Crystal Gayle becomes newest member of the Grand Ole Opry

Loretta Lynn with Crystal Gayle, the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo by Chris Hollo.

Grammy-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry Saturday evening at the Ryman Auditorium by her sister and Opry legend, Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut 50 years ago on the Ryman stage, singing the country classic Ribbon of Darkness at age 16. She had been publicly invited to join the Opry by fellow member Carrie Underwood in November.

“We’ve been together a long time, honey. And we’ve never had a fight,” Loretta Lynn said. “It was the greatest moment of my life when they made me a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. I know she is just as happy as I was then.” “Being a member of the Opry is just incredible,” Crystal Gayle beamed. “It’s really hard to comprehend. I have felt like a part of the Opry for all these years. Now, I’m official.”

Loretta Lynn inducting her sister, Crystal Gayle, into the Grand Ole Opry on January 21, 2017. Photo by Chris Hollo.

Crystal Gayle is an award-winning country music icon whose reign in the music business includes 20 No. 1 country hits, six albums certified Gold by the RIAA and the first female artist in country music history to reach platinum sales with her 1977 album, We Must Believe in Magic. Her her 1977 country-pop crossover hit song, Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, became an iconic staple and solidified her as one of the top female vocalists during the 1970s and 1980s. Her list of platinum and gold was to be matched only by her awards and accolades. CMA's "Female Vocalist of the Year," for two consecutive years, she became a Grammy Award Winner for "Best Female Vocal Performance," thanks to her beloved "Brown Eyes" - a song that she today admits she has never grown tired of singing. Crystal swept the Academy of Country Music Awards for three of their "Top Female Vocalist" statuettes. 

Crystal is the recipient of three "American Music Awards," voted by the nation as America's "Favorite Female Artist." Perhaps nothing sums up Crystal's career achievements as well as being awarded with a star on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame in October 2009. Also famous for her nearly floor-length hair, she was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine in 1983. She is the younger sister (by 19 years) of singer Loretta Lynn, and a distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless. 

Gayle also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Lynn's star. In 2008, Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  

In August 2016, the Academy of Country Music honored Crystal with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award during the 10th Annual ACM Honors.

For more information on Crystal Gayle, be sure to visit crystalgayle.com

Meet Kenny Rogers in Kentucky and benefit CASA of the Bluegrass

Kenny Rogers - Photo by Piper Ferguson

Central Kentucky residents have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally meet country music icon and “The Gambler,” Kenny Rogers, when he makes his last stop in Danville at the Norton Center For The Arts on April 8 as part of his final world tour, The Gambler’s Last Deal Tour. In an online silent auction to benefit CASA of the Bluegrass, two exclusive VIP meet-and-greet tickets to meet Rogers backstage before his concert, along with two premium-seating concert tickets, will be up for the highest bidder’s grabs for ten days on eBay.com from January 15 to January 25, 2017.

Donations are tax-deductible, and all proceeds will benefit CASA of the Bluegrass, which serves to advance the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Anderson, Boyle, Franklin, and Mercer County Family Court Systems through the training and support of community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates working with children, the family, and the court. Currently, there is an increased demand for CASA volunteers and training.

“CASA volunteers are flies on the wall during some of the most horrific events in a child’s life, and some of the most wonderful,” said Laura Guerrant, executive director for CASA of the Bluegrass. “It can be emotional at times; it can be draining at times. But the end result of knowing that you helped ensure the child’s safety and permanency… that is exciting. That is the ultimate goal. There’s nothing better than seeing a family reunited or a child adopted,” Guerrant added.

The starting bid for the VIP package is $100, with hopes the charity can raise much more – all of which will go directly to funding the efforts of CASA of the Bluegrass. Interested donors can place their bids by visiting the homepage of casaofthebluegrass.org and clicking the “Kenny Rogers VIP Package Live Auction” button at the top, which will take them directly to the listing at eBay.com. Or they can access the direct eBay link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/132065329833. Final payment is processed through PayPal.

Throughout his unprecedented career, Kenny Rogers has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide and is the RIAA’s eighth best-selling male solo artist of all time. The first country artist to consistently sell out arenas, Rogers quickly became a pop superstar as well with smash hits like “Lucille,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “You Decorated My Life,” “The Gambler,” and many more.

In 2015, Rogers was named CMT’s Artist Of A Lifetime, a career highlight preceded by his three GRAMMY Awards, 11 People’s Choice Awards, 19 American Music Awards, eight Academy Of Country Music (ACM) Awards and six Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Last year, he announced his retirement on the Today Show and commenced The Gambler’s Last Deal Tour.

“I’m really looking forward to performing in Kentucky again,” Rogers told The Advocate-Messenger in a recent interview. “I love your part of the country and the people there.”

For more information on the silent auction to benefit CASA of the Bluegrass, visit casaofthebluegrass.org or call Amanda Clark at 502-419-8934.

For more information on Kenny Rogers, visit kennyrogers.com.

Bill Monroe box set to feature outtakes of popular songs

Bill Monroe Box Set - from Richard Weize Archives

Bluegrass music fans will enjoy hearing that very unique limited edition box set will be released of Bill Monroe recordings.  The recordings for DECCA in 1950-51 from the Castle Studio have been released through the Richard Weize Archives, a division of Rockstar Records, Ltd.  The recordings feature lead singers Jimmy Martin, Carter Stanley, and Edd Mayfield.  Unlike other box sets, this one will include all of the outtakes of all tracks, none of which were previously issued.  The box set will be released on February 24, 2017.

For musicians and careful listeners who have studied that spectacular recording for years, it's as though a new set of Stone Tablets has been found. It also means the "tape blip" we've always tolerated in "The First Whippoorwill" is now corrected, as the previously issued take was from a faulty tape dub whereas the new 1951 version is from the original master.

Accompanying the box set is a  revised discography by Neil Rosenberg, and notes by Dick Spottswood (edited by Rosenberg) with recollections by Monroe fiddler Charlie Smith.  Below is a track listing per cd, but note that each song has multiple recorded versions on each cd.  Only 1,000 copies of this collection will be released, so be sure to order a copy.  To order your copy of the box set, be sure click here to visit Rock Star Records.

CD 1

Bluegrass Ramble

New Mule Skinner Blues

My Little Georgia Rose

Memories of You

I'm On My Way to the Old Home

Alabama Waltz

I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome

I'll Meet You In Church Sunday Morning

Boat of Love

CD 2

The Old Fiddler

Uncle Pen

When the Golden Leaves Begin to Fall

Lord Protect My Soul

River of Death

Letter From My Darlin

On the Old Kentucky Shore

Raw Hide

CD 3

Poison Love

Kentucky Waltz

Prisoner's Song

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Angels Rock Me to Sleep

Brakeman's Blues

Travelin' Blues

CD 4

When the Cactus is in Bloom

Sailor's Plea

My Carolina Sunshine Girl

Ben Dewberry's Final Run

Peach Pickin' Time in Georgia

Those Gambler's Blues

Highway of Sorrow

Rotation Blues

CD 5

Lonesome Truck Driver's Blues

Sugar Coated Love

Cabin of Love

You're Drifting Away

Get Down on Your Knees and Pray

Christmas Time's A-Coming

The First Whipporwill

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform on Saturday Night Live

Sturgill Simpson - Saturday Night Live Guest on January 14, 2017

Kentucky native, Sturgill Simpson, exceeded everyone's expectations with his explosive performance of "Call to Arms," complete with Miles Miller's cymbal falling off towards the end of the song and Sturgill putting a stamp into the performance with throwing his guitar into the ground.  

Sturgill Simpson has made a name for himself over the years.  His family are originally from Breathitt County, Kentucky, before moving to Versailles, Kentucky.  Sturgill has performed throughout Kentucky, as well as the world, having reached across the ocean throughout Europe with successful tours.  Most notably, he recently received Grammy Award nominations for Best Album Overall and Best Country Album for "A Sailor's Guide to Earth."  The album itself was done for his young son, as well as in tribute to when Sturgill spent his years in the Navy.

Miles Miller, another fellow Kentucky native, being from Versailles, has been gaining notice with his explosive drumming alongside Sturgill.  Needless to say, both have placed a spotlight onto Kentucky with their unique sound.  The Saturday Night Live performance showcased a sound as if you mixed Ralph Stanley, Keith Whitley, and Ray Charles.  As you could say, when Appalachian soul meets the soul of New Orleans.

Watch the performance of Sturgill Simpson performing  "Call to Arms" and "Keep It Between the Lines" on Saturday Night Live below:

KY Artist to Watch: Tyler Childers

Kentucky Country Music Artist of the Week for January 15, 2016

Tyler Childers of Paintsville, Kentucky

Tyler Childers - photo by Melissa Stillwell

Eastern Kentucky native, Tyler Childers, has caught the ears of many throughout the Appalachian region. His rustic vocals with lyrics to bring you back home caught our attention. Tyler Childers comes from the same neck of the woods as many others of east Kentucky fame - Dwight Yoakam, Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, and more along US 23, the Country Music Highway. He has been featured in quite a few festivals throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Be sure to check out Tyler Childers at the links below:

Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/tylerchilders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylerchildersmusic

Country Music Hall of Fame to honor Loretta Lynn with special exhibit

Country Music Hall of Fame member, Loretta Lynn, will soon be getting her own exhibit on display. The exhibit will showcase Loretta Lynn's artifacts, costumes, and personal items from six decades in the music business.  It will open on August 25, 2017 and be on display through June 2018.

"I am so happy the Country Music Hall of Fame has asked me to be one of their main exhibits in 2017... gonna show off my 50 some odd years in country music," Lynn says of the upcoming exhibition. "They best have a big space... I have a lot of stuff!". 

On her 85th birthday on April 14th, Loretta Lynn will be celebrating by performing at the historic Ryman Auditorium.  In 1960, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut on the same stage.  Her current album, "Full Circle," is nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Album.

George Molton inducted into Austin City Saloon Hall of Fame

George Molton with his personalized guitar from Austin City Saloon. Photo by Reda Floyd

Thirty five years ago, Austin City Saloon in Lexington, Kentucky, opened its doors.  Each weekend, they have entertained central Kentucky with pure honky tonk music live on stage.  This past weekend, they hosted their 2nd Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to give thanks to those that have helped Austin City Saloon continue a tradition.  George Molton was inducted into the Austin City Saloon Hall of Fame, as well as performed Friday and Saturday nights.

In his honor, Austin City Saloon presented George Molton with a personalized guitar that included lyrics of his original songs, "Fly On" and "Livin' Proof."

George Molton is a native of Olive Hill, Kentucky, which is where legendary songwriter Tom T. Hall calls home.  Molton has performed with Montgomery Gentry, Exile, Blake Shelton, Merle Haggard, and more.  Fellow Kentuckians, John Michael Montgomery and Montgomery Gentry have cut several songs that George Molton has written.

George Molton performing at Austin City Saloon - Photo by Reda Floyd

George Molton has made a name for himself, as well as keeping the traditional country music sound alive in central Kentucky.  He has been a music fan favorite to see live in concert.

Austin City Saloon has been known world wide for providing quality musical entertainment over the years.  They are a huge supporter of local music, as well as regional and national acts.  New owners, Josh Brock and Austin Brashear, have upped the ante with remodeling the venue, as well as inviting a variety of musical acts to perform on the historic stage.

For more information on George Molton, be sure to check him out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GeorgeMoltonMusic. You can also check out https://austincitysaloon.com for the latest happenings at Austin City Saloon.

The mystery of the Minnie Pearl Bronze Statue

Minnie Pearl Bronze Statue when it was in Centerville, TN. Photo by SeeMidTN.com

One of the great mysteries in country music is the placement of the bronze statue in honor of Minnie Pearl.  Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, who was best known around the world as the comedian Minnie Pearl, was born in Centerville, Tennessee.  It is a small town of about 4,000 not far from Nashville.

Minnie Pearl was best known for her comedic performances on Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry.  In 1975, the Country Music Hall of Fame included her in its class.  In 1996, Sarah Cannon passed away.  On her plaque at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, you will never see a date of death as Sarah always said that the spirit of Minnie Pearl will live on even when she passes.  Today, the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation and the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center has helped cancer patients within Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky.  She was presented with the American Cancer Society’s Courage Award in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan for her volunteer work.  She once said, "I think everyone of us has a social responsibility and a moral obligation to be as kind to people as we can."

In 2005, Rod Harris commissioned a 900-pound statue of Minnie Pearl to be placed in downtown Centerville at the Hickman County Courthouse.  It was privately funded, with one donor covering much of the $150,000 cost.  Per Larry McCormack of The Tennessean newspaper, "the donation came with one caveat: The statue had to stay on one exact spot in downtown Centerville, Tenn."  {USA Today Article}

Mr. Harris was disgruntled with officials wanting to move the statue.  It was creating traffic problems as those taking photos would standing in traffic to get the whole statue.  A rock wall was built to keep drivers from running over it.

In 2009, however, Rod Harris removed the statue and placed it in Linden at the Commodore hotel lobby.  To Mr. Harris, he felt that Minnie Pearl should be center-stage and not moved a few feet.  Later, he moved the statue to Grinders Switch Winery in Centerville.  He demanded $10,000 from the city to return the statue to Centerville.

Minnie Pearl at Grinder's Switch Winery - Photo by Grinder's Switch Winery

The city refused Rod Harris's demands, which then led him to move the statue to Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.  It use to sit in the main room of the Wrather West Kentucky Museum.   However, after talking to museum officials, the statue was just part of a traveling exhibit and left there over three years ago.

So where did Minnie Pearl head to?  After contacting my journalist friend, Chuck Dauphin, he was able to determine the whereabouts of the infamous statue.  He indicated that it was moved back to the historic Commodore Hotel & Cafe in Linden, Tennessee, which is about 30 miles from Centerville, in the middle of nowhere.  Sure enough, a search on their Facebook page shows the bronze Minnie Pearl statue in all her glory standing in a corner inside the Commodore Hotel and Cafe.

Minnie Pearl Statue at the Commodore Hotel & Cafe - photo via Facebook

As for the town of Centerville, they have commissioned another artist, Ricky Pittman, who has created an 8-foot statue made from chicken wire and colored bronze. It is now sitting at the courthouse square for all to see.  Click here for the Kickstarter campaign with updates on the project.

Minnie Pearl Chicken Wire Statue - photo from Kickstarter Campaign Page 

Furthermore, Mary Beth Pruett, the great-niece of Minnie Pearl announced a campaign to raise $100,000 for a life-size bronze statue in Grinder's Switch in 2013. Click here to read more about the campaign.  So far there is no indication if anything has been done since 2013 to build the statue.

Don't forget, if you visit the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, you can also see Minnie Pearl alongside Roy Acuff sitting on a bench.  No matter if it is a bronze statue, or one made of chicken wire, the legacy of Minnie Pearl alludes us all with her humor and talent.  Sometimes you never know where you will see her smile and hear the infamous greeting of "HOWWWDEEE!" in your head.

Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl Statue at Ryman Auditorium - Photo by Jessica Bray