A New Year's greeting from Bucky Covington (link to video) and a little mystery...

Rocky Covington, Kevin Wood and Bucky Covington during soundcheck at Keller's Saloon in Castalian Springs, Tennessee; photo by our gracious friend Happydays.

Bucky Covington wished us all a safe and happy 2013 in a new video posted at Facebook--head on over there now and check it out!

You can enjoy Bucky live, loud and on stage later on this week; he's doing a free 21-up show at the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT (directions) on January 6th, and he'll join a big slate of Nashville's notables at Music In Motion: a Benefit for the Mid-South Chapter of the MS Society at 3rd and Lindsley on January 8th (tickets on sale now at TicketWeb.com.)

What's in store for Bucky and his fans as 2013 gets into gear? The new year is full of anticipation and a touch of music-biz mystery, as well. We're pretty excited about--and proud of--the wild viral video splash Bucky and Shooter Jennings made with "Drinking Side of Country" this past fall and winter. (The song and video continue to rock the ballot at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack, where Bucky and Shooter currently have the #8 spot...click that red button at right, vote now and keep the ball rolling!)  Bucky also graced GAC's Top 50 Videos of 2012 list; if you missed the airdates for the countdown, check out this list of repeat times.

We loved seeing so much of Bucky on video in 2012...and we also wish we could have heard more of him on the county radio airwaves in 2012, too.  With a trio of excellent recent singles ("A Father's Love", "I Wanna Be That Feeling" and "Drinking Side of Country" are all chart-worthy hits in my admittedly biased opinion), lots of rockin' live shows, the critically-praised (and fan-beloved) new album Good Guys,  and plenty of face time on TV and as the spokesman for Help The Good Guys, Bucky's star is on the rise as 2013 dawns.  But we devoted Bucky Covington fans want it all--and all includes lots of lots and lots of lovely country radio airplay.

Bucky Covington on stage in Hillsboro, IL; photo by the very kind Judy Lang. Thanks again, Judy!

Can we make it happen all by ourselves?  Nope--but we can and do definitely help by letting our local stations know that we want to hear Bucky on the air and at those hot-ticket station-sponsored shows.  We fans are not management or a label, of course, and we don't have the financial resources or the Nashville clout, but we do have something that can't be replaced, and that no country performer can succeed without:  loyalty.

Whether we're going through rough seas or smooth sailing in the music biz (and heaven knows we've seen both sides, and everything in between) we're on this journey for the long haul.  When you really believe in an artist and his or her talents, hanging in there and doing your best to support your favorite is as natural as breathing.  We're not sure what 2013 has in store for us, but we are sure we'll be right here to cheer, vote, request, pack the house and enjoy our "mania" for another 365 and beyond.  It's still good to be us!

See you tomorrow--enjoy the night, everybody!

Bucky Covington kicks it with Kix Brooks, new photos by John Dixon, "I Wanna Be That Feeling" at New Country UK and more...

Thanks to the generous John Dixon of Dixon Media for sharing this stellar shot of Bucky Covington and Rocky Covington on stage in Melbourne, FL a few days back.  Mr. Dixon has updated the galleries at both the Help The Good Guys site and Bucky's eOne photo page, and the images are incredible--browse and enjoy!

Another great image--this fun shot popped up on the Kickin' It With Kix Twitter and Facebook this evening, along with this message: "@KixBrooks caught up with @buckycovington today in studio."  Sounds like we'll need to keep an ear out for Bucky on Kix's new syndicated show; it airs Monday-Friday at midnight-5 a.m, so check your local country radio station's website or stream the show online. 

Also at Twitter, two high-flying airport shots--one via Bucky himself (that's Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars smiling beside Bucky) and one by The Farm, who got photobombed by a couple of familiar faces... 

Bucky's music is traveling, too--all the way to the United Kingdom, in fact, where New Country UK shared the news that "I Wanna Be That Feeling" "came out of nowhere to be a huge favourite".  (It's a huge favorite with us, too, and we hope the rest of the voters at GAC's Top 50 Videos of 2012 agree. Tune in on Monday, December 24th at 8/7 Central to see how Bucky's beautiful single fared...)

Bucky's next live show happens on December 13th at the Las Vegas Convention Center; he'll take the Academy of Country Music Rodeo Live Stage at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm as part of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo's interactive Cowboy Fanfest. This one's free and open to the public--don't miss it!

Bucky, Shooter Jennings and "Drinking Side of Country" are still rockin' the ballot at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack. Show 'em some love! All proceeds from downloads of the song through the end of the month benefit the International Association of Firefighters Relief Fund for East Coast fire fighters who suffered losses during Hurricane Sandy, so snag your copy now at iTunes or at the Help The Good Guys store.  Enjoy the night, everyone!
 

Weekend preview: Bucky Covington and band rock Florida, gift shopping, and a chart check...

Ever wonder what goes on backstage just before the encore at a big arena show? Wonder no more! Bucky Covington shared this glimpse of the goings-on (and a fun glimpse of Luke Bryan) during Dierks Bentley's Throttle Wide Open tour stop in Florida.  Bucky returns to Florida Saturday night--see post for details.  

The weekend's here, and another hot Bucky Covington live show is on the way!  Bucky and his band will rock the the County Line Saloon (4650 West New Haven in Melbourne, FL--directions here) at 8 p.m. Saturday evening. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and this is a 16 and up show.  If you're going, take a camera, wear your dancing boots, and have an awesome time!

As noted earlier today, the County Line Saloon show is this weekend's only concert; there's no show in Mount Dora on Sunday, but there are plenty of great dates coming up.  (See our previous post for details, and make plans ASAP--Bucky's high-energy live show is a must-experience this winter.)

Another Florida concert memory: Bucky Covington on stage at the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida as seen by the very kind Lisa/Judge of Buck Wild fame. Thanks again, Lisa!

Another great experience (or two)--both of Bucky's videos from his new album, Good Guys, are up for votes at GAC's Top 50 Videos of 2012 poll.  Tonight's the final chance to have your say, so vote now, then swing by CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack and show "Drinking Side of Country"  some love!

"Drinking Side of Country" is #61 on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart this week, but it doesn't have to stay there--your local country station's request lines are probably open at this very moment...

We'll close with a couple of gift-related reminders:  through 12/31, all proceeds from downloads of "Drinking Side of Country" via iTunes and Help The Good Guys will benefit the International Association of Firefighters Relief Fund for East Coast fire fighters who suffered losses during Hurricane Sandy, and the song makes a rockin' gift, too.  There are also plentiful gift options--T-shirts, CDs, downloads, combo packages--for your favorite Bucky Covington fan (or yourself) at the Help The Good Guys store and at BuckyCovington.com's Merch shop. 

We'll see you on Monday evening--or sooner, if there's breaking news.  And of course, you're invited to follow Buckymania on Twitter for bulletins every day of the week.  Have a wonderful weekend, everybody!

Bucky Covington December concert update (new info 11/30), Bucky says "Hi", and a reminder about GAC's Top 50 poll...

A little "Throwback Thursday" goodness, courtesy of the mega-talented Judy Lang at YouTube;  here's Bucky Covington and his band doing a very early, crowd-pleasing version of his current hit  "Drinking Side of Country" in Wentzville, MO. Vote for the hot music video (and the beautiful "I Wanna Be That Feeling") at GAC's Top 50 Videos of the Year right now--the poll ends tomorrow!

Bucky Covington and his band are on the road in support of his excellent new album, Good Guys; here's a quick update on what's in store for the coming month:

This Saturday, December 1st, enjoy a rockin' good time at the County Line Saloon in Melbourne, FL. Tickets are $15 in advance, and they'll be $20 at the door.

(Although there's a show listed on Bucky's eOne calendar for Sunday, December 2nd, we've been unable to get confirmation from the venue on that one)  Updated:  There's no show happening in Mount Dora on Sunday, 12/2;  if you're close, take a road trip to Melbourne for the County Line Saloon date on Saturday night, and have a great time!


Another great photo by the awesome Judy Lang: Bucky Covington and Ducky Medlock on stage in Wentzville.

Bucky is teaming up with fellow country stars Chris Cagle, Craig Campbell, The Farm, Katie Armiger, Greg Bates, Dustin Lynch, Jana Kramer, Edens Edge and Lauren Alaina for the KTEX 10 Man Jam on Saturday, December 8th.  This benefit for the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is happening at Winks Saloon in Brownsville, TX, and the station's site has updates on local ticket stops.

Bucky will perform twice on December 13th at the Academy of Country Music Rodeo Live Stage during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so double your pleasure!  The Cowboy Fanfest schedule [.pdf] features a live set from Bucky at 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm, and again at 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm.

Finally, here's a fun photo at Facebook--Bucky says "Hi!" today, and if you've got a Facebook account, feel free to say hi right back!  As always, remember to vote for Bucky at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack. Have a beautiful night!

Quick news: Bucky Covington in Watertown and Virginia Beach (photo links) and a little "Hokey Pokey"...

Many thanks to Hildi for graciously sharing this shot of Bucky Covington onstage in Watertown, TN.  Browse Bucky's concert schedule at his official site, and don't miss a beat!

Bucky Covington and his band have had a busy weekend, indeed--first, they headlined a sunny Saturday afternoon benefit show in Watertown, TN, and it was captured beautifully in this Spotted gallery posted by the Lebanon Democrat.  Music With a Purpose, sponsors of the event, tweeted this fun photo, and local favorite performer Alicia Smith shared this view of the show getting underway and a terrific backstage glimpse.  We like all those great shots, but we absolutely loved this one of Bucky onstage with special guest star MsBuckyfan/Kimberly--thanks to everyone who gave us a photographic taste of Saturday's good times!

This afternoon, Bucky and Help the Good Guys joined forces with Hall Nissan in Virginia Beach to present a Recycled Ride to a local firefighter and his family.  97.3 The Eagle was there, and they captured the event in this photo album posted at Facebook today.

Bucky also visited with the team at Fire Rescue TV;  their Facebook features a photo of Bucky with Fire Rescue TV Marketing Director Jennifer Hux and Administrative Assistant Katy Tecson.  (Looks like they're in front of a green screen--could another PSA be in the works?  Stay tuned...)

November and December Bucky Covington concert dates: be there for the party!

Many thanks to Roberta Petterson of Fox 17's Tennessee Mornings for posting this video at YouTube--hostess Kelly Sutton introduces Bucky Covington and Ducky Medlock as they perform a great acoustic version of "Drinking Side of Country", the current single from Bucky's  new album Good Guys. Check out the wild viral hit video for the song here, and vote for the video at GAC's Top 50 Videos of the Year and at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack.

Bucky Covington and his band have plenty of hot concert dates coming up as the weather cools down!  Here's a quick review of what's in store the next couple of weeks:

On November 17th, spend an afternoon with Bucky at a benefit concert sponsored by Music With a Purpose.  It's happening at the Stardust Drive-In Theater  in Watertown, TN, and tickets are just $15, with a VIP option available for an additional $10.  Kids 12-and-under get in free--bring the whole gang!

Help The Good Guys Special Edition updates, new John Dixon photos, Bucky Covington at the Academy of Country Music Rodeo Live Stage, 12/13 and more...

Rocky Covington, Bucky Covington and Ducky Medlock are the songwriters of Bucky's hot new single with Shooter Jennings, "Drinking Side of Country"--watch the wild music video for the song here, and see all of John Dixon's excellent photographs from the Chattanooga fundraiser for Tristin Greer at Bucky's official gallery.  Many thanks to the very generous Mr. Dixon for the photo!

We'll begin with word of a brand new concert date, via GAC--enjoy Bucky Covington at the Academy of Country Music Rodeo Live Stage during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on December 13th.  The show will be part of Cowboy Fanfest, a new, fully interactive area--hop over to NFRExperience.com for details, and make plans to be there! 

By request, a classic concert shot by Minnie; Bucky Covington on stage in Sacramento, CA.  Thanks for writing! (Click to view full size.)

Bucky and Help the Good Guys are uniting forces to bring you (and your business) a new and very cool way to help out firefighters and their families who've been affected by Hurricane Sandy.  For the past couple of weeks--and until December 31st--all proceeds from downloads of "Drinking Side of Country",  Bucky's rockin' single with Shooter Jennings, are being donated to raise funds for firefighters who lost their homes during the superstorm.

Now, Bucky and HTGG present a eye-catching countertop box filled with the IAFF Special Edition of Bucky's new CD, Good Guys, as a point of purchase display for retail businesses, firefighter locals, restaurants, offices, salons and more.  As with the single, all proceeds from the sale of this package will be donated to help firefighter families on the East Coast affected by Hurricane Sandy.  If there's someone you know who has a shop, small business, or office, and has a heart for firefighters and first responders in need, be sure to pass this great news along.  (Don't miss Bucky and HTGG's Mickey Milam announcing the release of the special box in this video.)

John Dixon of Dixon Media captured some truly stunning shots from last weekend's benefit pancake breakfast and acoustic concert for Tristin Greer--you'll definitely want to check out this whole album at Bucky's official gallery.  (There's also more excellent local video from the day at WDEF News 12's site.)

We'll be back very soon with more details on a great Bucky Covington/Help the Good Guys event coming up on Monday, November 19th in Virginia Beach--stay tuned for the scoop!

In the meantime, be sure to request Bucky at your local country station and on your favorite nationally syndicated country music show, and vote for Bucky and Shooter at GAC's Top 50 Videos of the Year and at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack. Have a good evening, everybody!

Quick news: Big crowds in Chattanooga, Bucky Covington's busy Monday morning, and a tribute to a beloved Town...

Rocky Covington, Ducky Medlock and Bucky Covington shared a smile with the crowd in Chattanooga in this sunny shot by the very gracious Hildi--thanks so much!  Bucky and his band have plenty of live dates ahead; check out his official calendar for details. 

Tristin Greer and Bucky Covington in Chattanooga; thanks again to the very kind Hildi for the photo.

Bucky Covington,  Help the Good Guys and the Chattanooga Firefighters Association Local 820 had a big, big turnout for last Saturday's pancake breakfast in Chattanooga for the benefit of Tristin Greer--and by all accounts, everyone involved had a fantastic time!  There were many news reports on the event, including this story (complete with a cute snippet of video--love that dancer) at Chattanoogan.com, and an article with photo at WRCB-TV.  Today, the Help The Good Guys Facebook wall was updated with exclusive photos from the breakfast.  Many, many thanks to everyone who was able to be a part of this fun fundraiser!

Bucky's busy schedule brought him to two different morning TV shows in his hometown of Nashville today--first, he visited with WZTV Fox 17's Nick Paranjape and Kelly Sutton on Tennessee Mornings, where he and Ducky Medlock performed "Drinking Side of Country" and "A Father's Love (The Only Way He Knew How)".

Quick news: Bucky Covington goes "Inside The Song " for Inside Music Row, countdown to Chattanooga, winter shows and more...

We can't get enough of this song, live, on the radio and on iTunes! Bucky Covington and his band rocked a happy crowd in Kentucky with "Drinking Side of Country", the latest single from his hot album Good Guys.  Profits from iTunes downloads of this song through 12/31/12 will be donated to firefighters and their families who suffered losses due to Hurricane Sandy.  (Thanks again to jamwell212 at YouTube.)

Wonder what inspired Bucky Covington's rowdy new single,  "Drinking Side of Country"?  Wonder no more--he shared the real-life experiences behind the lyrics in the "Inside the Song" segment of this week's Inside Music Row video news.  Enjoy!

Also sure to be enjoyable--delicious pancakes and an acoustic set by Bucky at the upcoming benefit for Tristin Greer, son of Senior Firefighter Jason Greer, happening this Saturday at Chattanooga Fire Station No. 1 (218 E. Main St.) at 8:00 am.  We're gonna mention that custom guitar raffle again, too, because we have an ulterior motive...we'd love to see a Buckymania reader win this beautiful prize! Tickets are just $5 each, and proceeds will help Tristin's family with their medical expenses.  (Send us a photo if you're the winner, and we'll post it here!)

Hot live concert dates are also on the calendar in the next few weeks--here's a quick look at some upcoming shows...

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 news: Bucky Covington's "I Wanna Be That Feeling" and "Drinking Side of Country" on the ballot at CMT and GAC, and an IAFF date in Memphis...

Thanks again to Hildi for a terrific shot of Bucky Covington's whole band, taken at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville.  (Left to right: Ducky Medlock, Rocky Covington, Bucky Covington, Kevin Wood and Scott Tweten.)  For your next chance to rock with Bucky's band live, browse his concert schedule at eOne.

Two great singles, two chances to vote for Bucky Covington!  The videos for both "Drinking Side of Country" and "I Wanna Be that Feeling" are now up for our votes at both GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack.  Both songs are from his upcoming album Good Guys, which is available for pre-order now at Amazon, iTunes,  Bucky's official site (with special fan bundles available), and at the HelpTheGoodGuys.com store, where where a Special IAFF Edition is on offer.  Bucky's album is set to drop on September 11th.

A CMT memory from the way, way back machine: Bucky Covington at the CMT Music Awards, 2007. (Photo by Aaron Crisler/ Music City Update .com)

Other than that, it's a slow news day, so we'll close with a reminder about an upcoming IAFF event in Memphis, via@mffa1784 at Twitter: "Our charity concert featuring Bucky Covington and John Michael Montgomery is October 19th, (901) 324-9010 for tickets."  That's the Memphis / Shelby County Firefighters Association Benefit Concert, and it's happening at the Agricenter Showplace Arena (7777 Walnut Grove Rd in Memphis). Tickets are $20, and you'll want to come out and enjoy some fine country music for a good cause. 

We'll see you very soon--until then, feel free to request Bucky at your local country radio station and have a great night!

Quick news: Bucky Covington's racy weekend, "Drinking Side of Country" officially hits radio, photos by Hildi, Shannon and Kimberly and more...

Thanks to the very gracious Hildi for sharing this beautiful shot of Bucky Covington with the winner of this past weekend's charity Legends race at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville.  The race was a fundraiser for the Nashville Local 140 Fire Fighter's Relief Fund and Help The Good Guys, an organization dedicated to assisting injured firefighters and their families.  Click here to preorder an IAFF Special Edition of Bucky's upcoming album, Good Guys, which will be released on September 11.

Last weekend was a very busy one for Bucky Covington and his band, and a lot of great photo memories are popping up online.  Hildi captured beautiful shots from the concert and race (more coming here soon), Shannon has a gorgeous photo album posted at Facebook, Kimberly Tweeted links to several great shots today, and Fran of Buckytown USA fame shared photos, links and a video of Bucky's race over the weekend.  Huge, major thanks to all of Bucky's generous fans for giving those of us who couldn't be there a taste of the fun!

CChamblee  posted this awesome 14 minute recap of the August 11th concert and race at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, complete with a little performance footage and trophy presentations.  Thanks!

Your next chance to be there for the fun of a live Bucky Covington show happens this coming Thursday, August 16th, when he and his band rock the Obion County Fair in Union City, TN. That's just the beginning of another jam-packed weekend--they'll also play the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival on August 17th and the Coyote CountryFest in Las Vegas on August 18th.  (Bucky's got lots of live dates ahead, and new ones are being added all the time;  check out his official calendar and bookmark the sidebar at Buckytown to find out when he'll grace a stage near you.)

"Drinking Side of Country", Bucky's megahot duet with Shooter Jennings, should be gracing a radio near you pretty soon, too!  Unofficially, it's already at country radio;  officially, according to Music Row's Country Breakout chart, it's "going for adds" on August 13th--tomorrow--and we'd really like to know if you've been hearing it at your station!  The smash hit video helps a lot, buzzwise, and our requests (you knew that was coming, didn't you?)  will help a lot, too.  Y'all know the drill by now: please hit the phones, make those e-requests, and keep an ear out for new-song challenges and "keep it or kick it" segments.  Bucky's got a hot song, a hot video and some very eager fans...sounds like a recipe for success.

Speaking of Bucky's hot video, remember to tune in at 8:56 am Eastern tomorrow for the GAC-TV debut of "Drinking Side of Country".  We're hoping that one gets added to GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown soon; in the meantime, be sure to vote for "I Wanna Be That Feeling" there, and for both of Bucky's singles at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack.  Have a great night, all!

Weekend preview: Bucky Covington at Camp Hope (news feature), a sweet offer from the Opry and more...

From Bucky Covington's own YouTube channel, here's a trip down memory lane--this fun footage was taken backstage on the occasion of Bucky's first Opry at the Ryman performance in 2009.  Bucky returns to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 4th--click here for info at Opry.com, and here for Bucky's full concert schedule at his official site.

Bucky Covington and Help The Good Guys are featured in this excellent news story at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Reporter.  The article covers the recent Camp Hope gathering in Columbia, TN, with quotes from the young campers and camp director Rebekah Lemley, R.N., and a word from Bucky (along with a terrific photo) near the end.

We'll wrap up the week with a few timely reminders:

Tonight:  Bucky and his band are set to rock the Boone County Fair at the Lick Creek Fairgrounds in Danville, WV--gates are open as of 4 pm, and Bucky will take the stage around 9pm. Admission is just $5--a great bargain for a hot night of music!

DVR alert:  Bucky's episode of CMT's Southern Fried Flicks airs tonight, August 3rd, at 11/10 Central, with a rerun on Saturday, August 4th at 7/6 Central.  Enjoy Bucky in the kitchen, a fun feature flick and delicious cooking and commentary by the legendary Hazel Smith.

Saturday:  Bucky returns to the Grand Ole Opry, where he'll perform during the 7:30 to 8:00 segment, and the 11:00 and 11:30 segment.  Last minute seats may still be available online--good luck! If you can't make it to Nashville, listen to the Opry live on WSM Online and enjoy the whole show.  (And if you are going, click here for a look at upcoming Opry events in August and a coupon for a free soda...yes, we're serious.  Enjoy that sweet soft drink--wish we could be there at the Opry to share it with you!)

By special request, another screenshot of the lovely Kellie Pickler from her cameo in the "Drinking Side of Country" video.  (We think she's pretty awesome, too.)  Thanks for writing!

Ongoing:  Bucky's new album Good Guys is slated for a September 11th release, but you can pre-order your copy now at Amazon and iTunes and at the HelpTheGoodGuys.com store, where a Special IAFF Edition package is available.

Bucky and Shooter Jennings have a hot hit on their hands with "Drinking Side of Country"; catch the video at CMT.com and GAC.com, or at YouTube, where it's racked up over two million views.  And don't forget to vote for Bucky's singles on those video ballots!  Both "Drinking Side of Country" and "I Wanna Be That Feeling" are up for our votes at at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack, and "I Wanna Be That Feeling" is still a sweet summer favorite at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown.

We'll turn it over to our good blogger buddy Fran at Buckytown USA--she'll have the latest updates on Bucky's news this and every Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning. See you here again on Monday night--have a great weekend!

Quick news: Bucky Covington interview on Fox Nashville (video), Opry, CMT and a busy weekend ahead...

Thanks to Fox 17 in Nashville for uploading this terrific news feature about Bucky Covington's new hit with Shooter Jennings, "Drinking Side of Country", at YouTube! Bucky's next Nashville performance happens on Saturday, August 4th at the Grand Ole Opry, where he'll take the stage during the 7:30 to 8:00 segment, and again between 11:00 and 11:30.  (Grab your tickets right here.) Those of us who won't be in Nashville will have the pleasure of listening to the Opry live stream on WSM Online.

Bucky's also making a fun (and tasty) television appearance this weekend--see him with the legendary Hazel Smith on CMT's Southern Fried Flicks tomorrow, August 3rd at 11/10 Central (re-airs Saturday, August 4th at 7/6 Central). And if you're anywhere near Danville, WV, tomorrow's your big night twice over--you'll be able to rock with Bucky and his band live at the Boone County Fair!  For all of Bucky's concert dates, head on over to his event calendar at eOne.

Rocky Covington and Bucky Covington on stage in West Palm Beach; thanks again to Judy Lang for her kindness.

Remember when Bucky asked his talented fans for some concert shots for his upcoming album?  He just posted a gracious note at his Facebook : "Thanks to everyone who submitted photos for the new album packaging - at least 50 made it in the package so look for it in the digital booklet on iTunes or in stores Sep 11th! And YES your names are listed in the credits."  Yet another sweet reason to look forward to the release of Good Guys.  (Did we mention that it's available for pre-order now at Amazon and iTunes, and in a Special IAFF Edition package at the HelpTheGoodGuys.com store?)

We'll close with the good news that Bucky and Shooter's hit video can now be seen on CMT.com--be sure to save that link and pass it on, y'all. Please vote for Bucky at CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack and at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown, and let your local country radio station know you'd like to hear him, too.  We'll see you Friday evening...enjoy the night!

A biased song review: Bucky Covington and Shooter Jennings, "Drinking Side of Country" (at iTunes now!)

Bucky Covington and Shooter Jennings sound great in this crystal clear audio-only clip of "Drinking Side of Country"--thanks to pcolson90 for posting it at YouTube.  (For the full-on, wild-ride "Dukes of Hazzard"-inspired music video featuring Kellie Pickler, Mickie James,  Kenny Bartram and lots of Daisy Duke wearing beauties, head on over to YouTube and/or Maxim.com.) Bucky's September 2012 album, Good Guys, is available for pre-order at Amazon, and the single is available at iTunes now.

Well, it's safe to say we're not on Lyric Street any more!

Bucky Covington's three big hits with his former label, the Disney-owned Lyric Street Records, were a trio made up of a beautifully nostalgic mid-tempo toe-tapper ("A Different World"), a fast-paced, exhilarating love song ("It's Good to Be Us"), and a sensitive, heart-tugging ballad ("I'll Walk"). We truly loved them all--still do!--but Bucky's longtime fans knew he'd also handle a thumpin' Southern country party anthem brilliantly.  Many of us hoped that "Bible and the Belt", a strong and gritty cut from his debut album Bucky Covington, would be his fourth Lyric Street single.  During the long delay between albums, new songs, presumably from what would have been Bucky's sophomore Lyric Street CD, were added to his live set, and the gratifyingly rowdy "Evel Knievel"  became a sing-along concert favorite, but as far as we know it was never released to radio on its own. 

Folks, we finally--finally--got our Bucky Covington Southern country party anthem single right here, and it's more than we could have asked for (and to be a little politically incorrect, it's much more than I suspect Lyric Street would have let us enjoy.)  "Drinking Side of Country" was written by Bucky with his longtime co-writers Rocky Covington and Ducky Medlock, it was produced by Bucky, and it features the distinctive vocals of the awesome (not gonna lie)  Shooter Jennings, who certainly knows a thing or two about the joys of calling one's own artistic shots.

Lyrically, "Drinking Side of Country" does indeed cover some familiar party song territory (no-strings-attached affection and plenty-of-strings-attached trouble are easy to find when one is a traveling musician--yep) but it does so with humor, sly charm and the unmistakable ring of authenticity.  You don't doubt that these guys have lived--and laughed at--much of what they're singing about,  and that alone allows it to transcend the "laundry list" accusations that some might lob.  And musically...well, let's talk about that hook.  (You're singing it in your head right now, aren't you? "We roll, we roll, we roll...on down the highway..." Catchy?  You bet. )

Needless to say, I'm enjoying this a lot.  If you've been here since the beginning of Buckymania, when one of Bucky's self-penned songs, "Can't Be Wrong", made us all aware that there was a lot more to him than Idol-sanctioned covers, you're doubly happy about his fall single being one of his own co-written compositions.  "Drinking Side of Country" may also be the most polarizing single Bucky's released to date, and even that's a good thing, if you think about it--sometimes trying to please everyone makes an artist ultimately displeased with himself.  Bucky is who he is--the straightforward, talented guy who can bring a tear to your eye with "I'll Walk" and bring a knowing smile to your face with "Drinking Side of Country"--and that's one of the many reasons we dig him so much.

We can't wrap this up without saying a word or two about the already semi-controversial video directed by Blake Judd, which is nothing like any music video Bucky's done before.  Bucky, unlike many of the male singers who we came to know via a certain TV show, has the advantage of a strong fan base from both sexes, and this particular video is definitely one for the guys.  There are those who'll miss the prominent shot of paintballs in the back seat of the car, and those who'll miss the point that the whole thing is an affectionate spoof of the "Dukes of Hazzard" aesthetic rather than a literal Design for Living.  But nobody, and I mean nobody, is going to fail to notice the overabundance of gorgeous babes, or the sexy cameos by Kellie Pickler and Mickie James.  It's caused quite a buzz already, and it's been linked from the front page of Yahoo--a big advantage for a brand new single.

Bottom line: "Drinking Side of Country" is a smart and worthy follow-up to the lovely, romantic "I Wanna Be That Feeling", and it shows off a funny, rowdy, endearing side of Bucky's musical personality.  He's a versatile performer, and the two very different, very cool songs already released from his upcoming Good Guys album underscore that point beautifully.  We're looking forward to a fantastic fall!--W

Pre-order Bucky's upcoming eOne album, Good Guys, at Amazon now.  "Drinking Side of Country" is now available at iTunes.

Breaking news: Music Row announces Bucky Covington/Shooter Jennings eOne single coming in August...

Shooter Jennings and Bucky Covington in a studio shot shared by the kind eOne rep at left a little while back (via Twitter, with thanks)

Breaking news via Music Row today--it looks like eOne is making sure we've got plenty of good stuff to listen to this summer and right on into fall!  Music Row's Single Releases Calendar is listing "Bucky Covington with Shooter Jennings/Drinking Side of Country/eOne" as an August 13th release, and earlier today, Bucky shared this exciting tidbit on Twitter: "Had a great time shooting my new music vid yesterday in KY- more details soon!"  (Those of you who've been reading Buckymania for a long time know that we've been huge fans of Bucky's songwriting skills since his hauntingly good "Can't Be Wrong" first caught our ears way back in the day, so this is a doubly exciting development...)

We've still got a hot early summer single to support, too--Bucky's beautiful current release, "I Wanna Be That Feeling", is looking good at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT Pure's Pure 12 Pack, where the video is climbing both charts.  There can never be too much of Bucky's music on the radio or the TV, y'all!  Click those big colorful buttons up at top right to give him a boost right now, and stand by to support "Drinking Side of Country" as fall gets underway.  Bucky's next live event happens on Thursday, when he and his band will rock the  Kix 106 Smokin'  Summer Showcase with special guests The Lost Trailers at Snowden Grove in Southaven, MS.  More later--enjoy the day!

Edited to add links to photos and info on Bucky and Shooter's upcoming video at Columbia Magazine, Nashville Gab and MJ's Big Blog.  See you soon!--W