Kentucky music women to be featured in new book

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

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

Why I love my hometown of London, Kentucky

McHargue's Mill at Levi Jackson State Park - photo by Jessica Bray

Recently, a young lady, Leslie Smith, wrote some rather harsh things about my hometown of London, Kentucky.  I'm honestly not sure what her reasoning behind the article, but it was full of a fairy tale fantasy of the real life of London, without any solutions to what she portrayed as issues.

Years ago, I left London to attend college at Berea College.  Upon graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in hand, I had a job opportunity in the larger city of Lexington.  I would soon move to Versailles and lived there for 5 years.  However, my heartstrings pulled me back home to London because that is where my family called home.  In fact, whenever someone asked me where I was from, I always said London, Kentucky.  No matter where I roamed, London was always home.

Let's explore Ms. Smith's "factoids" that she presented with the truth:

#1: "London was a small town, definitely not the smallest of course, but was indeed one of the poorest."  According to the American Community Survey from Census.gov, in 2014 28.6% of the population within the city limits of London was below poverty level in the past 12 months. Out of 540 cities listed by the Census, 140 cities were even higher percentage.  So, really, London is not one of the poorest.  Laurel County as a whole had 23.3% of the population below poverty level in the past 12 months in 2014.  Laurel County ranked 75 out of 120 counties in Kentucky. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

#2: "smaller glimmer of hope to escape the small mile radius of those city limits."

Do they not teach geography and geometry with measure of units in high school?  London city limits stretches quite a bit.  Looking at the maps on the Kentucky Cabinet Transportation website, starting with Hal Rogers Parkway (KY-80) from the intersection with KY-192 (about milepoint 4.021) to Ridings Mitchell Creek Road near Exit 41 (milepoint 9.975 ), that makes the city limits to be 5.954 miles.  Then let's go from KY-192 where it intersects at I-75 (milepoint 18.19) to where it ends at KY-80 (milepoint 21.821), making the city limits to be 3.631 miles. I could add more streets, but I think you get the point that we have more than 1 mile radius of the city limits.

London City Limits - from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

#3: "Growing up in a small, Eastern Kentucky town meant nobody grew up in neighborhoods, we all grew up in hollers and everybody had an uncle that was in jail for making meth."

You cannot drive along a stretch of road without seeing subdivisions, from Cross Keys to Crooked Creek to Sunshine Hills.  Over the years, many farms that use to raise tobacco, hay, corn, cattle, and more were sold off to build into small communities.  East Bernstadt has its own Independent School system with houses surrounding it.  Sublimity area is full of houses surrounded.  What about Keavy, Hazel Green, Lily, and so much more? Those areas had their own high school until everything grew fast to form Laurel County High School and eventually North Laurel and South Laurel.  By the way, please name one holler in London.  I'm sitting here looking at a map of all of the little map dots in Laurel County.  I have yet to see "holler" behind any of them.  However, I can tell you that Butcher Holler is over in eastern Kentucky and was home of Loretta Lynn.  As far as everybody had an uncle in jail for meth, I have quite a few uncles and not one of them has spent time in jail, nor made meth.

#4: "…education was simply not a priority in London, Kentucky.."

One look at the Laurel County Schools website, you will see the following headlines:

* McDaniel Learning Center Named in State Top Programs

* South Laurel FCCLA "Environmental Ambassadors" win State--Headed to Nationals!

* North Laurel Environthon Team Wins State--Going to Nationals!

* SLMS Band to Perform at KMEA State Conference

* SLHS Teacher Wendell Worley named to Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame

* SLMS Academic Team Advances to State

* Three Laurel County Teachers Receive Campbellsville Excellence in Teaching Award

Also, 74.3% of those that were of school age graduated with a high school diploma or higher from the 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.  If education was not a priority, would we have award winning teachers, students, and a high percentage of those graduating from high school?  Also, students now have the opportunity to receive college credits for free while in high school thanks to partnerships with Somerset Community College, as well as our newly built Center for Innovation.

Also from Laurel County Schools website, "U.S. News and World Report annually selects the highest achieving U.S. schools. Using the 2014-2015 completion data they began by evaluating 28,561 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia according to a comprehensive ranking methodology. Among those ranked, North Laurel High School qualified to receive the Silver Ribbon which made them eligible for a state ranking. Of the 92 Kentucky schools selected, NLHS ranked number 27."  (But then again, Ms. Smith says that education is not a priority.)

#5: "A mere 250-something students, including myself, managed to walk across the makeshift stage in our gymnasium to receive our diplomas..." 
I honestly don't know if she tried to make it as though we put up a flatbed trailer and have graduates walk across. From the photos below, you can see that the stages at the 2016 North Laurel High School and 2016 South Laurel High School graduation ceremonies were very tastefully done.  Did she expect pyro fireworks as each student's name was called out?  You might also note that students did NOT receive their diplomas on the stage.  Instead, they received them in front of the stage.

North Laurel High School 2016 Graduation

South Laurel High School 2016 Graduation

Ms. Smith also mentions that there were over 200 to drop out of her class upon graduation.  If that was the case, then why does the US Census show that the enrollment from 2010 to 2014 increased from 2083 to 3023 for those enrolled in high school?  That is 940 students in 10 years added.

Why did I move back to London?

For those of us that moved away and came back, there are many reasons as to why.  Not only was my family here, but you had the best sense of community.  When someone's family passes away, you can bet there will be a crowd to pay their respects, to call and check on the spouse and children, and offer to help in any way.  My family experienced that with the loss of several loved ones over the years.  Your neighbors stop by and mow the lawn or offer to watch the children because they care.

Our town of London hosts a lot of free events for everyone to enjoy.  We have a strong London Downtown group, as well as Chamber of Commerce.  From 5k walks, car shows, parades, live concerts, and well even the World Chicken Festival, we form a community to spend time with each other.  We just celebrated our 80th Laurel County Homecoming last year. 

Thanks to the Restaurant Sales Tax, our community was able to rebuild the Rotary Park to include children with disabilities.  There are plans for a dog park, as well as more walking paths.  We also have a Wellness Park that has a skate park, splash pad, swings, walking paths and more.  Levi Jackson State Park will also have a new Treetop Aerial Adventure Park coming soon.

Car Show in London, Kentucky - photo by Jessica Bray

Any time a family is in need or has a hardship, strangers will stop what they are doing and lend a hand or donate.  When several students were afflicted with cancer over the last few years, our community came together with cookouts, car washes, t-shirt sales, and more to help the financial burden of medical bills.

In my community, when a hearse carrying someone's loved one passes on any road, you can bet that every car stops to pay their respects.  In the years I lived in Lexington, no one did that because they were too busy living their own life.

I love the quirkiness of London and telling people where I'm from.  I always make sure to let them know that we are the Cycling Capital of Kentucky and host the Redbud Ride to over 1000 bicyclists worldwide.  The honeybun was invented here.  Singer songwriter, Darrell Scott is from here.  He wrote "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive," that fellow Kentuckian, Patty Loveless made famous.  London is the hometown of several athletes, doctors, musicians, politicians, writers, and much more.

London is very historic with Levi Jackson State Park, as well many historic trails that run through the town, including the Boone Trace and Wilderness Road.  Russell Dyche was instrumental of a lot of improvements in Laurel County.

Our job force is pretty strong as many business have relocated to London.  We have AISIN Automotive, London Cookie Factory, Wal-mart Distribution Center, and so many other industry.  London is also a great place to start a small family owned business.  Several long serving restaurants include Weaver's Hot Dogs, Dairy Dart, and the BP Auto Truck Stop (definitely stop by there for some good home cooking if you are coming down I-75.)

Furthermore, how can one not forget about the beautiful views of London and Laurel County?  It is always fun to take a drive down to Laurel Lake or any of the back roads to see the pure beauty that nature has given us.  The sounds of birds chirping away as you sit on your front porch are more peaceful than the hustle and bustle of a larger city.

Laurel County barn - photo by Jessica Bray

Hopefully Ms. Smith will learn that it doesn’t pay to write such fiction of a hometown that many of us have grown to love, and come back to even when we moved away.  While yes, we do have some that are afflicted with drugs, domestic violence, and other crimes, London is a good community to live in.  Our people are passionate and are willing to lend an extra hand no matter how big or small the need.

If you are from London, what are your favorite things about our community?

The African musical influence in the world of bluegrass music

Banjos at Museum of Appalachia - by Jessica Bray

African music has always influenced other musical genres.  When slaves came to the Appalachian Mountain region from Africa, they brought over a lot of their traditions.  Most of these traditions are shown frequently in the music world, especially in bluegrass music.

It is already known that the 4-string banjo originated from Africa, along with oral tradition.  The first banjos were made with a gourd sound chamber.  Five elements that compose a banjo include the sound chamber, head (vibrating membrane), neck, bridge, and the strings.  The most important part is the bridge as it transmits sound from the strings to the head.  However, early banjos from Africa did not have bridges.  The strings on early banjos were made from “…silk to dried bird gut to horsehair to vine or twine” (Conway 169).  In 1856, wire, along with fishing line were introduced to be use as strings.  The chamber was made from any animals skin available, whether it was goat, horse, cow, raccoon, snake, etc. (170).  Furthermore, the rims were made of either gourds or wood.  Gourd rims came from Africa, while Europeans adapted the wooden rims.  Wooden rims soon became popularly used because gourds were not easily accessible throughout the year in some regions and were very fragile (174).  Soon after these changes, white Americans changed the number of strings to five.  This change to five strings made the banjo the only original folk instrument in America (190).

Another African musical influence in bluegrass is the singer’s vocal traits.  Bluegrass singers are of some distinction, but are very much like their African musical counterparts.  Singers will wail, moan, and sometimes shout in the middle of a song to emphasize what they are feeling.  The voice can be the most powerful element in a song.  Most songs are sung in harmony, as in most black Baptist churches.  Some groups, both black and white, will sing accapella tunes that give that eerie, lonesome feeling to the song.  Sometimes one will not be able to follow the words, but become mesmerized by the vocal quality in the tune.  The lead singer usually has a tenor singing voice and hit amazingly high notes.  Bill Monroe was one of few that were able to “climb up from a pledging style in a middle register into a more forceful calling style at higher pitches” (Cantwell 212).

Many of the bluegrass tunes are derived from African music.  Like jazz, bluegrass song arrangement is in the form of instrumental solo breaks and improvising throughout the tune.  Bluegrass tunes are often in the form of a dance, very much like those in the African tradition.  Clogging and flatfoot dancing is very much like the African tradition in tribal ritual dances.  Both use rhythm of the music to move, and improvisation is often used in both traditional dancing styles.  Work songs, such as “Nine Pound Hammer,” provided a driving rhythm in both worlds of white and black music.  Ballads are often common between the two genres.  Both would often tell a story about a particular event or period of time.  

One of Dr. Ralph Stanley’s more popular ballad songs is “Pretty Polly.”  In November 1997, Stanley was accompanied by Patty Loveless to sing the tune for the Clinch Mountain Country album.  The song originated in the British Isles.  According to Wayne Erbsen, “It was in the English town of Gosport that the gruesome murder of Pretty Polly took place.  Originally entitled “The Gosport Tragedy,” the ballad has been collected as early as 1750 complete with twenty-seven verses.  In some versions, Willie tries to escape on a ship but is haunted by Pretty Polly’s ghost.  The first recording was in 1925 by Levi Stanley, a pseudonym of John Hammond.  

In recent years, Ralph Stanley has recorded an eerie version on Rebel records” (Erbsen 41).  

How exactly does this song relate to the African music culture?  First, it is in the form of a 12 bar blues, or AAB.  The first line is repeated, with a third line that is different than the other two.  In “Pretty Polly,” the third line has different words and melody.  The third line is usually “spoken” compared to the lonesome singing in the first two lines.  Furthermore, some of the words in the song are emphasized or stressed.  The first and second word of the second line in each stanza is always emphasized.  The last word of the second line and the third line are also stressed throughout the song.  Emphasizing the lyrics helps give it that lonesome sound, making it appear as though the word is wailing with the fiddle or mandolin.  Finally, Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless sing the song in a call and response form.  In other words, Patty responds to what Ralph says.  In the end of the song, they both harmonize the lines “Well he went down to the jailhouse and what did he say? He went to the jailhouse and what did he say? I’ve killed Pretty Polly and tried to get away” (“Pretty Polly”).  The mountain lonesome sound from both performers made it one of the original classics.

African musical retentions are ever present in the world of Bluegrass music.  As aforementioned, the banjo originated from Africa and was adapted in the United States, first by slaves and then by Whites.  Musical styles such as harmony, call and response, and vocal stylistic features are demonstrated throughout bluegrass music in songs such as Ralph Stanley’s “Pretty Polly.”  In a world of bluegrass music, where many assume there is no presence of Black culture, African musical retentions abound.

Works Cited

Cantwell, Robert.  Bluegrass Breakdown:  The Making of the Old Southern Sound.          Chicago:  University of Illinois Press, 1984.

Conway, Cecilia.  African Banjo Echoes in Appalachia.  Knoxville:  University of Tennessee Press, 1995.

Erbsen, Wayne.  Backpocket Bluegrass Songbook.  New York:  Pembroke Music Co., 1981.

Story behind the Keith Whitley and Patty Loveless 1989 Hazard concert

WSGS Radio station in Hazard, Kentucky, always has some neat tidbits and stories from eastern Kentucky.  This one posted on their Facebook page is one to definitely read.

Original Ticket Stub from Keith Whitley and Patty Loveless concert in 1989

On This Day in History: May 27th 1989: Keith Whitley was scheduled to perform in concert in Hazard, Kentucky, however he died 18 days earlier of alcohol poisoning. WSGS began playing the East Kentucky native's music long before he was a star and he was a frequent caller to the station in Hazard. He once landed a spot on Channel 57's Jamboree in Hazard when he was a struggling musician. He later charted 19 singles on Billboard's charts with five straight number one songs. His May 27th 1989 concert in Hazard, Kentucky was much anticipated and heavily promoted by WSGS, but the show was not to be with his untimely death at the age of 33. Patty Loveless, who was also scheduled to perform, went on with the show in Hazard without Keith. A sadness swept over Patty and the entire audience but she carried on for the appreciative crowd. Click on the audio link to listen to one of Keith's conversations with WSGS: http://www.wsgs.com/keith.wax

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Inducts 7 into 2011 Class

Melvin Goins of the Goins Brothers, Lorrie Morgan and Jesse Keith Whitley in memory of Keith Whitley, Larnell Harris, John Michael Montgomery, Steve Wariner, and Patty Loveless are the 2011 Class of the KY Music Hall of Fame. By Jessica Blankenship

Kentucky's finest musicians gathered at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday night for the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Honorees included Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, Larnell Harris, Molly O'Day, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, and Keith Whitley. Chad Warrix started the event by singing a heartfelt rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home."

The evening contained a blend of performances and stories by those honoring the inductees. In Keith Whitley's honor, his son, Jesse Keith Whitley accepted on his behalf. He would also showcase his talent by singing Whitley's hit tune, "My Amy." In representing his dad, Jesse said, "there are no words to describe it. To be here amongst these guys and ladies I've looked up to being representing my daddy is a complete honor. I know he would be honored to be getting it to."

Jesse Keith Whitley is currently making a name for himself in country music. "My biggest obstacle is showing that I'm not trying to ride the coat tails of mom and dad. I am my own person, but I'm not steering away from my heritage of where I come from. I want people to understand that I have my own style. Like my dad, I like my Harleys and ride my bikes with friends. I love having a good time."

Patty Loveless would provide a haunting rendition of "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive." Audience members gave Loveless a standing ovation for the legendary performer who got her start by playing clubs in Louisville with her brother. 

In being recognized for his talents, John Michael Montgomery has felt honored. "Over the years I've been blessed for hit songs that made it in both country and other genres. They were songs that were timeless. It is the best feeling of accomplishment to be recognized by my own state to be inducted into the KY Music Hall of Fame. To be honored, I don't know if I never won another award, I know I've ended it all on a good note."

Eddie Montgomery gave a very touching tribute in honor of his brother, John Michael Montgomery. Prior to the show, an emotional side of Eddie Montgomery said that John is, "the greatest singer, greatest guitar player, greatest brother, and greatest dad. This is the best thing to happen to him. He is definitely Mr. Kentucky and a country music legend. One thing people would be surprise to know about John Michael is that you couldn't ask about a better friend. There are two things I believe in - the Bible and my brother. You can't take either away from me."

Legendary guitarist and songwriter Steve Wariner has been living a dream since he was younger. Being raised in Kentucky, he learned about making an honest living. When it comes to Kentucky, Steve said the best thing is "the roots, knowing the heritage that my mom and dad are from the same town just outside of Jamestown. I love visiting because dad would drive me around telling me stories, some over and over again."

In leaving a legacy with his music, Wariner says, "I try to pick songs that will touch someone or will touch me. I try to pick the best songs I can make. To think that it will leave a legacy, it is an honor to think of it that it might. That is something you hope you achieve. It always touches me whenever someone says they enjoy a song, or it was played at a funeral. It's an honor. I learned when I was little you can never dream too big. You keep working at it. If I can do it, anyone can do it. We didn't have a lot growing up. Music was my savior and it got me out of trouble. I'm glad that God lead me down the road to music. I love it. I never got away from my roots even today. My mom is here tonight. That's why this is so special to me tonight. This is my backyard, in fact I'm getting emotional talking about it, but it means a lot."

Deep in the hills of eastern Kentucky, Molly O'Day, came from a coal mining family. She would go on to record 36 songs for Columbia Records from 1946 to 1951. She would be known for her hit songs "The Tramp on the Street," "Don't Sell Daddy Any More Whiskey," and Hank Williams' "The Singing Waterfall." At the age of 29, she would devote her life to the Church of God. O'Day passed away in 1987, leaving a legacy behind for future generations, including Dolly Parton.

Without Bill Monroe, bluegrass music would not have existed. Thanks to folks like Melvin Goins of the Goins Brothers, that tradition is still alive. When he grew up, Goins wasn't for sure what direction he was going to go. He wanted to go to school to be an attorney. Eventually he would trade four hens and a rooster for a guitar. In being inducted, Goins said, "it is the greatest thing that has happened to me in my life in all my years in bluegrass. That is the greatest music in the world. We've had some great entertainers that have come from this wonderful state of Kentucky - Bill Monroe, Grandpa Jones, Merle Travis, Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs, so many legends. I'm so glad that they picked the music up and expanded on it. I don't think this good music will ever die. I thank the good Lord for blessing me to allow me to travel and play for people. I love it."

Over time, there have been contemporary gospel singers that have made their start in Kentucky. Western Kentucky University graduate, Larnell Harris is very proud to where he is from. "I'm from Kentucky. This is like family. These are the kinds of things that my teachers told me about. If you took this award and cut it up into pieces, you wouldn't have enough to give away to those that helped make me who I am." The award winning icon has traveled all around the world spreading the good word about God through his soulful music. These days, he resides in Louisville with his family and continues to preach.

What exactly defines Kentucky music? John Michael Montgomery said that it was "the down heartedness of country artists I've worked with. We came from the grass roots and it shows in our music. Everybody that I've met from Kentucky, they're really good class of people. That's why I'm still living here."

KY Music Hall of Fame Member Profile: Patty Loveless

"In the deep dark hills of eastern Kentucky, That's the place where I trace my bloodline..." is sung with deep emotion from one of country music's legendary female performers, Patty Loveless. Come Thursday, she will add Kentucky Music Hall of Fame into her list of achievements.

For over 25 years, Patty Loveless has gained the respect of fans and industry by singing songs deep from the heart and being the same young girl raised in Elkhorn City, Kentucky. Her way of life as a coal miner's daughter from Eastern Kentucky is relevant in her recordings. Her albums, "Mountain Soul" and Grammy award winning "Mountain Soul II" showcased her vocal and songwriting abilities with songs infused with the sounds of country, rhythm, and blues of Appalachia.

Loveless had her own run up the charts in the 1990s with hit songs as Blame it on Your Heart, Lonely Too Long, How Can I Help You Say Goodbye, and That Kind of Girl, with the help of Tony Brown, who signed her to MCA. Her down home southern charm and music that can make you laugh, cry, or dance has influenced many of today's country music artists.

Her journey in music started as a young woman playing in Louisville clubs with her brother Roger. Their group was called "Singin' Swingin' Rameys." He eventually persuaded her to come to Nashville in 1971, where he was working for the Porter Wagoner Show. Porter would introduce Patty to Dolly Parton, who was just beginning to rise in the country music world.

Patty Loveless has charted over 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Song Charts, with five of those reaching number one. She has recorded fourteen albums, in which five have been certified platinum and two certified gold. She became the 65th member of the Grand Ole Opry and still frequently appears during performances. She was inducted into the George Music Hall of Fame in 1988.

Her other achievements include being the Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist in 1996 and 1997; American Music Awards Favorite New Country Artist in 1989; Album of the Year (When Fallen Angels Fly) in 1995, Female Vocalist of the Year in 1996, Vocal Event of the Year with George Jones (You Don't Seem to Miss Me) with the Country Music Association Awards; Grammy Awards for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (Same Old Train) in 1998 and Best Bluegrass Album for Mountain Soul II in 2011.

One of the biggest honors will come Thursday night as she is inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame alongside Keith Whitley, Molly O'Day, Steve Wariner, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, and Larnelle Harris. Presenters confirmed for the ceremony include Crystal Gayle, John Conlee, Eddie Montgomery, Jeff Reid, Noro Wilson, Kyle Macy, Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall.

"Yeah, that's the biggie," Loveless said in an interview with the Lexington Herald Leader last fall. "I am so honored. And I know my brother is really proud that I'm going to become a member of the Kentucky Hall of Fame. I owe him so much. I know my whole family is very proud of this."

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Announces 2011 Inductees

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame announced their class of 2011 today during a press conference conducted by Robert Lawson, Executive Director and Connie Hunt, Event Ceremony Executive Producer. Keith Whitley, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, Molly O’Day and, Larnelle Harris will be the newest inductees into the prestigious Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

“This year’s inductees include some of the most recognizable music artists in the world,” says Lawson of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. “The ceremony taking place in April 2011 will feature performances by this year’s class as well as some of this state’s greatest music achievers.”

The 2011 Induction Ceremony will be held in the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballroom in Lexington, Kentucky on April 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Hall of Fame. For more information about the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum call 1-877-356-3263 or visit www.KYMusicHallofFame.com. The induction ceremony is sponsored by Rockcastle Regional Hospital and UK Health Care.

About Patty Loveless:
To date, Patty Loveless has issued eight Gold Record albums, four of which have gone on to Platinum status. The singer is also noted for such chart-topping hits as “Timber I’m Falling in Love,” “Chains,” “Blame it on Your Heart,” “You Can Feel Bad” and “Lonely Too Long,” as well as such enduring fan favorites as “I Try to Think About Elvis,” “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” “I’m That Kind of Girl” and “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am.” Her 2008 album, Sleepless Nights, was nominated for a Grammy award and she most recently released Mountain Soul II, both on Saguaro Road Records.

About John Michael Montgomery:
With a musical career that spans twelve albums and a greatest hits package, John Michael Montgomery’s overwhelming contribution to the country music format includes hits such as “I Swear,” “Be My Baby Tonight,” “I Can Love You Like That,” “Sold (the Grundy County Auction Incident)” and “Life’s A Dance,” among many others. He’s earned 15 number one singles, sold over 15 million albums and received numerous industry and fan-voted awards, three CMA Awards, five ACM Awards and an American Music Award.

About Steve Wariner:
Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and guitarist Steve Wariner has charted over 30 top-10 singles, including 14 #1 hits, since beginning his recording career in 1977. In January he won the Grammy® Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance with “Producer’s Medley” from Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins. This is the fourth Grammy Award Wariner has received, and his first as a solo performer and producer. He won in 1992 for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and in 2000 and 2009 for Best Country Instrumental Performance. In 1998 Wariner won the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards for his #1 hit, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” which was also the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year in 1999. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996. As a songwriter he has earned 16 BMI Country Awards and 15 BMI Million-Air Awards (for songs receiving over one million on-air plays). He was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2008 and the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame in 2009. He started his own label, SelecTone Records, in 2003.

Produced by Wariner and released on SelecTone Records label, Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins honors the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. The abbreviation “c.g.p.” stands for “Certified Guitar Player,” a title that Atkins himself bestowed on only four guitar pickers: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Wariner.

About Keith Whitley:
Whitley's brief career in mainstream country music lasted from 1984 till his death in 1989, but he continues to influence an entire generation of singers and songwriters. He charted nineteen singles on the Billboard country charts, including five consecutive Number Ones: "Don't Close Your Eyes", "When You Say Nothing at All", "I'm No Stranger to the Rain", "I Wonder Do You Think of Me" and "It Ain't Nothin'" (the last two posthumously).

About The Goins Brothers:
After the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers disbanded in 1963, Ray and Melvin performed together as The Goins Brothers until Ray’s heart attack in 1994 slowed him down. Ray retired in 1997, while Melvin continued as Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain. Ray would share the stage with his brother on occasion, mostly close to home in eastern Kentucky Melvin Goins and Ray Goins, The Goins Brothers, have been playing mountain string music for 50 years. The music became known as "bluegrass" about the time they started playing professionally. Ray passed away in 2007.

About Molly O’Day:
O’Day was an American country music vocalist who had some degree of fame and commercial success in the late 1940s. Despite her short recording career, 5 years, she became a legend in her own lifetime.

About Larnelle Harris:
Larnelle Harris was born in 1947 and hailed from Danville, Kentucky, where his 30-plus years of ministry, garnered 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards and 18 Dove Awards. His career as a Gospel singer, songwriter, and recording artist has landed several number one songs on the Inspirational Music charts.