A Year Full of Surprises : Country Music (pt 2.)

It’s that time again, the new year is here and the old one is but a memory. We covered the most popular country music song, album, tour, the good, the bad and the loss of some greats, what stars added to the their family trees last time, but what else happened in 2004?

Country artists made the news for the good things they do, their plans for the future and in some cases, run ins with the law or things beyond their control.

Run ins with the law happened to a few artists in 2004. Mindy McCready was arrested and charged with presenting a fake prescription for painkillers in August. She pleaded guilty in November and was sentenced to 3 years supervised probation, a $4000 fine and 200 hours of community service. Marty Stuart was was arrested for drunk driving in June after having a minor traffic accident. He was sentenced in July to 11 months and 29 days in jail, but that was suspended, he served 2 days in jail. This was his second DUI in three years. Lynn Anderson was charged with DWI in December while in Texas. She was arrested and released on a $1000 bond.

Country stars did what they could to help out the victims of the hurricanes that hit the East Coast hard in 2004. Tim McGraw donated the proceeds from his Orlando concert.
Travis Tritt urged fans attending his concert in Mobile, AL to bring non perishable items.

Vince Gill stepped down as host, although he says not permanently, of the CMA awards after 12 years of hosting, Brooks & Dunn stepped in and did a pretty good job. It was also announced that the 2005 CMA’s would be held in NYC. Reba McEntire released her first CD in 6 years, re-establishing herself on the country music charts. Reba also announced that she was going to be creating and distributing a clothing line in association with Dillards. Tim McGraw starred in “Friday Night Lights” and wowed his fans and critics, meanwhile wife Faith Hill had a small role in the remake of “Stepford Wives.” Rodney Carrington saw his name on the small screen with the debut of his series “Rodney”.

Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich both broke into the country music scene with big songs. Josh Gracin finished up his tour of duty with the Marines and is now working on his singing career from his new home in the Nashville area. Julie Roberts came out big this year too with her debut CD.

Hang on to your hats, 2005 is sure to be as big as 2004, if not bigger.