Kentucky Music Hall of Fame hosts open house

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Officials and local official cut the ribbon for the Open House.
Photo by Jessica Bray

Just a year ago, it had seemed as though that the doors of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum would be closed forever.  However, with the partnership of local leaders and Rockcastle County Tourism officials, there was a strong desire to come together.  Soon the Rockcastle County Tourism office moved its headquarters into the Museum and hired a new manager of the museum, Avery Bradshaw.  Susan Tomes Laws has been leading the reins with the Rockcastle County Tourism office.  On March 25th, everyone in the community came together in support with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting with a start of a new era with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Crystal Gayle to be highlighted on The Big Interview

Loretta Lynn with Crystal Gayle

It seems as though 2017 is the year of Crystal Gayle.  With her recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry, as well as being featured on several tributes, she has been gaining attention in a positive way.  Fans can watch her on AXS TV on March 7, 2017, as she sits down with Dan Rather on "The Big Interview."  During the show, she opens up about her relationship with her older sister, Loretta Lynn, as well as doing things her own way and finding her own way.

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

Crystal Gayle invited to join Grand Ole Opry

Carrie Underwood asks Crystal Gayle to become member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Photo by Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry

Grammy-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was surprised during her Grand Ole Opry performance last evening by Opry member Carrie Underwood with an invitation to become an official Opry member. Gayle will be formally inducted into the Opry on Jan. 21, 2017 by her sister, Opry legend Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut nearly 50 years ago on the Ryman Auditorium stage, singing the country classic “Ribbon of Darkness” at age 16.

Underwood surprised the sold-out Opry at the Ryman crowd by joining Gayle on the smash hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Seconds after finishing the duet, Underwood turned to Gayle and said, “You are an inspiration to so many of us. You are important to country music, and you are important to the Opry, which is why I was asked tonight to ask you if you would like to join our Opry family officially.”

Accepting her friend’s invitation with a hug, Gayle said, “I have always felt like I was a member of the family and this is just so special.”

“For more than half of the Opry’s 91 years, Crystal Gayle has been lending her signature vocals to Opry shows and connecting with Opry audiences as well as with everyone backstage,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “She is family, and we are very excited that she’ll become an official Opry member early next year.”

Tickets for Gayle’s Opry induction night and all upcoming Opry performances are available at opry.com.

Pictured L-R: Steve Buchanan, President, Opry Entertainment, Bill Gatzimos, Manager, Crystal Gayle, Carrie Underwood, Pete Fisher, VP/GM Grand Ole Opry. (Photo by Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry

Kentucky stars shined bright on CMA Awards

Chris Stapleton at CMA Awards.
Photo by Erika Goldring/FilmMagic

If you noticed carefully throughout the night, several Kentucky country music stars were featured on the CMA Award 50th anniversary broadcast.  Here are a few of those highlights:

Keith Whitley Remembered Twice

During Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's melody of hits, they performed Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes."  Then when Alan Jackson sang "Remember When" and George Strait sang "Troubadour," a photo of Keith Whitley was shown in the background as to honor the legends.

Trisha Yearwood pays tribute to Crystal Gayle & Loretta Lynn

Trisha Yearwood performed "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" as Crystal Gayle looked on in the audience beside her sister Loretta Lynn.  Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks also sang "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," in tribute to Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.

Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley Memoralized

During Alan Jackson and George Strait's duet, you will see photos on the wall in the background that included Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley among those that helped build the foundation of country music.

Ricky Skaggs & Dwight Yoakam Pickin' and Grinnin' in Opener

During the CMA Award show opener, Ricky Skaggs and Brad Paisley picked their way through "Country Boy," complete with fast guitar picking skills.  We also got to see Dwight Yoakam singing "Guitars, Cadillacs" during the opener.

Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisley, and Charlie Daniels at the CMA Awards. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images.

Roy Clark looks on as Dwight Yoakam sings "Guitars, Cadillacs" at the CMA Awards.
Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Dwight Yoakam and Chris Stapleton singing "Seven Spanish Angels"

Here is some six degrees of Kentucky: Pikeville native Dwight Yoakam performed with Paintsville native Chris Stapleton on the hit tune, "Seven Spanish Angels."  That song was made famous with the performance by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson.  Willie Nelson leased part of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center back in the day, but has never played there.  One of the co-writers of that song, Eddie Setser, is from Corbin, Kentucky, which is home of the original KFC.

Chris Stapleton Takes Home 2 Awards

A humbled Chris Stapleton took home the award for Best Male Vocalist, along with Best Video for the powerful tune "Fire Away."

Darrell Scott is Long Time Gone

Laurel County native, Darrell Scott, has made a living on songwriting and performing.  He wrote "Long Time Gone" that the Dixie Chicks sang last night alongside Beyonce at the CMA Awards.  Ironically the tune is about the dismay of country music with the lyrics, "Now they sound tired but they don't sound Haggard / They got money but they don't have Cash / They got Junior but they don't have Hank..."

Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle in the audience

Believe me when I say this, it was just a disgrace that Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle were only given a few seconds of screentime rather than have them up on stage performing showing how it is done.

What were some of your favorite moments of the awards? Did your favorite win?

Where are the females in the Country Music Hall of Fame?

Country Music Hall of Fame Rotunda - Photo by Jessica Bray

Yesterday the Country Music Hall of Fame announced their 2016 inductee class.  The newest members include Charlie Daniels, Randy Travis, and Fred Foster.  While all three are deserving of the honor, there are some that many feel are left out.  Most importantly, there has been a serious lack of females inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

If you counted each and every member, including those in a group/duo, there are 158 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Out of that 158, only 21 are females, as in only 13.29% of the membership are females.

Here are the Country Music Hall of Fame Female Members and when they were inducted:

Connie Smith 2012

Reba McEntire 2011

Jean Shephard 2011

Barbara Mandrell 2009

Emmylou Harris 2008

Dolly Parton 1999

Tammy Wynette 1998

Brenda Lee 1997

Cindy Walker 1997

Patsy Montana 1996

Jo Walker-Meador 1995

Frances Preston 1992

Felice Bryant 1991 (with husband Boudleaux)

Loretta Lynn 1988

Kitty Wells 1976

Minnie Pearl 1975

Patsy Cline 1973

Carter Family 1970 (Sara and Mother Maybelle)

It has been 4 years since a female was inducted and that was Connie Smith.  There have been very long stretches in between female inductees.  Kitty Wells was inducted in 1976 and then in 1988, Loretta Lynn was included 12 years later.  Another long stretch was 1999 when Dolly Parton was inducted until 2008 when Emmylou Harris was included.  The first members were inducted in 1961, but the first female didn't appear until 1970 with Sara and Mother Maybelle as part of the Carter Family.

Why are women suppressed when it comes to Country Music Hall of Fame inductions?  Why are the following not members yet? 

Alison Krauss

Crystal Gayle

Dottie Rambo

Dottie West

Faith Hill

Janie Fricke

Jeanie C. Riley

Jean Ritchie

Kathy Mattea

Lynn Anderson

Martina McBride

Molly O'Day

Patsi Bale Cox

Patty Loveless

Sammi Smith 

Shania Twain 

Skeeter Davis

Tanya Tucker

The Coon Creek Girls

The Judds 

Trisha Yearwood

Wanda Jackson

Many have blazed a trail doing things their own way, not minding what others may think or say.  Many have done a lot of charity work off the stage within their own communities.  They have stood strong, singing songs that they have written, and made a name for themselves, as well as gaining recognition around the world.  Look at the instance of Shania Twain as compared to Garth Brooks, who is a member.  Both have sold millions of records, performed sold out concerts, and went across genres, as well as across the pond internationally with their music.  Yet, Garth was inducted many years prior to other deserving males who are still not inducted - Keith Whitley, Vern Gosdin, Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart, Hank Williams, Jr. and more.

When will we see another female inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame?  It is long overdue for many of these women.  Who do you feel should be in the Hall of Fame?

Kentucky native to receive Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award

Crystal Gayle - photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Today, the Academy of Country Music announced Crystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker, and The Statler Brothers will be honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award during the 10th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will take place in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.

Crystal Gayle traversed new territory as the first female country artist to achieve platinum album sales with her 1977 project We Must Believe in Magic, containing her crossover smash "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” The Kentucky native and younger sister of Loretta Lynn has been connecting with fans of country-pop for five decades, starting with the release of her debut single in 1970. Often working with hit-making producer Allen Reynolds, Gayle scored 20 No. 1 country hits during the 1970s and ‘80s, including "You Never Miss a Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye),” “I'll Get Over You,” and "Talking in Your Sleep.” She toured worldwide and starred in several prime-time television specials. In total, Gayle’s career yielded six Gold albums and four prestigious ACM Awards.

Since the release of her debut single, “Delta Dawn,” at age 13, Tanya Tucker has been influencing generations of female artists. The 1972 hit, under the guidance of legendary producer Billy Sherrill, was the first in Tucker’s string of 56 Top 40 singles, including 10 No. 1s. Boosting her success was her willingness to address difficult topics, such as adultery and revenge in the song “Blood Red and Goin’ Down.” During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Tucker scored with “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone),” “Texas (When I Die),” “Can I See You Tonight,” and “One Love at a Time.” The 1990s marked a professional high-point for Tucker, thanks to memorable songs “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” "Down to My Last Teardrop,” and “It’s a Little Too Late.” Tucker is the recipient of two ACM Awards. Today, more than fifty years since her first record deal, she is still actively touring and making music.

The Statler Brothers was a pioneering quartet comprised of Harold Reid, Don Reid, Phil Balsley, original member Lew DeWitt--and later member Jimmy Fortune. Fortune is the only remaining member who continues to tour, and he recently released his first solo album which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart. The Virginia natives intertwined gospel-inspired harmonies with country songs, getting their professional break in 1964 as Johnny Cash's backing vocalists and opening act. This launched a career that would yield numerous hits in the 1960s through 1980s, including "Flowers on the Wall,” "Bed of Rose’s,” "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine?,” “Elizabeth,” "My Only Love" and "Too Much on My Heart.” Many of their signature songs were helmed by producer Jerry Kennedy. The Statlers often used humor in their music and performances, leading to frequent appearances on Cash’s popular television show and their own successful program on The Nashville Network (TNN) in the early to mid-1990s. The Statlers garnered two ACM Awards and 2008 induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama, Bob Beckham, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

Indiana Museum dedicates theater and exhibit to Crystal Gayle

Crystal Gayle’s legacy continues to have a lasting impact in her childhood hometown with the unveiling of a theater named in her honor and an exhibit profiling her iconic career.

The Wabash County Historical Museum in Wabash, Indiana named its theater the “Crystal Gayle Theater” to honor her influence and connection to the small town in Northern Indiana.

“It’s so humbling to return to Wabash and feel the love from the community. They always welcome me home with open arms. I’m so proud to be here and be part of this incredible museum,” Gayle said.

The youngest of eight children, including Loretta Lynn, Gayle was born Brenda Gail Webb in Paintsville, Kentucky. As the coal mines closed, her family left the area to find work and moved to Wabash, Indiana.

The updated exhibit features a replica of Gayle’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 1986 American Music Award for Favorite Female Country Vocalist, “When I Dream” gold album, tour gown and tour book, 2005 Indiana Living Legend Award along with various pictures and memorabilia.

“Our community has a strong affection for Crystal Gayle and her connection to many local families and this will be a great event for them to reconnect with her and enjoy the museum,” said Mitch Figert, Executive Director.

The expanded exhibit will allow the museum to further highlight Crystal Gayle’s accomplishments which will also include memorabilia to be added inside the theater.

Crystal Gayle is an award-winning country music living legend whose reign in the music business includes 20 number one 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. She 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. For more information, visit www.crystalgayle.com.

CRYSTAL GAYLE ON TOUR:
Nov. 21 BBCHS Auditorium - KCTC Benefit Concert - Bradley, IL
Dec. 04 Shooting Star Casino Event Center - Mahnomen, MN
Dec. 05 Hard Rock Hotel Casino - Sioux City, IA
Dec. 06 Andy Williams' Moon River Theater - Branson, MO
Dec. 12 Andy Williams' Moon River Theater - Kansas City, MO

Crystal Gayle brings country music of your life to fans everywhere

Crystal Gayle

Kentucky native and county music icon Crystal Gayle is helping to promote the music that has defined not only her career, but also her life. She has teamed up with Time-Life to promote the brand new collection Country Music of Your Life: For The Good Times. Available in both a ten and eighteen-CD package, the set includes many of the format’s greatest hits of all time – songs that influenced the singer greatly growing up.
 
“Country Music has always been a part of my life,” reflected Crystal. “My sisters, Loretta, Peggy Sue, and I grew up singing Country tunes. These songs are timeless.”

Indeed. The music on the set includes hits such as “Amanda” (Waylon Jennings), “Still” (Bill Anderson), “She Thinks I Still Care” (George Jones), and “Here You Come Again” (Dolly Parton). Gayle co-hosts the thirty-minute infomercial for the set with fellow hit-maker Charley Pride. She is represented on the collection with five of her biggest hits – “Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For,” “Talking In Your Sleep,” “I’ll Get Over You,” “You’ll Never Miss A Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye,” and 1977’s million selling “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.”

Of course, that is just a few of the massive hits that Crystal Gayle has enjoyed. Starting her career in 1970 with “I’ve Cried (The Blue Right Out Of My Eyes),” Gayle charted one Billboard hit after another for close to two decades. Seventeen of her single releases went all the way to the top of the magazine’s Country Singles chart. She has also won three ACM and two CMA Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, and her 1977 album We Must Believe In Magic was the first by a female Country performer to be certified platinum – signifying sales in excess of one million copies. Gayle is currently working on a new disc, slated for release later this year of Country classics.
 
 For more information on Country Music of Your Life: For The Good Times, visit www.TimeLife.com/products/Country-Music-Of-Your-Life.