Sunday, September 28, 2008
Willie Nelson Earns Everything But the Panties at Radio City
Over the course of his 30-song sing-along at Radio City Music Hall last night, Willie Nelson proved he's nothing if not generous. When the man says he's about to play a Hank Williams tune, he's actually about to play three Hank Williams tunes. And don't try to clap, or whoop, or yell "WILLLLLLLIE!" when he's done crooning "On the Road Again" because you'll miss the opening couplets of "Always on My Mind." Nelson dashed from song to song to song, braids hanging to his belly, pausing only occasionally to fling red bandannas into the crowd.
Given the screams coming from the audience, you'd think a few undergarments might come flying onstage in return for this generosity. But that never happened, and the 75-year-old had to earn his own laughs. (He made it look easy with a new ditty called "Superman" — it starts with the punch line, "Too many pain pills, too much pot / Tryin' to be something that I'm not … I ain't Superman.")
Read the entire article in New York Magazine: Willie Nelson Earns Everything But the Panties at Radio City
Given the screams coming from the audience, you'd think a few undergarments might come flying onstage in return for this generosity. But that never happened, and the 75-year-old had to earn his own laughs. (He made it look easy with a new ditty called "Superman" — it starts with the punch line, "Too many pain pills, too much pot / Tryin' to be something that I'm not … I ain't Superman.")
Read the entire article in New York Magazine: Willie Nelson Earns Everything But the Panties at Radio City
Deal paves way for Hank Williams treasure trove
It took a fortuitous find and years of legal wrangling, but some of the lesser-known recordings by country great Hank Williams will soon be available for mass consumption.
"The Unreleased Recordings" includes performances from the "Mother's Best Flour" radio program, which Williams hosted on the legendary WSM-AM Nashville in 1951, two years before his death.
Time Life will release the 143 recordings in various packages in the next three years through an exclusive agreement with the Williams estate. The first set is due October 28.
Williams and his band prerecorded 72 shows to run while they were on tour. The shows were recorded on 16-inch acetate discs that were later thrown into the trash during a station move in the '60s but salvaged by WSM employee Les Leverett.
...
Williams said that even devotees of her father's music will find something new here. "Unless you were listening that morning in 1951, you've never heard that version of 'Cold, Cold Heart,'" she said. "You may have heard the master, but you've never heard the February 3, 1951, version of Hank Williams singing it.
"The fidelity of these recordings (is) better than his MGM masters," she said. "These have not been enhanced or tinkered with. It's as if it was 1951 and my dad was recording it right then. It was a one-time take."
In addition to Williams' best-known material, the recordings include 40 songs he was never known to have performed and others he never recorded commercially, including "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "Cherokee Boogie" and "On Top of Old Smoky."
Read the entire article: Deal paves way for Hank Williams treasure trove -- Tuscola County Advertiser (Michigan)
"The Unreleased Recordings" includes performances from the "Mother's Best Flour" radio program, which Williams hosted on the legendary WSM-AM Nashville in 1951, two years before his death.
Time Life will release the 143 recordings in various packages in the next three years through an exclusive agreement with the Williams estate. The first set is due October 28.
Williams and his band prerecorded 72 shows to run while they were on tour. The shows were recorded on 16-inch acetate discs that were later thrown into the trash during a station move in the '60s but salvaged by WSM employee Les Leverett.
...
Williams said that even devotees of her father's music will find something new here. "Unless you were listening that morning in 1951, you've never heard that version of 'Cold, Cold Heart,'" she said. "You may have heard the master, but you've never heard the February 3, 1951, version of Hank Williams singing it.
"The fidelity of these recordings (is) better than his MGM masters," she said. "These have not been enhanced or tinkered with. It's as if it was 1951 and my dad was recording it right then. It was a one-time take."
In addition to Williams' best-known material, the recordings include 40 songs he was never known to have performed and others he never recorded commercially, including "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "Cherokee Boogie" and "On Top of Old Smoky."
Read the entire article: Deal paves way for Hank Williams treasure trove -- Tuscola County Advertiser (Michigan)
Music for the sake of the kids
When the Refugio Country Opry was started seven years ago, the organizers wanted it to be about more than music. More than $32,600 given out in scholarships later, board member Jay Monrad believes it is.
“We do this mainly for the kids in the community. It’s a way to listen to great music but at the same time, support our local students as much as we can,” he said.
The opry, a nonprofit organization, puts on a show the first Thursday of every month, showcasing both local and out-of-town talent in genres such as country, gospel, rhythm and blues and comedy. At the end of the school, the opry takes the money they received from their $5-per-person admission price and searches for deserving students from the high schools in Refugio, Woodsboro and Tivoli.
“We don’t go by top grades necessarily when picking students to receive the scholarships. We’ve made it more of a habit to pick children that are the most deserving,” Monrad said. “The top students are getting a lot of other scholarships already, so we go more by why they want the scholarship.”
Monrad added that depending on how much money they made over the year will determine how much they give out in scholarships. For example, last year, they gave out 18 $500 scholarships.
“Every penny above our expenses all goes toward the scholarships,” he said.
Read the entire article: Music for the sake of the kids -- Victoria (TX) Advocate
“We do this mainly for the kids in the community. It’s a way to listen to great music but at the same time, support our local students as much as we can,” he said.
The opry, a nonprofit organization, puts on a show the first Thursday of every month, showcasing both local and out-of-town talent in genres such as country, gospel, rhythm and blues and comedy. At the end of the school, the opry takes the money they received from their $5-per-person admission price and searches for deserving students from the high schools in Refugio, Woodsboro and Tivoli.
“We don’t go by top grades necessarily when picking students to receive the scholarships. We’ve made it more of a habit to pick children that are the most deserving,” Monrad said. “The top students are getting a lot of other scholarships already, so we go more by why they want the scholarship.”
Monrad added that depending on how much money they made over the year will determine how much they give out in scholarships. For example, last year, they gave out 18 $500 scholarships.
“Every penny above our expenses all goes toward the scholarships,” he said.
Read the entire article: Music for the sake of the kids -- Victoria (TX) Advocate
GA State Route 378 dedicated to Roy "Pop" Lewis
State and local officials honored a music icon in a big way, Monday afternoon. Friends and family gathered in Lincolnton to dedicate a highway to James Roy "Pop" Lewis.
It’s a music legacy that started more than 50 years ago.
"He stole Mamma from a second story window in 1925. They eloped. They had all of us. We bought a bus and started singing," said “Little” Roy Lewis, Son.
Little Roy Lewis is the youngest son of James Roy "Pop" Lewis. He remembers the musical foundation his father laid down to create the First Family of Bluegrass Gospel music. It all unfolded in Lincolnton.
"I remember getting into a Model “A” Ford and going to our piano lessons. My grandmother was in the other room listening to opera. We would hear the guitar and fiddle and knew we wanted to do something other than play the piano,” said Lewis.
But this bluegrass gospel group wasn't always a Christian band.
"We use to play hillbilly music back in the '40s. But we got booked on a Christian Radio station. My mamma said you can't sing what you've been singing. So that day we started to sing religious songs,” said Lewis.
After that switch, the rest was bluegrass gospel history. To this day, the Lewis family carries on Pop's legacy. His hometown of Lincolnton is paying tribute to the man who never forgot his roots. Just take a drive along State Route 378 in Lincoln County; you'll see a sign dedicated to remember this music legend.
Read the full article: GA State Route 378 dedicated to Roy "Pop" Lewis -- NBC Augusta, GA
It’s a music legacy that started more than 50 years ago.
"He stole Mamma from a second story window in 1925. They eloped. They had all of us. We bought a bus and started singing," said “Little” Roy Lewis, Son.
Little Roy Lewis is the youngest son of James Roy "Pop" Lewis. He remembers the musical foundation his father laid down to create the First Family of Bluegrass Gospel music. It all unfolded in Lincolnton.
"I remember getting into a Model “A” Ford and going to our piano lessons. My grandmother was in the other room listening to opera. We would hear the guitar and fiddle and knew we wanted to do something other than play the piano,” said Lewis.
But this bluegrass gospel group wasn't always a Christian band.
"We use to play hillbilly music back in the '40s. But we got booked on a Christian Radio station. My mamma said you can't sing what you've been singing. So that day we started to sing religious songs,” said Lewis.
After that switch, the rest was bluegrass gospel history. To this day, the Lewis family carries on Pop's legacy. His hometown of Lincolnton is paying tribute to the man who never forgot his roots. Just take a drive along State Route 378 in Lincoln County; you'll see a sign dedicated to remember this music legend.
Read the full article: GA State Route 378 dedicated to Roy "Pop" Lewis -- NBC Augusta, GA
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Modesto Says Good-Bye to A Favorite Son, Chester Smith
A memorial service for Chester was held at the Calvary Temple in Modesto, California on Saturday, August 16, 2008. Pastor Joe Wright officiated over the service and included testimony by Chester's friends Ronnie Svenhardt and the Rev. B. J. Robinson. We attended this service.
About 500 people showed up, many near Chester's age - a recognition of those from his generation who knew him through the years and quite a few of the younger generation as well. Mr. Wright told of a story about Chester's early life in his family. Chester was the youngest of six children in the family. His mother was a religious person and wanted to instill that same spirit in her children so they, too, would be saved.
Chester took to music at an early age, learning to play the guitar and singing. His mother told him, perhaps prophetically, "You won't amount to anything unless you sing about Jesus." Perhaps it is fitting that his biggest hit was "Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus", a tune that has been recorded by over 100 artists.
The Herb Henry Family singers then did one of Chester's favorite gospel tunes, "Uncloudy Day", getting the crowd to clap along with their harmonious rendition that is typical of the traditional country music format.
Next up to the dais was Ronnie Svenhardt, a long-time friend of Chester's. He talked of knowing Chester as a Christian business man. He knew him as an astute 'negotiator', remembering that Chester once mentioned he always felt he left something on the table when he wrapped up a deal.
Ronnie spoke of the religious nature that Chester carried with him, citing the quote we saw in his memorial program, "In the world we are driven, but in the spirit we are led." He noted that Chester was now in a place where there is "...no more pain, no more sorrow."
We learned from Pastor Wright that Chester was offed a movie contract, offered a job if he moved to Nashville. But Chester was a driven person in one regard, he wanted to be the master of his destiny. He never collected a paycheck from anyone - he supported himself and through his thriving businesses, wrote the paycheck for others.
He owned the first country music radio station in northern California.
He then moved into television. Mention was made during the services more than once and in news stories at the time of his death of starting a string of Spanish language television stations. They noted he saw a lot in common with the migrant workers he saw in the farm fields in California to the folks who toiled the fields in Oklahoma before the dust bowl era. It may be the stations were Spanish-speaking, but in another sense, he was providing a bit of relief and entertainment to those folks who were doing the hard labor, a chance to relax and forget their aches and pains from a long day of labor.
He eventually sold those stations to Univision.
The Herb Henry Family Singers then did another of Chester's favorites, the old Hank Williams standard, "I Saw The Light". Pastor Wright noted after that tune, when that song first came out - it resonated with many because they needed to hear that message.
The Rev. B. J. Robinson came to the dais and spoke fondly of his times with Chester. He noted long ago that he had noticed that Chester was kind of sad at one point, perhaps depressed. But when he saw him a few weeks later, he was glowing, smiling and quite a changed person. When asked what caused this change, Chester just smiled and said, "I"m in love." Was it the love for his first wife? Or was it that he had found another calling in his life?
We then got to hear Chester's version of "Wings of A Dove", which included a bit of a recitation piece between verses pointing out the significance of the 'dove' and it's uniqueness.
We learned how Calvary Temple acquired the property it was currently on. It seems that because of Chester's association with the radio station that owned the property at the time (perhaps this was KTRB), that if the station ever decided to sell the property, they had to sell it to the church. But the church was not that well off back then when they were approached about the sale of the land. They asked the church - how much will you pay? And they gave their amount. And then they asked, how do want to pay for this? They told them they'd pay about $10,000 first. Then asked if they could wait another five years before beginning to pay the rest. The deal was made.
A video tribute was a welcome treat during this service. We got to see Chester perform a bit. During a Grand Ole Opry anniversary celebration, Merle Haggard introduced Chester to the Opry audience so they could do a duet on his tune, "Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus". Chester wryly noted that it had taken him 40 years to finally get to sing on that stage where his idols such as Roy Acuff had performed.
Another snippet included Chester doing a tune as part of a FOX network tour of sorts for Fox affiliates. It had an American Idol background, Ryan Secrest, host of the popular show, introduce Chester to the audience who did one of his tunes as he could only do. Chester seemed to have this way of holding his guitar aloft and picking an instrumental interlude between verses.
We got to see him do a seemingly recent studio session caught on tape, an interview that allowed him to talk about his life briefly, then we got to hear him and his wife do a nice duet number together, "Let's Be Young Again".
Finally, the lights came back up and we got to hear Chester and Merle do one more time, Chester's classic tune.
It was said that Chester was happy during his last days, unafraid of death, knowing that he would be in a better place. It was said that he was the lucky one - he had beat us there and was waiting.
We drove home after the service listening to our copy of Chester and Merle singing the Roy Acuff classic, "Wreck on the Highway"...
About 500 people showed up, many near Chester's age - a recognition of those from his generation who knew him through the years and quite a few of the younger generation as well. Mr. Wright told of a story about Chester's early life in his family. Chester was the youngest of six children in the family. His mother was a religious person and wanted to instill that same spirit in her children so they, too, would be saved.
Chester took to music at an early age, learning to play the guitar and singing. His mother told him, perhaps prophetically, "You won't amount to anything unless you sing about Jesus." Perhaps it is fitting that his biggest hit was "Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus", a tune that has been recorded by over 100 artists.
The Herb Henry Family singers then did one of Chester's favorite gospel tunes, "Uncloudy Day", getting the crowd to clap along with their harmonious rendition that is typical of the traditional country music format.
Next up to the dais was Ronnie Svenhardt, a long-time friend of Chester's. He talked of knowing Chester as a Christian business man. He knew him as an astute 'negotiator', remembering that Chester once mentioned he always felt he left something on the table when he wrapped up a deal.
Ronnie spoke of the religious nature that Chester carried with him, citing the quote we saw in his memorial program, "In the world we are driven, but in the spirit we are led." He noted that Chester was now in a place where there is "...no more pain, no more sorrow."
We learned from Pastor Wright that Chester was offed a movie contract, offered a job if he moved to Nashville. But Chester was a driven person in one regard, he wanted to be the master of his destiny. He never collected a paycheck from anyone - he supported himself and through his thriving businesses, wrote the paycheck for others.
He owned the first country music radio station in northern California.
He then moved into television. Mention was made during the services more than once and in news stories at the time of his death of starting a string of Spanish language television stations. They noted he saw a lot in common with the migrant workers he saw in the farm fields in California to the folks who toiled the fields in Oklahoma before the dust bowl era. It may be the stations were Spanish-speaking, but in another sense, he was providing a bit of relief and entertainment to those folks who were doing the hard labor, a chance to relax and forget their aches and pains from a long day of labor.
He eventually sold those stations to Univision.
The Herb Henry Family Singers then did another of Chester's favorites, the old Hank Williams standard, "I Saw The Light". Pastor Wright noted after that tune, when that song first came out - it resonated with many because they needed to hear that message.
The Rev. B. J. Robinson came to the dais and spoke fondly of his times with Chester. He noted long ago that he had noticed that Chester was kind of sad at one point, perhaps depressed. But when he saw him a few weeks later, he was glowing, smiling and quite a changed person. When asked what caused this change, Chester just smiled and said, "I"m in love." Was it the love for his first wife? Or was it that he had found another calling in his life?
We then got to hear Chester's version of "Wings of A Dove", which included a bit of a recitation piece between verses pointing out the significance of the 'dove' and it's uniqueness.
We learned how Calvary Temple acquired the property it was currently on. It seems that because of Chester's association with the radio station that owned the property at the time (perhaps this was KTRB), that if the station ever decided to sell the property, they had to sell it to the church. But the church was not that well off back then when they were approached about the sale of the land. They asked the church - how much will you pay? And they gave their amount. And then they asked, how do want to pay for this? They told them they'd pay about $10,000 first. Then asked if they could wait another five years before beginning to pay the rest. The deal was made.
A video tribute was a welcome treat during this service. We got to see Chester perform a bit. During a Grand Ole Opry anniversary celebration, Merle Haggard introduced Chester to the Opry audience so they could do a duet on his tune, "Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus". Chester wryly noted that it had taken him 40 years to finally get to sing on that stage where his idols such as Roy Acuff had performed.
Another snippet included Chester doing a tune as part of a FOX network tour of sorts for Fox affiliates. It had an American Idol background, Ryan Secrest, host of the popular show, introduce Chester to the audience who did one of his tunes as he could only do. Chester seemed to have this way of holding his guitar aloft and picking an instrumental interlude between verses.
We got to see him do a seemingly recent studio session caught on tape, an interview that allowed him to talk about his life briefly, then we got to hear him and his wife do a nice duet number together, "Let's Be Young Again".
Finally, the lights came back up and we got to hear Chester and Merle do one more time, Chester's classic tune.
It was said that Chester was happy during his last days, unafraid of death, knowing that he would be in a better place. It was said that he was the lucky one - he had beat us there and was waiting.
We drove home after the service listening to our copy of Chester and Merle singing the Roy Acuff classic, "Wreck on the Highway"...
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Film festival features local guitar legend
A close-to-home story shares top billing with films from around the world in the 9th annual Real to Reel International Film Festival.
The too-short but trail-blazing career of Cowpens, S.C., native Hank Garland makes a compelling story with ties to a handful of local musicians.
"Crazy" will screen Friday night and, at Saturday's Festival Wrap Party, area musicians who knew Hank and his music and played with him will pay tribute in the lobby of the Joy Theatre.
Bill Allen of Cherryville remembers jamming with "one of the greatest and most influential" country/jazz guitarists from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s.
Garland played on a number of hits with Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Shelby's Don Gibson. He worked live or in studios with Chet Atkins, Grady Martin, Jim Reeves, Patti Page, Eddy Arnold, Tommy Jackson and other legends.
Allen took John Reid of Shelby Music Center to Hank's home, where he brought out his own Gibson Byrdland Guitar that he and Billy Byrd (another session guitarist and Ernest Tubb's long-time lead guitarist) designed.
"The Byrdland name comes from the combination of their names," Reid said. "The old ones have greatly increased in value and Gibson is still making them in limited quantities in their Heritage line."
Read the whole article and get some insight into what Don Gibson thought of this legendary musician.
The Star (Cleveland County, NC)
The too-short but trail-blazing career of Cowpens, S.C., native Hank Garland makes a compelling story with ties to a handful of local musicians.
"Crazy" will screen Friday night and, at Saturday's Festival Wrap Party, area musicians who knew Hank and his music and played with him will pay tribute in the lobby of the Joy Theatre.
Bill Allen of Cherryville remembers jamming with "one of the greatest and most influential" country/jazz guitarists from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s.
Garland played on a number of hits with Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Shelby's Don Gibson. He worked live or in studios with Chet Atkins, Grady Martin, Jim Reeves, Patti Page, Eddy Arnold, Tommy Jackson and other legends.
Allen took John Reid of Shelby Music Center to Hank's home, where he brought out his own Gibson Byrdland Guitar that he and Billy Byrd (another session guitarist and Ernest Tubb's long-time lead guitarist) designed.
"The Byrdland name comes from the combination of their names," Reid said. "The old ones have greatly increased in value and Gibson is still making them in limited quantities in their Heritage line."
Read the whole article and get some insight into what Don Gibson thought of this legendary musician.
The Star (Cleveland County, NC)
Country legend Jack Greene visits the Northwest
When country music legend Jack Greene performs at the Haynie Opry on Saturday, July 26, it might be the first time a country star of his status plays a show at a local grange since Loretta Lynn performed at the Delta Grange in the 1960s.
At least that's what Matt Audette, coordinator of the Haynie Opry, speculates.
Greene's upcoming performances at the Haynie Grange will mark his first return to Washington state in several years.
Greene still travels the country, plays the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., and is even scheduled to play a two-week tour in Ireland next year.
"I love it," Greene said of his busy schedule. "Seeing old friends and making new friends all the time, getting to see the world. It's a joy."
He always signs autographs and poses for pictures with fans after shows.
Greene is planning on playing 45 minute to hour-long shows at the Haynie Opry Grange on Saturday. Matt Audette and The Circle of Friends Band will provide backup for Greene.
Read the whole article:
The Bellingham Herald
At least that's what Matt Audette, coordinator of the Haynie Opry, speculates.
Greene's upcoming performances at the Haynie Grange will mark his first return to Washington state in several years.
Greene still travels the country, plays the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., and is even scheduled to play a two-week tour in Ireland next year.
"I love it," Greene said of his busy schedule. "Seeing old friends and making new friends all the time, getting to see the world. It's a joy."
He always signs autographs and poses for pictures with fans after shows.
Greene is planning on playing 45 minute to hour-long shows at the Haynie Opry Grange on Saturday. Matt Audette and The Circle of Friends Band will provide backup for Greene.
Read the whole article:
The Bellingham Herald
18th Annual Tribute To Hank Snow - Aug 14-17 in Nova Scotia
If you're looking to learn and hear a bit more about one of country music's true legends, you might consider taking a trek up north to our Canadian neighbor up in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia for the annual Hank Snow tribute. If you ever get the chance, pick up his autobiography and I swear, it will read like Hank was telling the story to you - you hear his voice as you read.
Check out the poster for the show
Check out the Hank Snow site for more details
Check out the poster for the show
Check out the Hank Snow site for more details
Grand Ole Opry to Add Thursday Night Opry Country Classics Show to its Line-up of Shows in 2009
Howdy Friends and Neighbors,
Ah, another sign that the folks at Gaylord are not worthy of the Grand Ole Opry franchise. But nonetheless, we hear they have a new show. The only question is - why don't they put it on Saturday night? Are they afraid the ratings might actually increase?
To quote from the Press Release:
"Nashville will have a new entertainment option on Thursday nights next year when the Grand Ole Opry adds Opry Country Classics to its current line-up of Tuesday, Friday and Saturday performances.
The all-new addition to the Opry’s schedule will shine a spotlight on the classic country songs that have defined country music for generations of fans. Opry Country Classics will share country music’s colorful story through a live performance featuring country favorites performed by legends of the genre as well as talented new artists, a rousing live band, square dancing, and more. Like current Opry broadcasts, the show will be heard on 650 WSM-AM."
This is tacit admission that they have been wrong in their marketing of the Opry. If you ask me - fire the management that currently runs the Opry. When was the last time the Opry sold out on a Saturday night? When was the last time a visitor had to write months in advance to get a ticket?
They just don't get it. The Opry was always a family show, attended by families who made it a vacation experience to visit the Opry. Targeting only a small demographic will never get them anything.
Maybe Gaylord should go build another mall?
We hope this new show gains the support of fans so that it eventually ends up being a part of the mainstay Saturday night event.
Read the Press Release:
July 25, 2008
Grand Ole Opry to Add Thursday Night Opry Country Classics Show to its Line-up of Shows in 2009
Ah, another sign that the folks at Gaylord are not worthy of the Grand Ole Opry franchise. But nonetheless, we hear they have a new show. The only question is - why don't they put it on Saturday night? Are they afraid the ratings might actually increase?
To quote from the Press Release:
"Nashville will have a new entertainment option on Thursday nights next year when the Grand Ole Opry adds Opry Country Classics to its current line-up of Tuesday, Friday and Saturday performances.
The all-new addition to the Opry’s schedule will shine a spotlight on the classic country songs that have defined country music for generations of fans. Opry Country Classics will share country music’s colorful story through a live performance featuring country favorites performed by legends of the genre as well as talented new artists, a rousing live band, square dancing, and more. Like current Opry broadcasts, the show will be heard on 650 WSM-AM."
This is tacit admission that they have been wrong in their marketing of the Opry. If you ask me - fire the management that currently runs the Opry. When was the last time the Opry sold out on a Saturday night? When was the last time a visitor had to write months in advance to get a ticket?
They just don't get it. The Opry was always a family show, attended by families who made it a vacation experience to visit the Opry. Targeting only a small demographic will never get them anything.
Maybe Gaylord should go build another mall?
We hope this new show gains the support of fans so that it eventually ends up being a part of the mainstay Saturday night event.
Read the Press Release:
July 25, 2008
Grand Ole Opry to Add Thursday Night Opry Country Classics Show to its Line-up of Shows in 2009
Labels: r
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
What The Media Has Missed - Hillary Leads Obama 264 to 224
Good evening folks,
This is not related to country music, but then again, there's been a few folks in country music who did dabble in politics, but that's another story.
We've had a life-long fascination with our country's political process. We grew up watching those old political conventions, sitting up for hours on end, watching the roll calls of the votes by each state to select their party's nominee for President. We enjoyed the speeches, the drama early on in our life. We were idealistic.
But then we got older, wiser, cynical, not only of the parties, but the media as well.
This year's Democratic primaries are a story like we've never seen. So many angles, so many issues. Take the Michigan / Florida fiasco. It seems to me that since politicians caused the problem - then penalize the politicians - take away any super-delegates from those states. But don't punish the people and take away their 'vote' and 'voice' in the process. What a mess that is.
But one angle not being looked at by the media in the results to date is an interesting one. Take each state that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have won. Apply the number of electoral college votes for those states. Add them up. See who's ahead.
Surprise. Clinton leads Obama 264 to 224 and could wrap it up even without Michigan and Florida. The Democrats have a quandary this year. Will the campaign end gracefully?
Here is the math to date (after the May 20 primaries in Kentucky and Oregon):
Democratic Primary Results By Electoral College Votes
The Super Delegates concept is a bad idea - this year because the race is so close, it ends up looking like a smoke-filled back room political hack decision. It's taken out of the people's hands. The Super Delegates concept needs to be tossed.
And how much money are we as a country wasting on this process? Wouldn't that money be better spent on something that matters? Have we become a government that is of the money, by the money and for the money?
Enough said. Let's get back to the music.
This is not related to country music, but then again, there's been a few folks in country music who did dabble in politics, but that's another story.
We've had a life-long fascination with our country's political process. We grew up watching those old political conventions, sitting up for hours on end, watching the roll calls of the votes by each state to select their party's nominee for President. We enjoyed the speeches, the drama early on in our life. We were idealistic.
But then we got older, wiser, cynical, not only of the parties, but the media as well.
This year's Democratic primaries are a story like we've never seen. So many angles, so many issues. Take the Michigan / Florida fiasco. It seems to me that since politicians caused the problem - then penalize the politicians - take away any super-delegates from those states. But don't punish the people and take away their 'vote' and 'voice' in the process. What a mess that is.
But one angle not being looked at by the media in the results to date is an interesting one. Take each state that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have won. Apply the number of electoral college votes for those states. Add them up. See who's ahead.
Surprise. Clinton leads Obama 264 to 224 and could wrap it up even without Michigan and Florida. The Democrats have a quandary this year. Will the campaign end gracefully?
Here is the math to date (after the May 20 primaries in Kentucky and Oregon):
Democratic Primary Results By Electoral College Votes
State | TTL | HRC | BHO |
| Alabama | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Alaska | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Arizona | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| Arkansas | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| California | 55 | 55 | 0 |
| Colorado | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Connecticut | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Delaware | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| D.C | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Florida | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| Georgia | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| Hawaii | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Idaho | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Illinois | 21 | 0 | 21 |
| Indiana | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| Iowa | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Kansas | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Kentucky | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| Louisiana | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Maine | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Maryland | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| Michigan | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Minnesota | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Mississippi | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Missouri | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Montana | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Nebraska | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Nevada | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| New Hampshire | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| New Jersey | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| New Mexico | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| New York | 31 | 31 | 0 |
| North Carolina | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| North Dakota | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Ohio | 20 | 20 | 0 |
| Oklahoma | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| Oregon | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| Rhode Island | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| South Carolina | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| South Dakota | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Tennessee | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| Texas | 34 | 34 | 0 |
| Utah | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Vermont | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Virginia | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| Washington | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| West Virginia | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Wisconsin | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Wyoming | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 538 | 264 | 224 | |
| Total Electoral College Votes 538 | |||
| Needed To Win: 270 | |||
The Super Delegates concept is a bad idea - this year because the race is so close, it ends up looking like a smoke-filled back room political hack decision. It's taken out of the people's hands. The Super Delegates concept needs to be tossed.
And how much money are we as a country wasting on this process? Wouldn't that money be better spent on something that matters? Have we become a government that is of the money, by the money and for the money?
Enough said. Let's get back to the music.
Monday, May 19, 2008
New Award: Ernest Tubb Mentor Award
Howdy Hillbilly Music Fans,
A thought came to us while trying to watch the Academy of Country Music Awards show Sunday night from Las Vegas. We applaud the ACM for renaming their prestigious lifetime achievement award the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award.
But that got us to thinking, especially watching the 'new' up and comers. I think the ACM calls it Most Promising New Vocalist/Group. The CMA calls it the New Horizon award.
But listen up. In all of our research, emails and correspondence, we can't help but notice something. Ernest Tubb. Ole Ernest went out of his way it seems time after time, year after year to give the younger, local talents exposure not only when his personal appearances took him to a local venue, but also on his clear-channel powered Saturday night show - the Midnight Jamboree. For some, it may have been the pinnacle of their career, a long-cherished memory. For others, it gave them that needed boost to be heard in front of a wider audience.
So, CMA or ACM - isn't it time for an "Ernest Tubb Mentor Award" that would go to the person or group who has done the most during the year to provide opportunities to the new generation of performers who will someday become favorites of the fans? Who is making the effort to give those folks a chance on a regular basis?
To paraphrase a well known phrase of Ernest's - be better to your new entertainers and you'll have better entertainers...
It's time for an Ernest Tubb Mentor Award. Shine the light on those who give back and lend a hand.
Cheers,
Dave
A thought came to us while trying to watch the Academy of Country Music Awards show Sunday night from Las Vegas. We applaud the ACM for renaming their prestigious lifetime achievement award the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award.
But that got us to thinking, especially watching the 'new' up and comers. I think the ACM calls it Most Promising New Vocalist/Group. The CMA calls it the New Horizon award.
But listen up. In all of our research, emails and correspondence, we can't help but notice something. Ernest Tubb. Ole Ernest went out of his way it seems time after time, year after year to give the younger, local talents exposure not only when his personal appearances took him to a local venue, but also on his clear-channel powered Saturday night show - the Midnight Jamboree. For some, it may have been the pinnacle of their career, a long-cherished memory. For others, it gave them that needed boost to be heard in front of a wider audience.
So, CMA or ACM - isn't it time for an "Ernest Tubb Mentor Award" that would go to the person or group who has done the most during the year to provide opportunities to the new generation of performers who will someday become favorites of the fans? Who is making the effort to give those folks a chance on a regular basis?
To paraphrase a well known phrase of Ernest's - be better to your new entertainers and you'll have better entertainers...
It's time for an Ernest Tubb Mentor Award. Shine the light on those who give back and lend a hand.
Cheers,
Dave
Saturday, May 03, 2008
We've Been Roaming Around and Listening...
Good evening Folks,
Ole Gran'pa H. M. Crittick has been roaming around the internet checking out the sounds and sites. And of course, we're doing it from the confines of our local home computer.
WRVK in Renfro Valley, KY
We've been checking out B-Bob's Hillbilly and Western Jamboree show on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays the past few weeks. The timing of the show is about perfect for us out west - we can listen in at the end of the day. I tell you - if you're a fan of the old-time traditional style we call hillbilly music - you will enjoy B-Bob's show. You won't hear the Top 30 tunes - you'll be taken back in time to that bygone era and hear a lot of folks you don't hear on today's radio at all. We had some fun recently with him trying to figure out if there were two Al Rogers singers because in the end we found out Al actually did change his style of singing on his recordings. You got a computer and sound card? Check out B-Bob's show - you won't be disappointed.
But we're trying to make sure we get to take in Pete Stamper's Supper Time Jubilee on Tuesday's, but so far, we've been working too late to catch it!
Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree
Folks, you gotta respect tradition. And the folks that run Ernest Tubb's Record Shops are doing just that. Ole Gran'pa checks in the show just about every week over the internet as a way of paying a tribute to ole Ernie. We visited Nashville many times in the past when Ernest was alive, but for whatever reason, we never did take in the Midnight Jamboree while Ernest was around. That's our fault. But you check out www.wsmonline.com on Saturday nights after the Opry is done - you will be treated to the longest running show of it's type as Ernest would have it. You still get to hear a snippet of a Jimmie Rodgers' tune - a hero of Ernest's. And each week, you get to hear one of the classic country artists. A week or so ago, we got to hear Connie Smith. Before that, we got to hear folks such as Charlie Louvin, Mel Tillis, Jett Williams and last year, one treat was when Cal Smith, the Country Bumpkin himself hosted the show and kept the audience in stitches with his many tales.
Ole Gran'pa recommends you check out those show listings each day and give those shows a listenin' - judging by what we've been listening to - you're sure to be tapping those toes...
And Floy Case and Mary Jean Shurtz, wherever you are... here's to you...we've been listening, too.
Ole Gran'pa H. M. Crittick has been roaming around the internet checking out the sounds and sites. And of course, we're doing it from the confines of our local home computer.
WRVK in Renfro Valley, KY
We've been checking out B-Bob's Hillbilly and Western Jamboree show on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays the past few weeks. The timing of the show is about perfect for us out west - we can listen in at the end of the day. I tell you - if you're a fan of the old-time traditional style we call hillbilly music - you will enjoy B-Bob's show. You won't hear the Top 30 tunes - you'll be taken back in time to that bygone era and hear a lot of folks you don't hear on today's radio at all. We had some fun recently with him trying to figure out if there were two Al Rogers singers because in the end we found out Al actually did change his style of singing on his recordings. You got a computer and sound card? Check out B-Bob's show - you won't be disappointed.
But we're trying to make sure we get to take in Pete Stamper's Supper Time Jubilee on Tuesday's, but so far, we've been working too late to catch it!
Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree
Folks, you gotta respect tradition. And the folks that run Ernest Tubb's Record Shops are doing just that. Ole Gran'pa checks in the show just about every week over the internet as a way of paying a tribute to ole Ernie. We visited Nashville many times in the past when Ernest was alive, but for whatever reason, we never did take in the Midnight Jamboree while Ernest was around. That's our fault. But you check out www.wsmonline.com on Saturday nights after the Opry is done - you will be treated to the longest running show of it's type as Ernest would have it. You still get to hear a snippet of a Jimmie Rodgers' tune - a hero of Ernest's. And each week, you get to hear one of the classic country artists. A week or so ago, we got to hear Connie Smith. Before that, we got to hear folks such as Charlie Louvin, Mel Tillis, Jett Williams and last year, one treat was when Cal Smith, the Country Bumpkin himself hosted the show and kept the audience in stitches with his many tales.
Ole Gran'pa recommends you check out those show listings each day and give those shows a listenin' - judging by what we've been listening to - you're sure to be tapping those toes...
And Floy Case and Mary Jean Shurtz, wherever you are... here's to you...we've been listening, too.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Concert Review: Merle Haggard Brings Country Music to the Gallo Center in Modesto
Friday night - Modesto's newest concert venue paid tribute to the country music roots of the central valley of California by playing host to Merle Haggard. The concert was said to be sold out, but not everyone showed up to sit in their seats. And shame on them - they missed a good one. Ole Gran'pa H. M. Crittick got himself a ticket somehow and had to put on some clean clothes, but it was well worth it.
The evening started off with the opening acts - running until about 8:45 (show started 8pm). Chris Milpass was one of the opening singers - he did an old Hank Williams tune, trying to do the bended knee stuff, etc. But when you're waiting for someone like Merle, you get a bit itchy, even if that person is pretty good.
After the intermission - Noel Haggard opened the second half of the show - giving you a resemblance of Merle and what he looked like in his early career. You can't help but compare him to that early version of Merle you grew up listening to, even the way he handles himself with the guitar.
Merle finally came on about 8:45pm or so - to a standing ovation.
As someone who grew up listening to his tunes of a bygone era, you knew he wasn't going to get to all of the hits, but the crowd enjoyed each one he did sing.
He had about 11 people backing him up. Norm Hamlett, a long time member of Merle's Band, the Strangers, was again on steel guitar - dressed a bit like someone from the Blues Brothers.
We got to hear Merle in his best form doing his classics - Swinging Doors, Silver Wings, Big City, Mama Tried, the Lefty Frizzell classic, If You Got the Money, I Take a Lot of Pride In What I Am and then the crowd pleaser, his classic Okie From Muskogee.
He didn't lose a beat as he moved into a duet with the female backup singer of the Johnny and June Cash classic, Jackson.
One down side is while he introduced local act Chester Smith, they didn't do a duet number together. Why couldn't they do the tune they recorded together, "Wreck On The Highway"? Was there a union rule? What is the protocol in such a situation - does the main act give a portion of their fees to the guest singer? Of course, Chester may have been a bit under the weather, too and couldn't sing. But still, it would have been great to hear them perform together, even if just one song. Chester still has good stage presence based on the last time I saw him in action.
Merle was in fine form, vocally and on the guitar. Sometimes he was in his hat along with dark glasses but once in a while, he tossed the hat and glasses aside so folks got a better look at him. Perhaps they're props that fit the mood of the music he was doing.
He closed with Sing Me Back Home and Rambling Fever. The crowd gave him a rousing ovation, a standing ovation - but evidently the contract would not allow him to come back for anything more or the concert venue has a time limit. But God help us if
Willie Nelson comes to town - they may have to start at noon to let him get through all of the tunes he's known to do at his concerts.
But the venue made for a great honky tonk - you can't beat the sound, even from where I sat - up in the balcony.
The crowd was decidedly demographically unappealing to today's radio stations - over 50 - the folks that probably grew up listening to him on the radio. Trust me - we still know how to whoop and holler and have a good time. The odd thing was the local country station KATM listed this concert as something that was part of their 'classic country series' yet they were no where to be seen, nor did I even hear a mention of the concert on Friday afternoon. In fact, I don't recall hearing even one song by Merle listening to them while driving around doing my errands. Sorry, but the local radio station doesn't get any kudos for this one.
And for one Saturday night - downtown Modesto was doing a toe-tapping two-step rather than a hyphy stomp or some other rock stuff. It was something the entire family could enjoy whether mom and dad remembering the tunes they listened to on the radio or their kids that were getting to see one of the legends of country music.
But the thing is - he showed why he won entertainer of the year awards, he showed us why he was a legend, he showed us why today's radio won't play his music - the truth is - he's better than what's being spun. He can still pick the guitar, he can still sing his classics, he can still entertain an audience.
Later in the weekend - the Gallo Center for the Arts hosts a tribute show to Patsy Cline.
Well, at least for a night or two, hillbilly music (also known as country and western music) was more than an old 78rpm.
The evening started off with the opening acts - running until about 8:45 (show started 8pm). Chris Milpass was one of the opening singers - he did an old Hank Williams tune, trying to do the bended knee stuff, etc. But when you're waiting for someone like Merle, you get a bit itchy, even if that person is pretty good.
After the intermission - Noel Haggard opened the second half of the show - giving you a resemblance of Merle and what he looked like in his early career. You can't help but compare him to that early version of Merle you grew up listening to, even the way he handles himself with the guitar.
Merle finally came on about 8:45pm or so - to a standing ovation.
As someone who grew up listening to his tunes of a bygone era, you knew he wasn't going to get to all of the hits, but the crowd enjoyed each one he did sing.
He had about 11 people backing him up. Norm Hamlett, a long time member of Merle's Band, the Strangers, was again on steel guitar - dressed a bit like someone from the Blues Brothers.
We got to hear Merle in his best form doing his classics - Swinging Doors, Silver Wings, Big City, Mama Tried, the Lefty Frizzell classic, If You Got the Money, I Take a Lot of Pride In What I Am and then the crowd pleaser, his classic Okie From Muskogee.
He didn't lose a beat as he moved into a duet with the female backup singer of the Johnny and June Cash classic, Jackson.
One down side is while he introduced local act Chester Smith, they didn't do a duet number together. Why couldn't they do the tune they recorded together, "Wreck On The Highway"? Was there a union rule? What is the protocol in such a situation - does the main act give a portion of their fees to the guest singer? Of course, Chester may have been a bit under the weather, too and couldn't sing. But still, it would have been great to hear them perform together, even if just one song. Chester still has good stage presence based on the last time I saw him in action.
Merle was in fine form, vocally and on the guitar. Sometimes he was in his hat along with dark glasses but once in a while, he tossed the hat and glasses aside so folks got a better look at him. Perhaps they're props that fit the mood of the music he was doing.
He closed with Sing Me Back Home and Rambling Fever. The crowd gave him a rousing ovation, a standing ovation - but evidently the contract would not allow him to come back for anything more or the concert venue has a time limit. But God help us if
Willie Nelson comes to town - they may have to start at noon to let him get through all of the tunes he's known to do at his concerts.
But the venue made for a great honky tonk - you can't beat the sound, even from where I sat - up in the balcony.
The crowd was decidedly demographically unappealing to today's radio stations - over 50 - the folks that probably grew up listening to him on the radio. Trust me - we still know how to whoop and holler and have a good time. The odd thing was the local country station KATM listed this concert as something that was part of their 'classic country series' yet they were no where to be seen, nor did I even hear a mention of the concert on Friday afternoon. In fact, I don't recall hearing even one song by Merle listening to them while driving around doing my errands. Sorry, but the local radio station doesn't get any kudos for this one.
And for one Saturday night - downtown Modesto was doing a toe-tapping two-step rather than a hyphy stomp or some other rock stuff. It was something the entire family could enjoy whether mom and dad remembering the tunes they listened to on the radio or their kids that were getting to see one of the legends of country music.
But the thing is - he showed why he won entertainer of the year awards, he showed us why he was a legend, he showed us why today's radio won't play his music - the truth is - he's better than what's being spun. He can still pick the guitar, he can still sing his classics, he can still entertain an audience.
Later in the weekend - the Gallo Center for the Arts hosts a tribute show to Patsy Cline.
Well, at least for a night or two, hillbilly music (also known as country and western music) was more than an old 78rpm.
