The Band Perry continues strong and powerful at Country radio. They are out with the single “Done” (Republic) and this one is off to a flying start at the format. Last week it ranked at the top of our “most added” and now it’s on the way up the charts. Jason Aldean is as hot as ever. In fact, he just did a video that was filled with Country star support for his new track “1994” (Broken Bow/Sony). It looks like another stellar year for this country rocker. I really love the new Brad Paisley single “Beat This Summer” (Arista Nashville). It was also great meeting him at this year’s CRS. Watch for some big news in the weeks ahead to come from Brad. If you want to talk about things coming full circle, how about Tim McGraw pairing up for a duet with Taylor Swift? That’s just what’s happened over the last few weeks as the single “Highway Don’t Care” (Big Machine/Universal) takes flight. You will remember that it was Taylor who first broke at radio with her tribute song to McGraw. The Zac Brown Band is off to their old ways and that includes more hits at Country radio. “Jump Right In” (Atlantic/WEA) is their latest and what a career these boys now have and in such a short period of time. Brantley Gilbert is hotter than a pistol. He’s getting the job done as his new single “More Than Miles” (Valory Music/Universal) picks up a bunch of early believers. Billy Currington is always one of my favorites. He doesn’t disappoint one bit with the new “Hey Girl” (Mercury) cut. Many of our music and programmers are all over this one. Also getting some love at the format is Darius Rucker. He keeps the hit list building strong with the remake of Zac Brown’s “Wagon Wheel” (Capitol). It was also great seeing him at this year’s Country Radio Seminar and to watch him getting inducted onto the Country Music Hall of Fame was a real treat. It’s always great to see Sheryl Crow getting some love at Country. Her new single entitled “Easy” (WB/WEA) should find her some believers at Country radio.

Country recording artist Jon Pardi is also getting a strong start. Many of you are really loving the new “Up All Night” (Capitol) and for good reason. Justin Moore is also getting lots of love and respect from our programmers. Many of them are falling all over the “Point At You” (Valory Music/Universal) single. Jeff Maddox has also been getting some strong support at radio. The single “These Days” from Platinum Plus Records is so good and deserves your immediate attention. Kenny Chesney keeps getting lots of spins around the USA. He still does it better than most as “Pirate Flag” (Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville) keeps flying ever so bright.

Lady Antebellum have a good thing going and that’s a fact. This super lucky and talented outfit is getting lots of praise for their “Downtown” (Capitol) track. Kip Moore made an impressive showing at this year’s Country Radio Seminar. Our photo editor Masika Swain was covering him from every angle, especially when performing his new hit single “Hey Pretty Girl” (MCA Nashville). Philip Claypool is pulling in some action this week. The single “I’m Gonna Lie” is helping out on that. Another independent artist, Jerry D, is getting some solid action for his new “You Found The Key” (Nashville Impact) cut. Also getting in on the action are Indie favorites the Leverton Brothers with the red hot “Pole Cat Holler” (Lure) single. Jake Owen keeps getting strong spins for “Anywhere With You” (RCA Nashville). Everybody raves about the Eric Church single “Like Jesus Does” (Capitol/EMI). Easton Corbin is becoming a fan favorite with “All Over The Road” (Universal/UMG). Kelly Parkes has not stopped short of the finish line with her “As Good As Me” (Ocala) single. Another Ocala hit building is by the Wheeler Sisters entitled “Whisky Please”. This issue’s “Cover Girl” Tobi Gordon has a good thing going with “I Want To Live Like That” (Platinum Plus). Again, it was great seeing many of you at this year’s CRS and I’ll have more for you next time partners.