Tuesday, October 26, 2004
KRNR, county's first radio station, sold to Brooke Communications
From the News-Review (Roseburg, OR)
Classic country music fans may be tuning into some changes next year.
Brooke Communications, a local company, announced Wednesday the purchase of the 1490 AM radio station KRNR, the first radio station licensed in Douglas County.
Faye Johnson, KRNR's owner, said the station is the only old-fashioned station left in the county -- disc jockeys still play songs live, with no satellite music lists.
"There's a lot of history here," she said. "I'm sure they'll keep some of it."
KRNR first aired in 1935. Johnson's late husband, Jimmy Johnson, bought the station in 1960, and she joined him when they married in 1963. She has operated the station by herself since he passed away in 1984.
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The News-Review
Classic country music fans may be tuning into some changes next year.
Brooke Communications, a local company, announced Wednesday the purchase of the 1490 AM radio station KRNR, the first radio station licensed in Douglas County.
Faye Johnson, KRNR's owner, said the station is the only old-fashioned station left in the county -- disc jockeys still play songs live, with no satellite music lists.
"There's a lot of history here," she said. "I'm sure they'll keep some of it."
KRNR first aired in 1935. Johnson's late husband, Jimmy Johnson, bought the station in 1960, and she joined him when they married in 1963. She has operated the station by herself since he passed away in 1984.
Read the article
The News-Review
Music man has died - Calvin Boles
From The Alamogordo (NM) Daily News
The man who never let the music die, has died.
Calvin Boles was one of Alamogordo’s artistic originals. The Yucca record label he created — recording in his garage and at then-KALG radio studios — made immortals of musicians no matter the genre. And he did it starting off with a $40 Concertone reel-to-reel tape recorder.
Over two decades Boles pressed 237 vinyl Yucca singles. Boles himself cut the first release, Rock Buster, in October 1958. His roster included Bob Taylor and the Counts, of which a young Willie Nelson was a member; El Paso bluesman Long John Hunter; Bill Chappell, who went on to become a Branson, Mo. act; and Bobby Fuller, just 19 and whose song I Fought the Law became a rock classic.
Boles was an insurance agent, but he gave that up in the early 1970s to record and promote artists in Nashville, Tenn. One was his son-in-law, Robyn Young, the late Faron Young’s son.
Boles wrote more than 500 songs. He and Betty released eight albums of their own and that of his band The Rocket City Playboys. Betty became the bass player after Boles handed her a bass, showed her a few chords, and gave her two weeks to learn.
“He said if I was going to go with him I was going to have to earn a living,” she said.
Read the article
Alamogordo Daily News
The man who never let the music die, has died.
Calvin Boles was one of Alamogordo’s artistic originals. The Yucca record label he created — recording in his garage and at then-KALG radio studios — made immortals of musicians no matter the genre. And he did it starting off with a $40 Concertone reel-to-reel tape recorder.
Over two decades Boles pressed 237 vinyl Yucca singles. Boles himself cut the first release, Rock Buster, in October 1958. His roster included Bob Taylor and the Counts, of which a young Willie Nelson was a member; El Paso bluesman Long John Hunter; Bill Chappell, who went on to become a Branson, Mo. act; and Bobby Fuller, just 19 and whose song I Fought the Law became a rock classic.
Boles was an insurance agent, but he gave that up in the early 1970s to record and promote artists in Nashville, Tenn. One was his son-in-law, Robyn Young, the late Faron Young’s son.
Boles wrote more than 500 songs. He and Betty released eight albums of their own and that of his band The Rocket City Playboys. Betty became the bass player after Boles handed her a bass, showed her a few chords, and gave her two weeks to learn.
“He said if I was going to go with him I was going to have to earn a living,” she said.
Read the article
Alamogordo Daily News
When we were young--Longtimers recall brushes with celebrities, history-makers
From the Daily Republic (Fairfield, CA)
William Rigsby is part of country music history.
Rigsby, 75, a resident of Fairfield Health Care Center, was with Hank Williams Sr. when the country legend purchased his first guitar and wrote a song.
Rigsby lived in the small town of Tallassee, Ala., when he met Williams, a Montgomery, Ala., resident.
"He would be shining shoes on the street corner," Rigsby recalled. That, and other odd jobs, got Williams the money he needed for the guitar.
Rigsby is one of seven "life stories" the Daily Republic found in two Fairfield skilled nursing facilities and one Suisun City residential care facility for the elderly.
Hundreds of Solano County seniors call these places home. And, they
Read the article
Daily Republic
William Rigsby is part of country music history.
Rigsby, 75, a resident of Fairfield Health Care Center, was with Hank Williams Sr. when the country legend purchased his first guitar and wrote a song.
Rigsby lived in the small town of Tallassee, Ala., when he met Williams, a Montgomery, Ala., resident.
"He would be shining shoes on the street corner," Rigsby recalled. That, and other odd jobs, got Williams the money he needed for the guitar.
Rigsby is one of seven "life stories" the Daily Republic found in two Fairfield skilled nursing facilities and one Suisun City residential care facility for the elderly.
Hundreds of Solano County seniors call these places home. And, they
Read the article
Daily Republic
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Hackberry Ramblers bass player dead at 79
From The New Orleans Times-Picayune
John A. "Johnny" Faulk, a bass player with the Cajun band The Hackberry Ramblers, died Sunday at a Lake Charles Hospital after falling ill unexpectedly earlier in the week. He was 79.
Faulk was a relative newcomer to the Ramblers, a band that started in the 1930s with its mix of Cajun songs in French and Western Swing. He joined around 1979, with a bass he'd bought from Sears in the late 1940s.
Although the band celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, it won national acclaim in more recent years, with a Grammy nomination and a film on PBS earlier this year, "Make'em Dance: the Hackberry Ramblers Story."
Read the article
TImes-Picayune
John A. "Johnny" Faulk, a bass player with the Cajun band The Hackberry Ramblers, died Sunday at a Lake Charles Hospital after falling ill unexpectedly earlier in the week. He was 79.
Faulk was a relative newcomer to the Ramblers, a band that started in the 1930s with its mix of Cajun songs in French and Western Swing. He joined around 1979, with a bass he'd bought from Sears in the late 1940s.
Although the band celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, it won national acclaim in more recent years, with a Grammy nomination and a film on PBS earlier this year, "Make'em Dance: the Hackberry Ramblers Story."
Read the article
TImes-Picayune
Wanda Jackson's rockabilly legend keeps on rolling
From The Houston Chronicle
Wanda Jackson's voice has always been a thing of wonder.
The undisputed rockabilly queen positively growled on late '50s/early '60s hits Let's Have a Party, Mean Mean Man and Riot in Cell Block #9. She also paved the way for a slew of female musicians, from country singers like Tanya Tucker, Chely Wright and Gretchen Wilson to rock and pop stars like Madonna, Courtney Love and Avril Lavigne.
Today, Jackson's delivery remains awe-inspiring, a weathered mix of raw sensuality and rebel spirit. She performs today at the Continental Club to celebrate her 67th birthday.
If Jackson is feeling a bit winded, it's to be expected. She's been riding a nonstop career resurgence that began in Europe in the mid-'80s and hit the United States in '95, thanks to an appearance on Texas native Rosie Flores' Rockabilly Filly disc.
Jackson was eventually approached by CMH Records to record a disc of classic and original tunes, and producer John Wooler opted to give the project an edgy, atmospheric vibe. The resulting album, Heart Trouble, is vintage Jackson, highlighted by appearances from Blasters guitarist Dave Alvin, Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker, psychobilly legends the Cramps and Elvis Costello, whose duet on Crying Time is a sparkling standout.
Jackson says her flashy wardrobe was born "out of desperation" to get noticed in a male dominated world used to a sweeter kind of country gal.
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Oct. 22, 2004, 6:42PM
Wanda Jackson's rockabilly legend keeps on rolling
By JOEY GUERRA
Copyright 2004 For the Chronicle
DETAILS
Wanda Jackson
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 23, with Miss Leslie and Hilary Sloan
Where: Continental Club, 3700 Main St.
Tickets: $10; call 713-529-9899.
Wanda Jackson's voice has always been a thing of wonder.
The undisputed rockabilly queen positively growled on late '50s/early '60s hits Let's Have a Party, Mean Mean Man and Riot in Cell Block #9. She also paved the way for a slew of female musicians, from country singers like Tanya Tucker, Chely Wright and Gretchen Wilson to rock and pop stars like Madonna, Courtney Love and Avril Lavigne.
Today, Jackson's delivery remains awe-inspiring, a weathered mix of raw sensuality and rebel spirit. She performs today at the Continental Club to celebrate her 67th birthday.
Right now, though, Jackson is apologizing for the sound of her hoarse voice.
"I sound like gravel Gertie," Jackson says. "My throat's tired. (But) I only know one way to sing. I just get out there and do it."
If Jackson is feeling a bit winded, it's to be expected. She's been riding a nonstop career resurgence that began in Europe in the mid-'80s and hit the United States in '95, thanks to an appearance on Texas native Rosie Flores' Rockabilly Filly disc.
HEAR IT NOW
Audio Audio: Clips from songs by Wanda Jackson:
• Mean, Mean Man
• Let's Have a Party
• Riot in Cell Block #9
Requires the free RealPlayer
Jackson was eventually approached by CMH Records to record a disc of classic and original tunes, and producer John Wooler opted to give the project an edgy, atmospheric vibe. The resulting album, Heart Trouble, is vintage Jackson, highlighted by appearances from Blasters guitarist Dave Alvin, Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker, psychobilly legends the Cramps and Elvis Costello, whose duet on Crying Time is a sparkling standout.
"That audience keeps spurring me on because I just keep gaining new fans," Jackson says. "The singers and the pickers, they tell me what an inspiration I have been and I still am because I'm out there doing it."
Next week, alt-country label Bloodshot Records releases Hard-Headed Woman: A Celebration of Wanda Jackson, a tribute album featuring Flores, Neko Case, Wayne Hancock, Jesse Dayton and Asylum Street Spankers. The collection does a good job of capturing -- and respecting -- the vintage rebel spirit of Jackson's original recordings.
The culmination of Jackson's rockabilly renaissance came last month, when she made the list of nominees -- along with the likes of U2, the Sex Pistols, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Gram Parsons -- for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"My fans and my husband, can't understand why I'm not already in there. It's just something I never had thought much about," Jackson says. "I'll be happy if I'm inducted, but I think more so for my fans."But I'll have to admit -- I saved one of my dresses from the late '50s and my original guitar, just in case." Those dresses -- form-fitting and accented with fringe that flapped with her hip-swiveling -- made Jackson one of country music's first sex symbols. Jackson's mother made the frocks from her daughter's designs.
Jackson says her flashy wardrobe was born "out of desperation" to get noticed in a male dominated world used to a sweeter kind of country gal.
Wanda Jackson says Elvis Presley encouraged her to explore the burgeoning rockabilly sound.
"Patsy Cline had come along, Connie Francis -- more the smooth pop singers, for country," Jackson says. "I'd been trying to dress like the other girls with the cowboy boots and the full skirts, puff-sleeved blouses and stuff. I'm pretty short, and I just didn't look good at all.
"I wanted to dress more glamorous or sexy."
Read the article
Houston Chronicle
Wanda Jackson's voice has always been a thing of wonder.
The undisputed rockabilly queen positively growled on late '50s/early '60s hits Let's Have a Party, Mean Mean Man and Riot in Cell Block #9. She also paved the way for a slew of female musicians, from country singers like Tanya Tucker, Chely Wright and Gretchen Wilson to rock and pop stars like Madonna, Courtney Love and Avril Lavigne.
Today, Jackson's delivery remains awe-inspiring, a weathered mix of raw sensuality and rebel spirit. She performs today at the Continental Club to celebrate her 67th birthday.
If Jackson is feeling a bit winded, it's to be expected. She's been riding a nonstop career resurgence that began in Europe in the mid-'80s and hit the United States in '95, thanks to an appearance on Texas native Rosie Flores' Rockabilly Filly disc.
Jackson was eventually approached by CMH Records to record a disc of classic and original tunes, and producer John Wooler opted to give the project an edgy, atmospheric vibe. The resulting album, Heart Trouble, is vintage Jackson, highlighted by appearances from Blasters guitarist Dave Alvin, Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker, psychobilly legends the Cramps and Elvis Costello, whose duet on Crying Time is a sparkling standout.
Jackson says her flashy wardrobe was born "out of desperation" to get noticed in a male dominated world used to a sweeter kind of country gal.
Printer-friendly format
E-mail this story
Oct. 22, 2004, 6:42PM
Wanda Jackson's rockabilly legend keeps on rolling
By JOEY GUERRA
Copyright 2004 For the Chronicle
DETAILS
Wanda Jackson
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 23, with Miss Leslie and Hilary Sloan
Where: Continental Club, 3700 Main St.
Tickets: $10; call 713-529-9899.
Wanda Jackson's voice has always been a thing of wonder.
The undisputed rockabilly queen positively growled on late '50s/early '60s hits Let's Have a Party, Mean Mean Man and Riot in Cell Block #9. She also paved the way for a slew of female musicians, from country singers like Tanya Tucker, Chely Wright and Gretchen Wilson to rock and pop stars like Madonna, Courtney Love and Avril Lavigne.
Today, Jackson's delivery remains awe-inspiring, a weathered mix of raw sensuality and rebel spirit. She performs today at the Continental Club to celebrate her 67th birthday.
Right now, though, Jackson is apologizing for the sound of her hoarse voice.
"I sound like gravel Gertie," Jackson says. "My throat's tired. (But) I only know one way to sing. I just get out there and do it."
If Jackson is feeling a bit winded, it's to be expected. She's been riding a nonstop career resurgence that began in Europe in the mid-'80s and hit the United States in '95, thanks to an appearance on Texas native Rosie Flores' Rockabilly Filly disc.
HEAR IT NOW
Audio Audio: Clips from songs by Wanda Jackson:
• Mean, Mean Man
• Let's Have a Party
• Riot in Cell Block #9
Requires the free RealPlayer
Jackson was eventually approached by CMH Records to record a disc of classic and original tunes, and producer John Wooler opted to give the project an edgy, atmospheric vibe. The resulting album, Heart Trouble, is vintage Jackson, highlighted by appearances from Blasters guitarist Dave Alvin, Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker, psychobilly legends the Cramps and Elvis Costello, whose duet on Crying Time is a sparkling standout.
"That audience keeps spurring me on because I just keep gaining new fans," Jackson says. "The singers and the pickers, they tell me what an inspiration I have been and I still am because I'm out there doing it."
Next week, alt-country label Bloodshot Records releases Hard-Headed Woman: A Celebration of Wanda Jackson, a tribute album featuring Flores, Neko Case, Wayne Hancock, Jesse Dayton and Asylum Street Spankers. The collection does a good job of capturing -- and respecting -- the vintage rebel spirit of Jackson's original recordings.
The culmination of Jackson's rockabilly renaissance came last month, when she made the list of nominees -- along with the likes of U2, the Sex Pistols, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Gram Parsons -- for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"My fans and my husband, can't understand why I'm not already in there. It's just something I never had thought much about," Jackson says. "I'll be happy if I'm inducted, but I think more so for my fans."But I'll have to admit -- I saved one of my dresses from the late '50s and my original guitar, just in case." Those dresses -- form-fitting and accented with fringe that flapped with her hip-swiveling -- made Jackson one of country music's first sex symbols. Jackson's mother made the frocks from her daughter's designs.
Jackson says her flashy wardrobe was born "out of desperation" to get noticed in a male dominated world used to a sweeter kind of country gal.
Wanda Jackson says Elvis Presley encouraged her to explore the burgeoning rockabilly sound.
"Patsy Cline had come along, Connie Francis -- more the smooth pop singers, for country," Jackson says. "I'd been trying to dress like the other girls with the cowboy boots and the full skirts, puff-sleeved blouses and stuff. I'm pretty short, and I just didn't look good at all.
"I wanted to dress more glamorous or sexy."
Read the article
Houston Chronicle
All by her lonesome: Holly Williams charts her own path into music
From the Boston Herald
Holly Williams wears her legacy lightly.
Good thing. Legacies don't come any heavier.
Williams, 24, is the granddaughter of country music's most legendary figure, Hank Williams. Her father is Hank's famously rowdy country singer son, Hank Williams Jr., affectionately known to friends and fans by his childhood nickname, Bocephus. And her half-brother, Hank Williams III, is a revved-up country/punk rocker even rowdier than his dad.
Williams says she didn't worry one bit about upholding her family's reputation when she belatedly started playing guitar as a high school senior.
"Really, it never crossed my mind,"' she says. She's on the phone from the outskirts of Cleveland, where she's taking a break from driving her Chevy Suburban from her gig in Detroit to the next one in Pittsburgh. "My childhood was just normal. I grew up in a suburban neighborhood in Nashville. My dad lived two hours away in Paris (Tennessee). He kept us really sheltered. He didn't want us out on the road in that whole wild world. We went to a couple of shows a year, but he was very careful. He was like, `I don't want to be Bocephus. I want to be Daddy.' "
Still, you can't be Hank's kid and anonymous living in the country music capital of the world.
Read the article
Boston Herald
Holly Williams wears her legacy lightly.
Good thing. Legacies don't come any heavier.
Williams, 24, is the granddaughter of country music's most legendary figure, Hank Williams. Her father is Hank's famously rowdy country singer son, Hank Williams Jr., affectionately known to friends and fans by his childhood nickname, Bocephus. And her half-brother, Hank Williams III, is a revved-up country/punk rocker even rowdier than his dad.
Williams says she didn't worry one bit about upholding her family's reputation when she belatedly started playing guitar as a high school senior.
"Really, it never crossed my mind,"' she says. She's on the phone from the outskirts of Cleveland, where she's taking a break from driving her Chevy Suburban from her gig in Detroit to the next one in Pittsburgh. "My childhood was just normal. I grew up in a suburban neighborhood in Nashville. My dad lived two hours away in Paris (Tennessee). He kept us really sheltered. He didn't want us out on the road in that whole wild world. We went to a couple of shows a year, but he was very careful. He was like, `I don't want to be Bocephus. I want to be Daddy.' "
Still, you can't be Hank's kid and anonymous living in the country music capital of the world.
Read the article
Boston Herald
Skaggs skirts line of old and new with 'Brand New Strings'
From WKYT / WYMT (Lexington / Hazard, KY)
No one could rightly claim Ricky Skaggs missed his calling. He's a master picker who's had success in both bluegrass and country music.
But spend an hour with him and it's apparent he has the heart of a teacher. He's passionate about music, all kinds of music, and once he gets on a roll, well, let's just say it's best to find a comfortable chair.
At 50, Skaggs has become a statesman for bluegrass. He and his band Kentucky Thunder frequently records old standards _ partly, he says, out of an obligation to educate listeners to the roots of the music.
He recently spoke with the AP about his new album, the state of bluegrass and his political involvement.
AP: 'Brand New Strings' is a change for you in that it's mostly new songs rather than your interpretation of older material. Why the switch?
Skaggs: With this album I really wanted to try to find songs that could become bluegrass classics in the next 10 or 15, 20 years, songs that could be the next 'Uncle Pen' or 'Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms.'
AP: Do you think bluegrass and acoustic music is getting the respect it deserves, with your success and Alison Krauss' and things like the "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack?
Skaggs: I still think Music Row doesn't really tip its hat to this music. A label executive was overheard on an airplane coming back from the Grammys when 'O Brother' won all that stuff and he said, 'We can't let this happen again.' Music Row, as far as the business of the record companies, I don't think they're really trying to jump on it and promote it.
AP: What are you seeing on a personal level?
Skaggs: We're seeing, I think, a resurgence in the music. There's a real cross-pollination of people who will go see the Dixie Chicks, then come see us. Go see Tim McGraw, then come see us. Go see Ralph Stanley, then come see us. We've got a real diverse audience out there. The Mercedes, Jaguar and BMW crowd is coming out to our shows as well as the pickup-truck crowd.
Read the article
WKYT / WYMT
No one could rightly claim Ricky Skaggs missed his calling. He's a master picker who's had success in both bluegrass and country music.
But spend an hour with him and it's apparent he has the heart of a teacher. He's passionate about music, all kinds of music, and once he gets on a roll, well, let's just say it's best to find a comfortable chair.
At 50, Skaggs has become a statesman for bluegrass. He and his band Kentucky Thunder frequently records old standards _ partly, he says, out of an obligation to educate listeners to the roots of the music.
He recently spoke with the AP about his new album, the state of bluegrass and his political involvement.
AP: 'Brand New Strings' is a change for you in that it's mostly new songs rather than your interpretation of older material. Why the switch?
Skaggs: With this album I really wanted to try to find songs that could become bluegrass classics in the next 10 or 15, 20 years, songs that could be the next 'Uncle Pen' or 'Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms.'
AP: Do you think bluegrass and acoustic music is getting the respect it deserves, with your success and Alison Krauss' and things like the "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack?
Skaggs: I still think Music Row doesn't really tip its hat to this music. A label executive was overheard on an airplane coming back from the Grammys when 'O Brother' won all that stuff and he said, 'We can't let this happen again.' Music Row, as far as the business of the record companies, I don't think they're really trying to jump on it and promote it.
AP: What are you seeing on a personal level?
Skaggs: We're seeing, I think, a resurgence in the music. There's a real cross-pollination of people who will go see the Dixie Chicks, then come see us. Go see Tim McGraw, then come see us. Go see Ralph Stanley, then come see us. We've got a real diverse audience out there. The Mercedes, Jaguar and BMW crowd is coming out to our shows as well as the pickup-truck crowd.
Read the article
WKYT / WYMT
The greatest brother in the world
From the Norwich (CT) Bulletin
Once upon a time, I had the most wonderful brother in the whole wide world.
Jimmy and I grew up as close as any two brothers could be. In fact, during the Korean War, when I was about to enlist in the Marine Corps, Jimmy said, "Wait for me."
He was a senior at Norwich Free Academy, and after his graduation, we joined the Marine Corps together and went through the tortures of boot camp at Parris Island, S.C.
We were later both stationed at Parris Island until Jim was ordered to Korea.
For four years, we woke up Eastern Connecticut with "The Bill and Jim Show." I was the straight man, and Jim was the comedian.
He was funny beyond words. So good, in fact, our program was overheard one day by an executive from WNEW in New York.
Several months later, we got a call from a man named Allen Ludden who, later on television, ran a quiz show called "Password" and married Betty White of "Mary Tyler Moore" and "The Golden Girls." Ludden was then program director for WCBS radio in New York.
He said he had learned from WNEW that we might be the answer to his problem for a drive-time afternoon radio show.
We first went for an interview at CBS. That led to an audition. Before leaving.
Allen Ludden suggested we have lunch. Sitting alone, at a table for four, was the great country singer, Eddie Arnold.
Wow!
Ludden introduced us, and then he asked, "Do you mind if we join you, Eddie?"
Read the article
Norwich Bulletin
Once upon a time, I had the most wonderful brother in the whole wide world.
Jimmy and I grew up as close as any two brothers could be. In fact, during the Korean War, when I was about to enlist in the Marine Corps, Jimmy said, "Wait for me."
He was a senior at Norwich Free Academy, and after his graduation, we joined the Marine Corps together and went through the tortures of boot camp at Parris Island, S.C.
We were later both stationed at Parris Island until Jim was ordered to Korea.
For four years, we woke up Eastern Connecticut with "The Bill and Jim Show." I was the straight man, and Jim was the comedian.
He was funny beyond words. So good, in fact, our program was overheard one day by an executive from WNEW in New York.
Several months later, we got a call from a man named Allen Ludden who, later on television, ran a quiz show called "Password" and married Betty White of "Mary Tyler Moore" and "The Golden Girls." Ludden was then program director for WCBS radio in New York.
He said he had learned from WNEW that we might be the answer to his problem for a drive-time afternoon radio show.
We first went for an interview at CBS. That led to an audition. Before leaving.
Allen Ludden suggested we have lunch. Sitting alone, at a table for four, was the great country singer, Eddie Arnold.
Wow!
Ludden introduced us, and then he asked, "Do you mind if we join you, Eddie?"
Read the article
Norwich Bulletin
Sunday, October 17, 2004
50 years later, Elvis returns
From the Shreveport Times
The debut of a larger-than-life bronze statue of Elvis Presley in front of Municipal Auditorium drew rave reviews Friday, much like the king's first performance at the Louisiana Hayride drew 50 years ago today.
Today marks the anniversary of what some call Elvis' official kickoff into the whirlwind of musical and universal stardom. The occasion will be celebrated tonight with a concert at the Municipal featuring former Elvis band members, backup singers and musical icons. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
On Friday, attention was focused on the sidewalk in front of Municipal Auditorium where Houston artist, sculptor and former Shreveport native Eric Kaposta officially unveiled a nearly 8-foot-tall, 1,000-pound Elvis that will front the building at 705 Elvis Presley Ave.
Elvis performed at Municipal Auditorium from 1954 to 1956. Felton Pruett, who played steel guitar for 16 years at the Louisiana Hayride, was among those attending Friday's unveiling. "Elvis told me once, 'I don't need no steel guitar.' I looked at him and I said, 'You're right,'" Pruett said.
Read the article
Shreveport Times
The debut of a larger-than-life bronze statue of Elvis Presley in front of Municipal Auditorium drew rave reviews Friday, much like the king's first performance at the Louisiana Hayride drew 50 years ago today.
Today marks the anniversary of what some call Elvis' official kickoff into the whirlwind of musical and universal stardom. The occasion will be celebrated tonight with a concert at the Municipal featuring former Elvis band members, backup singers and musical icons. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
On Friday, attention was focused on the sidewalk in front of Municipal Auditorium where Houston artist, sculptor and former Shreveport native Eric Kaposta officially unveiled a nearly 8-foot-tall, 1,000-pound Elvis that will front the building at 705 Elvis Presley Ave.
Elvis performed at Municipal Auditorium from 1954 to 1956. Felton Pruett, who played steel guitar for 16 years at the Louisiana Hayride, was among those attending Friday's unveiling. "Elvis told me once, 'I don't need no steel guitar.' I looked at him and I said, 'You're right,'" Pruett said.
Read the article
Shreveport Times
Phil Harper, 1940-2004: Longtime Seattle radio personality
Fron the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Phil Harper, who brought a distinctive voice and unscripted personality to radio gigs ranging from jazz and country music hosting to advertisements to playing a detective in dramas, died early yesterday. He was 64.
Harper would have been well-known for no other reason than the length and breadth of his career locally. At the time of his death, he was juggling a regular weekday afternoon shift as "Buffalo Phil" on KYCW-AM, a classic country station, being the promotional "voice" of jazz station KPLU-FM and performing the role of Harry Nile in the long-running series of radio dramas. He had also been the morning host of KMPS-FM when it became a country station nearly 30 years ago and had a long career doing radio commercials.
But it wasn't just his voice that was distinctive. It was his personality, a conversational approach that, married with a wealth of knowledge about music, allowed him to recount an anecdote or give a little bit of history about a song, whether it was a sultry Sarah Vaughn jazz ballad or a country hit from the past such as Hank Snow's "I've Been Everywhere."
Read the article
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Phil Harper, who brought a distinctive voice and unscripted personality to radio gigs ranging from jazz and country music hosting to advertisements to playing a detective in dramas, died early yesterday. He was 64.
Harper would have been well-known for no other reason than the length and breadth of his career locally. At the time of his death, he was juggling a regular weekday afternoon shift as "Buffalo Phil" on KYCW-AM, a classic country station, being the promotional "voice" of jazz station KPLU-FM and performing the role of Harry Nile in the long-running series of radio dramas. He had also been the morning host of KMPS-FM when it became a country station nearly 30 years ago and had a long career doing radio commercials.
But it wasn't just his voice that was distinctive. It was his personality, a conversational approach that, married with a wealth of knowledge about music, allowed him to recount an anecdote or give a little bit of history about a song, whether it was a sultry Sarah Vaughn jazz ballad or a country hit from the past such as Hank Snow's "I've Been Everywhere."
Read the article
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Country music star's tour bus involved in York County accident
From NBC 12 News
Virginia State Police report that there was an accident involving a tour bus that is part of country-western singer George Jones' entourage.
Police say the bus rear-ended a car at an Interstate 64 exit in York County overnight. Jones was on the bus, but was unharmed.
Virginia State Police Sgt. D.S. Carr says no one else was injured in the crash, which happened at about 1:30 am in York County, after Jones performed in Portsmouth. Carr says the trooper at the scene got George Jones' autograph.
Police say the bus driver was charged with reckless driving.
Read the article
NBC 12
Virginia State Police report that there was an accident involving a tour bus that is part of country-western singer George Jones' entourage.
Police say the bus rear-ended a car at an Interstate 64 exit in York County overnight. Jones was on the bus, but was unharmed.
Virginia State Police Sgt. D.S. Carr says no one else was injured in the crash, which happened at about 1:30 am in York County, after Jones performed in Portsmouth. Carr says the trooper at the scene got George Jones' autograph.
Police say the bus driver was charged with reckless driving.
Read the article
NBC 12
Henry N. 'Tommy' Vaden, fiddler, dies at 79
From The Tennessean
Heartbreak led Henry Newton "Tommy" Vaden to put his fiddle away on Dec. 20, 1999.
That's the day his longtime friend, boss and musical crony Hank Snow — whose sound he is credited with helping to create — died. He was 79.
"He hadn't played since Hank Snow died," remembered his daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Vaden yesterday. "He never wanted to play again. His last time on the Opry was with Hank. He just didn't have the heart after he died."
A longtime member of Snow's band, Mr. Vaden died Monday at Beverly Health Care in Springfield after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Read the article
The Tennessean
Heartbreak led Henry Newton "Tommy" Vaden to put his fiddle away on Dec. 20, 1999.
That's the day his longtime friend, boss and musical crony Hank Snow — whose sound he is credited with helping to create — died. He was 79.
"He hadn't played since Hank Snow died," remembered his daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Vaden yesterday. "He never wanted to play again. His last time on the Opry was with Hank. He just didn't have the heart after he died."
A longtime member of Snow's band, Mr. Vaden died Monday at Beverly Health Care in Springfield after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Read the article
The Tennessean
Friday, October 15, 2004
Elvis statue unveiled at Louisiana Hayride site
From The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)
A bigger-than-life bronze statue of Elvis Presley was unveiled Friday in front of the Municipal Auditorium where the king of rock `n' roll performed before the Louisiana Hayride for the first time 50 years ago.
The $60,000 statue stands 7-1/2 feet tall and weighs nearly 1,000 pounds.
The Downtown Development Authority funded $40,000 of the sculpture's total cost while the Elvis Angels, a fan group, raised $20,000 in private donations.
Read the article
The Advocate
A bigger-than-life bronze statue of Elvis Presley was unveiled Friday in front of the Municipal Auditorium where the king of rock `n' roll performed before the Louisiana Hayride for the first time 50 years ago.
The $60,000 statue stands 7-1/2 feet tall and weighs nearly 1,000 pounds.
The Downtown Development Authority funded $40,000 of the sculpture's total cost while the Elvis Angels, a fan group, raised $20,000 in private donations.
Read the article
The Advocate
Scripps announces purchase of Great American Country network
From WKRN - Nashville, TN
E.W. Scripps is buying video network Great American Country.
Cincinnati-based Scripps announced the 140-(m)-million-dollar deal today. It's subject to regulatory approval.
Great American Country is a subsidiary of Denver-bases Jones Media, which also provides programming to more than five-thousand radio stations.
Among the shows the video channel airs is the Grand Ole Opry television segment.
Great American Country would join the Knoxville-based Scripps Networks, which include Home and Garden Television, Food Network, the DIY -- Do It Yourself Network and Fine Living.
Read the article
WKRN
E.W. Scripps is buying video network Great American Country.
Cincinnati-based Scripps announced the 140-(m)-million-dollar deal today. It's subject to regulatory approval.
Great American Country is a subsidiary of Denver-bases Jones Media, which also provides programming to more than five-thousand radio stations.
Among the shows the video channel airs is the Grand Ole Opry television segment.
Great American Country would join the Knoxville-based Scripps Networks, which include Home and Garden Television, Food Network, the DIY -- Do It Yourself Network and Fine Living.
Read the article
WKRN
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Calendar: Newark Chapter of the Ohio Country and Western Music Association
From The Advocate (Newark, OH)
For Sunday October 10:
1 p.m.; Teheran Grotto Hall, Waterworks Road; after a short meeting, the annual "mock" Grand Old Opry show will feature members portraying Nashville stars; bring donated items for door prizes, cake walks, raffles and the country store; food, beverages and non-smoking area available; donation jar at the door for everyone; 345-4346 or 323-2715.
Read the article
The Advocate
For Sunday October 10:
1 p.m.; Teheran Grotto Hall, Waterworks Road; after a short meeting, the annual "mock" Grand Old Opry show will feature members portraying Nashville stars; bring donated items for door prizes, cake walks, raffles and the country store; food, beverages and non-smoking area available; donation jar at the door for everyone; 345-4346 or 323-2715.
Read the article
The Advocate
2004 N.C. State Fair set for Oct. 15-24; expanded Midway,new carnival operator among highlights
From the Island Gazette (Carolina Beach, NC)
The 2004 N.C. State Fair will bring farm-fresh fun to the State Fairgrounds Oct. 15-24.
"The 2004 State Fair is chock full of food, rides, competitions and entertainment for the whole family," Agriculture Commissioner Britt Cobb said. "We’re inviting everyone to come on down and help us celebrate North Carolina agriculture."
The State Fair will cover new ground this year. Literally.
The Dorton Arena stage will boast a dynamic concert lineup, with shows at 7:30 p.m.: Oct. 15, Josh Turner; Oct. 17, Kimberley Locke; Oct. 18, Clay Aiken (3 and 7:30 p.m.); Oct. 19, Grand Ole Opry Legends Fest (3 and 7:30 p.m.); Oct. 20, Ralph Stanley, Rhonda Vincent and The Grass Cats; Oct. 21, the Four Tops; Oct. 22, MercyMe; Oct. 23, Gary Allan; Oct. 24, Lonestar. Concert admission is $5, except for Clay Aiken ($15) and Lonestar ($10). Tickets are on sale online at www.ncstatefair.org.
Read the article
Island Gazette
The 2004 N.C. State Fair will bring farm-fresh fun to the State Fairgrounds Oct. 15-24.
"The 2004 State Fair is chock full of food, rides, competitions and entertainment for the whole family," Agriculture Commissioner Britt Cobb said. "We’re inviting everyone to come on down and help us celebrate North Carolina agriculture."
The State Fair will cover new ground this year. Literally.
The Dorton Arena stage will boast a dynamic concert lineup, with shows at 7:30 p.m.: Oct. 15, Josh Turner; Oct. 17, Kimberley Locke; Oct. 18, Clay Aiken (3 and 7:30 p.m.); Oct. 19, Grand Ole Opry Legends Fest (3 and 7:30 p.m.); Oct. 20, Ralph Stanley, Rhonda Vincent and The Grass Cats; Oct. 21, the Four Tops; Oct. 22, MercyMe; Oct. 23, Gary Allan; Oct. 24, Lonestar. Concert admission is $5, except for Clay Aiken ($15) and Lonestar ($10). Tickets are on sale online at www.ncstatefair.org.
Read the article
Island Gazette
Tulip Time sets '05 music acts - Brenda Lee, Kingston Trio lead entertainment for next year's festival
From The Holland (MI) Sentinel
Brenda Lee, the only woman in both the rock and country music halls of fame, is coming to Tulip Time. She'll be joined by The Kingston Trio, which helped launch the folk music revival of the 1950s.
The two acts have been booked as headline performers of the 2005 Tulip Time festival, which runs May 7-14.
It will be the first Holland appearance for both The Kingston Trio, which will perform two shows Thursday, May 12, and Lee, who will give two concerts Friday, May 13. Both acts will appear at Central Wesleyan Church's auditorium.
Lee had her first No. 1 single, "I'm Sorry," in 1960 when she was only 15. Other gold records soon followed, including "Fool #1" and "Emotions." She continues to tour, and was honored in 1996 for her first 40 years in show business.
Read the article
The Holland Sentinel
Brenda Lee, the only woman in both the rock and country music halls of fame, is coming to Tulip Time. She'll be joined by The Kingston Trio, which helped launch the folk music revival of the 1950s.
The two acts have been booked as headline performers of the 2005 Tulip Time festival, which runs May 7-14.
It will be the first Holland appearance for both The Kingston Trio, which will perform two shows Thursday, May 12, and Lee, who will give two concerts Friday, May 13. Both acts will appear at Central Wesleyan Church's auditorium.
Lee had her first No. 1 single, "I'm Sorry," in 1960 when she was only 15. Other gold records soon followed, including "Fool #1" and "Emotions." She continues to tour, and was honored in 1996 for her first 40 years in show business.
Read the article
The Holland Sentinel
Keeping the Dream Alive
From Eyewitness News 9 (Greenville, SC)
Three months after the murder of a Kinston man, his family continues to relive the nightmare. They watched him die after being shot by a teenager.
It's an everyday struggle for them. As they begin to heal, they are getting support from members of the community -- through their love for country music.
Twenty-eight-year-old Kris Carlyle went to Nashville, Tennessee to make it as a country singer. Tragically, that's where his life ended. Now, it's his family's mission to make his memory and music live on.
Kris Carlyle knew what he wanted to do with his life, and the rising country musician was on his way to making it happen. Now his family is making sure his legacy lives on.
And keeping Carlyle's dream alive is helping them heal day by day.
If you'd like a copy of Kris Carlyle's CD, you can call the Smith family at 252-286-7706. Or you can email them at thesmiths03@cox.net.
The CD is $5, and the family is putting the proceeds toward burial expenses. There is a Kris Carlyle memorial fund. You can donate by going to any Nations Bank.
Read the article
Eyewitness News 9
Three months after the murder of a Kinston man, his family continues to relive the nightmare. They watched him die after being shot by a teenager.
It's an everyday struggle for them. As they begin to heal, they are getting support from members of the community -- through their love for country music.
Twenty-eight-year-old Kris Carlyle went to Nashville, Tennessee to make it as a country singer. Tragically, that's where his life ended. Now, it's his family's mission to make his memory and music live on.
Kris Carlyle knew what he wanted to do with his life, and the rising country musician was on his way to making it happen. Now his family is making sure his legacy lives on.
And keeping Carlyle's dream alive is helping them heal day by day.
If you'd like a copy of Kris Carlyle's CD, you can call the Smith family at 252-286-7706. Or you can email them at thesmiths03@cox.net.
The CD is $5, and the family is putting the proceeds toward burial expenses. There is a Kris Carlyle memorial fund. You can donate by going to any Nations Bank.
Read the article
Eyewitness News 9
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Local tea room steeped in lore, history
From the Ashland City (TN) Times
Situated across the street from city hall in Ashland City is a little white house steeped in rich Tennessee history.
The house, which is now Three Sisters Tea Room and Gifts, once belonged to the family of Obed and Leila Pickard, said Stacey Merriman, daughter of Tina Young, one of the owners of the Tea Room. Merriman is also an employee of the Tea Room and has done extensive research on the history of the house.
The Pickards had five children and played a key role in creating country music along with George Hay of Nashville, Tenn., in the late 1920s. The Pickards and Hay started “The National Barn Dance,” which soon became the Grand Ole Opry. The Pickards were also nationally recognized as radio and recording stars of hillbilly music. The Pickards, according to Merriman, were the first people in the history of television to broadcast a live musical show. Obed Pickard was the only one in his family to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Merriman said.
“Back then it was considered very rowdy for family people. Backstage, the parties got a little wild with moonshine and things like that,” she said.
Cheatham County soon became too small for the Pickards. In the 1930s, they packed up and headed for Hollywood. The couple’s music was heard in the early Western films.
Read the article
Ashland City Times
Situated across the street from city hall in Ashland City is a little white house steeped in rich Tennessee history.
The house, which is now Three Sisters Tea Room and Gifts, once belonged to the family of Obed and Leila Pickard, said Stacey Merriman, daughter of Tina Young, one of the owners of the Tea Room. Merriman is also an employee of the Tea Room and has done extensive research on the history of the house.
The Pickards had five children and played a key role in creating country music along with George Hay of Nashville, Tenn., in the late 1920s. The Pickards and Hay started “The National Barn Dance,” which soon became the Grand Ole Opry. The Pickards were also nationally recognized as radio and recording stars of hillbilly music. The Pickards, according to Merriman, were the first people in the history of television to broadcast a live musical show. Obed Pickard was the only one in his family to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Merriman said.
“Back then it was considered very rowdy for family people. Backstage, the parties got a little wild with moonshine and things like that,” she said.
Cheatham County soon became too small for the Pickards. In the 1930s, they packed up and headed for Hollywood. The couple’s music was heard in the early Western films.
Read the article
Ashland City Times
Legendary Sherwin Linton and wife, Pamela perform on Saturday
From the Dunn County (WI) News
Forty-eight years into his career, Sherwin Linton is still singing the songs of Elvis, Marty Robbins, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and Johnny Cash with the same vitality that made them classics.
Linton will perform his own original hits, a tribute to Johnny Cash and a variety of traditional country, gospel and cowboy songs, on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Mabel Tainter Theater.
With the release of his new CD, "It Happened In America," and the re-release of the classic 70s tribute "Hello, I'm Not Johnny Cash," Linton has developed new fans across the country. His tribute to "the man in black," recorded live at the South Dakota penitentiary, was recognized by Johnny Cash as "...greatest honor that an artist has ever paid me."
In recent years, Linton has been inducted into the South Dakota Musicians' Hall of Fame, the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. He continues to receive industry awards and recognition for his many achievements.
Read the article
Dunn County News
Forty-eight years into his career, Sherwin Linton is still singing the songs of Elvis, Marty Robbins, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and Johnny Cash with the same vitality that made them classics.
Linton will perform his own original hits, a tribute to Johnny Cash and a variety of traditional country, gospel and cowboy songs, on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Mabel Tainter Theater.
With the release of his new CD, "It Happened In America," and the re-release of the classic 70s tribute "Hello, I'm Not Johnny Cash," Linton has developed new fans across the country. His tribute to "the man in black," recorded live at the South Dakota penitentiary, was recognized by Johnny Cash as "...greatest honor that an artist has ever paid me."
In recent years, Linton has been inducted into the South Dakota Musicians' Hall of Fame, the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. He continues to receive industry awards and recognition for his many achievements.
Read the article
Dunn County News
Moot Davis - Tuesday, October 12; Frederick's Music Lounge
From the Riverfront Times (St. Louis)
New Jersey-born actor gone hard-as-coffin-nails country heads to Nashville, scores record deal with legendary producer and is quickly anointed honky-tonk savior. In 1978 that script might have earned more than a smirk; now it sounds like another ploy to sucker No Depression subscribers -- all 23 of them. Moot Davis may be the real deal, but only because country music has been marketing and manufacturing authenticity since Jimmie Rodgers posed in a conductor's cap as "The Singing Brakeman." Still, there's no faking talent, and Davis, while rarely an overpowering singer, sports the charisma and songwriting chops of a honky-tonk natural.
Word to all BR549 and Wayne Hancock fans: Do not miss this ticket to hillbilly heaven.
Read the article
Riverfront Times
New Jersey-born actor gone hard-as-coffin-nails country heads to Nashville, scores record deal with legendary producer and is quickly anointed honky-tonk savior. In 1978 that script might have earned more than a smirk; now it sounds like another ploy to sucker No Depression subscribers -- all 23 of them. Moot Davis may be the real deal, but only because country music has been marketing and manufacturing authenticity since Jimmie Rodgers posed in a conductor's cap as "The Singing Brakeman." Still, there's no faking talent, and Davis, while rarely an overpowering singer, sports the charisma and songwriting chops of a honky-tonk natural.
Word to all BR549 and Wayne Hancock fans: Do not miss this ticket to hillbilly heaven.
Read the article
Riverfront Times
Charlie Landsborough's tour stops off in Weston
From the Weston (UK) Mercury
Popular singer Charlie Landsborough heads out on the road again this month for a nationwide tour, which takes in Weston.
The 61-year-old from Birkenhead played in the same Liverpool pub for 13 years - for £1 a night - and found fame late in life having already spent time in the army, as a driver, store manager, engineer and, for 15 years, a school teacher.
His first hit came in 1995 when "What Colour Is The Wind" went straight to the top of the Irish charts.
Since then sell-out tours of the UK, Australia and New Zealand have been interspersed with more sell-out shows at the prestigious Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Read the article
Weston Mercury
Popular singer Charlie Landsborough heads out on the road again this month for a nationwide tour, which takes in Weston.
The 61-year-old from Birkenhead played in the same Liverpool pub for 13 years - for £1 a night - and found fame late in life having already spent time in the army, as a driver, store manager, engineer and, for 15 years, a school teacher.
His first hit came in 1995 when "What Colour Is The Wind" went straight to the top of the Irish charts.
Since then sell-out tours of the UK, Australia and New Zealand have been interspersed with more sell-out shows at the prestigious Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Read the article
Weston Mercury
Coshocton County Fair plan of '05 starts now
From the Coschocton (OH) Tribune
As the 153rd annual Coshocton County Fair ends tonight, work on next year's fair is already under way.
"We're always working on trying to improve the fair to make it nicer for the fairgoers," said Linda White, fair board secretary.
Rodney Adams, fair board president, laughed when asked when preparations for the 2005 fair would begin.
"We already have," he said. "We look at things every day of this year's fair to see what we may want to change for next year."
"Usually by December we try to have a good idea of the entertainment, because if we don't book it that far in advance, we may not be able to get who we want," White said.
White said the Coshocton County Fair has a great record of finding unknown country music performers who eventually reach big time recording success. The list includes Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Alabama, Loretta Lynn, Brad Paisley, the Judds, Sawyer Brown and Martina McBride.
One of the duties of Jim McClure, fair board treasurer, is lining up the grandstand entertainment, and he says booking affordable talent a year in advance can be "like playing the stock market."
Read the article
Coshocton Tribune
As the 153rd annual Coshocton County Fair ends tonight, work on next year's fair is already under way.
"We're always working on trying to improve the fair to make it nicer for the fairgoers," said Linda White, fair board secretary.
Rodney Adams, fair board president, laughed when asked when preparations for the 2005 fair would begin.
"We already have," he said. "We look at things every day of this year's fair to see what we may want to change for next year."
"Usually by December we try to have a good idea of the entertainment, because if we don't book it that far in advance, we may not be able to get who we want," White said.
White said the Coshocton County Fair has a great record of finding unknown country music performers who eventually reach big time recording success. The list includes Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Alabama, Loretta Lynn, Brad Paisley, the Judds, Sawyer Brown and Martina McBride.
One of the duties of Jim McClure, fair board treasurer, is lining up the grandstand entertainment, and he says booking affordable talent a year in advance can be "like playing the stock market."
Read the article
Coshocton Tribune
Fenwicks pulls the plug on weekly jamborees
Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel & Enterprise
The local country music scene is facing a small crisis.
After a four year run at Fenwicks, the ownership has pulled the plug on weekly jamborees, leaving country music without a home.
"There's definitely an audience, it's just a matter of a new place," said Joe "J.D." Foster, the drummer for Borrowed Time. "Essentially in this area, there are no venues left."
But Club Liquid in Leominster recently signed on to host weekly country jamborees this fall, and Foster hopes this will help rebuild the local scene.
"Country people will travel because there are not a lot of venues and it's open jamboree," said Foster. "But the trick is getting it started."
A country jamboree is much like any open jam or open mic night, where a band hosts and any guest can get on stage and perform.
Read the article
Sentinel & Enterprise
The local country music scene is facing a small crisis.
After a four year run at Fenwicks, the ownership has pulled the plug on weekly jamborees, leaving country music without a home.
"There's definitely an audience, it's just a matter of a new place," said Joe "J.D." Foster, the drummer for Borrowed Time. "Essentially in this area, there are no venues left."
But Club Liquid in Leominster recently signed on to host weekly country jamborees this fall, and Foster hopes this will help rebuild the local scene.
"Country people will travel because there are not a lot of venues and it's open jamboree," said Foster. "But the trick is getting it started."
A country jamboree is much like any open jam or open mic night, where a band hosts and any guest can get on stage and perform.
Read the article
Sentinel & Enterprise
LEE ANN WOMACK on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
Press Release
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Gives A House In Redlands, California
A Complete Health Makeover, As Well As A Home Makeover For A Family
Whose Daughter Underwent A Heart Transplant As An Infant.
Country Music Star Lee Ann Womack Makes A Surprise Appearance At The “Reveal”
“Grinnan Family” — After their infant daughter received a heart transplant to save her from the same condition that their son died of as a newborn, Cathy and Bill Grinnan made a promise that they would do whatever they could to educate others about heart disease. Despite their personal tragedies, the Grinnan family became crusaders for heart disease research and treatment. Now it’s time for someone to give back to them, in the form of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” airing SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Country music recording artist Lee Ann Womack was one of many people who wanted to give something back to the Grinnans. When she heard that the family is big on country music, she surprised them at the “reveal” and presented them with some unique gifts.
Read the Press Release
LEE ANN WOMACK on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"...
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Gives A House In Redlands, California
A Complete Health Makeover, As Well As A Home Makeover For A Family
Whose Daughter Underwent A Heart Transplant As An Infant.
Country Music Star Lee Ann Womack Makes A Surprise Appearance At The “Reveal”
“Grinnan Family” — After their infant daughter received a heart transplant to save her from the same condition that their son died of as a newborn, Cathy and Bill Grinnan made a promise that they would do whatever they could to educate others about heart disease. Despite their personal tragedies, the Grinnan family became crusaders for heart disease research and treatment. Now it’s time for someone to give back to them, in the form of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” airing SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Country music recording artist Lee Ann Womack was one of many people who wanted to give something back to the Grinnans. When she heard that the family is big on country music, she surprised them at the “reveal” and presented them with some unique gifts.
Read the Press Release
LEE ANN WOMACK on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"...
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Ralph Stanley Museum to open Oct. 16 in Clintwood
From the Kingsport Times-News
Southwest Virginia bluegrass music legend Ralph Stanley will do what he does best to herald the grand opening of a facility that bears his name.
The grand opening of the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center will be at 11 a.m. on Oct. 16 in Stanley's hometown of Clintwood. Housed in a Victorian mansion built in 1904, the $1.9 million interactive facility will feature more than 3,000 square feet of exhibits, listening stations and memorabilia dedicated to Stanley's life and career.
Stanley will be one of several renowned musicians to perform at a fund-raising concert at the Jetti Baker Center in Clintwood on Oct. 15.
"I have been blessed with many honors in my lifetime, but having my own museum is one of the greatest honors I've received. I am proud that my work and this wonderful music will be here for future generations to enjoy," Stanley said recently.
Read the article
Kingsport Times-News
Southwest Virginia bluegrass music legend Ralph Stanley will do what he does best to herald the grand opening of a facility that bears his name.
The grand opening of the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center will be at 11 a.m. on Oct. 16 in Stanley's hometown of Clintwood. Housed in a Victorian mansion built in 1904, the $1.9 million interactive facility will feature more than 3,000 square feet of exhibits, listening stations and memorabilia dedicated to Stanley's life and career.
Stanley will be one of several renowned musicians to perform at a fund-raising concert at the Jetti Baker Center in Clintwood on Oct. 15.
"I have been blessed with many honors in my lifetime, but having my own museum is one of the greatest honors I've received. I am proud that my work and this wonderful music will be here for future generations to enjoy," Stanley said recently.
Read the article
Kingsport Times-News
Grass-roots music could use a little green
From the Louisville Courier-Journal
John Gage was sitting on the stage of the nicely worn Kentucky Theatre on Fourth Street, talking about a lot of things — including how difficult it is for him to ask for donations to keep his good Louisville work going.
Meanwhile, just a few blocks toward the Ohio River, the Louisville media are falling all over themselves to freely promote 4th Street Live's newest kid on the trendy, partially public-funded block — the upscale Lucky Strike Lanes.
The comparison is all mine, not Gage's. And both of us want to see the continued revitalization of downtown Louisville; we all benefit from that. But Louisville should not forget the people who worked so hard to keep its homegrown music alive long before bigger hitters brought back bowling.
"It was a secular form of ministry," said Gage, 59. "I'd get a bunch of kids together and sing, and we'd talk about what the music talked about."
He discovered the exuberance of Kentucky's bluegrass music. He played with a band, began writing songs, taught music, held workshops and still plays with his group, EarthHeart. Along the way he saw firsthand the number of talented musicians and entertainers in Kentucky and Indiana.
About 25 years ago he began a series of "Homefront" shows in an auditorium in Old Louisville near Central Park. The show, featuring local talent, ran its course, but the concept lived. Six years ago, Gage and friends decided to try it again in a then-closed and thoroughly trashed Kentucky Theatre at 651 S. Fourth St.
Thus was born the nonprofit "The Kentucky Theatre Project" and the "Kentucky Homefront" radio show — which can be heard every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on WFPK-FM 91.9.
Read the article
Louisville Courier-Journal
John Gage was sitting on the stage of the nicely worn Kentucky Theatre on Fourth Street, talking about a lot of things — including how difficult it is for him to ask for donations to keep his good Louisville work going.
Meanwhile, just a few blocks toward the Ohio River, the Louisville media are falling all over themselves to freely promote 4th Street Live's newest kid on the trendy, partially public-funded block — the upscale Lucky Strike Lanes.
The comparison is all mine, not Gage's. And both of us want to see the continued revitalization of downtown Louisville; we all benefit from that. But Louisville should not forget the people who worked so hard to keep its homegrown music alive long before bigger hitters brought back bowling.
"It was a secular form of ministry," said Gage, 59. "I'd get a bunch of kids together and sing, and we'd talk about what the music talked about."
He discovered the exuberance of Kentucky's bluegrass music. He played with a band, began writing songs, taught music, held workshops and still plays with his group, EarthHeart. Along the way he saw firsthand the number of talented musicians and entertainers in Kentucky and Indiana.
About 25 years ago he began a series of "Homefront" shows in an auditorium in Old Louisville near Central Park. The show, featuring local talent, ran its course, but the concept lived. Six years ago, Gage and friends decided to try it again in a then-closed and thoroughly trashed Kentucky Theatre at 651 S. Fourth St.
Thus was born the nonprofit "The Kentucky Theatre Project" and the "Kentucky Homefront" radio show — which can be heard every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on WFPK-FM 91.9.
Read the article
Louisville Courier-Journal
Country awards to leave Nashville
From the BBC (UK)
The Country Music Association Awards will be held in New York in 2005, the first time they have gone outside the country capital, Nashville, Tennessee.
The ceremony, the second most watched music awards on US TV, has been based in Nashville since it began in 1967.
But it will go to Madison Square Garden in New York for one year next November.
But Country Music Association executive director Ed Benson said the ceremony would return to Nashville in 2006.
That would be "the first of a multi-year commitment to be here", Mr Benson said in Nashville. "This is the home of the CMA."
The award show has traditionally been held in Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House, but will go to the Gaylord Entertainment Center in 2006.
Read the article
BBC
The Country Music Association Awards will be held in New York in 2005, the first time they have gone outside the country capital, Nashville, Tennessee.
The ceremony, the second most watched music awards on US TV, has been based in Nashville since it began in 1967.
But it will go to Madison Square Garden in New York for one year next November.
But Country Music Association executive director Ed Benson said the ceremony would return to Nashville in 2006.
That would be "the first of a multi-year commitment to be here", Mr Benson said in Nashville. "This is the home of the CMA."
The award show has traditionally been held in Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House, but will go to the Gaylord Entertainment Center in 2006.
Read the article
BBC
10 girls in queen's contest for 57th Ozark Folk Festival
From the Eureka Springs (AR) Times-Echo
The Queen of the 57th Original Ozark Folk Festival will be chosen from 10 candidates as the Festival gets started Thursday evening.
The Queen's Contest is the first event of the four-day Festival.
Local high school girls compete for the royal honor by writing and presenting elocutions and presenting a fashion show of Victorian bathing suits and wedding dresses.
Emmylou Harris,Buddy Miller, Guy Clark, Jesse Winchester, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and Maura O'Connell will all be present for the four-day event which also includes a parade, folk song writers contest, and the celebratation of the coming of the autumn season in the Ozarks.
The Basin Park Hotel began the Barefoot Ball tradition in the early 1950s when two contestants from the radio show "Truth or Consequences" won a trip to the Eureka Springs Ozark Folk Festival and were "dared" to leave their shoes in California and spend the entire trip barefoot!
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Eureka Springs Times-Echo
The Queen of the 57th Original Ozark Folk Festival will be chosen from 10 candidates as the Festival gets started Thursday evening.
The Queen's Contest is the first event of the four-day Festival.
Local high school girls compete for the royal honor by writing and presenting elocutions and presenting a fashion show of Victorian bathing suits and wedding dresses.
Emmylou Harris,Buddy Miller, Guy Clark, Jesse Winchester, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and Maura O'Connell will all be present for the four-day event which also includes a parade, folk song writers contest, and the celebratation of the coming of the autumn season in the Ozarks.
The Basin Park Hotel began the Barefoot Ball tradition in the early 1950s when two contestants from the radio show "Truth or Consequences" won a trip to the Eureka Springs Ozark Folk Festival and were "dared" to leave their shoes in California and spend the entire trip barefoot!
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Eureka Springs Times-Echo
Bob Evans Farm fest celebrates the old, new
The Herald-Dispatch (Huntington, WV)
You’ve eaten in the restaurant. Now, visit the site where it all began.
The 34th annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, conducted at the 1,000-acre Evans’ family farm in southeastern Ohio, runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct 8-10. Admission is $3, and school groups are admitted free. The event is open rain or shine.
Bob Evans Farm manager Ray McKinniss described the festival as an "opportunity to sample pioneer life as it was decades ago" while enjoying "a farm harvest celebration of today."
Activities just for kids include the barn loft jump, hay bale maze, pedal tractor pull, lead rides, face painting, wagon rides, chicken scratch and fiber crafts. Continuous entertainment will also be offered, featuring clogging, jazz, bluegrass and country, and performances by the University of Rio Grande’s "Grande Chorale." A worship service and congregational singing will take place Sunday morning.
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The Herald-Dispatch
You’ve eaten in the restaurant. Now, visit the site where it all began.
The 34th annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, conducted at the 1,000-acre Evans’ family farm in southeastern Ohio, runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct 8-10. Admission is $3, and school groups are admitted free. The event is open rain or shine.
Bob Evans Farm manager Ray McKinniss described the festival as an "opportunity to sample pioneer life as it was decades ago" while enjoying "a farm harvest celebration of today."
Activities just for kids include the barn loft jump, hay bale maze, pedal tractor pull, lead rides, face painting, wagon rides, chicken scratch and fiber crafts. Continuous entertainment will also be offered, featuring clogging, jazz, bluegrass and country, and performances by the University of Rio Grande’s "Grande Chorale." A worship service and congregational singing will take place Sunday morning.
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The Herald-Dispatch
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Kahauanu Lake: Hawaiian music icon, Mr. K, to perform at MACC
From the Maui Weekly
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is proud to present Kahauanu Lake, an icon in the world of Hawaiian music. He will perform in the Castle Theater on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., accompanied by the hula stylings of kumu hula Gordean Bailey and Halau Wehiwehi O Leilehua.
Kahauanu—Mr. K—has been granted a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Award from the Hawaiian Music Foundation. One of the most significant figures in Hawaiian music during the statehood era of 1959-2000, Kahauanu Lake took the ‘ukulele from a rhythm instrument into the spotlight. His trio was one of Waikiki’s premier groups from the ’50s through the ’80s, known for their hybrid of unamplified swing/jazz tinged with traditional Hawaiian music, and an entire generation of musicians has been influenced by his imaginative use of chords and tight harmonies.
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Maui Weekly
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is proud to present Kahauanu Lake, an icon in the world of Hawaiian music. He will perform in the Castle Theater on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., accompanied by the hula stylings of kumu hula Gordean Bailey and Halau Wehiwehi O Leilehua.
Kahauanu—Mr. K—has been granted a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Award from the Hawaiian Music Foundation. One of the most significant figures in Hawaiian music during the statehood era of 1959-2000, Kahauanu Lake took the ‘ukulele from a rhythm instrument into the spotlight. His trio was one of Waikiki’s premier groups from the ’50s through the ’80s, known for their hybrid of unamplified swing/jazz tinged with traditional Hawaiian music, and an entire generation of musicians has been influenced by his imaginative use of chords and tight harmonies.
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Maui Weekly
National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honors Five New Inductees
From the US Newswire
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will add five new honorees to its Hall of Fame during the 29th annual Induction Luncheon on Thursday, October 28, 2004.
Inductees this year include: Gail Davis (deceased), an actress best know as television's "Annie Oakley;" Wantha Davis, one of the most successful female jockeys of the 1930s through 1950s; Connie Griffith (deceased), one of the world's greatest trick riders; Shelli Mell, an expert calf roper dedicated to making horseback riding accessible to persons with disabilities; and Mary Jo Milner, a cutting horse breeder with an unprecedented six National Cutting Horse Association Non-Pro World Championships.
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US Newswire
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will add five new honorees to its Hall of Fame during the 29th annual Induction Luncheon on Thursday, October 28, 2004.
Inductees this year include: Gail Davis (deceased), an actress best know as television's "Annie Oakley;" Wantha Davis, one of the most successful female jockeys of the 1930s through 1950s; Connie Griffith (deceased), one of the world's greatest trick riders; Shelli Mell, an expert calf roper dedicated to making horseback riding accessible to persons with disabilities; and Mary Jo Milner, a cutting horse breeder with an unprecedented six National Cutting Horse Association Non-Pro World Championships.
Read the press release
US Newswire
(Ray) Price Concert Cancelled For Health Reasons
From the Yankton (SD) Daily Press and Dakotan
Ray Price, who was scheduled to perform two concerts at the Dakota Theatre on Oct. 16, suffered a heart attack Friday that required a surgical procedure. Price will take the next three weeks off of his tour schedule to recuperate. Price is rescheduling many of his cancelled shows, but due to scheduling conflicts the Yankton shows will not be rescheduled.
"Price did not have to have heart surgery. After doing a cardiogram, doctors found that there was 1 1/2 inches of blockage to the hearts main artery, but they quickly opened the clogged artery with a balloon and a stint," said Price's publicist Kirt Webster. "Doctors are optimistic that they fully took care of the problem and that Price will soon be fully recovered."
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Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan
Ray Price, who was scheduled to perform two concerts at the Dakota Theatre on Oct. 16, suffered a heart attack Friday that required a surgical procedure. Price will take the next three weeks off of his tour schedule to recuperate. Price is rescheduling many of his cancelled shows, but due to scheduling conflicts the Yankton shows will not be rescheduled.
"Price did not have to have heart surgery. After doing a cardiogram, doctors found that there was 1 1/2 inches of blockage to the hearts main artery, but they quickly opened the clogged artery with a balloon and a stint," said Price's publicist Kirt Webster. "Doctors are optimistic that they fully took care of the problem and that Price will soon be fully recovered."
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Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan
Tre Twitty, Conway Twitty’s Grandson, Sings Here; Imogene Day Honored
From the Greeneville (SC) Sun
A couple of hundred country music fans were on hand at the Greene County Fairgrounds Saturday evening to hear Tre Twitty, the grandson of one of country music’s legendary entertainers, the late Conway Twitty.
The young Twitty performed several hits made famous by his grandfather, including “15 Years Ago,” a tune written by Greeneville’s own Ray Smith, as well as the timeless “Hello, Darlin’,” “Linda on My Mind” and “Tight Fittin’ Jeans.”
Prior to Twitty performing, a special presentation was made to Imogene Day, widow of the late Claude “Tiny” Day, a regional country-music concert promoter and longtime sports editor of The Greeneville Sun.
Greeneville Mayor Darrell Bryan, the former owner of WSMG Radio, presented a plaque to Mrs. Day in honor of her work, and that of her husband, for country music.
Greeneville Sun
A couple of hundred country music fans were on hand at the Greene County Fairgrounds Saturday evening to hear Tre Twitty, the grandson of one of country music’s legendary entertainers, the late Conway Twitty.
The young Twitty performed several hits made famous by his grandfather, including “15 Years Ago,” a tune written by Greeneville’s own Ray Smith, as well as the timeless “Hello, Darlin’,” “Linda on My Mind” and “Tight Fittin’ Jeans.”
Prior to Twitty performing, a special presentation was made to Imogene Day, widow of the late Claude “Tiny” Day, a regional country-music concert promoter and longtime sports editor of The Greeneville Sun.
Greeneville Mayor Darrell Bryan, the former owner of WSMG Radio, presented a plaque to Mrs. Day in honor of her work, and that of her husband, for country music.
Greeneville Sun
Ukuleles willbring Hawaii to local festival
From the Long Beach (CA) Press Telegram
Ukulele fans won't need to board a plane to get their fix today.
That's because the Hawaiian Islands are coming to the Cerritos Park East Community Center, where enthusiasts of the four- stringed, fretted instrument can enjoy almost-continuous live music, and learn some of the finer points of finger-picking and lei- making, at the Third Annual Southern California Ukulele Festival.
About 50 hours of workshops will be held on Hawaiian music and arts from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while musicians will play from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. About 1,000 people are expected to come, said spokesman Tom Noble.
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Long Beach Press Telegram
Ukulele fans won't need to board a plane to get their fix today.
That's because the Hawaiian Islands are coming to the Cerritos Park East Community Center, where enthusiasts of the four- stringed, fretted instrument can enjoy almost-continuous live music, and learn some of the finer points of finger-picking and lei- making, at the Third Annual Southern California Ukulele Festival.
About 50 hours of workshops will be held on Hawaiian music and arts from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while musicians will play from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. About 1,000 people are expected to come, said spokesman Tom Noble.
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Long Beach Press Telegram
HCA and Tennessee Oncology form Sarah Cannon Research Institute
From the Nashville Business Journal
HCA Inc. and Nashville-based Tennessee Oncology have partnered to create the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, a company that will focus on clinical trials for cancer patients.
"The Sarah Cannon Research Institute will take The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center to the next level of national prominence in cancer treatment and research," says Paul Rutledge, president of HCA's MidAmerica division.
Since the Sarah Cannon center began operations in 1991, it's medical director and physicians with Tennessee Oncology have developed the largest community-based clinical trial program in the country - the Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network - made up of 76 private oncology groups with more than 500 oncologists conducting trials in 25 states.
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Nashville Business Journal
HCA Inc. and Nashville-based Tennessee Oncology have partnered to create the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, a company that will focus on clinical trials for cancer patients.
"The Sarah Cannon Research Institute will take The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center to the next level of national prominence in cancer treatment and research," says Paul Rutledge, president of HCA's MidAmerica division.
Since the Sarah Cannon center began operations in 1991, it's medical director and physicians with Tennessee Oncology have developed the largest community-based clinical trial program in the country - the Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network - made up of 76 private oncology groups with more than 500 oncologists conducting trials in 25 states.
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Nashville Business Journal
Leroy Haslag - Fiddling around foils Parkinson's
From the Jefferson City (MO) News Tribune
Daily tasks like tying his shoes, buttoning his shirt or brushing his teeth aren't easy for Leroy Haslag. But Parkinson's disease hasn't kept him from playing his beloved fiddle.
The Jefferson Citian was diagnosed with the neurologic disease in 1994 and has faced challenges, but said he won't give up. Some typical characteristics of Parkinson's are a fixed, inexpressive face, tremors, slowing of voluntary movements and muscle weakness.
"When I play the fiddle, though, the tremors aren't nearly as bad," he said. "My hand and chin are much steadier during those times, but I can't play like I once did."
Haslag grew up in Loose Creek and started playing the fiddle at an early age. After learning a few waltzes and hoe-downs, he joined a band at the age of 16.
By the time he was 19, he had won several fiddle contests and even took first runner up in the Missouri State Fiddlers Contest. In 1963, Haslag's joined Lee Mace's Ozark Opry at Lake Ozark. The schedule was grueling, but he said he enjoyed his job.
"We would play 10 shows a week to about 10,000 people each week," he said. "We also had a live television show on KRCG, so we kept very busy."
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Jefferson City News Tribune
Daily tasks like tying his shoes, buttoning his shirt or brushing his teeth aren't easy for Leroy Haslag. But Parkinson's disease hasn't kept him from playing his beloved fiddle.
The Jefferson Citian was diagnosed with the neurologic disease in 1994 and has faced challenges, but said he won't give up. Some typical characteristics of Parkinson's are a fixed, inexpressive face, tremors, slowing of voluntary movements and muscle weakness.
"When I play the fiddle, though, the tremors aren't nearly as bad," he said. "My hand and chin are much steadier during those times, but I can't play like I once did."
Haslag grew up in Loose Creek and started playing the fiddle at an early age. After learning a few waltzes and hoe-downs, he joined a band at the age of 16.
By the time he was 19, he had won several fiddle contests and even took first runner up in the Missouri State Fiddlers Contest. In 1963, Haslag's joined Lee Mace's Ozark Opry at Lake Ozark. The schedule was grueling, but he said he enjoyed his job.
"We would play 10 shows a week to about 10,000 people each week," he said. "We also had a live television show on KRCG, so we kept very busy."
Read the article
Jefferson City News Tribune
Loretta Lynn sues to regain her songs
For more than 30 years, someone else has owned the rights to Coal Miner's Daughter and Loretta Lynn's other best-known songs.
Now, the Country Music Hall of Fame member is suing a local publishing company in an attempt to gain the copyrights to some of her biggest hits.
The suit, filed in Davidson County Chancery Court last week, asks a judge to void a contract that the singer signed with Sure-Fire Music Co. in 1966 awarding the company copyrights to her songs. The complaint says the company's ownership changes should give Lynn the rights to the music.
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The Tennesseean
Big Apple to host CMA Awards next year
From The Tennesseean
The 2005 CMA Awards will be staged at New York City's Madison Square Garden, officials from the Country Music Association confirmed this morning in Manhattan.
The 2005 show will take place Tuesday, Nov. 15 and will be televised by CBS. It is the first time the 38-year-old event will be held outside Nashville.
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The Tennesseean
The 2005 CMA Awards will be staged at New York City's Madison Square Garden, officials from the Country Music Association confirmed this morning in Manhattan.
The 2005 show will take place Tuesday, Nov. 15 and will be televised by CBS. It is the first time the 38-year-old event will be held outside Nashville.
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The Tennesseean
Monday, October 04, 2004
Big Names At Longview Concert
From KLTV (Tyler, Longview and Jacksonville)
The crowd was not disappointed at the 10th annual East Texas Angel Network concert, as Hollywood stars and local talent came to help the cause. Neal McCoy and his wife started the foundation 10 years ago to help children with debilitating diseases pay their medical bills. Each year people of all professions come out to assist the McCoy's with their worthy cause.
The man many came to see was country music legend Charlie Pride, who brought his own band in to perform. Blazing saddles actor Burton Gilliam hosted the program and nationally recognized wildlife expert Jack Hannah brought a collection of exotic animals.
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KLTV
The crowd was not disappointed at the 10th annual East Texas Angel Network concert, as Hollywood stars and local talent came to help the cause. Neal McCoy and his wife started the foundation 10 years ago to help children with debilitating diseases pay their medical bills. Each year people of all professions come out to assist the McCoy's with their worthy cause.
The man many came to see was country music legend Charlie Pride, who brought his own band in to perform. Blazing saddles actor Burton Gilliam hosted the program and nationally recognized wildlife expert Jack Hannah brought a collection of exotic animals.
Read the article
KLTV
Now hear this: Clear Channel wants shorter, more effective ads
From the Austin Business Journal
Clear Channel Radio has created a new resource group to help its advertisers develop more efficient radio ads.
"Reducing the number of ads and promotional clutter is only part of the answer," says John Hogan, CEO of Clear Channel Radio.
"We, as an industry, must also do a better job of using the power of our medium to engage and enchant listeners with better creativity."
In July, the company said wants to reduce promotional clutter and ads running on Clear Channel radio stations.
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Austin Business Journal
Clear Channel Radio has created a new resource group to help its advertisers develop more efficient radio ads.
"Reducing the number of ads and promotional clutter is only part of the answer," says John Hogan, CEO of Clear Channel Radio.
"We, as an industry, must also do a better job of using the power of our medium to engage and enchant listeners with better creativity."
In July, the company said wants to reduce promotional clutter and ads running on Clear Channel radio stations.
Read the article
Austin Business Journal
Legal wrangling over logo
From the Nashville City Paper
As the Christian Country Music Association approaches its 10th anniversary awards show on Nov. 4, a legal cloud still hangs over its logo for the event.
A federal judge a year ago temporarily barred the group from using CCMA to describe its awards show because of a trademark infringement lawsuit by the Country Music Association (CMA).
U.S. Judge John Nixon ruled that the CCMA acronym likely causes public confusion with CMA's award show, to be held Nov. 9.
The CMA, which has been using "CMA" to describe its award show since 1991, held its event in October until CBS prompted its move to November in 2001. The next year CMA sued CCMA, which has always held its show in November.
While awaiting a final judgment, the Christian group has been testing the legal ground with two other marks. The judge stopped its use of "CCA." Now, the CMA has challenged its attempts to use the abbreviation "ICM," which stands for Inspiration Country Music.
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Nashville City Paper
As the Christian Country Music Association approaches its 10th anniversary awards show on Nov. 4, a legal cloud still hangs over its logo for the event.
A federal judge a year ago temporarily barred the group from using CCMA to describe its awards show because of a trademark infringement lawsuit by the Country Music Association (CMA).
U.S. Judge John Nixon ruled that the CCMA acronym likely causes public confusion with CMA's award show, to be held Nov. 9.
The CMA, which has been using "CMA" to describe its award show since 1991, held its event in October until CBS prompted its move to November in 2001. The next year CMA sued CCMA, which has always held its show in November.
While awaiting a final judgment, the Christian group has been testing the legal ground with two other marks. The judge stopped its use of "CCA." Now, the CMA has challenged its attempts to use the abbreviation "ICM," which stands for Inspiration Country Music.
Read the article
Nashville City Paper
Country music fans break attendance records in Mildura
From ABC News (Australia)
Mildura's Country Music Festival has attracted yet another record crowd.
The 10-day festival, in north-west Victoria, is Australia's third largest country music festival, behind Tamworth and the Gympie Muster, and the nation's biggest independent country music event.
Last year, it drew an estimated 13,000 people to the Mildura area, but organiser John Arnold says this year it appears to have attracted even more.
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ABC News (Australia)
Mildura's Country Music Festival has attracted yet another record crowd.
The 10-day festival, in north-west Victoria, is Australia's third largest country music festival, behind Tamworth and the Gympie Muster, and the nation's biggest independent country music event.
Last year, it drew an estimated 13,000 people to the Mildura area, but organiser John Arnold says this year it appears to have attracted even more.
Read the article
ABC News (Australia)
Music Maker (Ronnie Milsap)
From the Robesonian (Lumberton, NC)
Ronnie Milsap's mother viewed her child's blindness as a punishment from God.
Mamma was dead wrong this time. She simply couldn't see the history that was about to unfold.
Last Friday, Milsap received the American Foundation for the Blind's Helen Keller Lifetime Achievement Award.
Last Tuesday he released his 40th album, "Just for the Thrill," a live performance of some of the 40 songs he took to No.1 in the country charts.
The legendary country music performer with a list of accomplishments that rivals nearly anyone from North Carolina, will perform Friday at the Givens Perform-ing Arts Center on the campusofThe University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Tickets for the show are $25 and $23. For information, call 521-6361.
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The Robesonian
Ronnie Milsap's mother viewed her child's blindness as a punishment from God.
Mamma was dead wrong this time. She simply couldn't see the history that was about to unfold.
Last Friday, Milsap received the American Foundation for the Blind's Helen Keller Lifetime Achievement Award.
Last Tuesday he released his 40th album, "Just for the Thrill," a live performance of some of the 40 songs he took to No.1 in the country charts.
The legendary country music performer with a list of accomplishments that rivals nearly anyone from North Carolina, will perform Friday at the Givens Perform-ing Arts Center on the campusofThe University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Tickets for the show are $25 and $23. For information, call 521-6361.
Read the article
The Robesonian
Doc Walker trumps big names at music awards
From CBC News
Indie country band Doc Walker scored a major victory Sunday, beating out international superstars like Nickelback, Sarah McLachlan and Nelly Furtado for the fan-chosen entertainer of the year title at the second annual Western Canadian Music Awards.
"This is why we travel, why we drive around in a broken-down bus – because of the fans," lead singer Chris Thorsteinson told the crowd of about 1,000 gathered for the evening awards ceremony.
The Manitoba band, recently named best group at the Canadian Country Music Awards, also won the outstanding country recording category for their second album, Everyone Aboard.
The young award show, which was not televised, is still struggling to make a splash in the Canadian music scene: only about half the winners showed up to collect their awards.
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CBC News
Indie country band Doc Walker scored a major victory Sunday, beating out international superstars like Nickelback, Sarah McLachlan and Nelly Furtado for the fan-chosen entertainer of the year title at the second annual Western Canadian Music Awards.
"This is why we travel, why we drive around in a broken-down bus – because of the fans," lead singer Chris Thorsteinson told the crowd of about 1,000 gathered for the evening awards ceremony.
The Manitoba band, recently named best group at the Canadian Country Music Awards, also won the outstanding country recording category for their second album, Everyone Aboard.
The young award show, which was not televised, is still struggling to make a splash in the Canadian music scene: only about half the winners showed up to collect their awards.
Read the article
CBC News
Unknown Nashville - The Great American Honky Tonk Appalachian Harvest Festival
From the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader
8 p.m. Sun. at the Singletary Center for the Arts, Rose St. and Euclid Ave. $14.50, $12.50 students. (859) 257-4929.
Corey Lea is convinced the most authentic country music in Nashville is being made by artists you've never heard of. Forget the Tim McGraws and Toby Keiths. This onetime professional baseball player is so confident of the traditional depth of the singers he discovered in Nashville clubs that he rounded several up and hit the road.
Lea's country caravan hits the Singletary Center for a program called The Great American Honky Tonk.
"Down on Broadway is where a lot of people who play music in Nashville get their start," Lea said. "But I noticed everything they were playing were old cover tunes. It's great music. But you never hear it on today's country radio.
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Lexington Herald-Leader
8 p.m. Sun. at the Singletary Center for the Arts, Rose St. and Euclid Ave. $14.50, $12.50 students. (859) 257-4929.
Corey Lea is convinced the most authentic country music in Nashville is being made by artists you've never heard of. Forget the Tim McGraws and Toby Keiths. This onetime professional baseball player is so confident of the traditional depth of the singers he discovered in Nashville clubs that he rounded several up and hit the road.
Lea's country caravan hits the Singletary Center for a program called The Great American Honky Tonk.
"Down on Broadway is where a lot of people who play music in Nashville get their start," Lea said. "But I noticed everything they were playing were old cover tunes. It's great music. But you never hear it on today's country radio.
Read the article
Lexington Herald-Leader
Cracker Barrel signs to sponsor Grand Ole Opry
From the Nashville City Paper
For the first time in its 79-year history, the Grand Ole Opry has named its first presenting sponsor — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
Cracker Barrel, which has been airing ads during commercial breaks on the venerable country radio show for 30 years, is paying extra to become the show’s overall sponsor.
“I think it’s really a nice strengthening of a relationship we’ve had that dates back to 1975. We were only six years old as a company when we started sponsoring the Opry,” said Jim Taylor, spokesman for Cracker Barrel, headquartered in Lebanon.
Through the extensive new promotional campaign, Cracker Barrel’s name will become associated with the Opry in various formats, reaching an estimated 42 million households worldwide that tune into Opry broadcasts on radio and TV.
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Nashville City Paper
For the first time in its 79-year history, the Grand Ole Opry has named its first presenting sponsor — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
Cracker Barrel, which has been airing ads during commercial breaks on the venerable country radio show for 30 years, is paying extra to become the show’s overall sponsor.
“I think it’s really a nice strengthening of a relationship we’ve had that dates back to 1975. We were only six years old as a company when we started sponsoring the Opry,” said Jim Taylor, spokesman for Cracker Barrel, headquartered in Lebanon.
Through the extensive new promotional campaign, Cracker Barrel’s name will become associated with the Opry in various formats, reaching an estimated 42 million households worldwide that tune into Opry broadcasts on radio and TV.
Read the article
Nashville City Paper
Friday, October 01, 2004
Country classics done right
From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
It was just about 1 a.m. at Murphy's in Midtown when the Papa Tops West Coast Turnaround broke into Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River."
If that doesn't get a crowd on its feet and onto the dance floor -- and it did -- nothing will.
The Papa Tops (the band's name comes from a combination of a play on words of the Jim Ed Brown song "Pop a Top" and trucker slang) have been playing covers of country standards for about four years. After taking almost a yearlong break, they are back in the bars. Playing such classics as "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Walking the Floor Over You" and "Blue Bayou," the band has developed a loyal following around town.
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Memphis Commercial Appeal
It was just about 1 a.m. at Murphy's in Midtown when the Papa Tops West Coast Turnaround broke into Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River."
If that doesn't get a crowd on its feet and onto the dance floor -- and it did -- nothing will.
The Papa Tops (the band's name comes from a combination of a play on words of the Jim Ed Brown song "Pop a Top" and trucker slang) have been playing covers of country standards for about four years. After taking almost a yearlong break, they are back in the bars. Playing such classics as "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Walking the Floor Over You" and "Blue Bayou," the band has developed a loyal following around town.
Read the article
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Raising His Voice
From Entertainment Weekly
Add John Corbett to the long list of movie and TV actors (including Minnie Driver and Robert Downey Jr.) switching hats and becoming singers. In Corbett's case, it's a cowboy hat, and the My Big Fat Greek Wedding star says the switch is permanent. At a recent junket promoting his appearance in the new Hilary Duff movie Raise Your Voice said he was giving up acting for good to become a country singer. ''I can't do this anymore. I'm getting out of acting,'' he said, according to E! Online. ''I'm bored. I've been doing this for so long -- I'm serious -- and I can't do this any more.''
Read the article
Entertainment Weekly
Add John Corbett to the long list of movie and TV actors (including Minnie Driver and Robert Downey Jr.) switching hats and becoming singers. In Corbett's case, it's a cowboy hat, and the My Big Fat Greek Wedding star says the switch is permanent. At a recent junket promoting his appearance in the new Hilary Duff movie Raise Your Voice said he was giving up acting for good to become a country singer. ''I can't do this anymore. I'm getting out of acting,'' he said, according to E! Online. ''I'm bored. I've been doing this for so long -- I'm serious -- and I can't do this any more.''
Read the article
Entertainment Weekly
Annie's finds way to 'keep it country'
From the Lawrence (KS) Journal-World
Saturday night in Tonganoxie is all about the slow country drawl -- the kind where people say Missour-ah instead of Missour-ee like they're in no big hurry.
It's about coming out early to play checkers and get a sneak peek at the playlist of classic country tunes during the sound check. And it's the scent of a grandmother's musky perfume mingling with the smell of popcorn and sawdust in the lobby of a converted barn on Main Street.
They've got a saying at Annie's Country Jubilee: "Keep it country." And that is exactly what Annie Dunavin is trying to do with a weekly live music revue, featuring a five-piece house band and multiple vocalists.
"I was raised on a farm and we had two albums of two different country music singers," Dunavin said. "When I was driving a tractor and farming at 10 years old, I'd be singing out in the fields. I never took any music in high school and whenever I come home for class reunions, people would say, ‘I didn't know you could sing.' I just said, ‘I didn't know I could sing.'"
Back home, she auditioned at Glen's Opry in Tonganoxie -- now Annie's Country Jubilee -- and sang there once every three months or so for about nine years.
Read the article
Lawrence Journal-World
Saturday night in Tonganoxie is all about the slow country drawl -- the kind where people say Missour-ah instead of Missour-ee like they're in no big hurry.
It's about coming out early to play checkers and get a sneak peek at the playlist of classic country tunes during the sound check. And it's the scent of a grandmother's musky perfume mingling with the smell of popcorn and sawdust in the lobby of a converted barn on Main Street.
They've got a saying at Annie's Country Jubilee: "Keep it country." And that is exactly what Annie Dunavin is trying to do with a weekly live music revue, featuring a five-piece house band and multiple vocalists.
"I was raised on a farm and we had two albums of two different country music singers," Dunavin said. "When I was driving a tractor and farming at 10 years old, I'd be singing out in the fields. I never took any music in high school and whenever I come home for class reunions, people would say, ‘I didn't know you could sing.' I just said, ‘I didn't know I could sing.'"
Back home, she auditioned at Glen's Opry in Tonganoxie -- now Annie's Country Jubilee -- and sang there once every three months or so for about nine years.
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Lawrence Journal-World
Westwood One's Lon Helton Named 2004 CMA Winner ...
From Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) is proud to announce that Lon Helton, host of Westwood One’s CMT Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton, has been named the winner of the 2004 Country Music Association (CMA) award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year. This is Helton’s second CMA Award in just two years. He took home the award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2002.
Lon Helton has been with Westwood One’s Country Countdown USA since its inception in 1992. Now called Westwood One’s CMT Country Countdown USA, the program can be heard on more than 200 stations nationwide. Prior to that, Helton hosted Westwood One’s weekly one-hour country show "Listen In." During the course of his national radio career, Helton has interviewed practically every major country star, including Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Alabama, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and Vince Gill. During this past year, Helton has hosted premieres of new albums by George Strait, Toby Keith, and Kenny Chesney. In 2001, he hosted the national radio simulcast of CMT's "Country Freedom Concert," broadcast live on over 600 radio stations. In 2000, his World Premiere of Jo Dee Messina's "Burn" album was heard on over 750 radio stations, making it the largest world premiere ever.
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Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) is proud to announce that Lon Helton, host of Westwood One’s CMT Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton, has been named the winner of the 2004 Country Music Association (CMA) award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year. This is Helton’s second CMA Award in just two years. He took home the award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2002.
Lon Helton has been with Westwood One’s Country Countdown USA since its inception in 1992. Now called Westwood One’s CMT Country Countdown USA, the program can be heard on more than 200 stations nationwide. Prior to that, Helton hosted Westwood One’s weekly one-hour country show "Listen In." During the course of his national radio career, Helton has interviewed practically every major country star, including Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Alabama, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and Vince Gill. During this past year, Helton has hosted premieres of new albums by George Strait, Toby Keith, and Kenny Chesney. In 2001, he hosted the national radio simulcast of CMT's "Country Freedom Concert," broadcast live on over 600 radio stations. In 2000, his World Premiere of Jo Dee Messina's "Burn" album was heard on over 750 radio stations, making it the largest world premiere ever.
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Westwood One
October is a great month to be a tourist in Black Mountain
From the Black Mountain (NC) News
Fall colors draw tourists to our area, and many of us take to the roadways to do some serious “leaf peeking” as well. But there are other ways to enjoy our crisp autumn air and beautiful surroundings. Why not consider becoming a tourist in your own town?
Why not enjoy in your own backyard what others drive miles to experience? For the month of October, watch the Black Mountain News for details about arts and cultural events, festivals, and recreational opportunities for the whole family.
Our hometown musical, “Way Back When,” takes on a new shine when it opens on October 1 at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. This season’s performance will be formatted like an old fashioned, live, on-stage radio revue.
She described the new show as being “the Grand Ole Opry and Prairie Home Companion, Swannanoa Valley style.”
The “Way Back When Radio Revue” will play at the Arts Center for two weekends only, October 1-3, and October 8-10. Friday and Saturday performances, will be at 7 p.m., while the Sunday show is a 3 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $15 and $10 for seniors and children. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State Street in Black Mountain. Call 669-0930 or visit www.BlackMountain Arts.org for more information.
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Black Mountain News
Fall colors draw tourists to our area, and many of us take to the roadways to do some serious “leaf peeking” as well. But there are other ways to enjoy our crisp autumn air and beautiful surroundings. Why not consider becoming a tourist in your own town?
Why not enjoy in your own backyard what others drive miles to experience? For the month of October, watch the Black Mountain News for details about arts and cultural events, festivals, and recreational opportunities for the whole family.
Our hometown musical, “Way Back When,” takes on a new shine when it opens on October 1 at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. This season’s performance will be formatted like an old fashioned, live, on-stage radio revue.
She described the new show as being “the Grand Ole Opry and Prairie Home Companion, Swannanoa Valley style.”
The “Way Back When Radio Revue” will play at the Arts Center for two weekends only, October 1-3, and October 8-10. Friday and Saturday performances, will be at 7 p.m., while the Sunday show is a 3 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $15 and $10 for seniors and children. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State Street in Black Mountain. Call 669-0930 or visit www.BlackMountain Arts.org for more information.
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Black Mountain News
Hayden ushers in fall with fun
From the Coeur d'Alene Press (ID)
When Barbara Tennery heard the weather forecast for this weekend, the only thing she could say was: "Oh, man, prayer works!"
Good weather is what Tennery's been hoping for since she first dreamed up the Fall Fun Festival that debuts this weekend at Hayden City Park.
The festival is sponsored by the Hayden area's GEM Community Citizens Projects Group and is supported by the city, according to Tennery.
The festival runs 5-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. It is not too late for crafters to apply for space. Tennery says they'll take crafter registration by phone at 772-1795 through Thursday.
The following events are scheduled:
Fri., Oct. 1: Marla's Melodies; Colors' presentation by VFW Post 9831, Hayden Lake; national anthem by MaryAnn Taibi and Deanna Jeffres; Laura Diteman, "Tribute to Patsy Cline;" Doug Reed and the In-Betweens, and solos by Curtis Hoyt.
Sat., Oct. 2: Marla's Melodies solo; Show! by the Moxie Dramatic Performance Group; piano solos by Dimitri Christo, Nathaniel English and Emily Hintz; mandolin solo by Alan Golub; Releve Dance Company; Western Swing Hall of Famer Slim Dossey; the Wrong Turn Band; and Matt Sammond, electric guitar.
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Coeur d'Alene Press
When Barbara Tennery heard the weather forecast for this weekend, the only thing she could say was: "Oh, man, prayer works!"
Good weather is what Tennery's been hoping for since she first dreamed up the Fall Fun Festival that debuts this weekend at Hayden City Park.
The festival is sponsored by the Hayden area's GEM Community Citizens Projects Group and is supported by the city, according to Tennery.
The festival runs 5-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. It is not too late for crafters to apply for space. Tennery says they'll take crafter registration by phone at 772-1795 through Thursday.
The following events are scheduled:
Fri., Oct. 1: Marla's Melodies; Colors' presentation by VFW Post 9831, Hayden Lake; national anthem by MaryAnn Taibi and Deanna Jeffres; Laura Diteman, "Tribute to Patsy Cline;" Doug Reed and the In-Betweens, and solos by Curtis Hoyt.
Sat., Oct. 2: Marla's Melodies solo; Show! by the Moxie Dramatic Performance Group; piano solos by Dimitri Christo, Nathaniel English and Emily Hintz; mandolin solo by Alan Golub; Releve Dance Company; Western Swing Hall of Famer Slim Dossey; the Wrong Turn Band; and Matt Sammond, electric guitar.
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Coeur d'Alene Press
Country Concert Raises Money for Children's Hospital
From WSAV (Savannah / Hilton Head)
Hundreds of folks come out to hear some acoustic country music - and help out a great cause Tuesday night at the Lucas Theater.
The 4th annual "Guitar Pull" brought out some big names like Mark Chesnutt and Effingham County's Billy Currington - big names hoping to make a big difference.
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WSAV
Hundreds of folks come out to hear some acoustic country music - and help out a great cause Tuesday night at the Lucas Theater.
The 4th annual "Guitar Pull" brought out some big names like Mark Chesnutt and Effingham County's Billy Currington - big names hoping to make a big difference.
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WSAV
Dozens Of Acts Sign On For Merlefest
From Billboard
Some of the top names in bluegrass and country music have signed on for the 2005 edition of MerleFest, to be held April 28-May 1 at Wilkesboro, N.C. Among the first batch of confirmed artists are Loretta Lynn, the Del McCoury Band, Allison Moorer, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Vassar Clements and Jerry Douglas.
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Billboard
Some of the top names in bluegrass and country music have signed on for the 2005 edition of MerleFest, to be held April 28-May 1 at Wilkesboro, N.C. Among the first batch of confirmed artists are Loretta Lynn, the Del McCoury Band, Allison Moorer, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Vassar Clements and Jerry Douglas.
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Billboard
Not just country: looking for a phenom at Western Canadian Music Awards
From Radio Station CJAD (Montreal, Quebec)
Three years ago, Thom Sparling was pleading with record executives to come listen to bands at the Prairie Music Awards.
Today, he's got movers and shakers from Australia, the United States and yes, even the centre of the universe, Toronto, calling for a showcase seat to possibly catch the next Nickelback or Nelly Furtado at the Western Canadian Music Awards.
"Our role has never been to be the Junos," said Sparling, executive director of the 2nd annual Western Canadian Music Alliance, which will conclude four days of showcases and industry panels with an awards gala Sunday night.
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CJAD
Three years ago, Thom Sparling was pleading with record executives to come listen to bands at the Prairie Music Awards.
Today, he's got movers and shakers from Australia, the United States and yes, even the centre of the universe, Toronto, calling for a showcase seat to possibly catch the next Nickelback or Nelly Furtado at the Western Canadian Music Awards.
"Our role has never been to be the Junos," said Sparling, executive director of the 2nd annual Western Canadian Music Alliance, which will conclude four days of showcases and industry panels with an awards gala Sunday night.
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CJAD
Jerry Lee Lewis Receives Bulgarian Couple
From the Sofia (Bulgaria) News
American rock-and-roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis will meet in person with two of his Bulgarian fans.
The lucky couple will be chosen by organizers of the Bulgarian Jerry Lee Lewis gig, to take place October 18.
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Sofia News
American rock-and-roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis will meet in person with two of his Bulgarian fans.
The lucky couple will be chosen by organizers of the Bulgarian Jerry Lee Lewis gig, to take place October 18.
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Sofia News
Loretta Lynn to be Honored as BMI Icon At BMI Country Awards
From WPOC (Baltimore, MD)
Legendary BMI songwriter and recording artist Loretta Lynn will be honored as a BMI Icon at the performing rights organization's 52nd annual Country Awards.
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WPOC
Legendary BMI songwriter and recording artist Loretta Lynn will be honored as a BMI Icon at the performing rights organization's 52nd annual Country Awards.
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WPOC
