Remembering Kentucky native Jon Hensley

Colonel Johnathan Lee Hensley

Many in the music industry that have ever meet Jon Hensley have been saddened by his recent passing.  Jon was the manager of Shooter Jennings and Wanda Jackson, but also Vice-President of his record label, Black Country Rock.  He was also a proud Kentuckian and an official Kentucky Colonel.  In fact, many would know him as Col. Hensley.

I was fortunate to meet Jon a few times over the years.  Every time he was genuinely nice to those that were around him.  I hate that I never got a photo taken with him.  To this day, I always joked that any photo that he is in, he takes you back a generation or two with his style.  If there is one thing anyone could learn - be nice to everyone no matter what.

He was very into the music scene.  Wanda Jackson has seen a resurgence in her career with folks wanting to learn and hear more of her music, whether it be recorded or live.  Black Country Rock record label also has released never before heard recordings, as well as tracks from Mr. Belding of Save by the Bell, Billy Ray Cyrus, and more.  Recently they teamed up with Cracker Barrel to release a Waylon Jennings live concert onto cd.  CDs were not the only thing they would release on music formats - they included vinyl, digital, and even cassette tapes.

Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.  Below is his official obituary from Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, Kentucky.

Jonathan Lee Hensley, "The Last Mogul", age 31, of Greenville, died Monday, June 1, 2015, at his home. Mr. Hensley was born August 19, 1983, in Muhlenberg County. He was a member of Dogwood Christian Church in Christian County. He was the Official Manager of Shooter Jennings and Wanda Jackson, and he was Vice-President of his own record label, Black Country Rock at BCR Media. He was also a Kentucky Colonel.

He is survived by his parents, Tony and Dawn Hensley of Greenville; sister Whitney (Ronnie Jr.) Hensley-Young of Hopkinsville; grandparents Charles "Shack" and Gwyn Joines of Central City and Johnny and Glenda Hensley of Hopkinsville; nephew Nolan Young, his little cowboy; niece Habary Young, his little monster; aunts Kellie Joines, Jill Joines, Kecia (Timmy) Shelton, and Teresa "T.T." Hensley; uncle Darrin (Barbara) Joines; first cousins Paige Sheldon Harrell, Adam Joines, and Dylan Joines; and the most important companion, soul mate, and love of his life, Mary Sparr of Bowling Green.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 5, 2015, at 1:00PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Rev. Justin Latham officiating. Burial will be in Eades Cemetery in Greenville. Visitation will be Thursday, from 5:30-8PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.  A memorial fund has been set up by Jon Hensley's family to help offset the cost of the funeral and burial.  To donate, be sure to visit here.

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!

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.

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."

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.

 

Reflections of Waylon Jennings

Lord knows that Waylon Jennings' music has helped me get through the bad times, the good times, the sad times, and the rowdy times.  There isn't just one song in his collection that affected my life.  It was the entire collection.  Back 12 years ago today, we lost Waylon Jennings.  The music remains, as well as the memories that last.

{Here is more info on the life & times of Waylon Jennings that I featured years ago on Examiner.com.}

Waylon would be the one and only person I never got to see perform live in concert.  He would be the one person that I wish I could sit on a bench and talk about his music and the times he lived through.  Thank goodness for videos and audio recordings, I can see those moments.  I've been fortunate to see his son, Shooter Jennings, perform live in concert.  I've also gotten to meet some great friends thanks to his music.  It seems as though I've started a collection of Waylon stuff, from clothes to vinyl to other memorabilia.  I joke that my car is the little red Waylon wagon as it has a Waylon flying W sticker on the back.

Here are a few of my personal favorite songs and the reasons being:

Belle of the Ball

I'll never forget you and love you in spite of your faults. The good and the bad, I want to remember it all. And I did a new dance and you did your Tennessee Waltz, but the party's all over I came uninvited. I'm leaving and taking the belle of the ball.

We all know the story behind the story with the Belle being Nashville.  This song is beautifully produced from the lyrics, the vocals, and instrumentation.  You find yourself swaying in a waltz wishing that someone would whisk you away as if you were the belle of the ball.

Mental Revenge

So all in all if the curtain should fall, well I hope that it falls on you.  I will have sweet, sweet, sweet mental revenge.

If you have ever had someone to lie, cheat, and do you wrong, you can only hope that they suffer the misery that they put you through.

Lonesome, Onry, and Mean

Been travelin' these highways, Been doin' things my way, It's been making me lonesome, on'ry and mean.

You can't help to get a little rowdy with this song.  I've always been a lonesome rambling soul that can get onry and mean.

Dreaming My Dreams

I hope that I won't be that wrong anymore.  And maybe I've learned this time.   I hope that I find what I'm reaching for.   The way that it is in my mind.

By far my favorite Waylon Jennings song is Dreaming My Dreams.  We all hope to learn from past mistakes and get over them.  It's hard, but you know one day you will find love once again.  

We miss you Hoss.  I know that heaven definitely has got one rolling honky tonk with your music, as well as the likes of many other honky tonk heroes we have grown to love.

Jamey Johnson provides haunting rendition to childhood song

Part of being a well rounded musician is to take a creation and make it your own. Jamey Johnson has had a way to take individual cover songs, massage them, and create masterpieces that are complimentary to the original version. He has a way to preserve the heritage of classics, yet put his own twist.

Case in point is his latest release, "You Are My Sunshine." The happy summer camp tune that we all have grown up singing takes on a totally different and darker meaning. With the help of Twiggy Ramirez from Marilyn Manson's band, along with Shooter Jennings, the trio brings out the darkness with the haunting vocals and solitary guitar ringing throughout. The musical take makes the song take on the meaning of sadness, darkness, and eeriness with the overall production.

Tuesday night during the Sons of Anarchy episode, "You Are My Sunshine," the song was predominate in the ending sequence that fit just perfect.

The song is now available on iTunes, Amazon, as well as limited edition physical formats in vinyl and cassette at www.bcrmedia.com.

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. 

Shooter Jennings speaks against faux outlaws with new tune

Shooter Jennings - by Jessica Blankenship

Shooter Jennings is no stranger to Kentucky. In fact, he is an advocate for some of Kentucky's local singers, including Lexington's Fifth on the Floor. He has had several projects over the last few years, but lately he has made a bold statement with his song "Outlaw You."

In this modern day country music business, it seems like singers want to get some "extra cred" of their background. They want to proclaim themselves as an outlaw, even name their albums with the use of the name Outlaw. However, in reality, the only true outlaws in the country music world would be Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Kris Kristofferson. They stood their ground and did the music they believed in. What is even more interesting, they didn't like to be branded as an outlaw.

On the female side of matters, you could perhaps add Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton for standing up in a man's world and singing songs that the woman was truly feeling. They wrote and sang songs that spoke out on matters that women were going through back in the day and even now.

If there is anyone to speak out against the new "faux" outlaws, it would be Shooter Jennings, son of legendary Waylon Jennings. He's been up against the wall with his own blend of country and rock music. In fact, for most, he isn't relavent until the 4th of July as his tune of the same name is played as part of the selective patriotic tunes of the day. He's been an innovator and an advocate of promoting the music that the corporate hands would not dare touch. It isn't bad music - it is honest music with soul.

With Shooter Jennings "Outlaw You," he calls out what is heard constantly through the airwaves and what has become cliche' in songs. Look at the number of songs you hear namedropping Waylon, Cash, Hank to get that "I'm a country singer" cred. How many times can you describe the dirt road, being a redneck, drinking up, being tough, and you are country because you think you are. It isn't hard to recognize who he is pointing a finger to in the song, and even in the video with blurred images of certain singers.

The song itself is strong in its message and Jennings vocals sing from the heart to make you know it is what he truly believes in. It is about time someone stands up to what we are hearing. In the words of Waylon Jennings - "Don't you think this outlaw bit has done got out of hand?"

For more information on Shooter Jennings, check out his website www.shooterjennings.com and be sure to download "Outlaw You" via I-tunes.

Outlaw You Lyrics - by Shooter Jennings

I get home from a long day

Put on the radio

Looking for some country soul

I don't find it no

It's a dirt road free for all

Some homeboy saying they're outlaw

They dress the part and they talk the talk

You know they've been told to walk the walk

These boys think they're tough

But they ain't robbing banks

Cause they name drop Johnny Cash

And they name drop poor ole Hank

Hey pretty boy in the baseball hat

Couldn't hit country with a baseball bat

Country ain't just about where you're at

It's about being true of what's inside of you

You say you're an outlaw with your perfect boots

That you got from your record label's image group

Singing another man's songs with a big drum loop

Listen son, you ain't got a clue

Can't buy true

I tell you what they should do

They should outlaw you

Let me paint a picture for you

Nashville in '62

Formula ain't proven true

They didn't let nothing new through

When Waylon came to town

They didn't like his original sound

Tried hard to keep him down

Tried hard to starve him out

He kept playing shows, pressing on

Chipping away song by song

After years and years of struggling strong

Got his chance and he took it to number 1

But this time it's '74

With his band in the back

And four in the floor

That one record busted down the door

And the record labels have control no more

Then in '76 with the Outlaws record

Sold the first million in country music ever

Those ole boys with long haired and braids

Stayed truth to the south and freed the slaves

Along come years later

Seems like got back their grip

Took the outlaw concept

And they repackaged it

And there's a million ole Waylon fans

Singing don't ya'll think this outlaw bit

Has gotten way out of hand

Hey pretty boy in your cowboy hat

Couldn't hit country with a baseball bat

Country ain't just about where you're at

It's about being true of what's inside of you

You say you're an outlaw with your perfect boots

That you got from your record label image group

Singing another man's songs with a big drum loop

Listen son, you ain't got a clue

Can't buy true

I tell you what they should do

They should outlaw you

They should outlaw you

Hey pretty boy in the baseball hat

Couldn't hit country with a baseball bat

Country ain't just about where you're at

It's about being true of what's inside of you

You say you're an outlaw with your perfect boots

That you got from your record label image group

Singing another man's songs with a big drum loop

Listen man, you ain't got a clue

Can't buy true

I tell you what they should do

Shooter Jennings and friends brings the melodic groove to Busters

Shooter Jennings - by Jessica Blankenship

While the air turned cooler outside, things were heating up instead Busters of Lexington, Kentucky.  On Thursday, fans were treated with a performance of Earl Greyhound, JJ Grey & Mofro, and Shooter Jennings.  Starting things off was Earl Greyhound, who brought the funk rock soul to the house with their three piece band.  Fans were taken back in time with current songs that could have very well been played in the 70s with an infusion of rock and soul.  The vocal power of Kamara Thomas was showcased throughout the set, as well as the songwriting skills of Earl Greyhound and grooving beats from Ricc Sheridan.

JJ Grey & Mofro, co-headliner, brought the crowd back on a journey down to the south with their music that had a distinct flavor of soul.  With the band that included its own grooving brass section, alongside the guitars, keyboard, and percussion, the vocals of JJ Grey presided a procession of music delight.  Fans enjoyed dancing and singing along to the original tunes, such as "On Fire".  The emotional "Brighter Days" showed the vocal powers of Grey as he sang about where did the brighter days go.  The band really got down in the groove with "Orange Blossom" and "Blackwater."  The fans in Lexington, Kentucky showed that they want to hear more from this great band that provided some country rock soul.

As the lights became blue and green, smoke machines filled the air as Shooter Jennings came on stage to the screams from the enthusiastic fans.  Singing songs from his new project, Black Ribbon, as well as selections from previous albums, Jennings provided a musical journey to the fans.  Fans were excited as they sang along to "Gone to Carolina", "4th of July", and "Manifesto No. 1".  The band were full of smiles hearing the fans sing along to the songs.  He also treated the fans with "God Bless Alabama," that he sang with Jamey Johnson on the CMT Crossroads, as well as a few Waylon Jennings selections.  After playing for over two hours, Jennings and the band left the stage and came back for an encore that was as strong as a good whiskey.  Throughout the show, Jennings spoke about how he loved playing in Lexington and that he was sad to see that the Dame is no more.  The Dame helped build his fan base in the Lexington area and you could tell he enjoyed playing any chance he could in the area.  Thankfully with venues, such as Busters, music fans will have a place to enjoy a great show by regional and national acts.

For those that missed the show or want to see another dose, be sure to check the tour 10/7/09 at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville and 10/8/09 at the Madison Theatre in Covington.