Notable items that sold during Remembering Waylon auction

Sunday afternoon, fans of Waylon Jennings watched as many of his historic items were auctioned off by Guernsey's Auctioneers.  Proceeds from the Waylon Jennings auction were to go to the Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Here are a few of the highlights of high bids.  Note that there was a 25% premium on top of the price listed below.

• Storms Never Last Bronze Bust - $6,000
• Photo collections brought in anywhere between $50 up to several hundred dollars
• Citation of achievement from Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI) given to Waylon Jennings for the theme song for the hit country comedy Dukes of Hazzard - $1900
• Several Fender Custom Shop Waylon Jennings Telecasters - $9,500 & $10,000
• Martin D28 Herringbone Guitar with Sitka spruce top. Waylon's personal guitar, used by him extensively for songwriting and for playing at home and on the road - $26,000
• Gibson Chet Atkins CE Guitar. Nylon string. Solid body guitar with piezo electric pickup. Ebony. Signed by Chet to Waylon '87 on the sound covers - $13, 000
• Fender Amps $750 - $1000
• Howard 23 Jewel pocket watch on chain. A gift from George Jones around the time Jessi and Waylon's son, Shooter Jennings, was born. $10,000
• Little Jimmy Dickens personalized cowboy hat to Jessi and Waylon - $1800
• Sunglasses - $500 - $1000
• President Andrew Jackson Hand-Carved Cane - $9,000
• "Image of the Man" Limited Edition Pencil Portrait - there were multiple listings of this portrait that brought a high of $1,900 and low of $750
• Hank Williams, Sr. boots - $8,000 (estimated value was $40,000 - $60,000)
• Muhammad Ali's Ring Robe - $5,000
• Muhammad Ali's Training Gloves - $1,500
• Willie Nelson's Braides - $25,000
• Nashville RCA Studio Statue of Nipper the dog - $3,750
• Flying W Logo used on stage $3,500
• Desk given to Waylon by Johnny Cash - $70, 000
• Original signed contract forming The Highwaymen - $18,000
• Waylon's stage chair - $2,500
• 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car with Waylon as first owner - $30,000
• Waylon's Rolex Watch - $25,000
• Signed contract for a performance in Elizabethtown, KY - $400

Sadly - the costume that Waylon wore during the Sesame Street movie did not sell.  There were several handwritten letters and lyrics that did not sell, making me wish I had placed a bid or two!

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.

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. 

Story behind Craig Campbell's guitar strap

One of my favorite things to do while at a concert or watching a music video is to see the guitar strap. It has become a game of searching for a particular style. That particular style is that of my friend Cody Hixon of Great Point Custom Leatherworks. He has made quite a few guitar straps, belts, journals, and other leather goods with his own personal touch over the years. 

I've been fortunate to have been there when he has given some of the artists their guitar straps. Justin Moore comes to mind as he has 6 or 7 of Cody Hixon's guitar straps. Justin also has Cody to make guitar straps for his tour mates, so Jon Pardi and Dustin Lynch also have his creations after their final stop in Corbin, Kentucky, a year ago.  From George Strait to Brantley Gilbert to Willie Nelson to Jamey Johnson, many folks have been outfitted thanks to Cody Hixon.

One artist that has one of his straps that I have seen quite a bit in videos is Craig Campbell. Several of us went to Country Throwdown Tour Series stop in Knoxville, Tennessee. Cody and I got to meet Craig after his set and he presented it to him. Craig was impressed with the craftsmanship. These days I see photos from others and videos of Craig and there he is, sporting that strap. I will say that Craig was very nice and humble to meet.  With his songs and personality, there is truth, heart, and hard work that goes into his music.  He is one artist that I'm happy to tell others about. 

Here is one of those acoustic videos for Craig Campbell's latest hit song, Keep Them Kisses Coming.

You can check out more of Cody Hixon's leatherwork over at www.greatpointcustomleatherworks.com.  Find out more on Craig Campbell at http://craigcampbell.tv.

Have a Willie Nice Day!

The man. The myth. The legend. The birthday boy...that would be the one and only Willie Nelson.  Today marks his 81st birthday.  What a living legacy he has led in his musical journey, both on and off the stage.

A few years ago, I had the honor of photographing Willie Nelson at the Country Throwdown Tour.  I had photographed the tour series before, but this go around in Knoxville was somewhat magical in a sense.  You see, all of those that were on the "up and coming stage" and on the big stage and Bluebird Cafe stage back in 2011 are now household names among fans.  Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson, Drake White, Austin Lucas, Erin Enderlin, and many more took part in the festivities.  What was even cooler was that Willie's son, Lukas Nelson, played guest guitar with each and every act.  He was very much involved and you could tell he loved every minute of it.

Willie Nelson would close the night and I was in awe.  It was amazing to be able to stand within a few feet in the photo pit snapping away.  I came home, wrote up my article for Examiner.com and was literally amazed to see it posted on Willie's website.  The journalist in me was giddy as a kid seeing that.

I've always been supportive of Farm Aid and it has always been on my bucket list to go and cover the event.  I've been invited several times, but logistics, a full time job, travel costs, and other commitments kept me away.  One day I will attend Farm Aid...one day.

Happy birthday Willie Nelson!

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.

A love like Johnny and June

This past Wednesday would have been Johnny Cash's birthday.  On March 1, 1968, Johnny married June Carter at the Methodist Church in Franklin, Kentucky. Carter's "Ring Of Fire" co-writer Merle Kilgore was best man.

While in Nashville this week, I took time to stop by the Johnny Cash Museum on Johnny Cash's birthday.  It is always a treat to go and visit the crew there while in town.  Something that I didn't know was that Johnny Cash was a member of the Future Farmers of America.  Having been a member of the FFA and American Farmer Degree recipient, I was giddy upon seeing his FFA Membership card in the museum.



Johnny Cash FFA Membership Card - Photo by Jessica Blankenship



As you walk down the memories, you also see quite a bit of memorabilia of Johnny Cash and the Cash Family.  I'll be sharing some of those photos in upcoming weeks, so stay tune for those stories.  For now, we shall all want a love like Johnny and June as no matter what, they stuck it out until death done them part.

Photos and Marriage License of Johnny Cash and June Carter - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash Marriage License - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Poem that Johnny Cash wrote the day of June's funeral - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Ever since the last time I visited the Johnny Cash Museum, I wanted to own a piece of memorabilia.  I was tickled to death to see this piece of jewelry made by Johnny's daughter, Tara Cash.  I always guard my heart after so much loss in the past.  Needless to say, it is an honor to have a piece of Cash history.

Weekly Vinyl: Conway Twitty - Merry Twismas

While growing up, there was always a Conway Twitty song playing in our house.  Even to this day, I can hear the first few notes of a Conway song and know which one it is and go back to a memory from that song.  Over the years, my parents would make the trek down to Hendersonville and we would go see Twitty City, the home of Conway Twitty.  These days, it is owned by Trinitiy Broadcasting Company.  You can still tour the home (downstairs) and the grounds.  One of the biggest traditions were the Christmas lights. Oh how I loved seeing them.  There would also be times that Conway himself would greet fans that came to visit.

 

With the holiday season approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to mention this week's "Weekly Vinyl" as Conway Twitty's "Merry Twismas" album.  It was released in November 1983 on Warner Brothers.  It would reach #37 on the US Top Country Music Albums charts.  It is one to add to anyone's collection of great vinyl records.  So hard to believe it has been out for 30 years this year!

 

 

 

Track Listing

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Nine Little Reindeers
Jingle Bells
White Christmas
Christmas is for Birds
Johnny Snowman
Frosty the Snowman
Winter Wonderland
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Happy the Christmas Clown
Silver Bells
Ding a Ling the Christmas Bell
Kids
Here Comes Santa Claus
Night Before Christmas

Up On the Housetop

Jolly Ole Saint Nicholas
Silent Night

 

Country Music Roadtrip: A visit to Bobby Mackey's Honky Tonk

Bobby Mackey's Sign outside - by Jessica Blankenship

Friday night I gathered up some buddies and we went to the Justin Moore, Randy Houser, and Josh Thompson concert held at the Bank of Kentucky Arena at NKU campus. Afterwards we headed down to Bobby Mackey's Honky Tonk in Wilder, Kentucky.  I have been meaning to get up there for a visit after the great invitation from Mr. Mackey himself, as well as RJ.  As soon as we walked in, I have never felt so much like home.  The two girls working the door welcomed us and then we were greeted by RJ.  RJ would introduce us to Bobby Mackey prior to him taking the stage.  We then sat down at a table and tried to take it all in.  You have a gift shop area room, then there is a large mechanical bull in a corner alongside pool tables, live music from Bobby Mackey and his band, and tables throughout the place.  There is also karaoke and the ghost tours.

The Weekly Vinyl: Coal Miner's Daughter Soundtrack

 Back in 1980, Hollywood released the hit movie "Coal Miner's Daughter."  Along with the movie came the vinyl record soundtrack with the same name.  It was in tribute to Loretta Lynn, who was born and raised in the mountains of Kentucky in a place named Butcher Holler.

Last week I had to attend a conference for a my main fulltime job and decided to make a sidetrip to Butcher Holler.  I'll post more about that later this week, along with some photos.


In an interview, Loretta Lynn said that she had Sissy Spacek on the road with her for about a year or so.  Sissy basically studied every move, song, guitar lick, vocals, and actions of Loretta so that her acting would be spot on.  Loretta would take clothes pins and pin up song lyrics to lamp shades in a hotel.  Sissy would sit by her learning the song on guitar and vocals.  Hard work paid off as her acting was just like Loretta Lynn.  Loretta said that she couldn't watch the film because there were moments that were exact to the point of her and her family.  She was, however, pleased that they depicted her and her husband just like they were.

The soundtrack was recorded in Bradley's Barn in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.  All of the songs were recorded by Sissy Spaceck, with the exception of a few that were recorded by Beverly D'Angelo.  Owen Bradley was the producer of the album that was released on MCA Nashville.  It would reach #2 on the US Top Country Billboard Albums, #40 US Billboard 200 Albums, #1 on the Canada Country Albums, and #23 on the Canada Top Albums charts.

Coal Miner's Daughter: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Track Listing
1. The Titanic
2. Blue Moon of Kentucky
3. There He Goes
4. I'm a Honky Tonk Girl
5. Amazing Grace
6. Walking After Midnight
7. Crazy
8. I Fall to Pieces
9. Sweet Dreams
10. Back in Baby's Arms
11. One's on the Way
12. You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man
13. You're Lookin' at Country
14. Coal Miner's Daughter

Tune Up Thursday: The Grascals & Dierks Bentley - American Pickers

Dierks Bentley and bluegrass band, The Grascals, just released a video called "American Pickers" from the Grascal album, "When I get My Pay."  And yes, it is about the infamous television show.  You can see Mike Wolfe from the tv show featured in the video.  The American Pickers have a location in Nashville that is a "must see" shop to visit!  You can see special music city memorabilia from legendary country music singers, such as George Jones and Hank Williams, Jr tour jackets.  My favorite item in the American Picker Shop in Nashville is the huge Piggly Wiggly pig head hanging from the ceiling.

Antique Archaeology in Nashville is located at 1300 Clinton Street, Suite 130 in the Marathon Village. It is opened Monday through Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM (all times are Central time).  Note of advice - do NOT attempt to go in there just when they open. There is honestly no need to stand outside waiting in line, go inside crammed pack like a can of sardines, and then squeeze back out.  It is a fairly small showroom, but you can purchase a few of the antiques, as well as tshirts and other American Picker merchandise.

The website for the Nashville Antique Archaeology is located http://antiquearchaeology.com/antique_archaeology_nashville_tn.html

The Weekly Vinyl: Oak Ridge Boys - Y'all Come Back Saloon

I've always been a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys.  It is unbelievable that they are celebrating their 40th year in the music business this year.  They are one of my favorite performers to see live in concert at the KY State Fair and at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.

 

The Oak Ridge Boys debut country album was this fine and dandy "Y'all Come Back Saloon."  It was released on September 2, 1977 by ABC/Dot Records.  The producer was Ron Chancey.  Three singles were released off the album, "Y'all Come Back Saloon," "I'll Be True to You," and "You're the One."

 

Track Listing for Y'all Come Back Saloon
1."Y'all Come Back Saloon" (Sharon Vaughn)
2."I'll Be True to You" (Alan Rhody)
3."An Old Time Family Bluegrass Band" (Mike Hufman)
4."Didn't She Really Thrill Them (Back in 1924)" (Allan Chapman)
5."Old Time Lovin'" (Gerry House)
6."Freckles" (Sterling Whipple)
7."You're the One" (Bob Morrison)
8."Let Me Be The One" (Jimbeau Hinson)
9."Easy" (Chick Rains)
10."Emmylou" (Buzz Cason)

 

For more on the Oak Ridge Boys, head on over to www.oakridgeboys.com.

The Weekly Vinyl: Waylon Jennings Greatest Hits

A new weekly series for the music fan - The Weekly Vinyl.  I thought I would share some tidbits and photos inside my own personal record collection.  You never know what you might find in it!

 

This week is Waylon Jennings' Greatest Hits album.  It was released by RCA Records in 1979.  The album was certified by the RIAA as being platinum five times.  The interesting tidbit is that it was re-released in 1989.  The album I have is the original 1979 release. 

 

Producers of the album include Waylon Jennings, Chips Moman, Chet Atkins, Jack Clement, and Richie Albright.

 

The album peaked at the number 1 spot on the US Billboard Top Country Album Chart in 1979.  It was #28 on the US Billboard Top 200; #1 on the Canadian RPM Country Album Chart; #20 on the Canadian RPM Top Albums; and #9 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.

 

Track Listing for Waylon Jennings' Greatest Hits Album:
1."Lonesome, On'ry and Mean" (Young) – 3:38
2."Ladies Love Outlaws" (Clayton) – 2:32
3."I've Always Been Crazy" (Jennings) – 4:11
4."I'm a Ramblin' Man" (Ray Pennington) – 2:46
5."Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line" (Bryant) – 2:20
6."Amanda" (McDill) – 2:56
7."Honky Tonk Heroes" (Billy Joe Shaver) – 3:27
8."Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" (Bruce, Bruce) – 2:32 With Willie Nelson
9."Good Hearted Woman" (Jennings, Nelson) – 2:59 With Willie Nelson
10."Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" (Emmons, Moman) – 3:19
11."Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" (Jennings) – 2:55

Why I hate to say goodbye

Jessica with Ralph Stanley in 2001 at Renfro Valley

It's one of those things we all hate doing.  We all hate to say goodbye to a dear friend.  Starting this weekend, Dr. Ralph Stanley will be doing his farewell tour.  To me, it just doesn't seem like it is time to say "goodbye" or "farewell" to this musical legend.  It really makes me go back in time to the first time I saw Ralph Stanley in college.  It was at the Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival along with some of my college buddies back in 1998.  I got to meet him after he performed and was instantly a fan.  It also fueled the fire so to speak for me to study and learn more about Appalachian music and bluegrass music.

I was very fortunate to interview Ralph Stanley and use him as a focus of a few research papers while in college.  One of my research papers was the marketing of bluegrass music in movies and television shows.  Another was one of those "way out there" papers and presentations for my African American Women in Music course.  The teacher required us to pick a singer and a song and relate it to the title of the class.  My choice was Ralph Stanley and his song "Pretty Polly" that he sang along with Patty Loveless.  My correlation was Ralph playing banjo that originated from Africa.  The song was also similar in style of traditional African music with the call response/AAB style. (Trying to not get all technical on ya'll.)

I was a nervous wreck going into the presentation as I didn't even have a clue what to do for my opening.  I'm a talker and don't mind one bit to talk in front of crowds.  However, I wanted to make sure to leave an impression.  That morning, I put on my overalls and tshirt on.  The teacher frowned upon the fact that I didn't "dress up" for the presentation.  It wasn't until 5 minutes before the presentation I came up with my opener.  I got up to the front of the class, stood there in my overalls, got barefoot, and sang the opening lines of Alabama's "Mountain Music."  

"Oh, play me some mountain music, like grandma and grandpa used to play"

And from there I gave my presentation in front of all these music majors, my music teacher, and "oh so perfect" musicians.  I, for one, am not a musician or any of that.   In the end, I received an A+ on my presentation and paper.  The teacher also said I had a knack for bringing out the Appalachian vocals.  Talk about a compliment considering I just don't really sing!  Did I mention that I also had Ralph Stanley and his whole band sign the cover page of my research paper?  Maybe she gave me an extra + for extra effort?

Needless to say that interview with Ralph Stanley started my love of music journalism and interviewing others.  Preserving the musical heritage and history.  And now we must say "farewell."  I do not dare say "farewell," but say "I will see you soon Ralph."

Get the complete story on Ralph Stanley by going to http://www.drralphstanleymusic.com

Nashville Road Trip: Johnny Cash, The Mall, Waffle House

Catch up on Part 1 of my Nashville Adventures Here

After my cousin and I stopped at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, we made our way over to the Johnny Cash Museum & Store. It was ironic as I was carrying my Johnny Cash purse that I bought a little over a year ago online.  There it sat on the shelf for sale. 

My Johnny Cash Purse - by Jessica Blankenship

After paying $14 each (little high in my opinion), we walked through the museum of various Cash memorabilia.  I was in music heaven with all the cool historic artifacts out on display depicting Johnny Cash's life and career.  It was a little packed so we didn't get to see every little thing, but I was able to capture a few photos.  It was neat seeing the tin cups Cash received when he performed at Folsom Prison. 

Cups given to Johnny Cash when he performed at Folsom Prison. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

They also had his marriage certificate from when he & June Carter Cash married in Franklin, Ky.  I always said that I wanted a love like Johnny and June (well minus the drugs!)

Johnny Cash and June Carter Marriage License at Johnny Cash Museum. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

You could also view furniture from his house, sitting in front of a rock wall that was taken from his homestead.  The eerie part was the ending of the museum tour.  As you sat and read over career facts, the music video for "Hurt" was playing.  Alongside it was the guitar and music awards he received from the last video he made.  You realized it was the end and how much of a huge impact Cash left on music.

Furniture from Johnny Cash's home as seen in the Hurt video. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

Once we got through the museum, we headed back onto Broadway to visit a few shops.  Then it was off to the Opry Mills Mall.  I hadn't been inside since the major flood except to go into the Bass Pro Shop.  We literally shopped til we dropped.  Afterwards we decided out of all the places in Nashville to eat...we go to Waffle House.  No country star sightings.

The next morning, I took my cousin down for a little "tour de Nashville."  I think I should charge for these personalized tours full of history and facts.  I took her first over to the Grand Ole Opry House, then we went downtown to see the infamous Music Row.  The funny thing is that the two songs I despise hearing, Wagon Wheel and Boys Round Here, had banners hung up for their success. I even drove by the "naked people statue" because there is no way you cannot visit Nashville without taking a turn around that.

Marathon made automobiles for a short span of time. Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

George Jones touring jacket. By Jessica Blankenship

Our final stop before heading back to Kentucky was the Antique Archaeology shop.  It is where the American Pickers tv show has their shop in Nashville over at Marathon Works.  When we pulled up in the parking lot, there was a huge line of folks waiting for it to open.  The last time I was in there, there wasn't a line.  I wasn't for sure if something was happening or what was going on.  We gave it about 15 minutes after the line went inside and we ventured in there.  It was packed to the gills of young, old, and all points in between. Not for the claustrophobic or anxiety attack waiting to happen folks. Around the shop is various memorabilia that Frank & Mike have picked on their travels.  The coolest thing I saw was George Jones tour jacket - not for sale unfortunately.  We found us each a shirt and stood in line at the register. Well, at least we thought we were in line but it was a mess.  They definitely need a MUCH bigger place and organization. Or we should have waited until later to go in there.

Finally we said goodbye to the bright lights and country music of Nashville on our way back to Kentucky.  Our trip ended with my cousin wanting to go back to Nashville and see even more sights and sounds. I would say my job as "personal tour guide" was a success if she wants to return!

Don't worry - I went back to Nashville a couple of weeks after our adventures.  Stay tune to part 3 coming soon - George Jones, Bakersfield, Loveless Cafe adventures.

The Tammy Wynette Connection

One of my favorite county music female singers would have to be Tammy Wynette.  I remember as a little girl listening to her on the radio and I would sit there singing along.  In 6th grade, the teacher had us to write a letter to someone we've always wanted to meet.  I, of course, wrote mine to Tammy Wynette.  Little did I know, our teacher would send off a few of our letters.  It was a few weeks later, I got an envelope in the mail with a personal letter and hand signed photo from Tammy herself.  Needless to say, I was an ecstatic 11 year old.  I've kept that photo with me over these years and now it sits above my desk in a simple frame matted.  Tammy has been with me musically speaking over the years.  I was sad when she passed away several years ago.  I never got to see Tammy in concert, nor did I get to meet her in person.  However, that letter and photo made me feel like I had somewhat of a connection to her.

These days in the world of digital technology, musicians are trying to get to the heart of the fans, more in a much more massive way.  With all the social networking of Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. one message can be sent to reach thousands for free whereas sending out a letter via snail mail wouldn't reach as many and would be slower.  However, I actually have a box of memories of music - fan club newsletters, photos, the little extras in fanclub kits.  Let's see, at one point or another, I was in John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker, Billy Ray Cyrus, Montgomery Gentry, Dierks Bentley, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner and the list goes on and on of Fan Clubs.  I remember spending $20-25 of hard earn money for the newsletters, membership card, perhaps a signed photo, folder, bio, and little extras.  These days, artists are "all digital" and the only benefit of a fan club is easier access to meet & greets, better concert seats, and the occasional message board.

Back to Tammy...I love a good ole honky tonk song from a female perspective.  I leave you with "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad."