The Boot http://www.theboot.com The Boot http://www.theboot.com/media/theboot-feed.jpg The Boot http://www.theboot.com en-us Copyright 2012 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this headlines and excerpts feed are available for limited commercial distribution. You may repost this feed to your site provided you link back to the original story, do not edit the material, and do not remove this copyright notice. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Grammy Awards' Best Acceptance Speeches http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/grammy-awards-best-acceptance-speeches/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/grammy-awards-best-acceptance-speeches/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/grammy-awards-best-acceptance-speeches/#comments Filed under:


"I'd like to thank God, my manager, the fans, country radio and members of the Recording Academy ..." Sure, all those people are deserving of thanks when it comes to Grammy awards, but we like it when the winners are a bit more creative! The Boot presents some of our favorite Grammy Awards acceptance speeches from country stars over the years. Click the 'Launch Gallery' link below to browse through photos and quotes from past Grammy Awards ceremonies.

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]]> faith hillFaithHillgrammiesGrammy Awardsgrammy awards 2012grammy awards winnersgrammy winnersGrammyAwardsGrammyAwards2012GrammyAwardsWinnersgrammysgrammys2012GrammyWinnerslady antebellumLadyAntebellumloretta lynnLorettaLynntaylor swiftTaylorSwifttrisha yearwoodTrishaYearwoodvince gillVinceGill Lorie Hollabaugh 2012-02-09T17:15:00 00:00 Jessi Colter and Friends Celebrate Waylon Jennings' Legacy http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/jessi-colter-interview-waylon-jennings-tribute-album/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/jessi-colter-interview-waylon-jennings-tribute-album/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/jessi-colter-interview-waylon-jennings-tribute-album/#comments Filed under: ,


Ebet Roberts, Redferns / Getty Images

Waylon Jennings never considered himself an outlaw when it came to his music. But the singer, who together with his wife Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson and Tompall Glaser, made history in 1976 with 'Wanted! The Outlaws,' country music's first million-selling album, did always have the desire to do his music his way.

Jessi, who married Waylon in 1969, says the final straw for her late husband came in a session when a producer insisted on adding instruments to a song Waylon had written -- and therefore knew the sound he wanted it to have. When the producer persisted, Waylon looked at him and said, "You're fired." Waylon's widow believes that may have been the first time a producer assigned to an artist by a record label had ever been fired from a project by the artist.

Waylon would no doubt have approved of the group of artists honoring him on 'Waylon: The Music Inside Vol. II,' the latest tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter who died in 2002. Most are independent thinkers who have control of their careers, including Jack Ingram, Pat Green, Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry and Hank Williams Jr., all of whom have carved their own niche in country music. ]]> waylon jenningsWaylonJennings Vernell Hackett 2012-02-09T16:30:00 00:00 Johnny Cash's 'Bootleg IV' Gospel Album Set for April Release http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/johnny-cash-bootleg-iv-gospel-album/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/johnny-cash-bootleg-iv-gospel-album/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/johnny-cash-bootleg-iv-gospel-album/#comments Filed under: , ,


Mark Humphrey, AP

Johnny Cash passed away eight years ago, but his spirit continues to live on through his music. Columbia/Legacy will release a new set of tunes, 'Bootleg Vol. IV: The Soul of Truth,' a two-disc, 51-song collection of out-of-print and seldom-heard gospel recordings on April 3. The collection includes collaborations with some of the Man in Black's family members and close friends.

The first disc includes every song on his 1979 record, 'A Believer Sings the Truth,' plus five outtakes, which were produced by Cowboy Jack Clement and Jack Routh (who was at one time married to Johnny's stepdaughter, Carlene Carter). Also included in the set is an entire ten-song album from 1975, currently out of print, 'Johnny Cash-Gospel Singer,' plus four never-heard outtakes, which was produced by Marty Stuart. ]]> Johnny CashJohnnyCash Gayle Thompson 2012-02-09T15:45:00 00:00 Miranda Lambert's Cause for the Paws Postponed http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/miranda-lambert-cause-for-the-paws-2012/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/miranda-lambert-cause-for-the-paws-2012/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/miranda-lambert-cause-for-the-paws-2012/#comments Filed under:


Rick Diamond, Getty Images for CMT

Due to its growing size, Miranda Lambert's annual Cause for the Paws concert benefiting the Humane Society of East Texas is being postponed. The news came from Miranda's mother, Bev Lambert, in a recent fan newsletter.

"After much consideration and coordination effort, we have come to the realization that we will no longer be able to host Miranda's annual Cause for the Paws concert in East Texas," Bev wrote (quote via MirandaLambert.com). "Due to the enormous turnout with Miranda's growing popularity, we regrettably do not have a venue in East Texas that is suitable for the attendance numbers. We are currently in talks regarding the relocation of the event, which will most likely take place in the latter part of 2012." ]]> Miranda LambertMirandaLambert Erin Duvall 2012-02-09T15:00:00 00:00 Kellie Pickler Takes Fans 'Behind the Sessions' http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/kellie-pickler-sessions-video/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/kellie-pickler-sessions-video/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/kellie-pickler-sessions-video/#comments Filed under: , ,


Gino DePinto, AOL

Just like her latest hit single, Kellie Pickler is 'Tough.' She's also pretty hilarious! Never has so much laughter filled our AOL Music Sessions studio in New York City as when the country sweetheart visited on Jan. 24, the same day her third studio album, '100 Proof' hit stores.

After performing four tunes from the new project, plus a quick photo shoot and interview, Kellie hung around to bond with our staff over everything from shoe shopping to her own American idols. Go behind-the-scenes of Kellie's Sessions taping below, and come back to The Boot tomorrow (Feb. 10) for the singer's full Sessions performance! ]]> kellie picklerkellie pickler sessionsKelliePicklerKelliePicklerSessions The Boot Staff 2012-02-09T14:15:00 00:00 Merle Haggard Plans Return to the Stage After Illness http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/merle-haggard-sick-hospital-tour-schedule/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/merle-haggard-sick-hospital-tour-schedule/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/merle-haggard-sick-hospital-tour-schedule/#comments Filed under:


Noel Vasquez, Getty Images

Merle Haggard is on the mend following his hospitalization last month. The country legend will resume his tour schedule Feb. 28 in Tucson, Ariz.

"I'm feeling good and ready to get back on the bus," he said in a statement. "Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery. I'm rehearsing with the band and looking forward to playin' and singin' again." ]]> Merle HaggardMerleHaggard Erin Duvall 2012-02-09T13:30:00 00:00 2012 ACM Awards New Artist Finalists Revealed http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/2012-acm-awards-new-artist-nominees/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/2012-acm-awards-new-artist-nominees/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/2012-acm-awards-new-artist-nominees/#comments Filed under:


Getty Images / AP

And then there were three ... The eight semi-finalists for ACM New Artist of the Year have now been narrowed down to three finalists: Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes and Scotty McCreery.

The three guys who made it in the coveted category were determined by both ACM members and online fan voting. It's now up to you again to help determine who wins. Cast your vote for Brantley, Hunter or Scotty at VoteACM.com starting March 19. Voting ends April 1, just before the live broadcast begins. ]]> acm awardsacm new artistAcmAwardsAcmNewArtistbrantley gilbertBrantleyGilberthunter hayesHunterHayesscotty mccreeryScottyMccreery The Boot Staff 2012-02-09T12:45:00 00:00 Sugarland & Matt Nathanson, 'Run' -- Video Premiere http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/sugarland-matt-nathanson-run-video/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/sugarland-matt-nathanson-run-video/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/sugarland-matt-nathanson-run-video/#comments Filed under: ,


Mark Humphrey, AP

Artists: Sugarland & Matt Nathanson

Video Premiere: 'Run'

Why We Love It: Let's face it, who wouldn't have great chemistry with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles? But there's just something particularly electric in the air when her voice combines with Matt Nathanson's in this tune from the pop/rocker's 'Modern Love' album.

"A dash of Matt and a spoon full of Sugar: sounds like a recipe for a sexy song," Jennifer tells The Boot. "Excited to share this with our fans!" ]]> matt nathansonMattNathansonsugarland The Boot Staff 2012-02-09T12:00:00 00:00 Jason Aldean Hopes to Return from Grammys With a New 'Tag' http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/jason-aldean-grammy-awards/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/jason-aldean-grammy-awards/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/jason-aldean-grammy-awards/#comments Filed under: ,


Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Jason Aldean is getting ready for what might be one of the biggest nights of his life, or at least his career. The 'Tattoos on This Town' singer will head to Los Angeles on Sunday (Feb. 12) for the Grammy Awards, where he'll perform his hit 'Don't You Wanna Stay' with Kelly Clarkson. He's also nominated for three trophies and warns that a win may affect how well he travels the next day!

"I've got somewhat of an early flight the next morning, so I may have to keep my celebrating in check until I get back home," he acknowledges (quote via Country Weekly). "That's easier said than done, though. I imagine if we do happen to win one, it will be a very long day the next day for me flying home. [I'll] be finding the little barf bag in the console in front of my seat." ]]> grammygrammy awardsgrammy awards 2012GrammyAwardsGrammyAwards2012grammysgrammys 2012grammys2012Jason AldeanJasonAldean Gayle Thompson 2012-02-09T11:00:00 00:00 Faith Hill, Tim McGraw Duets Album Likely Inevitable http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/faith-hill-tim-mcgraw-duets-album/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/faith-hill-tim-mcgraw-duets-album/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/faith-hill-tim-mcgraw-duets-album/#comments Filed under:


Getty Images for Coty Inc

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are getting ready to reprise their successful Soul 2 Soul tour in Australia next month, and the superstar couple couldn't be more excited about their upcoming trek.

"It will be my first time," Faith acknowledges to 'Good Morning America' host Robin Roberts. "Tim's performed there before. We're going to cross the ocean -- way across the ocean."

"It's like next year in Australia," Tim jokes. ]]> Faith HIllFaithHillTim McGrawTimMcgraw Gayle Thompson 2012-02-09T09:45:00 00:00 Danny Gokey Wedding Video: 'Idol' Alum Shares Special Day http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/danny-gokey-wedding-video/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/danny-gokey-wedding-video/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/09/danny-gokey-wedding-video/#comments Filed under:


YouTube

Danny Gokey has been notoriously accessible to his fans since his days on 'American Idol.' Now, he's taking that one step further by giving all of us an intimate look at one of the most special days of his life, Jan. 29, 2012 -- the day he married Leyicet Peralta.

"Take a look!" Danny tweeted Wednesday (Feb. 8), directing fans to a YouTube video with clips from the nuptials, done in the style of a movie trailer. (Watch the video below.)

"I can hold my emotions together, and I sometimes don't tell you how much I love and adore you, but I constantly think it inside my heart," Danny says to his bride in the video. "I hope that through our marriage, not only through words but through actions, I'll be able to really express to you how much I care for you." ]]> danny gokeydanny gokey weddingDannyGokeyDannyGokeyWedding The Boot Staff 2012-02-09T08:30:00 00:00 Dierks Bentley, 'Live on Letterman' (VIDEO) http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/dierks-bentley-live-on-letterman/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/dierks-bentley-live-on-letterman/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/dierks-bentley-live-on-letterman/#comments Filed under: ,


Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Country takes over the city, as Dierks Bentley is set to perform on 'Live With Letterman' tonight (Feb. 8) from midtown New York City. Watch the live broadcast below, starting at 8:00 PM ET. If you miss the live show, don't worry -- we'll re-run it continuously right here.

The Arizona-bred singer is celebrating the release this week of his new album, 'Home.' The critically-acclaimed project's title track is up for an ACM Award for Song of the Year. ]]> david lettermanDavidLettermandierks bentleyDierksBentleylive on lettermanLiveOnLetterman The Boot Staff 2012-02-08T19:50:00 00:00 Grammy Awards: Country Music's Biggest Triumphs http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/grammy-awards-country-music-winners/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/grammy-awards-country-music-winners/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/grammy-awards-country-music-winners/#comments Filed under:


You don't have to be a country fan to know that country is cool. Some of the genre's biggest superstars continue to outshine other genres on music's biggest night. The Boot counts down country music's greatest triumphs in Grammy Awards history.

Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images

10. Carrie Underwood, 2007 Grammy Awards

Wins: Best New Artist (all-genre) and Country Female Performance

The Competition: Carrie may have been coming off of her 2005 'American Idol' win, but that didn't mean she was shoo-in for either of these honors. James Blunt's double-platinum-selling 'You're Beautiful' landed him the Best New Artist nod, while Chris Brown's two platinum singles 'Run It' and 'Yo (Excuse Me Miss),' Imogen Heap's film-friendly 'Speak for Yourself' and Corinne Bailey Rae's chart-topping debut album garnered their respective nominations. In the country category, the Oklahoma native's 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' faced songs from Martina McBride and LeAnn Rimes, who come in third and sixth, respectively, for the most nominations in the category. Not only did Carrie beat the odds, she came back and took the Country Female Performance category the next two years with 'Before He Cheats' and 'Last Name.' ]]> grammiesgrammy awardsGrammyAwardsgrammysthe grammiesthe grammy awardsthe grammys - music eventthe grammys 2012TheGrammiesTheGrammyAwardsTheGrammys-MusicEventTheGrammys2012 Erin Duvall 2012-02-08T17:00:00 00:00 Eric Church, 'Springsteen' Lyrics: Story Behind the Song http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/eric-church-springsteen-lyrics/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/eric-church-springsteen-lyrics/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/eric-church-springsteen-lyrics/#comments Filed under: , ,


Gino DePinto, AOL

Back in December, we posted our picks for the songs we hope will be singles in 2012. And now, our No. 1 wish has come true! Eric Church has officially released 'Springsteen' as the third single from his Grammy-nominated 'Chief' album.

The country superstar sang 'Springsteen,' along with several other hits, live in our Sessions studio last summer. (Watch the video below.) He explained to us after his performance that the real-life story behind the tune didn't actually start with The Boss.

"The interesting part is it's a love affair that takes place in an amphitheater between two people," Eric told The Boot. "It didn't happen with Springsteen, ironically, it happened with another artist. I went to a concert when I was younger with a girl, and to this day when I hear that artist, it's the soundtrack to that girl. I never think about her any other time, except when that song is on. That's where the 'Springsteen' came from, and he seemed to be the perfect guy to craft that story around because of my love for him ... I have such a reverence for Bruce Springsteen's career and how he's built it." ]]> eric churchEricChurch The Boot Staff 2012-02-08T16:15:00 00:00 Jana Kramer Insists Her Passion for Country Is No Act http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jana-kramer-country-music/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jana-kramer-country-music/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jana-kramer-country-music/#comments Filed under:


Evan Agostini, AP

Jana Kramer is perhaps best known for her role on the CW's hit show 'One Tree Hill,' but the 28-year-old says she hopes she is soon known as much for her career in music -- specifically country music -- as she is for her acting chops.

"I've always had a niche for entertaining since I was a little girl," Jana explains to CMT. "I was five years old, onstage singing 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' -- a rock version -- and I was always wanting to entertain. But the biggest thing for me is just country music has helped me get through the worst times of my life and the best times of my life. I want to give that back to people." ]]> Jana KramerJanaKramer Gayle Thompson 2012-02-08T15:20:00 00:00 Rascal Flatts to Headline Music for Champions Benefit Concert http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/rascal-flatts-music-for-champions-benefit-concert/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/rascal-flatts-music-for-champions-benefit-concert/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/rascal-flatts-music-for-champions-benefit-concert/#comments Filed under: ,


Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic

Rascal Flatts have already donated countless hours and helped raise millions of dollars for various medical causes, mainly through their partnership with Nashville's Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and now the trio are extending their goodwill even further.

The Flatts' Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus recently signed on to headline the inaugural Music for Champions Benefit Concert on March 19 in Orlando, Fla., as part of the 34th annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, with proceeds benefiting the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research. ]]> Rascal FlattsRascalFlatts Gayle Thompson 2012-02-08T14:35:00 00:00 Jamie O'Neal Launches Record Label http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jamie-oneal-record-label/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jamie-oneal-record-label/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jamie-oneal-record-label/#comments Filed under:


Simon Lopez

It's been nearly four years since Jamie O'Neal was on the country charts with 'Like a Woman,' but the songstress expects that to change soon. She has launched the Momentum Label Group, which she will personally oversee and serve as producer to company's artist roster.

"I'm so excited about this amazing opportunity," the 'There Is No Arizona' singer says. "I've had my own studio for many years, and being a part of the creative process has always been one of my favorite things about the music business. By having our own label, we can now help introduce the world to some exceptionally talented new artists." ]]> Jamie ONealJamieOneal Erin Duvall 2012-02-08T13:30:00 00:00 Rodney Atkins' Domestic Assault Charge Cleared http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/rodney-atkins-assault-charges-cleared/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/rodney-atkins-assault-charges-cleared/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/rodney-atkins-assault-charges-cleared/#comments Filed under:


Evan Agostini, AP

Wednesday morning (Feb. 8), a judge in Williamson County, Tenn., ruled that Rodney Atkins' Nov. 21 domestic assault misdemeanor charge has been officially retired and will be expunged from his record, The Tennessean reports. The decision was made after Rodney voluntarily underwent court ordered anger management, alcohol and drug use assessments, passing each test.

"I am so thankful for all those that chose to withhold judgment while keeping my family and I in their prayers," the 'Take a Back Road' singer told the newspaper in an exclusive statement. "God Bless. Onward and upward." ]]> Rodney AtkinsRodneyAtkins Erin Duvall 2012-02-08T12:40:00 00:00 Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan Come to Defense of Drunk Fan http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jason-aldean-luke-bryan-drunk-fan/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jason-aldean-luke-bryan-drunk-fan/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/jason-aldean-luke-bryan-drunk-fan/#comments Filed under:


Getty Images

Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean are currently on the road together as part of Jason's My Kinda Party tour, but for one fan at a recent show (on February 4), the party might have gone on just a little too long.

The two country stars were performing Tracy Lawrence's hit, 'Time Marches On' together while at a concert in Champaign, Ill., when an intoxicated fan put himself in a precarious situation. In an attempt to get closer to the stage, the man became dangerously close to a ledge that dropped several feet to the stage, and seemed oblivious to his predicament. Security intervened to keep the fan safe, which prompted both singers to offer encouraging words. ]]> jason aldeanJasonAldeanluke bryanLukeBryan Gayle Thompson 2012-02-08T12:15:00 00:00 Waylon Jennings Tribute Album: Hank Jr., Dierks Bentley + More Honor Outlaw Legend http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/waylon-jennings-tribute-album-volume-2/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/waylon-jennings-tribute-album-volume-2/ http://www.theboot.com/2012/02/08/waylon-jennings-tribute-album-volume-2/#comments Filed under:


Average Joes Entertainment

Waylon Jennings has been gone for nearly a decade, but country's quintessential outlaw is not forgotten. Yesterday (Feb. 7) saw the release of 'Waylon: The Music Inside, Volume II,' the second installment in a planned trilogy of tribute albums. The collection finds Dierks Bentley, Hank Williams, Jr., Jewel and a host of other artists covering the wily Texan's tunes.

"I don't know why certain people can just see what's needed and do it," Waylon's widow, Jessi Colter, said in a press release, assessing her late husband's legacy. "Those people are the starters, the leaders, the movers-and-shakers. He was a leader." ]]> Dierks BentleyDierksBentleyhank williams jr.HankWilliamsJr.jessi colterJessiColterjewelmontgomery gentryMontgomeryGentrywaylon jenningsWaylonJennings Kenneth Partridge 2012-02-08T11:30:00 00:00