Sun Recording Studio: A National Treasure in Country Music History Gets Historic Treatment 20 Years Ago Today

Twenty years ago today, on July 31, 2003, a pivotal moment in music history took place as The Department of the Interior designated the Sun Recording Studio in Memphis as a national historic landmark. This momentous decision marked the first time a recording studio received such an esteemed honor, reflecting the profound impact the studio had on shaping the country music landscape. It bestowed a level of importance to the Sun Recording Studio and its undeniable importance in the world of country music.

The Birth of a Legend

Established in 1950 by Sam Phillips, the Sun Recording Studio began as a small, modest recording space on 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. The studio's early days were filled with the sounds of blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues, capturing the essence of the South's musical heritage. But it was not until a few years later, in 1954, that the world would witness a defining moment that would alter the course of country music forever.

The Iconic Million Dollar Quartet Session

December 4, 1956, witnessed a remarkable event when four musical legends came together for an impromptu jam session at the Sun Recording Studio. The quartet comprised Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins – all destined to become the pillars of country and rockabilly music. This historic gathering, later known as the "Million Dollar Quartet" session, became a legendary moment in music history and symbolized the studio's significance in shaping the future of country music.

The Rise of Elvis Presley

One name forever etched in the annals of music history due to his association with Sun Recording Studio is Elvis Presley. Often hailed as the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," Elvis's rise to stardom began in 1954 when he recorded his first single, "That's All Right," at the studio. Sam Phillips recognized the uniqueness of Elvis's voice and style, and with the innovative fusion of country, blues, and gospel, Elvis's early Sun recordings paved the way for a new era in country music.

The Birth of Rockabilly 

The studio played a pivotal role in the development of rockabilly, a genre that blended country and rock 'n' roll. Artists like Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis epitomized this fusion, helping to create a distinct sound that appealed to a wide audience and laid the foundation for modern country music.

Cultural Integration

Sun Recording Studio was a melting pot of diverse musical influences, encouraging cross-pollination between genres. This integration led to a more inclusive and diverse country music landscape that welcomed artists from different backgrounds and musical traditions.

Promotion of New Talent 

Sam Phillips was renowned for his keen eye in spotting raw talent. The studio provided a platform for aspiring artists like Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills and eventually become some of the biggest names in country music.

Shaping Music Production

Sun Recording Studio's pioneering recording techniques, such as slapback echo and close-miking, revolutionized music production. These innovative approaches laid the groundwork for modern studio recording methods that are still used today.

---------------------------

As we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Department of the Interior designating the Sun Recording Studio as a national historic landmark, we are reminded of its immeasurable impact on the country music landscape. From the historic Million Dollar Quartet session to launching the careers of legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and more, Sun Recording Studio stands as a testament to the transformative power of music. Its recognition as a national treasure ensures that future generations will continue to be inspired by the studio's rich legacy and the unforgettable music that echoed within its walls.

Honky-Tonk Revolution: Exploring the Ten Most Influential Country Music Songs of the 1950s

The 1950s marked a turning point for country music, with the genre experiencing a significant transformation. It was during this time that country music began to gain popularity beyond its traditional rural audience, reaching a broader urban audience and setting the stage for its eventual mainstream success. In this article, we delve into the ten most influential country music songs released during this remarkable decade, examining both the songs and the talented artists who brought them to life.

"I Walk the Line" - Johnny Cash (1956):

Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line" is an iconic country song that remains a timeless classic. With its distinctive, steady rhythm and Cash's deep, resonant vocals, the song explored themes of loyalty and devotion. Its crossover success appealed to a wider audience, breaking the boundaries of traditional country music.

"Crazy Arms" - Ray Price (1956):

Ray Price's "Crazy Arms" revolutionized the country music scene by introducing the "Nashville Sound." Price's smooth, velvety voice combined with lush arrangements and a prominent steel guitar created a new sound that paved the way for future artists. "Crazy Arms" was one of the first country songs to incorporate elements of pop, ultimately bridging the gap between genres.

"Blue Suede Shoes" - Carl Perkins (1956):

Although primarily associated with rock and roll, Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" had a significant impact on the country music landscape. This infectious song showcased Perkins' exceptional guitar skills and catchy lyrics. Its energetic rhythm influenced countless country artists and became a cornerstone in the development of rockabilly.

"Your Cheatin' Heart" - Hank Williams (1952):

Hank Williams, one of country music's most enduring legends, left an indelible mark on the genre with his emotional ballad "Your Cheatin' Heart." The song captures the pain of a broken heart with Williams' distinctive vocal style and heartfelt lyrics. Its timeless quality has made it a country music standard, inspiring generations of artists to explore the depths of human emotions.

"Folsom Prison Blues" - Johnny Cash (1955):

Johnny Cash's rebellious spirit and raw storytelling ability shone through in "Folsom Prison Blues." This song not only resonated with the outlaw country movement of the 1960s but also captivated audiences in the 1950s. With its dark narrative and Cash's signature booming voice, "Folsom Prison Blues" brought a gritty realism to country music and solidified Cash's place as a trailblazer.

"The Battle of New Orleans" - Johnny Horton (1959):

Johnny Horton's "The Battle of New Orleans" combined history with a catchy melody, recounting the famous War of 1812 battle. The song's upbeat tempo, vivid storytelling, and Horton's spirited vocals made it a commercial success, demonstrating the power of narrative-driven country music.

"I'm Movin' On" - Hank Snow (1950):

Hank Snow's "I'm Movin' On" showcased the power of country music as a vehicle for storytelling. The song follows the journey of a man leaving a troubled relationship, with Snow's distinctive voice and vivid lyrics taking the listener on a musical odyssey. It became a crossover hit, reaching both country and pop charts, and cementing Snow's status as a country music pioneer.

"Sixteen Tons" - Tennessee Ernie Ford (1955):

Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons" became a cultural phenomenon, tackling the plight of the working class. Ford's rich baritone and the song's iconic opening line, "You load sixteen tons, what do you get?" resonated with audiences, shining a light on the hardships faced by blue-collar workers. The song's social commentary and Ford's powerful delivery made it a significant influence on country music's storytelling tradition.

"Heartbreak Hotel" - Elvis Presley (1956):

While Elvis Presley is primarily known as a rock and roll pioneer, his early music drew heavily from country roots. "Heartbreak Hotel" introduced Presley's unique blend of country, blues, and rockabilly, creating a sound that transcended genres. Its enormous success had a profound impact on the country music landscape, inspiring countless artists to experiment with different styles and push boundaries.

"Walkin' After Midnight" - Patsy Cline (1957):

Patsy Cline's haunting voice and captivating delivery made "Walkin' After Midnight" an instant classic. The song's blend of country, pop, and R&B elements brought a unique sound to the genre, laying the foundation for Cline's legendary status and influencing generations of female country artists.

The 1950s witnessed a transformative period in country music, with artists pushing boundaries and reshaping the genre. From Johnny Cash's rebellious anthems to Hank Williams' heart-wrenching ballads, these ten influential songs from the era paved the way for future generations of country artists. They helped country music gain wider acceptance and laid the foundation for the diverse sounds and narratives that continue to define the genre today. By capturing the essence of American life and emotions, these songs and artists forever hold a significant place in the rich tapestry of country music history.

Legendary Recording Studios in Nashville: Breeding Grounds for Country Music Greatness

Blackbird Recording Studios In Nashville

When you think of Nashville, Tennessee, a few things come to mind - hot chicken, Southern charm, and of course, Country music. Music City USA, as it's affectionately known, is steeped in a rich musical heritage, and it owes much of this legacy to its recording studios. They've been the creative backdrop for countless hit songs, fostering and shaping the evolution of country music. Let's take a virtual tour through some of the most famous and significant recording studios in Nashville, focusing on their impact on the country music landscape.

RCA Studio B

No list of Nashville's recording studios would be complete without RCA Studio B, the birthplace of the Nashville Sound. This studio opened its doors in 1957 and revolutionized the country music industry by introducing lush, orchestral arrangements into the traditionally raw, honky-tonk genre. Chet Atkins, the studio's first manager, and a team of seasoned session musicians forged a new, smoother style of country music aimed at reaching a broader, pop-oriented audience.

Over 35,000 songs were recorded here, including more than 1,000 Top Ten hits. The list of artists who recorded at Studio B reads like a who's who of country music: Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers, to name a few. Parton's "Jolene" and Presley's "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" were both created here, adding to the studio's legendary status.

Grand Victor Sound Nashville (formerly RCA Studio A)

Just a few steps from Studio B is the equally revered Studio A. Founded in 1964 by Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley, it was designed to accommodate large orchestras and choirs, allowing artists to explore the limits of the Nashville Sound. This studio was instrumental in propelling country music onto the global stage, shaping hits for legends like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Charley Pride.

In 2014, Studio A was almost demolished for condominiums but was saved by philanthropist and musician Aubrey Preston and pop artist Ben Folds. Today, it's a thriving hub for both established artists and rising stars, maintaining its reputation as a home for creativity and innovation in country music.

The Quonset Hut Studio

The Quonset Hut was Nashville's first major recording studio. Owen and Harold Bradley launched it in the 1950s in an old Army surplus Quonset Hut, marking the beginning of what would become Nashville's Music Row. The studio gave birth to the Nashville Sound and was a popular recording site for artists from Patsy Cline to Johnny Cash.

Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy" were recorded here, proving the studio's knack for producing timeless hits. Although operations ceased in 1982, its legacy was revived when Belmont University restored the studio to its former glory in 2006, preserving this crucial piece of country music history.

Ocean Way Recording Studio

Ocean Way Nashville, established in a 100-year-old grey stone church on Music Row, stands as an embodiment of Nashville's deep musical history while continuously shaping its future. Renowned for its unique acoustics and high-tech equipment, the studio has played host to numerous country music titans, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Brad Paisley, among others. Its impact on country music is particularly notable in the studio's facilitation of live ensemble recordings - a somewhat lost art in the modern era of digital production - which allows for a rich, organic sound that harks back to country music's roots. By helping preserve the traditional warmth and depth in country music recording, while still pushing technological boundaries, Ocean Way has crafted a significant legacy within the genre. Through this, Ocean Way Nashville continues to serve as a vital conduit between the heritage of country music and its modern evolution.

The Sound Kitchen

The Sound Kitchen opened its doors in the 1990s in Franklin, just south of Nashville. Since then, it has become a go-to studio for both emerging talents and established artists looking for top-notch production services and a creative environment. Artists as diverse as Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood have all recorded within its walls, underscoring the studio’s reputation for quality.

Key to the Sound Kitchen's impact on country music is its blend of state-of-the-art technology with a comforting, creative atmosphere. The studio's seven uniquely designed rooms, including the popular "Big Boy" studio with its renowned acoustics, are equipped with the latest recording technology, enabling artists to experiment and push the boundaries of the country music genre.

One of the most notable albums recorded at the Sound Kitchen is Taylor Swift's 'Fearless.' Swift, who started her career as a country artist, recorded several songs from this album at the Sound Kitchen, and it went on to become the best-selling album of 2009 in the US. 'Fearless' not only established Swift as a major player in the music industry, but it also introduced a younger audience to country music, contributing to the genre's renewal and expansion.

Sound Emporium

Founded by Cowboy Jack Clement in 1969, Sound Emporium has been a cornerstone of Nashville's music scene for over half a century. The studio is noted for its versatility, welcoming a diverse range of artists from Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers to Robert Plant and Taylor Swift.

Significant albums like "Red Headed Stranger" by Willie Nelson and the Grammy-winning "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack were crafted within its walls. Today, Sound Emporium continues its commitment to fostering musical creativity, bridging the gap between Nashville's storied past and its dynamic future.

Blackbird Studio

Established in 2002 by John and Martina McBride, Blackbird Studio is a relative newcomer in the Nashville scene, but it has quickly become one of the world's premier recording facilities. Equipped with nine studios and boasting an extensive collection of equipment, Blackbird has attracted a diverse roster of artists, from Kings of Leon to Tim McGraw.

Blackbird has a special place in the modern country landscape, facilitating the genre's ongoing evolution and pushing its boundaries. This forward-looking studio demonstrates that while Nashville respects and cherishes its musical roots, it's not afraid to innovate and redefine country music.

----

Nashville's recording studios are much more than mere buildings. They are living, breathing entities that continue to shape, innovate, and inspire the country music landscape. Their contribution to music extends beyond country, affecting pop, rock, and folk genres, among others. These studios are a testament to Nashville's commitment to musical innovation and the cultivation of talent, confirming its status as one of the world's great music cities.

Whether preserving the traditions of the Nashville Sound or driving the evolution of country music into new territories, these studios have made and continue to make an indelible impact. They remind us that country music isn't merely a genre, but a rich tapestry of stories, emotions, and experiences, woven together in studios throughout Nashville, and shared with the world.

New Music Video From Vince Gill - "In The Ghetto" (Live at the Opry)

Mac Davis Passes Away At Age 78

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

Mac Davis has died. 

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee had heart surgery on Monday (9/28), which left him in critical condition according to a post from his family on Facebook.  Last night (9/29) he passed away.

Lubbock, Texas was home to Buddy Holly; and, as Morris Mac Davis stated in his hit song "Texas in My Rear View Mirror," many youngsters with a musical talent were heavily influenced by the native son.  Davis left Lubbock for international success, finding it on multiple levels. 

His voluminous credits include writing Elvis' hit "A Little Less Conversation" and social statement "In the Ghetto," host of his own variety show, actor in films, cartoons, and TV shows, and, of course, music.

Davis' recording career took off with the hit "Baby, Don't Get Hooked on Me," which topped the pop charts and the "easy listening" charts as well as being a good-sized country hit in 1972.  More successes followed as a singer ("Stop and Smell the Roses") and songwriter (the pop group Gallery covered Davis' minor hit "I Believe in Music" in 1972), netting him awards from the CMA and the Grammys. 

Davis was also blessed with good looks, and that made him a natural for Hollywood.  His first major acting role was as the quarterback in the film North Dallas Forty, which was hailed as one of the best sports movies of its time.  Dolly Parton said that Davis was always generous with sharing his experiences with her when she branched out into movies in the 80s. 

The announcement of Davis' death came hours after the announcement of the passing of Australian pop superstar Helen Reddy, who found initial success with her cover of Tanya Tucker's hit "Delta Dawn."

Davis would always close his concerts with his 1970 song "I Believe In Music," which is a fitting tribute to the music he has left us:

Lift your voices to the sky,

God loves you when you sing.

Mac Davis was 78

TNS Video History - The Highwaymen Perform "The King Is Gone (So Are You)"

The Mavericks Cover Their Heroes and Inspirations on Nov. 1 Release of Play the Hits

Artist: The Mavericks

Album: Play the Hits

Label: Mono Mundo

Release date: November 1, 2019

“As musicians, you are always listening to other songs and you find inspiration and you talk about, ‘Oh man, one day we’re going to record this.’ But other things get in the way. You hear every reason in the world as to why not do a covers record, but now we’re in charge, so if we’re not going to do it now, when the hell are we going to?” The Mavericks lead singer Raul Malo told Rolling Stone. "You see those in the truck stops. ‘So-and-So Artist of Yesteryear Plays the Hits,’ and it’s some awful recording they were forced to do, and they’re selling for 3.99,” Malo laughs. “This is basically our version of that record, but hopefully with a little more care, and certainly more thought put into it.”

Three decades in, The Mavericks are as popular as ever, with a diverse and devoted following. Despite this covers album, they’ve refused to be a nostalgia act. “People come and yell for the newer songs,” enthuses longtime keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden. Drummer and co-founder Paul Deakin has a perspective on the durability of the band: “The reason for our longevity is that we’ve been able to take control of the music we play, how we play it, and where and when we play it. We’ve made enough mistakes once, twice or three times, but now we run the show. We can keep the creative spark that’s so central to what we do.”

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, and pay tribute to artists and songs that have been part of the journey, the Mavericks give us a brand new album called Play the Hits, featuring songs they cut their teeth on, all made famous by other people, disassembled and totally reimagined by the Mavericks as a testament to how great the songs are and how the band can get inside the material and make it their own.

“The Mavericks in a way has been our experiment,” muses Raul. “It’s the ‘why not’ band. Why not just do it? It’s more fun that way. We’re not beholden to any one genre. We’re not beholden to anything. And you know, all it has to do is just sound good.” Yes, that’s about it.

Track listing and songwriter credits:

Swingin’ (John David Anderson, Lionel A Delmore)
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way (Waylon Jennings)
Blame It On Your Heart (Harlan Howard, Kostas Lazarides)
Don’t You Ever Get Tired (Of Hurting Me) (Hank Cochran)
Before The Next Teardrop Falls (Vivian Keith, Ben Peters)
Hungry Heart (Bruce Springsteen)
Why Can’t She Be You (Hank Cochran)
Once Upon A Time (feat. Martina McBride) (Barney Ales, Dave Hamilton, Clarence Paul, William Stevenson)
Don’t Be Cruel (Otis Blackwell, Elvis Presley)
Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (Fred Rose)

I’m Leaving It Up To You (Don Harris, Dewey Steven Terry) 

DJ Fontana, Last Surviving Member of Elvis' Band, Passes Away

 K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

Sadly, the "Heartbreak Hotel" is now vacant. DJ Fontana, the last surviving member of Elvis' band in the 1950s, has died.

Born Dominic Joseph Fontana in 1931, Fontana's first work as a drummer came on the legendary Louisiana Hayride. He met and backed the likes of Faron Young and Webb Pierce there.

Of course, the Louisiana Hayride is also where a young Elvis Presley first unleashed his rockabilly-style music on the world. Fontana joined Presley's band, playing drums on the groundbreaking "Heartbreak Hotel."

Army duty called for Elvis, putting an end to the "official" band that consisted of Fontana, Bill Black, and Scotty Moore. However, Moore and Fontana continued to work with Elvis throughout the 60s, appearing in movies and on TV specials with him.

Additionally, Fontana was an in-demand session musician. His web site lists his credits on albums by acts as diverse as Jim Reeves, Ringo Starr, and Cheap Trick. His talents earned him induction into the Rockabilly and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.

Farewell to DJ Fontana, who was 87.

Cash, Kristofferson, Presley, Church, Swift, Isbell and Daniels Among Country Artists Releasing Special Record Store Day Projects On April 21

Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally. Today there are Record Store Day participating stores on every continent except Antarctica. 

This is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day. Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, DJs spinning records, and on and on. In 2008 a small list of titles was released on Record Store Day and that list has grown to include artists and labels both large and small, in every genre and price point. The list continues to include a wide range of artists, covering the diverse taste of record stores and their customers.

While there’s only one Record Store Day a year, the organization works with both independent and and major labels throughout the year to create contests, special releases and promotions in order to spotlight the benefits of supporting these independent, locally owned stores with music purchases throughout the year. This year, the event will be held on April 21, 2018 and there are a number of country music releases including the following:

Live At The Atlanta Pop Festival, July 3 & 5, 1970 - The Allman Brothers Band Legacy -  4 x LP 'RSD First' - 3000 qty

Things Change -  Bobby Bare - BFD LP RSD Exclusive - 1500

At Folsom Prison: 50th Anniversary Elegacy Edition - Johnny Cash - Legacy - 5 x LP - RSD Exclusive - 2500

I Love You Because / You're The Nearest Thing To Heaven -  Johnny Cash - Charly - 7" Vinyl '- RSD First' 

61 Days In Church - Covers - Eric Church - EMI Nashville - LP RSD Exclusive -  2500

Memories, Memoirs & Miles: Songs Of A Lifetime - Charlie Daniels - CDC Records -  2 x LP RSD Exclusive - 1500

Live at Twist & Shout - Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - New West Records - Vinyl 'RSD First' - 3000

Heart Break - Lady Antebellum - Capitol Nashville - 7" Vinyl RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus  - 500

The King In the Ring - Elvis Presley -  Legacy -  2 x LP RSD Exclusive - 3000

The Bottom Line Archive Series: In Their Own Words: With Vin Scelsa - Lou Reed and Kris
Kristofferson - The Bottom Line Records  - 12" Picture Disc RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus  - 1000

Starfire  - Caitlyn Smith - Monument - LP 'RSD First' - 1000

Way Out West - Desert Suite (Trip One) - Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives-  Superlatone Recordings - 12" Vinyl RSD Exclusive - 1200

Fearless  Platinum Edition - Taylor Swift - Big Machine - 2 x LP 'RSD First' - 2500

1989 - Taylor Swift - Big Machine - LP 'RSD First' - 2500

Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift - Big Machine - LP 'RSD First' - 2500
 

Living Legend Don McLean To Release First Album In 8 Years In Late March

Artist: Don McLean
Album: Botanical Gardens
Label: BMG
Release Date: March 23, 2018

With over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, Don McLean's prowess for writing timeless songs is among the legends in popular music. He goes to the well once again on Botanical Gardens, as he "artfully weaves country, Americana, folk, and boot stomping rock for an eclectic, yet American sound that he is known for."

Botanical Gardens, his 19th studio album and first in 8 years, is what Don believes one of his most reflective to date. As he characterizes it, “The inspiration for the project started years ago when I would walk in the beautiful gardens in Sydney, Australia near the Opera House. I would dream young dreams and it was a comfort and an inspiration. I was always young inside, like we all are, and I felt it again there.” Further reflecting on the record, Don says, “the whole album really revolves around the title song. Later on I realized that the gardens are really a metaphorical heaven, and there’s a kind of death and rebirth.”

From the release, "Intimacy can be found at the heart of this record, with Don penning personal numbers looking back on a life well-lived, as well as his observations on youth and love. Recording at Watershed Studios in Nashville also allowed a different kind of intimacy for Don and his band, as they were made to “play close and feel the music”, resulting in a raw, yet tight sound throughout."

In nearly 50 years, Don’s songs have become an iconic staple of American music. His music has been performed by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Madonna, Fred Astaire, Drake, James Blake, Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Weird Al Yankovic, George Michael, Josh Groban, Coolio and Ed Sheeran.

His biggest hit, “American Pie,” was recently recognized with high honors by BMI for achieving five (5) Million-Air certified airplay awards, along with “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” achieving three (3) Million-Air certified airplay awards. “American Pie” also has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and is also included in the archive at the Library of Congress. Don McLean was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004.

Official Botanical Gardens track listing:

1. Botanical Gardens
2. The Lucky Guy
3. A Total Eclipse Of The Sun
4. The Waving Man
5. When July Comes
6. You’re All I Ever Had
7. Rock and Roll Your Baby
8. I’ve Cried All The Tears That I Have
9. Ain’t She A Honey
10. The King of Fools
11. Grief And Hope
12. You’ve Got Such Beautiful Eyes
13. Last Night When We Were Young

Steve Azar Enlists BB King's Band's Help With New Album and Documentary- Both Out August 11

Artist: Steve Azar & The Kings Men
Album: Down at the Liquor Store
Label: Ride Records
Release date: August 11, 2017

His debut album Waitin’ On Joe was released in 2001. The title track went to #1 on CMT and featured Academy award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. From the same album the hit single “I Don’t Have To Be Me, Til Monday” received three Million-Air awards from BMI and is one of the top five most played songs of the past decade on country radio.

In April of 2016, Steve became the first artist to record a full-length studio album at the legendary Mississippi landmark, Club Ebony. (Was it just a coincidence that Steve years prior had released a record with the title track name Indianola, the town in which Club Ebony resides?) They used all vintage gear for the sessions. The gear and the players coupled with the live vibe of the club have contributed to making a record that they believe melds old sounds with new energy. Steve refers to it as a "beautiful train wreck of styles".

A long time in the making, and his first record in 5 years, Steve cut 13 new original tracks. The club, now belonging to the B.B. King Museum, was turned into a recording studio capturing the rich history and vibe of the room and in turn creating inspirational performances on the record. The album, Down At The Liquor Store, was made with the participation of The Kings Men, a group of musicians who backed B.B. King, Elvis Presley and other musical Kings. The combination of Steve's Delta songwriting approach and the band's musical background has created a unique and soulful sound.

The new record is accompanied by a full-length feature documentary combining the making of the record with the musical trajectory of The Kings Men and the historical musical influence of the Mississippi Delta on the world music scene.

1. Rena Lara
2. Start to Wanderin' My Way
3. Tender and Tough
4. Wake Me from the Dead
5. Down at the Liquor Store
6. She Just Rolls with Me
7. I Don't Mind (Most of the Time)
8. Chance I'll Take
9. Over It All
10. Road Isn't There Anymore
11. These Crossroads
12. Ode to Sonny Boy
13. Greenville

Hannah Blaylock Covers Elvis Presley - "I'll Have a Blue Christmas"

A Veterans Day Salute To Those Country Artists That Served In The Military

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

Kris Kristofferson - Army Ranger

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day in 1938 to honor the "Great War" (what we now call World War I) veterans on the anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending the first world war (which occurred on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m.).  In 1954 the name of the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" to honor the veterans of both world wars as well as the Korean war and those who served in peacetime.

I annually publish this list of some of the members of the world of country and bluegrass music who served in the armed forces, and (if applicable) the war during which they served.  The list increases every year (sadly, usually by reading obituaries of singers who pass away).   It remains one of my most popular posts, for which I am very grateful. 

Here are the musicians in country, bluegrass, and country-rock that served in the military:

Army:

Jules Verne Allen (World War I)
Jack Anglin (World War II)
Bob Atcher (World War II)
Bobby Bare
Dr. Humphrey Bate (Spanish-American War)
Byron Berline
Pat Brady (World War II)
Rod Brasfield (World War II)
Jim Ed Brown
Tom Brumley
Horace "Aytchie" Burns (World War II)
Kenneth "Jethro" Burns (World War II)
Tommy Cash
Harold "Curly" Chalker
Hank Cochran
Earl Thomas Conley
Sonny Curtis
Tommy Duncan (World War II)
Jim Eanes (World War II)
Bob Ferguson (also served in the Marines)
John Fogerty
David Frizzell
Johnny Gimble
Jack Greene
Tom T. Hall
Bill Harrell
Esco Hankins (World War II)
Harold "Hawkshaw" Hawkins (World War II)
Red Hayes (World War II)
Henry "Homer" Haynes (World War II)
Fairley Holden (World War II)
Doyle Holly
Harlan Howard
Stonewall Jackson (primarily served in the Navy; briefly in Army but discharged after it was discovered he lied about his age)
Sonny James (Korea)
Louis "Grandpa" Jones (World War II)
Doug Kershaw
Rusty Kershaw
Bradley Kincaid (World War I)
Kris Kristofferson
John Lair
Darrell ("Pee Wee") Lambert (World War II)
Charlie Louvin (Korea; was in the Army Air Corps during WW II)
Ira Louvin (World War II)
Joe Maphis (World War II)
Darrell McCall
Del McCoury
Skeets McDonald
Jesse McReynolds (Korea)
Jim McReynolds (Korea)
Homer "Slim" Miller (World War I)
Roger Miller (Korea)
Hubert "Buster" Moore
George Morgan
"Colonel" Tom Parker
Les Paul (World War II)
Lloyd Perryman (World War II)
Webb Pierce
Elvis Presley
Charley Pride
John Prine
Boots Randolph
Jerry Reed
Don Reno (World War II)
J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson
John Shuffler (Korea)
Shel Silverstein
Arthur "Red" Smiley (World War II)
Cal Smith
James "Hal" Smith (World War II)
Carl Sprague
Ralph Stanley (World War II)
Jack Stapp (World War II)
John Starling
Henry "Redd" Stewart (World War II)
George Strait
Nat Stuckey (Korea)
Robert "Tut" Taylor (World War II) (also served in the Navy)
Floyd Tillman
Conway Twitty
T. Texas Tyler (David Myrick) (World War II)
Leroy Van Dyke
Charlie Walker (World War II)
Roland White
Doyle Wilburn (Korea)
Teddy Wilburn (Korea)
Don Williams
Bob Wills (World War II)
Faron Young

Navy:

Hoyt Axton
Kenny Baker (World War II)
Archie Campbell (World War II)
Jerry Clower
Cy Coben (World War II)
Larry Cordle
Alton Delmore (World War II)
Roy Drusky
Bill Emerson
Leon Everette
Werly Fairburn (World War II)
Benjamin "Whitey" Ford (Duke of Paducah) (World War I)
Howdy Forrester (World War II)
Claude Gray (Korea)
Buddy Harman
Ferlin Husky (Merchant Marines) (World War II)
Harold "Shot" Jackson
Stonewall Jackson (also briefly served in the Army but was discharged after it was discovered he lied about his age to enlist)
Mitch Jayne (World War II)
Claude King (World War II)
Doyle Lawson
Johnny Lee (Vietnam)
Leon McAuliffe (World War II)
Ronnie McDowell
Bill Nettles (World War I)
Dale Noe (World War II)
Johnny Paycheck (Donald Lytle)
Don Pierce (World War II)
Ray Pillow
Claude "Curly" Putman
Marvin Rainwater (World War II)
Leon Rausch (World War II)
Red Rector (briefly joined the Navy in 1942, when he was 13, but was discharged once it was discovered he had lied about his age)
Marty Robbins (World War II)
Billy Joe Shaver
Red Simpson (Korea)
Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith (World War II)
Carl Smith
Carl Story (World War II)
Robert "Tut" Taylor (World War II) (also served in the Army)
Hank Thompson (World War II)
Billy Edd Wheeler
Ray Whitley
Slim Whitman (World War II)
Ray Winkler (World War II)

Air Force/Army Air Corps:

Randy Atcher (World War II)
Gene Autry (World War II)
Rod Brasfield (World War II)
Henry Cannon (Mr. Minnie Pearl) (World War II)
Johnny Cash
Jerry Chesnut (Korea)
Jimmy Dean
Tennessee Ernie Ford (World War II)
Kendall Hayes
Tommy Jackson (World War II)
Red Lane
Jimmie Logsdon (World War II)
Charlie Louvin (World War II, was in the Army in Korea)
O.B. McClinton
Willie Nelson
Mike Nesmith
Mickey Newberry
Del Reeves
Charlie Rich
Carter Stanley (World War II)
Mel Tillis

Marines:

Red Allen
Wendy Bagwell (World War II)
Jack Clement
Bill Clifton
Tommy Collins (Leonard Sipes)
Don Everly
Phil Everly
Freddy Fender (Baldemar Huerta)
Bob Ferguson (Korea) (also served in the Army)
Josh Garcin
Wayne Hancock
Freddie Hart (World War II)
Jamey Johnson
George Jones
Ned Miller (World War II)
Bobby Osborne (Korea)
Ray Price (World War II)
Merle Travis (World War II)
Charles Whitstein
Robert Whitstein (Vietnam)

Thank you for your music; more importantly, thank you for your service to our country.
 

Interview Flashback - Talking Bob Dylan Influence With Love and Theft

I have been blessed to write contributions/reviews/interviews/opinion pieces for several country music and roots-oriented websites and publications over the years including Saving Country Music, Nashville Scene, Country California, Country Weekly, American Noise, The 9513 and Engine 145. As a regular contributor to the last two in that list, I did close to a 100 interviews with different artists- and since both of those great sites have come down, I will reprint some of those interviews here to give them a home in perpetuity. This interview was originally published in January 2010 on The 9513.

1984. Ronald Reagan is re-elected President. The Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles. Transformers are unleashed on the world. And from three different points across the United States, three baby boys are born that will eventually form the country group, Love and Theft. 

Stephen Barker Liles grew up in Palm Harbor, Florida on early gospel and contemporary Christian music. Eric Gunderson was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina developing a deep love for his family’s favorite artists such as Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and the Eagles. Brian Bandas spent his youth in Austin, Texas. His was a very music-oriented family with his grandfather and uncle both were well-respected jazz players. 

All points converged on Nashville just a few short years ago when all three came to Music City looking to make their mark in country music. They first began working with one-another as songwriting partners, but as they began to work out demos, they realized that they had something unique in their ability to fluidly trade lead vocals and in their love of harmonies. From there, Love and Theft was born. 

They signed with Disney’s Carolwood Records- now Lyric Street after a consolidation- and opened up for Taylor Swift’s 2008 World Tour. (Swift’s song “Hey Stephen” is widely accepted to be written about Barker Liles.). In March of this year, they released their first single, "Runaway" which ran away to number ten on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. They followed up that with the debut of their first album, World Wide Open.  

The 9513 had a chance to catch the guys in person before going on to do a fundraising performance for the Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project to chat about their first full year on the national music scene. 

Ken Morton, Jr.- I recognize the name of the band from an old Bob Dylan album, what made you guys decide on that as a band name?

Brian Bandas- We are influenced heavily by all kinds of classic music. It could everything and anything by Dylan, Elvis, the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash- anything in that classic musical style. When we started looking for a name, we started going through old discographies of artists we had idolized for years. We came across that name and loved the phrase. And as songwriters, who better to pay tribute to than Bob Dylan? We think he’s one of the best songwriters of all time. And there you go.

KMJ- How did you guys all meet up in Nashville?

Eric Gunderson- We all got there around the same time but we didn’t know each other then. We all dropped out of college and moved to Nashville with the hopes of getting a publishing deal or a record deal somehow. We all met through the songwriting community in Nashville. We met through some mutual friends of ours and different roommates we were living with. We actually wrote a track together- it’s the last track on our album called “Drowning” together. We recorded in the attic of my house and when we were putting the harmony part on there, we thought, “Wow, this is pretty cool.” And now we’re Love and Theft. 

KMJ- You guys mentioned some classic country artists that you were influenced by. Are there some more modern country artists who you’d say you influenced by as well?

Stephen Barker Liles- Tim McGraw is one. And the fact that we’re going to be on his tour next year is amazing.

BB- Yeah, that is pretty amazing.  George Strait. I think I have every single one of his albums. And he has a lot of albums. (Laughing)

KMJ- For someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to hear your new album, World Wide Open, describe it from the artist’s perspective.

BB- We wrote everything on there and our first goal was to not have any filler. We didn’t want to have three or four good singles on there and fill up the rest with eight more tracks. We wanted to put the same amount of energy and passion into every song. We wanted every song to stand on its own. We feel like we accomplished that. It’s definitely a work of passion, it’s all very personal to us. Everything comes from something in our lives, something that’s happened to us. Any of us could sit down and write a song about anything.

SBL- Like Bill Nye the Science Guy.

BB- It’s about one of us coming into the room and saying, “This just happened in my life,” and us writing a song about it. It’s writing about it from that point of personal place. That’s something we’re proud of, that sort of raw kind of authenticity. It’s a little scary kind of baring your soul like that. You’re kind of open to the world like that. 

KMJ- Is that where the title of the album, World Wide Open, comes from?

BB- Absolutely. Eric wrote that song about a specific situation he found himself in and after he wrote it, we all felt it applied to our own lives and to the band as a whole. This ride could go anywhere, we just don’t know where. 

KMJ- It’s not often that bands will share lead vocals like you guys do. Was that a conscious decision to do it differently or did it just evolve that way?

EG- A little bit of both. We all came into it as solo singers. So I don’t think any of us were anxious or willing to totally give up the lead vocals. We all love to sing and we all love that time when we get to sing solo. 

SBL- If you look at the Eagles, they tried it out that way. And it worked out pretty well.

BB- Yeah, we’re huge Eagles fans. 

EG- As for as lead vocals and group harmonies, that’s really what we’re striving towards. It really never ever came up though between us who would sing what. I never had to defend my position and say, “No no no, I want to sing too.” No one even ever asked that question. We all sing. We just all kept singing. 

KMJ- Were you guys ever encouraged to do it differently and find that one lead singer?

SBL- (Stephen pretends he’s a music executive) “How are you guys going to do that without one lead singer? That’s impossible to establish.” We just told them, “You know, we’re going to try it.” 

EG- Especially when we were going around looking for a record deal at different studios. I don’t remember who it was, but they were like, “You guys sound great, but I can’t see this ever working in this town. It’s hard enough with one lead singer, I don’t know how they’ll ever react positively to three.” Which is valid I guess.

BB- But that was definitely one of the biggest responses and reactions to our thing. “We love it… but the multiple lead singer thing isn’t going to work.” But through all of our songs, we’ve never had a problem of who was going to sing what. It’s never really mattered. I think the three of us have worked enough together so we know who sings what parts best. Now it’s only our first record… (laughter from all three)

KMJ- What’s been the highlight of the year for each of you so far?

SBL- The Jason Aldean Tour was the highlight for me. Oh, and playing the Grand Ole Opry. We’ve got a chance to play the Grand Ole Opry three times this year which is awesome. And this last time, we got to play the Ryman. Incredible. 

EG- For me, that’s probably our favorite thing this year. It was our second time playing at the Ryman. The first time we got to play a J.D. Souther tribute. That was an incredible honor for us. We got to get up there with Lee Ann Womack. But then we got the chance to go up and do the Grand Ole Opry right there at the Ryman. So that was pretty special. 

BB- For me, it was Jimmy Fallon. For years, that was one of my little pipe dreams. “Someday, I’m going to be on the Late Night Show.” That was the coolest thing for me.

KMJ- Great experiences for you guys. Stephen, you wrote a track on Martina McBride’s latest album Shine called “Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong.” That has to be a pretty remarkable accomplishment for you this year in itself.

SBL- Yeah. I mean songwriting is my favorite thing in the whole world. I was very honored that she picked it to record. And I just found out it’s going to be her next single that’ll be coming out right around the end of the year. I’m so very excited about that. 

KMJ- You guys opened up for Taylor Swift in 2008. How important was that to your successful launch?

EG- At that point we didn’t have a single. We didn’t have a record.

SBL- Anything.

EG- We didn’t have anything. Halfway through that tour we recorded a live EP because we wanted people to have something that wanted it something to take home. But it was really important because it gave us the opportunity to go out in front of 6,000 to 10,000 fans almost every single night. And it helped to fine-tune our live show and our acoustic show. There wasn’t any pressure to out there and sound like our record because there wasn’t a record. We could go out there and work on performing in front of a huge audience. So it was really unique in that perspective. And it was very cool for them to take a chance on us. 

KMJ- You guys mentioned the upcoming tour, you’ll be going out with Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw. How many dates- how long will you guys be out on tour?

EG- I think forty-something dates.

SBL- It goes from April to August. 

KMJ- So you won’t be seeing anyone you know- no family or friends- for five months, will you?

BB- But that’s how it’s been all year long, anyways. I think we’ve only been home 30 days the whole year. But we love it.

SBL- Yeah we do. We had like six days off at home. And I started to feel weird. We hadn’t had that many days off all year. So I actually had to go to Florida to take a vacation and go do something. 

BB- It does feel weird. I know for me, I get antsy if I’m not doing something with the band, if we’re just not doing anything.

KMJ- This last one’s meant pretty open-ended. What is country music to Love and Theft?

EG- For me, country music is really just all about the song. Songwriting is such a big part of country music. From Johnny Cash to Waylon to Hank to all these others great songwriters- all those great writers that came before us make it really inspiring to go back and listen to their songs and then go write a song. It’s cool to me to see that they were writing about some of the same things back then. It’s just the world evolving and moving on a bit. It’s about relationships and the things you love. It’s all about the songwriting. 

BB- That has been the other thing that has been eye-opening through this process. It’s the fans. It’s these people that are passionate about it. They put it on as they’re driving across the country or are listening to it as they’re working in the shops or whatever it may be. This is their soundtrack of their life. And they embrace it passionately. We’re constantly blown away by what it means to people, what a huge part of people’s lives it is. 

Martina McBride Set To Release New Covers Album In March

Four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Martina McBride will be releasing her brand new album, Everlasting, out March 4, 2014. Helmed by the longtime producer Don Was, McBride tackles some of the most revered hits in the annals of history in American music by some of the greatest performers of all time. According to the press release:

"The 14-time Grammy Nominee brings her extraordinary voice and impeccable music styling to songs with tremendously established prestige, as the majority of the original versions of her chosen tracks were top ten hits in their own time, and many charted at number one. Who better to take on such a daunting challenge than a seasoned chart veteran with 20 top ten hits and six number one smashes of her own? Perfect-pitched McBride stands poised to deepen the lore of these legendary songs."

The album promises an eclectic range of songs — from Elvis to The Supremes to Van Morrison, spanning from 1955 to 2010. Best known for her country successes, she flexes her R&B and soul muscles too with favorites that include a sublime “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” made famous by Aretha Franklin, a heart-wrenching “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” from Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and the Jimmy Ruffin hit “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted.”

“Martina is a singer’s singer. She brings a richness, soul and vulnerability to these songs that no one else could,” says Was. “It’s also testimony to both Martina’s vocal prowess and her strong vision as an artist that she is able to step into these well-worn, classic songs and completely make them her own…she has an approach and a point-of-view that are unmistakable.”

“These songs have beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics, which is basically all you can ask for as a singer. While this is a bit of a departure for me song-wise, stylistically I approached these songs the way I always have which is singing with as much soul and emotion as I possibly can,” adds McBride. “I think my fans will love this record because they are some of the best songs of all time done in a very classic style. I’m so excited for them to hear it and to take this record, complete with a horn section, on the road in the spring.”

The album was recorded in Nashville at Blackbird and will be released on her own label through Kobalt label services, Everlasting also features a collaboration with Gavin DeGraw on “Bring It On Home To Me,” originally performed by Sam Cooke.

Hear Martina’s “If You Don’t Know Me By Now:”

Cowboy Jack Clement Passes Away at 82

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Cowboy Jack Clement, a great renaissance man of his time, passed away at the age of 82 from liver cancer yesterday. Part songwriter, performer, producer, collector and resource for countless Nashville artists, his impact on music cannot be overstated. Here are just some of the accomplishments he achieved in his long career:

In 1956, he became part of one of the seminal events in rock and roll history when he went to work as a producer and engineer for Sam Phillips at Sun Records. There, Clement worked with future stars such as Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. But most importantly, he discovered and recorded Jerry Lee Lewis while Sam Phillips was away.

In 1957, Clement wrote the song "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" that became a crossover hit for Johnny Cash. Other Cash hits written by Clement included "Guess Things Happen That Way", which was # 1 country and # 11 pop in 1958, and the humorous "The One on the Right Is on the Left", which was a # 2 country and # 46 pop hit in 1966. He produced Cash's # 1 hit "Ring of Fire" in 1963.

In 1959, Clement accepted an offer to work as a producer at RCA in Nashville, then the most important label in the industry. He would go on to write a number of highly successful songs that have been recorded by singing stars such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, Carl Perkins, Bobby Bare, Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cliff Richard ("It'll Be Me"), Charley Pride, Tom Jones, Dickey Lee and Hank Snow.

He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973. He also produced albums by Townes Van Zandt and Waylon Jennings in the 70's.

In 1987, Clement was approached by U2 to record at legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. He had never heard of U2 but took the session based on the urging of someone else in his office. The result was a portion of the U2 album Rattle and Hum ("When Love Came To Town" with BB King, "Angel of Harlem" about Billie Holiday, and "Love Rescue Me" with backing vocals by Bob Dylan), as well as the Woody Guthrie song "Jesus Christ."

Jack Clement was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame and on April 10, 2013 it was announced he would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

There are some tremendous obituaries out there that deserve reading including:

Peter Cooper at The Tennessean: http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2013/08/08/jack-clement-country-music-hall-of-famer-dies-at-82/

Julie Zauzmer at The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/cowboy-jack-clement-country-music-icon-dies-at-82/2013/08/08/72c10d68-0058-11e3-96a8-d3b921c0924a_story.html

Edward Morris at CMT: http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1712001/cowboy-jack-clement-a-nashville-music-legend-dies-at-age-82.jhtml

New Music Video From Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley- "I Love You Because"

New Music Video From Lisa Marie Presley- "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet"

TNS Video History- Dolly Parton Covers Elvis' "All Shook Up"

Country Music Hall Of Fame Readies New Exhibit On The Man Behind Elvis

Mysterious and shrewd, Colonel Tom Parker revo-lutionized the business of promotion and manage-ment while guiding the careers of Eddy Arnold, Elvis Presley, and others. Marking the hundredth birth anniversary of the late music industry legend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will pay tribute to Parker in a spotlight exhibit featuring personal photos, correspondence, documents, apparel, a scrapbook, and other artifacts from throughout his controversial career.

Spotlight Exhibit: Colonel Tom Parker
Opens: September 25, 2009
Where: Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, Tennessee