SWEETHEART OF THE RODEO ALBUM BY THE BYRDS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
It was a landmark album 50 years ago and it continues to be so today as The Byrds celebrate the 50th anniversary of their “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” classic. The groundbreaking album is considered by many to be one of the most influential country rock albums ever and is even credited with giving the name country rock to an ever-expanding genre of music.
Chris Hillman and Roger McGuinn, co-founders of the Byrds, launched a tour earlier this year that carries through November 10 when they will perform at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas. Joining them on tour are Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives.
“On March 9, 1968, Roger McGuinn and I along with many fantastic musicians began recording the “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” album at Columbia Studios in Nashville,” says Hillman. “It was truly a pivotal moment in our lives taking a turn toward the music we always felt a strong kinship with. We are honored that it has left a strong, long lasting impression on country and rock music. To celebrate this special time with Roger, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives is such a blessing.”
Classic songs on the album included “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” “I Am A Pilgrim,” “Hickory Wind” and One Hundred Years From Now.”
DUSTIN LYNCH JOINS GRAND OLE OPRY
Dusti Lynch with Reba McEntire at his Grand Ole Opry induction. (Photo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry)
Dustin Lynch became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on September 18, joining the ranks of what everyone refers to as a family. Lynch was inducted by Opry member Reba McEntire, who totally surprised the singer when she walked out on stage.
“I wouldn’t have wanted to be inducted by anyone else … Reba’s the top of my list,” Lynch said. “She could have been anywhere in the world today and chose to be here. That means so much to me.”
Lynch barely held back his emotions as he made his first speech as a new member of the Opry. “I told everybody before I came out here I’m a crybaby, and I get it from my dad,” said Lynch. Thanking his friends, family, bandmates, and everyone who plays a part in his career for sharing in his dreams, he continued, “This is one of those dreams right now … Thank you for allowing us to live the dream.”
Lynch was surprised a second time that evening when his record label, BBR, presented him with a plaque commemorating one billion digital streams throughout his career. It began with his debut “Cowboys and Angels,” which was a Platinum album, selling one million copies. Following quickly on its heels were other Platinum and Gold singles as certified by the RIAA, “Where It’s At,” “Hell of a Night,” “Mind Reader,” “Seein’ Red” and “Small Town Boy.”
ERIC CHURCH ANNOUNCES DOUBLE DOWN TOUR
Eric Church is stepping up it a notch with his touring schedule next year, as he recently announced his Doubles Down tour of back-to-back shows in 19 cities, plus one huge night of music at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium.
The entertainer will perform six albums across the two nights of music. There will be no opening act as Church will offer two very different sets of tunes over the two nights in each city.
Church is also making a great effort toward keeping the scalpers away from his tickets by use of his own app, using Verified Tickets and having fan club pre-sales.
The singer’s album “Desperate Man” was released earlier this month.
For a list of dates, go to www.ericchurch.com.
ROSANNE CASH ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM DATE NOVEMBER 2
Rosanne Cash will release her latest album, “She Remembers Everything,” on November 2, pre-releasing two songs from the CD: “She Remembers Everything” and “Everyone But Me.” This is her first new album is nearly five years.
The album was recorded in Portland, Oregon and New York City. Cash invited a group of friends and peers, including Kris Kristofferson, Elvis Costello, Sam Phillips and Colin Meloy, to join her on the project.
After hearing the latest round of survivor stories, Cash admits she has had to contend with the fact that much of what she hoped would change throughout her lifetime has not made the progress she hoped for. This reality is reflected in the beautiful stories that embrace women’s narratives on the new album.
“There is a woman’s real life, complex experiences and layered understanding in these songs,” Rosanne says. “I could not have written them 10 years ago–not even close. Time is shorter, I have more to say.”
In addition to the regular album, Cash is offering a deluxe version of ‘She Remembers Everything’ with three bonus tracks digitally and as a limited-edition case-bound book CD.
Fans can also purchase a limited edition box set entitled the ‘She Remembers Everything Memory Box,’ which will include personal letters of correspondence signed by Rosanne, and exchanged between her and T-Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, Sam Phillips, Joe Henry, Tucker Martine, and John Leventhal; an exclusive Rosanne Cash Live at SFJAZZ CD, recorded in 2017 and featuring Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams; ‘She Remembers Everything’ pressed to pink vinyl; the deluxe case-bound CD with three extra tracks; and a digital download redemption card. The box will also include a copy of ‘Bird On A Blade’ (UT Press), a new book of lyrics and illustration by Rosanne Cash and Dan Rizzie, along with an 8″ x 10″ printed lithograph featuring an original Rizzie illustration from the book.
JESSE & NOAH RELEASE NEW ALBUM “NEON PIKE”
Jesse & Noah have released their latest album, “Neon Pike,” including tunes “Gambler’s Heart” and “Chances.”
Jesse and Noah
The singers and songwriters are the sons of David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers, and are paying much respect to their musical legacy.
“The challenge for us has always been that we’re not traditional enough to fit with the traditional crowd or pop enough to be pop country,” says Jesse, while Noah adds, “So for this album, “Neon Pike,” we really just focused on the instrumentation and creating solid music we are proud to share with our fans.”
Fans will find the musical mix on the CD interesting, as there is fiddle and steel along with powerful drums, loud electric guitar and a mix of Americana, rock ‘n roll and a little bit country to round out the sound. Jesse and Noah wrote or co-wrote all 12 tracks on the CD.
Upcoming dates include WSVX Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, Tennessee on October 15 and the Rattlesnake Festival in Dade City, Florida on October 21.
CRAIG MORGAN CONTINUES MISSION OF SERVING FOSTER KIDS IN HIS HOMETOWN
Craig Morgan recently announced an update to his mission to serve the foster care system in Dickson County, Tennessee, where the singer resides.
“Over the last several years, we’ve seen the needs in our community change and so we are adapting the mission of the Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation to better serve the children and foster families within Dickson County” said Morgan.
Craig Morgan (courtesy Monarch Publicity)
To better serve the foster care children and their families, Morgan announced that the fund raising that he will continue will supports needs identified by the Department of Children’s Services and Child Advocacy Center in the county.
The Foundation sponsored a back-to-school event this year that brought together 75 children in foster care, all of whom received a new backpack and $100 of free school supplies from Walmart. They also received new shoes from Hibbett Sports. Craig was there to entertain the kids and other members of foster families as well as members of the DCCMF board.
Morgan owns The Gallery at Morgan Farms, a family-owned farm-to-home business that is located on the town square in Dickson. The store featured items made by Morgan and his family, as well as other craftsmen in the area.
In other news with Morgan, he and his wife Karen, along with their family, awarded the second round of Jerry Greer Memorial Scholarships to deserving youth in Dickson County. The scholarships are in memory of their son Jerry, who was killed in a boating accident a couple years ago. Applications for the 2019 school year are being accepted through March 31, 2019 by contacting [email protected] or going by Morgan Farms at 134 N. Main St. in Dickson to pick up an application.
“9 TO 5” HEADS TO LONDON
If you’re heading to London next year, you can catch Dolly Parton’s musical, “9 To 5,” which will be playing at the Savoy Theatre from January 28 to August 31.
Louise Redknapp takes on the character of Violet Newstead while Amber Davies will portray Judy Bernly, Natalie McQueen will take on the character of Doralee Rhodes and Brian Conley will be the girls’ boss, Franklin Hart.
The play follows the three women who work together and finally are pushed past the point of no return by their sexist and egotistical boss. Instead of taking him to court as would happen today, they simply decided to kidnap him and turn the tables on him. What they don’t plan on is a visit from the CEO of the company. It’s all a hilarious tale as the girls consider what to do about their actions, which were definitely not thought out.
In no relation to the movie, Parton was just announced as the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year. She will be honored at a gala in Los Angeles on February 8. Proceeds from the evening will go to help finance MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy that ensures music people have a place to turn to in hard times. The event will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.