Jamey Johnson reflects on his relationship with God, family, and fans

Jamey Johnson performing one of his many hit songs. Photo by Jessica Bray of Kentucky Country Music.

When it comes to curating a sound of traditional country music, Jamey Johnson has made a name for himself in the music community.  It has been over 17 years that he landed in Nashville after living his life running the music circuit throughout Alabama and Georgia.  The journey has taken him on major stages, but also smaller intimate settings that are perfect for the listener to take in all that is being sung through the soul of Jamey Johnson.

This past weekend, Jamey Johnson performed for a double night stay at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.  Having performed at the venue for many years now, it and the fans have formed a special bond thanks to the power of music.

Prior to his show, I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Jamey Johnson over his journey, as well as personal encounters, stories behind songs, and more.  Below is that conversation and I hope that you enjoy reading it.  Be sure to check out Jamey Johnson’s website for future concert dates and music at www.jameyjohnson.com.

Americana Music Association announces nominees for Honors & Awards

Kentuckian Sturgill Simpson leads the pack for the Americana Music Association's Honors & Awards nominees.

The Americana Music Association announced the nominees for its 16th annual Honors & Awards show this week at an intimate members-only ceremony held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The live-streamed event was hosted by The Milk Carton Kids — Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan — and featured performances by Jason Isbell, Jerry Douglas, Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley of the Drive-By Truckers and Caitlin Canty.

A full list of categories and nominees for the Americana Music Association’s 16th Annual Honors & Awards is below:

Album of the Year:

American Band, Drive-By Truckers, Produced by David Barbe

Close Ties, Rodney Crowell, Produced by Kim Buie and Jordan Lehning

Freedom Highway, Rhiannon Giddens, Produced by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell

The Navigator, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Produced by Paul Butler

A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, Sturgill Simpson, Produced by Sturgill Simpson

Artist of the Year:

Jason Isbell

John Prine

Lori McKenna

Margo Price

Sturgill Simpson

Duo/Group of the Year:

Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

Drive-By Truckers

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

The Lumineers

Emerging Artist of the Year:

Aaron Lee Tasjan

Amanda Shires

Brent Cobb

Sam Outlaw

Song of the Year:

“All Around You,” Sturgill Simpson, Written by Sturgill Simpson

“It Ain’t Over Yet,” Rodney Crowell (feat. Rosanne Cash & John Paul White), Written by Rodney Crowell

“To Be Without You,” Ryan Adams, Written by Ryan Adams

“Wreck You,” Lori McKenna, Written by Lori McKenna and Felix McTeigue  

Instrumentalist of the Year:

Spencer Cullum, Jr.

Jen Gunderman

Courtney Hartman

Charlie Sexton 

The winners of each category will be announced during the Americana Honors and Awards show on September 13, 2017, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The celebrated program is the capstone event of “AMERICANAFEST℠,” the Americana Music Festival and Conference, which runs from September 12-17, 2017.

Each year, the Americana Music Association℠ honors distinguished members of the music community with six member-voted annual awards and with Lifetime Achievement Awards, which will be announced leading up to the event.

Described by Emmylou Harris as “the shining star of Nashville and music everywhere,” the Americana Honors and Awards show has been broadcast in the past on AXS TV, PBS, and via SiriusXM Radio, BBC2, WMOT, WRLT, WSM, Voice of America and npr.org.  The show has featured many amazing moments in musical history including Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash's last live performance together, as well as show-stopping appearances by Bob Weir, George Strait, Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, The Avett Brothers, Solomon Burke, Rosanne Cash, Civil Wars, Dr. John with Dan Auerbach, Patty Griffin, Levon Helm, Robert Plant and many more. Tickets for the Americana Honors & Awards are available for purchase by conference registrants of the weeklong event.

For more information about the Americana Honors & Awards and to purchase registrations and tickets, please visit www.americanamusic.org.

Sturgill Simpson's revolution is now

Kentucky native Sturgill Simpson won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album for his critically acclaimed "A Sailor's Guide to Earth."  The award was presented during the pre-telecast of the awards.  Below is Sturgill Simpson's acceptance speech:

"Like six years ago, I was in Utah working on the railroad, writing songs at night.  My wife made me quit that job and move to Nashville, so thanks babe. My son was born; I spent that spent first year on the road, missing them, and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have written this album, so I have to thank them.  And I guess the revolution won’t be televised.  Thank you.”

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform "All Around You" on the Grammy Awards:

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform on Saturday Night Live

Sturgill Simpson - Saturday Night Live Guest on January 14, 2017

Kentucky native, Sturgill Simpson, exceeded everyone's expectations with his explosive performance of "Call to Arms," complete with Miles Miller's cymbal falling off towards the end of the song and Sturgill putting a stamp into the performance with throwing his guitar into the ground.  

Sturgill Simpson has made a name for himself over the years.  His family are originally from Breathitt County, Kentucky, before moving to Versailles, Kentucky.  Sturgill has performed throughout Kentucky, as well as the world, having reached across the ocean throughout Europe with successful tours.  Most notably, he recently received Grammy Award nominations for Best Album Overall and Best Country Album for "A Sailor's Guide to Earth."  The album itself was done for his young son, as well as in tribute to when Sturgill spent his years in the Navy.

Miles Miller, another fellow Kentucky native, being from Versailles, has been gaining notice with his explosive drumming alongside Sturgill.  Needless to say, both have placed a spotlight onto Kentucky with their unique sound.  The Saturday Night Live performance showcased a sound as if you mixed Ralph Stanley, Keith Whitley, and Ray Charles.  As you could say, when Appalachian soul meets the soul of New Orleans.

Watch the performance of Sturgill Simpson performing  "Call to Arms" and "Keep It Between the Lines" on Saturday Night Live below:

Top albums of 2016 for country music fans

If there is a sign of the times, it appears in 2016 that country music with lyrical meaning took hold of the reigns of some of the top album releases.  There were fewer party songs and more songs that reflected on what is happening in modern times.  Here are our top picks of the best country music albums of 2016:

Sturgill Simpson - "A Sailor's Guide to Earth"

By the end of 2016, any music fan would soon hear about the beauty in the sound and production of Sturgill Simpson’s album.  The album itself was written and produced for Simpson’s toddler son.  One of the top picked songs is “Brace For Impact,” which makes a profound statement that one should live their life the fullest.  The sonic sounds from the sea filled the airwaves throughout the album.  Nevertheless, the Grammy’s took notice and nominated it for overall album of the year for their 2017 awards.  Read about his homecoming performance at the Lexington Opera House.

Blackberry Smoke - "Like An Arrow"

Blackberry Smoke seems to appear on my list every year, frankly because anything they release is that good.  It easily translates into their energetic live performance that many Kentuckians have come to enjoy over the years.  “Like An Arrow” has made an impact on the charts both in the US and overseas markets.  They define their own southern soulful rock sound with their latest release.  Top songs include “Waiting for the Thunder” and “The Good Life.”

The Steel Woods – Self Titled

Be sure to take note of the name, The Steel Woods.  They are also on our list of Ones to Watch in 2017.  The talented songwriting and singing from the duo has really taken notice.  Others are soon noticing the talent as they have been recently booked to open up for Blackberry Smoke.  They also performed at Kid Rock’s Fish Fry in Nashville this fall.  Top song picks on the album include “Let the Rain Come Down” and “Axe.” Read our full review & interview here.

Justin Wells - "Dawn in the Distance"

One of the most hardworking souls out on the road has to be Justin Wells.  With his first solo release, “Dawn in the Distance,” Justin received outstanding support from friends and music fans through his Kickstarter campaign.  “The Dogs” showcasing what really happens while struggling on the road.  Other top picks include “Going Down Grinnin’” and the haunting “So Far Away.”

Aubrie Sellers - "New City Blues"

Country music needs Aubrie Sellers and quite frankly, she provided quite a song selection with her debut album, “New City Blues.”  She stood out on her own among all of the new female artists in 2016.  It was hard to pick just a couple of top picks, as all of them are well produced.  However, two of our top picks on the album include “Light of Day” and the fiery “Liar, Liar.”

Margo Price - "Midwest Farmer's Daughter"

Jack White has a hankering for being able to pinpoint pure raw talent for his Third Man Records.  That is definitely the case with the beautiful vocals from Margo Price.  Perhaps one of the highlights of 2016 was when Margo Price performed on “Saturday Night Live,” as well as on Farm Aid.  Top songs include “Tennessee Song” and “Four Years of Chances.”

Wynonna & The Big Noise - Self Titled

Wynonna has gone through a lot of things in her life, but with her self-titled album with her band, The Big Noise, it seems as though she is at peace with her life.  Her soulful vocal prowess is in full force with each song.  Top picks on the album include “Things That I Lean On” with Jason Isbell and “Keeps Me Alive.”

Sturgill Simpson and Loretta Lynn receive multiple Grammy nominations

Kentucky native, Sturgill Simpson. Photo via Sturgill Simpson Facebook.

Kentucky natives, Loretta Lynn and Sturgill Simpson have been recognized with the list of nominees for the 2017 Grammy Music Awards.  Most notably, Sturgill Simpson is the only country artist in the overall Album of the Year category for his album "A Sailor's Guide to Earth."  That album is also up for Best Country Album, alongside Loretta Lynn's "Full Circle."   Virgie, Kentucky, native, Josh Osborne is up for Best Country Song as one of the songwriters of Miranda Lambert's song, "Vice."

Sturgill Simpson is also a part of the Vinyl: The Essentials Season 1 with his song "Sugar Daddy," which was also the theme song of the television show.  "A Sailor's Guide to Earth" was produced by Sturgill Simpson. Geoff Allan, David Ferguson & Sean Sullivan were engineers/mixers, while Gavin Lurssen was mastering engineer.  

2016 Kentucky Holiday Gift Guide

Each year as we grow older, it seems like we have a hard time with finding that perfect gift for loved ones, coworkers, and friends.  Hopefully with our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide, you will be able to find the perfect gift.  We strive to seek out locally made products from here in Kentucky, with a couple of exceptions.  Please feel free to let us know any stores or items that you would recommend for your loved ones.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL GIFT GUIDE IN PDF FORMAT

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform emotional song on Late Night with Seth Meyers

Watch Kentucky native, Sturgill Simpson perform "Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)" on Late Night with Seth Meyers on 10/12/2016.  Below is video from that performance.  The emotional driven performance is the first song off of his album, a Sailor's Guide to Earth.  For more info on Sturgill Simpson, be sure to visit his website at www.sturgillsimpson.com.

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing at the 2016 Farm Aid. Photo by Brian Bruner / Bruner Photo

Kentucky native Sturgill Simpson brought along his full ensemble on stage to perform an hour long set at Farm Aid 2016.  Below are videos of his performance, courtesy of Farm Aid.  Each year, Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host a Farm Aid concert to bring together a wide variety of artists, farmers and fans for one mission: keeping family farmers on the land. Farm Aid is an all-day festival that brings together incredible music, good food and hands-on activities to get folks in touch with the roots of our food. Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised more than $50 million to help family farmers thrive all over the country while inspiring millions of people to take part in the Good Food Movement.  For more info, be sure to check out www.farmaid.org.

Sturgill Simpson performing "Brace For Impact" at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing "Keep It Between the Lines" at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing "Life of Sin" at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing "Railroad of Sin" at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing "It Ain't All Flowers" at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing "Long White Line" at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing "I Have to Be Crazy" at Farm Aid 2016

Sturgill Simpson performing "Call to Arms" at Farm Aid 2016

Farm Aid 2016 showcases powerful community partnerships that support good food from family farms

Recognizing that severe economic conditions threaten commodity farmers across the country, Farm Aid 2016, which took place today at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, emphasized how collaboration and innovative problem-solving can strengthen food systems and family farmer livelihoods.

The annual music and food festival celebrating family farmers brought 20,000 fans together just outside the nation’s capital to celebrate ground-breaking, cooperative approaches to overcoming barriers to a family farm system of agriculture. At the same time, as dairy farmers and other commodity producers struggle with the consequences of record low prices, Farm Aid says family farmers need a broad coalition of partners to stand with them and collaborate to surmount the many obstacles that are forcing them off the land.

“The first Farm Aid sparked a 31-year effort to put power back into the hands of family farmers and all of us who eat,” said Willie Nelson, president and founder of Farm Aid. “We’ve made a lot of progress, but it’s clear we aren’t done yet. Family farmers still aren’t getting a fair shake. We need to keep coming together to help each other and find solutions.”

Farm Aid’s day-long festival kicked off with local Virginia and Washington, D.C., farmers joining Farm Aid board members Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews in a conversation from the Farm Aid stage about community partnerships that are changing the food landscape. The partnerships go beyond farmers’ markets and local restaurants, crossing sectors, towns and generations. Speakers discussed collaborations that include growing new food economies in Appalachia with food hubs; addressing diet-related diseases with good food solutions like Fresh Farmacy; and revitalizing disadvantaged urban neighborhoods through community gardens. First Lady of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe and Deb Eschmeyer, the White House’s executive director of Let’s Move!, joined everyone on stage to talk about the power of each of us to grow a strong, healthy farm and food system.

“We see invigorated local economies and stronger communities when family farmers thrive,” said Farm Aid executive director Carolyn Mugar. “Together, farmers and eaters have the power to bring equity and fairness to our farm and food system, to protect our soil and water, and to make sure that everyone has access to fresh, healthy foods.”

Farm Aid 2016 featured performances by Nelson, Mellencamp, Young and Matthews — who performed with Tim Reynolds — as well as Alabama Shakes, Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Jamey Johnson with special guest appearance by Alison Krauss, Margo Price, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Insects vs Robots, Ian Mellencamp and Star Swain.

Concertgoers found inspiration in Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, which featured hands-on activities that gave them a chance to dig in and learn about the ways family farmers are enriching our soil, protecting our water and growing our economy, in addition to bringing us good food for good health. In the HOMEGROWN Skills Tent, attendees had the opportunity to engage with food, farming and crafting. Some of the workshops included transforming hemp into paper, seed saving and composting.

The concert was broadcast live at farmaid.org and on SiriusXM channel, Willie’s Roadhouse (59).

Sponsors of Farm Aid 2016 include Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Prairie Organic, Horizon Organic, HimalaSalt, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Applegate Farms, and Organic Valley. Media partners include The Washington Post, which hosted the FarmYard Stage, iHeartMedia and On Tap Magazine.

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $50 million to help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

FARM AID 2016 SCHEDULE

12:40PM STAR SWAIN

12:45PM THE WISDOM INDIAN DANCERS

12:50PM IAN MELLENCAMP

1:15PM INSECTS VS ROBOTS

1:40PM LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL

2:17PM MARGO PRICE

3:00PM JAMEY JOHNSON WITH SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY ALISON KRAUSS

4:00PM NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS

5:00PM STURGILL SIMPSON

6:00PM ALABAMA SHAKES

7:00PM DAVE MATTHEWS & TIM REYNOLDS

8:00PM JOHN MELLENCAMP

9:00PM NEIL YOUNG + PROMISE OF THE REAL

10:00PM WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY

Farm Aid's Music and Food Festival announces 2016 date and location

Farm Aid announced today that its annual food and music festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va., with tickets on sale to the public on Monday, June 27.

“Folks are educating themselves about where and how food is grown—they’re hungry for the truth,” said Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson. “Family farmers bring us good food, protect our soil and water, and strengthen our country. The Farm Aid concert is a day for us to honor that truth and keep working for family farmers.”

Farm Aid 2016, an all-day music and food festival, will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews — with Tim Reynolds — as well as Sturgill Simpson, Alabama Shakes, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Jamey Johnson, Margo Price, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Carlene Carter and Insects vs Robots.

Farm Aid 2016 festivalgoers will also be able to experience family farm agriculture firsthand and will enjoy family farm-identified, local and organic foods at Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Concessions®. In Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, festivalgoers will experience the culture of agriculture with hands-on activities about soil, water, food and farming. Farm Aid 2016 will feature composting, including compostable serviceware, throughout the venue, with a goal of zero waste.

“Music and food have an incredible power to bring people together,” said Farm Aid executive director Carolyn Mugar. “Farm Aid is a day that illustrates the diversity and strength of the Good Food Movement. At Farm Aid 2016, we’ll join forces and raise our voices for a farm and food system that is good for people and communities, not just for the profits of a few.”

Farm Aid also today launched the #Road2FarmAid, a virtual campaign inviting people to share the actions that ordinary people are taking to make extraordinary system changes starting in their own communities. People can participate at road2.farmaid.org and enter to win Farm Aid 2016 tickets.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2016 will go on sale Monday, June 27, at 10 a.m. EDT. Ticket prices range from $49.50 to $189.50 and will be available for purchase at LiveNation.com, the venue box office and by phone at (800) 745-3000. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be sold beginning at 12 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 22, at www.farmaid.org.

Starting Monday, June 27, Farm Aid will offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from meeting artists backstage for a “HOMEGROWN Eat & Greet” to joining Farm Aid board artists for a kickoff press event, at www.IfOnly.com.

For event updates, follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@farmaid) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid), and visit www.farmaid.org/concert.

Sponsors of Farm Aid 2016 include Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Horizon Organic, Greener Fields Together, HimalaSalt, Lagunitas Brewing Co., and Organic Valley. Media partners include The Washington Post, which is hosting The FarmYard Stage, iHeartMedia, and On Tap Magazine. 

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $50 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

A fitting homecoming for Sturgill Simpson at Lexington Opera House

Last night was almost a homecoming for Sturgill Simpson, who was born in Breathitt County, but raised in nearby Versailles, Kentucky.  It had been over 3 years since Sturgill had played in Lexington.  Back then, it was to rooms with a few hundred.  However, after three albums released and worldwide recognition, Sturgill Simpson came back to two sold out shows at the Lexington Opera House.

With no opener or no cheesy introduction, Sturgill Simpson walked out onto stage alongside his band with the crowd cheering loudly for the state ambassador of what Kentucky country music is about.  They kicked things off with “Sitting Here Without You,” followed up with “Time After All.”  He would surprise with his wonderful rendition channeling Keith Whitley on the Lefty Frizzell and Whitey Shaver co-written song “I Never Go Around Mirrors.”

Sturgill Simpson showcased his vocal potential filling the room with strong emotional lyrics that empowered and mesmerized those listening.  One thing is for sure, Sturgill Simpson does not need lights, smoke, big screens, and other gimmicks that other so called country music acts must use to get the audience’s attention.

For the first half of the show, Sturgill Simpson showcased selections from “High Top Mountain” and “Metamodern Sounds of Country Music.”  The final hour was reserved for playing the entire “Sailor’s Guide to Earth” album just recently released.  Every song was played as if it was the last time they would be playing those hits.

During “Voices,” Sturgill was surprised himself as the crowd sang along, and continued to sing as he took pause.  The song flowed fluidly just like a stream rolling through the mountains of Appalachia that many call home here in Kentucky.

There were little snippets of humor from Sturgill throughout the show.  At the beginning, he joked, “I know that this is the Opera House, but you don’t have to be so formal,” to the attentive crowd.  He encouraged folks to get up and dance, but to be respectful to those that are unable to see or choose to sit.  After the crowd responded loudly at the saxophone solo during “The Promise,” it shook Sturgill up and he lost his place.  He responded by mentioning “have you seen the movie Blue Valentine?”

For this tour, Sturgill added a 3-piece horn section, Scott Frock (trumpet), Brad Walker (saxophone), and John Ramm (trombone), that hailed from New Orleans.  His bass player, Chuck Bartels and keyboard player, Bobby Emmett, were from Detroit.  Fellow Versailles native, Miles Miller, proudly showed off his Kentuckian shirt while singing backup and playing percussion. He would even have garnered a standing ovation from the audience when he was introduced.  Laurs Joamet of Estonia, but now “a card carrying American” as Sturgill would note, would ease into playing guitar and steel guitar.

Every journalist and fan has tried to explain what type of music Sturgill Simpson plays and everyone has their own opinions.  Personally, I feel that it is back to the early roots of country music that blended in the wailing blues, Appalachian lonesome sound, soul, bluegrass, and so much more.  If you blended the musical selections of Merle Haggard, James Brown, Ray Charles, Bob Segar, Ralph Stanley, Conway Twitty, Roy Orbison, and Keith Whitley, you would get the product of Sturgill Simpson.

In the end, Sturgill Simpson blew the roof off with his powerful “Call to Arms” that really made everyone stand up and pay attention to what is being sung.  With the end, he bid farewell to the fans who supported a great night of musical entertainment with an enthusiastic standing ovation that lasted over five minutes.

Sturgill Simpson at Lexington Opera House Set Let 5/16/2016

Sitting Here Without You

Time After All

I Never Go Around Mirrors

I Have to Be Crazy

Turtles All the Way Down

Life of Sin

Living the Dream

Long White Line

When the Levee Breaks

Voices

The Promise

A Little Light

Just Let Go

It Ain’t All Flowers

You Don’t Miss Your Water

Welcome to Earth

Breakers Roar

Keep It Between the Lines

Sea Stories

In Bloom

Brace for Impact

All Around You

Oh Sarah

Call to Arms

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform new album live

Kentucky native, Sturgill Simpson, recently visited the studios at KCRW to perform his entire album, "A Sailor's Guide to Earth" live in front of a viewing audience.  Thankfully for us, they recorded the session for our viewing pleasure.

I was there when...

Remember in the movie “O, Brother Where Art Thou?” when the guys saw the women at the river?  One of them exclaimed “I seen them first!”  These days, there are so many music acts that we each have had that moment of seeing them before their career took off.  Here are a few of my personal favorite memories over the years.

Sturgill Simpson releases new song and album title

This afternoon, Sturgill Simpson did a radio interview with Zane Lowe on his "Beats I" radio show.  He discussed the new song, "Brace for Impact," as well as the new album, "A Sailor's Guide to Earth."

Listen to the song and interview below.

Sturgill Simpson releases Sugar Daddy

Sturgill Simpson has been keeping busy being out on the road.  He does have a new album completed, but holding on releasing it...hopefully we will get to hear it come summer.  Sturgill Simpson is featured on the theme song for the new series Vinyl on HBO.  Check it out below:

Nashville News Roundup for week ending September 19, 2015

You can catch me dishing the dirt from Nashville during my Nashville News Roundup radio segment on WFKY out of Frankfort, KY.  Tune in on Fridays at 9:15 am via the radio, online at www.froggykycountry.com, or the Tune-In App (search for WFKY).

Good Week to be a Kentuckian: Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton got some good press this week.  Sturgill Simpson took home the award for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Turtles All the Way Down" at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.  Unfortunately, he was unable to be there as he was on the road doing what he does best - play music for the fans.  Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton was featured on the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series (click here to watch) and The Late Show with Steven Colbert.

Walk the Line: Johnny Cash, Miranda Lambert, Steve Cropper, and E.W. "Bud" Wendell will be the next class of inductees to the Music City Walk of Fame on Tuesday October 6th at 2PM. The event is free and open to the public in Nashville.

Farm Aid - Keep America Growing: Farm Aid is celebrating its 30th year on Saturday. This year, the concert includes Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Old Crow Medicine Show, Holly Williams, Jamey Johnson, and so many more. You can check out the webcast at 2:30 pm at Farmaid.org on Saturday.

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1947 - Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb and Rosalie Allen headline the first country music show at New York's Carnegie Hall. Tickets range from $1.20-$3.60.

Handpick Download of the Week: Eddie Raven with Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road - I've Got Mexico 

United Record Pressing - creating history one record at a time

United Record Pressing in Nashville - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Upon pulling up into a parking space at United Record Pressing in Nashville, you are transformed back in time.  The modest building is buzzing with activity both inside and outside.  Behind the building is the shipping department and across the lot is a printing company that provides services of printing labels, sleeves, and jackets.

Inside United Record Pressing, I was greeted by a young man, David.  He would be our tour guide to a group of about 20.  In order to be on the tour, you have to go to their website and send an email.  They only do tours on Fridays and space is limited - so be sure to get your request in early!

In the lounge area, there are offices located to the right.  There are records pretty much everywhere - from desks to the walls and then some.  Hanging prominently in the center of the wall was a record player with a clear record.  It would be one of Third Man Records specialty products.  Inside was blue liquid, so that when you played the record, it looked like a lava lamp.  Very few were even made of this style record.

Before I forget - if you have difficulty walking steps, then this tour may not be for you.  There is no handicap access to the upstairs area or to the front of the building.

David led our group upstairs to a rather large room.  Inside was original furniture from the 1960s.  In fact, all of the furniture throughout the top floor was original with the exception of a couple of modern appliances.  

Upstairs at United Record Pressing - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Hank Williams, Jr. signed his record contract on that table - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Upstairs at United Record Pressing - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

David detailing the history at United Record Pressing - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Pick a color, any color, or perhaps blend them together to make your vinyl record. - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

In the large room, many have hosted record release parties.   Hank Williams, Jr. had his 16th birthday party and signed a recording contract. Wanda Jackson filmed a music video for "Thunder on the Mountain."  You can watch the video below:

A lot of historical facts and production facts were noted.  United Record Pressing use to be called Southern Plastics.  They have been making vinyl since 1949 and moved to their current location in 1962.  The company uses 5 tons of black vinyl a day.  They press 40,000 records a day.  The machines that they use are original. There are 6 people in the world that know how to work on the machines, with 3 of them being employed at United Record Pressing.  The plant works 24 hours a day, 6 days a week.  The company has purchased additional property, as well as more machines, to expand production.  Currently they are only working with existing customers as they are so backed up on orders.

Motown Records would possibly not be in existence without United Record Pressing.  They provided the financing, as well as built a suite with bedroom and living quarters so that African Americans could record and stay at the studios in the 1960s. 

Motown Suite - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

 So how do they make a vinyl record?  Our group was lead back downstairs into the plant area.  The vinyl record making process is a scientific process of multiple steps.  The company takes your music and transfers it onto a lacquer plate.  This is used to create metal parts that become the stampers.  The stampers have ridges that put grooves into the vinyl to make the record.  In the machine, small pellets of vinyl are melted to form what looks like a hockey puck.  Labels for the A and B side of the record are placed on each side.  A heavy pressure plate pushes the vinyl puck, as well as melts it down to flatten out the record.  The press will also put the grooves into the vinyl.  Access vinyl is trimmed and placed into a garbage can.  This access vinyl is recycled to form more records.  Once a record is made, it falls onto a needle.

A record will have a pressing and two employees will listen to the album for any errors.  They mark precisely on computers where any pops, cracks, or errors are noted.  They can go from listening to rap to rock to country.  If any errors occur, they look back at the lacquer plates, mother plates, and stampers to see where it occurred.  Once they complete their process, several copies of a test pressing will be sent to the musician/band for them to review.  Once the band approves, then the final product is made.

During the tour, we got to see several unreleased items.  However, prior to our tour, we signed a confidentiality agreement that we could not discuss what records we saw.  Interestingly enough, one of the records was one that I had pre-ordered.  It was pretty exciting to see something that you bought being made in front of your eyes.  On book carts like at a library, there were hundreds of record jackets on display.  They would be carted off to be shipped.  There were multiple colored records, as well as all black albums being made.  All of the workers were smiling and seemed to enjoy their work there.

Before I knew it, we came to the end of our tour that lasted 2 hours.  After seeing the entire process and learning the history, you truly understand the value of price that goes into a record.  There is a lot of time and effort to seek perfection in the quality from the moment the plant receives your music file to the final product.  In a day and age where many manufacturing plants move away from the United States, this one has remained for multiple generations.  By the looks of it, it will continue to grow and expand for many more generations for a true American product.

Below is a video from the making of Jamey Johnson's "Guitar Song" on vinyl to give you a good look of the machines and the entire process. 

 Many thanks to the staff for their kindness and to my tour guide, David, who provided such valuable historic information that I would have not gotten otherwise!

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Sturgill Simpson up for multiple Americana Awards

Today the 2015 Americana Honors and Awards nominees were announced at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  The announcement was made at a press conference with the Milk Carton Kids, as well as John Hiatt, Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn, and Nikki Lane.

Kentucky's very own, Sturgill Simpson, received several nominations.  His guitarist, Laur Joamets, even received a nomination in the Instrumentalist category.  I have to say, Laur should be a winner in that category given his ease of playing style that keeps your toes tapping and ears listening.

Sturgill Simpson was nominated for Album of the Year for Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, as well as Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Turtles All the Way Down."

The Americana Honors and Awards will take place on September 16th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Album of the Year

And The War Came — Shakey Graves; Produced by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Chris Boosahda

Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone — Lucinda Williams; Produced by Lucinda Williams, Tom Overby and Greg Leisz

Metamodern Sounds In Country Music — Sturgill Simpson; Produced by Dave Cobb

The Way I'm Livin' — Lee Ann Womack; Produced by Frank Liddell

Tomorrow Is My Turn — Rhiannon Giddens; Produced by T-Bone Burnett

Artist of the Year 

Rhiannon Giddens

Jason Isbell

Sturgill Simpson

Lucinda Williams

Lee Ann Womack

Duo/Group of the Year 

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn

The Lone Bellow

The Mavericks

Punch Brothers

Shovels & Rope

Emerging Artist of the Year

First Aid Kit

Houndmouth

Nikki Lane

Doug Seegers

Shakey Graves

Instrumentalist of the Year 

Hubby Jenkins

Laur Joamets

Greg Leisz

John Leventhal

Stuart Mathis

Song of the Year 

"Dearly Departed" — Shakey Graves; Written by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Esme' Patterson

"East Side Of Town" — Lucinda Williams; Written by Lucinda Williams

"Terms Of My Surrender" — John Hiatt; Written by John Hiatt

"Turtles All The Way Down" — Sturgill Simpson; Written by Sturgill Simpson

"You're The Best Lover That I Ever Had" — Steve Earle & the Dukes; Written by Steve Earle