Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 4/3/2015

Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose - Limited Edition

It's All Reality

CMT revealed new and returning series. New original programs include two comedies: a scripted series starring Billy Ray Cyrus called Still The King  and a reality series starring Kellie Pickler and husband Kyle Jacobs with the working title I Love Kellie Pickler (produced by Ryan Seacrest with exec. producers including Pickler and Jacobs). Returning programs include the CMT Music Awards, CMT Artists of the Year and Party Down South. 

Sounding Off

Dierks Bentley has launched a new web series called Sounding Off to give fans a behind the scenes look at his upcoming 2015 Sounds Of Summer Tour, which kicks off June 5 in Raleigh, NC. Supporting acts Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae and Canaan Smith also appear in the series.

Collective for Loretta Lynn Fans

Jack White's Third Man Records has released a limited edition Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose collection.  It is only available via ThirdManRecords.com and includes a vinyl lp, a special White Stripes album, photos, postcard, a pin, and a dvd with footage never seen before.  

Fact of the Week: On this date in 1950, Red Foley records a trio of hits: "Choc'late Ice Cream Cone," "Birmingham Bounce" and "Mississippi".

Handpick Download of the Week: Chris Janson - Buy Me a Boat (click photo below to download)

On this Date in Kentucky Music History - Red Foley

I always love a good 'did you know' fact when it comes to Kentucky musicians.  Way back in time on June 17, 1010, Red Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky, near the community of Berea.  He became a major figure on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s and 1950s. 

 

Red Foley helped establish the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and Radio Show.  He was well known for his hit song "Peace in the Valley," as well as "Old Shep," "Tennessee Saturday Night," and Sugarfoot Rag."  His song, "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" reached #1 on the country and pop charts in 1950.

 

Red Foley has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  One is for his recording career, located at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard.  The other is for his television career, located at 6300 Hollywood Boulevard.

 

In 1967, he would become a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  In 2002, he was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  You can even see his corncob pipe on display at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum.  In 2003, a Kentucky State Historical Marker was placed at his boyhood home in Berea, Kentucky.  In 2006, his 1951 version of "Peace in the Valley" was entered into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.