The Country Report

January 3, 2013

"Tennessee Waltz" Singer Patti Page Dies 

Singer Patti Page has died.  One of the best-known female artists in traditional pop music, "The New York Times" reports Page died on New Year's Day, Tuesday, in Encinitas, California.  She was 85.  Born Clara Ann Fowler in Claremore, Oklahoma, Page signed with Mercury Records in 1947 and became their first successful female artist, blending country music styles into many of her pop hits.  Her signature song, "Tennessee Waltz," was recorded in 1950 and later became one of two official state songs for Tennessee.  Between 1950 and 1953, Page also had number one hits with "All My Love (Bolero)," "I Went to Your Wedding," and "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?"  She continued recording through the early 1980s.  Page's last studio album "Brand New Tennessee Waltz" was released in 2000. 

Patti Page was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame in 1997.  Her death comes just one month shy of the Recording Academy's plans to honor her with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.  Page was married three times.  Her third husband, Jerry Filiciotto, died in 2009. 

Julianne Hough Opens Up About Childhood Abuse 

Julianne Hough is opening up about her painful past.  The country singer, dancer, and actress tells "Cosmopolitan" that she can relate the character she plays in the upcoming film "Safe Haven," because she was abused, mentally and physically as a child.  She explains that she grew up in London studying dance at a prestigious arts school, so her parents weren't there to protect her.  Julianne says she was a ten-year-old girl "being a very sensual dancer" who looked 28.  She describes herself as "a tormented little kid who had to put on this sexy facade," while she was really just "this innocent little girl" who "wanted so much love."  Hough adds that the abuse became worse as she "started becoming a woman and stopped being a little girl." 

But Hough won't give details or name names, saying she's "a very forgiving person" and "what's past is past."  She adds that she's always been very driven to meet her goals -- first to become a dancer, then to become a singer, and then to become an actress -- and her determination helped her achieve each of them before the age of 25.  Hough portrays a woman who survives an abusive relationship in "Safe Haven," which opens in theaters on February 14th. 

Scotty McCreery Has Wisdom Teeth Removed 

Scotty McCreery's using a break in his schedule to take care of some personal business.  The singer tweeted Wednesday morning that he was on his way to the doctor to have his wisdom teeth removed.  He also cautioned his followers about subsequent messages, saying he hoped there wouldn't be "any strange tweets" from him because he expected to be "out of it."  He offered a follow up message a few hours later, tweeting that he was "feeling good."  He added, "It's gonna be a sportscenter and couch day for me. Bring on the yogurt/jello/ and most importantly, ice cream."  Scotty has a few weeks to rest and recover before hitting the stage again. 

Scotty's first scheduled show of 2013 isn't until Valentine's Day.  McCreery will be performing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on February 14th. 

Dierks Bentley Explains Connection To New Video Location 

Dierks Bentley says he's glad he was able to shoot the video to "Tip It On Back" at the Georgia Theater.  The singer says the Athens, Georgia venue has always been special to him. 

Dierks admits that he was sad when the Georgia Theater burned down, and says he actually went to Athens to visit the burnt-out shell.  Bentley adds that when it came time to pick a location for the "Tip It On Back" video, he knew he wanted a place that was "kind of college-y," and since the Georgia Theater had reopened he thought it was an ideal spot for the shoot. 

Country Stars Sign On For Springsteen MusiCares Tribute 

Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw are just a couple of the country stars on board to salute a rock icon.  They'll join Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines and others in paying tribute to Bruce Springsteen as this year's MusiCares Person of the Year.  With the event Springsteen is being recognized for his work as a musician as well as his extensive charity work, which recently included fundraising efforts in support of Hurricane Sandy relief.  Numerous other stars, including Elton John, Jackson Browne, Neil Young, and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, are also slated to take part in the event.  "The Daily Show's" Jon Stewart will host the 2013 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which will take place in Los Angeles on February 8th -- two days before the 55th annual Grammy Awards ceremony. 

Blake Shelton Resolves To Clean Up His Tweets 

Blake Shelton's Twitter page might start looking a little different.  The country star tells "Us Weekly" his New Year's resolution is to "work on being a less controversial tweeter."  Shelton has raised eyebrows and generated headlines with his use of the social media.  Last month some of his followers took exception to his tweet about the Connecticut school shooting, which led Shelton to admit he could have been more careful with his words.  Last summer Shelton drew fire from animal rights activists after he joked about running down a turtle with his car, and in 2011 he created a stir with a tweet that was perceived as homophobic.  With those incidents he initially lashed out at his critics for misunderstanding his sense of humor, but eventually apologized for inadvertently offending others. 

Kip Moore Open To Variety Of Songwriting Partners 
         
Kip Moore says he doesn't seek out new songwriting partners, but is open to the possibilities.  The singer says he's entertained the idea of collaborating with both Dierks Bentley and Eric Church. 

Kip will be touring this year with Brantley Gilbert, but he says that doesn't mean they'll team up to write songs.  He says it'd "be great" if "something happens" and they "start to write," but if they don't get together that will "be fine" too.  The country stars will head out together on the "Hell On Wheels Tour," which begins in Independence, Missouri on January 31st. 


Hunter Hayes Shares His Attitude On Relationships 

Hunter Hayes says there's nobody special in his life right now -- and that's how he wants it.  The country singer tells CMT he becomes totally devoted to whatever he's passionate about, and currently that's his music.  He adds that when he does meet someone he wants to "make sure" he's "not distracted," and can be "their biggest fan."  Hunter explains that he doesn't want to be "the guy who's not giving and is just there," but intends to give his relationship "everything" he has.  He adds that he wants to have a mutually supportive relationship in which they're there for each other through "whatever crazy thing" they have "going on."