Rhonda Vincent
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) airs its 2020 awards show on Circle TV on Monday (Jan. 18).
What better time to catch up with some of its winners, as well as other current hit makers in the genre?
The essential-listening tracks here belong to IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners Sister Sadie, as well as Donna Ulisse, Carolina Blue, Jerry Salley and our Disc of the Day winner, Rhonda Vincent.
The IBMA’s New Artist honorees Mile Twelve, also own this week’s DisCovery Award.
The award show is a pip, with performances by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Brooke Aldridge, Taj Mahal, the Del McCoury Band and dozens more. Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Ronnie McCoury induct New Grass Revival, The Johnson Mountain Boys and The Station Inn’s J.T. Gray into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
SPECIAL CONSENSUS / “Chicago Barn Dance”
Writers: Becky Buller/Missy Raines/Alison Brown; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alison Brown; Label: Compass
– This durable band is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a No. 1 bluegrass single and the IBMA’s Song of the Year winner. It’s a lyric celebrating the WLS National Barn Dance during the days of the Great Depression. The group members alternate lead vocals while the track dances with twin-fiddle work and lively mandolin and banjo breaks. A joy to hear.
CAROLINA BLUE / “Too Wet to Plow”
Writers: David Stewart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This band is currently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart with its Take Me Back CD. Its motto is “Traditional Yet Original,” and you can hear the band’s freshness on this quickly rising single. Between the youthful, yearning lead vocals, twinkling instrumental finesse and flawless harmony singing, this band has the future of the genre in its hands.
RHONDA VINCENT / “I Ain’t Been Nowhere”
Writers: Chuck Mead; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Upper Management
– The Queen of Bluegrass returns with a sneak peak of her upcoming album, a riotously funny update of Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” explicitly written as a COVID ode to being quarantined. Previously popularized by its writer, Chuck Mead, this deserves massive airplay. Vincent will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry cast on Feb. 6.
MILE TWELVE / “Jericho”
Writers: Catherine Anne Bowness, David Shelton Benedict, Nathaniel Benjamin Sabat, Evan James Murphy, Browyn; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bryan Sutton; Label: Delores the Taurus Records
– This young Boston band won the New Artist award at the IBMA honors. Its current City on a Hill CD is a jewel, balancing brilliant acoustic playing with meaningful songs such as this intensely emotional account of a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. For flash, check out the whiplash track “Cold Wind.” For another ear-opener, listen to the band’s bluegrass take on Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”
TINA ADAIR / “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
Writers: Paul Nelson/Gene Nelson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: Engelhardt Music Group
– New on the bluegrass chart this month is this gorgeous take on the 1988 Kathy Mattea goldie (a CMA Single of the Year winner then). Exemplary picking and the mountain-soprano vocal beauty we have come to expect from this artist.
SISTER SADIE / “900 Miles”
Writers: Dale Ann Bradley/Tina Adair/Deanie Richardson/Gena Britt; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Tina Adair, Dale Ann Bradley, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson comprise Sister Sadie, the first female band to win the IBMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. In addition, Sister Sadie claimed the 2020 Vocal Group of the Year bluegrass award, an honor also won in 2019. Richardson’s mournful fiddle paves the way on this minor-key Appalachian folk chestnut. Adair moans the vocal lead. Bradley chimes in on soprano harmony, and then Britt adds her stunning deep-alto part. A thrilling listening experience.
MERLE MONROE / “Hello Sunshine”
Writers: Tim Raybon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Happy, toe-tapping music of new love. Love these close-harmony, fleet-fingered guys. The single charges into the bluegrass top-10 this month.
VALERIE SMITH / “From a Distance”
Writers: Julie Gold; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Midnite Mike Pokalsky; Label: Bell Buckle
– First an international hit for Nanci Griffith (1988), then a pop giant by Bette Midler (1990), this awesome song now gets an acoustic bluegrass rendition with Claire Lynch and Irene Kelley in vocal support of Smith, the pride of Bell Buckle, TN. It’s as powerful and touching as ever.
THE GRASCALS / “Sleepy Little Town”
Writers: Jerry Salley/J.B. Rudd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Grascals; Label: Mountain Home
– This lilting lament for lost innocence makes its wistful debut on the charts this month. It’s a preview of this multiple award winning Nashville band’s next collection. The group is among the genre’s most dependable, and this does not disappoint.
DONNA ULISSE / “When I Go All Bluegrass On You”
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This is the most charming celebration of the joys of bluegrass I’ve ever heard. Every line is a delight, and so is every instrumental note. I particularly like the way the pickers “answer” her when she gives them a shout-out. A total smile.
JUNIOR SISK / “Hooked on Bluegrass”
Writers: J.R. Satterwhite; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– Bluegrass is “my drug of choice.” Because “I feel good when I hear it, so I use it as a crutch.” Addiction has never sounded merrier.
JERRY SALLEY / “Let Me Be the Bridge”
Writers: Jerry Salley/Jim Rushing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Very Jerry
– The man is so hillbilly-gifted he ought to be illegal. Not only one of the greatest hard-country writers still working today, he’s also a moving, natural singer. This barroom two-step will sway you across the dance floor while your heart rejoices that such a Country Music Great walks among us.
BREAKING: Department of Justice Ends ASCAP/BMI Consent Decree Review Without Action
/by LB CantrellThe U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Anti-Trust Division head Makan Delrahim addressed today (Jan. 15) the DOJ’s review of the ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees, in a webinar sponsored by Vanderbilt Law School. The DOJ has ended its ASCAP and BMI consent decree review without taking action.
Delrahim said compulsory licenses “are not the answer” and that any future changes Congress may consider should allow songwriters the ability to negotiate in the free market. Delrahim—who submitted his resignation letter on Jan. 13, effective on Jan. 19.—also suggested the DOJ consider reviewing ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees every five years. He applauded ASCAP and BMI for launching their new SONGVIEW database which will allow music users/licensees to more easily find song ownership data.
The consent decrees were put in place to prevent anticompetitive behaviors and determine sensible licensing rates. The ASCAP consent decree was modified in 2001 and the BMI consent decree was modified in 1994. The decrees require ASCAP and BMI to issue licenses covering all works in their repertory upon request from music users. If the parties are unable to agree on an appropriate price for a license, the decrees provide for a “rate court” proceeding in front of a U.S. district judge. Neither decree contains a termination date.
Many publishers, songwriters and other music industry members have criticized the longstanding decrees, stating that they limit the ability of songwriters and publishers to obtain their own licensing agreements that could result in higher revenues in a free marketplace.
Read how the music industry is responding to the issue here.
Hailey Whitters Announces Deluxe Album ‘Living The Dream’
/by Lorie HollabaughHailey Whitters. Photo: Harper Smith
Hailey Whitters is releasing a new deluxe edition of her 2020 album The Dream, titled Living The Dream. It will feature five new tracks, on Feb. 26 via Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters.
As a nod to the contributions they made to helping her dreams come true, Whitters enlisted the help of some close friends and collaborators on Living The Dream including Brent Cobb, Jordan Davis, Hillary Lindsey, Little Big Town, Lori McKenna and Trisha Yearwood to contribute vocals to the fresh tracks. Following the release of her current single “Fillin’ My Cup” (feat. Little Big Town), Whitters today dropped “The Ride” (feat. Jordan Davis), the second track to be pulled from Living The Dream.
“Jordan Davis took me out on his very first headlining tour when I was only an independent artist. I thought that was a bold statement for him to make, and I am very appreciative of him taking a chance on me,” explains Whitters. “He’s one of the key reasons I’ve been able to say I’m ‘living the dream,’ so when thinking about who to collaborate with on this project, he was a no-brainer. All of the artists featured on this project are responsible for me being able to hang up the apron strings and make music full-time. The royalties from Little Big Town’s cut on ‘Happy People’ helped pay for part of The Dream, Brent Cobb and Jordan Davis were two of the first artists to take me on tour, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey are my two songwriting idols and favorite co-creators, and Trisha Yearwood is one of the first artists that got me excited about moving to Nashville and pursuing country music. I wanted to show fans full circle what ‘living the dream’ looks like for me—from where I started with ‘Ten Year Town’ to the bucket list moments that have resulted since I released my record. I felt it was important to show them what can happen when you don’t give up on yourself.”
The Dream Track List:
1. Ten Year Town
2. The Days
3. Red Wine & Blue
4. Dream, Girl
5. Loose Strings
6. Heartland
7. Janice at the Hotel Bar
8. Happy People
9. The Devil Always Made Me Think Twice
10. All the Cool Girls
11. The Faker
12. Living the Dream
Living The Dream Deluxe Track List:
13. Fillin’ My Cup (feat. Little Big Town)
14. Glad to Be Here (feat. Brent Cobb)
15. How To Break A Heart (feat. Lori McKenna & Hillary Lindsey)
16. How Far Can It Go? (feat. Trisha Yearwood)
17. The Ride (feat. Jordan Davis)
A&R Executive Larry Willoughby Dies
/by LB CantrellLarry Willoughby
Loving husband, father, grandfather, singer-songwriter and former Vice President of A&R at Capitol Records, Larry Willoughby, died at the age of 70 after battling Alzheimer’s and having contracted COVID-19.
Larry was born on Feb 24th, 1950 in Houston, TX. He married his highschool sweetheart, Janet Howard Willoughby in 1969. After a few years as a firefighter, they moved to Nashville, with a passion and dream of being in the music industry and that they did. Last year they celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Larry is the former Vice President of A&R for Capitol Records Nashville, where he helped shape the careers of many country stars, among them Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan.
He got his big break in the music business when he earned a spot in country singer-songwriter Guy Clark’s band. Under Clark’s guidance, Willoughby honed his own songwriting and performing skills. Soon after, he landed a recording contract with Atlantic Records.
His debut album, Building Bridges, rose to No 47 on the Billboard charts in 1984. The title track from the album reached No. 55 as a single—but 12 years later took him to new heights. In 2006, Brooks & Dunn turned “Building Bridges” into a Grammy-nominated, Top 5 single. It featured guest vocals from Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow and was nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the CMA Awards and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals at The Grammys.
Willoughby spent several years on tour after the release of his Building Bridges album, then found himself drawn to the business side of country music. He signed on as tour manager for country stars Rodney Crowell, his cousin and so-called brother, and Rosanne Cash before moving in the direction of artist development. After a stint as director of membership with ASCAP, he was recognized for his talent for listening, pitching and placement of songs by renowned producer, Tony Brown and hired as Director of A&R at MCA/Universal Records. During Willoughby’s tenure, MCA became known as the “Golden” label recognized as the industry leader throughout the 90’s with major successes of recording artists, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, and The Mavericks.
Even with his move to Capitol as VP of A&R, he kept a hand in songwriting. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Waylon Jennings, Rodney Crowell, Eddy Raven, Big House, the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Nicolette Larson and the Oak Ridge Boys.
Larry is survived by wife, Janet; two sons, Kobalt Nashvile’s Jesse Willoughby (Bonnie) and Cody (Laurin), and two granddaughters, Livia and Lailee Willoughby.
If desired, family and friends may make memorial contributions to an incredible non-profit Alzheimer’s Care and Event center in Memphis, Tennessee, Page Robbins.
Parker Millsap’s New Album ‘Be Here Instead’ Slated For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughParker Millsap. Photo: Tim Duggan
Parker Millsap has released the first single, “The Real Thing,” from his upcoming new album Be Here Instead. The new project, produced by John Agnello, is slated for release on Okrahoma Records and Thirty Tigers on Friday, April 9.
The luminous new single is available now at all DSPs and streaming services and features guest vocals from Nashville singer Erin Rae. Millsap’s fifth studio LP and first new album in close to three years, Be Here Instead marks a stylistic shift from the gritty, high-energy folk of Millsap’s previous records and was mainly recorded live with his full band. On the new project he followed his curiosity and experimented with everything from piano and effects pedals to old school drum machines (a fascination partly inspired by the early-’70s innovations of Sly Stone and J.J. Cale).
Be Here Instead also forgoes the character-driven storytelling of his past in favor of a more introspective and revelatory form of songwriting. “My wife’s grandfather was an artist who did watercolor paintings, and a few years ago I decided I wanted to try it,” recalls Millsap. “I very quickly found out that watercolors are really hard to work with – you have to embrace your mistakes, and then let them guide you along. It’s made me think about how when you mess up, you’re basically revealing your humanity, which is what music’s all about. When I listen to records, I love when Ray Charles’s voice cracks, or when you hear the squeaking of the kick-drum pedal on a Led Zeppelin song. Anything that shows the living, breathing quality of the whole thing, that’s always wonderful. That’s what we’re here for. So don’t be afraid to let it happen.”
“What’s Your Country Song” Tops ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex Parry“What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett reigns at No. 1 on this week’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Rhett penned the single with Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Parker Welling.
At the 55th annual Academy of Country Music Awards Rhett tied with Carrie Underwood for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award. He also took home a win for Video of the Year for “Remember You Young.”
Rhett is set to headline “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley,” on Wednesday, Feb. 17 during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
Most recently, Rhett debuted his new tequila brand, Dos Primos, in collaboration with his cousin Jeff Worn and Third-generation Master Distiller Rodolfo González.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Little Big Town Extends Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughLittle Big Town
Little Big Town has extended its global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook have topped the charts numerous times with singles like “Pontoon,” “Girl Crush,” and “Better Man,” and scored Top 10 hits like “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Little White Church,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking.” Their ninth studio album, Nightfall, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and delivered last year’s Grammy-nominated “The Daughters,” and their current single, “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” has racked up 75.3 million streams since its debut and is currently enjoying 3.3 million streams weekly.
Aside from writing much of their own material, Little Big Town also has credits on hits from Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce, and others. The group is nominated for Best Country Album (Nightfall) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Sugar Coat”) at the upcoming 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
“I’ve been lucky enough to know Karen, Kimberly, Phillip, and Jimi for years and have watched them grow into the powerhouse group we all know and love,” said Ben Vaughn, President/CEO, WCM Nashville. “There’s no question they’re consistent hitmakers, but they’re also not afraid to take risks and make compelling creative choices with their sound. It’s always paid off, and this year is no different, with two major Grammy nominations and another hit single on their hands with ‘Wine, Beer, Whiskey.’ All of us at Warner Chappell are excited to continue this journey alongside them.”
“Warner Chappell has been our home since nearly the very beginning of our journey as Little Big Town. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the team there, whom we have great respect for,” added Little Big Town.
Throughout their nearly 25-year career, Little Big Town has been nominated over 60 times across the Grammys, CMAs, and ACMs, taking home over 20 awards, including ten ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year wins. In 2016, the group was honored with the ACM’s Crystal Milestone Award to mark their outstanding achievements in the music industry, and in 2018, the CMA awarded Little Big Town with the International Artist Achievement Award for their contribution to promoting country music outside of the United States.
Little Big Town is managed by Sandbox Entertainment and represented by Jess Rosen at Greenberg Traurig LLP.
Red Street Records And Red Street Publishing Adds To Roster
/by LB CantrellChristian music label Red Street Records (RSR) announced an extensive expansion to its roster, signing new artists and songwriters to its record label and publishing company.
“Since we launched Red Street Records, it has been an incredible journey,” shares Mark Lusk, President & General Manager of RSR. “We don’t take for granted how fortunate and blessed we are to be experiencing this rapid growth. We will continue to push the boundaries and keep creative ideas flowing from the artists and songwriters, to the teams behind the scenes.”
Red Street Records’ Don Koch, Mark Lusk, Iveth Luna, Jay DeMarcus
RSR signed female bilingual vocalist Iveth Luna, from Dallas, Texas. Luna is known for combining pop melodies with soulful cues with lyrics of faith. Also new to the label is vocal trio Jawbone Honey, composed of Jordan Guyton, Jake Hess, and Gregory Brunot. Jawbone Honey has vast musical influences ranging from worship, pop, R&B, and jazz. These breakout artists are joining fellow labelmates Cade Thompson, Jason Crabb, Lauren Camey and Avalon.
Jawbone Honey
Executive Vice President of Creative/A&R, Don Koch says, “In the past two years, we have not only launched our label, but our publishing house. We want Red Street Records to be a home for artists, songwriters and supply a home for all facets in the music industry, where talent can come to be seen, heard and supported to the fullest.”
Red Street Publishing (RSP) welcomes budding songwriters Kevin Rooney, Justin Unger and Caleb, Jordan and Josh Ward. Rooney has programmed songs for Rascal Flatts, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Crowder, Passion, Cain, Avalon, Danny Gokey and many others. California based Justin Unger, known for writing the mega worship hit “In You Alone” and “This Is Freedom” featured in a film, has also been added to the songwriter lineup. Lastly, the brother trio formerly known as Consumed by Fire, Caleb, Jordan and Josh Ward, will be bringing the performing and writing talents from their Billboard charting hits “He Waits For Me” and “I Need You God” to RSP. All of these writers are actively working with RSR artists on their respective upcoming projects.
“I don’t know a single person that hasn’t been affected by this unprecedented 2020,” shares Jay DeMarcus, CEO & Owner of Red Street Records. “However, I am extremely grateful for this bright spot: while it’s been difficult, Red Street Records has continued its rapid growth. We have been so blessed to sign some amazing writers in Justin Unger and the Ward Brothers: Caleb Ward, Jordan Ward, and Josh Ward. As well as, writer/producer, Kevin Rooney. We are also very excited to add to our artist roster; female vocalist, Iveth Luna, and the vocal group, Jawbone Honey.”
DeMarcus continues, “I am personally grateful that these amazing talents have chosen RSR as their home, and I’m honored to join them on their journeys. I can’t wait for the world to hear them, and we are so excited about what God continues to do at Red Street!”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rhonda Vincent, Sister Sadie, Carolina Blue, The Grascals
/by Robert K OermannRhonda Vincent
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) airs its 2020 awards show on Circle TV on Monday (Jan. 18).
What better time to catch up with some of its winners, as well as other current hit makers in the genre?
The essential-listening tracks here belong to IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners Sister Sadie, as well as Donna Ulisse, Carolina Blue, Jerry Salley and our Disc of the Day winner, Rhonda Vincent.
The IBMA’s New Artist honorees Mile Twelve, also own this week’s DisCovery Award.
The award show is a pip, with performances by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Brooke Aldridge, Taj Mahal, the Del McCoury Band and dozens more. Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Ronnie McCoury induct New Grass Revival, The Johnson Mountain Boys and The Station Inn’s J.T. Gray into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
SPECIAL CONSENSUS / “Chicago Barn Dance”
Writers: Becky Buller/Missy Raines/Alison Brown; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alison Brown; Label: Compass
– This durable band is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a No. 1 bluegrass single and the IBMA’s Song of the Year winner. It’s a lyric celebrating the WLS National Barn Dance during the days of the Great Depression. The group members alternate lead vocals while the track dances with twin-fiddle work and lively mandolin and banjo breaks. A joy to hear.
CAROLINA BLUE / “Too Wet to Plow”
Writers: David Stewart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This band is currently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart with its Take Me Back CD. Its motto is “Traditional Yet Original,” and you can hear the band’s freshness on this quickly rising single. Between the youthful, yearning lead vocals, twinkling instrumental finesse and flawless harmony singing, this band has the future of the genre in its hands.
RHONDA VINCENT / “I Ain’t Been Nowhere”
Writers: Chuck Mead; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Upper Management
– The Queen of Bluegrass returns with a sneak peak of her upcoming album, a riotously funny update of Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” explicitly written as a COVID ode to being quarantined. Previously popularized by its writer, Chuck Mead, this deserves massive airplay. Vincent will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry cast on Feb. 6.
MILE TWELVE / “Jericho”
Writers: Catherine Anne Bowness, David Shelton Benedict, Nathaniel Benjamin Sabat, Evan James Murphy, Browyn; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bryan Sutton; Label: Delores the Taurus Records
– This young Boston band won the New Artist award at the IBMA honors. Its current City on a Hill CD is a jewel, balancing brilliant acoustic playing with meaningful songs such as this intensely emotional account of a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. For flash, check out the whiplash track “Cold Wind.” For another ear-opener, listen to the band’s bluegrass take on Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”
TINA ADAIR / “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
Writers: Paul Nelson/Gene Nelson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: Engelhardt Music Group
– New on the bluegrass chart this month is this gorgeous take on the 1988 Kathy Mattea goldie (a CMA Single of the Year winner then). Exemplary picking and the mountain-soprano vocal beauty we have come to expect from this artist.
SISTER SADIE / “900 Miles”
Writers: Dale Ann Bradley/Tina Adair/Deanie Richardson/Gena Britt; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Tina Adair, Dale Ann Bradley, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson comprise Sister Sadie, the first female band to win the IBMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. In addition, Sister Sadie claimed the 2020 Vocal Group of the Year bluegrass award, an honor also won in 2019. Richardson’s mournful fiddle paves the way on this minor-key Appalachian folk chestnut. Adair moans the vocal lead. Bradley chimes in on soprano harmony, and then Britt adds her stunning deep-alto part. A thrilling listening experience.
MERLE MONROE / “Hello Sunshine”
Writers: Tim Raybon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Happy, toe-tapping music of new love. Love these close-harmony, fleet-fingered guys. The single charges into the bluegrass top-10 this month.
VALERIE SMITH / “From a Distance”
Writers: Julie Gold; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Midnite Mike Pokalsky; Label: Bell Buckle
– First an international hit for Nanci Griffith (1988), then a pop giant by Bette Midler (1990), this awesome song now gets an acoustic bluegrass rendition with Claire Lynch and Irene Kelley in vocal support of Smith, the pride of Bell Buckle, TN. It’s as powerful and touching as ever.
THE GRASCALS / “Sleepy Little Town”
Writers: Jerry Salley/J.B. Rudd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Grascals; Label: Mountain Home
– This lilting lament for lost innocence makes its wistful debut on the charts this month. It’s a preview of this multiple award winning Nashville band’s next collection. The group is among the genre’s most dependable, and this does not disappoint.
DONNA ULISSE / “When I Go All Bluegrass On You”
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This is the most charming celebration of the joys of bluegrass I’ve ever heard. Every line is a delight, and so is every instrumental note. I particularly like the way the pickers “answer” her when she gives them a shout-out. A total smile.
JUNIOR SISK / “Hooked on Bluegrass”
Writers: J.R. Satterwhite; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– Bluegrass is “my drug of choice.” Because “I feel good when I hear it, so I use it as a crutch.” Addiction has never sounded merrier.
JERRY SALLEY / “Let Me Be the Bridge”
Writers: Jerry Salley/Jim Rushing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Very Jerry
– The man is so hillbilly-gifted he ought to be illegal. Not only one of the greatest hard-country writers still working today, he’s also a moving, natural singer. This barroom two-step will sway you across the dance floor while your heart rejoices that such a Country Music Great walks among us.
Have You Recovered From COVID-19? Help American Red Cross Meet Critical Need
/by LB CantrellThe American Red Cross is currently facing a shortage of convalescent plasma. They have listed several ways to help meet the need for lifesaving blood products this month.
1. If you’ve recovered from a verified case of COVID-19, fill out the eligibility form to donate convalescent plasma: RedCrossBlood.org/Plasma4COVID
2. Make a whole blood, Power Red or platelet appointment: RedCrossBlood.org
3. Talk to your friends and family about the need and encourage them to make an appointment to give.
4. Share information about the convalescent plasma shortage on your personal/business social networks.
During this critical time, the Red Cross and NFL are offering to all those who come to donate an opportunity to receive a special thank-you this month. Those who come to donate blood or platelets this January will be automatically entered to win two tickets to next year’s Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. In addition, those who come to give before Jan. 20, will also be automatically entered to win the Big Game at Home package for a viewing experience safely at home, with a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
Willie Jones Partners With The National Museum of African American Music
/by LB CantrellWillie Jones. Photo: Gordon Clark
Country singer-songwriter Willie Jones announced today (Jan. 14) his partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) for the #IHaveAnAmericanDream initiative, calling people to share their hopes for change in America. The initiative launches on Monday, Jan. 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and finds Jones asking the question: “What is your dream for change in America?” He encourages fans to post a video answering that question to social media on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and tagging three friends.
#IHaveAnAmericanDream coincides with Jones’ upcoming single release “American Dream,” also out on MLK Day (Jan. 18). The song is a state-of-the-nation address that inspires a positive message of change and builds on the social conversation about race in America. It appears on Jones’ forthcoming Right Now album, due Jan. 22 via The Penthouse/EMPIRE.
“‘American Dream’ is a true patriotic anthem through my eyes,” says Jones. “It’s a story about my love for the country that my ancestors built. Honoring those who have come before me and having faith in those who stand with me in taking America forward. We cannot ignore the fact that so many of our Black leaders—whether they’re civil rights leaders, authors, musicians, athletes or artists—have propelled the evolution of not just Black people but the entire human race. We evolve and the process must continue. While ignorance and racism go hand-in-hand, they’re no match for intelligence and love. So let’s spread some damn love. All power to the people.”
Donations made through the #IHaveAnAmericanDream campaign will benefit the National Museum of African American Music. Text ‘AMERICANDREAM’ to 707070 or visit the NMAAM website to donate.
“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Willie on his initiative and honored by his donation,” says Vice President of Brand and Partnerships for NMAAM, Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson. “This is the perfect moment for this song, this initiative, and for our museum to be supporting artists as they work to build better communities. Social justice and equity are key through-lines of the museum’s story and NMAAM is committed to supporting artists, like Willie, who are working towards a better future for America.”
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will be officially opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.