DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/18/11)
Five newcomers, four up-and-comers and one Hall of Fame member—those are the ingredients for this edition of “DisClaimer.”
Entries by Robert K Oermann
Memorial Service Today For WSM Radio's "Johnny K"
Funeral services will be held today [Thursday, May 12] for Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame member John Koval. Known professionally as “Johnny K,” the longtime WSM DJ died from complications of cancer on May 6 at the age of 77. He was a radio broadcast personality for more than 50 years. In addition […]
DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/10/11)
You remember albums, don’t you? They are collections of songs that ask you to experience several of a favorite performer’s thoughts of the moment.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/04/11)
A look at the current Bluegrass Unlimited chart shows that there are lots and lots of new faces popping up with popular tunes. Alongside the field’s superstars such as Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss and Peter Rowan are a number of up-and-comers. In fact, there are several on the BU chart who are there with debut CDs, including The Boxcars, who win this column’s DisCovery Award.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/27/11)
It will come as no surprise to most of you that Kenny Chesney has hit another home run. “You and Tequila” is a minor masterpiece of songwriting, vocal performance and production. And it wins Disc of the Day.
Hazel Dickens Passes
Renowned Appalachian vocal stylist Hazel Dickens has died at age 75. The West Virginia native was noted for her strongly feminist song lyrics, support of coal miners and participation in bluegrass and folk-music groups such as The Strange Creek Singers and Hazel & Alice. She recorded for the Rounder, Folkways and Arhoolie record labels. The […]
Tornado Destroys Malaco Records
Last week’s tornadoes in Mississippi left much of the Malaco Records complex in ruins in Jackson.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/20/11)
We have a nice mix of newcomers and established stars this week. The three contenders for the DisCovery Award are Hunter Hayes, Russell Hitchcock and Jim Quick.
Dot Records Magnate Randy Wood Dies
Randy Wood, who founded Dot Records and brought Nashville native Pat Boone to pop-music stardom, has died in California at age 94. The entrepreneur’s Randy’s Record Shop, based in Gallatin, was a key institution in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. Wood sold r&b records to white teenagers via mail order by advertising via the […]
DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/13/11)
Every doggie has his day. This week, it’s the puppy platters that are in the winner’s circle. None of the major-label offerings made my ears wild with excitement. But two pieces of indie product did.