News ~ December 2003

Vincent Has Emergency Surgery
Rhonda Vincent had emergency surgery on her pancreas on Wednesday, December 31st, in St. Louis, Missouri. She is expected to be in the hospital until Friday, January 2nd and will not be performing on the Opry Friday evening. Please keep Rhonda in your prayers. 12/31/03

Plot Thickens in Reeves Estate Case
Terry Davis, the second husband of Jim Reeves' widow Mary, has been arrested on a number of charges of animal neglect involving a large number of cats. What's worse is that some folks who knew Mary Reeves claim that the situation with the cats contributed to the problems with Ms. Reeves' health up until she passed away in 1999. Confused yet? Read Davis's explanation, more information about Davis and Reeves, and about the estate feud that has been going on for years. 12/31/03

Gill To Perform for Charity
Vince Gill will soon headline a Nashville concert to benefit Terra's Angels Charities, a Nashville-based organization consisting of a group of volunteers who assist families with life-threatening cancer. The charity event will take place January 18th at the Wildhorse Saloon. 12/30/03

Stars Head to SuperBowl
Asleep at the Wheel and BR549 are scheduled to attend the SuperBash outdoor five-day Super Bowl party. The bash, which will take place in Houston, is scheduled for January 28th through February 1st. 12/30/03

Vestal Goodman Dies
Vestal Goodman, often called the Queen of Gospel Music, died Saturday, December 27th, in Orlando, Florida. She was 74. Early Monday, WSM reported the cause of death as complications from the flu. Ms. Goodman's funeral will be at 1:00 P.M. New Year's Day at Christ Church on Old Hickory Boulevard in Nashville. Her body will be laid to rest in Christ Church Memorial Gardens. 12/29/03

Sonny Osborne Has Surgery
Bobby Osborne announced on the Grand Ole Opry® this weekend that his brother Sonny underwent surgery on his shoulder on Monday, December 22, 2003. Sonny is recuperating and should rejoin his brother in a few weeks. 12/28/03

Dave Dudley Passes Away
Dave Dudley, known for his hits "The Pool Shark" and "Six Days on the Road," has passed away. Dudley died of an apparent heart attack at his home in Wisconsin on Monday, December 22nd. He was 75. He is survived by his wife and co-writer Marie. Funeral arrangements are pending. 12/23/03

Hall Celebrates Scruggs
Earl Scruggs will turn 80 years old on January 6th. Accordingly, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will be paying tribute to him with a party that day. This party is not open to the public, but will kick off a series of museum events that will pay tribute to Scruggs. In related news, the museum will adopt new hours beginning January 2nd and running through March. The museum will be open Wednesdays through Mondays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and will be closed on Tuesdays. 12/23/03

Recording Academy Honors Doc Watson
The Recording Academy has announced the recipients of the 2004 Lifetime Achievement Awards. Doc Watson is one of 6 acts to receive the honor this year. Formal acknowledgement of the award will be made in conjunction with the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be broadcast on CBS on February 8, 2004. 12/22/03

Lauderdale To Perform at Station Inn
Singer-songwriter (and actor) Jim Lauderdale has scheduled monthly concerts at Nashville's Station Inn for the first half of 2004. Lauderdale has written a number of songs including Patty Loveless' "Halfway Down," Mark Chesnutt's "I'm Gonna Get a Life," George Jones' "The King of Broken Hearts," and a slew of George Strait songs including "Don't Make Me Come Over There and Love You," "She Used to Say That to Me," "We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This," and "What Do You Say to That." He portrayed George Jones in the musical version of "Stand By Your Man." 12/22/03

Bellamys Sue
According to CMT.com, the Bellamy Brothers have sued DeltaDisc, their one-time distributor, as well as a certified public accountant used by the company. The duo alleges that they were underpaid in royalties and that a $75,000 check they received from the company has bounced several times. In related news, songwriter Jennifer Ember Pierce has sued Universal Music Group, alleging that the company has underpaid royalties for sales of Johnny Cash's recording of her song "That Old Wheel." 12/22/03

Allan on the Mend
According to CountryStars.com, Gary Allan recently underwent knee surgery. The country singer reports that his rehabilitation is currently ahead of schedule and that he will be performing a show on New Year's Eve. Allan recently released a video for his latest single "Songs About Rain." His last single, "Tough Little Boys," topped the country singles charts earlier this year. 12/22/03

Bentley Named Top New Country Artist
Billboard Magazine named Dierks Bentley its top new country artist in its year-end issue. Bentley, whose first single "What Was I Thinkin'" rose to the top ten of the country charts earlier in 2003, will be opening concert dates for George Strait beginning in January. His run with Strait will last two months. 12/22/03

CMT To Air Cash Video
On December 24th, CMT will debut the video for "September When It Comes," the last duet recorded by Rosanne and Johnny Cash. The video consists of a montage of family photos shown at the Johnny Cash Memorial Tribute in November. The song is from Rosanne's latest CD, Rules of Travel, which is nominated for a Grammy. 12/19/03

A New Version of "Little Moments" Heads to Radio
Brad Paisley's current single "Little Moments" has been on radio for some time, but a new version of the song is on its way to radio. Paisley performed the tune at the wedding of Trista Rehn ("The Bachelorette") and Ryan Sutter last week, and the performance was recorded and has since been sent to country radio stations. The live performance did not air on the televised portion of the wedding. 12/18/03

Derailers Top Americana Airplay Chart
The Derailers have topped the this year's Americana airplay chart with over 14,000 spins from their latest CD. The 2003 Radio & Records Americana Airplay chart reports the top Americana music acts by counting the number of spins an artist's album received this year from the first week of January through the first week of December. Dwight Yoakam was also included in the top ten on the chart, and bluegrass songstress Rhonda Vincent topped 10,000 spins. 12/17/03

Diffie Benefit Set for February
Joe Diffie's annual "Joe Diffie and Friends" concert is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2004, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The show's proceeds will benefit First Steps, Inc, a Nashville-based organization for the support and development of children with special needs. In addition to Diffie, "Nashville Star" winner Buddy Jewell will perform at the show. Want to attend the benefit? Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster beginning Saturday, January 4, 2004. 12/17/03

Gary Stewart Dies
Country artist Gary Stewart has died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the neck. Stewart was found in his home in Fort Pierce. His wife of 43 years passed away last month, and relatives last saw him on Sunday. Stewart's hits include "Drinkin' Thing" and the #1 hit "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)." He was 58. 12/16/03

Worley to Persian Gulf
According to CountryStars.com, Darryl Worley will soon be heading out on a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the Persian Gulf region. During the tour, he will perform and will visit with the troops, taking some time to sign autographs for members of the military. Worley, an ardent supporter of the military, completed a USO tour of Afghanistan during the 2002 Christmas holidays. 12/16/03

Turner Tops New Artist Chart
Josh Turner's Long Black Train sold over 19,000 units last week, enough to make the #1 spot on the Top New Artist chart. According to CountryStars.com, Turner currently has the only debut album in the top 15 on Soundscan. Eight weeks after being released, the CD has shipped over 200,000 units. 12/15/03

Supernaw Sentenced
According to CMT, Doug Supernaw was found guilty of resisting arrest in Brenham, Texas. He will spend two weeks in jail and will be required to pay a fine of $1,500. Supernaw is also charged with assault of an officer in the same incident. The trial on that charge is set for February. Supernaw had several hits in the early- to mid-1990's including "Reno," "I Don't Call Him Daddy," and "Not Enough Hours in the Night." 12/11/03

Morgan to Visit Troops
Craig Morgan, the singer behind the song "Almost Home," will entertain U.S. troops overseas this holiday season. He will depart on December 21st and will return to the United States on January 3rd. Morgan, who served 11 years of active duty, is currently in the Army Reserve. 12/9/03

Rogers & Wife Expecting
According to CMT.com, Kenny Rogers and his wife Wanda are expecting twins in July 2004. A spokesperson for Rogers says that the 65-year-old singer is "excited, but frightened." The twins will be the first children for the couple, who married in June of 1997. 12/9/03

Campbell Pleads Innocent
Glen Campbell, who was arrested last month on charges of assault, drunken driving, and leaving the scene of an accident, appeared in court Tuesday, December 9th, and pleaded not guilty. Campbell's attorney, Lawrence Kazan, declined to comment after the arraignment. Mr. Campbell's next court appearance is scheduled for January 15, 2004. 12/9/03

Lynn Receives Kennedy Center Honors
As we reported some time ago, Loretta Lynn is a recipient of one of this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Lynn was on hand on Saturday, December 6th, for a reception for the Kennedy Center Honors recipients. At the reception, a number of artists paid tribute to Lynn; Reba McEntire performed "You're Lookin' at Country," Lyle Lovett sang "Rated X," and Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks performed "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man." Patty Loveless also offered her rendition of Lynn's signature song, "Coal Miner's Daughter." "The 26th Annual Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts" will be broadcast on December 26th on CBS. 12/8/03

Dolly's Mother Dies
The TTCB staff sends its condolences to the family of Dolly Parton, whose mother passed away around 10:30 P.M. Friday, December 5th. Mrs. Avie Parton, 80, had been ill for some time. A memorial service was held Monday, December 8th, at Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville, Tennessee. Mrs. Parton is survived by 11 children. 12/8/03

Grammy Nominations
Nominations for the 46th Annual Grammy Awards were announced Thursday, December 4th. The nominees:

• Best Female Country Vocal Performance
  • “Keep On The Sunny Side,” June Carter Cash
  • “On Your Way Home,” Patty Loveless
  • “This One's For The Girls,” Martina McBride
  • “I'm Gone,” Dolly Parton
  • “Forever And For Always,” Shania Twain
• Best Male Country Vocal Performance
  • “Annabelle,” Ray Benson
  • “Next Big Thing,” Vince Gill
  • “My Baby Don't Tolerate,” Lyle Lovett
  • “She's My Kind Of Rain,” Tim McGraw
  • “Brokenheartsville,” Joe Nichols
  • “Three Wooden Crosses,” Randy Travis
• Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
  • “Red Dirt Road,” Brooks & Dunn
  • “I Believe,” Diamond Rio
  • “My Front Porch Looking In,” Lonestar
  • “Colors,” The Oak Ridge Boys
  • “A Simple Life,” Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
• Best Country Collaboration With Vocals
  • “Temptation,” June Carter Cash & Johnny Cash
  • “It's Five O'Clock Somewhere,” Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett
  • “Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want To Get Over You),” Willie Nelson & Norah Jones
  • “Beer For My Horses,” Willie Nelson & Toby Keith
  • “How's The World Treating You,” James Taylor & Alison Krauss
• Best Country Instrumental Performance
  • “Ain't Chet Yet,” Ray Benson
  • "Cluck Old Hen,” Alison Krauss & Union Station
  • “Spaghetti Western Swing,” Brad Paisley Featuring Redd Volkaert
  • “Pick Along,” Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson & Ricky Skaggs
  • “Get Up John,” Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
• Best Country Song
  • "Beer For My Horses,” Scotty Emerick & Toby Keith, songwriters (Willie Nelson & Toby Keith)
  • “Celebrity,” Brad Paisley, songwriter (Brad Paisley)
  • “Forever And For Always,” Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Shania Twain, songwriters (Shania Twain)
  • “It's Five O'Clock Somewhere,” Jim "Moose" Brown & Don Rollins, songwriters (Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett)
  • “Wave On Wave,” Pat Green, David Neuhauser & Justin Pollard, songwriters (Pat Green)
• Best Bluegrass Album
  • Live, Alison Krauss & Union Station
  • It's Just The Night, the Del McCoury Band
  • Live At The Charleston Music Hall, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
  • Christmas On The Mountain - A Bluegrass Christmas, Various Artists
  • One Step Ahead, Rhonda Vincent
• Best Country Album
  • Cry, Faith Hill
  • My Baby Don't Tolerate, Lyle Lovett
  • Run That by Me One More Time, Willie Nelson and Ray Price
  • Live and Kickin', Willie Nelson
  • Up!, Shania Twain
  • Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers, Various Artists

The Grammy Award winners will be named at the awards show on Sunday, February 8, 2004. The show will be broadcast on CBS. 12/4/03

Byrd Rides & Performs for Charity
Tracy Byrd will be a participant in Celebrity Cutting at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth on Friday, December 5th. Byrd will participate in the cutting horse event and will also perform immediately afterwards at the RoundUp Inn. 12/3/03

Country Weekly Announces Fan Favorites
Country Weekly has announced the winners of its 2003 Fan Favorites Awards. Alan Jackson won for Entertainer, Favorite Male Artist, and Favorite Collaborative Song for "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." Darryl Worley won the Favorite Song award for "Have You Forgotten?" Dolly Parton is the recipient of this year's Career Achievement Award. Over 65,000 fans cast votes for the awards. 12/3/03

Marty Stuart on VH-1
Yes, Marty Stuart will be featured on VH-1, but no, he hasn't gone pop. In a television special for the network, Stuart will lead the cameras through his warehouse that showcases over 20,000 pieces of country music memorabilia. Items include a George Jones denim suit, Hank Williams' death certificate, and other historic memorabilia. The television show will be titled "Fabulous Life of Country Stars." 12/2/03

Cantrell's Show Signs 100th Affiliate
Classic Country Gold, the syndicated radio program with syndicator/host Kyle Cantrell, has signed its 100th affiliate. Cantrell, a former WSM-AM radio personality and former WSM program director, notes that the staff at Classic Country Gold had hoped to sign 100 affiliates by the Spring of 2004 and that the show is ahead of schedule. The newest affiliate, WFLK, signed the contract last Wednesday. For more information on Classic Country Gold, click here. 12/2/03

Lawrence to Perform at the Trap
Tracy Lawrence will perform at the First Birthday Bash at popular Nashville club The Trap on December 5th. Lawrence will perform material from his forthcoming Dreamworks CD Strong. The show starts at 9:30 P.M. For ticket information, call (615) 248-3100. 12/2/03

Cash CD Goes Platinum
Johnny Cash's American IV: The Man Comes Around has been certified platinum for sales of over one million units. This CD is Cash's first platinum studio album. 12/2/03

Lynn's Son Faces Charges
In October, Loretta Lynn's son Ernest Ray was involved in a car wreck in Tennessee that killed passenger Larry Claxton. Lynn, who was driving the 1974 Jaguar, has now been indicted on one count of driving under the influence and one count of vehicular homicide. The crash happened on Hurricane Mills Road in Humphreys County. Claxton's widow has objected to the charge of vehicular homicide. 12/2/03

A Derailer Departs
Tony Villanueva is leaving the Derailers. According to CMT.com, Villanueva is eager to be closer to his wife and their three children. Villanueva, one of the band's founders, will leave after the group's December 31st concert at Gruene Hall in Texas. The other members of the band plan to continue without him. 12/2/03

Hall of Fame Receives Grant
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has received a $214,000 federal Save America's Treasures grant. The money will be used to preserve the museum's collection of 14,000 acetate and vinyl transcriptions recorded from the 1930's through the 1960's. The project will take three years to complete. This grant is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. 12/2/03

Campbell Charged in Drunk Driving Incident
According to the Associated Press, Glen Campbell, who was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving last month, has now been charged with aggravated assault, extreme drunken driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. The criminal complaint was filed last week. Since his arrest, Mr. Campbell told a Phoenix newspaper that the incident was caused when he mixed an anti-anxiety prescription with alcohol . He released a public apology the day following the incident. 12/2/03

Country Legends Special in Works for PBS
According to CMT.com, "Hee Haw" producer Sam Lovullo is in the process of creating a show about the legends of country music. The special should air on PBS sometime next year. Details are not yet available, and participants have not been named. 12/1/03

GAC's Top 50 Videos of the Year
The year isn't over yet, but Great American Country (GAC) is asking fans to vote for the top 50 videos of 2003. To vote, visit CountryStars.com. Those who vote are eligible to win a CD collection as well as a VHS copy of the final countdown. All votes to be entered in the drawing for the CD's and video must be received by Sunday, December 15, 2003, at midnight PST. GAC's Top 50 Videos of 2003 show will debut on New Year's Eve. 12/1/03