Where to see Music in Kentucky

Two boys (one in costume with suspenders) and a girl (costumed as a pioneer with a long dress and bonnet) play homemade musical instruments, including a banjo, gourd banjo, and sticks possibly used as percussion instruments, next to a sign reading "Music" alongside railroad tracks. Music is a town in Carter County, Kentucky. Photographer - Jean Thomas. From the University of Louisville Digital Library.

Loretta Lynn the biscuit queen

Loretta Lynn writing songs and baking biscuits. I love a good country song written by Loretta alongside some fresh baked biscuits.  Now if that isn't country, I don't know what is.

Winter in Kentucky

In the winter time, it seems like we all hibernate and try to pick up projects inside the comfort of a warm home.  For me, I use it as a time of reflection and planning for the upcoming year.  Several years ago, I moved back to my hometown after living in Versailles, Kentucky, for 5 years.  Before that, I lived in Lexington, Kentucky.  I miss my friends and the beautiful countryside.  I spent a lot of time driving the backroads, taking photos of the scenery that surrounded me.

I have been going through old photos and thought I would share a few with you from time to time.  These two were taken at Manchester Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.  Being a farmgirl, I was always drawn to taking photos of barns and livestock.  Stay tune for more photos as I dig through my collection!  If you would like, you can follow me over at Facebook.

Winter Time in Kentucky - by Jessica Blankenship

Winter in Kentucky - by Jessica Blankenship

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!

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3/7/2014

Songwriter Memories

Songwriter Lorna Flowers passed away due to cancer on Wednesday.  She was successful in Europe and established her residence in Nashville in July 2004.  Lorna was a well respected friend and business woman who helped others craft their skills.  She was friends with Rivers Rutherford and Bridgett Tatum, who Froggy listeners have known over the years.

Holly Bobo Update

There has been a break in the case in regards to Whitney Duncan's cousin, Holly Bobo.  Officials in TN have arrested Zachary Rye Adams in connection to the case for murder. 

ACM Performers Announced

Nominees Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Keith Urban and The Band Perry are set to perform at the 49th Annual ACM Awards April 6 in Las Vegas. Bryan and Shelton will also host the awards, which will be broadcast live on CBS-TV. Speaking of The Band Perry, check out my review of when their We Are Pioneers tour made a stop in Corbin, Kentucky at The Arena.

Restoring Tammy Wynette's Name

Today when you visit the Woodlawn Memorial Park mausoleum site where Tammy Wynette is buried, you won't find the country music star's name on it. Instead, you see the name Virginia W. Richardson. Wynette's daughter, Georgette Jones Lennon, along with her sisters are fighting to restore her name and legacy. A Facebook group, A Restoration’ – Tammy Wynette’s Name and Legacy, has been gaining popularity among country music fans as they express their concerns of restoring the name. Get the full details here.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Jackson, KY native - Sturgill Simpson - Sitting Here Without You

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 2009, Jamey Johnson became a fire hazard: Hollywood Hollow in Lawsonville, North Carolina, is forced by the fire marshal to disallow more than 360 paid customers when the club is 70% above maximum occupancy. Amazingly enough, Jamey went back on stage to play over 4 hours and meet with fans afterwards.  I was at that show and talk about some fun memories!

Nashville Adventures: Twitty City, Third Man Records, and Loveless Cafe

I believe that my second home could very well be Nashville, Tennessee.  This week I had to make a trip down there for an appointment and decided to do what I love best - sightseeing.  Every time I go to visit, I usually end up doing something different.  Needless to say there is always something to do when you go down there.

 

(Click below for photos & more on my adventures)

Country Music Roadtrip: Butcher Holler, home of Loretta Lynn & Crystal Gayle

While at the Jenny Wiley State Park for a conference, I decided to venture up to Butcher Holler to visit the home of Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle.  Little did I know what adventure this trip would be.  In all my years of living in Kentucky, it has always been a goal of mine to visit Butcher Holler.  It just seemed to connect the pieces of the country music puzzle for me.  I've never met Loretta, but I have met Crystal Gayle a few years ago at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame ceremony.  What an elegant lady to interview.

Butcher Holler - Home of Loretta Lynn. By Jessica Blankenship

I started at the park and went down the road to the gas station to grab a pop and some donuts on a crisp cold Saturday morning.  The journey up to Butcher Holler is a delight in itself.  When doing a "google map" search, be sure to put Butcher Hollow.  You can also put in Van Lear, Kentucky.

Waylon Wednesday

Happy Wayback Waylon Wednesday!

Waylon Jennings and his infamous Fender Telecaster guitar.  Photo taken back in 1970 according to the Walkin' Nashville Facebook Page.  Check out their page at https://www.facebook.com/WalkinNashville

Blue Side of Heaven

My grandpa - always in Liberty overalls overlooking his mules.

It isn't very often that you hear a song and it hits you in your heart.  It pulls a heartstring.  I first heard Alan Jackson's song, "Blue Side of Heaven," over the radio airwaves of WSM-650 AM.  Alan Jackson did a concert at the Station Inn to promote his album, "The Bluegrass Album."  Then when he played that song I immediately was brought to tears.  I began searching the lyrics or even another live performance of the song online.  Needless to say, I had to wait until the album was released.

 

The song immediately reminded me of the passing of my grandparents this past spring.  My grandpa passed away a month after his birthday and a week after their 69th wedding anniversary.  My grandma would pass away a week after her birthday, a month after my grandpa.  Every time I see a pair of Liberty overalls or a quilt I am reminded of my grandparents.  They are definitely missed.

 

Click here for the article that I wrote for Examiner.com that tells about the background story of the song as well as the lyrics to Blue Side of Heaven.

 

 

 

Pure Kentucky

I have to say Kentucky folks have some big hearts.  One person that comes to mind when I think of musical ambassador to eastern Kentucky, that would be Chad Warrix.  He, along with David Tolliver, put together a charity event, Crockettsville Charity Concert & Trail Ride.  Proceeds go to benefit the Buckhorn Child & Family Services. 

This photo is of Chad Warrix at the 2010 charity concert.  It was a real treat being there.  Something special about this photo is the guitar strap.  It was hand-tooled by leather craftsman Cody Hixon of Tennessee.  Check out my feature article on Cody Hixon that I did.  He is one heck of a talented individual.

If you run by the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in Renfro Valley, be sure to check out the latest exhibit featuring Chad Warrix.  Not only is he a super talented guitarist, but he is a sweet guy.  There needs to be more people in this world with a kind heart like him.

Significance of an Autograph

When you finally meet the celebrity you've always wanted to meet, usually you can get an autograph.  However, what is the real significance of getting a piece of paper signed? To some, it's to resell later. While others, it is a nice momento and proof that you indeed meet that person.  For me, I do have several autographed items, including a guitar and mandolin that have a major collection of autographs on it.

I've gotten into having items autographed that have personal meaning, whether it is a photo that I've personally taken of the artist or my mandolin.  I also have the sentinmental photo books that I did specifically for Jamey Johnson over the last few years. Each one showcased a series of shows in the past.  Each time Jamey would personalize a book to me and I would personalize one to him.  One that stood out is the one pictured where Jamey wrote, "Such great pictures. Thanks for the constant reminder of the greatest days of my life."  It makes me happy to know that he appreciates something I've done and it is something to share for future generations.

Grand Ole Opry Moments

I love going to the Grand Ole Opry.  Call me a country music history nerd, but I love the history that has evolved with the Opry. I've been very fortunate to be backstage of the Opry and witness moments that you won't see in the seats in front of the stage.

The last time I attended the Opry, I got to be a guest backstage.  I got to meet Vince Gill, as well as several others.  Nevertheless, I was indeed "star struck" by Vince as I've always enjoyed listening to his music.  During the final segment of the Opry that night, he invited Don Schlitz, who wrote Kenny Rogers "The Gambler."  Don ended up singing the tune and received a standing ovation from those in attendance.  As the curtain went down, his hands were on his head and he exclaimed "I can't believe it! I just played the Opry for the first time!"

Pictured is one of my friends, Sunny Sweeney, sharing a moment with Jeanie Seely.  It is moments like this that I'm glad to have a love of country music and photography.