A Quarter Of A Century Old

Amy Curlan is the owner of one of the most popular music venues here in Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe. Compared to most institutions in Nashville the Bluebird Cafe is still a baby, but it still is celebrating it's 25th birthday. The celebration is going to kick off in New York with a birthday show featuring: Thom Schuyler, Fred Knobloch, Tony Arata, and Jelly Roll Johnson. The birthday show will start a twelve city tour called Bluebird on the Road. The Bluebird has put some huge names on the map. Garth Brooks comes to mind, and so does Kathy Mattea(the first one to ever be discovered from the Bluebird). Even though Sunday is the official day of the anniversary, the celebration will actually kick off on Monday with Dierks Bentley and Don Schlitz on Tuesday. Jay Patten, Pam Tillis, T. Graham Brown, Hal Ketchum, Jimmy Hall, Jay Patten Band, Jonell Mosser, will perform at 9:00 on Wednesday. Kathy Mattea will bookend the week's long celebration. One big reason why the Bluebird is so popular is it's intimate setting. The feeling that you get from the Bluebird is almost like it's just you and the songwriter. Even though 25 years is a great accomplishment, the Bluebird will be around for 25 more.
FYI The Blue Bird Cafe is only an Andrew Jones' throw away from our offices. Well, maybe a little longer than that, it is a quarter of a mile.

Hag Releases Exclusive New CD Through Cracker Barrel

Country music icon Merle Haggard released a new album Tuesday that will be available exclusively at Cracker Barrel restaurants or through the company's website. With Working Man's Journey, Haggard joins artists such as Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans and Alison Krauss who have also had exclusive releases through the restaurant/country store. This latest release comes hot on the heels of his recent collaboration with Ray Price and Willie Nelson on Last of the Breed, the collection of classic country songs released this past March.

The exclusive Cracker Barrel release contains 12 newly recorded songs, split evenly between old favorites and brand new songs. Classics such as "If We Make It Through December" and "Working Man Blues" stand along side new songs like "In The Mountains To Forget" and "Poor Boy Mansion."

It seems as though turning 70 back in April has done nothing to slow down the Hag. There are also plans for a bluegrass album to be recorded and released later in the year and he continues to tour regularly, most recently with neo-traditionalist Neko Case as his supporting act.

Coveted Book Award

Country Music has always been steeped in rich history. Belmont University, a private university right here is Nashville, is always ready to award those who have literature that portrays the history of Country Music accurately. During the International Country Music Conference, that takes place every year on May 24-26, Belmont bestows this award to someone with the Best Book Award on Country Music . This year the award went to Amanda Wheeler for her book Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Country Music in America which was edited by Paul Kingsbury and Alanna Nash. Kingsbury is no stranger to this honor. He was also the editor of the Country Music Encyclopedia that won the same award a few years back. The award was presented on Friday May 25th. The Country Music Hall of Fame provided all of the photos that are in Will the Circle Be Unbroken, and also funded the project.

Celebrities auctioning off their stuff

Get your pocketbooks ready, it's time for Martina McBride's celebrity auction. This is one of the hugest highlights of the CMA festival. The auction will take place on Saturday June 9th, and is open to the public. Martina has been conducting the auction ever since 1995. Several other country artists are going to show up as well. These artist include: Jason Michael Carroll, Chris Young, host Jay Teeter and many more. The proceeds every year have been donated to the YWCA of Nashville. Some of the items that are on sale are a cowboy hat signed by Toby Keith and football jersey signed by Brooks & Dunn. It's interesting that when a regular person signs an inanimate object it is called graffiti, but when a celebrity signs an inanimate object it becomes worth a lot of money. The auction through the years has raised about $875,000.

Sheryl Crow adopts Son

In the age of Celebrity adoption that was started by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and their adoption of youth from impoverished African countries, the world has become adoption crazy. Stars like Madonna are illegally adopting children in what seems to be glorified PR stunts. Many of these celebrity children will grow up rich and taken care of, but may lack the love and attention that a working class family could give them. However, it seems that there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Singer Sheryl Crow adopted Wyatt Stephen Crow, who was born on April 29th of this year. She did so under the radar with no big media attention, except for a photo shoot with profits going to charity. Ms. Crow is different from other headlining celebrity adoptions in that she is single somewhat retired in her music career and is in remission from breast cancer. She will be able to give young Wyatt more than enough attention, not to mention make him very well off. Now, you may be wondering why we are doing a country blog on Sheryl Crow, but it is because she lives in Nashville and has been residing here for some time. Plus, maybe she passes some of that musical genius on to her son, and growing up in Nashville, especially with a name like Wyatt, he could be the next Country Superstar.

Ronnie Milsap Has Studio Dedicated to Him

It's always good to see one of country music's stars being honored in today's "me me me" world and this past Thursday, May 24th, that's what happened. Ronnie Milsap, who has forty number one hits, placing him behind only George Strait and Conway Twitty, had his old recording studio dedicated to him. The building, which is now known as Warm Front Studio, was purchased by Ronnie from Roy Orbison in 1978. Many of those number one hits were recorded in that studio, which is why current owner, Raymond Termini, is having a bronze fixture of Milsap put on the front of the building. Kudos to Mr. Termini for his respect of Mr. Milsap and Congratulations Ronnie on this honor, even though I'm sure there are plenty more to come.

Jimmy C. Newman Spends Half a Century on the Grand Ole Opry

Sometimes in life, the spotlight of one star can overshadow the accomplishments of another star. This seems to have been the case when everyone was celebrating Porter Wagoner's 50th Anniversary on the Grand Ole Opry. Another very talented and well-known artist, just like Porter, Jimmy C. Newman has been singing on the Grand Ole Opry for over half a century. His most famous songs are "Cry, Cry Darlin'" and "A Fallen Star", and he has been a regular on the Opry since 1956. Even we here at Catalog Music slightly overlooked Mr. Newman, which is hard to believe seeing as how he is a pioneer in integrating Cajun music into mainstream country. However, we would also like to offer a big Congratulations to Mr. Newman and wish him continued success.

Ray Stevens Tribute

Cletus T. Judd would not have the popularity that he has if it wasn't for the success of Ray Stevens. In a way, Ray has paved the way for artists like Cletus T. Judd and Brad Paisley to succeed with country songs that are comical. Judd is going to release an album called A Tribute To The Comedic Genius of Ray Stevens. The album will feature such artist as: Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Joe Diffie, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Phil Vassar, Daryl Worley, Wynona Judd, and many more. The proceeds from the sales of this album will go to benefit the Minnie Pearl foundation for childhood cancer. Judd will also do a duet with Ray on the classic song, "The Streak". Ray actually started out as a session piano player before he found the knack for writing comedic songs. Let's hope that Cletus T. and friends can do justice to these classic hilarious songs.

Lorrie Says Fred Has What It Takes

Lorrie Morgan, ex girlfriend of Fred Thompson, says that Fred Thompson would make a great presidential candidate. I guess that would mean that Fred is "looking for something presidential." Lorrie, while they were dating, says that she tried to persuade Thompson to run for president, but to no avail. Morgan and Thompson dated in the 1990's, which is when Lorrie had huge success.

Veterans honor Big and Rich

To all the people that subscribe to the Purple Heart magazine, there is an interesting blurb about Big & Rich being honored for their song "The 8th of November". This song was inspired by a friendship that they struck with a veteran by the name of Niles Harris who was injured in the Vietnam War in 1965. Big & Rich were presented a plaque by the Las Vegas/Henderson Chapter members for the support of veterans, and the support of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Collin Raye goes shopping

Collin Raye can't seem to find a good deal. The once country balladeer of the 1990's can't find a label for his latest single. The song, "A Soldier's Prayer", was actually produced by Teddy Gentry (the bassist for Alabama), and Michael Curtis. The song was gaining major momentum at radio, but negotiations with record labels fell through. Now the potential hit is somewhere in limbo. Raye says that the song doesn't have an agenda politically, but speaks on both sides of the fence whether you are conservative or liberal. This songs makes up an EP that will have a total of six songs on it. The single will be released sometime in the month of June. The proceeds that are made from sales of this album will be donated to the Wounded Warrior project that helps provide counseling, supplies, family assistance, and adaptive sports programs for injured soldiers.

Porter Celebrates 50 years on the Opry

Since November of 1925 the Grand Ole Opry has been the showcase of Country Music. Some kids watch the Super Bowl or the World Series and hope to one day star in these big sporting events, however for young country singers the Opry was a place of fantasy. Many of country's biggest stars have grown up listening to or even watching the Opry on Saturday nights and Porter Wagoner was one of them. He has remained a constant on Country's biggest stage. This past Saturday, May 19th, Mr. Wagoner, hit a milestone that few ever achieve. He celebrated his 50th anniversary of being on the Opry, a mark that is sure to put him in the likes of other greats such as Roy Acuff and Little Jimmy Dickens. We at Catalog would like to offer a congratulations to Porter and we look forward to listening for years to come.

Why Me Lord

Kris Kristofferson, one of the most prolific songwriters in country music, will be honored in an awards show that will be focused on the contributions that he has made to Texas music and the state's culture. The show is called "The Road to Austin", and it will feature performances by: Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, Joe Ely, and several acts from Austin's local music scene. Stephen Burton, who is the shows producer, is really excited about the show, and says that Austin has the best to offer when it comes to music. Kris Kristofferson is one of the most underrated artists, and it is satisfying to see that such a celebration is taking place. Kris is best known for his hits, "Help Me Make It Through The Night"(in which Sammi Smith originally recorded), "Sunday Morning Coming Down"(in which Johnny Cash originally recorded), and "Why Me Lord". Underrating artists in country music seems to be a often occurence. Besides Kristofferson, who else do you think needs to be added to this list?

Country Boys and Girls Gettin' Down On The Farm

Two things that always mesh well together is country music and farming. The 2007 Farm Progress Show will hold its annual event on August 28-30, and Tracy Lawrence and Tracy Byrd will be the headlining acts. Usually concerts have an opening act and then the headliner, but Byrd and Lawrence are both the headliners and both will do full-length shows. The 2007 Farm Progress Show is the premier farming show in the nation. The show features state of the art technology for the farming enthusiast, and Byrd and Lawrence will play the night of the second day. Lawrence and Byrd have both had major hits. Lawrence with, "Time Marches On", and Byrd, with "Keeper of the Stars".

Fiesta at Nashville Symphony Hall

The Nashville Symphony hall is going to host an event that will point out the Hispanic influences in country music. The event will be called, "Streets of Laredo". Rick Trevino and Johnny Rodriguez is going to headline the event. There is also going to be a special tribute to be paid to the memory of Freddy Fender, who was actually in the band Los Super 7 with Trevino. For those who are not familiar with Fender's music, he sang the hit,"Wasted Day, Wasted Nights". Also appearing will be those singing cowboys, Riders in the Sky. Country music has always been appreciative of the contributions that the Hispanic culture has given to it.

Shooter's a Daddy

Well it looks like Jessi Colter is going to be a grandmother. Shooter Jennings' girlfriend, Drea de Matteo, who is known for her acting on HBO's "The Sopranos" and NBC's "Joey", is expecting her first child. Shooter Jennings, better known as the son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, had mild success with the album Put the O Back In Country. Should Shooter come out with a parody of his Daddy's song "I Don't Think Daddy Did It This Way"? The couple is expecting the arrival of their child in late 2007. If the nickname "Shooter" has any indication of what is to come, maybe the nurse should wear a raincoat. (Shooter urinated on the nurse when he was born).

Tanya Tucker sells property

Well it looks like Tuckerville is being closed for good. Tanya Tucker has reportedly sold her property for 13.5 million dollars to an investment company that will turn her land into a subdivision. Tucker's land stretched over 550 acres which included her 22,620 square foot house that will serve as an 18-hole golf course's club house that will sit right smack in the middle of the new subdivision. We've just got one question. Did the dog bite really cost her that much?

Mel Tillis Will Become Grand Ole Opry Member

A surprise invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry was given to Mel Tillis last night on the Opry stage. His daughter, Pam Tillis, and son, Mel Tillis Jr, were both there to celebrate this announcement. Pam has been an Opry member since 2000, so she knows the fun and excitement that Mel will feel throughout the year. Mel has already performed numerous times on the Opry stage, so the experience won't be "new" for him, but he now has the honor of being an official Opry member. Official induction into Opry membership will occur on June 9, 2007. Congratulations to Mel! And congratulations to the Tillis family now having two current Grand Ole Opry members! This is a musical accomplishment that is extremely hard to attain, and for two members to come from the same family makes it even more special.

Mel is scheduled to come into our studios soon for an interview by Radio Show host Jim Ed Brown. We're getting excited to meet him. I've always heard that he is a real down-to-earth guy with a great sense of humor.

Is there anything you would like us to ask Mel during the interview? If so, then just simply enter a comment to this blog--and we will try to include those questions in our interview with him.

Also, check out the below commercial video, which shows a little of Mel's great sense of humor.

Les Paul Still Going Strong

In this day and age with all of the crime and violence, it is very rare to run across a story that inspires me. However, I did just that the other day, when I read a story about guitar pioneer Les Paul. He had quite a few hits with Mary Ford in the Fifties, but is more widely known for being the creator of the electric guitar. He's also credited with developing a lot of recording techniques that are still used today. To top it all off, he has been playing every Monday night in New York with his group at the Iridium Jazz Club, since 1996. Yet, all of these achievements are not what caught my attention, instead it was the fact that Mr. Paul is 91 years old and still going strong. This, to me, is just amazing not only because it is rare to find an independent 91 yr old person, but the fact that he is still out and playing gigs blows me away. This man has already lived a much fuller life than most could dream of, and he isn't ready to go just yet. It just makes me feel good knowing that there are people out there like Mr. Paul, and hopefully, someday I can be one of them. Good Job Les--and God-willing, maybe we can read a story about you playing guitar on your 100th birthday!

Josh Turner Dazzles Today Show Audience with Deep Deep Voice

Few artists are able to transcend generations, and most of them are recognized as country music superstars. Stars such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson set the standard for being popular in almost every age group. However, there is a an artist who came on the scene just a few years ago and he already appeals to almost everybody. His name is Josh Turner and his resonating baritone voice has made him a favorite among some of the "older" fans. Now add that great voice to his good looks and you have a heartthrob among high school and college age women. Josh performed this morning on the Today show and put on a great performance. In the audience were quite a few young women as well as a strong contingent of the older crowd. I think it's safe to say after this performance that Josh Turner will probably have a long and successful career ahead of him.

Schneider Is Shortchanged

The joke's on John Schneider, too bad no one's laughing. Schneider put up the General Lee (the infamous Duke Boys getaway car) on Ebay for auction last week, in which the bidding reached a hefty $9.9 million. Now the bidding has proved to be a hoax(You can almost hear the faint laughter of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane). William Fisher, the one who placed the winning bid, is no where to be found. John is actually going to request the services of a offline auction firm to handle the future sale of his car. It looks like John is going to be brewing a lawsuit instead of moonshine. Do we have a role reversal here? It sounds like John is playing the part of Rosco, and Fisher is playing the part of the Duke Boys, well at least one of the Duke Boys. At least this gives an employee of ours here at Pure Country Music, who is a huge fan, the chance to place the winning bid.

On a side note the Duke Boys are driving off for good from CMT. The show will be running all summer on Monday through Thursday at 8pm. The Dukes will end their tenure at the end of the summer.

Tanya Tucker Has Bite, Well At Least Her Dog Does

Tanya Tucker, having the reputation of a bad girl, may also have a bad dog. Tucker's manicurist, Danielle D. Hobbs, has reported that Tucker's dog, Bella, bit her while she was giving Tanya a manicure at Tanya's home outside of Nashville. Hobbs has always been wary of the dogs, because of their temperament towards her, but Tanya always told her that they were harmless. Hobbs stated that Bella bit her on the legs which made several scars. Hobbs is suing Tucker for $300,000, and if the case goes her way, it could be the most expensive manicure that anybody has ever received. Tucker's publicist has said that the suit is unfounded and that Tanya will contest it. Recently, there hasn't been that much media involving Tanya. However, this is probably not the publicity that she had in mind.

Controversy Does Not Thwart Fundraiser

Controversy is always forgotten when it comes to fundraising for a good cause. The annual fundraising album for the Don Imus ranch, which is a ranch that works with terminally ill children, and children that have lost a sibling to sudden infant death syndrome, is still getting the green light. The album has always featured prominent country artist. The artists that have signed on are Vince Gill, Little Richard, Big & Rich, Patty Loveless, Willie Nelson, Levon Helm, Raul Malo, and Delbert McClinton. The album will be released in 2008. The two producers, Tracy Gershon and Kyle Lehning, were worried if the artists were not going to go through with it, but all the artists are still excited about doing the project. When it was time for Little Richard's session in the studio, Little Richard said, "Nobody talked about what a good man Don Imus is." Maybe Imus is not the monster that the media makes him out to be. For those who are a little confused at where the controversy is coming from, Imus lost his shock jock radio job because he made a deragotary term toward the Rutgers' female basketball team.
Some feel that the exposure of country music will take a hit because of the cancellation of his show. This is because he was such a huge advocate of the genre. Imus, on his radio show, especially showed interest in Vince Gill and Big & Rich. Does country music need someone like Don Imus to represent them, or someone who is more politically correct? We would like to hear comments on both sides of the fence on this issue.

two veterans and a rookie

To have a successful career in Country Music is a feat in itself, but to be voted into the Hall of Fame is probably the greatest honor. Two well-seasoned country stars, Sonny James and Harold Bradley, and the Texas rancher George Strait were inducted into the Hall of Fame May 7,2007. At the invitation only gala affair, many already hall of famers were present. Bill Anderson, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Porter Wagoner, Kitty Wells, Phill Everly, Frances Preston, Charlie Louvin, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jo Walker-Meador, the Jordanaires, and Alabama were all there to honor the inductees.

The first inductee Harold Bradley, who is the only session player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, almost became a professional baseball player but became one of the most sought after session guitar players in Nashville. Bradley played on Country Classics such as, "Crazy", "Dang Me", "For the Good Times" and "Stand By Your Man." Reba Mcentire and current great session player Brent Mason showcased a unique version of "I Fall To Pieces" in which orginally Bradley was the lead guitarist on that song. Bradley remarked on his induction saying, "I just hope my induction will pave the way for other players to get in."

The smooth vocalist Sonny James was the next to be honored. Porter Wagoner was the one to present the medallion to James. Sonny, in 1967-1971, had an unprecedented 16 #1 hits. The two of these songs the people mostly remember were "Running Bear"(in which Ray Stevens and George "Goober" Lindsey" covered at the ceremony), and the ballad "Young Love."

The introverted George Strait was the last to be inducted. Strait was presented by George Jones who is no stranger to the red carpet. The emotional side of Strait was shown when he got choked up while accepting the medallion. He pointed out that he never could have made it in this business by himself.

The Hall of Fame has gotten some slack in the past for letting in favorites, but these recipients justly deserve this honor.

Stars Raise Record Proceeds to Help Research Cancer

Once again, some of country's biggest stars proved that they care about issues other than country music. This time they used their star power to help the T.J. Martell Foundation, a foundation which researches cancer. Stars such as Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark, and Martina McBride gathered at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel to mingle with wine collecters and enjoy a gourmet meal.

All of the proceeds raised at the event went to supporting the foundation. This year, these stars along with, LeAnn Rimes and Bucky Covington, managed to raise $205,000. This total brings the overall total to over 1 million, which is a record setting number. I think it's great that these big names in country are turning out to help with cancer research. Cancer is one thing that doesn't distinguish between fame and money. These stars helping out hopefully will lead to a breakthrough that can cure cancer for everyone, including the everyday working man.

Dukes of Hazzard's John Schneider Sells General Lee Replica for Record Amount

If you're like me, you grew up on the Dukes of Hazzard, which probably also meant you either idolized or had a crush on John Schneider. Well, with just weeks until Dukesfest, Mr. Schneider, is in the news again. But not to promote the June 2-3 fest that takes place at Nashville's Music City Motorplex. Instead, he was getting attention for setting a record. His car, a 1969 Dodge Charger, painted to resemble the General Lee and used in the movie, Dukes Go to Hollywood, was sold for just under 10 million dollars. Even John, himself, didn't think the car would sell for this much.

"In my wildest dreams, two people would get into a bidding war at about $2.5 million ... and I would have been delighted with that. However, I'm three times as delighted as that now," he was quoted as saying.

He says that he will use the money to go on vacation and produce a movie. And I'm glad John is giving someone the chance to enjoy an American symbol, such as the General Lee.

Star Packed CMA Festival Not Far Off

Attention country music fans! It's nearing that time of year again. You know, the three days when hoards of country music fans flock to the streets of Nashville for loads of good times, good music, and good fun. That's right it's time for the CMA Music Festival, and with all of the day shows throughout the streets and night concerts at LP Field, it should be quite a show. Here's a list of some performers this year:

Lynn Anderson / Gene Watson / The Oak Ridge Boys
Brooks & Dunn / Josh Turner / Jo Dee Messina
T. Graham Brown / Aaron Tippin / Reba McEntire
Billy Gilman / Pam Tillis / Martina McBride
Con Hunley / Johnny Rodriguez
Alan Jackson / Brad Paisley

All of these stars and many more mean that it is gonna be a great weekend. There are lots of activities for the family, like the Family Zone and the Kids Zone. The Sports Zone will pit celebrities, athletes, and Country Music Stars in friendly competition all through the weekend. Plus, there will be surprise guest appearances, and although they have not been announced past guests have been really cool. There have been stars such as Danny Glover, the Beach Boys, Troy Aikman, and even Paul McCartney. So, I'm sure everybody will have fun at this years festival! Come on over to Nashville and have a good ol' time! The CMA Music Festival is June 7-10.

BOTOX RIVER, SAVE MY VOICE

After a thirty year struggle with his voice, "Whiskey River" author Johnny Bush is performing once again, thanks to an unlikely remedy. Back in 1972, while starting to promote "Whiskey River" after a string of successful singles, Bush realized his voice was becoming strained and he could no longer hit the high notes that garnered him the nickname "the country Caruso." At first he thought God was taking away his talent because of his adulterous relationships with women. "I thought because of my promiscuous behavior and bad choices and being raised as a Baptist, that it was a punishment from God," Bush says. University doctors could find nothing wrong with his vocal cords, such as cancer, polyps or nodules. It was finally discovered that his problem was a neurological condition called spasmodic dysphonia that stems from involuntary spasms around the vocal cords. Since doctors could find nothing physically wrong, Bush thought, "Well, I'll wake up tomorrow and it'll be gone. That's what kept me going." Years of perseverance paid off when it was discovered that the spasms could be controlled by injecting Botox directly into the throat muscles.

Now Johnny's career is back in full swing. University of Texas Press recently published his autobiography, Whiskey River (Take My Mind), co-written with Rick Mitchell. In addition, a companion cd entitled Kashmere Gardens Mud has been released. The cd honors the traditional country music heritage of his native Houston, with the title referencing the dusty neighborhood where he grew up.

When asked recently about his current disposition, Johnny says, "I'm at the top of my game. I'm the healthiest I've ever been."

Willie Nelson Picnics Somewhere Else

Willie Nelson has consistently held his annual 4th of July picnic in Texas since 1973 until this year. Willie will hold it this time at George, Washington, which is about 150 miles east of Seattle. Besides Willie, the performers will include alternative country band Son Volt, the Old 97s, Drive By-Truckers, and singer-songwriter Amos Lee. The concert will be held at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA. Maybe Willie just wants a change of weather.

Ralph Emery Back On Television

If anybody remembers Ralph Emery on WSM during the 1950's and 1960's or his long stint on TNN, do not miss his new show, Ralph Emery "Live" on RFD-TV. The show will focus strictly on Classic Country Artists. Ralph is conducting in-depth interviews with the likes of: Willie Nelson, Ray Stevens, Barbara Mandrell, Eddy Arnold, Bill Anderson and more. Of course there are some artists that Ralph is really excited about. Reba McEntire, Mel Tillis, and Ronnie Milsap are on his wish list to have as guests. Ralph says his goal is to shed some new light on Classic Country Artists, an area where other network shows are showing little to no interest. The show will air on Mondays at 6pm. Right now only satellite providers are carrying RFD-TV. Hopefully, the popularity of this show will increase so everybody can catch up and get to know what inspired these talented artists.

Check out this funny clip of Ralph Emery and Randy Travis: