George Frayne, “Commander Cody.” Photo: Garry Regester
George Frayne, known to music lovers as Commander Cody, died Sunday (Sept. 26) at age 77.
As the leader of Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, he was noted for such 1970s hits as “Hot Rod Lincoln” and “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The country-rock mainstay released more than a dozen albums between 1972-1995.
Frayne was born in Boise, Idaho and raised in New York City. He pursued music and art as a youngster, becoming proficient on piano. His professional debut was in an all-lifeguard band at Jones Beach on Long Island. In college, he performed in the frat-house band The Fabulous Surfing Beavers.
After graduating from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he formed a band with Bruce Barlow, Bill Kirchen, Billy C. Farlowe and others in 1967. They dubbed themselves Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, borrowing the name from a 1950s science-fiction movie serial.
The group specialized in retro styles such as western swing, boogie-woogie, jump blues and rockabilly. The Airmen relocated to San Francisco in 1969 and soon attracted a following among the city’s hippies.
Paramount Records signed the band and issued Lost in the Ozone as its debut LP in 1972. The collection mixed original tunes such as “Seeds and Stems (Again)” with revivals of country oldies such as Willie Nelson’s “Family Bible” (1960) and Charlie Ryan’s “Hot Rod Lincoln” (1955). The latter rose on the country charts and became a top-10 pop-music smash.
Cody followed it with a remake of the 1940-41 Glenn Miller / Andrews Sisters favorite “Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar.” Hot Steel, Cold Steel and Truckers Favorites appeared as the band’s second LP in 1973. Its country oldie remakes included “Truck Drivin’ Man,” “Diggy Diggy Lo” and “Looking at the World Through a Windshield.”
The group came to the 1973 CMA convention in Nashville. But the members’ long hair and flagrant marijuana smoking scandalized the mainstream country community, and they were booed off the stage.
The 1974 LP Country Casanova included versions of Bob Wills’ “My Window Faces the South” (1946), Buddy Holly’s “Rave On” (1958) and the Tex Williams/Merle Travis 1947 favorite “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The last-named again appeared on both pop and country charts.
Recorded at Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, the 1975 LP Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas earned a four-star review in Rolling Stone. The band switched to Warner Bros. Records, which issued Tales From the Ozone. Produced by Hoyt Axton, it contained “Roll Your Own,” “Minnie the Moocher,” “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” and “Cajun Baby.” Two more Warner LPs ensued, as well as the 1975 single “Don’t Let Go.” This revival of Roy Hamilton’s 1958 hit became the band’s final charted pop recording.
Cody’s tenure at Warners was profiled in the 1977 book Star Making Machinery. In its pages, he resisted the label’s pressure to become a commercial country-rock band like The Eagles.
Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen appeared in the 1976 Roger Corman film Hollywood Boulevard and several times on the NBC TV series Police Woman. It also starred on The Midnight Special, Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert and other music series.
The Airmen became the opening act for everyone from Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to Led Zeppelin and the Doors. As headliners, they were noted for their wildly entertaining, marathon concert performances. Following a 1976 European tour, the original band broke up.
By then, Asleep at the Wheel had emerged as country’s premier western-swing revivalists. That band’s leader, Ray Benson, eulogized Frayne/Cody on Facebook by saying, “He made Asleep at the Wheel possible in so many ways, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for all the love and inspiration he gave us.”
Frayne continued his billing as Commander Cody, recording and touring with an ever-changing band lineup. Guitarist Kirchen often reunited with him. Cody signed with Arista Records for two albums in 1977-78. Later Commander Cody albums appeared on such labels as Blind Pig, Atlantic, Line, Relix and Woodstock.
As a sideman, he played piano on albums by Poco, Link Wray and New Riders of the Purple Sage. In 1980, his music video for “Two Triple Cheese (Side Order of Fries)” won an Emmy Award. Cody’s droll personality, easy-going quips, zany worldview and witty, talking-blues vocals made him a crowd-pleasing favorite on David Letterman’s TV talk show.
He also achieved notoriety as a painter. His works were exhibited in galleries worldwide and included in the 1979 book Star Art. He held a master’s degree in art and taught art at The University of Wisconsin.
George Frayne’s death was announced on Facebook by his wife, Sue Casanova. He died in Saratoga Springs, New York. No cause of death was revealed, and funeral arrangements are unknown.
Chart Action: Pearce, McBryde Gain More Support, Janson Most Added
/by Alex ParryCarly Pearce and Ashley McBryde continue to gain support on their single, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” On the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, the duo adds another 32 stations and, on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, they add 17 new stations with a +171 spins this week. They are ranked at No. 39 and No. 41 on the Billboard and MusicRow charts, respectively.
On the Mediabase Chart, Chris Janson‘s “Bye Mom” tops the most added list, earning 37 adds. This is Janson’s strongest first-week streaming numbers for a single upon its release in August. Janson wrote “Bye Mom” with Brandon Kinney who appears in the music video with Kinney’s children playing younger versions of himself and his wife starring as the titular mom. Watch the video here.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Country-Rocker Commander Cody Passes
/by Robert K OermannGeorge Frayne, “Commander Cody.” Photo: Garry Regester
George Frayne, known to music lovers as Commander Cody, died Sunday (Sept. 26) at age 77.
As the leader of Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, he was noted for such 1970s hits as “Hot Rod Lincoln” and “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The country-rock mainstay released more than a dozen albums between 1972-1995.
Frayne was born in Boise, Idaho and raised in New York City. He pursued music and art as a youngster, becoming proficient on piano. His professional debut was in an all-lifeguard band at Jones Beach on Long Island. In college, he performed in the frat-house band The Fabulous Surfing Beavers.
After graduating from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he formed a band with Bruce Barlow, Bill Kirchen, Billy C. Farlowe and others in 1967. They dubbed themselves Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, borrowing the name from a 1950s science-fiction movie serial.
The group specialized in retro styles such as western swing, boogie-woogie, jump blues and rockabilly. The Airmen relocated to San Francisco in 1969 and soon attracted a following among the city’s hippies.
Paramount Records signed the band and issued Lost in the Ozone as its debut LP in 1972. The collection mixed original tunes such as “Seeds and Stems (Again)” with revivals of country oldies such as Willie Nelson’s “Family Bible” (1960) and Charlie Ryan’s “Hot Rod Lincoln” (1955). The latter rose on the country charts and became a top-10 pop-music smash.
Cody followed it with a remake of the 1940-41 Glenn Miller / Andrews Sisters favorite “Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar.” Hot Steel, Cold Steel and Truckers Favorites appeared as the band’s second LP in 1973. Its country oldie remakes included “Truck Drivin’ Man,” “Diggy Diggy Lo” and “Looking at the World Through a Windshield.”
The group came to the 1973 CMA convention in Nashville. But the members’ long hair and flagrant marijuana smoking scandalized the mainstream country community, and they were booed off the stage.
The 1974 LP Country Casanova included versions of Bob Wills’ “My Window Faces the South” (1946), Buddy Holly’s “Rave On” (1958) and the Tex Williams/Merle Travis 1947 favorite “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The last-named again appeared on both pop and country charts.
Recorded at Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, the 1975 LP Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas earned a four-star review in Rolling Stone. The band switched to Warner Bros. Records, which issued Tales From the Ozone. Produced by Hoyt Axton, it contained “Roll Your Own,” “Minnie the Moocher,” “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” and “Cajun Baby.” Two more Warner LPs ensued, as well as the 1975 single “Don’t Let Go.” This revival of Roy Hamilton’s 1958 hit became the band’s final charted pop recording.
Cody’s tenure at Warners was profiled in the 1977 book Star Making Machinery. In its pages, he resisted the label’s pressure to become a commercial country-rock band like The Eagles.
Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen appeared in the 1976 Roger Corman film Hollywood Boulevard and several times on the NBC TV series Police Woman. It also starred on The Midnight Special, Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert and other music series.
The Airmen became the opening act for everyone from Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to Led Zeppelin and the Doors. As headliners, they were noted for their wildly entertaining, marathon concert performances. Following a 1976 European tour, the original band broke up.
By then, Asleep at the Wheel had emerged as country’s premier western-swing revivalists. That band’s leader, Ray Benson, eulogized Frayne/Cody on Facebook by saying, “He made Asleep at the Wheel possible in so many ways, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for all the love and inspiration he gave us.”
Frayne continued his billing as Commander Cody, recording and touring with an ever-changing band lineup. Guitarist Kirchen often reunited with him. Cody signed with Arista Records for two albums in 1977-78. Later Commander Cody albums appeared on such labels as Blind Pig, Atlantic, Line, Relix and Woodstock.
As a sideman, he played piano on albums by Poco, Link Wray and New Riders of the Purple Sage. In 1980, his music video for “Two Triple Cheese (Side Order of Fries)” won an Emmy Award. Cody’s droll personality, easy-going quips, zany worldview and witty, talking-blues vocals made him a crowd-pleasing favorite on David Letterman’s TV talk show.
He also achieved notoriety as a painter. His works were exhibited in galleries worldwide and included in the 1979 book Star Art. He held a master’s degree in art and taught art at The University of Wisconsin.
George Frayne’s death was announced on Facebook by his wife, Sue Casanova. He died in Saratoga Springs, New York. No cause of death was revealed, and funeral arrangements are unknown.
Pistol Annies Plan ‘Hell Of A Holiday’ With New Christmas Album
/by Lorie HollabaughPistol Annies. Photo: Gina Binkley
The Pistol Annies are coming out guns blazing this holiday season with their first Christmas album, Hell of a Holiday, arriving Oct. 22. Fans can check out the project’s first release, “Snow Globe,” here.
Hell of a Holiday includes 10 original tracks written by the Annies with their signature humor. The title track describes the holiday whirlwind that arrives every year, while “Snow Globe” showcases a romantic winter wonderland. The project also features the Pistols’ take on standards, including “Sleigh Ride,” and Merle Haggard’s “If We Make it Through December,” plus a reimagined “Auld Lang Syne.”
“We couldn’t be happier we got to make a Christmas album. Once we finally surrendered and let the Christmas songwriting spirit take over, we were so inspired and felt that magic on every single one of these songs,” the trio of Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley shared. “We hope to be a part of so many people’s Christmas memories for years to come.”
The project marks the fourth studio album for the trio, following their Grammy-nominated 2018 project Interstate Gospel. They recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Platinum-certified debut single “Hell on Heels,” the title track of their first album.
Hell Of A Holiday Track List:
1. Hell of a Holiday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
2. Snow Globe (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
3. Harlan County Coal (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
4. Come On Christmas Time (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
5. If We Make it Through December (Merle Haggard)
6. Make You Blue (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
7. Leanin’ on Jesus (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
8. The Only Thing I Wanted (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
9. Believing (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
10. Happy Birthday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
11. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson/Mitchell Parish)
12. Joy (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
13. Auld Lang Syne (Public Domain/Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
Honoring A Legacy: Randy Travis Is Celebrated On 35th Anniversary [Interview]
/by LB CantrellRandy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor
In a genre that pays homage to an artist’s body of work, it is rare for an artist to reach the celebrated status of a country music great.
Country music icon and trailblazer Randy Travis has done just that and is being celebrated today.
Along with a slew of honors and ceremonies, a memoir, a re-issue of his iconic Storms of Life album, many retrospective interviews, and more, Randy is getting his flowers now, and deservingly so. The Country Music Hall of Fame member has received a long list of honors including seven Grammy Awards, 11 Academy of Country Music awards, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. In addition, three of his performances earned CMA Song of the Year honors: “On the Other Hand” (1986), “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987) and “Three Wooden Crosses” (2002). To date, he has 23 No. 1 singles, 31 Top-10 hits and more than 40 appearances in feature films and television shows to his credit.
Randy and his wife Mary Travis are thankful to the team that has surrounded them and embraced Randy’s legacy.
“Warner, Cris Lacy and John Esposito have been there for a long time,” Mary Travis tells MusicRow. “Tony Conway came along after Randy’s stroke and has just been a Godsend. He’s like a brother to Randy. He took us on after Randy’s stoke, so he really didn’t know where he could go with it or what was going to happen with it, but just on the fact that he believed in him.
“It’s the same with Zach [Farnum],” Mary adds. “He was a natural fit. He was young so he brought a fresh breath and knew more about what was going on now. It’s a blessing. We went through something where a lot of the world walked out on us. Most of those are the people who you thought would be there. But what happened is a lot of people walked in that we had no idea would be such a blessing. They did re-create and bring back to life a career that deserved another sunrise.”
Of the many projects Randy’s team has executed is the re-issue of his Storms of Life album. The album, originally released in 1986, served as a turning point back towards more traditional sounding country music when the genre was experiencing a wave of more polished and pop material.
“That album was pivotal,” Mary says. “Good ole country music, that was Randy’s forté. Storms of Life changed lives; the listener’s and Randy’s. It was important to acknowledge it.”
Along with “Diggin’ Up Bones” and “On The Other Hand”, which originally catapulted to No. 1 on the charts in 1986, this remastering also includes three previously unreleased songs from The Vault. “Ain’t No Use,” “The Wall” and “Carryin’ Fire” were recorded 1985, but never found a place on the original 10-song album.
Randy and Mary worked with producer and engineers Kyle Lehning and Keith Stegall, who worked on the 1986 original album, for production on the remastering of the new released version. Lehning has worked with Randy on nearly every album the singer has released.
When asked what working with him again has meant to him, Randy says, “A lot,” with a grin.
“Kyle’s family,” Mary agrees. “Kyle and Randy since day one have had the best artist-producer relationship. I don’t think they’ve had an argument in 35 years. Working with Kyle is always nothing but pure joy.”
A big smile and a laugh came across Randy’s face when asked what he would tell himself if he could go back and talk to the 27 year old who was releasing Storms Of Life in 1986.
“Hold on tight!” Mary suggests. “I don’t think he had any idea it was going to do what it did. I don’t think anybody did.
“I think the older him would say it’s worth the trouble. Keep doing what you’re doing,” Mary sums. Randy smiles and nods in agreement.
And so do we.
Storms Of Life (35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) is available everywhere now.
Kameron Marlowe Earns First RIAA Certification, Makes Opry Debut
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): The AMG’s Amanda Good; Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Shane Allen; The AMG’s Rob Beckham; SMN’s Randy Goodman; Kameron Marlowe; The AMG’s Kaitlin Madewell; SMN’s Houston Gaither; SMN’s Rusty Gaston; Opry Entertainment Group’s Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo
Breakthrough artist Kameron Marlowe made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday, Sept. 29, where he learned that his single, “Giving You Up,” had been certified Gold. This is Marlowe’s first RIAA certification.
Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Chris Hollo
Friends, family, staff, and executives from Sony Music Nashville, The AMG, Sony Music Publishing, and WME congratulated the singer-songwriter backstage with a commemorative plaque for the career milestone.
Marlowe’s first release, “Giving You Up” is an entirely self-penned track that has earned more than 108 million on-demand streams. The single recently received 25 station adds in its first week at country radio.
He is set to join Riley Green for the “We Out Here Tour,” beginning Nov. 3 in Athens, Georgia. Marlowe’s newest release, “Raise One Up,” was co-written with Kenton Bryant and is available everywhere now.
Elvie Shane’s Full-Length Debut ‘Backslider’ On Tap For October
/by Lorie HollabaughElvie Shane. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Elvie Shane‘s debut full length album Backslider is slated for release on Oct. 29. He shared a new track from the record, “My Kind Of Trouble,” today as a preview for the upcoming project.
Shane co-wrote the entire 15-song collection, showcasing life in small-town America and his own life story. His current Top 5 and climbing single, “My Boy” sets the tone for the album, which offers classic rock hooks and the soul of Gospel and R&B.
“It’s about more than just me,” Shane says of Backslider. “Whether you’re from the United States or the other side of the world, we’ve probably experienced the same things: heartbreak, family trouble, love… the yearning for a better life. These songs are my personal stories written so they rhyme… but I think they are stories that happen to each and every one of us.”
Shane is currently out on the road with Brooks & Dunn on their “2021 Reboot Tour,” with stops in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Bristow this weekend.
Backslider Track Listing:
1. I Will Run (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
2. Love, Cold Beer, Cheap Smoke (Elvie Shane, Russell Sutton, Drew Green)
3. Sundays In The South (Elvie Shane, Derrick Southerland, Albert E. Brumley)
4. Sundress (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
5. County Roads (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
6. Rocket Science (Elvie Shane, Joybeth Taylor, Jakob Miller, Oscar Charles)
7. My Kinda Trouble (Elvie Shane, Erik Dylan, Ray Fulcher)
8. Kickin’ Stones (with The Fletch) (Fred Eltringham, Steve Mackey, Rob McNelley, Tom Bukovac, Kris Donegan, Matt Nolen)
9. Saturday Night Me (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
10. My Boy (Elvie Shane, Russell Sutton, Nick Columbia, Lee Starr)
11. Heartbreaks & Headaches (Elvie Shane, Dakota Payton)
12. Nothin’ Lasts Forever (with Tenille Townes) (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Oscar Charles, Matt Willis)
13. Keep On Strummin’ (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles, Clinton Payton)
14. My Mississippi (Elvie Shane, Jakob Miller)
15. Miles (with My Mama) (Elvie Shane, Jonathan Sherwood, Luke Preston)
Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris Hit No. 1
/by Alex Parry“Chasing After You” by Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris climbs to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. While this is Hurd’s first No. 1 as an artist, he earned 6 previous challenge coins as a writer with his first in 2014 for the Swon Brothers’ single “Later On.”
“Chasing After You” was written by Brinley Addington and Jerry Flowers and is nominated for Musical Event Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year at the 55th Annual CMA Awards. Morris also earned a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Hurd’s latest album, Pelago, drops on Oct. 15 which features “Chasing After You” and previous single “To A T.”
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Radio News: BMLG Records, Monument Records, Show Dog
/by Lydia FarthingBMLG Records Elevates Three In Radio Promotion Department
Pictured (L-R): Liz Santana, Stella Prado, Kylie Dembek
BMLG Records has promoted Liz Santana to Sr. Director East Promotion, Stella Prado to Sr. Director West Promotion, and Kylie Dembek to Manager of Strategic Planning.
“We are so incredibly excited to promote Liz, Stella and Kylie,” says BMLG Records SVP, Promotion and Marketing, Matthew Hargis. “Since joining the Ape Den, Liz and Stella have been a key part of the label’s success in their respective regions. With their newly expanded roles it’s very exciting to see them continue to grow as executives. Additionally, it gives us great pleasure to create a new role inside the department and promote Kylie.”
Santana has been with BMLG Records for over six years, formerly serving as Director of Southeast Promotion. Santana will continue to promote all BMLG Records singles including Lady A’s “Like A Lady” and Laci Kaye Booth’s “Shuffle.”
Prado joined the imprint in February 2016 after 21 years at KOST 103.5 FM in Los Angeles, rising from intern to Program Director. After working at WKLB/Boston in college, Dembek moved to Nashville and gained experience with internships at the Grand Ole Opry and CMA. She formerly served as Promotions Coordinator for the imprint.
BMLG Records also announced the upcoming departure of Michelle Tigard Kammerer on Oct. 1. A 7-year veteran of the label group, Kammerer has accepted a yet to be announced opportunity. “While we will miss Michelle, we are very excited for her new opportunity and wish her the absolute best,” says Hargis.
BMLG Records is now looking to hire a Promotions Coordinator. If interested, please send a resume to hr@bmlg.net.
Katelyn Lester Upped To Director, Regional Promotion At Monument Records
Katelyn Lester
Monument Records promoted Katelyn Lester to Director, Regional Promotion. She will continue to manage Monument’s Southeast region, where she’s been since the label added their own radio promotion team last year.
Lester joined Monument last year from Universal Music Group’s marketing team where she had worked since graduating from Belmont University. She has been integral in introducing Caitlyn Smith to country radio with her first single, “I Can’t (feat. Old Dominion),” as well as getting Walker Hayes’ smash hit “Fancy Like” up the charts.
“From my first days at Monument I knew Katelyn was a top notch promotion person,” says Monument’s VP, Radio Promotion, Luke Jensen. “Seeing her in action firsthand, and hearing from our radio partners left no doubts that she was ready for the next step.”
“It’s been a huge privilege to learn and grow alongside this team at Monument,” says Lester. “I’m so proud of what we have been able to accomplish and am lucky to be smilin’ and dialin’ all over the Southeast on behalf of these incredible artists.”
Lester can be reached at katelyn.lester@sonymusic.com.
Show Dog Adds JC Coffey As Northeast/Midwest Promotion Manager
JC Coffey
Show Dog Nashville has added JC Coffey as Northeast/Midwest Promotion Manager.
Coffey previously served as Director/Midwest Promotion at Big Machine Records, and has had stops as the program director at WOKQ/Portsmouth, New Hampshire, WTHT/Portland, Maine, WPGI/Elmira, New York and WMLL/Manchester, New Hampshire. Coffey also served three years as a part-time on-air talent at WAAF/Boston.
“JC has been an all-star performer at every level of our industry. He’s radio savvy, promo savvy, and his enthusiasm is second to none,” comments Show Dog Nashville’s Senior VP/Promotion Rick Moxley.
“I could not be more thrilled to join a staff filled with such wonderful promo pros,” Coffey states. “A huge thanks to TK Kimbrell, Rick Moxley, and Teddi Bonadies for offering me such an outstanding opportunity. I’m truly humbled to join this team.”
Bonadies, Show Dog Nashville’s VP/Promotion, adds: “JC brings a contagious passion and knowledge that is so valuable. He truly will be an asset to our Show Dog Nashville Promo team.”
Coffey can be reached at JC.Coffey@showdogmail.com.
Dolly Receives New Tennessee Music Pathways Marker In Sevierville
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton’s Tennessee Music Pathways in Sevierville, Tennessee. Photo: Dave Jones
Dolly Parton was honored with an unveiling of a new Tennessee Music Pathways marker in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee.
Representatives for Parton, along with city and state officials, gathered at the Sevier County Courthouse to celebrate the achievement. Located directly by Parton’s bronze statue on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn, the new marker commemorates Parton’s musical heritage in Sevier County and across Tennessee.
Representatives for Parton, state officials, and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell gather to commemorate Parton’s new marker. Photo: Dave Jones
“When you think of Tennessee and music, there are key figures and places that often to come mind, and Dolly is one of them,” said Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell, “I couldn’t think of a better way to honor her great musical legacy and all that she has done not only for music across the state but tourism as well. Dollywood is a key attraction for visitors to come and experience from across the world, and it is a great privilege to recognize the work and success of a true Tennessee icon.”
As a singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist, Parton is the most honored female country performer of all time and among the best-selling country artists. Among Parton’s accolades are nine Grammys, 10 CMA Awards, seven ACM Awards, and three AMA Awards. She was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
“I want to thank Commissioner Ezell and his team at the State of Tennessee,” Parton shared. “I am proud to be from Sevier County and Sevierville and this Music Pathways sign honors me, my family and my history there.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp. Photo: Taryn Weitzman
There’s more than a touch of Americana influence in today’s country edition of DisClaimer.
Frankly, it’s what is needed to keep the country format from becoming completely boring. Charley Crockett, Rodney Crowell, Willie Nelson and son Lukas Nelson all did their part to spice up this listening session.
So did the titanic John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen, who easily earned the Disc of the Day award.
Jessie James Decker stages her debut in the column this week and wins the DisCovery Award. A TV personality, fashionista, NFL wife and social media influencer, she seems like a real go-getter.
NIKO MOON / “Paradise to Me”
Writers: Niko Moon/Anna Moon/Joshua Murty; Producer: Joshua Murty/Niko Moon; Label: RCA Nashville
— It’s a mellow party vibe with a beach-y groove. Relaxing and smiley.
KANE BROWN & H.E.R. / “Blessed and Free”
Writers: David Biral/Denzel Michael-Akil Baptiste/Gabriella Wilson/Ilsey Juber/Kane Brown/Russ Chell; Producer: Russ Chell/Take A Daytrip/Kuk Harrell; Label: RCA Nashville
— Brown takes aim at the pop charts and misses. Tuneless and lifeless.
OMER NETZER / “Country Boy”
Writers: Omer Netzer/Moran Ifragan; Producer: Omer Netzer/Moran Ifragan; Label: ON
— It says here that Omer is “Israel’s hottest country music entertainer.” He has a gritty vocal quality that’s ear catching, and the guitar noodling sounds good. The songwriting could use some work.
LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL / “Wildest Dream”
Writers: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Fantasy
— Jaunty, welcoming country-rock that rolls along an open sonic highway. This has verve to spare.
JOHN MELLENCAMP & BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / “Wasted Days”
Writers: John Mellencamp; Producer: John Mellencamp; Label: Republic
— As fiddles, accordions and guitars bob and weave in a dizzy swirl, these two music masters muse on the fleeting nature of life. They swap verses, and Bruce takes the high harmony vocal on the choruses. The resulting sonic tapestry is more “country” than 90% of what you hear on country radio.
EDDIE MONTGOMERY / “Alive and Well”
Writers: Eddie Montgomery/Ira Dean/Chris Wallin; Producer: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Label: Average Joes
— Rousing and uplifting. The lyric is lifted from his life: It reflects on the tragic losses he has endured (the deaths of his son in 2015 and his music partner Troy Gentry in 2017) and his ultimate will to live that they led to.
WILLIE NELSON / “Family Bible”
Writers: Willie Nelson; Producer: Willie Nelson/Steve Chadie; Label: Legacy
— Sister Bobbie Nelson provides the eloquent piano accompaniment, while children Paula, Amy, Micah and Lukas softly harmonize behind papa’s sturdy, sure and soulful lead vocal. Band mainstays Mickey Raphael and the late Paul English are here as well. It’s one of Willie’s finest early songs, and it still sounds brilliant.
JENNY TOLMAN / “I Know Some Cowboys”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JT
— Nashville’s finest unsigned talent sings the praises of Texas gentlemen in this instantly catchy, sprightly, clever country rocker. An irresistible toe tapper.
CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Music City USA”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Mark Neill; Producer: Mark Neill; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
— This prolific Texas honky tonker has issued 10 albums during the past six years and won the Emerging Artist of the Year honor at this month’s Americana Music Awards. The title tune of his latest skewers the star-making machinery of Nashville. “I shouldn’t have come here in the first place,” he sings to the accompaniment of a classic ‘60s, steel-soaked track, “’cause folks in here don’t like my kind.” He’s retro and proud of it.
MICKEY GUYTON / “All American”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Victoria Banks/Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol Nashville
— After a decade in Nashville, Mickey at last has an album. It is a 16-track dandy that is aptly titled Remember Her Name. This track from it is a soaring anthem of inclusion and togetherness. This lady can flat-out SING.
RODNEY CROWELL / “Something Has to Change”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Rodney Crowell/Dan Knobler; Label: RC1/Thirty Tigers
— This timeless treasure offers introspection and social commentary in his new songs on an album titled Triage. His current Americana hit resonates with conviction and rhythmic thump, not to mention a striking trombone solo. Rodney’s singing is simultaneously conversational and soaring as he delivers this lyric asking for some social justice.
JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Not In Love With You”
Writers: Sam Ellis/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Sam Ellis; Label: Big Yellow Dog/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
— Decker delivers the goods here, singing powerfully about moving on from a failed relationship. She deploys vocal breaks, sustained notes, vulnerable aches and whisper-to-a-shout range while the production chimes around her. Tuneful. Well done.