Chris Cagle Tops Chart

Chris Cagle photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Chris Cagle Photo Courtesy of Capitol Nashville

February 29, 2008 - Chris Cagle sold more than 36,000 copies of his new album, "My Life's Been a Country Song," in its first week out, and that vaulted him to the No. 1 position on the "Billboard" Country Albums chart, a debut that shows his fans - referred to as Cagleheads - still support him mightily.

Chris is also quick to show his appreciation. Music Row spent the last week debating the merits of paying artists to perform at the annual CMA Music Festival, which annually draws more than 30,000 tourists for more than four days of concerts and the opportunity to meet some of their favorite stars. Chris doesn't think compensation is necessary.

"I've heard so many artists say things about, 'Well, we don't get paid to do this, and we're gonna go play a show or whatever,'" Chris told Dial-Global. "Well, go play a show. That just leaves me a better opportunity."

The CMA Music Festival is a smorgasbord of country music events, but while it's a great value to fans, Chris also recognizes that many of them are pushed to the limit to attend.

"They don't get rooms for free in Nashville," Chris said. "They don't eat for free in Nashville. They come down there. They bring commerce to our city, and they support our city. And they have one opportunity to come and have a first impression made and get to come back. The first few minutes you get with them, you get to be an ambassador for country music."

This year's CMA Music Festival is scheduled for June 5-8.