Rollin “Oscar” Sullivan of the long-running Grand Ole Opry comedy team of Lonzo & Oscar, died last week at age 93.
According to The Tennessean, Sullivan died in hospice care in Madison, TN on Friday, Sept. 7. He was an Opry regular between 1947 and 1985.
Rollin Sullivan began his career in his native Kentucky in the 1930s performing in string bands with his older brother Johnny Sullivan (1917-1967). Their radio career began in Jackson, TN on WTJS.
Rollin, a singer, songwriter and mandolin player, joined the Opry group Paul Howard & His Arkansas Cotton Pickers in 1942 while Johnny was serving in the Navy during World War II. The brothers reunited as members of Eddy Arnold’s Tennessee Plowboys in 1944.
In 1946, Arnold paired Rollin Sullivan with his fellow band member Lloyd George (1924-1991) to form a music/comedy team to open his shows. The duo was initially dubbed “Cicero & Oscar,” but the billing was soon changed. George, a guitarist and singer, was the straight man and Sullivan told the gags. Lonzo & Oscar were an instant hit with fans.
Arnold urged Lonzo & Oscar to go out on their own, recommended them to The Grand Ole Opry and got them a recording contract with RCA Victor. The duo scored a million-selling hit with the 1947-48 novelty smash “I’m My Own Grandpa.” The song was covered by Guy Lombardo and Jo Stafford for the pop market, as well as by numerous country stars.
Lonzo & Oscar were reportedly the first Opry act with their own custom tour bus, beginning a Nashville transportation tradition that continues to this day.
Lloyd George quit being “Lonzo” in 1950 to try a solo career as “Ken Marvin.” He was replaced by Rollin’s brother Johnny Sullivan. This version of the team scored the 1961 radio hit “Country Music Time” on Starday Records. Lonzo & Oscar also recorded for Decca, Dot, GRC, Capitol, Columbia, Chalet and Nugget.
But it was the act’s live show, rather than recordings, that brought it stardom. Lonzo & Oscar are more often remembered for Opry stage songs such as “There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea,” “Take Them Cold Feet Outta My Back” and “You Blacked My Blue Eyes Once Too Often.” In live performance, Lonzo & Oscar could also demonstrate what excellent, serious, instrumentalists they were.
The second version of Lonzo & Oscar was featured in several films, including 1958’s Country Music Holiday. It also had its own syndicated television series and guest starred on Hee Haw several times.
Following Johnny Sullivan’s untimely death at age 49, Rollin Sullivan teamed up with a third “Lonzo,” David Hooten. This version of the team made a non-comedy album for GRC, and from it came the 1974 hit “Traces of Life.” Both Hooten and Sullivan eventually developed heart problems and retired from the Opry in 1985.
After that, Rollin Sullivan performed with Cleo C. Hogan, then Billy Henson in the role of “Lonzo.” Henson bought the rights to the Lonzo & Oscar name from Sullivan when the latter retired in 1999. Since then, Henson has been performing as “Oscar” with Ron Ryan portraying “Lonzo.”
Rollin Sullivan is survived by daughter Linda Harper, grandchildren Ginger Farmer, Dana Jansen, Bonnie Coleman and T.C. Penick and six great grandchildren.
Visitation is today [Monday 9/10] from 2-8 p.m. at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, 515 Long Hollow Pike in Goodlettsville. The funeral service will be there at 11 .a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11 with internment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
“Oscar” of the Opry’s Lonzo And Oscar Passes
/by Robert K OermannAccording to The Tennessean, Sullivan died in hospice care in Madison, TN on Friday, Sept. 7. He was an Opry regular between 1947 and 1985.
Rollin Sullivan began his career in his native Kentucky in the 1930s performing in string bands with his older brother Johnny Sullivan (1917-1967). Their radio career began in Jackson, TN on WTJS.
Rollin, a singer, songwriter and mandolin player, joined the Opry group Paul Howard & His Arkansas Cotton Pickers in 1942 while Johnny was serving in the Navy during World War II. The brothers reunited as members of Eddy Arnold’s Tennessee Plowboys in 1944.
In 1946, Arnold paired Rollin Sullivan with his fellow band member Lloyd George (1924-1991) to form a music/comedy team to open his shows. The duo was initially dubbed “Cicero & Oscar,” but the billing was soon changed. George, a guitarist and singer, was the straight man and Sullivan told the gags. Lonzo & Oscar were an instant hit with fans.
Arnold urged Lonzo & Oscar to go out on their own, recommended them to The Grand Ole Opry and got them a recording contract with RCA Victor. The duo scored a million-selling hit with the 1947-48 novelty smash “I’m My Own Grandpa.” The song was covered by Guy Lombardo and Jo Stafford for the pop market, as well as by numerous country stars.
Lonzo & Oscar were reportedly the first Opry act with their own custom tour bus, beginning a Nashville transportation tradition that continues to this day.
Lloyd George quit being “Lonzo” in 1950 to try a solo career as “Ken Marvin.” He was replaced by Rollin’s brother Johnny Sullivan. This version of the team scored the 1961 radio hit “Country Music Time” on Starday Records. Lonzo & Oscar also recorded for Decca, Dot, GRC, Capitol, Columbia, Chalet and Nugget.
But it was the act’s live show, rather than recordings, that brought it stardom. Lonzo & Oscar are more often remembered for Opry stage songs such as “There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea,” “Take Them Cold Feet Outta My Back” and “You Blacked My Blue Eyes Once Too Often.” In live performance, Lonzo & Oscar could also demonstrate what excellent, serious, instrumentalists they were.
The second version of Lonzo & Oscar was featured in several films, including 1958’s Country Music Holiday. It also had its own syndicated television series and guest starred on Hee Haw several times.
Following Johnny Sullivan’s untimely death at age 49, Rollin Sullivan teamed up with a third “Lonzo,” David Hooten. This version of the team made a non-comedy album for GRC, and from it came the 1974 hit “Traces of Life.” Both Hooten and Sullivan eventually developed heart problems and retired from the Opry in 1985.
After that, Rollin Sullivan performed with Cleo C. Hogan, then Billy Henson in the role of “Lonzo.” Henson bought the rights to the Lonzo & Oscar name from Sullivan when the latter retired in 1999. Since then, Henson has been performing as “Oscar” with Ron Ryan portraying “Lonzo.”
Rollin Sullivan is survived by daughter Linda Harper, grandchildren Ginger Farmer, Dana Jansen, Bonnie Coleman and T.C. Penick and six great grandchildren.
Visitation is today [Monday 9/10] from 2-8 p.m. at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, 515 Long Hollow Pike in Goodlettsville. The funeral service will be there at 11 .a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11 with internment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Singer Debbie Pierce Passes
/by Robert K OermannEntertainer Debbie Pierce, who was a member of the 1980s female country group Chantilly, has died at age 58.
A Nashville native, she was born in 1954 and graduated from John Overton High in 1972. She began her career as a harmony singer and backup vocalist in the road show of her father, Country Music Hall of Fame member Webb Pierce (1921-1991).
She made her recording debut on Decca Records with two singles in 1969 and a third on MCA in 1973. The father-daughter duets “On My Way Out” and “Reality of Life” were issued by Plantation Records in 1979 billed as “The Pierces.”
She formed Chantilly with lead vocalist Kim Williams and harmony singer P.J. Allman. The group placed seven singles on the charts between 1982 and 1984.
Pierce later worked as a member of the security personnel for the Country Music Hall of Fame. She settled in Goodlettsville, TN
She passed away on Wednesday, September 5 at the Alive Hospice Residence. Deborah Lynn Pierce is survived by her mother Audrey Marie Pierce, daughter Audra Leigh Slattery, brother Michael Webb Pierce Jr., grandson Michael Edward Davis and nephew Michael Webb Pierce III.
Funeral arrangements were for immediate family only.
The Cadillac Black Tours With ZZ Top, Releases Single
/by Caitlin RantalaThe group will open shows for ZZ Top along with Lynyrd Skynyrd. The nationwide tour kicks off tonight, Friday (9/7) in Scarborough, ME, at Scarbourough Downs and wraps on Sunday, Sept. 16 in Kodak, TN at Smokies Stadium. The tour will also be stopping next week in New York City to play the famed Beacon Theatre on Wednesday, Sept. 12.
TCB’s debut single, “Get Your Buzz On,” will be hitting Country radio airwaves later this month. The song is from the group’s self-titled and self-released debut album, now available at all digital retailers.
For tour dates and more, visit www.thecadillacblack.com.
Loeb & Loeb to Host Benefit For Robert L. Sullivan Scholarship
/by Eric T. ParkerRobert L. Sullivan
Law firm Loeb & Loeb LLP, together with Nashville’s music community, will host a fundraising event to benefit Vanderbilt Law School’s Robert L. Sullivan Scholarship on Thursday, September 13, 5:30 pm at 3rd & Lindsley.
A magna cum laude graduate from Vanderbilt University in 1974 and from Vanderbilt Law School in 1977, Sullivan passed away Sept. 15, 2011 at the age of 59 after a 14-month battle with leukemia.
The benefit event will feature performances by Jim Lauderdale, Sam Bush, John Carter Cash and Janis Ian, as well as surprise special guests. Dinner will be served along with drinks and a silent auction, including a “Cash on Cash” talk from Cash, a co-write with songwriters Kendell Marvel and Lance Miller, a Roy D. Mercer prank call, and a special package from the Opry. Tickets are available here.
Sullivan was a partner at Loeb & Loeb LLP. During his career, his clients included Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Thompson Square, The Fray, Peter Frampton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, EMI Publishing, John Prine, The Carter Family and Waylon Jennings.
The Robert L. Sullivan Scholarship at Vanderbilt Law School was endowed to honor Sullivan’s memory and commitment to legal excellence and to the Nashville community. Donations to the scholarship fund are accepted here.
MusicRowPics: Craig Campbell Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaYesterday (9/6), Craig Campbell stopped by MusicRow headquarters to share some of his new music. The Bigger Picture artist started off with his upcoming single “Outta My Head” and shared that it was by happy happenstance that he cut the track.
“This song was an accident because I wasn’t even supposed to hear it. It wasn’t intentionally pitched to me, it accidentally got sent to my inbox and I said, ‘This song is a hit!'” Campbell explained. The serendipitous single was written by Cole Swindell, Brandon Kinney and Michael Ray Carter and produced by Keith Stegall and Matt Rovey. “Outta My Head” is set to impact radio on Sept. 17.
Campbell also shared “When She Grows Up” and “Just Sayin’,” both tracks off his upcoming album, which is scheduled for release sometime in the early spring of 2013.
“When She Grows Up,” one of Campbell’s personal favorites, was written for his two girls. “I see this as a huge father-daughter dance someday,” he said of the tear-jerker and everyone in the room agreed.
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Gill Honored With Star on Walk of Fame
/by FreemanAmy Grant, Vince Gill, Reba, Tony Brown
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored Vince Gill with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame yesterday (9/6). Speakers at the event included Gill’s wife Amy Grant, Reba, and producer Tony Brown.
“Vince has always been a true friend,” said Reba, who told the audience about their long history together and how he had come to her aid during tough times.
Brown, who served as Gill’s longtime producer, extolled his many musical talents. “Three things: Vince is one of the greatest songwriters in the history of country music, one of the greatest singers in all genres of all music, and last but not least, one of the greatest guitar players in the entire world. And I will stand on Eric Clapton’s coffee table and say that,” said Brown.
“That’s what I love about Vince. He will go where the music takes him,” said Grant, who discussed her husband’s generous spirit and eagerness to perform with others.
Gill was equal parts funny and poignant in his speech as he reflected on his journey. His daughter Jenny was born while he was living in southern California, he said, so it still feels like a home for him. He gave thanks to the individuals who helped him build his career, and noted that his and Grant’s stars would be near one another.
“When I was told this was gonna happen my first request was, I hope i can be near my wife Amy. And they graciously have put us right next to each another. I think there’s one star in between us. Whoever that is, I’ll have them hurt. Or moved.”
See the full presentation here.
Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Jenny Gill Van Valkenburg
CCMA Awards Names Presenters, ‘Green Carpet’ Streaming Online
/by FreemanRecently announced presenters for the show include Canadian country music artists Victoria Banks, Johnny Burke, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Ryan Laird, Corb Lund, Beverley Mahood, Small Town Pistols, Codie Prevost, Aaron Pritchett, Jimmy Rankin, Hey Romeo, Deric Ruttan, Tenille and Michelle Wright, as well as Philadelphia Flyers Luke and Braden Schenn, Allan Hawco of CBC’s Republic of Doyle, singer Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea, NHL great Theo Fleury, CMT’s Paul McGuire, Amber Marshall and Graham Wardle of CBC’s Heartland, and Daryn Jones of CBC’s Over the Rainbow.
Performers at the Awards will include Gord Bamford, Jason Blaine, Paul Brandt, Dean Brody, Chad Brownlee, George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, Kira Isabella, Deric Ruttan, Johnny Reid, Dallas Smith, The Stellas, High Valley, Jason Aldean, Pistol Annies, Eric Church and Miranda Lambert. Additionally, Taylor Swift will be presented with this year’s CCMA Generation Award. See a full list of nominees here.
CBC Coverage of the Awards will begin early on cbc.ca/live, where fans can check out arrivals on the ‘John Deere Green Carpet’ from 5-6:15 pm/ET. Additionally, fans can join the Twitter conversation with @CBCLive by using the hashtag #countrynightincanada.
Miller Harris Golf Tournament Tees Up On Monday
/by Eric T. ParkerRegistration for teams and individuals is open for $150 per player at www.millerharrisfoundation.org.
Volunteers and sponsorship opportunities are also available at the event, which raises money for Asthma Camp for Kids.
Check-in and driving range opens at 8 am, and the tournament begins at 10 am.
Industry Ink (9/7/12)
/by MichelleCondolences to Dixie Weathersby Owen, Sr. Director, Artist & Media Relations, UMG Nashville, whose father, Jerry Darwin Weathersby, passed away suddenly on September 5. The visitation is today (9/7) from 5-7 pm and the funeral is scheduled for Saturday (9/8) at 10 am. Both will be held at Galloway & Sons, 506 San Marcos Street in George West, Texas.
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Rock legends KISS and Mötley Crüe announced at their concert in Nashville (9/4) that they will donate $50,000 to Operation Homefront, an organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to families of service members and wounded warriors coping with deployment and injury recovery by providing funds for immediate needs such as food, housing, childcare, moving costs and vehicle expenses.
Tim McGraw, who partnered with Operation Homefront, Chase Bank and ACM Lifting Lives to donate a mortgage-free home in each city during his summer tour, accepted the check on behalf of the organization.
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The Roys signed an exclusive global booking agreement with Moonstruck Management. “Peter and I have been fans of The Roys’ since the beginning,” notes Josh Trivett, Moonstruck Management partner. “We have watched them closely, both as they burst on to the Bluegrass scene with their signature sound and gave performances that are their own and truly unique. It is with great pride that we join The Roys’ team, and we look forward to growing with them for years to come,” Trivett adds. The Roys’ new album New Day Dawning (released Aug. 28) recently debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart. Moonstruck’s roster includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sal Gonzalez, Lonesome River Band, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press and The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys.
Seated: Lee (L) and Elaine (R) Roy with Moonstruck Management partners Peter Keiser and Josh Trivett
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Chuck Mead Photo: Jim Herrington
KCA Artists is now representing Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys and is booking dates for fall 2012 and beyond. Mead landed on Nashville’s Lower Broadway in the ’90s where he co-founded famed Alternative Country quintet BR549, which earned three Grammy nominations and a CMA Award for Best Overseas Touring Act. Mead’s latest project, Back At The Quonset Hut, was released in 2012. He has continued to tour with his Grassy Knoll Boys across the nation and across the world, recently sharing the stage with Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers and Loretta Lynn, among others.
Underwood’s “Blown Away” Album Goes Platinum
/by Caitlin RantalaOn September 14, Underwood will launch the North American portion of her third headline arena tour, The Blown Away Tour, in Manchester, NH
Earlier this week the nominations were announced for The 46th Annual CMA Awards and Underwood earned her seventh Female Vocalist of the Year nomination. Underwood and Brad Paisley will return for a fifth year to co-host the show which airs Thursday, Nov. 1, 8-11 pm/ET on ABC.