Kentucky music women to be featured in new book

Woman Walk the Line - How the Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives

At a time when women’s lives have never been more public, more debated, more celebrated and in many ways, more scrutinized, Woman Walk The Line: How the Women of Country Changed Our Lives arrives. A collection of 27 women writers of varying age, race, sexual orientation and occupation, these deeply personal essays reflect how one country artist served as the life pivot that shifted everything in each writer’s life.

Chris Stapleton to release two albums in 2017

Chris Stapleton has announced that he will be releasing not one, but TWO albums this year.  The first one, "From A Room: Volume 1" is set for release on May 5, 2017, on Mercury Records.  Volume 2 is set for release this fall.

Fans can pre-order the album via Itunes (click here), or through his website with various bundles that include shirts and vinyl albums.

The nine song album features the following songs:

Broken Halos (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)

Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning (Gary P. Nunn and Donna Sioux Farar)

Second One to Know (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)

Up to No Good Livin' (Chris Stapleton and Casey Beathard)

Either Way (Chris Stapleton, Tim James, and Kendall Marvel)

I Was Wrong (Chris Stapleton and Craig Wiseman)

Without Your Love (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)

Them Stems (Chris Stapleton, Jimmy Stewart, and Shawn Camp)

Death Row (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)

Chris Stapleton has had a pretty extensive 2017 tour.  It follows a series of extraordinary years for Stapleton since the release of his breakthrough double Platinum solo debut album, "Traveller." Released May 2015 on Mercury Records Nashville, "Traveller" initially debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart with more than 27,000 albums sold, making it one of the best-selling first weeks by a debut country artist in 2015. 

Following a historic turn on the 49th Annual CMA Awards in 2016, where Stapleton became the first artist to win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the same awards – Traveller became the first album to re-enter the Billboard 200 all-genre album chart at No. 1, where is stayed for two straight weeks. The critically acclaimed album went on to win multiple Grammy and ACM Awards and was the #1 selling Country album of 2016 and the fourth-highest selling album of 2016 across all genres.

Patsy Cline Museum set to open in Nashville

The Patsy Cline Museum opens to the public Friday, April 7, adding another attraction to the “must-see” list for Nashville tourists and locals paying homage to the personal and professional life of the icon.

“In her short nine years as a recording artist from ‘55 to ‘63, she forever changed the voice of country music, the role of female artists and influenced performers across all genres,” said founder Bill Miller. “To this very day, artists still cover her hits and you’ll hear her recordings used in motion pictures and TV series. She deserved her own museum as she continues to transcend generations of fans. We are honored to work with Patsy’s children to preserve her legacy.”

Chris Stapleton receives three ACM Award nominations

This morning, the Academy of Country Music announced the nominees for the ACM Awards.  Interestingly, Sturgill Simpson, who was awarded a Grammy for Best Country Album was left out of any of the nominees.  However, fellow Kentuckian, reigning ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Stapleton is nominated in three categories. Once again, Stapleton is nominated in both the Male Vocalist of the Year category, and the Song of the Year category with “Tennessee Whiskey.”  Also, Stapleton received a nod in the Video of the Year category for “Fire Away.”.  Below is the complete list of nominees for the 2017 ACM Awards.  Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return to host for the second consecutive year. The ACM Awards® are produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2 (live 8:00-11:00 PM) on the CBS Television Network.

Loretta Lynn honored at Pre-Grammy event

Photo: David McClister

Saturday night, country music legend, Loretta Lynn was honored by the Americana Music Association as a salute to her living legend status.  Quite a few artists were on hand to sing in tribute to Loretta Lynn at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.

About two dozen music artists of multiple genres were a part of the two hour salute to Loretta Lynn.  Loretta Lynn opted to not travel 2,000 bus trip from her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, and she doesn't like to fly.  Instead, she wrote a letter that Brandy Clark read, thanking everyone for the tribute.  Two special people were on hand that are close to Loretta Lynn - her daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and granddaughter Emmy Rose. Both performed songs in her honor as well, keeping the vocal 

Here's the setlist:

“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” — the O’Connor Band

“You Wanna Give Me a Lift” — Sierra Hull

“Silver Threads and Golden Needles” — Leslie Stevens

“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” — Shannon McNally

“The Home You’re Tearing Down” — ZZ Ward

“In the Pines” — Fantastic Negrito

“Fist City” — Wheeler Walker Jr.

“Hello Darlin’” — Kesha

“I Wanna Be Free” — Jack Ingram

“After the Fire is Gone” — Ingram and McNally

“Woman of the World (Leave My World Alone)” — Lori McKenna with McNally

“You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” — McKenna and Robbie Fulks

“The Pill” — Fulks

“Whispering Sea” — Joe Henry

“Everything It Takes” — Patsy Lynn Russell with John Carter Cash

“Memaw’s Guitar” — Emmy Rose

“Lay Me Down” — Emmy Rose and Hank Compton

“You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” — Brandy Clark

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” — Brandy Clark

“Will the Circle Be Unbroken” — cast

Thursday Night Live concert series announces lineup

Each summer, the city of London, Kentucky, hosts their annual Thursday Night Live Series.  It helps promote local and regional acts, as well as invite some national acts to the area.  The London Sentinel-Echo made the official announcement of the 2017 Thursday Night Live acts.  All concerts are held on Main Street in front of the Laurel County Courthouse each Thursday evening at 7:00 PM.  Available nearby parking is at the Garage on 5th Street and Broad Street, as well as on street parking spaces.  All of the shows are free of charge and open to the public.

2017 Thursday Night Live! Concert Series Schedule (click on name for link)

June 1: Grass Roots Revival with Elvie Shane

June 8: Kevin Dalton & the Tuesday Blooms with Madison Lewis opening 

June 15:  Zippy's Clutch (Rockabilly Hall of Fame Members)

June 22: Grayson Jenkins with The Greg Finger Band opening

June 29: Blue Highway with Heidi and Ryan opening

July 6: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

July 20: Appalachian Ladies Night featuring The Local Honeys and Senora May Childers opening

July 27: Rachel Croe with Caleb Gilbert and the Tarshack Revival opening
August 3: Creek Don't Rise with Bob of the Dell opening

August 10: Blue Crawdads with The Wrong Party opening

For more information on Thursday Night Live, be sure to check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thursdaynightlivedowntown.

Crystal Gayle becomes newest member of the Grand Ole Opry

Loretta Lynn with Crystal Gayle, the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo by Chris Hollo.

Grammy-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry Saturday evening at the Ryman Auditorium by her sister and Opry legend, Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut 50 years ago on the Ryman stage, singing the country classic Ribbon of Darkness at age 16. She had been publicly invited to join the Opry by fellow member Carrie Underwood in November.

“We’ve been together a long time, honey. And we’ve never had a fight,” Loretta Lynn said. “It was the greatest moment of my life when they made me a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. I know she is just as happy as I was then.” “Being a member of the Opry is just incredible,” Crystal Gayle beamed. “It’s really hard to comprehend. I have felt like a part of the Opry for all these years. Now, I’m official.”

Loretta Lynn inducting her sister, Crystal Gayle, into the Grand Ole Opry on January 21, 2017. Photo by Chris Hollo.

Crystal Gayle is an award-winning country music icon whose reign in the music business includes 20 No. 1 country hits, six albums certified Gold by the RIAA and the first female artist in country music history to reach platinum sales with her 1977 album, We Must Believe in Magic. Her her 1977 country-pop crossover hit song, Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, became an iconic staple and solidified her as one of the top female vocalists during the 1970s and 1980s. Her list of platinum and gold was to be matched only by her awards and accolades. CMA's "Female Vocalist of the Year," for two consecutive years, she became a Grammy Award Winner for "Best Female Vocal Performance," thanks to her beloved "Brown Eyes" - a song that she today admits she has never grown tired of singing. Crystal swept the Academy of Country Music Awards for three of their "Top Female Vocalist" statuettes. 

Crystal is the recipient of three "American Music Awards," voted by the nation as America's "Favorite Female Artist." Perhaps nothing sums up Crystal's career achievements as well as being awarded with a star on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame in October 2009. Also famous for her nearly floor-length hair, she was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine in 1983. She is the younger sister (by 19 years) of singer Loretta Lynn, and a distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless. 

Gayle also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Lynn's star. In 2008, Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  

In August 2016, the Academy of Country Music honored Crystal with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award during the 10th Annual ACM Honors.

For more information on Crystal Gayle, be sure to visit crystalgayle.com

Benefit for Dolly Parton's My People Fund to be held Tuesday

The impressive lineup of performers continues to grow for Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. (EST). Hank Williams Jr., Cyndi Lauper, Alabama, Don McLean, Ronnie Dunn, Jamey Johnson and Lauren Alaina have been added to the star-studded telecast, which will be broadcast on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network. Dolly Parton and a number of her friends, including Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers and Alison Krauss, are set to perform as well.

A number of celebrities will answer phones during the telethon. Paula Deen and her sons Bobby and Jamie, RaeLynn, Dailey & Vincent, Moonshiners’ Mark & Digger, T.G. Sheppard, Jason Crabb, Larry Gatlin, comedian Henry Cho, Tim Rushlow and more will help man the phone lines during the telethon. All of the celebrities are donating their time and performances to help the effort.

“Every day I’m touched even more by the number of people who are joining us to help raise money for the people of the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said. “It is a special place and I’m honored that these people care so much about what we’re doing through the My People Fund to help those who have lost everything due to the wildfires.”

The nationally-broadcast telethon seeks to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund, established by Parton, The Dollywood Company and Parton’s dinner theaters in the wake of last week’s wildfires in the entertainment icon’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee.

Smoky Mountains Rise also will be simulcast across multiple radio chains, including iHeart Media's digital and select on-air platforms, Cumulus Media's NASH Nights LIVE, TuneIn's Country Roads channel, and several other platforms which are set to be announced shortly. All of the artists are donating their performances to help the effort. USAToday.com and USA Today National Networks will live stream the telethon on their affiliate newspaper websites, including all Tennessee newspaper sites Tennessean.com, Knoxnews.com, commercialappeal.com, jacksonsun.com, theleafchronicle.com, dnj.com, and others.

The My People Fund will provide $1000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org.

During the telethon, viewers will be asked to call 1-866-CARE MORE to donate to the My People Fund.

Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org. For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

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

Lexington Music Awards seeks nominations

Music fans can get out the vote for their favorite local music industry officials with the third annual Lexington Music Awards.  Nominations are being accepted until Monday, November 14th, 2016.  To vote, go to www.lexingtonmusicawards.com and write in your nominee for each category.  Over 30 categories are seeking nominees, from favorite musician, songwriter, to music store and music educator.

“Awards are given out in a two-step process,” says David McLean, the awards founder and producer.  “The first step is popular nomination.” Anyone can nominate their favorites in 32 industry categories including Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Album, and Best Live Music Venue. That’s similar to how the Grammy Awards are chosen.

“The second step is where the LEXIS deviate from the Grammys’ model,” explains Marcie Timmerman, LEXIs Volunteer. “The top 3 to 5 nominees in each category are notified and then asked to vote for the recipient in their category. This peer review piece is what makes us unique and more than a popularity contest.”

Whether you have a favorite music teacher, follow a local cover band, or enjoy the music at your favorite pub, there’s a category for everyone. Take a few minutes today to vote your favorites and encourage your fans, followers and friends to do the same.

The Lexington Music Awards will take place on January 29, 2017 at the Lyric Theater in Lexington, Kentucky.  The show starts at 6:00 p.m. and always includes performances from a wide variety of genres.  Tickets are $15 each and currently on sale at www.lexingtonmusicawards.com or Lyric Theater’s box office.

The Lexington Music Awards are fiscally sponsored by LexEnomics, a 501©3 organization launched in 2010 to help Kentucky’s innovators and entrepreneurs grow in the 21st century, sparking our Bluegrass economy and bettering our quality of life. 

Merle Haggard's legacy to be celebrated on RFD-TV

Merle Haggard - photo by Steve Kalinsky

Upcoming brand new, never before seen episodes of “Country’s Family Reunion” will pay tribute to country music legend, Merle Haggard. Artists in this series include John Conlee, Vince Gill, Bobby Bare, Gene Watson, Moe Bandy, Teea Goans, Rhonda Vincent and more.

This is one of the biggest ever Reunions as they pay tribute to the life and music of Merle Haggard. Featuring songs and stories from three of Merle’s sons, along with John Conlee, Vince Gill, Bobby Bare, Gene Watson, Moe Bandy, Teea Goans, Rhonda Vincent, Ray Benson, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, David Frizzell, Ronnie Reno, Mac Wiseman, Bill Anderson and more.

The idea behind the hit “Country’s Family Reunion” series when it all started in 1997 was simple – ask the great people who shaped country music to get together and talk about their history, and maybe sing a few songs. Each episode of Country’s Family Reunion is hosted by country legend and hit songwriter, Bill Anderson who guides the discussion and supplies viewers with inside stories from his many years in the business. Nearly 20 years later, Gabriel Communications celebrates more than a dozen projects, featuring hundreds of songs and never-before-heard stories from some of country music’s original artists, which would have otherwise been lost forever. Click here to find out where to watch RFD-TV and “Country’s Family Reunion” in your area.

Upcoming “Country’s Family Reunion” Airdates:

*All episodes re-air on Saturdays at 12 am EST

Friday, November 11 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include Ronnie Reno – “Honky Tonk Night Time Man,” David Frizzell “The Way it was In 51,” Bobby Bare “Ramblin' Fever,” and Vince Gill “Lost In A World Without Haggard.”

Friday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include John Conlee “Okie From Muskogee,” Teea Goans “I Didn't Mean To Love You,” Ray Benson “Misery and Gin,” Mark Wills “I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink,” Rhonda Vincent “Mama Tried,” and Marty Noel & Ben Haggard “Workin’ Man Blues’.”

Friday, November 25 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include The Isaacs “If We Make IT Though December,” Moe Bandy “Today I Started Loving You Again,” Gene Watson “Tonight The Bottle Let me Down,” Tony Booth “I Had a Beautiful Time,” Mac Wiseman “Sing Me Back Home,” Marty haggard “Mama's Hungry Eyes,” and Noel & Ben Haggard “The Runnin' Kind/Lonesome Fugitive.”

Friday, December 2 at 8 p.m. ET – A Tribute to Merle Haggard: Guests include Jim Lauderdale “I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall,” T. Graham Brown “Big City,” Mo Pitney “Farmer's Daughter,” Jeannie Seely “Everybody's Had the Blues,” Ben Haggard “It's All in the Movies,” and Daryle Singletary “Footlights.”

The “’Country’s Family Reunion’ Collection Series” DVD box set features four different show compilations including “Country’s Family Reunion Original,” “Country’s Family Reunion Celebration,” “Country’s Family Reunion Gospel,” and “Stories From The Golden Age Of Country.” Purchase the entire series and have unlimited access to over 50 legendary country music artists with 130 rare live performances online by visiting www.cfrvideos.com.

Chris Stapleton honored with Vanguard Award at 54th ASCAP Country Music Awards

Chris Stapleton

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, presented acclaimed country singer, songwriter and performer Chris Stapleton with the ASCAP Vanguard Award at the 54th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards. The awards celebration, which honors the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs of 2015, took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville on October 31st.

“Every so often, someone comes along with songwriting so masterful, a voice so powerful and a presence so captivating, that it stops you in your tracks,” says ASCAP President Paul Williams. “Chris Stapleton does just that. By distilling Southern sounds and themes into potent songs, he has brought raw soul back to the country charts, and established himself as one of the most respected and original artists in American music today. We are thrilled to honor him with the ASCAP Vanguard Award.”

The Vanguard Award recognizes the impact of outstanding ASCAP members on musical genres that will help shape the future of American music. Previous recipients include Walk The Moon, St. Vincent, fun., The Civil Wars, Third Day, Band of Horses, Sara Bareilles and more.

Chris Stapleton’s acclaimed album, Traveller, was released in May 2015 on Mercury Records Nashville and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. With more than 27,000 albums sold, it was the best-selling first week by a debut country artist that year. The album also received immediate and extensive critical acclaim that helped land Stapleton bookings on “Late Show with David Letterman,” “The View,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” among others.

Following an historic turn on the 2015 CMA Awards – Stapleton was the first artist to win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the same awards – Traveller became the first album to re-enter the Billboard 200 all-genre album chart at #1, where it stayed for two weeks. Stapleton also performed a “show-stealing” (Rolling Stone) duet on the live awards show with superstar, friend and fellow ASCAP member Justin Timberlake, which Entertainment Weekly called “an unapologetic display of abnormal levels of talent.”

Stapleton capped off his record year with four nominations and two wins at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards — Album of the Year (nominee), Best Country Album (winner), Best Country Song (nominee) and Best Country Solo Performance (winner). He is currently nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year, as well as Musical Event of the Year, alongside his wife, Morgane Stapleton, for their performance of “You Are My Sunshine” from producer Dave Cobb’s acclaimed Southern Family compilation, at the 50th annual CMA Awards, to be held November 2nd in Nashville.

Renowned and respected in Music City, Stapleton has also co-written six #1 hits for some of country music’s biggest stars and has continually worked as an in-demand session musician, providing masterful backup vocals and guitar work to countless pieces of music. ASCAP has featured Stapleton, a longtime member, at many ASCAP events during his career, including the Sundance ASCAP Music Café, the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, the ASCAP “We Write the Songs” showcase on Capitol Hill, the ASCAP Country Music Awards and more.

Ricky Skaggs honored with prestigious ASCAP Founders Award

Ricky Skaggs (via Facebook)

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, presented acclaimed bluegrass and country music songwriter-artist and Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs with its prestigious Founders Award at the 54th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards. The exclusive, invitation-only gala, which celebrated the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs of 2016, took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, Tennessee on October 31st.

ASCAP President Paul Williams said: "For more than four decades Ricky Skaggs has been a musical force in bluegrass and country music. His incredible gifts as a musician combined with his boundless creativity and energy continue to fuel a passion for American roots music around the world. A national treasure, he has influenced generations of fellow music creators and we are honored to present him with the ASCAP Founders Award."

The Founders Award is one of ASCAP’s highest honors and is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Each recipient is a musical innovator who possesses a unique style of creative genius, which will enrich generations to come. Previous recipients include George Strait, Alan Jackson, Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Melissa Etheridge and Neil Young.

Ricky Skaggs is a renowned musician of bluegrass and country music, having earned 12 #1 singles, 14 Grammy Awards, 11 IBMA Awards, nine ACM Awards, eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), two Dove Awards, three honorary Doctorate degrees, a GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2013 Artist-In-Residence, and an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award, along with numerous other accolades. Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows. He started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive Grammy-nominated albums. His newest release, Hearts Like Ours, with his wife, celebrated artist Sharon White of The Whites, features the couple performing duets of handpicked country love songs. The Grand Ole Opry member has also released his first-ever autobiography, "Kentucky Traveler," which details the life and times of Skaggs and provides a descriptive history of country and bluegrass music. In addition to his regular touring schedule with his band, Kentucky Thunder, he has recently performed a string of dates with Sharon White and guitar legend Ry Cooder, and continues to tour with versatile singer-songwriter and pianist Bruce Hornsby.

Josh Thompson reveals what drives his music career and love of hunting

Country music singer Josh Thompson is set to headline Friday night at the World Chicken Festival

Beyond the bright lights from the amusement rides, and the smell of fried chicken from the World's Largest Skillet, Friday night at the World Chicken Festival will bring in the likes of Josh Thompson and Ray Scott.  If there is one thing that is for certain, country music fans will be in for a treat.

Six years ago, Josh Thompson arrived on the scene with his single, "Beer on the Table."  It would be followed up with "Way Out Here," which has been loved by many that are fans of John Wayne, Johnny Cash, and John Deere, as the song would go.  Thompson has kept a busy touring schedule over the years, but manages to balance his music career and personal life.

"It's a different state of mind.  You travel a lot and get to see America.  I'm a homebody, but I also love being out on the road.  It has been two different ways of life for me," Thompson recalls on balancing two aspects of his life.

Josh Thompson is no stranger to Kentucky when it comes to performances.  Six years ago, he headlined the WFKY Froggy Field Party.  (Check out review here.)  "Now that was a great time," Josh recalled.  "The fans and the folks at the radio station welcomed me with open arms.  I still remembered it."

Just when his career was taking off years ago, he went through several record label changes due to restructuring within each company.  He credits the fans for keeping him motivated.  According to Josh, "the fans are what motivate me.  When you release new music, and they love it, it keeps me going.  They (the fans) are what drive me to continue pushing forward."

Whenever an artist is faced with label changes, sometimes they lose the rights of the recordings they performed under the label.  Thankfully for Josh Thompson, he was able to use the original recordings for "Change: The Lost Record."  Josh indicated that he was able to use the originals to remix and remaster each song.  In essence, he released volume 1 in 2015 and Volume 2 is scheduled to be released in the next couple of months.

Josh Thompson is an avid outdoorsman, being a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and a partner with NRA Country.  He recently completed his third elk hunt; however he said that he "would love to be able to hunt elk in Kentucky.  Everyone is keeping an eye on the popularity that it has become there.  I recently went deer hunting a couple of weeks ago and was able to get a fully dressed deer."  He was excited to hear about the new Appalachian Wildlife Center that is being built in Bell County, Kentucky.

When Josh Thompson takes to the stage at the World Chicken Festival, he knows that music fans will have a good time with pure country music.  Be sure to catch his free concert on Friday, September 30th at the World Chicken Festival in downtown London, Kentucky.  Opening will be Whiskey Belles at 6:00 and Ray Scott at 7:30 before Josh Thompson performs at 9:00 p.m.  It is free and open to the public.  More information on Josh Thompson can be found at www.joshthompsonofficial.com and on the World Chicken Festival at http://chickenfestival.com.

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

Chris Stapleton takes lead over 2016 CMA Award nominations

Kentucky native Chris Stapleton was surprised this morning with multiple CMA Award nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Video of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year. “The 50th Annual CMA Awards” aired live Wednesday, November 2 on ABC-TV. Country superstars Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood presided over the evening, returning as hosts for the ninth consecutive year.

Below are the list of nominees in each category:

Entertainer of the Year: Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban

Single of the Year:

Die a Happy Man - Thomas Rhett

Humble & Kind - Tim McGraw

My Church - Maren Morris

Nobody to Blame - Chris Stapleton

Record Year - Eric Church

Album of the Year

Black - Dierks Bentley

Hero - Maren Morris

Mr. Misunderstood - Eric Church

Ripcord - Keith Urban

Storyteller - Carrie Underwood

Song of the Year

Burning House - Camaron "Cam" Ochs, Tyler Johnson, Jeff Bhasker

Die a Happy Man - Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, Joe Spargur

Humble and Kind - Lori McKenna

Record Year - Eric Church and Jeff Hyde

My Church - busbee and Maren Morris

Female Vocalist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year: Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban

Vocal Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year: Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Joey + Rory, Maddie & Tae

Musical Event of the Year

Different For Girls - Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King

Home Alone Tonight - Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild

The Fighter - Keith Urban (featuring Carrie Underwood)

Think Of You - Chris Young (duet with Cassadee Pope)

You Are My Sunshine - Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton

Musician of the Year: Jerry Douglas, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Brent Mason, Derek Wells

Music Video of the Year

Burning House - Cam

Fire Away - Chris Stapleton

Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw

Record Year - Eric Church

Somewhere on a Beach - Dierks Bentley

New Artist of the Year

Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Cole Swindell

Dolly Parton proves to be the Rhinestone Queen of Country Music with Kentucky tour stop

Dolly Parton at Norton Center for the Arts - photo by Jessica Bray

From the moment she took the stage at the Norton Center for the Arts Tuesday night, Dolly Parton was full of sass and sparkle for her only Kentucky performance on the Pure & Simple tour.  Needless to say, music fans went through a musical journey with stories and jokes told by the Rhinestone Queen.

Dolly Parton to make Kentucky stop on 2016 ‘Pure & Simple’ Tour

Legendary entertainer and international superstar Dolly Parton will bring her energetic live show to the Bluegrass state on August 9. Parton is scheduled to perform at Norton Center for the Arts in Danville, Ky. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Kentucky native Larry Williams reflects on his journey to Nashville

Kentucky native, Larry Williams, performing at The Stage in Nashville, TN.

On Saturday, August 6, 2016, Kentucky music fans will be gathering for the 8th annual Froggy Field Party, hosted by WFKY.  Those performing include Sundy Best, Josh Goodlett, Larry Williams, Jamie Tingle, and Don Endlin.  The festivities start at 5:00 pm with the gates opening and the music starting about 5:30.  It will all take place at the Kentucky Renaissance Fair on 955 Elm Street in Eminence, Kentucky.  More information can be found by clicking here.

KY Music Hall of Famer, Melvin Goins, passes away at age 83

Melvin Goins giving his speech at the KY Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2011 - photo by Jessica Bray

Yesterday, the bluegrass music world was shaken again by the loss of one of their own.  Melvin Goins, legendary bluegrass musician and part of The Goins Brothers, passed away while on the road in Canada.  He was 83.