In the past few decades, we usually see at least one tribute record a year. George Jones. Merle Haggard. Buck Owens---they all have been the subject of a multi-artist tribute to their songs. In November, Sony released an excellent tribute to Loretta Lynn, and just in the past few weeks, there has been a great tribute album to Waylon Jennings--the third to pay well-deserved homage to Jennings. There is one artist from Country's golden era, however, that has not been the subject of a tribute record----yet. Conway Twitty (until George Strait passed him) topped the chart more than any other artist of his era. But, for some reason Universal has never really given him his proper due, aside from several best of compilations that feature the same songs. I have no idea why there hasn't been a tribute record to Twitty---unless there's some legal protocol due to all the fighting that has taken place inside his family since his tragic passing in 1993. But, in case that door ever gets opened.....here's my thoughts on a twelve-cut Twitty retrospective. See what you think....
1. "Darling, You Know I Wouldn't Lie," One of his first chart-toppers, this one was a Twitty rarity----nominated for Song Of Thw Year by the CMA back in 1969. Conway showed his range with this spine-tingling ballad, that I think Ronnie Dunn could work magic with!
2. "Hello, Darlin," Of course, his calling card to Country stardom has withstood the test of time. I would love to hear a female vocalist tackle this one, but not one from the mainstream. I have always loved Allison Moorer's voice, and think she could knock this one out of the ballpark.
3. "You've Never Been This Far Before," One of his more suggestive songs, everyone and their preacher had an opinion on this one back in 1973. Just like "Hello Darlin," I would love to hear this from a female perspective. Sara Evans, perhaps, could work wonders with those bom-bom-boms.
4. "Don't Cry Joni," Conway's collaboration with his daughter is one that I think could sell a ton of Kleenex if Vince Gill and Alison Krauss ever collaborated on a remake.
5. "I've Already Loved You In My Mind," A 1977 # 1 (what from that era wasn't), this one stands as a pure honky-tonk classic, and when I think honky tonk angels, nobody does it better than Lee Ann Womack.
6. "Don't Take It Away," A soulful stretch for Twitty in 1979, who better for this Bluesy plea for forgiveness than Darius Rucker?
7. "I'd Love To Lay You Down," Ask any Kenny Chesney fan about some of their favorite cover moments from a Chesney fan, and they'll mention this one every time!
8. "Feelins," A mid 1970s chart-topper for Twitty and Lynn, this one gets a great live treatment from Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, and I think it could be a major radio hit for them, as well.
9. "Somebody's Needin' Somebody," A number one hit in 1984, this showed better than any other single of the era how effective Twitty was at changing with the times. You've got to be a singer to pull this one off, and I think that an Oklahoma girl named Carrie Underwood could do just that.
10. "That's My Job," A song that many think was a number one, but it only made it to # 6. But, the song was so much bigger than its' chart position, as it affected many lives. What about the man who surpassed Twitty in terms of number ones---George Strait? That could be a great combination!
11. "I Wish I Was Still In Your Dreams," One of the highlights of Twitty's later years, this was also one of his more contemporary releases. Add some strings, and maybe some Memphis horns, and a long tall drink of water named Trace Adkins, and I think you would have a record to remember!
12. "Crazy In Love," His next-to-last number one, this was once again another nice example of how his sound evolved over the years. There was a female vocalist who once opened for Twitty who could nail some of those high notes in the song...or a song by Beyonce?......That's right, Reba McEntire would do a fabulous job on this hit from one of her mentors..
Well, that's it before CRS.....It's just around the corner. 52 interviews lined up as of 10:51 EST on Saturday night, but I can always do more, right? Hope to see a lot of you next week!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
50 FEET---A GIANT LEAP FOR ONE MANKIND
Yesterday was one of those days that was pretty cool. It’s not every day that you get to see your child through a rite of passage, but yesterday was special. We were across from the airport in Jacksonville waiting to pick Mom up when my son asked me that four word sentence that parents know is coming…..”Dad, Can I drive?”
Now, it wasn’t the first time that he had been behind the wheel. Father # 1 saw him during that moment, but I’ve got to say it was pretty cool. Don’t get the idea that I turned him loose on I-95 during rush hour. It was a thinly packed parking lot off to the side of a motel. My first inclination was to say “No.” After all, he is twelve years old. But, once upon a time, I remember a certain person taking their child for his first drive down Goatshed Road in Burns, TN. So, I figured why not? It wasn’t the longest ride, because I didn’t know how he would do….but some 50 feet later, I was still breathing, and he was ready to drive to Daytona….Well, maybe St. Augustine. I have a feeling that more of these days are going to come up over the next few years, and I’m sure that I will have the same temper flare-ups (“He doesn’t remember anything I tell him,”) from time to time. But he got to be in the drivers’ seat.
I have to say, as a Dad that isn’t going to be confused with trendy or cool----Play Station Games, and most toys such as Super Nerf Militia are too fast paced for me. (OK, I'm not even sure there is such a game, but I digress.) What happened to Atari? If it’s just me in the car, you’ll hear anything from J-Lo to Roy Acuff…..but when it all comes down to it, give me a station with a healthy balanced diet of Twitty and Owens, and I’m a happy camper. Hipness is something that I know little about, admittedly, but for about five to ten minutes yesterday, I was “Cool Dad.” It didn’t last. This afternoon, he was grounded from going to a friends’ house, so my batting average is down a few points, but it should rebound once again. I’ve got confidence. I just hope the daughter waits a while for her time behind the wheel. Time is going by………a little too fast......
Now, it wasn’t the first time that he had been behind the wheel. Father # 1 saw him during that moment, but I’ve got to say it was pretty cool. Don’t get the idea that I turned him loose on I-95 during rush hour. It was a thinly packed parking lot off to the side of a motel. My first inclination was to say “No.” After all, he is twelve years old. But, once upon a time, I remember a certain person taking their child for his first drive down Goatshed Road in Burns, TN. So, I figured why not? It wasn’t the longest ride, because I didn’t know how he would do….but some 50 feet later, I was still breathing, and he was ready to drive to Daytona….Well, maybe St. Augustine. I have a feeling that more of these days are going to come up over the next few years, and I’m sure that I will have the same temper flare-ups (“He doesn’t remember anything I tell him,”) from time to time. But he got to be in the drivers’ seat.
I have to say, as a Dad that isn’t going to be confused with trendy or cool----Play Station Games, and most toys such as Super Nerf Militia are too fast paced for me. (OK, I'm not even sure there is such a game, but I digress.) What happened to Atari? If it’s just me in the car, you’ll hear anything from J-Lo to Roy Acuff…..but when it all comes down to it, give me a station with a healthy balanced diet of Twitty and Owens, and I’m a happy camper. Hipness is something that I know little about, admittedly, but for about five to ten minutes yesterday, I was “Cool Dad.” It didn’t last. This afternoon, he was grounded from going to a friends’ house, so my batting average is down a few points, but it should rebound once again. I’ve got confidence. I just hope the daughter waits a while for her time behind the wheel. Time is going by………a little too fast......
Sunday, February 20, 2011
TWO WOMEN
I hope you all enjoyed the "Sad Songs" list from over the weekend. As many of you who know me well can attest, I love sharing things with you when they are good, and I feel you need to know about them. I don't know whether anyone who reads this or not has ever bought an album or saw a movie or TV show based on my recommendation, but when something strikes me as good, I love to tell people about it.
This week's blog is about two women who are in entertainment at different ends of the age spectrum---but yet in 2011 are making their mark and doing it quite well. The first is from the world of music. Back in September, I got a copy of Kenny Chesney's latest CD HEMINGWAY'S WHISKEY. While I will stop just shy of saying it's his best CD of his career, the good on the album is some of the most amazing stuff he has recorded. One of those songs is "You and Tequila," a duet with a female vocalist by the name of Grace Potter. While I do listen to many different styles of music, I wasn't familiar with the Vermont native until Chesney's album. The track features one of the more haunting melodies that I have heard in some time. I decided to do a little bit of research, and found out that Potter has quite the following. Upon talking about her with one of the people that I write for, I decided to give her music a listen, and picked up a copy of GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS. I can honestly tell you that it is one of the best rock albums I have heard in a long time. Aside from one track, the album has no political statement to make (and that one ,"Colors," is one where you're going to have to think about it as she doesn't wear you down with it), and is just fun songs about life, love, and....things that go bump in the night....It is Rock & Roll after all.....If you like that genre, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this disc. The current single and opening cut, "Paris," will have you singing along with the windows down.....loudly, just like I was doing the other day. Look for some big things from this talented lady.
While Potter is just in her 20s, there's another female entertainer who has been at her craft for many years----and doing it as good as ever. A recent discussion among one of my friends and I turned to pop culture and who our favorite actors and actresses of the time were. Male-wise, Jeff Bridges would be high on my list, but probably (though he has been quiet as of late), Billy Bob Thornton would get my vote. On the female side of things, I had to think for a minute. What actress in the past few months had demonstrated the most versatile range? There was only one answer----and she just celebrated her 90th birthday.
I'm talking, of course, about Betty White. Whether playing the goody-goody Rose on "The Golden Girls," or the saucy Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," she has been one of America's favorite actresses for years. And so it goes, last year, White teamed up with sitcom stars Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, and Valerie Bertinelli for the TV LAND series "Hot In Cleveland." While her co-stars are very good in their roles, and fun to watch, White steals the scenes time and again. It is one of the funniest shows that I have seen in a long time, and makes Wednesday nights worth looking forward to. But, there's another side to White besides her classic humor. Did anyone catch a CBS movie a few weeks ago called "The Lost Valentine?" In it, White played a woman whose husband was missing in action from World War II, and with the help of a reporter, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, she finally finds out what happened to her husband, and is reunited with his remains. A part of the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" series, these movies are designed to stir up emotions, but in a rare dramatic turn for the actress---she showed why she is so loved in America and has enjoyed a career resurgence since last year's Snickers' TV commercial. Whether making us laugh....or cry, the last of TV's "Golden Girls" still has it....even at age 90!
Maybe you're familiar with the recent works of these two women, but if you're not, you need to be. Potter's work is available where music is sold, and Hot In Cleveland airs Wednesday nights on TV Land. Check them out. You'll thank me later!
This week's blog is about two women who are in entertainment at different ends of the age spectrum---but yet in 2011 are making their mark and doing it quite well. The first is from the world of music. Back in September, I got a copy of Kenny Chesney's latest CD HEMINGWAY'S WHISKEY. While I will stop just shy of saying it's his best CD of his career, the good on the album is some of the most amazing stuff he has recorded. One of those songs is "You and Tequila," a duet with a female vocalist by the name of Grace Potter. While I do listen to many different styles of music, I wasn't familiar with the Vermont native until Chesney's album. The track features one of the more haunting melodies that I have heard in some time. I decided to do a little bit of research, and found out that Potter has quite the following. Upon talking about her with one of the people that I write for, I decided to give her music a listen, and picked up a copy of GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS. I can honestly tell you that it is one of the best rock albums I have heard in a long time. Aside from one track, the album has no political statement to make (and that one ,"Colors," is one where you're going to have to think about it as she doesn't wear you down with it), and is just fun songs about life, love, and....things that go bump in the night....It is Rock & Roll after all.....If you like that genre, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this disc. The current single and opening cut, "Paris," will have you singing along with the windows down.....loudly, just like I was doing the other day. Look for some big things from this talented lady.
While Potter is just in her 20s, there's another female entertainer who has been at her craft for many years----and doing it as good as ever. A recent discussion among one of my friends and I turned to pop culture and who our favorite actors and actresses of the time were. Male-wise, Jeff Bridges would be high on my list, but probably (though he has been quiet as of late), Billy Bob Thornton would get my vote. On the female side of things, I had to think for a minute. What actress in the past few months had demonstrated the most versatile range? There was only one answer----and she just celebrated her 90th birthday.
I'm talking, of course, about Betty White. Whether playing the goody-goody Rose on "The Golden Girls," or the saucy Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," she has been one of America's favorite actresses for years. And so it goes, last year, White teamed up with sitcom stars Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, and Valerie Bertinelli for the TV LAND series "Hot In Cleveland." While her co-stars are very good in their roles, and fun to watch, White steals the scenes time and again. It is one of the funniest shows that I have seen in a long time, and makes Wednesday nights worth looking forward to. But, there's another side to White besides her classic humor. Did anyone catch a CBS movie a few weeks ago called "The Lost Valentine?" In it, White played a woman whose husband was missing in action from World War II, and with the help of a reporter, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, she finally finds out what happened to her husband, and is reunited with his remains. A part of the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" series, these movies are designed to stir up emotions, but in a rare dramatic turn for the actress---she showed why she is so loved in America and has enjoyed a career resurgence since last year's Snickers' TV commercial. Whether making us laugh....or cry, the last of TV's "Golden Girls" still has it....even at age 90!
Maybe you're familiar with the recent works of these two women, but if you're not, you need to be. Potter's work is available where music is sold, and Hot In Cleveland airs Wednesday nights on TV Land. Check them out. You'll thank me later!
Friday, February 18, 2011
A TRIBUTE TO CHARLENE DARLING....THESE ONES WILL MAKE YOU CRY!
Most people---when they talk about their favorite TV series of all time, will mention The Andy Griffith Show. One of the more popular group of episodes of the show featured The Darlings---a group of mountain folk who didn’t talk (except once), but they could sing. Their sister, Charlene---the pretty one of the family, would always have a few songs that would make her cry. If you think about it, there’s always a few songs that will bring that emotion out. I thought this week, I’d tell you about ten songs that have that effect on me. Maybe some of these affect you the same way, or perhaps it will make you want to search some of these out….
“I’ll Be True To You,” The Oak Ridge Boys
Tim McGraw has cited this as one of his all-time favorites, and I have to agree with him. Duane Allen’s lead brings out the anguished story of a couple that should have been together, but the male character didn’t realize it until it was much too late.
“Jeannie’s Afraid Of The Dark,” Porter & Dolly
This 1968 classic is one of the saddest songs of all time. Both vocalists are dead on in their approach to this sad tale of a young daughter who has a fear of the dark. Chilling—even 43 years later.
“Looking For The Light,” Rick Trevino
This Tim Mensy-written masterpiece might very well be the most heart-wrenching song ever recorded about mothers. I cried when it came out in 1994, and even more when the words rang true eleven years later.
“Maybe,” Thom Pace
You might not know this by the title. However, there was a TV show back in the late 70s called The Life And Times Of Grizzly Adams. I remember sitting on the couch as a three and four year old watching this with my mother. When I hear it today, it’s happy memories…..but I need to make sure I have some Kleenex out.
“Old Violin,” Johnny Paycheck
The final major hit of Paycheck’s career, this song sums up the feelings of many who love doing what they do, and spend their life doing it to the end.
“She’s With Me,” Collin Raye
This was an album cut from a Raye project for Time-Life a few years back. The song details the relationship between Collin and his grand-daughter (who has since passed away), and it is one of his better performances----but you’ve got to listen all the way, until the final verse. “Wow” is about all I can say!
“The Flower That Shattered The Stone,” Steve Wariner
Steve has recorded several powerful ballads over the years, but this one (from 1989’s I Got Dreams) is about as powerful as it gets.
“The Very Last Country Song,” Sugarland
Sugarland has made a career of songs that showcase the pyrotechnics of Jennifer Nettles’ voice, but I think this might be the best she has ever sounded. It’s very simple and understated, but if you love Country Music, this song will move you undoubtedly.
“To Me,” Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood
Love songs shouldn’t make one cry per se, but this duet of 80s superstars is how a love ballad should be. Simply stunning from start to finish.
“Wayfaring Stranger,” Emmylou Harris
As a child, I slept with the radio on. I remember hearing this on WSM late at night, and though some might say Bill Monroe might have had the definitive version, I disagree. It’s one of the more stark recordings of Emmylou Harris’ Hall of Fame career, and also one of her best.
“I’ll Be True To You,” The Oak Ridge Boys
Tim McGraw has cited this as one of his all-time favorites, and I have to agree with him. Duane Allen’s lead brings out the anguished story of a couple that should have been together, but the male character didn’t realize it until it was much too late.
“Jeannie’s Afraid Of The Dark,” Porter & Dolly
This 1968 classic is one of the saddest songs of all time. Both vocalists are dead on in their approach to this sad tale of a young daughter who has a fear of the dark. Chilling—even 43 years later.
“Looking For The Light,” Rick Trevino
This Tim Mensy-written masterpiece might very well be the most heart-wrenching song ever recorded about mothers. I cried when it came out in 1994, and even more when the words rang true eleven years later.
“Maybe,” Thom Pace
You might not know this by the title. However, there was a TV show back in the late 70s called The Life And Times Of Grizzly Adams. I remember sitting on the couch as a three and four year old watching this with my mother. When I hear it today, it’s happy memories…..but I need to make sure I have some Kleenex out.
“Old Violin,” Johnny Paycheck
The final major hit of Paycheck’s career, this song sums up the feelings of many who love doing what they do, and spend their life doing it to the end.
“She’s With Me,” Collin Raye
This was an album cut from a Raye project for Time-Life a few years back. The song details the relationship between Collin and his grand-daughter (who has since passed away), and it is one of his better performances----but you’ve got to listen all the way, until the final verse. “Wow” is about all I can say!
“The Flower That Shattered The Stone,” Steve Wariner
Steve has recorded several powerful ballads over the years, but this one (from 1989’s I Got Dreams) is about as powerful as it gets.
“The Very Last Country Song,” Sugarland
Sugarland has made a career of songs that showcase the pyrotechnics of Jennifer Nettles’ voice, but I think this might be the best she has ever sounded. It’s very simple and understated, but if you love Country Music, this song will move you undoubtedly.
“To Me,” Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood
Love songs shouldn’t make one cry per se, but this duet of 80s superstars is how a love ballad should be. Simply stunning from start to finish.
“Wayfaring Stranger,” Emmylou Harris
As a child, I slept with the radio on. I remember hearing this on WSM late at night, and though some might say Bill Monroe might have had the definitive version, I disagree. It’s one of the more stark recordings of Emmylou Harris’ Hall of Fame career, and also one of her best.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
25 FOR THE HALL
There hasn't been an official date set yet, but the Country Music Hall of Fame will soon announce their class of inductees for 2011. This is one of the biggest debates in Nashville, as there are plenty of acts from the pre-1970s who deserve induction, and as time goes on.....the 80s and 90s, as well.....Typically, four inductees go in each year. Three artists, and one industry insider / sideman. Here, in my opinion, are 20 artists....and 5 others that I think deserve it. Ten years ago, when the Hall of Fame opened, they inducted twelve....It might be time to play a little catch-up once again.....
JIM ED BROWN----A toss-up between him and the Browns trio of which he sang lead. He developed one of the more under-rated solo careers in the history of the format, and also became one of the major TV stars in Country Music of the 60s through the 80s.
ARCHIE CAMPBELL----It’s been a while since a comedian was inducted, and Campbell deserves the slot. His style of comedy was very unique and cutting edge when he joined the Opry in 1958, his RCA albums are legendary, and of course, as one of the head writers of Hee Haw, he helped to define Country Comedy long before the “Blue Collar Boys.”
JUNE CARTER CASH----You might be surprised to know that June is not a member, but even if she hadn’t married Johnny, her place as a performer was set. With Johnny, they became Mr. and Mrs. Country Music---on a larger scale than George & Tammy or Tim & Faith.
RAY CHARLES------People get emotional, and rightly so, about who is not in the Hall----but in my opinion---none of the names on this list did as much to expose Country Music to the masses than Charles’ frequent forays into the genre’s classics.
COWBOY COPAS----A favorite of the 40s and 50s, he is wrongly known sometimes as a footnote to being a passenger in the Piper Comanche that killed Patsy Cline, but his King Records of the 40s, and Starday Records of the 60s made him famous on his own merits.
JOHNNIE AND JACK----Just like the Louvin Brothers, this duo inspired many including Waylon and the Desert Rose Band. I hope the voters get this oversight taken care of soon so Johnnie Wright can enjoy it.
JOHNNY HORTON-----You think Dwight and Marty have swagger? They definitely stole a few tricks off Horton’s sleeve. He wasn’t active long-----due to his tragic passing in a 1960 automobile accident after a show----but “The Battle Of New Orleans” and “North To Alaska” speak for themselves!
JERRY LEE LEWIS----Strangely, he is not in the Hall just yet. But, it’s an obvious choice at some point. Whether his Sun classics of the 50s or his traditional Mercury sides in the 60s and 70s, the “Killer” deserves to be in this group.
REBA McENTIRE-----Dolly? Check. Loretta? Check. Tammy? Check. Aside from those three, has any other female country singer opened more doors since? I don’t think so. This one is going to happen, and it might be soon.
RONNIE MILSAP----George Strait, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, and Alabama are four of the five acts with 40 or more number one records. They’re in. Guess who the fifth is? Only one of the most revered performers of the past forty years.
OAK RIDGE BOYS----Their story has been ongoing since the 1940s. But, the foursome known as Duane, Joe, William Lee, and Richard have carved out their own legacy and keep on ticking.
JERRY REED-----Yeah, he was a great sidekick to Burt Reynolds. And, while those movies made Jerry Reed a household name in the late 70s, his guitar licks influenced a generation of pickers, and his records were incredible---all of them. Plus, to my knowledge, he was the only Country singer featured on Scooby Doo! Now, that’s saying something!
KENNY ROGERS-----This one has been an oversight for a while. Whether you like pop-oriented Country or not….from 1977-1985, there was no Country singer more popular than Kenny Rogers. As my favorite singer, I may be a little biased, but along with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton, there may not be a more recognized Country performer in the world.
JEAN SHEPARD----She wasn’t the first (Patsy Montana) or the most successful, but Shepard paved the way for female vocalists in the 50s with her classic output for Capitol Records. She influenced many out west in California, and has been the matriarch of female vocalists at the Opry for years.
RICKY SKAGGS----We’re getting to the point that the 80’s have to be looked at as closely as any decade now, and that’s created a log jam with some of these artists. But he not only brought traditional Country back to prominence in the 80s, but his return to Bluegrass in the 1990s helped to spark new interest in the format.
CONNIE SMITH----Poll most Country acts about their favorite female vocalist, and they will tell you Connie Smith. Dolly Parton will, and that’s good enough for me. But, a listen to her RCA and Monument works prove she was one of the best of all time----and still is.
RANDY TRAVIS-----Travis deserves to get in soon before the class of the 90s make their way into the Hall. He took what Skaggs and Strait were doing, and kicked the door down for traditional Country in the late 1980s. Pre-Garth, he was everywhere, and released some of the 80s and 90s more timeless recordings to come out of Music City.
DOTTIE WEST-------She looked the part of a Country singer, and lived the life of a Country song. Her stage sass and upbeat persona helped to inspire a new generation of Country female vocalists who were a little more saucy in their approach. But, as is the case with all of the above, he recordings---whether RCA Nashville Sound or 80s’ Liberty Country Pop---speak for themselves.
WILBURN BROTHERS-----Brothers Doyle and Teddy has success with their records, their TV show, and built Sure-Fire music into one of the powerhouse publishing companies in town. Along the way, they helped countless future stars, including Loretta Lynn, Johnny Russell, and the Osborne Brothers.
HANK WILLIAMS, JR.----For close to five decades, he’s been a part of the Country Music landscape in so many ways. Yes, he’s brash, cocky, and very much outspoken about what he thinks. But his omission from the Hall is as ridiculous as his one-time duet partner, Ray Charles. Voters, the career speaks volumes for this one!
MAE BOREN AXTON-----She gave so many Nashville songwriters and performers a helping hand----from a Tupelo, MS cat named Elvis to current CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton. One of the more unsung heroes in the business.
JOE GALANTE----You could make a case for Fred Foster or Jimmy Bowen, I guess. But, stepping into some legendary shoes at RCA, Galante made the company bigger than ever. Yes, he had the talent, but with acts like The Judds, KT Oslin, Keith Whitley, and others, he also proved he had the ears. Country Music wouldn’t be the same without his guidance.
BUDDY KILLEN----From an industry standpoint, the fact that the man who co-owned and ran Nashville’s biggest publishing company of all time is not in the Hall aside Dolly, Bill Anderson, and Roger Miller---all people who are in the Hall is complete and utter B.S., and I don’t mean Blake Shelton. This has to get taken care of---soon.
SAM LOVULLO-----Most people don’t know the name. However, from 1969-1992, he was the producer of Hee Haw. Yes, that might have not been the most glamorous image for Country….Could you imagine Rascal Flatts in Kornfield Kounty? But, it was THE vehicle for exposure for Country artists during that time period. And, how many of today’s biggest stars cite the show as an early example of “Must See TV?”
DON RICH-----While I don’t think any band leader of a star has ever merited Hall induction, Donald Eugene Ulrich was no ordinary band leader. As a Buck Owens fan, Buck might have made it without Don…..but he wouldn’t have made it as far. His harmony and guitar playing WERE the Bakersfield sound, and though he wasn’t known as much as a fiddler than a guitarist-----there’s never been a fiddler in Country Music any better, and you can quote me on that!
JIM ED BROWN----A toss-up between him and the Browns trio of which he sang lead. He developed one of the more under-rated solo careers in the history of the format, and also became one of the major TV stars in Country Music of the 60s through the 80s.
ARCHIE CAMPBELL----It’s been a while since a comedian was inducted, and Campbell deserves the slot. His style of comedy was very unique and cutting edge when he joined the Opry in 1958, his RCA albums are legendary, and of course, as one of the head writers of Hee Haw, he helped to define Country Comedy long before the “Blue Collar Boys.”
JUNE CARTER CASH----You might be surprised to know that June is not a member, but even if she hadn’t married Johnny, her place as a performer was set. With Johnny, they became Mr. and Mrs. Country Music---on a larger scale than George & Tammy or Tim & Faith.
RAY CHARLES------People get emotional, and rightly so, about who is not in the Hall----but in my opinion---none of the names on this list did as much to expose Country Music to the masses than Charles’ frequent forays into the genre’s classics.
COWBOY COPAS----A favorite of the 40s and 50s, he is wrongly known sometimes as a footnote to being a passenger in the Piper Comanche that killed Patsy Cline, but his King Records of the 40s, and Starday Records of the 60s made him famous on his own merits.
JOHNNIE AND JACK----Just like the Louvin Brothers, this duo inspired many including Waylon and the Desert Rose Band. I hope the voters get this oversight taken care of soon so Johnnie Wright can enjoy it.
JOHNNY HORTON-----You think Dwight and Marty have swagger? They definitely stole a few tricks off Horton’s sleeve. He wasn’t active long-----due to his tragic passing in a 1960 automobile accident after a show----but “The Battle Of New Orleans” and “North To Alaska” speak for themselves!
JERRY LEE LEWIS----Strangely, he is not in the Hall just yet. But, it’s an obvious choice at some point. Whether his Sun classics of the 50s or his traditional Mercury sides in the 60s and 70s, the “Killer” deserves to be in this group.
REBA McENTIRE-----Dolly? Check. Loretta? Check. Tammy? Check. Aside from those three, has any other female country singer opened more doors since? I don’t think so. This one is going to happen, and it might be soon.
RONNIE MILSAP----George Strait, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, and Alabama are four of the five acts with 40 or more number one records. They’re in. Guess who the fifth is? Only one of the most revered performers of the past forty years.
OAK RIDGE BOYS----Their story has been ongoing since the 1940s. But, the foursome known as Duane, Joe, William Lee, and Richard have carved out their own legacy and keep on ticking.
JERRY REED-----Yeah, he was a great sidekick to Burt Reynolds. And, while those movies made Jerry Reed a household name in the late 70s, his guitar licks influenced a generation of pickers, and his records were incredible---all of them. Plus, to my knowledge, he was the only Country singer featured on Scooby Doo! Now, that’s saying something!
KENNY ROGERS-----This one has been an oversight for a while. Whether you like pop-oriented Country or not….from 1977-1985, there was no Country singer more popular than Kenny Rogers. As my favorite singer, I may be a little biased, but along with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton, there may not be a more recognized Country performer in the world.
JEAN SHEPARD----She wasn’t the first (Patsy Montana) or the most successful, but Shepard paved the way for female vocalists in the 50s with her classic output for Capitol Records. She influenced many out west in California, and has been the matriarch of female vocalists at the Opry for years.
RICKY SKAGGS----We’re getting to the point that the 80’s have to be looked at as closely as any decade now, and that’s created a log jam with some of these artists. But he not only brought traditional Country back to prominence in the 80s, but his return to Bluegrass in the 1990s helped to spark new interest in the format.
CONNIE SMITH----Poll most Country acts about their favorite female vocalist, and they will tell you Connie Smith. Dolly Parton will, and that’s good enough for me. But, a listen to her RCA and Monument works prove she was one of the best of all time----and still is.
RANDY TRAVIS-----Travis deserves to get in soon before the class of the 90s make their way into the Hall. He took what Skaggs and Strait were doing, and kicked the door down for traditional Country in the late 1980s. Pre-Garth, he was everywhere, and released some of the 80s and 90s more timeless recordings to come out of Music City.
DOTTIE WEST-------She looked the part of a Country singer, and lived the life of a Country song. Her stage sass and upbeat persona helped to inspire a new generation of Country female vocalists who were a little more saucy in their approach. But, as is the case with all of the above, he recordings---whether RCA Nashville Sound or 80s’ Liberty Country Pop---speak for themselves.
WILBURN BROTHERS-----Brothers Doyle and Teddy has success with their records, their TV show, and built Sure-Fire music into one of the powerhouse publishing companies in town. Along the way, they helped countless future stars, including Loretta Lynn, Johnny Russell, and the Osborne Brothers.
HANK WILLIAMS, JR.----For close to five decades, he’s been a part of the Country Music landscape in so many ways. Yes, he’s brash, cocky, and very much outspoken about what he thinks. But his omission from the Hall is as ridiculous as his one-time duet partner, Ray Charles. Voters, the career speaks volumes for this one!
MAE BOREN AXTON-----She gave so many Nashville songwriters and performers a helping hand----from a Tupelo, MS cat named Elvis to current CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton. One of the more unsung heroes in the business.
JOE GALANTE----You could make a case for Fred Foster or Jimmy Bowen, I guess. But, stepping into some legendary shoes at RCA, Galante made the company bigger than ever. Yes, he had the talent, but with acts like The Judds, KT Oslin, Keith Whitley, and others, he also proved he had the ears. Country Music wouldn’t be the same without his guidance.
BUDDY KILLEN----From an industry standpoint, the fact that the man who co-owned and ran Nashville’s biggest publishing company of all time is not in the Hall aside Dolly, Bill Anderson, and Roger Miller---all people who are in the Hall is complete and utter B.S., and I don’t mean Blake Shelton. This has to get taken care of---soon.
SAM LOVULLO-----Most people don’t know the name. However, from 1969-1992, he was the producer of Hee Haw. Yes, that might have not been the most glamorous image for Country….Could you imagine Rascal Flatts in Kornfield Kounty? But, it was THE vehicle for exposure for Country artists during that time period. And, how many of today’s biggest stars cite the show as an early example of “Must See TV?”
DON RICH-----While I don’t think any band leader of a star has ever merited Hall induction, Donald Eugene Ulrich was no ordinary band leader. As a Buck Owens fan, Buck might have made it without Don…..but he wouldn’t have made it as far. His harmony and guitar playing WERE the Bakersfield sound, and though he wasn’t known as much as a fiddler than a guitarist-----there’s never been a fiddler in Country Music any better, and you can quote me on that!
I would love to hear your thoughts on this, as I know many have passionate feelings about this,,,,,Who would I induct this year, based on the Hall's usual criteria?
PRE-1950 Johnnie & Jack
PRE-1970 Hank Williams, Jr,
POST 1970 Reba McEntire
INDUSTRY Buddy Killen
Plus a special slot for Ray Charles......You've gotta have him in there!
A CONFESSION
Before I start this blog, I have to admit to you three things. One, I am 36 (for one more week) years old. Two, I am a father of two soon-to-be (even though they would disagree) teen-agers. And third, I think that every series that is broadcast on the Disney Channel is the same (The Wizards of Waverly Place Go To Hannah Montana’s to find Zack and Cody Playing With iCarly)……..even though they are really no different than Saved By The Bell from my generation…….With all of that said, I have a major confession……I’m Chuck Dauphin, and I am a…….Glee-a-holic!
OK….That felt good to get it out. I know the FOX-TV series has a huge appeal to teens and pre-teens, but over the past month or so, I have become a huge fan of the show. While I know it is a major network version of High School Musical, aside from The Mentalist or House, M.D., there are few series that I watch any more as of late.
Now, I will say that I may not get into every scene, but the show is very well-written, and the young actors and actresses on the show are the real deal. It’s always entertaining to see what songs they are going to pull out of their hats. I loved the Madonna episode, and the recent guest spot from Gwyneth Paltrow was incredible…..but the show is worth watching from week to week for one reason-----well, make that two……I will say that I think Lea Michele is going to be a breakout star in music and TV / movies in the future. She’s got that magic potion known as “it,” a combination of talent, looks, and charisma. But, she is upstaged by one of the best TV characters I have seen in a while----Sue Sylvester, who is played to perfection by Jane Lynch. Is she evil, or just borderline psycho? I don’t know, but she seems like she is having the time of her life. Actors have always said that it’s much more fun to play a character that is off-kilter a little bit, and if that’s true….there’s nobody any more off-kilter than Sue Sylvester!
The hot rumor is that a Country episode might soon be in the works. I have to admit that more than likely, I’ll be right there watching. Well, this wraps it up for me until the weekend…….I’m going to go listen to The Best Of Debbie Gibson right now…..Twenty-two years since she sang “Lost In Your Eyes” about me…..seriously?
OK….That felt good to get it out. I know the FOX-TV series has a huge appeal to teens and pre-teens, but over the past month or so, I have become a huge fan of the show. While I know it is a major network version of High School Musical, aside from The Mentalist or House, M.D., there are few series that I watch any more as of late.
Now, I will say that I may not get into every scene, but the show is very well-written, and the young actors and actresses on the show are the real deal. It’s always entertaining to see what songs they are going to pull out of their hats. I loved the Madonna episode, and the recent guest spot from Gwyneth Paltrow was incredible…..but the show is worth watching from week to week for one reason-----well, make that two……I will say that I think Lea Michele is going to be a breakout star in music and TV / movies in the future. She’s got that magic potion known as “it,” a combination of talent, looks, and charisma. But, she is upstaged by one of the best TV characters I have seen in a while----Sue Sylvester, who is played to perfection by Jane Lynch. Is she evil, or just borderline psycho? I don’t know, but she seems like she is having the time of her life. Actors have always said that it’s much more fun to play a character that is off-kilter a little bit, and if that’s true….there’s nobody any more off-kilter than Sue Sylvester!
The hot rumor is that a Country episode might soon be in the works. I have to admit that more than likely, I’ll be right there watching. Well, this wraps it up for me until the weekend…….I’m going to go listen to The Best Of Debbie Gibson right now…..Twenty-two years since she sang “Lost In Your Eyes” about me…..seriously?
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