After years maintaining innocence," as Nashville Public Radio says, Gibson Guitar Corp. has agreed to pay a $300,000 penalty, donate $50,000 to a conservation fund and give up its claims to ebony and rosewood worth nearly $262,000 to avoid being criminally prosecuted for importing exotic woods.

NPR's Carrie Johnson tells our Newscast Desk that "it's a crime to bring endangered plants and wood into the U.S. if the materials are protected under the laws of other…

The tape of a 911 caller who was shaken up after finding a naked Randy Travis lying in the road with no car in sight has been released. "I just found a guy laying in the road," the caller said in a recording released by the Grayson County Sheriff's Office. He added later, "I want to say he had no shirt on, but I don't know."The 911 operator asked the caller, “Do you think possibly he could have had a wreck?” to which he responded “I really am scared. I want to stay in my…

As you probably know, Youtube is critical for musicians at this point in time. No longer is a record company or magazine review needed to get in front of people’s eyeballs, all you need is a self produced video and an internet connection to reach fans worldwide. Cover tunes help musicians “get out there”. You might not search for a new artist,…

Mumford & Sons have released the first official single from their forthcoming sophomore album, Babel, which arrives Sept. 25. If the song, "I Will Wait," is a teaser of what's in store for the record as a whole, then fans of the British folk-rockers should certainly be satisfied: the group's signature country-folk-banjo sound is on full display…

It’s been a busy summer for Mumford & Sons. While on tour they debuted many new songs which have not been released and soon will hopefully. While theres not much information on these tracks the fans were exposed to them in Philidelphia's show.

After an extensive U.S. tour, playing Bonnaroo and Glastonbury festivals and headlining London’s Hyde Park concert, the British Americana rockers have been busy recording their highly anticipated sophomore album. During a…

Yes, the rumors are true. After a recent trip to Jamaica, the "Doggfather" of rap has changed not only is name but his genre too. Rapper Snoop Dogg is changing his name to Snoop Lion and starting the genre of reggae.

When he traveled to Jamaica a Nyabingi priest gave him this name and basically told him it was his destiny. Already he has released a single titled "La La La" and there is an album titled Reincarnated. One of the songs "No Guns Allowed" features his…

Singer Tony Martin was found dead in his West Hollywood home. "He passed peacefully of natural causes," said Stan Schneider, who was a friend and business manager of Martin's for more than 45 years. Born as Alvin Morris he received a saxophone from his grandmother at the age of ten and was immediately…

Considering her abstract wardrobe and blinding fashion choices Gaga is perfect to be made into a doll. But according to MGA Entertainment she is being sued by Bratz dolls when it came to approving a doll line made in the pop star's image. In a lawsuit the company is seeking more than 10 Million dollar charges and more importantly, upon Gaga herself, her management company and Universal Music Group-owned firm Bravado International Group. 

Gaga's rep told E! News in a…

Thats right! Your favorite makeup wearing rockers are back and bigger than ever on their new tour titled Apocalypse! Also teaming up with fellow friends Motley Crue. The tour is set to kickoff on July 20th in Virginia. KISS guitarist and singer Paul Stanley recently spoke to Reuters about the tour, the band's new album "Monster," and the secret to the group's longevity.

Q: After all these years, do you still feel pressure when you…

This weeks star is Alxcornell, or Alex Cornell, a San Francisco bound designer who has worked at numerous companies such as IDEO, Firespotter Labs, ISO50 etc. Meanwhile when he's not designing he is recording excellent videos for millions to enjoy. He attends Duke University and somehow still manages to find time to make killer videos. Many John Mayer songs along with a bunch of assorted artists varying…

Kitty Wells revolutionized country music by becoming its first big female solo star. Wells died today at home in Nashville, Tenn., of complications from a stroke. She was 92 years old.

Wells sang about the real problems of postwar life and the sad side of domesticity, like divorced mothers without custody in the 1950s. Robert Oermann, who co-wrote a book about the history of women in country music,…

Jon Lord, keyboardist and co-founder of British rock group Deep Purple, has died in a London hospital aged 71, his official website said on Monday.

"It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday 16 July at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family," a message on the website said.

Lord co-wrote many of Deep Purple's legendary songs…

Yes, the rumors are true! Grammy-winning pop star Mariah Carey will join Fox television's "American Idol" singing contest as a judge next season as the highly rated show fights to regain its slumping audiences.…

This weeks youtube star goes to Privettricker! He may not have much info about himself nor do we even know his name but you can tell him apart with his various guitars and distinctive original tone. He has a number of sweet guitars that are shown off through his whopping number of 1204 videos. Over 20,00 subscribers and almost 18 Million video views its hard to believe this man isn't know well. He covers 4 entire rolling stones albums, each in a playlist. The video that i discovered him was…

Rapper Sensation Eminem (Marshall Mathers) Caught up with Anderson Cooper for a quick interview.

Cissy Houston's tribute to her late daughter was the emotional highlight of Sunday's BET Awards, a show that honors African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other entertainment. Whitney Houston's mother gave a amazing performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" that left the crowd in tears, including Beyonce and Melanie Fiona

The Winners:

Centric Award

Common

Youngstars Award

Diggy

Best…

Adele is Pregnant!

Many were shocked to hear the shocking news that British pop singer Adele is pregnant expecting her first child with short-term boyfriend Simon Konecki. She made the announcment that she's expecting on her official website. "I'm delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together. I wanted you to hear the news…

This 20 year old artist has a special talent. In most of his videos he shows off his wicked guitar skills and his strong pipes. His name is Ahren Baesler and he is from Oregon. The video that really caught my eye was his Jason Mraz cover - I'm Yours. He is really making a name for himslef, continueously uploading new videos for his viewers. He's aqquired nearly 6 million video views on only 19 videos. Climbing the ranks with almost 20,000 subscribers this young artist has…

All Wheel Sports: A group full of outrageous stunts seems to impress me. But unfortuneatly the judges disagree stating its too busy of an act.

New Guard America: A Rifle team with an act focused on flipping and tosing rifles in a unique fashion. 

Blaque: The crossbow wielder returns with an insane act. He suceeds to shoot a crossbow at a balloon while blindfolded and backwards.

Cristin…

Since 2006, Chris Blanton has been running a camp known as Summer Jam Band for kids age 9 and up.  The camp teaches kids how to not only play and be compatible with a band but also how to manage one. Chris teaches the kids things such as organizing gigs and soundcheck. The kids also get some time to write an original piece of music. However, due to time crunch they usually only get a partial song.

“If you’re writing something people have to get right…