Saturday 17 May 2014

Country Bites News snippets May 5 - May 11, 2014

Country Bites News snippets May 5 – May 11, 2014

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

UK Tour dates for Darius Rucker went on sale to O2 priority customers for Manchester Ritz, O2 ABC Glasgow, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Weds 14 May (General sale starts Friday 09:00 May - Ticketmaster UK
Darius Rucker is teaming up with Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates fame for a new installment of the series Live from Daryl's House. The episode premieres Thursday on Palladia and May 24 on VH1.com.

New dates added for Julie Fowlis, John Fullbright, First Aid Kit, James House, Grand Union Promotions and Jerry Kilgore to the Tour Dates Page. More details below.

Stop Press!! Prolific songwriter and singer Jerry Kilgore (plus Nicky James & State of The Heart) will play Fred's Place (Mapperley Plains, Nottingham, NG3 5RH) on Sunday 20 July 2014 (Tickets £15, Tel 0115 9120735: visit fredsplacecmc.com - Graphic) . This is only one of two UK gigs.

The Haley Sisters have a charity gig at Calverley Conservative club, Victoria Street, Leeds, LS28 5PT on Saturday 17th May. They will be sharing the stage with middle of the road duo Bryan & Jeremy, plus blues singer Chris Smith. Show starts 8pm. It will be FREE ENTRY. All monies raised will be going to Wheatfields which is a Sue Ryder hospice in Leeds.

Grand Union Promotions have announced the Grand Union Songwriters Series which will take place this October.
Featuring the stunning and gorgeous >> "Kickin’ and Screamin’" Garland, TX native SaraBeth (debut album Anything Is Possible, was produced by Lonestar’s Dean Samms) who is joined by fellow Nashville artist Glen Mitchell, a British born singer/songwriter/guitarist award-winning musician. They will be joined by special UK Songwriters at each venue.
Saturday, 25 Oct 2014 (Culpepper Club, Basildon), Tuesday, 28 Oct 2014 (Robin 2, Wolverhampton),  Thursday, 30 Oct 2014 ( Grand Old Opry, Glasgow) and Saturday, 01 Nov 2014 (Fort San Antone, Preston). Booking on See Tickets.com

Charlie Roth, who blends Americana, Folk, Blues, Country and Celtic music is to return for a 3rd European tour and is set to headline the Americana Cavalcade in Scotland with his band of choice. He starts off on Sunday 1 June 2014 (Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate, Settle, North Yorkshire) and ends on Sunday 22 June at the Grimsby Folk Club (The Spider’s Web, Carr Lane, Grimsby, N.E Lincs DN32 8LN). “Story telling of the highest order, Charlie Roth is a name to remember” - Ralph McLean BBC Radio Ulster

First Aid Kit have announced their most ambitious UK tour to date in September, calling at Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, Bristol and rounded out off with an appearance at the hallowed environs of the Royal Albert Hall on 24 September. This follows the sold out show taking place Thursday 15 May at the Islington Assembly Hall. The band also have main stage UK festival dates at Latitude and Green Man Festivals - Tickets available on Ticketmaster UK

The sensational line up for the SummerTyne Americana Festival 2014 promises a sizzling gumbo of American roots music.
Taking to the stage at Sage Gateshead between 18th and 20th July will be a host of Americana legends as well as a plethora of newer breakthrough acts. The Sage announced that headliners include The Jayhawks, Booker T. Jones, Bettye Lavette, Steven Seagal Blues Band, Earl Thomas, Chuck Prophet and the SummerTyne Strings Orchestra and John Fullbright. Back for 2014 will be one of the most popular features of the SummerTyne Americana Festival, the free outdoor stage. Audiences can sit back on the south bank of the Tyne and enjoy the best in country, blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The Shires will play Jimmy's Farm Festival (Pannington Hall Lane, IP9 2AR Ipswich, Suffolk) on the Main Stage 5.40pm on Sunday 27th July 2014. Grammy Award winning Kacey Musgraves and The Shires are on the line up for the Cornbury Festival 4th - 6th July 2014- Graphic

2Country Radio Presents - James House, Gary Quinn, The Shires, Luke & Mel 21 July 2014 London at The Troubadour Club
A Nashville style songwriter evening with Grammy & CMA Nominee, James House, BCMA song of the year winner, Gary Quinn and BCMA Horizon Act of the year, Luke & Mel - Details

Kelly Lee has added a few date Sunday 15th June 2014 at The Cricklade Festival in Wiltshire.

CMR Nashville have a Revised Graphic Poster for their show in Nashville on Sat June 7th.

Phil Mack International Country Show have announced they are producing a NEW Country Music Show called Keep It Country Music (Graphic) for those who like American Country Music with all the greats. It begins its first series on Thursday 5th June at 9pm on Sky 192 and Freesat 402. The show has its own Facebook Page. The show states "We will be bringing you the Best country Artists in the world EVERY WEEK so let us know who your favourites are Old & New. We are pleased to have the support of some of the Major Record Companies on the Planet." Fans are so far requesting Jim Reeves, Slim Whitman, Hank Snow, Don Gibson, Don Williams, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson  and Irish Country artists The Murphys Country Band. Their first show will include: Kenny Chesney, Sarah Darling, Sugarland, Johnny Cash, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Julie Roberts, Waylon Jennings, Chelsea Bain, Little Big Town, Glen Campbell, Martina Mcbride, Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristoffereson and Carrie Underwood.

Danni Nicholls is sort of still in shock from how wonderful her Spring Tour turned out to be. Starting in Kirton Lindsey, Lincs in February and ending in Aberdeen in April with so many wonderful experiences in between! Check out the photos in her April Newsletter Performing >> 'Between the River and the Railway' from her album 'A Little Redemption' at Little Rabbit Barn on Saturday 19th April 2014.


Miranda Lambert with "Automatic" was added to the BBC Radio 2 "B" playlist for the week commencing Saturday 10th May 2014. the UK country duo The Shires with “Nashville Grey Skies” were upgraded to the “A” Playlist as the single went Top 10 on UK iTunes Country Chart. The single was released by Decca on April 4th on iTunes. Please support the single in the hope it can make the Official UK Top 100 Single chart.
"Our boss here loves this, it’s the Shires, Nashville Grey Skies on Radio 2" Steve Wright 08/05/2014 - BBC Playlist
"Lot of talk about that band....do we like The Shires? Chris Evans 09/05/2014 BBC Playlist
"This is awesome, this is The Shires..they sound fantastic, the new song is called Nashville Grey Skies, love it" - Richard Allinson 10/05/2014 - BBC Playlist
Our new Wikipedia page created by @CRoutesNews. Crazily accurate, thank you so much for doing this for -us! Facebook - The Shires

Worried traditional country is dead? "If that's what the young kids are singin' there still hope" - Brendan MacFarlane, 16 years old, who hails from Perth, Scotland has become a "YouTube sensation" after taking to the stage with Vince Gill, Dawn Sears and the Time Jumpers
The >> performance took place Monday (May 5) at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley, and MacFarlane appeared calm and confident, like an old-timer. He sang Hank Williams‘ ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ and the Gill as well as a few of the Time Jumpers jumped in and accompanied MacFarlane, who was playing the acoustic guitar. According to his website he also performed it at his grandmother’s funeral in 2010. Over the last couple of years Brendan has been playing in music venues and at festivals around Perthshire, Scotland. 










He has played to audiences ranging from 15 people in a small pub to 700 people at festivals. But, no matter the audience, he always leaves the crowd shouting for more.
On May 10th PLA Media announced in a Press Release he is now an addition to their Award Winning Roster
Here in this >> Facebook video he is recently seen enjoying a Sunday in Nashville playing with the talented Jake Clayton (as seen on The Phil Mack Show) with a sample from a song Brendan is working on called “Love Like Mine”
At an early age Brendan became a musical sponge, and quickly developed an affinity for many genres, choosing to incorporate elements of country, gospel and bluegrass into first album - Brendan Macfarlane Shop
When he was 10, he urged his father to let him go into the studio to record, and ultimately, to create music videos that were subsequently posted on YouTube including >> “I Got A Woman,” (when aged 12) “Bring It On Home To Me” and “Lost on the River". With a current location in Nashville on his Facebook Page (Over 46,000 Likes) he shares: “I’ve sung a lot of different styles of music but I’ve always been more comfortable singing this rootsier stuff, the gospel and bluegrass—a very American style which originally came from Scotland. I’m learning my way around the keyboards, but at heart I’m a singer and guitarist and I really just love playing my music for people”.
CONNECT with Brendan:
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UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending May 17, 2014)
The Common Linnets (Ilse DeLange and Waylon) made their debut at No.95 selling 1,932 copies while UK Eurovision entry “Children Of The Universe” by Molly climbs 48-33 (8,257 sales). Number 33 (sales 8,257) means Children Of The Universe is the first UK Eurovision entry to chart inside the Top 40 since Blue’s I Can in 2011. There' was no sign of Austrian winner Conchita Wurst's Rise Like A Phoenix nor the entries from Sweden, Iceland, Malta, Finland or indeed any of the others. The main reason seems to be not that they aren't selling but that iTunes data for Saturday was not available to OCC for compiling the chart this week.

Official UK Top 100 Album Chart (Week Ending May 17, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) fell 21-42 in its 6th week with sales around 2,200 copies and an estimated new tally of 47,200.

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending May 17, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) stays at No.1 for a sixth week
Lady Antebellum’s juggernaut NEED YOU NOW moved 4-2 in its 128th charting week
Rosanne Cash with THE RIVER & THE THREAD held at No.3 in her 13th week.
The Secret Sisters with PUT YOUR NEEDLE DOWN (Decca) made a one place climb 14-13 in their second week (The album gets a Digital release on May 26th – UK iTunes pre-order). 

On the Hotdisc Chart (May 11, 2014 Chart)  
With the new tracks impacting the chart from the latest Hotdisc #185 May 2014 promo disc (Rush Released) meant it was all change on the chart.
David Frizzell & Shelly West with the re-issued "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma" (Collins/ Pinkard) crashed in at No.1 on the Hotdisc Top 40 and according to Hotdisc CEO Stuart Cameron it is “sounding as good today as it ever sounded when first recorded many years ago”. 
It seems that the traditionally slanted DJ’s across Europe agree sending it spinning to the summit of the Top 40 instantly. The reason for the re-issue is that Morello Records have just released three more double albums - one by David Frizzell (Two classics on 1, released March 17, 2014; The Familys Fine, But This Ones All Mine / On My Own Again – Amazon UK), one by Shelly West (2 on 1; West By West / Red Hot – Amazon UK) and another by Frizzell and West together (titled Carryin’ On The Family Names/ The David Frizzell & Shelly West Album (Amazon UK). All 3 sets were released on March 17, 2014.
The "You're The Reason” duet appeared in the film "Any Which Way You Can" which starred Clint Eastwood and was the follow up to "Every Which Way But Loose." This is its first outing on CD and the song still resonates with DJs who have

David Frizzell's "Where Are You Spending Your Nights These Days" (which was also on Warner Brothers back in the 1980s, reaching #10 in 1983 on Billboard Hot Country Songs) gets a Hotdisc re-release too and made a bow at No.15.  
Ray Scott with "Gotta Quit Drinkin'" was a non-mover at No.2
Jamie O'Neal with the 3-week No.1 "The Sweetest Thing" slipped back to 1-3.

The Hayley Oliver Band with “Bright Side Of Life” fell back 3-4 and held onto the No1 on the British and Irish Hotdisc chart listing for a fifth straight week. The album ABINGER GROVE, from which the track was taken, has sadly seen little in the way of retail impact and commercial success since its June 6, 2013 release (Current Amazon UK rank #94,435 in MP3 Albums). On the British chart George Inglis returned with the highest new entry at No.3 (No.16 Hotdisc Top 40) with his self penned  "A Horse Called Bob" taken from this CD titled ANTHOLOGY (GI Records) released in 2013 currently with an Amazon UK ranking of  #111,472 in MP3 Albums.
The second highest new entry on the British standings came from CMA Festival bound Sam Hollyman with “One Minute More” co-written with Justin Johnson, at No.5 (No.26 Hotdisc top 40). The track comes from his 10 track 2014 album titled THE RED REEL SESSIONS (KEMC).  

Other higher entries on the main Hotdsc Top 40:
Bertie Higgins with his countrified "Key Largo" (co-written with Sonny Limbo) made a debut at No.9.
Other USA acts included Allan Craig Miller with "Cornfields" Rodney Dale Clawson/ Billy Montana/ Chris Tompkins) at #10, Danny Griego with “The Coast Is Clear” (writers Scotty Emerick / Red Lane) at #12,  Leah Seawright’s “Country Girl 101” (co-written with Frank Green) at #13 and Nashville singer-songwriter Shantell Ogden with her excellent softly ballad “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” landed at #19.
Just outside the top 20 tier was James House with “Every Time It Rains” (co-written with Michael Bradford) from his album BROKEN GLASS TWISTED STEEL which was released March 27, 2014 which he will be promoting on his UK tour.

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES



One that got away (20 Jan 2014) Baskery - Little Wild Life (Mother Tarantula) 11 Tracks / Time: 41:54
MP3 - UK iTunes Recommend for download "The Shadow" / Amazon Rating #101,346 in MP3 Albums
Little Wild Life was recorded in an old dance studio in Berlin, Germany. During the ten days of recording the three sisters of Baskery worked with Long Beach based producer Matt Wignall (Mando Diao, Cold War Kids, J.Roddy) to create an album laced in analogue atmosphere, backed up by big room vibes and accompanied by their common musical heroes, spontaneity and a never-fading love for groove.

(12 May 2014) Nashville: On The Record - Nashville Cast
10 Tracks/ Time: 36:33 MP3 - UK iTunes
(12 May 2014) Mindy Miller - Let It Burn (Margdon Records Inc.)
10 Tracks/ Time: 35:38 UK iTunes - Amazon.com - Cover Art

(13 May 2014) Radney Foster - Everything I Should Have Said (Devil's River Records)
12 Tracks/ Time: 45:12 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com
(13 May 2014) Rascal Flatts - Rewind (Big Machine Records)
CD - UK iTunes (May 19) - Smart Choice Music (Deluxe) Amazon.com -
(13 May 2014) Dolly Parton – Blue Smoke (IMPORT)
CD - Smart Choice Music - (Deluxe Edition) Amazon.com

(13 May 2014) Carrie Elkin & Danny Schmidt – For Keeps (Red House)
10 Tracks / Time: 36:56 MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

(28 Feb 2014) Artie Rodriguez - I’ll Give You Something to Drink About
Genre: Country: Honky Tonk 14 Tracks/ Time: 51:49 CD - MP3 - CD BABY - Amazon.com 
Current Rank #133,313 Paid in Amazon/com MP3 Albums #60,942 in MP3 Albums Amazon UK. >>Listen to "I'll Take Texas" that says it all (and a nice shot of the CMP cover too).

Check out the title cut, this is the music Country Music People are hoping they can can turn you onto:


Artie Rodriguez is a native of the beautiful panhandle of Florida. He gets a lot of his musical influences from living in San Antonio & San Marcos, Texas for several years. His father's side of the family is from San Antonio and is said to be distantly related to Texas & Grand Ole Opry star Johnny Rodriguez. Staying true to his country roots, Artie loves to entertain audiences by performing traditional country music. Just recently Artie was honored by Country Music People Magazine UK on his latest album review which received 4.5 out of 5 stars. Artie was then selected to be on the front cover of May 2014’s issue along with a 5 page featured article as an upcoming artist keeping traditional country music alive today in era of “Pop Country”.
Artie recently performed on the Shotgun Red Show in Nashville, Tennessee at the Texas Troubadour Theater. His performance was televised to over 2 million viewers on RFD-TV.

(6 May 2014) Nikki Lane - All Or Nothin (New West Records) [Import] Alternative Rock/Country
12 Tracks/ Time:  42:35 CD - Amazon.com >> "Man Up" Nikki Lane Live in Nashville -
"Nikki Lane breaks stereotypes on her Dan Auerbach-produced second album All Or Nothin'" - Rolling Stone
Nikki Lane is a Nashville-based South Carolina-bred songstress that as Garden and Gun exclaims "turns the vulnerable singer-songwriter stereotype on its ears." (5 RATE) - Twang Nation.com

BLUEGRASS NEWS
Trinity River Band will kick off the Missouri leg of their busy 2014 tour this Wednesday, May 14 at 3:00 pm on the popular K Kountry95 Radio’s “Redbone Show” (KAMS 95.1) reaching a large audience in the areas of Thayer, MO, Mammoth Springs, AR, plus streaming online for listeners worldwide....Read More

AUSSIE NEWS
  • Adam Eckersley has proved that he's not just a local favourite but also a global star, after winning the country category of the International Songwriting Competition for his song >> 'Give Her The World'. The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest that gives artists across the world to have their music internationally recognized and heard. Eckersley co-wrote the song with Nashville-based songwriters Jason Reeves and Danelle Joy Leverett. Past Aussie ISC winners include Gotye, Kasey Chambers, Kate Miller-Heidke, and The Living End.
  • Martin Erdman, renowned Australian record producer has died at the age of 77. Martin started his career in Sydney in the mid 1950s in his parents record store in Rose Bay. He built his first studio at the back of the shop. He is best known as in-house producer for Festival Records from the 1970s. He produced the first Australian single to sell a million copies in the US with Sister Janet Mead's (a Roman Catholic nun) "rocked-up" The Lord's Prayer. The surprise hit reached #3 on the Australian Singles Chart (Kent Music Report) in 1974 and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in that same year.
  • On the Country Tracks Top 30 (Australia's leading chart) May 17th saw Roo Arcus with "Out On The Farm" moved 4-1 to top the chart. Last weeks #1 Christie Lamb with "All She Wrote" (2-weeks No1) slipped 1-2. Zac Brown Band's “Sweet Annie” moved 5-3. The McClymonts with Going Under (Didn't Have To) made a 10-6 hop as Kristy Cox's  "One Heartbreak Away" reached a new peak with a 9-7 jump.
  • A new video for Jasmine Rae with special guest Kellie Pickler will be published soon for >> 'Bad Boys Get Me Good' (Preview)
  • The McClymonts are back. Brooke, Sam and Mollie return with their fourth album HERE’S TO YOU & I due out July 4th (Product Detail). Once again, it’s filled with heartfelt stories, irresistible tunes and that unmistakable honesty. The lead single, “Going Under (Didn’t Have To)” reached #1 on both the Country Music Channel & The Music Network Official Country Airplay Chart. It’s the first album they have recorded in Australia, and they worked with Australian producer Lindsay Rimes, who has produced albums for Tina Arena, Lee Kernaghan and Stan Walker - Artwork
CANADIAN NEWS
The Road Hammers the JUNO and CCMA Award-winning Canadian Country group, will release their first studio album in over five years on June 3rd, via Open Road Recordings / Universal Music Canada. WHEELS, the highly anticipated third album, marks the trio's return to the Country radio airwaves and includes the hit singles 'Get On Down The Road' and >> “Mud
Co-produced by Scott Baggett (Alison Krauss, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt) and vocalist Jason McCoy, Wheels is a tribute to the band's love of the road. Through a mix of blazing originals and unique covers, this theme is reflected through all 11 selected tracks - including, most notably, Steve Earle's 'Hillbilly Highway' (featuring Colt Ford) and Geoff Mack's classic 'I've Been Everywhere.'…Read More + Tracklisting

Terri Clark's new single, "Some Songs" (Universal Canada) will release the song on May 26th, with a new album to follow, produced by Michael Knox, in the Autumn - Cover Art

Brea Lawrenson is a Canadian country singer/songwriter whose collection of songs reflects her own personal experiences and aspirations. Her musical career has taken her across Canada, to the US and to London, UK. She frequently travels to Nashville, TN to write and record. She is currently working on her first full length album being produced and recorded in Nashville at Beaird Studios and she was recently chosen as one of the Top 8 Finalists for the Emerging Artist Showcase presented by SiriusXM Canada at this year’s Boots & Hearts Music Festival.
Listen to her latest single >> "Bottom Of The Bottle" available on UK iTunes, iTunes Canada and CD BABY

Top Albums in Canada for week May 4, 2014 (Population 2014 estimate 35.3 million)
#11 Luke Bryan - Crash My Party Sales 1,876  (Total Sales 122,538)
#24 Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good Times  Sales 1,228  (Total Sales 104,315)
#31 Johnny Cash - Out Among The Stars  Sales 1,053 (Total Sales 21,349)
#42 Eric Church - Outsiders  Sales 874   (Total Sales 36,236; 17,589 (debut)
#81 Blake Shelton - Based On A True Story Sales 490  (Total Sales 70,280)
#95 Luke Bryan - Spring Break 6 Sales 444  (Total Sales 16,451)
#120 Dan + Shay - Where It All Began Sales 344 (Total Sales 3,692)
#121 Cole Swindell - Cole Swindell Sales 341 (Total Sales 9,001)
#136 Dierks Bentley – Riser  Sales 306 (Total Sales 9,229)
#168 Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park Sales 254 (Total Sales 25,451)
#169 Nashville Cast - Nashville: On The Record    Sales 252 (Total Sales 974 – 2 weeks)
#171 Dallas Smith - Tippin Point Sales 251  (Total Sales   6,308)
#182 Jason Aldean - Night Train Sales 236 (Total Sales 81,023)
#197 Jerrod Niemann - High Noon Sales 214 (Total Sales 2,578)

Note: Taylor Swift’s RED has sold 310,984 copies in Canda.

NEWS

Snapshot Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News - May 9, 2014 - May 13, 2014  
Bigger Picture Group (founded by Keith Stegall), the label home of Craig Campbell, has officially closed their doors. The record label is closing while Campbell continues to climb the charts with his current single. Bigger Picture’s artist roster also includes: Ryan Kinder, Blackjack Billy, Rachel Bradshaw, Smithfield, Chelsea Bain and Chris Janson. Actress turned singer Lucy Hale was also signed to the label but in a joint venture that also included DMG Nashville. The label got its start when they began promoting the Zac Brown Band in 2008. The band and Bigger Picture have since split ways.

Police in Raleigh, N.C. made an arrest in connection with the home invasion robbery of Scotty McCreery and several friends.
Mikkail Jamal Shaw of Raleigh turned himself in to police on Tuesday night May 6th and police charged him with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon on Wednesday morning. WRAL-TV reports his bond was set at $375,000. Authorities continue to search for the other two suspects. The stolen goods included over $1,600 worth of electronics and cash, like McCreery’s iPhone and a $1,200 laptop belonging to a friend.

Willie Nelson's old tour bus, The 1983 Eagle recently went on sale on online trades page Craigslist in Texas, selling the beautiful beast that is pretty much the epitomy of everything you imagine when you hear the phrase "Willie Nelson's Tour Bus." 
According to The Village Voice who publicised the bus' sale, the tourer is "an eco-friendly seven miles per gallon when the generator is running. It's got crushed velvet curtains, and just a guess here, a few dozen places to hide your weed." It's one of a pair of custom-made vehicles used by Willie and is being sold by a man who bought it a few years back and sold again over the weekend for at least US$65,000.

Natalie Stovall and The Drive made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, May 6th. The dream come true for the band has the rare distinction of making a debut both as a solo artist and a band as Natalie graced the stage for the first time in the Spring of 1995 at the age of 12. The critically acclaimed band’s debut album, produced by GRAMMY winner Paul Worley (The Band Perry, Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum), is expected this fall on HitShop Records.

In January of 2013, Taylor Swift signed on to be the “Brand Ambassador” of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company’s Diet Coke brand—the type of endorsement you see from many big-level country and pop stars. Shortly thereafter the starlet started appearing in ads for the cola, most notably a recent television commercial tied to the marketing slogan “You’re On”. The commercial culminated in a shot of Taylor Swift in her dressing room right before going on stage drinking a Diet Coke. But unfortunately for both Taylor Swift and Diet Coke, when they tried to translate their “You’re On” slogan to the print world, many people began to draw parallels between Coke, and the cola’s cocaine-laced past. According to the New York Times, the “You’re On” ad campaign has received so much flack, was mocked in social media, it is being pulled and replaced by a “Just for the taste of it” alternative—the same ad slogan that helped launch the Diet Coke brand in 1983.

Hunter Hayes set the Guinness World Record for the most shows in multiple cities in a day during Friday's 24-Hour Road Race to End Childhood Hunger (5/9). Hayes opened on ABC's Good Morning America in Times Square, then began a series of nine more stops that ended in >> Philadelphia. Rollingstone Magazine rode along for the 9 show ride.

Glen Campbell’s Alzheimer’s disease has advanced to a point that it prevents him from being able to tune a guitar, much less perform, says his wife, Kim Woolen, 55. Woolen spoke to People magazine at the Open Hearts Foundation’s 4th Annual Gala in Malibu on Saturday and said she didn’t think the “Rhinestone Cowboy” singer would ever be able to play for an audience again. Campbell now lives in a memory-care facility near the family’s home in Nashville....Read More

TOURS
Miranda Lambert will launch her PLATINUM TOUR July 10 in Ft. Loramie, OH in support of her new album, also titled Platinum, due out June 3.

COUNTRY AWARDS

Americana Honors & Awards 2014 Nominees Announced: Nominations-wise, it was a big day for two younger stars of the format -- Robert Ellis and Jason Isbell (formerly of the Drive-By Truckers) -- as well as for veteran performer Rosanne Cash. Each received a trio of nods on the afternoon, with all three vying for Album Of The Year and Artist Of The Year. The final nominee in the latter category is Rodney Crowell, who was Cash’s husband from 1979-1992.
The Americana Honors & Awards, presented by Nissan, return to the historically cool Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN on September 17, 2014 (as part of the Americana Music Festival - September 17-21, 2014 at venues throughout Music City).
Read the Press Release for a full list on the 2014 Nominees

TV
"Nashies" can breathe a sigh of relief. ABC's "Nashville" has been renewed. The news was announced by Ben Sherwood, co-president of Disney ABC Television Group, at 11:36 p.m. CT.
"Congratz and welcome back for Season 3 to @Nashville_ABC," he tweeted, naming stars Connie Britton, Charles Esten, creator Callie Khouri and "the whole Nashville team and loyal fans." According to a tweet from the show's transmedia producer, Geoffrey Colo, the show will return for a full 22-episode season. Previously reported: The fate of ABC's "Nashville" remains in the balance as the network continues to announce show renewals and cancellations for its 2014-15 prime time season.

"American Idol" to Air Only One Night a Week Next Year: It's no secret that American Idol isn't the ratings juggernaut it once was, which is why next season, FOX is reportedly cutting back the number of hours it devotes to the show.According to the Hollywood Reporter, FOX Broadcasting chairman Kevin Reilly announced that next season, American Idol will only air for 37 hours total, compared to the 50-plus hours it has aired in the past. As for the show's judges, sources tell the Hollywood Reporter that the current lineup of Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez is likely to return for American Idol season 14.
The show’s annual tour has downsized this year, opting for theaters instead of arenas in several markets. No Nashville stop is on the tour schedule. Last week, American Idol‘s ratings hit an all-time low of 7 million viewers. The reality music competition will again hold auditions in Nashville for its 14th season. This year, auditions will take place at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on July 30th.

BABY NEWS
Zac Brown Band frontman Zac Brown and his his wife Shelly are parents for the fifth time after the arrival of their first son, Alexander Frost Brown. The baby made his entrance into the world on Monday (May 5) and he certainly was a big boy. He weighed a whopping 11 pounds, 7 ounces. Brown explained that the couple’s planned homebirth had to be transferred to a medical center for precautionary reasons. Alexander was welcomed by his four sisters, Justice (7), Lucy (6), Georgia (4) and Joni (3). However, he will definitely be the only boy; Brown, who is one of twelve siblings, admits that he’s done having kids and is more than ready to go under the knife. “I’m ready, I’ll go under the knife whenever the time will allow now,” he testifies.


MUSIC NEWS
Metal band Metallica has been confirmed as the final headliners (Pyramid Stage) of music festival Glastonbury, ending months of speculation. It will be the first time the veteran US band has ever played at Glastonbury and the first time a heavy metal band has ever headlined the event. Other confirmed acts include Dolly Parton, Elbow, Lily Allen, Ed Sheeran, The Black Keys, Massive Attack and Bryan Ferry. An estimated 135,000 people are expected at the event in Somerset on 27-29 June.

What Would Daddy Say! - Miley Cyrus rejected claims she took a drug overdose, as her UK tour got off to a provocative and controversial start.
The Wrecking Ball singer boasted about her fine physical health after a sinus infection and an allergic reaction to an antibiotic forced her to cancel shows in the US. At an energetic press conference before the first show at The O2 in London, the 21-year-old said she was "the poster child for good health" and promised to "f*** this place up". Cyrus set the tone for her show when she arrived on stage by descending down a long, pink slide resembling her tongue Image, which was protruding from a giant image of her face. Hello, mother f*****s! I'm not going down without a mother f*****g fight!" she yelled, wearing a silver one-piece with a stick-on pair of lips. Cyrus, who went sightseeing before the concert, then launched into the tour's opening song, SMS (Bangerz), accompanied by a pantomime horse, a dwarf and a troupe of dancers.
Many in the predominantly young crowd mouthed along to her songs but some parents were left unimpressed with Cyrus' antics. She slapped herself in an intimate area (image - Image - Image), simulated foreplay on a bed with a dancer and showered fans in the first few rows with gargled water.
Cyrus also reportedly discussed drugs during the show. A father who went with his 15-year-old son said: "It would be different if it was a good show. But it's not even a good show." "She's lost the plot," another said.
Last weekend in London, Miley Cyrus (fully recovered from the “severe allergic reaction to antibiotics”) rode (among other things) a giant inflatable penis onstage at the nightclub Heaven’s G-A-Y Image There to celebrate a friend’s birthday. According to MTV News, as part of a toast she spouted this into the mic: “Everyone’s a little bit gay. Some of us just a little bit more than others.” She also insinuated that if your intended partner doesn’t want to get down — gay or otherwise — to “sprinkle something in their drink”. There was No word on who the “particularly one” comment was directed at later in a >> rant, when Miley singles out one particular suitor who “broke [her] heart.”

The 2014 Radio Academy Awards Ceremony was held on Monday 12th May at London's Grosvenor House and hosted by Chris Evans. The Winners recognising the best of the best in the UK Radio Industry and celebrating outstanding achievement. Read the press release for a full listing of nominees and winners. To see a full list of all this year's WINNERS, Click Here

Station of the Year (Under 1 Million) was BBC Tees, Station of the Year (1 Million plus) was BBC Radio Ulster and UK Station of the Year was BBC Radio 2.
What the Judges said: "Radio 2 is a station which is setting the standard in terms of growth and creative excellence. From breakfast to overnight, from daytime to specialist, it has an editorial range and depth which is remarkable, and a reach which is unsurpassed. In short, this is a national radio station which is, quite simply, at the top of its game."

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
(PRNewswire) SONY/Legacy Recordings is proud to announce the release of BAND OF BROTHERS, the new Willie Nelson studio album premiering 14 performances including nine brand-new songs composed by America’s quintessential pop/country songwriter.  Willie Nelson’s Band of Brothers will be available Tuesday, June 17. Band of Brothers is the artist’s first album of predominately new original material in nearly two decades, debuting the master tunesmith’s first major batch of newly-penned songs since his Spirit album in 1996. ”I got on kind of a writing kick,” Willie Nelson said recently, ”it’s good to be writing again.”
All 14 tracks on Band of Brothers are new recordings and none of the songs have been previously recorded by Willie Nelson -  Read More + Tracklisting + Watch Willie Nelson's Career-Spanning 'The Wall' Video - Premiere on Rollingstone. The 81-year-old singer apologizes for lashing out at friends and "taking things" to deal with stress in new song

Meghan Linsey, the former Steel Magnolia member is recording a new EP and YES YOU'VE GUESSED IT, she is looking to fans to help fund it! 11% of the Goal reached with 55 days left on her Pledge Music Campaign.

JLS releases an EP: That's Jamie Lynn Spears who is ready to get this dang show on the road with the announcement of her debut EP, THE JOURNEY which boasts five tracks all co-written by Spears, and includes her current single "How Could I Want More”. The EP is set to release May 27th. The EP, produced by Corey Crowder, features some of country music's best songwriters including Liz Rose (Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Eli Young Band), Chris Tompkins (Florida Georgia Line, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood), Tyler Hayes (Gloriana), Rivers Rutherford (Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley) and Lisa Carver (Reba McEntire, Sugarland). See more at: nashvillegab

Demun Jones the Georgia native and former member of the chart-topping duo, Rehab, is set to release his first solo album entitled "JONES COUNTY" on June 10, 2014. Released by Average Joes Entertainment, the album is now available for pre-order on US iTunes. Pre-order the album and instantly receive his new single, "Tannerite," the video for which is set to be released soon, along with two other tracks, "Country Fried" and "White Trashed & Redneck'ed."
"Jones County," named after the Georgia county from which Jones hails, not only illustrates his evolution as an artist by infusing his country inspired lyrics with hip-hop grooves, but reveals a bit of his personal growth, as well.
Listen to single >> "Country Fried" (Track 2) Watch the official video (191,679 views) for >> "The Muddy Muddy" (Track 5) which appeared on Mud Digger 4 (Average Joes Entertainment ) compilation which dropped July 2, 2013.

There’s hip hop, and then there’s ‘hick hop.’ Country artist Big Smo is a master at the latter, and he will showcase his talents in his KUNTRY LIVIN (Warner Music Nashville) album, which will be available to fans come early summer. The country rapper — also known as Hick Ross and Boss of the Stix — will release ‘Kuntry Livin” on June 3, 2014, the same week as the 2014 CMA Music Festival. Watch the lead off track "Workin'" feat Alexander King. Reality TV show Kuntry Livin' airs every Wednesday on Smomotiontv Pre-order Kuntry Livin' on US iTunes / Amazon.com to get "Workin'" and three other new tracks instantly:

Lady Antebellum, the seven-time GRAMMY award winning trio dropped the lead singleBartender” off their upcoming fifth studio album today.
Single Cover Art
Click to ENLARGE
The swampy, sultry breakup anthem is available at Country Radio now and will be available for purchase at digital retailers on May 20. Written by Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and co-writer Rodney Clawson, the trio enlisted Nathan Chapman to co-produce the new single featuring Scott’s lead vocal and the trio’s signature harmonies.
“For this new stuff, we wanted keep the core of Lady A, while also experimenting with new sounds and ideas,” said Kelley. “Nathan was really instrumental in pushing us to try different harmonies and new songs that were a little out of the box for us. There’s a lot of energy that comes with those changes and Bartender’ is just of taste of what we’ve been working on.”
Rather than the late night drunk-dial approach of the band’s international smash hit “Need You Now,” these lyrics are poised to become a female anthem centered around washing an ex’s memory away with whiskey on a wild girls’ night out.
The group's Dave Haywood is preparing for another big delivery later this year. His wife, Kelli, is pregnant with their first child, and the reality of impending fatherhood is starting to set in for Dave.

RaeLynn (Valory) has been working on her radio tour, and BMLG is prepared to release her first official country radio single >> "God Made Girls" sometime next month. Soz...It'a A MISS!

Joey+Rory's newest album, COUNTRY CLASSICS is available now in Cracker Barrel Stores, the famous restaurant/retailer everywhere. The record is comprised of classic country covers, and it'll eventually become available elsewhere later this year in October. Gaither Music Group is the label behind the project. In their farmhouse newsletter, the duo reveals, "We were raised on great traditional country songs and still love to sing them. This new CD will be exclusively available in Cracker Barrel’s everywhere starting in May. You will also be able to purchase it through Joey+Rory's webstore. In the Autumn, it will be available at Walmart’s and other retailers around the country."

PRESS RELEASES
  • Chase Rice Rolls Into Top 30 with New Single 'Ready Set Roll' -
  • Trent Tomlinson, celebrates his return to the country music spotlight with the world premiere release of his new single, “Come Back To Bed.” ** The amorous tune is anticipated to play exclusively on the SiriusXM radio channel over the course of the next few weeks before segueing to major terrestrial radio. Click To Preview >> "Come Back To Bed" available on US iTunes
  • Jordan Anderson the Loveland, Colorado-native, 21-year-old country recording-artist country newcomer performs to Preserve History. Anderson's new single "American Dream" released to country radio April 28, 2014. Her previous single "Please Don't" hit top 30 on the Music Row chart, landing at #28 after just 13 weeks. Her debut single Toxic peaked at #50 on the Music Row chart. Follow-up You Ain’t Ready For Me – co-written by Anderson, Wells and Preston Brust – reached #38 on Music Row and spent over six months on the Billboard Indicator chart. In 2008, her talent and passion for songwriting and performance caught the attention of Kent Wells, who produced her debut album Key To My Heart.
  • Rodney Atkins is to Host Fourth Annual "Music City Gives Back" Concert Tuesday, June 3. Country hitmaker to be joined by star-studded lineup including Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch, Josh Thompson and more
  • The Americana Music Association is excited to announce that Buddy Miller will return to lead the Americana All-Star house band for the upcoming 2014 honors and awards ceremony, which is set to take place on September 17, 2014 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
  • Jill and Kate announce UK Tour! June 2 - 5, 2014 Hello from across the pond!  We had soooo much fun playing the C2C Festival at the O2 Arena in March that we've decided to come back!
  • Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce that its Civil War themed “GOD DIDN’T CHOOSE SIDES” album project, released February 2013, will receive major TV exposure with a special “Reno’s Old Time Music” episode dedicated to music from the album on May 17th.
  • Lindsay Lawler Official Tour US schedule announced for Highway Angel Truck Stop tour
  • Dolly Parton, is set to launch her 42nd album BLUE SMOKE on May 13th in a partnership between Dolly Records and Sony Masterworks. She has scheduled a plethora of media appearances. Blue Smoke revisits her musical roots - “It goes from the mountain, old-timey sounds to bluegrass to gospel,” Dolly tells Country Weekly in this week’s cover story. “I wanted to have all the colors of me in this CD.” Dolly on the Nashvile Lifestyles Cover
ARTICLES
People Magazine by Eileen Finan: Hey, Country Radio! Here Are Six Women Whose Music You Should Be Playing…
Spend any time at all listening to country radio these days and the gender gap becomes clear. With the occasional exception of Miranda or Carrie, you'll be hard pressed to find a female voice on the air – or a song about something other than drinking on a dirt road/in a field/on the beach/in a truck. And that gap on country airwaves seemed all the more vast after listening in at Keith Urban's All 4 the Hall benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last week. From hard-rocking Brantley Gilbert to Reba McEntire's traditional twang; from Urban's pop stylings to Mary Chapin Carpenter's Americana vibe; from Underwood's pipes to Kacey Musgraves's storytelling, the lineup was a reminder of how big a tent country music can be.
In that spirit, here's our call to country radio's gatekeepers: Keep that tent open wide! It's not just about getting more women's voices out there (though we should), it's about remembering how good the genre can be when it tells the many, nuanced stories of our lives rather than reducing everything to the bottom of a Dixie cup......read More

REVIEWS
No Depression Rosanne Cash – The Barbican (London, U.K. – April 30th 2014) .. “That was bloody marvelous Rosanne,” shouted a fan from the rear of the auditorium after she’d performed a spine-tingling cover of "Ode to Billie Joe". That compliment was a perfect summation of the whole evening. Cash and her finely tuned five-piece band, led by musical director (and husband) John Leventhal, took a brave but extremely well-received decision to play the whole of the new album The River and the Thread in sequence, for the first set of the show. She said that she’d always wanted to do this ever since seeing Lou Reed play an album’s tracks in succession at Radio City Music Hall....So, with the first set taking us on a trip to the South and the second on a trip to the past, Cash - on her 19th wedding anniversary - had judged it perfectly. The London audience were as one in their appreciation, rising again to their feet in a rapturous standing ovation…..

BOOKS
“The Average Joes” Full Color Comic Book Coming July 1. “The Average Joes,” a full-color 64-page comic book featuring Colt Ford and Friends as superheroes selflessly saving the world and fighting crime in the name of justice. The premiere issue of “The Average Joes,” will be sold online, at limited retail outlets nationwide and at available at live concerts. An exclusive deluxe package available only at Wal-Mart July 1, 2014, will include both Colt Ford’s new album, “Thanks for Listening,” as well as the comic book. Brought to life in volume one are label artists Colt Ford, The LACS, Lenny Cooper and Sarah Ross, each touting a distinct superpower poised and ready to maintain the peace at a moment's notice.

MAGAZINES
MUSIC NEWS Scotland, Gigs from May 6th onwards -


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?

Bryan Sutton – Into My Own - 12 tracks, released April 29, 2014
Rachele Lynae – Rachele Lynae - 12 Tracks, released April 22
Leah Turner – Leah Turner - EP - Released May 6, 2014  5 Tracks

Spotify Killing Music Sales?
Want instant music, wherever you are? Here is the newest company to offer the service. Then sign up to a Vodafone Red 4G plan. As well as unlimited minutes and UK texts, you’ll get loads of data and Spotify Premium included.
Spotify: Windows Phone Premium users, you’ll be happy to know that you can now enjoy our Browse, Discover, and Radio features! Browse has a collection of curated playlists that are sure to bring you the perfect music for every moment, and with our personalized radio and Discover recommendations, you’ll always have new music to listen to Spotify News
The Vodafone 4G thier >> ad features a number of highly enthused people lost in the moment. Quote: 'Power for music lovers' ? BS. Do people who love music actually buy music anymore or are they instead freeloading idiots.
Spotify offers FREE mobile service to >> Android and iOS - There's a new way to stream music for FREE on your phone: No longer do you have to pay $10 / month to stream music with an iOS or Android tablet or smartphone
For only $4.99 per month, students can enjoy the benefits of Spotify Premium: Play over 20 million songs with no ads
Access Spotify online, via mobile, on a tablet, or through a home entertainment system Download favorite playlists and listen offline.
The BBC are encouraging us to PLAYLIST not Buy with the BBC Playlister
"Spotify is like a brilliant record shop in the comfort of your own home." - Jools Holland's new column and playlist is here:
WATCH
The Band Perry "Chainsaw" . The clip features the Perry siblings yelling "timber" as they cut down the trees where their heartbroken clients have carved their initials with their exes. "Chainsaw" was filmed in Oregon and also includes dynamic live footage from TBP.
Kelly Lee - "Karma", the UK artiste performing with her band and some extra help from Harry - aged 3 and a half (It was recorded on a photo camera with record function)
The McClymonts new video "Here's To You & I" - http://vevo.ly/z1uTMt



Watch the Dutch contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest 2014: The Common Linnets, a Folk, country folk, bluegrass duo, comprise Waylon & Ilse de Lange, "Calm after the Storm" (written by Ilse DeLange, JB Meijers, Rob Crosby, Matthew Crosby, Jake Etheridge). It sailed through in the semi final and has seen its odds cut from 100/1 outsiders to 7/1 overnight.  A week ago, the song was written off as a 250/1 rank outsider. The song (UK iTunes) is perhaps the most simple ever seen at the Eurovision Song Contest. After having taken the first place in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen on 6 May 2014, the song reached the second place (238 points) in the final on 10 May 2014, after the winning song "Rise Like a Phoenix" by Conchita Wurst from Austria. This was the highest position for the Netherlands since it last won in 1975.
The Common Linnets album was released 12 May 2014 on UK iTunes and Amazon UK
Read moore about them at Eurovision TV Page

COUNTRY FASHION

  • Sebastion Fashion: Gwen Sebastion is in the issue of Country Weekly!
  • Teen Vogue Style features director Andrew Bevan hosted the Taylor Swift for Keds style icons event with the country singer on Thursday (May 8) in Glendale, California. Taylor kept her love affair for all things Oscar de la Renta going by wearing a navy and white 50s style trompe l’œil shirt dress which coincidentally matched her Keds. A striking red lip and wavy side swept bangs completed her look - Fashion Pic Fashion Pic
  • Shelley Minson (Andrew Pearson Photography, Tamworth) : Hair styling by: Caroline Morgan from Ego Hair & Beauty Dress: Pigtails & Pirates; Hair flower: LADY ROWE; Jewellery: Lucy Luxxe - Image

COUNTRY GOSSIP
The Tybee Island, Ga. boat captain who pressed criminal charges against Billy Currington in 2013 is now suing the singer. Charles Harvey Ferrelle III says Currington mocked, derided and libelled him before the plea deal was reached. The Savannah Morning News reports a lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in Chatham County State Court. Ferrelle is seeking damages to be determined by a jury for “significant and ongoing anxiety and fear” every time his charter boat approaches Currington’s property.

61-year-old Jett Williams, country singer and daughter of the late Hank Williams, Sr., was arrested on May 9 for allegedly driving under the influence in Lebanon, Tenn. This is her second DUI arrest. Williams, whose real name is Jett Williams Adkinson, was arrested on Friday evening a little before 11PM local time in Wilson County, Tenn. She was arrested and sent to jail for both the DUI and violation of implied consent, according to the Tennessean. This is the second time in three months that she has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Adkinson never actually met her father, the legendary singer. She was born in Alabama just five days after his death on Jan. 1, 1953. Adkinson’s mother, Bobbie Jett, did have a relationship with Williams but never actually married him

Brian Kelley from Florida Georgia Line married Brittney Marie Cole in December, and the country star said being on tour with his wife couldn't be any better. "It feels perfect, man, I can't think of one thing that's missing or lacking in our life," he told ABC News. “So, no real kids, just a couple sugar gliders and a dog, for now."

Ever since Taylor Swift moved to New York City, she's been spotted out on the street sporting one stylish outfit after another, and every one of her fashion choices have been relentlessly documented and breathlessly reported on by numerous style blogs and websites.  But it turns out that Taylor doesn't give much thought to her fashion choices at all, and thinks it's hilarious that people believe that she does. Speaking to E! at an event to promote her partnership with Keds, Taylor was asked about whether she feels pressure to look great every time she leaves her house, because she's considered to be a "style icon."  "Oh yeah," she joked, "It takes me months to plan outfits.  I put them on a chart, I dress them on mannequins, and I have, actually, an entire wing of my house that's dedicated to the planning and the plotting of me wearing different outfits. As a style
icon, you have to take yourself very seriously."

PHOTO
  • Baseball wives: Ashley Monroe posts I these ones. @briannesale @britt_beckham @lynnzielindstrom & Rachel Dunn. #chicagonights Image
  • Brantley Gilbert “Throwdown” - Graphic
  • The Common Linnets GOLD album already! - Image
  • Shelley Minson, the Aussie Pin Up rockabilly Singer/ Songwriter, she fullfilled a childhood dream to have a pic taken with a Pink Cadillac at her Andrew Pearson Photoshoot in Tamworth. Hair styling by: Caroline Morgan from Ego Hair & Beauty; Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing from Ms Katt's Kustom House and Jewellery by Lucy Luxxe. Image - Image
BIRTHDAYS
May 12: Billy Swan (1942), The late Stu Page (1954), Kix Brooks (1955)
May 13: Ray Kennedy (1954), Ilse DeLange (1977), Lari White (1965), Darius Rucker (1966)
May 15: K T Oslin (1941)
May 16: Brooke McClymont (McClymonts) (1981) 
May 17: The late Jesse Winchester (1940; died April 11, 2014)
May 18: George Strait (1952), David Nail (1979)

R.I.P
Bob Powel, Former Editor at Country Music People Magazine has died.
Former longtime Maverick editor Alan Cackett writes in his obit: "I’m finding this very hard to write, but I’ve just heard of the passing of Bob Powell. For those unfamiliar with the name, Bob was a true stalwart and larger-than-life figure within country music in the UK throughout the 1970s and 1980s. For many years he was the editor of Country Music People, the host of the long-running London Country on BBC Radio London and also owned and run the CMP Shop in Footscray, compiled albums and wrote the sleeve notes for various major and independent record companies and also built up a strong friendship with many of
the legends of country music from Tex Ritter to Tom T. Hall and dozens more. Read more at alancackett.com

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