February Birthdays

More Awards For Bec Hance

Bec Hance has kicked off 2010 after receiving the New Songwriter Award in the Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards for the song “Just Add Water” off her album The Tranquillity. Co-written with Vaughan Baker, Bec continues to prove she is a major new talent in Australian country music.

Bec’s last 12 months within the country music industry has seen her become a popular act playing at festivals like Mildura, Tamworth, Bungendore and coming up this weekend, the Whittlesea Country Music Festival.

At the Bungendore Country Muster Bec was honoured to receive the Barry Thornton Encouragement Award. Bush Balladeer Keith Jamieson and Radio presenter Brian Annett both said “It couldn’t have gone to someone more deserving, as Bec is an important major new talent for the country music industry”.

Bec wishes to thank all those people who have supported her with CD sales, radio airplay and coming along to the shows. For more information visit www.bechancecountrymusic.com or www.bechancefanpage.com.

Bec

New Cd Release From Anne  Conway

Hello

I have just this week taken delivery of a new CD I have been working on since around April 2009.  I am quite happy with the finished result as all I try to be is the very best I can be, not better than others or even as good as – just my personal best and here it is!

The CD comes with a twelve page colour booklet with all the lyrics and also other information.

Tracks include

The album comes beautifully presented with a twelve page colour booklet which includes lyrics to all fourteen songs/ For just $20.00 this is good value.

Also available by mail or phone order – payment by cheque or credit card. For details contact Birubi Enterprises on (03) 5442 2973 or 0418 579501

Bye for now
Anne Conway

Bungendore Winners

Hi
Just to let you know the winners of the Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards.

Barry Thornton Encouragement Award - Bec Hance
New Talent – John Battle
Male Vocal – Brian Letton
Female Vocal – Dianne Lindsay
Instrumental / Vocal Group /Duo – Dianne Lindsay and Anne Kirkpatrick
Songwriter – Johnny Kaye and Tom McIvor
Comedy Song – Tom McIvor (Coleslaw)
Album of the Year – Dean Perrett

Thanks for your support. Hope this is all ok it is very late. :}

Shirley Clarke

Something For Everyone – Come To The Real Country

Planning is well under way for the 33rd McDonald’s Charters Towers Country Music Festival to be held May Day Weekend 30th April to 2nd May.

Exciting times will be the order of the weekend with Jim Haynes popping in for the Bush Poets Breakfast as well as compering and appearing on Saturday Night and the very popular Chad Morgan will host a Celebrity Luncheon on Saturday and Sunday at the Dining Hall.  Michael Fix will host a workshop for the guitar enthusiasts as well as appear on Saturday Night.  Other artists to appear on the weekend will be The Elvis Tribute Show, Travis Sinclair, The Australian Brooks & Dunn Show, The Slim Dusty Tribute Show, Haywire and the Australian Shania Twain Show. 

While Friday and Saturday Nights are about the stars, Saturday, Sunday and Sunday Night is about the future stars of country music with contestants competing in various sections for the important Overall Grand Prize Winners in the Senior, Juvenile and Junior Sections.

With over $25,000 in prize money up for grabs Charters Towers is definitely the place to be May Day Weekend for your chance to become the next big country music star.
Entries close 1st April – check out the website www.charterstowerscountrymusic.com for all the information you require or phone (07)47874500 or email ctcm@bigpond.com.

Lyn Verra

Wauchope Country Music Festival News

What a great festival we had in Wauchope this year

I was overjoyed at the amount of campers who came in as early as Tuesday, who filled the showground camping ground. Our back gate staffer, Corrina Dudgeon had a full on job keeping up with those who hadn’t booked in, she found camping sites all over the showground to

accommodate them all and what a great asset she was to our festival.

Hastings Country Music Association volunteered to take full control of the walk-up concert and had an abundance of great talent performing on centre stage on Friday evening, prior to the great Jade Hurley OAM.

Jade in his entire glitzy colourful outfit, stole the limelight on Friday night. Wow! what a great performance he produced, he never seems to age, and those legs of his still rise up to assist in the playing of his piano, what a showman he is.

Saturday began at 7.00 am with the bush poet’s breakfast in the hall. The canteen staff, tells me they sold over 200 bacon & egg rolls in an hour, that’s probably why I never received brekkie that day. I was flat out in the office bus getting the day’s entertainment into gear with Frank Ifield & Barry Williams. How great are these guys? They know all there is to know about the artists.

On centre stage Barry interviewed Frank giving the audience a great insight into where Frank has been, what he has achieved and what he is still doing for the country music industry, I was told by many of our country music fans,” they learnt so much more about Frank than they ever knew before after the interview”, what a great interview by Barry Williams.

We had fans attending from North Queensland down to Tasmania, and they all had a great weekend with the nonstop entertainment all day Saturday & Sunday. Buskers in the streets, Gospel show and lots lot more. The line-up of this year’s artists was sensational and they all sounded great.

The volunteers who assisted in the festival came from Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne and many places in between, without their assistance the festival would not have been the great success it was.

Our Sponsors were ecstatic at the weekend’s event and the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce has offered to assist in the promotion of the festival for 2011. This is an added bonus for the hard working committee.

Our local shops gained above expected increases in income. Let’s hope they can see the bigger picture and offer the committee financial assistance to allow the festival to grow into something a lot bigger.

Now, the 2010 festival is over but we’ve already started on the 2011 festival, many thanks to you Joy and Joys Music World for assisting the festival once again.

Pauline Fisher
Wauchope CM Festival Coordinator

The Battlers

The Battlers have won the ACRA award for the last 2 years for Best Recording By Duo  or Group. They are doing very well and had great success in Tamworth this year, their daughters the Country Cuzzins also took out the Carter Edwards Award. They are Caitlin 12 and Dakota 10. The girls are being highly praised and drawing big crowds.

Shaun Minnick and Michael Verde are The Battlers.  Born in Sydney and raised in Bimbi NSW the boys grew up in a large family where it was a common occurrence that the family would all get together.  At these family functions the whole family would sing together and the comical attitudes shown by Shaun and Michael would have the family in stitches.  Their Parents were huge fans of country Music and their love of country music was passed down to the boys.

The cousins decided to form a group with Michael’s brother Bill and Shaun’s sister Kirsten however family obligations forced Bill and Kirsten to back away from the group.  The Boys carried on to  become the Duo we know and love today.  The group released two CDs together and Shaun and Michael have just released The Battlers third CD “Beating The Odds”.

The Battlers are now multi A.C.R.A award winners. Their original spin on the songs they perform have earned them great recognition both locally and overseas and they are now being heard in countries all over the world. 

The Battlers have just returned from their second trip to the Tamworth Country Music Festival where they were  welcomed with open arms. Known to a few of the tamworth locals as Legends, The Battlers performances Drew large crowds to both the Busking arena and to the stage.  The Battlers are also known for performing acapello, a feat not attempted by many artists. 

Singing is their passion and they have a great love of entertaining. The  extraordinary talent they have  shines through in their very original and entertaining performances, and the dedication they show will ensure that The Battlers are here to stay.

Gayle Clough

Ian Quinn (Quinny) Has A Lifetime Of Tales To Tell

For over 20 years he has written about what makes Australia and Australian‘s special. His contribution to Australian country music has quietly earned him a reputation as Australia‘s songman with awards and accolades to support it.

Over his career, Quinny has released six original albums, and his songwriting credits rate amongst the best in country music with over a hundred songs recorded by artists like Slim Dusty, Anne Kirkpatrick,

Tracy Coster, Dean Perrett, Glenn Jones, Peter Pratt, Anita Ree and Amos Morris.

2009 saw Quinny take a new direction in his career, entering the realms of country music artist with the recording of defining ’career album‘. Teaming up again with producer and co-writing partner, Roger Corbett, Quinny‘s self titled new album is his snap on the world, his points of view, some political, some personal and those Australian stories he tells so well.

This album is like a loaded camera full of snapshots of where and what Australia is today. It‘s a blend of country, folk and rock feels and reels, reflective melodies with a chorus calling for change. It‘s a measure of great Australian songwriting and production.

“Right up there with my favourites of the year. I think he is a truly gifted writer” John Elliot, Photographer, Journalist

“Brilliant album, a must have” Barbara Morison Radio Journalist, 2SER, Sydney.

“The Quinny album is an audio snapshot of this country and it's people through the talents of one very observant Ian Quinn. From the stories of rivers that flow through magnificent country side to the thoughts that go through a father's mind as he watches his children grow. It's more than just people and places, it's history and happiness, looking around and looking in. Quinny is one very talented entertainer”. Wayne Shearman, ABC Wide Bay, Qld

Frontier Country, the first single from the self titled album, is a call to arms. Whatever side you sit with the current and controversial topic of climate change and Australia‘s increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, this song makes a statement about our great wide brown land, “mother nature‘s calling us, listen as she speaks...‘Frontier Country‘.

Amanda A'Brian

Tamworth 2010

Well I would like to say that it was great to be a part of the 2010 Tamworth (or should I say SHAMWORTH) Country Music Festival but unfortunately I am not that big of a liar, It was without a doubt most soul destroying event that I have ever participated in, fraught with resentment and ill feeling not only to the other genres that have encroached on this event but amongst a divided and bitter Country music fraternity.  It seems that the only group not fazed by this unrest is the so called Country Elite artists who seem to be hell bent on being right rather than fair and honest.

To be branded as small minded by Guy Sebastian for actually caring what happens to this event is both degrading and insulting, but in all probability even he is probably not aware of the feeling his appearance here has stirred up and its time everybody knew a few facts that seem to stand out for me:

The fact that both Guy And Wendy Mathews figured prominently on a duets album by a mainstream artist and was recorded by the person responsible for booking them into the festival who happens to be an executive board member of CMAA, that “smacks” as I will scratch yours if you will scratch mine does it not.

The fact that the participating public are never consulted or even asked to contribute in any surveys or studies done to see what they want, I was appalled by amount of buskers doing anything but country at a volume that was earsplitting in Australia’s Country Music Capital, the Tamworth Country Music Festival and nobody has the balls to move them on or inform them what event they are at.

It is also disturbing to hear there was a group of consultants were hired to guage the feeling of the festival goers and suggest positive changes that could be made to better this event, and to my knowledge nobody I spoke to had even heard a whisper from them or been surveyed in any way what-so-ever.

I was fortunate enough to be featured at 12 gigs at the festival and listened to the majority of punters attending those gigs vent their dismay at what the festival has become in both spirit and content and indeed they wondered if it was worth returning in future years because of the rip off prices for accommodation, food  and drinks and the fact that it was difficult to find Country music being played with any conviction apart from a few venues.

To talk up the festival as the biggest ever is both deceptive and dishonest as everybody attending knew it was considerably down on previous years and even Motels had rooms late into the event.
To be fair, Guy and Wendy weren’t the only outsiders to be featured. There were The Pot-belleez, Screaming Jets, Angry Anderson, Ross Wilson and several others who are all quality artists in their respected genres and I am sure nobody would mind that these artists, as they get older, switched genres and contributed to Country music for longer than the few days that they plunder the festival and secure spots that Country Artists could fill but that doesn’t seem the case, they just keep doing what they do.

I don’t think it’s too much to ask that for 15 or so days of the year that the COUNTRY MUSIC CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA feature that genre of music that the COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL is renowned for, if the festival needs an injection of youth let it be young country that’s encouraged and nurtured not the“ Let’s put a hat on another genre” sort of attitude that has crept in at the expense of all things country. Does anybody think that these other acts would dare venture to Tamworth out of festival time and expect the same attention they get by being promoted by the so called County Music Royalty that have surrounded them .

Another sorry fact is that there seems to be no bands that are exclusive to one Artist anymore, there are a bunch of very capable musicians who are seen to be playing with just about everybody ( including me) who has ever released a cd or intends to in the future and therefore their music is neither tight or committed to such artists, But in defense of those same musicians, the Artists that hire them don’t get enough money to keep them exclusive. It seems that money is the main objective and some musicians stretch themselves so thin that they overbook themselves and have to call in the services of other players to sometimes do half a gig, and who suffers? the artist, the public and country music in general for this half arsed approach. In my experience as an artist at Tamworth I am never asked what my fee is by agents I am told that its X amount, take it or leave it and I am sure most of the available money is channeled to agency managed acts or non genre specific acts such as mentioned above.

To say that there is not a groundswell of feelings about what is happening in Tamworth is equivalent to sticking your head in the sand and hoping nobody kicks you up the bum while it’s there. But in saying that I feel that there are a lot of underlying issues that are giving these changes momentum and a lot of vested interests to be nurtured and it will take a fundamental change of mindsets to correct this anomaly, if at all it can be corrected as all the power seems to lie with aligned relevant mainstream artists, the CMAA, Tamworth Council, and a couple of booking agents who seem to have a grip on most of the main venues in town.

For me it’s just the straw that broke the camel’s back as I have seen this decline coming for at least 5 years and I have been coming to Tamworth since 1992 with a lot of success in the early days when you could be proud to be a country artist and have the respect for, and be respected by your peers at all levels. Now because of  a few self indulgent and blinkered parties  that have set up an US and THEM mentality within the Country fraternity under the mask of being progressive and howling down all opponents as “out of touch” when all we want is a say in the direction this event is taking.
If there are any other artists or musicians or indeed the festival going community who would like to comment that would be great but in my experience fear of repercussions  by those in power usually keep many artists etc quiet, but it is your festival, future and livelihood that is at stake here and if a few more spoke up perhaps a momentum change is possible if not probable and we might have a chance to save the integrity of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Yours In Country
Alby Pool

Tamworth Country Music Festival

This email is to acknowledge your contribution to the planning processes for the future of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and sincerely thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas.  We are developing a Blueprint for the future of our Tamworth Country Music Festival.  It is about all of us and all interests aligning and working together to secure the future of our Tamworth Country Music Festival for Australia's Country Music Capital - Tamworth.  If you have any further comments to make, please do not hesitate to email them through.  Again my sincere thanks

‘A Blueprint For The Future’

What is it?
We are developing a Blueprint for the future of our Tamworth Country Music Festival.
This will be two major documents – a Strategic Plan and a Business Plan. These documents are to be completed by the end of March 2010.

Who is doing it?
Development of the documents is being managed by Tourism Tamworth Ltd.
The party’s involved are; Events NSW, Tamworth Regional Council, Tourism Tamworth and the Country Music Association of Australia.
A company called Peer Group Media has been contracted to Tourism Tamworth to provide business and commercial advice and facilitate the process.

What are you doing?
We are collecting everyone’s information about the Tamworth Country Music Festival, its history.
This includes gathering information about; the music, the management, the events, the commercial activities, marketing and promotions. The stories about what is good and what is not so good about the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
In addition, we are trying to understand visitor and resident expectations. This will help us to formulate the plans and recommendations for the future growth of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. We are trying to make sure everyone’s interests are aligned.

Why are you doing this?
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is one of the largest events in Australia; it has been nationally and internationally recognised as one of the top 10 festivals in the world.
We want to grow the profile of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, bring more people to the Tamworth Region and get more investment in our region and our community.
Tamworth is the ‘Country Music Capital of Australia’ and we want to keep it that way.

What will change?
A Blueprint will provide recommendations to take the Tamworth Country Music Festival to new audiences, evolve into new visitor markets, create new events and introduce a whole new generation of Country Music fans to Tamworth and the region.

Can anyone be involved?
The Tamworth Country Music Festival belongs to everyone. The whole community should be involved.
If you want more information contact Rebel Thomson at Tourism Tamworth on (02) 67675300 or email r.thomson@tamworth.nsw.gov.au and get involved.

Rebel Thomson

Ashley Cook Sponsored By Wire Knot Clothing

Marita Hansen & Ashley Cook - Tamworth 2010

Ashley would like to thank Marita Hansen as he is honoured to take on her sponsorship to promote her line of clothing Wire Knot, here is a brief note about Marita and her clothing line Wire Knot.

Marita’s passions for all things country born like her in Central Queensland town affectionately known as Biloela. Now residing near the Gold Coast, Marita uses her unique characteristics that embodied her country childhood as inspiration for a range of smart western clothing catering to both men and women. Marita feels her trademark brand of western clothing called Wire Knot is unique and says her business strength rests with her personal integrity and attention to detail. Marita is committed to exceptional quality in country wear and says she “produces” clothing that is very practical, wears well and looks fantastic. As she fulfils this promise, Marita is finding that there are more and more people who are ready to be “wired for western“  and snap up each new design.       

Visit the Wire Knot website – www.wireknot.com.au

Wire Knot is proud to become a sponsor of Ashley Cook
Queensland Own Bush Balladeer -  www.ashleycook.com.au

Grammy Award Winner Roy Orbison
Honored With Star On Walk Of Fame

Friday January 29, 2010 Hollywood, CA -- Today Roy Orbison, one of the very few artists to have been accepted by the world in all forms of popular music, and to have won Grammys in pop, rock and roll and country categories, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  The ceremony took place in front of Capitol Records, where Roy's star is next to those of his dear friend John Lennon and fellow Traveling Wilbury George Harrison. Saluting Roy's passion for riding Harley's, his dear friends Danny Aykroyd and Dwight Yoakam launched the event by leading a motorcycle brigade and riding right up to Roy's wife, Barbara Orbison, and their sons Wesley, Roy Jr and Alex.

Under the warm Hollywood sun, Leron Gubler, President and CEO Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the throngs of fans, friends and media, and declared January 29 to be forever known as "Roy Orbison Day" in Hollywood. The next speaker, Danny Aykroyd, eloquently summed up the emotion of the day, "as Barbara would say, everybody loved Roy."  

T-Bone Burnett, long time friend and producer, added "With the 20th century now book ended, I can confidently say that Roy was the greatest singer of the 20th century."

Barbara Orbison, the last to speak, spoke lovingly of her husband and the unparalleled legacy he left with the world through his music and his renown warmth of personality and spirit. With eyes soft with gratitude Barbara thanked the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and then turned her attention to the throngs of friends standing behind her,  including Jeff Ayeroff, Dan Aykroyd & Donna Dixon, T-Bone Burnett, Phil Everly, Sean Garrett, Olivia Harrison, Eric and Tania Idle, Chris Isaak, Jim Keltner, David Lynch, Jeff & Camilia Lynne, Jason Mraz, Barbara Bach Starkey, Joe  & Marjorie Walsh, and Dwight Yoakam saying "these are the friends who loved Roy and have continued to love us these 21 years". Barbara then went on to say that the only thing that would make the moment better would be to have Roy standing there next to her. "But I see Roy through my friends, who all have a little piece of Roy in their hearts. Thank you for remembering Roy and for loving Roy. This is a wonderful way to celebrate his life, and this little stone star will probably be there much longer than any of us."

For More Information Please Visit: www.royorbison.com <http://www.royorbison.com/>  or Contact: Elizabeth Freund 718 522 5858, Elizabeth@Beautifuldaymedia.com

Tanja Crouch

Class 55 News

Mark Moseley / Justin Ryan T. Jae Christian / /T.Graham Brown in studio after recording their duets.

Thought Ya'll Might Like Some Pic's Of Precious Memories!

Mark is the engineer and owns Sound control studio / Justin Is one of the background singers I use/ and a great Christian artist in his ownright!

Our Wish For You In The New Year
                
"May You Have"
12 Months Of Happiness
52 Weeks Of Fun
365 Days Of Success
8,760 Hours Of Good Health
52,600 Minutes Of Good Luck
3,153,600 Seconds Of Joy

Wishing You All The Best In 2010

T J Christian

Hermann Lamers Meyers

Over the years as a country music artist I have had the privilege of meeting many other artists, but I can’t remember meeting anyone quite like Hermann.  I found him to be an inspirational entertainer with a very interesting background in the field of music.  Hermann was liked by all he met in New Zealand and I am sure he has left them with lasting memories, and especially for me, his “after show performances”.  A hot chocolate will never taste the same again.  (In house joke!)    There is no doubt he will be welcomed back to New Zealand, and I only hope that I can meet up with him again one day.

Allan Webster. (Australia)
www.allanwebster.wordpress.com

Claude King Celebrates 87th Birthday

Claude King came up to Nashville a couple of years ago, right around his 85th birthday, and visited with me for one solid hour on my XM satellite radio show, Bill Anderson Visits With The Legends. It was one of the most remarkable interviews I did in the entire seven years that show was in production. I was amazed at how alert and aware he was, and in listening to his new record at the time, how well he still sang. The following night, though, he put the icing on the cake when he came to the Grand Ole Opry. The general manager of the Opry was not there that night, so along with the musical director, I made an executive decision. I decided to give up my last song on the show and invite Claude onstage to sing instead. I told the audience what I was about to do, filled them in a bit on Claude’s age and his long career, and introduced him to sing “Wolverton Mountain.” It was a magical moment. He sang the song flawlessly, and when it was over, the audience leaped to their feet. They gave him one of the loudest, longest standing ovations I have ever seen in the building.

Bill Anderson

Claude King will be turning 87 years young this month, and to pay tribute to him for his great songwriting, great records, as an entertainer, and just a wonderful human being, is my honor and privilege. He is a legend in our country music industry, and his achievements still are not being  recognized by our industry as they should be. And oh, I wish that Merle Kilgore were still alive to help all of us pay tribute to this legendary artist. I remember so many times singing “Wolverton Mountain” when I was performing. One of the great songs that has stood the test of time and still every time I hear it, I realize how fortunate I was to have worked with Claude on several personal appearances. Just watching him perform gave me lessons on how to become a better entertainer and a better person. So to you Claude King, as president of R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) and all of our Board of Directors, I wish you a HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and that there will be many more to celebrate with and for you. You are truly a country music icon and we owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have given to the music industry. 

Marty Martel

C laude’s such a gentleman and so nice to everybody. I met him in the early ‘60s when he had “Wolverton Mountain,” and did a tour with him up into Canada, Vancouver and that area, with Buck Owens and Claude Gray. Everybody liked Claude King. He’s been such a pleasant man and a gentleman, and I want to wish him a special Cajun happy birthday.

Jimmy C. Newman

Claude King is a great person. I didn’t get to actually spend any time with him during the Louisiana Hayride days. I was 14 years old when I played guitar on the Louisiana Hayride back in the ‘50s. Claude was a great songwriter, but I didn’t have any idea that he was that great of a songwriter because I was more into playing my instrument back then. Claude, Praise the Lord, is in good shape at 87 years old. (James played with Claude a couple of years ago at Claude’s birthday celebration at Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium, the onetime home of the Louisiana Hayride.) Claude was on the Hayride when I was 14 years old, but I was working with a guy named Bob Luman, so I was in and out of town. Actually, I didn’t personally meet Claude until a little bit later. I was real familiar with him. My brother, he’s an insurance agent with Shelter, used to do business with Claude. So, everytime I’d come in town and talk to my brother, he’d say, ‘Claude just came by the office.’ I just think Claude’s had a wonderful career. I think he’s an incredible songwriter. Johnny Horton, who was  quite a big artist at that time, recorded his songs. Everybody loved Claude.”

James Burton

I am really happy to hear that Claude King is turning 87, because I have nothing but fond memories of his music. People tend to forget that “Wolverton Mountain” was a huge pop hit as well as a country music #1. It was the first of Claude’s singles that I bought as a little boy, and I still have my copy......in its original picture sleeve. When he was alive, my pal Merle Kilgore used to tell an amusing story about the “Wolverton Mountain” recording session and how he prayed for Claude to sing it while time was ticking down on the session clock. Needless to say, that hit is one of the major reasons why Merle was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1998.

Robert K. Oermann

It was the thrill of my life to work with Country Legend Claude King on his latest CD, The Cajun Cowboy Rides Again. He showed such enthusiasm during the whole five-month course of creating and promoting the album. It was a privilege to see the warm reception he received from his peers and staff at the Grand Ole Opry, including a standing ovation he received after his performance. Bill Anderson commented that this was indeed a rare event. It is an honor to be mentioned with his name. I am also proud of Claude King for staying with his beautiful family in Shreveport through the years of his enormous fame and success. Happy 87th Birthday CK.

Mark Chamness

After 37 years as a country music journalist and conducting well over 1,000 interviews, the most important interview was with Claude King. Claude’s “Wolverton Mountain” was the first single I ever bought. He was my childhood hero -- and still is. He is a living link to the history of country music.

Leon Beck

Claude King is one of the finest recording artists I ever had the pleasure of working with. We both recorded for Columbia Records in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, and I had the opportunity to work many shows with Claude, who is a true gentleman of country music. His music is still very popular today on my daily radio show at KFDI in Witchita on AM 1070 Classic Country. Ilove Claude King. I hope he lives forever.

Johnny Western

Claude is one of the guys; one of the real guys. I always respected the way he acted and the way that he handled himself. He always seemed to be the perfect gentleman. A really neat guy, and to have survived the industry as long as he has and still be a very viable part of it, is a task that most people don’t ever accomplish. He is truly one of the few that have done that. God Bless him for living to be 87. Claude, what a great guy! I’m just thrilled to know that he’s appreciated like he should be. The main thing about Claude, to me, is that he’s handled himself so well. You never heard any bad things about him. I guess that’s why he didn’t wear black.

Eddie Raven

It was always a great treat to be on a show with Claude. We always enjoyed each others company and I always enjoyed watching him perform. He is a class act.

Ferlin Husky

Although Claude King is best remembered for ‘Wolverton Mountain,’ a #1 country hit of 1962, he was active professionally from the late 1940s into the early 1980s. During the 1950s, he
performed on the far-reaching Louisiana Hayride radio show broadcast over Shreveport’s KWKH, and between 1961 and 1972 he placed twenty-nine records on Billboard’s country singles charts, fifteen of which made the Top Twenty. His career symbolizes the importance of country artists who make their marks below the level of superstar singers.

John Rumble

I’m a very great admirer of Claude. I think it’s great that we still have a Claude King around, and I’ve loved his music since I first heard it. You can’t hear “Wolverton Mountain” without having a smile on your face. He has got that smile and that energy in his music. He’s great that way. I saw him at the Opry this past year when he went out and sang “Wolverton Mountain.” They gave him a standing ovation -- even now. Everybody remembered, even though they hadn’t heard him in awhile, they all remembered Claude King. Backstage was buzzing because we were so happy to see him, and for him to come out and visit the Opry. The crowd, they just dearly loved him. He has a smile and a voice and a presence that is an integral part of country music.

Connie Smith

George Hamilton IV

If country music has a spokesman, then the name and title go to Sir George Hamilton IV.  George is the meaning of what country music stands for around the world.  He is probably one of the most kindest men I have ever known, and even though I do not get to see or talk to George as much as I would like to, in my mind, he is why country music is the strong institution that it is today, because he has been our main speaker for so many years, and he has brought the sounds of country music to the entire world.  He is a great Christian man with strong values.  He has been like a backbone to keep country music standing straight and tall. 

His resume doesn’t read 20 #1 singles and platinum sales, and many awards from CMA, etc, but his credentials are as strong as anyone who has ever sang a country song, played a guitar, or stepped on stage to sing a country song.  His achievments go far beyond awards and sales, they are monumental in our industry. And please realize that George Hamilton IV has had great records in his career and continues to record and write great songs, both country and Christian. 

I hope that the Grand Ole Opry Celebration tonight will be more than just a 50 year anniversary and a cake, I hope it will be a way of saying, “Thank you George for all of your accomplishments worldwide, for being such a great man of high-values, and for your Christian way of life, and most of all Thank You for Being one of the Grand Ole Opry’s greatest members.”  If you know George Hamilton IV, you do not need to read his resume to know what he has done-just knowing this man is a resume and knowing him has made our life’s so much better, so Let The Celebration begin.

Personally George, I thank you for what you mean to our country music industry, not just the record and radio industry but for all of us in talent agencies, production companies, television, and every aspect of the entertainment world.  I wish you and your family continuous success, great health, happiness and prosperity for the rest of your life, because you have given so much to all of us.  Thank you.

Oh, by the way, for those of you who read the the following article, take a good look at the 2 hours show on a Saturday night here in the Home of Country Music-The Grand Ole Opry House, and read the list of artist who will be appearing.  LEGENDS, LEGENDS, LEGENDS, and a young man that I have listened and watched as his career moves forward with great leaps and bounds-Chris Young.  My friends he is country and we need more like him.  And one of the great voices in any music industry will make a guest appearance tonight-Sandi Patty.  Seems so strange to see the Opry with a 2 hour show??????

Marty Martel

George Hamilton Iv Celebrates His 50th Year As Member Of The Grand Ole Opey

By Peter Cooper February 5, 2010  Tennessean
Congrats to the ever-gentlemanly George Hamilton IV, who celebrates his 50th Grand Ole Opry anniversary on Saturday night.

Hamilton has done much for Nashville music in his Opry half-century. He recorded enduring hit “Abilene,” he introduced country audiences to songs by Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell, and he became country’s first real international ambassador, bringing the music behind the Iron Curtain and across the globe. He’s also developed a well-earned reputation as a person of significant intelligence and decency.
Hamilton is scheduled to celebrate his milestone with a Saturday afternoon meet-and-greet, an evening Opry performance and a midnight headlining gig at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop’s Midnite Jamboree.

Marty Matel

Country Round-up

A HUMBLE Troy Kemp chatted over the weekend from his home outsides Newcastle after a very hectic week.

Drew McAlister was born in Narrabri and raised in Moree and Troy was born and raised in Kempsey. The duo met when both were cast to performin Aussie Walk the Line – Tribute to Johnny Cash. The pair found that not only did they gel as songwriters but their voices blended effortlessly as a duo.  “The duo thing has exceeded my expectations and working with a guy like Drew has made it all worthwhile,” Troy said.

“We’re just blown away with how the album is being received, to have a company like ABC Music behind us who really believe in what direction we’re taking is just amazing, we are very grateful,” Drew said.

Their debut album All Kinds of Tough (ABC/Universal) has had a bumper first week on the shop shelves. The album debuted at number 8 on the ARIA Country Sales Charts and number 18 on the ARIA Australian Albums Charts. In fact, it was the fifth highest selling Australian country album of the Tamworth Country Music festival sales week.

ABC music man Tim Holland said, “Drew and Troy are really connecting with audiences wherever they go. Their songs are so relatable and relevant for current times and their chemistry on stage is really fantastic. They both worked very hard together to get to this point and it’s wonderful that things have started so well for them.”

McAlister Kemp will visit most parts of Australia throughout 2010 in support of their debut album. This will include tour supports slots with one of their biggest supporters, Adam Brand. McAlister Kemp is certain to
make a big impact on the Golden Guitars in 2011.

♦Mystery surrounds the actual release of the new Catherine Britt album due for release this year. Catherine sought the services of the master Bill Chambers and Shane Nicholson to record the album. We hope to see a new album for the people of Norfolk Island when Catherine appears at the Norfolk Island Country Music Festival May 16-23.

♦The delightful Sara Storer will return to ABC Music and release a greatest hits album. Calling Me Home is the first single from the upcoming album of the same name Calling Me Home – The Best of Sara Storer to be released in April in time for her appearance at the Homebush Easter Country Muster, April 3 and 4.

Country music icon John Williamson said, “Sara has a unique way seeing and expressing her observations
of love and life in the bush. “So she is a songwriter who will be remembered beyond her life.”

Sara will appear at the Homebush Easter Muster alongside Adam Harvey, Paul Costa, Jayne Denham, Jetty Road, Carmen Fraser and other artists including yours truly as MC.

Gary Turner

Audrey's February '10 News

Hi Peeps!
Nashville is the first place I've lived where I truly get the feeling of hibernation. Winter settles over us like a woolly blanket and we snuggle down and wait..... but there's nothing like snow to bring us out from under! Wow, we had (officially) 5" of snow fall in a day, the biggest fall in Nashville in 7 years. I haven't lived in snow since I was a child living on Mt Wellington in Tasmania, so it was fun fun fun! Such a magical occurrence.  It's beautiful how silent the world becomes once all the vehicles stop.  And neighbors came out of their houses at 11pm. Yes, people we've never seen before and they shared their sled with us - my first ride ever! So, thank you snow for creating peace and community, and for giving us time to reflect.     
love Audrey x

Sing Song Book

With the urging from a friend in California, and various requests for chords to particular songs over the years, I am spending my hibernation productively. 

I'm compiling a book of my recorded songs, with chords and lyrics, a few photos and stories here and there.  It'll be a simple sing-a-long book for those who know the melody from listening to my albums.

New Album Project Update

Donations to my New Album Project are nearing $4k. How exciting! That's almost a third of the way to cover the recording costs.
As my Mum said, "$5 is like $5,000,000" when it's given with faith and love.
If you think you'll buy my next album then consider ordering in advance and you will help make it a reality that much sooner.

I've got a lot of shows coming up and a lot more I'd like to book!

In May and July I'm heading East to North Carolina and Virginia.

In June I'm touring to Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia and Vermont.

In August I'll be touring with Anne McCue to Massachusetts and Canada.
All the details are shown on the right, and my site is always up to date as shows are confirmed.

Please get in touch if you'd like to host a house concert, or if you know of an acoustic venue I should contact for a show in your area. It's all about connecting the dots!

'Bread And Roses' Available On Itunes

'Bread and Roses', the song I wrote for the inmates of San Quentin Prison, is available for digital download from iTunes.

Audrey

Country Cruising On The Murray

Join guest hosts Noel & Marie Parlane for your ultimate Murray River cruise experience!   A deposit of $500.00 by 30 November is required to secure your seat – Tickets selling fast!
Country Cruising on the Murray departs Brisbane 4 March 2010
6 Days / 5 Nights

$1825.00 per person twin share
$390.00 single supplement

Trade Travel Sunshine Coast
Rhonda Sinclair

Selling Fast, Get In Early To Avoid Disappointment.

Oz Country Music Festival
Be part of
Fiji’s First Country Music Festival

Featuring
John Williamson, Bill Chambers, Felicity Urquhart & Glen Hannah, Jonah’s Road, Ashleigh Dallas Band and more to be announced.

August 1st – 7th 2010
Cost from $2299.00 per person

Twin Share includes:
Return Airfares from Sydney
Return transfers, 7 nights at a 4 Star Resort in Fiji
All Meals, Country Music Festival Tickets
Nightly entertainment, Firewalking Show
Welcome cocktail party
Canapes every afternoon during happy hour
Free Scuba Lesson, Free Snorkel Hire and more.

For more details call Country Music Holidays 1300 799 987

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