Bluegrass Legend To Perform For The Queen of England

The man that helped put bluegrass on the map will sing for royalty on May 3, 2007. Dr. Ralph Stanley will perform for the Queen of England and His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Ralph Stanley is headlining "Virginia's Royal Welcome", which is a tribute to the state's musical heritage. Bluegrass is not the only music that will be showcased. Jazz and rhythm and blues vocalist Jane Powell, the Richmond Boys Choir, fiddler Montana Young, country singers Marna and Marcy Bales and the Hermitage High School Marching Band will also be featured. All of this will help celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. During the celebration the Queen of England will address the state's general assembly in Richmond, Virginia, where the celebration is being held. Not only is this a milestone in Virginia's rich history, but it is also a milestone for Ralph Stanley. He is celebrating 60 years of making great music. Who knows what may come out of this performance. Before too long we may be calling him Sir Ralph Stanley.

Foxworthy and Nichols Revin' It Up at Talladega

Attention all NASCAR fans, this week's race is going to be a special one. I say that not only because it's Talladega, but because there will be some country stars there as well. Don't worry, it won't be another Kelly Clarkson fiasco: this week's stars are bonafide Country.

Singer Joe Nichols is slated to belt the National Anthem, and I'm sure he'll get a warmer welcome than Ms. Clarkson. Also in the lineup is Jeff Foxworthy, everybody's favorite redneck comedian. He will be the Grand Marshall of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Speedway. Make sure to tune in to FOX at 1:30 ET on Sunday (APR 29) to catch all the fun and see a great race.

Alan Jackson and Oak Ridge Boys Take Top Honors at GMA Dove Awards

Well folks, the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards have officially wrapped up. The awards show was presented Wed the 25th at the Grand Ole Opry by the Gospel Music Association. Many of Country's greatest older stars were presented with awards at the ceremony. In both of the Bluegrass categories the Lewis Family emerged victorious. Their album Flyin' High won album of the year and "My Cross" picked up song of the year honors.

In the country category some of our bestsellers walked away with awards. First off, the Oak Ridge Boys won song of the year with, "Jonah, Job and Moses", which was written by Bill Anderson. Alan Jackson's, Precious Memories, which was originally written for his mother, won album of the year. It was a very simple yet powerful album, and Alan Jackson had this to say about it.

"(My mother) didn't want me to go in there and change them all up or go in there and cut a bunch of real obscure songs . . . so it's best to just do the straight and narrow thing."

Congratulations to Alan, Bill, the Lewis', and the Oak Ridge Boys, and good luck in the future.

2 Million Reasons To Brag

Josh Turner not only has one successful album now, but two. The album Your Man has gone double platinum. The three singles that have already led to the album's success are: "Your Man","Would You Go With Me", and "Me and God". There was an exclusive party held for Josh on April 24, 2007, at the Nashville Arena. He was extremely happy with the award. Josh Turner is no stranger to this honor, but he was really impressed with the award. Josh commented on the award by saying, "I guess this is what they mean by 'Bling Bling'". It is good to see that traditional country music is still making an impact on the music industry. Great work, Josh.

Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Gone Out Of Hand

If anybody is wondering about what happened to Willie Nelson's drug charges from September 18, 2006, this issue has been resolved. "Shotgun Willie" pleaded guilty to drug posession, but will not see any jail time. If this story is confusing to anybody, Willie's tour bus was pulled over on Interstate 10 on September 18, 2006, coming back from doing a performance with Ray Price. They found marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms on board. Willie was sentenced to six months probation and fined $1,024. Willie was only charged for possession and not distribution, which would have been a felony.

Through all the years of running with the roughest crowd in Country Music, this was actually the only time that Willie has been arrested for drug related charges. We'll just hope he can stay clean during those six months.

Tim McGraw, George Strait, and Brooks & Dunn to Perform at ACM Awards

The ACM has added three new performers to an already impressive list of the who's who of country music. They added Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, and Carrie Underwood to the show which will air live from Las Vegas aka Sin City. Also on the list is Kenny Chesney, who will join host Reba McEntire and special guest Kelly Clarkson.

Two ACM nomination leaders are also scheduled to perform live on the Awards show. First, and most obvious, is Brooks & Dunn, who have seven nominations. Secondly, and just as popular, is George Strait. He leads all nominees with eight, and is slated to put on an incredible performance. Everyone needs to make sure they tune into CBS on May 15th at 8PM ET to catch this show live from Las Vegas.

Six New Stars Added To The Music City Walk Of Fame

This past Sunday six new stars were added to the Music City Walk of Fame in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Those recently inducted to the Walk of Fame were Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, The Crickets (Buddy Holly's back-up band), Wynnona Judd of The Judds, music business pioneer Frances Preston, and contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith. All six of the stars that were honored, with the exception of Frances Preston, were transplants from out of town.

In last years ceremony seven stars were awarded and added to the Music City Walk of Fame. The 2006 inductees consisted of Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Boudleaux and Felice Bryant, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Roy Orbison and Kenneth Schermerhorn were awarded stars.

Pioneer Award Recipients Named By ACM

The ACM has announced a slew of awards to be given to some of the greatest ever classic country music stars. The Jim Reeves International Award will be presented posthumously to the great Buck Owens, as well as the Mae Boren Axton Award being given to the 28-year veteran of the ACM Board of Directors, Jack Lameier. The late-great Waylon Jennings and Harlan Howard will be awarded the Pioneer Awards, along with Dolly Parton and Don Williams.
These awards will be presented at the Tennesee State Museum on Wed June 20th. Marty Stuart will be hosting the cermony. It's great to see some of our favorite artists get the recognition they so rightfully deserve.

Alan Jackson Yard Sale to Benefit Tennessee Baptist Children's Home

Today I was once again reminded that celebrities are like normal people (well kind of...) in that Alan Jackson announced he was having a yard sale on Saturday, April 21st. Yet, not only is it going to be the most attended yard sale Franklin, Tennessee, has probably ever seen, but it's also to benefit the Tennessee Baptist Children Home's Annual Car/Truck/and Motorcycle Show. He is selling an assortment of car parts from his house. He is also selling some assorted furniture, with all of the proceeds going to benefit the Children's Home.

Alan is selling such rare car parts as 1966 Cadillac wheels and tires, as well as a set of aluminum wheels and tires from an Aston Martin. Plus, for all of those motorcycle officianados, he's even selling a windshield to a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Fans are welcome to purchase all of these items, along with some electronics and furniture from the Jackson household.

I, for one, think that it's great what Jackson is doing, helping out the children and all. He has always been known to have a soft spot for kids. He has done benefits and concerts for St. Jude as well. Anytime someone with the fame and financial well-being of Jackson does something to help others, it should inspire us all to do our little part. Even if all that entails is going to 1310 Franklin Road in Brentwood, Tennessee, at 8 AM Saturday morning and purchasing one of the great things at this yard sale.

Kris Kristofferson Accepts Johnny Cash Visionary Award

Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash's daughter, presented Kris Kristofferson with the Johnny Cash Visionary Award Monday night. The award was presented during the CMT Awards show held in Belmont University's Curb Center in Nashville, TN. The Johnny Cash Visionary Award is presented to "an artist with an extraordinary musical vision, innovative and groundbreaking music and pioneering initiatives in entertainment."

What was already a special night for everyone there- soon became an extremely emotional night as well. Before Rosanne Cash presented the award to Kristofferson she had some really kind and personal words to share-

"When I first began to collect my thoughts about presenting this award to Kris and about what I would say," she said, "I kept thinking, 'Nothing I say will be good enough. Nothing I say could convey the respect I hold in my heart, the love the admiration and the plain awe of the humanity and talent contained in that one gorgeous man.'

"When I played some shows with Kris last year, I realized and knew that he is an artist with nothing to lose. He can risk everything because he never compromises his integrity. He is his art, and his art is him. They are inseparable.

"He has the power and the fearlessness of one who acts purely from the truths of his own heart, unsullied by concerns about image or marketing or popularity. He is not 'a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction' -- as he once aptly described my father. He has whittled away his own contradictions to the essence of his humanity ... a man who believes in love, honor, peace, compassion and who acts accordingly and who writes like an oracle."

A video presentation chroncling Kristofferson's career achievements was shown before the award was given. As Kristofferson accepted the award he was a bit teary-eyed. Showing more reason as to why Kristofferson deserves to be honored, his comments focused on the 2003 recipient and the man for whom the award was named: The man in black, Johnny Cash. See the video of his acceptance speech below:






On a similar note, Rosanne and Kris recently visited the grounds where the home of the late Johnny and June Carter Cash once stood to reflect on the family, friends, and their memories.

Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees Finally Speaks on the Cash House

Barry Gibb, current owner of the lake property where Johnny and June resided, and member of the Bee Gees, has finally spoken after almost a week of silence following the fire that burned down the Cash House. Gibb was having the house renovated when outside walls treated with sealant caught fire causing the house to, ultimately, burn to the ground. Until yesterday, Gibb had not yet released any detailed statements or really spoken to the press, but he said this in a statement released by his publicist.

"Linda and I have decided to build our own home on the higher ground surrounding the Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash home, and the original foundations shall be kept intact and preserved for the people of Hendersonville and the people of Nashville. This land is sacred land to all of us here and must be protected forever. To the [Cash and Carter] families, we owe the highest respect and the deepest regret that our dream could not be realized. Now there is a new dream for us and a new beginning."

I am glad that Gibb is leaving the home's foundation, because that house is a historical landmark for country music fans. Anybody who knows anything about country music, or even those just living in Middle Tennesee, knew that the Cash house was on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville. It was portrayed in the movie Walk The Line, the award winning biopic of Johnny Cash. Some people may be thinking that Gibb should just leave the property alone, but as property owner he has the right to do as he wishes with the land. He does have another home with his wife in Miami, and the Cash house was going to be his summer home. I for one think that he should make the whole property a museum dedicated to the memories of Johnny and June, and all that they did for country music. I'm sure the fans would line up--and maybe even pay a small admission fee to walk the grounds where the Cash house once stood--of course that property will never be the same without the house. I did hear that the Gibbs may be planning to erect monuments for Johnny and June on the site. This shows that the Gibbs really do care to preserve the memory of Johnny and June--and I commend them for that.

Slight change of subject, but there was an interesting article in our local paper today about how people still flock to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee, to take tours. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death.

Maybe the question is what would Johnny have wanted done with the property? What do you think? Would he want the land to still serve as a place for a family and friends to enjoy gatherings at home as it was when he and June lived there? Or would he want the land to memorialize he and June? I think Johnny was more about family and sharing than anything personal.

CMT Awards

Everybody needs to make sure that they tune in tonight at 7:00PM to watch the CMT Music Awards which are being aired live from Belmont's Curb Event Center, here in Nashville. There are quite a few special singers such as Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams Jr, and even Jon Bon Jovi, giving performances tonight. The night will also include the awarding of the Johnny Cash Visionary Award to Kris Kristofferson, for all of the great work he has done during his many years in the business. It also features some special presenters, from Barbara Mandrell, to Taylor Swift, and even Pro Wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin. The CMT awards are always fun to watch, because they are one of the more laxed award shows, with big name stars opting to show up in jeans and cowboy boots, instead of the tuxedos and fancy dresses you see at the Oscars. Plus, the show this year is being hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, so you know it'll be a hoot. Once again everybody make sure you tune in to watch it, and Congratulations Kris.

Vinny Turns 50

PureCountryMusic wants to wish Vince Gill a belated but very Happy 50th Birthday. This insider knows for sure that he had a day of fun, excitement, and even a few surprises. It started out with his wife, Amy Grant, taking him to breakfast at Noshville, a local New York Delicatessen, known for its wonderful breakfast menu. When they entered, the staff were there to greet Vince and wish him a happy birthday. Though the best was yet to come, as Amy, offered to buy any patron's meal who sang "Happy Birthday" to Vince, which ended up being the entire restaurant. Though this isn't a surprise, Amy and Vince, have a history of doing good deeds around the community. I even had the pleasure of working at the golf course that Mr. Gill opened for inner city kids, which brings us to the next event on Vince's big day. He went to Legends golf course in Franklin, TN with his friend, local basketball coach Rick Byrd, and was surprised by nearly a dozen of his friends. They enjoyed a beautiful day on the links. After golfing they headed back to the Gill-Grant household in Belle Meade for a not-so-surprise party. I say this because Vince found out about the party, which included guests such as Dierks Bentley, Reba McEntire, and Bill Anderson. Some of his gifts included a vintage guitar, and even the newspaper clippings from Norman, OK, on April 12, 1957, the day he was born. Needless to say it was a great birthday for one of country music's biggest and kindest stars. Check out Vince's new music video.

Hockey Tonk

Last night I had the pleasure of watching one of the best hockey games that has been played this year. I know this may not sound like it has anything to do with Country music, but hold on and I will give you the connection. This game was played in Nashville between the Predators and the San Jose Sharks. It was a back and forth game the whole time with San Jose winning in a heartbreaker( at least for all Nashville fans) in the 2nd overtime 5-4. It was the most exciting game this life long hockey fan has ever seen, with the Predators scoring an unheard of two goals in the last five minutes of the third period to send the game to OT. Speaking of hockey fans, many of Country Music's biggest stars( see the connection) enjoy coming to the game and being out of the spotlight so to speak. In recent weeks there had been sightings of Vince Gill and Amy Grant, both of whom are big hockey fans and come to the games when time and schedules are permitting. Garth Brooks and Little Jimmy Dickens have even been known to show up and enjoy the action. Last week Sara Evans brought her children and their friends to the game and was even kind enough to give an interview during a commercial break, which was suprising because most stars come to the games to enjoy not being the center of attention. Which brings me to the biggest fan of all the stars and to my knowledge the only one that has season tickets, Barbara Mandrell. Mrs. Mandrell has been a hockey fan since before the NHL came to Nashville, because her son used to play youth hockey in the local travel league. So, its only fitting that she is a fixture at all of the Predators games, always good for a smile on the jumbotron(A gigantic TV that hangs above the ice). She seems to enjoy the game more than most always cheering and clapping, and even on occasion joining in on the boos after a bad call. It makes the game more enjoyable to see the stars there rubbin' elbows with us normal folk. It is also great to know that they are just one of the fans out there to watch the Predators on their quest to win the Stanley Cup. It just goes to show that no matter how big a star is, when push comes to shove they are just one of the guys(or ladies in Mrs. Mandrell's case) GO PREDATORS!

Amateur Video Footage of Cash House Fire

The fire which burned down the fomer home of Johnny Cash is still under investigation. The 13,800 sq. ft. home caught fire shortly before 2 p.m. on Tuesday and within the hour had completely burned to the ground. Former Bee Gee Barry Gibb, who purchased the house in 2005, planned to restore the home to it's original condition, which is why a renovation crew was at work on the home when it caught fire. Check out this amateur footage caught by a bystander with a camera phone .

Hendersonville Home Once Owned By Johnny Cash Goes Up In A Ring Of Fire

As reported by WSM 650 AM the Hendersonville, TN home once owned by Johnny Cash caught on fire and burned to the ground. The fire started when sealant caught fire during a renovation project to a section of the house. Firefighters have said that due to the home's location on the banks of the Old Hickory Lake fighting the fire can be quite difficult.

The house is currently owned by musician Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. Luckily, no one was injured.

Any further details will be provided as they are available.

Kathy Mattea Speaks Out On Global Warming

Kathy Mattea has given 8 speeches all over the country since she attended Al Gore's training sessions for presenting the slide show on global warming which was presented in the recent documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." Mattea has committed to doing at least 10 presentations annually on global warming for Al Gore. Kathy Mattea is quite the experienced speaker, having taught at Boston's Berkeley College of Music as well as spoken at several other music-related workshops.


Question:
So many musicians/ entertainers are becoming more vocal with publicizing their opinions on environmental issues and politics- I don't know if I fully agree with that, does any one feel the same? What are some pros and cons of both?

Bring That Gospel Back

Is Country Gospel all but extinct? Country Music has always been rooted in Gospel. Why is it not making a comeback? Even though Alan Jackson's Precious Memories is the quintessen- tial Country Gospel album, mostly all of the classic country music's artists did some sort of Gospel album one time or another. The roots of Country Music came from Bluegrass and Mountain Music, in which was influenced from Gospel.
Classic Country Music artists such as Kitty Wells, George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams Jr(one of the rowdiest country artists ever, no pun intended)all recorded a Country Gospel Album. When the Classic Country Artists recorded a gospel album, it was basically already going to be a big seller. Songs such as Dust on the Bible(Kitty Wells) or Willie's version of Unclouded Day were instant classics. The only Country Gospel albums that are current are the aforementioned Alan Jackson's Precious Memories, or Porter Wagoner's endless collection of gospel albums that are really well put together.
So how do we fix this remedy? I think it's starts with some of the veteran artists to pave the way. These would be Country Music artists such as Reba Mcentire, Martina Mcbride, George Strait, or even Garth Brooks. I would really like to get people's input on this subject. Maybe we can start a revolution to put Gospel back in Country Music.

Alicia's Rocky Road Chocolate Pie

Here in Music City USA we have already had a record-breaking month for heat- so what better way to combat the hot weather than to cool down with some Rocky Road Chocolate Pie!
Try out this recipe from Alicia's Country Kitchen and let us know what you think!

Rocky Road Chocolate Pie

1/4 c. butter or regular margarine
1-1/4 c. graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp. sugar
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 c. milk
2 c. miniature marshmallows
1/4 c. toasted, sliced almonds
1 (1 1/2 oz.) envelope. whipped topping mix
1/2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanillaSweetened whipped cream
1 (1 oz.) sq. semi-sweet chocolate,grated

Place butter in 9 inch glass pie plate. Microwave at High setting 1 minute, or until melted. Stir graham crumbs and sugar; mix well. Press crumb mixture into bottom and sides of same pie plate. Microwave at High setting 1 1/2 minutes, rotating dish 1/4 turn after 45 seconds.
Cool on rack. Combine chocolate pieces and 1/2 cup milk in 2 cups glass measuring cup. Microwave at High setting 3 minutes, or until chocolate is melted, stirring after 2 minutes. Pour mixture into metal bowl. Stir until smooth. Add marshmallows and almonds, stirring just until coated.
Cover and chill in refrigerator 30 minutes. Prepare whipped topping mix with 1/2 cup milk and vanilla according to package directions. Fold whipped topping into chocolate mixture. Turn into graham cracker crust. Cover and freeze until firm. Before serving, spoon puffs of sweetened whipped cream around edge of pie. Sprinkle with grated chocolate. Makes 6-8 servings. .

Dig in and Enjoy!

Dolly Parton to Recieve Johnny Mercer Award

Dolly Parton has been selected to be this year's recipient of the Johnny Mercer Award. The award is to be presented at the Songwriters Hall of Fame dinner on June 7th at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel. The Johnny Mercer Award is given only to a songwriter that has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame the previous year.

The Mercer Award recognizes a collection of work that reflects the standard set by Johnny Mercer, the late songwriter known for hits such as "Hooray for Hollywood," "Jeepers, Creepers," "Blues in the Night," "That Old Black Magic," "Come Rain or Come Shine" and more.

Those that have recieved the Johnny Mercer Award previously include- Burt Bacharach, Kris Kristofferson, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Webb, Carole King, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, and Paul Simon, to name a few.

Billy Joe Shaver Involved in Saturday Night Shooting

Country music artist Billy Joe Shaver was involved in an incident Saturday night outside of Papa Joe's Texas Saloon. As Shaver was leaving the bar a stranger, aggressive and drunk- reportedly came after Billy Joe Shaver with a knife. In self-defense Shaver managed to shoot and wound the attacker - grazing him in the cheek. The unidentified attacker was hospitalized but was talking and seemed okay.
Billy Joe Shaver tried to turn himself in to the police Monday night, but couldn't be arrested since the police did not have record of the warrant. Warrants have since been issued for the arrest of Shaver for the shooting.

Billy Joe Shaver rose to stardom in the 70's for writing songs like - "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal (But I'm Gonna Be A Diamond Someday)" and "Georgia On A Fast Train". Shaver has released more than 20 albums to date.