November 19, 2020
40 years of Country radio
He then spent 15 years at Central FM, before joining Glasgow based Celtic Music Radio in 2006, where he’s presented “Celtic Country” ever since. This Sunday, Stewart will look ck at his 40 years on Country music radio with a special programme, featuring a number of interview excerpts from the past, including Kathy Mattea, George Hamilton IV, The Osmond Brothers, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Robin Lee, Marty Stuart and Shania Twain, as well as a few tracks he played on that first programme.
Celtic Country is broadcast on Celtic Music Radio on Sunday 12 Noon-2pm (same time slot as that very first programme, albeit that was a Saturday), on 95FM and DAB across Glasgow, and online @ celticmusicradio.net as well as streaming services & smart speakers. The programme is also carried by Dunoon Community on 97.4FM and online @ riverradio.co.uk. The programme is also available anytime on the Listen again page @ celticmusicradio.net.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Stewart has been recording his programmes at home in Clackmannan over the past eight months, but looks forward to getting back into the Glasgow studios before too long. Stewart has another couple of milestone anniversaries coming up. In January 2021, it’ll be 15 years since his first Celtic Music Radio programme, and, in June 2021, it’ll be 40 years since his first visit to Nashville.
Acoustic Night online welcome Katee Kross
You can make donations to Katee’s PayPal account link @ www.paypal.me/kateekross.
Katee Kross is a Glasgow based singer songwriter who has recently released her fourth album 'Show Your Hand' on the 22nd of February with the help of her awesome guitarist Ross Barron. Like so many musicians this year Katee had planned for a jam packed year with many gigs up and down the UK and even a 22 date tour of Germany but due to Covid19 all of these gig and the Germany tour have had to be either cancelled or rescheduled. Katee has performed a couple of Drive In gigs in Bishopbriggs recently, but you can enjoy her intimate showcase at this week's Acoustic Night - on line.
Texan Doug Supernaw passes
He is best known for “Reno” (1993), “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” (1993) and “Not Enough Hours in the Night” (1996). Supernaw, who was 60 when he passed, was nominated as the ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year and earned a Gold record for his Red and Rio Grande album in 1994.
In 2016, Doug Supernaw was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Noted as a top songwriter as well as a good-time showman, Supernaw’s career was derailed by mental illness and substance abuse. But during the last few years of his life he fought to reclaim it.
In January 2019, he sought treatment for a persistent cough. His initial diagnosis was pneumonia, but subsequent tests revealed Stage IV cancer in his lungs and bladder. A bladder tumor was removed in March 2019
On Sunday, Oct. 18, his wife
posted on Facebook that her husband had been placed in home hospice care and that the cancer had spread to his brain and spine.
Noted as a top songwriter as well as a good-time showman, Supernaw’s career was derailed by mental illness and substance abuse. But during the last few years of his life he fought to reclaim it.
In January 2019, he sought treatment for a persistent cough. His initial diagnosis was pneumonia, but subsequent tests revealed Stage IV cancer in his lungs and bladder. A bladder tumor was removed in March 2019
On Sunday, Oct. 18, his wife
posted on Facebook that her husband had been placed in home hospice care and that the cancer had spread to his brain and spine.
Tower returns
Who remembers Tower Records huge store on Glasgow's Argyle Street ?
Well, this will rekindle some memories of the music you bought there.
Well, this will rekindle some memories of the music you bought there.
Founder Russ Solomon opened the Tower Records chain in Sacramento, California in 1960. Over four decades the record retail chain grew to 200 stores around the world, before shuttering in 2006 (with the exception of Japanese locations).
Charley Pride honoured at CMA Awards
Pride said
that he appreciates receiving the Lifetime Achievement Awards "so greatly." "I get asked a lot of times what award I like the best," he reflected. "I mean, I've got so many, it's like asking me what song do I like the best when I'm singing. And this is the truth. What song do I love the most is the one I'm singing at the moment? So that's it. I'm going to put this with all the other awards and everything and be happy about having them. And I hope I can get some more, if that's possible, but I didn't come into this business to try to win awards, but I'll sure take them."
Pride was named CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1971 and Male Vocalist of the Year in 1971 and 1972 among numerous other accolades, including inductions into the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame.
Backlash over CMA Prine snub
The CMA Awards broadcast historically does not include an In Memoriam segment. An In Memoriam did air in 2017 to honor the victims of the tragic shooting at Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas. In order to recognize those we have lost each year, the CMA does include an In Memoriam tribute on our website and in our annual CMA Awards Program Guide, which was mailed to CMA members ahead of this year's broadcast. To note, this year's In Memoriam includes those lives lost prior to the program guide’s printing deadline of October 14, 2020.
CMA Award Winners 2020
“THE 54th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” WINNERS:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR - Eric Church
SINGLE OF THE YEAR - “The Bones” – Maren Morris
ALBUM OF THE YEAR - What You See Is What You Get – Luke Combs
SONG OF THE YEAR - “The Bones” - Songwriters: Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR - Maren Morris
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR -Luke Combs
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR - Old Dominion
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR - Dan + Shay
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR - “I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR - Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR - “Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Morgan Wallen
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR - Eric Church
SINGLE OF THE YEAR - “The Bones” – Maren Morris
ALBUM OF THE YEAR - What You See Is What You Get – Luke Combs
SONG OF THE YEAR - “The Bones” - Songwriters: Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR - Maren Morris
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR -Luke Combs
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR - Old Dominion
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR - Dan + Shay
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR - “I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR - Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR - “Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Morgan Wallen
See the acceptance speeches on the CMA website.
October 02, 2020
Bluegrass Award winners
The awards season is well and truly upon us, even if most are virtual events this year, The IBMA Awards were handed out at the World Of Bluegrass Festival on Thursday night from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Sister Sadie won the IBMA Entertainers and Vocal Group of the Year awards. Sister Sadie are an all girl quartette of bluegrass performers who have pooled together to make a supergroup. They include Dale Ann Bradley, Tina Adair, fiddler Deannie Richardson and Gena Britt on banjo.
Danny Paisley won Male vocalist and Brooke Aldridge was crowned Top Female Vocalist for the 4th year in a row.
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver won Album of the Year for their album recorded in Prague, Czech Republic
The Song Of the Year award went to Special Concensus , Micheal Cleveland and Beck Buller for "Chicago Barn Dance". Becky also won for Collaborative Recording Of The Year for "The Barber's Fiddle alongside an array of talent, including Shawn Camp, Laurie Lewis, Sam Bush and Stuart Duncan.
New Grass Revival and The Johnson Mountain Boys were inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall Of Fame, as was J.T.Gray, the owners of Nashville's famous Bluegrass venue, The Station Inn.
Mile Twelve won the New Artist Of The Year Award.
Sister Sadie won the IBMA Entertainers and Vocal Group of the Year awards. Sister Sadie are an all girl quartette of bluegrass performers who have pooled together to make a supergroup. They include Dale Ann Bradley, Tina Adair, fiddler Deannie Richardson and Gena Britt on banjo.
Danny Paisley won Male vocalist and Brooke Aldridge was crowned Top Female Vocalist for the 4th year in a row.
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver won Album of the Year for their album recorded in Prague, Czech Republic
The Song Of the Year award went to Special Concensus , Micheal Cleveland and Beck Buller for "Chicago Barn Dance". Becky also won for Collaborative Recording Of The Year for "The Barber's Fiddle alongside an array of talent, including Shawn Camp, Laurie Lewis, Sam Bush and Stuart Duncan.
New Grass Revival and The Johnson Mountain Boys were inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall Of Fame, as was J.T.Gray, the owners of Nashville's famous Bluegrass venue, The Station Inn.
Mile Twelve won the New Artist Of The Year Award.
You can watch the awards show on Facebook
September 29, 2020
Glasgow Americana Festival online
Although there's no live music at present, the annual Glasgow Americana Festival will be held online this year.
The Online extravaganza will take place between 1st-4th October 2020 and all shows will be streamed via Zoom.
The opening night features two old friends in the shape of Boo Hewerdine & Darden Smith.
The opening night features two old friends in the shape of Boo Hewerdine & Darden Smith.
Boo & Darden first recorded with each other 31 years ago and have remained friends ever since.
They will play on Thursday 1st October at 8pm.
Other events include :
Friday 2nd October - 8pm
Song Writers In The Round with
Martha L Healy, David Starr & Al Shields
Saturday 3rd October 2020 -4pm
Robert Vincent & Danny George Wilson
Saturday 3rd October - 8pm
Laura Cantrell
Sunday 4th October - 4pm
Danni Nicholls & Adriana Spina
Finale– Sunday 4th October 8pm
Jill Jackson plus special guest Kim Richey
Tickets to all events are available via paypal.me/fallenangelsclub.
September 28, 2020
The Opry's 95th birthday
The legendary Grand Ole Opry celebrates it's 95th birthday in October, by welcoming a live audience back to it's Saturday radio show for the first time in 6 months.
The radio programme, which began in 1925, continued throughout lockdown, with a socially distanced concert from the stage of the Opryhouse in Nashville, without a live audience, but still heard on WSM Radio, and Circle TV and online.
This Saturday's show, in front of 500 fans, will feature Vince Gill, who has appeared several times during lockdown, as well as Dierks Bentley, Terri Clark & Lorrie Morgan. Lorrie made her Opry debut at the age of 13, when her father, George Morgan brought her on stage. That was 48 years ago!
The actual Opry 95th anniversary isn't until November 28th,
2020 Canadian Country Award Winners
Album Of The Year - Brett Kissel
Entertainer Of The Year - Dallas Smith
Fans’ Choice Award - Brett Kissel
Female Artist Of The Year - Tenille Townes
Male Artist Of The Year - Brett Kissel
Group Or Duo Of The Year - The Washboard Union
Interactive Artist Of The Year - Lindsay Ell
Rising Star - Tenille Arts
Roots Album Of The Year - Everbound - The Washboard Union
Single Of The Year - “Keep It Simple” – James Barker Band
Fans’ Choice Award - Brett Kissel
Female Artist Of The Year - Tenille Townes
Male Artist Of The Year - Brett Kissel
Group Or Duo Of The Year - The Washboard Union
Interactive Artist Of The Year - Lindsay Ell
Rising Star - Tenille Arts
Roots Album Of The Year - Everbound - The Washboard Union
Single Of The Year - “Keep It Simple” – James Barker Band
Video Of The Year - “Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking)” – Tenille Townes
August 20, 2020
Acoustic Night Online
The long awaited, much in demand, fantastic duo, Hazel Mairs and Darren Young return to AcousticnightsONLINE tomorrow night, Friday 21st, 8pm, Don’t miss it. They are on fire The online Acustic Nights are held every Friday, with different guests each week.
https://youtu.be/n2S-VVQNIsY
July 22, 2020
Ruby Revisited
RUBY RENDALL
was making quite a name for herself thirty years ago. She was popular on the
road with her own band, having come down from Orkney, was part of Colorado for
a while, guesting on the Opry in Nashville with Jean Shepard, and had her own
radio programmes on the BBC, both in Aberdeen, and across Scotland.
Since then,
Ruby has concentrated on her music school in Aberdeenshire, but still has a
loyal fan base who encourage her to do the odd gigs.
“No More
Broken Promises” (Roadside Records) was a cassette only release from Ruby, way
back in 1988. Now, 32 years on, the album is available on CD for the first
time.
The album includes Ruby's version of "From A Distance", which is being release as a single, with proceeds going to CLAN, a cancer charity in the North East.
Ashley McBryde tour rescheduled
Ashley McBryde's tour date at Glasgow Barrowlands, on September 10th has been rescheduled for May 16th 2021.
July 21, 2020
Chicks drop Dixie
Following on from Lady Antebellum's name change, in light of protests against historic slavery, The Dixie Chicks have decided that Dixie isn't politically correct anymore, so will now be called "The Chicks", starting with their new album "Gaslighter".New album for Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw will release his first album of new music in five years on Aug. 21. The album, Here On Earth, his 16th career release, marks McGraw’s first project since returning to Big Machine Records earlier this year.
McGraw will launch the album on Aug. 21 with an innovative album livestream experience. The project is led by the single “I Called Mama,” penned by Jimmy Yeary, Marv Green and and Lance Miller.
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Charlie Daniels mourned by Country fans and fellow artists
Charlie Daniels, one of American music’s most eclectic artists and colorful personalities, died on July 6th at age 83.
His “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was a smash on both pop and country charts in Britain as well as the USA, back in 1979.
But Charlie was much more that "The Devil Went Down To Georgia".He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. One of the mainstays of Southern rock music, he was equally at home in bluegrass, gospel, honky-tonk and folk styles. He was a sideman for Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, a songwriter for Elvis Presley, a top bandleader and a noted philanthropist. During his career, he sold more than 13 million albums, wrote giant hit songs and collected Grammy, Dove, CMA, BMI and ACM awards.
He has also charted more than 35 other titles. Since 1974, he has hosted a series of world-famous, multi-act, multi-genre Volunteer Jam concert marathons in Nashville and around the South. Volunteer Jam 21 was scheduled for September.
For many, Charlie Daniels personified the South. He was a rugged individualist who never followed trends. He carved his own way through the music business, beholding to no one and embracing rock, country and blues in equal measure.
His funeral service was webcast around the world, and featured contributions from Vince Gill, Gretchen Wilson and Travis Tritt.
June 14, 2020
Hank Jr's daughter killed in auto accident
Hank Williams Jr.‘s daughter, 27-year-old Katherine Williams-Dunning, was killed in a one-car crash on Saturday (June 13) in Henry County, Tennessee. Katherine was driving the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe on Highway 79 near Antioch Road when an SUV, which was towing a boat, crossed the median and crashed around 7:45 p.m. CT Saturday evening. Williams-Dunning was killed, while her 29-year-old husband, Tyler Dunning, who was also in the vehicle, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Katherine owned the clothing company Weston Jane.
June 13, 2020
Derek Ryan & Philomena headline Northern Ireland Drive In
The event, in the hallowed grounds of Ballymena United will be transformed into a huge music venue for three nights, on Friday,Saturday and now Sunday 3rd-5th July with upwards of 400 vehicles expected. To give it an added dimension and in keeping with the Farmers' Bash rural audience, a limited tractor park section within the grounds will also be available with strict social distancing guidelines being observed.
The line-up at Ireland's first ever country music drive-in will see Derek Ryan, Marty Mone and country queen Philomena Begley take to the huge stage performing for the first time in weeks in front of a live audience. Derek and Philomena are also expected to perform their current duet ‘It Won’t Rain Forever' at the unique mid-summer event.
With FM transmission of the music directly to car radios, country fans will also be able to benefit from the on-site PA system and can listen with their left windows down or sunroof open.
On-site toilets with controlled queuing will be available but only if absolutely necessary. There will be a selection of food available with providers serving directly to cars so as to maintain social distancing and avoid queuing.
Rose Garden 50th Anniversary
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It's 50 years since Lynn Anderson's 'Rose Garden' was originally released, and to mark the occasion, a special limited edition reissue of the original album has been released.
The Deluxe Collector's Edition includes Pink Translucent Vinyl and notes from Reba McEntire and Clive Davis with only 1000 Exclusive Vinyl Records Released, Just In Time For Lynn Anderson Day
In light of the 50th Anniversary celebration, Sony Legacy Recordings have also re-released four digitally remastered albums of Lynn Anderson’s: ‘Cry,’ ‘Listen To A Country Song,’ ‘Singing My Song,’ and ‘Stay There ‘Til I Get There.’ Fans were granted access to these albums digitally for the first time in history and also had the opportunity to purchase a Limited Edition Lynn Anderson Rose Bush for Mother’s Day.
Nashville Meets London - virtually
The annual Nashvile Meets London Festival, like many other public events cannot be held this year due to social distancing and travel restrictions.
But the Nashville Meets London team has teamed with London’s Royal Albert Hall for a virtual concert set for July 18, 2020 at 7.30pm UK time, as part of the venue’s recently-launched livestream series Royal Albert Home.
North Azmerican acts acts The Cadillac Three, Michael Ray, Tenille Townes , together with Yorkshire recording act Twinnie are all set to take part in the free event, which will be hosted by Country Hits Radio, as well as Mainly Music radio presenter Matt Spracklen.
The event will be livestreamed at the Royal Albert Hall YouTube channel and at royalalberthall.com.
Drive In Garth
June 12, 2020
Lady Antebellum change name amid slavery protests
Lady Antebellum are changing their name to Lady A, with members saying they are 'regretful and embarrassed' for not taking into consideration the word's association with slavery.The band, made up of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, made the announcement Thursday on their social media.
The 'antebellum south' refers to the pre-Civil War period in the Southern United States between 1830-1860 when slavery was practiced.It was known as a time of economic growth in the region, largely due to its heavy reliance on slaves.
The band, who has used the name since 2006, said they felt compelled to make the change after the past few weeks opened their eyes to 'blindspots we didn't even know existed'.
'After much personal reflection, band discussion, prayer and many honest conversations with some of our closest black friends and colleagues, we have decided to drop the word "antebellum" from our name and move forward as Lady A, the nickname our fans gave us almost from the start,' they said.
'When we set out together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the Southern 'Antebellum' style home where we took our first photos.
'But we are regretful and embarrassed to say that we did not take into account the associations that weigh down this word referring to the period of history before the Civil War, which includes slavery.'
'We are deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused and for anyone who has felt unsafe, unseen, or unvalued.'
Last year Confederate Railroad were dropped from festivals at short notice, because their name caused offence.
Protests hit Music City
The Black Lives Matter protests which have been held , not only in America, but across the world hit Music City last weekend. Rioters set fire to the Old Courthouse, and protesters on Lower Broadway destroyed property. The good news is that the Ernest Tubb Record Store and Roberts both reported no damage, but windows were smashed at the nearby Ryman Auditorium.
May 20, 2020
EK rescheduled date for Katee Kross/Raintown concert
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the Raintown/ Katee Kross gig at East Kilbride Village Theatre , scheduled for August has been rearranged for Saturday October 10th.All tickets for the original date will still be valid for the new date. Anyone needing a refund, these will be allocated once the Village Theatre returns from the current Lockdown.
Katee Kross has just released "Bumblebee" from her "Show Your Hand" album, as her new single.
May 10, 2020
Johnny Reid's future takes him home.
The world premiere of My Bonnie Lass, a musical written by Scots born , Canadian Platinum selling recording artist Johnny Reid, will take place in the spring of 2021. Two performances of My Bonnie Lass are scheduled to take place at the Glace Bay, NS theatre on May 9 (Canadian Mother’s Day) of next year.
Co-written with Toronto playwright Matt Murray, and based on the true story of Reid’s grandmother Maggie, My Bonnie Lass chronicles the life of a working class mother of three, in postwar Lanarkshire, Scotland. When tragedy strikes and Maggie’s world is turned upside down, she must rely on her strength, her sense of humour, and above all, her loyal group of friends to pull her through.Watch a promo video for My Bonnie Lass! here
Whenever I visit Cape Breton I’m reminded of where I grew up in Scotland,” says Reid. “The rolling hills that lead you to the ocean, all the good hearted, hard-working people who take time to simply say “Good Morning”, its Celtic culture and the fact that coal mining once fueled its economy. For all these reasons Cape Breton is the perfect place to debut My Bonnie Lass and introduce my Gran’s story to the east coast. I want to continue to give back to the people that have always supported me and welcomed me with open arms. “
My Bonnie Lass is a love letter to Reid’s Grandmother and all the women of her generation. It is a celebration of the human spirit, the power of a mother’s love, and the way these women always made the most out of life even when they seemed to have nothing.
Over an illustrious career spanning more than two decades, JUNO Award winning singer-songwriter, Johnny Reid has captured the hearts of fans and audiences around the world. The critically acclaimed singer is widely known for his lyrical honesty and musical ability, as demonstrated by an extensive catalogue of hit songs, album sales totalling over 1.5 million units in Canada, countless awards and multiple sold out national arena tours.
Glasgow's Opry cancels 2020 gigs
Glasgow's Grand Ole Opry have cancelled all bookings for the rest of the year, due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Even, as businesses start to reopen, the entertainment industry is likely to face unprecedented social distancing restrictions for some time, making it difficult to hold events. All venues will face the same issues, and will certainly not be a unique issue for The Opry
May 04, 2020
Whisperin' FM honours Bill
Commerce, Georgia radio station WJJC, where Bill Anderson began his career in the music industry more than 60 years ago, is honoring Anderson by re-branding as Whisperin’ 95.1 to honor the songwriter and performer. The station is also launching a new website, whisperin951.com.In 1957, Anderson served as the first disc jockey for the classic country station.
To celebrate the re-naming, Anderson went live on air Friday morning at 10 a.m. EST, kicking off the special hour long programming that exclusively premiered a new recording of “City Lights,” which Anderson wrote while working at the station. The song was later became a No. 1 hit for Ray Price.
May 01, 2020
Statlers Harold Reid dies at 80
Bass singer, songwriter and humorist Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers died Friday April 24 at age 80 of kidney failure.Don Reid was the group’s chief songwriter, but his brother Harold collaborated with him on a number of the act’s biggest hits of the 1970s, including “Do You Remember These” (1972), the Grammy Award-winning “Class of ‘57” (1972), “Carry Me Back” (1973), “Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott” (1973), “Some I Wrote” (1978), “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine” (1978), “The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Burrell” (1978) and “How to Be a Country Star” (1979).
Reid and the other members of his quartet were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. The Statler Brothers were the CMA Vocal Group of the Year every year from 1972 to 1977, then again in 1979, 1980 and 1984. The act hosted its own TNN cable TV series in 1991-98. It was the network’s top-rated program.
Harold Reid was also the foundation of the Statlers’ comedic alter ego, Roadhog Moran & The Cadillac Cowboys. He was the parody act’s leader, Lester “Roadhog” Moran.
Bass harmony vocalist Reid founded The Four-Star Quartet in 1948. The gospel act also performed as The Kingsmen. After Harold’s lead singing younger brother Don Reid joined, the quartet became known as The Statler Brothers in 1955.
Based in Virginia, the group took its name from a box of Statler facial tissues. After working on the gospel-quartet circuit, the group was discovered by Johnny Cash. He made the Statlers part of his roadshow in 1964-71. They were also featured on Cash’s national television series in 1969-71.
During its 1965-90 heyday as hit makers, The Statlers placed 66 titles on the country charts. Of these, 33 became top-10 hits.
The Statler Brothers remained in Staunton, VA throughout their career. Beginning in 1970, the act staged annual July 4th celebrations in Staunton. These “Happy Birthday U.S.A.” events lasted for 25 years and eventually attracted crowds approaching 100,000.
A huge fireworks display always capped the festivities. These fountains of explosion were launched near Harold Reid’s home, Boxley Farm. The city of Staunton dedicated a monument to the group in 2002.
We Are 1 World
The COVID-19 virus started with one person. Within weeks, it spread to all parts of the world, affecting the health and well-being of our entire planet. Everyone, from every economic level and every walk of life, has been affected. It demonstrated that we do all live in one world.Music is a universal language. So a couple of Canadian had an idea to get a song that would spread across the world just like the virus.
Jason McCoy and Jim Payetta have written a song, We Are One. The goal is to have as many people as possible record their own version of this song and share it on your socials with your friends. Let's get the positive message of this song to spread around the world! You can download the backing tracks to use to record your version, or create your own from scratch, or do an acoustic version on your phone, or simply sing along and record a video of yourself. Then you're invited to share it on You Tube and your social platforms and use hashtag #weare1worldsong.
The website www.weare1world.net has the video,
lyrics and the different versions of audio
Meeting Place Acoustic Nights move online
The monthly Acoustic Nights at the Meeting Place in Rutherglen have moved online following the covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings. And instead of monthly events, the online concerts can be viewed live every Friday @ 8pm.
"Musicians everywhere have been hit hard during this current crisis and to help out we are inviting musicians to create a live video recording from their homes to your home! says Louise Mairs. "It will hopefully be aired at 8pm every Friday night so that you can all be 'a virtual audience' together!!
We will be inviting you to donate directly to whoever is performing that week. Just to help them out as most musicians do not have a nest egg or spare funds to fall back on"
Keep an eye on Facebook's Acoustic Nights@the Meeting Place for links.
"Musicians everywhere have been hit hard during this current crisis and to help out we are inviting musicians to create a live video recording from their homes to your home! says Louise Mairs. "It will hopefully be aired at 8pm every Friday night so that you can all be 'a virtual audience' together!!
We will be inviting you to donate directly to whoever is performing that week. Just to help them out as most musicians do not have a nest egg or spare funds to fall back on"
Keep an eye on Facebook's Acoustic Nights@the Meeting Place for links.
Stay At Home Stay Alive
NATHAN is joined on the track by an all-star line-up including Brian Kennedy, Johnny Logan, Chloe Agnew, Tommy Fleming and Sean Keane. The song has been put together in record time by the artists, who have each recorded lines in their own living rooms and home studios.
“The idea for this track actually came after reading an article from Father Brian D’Arcy, where he mentioned that someone should really write a song for this time. I was sitting at home with plenty of time on my hands and I thought, I could do that!
“With the help of my manager and co-writer John Farry, we put the lyrics together pretty quickly. The key thing we wanted to get across was how important it is to stay at home to keep ourselves and those we love safe. Like everyone else, we miss gigs and parties, meeting up with friends and family but right now, we have to sacrifice those things. If we all do it, we can get everyone back to music and dancing so much quicker.
Proceeds from the download of this single will be donated to healthcare charities.
No Millport Festival this year
The organisers of the Millport Country Music Festival have announced that this years event has been cancelled.In a statement, the organisers advised "It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that Millport Country Music Festival will no longer be taking place this year.
The safety of community residents and festival-goers, as well as the artists, staff and crew who make the festival possible, is our top priority. The situation around COVID-19 has been changing rapidly in the past days and weeks and, unfortunately, under the circumstances it has become impractical to plan, prepare and deliver an event on the scale of Millport Country Music Festival whilst keeping everyone safe.
Dates for 2021 will be determined as soon as possible.
Please take care of yourselves and we look forward to seeing you all again in Millport in 2021.
Spring Into Country moves to Fall
This year's Spring Into coun try Festival in Renfrew will be Fall Into Country this year, as the event has been rescheduled to take place at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre on Sunday September 6th.
The line up still features Jolene & Barry, Angie King & Abbey, Stateline and Clay County.
The line up still features Jolene & Barry, Angie King & Abbey, Stateline and Clay County.
COVID-19 takes Diffie & Prine
Multi-million selling Grand Ole Opry star JOE DIFFIE passed away on Sunday, March 29, following a brief illness. Diffie, 61, announced days earlier that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the coronavirus. He has now become the first music star to die from the disease.One of the biggest country hit makers of the 1990s, Joe Diffie had more than 20 Top 10 hits. They include such No. 1 smashes as “Home,” “Third Rock from the Sun” and “Pickup Man.” He holds four Gold Record awards and two Platinum ones for his albums.
The virus also claimed the life of songwriting legend JOHN PRINE who passed away on Tuesday, April 7 at age 73, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.He wrote or co-wrote such hits as Don Williams’ “Love Is on a Roll,” Bonnie Raitt/Tanya Tucker's “Angel From Montgomery,” Lynn Anderson’s “Paradise” and George Strait/Daniel O'Donnell's “I Just Want to Dance with You.”
But his true importance is measured by his influence on other artists and their universally held respect for him.During a five-decade, 25-album career, the singer-songwriter amassed a devoted cult following. Two of his albums won Grammy Awards. The Americana Music Association named him an Artist of the Year in 2005 and 2017. BMI gave him its Troubadour Award in 2018. He was a pioneer in self-marketing music via his own record label.
Amber & The Legends
Heart Of Texas recording artist AMBER DIGBY, who won many Scottish fans with her appearances at the Caithness Festivals has released a new album, with a steller lists of fellow artists under the apt title of "Heroes, Mentors And Friends : The Legends Project".The album features collaborations with the likes of Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, Larry Gatlin, The Whites and Moe Bandy, as well as Jeannie C Riley, Jeannie Seely, Johnny Rodrigueaz, Jerry Nail and Johnny Bush.
It'a Amber's first album for several years and has been well worth the wait. It's a superb Country album.
Kenny Rogers and Opry legend Jan Howard pass
Country music mourned the passing of two legends in mid March.
Superstar KENNY ROGERS, famed for hits like "The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” and “She Believes In Me,” passed away on
Friday, March 20. He was 81.
Rogers garnered 20 No. 1 country hits between 1977 and 1987, many of which climbed the pop charts. During his lengthy career the international star sold more than 50 million albums in the United States alone. Rogers was a five-time CMA Award-winner and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
Before becoming one of Country music's biggest stars, he started off in a Houston jazz trio. Membership in the New Christy Minstrels folk group spurred the founding of the First Edition, in which Rogers and other former Minstrels mixed folk, rock and country sounds. The new group went to No. 5 on the pop chart in 1967 with Mickey Newbury’s psychedelic “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” and in 1969 caught Country music's attention with "Ruby, Dont Take Your Love To Town".
The Grand Ole Opry also lost one of its oldest members in JAN HOWARD.
During her long career, Jan Howard was a recording star, a hit writer, a member of Johnny Cash’s troupe, Patsy Cline’s demo singer, Bill Anderson’s duet partner, Harlan Howard’s wife and business co-owner, Tammy Wynette’s confidant and Wynn Stewart’s disc collaborator, as well as a matriarch of the Opry cast.
Her big solo hits included “The One You Slip Around With” (1960), “Bad Seed” (1966) and the Grammy-nominated singles “Evil On Your Mind” (1966) and “My Son” (1968). While working on the West Coast, she recorded such 1958-60 duets as “Wrong Company,” “How the Other Half Lives” and “Yankee Go Home” with Wynn Stewart. Jan was 91.
Superstar KENNY ROGERS, famed for hits like "The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” and “She Believes In Me,” passed away onFriday, March 20. He was 81.
Rogers garnered 20 No. 1 country hits between 1977 and 1987, many of which climbed the pop charts. During his lengthy career the international star sold more than 50 million albums in the United States alone. Rogers was a five-time CMA Award-winner and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
Before becoming one of Country music's biggest stars, he started off in a Houston jazz trio. Membership in the New Christy Minstrels folk group spurred the founding of the First Edition, in which Rogers and other former Minstrels mixed folk, rock and country sounds. The new group went to No. 5 on the pop chart in 1967 with Mickey Newbury’s psychedelic “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” and in 1969 caught Country music's attention with "Ruby, Dont Take Your Love To Town".
The Grand Ole Opry also lost one of its oldest members in JAN HOWARD.During her long career, Jan Howard was a recording star, a hit writer, a member of Johnny Cash’s troupe, Patsy Cline’s demo singer, Bill Anderson’s duet partner, Harlan Howard’s wife and business co-owner, Tammy Wynette’s confidant and Wynn Stewart’s disc collaborator, as well as a matriarch of the Opry cast.
Her big solo hits included “The One You Slip Around With” (1960), “Bad Seed” (1966) and the Grammy-nominated singles “Evil On Your Mind” (1966) and “My Son” (1968). While working on the West Coast, she recorded such 1958-60 duets as “Wrong Company,” “How the Other Half Lives” and “Yankee Go Home” with Wynn Stewart. Jan was 91.
Grand Ole Opry Circle unbroken
The Grand Ole Opry has been heard on WSM radio from Nashville since 1925, and it takes more than COVID-19 to stop it. Despite the Social distancing measures in place the Opry has continued on WSM radio, and on the newly launched Circle TV. Since March 21st the Opry has played to an empty Opryhouse, but with an audience at home around the world. Lineups have included Marty Stuart, Vince Gill and Brad Paisley ; Terri Clark, Ashley McBryde and Lauren Alaina; Ricky Skaggs with Dailey & Vincent and Vince Gill & Amy Grant.This Saturday, May 2nd will feature Garth Brooks & Trisha Tearwood, whilst on May 9th, the line up will include Blake Shelton and girlfriend Gwen Stefani, Trace Adkins and Dustin Lynch.
You can watch anywhere in the world, via Circle TV's Youtube and Facebook channels.
Coronavirus cancels C2C
Whilst the deadly pandemic has changed the way we live around the world, the entertainment scene, which relies on live audiences for their living, has really been affected hard. From local club performers to international touring acts, entertainers at all levels have been badly affected.
One of the first casualties was the Country2Country Festival which was cancelled less that 24 hours before it was due to begin. The festival has been reorganised for next March.
One of the first casualties was the Country2Country Festival which was cancelled less that 24 hours before it was due to begin. The festival has been reorganised for next March.
Rhonda Vincent joins the Opry
The fabulous Bluegrass/Country singer RHONDA VINCENT is the newest member to have been invited to become a member on the Grand Ole Opry cast.Following Vincent’s performance of “Like I Could,” the song’s co-writer and Opry member Jeannie Seely extended the invitation and asked Vincent if she wanted to join the venerable show. A stunned Vincent responded, “Are you serious ? 100% percent yes. Oh my gosh! I grew up listening to the Opry. Thank you dear God!”
Vincent, who has won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album six times, then performed “Those Memories” alongside Opry members Seely, Connie Smith and Cheryl and Sharon White.
Rhonda previously sung sponsored jingles for the Opry, including The Martha White Theme, which she included on her 2001 album "THe Storm Still Rages".
Vincent was to be formally welcomed into the Opry family at a March 24th ceremony, which has been delayed due to the Covid-19 shutdown, but will be rearranged.
Nicky James RIP
The UK and Irish Country scene was shocked at the untimely passing of NICKY JAMES on February 15th. Nicky was a popular entertainer across the UK with his State Of The Union band, but in recent years had expanded into promoting tours by US artists like Larry Gatlin, Marty Haggard and Gene Watson. He was also instrumental in the early career of Liverpudlian Nathan Carter.New home grown Country albums
The year kicked off with some really impressive homegrown releases,
Bishopbriggs lass KATEE KROSS released her 4th album, "Show Your Hand" and BRANDON McPHEE released an album blending Country and Scottish music on "The Brandon McPhee Experience.
Meanwhile DEAN OWENS releases a Best of - The Man From Leith, which features 17 tracks collated from his previous solo releases.
See the CMDS reviews of all three albums (and all the home grown CD reviews) here.
Bishopbriggs lass KATEE KROSS released her 4th album, "Show Your Hand" and BRANDON McPHEE released an album blending Country and Scottish music on "The Brandon McPhee Experience.
Meanwhile DEAN OWENS releases a Best of - The Man From Leith, which features 17 tracks collated from his previous solo releases.
See the CMDS reviews of all three albums (and all the home grown CD reviews) here.
January 23, 2020
Country On The Clyde
Country On The Clyde, the daytime festival which compliments the Country 2 Country Festival is back again in March. The line up includes local favourites Raintown & Ashton Lane, alongside up and coming acts from across the UK, including Jen Bostic, Kezia Gill and Jade Helliwell,
The events are held on The Ferry, close to the Hydro, during the afternoon of Saturday March 14th, and Sunday March 15th.
The events are held on The Ferry, close to the Hydro, during the afternoon of Saturday March 14th, and Sunday March 15th.
Gene Watson to join the Opry
Gene Watson is set to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.The singer was making a Friday-night appearance at the Opry last weekend, currently in its annual winter residency at it's former home, The Ryman Auditorium, some 55 years after he made his debut on the same stage. After performing his early-Eighties hits “Sometimes I Get Lucky and Forget” and “Nothing Sure Looked Good on You,” Watson was interrupted by Opry member Vince Gill.
“I’ll make you a deal — if you will do ‘Farewell Party,’ we will invite you to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry,” said Gill, referencing Watson’s signature hit from 1979.
A stunned Watson recalled how he and his band celebrated the 40th anniversary of the hit in 2019 and how it was still his most-requested song all these years later.
New Fife venue for Country acts
There's a new Country music venue launching in Fife, which will offer an array of Country music that is more that you'll find in any of the established Country music clubs.
The events, which kick off at the end of the month, in the Ex Servicemens Club in Methil will be organised by Johny B Events.
"We are a Not For Profit organisation who are about watching, listening to and enjoying Live Country Music" the state on their Facebook page. "Our venue, which is in the Ex-Servicemen's Club in Methil will be set up more as a “cabaret” layout with the dance area at the rear of the room.
We hope to bring to the area top UK Country Music artists who might normally only be able to be enjoyed at Country Festivals or larger venues. Mostly playing their own material as well as covers from those artists that have influenced their musical journey, it will be a celebration of all varieties of the genre called “Country Music” and at a price that, hopefully, all will be able to afford"
.
Advance tickets can be booked from the following or, of course, you can just come along and pay at the door - advance booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment on the night;
John Brown - ysabeljohn@gmail.com 07710 782263,
Eddie Cairns - eddieacairns@gmail.com 07973 122890
Lorna Cairns - lornaecairns@gmail.com 07973 173860
The events, which kick off at the end of the month, in the Ex Servicemens Club in Methil will be organised by Johny B Events.
"We are a Not For Profit organisation who are about watching, listening to and enjoying Live Country Music" the state on their Facebook page. "Our venue, which is in the Ex-Servicemen's Club in Methil will be set up more as a “cabaret” layout with the dance area at the rear of the room.
We hope to bring to the area top UK Country Music artists who might normally only be able to be enjoyed at Country Festivals or larger venues. Mostly playing their own material as well as covers from those artists that have influenced their musical journey, it will be a celebration of all varieties of the genre called “Country Music” and at a price that, hopefully, all will be able to afford"
Advance tickets can be booked from the following or, of course, you can just come along and pay at the door - advance booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment on the night;
John Brown - ysabeljohn@gmail.com 07710 782263,
Eddie Cairns - eddieacairns@gmail.com 07973 122890
Lorna Cairns - lornaecairns@gmail.com 07973 173860
Country stars at Celtic Connections
Glasgow's huge Celtic Connections festival is back, offering atendees a wide variety of folk, traditional and world music across a 2 1/2 week period. As usual, several Country acts are included in the line up, including Iris Dement, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Sturgill Simpson, and Brandy Clark, who will be previewing her newq album , "Your Life Is A Record" in March.For the full Celtic Connections line up, check the website @ www.celticconnections.com
November 14, 2019
Women steal the show at CMA's
Amid the controversy that American Country Music Radio discriminates against female singers, the CMA decided to honour the Ladies of Country at this years CMA Awards, held last night in Nashville,
The show dedicated a sizable chunk of the telecast to showcasing women, and even trumpeted the evening as one “celebrating legendary women in country music.”
It all kicked off with a blockbuster medley. Hosts Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire sang “Those Memories of You,” a song that Parton recorded with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris for their 1987 Trio album, while the Highwomen, Tanya Tucker, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Gretchen Wilson, Crystal Gayle and Terri Clark offered a mix of signature hits and anthems like “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” ,“You’re Lookin’ at Country” and "Independence Day". Later, Little Big Town were joined by Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Runaway June, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce for a collaborative cover of “Girl Crush” .
The women didn't do too badly on the awards tally either. Maren Morris, (pictured) who performed both solo and with the Highwomen, had the most nominations of any artist this year with six. She won Album of the Year for "Girl" , and recent UK visitor Ashley McBryde won the New Artist Of The Year Award, 12 years after she released her first self produced album. Kasey Musgraves won Female Vocalist and Video Awards, and performed on the show with Willie Nelson.
Garth Brooks won Entertainer of the Year for the third time in four years, Luke Combs was named Male Vocalist and Song Of The Year for "Beautiful Crazy". Blake Shelton won single for "God Country", and Dan+Shay were named top duo.
If there was a low point, it was the Vocal Event Award going to rapper Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ for their dreadful summer hit “Old Town Road (Remix)” — at least it was presented earlier in the day, and not part of the TV showcase.
BBC4 will show an edited version of the CMA Awards next Friday, 22nd at 11.10pm , following the launch of Ken Burn's TV Documentary series , "Country Music".
The show dedicated a sizable chunk of the telecast to showcasing women, and even trumpeted the evening as one “celebrating legendary women in country music.”It all kicked off with a blockbuster medley. Hosts Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire sang “Those Memories of You,” a song that Parton recorded with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris for their 1987 Trio album, while the Highwomen, Tanya Tucker, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Gretchen Wilson, Crystal Gayle and Terri Clark offered a mix of signature hits and anthems like “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” ,“You’re Lookin’ at Country” and "Independence Day". Later, Little Big Town were joined by Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Runaway June, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce for a collaborative cover of “Girl Crush” .
The women didn't do too badly on the awards tally either. Maren Morris, (pictured) who performed both solo and with the Highwomen, had the most nominations of any artist this year with six. She won Album of the Year for "Girl" , and recent UK visitor Ashley McBryde won the New Artist Of The Year Award, 12 years after she released her first self produced album. Kasey Musgraves won Female Vocalist and Video Awards, and performed on the show with Willie Nelson.
Garth Brooks won Entertainer of the Year for the third time in four years, Luke Combs was named Male Vocalist and Song Of The Year for "Beautiful Crazy". Blake Shelton won single for "God Country", and Dan+Shay were named top duo.
If there was a low point, it was the Vocal Event Award going to rapper Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ for their dreadful summer hit “Old Town Road (Remix)” — at least it was presented earlier in the day, and not part of the TV showcase.
BBC4 will show an edited version of the CMA Awards next Friday, 22nd at 11.10pm , following the launch of Ken Burn's TV Documentary series , "Country Music".
October 30, 2019
Bob Hope award for George Strait
George Strait was recognized last Friday, Oct. 25, at the Medal of Honor Convention’s Patriot Award Gala with the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment, which honors entertainers who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the U.S. military through film, literature or music.
The Bob Hope Award was established in 2003 by President George W. Bush, in commemoration of Hope’s 100th birthday. Past recipients of the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment include Tom Selleck, Jon Voight, Trace Adkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more.
The Bob Hope Award was established in 2003 by President George W. Bush, in commemoration of Hope’s 100th birthday. Past recipients of the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment include Tom Selleck, Jon Voight, Trace Adkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more.
Gene Watson gets Kentucky honour
Gene Watson was honored with the commission of Kentucky Colonel during his show at the Kentucky Opry recently. While on stage in Benton, Kentucky, Bill Cates, a longtime fan of Watson’s, presented the honor on behalf of Mayor Mathew Bevins. The Kentucky Colonels were established in 1813 and notable honorees include Winston Churchill, John Glenn, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, J. Edgar Hoover, Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers and now Gene Watson.
The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky.
The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky.
Prairie Star this Saturday
There's a change of band at The Prairie Star C&W Club this month.
On Saturday 2nd November, the club now have Springfield making a return visit to the club, at the usual venue, Weirs Social Club, Church Street, Alloa.
Next month will be the club's Christmas buffet dance and tickets will be available on Saturday evening and you can book your tickets with a £5 deposit, it will be £11 for members and £12 for non-members, just see Dorothy for more info on this and any other event, or phone on 01259724352, but until then, mind to........Keep it Country!
On Saturday 2nd November, the club now have Springfield making a return visit to the club, at the usual venue, Weirs Social Club, Church Street, Alloa.
Next month will be the club's Christmas buffet dance and tickets will be available on Saturday evening and you can book your tickets with a £5 deposit, it will be £11 for members and £12 for non-members, just see Dorothy for more info on this and any other event, or phone on 01259724352, but until then, mind to........Keep it Country!
October 26, 2019
C2C 2020 Line up
The line up for C2C next March has been announced. As usual the event features artistes who have already played here recently, But there are a few surprises, like 61 year old Tanya Tucker, and Wagon-Wheelers Old Crow Medicine Show.
Tickets for the 3 night event March 13-15th at The Hydro, in Glasgow, go on sale Friday November 1st.
Tickets for the 3 night event March 13-15th at The Hydro, in Glasgow, go on sale Friday November 1st.
Don Williams honoured
The premiere of Don Williams: Music & Memories of The Gentle Giant next weekend will feature guest performers such as Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Tracy Lawrence and Victoria Shaw to pay tribute to the legacy of Don’s music, alongside The Nashville Symphony. The three-day residency starts Thursday, October 31st and runs through Saturday, November 2nd giving fans a chance to experience a first in Country music history, where through technology and video footage Don Williams will perform, once again, along with his touring band and The Nashville Symphony.
Music enthusiasts attending the show will also get to see some personal artifacts that took Don to his place in Country Music history. On display at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center will be Don’s 1971 MCI tour bus
September 14, 2019
Ken Burns Country PBS Concert on line
PBS in America launch a documetary series this weekend exploring the history of a uniquely American art form: country music. From its deep and tangled roots in ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings, to its worldwide popularity, learn how country music evolved over the course of the 20th century, as it eventually emerged to become America’s music. Country Music features never-before-seen footage and photographs, plus interviews with more than 80 country music artists. The eight-part 16-hour series is directed and produced by Ken Burns; written and produced by Dayton Duncan; and produced by Julie Dunfey.Country Music explores questions –– such as “What is country music?” and “Where did it come from?“–– while focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created and shaped it — from the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more — as well as the times in which they lived. Much like the music itself, the film tells unforgettable stories of hardships and joys shared by everyday people.
No one has told the story this way before.
Join celebrated musicians for Country Music: Live at the Ryman , A Concert Celebrating the Film by Ken Burns. Hosted by Burns and featuring performances and appearances by Dierks Bentley, Rosanne Cash, Rhiannon Giddens, Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart, Dwight Yoakam and more. The concert was screened last weekend across the USA, but WGBH, the PBS TV station in Boston has made the concert available on line here.
Most definitively worth watching.
September 12, 2019
David Leask heads home
Originally from Jedburgh, David Leask is a powerful performing songwriter, who has built an artistic bridge between the influences of his birthplace and the fresh possibilities of his adopted Canadian home to produce six critically-acclaimed CD's. A seasoned and commanding performer, having played over 2600 gigs in the last 25 years, David’s music draws from Celtic roots, Americana and country, topped up with a pop sensibility that brings to mind the talents of Van Morrison, John Mayer and Foy Vance.A gifted songwriting teacher, David has conducted numerous songwriting workshops at folk festivals and on behalf of the Songwriters Association of Canada with students ranging in age from 7 to 70+ and has the experience, passion and people skills to motivate any individual to write a song.
His 2013 “Underneath” CD is a former Celtic Music Radio Album of The Week, whilst his latest EP release, “Six in 6/8” has received critical acclaim internationally.
David is coming home for the next month, for a string of dates across the UK, alongside Letitia VanSant, Nathan Bell and Lizanne Knot.
Canadian Country Music Awards
TENILLE TOWNES was the big winner at last month’s Canadian Country Awards held in Calgary, Alberta, winning Female Vocalist as well as Single, Song & Video of The Year for “Somebody’s Daughter”.Townes was raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and released her first single in 2009, "Home Now", a song she wrote from the perspective of a daughter whose father was deployed in Afghanistan.
She released her two albums, “Real” and “Light”, in 2011 and 2013 respectively, on R Harland Smith’s traditional Royalty Records label. She was nominated for her first CCMA as Female Vocalist, back in 20119won that year, by Terri Clark).
Columbia Records in Nashville picked up on her in 2018, and her award winning song hit No.1 on the Canadian Country charts earlier this year. She performed her song on the 2 hour TV awards show.
Tenille plays Glasgow’s Stereo venue on October 28th.
It was also a good night for DALLAS SMITH, who won the Entertainer Of The Year and Male Vocalist. He started out as lead singer with hard rock band Default, but has been wooing Country fans since his debut solo album, “Jumped Right In” was released back in 2012.
On the night, the singer also shared the presenter duties with Billy Ray Cyrus.
BC based THE WASHBOARD UNION were also double winners, being named group of the year, as well as tying for the Roots Album Award.
Albertan BRETT KISSEL was the Fans Choice Winner for the 2nd time in 3 Years. Brett has been recording since 2003, and currently has 7 albums to his credit, with his 8th album, “Now Or Never” slated for release in the new year.
CHARLIE MAJOR was inducted to the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in the Entertainer category, whilst English born publicist ANYA WILSON was inducted in the Industry category. Charlie, from Quebec, has been a part of the Canadian Country scene, since release of his album, “The Other Side” in 1993. Whilst recognized for hits like “I’m Gonna Drive You out Of My Mind” and “(I Do It)or The Money”, he is probably best known internationally for writing the Ricky Van Shelton hit, “Backroads”.
The major winners were :
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Dallas Smith
APPLE MUSIC FANS' CHOICE Brett Kissel
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Dallas Smith
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Tenille Townes
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR The Washboard Union
RISING STAR Jade Eagleson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR Somebody's Daughter - Tenille Townes
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
Barry Dean, Luke Laird, Tenille Townes - Somebody’s Daughter (Tenille Townes)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR Feels Like That - The Reklaws
ROOTS ALBUM OF THE YEAR Both Ways - Donovan Woods /
What We're Made Of - The Washboard Union
VIDEO OF THE YEAR Somebody’s Daughter - Tenille Townes
Rusty returns
Kansas based RUSTY RIERSON, such a hit at the Northern Nashville Caithness Festival in 2014, returns to Scotland this month, for an appearance at the Ayr International Country Music Festival and a few dates in Tayside. He plays The Couper Angus CMC on Friday, Sept 13th, Muthil Parish Church on Sunday 15th and The Maddox Centre in St Madoes on Monday 16th.To tie in with his visit, Rusty has a new single at UK Radio called "Bumper Stickers on A Bentley".
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