the guys, for 'Letter To Me.'

All of these awards were given during the pre-Grammy telecast, meaning the only country award to be broadcast on the actual Grammy Awards show on CBS will be Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. Those nominees are:

Brooks and Dunn - 'God Must Be Busy'
Lady Antebellum - 'Love Don't Live Here'
Rascal Flatts - 'Every Day'
Steel Drivers - 'Blue Side of the Mountain'
Sugarland - 'Stay'

Grammy Winners



Grammy Nominations - Country Categories (*Winners in bold.)

Best Country Album

'That Lonesome Song' - Jamey Johnson
'Sleepless Nights' - Patty Loveless
*'Troubadour' - George Strait
'Around the Bend' - Randy Travis
'Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love' - Trisha Yearwood

Best Country Song
(award goes to songwriters)

'Dig Two Graves' - Ashley Gorley & Bob Regan (recorded by Randy Travis)
'I Saw God Today' - Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell & Wade Kirby (recorded by George Strait)
'In Color' - Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto (recorded by Jamey Johnson)
*'Stay' - Jennifer Nettles (recorded by Sugarland)
'You're Gonna Miss This' - Ashley Gorley & Lee Thomas Miller (recorded by Trace Adkins)

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group

Brooks and Dunn - 'God Must Be Busy'
Lady Antebellum - 'Love Don't Live Here'
Rascal Flatts - 'Every Day'
Steel Drivers - 'Blue Side of the Mountain'
*Sugarland - 'Stay'

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals

Kenny Chesney & George Strait - 'Shiftwork'
*Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - 'Killing the Blues'
George Strait & Patty Loveless - 'House of Cash'
Sugarland, Jake Owen & Little Big Town - 'Life in a Northern Town'
Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban - 'Let the Wind Chase You'

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

Martina McBride - 'For These Times'
LeAnn Rimes - 'What I Cannot Change'
*Carrie Underwood - 'Last Name'
Lee Ann Womack - 'Last Call'
Trisha Yearwood - 'This Is Me You're Talking To'

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Trace Adkins - 'You're Gonna Miss This'
Jamey Johnson - 'In Color'
James Otto - 'Just Got Started Lovin' You'
*Brad Paisley - 'Letter to Me'
George Strait - 'Troubadour'

Best Country Instrumental Performance

Cherryholmes - 'Sumatra'
Jerry Douglas & Lloyd Green - 'Two Small Cars In Rome'
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones - 'Sleigh Ride'
Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jerry Douglas & Bruce Hornsby - 'Is This America?'
*Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner - 'Cluster Pluck'

 

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]]>2170179george straitGeorgeStraitsugarlandBeville Darden2009-02-08T18:40:00+00:00Underwood, Paisley, Plant & Krauss Claim Early Grammyshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/underwood-paisley-plant-and-krauss-claim-early-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/underwood-paisley-plant-and-krauss-claim-early-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/underwood-paisley-plant-and-krauss-claim-early-grammys/#commentsFiled under:

Carrie Underwood has her fourth career Grammy Award, taking home Best Country Female Vocal Performance for 'Last Name.' The honor was given out during the pre-Grammy telecast in Los Angeles Sunday, where Brad Paisley also took home a Grammy for Best Country Male Vocal Performance for 'Letter to Me.' Paisley is also the winner of Best Country Instrumental Performance for 'Cluster Pluck,' with James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee and Brent Mason.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are winners of Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for 'Killing the Blues,' a song from their duets album, 'Raising Sand,' which is up for the night's biggest award, Album of the Year.

Grammy Awards Central


Grammy Nominations - Country Categories (*Winners in bold.)

Best Country Album

'That Lonesome Song' - Jamey Johnson
'Sleepless Nights' - Patty Loveless
*'Troubadour' - George Strait
'Around the Bend' - Randy Travis
'Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love' - Trisha Yearwood

Best Country Song
(award goes to songwriters)

'Dig Two Graves' - Ashley Gorley & Bob Regan (recorded by Randy Travis)
'I Saw God Today' - Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell & Wade Kirby (recorded by George Strait)
'In Color' - Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto (recorded by Jamey Johnson)
*'Stay' - Jennifer Nettles (recorded by Sugarland)
'You're Gonna Miss This' - Ashley Gorley & Lee Thomas Miller (recorded by Trace Adkins)

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group

Brooks and Dunn - 'God Must Be Busy'
Lady Antebellum - 'Love Don't Live Here'
Rascal Flatts - 'Every Day'
Steel Drivers - 'Blue Side of the Mountain'
*Sugarland - 'Stay'

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals

Kenny Chesney & George Strait - 'Shiftwork'
*Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - 'Killing the Blues'
George Strait & Patty Loveless - 'House of Cash'
Sugarland, Jake Owen & Little Big Town - 'Life in a Northern Town'
Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban - 'Let the Wind Chase You'

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

Martina McBride - 'For These Times'
LeAnn Rimes - 'What I Cannot Change'
*Carrie Underwood - 'Last Name'
Lee Ann Womack - 'Last Call'
Trisha Yearwood - 'This Is Me You're Talking To'

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Trace Adkins - 'You're Gonna Miss This'
Jamey Johnson - 'In Color'
James Otto - 'Just Got Started Lovin' You'
*Brad Paisley - 'Letter to Me'
George Strait - 'Troubadour'

Best Country Instrumental Performance

Cherryholmes - 'Sumatra'
Jerry Douglas & Lloyd Green - 'Two Small Cars In Rome'
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones - 'Sleigh Ride'
Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jerry Douglas & Bruce Hornsby - 'Is This America?'
*Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner - 'Cluster Pluck'



See the full list of 2009 Grammy winners here.

 

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]]>Beville Darden2009-02-08T18:30:00+00:00Kenny Chesney Draws Inspiration from U2, Radioheadhttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/kenny-chesney-draws-inspiration-from-u2-radiohead/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/kenny-chesney-draws-inspiration-from-u2-radiohead/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/kenny-chesney-draws-inspiration-from-u2-radiohead/#commentsFiled under:

Kenny Chesney is looking to be inspired at tonight's Grammy Awards. As a songwriter, Chesney looks to his peers as influences.

"When I hear a great song, I'm inspired to want to write a great song; or see a great performance, I'm inspired by it," the country superstar tells The Boot.

Chesney will act as both performer and fan at the Grammys, playing alongside the likes of some of his own musical heroes.

"If you're creative, once you get into a room like this and there are all these creative minds occupying one space, there's something to pluck out of the air," he says. "So to be in a room full of people and to be a part of that room is one of the highlights of my career."

Chesney is particularly excited to share the stage with some of rock's biggest names. "I've been doing this since '93 now, and you can't look at a career like U2 and not learn something. Radiohead's a great rock band. No matter what genre you are, it's unbelievable. I'm looking forward to those guys.

Chesney is nominated for Best Country Collaboration for his duet with George Strait, 'Shiftwork.' See the full list of country nominees here.
Grammy Central

 

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]]>kenny chesneyKennyChesneySteve Baltin2009-02-08T17:00:00+00:00Carrie Underwood Gearing Up for Grammyshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/carrie-underwood-gearing-up-for-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/carrie-underwood-gearing-up-for-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/08/carrie-underwood-gearing-up-for-grammys/#commentsFiled under:

Carrie Underwood has played to millions of people in sold-out venues around the world, but the singer confessed to The Boot at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy soiree that appearing at the Grammys is something different, if only because of who's in the audience. Talking about the cardboard cutouts in front of her at rehearsal, indicating who will be seated there during the show, she says, "Jay-Z was the first marker and the second was Kanye West. And that's just the two people directly in front of me."

Despite some understandable nerves about playing before the titans of the music world, Underwood is equally excited because of the amazing bill. "It's about legendary artists, and everybody knows their songs. And then you're combining those with people that are hot right now, young, starting their careers," she says. "I don't know who's performing before and after me, but I know it's gonna be good, whoever it is!"

With the likes of U2, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, all of whom have stood the test of time, there are a lot of inspirations to draw from, but Underwood's biggest role model won't be at the Grammys this year. "As far as women go, Dolly Parton, she's done everything -- music, movies -- people love her. She's not just a great writer and a great entertainer, she's a great business woman. She's always carried herself very well and always gives glory to God."

Underwood is up for Best Country Female Vocal Performance for 'Last Name.' See the full list of country Grammy nominees here.
Grammy Central

 

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]]>Steve Baltin2009-02-08T13:00:00+00:00Chesney, Swift, Urban, Sugarland + More to Perform at Grammyshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/chesney-swift-urban-sugarland-more-to-perform-at-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/chesney-swift-urban-sugarland-more-to-perform-at-grammys/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/chesney-swift-urban-sugarland-more-to-perform-at-grammys/#commentsFiled under:

Flights from Nashville to Los Angeles this weekend are sure to be packed with stars. A host of Music City's finest are headed to Tinsel Town for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.

Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant have been announced as performers on the broadcast. Keith Urban will also perform alongside Buddy Guy, B.B. King and John Mayer in a special tribute to Bo Diddley. And LeAnn Rimes has just been announced as a presenter.

Alison Krauss and George Strait have the most Grammy nominations among the country clan -- five for Krauss and four for George. See the full list of country nominees here.
Grammy Central

 

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]]>Beville Darden2009-02-06T19:00:00+00:00Trace Adkins Pokes Fun of Wife's Fashion Woeshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/trace-adkins-pokes-fun-of-wifes-fashion-woes/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/trace-adkins-pokes-fun-of-wifes-fashion-woes/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/trace-adkins-pokes-fun-of-wifes-fashion-woes/#commentsFiled under:

Trace Adkins isn't nearly as worried about what he's going to wear to the Grammy ceremony Sunday night as his wife Rhonda is.

"That woman's got more clothes right now than I had in the entire 30 years of my adult life before I got a record deal. Yet she says she doesn't have anything to wear," says Adkins, shaking his head. "So she's been out trying to find something to wear."

As for Adkins, who is nominated for a Grammy for the first time in his career, he's not too worried about fashion. "I don't think I'm gonna be on TV anyway," the singer says. "Even if I win, our category may not be on the part of the awards that will be telecast. If I win, I'll probably go up right after the top polka band! They've only got so much time, and they've got to cut something out, so country, bluegrass and polka have to go," he continues with his notoriously dry humor.

Adkins is nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for 'You're Gonna Miss This.' The writers of the song, Ashley Gorley and Lee Thomas Miller, are nominated in the Best Country Song category. The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will air Sunday on CBS. Only a portion of the more than 100 winners will actually get to accept their awards on camera during the three-hour show, which begins at 8 PM ET.
Grammy Central

 

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]]>Vernell Hackett2009-02-06T15:00:00+00:00Sugarland to 'Stay' Face to Face With a Beatlehttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/sugarland-to-stay-face-to-face-with-a-beatle/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/sugarland-to-stay-face-to-face-with-a-beatle/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/sugarland-to-stay-face-to-face-with-a-beatle/#commentsFiled under:

Sugarland will perform what they say will be a "unique version" of their hit song, 'Stay,' on Sunday's Grammy telecast. And the country duo refuse to let Sir Paul McCartney mess them up.

"When we're playing our song, he's the first guy in the first seat. How about that?," Kristian Bush tells The Boot, hanging out backstage at Grammy rehearsals.

"Right there, front and center. That's who we're in front of. No pressure though!" Jennifer Nettles jokes.

But Bush has a surefire way to avoid the pressure of playing with a Beatle watching you front row: "Just don't catch his eye, 'cause you're gonna flub a chord," he says to Nettles, laughing.

McCartney won't be the only rock icon there, as Robert Plant will also be performing. But with Plant now having some Nashville roots, due to his musical partnership with Alison Krauss, Sugarland has at least seen him up close, even if they haven't spoken yet.

"We walked by him at I think the CMTs or something and we're like, 'We don't want to be those people,'" Nettles says. "But we really, really do!"

Sharing a stage with the likes of McCartney, Plant, U2, Radiohead, Kanye West and Jay-Z, is something the duo is very excited about, as they get to be fans for a night.

"I think it's the best night of performance in all of music, because you do get to see so many different genres perform at the same time. Normally how would you be able to do that? Especially with our schedule, always on the road," Nettles says.

"This'll make up for a lot of missed shows," Bush adds.

Sugarland is nominated for three Grammy awards: Best Country Song and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for 'Stay,' and Best Country Collaboration for 'Life in a Northern Town,' with Jake Owen and Little Big Town.

"I bet if we win we cry!," Bush says in a special video on Sugarland's website.

The Grammys air live this Sunday at 8 PM ET on CBS.
Grammy Central
11 Questions With Sugarland

 

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]]>2170179sugarlandSteve Baltin2009-02-06T13:00:00+00:00Lee Ann Womack No Nervous Nelliehttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/lee-ann-womack-no-nervous-nelly/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/lee-ann-womack-no-nervous-nelly/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/06/lee-ann-womack-no-nervous-nelly/#commentsFiled under:

Lee Ann Womack is headed to Los Angeles for the 51st Grammy Awards Sunday but says her nerves are just fine.

"I used to get nervous," the singer admits. "I was always worried about having to give a speech if I won, because I'm not really good at talking in front of a crowd. Now that I've been to all the different shows I'm not as nervous as I used to be. It's just nice knowing a bunch of people had to check the box by your name. I always feel so grateful that enough people did that to get me on the ballot."

There could be another reason the Texas native isn't worried about the show on Sunday. She confesses that her favorite awards shows are the country ones. "To me, the CMAs, the ACMs, that's more exciting because that's the music I love; that's the business I love ... That's what I grew up watching on TV. That was the highlight of my year when I was a kid, watching those award shows.

Womack is nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her current single, 'Last Call.' The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will air Sunday on CBS. Only a portion of the more than 100 winners will actually get to accept their awards on camera during the three-hour show, which begins at 8 PM ET.

 

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]]>lee ann womackLeeAnnWomackVernell Hackett2009-02-06T10:00:00+00:00Lady Antebellum Size Up 'Spicy' Grammy Competitionhttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/05/lady-antebellum-size-up-spicy-grammy-competition/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/05/lady-antebellum-size-up-spicy-grammy-competition/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/05/lady-antebellum-size-up-spicy-grammy-competition/#commentsFiled under:

Lady Antebellum were more than a little shocked when they found out they were nominated for not one, but two Grammy awards.

"I bawled like a baby," Lady A singer Hillary Scott tells The Boot of her reaction to the nods, for Best New Artist and for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, for 'Love Don't Live Here.' "It doesn't get any better than this -- to be included in this honor. I still can't really fathom it ... We are still walking around on a cloud!"

It's not just the nominations the country trio are thrilled about. Scott is looking forward to rubbing elbows with some of her musical heroes.

"We are going to be sitting in the same room with Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Beyonce -- all of these people who we listened to, bought their records," she gushes. "It's just crazy. Crazy!"

Lady A is up against Adele, Duffy, Jazmine Sullivan and the Jonas Brothers for the Best New Artist trophy. Scott says she's a fan of all of her fellow nominees.

"I would love to meet the Jonas Brothers, and tell them how much my little sister loves them. I'd love to meet Adele. I bought the Adele record right when it came out and I've been listening to it like crazy. She's just fantastic. Jazmine Sullivan -- she is awesome. I bought her album, and I love it. Spicy. I like spicy girls!"

Scott admits she's also looking forward to the red-carpet Grammy fashion -- something bandmates Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley probably aren't thinking too much about.

"I don't know what I'm going to wear," Scott admits. "I'm on a Grammy boot camp diet, just to feel great on the red carpet ... I'm kind of looking at the Grammy dress as how I want to look for my wedding dress, which won't be any time soon. But you want to be able to light up from the inside out."

See if Lady Antebellum takes home a Grammy this Sunday at 8 PM ET on CBS.

Lady Antebellum Live Performance

 

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]]>Gayle Richardson2009-02-05T18:00:00+00:00Alison Krauss, Robert Plant Plan Second Projecthttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/04/alison-krauss-robert-plant-working-together-again/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/04/alison-krauss-robert-plant-working-together-again/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/04/alison-krauss-robert-plant-working-together-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The pairing of bluegrass icon Alison Krauss and rock icon Robert Plant has proved to be a match made in music heaven. Such a great match, in fact, that they're following their 'Raising Sand' duets album with another joint project.

"We've got a whole bunch of songs, and we're just going, 'Does that work, and does that work?'" Plant tells the UK's Absolute Radio. "So we're trying it out again."

Working on new music, the two know they have a tough act to follow. 'Raising Sand' has landed five Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Their tour supporting the album sold out in cities across the country, and sales of the CD have topped one million.

"The critical stuff that we've had, the acclaim, it doesn't bode very well for the next record if we get that far, because people really took to it," says Plant. "It was so genuine -- the choice of songs, the production techniques, the engineering ... The whole thing was just a dream. Of course, you don't expect anything because the material isn't kind of mainstream pop particularly. So yes, a real blast, but we have laughed our way around the planet, which is quite special."

"We were just getting into this to have an interesting musical experience," Krauss adds, explaining that she, too, is floored by all of the album's accolades. "And its ended up being a wonderful time for all of us."

So what will the duet partners title their sophomore collaboration? That's a work in progress.

"Last night's title for the next project was called 'A Gated Community,' because it's like being in a looney bin," Plant jokes.

While Krauss holds the record for the most Grammy Award wins by any female solo artist in any genre (21 wins!), Plant only has two Grammy wins -- both for collaborations. He won Best Hard Rock Performance in 1998 for his 'Most High' duet with Jimmy Page and again last year for Best Pop Collaboration for the first single from 'Raising Sand,' 'Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On).' He's certain to add to his trophy case on Sunday, but Plant isn't too concerned with industry recognition.

"This is the award that I'm most proud of -- working with this woman," he says of Krauss. "You can have a lot of gold stuff and silver stuff and whatever it is, but you end up putting them out of the way. The achievement is really to do something I never imagined and to be schooled into getting it right."
Vote for Alison & Robert in Our Grammy Poll

 

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]]>alison kraussAlisonKraussrobert plantRobertPlantBeville Darden2009-02-04T14:00:00+00:00Taylor Swift to Duet With Miley Cyrushttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/03/taylor-swift-to-duet-with-miley-cyrus/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/03/taylor-swift-to-duet-with-miley-cyrus/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/03/taylor-swift-to-duet-with-miley-cyrus/#commentsFiled under:

Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have just been announced as duet partners on Sunday night's Grammy Awards telecast. The titanic teen twosome will perform 'Fifteen,' a song written by Swift.

"We were trying to figure out different things that would be cool," Swift tells E! News. "We all kind of agreed, 'Wouldn't it be cool if Miley was up there too and we're singing together?' And we're excited about it."

The 16-year-old Cyrus called Swift's lyrics "very inspiring," saying that they hit close to home for her, adding, "This song is perfect for the Grammys."

The Disney superstar admits that like most teenagers, she spent her 15th year, "thinking you know everything," before realizing, "the only thing you're left with are your best friends."

"We've known each other for a while," Cyrus said of her buddy Swift. Swift agreed, adding, "We've definitely been there for each other."

The pair plan to meet up in Nashville on Wednesday for "some rehearsing and hanging out," before heading to Los Angeles for the star-studded event.

Sugarland has also just been added to the lineup of Grammy performers, joining those previously announced, including nominees Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood.

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will air live this Sunday, February 8 at 8 PM ET on CBS.

Taylor Swift Live Performance

 

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]]>454166466381miley cyrusMileyCyrustaylor swiftTaylorSwiftStephen L. Betts2009-02-03T17:00:00+00:00Jamey Johnson Is Already a Grammy Winnerhttp://www.theboot.com/2009/02/03/jamey-johnson-is-already-a-grammy-winner/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/03/jamey-johnson-is-already-a-grammy-winner/http://www.theboot.com/2009/02/03/jamey-johnson-is-already-a-grammy-winner/#commentsFiled under:

Jamey Johnson wants you to know that in the upcoming Grammy race, his fellow nominees are no competition -- and he's already won the award. That's because he doesn't "compete" with his buddies and feels a nomination is just as good as a win.

"I saw one write-up somewhere that said I was up for a Grammy against my friend James Otto," Johnson tells the Associated Press. When I see writing like that and the terminology that people use, it bothers me. That might fly when you're talking about an 'American Idol' competition, but I'm not 'against' any of my friends."

Johnson and Otto are both up for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. In addition to that nomination for 'In Color,' Johnson's tune is up for Best Country Song. He's also in the Best Country Album category for 'That Lonesome Song,' -- alongside albums by George Strait, Patty Loveless, Randy Travis and Trisha Yearwood.

"For us to even be nominated for those awards, I feel like we might as well have won them," says the 33-year-old, whose album was one of the most critically-acclaimed in 2008.

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will air live this Sunday, February 8 at 8 PM ET on CBS.

In other Jamey Johnson news, it's just been announced that he will tour with one of his musical heroes, Willie Nelson, this March. He'll open for Nelson on nine separate dates in Florida, South Carolina and Mississippi.

Exclusive Jamey Johnson Interview

 

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]]>354027jamey johnsonJameyJohnsonStephen L. Betts2009-02-03T14:00:00+00:00Faith Hill, Tim McGraw + More to Honor Neil Diamondhttp://www.theboot.com/2009/01/28/faith-hill-tim-mcgraw-more-to-honor-neil-diamond/http://www.theboot.com/2009/01/28/faith-hill-tim-mcgraw-more-to-honor-neil-diamond/http://www.theboot.com/2009/01/28/faith-hill-tim-mcgraw-more-to-honor-neil-diamond/#commentsFiled under: ,

Five-time Grammy winner Faith Hill joins a roster that includes husband Tim McGraw (a three-time Grammy champ himself), Kid Rock, Coldplay, the Jonas Brothers and Adele in a special concert honoring the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year, Neil Diamond.

Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel will serve as host of the Diamond tribute festivities, which will also include a reception and silent auction. Up for bids at a live online auction during the event will be one-of-a-kind music memorabilia, as well as Diamond's own 1956 Thunderbird.

MusiCares was established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, the organization which also oversees the annual Grammy Awards ceremony. The Academy is honoring Diamond for his artistic achievements and philanthropic work. Most recently, he's made significant contributions to hurricane relief efforts in Texas for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike. Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include Tony Bennett, U2 singer Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Elton John, Brian Wilson and Stevie Wonder.

All aspects of the event will benefit MusiCares, which ensures that those make their living in the music industry have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

The Diamond tribute will take place February 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will be telecast on CBS, February 8, live from Los Angeles.

 

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]]>1034432Faith HillFaithHillStephen L. Betts2009-01-28T18:00:00+00:00Little Big Town, Trace Adkins + More Talk Grammy Nodshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/01/27/little-big-town-trace-adkins-more-talk-grammy-nods/http://www.theboot.com/2009/01/27/little-big-town-trace-adkins-more-talk-grammy-nods/http://www.theboot.com/2009/01/27/little-big-town-trace-adkins-more-talk-grammy-nods/#commentsFiled under:

The stars were out in Nashville Monday night at a party honoring Nashville-based Grammy nominees. Musicians including Little Big Town, Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Robert Plant and Brenda Lee all gathered at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, sharing their stories about hearing they'd received nods for music's most prestigious honor.

First-time Grammy nominees Little Big Town were at a tour party with fellow nominee Carrie Underwood when they heard the news. "Phillip (Sweet) came running up and he goes, 'I just got a text from my mother-in-law saying congrats on your Grammy nomination,'" LBT singer Karen Fairchild tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper. "And I was like, 'Text her back. She's crazy -- we have not gotten nominated!' And then Carrie goes, 'I just got a text, I got nominated too!' So we had a big party right there!"

Also nominated for the first time, Lady Antebellum make it clear they are in it to win it. Nominated for Best New Artist, Lady A's Hillary Scott feels confident they can beat at least one other group in that category, the Jonas Brothers. "I think we could take them in a fight," she jokes. "I think we have a foot on them!"

Trace Adkins, nominated for Best Country Male Performance for 'You're Gonna Miss This,' insists that losing wouldn't be the end of the world. "I've survived in this business for 12 years without winning a Grammy, and I'll survive the rest of my career without winning one, too. This is not a make-or-break thing for me," he said before adding with a laugh, "I mean, I want to win but I'm not putting a lot of stock in it."

Perhaps the most prestigious award of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award, goes to pop-country icon Brenda Lee. Looking back, Lee feels she has learned enough to offer advice to artists who are just getting started. "Be true to yourself," she said. "Don't prostitute your beliefs for trends and fads. Listen to your heart and be a kid. You got plenty of time to be a grown-up. It comes at you real quick."

The Grammy Awards air on on CBS on February 8 at 8 PM ET. Read the full list of country's Grammy nominations here.

 

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]]>Gayle Richardson2009-01-27T17:00:00+00:00Jamey Johnson Talks 'Overwhelming' Fanshttp://www.theboot.com/2009/01/21/jamey-johnson-talks-overwhelming-fans/http://www.theboot.com/2009/01/21/jamey-johnson-talks-overwhelming-fans/http://www.theboot.com/2009/01/21/jamey-johnson-talks-overwhelming-fans/#commentsFiled under:

Jamey Johnson is thrilled that he has three Grammy nominations this year -- Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance for 'In Color.' But even more rewarding for him is fan feedback.

"What has been the most overwhelming thing for me so far is when we're playing live and the crowd sings every word of 'In Color' back to us. As a songwriter, I can't even explain what that feels like," he says.

While Johnson's album 'That Lonesome Song' made many of the Best Albums of 2008 lists around the country (including The Boot's), fans will be thrilled to find out they will soon have another option for that music. Johnson is a fan of vinyl albums, so Mercury Records is releasing an LP version of 'That Lonesome Song' on January 27. Not a bad deal for recordings that weren't even meant to be released by a major label.

"We didn't have a record deal so there was no reason to go in and make the record," Johnson explains. "I just wanted to see some of my friends, and we figured the best way to do that was record some music. We went in the studio and messed around a while and then started recording and just made music that wasn't influenced by having to make a hit record or anything. It was music that just came from our hearts and that was what I wanted it to be."
Exclusive Jamey Johnson Interview

 

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]]>Vernell Hackett2009-01-21T12:00:00+00:00