Trisha Yearwood to get her own Food Network cooking series
Trisha Yearwood (AP file)
Grammy-winning country music star and best-selling cookbook author Trisha Yearwood has signed a deal to star in a six-episode daytime cooking show for the Food Network, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The show is now in production in Nashville and set to debut in April.
In the as-yet-untitled series, the Owasso resident will share food traditions and display her Southern hospitality, sharing recipes with friends and family and preparing Sunday dinners to planning family reunion barbecues. Each of the six themed episodes will invite viewers into Yearwood’s kitchen for her favorite meals and family stories, according to the trade publication.
“Fans know Trisha best as a music powerhouse, and through her new Food Network show audiences will learn first-hand what her friends and family already know — that Trisha is a talented, passionate rock-star cook too,” Food Network GM and senior VP of programming and production Bob Tuschman told The Hollywood Reporter. “We look forward to sharing this side of Trisha with viewers, showcasing an intimate, entertaining look at her personal recipes, family traditions and warm Southern hospitality.”
Yearwood has released two cookbooks, 2008′s “Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen” and 2010′s “Cooking for Family and Friends,” and both reached No. 1 on the New York Times’ best-seller list on the advice, how-to and miscellaneous category.
In addition, both cookbooks include forewords penned by Yearwood’s husband and fellow country star Garth Brooks.
In November 2010, Yearwood appeared as a judge on a special Thanksgiving episode of “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” which pitted the celebrity chef against Oklahoma foodie blogger Ree Drummond, AKA The Pioneer Woman. Drummond’s Food Network cooking show, “The Pioneer Woman,” debuted last August and airs at 9 a.m. Saturdays.
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Lionel Richie’s country-crossover album “Tuskegee,” featuring Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, out March 27
Music icon Lionel Richie will release “Tuskegee,” a collection of 13 of his international hits recorded with some of the biggest names in country music, on March 27 on Mercury Nashville.
His duet partners on Tuskegee include Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton, trio Rascal Flatts (which includes Picher-bred guitarist Joe Don Rooney), Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington and Little Big Town.
On this worldwide, multi-genre album, Richie also is joined by the likes of such superstars as Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett.
In addition, the Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions will tape an all-star concert special, “ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends In Concert,” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 2 (the day after the ACM Awards). The show will air at a later date on the CBS Television Network. Some of his greatest hits will be performed by Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers and many more.
“Tuskegee” is an exciting new chapter in a career that has seen album sales of more than 100 million, 22 Top 10s, five Grammys, an Academy Award for best original song, a Golden Globe, and a host of other awards.
“Tuskegee” is also a musical homecoming that feels like a heartwarming reunion with a beloved friend. He proves that you can go home again as he returns to his Southern roots to pay tribute to his hometown of Tuskegee, Ala., where he was indelibly shaped as a man and a musician. He was exposed to country, gospel, R&B and classical music while growing up, and it was in Tuskegee where he helped form the Commodores and wrote his first hits, including “Sail On” and “Easy.”
“Tuskegee is where it all began, the place where I felt that everything was available and possible,” he says in the album release announcement. “It’s where I learned about life and love and the power of music, and the place I built a musical foundation that knows no genres or boundaries.
“Doing this album was coming back to the beginning, back to basics, back to home,” he adds. “The part of it I love the most is that the journey has been one of discovering myself. By the time I got back to Nashville, I clearly knew that the roots of my songwriting, my storytelling, were from the South.”
It’s also been a process of rediscovering the hits that have served as the soundtrack of the lives of generations around the world.
“Every Lionel Richie song that I can think of I had a personal experience with – high school homecomings, proms, you name it,” says Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, who duets on “Dancing On the Ceiling,” in the announcement. “Lionel was always playing in my house. His music always said what we felt and couldn’t express.”
Says Darius Rucker, who joins Richie on “Stuck On You,” “I wanted to work with Lionel because he is one of my idols. Lionel’s more a part of my DNA really than an idol. It was an absolute honor to work with him.”
Adds Jason Aldean, who selected “Say You, Say Me,” “I’ve always been a huge fan. He is probably one of the best singer-songwriters of this generation.”
Once again, Richie is following his songs as they take him back to country, where they have been welcomed for more than two decades. Conway Twitty recorded “Three Times a Lady,” Kenny Rogers famously sang “Lady,” and Alabama recorded “Deep River Woman.” Artists such as Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts perform his songs in their shows. He has performed on the Country Music Association Awards three times, and his 2011 performance receive two standing ovations and was recognized as the highlight of the evening.
“When I did the CMAs and the room was singing along with me, it was really more like a family reunion than it was a concert or show,” he says. “It was just great validation to know that the music was accepted like it was.”
These innovative musical interpretations have given new meaning to his songs while serving as a powerful reminder of the timelessness of his impressive body of work. He asked the other singers to select the songs and ignore his original version and instead perform the song as if it were their own.
“I wanted it the way they would do it in their show, which means I captured their essence. You make the song a Willie Nelson song. You make the song a Rascal Flatts song,” he says.
“It’s special to the point where it sounds new again, so I’m excited just as the writer, as the original parent of this child. I’m excited to see another generation embrace the music.”
Richie says recording Tuskegee was perhaps the most fun he’s ever had in the studio. “’Tuskegee’ is going to be one of the most special albums I’ve ever done in my life. This is something that’s going to be so special forever because it’s a moment in time when these artists all got together and celebrated some music,” he says. “What started out as a collaboration of a group of very talented, very successful artists ended up growing into brand new, very good friends.”
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Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” goes platinum
Oklahoma country music star Blake Shelton has earned platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America for his chart-topping ballad “God Gave Me You.”
In addition, the Ada native’s “Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton” and “Red River Blue” albums have simultaneously earned gold certification by the RIAA, according to a news release.
“Red River Blue” includes the hit singles “Honey Bee,” certified platinum last year, and “God Gave Me You,” and earned Shelton a Grammy nomination for best country album.
John Esposito, President and CEO of Warner Music Nashville, surprised Shelton at his sold-out show in Duluth, Ga., last Friday, Jan. 27 with three plaques to commemorate the most successful year of the Tishomingo’s white-hot career. Shelton kicked off his sold-out headlining arena tour, “Well Lit & Amplified Tour 2012” Jan. 12 in Toledo, Ohio, with openers Justin Moore and Dia Frampton.
Along with his best country album nomination, Shelton also will compete for best country solo performance for “Honey Bee.” Plus, Shelton’s rendition of “God Gave Me You,” written by contemporary Christian singer Dave Barnes, earned a nod for best country song, an award presented to songwriters.
The Recording Academy announced last week that Shelton and The Band Perry will join country legend Glen Campbell for a special performance during the Grammy Awards, which will air Feb. 12 on CBS.
Also last week, Shelton earned entertainer of the year and male vocalist of the year nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, which he and fellow Oklahoma native Reba McEntire will co-host April 1 in Las Vegas on CBS.
His latest single from “Red River Blue,” “Drink On It” recently hit country radio. “Red River Blue” debuted at No. 1 on the Soundscan Top Current Albums chart and Soundscan Top Country Albums chart, with the Associated Press calling the album “the best album of his career.”
Shelton has notched 10 No. 1 hits and has not had a single peak outside the top 10 since 2007.
He is currently one of the musician coaches on NBC’s “The Voice” along with superstars Christian Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine. The hit reality TV series begins its second season at approximately 9 p.m. Sunday after the Super Bowl. Shelton and wife Miranda Lambert will perform “America the Beautiful” as part of the Super Bowl pregame festivities Sunday in Indianapolis.
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Miranda Lambert postpones Friday show to attend friend’s funeral
Miranda Lambert (AP file)
So far, 2012 has been a tough year for country music star Miranda Lambert.
The Tishomingo resident has postponed her concert set for Friday in Tallahassee, Fla., to attend the funeral of Mark “Tex” Adams, a childhood friend and practice mechanic for motocross racer James Stewart, according to CMT.com.
Lambert’s Tallahassee concert has been rescheduled for May 17. For more information, go to www.mirandalambert.com.
Adams, who had appeared in the MTV series “Nitro Circus,” was killed early last Thursday morning in Florida after he was struck by an SUV while helping a driver who had run out of gas, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was 28.
Lambert earlier this month rescheduled three shows to come back to Oklahoma and attend the funeral of Dick Shelton, father of her husband and fellow country star Blake Shelton.
Our thoughts are with Miranda and the family and friends of Tex Adams.
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Voting closes at 11 a.m. on ACM New Artist of the Year semi-finalists
Thompson Square
Voting closes at 11 a.m. today to help narrow the field for the ACM New Artist of the Year.
The Academy of Country Music has designated eight semi-finalists for its ACM New Artist of the Year. Among the newcomers to make the cut are Grammy-nominated duo Thompson Square, which features Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson and his wife Shawna.
Here’s the full list of semi-finalists:
• Brantley Gilbert
• Hunter Hayes
• JT Hodges
• David Nail
• Jerrod Niemann
• Justin Moore
• Scotty McCreery
• Thompson Square
The ACM has invited fans to vote to help pare the semi-finalists to three nominees. The final three nominees will be announced in February and will move on to compete for ACM New Artist of the Year, which will be announced live April 1 during the 47th Annual ACM Awards, co-hosted by Oklahoma country stars Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire and airing on CBS.
Fans can vote through noon Eastern/11 a.m. Central today at GACTV.com.
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Monday Catchy Quote No. 199
Faisil: They call him the Sand Spider.
Spencer Trilby: Why?
Faisil: Probably because it sounds scary.
- Click here to learn the source.
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What to do in Oklahoma on Jan. 30, 2012: Take advantage of free admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo
Admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo is free on Mondays through February. (Photo by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman Archives)
Today’s featured event:
Take advantage of free admission Mondays through February at the Oklahoma City Zoo, 2101 NE 50. The oo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
For more information, go to www.okczoo.com. For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
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What to do in Oklahoma on Jan. 29, 2012: Hear Susan Herndon at IAO Gallery
Today’s featured event:
Hear singer-songwriter Susan Herndon tonight at Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery, 706 W Sheridan. The program will start at 6 p.m. with a meet-and-greet. The show will begin at 6:30pm. Admission for this performance is $7.
Herndon’s latest album, “All Fall Down,” produced under the direction of Lloyd Maines, is a collection of songs that includes country, pop, blues, rock, reggae, bluegrass, jug-band, a ballad, a poetry-ramble, and a French song.
Born in St. Louis, but completely Okie bred – that is, until moving to France – Susan began performing there, busking in the streets, then playing regularly with a group of fellow-vagabonds in Auvergne, in Provence, and in the Dordogne, and then on into Greece. These past several years have also seen her gigging relentlessly from Okemnukov, Ukraine, to Okemah, Oklahoma, and playing and touring in venues from Tennessee and Arkansas to Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas and into New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and Florida.
For more information, go to www.iaogallery.org. For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
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Merle Haggard released from hospital, returns home to California
Country music legend Merle Haggard has returned home to northern California to recuperate from multiple illnesses, according to the Associated Press.
Haggard had been hospitalized in Macon, Ga., for about a week with double pneumonia. While there, doctors discovered three stomach ulcers and eight polyps in his colon.
The “Okie from Muskogee” singer, 74, earlier tried to checked himself out of the hospital to return to Redding, Calif., by tour bus. But he returned a few hours later after deciding the trip would be too taxing.
The singer affectionately known as “the Hag” was diagnosed with lung cancer a few years ago, but recovered after part of his lung was removed.
It’s unclear how Haggard’s touring schedule will be affected by his health issues. His website shows him playing his next show Feb. 28 in Tucson, Ariz.
He was originally set to play a Jan. show at Tulsa’s River Spirit Event Center. According to the venue’s website, the show was rescheduled for to Sunday, April 29 after Haggard was initially hospitalized and his January tour dates delayed. Refunds on Tulsa tickets purchased are made for a canceled or postponed event only. River Spirit Casino will honor all tickets purchased, according to the site.
For more information, go to www.creeknationcasino.com/entertainment/eventcenter.
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Miranda Lambert’s “Law & Order: SVU” episode airing Feb. 8
Miranda Lambert (AP file)
NBC has announced the airdate for country music star Miranda Lambert’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” guest appearance.
The Tishomingo resident will make her acting debut in the episode titled “Father’s Shadow,” airing at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Here is the episode synopsis:
Detective Benson (Mariska Hargitay) finds herself in danger when a rape investigation spirals into a hostage crisis. Harry Connick Jr., Miranda Lambert and Michael McKean guest star. An aspiring actress is found unconscious in Central Park with drugs in her system and evidence of sexual trauma. Detectives Benson (Hargitay) and Amaro (Danny Pino) pay a visit to the reality show producer (guest star McKean) for whom she had auditioned just before the attack, and stop him from assaulting another actress (guest star Lambert) on the casting couch. The detectives arrest the producer, but the situation turns dangerous when his distraught son takes drastic action in order to get his father out of jail. Meanwhile, Benson and Executive ADA David Haden (guest star Connick) grow closer. Also starring Ice-T (Detective Odafin Tutuola), Dann Florek (Captain Donald Cragen), Richard Belzer (Sergeant John Munch) and Kelli Giddish (Detective Amanda Rollins.) Special appearance by Linus Roache (Bureau Chief Mike Cutter.)
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