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!

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!

Quick news: Bucky Covington at Rickey.org and GAC.com, photos from Detroit and a CRS memory...

A little CRS memory from a few years back--here's Bucky Covington performing at the New Faces show back in '08, as captured by the mega-generous Buckymouse. Enjoy!

Bucky Covington and company--along with a galaxy of country radio performers, stars, on-air talent and executives--are taking time out to enjoy this year's Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, which kicks off tonight. Bucky's return to the radio "unofficially officially" happens in early March, when "I Wanna Be That Feeling", his latest single, goes for radio adds. (Your local station may already have it, though...why not hit the ol' request line and see?)

Rickey.org has a newly-posted retrospective on Season Five of Idol, and Bucky gets a quite flattering mention in the article; check it out, and stay tuned for part two...


Here's a sunny concert shot to brighten the February blahs! Thanks to the very kind Judy Lang for this classic photo of Rocky Covington and Bucky Covington at the KJJY Big Country Bash.

Bucky and Help The Good Guys are featured in GAC's Photos of the Week; along with that "big check" shot, there's info about his work with the charity and a note about his "new album later this year". (Have we mentioned that we can't wait to hear it? Ahem...)

And we'll wrap it up with a link to the Help The Good Guys photo gallery--recently updated with pictures from Bucky's benefit performance in Detroit. See you tomorrow!

Vote for Bucky Covington at GAC's "Top 50 Videos of the 2000s"!

Great American Country wants to know which videos you'd choose as the Top 50 of the past decade--and Bucky Covington's "A Different World" is on the list! Click here to vote for him once a day, every day, through January 16th, then watch out for the countdown's premiere in February. We'll be back later with a full post--see you then! (Thanks to Moyajb at Twitter, Happydays at Yahoo, and to everyone who passed the link along.)

Concert video: Bucky Covington sings "American Friday Night", Preds Party and a GAC reminder (updated w/CW alert--thanks, Lisa!)

Gotta love a musical start to a wonderful weekend! Bucky Covington and his band performed "American Friday Night" for a packed house in Alpena last week; huge thanks to moya1jb for capturing this terrific video and posting in YouTube. Bucky's next public show takes place on September 12th at the Recher Theatre in Towson, MD; MissionTix has a seat with your name on it, but you'd better hurry!

MJ's Big Blog has a note about Carrie Underwood's performance at last night's Petey’s Preds Party, a benefit for the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s and the Nashville Predators Foundation. Bucky was among the many Nashville celebrities in attendance at the sold out gala, and Mrs. Mike Fisher's performance was a welcome surprise. Bucky tweeted about the party today, as well as posting a reminder about Billy Ray Cyrus' I'm American special, which repeats tomorrow at 5 pm ET on GAC. He's one of the friends who joined the Cyrus family on their farm for a salute to military families--be sure to catch it!

We'll be back on Monday with more--in the meantime, be sure to join us at the beautiful Buckytown USA blog, where Fran will have this weekend's news covered in style. Have a fantastic evening!

Update: Big, big thanks to the very kind Lisa P. for this newsstand alert! She writes: "Country Weekly, Sept. 19th edition, with George Strait on the cover, has Craig Morgan charity event featured in it...there is a nice photo of Bucky with Sarah Darling and Craig Morgan, and there is a small picture where you can see a side view of Katherine. Just wanted to share so you could report on the blog!" Kudos to Lisa for sharing the info, and the magazine is on your local shelves even as we speak...check it out, y'all! See you on Monday--W

Photos: Bucky Covington and Billy Ray Cyrus in "I'm American" special on GAC...

Thanks to Diver for this great photo from Bucky Covington's Country Jam USA set in Colorado.

Bucky Covington is part of an all-star gathering at Billy Ray Cyrus' place--and GAC has invited you to join the fun! Here's the scoop via GAC's website: Billy Ray Cyrus and friends host a fun-filled all-American BBQ party on his farm to salute military families. Cyrus also shares home videos from his recent USO tour, and performs songs from his new album "I’m American." Airdates are as follows:

• June 21, 2011 8:30 PM ET
• June 22, 2011 12:30 AM ET
• June 22, 2011 11:00 AM ET
• June 22, 2011 5:00 PM ET
• June 26, 2011 8:00 PM ET

Zimbio's got some terrific photographs from the taping on June 4th--click here to check out the slideshow (and more great shots of Bucky, too) at their site. And if that whets your appetite for a live show (it should!), be sure to check out Bucky's tour schedule. More soon!

An update on CMT Pure, a reminder about GAC's Top 20, a reset on the album countdown widget, and more...

Our talented friend Judy Lang took this striking shot of Bucky Covington in concert at the LHS Country Showdown last Saturday--thanks to her for sharing!

There's a little news about Bucky Covington's most recent video at CMT's Pure 12-Pack; "Gotta Be Somebody", which has indeed been retired from the ballot, made its final appearance on the countdown at a triumphant #4 for the week. Thanks for voting, y'all! Bucky's still very much in the running at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown, so be sure to put in a good word for him daily--and feel free to recruit as many voters as you like. (Thanks again to Hildi for the update.)

"Gotta Be Somebody" will be part of Bucky's upcoming new album, I'm Alright, and Judy Lang graciously shared word about another new tune, "Mamma Must be Prayin'", that was part of Saturday's live set at the LHS Country Showdown. Will it be on the new CD? We'll have to wait (oh, how I hate to type these words) a little while longer to find out, as the rumors of a fall--rather than spring--release date were confirmed with the latest revision of the album countdown widget at Bucky's official site. It'll be worth the long wait, from the sounds of things--Judy also mentioned that the crowd loved the old and the new songs in Kansas! We'll post the widget below--you're invited to copy it and take it with you to Facebook, MySpace or your own personal site...



We'll wind things down for the evening with a link to 2nd Avenue Live in Nashville, where Bucky and his band are set to rock the house on the 30th; seats for this 18-and-over show are available online now at TicketWeb.com. More soon...

More Country Weekly party links, and a request reminder...

Thanks to Happydays for this great shot of Bucky Covington on stage in Biloxi, MS.

As we mentioned in this morning's post, Bucky Covington was part of last night's party in honor of Country Weekly's 15th Anniversary, and GAC has an article about the party posted today in their News & Notes blog, complete with a snap of Bucky and GAC's Storme Warren. Stephanie Langston of Steph In The City was also there for the fun--Bucky, his girlfriend Katherine and many of country's brightest stars are included in Steph's beautiful photo slideshow. Happy browsing! (Thanks to Diver for the heads-up.)

Need a soundtrack while you're enjoying the photos? "Gotta Be Somebody" could be a part of your celebrations this evening--dial up your friendly neighborhood live local country DJ right now, or give your favorite syndicated star a ring, an email, or a tweet:

Lia: 1-800-577-7LIA
The Big Time w/Whitney Allen: 1-877-494-4863
After MidNite: 1-800-722-6483
CMT Radio Live w/Cody Alan: 1-866-877-4CMT
2nd Shift w/Alan Kabel: 1-888-96NIGHT

(Be sure to vote for Bucky's video at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack, too--it's climbing those countdown charts quite nicely...) More soon!

Encore: Bucky Covington on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown, 10 am ET

Bucky Covington at the KJJY Bash during his summer tour--thanks to Judy Lang for the photo.

Need a mid-morning break? Tune in to GAC this morning and enjoy Bucky Covington and Nan Kelley on this past weekend's edition of GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown at 10 am ET today. (If you missed it, you've still got time to make an impact on next week's show--vote for "Gotta be Somebody" at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and at CMT's Pure 12-Pack, too.) More news coming up!

PS: Mondays are my craziest offline days--and this one's even crazier than most. I meant to mention earlier that Buckytown USA's weekly update, complete with terrific concert photos by Redbird and a link to a fab video by DCMandeville, is waiting for you now. Thanks to Fran and Renee for the news, links and fun! Look for an update here late this afternoon--see you then...

Bucky Covington's "Evel Knievel" (live video), Baltimore concert info, GAC encore and more...

Bucky Covington St. Joe #3

This video by Judy Lang was taken at Bucky Covington's concert in St. Joseph, MO, last summer--many thanks to her! Bucky and his band performed a rockin' "Evel Knievel" before a very happy crowd, and this song will bring the party to your iPod this fall, when his new album, I'm Alright, hits the stores. We've got a radio survey in progress at right--which of Bucky's new tunes would you like to hear on the radio this spring? Vote today and have your say...

Bucky and company are returning to the road next week--click here for the list on his official site. Yesterday's post covered three of those hot January shows, and we're adding a reminder about his Baltimore gig today. (Our apologies for leaving this one out on Saturday morning!). On January 16th, Bucky, Chris Young and Easton Corbin will rock the house at Luckie's Tavern in Baltimore, MD. The WPOC for Kids concert is a 21-and-up benefit for St. Jude's Children's Hospital--doors open at 5, music begins at 6, and a great night of country music is guaranteed.

Bucky Covington and Jeff Cease on stage in Portales, NM; another great shot from AmaTexMom at Bucky Fan Pics. Thanks again!

Take a break from the winter blues and watch Bucky today at 12 noon and 9:30 pm ET on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown with Nan Kelley. (We hear it was a fun interview!) "Gotta Be Somebody", Bucky's hit video, is climbing up the countdown charts even as we speak--vote for him at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack today, and give your local country station a sweet request line nudge, too. Stay warm, everyone!

Weekend video: Bucky Covington, "Hold a Woman" (live), GAC Top 20 today, concert reminders and more...

This soulful performance of "Hold a Woman" comes from Bucky Covington's fan club party in Nashville last summer. (The song will be on Bucky's upcoming album, I'm Alright, which is currently scheduled for a fall release, and we've got a survey in progress about which of Bucky's new tunes you'd like to hear on the radio next. Check out our right sidebar, and have your say.) Many thanks to buckyandrockytxfan for capturing this one.

Bucky Covington's visit with GAC's Nan Kelley repeats several times this weekend (11 am and 5:30 pm ET on Saturday, 12 noon and 9:30 pm ET Sunday) on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown. There are some very favorable comments from GAC viewers about Bucky here--sounds like it was a terrific appearance! That excellent "Gotta Be Somebody" video they're buzzing about is ready for your vote at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack today, and weekend radio requests are always welcome.


Bucky Covington on stage in Dothan, AL; photo by the very kind Happydays. Thanks for the shot!

We'll wind up the weekend news with a couple of January concert reminders--Bucky and his band's winter break officially ends with a wild night at the the 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis on Friday, 1/15, and you'll want to get your seat at Ticketmaster soon. On Saturday, 1/23, Bucky and company are the headliners at the LHS Country Showdown in Liberal, Kansas--this is a benefit for the LHS Boosters, and tickets are available locally at Crazy House in Garden City.

And of course, there's that newly-added 1/30 show in Nashville at 2nd Avenue Live. We've got no word yet on ticket options, but as soon as we do, you'll see it right here! Hope you can make it to what's sure to be a very rockin' good time in Bucky and Rocky's new hometown. (Sounds like a mini-vacation might be in order...)

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Bucky Covington on GAC tonight, a little retro sunshine, and a song survey ...

A friend who was feeling the winter doldrums asked for this sunny video--happy to oblige! Here's the mega-talented Buckymouse's classic "Mexicoma" montage, featuring Bucky Covington and company, sunshine, sandy beaches...need we say more? Thanks for the request!

Tonight's the night! Bucky Covington sat down for a chat with GAC's Nan Kelley earlier this week, and you can see it all--and find out more about his exciting plans for the year--on tonight's edition of GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown. If you'll be out and about this evening, take heart--you'll have plenty of chances to catch a rerun. Here are those airtimes again:

* January 08, 2010 8:00 PM ET
* January 09, 2010 12:00 AM ET
* January 09, 2010 11:00 AM ET
* January 09, 2010 5:30 PM ET
* January 10, 2010 12:00 PM ET

Bucky's "Gotta Be Somebody" video is climbing the charts on the countdowns, by the way, and we're determined to help keep that ball rolling. Show him some ballot-style love at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown voting page, and give him a boost at CMT's Pure 12-Pack, too.

Bucky Covington and Rocky Covington share a microphone for their "Seven Spanish Angels" duet at the Alamdeda County Fair; photo by the very kind Minnie. Thanks again, Minnie!

Speaking of polls, voting and such, we've got one of our own in progress! Bucky always sounds great on the radio (yep, that'd be a request hint) and we're curious. Imagine yourself in your car, an early spring breeze blowing through your hair, the speakers on your car radio turned up, and your favorite DJ announcing "the new one by Bucky Covington..." Which of the new songs from his upcoming album I'm Alright has caught your ear? We'll be featuring videos of each of the songs on the list this week, so stay tuned...

More soon!

Bucky Covington in Indy, 1/15 (Fun City Finder article), and a request reminder...

Bucky Covington on stage in Pleasanton, CA--thanks to the very gracious Minnie for the photo. (Click the image to visit Bucky's official site.)

There's a very brief article about Bucky Covington's upcoming Indianapolis show at the Fun City Finder blog this evening--enjoy! (Bucky and his band play the 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis next Friday, the 15th; get your seat at Ticketmaster.)

Here's a very quick TV reminder--you can catch Bucky's upcoming guest spot on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown with Nan Kelley Friday night at 8 pm ET (click here for more details and airtimes). His latest single, "Gotta Be Somebody", is up for video votes at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack and it's ready for requests at a country station near you. If a syndicated show's on the air in your city at the moment, give your favorite host or hostess a ring:

Lia: 1-800-577-7LIA
The Big Time w/Whitney Allen: 1-877-494-4863
After MidNite: 1-800-722-6483
CMT Radio Live w/Cody Alan: 1-866-877-4CMT
2nd Shift w/Alan Kabel: 1-888-96NIGHT

Have a great evening!

Bucky Covington, social networking, and a question or two for you (coming soon)

Bucky Covington sang his hit "I'll Walk" to a delighted crowd at the 2009 Iowa State Fair; many thanks to the very talented Judy Lang for the striking concert photo. Click the image to see Bucky's concert schedule at his official site.

Bucky Covington and his band are off the road until the 15th, when they'll rock the 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis (limited seats available at Ticketmaster now), but you can catch him all weekend on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown with Nan Kelley--click here for more details and airtimes. He'll be talking about his plans for 2010, and we're eager to hear a little more news about I'm Alright, his second album. The latest word is that Bucky's in the studio putting the finishing touches on this one, and we're looking forward to at least one more pre-album-release spring/summer single before we've got this much-anticipated CD in our hands this fall.

Bucky's current single and video, "Gotta Be Somebody", is doing splendidly on GAC and CMT...could this be the start of lots of audio-visual goodness this year? Sure hope so--as you might have guessed (this blog's called Buckymania, after all), we dig Bucky live in concert, on the radio and on the tube. Voting for Bucky (ahem) at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack, bringing friends and neighbors along when he and his band are performing in town and requesting him at your local country station keeps his name, face and-most importantly--his music before the ears and eyes of brand new listeners.

Bucky Covington introduces Jeff Cease during their performance in Iowa last summer; thanks again to the very kind Judy Lang for sharing the shot.

Those three elements--live shows, radio airplay and excellent promotional music videos--are key to the success of a rising country music star, but there's a fourth dimension that deserves a little consideration these days, as well. Social networking is a buzz-phrase that's gone from exciting to somewhat shopworn in record time, but there's no doubt that the fan-friendly concept behind the phrase is worthy of serious attention. (Just ask Taylor Swift!) Keep an eye out for a social networking survey on the sidebar soon.

Enjoy the day!

Bucky Covington on your TV, on your radio, on the newsstand, on a stage near you...

Bucky Covington and Scott Saunders soaked up the sun at the Indiana State Fair; thanks to the very kind Judy Lang for the photo.

There's a lot on our plate, y'all--Bucky Covington's first official music video in two years is a big ol' hit and we'd love to see it get even bigger. It's in our hands--or to be more precise, at the tips of our voting fingers. It's easy and fun to keep Bucky's voice, music and telegenic charms up front and on the air, so don't be shy. Give "Gotta Be Somebody" two thumbs-up at at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown and CMT's Pure 12-Pack, and light up your local country station's request line, too. If there's a syndicated show in progress where you are tonight, no worries--call the host or hostess on the air near you and ask for Bucky:

Lia: 1-800-577-7LIA
The Big Time w/Whitney Allen: 1-877-494-4863
After MidNite: 1-800-722-6483
CMT Radio Live w/Cody Alan: 1-866-877-4CMT
2nd Shift w/Alan Kabel: 1-888-96NIGHT

The big news of the day was the announcement of Bucky's GAC Top 20 Country Countdown guest spot this weekend--click here for more details and airtimes. As for that "newsstand" bit, the latest edition of Country Weekly (January 11th) features a one-page article about Bucky's recent homecoming concert, with beautiful color photos from the night. (For an even more rockin' Rockingham souvenir, be sure to snag Bucky's Live From Rockingham digital EP, available now at Amazon and at iTunes.)

Finally, a quick reminder about a summertime delight: Bucky and his band will perform at the Hodag Country Festival in Rhinelander, WI on July 8th. Tickets are on sale now online, or call 1-800-762-3803 or 715-369-1300 from 8:00 am to 4:30pm CST for more info. For news on upcoming dates, check Bucky's official site and Buckytown USA's handy sidebar.

More soon--enjoy the evening!

Bucky Covington guests on GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown (week of 1/8)

Bucky Covington in a promo photo for his upcoming second album, I'm Alright. (Credit: Lyric Street Records)

Thanks to Diver for passing the good news along--looks like Bucky Covington's visit to GAC yesterday will be enjoyed by the Top 20 Country Countdown audience all weekend long! He'll be on the set with GAC's Nan Kelley to talk about I'm Alright, "big plans for the new year" (perhaps a special announcement?) and more. Below are the airtimes for this week's edition:

* January 08, 2010 8:00 PM ET
* January 09, 2010 12:00 AM ET
* January 09, 2010 11:00 AM ET
* January 09, 2010 5:30 PM ET
* January 10, 2010 12:00 PM ET

And of course, be sure to give Bucky and "Gotta Be Somebody" a round of applause at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown voting page, and show him some love at CMT's Pure 12-Pack, too.

Edited to spotlight this handy GAC-TV Viewerlink page, for all who'd like to know if and where the network is carried near you. Pop in your zip code and the name of your cable or satellite provider, and they'll give you the scoop. GAC can be found on Ch. 167 on DISH Network and on Ch. 326 on DIRECTV. (Thanks, Hildi.) More soon!