Country Weekly Fast Facts 9/28

By Courtesy COUNTRY WEEKLY
Posted Tuesday, September 22, 2009

COVER STORY: GEORGE STRAIT PROUD PAPA
George Strait’s life is even happier after co-writing three songs with his son George Jr. for his new album, Twang. “It makes a papa proud to have my son contributing to the creation of this record,” declares George. “We had a great time writing with each other.” George adds that he still looks for songs from established Music Row writers. “Whether it be a song by me or my son, it’s [still] got to be the best one to make the best record,” he says. “I just continue to look for good material.” George also talks about the recording of the new album and a few of the tunes, including the Spanish-language mariachi standard “El Rey,” which he notes has been a favorite of his for years. “I think it turned out great, and I hope the real mariachis like it,” George says. “That will be the real test.”

KELLIE PICKLER: CARIBBEAN QUEEN
Kellie Pickler takes you behind the scenes of her new video, “Didn’t You Know How Much I Love You,” shot in the gorgeous Dominican Republic. “It was so beautiful, and the people were so sweet and kind,” Kellie recalls to Country Weekly. “It was a really wonderful getaway.”

PLUS!
Keith Urban announces a special show for the Country Music Hall of Fame . . . Captured Moments through the years with Carrie Underwood . . . Lady Antebellum pulls an all-nighter for their “Need You Now” video . . . Diamond Rio comes back with a new single and renewed commitment . . . Gretchen Wilson welcomes troops home from overseas duty . . . and the story behind the Jason Aldean No. 1 smash, “Big Green Tractor.”