Jamey Johnson reflects on his relationship with God, family, and fans

Jamey Johnson performing one of his many hit songs. Photo by Jessica Bray of Kentucky Country Music.

When it comes to curating a sound of traditional country music, Jamey Johnson has made a name for himself in the music community.  It has been over 17 years that he landed in Nashville after living his life running the music circuit throughout Alabama and Georgia.  The journey has taken him on major stages, but also smaller intimate settings that are perfect for the listener to take in all that is being sung through the soul of Jamey Johnson.

This past weekend, Jamey Johnson performed for a double night stay at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.  Having performed at the venue for many years now, it and the fans have formed a special bond thanks to the power of music.

Prior to his show, I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Jamey Johnson over his journey, as well as personal encounters, stories behind songs, and more.  Below is that conversation and I hope that you enjoy reading it.  Be sure to check out Jamey Johnson’s website for future concert dates and music at www.jameyjohnson.com.

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.

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.

Renfro Valley announces 2016 concert season

Trace Adkins is set to perform at Renfro Valley.  Photo by Mike Coppola

One of Kentucky's best concert venues is Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. It is located just an hour south of Lexington off exit 62 on I-75. Renfro Valley is known as "Kentucky's Country Music Capital" with its new barn headliner entertainment, along with their old barn theater, as well as the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

Tracy Lawrence kicks off Renfro Valley's 2016 Headliner Concerts with the first show of the season on April 16th. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 16th. There are many shows that return each year, including the Oak Ridge Boys, as well as Marty Stuart with his wife Connie Smith.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.renfrovalley.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-765-7464. Box office sales begin at 9:00 a.m. and Online/Phone sales begin at 10:00 a.m.

Renfro Valley also announced their new shows in the historic Old Barn Theatre. Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Dukes of Hazzard fans will have to join in with the Hazzard County Hoedown. Friday nights at 6:30 p.m., it is the Renfro Valley Bandstand. Saturday is complete with a Mountain Gospel Jubilee at 3:00 p.m., followed by the longstanding Renfro Valley Barn Dance at 6:30 p.m.

Below is a list of the headliner concerts at Renfro Valley. Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Ticket prices can be located at www.renfrovalley.com.

Renfro Valley 2016 Headliner Concerts

April 16 Tracy Lawrence
April 23 Sawyer Brown
April 24 Trace Adkins
April 30 Exile
May 15 Merle Haggard
May 20 The Time Jumpers 
June 11 Billy "Crash" Craddock
June 18 Oak Ridge Boys
July 9 LeAnn Rimes
July 16 Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
July 22 Wynonna and the Big Noise
July 30 Ronnie Milsap
August 5 Sara Evans
August 6 All Night Gospel Sing with Dove Brothers, Michael Combs, The Singing Cookes, and His Heart Quartet
August 20 Earl Thomas Conley
August 26 Jamey Johnson
September 3 Bobby Bare
September 9 Loretta Lynn
September 10 Gene Watson
September 16 John Anderson
September 17 The Isaacs
October 1 Dailey & Vincent
October 8 John Conlee
October 14 Mickey Gilley
October 15 Marty Stuart & Connie Smith
October 29 Rhonda Vincent & the Rage
November 5 Travis Tritt

November 18 - December 17 Christmas in the Valley

Bakersfield coming to Louisville with special tribute show

On August 1st at the American Louisville Turners (3125 River Road) in Louisville, there will be a special show featuring the sounds of Bakersfield.  The songs of Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, and Rose Maddox will be featured.  

Performers include The performers for the evening will be: Nashville Recording Artist, Shannon Lawson; longtime Loretta Lynn tribute artist and all around fine singer, Emily Portman; Grammy nominated musician(The Dillard's), Steve Cooley; former Rhonda Vincent sideman, Chris Douglas; former Vern Gosdin sideman, Lonney Tate; Straw Boss frontman, Ed Vardiman; along with Johnny Berry.  

Bakersfield on the Ohio costs $10 and starts at 9PM - ages 18 and up.  You can catch more information on the event by visiting their Facebook event page here.

Waylon Jennings family response to Luke Bryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letter from Kathy Jennings to Luke Bryan:

To Luke Bryan : 

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

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

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

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

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

How to stand out in the music business

When you turn on the radio, sometimes you come across a song and you think it sounds like one person, only to find out it is someone totally different.  In my opinion, I think you should have a distinctive voice to stand out in the music business, rather than sounding like another person.  It is one thing to be influenced by a singer, but to sound just like them leaves you to be an imitator anymore.

Is it me but does:

Brothers Osborne "Rum" sound like Toby Keith?

Eric Paslay "Song About a Girl" sound like Keith Anderson?

Cole Swindell "Hope You Get Lonely" sound like Scotty McCreery?

What ever happen to having unique distinctive voices like Conway Twitty, Keith Whitley, Vern Gosdin, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings for the males and Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette for the girls?  Way too many acts sounding alike that I cannot tell one from the other.

Are there others that you thought was someone only to find out it is someone else?  Or who has a unique distinctive vocals that you KNOW who it is the moment they utter a word?

Ripping Off the Hag

You hear it all the time, bands suing others that rip off guitar licks, song lyrics, etc.  But seriously, why would someone attempt to take a guitar lick from Merle Haggard & another from Billy Squier and then destroy it?  I present to you, Locash Cowboys song "Hillbillies with Guitars" on the Mud Digger 5 album, along with and Merle Haggard's Mama Tried and Billy Squire's Don't Say You Love Me.  See if you hear what I'm hearing.

Locash Cowboys - Hillbillies with Guitars Spotify Link & Amazon Link to listen (no video available)

Merle Haggard singing "Mama Tried"

Billy Squier singing "Don't Say You Love Me"

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