Friends With Benefits

I was Country music-free for over a week aboard a Norwegian Cruise line in the Bahamas, Virgin Islands and The Dominican Republic. I did see a cardboard cutout of Chesney at a liquor store at a Saint Thomas place called Mountaintop. And a Filipino guitarman played like Chet Atkins. But never forget, Country has plenty of room for growth!

A new year and with the stock market volatile, oil prices insane and politics in Presidential mode, this is going to be a crazy and fast year.

Some quick odds and ends: Trace Adkins not doing anything bad on "Celebrity Apprentice." He was worried how he would come off. He's been fine. Gene Simmons is sucking up all the oxygen.

What's going on with the Muzik Mafia? A lawyer in North Alabama is saying breach of contract involving a Gretchen Wilson/John Rich no-show. Big Kenny was there and other Mafia members. Who knows, but Gretchen needs some good publicity!

Phil Vassar embarking on a busy winter/spring schedule. His new CD is called "Prayer for the Common Man." I wish him luck; he's a very talented guy!

Will the paparazzi come to Nashville to chase the pregnant Nicole Kidman?

Lots of comebacks on tap for 2008. Clay Walker's new music, followed by Collin Raye, who is using MySpace to get visibility radio wont or can't give. Good ol' Neal McCoy booking up January and July as he continues his never ending tour.

Tickets are now on sale (Jan. 12th/Saturday, 10am) for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Tim and Faith, Miley Cyrus, B&D, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts and many more.

We let Shelby Lynne get away a few years ago. She has a Dusty Springfield salute titled "Just a Little Lovin'". Two great underrated talents.

Check out the roster for the Plant City Florida Strawberry festival. From Tom Jones and Glen Campbell to AJ, Gilley, CDB and Mickey Gilley.

Is the "Idol" wave ending? They sure birthed some hot stars, such as Carrie and Daughtry. The show is back the 15th and away we go again. "Nashville Star" cranking up, too.

The writers strike is going to choke the networks very soon. If the studios let the Oscars go like they did with the Globes, then this will be a huge strike and both sides will start really twisting arms.

St. Jude training week ahead for many. Super Bowl fever is building and CRS is getting closer. 2008 is the year Music Row will rewrite the talent contracts and pay a lot more attention to the world scene. Picking a president right now is impossible. Picking the big star of 2008 may be equally elusive. Before I go, as a traveler, programmers you are burning up and out "Firecracker" by Josh Turner. Every time I cut the radio on ... whew ... really good song ... but burning up.