Tim McGraw photo courtesy of Curb Records
Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!
Q: I have recently heard that Tim McGraw will be retiring in 10 years. Is this true or have I heard wrong? If this is true, what made him make this big decision? I love Tim McGraw. Without his music, I'll probably go insane.
(Lauren, McAdams, MS)
A: Lauren, your sanity is safe for now. As far as we know, Tim McGraw hasn’t set a certain date to retire. What you’ve heard him say about retiring recently comes out of his responses to questions about his expressed interest in running for public office at some point. Tim’s telling people that he’s not interested in a political career now — "Maybe in 10 years when I’m 50, and ready to retire," he said at one point. Of, course retiring at 50 might not even be in the picture for Tim. After all George Strait and Reba McEntire have both blown by the half century mark with their careers still on the rise, proving, perhaps, that 50 is the new "40."
Q: My sister and I are big Trace Adkins fans and always go to the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, Indiana. I have always seen Trace there. I wondered why he isn’t going to be there or Danville, Illinois where we have seen him every year, too?
(Ruth, Martinsville, IL)
A: Ruth, it’s natural that singers like Trace Adkins go to venues where they’ve always had good crowds. But it’s just as natural, as their career grows, that they find more places around the country where they become popular. So, as much as they love and appreciate venues that helped them early on in their career, they naturally have to try to visit new areas where they want to grow fans as well. The Little Nashville Opry may not see Trace every year, but you can bet the farm that he hasn’t forgotten it, and will be back at some point.
Q: I live in North Carolina and Carrie Underwood is my favorite singer. She hasn't been here as much as she has other states. Why is that?
(Jill, Asheville, NC)
A: Jill, Carrie Underwood has gone from nobody to big star in record time. She may rise to superstar status in record time as well. That means she will likely go to performing in big venues in the most populated areas of our country. In the process, she’ll be skipping the 5-to-10 year process of slugging it out in small clubs-to-honky-tonks-to-theaters-to-arenas that other singers go through to build a fan base. That could explain why you haven’t seen her in Asheville-size venues up to this point.
Q: I just saw Gary Allan in concert in Helotes, Texas. It was a fantastic show! He sang several new songs, including "She's So California" and "Like It's a Bad Thing." When is his next CD scheduled to be released?
(Deane, Gonzales, TX)
A: Deane, at this point there is no release date set for Gary Allan’s new album. Gary says he was pretty far along with recording for a new studio album when his record label told him they needed to do a greatest hits package instead. So, his next studio album could come out later this year, but early 2008 is more likely.
Q: Does Buddy Jewell have a new CD coming out anytime soon?
(Jeffrey, Atkins, AR)
A: Jeffery, there’s no news regarding a new album from Buddy Jewell as yet. The last recording he released (since losing his record deal he earned as a "Nashville Star" champion), was his participation in the special CD compilation, Support Our Troops. Keep up with Buddy at buddyjewell.com.
Q: I saw Pam Tillis a few weeks ago. Will she have a new album out soon? I'm not sure, but I think she has a son. I was wondering if he is interested in the music business in some way.
(Cyndi, Roswell, NM)
A: Cyndi, I was pleased to have a reason to interview Pam Tillis again a few months back. The reason she was wishing to chat with the press again after a long absence from the music scene, was to talk about her new album called Rhinestoned. It is on sale now and earned a "Critic’s Choice" from People magazine. And, yes, Pam’s son is interested in music and plays the guitar. How could he not be, considering who his mom is, and with granddad being country legend Mel Tillis.
Q: Me and my mom are debating about who sings this song. It goes, "She said yes. I said wow. She said when. I said how about right now......" Do you know who sings this and what the song's title is? I'd really appreciate it if you did.
(Whitney, Parowan, UT)
A: The song you’re talking about, Whitney, is titled, "Yes!" In 2000 it became the only No. 1 hit scored by singer/songwriter, Chad Brock. Chad wrote it about a girl he met and married in a whirlwind romance that resulted in nearly instant marriage?a marriage that ended not much longer than an instant later.
Q: I am a Reba McEntire look-a-like. Any job opportunities there or would Reba herself be interested?
(Lisa, Indianapolis, IN)
A: Gosh Lisa, I’m not sure what to tell you. Generally, if you both look like, and can sing like, a star, you might get work in theme parks, dinner theaters, etc. that employ people to look and sing like country stars. In most cases you’ll find it’s at best, a part time job. Your best chance of getting work as a celebrity double is to look up the better talent agencies that employ look-a-like talent.