Merle Haggard's legacy to be celebrated on RFD-TV

Merle Haggard - photo by Steve Kalinsky

Upcoming brand new, never before seen episodes of “Country’s Family Reunion” will pay tribute to country music legend, Merle Haggard. Artists in this series include John Conlee, Vince Gill, Bobby Bare, Gene Watson, Moe Bandy, Teea Goans, Rhonda Vincent and more.

This is one of the biggest ever Reunions as they pay tribute to the life and music of Merle Haggard. Featuring songs and stories from three of Merle’s sons, along with John Conlee, Vince Gill, Bobby Bare, Gene Watson, Moe Bandy, Teea Goans, Rhonda Vincent, Ray Benson, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, David Frizzell, Ronnie Reno, Mac Wiseman, Bill Anderson and more.

The idea behind the hit “Country’s Family Reunion” series when it all started in 1997 was simple – ask the great people who shaped country music to get together and talk about their history, and maybe sing a few songs. Each episode of Country’s Family Reunion is hosted by country legend and hit songwriter, Bill Anderson who guides the discussion and supplies viewers with inside stories from his many years in the business. Nearly 20 years later, Gabriel Communications celebrates more than a dozen projects, featuring hundreds of songs and never-before-heard stories from some of country music’s original artists, which would have otherwise been lost forever. Click here to find out where to watch RFD-TV and “Country’s Family Reunion” in your area.

Upcoming “Country’s Family Reunion” Airdates:

*All episodes re-air on Saturdays at 12 am EST

Friday, November 11 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include Ronnie Reno – “Honky Tonk Night Time Man,” David Frizzell “The Way it was In 51,” Bobby Bare “Ramblin' Fever,” and Vince Gill “Lost In A World Without Haggard.”

Friday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include John Conlee “Okie From Muskogee,” Teea Goans “I Didn't Mean To Love You,” Ray Benson “Misery and Gin,” Mark Wills “I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink,” Rhonda Vincent “Mama Tried,” and Marty Noel & Ben Haggard “Workin’ Man Blues’.”

Friday, November 25 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include The Isaacs “If We Make IT Though December,” Moe Bandy “Today I Started Loving You Again,” Gene Watson “Tonight The Bottle Let me Down,” Tony Booth “I Had a Beautiful Time,” Mac Wiseman “Sing Me Back Home,” Marty haggard “Mama's Hungry Eyes,” and Noel & Ben Haggard “The Runnin' Kind/Lonesome Fugitive.”

Friday, December 2 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include Jim Lauderdale “I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall,” T. Graham Brown “Big City,” Mo Pitney “Farmer's Daughter,” Jeannie Seely “Everybody's Had the Blues,” Ben Haggard “It's All in the Movies,” and Daryle Singletary “Footlights.”

The “’Country’s Family Reunion’ Collection Series” DVD box set features four different show compilations including “Country’s Family Reunion Original,” “Country’s Family Reunion Celebration,” “Country’s Family Reunion Gospel,” and “Stories From The Golden Age Of Country.” Purchase the entire series and have unlimited access to over 50 legendary country music artists with 130 rare live performances online by visiting www.cfrvideos.com.

Artist interview: Rhonda Vincent on her personal style of music and clothing

Rhonda Vincent

Missouri native Rhonda Vincent has reached some unbelievable heights and breaking barriers in a male dominated world of bluegrass music. Her distinctive vocals backed by her band, The Rage, have reached the hearts of bluegrass and country music fans. Recently this Examiner spoke with Rhonda Vincent on her newest album, visiting Kentucky, and her beautiful style.

The new album, "Only Me," is a perfect blend for fans who love country and bluegrass music. One song that Rhonda Vincent wanted to make sure to have on the album was 'When the Grass Grows Over Me.' According to Vincent, "It became a natural choice for me when we recorded it. It was the day after the passing of George Jones and we were on the Grand Ole Opry. They asked everyone to sing a George Jones song. That's what kinda started this idea of making the album six country songs and six bluegrass songs. I've been on the Country Family Reunion and it became a natural choice."

Her daughters also had a hand in song selection on the album. "There's another song called 'It's Never Too Late' that my daughters wrote and recorded," Vincent noted. "It has such a powerful message that I have not been able to sing it on stage yet without choking up. I am just thrilled that we made sure that we did that song."

Her daughters have become successful in their own endeavors. What was the biggest advice Rhonda gave her daughters? "The one thing that I told them when they graduated high school is that I don't care what you do, just make sure that it is something that you love," she said. "We didn't care what they went into. Herb said for them to go into college and get a degree. The crazy thing is that Sally has a degree in sociology, but she was hired to be a vocal instructor. She has a beautiful voice and it is a natural thing for her. She loves it and it is working out for her wonderfully."

Considering all of the awards and success over the years, Rhonda remains humble, especially at home. "My husband always joked that when I come home, he keeps the woodbox empty. So when I come home, I've got to load the woodbox and do five loads of laundry. I still live in Missouri and I think keeps me humble. It seems like coming back home is like hitting reset; going back to square one. It also reminds you of where you come from. We're very proud at what we do. We work really hard throughout the year so it's kind of like a nice reward for what we do."

Being back on the road, you will see her throughout Kentucky with several shows. One show she looks forward to is the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour, taped live in Lexington, Ky. at the Lyric Theatre. She is set to appear again on Feb. 3. Her favorite part of the show is, "getting the chance to collaborate with other people on the show. It's a lot of fun that you get to do something out of the normally."

On stage, fans have taken notice of Rhonda Vincent and the Rage's stage attire. It is something they take personally and make sure they are dressed professionally. Rhonda notes, "It has become part of what we do. I think we've become a crusader for the image of bluegrass. Bill Monroe dressed in a suit, as well as Flatt and Scruggs. It's just how it is perceived as hillbilly music and unsofisticated. The guys in the band always make sure they are always in suits and I'm usually in a dress or gown. It's a very rare occasion, but if it is muddy and cold we might wear jeans."

Off the stage, you can see Rhonda Vincent active on social media with Facebook and Twitter posts. She encourages fans to post photos on her page and to interact. That is something you don't see from most entertainers. And yes - those posts come from Rhonda herself.

Be sure to pick up Rhonda Vincent's latest album, "Only Me," in stores on Jan. 28th. You can catch her concert schedule and learn more by visiting www.rhondavincent.com.