Enter to Win Autographed Guitar from the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

My friends over at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame are giving away a historical piece of history.  This is indeed a one of a kind piece.  For every $10 that you donate to the KY Music Hall of Fame, you will be added into the drawing for an autographed guitar signed at the 2006 Induction Ceremony.  Those that have signed the guitar include:

Athena Cage

Boots Randolph

Brice Long

Dottie Rambo

Eddie Montgomery

Hugh X. Lewis

John Conlee

JD Crowe

John Michael Montgomery

Jordon Leigh

Lily Tomlin

Naomi Judd

Sam Bush

Tickets are very limited and you can make a donation multiple ways.  Stop by the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and tell them you would like to make a donation.  You can also send a donation via mail.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

2590 Richmond Road

Renfro Valley, KY 40473

Phone: 1-877-356-3263

Be sure to visit their website over at www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com, as well as on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-Music-Hall-of-Fame-Museum. 

Hank 3 at Mercury Ballroom Review and Photos

I have gone to hundreds of concerts, interviewed quite a few folks, photographed shows, and met many. Hands down I can say Hank III was the most humbling experience. Check out my interview with him by clicking here. This would be my second time seeing him play in concert.  The first time was in Lexington, Ky at Busters.  I was on the front row for that show.  This time it was Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky.  The venue was very nice and all of the staff were very helpful.  I'll talk about the venue setup, then the show itself. 

Nashville News Roundup for 11/1/2013

Each Friday morning on WFKY, I deliver the Nashville News Roundup at 9:20 AM.  You can listen online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the radio dial or Tune-In App.  Here is this week's discussion topics.

Froggy St. Jude Jam
Saturday is the 3rd Annual St. Jude Jam at the Grand Theatre in Frankfort, KY. Tickets are just $5 and includes the musical talents of Greg Bates, Josh Pruno, and Aly'An.  More details here.

No Show Finale
Froggy St. Jude Jam artist Greg Bates is among those that have been added to the final performer list for the George Jones Final No Show concert in Nashville on Nov 22nd. Limited number of VIP packages are available for $1000 each.  Here is the complete list of performers that will be playing at the concert.

American Picker
Be sure to check out the Grascals new video alongside Dierks Bentley.  The tune is called American Picker, and yes it is based off the hot tv show.  There is even a guest appearance by Mike Wolfe from the show. Check out the video here.

Handpicked Downloads of the Week:
Greg Bates - Fill in the Blank
Josh Pruno - Cut Offs
Aly'an - The Real Thing

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date back in 1937, Bill Anderson was born in Columbia, South Carolina. Whisperin' Bill earns a series of hits as an artist and writes more for Connie Smith, George Strait, Brad Paisley and Ray Price, joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1961 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

Haunted Country Music Songs for Halloween

It's that time of year when all the ghosts and goblins come out to beg for candy.  Here are a few song picks to help you feel a little spooky today.  Click on the links to get the backstory on the song, as well as the lyrics:

Haunted Songs in Country Music: The Ride
Haunted Songs in Country Music: Ghost in This House
Haunted Songs in Country Music: Midnight in Montgomery
Haunted Songs in Country Music: Haunted Heart
Haunted Songs in Country Music: Ghost Riders in the Sky
Haunted Songs in Country Music: Legend of Wooley Swamp

Need a last minute Halloween costume idea? Check out these country music star costume ideas for Halloween - http://www.examiner.com/article/country-music-halloween-costume-ideas-1.

Tune Up Thursday: The Grascals & Dierks Bentley - American Pickers

Dierks Bentley and bluegrass band, The Grascals, just released a video called "American Pickers" from the Grascal album, "When I get My Pay."  And yes, it is about the infamous television show.  You can see Mike Wolfe from the tv show featured in the video.  The American Pickers have a location in Nashville that is a "must see" shop to visit!  You can see special music city memorabilia from legendary country music singers, such as George Jones and Hank Williams, Jr tour jackets.  My favorite item in the American Picker Shop in Nashville is the huge Piggly Wiggly pig head hanging from the ceiling.

Antique Archaeology in Nashville is located at 1300 Clinton Street, Suite 130 in the Marathon Village. It is opened Monday through Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM (all times are Central time).  Note of advice - do NOT attempt to go in there just when they open. There is honestly no need to stand outside waiting in line, go inside crammed pack like a can of sardines, and then squeeze back out.  It is a fairly small showroom, but you can purchase a few of the antiques, as well as tshirts and other American Picker merchandise.

The website for the Nashville Antique Archaeology is located http://antiquearchaeology.com/antique_archaeology_nashville_tn.html

George Jones final concert performer list released

On November 22, 2013, the country music community will be honoring the late George Jones with what was to be his final concert of his career.  Today, the official list of performers has been released for the tribute called "Playin’ Possum! The Final No Show."

Legendary performers, as well as some relatively newcomers are listed among those to perform.  Below is the complete list of those that will be playing at the George Jones tribute concert.

Alabama, Alan Jackson, Baillie & the Boys, Big & Rich, Bill Anderson, Blake Shelton, Bobby Bare, Brad Paisley, Brenda Lee, Chad Warrix of Halfway to Hazzard, Charlie Daniels, Collin Raye, Craig Morgan, Dailey & Vincent, Daryle Singletary, Dierks Bentley, Eddy Raven, Emmylou Harris, Eric Church, Eric Lee Beddingfield, Gary Morris, George Strait, Greg Bates, Gretchen Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Janie Fricke, Jeanne Pruett, Jeannie Seely, Jessi Colter, Jett Williams, Jim Ed Brown, Jim Lauderdale, Jimmy C. Newman, Jimmy Wayne, John Conlee, John Michael Montgomery, Josh Turner, Kathy Mattea, Kentucky Headhunters, Kid Rock, Larry Gatlin, Lee Ann Womack, Lee Greenwood, Leona Williams, Lisa Matassa, Little Jimmy Dickens, Lorrie Morgan, Lynn Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Mark Collie, Martina McBride, Megadeth, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, The Oak Ridge Boys, Pam Tillis, Patty Loveless, Ray Stevens, Reba McEntire, Rodney Atkins, Ronnie McDowell, The Roys, Sam Moore, Shooter Jennings, Stonewall Jackson, Suzy Bogguss, T. Graham Brown, Tanya Tucker
Teea Goans, TG Sheppard, Thompson Square, Tracy Lawrence, Travis Tritt, and Vince Gill

There will also be some surprise guests that have not been released.

“I am so excited how this show has evolved and I will be forever grateful to the artists that are coming to honor George,” says Nancy Jones. “The evening might be long, but I don’t think people will be upset as they will witness the best musical tribute Nashville has ever seen with so many artists performing George Jones songs.”

Although the show is sold out, a special VIP package which includes a show ticket, a VIP pre-show reception with Nancy Jones, and other special items are available on a limited basis. These packages are only available at www.georgejones.com.

The Weekly Vinyl: Oak Ridge Boys - Y'all Come Back Saloon

I've always been a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys.  It is unbelievable that they are celebrating their 40th year in the music business this year.  They are one of my favorite performers to see live in concert at the KY State Fair and at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.

 

The Oak Ridge Boys debut country album was this fine and dandy "Y'all Come Back Saloon."  It was released on September 2, 1977 by ABC/Dot Records.  The producer was Ron Chancey.  Three singles were released off the album, "Y'all Come Back Saloon," "I'll Be True to You," and "You're the One."

 

Track Listing for Y'all Come Back Saloon
1."Y'all Come Back Saloon" (Sharon Vaughn)
2."I'll Be True to You" (Alan Rhody)
3."An Old Time Family Bluegrass Band" (Mike Hufman)
4."Didn't She Really Thrill Them (Back in 1924)" (Allan Chapman)
5."Old Time Lovin'" (Gerry House)
6."Freckles" (Sterling Whipple)
7."You're the One" (Bob Morrison)
8."Let Me Be The One" (Jimbeau Hinson)
9."Easy" (Chick Rains)
10."Emmylou" (Buzz Cason)

 

For more on the Oak Ridge Boys, head on over to www.oakridgeboys.com.

Nashville News Roundup for 10-25-2013

Each Friday morning on WFKY, I deliver the Nashville News Roundup at 9:20 AM.  You can listen online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the radio dial or Tune-In App.  Here is this week's discussion topics.

 

Chasing Nashville
Lifetime tv channel has introduced a new tv series called "Chasin' Nashville." The unique part is that it follows 4 young girls from Appalachia following their country music dreams.  It debuted this week.  You can check it out on Tuesdays or online at http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/chasing-nashville.

 

Let's Get Ready for a Party
Blackberry Smoke and Brett Eldredge will join headliner Hank Williams Jr. for the Storme Warren-hosted Bash On Broadway in downtown Nashville on New Year’s Eve. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Handpicked Download of the Week

George Strait's latest release "I Got a Car"

 

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week

"Howdeee! I'm just so proud to be here!" Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon was born in Centerville, Tennessee in 1912. Through her persona as Minnie Pearl, she spends 50 years on the Grand Ole Opry and becomes a regular on "Hee Haw," joining the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1975.  If you go to the Country Music Hall of Fame and view her plaque in the rotundra, you will notice something unique.  Even though Sarah passed away in 1996, she wished that no date of death would be placed on Minnie Pearl as her spirit would live on forever.

Tune Up Thursday: Fifth on the Floor "What For"

Another new addition on my blog...Tune Up Thursday.  I thought it would be good to go "off the beaten path" by introducing songs that I personally enjoy.  You may or may not have heard them on radio.  However, there is something about that particular song that I have a desire to tell others about.  We always hear about people complain about the direction music is going at times, but your rarely hear folks say "hey, listen to this person/song."

This week's pick is Lexington, Kentucky, natives Fifth on the Floor.  If you know me, I've been a fan of their music for a while.  Glad to call them friends and always love to support what they do.  Back in February 2013, they had their album release party for "Ashes & Angels."  While standing there talking to a buddy, the band started playing the song "What For."  It stopped me in my tracks and I began to listen.  I bought the album and continued to play that song on repeat.  The song, written by Matty Rogers, talks about losing both grandparents and a brother and coping with the losses.  If you want a lesson on songwriting, this is a start.

You can download "What For" over at I-tunes, or perhaps head on over to www.fifthonthefloor.com and purchase the entire album, along with a tshirt or other assorted goodies.

The Weekly Vinyl: Waylon Jennings Greatest Hits

A new weekly series for the music fan - The Weekly Vinyl.  I thought I would share some tidbits and photos inside my own personal record collection.  You never know what you might find in it!

 

This week is Waylon Jennings' Greatest Hits album.  It was released by RCA Records in 1979.  The album was certified by the RIAA as being platinum five times.  The interesting tidbit is that it was re-released in 1989.  The album I have is the original 1979 release. 

 

Producers of the album include Waylon Jennings, Chips Moman, Chet Atkins, Jack Clement, and Richie Albright.

 

The album peaked at the number 1 spot on the US Billboard Top Country Album Chart in 1979.  It was #28 on the US Billboard Top 200; #1 on the Canadian RPM Country Album Chart; #20 on the Canadian RPM Top Albums; and #9 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.

 

Track Listing for Waylon Jennings' Greatest Hits Album:
1."Lonesome, On'ry and Mean" (Young) – 3:38
2."Ladies Love Outlaws" (Clayton) – 2:32
3."I've Always Been Crazy" (Jennings) – 4:11
4."I'm a Ramblin' Man" (Ray Pennington) – 2:46
5."Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line" (Bryant) – 2:20
6."Amanda" (McDill) – 2:56
7."Honky Tonk Heroes" (Billy Joe Shaver) – 3:27
8."Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" (Bruce, Bruce) – 2:32 With Willie Nelson
9."Good Hearted Woman" (Jennings, Nelson) – 2:59 With Willie Nelson
10."Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" (Emmons, Moman) – 3:19
11."Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" (Jennings) – 2:55

Handpicked Download of the Week: Erin Enderlin's "Unbroken"

I always love a good songwriter that has a knack for writing a well written tune.  Erin Enderlin is well known for her hit songs, "Sunday Morning Church" that Alan Jackson released, as well as "Last Call" that LeeAnn Womack released.  Love those songs.  With my Nashville News Roundup on WFKY Froggy 104.9/101.7, I picked Erin's tune "Unbroken" as my Handpicked Download of the Week.  It is on her new album, "I Let Her Talk," that is available now.

 

Here is a live version of that song via youtube.

Why I hate to say goodbye

Jessica with Ralph Stanley in 2001 at Renfro Valley

It's one of those things we all hate doing.  We all hate to say goodbye to a dear friend.  Starting this weekend, Dr. Ralph Stanley will be doing his farewell tour.  To me, it just doesn't seem like it is time to say "goodbye" or "farewell" to this musical legend.  It really makes me go back in time to the first time I saw Ralph Stanley in college.  It was at the Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival along with some of my college buddies back in 1998.  I got to meet him after he performed and was instantly a fan.  It also fueled the fire so to speak for me to study and learn more about Appalachian music and bluegrass music.

I was very fortunate to interview Ralph Stanley and use him as a focus of a few research papers while in college.  One of my research papers was the marketing of bluegrass music in movies and television shows.  Another was one of those "way out there" papers and presentations for my African American Women in Music course.  The teacher required us to pick a singer and a song and relate it to the title of the class.  My choice was Ralph Stanley and his song "Pretty Polly" that he sang along with Patty Loveless.  My correlation was Ralph playing banjo that originated from Africa.  The song was also similar in style of traditional African music with the call response/AAB style. (Trying to not get all technical on ya'll.)

I was a nervous wreck going into the presentation as I didn't even have a clue what to do for my opening.  I'm a talker and don't mind one bit to talk in front of crowds.  However, I wanted to make sure to leave an impression.  That morning, I put on my overalls and tshirt on.  The teacher frowned upon the fact that I didn't "dress up" for the presentation.  It wasn't until 5 minutes before the presentation I came up with my opener.  I got up to the front of the class, stood there in my overalls, got barefoot, and sang the opening lines of Alabama's "Mountain Music."  

"Oh, play me some mountain music, like grandma and grandpa used to play"

And from there I gave my presentation in front of all these music majors, my music teacher, and "oh so perfect" musicians.  I, for one, am not a musician or any of that.   In the end, I received an A+ on my presentation and paper.  The teacher also said I had a knack for bringing out the Appalachian vocals.  Talk about a compliment considering I just don't really sing!  Did I mention that I also had Ralph Stanley and his whole band sign the cover page of my research paper?  Maybe she gave me an extra + for extra effort?

Needless to say that interview with Ralph Stanley started my love of music journalism and interviewing others.  Preserving the musical heritage and history.  And now we must say "farewell."  I do not dare say "farewell," but say "I will see you soon Ralph."

Get the complete story on Ralph Stanley by going to http://www.drralphstanleymusic.com

Blue Side of Heaven

My grandpa - always in Liberty overalls overlooking his mules.

It isn't very often that you hear a song and it hits you in your heart.  It pulls a heartstring.  I first heard Alan Jackson's song, "Blue Side of Heaven," over the radio airwaves of WSM-650 AM.  Alan Jackson did a concert at the Station Inn to promote his album, "The Bluegrass Album."  Then when he played that song I immediately was brought to tears.  I began searching the lyrics or even another live performance of the song online.  Needless to say, I had to wait until the album was released.

 

The song immediately reminded me of the passing of my grandparents this past spring.  My grandpa passed away a month after his birthday and a week after their 69th wedding anniversary.  My grandma would pass away a week after her birthday, a month after my grandpa.  Every time I see a pair of Liberty overalls or a quilt I am reminded of my grandparents.  They are definitely missed.

 

Click here for the article that I wrote for Examiner.com that tells about the background story of the song as well as the lyrics to Blue Side of Heaven.

 

 

 

Whitey Morgan in Concert

This past Friday, I got to see Whitey Morgan and the 78s play at the New Vintage in Louisville, Kentucky.  Little did I know, this would be the same place that I saw Wayne Mills several years ago.  Tiny place but friendly folks.  Whitey Morgan is based out of Flint, Michigan, but full of pure country music soul.  His guitar picking reminds me of a cross between Waylon Jennings and Jerry Reed.  He can just flat out pick it.  Add in his steel guitar player, drums, and bass player and you have yourself a good time.

One thing that sets Whitey Morgan apart from the rest is that his show is probably 85% original tunes with a few covers sprinkled in here and there.  And when he throws in a cover, you are guaranteed that it is well appreciated throwback to country music.  Waylon, Paycheck, David Allan Coe, Cash, whoever...he goes deep in their catalog and not just the standard cover tune.

Here's a video from the other night that I took of Whitey Morgan singing "I'm On Fire" to give you a feeling of what his live show is all about.

Feel free to check him out online at www.whiteymorgan.com  & check him out live in concert soon. 

Happy Birthday Hank Williams

On this date in 1923, Hank Williams was born in Mount Olive, Alabama. He was considered one of the most popular and influential singer-songwriters in country music.  He was best known for his hit songs, "Cold, Cold Heart," "Your Cheating Heart," "Hey Good Looking," "I Saw the Light," and "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive."

He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, but would later be fired for not being reliable and being drunk.  The dark side of life took a hold of him when he died early New Years Day due to alcohol and drugs. He was just 29 years old when he died in 1953.

When the Country Music Hall of Fame was established, Hank Williams would be its first inductee in 1961.  He was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1985.  Two years later in 1987, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1999, he was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame. 

(Read more & view photos after the jump)

Nashville Road Trip: Johnny Cash, The Mall, Waffle House

Catch up on Part 1 of my Nashville Adventures Here

After my cousin and I stopped at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, we made our way over to the Johnny Cash Museum & Store. It was ironic as I was carrying my Johnny Cash purse that I bought a little over a year ago online.  There it sat on the shelf for sale. 

My Johnny Cash Purse - by Jessica Blankenship

After paying $14 each (little high in my opinion), we walked through the museum of various Cash memorabilia.  I was in music heaven with all the cool historic artifacts out on display depicting Johnny Cash's life and career.  It was a little packed so we didn't get to see every little thing, but I was able to capture a few photos.  It was neat seeing the tin cups Cash received when he performed at Folsom Prison. 

Cups given to Johnny Cash when he performed at Folsom Prison. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

They also had his marriage certificate from when he & June Carter Cash married in Franklin, Ky.  I always said that I wanted a love like Johnny and June (well minus the drugs!)

Johnny Cash and June Carter Marriage License at Johnny Cash Museum. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

You could also view furniture from his house, sitting in front of a rock wall that was taken from his homestead.  The eerie part was the ending of the museum tour.  As you sat and read over career facts, the music video for "Hurt" was playing.  Alongside it was the guitar and music awards he received from the last video he made.  You realized it was the end and how much of a huge impact Cash left on music.

Furniture from Johnny Cash's home as seen in the Hurt video. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

Once we got through the museum, we headed back onto Broadway to visit a few shops.  Then it was off to the Opry Mills Mall.  I hadn't been inside since the major flood except to go into the Bass Pro Shop.  We literally shopped til we dropped.  Afterwards we decided out of all the places in Nashville to eat...we go to Waffle House.  No country star sightings.

The next morning, I took my cousin down for a little "tour de Nashville."  I think I should charge for these personalized tours full of history and facts.  I took her first over to the Grand Ole Opry House, then we went downtown to see the infamous Music Row.  The funny thing is that the two songs I despise hearing, Wagon Wheel and Boys Round Here, had banners hung up for their success. I even drove by the "naked people statue" because there is no way you cannot visit Nashville without taking a turn around that.

Marathon made automobiles for a short span of time. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

George Jones touring jacket. By Jessica Blankenship

Our final stop before heading back to Kentucky was the Antique Archaeology shop.  It is where the American Pickers tv show has their shop in Nashville over at Marathon Works.  When we pulled up in the parking lot, there was a huge line of folks waiting for it to open.  The last time I was in there, there wasn't a line.  I wasn't for sure if something was happening or what was going on.  We gave it about 15 minutes after the line went inside and we ventured in there.  It was packed to the gills of young, old, and all points in between. Not for the claustrophobic or anxiety attack waiting to happen folks. Around the shop is various memorabilia that Frank & Mike have picked on their travels.  The coolest thing I saw was George Jones tour jacket - not for sale unfortunately.  We found us each a shirt and stood in line at the register. Well, at least we thought we were in line but it was a mess.  They definitely need a MUCH bigger place and organization. Or we should have waited until later to go in there.

Finally we said goodbye to the bright lights and country music of Nashville on our way back to Kentucky.  Our trip ended with my cousin wanting to go back to Nashville and see even more sights and sounds. I would say my job as "personal tour guide" was a success if she wants to return!

Don't worry - I went back to Nashville a couple of weeks after our adventures.  Stay tune to part 3 coming soon - George Jones, Bakersfield, Loveless Cafe adventures.

Nashville Road Trip: Crafts, Ernest Tubb Record Shop, and the Ryman

Ryman Auditorium - by Jessica Blankenship

Back about a month ago, I took two mini-vacations to Nashville.  It is one of those places that you can visit multiple times and see something new.  I'll try to break up my trip in different posts to describe each place.  On my first trip, I went with one of my cousins to the "Embroidery Craft Mart" or something another like that. Basically it was dealers of the big machines that sew, embroider, and do all kinds of neat things.  I rocked my Blackberry Smoke shirt and had someone to ask if that was my business name. Only in Nashville.  At one point, one of the sales guys was going over this machine how it could sew stuff, has a laser, and I have no clue what else but I was leaned up against the table.  My cousin asked how much it was and my mouth dropped when he told of a price that was more than a brand new Chevy Silverado.  And that was without the fancy dancy software to make all the cool shapes and designs. Oh my.

Legends Corner on Broadway - By Jessica Blankenship

After we left there, we landed on Broadway so my cousin could get a piece of Nashville - honky tonk central.  We made it over to Paradise Park Trailer Resort.  She got the burger & fries and I grabbed myself a grilled cheese "sammich" and sweet tater fries.  It was delicious and oddly enough for it to be a Friday, it was pretty empty. In fact, most of Broadway was empty in the middle of the day.  Got to love back to school season.  I did grab myself a souvenir t-shirt to wear later.

Me with Hip Hillbilly Chick at Ernest Tubb Record Shop

Once our bellies were full, we headed to Ernest Tubb Record Shop and got to meet the one and only Hip Hillbilly Chick, my pal Billy. Sweet gal and full of laughs.  She graciously took her time and found the one cd that I've been looking for a while - Nick 13.  Needless to say I was tickled pink when she found it.  It was also rather cool seeing Judd Film's produced DVD of Charlie Louvin on a display up at the front counter.  Do yourself a favor and grab a copy.  You cannot beat the personalized customer service that you get at Ernest Tubb Record Shop in downtown Nashville.  They are pretty much guaranteed to have that long lost album you want. 

The infamous "bat building" in Nashville overlooking Broadway. By Jessica Blankenship.

I'll close for now...but be on the lookout for more on our adventures in Nashville.

Rock Turned Country Series



Nick 13 - Photo by Adam Guy

A lot of people know that I have a keen sense of country music history.  I'm always spitting out random facts and songs of things of the past.  What I really enjoy is when you talk to someone that understands what true country music is about.  These days, people focus on if someone is "too country, too pop, too whatever."

I'm currently working on a series of articles of those in other genres of music that have a country music influence.  The fun part is that I'm a fan of their music as well.  (I'm not just a country music fan, I appreciate quite a few other genres).  I interviewed Aaron Lewis of Staind back in the early spring of 2013.  Recently I interviewed Nick 13 from the punk rock band Tiger Army, as well as Michael Poulsen from the rock band Volbeat.  All three are best known for their rock performances, but you would be extremely surprised of how much they appreciate country music.  They were also very knowledgeable on the subject, knowing songs beyond the normal hit songs of Cash, Waylon, and Merle.

The cool thing is how they seemed to enjoy talking about growing up, listening to their parents records, and using that influence in their own music.  It is evident with their songwriting and musical instrumentation in their songs.  Sometimes you don't get that from the very folks that call their music as country.

Here is a link to the first two articles.  Be on the lookout for my interview with Michael later this week.

Aaron Lewis

Nick 13

Be sure to check me out on the following places:

Examiner.com - National Country Music News

Examiner.com - Kentucky Country Music News

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On this Date in Kentucky Music History - Red Foley

I always love a good 'did you know' fact when it comes to Kentucky musicians.  Way back in time on June 17, 1010, Red Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky, near the community of Berea.  He became a major figure on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s and 1950s. 

 

Red Foley helped establish the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and Radio Show.  He was well known for his hit song "Peace in the Valley," as well as "Old Shep," "Tennessee Saturday Night," and Sugarfoot Rag."  His song, "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" reached #1 on the country and pop charts in 1950.

 

Red Foley has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  One is for his recording career, located at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard.  The other is for his television career, located at 6300 Hollywood Boulevard.

 

In 1967, he would become a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  In 2002, he was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  You can even see his corncob pipe on display at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum.  In 2003, a Kentucky State Historical Marker was placed at his boyhood home in Berea, Kentucky.  In 2006, his 1951 version of "Peace in the Valley" was entered into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.

Country Music Roadtrip

Each year I have these crazy resolutions that I'm going to do one thing or another.  Last year was to meet Little Jimmy Dickens - which I did succeed.  This year is to actually travel the full "Country Music Highway" here in Kentucky.  This spring, we are planning to tour all the sites and sounds from Loretta Lynn's cabin in Butcher Holler to the US 23 Country Music Highway Museum.

In a way, you could say that I'm getting back to my roots when it comes to country music.  I also get to finally experience a few of the views that folks saw back in time.  One cool thing, the Country Music Highway is considered a US Scenic Byway.  Here is the description from their website:

The Country Music Highway is Eastern Kentucky's heritage route. The sites and sounds along the byway capture all aspects of the region's history, including Native American culture, pioneer settlement, coal mining, country music, crafts, architecture, the Civil War, and natural resources.

For more info on the Country Music Highway go to http://countrymusichighway.com/.  Maybe I'll see you while on my adventure!