Singer-songwriter Jesse Winchester, known for the songs “Yankee Lady” (1970), “Say What” (1981) and “Isn’t That So” (1973), died Friday (April 11) after a fight with cancer. He was 69.
The Louisiana native’s songs, including “Mississippi  You’re On My Mind,” “A Showman’s Life” and others, have been covered by Jimmy Buffett, Reba McEntire, The Everly Brothers, George Strait, Gary Allan, Buddy Miller and others. Winchester released more than a dozen albums between 1970 and 2009.
Winchester grew up in Mississippi and Tennessee, but spent most of his life in Canada, where he moved while still a teenager to avoid being drafted into war. He spent the last decade of his life a resident of Virginia. In 1990, he was nominated for Best Country Male Vocalist at the Juno Awards. He earned ASCAP’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
In 2011, he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. As Winchester recovered from surgery, Jimmy Buffett led a team of artists in recording a collection of Winchester’s songs as a tribute album, titled Quiet About It. The project features performances from James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Roseanne Cash, Lyle Lovett, and others.
Winchester’s cancer went into remission, and he returned to performing. He even recorded the project A Reasonable Amount of Trouble (with Mac McAnally as producer). His cancer returned in February 2014.
He is survived by wife Cindy Winchester.

Singer-songwriter Levi Riggs, a Danville, Ind., native, has spent the better part of the past decade blending his interests in music and agriculture. This talented newcomer earned a degree in Agricultural sales from Purdue University. His strong Country voice began to garner notice while he performed in the school’s glee club.
While spending seven years working full-time in agriculture business (and pursuing his music career after hours), Riggs began touring and using social media to build a solid fanbase of followers. His tour schedule intensified, prompting Riggs to begin working as an independent seed dealer. “It gives me a more flexible schedule for songwriting, touring and performing,” says Riggs.
He formed his own label, Windridge Records and released projects including There’s Still A Place For That, Hillbilly Superstar, and his latest, I’m Good.
Riggs’ began his MusicRow office performance with “Down Home Boy,” written by Jon Henderson and Jason Matthews. The clever “My Best Friend’s A Girl,” was penned by Will Nance, Sherrie Austin and John Edwards.
Riggs’ latest project, I’m Good, was produced by Matt McClure (best known for his work with Lee Brice). Riggs recounted how a random connection resulted in McClure’s involvement with the album. “We were playing a gig in the middle of nowhere–we didn’t have a bass player for that show, and it was on a flatbed trailer–and this guy comes up and begins taking video of the show on his phone. I talked to him after the show, and he said he has a cousin who is a record producer in Nashville. He wanted to send along my information to his cousin. Later I get an email from Matt asking if he can come down to see a show. He liked what he heard, and invited me to Nashville to create this album.”
Riggs has been criss-crossing the country on a radio tour in the past several weeks, which has visited Arkansas, Tennessee, Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri. He concluded his three-song performance with his current single, “I’m Good,” penned by Mark Nesler, Dean Dillon, Dale Dodson, Ashton Shepherd, and Marty Dodson.
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Justin Moore and Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta were both named “Congressman Bill and Beverly Young Humanitarian of the Year” by the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF), for service and commitment to the welfare of military families. Borchetta and Moore were honored during the 10th annual Congressional Gala in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening (April 9).
“The work that Patricia Driscoll and the Armed Forces Foundation is doing is extraordinary – and unfortunately – beyond necessary. She and the AFF have identified the real challenges that so many of our troops go through upon their reentry into society. This is the kind of organization that the Big Machine Label Group and I will always support,” said Borchetta.
“Although extremely grateful, I feel a little uncomfortable being honored at an event where there are decorated war heroes present. I feel that my contributions are much less significant than theirs … they are the true American heroes,” stated Moore. “However, I’m thrilled to know that what I do with the AFF has helped, and that it is appreciated by all. Both of my grandpas served in our military and they, along with my parents, instilled in me what our servicemen and women mean to us. It was an honor to tell some of them face to face last night. God bless our troops and God bless America.”

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