TIM MCGRAW has had over 50 Top Ten hits, which for most artists is a career’s worth. But in his mind, he hasn’t even reached his peak. He told “Billboard”, quote, “I don’t think I’m the best I can be yet.
“I still think I’m learning and growing as an artist. I think the minute that I feel that I have stopped climbing and reaching and wanting to get better, I should hang it up. I feel like I’ve got a lot of room ahead of me.”
By the way, Tim’s song “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools“ features guest vocals from a family member NOT named FAITH HILL.
He explains, quote, “My cousin, Catherine Dunn, is on the record. She’s my mom’s baby sister’s daughter, and she’s a great singer and songwriter.”
[Tim McGraw]
BLAKE SHELTON is taking his talents to “Saturday Night Live”. He’s going to host AND be the musical guest on the January 24th show. And it’s a pretty big deal to do both.
Less than 40 performers in the show’s 40-year history have done double-duty. The only country stars to do it areGarth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Taylor Swift. (People)
In related news, HollywoodLife.com says Blake has been asked to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.
A source said, quote, “The organizers are looking to mix it up a little bit for the person to do the National Anthem. They want a guy and they have asked Blake Shelton.”
It’s not clear why they “want a guy”, but a good guess is because KATY PERRY is this year’s halftime performer. (The Super Bowl is February 1st on NBC.)
LADY ANTEBELLUM announced the cities of their “Wheels Up 2015” tour. The North American leg kicks off May 1st in Lubbock, Texas. HUNTER HAYES and SAM HUNT will open select shows. Details are still being finalized but you can register for presale at LadyAntebellum.com.
“Backstage at the Opry” has a video of KEITH URBAN trying to describe what it’s like performing there . . .
JAMEY JOHNSON recently started his own record label, and I LOVE the name. It’s called Big Gassed Records. Love it! He’s also offering a free download of a brand new song called “Alabama Pines”, which he describes as a, quote, “love letter to the time and place from whence I came.”