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Volume 11
Posted May 26, 2004 ©Bill Morrison
You are cordially invited to join the Rockabilly Hall of Fame's Yahoo Group Chat Room. There are not many sites on the Internet, where you can join in conversations with Legends of Rockabilly, today's artists and songwriters, producers, promoters, disc jockeys and hundreds of fans. If you enjoy the "Rockabilly Country News and Views," you will certainly enjoy the Rockabilly group site. We have members from all over the world. Why not join us; we'd love to have you. Click to subscribe.
"June"
Dolly Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee on 6/1/ 1964.
Helen Carter, age 70, died in Nashville, Tennessee on 6/2/ 1998. She was the daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter, and sister of June Carter Cash.
Hank Williams gave his last performance on the Louisiana Hayride, prior to moving to Nashville on 6/3/1949.
Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, performed together for the last time, on the Grand Ole Opry on 6/4/ 1974.
The Grand Ole Opry moved for the fourth time in nine years, leaving the "War Memorial Auditorium" for the "Ryman Auditorium," on 6/5/ 1943. The Opry remained at the "Mother Church of Country Music," for the next thirty-one years.
Grant Turner debuted as a WSM announcer on D-Day, June 6, 1944. His career at WSM, and the Opry, led to Turner being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Johnny Cash Show made its television debut on 6/7/1969. The show was filmed each week at the Ryman Auditorium.
Anne Murray and husband Bill Langstroth, legally separated, after 23 years of marriage on 6/8/1998.
Stoney Cooper and Wilma Lee Leary married on 6/9/1941.
Buddy Holly released "That'll Be The Day," on 6/10/1957.
Hank Williams debuted as a guest, on the Grand Ole Opry on 6/11/1949. He sang "Lovesick Blues" and received six encores.
Charlie Feathers, Rockabilly singer-songwriter, born Holly Myrtle, Mississippi on 6/12/1932. Member RHOF.
Jerry Lee Lewis was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 6/13/1989.
Patsy Cline was seriously injured in a car wreck on 6/14/1961.
Waylon Jennings born Littlefield, Texas on 6/15/1937.
Hank and Audrey Williams, held the Grand Opening of there "Hank & Audrey's Corral," western store, in downtown Nashville on 6/16/1951.
Minnie Pearl suffered a serious stroke on 6/17/ 1991, and spent the remaining years of her life in a nursing home in Nashville.
Hank Williams made his second appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, this time on the NBC network portion of the show, on 6/18/1949.
Lester Flatt born Overton County, Tennessee on 6/19/1914.
Chester Burton "Chet" Atkins, born Luttrell, Tennessee on 6/20/1924. Inducted CMHF 1973.
Johnny Cash released his first single "Hey Porter," on Sun Records on 6/21/1955.
The seating capacity of the Ryman Auditorium was increased, with the construction of the balcony on 6/22/1897. The extra space was needed for an upcoming Confederate Veterans convention.
At the invitation of Pete Drake, Ringo Starr of the Beatles arrived in Nashville to cut a solo country album on 6/23/1970. The session included Drake, Jerry Reed, Charlie Daniels, and The Jordanaires. "Beaucoups of Blues," was released before the end of the year.
Garth Brooks debuted on the Grand Ole Opry on 6/24/1989.
Jenifer Strait, age 13, daughter of George and Norma Strait, died in a car wreck on 6/25/1986.
Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's 50% manager, born Breda, Netherlands on 6/26/1909.
Wanda Jackson released "Let's Have A Party," on 6/27/1960.
Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens were married on 6/28/1965.
George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," went to #1 on 6/29/1980.
R. W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles, of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, were killed in a plane crash in Clanton, Alabama on 6/30/1954.
There are 326 additional entries on Bill Morrison's "June" calendar. Check out the complete "On This Day In Music History Calendar" at: www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html.
RCNV Spotlight:
Priscilla Presley
Maiden name: Priscilla Ann Beaulieu
Nickname: Cilla
Born: May 24, 1945
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Parents: Paul and Ann Beaulieu (her birth father James Wagner was killed in a plane crash shortly after her birth)
Eye color: pale blue
Height: 5'4"
Relationships:
Elvis Presley, 1959-1972, married on May 1, 1967 and divorced on Oct. 9, 1973
Mike Stone, 1972-1975
Michael Edwards, 1978-1985 (on and off)
Marco Garibaldi, 1985-present
Children:
Lisa Marie Presley, born Feb. 1, 1968
Navarone Garibaldi, born Mar. 1, 1987
Career: TV & Film Actress:
*Jenna Wade in Dallas TV Series, (CBS 1983-1988)
*Jane Spencer in The Naked Gun Trilogy
*Memorable TV guest appearances in Melrose Place, Touched By an Angel, and Spin City Entrepreneur & Business Woman
*The director of the board of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc since November 2000
*Executor of Elvis Presley Estate and president of Elvis Presley Enterprises, 1979-1998. She took an estate with a market value of $3 million and virtually no income and built an enterprise with yearly revenues of an estimated $75 million and an estimated value of $250 million *The developer of an international fragrance line since 1988. Her fragrance line including Moments, Experiences, Indian Summer, and Roses and More. Moments was worth $90 million a year in 1996
Author
Author of the international #1 best-seller Elvis and Me which was translated into over 14 different languages. It's one of the best-selling books in the 80's
Producer
*Producer of the highly acclaimed ABC weekly dramatic series Elvis
*Producer of the top-rated TV movie Elvis and Me
Trivia:
*Received a honorary degree (doctor of humanities) from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN (1998)
Made an uncredited cameo in Austin Powers International Man of Mystery. (1997)
*Chosen by People Magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world (1992)
*Turned down the part for Stacey Sutton (bond girl) in A View to a Kill (1985)
*Turned down the part as one of Charlie's Angels in TV-Series Charlie's Angels (1979)
*Became a member of Church of Scientology in 1979
*A successful boutique owner in 73-76, clients included Natalie Wood, Barbra Streisand and Cher.
What's Happening?
Rockabilly Bar-B-Que: June 12th, 2004 @ 8:00 PM Puckett's Farm Equipment, Charlotte, NC. 4 Bands-FREE bar-b-que. www.RockabillyBBQ.com.
Canada's Terri Clark will be become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on June 12th.
The International Fan Club Organization (IFCO) has announced one of the headliners for its annual show: Tracy Byrd. For the past few years, the IFCO show, in its 37th year, has become known as the kick-off to Fan Fair, now known as the Country Music Association (CMA) Music Fest. Country music historian and critic Robert K. Oermann will host the event, which will be held on Tuesday, June 8th at 7:30 P.M. at the Ryman Auditorium.
Bill Anderson and Donna Fargo are scheduled to appear at Fan Fair June 10th thru 13th in Nashville, Tennessee.
This year's Superstar Spectacular, a benefit for the Opry Trust Fund, should be one of the hottest tickets in Nashville during the week formerly known as Fan Fair. Artists set to perform at this year's show include Bill Anderson, Tracy Byrd, Vince Gill, Jack Greene, Buddy Jewell, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, and Steve Wariner. This year's event will take place at the Ryman Auditorium on June 10th at 11:00 P.M.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson will again host and headline this year's City Lights Festival in Commerce, Georgia. The event will take place June 17-18, 2004, and is named for the Ray Price classic "City Lights." Anderson wrote the tune while he was a disc jockey in Commerce. Darryl Worley, Mel Tillis, Jack Greene, and Jan Howard will also perform at this year's festival.
Legendary BMI songwriter Hank Cochran will be pick'n some of your favorite tunes at the Nashville Songwriters Festival, 3 PM Saturday, June 19th on the BMI stage. His notable friends Red Lane and Mac Wiseman will accompany Hank. Cochran has penned dozens of country hits during the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, including "I Fall to Pieces" (Patsy Cline), "The Chair" (George Strait), "Don't Touch Me" (Jeannie Seely), "Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurtin' Me?" (Ray Price and Ronnie Milsap), "It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" (Merle Haggard), "Make the World Go Away" (Eddy Arnold), and "She's Got You" (Cline again). Cochran balanced music and lyric chores evenly when writing co-compositions with Nashville legends like Harlan Howard, Vern Gosdin, and Dean Dillon. An alphabetical listing of just a few of the artists who've recorded Hank Cochran's tunes reads like a musician's encyclopedia: Lynn Anderson, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins, Junior Brown, Jimmy Buffett, Tracy Byrd, Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, Bing Crosby, Don Gibson, Vern Gosdin, Ty Herndon, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Joe Henry, Harry James, Waylon Jennings, Tom Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dean Martin, Reba McEntire, Wayne Newton, Buck Owens, Elvis Presley, LeAnn Rimes, Linda Ronstadt, Nancy Sinatra, George Strait, Carla Thomas, Ernest Tubb, Lee Ann Womack.
Jett Williams and David Frizzell will perform together at a reunion show at the Corsicana, Texas High School Auditorium on June 25th at 7:00 PM. Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams toured together only once, for six days, in April 1951. Lefty's younger brother, David, who began his musical career touring with Lefty at age 16, and Hank's daughter, Jett, will take the stage together that night to honor the memory of the original concert.
Want to see country music legends Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, David Allan Coe, and Kris Kristofferson all in one concert? Head to Fort Worth for July 4th. Willie's famous Fourth of July Picnic will be held at the Fort Worth Stockyards this year and will include Haggard, Price, Coe, Kristofferson and a number of other artists. The day-long event will be held on a 27-acre concert field called the North Forty. About 25,000 people are expected to attend the show. Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic was first held in 1973 and has been held in other Texas locales such as Austin, and of course, Lukenbach.
Dwight Yoakam is one of the artists who will pay homage to alt-country legend Gram Parsons, during weekend concerts this summer at Santa Barbara Bowl on July 9th and at Los Angeles' Universal Amphitheatre on July 10th. The concerts will also feature Lucinda Williams, Norah Jones, Steve Earle, and Jim Lauderdale.
Emmylou Harris will kick off the "Sweet Harmony Traveling Revue" along with, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings in Atlanta, Georgia on August 11th. They will perform in at least 14 cities before winding up in Salt Lake City on August 29th.
Q. & A.
Judy N. writes with the following question:
Q. What country music star was shot outside a Nashville Motel in 1991?
A. Tracy Lawrence was returning a friend to her Motel room in Nashville, after a concert May 31, 1991. Tracy was shot four times in an apparent robbery attempt, in a Shoney's parking lot.
If you have a music related question you'd like to ask, send it to: BillMorrison2002@hotmail.com.
Before They Were Stars:
Johnny Darrell managed a Holiday Inn in Nashville.
John Denver worked as a draftsman in Los Angeles.
Steve Earle worked at a Car Wash.
Lefty Frizzell worked in the oil fields.
John Hartford was a deckhand on a Mississippi River Boat.
Carolyn Dawn Johnson worked as a waitress and bartender in Nashville.
Anita Kerr played piano in clubs and worked as a back-up session singer.
Jerry Lee Lewis was expelled from Southwestern Bible Institute in Waxahachie, Texas.
Charlie Louvin was a postal clerk in Memphis, Tennessee.
Kathy Mattea was a student at West Virginia University/Tour guide at Country Music Hall of Fame.
Charlie Pride played professional baseball in the Negro American League.
Bob Wills worked as a salesman, barber, and carpenter.
Stage Names (all genre's):
Irene Ethel Amburgey is Martha Carson.
Ernest Evans is Chubby Checker.
George Nowlan is Danny Davis.
Yvonne Vaughan is Donna Fargo.
Brenda Gail Webb is Crystal Gayle.
Harold Franklin Hawkins is Hawkshaw Hawkins.
Arnold George Dorsey is Engelbert Humperdink.
William Michael Albert Broad is Billy Idol.
Reginald Kenneth Dwight is Elton John.
Benjamin Earl Nelson is Ben E. King.
Alfredo Cocozza is Mario Lanza.
Love Michelle Harrison is Courtney Love.
RCNV News Flash:
Charley Pride underwent brain surgery to remove a subdural hematoma, at a Dallas hospital on May 8, 2004. He has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home. Pride will be sidelined between four and six weeks.
Bluegrass entertainer Jimmy Martin has reportedly been diagnosed with bladder cancer, and is taking radiation treatments. Cards and letters may be sent to: Jimmy Martin, P.O. Box 646, Hermitage, Tennessee 37076.
Merle Kilgore was hospitalized at Nashville's Saint Thomas Hospital on Thursday, May 13th, in Nashville after his L2 vertebrae collapsed. After further testing, a blocked heart artery was discovered. Kilgore was scheduled to have surgery for the blocked artery on Saturday, May 15th. During this procedure, it was learned that Kilgore would require quadruple bypass surgery. On May 19th quintuple bypass surgery was performed successfully, and Kilgore is recovering in the Cardiac Care Unit.
First, Willie Nelson was going to have surgery to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome in his hand. Then he wasn't. Turns out that he was--and already has. Nelson's daughter has confirmed that the country legend underwent surgery on Wednesday, May 19th. Doctors have informed Nelson that he can resume playing guitar after the incision has mended and he has completed physical therapy.
Did You Know?
He may be a country star, but Brad Paisley no longer calls Nashville home. He's loaded up the truck and moved to sunny southern California with his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Brad admits the move has taken some getting used to. "It's different," he says. "It's about figuring out your little cliques of people you want to be around." Brad adds that he's on the road more than at home anyway, and stresses that he's never far from Nashville. The newlyweds live in the Pacific Palisades area. "It actually reminds me a little of Franklin, Tennessee," says Brad. "It's a little community with its own mayor and a parade. It feels like a hometown."
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy will star in "Blue Collar TV," a series for the WB network that he created and is executive producer. The show will premiere this summer. Jeff's new album "Have Your Loved Ones Spayed or Neutered" will be released on July 6, 2004. Foxworthy received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award in 1995, and the film version of "The Blue Collar Comedy Tour" has sold more than a million copies.
The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 with a mission to support, promote, and enhance the advancement of the country music industry worldwide. The Academy, which is comprised of 3,000+ professional members and a newly established Associate Membership, is headquartered in Burbank, CA. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the Academy of Country Music, please visit www.acmcountry.com.
The Father of Country Music Jimmie Rodgers and chart newcomer Jeff Bates have at least one thing in common: the role of Mississippi in their lives. Rodgers was born outside Meridian, Mississippi, while Bates was taken in and raised by a Mississippi sharecropper. Bates was one of the performers at this year's Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival at the Lauderdale County Ag Center in Meridian on May 29th.
The fourth annual Country Music Critics Poll named Johnny Cash's "Hurt" the Best Single of 2003. Ninety music writers from North America and Europe choose the winners.
Priscilla Beaulieu, Elvis' future bride, was fifteen years old when she moved into Graceland with the Presley family.
Roy Orbison married Claudette Frady when she was fourteen years old.
Jerry Lee Lewis married his cousin Myra Gale when she was thirteen years old.
From The Wisdom Desk:
A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know" "You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing...I know my Master is there and that is enough."
May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
Links:
http://rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.htm - "Rockin' Country Style" by Terry E. Gordon
http://www.etrecordshop.com -Ernest Tubbs Record Shops
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html - Bill Morrison's Rockabilly HOF page
http://www.blueridgeopry.com/artists.html -World Rockabilly Coalition
http://www.clabranson.com -Country Legends Association
http://www.countryweekly.com -Country Music Magazine
http://www.liveradio.netv -Many Internet Radio Stations
http://www.musicreview.com -Music Industry Search Engine
http://www.radiohof.org -Radio Hall of Fame
http://www.stararchive.com -Links to the Stars
http://www.whodoesthatsong.com -Who sang that song?
http://www.wsmonline.com -WSM online
www.ifco.org/links.html -Fan Club Links
http://www.countryhall.com -Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/index.htm -Great Oldies Site
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html -Bill's On This Day In Music History Calendar
Volume 10
Posted April 25, 2004 ©Bill Morrison
This month's column, is dedicated to a great American Hero:
Pat Tillman
1976 2004
You are cordially invited to join the Rockabilly Hall of Fame's Yahoo Group Chat Room. There are not many sites on the Internet, where you can join in conversations with Legends of Rockabilly, today's artists and songwriters, producers, promoters, disc jockeys and hundreds of fans. If you enjoy the "Rockabilly Country News and Views," you will certainly enjoy the Rockabilly group site. We have members from all over the world. Why not join us; we'd love to have you. Click to subscribe
Vince Gill Blasts the Industry
Following Don Henley's comments recently about the music industry, Vince Gill has thrown his hat into the ring and come out with some equally strong comments, as reported in "The Nashville Business Journal."
"People in charge of the industry don't have a music background and are only interested in how much profit they can make," said Gill. "Music artists are a commodity to them and they are not very much concerned about good music. It is the songwriters, not the big stars, who are suffering, because of billions of downloads off the Internet, and they're having their legs cut out from under them. It's unethical to remove people's ability to make a living and support their families."
"MAY"
Elvis Presley Married Priscilla Beaulieu in Las Vegas, Nevada on 5/1/1967.
Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records in Memphis, signed Sonny Burgess to a recording contract, and recorded Sonny and his band The Pacers, on the same day 5/2/1956.
Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree celebrated its 50th Anniversary, with a street party in downtown Nashville on 5/3/1991.
Gene Vincent recorded "Be Bop A Lula," in Nashville, on 5/4/1956.
The Carter Family recorded their first sides for ARC on 5/5/1935.
The Academy of Country Music celebrated it 20th anniversary on 5/6/1985.
Edward Thomas "Eddie" Rabbitt, age 56, died from cancer on 5/7/1998.
Ricky Nelson born Teaneck, NJ on 5/8/ 1940.
Keith Whitley, age 33, died from alcohol poisoning in Goodlettsville, TN on 5/9/1989. At the time of his death, Keith had a blood alcohol content of 47%. In all states, .10% is considered the point of intoxication.
Johnny Cash appeared at Carnegie Hall on 5/10/1962.
The Everly Brothers debuted on the Grand Ole Opry on 5/11/1957.
Bob Montgomery, songwriter/producer, born Lampasas, Texas on 5/12/1937. Early in his career Bob teamed with Buddy Holly as "Buddy & Bob."
Bob Wills died on 5/13/1975. Inducted CMHF 1968. NSHF 1970. Texas CMHF 2000.
Tex Ritter recorded "High Noon," for the Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly movie of the same name, on 5/14/1952. High Noon became Ritter's signature song.
June Carter Cash, age 73, died in Baptist Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee on 5/15/2003.
George Strait debuted on the charts on 5/16/1981, with "Unwound."
Ralph Emery emceed four performances of a huge Country Music show held at Madison Square Garden on 5/17/1964. The show featured Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe, Webb Pierce, Bill Anderson, Stonewall Jackson, Skeeter Davis, Porter Wagoner and Leon McAuliffe. The show was a huge success.
"King George" Strait born Poteet, Texas on 5/18/1952.
nny Cash released "I Walk The Line,"/"Get Rhythm," on 5/19/1956.
Jack Cash, age 14, beloved brother of Johnny Cash, died after a chain saw accident on 5/20/1944.
Trisha Yearwood, and the Mavericks Robert Reynolds, were married at the Ryman Auditorium on 5/21/1994.
Susie Morrison Hill, songwriter, born Nashville, Tennessee on 5/22/1973.
Buddy Alan "Alvis Alan Owens," son of Buck & Bonnie Owens was born on 5/23/1948.
Rosanne Cash born Memphis, Tennessee on 5/24/1955.
Jessi Colter born "Mirriam Johnson," in Phoenix, Arizona on 5/25/1943. Married Duane Eddy and later, Waylon Jennings.
James Charles "Jimmie" Rodgers, age 35, died in his Hotel room in New York City, on 5/26/1933. Jimmie was known as "The Singing Brakeman," and was the first person to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Redd Stewart born Ashland City, Tennessee on 5/27/1921.
Sonny Burgess, Sun Records artist, born Newport, Arkansas on 5/28/1931.
Hank Williams and Audrey Williams divorced on 5/29/1952.
Ernie Ashworth's first top 10 single, "Each Moment," charted on 5/30/1960.
Johnny Paycheck born "Donald Eugene Lytle," Greenfield, Ohio on 5/31/1938. In his early career, he used the name "Donny Young," when he recorded.
There are 357 additional entries on Bill Morrison's "May" calendar. Check out the complete "On This Day In Music History Calendar" at: www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html.
What's Happening?
"Rockabilly Hall Road Band" will play at the Kentucky Derby's Winner's Circle BBB Bash, at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 1st. Show time is 730 P.M.
The Academy of Country Music Awards Show will air live on CBS on May 26th. This year's show will be held in Las Vegas.
Merle Haggard's Houseboat is for sale. The country music legend lived on this boat for a period of five years. The asking price? $200,000.00. The boat can be found on Lake Shasta, in California.
The Nashville Tennessean recently reported that Jimmy Martin, known in country and bluegrass circles as the King of Bluegrass, has been diagnosed with cancer. The Bluegrass Hall of Fame member began radiation treatments on Monday, March 22, 2004. Send cards and letters to Jimmy Martin, P.O. Box 646, Hermitage, Tennessee 37076.
Brooks & Dunn sold out their March concert at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., with students, faculty and staff buying all the tickets before the on-sale date for the general public. They are the first country act to accomplish this feat.
The Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith and Shania Twain are among the 10 musicians who made the most money in 2003, according to Rolling Stone. The Chicks raked in $39.8 million to rank fourth on the list. Keith came in sixth, with $38.7 million, followed by Twain, in eighth place with $36.1 million. Other country artists in the Top 50 include Kenny Chesney ($21.9 million), Tim McGraw ($16.7 million) and Brooks & Dunn ($13.6 million). The Rolling Stones topped the list with $84.1 million, slightly ahead of Bruce Springsteen's $81.7 million. The Eagles nested in third place with $62.9 million.
According to CMT, several religious albums have climbed the country albums chart this week. Randy Travis's current album Worship & Faith has risen six spots this week to #29, while his 2002 album For God and Country climbed to #69.
NASHVILLE, TN - It's another career milestone for Arista Nashville superstar Alan Jackson as his latest single, the beautiful ballad, "Remember When," becomes his 31st #1 hit, topping the country airplay charts this week at both R&R and Billboard. As a songwriter, Jackson has penned 23 #1 singles, of which "Remember When" now becomes his 21st as a writer/artist.
Q. & A.
Reeneenky writes from Kentucky Lake with the following question.
Q.Did Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw get a divorce? I can't find any information on the Internet. If they didn't get a divorce, who does she have on her waiting list now?
A. Lorrie and Sammy are working things out. At last report they were back together, and seeing a marriage counselor. I'm almost certain everything will work out all right, maybe.
If you have a music related question you'd like to ask, send it to: BillMorrison2002@hotmail.com.
Special Event:
Plan now to attend the Rockabilly Reunion
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 2:00 p.m. til 9:00 p.m.
For ticket information contact: www.blueridgeopry.com/tickets.html
Before They Were Stars:
Lorianne Crook, worked for the Nashville Sounds baseball team.
Penny DeHaven, was a regular on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree (as Penny Star.)
Johnny Duncan, recorded at Petty Studios in Clovis, NM.
Jeff Foxworthy, computer engineer for IBM.
Tom T. Hall, worked in a garment factory, and as a disc jockey in Roanoke, VA.
Stan Hitchcock, served four years in the U. S. Navy.
Cledus T. Judd, licensed barber.
Red Lane, sharecropper.
Dickey Lee, discovered by Dewey Phillips, recorded for SUN Records.
Mila Mason, demo singer/extra in Music Videos.
Joe Nichols, worked for UPS loading trucks/door to door salesman/bartender.
Tex Ritter, dishwasher/life insurance salesman.
Stage Names:
Erastus Michael Bailey, Razzy Bailey
Beecher Ray Kirby, Bashful Brother Oswald
Paul Renne Belobersycky, Paul Brandt
John Bush Shin III, Johnny Bush
Lucille Overstake, Jenny Lou Carson
Ray Charles Robinson, Ray Charles
Marion Ty Slaughter, Vernon Dalhart
Clarence Albert Poindexter, Al Dexter
Leon Everette Baughman, Leon Everette
Arnim Leroy Fox, Curly Fox
Roberta Lee Streeter, Bobbie Gentry
Audrey Faith Perry, Faith Hill
RCNV News Flash:
Canadian Rockabilly Legend Ray Condo died on April 15, 2004. Ray was born on May 16, 1954, in Hull, Quebec, Canada.
Dave Kirby, age 65, singer/songwriter/guitar session player, died in Branson, Missouri on April 17, 2004. Dave was married to country singer Leona Williams. Funeral services for Anna Carter Gordon Davis were held on March 9th. She was the widow of former Louisiana Governor - and music legend - Jimmie Davis, and was also one of the original members of the Chuck Wagon Gang. Mrs. Davis had been recording since 1936 and was in her late 80's. She was buried in Mount Olive Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas.
Several country legends passed away during March. Charlie Bailey, age 88, one-half of the Bailey Brothers, died around the middle of the month. His brother Danny, age 84, the other half of the duo, passed away March 22nd, in Knoxville. Patsy Barnes, the widow of songwriting legend Max D. Barnes, also passed away last week. Mrs. Barnes was a songwriter as well as a vocalist. Max D. Barnes co-wrote "Look at Us" as a tribute to her.
Ricky Skaggs was recently inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Other 2004 inductees included J.D. Crowe, the Coon Creek Girls, and Howard and Vestal Goodman. These inductees join a roster of legends that includes Red Foley, Tom T. Hall, Grandpa Jones, Bradley Kincaid, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, and Merle Travis.
Buddy Jewell's debut CD has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of over 500,000 units. The CD was released July 1st last year. Along with Josh Turner, Jewell, a fan favorite, was one of the top-selling new country artists in 2003.
Terri Clark was recently offered a chance to pose for the cover of the May music issue of Playboy. She turned it down. Her reason? It wouldn't fit in well with her image. Terri's additional comment: "As Playboys go, I've always been more partial to Bob Wills' band."
Tanya Tucker recently broke her collarbone in two places during a horse-riding accident. While riding with teenaged daughter Presley, Tucker's horse began bucking and running toward a line of trees. Tucker sustained the injury when she jumped to the ground. Tanya is recuperating at home.
Did You Know?
Country Legends Association moves closer to relocating to Fort Worth, Texas.
The CLA announced that plans for the new home for Country Music in Fort Worth, Texas is well underway. Frank Dell and business manager Mike Kraemer were in Fort Worth recently working on plans and inspecting location sites to office the CLA in the first phase of the move.
A meeting will take place within the next few weeks to lock in the extensive plans. Dell says this move will be the last for the CLA. The Country/Cowboy roots and the many tourist activities Fort Worth has to offer is reason enough to make this prestigious move. Country Music has needed a new home for years. The tourists and fans want to see Country Music get back to its roots. It has been said this is where it started in the first place. Dell said "we will fulfill this dream and bring it to reality. I'm overwhelmed and humbled by the city and business community."
Dell was interviewed on Bill Mack's Open Road Interstate 171! Radio Show, XM radio, proclaiming Fort Worth the New Home for Country Music. Mack is one of the most influential people in Country Music, and has been involved with the CLA since its beginnings. CLASS in Country Music is on its way.
Entertainment Lone Star USA features the Legends of Country Music; the ones who made Country Music ("The Music America Loves"). Frank Dell, president and founder of the CLA, hosts the show and extracts can be heard on XM Satellite radio country channels. According to surveys conducted by the CLA there is a large market for Original Country Music, which has been ignored for years by the industry. Fans young and old are rising up in what we call Fan-Demand. These fans want to be counted and have their voices heard.
You can count on the Country Legends Association to do what others have failed to do by being fair and loyal to the fans and industry talent who have paid their dues in the art form of Country Music.
Fans and artists can join the Country Legends Association at: www.clabranson.com
From The Wisdom Desk:
America has a new theology, which has cast out God entirely. It is the doctrine of man, and not that of the everlasting God. When God is removed from classrooms, courtrooms, and living rooms, Satan immediately enters in. He whispers in the ears of the unsuspecting: "Alternative life styles aren't really sin." "The mutilation and murder of unborn children in the mother's womb is every woman's right." "There is no Hell, the Bible is a lie." Europe adopted this theology many decades ago. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. However, that is exactly where America is going. Are you ready?
Links:
http://rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.htm "Rockin' Country Style" by Terry E. Gordon
http://www.etrecordshop.com Ernest Tubbs Record Shops
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html Bill Morrison's Rockabilly HOF page
http://www.blueridgeopry.com/artists.html World Rockabilly Coalition
http://www.clabranson.comCountry Legends Association
http://www.countryweekly.com Country Music Magazine
http://www.liveradio.netv Many Internet Radio Stations
http://www.musicreview.com Music Industry Search Engine
http://www.radiohof.org Radio Hall of Fame
http://www.stararchive.com Links to the Stars
http://www.whodoesthatsong.comWho sang that song?
http://www.wsmonline.com WSM online
www.ifco.org/links.html Fan Club Links
http://www.countryhall.com Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/index.html Great Oldies Site
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html Bill's On This Day In Music History Calendar
In Loving Memory of Redd Stewart
www.reddstewart.com
Volume 9 - April
Posted March 27, 2004 ©Bill Morrison
You are cordially invited to join the Rockabilly Hall of Fame's Yahoo Group Chat Room. There are not many sites on the Internet, where you can join in conversations with Legends of Rockabilly, today's artists and songwriters, producers, promoters, disc jockeys and hundreds of fans. If you enjoy the "Rockabilly Country News and Views," you will certainly enjoy the Rockabilly group site. We have members from all over the world. Why not join us; we'd love to have you.
Click to subscribe
April
Liberty Records was established in Hollywood, CA on 4/1/1942. Two months later they changed their name to "Capitol Records."
Johnny Cash recorded "Get Rhythm" & "I Walk The Line" on 4/2//1956.
Elvis Presley appeared on "The Milton Berle Show" on 4/3/1956.
The Everly Brothers released "Cathy's Clown," on 4/4/1960.
The Jamboree USA radio show celebrated its 70th anniversary on 4/5/2003. The celebration aired on WWVA, Wheeling, WV.
Merle Haggard, born Bakersfield, CA on 4/6/1937.
Marty Robbins recorded the #1 country song "El Paso," on 4/7/1959.
Lisa Marie Presley released her album "To Whom It May Concern,' on 4/8/2003.
Carl Perkins was born in rural Tiptonville, TN on 4/9/1932.
Ricky Nelson debuted his singing career on "Ozzie and Harriet," his parents network television show on 4/10/1957.
Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin, appeared on stage at The Ryman Auditorium during a World War I Bond Drive on 4/11/1918.
Fan Fair debuted in Nashville in 1972, the 12th through the 15th.
Johnny Horton released "The Battle of New Orleans," / "All For The Love of a Girl," 4/13/1959.
History was made at the Opry on 4/14/1945, when a trumpet was played on the show for the first time. Taps was played to honor President Franklin Roosevelt, who died two days earlier.
Bob Luman born Nacogdoches, TX on 4/15/1937.
Bobby Vinton was born on 4/16/1935.
Eddie Cochran, age21, died on 4/17/ 1960. Eddie has been inducted into the R&RHF & Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Buck Owens recorded "Save The Last Dance For Me" on 4/18/1962.
Crystal Gayle, Dottie West, Debby Boone, Emmylou Harris, and Tammy Wynette, occupied the top five positions on Billboard's country charts on 4/19/1980. It was the first time women held all five spots.
Dolly Parton, age 13, released her first single "Puppy Love," on 4/20/1959.
Bob Luman released "Big River Rose," on 4/21/1962.
Glen Campbell, "The Rhinestone Cowboy," born Delight, AR on 4/22/1936.
Roy Orbison was born in Vernon, TX on 4/23/1936.
Eldon Shamblin, guitarist/arranger, "Texas Playboys," was born in Weatherford, OK 4/24/1916.
Willie Nelson performed for Jimmy Carter at the White House, on 4/25/1978.
Duane Eddy was born in Corning, NY on 4/26/1938.
Waylon Jennings' first #1 single "This Time," charted on 4/27/1974.
Ken Curtis, age 74, "Sons Of The Pioneers," and "Gun smoke," died Fresno, CA on 4/28/1991.
Bill Carlisle and his group won the "Arthur Godfrey Talent Search," on 4/29/1957.
Chicago's WLS "National Barn Dance," aired its final show on 4/30/1960. The show ran for over Sixteen years, and was broadcast from coast to coast, over the NBC radio network.
There are 289 additional entries on Bill Morrison's "April" calendar. Check out the complete "On This Day In Music History Calendar" at: www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html.
Skaggs Speaks Out
Ricky Skaggs has spoken out about RCA executive Joe Galante's recent comments about the Grammys. Galante said in a recent Billboard article that he thinks that the Grammys ignore mainstream country stars. According to the Tennessean, Skaggs called the comment "disappointing" and noted, "Shame on whomever thinks artists like myself, Ray Benson, Lyle Lovett, and June Carter Cash ‹ all recent GRAMMY nominees who received virtually no major country radio or video airplay ‹ 'misrepresent what is popular' in country music. 'Thank goodness that the Grammy remains the one award that the Music Row execs and major Country radio programmers can't always control ‹ and thanks to the many NARAS members who continually vote for music based on the excellence of the recording, instead of what's getting airplay and chart position.'' Skaggs received an award at the Grammys last month for his bluegrass hit "A Simple Life."
What's Happening?
Huge Rockabilly Reunion show is planned for Fayetteville, North Carolina on May 22, 2004. Check out the Rockabilly legends, and guest stars at: www.blueridgeopry.com/tickets.html. Don't miss this show friends, it's going to be a dandy.
The Country Music Association (CMA) has hired Hank Adam Locklin, the son of country legend Hank Locklin. Hank is now the Senior Manager of Membership and Industry Relations. In the past, he has worked with his famous father and with Bluewater Music and Loretta Lynn Enterprises. He began working with the CMA on February 17th.
The Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy will present their first annual Hero's Awards, on Tuesday April 13, 2004 at 7:30 PM. The show will be held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 225 North Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Those to be honored are Scotty Moore, D. J. Fontana, Ike Turner, and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. Tickets went on sale March 1, 2004. For information call 901-525-1340. E-mail: Memphis@grammy.com.
Celebrating a classic, the Nashville Superspeedway will host "Mustang 40th Anniversary" April 15-18. Charlie Daniels will perform.
This years CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards, will be held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, on April 21, 2004. Dolly Parton will be your host. Live performances by Shania Twain, Dolly, Sheryl Crow, and Alison Krauss & Union Station have been announced.
Brad Paisley will become the first artist to run in Nashville's Country Music Marathon and perform at it on the same day. The event will be held April 24th in Nashville. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 12th. Each year, this marathon attracts 15,000 runners and 100,000 spectators. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The 35th Annual Dove Awards will be presented at Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center on April 28th.
Apr. 29 - May 4 MerleFest, Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Q. & A.
Myra M. from Helmet, California wrote:
Q. Do you know a good booking agency in the California area, for a super great country Singer?
A. The William Morris Agency was the best of the best a few years ago. You may contact them at: www.wma.com and/or 151 El Camino Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. 310- 859-4000.
Myra, good luck to you and Richard, thanks for your question. If you have a music related question, e-mail it to BillMorrison2002@hotmail.com.
D.J. & Radio Station of the Month:
We're proud to introduce to our readers, Gracie Muldoon, of WOBO 88.7 FM, in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. Gracie is talented, and her good looks are more suited to Television than Radio, but radio is Gracie's venue. "Muldoon Til Noon" is the people's choice. Well done Gracie Muldoon.
Welcome to Muldoon Til Noon every Friday morning starting at 8am. Tune your dial to WOBO 88.7 fm in Kentucky. Listen in the car, home, truck or on the job! You'll hear a wonderful variety of bluegrass and classic country (real country) brought to you by your host Colonel Gracie J. Muldoon. Gracie is a real personality, with lots of laughs, spirit, and charm. You'll be swept away by her crazy laughter and hillbilly hollar. "Not bad for a city girl from Newport!" There's a good time to be had by all. From those as mature as 5 and as young as 95! Whether you are a country fan or bluegrass plucker, you'll find plenty of music you love right here on WOBO 88.7 fm. - www.muldoontilnoon.com.
Note to Gracie: There is a Bluegrass singer/songwriter/studio musician, in Nashville by the name of Randy Kohrs that you must meet. He recently left Dolly Parton's road show to start a solo career for himself. Randy still plays Dobro, and sings harmony when Dolly records in Nashville, but you must hear this young man sing. I will see to it that you receive one of his CD's. Randy Kohrs is already a star in Nashville, and I know after the listeners at WOBO hear him, Randy will be a star in Kentucky too.
Songwriter's Spotlight
It all begins with a song ...
JOHN BARLOW JARVIS
The release of the new John Barlow Jarvis CD "View From a Southern Porch" marks the latest step in a musical journey TIME magazine describes approvingly as, "traveling without a map."
In "Southern Porch", John's 6th solo recording, his dazzling piano technique blurs the lines between stride, celtic, jazz, country, classical, and even bluegrass music, all the while showcased inside original musical compositions reminiscent of Randy Newman, Floyd Cramer, and Fats Waller.
John Barlow Jarvis's musical journey began in 1968 in Southern California at the age of 14, when, after winning numerous classical competition awards, he was signed as a staff songwriter and studio musician at Edwin H. Morris Music. By the age of 18 John was already playing piano on hits by such artists as Ringo Starr, Diana Ross, Leo Sayer, John Mellancamp, The Miracles, Art Garfunkel, Stephen Bishop (a fellow E.H. Morris writer) and many others.
In 1974, at the age of 20, John joined the Rod Stewart Band, where his honky tonk licks can still be heard on such classics as "Hot Legs", "Tonight's the Night" and "You're in My Heart". In addition to touring with Stewart, John continued to be one of the most in demand recording musicians in Hollywood up until 1982, when he decided to move his family to Nashville, Tennessee.
In Nashville John simply picked up where he left off. For the last 20 years, he has continued to hold his place at the very pinnacle of studio musicians, playing with virtually all the artists who led the country music explosion of the late 1980's and early 1990's. His studio credits range from Vince Gill to Brooks and Dunn, from Faith Hill to Shania Twain, and from George Strait to Reba McEntire. That's John's wild honky tonk piano intro on the Hank Williams Jr. Monday Night Football show, and it's also John's heartbreakingly minimalist piano on the Mary Chapin Carpenter classic "I Am a Town."
In addition to his studio work, John has somehow found time to keep writing songs. The results have been 2 Grammies, both for song of the year, for his compositions "I Still Believe in You", recorded by Vince Gill, and "Love Can Build a Bridge", recorded by the Judds. His composition "The Flame" was sung by Trisha Yearwood at the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics. He has won both the CMA and ACM awards for his writing, and has been nominated for an Emmy.
In 1985, John was approached by MCA to be a flagship artist on the new "Master Series" label. His first 5 CD's, from 1985-1993, were universally acclaimed and all of them reached the top 10 in the new jazz category. PEOPLE magazine has called "So Far So Good" "the best solo piano since Keith Jarrett". TIME magazine picked "Whatever Works" as one of the 10 best record releases in ANY category for 1989. CBS news spotlighted John on their New Year's Eve broadcast of 1989.
It was at the urging of friends like violin virtuoso Mark O'Connor and Universal South Records President Tony Brown that John decided after a 10-year hiatus to once more return to the studio and play his OWN music. The results can best be described as a homecoming, and a celebration of friends. With guests Aubrey Haynie, Brian Sutton, Eddie Bayers, Mike Henderson, and David Hungate. "View From a Southern Porch" has a warmth, an organic energy, and a joy that can only come from people who love to play music for music's sake, friends who, like John Barlow Jarvis", lead with the heart and continue to "travel without a map" as they join him along his musical journey.
Here is a partial list of John Barlow Jarvis' songwriting credits:
SONG / ARTIST / AWARD
"I Still Believe in You"/ Vince Gill/ 1992 Grammy Song of the Year
"Love Can Build a Bridge"/ The Judds/ 1991 Grammy Song of the Year
"The Flame"/ Trisha Yearwood / 1996 Olympics Closing Song
"The Flower That Shattered the Stone"/John Denver/ Emmy Nomination
"Small Town Girl"/ Steve Wariner/ #1 Country Song
"Julia"/ Conway Twitty/ #1 Country Song
"Working Without a Net"/ Waylon Jennings/ Top 10 Country Song
"I Wish I Was Still in Your Dreams" / Conway Twitty/ Top 10 Country Song
"Guardian Angels"/ The Judds/ Top 10 Country Song
"Hard Headed Woman"/ Mark Collie/ Top 20 Country Song
"When It All Goes South"/ Alabama/ Top 20 Country Song
Life's Too Long to Live Like This"/ Ricky Skaggs/ Top 20 Country Song
"Crash Course In The Blues"/ Steve Wariner / Top 20 Country Song
"The Greatest Gift of All"/ Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton / Million selling CD
"Born and Raised in Black and White"/ Brooks and Dunn / Million selling CD
"Battle of the Dragon"/ Stevie Nicks / Million selling CD
"River of Time"/ The Judds/ Million selling CD
"Cadillac Red"/ The Judds/Million selling CD
"If There's Anything I Can Do" / Vince Gill/ Million selling CD
"One Bright Star" / Vince Gill / Million selling CD
"Till the Season Comes Round Again/Amy Grant/Million selling CD
I told John that I would write a review of his CD, and include it with this piece. However, I have decided that reviewing the creative work of other artists and writers is not something I want to do. I will tell you thisŠ "View From A Southern Porch" is a marvelous album. JBJ sent me an autographed copy, that I treasure, and I have played it a dozen times in the last week. You can get your copy by visiting John's web page. The link to that page can be found at the bottom of this page.
Before They Were Stars:
Sara Evans - waitress at a Nashville Holiday Inn.
Tommy Collins - "Leonard Raymond Sipes," worked as a D. J.
Billy Dean - played in his father's band "The Country Rocks."
Billy Grammer - served in the U. S. Army during World War II.
Jan Howard -waitress and demo singer.
Sammy Kershaw - worked for the Wal-Mart Corporation doing construction work.
Mindy McCready- receptionist in Nashville.
Ricky Nelson - radio and television actor.
Don Schlitz - computer operator at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
T.G Shepard - back-up singer.
Mel Street - construction laborer.
Aaron Tippin - truck driver, mechanic.
Stage Names: (Movies)
Nicholas Adamshock - Nick Adams
Eunice Quedens - Eve Arden
Anne Italiano - Anne Bancroft
Benjamin Kubelsky - Jack Benny
Maurice Joseph Micklewhite - Michael Cain
Lily Chauhoin - Claudette Colbert
Alexandra Zuck - Sandra Dee
Marilyn Louis - Rhonda Fleming
James Scott Bumgarner - James Garner
Phyllis Isley - Jennifer Jones
Tadeus Wladyslaw Knopka - Ted Knight
Harold Lipshitz - Hal Linden
RCNV News Flash:
Patsy Montana's husband, Paul Edward Rose, age 90, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at his home in Florence, Alabama. Patsy and Paul were married for 61 years. Patsy Montana died in May of 1996.
Redd Stewart is the newest inductee into the Traditional Country Hall of Fame. The formal induction will include a jam session and a festival. This year's festival will be held at the Olive Branch City Park in Olive Branch, Mississippi, on Saturday, September 18, 2004. For additional information click here: www.reddstewart.com/festival/index.html.
Waylon Jennings widow Jessi Coulter, and son Shooter have recorded a duet to be included in an album of songs inspired by the film "The Passion Of The Christ." The album is scheduled for release on April 6th.
The Country Music Association has announced the 2004 CMA Awards will be aired on Tuesday, November 9th. This may be the last year that Nashville will be hosting the show, as the CMA wants to move the ceremony to New York City. Considering the style and quality of what we hear on "Country Radio" these days, I believe the move to NYC is long overdue. Let's hope they take Music Row, and CMT with them. Vince Gill has told the CMA he will not host the program this year.
Sonny Osborne, of the Osborne Brothers, returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on February 13th. Sonny had shoulder surgery last December, and has been recovering since that time.
Did You Know?:
The Grand Ole Opry recently hired a musical director and an audio engineer for "Grand Ole Opry Live," which is broadcast on the Great American Country cable network. If you haven't tuned in to the Opry since GAC has been airing the show, you really should do so. GAC does a much better job than CMT did. GAC actually treats the Grand Ole Opry with the respect that it has earned over the past 75 years. CMT wouldn't know a real country music song if someone hit them over the head with itŠwhat a great idea!
March 16, 1974, with the President and First Lady of the United States in attendance, the first show at the New Grand Ole Opry House was presented to the world. Thirteen large dressing rooms were used for the first time. Dressing Room #1, permanently assigned to Roy Acuff, displayed a small plaque on the door. The plaque, hung on the door by Mr. Acuff statedŠ. "Ain't nothin' gonna come up today that me and the Lord can't handle."
Roy Acuff appeared in 8 movies between 1940 and 1948.
Kenny Rogers: has had 20 #1 songs on Billboard Charts/grew up in a federal public housing project in Houston, TX/played bass in his early career/member of the "New Christy Minstrels' folk group/one of the founding members of "The First Edition"/won 3 Grammy's, 11 Peoples Choice awards, 5 CMA awards and 8 ACM awards.
At age seventeen, Hank Williams got his first radio-singing job on WSFA in Montgomery, AL. He was fired 18 months later because of his heavy drinking.
Hank Williams quit school when he was nineteen years old. He was in the ninth grade.
In 1983, Audrey Williams children, Lycrecia and Hank Jr., had her body exhumed and reburied next to Hank Sr. The graves are marked by matching monuments in a location that looks down on the city of Montgomery, Alabama.
Opry member Mike Snider became a star as a result of appearing on Ralph Emery's "Nashville Now," over one hundred times.
Mike Snider refers to his wife "Sweetie," in every performance. Her real name is "Sabrina."
The "Sons of the Pioneers" were founded by Roy Rogers, in 1933, and were originally called the "Pioneer Trio."
For twenty-five consecutive years, The National Barn Dance performed two sold-out shows per week for 1,200 people per show. At a time when movie tickets cost ten cents, Barn Dance tickets sold for ninety-cents, and reservations were made seven months in advance.
Floyd Tillman was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame ŒNSHF' in 1980 and the CMHF in 1984.
Toby Keith's album "Shock'n Y'All" sold over 585,000 copies the first week out.
Ferlin Husky recorded his first record using the name Terry Preston.
Only Elvis Presley has more platinum records than George Strait.
Waylon and Willie's album "The Outlaws," became Country Music's first million selling album in 1976.
Ferlin Husky served in the Merchant Marines during WWII.
Parley Drew Hardman, who planned to kill Travis Tritt, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison in 2003.
The Nashville building that once housed Waylon Jennings' business office has been sold. Jennings purchased the Music Row building for $125,000 in 1976. It was purchased by the new corporation KAR for $662,000. In the coming months, Jennings' publishing and merchandising operations will move to Phoenix. His widow Jessi Colter lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Glen Sherley served fourteen years in prison before Johnny Cash helped with his parole.
At the present time, there are twenty-four living members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The CMA has honored a grand total of ninety inductee's. This number includes individual artists, duos and groups.
From The Wisdom Desk:
Thank you Mel Gibson. Now the whole world knows how much God loves us, and how much Jesus had to suffer, before he died for our sins. I am so very gratefulŠhow about you my friend?
Links:
http://rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.htm "Rockin' Country Style" by Terry E. Gordon
http://www.etrecordshop.com Ernest Tubbs Record Shops
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html Bill Morrison's Rockabilly HOF page
http://www.blueridgeopry.com/artists.html World Rockabilly Coalition
http://www.clabranson.com Country Legends Association
http://www.countryweekly.com Country Music Magazine
http://www.liveradio.netv Many Internet Radio Stations
http://www.musicreview.com Music Industry Search Engine
http://www.radiohof.org Radio Hall of Fame
http://www.johnbarlowjarvis Singer/songwriter/session musician
http://www.stararchive.com Links to the Stars
http://www.whodoesthatsong.com Who sang that song?
http://www.wsmonline.com WSM online
http://www.countryhall.com Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html Bill's On This Day In Music History Calendar
Volume 8
Posted February 23, 2004 ©Bill Morrison
Associated Press Reports Country Music Not Selling
The Associated Press has reported that sales of country music CD's declined 10% in 2003. This is a much sharper decline than the overall industry decline of less than 1%. Country Music Association (CMA) Executive Director Ed Benson blames the slump on the lack of new releases from blockbuster acts in 2003. Ed, that is laughable! Bill Morrison blames the slump on the pathetic decisions that have been made on Music Row for the past two decades. I'm talking about the concerted effort to destroy Traditional Country Music. How long did they think they could market that phony crap, call it country music, and continue to sell large numbers of units? Naturally the kids buy it, but they have never been able to sell Teeny-bopper Pop, to Country Music's older fans, and they never will. Of course there are co-conspirators, and they are the pretenders who call themselves "Country Music Radio." Ed, you can fool the young people in America, but the old folks know what's going on in Cashville. Country music doesn't live there anymore. (Ed Benson is the genius that told a Tennessean reporter that "The older fans are going to have to learn to adjust, but there's not any going back.") At Ed Benson's CMA Awards Show in 2003, Carl Smith was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Ed Benson's CMA did not allow Carl to go to the stage and thank his many fans ... he was made to stand in front of his seat, and wave to the audience. Rascal Flatts members were all allowed on stage, and each one of them were allowed to mumble something memorable, I'm sure you can recall exactly what they said. Carl Smith should have been inducted many years ago, but he is much "Too Country," for the Nashville of today. Mr. Benson, there is no legal way to express the rage, that can be found in the hearts of Traditional County Music fans. Texas, speed-up your preparations and construction projects, the Traditional Country Music industry is headed your way.
Marvelous "March"
Hank and Audrey Williams recorded "Jesus, Remember Me," 3/1/1949.
Ronnie Haig, Rockabilly Hall of Fame inductee, born 3/21/1939.
Bob Timmers, founder of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame was born 3/8/1941.
Johnny Cash married June Carter in Franklin, KY 3/1/1968. Merle Kilgore was John's "Best Man."
Merle Haggard was granted a full pardon, by Gov. Ronald Reagan 3/1/1972.
Harlan Howard, age 74, died in Nashville 3/3/2002. Harlan was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Minnie Pearl died at age 83, in Nashville, TN 3/4/1996. Inducted Country Music Hall Of Fame 1975.
Bob Timmers founded the Rockabilly Hall of Fame 3/21/1997.
George Jones purchased a pint of vodka, and headed for his home near Nashville on March 6, 1999. A short distance from his home, he reached for a tape, while talking on his cell phone. George crashed into a concrete bridge. His heart stopped beating twice in the ambulance enroute to the hospital, and he spent the next eleven days in ICU, near death. George told CMT in an interview, that a short time prior to this accident, he had asked God to do to him, what ever it took to make him stop drinking. Be careful what you ask for ... God does answers prayers.
Scotty Moore inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 3/6/2000.
Patsy Cline, age 30, was killed in a plane crash near Camden, TN 3/5/1963. Patsy was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Elected CMHF 1973. Also killed in the crash were Cowboy Copas, age 49, Hawkshaw Hawkins, age 41, and Patsy's manager, Randy Hughes, age 34. Hughes was flying the plane, and was also Cowboy Copas' son-in-law. Mrs. Randy Hughes lost her father and her husband in the crash.
During a sixteen-month period ranging from March 5th, 1963 to July 31st, 1964 the Grand Ole Opry Family lost the following:
3/5/63 - Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hankins and Randy Hughes, died near Camden, Tenn. in a plane crash.
3/7/63 - Jack Anglin of "Johnny & Jack," was killed in a car wreck en route to Patsy Cline's funeral.
7/31/64 - Jim Reeves and Dean Manuel were killed in a plane crash near Nashville.
There are 295 additional entries on Bill Morrison's March calendar. Check out the complete "On This Day In Country Music Calendar" at: www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
What's Happening?
The Country Music Hall of Fame will present Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues 1945-1970. March 15-December 31, 2005.
An exciting evening of Rockabilly Music will be presented at Puckett's, in Leipers Fork, Tennessee on the evening of March 26th. A brand new group, the "Billy London Trio" is the talk of Hendersonville, after their debut appearance recently, when they opened for the band "Homer Denver." Country Music legend Don Helms plays steel guitar for "Homer Denver," and has nothing but good things to say about "The Billy London Trio." If Don Helms likes them, folks, that's good enough for me. See you at Puckett's, in Leipers Fork, on the 26th. Go Cat Go.
Rockabilly Hall of Fame member Ronnie Haig, recently announced the upcoming release of his new CD. For additional information contact: backporchpicker@aol.com
The Ryman Auditorium presents "Erykah Badu," March 17, 2004.
If you haven't joined the WRC "World Rockabilly Coalition," don't worry about it. Just go to: www.blueridgeopry.com, click on the WRC button, and give them your info. The coalition celebrates the roots of Rockabilly, while doing everything they can to promote its future. Why not give them a hand? It's all about the music.
Broadway in Nashville presents "The Producers," March 23 -April 4th at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nashville Star returns to the USA cable network on March 6th, at 10:00PM.
The Rockabilly Kid, Rory Justice, son of Crash Justice, has released his new CD, "The Rockabilly Kid." You can buy this highly regarded CD at www.TheRockabillyKid.com.
Tin Pan South A Songwriter's Festival will be held March 29 April 3rd at various nightclubs in Nashville.
The Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy will present their first annual Hero's Awards, on Tuesday April 13, 2004 at 7:30 PM. The show will be held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 225 North Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Those to be honored are Scotty Moore, D. J. Fontana, Ike Turner, and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. Tickets go on sale March 1, 2004. For information call 901-525-1340. E-mail: Memphis@grammy.com
Q. & A.
Eddy G. from Waco, Texas e-mailed the following:
Q. My dad told me that he played in your band, when you both lived in Corpus Christi, back in the 50's. He wants me to ask you, if you'd like to go back to Mexico and play the border towns again, and then he giggled. Would you answer his question, and then please tell me why he thought it was so funny?
A. No! And No!!!
Thanks a lot for your question(s) Eddy, I really enjoyed it. If you have a music related question, e-mail your question to: BillMorrison2002@hotmail.com. Keep Œem all positive folks; I'm too old to fight.
Confidential note to Betty Lou in Alabama: "Rockabilly" is not a derogatory term used to describe southern rock musicians. Get over it girl.
Songwriter's Spotlight
It all begins with a song ...
HARLAN HOWARD
Harlan Perry Howard was born in Detroit, Michigan, September 8, 1927. For many decades, the folks in Nashville have referred to Harlan as "The Dean of Country Songwriters." It is a well-deserved title. Harlan Howard died in Nashville, Tennessee March 3, 2002. But the fact of the matter is, as long as there is one singer of sad songs anywhere in the world, Harlan Howard will live on through the thousands of songs he left behind.
Here are a few examples of a Harlan Howard song: The Chokin' Kind * I Fall To Pieces (Co-writer Hank Cochran) * Heartaches By The Number * Why Not Me * Busted * I Won't Forget You * Pick Me Up On Your Way Down * I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today * Heartbreak USA * The Blizzard * When I Get Through With You * I Don't Know A Thing About Love * I've Got A Tiger By The Tail (Co-writer Buck Owens) * Life Turned Her That Way * Somebody Should Leave * Above And Beyond * She Called Me Baby * Mommy For A Day * Streets of Baltimore * Too Many Rivers * No Charge * Foolin' Around * Evil On Your Mind * You Comb Her Hair * You Took Her Off My Hands * Excuse Me I Think I've Got A Heartache * I Wish That I Could Fall In Love Today * Odds and Ends (Bits and Pieces) * Three Steps To The Phone * Under The Influence of Love * Don't Call Me From a Honky Tonk * Second Hand Rose * It's All Over * The Hurtin's All Over * Yours Love * She's a Little Bit Country * The Key's in the Mailbox * No Charge>br>
Who recorded Harlan Howard's songs? Johnny Cash * Ray Charles * John Conlee * Patsy Cline * Waylon Jennings * Joe Simon * Jack Reno * Ray Price * Guy Mitchell * The Judds * Jim Reeves * Kitty Wells * Charlie Walker * Bobby G. Rice * Warren Smith * Buck Owens * Conway Twitty * Rodney Crowell * Reba McEntire * Carl Smith * Charlie Rich * Mel Tillis * Ricky Van Shelton * Highway 101 * Brenda Lee * Forester Sisters * Bobby Bare * Melba Montgomery * George Jones * Jan Howard * Barbara Mandrell * George Hamilton IV * Johnny & Jonie Mosby * Roy Drusky * David Houston * Tammy Wynette * Dolly Parton * Porter Wagoner * Connie Smith * Freddie Hart * Tony Booth * and many more.
At last count, Harlan Howard has accumulated almost fifty BMI awards. 1961 was a banner year for Harlan, winning ten of these prestigious awards. Harlan was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973. The National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted Harlan in 1997. The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Harlan in 1997. This man helped several artists, and songwriters achieve their goals, and dreams over the years. He didn't brag about the things he did to help these people, but Harlan did make sure they remembered ... it all begins with a song.
Before They Were Stars:
Kenny Chesney - worked in telemarketing.
David Allan Coe - had spent the majority of his life incarcerated.
Ronnie Dove - worked in his uncle's grocery store.
Freddy Fender - worked as a mechanic.
Woody Guthrie - house painter in California.
Becky Hobbs - formed her first band, "The Four Faces of Eve," when she was 15 years old.
Sonny James - fought with the U. S. Army in the Korean War.
Sleepy LaBeef - professional wrestler and D. J.
Lyle Lovett - student at Texas A & M University.
Mickey Gilley - played Gospel music at the Ferriday Assembly of God Church, with his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis, and Jimmy Swaggart.
Stage Names: (all music genres)
Francis Avallone = Franky Avalon
Molly Beachboard = Molly Bee
Myrtle Eleanor Cooper = LuLu Belle (Lulu Belle & Scotty)
Charles Edward Anderson Berry = Chuck Berry
Hubert Cannon = Ace Cannon
Ernest Evans = Chubby Checker
Mirriam Johnson = Jessi Colter
Harry Lillis Crosby = Bing Crosby
Ellas Bates McDaniel = Bo Diddley
Fabiona Forte Bonaparte = Fabian
RCNV News Flash:
Friends report that Roy Drusky, age 73, is being treated for lung cancer, and Bonnie Owens, age 71, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Rockabilly music's top two fans, Nol and Wies Voorst of Maastricht, Netherlands, announced the birth of their newest grandchild on February 22, 2004. The parents Danny and Purdey named their beautiful female child "Willow." Congratulations to one of the finest families on the face of the earth.
Freddy Fender has undergone a second liver transplant. Fender, age 66, had tests last year that showed that he had cancerous spots on his liver. Doctors feared that a liver would not be found in time to save Fender's life, but on January 1st, Fender was notified that a liver had been found. Fender has had a number of health problems in recent years. Two years ago, he received a kidney transplant from his adopted daughter.
Former RCA Records executive Grelun Landon, age 80, who helped guide the careers of Elvis Presley and Waylon Jennings, died February 2, 2004 in Ojai, California. Landon was a trustee of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum from 1971 to 1989.
Chely Wright performed on "A Night for the Stars," on February 10th in The Hague, Netherlands. The show was an event benefiting Fulbright Scholars, an exchange program promoting Dutch-American friendship. The evening also featured performances by two noted Dutch acts - saxophonist Candy Dulfer and vocalist Dominique Van Hulst.
RCNV News Flash:
Did You Know?
Dwight Yoakam's first #1 song was the "Streets of Bakersfield," a duet with Buck Owens.
Roy Acuff and "The Smokey Mountain Boys," played a road show every night of the week, except Saturday in the 1930's. The shows were all within a five-hour driving distance of Nashville. Saturday Nights were reserved for the Grand Ole Opry. Roy's band members were paid $22. 50 per week in the early days.
Sheila Biddy was the first woman in history to run a Country Music Record Label. (Decca 1993)
Bill Monroe's uncle Pendleton Vandiver was the object of the famous "Uncle Pen," song. Bill went to live with his uncle as a child, after both of his parents died.
The first commercial recording studio in Nashville was the "Castle Recording Studio," located in the Tulane Hotel.
The Opry Trust Fund was formed in 1965, and provides financial assistance to musicians and family members in times of need. The musicians need not be members of the Opry.
Baseball great Dizzy Dean gave Roy Acuff the title, "King of Country Music."
Roy Rogers is the only person to have been elected twice to the Country Music Hall of Fame. He founded the "Sons of the Pioneers" and as a member of that group was elected to the CMHF in 1980. Roy was elected to the CMHF as an individual, in 1989.
The only child born to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Robin, died at age 1 as the result of Down's syndrome.
Don Schlitz has written 24 #1 songs, including Kenny Rogers "The Gambler."
Hank Williams moved to Montgomery with his mother and sister in 1973, at the age of 13. A short time later he formed his first band, and named them the "Drifting Cowboys." Every band he ever had was called the Drifting Cowboys.
Hank Williams suffered from a congenital abnormality in his spine. This condition caused him constant pain in later years, and brought on his addiction to painkillers.
Hank recorded "Lovesick Blues," in Cincinnati, OH for MGM, just before Christmas, in 1948. The song had been written and copyrighted in 1922, by Cliff Friend and Irving Mills. Four artists prior to Hank Williams had recorded "Lovesick Blues".
Trick Pony took its name from the movie "One Trick Pony." The former name of the group was "Rebel." Now isn't that a shocker?
Alison Krauss and Patrick Bergeson were divorced in August 2001, after four years of marriage. Bergeson was granted an $80,000 lump sum alimony, and ordered to pay $630.00 a month in child support for the couple's two-year-old son.
Garth Brooks filed for divorce from wife Sandy, in Nashville, in November, in 2000.
Toby Keith (Toby Keith Covel) was born July 8, 1961. He married Trica on March, 24,1984. They have three children: Shelley 22, Krystal 17, and Stelen 6.
Billy Walker was the only member of the Louisiana Hayride to appear on shows with both Hank Williams and Elvis Presley.
Slim Whitman and Johnny Horton both turned down invitations to join the Grand Ole Opry.
Never in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, have they ever created a star, or launched a career. The Louisiana Hayride created dozens of stars, and launched hundreds of careers. I just thought you should know.
From The Wisdom Desk:
Money Will Buy; a house but not a home, a bed but not sleep, luxuries but not culture, medicine but not health, books but not brains, a crucifix but not a Savior, religion but not salvation, a good life but not eternal life, a passport to everywhere but heaven.
Subject: What is an Oxymoron?
Oxymoron Definition: A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined. EXAMPLE: "Oxymoron" - Removing the Ten Commandments from the courthouse while making people swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth on the Bible in courtrooms.
Links:
http://rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.htm "Rockin' Country Style" by Terry E. Gordon
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html Bill's Rockabilly HOF page
http://rockabillyhall.com/rcnv.html Bill's Rockabilly HOF column
http://www.blueridgeopry.com/artists.html World Rockabilly Coalition
www.clabranson.com Country Legends Association
www.countryweekly.com Country Music Magazine
www.liveradio.net Many Internet Radio Stations
www.musicreview.com Music Industry Search Engine
www.radiohof.org Radio Hall of Fame
www.johnbarlowjarvis Singer/songwriter/session musician
www.stararchive.com Links to the Stars
www.whodoesthatsong.com Who sang that song?
www.wsmonline.com WSM online
www.countryhall.com Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html Bill's On This Day Music Calendar
Volume 7
Posted February 3, 2004 ©
RCNV Wants You To Know:
Thanks to "Tootsie's Orchid Lounge" in Nashville, Tennessee for making this column possible. I discovered Tootsie's in the 1960's, and I have so many wonderful memories of the business, the customers, and the employees. The spirit of Tootsie Bess lives on in Music City, thanks to Steve Smith and a cast of thousands. When in Nashville, please stop in and say hello to Steve, and his entire staff. This is the most famous Country Music nightclub in the world. Tell them Susie's dad sent ya.
Historic February
Don Everly born Brownie, KY 2/1/1937.
James Blackwood died in Memphis 2/2/2002.
Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash in Iowa, 2/3/1959.
Karen Carpenter died of heart failure caused by anorexia nervosa, 2/4/1983.
Del Shannon died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on 2/8/1990.
Bill Haley died from heart failure on 2/9/1981.
Gene Vincent was born 2/11/1935.
Jay Hawkins died after complications from surgery on 2/12/2000
Waylon Jennings died in his sleep on 2/13/2002.
Buddy Knox died of cancer on 2/14/1999.
Bill Doggett was born 2/16/1916.
Sonny Bono was born 2/16/1935.
Tommy Edwards was born 2/17/1922.
Bobby Lewis was born 2/17/1933.
Gene Pitney was born 2/17/1941.
Juice Newton was born 2/18/1952.
Smokey Robinson born 2/19/1940.
Lou Christie was born 2/19/1943.
Faron Young was born 2/25/1932.
George Harrison was born 2/25/1943.
Fats "Antoine" Domino was born 2/26/1928.
Johnny Cash was born 2/26/1932.
Guy Mitchell was born 2/27/1927.
Joe South was born 2/28/1940.
There are over 200 additional entries on Bill Morrison's February calendar. Check out the complete "On This Day In Country Music Calendar" at: countrycalendar.html
What's Happening?
February 8th
The 46th Annual Grammy Awards 7PM ET on CBS.
February 28th
Songwriters Workshop, Music Road Hotel & convention center, Pigeon Forge, TN.
March 3 5th
The 35th Annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Nashville Convention Center.
(Why do we continue to let them refer to themselves as "Country"?) These are the people who dictate to Music Row what kind of music should be recorded, and what will be heard on our radios. They have killed Traditional Country Music, and they're proud of it. They will not air songs that they deem to be "Too Country." By the way, CMT advises the record companies in Nashville, which songs on newly released CD's, not to make videos of. If CMT says they're "Too Country," the videos won't be aired on the Country Music Television channel. Each year during this CRS convention in Nashville, many of the bartenders, and waitresses in Music City wear T-shirts, which state "Country Radio Sucks." Don't we live in interesting times?
Q & A
Betty J. a high school student in Ohio, e-mailed the following question:
Q: What is Rockabilly music? How is it different from Rock and Roll?
A: I attempted to formulate an answer to your question several times, without much success. Then I remembered reading several opinions, as to what qualifies as a Rockabilly song. I found this information in Craig Morrison's book "Go Cat Go; Rockabilly Music and Its Makers." The University of Illinois Press published this great book. On page 11, Terry E. Gordon provides the best definition I have found regarding "What Is Rockabilly Music"?
"It's rock'n'roll performed by a country singer, or performed in a country style." "The most important thing about country rock'n'roll versus rhythm & blues oriented rock'n'roll, or pop oriented rock'n'roll, is the string band. It's the guitar and the emphasis on strings instead of on horns."
Thanks for your question Betty. If you have a music related question, e-mail your question to: BillMorrison2002@hotmail.com. If you have any complaints, e-mail your elected representatives in Washington D.C. I'm much too old to care!
Songwriters Spotlight
It all begins with a song ...
Cindy Walker
Cindy was born on July 20, 1918 in Mart, Texas. By the age of twenty-one, Cindy was an accomplished songwriter. Bing Crosby recorded one of Cindy's earliest efforts in late 1940 titled "Lone Star Trail." Decca released Bing's record in February 1941 and it went to No. 23 on the Pop charts. 1941 continued to be a banner year for Cindy. Decca singed her to a five-year recording contract as an artist, and Bob Wills recorded four of Cindy's songs later that same year. The Wills recordings were so successful that Cindy was assigned to write all of the songs Bob sang, in the eight movies he made for Columbia Pictures, between 1942-1944. There were 39 songs in all.
Cindy's first Country hit was Bob Wills' recording of "You're From Texas." The song made the top ten in 1 944. Success also came to Cindy as a recording artist when her "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again," reached the top ten on the charts in 1944.
When her Decca recording contract expired in 1947, Cindy decided to concentrate full time on songwriting. She didn't record again until 1960, when she released a biggest hits LP "Words & Music By Cindy Walker," on the Monument label.
Cindy Walker was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 1970. When she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997 she made her famous "Red Dress" speech, which brought tears to everyone's eyes. Cindy has won dozens of BMI Awards, and dozens of America's major recording artists have recorded her songs over the past sixty years.
Here are just a few examples of a Cindy Walker song:
Cherokee Maiden * When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again * Warm, Red Wine * Take Me In Your Arms * You Don't Know Me * Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream) * Distant Drums * This Is It * In The Misty Moonlight * Lone Star Trail * Dusty Skies * Miss Molly *
Who recorded Cindy Walker's songs?
Bing Crosby * Vaughn Monroe * Bob Wills * Merle Haggard * Mel Tillis * Elvis Presley * Spade Cooley * Johnny Bond * The Sons of the Pioneers * Smokey Rogers * Tex Williams * Leon McAuliffe * Asleep At The Wheel * Billy Mize * Charlie Walker * Roy Rogers * Ernest Tubb * George Jones * Johnny Bush * Wes Buchanan * Hank Snow * Eddy Arnold * Jim Reeves * Deborah Allen * Les Paul & Mary Ford * Billy Walker * Jo Stafford * Webb Pierce * Faron Young * Ricky Skaggs * Carmen Mc Rae * Patti Page * Jimmy Dean * Jim Nabors * Vic Damone * Floyd Cramer * Dottie West * Nancy Wilson * Henry Mancini * Eydie Gorme * Bobby Goldsboro * Ray Charles * Don Gibson * Mickey Gilley * Jerry Vale * Ray Pennington * The Wilburn Brothers * Jerry Wallace * Dean Martin * Bill Anderson * George Anderson * Kitty Wells * Slim Whitman * Skeeter Davis * Al Dexter * Mary Ford * Ed Ames * Jim Ed Brown * Roy Orbison * Tex Ritter * Charley Pride * Glen Campbell * Lacy J. Dalton * Waylon Jennings * Cher * Del Shannon * Jerry Lee Lewis * Perry Como * Al Hurt * Sonny James * Jerry Wallace * The Ames Brothers * and Jack Greene, to name a few.
Cindy Walker ... thanks for the memories. Cindy is alive and well in president George Bush's home state of Texas, and Cindy knows ... it all starts with a song.
Before They Were Stars:
Clint Black ironworker and fishing guide in Houston, Texas.
Joe Diffie foundry worker in Oklahoma.
Jack Greene played drums for Ernest Tubb's band the Texas Troubodours.
Toby Keith sold cokes to football fans in Norman, Oklahoma at OU home games.
Tracy Lawrence bag packer at a Piggly Wiggly grocery store.
Elvis Presley truck driver in Memphis.
Earl Scruggs worked in a Carolina textile mill.
Stage Names:
BEFORE: AFTER:
Mary Frances Penick Skeeter Davis
David Perduska Dave Dudley
Roberta Streeter Bobbie Gentry
James Hugh Loden Sonny James
William Fries C. W. McCall
Homer Louis Randolph III Boots Randolph
Leonard Sly Roy Rogers
RCNV News Flash + 2
Tug McGraw former baseball superstar, and father of Tim McGraw, lost his fight with brain cancer on January 5th, 2004. Tug died in Tim and Faith's home in Nashville.
Kenny Rogers, age 65, and wife Wanda, age 36, are expecting twins in July. The couple married in 1997. Kenny was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in September 2003.
Several Music City songwriters have been observed arriving, and leaving Garth Brooks' Oklahoma ranch in recent weeks. The rumor mill in Nashville reports that Garth is going to un-retire for the fourth time. No word yet on whether or not Chris Gaines will follow suit, and join the most retired singer in pop music history. I don't know about you, but I'm breathlessly waiting for the scoop.
Did You Know?
Garth Brooks' mother recorded for Capital Records in the mid 50's under the name "Colleen Carroll," and was a regular on Red Foley's "Ozark Mountain Jubilee."
Earl Thomas Conley's 1984 LP "Don't Make It Easy For Me" contained four No. 1 country hits.
Chateau de Sully in Switzerland is a beautiful old castle. It is also where Shania Twain and hubby Mutt, live with their beautiful child.
Dumbest quote in recent memory: "The older fans are going to have to learn to adjust, but there's not any going back." Ed Benson, Country Music Association Executive Director, to a Tennessean reporter, talking about the sorry state of Pop music coming out of Music Row.
In 2001 Marty Stuart agreed to serve his sixth consecutive term as president of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Marty Stuart is an American treasure.
Florencia Bisenta De Casillas Martinez Cardona was born in El Paso, Texas on July 19, 1941. You probably just call her Vicki Carr.
Bob Timmers cannot continue to support the Rockabilly Hall of Fame from his personal finances. He has done so since the RHOF was born ... don't you think its time you found a way to help? Without a little assistance, there is no guarantee there will be a Rockabilly Hall of Fame next year at this time. I just thought you should know. Bob's e-mail address can be found at the bottom of this page. Please let him know what you think of the Hall of Fame, and what you can do to help keep it open.
Red Sovine was hired to take Hank William's spot on the Louisiana Hayride, in 1949.
Hanks divorce from Audrey was final in May 1952. A few days later he bought the light blue 1952 Cadillac convertible that he would die in seven months later.
Dolly Parton got the idea for "Dollywood" while standing in Hollywood, looking up at the "Hollywood" sign on the side of the hill.
Tim McGraw moved to Nashville on May 9, 1989, the day that Keith Whitley died.
Toby Keith and family live on a horse ranch near Oklahoma City, OK.
History was made at the Grand Ole Opry in 1945, when a trumpet was played on the show for the first time. Taps was played to honor President Franklin Roosevelt, who died two days earlier.
Billie Jean married Hank Williams, on October 18, 1952, eleven days before her divorce from her first husband became final.
A few months after Hank Williams died, Billie Jean married Johnny Horton.
In 1950 Webb Pierce's wife told him that he must choose between her and show business. Webb chose ... well, if you sang like Webb Pierce, what would you choose? And that's exactly what Webb chose. See Ya ... .
Floyd Cramer went to work in Webb Pierce's band, the day after he graduated from High School in Smackover, Arkansas.
The Texas Dept. of Public Safety made Jimmie Rodgers an honorary Texas Ranger.
Hee Haw was taped in Nashville twice a year, in June and October. Between takes, many cast members hung out (or passed out) at Roger Miller's King Of The Road. The house band back then was an unknown by the name of Ronnie Milsap.
When Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers were allowed to appear on the Grand Ole Opry, it was because they were considered to be country acts at the time. No rock, or rockabilly music was allowed on WSM. It was not even allowed in the record library at WSM.
Ernest Tubb was responsible for getting Hank Snow an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry.
George Straight was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, in January 2003.
Record sales in America exceeded $100 million in 1921.
Billboard's record popularity chart debuted in 1922.
Gene Autry began his professional singing career in a Tioga, Texas nightclub in 1922. The fifteen year old sang for fifty-cents per night. Gene was born in Tioga on September 29, 1907, and died at age 91 on November 2, 1998 in California.
Buck Owens had his first No. 1 hit in 1972 with his single "Made In Japan."
A quote from George Jones: "My main question for the entire business is, why do they call it country if it's not country? 'I hear a station say, "We're the No. 1 country station in the metropolitan area. Well that's the biggest damn lie in the world, because they don't play country music." -George Jones in Billboard
People Magazine reported in 2001, that Garth Brooks and ex-wife Sandy are sharing the same ranch in Oklahoma. Sandy and the three daughters, occupy a house trailer, until their new home is completed. Garth lives in a house on the ranch, where Trisha Yearwood is a frequent visitor.
The Christian Country Music Association 'CCMA,' presented their 2003 awards show from the Ryman Auditorium on November 6th. The show was broadcast by the Great American Country 'GAC," television network. Buddy Jewel co-hosted the event.
Something To Think About
As you walk up the steps to the Capitol Building which houses the Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers, and each one is facing one in the middle, who is facing forward with a full frontal view - it is Moses and the Ten Commandments!
As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door. As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall, right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments!
There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C. James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement "We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ".
Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies.
Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpreting the law would begin making law.... an oligarchy.... the rule of few over many. The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said, "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers." How, then, have we reached the point that everything we have done for 220 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional?
If you value your right to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the time has come for you to be aware of what's going on in the courtrooms of America. The European trend of a godless society is knocking at your door. Wake up and take a stand for Jesus, or prepare to watch your country take a tremendous fall. The liberal Federal judges with their personal, social agendas must not be allowed to transform America into another Sodom or Gomorrah.
NOTE: The author of this document (with the exception of the last paragraph) is unknown. It was sent to me from a blind address. I am grateful to whoever took the time to share it with you and I.
From The Wisdom Desk
After six operations in the past eight years, I've learned that just because I have pain, I don't have to be one.
Links:
http://rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.htm - "Rockin' Country Style" by Terry Gordon
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html - Inside Info On The Stars
http://rockabillyhall.com/rcnv.html - Bill's Rockabilly HOF column
http://www.blueridgeopry.com/artists.html - World Rockabilly Coalition
www.clabranson.com - Country Legends Association
www.countryweekly.com - Country Music Magazine
www.liveradio.net - Many Internet Radio Stations
www.musicreview.com - Music Industry Search Engine
www.radiohof.org - Radio Hall of Fame
www.rollingstone.com - All Rock-All The Time
www.stararchive.com - Links to the Stars
www.whodoesthatsong.com - Who sang that song?
www.wsmonline.com - WSM online
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html - Bill's On This Day Music Calendar
Volume 6
Posted January 15, 2004
RCNV Wants You To Know:
Bob Timmers and the "Inducted Members" of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, appreciate you visiting our Hall of Fame. You are always welcome, if you have a question, drop us an e-mail. Bob and Bill's e-mail addresses are located at the bottom of this page. We will answer your questions as best we can, or we'll refer you to someone who knows more than we do. (That is a very long list.) We'd like to hear any suggestions you might have. Just keep your comments "Positive," and we'll get along just fine. We hope while you're here, you enjoy your visit. We have souvenirs and lots of great CD's for sale. Profit from these items helps pay the bills.
RCNV Traditional Country Radio Station of the Month:
This months Radio Station is, all of the small stations that we've lost in recent years. The stations that played real Country Music, and could tell the difference between today's Music Row pretenders and the real deal Country artists. I miss the small market stations; I have visited many of them over the years. Without exception they all played my music. (At least during the hour that I spent with them.)
If you have a favorite radio station that plays "Traditional" country music, let us know about them. There aren't many left, we want to salute them, and tell others how to find them.
Before They Were Stars:
Boxcar Willie - worked as a DJ in Texas.
Patsy Cline - clerked in a Drugstore.
Lacy J. Dalton - topless dancer.
Faith Hill - receptionist for Gary Morris Music Publishing in Nashville.
Martina McBride - sold T-shirts at Garth Brooks and Chris Gaines concerts.
Anne Murray - gym teacher.
Chalee Tennison - guard at a maximum-security Women's Prison, and substitute teacher... (very similar occupations in this day and age.)
Stage Names:
BEFORE: AFTER:
Julie Marlene Bedra - Rosalie Allen
Luther Ossenbrink - Arkie The Arkansas Woodchopper
Beecher Ray Kirby - Bashful Brother Oswald
Ray Benson Siefert - Ray Benson
Lecil Travis Martin - Boxcar Willie
Paul Renne Beloberscky - Paul Brandt
Jeff Herndon - Jeff Carson
Lucille Overstake - Jenny Lou Carson
Irene Ethel Amburgey - Martha Carson
Terri Sauson - Terri ClarkB
Virginia Patterson Hensley - Patsy Cline
Mirriam Johnson - Jessi Colter
Find Your Favorite Stars:
www.Pollstar.com has a list of concert dates, and venue information. It's a great site.
Many of your favorite stars can be found on lower Broadway in Nashville, when they're not on the road. When in Music City, check out the world famous "Tootsie's Orchid Lounge," where the stars meet. Movie superstar Sharon Stone recently visited Tootsie's. Bob Timmers has been seen recently, in the vicinity of lower Broadway, in the company of a very attractive lady ... now who could that be?
Did You Know?:
Gene Vincent was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, January 12, 1998. The Rockabilly Hall of Fame inducted this musical giant "first."
Moon Mullican "Aubrey Wilson Mullican" died at age 75, on January 1, 1967. Hank Williams brought Moon to the Grand Ole Opry, in June 1951.
Jimmy Dean received his High School diploma in 2003, from the Plainview Texas School District. Jimmy dropped out of school as a teenager to support his mother.
Jimmy Rodgers recorded "T. B. Blues," January 31, 1931.
Buddy Holly produced Waylon Jennings' first recording session.
The Statler Brothers retired from the road in 2003 after 38 years.
It was reported recently that Willie Nelson just can't obey the "Keep Off The Grass" sings. Willie will turn 71 years young in April 2004.
The lovely Wanda Jackson was born on October 20, 1937. In 1956 she became one of the first Lady Rockabilly singers, and certainly the best. Wanda has been inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Dolly Parton's mother, Avie Parton, age 80, died on December 15, 2003. Mrs. Parton got Dolly started playing the guitar at the age of 7. Five years later, Dolly debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.
Billboard named Sonny James the No. 1 artist of 1969.
Buck Owens and songwriting partner, Harlan Howard started Blue Book Music Publishing in 1956.
Merle Haggard made his stage debut at age 15, on a Lefty Frizzell show.
In 1976 Waylon and Willie's "The Outlaws," became country music's first million selling album.
In 1959, Marty Robbins' "Elpaso," became the first country song ever to receive a Grammy.
Elvis Presley made his last appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, on January 6, 1957.
The Dukes Of Hazzard debuted on TV January 26, 1979.
Hank Williams recorded his first session as "Luke the Drifter," January 10, 1950.
Hank Sr. died on January 1, 1953 in the back seat of his 1952, baby blue Cadillac convertible. He was enroute to Ohio for a show date. Hank was 29 years old.
Tex Ritter died January 2, 1974 in the Davidson County Jail In Nashville. Tex was there to post bond for a band member. Tex Ritter was 68 years old.
Sam Phillips founder of Sun Records was born January 5, 1923 in Florence, Alabama.
Dottie West lost her home to fire on January 6, 1969.
The WSM Barn Dance debuted on January 7, 1924. The show eventually became The Grand Ole Opry.
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, MS on January 8, 1935.
Johnny Cash and June Carter recorded "Jackson," on January 11, 1967.
Johnny Cash was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame January 15, 1992.
John and Doug Brown were arrested for the murder of Stringbean and wife Estelle, on January 16, 1974. They were later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Elvis Presley Boulevard was opened in Memphis on January 17, 1972.
Carl Perkins, age 65, died on January 19, 1998. Carl was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Jerry Lee Lewis debuted on the Grand Ole Opry on January 20, 1973.
Colonel Tom Parker, age 85, an illegal immigrant and manager of Elvis Presley, died January 21, 1997.
The first dressing room was constructed backstage at the Ryman Auditorium on January 23, 1932.
Neil Diamond was born January 24, 1941.
Carl Perkins married his darling Valda Crider, on January 24, 1953.
Roy Acuff recorded "Wabash Cannon Ball," January 28, 1947.
The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour debuted on CBS, January 29, 1969.
Kitty Wells had her first RCA recording session on January 31, 1949.
Welcome to America...
IN GOD WE TRUST, always have, always will.
The United States of America...founded, defended and occupied by Christians:
A communist founded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU,) decades ago. Now for the first time in their history, they have gained the ear of liberal Federal Judges across America. These God haters must, and will be stopped. If we can't stop them, we lose our country, and God will deal with the moral decay of America, in a similar way that He dealt with the immoral society in Noah's day. Wake up America, before its too late.
Prayers Of Our Fathers:.
Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection: that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -President George Washington
I pray God I may be given the wisdom and the prudence to do my duty in the true spirit of this great people. -President Woodrow Wilson
In entering upon this great office I must humbly invoke the God of our fathers for wisdom and firmness to execute its high and responsible duties in such a manner as to restore harmony and ancient friendship among the people of the several States and to preserve our free institutions throughout many generations. -President James Buchanan
So we pray to Him now for the vision to see our way clearly-to see the way that leads to a better life for ourselves and for all our fellow men-to the achievement of His will to peace on earth. -President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Almighty God, as we stand here, at this moment, my future associates in the executive branch of the government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng and their fellow citizens everywhere. Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong and allow all our works and actions to be governed thereby and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people, regardless of station, race, or calling. May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concept of our Constitution, hold to differing political beliefs, so that all may work for the good of our beloved and for Thy glory. Amen. -President Dwight D. Eisenhower
I would like to have my frequent prayer answered that God Let my life be meaningful in the enhancement of His kingdom and that my life might be meaningful in the enhancement of the lives of my fellow human beings. -President Jimmy Carter
Today, we utter no prayer more fervently than the ancient prayer for peace on Earth. -President Ronald Reagan
Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do Your work, willing to heed and hear Your will, and write on our hearts these words: "Use power to help people." For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen -President George Bush
The first Day of Prayer was declared by the Continental Congress in 1775.
I therefore beg leave to move...That henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service. -Ben Franklin
In 1952 both Houses of Congress called upon the President to set aside a day each year as National Day of Prayer.
Prayer has indeed been a vital force in the growth and development of this Nation. It would certainly be appropriate if ... the People of this country were to unite in a day of prayer each year, reaffirming in a dramatic manner the deep religious conviction, which has prevailed throughout the history of the United States. -Judiciary Committee's Report
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill marking the first Thursday of May a National Day of Prayer.
On our National Day of Prayer, then, we join together as people of many faiths to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope, that we might live ever mindful of His justice and thankful for His blessing. -President Ronald Reagan
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Links:.
www.roycost.com - A veteran Rockabilly's web site
www.carthagetexas.com - Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
www.clabranson.com - Country Legends Association
www.cmaawards.com - Country Music Assoc. Awards
www.countryhall.com - Traditional Country HoF
www.countryweekly.com - Magazine
www.gmhf.org - Gospel Music Hall of Fame
www.juno-awards.com - 25 years of Canadian music history
www.louisianahayride.com - Official Site Louisiana Hayride
www.otcm.iptv.org/history.cfm - Old Time Country Music
www.pollstar.com - Show Dates of the stars
www.rockabillyhall.com/billmorrison.html - New Bio on my webpage
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html - You'll like this new calendar
New Links You Should Visit:
www.blueridgeopry.com
Home of the World Rockabilly Coalition. Visit the site before 2/1/04 and become a Pioneer Member, (free of charge.) This site is great! Tell them Bill Morrison sent ya.
www.rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.htm
This is the "Rockin' Country Style" web site of Terry Gordon. Terry has created a masterpiece of Rockabilly Artist information, discographies, and much more. If you have an interest in Rockabilly music, this is the site for you. I believe 90% of the Inducted Members of the Hall of Fame are represented here. When you stop by, please say thank you to Terry Gordon, for the years of his life that he has dedicated to the music he loves, and plays. Who said there are no more heroes in America? Thank you Terry Gordon!!!
From The Wisdom Desk:
Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.
Should you be advertising in the RCNV?
Contact: Bob@Rockabillyhall.com
Contact Bill Morrison at: BillMorrison2002@hotmail.com
Volume 5
Posted December, 30, 2003
Happy New Year 2004
Goodbye To 2003 and the Following Friends:
Rosalie Allen: - Singer, and one of the first female disc jockeys in America.
Felice Bryant: - One half of the songwriting team of Boudleaux and Bryant. "Wake Up Little Susie," and dozens more.
Wilma Burgess: - Decca recording artist from the sixty's.
Paul Burlison: - One of Rockabilly music's best hot lead players. Member of the Rock 'n' Roll trio, along with Johnny and Dorsey Burnette.
Bill Carlisle: - Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at age 93, in 2002. Jumpin' Bill Carlisle was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for fifty years.
Johnny Cash: - Heaven has another one of my heroes.
June Carter Cash: - Together Again.
Dave Dudley: - Best of the truck drivin', song singin' son-of-a-guns. "Six Days On The Road," and many more.
Don Gibson: - One of Traditional Country Music's best singer/songwriters.
Slim Dusty: - International recording artist from Australia. At last count Slim had recorded 101 country albums.
Jim McReynolds: - A Bluegrass favorite at the Grand Ole Opry for many years. Jim and brother Jesse comprised the group "Jim & Jesse."
Johnny Paycheck: - Johnny was the only true "Outlaw," in country music. "Take This Job and Shove It."
Sam Phillips: - Owner of Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. If you are a music fan, Sam Phillips changed your life for the better.
Floyd Tillman: - Another Texas hero has passed. This singer/songwriter was a giant.
Gary Stewart: - This Kentucky born country-rock artist was one of the best.
Speedy West: - One half of the "Flaming Guitars," West was a pedal steel virtuoso. He and partner Jimmy Bryant (electric guitar) recorded numerous instrumental duets in California starting in the 50's.
Teddy Wilburn: - Teddy was preceded in death by brother Doyle. Together they were The Wilburn Brothers, Decca recording artists, music publishers and talent booking agents. They were responsible for Loretta Lynn's first recordings.
Sheb Wooley: - a.k.a. Ben Colder. This actor-recording artist appeared in the movies High Noon and Giant. His biggest hit "The Purple People Eate
