Kentucky native and distinguished member of Music Row, Norro Wilson, passes away

Legendary songwriter, producer, and singer, Norro Wilson, passed away Thursday at the age of 79.
Photo by Jessica Bray, Kentucky Country Music.

Kentucky native, Norro Wilson, made a major impact on Music Row and in the Nashville community.  Sadly, he passed away at the age of 79 years old on Thursday, June 8, 2017.  His accomplishments and versatile abilities led him to be a distinguished member of the music community.

Coming from Scottsville, Kentucky, Norris "Norro" Wilson, would attend Wester Kentucky State College (now Western Kentucky University).  He earned a vocal scholarship and later moved just outside of Nashville when he joined the Southlanders gospel quartet.  In the late 1950s, he sang harmony for Ferlin Husky and Faron Young From songwriting to song plugging, he always had a pulse on the sound created in Music City.

Some of the songwriting co-writes of Norro Wilson include hit songs for George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Tanya Tucker, Charlie Rich, Lorrie Morgan, and many more.  Some of those hits include the following:

Delta Dawn

Baby, Baby (I Know You're a Lady)

A Very Special Love Song

The Grand Tour

The Most Beautiful Girl

A Picture of Me (Without You)

The Door

The Battle

He Loves Me All the Way

Another Lonely Song

For a few years near 1970, Norro Wilson pursued a solo recording artist career.  He was chosen for the Country Radio Seminar’s inaugural “New Faces of Country Music.” In 1970, his recording of "Do It to Someone You Love" peaked at No. 20.  It was written by fellow Kentuckian, Tom T. Hall.  Wilson won a best country song Grammy for "A Very Special Love Song," and in three consecutive years he won BMI's Country Songwriter of the Year award.

Norro Wilson co-produced many albums along the way with Buddy Cannon, paving the path for relatively newcomers into the universe of stardom and fame.  Among those include Shania Twain's debut album, Keith Whitley, John Anderson, John Michael Montgomery, Kenny Chesney, Chely Wright, Charley Pride, Sammy Kershaw, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Sara Evans, Reba McEntire, and many more.

In 1984, while working at RCA Records, he signed fellow Kentucky native, Keith Whitley, and produced his ep "A Hard Act to Follow."

In 1996, Norro Wilson was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.  Wilson has won 39 awards from BMI, including five One Million Performance awards.  He also became a member of Western Kentucky University's Hall of Distinguished Alumni.  In 2008, he was inducted into the prestigious Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  Inside their museum, there is a large exhibit featuring the works of Norro Wilson inside.

The Judds are set to release greatest hits package on June 30th

Kentucky music natives, Wynonna and Naomi Judd made musical history throughout their career receiving eight Gold and eight Platinum records, selling over 20 million albums and scoring twenty Top 10 hits between 1984-1990. Now, Curb Records is excited to bring fans the ultimate collection of those years together. The Judds – All-Time Greatest Hits will be released on Friday, June 30 – and will feature each of the classic hits that helped to make them a household name on Country Radio in the 1980s and 1990s.

Bill Monroe Estate offers rare ownership of prized possessions

Bill Monroe - Photo Courtesy of  Monroe Enterprises

Fans of the “Father of Bluegrass Music” have a unique opportunity to own the rights to the name and likeness to Bill Monroe. Regarded as the man who started the format, Monroe joined the WSM Grand Ole Opry in 1939, and was a member for almost six decades – until his passing in September 1996. One of the few members of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Monroe’s musical legacy included legendary stints on Columbia Records and MCA / Decca, with whom he was associated for forty years. Monroe cast a shadow over music by influencing a wide variety of musical artists.

When a loved one dies

Papaw Jerry & Jessica back in time

During the month of April, I took a break from some things and focused on family.  In between my full time job and doing my music stuff, I sat in the hospital room and then nursing home room as my grandpa was sick.  The sound of the machines beeping, nurses and doctors shuffling in and out to check this and that became a new routine.  Relatives would come to visit and spend time sharing stories of our youth growing up in southeast Kentucky, with some moving on to Ohio and Tennessee.  Then on the morning of April 26th, time stood still as my grandpa passed away.

In the coming days, we sat together as a family at the funeral home making arrangements, going to the flower shop to pick out the perfect arrangement, shop for the outfit to wear, and preparing for the visitors.  My grandma asked me to speak at his funeral and for several days, I wrote, rewrote, and wrote some more trying to figure out the perfect words to say.  Needless to say it was the hardest and easiest thing I have ever written in my life.  It was an honor to be asked to tell others about my grandpa.

During all of the hustle and bustle, east Kentucky native, Angaleena Presley's new album "Wrangled" was released.  I have been meaning to write a full on review of the masterpiece of an album.  It has been hard to find the time to dedicate my full attention to it.  However, there was one song that has stuck in my head throughout April and now May.  "Cheer Up Little Darling" was written by Angaleena Presley and Guy Clark.  It would be his last song he wrote before passing away.  Musician Shawn Camp plays Guy Clark's No. 10 guitar, which was used to write the song, and Clark's mandola.  I personally want to thank them for this song that kept me rolling these last few weeks.  If you would like to listen to it, be sure to download it from I-tunes here.

"Cheer Up Little Darling" by Angaleena Presley & Guy Clark

Yeah, it's gonna be real pretty, man

Cheer up little darlin', don't be so sad

There's a time and place for the blues that you've had

Just hold what you've got, babe, and never give in

Seems like a tight spot, but it's just a loose end

Cheer up little darlin', don't be so sad

There's a time and place for the blues you have had

Hold what you've got, babe, never give in

It feels like a tight spot, but it's just a loose end

You can't fix the world, girl, it's so badly bent

But you can help it along if you save your own skin

The first thing you do, honey, is make you a list

Of the things that you've done and the things that you've missed

Do the best that you can, doll, there's no one to blame

It's just the turn that it took in this crazy old game

Hold what you've got, babe, never give in

It feels like a tight spot, but it's just a loose end

I will miss walking up to Mammy and Papaw's house and seeing him sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch. I will miss him saying "how are you doing?" as he sat there smoking a cigarette, drinking his coffee. I will miss his creamed style corn made in the cast iron skillet, complete with chocolate gravy and biscuits. Don't tell Mammy, but Papaw is the only one that could make the best gravy!  And most of all, I will miss hearing those words, "Now don't you run off – what’s your hurry?” and "I love you" as I had to leave to head home.

In the Bible, we learned that the Lord created the universe and all its beauty in 7 days. I always said that on the 8th day, God made a farmer. On the 9th day, he made a truck driver to haul the farm goods. While he may have parked his truck here on earth, I know that the engine is a roaring as Papaw Jerry drives the streets of Heaven. 

John Conlee Honored by Georgia Sheriffs’ Association with Award for Supporting Law Enforcement

L-R:Jones County Deputy Sheriffs Hunter Blount and Jonathan Joyner, Jones County Sheriff R. N. “Butch” Reece, Eatonton Police Officer Lynn Stanford, Putnam County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jim Barbee, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills, John Conlee, Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Terry Norris

The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association presented Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee with a plaque for supporting law enforcement at the country hitmaker’s live show in Putnam County, Ga. The award was presented to commemorate Conlee’s dedication to the "men and women in the state of Georgia who walk behind the star."

Conlee first caught the attention of Putnam County Georgia Sheriff Howard Sills while listening to the legendary Grand Ole Opry on 650 AM WSM. When the country legend took the stage, he performed his song, “Walkin’ Behind the Star,” from his latest album Classics 2. The track pays tribute to law enforcement with standout lines like, “So God bless all of the women and men sworn to uphold the law, and thank them for the fallen ones, the ones that gave it all.”

J.D. Shelburne performing to benefit local Lawrenceburg charities

J.D. Shelburne has been very busy lately, having attended the Kentucky Derby and the Derby Eve festivities this past weekend.  On May 12^th, Shelburne will be returning to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, for a special concert benefitting God’s Pantry and The Light Center.  Opening for him will be Hannah Blaylock, formerly of Eden’s Edge.  The event is part of the “Nashville on the Green” in downtown Lawrenceburg near the intersection of Main Street and Woodford Street.  The show starts at 7:00 p.m.

There is no admission charge to the concert but fans are encouraged to donate canned goods, which will be divided between two local organizations, God’s Pantry and The Light Center. Donations will earn fans tickets for door prizes to be given throughout the night. Cash donations for the organizations will also be accepted.

J.D. Shelburne, a blue-blooded Kentucky boy who starred in basketball and baseball at Spencer County High School, embarked on his career in music after finding a guitar when cleaning out his late grandmother’s house. He taught himself to play while attending the University of Kentucky, and then moved to Nashville in 2008. He penned the song “Farmboy,” which became a regional hit in 2012. He has opened for over 50 national acts and received recent national attention for the videos of his songs “Hometown” and “Better Man” playing on GAC and CMT.

May 12th promises to be a night to remember in Lawrenceburg. Shelburne hosted a similar event in Taylorsville drawing an estimated 4,000 fans last year and even more are expected in Lawrenceburg.

Stoney Top Burgoo, of Lawrenceburg, plans to be set up to serve burgoo for lunch on concert day.  Pappy’s Porch of Hampshire, Tennessee, also plans to be set up by lunch time. Menu includes pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, 1/3-pound burgers, Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs, nachos, BBQ nachos, fries and the J.D. Dawg (Two hot dogs, chili, nacho cheese, diced onions, crushed nacho chips, and pulled pork BBQ).

The city parking lot on the west side of Western Avenue will be closed all day on Friday, May 12. Onsite parking will be available at First Baptist Church, Lawrenceburg City Hall, City Main Street Parking Lot, City College Street Parking Lot and behind the Anderson County Judge Executive Office. Off-site parking will be available nearby at Anderson County Middle School, Saffell Street School and Anderson County Community Park.

Country music legend Loretta Lynn suffers stroke

Loretta Lynn - photo by Jessica Blankenship Bray

Kentucky country music native, Loretta Lynn, suffered a stroke on Thursday, May 4th.  According to her website, she is expected to make a full recovery.  She recently celebrated her 85th birthday with two sold out concerts at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

American country music legend Loretta Lynn was admitted into a hospital in Nashville last night after she suffered a stroke at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

She is currently under medical care and is responsive and expected to make a full recovery.

Loretta, who just celebrated her 85th birthday, has been advised by her doctors to stay off the road while she is recuperating. Regrettably, upcoming scheduled shows will be postponed.

For information on when shows will be rescheduled, fans are encouraged to visit LorettaLynn.com.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Loretta Lynn and her family.

What is happening at Renfro Valley?

Original Renfro Valley Barn Dance Crew

For 78 years, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center has provided musical entertainment.  From country to gospel to bluegrass music, as well as comedy, so many acts have graced the stage at both the Old Barn and New Barn.  Many of those have went on to become award winning, internationally known superstars.  One of those acts were The Coon Creek Girls.  On the other side, many acts were perennial favorites in the new barn, including The Oak Ridge Boys.  The original Renfro Valley Barn Dance started in 1939 and was carried by WHAS-AM out of Louisville and WCKY-AM in Cincinnati.  It is no longer on the radio, but fans can enjoy it live in person every Saturday night.  

Chris Stapleton honored with road sign

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials have added Chris Stapleton to the sign as travelers go into Johnson County, Kentucky.

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Highway District Office 12: "We were privileged to meet with Chris Stapleton on Saturday evening before his show in Pikeville to present him with a replica sign marking his name on the Country Music Highway in Johnson County. We also gave him a framed copy of the General Assembly resolution that added his name to the highway.Pictured in the new cover photo are Stephanie Healey of Paintsville Tourism/Country Music Highway Museum and her friend Wade, Greg Couch, D12 Engineerng Support Branch Manager; Steve Roberts, D12 Sign Crew Supervisor; Kentucky Tourism Commissioner Kristen Brancum, Chris, Sara George, D12 Information Officer; Governor's Office representative Ellen Adkisson, and D12 Chief District Engineer Mary Westfall-Holbrook. Mary is pictured above presenting Chris with the replica sign"

New signs were installed last week adding Chris Stapleton to the Country Music Highway in Johnson County. Highway District 12's sign crew took down the old signs and put up the new at the Johnson-Lawrence County line and the Johnson-Floyd County line.  His name is alongside Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Hylo Brown.  The US 23 Country Music Highway features those that made an impact in country music from eastern Kentucky.  Music Fans can visit the US 23 Country Music Museum in Paintsville, Kentucky.  Find out more online by clicking here.

Loretta Lynn to release new album in 2017

Kentucky country music fans will be excited to hear that Loretta Lynn will be releasing a new album.  "Wouldn't It Be Great," the new album from Loretta Lynn, highlights The Queen of Country Music's original songwriting, as sharp as ever since her early days as a musical trailblazer in the 1960s. This third volume of recordings produced by Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash and recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee features 13 tracks all written or co-written by Loretta.

The follow-up to the Grammy-nominated Full Circle, mixes new compositions ("Ruby's Stool," "Ain't No Time To Go," "I'm Dying For Someone To Live For") with newly imagined renditions of timeless classics like the unforgettable "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)," Loretta's first of 16 career country No. 1 singles.

"Wouldn't It Be Great" by Loretta Lynn is set to be released on August 18, 2017.  Fans can pre-order the album by clicking here to order through Amazon.com.  It will be available on vinyl, mp3, and cd formats.

Loretta Lynn Wouldn't It Be Great Track Listing
Wouldn't It Be Great
Ruby's Stool
I'm Dying for Someone to Live For
Another Bridge to Burn
Ain't No Time to Go
God Makes No Mistakes
These Ole Blues
My Angel Mother
Don't Come Home a Drinkin'
The Big Man
Lulie Vars
Darkest Day

Coal Miner's Daughter

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.

Crystal Gayle to be highlighted on The Big Interview

Loretta Lynn with Crystal Gayle

It seems as though 2017 is the year of Crystal Gayle.  With her recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry, as well as being featured on several tributes, she has been gaining attention in a positive way.  Fans can watch her on AXS TV on March 7, 2017, as she sits down with Dan Rather on "The Big Interview."  During the show, she opens up about her relationship with her older sister, Loretta Lynn, as well as doing things her own way and finding her own way.

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

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

Bill Monroe box set to feature outtakes of popular songs

Bill Monroe Box Set - from Richard Weize Archives

Bluegrass music fans will enjoy hearing that very unique limited edition box set will be released of Bill Monroe recordings.  The recordings for DECCA in 1950-51 from the Castle Studio have been released through the Richard Weize Archives, a division of Rockstar Records, Ltd.  The recordings feature lead singers Jimmy Martin, Carter Stanley, and Edd Mayfield.  Unlike other box sets, this one will include all of the outtakes of all tracks, none of which were previously issued.  The box set will be released on February 24, 2017.

For musicians and careful listeners who have studied that spectacular recording for years, it's as though a new set of Stone Tablets has been found. It also means the "tape blip" we've always tolerated in "The First Whippoorwill" is now corrected, as the previously issued take was from a faulty tape dub whereas the new 1951 version is from the original master.

Accompanying the box set is a  revised discography by Neil Rosenberg, and notes by Dick Spottswood (edited by Rosenberg) with recollections by Monroe fiddler Charlie Smith.  Below is a track listing per cd, but note that each song has multiple recorded versions on each cd.  Only 1,000 copies of this collection will be released, so be sure to order a copy.  To order your copy of the box set, be sure click here to visit Rock Star Records.

CD 1

Bluegrass Ramble

New Mule Skinner Blues

My Little Georgia Rose

Memories of You

I'm On My Way to the Old Home

Alabama Waltz

I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome

I'll Meet You In Church Sunday Morning

Boat of Love

CD 2

The Old Fiddler

Uncle Pen

When the Golden Leaves Begin to Fall

Lord Protect My Soul

River of Death

Letter From My Darlin

On the Old Kentucky Shore

Raw Hide

CD 3

Poison Love

Kentucky Waltz

Prisoner's Song

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Angels Rock Me to Sleep

Brakeman's Blues

Travelin' Blues

CD 4

When the Cactus is in Bloom

Sailor's Plea

My Carolina Sunshine Girl

Ben Dewberry's Final Run

Peach Pickin' Time in Georgia

Those Gambler's Blues

Highway of Sorrow

Rotation Blues

CD 5

Lonesome Truck Driver's Blues

Sugar Coated Love

Cabin of Love

You're Drifting Away

Get Down on Your Knees and Pray

Christmas Time's A-Coming

The First Whipporwill

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform on Saturday Night Live

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

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

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

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

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

KY Artist to Watch: Tyler Childers

Kentucky Country Music Artist of the Week for January 15, 2016

Tyler Childers of Paintsville, Kentucky

Tyler Childers - photo by Melissa Stillwell

Eastern Kentucky native, Tyler Childers, has caught the ears of many throughout the Appalachian region. His rustic vocals with lyrics to bring you back home caught our attention. Tyler Childers comes from the same neck of the woods as many others of east Kentucky fame - Dwight Yoakam, Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, and more along US 23, the Country Music Highway. He has been featured in quite a few festivals throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Be sure to check out Tyler Childers at the links below:

Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/tylerchilders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylerchildersmusic

George Molton inducted into Austin City Saloon Hall of Fame

George Molton with his personalized guitar from Austin City Saloon. Photo by Reda Floyd

Thirty five years ago, Austin City Saloon in Lexington, Kentucky, opened its doors.  Each weekend, they have entertained central Kentucky with pure honky tonk music live on stage.  This past weekend, they hosted their 2nd Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to give thanks to those that have helped Austin City Saloon continue a tradition.  George Molton was inducted into the Austin City Saloon Hall of Fame, as well as performed Friday and Saturday nights.

In his honor, Austin City Saloon presented George Molton with a personalized guitar that included lyrics of his original songs, "Fly On" and "Livin' Proof."

George Molton is a native of Olive Hill, Kentucky, which is where legendary songwriter Tom T. Hall calls home.  Molton has performed with Montgomery Gentry, Exile, Blake Shelton, Merle Haggard, and more.  Fellow Kentuckians, John Michael Montgomery and Montgomery Gentry have cut several songs that George Molton has written.

George Molton performing at Austin City Saloon - Photo by Reda Floyd

George Molton has made a name for himself, as well as keeping the traditional country music sound alive in central Kentucky.  He has been a music fan favorite to see live in concert.

Austin City Saloon has been known world wide for providing quality musical entertainment over the years.  They are a huge supporter of local music, as well as regional and national acts.  New owners, Josh Brock and Austin Brashear, have upped the ante with remodeling the venue, as well as inviting a variety of musical acts to perform on the historic stage.

For more information on George Molton, be sure to check him out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GeorgeMoltonMusic. You can also check out https://austincitysaloon.com for the latest happenings at Austin City Saloon.