AUSSIE NEWS
In their first APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) win THE McClymonts have received the Country Work of the Year award. Co-written by Samantha McClymont and respected songwriters Frank Myers and Lindsay Rimes, the song ‘Piece of Me’ has struck a chord with music critics and countless fans of the band’s country pop sound. >> YouTube
Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey released their new album The Great Country Songbook. They joined forces to record a collection of timeless country music classics, some sung individually and others as duets. The album is collection of songs, featuring some of their biggest influences, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, and Aussie country icon Slim Dusty.
Here is a clip of the duo performing an intimate version of ' Slim Dusty's 'Lights On The Hill' >> YouTube
NEWS
Patty Loveless was honoured by The Grand Ole Opry on her 25th Anniversary as an Opry member with memorable performances by Loveless, fellow Opry members Vince Gill and Loretta Lynn, and more.
Loveless was inducted as an Opry member on June 11, 1988. Following an hour of Loveless solo hits, vocal collaborations, and performances by good friends of the guest of honor in front of a sold-out Opry House Saturday night, Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher honored the 25-year member with a commemorative print and words about her career. “This has been an absolutely magical night at the Grand Ole Opry. I think we have heard everything that makes country music great,” Fisher said. “If I was to describe what makes country music great, I would use the name Patty Loveless,” he continued, describing Loveless as doing everything with “grace, humility, and excellence.”..read more at Opry.com
Sony/ATV has signed singer-songwriter Jack Ingram to a publishing deal. Ingram notched three Top 10 singles as a recording artist and is currently finishing up a new album project. Ingram splits his time between Austin, Texas and Nashville.
Keith Urban will get a chance to display a very different side to his musicianship when blues great Buddy Guy releases his next album, titled 'Rhythm & Blues,' in July. Urban appears with Guy on a track titled 'One Day Away.'
The pair have collaborated before, teaming up with blues pioneer B. B. King and John Mayer for a performance at the Grammy Awards in 2009.
Jimmy Wayne’s rescued Chihuahua, Ruby (image), is the inspiration behind the singer/songwriter’s new line of dog snacks and toys, Ruby’s Pet Treats are available in his online store. A percentage of each item sold benefits both The Humane Society of Genesee County in Michigan (a no-kill animal shelter) and Wayne’s charity, Project Meet me Halfway, which helps care for teens in foster care programs who are at risk for homelessness.
Jimmy spent much of his childhood in and out of foster homes and has become an advocate for foster children and the foster care system. Wayne is best known for his hits “Do You Believe Me Now,” “Stay Gone,” and “I Love You This Much.” He adopted Ruby in 2010.
Ruby’s Pet Treats offers Peanut Butter Biscuits (Ruby’s favorite snack! - Image)
Country duo LoCash Cowboys were involved in a serious bus accident Friday, June 14. The duo was on the interstate enroute to a show in Marinette, Wisconsin when the right front tire popped propelling the bus across a 10-foot median, two lanes of traffic, and over a 4-foot wall into a ditch. No serious injuries to the band and crew were reported, and all remaining shows throughout the weekend went off without a hitch thanks to the band’s determination and several rental cars.
“The bus driver was really the hero in all of this,” said the duo’s Chris Lucas. "He manhandled the bus and miraculously somehow kept it from flipping over." LoCash’s Preston Brust added, "It was unbelievable. The driver literally saved our lives."
Their new self titled debut is now out (June 18th) produced by Jeffrey Steele, Noah Gordon and Shannon “Fat Shan” Houchins. Locash’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas co-wrote 10 of the 12 tracks on the offering.
Little Big Town and Trisha Yearwood both snagged Daytime Emmy Awards. 'Trisha's Southern Kitchen,' (in its third season) tied for the Outstanding Culinary Program while Little Big Town got Outstanding Original Song for the tune they wrote for 'Good Afternoon America. This has been a great year for Yearwood, as she not only has seen success in her cooking show, but also in her confidence. After losing two dress sizes, she has newfound strength — and it’s infiltrating every aspect of her life.
Dr Pepper is highlighting TNA Impact Wrestling star/country music artist/equestrian Mickie James as a One of a Kind personality as part of its “/1” advertising campaign. In a new video breaking this week and airing exclusively online, Dr Pepper highlights the eight-time women’s champion in the ring, on the stage and riding horseback.
The Dallas Cowboys official magazine (Swimsuit June issue) have flagged Mickie as a Star Watch feature
Danielle Bradbery has been crowned champion of "The Voice" Season 4. This season was heavily country music centric as the show's Top 6 featured 4 country artists then the top 5 featured 4 country artists and the top 3 featured two.
Danielle joins Cassadee Pope as Country winners from Team Blake [Shelton]. Bradberry wins a UMG Record deal (not Republic as in years past)
Danielle talks Shy Beginnings! >> YouTube
He's stolen her heart! Love and Theft's Stephen Barker Liles popped the question (June 18) to longtime love Jenna Michelle Kennedy in Fort Myers, Fla., the singer told PEOPLE exclusively.
"I had one of my closest friends, Justin Ross Ward, drive down and set up cameras," says Liles, 29, about the surprise proposal. "Jenna and I were planning on a sunset dinner at Fresh Catch Bistro, and I called ahead and told them … to say that the table wouldn't be ready for 30 minutes so that we had to kill some time and walk on the beach."
After convincing his bride-to-be to "take her wedges off," the couple strolled to the beach, where Kennedy, 26, saw the cameras set up.
US Tours
Crash His Party: "My favorite kind of party is just being on stage," says Luke Bryan, if you're looking to crash it. He's currently crisscrossing the country with the Dirt Road Diaries Tour and Luke is making sure everyone is high on summertime, by sticking with spring. "We try to turn all our shows into a kind of Spring Break feel, so that’s my deal. You know, just have some beer, some sunshine and some pretty country girls out there shaking it a little”
A horrific Midwest Storm could not stop Kenny Chesney's No Shoes Nation tour as over 50,000 converge at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. So when the torrential rain started falling, the songwriter/entertainer from Luttrell, TN kept close watch on the weather - ultimately, delaying the start time by 30 minutes. Read more SONY Press
Kenny Chesney hit Platinum Tickets in early June. He’s already at 1,089,000 tickets & still selling - Press Release
CMA Songwriters Series will return to the Royale Boston Nightclub in Boston on July 11 to celebrate nine years. Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, Brett James and Bob DiPiero, who will also serve as the evening’s host, will perform, sharing stories behind their hit songs.
TV
Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line appeared on the season finale of NBC-TV’s "THE VOICE" . The pair performed
"Cruise" with NELLY on June 18. It was also happy 37th birthday to judge Blake Shelton. Hunter Hayes did a duet with one of the finalists.
Kellie Pickler (Black River Entertainment) co-hosted ABC Television’s “The View” on June 18, 2013 alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, where she discussed her recent win on Dancing With The Stars and her upcoming new album, due to be released later this year. During the show, Pickler performed her new single, “Someone Somewhere Tonight,” for the first time on television - EB Media
Buddy Miller is to replace T Bone Burnett as the executive music producer of TV show “Nashville”.
According to The Hollywood Reporter T Bone Burnett will not return for the show’s second season. Buddy Miller, who worked alongside Burnett during season one, will take over Burnett’s role. Burnett is married to Nashville creator Callie Khouri, and also produced and co-produced songs featured on the show. “T Bone’s schedule this year is so overwhelming with the Llweyn Davis movie coming out and several other producing projects that he has: Elton John’s record and so on,” Khouri told The Hollywood Reporter.
Hayden Panettiere wants P. Diddy to appear on 'Nashville'. The 23-year-old actress - who plays damaged but driven country singer Juliette Barnes on the TV show - has already been confirmed for the second series, and she wants the 'Hello Good Morning' rapper to guest star and do a duet with her. She said: "I want P. Diddy to be on the show. I was like, 'Let's mix it up a bit, we could do a duet! That would be pressure."
BABY NEWS
Blaster Records singer and songwriter Jared Ashley and his wife Taylor welcomed their first child, daughter Georgia McClain Ashley, to the family on Fathers Day 2013! The couple, who have been married since May 2011,. The 7 lb. 2 oz. 19” baby girl was born the evening of Sunday, June 9 in Nashville to the first time parents.
“This whole process has been and continues to be such an amazing experience,” confides Ashley to Country Weekly. “I never imagined I could love someone so much in an instant. I just pray she grows up to look like her mother!”
Jared and his wife Taylor both grew up in Georgia - the namesake of their first-born. Ashley’s just released single, “Last Train To Memphis,” is currently at radio and iTunes now. (Source: Monarch Publicity)
Congratulations to Clay Walker and wife Jessica on the birth of their son Saturday (June 15th).
It’s a boy for Clay Walker! according to a tweet issued by the singer. So, Father’s Day came a day early for the country star. What a terrific present! "Happy Fathers Day to me," tweeted Walker. "Elijah Craig Walker ... 7.8 lbs. ... a blessing to his mama and me ...God bless u Fathers."
SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
"Red" the title track of Taylor Swift's latest album will impact radio June 24th
Hit songwriter Chris Stapleton released his debut solo single to radio on Monday June 17.
The Grammy-nominated musician has had more than 170 song cuts by artists as diverse as Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Adele, as well as co-writing with such luminaries as Vince Gill, Peter Frampton and Sheryl Crow.
'What Are You Listening To?'(Live Performance - Cover Art is Stapleton's first solo single for Mercury Nashville, and it's already receiving acclaim from noted Nashville critic Robert Oermann, who called it "sublimely soulful" and dubbed Stapleton "the Next Great Vocalist in country music...his powerful singing has always deserved its own spotlight." Stapleton has just landed a slot on the fall leg of the Locked and Reloaded tour with Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley, kicking off Oct. 10 in Lincoln, Neb.
Stephanie Quayle, following an enthusiastic performance to record crowds at this year’s CMA Music Festival, rising talent, Montana native, has digitally released her brand new single “Stand Back.” Set to hit radio waves this August, “Stand Back” (co-written by Quayle), is an up-tempo testament to the strength of a woman. Celebrating the release, Billboard has featured Quayle in the 615 Spotlight: CLICK HERE
It’s written by Stephanie Quayle, Mindy Ellis Campbell and Mark Carson. Lyric video >> YouTube
Donna Ulisse will release a collection of her favorite gospel songs on June 25; the release, called I AM A CHILD OF GOD, includes two new songs (which she co-produced with guitar virtuoso Bryan Sutton), “Wait a Little Longer, Please, Jesus” (Bluegrass artist Larry Stephenson guests) and “This is My Father’s World.” - Cover Art
The CD will include gospel songs from “When I Look Back”, “Walk This Mountain Down” and An Easy Climb and will be titled I Am A Child of God which was a song
harmonies on Wait A Little Longer Please Jesus with her while The Isaacs made a guest appearance on the latter.
Travis Tritt will release "THE CALM AFTER.." (Post Oak Recordings) on July 9th. This is a re-release 4 of 2007 album THE STORM with 2 additional new songs "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" (New single recorded with his daughter, Tyler Reese) and "Stay With Me" (a cover of the Patty Smyth and Don Henley duet).In 2013, Tritt acquired the rights to "The Storm", his tenth studio album, in order to re-release it.
29-year-old Miranda Lambert is beginning to work on her fifth album, and she says she feels the pressure now more than ever. I freak out every time. I'm like a basket case when it's time to make a record," she tells AZ Central. "I get so nervous as to 'Is this gonna work? Is this gonna be the album that stops selling, that stops getting nominated?' I know that I can't live like that. I can't do my whole career like that. But it definitely crosses my mind." The singer-songwriter hints that the new set of tunes will be different from her FOUR THE RECORD album - "I think I'm just gonna have fun because I've been serious a lot," she notes. "I've written songs about killing people and sad songs, and I really want to do a tour that's just a lot of fun, so I want to do an album with more fun songs."
Lambert will head into the studio in August to record the new album. She has a full summer schedule, including taking over dates that were originally scheduled for the Pistol Annies.
Joey+Rory will release a brand new studio recording titled "SONGS OF FAITH & FAMILY" set to release July 16. It is comprised of tried-and-true gospel favorites combined with newer songs, written fresh from their own experiences.
They bring together songs that uniquely express the couple's journey of faith, honesty, country living and love of gospel.
Sarah Jarosz, the acclaimed 22-year-old singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist is to release BUILD ME UP FROM BONES on October 1st via Sugar Hill Records. “Build Me Up From Bones” was recorded in the midst of Jarosz’s final semester at the prestigious New England Conservatory (where she graduated with honours) and a rigorous touring schedule. Following her mid-May graduation, she flew straight to Nashville to put the finishing touches on the album.
Brett Eldredge (Atlantic Records) revealed the artwork and track listing for his debut album, BRING YOU BACK. The "powerhouse vocalist" wrote 11 of the 12 songs featured on the album due August 6 including his current hit single, “Don’t Ya,” which is closing in on the Top 10 at country radio.
Big Machine Records has released the DANCE Y’ALL (Volume 1) EP, a digital compilation featuring amped up mixes. The five-song project, which showcases buoyant tunes from Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) artists Florida Georgia Line (" Party People"), Thomas Rhett ("Front Porch Junkies"), Laura Bell Bundy ("Two Step ") and Greg Bates ("Go Time" & "Did It For The Girl"), is available now on iTunes & Amazon.com
Gwen Sebastian will release her SELF-TITLED CD (Warner Music Nashville) on Tuesday, June 25 and it will be distributed by.
Sebastian's new CD contains the hit single "Suitcase" which she co-wrote with songwriter Nicole Witt and is gaining high praise from radio and journalists alike. "As usual, Gwen sings with loads of moxie, fire and personality. As both a performer and a writer, she's a talent to be reckoned with," Robert K. Oermann, Music Row wrote.
"This is a game-changing record! This is absolutely one of the best written songs I've heard in years, and Gwen absolutely knocks it out of the park! This is "song of the year" caliber! I can't wait to be a part of the story with this record!" J.R. Schumann - WWKA/Orlando, FL stated.
The album includes special guests such as Miranda Lambert and Gwen's parents who sing background vocals on "One Like That."
Jo Dee Messina has officially surpassed her goal on her Kickstarter campaign with three days to spare.
867 backers contributed $112,448 of a $100,000 pledge goal
It’s a Delicious Surprise for Jo Dee! - Critics and some fans may have chastised multi-platinum recording artist Jo Dee for launching a Kickstarter to raise $100,000 in a month to fund her new album project, but her loyal fans opened their wallets. She tweeted Jo Dee Messina @jodeemessina WE HAVE A RECORD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU DID IT! THE GREATEST FREAKIN FANS ON THE PLANET!!!
The project would only be funded if at least $100,000 was pledged by Sunday June 23. With a few days to go to try to reach the target on Facebook she posted: Hmmmmm. My husband just had a good point. If 5 thousand people backed at $5 we would be able to make record. We have 80,000 followers
The money over the $100,000 will now go to marketing and promotion.
Upon reaching the goal, an excited Messina noted that the project has become more than backing an album; it’s a testament to the limitless possibilities of artist and fan collaboration.
“The people are the ones that make music possible. They are the ones that come to the shows, request the songs, and get the records. When I first started the campaign, many folks didn’t get it. The ones that took the time to learn about it got that this project is something we are all doing together. Once again the fans have shown their love and loyalty. I am truly grateful.”
Less than 200 fans backed the $1 and $5 pledges. Here is the breakdown:
34 backers $1 (tier 1 , name on a wall mural), 163 backers at $5 (Tier 2; exclusive early download of new single "Woman's Rant") , 180 backers at $25 (Tier 3; exclusive first download of album + 8x10 photo), 253 backers at $50 (early copy of CD + backer-exclusive limited edition t-Shirt) , 172 backers $100 (Tier 5; personally signed new CD + exclusive 8x10 photo from the recording session), 12 backers at $500 (personal phone call with Jo Dee + signed limited edition 18x24 poster), 13 backers at $1000 (Tier 7, Meet & Greet hang out, signed scrapbook, 2 show tickets), 6 backers at $2,500 and more, 2 backers at $7,500 (tier 10, dinner at your house with Jo Dee cooked by her hubby Chris) , 2 backers at $10,000 (Tier 1- 5 + Tier 11, Acoustic House Concert, a night you won't forget (in a good way!)
PRESS RELEASES
28 Entertainment announced the acquisition of the story rights to George Jones and his wife Nancy for a feature film project about the incredible life and career of the iconic country singer. The project, written by Dennis L. Baxter and produced by Baxter and 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman and Brian A.Hoffman, depicts George's life as a country music legend while battling his personal demons..
Virginia-based singer/songwriter Mike Aiken's "Save The Whales" video offers compelling vintage film clips and photos interspersed with more modern images to drive home the deadly-serious issue of whale extinction.
This song captures a subtle mix of the romance of the sea and the reality of modern day slaughter. It can be found on his sixth album CAPTAINS & COWBOYS on Amazon UK - Read full Press Release
Dierks Bentley on a short break from the Miranda Lambert and: Locked & Reloaded Tour dates, is headlining some of the summer’s biggest festivals with a hit-packed show that has the capacity crowds on their feet from the first notes of “Am I the Only One” at the top through the final patriotic chants of the crowd with the emotional closing song “Home.”
Joel Crouse (Show Dog Universal Music) debuted his first music video, “If You Want Some,” on RollingStone.com (Thursday, June 20) - EB Media
Dolly Parton is featured in a second of a series of Ringgold, Georgia popular history markers. The Ringgold Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) recently unveiled the second in a series of historical narrative tablets. They highlight the unique wedding history of Ringgold and the first included connections with Country Music Hall of Famer Gov. Jimmie Davis, Gospel Music Hall of Famer Anna Carter Gordon Davis and Jefferson Airplane musician Bob Harvey.
Georgia Dolly Parton was married in the church on May 30, 1966 - Image
Released June 18th, TONIGHT, TOMORROW AND YESTERDAY finds Donna the Buffalo more energized and focused than ever before in their near 25-year career.
ARTICLES
CMA Close Up by Sarah Skates - Thompson Square Downplays Duets on Just Feels Good… Keifer and Shawna Thompson explore new avenues and share stories of their personal and professional voyage on Just Feels Good, the second album they’ve
released as Thompson Square. “We wanted to really open up our lives to everybody on this album,” Keifer explained. “It’s literally a soundtrack to our lives over the last 13 or 15 years.”.....Read More
REVIEWS
Fatea Album Review - The Good Intentions Album: Travelling Companion (Drumfire)…Call me partisan but I have to say that the far North West of England, between the Mersey and the Ribble Estuaries has produced some of the finest writers of Americana music this country has ever had. I'm thinking here of Michael Weston King [Southport], Gary Hall [Preston] and last but not least Peter Davies [Liverpool]……Amazon UK
MAGAZINES
Jetset Magazine - Reba McEntire interview: Reba A Powerhouse of Talent and Heart
LISTEN
Texas Music: Jason Boland's voice always reminds me of classic country artists like Alan Jackson, Don Williams or even Bobby Bare. His style is pure country. And his new single "Dark and Dirty Mile" continues the tradition of great Country music!
Sarah Darling broke the Top 40 at Country Radio with her last single, "Home To Me," she's back with "Little Umbrellas," a spirited and light-hearted, groove-filled summer - soundcloud.com
Listen to “Kiss Up Time” >> Audio Impressed?
This is Elizabeth Price, a country-pop singer from Kerrville, Texas. She is only 12-years-old and has already recorded a full debut album in Nashville!
She has a record deal and signed with Playback Records Nashville the youngest artist they have ever signed.
Over the years President of Playback Records Jack Gale has produced artists from Kitty Wells and Frankie Lane through to Johnny Cash, Del Reeves and Johnny Paycheck, and in the sixties produced ‘Mr Bassman’ for a sixteen year old rising star called Johnny Cymbal. Some months ago he heard Elizabeth for the first time and was so impressed that along with colleague and fellow producer Jim Pierce they sought her out and recorded her in Nashville, with the resulting ‘Kiss Up Time’ album release.
It was made Album Of The Week on June 15, 2013 on the American Connection Country Music Radio Show and she was the youngest artist Brian Clough has ever played in 30 years of broadcasting country music.
About - The American Connection Country Show goes live each Saturday morning 6am GMT and you can listen back/download the podcast shows at anytime. It is presented by broadcaster Brian Clough who has been the voice of country in North East England for years, working for many of the local and regional stations. In May 2010 CMA International Director Bobbi Boyce presented Brian with the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award for outstanding services to Country Music.
Description The American Connection is an across the board look at country music old and new with an eclectic mix of all genres from country folk, rock, bluegrass, contemporary, traditional, to Cajun and tex mex.
** If you join the American Connection Facebook Page and Click “Like” you automatically go into a free monthly draw. The latest prize is a pair of tickets for the opening night of the SummerTyne Americana Festival at The Sage in Gateshead to see The Mavericks!
SPOTIFY COUNTRY
For users of this online music streaming service here are some of the more recent additions and recommendations.
When it’s free and easy on Spotify who needs music piracy?
Rachelle Lamb – L-O-V-E - Rachelle Lamb, former "American Idol" Contestant turned Recording Artist for 80 Proof Music Group, brings you her new single "L-O-V-E". This self-penned saga packed full of humor and laced with truth is sure to leave an impression. You’re gonna L-O-V-E it ? The Single Impacted radio on June 12, 2013
FREE DOWNLOADS
WATCH
The way to go with for those beer drinking country songs? Check out The first playable beer. 19th Century technology meets 21st Century music over a bottle of beer in the latest extension to the Beck’s Record Label project.
This time, the art label has evolved, and been replaced by the grooves of Auckland band Ghost Wave. Their new single was inscribed into the surface of a Beck’s beer bottle which could then be played on a specially-built device based on Thomas Edison’s original cylindrical phonograph - http://vimeo.com/68007497
Travis Tritt featuring his daughter Tyler Reese Tritt “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough" >> YouTube
New video from Kaylee Bell "Heart First" (2013 Australian Toyota Star Maker Video)
Patty Griffin Video Clips from Another Country with Ricky Ross on BBC Radio Scotland - bbc.co.uk
Amanda Shires trailer for her upcoming album, Down Fell the Doves - vimeo.com
They've penned hits for artists like The Band Perry, - and now family band The Henningsens are garnering acclaim on their own. See why everyone's (I wish!) buzzing about this trio with this performance of "I Miss You" from their self-titled EP.
Baby A: "Next show ... I'll be a mom," said Hillary Scott before Lady Antebellum took the stage Saturday (6/15) in Hunter, NY. They performed their last show together before Hillary takes maternity leave and the band decided to document the occasion with a Webisode Wednesday. Apologies to Fleetwood Mac for their treatment of “Landslide”
COUNTRY FASHION
In the “Taylor by Taylor Swift” perfume advert shoot, Taylor is seen wearing a Free People Juliet Off Shoulder Dress ($148.00). You can get a similar dress from Thread Sence ($44.00).
COUNTRY GOSSIP
Miley Cyrus has dismissed rumours she has sided with her mother in the wake of her parents' split.
Jake Owen says he punched a kid in the 4th grade once because he stole his Capri Sun out of his lunch bag
Hayden Panettiere has revealed her favourite pub belongs to a Southern "Santa Claus". The 'Nashville' says the place she most likes to drink at in Tennessee is run by a Father Christmas lookalike in a trailer because it has a fantastic atmosphere and karaoke. Hayden, 23, is a fan of Santa's Pub because she doesn't get bothered there by paparazzi. She told Stylist magazine: "We have this amazing place in Nashville called Santa's Pub. It's literally a double-wide trailer. "The guy who runs it has a white beard and looks just like Santa Claus, minus the belly”
TWEETS
The Giving Tree: "I'm off to work on some songwriting under a tree," tweeted Shania Twain with a pic of herself doing the job. "I will spend a lot of the summer thinking about my next album." - Image
PHOTO
Taylor Swift - Happy Father's Day and a shout out to my fantastic dad for loving me even when I wore outfits like this -Image
BIRTHDAYS
Gretchen Wilson (Age 40 - June 26, 1973), Lorrie Morgan (Age 54, June 27, 1959), George Morgan (June 28, 1925),
Kellie Pickler (Age 27, June 28, 1986)
R.I.P
Slim Whitman, the yodeller/singer known for the 1952 hit "Indian Love Call," died Wednesday (June 19th) in Jacksonville, Fla. He was 90. His death from heart failure was confirmed by his son-in-law.
Fletcher “Keith” Adkinson, who was the attorney for the Estate of Hank Williams, passed away Wednesday (June 19) at the age of 69. Adkinson was also husband to entertainer Jett Williams.
Chet Flippo, Editorial Director of CMT and CMT.com, passed away, at age 69 early in the morning of Wednesday (June 19). The revered journalist helped shine a national spotlight on country music.
Flippo’s wife Martha Hume, also a noted music journalist and author, died on December 17, 2012. Friends believe he never recovered from the loss. “Chet Flippo is the man who took country music out of the country and sent it around the world through Rolling Stone magazine,” explains journalist and friend Hazel Smith. “He knew that country music was a good as any other kind of music and he represented it 100 percent.”
“This is a stunning loss to all of us,” says CMT President Brian Philips. “Chet was a stoic Texan, fiercely loyal and intensely private. He was honest to the core and widely regarded as a bit enigmatic, even among his closest colleagues. For all, it was a terrific privilege to work with Chet Flippo”.
Flippo was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism.
From 1991 to 1994 Flippo was a lecturer in journalism at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, before moving to Nashville to work for Billboard. He has received the Country Music Association’s 1998 CMA Media Achievement Award.
In 2006, The International Country Music Conference (ICMC) honored Flippo with the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism.
Tributes:
Alan Jackson - “Chet respected the importance of real country music – he had a genuine understanding of its history and a true appreciation for it,” Jackson told Billboard in an exclusive statement “He was out there telling the world about country music long before it was the ‘cool’ thing to talk about. He told it like he saw it, and I’m glad he did.”
Taylor Swift offered her condolences through Twitter. “We’ve lost Chet Flippo, one of my favorite journalists, who devoted his life to writing about music from a place of integrity. So sad,” she wrote.
Kenny Chesney - “Chet Flippo may be best known as one of Rolling Stone’s most famous critics, but he was also a smart, willing-to-tell-the-truth advocate of country music,” said in a statement.
Brad Paisley - “Oh man, just found out Chet Flippo, a great country music journalist, has died. He was brilliant. He will be missed,”
