Archive for the ‘The Oak Ridge Boys’ Category

Country Music Hall of Fame Readies for CMA Music Fest with Star-Studded Lineup

2012_cma_music_festival_logo_21916Country Music Hall of Fame

As thousands of country music fans prepare to converge on Nashville in June for the CMA Music Festival, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum stands ready to greet them with special programs and events. During June 5-9, museum visitors will be able to attend autograph signings and/or performances featuring both new and legendary artists.

Foremost among the museum’s Music Fest-week events is the return of its series Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT, which will include autograph signings with Lee Brice, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride and performances and autograph signings with Casey James, Tracy Lawrence, Love and Theft, Joanna Smith and Josh Thompson. The museum will also present a special Songwriter Session with Kellie Pickler and a tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins by Steve Wariner, c.g.p. Museum admission is not required for Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT events; however, a purchase of artists’ merchandise from the Museum Store is necessary to participate in the autograph signings. The Songwriter Session and Chet Atkins tribute are included with museum admission and are free to museum members.

Visitors who present their official CMA Music Festival badge at the door and those who participate in autograph signings will receive $3 off adult general admission to the museum. Music Fest week will also be a chance for visitors to see the new major exhibition The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and California Country, which opened on March 23.

Click Read More for a schedule of Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT events, other museum programming and special museum hours for CMA Music Festival:

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Oak Ridge Boys Member Brings Patriotic Pages of G.I. Joe & Lillie to Cracker Barrel

Oak Ridge Boys

Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys has released his best-selling book, G.I. Joe & Lillie: Remembering a Life of Love and Loyalty, at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. This moving account of his parents, Joe and Lillie Bonsall is a powerful story of patriotism, bravery, deep commitment, and unmovable faith.

The Grammy-winning singer says the project will enable him to further share the legacy of the inspiring publication which symbolizes the essence and core values of America.

“I am honored beyond words that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is now carrying my G.I. Joe & Lillie book. Along with all of these years of singing with The Oak Ridge Boys, writing this book has been a highlight of my life and its constant success has been downright incredible,” he says.  “I think the reason people love this book is that so many folks from the Greatest Generation lived the same or, at least, very similar story,” Bonsall adds.

He describes having G.I. Joe & Lillie at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® as truly meaningful and relevant.

“Our great Veterans who gave so much for our freedom are always there eating at Cracker Barrel because they know that this is a company that cares about them deeply as does ALL of Middle America. I know I do… that is why I wrote this book. A story that honors my parents and their service to America,” the Grand Ole Opry member explains.

Previously, Joe Bonsall wrote a song in honor of his parents, both members of the U.S. military during World War II. The Oak Ridge Boys took part in a patriotic television show which was directed and produced by Sherman Halsey. During the performance, they sang the song, G.I. Joe & Lillie, as a tribute to Bonsall’s parents, shortly after their passing. A video of the performance was uploaded to YouTube by a fan, creating headlines and generating more than 2.8 million views.

A critically-acclaimed author, Joe Bonsall has had articles featured in many publications. Books he’s written include From My Perspective, Molly the Cat children’s book series, The Oak Ridge Boys: An American Journey,  and An Inconvenient Christmas. For additional information, please visit his personal website at: www.JosephSBonsall.com.  Get latest updates and details on The Oak Ridge Boys, by visiting: www.oakridgeboys.com.

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Hear What Happens “When Country Meets Dixie”

When Country Meets Dixie

There is always something unique when musical styles and various artists merge together. Such is the case with the new album “When Country Meets Dixie,” which is available now. This blended showcase of music features New Orleans style horns, gospel and country, featuring the Dukes of Dixieland and country legends and Grand Ole Opry members, the Oak Ridge Boys.

The Dukes of Dixieland are a New Orleans treasure. They have been active on the music scene since 1974 sharing their signature sound. The Oak Ridge Boys have been together since 1973 starting their foursome as a gospel-singing group. With such hits as “Elvira” they quickly became a household name in country music. These 2 groups, along with the some help from Wesley Probst, Bobby John Henry, Callaway McCord and Lathan Moore, set out to make an album unlike any out there today.

All 12 of the songs on the album blend the 2 group’s musical styles together. The trumpet, trombone, and sax are all definitely prevalent sounds on this project. If you have ever been to Disneyland this music may give you a flash back of walking down Disney’s main street. The music is for the most part upbeat with a few gospel/spiritual tracks in the mix. I really enjoyed The Oak Ridge Boys lead on “Little Talk with Jesus,” as well as their jazzed up version of “Bobby Sue.” Another fun song is the first one on the album, “That’s What I Like About the South.” It kicks the CD off and basically sets the tone for what you will be hearing throughout the album. “Elvira” also made the cut. While I am undoubtedly a fan of this classic, I can’t say I loved it with the horns.

Overall the album is fun to listen to, but isn’t for every country lover. I would not be dying to put it on my iPod for a ride into work or a morning run. I think for most country fans it would make fun background music at party, but wouldn’t be for everyday listening. However, if you love Dixie jazz, gospel favorites and the legendary Oak Ridge Boys you just may want to give this album a try and see if you like the result.

Want to know more about the Oak Ridge Boys?
http://www.oakridgeboys.com/

Want to know more about the Dukes of Dixieland?
http://www.dukesofdixieland.com/

Krissie Humphrey
CMTT Music Contributor
@khmusic12
krissie@countrymusictattletale.com

Stars Send Their Congrats to Keith Urban via Twitter

Keith Urban

After Tuesday night’s All for the Hall benefit concert, stars took to Twitter to welcome Keith Urban on becoming the next member of the Grand Ole Opry family.

@BradPaisley Welcome home to the Opry, Keith. You’re rooming with Little Jimmy for the first month.

@MartinaMcBride I leave twitter for a few hours and what happens? @KeithUrban gets invited to join the Opry and @merlehaggard is on twitter! What a night!

@DiamondRioBand Congrats to @KeithUrban on his invitation to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry. Well deserved! http://pic.twitter.com/AhXyRSHP

@DierksBentley congrats @keithurban. can’t think of a better member for the @opry! see you out there dude!

@CraigMorganMusic Congrats to my friend @KeithUrban on his invitation to be a member of the @opry

@CarrieUnderwood Congratulations @KeithUrban on being asked to join the Grand Ole Opry! So glad you’re going to be part of the family! It’s about time!

@oakridgeboys We officially would like to welcome @KeithUrban to the @opry … Honored to have been with him last night…

We would also like to congratulate Keith on becoming the next member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s long over due.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com Don’t miss a country music beat! Sign up to receive free email updates or subscribe to CMTT via RSS today!

Third Annual ‘We’re All for the Hall’ Rocks Nashville with Surprises!

Keith Urban

Last night, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, and Friends rocked Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for the Third Annual ‘We’re All for the Hall’ concert benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Fans of all ages gathered to get a musical taste of various duos and groups during the “Come Together” themed evening. Although, there were a few solo surprise exceptions.

Vince GillVince Gill & Keith Urban

Unlike year’s passed, Keith Urban didn’t do a mini set of his solo show to kick-off the evening. Instead, Keith sang a couple of songs before inviting Vince Gill on stage with him to perform a few of his songs. This set the tone for the evening which included a two-song set from Little Big Town, Thompson Square, The Pistol Annies, The Band Perry, Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boy, Lady Antebellum, Rascall Flatts, and Diamond Rio.

It’s pretty impressive to see so many legends and so many new folks on one stage. I’m sure many fans, myself included, were seeing someone for the very first time. I never thought I would see Alabama perform together since they retired before I had the chance. And, it’s amazing to hear an arena full of people sing songs that are nearly two decades old; especially when some of the folks in attendance weren’t that old.

Lady Antebellum

Two legendary solo artists graced the stage last night, and the fact they were solo didn’t matter at all. The legendary Don Williams rocked the sold-out crowd to the famed “Tulsa Time” and Merel Haggard sang three or four hits while people sat jaw agape at the very fact they were seeing this legend perform before their very eyes.

Keith Urban Asked to Join the Opry

Probably the most memorable part of the night was when Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Diamond Rio, and The Oak Ridge Boys invited Keith Urban to join The Grand Ole Opry via duffel Bag. Keith almost appeared shocked while he tried to gain his composure before speaking. The arena went nuts, to say the least. This is a moment Keith’s fans have waited for almost as long as he has. I’ve spent many Opry performances holding my breath only to be left disappointed and light headed. Last night, everyone screamed and cheered.

All for the Hall

At the end of the night, the entire crowd returned to the stage to perform a very unorganized version of “I Saw Here Standing There.” To be honest, I’m not sure anyone sang anything other than the first verse and the chorus. But hey, all of those folks on stage at one time having the time of their lives…I’ll take it.

You can see all of our pictures on our Flickr.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com Don’t miss a country music beat! Sign up to receive free email updates or subscribe to CMTT via RSS today!

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