Mel Tillis was hot. No, I don’t mean that way. I mean it was hot down by the Riverfront today and Mel Tillis performed with his band and daughter Pamela.
The crowd didn’t really care about the heat though. They wanted to hear a country music legend and that’s what they got.
This is about as challenging a bull ride as I’d want to be on.
There is a lot of country music going on here in Nashville and a lot of family fun too. With this beautiful weather I’m sure it’s going to be another packed day in downtown.
When I visited the Country Music Hall of Fame yesterday I just happened to walk by a book signing by Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, the oldest daughter of Roy Rogers. You can find out all about her on her website.
Cheryl has written a book titled, “Cowboy Princess” which is her perspective of growing up in the Rogers family. I waited until the signing was over and we did a short interview which I think you’ll enjoy.
Cheryl said that she didn’t “have the talent” to be a star like her parents but I’d say she has lots of talent after talking with her. After listening to her I think you’ll agree. You can find her books at book stores or just visit her website.
You can listen to our interview here: 
Cheryl Barnett Interview (8 min MP3)
Here’s the lineup of what the celebs will be driving on Sunday for the first ever CMA Music Festival Michael Peterson/New Holland Boomer Tractor Celebrity Race. Boy that’s a mouthful.
The “tractor race” will be on Sunday afternoon. The stars will drive one of these in a time test, including a tally of how many cones they hit or knock over.
Everyone I’ve spoken with thinks this is a great idea. We’ll know more on Sunday!
I told you I would stop in at the XM Satellite Radio studio.
It’s in the gift shop of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. You’ll hear why that’s a good spot in the interview I did with production director, Ben Krech (center) and chiming in was senior production director for country music, Ray Knight (right).
Ben thinks satellite radio only makes sense for people who have to drive a truck or a tractor long distance or for long hours. He says that agribusinesses have marketing opportunities with satellite radio if they want to pursue them.
You can listen to our interview here: XM Satellite Radio Interview (6 min MP3)
One of the biggest celebrities I saw today getting his picture taken was the Eat Mor Chikin cow.
Here’s a very nice pose. You just never know who or what you’re going to run into here at the CMA Music Festival.
The line and the crowd was long today at the Michael Peterson booth. Michael was signing autographs and selling CD’s in front of the big New Holland CD cover banner.
I got an update interview with Michael before he had to take off for a New Holland event. He says that since he got a New Holland tractor his kids now want to mow the grass!
You can listen to our interview here: Michael Peterson Interview (3 min MP3)
I’m ready for some football and Bocephus was ready to party with all his rowdy friends last night.
This picture is right before Mr. Yellow Shirt gave me the, “You’re not allowed in here” spiel and it was time to mosey on out.
Right after Hank Williams, Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd played. I was more than a little disappointed not to be in the pit to take shots of them but that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.
It was a great concert evening and I can’t imagine how they’ll get any better but there’s one every night through Sunday. Today I’m back to the event and will have more pics and interviews for you later.
Just to add a little “wow” factor to their set, Brooks & Dunn played a song with Keith Urban.
Keith came out and the screams started again. Maybe I need to stop shaving for a few days too.
What do you think?
These guys performed a great set.
I wonder how many shows these guys have done. I remember seeing Brooks & Dunn a number of years ago at the Missouri State Fair.
They had a special guest perform with them. He’ll be in the next post.
