Tweet, post or chat, country stars get social with fans

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

There’s a new fad taking over country music. Fans are not the only ones doing it. Country superstars themselves are telling every one what’s happening throughout their day on social networking sites. There are sites available for users in every shape, style, and interest.

Share your thoughts or hear a new release from your favorite country artist on MySpace. FaceBook lets keep up with all your friends with comments, pictures and games. If you like an article, you can let everyone know about it with DiggIt. You can search out sites on your own or click the Share This button below and see how many options are at your fingertips for sharing this or other examiner articles.

The newest in social networking is Twitter. Twitter is for people who need instant gratification. Post your thoughts in 140 characters and add a picture, video, or link and all your followers are in the know. Country stars are addicted to the real time interaction with their friends and fans.

Brad Paisley is a self-admitted “Twitterholic”. He was caught “Tweeting” on stage while receiving an award several months ago. His wife, Kimberly Williams Paisley (who stars in the TV Sitcom “According To Jim”), has even labeled herself a “Twittow”. While Brad has been known to be on Twitter frequently, Today his “Tweet” to all his fans and friends was that his child will not need heart surgery. Everyone who read the message felt relief for The Paisleys.

The reality of Twitter hit home last night when Big Kenny of Big & Rich fame “Tweeted” to my wife. She and a friend questioned the real identity of the country star versus an imposter. Several minutes after “Tweeting” her doubts, the real Big Kenny “Tweeted” a video addressed to my wife and her friend. The star had videoed himself and said, “This is the real Big Kenny”. My jaw hit the ground, and the world grew a lot smaller in 10 seconds.

Music makes the world go ‘round and Country Music spins the world in a uniquely American direction. A big part of loving music is being a fan of the people who make the music. We build them up and try to figure out what their personality is. We want to find out if they are people we would like to be friends with. Sometimes they are and sometimes they are not, but with social networking weaving its way through country music, we are all about to find out. Brad Paisley and Big Kenny haven’t let me down. Join a site for yourself and connect with your favorite country star. You may just find it addicting.