Yallwire News

Rodney Atkins is currently looking for material for the follow up to his successful CD, If You're Going Through Hell, and even though he doesn't want to duplicate the smash title cut, Rodney hopes to find songs that "will equally inspire folks." Now that he has a track record of success, Atkins tells The Tennessean, "That's the kind of songs that we're trying to find, and that I'm trying to write. I'm not looking for ditties, I'm looking for anthems, songs for the ages." Rodney predicts his new record will be in stores by the end of this year.

[ArtistoMedia]

Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Faith Hill and a host of others discuss turning 40 in the latest issue of /Country Weekly/ magazine, which hits newsstands today. The stars reveal how they keep looking and feeling good as they approach or after they've reached the big 4-0. Faith gives her take, sharing, "I don't want to sound like a Hallmark card, but to be able to wake up each day with food and shelter, that alone is good." Tracy Lawrence adds, "I hope I can perform until they wheel me away."

Gary Allan, Terri Clark and Chris Cagle also offer their thoughts to the article.

[ArtistoMedia]

The Tennessean, "It's an honor that really is one of my proudest because of how emotionally connected to me it will always be." His mother, father, stepmother and an aunt will attend the festivities. Dwight shares, "I realize by the grace of God and the love of these wonderful and humble and decent folks that I've had opportunities that they didn't have. Because of their striving and overcoming obstacles, I was able to hopefully give back through my music... It really means everything to me that my mother will be able to be there and be a part of that moment."

Crystal Gayle, producer Norro Wilson, Florence Henderson and jazz musician Les McCann will also be inducted this evening.

[ArtistoMedia]

Rodney Atkins was home with his family during the deadly tornadoes that swept across the state earlier this month. If it hadn't been for a brief break in the tour he is on, Rodney would have been on the road with Brad Paisley, leaving wife, Tammy Jo, son Elijah, 6, and teenage stepdaughters to endure the chaos alone. Luckily, the family escaped harm from the strong winds except for damage to outdoor possessions. Rodney tells The Tennessean, "We had an above-ground pool and deck and it was just completely blown apart. Our dog pen was blown over, and Elijah's playground was blown 50 yards away."

Brad Paisley until the first week in March. He's recently added another bus to his fleet in order to take his whole family with him this summer when he hits the road with Brooks & Dunn. He shares, "It just wasn't fair to my wife, sharing a bus with 14 guys, and it's like camping for Elijah. He takes his Wiffle ball and his bicycle. If it was up to Elijah, he would stay out there."

[ArtistoMedia]