When a loved one dies

Papaw Jerry & Jessica back in time

During the month of April, I took a break from some things and focused on family.  In between my full time job and doing my music stuff, I sat in the hospital room and then nursing home room as my grandpa was sick.  The sound of the machines beeping, nurses and doctors shuffling in and out to check this and that became a new routine.  Relatives would come to visit and spend time sharing stories of our youth growing up in southeast Kentucky, with some moving on to Ohio and Tennessee.  Then on the morning of April 26th, time stood still as my grandpa passed away.

In the coming days, we sat together as a family at the funeral home making arrangements, going to the flower shop to pick out the perfect arrangement, shop for the outfit to wear, and preparing for the visitors.  My grandma asked me to speak at his funeral and for several days, I wrote, rewrote, and wrote some more trying to figure out the perfect words to say.  Needless to say it was the hardest and easiest thing I have ever written in my life.  It was an honor to be asked to tell others about my grandpa.

During all of the hustle and bustle, east Kentucky native, Angaleena Presley's new album "Wrangled" was released.  I have been meaning to write a full on review of the masterpiece of an album.  It has been hard to find the time to dedicate my full attention to it.  However, there was one song that has stuck in my head throughout April and now May.  "Cheer Up Little Darling" was written by Angaleena Presley and Guy Clark.  It would be his last song he wrote before passing away.  Musician Shawn Camp plays Guy Clark's No. 10 guitar, which was used to write the song, and Clark's mandola.  I personally want to thank them for this song that kept me rolling these last few weeks.  If you would like to listen to it, be sure to download it from I-tunes here.

"Cheer Up Little Darling" by Angaleena Presley & Guy Clark

Yeah, it's gonna be real pretty, man

Cheer up little darlin', don't be so sad

There's a time and place for the blues that you've had

Just hold what you've got, babe, and never give in

Seems like a tight spot, but it's just a loose end

Cheer up little darlin', don't be so sad

There's a time and place for the blues you have had

Hold what you've got, babe, never give in

It feels like a tight spot, but it's just a loose end

You can't fix the world, girl, it's so badly bent

But you can help it along if you save your own skin

The first thing you do, honey, is make you a list

Of the things that you've done and the things that you've missed

Do the best that you can, doll, there's no one to blame

It's just the turn that it took in this crazy old game

Hold what you've got, babe, never give in

It feels like a tight spot, but it's just a loose end

I will miss walking up to Mammy and Papaw's house and seeing him sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch. I will miss him saying "how are you doing?" as he sat there smoking a cigarette, drinking his coffee. I will miss his creamed style corn made in the cast iron skillet, complete with chocolate gravy and biscuits. Don't tell Mammy, but Papaw is the only one that could make the best gravy!  And most of all, I will miss hearing those words, "Now don't you run off – what’s your hurry?” and "I love you" as I had to leave to head home.

In the Bible, we learned that the Lord created the universe and all its beauty in 7 days. I always said that on the 8th day, God made a farmer. On the 9th day, he made a truck driver to haul the farm goods. While he may have parked his truck here on earth, I know that the engine is a roaring as Papaw Jerry drives the streets of Heaven. 

Bill Anderson reunited with guitar found in a pawn shop

Mike and Wendie Grauer with Bill Anderson

Today, it is common for any songwriter to write a song about their past. But when Bill Anderson, Vicky McGehee and Jamey Johnson co-wrote "The Guitar Song," eight years ago, they had no idea they were actually writing it about their future.

The pensive story-song about a fictional guitar that hung unwanted and tattered in an old pawn shop, yet held so many stories of its past to tell, went on to become the title track of Johnson’s critically acclaimed fourth album and starts out with the words:

I'm just a guitar in the pawn shop on the corner

And I'm waiting for someone to play me now and then

My strings are kinda rusty and I'm a little dusty

Oh, but you'd be too if you've been where I've been

In an eerie and remarkable twist of fate, those lyrics now reflect the true story of a guitar Bill Anderson played when he was first getting started in country music – and on Saturday night, August 8, on the stage of the legendary Grand Ole Opry, the authentic Grammer guitar, given to Anderson personally by Billy Grammer fifty years ago, made its way back into the hands of its original owner.

The story all began four weeks ago when Anderson’s secretary received an email from Mike Grauer, the owner of Bell Road Pawn in Phoenix, Arizona, which read that one of the shop’s customers had pawned an old guitar which had the words, “This guitar belongs to Bill Anderson,” in the sound hole.

Familiar with the 50-year Grand Ole Opry member and his long list of self-penned top country hits like “Whiskey Lullaby,” (Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss) “A Lot Of Things Different” (Kenny Chesney), “Give It Away” (George Strait), among others, Grauer searched the Internet and was shocked when he found an old video on YouTube of Anderson playing an identical Grammer guitar on The Johnny Cash Show. Grauer sent pictures of the relic, and upon investigation, Anderson and his team were able to confirm its authenticity.

“I thought, okay, here it comes, he’s going to want $25,000 for me to get it back,” Anderson joked. But to the contrary, when the country star asked Grauer what he would take for the special timepiece, he replied that he and his wife had always wanted to witness the Grand Ole Opry, but they'd never had the chance.

Without hesitation and, “before he changed his mind,” Anderson recalled, he booked two tickets to Nashville and arranged for them to experience The Grand Ole Opry in a special way -- backstage. As Mike and his wife, Wendie, celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary, Anderson introduced them on-stage to a captive audience, wistfully telling the story of his long-lost guitar that had now found its way home.

Anderson said, his voice breaking, “Mike, you and Wendie just have no idea, you have no idea, what this means to me. I don't think I ever played this guitar in the Opry House because we didn't come here until 1972, but I played it many times at the Ryman. It's so special to have it back. Thank you so much. I wish you a wonderful anniversary.” Laughing, he added, “It may be your anniversary, but I got the present!”

The long-lost guitar hit Anderson’s hands for the first time in 50 years, and he gave its strings a strum as he held back tears of sentiment. Today, the BMI Icon Award winner and the only songwriter in the history of the country music genre to have achieved a song on the charts for seven consecutive decades, Anderson surprised the audience with a surprise appearance by co-writer and friend, Jamey Johnson, and the two performed a chill-bump inducing rendition of the now non-fictional fan-favorite hit, “The Guitar Song.”

Anderson closed the special performance saying, “Thank you to Mike, Wendie and Jamey, and thank you to Billy Grammer. May you rest in peace, my friend."

"Your old guitar will be well taken care of… I promise I'll never lose it again.”

Bill Anderson is currently on tour across the country, performing in venues from state to state. For a full list of dates and additional information on the country legend, please visit www.billanderson.com.

Why do we have cover songs at concerts?

Jamey Johnson - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

I cannot count the number of times I have been fortunate to see Jamey Johnson in concert in almost 10 years.  Several thousand photos, guitar picks handed to me, photo books, memories, laughter, sadness, friendships, and much more gained in those years.  Something struck me though as I reflected back on those concerts.

Preservation.

There is a difference of doing a cover song just for the heck of and to get people to sing along and doing a cover song to preserve the quality and introduce that song to perhaps someone that has never heard of it.

There are quite a few songs that I love, but after hearing so many horrible cover versions, I cringe when an artist inserts them into their show.  Think about the last few concerts that you have been to.  Did you hear any of the following: Folsom Prison Blues, Wagon Wheel, Dixieland Delight, Friends in Low Places, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way, etc? In one week, I heard Folsom Prison Blues 5 times - 3 of them being all 3 acts at the concert.

Dig deep in that catalog of musical selections.  Bring out a song that ties into what you are singing, your life, your message.  Preserve that song and re-introduce it to your audience.

Jamey Johnson has sung many of a cover song of George Jones, Merle Haggard, Mel Tillis, David Allan Coe, and many more.  He even pulled out Nirvana's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" into a very haunting rendition.  

What is it? Is it the southern country drawl in the vocals?  Is it the wailing sound of the steel guitars?  Why is it that we love these cover songs?  Perhaps it is because they are necessarily preserving history of music one note at a time.

Take listen the next time you are at a show and your favorite artist sings a cover song.  And for the record - could we just retire the annoying covers of Wagon Wheel?

Who has recorded in RCA Studio A in Nashville?

From RCA Studio A - Ben Fold's Website

Ben Folds has sent out a letter to various Nashville publications with a passionate plea to save the historic RCA Studio A.  He has been a tenant of the building that Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley built with a vision.  Word has gotten out that a potential developer has purchased the building.  Thus, the plea to try to preserve real American musical history.  Nashville itself has boomed in the recent years.  Downtown is towering with skyscrapers, condos, new convention center, and much more.  Nestled down the road is Music Row with its quaint buildings that stir into that world of music.  From recording studios, to record labels, to publishing companies, to publicists, there is a lot of things that happen down on Music Row.

Even more astounding is who all has recorded at RCA Studio A.  

Peter Bradley Adams, Gary Allan, Brent Anderson, Anika, Arlis Albritton, Asleep at the Wheel, The Beach Boys, Ben Folds Five, Tony Bennett, Amy Black, Jason Blaine, Blind Boys of Alabama, Joe Bonamassa, Wade Bowen, Eden Brent, Jim Brickman, The Brothers Osborne, Rachel Bradshaw, Brentwood Benson, David Bullock, Laura Bell Bundy, Ken Burns, The Canadian Tenors, The City Harmonic, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chocolate Horse, Brandy Clark, Brent Cobb, Jesse Colter, Elizabeth Cook, Wayne Coyne, Margaret Cho, Billy Currington, Matt Dame, Danae, Ilse DeLange, Rebecca de la Torre, Steve Earle, ESPN, Jace Everett, The Fabulous Headliners, Dani Flowers, Danny Flowers, Colt Ford, The Frog Sessions, Eleanor Fye, Cami Gallardo, Billy Gibbons, Sarah Gibson, Vince Gill, Alyssa Graham, Peter Groenwald, Harlan Pepper, Harper Blynn, Connie Harrington, Hunter Hayes, John Hiatt, Faith Hill, JT Hodges, Adam Hood, James House, Sierra Hull, Alan Jackson, Joe Jackson, Casey James, Jenny Jarnigan, Jewel, Jamey Johnson, Josh Jones, Kristin Kelly, Kesha, Anna Krantz, Ben Kweller, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Sonny Landreth, Samatha Landrum, Mark Lanigan, Stoney LaRue, Jim Lauderdale, Frank Liddell, LIfeway, Meagan Lindsey, Longmont All Stars Jazz Band, Lyle Lovette, Luella and the Sun, Tayla Lynn, Amanda Palmer, John Pardi, Rich Parkinson, Alan Parson, Charlie Pate, Kellie Pickler, Pistol Annies, Pretty Lights, Mike Posner, Sean McConnell, Scotty McCreery, Kate Miller Heidke, Ronnie Milsap, Miss Willie Brown, Danny Mitchell, Allison Moorer, Kacey Musgraves, Musiq Soulchild, David Nail, the Nashville Symphony, Jerrod Neimann, Willie Nelson, Joe Nichols, Sierra Noble, Natalie Noone, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jake Owen, Rainfall, Johnny Reid, Thomas Rhett, Lionel Richie, The Robertson Family, Henry Rollins, Shannon Sanders, Jader Santos, Alejando Sanz, Mondo Saez, Kate Schrock, Bob Seger, Sera B., Brian Setzer, Nikki Shannon, William Shatner, SHEDaisy, Jordyn Shellart, Joel Shewmake, Sleeping With Sirens, Jake Shimabukuro, Mike Shipp, Kevin Shirley, Anthony Smith, Joanna Smith, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Chelsea Staling, Steel Magnolia, Tate Stevens, Jay Stocker, Rayburn, RED, RockIt City, Jeff Taylor, Justin Towns Earle, Josh Thompson, Those Darlins, Josh Turner, Bonnie Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Ben Utecht, Phil Vassar, Venus and the Moon, Andy Victor, Amanda Watkins, Chuck Wicks, Hank Williams Jr., Williamson Country Youth Orchesta, Alicia Witt, Lee Ann Womack, Word Entertainment, and Charlie Worsham. 

I love this quote by Ben Folds - "We are Music City - the only city in the world truly built on music."

Come on Nashville, let's help save this historic landmark.  This is where dreams have been dreamed, songs have been created, and lives have been changed.

Hank 3 at Mercury Ballroom Review and Photos

I have gone to hundreds of concerts, interviewed quite a few folks, photographed shows, and met many. Hands down I can say Hank III was the most humbling experience. Check out my interview with him by clicking here. This would be my second time seeing him play in concert.  The first time was in Lexington, Ky at Busters.  I was on the front row for that show.  This time it was Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky.  The venue was very nice and all of the staff were very helpful.  I'll talk about the venue setup, then the show itself. 

Quirky Country Music Song Day

Today is Quirky Country Music Song Day...got to love these little mini-holidays.  While going through my song catalog trapped up in my little brain, I thought of these titles to celebrate:

• May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
• Dropkick Me Jesus through the Goal Post of Life
• It's Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night that Chew Your A-- All Day Long
• She Got the Goldmine, I got the Shaft
• You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd
• You're the Reason Our Kids are Ugly
• If My Nose was Running Money Honey, I'd Blow it All on You
• Give Me 40 Acres and I'll Turn This Thing Around
• Flying Purple People Eater
• Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home
• Dixie Rose Deluxe’s Honky-Tonk, Feed Store, Gun Shop, Used Car, Beer, Bait, BBQ, Barber Shop, Laundromat
• Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On
• Did I Shave My Legs for This
• Get Your Biscuits in the Oven & Your Buns in the Bed
• Big Balls in Cowtown
• Thank God & Greyhound You're Gone
• There's 5 Pounds of Possum in My Headlights Tonight
• Mississippi Squirrel Revival
• Watermelon Crawl
• Red Solo Cup
• Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog
• Honky Tonk Badonkadonk
• Fist City
• If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body, Would You Hold it Against Me
• Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
• I Don't Need No Rocking Chair

I'll continue to add to the list as I come across some more quirky song titles.  Feel free to comment here or over on Facebook of your favorite quirky song titles!

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 3/21/2014

Gotta Love Merle Haggard!

Merle Haggard Tribute

Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard will be the focus of two tributes next month — one an album of the singer's hits recorded by current country stars, the other from the Academy of Country Music. Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean and Toby Keith are among the artists lending their voices to Working Man's Poet: A Tribute to Merle Haggard, out April 1 on Broken Bow Records. During the 49th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 6 — Haggard's 77th birthday — he'll be the recipient of a multi-artist tribute segment and receive the ACM's Crystal Milestone award, honoring his 50th anniversary in country music.

Garth to Nash

Trisha Yearwood revealed this week that she and Garth Brooks are packing their belongings and heading to Hillbilly USA...that would be Nashville. With Garth's youngest daughter heading off to college, that leaves them in an empty home.  Having plans for an upcoming tour and other things, Garth and Trisha have decided to move back to Nashville. Click here for full details.

Tammy Wynette Going Postal

This week, it was revealed that Tammy Wynette is one of several music icons that will be honored with an upcoming U.S. postage stamp.  Wynette joins the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe, as well as Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, and other music icons that are planned to have their own postage stamp. Click here for details.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Lee Brice - I Don't Dance

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: Bobby Mackey's Honky Tonk in Wilder, KY will be hosting the first inaugural "Last Honky Tonk Music Series" on Saturday night.  It is in memory of Wayne Mills who was murdered in Nashville last November.  All 50 states will host a show each month with musicians and friends of the late singer songwriter.

Buckle Up Music Festival Lineup Announced

If there was a such thing as music adhd, I would have it at the Buckle Up Music Festival in Cincinnati.  Today they announced their lineup that includes 6 stages with 80 performers.  Holy cow batman.  From Willie Nelson to Jamey Johnson to Sturgill Simpson to Marty Stuart and so many more of my favorite acts, there is something to lend your musical ears to.  It all takes place July 18-20, 2014.

Click here to view the complete lineup, as well as information on how to get tickets and more.

I Hold On - a Personal Memory

I Hold On to my grandma's handwritten recipes.
Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Dierks Bentley released a powerful song recently called, 'I Hold On.'  It took a couple of listens before I grasped it and realized the power of the song.  The song talks about things he holds onto that mean the most in his life, especially after the death of his father.  

To the things I believe in

My faith, your love, our freedom

To the things I can count on

To keep me going strong

Yeah, I hold on, I hold on.

My grandma, always known to us as Mamaw Ollie, passed away last May, not long after my grandpa.  There are so many stories over the years and memories that I should honestly start writing them down.  She was what you would describe the perfect Appalachian woman, from her cooking, to her love of family, to her quilting, to how she lived her life.

Me with my Mamaw Ollie - back when my hair was short!

Before I got married, I made a visit to her and she was frying up some fried chicken.  She decided to show me the perfect way to fry chicken.  I remember her joking by saying, "The way to keep a man is to learn how to fry chicken."  Years later, I ended up filing for divorce and I was afraid to tell her.  She and my grandpa were married for 69 years before grandpa passed away a week later.  Her secret (besides the fried chicken) was to never go to bed angry.

When I told her that I was getting a divorce, I was reminded of the chicken.  I said, "Mamaw, I guess I didn't know how to fry chicken too well."  Needless to say, we had a good laugh that day.

When my grandma passed away, I was given her handwritten recipes.  The one and only thing I wanted was her recipes for her jam cakes, apple pies, and a few other sweets she would make for us growing up.  These last few days I've been busy scanning them to preserve them.

Then the Dierks Bentley song came on.  I Hold On.

That's what I plan on doing.  I plan on holding on to those recipes and passing them down.  I plan on holding on to those memories and passing them down.

I Hold On.

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.

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."

 

 

Song Review: Alan Jackson - Blue Side of Heaven

With Alan Jackson's newest release, "The Bluegrass Album," he showcases so many timeless hit songs while featuring some of his own well written works. One particular song, "Blue Side of Heaven," is one to take note. The story behind the song is that as George Jones was passing away, Alan Jackson wrote the song. He would present it to George Jones wife, Nancy, who gave its blessing. The heartfelt tune is about the passing of a love one and them telling their spouse that they look forward to seeing them in heaven. Below are the lyrics to this heartfelt tune that definitely leaves a long lasting impression on the hearts of country music and bluegrass music fans.

Lyrics to "Blue Side of Heaven"
By Alan Jackson

Don't be sad darlin I love you
And I'll take you with my soul's memory
I'm just going ahead to tell them about you
So they will all know you the way that I do

And I'll meet you dear on the blue side of heaven
Where angels sing and days never end
And I'll dance with you on the blue side of heaven
Where God will bless our love once again

I'll teach them all the songs that we love dear
And I'll tell them of our babies at home
I'll hug and kiss all of our loved ones
Who came before so I'm not alone

And I'll meet you dear on the blue side of heaven
Where angels sing and days never end
And I'll dance with you on the blue side of heaven
Where God will bless our love once again

So let me go and tell me you love me
I'm not afraid as darlin' I know
That someday soon you'll be there with me
We'll be together as long as time goes

And I'll meet you dear on the blue side of heaven
Where angels sing and days never end
And I'll dance with you on the blue side of heaven
Where God will bless our love once again

So don't be sad you know that I love you
And I'll see you when it comes to your time
We'll walk along some beautiful river
Hand in hand on life's other side

Check out more on Alan Jackson by going to www.alanjackson.com.

Rock Turned Country Series



Nick 13 - Photo by Adam Guy

A lot of people know that I have a keen sense of country music history.  I'm always spitting out random facts and songs of things of the past.  What I really enjoy is when you talk to someone that understands what true country music is about.  These days, people focus on if someone is "too country, too pop, too whatever."

I'm currently working on a series of articles of those in other genres of music that have a country music influence.  The fun part is that I'm a fan of their music as well.  (I'm not just a country music fan, I appreciate quite a few other genres).  I interviewed Aaron Lewis of Staind back in the early spring of 2013.  Recently I interviewed Nick 13 from the punk rock band Tiger Army, as well as Michael Poulsen from the rock band Volbeat.  All three are best known for their rock performances, but you would be extremely surprised of how much they appreciate country music.  They were also very knowledgeable on the subject, knowing songs beyond the normal hit songs of Cash, Waylon, and Merle.

The cool thing is how they seemed to enjoy talking about growing up, listening to their parents records, and using that influence in their own music.  It is evident with their songwriting and musical instrumentation in their songs.  Sometimes you don't get that from the very folks that call their music as country.

Here is a link to the first two articles.  Be on the lookout for my interview with Michael later this week.

Aaron Lewis

Nick 13

Be sure to check me out on the following places:

Examiner.com - National Country Music News

Examiner.com - Kentucky Country Music News

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Whitney Houston vs Dolly Parton: Who should claim 'I Will Always Love You?'

From Kentucky and beyond, the entertainment world was shaken just a week ago with the death of Whitney Houston. Besides what caused Whitney’s death, one of the most asked questions was if the song I Will Always Love You belongs to Houston or Dolly Parton. Shortly after her death, sales for the song skyrocketed.

Dolly Parton originally wrote I Will Always Love You when she was leaving the Porter Waggoner Show. The song would hit number one twice for Dolly Parton on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. It was written on the aspect of a relationship was ending mutually, rather than in turmoil. I Will Always Love You turned out to be one of Dolly Parton’s signature hit songs.

Dolly Parton would perform I Will Always Love You multiple times for movies and tv specials. Shortly before Porter Waggoner passed away, she sang a tearful rendition at the Grand Ole Opry in his honor. Dolly also performed the song on the Nate Berkus Show in memory of a fan from Kentucky who had passed away after giving birth to twins.

Whitney Houston starred in the film The Bodyguard and sing I Will Always Love You. Once again, the song climbed up to the charts for 14 weeks and it would become a poignant song for Whitney Houston. Many fans would immediately think of I Will Always Love You when thinking of Whitney Houston’s career.

Only a few hours after Houston's death on February 11, 2012, I Will Always Love You topped the U.S. iTunes Charts. Also, that same week after her death, the single returned to the Billboard Hot 100, after almost 20 years, at number 7, becoming a posthumous Top Ten single for Houston. It debuted on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles Chart at number 3 on the chart dated February 25, 2012 with over 195,000 copies downloaded.

Many tabloids attempted to make a feud among fans based on a quote that Dolly Parton made to Billboard on the day of Whitney Houston’s passing. Dolly Parton said to Billboard, "Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston, I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’"

With Dolly Parton saying “my song,” many felt that the song was both hers and Whitney’s even though Dolly originally wrote it. According to Perez Hilton, Parton would later respond to critics with, “I did not know Whitney, nor any of her family personally; but she will always be a part of my heart and I will always be grateful for her awesome performance and success with our song. My heart is with Whitney and her family as they lay her to rest… I Will Always Love You."

What Is Country Music?

Many songs are written about it. Brad Paisley proclaimed it in his song, "This is Country Music." Tim McGraw sang it, twanged it, and then some with "Southern Voice." However, what exactly IS country music?

Being from Kentucky with a large variety of small town and backwoods to the large cities, there is a huge gap as to what one consider as being country music. Take a song on the radio - any song being played on your small town radio station to the larger city Clear Channel or Cumulus stations. Someone is automatically being an "expert" of the song. That expert being you, the listener. Here is usually the argument on every single song being played:

Too pop. Too rock. Too hip-hop (or would that be hick-hop?) Too country. Too young sounding. Too old sounding. Too soft. Too electric. Electric guitar doesn't belong. Electric guitar does belong. Too slow. Too fast. Too much happiness. Too much death. Where are the banjos? Why are there banjos in the song? Too sad. Too peppy. Too hillbilly. Too citified. Too northern. Too southern. Wait, too southern? Bless your heart.

And then there is the "Ugh, not another 'List Type Song': backwoods, cowboy hats, rednecks, momma, trucks, dirt road, love lost, love gain, someone died, someone's dog died, patriotic fight for our rights, religious theme, tractors, farm, farming, Dixie, the south, hunting, fishing, partying, boots, jeans, rough, honky-tonk, beer, whiskey, did I mention momma? How about adding daddy too."

So what exactly do you want to hear? What makes a good country song? After you take out what everyone claims to have an idea for of what "isn't country", then what is left?

Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys once told me, "What's good is good. What's bad is bad. As long as it touches you personally, who cares what others think. That's what makes this music an abundance of creativity that keeps flowing."

Personally, for me, country music is a way of life with the songs chronicling the journey of the path we lead. If the song touches you, then you know it. It is hard to explain when a song affects your mind, but your soul. It could be living in the moment and in the words of Trisha Yearwood, "the song remembers when."

There are songs in each of our lives that have may have not been a #1 hit but they pulled some heartstrings. Honestly, do you remember what was #1 on the charts a year ago, over even a month ago? Do you remember the song that you danced at your wedding to or used to get over a breakup a while back? When you get back to the basics and focus on the song, the writer, the story, the emotion, then you won't need to worry if it is "too country" or not.

What are your thoughts? Sound off below in the comments.

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

Jamey Johnson finds his way with new release

Jamey Johnson - by Jessica Blankenship

Country singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson recently released his newest song, "My Way to You". The tune, co-written with Charlie Midnight, is available as a free download on www.jameyjohnson.com and will be available for purchase on August 11th, 2009.

Country fans have said that they have craved pure traditional country music. Jamey Johnson has proven that country has been placed back in the music that has become laced with pop recently. Through his sold out shows throughout the US, he has taken audiences back in time to the years of Waylon and Johnny, major influences of him. "That Lonesome Song" quickly sold over 500,000 units and keeps progressing towards platinum status.

"My Way to You" starts out with the wail of an old steel guitar from Cowboy Eddie Long, legendary player who has played with the likes of Hank Williams, Jr. The song reflects on the hard times and good times in his life. Fans have expressed that the "you" can take on the meaning as whether it is a loved one or perhaps a spiritual being. The solemn melody with the emotion throughout the song sends chills down your spine while capturing your interest. In the end, the deep piano keys throbbing with an echo leaves as you wonder if he truly found the "you".

"My Way to You" is the newest single off of his new album to be released later this fall. It will be released both on cd format and vinyl format, just like his sophomore release "High Cost of Living." The Alabama native recently spoke about releasing it on vinyl. “Man, that’s how I listen to music. It’s my favorite, number-one preference at home, to go put a vinyl record on my great grandmother’s old record player. Which reminds me, I need to get somebody to do some maintenance on it. It needs a new needle.”

Johnson will be on tour with Randy Houser this fall as part of the CMT On Tour.  They recently played to an enthusiastic sold-out crowd at the Ryman Auditorium with fellow singer songwriters, Jerrod Niemann and Dallas Davidson.  Jamey will also be performing for the second time at Farm Aid in St. Louis in October.

Lyrics:

Setting fires
And dark desires
And nights I can't recall
I've woke up flying
With the angels with no one to catch me
When I fall

I'm going down the wrong road
And living by the wrong code
And chasing after dreams that don't come true
Looking for the right signs
And riding on the white lines
Just trying to find my way to you

There's been high times
There's been hard times
And there's been times I couldn't tell
If I'm living a good life
Or living a bad life
Cuz I'm always living fast as hell

I'm going down the wrong road
And living by the wrong code
And chasing after dreams that don't come true
Looking for the right signs
And riding on the white lines
Just trying to find my way to you

From an Alabama porch
To a dirty bar room floor
Burning bridges I've never even crossed
From I when I didn't have a care
To when I didn't have a pray
Never once thought I was lost
Some how I knew
I would find my way to you

Going down the wrong road
Living by the wrong code
Chasing after dreams that don't come true
Looking for the right signs
Riding on the white lines
Just trying to find my way to you