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Stryper Frontman Michael Sweet Invites Fans to Join Him for a 10-Day Tour of Israel

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Michael Sweet of Stryper(Nashville, TN) — Israel Theme Tours is proud to announce that Stryper frontman and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet will be taking fans to Israel, January 13-22, 2013. The 10-day, VIP-style tour of the Holy Land will offer fans a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience.

Travelers will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, explore the ruins of the ancient port city built by King Herod, experience the Western Wall and the ancient city of Jerusalem, float in the Dead Sea, visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum), roam the beaches of Tel Aviv, experience baptism in the Jordan River and much more.

Michael will join the tour group each day for a variety of activities, including exclusive fan access and a private concert performance while cruising the Sea of Galilee.

“I’ve always wanted to go to The Holy Land but I’ve never been,” said Sweet. “I’m excited that my first time will be with some of my closest friends and fans. From Jerusalem to the Jordan River, this is going to be incredible.”

The tour is limited to 50 travelers, and registrations are being accepted now. Fans can reserve their spot by visitwww.israelthemetours.com/michaelsweet.

Multi-platinum rock band Stryper recently completed a yearlong world tour, and they are putting the final touches on the follow up to 2010’s The Covering. Sweet is also working on a solo record and an autobiography, both due later this year. For more information, visit www.stryper.com and www.michaelsweet.com.

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David Frizzell Supports MADD with Chart-Topping Tune

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

David FrizzellNashville, TN — Country’s living legend, David Frizzell, has released “Say Hello To Heaven” to raise awareness and urge support for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

In the first week of release, “Say Hello To Heaven” was among the most active releases in the Country format. The song shot to the #1 spot for streaming and was in the Top 5 downloads on the PlayMPE chart.

Written by Nashville’s Buddy Hyatt, and available just in time for the annual observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, “Say Hello To Heaven” shares the story of a wife and mother killed in a car accident at the hands of a drunk driver. Sadly, it is a story that rings true for the Frizzell family, who lost David’s niece in 1998 when a drunk driver was responsible for her death on her 32nd birthday.

With an upcoming special on RFD-TV, Frizzell launches a year-long promotion using the song to shine a light on the dangers of driving while impaired, and on the good work done by MADD.

“MADD was there even before I or others in the family could get there,” Frizzell says. “They provided so much care and support; services that I had no idea they offered.”

The “Frizzell & Friends” show was be taped at The Texas Troubadour Theater, home of the famed Midnight Jamboree radio show, and features appearances by Hyatt, Jett Williams, Jimmy Fortune and Moe Bandy. The show airs on March 29 and will be rebroadcast on March 30. The promotion is sponsored in part by the generous support of Liberty Tax Service.

Founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in 1987, Alcohol Awareness Month is held every April.

For more on the song and promotion, visit www.facebook.com/davidfrizzellmusic

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Todd Fritsch Back In The Saddle And On Country Radio After 2009 Roping Accident

By on March 19, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

New Single, “Calls I Haven’t Made,”  Impacting Country Radio Today

Todd Fritsch

Photo Credit: Melissa Webb

Nashville, TN (March 19, 2012) — Todd Fritsch is back in the saddle – and Country radio – after a roping accident on the family cattle ranch left him with a crippling leg injury three years ago.  “It was a long road to recovery,” says the engaging Texan. “But I had my second surgery this past December and I’m rehabbed and ready to go.” “Calls I Haven’t Made” is an outstanding song choice; Todd’s rich voice resonates throughout this intriguing tale of redemption, and he’s supported by top-drawer production and talented players. Fans can purchase the new single from iTunes.

“It’s a little bit more of a ‘Nashville sound’ than anything I’ve done before,” admits Fritsch, who enjoyed a string of hits with his previous Country singles (What’s Wrong With Me, Small Town Radio, I Don’t Live Here Anymore, I Got Mexico, and a duet with Texas legend, Gary P. Nunn, Every Honky Tonkin’ Hero (Has His Day).

“Calls I Haven’t Made” was produced by respected Nashville insider, Butch Baker.  The track is from Todd’s upcoming CD, UP HERE IN THE SADDLE, due later this Spring. “I think ‘Calls’ will give radio a good idea of what the new album has in store,” says the amiable entertainer.  “There are a few surprises and a little more polish on this project; fans are loving the new songs and they’re going over well at my shows.”

ABOUT TODD:

Todd’s appeared on radio and television, played honky tonks, festivals and fairs throughout the Southwest and in Europe, appeared in a movie (PALO PINTO GOLD, starring Trent Willmon and Kinky Friedman) and graced the pages of Country Weekly, Best In Texas,Open Range and Texas Music magazines. He juggles his music career with his responsibilities on the family cattle ranch in Willow Springs, Texas. www.toddfritsch.com and www.facebook.com/toddfritsch

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Troy Tomlinson Named President Of CMA Board Of DirectorsI; Ed Hardy Named President-Elect

By on February 16, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest
CMA

Photographer: Amanda Eckard / CMA

NASHVILLE – At the meeting of the Country Music Association Board of Directors this week in Phoenix, Ariz., Troy Tomlinson was named President of the Board and Ed Hardy was named President-Elect. The appointments begin immediately.

Chairman of the CMA Board Gary Overton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Nashville, made the announcement at the first quarterly gathering of the Board. Tomlinson, who is President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing moved from President Elect to the open President’s position. Hardy, President of GAC, was named President-Elect. Jessie Schmidt, President of Schmidt Relations, remains Secretary/Treasurer for a second year.

“I am very excited about working with our new CMA Board President Troy Tomlinson and President-Elect Ed Hardy,” Overton said. “Both Troy and Ed are highly successful and honorable leaders in the Country Music industry. Further, they have already shown themselves as leaders with insight and wisdom while serving on the CMA Board and its various committees.”

“Given the ambitious vision of the CMA, I am honored to be serving alongside strong executives like Gary, Ed, and Jessie,” Tomlinson added. “The fact that we are all friends makes it even more exciting.”

“I couldn’t be more proud and deeply honored to be invited to serve as President-Elect of the CMA Board,” Hardy said. “I’ve known and worked with Gary, Troy, and Jessie either in business or on the CMA Board for the past six years and greatly respect them and look forward to serving with them in a leadership role. This is a very exciting time for the CMA and the Country Music industry and it’s great to be able have a role in taking it to the next level of success.”

More than 6,400 music industry professionals and companies around the globe are members of the Country Music Association. Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for a single genre of music, the organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry while advancing the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA‘s strategic imperatives – CMA Music Festival and the companion CMA Music Festival television special; CMA’s newest television venture “CMA Country Christmas”; and the crown jewel, CMA Awards, which are known as Country Music’s Biggest NightT. All of CMA’s TV properties air on the ABC Television Network through 2021. For information about CMA visit www.CMAworld.com.

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Nashville to Make Big Impression at 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards

By on February 12, 2012 in In The Press, Special Events

The 54th Annual GRAMMY AwardsMusic’s biggest night is upon us, and Focus on the 615 wants to keep you in the loop with your favorite GRAMMY hopefuls! Kanye West, Adele and Bruno Mars may be among the most nominated, but our hometown country stars make up a notable portion of the prestigious list as well.

First-time nominees Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton each landed three nods, as did past GRAMMY-winner Taylor Swift, each competing for Best Country Album. Newcomers Thompson Square have two nominations for their hit Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not, and The Civil Wars also have two for best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album. Receiving a huge honor, The Band Perry continues their incredible year with a nomination for Best New Artist.

Other notable nominations include Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter’s collaboration on You And Tequila, garnishing two nods, and the Zac Brown Band finding their way into the Visual Media category with Where The River Goes from the Footloose soundtrack. Click here to see a complete list of the GRAMMY nominations.

Nashville is well-represented in performances as well, with Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Glen Campbell, The Band Perry, Shelton, The Civil Wars and Swift all gracing the GRAMMY stage. Jason will perform his smash Don’t You Wanna Stay with Kelly Clarkson, Carrie will team up with legendary crooner Tony Bennett, and Campbell, TBP, and Blake will all be taking the stage together.  Click here to see a complete list of the GRAMMY performances.

Who are your favorites to win? What performances are you most looking forward to? Let us know!

Focus will be tweeting live throughout the performance, so be sure to follow us at @FOCUSonthe615! You can also follow contributor Matt Williams at @mattwilliams27!

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Parallel Music Publishing Continues Growth, Addition Of Brian Maher To Roster

By on February 11, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Parallel Music PublishingNashville, TN (February 7, 2012) — Parallel Music Publishing in Nashville is pleased to announce the addition of award-winning songwriter Brian Maher to its publishing roster.  Maher, who signed with the company in December and is probably best known for co-penning Justin Moore’s “Small Town USA” with songwriter and producer Jeremy Stover, joins recently on-boarded songsmith Blake Chaffin to Parallel’s quickly expanding roster.

“Brian is a great friend and a talented songwriter,” said Stover. “I expect amazing things to come from his new relationship with Parallel.”

The son of famed Nashville producer/songwriter Brent Maher, Brian grew up around a studio and with some of the biggest names in the business (Dionne Warwick, Sly Stone, Bobby Darrin, Kenny Rogers, etc.).  He even went to school with the Judds, an act his father discovered and made famous.

“There never was a conscious decision to strive for a creative career in the industry,” explains Maher.  “I was just constantly around it…it was already a part of my life.  So writing and producing were something that kind of just happened through osmosis…it was just something I naturally absorbed.”    

By the age of 21, Brian had already landed his first publishing deal with Moraine Music Group.  Throughout the years, Maher has bolstered the catalogs of Welk Music and Warner Brothers publishing groups,  landed cuts by such artists as Taylor Swift, Justin Moore, Lonestar, Emerson Drive, Danielle Peck and Randy Montana and has received numerous awards and recognitions by ASCAP, NSAI and Billboard (to name a few).

Maher is now beginning a new chapter in songwriting with Parallel Music Publishing and is anxious to get to work.

“I feel very fortunate to work with such a talented group of people,” expressed Maher.  “Parallel’s influence in the entertainment industry reaches far beyond that of a typical Nashville publishing company,” he adds.  “I am really excited about the additional opportunities our relationship will bring.”  

Parallel Music Publishing is part of Los Angeles-based Parallel Entertainment, a full-service talent management and production company.  It has produced everything from motion pictures to music albums, to programming for a variety of cable television networks.  Its talent roster boasts some of comedy’s most notable acts like Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Lisa Lampanelli, as well as music acts like Zella Day and Warner Music Nashville recording artist Dean Alexander.  It also manages actors including former CMT Insider host Lance Smith.  The Nashville publishing company is a partnership between Tim Hunze, Parallel Entertainment Founder & CEO  J.P. Williams and C.T. Wyatt, who runs the Nashville office of Parallel Entertainment.

About Parallel Entertainment
Founded in 1991 by CEO J.P. Williams, Parallel Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based talent management and production company.  Parallel develops, finances and produces a wide range of entertainment projects, including feature films; DVD premiere features; comedy and music albums; and television series and specials for network and cable.  The filmed entertainment productions include several one-hour specials for Comedy Central and HBO; and several motion pictures, including Blue Collar Comedy Tour:  The Movie; Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again and Larry the Cable Guy: Heath Inspector, Delta Farce, Witless Protection for theatrical release.  For more information on Parallel Entertainment, please visit: parallelentertainment.com.

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Jana Kramer Exclusive! New Music, One Tree Hill, and What Lies Ahead

By on January 20, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

We sit down to discuss her record-breaking single, what she really thinks of her One Tree Hill departure, and what superstar she may be joining on the road!

Jana Kramer - Why You WannaIt’s going to be a busy year for our friend Jana Kramer! With the end of an era on One Tree Hill segueing into a blossoming music career, her star is on the rise, and Focus on the 615 is going to be there to cover it the entire way. We were thrilled to catch up with Jana for an exclusive interview. Although we were both fighting off illness, we had a great conversation discussing her music, her new album and what to expect from here on out.

Matt: Yesterday, your single Why You Wanna became the most added debut single in the history of Country Aircheck. Try to describe what that’s been like for you.

Jana: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. Everyone was going “yeah, you broke the record, you broke the record!” but it hasn’t had time to hit me yet! We kind of celebrated breaking it, but the fact that the radio stations actually came through and picked up the song, and the fact that we actually did break the record is insane. I’m excited!

Matt: That’s fantastic, and now the single has been downloaded over 200,000 times!

Jana: I swear One Tree Hill has the coolest and most devoted fans ever. And on top of it, the neat thing is, people will come up to me and say “I love your song, and I didn’t know you were on a TV show!” and that to me is the biggest compliment ever; that people are actually hearing me through my music.

Matt: That’s got to boost your confidence going into a debut album, right?

Jana: Yeah, what’s giving me confidence is just the fact that people like it, and going into the studio this next week [to finish the new album] is going to be exciting.

Matt: Let’s talk about the new album: What can we expect? Is it a simple introduction to Jana Kramer? An all-encompassing repertoire of your musical influence? How would you qualify it?

Jana: It’s me to the core. Scott Hendricks, my producer, and I wanted each song to represent some part of me, and I feel that each song does exactly that. I have my sassy side, and so I have a song that’s very sassy; and then there’s the honest, heartfelt song; then there’s the song that we’ve all been through where our heart was broken… literally each song I’ve lived, I’ve felt, and that’s what I want… for people to get to know me through my music if they haven’t already met me before.

Matt: You’re obviously a country singer, what kind of stylings and country influences are embedded in your music?

Jana: It’s country. It’s not too poppy, it’s more organic sounding. To me it’s refreshing.

Matt: Now, the common saying is “you have your entire life to write your debut album.” Did that prove true for you as well? How long has this been in the making?

Jana: I’ve been into music my entire life, but I never thought I’d be here talking about a “debut album.” I started writing when I was a little girl, but I really seriously started writing when I was 18 or 19. To know that 10 years later an album would actually be a work in progress… it means a lot. It’s going to be amazing, I’m just so excited!

Matt: So, we have to talk about One Tree Hill. Your last episode aired last night. What’d you think of the show, and how’s it feel to be done?

“I was really kind of bummed out with how the exit of my character happened.”

Jana: I was really kind of bummed out with how the exit of my character [Alex Dupre] happened. We didn’t know that we were going to get picked back up, so when we did, the shooting schedule was already in the process. And I didn’t want to wait for 2012 to start my radio tour, so I kind of had to pick one or the other… So they pretty much wrote out my character, which I understand, because they couldn’t shoot around my schedule. But it would have been nice to give my character a little more of an exit. But it all worked out, and I’m happy right now.

Matt: So it’s on to the singing career.

Jana: Yes!

Matt: Can we expect any more acting in the future? Or are you in Nashville to stay?

Jana: I’m definitely in Nashville to stay. I’m totally focusing on this, but if a project comes along that doesn’t interfere with music, I’d definitely do a project here or there. It’s definitely a part of me that I don’t want to lose.

Matt: After this album drops, what’s on the radar next?

Jana: I’m going to hopefully get on a tour. It’s nothing official; we haven’t locked anything down yet, but we’re definitely trying to lock something down very very soon.

Matt: Any idea who you might be touring with?

Jana: Possibly Brad Paisley. But I’ll be doing a bunch of fair dates and shows. I’ll be on the road pretty much the full year.

Matt: Nice! And I hear your debut video comes out next month…

Jana: I know, I’m so excited!

Matt: And sometime late spring, early summer on the album?

Jana: Yes sir!

Matt: Thank you so much for talking with us today!

Jana: Cool, thank you so much!

We’d like to congratulate Jana on everything so far. We are definately looking forward to the video, the album and Jana’s continued success in country music! And stay tuned, because sometime very soon, we will have the opportunity to sit down with her on camera to capture a little more Closer Look @ Jana Kramer.

Click here for our first Closer Look @ Jana!

Why You Wanna (Official Audio) – Jana Kramer

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Craig Morgan Prepares To Release New Album On February 28th

By on January 9, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

This Ole BoyNashville, TN…(January 9, 2012)…Country music star and TV host CRAIG MORGAN is preparing to release his sixth studio album, This Ole Boy, on February 28. The release marks Morgan’s first new music in nearly three years, and his first with Black River Entertainment after signing with the label in April 2011.

Hollywood actress Angie Harmon (Rizzoli & Isles/TNT) stars alongside Morgan in the sweet and surprising music video clip for the title track lead single.  The video, directed by Kristin Barlowe, was filmed in Arrington, Tennessee late last year. Entertainment Tonight will exclusively premiere the music video TODAY at ETOnline.com. The video can be seen on various TV and online platforms in the coming days, and will be available for digital download later this month.

ABOUT CRAIG MORGAN: One of country music’s best-loved artists, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits:  “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “International Harvester”. His newest single “This Ole Boy,” currently climbing the country radio charts, is the title track to his upcoming sixth studio CD, releasing February 28, 2012. Craig received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. Prior to becoming a country music and TV sensation, Craig Morgan spent over 10 years of active duty in the Army and an additional nine years in the Army Reserves.  He is an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. For more information on Craig Morgan, please visit www.craigmorgan.com or follow him on Twitter @cmorganmusic.

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Sarah Darling’s Caricature Added To Wall Of The Palm/Steadily Becoming The Darling Of Music City

By on December 18, 2011 in In The Press, The Latest

Sarah DarlingFocus on the 615 was there at The Palm for the unveiling of Sarah Darling‘s caricature as she was immortalized and now adorns the wall inside this famous restaurant alongside the thousands of other legendary honored patrons.   Congratulations, Sarah!

Sarah Darling is steadily becoming an integral part of the tapestry of Music City.  Her recently released “O Holy Night,” is the first-ever music video shot inside the stunning Laura Turner Concert Hall of Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The song was promptly adopted as Music City’s “Official Holiday Song.” On the heels of being tapped to perform for the upcoming Music City Bowl, Darling’s image will be added to the panorama of faces lining the world-renowned restaurant, The Palm (located at 140 5th Avenue South) in Nashville, TN.  Darling’s image will join thousands legendary patrons honored throughout the world at The Palm’s over 30 locations.

Sarah Darling

Sarah Darling signing her caricature at unveiling ceremony.

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Nashville, TN (December 19, 2011)  – “Welcome to The Palm family!” said an enthusiastic Rae Krenn, Manager of The Palm Nashville (140 5th Avenue South) as she unveiled the likeness of Sarah Darling, Black River Entertainment recording artist on Friday.  Darling was honored as the most recent addition to the images forever immortalized among the dining room’s panorama of classic cartoons and caricatures of local regulars, business people, politicians and celebrities that comprise the impressive customer base.  This long-standing tradition began at The Palm’s original New York location.  Instead of artists “singing for their supper,” artists paid their tab by painting an original portrait on the wall.  The proximity of New York’s cartoon syndicate offices led to the proliferation of colorful caricatures found at every Palm location.

“The Palm is such a staple in Nashville!  I’m truly honored to have my picture in the mix with all the greats on the wall,” exclaimed Darling “I’m truly excited!”

With the addition of Darlings’s image to the dining room of The Palm, it is apparent that this talented newcomer is steadily becoming an integral part of the tapestry of Music City.  Her recently released “O Holy Night,”the first-ever video shot inside the stunning Laura Turner Concert Hall of Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, was promptly adopted as Music City’s “Official Holiday Song” and on the heels of being tapped to perform for the upcoming Music City Bowl on December 30.

ABOUT THE PALM:
The Palm, founded in 1926 by Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi in New York City, is a classic American steakhouse legendary for prime aged steaks, jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters, premium fish and heritage Italian entrees, prepared to perfection, using only the highest quality ingredients and served in generous portions. What makes us truly unique is our genuine old world hospitality and unique atmosphere. Each room is filled with the hearty handshakes and warms smiles from our gregarious staff and familiar guests, and always abuzz with a sea of conversation and laughter celebrating the best of everything.  At The Palm, their philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food and always exceed expectations.  These values have led to The Palm’s success and exceptional reputation at over 30 locations throughout the world.  For more information on The Palm, please visit www.ThePalm.com or visit The Palm in Nashville at 140 5th Avenue South or call (615) 742-7256.

ABOUT SARAH DARLING:
Declared by the New York Times as a “sophisticated songwriter” with a “crisp, powerful voice,” Black River Entertainment artist Sarah Darling is confidently making her mark on the country music scene.  She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in February 2011 and quickly followed that up with the #1 music video for her hit “Something To Do With Your Hands” from her sophomore release, Angels & Devils.  The multi-dimensional artist also has a passion for cooking and fashion, and is aligned with such high profile brands as Crock-Pot and Betsey Johnson.  Darling is currently in the studio working on her upcoming album with producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts) to be released in 2012.  For more information on Sarah Darling, please visit sarahdarling.com or Facebook.com/OfficialSarahDarling. 

Check out these related articles about Sarah Darling!

http://focusonthe615.com/2011/12/10/o-holy-night-by-sarah-darling/
http://focusonthe615.com/2011/10/15/forget-me-not/
http://focusonthe615.com/2011/07/15/betsey-johnson-grand-re-opening-event-with-sarah-darling-and-katie-armiger/
http://focusonthe615.com/2011/07/03/leukemia-and-lymphoma-society-benefit-with-sarah-darling-amber-hayes-3/

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Outlaw Country: A Waylon Jennings Tribute at the SiriusXM Theater

By on December 14, 2011 in In The Press, Special Events
Waylon Jennings

Photo credit: Laralyn Drew

It has been almost 10 years since Waylon Jennings left us, but his music is still as influential as ever. On Tuesday, December 6, SiriusXM presented a special taping honoring Waylon Jennings and promoting the new album ‘Waylon: The Music Inside Vol. II’. The event at the SiriusXM Theater in the Bridgestone Arena featured several acts including Josh Thompson, Jamey Johnson, Waylon’s widow Jessi Colter, and son Shooter Jennings. Also in the house – and rowdy as ever – was Waylon’s old friend Hank Williams Jr. For the taping, each took turns playing Waylon favorites, sharing cherished memories of the late outlaw, and recapturing the magic of the tribute albums.

“At first, I didn’t want anyone to sing these songs but [Waylon],” said Colter about the tribute albums. “But these people love these songs… I couldn’t be prouder.”

The show had the element of a songwriter’s round, only with intermittent anecdotes about the country legend. For the softer, heart-felt numbers some artists on stage closed their eyes and sang along, embracing the powerful lyrics imparted by Jennings. On the faster, hell-raisin’ tunes, the entire studio audience began to clap and sing along, with Johnson frequently providing impromptu lead guitar licks.

Also present at the event were radio personality Carl P. Mayfield and legendary producer and songwriter Cowboy Jack Clement who both shared funny stories of Jennings. Mayfield recounted when Waylon stole his watch, wrapped it, and gave it back to him as a gift while on the air; and Clement reminisced about the time Waylon utilized dynamite to retaliate against a particularly difficult venue.

Josh Thompson and Jamey Johnson were two of the younger acts that had not known the music icon personally, yet have been strongly influenced by his music. Johnson references the man more than once, including in his song “Between Jennings and Jones”, while Thompson penned his own underground hit “Blame It On Waylon”.

Waylon Jennings

Photo credit: Laralyn Drew

“[This] was very inspiring and nerve-racking,” said Thompson about being included with the others on Vol. II. “They played with the man… I wanted to make some changes [to the song], and I wasn’t sure what they would think, but they really embraced it.”

One such artist who “played with the man” was Bocephus himself. A longtime friend of Jennings, Williams Jr. had nothing but funny and fond memories to share, frequently comparing Jennings to his own father, Hank Williams Sr.

“It was daddy and him,” said Williams when asked about where Jennings ranks among the all-time greats. “That man was the hoss right there.”

Between the country music veterans, the new wave of outlaws, and the simple admirers, it was an event filled with great music and fond memories. Certainly, it was an outpouring of love for the late Jennings, but it was also a tribute to the music that has changed lives and transcended generations. If Vol. II is as powerful as Vol. I, country music fans young and old are in for a superbly put together treat.

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