Tag Archive for 'sheryl crow'

COUNTRY CALL ‘EM: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

Published by bethanys on October 25, 2009 in Country. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

OSBlog02_CCE_MASTER
Sharing the spotlight is something very few superstars are willing to do. Unless of course, you’re a country singer gearing up for an unforgettable duet. In an industry that celebrates teamwork with awards like “Musical Event of the Year,” “Duo of the Year” and “Group of the Year,” synergy is an art form that always succeeds in the ears of country fans.

The duo singing in the video

The duo singing in the video

In what I see as the pinnacle of duet dynamite, we have Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss’s “Whiskey Lullaby”. The combination of Krauss’s soft, melodic voice with Paisley’s sharp but complementary vocals made this duet memorable long after its 2004 release. Whether it was the blend of two finely tuned voices, or the devastating lyrics that could draw a tear from the toughest cowboy, this song rose all the way to Number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and won CMA awards for “Musical Event of the Year” and “Best Music Video.”  Krauss, who is often credited as the accompanying pipes on many a’ country duet (like “When You Say Nothing At All”, a duet that emerged after layering her solo version with that of the original singer, Keith Whitley), truly has the voice of an angel, able to capture emotion and beauty with as single note. Alison released a compilation CD of both her most successful solo performances, and the plethora of duets she has contributed to, called A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection. Paisley is no stranger to stellar duets either. Brad  worked with icon Dolly Parton on  “When I Get Where I’m Going”, a song about what they each hope happens when they reach the afterlife. Most recently, Brad earned another CMA nomination for “Musical Event of the Year” for his 2009 duet “Start a Band” with country rocker Keith Urban. It seems whatever song either one of these Nashville hit-makers touchs is sure to turn to Billboard and award show gold.

Performing the duet live

Performing the duet live

How about picturing this kind of musical gold—a bad-boy rocker breaking down in a song of heartbreak with one of Nashville’s most beautiful voices. That’s what happened when Kid Rock teamed up with Sheryl Crow for their chart-topper “Picture”. Both of these artists are a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, so the song is a butt-kickin’ ballad chock full of gritty voices and raw emotions. The track was the first country single either had released, and it proved to be more successful than any either had achieved before. Peaking at Number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and being nominated for a CMA “Vocal Event of the Year” in 2003, the song received accolades for its vocal and instrumental perfection. Clearly this duet was the missing piece to the puzzle of both Kid Rock and Crow’s burgeoning country careers, as both have taken off and continue to produce amazing singles that carry on their legacies as Nashville success stories.

Mr. Chesney

Mr. Chesney

The Nashville hit-making title may belong to Mr. Kenny Chesney. So what happens when you

Mr. Matthews

Mr. Matthews

combine his signature style with that of fan favorite Dave Matthews? You get a laidback duet that screams Number One of course. “I’m Alive” has been hitting the airwaves in full force recently, and not only are the vocal stylings inspiring, but lyrics like “And today you know, that’s good enough for me. Breathing in and out’s a blessing can’t you see. Today’s the first day of the rest of my life. And I’m alive and well” truly make this a song anyone can stand behind. You can always leave it to Kenny to remind us what is important in life, and paired with Dave Matthew’s songwriting chops, this song reaching the top spot is inevitable.

It seems that no matter who these stars pair themselves with, hits are sure to follow. From country legends to novices on the charts, teamwork is proving to be a sure-fire way to success. We all know that two heads are better than one, and these country duo’s are proving that two voices are clearly better as well.

COUNTRY CALL ‘EM: COUNTRY CLOTHING LINES

Published by bethanys on October 11, 2009 in Country. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

OSBlog02_CCE_MASTERStillettos, Gucci suits, big buckle belts? Despite the oxymoron of country music fashion, it seems that more and more country music artists are branching out of their Stetsons and into our closets. Whether they leave the design to the professionals or merely entice buyers with their big names, country stars are diving head first into a pool of denim, leather and straw hat designing.

This man is a fashion designer?!

This man is a fashion designer?!

Like our boy Kenny. While there are many things to praise about arguably the most successful country artist next to George Strait, fashion sense is not one of them. The man who’s casual look consists of a muscle tee, tight jeans and a cowboy hat has never been considered knowledgable when it comes to clothing. Because hey, lets face it, when he DOES “dress up,” he wears a simple button up, tight pants… and a cowboy hat.  Nonetheless, Kenny Chesney came out with a new clothing line called Blue Chair Bay. Thankfully, he is expanding on his lesser fashion-offensive looks; casual wear. Kenny’s  line includes khakis, shirts, baseball caps, and wait for it… COWBOY HATS. Kenny says that he wants Blue Chair Bay to represent that shirt you’ve worn a thousand times, bleached out in the sun, but want to wear again and again. Personally, the only way I would  buy an old looking shirt for a new-shirt price is if it came directly off Kenny’s chiseled, tan back.

Thank goodness leather pants are no longer socially acceptable.

Thank goodness leather pants are no longer socially acceptable.

Sheryl Crow is another crooner who is throwing her jeaned leg into the fashion race. She has come out with Bootheel Trading Co., a denim wear company sold out of Dillard’s. While some of her red carpet moments are questionable, the Bootheel line is modeled after her performance and every-day style. Basically, like Kenny, she’s going for a casual line that’s reasonably priced for her fans. Bootlegged jeans and rocker tops, Sheryl makes this line look like it could be sold anywhere, to anyone. Whether that makes it a to-die-for collection, or just another Levi-wannabe jeans company is still in question.

I'd love to get into those jeans...the Wranglers I mean.

I'd love to get into those jeans...the Wranglers I mean.

But, thank goodness for Jason Aldean. Jason really knows that in order to reap the benefits of a clothing line, you leave it to the professionals. Of the dozens of country men who rock the Wranglers, Aldean was chosen to be the butt of Wrangler Western Wear, their new retro line of denim. Jason partnered with Wrangler this summer, but his love for the brand has been a staple since he was 14-years-old. Mr. Aldean has always been the simple cowboy in Nashville, and chose to spearhead a campaign for a product all of country music can stand behind (and man, what a view we’ll have!)

When it comes to Nashville fashion, the bottom line is this: You won’t be finding sequins, Swarovski crystals or fancy frills on any line made by a true cowboy or cowgirl. The country stars that decide to brand themselves in this new and competitive market thankfully stick to what little they know about fashion; comfort and reliability. Funny, those are the two reasons why I love these artists. And I always stick with what I love, no matter which Worst Dressed list they may appear on.

CHARITY: COUNTRY STYLE

Published by bethanys on August 30, 2009 in Country. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

This summer, while most of us sat back in our chaise lounges to soak up the sun, many a country star used their summer vacation for the good of the less fortunate. Whether these stars were at the helm of the project, or the fresh face bringing in the fans, there were dozens of events for country crooners to lend a hand to.

Toby playing at an Ally's House fundraiser

Toby playing at an Ally's House fundraiser

Back in the beginning whispers of summer, Toby Keith made his booming voice heard as he hosted his 6th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic on June 12th and 13tth . Keith started the weekend with a “Denim And Diamonds” party on Friday night which included an expansive auction with prizes like a dinner party for you, Toby Keith and 20 of your closest friends, or an Alaskan adventure with Sig Hansen from Deadliest Catch. The event continued on Saturday with a golf tournament. In its six years, the donations, entry fees and bids in Keith’s kick ass auction have halped Toby Keith & friends raise over $2.85 million dollars for Ally’s House, an organization Keith helped establish to financially support families of pediatric cancer patients. Ally’s House was created in memory of the late daughter of Scott Webb, one of Keith’s original band mates. To date, Ally’s House has changed the lives of over 300 families in Oklahoma. Some may think that the economy is suffering, but for Keith, these children’s suffering is something far greater to think of.

Moving into July, Sheryl Crow headlined a charity event for an initiative created by President

Sheryl serenading a crowd

Sheryl serenading a crowd

Obama and Major League Baseball. Crow gave a free show in St. Louis during the All Star game weekend on July 11th . President Obama’s goal is to promote volunteering in your hometown. If each region is helped by local residents, we can improve our nation, one small town at a time. “Think nationally, act locally,” seems to be an ever present theme in country songs, and this project. Just do what you can, where you can.

Most recently, Halfway to Hazard hosted its 2nd annual Charity Trail Ride. Last weekend, August 22nd and 23rd , H2H orchestrated an ATV ride and charity concert to support Buckhorn Children and Family Center. This year, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Danielle Peck and other country crooners took the Crocketsville, Kentucky stage to kick off this charitable weekend with a concert.

At the end of the Charity Trail Ride '09

At the end of the Charity Trail Ride '09

The celebrity participation continued as Randy Houser, James Otto, Keith Anderson and other rough and tumble stars actually raced in the ATV ride itself the next day. The cause, Buckhorn Children and Family Center, is a nonprofit organization that strives to serve suffering children and families in Oklahoma and Kentucky. This year, the total amount raised exceeded $200,000 dollars in support of Buckhorn. It’s not a surprise, that with all these fun loving singers in attendance, that the event went all the way to hazard.

For a community that is so vocal about their overwhelming graciousness, it is nice to know that country music stars really put their money where their mouth is, truly using their celebrity to give back. Charity is something everyone can have a hand in, some more than others. And, judging by this summer’s immense effort to help those less fortunate, country stars are putting their enormous mitts to good use!