Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 10-17-2014

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.  

Vince Gill honored by Nancy Jones:  During the National Funeral Directors Association meeting in Nashville this week, Nancy Jones, wife of the late country legend George Jones, presents Vince Gill with a token of affection for his friendship and singing Go Rest High on That Mountain at her husband’s funeral last year.

Jamey Johnson in Studio: Just got the exclusive info that Jamey Johnson and his band, the Kent Hardly Playboys, have been busy working in the studio on some new material.  You can also sign up for his newsletter over at www.jameyjohnson.com and get the latest news.

The Nominees Are….Toby Keith and Vince Gill are among the nominees for possible induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.  Other nominated non-performing writers include Bobby Braddock, who wrote George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy,” and Bob McDill, who wrote Alan Jackson’s “Gone Country” and Alabama’s “Song of the South.”  

The Songwriters Hall of Fame honors composers and lyricists whose work has had an impact around the world. Voting among the Hall of Fame’s members is underway now through December 15. The inductees will be announced following the vote, and they’ll be honored at the 2015 Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Gala on Thursday, June 18 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1958, Alan Jackson was born in Newnan, Georgia. The first artist signed to Arista Records' country division in 1989, he becomes a traditional icon thanks to such hits as "Don't Rock The Jukebox," "Chattahoochee," "Gone Country" and "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)".

Handpicked Download of the Week:  Josh Turner – Lay Low

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How to stand out in the music business

When you turn on the radio, sometimes you come across a song and you think it sounds like one person, only to find out it is someone totally different.  In my opinion, I think you should have a distinctive voice to stand out in the music business, rather than sounding like another person.  It is one thing to be influenced by a singer, but to sound just like them leaves you to be an imitator anymore.

Is it me but does:

Brothers Osborne "Rum" sound like Toby Keith?

Eric Paslay "Song About a Girl" sound like Keith Anderson?

Cole Swindell "Hope You Get Lonely" sound like Scotty McCreery?

What ever happen to having unique distinctive voices like Conway Twitty, Keith Whitley, Vern Gosdin, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings for the males and Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette for the girls?  Way too many acts sounding alike that I cannot tell one from the other.

Are there others that you thought was someone only to find out it is someone else?  Or who has a unique distinctive vocals that you KNOW who it is the moment they utter a word?

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

New Music Monday: Josh Turner - I Wouldn't Be a Man

Josh Turner with wife Jennifer Turner - by Jessica Blankenship

When you look up "bass singer" in the dictionary, a perfect definition would be that of Josh Turner. The modern day country crooner has a new single, "I Wouldn't Be a Man" that is set to hit the radio airwaves soon. Turner is smooth in his vocal performance throughout the song. It is very reminiscent of the classic Conway Twitty hits of yesteryear.

The tune itself speaks about how he feels about the woman he loves. He wouldn't be a man if he didn't feel like this. Turner sings about the true love between a man and a woman. The slow pace tune is perfect for slow dancing with the one you love. The steel guitar compliments the song throughout the song playing notes of love.

Josh Turner is no stranger to Kentucky, having performed here many times. Fans can be sure to see him at Western Kentucky University’s Homecoming Concert. It will be held November 28th at the E.A. Diddle Arena. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

“I Wouldn’t Be a Man” is the latest release off Josh Turner’s album, “Haywire.” It is in stores now. The Grand Ole Opry member is keeping busy these days and will soon be a father again for the third time. With songs like his current release, Turner is living a lasting legacy on the field of country music on how to sing the perfect love song.