Billy Dukes

The new year began with the surprise of new music from Blake Shelton. 'Sure Be Cool if You Did' is just one of many new songs on the radio for January 2013, and it caught fans off guard -- in a good way -- as the singer hadn't mentioned planning a new album.

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At least one person is saddened by the end of the NHL lockout. When games resume later this month, Carrie Underwood will lose her favorite traveling companion. The labor dispute provided extra time for the singer and her husband Mike Fisher to vacation and just be man and wife -- a luxury not afforded to them often. Upon hearing the news, Underwood took to Twitter to bemoan the NHL season's start (in good fun of course).

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Singer Sammy Johns is best known for his hit 'Chevy Van' from 1975, but he made a lasting impression on country music writing hits for Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty and John Conlee. Johns died in Gaston, N.C. on Friday (Jan. 4) at the age of 66.

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Apparently, two albums featuring Tim McGraw songs are scheduled to be released in the next 30 days. The singer's former label home, Curb Records, just announced that 'Tim McGraw and Friends' will be available on January 22.

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Blake Shelton has dropped a few hints about who his co-host will be at the 2013 ACM Awards, but the secret won't be revealed until 25,000 people tweet a message from ACMCountry.com. But, that doesn't mean we can't speculate! Who do you think will join 'The Voice' coach and 'Sure Be Cool if You Did' singer onstage this spring? Below are our five favorite potential co-hosts, based on what Shelton says and who we'd like to see. 

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Between tour dates, a Christmas album, 'The Voice' and his bad Twitter habit, Blake Shelton found time to record a new single called 'Sure Be Cool if You Did' in 2012. He released the song minutes after the new year began, leaving many to wonder when a new album will follow (no plans have been announced). Sonically, his 23rd radio offering is a continuation those from 'Red River Blue' -- it'd fit nicely as the project's fifth single. 

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Florida Georgia Line wasted no time following their infectious debut single with one that cements the duo as the good-time country party band they introduced themselves as. 'Get Your Shine On' had already charted before 'Cruise' reached No. 1. Both rely on a big, fat hook and songwriting that's sharper than they'll get credit for.

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The iconic voice of Patti Page has been silenced, as the 'Tennessee Waltz' singer died in Encinitas, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2013. Page was the most successful female singer of the '50s with an astounding 100 million records sold, according to the Associated Press. The Grammy and ACM Pioneer Award-winner leaves behind two children.

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In light of the December 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, a number of country music radio stations have taken a second look at certain songs that receive regular airplay. Two songs by the Band Perry have been temporarily removed from many playlists due to concerns from listeners and program directors. 

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Country legend Charlie Daniels is recovering today after undergoing rotator cuff surgery Monday morning. The singer -- who is very active on Twitter -- let his fans know via his team that he's doing fine and he'd be back online soon.

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Fans have been hungry for new music from two country artists and with the new country music releases for January 2013, the starvation will subside. Darius Rucker and Gary Allan will both release new albums early in the new year. In fact, both will release their long-awaited albums on the same day. 

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Jason Aldean's new album, 'Night Train,' has gone platinum for one million copies shipped. It's his fifth straight album to reach the certification, doing so quicker than 'My Kinda Party,' which has sold nearly three million copies since its release in 2010. 'Night Train' sold over 400,000 copies in its first week. 

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