Chris Stapleton releases music video for Fire Away

Chris Stapleton has released a powerful haunting new video for his song, "Fire Away."  The video aims to highlight mental health awareness and the Campaign to Change Direction's efforts to identify the five signs of emotional suffering: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care and hopelessness. 

From the Campaign to Change Direction website:

The Campaign to Change Direction is a national initiative designed to change the culture of mental health in America. The Campaign encourages us all to learn and share the Five signs of emotional suffering:

• change in personality
• agitation
• withdrawal
• decline in personal care
• hopelessness

We would like to thank Chris and Morgane Stapleton for their compassion, courage and willingness to step up to create this important story – and the entire Stapleton team for their support of our mission. We would also like to thank actors Ben Foster and Margarita Levieva for their inspired and compelling performances. Finally, we would like to thank Tim Mattia whose direction brought Chris’ vision into focus. By lending their talent and their voices, these fine artists are helping us change the culture of mental health in America.

For more information, be sure to visit www.changedirection.org/

Kentucky native Josh Goodlett releases new video and single to radio

Photo Credit:  Chuck Arlund

Kentucky native, Josh Goodlett, has released a new video for his upcoming single, "Why You Gotta Be That Way."  This week he will be out on the road visiting country music radio stations in Kentucky.

The engaging video was produced and directed by Bobby E. Boyd (Loretta Lynn, Aaron Tippin) for Boyd Where Prohibited Productions.  Burt Fults (2014 Grammy Awards, Blackhawk) was the cinematographer and lighting was handled by Jeremy Gonzales.  Boyd chose various Tennessee locations for the two-day shoot, including Chase's Dance Hall in Hendersonville, Boyd Where Prohibited Studios in Nashville, plus the Music City Star Train Station and Two Rivers Park, both in Donelson.  Josh makes his acting debut while veterans Houston Wages and Alexandria Squires ably sell their respective lead roles.   

"Why You Gotta Be That Way" is Goodlett's first radio release, and tells the story of a heated heart-to-heart between friends.  "Seeing the beauty and the good in what we have right now is what life's all about," Josh notes.  "Sometimes we need to remind those around us of that fact - and friends don't let friends act like jerks," he adds with a laugh.

Find out more about Josh Goodlett by heading over to www.joshgoodlett.com. 

Judd Films keeping busy with film projects

Lucette - Screenshot from JuddFilms

Blake Judd and JuddFilms have been keeping busy with quite a few projects.  First up, two videos premiered on CMT Pure and CMT Edge.  The first one was Canadian singer-songwriter Lucette and her video for "Bobby Reid."  The video also stars Sturgill Simpson and JD Wilkes from Th' Legendary Shack Shakers & The Dirt Daubers and an appearance from Survivor Jefra Bland.  You can pre-order her Aug. 26 release "Black Is The Color", produced by Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Rival Sons, Jamey Johnson) via iTunes.

Shooter Jennings - Screenshot from Juddfilms

The second video was the fifth independent music video Blake has directed for Shooter Jennings.  This time it is for his latest single, "Don't Wait Up (I'm Playin' Possum)." The song is the first single from Shooter Jennings' new Black Country Rock release "Don't Wait Up (For George)."  Many of Shooter Jennings videos have been shot here in Kentucky.

JuddFilms, as well as The Jukebox Romeos, and Milk Products Media worked together to produce Blackberry Smoke's latest live DVD, "Leave a Scar Live."  This is a must have for any concert fan.

Many new projects are in the works for this creative Kentucky artist.  Be sure to check out www.juddfilms.com for all of his projects, and ways you can contact him for your project needs.

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?

Angaleena Presley releases new lyric video for Ain't No Man

When it comes to Kentucky musicians, I am a cheerleader for them for success.  Deep in the pockets among the mountains of east Kentucky comes the soul and sounds of music.  One of the exports is Angaleena Presley, of Beauty, Kentucky.  She is the daughter of a coal miner, a wonderful singer, and a songwriter that has written some great compositions.  Needless to say, I'm a fan.

Angaleena Presley just released a really creative hands-on lyrical video of her new song, "Ain't No Man."  You will have to check it out.  I love the old country groove that you could easily turn on the ole vinyl record player and hear this song playing over the static.

I can't for her album to be released October 14, 2014.  Be sure to check out her wonderful website over at www.angaleenapresley.com.

Lyrics to Ain't No Man by Angaleena Presley

She's smooth as a gravel on a roadside creek bank

Sweet as a flower on a knotty pine casket

She's hot as the fire on the end of a cigarette

Rich as a church's Wednesday night basket

And there ain't no man who can get his head around it

She's sharp as the blade of a mountain man's knife

Sour as an apple in a homemade pie

Mean as a snake in a small town zoo

Ain't nobody that could ever get to her heart

She's bright as the moon on a hungover morning

Clean as the mouth of a welfare baby

She's slick as the leather on a cowgirl's holster

Quick as the tongue of a Johnny come lately

And there ain't no man ever gonna win that lady

She's pure as the water in a golf course pond

Safe as a tiger with a fifty dollar bond

She's deep as the sole of a worn out shoe

Ain't nobody that could fall into her arms

Proud as a loser in a locker room

Sober as a drink of homemade wine

Sturdy as a trailer in a hurricane

Sweet as the smell of turpentine

She's real as a movie with a happy ending

Fickle as a bulb on a dashboard light

She's pretty as snow on Easter Sunday

Silly as a girl who can't make up her mind

And there ain't no man who can look her in the eye

She's sad as the smile on a birthday clown

Busy as a saddle in a one horse town

Straight as a picture on a blind man's wall

Ain't nobody that could make her fall apart

Remembering country music legend Vern Gosdin

80 years ago today, Vern Gosdin was born in Woodland, Alabama. He would be known for his nickname "The Voice" as he had a distinguishable vocals when he sang.  You believed the sorrow that he sang and the lonesome soul.

Vern Gosdin grew up singing in church and would sing on the Birmingham station WVOK with his brothers.  He formed the Gosdin Brothers with his brother Rex.  They would hit the charts in the 60s before retiring in the 1970s.  His first top 10 hit would be "Yesterday's Gone" with the harmony vocals of Emmylou Harris.

Gosdin would make a comeback with hit songs, "Dream of Me," "Today My World Slipped Away," "If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right)," and "Way Down Deep."

At the age of 50 years old in 1984, Vern Gosdin would gain his first number one hit with "I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)."  He gained more successful tunes with "Do You Believe Me Now," and "Set 'Em Up Joe."

In 1989, Vern Gosdin and Max D. Barnes won Song of the Year from the CMA for "Chiseled in Stone."

The Voice was silenced on April 28, 2009, at the age of 74, due to a stroke.  However, his music and legacy lives on among fans of traditional country music.

I do believe Vern Gosdin has earned his spot into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  I hope that one day that he will be featured among other legendary artists in the field of country music.

Waylon Jennings and the Kentucky Wildcats

Back in time in 1988, Waylon Jennings, as well as his wife Jessi Colter and son Shooter Jennings, who was 9 years old at the time, invited some pretty cool guests to their home.  Those guests were the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.  They were visiting Nashville to take on Vanderbilt University.  What did they have for dinner? Well ribs covered in Waylon Jennings west Texas style bbq sauce of course.  They also had a special cake done up and you can see it in the video from the Eddie Sutton Show.

To this day, Shooter Jennings has been a fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  He is known to visit the area as Judd Films have filmed several of his videos in and around Lexington.  He also produced Lexington, Ky natives, Fifth on the Floor, album, "Ashes and Angels."

Alan Jackson 25th Anniversary Plans

This morning Alan Jackson announced that he is doing a major tour in 2015 for his 25th anniversary in country music.  The Country Music Hall of Fame will have a special Alan Jackson exhibit to open August 29th. They will also host the artist in residence program at the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 8 and October 22 at the Hall of Fame.

During the broadcast on his website, you could send out tweets and they would post them on the website, as well as there at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Needless to say, I took advantage of it. You can see my tweetbombs on the screen behind Mike Duncan and the other guy. ;)

I have lost count how many times I've seen him in concert. From the KY State Fair to the Corbin Arena to Rupp Arena to a little all over.  I remember during "Where I Come From" they showed clips of around town and they had a clip of my ole truck with John Deere stickers all on the back rolling through Lexington. 

Out of all of the songs he's done, I have to say the tune that Erin Enderlin penned, "Monday Morning Church" is one of my favorites.  This is what country music is about.

Like what you read? Be sure to check me out on Facebook & Twitter.

Emily West: A Rare Breed

Tonight I will watch America's Got Talent, something I haven't done in a long time.  I normally don't watch talent shows or tv that much for that matter.  The reason why I will watch is because Emily West will be performing.  I've always been a cheerleader for her musical talents after seeing her play a few years ago.  She is a rare breed of good talent.  Pure raw vocal and songwriting talent.  She isn't afraid to step out beyond the borders and sing from the heart.  Here are a few of my favorite songs of hers.  I really wish radio, the fans, and more would take notice of this wonderful talent.  We focus more of the whole "what is country music, bro-country, etc" and yet we don't highlight the true talents of music as a whole.

Blue Sky was written in regards to a situation her mom dealt with.  She would cut the song and have Keith Urban sing background vocals. Here she is on the Grand Ole Opry singing that song.

Annie Gonna Get a Brand New Gun is a sassy tune that is fun to hear live in concert.  Here is a video I found of her singing it:

And here is Emily West's Rocks In Your Shoes that debut back in 2009.

Good luck to Emily West and let's hope that she continues this musical journey to where it may lead her. Go follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emilywest. And check out my facebook page as well over at www.facebook.com/kycountrymusic.

Like what you read? Be sure to check me out on Facebook & Twitter.

Fifth on the Floor debuts new video for Whiskey

My pals, Fifth on the Floor, debut their newest video for "Whiskey."  It is the beginning track off their album, "Ashes & Angels."  The rowdy tune is one of my favorites off of the album.  I even cranked it up while cruisin' down the strip during Somernites Car Cruise.

Here is my interview with Justin Wells on the success of Fifth on the Floor and future plans.  Be sure to check them out over at www.fifthonthefloor.com.  They will be heading back on tour, starting with the Muddy Roots Spring Fling this weekend.  You can also catch them at the Master Musicians Festival in Somerset, Kentucky this summer.

Like what you read? Be sure to check me out on Facebook & Twitter.

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.

The Many Versions of The Highwayman

You know the tune well.  Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings lend their vocals for the historical recording of The Highwayman.  And then I discovered it has been covered multiple times, all in good fun by those that appreciate the original song.  I'll be adding to this collection as I find out more.  Feel free to share in the comments of those I should check out and post!

 

 

 

The original version by the Highwaymen

Shooter Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Jamey Johnson did it

Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Blake Shelton did it on the Grammys

 

Fifth on the Floor, Jayke Orvis, and Carolina Still covered it while in Kentucky

 White Buffalo did a version by himself

 

Jimmy Webb, who wrote The Highwayman, brought in a newer version along with Mark Knopfler

 

Iced Earth rocked it out in this metal version.

 

Latest Interviews Roundup

I have been very fortunate to have been able to interview some of my favorite musicians over the years.  Here are my latest interviews that have been published.  Be on the lookout for a few more coming soon.

 

 

 

Marty Stuart on the preservation of country music

This was a real treat as we spoke about RS Guitarworks (Winchester, KY company), as well as his HUGE country music memorabilia collection, hair style tips, and his love for performing.  Check out that interview by clicking here.

 

Rhonda Vincent on her personal sense of style in clothing and music

Bluegrass musician Rhonda Vincent was a treat to interview.  I always admire her musical style, as well as her clothing style.  She is a real good representative for bluegrass music and it shows with her band's numerous awards and honors.  Check out that interview by clicking here.

 

Justin Wells of Fifth on the Floor

I became friends with Justin a few years ago thanks to WFKY - Froggy 104.9.  I heard one of their songs while hanging out in the studio.  Fifth on the Floor is one of my favorite Kentucky based bands to see live in concert, as well as hear a cd played.  We discussed the changes in the band, recording with Shooter Jennings, the impact of genres/trends, and an upcoming tour with George Thorogood.  Check out that interview by clicking here.

Tune Up Thursday: Blackberry Smoke - Come Go With Us

I've been a fan of Blackberry Smoke for several years now.  I've been fortunate to have interviewed the guys as well.  They left a huge impression on me several years ago when they played at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center here in Kentucky a few years ago.  I had seen them performed several times before that show.  However, it was the first time my oldest nephew got to see them and meet them.  They were extremely gracious and kind to him.  It made a huge impression on him, as well as me.

 

With the holly jolly Christmas celebrations, I decided to tone it down for ya'll this week with Blackberry Smoke's "Come Go With Us."  It was released last year but still a great stripped down tune by the guys.  I had to crack up at the description over the "very festive facial hair."

 

 

Blake Judd making name for himself in music and film industry

Charlie Louvin and Blake Judd

Sometimes you never know of the talent that sits right in your very back yard. Greensburg, Ky., native and Lexington resident, Blake Judd, is making a name for himself thanks to a few country music hit makers. Currently, several of his music videos are playing in rotation on CMT and GAC.

One of the videos currently being played is Shooter Jennings' song, "The Real Me." The video is set in a rural church in Jessamine County and features several Kentucky natives as audience members. Another video, "Deed and the Dollar" was filmed in Greensburg, Ky. in a creek last fall. Shooter Jennings added pieces of family video featuring his fiancée, actress Drea De Matto. Blake Judd also directed one of Shooter's most talked about song pointing out the faux outlaws in country music today with his song "Outlaw You."

The connection to Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings, goes back a few years. Scott Biram had Judd to produce his video "Still Drunk Still Crazy Still Blue." According to Judd, "Shooter saw the video and liked it. At first, he wanted to use it for a web show like Headbanger’s Ball but something else ended up ruling the idea out. We ended up doing an EPK after his new album, "Family Man", then the 'Outlaw You' video. Fast forward, Shooter asked me to shoot his videos for 'Deed and the Dollar' and 'The Real Me' too."

Judd was also invited by Jennings to see the Sirius XM Radio show honoring Waylon Jennings featuring Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson, Shooter, Hank Jr. and Shooter's mother Jessi Colter. Afterwards, Judd attended Jr.'s Country Music Hall of Fame benefit show with Jennings and on to Third and Lindsay to see Billy Jo Shaver. “Being a part of that experience was amazing," Judd said.

Judd was also allowed in the studio as Shooter Jennings produced Hellbound Glory's newest album, "MericA." “A lot of folks came out to record on that project. They had Amanda Shires, Leroy Powell, Andy Gibson from Hank III's band, Richie Albright from Waylon's band, J.D. Wilkes from The Dirt Daubers, and many more. It was neat to be a part of the recording process," Judd recalled.

Blake Judd continues to make connections with music videos, along with wedding and sports. His recent projects include a Blues Traveler video for "You Don’t Have To Love Me," as well as central Kentucky's Fifth on The Floor video for "Distant Memory Lane." He recently wrapped up filming on Bucky Covington's new video for "Drinking Side of Country" that features cameo appearances by Shooter Jennings, Kellie Pickler, Mickie James, and Cowboy Kenny Bartram.

Judd also shot a short documentary for his alma mater, Transylvania University called "The Battle on Broadway" that depicts the preseason basketball game between Transylvania and the University of Kentucky.

One of the biggest projects that Blake Judd has been a part of is a special documentary on country music performer Charlie Louvin called, "Charlie Louvin: Still Rattlin’ The Devil’s Cage."

"This documentary came to light a few years ago. Keith Neltner and I met Charlie Louvin in 2008 and kept in touch. Soon he was battling pancreatic cancer and we reached out to interview him. We used the Kickstarter website to get funds for the project," Judd noted.

The amazing part is that they were able to film Charlie Louvin's last live performance at Nashville's FooBar music venue. Charlie was also very open of giving Blake and Keith contacts in the music business, Alison Krauss, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris, to name a few, to include them in the film. Blake remembered, "I was nervous yet excited to get to explain the project to those that knew Charlie best."

Fortunately they were able to capture stories by Charlie, as well as from his colleagues. "Sadly he passed away in January. All proceeds from the 1000 limited edition DVDs goes directly to Charlie's wife, Betty, to help pay for medical bills from when he was sick," according to Judd.

The film was featured at this year's Nashville Film Festival. Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, and many others took part in a discussion panel on the film.

For more information on Blake Judd, be sure to visit www.juddfilms.com or stop by their YouTube page at www.youtube.com/user/juddfilms. To order a copy of the limited edition Charlie Louvin DVD, "Still Rattlin' the Devil's Cage," go to www.louvinfilm.com.

Shooter Jennings The Deed and the Dollar

I get excited over traditional country music that doesn't focus on the flash and the fury.  I've been a fan of Shooter Jennings for quite some time....from the rock days to country days.  I always had a respect because he isn't afraid to create music that crosses boundaries.  It's funny that some radio stations won't play him because he's "too country for rock - too rock for country" yet they will play the heck out of Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, etc that are more pop than country.  Never could understand that aspect of airplay.

Shooter Jennings has a new project under his sleeve that comes out March 13th.  The album is called "Family Man" and is one to add to your collection.  One of the cool things is that he filmed 3 videos here in Kentucky.  The first one that is getting heavy airplay on CMT is "The Deed and the Dollar."  It was filmed on location in Greensburg, Kentucky by Kentucky native Blake Judd.  Below is the video.  Check it out and request it to your local radio.

Shooter Jennings films music video in Kentucky

When it came time to film his next music video, Shooter Jennings decided to be on location throughout many areas in Kentucky. Filming took place throughout Greensburg, Campbellsville, before concluding in Nicholasville Tuesday night.

Production for the music video for "The Real Me" was provided by Kentucky filmmakers Judd Films. They are currently working with Shooter Jennings on the packaging and marketing of his newest album, "Family Man."

Tuesday's taping in Nicholasville, Kentucky featured actors in period wear reminiscent of "O Brother Where Art Thou." The film location was at a former church in the country that was used for young black women as a refugee camp during the Civil War. It was established by John G. Fee, who also founded Berea College.

Shooter Jennings, along with several actors, portrays a church scene that also features snakes and an American Idol contestant. Be on the lookout for Bucky Covington in the back row. Local band Fifth on the Floor also provide cameos in the music video.

Shooter Jennings new album, "Family Man," is set to be released in the next couple of months. Be sure to check out www.shooterjennings.com for more information.