What do Jesus and George Strait have in common? Well, Jesus is the King of everything, and George Strait is the King country music. One pre-schooler decided to pay tribute to both of his kings at his graduation.

When you graduate, you always want to be remembered and leave behind a legacy. No one told this kid that they didn’t mean that for when you graduate pre-school. But hey, when in Rome, right? He did both songs justice, despite missing a few words. I’m pretty sure both Jesus and George Strait got a chuckle out of this.

Over the past few years celebrities here in the U.S. have come under fire for mispronouncing or replacing a couple of words while performing “The Star Spangled Banner” but nothing comes close to the performance from a Canadian singer over the weekend.

Canadian jazz singer, Alexis Normand, performed the national anthem before an international hockey game over the weekend and from the beginning it was apparent she could have benefited from a teleprompter! But you’ve gotta give it up to the fans who backed her up and tried to get her back on track, because at one point she gets so lost in the lyrics, she makes up new ones!

After her performance she took to Twitter to offer this apology:

The country continues to pray for and help the people devastated by the massive tornado that touched down in Oklahoma on Monday, killing dozens.

While thoughts go out to those affected, plenty of video of the tornado has emerged to show just how catastrophic the event was.

The guy holding the rooster is a real chicken.

This 2008 clip of a British reporter is enjoying a second life because, well, just watch for yourself and you’ll see why.

Not only does this fella scream, but he also books it like he’s running the 40-yard dash. Intrepid reporter? We think not.

Source: Reporter Terrified By Rooster Gone Wild

We first introduced you to Zach Sobiech in 2012 when a video of him singing his original song ‘Clouds’ went viral. It became even more famous when learning that Zach was a cancer patient and had written the song as a “goodbye” to his loved ones. And just last week we brought you a video of the biggest stars in all of entertainment honoring Zach with a cover of the song. Well, this time the update is more heartbreaking than heart warming.

Zach Sobiech passed away Monday morning after a long battle with cancer. The 18 year old passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and long time girlfriend. Zach had been fighting osteosarcoma, an extremely rare form of bone cancer, since he was 14. Last summer his doctors gave him months to a year to live. Instead of mourning and spending his last days grieving, he became a worldwide inspiration.

“It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our son Zachary David Sobiech,’’ the family said in a statement. “Our family has been blessed not only by his amazing presence in our lives, but also by the love and support of our family and friends and by so many people in the community. In particular we’d like to thank those people who listened with their hearts and helped Zach bring his message and his music to the world.”

Before passing, Zach got to celebrate his 18th birthday and attend his senior prom. His song became an anthem for children everywhere battling cancer. Actor Rainn Wilson took special interest in Zach, even making him the subject of a documentary. In the documentary, Zach made his last words something that we should all live by.

“I want everyone to know you don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living.”

The King of Country is working on his final tour this year before officially retiring from the road. George Strait is traveling across the country on his “Cowboy Rides Away Tour,” which will conclude (for now) in San Antonio on June 1, before he carries it into 2014. (By the way, you can even click here to win our last pair of tickets to see George at his San Antonio show).

King George has left his mark on the world of country music with countless hits and chart-toppers. When asked to choose 10 favorites it can be difficult to exclude some of his greatest songs, but when it comes down to it, all of his work is incredible.

These are my personal top 10 from George’s career:

1. ‘Amarillo By Morning’

2. ‘Carrying Your Love With Me’

3. ‘Desperately’

4. ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne’

5. ‘Love Without End Amen’

6. ‘She’ll Leave You With A Smile’

7. ‘The Chair’

8. ‘Write This Down’

9. ‘You Look So Good In Love’

10. ‘You Still Get To Me’

Every day is a good day to be George Strait, but now the superstar has more cause to celebrate his illustrious career than usual. Strait ignited 60 for 60 campaign, pushing to clinch his 60th No. 1 hit before his 61st birthday, which he celebrated over the weekend. The iconic country star hit his goal — and his fellow country artists couldn’t be happier for him.

Strait and his label, MCA, launched the push to get his latest single, ‘Give It All You Got Tonight,’ to the top of the charts. They rolled out the campaign via Facebook and Twitter on Valentine’s Day, calling on country radio stations to play the tune as much as possible.

Before long, country stars like Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery and more turned out to help call attention to the goal.

And it worked! Based on Mediabase charts, ‘Give It All You Got Tonight’ clinched the top slot on the country chart for the week of May 12-18. Strait turned 61 on Saturday May 18, so he and his label are calling their campaign a success. Talk about an awesome birthday present!

In honor of Strait’s 61st birthday and 60th No. 1 hit, country artists turned out again to offer up kind words and congratulations. Most stars offered up “Happy Birthday!” messages and a general, “Congratulations on your 60th No. 1 hit!” But a few movers and shakers added personal touches to their warm wishes.

“Nice to be your friend, George,” Paisley told to the camera. “Congratulations!”

“You’re the King of Country Music, hands down,” Gary Allan added to his message.

But of all the congratulations, Eddie Montgomery‘s might have been the most creative. “Hey George, hey man, 60 for 60, that’s awesome! But I’ll tell you — what about going 80 for 80? What about that?” he asked the superstar.

We sure wouldn’t mind seeing Strait go 80 for 80! But for now, we’ll just say congratulations to the King of Country on his 60th No. 1 single.

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Source: George Strait Is 60 for 60, Fellow Country Artists Celebrate in Fun Video

Did you think that someone who has lost their sight could never play an organized sport? Were you under the impression that a blind or visually impaired person could never play baseball? You were wrong. 

Losing one’s sight makes life completely change. Without the ability to view the world around through your sight, those without must learn to rely on other senses to get them through the day. Hearing works in overtime.

This increased use of hearing is what makes Beep Baseball happen. Instead of looking for the ball to come at them on the field or at the plate, these baseball players listen for it.

Seeing these visually impaired athletes working hard on that baseball diamond will truly inspire you. If they can figure out a way to enjoy one of America’s favorite sports, can’t you make over the hurdles in your life?

There are a lot of athletes out there who give off the impression that they are all big and bad. People assume that because they play tough, that they are tough off the field. While in some cases that may be true, not everyone is like that, like Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade for example.

Back in April, Nicole Muxo, a high school senior in Florida, made a YouTube video requesting Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade as her date for her senior prom. She knew he was in the middle of playoff season, but there’s no harm in just asking right? After more than 200,000 views and a ton of media support, Nicole hadn’t gotten a response from Wade. So she continued on with her prom plans, even finding a date, assuming Wade was a no-show.

Little did Nicole know that Wade had some tricks up his sleeve. He said he never responded to the request because he wanted to see what his schedule would be like for playoffs. Luckily, after Miami knocked Chicago out of the running, the Knicks and Pacers still locked in a tense series giving Wade some spare time. He used that to his advantage.

Check out the video and see just how Dwyane used his big heart and star power to bring joy to a deserving senior. You can also see Nicole’s original video below!

Up-and-coming country singer-songwriter and East Texas native Kacey Musgraves performed her recent career-launching hit ‘Merry Go Round’ on the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 19), delivering a performance so subtly nuanced that it seemed almost out of place in the setting of the elaborate, made-for-TV Vegas production.

The 24-year-old musician scored a huge hit right out of the box with the track — and its stripped-down instrumentation and organic feel are perfect for the simple treatment Musgraves gave the song Sunday night. Wearing a simple blue dress and accompanying herself on acoustic guitar with a band consisting of electric guitar, cello, keys and backing vocals, she gave an understated performance that had about as much in common with most young female country singers as Paul Simon has to do with KC and the Sunshine Band.

She and her simple band performed in the round, surrounded by an audience who had witnessed a number of huge, spectacular performances — and who were being reverentially quiet while she delivered the song.

‘Merry Go Round’ recently helped Musgraves’ debut album, ‘Same Trailer, Different Park,’ debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart.

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Source: East Texan Kacey Musgraves Brings ‘Merry Go Round’ to the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

You probably thought it couldn’t get better any better than Jason Boland — until you heard Boland doin’ Don Williams. Off his album “High in the Rockies,” this week’s RTX Sunday Video is “Tulsa Time.”

The Stragglers’ brand new album “Dark and Dirty Mile” came out last week (May 14) . Of the Shooter Jennings produced album Boland says,”I dig it, and I’m ready to get it out.” Below is an exclusive performance “Dark and Dirty Mile,” recorded in the RTX studio. Hear my full conversation with Boland.

You can catch Boland and his Stragglers May 19th at Love and War in Plano, May 23rd at Boondocks in Springfield, IL, and May 24th at Midnight Rodeo in Springfiled, MO. May 31st they’re back in Texas at Midnight Rodeo in Midland. Full concert schedule.

Here it is, your RTX Sunday Video.

Party in the Dirt 2013, the official kick off to the Gladewater Round Up Rodeo, is just around the corner. #PID13 is set to take over the Gladewater Rodeo arena Saturday June 1^st, with live performances from Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver and Cody Canada and the Departed.

No need for a babysitter at this show — bring the kids. It’s about time they experience a great night of live music, #PID13 is a family friendly, all ages event.

Want the VIP treatment? It’s available and includes a private bar, catered dinner, private restrooms, meet and greet access, after party, easy access parking and more.

Tickets available at Baskin’s in Longview and Tyler and Bodacious BBQ in Gladewater and online here. The big concert is presented by 101.5 KNUE, Radio Texas, LIVE!, and Peter’s Ram of Longview.

Here’s Cody Canada and Seth James from The Departed doing their current single “Prayer for the Lonely” on live the Porch.

People do impressions of others all the time. Bobby McFerrin, the ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ guy, can make endless sounds come out of his mouth. But, have you ever seen cats sounding exactly like other animals? Now you have. Cats and kittens are some of the cutest animals in the world. We love how they purr and cuddle with us. We love their sweet faces and little meows. Well, when they meow.

These two cats will show you that, sometimes, you won’t always get just a meow. Straight from the cat’s mouth, here are two of the best impersonations of a goat and a dog.

Coming up on a milestone birthday, Amy has decided to get healthy. So, she tries out some yoga. You will not be able to hold in giggles watching her twist and stumble through some of these poses. 

Now, it is not nice to laugh at others. But, you can’t hold back for some of this video. The faces Amy makes, her screams, and her awkward pretzel like positions will make you laugh out loud.

Have you ever tried yoga? How did you like it? Did you sneak out too?

One Today Show reporter in Australia had a real Ron Burgundy moment. It seems Roz Kelly will also read anything that’s on the teleprompter. Fortunately, her co-anchor Karl Stefanovic didn’t put an F-bomb in there like Veronica Corningstone, but he did get her to imply that she enjoys the “cookies” in Amsterdam.

Kelly took it in stride, and has warned Stefanovic that this means war. We all know how this ends — somebody is going to fall into a bear den at the zoo. Oh, wait, that was ‘Anchorman.’

Source: Morning News Anchor Pulls ‘Anchorman’-Style Prompter Prank

He is the only person I’ve ever met who is legitimately an honorary Texan, certified by Governor Perry himself. And while there have got to be others, Chris Knight is certainly a one of a kind singer/songwriter. Yesterday Knight stopped by to perform on our Front Porch, where he wowed listeners with his songs, and fell in love with Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar B Q.

His songs are so simple, yet so great. Knight will be my guest this week on Radio Texas, LIVE! so be sure to tune in. Till then, here’s a few exclusive Front Porch performances.

“Becky’s Bible.”

“Down the River”

“Nothing on Me”

Brad Paisley made a promise last autumn to Lee Feldman, an Ephrata, Penn. resident who was stricken with pancreatic cancer. That promise was to use Feldman’s gift of a prized custom-made guitar on Paisley’s new album, ‘Wheelhouse,’ and to not let the guitar lay unused and forgotten.  

“I was given a guitar in my meet and greet by a man who was dying of pancreative cancer and had weeks to live,” Paisley explains of how he got the instrument. “He was a really feisty, wonderful old guy, gave me this great old guitar that was an electric, sort of Les Paul-like, and he said, ‘I want you to have this… if you’re going to play it, I want you to have it. If you ain’t going to play it, give it to someone else. I don’t want it collecting dust.’”

Paisley followed the instruction he was given. Toward the end of recording ‘Wheelhouse,’ he brought the guitar into the studio and set it down — and then it hit him. “And I went, ‘I know the song for that,’” the singer recalls, “And that’s what plays the guitar leads on ‘Officially Alive.’ As the album ends, it’s one of the last things you hear.”

“He told me, he said, ‘I want this to live on,’” Paisley remembers. “So we ended the record with it.”

It’s exactly how the terminally ill fan, who sadly passed away in November, would have wanted it. He and his guitar are living on forever in music history on ‘Wheelhouse,’now a No. 1 record for the country star.

Paisley will probably always hold a soft spot in his heart for that special promise and the guitar that Lee Feldman didn’t want just anyone to have. Whether he brings it with him on tour or he leaves it in the safekeeping of his home, it’s certain that the guitar will be cherished by its new owner for years to come.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/brad-paisley-then-and-now/" title="Next: See a Young Brad Paisley at the Start of His Career" align="center"]

Watch Brad Paisley Explain How He Kept This Very Special Promise

Source: Brad Paisley Keeps His Promise, Honors Deceased Fan in Very Special Way

In honor of George Jones‘ illustrious country music career, the Academy of Country Music put together a short reel of the Possum’s best moments at the ACM Awards. The clip honors Jones’ ACM wins and most memorable performances from the 1970s and 1980s.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the two-minute collection comes when Jones takes the mic to say a few words after winning Top Male Vocalist of the Year in 1981.

“This is the greatest thrill of my life. You know, everybody says things like that, but the things that happened that were so good to me in the past few months — all you people made it happen for me,” he said, struggling to get his words out.

Not one to let the opportunity for a joke pass, Jones brightened the emotional moment by thanking his ex-wife, Tammy Wynette, and his new “husband-in-law” for their role in his success. In another moment, the country music legend poked fun at himself by participating in a joke about his tendency to be a no-show at big events.

The ACM’s tribute montage also includes some of Jones’ most memorable performances in the yearly awards program, including a rendition of ‘We Didn’t See a Thing,’ with Ray Charles accompanying the Possum on the piano.

The short clip was created after Jones passed away at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The country music community responded to the loss of one of their most talented musicians with shock and sadness.

After highlighting five or six of Jones’ best ACM moments, the clip ends with a black screen and the words, “We’ll miss you, George.”

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

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Source: Academy of Country Music Honors George Jones With Heartfelt Tribute Video

We have not really seen Westboro Baptist Church gets stumped with a difficult question. Normally, they spend their time yelling, “God hates America,” too loud for the questions to be heard. This young man grabs their attention and asks them hilarious questions that send them into a flurry of um’s and confusion. 

There a rare and few victories made over the plague of hate that is Westboro Baptist Church and their offensive protests. Though many have tried, one man has undeniably and finally silenced these “thank God for dead soldiers” believers.

Watch as in the funniest way, this man sends questions at these protesters that they simply can’t answer.

It is nice to see these hateful people squirm under the pressure of these hilarious questions.

My wife and my mom have told me on many more than one occasion, that if it were up to men to bear the pain of childbirth, no more children would be born.  Basically, women believe men are wimps when it comes to the greatest, yet most rewarding, pain of all. 

And we guys believe that women are just exaggerating the pain of labor contractions.  Well, now we have proof of who is right.  Two men made an appointment to have a labor simulator attached to their abdomens to give them one hour worth of ascending labor pains.  Of course, their wives were there as well, but I don’t think it was for support.

Take a look at this hilarious video.