Pam and Mel Tillis Announce Dates For “A Tillis Family Christmas” Tour
- Pam, Mel and the Tillis family announced “A Tillis Family Christmas,” their holiday tour that begins later this month.
- Blake Shelton on “Bare Skin Rug,” a collaboration with girlfriend Miranda Lambert on his new album, Startin’ Fires:
“What’s funny about it, man, you’ll never believe — I had to kick and fight and cuss and was pretty much told by the record companies that the stupidest thing I could do was put that on an album. You can’t believe what I went through to get it on [Startin’ Fires]. [Album producer] Scott Hendricks put a couple microphones in front of us at his farm . . . lit a campfire, and there were crickets. . . . We just played it one time and recorded it.”
- Coming in at #4 on Country Universe’s “Classic CMA Awards Moments” is Cindy Walker‘s affecting Hall of Fame acceptance speech at the 1997 CMA Awards.
- Lee Ann Womack talks about balancing the traditional and contemporary elements in her music and comments on the urbanization (or rural castration) of modern country music in an interview with NoDepression.com senior editor Barry Mazor.
- In the words of Chelsea Handler, host of the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately, Darius Rucker “cried like a little b—-” when he found out his country album debuted at the top of the charts earlier this year. Rucker recalls:
“I was doing an interview with this guy and he said, ‘I heard you went No. 1.’ And I went, ‘What?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, we just got this today. You went No. 1 this week. And we kept the interview going, and I was fine. But then he went, ‘Hey man, you’re gonna cry aren’t ya?’ And then I was like a little girl!”
- Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles is launching a series of musical events that includes artists and organizations coming together to share music, lifestyle and philanthropy. The first three events will consist of acoustic performances with each artist donating their proceeds to a favorite charity. “I’m hoping Common Thread will be a multi-genre diverse bill under the common thread of activism and community organization,” Nettles says.
- Jason Boland was sidelined a few months ago due to a vocal chord injury, an incident he explains in a brief Q&A with Chris Parton. He and his band will return to the road later this month and doesn’t think he’ll sound much different than before. “I think I’ll sound better,” he says, “because I’ve never had any singing training [until now]. I wasn’t a natural singer. I was a songwriter that ended up fronting a band.”
- When it comes time to work on his fourth “normal” record, Brad Paisley wants to take his time and create something that is the next best thing. He views his current album, Play, as a chance to regroup following his hot streak while also shedding light on his artistry as a guitar player.
- As I mentioned in yesterday’s news roundup, Music Tomes published an interview with Douglas B. Green, author of the new book Classic Country Singers.
Do you feel like part of what you do in Riders in the Sky is to further educate or remind people about the Western roots of music? Do you see younger fans who have responded to your role in Toy Story 2?
Definitely! My greatest joy (well, the two Grammys were great, too) is seeing kids get interested in cowboys, the west, and western music. They may outgrow it after a while, but there will be a few, like me, who remember the great western songs from childhood and want to preserve them.
If you haven’t done so already, be sure to comment on yesterday’s giveaway article for a chance to win one of five copies of Classic Country Singers.
- In his weekly Nashville Skyline column, Chet Flippo dissects what the Obama campaign did right and what lessons can be learned by the music industry.
- Austin radio station KUT hit the airwaves in November of 1958, making this month the station’s 50th anniversary. In celebration of that milestone, Texas Music Matters posted an intimate Patty Griffin live set from the stage of Austin City Limits. Add this one to your music library.
- Check out the latest video from The Dixie Bee-Liners for “Down the Crooked Road.” (via NoDepression)
- Go listen to NashvilleGab blogger Shannon’s debut radio appearance and read all about her pre-show anxiety. It’s a hoot.
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31 Comments
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November 7, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Why’s Brad Paisley talking about the next CD as his fourth normal record? He already has five regular albums under his belt.
November 7, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I remember ya’ll mentioning earlier about Kevin Costner going to be on the Opry this weekend. Jamey Johnson was originally on the lineup as we were going to get tickets because of him. Then when I went to get them, I see Kevin’s name splashed up there. Yet another fallen star trying to make it into the country world pushing away true country singer/musicians.
In other news….Rolling Stone has a good article interview on Hank III in regards to him taking on the Opry:
http://www.rollingstone.com/blogs/smokingsection/2008/10/hank-iii-on-the-grand-ole-opry.php
November 7, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Rural castration? lol, nice term… think it’ll catch on?
November 7, 2008 at 1:35 pm
In keeping with Hank III’s idiocy, I’d like to petition God to bring Hank Williams back to life.
November 7, 2008 at 3:13 pm
@CMW – It’s clear he only regards albums that went No. 1 as “normal,” thus the first two (according to Wikipedia) don’t count. Actually, I don’t know, but that’s a good point and one I didn’t catch myself.
@Jessica – I’ve been wondering if Jamey Johnson even plays live. Ok, I know he does, but it seems like a rare occurrence. I’ve searched several times for a tour schedule to no avail.
@Drew – Probably not — it doesn’t have enough zing.
@Matt – Logical thought processes are beyond some people. Let me know when you get your petition going, though, and I’ll sign.
November 7, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Oh, I think it has zing!
November 7, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Why is it idiotic for Hank III to petition the Grand Old Opry to reinstate Hank Williams?
November 7, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I was lucky enough to catch Jamey Johnson with Randy Houser here in Nashville a couple of weeks ago, and the Bluebird Cafe back in July, but beyond that I dont know of any shows hes done. I suppose since currently his writing is his breadwinner, he spends more time working on that than touring.
November 7, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I really dug the Lee Ann Womack interview with No Depression. Thanks for posting!
November 7, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Jessica & Brody, Jamey will be in Chicago on 1/23/09. You should come.
And as for Paisley, if anyone wants to know what he plays, check this out:
http://blog.cmt.com/2008-11-07/the-man-who-builds-brad-paisleys-guitars/
November 7, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Here are some dates for Jamey – I’ll stick them on the forum as well. The thing that sucks is that his website folks don’t keep it up to date. However, with a little bit of research, you can find some dates. He’s been doing quite a few radio promo stuff.
Nov 13 2008 8:00PM WDTW Detroit, Michigan
Nov 17 2008 8:00PM WKXC Augusta, Georgia
Nov 20 2008 8:00P KTEX McAllen, Texas
Nov 24 2008 8:00P WOGK Gainesville, Florida
Dec 3 2008 8:00P KILT Houston, Texas
December 9 – The Late Show With David Letterman
December 10 – Imus In The Morning for the second time in two months
Dec 16 2008 8:00P KJJY Des Moines, Iowa
Dec 17 2008 8:00P KXKT Omaha, Nebraska
Dec 19 2008 8:00P WQYK Tampa, Florida
Dec 31 2008 8:00P Level Plains, Alabama
As far as the Hank III trying to get Hank Sr reinstated, something interesting is that Hank Jr hasn’t done anything really. He hasn’t said a word and you would think he would…then again things are strained between III and Jr. according to video interviews and such. Personally I do believe that Hank Sr should be reinstated since they are indeed using his image on just about anything on their products, videos, and more. Yeah the man is dead, but heck, they should honor him. Country Music Hall of Fame honors those that have passed away with late inductions to the Hall (ie Conway Twitty).
November 7, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Jessica–Hank Jr. wore a “Reinstate Hank” t-shirt at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum the weekend that the museum’s “Family Tradition” exhibit opened. He spoke about it and basically said, “Hell yea, he should be.”
He was photographed in the t-shirt that afternoon during the solo performance and interview he did in the museum’s Ford Theater that afternoon. Whenever someone pointed a camera, he pulled open the unbuttoned denim shirt over the T so that the message on the t-shirt would be seen clearly.
He may have done other things, too, I’m not sure. But at least that day he was doing something.
November 7, 2008 at 6:18 pm
@Ben – Because as far as I understand it, a person has to be alive to be considered a member. Anyone who was a member during his lifetime, but has since passed away is now a former member. The same goes for anyone who was kicked out or left on his own accord.
November 7, 2008 at 6:32 pm
How many members have actually been kicked out of the Opry? And how many just left ‘on their own accord’?
November 7, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I don’t know if there are any available stats to say how many people have been forced out or left on their own. To an extent, DeFord Bailey was forced out, while guys like Willie Nelson and Eddy Arnold left the Opry.
November 7, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Johnny Cash was asked to not return after kicking out the foot lights. Marty Robbins was fired as well, but that only lasted five days.
November 7, 2008 at 6:56 pm
So now its become Jennifer “New Age” Nettles eh? Yoga and environmentalism as guiding principles huh. If Don Henley is available the two would make a good match and could co-habitate at Walden Pond in the name of world peace….(sort of the countrified version of John and Yoko)
I just can’t see the vaudeville antics of “Riders In The Sky” inspiring anyone to pursue an interest in cowboy music. Now compelling artists like Tom Russell and Dave Stamey are another matter entirely…
I think Chet Flippo may be onto something. If the airhead country establishment were to spend $ 600 million on advertising and promotion, and had the mainstream media printing only positive things about Top 40 country artists, who knows what might happen. On the other hand a plan to charge outrageous CD and download prices only to “the rich” so the music can be redistributed free to “the poor” might not work out in the long run…..
November 7, 2008 at 11:05 pm
A plug is always welcome. Looking forward to the end of the countdown and the CMAs next week. Thanks, Brody.
November 8, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Willie Nelson and Eddy Arnold left the Opry? Why?
And why was DeFord Bailey forced out? Wikipedia says it was because of a licensing conflict with BMI-ASCAP that prevented him from playing his best known tunes on the radio? How can this happen to a performer? He lost the rights to perform his own songs? I am confused …
November 8, 2008 at 7:47 pm
The Bailes Brothers were fired from the Opry in 1946. The story goes that one of them had a girlfriend who killed herself over him (or attempted to, depending on who you believe), and the Opry didn’t want to be associated with the incident.
November 9, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Patty Griffin’s country now?
just wonderin’…
November 10, 2008 at 3:51 am
Alt-country.
November 10, 2008 at 8:04 am
I respectfully disagree.
She’s a singer-songwriter from Austin, New England actually, and there’s nothing country, alt or otherwise, about her.
November 10, 2008 at 8:24 am
Patty Griffin is a wonderful Folk/Rock/Alternative artist who now resides in Austin Texas. She’s Americana.
November 10, 2008 at 8:37 am
fyi…..Patty Griffin is also the one adding the beautiful harmony vocals on todd snider’s “peace queer” ep…and if you can call rascall flatts country you can certainly call patty g country!!!!
November 10, 2008 at 8:52 am
JR Journey, it’s claimed that Eddy Arnold left the Opry over money disputes, which isn’t surprising. The Opry required performers to appear 26 Saturdays (the most profitable night of the week) a year and Arnold was already a huge star when he left in 1948 to pursue bigger things.
Willie left in 1969 and moved back to Texas after a fire burned his Nashville house down, taking hundreds of unpublished songs in the process.
DeFord Bailey was caught between ASCAP and BMI. ASCAP raised their rates, broadcasters formed BMI and WSM told its artists to only perform songs licensed by BMI. Bailey figured people wanted to hear his hits and not new songs, so we was pretty much forced out in 1941.
All those stories are covered in Robert K. Oermann’s new book Behind The Grand Ole Opry Curtain if you’re interested.
Chris N, that incident is actually mentioned in the new Hank Williams set. I hadn’t ever heard about it before, though.
November 10, 2008 at 9:16 am
@J.R. Journey – In a way, yes, Deford lost the right to play his own songs, mainly because he did traditional material that was published by ASCAP and there was a boycott of ASCAP material on the radio (there is a lot more to it than that, but I’m oversimplifying for a comment box). Some sources say Bailey refused to learn new songs that would be covered by BMI and thus available to be played on the radio. (Other sources say he was let go due to his race)
As to your other question about others that have been fired from the Opry, I don’t have the numbers handy, but in 1973 Skeeter Davis was suspended from the Opry for 15 months (not technically a “firing,” but…). In 1964 there was a mass firing, but I don’t have any of the names handy (M.C. might be able to throw in here), but I believe they were all reinstated in time.
November 10, 2008 at 9:42 am
@Brady: That’s where I found out about it! I went looking for more info and it seems there are a lot of conflicting stories out there.
Typically when an artist breaks with the Opry or vice versa it’s over business issues — money, performing schedules, etc. As I’ve said many times in this space, Opry membership is primarily an ongoing performance contract, not just an honor to be bestowed. That’s why it’s pointless to “reinstate” someone who has passed away.
November 10, 2008 at 9:57 am
Chris N., Are you saying that a dead hank sr cant hit a fastball???
November 10, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I wouldn’t go that far.
November 10, 2008 at 4:07 pm
@Jim C. – Considering some of the artists that she’s recorded songs with, or who have recorded her songs, I think that she’s got enough of a connection that it’s not unreasonable to mention her on a country music blog every now and then.