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.

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.”

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.  

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

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame hosts open house

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Officials and local official cut the ribbon for the Open House.
Photo by Jessica Bray

Just a year ago, it had seemed as though that the doors of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum would be closed forever.  However, with the partnership of local leaders and Rockcastle County Tourism officials, there was a strong desire to come together.  Soon the Rockcastle County Tourism office moved its headquarters into the Museum and hired a new manager of the museum, Avery Bradshaw.  Susan Tomes Laws has been leading the reins with the Rockcastle County Tourism office.  On March 25th, everyone in the community came together in support with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting with a start of a new era with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Celebrating the 100th birthday of Lily May Ledford

Kentucky country music legend and banjo picker, Lily May Ledford

Today marks the 100th birthday of Lily May Ledford.  She was born on March 17, 1917 in Pilot, Kentucky.  She began her career in music after being discovered at a talent contest in Chicago by John Lair.  Mr. Lair was the creator of Renfro Valley Barn Dance, which continues to this day here in Kentucky.  

Who is Dumas Walker?

Twenty-eight years ago, in 1990, the Kentucky Headhunters released “Dumas Walker” as a follow-up to their successful “Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine.”  With the music video being aired on CMT, music fans wanted to know more about the man, myth, and legend of Dumas Walker.  What many do not realize, there are two references for Dumas Walker with a story of their own.

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.

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

Honoring Their Memory - Country musicians we lost in 2016

Merle Haggard, Ralph Stanley, Jean Shepard, and Melvin Goins were just some of the many legends that passed in 2016.

In the year 2016, music lost some major patriarchs and pioneers in the country music genre.  Several of those that had passed away performed up until the Lord called them up to play in the Angel Band.  Here are some of the most notable passings of 2016 in country music:

Merle Haggard

If there was one performer that led the ways of the working man, it would be Merle Haggard.  He would see time in prison, but later took to the stage to perform at the same place he was a prisoner before.  He was a fighter in standing up for what he believed in.  He also helped with the innovations of the Bakersfield sound alongside Buck Owens and many more.  Merle Haggard passed away on his birthday, April 6th, after battling double pneumonia.  He was well loved among the country music community, being a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  One of the songs that Merle Haggard said was his favorite was "Sing Me Back Home" and continues to be the song that many remember him by.

Dr. Ralph Stanley

If there was a true pioneer into the Appalachian Bluegrass Folk sound, it would be Dr. Ralph Stanley.  He received the "doctor" title after receiving an honorary doctorate from Lincoln Memorial University.  Ralph's haunting voice performing songs such as "O Death," "Pretty Polly," and "Angel Band," were among fan favorites.  He would receive a Grammy award for his performance of "O Death," which was used in the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"  Ralph Stanley would perform, even after retiring, up until his death on June 23rd after a bout of skin cancer.  Performing at his funeral included Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, and Patty Loveless with "Go Rest High On That Mountain."  Read our tribute to Ralph Stanley by clicking here.

Jean Shepard

Having performed on the Grand Ole Opry for 60 years in 2015, Jean Shepard hung up the reins and retired from music.  She was best known for her strong vocals in "Second Fiddle to an Old Guitar."  Jean was one to stand up for country music by responding to Blake Shelton's remarks on country music.  Sadly, she passed away on September 25th at the age of 82 years.

Melvin Goins

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member, Melvin Goins, passed away on July 29th while on the road touring in Canada.  The bluegrass and country music legend formed a duo with his brother, Ray Goins. The duo would perform on the radio, as well as at numerous bluegrass festivals alongside Ralph Stanley.  Since 1969, the Goins Brothers Band recorded over 30 albums and had a hit tv show on WKYH out of Hazard, Kentucky, as well as their radio shows on WSIP in Paintsville and WSKV in Stanton.   In 2009, Melvin Goins was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame as a member of the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers.  In April 2011, The Goins Brothers were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, The Goins Brothers were inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.  On US-23 in eastern Kentucky, deemed the Country Music Highway, you can see the sign in Catlettsburg that proudly states it is the home of Melvin Goins.  Read our tribute to Melvin Goins by clicking here.

Red Simpson

Joseph Cecil "Red" Simpson was well known for his truck driving theme songs, as well as his Bakersfield sound along with Merle Haggard.  He released hit songs such as "Truck Driver's Heaven," "Highway Patrol," "I'm A Truck," "Truck Driver Man and Wife," before appearing for the last time on the charts with "The Flying Saucer Man and the Truck Driver."  Merle Haggard recorded "Lucky Old Colorado" that Red had written.  Red passed away due to a heart attack on January 8th.

Bonnie Brown

Bonnie Brown performed alongside her brother, Jim Ed, and sister, Maxine, to form The Browns.  Their song, "The Tree Bells" was the number one single on the pop charts for 4 weeks and for ten weeks, on the country charts. They were members of the Grand Ole Opry from 1965 until 1967, when Bonnie decided to retire from music.  In 2015, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Bonnie passed away due to lung cancer on September 28th, shortly prior to her 78th birthday.

Holly Dunn

Another fellow Grand Ole Opry member who later retired, Holly Dunn, was known for her song, "Daddy's Hands" that pulled the heartstrings of many.  She also climbed to the charts with "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and "You Really Had Me Going."  After she retired from music, she moved back to New Mexico where she continued her passion for painting.  She passed away on November 14th after battling ovarian cancer.

Joey Feek

Joey Feek was half of the duo, Joey+Rory, that won the hearts of many through their tv shows, music, and blog written by Rory Feek.  The duo performed on the CMT's television show, "Can You Duet," before setting out on their own with duet projects.  Joey+Rory released 8 albums, as well as multiple dvd specials, including one with the Gaither Family.  Joey took time away from music due to her pregnancy and soon after the cancer diagnosis.  One of the last performances the duo performed was at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Kentucky.  Sadly, Joey passed away on March 4th due to cervical cancer.

Mark Gray

Mark Gray was a former member of the band Exile and co-writer of the hits “Take Me Down,” “The Closer You Get,” and “It Ain’t Easy Being Easy.” He had a successful solo career with three albums and eight Top 40 country hit songs, one of which was a duet with Tammy Wynette called "Sometimes When We Touch."  Mark passed away on December 2nd.

Guy Clark

Guy Clark was a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and writer of “L. A. Freeway,” “Desperadoes Waiting for a Train," "Heartbroke," and “Rita Ballou.” Many in country music, including Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, and Rodney Crowell would cut his songs. Kentucky native, Darrell Scott, co-wrote "Out in the Parking Lot" with Guy Clark, which was later cut by Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson.  Guy won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album: My Favorite Picture of You.  He passed away on May 17 in Nashville due to lymphoma.

Gordie Tapp

Canadian native and Hee Haw star, Gordie Tapp passed away on December 18th at the age of 94.  He was originally a jazz dj at CHML radio station before switching to do work on "Main Street Jamboree." He later was casted as a member of "Hee Haw," in which he also helped write scripts and songs for. He would play the part of the husband opposite of Roni Stoneman, as well as perform in the "Where Oh Where Are You Tonight" singalong skit throughout the years.  In 1990, he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

Freddie Powers

Freddy Powers was a co-producer of Willie Nelson’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow album and co-writer of the Merle Haggard hits “Natural High,” “Let’s Chase Each Around the Room” and “Looking for a Place to Fall Apart,” as well as George Jones’ “I Always Get Lucky With You."  Freddie passed away on June 21st at the age of 84.

Songwriting Heroes

Several songwriters passed away in 2016 that left their mark in country music in the songs that they wrote.  Curly Putman wrote "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "Green, Green Gras of Home," and "D-I-V-O-R-C-E." He died of congestive heart failure on October 30th. Steve Young wrote "Seven Bridges Road" as well as Waylon Jennings "Lonesome, On'ry, and Mean." Steve passed away on March 17th.  "Young Love" songwriter, Sonny James, passed away on February 22nd due to natural causes.  He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.  John D. Loudermilk, 82, was a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame whose hits included “Abilene,” “Waterloo,” “Indian Reservation” and “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye."  John passed away on September 21 in Christiana, Tennessee.  Ned Miller, recording artist and writer of “From a Jack to a King,” “Dark Moon,” “Behind the Tear” and “Do What You Do Do Well,” passed away at the age of 90 on March 18 in Medford, Oregon.  Chips Moman was a co-writer of Waylon Jennings' hit songs “Luckenbach, Texas" and “The Wurlitzer Prize."  He also wrote the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song."  Chips passed away on June 13th in LaGrange, Georgia.  Kim Williams, was a songwriter whose hit compositions included “Three Wooden Crosses,” “If the Devil Danced in Empty Pockets,’ “Ain’t Going Down (Til the Sun Comes Up)” and “It’s Midnight Cinderella.” Kim passed away on February 11th in Florida.  Mentor Williams, was writer of the crossover hit, “Drift Away,” as well as “When We Make Love,” “She’s Gonna Win Your Heart” and “A Few Ole Country Boys.”  Mentor passed away on November 16 at the age of 70.

Crystal Gayle invited to join Grand Ole Opry

Carrie Underwood asks Crystal Gayle to become member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Photo by Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry

Grammy-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was surprised during her Grand Ole Opry performance last evening by Opry member Carrie Underwood with an invitation to become an official Opry member. Gayle will be formally inducted into the Opry on Jan. 21, 2017 by her sister, Opry legend Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut nearly 50 years ago on the Ryman Auditorium stage, singing the country classic “Ribbon of Darkness” at age 16.

Underwood surprised the sold-out Opry at the Ryman crowd by joining Gayle on the smash hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Seconds after finishing the duet, Underwood turned to Gayle and said, “You are an inspiration to so many of us. You are important to country music, and you are important to the Opry, which is why I was asked tonight to ask you if you would like to join our Opry family officially.”

Accepting her friend’s invitation with a hug, Gayle said, “I have always felt like I was a member of the family and this is just so special.”

“For more than half of the Opry’s 91 years, Crystal Gayle has been lending her signature vocals to Opry shows and connecting with Opry audiences as well as with everyone backstage,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “She is family, and we are very excited that she’ll become an official Opry member early next year.”

Tickets for Gayle’s Opry induction night and all upcoming Opry performances are available at opry.com.

Pictured L-R: Steve Buchanan, President, Opry Entertainment, Bill Gatzimos, Manager, Crystal Gayle, Carrie Underwood, Pete Fisher, VP/GM Grand Ole Opry. (Photo by Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry

Kentucky stars shined bright on CMA Awards

Chris Stapleton at CMA Awards.
Photo by Erika Goldring/FilmMagic

If you noticed carefully throughout the night, several Kentucky country music stars were featured on the CMA Award 50th anniversary broadcast.  Here are a few of those highlights:

Keith Whitley Remembered Twice

During Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's melody of hits, they performed Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes."  Then when Alan Jackson sang "Remember When" and George Strait sang "Troubadour," a photo of Keith Whitley was shown in the background as to honor the legends.

Trisha Yearwood pays tribute to Crystal Gayle & Loretta Lynn

Trisha Yearwood performed "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" as Crystal Gayle looked on in the audience beside her sister Loretta Lynn.  Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks also sang "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," in tribute to Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.

Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley Memoralized

During Alan Jackson and George Strait's duet, you will see photos on the wall in the background that included Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley among those that helped build the foundation of country music.

Ricky Skaggs & Dwight Yoakam Pickin' and Grinnin' in Opener

During the CMA Award show opener, Ricky Skaggs and Brad Paisley picked their way through "Country Boy," complete with fast guitar picking skills.  We also got to see Dwight Yoakam singing "Guitars, Cadillacs" during the opener.

Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisley, and Charlie Daniels at the CMA Awards. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images.

Roy Clark looks on as Dwight Yoakam sings "Guitars, Cadillacs" at the CMA Awards.
Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Dwight Yoakam and Chris Stapleton singing "Seven Spanish Angels"

Here is some six degrees of Kentucky: Pikeville native Dwight Yoakam performed with Paintsville native Chris Stapleton on the hit tune, "Seven Spanish Angels."  That song was made famous with the performance by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson.  Willie Nelson leased part of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center back in the day, but has never played there.  One of the co-writers of that song, Eddie Setser, is from Corbin, Kentucky, which is home of the original KFC.

Chris Stapleton Takes Home 2 Awards

A humbled Chris Stapleton took home the award for Best Male Vocalist, along with Best Video for the powerful tune "Fire Away."

Darrell Scott is Long Time Gone

Laurel County native, Darrell Scott, has made a living on songwriting and performing.  He wrote "Long Time Gone" that the Dixie Chicks sang last night alongside Beyonce at the CMA Awards.  Ironically the tune is about the dismay of country music with the lyrics, "Now they sound tired but they don't sound Haggard / They got money but they don't have Cash / They got Junior but they don't have Hank..."

Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle in the audience

Believe me when I say this, it was just a disgrace that Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle were only given a few seconds of screentime rather than have them up on stage performing showing how it is done.

What were some of your favorite moments of the awards? Did your favorite win?

Tom T. Hall to have estate sale of antiques and music memorabilia

Tom T. Hall speaking about the Country Music Highway in Kentucky in 2011. - Photo by Jessica Bray.

Kentucky country music songwriting legend, Tom T. Hall is having an estate sale on October 22, 2016.  He is in the process of selling his estate and his home, which is known as Fox Hollow.  Fans can bid online on items owned by Tom T. Hall and his late wife, Dixie Hall.  The estate sale by Northgate Gallery in Brentwood, TN, includes a wide variety of valuable antique items from furniture to decorative items.  There are quite a few fox related items from the "Fox on the Run" songwriter.  There are also items presented to him by the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame.  Click here to view the items. 

Tom T. Hall had seven No. 1 singles, all self-penned: 
“A Week in a Country Jail” (1969–70)
“The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” (1971)
“(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine” (1972–73)” 
“I Love” (1973–74)
“Country Is” (1974)
“I Care” (1974–75)
“Faster Horses (the Cowboy and the Poet)” (1976). 

The Grammy winner also wrote hits for others, including “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” which Jeannie C. Riley took to No. 1 on country and pop charts in 1968, as well as “The Pool Shark,” a chart-topper for Dave Dudley; “(Margie’s at) the Lincoln Park Inn" and “That’s How I Got to Memphis,” recorded by Bobby Bare; and “Little Bitty,” which was a big hit for Alan Jackson in the late 1990s. 


In total, Hall has earned 31 BMI Awards for songwriting spanning country and pop genres, and six of his songs have accumulated more than one million performances each. In 2008, he was welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  In 2011, he was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame alongside his wife, Dixie.

Steve Wariner set to release 20th studio album

Steve Wariner - Photo by David McClister

For his 20th studio album, four-time Grammy Award winner Steve Wariner knew he had to do something really special. When All Over The Map began coming together, it became clear just what that would be.

The 12-track album evolved into a remarkable tribute to the Grand Ole Opry member’s influences, both living and deceased, in addition to a celebration of his lineage. While packed with acclaimed guest musicians, the set — to be released Oct. 28 on SelecTone Records — artfully showcases Wariner’s own musical talents. In addition to producing the album, he plays guitar, upright bass, drums and both pedal and lap steel, as well as singing on seven of the songs. (The other five are classic instrumentals.) Wariner also penned 10 of the tracks.

A touching tribute to late mentor Chet Atkins, titled “CGP,” takes its name from the coveted title Atkins bestowed on Wariner: Certified Guitar Player. On the track, Wariner enlisted the talents of the only two other living musicians to have earned the same title from Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles. The album also includes “When I Still Mattered To You,” a song Wariner wrote with Merle Haggard on a cruise ship in 1996 but had never previously recorded.

Close friend Ricky Skaggs, who Wariner won his first GRAMMY with in 1992, is featured playing mandolin on “Down Sawmill Road.” Other celebrated musicians featured on the album include: Musicians’ Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Duane Eddy (“Nashville Spy-Line”), GRAMMY Award winner Eric Johnson (“Meanwhile Back In Austin”), Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters (“Way It Goes”) and Jack Pearson (“Drop Top”).

But it’s Wariner’s own family that provides the bulk of the inspiration for the album, which was 20 months in the making. Throughout the creation of the album, Steve relied heavily on his son Ross, who lives in New York, for advice and consultation on the technical production aspects of the album. He wrote the Western swing tune “Mr. Roy” as a tribute to his musician father, and “Down Sawmill Road” is named for the Kentucky road where his mother grew up. His GRAMMY-nominated son Ryan Wariner wrote and plays on the track “The Last Word.” Wariner reached back deep into his rich family history for the album’s closing instrumental track, “Augustine’s Dream,” inspired by his maternal four-times great grandfather who served in the Revolutionary War.

“Getting to play and record with these wonderfully creative people means the world to me. I am grateful to all! Some I've collaborated with before, others..well, it's pure bucket list for me! This project is the perfect example of what keeps me going...what keeps me excited,” notes Wariner. “Traveling into territory I've never been to before. And there's lots of that here on this album. It's hard to describe the joy I feel making music with my sons...and family for that matter. Now I know how my father used to feel. I am so very proud of my musical roots and heritage. ”

In his storied career, Wariner has achieved 14 No. 1 songs and more than 30 Top 10 hits, including such classics as “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” “Life’s Highway,” “The Weekend,” “I’m Already Taken,” “I Got Dreams,” “Small Town Girl,” “Two Teardrops,” “Some Fools Never Learn,” “Lynda” and more. An award-winning songwriter, Wariner has also composed hit songs for Clint Black (“Nothin’ But the Taillights”), Garth Brooks (“Longneck Bottle”), Bryan White (“One Small Miracle”) and Keith Urban (“Where the Blacktop Ends”), as well as artists such as Country Music Hall of Fame members Alabama, Kenny Rogers, The Statler Brothers, Conway Twitty and Don Williams; pop music icon Peter Tork (of The Monkees); R&B singer Ruben Studdard; bluegrass music’s Del McCoury Band and many more. Wariner is a member of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. For more information, visit www.SteveWariner.com.

Loretta Lynn comes home for the holidays

2016 has been a great year for Loretta Lynn. The Queen of Country Music broke a decade-long gap between albums earlier this year with the release of Full Circle, her 40th Top 10 country album and her highest-charting effort on the Billboard 200.

With the Christmas season mere months away (believe it or not), Legacy Recordings is excited to announce her next album, White Christmas Blue, will be available on October 7.

It’s Loretta’s first holiday album in 50 years; her last seasonal release, 1966’s Country Christmas, was recorded toward the beginning of a career that’s seen her break barriers in country music and be inducted into more music halls of fame than any other female musician. As a tribute to her first Christmas record, White Christmas Blue features new recordings of two songs from that album: the spirited “Country Christmas” and the humorous “To Heck with Ole Santa Claus.”

The jewel of the new album is “White Christmas Blue,” a brand-new track Loretta wrote with songwriter Shawn Camp, who’s written country chart-toppers for Garth Brooks, Josh Turner and Brooks & Dunn. “White Christmas Blue” is sure to find a spot on your holiday playlists for years to come. Best of all, the White Christmas Blue album features your favorite Christmas songs as only Loretta can sing them: “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Silent Night” and more.

No matter where you may live, White Christmas Blue will bring a piece of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky to your home this holiday season.  You can now pre-order the album just in time for the holidays by clicking here.

The Kentucky Headhunters take fans on a safari with newest album

The Kentucky Headhunters - On Safari

With nearly 50 years of success spanning multiple genres, The Kentucky Headhunters are gearing up for the November 4, 2016, release of On Safari, available for preorder here. The southern rock, soon-to-be classic project tips the hat to family and the southern way of life. Click here to watch a behind-the-scenes video of the band in the studio recording On Safari.

On Safari, a Plowboy Records/Practice House Records joint venture, comes after several life-changing events for The Kentucky Headhunters. Band members Richard and Fred Young lost their father just three days before heading into the studio to record On Safari, causing the Headhunters to pour even more emotion into the record, which they have dedicated to the memory of their father.

Coming off the heels of their first-ever European tour, The Kentucky Headhunters are reinventing themselves yet again for their 12th studio album, drawing inspiration from their recent travels across the pond. The band credits Richard Young’s son, John Fred, and his bandmates of Black Stone Cherry for pushing them out of their comfort zone to make the trek overseas, where many of the Headhunters’ rock influences call home.

“What makes you weak, makes you stronger,” says rhythm guitar player and vocalist Richard Young of the band’s experiences together in 2016.

That quote seems to be the theme for On Safari, and southern rock fans can be certain of a strong showing by the GRAMMY award-winning group. Touted by Billboard as a “great American rock ‘n’ roll band,” The Kentucky Headhunters continue to bring their rocking, energetic live show across the U.S. and Canada, showcasing the one of a kind sound that has given them the longevity in this industry that many acts only dream of. 

In 2013, the Kentucky Headhunters were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

The Kentucky Headhunters On Tour

Sept. 15 Oklahoma State Fair -- Oklahoma City, Okla.

Sept. 16 Bordertown Casino -- Wyandotte, Okla.

Sept. 17 Boom Days Heritage Celebration -- Fort Payne, Ala.

Sept. 24 Merchants & Music Festival -- Fort Thomas, Ky.

Sept. 30 Baldknobber's Theatre -- Branson, Mo.

Oct. 01 Martin County Harvest Festival -- Loogootee, Ind.

Oct. 06 Cherokee Casino Roland -- Roland, Okla.

Oct. 07 Red River Revel Arts Festival -- Shreveport, La.

Oct. 08 2016 Cherokee Music Festival -- Cherokee, N.C.

Oct. 15 Bridge Jam -- Fayetteville, W.Va.

Oct. 22 Lee Theatre -- Pennington Gap, Va.

Oct. 28 Penn's Peak -- Jim Thorpe, Penn.

Nov. 04 Big Pig Jig -- Vienna, Ga.

Jan. 19 The Rock Legends Cruise -- Hollywood, Fla.

Feb. 03 Bourbon Jacks Honkytonk Bar -- Hastings, Neb.

Feb. 04 Washington Pavilion -- Sioux Falls, S.D.

Who are the Coon Creek Girls?

Coon Creek Girls - Photo by famed Berea, KY photographer Coley Ogg

When you think of Appalachian mountain music, you cannot help but think of the Coon Creek Girls.  The Coon Creek Girls were an all-female string band based out of Kentucky.

Founding member was Lily Mae Ledford, born in Pilot, Kentucky.  Ledford learned to play on an old discarded fiddle belonging to "Gran'pappy Tackett," who was a famous old-time fiddler of the Kentucky mountains, as was her father, White Ledford. She told the story of how she made her first fiddle bow from a willow switch and a generous portion of the tail of "Ole Maudie," "Gran'pappy's" white mare.

Lily Mae Ledford had formed the Red River Ramblers with her sister, Rosie, and brother, Cayden.  After auditioning for talent scouts in 1935, Lily May Ledford was asked to appear on the famous WLS Chicago Barn Dance.  It was there that John Lair took interest in becoming her manager.  John Lair would also become the founder of Renfro Valley Barn Dance.

When John Lair moved on to Renfro Valley, he wanted to manage an all female string band with Lily May Ledford as the lead.  Lily May Ledford would become one of the founding members of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance.  That original group of the Coon Creek Girls were Lily May Ledford, her sister Rosie, as well as Evelyn "Daisy" Lange, and Esther "Violet" Koehler.  Evelyn and Esther received their nicknames to keep up with the flower name theme.  Lily May Ledford played unique tuning and claw-hammered style of banjo.  Rosie Ledford played guitar, Violet on mandolin, and Daisy on bass.

The Coon Creek Girls made their debut on October 9, 1937 from the Cincinnati Music Hall.  They would begin performing on the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and would do so for fifteen years.  

They would produce their first album in 1938 on the Vocalion label in Chicago.  One of their most popular songs was "How Many Biscuits Can You Eat?"  They were even invited to perform at the White House in 1939 for the King and Queen of England and President and Mrs. Roosevelt.

The group would disband as Evelyn Lange and Esther Koehler would move to Dallas the following year.

Never to give up, Lily Mae and her sister, Rosie, were joined by their sister, Minnie, known as "Black Eyed Susan."  They continued to perform together with others until around 1957.  Lily Mae Ledford continued on as a solo act until her passing in 1985.

During the 1980s, John Lair created the New Coon Creek Girls.  They included Pam Gadd on banjo & guitar; Wanda Barnett on guitar & fiddle; Vicki Simmons on bass & banjo; and Pam Perry Combs on mandolin & guitar.  They continue to perform throughout Kentucky and the Appalachian region.

In 2004, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame honored the Coon Creek Girls by inducting them into their Hall of Fame.  There is also a display of the group at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Renfro Valley, Kentucky.  Needless to say, they made a huge impact in the world of Appalachian Music, as well as the beginning of Kentucky country music history.  Below is a video of them performing, "How Many Biscuits Can You Eat?"