2008 marks the 75th birthday of Willie Nelson, and therefore, the country music associations and websites that celebrate the International Country Music Day would like to honor the legend of the Texas country superstar.

As a singer, as a composer, as a former member of the Highwaymen, as a hitmaker, Willie Nelson is one of the living legends of our kind of music. His long-time contribution to country music for over 50 years is outstanding, and his influence over many generations of country, rock, and pop singers is certainly a landmark in world music.

Hence, ICMDAY wants to honor Willie Nelson by choosing his best song as the 2008 International Country Music Song. The winning tune will come out of votes cast around the world. The songs entering the poll have been selected by the ICMDAY members among Willie Nelson's best country releases according to their quality, chart position, and success of Willie's performance. The following songs have made it to the final selection: Crazy (1962), Good Hearted Woman (1972), Whiskey River (1973), Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (1975), Mamas Don´t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys (1978), Angels Flying Too Close To The Ground (1980), On The Road Again (1980), My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (1981), Always On My Mind (1982) and Seven Spanish Angels (1985). Everyone is welcome to vote by logging on to: www.icmday.org.

The non-profit organization International Country Music Day celebrates its fifth anniversary with new members and new activities. Cowboy Anton, its newest member and the representative of the organization in Nashville, states: "This experience is becoming a solid project. We just launched our own international website, and both our members and people all over the world love this opportunity to get to know other kinds of country. It is a great way to get acquainted with the ways in which country music is promoted in other countries, share all kinds of different experiences, and celebrate our love for country music".

During the last year the International Country Music Day organization was joined by Latonky (USA), TISBA (USA), Capital News (Australia), Country Music Foundation of Sri Lanka, Country Music Chronicles (Saudi Arabia), World Of Country (South Africa), and Music City USA (USA). Andoni Urkiaga, its coordinator, hopes that the organization will keep on growing with new members and friends: "Yes, our organization welcomes all country music associations and media that feel the need to promote country music, to get in touch with other country music fans around the world, and to foster pride in our music, no matter where we live, what our world view is, or who we are". Membership is free.

The International Country Music Day is held on September 17 every year, commemorating the birth of Hank Williams, one of the foremost legends of country music.

All country music artists have to start somewhere, and most often that's amongst family, friends or their local community. The best country music isn't necessarily found in the world of the existing popular or famous stars, but often in the small clubs, venues and organisations that provide country performers of any "level" the chance to share their music. That's the true nature of country music, it comes from the heart and real lives of real people.

Giving all artists the opportunity to air their music to a wider audience is an important aim of Country Music Broadcasting. CMB is keen to hear from show presenters, artists and country music organisations to see what assistance, support, promotion and broadcast opportunities CMB can help provide. Remember everyone has a beginning, and this offer via CMB to be heard on-air is an excellent chance to achieve exposure. So don't hesitate to contact CMB with your ideas and suggestions or to let CMB Radio know about any existing country radio shows you believe could benefit from the backing or support of CMB.