THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023

A list of some of the most covered songs in history includes “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley, “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash, and “Imagine” by John Lennon.

If I was describing Garth Brooks’ personality, it would be “let’s all get along and be friends”.  But he DOES have a feisty side, and it came out during an interview with “Billboard Live”. He was asked about his “Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk”, which will be opening soon in Nashville.  He started out as typical Garth. “I know this sounds corny.  I want it to be the Chick-fil-A of honky-tonks.  [I] want it to be a place you feel safe in, I want it to be a place where you feel like there are manners and people like one another.” Then the “defiant Garth” came out.  Quote, “And yes, we’re going to serve every brand of beer.  We just are.  It’s not our decision to make.  Our thing is this, if you come into this house, love one another.  “If you’re an [a**hole], there are plenty of other places on lower Broadway.  [In] my existence, one [a**hole] can turn the whole tide down there.  My thing is, let’s create a place that you feel safe in.” That’s an obvious reference to Kid Rock, John Rich, and other clubs and artists that are boycotting Anheuser-Busch. The interview also featured good news for all the Chris Gaines fans out there.  You’ll be getting more music.  Eventually.  Quote, “The Gaines project was a lot of time put in . . . because it’s not natural, you’re acting on a record. “But I want to do it simply for people who love the Gaines project.  And selfishly, I love the Chris Gaines record, so I want to do it for me.  It challenged me as a vocalist.  So I don’t know when we’re going to get to it, but it’s on the list.”

Maren Morris dressed as Willie Nelson in drag for the cover of “Billboard” magazine’s Pride issue, alongside four drag stars.  She has his iconic braids, and is in an all-black outfit and hat. Willie was asked what he thought of the look and said, quote, “Was wondering where that outfit went.” Maren met with the drag stars for a roundtable discussion on LGBTQ legislation.  Maren, as you probably know, is an avid supporter of the community and has received backlash for it. She says, quote, “I have heard ‘Shut up and sing’ more times than I can count . . . I don’t think any of us got into this art form to be an activist, but that’s ultimately thrust upon you to exist in this space and to feel like you can sleep at night . . .”You’re going to lose fans along the way, that is just part and parcel of being public-facing.  But there is a lane that you’re widening . . . I see it year over year at my shows, the crowd feels so diverse and so safe.”

Carly Pearce and her boyfriend of two years, Riley King, have broken up.  And there are no hard feelings. Here’s what Carly told “People”.  Quote, “For the most part, it was great.  People date to see if they’re gonna go the distance, and we weren’t.  We just simply were not right for each other, and that’s the bottom line. “I’m on a beautiful journey and am excited about the next chapter of my life.” “Page 6” talked to Riley, and he echoed the sentiment.  Quote, “Yes, things didn’t work out.  Carly and I have parted ways and I wish her nothing but the best in both her career and personal life.” If you’d like to inject some controversy into it.  A so-called source told “Page 6”.  Quote, “Carly has lot of trust issues.  She went through that divorce with Michael Ray, and parts of that she’s still coping with and struggling with.”

Chris Stapleton’s concert tonight in Syracuse, New York has been postponed because of “hazardous” air quality.  It’s the result of smoke from the out-of-control wildfires in Quebec, Canada.  The show will be rescheduled. 

Trace Adkins was asked if he’s ever been intimidated by someone.  He has.  Quote, “Susan Sarandon.  I was intimidated the very first day on the set [of ‘Monarch’].  Had to make out with her.  I mean, it’s like ‘Hey, how ya doing’, and we started kissing.  It was the weirdest thing.  I was like, ‘Oh my god.’  ‘Thelma & Louise’, ‘Dead Man Walking’ on and on.”

It’s official:  Morgan Wallen’s vocal issues are behind him, and he’s ready to start performing again.  He shared the news on his Instagram Stories, quote, “The doc cleared me to talk and sing . . . we back.”

Maria Menounos is 45.  Best known as a correspondent on “Access Hollywood” and “Today”. 

Kanye West is 46.  Bipolar rap genius who ultimately couldn’t keep up with his Kardashian.

Kelli Williams is 53.  Tim Roth’s partner on Fox’s “Lie to Me”. But most of you would know her as Lindsay from “The Practice”.

Gabrielle Giffords is 53.  Arizona congresswoman who survived a gunshot wound to the head. 

Julianna Margulies is 57.  “The Good Wife” and “ER”.

Keenen Ivory Wayans is 65. 

Bonnie Tyler is 72.  “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero”.

Boz Scaggs is 79.  Biggest hit:  1976’s “Lido Shuffle”.

Chuck Negron is 81.  Three Dog Night

Nancy Sinatra is 83.  Frank’s daughter, who gave us “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'”.

Blogs

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