Secret revealed: 'Cleaning This Gun' almost didn't happen

Mazel tov to Rodney Atkins, who today celebrated his fourth No. 1 in a row with Cleaning This Gun, a song that almost never made it to country radio.

Seems there are those in Rodney’s camp who were very concerned that the politically correct crowd wouldn’t take to the idea of a father trying to scare away his daughter’s suitor with a gun.

They moved ahead with the song, but at first, the song was called Come on In, Boy.

Then it got changed back to Cleaning This Gun.

But the whole behind-the-scenes hullabaloo is why you never saw a video for Cleaning This Gun, though one was planned, and it was gonna star comedian Larry the Cable Guy.

“You don’t wanna wind up with the vision of kids with guns,” Rodney told me today.

Rodney also was afraid a video for the song might perpetuate Southern stereotypes.

“So what’re ya gonna do, have the big farmer with the Bubba teeth and a gun and a pretty daughter. How do you go about it?” he said.

The good news for Rodney and the songwriters is that the song went No. 1 anyway — and his label saved $100,000 or so by not making the video.

Sheryl Crow, James Blunt, Def Leppard to play Sommet

But not all together.

James Blunt (Beautiful) and new Middle Tennessean Sheryl Crow will be on the same bill, on July 24 at the Sommet Center, according to new listings on Pollstar.com.

Def Leppard (Pour Some Sugar on Me) will be here Aug. 1.

Fun fact: Did you know Def Leppard is only one of five bands to have two albums each sell more than 10 million copies? The others: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen and Pink Floyd.

No on-sale info for you on either show yet.

Oscar de la Renta in Nashville? I know, right?

The Nashville society and fashion crowds were all a-twitter Tuesday night as fashion icon Oscar de la Renta his own self showed at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for a fund-raiser fashion show.

There were a handful of celebs as well, as Rascal Flatts hosted, and singers-songwriters Billy Dean and Jennifer Hanson were in the crowd.

The event raised more than $200,000 for the Nashville Symphony’s music education programs.

Mr. de la Renta confirms he’s designing Jenna Bush’s wedding gown, but he said very little about it, other than it’s going to be a country wedding, and Jenna looks great in his gown.

He also says he’s a big Johnny Cash fan — but never bought his music until after he saw the biopic Walk the Line.

Mr. de la Renta, though, not so familiar with Nashville’s iconic country couture designer who put Johnny Cash in black.

“Manuel?” he said, shaking his head.

Miley to write book; but is it really Miley in those pics?

The Miley Cyrus stories continue to fly today!

Several news outlets, including the AP, are now wondering if those pics of Miley showing her bra are really in fact Miley. I must admit that question crossed my mind briefly yesterday.

It’s odd to note that Miley’s publicists still haven’t weighed in on this burning question of the week.

But Miley IS talking about a new book she’s writing, due out next spring.

Disney said the book will be about guidance she has received from her mom, Leticia, or as we call her in Middle Tennessee, Tish.

Miley said in a statement:

“I am so excited to let fans in on how important my relationship with my family is to me. I hope to motivate mothers and daughters to build lifetimes of memories together and inspire kids around the world to live their dreams.”

How sweet. Hope those pictures will be, too.

Better late than never: Keith/Nicole love the Preds

Keith Urban and a pregnant Nicole Kidman probably woke up that baby by going to two of the Preds/Red Wings playoff games at the Sommet Center, including Sunday’s game.

A fine photographer by the name of John Russell took this pic Sunday. Thanks, homie.

Jordin Sparks to skip Doves because of vocal injury

Indeedy, you have have heard about American Idol champ Jordin Sparks (Tattoo, No Air) having a vocal injury and canceling all of her April appearances. Those appearances included a song Wednesday night at the GMA Dove Awards at the Opry House.

But Jordin’s fans need worry not, her record label says.

“Jordin Sparks is on vocal rest and is expected to make a full and complete recovery,” according to a statement from 19/Jive Records. “Sparks has been going nonstop over the past two years and now she’s going through the normal course of learning how to manage and care for her voice.”

American Idol still will be well represented at the Doves. Mandisa, Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh are on the bill.

Also scheduled: Wynonna, Ricky Skaggs and, oh yeah, some Christian artists will be on the bill.

If you’re not at the Opry House, the Gospel Music Channel will air the Doves live.

Eek! Sexy Miley pics are stirring Web chatter

Oy vey.

There are two new pics of Miley Cyrus in decidedly un-Hannah Montana poses. One pic has her showing bra strap and the other has her in undies.

No reaction from her peeps yet.

But there has been plenty of reaction on the Internet.

TMZ’s Web page reports things this way:

“Holy Hannah’s Montanas! Pics of the scruffy-voiced, fast-talking FIFTEEN-YEAR OLD flashing her bit parts and making her best jail-bait sexy face have popped up on the Internet … again.”

All this comes after Miley telling reporters at the CMT Music Awards that she’s happy to be a role model for girls….

Titans' Cortland Finnegan is single no mo'

You might recall that Titans defensive end Cortland Finnegan appeared in the Nashville Lifestyles “Single in the City” issue.

Turns out that issue is a great dating service. Cortland said he met a lovely young lady by being in the magazine.

“That got me a date!” Cortland told me today at the annual Don Ellis fund-raiser golf tourney. “So thank you, Nashville Lifestyles Singe in the City. For real.”

Teammate Nick Harper’s assessment of Cortland’s new lady:

“Very beautiful. He did good. I think she’s downgraded, but that’s OK.”

Celebs give all sort of reasons to play golf today

But the bottom line: It’s a beautiful day and who wouldn’t wanna skip work to play golf and help a charity — any charity.

“I don’t really have to know the details about the charity,” said Joe Diffie, smiling. “I’m just happy to help out.”

For the record, it’s the annual Don Ellis golf tourney for Special Olympics, Don Ellis being a country singer who had some fun in a duo called The Ellis Brothers.

“Doggone it, the music biz hasn’t ever been the kindest to him. And he’s a good little singer and got a breat band going and I just always liked him,” said Vince Gill. “He’s a good guy. I’m glad to be out here helping him out.”

Funny thing is, Don didn’t even make it today. He’s involved in some mysterious reality TV show…

More than $20,000 was raised for Special Olympics today.

No more kids! 'Hannah Montana' movie wants adults

As you can imagine, the Hannah Montana movie makers got all the kids they needed during that open casting call a few weeks ago at the arena.

Now they need the grown-ups. No, not for baby-sitting, but to fill some roles as extras.

In particular, producers wants townspeople, upscale shoppers, wait staff and blue-collar types. They especially want minorities and those ages 50 and older.

To apply, go to Film.Tennessee.Gov and click on “bulletin board.”

The filming happens May through June, and yes, you’ll be paid, although extras usually don’t make a whole lot of money.

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