Country Q&A: Week of February 4, 2009

By Neil Haislop

Shania Twain on the CMA Awards Red Carpet at "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards," on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on the ABC Television Network. Photo courtesy of the Country Music Association.

Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!

Q: Do you think we'll hear new music from Shania Twain this Year?
(John, Sydney, Canada)

A: John, for two years the word from Shania Twain's label has been "new music, perhaps this year." But, then Shania had to deal with the breakup of her marriage to her producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Shania showed up at the CMA Awards last year and said it herself, that she's working on new music and looking forward to releasing it soon. How soon?maybe this year (but we've heard that before). Let's hope it is this year.

Q: What has happened to Big &Rich? Have they split up or are they just taking a break from their music?
(Melissa, Roanoke, VA & Frank, Warsaw, IN)

A: Melissa and Frank, since you submitted nearly identical questions, I thought I'd answer you both at the same time! John Rich and Kenny Alphin remain partners in the act Big & Rich. But from the beginning, they've maintained independent careers as songwriters and performers. The duo identity is very much alive and you can check out all things Big & Rich, including upcoming new music and tour info at bigandrich.com.

Q: Is Toby Keith still married to Tricia? He never talks about his family. He never has anyone with him at any awards or occasions.
(Cheryl, Taylors, SC)

A: Cheryl, Toby Keith is still very happily married to his wife, but he's always tried to keep some distance between his family and the media to preserve some privacy in their lives. We've already seen him be protective with his daughter, Krystal. She wanted a singing career (she sang the duet with him on "Mockingbird" four years back), and Toby promised to help her become a star after she finished college. I'm not sure why his wife doesn't always show up with him at awards functions. Maybe she's just been there, done that enough!


Q: Any news on the release date for the new Lonestar CD?
(Roxanne, Minneapolis, MN)

A: Roxanne, I still have no answer regarding new music coming from Lonestar.
Their website is still saying that they're still working on a new CD and how to distribute it. Make note that their website address is lonestarnow.com. You can also get Lonestar news on their MySpace page — myspace.com/lonestar — as well.

Q: Whatever became of the great brother/sister duo John and Audrey Wiggins? They released two brilliant albums then disappeared.
(Danny, Porterville, CA)

A: Danny, in 1994 John and Audrey, The Wiggins, were a very promising recording act, but the closest they came to a hit was their second chart song, "Has Anybody Seen Amy," that peaked at No. 22 on the charts. When both their first and second albums failed to release a big hit song or two, The Wiggins were dropped from Mercury Records. In 1997 the duo split up and only John has found success in Nashville as a songwriter. He's had a hand in writing songs like "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" for Joe Nichols, and Randy Housers's debut single last year, "Anything Goes."