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

Library of Congress acquires Marty Stuart’s audio-visual collection of country music history

Marty Stuart - via Marty's Facebook Page

Grand Ole Opry star and multiple Grammy Award winner Marty Stuart has amassed one of the largest private collections of memorabilia documenting country-music history. The Library of Congress announced in mid-May that the world’s largest library has acquired hundreds of hours of historic country-music footage, recordings and other audio-visual materials from Stuart’s vast collection. The Marty Stuart Collection will complement the Library’s existing collections from such iconic performers as Pete Seeger, Les Paul, Max Roach, Gerry Mulligan, Jerry Lewis and Bob Hope.

The audio-visual collection features more than 100 hours of footage shot on the road, including at the Grand Ole Opry; complete television episodes of "The Johnny Cash Show," "Flatt and Scruggs Grand Ole Opry" and the "Marty Stuart Show"; rare home movies of the Lester Flatt Band on tour; and music videos from throughout Stuart’s career, including the songs "Tempted," "Little Things" and "Burn Me Down." Stuart donated portions of the collection and the rest was acquired via purchase.

In celebration of the acquisition, Stuart performed at the Library’s Packard Campus Theater, located at the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia. The Library plans to collaborate with Stuart to present a series of events highlighting traditional American music and its place in the nation’s audio-visual history. Featuring a combination of conversation and music, "The Library of Congress and Marty Stuart Present" event in May will showcase Harry Stinson, Kenny Vaughan and Chris Scruggs, the musicians who form Stuart’s popular band, The Fabulous Superlatives.

"For this celebration event, The Fabulous Superlatives will be profiled individually and collectively," said Stuart. "Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson and Chris Scruggs are modern masters of their craft, each one a statesman. Their stories will fit well into the archives of the Library of Congress."

Stinson added: "I can’t wait to get back to the ‘seed bank’ of American film and audio culture, the Library of Congress’ Packard Campus! I admire the passion and diligence of every soul working there to restore and preserve our artistic heritage."

From his early days as a teen mandolinist, and later as Johnny Cash’s guitarist, to his popularity as a solo artist, Stuart has always been interested in the preservation of the country-music heritage. "After spending the better part of two days touring the Packard Campus facility in 2015, the historian and archivist part of me was energized beyond measure," said Stuart. "I dearly love the Library. It stands as a timeless symbol of our nation’s creative powers and serves as a reminder that there is indeed a destination for works that are led forth by the guardian angels of inspiration and integrity."

As a musician, singer and songwriter, Stuart brings an electric style to his country-music roots. Born in Philadelphia, Mississippi in 1958, he learned to play the guitar and mandolin at an early age and began performing professionally at 12 while touring with The Sullivan Family, a bluegrass-gospel group. About a year later, he joined Lester Flatt and his band, The Nashville Grass. In 1980, following Flatt’s death, Stuart joined Johnny Cash’s band as a guitarist. After about five years touring with Cash, he pursued a successful solo career.

During his more than 40-year career, Stuart has added numerous honors and awards to his long list of accomplishments, including five Grammy Awards. In addition to producing a long-running television series—"The Marty Stuart Show"—Stuart has produced soundtracks for several films, including "All The Pretty Horses," for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.

For decades, he also has channeled his creative talent as a highly respected photographer. His photographs have been exhibited in museums and published in books. In addition to being an avid collector of country-music memorabilia, Stuart served as president of the Country Music Foundation, which manages the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Stuart audio-visual collection will be available to researchers in the Library’s Motion Picture and Television Reading Room in Washington, D.C. Processing of the collection continues, but much of it is currently available to researchers. The rest of Stuart’s large collection of country-music artifacts will be located at his birthplace at the Marty Stuart Center and Congress of Country Music Hall.

The Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation is a state-of-the-art facility funded as a gift to the nation by the Packard Humanities Institute. The Packard Campus is the site where the nation’s library acquires, preserves and provides access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of motion pictures, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings (www.loc.gov/avconservation). The Packard Campus is home to more than 7 million collection items. It provides staff support for the Library of Congress National Film Preservation Board (www.loc.gov/film), the National Recording Preservation Board (www.loc.gov/rr/record/nrpb) and the national registries for film and recorded sound.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs, publications and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

Laurel County Library to host Opry exhibit

Photos by Gordon Gillingham

Laurel County Public Library in London, Kentucky, is hosting a special photography exhibit.  Experience the Grand Ole Opry like never before. The Grand Ole Opry is an American institution and the longest running radio show in the country. Since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has brought country music to the masses and helped create superstars. View Gordon Gillingham’s photographs of the Opry between the years 1952 and 1960. The images reflect the Opry in its heyday and capture the spirit of both the musicians and the fans.

The photo exhibit will be available to view Feburary 1st - March 16th, 2016. This exhibition is open to the public during regular library hours.  For more information, be sure to check out www.laurellibrary.org. 

How Pepsi Man became a hit song for Kentucky music legend Bobby Mackey

One of my friends, Carla, shared a photo of a vinyl record that she had in her Pepsi collection.  Her father and grandfather were both employees of Pepsi.  The first thing that caught my eye on the record was the name Bobby Mackey.  Needless to say, I had to find out more on the story behind the song, “Pepsi Man.”  As you know, Bobby Mackey owns the legendary haunted honky tonk in Wilder, Kentucky.  Click here to read my adventures of visiting it.  Over the years, I’ve gotten to learn some country music history through Bobby.  I will say that he is a legend in his own right and should be included into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  Next month, they will celebrate 37 years in business as one of the oldest honky tonks in Kentucky.

The story behind the song, “Pepsi Man,” is a unique one.  In 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers went on an illegal strike.  President Ronald Reagan ended up breaking the strike and fired all of the air traffic controllers.  Two air traffic controllers that use to work out of Cincinnati wrote the song, “Pepsi Man.”  They gave the song to Bobby Mackey and upon hearing it, he saw the promotional possibilities.  He would record “Pepsi Man” and give a copy of it to the local Cincinnati Pepsi distributor.  They would forward the song on up to New York City to the Pepsi World Headquarters.

At the same time, Scott Wills was a marketing person at Pepsi and was organizing Pepsi Rallies with the Pepsi distributors across the country.  The rallies were to challenge people to take the Pepsi Challenge.  They needed a theme song and Scott remembered having the cassette tape with Bobby Mackey singing on it.  He thought it would be fun to have the song performed live at the larger distributors.

Scott Wills met up with Bobby Mackey in Nashville, Tennessee, to make a customized version of “Pepsi Man” for the rallies.  Andy Di Martino of Moon Shine Records Nashville saw the promotional opportunity and talked Pepsi into help promote a national release of the song on his label.

Bobby Mackey, as well as his promotional guru, RJ Siefert, few up to New York City to meet with the Pepsi Brass and spent a night viewing the NYC night spots, including Studio 54.  The Pepsi Brass loved the song, as well as Bobby Mackey.  Moon Shine Records released the song and it would chart in the Top 50 on the Billboard Country Singles Chart in June of 1982.  For several months, Bobby Mackey would perform on a National Tour of the Rallies.  By the fall, the rallies were completed and as they say, the rest is history.

There are actually multiple versions of “Pepsi Man” recorded over the years beyond the customized version for the distributors.  Below is one that has more of a bluegrass vibe, but still includes Bobby Mackey singing lead vocals.

So the next time you are sipping on an ice cold Pepsi drink among friends and family, be sure to tell them the story of “Pepsi Man.”

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

George Jones Museum coming to Nashville

Nancy Jones announced on Monday that she will soon unveil plans to open the George Jones Museum. The museum and event center will incorporate a gift shop, restaurant, event space and also a music venue. At 128 and 130 N Second Avenue, the popular tourist destination formerly known as Graham Central Station, will become a four-story, 44,000 square foot immersion in the legend and legacy of George Glenn Jones.

“We are overjoyed to share George’s legacy and memory with the Nashville community,” said Nancy Jones. “We hope that this will draw George’s friends and fans worldwide to our great city. George and I made this our home, and he would be happy to know that we found a home to continue his legacy in the heart of Music City.”

Designs are underway with imminent plans to reveal in detail all that will be offered at the museum.

Be sure to check out www.georgejones.com to see a great timeline of George Jones life, as well as historical photos.

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.

Birthday of a Legend - Hank Williams

Hank Williams, Sr.

Born on this date in 1923 in Mt. Olive, Alabama, was the lonesome drifter, the one with soul, sorrow, and the one that many consider a legend.  Hank Williams, Sr. was born on September 17, 1923.  He would be considered to be one of the earliest country music stars back in the day.  To this day, his music lives on in the hearts of country music fans.

Hank Williams son, Hank Williams, Jr., otherwise known as Bocephus, carried on the family tradition.  His son, Hank Williams, III, or simply known as III or 3, shares a striking resemblance in both looks and vocals of his late grandfather.

Looking at the many works of Hank Williams, he was a poet, a songwriter, a writer of many simple words that yet, put together, brings out a new meaning of things in life.

Who would have thought that a young man would write songs like "I Saw the Light," as well as "Hey, Good Lookin," and "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive."

So much has been said and written about the legend.  He was let go from the Grand Ole Opry, but yet for years they would talk about him during tours and use his image.  Sadly, they updated their tours and Hank Williams is no longer mentioned in their videos or from the tour guides.  It is as if he never existed.

Hank Williams is, however, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The museum featured the entire Williams Family Legacy in a special exhibit a few years ago that was personally beyond amazing with all of the details of the entire Williams family.

Hank Williams has got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as membership into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Music Hall of Fame, Native American Music Hall of Fame, Recording Academy Grammy Hall of Fame (Lovesick Blues), and a Pulitzer Prize Board Citation.

Before all of the lights, smoke, and theatrics of concerts these days there was Hank Williams who could capture an audience by his vocals.  Sadly we lost the legend at the young age of 29 years old in 1953.  Imagine how many more songs would have been written without this huge loss in music.

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Happy Birthday Possum

George Jones - Billboard Magazine

There is one thing about it - there will only be one George Jones.  On September 12, 1931, George Glen Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas.  So much has been written about the man, the myth, the legend that is of the country music singer over the years.  Last year, the distinctive vocals of Jones were silenced with his passing.  Check out my tribute on Examiner.com on George Jones here.

I have been fortunate to have seen George Jones play several times over the years while growing up.  

On Saturday, September 13th, the family of George Jones will be having a balloon release at his grave site at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

Today, I plan on cranking up George Jones here in my office in celebration of his birthday.  From "Bartenders Blues" to "Golden Ring" to "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair" to so many more songs, there is something for everyone.

Be sure to subscribe to read more of Jessica's personal stories, interviews, and photos in country music.  You can also check us out on Facebook.

Remembering country music legend Vern Gosdin

80 years ago today, Vern Gosdin was born in Woodland, Alabama. He would be known for his nickname "The Voice" as he had a distinguishable vocals when he sang.  You believed the sorrow that he sang and the lonesome soul.

Vern Gosdin grew up singing in church and would sing on the Birmingham station WVOK with his brothers.  He formed the Gosdin Brothers with his brother Rex.  They would hit the charts in the 60s before retiring in the 1970s.  His first top 10 hit would be "Yesterday's Gone" with the harmony vocals of Emmylou Harris.

Gosdin would make a comeback with hit songs, "Dream of Me," "Today My World Slipped Away," "If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right)," and "Way Down Deep."

At the age of 50 years old in 1984, Vern Gosdin would gain his first number one hit with "I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)."  He gained more successful tunes with "Do You Believe Me Now," and "Set 'Em Up Joe."

In 1989, Vern Gosdin and Max D. Barnes won Song of the Year from the CMA for "Chiseled in Stone."

The Voice was silenced on April 28, 2009, at the age of 74, due to a stroke.  However, his music and legacy lives on among fans of traditional country music.

I do believe Vern Gosdin has earned his spot into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  I hope that one day that he will be featured among other legendary artists in the field of country music.

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. 

Waylon Jennings and the Kentucky Wildcats

Back in time in 1988, Waylon Jennings, as well as his wife Jessi Colter and son Shooter Jennings, who was 9 years old at the time, invited some pretty cool guests to their home.  Those guests were the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.  They were visiting Nashville to take on Vanderbilt University.  What did they have for dinner? Well ribs covered in Waylon Jennings west Texas style bbq sauce of course.  They also had a special cake done up and you can see it in the video from the Eddie Sutton Show.

To this day, Shooter Jennings has been a fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  He is known to visit the area as Judd Films have filmed several of his videos in and around Lexington.  He also produced Lexington, Ky natives, Fifth on the Floor, album, "Ashes and Angels."

Who has recorded in RCA Studio A in Nashville?

From RCA Studio A - Ben Fold's Website

Ben Folds has sent out a letter to various Nashville publications with a passionate plea to save the historic RCA Studio A.  He has been a tenant of the building that Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley built with a vision.  Word has gotten out that a potential developer has purchased the building.  Thus, the plea to try to preserve real American musical history.  Nashville itself has boomed in the recent years.  Downtown is towering with skyscrapers, condos, new convention center, and much more.  Nestled down the road is Music Row with its quaint buildings that stir into that world of music.  From recording studios, to record labels, to publishing companies, to publicists, there is a lot of things that happen down on Music Row.

Even more astounding is who all has recorded at RCA Studio A.  

Peter Bradley Adams, Gary Allan, Brent Anderson, Anika, Arlis Albritton, Asleep at the Wheel, The Beach Boys, Ben Folds Five, Tony Bennett, Amy Black, Jason Blaine, Blind Boys of Alabama, Joe Bonamassa, Wade Bowen, Eden Brent, Jim Brickman, The Brothers Osborne, Rachel Bradshaw, Brentwood Benson, David Bullock, Laura Bell Bundy, Ken Burns, The Canadian Tenors, The City Harmonic, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chocolate Horse, Brandy Clark, Brent Cobb, Jesse Colter, Elizabeth Cook, Wayne Coyne, Margaret Cho, Billy Currington, Matt Dame, Danae, Ilse DeLange, Rebecca de la Torre, Steve Earle, ESPN, Jace Everett, The Fabulous Headliners, Dani Flowers, Danny Flowers, Colt Ford, The Frog Sessions, Eleanor Fye, Cami Gallardo, Billy Gibbons, Sarah Gibson, Vince Gill, Alyssa Graham, Peter Groenwald, Harlan Pepper, Harper Blynn, Connie Harrington, Hunter Hayes, John Hiatt, Faith Hill, JT Hodges, Adam Hood, James House, Sierra Hull, Alan Jackson, Joe Jackson, Casey James, Jenny Jarnigan, Jewel, Jamey Johnson, Josh Jones, Kristin Kelly, Kesha, Anna Krantz, Ben Kweller, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Sonny Landreth, Samatha Landrum, Mark Lanigan, Stoney LaRue, Jim Lauderdale, Frank Liddell, LIfeway, Meagan Lindsey, Longmont All Stars Jazz Band, Lyle Lovette, Luella and the Sun, Tayla Lynn, Amanda Palmer, John Pardi, Rich Parkinson, Alan Parson, Charlie Pate, Kellie Pickler, Pistol Annies, Pretty Lights, Mike Posner, Sean McConnell, Scotty McCreery, Kate Miller Heidke, Ronnie Milsap, Miss Willie Brown, Danny Mitchell, Allison Moorer, Kacey Musgraves, Musiq Soulchild, David Nail, the Nashville Symphony, Jerrod Neimann, Willie Nelson, Joe Nichols, Sierra Noble, Natalie Noone, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jake Owen, Rainfall, Johnny Reid, Thomas Rhett, Lionel Richie, The Robertson Family, Henry Rollins, Shannon Sanders, Jader Santos, Alejando Sanz, Mondo Saez, Kate Schrock, Bob Seger, Sera B., Brian Setzer, Nikki Shannon, William Shatner, SHEDaisy, Jordyn Shellart, Joel Shewmake, Sleeping With Sirens, Jake Shimabukuro, Mike Shipp, Kevin Shirley, Anthony Smith, Joanna Smith, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Chelsea Staling, Steel Magnolia, Tate Stevens, Jay Stocker, Rayburn, RED, RockIt City, Jeff Taylor, Justin Towns Earle, Josh Thompson, Those Darlins, Josh Turner, Bonnie Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Ben Utecht, Phil Vassar, Venus and the Moon, Andy Victor, Amanda Watkins, Chuck Wicks, Hank Williams Jr., Williamson Country Youth Orchesta, Alicia Witt, Lee Ann Womack, Word Entertainment, and Charlie Worsham. 

I love this quote by Ben Folds - "We are Music City - the only city in the world truly built on music."

Come on Nashville, let's help save this historic landmark.  This is where dreams have been dreamed, songs have been created, and lives have been changed.

Josh Osborne added to US 23 Country Music Highway

Black River Publishing’s GRAMMY-winning songwriter Josh Osborne was honored in his hometown this week in celebration of the joint resolution passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate adding the Kentucky native’s name to the US 23 Country Music Highway in Pike County. The home state honor was hosted on Wednesday by the Highway District 12 of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and occurred as Josh has four singles are almost entirely in the Top 20 on the country music chart.

“This was truly an honor for us,” shared State Rep. Leslie Combs. “To be able to do this in honor of Josh, and what he has accomplished, is a tremendous honor for us and one of the greatest ones we’ve had.”

During the official ceremony at Shelby Valley High School, Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford honored the alumnus with an additional presentation. 

“Where we go and what we do around this country, we are ambassadors of where we come from,” stated Pike County Judge Rutherford. “Before I left the office today, I signed an executive order declaring this [June 11] as “Josh Osborne Day, Pike County Kentucky.”

“Growing up on Country Music Highway, knowing how much all those artists have influenced and inspired me, and now to think that I am even a small part of that heritage means the world to me,” shared Josh. “I honestly don't think any honor could mean more to me.”

Upon accepting these great honors, an emotional Osborne stated, “When something like this happens, and you reach a milestone, you kind of think. ‘How did I get here?’ I look around the room, and I know how I got here, so I thank all of you.”

Among the hometown crowd was Black River Entertainment’s CEO, Gordon S. Kerr; VP of Black River Publishing, Celia Froehlig; and other staff members. Also in attendance at the official ceremony was GRAMMY award winner and 2014 ACM Songwriter of the Year, Shane McAnally (Downtown, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye) and ACM, CMA and GRAMMY nominated songwriter Brandy Clark (Better Dig Two, Mama's Broken Heart). Both close friends and co-writers of Osborne, the two of them joined Josh at the Hilton Garden Inn that evening to perform a songwriter’s round sponsored by Johnson Industries, benefiting The Pike County Schools’ K.I.D.S. initiative.

The home state honor comes on the heels of Josh’s astonishing eight weeks of having five singles in the top 30 on the country music chart. Currently, Josh’s singles include Blake Shelton’s "My Eyes," closely followed by "We Are Tonight," Billy Currington; "Chainsaw," The Band Perry; and Eli Young Band's, "Dust."

Songs written or co-written by Josh Osborne
Around For a Reason - Jason Greeley
Bad Habit - Sarah Darling
Born That Way - Jason Greeley
Break What's Broken - Charlie Worsham
Chainsaw - The Band Perry
Come Over - Kenny Chesney
Drunk Last Night - Eli Young Band
Dust - Eli Young Band
Feel Good Summer Song - Scotty McCreery
Fill In the Blank - Greg Bates
Fuzzy - Randy Rogers Band
Get a Life - Jason Greeley
Hold You To It - Chris Young
It's Your World - Tim McGraw
Keep It To Yourself - Kacey Musgraves
Leave the Night On - Sam Hunt
Live Our Lives - Jason Greeley
Merry Go Round - Kacey Musgraves
My Eyes - Blake Shelton
Neon - Chris Young
Runnin' Out of Air - Love & Theft
Text Me Texas - Chris Young
The Boy Never Stays - Sarah Darling
Tie It Up - Kelly Clarkson
Usually - Jason Greeley
Wake Up Lovin' You - Craig Morgan
We Are Tonight - Billy Currington
You Never Know - Sara Evans

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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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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

Remember two country music singers today

Today has been a somber day when thinking of two country music singers gone way too early in their lives.  Today marks the 25th anniversary of the day that Keith Whitley died.  I wrote an article on Examiner.com in regards to his impact even today.  I find myself singing his songs all the time.  One of my bucket list items is to make a trip over to Sandy Hook, Kentucky, and see the small town nestled in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Here is my article on Examiner.

Today I also found out that they finally announced a jury trial date for Chris Ferrell.  He is the guy that murdered Wayne Mills, one of my friends that was killed last November.  The jury trial date is set for November 17, 2014, almost a year since Wayne Mills was murdered.  I just hope for justice to be served and comfort for Wayne's wife and son.  It will be an interesting trial to watch.  Stay tune and I will post whenever I hear updates on the case.

Both Keith Whitley and Wayne Mills left this world way too soon.  I can only imagine the honky tonk up in heaven playing their songs.  If anything - keep the music and memories alive for future generations to know about these two great singer-songwriters.