Vale - Reg Lindsay

Reg Lindsay was a man I had great respect for.  His song "Armstrong" has a special meaning to me as my son Troy, who we lost in 1997, was born the year Armstrong walked on the moon. 

Troy was walking on the moon when he and myself had the pleasure of sharing a show with Reg at Coffs Harbour in the early eighties, which I am glad we have on  video tape.

I shared a couple of other shows with Reg over the years, I know we have lost another great country music pioneer.

We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Reg Lindsay’s family.

Keith Jamieson and Alisha Smith

Farewell To Australian Country Music Legend
Reg Lindsay

Yesterday on August 5th 2008, Australia bid farewell to one of the nation's most popular country music artists when the legendary Reg Lindsay passed away.

Along with contemporaries Slim Dusty and Smoky Dawson, Reg was one of the ‘founding fathers’ of Australian country music. His music and

personality continue to influence the new breed of Australian country music artists.

Reg recorded over 65 albums and 250 singles, won three Golden Guitars at the Australasian Country Music Awards, was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to music, had his own top-rating, nationally syndicated television and radio programs, wrote more than 500 songs and toured every inch of this great continent.

"Reg Lindsay will go down in history as a true great of Australian music. His classic hits sound as beautiful today as they did when Reg recorded them. He is a master interpreter of song and this box set is the ultimate collection of his greatest works. I can't say enough good things about Reg......…It's all true and from the heart.“ – LEE KERNAGHAN

“We at Destra Music are all deeply saddened by the news of Reg’s passing, and our thoughts are with Ros and the rest of Reg’s family during this very trying time” - Ken Outch, CEO, Destra Music.

Destra Music has been working closely with Reg’s wife and manager Roslyn for the past 12 months in compiling 'No Dress Rehearsal - The Highlights', a 4CD box-set celebrating Reg's outstanding 45 year career.

Destra Music is proud to be releasing ‘No Dress Rehearsal’ as a celebration of a true Australian country music pioneer.

Domenica La Macchia
Promotions & Publicity Manager

Joy's Music World would also like take this opportunity to add our condolences to Reg's family too.

A Songwriter Of Legends, Ian Quinn

Golden Guitar and multi award-winning songwriter Ian Quinn is Australian country music’s quiet achiever. His songwriting credits rate amongst the best in country music with over a hundred songs recorded by artists like Slim Dusty, Anne Kirkpatrick, Tracey Coster, Dean Perrett, Glenn Jones, Anita Ree and Amos Morris.

This time ‘round, Quinny (as known by his mates)  has written about the legendary, Doug Walters. Doug Walters is one of Australia’s most loved cricketing greats, and Quinny pays a musical tribute to the man many describe as the best batsman ever.

Quinny's new single, ‘A Legend Like Doug’ will stir sentimental pride for the much-loved cricketing larrikin who dominated Australia’s national game. As Quinny says in the song: ‘Doug you’ll always be a legend, like you were back then’.

The release of the single coincides with the launch of Ashley Mallett book, ‘One Of A Kind, The Doug Walters Story’, on July 30th and Quinny’s lyrics to ‘A Legend Like Doug’ are printed in the book.

‘A Legend Like Doug’ is taken from Ian Quinn’s most recent recording, ‘The River Or The Road’.

Media Contact And Interviews
Contact Amanda, Door2Door Publicity amanda@valleystudio.com.au

Grandparents Network

The following story doesn't have much to do with Country Music,
but a lot of Country Music Artists/Fans will relate to it.

Leigh Kostiainen, the daughter of one of our readers, has recently put together a really good website for ‘Baby Boomers’ because dear old dad is one and has hit that magic chronological milestone. It’s called Grandparents Network … the site address is www.grandparentsnetwork.net

Grandparents Network launched in Australia - July 2008. Given the lack of online resources for the ever growing senior market, Grandparents Network has been launched to provide savvy and social grandparents with a fabulous community in which to socialise with like minded grandparents.

In an attempt to be socially responsible the site is completely free to community members. Our D.J friends are free to ring Leigh and book an interview: mobile 0417 230 682 – She’d love to hear from them.

The site is new and needs support if it is to grow. Readers can check it out if they’re an ‘oldie’.

Jean Stafford appears at North Queensland Charity

Jean Stafford appeared at a Gala Charity Evening in Home Hill on Friday night for a once only performance during an evening of entertainment including a massive sport memorabilia auction and a fine display of artwork by the industry accredited performer.

A spiritually lead latent discovery, Jean’s paintings and images depict her generic history which lies somewhere between Australia and a Native American culture.

Her fans and the gala audience were in for a treat given the rare opportunity to see the artist appear live for a single one-set performance. Patrons were in for a night of only the best from the sweetheart of Australian country music who has lead much of the way for younger artist’s venturing into the US and the international market.

Jean’s regular live daytime television appearances in Sydney, at the highly distinguished MO Music Awards, and in Tamworth at the Australasian Golden Guitar Awards, established a highly acclaimed career including a Tourism Ambassador to the US citation by the Tasmania Government and Keys to the City of Nashville.

Recording in 2005 with legendary Nashville session players John Hughey, Pig Robbins, Stuart Duncan, Gene Grisham and Brent Mason, and co-produced by the late Jimmy Crawford, Jean’s self penned album proved her return after a 7 year self imposed exile to write and re-assess her career, heralded much success for what is a superb album. In 2006 she was awarded US Western Swing Female Vocalist of the Year and in 2007 & 2008 had Top 5 and No1 hits with Let the Dance Begin and

Don’t Bet Your Boots across Europe, in Germany Switzerland and Italy and in Ireland and the UK; and was Australia’s only nomination in the 2007 ECMA Awards held annually n Spain.

The multi awarded Australian artist who this year received Australia’s highest accolade – induction into Country Music’s hall of fame – the Roll of Renown enjoyed the hospitality of the local community. Greeted by WIN Television at the airport, Jean mixed business with pleasure photographed by local newspaper Ayr Advocate with sponsor Joe Coco Betta Electrix generous donor of the plasma television for the proposed wing for patients and visitors, and at the hospital visiting patients who will benefit from the appeal which raised its target of $62000 for the construction of the recreational wing, $15000 plus local entrepreneur Bill Micola’s epic 80klm walk sponsored by Townsville’s Ferry Real Estate 2008 Ferry Walk for Health, $26000 from a sports memorabilia auction, and the remaining proceeds from the almost 400 crowd who attended the Gala evening. Jean also found time to catch up with ABC’s Home of Country Music’s John Nutting and prior to flying out on Saturday visited one of the largest farms in Queensland, bordering on the banks of the infamous Burdekin River.

The appeal commenced last month by a hard working committee. It began with a spontaneous meeting in the supermarket sparking a very special event for Burdekin residents and those who followed the charity walk by Ayr businessman Bill Micola will know how much dedication it took to complete every step of the 80klm distance between Alligator Creek near Townsville and Home Hill. Sharing some of that distance was 13 year old Christie Gist proudly stepping out for her community. It was Christie and her mum Sharon who met with Bill in the supermarket some three months ago and where Christie, a 2007 Water Festival Junior Ambassador shared her inspirations to help others.

www.jeanstafford.com.au

For more information JLCM Group Marketing
Email: marketing@jlcm-group.com
Mobile 043717-3414

Publicist
Rhonda Sinclair blurb creative solutions 0438902413

Lindene News

G’day everyone.

I am writing this as the first sounds of dawn filter through my office window. My house in Adelaide is surrounded by trees and backs onto a park. There is a beautiful range of birds that call the city home and so many sing to me each morning that I swear I am still in the bush. This month I begin performing again with two gigs in Adelaide followed by

two regional concerts. I and the band have been working on a number of new songs and it’s been exciting to see them develop musically.

I also have a number of music projects in the pipeline and more will be revealed over the coming months.
In the meantime don’t forget to check out my website at www.jeanettewormald.com, my myspace site at www.myspace.com/jeanettewormald where you can watch videos of me and now, you can also download my songs onto your ipod from my site at CD Baby. Go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/jeanettewormald

Anyway, read on for more news...
Jeanette xx

Opal Blue Songs Now Available To Download
Jeanette Wormald’s songs from her highly successful album Opal Blue, are now available to download from the CDBaby website.
The album, which contains the hit singles Opal Blue, Boundary Rider’s Daughter, If This Isn’t Country and Pukulpa Days is available for sale through the site but fans can also choose to download and purchase separate tracks.
“I have had increasing requests from fans wanting to be able to download my songs. It’s great to be able to offer this facility at last,” Jeanette said.
Visitors to the website can listen to each track from the album. Jeanette plans to offer her other albums and songs as downloads in the near future.
To check out the site or download songs go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/jeanettewormald
Meanwhile, Jeanette is releasing another single through Hillcrest following the Top 20 success of her first international single release of Opal Blue. The song reached number 17 on the ECMA charts.
Inclusion on the charts is based strictly on an airplay playlist report basis.

Adelaide Gigs This Month
Jeanette Wormald is planning two gigs in Adelaide this month to celebrate her move back to the city. Both shows will feature brand new songs from her forthcoming album.
The first, for southerners, is at the South Coast Folk Club on Thursday, August 21st
It will be held at the Port Noarlunga RSL, Esplanade at Port Noarlunga from 8pm onwards. Jeanette will be performing as a duo, with guitarist John Murphy. For more details or bookings, phone Peter Thornton on 8327 2797.
The second show on August 23rd will feature a series of duets with Adelaide’s John Forrest and a selection of Jeanette’s favourite songs. It is also a special occasion as it will be her first birthday in Adelaide since she was a teenager.
So to celebrate, fans can join Jeanette for half price.
The venue is the popular Wheatsheaf at 39 George St, Thebarton. Doors open 8pm with the show starting at 8.30pm. Jeanette will be joined by bass player Ben Fuller and John Murphy.
Tickets are $12.50 adults, $10 concessions and children 12 and under are free. Ph: 8443 4546 for more information.

New Role At Wiltja
Jeanette Wormald is now working part time at the Wiltja Residential Programme for Anangu secondary students.
The singer songwriter is working with teenage girls from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yakuntjatjara Lands and Maralinga Tjurutja Lands and Yalata who come to Adelaide to complete their secondary education at Woodville High School. She is developing a girls singing group and choir.
Students are cared for in a boarding facility at Northgate and offered a series of recreational programmes after school hours.
“It’s a fantastic environment to work in,” Jeanette said. “And it is an important link with the Oak Valley community in the MT Lands, where I have been working on the Maralinga Inma project for the past seven years.”
Jeanette said she was delighted to be working with some students who she first met as junior primary school children at Oak Valley.

How You Can Help Develop Songs Of The Inland Show
Following rave reviews from its Adelaide Fringe debut, Jeanette Wormald’s multi-media presentation Songs of the Inland is being developed for national touring.
Jeanette is working with her creative team to build the show to a full two hour concert presentation and fans now have the opportunity to contribute to the project.
Songs of the Inland has qualified for full tax deductibility status through the Australian Cultural Fund. This means that fans and supporters can invest in the project and receive a full tax deduction.
“So many people want the show to develop further but it is a very expensive process. In the past people have asked me how they can contribute and I wanted to ensure their support could be acknowledged and their support also benefit them,” she said.
“I believe passionately in this show and have already invested a lot of my own money into the project. However, for it to reach its full potential it needs more funds and I want to ensure that we get the best quality possible in photographs and theatrical presentation to promote regional SA,” she said.
Jeanette is planning to debut the full two hour presentation at the Adelaide Fringe next year. People wanting more information about contributing can email her at lindene@riverland.net.au

A photo gallery of the 2008 Fringe performance, taken by photographer Andrew Weller, can be viewed by going to http://www.vividadventures.com.au/SoTI-Gallery/

Compilation Album For Karen Lynne

The new year brings forth another album for Australian Country, Folk and Bluegrass artist Karen Lynne. This album is the sixth album in her impressive independent catelogue, which now includes 3 solo albums and two collaborative offerings - one with Sydney Bluegrass band “Acoustic Shock” and the other with singer/songwriter Pat Drummond.

Titled “The Singles”, this album is her first compilation album, and combines many of the Radio Singles released from all five previous albums to date in a most delightful package. Being Singles released to Australian Radio, all the songs are top quality and present a genuine sample of each of the albums for anyone interested in seeking out a

particular title. Said Karen, “It’s been well over 20 years now since I started out in my musical career and after all those years singing and five albums I think I’ve ‘earned my stripes’ so to speak, and the right to present a compilation album! I guess you could say it was a kind of ‘Celebration’ of my years singing and recording in the industry and a really nice summary of me & my musical journey so far. Also by using the ‘Singles’ released to radio over the years, it means that the listener gets a snippet of some of the best tracks from each of my albums, all on one disc.”

As Karen has always skated between Country, Bluegrass and Folk, it is a great album for first time fans who may not be familiar with her many styles. It has also been packaged for use as a great promotional tool for any Media personnel wishing to understand more about her music and not only contains 15 tracks, but includes a detailed Discography with biographical & album information, individual track chart placings, Award information for each album and a Video Clip as well. Anyone wanting to know more about the album should contact her through the contact details provided.

Changes" is distributed through: “Karen Lynne Music”
Information & interviews available by contacting:-
Karen Lynne Music, P. O. Box 250, Wentworth Falls, NSW, 2782, Australia
Ph: +612-4757 3292 Fx: +612-4757 3209
Email: KarenLynne@bigpond.com & www.karenlynne.com

Ray Sanders
Traditional Country Music Singer/ Songwriter

As you listen to "Ray Sanders Sings Texas Dance Hall Style" CD, it is easy to understand why Ray was once voted "Most Promising Male Vocalist" by The Academy Of Country Music. Ray puts his touch and style on the 14 songs on this CD as only Ray can.

Ray is at ease with the different styles of the songs on this CD, from the

swing tempo of "One More Memory" to the soulful style of "My Special Angel", "Single Mom" and "She Still Holds A Candle". Ray co-wrote 6 of the songs of this CD. "Shuffle Me Back To Texas" "Rock And A Hard Place", and "Single Mom" were co-written with Dewey Hollyhand. "I Can't Change The Changes" was co-written with Randy Brown. "Hanging Around" was co-written with Jim Lipsky, and "She Still Lights A Candle" was penned by Ray and Boots Luker. Kick back & enjoy some real Texas Dance Hall Style Music!

Ray Sanders
Ray was the Tenor singer for Ray Price, and he was on Ray Price's hits including "Heartaches By The Number" "Who'll Be The First”, and many others. Ray also sang Tenor on Warren Smith's records. He was a regular on Hee-Haw and also appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Ray has had over 20 National Chart Records, including "Lonelyville", “All I Ever Need Is You" and "Beer Drinkin' Music.

Hillside Records is proud to release "Ray Sanders Sings Texas Dance Hall Style" for your listening pleasure.

Hillside Records will release this Cd in late August 2008

Hillside records named Label Of The Year by Academy of Western Artists.
Award show Sept 23 2008 in Garland Texas

Dave Franer

www.hillsiderecords.net
www.raysandersmusic.com

Cherry Capital
Country Music Association Incorporated

Would like to invite you and your friends to the Young Bowling club on the following dates
Sunday August 10th from 2.00pm to 6.00pm
Saturday September 27th from 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Saturday October 18th from 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Saturday November 22nd from 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Saturday December 13th from 6.00pm to 10.00pm

Contact Triple CMA secretary,  Kerry on 63825683 or Check out our club’s website www.freewebs.com/triplecma

Hermann Lammers Meyer

Hi to my friends in airplayland,
Thanks again for having my songs in your shows, I really do appreciate that... lately I received some questions and requests on my 2004 album The Good Old Days ...so I thought I would send out a general review - info on that CD for everybody that might be interested in receiving mp3s from this project. So please, don t hesitate, if you do, let me know, danke schön.

Did you have the chance to watch the title song The Good Old Days on www.youtube.com ?
Enjoy it ... search for Hermann Lammers Meyer, The Good Old Days...

All my best wishes from  
Hermann

CD Review
- The Good Old Days -

 (Desert Kid Records - DK 2oo4-16)

Europe's most popular singer of Texas Dance Hall and Country Music, Germany's Hermann Lammers Meyer (HLM) has again journeyed to Nashville and had some of the best players around join him and his great voice in this brand new CD of 17 tunes of musical excitement. It was produced by Hermann and former Ray Price Cherokee Cowboy, Pete Wade, who is heard on guitar.

In addition to Pete, HLM, a steel guitar player himself, chose possibly the world’s most famous name in the  steel guitar world alive today, Buddy Emmons to play on the album. In addition, the great Buddy Spicher is heard playing fiddle, David Smith- bass, Gene Chrisman-drums, Mike Leech-bass, Gordon Mote-piano, Jimmy Capps- acoustic guitar and Friso Luecht-strings.

The album opens with the title tune, a Hermann Lammers Meyer original.  Then, Michele Vorn joins him to bring back Bee Gee memories with Don’t Forget To Remember.  HLM remembers the great Hank Thompson with the 1954 hit, Johnny Hathcock/Weldon Allard composition Wake Up Irene. It is a take-off on the then popular Goodnight Irene.

Instant Coffee Blues comes from Texas singer songwriter Guy Clark and Sandy Posey joins Hermann for Joe South’s Games People Play. Hermann has already scored on a single of this one that was a hit for Freddy Weller some 30 years ago. A real gem is the remake of the 1950s Hank Snow and Anita Carter memory Keep Your Promise, Willie Thomas. The beautifully voiced Annie B joins Hermann for this one and a great Texas dance hall HLM original called Barstool Paradise. Another HLM original that has the same exciting Texas dance hall sound is Southern Comfort. Another tune with that same super sound is Faron Young`s I Just Came To Get My Baby Out Of Here, a tune that Wayne Kemp wrote. The great  Johnny Bush, a legend in that sound of music, joins Hermann for the late Justin Tubb’s What’s Wrong With The Way We’re Doin’ It  Now. HLM also shows off his songwriting talents on country music dandies The Drink, Highway Heroes and No, I’m Not Leaving. Another country item is Bobby Braddock’s Country Music Lover which will bring back Little Jimmy Dickens type memories. This reviewer’s favorite songwriter, the legendary Hall Of Fame member, Cindy Walker is represented with Ernest Tubb`s classic I’d Rather Be. Country music’s Lois Johnson joins HLM for a country version of the Randy Vanwarmer early 1980s composition and pop hit of Just When I Needed You Most. The remaining tune Another Magic Moment In Showbiz was learned by HLM from a Katy Moffat album from a few years back. Again, his idol, the “Big E” was playing steel on that one too.

Mike Gross, WVOF-FM  More info :
www.hermannlammersmeyer.de 
www.myspace.com/hlammersmeyer 

Mel McDaniel

In 2006, when Mel McDaniel was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, there was more to celebrate than just the recognition of a lifetime of work from a country music legend. It was the turning of a page. While his home state acknowledged him for his past endeavors, Mel was working on his future. His brand new CD “Reloaded” was just being released worldwide and his touring schedule was stronger than ever.

A major reason to celebrate was the return of Mel McDaniel to the touring circuit. A nearly fatal accident in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1996 put

a sudden halt to a man who had spent most of his life doing what he loves best, entertaining people with his music. While Mel spent years recovering from his injuries, his music was a constant mainstay in country music radio. The quality of his deep voice, mixed with well written songs have kept his songs active in country music radio rotation even today.

Mel has spent years fine tuning his music. He started in local bands in high school, performed around the Tulsa, Oklahoma music scene, made his way to Nashville but found success performing in the clubs around Anchorage, Alaska. Soon word got back to Nashville about this singer in Alaska packing in clubs alone with just his guitar and he was invited back to Music City.

This return trip to Nashville would be his last. He honed his skills by writing songs for Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers and Bobby Goldsboro. At night he performed at the Holiday Inn and during the day he found work as a singer for demo sessions. His big break finally came in 1976 when he signed a deal with Capital Records.

He worked hard learning his trade at Capital Records. He released many singles in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. His first top ten hit came with “Louisiana Saturday Night” off of the “I’m Countryfied” album. He found his way to the charts many times with songs like “Big Ole Brew,” “Hello Daddy, Good Morning Darlin’,” and “Take Me to the Country”. In 1983, he produced the album “Mel McDaniel with Oklahoma Wind” that scored the top ten hit “I Call It Love”.

All of that hard work would pay off big time when he found success in 1984 with the release of “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On”. In a matter of weeks Mel found himself with a number one song and life as he knew it changed forever. “That song was a surprise to everybody including myself” Mel said, “It went up the charts so fast that we didn’t even have time to make a video.” In 2007, “Blue Jeans” scored on top of the charts again when it was ranked number one country music ringtone in the cell phone market. Around the world blue jean contests are still being held because of the popularity of Mel’s number one hit.

His next two releases “Let It Roll” and “Stand Up” were not only top ten hits for Mel but also some of the most played videos of the 80’s. In 1985 he was nominated by the Academy of Country Music for the “Male Vocalist of the Year” award. The hits continued for Mel throughout the 1980’s and early 1990’s. His proudest moment in music was when he became of member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1986. During the 60th anniversary party of the Grand Ole Opry the theme music was written by Mel titled “The Grandest Lady Of Them All”.

Mel has spent a lifetime devoted to his music and his fans. He is known throughout the music industry for his high energy shows. Showing his support for our troops, during his performances of “Stand Up” on the Grand Ole Opry, a United States flag is displayed and Mel encourages everyone to “Stand up for the U.S.A.”. Mel walks off the stage with the flag waving, everyone in the opry house standing up with a patriotic spirit, as he walks arm in arm with his wife Peggy back to the bus. The boy from Okmulgee, Oklahoma has shown again that he is a master of his craft.

Lonnie Ratliff
www.melmcdaniel.com

Hank Cochran, Legend Of Song
Undergoes Cancer Surgery In Nashville

Nashville, TN (July 18, 2008) -- Songwriting legend Hank Cochran is recovering at a Nashville hospital following surgery performed to remove cancerous tumors from his pancreas and lymph node. "I feel so blessed," says Hank. "The diagnosis was made very early, and the doctors expect me to make a full recovery." 

Cochran, a "go-to" man for performers like George Strait, Brad Paisley, Ray Price, Mark Chesnutt, and a favorite writer of the late Eddy Arnold and Patsy Cline, is the writer of timeless classics like "I Fall To Pieces," "Make The World Go Away," "Ocean Front Property" and "The Chair." He is expected to remain in the hospital for several weeks.

Fans and friends can send their regards to Hank at www.myspace.com/songwritersingerhankcochran 

Lonnie Ratliff

Liz Talley Says Hello

Hi everyone....

My name is Liz Talley and I'm a singing drummer girl from Texas. I've played drums for Wanda Jackson, Billy Yates, Tommy Cash to name a few.

I've had some wonderful airplay abroad with my 1st CD "Road to You".

We've just released the 1st single "Bump Bounce Boogie" off" the new CD "More Than Satisified". It's a swinging little tune with lots of fiddle and steel.

Hope you give it a listen and consider playing some of my music on your show. Hope to hear from you and thanks so much for your time!

Liz

www.liztalleymusic.com

Whether In WA, NSW or QLD
Michelle Little is definately being heard!

Recently Michelle Little travelled to Perth to promote her first album "Hear Me Now"

This being Michelle's first time performing in WA, she was a little anxious as to how her music would be receive. She need not have

worried, after her performances at various Country Music Clubs she attracted and won-over many fans from the West Coast who were more than happy to go home with a signed copy of Michelle's album.

Michelle's first single, "Free To Be Me", which has been spinning on country radio in NSW, Victoria and QLD can now be heard on WA Radio including Radio Freemantle ans "Born In Boots"100.1 FM

Now that she is back in Sydney, Michelle is looking forward to her upcoming appearances at the 2008 Toyota National Muster in Qld.
With a great band of musicians behind her and her usual enthusiasm on stage, you won't want to miss this gret young artist if you're heading to the muster.

A note from Michelle:

Hi there
First of all let me thank you for your support in my release of “Free To Be Me” to radio. The response I have received since releasing the single and my album has blown me away - so thank you.

As the Toyota National Muster is fast approaching, I would like to invite you to come along to my shows. This is my first time performing at the muster and I am very excited to be part of this great event. I’d love to be able to share this experience with you and your listeners.

I look forward to talking with you soon.
Kind Regards,
Michelle.

Contact Michelle on:
0427 911 082
michelle@michellelittle.com.au
www.michellelittle.com.au

Johanna Hemara Australian Yodel Champion
NfS 123 Track 20 Daddy | from album Goodnight Sweetheart

As if a 10 day working cruise in the Pacific wasn’t enough for Sydney singer, yodeller and songwriter Johanna Hemara who released her debut album May 31, and not long after the filmclip of the first single Daddy played on CMC, she’s just landed national status as Australian Yodel.

Last Friday a herd of yodelling hopefuls put their vocal chords against each other in the grand final of Australian Yodel, Australia’s first ever stand alone yodelling competition at Sydney’s favourite Bavarian themed restaurant the Löwenbräu Keller.

The expert panel of judges including radio personality Bianca Dye and Country Music singer and yodelling star Dianna Corcoran chose star of the night, 28 year old Johanna Hemara who walked away with the $3,500 cash prize and title of Australian Yodel.

Second place was Leisa Bye. Equal third was Vickie Walsh and Christa. Johanna's 11 year old daughter opened up the show with a missy higgins song and blew them all away.

Johanna returned to Sydney last week departing from the P&O cruise in Auckland in time for the final heat of Australian Yodel on Friday night and an appearance at a Telstra Stadium Charity on Saturday.

The 28 year old singer songwriter started singing and yodelling at a very young age, taking home a number of awards in Country Music Capital Tamworth including some of the most prestigious new talent events the KMart Jazzer Smith Award and the Barry Thornton Encouragement Award.

In 2004 Johanna was named a Top 20 finalist in the prestigious Toyota Starmaker and in 2007 she was a Johnny O'Keefe Best New Talent nominee at the 31st MO awards.

Best known for her ability to yodel with ease, and her amazing vocal range, Johanna can sing just about any style of music although country from contemporary to country rock, big ballads and yodeling is her passion. And she’s no stranger to live television work appearing on The Clive Robinson Show, Good Morning Australia, The Midday Show, Starsearch and New Faces.

Out Now: Goodnight Sweetheart
Recorded by Neil Cheverton at Mid Stream Sudios and Simon Tonx Suburbia Music Studio, the album was co-produced by Johanna and Simon, with session musicians Mike Kerin on fiddle, Stewart Gillies on drums, guitar and banjo work from Tim Dutton, Neil Cheverton Simon Tonx and steel guitar Nick Summers. Eight of the thirteen tracks are written or co-written by Neil Cheverton some in collaboration with Johanna.

To Contact Johanna Hemara

The Sunny Cowgirls, Talia Wittmann & Gotta Go Country Vol.2 – Released on Saturday

After simultaneous launches on ABC Radio’s Saturday Night Country and The CMR Network, “Dust Will Settle” has been on sale since, Saturday August 2nd. The first single, “Acting Stupid” has been added to over 20 radio stations across the country and the accompanying video clip sits at No.6 on CMC’s Top 30.

“Dust Will Settle” is a landmark album for The Sunny Cowgirls and will be released through Compass Bros Records/Destra Music.

Saturday August 2nd, also sees the release of “Reckless Side Of Me” the debut album from 2008 Toyota Star Maker Talia Wittmann. The first single/title track has also been added to over 20 radio stations Australia wide and the video debuted on CMC last week.

“Reckless Side Of Me is a fearless debut album, one of the best I have heard in 10 years”, stable mate and fellow Star Maker James Blundell.

Sunny Cowgirls

TaliaWittmann

Gotta Go Country Vol.2, the follow-up to the highly successful Gotta Go Country Vol.1 is the third CD release this weekend from Compass Bros Records/destra Music. The compilation includes tracks from Adam Brand, Dianna Corcoran, Peter Denahy, Kirsty Lee Akers, Rob Black, The Sunny Cowgirls, Melinda Schneider, James Blundell, Anne Kirkpatrick, Brendon Walmsley and Michael Carr.

Kris Katsanis

Greenwich Park Jamboree
13th September 2008

Annual Fundraiser for Big Hill Rural Fire Service…
they will be cooking good food throughout the weekend at reasonable prices.
Goulburn Country Music Association will be cooking breakfast. Good Bush Tucker throughout the weekend. Entertainment from:
Patti McKinnon, Midnight Riders, Jamie Agius, Outlaw Ian Miller, Bobby Silk, Triston Severs,
Celtic Crossroads, Dusty Field and The Battlers

Walk Up Artist Concert 10AM - 6PM $5.00 Under 16 free
Huge Woolshed Dance 7.00PM - ??????? $20 under 16 free
BYO drinks, nibbles, jokes & smiles
Bookings essential for Dance… Call Patti: 0248298335 0432253057
“Free Camping”or "Swag In Shed"'

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