More Billy Yates News

It seems Billy is a busy man this year.

Another post from Billy's webpage at myspace.com:

Thursday, January 31, 2008

M.O.D. RECORD LABEL ANNOUNCES MARCH RELEASE FOR NEW YATES’ CD
The highly anticipated sixth M.O.D. Record Label release from Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Billy Yates, is slated for a March 11th release. "That's Why I Run", the first full studio album in nearly two years, offers up 13 brand new songs written and recorded by Yates during the past several months."I've really tried hard to take my time to come up with a batch of songs that would make for a great listen," says Yates. "When I think of some of my own personal favorite CD's, they are always colorful and varied in tempos and feels with songs that make you laugh and songs that make you cry. I think this CD could very well be the best music of my career so far."A new European single release from "That's Why I Run" goes to radio via CHI HotDisc and M-T-M Music in MarchWatch this site for your chance to pre-order an autographed copy of "That's Why I Run".

If this truly is the best CD of his career, it will truly be a great collection. I think I need one album to have all of his creations, and they are all great.

Jeanne Pruett

Sometimes, years make us forget how good a performer really was, or we may even forget some of the better songs they do.

I was looking up the charts on Jeanne Pruett, who celebrated her birthday recently.

She charted some twenty five hits, with "Satin Sheets" hitting Number One.

Other great songs from her career include "Love Me", "Back to Back", and "Temporarily Yours". All four of these should be considered some of the best of country music.

February 1 in Country Music History

In 1992, Doug Stone gave us "A Jukebox With A Country Song" and it made it to Number One on this date.

In 1981, Scotty Wiseman, of Lulu Belle and Scotty, passed away.

In 1975, Mickey Gilley hit Number One with "City Lights". Deja Vu, again.

In 1939, Del McCoury was born.

January 31 in Country Music

In 1987, Dan Seals hit Number One on the country charts with "You Still Move Me". Though it does not have as much "country" as most of the hits that we spotlight, it is still a great song about an old flame.

In 1970, "A Week In A Country Jail" by Tom T. Hall gained the top spot on the Billboard charts.

In 1967, "There Goes My Everything" by the Jolly Greene Giant, Jack Greene, was still at Number One on the charts. Jack Greene won CMA Single of the Year for it, and Dallas Frazier won Song of the Year.

In 1953, "No Help Wanted" by the Carlisles made it to Number One on the charts.

Marty Stuart and Connie Smith

Nobody does any more than this country music duo for the cause of traditional and classic country music.

Follow this link to find out what they are doing now:

http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1580753/20080131/stuart_marty.jhtml

Yesterday In Country Music History

Since we had to be off yesterday, I thought I would mention three significant birthdays for January 30.

In 1931, Harold Morrison, banjo player and comic was born. For Wilburn Brothers fans, Harold was a regular on the Wilburn Brothers show.

In 1937, Jeanne Pruett was born. Her hit, "Satin Sheets", has to be one of the best country songs of all time.

In 1938, Miss Norma Jean was born. After her stint on "The Porter Wagoner Show" she dropped off the radar, but she is still a great singer, and released a new album just a few short years ago.

Slim Whitman-Alive and Well

For an interesting story on Slim Whitman, follow this link:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080123/ENTERTAINMENT06/80123065/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

The story doesn't mention it, but Slim was a huge star overseas, and performed on the Louisiana Hayride, which was the home of many stars before they went to the Opry. The Hayride made them, and the Opry would get them.

More Good Song Titles

"Don't Wipe The Tears That You Cry For Him (On My Good White Shirt)-Tommy Collins

"Lyin', Cheatin, Woman Chasin', Honky Tonkin', Whiskey Drinkin' You"-Loretta Lynn

"If You Think I'm Crazy Now (You Should Have Seen Me When I Was A Kid"-Bobby Bare(later Keith Whitley)

"I Wouldn't Live In New York City (If They Gave Me The Whole Dang Town"-Buck Owens

"Your Wife Is Cheatin' On Us Again"-Wayne Kemp

"Your Head Turned Left (And I Was On The Right)

"You're The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly"-last charted by Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn

This Day In Country Music History January 28

On this date in 1995, "Gone Country" by Alan Jackson topped the country charts. A lot of people have gone country, but they still don't know what country really is.

In 1989, Randy Travis hit Number One with "Deeper Than The Holler".

In 1978, Loretta Lynn was at the top of the charts with "Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed".

Did You Know?

In 1960, there were just five Number One songs on the country charts.

"El Paso"-Marty Robbins

"He'll Have To Go"-Jim Reeves

"Please Help Me I'm Falling"-Hank Locklin

"Alabam"-Cowboy Copas

"Wings of a Dove"-Ferlin Husky

While we are here, why isn't Hank Locklin in the Hall of Fame?

What?????

I was having a conversation online with somebody about Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand, and I looked them both up on the country charts.

Babs charted with Neil Diamond on their duet of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers".

That should have been "You Don't Sing Anything Near Country"............

January 27 In Country Music History

In 1973, Tom T. Hall hit Number One with "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine".

In 1968, Tracy Lawrence was born in Arkansas.

Cheryl White, of the Whites was born in 1955. "O Brother, Where Art Thou" really boosted the Whites' popularity.

Buddy Emmons was born in 1937. A wizard on the pedal steel.

Who Am I?

I was born April 10, 1921 in Erick Oklahoma. I could be called a singer-songwriter-actor. I played the part of Pete Nolan on "Rawhide", and I starred in many movies including "High Noon", "Giant" and "Hoosiers". I also wrote the theme song for Hee Haw. I am interred in a mausoleum next to my good friend Johnny Russell, where we said that we would spend eternity playing cards, as we did when we roamed this earth.

More Wild Song Titles

Jay Lee Webb-"I Come Home A-Drinkin' (To A Worn Out Wife Like You)

Dottie West-"What's Good For The Goose (Is Good For The Gander)

Onie Wheeler- "John's Been Shucking My Corn"

Billy Edd Wheeler-"Fried Chicken and a Country Tune"

Tex Williams-"The Night Miss Nancy Ann's Hotel For Single Girls Burned Down"

Buck Owens By The Numbers

Sometimes we forget how great and dominating our heroes were on the charts in their prime.

Buck Owens had 21 Number Ones, 34 Top Fives, 46 Top Tens, 59 Top Twenties, 72 Top Forties, and 90 charted hits in his career.

When one considers that Buck hosted HeeHaw for about seventeen years, and lost his right hand man, Don Rich in 1974, this is an awesome accomplishment.

Add to this the fact that Buck was in Tommy Collins band, and also had a history with Wynn Stewart, and was a major force in Merle Haggard's early days, he is one of the most deserving of the Hall Of Famers.

On This Date In Country Music-January 26

More classic rock that country, "(There's a) Fire in the Night" by Alabama went to Number One in 1985.

In 1947, "Rainbow at Midnight" by Ernest Tubb was at Number One on the charts.

On this date in 1944, the first Billboard Country hit was "Pistol Packin' Mama" by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. Crosby charted over 150 times on the pop charts, but only twice on the country charts.

Jack Johnson, Noted Manager Dies

The man who managed Charlie Pride, Ronnie Milsap, and T. G. Sheppard, among others, has passed away.

Follow this link:

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/ENTERTAINMENT01/801260354/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

Radio Station Updated

I have updated the radio station playlist. Check out the station at Live365.com.

Adds This Week:
Bill Monroe's "Gotta Travel On"
Billy Currington's "Good Directions"
Brad Paisley's "Flowers"
BR5-49's "Knoxville Girl"
Craig Morgan's "Rain for the Roses"

A Few Great Song Titles

Here are some great country song titles.

Gene Watson-"No Trash In My Trailer".

Jo Anna Neel-"Daddy Was A Preacher But Mama Was A Go-Go Girl".

Glenn Barber-"Yes, Dear, There Is A Virginia"

Glenn Barber-"Yes, Ma'm, I Found Her In A Honky-Tonk"

Bobby Barnett-"Drink Canada Dry"

Bellamy Brothers-"If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold It Against Me?"

Billy Hill/Marty Stuart-"Too Much Month At The End Of The Money"

Marty Stuart-"I Fell In Love At The Waffle House" ( I think he said something about being scattered, covered, and smothered in love there.)

This Date In Country Music

In 1992, Tracy Lawrence scored his first number one with "Sticks and Stones". Tracy, who will turn 40 on Sunday, has had a bit of a career revival in the past few years, but in his first five years he was known as a true country artist with other hits such "Alibis", "Can't Break It To My Heart", "My Second Home", "Is That A Tear", "How A Cowgirl Says Goodbye", and later with "Paint Me A Birmingham". My favorite cut is "The Coast Is Clear".

In l975, Ronnie Milsap was at number one with "(I'd Be) A Legend In My Own Time".

In 1969, Johnny Cash, accompanied by the Carter Family, Statler Brothers, and Jan Howard was at number one with "Daddy Sang Bass". (Does anybody remember the Statlers and "Daddy Played First Base"?)

In 1953, shortly after his untimely death, Hank Williams "I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive" was number one.

In l949, Jimmy Wakely was at Number One with "I Love You So Much It Hurts".

In 1992, Emmylou Harris joined the Grand Ole Opry. She certainly earned the honor with her voice, one of the best for solo work, or harmonies (ask Vern Gosdin), and the many hits she had off true country songs including "If I Could Only Win Your Love", "Together Again", "Play Together Again Again" (with Buck Owens), "Blue Kentucky Girl", "Beneath Still Waters", and "I'm Movin' On". Emmylou is also known for her "Hot Band" and the Nash Ramblers, which have included such musicians as Tony Brown, James Burton, Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Emory Gordy, Jr., Glen D. Hardin, Roy Husky, Jr., Ronnie Tutt, Ricky Skaggs, and Jon Randall. That is a lot of pretty impressive music, with pretty impressive people.

In 1924, Speedy West was born. Speedy was a fantastic steel player with one huge resume, that included the likes of Loretta Lynn, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Hank Penny, and Spade Cooley. For more information on Speedy, go to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedy_West

Teddy and Doyle Wilburn

Did you know that Teddy and Doyle Wilburn share a grave in the Nashville National Cemetary in Nashville Tennessee.

In that same cemetary is also Sgt. Barry Sadler of "Ballad of the Green Berets" fame.

This Week at the Opry

Check out this week's events at the Opry. I recommend everybody see at least one show in the Ryman, and then the Opry House in Music Valley is really appreciated.

Follow this link:

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

This Day In Country Music History

The number one song on this date in 1963 was "The Ballad Of Jed Clampett" by Flatt and Scruggs.

The number one song on this date in 1957 was "Singing the Blues" by Marty Robbins. (This and "In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce were the first two songs I remember, and both of them I heard from the jukebox at my grandmothers cafe in North Terre Haute, Indiana.)

The number one song on this date in 1956 was the Merle Travis penned "Sixteen Tons" performed by our old pea-pickin' partner from Bristol, Tennessee Ernie Ford.

Doug Kershaw is 72 today. Did you know that he is an accomplished guitarist as well as fiddler. If he takes request, ask him to do "Jambalaya" on the guitar. You won't be disappointed.

The girl that has Jones on the Jukebox, and somebody on her mind, Becky Hobbs, is 58 today. For the last few years, she has been at Billy Yates Countriest of the Country shows during what was formerly known as Fan Fair week.

In 1998, on this date, Justin Tubb passed on. He was a great singer-songwriter, and entertainer, and in my times meeting him, one of the most candid interviews one could do. If Nashville would have listened to him, we would still be getting a steady diet of good country music.

Country's Family Reunion

Erin sent me this, because I have Skeeter Davis' quilt from her time on one of the previous Reunion shows. It is a beautiful quilt with many autographs from our country heroes, some of whom have gone on. It is one of my favorite pieces of memorabilia.

Check this story out:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/ENTERTAINMENT06/801240382&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Stonewall Jackson

For the uneducated only, like those who posted in the Tennessean about the nobody that Stonewall Jackson is in country music.

Stonewall had two number one hits, six top five hits, eleven top tens, 35 top forties, and another nine charted hits. A great career, by any standard.

He was known for doing great country music.

He is a direct descendant of the legendary General Stonewall Jackson of the Confederate Army.

He is considered to be one of the 100 most important acts in country music history.

Enough said.

At takinthecountryback.com, we are Stonewall Jackson fans.

You're the Best I Never Had

Many of us remember Conway doing this number, but did you know that his nephew, Larry Jenkins, charted with this number?

Thom Bresh

Did you know that Thom Bresh is Merle Travis' son?

Did you know that, like his dad, he is a guitar virtuoso?

Did you know that he played in Hank Penny's Band( "Won't You Ride In My Little Red Wagon?)

Did you know that he was a stuntman?

Did you know that he is a gifted actor?

Today in Country Music

In 1993, Randy Travis was at Number One with my favorite Randy Travis cut, "Look Heart, No Hands". Now that's country.

In 1990, Clint Black was at Number One with "Nobody's Home".

In 1976, Waylon and Willie were at Number One with "Good Hearted Woman".

If you like tear jerkers or recitations, Red Sovine was number one with "Giddyup Go" in 1966.

For all of you Buck Owens fans, Buck was at the top in 1963 with "Love's Gonna Live Here".

If you call on this editor's cell phone, the ringtone is the song by Jimmy Dean that was number one on this date in 1962. Guess what it is.

And, finally, in 1960, Marty Robbins was still number one with "El Paso".

I under stand that Flatt and Scruggs recorded "Cryin' My Heart Out Over You" on this date in 1959 and that Ricky Skaggs debuted on the charts on this date in 1982 with the same song.

Opry great, and singer of that great anthem, "Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer", and also songwriter of "Act Naturally", Johnny Russell was born on this date in 1940. I can still see him in his yellow shirt at the Opry asking the audience "Can you see me now?"

Today in Country Music History

Today is Teddy Gentry's birthday. He is 56. He was the bass player for Alabama.

Today is J.P. Pennington's birthday. He is 59. He was one of the founders of Exile.

In 2006, our friend Janette Carter passed away. She was the last of J.P. and Sara Carter's children, and performed at the Carter Fold in the Hiltons in Virginia up until right before her death. She was 82. If you ever met her, you know that she was one of the sweetest people, who really did her best to preserve our country roots.

In 1955, Porter Wagoner debuted on the Grand Ole Opry, at the Ryman Auditorium. The folks here at Takinthecountryback.com were fortunate enough to see Porter, Marty Stuart, the Fabulous Superlatives, and Eddie Stubbs perform on that same Ryman stage just a few short months before cancer claimed his life.

On this date in 1977, Conway Twitty was at Number One with "I Can't Believe She Gives It All To Me".

In 1975, Merle Haggard was Number One with "Kentucky Gambler".

And for you Tom T. Hall fans, in 1974, he had a huge hit with "I Love".

Joe Nichols

Since I have spent the past few days in and out of my JOE NICHOLS, HARD CORE COUNTRY t-shirt, I guess all of you Joe Nichols fans would like to read about Joe and his latest single, which is his highest debut, but also Universal's highest debut, actually charting a week before its release.

For more information about one of the few youngsters that can sing country, and lives and breathes it, go to the following link:

http://www.joenichols.com/news.php?title=it_s_the_perfect_single&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

If you don't believe he's country, go to one of his concerts. He will knock your socks off with some of the greatest covers, especially of one or two of Gene Watson's hits.

Rhonda Vincent

According to her website, Rhonda Vincent's new album debuted at number one on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts.

The new album is "Good Thing Going", the music is great, and the picture of Rhonda is even greater.

The males here at Takinthecountryback.com think she is the best sounding and best looking thing in country and bluegrass music today.

Follow this link for more information about one of our and Martha White's favorites:

http://www.kvmo.net/~rhondav/

How To Shoot Yourself In The Foot-

Or How To Put Yourself Out Of The Music Business.

I am told that Sony has asked that none of its music be streamed or downloaded anymore.

I understand, probably better than any of their executives, the music business. They had better figure out a way to get with today's technology, or they will have a bunch of never been heards doing never heard songs.

The industry needs album sells, but it seems to me that downloads would be great, and that, as it was years ago, singles might be the future for online, and ipods, and the like.

I know that the industry does have to change with the times, but it seems that the music labels have not hired those who are flexible enough to make good decisions.

We will keep you posted.

Statler Brothers

The Statler Brothers were certainly a unique group, and having been around Johnny Cash and Maybelle Carter and her three daughters, were part of country music history.

They have a new book to be released soon. I thought you might be interested so follow this link:

http://statlerbrothers.com/

Hank Thompson, Merle Travis! The Husbands-In-Law!

Read about this and more in excerpts from the new Hank Thompson autobiography at the following link:

http://www.guidelive.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/books/stories/DN-thompsonbio_0110gl.ART.State.Edition1.37f6142.html

Radio Station Updated

I have updated the radio station playlist. Check out the station at Live365.com.

Adds this Week:
Billy Yates' "The Circus Is Over"
Glen Duncan's "Touch of the Master's Hand"
Joe Nichols' "My Whiskey Years"
Josh Turner's "South Carolina Low Country"
Johnnie and Jack's "Slow Poison"

January 17 Footnotes

Walter Bailes was born in 1920.

Grady Martin, guitarist extraordinaire, was born in 1929.

Country music executive Cliffie Stone died in 1998. He was a pioneer of the Bakersfield music scene. He also is a Hall of Fame member.

To find a real country song at number one on this date, one must go back to Merle Haggard's "If We Make It through December" in 1973. In 1972, Haggard's "Carolyn" was number one.

In 1958, "City Lights" by Ray Price was number one.

Bobby Bare

Bobby Bare had many many hits, but wonder of wonders, he had only one number one.

Among the many great country hits he recorded, "Shame On Me", "Detroit City", "500 Miles Away From Home", "Miller's Cave", "Streets of Baltimore", "How I Got To Memphis", "Come Sundown", "Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends", and "Margie's At The Lincoln Park Inn".

His number one was "Marie Laveau".

For all his contributions to country music, and all his successes, he should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Marty Robbins

Marty has been gone for over a quarter century, but anything about Marty is still news. Check this out from the Tennessean.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880116015

This Week's Grand Ole Opry Schedule

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

Follow this link to find out about Charlie Daniels' induction into the Grand Ole Opry.

Real Country Music-Ed Bruce

Born in Arkansas, in 1949, Ed Bruce is one of the premier singer-songwriters in the industry. Not only did he write "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys", he had a number 15 on the charts with it several years before Willie Nelson took it to number one.

Bruce has a beautiful, deep voice, and has had several hits, including "Ever, Never Loving You", "My First Taste of Texas", "The Last Cowboy Song" and his one number one "You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had".

Among hits that he wrote for others were "Texas, When I Die", "The Man That Turned My Mama On", and the great Charlie Louvin hit, "See The Big Man Cry".

For more about the "Tennessean" who is also a noted actor and TV personality, go to his myspace music page. There you can read about this great artist, and listen to some of the best country music from the past thirty years.

Important Date For Country Music

On this date in 1949, Jimmie "Tater" Dickens recorded for the first time with Columbia Records.

On this date in 1973, Merle Haggard recorded "If We Make It Through December", which was more about one of his band member's inability to keep a relationship alive than Christmas, but which came to be a Christmas season staple.

Roy Acuff

Did you know that the King of Country Music never had a number one on the Country Charts?

Did you know that he was one of the founders of Acuff-Rose Publishing Company?

Did you know that he did get a Grammy Award?

Did you know that he lived at Opryland?

Did you know that he fiddled around with President Nixon on the stage, and even showed him yoyo tricks?

If you know all of these, you are a true country music fan!!!

Birthdays for January 14

Our good friend Billy Walker, who died in a tragic accident a few short years ago, would have been 79. The Tall Texan was one who was not only a great entertainer, but he lived country music. He helped get Elvis on the Louisiana Hayride. He was with the great Red Foley the night before he died, and was there to witness his conversion. We also miss his wife Bettie, who to most of us who used to attend the Golden Rope Awards Show, was the best at organizing real country music shows.

Today is also Billie Joe Spears 69th birthday. She had several hits, but her number one "Blanket On The Ground" is probably her most popular and best known.

Hank Williams Festival

For those of you who have been, you know that now is the time to book your accomodations for the Hank Williams Festival, which is always the first weekend in June.

Last year, there was a shortage of rooms.

If you need help locating rooms or other things to do in the area, let us know. We might be able to help.

For those of you who have never been, you have missed one of the truly great country music festivals in the world. If you love PURE COUNTRY, it will be played here. One of the best acts that is almost always there is David Church, and Brad Magness is always there along with his drummer, Eddie Fox, who was with Marty Robbins for years and years, and best I can remember, also played with Waylon. Last year Mark Chesnutt closed the show, and year before last it was Ray Price. They have also had names such as George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Gene Watson, and the Oak Ridge Boys along with newcomers such as John Conlee and Doug Stone. Come join us, and I will point you to the best grilled chicken salad and hamburger(or cheeseburger) to be found in the deep south.

Ya'll Come.

George Strait

They don't call him King George for nothing. I think George Strait is one of the few artists that can pick anything he wants to sing, and make a hit out of it. Here is a link to information on his latest tour.

http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1579517/20080111/strait_george.jhtml

I do hope that he keeps having hits into his sixties.

For you Loretta Lynn fans

On this date in 1948, Loretta Webb married Oliver "Mooney" Lynn.

To see some of the fruits of this union you should visit their ranch in Tennessee. It has a lot of nice things to do, a lot of great scenery, and has , and is, one of the most complete museums of all things country.

If you're lookin' at it, and it's country, it's probably out there at the farm.

On this date in 1960

On this date in 1960, the longest song in country music history to hit number one was "El Paso" by Marty Robbins. The version they used was 5 minutes 19 seconds long, in a time when the accepted length was 2 minutes.

Folsom Prison Concert Cancelled

Check this out for the story on the cancellation of the 40th anniversary party of Johnny Cash's original Folsom Prison Live Album.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080109/TUNEIN02/80109047/1005

THis Week's Opry Schedule

FridayJanuary11
SaturdayJanuary 12
SaturdayJanuary 12
8:00 – 8:30Jeannie SeelyMel McDanielOld Crow Medicine Show
8:30 – 9:00Jimmy C. NewmanThe Whites
9:00 – 9:30Bill AndersonConnie SmithDel McCoury Band
9:30 – 10:00Riders In The SkyJan HowardJesse McReynolds & The Virginia BoysJoe DIffie
6:30 – 7:00Jeannie SeelyThe WhitesMel McDanielBobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:00 – 8:00Joe NicholsBucky CovingtonRhonda VincentCraig Morgan
8:00 – 8:30Jim Ed BrownJack GreeneOld Crow Medicine ShowOpry Square Dancers
8:30 – 9:00Bill AndersonConnie SmithDel McCoury Band
9:30 – 10:00Jeannie SeelyDel McCoury BandBucky Covington
10:00 – 10:30Jimmy C. NewmanThe WhitesRhonda Vincent
10:30 – 11:00Jim Ed BrownConnie SmithJoe NicholsOpry Square Dancers
11:00 – 11:30Bill AndersonOld Crow Medicine ShowCraig Morgan
Artists and schedule subject to change.
For tickets and information, call (615) 871-OPRY or 1-800-SEE-OPRY.Tickets also available through opry.com.

Crook and Chase

Crook and Chase will premier their new TV show on RFD network at 8:00 p.m. January 17.

Their first guests will be George Jones, Garth Brooks, and Georgette Jones.

It is a weekly show.

Elvis Presley's Birthdate

Today, January 8, would have been Elvis Presley's 73rd birthday. Though he was known as the King of Rock and Roll, had it not been for a country institution such as the Louisiana Hayride, and people like Horace Logan, Billy Walker, and even Slim Whitman, he may have never been introduced to more than just a few of his fans.

More than that, though he did cross over into the country charts, his influence on country is staggering.

Tony Brown, a former pianist, became one of the most successful producers at MCA.

Emery Gordy, Jr., who played some bass for Elvis, became a successful country producer, and married one of the best female country performers of all time, Patty Loveless.

Richard Sterban, of the Oak Ridge Boys, was with J.D. Sumner and the Stamps before he became bass singer for the Oaks.

He brought much attention to country for his recordings of country songs that had been done by Marty Robbins, Billy Walker, and many others written by Charlie Daniels, Eddie Rabbitt, and Jerry Reed.

Everywhere one looks, one can find that Elvis definitely had a love for country music, and for those who made the music, wrote the music, and produced the music.

Ken Nelson has passed away

Storied producer Ken Nelson, who almost single-handedly made Capitol records the home of the Bakersfield Sound, has passed away. For more information go to the following Links:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=ENTERTAINMENT&template=front

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5781456_,00.htmls

Record Sales Down in Country Music.

According to sources, country music album sales were down 16.3 per cent in 2007. Do you think that it would do better if they recorded some better music?

Let's go Honky-Tonkin'

It has been many, many years since alcohol crossed my lips. However, I still love Honky-Tonk music, and this little Tennessean tidbit caught my eye.

If you haven't been to Nashville, these are great places to have a coke and a smile, and to view the places where Willie, Faron, and Roger raised H.....

I think Roberts and the Legends are still here close to Tootsie's, and I have seen some great talent at Rippy's across the street from Tootsie's, thanks to the heads up from Barbara and other superfans like her.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/TENNESSEANTRAVEL9902/108210019/1808/SPECIAL09

Final Resting Places

One of the things Erin, Ms. Liz, and I love to do is make pilgrimages to the final resting spots of our departed country music heroes. I thought you might be interested in this great story. By the way, we have been to most if not all of these, and recommend it as an inexpensive way to vacation in Nashville.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/TENNESSEANTRAVEL0102/606080368/1465/ENTERTAINMENT

The Web Site

FYI - Because I am going to be heading back to law school, my dad (John) takes over the maintenance of this web site starting tomorrow. If you have any questions about the site, you can send those to him. I will still be updating the radio station on the weekends, so if you have any questions about the playlist, you can send those to me. Happy New Year!

Country Music History: February 20, 1988

Roy Acuff celebrated his 50th anniversary on the Grand Ole Opry.

Country Music History: March 19, 1988

The "Dolly" episode featuring a reunion of Dolly and Porter Wagoner premiered on ABC.

Quotations: Porter Wagoner

"There's something about show business. No matter how wore out you are, you never feel a bit tired when those spotlights hit you and you see all those smiling faces out there."

Quotations: Porter Wagoner

"There's something about show business. No matter how wore out you are, you never feel a bit tired when those spotlights hit you and you see all those smiling faces out there."

YouTube: Merle and Marty

10,000 Hours

While we were ringing in the new year, our station surpassed 10,000 listening hours. Thanks to all of you who listen. If you haven't checked out our station, click here to check it out.

Radio Station Updated

I have updated the radio station playlist. Check out the station at Live365.com.