Introducing the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame 2015 class

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Inductees - Class of 2015 - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Last night, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inducted 8 new members into its 2015 class. With such a wide variety from pop, soul, country, and Appalachia folk, there was something for everyone. Over 700 were in attendance for the event that helps raise money for the museum, located in Renfro Valley, as well as furthering music education in Kentucky.

Harlan County native, Doc Hopkins was remembered for his Appalachian folk musical style that was well known throughout Kentucky. He was a frequent performer of the Berea Folk Festival for many years. In tribute, his nephew accepted his award and performed "Will the Circle Be Unbroken."

In managing the careers of Brooks n Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Terri Clark, Jason Aldean, among others, Clarence Spalding has made a name for himself in Nashville. When his acts have played a Kentucky venue, he said, "I always tell them that Rupp Arena is my home. When Jason Aldean and Eric Church played there, I proudly wore my UK hat as I graduated from here. Eric Church, being from North Carolina, said that he didn't get the fuss about the Wildcats. It's in our blood, especially if you graduated from there."

The Moonglows gained success through their Motown sound over the years. They were best known for their song, "Sincerely" and "Most of All." Harvey Fuqua's family accepted on the behalf of the group, as well as performed two songs at the ceremony.

When you think of Kentucky country music, you must first think about Pete Stamper. Stamper has been a performer with Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. He's performed on the Porter Wagoner Show, as well as the Grand Ole Opry. At one time, he was Dolly Parton's road manager.

Country music singer-songwriter Larry Cordle made sure to let others know where he is from. During his acceptance speech, he said, "I am proud to be from Appalachia and from Lawrence County." Cordle would play two hit songs that he wrote, 'Murder on Music Row' and 'Highway 40 Blues.'

Not only did Montgomery Gentry get elected into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, but Lexington Mayor, Jim Gray, declared April 10th as Troy Gentry Day. Needless to say a surprised Gentry came on stage to accept the plaque. In their acceptance speech, Eddie Montgomery was excited as he shouted, "We love Kentucky! It is the greatest state in the country!" They would go on to perform 'Where I Come From,' 'My Town,' and 'Folks Like Us.' The room provided a standing ovation to the duo who have been playing for over 20 years and got their start right there in Lexington.

As the montage tribute to Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys played on the screens, the shouts and woos got louder with each photo shown. Both Littrell and Richardson spoke about how Kentucky is where their roots are and they are proud to show off their state to others worldwide. Prior to the ceremony, Kevin Richardson stated that, "our fans are the greatest. We love being able to go out there and promote our home state. We are honored for being inducted, especially when you are in great company such as Ricky Skaggs, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, and so many more that we grew up listening to."

With an interesting twist, the cousins brought out two college students to play an Appalachian bluegrass playing style of their hit songs, 'I Want It That Way' and 'Larger Than Life.' They truly went back to the roots of Kentucky's musical heritage in doing so.

For more information on the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, be sure to check out www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com. You can visit the museum, which is located in Renfro Valley in southeast Kentucky.

Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Gala Highlights

This weekend has been a whirlwind needless to say.  I need to play catch-up sometime on my blog with some photo posts.  I have that Nashville trip, as well as many other happenings.

Friday night I got to attend the Unbridled Even Derby Eve Gala in Louisville, followed up with a concert by Fifth on the Floor and Unknown Hinson. The next morning, I woke up and traveled down to Pigeon Forge for a VW Car show. (photos later of it) It was my 3rd year attending Unbridled Eve and needless to say, it is always a hoot.  Surprisingly enough though, throughout all of the Derby Eve parties and KY Derby events, quite a few celebrities cancelled or were no shows. Ice T the rapper and Coco, as well as Jo Dee Messina were advertised to be at Unbridled Eve, but did not show up.  However, Frankie Ballard, Kris Allen, and many others were on hand.  By far, Robin Meade was the best dressed of the night.  See photos below of the festivities!  Click here for the article that Leslie wrote for Examiner.com.

Me with my buddy Leslie, "The Style Supreme"

Me with Frankie Ballard after interviewing him

Gnomecephus is always preppy on the red carpet

Frankie Ballard at Unbridled Eve - Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

Beth from Two Broke Girls tv show - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

You never know what you might see on the red carpet!

Loved Robin Meade's outfit! - Photo by Jessica Blankenship.

There's a Stranger in My House

Jo Walker Meader Former CMA executive director, Synciated Radio host Kix Brooks, CMHOF Members Mac Wiseman, Ronnie Milsap, Bobby Bare and Singer/Songwriter Hunter Hayes attend the 2014 Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees Announcement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on April 22, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

When you think of Ronnie Milsap, you cannot help but start singing "Smoky Mountain Rain," or perhaps "There's a Stranger in My House."  He was the definition of cool.  He was a crossover sensation and to this day, folks still love his music.  He is still performing to this day.  One thing even cooler, he never let his blindness take away from his wonderful performances.  Hunter Hayes, who is becoming very popular in country music, said that Ronnie Milsap was one of his idols.

Yesterday, Hunter got to announce that Ronnie Milsap will no longer be a stranger in the house of country music.  Ronnie Milsap was named as one of the inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  A lot of fans were pulling for this nomination and were elated to hear of the news.

Hank Cochran was also named as an inductee in the songwriter category.  It would take more than a few lines to describe the impact that Cochran has made into the music community.  Patsy Cline would shape the sound of country music with Cochran's hit songs 'I Fall to Pieces' and 'She's Got You.'  Ray Price would croon away on 'Make the World Go Away.'  Vern Gosdin would pick up the pace with 'This Ain't My First Rodeo.'  If there was a lying, cheating, country heartache song, it is a sure bet that Hank Cochran wrote it.

Mac Wiseman was named in the veteran's era category.  This was a shock for quite a few, but well deserving.  He would have a Kentucky connection, having played with Molly O'Day, as well as for Bill Monroe.  His first solo effort, 'Tis Sweet to be Remembered' helped me gain popularity with his solo career.  He would run the country division of Dot Records and helped co-found the Country Music Association.

Three legendary performers will now be able to call the Country Music Hall of Fame their home.  Click out my article on Examiner here with a little more insight of the ceremonies.

If you like what you read, head over to Facebook and Twitter to show me some love.

2014 ACM Award Winners

Here is a list of the ACM Award Winners in order of given out:

ACM Vocal Event of the Year
We Were Us – Keith Urban And Miranda Lambert
Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban
Record Labels: Capitol Records Nashville, Hit Red Records, RCA Nashville

ACM Vocal Duo of the Year - Florida Georgia Line

ACM New Artist of the Year - Justin Moore

ACM Single Record of the Year
Mama’s Broken Heart – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

ACM Song of the Year
I Drive Your Truck – Lee Brice
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary
Publishers: Beattyville Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Great Day At This Music (BMI), Happy Tears Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI)

ACM Male Vocalist of the Year - Jason Aldean
ACM Vocal Group of the Year - The Band Perry

ACM Album of the Year
Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Mugraves
Producers: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
Record Label: Mercury Records

ACM Video of the Year
"Highway Don’t Care" by Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban.
Produced by Tameron Hedge and Chandra LaPlume and directed by Shane Drake

ACM Crystal Milestone Award - Merle Haggard
ACM Entertainer of the Year - George Strait

ACM Award Red Carpet Looks

2014 ACM Award Show Red Carpet Photos 

Ashton Shepherd

The Band Perry

Brett Eldredge

Check out more after the jump....or more on my Facebook page

Search for the perfect Derby Eve Party Outfit

The last two years, my college pal, Leslie, and I have covered the Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Gala event.  It is nerve wracking for me to try to find "the" perfect outfit for the evening for a red carpet event.  I've covered the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Events and the Derby Eve events for several years now.  The main thing I have learned is that the key to a successful outfit is one that is stylish and comfortable.  You are standing for several hours as the celebrities walk down the red carpet.  You ask questions, take photos, chit chat with folks as you wait for the next celebrity to slowly make their way down the red carpet.  It can be fast pace and slow at times.

The joys of being a music journalist.  You also learn to be quick on your feet with some unique questions.  One year I made Steve Wariner and Eddie Montgomery cry during the KY Music Hall of Fame ceremonies as we got to talking about their families.  Powerful moments indeed.

For me, I'm very picky when it comes to choosing what to wear.  I'm not a skinny mini, and have curves.  I'm more comfortable in camo shirt and jeans, but I will tend to dress up when needed.  This year I'm hoping for something in green.  I've done black and red.  This year I wouldn't mind doing green. I refuse to wear strapless or spaghetti straps.  I don't do mini skirts or short dresses.  Long dress or nice shirt & dress pants would be fine.  You would THINK that would be easy to find.  Nope.  Everything is strapless, spaghetti straps, cupcake Taylor Swift teenager style, or just drastic style that I wouldn't even picture my friends wearing the dress.

 

So for now, you can check out my picks so far for cute outfits for Derby Eve Parties or for red carpet events by checking out my Pinterest Board.  Stay tune...hopefully I'll pick a dress soon!

 

If you like what you read, be sure to show some love by liking me on Facebook.

Talk Derby to Me

I'm beyond excited because I just got word that my best fashionista pal, Leslie, and I are approved to provide Red Carpet Coverage for the Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Gala in Louisville.  This will be our 3rd year covering the event that is held at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky.  There are a ton of celebrities and fun times to be had by all.

Here are a few photos from the past couple of years.

Jessica with Meredith of the tv show The Office

Jessica with Jo Dee Messina

Jessica with Bill Fichtner from Batman movies & Prison Break

Jessica with Oscar from the tv show The Office

 

Luke Bryan and his wife at Unbridled Eve