Dena Ross: January 2008 Archives

More than a dozen of the greatest names in country music come together to celebrate the gospel classics that are a staple of the Grand Ole Opry on "How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites From The Grand Ole Opry," releasing February 5.

What makes the album special is not just the play list of songs but also the voices that give them life.

Recorded live at the legendary music venue in Nashville, Tennessee, the album includes songs from stars like Loretta Lynn ("Where No One Stands Alone"), Ronnie Milsap ("Precious Lord, Take My Hand"), Alan Jackson ("Blessed Assurance"), Brad Paisley ("The Old Rugged Cross"), Carrie Underwood ("How Great Thou Art"), Trace Adkins ("Wayfaring Stranger"), Patty Loveless ("Precious Memories"), Sara Evans ("Just A Closer Walk With Thee"), Vince Gill ("Give Me Jesus"), and a duet with the Charlie Daniels Band and Third Day's Mac Powell (a somewhat frenetically paced "I'll Fly Away").

If you're a fan of country music—real country, not crossover pop—this album is a must have. A little twang, soaring harmonies, and some steel guitar are what make songs like "A House of Gold" (Dierks Bentley) and "Family Bible" (Ricky Skaggs and The Whites) classic country gospel. And even if you're just a casual listener of country (like when you're forced to listen while riding in your husband's truck), there's something about this album that will pull at your heartstrings.

I've never actually been in the Grand Ole Opry (unless you count being backstage in the press room during the Dove Awards, in which case then I've seen that room---and the bathrooms) but as I listened, I felt like the ghosts of legends long gone joined their voices on this moving tribute to a historic venue that has a place in the hearts of music fans of all ages.

--written by Joanne Brokaw

In celebration of Amy Grant's newly released greatest hits CD, we're giving away three copies of the album. And, as luck would have it, we recently did some office spring (er, winter) cleaning, and came across 10 awesome autographed Amy Grant posters from her "Simple Things" 2003 album.

Want one?

Just let us know your favorite memory involving an Amy Grant song by leaving a comment below. The 13 best answers, judged by Idol Chatter editors and submitted by February 5, 2008, will win either a copy of the album or one of the posters (sorry, no choosing).

I'll start you off. I remember fondly the many slumber parties I attended as a young girl, where my friends and I used to dance around to "Baby Baby" and "Good For Me" while talking about how cool Amy's babydoll dresses were.

After you've posted your own memories, be sure to check out our new interview with Amy where she gives some great advice to today's young starlets. Paris and Britney, I hope you're listening.

For complete rules and regulations, click here.

In theaters on Friday, January 11, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie" tells the story of three pirate wannabes who go back in time to fight real pirates and becomes heroes in the process. It will be the second feature length VeggieTales movie.

We've got a clip from the movie below, and when you're finished watching it, check out our 2006 interview with the movie's writer and executive producer, Phil Vischer.

Our friends at Grace Hill Media are running an awesome promotion to celebrate the release of "Thou Shalt Laugh 2: The Deuce" which features stand up from Christian comedians. Just click on the graphic below and follow the instructions. You'll be asked to watch a clip from the movie and answer three questions. One grand prize winner (selected at random from all the entries received) will receive a trip for two to Hollywood that includes airfare, accommodations, and spending money.

You must enter by Friday, January 18, 2008 and the winner will be announced on or about January. Good luck!