Men Of 1,000 Talents

The spotlight on the ladies seems to shine bright these days so taking a look at the famous men of Country on TV and Radio everywhere.

This week, Dierks Bentley playing super-husband/dad, cheering his wife on at the Boston Marathon. Then he is appointed to the board of directors at the Nashville International Airport. What? DB is a pilot, aircraft owner, frequent flyer, Vandy grad and very qualified for that advisory job. Great appointment and a great example of the multi-talented stars in the Country music field in 2017.

New album for Brad Paisley today 4/21/17. Love & War. Social media is a huge part of the marketing landscape for any artist today and Brad is working it hard. Frequent Twitter user and has poured several new videos into his Facebook page.

Most people do a video ... Brad has done six by last count ... They are there and he's doing more. Brad's as visual as he is a guitar player. You must go seek out the video ... Selfie: The Internet is Forever. I said OMG more than once and even did a spit-laugh ... People are CRAZY!

Brad asked fans to send in their worst Selfie. Oh, and they did and most never made it into the video for obvious reasons.

ABC's GMA ... NBC's Tonight Show ... traditional promotional stops and the social media blasts ... Then tons of radio interviews ... a special ... the many bases are covered. Artists get a work-out when they have a new album. As they should!

Brad can edit video, create animation and navigate friendships with Opry greats and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers such as album guests Mick Jagger and John Fogerty.

It's hard these days if all you do is sing. You better be hot on that computer keyboard, too.

Keith Urban was on that BeeGees special and knocked everyone out with his take on "To Love Somebody." He is a great entertainer. Witty, charming and versatile. Like Paisley he can host, play with other superstars and sing and play anything.

Then there's good old boy Blake. The Voice is still kicking *ss in the ratings. He is one of the most recognizable stars in all of network television. Who would have thought? Blake and Gwen are all over the gossip magazines and so is Miranda. So Country still has horses in that race. Always has ... Tammy, Loretta, even Garth. Carrie got some tabloid action recently.

Country artists, like pop artists, can be one-note musicals. They sing and that's about it. That's fine if they sing well enough. Today you have to do so much more. Diplomatic skills are more important than ever. Staying away from politics may still be great advice.

The Soul to Soul tour had to move a date due to NBA playoff schedule. Atlanta had to move from Saturday April 22nd to the next night the 23rd. Big deal for all involved ... The army with nothing to do between the Bham date and Atl, and the fans moving hotel rooms, babysitters, etc. A teaching moment for the concert bookers. NBA/NHL buildings have unpredictable playoffs ... can't book shows on possible playoff nights...

Nashville is in crazy hockey playoff mode ... Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood sang the anthems this week and Chicago was swept 4-0. Hockey Fever building in Music City.

Oh yeah ... chain only as good as the weakest link ... Best friend went to buy new superstar album today in Montgomery, AL ...opening day and wasn't available ... clerk said WalMart vendor controls that ... How frustrating is this? Who is to blame on that? Physical sales, who cares?