Kentucky music women to be featured in new book

Woman Walk the Line - How the Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives

At a time when women’s lives have never been more public, more debated, more celebrated and in many ways, more scrutinized, Woman Walk The Line: How the Women of Country Changed Our Lives arrives. A collection of 27 women writers of varying age, race, sexual orientation and occupation, these deeply personal essays reflect how one country artist served as the life pivot that shifted everything in each writer’s life.

Benefit for Dolly Parton's My People Fund to be held Tuesday

The impressive lineup of performers continues to grow for Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. (EST). Hank Williams Jr., Cyndi Lauper, Alabama, Don McLean, Ronnie Dunn, Jamey Johnson and Lauren Alaina have been added to the star-studded telecast, which will be broadcast on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network. Dolly Parton and a number of her friends, including Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers and Alison Krauss, are set to perform as well.

A number of celebrities will answer phones during the telethon. Paula Deen and her sons Bobby and Jamie, RaeLynn, Dailey & Vincent, Moonshiners’ Mark & Digger, T.G. Sheppard, Jason Crabb, Larry Gatlin, comedian Henry Cho, Tim Rushlow and more will help man the phone lines during the telethon. All of the celebrities are donating their time and performances to help the effort.

“Every day I’m touched even more by the number of people who are joining us to help raise money for the people of the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said. “It is a special place and I’m honored that these people care so much about what we’re doing through the My People Fund to help those who have lost everything due to the wildfires.”

The nationally-broadcast telethon seeks to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund, established by Parton, The Dollywood Company and Parton’s dinner theaters in the wake of last week’s wildfires in the entertainment icon’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee.

Smoky Mountains Rise also will be simulcast across multiple radio chains, including iHeart Media's digital and select on-air platforms, Cumulus Media's NASH Nights LIVE, TuneIn's Country Roads channel, and several other platforms which are set to be announced shortly. All of the artists are donating their performances to help the effort. USAToday.com and USA Today National Networks will live stream the telethon on their affiliate newspaper websites, including all Tennessee newspaper sites Tennessean.com, Knoxnews.com, commercialappeal.com, jacksonsun.com, theleafchronicle.com, dnj.com, and others.

The My People Fund will provide $1000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org.

During the telethon, viewers will be asked to call 1-866-CARE MORE to donate to the My People Fund.

Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org. For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

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.

Dolly Parton to make Kentucky stop on 2016 ‘Pure & Simple’ Tour

Legendary entertainer and international superstar Dolly Parton will bring her energetic live show to the Bluegrass state on August 9. Parton is scheduled to perform at Norton Center for the Arts in Danville, Ky. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Renfro Valley keeping music tradition alive with 77th season in 2016

Renfro Valley Barn Dance back in time

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, sits one of the longest lasting barn dances in America.  Renfro Valley Entertainment Center first opened in 1939 thanks to founder John Lair.  Many from around the region would come and enjoy the weekly barn dances, as well as Gospel services.  

Today, the entertainment complex host 4 weekly shows, as well as headliner concerts, gift shop village, and RV camping.  In the fall, they host the Appalachian Harvest Festival Antique Tractor, Gas Engine, and Truck show with the Southeastern Kentucky Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Association.

I recently sat down with Jerred Harris, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, of Renfro Valley about new changes this year, as well as keeping the musical tradition alive.  It is amazing that it is still one of the best family friendly places to see a concert.  It is a dry county, so no alcohol is served at shows.  Every show is fun for the entire family, and you can make a full weekend of entertainment.

This year in the Old Barn, there are 4 shows. There is a new Bluegrass and Classic Country Show, as well the Renfro Valley Bandstand.  It is a variety music show that includes audience participation in what they would like to hear.  Renfro Valley also continues to host their weekly Barn Dance, as well as Gospel Jubilee.  The original Renfro Valley Barn Dance started in 1939 and was carried by WHAS-AM out of Louisville and WCKY-AM in Cincinnati.  It is no longer on the radio, but fans can enjoy it live in person every Saturday night.

From Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

One of the original Renfro Valley Barn Dance cast photos

In the past, Renfro Valley hosted a Gathering Radio Show, which began in September of 1943 on the CBS Radio Network.  It was the third oldest continually broadcast radio program in America – only the Grand Ole Opry and Music & the Spoken Word had been broadcasted longer. While it is no longer broadcasted on radio, archives of broadcasts are available to listen online at www.renfrovalley.com.

One of the legends of Renfro Valley was recently inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2015.  Pete Stamper has been one of the longest performers at Renfro Valley.  Stamper is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the history of Renfro Valley and Kentucky music.  If you ever do get the opportunity to meet him, you will always learn something new.

From Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

2016 presented a very unique situation with two country music legends scheduled to perform.  Don Williams was originally scheduled for two performances in April, but were moved into the fall.  Unfortunately, due to health issues, Williams decided to retire from performing.  He was always a long time staple performing at Renfro Valley.  In April, just a move before he was to perform, country music lost Merle Haggard with his passing.  Haggard was another long time performer at Renfro Valley over the years.  Even though no one could ever fill his shoes, traditional country music singer, Josh Turner, filled in the date in May.

Each year, Renfro Valley brings out a variety of headliner concert series.  One of the top returning acts is the Oak Ridge Boys - and is always a delight to see and hear Joe Bonsall talk stories along the way!  Kentucky artists are featured yearly, including this year with Steve Wariner, Exile, Loretta Lynn, Wynonna, Chris Knight, and more. 

Oak Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Bray

Ironically, there are several that have never played at Renfro Valley.  One of them being Dolly Parton.  Another that has performed out in the festival field was Willie Nelson.  Harris recalled, "I just recently found out that back a while ago that Willie Nelson actually was part owner of Renfro Valley.  There were a group of businessmen that had a lease to own option.  I guess when it ran out, Willie decided not to renew."  Now how wild would it have been if Willie Nelson continued to be owner?

This year, the shops in the village have grown to a wide variety of stores.  The stores include the Grist Mill, an outdoors store, the Country Music Store, a vareity store, Divine Boutique, Long Rider Leather, as well as Oak Factory Furniture store.  There will also be a Toys for Tots drop off area.  For a quick bite, visitors can enjoy a premium sandwich at Valley Station.  Just a tiny bit down the road is the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, opened on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays.  It is well worth seeing the exhibits portraying Kentucky's rich musical past.

Bittersweet Village Shops at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Bray

Renfro Valley Village - photo by Jessica Bray

The Grist Mill at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Bray

Renfro Valley Shops - photo by Jessica Bray

Renfro Valley employees 16 workers during the week and about 30 on the weekends when there are shows.  Several workers have been there for over 20 years, continuing on the tradition of good quality family entertainment.

When asked why does he think Renfro Valley has lasted for 77 years, Harris replied, "I believe it is because of the family atmosphere.  There are many things to offer beyond music, and it appeals to both young and old."  As far what does the future hold for Renfro Valley, Jerred said that "everyone has a passion for it and plan on keeping the tradition alive.  We hope to have outdoor concerts, and possible continue doing the ghost tours in the fall."

Renfro Valley New Barn - photo by Jessica Bray

I highly encourage you to help keep the tradition alive and well here in southeast Kentucky.  Go and patronize Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, whether it be a Headliner Concert, or even one of the old barn shows.  It is rare to be able to see a Barn Dance these days, so be sure to take your family to show them a tradition that has lasted multiple generations.

For more information, be sure to check out www.renfrovalley.com.  Also, be sure to check out the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum just a few steps away to learn more about Kentucky's rich music heritage.

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?

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors coming to tv

Dolly Parton

NBC has announced that its upcoming holiday film “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” will air Thursday, Dec. 10 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT.

“Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” is based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing. This once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes place inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith, and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Parton who she is today.

The film is set in the Tennessee Great Smokey Mountains in 1955. It is neither a biopic nor musical about Dolly’s whole life and performing career, but rather a family-oriented faith-based story about the incidents in her and her family’s life around the time she was 9 years old.

Three cast members were recently added to the production, which begins this week in Atlanta.

Jennifer Nettles will play Parton’s mother, Avie Lee Parton. Nettles is one of the most popular singer-songwriters in music today. As the lead singer of the duo Sugarland, Nettles has sold more than 22 million albums, achieved eight #1 singles and has won numerous awards, including trophies from the Grammys, AMAs, ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and CMA Awards. In addition, Nettles debuted her first solo album in 2014 which went to #1 on the country charts.

Adding theater actress to her already impressive resume, Nettles made her Broadway debut in February as Roxy Hart in the Tony Award-winning musical “Chicago.”

Gerald McRaney, one of the most respected actors of his generation, will play Grandpa Jake Owens. His career includes roles in several critically acclaimed television dramas — “Deadwood,” “Southland” and “House of Cards” — and he currently co-stars on the Western series “Longmire.” He will also co-star on the upcoming TNT series “Agent X.” McRaney was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the cast for both “Deadwood” and “House of Cards.”

Ricky Schroder will portray Dolly’s father, Lee Parton. Schroder has had a lengthy career dating back to when the actor was 9 years old and won a Golden Globe for his role in the heartfelt boxing film “The Champ.” He was SAG nominated both individually and as a member of the cast of the Emmy Award-winning police drama “NYPD Blue” and had a co-starring role in the Emmy-winning drama “24.”

As previously announced, Alyvia Alyn Lind will portray 9-year-old Dolly Parton. Alyvia most recently had a role in the Lifetime movie spoof “A Deadly Adoption,” with Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig. She has also appeared in “Masters of Sex” and “Transparent.”

“Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” is written by Pamela K. Long. She executive produces with Sam Haskell and Dolly Parton. The film is a production of Magnolia Hill Entertainment and DP Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Top 10 songs of Dolly Parton

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I am a fan of Dolly Parton and was fortunate to have met her years ago.  I have been writing freelance work for both Examiner.com and AXS.com for over 5 years.  AXS just published my article on my top 10 songs of Dolly Parton.  Take a look at it by clicking here.

Dolly Parton living a dream over five decades

Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images

In most career choices, it is unbelievable that one could have a career that has expanded five decades. Today, Dolly Parton is still as hard-working as she ever has been and it doesn't seem like she has any plans of slowing down. She just released her latest album, "Blue Smoke," that has reached worldwide.

On Monday, Dolly completed her world tour at the Moon & Stars Festival in Locarno, Switzerland. The crowd at Glastonbury Festival in England would be one of her biggest with over 100,000 fans singing along. In fact, the security in front of the stage was dancing along with "Jolene."

According to Parton, "I am so proud of that song ('Jolene'). A lot of people don't realize that's the song I have written that has been recorded the most by other artists. I still enjoy singing it, and I think a lot of people relate to it."

Dolly Parton was recently honored with 100 million albums sold. During a teleconference last week with journalists, she spoke about life on the road, her success, and future plans. Dolly Parton has had many awards and achievements over the five decades that she has performed. When asked how she wants to be remembered by, Dolly Parton's response to Kentucky Country Music was,

"There are great highlights. I think I’m proud of the fact that I've had an opportunity, now that I’m an older person, to honestly say that I have lived to see my dreams come true. ‘Cause I know that a lot of people, don’t. A lot of people have the same dreams that I do. A lot of them more talented; write better songs, sing better songs, better performers, work just as hard. And never actually had the success that I've had. So every single day I’m just grateful and thankful, that I've been allowed to see my dreams come true. I’m thankful to the fans out there. Course now there are some highlights, that are important to me, things like when I became a member of The Grand Ole Opry, back in the late ‘60s. Like the Kennedy awards and things like that. When I started the Imagination Library, the literacy program that I have and saw that become such a big success. So there are many, many things that I’m very proud of and hopefully they’ll be lots and lots more. But the biggest thing is, Hey I’m like Minnie Pearl, 'I’m just so proud to be here.'"

Be sure to check out Dolly Parton's website online at www.dollypartonentertainment.com

Whitney Houston vs Dolly Parton: Who should claim 'I Will Always Love You?'

From Kentucky and beyond, the entertainment world was shaken just a week ago with the death of Whitney Houston. Besides what caused Whitney’s death, one of the most asked questions was if the song I Will Always Love You belongs to Houston or Dolly Parton. Shortly after her death, sales for the song skyrocketed.

Dolly Parton originally wrote I Will Always Love You when she was leaving the Porter Waggoner Show. The song would hit number one twice for Dolly Parton on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. It was written on the aspect of a relationship was ending mutually, rather than in turmoil. I Will Always Love You turned out to be one of Dolly Parton’s signature hit songs.

Dolly Parton would perform I Will Always Love You multiple times for movies and tv specials. Shortly before Porter Waggoner passed away, she sang a tearful rendition at the Grand Ole Opry in his honor. Dolly also performed the song on the Nate Berkus Show in memory of a fan from Kentucky who had passed away after giving birth to twins.

Whitney Houston starred in the film The Bodyguard and sing I Will Always Love You. Once again, the song climbed up to the charts for 14 weeks and it would become a poignant song for Whitney Houston. Many fans would immediately think of I Will Always Love You when thinking of Whitney Houston’s career.

Only a few hours after Houston's death on February 11, 2012, I Will Always Love You topped the U.S. iTunes Charts. Also, that same week after her death, the single returned to the Billboard Hot 100, after almost 20 years, at number 7, becoming a posthumous Top Ten single for Houston. It debuted on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles Chart at number 3 on the chart dated February 25, 2012 with over 195,000 copies downloaded.

Many tabloids attempted to make a feud among fans based on a quote that Dolly Parton made to Billboard on the day of Whitney Houston’s passing. Dolly Parton said to Billboard, "Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston, I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’"

With Dolly Parton saying “my song,” many felt that the song was both hers and Whitney’s even though Dolly originally wrote it. According to Perez Hilton, Parton would later respond to critics with, “I did not know Whitney, nor any of her family personally; but she will always be a part of my heart and I will always be grateful for her awesome performance and success with our song. My heart is with Whitney and her family as they lay her to rest… I Will Always Love You."

The Song Remembers When

Music intertwines the heart and soul of people. It paints a picture. It evokes an emotion. Music has been a major part of my life ever since I was a young child in rural Laurel County in southeast Kentucky.

It began with a song. My earliest musical memory would be listening to Conway Twitty sing "Hello Darlin." That distinct voice made an impression on me. He would be played through the radio static as I would join my dad on many of a straw haul. I spent many summers out on the road traveling north to gather a load to bring back to the beautiful horse farms of Kentucky. We both had a love and appreciation of Conway's music. I couldn't help but feel a part of my youth leave when Conway passed away.

Through my love of concerts and photography, I began going to new places and meeting new faces thanks to music. I have met quite a few of my closest friends via those opportunities.

Even though I cannot sing, play a note on a guitar, or write music - I can write ABOUT it. I became a music journalist through college and eventually outside of college. My love of history and getting to know others has given me a desire to know more. (I got to thank my momma for my gift of gab!) In the end, I knew not only more about the song, the singer, but about myself.

I hope through my articles and interviews, I'm able to trace a path in music history. I hope that something I wrote will be looked upon in future generations as a piece in time.

Music was there during one of the worst years in my life. Whoever said turning 30 is fun needs to be slapped. In 2010 when I did turn 30, a close family member, Karin, passed away and I went through a divorce not long after that. Even though I was alone, I didn't feel alone through the lyrics and notes. Music provided better (and cheaper) therapy for me than going to a psychologist. It also provided comfort in knowing everything will be alright.

The most memorable moment in my life happened last fall when Dolly Parton surprised my family on the Nate Berkus Show by dedicating "I Will Always Love You" in memory of my sister in law, Karin. This was a humbling experience and we were honored that she would want to meet us.

Music touches people in different ways. From birth to death, the saying that the song remembers when holds true in my life. I might not be a composer of lyrics, but I'm a composer of words. I might not be able to play an instrument, but I can take my camera as an instrument to capture a moment in time.

Keep the music playing. Musicians, songwriters, and more need our help. MusiCares® helps and supports the people who dedicate their lives to making the music I blog about. Please join the Be A Part of the Heart MusiCares® mosaic at https://beapartoftheheart.com/ and be entered for a chance to win a trip the 2012 GRAMMYS®!”