Birthday Celebration with WSM-AM

WSM Radio listeners celebrating 89 years! {Photo by WSM Staff}

One thing I always hate hearing someone say is, “they never play country music on the radio.”  Open your ears and you will find country music on the radio.  In fact, one of those stations just celebrated its 89^th birthday and I joined in on the celebration.

WSM 650 AM out of Nashville, Tennessee has been going strong for 89 years this week.  It is also the home of the legendary Grand Ole Opry program.  You can hear the station live on the radio (even up here in Kentucky with a little bit of static), online at www.wsmonline.com, and via the Tune-In app or the WSM app on your smart phone.  Talk about technology over the years.  My grandparents would have to listen to just the radio and now I can listen to the station anywhere and everywhere I go for the most part!

Misty Rae Carson visits my hometown

Yesterday morning, I made a pit stop over to WKFC here in London, Kentucky, and got to see and meet Misty Rae Carson.  She was super sweet and talented songwriter originally from Texas, but now in Nashville. 

Misty Rae Carson and Jessica Blankenship at WKFC Studios in London, KY

Usually I'm very partial when it comes to cover songs, but she did an impressive soft version of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. 

She followed it up with her tune, "So Can I," which I think will be my handpicked download of the week during my Nashville News Roundup.

Be sure to check out her website over at www.mistyrae.com.  She is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and all those various social media networks.  Her latest EP is out now and can be bought online or at shows.

Nashville News Roundup for Week Ending 3/14/2014

Waylon & Shooter Jennings - Fenixon Album Cover

You can check out the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings on WFKY Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, KY and WKFC Bandit 101.9 out of London, KY. Both stream online & live on the radio dial for free.

Waylon & Shooter Rare Recording

On April 19th, as part of Record Store Day, there will be a special album released featuring Waylon and Shooter Jennings.  The album, Fenixon, was recorded in 1995 and it blended the music influences of Waylon and the modern influences of Shooter.  From Waylon's Facebook page: Composed mostly by Shooter himself, “Fenixon” includes originals, as well as covers of some of the elder Jennings’ catalog of music, and some unexpected covers as well. This was the only time the two collaborated together, and for the first time the album will be released in it’s entirety on beautiful white vinyl, with incredible packaging and illustrations by the great Keith Neltner. Listeners be warned: This is an Industrial type album and is not intended for Waylon fans who may be expecting a country album. This is the most experimental Waylon ever got in his entire career and showcases his fearlessness previously left unturned. This is a BCR Los Angeles release."

Get Well Soon Mel

Get-well wishes are extended to Mel Tillis following heart surgery. "He's doing fantastic and is expected to make a full recovery," says daughter Pam Tillis. "In typical Mel Tillis fashion, he's already cutting up and cracking jokes with the nurses. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated."

Hunting Down a Record

Hunter Hayes will break a Guiness world record and promote awareness of child hunger by playing 10 shows in 10 cities in fewer than 24 hours. Hunter Hayes' 24-Hour Road Race To End Child Hunger starts with a performance on Good Morning America May 9 and wraps in Philadelphia at 5am May 10. The current world record for the most concerts played in multiple cities in a 24-hour period is held by The Flaming Lips.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Kip Moore - Young Love

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: Two years after his song "The Fightin Side of Me" goes #1 on Billboard, Merle Haggard was pardoned by California Governor Ronald Reagan for a 1957 attempted robbery that landed the singer in prison.

Nashville News Roundup - Week ending 2/7/2014

Cold Beer With Your Name On It

It isn't an April Fool's joke - Josh Thompson will be releasing his latest album, Turn it Up, on April 1st.  He just recently shot the video for his song "Cold Beer With Your Name On It."

 

The Voice Update

Several of our pals tried out for the Voice in Nashville.  Eddie Barber was the only one we have found out that got a callback, but unfortunately didn't make it to the next round to go onto the tv show.

 

Handpicked Download of the Week: Cadillac Three - I'm Southern

 

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1962, Garth Brooks is born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Following his 1989 debut, he sells more than 100 million albums, winning multiple Entertainer of the Year awards from the CMA and ACM, leading the biggest boom in country's history during the early-'90s.

 

Tune in to the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings at 9:20 AM EST on WFKY - Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  You can listen on the radio, via Tune-In App, and online at www.myfroggyville.com.

 

 

 

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 1/3/2014

Every Friday I deliver the Nashville News Roundup on WFKY - Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  You can listen on the radio, online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the "Tune-In" app on your phone.  Usually airs right around 9:20-9:25 am est.  Here are this week's topics:

Pickler Tour of Duty
Kellie Pickler spent the holidays overseas visiting US Troops for her seventh USO Tour.  She has been tweeting photos of her journey on Twitter.  “I’ve been looking forward to this trip since I returned home from my last USO tour. It’s been great to be a part of the USO’s Every Moment Counts campaign for this tour.”

Eddie Montgomery Financial Woes
The Lexington Herald Leader has reported that Eddie Montgomery has filed for bankruptcy.  With the financial troubles from his divorce, as well as the restaurant failure, he filed with listed liabilities of $13.4 million and $1.9 million in assets.  His restaurant is set to be sold on the courthouse steps on January 10th.  His home is also up for sale through Justice Real Estate.

Is Shelton Coming Back to the Voice?
Blake Shelton is set to return to “The Voice” for season six beginning February 24, 2014. The “Mine Would Be You Singer” will be joined by Adam Levine, Shakira, and Usher on the next season of the hit show. I also got word that Local Musician Puddin Howell plans to try out in Cleveland in January.  We'll keep you updated on how things go!

Handpicked Download of the Week: Jon Pardi - Up All Night

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1991, Billy Ray Cyrus signed his first recording contract with Mercury Records in Ashland, Kentucky. In conjunction with the event, the mayors of Ashland and Flatwoods, Kentucky, each proclaim Billy Ray Cyrus Day.

Nashville News Roundup: Week Ending 12/13/2013

Ray Price - Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Every Friday I deliver the Nashville News Roundup on WFKY - Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  You can listen on the radio, online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the "Tune-In" app on your phone.  Usually airs right around 9:20-9:25 am est.  Here are this week's topics:

 

Ray Price Update

Country music legend Ray Price left an east Texas hospital to go to his home in Mt. Pleasant for hospice care. News channel KLTV revealed today that Price is in the final stages of pancreatic cancer.  Ray has left this final message for his fans: "I love my fans and have devoted my life to reaching out to them. I appreciate their support all these years and I hope I haven't let them down. I am at peace. I love Jesus. I'm going to be just fine. Don't worry about me. I'll see you again one day."  Read more here.

Kristofferson to Receive Grammy Honor

Kris Kristofferson will be honored with the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award during a Grammy Week ceremony Jan. 25, with formal acknowledgment of the honor made during the Jan. 26 Grammy telecast on CBS-TV. Kristofferson joins the Beatles, the Isley Brothers, Kraftwerk and more as this year's recipients. The award recognizes "performers who have made contributions of outstanding artistic significance."

 

Wayne Mills Update

There has been an outpouring of love and support from the country music community for the family of country music singer Wayne Mills.  Read his obituary that was read at his memorial service this past Sunday here.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Beautiful Star of Bethleham - The Judds

 

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: May the bird of paradise fly up your nose come December 19th as that will be the day we celebrate Little Jimmy Dickens' 93rd birthday!  He is the oldest living Grand Ole Opry star and still performs from time to time.  On a personal note, I believe it should be a national holiday as I just love Little Jimmy Dickens! :)

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 12/6/2013

Every Friday I deliver the Nashville News Roundup on WFKY - Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  You can listen on the radio, online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the "Tune-In" app on your phone.  Usually airs right around 9:20-9:25 am est.  Here are this week's topics:

Wayne Mills Update
A memorial service has been set for singer-songwriter Wayne Mills, who was shot and killed at the Pit and Barrel in the early morning hours of November 23 by bar owner Chris Ferrell.  Ferrell claims it was self-defense and has not been arrested. The memorial service will be held on Sunday in Arab, Alabama.  Wayne Mills was a well respected traditional honky tonk singer who shared the stage with Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Blake Shelton, and more.  One of 7 albums are available on I-tunes. My personal top song picks are "Homeward Bound" and "Last Honky Tonk."

Read my personal connection to Wayne Mills here.  He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.

Grammy Hall of Fame
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Kris Kristofferson’s debut album are among 27 new additions to the Grammy Hall of Fame. In order to be selected, singles and albums must be “at least 25 years old and exhibit qualitative or historical significance. Recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee comprised of knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees.”

Handpicked Download of the Week

Merry Christmas From the Family - Montgomery Gentry

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week

On this date in 1984, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson record "Highwayman" at Nashville's Moman Studios. Among the musicians on the session is guitarist Marty Stuart.

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 11/22/2013

Every Friday I deliver the Nashville News Roundup on WFKY - Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  You can listen on the radio, online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the "Tune-In" app on your phone.  Usually airs right around 9:20-9:25 am est.  Here are this week's topics:

From Butcher Holler to the White House

Loretta Lynn received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama on Wednesday afternoon.  She was one of 16 people that received the honor, along with Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.  Get complete details of the ceremony here.

From Lexington to NYC

Lexington, Kentucky natives, Fifth on the Floor, have been making a name for themselves.  Recently they played at the House of Blues on Times Square in NYC.  You can catch them when they play at Busters in Lexington on December 14th.  Get more info on them at www.fifthonthefloor.com.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Rosanne Cash - A Feather's Not a Bird (read my review here)

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week:  Back in 1992, Roy Acuff died from congestive heart failure in Nashville and is buried within eight hours. A Grand Ole Opry symbol for over 50 years, the "King Of Country Music" was the first living member inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Nashville News Roundup for 11/1/2013

Each Friday morning on WFKY, I deliver the Nashville News Roundup at 9:20 AM.  You can listen online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the radio dial or Tune-In App.  Here is this week's discussion topics.

Froggy St. Jude Jam
Saturday is the 3rd Annual St. Jude Jam at the Grand Theatre in Frankfort, KY. Tickets are just $5 and includes the musical talents of Greg Bates, Josh Pruno, and Aly'An.  More details here.

No Show Finale
Froggy St. Jude Jam artist Greg Bates is among those that have been added to the final performer list for the George Jones Final No Show concert in Nashville on Nov 22nd. Limited number of VIP packages are available for $1000 each.  Here is the complete list of performers that will be playing at the concert.

American Picker
Be sure to check out the Grascals new video alongside Dierks Bentley.  The tune is called American Picker, and yes it is based off the hot tv show.  There is even a guest appearance by Mike Wolfe from the show. Check out the video here.

Handpicked Downloads of the Week:
Greg Bates - Fill in the Blank
Josh Pruno - Cut Offs
Aly'an - The Real Thing

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date back in 1937, Bill Anderson was born in Columbia, South Carolina. Whisperin' Bill earns a series of hits as an artist and writes more for Connie Smith, George Strait, Brad Paisley and Ray Price, joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1961 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

Nashville News Roundup for 10-25-2013

Each Friday morning on WFKY, I deliver the Nashville News Roundup at 9:20 AM.  You can listen online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the radio dial or Tune-In App.  Here is this week's discussion topics.

 

Chasing Nashville
Lifetime tv channel has introduced a new tv series called "Chasin' Nashville." The unique part is that it follows 4 young girls from Appalachia following their country music dreams.  It debuted this week.  You can check it out on Tuesdays or online at http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/chasing-nashville.

 

Let's Get Ready for a Party
Blackberry Smoke and Brett Eldredge will join headliner Hank Williams Jr. for the Storme Warren-hosted Bash On Broadway in downtown Nashville on New Year’s Eve. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Handpicked Download of the Week

George Strait's latest release "I Got a Car"

 

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week

"Howdeee! I'm just so proud to be here!" Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon was born in Centerville, Tennessee in 1912. Through her persona as Minnie Pearl, she spends 50 years on the Grand Ole Opry and becomes a regular on "Hee Haw," joining the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1975.  If you go to the Country Music Hall of Fame and view her plaque in the rotundra, you will notice something unique.  Even though Sarah passed away in 1996, she wished that no date of death would be placed on Minnie Pearl as her spirit would live on forever.

Power to the Country Music Radio Listeners

I love small town radio stations. I was raised in a small town and always felt that radio should be local based, not what a corporate person made as a "hot list" of what "must" be played.  Sometimes the folks that are top dogs on that list are not necessarily the hottest thing in a small town.

Three country music radio stations in Kentucky are always on my radio whenever I'm traveling through their neck of the woods. Frankfort's Froggy 104.9 is first and foremost on my list.  They allow me to gab about country music.  They have an annual Froggy Field Party that features artists in the beginning of their careers before they go off and make it big.  They had Whitney Duncan (who was on Survivor tv show), Justin Moore, Josh Thompson, Ashley Ray, The Roys, Chris Janson, Rhett Akins, and more over the last few years. Hands down I have had more fun at those shows because it is a relaxed family atmosphere.  Froggy features young and older artists - even my favorite, Little Jimmy Dickens. :)

Next up is Coyote 100.7 out of Richmond, KY.  I'm a loyal listener of Karl Shannon as he is a hoot to be around.  The Coyote features young and old music along with their Bluegrass Express on Sunday nights.  I listened to the Coyote all the time when I was a student at Berea College.

Down in the Cumberland River region, be sure to tune into The Big Dawg 99.9 FM.  They have a great variety of country music and the djs are great.  They are also very active in their community.

Speaking of community - that is what local radio stations are about.  Who would you add as your favorite local small town radio station?