The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) is honored to announce Anne Murray and industry veteran Art Snider will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the 2002 Canadian Country Music Week celebrations in Calgary, September 6-9. 2002.

Anne Murray is one of Canada¹s greatest international success stories.  Her signature voice has graced our country on recordings since 1968.  Now in her 34th year in the entertainment industry, this phenomenal achievement is matched only by her high personal and professional standards.

Anne recorded her first album in 1968 "What About Me" and just one year later signed with Capitol Records-Canada to release her second album entitled "This Way Is My Way."

Recognized for her hit song "Snowbird," she became the first Canadian solo female artist to receive an American Gold award.  With a number of hits to follow ("Danny¹s Song," "You Needed Me," "Could I Have This Dance," and "Love Song"), Anne made Canadian music history.

To date Anne Murray has released 32 albums, selling more than 40 million copies around the world.  In 1999, she released an inspirational CD titled "What A Wonderful World," a recording that sustained a 70-week run on the charts and reached platinum sales.

The recipient of four Grammy Awards, 31 Juno Awards, a star at Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles, and on Nashville¹s Walkway of Stars, as well as a Companion of the Order of Canada, Anne will release her 33rd album "Country Croonin" later this month.

Art Snider was a skilled and talented piano player, producer, record company chief, television network music conductor, and record studio owner who played a key role in launching the careers of many Canadian artists.  

In the late forties, Art established his own music school in Toronto and began to produce records. He enjoyed a ten-year tenure as music conductor for CBC television¹s popular Country Hoedown series, which later evolved into The Tommy Hunter Show.   He established his own label Chateau/Canatal in the early sixties and recorded only Canadian artists including a number of CCMA Hall of Famers: Gordon Lightfoot, Gary Buck, The Mercey Brothers, Pat Hervey, Chef Adams, The Allan Sisters, Tommy Ambrose, and Lucky Ambo.

Art owned and operated several Toronto recording studios.  Art Snider Studios was home to many of Canada¹s top artists

The spotlight of the 32nd Annual Conference of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) will fall upon the legendary shoulders of "The Man In Black" - Johnny Cash - for the presentation of their prestigious "Founders Award," it's been announced by IEBA President, Judy Ade.

The IEBA Founders Award gives recognition to those whose career ethics and accomplishments within the industry have made significant contributions to the advancement of the entertainment community and its audience as a whole.  Last year's 2001 recipient was artist manager, Irby Mandrell.

Noted Patti Burgart, IEBA Executive Director:  "We took a lot of pride in the selection of Johnny Cash as this year's recipient.  His career has transcended formats, decades, and musical style changes to make him a true legend in the entertainment industry."

Cash is expected to be on hand (health permitting) to accept the honor, to be presented by his lifelong friend, fellow performer, and songwriter of Cash's notable hit "Ring of Fire" - Merle Kilgore, now manager of Hank Williams Jr.

The Founders Award will be presented as the centerpiece of the 32nd Annual IEBA Conference, which will be held October 6-9th in Nashville.  The Founders Dinner is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, October 8th at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown.  Comedian Bill Engvall will emcee it.

Dualtone Music Group has announced the first studio album for the label by esteemed singer/songwriter Radney Foster. A key part of Dualtone’s enviable roster of cutting-edge country/roots artists (Jim Lauderdale, David Ball, Darden Smith, Chris Knight and Mark Olson & The Creek Dippers among them) Foster’s Another Way To Go is slated to hit the racks on September 10.

Now four-plus years down the road from his last studio release, Foster builds on the strengths of that artistic breakthrough while marking new heights in confidence, wisdom and natural grace. And, after years spent consciously extending and staking out stylistic boundaries, Radney has finally blurred the lines that separate country, honky tonk, pop, rock and soul to create a fluid, shape-shifting hybrid that is all his own.

As the groundbreaking duo Foster & Lloyd, Radney and partner Bill Lloyd confidently straddled the Country and College charts in the late ’80s, adding soulful Texas grit to a loving, Everly Brothers-styled spin on a sturdy mix of country-rock, honky tonkers and vintage Southern-fried rock’n’roll. "Crazy Over You," their first single, debuted at #1 (making for a tough act to follow), but the pair still managed to turn out three hit-laden discs for RCA before parting ways.

Foster deepened his exploration of his Texas roots on his first two solo ventures for Arista Nashville (particularly on the brilliant Del Rio, Texas1959), but he really spread his wings on 1998’s ambitious See What You Want To See. Then recently-remarried, but reeling from a mind-boggling international custody battle, Radney added elements of pop, rock and even funk to his roots-based musical palette to more properly backdrop the full-range of his emotional upheaval. Occasionally stark -- but ultimately about perseverance and redemption -- the recording showed Foster raising his already sharp tunesmithing to a new level of lyrical acuity.

2001’s live Are You Ready For The Big Show? displayed Foster’s awesome, pan-genre flexibility in a club setting as he delivered a sprawling overview of his work-to-date with unerring command.

From pillar-to-post, the muscular, full-tilt band on this album flexes, glides, stretches and squeezes through the tracks with sinewy, serpentine elasticity, and each of the disc’s 13 gem-cut tunes (all written or co-written by Foster) sizzles with lyrical import.

Foster’s own "Everyday Angel," already breaking at country radio, is a moving paean to those un-sung, earthly saints among us who quietly raise the boats; "I Got What You Need" pulses with thick, liquid Memphis soul, "Again" believes in love, and Radney’s passionate duet with Chely Wright on "Scary Old World" sends one more beauty up to its co-writer, the late, great Harlan Howard.

Throughout, the disc showcases as fine, expressive and supple a vocalist as you’ll find in all of popular music. Clean, straightforward and laced with just a hint of swagger in his middle register, Radney underscores emotional peaks with soaring, aching flights into rarefied, Orbisonian space with breathtaking ease.

With such a big heart, big voice, and big ideas, there was really no other way for Radney to go

Hot on the heels of their new Curb Records CD release "Redneck Girls Forever," The Bellamy Brothers have just added another "Top 10" to their long list of credits.

On a recent airing of "The Late Show" on CBS-TV the subject of Dave's popular "Top 10" feature turned to "Top 10 Pick-Up Lines."

High on the resultant list was The Bellamy's own original classic pick-up line -- one that in real life landed them in the Top 10 in the country music charts, "If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me."

Howard and David were playing a concert that night and didn't get to view Letterman -- though both avow to be great fans.  Noted Howard: "It's a real high to reach a point that your music kind of becomes ingrained as a catch phrase in the culture -- this is a good example.  Our agency is calling the Letterman staff to tell them we'd like to do the show next time we're in New York and get to thank Dave personally."

Now THAT may be the greatest "pick-up line" of all!  Stay tuned...
 

The hard-drivin’, twang-rockin’ Brooklyn Cowboys follow up their critically-acclaimed CD, DOIN’ TIME ON PLANET EARTH, with the 14-song disc DODGING BULLETS September 10 on LEAPS Recordings. The CD offers premium songs, superb musicianship and edgy vocal performances. The project, written and produced by the Brooklyn Cowboys, will be distributed by REDEYE.

Chuck Pyle, the singer/songwriter responsible for "Jaded Lover" and "Cadillac Cowboy," will release his newest CD, AFFECTED BY THE MOON, October 1. The project is on Bee ‘n’ Flowers Records, with SOUTHWEST Wholesalers distributing nationally. Dubbed the "Zen Cowboy" by one record reviewer, Pyle is known for his unique mix of "Cowboy Logic" poetry and upbeat, enlightened humor.

AFFECTED BY THE MOON is the first of Chuck Pyle’s seven CDs to be released to radio and press since 1985’s critically-acclaimed, DRIFTER’S WIND. The 13-song disc features a variety of songs but is consistent in its straight-to-the-heart (and/or mind) lyrics, masterful musicianship and Chuck’s inimitable "Rocky Mountain Slam Pickin’" and vocal styles. Producer Doug Haywood has done an outstanding job on his end, and this is overall a stellar outing.

Standout tracks include: the title cut -- a gypsy minor shuffle conjuring up visions of quiet, dark streets and Chuck’s remembrances of a long weekend with a young Dutch girl. On "97 Hillside Road" – the listener takes a devastating walk through a house full of memories where the vocal vulnerability is absolutely shattering. "I Love You Back" – is a country-rock love song that leads the listener around the joys and lessons of love – and of loving someone back. And Chuck’s favorite, "If Not Now" – is "a song," he says, "in terms where feelings expressed are so elegantly simple they are universal." Written while on a restorative Mexican vacation, this was one of the first songs penned by Chuck in over a year. It was worth the wait.

Combined sales of Chuck Pyle’s previous CDs have topped 50,000 units and AFFECTED BY THE MOON should see those figures soar. This is an accomplished recording by an icon of the genre. Pyle has honed his skills for over 30 years from the coffeehouses to the concert halls of his adopted home state of Colorado - and beyond. A tireless road warrior, he tours constantly and his current itinerary stretches well into 2003, with shows scheduled in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Montana, California and British Columbia. Last year he performed over 100 dates and although Chuck prefers to play "smaller, more intimate houses," this project will no doubt see the demand for larger capacity halls arise.

A much-touted songwriter and musician, Chuck has given guitar seminars at such prestigious events as the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and the Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina. His playing is consistently without par, and on AFFECTED BY THE MOON he shines. Outstanding lyrics are expected from a writer of his caliber and he has many "outside" cuts to his credit. Jerry Jeff Walker, Chris LeDoux, the late John Denver, Suzy Boggus and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have all recorded Pyle’s songs and with good reason; he is, no doubt, a songwriter’s songwriter. The man known as the "Zen Cowboy" rides again.

The first two dates to go on-sale for George Strait’s fall arena tour have sold out! George’s shows in Dallas and San Antonio went on sale Saturday, July 13^th and sold out the same weekend. In Dallas, George will be playing the American Airlines Arena on November 1^st and in San Antonio, he will break-in the brand new SBC Center by being the first musical performance at the arena, on November 2^nd.  Dallas and San Antonio are the last two stops on his tour that kicks off in Detroit, Michigan on September 12^th. Tickets for that show go on-sale this Saturday at 10AM and will be available at all Ticketmaster outlets. 

JamGrass 2002, a festival style event featuring acoustic masters and improvisational greats will make its debut this summer at various venues across the country.  The artists performing will vary slightly, but the majority of the dates will feature the David  Grisman Quintet, the Sam Bush Band, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice, the John Cowan Band, and the Yonder Mountain String Band. Jorma Kaukonen (of Hot Tuna fame), String Cheese Incident and Leo Kottke and will perform on some dates as well. Additionally, 11 cities will feature special guests the Dark Star Orchestra, performing both a rare acoustic set, as well as their trademark electric show.

The JamGrass concept was formulated and created by Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., a Nashville based full service talent agency. The idea of touring "Electric jam bands have been growing in popularity, but the acoustic-oriented artists didn't have an appropriate vehicle to showcase their world-class talents" explained Paul Lohr, BLA's executive VP. "With a growing demand for bluegrass and jam band music on a continual rise, what we're doing with the JamGrass tour is taking a festival show to the fans across the country," offered Buddy Lee's Michael Cooper, co-creator of the event.

David Grisman and Sam Bush are perhaps the 2 greatest influences on re-defining and expanding the bluegrass and acoustic sounds of today. Mandolin virtuoso David Grisman gained notoriety as one of the all-star members of Old And In The Way, the bluegrasss band he formed with Jerry Garcia in 1973. His impact and influence in acoustic improvisational music was forever marked with his debut of the David Grisman Quintet in 1977 and continues today with their genre-bending new release Dawgnation.

Multiple Grammy winner Sam Bush, now touring with his own band, has for nearly 30 years been considered among contemporary acoustic music's most exciting and compelling performers.  He is perhaps best known as the leader and founder of New Grass Revival, a band of inventive and high caliber musicians that for 18 years challenged the preconceived notions of traditional bluegrass instruments by seamlessly fusing a wide range of styles that included gospel, rock, pop, reggae, jazz, country and bluegrass. 

Peter Rowan, with a career spanning four decades that began with Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys, and continued with collaborations with the likes of David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, and Vassar Clements, continues to please his devoted, international fan base through his constant touring and mix of musical styles.

A maverick of the flat-picked acoustic guitar, Tony Rice was the first instrumentalist to seize upon the innovations of guitarists like Clarence White and Doc Watson and propel them into new flights of rhythmic, harmonic, and textural virtuosity.  Tony has redefined his instrument's role in bluegrass and raised the bar for new generations of acoustic
six-stringers. 

John Cowan was the tenor vocalist and bassist for New Grass Revival and has just released his second solo album on Sugar Hill Records, Always Take Me Back, which is getting stellar reviews from publications across the country.  He is considered by his contemporaries as one of the most powerful vocalists in the genre.
 
Yonder Mountain String Band is bluegrass, new grass, slam grass, and now JAMGRASS. Taking bluegrass where it has never gone before, this quartet made up of banjo, guitar, stand-up bass, and mandolin are catching the ear of bluegrass purist and groove-band fans alike. Creating a unique "drive without drums" sound all their own, Yonder Mountain String Band has been selling out venues across the country. Critics praise their diverse and eclectic music which is filled with "jaw-dropping solos and breakneck tempos" along with fresh, original songs.

Jorma Kaukonen, most noted as a cornerstone of both Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane, is touted as one of the great white acoustic bluesmen of our time.  His distinctive vocal stylings, as well as his acoustic guitar finger work, has made him an American music icon.  His most recent album on Columbia brought him to Nashville, where he recorded songs of the early white bluesmen with all-star studio accompaniment by Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Byron House.

The JamGrass Festival Tour Schedule is as follows:
08/02 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Amphitheater
08/04 - Pittsburgh, PA - Amphitheater at Stone Square
08/09 - Park City, UT - Deer Valley Amphitheater
08/10 - Alta, WY - Targhee Festival
08/11 - Denver, CO - City Lights Pavilion
08/16 - Indianapolis, IN - Verizon Music Center
08/17 - East Troy, WI - Alpine Valley Amphitheater
08/18 - Cleveland, OH - Tower City Amphitheater
08/22 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theater
08/24 - San Rafael, CA - Marin Lagoon Park
08/25 - Saratoga, CA - Mountain Winery
08/29 - Silverton, OR - Oregon Garden
08/31 - Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot
09/06 - Geneva, MN - Harmony Festival
09/07 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theater
09/08 - St. Louis, MO - UMB Bank Pavilion
09/10 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
09/20 - Boston, MA - Fleet Boston Pavilion
09/21 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Arts Center
09/22 - Watagh, NY - Jones Beach Amphitheater
 

Singer-songwriter Randy Sharp will release his first solo album project in more than 15 years.  Titled The Connection, the project will be released on September 10 by San Francisco-based 33^rd Street Records, a boutique label with strong emphasis on artist development in the retail marketplace. 

Recorded during the last 18 months, The Connection was produced by Randy Sharp and Maia Sharp and features both new and older Randy Sharp songs. 

“This is a project that I’ve put off for years,” says Randy Sharp.  “Somewhere along the way my focus moved to the songwriter/producer aspect of what I do and the singer/ songwriter performing his own songs in his own fashion got elbowed to the back of the line.  The most difficult part of starting this project was deciding what songs to include.  The project finally got started when I realized that I didn’t have to decide, Maia did.  Maia Sharp (phenomenal writer and artist…of yeah, and my daughter) was producing it with me so I made her do it.”

Songs include “I Won’t Stand In Line” (also recorded by Reba McEntire), “Some Walls” (Maura O’Connell), “New Way Out” (Karen Brooks, Oak Ridge Boys), “Dreams Of The San Joaquin” (Linda Ronstadt),  “Good Thing” (Maia Sharp) as well as songs that have not been recorded including “Or So The Heart Remembers,” “Burn Day,” “The Queen Of Indecision” and “If You Have To Ask.”

Other artists who have recorded Randy Sharp songs over the years include Restless Heart, Clay Walker, Dolly Parton, Anne Murray, Exile, Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell, John Conlee, Marty Robbins, Emmylou Harris, Tanya Tucker, Big Bird, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Edgar Winter, Alabama, Patty Loveless and he and daughter Maia Sharp have a song on the forthcoming Dixie Chicks August release.  Sharp’s songs have appeared in the films The Apostle, The Horse Whisperer, Speechless and Follow That Bird. 

Audium Records and KOCH Entertainment have entered into a joint venture with Steve Ripley, founder of The Tractors, to establish Boy Rocking Records.  The new Tulsa-based label will be manufactured, marketed, promoted and distributed by Audium Records in conjunction with KOCH Entertainment.  The first project is Ripley, the debut solo album by Steve Ripley, set for release on October 8.  Later that month, Boy Rocking Records/Audium will issue a new Tractors Christmas album.

“It is not only a pleasure but it is fun to be in business with an artist as talented as Steve Ripley,” said Nick Hunter, President of Audium Records.  “We decided to ask for a solo album initially, thinking it would take him only two years to complete it as opposed to four years for a new Tractors album.”

Ripley features 11 songs including eight Ripley originals written for this project as well as Bob Dylan’s “I Don’t Believe You” and the Carter Family classic “No Depression.” Two new Ripley’s songs, “The Round And Round” and “Oklahoma Blues,” are featured in the forthcoming film The Round And Round starring Wilford Brimley, to be released in the fall.  Other originals include the radio-friendly “Night Time Lover” and “Mr. Jingle Jangle,” and a slice of American landscape wrapped in a magic sonic amalgamation called “Gone Away.”

“There is a way of creating an environment,” says Steve Ripley of his first solo project, “where a song, a collection of noises, a record, comes to life and takes on a personality all its own. It is a key element of record making that I learned from some of the people I’ve been fortunate to work with, including J.J. Cale, Leon Russell, Ry Cooder and Bob Dylan.”

The album strikes a balance between familiar and unique.  While extremely accessible, the Ripley record demands its own space – set apart from the normal pop and country releases that populate the current music scene.  With regards to the musical approach, Ripley says, “I purposefully keep one foot firmly planted in the past and the other foot stepping out on faith, hopefully towards the future.  The trick is not falling down.”

At the quarter century mark, when the careers of most artists are relegated to audio snippets on late night infomercials trumpeting their 'hits from the '70's,' the career of The Bellamy Brothers has just been dealt yet another wild card.  And a sweet one indeed.

Today (7/16/02) with the release of their newest Curb CD (the project marks a re-teaming with the label) "Redneck Girls Forever," the brothers-Howard and David-prove once again that the range the Florida born brothers have ridden to fame has been as unique as their music itself.

The road that led them to country music paved the way, in fact, for duos to come, such as Brooks & Dunn.  But before the road took a fork into country, the Bellamys were churning out pop hits from their home base in L.A. during the '70's.

When "Let Your Love Flow" hit on the Curb label in 1976, it became a smash both in the U.S. and Europe, staying at the #1 spot on the German charts for eight weeks. Back in the U.S. the hits rolled into tour dates with the likes of Loggins & Messina, the Doobie Brothers and the Beach Boys.

By the dawn of the 80's, The Bellamy Brothers emerged on the nation's country charts with another bona fide smash.  "If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)" originally penned by David on a dinner napkin, rocketed them onto the nation's music radar in country the way "Let Your Love Flow" did years earlier in pop.  It became The Bellamy Brothers first of 14 number one singles on the country charts in the U.S.

"We're old road dogs," grins younger brother David when the subject turns to touring these days.  The Bellamys still fire up for more than 200 concert dates in an average year. "We're starting to see a whole new generation of young fans who've gotten turned on to our music in the 90's, and it's really a kick for us" adds Howard. 

"Over The Line," the latest single from the new CD is already sparking interest and a lot of airplay for the brothers.  The single is #18 and rising on the Music Row radio chart, and the brothers will be recording a radio special to be hosted by Charlie Chase.

With the release of "Redneck Girls Forever," already being support by the legions of Bellamy fans, Howard and David, after 25 years of hits together, are just now getting their second wind.

The Grand Ole Opry is pleased to announce that country music stars the Dixie Chicks will be performing on Saturday, August 10.         

With an aggressive touring schedule followed by a self-imposed hiatus, the Dixie Chicks haven’t had the opportunity to perform on the Opry stage since 1998.  Fittingly, the Dixie Chicks will perform their brand new single, “Long Time Gone” on both of the Opry shows (6:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. CT) that evening.  The song is from the forthcoming CD, Home, due in stores August 27.  The group’s first performance can be seen that evening on GRAND OLE OPRY LIVE on CMT: Country Music Television at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Since country music’s coolest trio burst onto the scene in 1998, they have sold over 21 million copies of their debut, Wide Open Spaces and their follow up, Fly, earning them back-to-back Diamond Certifications – a feat never before achieved by a country band.  In addition to winning over millions of fans and earning widespread critical acclaim, the Chicks have also picked up armloads of awards along the way including five Grammys, eight Academy of Country Music Awards, nine County Music Association Awards and 11 Billboard Awards.    

Tickets for the shows may be purchased by calling 615-871-OPRY or by logging on to opry.com.  The Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest-running live radio show and is aired every Friday and Saturday night on 650 WSM.  Other upcoming Opry performances include Dolly Parton (July 20, 6:30 pm), Pam Tillis, Phil Vassar (July 27), Trick Pony (Tuesday Night Opry, August 13), Diamond Rio (August 17).

American music legend Delbert McClinton will follow up his Grammy Award-winning Nothing Personal album with a new CD, Room To Breathe, scheduled for September 24 release on New West Records. The new album, produced by Delbert with long-time collaborator Gary Nicholson, features 12 new songs, all of which he wrote or co-wrote.

One of the album’s songs, "Lone Star Blues," features what Delbert calls a "Gang Sang" -- a chorus including friends Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Heather Waters and Jessi Alexander (all of whom recorded their parts in Nashville), plus Billy Joe Shaver, Ray Benson, Marcia Ball and Kimmie Rhodes (who recorded their parts in Austin.)

Bekka Bramlett also sang backup on a few songs, James Pennebaker (alumnus of Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Lee Roy Parnell) contributed fiddle and pedal steel guitar, and Austin’s venerated Bill Campbell played rhythm guitar. Delbert even enlisted a string section for two songs: "Everything I Know About The Blues (I Learned From You)" and "I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore."

Among his songwriting collaborators on the album are Gary Nicholson, Benmont Tench, Al Anderson (formerly of NRBQ), Tom Faulkner, Billy Lawson and Fred Knobloch.

Among the many kickoff events for the album will be a national television appearance on the NBC special, "Dare To Dream 2002 ... A Concert For Hope," a charity special hosted by "Access Hollywood"’s Billy Bush and WNBC’s Lynda Lopez, and also featuring Michelle Branch and Sara Evans, among many others, and set to air on September 7.  Delbert will spend the album’s release date, September 24, in New York with an appearance on the nationally syndicated "Imus In The Morning," plus other New York-based media.

Room To Breathe follows one of the music industry’s top independent success stories of the past two years in Delbert’s predecessor album, Nothing Personal, which achieved several distinctions, among which:

• Received the Grammy® Award for "Best Contemporary Blues Recording," 2002

• "No. 1 Americana Album of the Year" on the Album Network Americana Roots chart,  spending a record 12 weeks at No. 1.

• Charted on the Billboard Blues Album Top 10 for more than 70 weeks, from the time of its release through the present. Also charted on the following charts: Hot 200 Albums, Country Albums, Independent and Internet.

• Chosen "Album of the Week" by The New York Times and deemed "Mr. McClinton's best recording ever" by The Wall Street Journal

• Appeared on "Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn," "Austin City Limits" and "Mountain Stage" (PBS edition)

• Featured on NPR's "Weekend Edition," "World Cafe," "E Town," "Mountain Stage" and "A Prairie Home Companion"

Rolling Stone wrote, "This Texan comes roaring out of the gate on Nothing Personal," while Pulse! magazine proclaimed, "This is the second coming of Delbert McClinton."

According to Delbert, "I like this new one a lot. I think we did a good job of following Nothing Personal. This one picks you up at the end of that last one and takes you through the stuff going through my head since then. And there are some new twists that I’m very anxious for people to hear."

And as it does every January, the Delbert McClinton Sandy Beaches Cruise -- now in its ninth year -- will sail the Caribbean flanked with a full cabin of great American music artists. Details will be announced shortly.

It’ll be a bluegrass bonanza at the mother-church of country music, as Chevrolet and Martin Guitars present the high, lonesome bluegrass sound of The Del McCoury Band at the Ryman Auditorium, Thursday, July 18, at 7:30 PM. 

Over the past decade, the Del McCoury Band has largely been credited with making bluegrass hip again, exposing a new generation of young people to this traditional, American music-form. Known for music that is thoroughly steeped in tradition, but always open-minded and willing to go beyond the traditional bluegrass repertoire, this unique balancing act makes the Del McCoury Band one of the most respected bluegrass bands in the industry. Perhaps USA Today summed up the reputation of The Del McCoury Band best -- "is there anyone cooler than Del McCoury?"

And cool he will be on Thursday evening, as Martin Guitar presents Del with his own signature series, Edition D-28DM. The Martin Guitar Company takes pride in paying tribute to Del McCoury, an incredibly soulful figure in the acoustic music community, for his years of contributions to the industry.  Like Del McCoury’s music, the Limited Edition D-28DM is steeped in tradition. The body is Martin’s famous dreadnought shape, made from solid Indian rosewood to give that rich warm bass desired by most bluegrass guitar players. The instrument is bound both top and back with grained ivoroid to give it a distinctly vintage look. The panels of the back are joined in the center with Zig-Zag purfling, reminiscent of Martins of yesteryear. Elegant dots of blue lapis stone, each trimmed with a thin ring of pearl, symbolize Del McCoury’s fondness for the blues. This tribute guitar is available with Del’s signature in pearl between the 19^th & 20^th frets, upon request.The ‘blue’ theme continues with white bridge pins inlaid with lapis dots, highlighting the ebony, long saddle, bridge. 

Del has been playing Martin guitars for as long as he’s been playing music professionally. “In 1966, Del’s wife Jean bought him a 1954 D-28 for his birthday, after seeing a Polaroid picture of the guitar on a bulletin board at work. That D-28 has been the same guitar Del has played for most of his career, using it for almost all of his recording sessions.  He is also seen from time to time playing another favorite--his dark top D-18. “After 63 years, I’ve played a lot of guitars, but nothing comes up to a Martin.”

Representatives from Martin Guitar will officially present Del with the new D-28DM guitar at a point during the Del McCoury Band’s show.

Dualtone recording artist Radney Foster and his wife Cyndi Hoelzle proudly welcomed their first daughter into the world on Monday July 8.   Maureen Joy Foster was born at 11:50 a.m. at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, twenty inches "tall" and an impressive 8 pounds, 7 ounces.   Maureen joins older brothers Julien, 10, and Jackson, 3.

“Cyndi is doing fine,” says the proud papa. “And Maureen’s big brothers are as proud as they can be! I know how to be a Dad to two boys but this girl business is scary. I have no doubt that she will have me wrapped around her little finger in no time.”

Radney Foster has a lot to celebrate this summer.   Along with the exciting new addition to his family, he will also be introducing his first studio album in four years, Another Way To Go   (September 10 on Dualtone). The kickoff single is “Everyday Angel,” set to for release to radio July 15.

 Bluegrass Entertainer of the Year, RHONDA VINCENT, joined country music icon
HANK WILLIAMS JR. on stage in Montana to perform on the ABC TV's special: In
Search of America; A 4th of July Musical Celebration.  They debuted Hank's
new single "Outdoor Lovin' Man" to a national television audience and then
kicked it up with a bluegrass version of "Family Tradition" for the 6,000+
television audience. (Photo Courtesy: Bob Smith, Webster & Assoc. PR)

Liz Cavanaugh, Dir/Publicity for Curb Records, presents music icon Hank Williams Jr. with a RIAA certified plaque commemorating quadruple platinum sales and #1 soundscan catalog album for the week of March 9, 2002 for the album "Hank Williams Jr - Greatest Hits".

"Some days are just more than a country boy can tolerate" stated Audium recording artist, Rhett Akins, after relaying the stripping details of his last road trip.  What should have been a routine airplane ride to Sacramento, CA yesterday turned into a surreal experience that would never have happened on a "Friday Night in Dixie."  Rhett arrived at Nashville International Airport, in plenty of time for his flight to CA, or so he thought.

 Upon approaching the security detectors, his first pass through set off the alarm. "I thought it must be my belt buckle" said Akins, "but when I took it off, the alarm still went off.  So they asked me to remove my boots.  Well, right away, I thought 'I wonder if these guys are collecting boots for Toby Keith to send to Peter Jennings?  Why would my leather boots set off an alarm?" After being assured that the security people did not work for Toby, Rhett barefooted-it through the detector. Once again, he heard the alarm's nagging call. Just before the country hunk got down to his skivvies, a foil wrapped 'juicy fruit' gum stick fell from his jeans revealing it to be the true culprit. 

Feeling safe that things couldn't get worst, Rhett arrived to do a "Girl's Night Out" poolside party for KNCI Radio. "Being a country gentleman, I asked the ladies for requests.  I was ready to perform "That Ain't My Truck" or "Highway Sunrise" but all 1200 women screamed "Take it Off, Take it Off. The only thing I had left to do was to play "Don't Get Me Started."

Eddy Raven and the Bellamy Brothers performed at a political fundraiser recently in Granbury, TX.  Shown here at the festivities are (L to R) Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Eddy Raven, David Bellamy, former Speaker of the House Jim Wright (D-TX) and Howard Bellamy.

Due to an overwhelming positive response, Image Entertainment has shipped Ronnie Milsap inspiring rendition of "America The Beautiful" to over 2000 radio stations just in time for Independence Day festivities. The timeless song is a cut off Milsap’s latest CD Ronnie Milsap: Live, which was recently released by Image Entertainment.

Pictured left to right: Mark Chesnutt (with B93 Bee mascot in front), Joe Diffie, KULW B93 on-air personality Kelly McQueen and Tracy Lawrence backstage at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in Fargo, North Dakota.

The kickoff concert for the Rockin’ Roadhouse Tour starring country music stars Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie and Tracy Lawrence, lived up to all expectations and more. The three musical buddies hit the stage together as promised and served up a raucous version of "Rockin’ The Roadhouse Down," the new theme song for the tour.

Fargo’s KULW B93 was the presenting radio station for the kick-off concert for the tour at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds and literally awarded contest winners the two best seats in the house for the show… in two leather recliners actually set up on the side of the stage.

Even ominous thunderstorms lurking over the Dakota plains couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the fans or Chesnutt, Diffie or Lawrence who performed like a house afire.

Photo: Brad and his dad, Richard Martin, performing "California Blue" on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
Photo Credit:  2002 Copyright Grand Ole Opry Photo by: Billy Kingsley - Hollo Photographics.

Saturday night (June 29) was a night to remember for the entire Martin clan as they filled the back hallways of the Grand Ole Opry to watch Brad Martin and his dad Richard take the Opry stage to perform Jimmie Rogers "California Blue."  Brad performed his hit single "Before I Knew Better" before he introduced his greatest influence - his dad - who joined him onstage for the performance.  Brad says of the experience, "Dad told me of all the dreams he ever had for himself in music, playing the Opry was one he never thought would actually happen.  I can remember as a kid we used to watch it on T.V., and I could tell how much dad wanted to be a part of it.  I'm so happy that I was able to be a help in making that happen for him."

Brad's debut album, Wings of a Honky Tonk Angel (Epic Records) hit stores June 18, 2002.

Breaking slightly with tradition, Nashville-based Audium Records has signed its first new artist, singer-songwriter Rodney Redman.  The Arkansas native will have his debut self-titled album released on August 27^th.  His first single, “These Days,” ships to radio in July.

“Since our founding in 1999, our focus was to sign and record artists that had a track record with radio and a healthy touring schedule,” says Audium Records President Nick Hunter. “Then we heard Rodney Redman perform at a Wal-Mart stock holders meeting in Bentonville.  We all liked his music, his style and his personality and signed him on the spot.”

The album, titled simply Rodney Redman will be release on August 27^th.  Produced by Bruce Bouton, J. Gary Smith and John Smith, the album features new songs by some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Skip Ewing, Tom Shapiro, Jeffrey Steele and Bob DiPiero.

BASTARD SONS OF JOHNNY CASH GO THE DISTANCE ON NEW CD FROM ULTIMATUM MUSIC OUT AUGUST 27 Billy Bob Thornton Joins The Sons On Cover Of "Long Black Veil," Included On CD As Special Enhanced Element

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 1, 2002 - Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash are poised to go the distance with the upcoming release of their second CD, Distance Between, due out on Ultimatum Music on August 27, 2002.

The follow up to the San Diego-based band's critically acclaimed 2001 debut, Walk Alone, the new disc deftly combines elements of country, folk and roots rock to create a lyrical and musical effort that highlights the group's impressive artistic growth.

In order to best capture the raw emotion at the heart of the new songs, writer-singer-guitarist and Bastards' driving force Mark Stuart, enlisted the talents of producer and Daniel Lanois collaborator-engineer Mark Howard (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, U2).

Howard recorded the songs live at the Paramour Estate, a former home for "precocious" girls and one-time residence of a silent movie-era star, perched on a hilltop above the venerable Silver Lake section of Los Angeles. The environment of the mansion itself-the studio is located in the home's great room boasting 40-foot ceilings with massive wood beams-added its own unique dimension and vibe to the recording process.

During the two-week session, longtime Bastard's fan and Oscar-winning actor and singer Billy Bob Thornton dropped by the studio and joined the Sons on a cover of the traditional Appalachian song "Long Black Veil." The track is included on the disc as a special enhanced element that includes both audio and visual from the impromptu collaboration. "Spooky, traditional, ethereal and earthy all at the same time," Thornton says of the Bastard Sons' music.  "These guys deserve great success.  Mark Howard's production is beautiful."

Bastard Sons, to whom the Man in Black has given his blessing, earned critical kudos for Walk Alone, a collection of demos that Ultimatum Music released last September. John Carter Cash (Johnny's son) produced two additional tracks for the collection at the Cash Family studios in Henderson, Tenn.  In it's review of the disc, the New York Post said: "Makes you remember why you liked Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Marty Robbins, not to mention Bastard Sons' adopted dad."  People magazine commented: "That's a big name to twang up to, but these Southern California alternative country rockers pull it off."

Taking a wide left turn from the more definitively country & western flavors of Walk Alone, Distance Between is a genre-transcending showcase for Stuart's songwriting that ranges from hard-driving tunes such as disc opener "1970 Monte Carlo," and "Wind It Up," to the more personal sentiments of "Burn Down," about the dissolution of his marriage and the stunning "Last Goodbye."

Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash have logged thousands of miles on the road on tour, and will again head out on America's highways beginning in late August on a co-headlining bill with Jesse Dayton.  The dates will begin August 21 in Arizona and will cover the entire west coast and mountain states before winding up on September 14.  Dates for the complete tour will be announced shortly.

The kickoff concert for the Rockin’ Roadhouse Tour starring country music stars Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie and Tracy Lawrence, lived up to all expectations and more. The three musical buddies hit the stage together as promised and served up a raucous version of "Rockin’ The Roadhouse Down," the new theme song for the tour.

Even ominous thunderstorms lurking over the plains couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the fans or Chesnutt, Diffie or Lawrence who performed like a house afire even when the wind really kicked up and blew off Chesnutt’s hat. Keeping pace with the ensemble playing Diffie and Lawrence retrieved the hat and held it down on Mark’s head as he finished the song.

"Man, what a way to kick this tour off! exclaimed a revved up Diffie. "I don’t know who enjoyed this night more, the audience or us on stage," adds a beaming Lawrence. "I think Fargo is just the tip of the iceberg," Chesnutt chimes in. He continued "The way things are gellin’ on stage we are just getting started. What a ride this is gonna be. And we get paid for doing this!"

  Kevin Fowler, the Austin singer/songwriter who has won airplay and critical accolades, returns with High On The Hog, his third album on his own Tin Roof Records label (distributed by Southwest Wholesale), set for an August 6 street date. The Amarillo native whose roots are in West Texas country, but who cut his onstage teeth as a member of Austin hard rockers (and MTV stars) Dangerous Toys, completes his full circle with a third solid album of Texas honky tonk music.

Fowler is joined on the album by Texas compadres Willie Nelson (who sings and plays guitar on "All The Tequila In Tijuana"), Tejano denizen David Lee Garza and an appearance by former Dangerous Toys lead singer Jason McMaster. Fowler produced the album with Daren Fleming.

In addition, Fowler and band perform in the soon-to-be-released Screen Gems film "Lone Star State of Mind," directed by Dave Semel.

Fowler has spent the past four years touring "every nook and cranny" of the Lone Star State as well as adjacent states, plus three or four shows in Nashville per year. High On The Hog follows Fowler's successful Beer, Bait & Ammo album, which sold in excess of 25,000 units -- impressive for an indie release. Kevin was a staple on the Texas Music Chart (http://www.texasmusicchart.com) gleaning more than 15,000 radio spins with the four singles from his last album.

 "This is definitely not a Top 40 album," Fowler emphasizes. "It's a hardcore honky tonk record. It sounds like nothing coming out of Nashville at the moment. It? a lot closer to the albums Merle and Waylon and Shaver used to make. They were writing songs for the everyday working man, and that? what you'll find here."

According to Willie Nelson, "Kevin Fowler is one of the top forces in the new Texas Music revolution. He's a great entertainer and a great songwriter who, in my opinion, should go a long way."  Writes the Austin Chronicle, "This is some great, traditional sounding country music that should be on the radio, if radio programmers had any cojones at all," adding that "(Kevin is) a truly charismatic performer and witty observationalist. Fowler's High on the Hog, could be just what it takes for a winning stretch beyond Texas borders." And the San Antonio Express-News, in a sneak preview of High On The Hog, predicts Fowler is  "poised to set off a frenzy in the media and country music industry."

Pam Tillis has put the finishing touches on her forthcoming album titled It's All Relative, a special tribute album to the songs of her father, country legend Mel Tillis.  The album, set for September 3 release, is her label debut for Epic/Lucky Dog Records.

Joining Pam on this tribute to her dad are many special guests including the most special of all, Mel Tillis himself. She is also joined by guest vocalists Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton and the Jordanaires, plus Delbert McClinton on harmonica and Marty Stuart on mandolin.

Pam has been contemplating the idea of a tribute to her father's songs for quite some time. "A lot of people don't realize what an incredible career my dad has had and how many #1 hit songs he wrote, recorded, and won awards for. These aren't just songs I love; these are my earliest musical memories," said  Pam. "Quite literally, these were the songs that rocked my cradle -- especially since my mom couldn't carry a tune!"

Eight of the cuts on the album were produced by Pam, and Asleep at the Wheel frontman Ray Benson handled production duties on the remaining four. "I wanted to venture outside Nashville to work with Ray," she said. "There's great tradition in these songs, and I felt Ray would respect the integrity of the style of those songs."

A multi-talented artist with a mantle of awards, a string of  #1 hits and sales topping five million units, Pam is excited at the prospect of working with her long-time friend, Sony Nashville CEO Allen Butler, whom she credits with much of her early success at Arista Records.

Regarding Pam's new album, Butler relates, "Mel Tillis has directly or indirectly influenced much of country music and our artists of today. Who better than his own daughter  ?who's a great vocalist and songwriter with a totally identifiable sound ?to pay tribute to his amazing career?"

Pam Tillis has been a formidable force in country music since her first Arista single hit the charts in 1990. She has racked up 14 Top Five hits including six that hit #1, and five out of seven of her albums have certified gold or platinum.  A first-rate songwriter in her own right, Pam? compositions have been recorded by artists as varied as Chaka Khan, Juice Newton and Conway Twitty. She was one of the first women in Nashville to produce her own album. In 1994, she was awarded the coveted  "Female Vocalist of the Year" by the CMA. Her collection also includes two other CMA awards and a Grammy Award.

She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2000 and can currently be seen in a high-profile ad campaign for shoe manufacturer Easy Spirit? "Spirit of Country" in Vogue, In Style and Redbook.

According to Mel Tillis: "I'm elated. Pam grew up listening to these songs as I was writing them. No one else knows them any better than her. She certainly put her own spin on them. Thanks, Pam. And thanks to all of the musicians, singers, grandkids, and engineers who helped put this project together."

Nashville's WSM  "Live 95 From the Alabama Grill" shocked fans listening nationally on-line as Audium recording artist Daryle Singletary was  attacked during his performance.  An exorbitant fan, wielding a copy of "I Am What I Am" a vintage George Jones album, jumped the stage and began "Whooping" Singletary with the album.

The adoring fan was proven under the influence of Singletary's latest single whose lyrics state 'My mama used to whoop me with a George Jones album' and "That's Why I Sing This Way." Understanding that country fans know their music, Singletary hugged the excited fan and gave her what she came for; Singletary's autograph on her George Jones classic.  

Singletary's "That's Why I Sing This Way" includes duets with special guests, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck, Dwight Yoakam, Rhonda Vincent, and John Wesley Ryles.  "I don't think there's any more lyrics on the album that can get me 'whooped'," laughed Singletary, "but if there is, I know my fans will find them.

Capitol Records announces the upcoming release of a third volume of Americana chestnuts gathered by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and their far-flung musical friends. Due for release on Tuesday, October 1st, WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN, VOL. III will --yet again-- unearth and illuminate extraordinary vintage music that is both familiar and bracingly brand new.  

VOLUME III  is a flat-out piece of work. Co-produced by Randy Scruggs and the NGDB, this distilled, hour-plus-long disc of folk-country heaven fuses the talents of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with such firecrackers as Iris Dement, Jimmy Martin, Johnny Cash, Taj Mahal, Doc Watson, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Earl Scruggs, Alison Krauss, The Del McCoury Band, Dwight Yoakam, June Carter Cash, Tom Petty, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice and Vince Gill.

In 1972, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s all-star jubilee WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN introduced a rock’n’roll generation to the unvarnished joys of time-honored American folk, country, bluegrass and gospel tunes played and sung by down-home musicians who didn’t know a rock star from a rock lobster. It was a landmark recording, as underscored by the recently-released, digitally re-mastered 30th Anniversary Edition on Capitol.

In retrospect, the initial WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN was both the spiritual godfather of the recent multi-million-selling O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU breakthrough hit and the handsome step-child of legendary musicologist Harry Smith’s incredibly influential 1952 set, ANTHOLOGY OF AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC. These recordings were crucibles where talent and passion percolated into art.

As Tammy Cochran took part in this year’s Fan Fair in Nashville, all the fans could talk about was "Life Happened, " the current single from her soon-to-be released album (Sony Nashville). Whether it was in concert at the Sony show at Adelphia Coliseum or at an autograph booth at the Nashville Convention Center, country music fans and country music radio are embracing Cochran and her new self-penned tune.

One of the Fan Fair activities Cochran (pictured) took part
in was a performance at a Nashville Tower Records.

A beaming Jett Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Sr. proudly cut the ceremonial ribbon marking the restoration and relocation of a location historically documented as country music legend Hank Williams Sr.'s favorite getaway.

It's also the site where Jett traced her origins and where(Kowaliga (15 miles south of Alexander City, Alabama on Highway 63 at the Kowaliga Bridge)  Hank's most memorable songs were composed, "My Cheatin' Heart" and Kowaliga.

"The ghosts of my mommy and daddy were definitely there," exclaims Jett, "I could feel their presence."  In fact my husband, myself, Jeannie Pruitt, Freddie Hart and Razzie_ Bailey were all gathered on the front porch and all of a sudden, arm in arm, we started singing "I'm So Lonsone I Could Cry", one of daddy's songs."

The cabin was moved in 1989 to make room for the Children's Harbor organization. The cabin has been restored to its original condition and location on the grounds by local sponsors.

On July 1, sizzling newcomer Norah Jones, currently #1 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Album Chart, will record HANK COCHRAN’S "Why Can’t He Be You" for the upcoming MCA Records tribute to Patsy Cline. Tracking will be in NYC and OL’ HANK, as always, is mighty pleased to be in such stellar company. The ever au courant COCHRAN recently directed the re-launch of his upgraded website (www.hankcochran.com) and serviced several international radio stations with one-liners via email. HANK is going nonstop as he continues his global publicity thrust for his current CD, LIVIN’ FOR A SONG. Sweden’s largest and most popular music magazine, Sonic, will run an in-depth feature in an upcoming issue.

Audium recording artist Danni Leigh received a special gift from her fan club last night at her Exit/In show in Nashville.  Several members of her fan club, known as "The Chain Gang," presented Leigh with a laptop computer.

"We all got together and decided that since she just moved to Austin, and knowing all the time she would be spending on the road, a laptop would be a great way for her to communicate with her fans," said Bob Bien, leader of The Chain Gang.

Leigh, who was emotionally moved by the gift, said, “Never in my life have I seen people give so much.  You all are incredible.”  Leigh added, “I guess I have to learn how to use it now. Dale Watson said he would teach me, so I’ll be in Dale Watson Computer Class 101 next week.”

Leigh's second single just released from her current CD, Divide & Conquer, is “House of Pain.”

Rhonda Vincent, IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) "Entertainer of the Year," and "Female Vocalist of the Year" twice running, pulled her "Martha White Bluegrass Express Bus" into the mountains of Colorado, to film GAC's (Great American Country) "Fast Forward,"  scheduled to air on June 29th and 30th.

After airing only three weeks on GAC, Vincent's video, "I'm Not Over You," from her current album, "Rhonda Vincent - The Storm Still Rages" (Rounder) flew to the #3 spot on GAC's fan voted "Top 20 Country Countdown." How could a video "rise" so quickly?  Just ask the Martha White Flour folks.  They'll say it's because Rhonda Vincent appears on more than 19 million packages of their blueberry muffin mix, hence, creating the Rhonda as the "Blueberry Muffin of Bluegrass Music."

Gigtours™, a Nashville entertainment travel company managed by Majestic Coach, officially announces its participation in an exciting promotion with The Minnesota State Lottery.  Gigtours™ will provide the promotion's grand prize, a luxury October excursion (dates TBA) for eight on the road with super group Sawyer Brown. The contest winner and seven friends or family members will board the Gigtours™ luxury tour bus for a 4-night, 5-day adventure, attending several Sawyer Brown concerts and enjoying all-access privileges with the group and its band and crew. The Minnesota State Lottery will promote the giveaway through various local media outlets as well as at Detroit Lakes, Minnesota's WeFest, an annual country music festival.

“This is already an exciting promotion for us at the Minnesota State Lottery and for our players,” says Ron Wilkinson of The Minnesota State Lottery.  “With radio spots airing state-wide, we are getting lots of calls and questions about the promotion. With Sawyer Brown's new CD just released, our timing couldn't have been more perfect.” Since the promotion kicked off on June 10, over 46,000 entries have been received. The Minnesota State Lottery has created a special web page for the contest at http://www.mnlottery.com/promos/bustour.html.

At the quarter century mark, when the careers of most artists are relegated to audio snippets on late night infomercials trumpeting their 'hits from the '70's,' the career of The Bellamy Brothers has just been dealt yet another wild card.  And a sweet one indeed.  Their Curb Records single, "Over The Line" has landed at #20 on the newly created MUSIC ROW chart. 

With the release of their newest Curb CD (the project marks a re-teaming with the Curb label) "Redneck Girls Forever," the brothers-Howard and David-prove once again that the range the Florida born brothers have ridden to fame has been as unique as their music itself.

(Nashville) - Critter Records artist BILLY HOFFMAN is preparing for a very cool promotional blitz and a very hot Summer; he just filmed his new video "Bar Room Athlete," that will hit video outlets in the next week, the radio single is hitting airwaves, his Fan Fair was the best ever, and he's hitting the road.

As a focus on the new single, Billy's fan club decorated his Fan Fair booth as an ole-time saloon with barstools for his fans to sit and chat with him.  He performed to a sold-out fan club party at "The Stage" on Broadway, performed on the IFCO show, performed on the Fan Fair River-Stages, and then found time to sign autographs at the Wrangler, GAC, Country Music Magazine, and then his very own booth.

Chuck Howard and Bob Campbell-Smith produced the new single, "Bar Room Athlete".

The kickoff concert for the Rockin’ Roadhouse Tour starring country music stars Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie and Tracy Lawrence, lived up to all expectations and more. The three musical buddies hit the stage together as promised and served up a raucous version of "Rockin’ The Roadhouse Down," the new theme song for the tour. The fans of Fargo ate up the show being held at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds on the outskirts of town. Even ominous thunderstorms lurking over the plains couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the fans or Chesnutt, Diffie or Lawrence who performed like a house a ‘fire. The packed grandstands were actually swaying on several occasions during the energetic set. The touring pals sang together on several songs and made cameo appearances during their various solo songs. When the wind really kicked up and blew off Chesnutt’s hat, both Diffie and Lawrence held the hat down on Mark’s head as he finished the song. At one point during a heartfelt Lawrence number Diffie and Chesnutt actually waltzed across the stage together to the crowd’s cheers.

"Man, what a way to kick this tour off! exclaimed a revved up Diffie. "I don’t know who enjoyed this night more, the audience or us on stage," adds a beaming Lawrence. "I think Fargo is just the tip of the iceberg," Chesnutt chimes in. He continued "The way things are gellin’ on stage we are just getting started. What a ride this is gonna be. And we get paid for doing this!"

It couldn't be more appropriate that the newest occupant of the Martha White Bluegrass Express is the reigning International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Entertainer of the Year.  After all, the bus' initial passengers 49 years ago - Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs - just happened to put bluegrass music on the map.

Today, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are driving the Martha White Bluegrass Express - actually a modern version of the legendary bus that toured Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys across the South beginning in 1953 - on a mission to take the currently red-hot genre of bluegrass music and the rich tradition of Martha White products to new generations of bluegrass fans.

"To be a part of Martha White's Bluegrass Express legacy and follow the paths of performers like Flatt & Scruggs is such an experience," Vincent said.  "My band and I grew up on cornbread and Martha White flour and we appreciate the history of the brand.  To be involved with and represent these products and company is a great honor."

The Martha White connection with country and bluegrass is just about as old as Lester Flatt's D-28 Martin guitar.

The association began in 1947, when then-owner Cohen Williams realized that folks in the South liked country music as much as they like biscuits and cornbread.  The company's first advertising effort was the early morning bluegrass and country music radio show "Martha White Biscuit and Cornbread Time" broadcast on Nashville's clear channel WSM-AM.  Airing at 5:45 a.m., the show reached rural Southerners as they were starting the day with a breakfast that included hot biscuits.

Bluegrass music's reigning "Entertainer of the Year," Rhonda Vincent and her band "The Rage" will be performing with Hank Williams Jr. on "Outdoor Loving Man" from Hank's current Curb Records album, Almeria Club on the up-coming ABC TV special, "In Search of America:  A July 4th Musical Celebration."

When Vincent got word that Hank Jr. was in need of a "bluegrass band" to accompany him, her response was, "Of course we'll do it. We're there."   Well, that isn't quite true.  Rhonda Vincent and her band will be traveling from her own booking in West Virginia, to Livingston, MT a mere 1,991 mile drive, which will take approximately 33.5 hours to drive. "This is one of the most important July 4th's in our country's history. This is a time for all of us to support each other and share our talents. We're musicians and we're going to play" stated Vincent.

Vincent is traveling in a vehicle that's hard not to notice.  Martha White Flour sponsors her "Bluegrass Express" tour bus.  Fans along the route can't miss the red, white, & blue, 45-foot tour bus as it travels on the interstates of America.  Be sure to wave!

Award winning singer/songwriter, Billy Yates introduced his new single, "DADDY HAD A CARDIAC AND MAMA'S GOT A CADILLAC" to a very enthusiastic crowd at the world famous Grand Ole Opry this past Friday night. He later stopped by WSM's Opryland Hotel studio to perform live on the Opry Star Spotlight show with host Matthew Gillian.

Nashville, Tenn. (June 18, 2002)-- Dualtone Music Group is proud to announce the completion of DRESSED IN BLACK, a star-studded salute to the extraordinary legacy of Mr. John R. Cash (who earlier this year celebrated his 70th trip around the sun).

  Due in stores September 10th, DRESSED IN BLACK presents passionate readings of 18 of Johnny’s signature tunes that underscore both the breadth and depth of Cash’s creative genius as well as the enormous influence his towering presence has had--and continues to exert--on the face and shape of the American culture.

In a kind of “Six Degrees (or less) Of Separation,” evidence of country music’s long, snaky roots and intertwined cross-pollination abound on this sterling compilation.

HANK WILLIAMS III, whose revered grandpappy’s torch was effectively picked up by Cash nearly a half-century ago, delivers the kick-off. Rockabilly filly ROSIE FLORES has kept Wanda Jackson’s candle burning bright, golden-throated RAUL MALO’s Mavericks were the “house band” for TNT’s 1999 “All Star Tribute To Johnny Cash,” RODNEY CROWELL was Johnny’s son-in-law, BILLY BURNETTE’s daddy and uncle were rockabilly co-pioneers with Cash--as was Ronnie Dawson, for whom Los Straitjackets’ EDDIE ANGEL served as guitar-slinger.

EARL POOLE BALL has tickled the ivories for Cash AND Buck Owens (as well as with such country-rock ground-breakers as “Sweethearts...”-era Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Michael Nesmith’s First National Band), RED VOLKAERT’s been a long-time top-hand in Merle Haggard’s posse, and KENNY VAUGHAN has long been a Music City first-call for six-string muscle.

DALE WATSON, BRUCE ROBISON, KELLY WILLIS, ROBBIE FULKS and BR549’s CHUCK MEAD all have been at the vanguard of the classic country renewal for nearly a decade, songbird MANDY BARNETT earned a lot of groceries playing Patsy Cline on-stage in “Always...Patsy Cline,” and JAMES INTVELD, DAMON BRAMBLETT and CHRIS KNIGHT carry on the great tradition of Americana-based singer/songwriters. As for the REV. HORTON HEAT, well, he’s been wallowin’ in his own personal ring of fire since before he was ordained...

The tracks are knitted together by accompaniment on all cuts by co-producers CHUCK MEAD (acoustic guitar) and DAVE ROE (who served as Cash’s standup bassist in the ’80s / '90s) and given a full-bodied analog mix by studio legend RAY KENNEDY. W.S. HOLLAND (J.C.’s primary time-keeper), BILLY BLOCK, SHAW WILSON, KEN COOMER, JIMMY LESTER and more take turns whackin’ the tubs.

Each of the dozen-and-a-half Cash milestones on DRESSED IN BLACK is treated with respect, but NEVER with so much respect that the immediacy, texture and universal truth of the song is the least bit compromised. If Cash has always been about love--love of Music, God, Country and Life--THIS record is about love of Cash. 

A great old honky tonker by the name of Duke Ellington often said that “there are only two kinds of music...good and bad.” Opting exclusively for the former, Dualtone Music Group has embraced vintage country classics as well as an eclectic crew of cutting-edge current talents since emerging as one of Nashville’s most exciting new labels.

On DRESSED IN BLACK, it all comes together as classic roots, savvy vets and bold, soulful young lions collide to make joyful sounds in the humble, righteous Church of Johnny Cash, and--as you will hear--this is a very, VERY good thing. 

Audium recording artists Daryle Singletary (That's Why I Sing This Way) and Rhett Akins (Friday Night in Dixie) routed their "Honky Tonk Tailgate Party" tour into the 1.2 million square foot Opry Mills shopping mall in Nashville, TN as a part of the Fan Fair festivities. Thrilled fans of all ages crowded the stage to get the best 'in person' look of their idols. Those who were in the back were excited to see close ups of the heartthrobs complete performance broadcast throughout the mall. 

One fan stated she had traveled all the way from the suburbs of Chicago to spend her 13th birthday in search of Daryle and Rhett's autographs.  "I'm so excited," stated Colleen Saidat. "They both took the time to sign my shirt.  I can't wait to get back home and show my friends.  Daryle Singletary and Rhett Akins are so cute in person," the energized birthday girl giggled.

The activities also included a silent auction that raised over $4,000 for the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. Opry Mills combines the best names in retail with the hottest experiences in entertainment in one of the most well-known locations in the world.

Nashville, TN – Rowdy friends from Monday and every other night of the week, will rock, thunder, and raise general hell country style in Livingston, Montana, on July 4th, when the 'rowdy one' himself, HANK WILLIAMS JR., will command the stage as part of the A-B-C Television special “In Search of America: A July 4th Musical Celebration.”

Other entertainers scheduled to perform during the A-B-C television special include; Sheryl Crow, Los Lobos, Kirk Franklin, Gillian Welch, and India Arie with Peter Jennings serving as host.
 

Williams' will kick of the special with a performance of “America Will Survive” and will also perform “Outdoor Loving Man” from his critically acclaimed album “Almeria Club” released on Curb Records

The Bluebird Café Scrapbook, published by Harper Entertainment, will be released June 18^th to celebrate the Nashville listening room’s 20^th anniversary.  Compiled by club owner Amy Kurland along with Mark Benner and Neil Fagan, the book features numerous songwriters and performers telling their experiences at the Bluebird Café.

Some of those telling their tales include Don Schlitz, Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, Vince Gill, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Gary Burr, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Gail Davies, Faith Hill, Janis Ian, Roger Cook, Pam Tillis, Ashley Cleveland, Bob DiPiero, Bill Lloyd, Rusty Young, Henry Gross, Kenny Chesney, Al Anderson, Cindy Bullens, Phil Vassar and Danny Flowers.

“Putting this book together was truly a labor of love,” says Amy Kurland.  “Trying to pare down twenty years of memories into 200 pages was not exactly easy.  It turned out to be a fun book to read or just thumb through.”

Some of the celebrity recipes in the book include Amy Grant’s Cheese Grits, Beth Nielsen Chapman’s West Indies Salad, Dixie Chick Emily Erwin’s Bistro Chicken Pasta Salad, Natalie Maines’ Oven Barbecued Hawaiian Chicken and Martie Seidel’s Salsa Couscous Chicken.  Plus Rusty Young’s Poco Tortilla Soup, Faith Hill’s Coca-Cola Cake and Becky Hobbs’ Beckaroo Brownies.

“For performers, New York City has Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles has the Hollywood Bowl, London has the Royal Albert Hall, Nashville has the Ryman Auditorium” says Vince Gill on the books’ jacket.  “For the past twenty years, thank God, songwriters have had the Bluebird Café.  This book is a myriad of stories about the songs these songwriters have created.  It truly is the Mecca for all songwriters.  Thanks, Amy, for giving all these songs a home.”

In addition to running a nightly music club, the staff of the Bluebird Café is also involved in related projects including a weekly television series as well as a series of live recordings.  “Live From The Bluebird Café” is a one-hour television show entering its fourth season on the Southeast regional Turner South cable network.  The Bluebird Café Record series, titled “Live At The Bluebird Café,” distributed nationally by American Originals Records, began in 2000 and has released live recordings by Don Schlitz, Fred Knobloch and Jelly Roll Johnson, Bob DiPiero, Don Henry, Angela Kaset, Michael Johnson and the trio of Steve Earle, Townes VanZant and Guy Clark.

The Bluebird Café was recently named the Academy of Country Music’s Club Of The Year.  The Bluebird Café Scrapbook, published by Harper Entertainment, a division of HarperCollins, is available in bookstores throughout North America.

More than 2,500 songwriters perform at The Bluebird Café each year.  The music room has become an institution in Nashville as a place for young artists to be discovered, established songwriters to try out their newest material and for audiences to see and hear the music close up.

Joe Diffie will host a one-hour radio special saluting fathers and Father’s Day called "Music Row Dads." The program is set to air on numerous country radio stations across the nation June 13-16.

Country music legend Ronnie Milsap will receive the "Personal Achievement Award " at the American Foundation for The Blind’s 2002 Helen Keller Achievement Awards. The presentation will be made at a gala dinner on Tuesday, September 24, 6:30 PM at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. The "Personal Achievement Award" is given to someone that is an exemplary role for other artists who are blind or visually impaired. The award is considered the highest honor that a visually impaired person can receive.

New Johnny Cash Releases Coming! IN STORES:  SEPTEMBER 3rd

"Sings Ballads Of The True West"  (1965)
"Songs Of Our Soil"  (1959)
"Live At Madison Square Garden"  (1969)  *
"The Johnny Cash Show"  (1970)
"Silver"  (1979)

* LIVE AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN (previously unreleased concert)

Recorded December 5th, 1969
Playing to the largest crown ever assembled at MSG for a single performer (21,000 people), Johnny Cash wowed the New York city crowd with a mix of classic hits, new tracks and the kind of simple wisdom that could only come from The Man In Black. 

Fans of Alabama, the band who rocked the country world last month with the announcement of their retirement, will no doubt revel in the DVD release of Alabama Greatest Video Hits. With 18 consecutive #1 country singles, the group holds an all-time record of chart success. All the videos in this collection are #1 hits. From the sultry "Fire in the Night" to the classic "Mountain Music"--plus seven others--the group captures a spirit of good times and good music. Play Me That Mountain Music….in 5.1 Digital Surround!

Wynona Judd also makes a splash this month on DVD with her contribution to the Music in High Places series.  The ultimate international music and travel adventure series, takes top recording artists to the most ancient sites on earth. Each expedition takes music's biggest artists to the four corners of the globe and features exciting acoustic performances set against the backdrop of earth's most intriguing natural locations. Take an intimate journey with Wynonna as she discovers the culture, history and spirituality of Venice, Italy. Collect the entire series for musical experiences that are anything but ordinary.

Rounding out a banner summer for Image Entertainment, the long awaited live DVD from Ronnie Milsap hits stores on September 17th. Winner of the coveted Academy of Country Music Award, an astounding 40 #1 singles and well over 23,000,000 albums sold, no fan of Milsap should pass on this one. Ronnie Milsap Live cathces the country legend in Biloxi, Mississippi, on January 20, 2002 at the top of his form. Milsap says, "The most interesting thing that I've done, and the thing that I'm most proud of ever, is this DVD project. Even though I'm not able to see the DVD, I'm certainly aware of the multi-channel surround sound and what it means for fans."

When it comes to upholding traditional country roots, Jett Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Sr., is the real deal!

Jett will be appearing at FanFair 2002 and participating in selected events.  She'll host the longest running show in radio, Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree on June 15th and will be joined by country music legend Leroy Van Dyke.  She will also be co-hosting the Golden Voice Awards on June 14th.  Jett will be available for interviews on the grounds. 

If you have time to venture an hour outside of town, you are welcome to visit her home where she will be glad to accommodate you and a camera crew. Take this opportunity to walk down Hank's memory lane from cars to clothes to guitars.

For several years Jett Williams struggled to validate her birth as the daughter of Hank Sr. who died just five days after Jett was born. Hank Sr.'s little girl fought a legal system determined to prevent her rightful entitlement.  Raised a ward of the state of Alabama  rather than the acknowledged daughter of one of the greatest names in the music industry, Jett endured  eight years of courtroom battles to win back the right to claim her blood lineage.

Jett's story is currently in development for a for television drama based on her book "Ain't Nothin' as Sweet as My Baby."  Currently in limited distribution, the book is slated for national release. PEOPLE MAGAZINE notes: "shot with the kind of melodrama Hank himself would have understood."  Jett inherited a striking resemblance to Hank Sr., along with a dose of wit, wisdom, and musical talent

Audium Records will host a very special Fan Fair show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 16^th at the Opry Mills mall.  Featuring a special performance of Caught In The Webb – A Tribute To The Legendary Webb Pierce, the live performance stars album producer Gail Davies along with many of the artists who participated in the landmark album including Dale Watson, Mandy Barnett, Rosie Flores, Trent Summar, Billy Walker, Robbie Fulks, Joy Lynn White, Kevin Welch, Patty Mitchell, Matt King, Chris Scruggs and Chuck Mead of BR-549.

In addition to the above-mentioned artists, the 21-track Caught In The Webb project also features Webb Pierce hits recorded by Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Pam Tillis, George Jones, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Allison Moorer, Lionel Cartwright, Guy Clark and the Jordanaires.  All the musicians and singers donated their time and talents to the project with proceeds from the album benefiting the Minnie Pearl Cancer Fund and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Webb Pierce charted more than 100 singles during the course of his career.  He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 4, 2001.  Caught In The Webb

was released by Audium Records on January 8, 2002.

Following Caught In The Webb, Audium artists Daryle Singletary and Rhett Akins will perform their hits as two-thirds of the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party Tour.  The tour, which is now in its second year, has been criss-crossing the country.  Singletary hits include “I Let Her Lie,” “Too Much Fun” and his current release “That’s Why I Sing This Way” from the CD of the same name.  Akins hits include “That’s Not My Truck,” “Don’t Get Me Started” and his current Audium single “Highway Sunrise” from his Friday Night In Dixie CD.

Oklahoma’s favorite son, country music star Joe Diffie, has been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Diffie will join other 2002 inductees singer Hank Thompson, pop/jazz vocalist Kay Starr and jazz guitar pioneer Charlie Christian (posthumously).

Become a country music fan all over again with Billy Yates.  He's released a new single: “DADDY HAD A CARDIAC AND MAMA’S GOT A CADILLAC” from his new critically acclaimed CD “If I Could Go Back” (available at ERNEST TUBB RECORD SHOPS or worldwide at www.billyyates.com ) You can see Billy performing live during FAN FAIR at the following shows:

Thursday, June 13: 12:30 PM - Riverfront Park Stage (The Totally Country Show); 3:30 PM - Ryman Auditorium, WSM Q & A

Friday, June 14: 10:00 PM - Ryman Auditorium, WSM Opry Star Spotlight

Saturday, June 15: 8:00 AM - Ernest Tubb Record Shop (on Broadway) FAN CLUB PARTY; 3:00 PM - Tower Records IN-STORE (Opry Mills); 12:00 Midnight - ET Record Shop (Music Valley Dr.) MIDNITE JAMBOREE!

Sunday, June 16: 11:00 AM - Ernest Tubb Record Shop IN-STORE! (Broadway); 9:30 PM - Bluebird Cafe, Songwriter’s Show

Eddy Raven and Don Williams will be releasing new albums for RMG Records on July 23, 2002. Eddy Raven’s new album, “Live in Concert” is the most extensive collection of Raven’s hits ever released in one package at any time.  18 of the 22 songs in this “ultimate” collection made the top 10 and SEVEN of those hit #1.  This collection also includes the original “Thank God For Kids” that Raven wrote for the Oak Ridge Boys who took it to #1.  This 22 song collection spans the length & breadth of Raven’s hit filled career and gives the listener 76 minutes of Eddy Raven, “Live in Concert”

Don’s new album, “Silver Turns To Gold”, is a collection of some of the songs that have a special meaning to Don.  Several of these are instantly recognizable and have had an impact on a whole generation of listeners.  About these songs, Don noted, “As much as possible, I tried to stay within the framework of the original presentation of the songs.  If a song dictates a mood, I stay as close to that as I possibly can because that’s part of the essence of the song.  Staying close to the way the song was originally done recognizes the greatness of that arrangement, but hopefully is changed just enough so that people might feel like the song is a bit of mine as well.”

* “No Trash In My Trailer” will be the third single to be released off of Gene Watson’s RMG Records CD, “From the Heart”.  The single will appear on CDX #295 which will be out on July 1, 2002.  The single will be mailed to radio on June 17^th, 2002.

DALE WATSON TO BISMEAUX PRODUCTIONS FOR MANAGEMENT Austin, Texas—Audium Records artist Dale Watson has signed with Austin-based Bismeaux Productions for management.  Bismeaux is also the home of Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel.

Watson’s next project for Audium is Live In London…England to be released on June 25^th.  The 21-track recording features ten Watson songs never before released in the United States as well as covers of songs by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Wynn Stewart and Jimmie Rodgers.

NEW MUSIC MAGAZINE TARGETS ADULT ALTERNATIVE MARKET Internet Company Paste Media Group Launches Quarterly Print Magazine Atlanta, GA ( May 10, 2002) --Paste Media Group, best known for its respected online music destination PasteMusic.com, recently announced the launch of Paste Magazine (http://www.pastemagazine.com), a new quarterly publication with compilation CD focusing on music, culture and writing for an "Adult Alternative" audience. The large and growing AAA radio market is currently unserved by a nationally distributed consumer magazine, and Paste seeks to fill that gap.

Paste covers a diverse range of music that starts with Americana, indie rock, alt.country, folk rock, and singer-songwriters but ends up wherever good songcraft is found. The genre has gained significant exposure for artists who are more ambitious, intellectual and idiosyncratic, yet still accessible enough for radio programmers who want more sophisticated music … and for music lovers seeking something a little deeper. Paste hopes to cover the best music in this eclectic mix, devoting space to independent musicians alongside international superstars.

"There’s an abundance of music publications covering the same 20 flavors of the month on MTV," said Paste Magazine editor Josh Jackson. "It’s time to satisfy the hunger people have for music with more substance. There’s a lot of great music out there, and we want to help people find it, especially when it can’t be pigeonholed into a specific genre."

Pointing to the success of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? Soundtrack despite a lack of industry support, Paste hopes to tap into an audience that’s passionate about music, but dissatisfied by the mindlessness and artlessness found on most radio. The tagline, "Signs of Life in Music and Culture," refers to the growing demand for depth and meaning.

The July debut issue features Victoria Williams, Wilco, Patty Griffin, Tom Waits and producer T-Bone Burnett. The magazine will also delve into other areas such as film, books, visual arts and cultural commentary.

Each quarterly issue comes bundled with a compilation CD, the first of which includes Victoria Williams, Speech (from Arrested Development), David Wilcox, Sam Phillips, and Over the Rhine. The magazine will be printed on glossy paper in full color.

Paste Magazine will leverage the existing customer base of PasteMusic.com, a four-year-old Internet site promoting independent-minded music. Issue One will be mailed free to the site’s 4,000-person customer database and promoted to its 25,000-member email list. Another 10,000 copies will be distributed in book and record stores and mailed to every commercial and non-commercial AAA radio station in the U.S.