Singer Jerry Reed dies at 71

Jerry Reed, a country music singer, country guitarist, session musician, songwriter, and actor who became a good ol' boy actor in car chase movies like "Smokey and the Bandit," has died at the age of 71. Reed died on Monday from complications from emphysema. Reed had quadruple bypass surgery in June 1999.

Reed was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Reed's parents separated four months after his birth, and he and his sister spent seven years in foster homes or orphanages. Reed was reunited with his mother and stepfather in 1944. Music helped ease the stressful times the new family was under.

At age 18, Reed was signed by publisher and record producer Bill Lowery to cut his first record, "If the Good Lord's Willing and the Creeks Don't Rise."

He won a Grammy Award for "When You're Hot, You're Hot" in 1971 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. A year earlier, he shared a Grammy with Chet Atkins for their collaboration, "Me and Jerry." In 1992, Atkins and Reed won a Grammy for "Sneakin' Around.". Jerry Reed appeared in over a dozen movies.

"I'm proud of the songs, I'm proud of things that I did with Chet (Atkins), I'm proud that I played guitar and was accepted by musicians and guitar players," Reed told the AP in 1992.

Jessica Simpson Reveals Her Album Cover

Jessica Simpson has revealed her new album cover. Here is the official album cover for Jessica Simpson's country album "Do You Know". Jessica's new album is scheduled to be released September 9th 2008.

Great new font, on the album's cover, the Texas native wears a pair of brown cowboy boots, a quaint white dress and her signature pout.

Simpson repeatedly stated she wanted to go back to her roots and do country music. Simpson also has said that some people have been skeptical about her decision to do country music
on her new album, but she has been brought up around country music and fans have posted blog comments on her MySpace page responding positively to her upcoming release.

"I love the song and CANNOT wait for the album to come out in September, why so far away" writes one fan. "Jessica is my new Fav country star and i will always support her" says another fan.

Simpson made many promotional appearances to show her country crossover. On July 21, 2008 Jessica's single, "Come On Over" reached the top 20! Jessica has thanked all her fans for helping her single rise to the top!

The following songs will appear on the album:

• Come on Over
• Do You Know (Duet with Dolly Parton)
• Remember That

Jessica Simpson Booed at Country Thunder USA Festival

Jessica Simpson's first country concert performance didn't sit well with fans at the Country Thunder USA Festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

The singer, Clad in Daisy Dukes, a white button-down and cowboy boots, Simpson was booed as she walked onto the stage after a performance by "American Idol" finalist Kellie Pickler.

"I don't know what your perception is of Jessica Simpson or what tabloid you buy, but I just want you to know that I'm just a girl from Texas," Simpson told the crowd. "I'm just like you. I'm doing what I love and dating a boy."

Jessica dedicated the tune "You're My Sunday" to Tony Romo who Jessica Simpson is dating - Tony Romo is Wisconsin native - he was in the audience, Simpson performed country covers including Willie Nelson's On the Road Again and Shania Twain's Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? as well as songs from her new album "Do You Know."

Jessica Simpson's first country concert was met with mixed reactions, the crowd welcomed Simpson with a mixture of boos and cheers Saturday night. "Just because she's dating Tony Romo it doesn't make her country," one of the audience said to the local paper "She doesn't fit in with country, and I'll have to drink a lot of beer to sit through her concert." Added another "She's an embarrassment to country music," But there were a few supporters in the crowd "I actually like her country songs better. She has a great voice, plus, she's adorable," said another one.

Simpson announced earlier this year 2008 her plans to release a country album despite making a name for herself as a pop star. But the singer failed to impress the crowds when she debuted her new material.

Simpson's first country album, Do You Know? is not due until Sept. 9; however, her country single "Come On Over." was released this summer.

Earlier the Nashville Star judge offered an advice to Simpson, in PEOPLE magazine “I really like Jessica. She’s always been such a sweet, sweet person,” Jewel told PEOPLE. “If I were going to give her any advice, I would say work hard and be authentic. Be true to who you are.” If she does that, Jewel said, country fans will continue to embrace her.

Tim McGraw Almost Fights Drunk Fan At Washington State Show

Watch the Video taken by fans shows the story.


Country singer Tim McGraw is a true cowboy specially in his show at the White River Amphitheater in Auburn, Washington, Tuesday night.

McGraw was singing "Indian Outlaw" , when he noticed a large man causing a ruckus in the front row, allegedly attacking a female fan. McGraw shouts "Get rid of this guy! Security!" then McGraw, crew members and security pull the guy on stage in front of the entire crowd, and took him away.

When the fat guy moves toward McGraw, the singer cocks his fist back as if to throw a punch.

During that the band's performance of "Indian Outlaw" never stopped. And after the guy was dragged off stage by the security crew, McGraw stepped to the mic and said "I ain't lookin' for trouble ... ."

McGraw's rep told TMZ. "This overly aggressive fan attacked a female fan and Tim witnessed this incident. Tim called for security, but when they could not respond quick enough, Tim and several crew members removed the fan from the audience where he was then turned over to the local authorities."