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.

Bar owner charged with murder of killing country music singer

Friday afternoon, Chris Ferrell was charged of second-degree murder in Nashville after the death of country music singer Wayne Mills. The Tennessean newspaper reports that Ferrell surrendered himself to police immediately after hearing of the charge. His bond is set at $300,000, but his lawyer, David Raybin, plans to contest the charge.

Chris Ferrell was the owner of the Pit and Barrel in Nashville. On Nov. 23, he shot Wayne Mills over smoking in a non-smoking area. Mills later died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Here is our exclusive coverage of the shooting.

According to Nashville Metro Police, "After a thorough evaluation of the crime scene, evidence, statements from witnesses and autopsy findings, lead Detective Leonard Peck and his colleagues at the Central Precinct did not substantiate Ferrell’s claim of self-defense. Detective Peck met with the grand jury this morning to discuss his findings, resulting in the subsequent issuance of the indictment."

Wayne Mills presence both on and off the stage was always one of a true gentleman. Fans will remember his traditional country music sound that would fit in alongside George Jones or Waylon Jennings on the jukebox. He leaves behind his wife, Carol, as well as his young son, Jack.

Services for Wayne Mills will be on Sunday, December 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the auditorium of Arab High School. The memorial service will begin in the auditorium at 1:30 p.m. A private burial will follow. No photography or video cameras are allowed, and cell phones must be turned off and kept out of view.

Bar owner charged with murder of killing country music singer

Friday afternoon, Chris Ferrell was charged of second-degree murder in Nashville after the death of country music singer Wayne Mills. The Tennessean newspaper reports that Ferrell surrendered himself to police immediately after hearing of the charge. His bond is set at $300,000, but his lawyer, David Raybin, plans to contest the charge.

Chris Ferrell was the owner of the Pit and Barrel in Nashville. On Nov. 23, he shot Wayne Mills over smoking in a non-smoking area. Mills later died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Here is our exclusive coverage of the shooting.

According to Nashville Metro Police, "After a thorough evaluation of the crime scene, evidence, statements from witnesses and autopsy findings, lead Detective Leonard Peck and his colleagues at the Central Precinct did not substantiate Ferrell’s claim of self-defense. Detective Peck met with the grand jury this morning to discuss his findings, resulting in the subsequent issuance of the indictment."

Wayne Mills presence both on and off the stage was always one of a true gentleman. Fans will remember his traditional country music sound that would fit in alongside George Jones or Waylon Jennings on the jukebox. He leaves behind his wife, Carol, as well as his young son, Jack.

Services for Wayne Mills will be on Sunday, December 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the auditorium of Arab High School. The memorial service will begin in the auditorium at 1:30 p.m. A private burial will follow. No photography or video cameras are allowed, and cell phones must be turned off and kept out of view.

Nashville songwriter passes away from gunshot wound

Wayne Mills - by Jessica Blankenship

Saturday evening the country music community mourned over the loss of one of its own. Alabama native, Wayne Mills, passed away due to injuries received from being shot by Nashville club owner, Chris Michael Ferrell, on Saturday morning. News of his passing was reported on his band's facebook page.

Wayne Mills was born in Arab, Alabama, and played football for the University of Alabama. He earned a degree in education, but soon picked up a guitar and took to the road playing his own blend of honky tonk tunes. He would open up for the likes of Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke, and others.

Mills would release several records, having success in the United States as well as world wide in Europe and Australia. Several of his singles were released to radio and video channels, including "Last Honky Tonk." He was recently named one of the honorees of the Guardian Award with the Outlaw Music Hall of Fame.

Wayne Mills presence both on and off the stage was always one of a true gentleman. Fans will remember his traditional country music sound that would fit in alongside George Jones or Waylon Jennings on the jukebox. He leaves behind his wife, Carole, as well as his young son, Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.

A fund has been set up to help with Wayne Mills family. To donate, click here. Furthermore, according to the Wayne Mills Band Facebook, FirstBank has set up a Wayne Mills Family Fund for Carol and Jack. Anyone can donate at area FirstBank branches to help. To view the FirstBank website go to www.firstbankonline.com. When donating, please let the teller know i'm donating to the Wayne Mills Family Fund. For more information please call 615-332-5253.

Here is more information on upcoming benefit and memorial events in Wayne Mills memory.

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

Class of 2011: Country Music Artists to Watch

Each year a new class of talent arrives to the country music scene, hoping to make a name for themselves. Last year, our picks were spot on for the men and women in country music. This year we expand that list to the top 10 to watch in 2011 in country music.

Brett Eldredge: With a promising new song, "Raymond," Brett Eldredge has made a good impression to country music listeners. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree of talent as he is the cousin of Terry Eldredge of The Grascals. The Illinois native has been singing since he was 14 years old. His current hit was co-written with Brad Crisler. It is a personal song as his grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's disease. The touching tune is sure to pull a heart string or two. (Website)

The Secret Sisters: There is no secret to the success of those deep in the south of Alabama. Rolling Stone Magazine recently featured them and said they "sound like something dreamed up by NPR." Laura and Lydia Rogers are two sisters who bring pureness and soul into their music. They dress and sound like they came from the era pre-modern day recordings when times were simple. Check out their song "Tennessee Me." (Website)

Karli Whetstone: Ohio native, Karli Whetstone, has been setting the pace with her latest single, "I Didn't." The sassy tune about breaking up with an ex has been receiving radio airplay that has resulted in being the headliner of the Frankfort, Kentucky's Froggy 104.9 St. Jude's Acoustic Jam on January 28th. Having opened for Taylor Swift, Phil Vassar, Darryl Worley, and more, she has been learning the ropes of performing on stage. One of her biggest accomplishments is tied to the Ohio State Buckeyes. “Growing up where I did, I was as obsessed with Ohio State football like anyone else in Ohio,” she says. “So I wrote a song about my home state (Ohio) and of course the Buckeyes, which is actually the only thing I’ve released so far that I also wrote.” It has been adopted by Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel being played for over 100,000 people in Ohio Stadium during every home game. (Website)

Craig Wayne Boyd: Southern country soul with a Texas flare best describes country newcomer Craig Wayne Boyd. Having already making an impression on the scene, he's opened shows for the likes of Jamey Johnson and more. With an influence of Travis Tritt and full of grit, his stage presence takes hold with his performances. This unsigned talent is currently working on his new album that record companies should take note of immediately. (Website)

Wayne Mills Band: Another Alabama native has been added to our mix of artists to watch. Put him in a honky tonk, and you put Wayne Mills in the right home. Wayne and his band have made a name for themselves even beyond the Alabama borders. Opening for Jamey Johnson, they expanded their fan base throughout the south. Most recently, he brought the crowd to their feet at Western Kentucky University during a pure classic country performance. In 2008, they had 4 singles go top 20 on the European Country Music Association Charts. In 2009, "Alabama Blues," hit number one in Belgium. Now with his 6th album released, "The Last Honky Tonk," fans can expect true country music from the home of the honky tonk. As his career is gaining ground, be sure check out the single, "The Last Honky Tonk." (Website)

Hoss Howard: Gulf War Veteran, Hoss Howard's music is made of a mix of country and Southern rock. The Quitman, Arkansas, native now calls Cherokee, North Carolina, home. He's opened shows for John Anderson, Diamond Rio, Foreigner, Fog Hat, and Joe Diffie. His impressive current single, "Dirt Road," is making a mark on the Music Row Country Charts. The driving country tune about gaining a love and wanting to settle down on a dirt road in a small town has been a hit amongst fans. Fans can check him out at the Frankfort, Kentucky's Froggy 104.9 St. Jude's Acoustic Jam on January 28th. (Website)

Randy Montana: What some Kentucky fans may not know, Randy Montana has performed several shows here in Kentucky over the last year just prior to opening for Sugarland's tour. Two notable shows included playing with Jonathan Singleton & the Grove at the Tin Roof in Lexington and playing at the Crockettsville Charity Concert this past fall. The singer-songwriter gained talent from his father, Billy Montana, who co-wrote Garth Brooks' "More Than a Memory." Randy Montana has made a name for himself by penning tunes such as "Can’t Feel the Pain," recorded by Kentucky natives, Montgomery Gentry. His latest single, "1000 Faces," has recently debut and will sure bit a hit. His unique vocal style with a rough edge makes him one to watch. (Website)

David Adam Byrnes: Fans of Josh Thompson may recognize the name of David Adam Byrnes as they have collaborated on several projects. Byrnes is making a name for himself with his latest single "Sweet Distraction." The Sherwood, Arkansas, native knew after attending his first George Strait concert at the age of 3 that he wanted to dip his musical soul in country music. On his high school graduation day, he celebrated with not only receiving his diploma, but also a spot to open for Hank Williams, Jr. His latest album, "Premium Country," is available on I-Tunes and via his website. Not only with a great talent, he's easy on the eyes, and a sure bet of gaining success in 2011. (Website)

The Parks: Father-son duo, Johnny and Clint Park have made a name for themselves both as a duo and individually. One of Nashville's best kept secrets, they were originally signed by Lyric Street Records, which folded in 2010. The Texas natives have grit and country in their vocals and perform just like the outlaws of yesteryear. Their album, "Born Into It," is available on I-tunes and one I personally recommend downloading. From start to end, the songwriting and musicianship is superb. Throughout the album, you feel like you're down home in a honky tonk ready to party. You can catch them regularly at Cowboys in Gallatin, TN. (Website)

Jane Dear Girls: Late 2010, the Jane Dear Girls started to make a name for themselves with their song, "Wildflower." Gaining exposure, they were also nominated for Top New Vocal Duo/Group with the Academy of Country Music Awards. The sassy new female duo consists of Danelle Leverett of Texas and Susie Brown of Utah. Susie is an accomplished fiddle player and has sung backup for Trisha Yearwood. Danelle originally had her goals of being an athlete, but due to an injury, she took a new direction towards music. They would be discovered by John Rich after performing at a Muzik Mafia event. They would soon be signed with Warner Music Nashville. Their unique country/rock/pop sound has become a hit amongst fans. (Website)