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:

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

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.  

Kentucky filmmakers showcase the life of Charlie Louvin

www.louvinfilm.com

Back in 2008, Blake Judd and Keith Neltner of Kentucky had the chance to interview Charlie Louvin of the legendary duo, the Louvin Brothers.  A couple of years later, Louvin would be diagnosed with cancer.

By using Kickstarter, Blake and Keith were able to raise funds to produce 1000 DVDs to help pay Charlie Louvin's medical expenses as he seeked treatment for the cancer.  That DVD was named "Charlie Louvin: Still Rattlin' The Devil's Cage."

The dvd tells the story of the Alabama native and his struggles, as well as success over the years.  The historic photos, interviews, and music fill the film with nostalgia. 

Charlie Louvin would perform on December 3, 2010, at the FooBar in Nashville.  The next day, he would share stories with the video crew.  Others would share their stories as well, including George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss, and more.

A month later, Charlie Louvin passed away from cancer.  The film continues to gain recognition including being showcased at the Nashville Film Festival.  The Grammy's awarded the Louvin Brothers a Lifetime Achievement Award during their ceremony in February 2015.

In honor of their Lifetime Achievement Award, fans can view the film for free at www.louvinfilm.com during the month of March.  Be sure to check out this historic film honoring the legendary Charlie Louvin.

Lessons learned thanks to Glen Campbell

When country music superstars age, their legacy seems to fade away.  New music trends threaten the historic figures of yesterday.  However, for some, they tend to not give up even when medical reasons force them to stop playing.

Glen Campbell, whose greatest hits include 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and 'Whitchita Lineman,' has beat the trends and continues to win awards and recognition to this day.  Most recently, he was honored with a Grammy for 'I'm Not Going to Miss You.'  The Band Perry received an award for their version of Campbell's hit song, 'Gentle On My Mind.'  Tonight, he is up for an Oscar for the song 'I'm Not Going to Miss You,' from the movie, "I'll Be Me" depicting his daily life and struggles with Alzheimer's.

Our eyes were opened wide when we saw the affects that Alzheimers has not only on the patient, but the caregivers, and medical community.  Rather than give up when first diagnosed, Glen Campbell went on tour for over 2 years to say farewell to his fans.  

Glen Campbell at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Blankenship - Kentucky Country Music

One of those shows early on was at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and I was in attendance.  It was bittersweet as you know this would be the last time you could see him perform.  As monitors across the stage showed the words of the songs, Glen would sing and would get excited at different times because his memory would remember something on the song he was about to sing.

One of things that was amazing that even as he would forget the words to the songs, he effortlessly played the guitar with style and grace.  Recent reports indicated that even in the medical facility he is currently staying, he would entertain fellow residents with his guitar playing.

Through Glen Campbell, we have learned the need for more research on Alzheimer's, as well as the need to preserve our musical heritage.  We need more oral histories and meaningful interviews on our artists throughout their career.  Be sure to support the many organizations such as NPR, PBS, Country Music Hall of Fame, and others are helping to preserve music and stories behind the song, the singer, the legacy.

Dwight Yoakam and Sturgill Simpson make tv appearances

During this past week, Kentucky was very well represented on the national stage of television thanks to the likes of Dwight Yoakam and Sturgill Simpson.  Dwight Yoakam performed a duet with Brandy Clark on the Grammy Awards.  Sturgill Simpson was a guest performer again on the David Letterman Show.  You might notice that Sturgill's drummer, Miles, doesn't sport the Commonwealth of Kentucky logo on his drums during his television performances, but does live in concert.  He does sport a Kentucky shirt. :)  Check out their performances below:

Country singer T. Graham Brown excited over new release and Grammy nomination

T. Graham Brown - photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

When T. Graham Brown and his wife loaded up their 1959 Ford Station Wagon and 1963 Volkswagen Beetle and made the journey to Nashville years ago, they never realized the impact he would make in country music today. On Sunday, they will be attending the Grammy Awards with hopes of earning an award for Best Album - Gospel Roots for "Forever Changed."

When I asked what it would mean to him if he won the Grammy, T. Graham Brown said, "Oh my, I really haven't thought about it to be honest. I am truly honored to be recognized and nominated. This album means a lot to me and to share it among friends."

Brown's latest release, "Forever Change," features many duets on spirituals, including the Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill, and more. The one song with the deepest meaning was "Wine Into Water." The song was written at a time that Brown was facing his demons and seeking guidance.

"I feel like Sheila and I are stewards of the song," recalls Brown. "We just posted a video on Facebook of an acoustic version of the song. To this day, we hear stories of folks that were affected by that song."

Everyone usually knows someone, whether it is themselves, or a loved one, that is going through a tough time. It could be from depression, drugs, or alcohol. For those in need, T. Graham Brown notes the best advice he could give is to, "pray about it and God will give you insight on what to do. The first thing you need to realize is that you have a problem. There is a lot of support out there. You just have to ask."

When there are shows like "Country Family Reunion" and "Larry's Country Dinner," on RFD-TV, you know that country music is not dead. "I love taping those shows and getting to hang out with my heroes," according to Brown. "They are getting ready to run a sweethearts episode and that was great to be a part of."

In the end, I asked T. Graham Brown how he wants to be best remembered by. "I hope people realize that I am trying to do what God wanted me to do and help others." In helping others through his music and charity work, he is indeed spreading the word of God and doing well for the better of our world.

Be sure to check out www.tgrahambrown.com to check out his tour dates and to order his album.

Kentucky Headhunters celebrate a special anniversary

It is hard to believe that it has been 25 years ago today that "Pickin On Nashville," the debut album of The Kentucky Headhunters, was released.  I do have a personal connection to the group as Fred and Richard Young were raised just a couple of miles down the road from my aunt Wilma and uncle Sterl in Knob Lick, KY.  My aunt would tell us stories of them working on their farm.  They still are extremely entertaining to see live in concert.  You are not a true Kentuckian until you see The Kentucky Headhunters in concert!  Just last year they were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and I was there for the ceremony.

Here is a little bit of history on the album and the group....also, be sure to check out Billboard Magazine's website as my pal Chuck Dauphin has a special feature on them in his column.  Click here to view that article.

The Many Versions of The Highwayman

You know the tune well.  Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings lend their vocals for the historical recording of The Highwayman.  And then I discovered it has been covered multiple times, all in good fun by those that appreciate the original song.  I'll be adding to this collection as I find out more.  Feel free to share in the comments of those I should check out and post!

 

 

 

The original version by the Highwaymen

Shooter Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Jamey Johnson did it

Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Blake Shelton did it on the Grammys

 

Fifth on the Floor, Jayke Orvis, and Carolina Still covered it while in Kentucky

 White Buffalo did a version by himself

 

Jimmy Webb, who wrote The Highwayman, brought in a newer version along with Mark Knopfler

 

Iced Earth rocked it out in this metal version.

 

Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 12/6/2013

Every Friday I deliver the Nashville News Roundup on WFKY - Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  You can listen on the radio, online at www.myfroggyville.com, or on the "Tune-In" app on your phone.  Usually airs right around 9:20-9:25 am est.  Here are this week's topics:

Wayne Mills Update
A memorial service has been set for singer-songwriter Wayne Mills, who was shot and killed at the Pit and Barrel in the early morning hours of November 23 by bar owner Chris Ferrell.  Ferrell claims it was self-defense and has not been arrested. The memorial service will be held on Sunday in Arab, Alabama.  Wayne Mills was a well respected traditional honky tonk singer who shared the stage with Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Blake Shelton, and more.  One of 7 albums are available on I-tunes. My personal top song picks are "Homeward Bound" and "Last Honky Tonk."

Read my personal connection to Wayne Mills here.  He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.

Grammy Hall of Fame
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Kris Kristofferson’s debut album are among 27 new additions to the Grammy Hall of Fame. In order to be selected, singles and albums must be “at least 25 years old and exhibit qualitative or historical significance. Recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee comprised of knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees.”

Handpicked Download of the Week

Merry Christmas From the Family - Montgomery Gentry

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week

On this date in 1984, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson record "Highwayman" at Nashville's Moman Studios. Among the musicians on the session is guitarist Marty Stuart.

MusiCares Music Blogger of the Year Contest

A little over a month ago, I wrote an article to be entered as the Music Blogger of the Year contest.  MusiCares, which is part of the Grammy Foundation - yes THE GRAMMYs - is holding the contest. The winner gets to be on the red carpet interviewing celebrities & cover the Music Person of the Year. This year's Music Person of the Year is Paul McCartney. Here is the link to the article I wrote.

Here's a "WOW" moment - I'm one of six finalists! Not only that, I'm the only one from Kentucky.  The group handpicked their top 6 entries. The main winner is decided via voting by fans.  That's where I need your help.

How to vote:

• Go to this Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MusiCares?sk=app_121121694568521
• Scroll down and click "ENTER HERE".
• Enter your Name and Email Address.
• Click on Finalist #2 - Jessica at the Lexington Country Music Examiner: The Song Remembers When.
• Click Vote Now!

Thank you in advance! The contest ends November 30th so be sure to tell your friends. Please also take the time donate to MusiCares as they help provide assistance to musicians who might not have insurance, etc. It is a VERY worthwhile charity to be a part o.