Dolly Parton proves to be the Rhinestone Queen of Country Music with Kentucky tour stop

Dolly Parton at Norton Center for the Arts - photo by Jessica Bray

From the moment she took the stage at the Norton Center for the Arts Tuesday night, Dolly Parton was full of sass and sparkle for her only Kentucky performance on the Pure & Simple tour.  Needless to say, music fans went through a musical journey with stories and jokes told by the Rhinestone Queen.

I was there when...

Remember in the movie “O, Brother Where Art Thou?” when the guys saw the women at the river?  One of them exclaimed “I seen them first!”  These days, there are so many music acts that we each have had that moment of seeing them before their career took off.  Here are a few of my personal favorite memories over the years.

A college memory thanks to Dr. Ralph Stanley

It is hard to believe that bluegrass music legend, Dr. Ralph Stanley, is 88 years old today.  A couple of years ago he said that he was going to retire, but he is still up on the stage singing when he can.  He also just released a new album via Cracker Barrel.

Back when I was a student at Berea College, I did several research papers and an independent study on bluegrass music.  One of those papers was on the marketing influence of bluegrass music in movies and television.  It was right at the time that 'O Brother Where Art Thou' was popular.  I was fortunate to get to interview Ralph Stanley during that time.

One of those research papers and presentations were for my Women in African American Music.  The assignment was to pick a singer and a song and how it related to African American music.  My choice was Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless singing "Pretty Polly."  I tied it in with the banjo coming from Africa and the musical style of AABB.  Thanks to James Alan Shelton, who played guitar for Ralph for many years until his passing, I was able to get all of the band members to sign my cover page of my research paper.

For the presentation, I wore a pair of bib overalls and took off my shoes to be barefoot.  I didn't even think of my introduction until minutes beforehand.  There I stood nervously in front of the music teacher and fellow students as I sang a few lines of Alabama's "Mountain Music."  I spoke about the stereotype of bluegrass music listener and the musical style.  I later described the history of Ralph Stanley, his legacy, and music.

The teacher was a tough one needless to say, and I was very nervous as to what my grade would be on my paper and presentation.  I was surprised when I received the paper with my grades.  I received an A+ on both my paper and presentation due to the extra work in getting the interview with Ralph.  As for my singing, she said it was a nice touch.  (I think she was just being nice. haha)

One day I hope to make it over to the Ralph Stanley Museum & Musical Heritage Center in Virginia.  Just place that on my Bucket List.

Happy birthday Ralph Stanley.  Thank YOU for the wonderful memories over the years!

Lessons learned thanks to Glen Campbell

When country music superstars age, their legacy seems to fade away.  New music trends threaten the historic figures of yesterday.  However, for some, they tend to not give up even when medical reasons force them to stop playing.

Glen Campbell, whose greatest hits include 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and 'Whitchita Lineman,' has beat the trends and continues to win awards and recognition to this day.  Most recently, he was honored with a Grammy for 'I'm Not Going to Miss You.'  The Band Perry received an award for their version of Campbell's hit song, 'Gentle On My Mind.'  Tonight, he is up for an Oscar for the song 'I'm Not Going to Miss You,' from the movie, "I'll Be Me" depicting his daily life and struggles with Alzheimer's.

Our eyes were opened wide when we saw the affects that Alzheimers has not only on the patient, but the caregivers, and medical community.  Rather than give up when first diagnosed, Glen Campbell went on tour for over 2 years to say farewell to his fans.  

Glen Campbell at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Blankenship - Kentucky Country Music

One of those shows early on was at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and I was in attendance.  It was bittersweet as you know this would be the last time you could see him perform.  As monitors across the stage showed the words of the songs, Glen would sing and would get excited at different times because his memory would remember something on the song he was about to sing.

One of things that was amazing that even as he would forget the words to the songs, he effortlessly played the guitar with style and grace.  Recent reports indicated that even in the medical facility he is currently staying, he would entertain fellow residents with his guitar playing.

Through Glen Campbell, we have learned the need for more research on Alzheimer's, as well as the need to preserve our musical heritage.  We need more oral histories and meaningful interviews on our artists throughout their career.  Be sure to support the many organizations such as NPR, PBS, Country Music Hall of Fame, and others are helping to preserve music and stories behind the song, the singer, the legacy.

Remembering Little Jimmy Dickens

My Grand Ole Opry Memory - Meeting Little Jimmy Dickens

Yesterday, not just country music, but the music community as a whole lost a legend.  It is without a doubt that a lot of folks can share their own story or two of Little Jimmy Dickens.  The Grand Ole Opry star passed away at the age of 94 years old.  I have been a fan of his for many years and was fortunate to have met him.

The first time I saw Little Jimmy Dickens, I was on the front row and center of the Grand Ole Opry House for an Opry performance in 2005.  I remember him looking down and waving at me.  Yep, I had to giggle because I'm sure he was waving at someone else, but for that moment I said "Little Jimmy just waved at me!"

Little Jimmy Dickens in 2005 at the Grand Ole Opry - By Jessica Blankenship

On down the years, while visiting Nashville, I always took time to do a tour of the Opry House and take a photo of his dressing room door.  In 2011, my pal, Sunny Sweeney, invited me to be her guest for one of her performances.  I told her I would come, but only if I got to meet Little Jimmy Dickens.  Needless to say, she made it happen.  Right after her performance, we walked the halls backstage and she knocked on his door politely.  Little Jimmy Dickens gave her a hug and she said that she wanted to introduce him to a friend of hers.  I stood there absolutely speechless and for once in my life (besides meeting Dolly Parton), I had no words.  I was like a kid standing there in amazement.

Meeting Little Jimmy Dickens backstage at the Grand Ole Opry

I finally blubbered, "In all my 30 years, my only new years resolution was to meet you.  And now that dream has come true and I don't know what to do!"  He cracked up and said "well bless your heart darlin'."  Yes, Little Jimmy Dickens called me darlin'. He gave me a hug and here I was trying to compose myself and not sound like an idiot.  He asked where I was from, how did I know Sunny, and a few other things.  I let him know that I was just so thrilled to meet him. Thankfully one of my buddies had my camera and took a few photos.

We said our goodbyes and I was still on cloud 9.  At another performance of Sunny Sweeney at the Opry, we thought we would catch him, but he was heading down the hallway leaving.  I remember standing there telling her that it looked like Little Jimmy Dickens took off his country music super hero outfit of rhinestones and is now off to face the world in his plain jacket, dress shirt, and jeans.

Little Jimmy Dickens - by Jessica Blankenship

I will never forget the time my mom told me about meeting Little Jimmy Dickens.  A while back, we had an "amusement park" type deal called Tombstone Junction, just past Cumberland Falls in Corbin, KY.  A lot of entertainers would perform, from Conway Twitty to Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.  My mom was helping out a relative sell fruit and veggies at a roadside stand on the way to Tombstone Junction.  She said that a bus pulled up one afternoon and here comes Little Jimmy Dickens off the bus.  He ends up buying a watermelon off of her.  I still crack up thinking that my momma sold a watermelon to Little Jimmy Dickens.

We will all remember his jokes, his laughter, his stories, his music, but most of all, his kindness.  Little Jimmy Dickens outlived so many in the country music world - from Hank Williams to Patsy Cline to Waylon Jennings to Johnny Cash to George Jones.  In fact, Hank Williams, Sr. was the one that gave him the nickname of "Tater."  Little Jimmy's impact on the music community will be felt for a long time and will be dearly missed on the Grand Ole Opry.

Rest in peace Little Jimmy Dickens.  

Best in country music for 2014

Every year we ask ourselves "where did the time go?"  This year is no exception.  I've traveled down to Nashville several times this year and have been fortunate to immerse myself in music on those long road trips.  Here are a few of my top picks in country music for 2014:

Top Songs of the Year

Shotgun Rider - Tim McGraw

Living the Dream - Sturgill Simpson

I Hold On - Dierks Bentley

Tonight I'm Playing Possum - Shooter Jennings

High In Heels - Kelsey Waldon

Kiss You Tonight - David Nail

The Way I'm Living - Lee Ann Womack

Bad Girl Phase - Sunny Sweeney

I Walk the Line (Johnny Cash Cover) - Craig Wayne Boyd

Top Albums of the Year

Angaleena Presley - American Middle Class

Sturgill Simpson - Metamodern Sounds of Country Music

Sunny Sweeney - Provoked

Rosanne Cash - The River & The Thread

Marty Stuart – Saturday Night/Sunday Morning

Dierks Bentley - Riser

Kelsey Waldon - The Goldmine

Personal Favorite Concerts of 2014

Hank 3 at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY

Drake White and Maggie Rose at the Froggy Field Party in Frankfort, KY

Whitey Morgan at Willy's Locally Known in Lexington, KY

Fifth on the Floor at Busters in Lexington, KY

Sturgill Simpson at Zanzabar in Louisville, KY

Shooter Jennings & Waymore's Outlaws at the World Chicken Festival in London, KY

Jamey Johnson at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, KY

Oak Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, KY

Loretta Lynn at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Renfro Valley, KY

Lee Ann Womack at Woodsongs Ole Time Radio Hour in Lexington, KY

Probably one of my favorite moments was getting to sit front row of the Ryman Auditorium for a taping of the Grand Ole Opry.  That night, the guests were the Oak Ridge Boys, Lynn Anderson, Larry Gatlin, Chris Janson, and Mary Sarah.  Eddie Stubbs even got up and played the fiddle alongside Chris Janson.

I look forward to seeing what shows, music, and friends that 2015 brings.  Be sure to check out my facebook page over at www.facebook.com/kycountrymusic for Kentucky country music facts and fun!

Reflecting on 2014 in country music and other matters

Hank 3 - By Jessica Blankenship

I honestly cannot believe that it is towards the end of 2014.  It has been a good year to say the least, both professionally and personally.  I have slowed down when it comes to going to concerts (I was use to going to over 40).  I was chair of the Cruisin' On Main car show here in London, Kentucky, my hometown.  That was quite an adventure, but a fun one.  I also ended up with several trips to Nashville this year for various reasons.  I joked and said that I should take up songwriting or something while I'm down there.

Some of my personal highlights of 2014 include:

• Interviewing Marty Stuart over his country music historical collection.  I even joked and asked him how does he maintain such wonderful hair.  Read that interview here.
• Seeing Sturgill Simpson captivate a room of less than 30 people at the Zanzabar in Louisville in April.  Read my recap here. It wouldn't be a month later that he is up on stage at major festivals, garnering attention of critics and music fans who proclaim that he is what country music needs.  There isn't a late night tv show that he hasn't played on (I think - need to check).  It was neat getting to talk to him as I lived in Versailles and we had several mutual friends.
• Sitting on the front row of the Ryman Auditorium during the Grand Ole Opry.  I've sat at the Grand Ole Opry House many times for the Opry.  I have been to the Ryman for other shows, but never for the Opry.  My favorite vocal group, the Oak Ridge Boys, played that night, along with Chris Janson and Lynn Anderson.  What a memorable night.
• Speaking of the Oak Ridge Boys - what a complete honor for them to mention me and my writing during their performance at Renfro Valley.  They also took the time to recognize my pal, John Herndon and his mother who was in attendance.  Go see the Oak Ridge Boys - they are WONDERFUL to see live.
• Bucket List item fulfilled - interview Hank 3.  It was one of those conversations that I had to pinch myself.  We talked over the phone for an hour and then later on, I got to meet him at his concert at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville.  Hands down, the most humble performer in the music industry and one of the nicest.  His 4 hour concert is for the pure music fan that likes country and rock.
• Being invited back to do red carpet coverage of the Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Party
• Meeting Loretta Lynn at the Loretta Lynn Ranch. Read about that here.
• Attending the WSM 89th Birthday Bash at the Grand Ole Opry.
• Seeing my friend Craig Wayne Boyd on The Voice.  He has worked for many years for success and there are a lot of folks behind him no matter what happens.

Sadly, there were several that we lost in the music industry.  One of those was my friend, James Alan Shelton, who passed away from cancer.  He was a sideman for Ralph Stanley, as well as helped manage Ralph's stuff.  I met him over a decade ago as I was a college student doing research on Ralph.  We stayed in touch over the years.  He is definitely missed.

Last week, I posted an article on Examiner about the success of country music from Kentucky.  Be sure to check out that article here. 

It will be interesting to see what 2015 will bring.  I look forward to it. Stay tune for more adventures out on the road.  Many thanks for your support.  Be sure to "like" my page over at Facebook for more Kentucky music history facts and links.

Glen Campbell - I'll Be Me movie release

On October 24, 2014, the story of music legend of Glen Campbell will be told through the movie "Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me."  It will showcase his life, music, and accomplishing a 151 city farewell tour to music fans while battling Alzheimer's disease.

The film features a wide variety of folks in multiple genres.  You'll see Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb (who has written quite a few of Campbell's greatest hits), Blake Shelton, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Edge, Paul McCartney, and more.

"Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me" is directed by James Keach and produced by Trevor Albert and James Keach.

One of the stops on that large tour was Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in September 2011.  (Read review here.)  I was there and it was bittersweet seeing him play.  It was early in that tour and he was just beginning to show the signs of Alzheimer's.  Even though he had to have the words in front of him, the one thing that floored me the most is that he never forgot how to elegantly play the guitar.  It was therapeutic to watch him play.  At the end of the show, he did two songs for the encore with the last being "A Better Place."

Below is a preview of the film.  Find out more and where it will be released at http://glencampbellmovie.com.

Catching up with Loretta Lynn

One of my favorite Kentucky country music singers, Loretta Lynn, has been a little bit all over with the news media here lately.  The native of Butcher Holler has been featured in quite a few interviews in national publications.  She was also featured on AXS TV's "The Big Interview" with Dan Rather.  I was blessed to have seen Loretta Lynn on the front row at Renfro Valley not too long ago.  It was an absolute delight.

Nashville Scene interviewed Loretta Lynn - check out the interview here.  We find out that she is working on her newest album with Shawn Camp, who has made a name for himself as a singer and songwriter in the Nashville Community.  Tradition is a strong keyword when it comes to his musical style.

"I think there were girl singers out there that could out-sing me," she says, "but they didn't want to work for it. I'm glad that I had to work for it, and I did work hard. If it would've come easy, I wouldn't have been as happy. I'm glad that I went for years without a band. I'm glad that I had to ride in the back of a car from one place to the other. If I had to sleep, I slept sitting up. I'm glad I had to work hard to do it. Them that runs out and gets a bus after one record, they'll never stay. It'll be one or two songs and that'll be over, and I'm glad it ain't me." - Loretta Lynn to Nashville Scene

My buddy, Chuck Dauphin, with Billboard Magazine got to interview Loretta Lynn as well.  Be sure to check out his interview here.

"I never dreamed that I would be good enough to sing a song that people would like. Daddy would come out on the front porch while I was swinging the babies and getting them to sleep and say, 'Loretta, hush your mouth. You can hear you all over Butcher Hollow.' One day I looked at him and said, 'Daddy, what difference does it make? They're all my cousins.' He almost whipped me, but he didn't." - Loretta Lynn to Billboard

You can catch Loretta Lynn on The Big Interview on AXS TV on Thur 9/11/2014 at 7:00 PM

and Sun 9/14/2014 at 12:30 PM.  Come Monday, 9/15, they will be featuring Jack White who helped produced one of Loretta's records.

"I think that I've made enough noise that there ain't nobody gonna forget me for awhile." - Loretta Lynn to Dan Rather 

Why do we have cover songs at concerts?

Jamey Johnson - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

I cannot count the number of times I have been fortunate to see Jamey Johnson in concert in almost 10 years.  Several thousand photos, guitar picks handed to me, photo books, memories, laughter, sadness, friendships, and much more gained in those years.  Something struck me though as I reflected back on those concerts.

Preservation.

There is a difference of doing a cover song just for the heck of and to get people to sing along and doing a cover song to preserve the quality and introduce that song to perhaps someone that has never heard of it.

There are quite a few songs that I love, but after hearing so many horrible cover versions, I cringe when an artist inserts them into their show.  Think about the last few concerts that you have been to.  Did you hear any of the following: Folsom Prison Blues, Wagon Wheel, Dixieland Delight, Friends in Low Places, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way, etc? In one week, I heard Folsom Prison Blues 5 times - 3 of them being all 3 acts at the concert.

Dig deep in that catalog of musical selections.  Bring out a song that ties into what you are singing, your life, your message.  Preserve that song and re-introduce it to your audience.

Jamey Johnson has sung many of a cover song of George Jones, Merle Haggard, Mel Tillis, David Allan Coe, and many more.  He even pulled out Nirvana's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" into a very haunting rendition.  

What is it? Is it the southern country drawl in the vocals?  Is it the wailing sound of the steel guitars?  Why is it that we love these cover songs?  Perhaps it is because they are necessarily preserving history of music one note at a time.

Take listen the next time you are at a show and your favorite artist sings a cover song.  And for the record - could we just retire the annoying covers of Wagon Wheel?

2014 Farm Aid Concert heads to Raleigh, North Carolina

Willie Nelson - Courtesy of FarmAid.org

 “I've always believed that the most important people on the planet are the ones who plant the seeds and care for the soil where they are grown.”

– Willie Nelson

This morning Willie Nelson and the fine folks with Farm Aid announced that Farm Aid 2014 will take place on September 13, 2014.  It will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre.

The Farm Aid 2014 Lineup includes several regulars, as well as newcomers to the concert series. Entertainers include Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Jack White, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jamey Johnson, Delta Rae, Carlene Carter, Pegi Young & The Survivors, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Insects vs Robots.

Farm Aid will highlight independent family farmers as essential to the well-being of our country. All across the country, family farmers are rebuilding local and regional food systems, re-energizing the economy, taking care of our natural resources and growing the good food we need as healthy citizens. Through the dedicated hard work of its board of directors, the support of many thousands of donors and the nearly four hundred artists who have generously donated their time and performances, Farm Aid is the longest running benefit concert series in America.

Since 1985, Farm Aid has helped grow the Good Food Movement. More and more people want to know where their food comes from, how it’s grown and who grows it. The success of this movement is why there’s a vegetable garden on the White House lawn, a national conversation about what our kids eat, and increasing political will to broaden access to fresh, healthy food and investigate the stranglehold that corporations have on our food system.

As farming once again becomes a viable career choice, more people are becoming farmers, replenishing our country with new ideas and innovations, growing local and regional economies, contributing to our national economic recovery, taking care of our natural resources and ensuring good food from family farms for everyone. This is Farm Aid’s hope and vision for a new American agriculture.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2014 will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 1, at 10 a.m. EDT. Tickets will be available at www.livenation.com, the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets range in price from $49 to $175.

For more information about Farm Aid, North Carolina food and agriculture issues, and Farm Aid’s event policies, visit www.farmaid.org. You can also follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@FarmAid) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid).

Concert Review: Oak Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley

Oak Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

History is always being made when it comes to the Oak Ridge Boys.  Saturday night at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center was no exception to that.  This year, Renfro Valley is celebrating 75 years of honoring music.  Throughout the night, Joe Bonsall would provide little tidbits of information and history through the life and times of the Oak Ridge Boys.  Even after 41 years of playing, they are still strong and hopefully continue to play for even more.  

ORB Tidbit: Did you know that they have sold over 41 million albums worldwide?  Because of the world wide distribution of the latest live album, the Oak Ridge Boys version of "American Made" is currently number one in Portugal. 

Story behind Craig Campbell's guitar strap

One of my favorite things to do while at a concert or watching a music video is to see the guitar strap. It has become a game of searching for a particular style. That particular style is that of my friend Cody Hixon of Great Point Custom Leatherworks. He has made quite a few guitar straps, belts, journals, and other leather goods with his own personal touch over the years. 

I've been fortunate to have been there when he has given some of the artists their guitar straps. Justin Moore comes to mind as he has 6 or 7 of Cody Hixon's guitar straps. Justin also has Cody to make guitar straps for his tour mates, so Jon Pardi and Dustin Lynch also have his creations after their final stop in Corbin, Kentucky, a year ago.  From George Strait to Brantley Gilbert to Willie Nelson to Jamey Johnson, many folks have been outfitted thanks to Cody Hixon.

One artist that has one of his straps that I have seen quite a bit in videos is Craig Campbell. Several of us went to Country Throwdown Tour Series stop in Knoxville, Tennessee. Cody and I got to meet Craig after his set and he presented it to him. Craig was impressed with the craftsmanship. These days I see photos from others and videos of Craig and there he is, sporting that strap. I will say that Craig was very nice and humble to meet.  With his songs and personality, there is truth, heart, and hard work that goes into his music.  He is one artist that I'm happy to tell others about. 

Here is one of those acoustic videos for Craig Campbell's latest hit song, Keep Them Kisses Coming.

You can check out more of Cody Hixon's leatherwork over at www.greatpointcustomleatherworks.com.  Find out more on Craig Campbell at http://craigcampbell.tv.

Support Good Music: Whitey Morgan to record new album with help from fans

When you want to hear a good country music song, you will want to turn to the music of Whitey Morgan.  I heard about Whitey Morgan several years ago and have been fortunate to see him live a few times.  He's going to be trekking through Kentucky in July for a series of dates.  I HIGHLY recommend you seeing him live in concert.  {Click here for review.} He is entertaining with not only his vocals, guitar picking, songwriting, and has a great beard.  {If you know me, I always love a good beard.}

I am a supporter of helping others with their music projects when they want to do things on their own.  Being a musician is rough and you never know what to expect.   You might have a handful of people at your show or you might have hundreds or thousands at your show.

Whitey Morgan is hoping to make $30,000 with his Kickstarter fund to record an album without any support from a record label.  To me, that is quite low amount to ask the fans to help get this music out there to folks.  {Look at JoDee Messina who asked for $200,000.}

You can donate at various amounts and there are some cool packages at the different levels.  Click here for complete details. Whitey Morgan has until June 29th to reach his goal and he is less than $5000 of reaching it.  Let's lend a hand and donate to this great cause!

Be sure to also check out his website www.whiteymorgan.com. 

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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. 

Alan Jackson 25th Anniversary Plans

This morning Alan Jackson announced that he is doing a major tour in 2015 for his 25th anniversary in country music.  The Country Music Hall of Fame will have a special Alan Jackson exhibit to open August 29th. They will also host the artist in residence program at the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 8 and October 22 at the Hall of Fame.

During the broadcast on his website, you could send out tweets and they would post them on the website, as well as there at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Needless to say, I took advantage of it. You can see my tweetbombs on the screen behind Mike Duncan and the other guy. ;)

I have lost count how many times I've seen him in concert. From the KY State Fair to the Corbin Arena to Rupp Arena to a little all over.  I remember during "Where I Come From" they showed clips of around town and they had a clip of my ole truck with John Deere stickers all on the back rolling through Lexington. 

Out of all of the songs he's done, I have to say the tune that Erin Enderlin penned, "Monday Morning Church" is one of my favorites.  This is what country music is about.

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Way Out Here with Josh Thompson

Josh Thompson at WFKY Froggy Field Party in 2010. Photo by Jessica Blankenship

The month of May I seem to want to shut off from the world ever since 2010.  It would be the month my nephews & niece would be forced to celebrate Mother's Day without their mom.  It would be the month she should be blowing out the candles of her birthday cake.  It would be the month I should be celebrating my wedding anniversary.  However, instead of being a month of celebrations, it would be a month of memories.  Some good, some bad.  In 2010, my sister in law passed away the first of June.  I would also get a divorce.  Last May, we lost my grandma.

Not only do we have the memories, we also have the songs that keep us going.  You know of songs in your personal life that take you back or help you get through the hard times.  Two songs come to mind.  First would be The Band Perry's "If I Die Young."  I remember my sister in law being the one to tell me about the song just a week before her passing.  I remember her saying that it was a powerful song that she knows will go to #1.  In May of 2011 a year later the Band Perry would be certified Platinum for that song.

The other song would be Josh Thompson's "Way Out Here."  It was the one song that while traveling with my nephews they would sing.  It described our family.

We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it

When it comes to weight brother we pull our own

If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with

You can leave us alone

We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere

Way out here

In July 2010, Josh Thompson would play at the WFKY Froggy Field Party.  I was honored to be able to sit down and have a conversation with Josh.  I had interviewed him before, but this time was different.  I rarely share my personal stories of a song with a songwriter.  But this time was different and I was able to thank him for that song.  It is one of those conversations and his kind words that made me a life long fan of his music.

Friday night, Josh Thompson will be playing at 4th Street Live in Louisville and I'll definitely be there.  Next week marks 4 years since we lost my sister in law. Thankfully we have good memories, as well as good music to help us get through the hard times.

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Emily West: A Rare Breed

Tonight I will watch America's Got Talent, something I haven't done in a long time.  I normally don't watch talent shows or tv that much for that matter.  The reason why I will watch is because Emily West will be performing.  I've always been a cheerleader for her musical talents after seeing her play a few years ago.  She is a rare breed of good talent.  Pure raw vocal and songwriting talent.  She isn't afraid to step out beyond the borders and sing from the heart.  Here are a few of my favorite songs of hers.  I really wish radio, the fans, and more would take notice of this wonderful talent.  We focus more of the whole "what is country music, bro-country, etc" and yet we don't highlight the true talents of music as a whole.

Blue Sky was written in regards to a situation her mom dealt with.  She would cut the song and have Keith Urban sing background vocals. Here she is on the Grand Ole Opry singing that song.

Annie Gonna Get a Brand New Gun is a sassy tune that is fun to hear live in concert.  Here is a video I found of her singing it:

And here is Emily West's Rocks In Your Shoes that debut back in 2009.

Good luck to Emily West and let's hope that she continues this musical journey to where it may lead her. Go follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emilywest. And check out my facebook page as well over at www.facebook.com/kycountrymusic.

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Prayers for James Alan Shelton

A little over 10 years ago, I was a college student at Berea College working on research papers on bluegrass music.  It was then that I had my first "big time" interview with the legendary Ralph Stanley.  It was right when "O Brother Where Art Thou" movie came out and little did we all knew at the time how successful it would be.  The person that helped me set up that interview was James Alan Shelton, Ralph's guitar player.  We formed a friendship and it has always been a pleasure speaking with him over the years.  He even went out of his way to have Ralph and all of the band members personalize my cover page of one of my research papers.  It is now in a frame.  

That interview started a fire inside me to do interviews and continue doing historic research on bluegrass, Appalachian, and country music.  By the way, I made an A+ on that paper and presentation.  I also used that interview for a couple more papers that also earned me A+.

Today I found out the news that James Alan Shelton has Stage 4 Cancer.  Not only that, the doctors said that it has spread and have given him a life expectancy of 18 months to 2 years.  He will be having chemo treatments to help slow it down.  However, you can't help but wonder why do bad things happen to good people.  

James Alan Shelton and his wife, Greta, are those people that are always willing to lend a hand to others.  Now they need our help with thoughts and prayers.  The news has been a blow for those in the bluegrass music community.  Some things we don't understand the answers to the questions.  However, we can do good deeds for others while we can.

Keep James and his family in your prayers.  

Have a Willie Nice Day!

The man. The myth. The legend. The birthday boy...that would be the one and only Willie Nelson.  Today marks his 81st birthday.  What a living legacy he has led in his musical journey, both on and off the stage.

A few years ago, I had the honor of photographing Willie Nelson at the Country Throwdown Tour.  I had photographed the tour series before, but this go around in Knoxville was somewhat magical in a sense.  You see, all of those that were on the "up and coming stage" and on the big stage and Bluebird Cafe stage back in 2011 are now household names among fans.  Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson, Drake White, Austin Lucas, Erin Enderlin, and many more took part in the festivities.  What was even cooler was that Willie's son, Lukas Nelson, played guest guitar with each and every act.  He was very much involved and you could tell he loved every minute of it.

Willie Nelson would close the night and I was in awe.  It was amazing to be able to stand within a few feet in the photo pit snapping away.  I came home, wrote up my article for Examiner.com and was literally amazed to see it posted on Willie's website.  The journalist in me was giddy as a kid seeing that.

I've always been supportive of Farm Aid and it has always been on my bucket list to go and cover the event.  I've been invited several times, but logistics, a full time job, travel costs, and other commitments kept me away.  One day I will attend Farm Aid...one day.

Happy birthday Willie Nelson!