WLRE RADIO - WLRE INFO

Welcome To WLRE RADIO!

Offering the best of today's Modern and yesterday's Traditional country classic's. Please use the listen live feature to listen to what is currently playing on our radio stations.....

LISTEN LIVE TO
WLRE RADIO

This text is replaced by the Flash movie.

test

GAC Headlines
GAC Headlines

GAC's top news stories.

15-Year Artist Jack Ingram Likes Being "New"
May 16, 2008 — There’s a certain irony in Jack Ingram’s nomination for Top New Male Vocalist at this weekend’s Academy of Country Music Awards. He made his first album in the mid-1990s, so he’s got about 15 years of his career behind him, and some critics in the industry question whether he really belongs in the "new" category. He has no issue with it.

Ronnie Milsap Brings GAC On Tour
May 16, 2008 — With 40 songs that have hit the top of the charts in the past, Ronnie Milsap has a long line of classics to draw from when he puts on a concert, and he’s putting a classic network behind him when the GAC "Master Series" sponsors his #1 Hits Tour during the remainder of the year.

The Eagles Hit "Rolling Stone" Cover
May 16, 2008 — The Eagles are featured on the cover of the next edition of "Rolling Stone" magazine, where Don Henley admits to some frustrations with musicians. He’s had plenty of battles with fellow artists — some over creative issues, others over politics.

Rodney Atkins Benefits From Image Makeover
May 16, 2008 — Rodney Atkins launched four No. 1 hits off his latest album, and he’s got a fifth single that he hopes will match their status. But not that long ago, Rodney had a very difficult time getting established. His 2003 debut album brought him one hit, but it created some image problems. It was titled Honesty, but even the cover art wasn’t really an honest depiction of who he is.

Taylor Swift Finally Legal at ACM Casino
May 16, 2008 — Taylor Swift has attended the Academy of Country Music Awards twice, and both times, her status as a minor created some logistical problems in getting from place to place. But for this weekend’s 43rd annual awards, that’s no longer an issue.

Would George Strait Ever Do a Club Tour?
May 16, 2008 — George Strait has gotten used to playing for big audiences. He recently finished a tour that had him playing to 10,000 or more people nightly, and not that many years ago, he had an annual stadium tour that frequently had crowds of 40,000-50,000 people. Those kinds of dates pull in good money, but the artist has to sacrifice intimacy with the audience, and George misses that. His "Shiftwork" buddy Kenny Chesney has a similar attitude that’s led Kenny to put on his annual Keg In The Closet Tour of small clubs in the southeast. Whether or not George ever heads in that direction, playing the Texas dancehalls again is an idea that has some appeal to him.

See Julianne Hough on "Top 20" Tonight!
May 16, 2008 — Having established a toe-hold on the national scene through "Dancing With The Stars," Julianne Hough has a hit with her first single, "That Song In My Head," and she’ll chat tonight with Nan Kelley on GAC’s "Top 20 Country Countdown."

Shania Twain & "Mutt" Lange Separating
May 15, 2008 — A spokesman for country superstar Shania Twain announced today that Shania and her husband, famed producer "Mutt" Lange, are separating.

Kitty Wells, Roy Orbison Make Government List
May 15, 2008 — Kitty Wells and Roy Orbison are among 25 new additions to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, an attempt to collect some of the most significant audio moments in the nation’s history. Kitty’s 1952 release "It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" — the first No. 1 country single by a female artist — was announced among the additions yesterday, as was Roy’s Nashville-recorded pop hit "Oh, Pretty Woman."

Dolly Parton "Hurt" By Howard Stern Prank
May 15, 2008 — Nine days ago, Howard Stern spliced up numerous words and phrases from a Dolly Parton audio book and used her voice to make sexually inflammatory references about some of her fellow celebrities on his radio show. Dolly, it seems, was not amused.

Miranda Lambert Flips Over ACM Nod
May 15, 2008 — Miranda Lambert won the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist award last year, and now she finds herself in even headier company. She’s a finalist for Top Female Vocalist against Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. You’d better believe it means something to her.

Carrie, Trace at CMA Music Fest Events
May 15, 2008 — With 30,000 or more country music fans expected to descend on Nashville for the CMA Music Festival next month, two of the genre’s biggest institutions — the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame — plan special events to increase attendance. Carrie Underwood, Montgomery Gentry and Trace Adkins are among the attractions who’ll be appearing at those institutions.

Kenny Chesney: No. 1 In Top 10s
May 15, 2008 — "Better As A Memory" popped into the Top 10 on the "Billboard" country singles chart this week, putting Kenny Chesney into some very familiar territory. In fact, it’s the 24th straight release he’s had hit that strata since the turn of the century, and it gives him the longest Top 10 streak of the millennium.

Vince Gill Leads Eddy Arnold Memorial
May 15, 2008 — Eddy Arnold was not the most flamboyant of country singers. He prided himself in driving used cars, eating at inexpensive restaurants and wearing understated clothing, yet he quietly became the No. 1 artist in the history of the Billboard country charts. His normalcy, his sense of humor and his frugality were all celebrated yesterday at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, where Vince Gill’s performance of "Go Rest High On That Mountain" and Eddy’s classic "You Don’t Know Me" provided a reverent emotional setting.

Brad Paisley Proud of Serious & Funny Sides
May 15, 2008 — Brad Paisley has four nominations as he heads into the "43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards," including Album of the Year for his CD 5th Gear. Brad’s been hailed as the modern-day heir to Roger Miller, one of the funniest guys in country music history, and that side of him is reflected in the singles "Online," "Ticks" and "I’m Still A Guy." But Brad also showed a serious, contemplative side in "Letter To Me," and that contrast is exactly what he was shooting for.

Rodney Atkins Excited By ACM Nomination
May 15, 2008 — Rodney Atkins will be a familiar name during the "43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards" on Sunday. He was nominated six times and he’s slated to perform on the show when it’s broadcast live from Las Vegas. "Watching You" is a double-nominee, up for both Song of the Year and Video of the Year, and Rodney says the nominations gave him a sense that he really has arrived.

Crystal Gayle, Trent Tomlinson Help Honor Legends
May 14, 2008 — Crystal Gayle, Trent Tomlinson, Daryle Singletary and Stonewall Jackson are among the artists who’ve committed to events on successive days in June that will honor some of country music’s heritage artists. A breakfast celebrating late Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker, who died two years ago this month, is set at the Nashville Palace June 4, the day before the official kickoff of the CMA Music Festival.

Jake Owen Makes Up To Mom At ACMs
May 14, 2008 — Jake Owen planned to take his mom to the Country Music Association Awards last November, but it wasn’t meant to be. In a rather fitting turn of events, he now gets to escort her just one week after Mother’s Day to the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Carrie Underwood Puts ACMs In Perspective
May 14, 2008 — Carrie Underwood just joined the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville last weekend, and now she’s preparing for what might be a big night this coming weekend in Las Vegas, where she’s up for Top Female Vocalist at the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Alan Jackson's Good Times Create Good Music
May 14, 2008 — Anyone who’s out for a good time with Alan Jackson needs to be aware: Anything they say may be used in the lines of a song. Alan, who rather appropriately titled his latest album Good Time, has found that the time he spends with his friends provides some of the best creative sparks for his material.

Phil Vassar Goes Back Home in "Origins"
May 14, 2008 — Phil Vassar is the Artist of the Month on GAC, where he recently debuted a special, "Origins: Phil Vassar — Prayer Of A Common Man." The program captures Phil’s private concert at Nashville’s Ocean Way Studios, where he recorded his first two albums, plus his return trip to his hometown, Lynchburg, Va., including the home he referenced in the lyrics of his hit "American Child."

Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton Lead Hall of Fame Class
May 14, 2008 — Banjo legend Earl Scruggs and country music ambassador Dolly Parton are among the artists who’ve been tapped to enter the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in Wilkesboro, N.C., when the Wilkes Heritage Museum holds an induction ceremony June 13.

Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney Goes Home
May 14, 2008 — Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar in Rascal Flatts) went back to Oklahoma this week, though this trip is a sad one rather than a homecoming celebration.

Taylor Swift's Good "Jeans"
May 14, 2008 — Taylor Swift has signed up to appear in advertising this year for the L.e.i. clothing line, manufactured by Jones Apparel. The deal will feature Taylor surrounded by a variety of jeans and tops made for young girls with the slogan "This is L.e.i. Country."

Dwight Yoakam Bucks "Tonight Show" Mark
May 13, 2008 — Dwight Yoakam will appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Thursday as the talk show kicks off its seventh season of outdoor concerts. The appearance is good exposure as he continues promoting the album Dwight Sings Buck, but it also sets a record for Dwight. It will mark the 24th time he’s been on the program since Jay took the reins from Johnny Carson in 1992, and it makes Dwight the artist who’s given the most "Tonight Show" performances during that time. Dwight’s first time on the program after the change of hosts came on March 26, 1993.

Dierks Bentley on "Fit" List
May 13, 2008 — This isn’t the reason Dierks Bentley makes music, but it’s a good bet that he’s quite happy with the latest bit of recognition he’s received: Dierks has been named one of the "25 Fittest Guys In America" in the June/July issue of Men’s Fitness magazine, which hits newsstands Monday, May 19.

Brooks & Dunn Release "Slim & Howdy" Book
May 13, 2008 — Brooks & Dunn’s first novel, "The Adventures Of Slim & Howdy," is now in bookstores, thanks to their co-writer, Bill Fitzhugh, who did most of the work on the project.

Alan Jackson Finds His Own "Space" Online
May 13, 2008 — Alan Jackson is not the biggest fan of the Internet. His associates say he refuses to use e-mail, and Alan says his biggest reason for being online is to find old cars or auto parts. His slow-to-accept-it view of technology influences one of the songs on his latest album, "I Still Like Bologna," and it was part of his humorous 1999 hit "www.memory." As it turns out, Alan is so uninterested in the web that he was stunned when disc jockeys started asking him in interviews about his MySpace page.

Joe Diffie Goes Hockey-Tonkin’
May 13, 2008 — Joe Diffie has found a great way to show support to a friend in need: He contributed his voice to a new duet, "Long Gone Loner," with Peter Dula, a Slovakian country singer who’s battling cancer for the second time.

Gretchen Wilson Expands Late Night Jam
May 13, 2008 — Marty Stuart’s seventh annual Late Night Jam has been designated an official CMA Music Festival event for the first time this year, and the June 4 lineup has gotten just a little more impressive with the addition of Gretchen Wilson and Old Crow Medicine Show.

Southern Gospel Star Dottie Rambo Dies
May 12, 2008 — Southern gospel singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo — whose material was recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Barbara Mandrell — died yesterday in a bus accident near Mount Vernon, Mo., the Associated Press reported. The passing was the most recent in a rash of country-related deaths.

John Michael Montgomery In Rehab
May 12, 2008 — John Michael Montgomery has checked himself into an unspecified rehabilitation center to combat a problem with substance abuse.

Taylor Swift Prizes ACM Album Nomination
May 12, 2008 — A year ago, Taylor Swift had one of the highlight moments at the Academy of Country Music Awards when she sang her song "Tim McGraw" directly to Tim in the audience. This year, she’s back at the 43rd annual show with three more nominations. The one she values the most is for Album of the Year.

Jason Aldean’s Musical Home Is With Alabama
May 12, 2008 — With his hits "Hicktown" and "Johnny Cash," Jason Aldean has plenty of fans across the U.S. blasting his music in their cars. Jason can relate, because like every singer, he’s got his own set of favorites. At the top of the list is a classic album: Alabama’s Mountain Music.

Joe Nichols Pours Himself Into His Songs
May 12, 2008 — Years ago, some music fans thought they could pick up secret messages from the Beatles by playing their albums backward. You don’t have to go to that much trouble with Joe Nichols, though some interpretation is appropriate if you want to figure out what’s going on in his life.

Brad Paisley Prepares For The ACMs
May 12, 2008 — Brad Paisley is in the running for four honors, including Entertainer of the Year, during the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday. The trophies are nice, but Brad views them from the bigger picture, too: He recognizes they have a lot of value from the business side of the music industry.

Tim McGraw Chip Deal Expands
May 12, 2008 — After introducing his line of Fritos corn chips to Wal-Mart stores in April, Tim McGraw looks to put his Spicy Jalapeno flavor in more stores with a full roll-out this fall.

Jennifer Hanson Readies Sophomore CD
May 13, 2008 — When she released her first album in 2002, Jennifer Hanson notched a hit with "Beautiful Goodbye" and picked up a nomination for Top New Female Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music.

Jewel's Homegrown Influences
May 13, 2008 — Parents are the most influential role models most children have, and in the case of singer-songwriter Jewel, her mom and dad had a huge influence on her choice of music as a career. It was something they pursued for a living, and she caught the bug at a very young age.

It's Official! Carrie Underwood Joins Grand Ole Opry
May 10, 2008 — Growing up in Oklahoma, Carrie Underwood used to watch the Grand Ole Opry at her grandparents' house. Now, just three years after her career began, she's officially a member of the Opry — and it's a dream come true for the country superstar.

Music Industry Today
Music Industry Today: Country Music News

Constantly updated news and information about music industry.

The Strangers Movie Review
... in all sorts of corners of the house playing hide-and-seek and turning on loud country music, before deciding it's time to seriously kill somebody. There's far less suspense around what ...

Idol and his sweetheart wed
... room.'' The ceremony, held at the same Manly chapel where actor Nicole Kidman married country singer Keith Urban, was attended by almost 200 guests, including model couple Jennifer Hawkins and ...

Hints from Heloise: Put sunscreen on pet's nose, skin areas
... cat, Conway Kitty, nestled in her arms. Karen says, "My grandmother loved the famous country singer so much that she named her cat after him." Heloise Dear Heloise: I ...

Derek J. Mee
... enjoyed all sports, especially soccer. He also enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and listening to country music. Derek loved family get togethers. Survivors: Wife; Pat Mee of Salinas, "Mum" Edith Mee ...

GOLDEN GLOW
... vied for a prize package worth almost $4000, including a trip to the Tamworth country music festival. While the event has struggled to attract much interest during the past couple ...

AOL seeks growth in shift from mass site to niches
... The latest ParentDish for parents formally launched Friday, with The Boot for country music and The Boom Box for hip hop and R&B to follow on Tuesday. Time ...

Shania Twain splits from husband after 14 years of marriage
... of U.S. album charts for Come on Over 7 Rank in Greatest Women of Country Music in 2002 ...

Spiritual tune-up
... most popular radio format in the region that includes Fort Worth, second only to country music, according to Arbitron, a company that tracks radio ratings. The most popular Christian station ...

The list - This weekend
... 5. (023) 9286 3911, box office. SOUTHSEA, The Florence Arms, 20, Florence Road. 8.30pm-11pm. Country Music Club. With compere Charles Haskell and featuring: Two Fingers of Firewater. Admission free. (023) ...

Girl Power Is The Highlight Of The April Ecast BarPulse
... Carey, Madonna, - held eight of the top 10 spots. Otto - an Ecast-featured country artist whose album " " was pre-released on the Ecast network April first, one week ...

The Late Conway Twitty To Be Honored By 43rd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards With Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
... Stone Pioneer Award during the non televised portion of the 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well as the industry's ...

HDNet Concert Series Hits 'The Outlaw Trail' On May 18, 2008
... legendary Outlaw Trail. In the 1970's, some country artists in Austin, rebelled against 'Nashville Country,' using ... brought the grit and life back to country music. In this one-of-a-kind tribute, rising stars alongside ...

Obama Leads Way In Campaign Songs
... his character and the place of Illinois filtered through my mind into this allegorical country song," said Palovcik, a songwriter and manager of two musicians. "He is energizing those around ...

McEntire says she has more fun hosting ACM Awards
... country star is preparing for her 10th turn as host of the Academy of Country Music Awards this weekend. Over the years, she says she's gained more ease hosting the ...

GAC's 'Master Series' Set To Sponsor Ronnie Milsap's 'No 1 Hits Tour'
... 30 million albums. About Great American Country Great American Country is the leader in country music entertainment. GAC delivers to viewers the widest variety of country music, its artists and ...

CMT NEWS
All Country News

All the news from country music's most reliable source.

Country Music Artists Flocking to Vegas for ACM Awards
LAS VEGAS -- Country music artists, their managers, record label executives and ... well ... just about the entire industry are flocking to Las Vegas in advance of the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards taking place Sunday (May 18) at the MGM Gra

Sugarland's New Album Due July 22
Sugarland will release their third album, Love on the Inside, on July 22 on Mercury Nashville.

Trace Adkins Honored by San Diego Families With Food Allergies
Trace Adkins accepted an award from the San Diego Food Allergy Support Group on Wednesday (May 14) prior to a show in the area.

Gretchen Wilson Receives GED From Charlie Daniels
Gretchen Wilson received her GED certificate, the equivalent to a high school diploma, from Charlie Daniels on Thursday night (May 15) at First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Tenn.

NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?
"Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" is a great George Jones song from a few years ago, but I never really gave the subject a lot of serious thought. In fact, I have to confess that on more than one occasion at a late-night party I sang it as "Who's Gonna Shine

Shania Twain, Mutt Lange Separating After 14 Years
Shania Twain and Robert John "Mutt" Lange are separating, according to a spokesman from her record label. Twain and Lange were married on Dec. 28, 1993, and worked together extensively throughout her career.

Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood Will Meet Fans at Fan Fair
Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood will make personal appearances at the CMA Music Festival's Fan Fair event, where visitors can take photos and receive autographs with country stars.

Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar Open CMA Music Festival
Jo Dee Messina and Phil Vassar will open the CMA Music Festival on the daytime stage on June 5 at 10 a.m.

Anne Murray Honored by Songwriter's Hall of Fame
Anne Murray will receive the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award from the Songwriter's Hall of Fame on June 19 in New York City.

Eddy Arnold Service Honors a Man Who Changed Country Music
Eddy Arnold went to his eternal reward Wednesday (May 14) with a simple but elegant funeral service before a respectful audience of fans, friends and music business colleagues at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. A private family burial followed at Woodlawn M

Dolly Parton Upset Over Howard Stern Audio
Dolly Parton says she's "completed devastated" after her speaking voice was heavily edited and electronically manipulated in a comedy bit featured on Howard Stern's radio show.

Taylor Swift, Julianne Hough Make Maxim's Hot 100 List
Julianne Hough, Jessica Simpson and Taylor Swift are among the women featured on Maxim's Hot 100 list for 2008.

Trace Adkins Will Sign Autographs at Country Music Hall of Fame
Trace Adkins, Kathy Mattea, Phil Vassar and Trisha Yearwood will sign autographs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's gift shop during the CMA Music Festival, held June 5-8 in Nashville.

Kitty Wells, Roy Orbison Recordings Honored by Library of Congress
Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and Roy Orbison's ''Oh, Pretty Woman" have been added to the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress to recognize recordings that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically signifi

Taylor Swift Has Her "Prom" With Aplomb
"Since I didn't get to go to my prom this year, I'm going to create one," Taylor Swift told reporters Monday (May 12), just before the launch of a party to celebrate her recording successes and impending high school graduation. It may have been the first

Taylor Swift Featured in L.e.i. Clothing Ads
Taylor Swift will be featured in a back-to-school advertising campaign for the L.e.i. clothing line.

American Songwriter Magazine Salutes Country
American Songwriter magazine features Alan Jackson on its current May/June cover and includes a compilation CD with the issue.

Carter's Chord Will Release Digital Album on June 17
New country band Carter's Chord will release their album digitally on June 17, with the CD version expected to follow later in the year.

Dierks Bentley Plays Backyards and Bars in Chicago
CHICAGO -- Why is it that the bigger Dierks Bentley's career becomes, the smaller his venues get? Is it some kind of twisted irony? Or a deliberate move to bring the music closer to the fans?

Tim O'Brien Stands Alone on New Album, Chameleon
Tim O'Brien wants you to get into something -- anything really, just "dirty those hands and get stuck in," he tells me as he sips his first pint of the day. We're at the Yazoo brewery in Nashville, a ploughman's lunch between us, talking about his new alb

Dierks Bentley Makes Men's Fitness Top 25
Dierks Bentley has been named to Men's Fitness magazine's list of "The 25 Fittest Guys in America" with presidential candidate Barack Obama, actors Will Smith and Daniel Craig, athletes Tiger Woods and Brady Quinn, rapper Flo Rida and others.

Marty Stuart's Jam Adds Gretchen Wilson, Old Crow Medicine Show
Gretchen Wilson and Old Crow Medicine Show have been added to the list of performers at Marty Stuart's seventh annual Late Night Jam scheduled for June 4 to coincide with the CMA Music Festival in Nashville.

Gospel Legend Dottie Rambo Killed in Tour Bus Accident
The Missouri Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate a Sunday morning (May 11) tour bus accident that claimed the life of gospel music legend Joyce "Dottie" Rambo, 74, of Nashville.

Garth Brooks Hosts Carrie Underwood's Opry Induction
Carrie Underwood was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry during the long-running show's Saturday (May 10) broadcast on WSM-AM/Nashville.

HOT DISH: Media Should Leave Miley Cyrus Alone
If I see another word about those photographs taken by Annie Leibovitz of Miley Cyrus, I think I will crawl up on the nude statues on the Music Row roundabout in Nashville and throw up. I have never in my almost four decades on Music Row heard of anything

At Last, James Otto Scores No. 1 Song
Raise your glasses -- whether convivial or corrective -- to James Otto as he scores his first No. 1 Billboard single with "Just Got Started Lovin' You." It's been a long haul for the tall singer. He first visited the country chart in 2002 with "The

John Michael Montgomery Enters Substance Abuse Rehab
John Michael Montgomery has voluntarily checked himself into a rehabilitation treatment center for substance abuse, due to severe anxiety attacks and sleep disorder, his management company said Friday (May 9).

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles Gives Credit to Eddie's Attic
DECATUR, Ga. -- As one of the breakout country bands of the last few years, Sugarland can easily draw thousands of people to their high-energy concerts. But back in the day, Jennifer Nettles would finesse her singer-songwriter skills at a very laidback ba

Jennifer Hanson's New Album Will Be Released Digitally
Jennifer Hanson will release her new album, Thankful, as a digital exclusive on June 3 on Universal South Records.

Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent Join Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman
Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley and Rhonda Vincent will all take part in the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series this summer at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

test

About Country Music
About Country Music

Country Music

Top 10 Hottest Country Guys of 2008

Who do you think the Top 10 Hottest guys in country music are? Joe Nichols made the list. Find out who else made the cut, view eye candy of...

My 2008 ACM Award Predictions

The 2008 ACM Awards will be held on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV at the MGM Grand Hotel. Here are my thoughts on who I think will...

On The Charts - Top Songs and Albums from week of 05/17/08

See which songs are topping the charts, and which song I think will be No. 1 for the following week. All chart rankings are based on the song's or album's...

Aaron Tippin He Believed CD Review

Aaron Tippin is the latest artist to release an album on the Cracker Barrel label. Read Jack's review of Aaron's new release, He Believed. Cover © Cracker Barrel...

New Country Single Releases