andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

Country star Alan Jackson came out to sign autographs for the first time in 10 years at the CMA Music Fest exhibition, but he had to share the spotlight with his wife.

Denise Jackson set up shop to sign her best-selling 2007 book, “It’s All About Him” which traces her marriage’s ups and downs, including infidelities.

“It does take the pressure off of me because he doesn’t do very many signings anymore,” said Denise.

The couple greeted over 1,000 fans for more than two hours. Together the duo signed photos, baseballs, T-shirts and guitars for more than 320 fans. Alan did offer his wife some advice, stating: “Don’t talk so much; just sign. I’m not being rude, but you’ve got a lot of people. She’ll sit down and write a paragraph!”

Country music’s biggest stars will stage a special concert at the Grand Ole Opry House as the entertainment industry continues to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“Country Reaches Out: An Opry Benefit for the American Red Cross” will be broadcast live and commercial free on Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. EST on the Great American Country (GAC) network. Simulcasts can be seen on the DIY and Fine Living networks and heard on the Nashville radio station WSM, Sirius Satellite Radio and at www.opry.com.

Performers will urge viewers to make contributions to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which will help those caught in Hurricane Katrina’s wake throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Profits from the show’s ticket sales will also go to the Red Cross.

“Country music, in particular, is a powerful and unifying force that inspires individuals to action and initiates the process of healing in times of personal tragedy, or national crisis,” said Ed Hardy, president of Great American Country. “It is our hope that the national television audience tuning in for the simulcast of this special Opry event on GAC, DIY and Fine Living will be moved to action in support of hurricane relief.”

Some of the biggest talents in country will appear on the benefit show including Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Craig Morgan, Julie Roberts and Billy Currington. Additional country artists are expected to sign on before the concert.

“Without fail, country music and its fans show compassion and support for those in need,” said Colin Reed, chairman and CEO of Gaylord Entertainment, the Opry’s parent company. “The Opry is the heart and home of country music, and the Opry family, its employees and artists alike, wants to do everything it can to make sure country’s heart is extended to our neighbors who have suffered such unspeakable losses this week.”

Additionally, the Grand Ole Opry and GAC are planning to host an online auction of country music memorabilia at opry.com and gactv.com. GAC is also producing a series of public service announcements featuring artists and network personalities pleading for donations to the hurricane relief effort.