Porter Wagoner 1927-2007

Monday, October 29, 2007

"The Grand Ole Opry family is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our dear friend, Porter Wagoner. His passion for the Opry and all of country music was truly immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time"

--Pete Fisher
Vice-President and General Manager of The Grand Ole Opry.

Mr. Wagoner died yesterday from lung cancer Sunday October 28, 2007 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN.

Wagoner was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years, his last performance occurred on September 29, 2007. He had more than 80 charting singles, including more than 25 Top 10 hits. Among his musical hits, influences, and always staying on the cutting edge of new musical expression, Wagoner recorded his last album titled "Wagonmaster" released in June of this year and even was the opening act for the influential rock duo White Stripes at a sold-out show at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Wagoner was also no stranger to television, as well, The Porter Wagoner Show stayed in production for 21 years. When the show lost its first female singer, Norma Jean, a then unknown Dolly Parton was selected by Wagoner to fill the position and through their years together had 14 Top 10 duet hits. Wagoner even produced some of Parton's early hits. In 1974. the partnership ended, leading to lawsuits on businesses issues, however remained friendly, which led to Parton's writing of "I Will Always Love You."

Wagoner will never be forgotten as well for his big smile, his custom-made rhinestone suits, and his amazing presence on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry. His many hits like his very first, "Company's Comin," "Skid Row Joe," "Green, Green Grass of Home," "Carroll County Accident," and so many others will never be forgotten either.

Funeral services for Porter Wagoner will be held Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at the Grand Ole Opry House, just off Briley Parkway. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, and both the visitation and the funeral are open to the public.

On a personal note, I will never forget all the times I have been able to be at the Opry and see him perform and host a segment. The amazing rhinestones sparkling bright under the lights as he introduced the artists or sang a song opening the jacket to his suit and showing off the Bass Pro Shops logo sewn inside. Then, there was the last time I saw him, walking out of the front door at the Ryman after a show in his jeans, button up flanel, and a jacket. Un-noticed, hardly, as he got into his vehicle and drove away.

He is one of the members of the Opry that makes the experience special. For 50 years, a part of its character, a part of the incredible talent, and that part of Wagoner will never die at the Opry, even though he is now gone from this Earth, he will always be smiling down on the Opry every weekend.

The Tennessan (Full Article)

The Tennessan (Second Article, funeral arrangements)

The New York Times

USA Today

The Associated Press

"It is with great sadness that we must say goodbye to our good friend and Grand Ole Opry legend, Porter Wagoner. He was a part of our Gaylord Opryland Resort family, a part of our heritage, our community, an American icon, and a loyal friend. Our hearts go out to his family, with whom we are also very close. For 23 years Porter flipped the switch at our A Country Christmas lighting ceremony making 2 million lights shine bright. No doubt this year our lights will be sparkling even brighter with Porter smiling down on us."

--Arthur Keith
Senior Vice President and General Manager Gaylord Opryland Resort

Gary Allan's "Living Hard"

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Not too often in the past would I post reviews, however, this one here is one I believe that needs to be posted here as well as on in their usual place on my website.....



Gary Allan’s newest release “Living Hard” is yet another example of what country music is all about, real life experiences. His previous album was dark and extremely personal after the death of his wife, there is no way to write about Allan’s music now without mention and comparison to that previous released masterpiece. This new album has lyrical continuation of expression, yet the music itself is much more uplifting sound. You can hear Allan’s emotional state; a sense of healing and moving on, with happier days, yet never forgetting.

Allan has long before now established himself as a highly talented artist and a targeted sound, and the current album stays right inline with what we have loved from Allan in the past. There isn’t any doubt listening to the first track, or the last, who you are hearing. That is a positive talent, no doubt.

“Living Hard” begins with “Watching Airplanes,” a lyrical strong (written by Jim Beavers and Jonathan Singleton) that is a girl-leaving song as he the character watches airplanes take off, wondering which she is on. A great song for everyone, yet it has another meaning to Allan I’m sure. This is a great example of what to expect on “Living Hard,” and this theme is common throughout.

“Living Hard” and “Wrecking Ball” shows a more rowdier side of Allan’s music, loud guitars and almost screaming sounds make these a bit of a miss on the album. Radney Foster’s “Half of My Mistakes” is safely covered on the album very nicely as well.

“Yesterday’s Rain” is a highlight of the album. One of the 6 songs Allan co-wrote, the track showcases Allan’s signature vocal presentation, a sound that perfectly fits, and most of all it really has an a feel of emotional outlet for Allan. Reading the lyrics makes you want to read them again. Hearing the song makes you want to listen again and embrace the emotions. Powerfully, even though we know what he is singing about, we all still can match this expression of feelings to our own lives.

Overall, Allan has yet again brought his fans an highly accomplished album that gives us all a real intense journey into his inner thought and musical expression through country music’s power of lyrical delivery and sharing stories and thought on life’s ups and downs.

Grade: A

Porter Wagoner

I know its been a week since I have posted, but I got up Friday morning to check the news about Porter Wagoner and arrived at my computer to a black screen. The message on the black screen said basically my hard drive failed. So, this past week, I have spent re-loading and updating so I can function again.

Porter Wagoner was hospitalized on October 15 for complications with lung cancer. He was reported in serious condition. Then Friday, his publicist reported that he has been moved to hospice care.

Wagoner is one of those artists I find so special, a tue piece of country music history. A Hall of Fame member since 2002, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry since February 23, 1957. Amazing.

There is so much more about Porter Wagoner to be learned, if you don't know him.

http://www.porterwagoner.com/
http://www.opry.com/MeetTheOpry/Members.aspx?id=111


Be sure to pray for Mr. Wagoner, I sure am, everyday.

Also, if you would like send your prayers in form of a card, those can be sent to:

Porter Wagoner Enterprises
P.O. Box 290785
Nashville, TN 37229

Major Problems

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Well,

I hope to begin blogging again in the very near future. Probably a week or so, while my focus is now on re-installing my computer system.

I won't go on an emotional roller coaster now and share with you the pains of a full hard drive crash, with loss of 5 years of data.

I will be back.

The Opry Turns 82, XM Radio Begins Live Broadcasts

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Calvin Coolidge was president, you could buy a first-class postage stamp for 2 cents, buy bread for 9 cents, watch the movie Ben-Hur for the first time, and WSM Radio signs on the air for the first time, and then broadcasting the "WSM Barn Dance" which became The Grand Ole Opry. The year: 1925, 82 years ago.

The Opry is truly special. Never forget it and never forget to support it. Take the time to listen and to see it in person.

Speaking of listening, starting Saturday, not only can you hear it online and on WSM-AM, or watch 1 hour of it on GAC, you can now listen to the Opry on XM Radio, as the show returns to satellite radio.

Its getting close, beginning Saturday, XM Radio will begin its live broadcasts of The Grand Ole Opry.

Beginning Saturday, here is the schedule:
Live Performances on Nashville - XM 11
Fridays 9PM ET
Saturdays 7:30 & 10:30 PM ET
Tuesdays 8PM ET

Encore Broadcasts of Performances
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 10AM ET America - XM 10
Catch the encore broadcasts of the performances that originally aired on Nashville - XM 11, as well as special archival performances from the Opry's stage.

http://www.opry.com
http://www.wsmonline.com

Josh Turner - Grand Ole Opry invitation to become a member

Monday, October 15, 2007

Ok, while on vacation, I did miss something. Big time.

Josh Turner has beeen invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. Out of today's artists (that aren't already members,) I can't think of a better choice for membership. First and foremost, the video above shows what I mean about being the right person. Look at the emotion in Josh Turner when he is invited. It has to be overwhelming to an artist that is truly dedicated to the tradition of country music, as Turner showcases in his music.

Did you feel the emotion watching it? If you did, you can formally call yourself a true country music fan. The Grand Ole Opry is something special, more special than any words can describe. No other music style in this world has anything like the Opry. Every country music fan should experience the Opry in person in their life, but more importantly, support the Opry through listening every weekend and supporting those artists that make up the special Opry family.

Mr Turner, congratulations and there is no doubt in my mind you will be a role model member of the Opry.

Joe Nichols News Handled Correctly

Sunday, October 14, 2007

"As Joe has alluded to in interviews over the past year, he has struggled with the issue of substance abuse. In order to become a healthier person and deal with long standing issues, he has entered into a rehabilitation program for consultation and treatment." --Lytle Management

I have searched around a bit and see basically the above quote written on Joe Nichols' website in each news article, with the exception of addition of that he was supposed to perform at a venue and they were notified he would not be there.

No details, no specifics, just the basics of what his fans need to know. Nothing more, nothing less. This is the way the media should handle a situation of this nature, I believe. Perfectly done. If at some point later on, if he wants to talk about it in further detail, that would be his decision and should only come directly from his mouth.

The only thing left to say is that Joe Nichols is in my thoughts and prayers and wish him the very best as he deals with the issues that he has encountered in his life, and be ensured this is echoed many times over by fans of his music and the country music community.

Attention Real Country Fans: Gene Watson Album

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Oh man, oh man. Real country music fans need to stop what they are doing and go pick up the newest release from Gene Watson titled "In A Perfect World."

Its not often when I am going through new albums I receive for review and begin typing immediately, especially a blog entry on the album.

First and foremost. Gene Watson's voice is one of country music's gems. His style of country presentation is country to the bone. That's enough in itself to get excited about. However, to make this album even more special...

More on Garth

Friday, October 12, 2007

Get this:

118 minutes. 162,000 tickets sold for 9 shows. That's 1372 tickets a minute for just under an hour. Wow.

That my friends is the power of Garth Brooks.

Even better is the Nov. 14 show is going to be shown live in movie theaters all over the country so all of us can be apart of this experience, indirectly at least.

This ties Garth's record for the most tickets sold in a single city in the U.S.

That's the news... but what I find most interesting is his comments posted on his website/press release:

"For the first time in my life I'm speechless" -- Garth Brooks

Well, I am not speechless, of course. I don't believe that Garth truly understands what a true master of all aspects of musical entertainment he holds. A master of talented musical performances, a certain aura of magic he carries within his words, his role-model family and life morals, a true carried out portal of dedication to his massive fan base, and his ability to make intelligent business decisions (especially in marketing.)

Mr. Brooks, if you are speechless on this most recent showcase of his demand, see what you have to say when you do it again and again. You see, you could. Pick any large city, small city, town, or even some remote intersection in the middle of nowhere USA... the same result would occur.

From what I have read, this apparently was to be the Wal-Mart appreciation concert that ended up being opened to the public and was to be only 1 show. He ended up with 9 shows in Kansas City. This tells me that Garth still has that spark, that driving desire to be on stage and this energy isn't going to fade, rather my guess it will take Garth to other towns across the country...

We will just see what life has in store for us next

I'm Back

After a very relaxing vacation and a little time of going through hundreds of e-mails, I am now caught up and ready to get back into posting the blog.

It was only about a 11 days being gone and out of touch. Driving back, listening to some FM radio, since I didn't have my XM with me, it didn't matter what station I was listening to, I felt like it was the same channel. Same sound, same songs, and even the same background singers on some of the station identification fillers. Whatever happened to local radio, having your own identity and feel to the station? I guess that is gone in this world of big business.

Also, I heard a little news bit that Garth announced a concert in Kansas City. Too bad it wasn't a bit closer to Richmond, VA. However, may be just as well that the show was far away because I would've really been beyond mad that I missed a chance to see Garth again. More on that topic in my next post.

Other than that, it doesn't seem like I missed too much while I was gone in the grand scheme of things, except for a few administrative e-mails for some upcoming reviews and features for the website.

Good news, I just in the last few minutes renewed my hosting and domain information for the next 12 months. Always a good feeling to pay that bill and excites me to know I have another year renewed to continue to grow the website. No telling what creative spark that will create for the site.

Contacting Country Music Alive and Vacation Notice

Friday, September 28, 2007

Hi there everyone,



If you look at the comment left on the previous post, someone found it difficult to get in contact with me, well, I did not notice my e-mail address wasn't on my blog template. I have taken care of that now for you all. On the right side, you will see the link to e-mail me.

On my website, http://www.countrymusicalive.com you will also find other contact information for publicity representatives to contact me.

I do not actually type my e-mail address out on any of my web pages or blog, rather I use an ecrypted mailto link to prevent spam. It really helps out a lot with that issue. I had a major problem with my previous e-mail address.

I love to hear from you all through e-mail and try to respond to every single e-mail that is sent to me. So, please if you have something to share, whether just saying hi, a suggestion, or want to discuss something in more detail, I am always excited to read it.

With that said, now, this NOTICE:

I will be on vacation beginning tomorrow morning through October 9th. So, there will be no blog updates until after I return. Since I will be on a cruise, I will have extremely limited, if any, access to e-mail/Internet.

Until next time, keep it country and...

As Always, Keeping Country Music Alive!
Kirk Fitzgerald

The Opry on XM Radio

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Wow, finally. A long time ago, I became an XM subscriber. I loved the lineup that was on XM much more than Sirius. Couple other reasons went into the decision, but what made it really hard was back then Sirius had the Opry. I made the decision to go with XM.

In September 2006, Sirius ceased to provide the Grand Ole Opry. So at that point, the only way to hear the Opry was on AM radio or in front of the computer and I began to wish and hope XM just may work out a deal to bring the Opry to XM, and today, the announcement was made my wish has come true.

I can't even begin how special the Opry is to country music fans, and to myself. Sure, you can listen online to WSM-AM 650 anytime, but you are restricted to a computer in order to listen. Also, if you weren't able to be in front of the computer when its live, you missed that week.

Well, XM now gives me the power to be able to listen live basically anywhere I want. With my XM device, I could record it and listen to it anytime and anywhere I want. Those without recording ability on their XM, they will have replays to listen to as well.

My country music friends, this is such an exciting announcement.

Just when I was happy as I could be, I got even more excited. Classic episodes of the "The Eddie Stubbs Show" will also be apart of XM. Now, here is something that is so special and absolutely thrilled already that I will have the chance to have XM access to this as well.

If you are a country music fan, XM Radio is now the ultimate choice for us. Just when I thought XM couldn't get much better, it did.

Here are the details at this moment from the press release:

Beginning with the Opry's 82nd Birthday Bash broadcast featuring Carrie Underwood, Travis Tritt, Ronnie Milsap, and more on Saturday, October 20, XM will feature the live Friday and Saturday night performances as well as the Tuesday Night Opry.

The country hits channel "Nashville" (XM 11) will feature live Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night performances (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET; Fridays at 9 p.m. ET; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET;).

Encore broadcasts of new Opry episodes will air on XM's classic country music channel America (XM 10) at 10 a.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, along with archival Opry broadcasts.

Many individual performances recorded live on the Opry stage will also be featured on XM's other country music channels, including Willie's Place (XM 13), Bluegrass Junction (XM 14), Highway 16 (XM 16), and U.S. Country (XM 17).

In addition to the Grand Ole Opry, XM will also add "The Eddie Stubbs Show" to the XM programming lineup. The popular WSM program is hosted by Eddie Stubbs, a regular announcer for the Grand Ole Opry, award-winning country music DJ, and respected country music historian. "The Eddie Stubbs Show" will premiere later this fall on XM 10.

The Eagles on CMA Awards?

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Uhoh. The CMA announced this morning The Eagles will be appearing on the CMA Awards this year.


Yes, you read that correctly.

Ok. Do I like The Eagles? Yes. Are they some how connected to country? Well, indirectly. They have an appeal to country music fans like southern rock does to country music fans. They have a lot of fans that are also country music fans. Even though they may have a country music related sound, they are a rock group. They are a very good rock group, and amazing in concert, I must say.

Do they belong on the CMA Awards?

The CMA press release this morning talks about their new single being on the charts (top 25 on Aircheck) and a new album coming. Also, talks about how since the 70's they have been an influence on country music.

Ok, sure they have had great influence, but they aren't a country music band. My biggest thing though is this. There so many country music artists and so little valuable time on the award show to showcase the music from the past year and the artists. I think there is so many more artists that should be using that time than The Eagles.

We only have a few artists announced so far, but I have a feeling we are going to see some names missing from the performance list that should be taking their spot.

We will see as time goes on...

UMG Moving From Music Row: A Big Deal?

Friday, September 21, 2007

Well, once again, I was reading the new on the Tennessean's website (which I seem to read more than my own city's newspaper that is in the front yard,) and I learn that Universal Music Group is moving their offices from Nashville's Music Row to the new Suntrust Building, located near The Ryman.

In most cases, a story about a company moving their offices around within the same city isn't too much of a story. This though is a big story to the country music community.

Why you might ask?

Well, Music Row is an area of Nashville, TN, in the southwest section of the city. This area is packed with small house style buildings, small offices, and large buildings that house publishing companies, video publishing companies, recording studios, small record labels, and currently 3 of the major labels (Universal, Sony/BMG, and Warner Brothers.) For a country music, this is where it all begins. Pretty much 16th and 17th Avenues, a few blocks each way, makes up this special area.

Capitol Nashville is a few blocks away from the Music Row area, as well as Lyric Street. Universal Music Group will be making the move in December, leaving 2 major labels in the area. What is the big deal? They need need the office space, it will save the company money,and there is more parking available. Its not like they have totally left Nashville. They are moving less than 2 miles away. Yes, Music Row is special. Yes, it would be an issue if every business moved out of the area. But, just because one business made a decision based on financial smarts doesn't mean there is a dying Music Row area. In fact, I believe it possibly could be a good thing. Here is a chance for more businesses to come into Music Row. Also, If this move helps profits of universal, well, yet another positive action on the industry. Again, its not like their focus has turned from Nashville at all, they are still in town.

One other thing, location is not as much as a factor in today's fast moving- technological world. I don't even live in Nashville, and I get my information just as fast than someone in Music Row thanks to e-mail, fax, phone, Internet applications, MP3s, digital photography, and cell phones.

Teddy Thomspon Covers Country

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Numerous albums come across my desk in a month. Some are albums I request, some I have no idea who they are nor why I received them, and some I get contacted first and ask if I would be interested in taking a listen. The latter happened with Teddy Thompson's newest album "Up Front and Down Low."

Country music fans won't know the artist, he is a folk-pop rock artist from the UK. His new album though is a collection of cover country music country music songs. Some well known classics and some lesser known songs from the classic artists. It is an amazing listen. (review)

This album also brings up a few thoughts in my head that I believe is important. 1-the classic artists will never be forgotten by the true music lovers, regardless of what style of music you enjoy. 2-country music classics have influences in so many types of music.

Thompson's album is his own interpretation of the songs he covers. He wasn't "trying" to sound like the artists or just re-sing them. You can hear in his delivery that he takes extreme influence from the artists and evolved the music into his own style.

There many talented artists in all sounds of music that bring influences from country music and it is just one more way that country is one of the most important and popular styles of music in the world.

Jessica Simpson to Country?

Thursday, September 13, 2007

So, I've seen the reports that Jessica Simpson is going to do a country album... great. Um excuse me, I have to ask a question. Why??

Well, lets back up a little bit. At very first read of the headline, I had 2 immediate thoughts. 1> no way is this going to be good and 2> here comes another pop star that isn't having success to try to make some money in country.

Then, I read the article(s) and my mind changed a bit. Yes, I know you are suprised.

There a bunch of comments about being from Texas, well, that wasn't what changed my mind. Lots of people live in Texas and have no interest in country music nor creating it. But, there was one comment her father said about she being a singer and pop music has moved away from the focus on a singer. That hooked me a little, however, what really grabbed my attention was his comment about country music is the only storytelling genre left.

Now, here is someone that understands country music, and sure hope that his daughter understands the storrytelling part of country and will live up to it.

The first question, why?, well of course I dont know the actual answer, but it will sure be interesting to see what comes of it.

H-E-D-G-E, by Merle Hazard

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

The Tennessean ran a story about this in their "Online Buzz" area. Pretty funny I thought, and had to share it... He also has a website, http://www.merlehazard.com

Enjoy! Tomorrow another detailed post I feel coming. :)

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Sara Evans Divorce in The News: Overstepping Boundaries

Sunday, September 09, 2007

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296184,00.html

Well, well, well, as I was reading the news, or should I sat wading through all the non-news stories and randomness to find the news, I ran across this article on the front page of the FOX News website. The title reads "Husband Asks Country Star Sara Evans to Admit Affairs."

Yes, here we go again. A "news" article that goes just a little too far into the private lives of the artists. The article talks about a legal filing of 118 pages that apparently includes a list of questions that deal with whether Evans had sexual relationships with other specific celebrities/music artists.

Now, this information may be important to the case, but personally, I do not think it has any business being in the newspaper (where FOX News got some of the information from.) Yes, celebrities are in the spotlight and we should have some insight into their lives, I understand the interest. I do not understand, however, the media and their decisions in making private and domestic matters public, even if they are in legal documents that are of public record. Divorce situations are tough and get very nasty, especially when big money is apart of the equation. All of that should be left out of the media.

On my website when reporting news, I will report "...have filled for divorce" or somehting like that, and I believe thats all we should be told and should report in the media. The details, fights, blaming, and all the rest that goes with the divorce process should be between the families, and no one else.

1 Shot To Make A Country Fan

Friday, September 07, 2007

Alright, this is always a challenge in my life's journey. This challenge I have successfully done many times in my life, but everytime it gets harder.

I have someone that has not been exposed to country music too much in their life and has a open mind to exploring other styles of music. So, in about 20 songs or less, I need a list of songs that would hook anyone into the music I dearly love, and if you are reading this, you probably do too.

It can't be just today's top 20. That's too easy, for one, and more so the current list doesn't explore the music deep enough. So, it has to be a balance of the newest, that 80-90s era, and of course the classic artists. It can't be taken from a list of 20 greatest songs either, those are too familiar, but also important to include some of those type songs. This will be an sampler list to "set the hook," leading to another list of tracks that will bring the fish on shore.

When you have such a passion for a music, or anything in life, its near impossible to produce a list of this type. The list of artists going through the head is endless. The feelings each artist and song come to mind carry those emotions along with them too. That's the power of country music and thats why I am more than proud to be a country fan.

I will keep the blog updated with the progress, and of course suggestions can pour in as well.