Charlie Cook
If you spend more than an average amount of times on airplanes, the news this month about being able to keep your cell phones and tablets on even when taking off and landing was great news. Not because it was all that much of an inconvenience to turn your electronic devices off for those few minutes but because it keeps ordinary Americans from being criminals.
Flight attendants acted like you should be hauled off the plane and beaten to an inch of your life if you failed their orders. I actually always did turn off my phone. It just wasn’t that big of a deal to me, but scores of travelers hid their phones for those 15 minutes at the start and ending of the flights.
There is currently discussion about allowing you to talk on your cell phone while in flight. This is the actual reason they ban guns from flights. I guarantee you that there would be shootings onboard otherwise. Right now I seem to ALWAYS get the seat in front of two chatty Cathys. What if it took only one chatty Cathy? Yikes. Additionally, do you notice how much l louder people talk when on a cell phone? Add to that the sound of the airplane and every third person trying hold their own “private conversation” and you’ll have chaos.
Okay, I have a solution to this situation. Today flyers are not allowed to listen to radios on board flights, which is a totally senseless rule.
Radios are not transmitters. They are one-way devices. They receive a signal from the ground. A signal, or signals that are already out there in the atmosphere in almost every square inch of America. The same America that they fly over and over and over all day, every day. If the signals were an issue we would already know about it.
Airplane electronics are so robust that they can withstand lightening strikes. But not Lightening 100 in Nashville?
If they allow phones, which quite frankly can be used as trigger devices for bombs in luggage in the cargo area of the plane, but not radios that bring only joy and entertainment to the masses from small town to big cities, well I don’t know what to say.
Think of all the fun a plane full of ordinary Americans would have if they were listening to morning shows on early flights. Think about how relaxing midday flights would be with great Country music stations from city to city as you wing through the air. Flyers could listen to Rush Limbaugh live and land having been challenged about the issues of the day. Even late night flights would be great, hearing new music challenges and the “Top 9 at 9” each evening.
I know that many of you might think that devices like I-Pods and phone music libraries already provide a way for travelers to hear this music. Well, everyone wants variety and unpredictability and that comes from well programmed radio stations. These weary travelers don’t want the same old stuff over and over and over.
Now I would be willing to have radio just piped in overhead throughout the entire flight but there may be some who want to sleep during the flight. I suspect so many sleep today because radio is not available and that may change, but I’m courteous if nothing else.
If not overhead, then everyone can use headsets and enjoy radio as it was meant to be heard. FREE, everywhere and all of the time.
Yes, Virginia, I believe we have found something to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving….weekend.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow
.)
Tracy Lawrence Celebrates 8th Annual "Mission Possible" Turkey Fry
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Chad Warrix, The Roys, Rick Huckaby, Tracy Lawrence, Rob Bironas, Rachel Bradshaw.
Photo by: ElectricHouse
Tracy Lawrence rallied the Nashville community on Tuesday (Nov. 26) during the 8th annual “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry. During the annual event, more than 500 turkeys were cooked to help feed those in need during this Thanksgiving holiday season.
“The real heroes are the volunteers,” said Tracy Lawrence. “I am so humbled each year by the outpouring of support from the community, to the sponsors and volunteers that stood in freezing rain to cook turkeys giving back to others in need. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
Since the event launched in 2006, the Tracy Lawrence “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry has brought in close to 7,000 turkeys and provided more than 46,000 meals to help the Nashville Rescue Mission feed the homeless in Middle Tennessee.
Pictured (L-R): Chad Warrix, The Roys, Rick Huckaby, Tracy Lawrence, Rob Bironas, Rachel Bradshaw.
Photo by: ElectricHouse
Pictured: Tracy Lawrence with the Sam’s Club team
Photo By: ElectricHouse
Winners Honored At No Shave November's Beard Bash
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto courtesy of Moments By Moser.
Winners of No Shave November‘s fundraising efforts were announced during the 3rd Annual Beard Bash Tuesday evening (Nov. 27) at Nashville’s Tin Roof.
Damon Moberly presented the award for Beard of the Year (for best looking beard) to Taylor Childress of Team Curb. Kevin Herring and Chris Palmer presented the Flock of Beards honor (to the team with the most participants) to Hairy and the Hendersons, which boasted 61 members.
The Most Valuable Beard award was given to the individual who does the most for No Shave November; Royce Risser presented the honor to Lunchbox of Team Big 98/Bobby Bones Show.
Meanwhile, the Scraggle Rock honor, spotlighting the worst beard, was given to Jason Allen of KRWQ in Medford, Ore., by Bob Reeves.
The Old Gray Beard honor was presented to Craig Campbell by RJ Curtis. The Mane Man: Ladies Choice Award was given to Glenn Noblit (of Blaster Record’s Team Inglorious Bastards). Stykman of Team US 101 was awarded the Best Social Media Advocate honor by Cowboy Kyle, Stykman and Gator.
Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood (of Team Lady Antebellum) was awarded the Best Beard Commercial honor for best media placement; Haywood mentioned No Shave November for St. Jude during an appearance on The Today Show. Haywood was presented the honor by Tyler Reese.
Scheduled performers of the event included Steve Wariner, Craig Campbell, Terri Clark, James Otto, Cowboy Troy, Anthony Smith and Austin Webb, along with ’90s Country cover band The Old 96ers.
The overall No Shave November campaign has been so successful thus far that the goal has been increased to $200,000. Donations are still being accepted through the end of November.
Toby Keith's OK Kids Korral Opens In Oklahoma
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith greets kids at OK Kids Korral. Photo: Shauna Smith
Toby Keith, along with the Toby Keith Foundation board and advisory council members, as well as several hundred invited guests, celebrated the grand opening of his OK Kids Korral earlier this week (Nov. 21).
Among the speakers helping open the cost-free home for children with cancer were Joey Root, President of First Liberty Bank and advisory council member; Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett; Dr. Terrance Stull, Chairman of Pediatrics at OU Health Sciences Center; and Tim and Elijah Fowler, donor and pediatric cancer survivor.
“OK Kids Korral is like Ritz Carlton meets Disney World and I couldn’t be more excited to open the doors to children with cancer,” said Keith.
The design and building team consisted of Manhattan Construction and Crafton Tull while Rees and Associates helped with the interior furnishings. The 25,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Korral has 16 rooms with 12 overnight suites and four daytime suites, a neutropenic wing for children with weakened immune systems, a gourmet kitchen, an Oklahoma Route 66 indoor play room, an outdoor playground, game room, a family resource room, laundry room, theater and a reflection room. For more information on OK Kids Korral, how to donate or volunteer to help, visit tobykeithfoundation.org.
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Tritt To Host First Nashville Concerts Since 2002
/by Lorie HollabaughTravis Tritt
Travis Tritt will return to Nashville to host two acoustic concerts, Travis Tritt & Friends, at the historic Franklin Theatre on Jan. 13 and 14. The appearance is Tritt’s first Nashville concert since 2002 and his first ever, all-acoustic performance in Music City.
Industry Ink (11/27/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonAudience members are encouraged to dress in their “best vintage or wedding attire” and to bring a “wedding gift” in the form of an item for the homeless.
CMT Insider host Lauren Rainey will emcee the event. Doors will open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door, with 100 percent of all proceeds benefiting the Room In The Inn. For tickets, visit 3rdandlindsley.com.
• • •
The homepage and social media will reveal the origins behind words such as “dobro” and “bluegrass.” “Did You Know?” trivia will be shared about various hit songs and Country artists.
• • •
Filmed at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tenn., the panel for the episode includes Dave Pensado, John McBride, Martina McBride, Buddy Cannon, Dan Huff, Justin Neibank, Ed Seay, David Huff, Tony Castle, Brett Blandon, Dan Frizsell, Rodney Clawson, Herb Trawick, Melonie Cannon, Steve Bogard, Stephanie Willis, John Willis and Kevin Becka.
“Herb Trawick and I could not be more thrilled about our partnership with The Blackbird Academy,” said Pensado, host of popular web TV series, Pensado’s Place. “John McBride’s extraordinary commitment to high end learning applied to real life situations perfectly matches the Pensado’s Place DNA. We both care a lot about doing the right thing, the right way.”
Part 2 of “Pensado’s Place Presents: Nashville Gives Thanks” will air Saturday, Nov. 30. Both episodes can be found at pensadosplace.tv.
Weekly Register: Robertson Family Continues Reign At No. 1
/by Michael_SmithThe Robertsons’ Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas (Universal Music Group Nashville) is the top Country album again (No. 4 overall), selling 60k units this week and 256k units RTD. The Duck Dynasty stars have held onto the No. 1 spot since their debut several weeks ago.
While there are no major Country debuts this week, noteworthy releases include Mandy Barnett’s I Can’t Stop Loving You: The Songs of Don Gibson (CB Music and Rounder Records) at No. 32, selling 2.6k units, and Luke Bryan’s 4 Album Collection (Capitol Nashville) at No. 33 with 2.5k units sold.
Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP2 returns as the top overall album, selling 120k units this week and 1.1 million units RTD. YTD, overall album sales are down 8.5 percent, while Country album sales are down 10.9 percent.
Next week’s debuts include Florida Georgia Line’s Here’s To The Good Times: This Is How We Roll, the deluxe version of the duo’s hit debut album. Danielle Bradbery’s self titled project will also be released, as will Garth Brooks’ Blame It All On My Roots.
Taylor Swift, Jon Bon Jovi Perform At Kensington Palace
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Taylor Swift, Twitter
After winning Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift took a plane across the pond to perform at Kensington Palace in London, England. Swift, along with rocker Jon Bon Jovi, performed as part of the Winter Whites Gala, to aid the Centrepoint charity, which helps homeless teens and young adults. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, was in attendance
Swift performed her songs “Fifteen” and “Trouble.” “I’m Taylor, and it is very nice to meet you, especially under these circumstances,” she reportedly told the crowd, according to the Daily Mail. “It is my first time playing at Kensington Palace or any other palace for that matter. I have to thank you, Prince William, for having me. It’s amazing. To call attention to this age group especially, teens and young adults.”
Swift also performed her hit “Love Story.” “This has reference to palaces, princes and princesses and it is very strange that I end up playing it in a palace.”
At the end of the evening, Bon Jovi invited Prince William to perform an impromptu rendition of “Living On A Prayer.” Prince William, in turn, invited Swift to join them onstage for the off-the-cuff performance.
Zac Brown Band And Dave Grohl Team Up For 'The Grohl Sessions'
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown and Dave Grohl in the studio. Photo: Southern Reel
The Zac Brown Band and rocker Dave Grohl have teamed up and will release a new album titled The Grohl Sessions on Southern Ground Artists records on Dec. 10 via iTunes. The album features the studio version of “Day For The Dead,” the tune ZBB performed with Grohl on the CMA Awards, and other selections.
“Dave is a musical genius,” said ZBB frontman Zac Brown. “It’s been amazing to play with him on stage and get to spend time working with him in the studio. We are excited for fans to hear the music we’ve been able to create together.”
The new album is the first set of songs recorded at Brown’s new Southern Ground Studios in Nashville. Along with the ZBB, the recordings also feature Oteill Burbridge on bass and Grohl on drums. For a sneak peek at the making of the album see below.
American Music Awards Sets Twitter Record
/by Lorie HollabaughThe numbers make the AMAs the number one Twitter episode measured since the launch of Nielsen’s Twitter ratings in September. The most-talked about moment of the night according to Tweets per minute was Taylor Swift‘s award for Artist of the Year. Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga‘s performances ranked second and third, respectively. The most-mentioned artist of the night on Twitter was Ariana Grande with 231,966 tweets.
Charlie Cook On Air: Is Radio A Flight Risk?
/by contributorCharlie Cook
If you spend more than an average amount of times on airplanes, the news this month about being able to keep your cell phones and tablets on even when taking off and landing was great news. Not because it was all that much of an inconvenience to turn your electronic devices off for those few minutes but because it keeps ordinary Americans from being criminals.
Flight attendants acted like you should be hauled off the plane and beaten to an inch of your life if you failed their orders. I actually always did turn off my phone. It just wasn’t that big of a deal to me, but scores of travelers hid their phones for those 15 minutes at the start and ending of the flights.
There is currently discussion about allowing you to talk on your cell phone while in flight. This is the actual reason they ban guns from flights. I guarantee you that there would be shootings onboard otherwise. Right now I seem to ALWAYS get the seat in front of two chatty Cathys. What if it took only one chatty Cathy? Yikes. Additionally, do you notice how much l louder people talk when on a cell phone? Add to that the sound of the airplane and every third person trying hold their own “private conversation” and you’ll have chaos.
Okay, I have a solution to this situation. Today flyers are not allowed to listen to radios on board flights, which is a totally senseless rule.
Radios are not transmitters. They are one-way devices. They receive a signal from the ground. A signal, or signals that are already out there in the atmosphere in almost every square inch of America. The same America that they fly over and over and over all day, every day. If the signals were an issue we would already know about it.
Airplane electronics are so robust that they can withstand lightening strikes. But not Lightening 100 in Nashville?
If they allow phones, which quite frankly can be used as trigger devices for bombs in luggage in the cargo area of the plane, but not radios that bring only joy and entertainment to the masses from small town to big cities, well I don’t know what to say.
Think of all the fun a plane full of ordinary Americans would have if they were listening to morning shows on early flights. Think about how relaxing midday flights would be with great Country music stations from city to city as you wing through the air. Flyers could listen to Rush Limbaugh live and land having been challenged about the issues of the day. Even late night flights would be great, hearing new music challenges and the “Top 9 at 9” each evening.
I know that many of you might think that devices like I-Pods and phone music libraries already provide a way for travelers to hear this music. Well, everyone wants variety and unpredictability and that comes from well programmed radio stations. These weary travelers don’t want the same old stuff over and over and over.
Now I would be willing to have radio just piped in overhead throughout the entire flight but there may be some who want to sleep during the flight. I suspect so many sleep today because radio is not available and that may change, but I’m courteous if nothing else.
If not overhead, then everyone can use headsets and enjoy radio as it was meant to be heard. FREE, everywhere and all of the time.
Yes, Virginia, I believe we have found something to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving….weekend.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)