Saying goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016 with country music highlights

Are you like me and wonder where has time flown to?  It is officially 2016 and I have to say that I kicked it off right by seeing Kid Rock at KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky.  I will admit that 2015 was somewhat of a good year for me.  I was able to interview several country music legends, as well as participate in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.  Probably the biggest highlight of the year is that I got married in mid-December.

I did a complete 2015 country music news in review recap over on Examiner last week.  Feel free to click here to read it if you would like to step back in time.

There are many things that I would like to try in 2016 when it comes to music stuff....

1) More stories on the history of those involved in Kentucky country music

2) More stories of places to check out that play country music here in Kentucky

3) More interviews

4) More photos

5) More about Appalachian region overall, as well as some background stories growing up.

6) More Nashville News Roundup posts that are also featured on WFKY Froggy 101.7 & 104.9

Without further due, here are some of the featured stories on my Nashville News Roundup, as heard on WFKY. You can listen to them online at www.froggykycountry.com, or on your radio dial.  My segment airs on Friday mornings just after 9:00 am.

These Boots are Made for Walkin

Kacey Musgraves discovered that her car was broken into the other night while in Nashville. The thief took off with 2 new pairs of cowboy boots, only to be caught a day later when he attempted to return them. The dumb criminal didn't realize that her name was on the receipt and the store owner recognized those boots as being hers.

DVR Alert

Chris Stapleton will be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on January 16th.

Special Delivery

Just on his birthday of New Years Eve, Craig Wayne Boyd and his fiancee Taylor welcomed their new daughter, Dakota Lynn.  Little brother, Jaxson, was on hand to welcome in his new sister. Craig will be playing at Austin City Saloon on Friday, Jan 22nd.

GQ Hillbillies

Kentucky natives Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton, along with Jason Isbell, were featured on GQ magazine's website with not one, but several feature articles on their domination of Nashville.  Read the overall view of them here.  Then their interview with Sturgill Simpson and interview with Chris Stapleton.  I personally love Chris Stapleton's quote, "This is the highest-level group of hillbillies you've ever put into GQmagazine. I'm sure of that."

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this day in 2002, The "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack is certified quadruple-platinum. 

Download of the Week: Jon Pardi - Head Over Boots

Nashville News Roundup for week ending September 19, 2015

You can catch me dishing the dirt from Nashville during my Nashville News Roundup radio segment on WFKY out of Frankfort, KY.  Tune in on Fridays at 9:15 am via the radio, online at www.froggykycountry.com, or the Tune-In App (search for WFKY).

Good Week to be a Kentuckian: Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton got some good press this week.  Sturgill Simpson took home the award for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Turtles All the Way Down" at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.  Unfortunately, he was unable to be there as he was on the road doing what he does best - play music for the fans.  Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton was featured on the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series (click here to watch) and The Late Show with Steven Colbert.

Walk the Line: Johnny Cash, Miranda Lambert, Steve Cropper, and E.W. "Bud" Wendell will be the next class of inductees to the Music City Walk of Fame on Tuesday October 6th at 2PM. The event is free and open to the public in Nashville.

Farm Aid - Keep America Growing: Farm Aid is celebrating its 30th year on Saturday. This year, the concert includes Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Old Crow Medicine Show, Holly Williams, Jamey Johnson, and so many more. You can check out the webcast at 2:30 pm at Farmaid.org on Saturday.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1947 - Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb and Rosalie Allen headline the first country music show at New York's Carnegie Hall. Tickets range from $1.20-$3.60.

Handpick Download of the Week: Eddie Raven with Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road - I've Got Mexico 

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending June 20, 2015

You can catch me dishing the dirt from Nashville during my Nashville News Roundup radio segment on WFKY out of Frankfort, KY.  Tune in on Fridays at 9:15 am via the radio, online at www.froggykycountry.com, or the Tune-In App (search for WFKY). 

Waylon Movie

Waylon Jennings - An Intimate Portrait of an Outlaw is a movie that is being produced by Waylon's son, Buddy Jennings, alongside his wife, Kathy, and friend Larry Sands.  Fans can go to www.waylondoc.com for complete details. It is set for a late 2015/early 2016 release. This documentary is a raw look into how the rise of a small town Texas dreamer became one of the most influential country music singers in the history of music. It tracks Waylon from his very poor beginnings in Littlefield, Texas growing up with his brothers; picking cotton and his guitar, to befriending and playing with Buddy Holly and his move to Phoenix that shot him to fame.

Stringbean's 100th

This weekend in Jackson County, the community is celebrating Stringbean Akemon's 100th birthday with a bluegrass festival. On hand are Ralph Stanley II and many more talented musicians. More details are here.

Little Big Town Silenced

From the band - “With heavy hearts, we want to let you guys know that Jimi will have to undergo surgery next week to remove a polyp on his vocal cord,” they said in a joint statement. “As a result, doctors have ordered him to rest his voice and completely recuperate before we continue touring. All shows through July 30 will be cancelled or rescheduled."

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: June 18th, 1941, Gene Autry recorded "You Are My Sunshine" at the CBS Studios in Hollywood.

Handpick Download of the Week: Kacey Musgraves' album "Pageant Material"

Nashville News Roundup for week ending 5/23/2015

You can catch me dishing the dirt from Nashville during my Nashville News Roundup radio segment on WFKY out of Frankfort, KY.  Tune in on Fridays at 9:15 am via the radio, online at www.froggykycountry.com, or the Tune-In App (search for WFKY).  Without further ado...here are this week's headlines:

I See Luke
Starting today, you can check out the new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame featuring Luke Bryan. The exhibit includes his childhood piano, baseball uniform, poster from the club he first perform, and clothing.  It runs through November 8th.  If you wait until July, you can check out his, as well as the Trisha Yearwood exhibit and Nashville Cats exhibit.

Local Album Release
John McHugh, who has been known locally for playing guitar with Puddin Howell, George Molton, and more, has released a solo album. The album is called Anger to Ambition.  On Thursday, May 28th he will be hosting an album release party at Austin City Saloon.  It is available for download on I-tunes.

Loretta and Jack Go Walking
On June 4th, you can catch Loretta Lynn and Jack White at the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.  It is across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and free to attend the ceremony.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1986, George Jones and Merle Haggard post $50,000 bond money to get Johnny Paycheck out of jail in Hillsboro, Ohio, where he was being held for the December shooting of Larry Wise in a barroom argument.

Handpick Download of the Week: Zac Brown Band - Heavy is the Head

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 4/25/2015

You can hear me live on two radio stations here in Kentucky for the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings.  I try to give you a little piece of news, some history, and a download of the week to check out.  Tune in at 8:15 am on WKFC and 9:20 AM on WFKY.

If you are a station that would like to broadcast this segment, feel free to contact me.

Possum on Display

This weekend, the George Jones Museum opens up in Nashville on 2nd Avenue.  It will have rare artifacts and items throughout the life of Jones, who passed away 2 years ago.  A couple of notable items on display - a Hologram George Jones, as well as the infamous lawn mower that he drove to the liquor store when his car keys were taken away.  Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for children.  You can get more information at www.georgejonesmuseum.com

CMA Riverfront Stage Talent Revealed

The CMA Music Festival's Chevrolet Riverfront Stage lineup will kick off June 11 with Gary Allan and also includes Rodney Atkins, Kristian Bush, Maddie & Tae, Ashley Monroe, Lorrie Morgan, Eric Paslay, The Swon Brothers, Tanya Tucker, Aaron Watson and more.  

Disconnect Day

Valory's Justin Moore has teamed with Cabela's for Disconnect Day, which encourages people to put down their mobile devices for one day and enjoy outdoor activities instead. "When our children grow up, they aren't going to remember how many likes they got on a status update, but they will remember their family camping trips and the first fish they caught," says Cabela's CMO Scott Williams. 

Fact of the Week: On this date in 1976, Emmylou Harris' remake of Buck Owens' "Together Again" becomes her first #1 country single in Billboard

Handpick Download of the Week: Sarah Gayle Meech - Tennessee Love Song

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 4/3/2015

Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose - Limited Edition

It's All Reality

CMT revealed new and returning series. New original programs include two comedies: a scripted series starring Billy Ray Cyrus called Still The King  and a reality series starring Kellie Pickler and husband Kyle Jacobs with the working title I Love Kellie Pickler (produced by Ryan Seacrest with exec. producers including Pickler and Jacobs). Returning programs include the CMT Music Awards, CMT Artists of the Year and Party Down South. 

Sounding Off

Dierks Bentley has launched a new web series called Sounding Off to give fans a behind the scenes look at his upcoming 2015 Sounds Of Summer Tour, which kicks off June 5 in Raleigh, NC. Supporting acts Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae and Canaan Smith also appear in the series.

Collective for Loretta Lynn Fans

Jack White's Third Man Records has released a limited edition Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose collection.  It is only available via ThirdManRecords.com and includes a vinyl lp, a special White Stripes album, photos, postcard, a pin, and a dvd with footage never seen before.  

Fact of the Week: On this date in 1950, Red Foley records a trio of hits: "Choc'late Ice Cream Cone," "Birmingham Bounce" and "Mississippi".

Handpick Download of the Week: Chris Janson - Buy Me a Boat (click photo below to download)

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3-27-2015

You can hear Jessica Blankenship live on two radio stations here in Kentucky for the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings.  I try to give you a little piece of news, some history, and a download of the week to check out.  Tune in at 8:15 am on WKFC and 9:20 AM on WFKY.

If you are a station that would like to broadcast this segment, feel free to contact me.

Seven to get ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award

Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Taylor Swift and Brooks & Dunn will be honored with the ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award.

• Garth Brooks: Most-Awarded ACM Entertainer of the Year
• Kenny Chesney: First Fan-Voted ACM Entertainer of the Year
• Miranda Lambert: Most-Awarded Solo Female Artist (18)
• Reba McEntire: Most-Awarded Female Vocalist of the Year (7)
• George Strait: ACM Winner Over Four Decades (21 over 4 decades)
• Taylor Swift: Youngest ACM Entertainer of the Year (age 21)
• Brooks & Dunn: Most-Awarded Artist (27 with 16 for Duo)

Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees

• Grady Martin - Guitarist famous for playing on Pretty Woman, Coal Miner's Daughter, El Paso, That's the Way Love Goes, and more
• The Browns - Jim Ed Brown and sisters Maxine and Bonnie. Famous for "I Take the Chance," "I Hear the Bluebirds Sing," and "The Three Bells."
• Oak Ridge Boys - Began in 1945 as a gospel quartet, The Oak Ridge Quartest, until 1962 and became the Oak Ridge Boys.  Hit songs include Elvira, I'll Be True to You, American Made, Ya'll Come Back Saloon, as well as backing up George Jones on Same Ole Me.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1951, Kent Blazy was born in Lexington, KY.  He is best known for writing hit songs "If Tomorrow Never Comes" that Garth sang, as well as Chris Young's "Gettin' You Home."

Download of the Week: Ray Scott's - Ain't Always Thirsty (download by clicking the photo below)

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 1-9-2015

Little Jimmy Dickens - Grand Ole Opry Archives

You can hear me live on two radio stations here in Kentucky for the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings.  I try to give you a little piece of news, some history, and a download of the week to check out.  Tune in at 8:15 am on WKFC and 9:20 AM on WFKY.

If you are a station that would like to broadcast this segment, feel free to contact me.

Remembering Little Jimmy Dickens

Yesterday, friends and family paid their respects to honor Little Jimmy Dickens, who passed away on January 2nd due to cardiac arrest from having a stroke on Christmas Day.  He will be remembered for his kindness towards others, as well as his comical wit.  He had a #1 hit song that also hit the pop charts with May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.

"He was exactly the size we needed him to be," Brad Paisley said. "I, for one, don't want to live in a world of Big Jim Dickens. Let's celebrate the most remarkable life that anyone in this format has ever lived."

Check out The Tennessean newspaper's exclusive coverage of the celebration of life of Little Jimmy Dickens by clicking here.  

Charlie Daniels Shooting the Breeze

Charlie Daniels takes to The National Rifle Association's third season of NRA All Access on The Outdoor Channel to shed light on his die hard passion for guns and rifles, and why he's so committed to protecting America's right to bear arms. Highly noted for his multiple chart-topping hits and stand-out instrumental talent that has catapulted him into international stardom, it's no secret Daniels is also an enthusiastic outdoorsman and longtime friend of the NRA. Tune in this Friday, January 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET to watch

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1960, Patsy Cline becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Craig Wayne Boyd - My Baby's Got a Smile On Her Face

Misty Rae Carson visits my hometown

Yesterday morning, I made a pit stop over to WKFC here in London, Kentucky, and got to see and meet Misty Rae Carson.  She was super sweet and talented songwriter originally from Texas, but now in Nashville. 

Misty Rae Carson and Jessica Blankenship at WKFC Studios in London, KY

Usually I'm very partial when it comes to cover songs, but she did an impressive soft version of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. 

She followed it up with her tune, "So Can I," which I think will be my handpicked download of the week during my Nashville News Roundup.

Be sure to check out her website over at www.mistyrae.com.  She is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and all those various social media networks.  Her latest EP is out now and can be bought online or at shows.

Emi Sunshine: Crafting the art of mountain soul in music

I love it when I stumble across a musician or act that turns my head.  They make me immediately start telling others about them.  Earlier this year, I was down in Gatlinburg and remember seeing a young girl singing alongside a band.  Her vocals were unique, country, and just innocent.

Speed forward to a few weeks ago, one of my friends posted the video of Emi Sunshine.  I immediately recognized those vocals and yep, there she was!

During my Nashville News Roundup yesterday, I mentioned that folks should take listen to EmiSunshine.  Little did I know until this morning, Emi Sunshine will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut on August 5, 2014.  

Her honesty and innocence in her vocals reminds me of Emmylou Harris and June Carter Cash.  And she is a sassy little dresser.  Coming from east Tennessee, you get the sense of heritage from the Great Smoky Mountains of the craft of songwriting and playing music.  Not only does she write, she sings, plays multiple instruments.

Go check her out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emisunshinemusic and over at Reverb Nation at www.reverbnation.com/emisunshine.  She also has a Youtube Channel - click here to listen.

I believe after the Grand Ole Opry, more folks will be seeing what many of us have seen in person and online.  

I will leave you with this Facebook quote by EmiSunshine: "A nice lady asked me to write more personal stuff and be a bit more like Taylor Swift. She asked mostly I think to help me. To be more popular. To be a success. I appreciate that. However..... I'm not gonna fit in a mold. I'm eccentric, whimsical and prone to sit in a room with nothing but Jimmy Rogers and me and a bunch of instruments. I listen to the Louvin Brothers and The Carter Family, to Johnny and June. Then there are days filled with Matt Woods, Kevin Abernathy and Jim Lauderdale , days with Mike Farris and Buddy & Julie Miller, days of The Black Crowes and Shooter Jennings! I wear old clothes and new clothes and vintage hats and bandana's and I love having my hair done and nails and make up and GLITTER and I'd rather play music than anything on earth. I pray and I believe, I love my family and my Church. And I love you guys.... So that's me! Take me as I am.... I sing Dolly, Tanya, CCR and Johnny, and I sing me! Their music makes me who I am..., they paved this road I'm just walking my way to the other side!"

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 5/23/2014

Here are this week's headlines coming out of the country music community in Nashville.  Be sure to listen to the Nashville News Roundup on WFKY and WKFC on Friday Mornings.

Turning up the Baby Blues: Josh Turner and wife Jennifer just announced this week they are expecting baby number 4! And this one will also be a boy, just like the other 3.  His new book, "Man Stuff" is out in stores.  You can catch him over in Bowling Green, KY on August 29th & Richmond later this fall.  Josh Turner will also be participating in a book signing at the Country Music Hall of Fame and have a Fan Club Party during CMA Music Fest in Nashville.  You can purchase the book by clicking on the photo below.

Hank 3 on Tour: Hank 3 will be kicking off his tour in Louisville at Mercury Ballroom on June 3rd.  Tickets are $25 and on sale now.  I'll be interviewing him today about that show and his music. Be on the lookout for that interview next week.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1958, Shelly West is born in Cleveland, Ohio. The daughter of Dottie West, she claims the Country Music Association's Vocal Duo of the Year honor along with David Frizzell in 1981 and '82, and adds three solo hits in '83, led by "Jose Cuervo".

Handpicked Download of the Week: Bartender by Lady Antebellum

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 5/16/2014

Brad Paisley at KFC Yum Center - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Each Friday morning, you can listen to the Nashville News Roundup on WKFC (London, KY) live in the 8:00 AM hour and on WFKY (Frankfort, KY) at 9:20 AM.  Here are this week's headlines:

CMT Awards Performers

The 2014 CMT Music Awards promises to be an evening packed with entertainment as Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert are all confirmed to perform at this year’s live show. Featuring more performances this year than ever before, the 2014 CMT MUSIC AWARDS will broadcast from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Additional performers as well as presenters and host to be announced soon.

Brad Paisley DubStep?

Brad Paisley told Billboard that his next record will be called Moonshine in the Trunk. The album, which comes out August 26, finds him “adapting the modern technology of EDM and dubstep to the classic country formula.” The closest KY date is Cincinnati at Riverbend on June 20th.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Day: 50 years ago today, Buck Owens nets a #1 single in Billboard with "My Heart Skips A Beat"

Handpicked Download of the Week: Like a Cowboy by Randy Houser.  This is a strong tune that showcases the vocal power of Randy Houser that is like no one else.  Houser proves that he is an excellent ballad singer and this should land him in the top spot. 

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 4/11/2014

Loretta Lynn - Fist City

This past week has been a whirlwind and now we are winding down.  Here are a few headlines making their noise down on Music Row in Nashville.  Remember, you can hear little ole me on WFKY and WKFC on Friday mornings in the 9am hour with the Nashville News Roundup.

I've added to my vinyl collection with quite a few selections lately.  I think I want to recreate this cover with Loretta Lynn for Fist City album. 

Oh Dolly

Dolly Parton is set to appear on QVC for a one hour performance on Sunday, April 27th at 7PM.  She will be promoting her album, Blue Smoke, which will be out in stores in May.  The album features a collection of bluegrass and country music songs and is her first release since 2011.

He Doesn't Dance

As you recall earlier on a Nashville News Roundup, we recommended Lee Brice's "I Don't Dance."  Brice recently revealed that the song was written as a wedding gift to his wife Sara for their first dance.  The Knot website just picked the song for the wedding song of Rebekah Gregory and Pete Dimartino.  Rebekah and Pete are survivors of the Boston bombing of last year.

Concert Notes

Eric Church is bringing along Kentucky native Dwight Yoakam on a fall tour.  They will be stopping at the KFC Yum Center with Brothers Osborne and then with Halestorm at Rupp Arena.  Stay tune on when tickets will go on sale.

Handpicked Download of the Week: This week, I highly recommend fans of Justin Moore and Blake Shelton to take a listen to east Tennessee native Jesse Watson and his song "Crazy."  It is a heartache love song that has one of my favorite lines I've heard in a while: "The reason she can't stay, she don't know how. She ain't the kind to settle down.  She's not known for hanging around for too long."  With all the travels that I do, I'm always on the road.  I settled down before and it ended in divorce.  It will take someone amazing to make me settle down again.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1980, Cousin Emmy dies in Sherman Oaks, California. Born Cynthia May Carver in Lamb, Kentucky, she taught Grandpa Jones to play the banjo, and became a significant singer and bawdy comedian in concert and on radio from the 1920s to the 1950s

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 4/4/2014

Be sure to tune in during the 9AM hour each Friday on WFKY and WKFC for the Nashville News Roundup.  Here are this week's stories:

ACM Awards on Sunday

Lee Brice, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts and Dierks Bentley with Sheryl Crow have been added to the performance lineup for Sunday's 49th Annual ACM Awards (4/6). Clay Walker, Trisha Yearwood, Guy Fieri, LL Cool J, Jewel, Olivia Munn, Nancy O'Dell and Chris O'Donnell are among presenters. The show airs live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS-TV starting at 8:00 PM EST.  Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton are co-hosting the show.

Cash Up on top

More than 10 years after his death, Johnny Cash has debuted on top of the country albums chart with the Columbia/Legacy release Out Among The Stars. The collection features 12 previously unreleased songs recorded more than 30 years ago and discovered by his son John Carter Cash. Stars sold almost 54,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan figures, and landed at No. 3 in the all-genre chart.

Download of the Week: Maggie Rose - Looking Back Now

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week:  On this date in 1959, Whispering Bill Anderson makes his Grand Ole Opry debut at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. And in 1988, Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens record "Streets Of Bakersfield" at the Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood.

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3/28/2014

Josh Thompson in People Magazine

Here are this week's country music headlines as heard on WFKY & WKFC this morning with the Nashville News Roundup:

Trace Adkins Divorce Drama

Wednesday we found out that Trace Adkins' wife, Rhonda, filed for divorce saying irreconcilable differences.  She is seeking full custody of their kids, alimony, legal fees paid, and even stranger - sole beneficiary of his life insurance policy.  This news comes on the heels of his rehab stint for alcoholism and the death of his father.  He just reappeared on the Opry a couple of weeks ago.  The couple had been married for 16 years and had gotten engaged on stage of the Opry years ago.  Get complete details here.

Love and Marriage with a Baby Carriage

In People magazine, Josh Thompson revealed not only a new hair cut, but that he got married last year and has a 9 month old baby with his wife, Angie.  Their baby girl is named Josie.  His new album, Turn it Up, is to be released on April 1st.

Download of the Week: Brian Davis - Bang, Bang  {Get more information on Brian Davis over at www.briandavislive.com.  He recently has gotten song cuts by Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and recently off of Jerrod Niemann's new album.}

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1973, George Jones & Tammy Wynette record "We're Gonna Hold On" in an afternoon session at the Columbia Studios in Nashville.

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3/21/2014

Gotta Love Merle Haggard!

Merle Haggard Tribute

Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard will be the focus of two tributes next month — one an album of the singer's hits recorded by current country stars, the other from the Academy of Country Music. Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean and Toby Keith are among the artists lending their voices to Working Man's Poet: A Tribute to Merle Haggard, out April 1 on Broken Bow Records. During the 49th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 6 — Haggard's 77th birthday — he'll be the recipient of a multi-artist tribute segment and receive the ACM's Crystal Milestone award, honoring his 50th anniversary in country music.

Garth to Nash

Trisha Yearwood revealed this week that she and Garth Brooks are packing their belongings and heading to Hillbilly USA...that would be Nashville. With Garth's youngest daughter heading off to college, that leaves them in an empty home.  Having plans for an upcoming tour and other things, Garth and Trisha have decided to move back to Nashville. Click here for full details.

Tammy Wynette Going Postal

This week, it was revealed that Tammy Wynette is one of several music icons that will be honored with an upcoming U.S. postage stamp.  Wynette joins the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe, as well as Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, and other music icons that are planned to have their own postage stamp. Click here for details.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Lee Brice - I Don't Dance

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: Bobby Mackey's Honky Tonk in Wilder, KY will be hosting the first inaugural "Last Honky Tonk Music Series" on Saturday night.  It is in memory of Wayne Mills who was murdered in Nashville last November.  All 50 states will host a show each month with musicians and friends of the late singer songwriter.

Nashville News Roundup for Week Ending 3/14/2014

Waylon & Shooter Jennings - Fenixon Album Cover

You can check out the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings on WFKY Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, KY and WKFC Bandit 101.9 out of London, KY. Both stream online & live on the radio dial for free.

Waylon & Shooter Rare Recording

On April 19th, as part of Record Store Day, there will be a special album released featuring Waylon and Shooter Jennings.  The album, Fenixon, was recorded in 1995 and it blended the music influences of Waylon and the modern influences of Shooter.  From Waylon's Facebook page: Composed mostly by Shooter himself, “Fenixon” includes originals, as well as covers of some of the elder Jennings’ catalog of music, and some unexpected covers as well. This was the only time the two collaborated together, and for the first time the album will be released in it’s entirety on beautiful white vinyl, with incredible packaging and illustrations by the great Keith Neltner. Listeners be warned: This is an Industrial type album and is not intended for Waylon fans who may be expecting a country album. This is the most experimental Waylon ever got in his entire career and showcases his fearlessness previously left unturned. This is a BCR Los Angeles release."

Get Well Soon Mel

Get-well wishes are extended to Mel Tillis following heart surgery. "He's doing fantastic and is expected to make a full recovery," says daughter Pam Tillis. "In typical Mel Tillis fashion, he's already cutting up and cracking jokes with the nurses. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated."

Hunting Down a Record

Hunter Hayes will break a Guiness world record and promote awareness of child hunger by playing 10 shows in 10 cities in fewer than 24 hours. Hunter Hayes' 24-Hour Road Race To End Child Hunger starts with a performance on Good Morning America May 9 and wraps in Philadelphia at 5am May 10. The current world record for the most concerts played in multiple cities in a 24-hour period is held by The Flaming Lips.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Kip Moore - Young Love

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: Two years after his song "The Fightin Side of Me" goes #1 on Billboard, Merle Haggard was pardoned by California Governor Ronald Reagan for a 1957 attempted robbery that landed the singer in prison.

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3/7/2014

Songwriter Memories

Songwriter Lorna Flowers passed away due to cancer on Wednesday.  She was successful in Europe and established her residence in Nashville in July 2004.  Lorna was a well respected friend and business woman who helped others craft their skills.  She was friends with Rivers Rutherford and Bridgett Tatum, who Froggy listeners have known over the years.

Holly Bobo Update

There has been a break in the case in regards to Whitney Duncan's cousin, Holly Bobo.  Officials in TN have arrested Zachary Rye Adams in connection to the case for murder. 

ACM Performers Announced

Nominees Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Keith Urban and The Band Perry are set to perform at the 49th Annual ACM Awards April 6 in Las Vegas. Bryan and Shelton will also host the awards, which will be broadcast live on CBS-TV. Speaking of The Band Perry, check out my review of when their We Are Pioneers tour made a stop in Corbin, Kentucky at The Arena.

Restoring Tammy Wynette's Name

Today when you visit the Woodlawn Memorial Park mausoleum site where Tammy Wynette is buried, you won't find the country music star's name on it. Instead, you see the name Virginia W. Richardson. Wynette's daughter, Georgette Jones Lennon, along with her sisters are fighting to restore her name and legacy. A Facebook group, A Restoration’ – Tammy Wynette’s Name and Legacy, has been gaining popularity among country music fans as they express their concerns of restoring the name. Get the full details here.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Jackson, KY native - Sturgill Simpson - Sitting Here Without You

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 2009, Jamey Johnson became a fire hazard: Hollywood Hollow in Lawsonville, North Carolina, is forced by the fire marshal to disallow more than 360 paid customers when the club is 70% above maximum occupancy. Amazingly enough, Jamey went back on stage to play over 4 hours and meet with fans afterwards.  I was at that show and talk about some fun memories!

Nashville News Roundup: Week Ending 2/21/2014

Little Jimmy Dickens

Every Friday around 9:20 am, I deliver the Nashville News Roundup on WFKY - Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  You can listen on the radio, online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the "Tune-In" app on your phone. Here are this week's highlights:

 

Salute the Troops
Merle Haggard, George Strait and Carrie Underwood are among the performers slated to perform on a new special, ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute to the Troops, which will be taped in Las Vegas on April 7, the day after the ACM Awards. Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry are also confirmed to appear on the special. More artists are expected to join the lineup in the coming weeks. The concert will air as a two-hour special on CBS on May 20. 

Baby Boone on Board
Congratulations to Rory and Joey Feek of Joey + Rory on the birth of daughter Indiana Boone Feek this week. According to a post on the duo's Facebook page, "Mama and baby are both doing well."

 

Unbridled Eve Gala Update

My pal, Leslie Meyer, and I have covered the red carpet for the first two Unbridled Eve Galas that happen on Derby Eve.  Be sure to check out her article that talks about the 3rd annual Unbridled Eve Gala. 

Latest Interviews: Be sure to check out my latest interviews from Marty Stuart and Gethen Jenkins of the Freightshakers

 

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1948, Little Jimmy Dickens made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, performing "John Henry" and "I Dreamed Of An Old Love Affair."

Handpicked Download of the Week: Dierks Bentley "Hurt Somebody" off his new album, Riser.