Podcasts about nashville now

On this EG Kight Interview: “Suger, why don't we get us some goats and make some money?” EG was playing country gigs as a child when a mysterious waitress strongly suggested she listen to Koko Taylor. That moment literally changed her life and started her career as a blues artist. The strong influence and role her family had in her personal and professional life… the healing power of the blues… her TRIUMPH of beating death - Twice! Her faith and her sense of humoR, her favorite guitars to play, GREAT “WORST GIG EVER” STORY, her special relationship with nature… HUGE sacrifice she made for her career, coaching Burgess Meredith to sing & her own movie role, unconditional love, photography, goats, why you really need to enjoy each day, kindness, why you CAN get through this, and much more. A lovely, kind, smart artist full of sunshine Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com Support this show: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support EG Kight is a singer, songwriter, guitarist & blues artist originally from, and still living in Dublin, GA... on land that's been in her family for 4 generations. EG's toured the world, had a number of her songs covered by other artists, and has licensed her songs on TV & Movies. Before getting into blues, EG was a country artist who performed regularly on the popular TV show Nashville Now. She's also the author of a children's book, “Things I've Learned From a Goat,” based on her own experience raising & caring for goats. EG has released 10 Studio LPs since 1997, including her most recent album, Sticks & Strings, which debuted in the Billboard Top 10 Subscribe & Website:  https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/subscribe Cool Guitar, Music & ELG T-Shirts!: https://www.GuitarMerch.com 

Singer-songwriter Tom Grant has written songs for Tammy Wynette, Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, and Mickey Gilley. He sang with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, on Hee Haw, Pop! Goes the Country, and for years was a regular performer on Ralph Emery's morning show, and The Nashville Network's Nashville Now. In this interview, learn about Grant's career, health challenges -- including living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease -- and how growing up in a “Happy Days” type environment gave him a solid foundation for life.

You may recall that a few weeks ago, I played a couple of interviews with the great Vinny Ciesielski. He's a wonderful person and has been a mainstay for years in the Nashville music scene. Vinnie really acquitted himself well in the podcast, so much so that I thought it would be interesting to see what would happen if I were to give him the reins for an interview on this podcast!What you'll hear in this episode:-Mike shares his founding origins on trumpet in the Nashville area...04:30-Successes and pitfalls breaking into the Nashville scene in the late 1970's...09:45-Mike and Vinnie discuss equipment for varying situations...19:05-The worst things often lead to the best things...22:30-How "overuse syndrome" nearly derailed a boatload of "natural talent"...29:15-Serve the music, and remember just because you have it doesn't mean you need it...37:00-The spirituality of the practice of music within and without...41:30-What Mike would teach his teenage self...52:00-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...Resources mentioned:Trumpet Dynamics podcast episodes with Vinnie CiesielskiThe Way of the Peaceful WarriorAbout the Guest:Attending Towson University in Maryland, Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years.Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on thousands of recordings with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott (Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown Band, and many more.He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O'Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles and The Beach Boys.He has also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS New Years Eve Bash, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen's Really Big Show, Crossroads, The Dove Awards and The Stellar Awards. Vinnie has performed on numerous Radio, Internet, TV and Movie soundtracks and Trailers. He has also performed with the Nashville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Nashville and Knoxville Jazz Orchestras.Well known in the performance and recording community, Vinnie's resume includes work on over 6,000 recording sessions, 50 Grammy-nominated and 25 Grammy-winning recordingsand dozens of Stellar and Dove Award nominated and winning recordings. Vinnie has also been the horn arranger on multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar nominated and winning recordings.Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it....

January 23-29, 1993 This week Ken welcomes original Real World reality TV star, true story teller and country music man Jon Brennan to the show. Ken and Jon discuss fancy studio equipment, The Real World LA, being 18, the origin of Road Rules, not going back and watching old video of yourself, calling Irene Mom, people in their 20s feeling like old people, the death of Andre the Giant, WWF, watching The Real World while you're ON the Real World, MTV removing your television, the origins of "true stor-ay", Jon's new single True Story, when WWF went R Rated, loving NWA wresting, Rick Flair, Sting, Dusty Roads, meeting celebrity fans of The Real World, Garth Brooks, The Miz, Will Smith, Amy Grant, when Christians go pop, men's jeans, Rescue 911, being on Celebrity Death Match, Beavis and Butthead, having your Celebrity Death Match puppet, The Hat Squad, mid season replacements, Parents Just Don't Understand, Chris Rock vs Will Smith, kids who don't know what life was like before smart phones, streaming, Napster, making it in a creative field, WCW, Austin City Limits, Michael Nesmith, Emmylou Harris, Eyewitness Video, the horror parents felt looking at Glam Metal bands, The Nashville Network, Nashville Now, Club Dance, The American Music Awards, Bobby Brown, Gloria Estefan, Wynonna Judd, Michael Bolton, trigger warnings, clothes that don't fit, XL vs XXL, skinny jeans, white people tailgating music, mandatory roller blades, college basketball, Unsolved Mysteries, Beverly Hills 90210, In The Heat of the Night, Hoosiers, Seinfeld, Stand by Me, small towns, Cheers, Ancient Aliens, Big Foot, Realty TV Sub genres, Family Matters, Shark Week, hating digital cable, wanting an old fashioned remote control experience, smart TVs, Junkyard Dog, Hulk Hogan Rock n Wrestling, Brutus the Barber Beefcake, Cocaine and Anthrax, tiny celebrities, Planet Hollywood, literally running into Shaq, Elvis, Pancake Pantry, hot chicken, Dateline NBC, Law & Order, fast forwarding Monday Night Raw, and knowing the correct way to get freebies. 

Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with Vinnie Ciesielski!Before I say anything else, let me point out that the link I share to access the show notes during the episode is incorrect. The show notes for this episode are https://trumpetdynamics.com/trumpetvinnie2. I believe I left out the number 2 during the interview because I initially planned to have this be one giant episode, but wisely chose to break it into two parts.And what a part this is. Vinnie and I dove deep into the "why" of playing trumpet. The "How" tends to be rather superficial, which is why I don't have much interest in podcasts like that. But the "why" is what gets me excited, and Vinnie surely did not disappoint with his insightful comments in this one.Enjoy!What you'll hear in this episode:-More in-depth dialogue on the "good day and great day" concept...05:05-The need for healthy lifestyle for success on trumpet and overall quality of life...08:30-Self-loathing equates to loathing your environment...13:30-Why and how Vinnie has played with a rare condition that causes loss of feeling on the left side of his body...17:20-If you can feel your face, you're ahead of the game!...25:00-Shame is a wasted emotion...32:00-Keeping things real regarding the importance of trumpet...36:00-Adapting to radically changed physicality, and thoughtfully losing weight so it stays off...43:30-Music a salve for tremendous joy and intense loss...53:45-Are we "called" to trumpet?...58:45-A father's offhand comment while watching TV proves prophetic...01:03:30-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...Resources mentioned:Vinnie's websiteMy Fitness Pal appTrumpet Dynamics podcast with Beth PeroutkaAbout the Guest:Attending Towson University in Maryland, Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years.Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on thousands of recordings with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott (Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown Band, and many more.He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O'Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles and The Beach Boys.He has also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS New Years Eve Bash, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie...

To Support the Channel:Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at  - www.askzac.comFred Newell is best known for his decade-long position as the lead guitarist on Nashville Now, the hugely popular flagship show of TNN, The Nashville Network. Few are aware of all the sessions he played on that were huge hits for Alabama, George Strait, Jerry Reed, and The Kendalls. In this episode, I cover his early days, move to Nashville, session career, a decade on Nashville Now, and his switch to pedal steel guitar and tours with Waylon Jennings. I also take a look at his iconic red-neck Tele that was silkscreened with the TNN logo and heavily featured during the run of the show from 1983-1993.Detailed shots of the TNN guitar are on my sitehttps://www.askzac.com/post/fred-newe...Gear for this video1983 TNN Telecaster - Detailed photos here:https://www.askzac.com/post/fred-newe...Pick:Danocaster MediumAmp:1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf. Effects used:Boss RV-2 Reverb on the "Plate" setting.Boss DD-2 DelayAmp tremolo9v power via Truetone CS6  https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecasterSupport the show

This episode Paco and Jef bring us back to the final year of the Eighties when the Monkees were winding down their explosion in popularity in 1986. They talk about the Monkees appearance on the Pat Sajak Show and when they visited Nashville Now as well as give a live reaction to a video of Davy, Micky and Peter in concert in Birmingham England! There's a lot going on so hold on tight!

This week we welcome Barbara Fairchild! Barbara Fairchild's vibrant personality, her love for humor and storytelling along with her extraordinary talent for singing country and gospel music make her one of the finest entertainers you will see. She has a sincere warmth that flows out of her to everyone she meets, whether on the street or as a member of the audience in one of her shows. Barbara performs with her very talented husband, Roy Morris. They are really in love, and it shows. In the tradition of other husband and wife teams that brought laughter to millions, Barbara and Roy have a natural flare for comedy that is delightful to experience. They are such an important part of the Branson Entertainment Community. Their Sunday Morning Worship Service that began in 1992 has continued to be a source of inspiration to the thou- sands of Branson visitors who attend each year. Countless people say. "A trip to Branson is not complete without being with Barbara and Roy on Sunday Morning." Their special Veteran's Service, is so important to them, held dur- ing Branson's Veteran's Homecoming Week in November. They believe we owe more to our Veteran's than we could ever repay and take every opportunity to let our nation's heroes know how important they are. Barbara and Roy's faith is their foundation and the most important aspect of their lives. Throughout Barbara's exciting and extensive career she has received many awards and honors. Her nomination for two prestigious Grammy Awards, one for her #1 country hit, "The Teddy Bear Song" and the other in the music for children category, "Lullaby for Teddy" are highlights in her career. She is recognized as one of the finest female entertainers in Country Music. Barbara was one of Ralph Emery's favorite guests during the years he hosted the top- rated "Nashville Now" show on the TNN television network. Ralph even trusted her to be a guest host for him at times in his absence. Through that show Barbara Fairchild became a household name to thousands of viewers. Barbara's talent has not diminished through the years and you can often see her these days on the RFD Network along with many of her peers on the very popular "Country Family Reunion" hosted by Bill Anderson. Among the many television appearances during her career include, "The Tonight Show," Hee Haw," "A Salute to Country Music," " The CMA Country Music Awards," and the three part special, "A Country Homecoming," hosted by Ralph Emery. She has made several appearances on CBN (The 700 Club) and TBN and two tribute specials to the Legendary Dottie Rambo. She was thrilled to host her own TV Special, "Barbara Fairchild In England" on the BBC network, just to name a few. Barbara continues to tour and sing. For her complete tour schedule visit BarbaraFairchild.com.

If you like Country music and you're on any social media app, you've probably seen Cooper Alan on your screen... The up and coming Country singer has independently built a fanbase of over 8.5 million followers and his songs have over 80 million streams! Originally from Winston Salem, NC, he spent his high school and college years playing bars, college campuses, and Honky Tonks all across the Carolinas before he packed up his guitar and moved to Nashville… Now his special mix of Country and Southern Hip-Hop has earned him tons of fans, hit songs, and big tours with artists like Kid Rock. Cooper Alan is playing across the Southeast this fall, including stops in Rome, GA on Oct 27th, Nashville November 10th, and Athens Georgia on November 11th… AND we hear that Cooper is a Braves Fan so we're calling him up to talk about all of it on this episode of the Braves Country Podcast… Cooper Alan, welcome to Braves Country!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you like Country music and you're on any social media app, you've probably seen Cooper Alan on your screen... The up and coming Country singer has independently built a fanbase of over 8.5 million followers and his songs have over 80 million streams! Originally from Winston Salem, NC, he spent his high school and college years playing bars, college campuses, and Honky Tonks all across the Carolinas before he packed up his guitar and moved to Nashville… Now his special mix of Country and Southern Hip-Hop has earned him tons of fans, hit songs, and big tours with artists like Kid Rock. Cooper Alan is playing across the Southeast this fall, including stops in Rome, GA on Oct 27th, Nashville November 10th, and Athens Georgia on November 11th… AND we hear that Cooper is a Braves Fan so we're calling him up to talk about all of it on this episode of the Braves Country Podcast… Cooper Alan, welcome to Braves Country!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you like Country music and you're on any social media app, you've probably seen Cooper Alan on your screen... The up and coming Country singer has independently built a fanbase of over 8.5 million followers and his songs have over 80 million streams! Originally from Winston Salem, NC, he spent his high school and college years playing bars, college campuses, and Honky Tonks all across the Carolinas before he packed up his guitar and moved to Nashville… Now his special mix of Country and Southern Hip-Hop has earned him tons of fans, hit songs, and big tours with artists like Kid Rock. Cooper Alan is playing across the Southeast this fall, including stops in Rome, GA on Oct 27th, Nashville November 10th, and Athens Georgia on November 11th… AND we hear that Cooper is a Braves Fan so we're calling him up to talk about all of it on this episode of the Braves Country Podcast… Cooper Alan, welcome to Braves Country!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we welcome Barbara Fairchild! Barbara Fairchild's vibrant personality, her love for humor and storytelling along with her extraordinary talent for singing country and gospel music make her one of the finest entertainers you will see. She has a sincere warmth that flows out of her to everyone she meets, whether on the street or as a member of the audience in one of her shows. Barbara performs with her very talented husband, Roy Morris. They are really in love, and it shows. In the tradition of other husband and wife teams that brought laughter to millions, Barbara and Roy have a natural flare for comedy that is delightful to experience. They are such an important part of the Branson Entertainment Community. Their Sunday Morning Worship Service that began in 1992 has continued to be a source of inspiration to the thou- sands of Branson visitors who attend each year. Countless people say. "A trip to Branson is not complete without being with Barbara and Roy on Sunday Morning." Their special Veteran's Service, is so important to them, held dur- ing Branson's Veteran's Homecoming Week in November. They believe we owe more to our Veteran's than we could ever repay and take every opportunity to let our nation's heroes know how important they are. Barbara and Roy's faith is their foundation and the most important aspect of their lives. Throughout Barbara's exciting and extensive career she has received many awards and honors. Her nomination for two prestigious Grammy Awards, one for her #1 country hit, "The Teddy Bear Song" and the other in the music for children category, "Lullaby for Teddy" are highlights in her career. She is recognized as one of the finest female entertainers in Country Music. Barbara was one of Ralph Emery's favorite guests during the years he hosted the top- rated "Nashville Now" show on the TNN television network. Ralph even trusted her to be a guest host for him at times in his absence. Through that show Barbara Fairchild became a household name to thousands of viewers. Barbara's talent has not diminished through the years and you can often see her these days on the RFD Network along with many of her peers on the very popular "Country Family Reunion" hosted by Bill Anderson. Among the many television appearances during her career include, "The Tonight Show," Hee Haw," "A Salute to Country Music," " The CMA Country Music Awards," and the three part special, "A Country Homecoming," hosted by Ralph Emery. She has made several appearances on CBN (The 700 Club) and TBN and two tribute specials to the Legendary Dottie Rambo. She was thrilled to host her own TV Special, "Barbara Fairchild In England" on the BBC network, just to name a few. Barbara continues to tour and sing. For her complete tour schedule visit BarbaraFairchild.com.

Larry Groce's career is quite an interesting and intriguing story. He attended high school with future recording artists Michael Martin Murphey, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and BW Stevenson. He became a regular performer at an NYC Upper West Side restaurant owned by Melissa Manchester's husband, and went on to record 9 albums and 36 tunes for Disney featuring children's songs including, when in 1976 he wrote “Pooh for President” for Disney to be released at Sears Stores. In 1976, his satiric novelty song "Junk Food Junkie" became a Billboard top-ten hit, and led to appearances on The Tonight Show, The Merv Griffin Show, American Bandstand, The Midnight Special, The Rich Little Show, Nashville Now, The Disney Channel, Dr. Demento, and A Prairie Home Companion. In 1983, Groce co-founded Mountain Stage, a two-hour live music program produced by West Virginia Public Radio and distributed nationally and internationally by NPR and Voice of America's satellite radio service to over 200 stations. He is its host, producer and artistic director. His musical tastes have been instrumental in defining the sound of the show. Mountain Stage was the first nationally broadcast radio or television program to feature live performances by Lyle Lovett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sheryl Crow, Barenaked Ladies, Alison Krauss, Ani DiFranco, Phish, Counting Crows, Ben Harper, Ryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, Ben Harper, Lucinda Williams, David Gray, and The Avett Brothers. The show has also featured musical pioneers such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson, Pops Staples, and Brownie McGhee as well as modern superstars R.E.M., Martina McBride and Norah Jones. Groce retired from hosting Mountain Stage in 2021 with his successor being hit singer songwriter, and West Virginia native Kathy Mattea. Joining us on the show as co-host is John Adams from Money Concepts. We talk a bit about how Larry saved the money he earned during his career, and we even delve into how the Chuck Berry Hit “Johnny Be Good” came about. The Business Side of Music ™ © 2022 Lotta Dogs Productions LLC Showrunner and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Producer and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what's left of Music Row in Nashville TN (except during pandemics, then it's pretty much been accomplished VIA Zoom or over the phone, with the exception for those fearless enough to come to Bob Bender's dining room… and there have been a few that have survived). Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy.  Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: musicpodcast@mail.com If you're interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we'll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at musicpodcast@mail.com

This week we welcome Jana King Evans! Jana is a singer, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer of recording sessions and stage shows. Growing up in Texas, Jana completed a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal and Choral Music and Music Arranging, and did Masters work in Music Theater and Music Theory at Texas Tech University. Jana lived in Nashville over 15 years and is most recognized for her many years on national television on TNN (The Nashville Network) as lead background vocalist/vocal arranger on the Ralph Emery show, “Nashville Now”.....and on the Crook and Chase Show, “Music City Tonight”. She also can be seen on RFD TV's Family Reunion series on the “Second Generation” show. Jana has sung background and arranged vocals on 100's of recordings with artists such as Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Clint Black, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Loretta Lynn, Roy Rogers, Marty Stuart, Clay Walker, etc. etc. etc.. Jana is also recognized for her commercial/jingle career in Nashville, Chicago, and Dallas. Some of the ones to note are: ”Like a good neighbor...STATE FARM is there”
“The heartbeat of America....that's TODAY'S CHEVROLET” “OH, I'd love to be and OSCAR MEYER WEINER” “BUDWEISER BEER” and “TOYOTA” After marrying her husband who is a native of Branson, Jana has been a featured performer in various shows with the likes of Pam Tillis, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee, Les Brown and the Band of Renown, Doug Kershaw, etc. (And now....FINALLY...the stage of Branson Country USA)! In the past few years, Jana has been on a national tour with the Memphis Symphony orchestra singing along with live footage of Elvis Presley, produced by Priscilla Presley Productions, and with Deana Martin in Las Vegas in honor of Dean Martin's 100th year birthday celebration. Jana has had success as a songwriter and is most proud of her a song called “Jump Into My Fire”.....recorded by the late great Etta James on her Grammy nominated Island Records album “7 Year Itch”. Jana's latest vocal project is on the newly released movie soundtrack, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”. Jana recorded along with other Nashville session singers for the background and choral tracks under the direction of Dave Cobb (Christ Stapleton's producer) at the RCA Recording Studio in Nashville. Besides the music business, Jana spends most of her time now in community service as the new Administrator of the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden!

ALYSSA BONAGURA A fixture on Nashville's Indie singer-songwriter scene - Rolling Stone Stunning, Original, A Future star in the making. - Robin Gibb One listen and it becomes crystal clear that Alyssa Bonagura was born to make music. With a voice that touches somewhere deep inside, Alyssa's soulful sound and powerful lyrics will send you jet-setting into a broad range of human emotions. Growing up on the open roads of America, with her RCA country recording artists parents, Baillie & The Boys, made it impossible for Alyssa not to witness the power and magic of music. At just 3 weeks old, her cradle was the gentle rocking of a tour bus. Her play ground encompassed sound checks at fairs and festivals and back stage dressing rooms at a slew of different venues including the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Award shows, and her “extended family” consisted of managers, promoters, roadies, musicians and other fellow mainstream country artists. At the age of 3, Alyssa performed on the Ralph Emory television show, Nashville Now. Where her version of the Leslie Gore classic; It's My Party brought the house down in front of millions of national viewers. At age 10, one of those major acts, Kenny Rogers, decided Alyssa was the perfect child singer to record a duet with him on his Christmas CD, Christmas From The Heart. By age 13, Alyssa had her first batch of songs written and received an endorsement from Gretsch Guitars. She had figured out her own unique style of guitar playing with open tunings inspired by Joni Mitchell. By age 16 she landed her first 50 date tour opening up for Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives. It soon became obvious that she was the real deal, not only as a musician and singer but as a prolific songwriter as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/seena-magowitz-foundation/message

This week on The 8 More Than 92 Podcast Harrison and Najee are joined by Battle from the Battlegrounds Podcast another one of our Great Convo Media family members to discuss growing up in the Ville vs Nashville Now, our favorite food spots in the city thats not hot chicken, how he came into podcasting, the WWE trying to keep up AEW, Representation in Wrestling, Mount Rushmore of Wrestlers and whats in store BGP ......As always this is The 8 More Than 92 Podcast, where we always keep it

Emery was a country music broadcasting legend Last week, Country Music Hall of Fame broadcaster Ralph Emery passed away at the age of 88. Emery was known as "the Dick Clark of country music" and "the Johnny Carson of cable television" as he hosted a variety of programs and introduced new artists to country music. Among his many accolades were host of TNN's Nashville Now, WSM-FM jockey, Ralph Emery Live, and Grand Ole Opry announcer from 1961 until 1964. With a career spanning more than half a century, he was a 1989 inductee into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, a 2007 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and 2010 inductee in the National Radio Hall of Fame. Emery was known for his kindness and support of female artists in country music. He gave early exposure to Lorrie Morgan and The Judds, to name a few. We remember Emery with an archival interview Matt conducted in 2018. Be sure to subscribe to The Music Universe Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

One listen and it becomes crystal clear that Alyssa Bonagura was born to make music. With a voice that touches somewhere deep inside, Alyssa's soulful sound and powerful lyrics will send you jet-setting into a broad range of human emotions. Growing up on the open roads of America, with her RCA country recording artists parents, Baillie & The Boys, made it impossible for Alyssa not to witness the power and magic of music. At just 3 weeks old, her cradle was the gentle rocking of a tour bus. Her play ground encompassed sound checks at fairs and festivals and back stage dressing rooms at a slew of different venues including the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Award shows, and her “extended family” consisted of managers, promoters, roadies, musicians and other fellow mainstream country artists. At the age of 3, Alyssa performed on the Ralph Emory television show, Nashville Now. Where her version of the Leslie Gore classic; It's My Party brought the house down in front of millions of national viewers. At age 10, one of those major acts, Kenny Rogers, decided Alyssa was the perfect child singer to record a duet with him on his Christmas CD, Christmas From The Heart. By age 13, Alyssa had her first batch of songs written and received an endorsement from Gretsch Guitars. She had figured out her own unique style of guitar playing with open tunings inspired by Joni Mitchell. By age 16 she landed her first 50 date tour opening up for Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives. It soon became obvious that she was the real deal, not only as a musician and singer but as a prolific songwriter as well.While in high-school, Alyssa became a go-to session singer for people like Christian artist Matt Maher, where she created her own layered harmony vocal approach from years of hearing her parents sing together. Her songs started finding their way into television shows, (Switched! on ABC Family, MTV), movies, as well as getting her first cuts on other artists projects.After graduating high school, Alyssa received a full scholarship from Sennheiser to Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in Liverpool England, where she would spend the next three years earning a degree in Sound Technology while continuing to perform in local venues throughout Europe. While playing at a venue called The Zanzibar in Liverpool, Alyssa was spotted by Liverpool Rock Star Pete Wylie and was asked to join his band playing electric guitar and singing background vocals. Alyssa of course said yes, and experienced what most artists never experience; a private performance requested by the Queen to help support one of Liverpool's local charities. A performance with Ringo Starr at the 800th Anniversary of Liverpool's, “Capital Of Culture 2008” event; a performance slot at one of the UK's largest music festivals; Knowsley Hall on the same bill as The Who, and from there on scored her own slots performing on the Acoustic stage at Glastonbury in 2009, and a UK tour opening for Raul Malo of The Mavericks.While at LIPA, Alyssa was inspired by their music community and the extreme amount of talented people attending the school. She lived in Lennon Studios, an apartment complex that used to be the old maternity ward where John Lennon was born. Her incredibly unique experiences abroad inspired her debut album, The English Diaries, an all acoustic intimate collection of songs she produced and recorded herself in her one bedroom Beatles inspired flat. After graduating LIPA and receiving her diploma from Paul McCartney himself, Alyssa returned to Nashville and signed her first publishing  READ MORE AT http://www.alyssabonagura.com/

This week we welcome Jana King Evans! Jana is a singer, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer of recording sessions and stage shows. Growing up in Texas, Jana completed a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal and Choral Music and Music Arranging, and did Masters work in Music Theater and Music Theory at Texas Tech University. Jana lived in Nashville over 15 years and is most recognized for her many years on national television on TNN (The Nashville Network) as lead background vocalist/vocal arranger on the Ralph Emery show, “Nashville Now”.....and on the Crook and Chase Show, “Music City Tonight”. She also can be seen on RFD TV's Family Reunion series on the “Second Generation” show. Jana has sung background and arranged vocals on 100's of recordings with artists such as Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Clint Black, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Loretta Lynn, Roy Rogers, Marty Stuart, Clay Walker, etc. etc. etc.. Jana is also recognized for her commercial/jingle career in Nashville, Chicago, and Dallas. Some of the ones to note are: ”Like a good neighbor...STATE FARM is there”
“The heartbeat of America....that's TODAY'S CHEVROLET” “OH, I'd love to be and OSCAR MEYER WEINER” “BUDWEISER BEER” and “TOYOTA” After marrying her husband who is a native of Branson, Jana has been a featured performer in various shows with the likes of Pam Tillis, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee, Les Brown and the Band of Renown, Doug Kershaw, etc. (And now....FINALLY...the stage of Branson Country USA)! In the past few years, Jana has been on a national tour with the Memphis Symphony orchestra singing along with live footage of Elvis Presley, produced by Priscilla Presley Productions, and with Deana Martin in Las Vegas in honor of Dean Martin's 100th year birthday celebration. Jana has had success as a songwriter and is most proud of her a song called “Jump Into My Fire”.....recorded by the late great Etta James on her Grammy nominated Island Records album “7 Year Itch”. Jana's latest vocal project is on the newly released movie soundtrack, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”. Jana recorded along with other Nashville session singers for the background and choral tracks under the direction of Dave Cobb (Christ Stapleton's producer) at the RCA Recording Studio in Nashville. Besides the music business, Jana spends most of her time now in community service as the new Administrator of the Branson Veterans Memorial Garden!

Attending Towson University in Maryland,Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years. Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on over 6000 recordings with artists such as Lady A, Lacy Kaye, Dave Barnes, Lance Neilson, Jeremy Lister(Street Corner Symphony) Fame Gang, Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Byron Cage, Little Milton, Marvin Sapp, Jill Scott, Hezekiah Walker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott(Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael MacDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown band, Foy Vance, Terri Clark, Chely Wright, Stevie Nicks and many more. He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O'Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael Macdonald, Carrie Underwood, Jenifer Nettles and The Beach Boys. He has also appeared on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen's Really Big Show, The Dove Awards and The Stellar Awards. Vinnie has also performed on numerous Radio, Internet, TV and Movie sound tracks and Trailers. Vinnie has performed with the Nashville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Nashville and Knoxville Jazz Orchestras Well known in the performance and recording community, Mr. Ciesielski's resume includes work on over 6000 recording sessions, 50 Grammy-nominated and 25 Grammy-winning recordings and dozens of Stellar and Dove awards. Vinnie has also been the horn arranger on multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar nominated and winning recordings. Learn more about Vinnie Ciesielski: www.trumpetvinnie.com Join Positive Trumpet Players Worldwide: www.positivetrumpetersworldwide.com Learn more about Bob Reeves Brass: www.bobreeves.com 

Fred Newell is a bona fide veteran of the Nashville studio scene who has recorded with everyone from Ray Charles to George Strait. In addition to being the staff lead guitarist on numerous TV shows including Nashville Now, he is respected worldwide for his ability to generate feeling and sounds out of his instruments that many struggle to emulate without success. The first country guitarist to ever receive an endorsement from Marshall Amplifiers, Newell is a guitar legend in many circles. He is unique in that he is considered not only a legendary guitarist, but also one of the top steel players of all time.Fred Newell. Newell has backed artists including Waylon Jennings, Porter Wagoner, and dozens of other frontline artists, He also plays with Waymore's Outlaws and was member of the house band on “Nashville Now”

This week we welcome, Country Music recording star, Barbara Fairchild! Barbara Fairchild's vibrant personality, her love for humor and storytelling along with her extraordinary talent for singing country and gospel music make her one of the finest entertainers you will see. She has a sincere warmth that flows out of her to everyone she meets, whether on the street or as a member of the audience in one of her shows. Barbara performs with her very talented husband, Roy Morris. They are really in love, and it shows. In the tradition of other husband and wife teams that brought laughter to millions, Barbara and Roy have a natural flare for comedy that is delightful to experience. They are such an important part of the Branson Entertainment Community. Their Sunday Morning Worship Service that began in 1992 has continued to be a source of inspiration to the thousands of Branson visitors who attend each year. Countless people say. "A trip to Branson is not complete without being with Barbara and Roy on Sunday Morning." Their special Veteran's Service, is so important to them, held during Branson's Veteran's Homecoming Week in November. They believe we owe more to our Veteran's than we could ever repay and take every opportunity to let our nation's heroes know how important they are. Barbara and Roy's faith is their foundation and the most important aspect of their lives. Throughout Barbara's exciting and extensive career she has received many awards and honors. Her nomination for two prestigious Grammy Awards, one for her #1 country hit, "The Teddy Bear Song" and the other in the music for children category, "Lullaby for Teddy" are highlights in her career. She is recognized as one of the finest female entertainers in Country Music. Barbara was one of Ralph Emery's favorite guests during the years he hosted the top-rated "Nashville Now" show on the TNN television network. Ralph even trusted her to be a guest host for him at times in his absence. Through that show Barbara Fairchild became a household name to thousands of viewers. Barbara's talent has not diminished through the years and you can often see her these days on the RFD Network along with many of her peers on the very popular "Country Family Reunion" hosted by Bill Anderson.  Among the many television appearances during her career include, "The Tonight Show," Hee Haw," "A Salute to Country Music," " The CMA Country Music Awards," and the three part special, "A Country Homecoming," hosted by Ralph Emery. She has made several appearances on CBN (The 700 Club) and TBN and two tribute specials to the Legendary Dottie Rambo. She was thrilled to host her own TV Special, "Barbara Fairchild In England" on the BBC network, just to name a few. Barbara continues to tour and sing.  For her complete tour schedule visit BarbaraFairchild.com.

Hailing from the Mountains of East Tn, Nashville guitar slinger Jeff King has established his place on the "in demand" list for recording and touring dates with a variety of today's most popular artists. He has played on many nationally released albums by artists such as Faith Hill, Josh Turner, Pam Tillis, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Art Garfunkel, Johnny Cash and Dave Matthews, Jo Dee Messina, Blackhawk, Craig Morgan, Phil Vasser, Toni Braxton, Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Lee Brice, Back Street Boys, and many others. He has toured with Patty Loveless, Lee Roy Parnell, LeeAnn Womack, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Reba/Kelly Clarkson, Reba/Brooks and Dunn. He has performed on many national television shows with featured artists as well as being in house bands. These programs include Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan, Jimmy Fallon, Regis and Kelly, Craig Ferguson, The View , Oprah, The CMAs, The ACMs, The ACM Honors Awards, Live at the Ryman, Grand Ol’ Opry Live, Monday Night Concerts with Ricky Skaggs, and Nashville Now.

This week we welcome, star of The Grand Ole Opry, Jeannie Seely! On the night of September 16, 1967, Jeannie Seely marked an important milestone in her music career by joining the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. The distinctive-voiced lady referred to as “Miss Country Soul” became the first Pennsylvania native to become an Opry member. Today Jeannie makes clear that it's still a thrill and an honor each time she performs on the Opry stage. "I feel very fortunate to be part of the Opry tradition," the Grammy-winning singer says, "and I truly am indebted to all the wonderful fans who have supported me over the years.” Jeannie Seely is among a select group of country artists who have scored chart- topping hits as a solo artist, as a duet partner, and as a songwriter. Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania – the town where the world’s very first oil well was drilled in 1859 – Jeannie grew up as the youngest of Leo and Irene Seely's four children. The family's two-story farmhouse still stands along a dirt road outside of nearby Townville, a community of about 300 folks located in the northwestern corner of the Keystone State. Jeannie's interest in music was influenced strongly by her parents. Leo Seely worked hard on the family's farm and at a Titusville steel mill, but found time on weekends to play the banjo and call local square dances. Irene Seely would sing with her daughter every Saturday morning while the two baked bread together. “I grew up in a time when all the neighbors gathered together to help each other get the hay in and that kind of thing,” recalls Jeannie. “It seemed like everybody back in the country played guitars and fiddles, and when we got together there was always pickin’ and singin’.” When she was barely tall enough to reach the dial on her family's big Philco console radio, Jeannie was tuning in the Grand Ole Opry on station WSM 650. At age 11, she began singing for a Saturday morning radio show on Meadville station WMGW. "I can still remember standing on a stack of wooden soda cases because I wasn't tall enough to reach the unadjustable microphones," she laughs. By age 16, Jeannie was performing on television station WICU in Erie. Jeannie recalls many Saturday nights as a teenager when she would sit in her family's car, eat popcorn and listen to the Grand Ole Opry while her parents played cards at the homes of friends. "I also remember looking forward to attending country music shows at a place near Franklin called Hillbilly Park," says Jeannie. “They would do an afternoon and an evening show. Mother would bake a chicken and fix up a picnic basket, and we’d just go there and spend the whole day and the evening. I was always on the ground right in front of the front row, looking up at the stage.” At Hillbilly Park Jeannie had the opportunity to see performers like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, as well as Josh Graves who would later play on her Life’s Highway CD. "I still have the 8 by 10 photos I bought and had autographed there by stars like Jean Shepard, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper," she proudly notes. “I’ve been very blessed to later become friends with these Opry legends.” A cheerleader, majorette, and honor student while attending Townville High School, Jeannie sang at local amateur contests and began performing at weekend dances throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. "Back then a lot of people made fun of me because I sang country," she admits today. "In those days calling somebody 'country' was actually a put-down." Jeannie remembers how the residents of tiny Townville didn't believe that anyone, especially a female, could make a living by singing or writing songs. "Some people didn't even think it was right for a girl to be singing with a band at dances,” she remembers. Following high school graduation in 1958, Jeannie worked for three years at the Titusville Trust Company. Initially hired as a stenographer at the bank, she was later promoted to a secretarial position for the bank's auditor. During this period Jeannie continued her education by completing night classes that were conducted by the American Institute of Banking in Oil City. "Those courses in subjects like business finance and law were beneficial even later in my music career," Jeannie says. Both the local and national American Institute of Banking organizations have since made Jeannie an honorary lifetime member for her efforts in promoting the name and spirit of the organization. According to Jeannie, it was the weather conditions one Sunday morning on a country back road that finalized her decision to move to California. "It was Easter, and I got my car stuck in a snow bank," she chuckles. "I had to walk the whole way home in my new dress to get my Dad's help. I decided right then and there that I was ready to make a change." At age 21, Jeannie packed everything she could into her car, shipped the rest to "General Delivery, Los Angeles", and headed west. She initially took a job at a Beverly Hills bank, but left it after a year to take a secretarial position for half the money at Liberty and Imperial Records in Hollywood. With a foot in the door of the music business, she began writing songs for Four Star Music and became a regular act, along with an unknown Glen Campbell, on the "Hollywood Jamboree" television series. Rhythm and blues artist Irma Thomas recorded a composition by Jeannie titled "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is" and scored a national pop and R&B hit with it. Jeannie's songwriting led to her own recording contract on Challenge Records. A couple regional hits and a West Coast tour resulted, but unfortunately she received no national attention. A young songwriter visiting California named Hank Cochran was impressed with Jeannie's talent and suggested she move to Nashville. Jeannie, however, didn't think she was ready. Upon the encouragement of singer Dottie West who recorded one of her songs, Jeannie finally moved to Nashville in the fall of 1965. "When I arrived in town, I only had $50 and a Ford Falcon to my name," she recalls. "Within a month though, Porter Wagoner hired me to replace Norma Jean as the female singer for his road show and syndicated television series." Initially turned down by every record label in town, Jeannie finally got the big break she needed when a recording contract was offered by Monument Records. She went in the studio and recorded a Hank Cochran ballad titled "Don't Touch Me" on March 12, 1966. Within only a few weeks the song debuted on the country music charts where it stayed for over five months. Although it held at the No. 2 position for three weeks on Billboard, the record went to No. 1 on all the other major charts, including Cashbox and Record World. It was also a crossover hit on the national pop charts. Today "Don't Touch Me" is considered a standard in country music. Jeannie’s recording of the song is ranked at No. 97 in the book titled Heartaches By the Number: Country Music's 500 Greatest Singles written by David Cantwell and Bill Friskics-Warren. The book, released in 2003, was published by the Vanderbilt University Press and the Country Music Foundation Press. “Don’t Touch Me” is also included in The Stories Behind Country Music’s All-Time Greatest 100 Songs written by Ace Collins and published by Boulevard Books. The author writes, “Cochran’s ‘Don’t Touch Me’ has stood the test of time like few other works. Hauntingly beautiful, poetry set to meter, this composition merits particular praise for the exquisite manner in which it relates its story of love, doubt, and commitment.” The book describes how Buck Owens desperately wanted the song that Jeannie ultimately recorded and made a hit. Country versions of “Don’t Touch Me” have been recorded by Don Gibson, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Price, Lynn Anderson, Eddy Arnold, Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark, Jack Greene, Dottie West, and many others (but none were charted singles). The popularity of “Don’t Touch Me” has crossed all musical styles – Etta James recorded a rhythm and blues version, Carolyn Hester a folk version, Bettye Swann a soul version, and Eleni Mandell a pop version. A reggae version was even recorded by Nicky Thomas. In June of 1966 Jeannie was invited to make her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. She received "Most Promising New Artist" awards that same year from all the national trade publications including Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World, as well as from polls of country music fans and radio DJs across the country. On March 2, 1967, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences honored Jeannie with the 1966 Grammy Award for the "Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female". Edging out friends and fellow nominees Loretta Lynn (“Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’”), Dottie West (“Would You Hold It Against Me”), Connie Smith (“Ain’t Had No Loving”), and Jan Howard (“Evil On your Mind”), Jeannie Seely became only the third female country artist to receive the coveted Grammy. She accepted her award from Chet Atkins. With a successful breakthrough hit, Jeannie found herself traveling from coast to coast for concert appearances. The new demands forced her to leave Porter Wagoner's show – and today Jeannie jokes that she was replaced by friend Dolly Parton because Dolly’s ‘hits’ were bigger. New opportunities for Jeannie included many concert and television appearances with the legendary Ernest Tubb. On the liner notes for one of Jeannie's early albums, the legendary Tubb wrote, "She puts heart and soul into every ballad she sings. Whether a new song or an old one, when Jeannie sings it, it becomes 'Jeannie's song'." In September of 1967, Jeannie fulfilled her lifelong dream by joining the Grand Ole Opry. She remembers her Opry induction, attended by her parents from Pennsylvania, as "a very emotional night." "I started crying," she recalls, "and then I encored and that was even worse." Often referred to as the "Mother Church of Country Music", the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville was home to the Opry when Jeannie became a member. Although hot in the summer and drafty in the winter, Jeannie says the Ryman had a magic all its own. She fondly recalls sharing a crowded dressing room, which was actually the ladies restroom, with fellow performers like Minnie Pearl and Barbara Mandrell (who today lists Jeannie as one of her major influences). After 31 years at the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry moved on March 16, 1974, to the new 4,400 seat Opry House on the grounds of the Opryland theme park. At the much- publicized grand opening show which was broadcast on over 1,300 radio stations worldwide, special guest President Richard Nixon told the audience, "Some girls have looks but can't sing. Others can sing but don't have looks. Jeannie Seely's got them both." That quote subsequently appeared in newspapers across the country. Known throughout her career as an individualist, as well as for her infectious humor, Jeannie Seely is widely recognized for changing the image of female country performers. Jeannie is in fact credited for breaking the "calico curtain" by being the first woman to wear a mini-skirt on the Grand Ole Opry stage. "I really didn't think anything of it at the time, but it did cause quite a stir," she laughs. "The Opry manager even called me into his office." In their book Finding Her Voice: The Saga of Women in Country Music, authors Mary Bufwack and Robert Oermann wrote, "Jeannie's frank talk, striking intelligence, free- spirited life-style, and deeply moving vocals have long set her apart from most female country stars. When she arrived in Nashville in 1965, women were still expected to portray the submissive country sweetheart. Jeannie blazed a nonconformist trail from the moment she hit the Opry in her miniskirt...." A string of hit records in the late '60's and early '70's solidified Jeannie's reputation as a country torch singer and earned her the nickname of "Miss Country Soul", a title still frequently used today. Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Robbins once said, "Jeannie Seely is one of the great stylists of our time." When at home, Jeannie made frequent guest appearances on television shows like "Hee Haw" and “That Nashville Music”. On March 22, 1970, Jeannie was a featured guest on "Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour" on CBS-TV. Working with distinguished producers like Fred Foster and Owen Bradley, the blonde, blue-eyed singer recorded more than a dozen albums and over two dozen singles on the Monument, Decca, MCA, and Columbia labels. Jeannie placed singles on Billboard's national country music charts for 13 consecutive years from 1966 through 1978. Among over two dozen hits were "It's Only Love,” "A Wanderin' Man,” "I'll Love You More,” "He Can Be Mine,” "Welcome Home To Nothing,” "Little Things,” "Farm in Pennsyltucky,” and "When It's Over.” In 1973 Jeannie transformed the hobo lament "Can I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister?" into the top ten hit "Can I Sleep In Your Arms?". The following year she adapted the Appalachian ballad "Come All You Fair And Tender Ladies" into another hit single titled "Lucky Ladies.” For two years Jeannie served as a radio disc jockey on her own Armed Forces Network Show, and for several months she traveled on military tours throughout Europe and Asia. Upon returning from an overseas tour, Jeannie noted during an Opry performance that there was no U.S. flag — a patriotic symbol that she was accustomed to seeing. There has been an American flag displayed on the Opry stage ever since. A 1969 duet recorded with fellow Opry member Jack Greene titled "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" went to No. 1 on the charts and launched one of the most successful duos and road shows in country music history. Nominated for numerous Country Music Association (CMA) awards and a Grammy, Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely toured together for over ten years, performing everywhere from New York's Madison Square Garden to London's Wembley Arena. The duo changed the format of “package shows” and were considered forerunners in opening doors and bringing country music to wider audiences around the world. Through a special invitation from the White House they were named Goodwill Ambassadors to the annual United Nations Concert. A long list of artists – including Dottie West, Norma Jean, Tex Williams, Lorrie Morgan, Jack Greene, Chris LeDoux, Doyle Lawson, and Hank Williams, Jr. – have recorded compositions written by Jeannie. In 1972, Faron Young took “Leavin’ And Sayin’ Goodbye” to the No. 1 position, earning Jeannie a BMI Songwriter’s Award. In addition to Faron Young, other Country Music Hall of Fame members have recorded Jeannie’s songs – including Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ernest Tubb, Grandpa Jones, and Connie Smith. The lyrics to one of Jeannie’s songs was used for a Hallmark greeting card. For several years Jeannie was married to Hank Cochran, the writer of such songs as “Make The World Go Away.” “She’s Got You,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “The Chair,” and “Ocean Front Property.” The marriage – the first for Jeannie but the fourth for Hank – finally ended in a divorce. In 1977 the career of Jeannie Seely almost ended abruptly when she was involved in a near fatal automobile accident that left her with serious multiple injuries. "You know, it sounds like a cliche, but it's true that your perspective changes when you have a close call," she reflects. "What you took for granted you come to appreciate more." It was with the help and support of best friend Dottie West that Jeannie was able to recover and get back on her feet. Ironically, Dottie West's death in 1991 was due to injuries she suffered in an automobile accident while en route to the Opry. "I still think about Dottie all the time and miss her very much," says Jeannie. In 1995 she served as a consultant for the CBS television movie about Dottie’s life titled Big Dreams and Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story. Jeannie was portrayed in the movie by actress Cathy Worthington. In the early 80's, Jeannie performed as the opening act for friend Willie Nelson's concert dates across the country. She also appeared in Willie's successful Honeysuckle Rose movie and sang on the soundtrack recording, a contribution which earned her a platinum album. Jeannie became the first female artist to regularly host half-hour segments of the Grand Ole Opry. Those hosting duties actually began on January 19, 1985, when she was called upon as a last minute replacement for Del Reeves, the scheduled host, who was caught in a rare Nashville snowstorm. During the late 80's Jeannie starred in several major stage productions. She played Jean Shepard’s daughter and Lorrie Morgan’s mother in the 1986 country musical called Takin' It Home. In 1988 she portrayed "Miss Mona" in a sold-out run of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and the following year took a nonmusical role as the title character in Everybody Loves Opal. In 1988 Jeannie published her own book, Pieces of a Puzzled Mind, containing a collection of Jeannie's unique witticisms. The popular book was out of print for several years, but Jeannie republished the book in 2012. Also known as "Seely-isms" around Nashville, Jeannie notes that many of the sayings actually began as song titles or opening lines. “County music has made so many of my dreams come true,” Jeannie wrote in the book, “I just wish someone would have warned me about the nightmares.” One of the most popular quotes from the book is “You don’t have to kiss anyone’s a-- in this world, but sometimes it’s best to bend a little bit and make ‘em think you’re goin’ to.” Jeannie portrayed lead singer Danny Shirley’s mother in Confederate Railroad’s 1993 chart-topping music video for the song “Trashy Women”. She also was featured in a video shot at Dollywood for the song “Wrapped Around” by fellow Opry member Brad Paisley who took Jeannie as his date to the 2000 CMA Awards Show. Ironically, the video was shown during Brad’s performance on the 2001 CMA Awards Show – and Jeannie could be seen in the video clip. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, Jeannie appeared frequently on shows like “Nashville Now,” “Crook and Chase,” “Music City Tonight,” “Grand Ole Opry Live,” “You Can Be A Star,” “Family Feud,” and “Prime Time Country.” She served as a regular host of “Opry Backstage,” interviewing everyone from new and upcoming acts to superstars like Garth Brooks. County artist Lorrie Morgan recorded a song co-written by Jeannie titled "I've Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand" for her 1997 album Shakin' Things Up. Lorrie has credited Jeannie as being a major influence in her career and often refers to the Opry cohort as her "second mom.” Lorrie’s father, the late George Morgan, was an Opry star who became a close friend of Jeannie’s. “I admire Lorrie not only for her musical talent, but because she also inherited that wonderful sense of humor that her dad had,” notes Jeannie. “I don’t take lightly the fact that I was fortunate enough to know people like George Morgan, to work with him, and then to go on and become friends and work with his daughter. That’s pretty amazing.” Together Jeannie and Lorrie sang George’s hit “Candy Kisses” for an Opry anniversary special televised on CBS. According to Jeannie, recent years have been some of the busiest years of her career. Nashville music critic Robert K. Oermann wrote in his 2003 book Finding Her Voice: Women In Country Music, "With her chin-out, tough/tender, heart-of-gold manner, Jeannie Seely remains one of country's most completely modern female personalities." Jeannie has entertained on several cruise ships, including the week-long Grand Ole Opry cruises, and for several summers she performed at the Dollywood theme park. She’salso been part of a successful overseas tour with the "Grand Ladies of the Grand Ole Opry,” Jeannie performed on extensive tours of Ireland in both 2008 and 2009. Jeannie continues to enjoy acting and for three months in 2000 she portrayed the role of Louise Seger during a successful run of the Always, Patsy Cline musical in Atlantic City. Along with friends Jan Howard and Rita Coolidge, Jeannie filmed the heart-warming motion picture Changing Hearts in late 2001. The movie, which featured Faye Dunaway, Lauren Holly, Tom Skerritt, and Ian Somerhalder, is now available on DVD and VHS. Jeannie portrays a comical role as a do-good Women’s Baptist League hospital volunteer named Mrs. Shelby. Proceeds from the movie help non-profit organizations dedicated to cancer research, education and support. From 2004 to 2007, Jeannie and fellow country singer Helen Cornelius starred in successful runs of the musical production Count It Be Love, including a performance at the historic Ryman Auditorium. In February 2005, Jeannie was featured in a Nashville performance of The Vagina Monologues with fellow entertainers Pam Tillis and Kathy Mattea. Among the many honors and accolades that Jeannie has received is the 2000 induction to the North America Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2003 she was honored with induction into the George D. Hay Music Hall of Fame located in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Jeannie also received the 2003 Legend Award from Bluebird Country News. In 2006 Jeannie received the Songwriter of the Year Award from the R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) organization. In 2007 she received R.O.P.E.’s Entertainer of the Year Award. In 2009 Jeannie was honored with the prestigious Colonel Aide-de-Camp Award presented by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. The award recognizes citizens for meritorious public service with the distinction of being included in the Honorable Order of Tennessee Colonels. Also in 2009, an interview conducted by Rik Paleri with Jeannie at the Grand Ole Opry for Rik’s “Songwriters Notebook” television show was permanently entered into the archives of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Re-released on CD format, Jeannie Seely's Greatest Hits On Monument continues to receive strong praise, including a review in the All Music Guide To Country. Jeannie’s music projects in recent years include a 23-song anthology CD called Personal, an album or traditional holiday songs titled Number One Christmas and a collection of standards, fan favorites, and duets appropriately labeled Been There, Sung That. In 2001 Jeannie sang with fellow Opry member Ralph Stanley on Clinch Mountain Sweethearts which received an International Bluegrass Music Association Award for “Recorded Event of the Year”, as well as a Grammy nomination for “Bluegrass Album of the Year”. In addition to her own recordings, Jeannie’s vocals can be found on over 75 additional compilation albums and CDs.Her vocals on the Janis Joplin hit “Piece Of My Heart” appear on Bluegrass Goes To Town: Pop Songs Bluegrass Style released in April of 2002. In the fall of 2003 Jeannie released her own acoustic and bluegrass project on OMS Records titled Life’s Highway. The album features musicians Josh Graves, Glen Duncan, Steve Wariner, Jesse McReynolds, and Buck White – as well as harmony vocals from Charlie Louvin, the Osborne Brothers, and the Whites. Country Weekly magazine reviewed the CD and wrote, “Life’s Highway is one of the year’s most welcome surprises – a thoughtful, inventive acoustic winner that’s a much- needed slap in the face for anyone who might have forgotten how Jeannie earned her gig as one of the friendliest faces on the Grand Ole Opry. Jeannie simply owns these 13 tracks...” The recording career of Jeannie Seely spanned six decades with the early 2011 release of a new CD titled Vintage Country which is available on Jeannie’s website and at select retail and online outlets. In 2017, Jeannie’s long-awaited new album Written In Song became available in select stores, through digital retailers, and on her website. The 14-track album contains original songs recorded by artists like Merle Haggard (“Life of a Rodeo Cowboy), Dottie West (“He’s All I Need”), Ernest Tubb (“Sometimes I Do”), Willie Nelson (“Senses”) and several more. Written In Song topped the list of CMT’s ‘New Albums in the New Year,’ and The Boot’s ‘Most Anticipated Albums’ and it continues to receive great reviews: She is “Miss Country Soul,” a beloved member of the Grand Ole Opry, a country icon and a Pennsylvania hit-maker well before Taylor Swift was born... Seely’s latest album WRITTEN IN SONG features 14 updated timeless classics she has written and co-written. -CMT.com, Lauren Tingle Jeannie Seely proves that her songs and her voice are as great as they ever were on this fantastic new album. -Roughstock, Matt Bjorke The country music singer has written songs for numerous artists and it’s refreshing to hear her voice along with her very own take and production on these songs. These are, after all, her songs to sing and she certainly has the vocal prowess to do so! -Backstage Axxess, Dee Haley Jeannie Seely soars on her new album, Written in Song. "Miss Country Soul" is back stronger than ever. There is a variety on her latest musical effort. It garners an A rating. -Digital Journal, Markos Papadatos Jeannie brought back the traditional country sound that fans have been longing for on Written In Song. Tracks include “Leavin’ & Sayin’ Goodbye” featuring special guests Kenny and Tess Sears, “Senses” with guests Connie Smith and Marty Stuart and “We’re Still Hangin’ In There Ain’t We Jessi” with Jan Howard and Jessi Colter. Written In Song is distributed by Smith Music Group. “Written In Song is such an exciting project for me for many reasons,” states Seely. “It consists of 14 songs that I have written over the years, most of them recorded by my peers and my heroes. It’s also very rewarding to know that these songs have stood the test of time and are just as viable today. I am extremely grateful to the musicians and singers who made them sound brand new.” For the past three decades Jeannie has lived close to the Grand Ole Opry in a quaint and comfortable home along the Cumberland River that she renovated and decorated herself. A major setback occurred in May 2010 when Jeannie lost her home, car and personal belongings in the devastating Nashville flood. Jeannie decided to rebuild her home and returned to it around the same time the Grand Ole Opry returned to the Opry House, her second home, which was also damaged. On November 20, 2010, Jeannie married Nashville attorney Gene Ward. Jeannie routinely performs at benefit shows for a wide variety of charities and causes. She has served as the co-host for the annual awards program for SOURCE, a nonprofit organization seeking to unify women executives and professionals that work in all facets of the Nashville music industry. Jeannie is proud to serve as a longtime spokesperson for the Humane Society by recording public service announcements and by serving as a HSUS “Special Friend” involved in supporting their animal protection programs. Jeannie is actively involved in numerous other organizations and causes such as the Opry Trust Fund (which provides financial assistance to needy individuals in the country music industry) and R.O.P.E. (Reunion Of Professional Entertainers). In April 2017, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously approved House Resolution 259 honoring Jeannie Seely on her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In accepting the honor Jeannie noted, “Never have I been more proud of my heritage than I was today. It is my hope that I will always represent Pennsylvania in a manner that would make them proud of their native daughter, and I thank them for this distinguished honor.” Jeannie will be honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) at their 7th Annual NATD Honors Gala scheduled for November 14, 2017, at the Hermitage Hotel. NATD has been a vital part of the Nashville Music Business Community by professionally representing, directing, and promoting the entertainment industry through its members. When not booked on concert dates out of town, Jeannie performs weekly on the Grand Ole Opry’s shows. She frequently hosts the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, appears on RFD television shows and specials, and has been featured in the Family Reunion TV and DVD tapings. Jeannie will be one of the featured performers on the Country Music Cruise that will set sail in February of 2018. Looking to the future of the Grand Ole Opry, Jeannie hopes for a peaceful coexistence of the old and the new. “I like adding the new talent to the Opry, but I don’t want them to ever change the Opry to where it becomes just another concert venue,” she states. “I like seeing the new artists, but value that tradition also and the uniqueness of it. And the music and all should change and will change. It always has.” “Hopefully, I will see a future of doing pretty much what I have done in the past,” explains Jeannie. “I want to keep doing personal appearances and shows and what I’ve been so blessed to be able to do in my life. I want to be anywhere they ask me to be. There are plenty of life’s highways I want to travel. I’m not done yet.” Jeannie notes, “I want to extend a huge ‘thanks’ to all of you who have been on my bandwagon for such a long time. To those of you just joining us, I hope the ride’s not over - so welcome aboard - and hang on!” Fans can write to Jeannie Seely in care of the Grand Ole Opry, 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214. Jeannie’s website can be found at www.JeannieSeely.com, and Jeannie maintains a Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/JeannieSeely.

The Big Time Talker Podcast powered by Speakermatch welcomes Mountain Stage host and artistic director Larry Groce to the show! Larry has been with Mountain Stage since its beginning in 1983. His taste and personality have helped set the tone of this long-running radio show. Larry was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1948 and attended Adamson High School in the Oak Cliff section of that city. It was apparently fertile ground for aspiring singer-songwriters at the time as Michael Martin Murphy ("Wildfire"), Ray Wylie Hubbard ("Up Against the Wall Redneck Mothers") and the late B.W. Stevenson ("My Maria") attended along with Larry. Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughn and Edie Brickel also grew up in Oak Cliff. Larry made his first commercial record album in 1970 for Daybreak Records, a division of RCA. In all, he's made 23 albums, ranging in style from Americana to gospel to children's music. In 1976, his Warner-Curb top ten hit, "Junk Food Junkie," led to radio and television appearances on The Tonight Show, The Merv Griffin Show, American Bandstand, The Midnight Special, The Rich Little Show, Nashville Now, a Disney Channel special, Doctor Demento and A Prairie Home Companion. Of the nine Disney albums he has recorded, five went platinum. In all, 36 of his songs have been included on Disney recordings. In 1976, he was Grammy-nominated for Disney's Children's Favorites Volume I. Visit him online at www.larrygroce.com.  

This week we welcome country music greats, Barbara Fairchild and Mary Lou Turner.This week we welcome, Country Music recording star, Barbara Fairchild!  Barbara Fairchild's vibrant personality, her love for humor and storytelling along with her extraordinary talent for singing country and gospel music make her one of the finest entertainers you will see. She has a sincere warmth that flows out of her to everyone she meets, whether on the street or as a member of the audience in one of her shows. Barbara performs with her very talented husband, Roy Morris. They are really in love, and it shows. In the tradition of other husband and wife teams that brought laughter to millions, Barbara and Roy have a natural flare for comedy that is delightful to experience. They are such an important part of the Branson Entertainment Community.Their Sunday Morning Worship Service that began in 1992 has continued to be a source of inspiration to the thousands of Branson visitors who attend each year. Countless people say. "A trip to Branson is not complete without being with Barbara and Roy on Sunday Morning." Their special Veteran's Service, is so important to them, held during Branson's Veteran's Homecoming Week in November. They believe we owe more to our Veteran's than we could ever repay and take every opportunity to let our nation's heroes know how important they are. Barbara and Roy's faith is their foundation and the most important aspect of their lives. Throughout Barbara's exciting and extensive career she has received many awards and honors. Her nomination for two prestigious Grammy Awards, one for her #1 country hit, "The Teddy Bear Song" and the other in the music for children category, "Lullaby for Teddy" are highlights in her career. She is recognized as one of the finest female entertainers in Country Music. Barbara was one of Ralph Emery's favorite guests during the years he hosted the top-rated "Nashville Now" show on the TNN television network. Ralph even trusted her to be a guest host for him at times in his absence. Through that show Barbara Fairchild became a household name to thousands of viewers.Barbara's talent has not diminished through the years and you can often see her these days on the RFD Network along with many of her peers on the very popular "Country Family Reunion" hosted by Bill Anderson. Among the many television appearances during her career include, "The Tonight Show," Hee Haw," "A Salute to Country Music," " The CMA Country Music Awards," and the three part special, "A Country Homecoming," hosted by Ralph Emery. She has made several appearances on CBN (The 700 Club) and TBN and two tribute specials to the Legendary Dottie Rambo. She was thrilled to host her own TV Special, "Barbara Fairchild In England" on the BBC network, just to name a few.Barbara continues to tour and sing.  For her complete tour schedule visit BarbaraFairchild.com.This week we welcome star of the Grand Ole Opry,  Mary Lou Turner! Born in Hazard, Kentucky, Mary Lou Turner began her career as a Country Music Artist in 1974 with her first popular song, All That Keeps Me Going.  She followed that success with several other songs that reached the top 50 on the U.S. Country Charts, including It's Different With You, Love It Away, and Cheatin' Overtime. Though a star in her own right, she may be best known for the duets she sang with Bill Anderson.  The duo teamed up to produce hits in the top 25 on the U.S. Country Charts, including I'm Way Ahead of You and Where Are You Going, Billy Boy.  The pair released Sometimes in 1976 which reached Number 1 on the Country Charts.  That same year, she and Bill also released That's What Made Me Love You reaching number 7 with that hit. Mary Lou has performed in the theaters of Branson, Missouri for many years.  She starred with both Boxcar Willie and Buck Trent, before joining the Grand Ladies of Country Music Show.  She and her husband, David, call the Ozarks home. For more information, visit her Facebook page:  Mary Lou Turner. 

Mike Caldwell has had 10 years National and World Tours with Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, George Jones and Boxcar Willie as well as TV appearances on Hee-Haw Grand 'Ol Opry Live, Ralph Emory Show, Nashville Now, and Kennedy Center. He is currently the Music Director/Featured Instrumentalist at The Country Tonite Show in Pigeon Forge TN and the featured instructor and performer annually at S.P.A.H (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Harmonica)

Mike Caldwell has had 10 years National and World Tours with Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, George Jones and Boxcar Willie as well as TV appearances on Hee-Haw Grand 'Ol Opry Live, Ralph Emory Show, Nashville Now, and Kennedy Center. He is currently the Music Director/Featured Instrumentalist at The Country Tonite Show in Pigeon Forge TN and the featured instructor and performer annually at S.P.A.H (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Harmonica)

Today on The Neil Haley Show's Caregiver Dave Celebrity Segment, The Total Tutor Neil Haley and Caregiver Dave will interview Country Music Star Tim Atwood. Tim is originally from East Peoria, Illinois. He began his music career playing gospel music at the age of thirteen for The Harris Family. Before settling in at the Grand Ole Opry, Tim toured with country legends Mel Street, Lynn Anderson and Jim Ed Brown where he can still be seen regularly on the rebroadcasts of Jim Ed's TV series Nashville On The Road. Tim's other TV credits include Home & Family, Larry's Country Diner, Another Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, Opry Live, Nashville Now, Hee Haw, Church Street Station, Country On The Gulf, Pop Goes The Country, Country Connection, Late Night With David Letterman, The Dailey & Vincent Show and features on CBS, NBC and FOX National News. Tim is a regular guest host on the iconic Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on WSM Radio.  

http://www.UnderThePuppet.com - For 10 years, Shotgun Red served as the puppet co-host of Nashville Now. He also spent ten years on Hee Haw and hosted the first country music video program, Country Clips.  This episode I chat with Steve Hall about his amazing career puppeteering Shotgun Red.  After the interview I talk about local puppet television shows and I'd love to hear your favorites. CONNECT WITH STEVEWEBSITE - http://shotgunred.com IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4897178 CONNECT WITH THE SHOW http://www.twitter.com/underthepuppet http://www.facebook.com/underthepuppet CONNECT WITH GRANT http://www.MrGrant.comhttp://www.twitter.com/toasterboy https://instagram.com/throwingtoasters/ Art by Parker Jacobs Music by Dan Ring Edited by Stephen Staver Help us make more shows like this one.  Become a patron of Saturday Morning Media and get cool rewards!  Visit www.patreon.com/saturdaymorningmedia for info! ©2018 Saturday Morning Media - http://www.saturdaymorningmedia.com

Puppeteer and musician Steve Hall joins Matt for a very special episode about his amazing life in show business. Hall is best known as the creator of Nashville Now's Shotgun Red. Little Red sat “nose-to-nose” with host Ralph Emery for many years. As a result of the appeal of one character, Hall has met or […] The post Episode 79-Steve Hall appeared first on Talk For Two.

Puppeteer and musician Steve Hall joins Matt for a very special episode about his amazing life in show business. Hall is best known as the creator of Nashville Now’s Shotgun Red. Little Red sat “nose-to-nose” with host Ralph Emery for many years. As a result of the appeal of one character, Hall has met or […] The post Episode 79-Steve Hall appeared first on Talk For Two.

Steve Cooper talks with comic/writer Lisa Sundstedt. Lisa is a successful stand up comic, singer, writer and voiceover actress. She has narrated dozens of shows for E! including Maxim Hot 100, The 101 Guiltiest Guilty Pleasures & 50 Most Shocking Celebrity Confessions. Some of her VO commercial campaigns include Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Safeway/Pavilion's, Ford,AT&T radio, Blackberry, Beringer Wines and Mattel just to name a few. She has been featured Chelsea Lately on E!, The Chelsea Handler Show on E!, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, Tracey Takes On on HBO, The Test on FX, Hudson Street with Tony Danza on ABC, Shasta McNasty, Jerry Lewis Telethon, Nashville Now on TNN, Robot Chicken on Cartoon Network (various voices) & over 20 National Commercials. She was also featured on Web MD’s mental health section under Bipolar Experts Answers as the comedic host. For the last 15 years she has been the face behind the comedy brand Pretty, Funny Women where she teaches female comics and produces stand-up shows at the top clubs in the LA area. 

It has been referred to as the “Home of American Music”, “America’s Musical Showpark” and promised “Great Shows, Great Rides and Great Times”. The park originally opened  with 120 acres of rides and attractions. It opened on June 30, 1972 and remained open until December 31, 1997. At the parks peak in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s the park enjoyed the attendance over 2 million guests annually. Welcome to Opryland USA. Opryland USA, which was usually referred to as Opryland was born due to the popularity of its namesake The Grand Ole’ Opry and the move of the Opry from its long time location at the Ryman Auditorium to its current location at the Grand Ole Opry House. But before we tell the story of the park, we’ll tell the story of The Grand Ole Opry itself… Stepping back it in time we go back to the Roarin’ 20’s, 1925 to be exact. The Grand Ole Opry started out as the WSM Barn Dance. What was WSM you may ask? WSM was an AM radio station owned by the National Life & Accident Insurance Company. The radio studio was housed on the fifth floor of their building in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. In October of 1925 the station began a program featuring “Dr. Humphrey Bate and his string quartet of old-time musicians”. A couple of weeks after the program aired WSM hired what would become their long-time program director and announcer George D. “Judge” Hay. Hay wasted no time, after coming on board he quickly recruited the seasoned 77 year old fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson and then on November 28, 1925 and re-launched the WSM Barn Dance, and although the phrase would not actually be mentioned on air for another 2 years, that date is credited for being the official birth date of The Grand Ole Opry. During the 1930’s the popularity of the program led to many artists, who would later become country music legends, performing on the Opry as well as the length of the Saturday night show being extended to 4 hours. Being broadcast at that time at 50,000 watts, the show became a staple in homes in 30 states eventually becoming a national show when it was picked up by NBC Radio in 1939. All the time this was happening, the live audience of the show grew quickly leading the show to being moved from its original studio to larger and larger venues to accommodate the audience size. Eventually the audience grew to such a size that measures were taken to control attendance by charging a 25 cent admission charge. That, having little effect to dissuade attendance, led to the show being moved to the Ryman Auditorium. It was during the Ryman years that music legends such as Hank Williams (who was eventually banned in 1952 due to his alcohol problems), Patsy Cline, Roy Acuff, The Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Kitty Wells, Minnie Pearl and many others came to be frequent performers on the Grand Ole Opry Stage. The Opry’s growing attendance numbers due to its popularity along with deterioration issues with the Ryman Auditorium led to the decision to find a new home for the show. It was decided by WSM, Inc., the operator of the Opry that it would be relocated nine miles east of downtown Nashville, on a tract of land that was owned by a sausage manufacturer (Rudy’s Farm) in the Pennington Bend area of Nashville, it was also decided to build a theme park and hotel/convention center with the new Grand Ole Opry House becoming the crown jewel of the grand entertainment complex. Ironically, the theme park would open on June 30, 1972 prior to the Grand Ole Opry House debuting there on March 16, 1974. The park would receive its original name from WSM disk jockey, Grant Turner’s early morning show, Opryland USA, with its own name honoring the stars of the Grand Ole Opry. Although the Grand Ole Opry had always dedicated itself to mostly featuring traditional, conservative Country Music (with only a couple of exceptions); Opryland USA’s overall theme was more of a generalized blend of American Music consisting of bluegrass, gospel, jazz, pop and rock and roll with the theme carrying through not only to the rides but the shows as well. As a matter of fact the Rock N’ Roller Coaster was a opening day attraction. WSM’s bet paid off in a big way as the entire complex proved extremely popular and spurred its first expansion in 1975. In a move that would fit right in with culture of the park the “State Fair” area was created featuring carnival games, the Wabash Cannonball roller coaster, the Tennessee Waltz swing ride and the Country Bumpkin Bumper Cars. As would become the norm because of the parks limited size, the park would have to remove an attraction in order to add a new one. In this case it was the park’s buffalo exhibit that would disappear in favor of the new attractions. But the Wabash Cannonball roller coaster would prove to be one of the favorite rides at the park until it’s closure 22 years later. In a setback for the park for its 1975 season, not too long before the park was set to open the Cumberland River experienced a large flood that inundated most of the park with some areas submerged by up to 16 feet of water. Fortunately, the park was able to recover from the flood quickly with the opening day being delayed only for one month, but on a sadder note several of the animals from the petting zoo did not survive the ordeal. Attendance continued to grow throughout the 1970’s and into the 1980’s partly due to the parks location and its ability to draw guests throughout Tennessee and several surrounding states being that there were no other comparable parks within a reasonable driving distance. Most other parks such as St. Louis’s Six Flags over Mid-America, Charlotte’s Carowinds, Atlanta’s Six Flags over Georgia and the northern King’s Island in Cincinnati were a 4 to 6 hour or more drive making them impractical for a day trip. As park attendance grew and attractions grew, it ushered in the need for a hotel in order to keep guests onsite for more than a day. In 1977 the Opryland Hotel, a large resort hotel, was built next to the park. Then in 1979 the Roy Acuff Theater next door to the Grand Ole Opry House in the plaza area and was the primary venue for the theme parks premier musical events and productions. In a shrewd business move the theater was actually built outside the park’s perimeter and while because of this you did not need theme park tickets to attend events, productions held there usually did require separate tickets from park admission and in most cases drew day guest’s from the parks to the events as well as the general public, thereby increasing the park’s revenue. In 1982, things changed for the Opryland complex in an abet, “Grand” way. The parent company of WSM, Inc., (National Life and Accident Insurance Company, later NLT Corporation) was absorbed by American General from Texas. Unlike it’s predecessor, who had benefitted from the advertising value and name recognition of owning and supporting the Grand Ole Opry, American General had no experience with or running an entertainment business and furthermore had no interest in running a theme park nor the broadcast business. It almost immediately set about the task of finding a buyer for all of NLT’s former entertainment assets and approached some of the larger entertainment and hospitality corporations such as MCA, Anheuser-Busch and the Marriott Corporations about the possibility of selling them all as a “package” deal. While some potential buyers were interested in individual parts like the theme park, the hotel, or the Grand Ole Opry itself; no one company was interested in buying them all at once. After a time, American General began considering that the only way they would be able to divest themselves of these properties would be to split them up into different entities. As fate would have it, just about that time Gaylord Broadcasting Company of Oklahoma City stepped in and bought nearly all of them lock, stock and barrel. The Opryland Complex, the WSM radios stations and it would have bought the WSM-TV station as well had they had not been at their limit of television stations that they were allowed to own by the government. After the purchase was complete, the name was changed to Gaylord Entertainments Company. In fact, Ed Gaylord, who was then heading the media empire was instrumental in Opryland’s acquisition. Mr. Gaylord, as it turned out was a huge fan of the Opry and spearheaded the effort to purchase it and keep it intact. As an added bonus, the acquisition also included then fledgling WSM cable network, TNN (The Nashville Network) and its production division Opryland Productions. TNN has since gone on to become a television network dedicated entirely to Country Music. For a number of years TNN’s offices and production facilities continued to be located on-site in Opryland as well as one of its shows, Nashville Now (then later Music City Tonight) was filmed in the Gaslight Theater within the park itself and the park was often used as a backdrop for numerous concerts and performances of popular country music stars. With Gaylord now owning and backing the park and the enthusiastic leader of the parent company as a fan, the future looked bright for Opryland USA…and for a while at least it would be, but the clouds were beginning to gather. With the purchase of the park now behind them, 1982 would bring more expansion to the park but with growth would come more growing pains due to the limitations of space. Future expansion from this point would mean that for every new addition to the park, something would have to go. In 1984, a third roller coaster arrived in the New Orleans area of the park. It was named “ The Screamin’ Delta Demon”. A second, yet more subtle park gate was also added adjacent to the parking lot as well for the 1984 season. As the 1980’s pressed on, the park would face an issue that it never really had to deal with before…competition. As I had mentioned earlier the park had faired well during the 1970’s and early 1980’s because, while other attractions did exist in Tennessee and it’s surrounding states, there we’re no direct competitors that equal to Opryland USA using te same model. But that was about to change with the opening of kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky and the former Silver Dollar City in Pigeon Forge, Tenessee rebranded and improved to become Dollywood, a partnership between the Herschend Brothers and singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton. Now with two other parks within driving distance and both competing for Opryland’s guest’s the park stepped up it’s game by committing to making annual changes to retain it’s local and out-of-town guests and adding major attractions such as the General Jackson Showboat (which still continues to operate to this day near Opry Mills), they also added new roller coasters and water rides until the end of the decade with the opening of the “Chaos” roller coaster.  In 1992 the Chevy-Geo Celebrity Theater opened and for two seasons the performances here were included with the regular park admission. Then in 1994 and 1995 the park began up-charging guests for the concerts held in the theater. Then in a short-lived attempt to capitalize on the success and revenue of the Chevy-Geo Celebrity Theater, Opryland added two more venues; Theater By The Lake and The Roy Acuff Theater each, receiving renovations and expansions, and added them to the concert series and billing it as Nashville On Stage. However, it turned out to be “too much of a good thing by creating more supply than there was demand for the live entertainment” and due to the lackluster sales the multi-venue concert series was moved back to the Chevy-Geo Celebrity Theater serving as the single concert venue inside the park. Many other things were promoted to bring visitors to the park such as the taping of several weeks of the popular Mark Goodson Game Show “Family Feud” featuring some of the biggest stars in country music at the time including, just to name a couple, the Mandrell’s and the Statler Brothers. Also in reference to TNN’s coverage of NASCAR and Opryland’s designation with NASCAR the annual “TNN Salute to Motorsports” would take place one weekend a year at the park starting in the early 1990’s and continuing until the parks final closing. Large events were held in the late years of the park, for example the Grizzly River Rampage was used as a course for the NationsBank Whitewater Championships, which (in 1995 alone) served as a qualifier for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. After the events were completed, the course was drained and a temporary Halloween attraction—"Quarantine", tied into the storyline of the neighboring indoor roller coaster "Chaos"—was constructed in its bed and would run during the halloween season from1995 through 1997. In 1995, in what would come to be the final large attraction would open at the park, The Hangman roller coaster was opened. Also starting in 1994, Gaylord began investing heavily in the rejuvenation of the downtown Nashville entertainment district. The company renovated an old and dilapidated Second Avenue building into what became the Wildhorse Saloon and was also behind the major rennovation and reopening of the Ryman Auditorium. With the investment made in the downtown entertainment district they began to offer a water taxi service between the downtown district and the theme park and solidified the connection between the two areas by renaming the theme park as Opryland Theme Park and using the existing name of Opryland USA as the figurehead name for all of Gaylord Entertainment’s Nashville properties. Now with all of the investment going into the area and a new coaster for the park you would think that would signal good things for the future of the park but short-sighted planning and baseless decisions would soon signal the beginning of the end for Opryland theme park. For a moment, we’re going to step back in time to 1993. At the time the theme park had grown to 200 acres in size. Let’s put that in perspective. For those of us who are familiar with Disney’s theme parks let’s compare Opryland Theme Park’s 200 acres  to Walt Disney’s Magic Kindom Park coming in at approxamately 142 acres or Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park at 154 acres. Granted EPCOT is over 100 acres larger at 300 acres but I think you get the picture. Opryland at the time was not a small theme park by any means and still needed room to grow. However, that was not to be. A project that would put the final nails in the preverbial coffin for the theme park was to be called “The Delta” and it would be started in 1993 and would open in 1996. The project was huge, in fact it was the largest construction project up to that point in Nashville’s history. It would add a massive new atrium, 1,000+ guest rooms and a new convention center to the Opryland hotel. It  would also come to occupy almost every single square foot of land that would have allowed the theme park to grow and evolve. Coming back to late 1995, the Gaylord company management at the time had turned a scutinizing eye towards the theme park, and perhaps a bit of predjudice. Nashville’s climate while pleasant throughout the majority of the year, prrevented the park from operating during the winter except for a short run during the Christmas season. The park was also only able to open on weekends during the spring and fall. But the park was open daily during the summer season. According to reports, it was shown that attendance to the parks did somewhat plateau throughout the 1990’s. However, the actual number of visitors to the park made the park profitable, but obviously not profitqable enough for the executives running the company at the time. In 1997 Gaylord management decided that a move back towards it’s core hospitality business was in it’s best interest and in keeping with this directive, it was decided that the Opryland Theme Park property would no longer make a return on investment equal to what was desired for it’s properties and was unlike to do so in the future. Which in light of the consuption of property from the construction of The Delta, seemed to be a self –fufilling prophesy. Either way, one thing was clear, Opryland Theme Park’s journey was coming to an end. In 1996, a third park gate was finally added near the "Chaos" roller coaster, which allowed pedestrian traffic between Opryland Hotel and Opryland Themepark for the first time in the parks history. Previously, hotel guests wishing to visit the amusement park would have to take a shuttle running back and forth between the hotel and the entrance of the park. At the end of 1997 the "Christmas in the Park" season was promoted as "one last chance" for the residents of Nashville to see Opryland Theme Park, but guest arrived to find that only a very small portion of the park was open for the season, many of the larger attractions were already being dismantled. Then abruptly on December 31, 1997 the gates were locked and Opryland USA began to fade from reality into history. As it so often happens in the wake of closing an amusement park, efforts were made to sell off the larger rides and attractions to other parks to recoup as much revenue as possible from the dying park and in some cases they succeeded in others, deals went bad leaving some dismantled rides to either sit in outdoor storage and deteriorate or being sold off for scrap… an end not befitting the memories, laughter and fun times that they had generated for so many years before. The park site was cleared and paved over and relegated to serving as the parking lot for Opry Mills and the Grand Ole Opry House while construction of the mall took place on the site of the Theme Park’s parking lot. Opry Mills opened in May of 2000. But for a time some vestiges of the park remained, as a few still do today for those who know where to look. A long, short concrete levee wall that once separated the State Fair, The New Orleans and the Riverside areas is still visible and from the McGavock Street entrance you can still see the remains of the embankment which once supported the rails for Opryland’s railroad. The administration building that was located however briefly outside the gates of the park was moved near the Cumberland landing docks and serves as offices for the General Jackson and the Music City Queen riverboats. Quite a bit of the Opry plaza area remains intact and for that matter open for business. The Roy Acuff Theater, The Grand Ole Opry Museum, and of course The Grand Ole Opry House herself have remained in regular use before, during, and after the demolition of the park. It should be noted as well that the Grand Ole Opry show also returns yearly for a limited seasonal run at it’s original home at the Ryman Auditorium.  The buildings that once housed Roy Acuff’s and Minnie Pearls Museum became administrative offices for WSM radio and as for the Gaslight Theater it is still the only building that is still standing from inside the gates of the them park and has been used for Gaylord’s annual ICE! exhibit for a time, as a rental facility for television production, and for various other events. Though all of the rides had long since gone, the man-made channel for Grizzly River Rampage remained as a visible reminder of the park for fourteen years until Gaylord, in clearing the area for a new events center razed the course…and with that the last recognizable feature of Opryland Theme Park was gone. While many people have called for the park to be rebuilt, it was not to be. The time of Opryland Park had pasted. For it is now, like so many other parks ever to remain destined to operate only in the memory of those who can’t forget the fun they had in Opryland, USA. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Echoes Of Laughter. You can listen to this show as well as all of our other shows by visiting us at our website at: ithrivehere.com and of course at echoesoflaughter.com. Please remember that if you like our shows we ask that you subscribe to them and give us a positive rating on iTunes, after all that is how other people are able to find our shows as well. 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