Bucky Covington: up close and personal at Y100 (video and photos)

Here's a fresh video treat from Y100 in San Antonio: "American Idol star Bucky Covington answers questions and performs for an invitation only crowd on the historic Floore's Country Store stage," was the blurb on this one, but that's deceptively simple--it's a nine-plus-minute gab fest that's too much fun to miss. (The audience sounds are a bit muted, but the interview is loud and clear.) There's a photo album from this station visit, too. Thanks to Y100 for documenting the day so well, and keep an eye on their YouTube channel--part two may be on the way soon. Enjoy! More later--Winnie

An interview from California, and a request reminder...

Bucky Covington in a shot from the photo session for his upcoming album, I'm Alright, due in stores in the spring of 2010. (Photo credit: Lyric Street Records.)

Bucky Covington spoke to José A. López of the San Diego Suburban Newspapers group about life at his new home, his fondness for Christmas music and much more, and you can read it all at MyLocalNews.com this evening. (Tickets for the KSON Carols by Candlelight concerts on December 11th and 12th are still available via the Carols by Candlelight site, by the way...)

Here's a little excerpt about I'm Alright, Bucky's upcoming sophomore album:

Q. How’s the progress on the new album?
A. We’re still working on it. Every time that you think you’re done, you find new things to add or change. We’re still dabbling, and kicking some things around. I love the way that this album is coming out. It’s got some great songs and a great variety.

Q. It seems like your debut album set up a high bar in terms of sales. What are your expectations with this record?
A. That’s the thing about when you put out the first album. You have nothing to compare it to, so really, you can’t do bad. The first album debuted at No. 1 and had three songs in the country top 10. Obviously it’s something you try to top. At this point, you’d like it to do the same as the first one, but I would also like it if I could triple it (laughs).

Q. What’s different about this, your sophomore album?
A. I’ve definitely grown a little bit over the three years. I definitely think that vocally I’ve grown and it shows in the record. There’s also going to be a little bit more love songs. The first album had a lot more fun songs, and this has that, but it also has some serious love songs.

Check out the whole story here--and check out your local country station's request line tonight! If your station is airing a national show, our sidebar and last night's post have all the syndicated contact info you need. Give "Gotta be Somebody" a shout-out this evening, and help make the season bright. See you soon--have a great night!

More from Tootsie's at Country's Chatter, and a movie recommendation from Bucky Covington...

What's Bucky Covington's favorite Christmas movie? He let Ron and Mel of WHAS in on the answer during this short video clip taken during CMA Awards week. (Thanks to ronandmel for posting this at YouTube.)

Here's a quick link to start the day--our friend Country at the beautiful Country's Chatter blog has a terrific post about Bucky Covington's surprise Monday night performance at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, complete with extra photos and the video for Bucky's current hit, "Gotta Be Somebody". Enjoy!

(Love that music video? Me, too--see you at the polls for GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack, and on the radio request lines, too.) Thanks to Country via Twitter (follow her!) for the heads-up. Full post after today's meetings are done...

PS: KUBL's Low Dough Christmas Show is happening in Salt Lake City, UT tonight--Bucky, Phil Vassar, and Bomshel are the stars, and last-minute seats might still be available at Smith's Tix. Have fun! More soon--Winnie

Bucky Covington surprises Tootsie's, a Big Sexy suggestion and more...

Rocky Covington and Bucky Covington share a smile on stage in West Palm Beach; thanks again to Judy Lang for graciously sharing this fun shot.

Here's a fun tidbit that popped up this evening--if you had been in Nashville at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge on Monday night, you'd have enjoyed a pleasant surprise song or two from Bucky Covington himself. Got Country has the scoop, and a photo, too--go on over and read all about it. We'll be right here...

A very kind reader shared contact info from her favorite station today--"Gotta Be Somebody" would be a perfect fit for the Big Sexy Show on WSOC in the Charlotte area. The show begins at 7 pm local time and lasts until 2am, and the contact info is below, with tonight's syndicated links. Bucky's Charlotte fans must have a blast with Big Sexy--from the looks of that page, I'm guessing he's a whole lot of fun! (Many thanks to Carrie for the links.)

Got a local favorite? Write to buckymaniablog@yahoo.com with a link to your hometown station, and we'll feature them here. Whether you're enjoying Big Sexy, your local country DJ or one of our syndicated stars, calling to request Bucky's new single is a great way to top off a Tuesday evening...

The Big Sexy Show (WSOC Charlotte)
1-800-522-9762
WSOC @ Twitter WSOC on Facebook WSOC's MySpace

Lia
1-800-577-7LIA
Lia's Text Team: 95487
Lia @ Twitter
Lia on Facebook
Lia's My Space

The Big Time w/Whitney Allen
1-877-494-4863
Whitney @ Twitter
Whitney on Facebook
Whitney's MySpace

After MidNite
1-800-722-6483
After MidNite @ Twitter
After MidNite on Facebook
AOL: aftermidniteshow

CMT Radio Live w/Cody Alan
1-866-877-4CMT
Cody @ Twitter
Cody on Facebook
Cody's MySpace

2nd Shift w/Alan Kabel
1-888-96NIGHT

Enjoy your evening!

See you in February: Bucky Covington in the 2010 USO Calendar...

Bucky Covington in concert during his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour Feb. 20 at the Kazabra Club on Vogelweh. Photo by Christine June, USAG Kaiserslautern.

Many thanks to Bucky Covington and Rocky Covington's "Special Mother" Tracey Covington for this good news: "Just wanted everybody to know that Bucky is featured in the USO Calendar, 2010. He is featured for February. Got our copy. Get yours!!"

We appreciate the kind heads-up on this from Mrs. Covington, and we'll post specifics on how to get your calendar as soon as we can find them--so far, all we've been able to find out is that it's likely to be given to USO donors. (That is an unsubtle hint--calendar or no calendar, the USO is a worthy cause!) In the meantime, check out some fun memories from Bucky and his band's USO journey at his official YouTube channel. More soon--Winnie

Bucky Covington brings it live, a deal in California and a "Gotta Be Somebody" nudge...

Lovin' it live! Bucky Covington shares a smile with the crowd in West Palm Beach; many thanks to the talented Judy Lang for the photo. Bucky's digital EP, Live From Rockingham, is available now at Amazon and iTunes.

By now, it's likely that most everyone reading these words has seen Bucky Covington's excellent live video for his new single, "Gotta Be Somebody". (And if you have, you'll want to see it again and again on your big-screen TV, so be sure to vote for it at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack now.) The video captures much of the charm of a live Bucky Covington show--but there's nothing like being there to really experience the joy. Here's a quick look at some of the places where you can party with Bucky and his excellent band this month:

Tomorrow night, KUBL's Low Dough Christmas Show will rock Salt Lake City, UT--check for last-minute tickets at Smith's Tix, and get ready for a wild time with Bucky, Phil Vassar, and Bomshel.

On Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th, Bucky, LeAnn Rimes, the Little River Band, Jordan Pruitt, Buck Howdy and Beat Boy star in the KSON Carols by Candlelight concerts to benefit the Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Tickets are available at the Carols by Candlelight site or via KSON, which just posted this limited-time offer: "Right now we are doing a 2 for 1 ticket special (all price levels) for the Friday show. Just call the box office at 800-98-TICKET and mention KSON to get your 2 for 1 tickets." Definitely a great deal and a great cause--be there!


Bucky Covington and Jeff Cease at the Iowa State Fair; photo by the very kind Judy Lang. Thanks again!

Next, Bucky and the band hit the Tarheel Opry House in Jacksonville, NC for the WRNS Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Down (yes, I giggled) to benefit the local food bank. This is a free one--bring a canned good or two and get ready for a rockin' party on Tuesday, December 15th.

Finally, check out this slate of emerging stars: Bucky, his Lyric Street labelmates Love & Theft, David Nail & Mallary Hope play the WQMX Songwriters Showcase on Friday, December 18th at 9 pm at the Dusty Armadillo (3147 State Route 44) in Rootstown, OH. This is an acoustic show, and it's free-- donate a new toy ($15 value) for the CSB Toy Room, and you're in.

The best way to thank all these stations for sponsoring Bucky's shows is to be loyal listeners, and to hit the request lines! They need to know he's a local favorite, and it's a win-win: "Gotta Be Somebody" gets to tickle your neighbors' ears, the station's show gets a shout-out, and we get the fun of supporting our favorite new artist.

More soon--enjoy your Tuesday!