All Smiles

Tonight on Crook and Chase, Trace sang a duet with Ronnie Milsap that was phenomenal for fans. Yet, the best part was Trace's smile. I've never seen him smile that much during any song or inteview. I wasn't the only one to notice, Lorianne said she had never seen Trace smile that much before and she should know.
Charlie voiced another opinion I've developed when watching Celebrity Apprentice - that Donald Trump was afraid of Trace. But Trace said that wasn't true - Trump had four men with guns where-ever he went.

Trace Attracted to the Lyrics

Trace’s newest single, “You’re Gonna Miss This” is well received by country music fans, making its way up the charts. Trace says that he chooses songs first based on the lyrics and second based on the musical aspects. I was wondering who wrote the song and found, it is written by the duo of Lee Thomas Miller and Ashley Gorley. Ashley, by the way, like the hero of Gone with the Wind is a gentleman.
I found the following about Lee. Lee Thomas Miller was born in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Since moving to Nashville in 1991, Lee has had #1 singles with Terri Clark's "I Just Wanna Be Mad" and Joe Nichols' "The Impossible" (2003 Grammy Nomination for Country Song of the Year). Lee also received Music Row Magazine's Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year in 2003.
Ashley, professor of music at Belmont University, was a co-writer on Carrie Underwood's latest single, "Don't Forget to Remember Me." Gorley is a full-time songwriter for Combustion Music and is also a 1999 music business alumni. He also co-wrote Brad Paisley’s “Time Well Wasted”, George Strait’s “If the Whole World Was a Honky Tonk”, Gretchen Wilson’s “Rebel Child”.
I loved the following critique of one of his students.
"This guy is downright hilarious, even though he doesn't laugh out loud...ever. He uses random examples of hip-hop artists to prove points, which is funny in itself, since he's an established writer for many country artists. His Real World Experience + Dry Humor = Good Stuff. You can't help but pay attention in his class-- and laugh at his jokes."
He also co-wrote Brad Paisley’s “Time Well Wasted”, George Strait’s “If the Whole World Was a Honky Tonk”, Gretchen Wilson’s “Rebel Child”.

The Gospel by Trace

Like Trace I grew up in a church steeped in gospel music and have blessed memories of standing next to my grandpa and singing. When I hear "I'll Fly Away" it has the echoes of the most precious moments of my childhood. The song contains the memories of my grandfather's voice and it doesn't matter whom sings it, I hear him, his intonation, his southern accent, his soulful guitar playing.

My introduction to The Oakridge Boys was their gospel concert at our church when I was in junior high and impressed by their giant touring bus.

The Mother Church of Country Music - Grand Ole Opry and RCA Records Nashville have come together to celebrate and showcase the amazing gospel music that is performed regularly at the Grand Ole Opry each year by country music's biggest stars. This unique collection features twelve gospel songs recorded live at the Grand Ole Opry, acccording to recent press releases.

Among those great singers will be Trace singing "Wayfaring Stranger" . Trace recorded this same gospel classic on his very first album. So I am doubly excited to hear this recording, not only because I am a fan of gospel, but because I am anxious to hear how Trace's voice has evolved over the more than ten years since he last recorded this song.

You can pre-order this soon to be classic album from the Grand Ole Opry at their website. http://www.richardsandsouthern.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=1345

You're Gonna Miss This not my fave

(This blog is not sanctioned by Trace Adkins or any member of his comany. All opinions are my own.)
On the way home from work, after 73 times of hearing "You're Gonna Miss This" on the CD in my car, I've finally figured out why this is not my favorite Trace song. Throughout the song he remains in the same octave as metrosexual Keith Urban or Kenny Chesney. There is none of the spine tingling low notes of most of his other songs. I was drawn to Trace because he was the first since George Jones who could go so low you could almost not hear the note. How many Trace fans have melted when they heard him say "hello darlin"" which is, of course (if you Google it), is a Conway Twitty phrase? Trace is the only country music star to continue what those greats began. Thank God we have him. Anyone can sing the notes of Urban or Chesney - only one can make women melt the way Conway did with just two words. I attended Conway's concert just weeks before he left us and let me tell you women were still throwing underpants at him just like they do Tom Jones. I loved Conway, but he had about half the talent of Trace. No boos please. (It is just my opinion.)

Same Ole Me in HD!

Trace’s website says he appears tonight on two television programs, the CMT 100 Greatest Duets Concert at 6:00 p.m. (which I’ve seen) and RAVE’s George Jones, 50 years of Hits at 10:00 p.m. (which I haven’t). I’ve got my fingers crossed that we subscribe to RAVE, but a little worried because I don’t remember seeing the station before. (No wonder, it’s at Channel 9470 between sports and religious channels.)
I went online to see what “RAVE” was about and found the following at their website, “RAVE HD is the first music channel dedicated to delivering a larger than life concert experience in crystal clear hi-definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound.” I hope the neighbors are going to bed late tonight.
Although this is the PBS Soundstage special recorded in 2004, it will be new for me and fantastic in HD and surround sound.
I read About.com Columnist Shelly Fabian’s review of the show. She said, “Up on stage next was a performer whose mere presence absolutely demands attention, Trace Adkins. Trace was wearing a pair of well-fitting jeans, a Baby Blue Jean trimmed shirt with a black t-shirt underneath and he entertained the crowd with "Same Ole Me". The audience went wild. Yes, I would say that Trace was made for the stage, or just maybe the stage was made for him.”
Tune in.

You must listen to Trace "Stripped"

Oh my.
I have a new favorite Trace Adkins song. Today WEZL emailed with details of the “Get Your Game On With Trace Adkins” contest that included a button titled “Watch Trace Perform Stripped”.
I fell for the bait and was connected to Stripped Raw and Real, Clear Channel’s “exclusive in-studio performance series created for artists who thrive on performing without the typical studio and video embellishments. Just music, raw and real!”
Was it ever.
Trace performs a bluesy and soulful “Ain’t No Woman Like You” with a minimum of acoustic instruments in a recording that far outdoes the version included in his Dangerous Man album. The full band of instruments are not needed in this song and, in fact, are a distraction. Without them, Trace’s voice wraps itself around words in ways we have not heard before
If you haven’t heard it, follow the link below. Once you’ve heard Trace Stripped, you may never go back.
http://www.strippedmusic.com/arch_traceadkins.html

Trace's Voice Wins it for Hydra

In the Celebrity Apprentice competition for best Pedigree Community Awareness Ad, Trace's voice won it for Hydra. The male celebrity team chose Trace to do the voiceover for their ad which featured heavyweight boxing champ, Lennox Lewis. The gist of the commercial was that everyone needs a champion and showed scenes of Lewis with the most adorable bulldog, adopted from an animal shelter.
What other celebrities said about Trace's voiceover work.....
"The voice of God", Gene Simmons, Hydra team leader.
"I've been given a gift," Stephen Baldwin, Hydra commercial director.
"Exceptional," Donald Trump.
Trace fans could have told them that. But, Trace's participation in the show has introduced his double platinum voice to a wider audience.
On NBC's Apprentice Discussion Board fans said..
"Amazing job on the voice over tonight. I agree with Donald. Pure genius using Trace that way. There was nobody else on that team who could have done it as well." Trace fans have penned four pages of hurrahs for their celebrity, making it second only to Omarosa. (Come on fans, you don't want Trace to remain second to Omarosa, do you?)
Cudos to Trace Adkin's management team for encouraging him to participate in the show and to Trace for making the most of a project that he said was one of the most difficult he has undertaken.

Capitol Promotions Push American Man: Greatest Hits Toward Top Ten

Capitol Record’s innovative advertising has Trace’s newest album nearing the top ten. American Man: Greatest Hits, Vol. II rose to number 12 on the Billboard’s Top Country Albums this week.
This album includes the recently released single "You're Gonna Miss This” which made the top 30's on both the RR and MB charts before its official release to radio on January 14th, according to Trace's website.
Store sales of CDs might be tanking, but internet downloads, especially of singles are on the rise. Capitol Records enlisted a combination of powerful new advertising tools to promote the album including a pre-sale promotion with I-Tunes that gave purchaser’s a special code allowing them first dibs at concert tickets. Trace was the first country artist to launch an album that way according to Capitol.
As the album was released in early December, TRACE starred as a video spokesperson on the Web sites of 25 radio stations to promote the radio stations by using the station's call letters, and the station contests and events. Viewers got a chance to see his new video; and/or buy his new album by clicking on his picture.
A new promotion begins next week according to GAC. Its Clear Channel radio promotion begins January 14, 2008, and will run through each individual Clear Channel radio station's website, with numerous on-air mentions and prizes including game time with Trace himself.
First prize is a concert package including airfare for two, hotel, transportation, concert tickets, backstage passes, and a 30-minute gaming session with Trace as well as an autographed Xbox 360 with a Trace Adkins skin and an autographed copy of Trace's new CD, American Man, Greatest Hits Volume II.
January 24th Trace and company step on stage to promote the album with the American Man Tour beginning at Bangour, ME.
Let’s hope all this hard work pays off with another chart topping album for Trace.
http://www.capitolnashville.com/ArtistHome.aspx?ArtistID=901045

Trace braves the "Trailer Park of Terror"

Did you know that Trace will make his film debut with a cameo appearance in the comic based indie horror flick 'Trailer Park of Terror' which is an official selection of the 2008 Slamdance Film Festival taking place later this month? I would guess that he became involved in this film project because it was directed by another well known Nashville name, Country music video director Steven Goldman. (Broken Bridges and over 200 music videos for artists such as Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Alan Jackson).
The Plot: Six troubled teens become stranded in a ramshackle trailer park where they meet Norma, an undead, trailer-trash babe with a killer body and a cursed brood of Redneck Zombies.
The official film website is:
http://www.trailerparkofterror.com/

Trace can sing gospel - beautifully

I love to hear Trace sing anything, but when Trace sings a gospel song you can hear the beat of angel wings. Yesterday evening GAC aired special 2-hour presentation of the Grand Ole Opry shot on location at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York city.
The audience was graced with gospel songs at the end of the show sung by Trace Adkins, Little Jimmy Dickens, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Trisha Yearwood, Bill Anderson, Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Kraus, and Vince Gill.
GAC plans to record a special on January 20th How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites Live From The Grand Ole Opry and will air the program on television and release an album.
I can't wait.
http://www.opry.com/OpryNews/PressRelease.aspx?id=5799

Trace Adkins: American Man

Hey fans,

GAC TV is bringing out and dusting off its Trace Adkins: American Man special to be aired three times this week. This is the one-hour concert special originally aired December 2007.




January 09, 2008 8:00 PM ET
January 10, 2008 12:00 AM ET
January 10, 2008 10:00 AM ET

GAC says: Trace Adkins brings his high-energy performance and trademark baritone to the television screen with his first GAC concert special, which weaves together his remarkable vocal talent and humorous personal anecdotes.
Adkins takes the GAC cameras along for a ride in his pickup in the city of Lebanon, Tenn. to reflect on his journey to stardom. Adventures include a trip to the local barbershop, a hilarious recollection of a long-forgotten incident involving the city jail and being approached for an autograph by the "meanest man in town."

An Exercise in Restraint

Trace confirmed in today's edition of Parade Magazine that his fans know him well. On his website, fans voted by an overwhelming 92% in favor of Omaraosa, when asked Who Would Trace Have Voted Off If He Were In Mr. Trump's Shoes?
He said.......
Q How does country star Trace Adkins rate his experience as a contestant on Donald Trump’s NBC show Celebrity Apprentice?—S.C., Honolulu, Hawaii
A “I thought it would be fun,” Adkins, 45, tells us, “but it turned out to be an exercise in restraint to keep from killing some of the other celebrities, especially Omarosa.”
As a girl, I saw my southern born and bred father, pick a man up by his nose and hold him on his tip toes until he apologized for being disrespectful to my mother.
Those participating in Celebrity Apprentice should be thankful that Trace has more restraint, and is able to tolerate those who do not possess his southern values.

"Home of Trace Adkins"

Sarepta Louisiana is so proud to be the “Home of Trace Adkins” that town officials have posted a Trace Adkins page on the official Sarepta website (http://sarepta.govoffice2.com). From the looks of it, Trace is just as proud of his hometown and shows it by supporting special events and participating in fundraisers.
Sarepta is located on the Northwest Lousiana Scenic Byway (Louisiana Hwy. 2) which runs east from Bernice to Vivan on the Texas border (http://www.scenicbyway-nwla.com/main.html). The local Visitor’s Bureau beckons…..
“It’s rolling hills and pine trees, oil and cotton, Saturday festivals and Sunday night sing-alongs at the local church. You'll find a place where life still moves at a slower pace, where folks still wave and where the area's own colorful history is celebrated at seemingly every turn in museums that are dotted across the rolling hills on and around the Byway. They celebrate everything from agriculture to outlaws and from the oil industry to famous faces with local roots.”
Does that sound like Trace Adkins or what?
I’m tempted to do as the Tourist Bureau advises, “As you drive Highway 2 into Sarepta, slip in a tape of Trace Adkins and let the famous Sarepta native serenade you as you check out his hometown.”

Did you know?

When Trace Adkins was asked who had the best
"Badonkadonk" on the Celebrity Apprentice show, he named Tiffany, but did you know that Tiffany Fallone is the wife of Joe Don Rooney’s (Rascal Flatts) and a celebrity in her own right? Fallon revealed recently that she is 2 1/2 months pregnant and will be on the February cover of Playboy magazine. Fallon says of Adkins:

“It was almost like family was there, and someone who was on my same page,” said Fallon, an actress and television show host. “At one time I remember him saying, ‘I don’t belong here.’ I said, ‘Even more reason for you to be here. We’ve got to stick together.’

“At some points I really felt like, ‘Thank God Trace is here.’ He was such a hard worker and a kind spirit, but a very, very smart man.

“I think Tennessee and the country music world will be very proud of him.”

Introduction

Hey,

As a member of Trace's I'Squad, I was encouraged to publish my own website about the Alpha Male of County Music, but I thought a blog would be more fun (or funner)being that they are interactive and constantly changing.

Please visit often and leave notes and suggestions.

I was hoping to include Trace's band on this page, but information about that pack is difficult to come by. Can anyone out there point me in the right direction?