CMT Gears Up for a Rowdy New Episode of 'CMT Crossroads' Featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and Montgomery Gentry.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Southern rock and country rebels collide for a rowdy new episode of CMT CROSSROADS when Lynyrd Skynyrd joins forces with Montgomery Gentry. The one-hour episode of CMT CROSSROADS will be taped in front of an invitation-only audience in Nashville and is slated to premiere Friday, Dec. 10 at 10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT.* The critically acclaimed series, CMT CROSSROADS, teams-up country music stars with music stars from other genres - pop, rock, R & B - to play together, swap stories, and share their common love of music.

Lynyrd Skynyrd released its first album "pronounced leh-nerd skin-nerd" in 1973 to critical acclaim, excitement and mystery. With hits such as "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Gimme Three Steps," "That Smell" and "Call Me the Breeze," the band went on to become a staple in American rock arenas and a permanent fixture in rock and roll history. Celebrating the group's 30th anniversary in 2003, Lynyrd Skynyrd released a new studio album, "Vicious Cycle," which was augmented by a successful tour. From that show, a live dvd ("Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour") was released, followed by a companion cd ("Lyve"). In 2004 a tribute record to the band came out ("Under the Influence"), with such luminaries as Gov't Mule, North Mississippi Allstars and Blues Traveler paying homage to the band by re-recording its songs. With more than 25 million albums sold, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to pack arenas across the United States.

Montgomery Gentry's recent and fourth Columbia Records release, "You Do Your Thing," has spawned their first No. 1 single "If You Ever Stop Loving Me." The Lexington, Kentucky-based duo stormed onto the country music scene in 1999 with their debut album, "Tattoos & Scars" and hit single "Hillbilly Shoes." In 2000 they were awarded the American Music Award for Best New Country Artist, CMA Duo of the Year honors and ACM Top New Duo award. Follow- up releases have included "Carrying On," "My Town," and currently "You Do Your Thing." Hit singles "Daddy Won't Sell the Farm," "She Couldn't Change Me," "My Town," "Speed" and "Hell Yeah" have initiated sales in excess of triple platinum.

Other CMT CROSSROADS episodes have featured Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams; Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr.; ZZ Top and Brooks & Dunn; Elton John and Ryan Adams; Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson; James Taylor and the Dixie Chicks; Ray Charles and Travis Tritt; John Mellencamp and Kenny Chesney; Melissa Etheridge and Dolly Parton; Pat Benatar and Martina McBride; Dave Matthews and Emmylou Harris; a live NFL Super Bowl CROSSROADS special featuring Toby Keith performing with Willie Nelson, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Sammy Hagar, Run DMC's Darryl McDaniels, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith, Ted Nugent and jazz musician Wayman Tisdale; John Mayer and Brad Paisley; and Heart and Wynonna.

For more information on CMT CROSSROADS log on toCMT.com .

*NOTE: CMT CROSSROADS debuts Friday, Dec. 10 at 10:00 PM, Eastern; 9:00 PM, Central; 11:00 PM, Mountain; and 10:00 PM, Pacific.