Willie & Merle Coming To Austin And Country Songs Inducted To Grammy Hall Of Fame
- So the most exciting news today, to me at least, is Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and Asleep at the Wheel are coming to Austin on March 16th & 17th. Tickets go on sale in eight days, January 20, for the concert at the Backyard. I’m so not missing this show. I just hope they perform Pancho & Lefty, one of my all time favorites.
- I didn’t get the chance to catch Nashville Star last night, blame it on Jenna and her IKEA furniture, but Rikks Revues has the rundown on the show. “Nashville Star’s Fifth Season kicks off with some firecracker performances, and two of the newest hopefuls are sent packing.”
via CountryNation - Among a number of the country songs that are entering the Grammy Hall of Fame is the classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today” from George Jones, as well as the Wanted! The Outlaws album from Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser.
- Stonewall Jackson, a longtime member of the Opry, filed a $10 million federal lawsuit claiming age discrimination, breach of contract and retaliation.
Jackson said he approached Fisher on several occasions and was told things like, “I don’t want any gray hairs on that stage or in the audience, and before I’m done there won’t be any” and “You’re too old and too country.”
I don’t know who is right and who is wrong, but it seems like the Opry has been getting a lot of negative publicity lately.
- New Music Weekly has a press release on an up and coming young lady, Leah Durelle, who is only 15. The reason I mention her is because she’ll be one of the artists added to the iPod contest within the next week or so, keep an eye out for that.
- USA Today has picked up a story on the “Porter Wagoner signing with Anti- ” deal. It’s an interesting read about a man that a lot of new country fans don’t know a whole lot about.
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Forgotten Artists: Goldie Hill Had Carl Smith and Goldie Hill been born 30 or 40 years later, they might have been like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw–the dominant married couple in country music.
Forgotten Artist: Wynn Stewart Both Buck Owens and Merle Haggard have cited Wynn Stewart as a major influence on their careers, yet somehow, he was never able to translate his enormous talent into extended and consistent success for himself.
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News that former Sugarland member and co-founder Kristen Hall is suing her ex-mates, to the tune of $1.5 million, goes a long way towards providing a bit of context regarding the Atlanta singer/songwriter’s sudden departure from the group.
In Memory of Don Helms (1927 - 2008) Helms dated back to a time when an excellent four or five piece band and a good singer were all that were needed to make great country music. No drums, no light shows, no production tricks in the recording studio–just good music.Tagged In This Article
Asleep at the Wheel // George Jones // Grand Ole Opry // Jessi Colter // Merle Haggard // Nashville Star // Porter Wagoner // Ray Price // Stonewall Jackson // Tompall Glaser // Waylon Jennings // Willie Nelson
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January 12, 2007 at 7:57 pm Permalink
There’s something kind of ridiculous about an age discrimination suit against the Opry. No gray hairs on the stage? Look at tonights lineup, with artists like Jeannie Seely (66), Jimmy Dickens (86), George Hamilton IV (69), Del McCoury (66), John Conlee (60) and Bobby Osborne (75). Jimmy Dickens is the oldest Opry member and he plays almost every show. I don’t even think there’s anybody under 40 performing tonight. I think there is something going on at the Opry (the negative publicity described above) but to say it is about age discrimination should get you laughed out of court.
January 12, 2007 at 10:07 pm Permalink
I love that George Jones song! And I’ll definitely look out for Leah Durelle and see what she sounds like, etc…
January 13, 2007 at 12:02 pm Permalink
I cannot believe this - Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price are coming to Austin. Awesome. I’d walk to Austin just to see them if it were necessary and I was able. WOW ! Thye personify counry music as I came to love it.
January 13, 2007 at 10:19 pm Permalink
Matt - I didn’t even think to check their current lineup, but yea, after looking at that schedule, he’s going to have a hard time winning his suit. It sounds like Jackson ran out of money and is looking for anything he can get.
Jessica - Yea, it’s a classic. Trent Summar (sp?) just recorded a cover, but in my opinion he butchered it.
Norma - That’s what I’m saying. I have the 20th marked on my calendar just so I’m sure to get some.
January 14, 2007 at 10:31 am Permalink
Damn, I wish I was back in Texas to catch that Willie, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and Asleep at the Wheel show. I’ve been pleasently suprised by the level of country talent that makes it’s way through New York City (I saw Kris Krisofferson open for George Jones at Carnegie Hall on Halloween) but it’s not the same as seeing it back home.
January 14, 2007 at 2:10 pm Permalink
When I think New York the last thing that comes to mind is country music, but that’s pretty sweet that you saw Kristofferson and George Jones. I’d like to see both of them live before they get too old.
January 21, 2007 at 8:56 pm Permalink
Also, I had NO idea that songs were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame…I guess it makes sense, but it didn’t really occur to me is all.
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