Kenny Chesney photo courtesy of Sony BMG Nashville.
Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!
Q: I am a huge Kenny Chesney fan and I was wondering if Kenny was coming out with his own record label called "Blue Chair Records." I noticed that beside his new album called "Lucky Old Sun," he had two record labels listed (BNA/Blue Chair).
(Eric, Kathleen, GA)
A: Eric you are observant, and yes, Kenny Chesney launched his own imprint, Blue Chair Records. In association with his longtime label, BNA Records, he has released of the first Blue Chair single, "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven," to radio. The song features the Wailers, the band of the late reggae artist Bob Marley. Kenny is the only artist on his new label, and the first album, Lucky Old Sun, will be his label's first CD.
Q: Didn't Blake Shelton used to be married?
(Wanda, Greenbrier, TN)
A: Yes, Wanda, Blake was married to a woman named Kaynette, whom he once described as his best friend. But while the marriage didn't last, Blake and Kaynette live within a few miles of each other back in Oklahoma, where they remain friends. Blake's current main squeeze is girlfriend and fellow country star, Miranda Lambert.
Q: Why does Jeff Bates keep getting bumped from the video charts? I love his music. It is true and from the heart.
(Sharon, Westover, AL)
A: Sharron, as talented as Jeff Bates is, he lost his record deal a year or so back and it's taken him a while sign with a new label, record and release new music. His first release for the label did well but was not a huge hit. The bigger his next hit is, the more radio and video airplay it will get.
Q: Being huge Dallas Cowboys fans, my husband and I are wondering if the rumor we hear about Tony Romo & Jessica Simpson getting married is true.
(Lynn, Morrilton, AR)
A: Lynn, we don't know if Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson are getting married or not. Tony seems to like blonde-haired singers, especially ones that are great looking and are success stories in their own right (he once dated Carrie Underwood).
Q: Where would I send a picture of my granddaughter with Dierks Bentley, to see if he would sign it and send it back for her? She is 8 years old and the picture was taken at the Ryman.
(Dwight, Mexico, ME)
A: Dwight, the thing is, most big stars like Dierks get thousands of similar personal requests from their fans. And, they're only able to fulfill just a few of them. But, it never hurts to ask. The best way to get to Dierks with a request like that is to work through his fan club. Google it on the web, and see if you, or your granddaughter, might want to join and try sending your request through them. Good luck.
Q: It seems that Kellie Pickler just doesn't get a break with country radio. Her current single has a very good message for all girls in all age groups, yet she can't get the air time. I don't understand all the politics in country radio, but it doesn't seem fair at all to Kellie. Why can't she get the airtime?
(Rick, Middleburg, FL)
A: Rick, Kellie Pickler's new song is still fresh and may yet catch on and get airplay real soon. Kellie is very talented and popular, but she didn't string together a bunch of hits from her debut album that came out two years ago — even though it's sold nearly 800,000 copies. Both Kellie and her music will be getting more attention when the September 30 release of her self-titled sophomore album draws nearer.