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.

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.  

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.

Remembering a Kentucky country music pioneer

Velma Williams Smith

Often times in country music, we only think of legendary singers and not much on the musicians, especially with females.  One of those legendary performers was Velma Williams Smith.  She was born in 1927 and raised at Epley Station in Logan County, Kentucky.

Bill Monroe discovered Velma and her sister, Mildred, in 1941 when they appeared on WHOP out of Hopkinsville.  They were invited to play on the Grand Ole Opry and soon Velma began playing in the bands with Ernest Tubb, Carl Smith, Porter Waggoner, and Roy Acuff.  She was the first female to play a solo on the portion of the Grand Ole Opry broadcast nationally on NBC radio network.

During 1950s through the 1970s, Velma Williams Smith was the only female member of the RCA Studio B "A-Team" of studio musicians.  She would play the guitar licks on albums for fellow Kentuckian, Skeeter Davis ("The End of the World"), as well as Eddy Arnold ("Make the World Go Away"), Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Hank Snow, Jim Reeves, Dottie West, and more.  She played on Hank Locklin's hit, "Please Help Me, I'm Falling," that landed number one on the Billboard country singles chart for 14 weeks.  According to the Musicians Hall of Fame, she was the first female rhythm guitar player to play on records cut in Nashville.

The late Patsy Cline recorded one of Smith's songs, "Shoes," that was co-written with Hank Cochran.

In 2014, Velma was inducted into the Musician's Hall of Fame in Nashville alongside Barbara Mandrell, Jimmy Capps, Peter Frampton, Randy Bachman, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, Will Lee, Mike Curb and Roy Orbison. Now that is some pretty good company to be inducted with.

Velma Williams Smith passed away in 2014 at the age of 87 in Madison, Tennessee.

Waylon Jennings family response to Luke Bryan

The Highwaymen - Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson

UPDATE: Luke Bryan has been making some phone calls, apologizing directly to the family. Find out more details, as well as what Shooter Jennings had to say by clicking here.

One of my good friends, Kathy Jennings, is the daughter-in-law of Waylon Jennings.  We met a couple of years ago while I was on a visit in Nashville.  Kathy and her husband, Buddy, saw that I had a unique Waylon shirt on and asked about it.  We got to talking and I realized who they were after I remember a couple of our mutual friends talking about them.  Needless to say, they have always been so kind to me over the years.

Recently, Luke Bryan was asked about outlaw country music (read interview here from Hits Daily Double) and his response was, "Well, yeah. I think that people who want Merle, Willie and Waylon just need to buy Merle, Willie and Waylon. I’ve never been a “Those were the good old days” kind of guy. I’m not big on looking back on the past. I’m not an outlaw country singer. I don’t do cocaine and run around. So I’m not going to sing outlaw country. I like to hunt, fish, ride around on my farm, build a big bonfire and drink some beers—and that’s what I sing about. It’s what I know. I don’t know about laying in the gutter, strung out on drugs. I don’t really want to do that."

Needless to say, his quote set off a firestorm among fans, many angered at his statements.  He wouldn't be the first to somewhat disown the legends of country music - Blake Shelton would do so a few years ago, but soon apologized.  One memorable apology was that to the great Ray Price.  Luke's apology was only via Twitter and who knows if it was truly him or his social media people.  He has not spoken about the interview beyond Twitter.

One of the people that was angered was Kathy Jennings.  Below is her strong personal message to Luke Bryan, as well as a video that she recorded.

I will add that the songs of Waylon, Merle, Willie, Jessi Colter, and many others last the test of time. I can't help but think of Ray Price (granted, he wasn't an outlaw per say), whose song "Crazy Arms" landed on the charts for 45 weeks, with 20 of those weeks in the number one spot.  Those men and women didn't require 3+ songwriters to write the same song by different singers about how beautiful the skinny blonde tan legged cut off jeans wearing chick drinking fireball whiskey on the back of a pickup truck in the moonlight...

Something else to note: "Waylon Jennings - An Intimate Portrait of an Outlaw" is a movie that is being produced by Waylon's son, Buddy Jennings, alongside his wife, Kathy, and friend Larry Sands.  Fans can go to www.waylondoc.com for complete details. It is set for a late 2015/early 2016 release. This documentary is a raw look into how the rise of a small town Texas dreamer became one of the most influential country music singers in the history of music. It tracks Waylon from his very poor beginnings in Littlefield, Texas growing up with his brothers; picking cotton and his guitar, to befriending and playing with Buddy Holly and his move to Phoenix that shot him to fame.

Letter from Kathy Jennings to Luke Bryan:

To Luke Bryan : 

I hope your family members are proud of you for using your WORLDWIDE platform to take the time to disrespect my Father in Law. You have managed to PROVE to the world your true self. 

Albeit that Waylon's drug use is well documented and something he overcame, I assure you, he was never "laying in a gutter." At the peak of his career and drug abuse, he was making history and setting records. He, single handedly paved the way for you and everyone else to make music the way the artist wanted to make it. I'm not willing to waste my time to debate your "music" and / or the fact you have zillions of fans - I will however, not sit back and be quiet when you have so blatantly disrespected Waylon. 

I recall the time I was at the Grand Ole Opry to visit with Andy Griggs, you were making your debut appearance. My friend that was with us had just seen your video. As we stood at the side of the stage, Jeannie Seeley was talking to us and you walked over to introduce your self to her and told her how much you admired her, she in turn introduced you to myself and my husband. I almost got a cavity because of the sweetness of the words coming out of your mouth - you told us Waylon was one of your musical heroes. You went on and on and on. 

This is not about music, Outlaw Country, whatever - it's about DISRESPECT.

You are a platinum, disrespecting, no singing, whining, grasping for media attention, asshole. Use your platform for something good, instead of bashing the LEGENDS that came before you.

Willie Nelson to receive Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Yesterday, James Billington, Librarian of Congress, announced that country music singer Willie Nelson will receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

With over six decades, Willie Nelson has expanded his country music roots to infuse into the musical styles of jazz, blues, folk, and rock. He continues to inspire musicians with his unique voice and guitar playing style.

In November, Nelson will receive the honor in Washington, D.C. There will be a series of events honoring his lifetime achievement in promoting songs to enhance cultural understanding, entertaining and informing audiences, and inspiring new generations.

"Willie Nelson is a musical explorer, redrawing the boundaries of country music throughout his career," Billington said. "A master communicator, the sincerity and universally appealing message of his lyrics place him in a category of his own while still remaining grounded in his country-music roots. His achievements as a songwriter and performer are legendary. Like America itself, he has absorbed and assimilated diverse stylistic influences into his stories and songs. He has helped make country music one of the most universally beloved forms of American artistic expression."

"It is an honor to be the next recipient of the Gershwin Prize. I appreciate it greatly," Willie Nelson said.

Willie Nelson has recorded over 200 songs, including country music standards, "Crazy," "Hello Walls," "On the Road Again," and "Funny How Time Slips Away."

Despite his age, Willie Nelson has not slowed down. He is an author, actor, singer, and activist. He received his 5th degree black belt in Gongkwon Yusul. He is the leader of Farm Aid, helping family farmers across the United States. Recently, Willie Nelson, along with Merle Haggard, debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Album Chart and number seven on the Billboard 200 Bestselling Album Chart for their album, "Django and Jimmie."

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!

2014 Farm Aid Concert heads to Raleigh, North Carolina

Willie Nelson - Courtesy of FarmAid.org

 “I've always believed that the most important people on the planet are the ones who plant the seeds and care for the soil where they are grown.”

– Willie Nelson

This morning Willie Nelson and the fine folks with Farm Aid announced that Farm Aid 2014 will take place on September 13, 2014.  It will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre.

The Farm Aid 2014 Lineup includes several regulars, as well as newcomers to the concert series. Entertainers include Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Jack White, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jamey Johnson, Delta Rae, Carlene Carter, Pegi Young & The Survivors, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Insects vs Robots.

Farm Aid will highlight independent family farmers as essential to the well-being of our country. All across the country, family farmers are rebuilding local and regional food systems, re-energizing the economy, taking care of our natural resources and growing the good food we need as healthy citizens. Through the dedicated hard work of its board of directors, the support of many thousands of donors and the nearly four hundred artists who have generously donated their time and performances, Farm Aid is the longest running benefit concert series in America.

Since 1985, Farm Aid has helped grow the Good Food Movement. More and more people want to know where their food comes from, how it’s grown and who grows it. The success of this movement is why there’s a vegetable garden on the White House lawn, a national conversation about what our kids eat, and increasing political will to broaden access to fresh, healthy food and investigate the stranglehold that corporations have on our food system.

As farming once again becomes a viable career choice, more people are becoming farmers, replenishing our country with new ideas and innovations, growing local and regional economies, contributing to our national economic recovery, taking care of our natural resources and ensuring good food from family farms for everyone. This is Farm Aid’s hope and vision for a new American agriculture.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2014 will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 1, at 10 a.m. EDT. Tickets will be available at www.livenation.com, the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets range in price from $49 to $175.

For more information about Farm Aid, North Carolina food and agriculture issues, and Farm Aid’s event policies, visit www.farmaid.org. You can also follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@FarmAid) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid).

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.

Have a Willie Nice Day!

The man. The myth. The legend. The birthday boy...that would be the one and only Willie Nelson.  Today marks his 81st birthday.  What a living legacy he has led in his musical journey, both on and off the stage.

A few years ago, I had the honor of photographing Willie Nelson at the Country Throwdown Tour.  I had photographed the tour series before, but this go around in Knoxville was somewhat magical in a sense.  You see, all of those that were on the "up and coming stage" and on the big stage and Bluebird Cafe stage back in 2011 are now household names among fans.  Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson, Drake White, Austin Lucas, Erin Enderlin, and many more took part in the festivities.  What was even cooler was that Willie's son, Lukas Nelson, played guest guitar with each and every act.  He was very much involved and you could tell he loved every minute of it.

Willie Nelson would close the night and I was in awe.  It was amazing to be able to stand within a few feet in the photo pit snapping away.  I came home, wrote up my article for Examiner.com and was literally amazed to see it posted on Willie's website.  The journalist in me was giddy as a kid seeing that.

I've always been supportive of Farm Aid and it has always been on my bucket list to go and cover the event.  I've been invited several times, but logistics, a full time job, travel costs, and other commitments kept me away.  One day I will attend Farm Aid...one day.

Happy birthday Willie Nelson!

Jim Burns salutes Willie Nelson with tribute shows

Not every day does a legendary country music singer give his stamp of approval on a project. Willie Nelson has just done that on a project with Jim Burns called "The Sound of Willie." With a voice as distinguishable as Nelson's, it would come as a surprise to hear someone sing just like him.

Jim Burns was raised just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. The Ohio native began playing and honing his craft in guitar playing and singing. It wasn't long that folks noticed the similarities of his voice to that of Willie Nelson. I recently sat down with Jim Burns and talked about his Willie Nelson tribute show.

"Several of my friends said that they thought I was playing a record of Willie Nelson and lip-syncing. Little did they know, it was actually me singing," Jim Burns recalled.

Before he proceeded with the Sound of Willie project, Jim Burns worked on the road with country music singers Gary Allan, Trace Adkins, and Jamey Johnson. During a hometown concert in Cincinnati, Jamey Johnson allowed Burns to come out on stage and perform. "It was surreal to be able to play at the Taft Theater in front of the fans. That was a memorable night with Jamey and Randy Houser as part of the CMT Tour," Burns said. That night opened a lot of ears to the talents of Jim Burns.

Beyond Willie Nelson, Jim Burns musical influences include Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, and Billy Joe Shaver. According to Jim, "I'm a fan of traditional country music. I enjoy story telling songs and those that have a true meaning today. I've written a few songs and understand how hard it can be to perfect the songwriting skill."

These days, Jim Burns is preserving the sound of traditional country music with his tribute to Willie Nelson. He has been featured at several locations throughout Central Kentucky and Ohio. Fans can check out his tour dates, as well as obtain more information on him by going to www.soundofwillie.com. He is available for acoustic and full band bookings as well.

Country Throwdown concert series is a must see

Willie Nelson by Jessica Blankenship

Father's Day was a day of celebration of music and family relationships. Just down the road from Kentucky, the Country Throwdown Tour Stop in Knoxville had an abundance of family on and off stage. Headlining the series was legendary performer Willie Nelson. His son Lukas Nelson played his own individual blend of country rock set. But his talent didn't stop there as he appeared as a guest guitarist on other Throwdown tour artists set list. During Jamey Johnson's set, his daughter Kylie joined in to sing on "Tulsa Time" and the timeless classic, "In Color."

There was no shortage of talent with the room full of music. Due to the rain, the venue made the smart decision to place the two stages inside on opposite ends. In turn, fans were able to see all acts, but only got to see a brief set of the Bluebird Cafe artists.

One of the biggest draws on the secondary stage was Brantley Gilbert. The Georgia native has been making a name for himself as a songwriter and now as a performer. Fans were quick to react to his crowd interaction.

Another fellow Georgia native, Brent Cobb, discussed the success of Georgia musicians. "I believe it is due to the fact we have been able to write what people are living in every day life. It is amazing and great to see the success of folks like Jason Aldean, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Zac Brown Band, Blackberry Smoke, and more. I think people are finally taking notice and it is unbelievable to see the talent." Cobb is one to watch and has caught the eye of Shooter Jennings, who produced his album after a connection with his cousin, Dave Cobb.

Lee Brice and Randy Houser both provided a trip down the backwoods to a honkytonk roadhouse with their sets. Brice would get the crowd singing along with his hit song, "Love Like Crazy" and "Sumter County Saturday Night." Houser would let his strong vocals soar throughout his rowdy set, including his hit songs "Whistling Dixie," "Boots On," and his take of "Simple Man."

Jamey Johnson eased up on stage waving to the crowd before jamming to "High Cost of Living." Rolling through traditional country music, Johnson was a man of few words and let the music do the talking. During "Tulsa Time," Melonie Cannon joined on stage to sing backup. The crowd was stomping and clapping their hands through the rowdy tune, "That Lonesome Song."

Texas music was in full swing when Willie Nelson took to the stage, opening with "Whiskey River," and flowing through the years through his hour long set. With a big Texas state flag as the background, it was evident that Texas music was shining.

Country Throwdown is one of the hot summer concert tours to catch. One of the biggest elements is the emphasis on some of the biggest songwriters and the songs they live. The secret to a good song? Erin Enderlin said it best, "Singing about real life and the truth. When a singer writes about a real life experience, it makes the song easier to relate to for the listener."