A college memory thanks to Dr. Ralph Stanley

It is hard to believe that bluegrass music legend, Dr. Ralph Stanley, is 88 years old today.  A couple of years ago he said that he was going to retire, but he is still up on the stage singing when he can.  He also just released a new album via Cracker Barrel.

Back when I was a student at Berea College, I did several research papers and an independent study on bluegrass music.  One of those papers was on the marketing influence of bluegrass music in movies and television.  It was right at the time that 'O Brother Where Art Thou' was popular.  I was fortunate to get to interview Ralph Stanley during that time.

One of those research papers and presentations were for my Women in African American Music.  The assignment was to pick a singer and a song and how it related to African American music.  My choice was Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless singing "Pretty Polly."  I tied it in with the banjo coming from Africa and the musical style of AABB.  Thanks to James Alan Shelton, who played guitar for Ralph for many years until his passing, I was able to get all of the band members to sign my cover page of my research paper.

For the presentation, I wore a pair of bib overalls and took off my shoes to be barefoot.  I didn't even think of my introduction until minutes beforehand.  There I stood nervously in front of the music teacher and fellow students as I sang a few lines of Alabama's "Mountain Music."  I spoke about the stereotype of bluegrass music listener and the musical style.  I later described the history of Ralph Stanley, his legacy, and music.

The teacher was a tough one needless to say, and I was very nervous as to what my grade would be on my paper and presentation.  I was surprised when I received the paper with my grades.  I received an A+ on both my paper and presentation due to the extra work in getting the interview with Ralph.  As for my singing, she said it was a nice touch.  (I think she was just being nice. haha)

One day I hope to make it over to the Ralph Stanley Museum & Musical Heritage Center in Virginia.  Just place that on my Bucket List.

Happy birthday Ralph Stanley.  Thank YOU for the wonderful memories over the years!

Lessons learned thanks to Glen Campbell

When country music superstars age, their legacy seems to fade away.  New music trends threaten the historic figures of yesterday.  However, for some, they tend to not give up even when medical reasons force them to stop playing.

Glen Campbell, whose greatest hits include 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and 'Whitchita Lineman,' has beat the trends and continues to win awards and recognition to this day.  Most recently, he was honored with a Grammy for 'I'm Not Going to Miss You.'  The Band Perry received an award for their version of Campbell's hit song, 'Gentle On My Mind.'  Tonight, he is up for an Oscar for the song 'I'm Not Going to Miss You,' from the movie, "I'll Be Me" depicting his daily life and struggles with Alzheimer's.

Our eyes were opened wide when we saw the affects that Alzheimers has not only on the patient, but the caregivers, and medical community.  Rather than give up when first diagnosed, Glen Campbell went on tour for over 2 years to say farewell to his fans.  

Glen Campbell at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Blankenship - Kentucky Country Music

One of those shows early on was at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and I was in attendance.  It was bittersweet as you know this would be the last time you could see him perform.  As monitors across the stage showed the words of the songs, Glen would sing and would get excited at different times because his memory would remember something on the song he was about to sing.

One of things that was amazing that even as he would forget the words to the songs, he effortlessly played the guitar with style and grace.  Recent reports indicated that even in the medical facility he is currently staying, he would entertain fellow residents with his guitar playing.

Through Glen Campbell, we have learned the need for more research on Alzheimer's, as well as the need to preserve our musical heritage.  We need more oral histories and meaningful interviews on our artists throughout their career.  Be sure to support the many organizations such as NPR, PBS, Country Music Hall of Fame, and others are helping to preserve music and stories behind the song, the singer, the legacy.

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!

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.

Catching up with Loretta Lynn

One of my favorite Kentucky country music singers, Loretta Lynn, has been a little bit all over with the news media here lately.  The native of Butcher Holler has been featured in quite a few interviews in national publications.  She was also featured on AXS TV's "The Big Interview" with Dan Rather.  I was blessed to have seen Loretta Lynn on the front row at Renfro Valley not too long ago.  It was an absolute delight.

Nashville Scene interviewed Loretta Lynn - check out the interview here.  We find out that she is working on her newest album with Shawn Camp, who has made a name for himself as a singer and songwriter in the Nashville Community.  Tradition is a strong keyword when it comes to his musical style.

"I think there were girl singers out there that could out-sing me," she says, "but they didn't want to work for it. I'm glad that I had to work for it, and I did work hard. If it would've come easy, I wouldn't have been as happy. I'm glad that I went for years without a band. I'm glad that I had to ride in the back of a car from one place to the other. If I had to sleep, I slept sitting up. I'm glad I had to work hard to do it. Them that runs out and gets a bus after one record, they'll never stay. It'll be one or two songs and that'll be over, and I'm glad it ain't me." - Loretta Lynn to Nashville Scene

My buddy, Chuck Dauphin, with Billboard Magazine got to interview Loretta Lynn as well.  Be sure to check out his interview here.

"I never dreamed that I would be good enough to sing a song that people would like. Daddy would come out on the front porch while I was swinging the babies and getting them to sleep and say, 'Loretta, hush your mouth. You can hear you all over Butcher Hollow.' One day I looked at him and said, 'Daddy, what difference does it make? They're all my cousins.' He almost whipped me, but he didn't." - Loretta Lynn to Billboard

You can catch Loretta Lynn on The Big Interview on AXS TV on Thur 9/11/2014 at 7:00 PM

and Sun 9/14/2014 at 12:30 PM.  Come Monday, 9/15, they will be featuring Jack White who helped produced one of Loretta's records.

"I think that I've made enough noise that there ain't nobody gonna forget me for awhile." - Loretta Lynn to Dan Rather 

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?

Funds needed for Grandpa Jones Historic Marker

Grandpa Jones - from The Tennessean

One of the most recognizable characters of Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry was Grandpa Jones.  The Kentucky native's real name was Louis Marshall Jones, but was well known as Grandpa Jones.  He was a banjo player and loved to play old time country music and ballads.

After being discharged from the Army during World War II, Grandpa Jones would move to Nashville and begin playing on the Grand Ole Opry.  He would marry Ramona Riggins in 1946.  He would be famous for his songs, "Mountain Dew," "Night Train to Memphis," and "T is For Texas."  He wrote "Eight more Miles to Louisville," which has become popular in bluegrass music.

Grandpa Jones would start appearing on Hee Haw, the popular television show that is still broadcasted in repeat on RFD-TV.  One of the many skits he did including the "Hey Grandpa, what's for supper?"

Grandpa Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  

In 1998, he suffered two strokes after performing a the Grand Ole Opry.  He would pass away on February 19, 1998 in Hermitage, Tennessee, at the age of 84.  He is buried in the Luton Memorial Methodist Church cemetery in Goodlettsville.

The Henderson County Historical and Genealogical Society have received approval from the Kentucky Historical Society to place a historic marker to honor Grandpa Jones at his western Kentucky birthplace in the Niagara community in Henderson County.  However, they are running short of their goal of $2500.  At this point, they have raised $700.

You can help by donating to the cause.  Donations can be sent to:

Henderson County Historical Society

PO BOX 303

Henderson, KY 42419

(502) 546-7778

Be sure to check out this great tribute that The Tennessean newspaper did on Grandpa Jones in 2013, what would have been his 100th birthday.

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.

Enter to Win Autographed Guitar from the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

My friends over at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame are giving away a historical piece of history.  This is indeed a one of a kind piece.  For every $10 that you donate to the KY Music Hall of Fame, you will be added into the drawing for an autographed guitar signed at the 2006 Induction Ceremony.  Those that have signed the guitar include:

Athena Cage

Boots Randolph

Brice Long

Dottie Rambo

Eddie Montgomery

Hugh X. Lewis

John Conlee

JD Crowe

John Michael Montgomery

Jordon Leigh

Lily Tomlin

Naomi Judd

Sam Bush

Tickets are very limited and you can make a donation multiple ways.  Stop by the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and tell them you would like to make a donation.  You can also send a donation via mail.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

2590 Richmond Road

Renfro Valley, KY 40473

Phone: 1-877-356-3263

Be sure to visit their website over at www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com, as well as on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-Music-Hall-of-Fame-Museum. 

Grand Ole Opry star Jimmy C. Newman passes away

"He leaned up by his porch steps, under a tree, and started singing songs from his childhood, as the sun was going down.  It was so pure, and it offered me a glimpse into how country music really was for guys like him, from the farms and the bayous and fields and plains, who had it in their heart before they brought it here to Nashville."  Those are the words that Marty Stuart used to describe the man raised up in Cajun country, Mr. Jimmy C. Newman.  The cajun country sounds were silenced on June 21, 2014 with the passing of Jimmy C. Newman.  He was 86 years old.

Jimmy C. Newman would be the one that gave Dolly Parton her debut on the Grand Ole Opry as he gave up one of his spots just for her.  He would be in the Top 10 of the country music charts as he was known worldwide for his unique sound.  He was a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, as well as Cajun Music Hall of Fame.  Jimmy C. Newman's last performance on the Grand Ole Opry was June 13, 2014.

The Tennessean newspaper has got an excellent feature on the life and times of Jimmy C. Newman.  Be sure to check it out here.

Ripping Off the Hag

You hear it all the time, bands suing others that rip off guitar licks, song lyrics, etc.  But seriously, why would someone attempt to take a guitar lick from Merle Haggard & another from Billy Squier and then destroy it?  I present to you, Locash Cowboys song "Hillbillies with Guitars" on the Mud Digger 5 album, along with and Merle Haggard's Mama Tried and Billy Squire's Don't Say You Love Me.  See if you hear what I'm hearing.

Locash Cowboys - Hillbillies with Guitars Spotify Link & Amazon Link to listen (no video available)

Merle Haggard singing "Mama Tried"

Billy Squier singing "Don't Say You Love Me"

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Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 5/16/2014

Brad Paisley at KFC Yum Center - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

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

CMT Awards Performers

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

Brad Paisley DubStep?

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

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

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

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.

Kentucky music legend gets highway dedication

I always love hearing good news about good folks here in Kentucky.  Bobby Mackey recently had a stretch of highway named after him.  Now that is pretty cool because not that many country music singers can say they have a highway named after them.

Click here for the link of my article.

Back in November, I got to visit Bobby Mackey's Music World, also known as the haunted honky tonk.  It has been featured on quite a few television shows over the years.  I've taken the tour myself.  Read more about that experience here.

On May 17th, Bobby Mackey's will be having a Northern Kentucky Music Legends Benefit.  It will support the Fort Thomas Museum Exhibit.  The benefit starts at 8:00 pm with Bobby Mackey and the Big Mac Band taking the stage at 10:00 pm.  Be sure to check out more information at www.bobbymackeys.com.  Support your local music scene.

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There's a Stranger in My House

Jo Walker Meader Former CMA executive director, Synciated Radio host Kix Brooks, CMHOF Members Mac Wiseman, Ronnie Milsap, Bobby Bare and Singer/Songwriter Hunter Hayes attend the 2014 Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees Announcement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on April 22, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

When you think of Ronnie Milsap, you cannot help but start singing "Smoky Mountain Rain," or perhaps "There's a Stranger in My House."  He was the definition of cool.  He was a crossover sensation and to this day, folks still love his music.  He is still performing to this day.  One thing even cooler, he never let his blindness take away from his wonderful performances.  Hunter Hayes, who is becoming very popular in country music, said that Ronnie Milsap was one of his idols.

Yesterday, Hunter got to announce that Ronnie Milsap will no longer be a stranger in the house of country music.  Ronnie Milsap was named as one of the inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  A lot of fans were pulling for this nomination and were elated to hear of the news.

Hank Cochran was also named as an inductee in the songwriter category.  It would take more than a few lines to describe the impact that Cochran has made into the music community.  Patsy Cline would shape the sound of country music with Cochran's hit songs 'I Fall to Pieces' and 'She's Got You.'  Ray Price would croon away on 'Make the World Go Away.'  Vern Gosdin would pick up the pace with 'This Ain't My First Rodeo.'  If there was a lying, cheating, country heartache song, it is a sure bet that Hank Cochran wrote it.

Mac Wiseman was named in the veteran's era category.  This was a shock for quite a few, but well deserving.  He would have a Kentucky connection, having played with Molly O'Day, as well as for Bill Monroe.  His first solo effort, 'Tis Sweet to be Remembered' helped me gain popularity with his solo career.  He would run the country division of Dot Records and helped co-found the Country Music Association.

Three legendary performers will now be able to call the Country Music Hall of Fame their home.  Click out my article on Examiner here with a little more insight of the ceremonies.

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Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 4/11/2014

Loretta Lynn - Fist City

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

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

Oh Dolly

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

He Doesn't Dance

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

Concert Notes

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

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

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

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3/21/2014

Gotta Love Merle Haggard!

Merle Haggard Tribute

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

Garth to Nash

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

Tammy Wynette Going Postal

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

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

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

Country music & Bluegrass music icons going postal

Today, the website for Tammy Wynette, the Queen of Country Music, revealed that she is one of several music icons that will be honored with an upcoming U.S. postage stamp.  Wynette joins the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe, as well as Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, and other music icons that are planned to have their own postage stamp.

Get the full details here.

Being a fan of both Tammy and Bill Monroe, this is exciting news.  I wish they had done the Monroe stamp back when it was his 100th birthday celebration.  Nevertheless, it is long overdue.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Possum

There is only one person besides Kermit the Frog that can look good wearing nothing but all green.  That would be George Jones, The Possum. Happy St. Patty's day ya'll!

Johnny Cash - She Used to Love Me A Lot

There will never be a timeless voice like that of Johnny Cash.  Here is the music video for She Used To Love Me A Lot.  It is one of the haunting songs featured on the new album, "Out Among The Stars," available on March 25, 2014.

If you get the chance, make the trip to Nashville and see the Johnny Cash Museum.  I've written about my adventures of the museum here and here.