Video: Full :30 "Save A Hero" Firefighter PSA with Bucky Covington and Nashville Firefighters via Vimeo (updated)

  'Save A Hero' Firefighter PSA with Bucky Covington from Big Chief Studios on Vimeo. 

Bucky Covington and Kidde have teamed up to bring you the "Be A Hero, Save A Hero" fire-safety campaign--check out Bucky's video spot for the campaign at the AlarmPledge.com website, take the pledge and share the pledge at Twitter and Facebook.  Each time the pledge is shared, $1 will be donated to help injured firefighters and their families, via the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Help the Good Guys.

Radio days: Bucky Covington at the CMA Awards and more...

Bucky Covington promo photo by Kristin Barlowe--click here to see the stunning Barlowe-directed music video for "I Wanna Be That Feeling" from Bucky's new album, Good Guys.

Today, Bucky Covington joined his fellow country notables and took some pre-CMA Awards time out to talk to the country radio and media stars who keep us entertained all day and all night.  Among the many personalities he chatted with were Daniels and Diaz of Louisville's New Country Q 103.1 (enjoy a photo here);  Andy and Allison of WIVK in Knoxville, Captain Jack and Lindsay of Renegade Radio Nashville and Jessica Northey of CMChatLive (another fun photo here)--and that's just the tip of the iceberg!  Be sure to keep it tuned to your local country radio station as the big night draws closer, and check their website for podcasts and photos...

Quick update: Breakfast with Bucky Covington, Chattanooga Firefighters and Help The Good Guys, November 10th

Here's an update about that Chattanooga fundraiser on 11/10:  Bucky Covington,  Help the Good Guys and the Chattanooga Firefighters Association Local 820 invite you to a pancake breakfast at Chattanooga Fire Station No. 1 (218 E. Main St.) to benefit Tristin Greer, the son of Senior Firefighter Jason Greer. Tristin is battling neuroblastoma cancer.  The breakfast begins at 8 am and lasts until 11--so get on up and enjoy some sweet buttery goodness for a great cause!

While we're here, here's a note about that Take The Pledge campaign announced in yesterday's post.  The fine print at AlarmPledge.com reads as follows: "You may share the Pledge as often as you like, and enter the Sweepstakes daily."   Every time we share the Pledge at Twitter and/or Facebook, $1 will be donated to help injured firefighters and their families via the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Help the Good Guys.

Bucky's fans are ready, willing and able to help out...we can't all make it to every concert or fundraiser, but we can definitely help to make this campaign a rip-roaring success.   (By the way, if you haven't watched Bucky's commercial for the Kidde "Be a Hero, Save A Hero" drive, which will air on 11/1 during the CMA Awards on ABC, click here and enjoy.)  See you again this evening!

Take the Pledge with Bucky Covington, Help the Good Guys and Kidde: "Be A Hero, Save A Hero" fire safety campaign begins

A little taste of Hometown Country goodness, via the very generous Judy Lang--here's Bucky Covington and his band onstage in Hamlet, NC last weekend.  There's lots more live-show fun to come this fall-- check out Bucky's calendar at eOne and the sidebar at Buckytown USA, and join the party!

Bucky Covington and the folks at Kidde are inviting us all to Take The Pledge (and share the pledge, via social media) as the "Be A Hero, Save A Hero" fire-safety campaign begins with a beautiful ad set to air during the CMA Awards, November 1st on ABC.  Check out Bucky's video spot for the campaign at the AlarmPledge.com website, and spread the word by posting the following at Twitter:  "I pledge to #SaveAHero, with smoke alarms in every room.  Join me! At http://AlarmPledge.com , each pledge donates $1 to injured firefighters".  On Facebook, you can help by posting the pledge and the link, "liking" Kidde, and/or entering their Facebook contest.   

Very quick CMA night news, and another programming note...

A Nashville memory from the very kind Happydays; Bucky Covington on stage at CRS 2008. Thanks again!

We'll keep tonight's news short and sweet, since the CMA Awards will be in progress by the time you read this:

Bucky Covington tweeted this photo of himself with new labelmate Shooter Jennings (confession--I'm a fan and I'm pretty pleased that they're on the same label...) taken during the latter's video shoot for "Family Man" yesterday. Bucky has a cameo in the video, we hear--can't wait to see how it turns out...

Here's a funny tidbit about the shooting of Bucky's own video from Billboard Country Update (via MJ's Big Blog):

Bucky Covington, recently signed to the eOne label, shot the video for his next single, "I Wanna Be That Feeling," at the Tennessee State Prison in Nashville. The site isn’t one most people would likely pick for the clip to a love song, but Covington jokes that prison "kind of makes sense, if you think about that." While at the jail, Covington couldn’t resist the opportunity to sit in the electric chair where a long line of prisoners were executed. He escaped without incident, though the remote possibility that he could’ve been jolted with electricity could’ve made that an unwise move. "Looking back," he says, "I’m agreeing." The single ships in January.

We'll close for now with a new bulletin from Tribstar.com in Terre Haute, IN; looks like Bucky will be taking some very special time out in the area for the Veteran's Day parade. From the newspaper: "The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Fourth and Cherry streets. Covington will be riding on a THFD fire truck, the [press] release states." Bucky is scheduled to present a check to the family of fallen Terre Haute Police Officer Brent Long after the parade; the funds were made possible from the sale of CDs published by Alabama's Randy Owen, the newspaper notes.

Last but not least, a programming note. I'll be on the road with no internet access for most of the day tomorrow (Thursday); look for an update here on Friday, or sooner if I can get settled in early enough tomorrow evening. Take care and enjoy the day, everybody!

Bucky Covington meets the press for the CMA Awards, and a Veteran's Day shout out (updated)

A screenshot from Bucky Covington's video interview with WQYK's Randy and Dave--click the image to view the clip (after a brief ad) at WQYK.

There was plenty of conversation happening this week in Nashville--country stars recorded station IDs, sat for interviews and met the country radio press in advance of tonight's big CMA Awards, and Bucky Covington was among the mixers and minglers. Here's a quick list of links to interviews, photos and more:

Bucky talked about technology, travel and his car as the photogenic (and very cool) prop for his People Magazine pose with Rocky Covington in this video interview with WQYK's Randy and Dave.

The WBEE Stars and Guitars event was a smash success--Bucky's podcast interview covers the show, his pre- and post-Idol life and more. (Bonus: photos from the show can be found here.)

They're not up at post time, but the folks at 99.9 Gator Country are likely to add lots of shots from Bucky's show last night to their photo gallery soon. A quick review of the show, via the station's Twitter: "God must love Bucky Covington. @ 7:55pm it stopped raining & Bucky wrapped up Country Music at the Fair by blowing the roof off the place!"

Updated: Thanks to PopstarGF for this link to K-FROG's podcast page, where Bucky's chat with the Frogmen is posted--this one's fun!

We're still looking for more interview links--if you find new ones, please share your discovery in the comments section and we'll post it right here. Tonight, CMT continues their red-carpet tradition, with coverage commencing at 7:00 PM ET/PT. After that, catch the CMA Awards on ABC at 8:00-11:00 PM/ET.

Bucky Covington and Rocky Covington in concert during Bucky's first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour Feb. 20 at the Kazabra Club on Vogelweh. (Check out video of their "Seven Spanish Angels" duet at YouTube.) Photo by Christine June, USAG Kaiserslautern.

Finally, a few reminders and a shout-out: be sure to show Bucky's beautiful video for "Gotta Be Somebody" some love at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and at CMT's Pure 12-Pack today, and let your local country radio station know you love hearing him on your neighborhood airwaves! We'll close for now with a shout-out of appreciation to our veterans and military readers on this Veteran's Day; a little bird told us that Bucky's part of the 2010 USO Calendar (we're looking for more info on that), and he was definitely a hit at the Kazabra Club earlier this year . Here's a video report from AFN Europe about his show there--and here's a huge thanks to our readers, family and friends in the Armed Forces. More soon!

CMA Awards nominations available now at CMT.com...

A blast from the past: Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington and Luke Bryan as presenters at the CMA Awards, 2007. Click the image to see Bucky's 2007 red carpet interview at CMT. (CMA photo; picture provided by BackstageRock.com.)

The nominees for the 43rd annual CMA Awards were announced this morning: here's a partial list of artists up for honors. (The full list of artists is posted now at CMT.com, and Reuters has the info on the broadcast awards--hope your favorite country station is among those nominated!)

Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Keith Urban

New Artist
Randy Houser
Jamey Johnson
Jake Owen
Darius Rucker
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Group
Eagles
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Joey & Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland

Catch the 2009 CMA Awards live November 11th on ABC; Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will be your hosts, and Bucky Covington is bound to grace the red carpet with his usual style. News post coming up next...

Early Monday news: your CMA Awards preview

Bucky Covington shares a wave and a bright smile on the red carpet at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville in May. Bucky's debut CD is in stores now, and his music video is available for online viewing at CMT.com and Yahoo Music. You can buy Bucky's album at Amazon, Best Buy , iTunes, WalMart Music and Target, hear the full version of his singles at CMT and GAC, or enjoy samples of songs from the CD at Bucky's official MySpace. A copy of Bucky Covington can be ordered at his official site or via his official fan club. (Photo by Matt Huesmann /CMT)

Even though the Raisin' the Bar tour is on a mini-hiatus, excitement's in the air--the 41st annual CMA Awards are just a couple of days away, and Bucky Covington's first-ever appearance on that stage is definitely the event of the week 'round these parts. (Well, besides that "Bucky and Rocky's big birthday" thing, but we'll get to that sweet news in a later post.) What can we expect from the CMAs, and where do we go to keep right on top of what's happening?

The first stop for TV information is the official ABC CMA Awards site, naturally. The site features a big yellow countdown clock (just in case you'd forgotten how little time there is to buy the popcorn and snacks) and a lot of news, including daily video updates hosted by Luke Bryan and Ashley Eicher. The red-carpet arrivals will be streamed live on abc.com, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. ABC's Good Morning America will also present a free, open-to-the-public performance by Big & Rich on Wednesday morning; Nashville folks can get up early, go to the Chevy Stage at the Sommet Center plaza (corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue) and join the fun!

More TV coverage: CMT will be on the scene again this year, and you'll find their CMA Awards sub-site right over here. Katie Cook and Lance Smith will host the 2007 CMA Red Carpet Presented by Chevy, which starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and repeats Thursday night at 7. (If you're looking for Bucky at his red-carpet sharpest, this is probably the one to watch very closely...)

GAC's CMA Awards preview section includes a photo gallery, host picks, an exclusive video interview with Keith Urban, and a fun fan poll. Bucky's friends Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler seem to be big GAC fan favorites...was there ever any doubt?

And while you're listening to the radio during your morning and afternoon drive, keep an ear out for live remotes from Nashville--starting this morning and straight on through Wednesday, many country stations will be sharing the CMA Awards excitement from the heart of Music City. Tune in, request "It's Good to be Us" (y'all knew that was coming, didn't you?) and enjoy! Some areas will be treated to a live simulcast from the awards on Wednesday night, as well--check your local country station's schedule for details.

In Nashville for the week? Lucky you--you have lots of CMA Awards events to choose from. The official CMA site has all the details on "Nashville Celebrates Country", a half-week-long CMA-palooza. Bucky's fans might enjoy a chance to digitally join him on that beautiful Chevy Country Music Calendar page during the Chevy Music Tour at Sommet Center Plaza, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. CT today and tomorrow. Concert options include the Music on the Horizon show tonight at 7:30 p.m. CT, happening at City Hall, 405 12th Avenue South (directions here; tickets are $10 at Ticketmaster.com.) Jennifer Hanson, co-writer of Bucky's debut hit "A Different World', is one of the featured performers.

And on Tuesday, the free Chevy Music Tour Concert takes place at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sommet Center Plaza in downtown Nashville. Get there early to enjoy performances by Emerson Drive, Phil Vassar and a surprise guest. (No, we don't know who it is, either; yes, we're dying of curiosity too! We'd sure be there if we could...)

The big event itself is open to the public, as well--if you have flexible plans, you might be able to snag one of the remaining tickets for the awards ceremony at the Sommet Center on Wednesday night. You can check for seats at Ticketmaster, by phone at (615) 255-9600; or stop in at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway in Nashville). It'd be fun to see Bucky step up to that podium live--if you go, please come back and tell us all about it!

Finally, what would a gala event be without an after-party? Unfortunately, the 2007 Post CMA Awards Party is a private affair for nominees, performers, presenters and Diamond and Platinum level ticket holders only, but Wire Image and Getty Pictures are very likely to be on the scene for all the day's and night's happenings. (If you've got a very lush budget and flexible travel plans, Stub Hub might be able to help you enjoy that VIP party in person--click here for details.)

Those of us who'll be enjoying our own private post-CMA parties at home can still take a bit of the night with us to keep, compliments of the CMA Awards store. The t-shirts and coffee mugs are cute, but I think that the 2007 program book might be the item I find hardest to resist. It'll be the first time Bucky Covington's name appears in a CMA Awards program--but with all the beautiful music he's making lately, something tells me that we'll be clearing shelf space for a lot of CMA program books in the years to come...

Monday news post next--come on back!

Early CMA News...(updated)

2007 CMA Awards Nominees as announced on Good Morning America and CMT:

Album of the Year: Brad Paisley, 5th Gear; George Strait, It Just Comes Natural; Dierks Bentley, Long Trip Alone; Keith Urban, Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing ;Vince Gill, These Days

Vocal Duo: Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry, Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland, The Wreckers

Female Vocalist: Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood

Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Keith Urban

Male Vocalist: Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Josh Turner, Keith Urban

Song of the Year: Martina McBride's "Anyway," Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," George Strait's "Give It Away," Big & Rich's "Lost In This Moment," Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy."

Musical Event: "Because Of You," Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson; "Find Out Who Your Friends Are," Tracy Lawrence, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney; "Hey Good Lookin'," Jimmy Buffett, George Strait, Alan Jackson; "Missing You," Alison Krauss & John Waite; "The Reason Why," Vince Gill & Alison Krauss.

Music Video: Martina McBride's "Anyway," Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," Emerson Drive's "Moments," Brad Paisley's "Online," Kenny Chesney's "You Save Me."

Musician: Eddie Bayers, Jr.; Jerry Douglas; Dann Huff; Mac McAnally; Randy Scruggs.

Horizon nominees: Rodney Atkins, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town and Kellie Pickler. (Congrats, Kellie!)

As usual on big news days, my PC is fainting with excitement; thank heaven the CMA Awards official site will be launched any moment now. More later today! --Winnie