THIS WEEK

Strait’s Year of Milestones

Strait’s Year of Milestones

| October 15, 2011

This is a year of many personal milestones for George Strait.   He released his first single in 1981, so this is the 30th anniversary of his recording career. His son Bubba was born 30 years ago.  And he will celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary with wife Norma in December. Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton spoke with George […]

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Strait’s Got A New Way to Swing

Strait’s Got A New Way to Swing

| October 14, 2011

When George Strait isn’t on a stage or a horse, you’re likely to find him on a golf course.  In fact, he probably spends more time golfing than in music.  So it was no surprise when earlier this year, George Strait became partner in the Tapatio Golf Course and Resort, outside San Antonio TX.  He […]

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Strait: Bubba Fired Me Up

Strait: Bubba Fired Me Up

| October 14, 2011

George Strait is a dedicated family man.  He’s been married to his wife Norma for almost 40 years (they celebrate that anniversary in December).  And he does just about everything with his 30 year old son Bubba, also known as George Jr.  Father & son golf together, team rope together, ride horses together, and a […]

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New Footloose Movie Released

New Footloose Movie Released

| October 14, 2011

The original “Footloose” movie was one of the biggest box office hits of 1984. The soundtrack produced a number of radio hits including “Let’s Hear It For The Boy,” “Almost Paradise,” and the infectuous title song.   Now after 27 years, a remake of the groundbreaking movie has been released.  It’s the true story of a big city boy from Chicago […]

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George Strait Co-Hosts 10/15-16

George Strait Co-Hosts 10/15-16

| October 10, 2011

George Strait co-hosts the Countdown this week.  His current hit, “Here For a Good Time,” is in the Top 5.  George co-wrote the song with his son Bubba.  He tells Lon that Bubba got married last year, and is now expecting a baby.  That means George will become a grandfather in February.  George just bought […]

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Happy 18th Birthday Scotty!

Happy 18th Birthday Scotty!

| October 9, 2011

Sunday is American Idol winner Scotty McCreery’s 18th birthday.  He told us he’ll celebrate the occasion quietly with family & friends.  But the day before was totally different.  Scotty was back home in Raleigh NC for an all-day celebration.   He performed in front of 15,000 fans at the big amphitheater, where Brad Paisley performed just […]

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Rascal Flatts Joins The Opry

Rascal Flatts Joins The Opry

| October 8, 2011

They’ve already sold millions of records, had more than a dozen #1s, and played for millions of fans.  Now Rascal Flatts is part of country history, as the trio became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry.  Lead singer Gary LeVox told the media backstage, “It is so humbling to carry the Opry flag.  There’s […]

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New Music: Meet Hunter Hayes

New Music: Meet Hunter Hayes

| October 8, 2011

His debut single is in our Top 3o.  He has a song in the soundtrack to the “Footloose” movie.  And his debut CD will be released this Tuesday, October 11th.  Hunter Hayes is a 20-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Louisiana.  We caught up with him on the red carpet of the “Footloose” premiere: The album will be […]

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Scotty: Wasn’t Prepared For Fame

Scotty: Wasn’t Prepared For Fame

| October 7, 2011

One year ago, Scotty McCreery was a normal 17-year-old high school kid who occasionally sang around North Carolina.  Then on a whim, he and his family went to Milwaukee and tried out for American Idol.  Now Scotty has stories about stars like Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban.  Lon Helton, […]

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Scotty’s McDuet With McGraw

Scotty’s McDuet With McGraw

| October 7, 2011

One of the highlights on the American Idol finale was when Scotty McCreery sang “Live Like You Were Dying” with Tim McGraw.  Scotty told Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton it was a highlight for him too: “Besides winning, that was my favorite best moment on the show.  That was absolutely insane, incredible.  Being able to […]

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