Country Q&A: Week of April 30, 2008

By Neil Haislop

Bucky Covington photo courtesy of Lyric Street Records

Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!

Q: Why can’t you play more videos than the same ones that are played over and over? I would love to see more Bucky Covington videos but I see them maybe two times a day.
(Bridgette, Spanish Fork, UT)

A: Bridgette, video channels are sort of like radio stations in that, by popular demand, they must naturally play the hottest singers’ big hits more often. When Bucky scores a big hit again and there’s a video of it, you’ll see more of him — and then I’ll get letters from the fans of some other star asking why GAC is playing that Bucky Covington guy so much. What you can do is type "Bucky Covington" in our search bar and then scroll down to the "Video Airtimes" section to see when GAC will be playing Bucky's videos next. That way you can watch at times you know you’ll be able to see Bucky and your other favorite artists.

Q: I know George Canyon released a CD including the song, "My Name," from the album A Good Friend. He also released an album after this one but after looking online, we found we can only buy them in Canada. Why wouldn't George release his CDs in the U.S?
(Alex, Waukesha, WI)

A: Alex, you’re right, George Canyon did release a single in the U.S., "My Name," but it only got up to #44 on the Billboard country chart. As you know, George came to U.S. attention when he did well in the "Nashville Star" competition. But when the record deal didn’t produce any hits, George did what a lot of Canadian acts do after giving the U.S.A. their best shot — he returned to Canada where he was already a star with an established career.

Q: I love the "Reba" show and watch it daily. Today at the end of the show, I noticed a tribute to N. Blackstock. Is this Reba's husband? Is he still alive or did he pass away?
(Cassie, Magna, UT)

A: Cassie, Narvel Blackstock is Reba McEntire's husband, but the N. Blackstock you saw in the episode of "Reba" that was filmed in 2005, was Narvel's father, also named Narvel. Narvel Sr. had passed away and that's why they paid tribute to him in the show. So no, Reba's Narvel did not pass away, that would've been headline news. But a tribute to Reba's husband would be well- deserved. It's hard to estimate how greatly responsible Blackstock has been for Reba's superstar success since he married her and took over as manager of her career some 20 years ago. Some would say he is the power behind the throne of Queen Reba.

Q: I am still debating on what to declare as my college major. I know I want to do something in country music, but I'm not sure if I want to do radio, TV, public relations, or something else. I would love to have your job! I know everything there is to know about country music and its rich history but I don't know what to do with it! Any suggestions?
(Tiffany, Niceville, FL)

A: Tiffany, first, you’ve made the right choice to go for a college degree. I’m glad I have one; it’s been an asset to me in all the related careers I’ve tried, from film production, radio and county music journalist, to producer of syndicated country radio programs. My degree was in broadcasting. I don’t know where you plan to go to school, but many universities now have fine broadcast courses and all the areas of music-related professions that you mention. If you do love country music as much as it seems, the first place I’d suggest you investigate is Belmont University in Nashville. They have an amazing school concentrating on The Music Business and many of Nashville’s top PR, production, media pros and musicians teach courses there. And several stars attended BU to study the business side of their career, including Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley and Lee Ann Womack. Good luck, and you’re welcome to have my job here?when I’m ready to give it up, of course.

Q: Capital Nashville is releasing a new CD/DVD from Chris LeDoux on April 29, to honor his life and legacy after his death. They are also releasing a new video for "Ridin' For a Fall". When will y'all be airing this video? Plus is there anyway y'all can air more of his videos? He was an awesome bareback rider, songwriter and singer.
(Mike, Bartlett, TN)

A: Mike, at this point, that video is not being broadcast by GAC. But if it’s a good video and the record label has provided it to GAC, it’s very likely that GAC will program it because so many people like you revere Chris LeDoux. Keep checking GACTV.com and do a search for Chris LeDoux to see if and when any of his videos might be scheduled.

Q: I'm a huge fan of Josh Turner. I read that he re-released his debut album Long Black Train in an alternate version in 2004 and omitted 4 tracks from it, "Don't Mess Around With Jim", "The Difference Between A Woman And A Man", "Good Woman Bad", and "Jacksonville." I have the original version and all these songs are great. Why did he release this alternate version?
(Jason, Quinebaug, CT)

A: Jason, Josh is still selling the first album on his site with all the songs you mentioned included. Josh did release a limited version of the album for his gospel fans, adding a few spiritual tunes to the collection in place of some cuts that the those fans found objectionable on the original CD.