The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled a special spotlight exhibit dedicated to the life and career of the late Colonel Tom Parker. The revolutionary music business figure served as Elvis Presley’s longtime manager. The exhibit, which is located within the Museum’s permanent exhibition, is titled after one of Parker’s famous slogans, The Colonel Says, “How Much Does It Cost If It’s Free,” and will run through March 2010.

Colonel Parker managed Elvis Presley from 1955 until the singer’s death in 1977. Prior to managing Presley, Parker helped transform Eddy Arnold into a country superstar with his own radio shows, movie roles, Las Vegas bookings, and an unparalleled resumé of No. 1 records. In steering the careers of both men, Parker revolutionized the artist management role, displaying an unprecedented marketing savvy while exercising near-total control. His energetic, all-encompassing management style created a blueprint that is still followed today.

The exhibit will trace Parker’s life and career, from his days as an immigrant carnival worker to his time as a powerful, pioneering artist manager. www.countrymusichalloffame.com

Country music and global politics will intersect tomorrow (9/25) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to an article on theboot.com, President Barack Obama will be greeting world leaders for the G20 economic summit in Pittsburgh and First Lady Michelle Obama be guiding the leaders’ spouses through a tour of the city’s fine arts scene.

First stop on the tour is the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School, where the visiting guests will be treated to a concert from students as well as special performances from Trisha Yearwood, Yo-Yo Ma and pop singer/songwriter Sarah Bareilles. Mrs. Obama’s group is also scheduled to tour and have lunch at the Andy Warhol museum.

As theboot.com points out, Yearwood follows her husband Garth Brooks in performing for the First Family. In January, Brooks was among those artists selected to perform at President Obama’s inaugural celebration.

Recording artist Jewel and her non-profit charity Project Clean Water have announced a partnership with the Voss Foundation (www.thevossfoundation.org) and Virgin Unite (www.virginunite.com), to launch the Give A Drop campaign. The program’s goal is to support water projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and its first venture will be the village of Pel in Dogon, Mali.

“I’m very excited that Project Clean Water has formed a partnership with the Voss Foundation and Virgin Unite to help people in need,” said Jewel. “When I was homeless, I became ill and couldn’t afford to buy the bottled water I needed for my sick kidneys.  I realized then that it was hard to get clean drinking water in the United States, and discovered it was a huge problem globally.”

The project in Pel will rehabilitate five wells to modern, efficient and hygienic standards. The village will receive training sessions on well maintenance, hygiene, and water treatment. Studies will be conducted on each well to ensure responsible use and sustainability.

The Give A Drop campaign works through website and text donations. Visit www.giveadrop.com or, to make a $5 donation, just text the message “DROP” to phone number 85944.