Jamey Johnson reflects on his relationship with God, family, and fans

Jamey Johnson performing one of his many hit songs. Photo by Jessica Bray of Kentucky Country Music.

When it comes to curating a sound of traditional country music, Jamey Johnson has made a name for himself in the music community.  It has been over 17 years that he landed in Nashville after living his life running the music circuit throughout Alabama and Georgia.  The journey has taken him on major stages, but also smaller intimate settings that are perfect for the listener to take in all that is being sung through the soul of Jamey Johnson.

This past weekend, Jamey Johnson performed for a double night stay at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.  Having performed at the venue for many years now, it and the fans have formed a special bond thanks to the power of music.

Prior to his show, I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Jamey Johnson over his journey, as well as personal encounters, stories behind songs, and more.  Below is that conversation and I hope that you enjoy reading it.  Be sure to check out Jamey Johnson’s website for future concert dates and music at www.jameyjohnson.com.

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.

Farm Aid 2016 showcases powerful community partnerships that support good food from family farms

Recognizing that severe economic conditions threaten commodity farmers across the country, Farm Aid 2016, which took place today at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, emphasized how collaboration and innovative problem-solving can strengthen food systems and family farmer livelihoods.

The annual music and food festival celebrating family farmers brought 20,000 fans together just outside the nation’s capital to celebrate ground-breaking, cooperative approaches to overcoming barriers to a family farm system of agriculture. At the same time, as dairy farmers and other commodity producers struggle with the consequences of record low prices, Farm Aid says family farmers need a broad coalition of partners to stand with them and collaborate to surmount the many obstacles that are forcing them off the land.

“The first Farm Aid sparked a 31-year effort to put power back into the hands of family farmers and all of us who eat,” said Willie Nelson, president and founder of Farm Aid. “We’ve made a lot of progress, but it’s clear we aren’t done yet. Family farmers still aren’t getting a fair shake. We need to keep coming together to help each other and find solutions.”

Farm Aid’s day-long festival kicked off with local Virginia and Washington, D.C., farmers joining Farm Aid board members Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews in a conversation from the Farm Aid stage about community partnerships that are changing the food landscape. The partnerships go beyond farmers’ markets and local restaurants, crossing sectors, towns and generations. Speakers discussed collaborations that include growing new food economies in Appalachia with food hubs; addressing diet-related diseases with good food solutions like Fresh Farmacy; and revitalizing disadvantaged urban neighborhoods through community gardens. First Lady of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe and Deb Eschmeyer, the White House’s executive director of Let’s Move!, joined everyone on stage to talk about the power of each of us to grow a strong, healthy farm and food system.

“We see invigorated local economies and stronger communities when family farmers thrive,” said Farm Aid executive director Carolyn Mugar. “Together, farmers and eaters have the power to bring equity and fairness to our farm and food system, to protect our soil and water, and to make sure that everyone has access to fresh, healthy foods.”

Farm Aid 2016 featured performances by Nelson, Mellencamp, Young and Matthews — who performed with Tim Reynolds — as well as Alabama Shakes, Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Jamey Johnson with special guest appearance by Alison Krauss, Margo Price, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Insects vs Robots, Ian Mellencamp and Star Swain.

Concertgoers found inspiration in Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, which featured hands-on activities that gave them a chance to dig in and learn about the ways family farmers are enriching our soil, protecting our water and growing our economy, in addition to bringing us good food for good health. In the HOMEGROWN Skills Tent, attendees had the opportunity to engage with food, farming and crafting. Some of the workshops included transforming hemp into paper, seed saving and composting.

The concert was broadcast live at farmaid.org and on SiriusXM channel, Willie’s Roadhouse (59).

Sponsors of Farm Aid 2016 include Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Prairie Organic, Horizon Organic, HimalaSalt, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Applegate Farms, and Organic Valley. Media partners include The Washington Post, which hosted the FarmYard Stage, iHeartMedia and On Tap Magazine.

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $50 million to help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

FARM AID 2016 SCHEDULE

12:40PM STAR SWAIN

12:45PM THE WISDOM INDIAN DANCERS

12:50PM IAN MELLENCAMP

1:15PM INSECTS VS ROBOTS

1:40PM LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL

2:17PM MARGO PRICE

3:00PM JAMEY JOHNSON WITH SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY ALISON KRAUSS

4:00PM NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS

5:00PM STURGILL SIMPSON

6:00PM ALABAMA SHAKES

7:00PM DAVE MATTHEWS & TIM REYNOLDS

8:00PM JOHN MELLENCAMP

9:00PM NEIL YOUNG + PROMISE OF THE REAL

10:00PM WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY

Farm Aid's Music and Food Festival announces 2016 date and location

Farm Aid announced today that its annual food and music festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va., with tickets on sale to the public on Monday, June 27.

“Folks are educating themselves about where and how food is grown—they’re hungry for the truth,” said Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson. “Family farmers bring us good food, protect our soil and water, and strengthen our country. The Farm Aid concert is a day for us to honor that truth and keep working for family farmers.”

Farm Aid 2016, an all-day music and food festival, will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews — with Tim Reynolds — as well as Sturgill Simpson, Alabama Shakes, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Jamey Johnson, Margo Price, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Carlene Carter and Insects vs Robots.

Farm Aid 2016 festivalgoers will also be able to experience family farm agriculture firsthand and will enjoy family farm-identified, local and organic foods at Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Concessions®. In Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, festivalgoers will experience the culture of agriculture with hands-on activities about soil, water, food and farming. Farm Aid 2016 will feature composting, including compostable serviceware, throughout the venue, with a goal of zero waste.

“Music and food have an incredible power to bring people together,” said Farm Aid executive director Carolyn Mugar. “Farm Aid is a day that illustrates the diversity and strength of the Good Food Movement. At Farm Aid 2016, we’ll join forces and raise our voices for a farm and food system that is good for people and communities, not just for the profits of a few.”

Farm Aid also today launched the #Road2FarmAid, a virtual campaign inviting people to share the actions that ordinary people are taking to make extraordinary system changes starting in their own communities. People can participate at road2.farmaid.org and enter to win Farm Aid 2016 tickets.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2016 will go on sale Monday, June 27, at 10 a.m. EDT. Ticket prices range from $49.50 to $189.50 and will be available for purchase at LiveNation.com, the venue box office and by phone at (800) 745-3000. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be sold beginning at 12 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 22, at www.farmaid.org.

Starting Monday, June 27, Farm Aid will offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from meeting artists backstage for a “HOMEGROWN Eat & Greet” to joining Farm Aid board artists for a kickoff press event, at www.IfOnly.com.

For event updates, follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@farmaid) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid), and visit www.farmaid.org/concert.

Sponsors of Farm Aid 2016 include Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Horizon Organic, Greener Fields Together, HimalaSalt, Lagunitas Brewing Co., and Organic Valley. Media partners include The Washington Post, which is hosting The FarmYard Stage, iHeartMedia, and On Tap Magazine. 

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $50 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

I was there when...

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

United Record Pressing - creating history one record at a time

United Record Pressing in Nashville - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Upon pulling up into a parking space at United Record Pressing in Nashville, you are transformed back in time.  The modest building is buzzing with activity both inside and outside.  Behind the building is the shipping department and across the lot is a printing company that provides services of printing labels, sleeves, and jackets.

Inside United Record Pressing, I was greeted by a young man, David.  He would be our tour guide to a group of about 20.  In order to be on the tour, you have to go to their website and send an email.  They only do tours on Fridays and space is limited - so be sure to get your request in early!

In the lounge area, there are offices located to the right.  There are records pretty much everywhere - from desks to the walls and then some.  Hanging prominently in the center of the wall was a record player with a clear record.  It would be one of Third Man Records specialty products.  Inside was blue liquid, so that when you played the record, it looked like a lava lamp.  Very few were even made of this style record.

Before I forget - if you have difficulty walking steps, then this tour may not be for you.  There is no handicap access to the upstairs area or to the front of the building.

David led our group upstairs to a rather large room.  Inside was original furniture from the 1960s.  In fact, all of the furniture throughout the top floor was original with the exception of a couple of modern appliances.  

Upstairs at United Record Pressing - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Hank Williams, Jr. signed his record contract on that table - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Upstairs at United Record Pressing - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

David detailing the history at United Record Pressing - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Pick a color, any color, or perhaps blend them together to make your vinyl record. - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

In the large room, many have hosted record release parties.   Hank Williams, Jr. had his 16th birthday party and signed a recording contract. Wanda Jackson filmed a music video for "Thunder on the Mountain."  You can watch the video below:

A lot of historical facts and production facts were noted.  United Record Pressing use to be called Southern Plastics.  They have been making vinyl since 1949 and moved to their current location in 1962.  The company uses 5 tons of black vinyl a day.  They press 40,000 records a day.  The machines that they use are original. There are 6 people in the world that know how to work on the machines, with 3 of them being employed at United Record Pressing.  The plant works 24 hours a day, 6 days a week.  The company has purchased additional property, as well as more machines, to expand production.  Currently they are only working with existing customers as they are so backed up on orders.

Motown Records would possibly not be in existence without United Record Pressing.  They provided the financing, as well as built a suite with bedroom and living quarters so that African Americans could record and stay at the studios in the 1960s. 

Motown Suite - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

 So how do they make a vinyl record?  Our group was lead back downstairs into the plant area.  The vinyl record making process is a scientific process of multiple steps.  The company takes your music and transfers it onto a lacquer plate.  This is used to create metal parts that become the stampers.  The stampers have ridges that put grooves into the vinyl to make the record.  In the machine, small pellets of vinyl are melted to form what looks like a hockey puck.  Labels for the A and B side of the record are placed on each side.  A heavy pressure plate pushes the vinyl puck, as well as melts it down to flatten out the record.  The press will also put the grooves into the vinyl.  Access vinyl is trimmed and placed into a garbage can.  This access vinyl is recycled to form more records.  Once a record is made, it falls onto a needle.

A record will have a pressing and two employees will listen to the album for any errors.  They mark precisely on computers where any pops, cracks, or errors are noted.  They can go from listening to rap to rock to country.  If any errors occur, they look back at the lacquer plates, mother plates, and stampers to see where it occurred.  Once they complete their process, several copies of a test pressing will be sent to the musician/band for them to review.  Once the band approves, then the final product is made.

During the tour, we got to see several unreleased items.  However, prior to our tour, we signed a confidentiality agreement that we could not discuss what records we saw.  Interestingly enough, one of the records was one that I had pre-ordered.  It was pretty exciting to see something that you bought being made in front of your eyes.  On book carts like at a library, there were hundreds of record jackets on display.  They would be carted off to be shipped.  There were multiple colored records, as well as all black albums being made.  All of the workers were smiling and seemed to enjoy their work there.

Before I knew it, we came to the end of our tour that lasted 2 hours.  After seeing the entire process and learning the history, you truly understand the value of price that goes into a record.  There is a lot of time and effort to seek perfection in the quality from the moment the plant receives your music file to the final product.  In a day and age where many manufacturing plants move away from the United States, this one has remained for multiple generations.  By the looks of it, it will continue to grow and expand for many more generations for a true American product.

Below is a video from the making of Jamey Johnson's "Guitar Song" on vinyl to give you a good look of the machines and the entire process. 

 Many thanks to the staff for their kindness and to my tour guide, David, who provided such valuable historic information that I would have not gotten otherwise!

If you enjoy these adventures, be sure to subscribe for updates, or like us on Facebook!

Best in country music for 2014

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

Top Songs of the Year

Shotgun Rider - Tim McGraw

Living the Dream - Sturgill Simpson

I Hold On - Dierks Bentley

Tonight I'm Playing Possum - Shooter Jennings

High In Heels - Kelsey Waldon

Kiss You Tonight - David Nail

The Way I'm Living - Lee Ann Womack

Bad Girl Phase - Sunny Sweeney

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

Top Albums of the Year

Angaleena Presley - American Middle Class

Sturgill Simpson - Metamodern Sounds of Country Music

Sunny Sweeney - Provoked

Rosanne Cash - The River & The Thread

Marty Stuart – Saturday Night/Sunday Morning

Dierks Bentley - Riser

Kelsey Waldon - The Goldmine

Personal Favorite Concerts of 2014

Hank 3 at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY

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

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

Fifth on the Floor at Busters in Lexington, KY

Sturgill Simpson at Zanzabar in Louisville, KY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamey Johnson releasing Christmas album

By Jessica Blankenship

I cannot wait to hear Jamey Johnson's Christmas album.  On December 9, 2014, Jamey Johnson will release "The Christmas Song."  It will feature "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Lily Meola, "Mele Kalikimaka" with The Secret Sisters, "South Alabam Christmas," "Pretty Paper," and "The Christmas Song."  From what I've heard, Jamey and his band laid down the tracks in the studio in a matter of days, mastered, and wallah, here it is available for you the listener.  The best part about Jamey Johnson is that he doesn't need a lot of tweaking or autotune - they go in there and play how music is suppose to be played.  I-tunes now has Jamey Johnson's Christmas album available to purchase and download.

Amazon is taking pre-orders of the album and you can order by clicking the photo below, or here.

Why do we have cover songs at concerts?

Jamey Johnson - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

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

Preservation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamey Johnson provides haunting rendition to childhood song

Part of being a well rounded musician is to take a creation and make it your own. Jamey Johnson has had a way to take individual cover songs, massage them, and create masterpieces that are complimentary to the original version. He has a way to preserve the heritage of classics, yet put his own twist.

Case in point is his latest release, "You Are My Sunshine." The happy summer camp tune that we all have grown up singing takes on a totally different and darker meaning. With the help of Twiggy Ramirez from Marilyn Manson's band, along with Shooter Jennings, the trio brings out the darkness with the haunting vocals and solitary guitar ringing throughout. The musical take makes the song take on the meaning of sadness, darkness, and eeriness with the overall production.

Tuesday night during the Sons of Anarchy episode, "You Are My Sunshine," the song was predominate in the ending sequence that fit just perfect.

The song is now available on iTunes, Amazon, as well as limited edition physical formats in vinyl and cassette at www.bcrmedia.com.

Jamey Johnson and Blackberry Smoke bring southern sounds to Cincinnati

Blackberry Smoke - by Jessica Blankenship

Over the summer breezes blew in the southern sounds of country rock Sunday night at the PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati. No stranger to Ohio or Kentucky, Jamey Johnson, along with Blackberry Smoke brought in a night of entertainment to country music fans in attendance.

Blackberry Smoke would mix their own blend of country southern rock with their 30 minute set. Even though it was short, it was precise with a relaxed mood and a good time. Just a couple of days earlier, the band performed at the famed Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA, and filmed a DVD.

Right of the bat, Blackberry Smoke showed off their talent with their set of original tunes. From "Good One Coming On," to blending in "Sleeping Dog Lie" with "Midnite Rider," the soulful groove kept playing. Cowboy Eddie Long, longtime steel guitar player for Hank Williams, Jr. and currently with Jamey Johnson, sat in to play on "Yesterday's Wine." At the end of the set, the band paid tribute to the Navy Seals with "Freedom Song."

As the lights darkened and the sounds of the prison door opened, Jamey Johnson set up shop at the home of the honky top up on stage. Fans quickly got to their feet and sang word for word to "High Cost of Living." Johnson's set would be intertwined with covered songs of Waylon, Merle, and Willie, alongside his hit songs.

Jamey Johnson - by Jessica Blankenship

One of the most haunting moments of the night was when Jamey Johnson sang "In the Pines." The gravel in his voice with the lonesome wail of the song as the breeze blew through the background made it one to remember. Johnson has a way to make a song his own without hesitation.

When Jamey Johnson takes to the stage, he makes it clear that his talking is through the lyrics of the songs, not the stories or banter talk in between. Just as he gives it his all, the fans give it their all with the cheering and singing along. With singers like Jamey Johnson, there is a renewed faith that real country music is not lost.

Jamey Johnson lends a hand to the American Farmer

Jamey Johnson - by Jessica Blankenship

Deep the rural communities throughout Kentucky, one song could signify what is happening not only in the bluegrass state, but throughout the United States.

You can't make a good living these days

Cause the truth just won't sell

So if you go out my back door just over the hill

You'll see all these plants that’s been paying my bills

But you can't cash my checks

And you can't feel this hunger

You can push me into the water

But you can't hold me under

You can bring me down

But you can't make me beg

You can take my word

But you can't cash my checks

-“Can’t Cash My Checks” by Jamey Johnson, Jason Cope, James Otto, Shannon Lawson

Three years ago, Jamey Johnson debut "Can't Cash My Checks" live at Farmaid. This year it seems as though Can't Cash My Checks could very well be the theme song for farmers as many throughout the United States are getting out of the business. The high cost of living and providing for their family doing what they love has proved to be too much for some. When someone offers good cash settlement in some cases, it is easier to walk away from the family farm than try to work it out.

In Kentucky, with the tobacco buyout years ago, most farmers gave up on the cash crop. Some moved away from the farm. For others, they diversified their options by growing items such as vineyards for wine, honeybees, cattle, horses, etc. Funds from the Agriculture Development Fund helped some farmers with new opportunities beyond tobacco.

Jamey Johnson recently spoke about his involvement with Farmaid and why it is important to him. "Farmaid is not just important to me, but it is important to anybody that eats. Farmaid is set up to look out for the family farmer; the ones that actually take part of the same crop they produced for other people. They're not just growing food to send down the line. Their family eats the same food that they sell, so they are actually looking after your health better than some other farmers that don't eat the same crops they grow," according to Johnson.

Farmaid was started thanks to Willie Nelson over 25 years ago. This year's event will be held on August 13th at the LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas. It will not be televised, but will broadcast live online at www.farmaid.org.

It is still evident that problems of yesteryear are still prevalent today. Corporate farming has become a way of life instead of supporting the family farmer.

For Jamey, he believes that "the right result is farmers that can actually afford to make enough money off their crops to continue to keep doing it. Right now you've got people filing bankruptcy and getting out of the farming business every year because they can't seem to make any money. They're getting squeezed out by a bigger, more financially resourceful competitor."

Many generations have come and gone in the family farm business. "For most of these farmers, this is a trade that has been passed down from generation to generation as far back as they can remember. Everybody in their family did this for a living. This is a skill, it is an art."

Just like farming is a skill and art form, Johnson has took to songwriting as his own personal form of art. "Songwriting is about life. It's not just about my current life, it's about my entire life," Johnson recalled.

This Sunday, fans can see Jamey Johnson, along with Blackberry Smoke, at the Riverbend PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati. You never know what to expect at a Jamey Johnson concert, but you can expect a good time. To Jamey, "it's a great deal of good music by highly trained musicians that never step back on their accomplishments. My stage is full of the best musicians I can find. We've got to be real close friends, as close as family over the past several years."

Fans play a special part in his life. When describing his fans, Jamey said, "two words immediately come to mind and that's passionate and loyal. And they get the same degree of both from me. There is a warm kindred fellowship we get together. My real fans, the ones who show up as often as several shows a year. We see the same faces. It's good to see them. Every time I step out on a stage I look out there across the crowd and I see a couple of smiling faces that I've seen several times a year for the past 5 or 6 years or so. I can't tell you what that means to me. It's very important. It's very soothing just to know they're still there."

Country Throwdown concert series is a must see

Willie Nelson by Jessica Blankenship

Father's Day was a day of celebration of music and family relationships. Just down the road from Kentucky, the Country Throwdown Tour Stop in Knoxville had an abundance of family on and off stage. Headlining the series was legendary performer Willie Nelson. His son Lukas Nelson played his own individual blend of country rock set. But his talent didn't stop there as he appeared as a guest guitarist on other Throwdown tour artists set list. During Jamey Johnson's set, his daughter Kylie joined in to sing on "Tulsa Time" and the timeless classic, "In Color."

There was no shortage of talent with the room full of music. Due to the rain, the venue made the smart decision to place the two stages inside on opposite ends. In turn, fans were able to see all acts, but only got to see a brief set of the Bluebird Cafe artists.

One of the biggest draws on the secondary stage was Brantley Gilbert. The Georgia native has been making a name for himself as a songwriter and now as a performer. Fans were quick to react to his crowd interaction.

Another fellow Georgia native, Brent Cobb, discussed the success of Georgia musicians. "I believe it is due to the fact we have been able to write what people are living in every day life. It is amazing and great to see the success of folks like Jason Aldean, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Zac Brown Band, Blackberry Smoke, and more. I think people are finally taking notice and it is unbelievable to see the talent." Cobb is one to watch and has caught the eye of Shooter Jennings, who produced his album after a connection with his cousin, Dave Cobb.

Lee Brice and Randy Houser both provided a trip down the backwoods to a honkytonk roadhouse with their sets. Brice would get the crowd singing along with his hit song, "Love Like Crazy" and "Sumter County Saturday Night." Houser would let his strong vocals soar throughout his rowdy set, including his hit songs "Whistling Dixie," "Boots On," and his take of "Simple Man."

Jamey Johnson eased up on stage waving to the crowd before jamming to "High Cost of Living." Rolling through traditional country music, Johnson was a man of few words and let the music do the talking. During "Tulsa Time," Melonie Cannon joined on stage to sing backup. The crowd was stomping and clapping their hands through the rowdy tune, "That Lonesome Song."

Texas music was in full swing when Willie Nelson took to the stage, opening with "Whiskey River," and flowing through the years through his hour long set. With a big Texas state flag as the background, it was evident that Texas music was shining.

Country Throwdown is one of the hot summer concert tours to catch. One of the biggest elements is the emphasis on some of the biggest songwriters and the songs they live. The secret to a good song? Erin Enderlin said it best, "Singing about real life and the truth. When a singer writes about a real life experience, it makes the song easier to relate to for the listener."

Blind Boys of Alabama take the high road with latest release

It all started with a song. Back in March of 2010, the Blind Boys of Alabama were being honored by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. That same night, country music star, Jamey Johnson, was also being honored. During a moment that night, Jamey walked out on stage with the Blind Boys of Alabama to sing "Down By the Riverside." It was then that a connection was made. Fast forward a few months later and Jamey Johnson was producing the Blind Boys of Alabama latest hit album, "Take the High Road." Alongside Johnson for the spiritual journey was Kevin "Swine" Grantt, Chris Goldsmith, and Chad Cromwell.

he album, "Take the High Road," is just that - a higher step of a musical tribute to praise the Lord. The message is evident throughout the album. The historical event was recorded in Nashville's famous RCA Old Studio A.

Starting with the title track, the Oak Ridge Boys join in to fill in on background vocals to provide an overall spiritual-filled vibe. Right off the bat, you know you are in for a journey like no other.

"Jesus, Hold My Hand," is a conversation at the beginning that turns into singing about a dear friend the singer has in Jesus. He is being lead towards greater things in life.

It is as though Jamey Johnson is taking a step in the church pew of a small country church, picks up the old hymnal and sings "Have Thine Own way, Lord." The old spiritual number is done with ease with Johnson's vocals filled with the Blind Boys of Alabama in the background.

Lee Ann Womack joins in on the sessions on "I Was a Burden" with a voice that is like a songbird. Vince Gill would follow up with a toe tapping number with "Can You Give Me a Drink?" You can feel the energy in the air throughout the song. Next, Willie Nelson performs on "Family Bible," complete with guitar picking style and stature of Nelson. Hank Williams, Jr. did a revised version of Hank, Sr.'s hit song "I Saw the Light" that is an up-tempo track that some may not be use to - but it works.

The Blind Boys of Alabama infused gospel and country music with the grooving sounds on "Jesus Built A Bridge To Heaven", "Why Don't You Live So God Can Use You", and "Jesus, Hold My Hand."

One of the most interesting takes of a song is "Lead Me Home," which was written by country music singer Randy Houser. The song has been recorded by Jamey Johnson and Houser. The Blind Boys of Alabama's recording is filled with sorrow, yet with hope to go towards the promise land.

"I Know a Place" is a testimony of a great place called Heaven. The laid back song eases into the spiritual path towards Heaven. The song itself was penned by Kevin "Swine" Grantt, who was so moved during the recording session that he had to leave to collect his thoughts before continuing.

As the journey is concluding, it is fitting that the last song is "The Last Mile of the Way." It is as though you know you are heaven bound and the journey has come to an end.

Jamey Johnson confirmed to the New York Times that “there wasn’t one person who didn’t bawl like a baby or bust their heart open at least once” during the sessions. In listening to the album, you can obtain the overall vibe in the room in the historical recording sessions where music has no boundaries.

Jimmy Carter of the Blind Boys of Alabama said of the recording “These two traditions are very similar. There’s a lot of common ground in all kinds of music, and it keeps getting closer and closer together. That’s why we want to involve everybody in our music. We want to sing good music, no matter what kind it is. Most of all, we want to touch people’s lives. We want to leave them a message they can feed upon throughout their lives.”

The message is there - all it takes is to listen with your heart.

Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson bring the Honky Tonk Roadhouse to Louisville

Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson - photo by Jessica Blankenship

One word would describe the experience of Kid Rock, Jamey Johnson, and Ty Stone at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky - Explosive. From start to finish, fans were in for a real treat of musical proportions.

The show itself provided a balancing act between country and rock, blending the lines across genres. Detroit native, Ty Stone, opened the show with his own blend of rock influenced by Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, and more.

Jamey Johnson provided the deep southern Alabama sound as he sang through his hour long set. Immediately upon the sound of a prison door being shut and the sounds of the guard giving the words to stay out of trouble, the steel guitar of Cowboy Eddie Long brought the crowd to its feet. Johnson and band set up the stage of the perfect honky tonk among thousands of fans in the sold out arena. The set list would include a blend of original tunes, such as "Between Jennings and Jones" and "That Lonesome Song," as well as cover tunes "Set Em Up Joe" and "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way." The immediate reaction to the crowd singing to "In Color" proved that Kentucky loves this outlaw singer and he's treated them well with great performances. At the end, it was fitting that the Montgomery native sings "I Saw the Light" by Hank Williams.

It wasn't long that the crowd would soon learn the History of Rock - specifically Kid Rock. With a video montage of historical facts, photos, and more, fans would get a highlight of the past 40 years in Kid Rock's life, who recently turned 40. Immediately from the start, Kid Rock performed like it would have been the last time performing. From the top of the ceiling to the bottom of the floor, fans were standing up, cheering, and singing along note for note. Highlights of the show included "Cowboy" with a swerve to the country direction by throwing in "Good Ole Boys" by Waylon Jennings. (It would be fitting that Kid Rock was sporting a new guitar strap during the show saying Detroit. It was made by Cody Hixon, premier leather craftsman who's created items for Shooter Jennings, such as a Waylon strap and guitar.)

Bringing out Jamey Johnson and Cowboy Eddie Long, the trio would excel in a moving presentation of "Only God Knows Why." Soon after, Kid Rock would explode with "Bawitdaba" full of flames, pyro, and more. For the encore, he performed "Rock On" and concluded with "Born Free." One thing fans learned is that Kid Rock is a natural born entertainer bringing music to a new level.

Jamey Johnson shaking country to its core with new release

Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song

Country music fans and traditionalists raved with Jamey Johnson released "That Lonesome Song" in 2008. Some exclaimed that Johnson was the savior of country music and bringing it back to its roots. With the success of that album, fans wondered how the most anticipated album, "The Guitar Song," would live up to its expectations. Let's just say that country music is going to be kicked straight to the core. With a mix of self-penned hits, as well as a few classic tunes, Jamey Johnson has excelled in releasing a double album that will please the listener's ears.

Rather than trying to pick the best song of the set, all of the songs are excellent in their own form. Each is wrapped in its own musical package of a story experienced and needs to be told. With that, we present you, a track by track analysis of Jamey Johnson's latest album, "Guitar Song."

Kentucky native, Keith Whitley, wrote a tune before he passed away called, "Lonely at the Top." Thankfully, Johnson discovered the tune and recorded it himself. No matter what success one has in any career, it might be lonely at the top, but it is a pain at the bottom. The classic honky tonk tune could have been placed in the days of Whitley or the modern days of Johnson having a conversation in a bar.

"Cover Your Eyes" is a dark sorrowful song as Johnson sings about that the on-again, off-again relationship that has been messing with his mind. As he is leaving, he is telling the love to cover her eyes and not see him leaving. He is leaving out of her life for good and soon he won't cross her mind again. The song excels in Johnson's emotional vocals filled by the sounds of the steel guitar wailing and drums crashing like thunder in the background.

"Poor Man's Blues" shows the contrast of a rich man versus a poor man and how the rich man will never realize the true blues and hardships of a poor man. The southern blues sound brings a tone of a classic Hank Williams, Jr. tune. One thing is for sure, a rich man may have fame and fortune and all the things in life, including the poor man's lady. However, he will soon find out what happens when a poor man gets the blues and seeks revenge.

"California Riots" speaks about the time that Jamey went to California and realized he would rather be back home in Alabama than hanging out in California when it riots. The view and the people may be pretty there, but he definitely would rather head back to his real home. The tongue in cheek tune shows where Johnson's roots really are.

Following the essence of "California Riots," Johnson sings about his time taping the show, "Nashville," which only lasted two episodes on Fox. It was filmed by the same folks that tape MTV's "Real World" and it failed to capture the viewer of what really goes on in the business. In the tune "Playing the Part," Johnson realized quickly that he would rather have LA mean lower Alabama. He wonders what in the world he was thinking getting caught up in the Hollywood scene that isn't worth the ticket he bought to go out there.

"Baby Don't Cry" is a sentimental tune that Jamey wrote for his daughter, Kylie. It is bedtime for the little one after the fairy tales have been told and the monsters under the bed have been check. Being on the road as much, he sings "baby don't cry you're never alone/when you need your daddy/just pick up the phone/and I'll fly as fast as I can/and I'll hold your hand/and I'll make you smile again, but baby don't cry." The slow lullaby showcases the sweeter side of Jamey Johnson that some have never seen that shows what a wonderful father he is.

Two spiritual filled songs, "I Remember You" and "Heaven Bound" show the redemption and light filling Jamey Johnson's life. No matter the hard times he has faced, he always goes back to the Lord. He keeps telling himself that he is heaven bound and he should not forget in what he believes in. Raised up in a traditional southern church, Johnson knows what comes first in his life with both tunes.

Standing up for the American farmer, the songs "Can't Cash My Checks" portrays the life of a farmer who has gotten poor even with his hard labor. His word has more value than his checks written. He is hunger as he goes under in debt in doing the one thing he enjoys the most - farming. He would rather not beg as he tries to be honest in a world we live in today. The tune was co-written by guitarist, Jason "Rowdy" Cope, and the background vocals are complimented by Randy Houser. The emotional tune was first debut at Farm Aid in October 2009. Whether or not the listener is a farmer, in the times we live in today with so many trying to make a living, they can relate to the song. The song itself and performance by the Kent Hardly Playboys brings this as the top pick of the album. The mood resonates amongst fans both on the album and live in concert.

Right off the bat with the bass line by Kevin Grantt, it sets the tone for "That's How I Don't Love You." It will continue to come back throughout the song as an eerie sound to bring the mood to the song, along with the electric guitars. Jamey Johnson sings about how his love has left him and now he pours the poison (alcohol) in as if it is his new best friend at night. Drinking his sorrow away is the only way he knows he doesn't love her anymore. The eerie feeling throughout the song truly reflects the mood as if you are in a smoke filled room with alcohol being poured glass after glass to drink away a memory.

"Heartache" has a different point of view than one might expect as it is one from the actual heartache starting back to the caveman times. Relationships may not last, but the heartache remains throughout. The heartache is hungry for another victim just like a wolf knawling on meat. Jamey's deep southern rustic vocals bring the tune to raw shape.

Another cover tune, "Mental Revenge," was originally by Mel Tillis and Waylon Jennings sung it in the past as well. Rather than take an all electric instrumentation, Johnson and the band opted to go acoustic as in a picking circle filled with guitar, stand up bass, and dobro. The style gives it a throwback style unlike the original. The raw intensity with the vocals and instruments compliments the song and makes you want to hear more acoustic style performances from the band.

Taking a page book of Willie Nelson's songbook, Johnson's tune "Even the Skies Are Blue" is similar in style to Nelson's legendary songs. Times are hard and even if the sun is shining brightly above, even the skies are blue. The slow groove tune showcases a modern take of the world around us and the hardships people are going through.

"By the Seat of Your Pants" is a classic country tune that talks about the tail of a dad talking to his son about life. With the catchy lyrics, the son learns that there is no rehearsal in life and you learn it by the seat of your pants.

"Dog in the Yard" sounds like something George Strait would cut, but Jamey Johnson makes it his own. He sings about how his love doesn't like his friends and she is able to train him to do what she wants. She controls him like an old stray dog in the yard. The honky-tonk sound tune will get a few head nods from fellow men mistreated by women who want to control every aspect of their lives.

"The Guitar Song" features legendary Bill Anderson singing the first verse to show the rustic legendary conversation from the guitar's point of view as being in the corner of a pawn shop. Jamey fills in with the modern times of the guitar playing to a packed crowd singing along. The grooving tune of the conversation between the two features the storyline of the history of the simple object of a guitar.

Setting lonely on stage of the Ryman Auditorium all alone late at night, Jamey Johnson sings with just a guitar and his voice for "That's Why I Write Songs." The hollowness of the hall makes the listener feel as though they are sitting in a pew listening to the heart of Johnson as he sings exactly why he is doing this for a living. It's not just what he does, but it is what he is. Not only does he reflects on his life, but also pays tribute to legendary songwriters and the songs that affected our lives.

Another song previously released, "Macon," connected with fans who wanted to hear more. Unfortunately, most radio stations failed to play the song at the fan's request even after a stellar performance at the CMT Awards. Having Little Big Town fill in the background vocals make the song talking about getting back to Macon to love all night after being out on the road all the time. Read our full recap of the song here.

"Thankful for the Rain" talks about a love that comes and go just like the rain. That love calls and then soon plays him "like an old violin" and leave soon after that. The love comes and goes like the rain off the coast. He thinks he should be thankful for the memories (rain) as he knows she will be gone again. The slow take of the song is reminiscent of a classic Vern Gosdin tune with the simplicity and sorrowful tune.

Having a dip into the traditional country sound meets jazz, Johnson presents "Good Morning Sunrise." The upbeat country-jazz feeling makes you want to snap your fingers as you sing along. The throwback sound has the classic sound from the hit-makers in country music from back in the day. Johnson makes it his own and excels.

"Front Porch Swing Afternoon" has a sway about it to make you feel like you are swinging back and forth on the front porch. The listener feels and hears the elements of the song, from the black berry pie to the breeze blowing throw the laundry hanging on the line. The laid back tune feels like you are comforted by the southern sights and sounds.

One of the stellar good old guitar finger picking songs is "Good Times Ain't What They Use to Be." The driving tune is one that definitely should be played on the radio airwaves. The song reflects on the good times from taking it easy to being out on a fast pace on the road.

Jamey Johnson has always paid tribute to legendary performers on his albums in live shows. Even more so, he has said in concerts that he hopes to teach others what real country music is by showcasing some of the top legendary tunes. Rather than rely on the 'common standards' that other performers sing in concert, Johnson songbook goes even deeper. For this album, he chose "For the Good Times" and "Set Em Up Joe." In fact, the session for "Set Em Up Joe" was recorded the day after Vern Gosdin passed away. For both songs, Johnson stays close to tradition while making them his own.

One of the first songs released from the album originally was "My Way to You." However, some radio stations didn't add it to their playlists because they are probably afraid of honest to goodness country music than what is currently on the airwaves. Having the song at the end of the album is a great ending point of redemption after going through a journey of darkness. Several have discussed what the "you" is, but after listening to the album in full it seems clear that he is finding his way to God after a path of wrong roads and missteps.

By far, "The Guitar Song," will be one of 2010's album of the year. With the formula of Jamey Johnson, alongside the Kent Hardly Playboys band, country music fans will not be disappointed.