Kentucky Music Hall of Fame hosts open house

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Officials and local official cut the ribbon for the Open House.
Photo by Jessica Bray

Just a year ago, it had seemed as though that the doors of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum would be closed forever.  However, with the partnership of local leaders and Rockcastle County Tourism officials, there was a strong desire to come together.  Soon the Rockcastle County Tourism office moved its headquarters into the Museum and hired a new manager of the museum, Avery Bradshaw.  Susan Tomes Laws has been leading the reins with the Rockcastle County Tourism office.  On March 25th, everyone in the community came together in support with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting with a start of a new era with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Kentucky stars shined bright on CMA Awards

Chris Stapleton at CMA Awards.
Photo by Erika Goldring/FilmMagic

If you noticed carefully throughout the night, several Kentucky country music stars were featured on the CMA Award 50th anniversary broadcast.  Here are a few of those highlights:

Keith Whitley Remembered Twice

During Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's melody of hits, they performed Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes."  Then when Alan Jackson sang "Remember When" and George Strait sang "Troubadour," a photo of Keith Whitley was shown in the background as to honor the legends.

Trisha Yearwood pays tribute to Crystal Gayle & Loretta Lynn

Trisha Yearwood performed "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" as Crystal Gayle looked on in the audience beside her sister Loretta Lynn.  Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks also sang "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," in tribute to Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.

Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley Memoralized

During Alan Jackson and George Strait's duet, you will see photos on the wall in the background that included Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley among those that helped build the foundation of country music.

Ricky Skaggs & Dwight Yoakam Pickin' and Grinnin' in Opener

During the CMA Award show opener, Ricky Skaggs and Brad Paisley picked their way through "Country Boy," complete with fast guitar picking skills.  We also got to see Dwight Yoakam singing "Guitars, Cadillacs" during the opener.

Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisley, and Charlie Daniels at the CMA Awards. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images.

Roy Clark looks on as Dwight Yoakam sings "Guitars, Cadillacs" at the CMA Awards.
Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Dwight Yoakam and Chris Stapleton singing "Seven Spanish Angels"

Here is some six degrees of Kentucky: Pikeville native Dwight Yoakam performed with Paintsville native Chris Stapleton on the hit tune, "Seven Spanish Angels."  That song was made famous with the performance by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson.  Willie Nelson leased part of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center back in the day, but has never played there.  One of the co-writers of that song, Eddie Setser, is from Corbin, Kentucky, which is home of the original KFC.

Chris Stapleton Takes Home 2 Awards

A humbled Chris Stapleton took home the award for Best Male Vocalist, along with Best Video for the powerful tune "Fire Away."

Darrell Scott is Long Time Gone

Laurel County native, Darrell Scott, has made a living on songwriting and performing.  He wrote "Long Time Gone" that the Dixie Chicks sang last night alongside Beyonce at the CMA Awards.  Ironically the tune is about the dismay of country music with the lyrics, "Now they sound tired but they don't sound Haggard / They got money but they don't have Cash / They got Junior but they don't have Hank..."

Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle in the audience

Believe me when I say this, it was just a disgrace that Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle were only given a few seconds of screentime rather than have them up on stage performing showing how it is done.

What were some of your favorite moments of the awards? Did your favorite win?

The Angel Band has called up Ralph Stanley

Dr. Ralph Stanley

Back in 1998, I was fortunate to go to Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival with some college friends.  My main mission - to meet Ralph Stanley.  I got to see the frail looking man in a suit, a roll of money nestled in his front pocket, sitting at a merchandise table.  He would talk to anyone that wanted to talk and sign anything that he had for sale.  I was able to purchase a cd, shake his hand, and tell my friends that I got to meet Ralph Stanley.  Later on, he would stand up on the stage with his band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, to sing pure Appalachian gospel and bluegrass tunes that resonated among the crowd.

A couple of years later, I continued to travel to bluegrass festivals in the summer and write more for the college newspaper on music.  I became friends with guitarist, James Alan Shelton, who allowed me to do an interview with Ralph Stanley.  In the summer of 2001, it was blazing hot at the Shriners Bluegrass Festival in Olive Hill, Kentucky.  It would be the first interview that I would conduct with someone in music and it was with Ralph Stanley.  I was doing quite a bit of research on bluegrass music for papers and presentations in college.  The movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou" was a hit on the silverscreen and bluegrass saw a resurgence of listeners and fans.  We spoke about the connection of bluegrass and movies.  Needless to say, I learned quite a bit from Mr. Stanley that day.  Ralph, along with the Clinch Mountain Boys, all signed the coversheet of one of my research papers, much to my surprise.  I did get an A+ on that particular paper.

Later on, Ralph Stanley would perform at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center over the years.  James Alan Shelton said I always had a standing invitation to come out and see them.  I took him up on that offer one cold December evening when they played in the Old Barn.  Afterwards, Ralph Stanley would sit at the merchandise table shaking hands, signing autographs, and greeting fans.  He would sign my mandolin that is now hanging on the wall at my house.

Many fans can tell you that seeing Ralph Stanley sing put a haunted eerie feeling over the crowd.  Everyone would be silenced by the reverend vocal style of Ralph Stanley booming through the speakers.  It didn't matter what music style you liked, but you would easily turn your heard and listen to what he would sing.  It is rare to see someone on stage take command with performing the traditional Baptist hymns.  

Appalachian music and heritage has always been strong through Ralph Stanley.  He embraced the mountains, the people, and the music.  For 70 years, he stood on stage performing, with most of those years accompanied by his clawhammer banjo picking.  The skies are weeping in the mountains of Virginia as we say goodbye to the legend that passed away on June 23, 2016 at the age of 89.

Remembering Keith Whitley 27 years later

Twenty seven years ago today, country music lost the legendary Keith Whitley.  He was just 33 years old, but he left his footprint on the hearts of many in country music, even to this day.  The Sandy Hook, Kentucky native had 19 singles that charted on the Billboard Country Music Charts.  Many songs are still covered by others, including "Don't Close Your Eyes," "When You Say Nothing At All," and his first top 20 song, "Miami, My Amy."

Keith Whitley and his legacy released 5 studio albums and 11 compilation albums.  He was also a part of Ralph Stanley's bluegrass band, playing alongside fellow Kentuckian, Ricky Skaggs.  He was a husband to Lorrie Morgan, as well as a father to Jesse Keith Whitley, who also performs country music.

Keith Whitley is a member of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  However, he is not a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor that is long overdue.

On June 25, 2016, the annual Keith Whitley Memorial Bike Ride will be held.  It starts at the Red Roof Inn in Goodlettsville, Tennesee.  The event kicks off Friday, June 24th around 2PM and goes through Sunday morning.  The actual ride is on Saturday morning with a concert on Saturday night at the Nashville Palace.  More information on the ride can be found here.

Story behind the Keith Whitley and Patty Loveless 1989 Hazard concert

WSGS Radio station in Hazard, Kentucky, always has some neat tidbits and stories from eastern Kentucky.  This one posted on their Facebook page is one to definitely read.

Original Ticket Stub from Keith Whitley and Patty Loveless concert in 1989

On This Day in History: May 27th 1989: Keith Whitley was scheduled to perform in concert in Hazard, Kentucky, however he died 18 days earlier of alcohol poisoning. WSGS began playing the East Kentucky native's music long before he was a star and he was a frequent caller to the station in Hazard. He once landed a spot on Channel 57's Jamboree in Hazard when he was a struggling musician. He later charted 19 singles on Billboard's charts with five straight number one songs. His May 27th 1989 concert in Hazard, Kentucky was much anticipated and heavily promoted by WSGS, but the show was not to be with his untimely death at the age of 33. Patty Loveless, who was also scheduled to perform, went on with the show in Hazard without Keith. A sadness swept over Patty and the entire audience but she carried on for the appreciative crowd. Click on the audio link to listen to one of Keith's conversations with WSGS: http://www.wsgs.com/keith.wax

On this date - Keith Whitley

On April 8, 1989, Keith Whitley went to #1 on the charts with "I'm No Stranger to the Rain."  I cannot believe that it has been 26 years since it was number 1.  Keith Whitley has always been a big influence on a lot of singers with their performances and songwriting.  With his influence and legacy left in the world of country music, I hope that one day that he is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  He deserves a spot.  He is already in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, so it is very fitting that he be included along the greats with the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Keith Whitley's lasting legacy even after 25 years of his death

Twenty five years ago today, the world of country music was shattered with the news of Keith Whitley's passing. The Kentucky native died facing his demons of the bottle, but left an impact for generations to come.

If you ever ask any real country music, or music fan in general, they all could notate Keith Whitley as an influence on their music. From the town of Sandy Hook, tucked among the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky, the lonesome soulful sound made Keith Whitley a household name.

Having played with Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, J.D. Crowe, and later with his own Kentucky Thunder, he was one of the finest singers, songwriters, and guitar pickers. His songs went straight to the heart and soul of the listener.

Yet, the person who was just taking off in his career would leave us at the young age of 34 in 1989. He was found lying in his bed on the morning of May 9th. The Davidson County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was alcohol poisoning. Whitley was just a few months shy of his 35th birthday. He would be buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville, Tenn.

Keith Whitley was a husband to Lorrie Morgan and father to Jesse Keith Whitley. His son continues to pass on that tradition of his music. In 2012, he accepted the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame induction in memory of his father.

When you ask someone to name their favorite Keith Whitley song, they all agree that you cannot pick just one. You feel the heartache in "Don't Close Your Eyes." You feel the good feeling of goodbye with "I'm Over You." You feel the love in "When You Say Nothing At All" and "Would These Arms Be In Your Way." You feel the friendship with "Brotherly Love" and "Homecoming '63." There are a ton of hits over the years and even undiscovered hits later discovered.

Tonight in Sandy Hook, fans, friends, and family members will be honoring Keith Whitley with their Homecoming Celebration. The concert kicks off at 7:00 pm at the Lakeside Elementary School.

Keith Whitley's family tree grows

Sunday evening, a new addition to the Keith Whitley lineage was welcomed into the world. Jackie Keith "Tuff" Whitley was born to Jesse Keith Whitley and his wife Ashlee Hewitt Whitley. Jackie is the grandson of legendary country music singers Lorrie Morgan and Kentucky native Keith Whitley. The baby boy was named after Keith Whitley, whose full name was Jackie Keith Whitley.

Jesse Keith Whitley made the baby announcement via Facebook by stating, "As of 5:46 pm I am now the PROUD father of Jackie Keith “Tuff" Whitley!!!!!"

Country music newcomer, Eric Lee Beddingfield offered his congrats to the family via his Facebook. His latest status included a photo with the caption, “Y'all say hello to my Godson "Jackie Keith Whitley" aka Tuff. He was born tonight as a big storm blew thru Nashville! Just like his granddaddy, he's no stranger to the rain!!!”

Jesse Keith Whitley and Ashlee Hewitt wed on March 10 in Lancaster, Minn. Jesse Keith Whitley’s latest single, “Saving Amy,” was written by hit singer-songwriter Brantley Gilbert. Hewitt was a contestant on season six of the hit television series, "Nashville Star." She currently sings backup for Lorrie Morgan.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Inducts 7 into 2011 Class

Melvin Goins of the Goins Brothers, Lorrie Morgan and Jesse Keith Whitley in memory of Keith Whitley, Larnell Harris, John Michael Montgomery, Steve Wariner, and Patty Loveless are the 2011 Class of the KY Music Hall of Fame. By Jessica Blankenship

Kentucky's finest musicians gathered at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday night for the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Honorees included Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, Larnell Harris, Molly O'Day, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, and Keith Whitley. Chad Warrix started the event by singing a heartfelt rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home."

The evening contained a blend of performances and stories by those honoring the inductees. In Keith Whitley's honor, his son, Jesse Keith Whitley accepted on his behalf. He would also showcase his talent by singing Whitley's hit tune, "My Amy." In representing his dad, Jesse said, "there are no words to describe it. To be here amongst these guys and ladies I've looked up to being representing my daddy is a complete honor. I know he would be honored to be getting it to."

Jesse Keith Whitley is currently making a name for himself in country music. "My biggest obstacle is showing that I'm not trying to ride the coat tails of mom and dad. I am my own person, but I'm not steering away from my heritage of where I come from. I want people to understand that I have my own style. Like my dad, I like my Harleys and ride my bikes with friends. I love having a good time."

Patty Loveless would provide a haunting rendition of "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive." Audience members gave Loveless a standing ovation for the legendary performer who got her start by playing clubs in Louisville with her brother. 

In being recognized for his talents, John Michael Montgomery has felt honored. "Over the years I've been blessed for hit songs that made it in both country and other genres. They were songs that were timeless. It is the best feeling of accomplishment to be recognized by my own state to be inducted into the KY Music Hall of Fame. To be honored, I don't know if I never won another award, I know I've ended it all on a good note."

Eddie Montgomery gave a very touching tribute in honor of his brother, John Michael Montgomery. Prior to the show, an emotional side of Eddie Montgomery said that John is, "the greatest singer, greatest guitar player, greatest brother, and greatest dad. This is the best thing to happen to him. He is definitely Mr. Kentucky and a country music legend. One thing people would be surprise to know about John Michael is that you couldn't ask about a better friend. There are two things I believe in - the Bible and my brother. You can't take either away from me."

Legendary guitarist and songwriter Steve Wariner has been living a dream since he was younger. Being raised in Kentucky, he learned about making an honest living. When it comes to Kentucky, Steve said the best thing is "the roots, knowing the heritage that my mom and dad are from the same town just outside of Jamestown. I love visiting because dad would drive me around telling me stories, some over and over again."

In leaving a legacy with his music, Wariner says, "I try to pick songs that will touch someone or will touch me. I try to pick the best songs I can make. To think that it will leave a legacy, it is an honor to think of it that it might. That is something you hope you achieve. It always touches me whenever someone says they enjoy a song, or it was played at a funeral. It's an honor. I learned when I was little you can never dream too big. You keep working at it. If I can do it, anyone can do it. We didn't have a lot growing up. Music was my savior and it got me out of trouble. I'm glad that God lead me down the road to music. I love it. I never got away from my roots even today. My mom is here tonight. That's why this is so special to me tonight. This is my backyard, in fact I'm getting emotional talking about it, but it means a lot."

Deep in the hills of eastern Kentucky, Molly O'Day, came from a coal mining family. She would go on to record 36 songs for Columbia Records from 1946 to 1951. She would be known for her hit songs "The Tramp on the Street," "Don't Sell Daddy Any More Whiskey," and Hank Williams' "The Singing Waterfall." At the age of 29, she would devote her life to the Church of God. O'Day passed away in 1987, leaving a legacy behind for future generations, including Dolly Parton.

Without Bill Monroe, bluegrass music would not have existed. Thanks to folks like Melvin Goins of the Goins Brothers, that tradition is still alive. When he grew up, Goins wasn't for sure what direction he was going to go. He wanted to go to school to be an attorney. Eventually he would trade four hens and a rooster for a guitar. In being inducted, Goins said, "it is the greatest thing that has happened to me in my life in all my years in bluegrass. That is the greatest music in the world. We've had some great entertainers that have come from this wonderful state of Kentucky - Bill Monroe, Grandpa Jones, Merle Travis, Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs, so many legends. I'm so glad that they picked the music up and expanded on it. I don't think this good music will ever die. I thank the good Lord for blessing me to allow me to travel and play for people. I love it."

Over time, there have been contemporary gospel singers that have made their start in Kentucky. Western Kentucky University graduate, Larnell Harris is very proud to where he is from. "I'm from Kentucky. This is like family. These are the kinds of things that my teachers told me about. If you took this award and cut it up into pieces, you wouldn't have enough to give away to those that helped make me who I am." The award winning icon has traveled all around the world spreading the good word about God through his soulful music. These days, he resides in Louisville with his family and continues to preach.

What exactly defines Kentucky music? John Michael Montgomery said that it was "the down heartedness of country artists I've worked with. We came from the grass roots and it shows in our music. Everybody that I've met from Kentucky, they're really good class of people. That's why I'm still living here."

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Announces 2011 Inductees

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame announced their class of 2011 today during a press conference conducted by Robert Lawson, Executive Director and Connie Hunt, Event Ceremony Executive Producer. Keith Whitley, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, Molly O’Day and, Larnelle Harris will be the newest inductees into the prestigious Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

“This year’s inductees include some of the most recognizable music artists in the world,” says Lawson of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. “The ceremony taking place in April 2011 will feature performances by this year’s class as well as some of this state’s greatest music achievers.”

The 2011 Induction Ceremony will be held in the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballroom in Lexington, Kentucky on April 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Hall of Fame. For more information about the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum call 1-877-356-3263 or visit www.KYMusicHallofFame.com. The induction ceremony is sponsored by Rockcastle Regional Hospital and UK Health Care.

About Patty Loveless:
To date, Patty Loveless has issued eight Gold Record albums, four of which have gone on to Platinum status. The singer is also noted for such chart-topping hits as “Timber I’m Falling in Love,” “Chains,” “Blame it on Your Heart,” “You Can Feel Bad” and “Lonely Too Long,” as well as such enduring fan favorites as “I Try to Think About Elvis,” “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” “I’m That Kind of Girl” and “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am.” Her 2008 album, Sleepless Nights, was nominated for a Grammy award and she most recently released Mountain Soul II, both on Saguaro Road Records.

About John Michael Montgomery:
With a musical career that spans twelve albums and a greatest hits package, John Michael Montgomery’s overwhelming contribution to the country music format includes hits such as “I Swear,” “Be My Baby Tonight,” “I Can Love You Like That,” “Sold (the Grundy County Auction Incident)” and “Life’s A Dance,” among many others. He’s earned 15 number one singles, sold over 15 million albums and received numerous industry and fan-voted awards, three CMA Awards, five ACM Awards and an American Music Award.

About Steve Wariner:
Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and guitarist Steve Wariner has charted over 30 top-10 singles, including 14 #1 hits, since beginning his recording career in 1977. In January he won the Grammy® Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance with “Producer’s Medley” from Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins. This is the fourth Grammy Award Wariner has received, and his first as a solo performer and producer. He won in 1992 for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and in 2000 and 2009 for Best Country Instrumental Performance. In 1998 Wariner won the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards for his #1 hit, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” which was also the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year in 1999. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996. As a songwriter he has earned 16 BMI Country Awards and 15 BMI Million-Air Awards (for songs receiving over one million on-air plays). He was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2008 and the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame in 2009. He started his own label, SelecTone Records, in 2003.

Produced by Wariner and released on SelecTone Records label, Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins honors the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. The abbreviation “c.g.p.” stands for “Certified Guitar Player,” a title that Atkins himself bestowed on only four guitar pickers: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Wariner.

About Keith Whitley:
Whitley's brief career in mainstream country music lasted from 1984 till his death in 1989, but he continues to influence an entire generation of singers and songwriters. He charted nineteen singles on the Billboard country charts, including five consecutive Number Ones: "Don't Close Your Eyes", "When You Say Nothing at All", "I'm No Stranger to the Rain", "I Wonder Do You Think of Me" and "It Ain't Nothin'" (the last two posthumously).

About The Goins Brothers:
After the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers disbanded in 1963, Ray and Melvin performed together as The Goins Brothers until Ray’s heart attack in 1994 slowed him down. Ray retired in 1997, while Melvin continued as Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain. Ray would share the stage with his brother on occasion, mostly close to home in eastern Kentucky Melvin Goins and Ray Goins, The Goins Brothers, have been playing mountain string music for 50 years. The music became known as "bluegrass" about the time they started playing professionally. Ray passed away in 2007.

About Molly O’Day:
O’Day was an American country music vocalist who had some degree of fame and commercial success in the late 1940s. Despite her short recording career, 5 years, she became a legend in her own lifetime.

About Larnelle Harris:
Larnelle Harris was born in 1947 and hailed from Danville, Kentucky, where his 30-plus years of ministry, garnered 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards and 18 Dove Awards. His career as a Gospel singer, songwriter, and recording artist has landed several number one songs on the Inspirational Music charts.