Country Reunion Magazine, April 2021

Country Reunion m a g a z i n e

April 2021

Johnny Lee

Collin Raye Jim Weatherly Becky Buller

Lynn Anderson Nadine’s Corner

Diner Chat John Carter Cash

Bluegrass Hall of Fame

… and more

November 2020

Country Reunion Magazine Who’s inside?

Johnny Lee, p. 3 Chris Malpass, p. 4 Blue Sky Boys, p. 5 Collin Raye, p. 6 Jim Weatherly, p.8 Becky Buller, p. 10 Emi Sunshine, p. 12 Music Notes, p. 13 Lynn Anderson, p. 14 Areeda’s Carrot Cake, p. 15 Bluegrass Hall of Fame, p. 12 Areeda’s Cooking, p. 16 John Carter Cash, p. 18 Nadine’s Corner, p. 20 Diner Chat, p. 21

Published monthly by Country Road Management, 710 N. Main St., Suite B Columbia, TN 38401 Larry Black, Publisher Paula Underwood Winters, Editor, Print Layout & Design Claudia Johnson, Writer, Online Layout & Design Online Subscriptions $15 per year http://countryreunionmagaine.com/ Annual Print Subscriptions $29.95; renewals $24.95

November 2020

Johnny Lee Says Everything's Gonna' Be Alright

By Claudia Johnson

Jo h n n y L e e h a s r e l e a s e d a n e w a l b u m , "Everything’s Gonna’ Be Alright," with 14 songs that Lee said he has saved throughout the years to create a distinctive album that reflects his life. Each track reveals a different side of Lee, allowing listeners to experience a journey that draws on his past and highlights his future.

“I am very proud of my new album," said Lee. “I took my time finding the perfect songs, written by myself or others that truly reflected where my heart is today. The response has been incredible. It makes my heart feel good.”

Lee recently shared publicly his ongoing struggle with Parkinson's Disease, offering inspiration to others by affirming that he does not intend to let the disease keep him down.

“I like the positive message," said Lee's old friend, Willie Nelson. "It reminds us that this too shall pass. Good luck Johnny and keep telling people that everything will be alright!

Love you!”

Showcasing more of Lee's songwriting than any of his past albums with songs such as "Annie," "Highways Run Forever," "Sawin' on the Fiddle," "Did You Enjoy Hurting Me" and the record's title track, a special bonus track, "Father's Daughter," was written and performed by his daughter, Cherish Lee. "I've always been a fan of Johnny Lee's voice and his ability to hold an audience in the palm of

his hand, but his new album has renewed my appreciation for Lee as a songwriter," Deborah Evans Price, Sounds Like Nashville. "It's an outstanding album all around, a landmark achievement in an already impressive career."

A special lyric video for "Everything’s Gonna’ Be Alright" premiered in January, and each of the 14 tracks was exclusively premiered by different outlets in February. The album is currently available on all streaming platforms.

“I didn’t know how much I needed new music from Johnny Lee until I heard this magnificent, well-crafted new project," said Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys. "The veteran country star has plotted new turf as his matured and extremely sincere vocals take you on one journey after another.

"Everything’s Going to Be Alright?" … indeed… If Johnny says it … I believe it!”

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Country Reunion Magazine March 2021

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Lee was born in Texas City, Texas, and is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1968, he began a working relationship with Mickey Gilley at the World-Famous Nightclub “Gilley’s” in Pasadena, Texas. In 1979, Lee’s first screen role was in a 1979 TV Movie, “The Girls in the Office,” starring Barbara Eden and Susan St. James. He was then asked to perform in the film, “Urban Cowboy,” starring John Travolta and Debra Winger. “Lookin’ for Love” from the movie soundtrack became Lee’s first Gold Record.

The song spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Music Charts and No. 2 on

the Pop Music Charts, later becoming one of the Top 100 best Country Songs of all Time.

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of "Urban Cowboy," now considered the movie that changed the dynamics of country music and catapulted it to the next level in pop culture. As part of the celebration, Lee reunited with Gilley for the "Urban Cowboy" Reunion Tour.

In November at the 54th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, both artists were recognized for their contributions to country music, while Lee’s hit single “Lookin’ for Love” was featured and performed by Old Dominion. The "Urban Cowboy" Reunion Tour will resume in May and continue throughout 2021.

When not traveling and performing, Lee can be seen on many celebrity hunting and fishing shows, as well as on “Larry’s Country Diner” and "Country's Family Reunion." Lee's string of Top 10 hits includes “One in A Million,” “Bet Your Heart on Me,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” “Sounds Like Love,” “Hey Bartender,” “You Could’ve Heard a Heart Break” and many more. "'There Never Was A Doubt in My Mind,' a new track from Johnny Lee’s new album will make you fall in love with him, all over again," observed Laura Wood of Road Dog Media, calling it a "Timeless. Classic. Unmistakably, Johnny Lee.”

A New Malpass Baby! Charlotte Kristine Chris and Linda Malpass welcomed their new baby girl in February.

Five-year-old Barrett is officially a BIG brother! Miss Charlotte Kristine Malpass made her special debut Monday, Feb.22, 2021, at 9:23 a.m., weighing 8 pounds and 9 ounces and measuring 20 1/2 inches long.

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April 2021

Family Traditions: The Blue Sky Boys, Earl and Bill Bolick

By Sasha Kay Dunavant Born into a family with six children, North Carolina brothers Earl Bolick and Bill Bolick were introduced to music through the gospel hymns of their family’s First Church of God Church. Bill was taught banjo and guitar while Earl learned mandolin and guitar from a supportive neighbor. Later, Bill took up the mandolin and Earl stuck to the guitar.

The brothers first performed on radio in 1935 in Asheville, N. C., as part of the Crazy Hickory Nuts, which included Homer Sherrill with whom they teamed up to form the Good Coffee boys sponsored by the J. F. Goodson Coffee Company. Within a few months the Bolick brothers found themselves performing as the Crazy Blue Ridge Hillbillies sponsored by Crazy Water Crystal on an Atlanta, Georgia, radio station.

When they sought an audition in Atlanta at RCA Records, A & R man Eli Oberstein, first refused to hear them believing them to be no more than a copy of the Monroe Brothers. Once he heard them sing, they were immediately signed to a recording contract. That’s when they changed their name to the Blue Sky Boys in honor of their beloved home state, nicknamed “The Land of the Blue Sky.” The Blue Sky Boys were a sensation. Their early songs such as, "Sunny Side of Life" and "Where the Soul Never Dies" sent them into instant stardom deeming them The New Hillbilly Kings. Having more than 100 recordings between 1937-1941 with RCA and their particular success on the Hillbilly circuit, the two grew to be one of the most influential and successful duos in Country Music. In 1941, World War II called the boys to arms and upon their discharge from the military in 1946 the two courageously entered back into Country’s everchanging music scene. They had success performing on radio programs out of Atlanta and recorded several hits with RCA occasionally using fiddler Sam "Curley" Parker, Joe Tyson, Leslie Keith or Richard "Red" Hicks.

Their song “Kentucky” was among the biggest hits of its time.

Despite their uplifting name and inspirational recordings, the duo is remembered for their songs about murder and mayhem like "Down On The Banks Of The Ohio," and "Story Of The Knoxville Girl," "Katie Dear" and "The Butcher's Boy." Many of these ballads were later recorded by other country and folk artists.

By 1947, the duo grew tired of the honky tonk sound that Country was turning towards. The Blue Sky Boys were taken aback when RCA demanded they trade their guitar and mandolin for electric guitars and begin

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recording songs unlike their treasured mountain ballads for which they were authentically known. They had their final session with RCA in 1950 and retired from the music business shortly thereafter.

“We really didn’t know what to do,” Bill Bolick recalled in a 1994 interview. “We started entertaining so early in life that we never learned any other type of work.“ Bill moved back home to North Carolina to become a postal clerk, and Earl went to work at Lockheed Aircraft in Atlanta.

However, the brothers decided to record again in 1962 when an LP of their radio recordings was released.

Two LPs with new material were released, one secular, “Together Again,” and one religious, “Precious Moments.” In addition to traveling and performing at festivals, they went on to record an album for Capitol Records. In the late ‘60s they resumed life outside of their country career, but they were lured back to recording for Rounder Records in 1975 and the folk and bluegrass circuit again. In the 1990s, Copper Creek Records issued a series of four albums with live radio transcriptions from the 1940s.

Finally, the Blue Sky Boys retired permanently, Bill living out his life in Longview, N. C., until his death in 2008 at age 90. Having retired to Tucker, Georgia, Earl lived to be 78, dying in 1998.

Country music scholar Bill Malone described the Blue Sky Boys’ sound, saying it was “the prettiest and smoothest harmony ever achieved in country music.”

April 2021

New Album Culmination of Collin Raye’s Songwriting Career

By Claudia Johnson Collin Raye is nothing if not passionate. That was apparent when “Love, Me” became his first No. 1 single back in 1992.

“Listeners were so moved by his golden and pure voice that this song set the cornerstone for a career built on meaningful and emotional songs t h a t h a v e o f te n b e e n u s e d f o r we d d i n g s , anniversaries, memorial services and funerals,” his website, collinraye.com, observes, noting that “In This Life” quickly became a wedding favorite.

Born Floyd Elliot Wray on Aug. 22, 1960, in De Queen, Arkansas, the 1990s hitmaker is still performing soulful, heartfelt songs with his signature honesty and richness, as he did on a recent appearance on "Larry's Country Diner."

Raye had 24 Top 10 records, 16 No. 1 hits and was nominated five times as male vocalist of the year by the Country Music Association and five times for the same honor by the Academy of Country Music.

The singer's musical forte is the ballad, as witnessed by the success of “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “Not That Different,” “One Boy, One Girl” and “If I Were You.” That doesn’t mean he can’t also deliver a rock performance, which he does in “My Kind of Girl,” “That’s My Story,” “I Can Still Feel You” and “I Want You Bad.” Raye has made a difference by using his musical talent to spotlight social issues. His 1994 hit, “Little Rock,” became an anthem for those struggling with addiction recovery. More than 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous were logged after the release of the song’s video f rom people seeking to become clean and sober. “Not That Different” was a song that pleaded for tolerance and won a Video of the Year award from the Academy of Countr y Page 6

See Collin Raye on the “Diner” April 8 & 10

Music. “I Think About You” also won awards for its song and video that exposed the exploitation of women and children.

The performer ha s lent his suppor t to organizations with missions in which he believes.

Among those are Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness National Initiative, Easter Seals, The Life and Hope Network and Make a Difference Day. At the 2001 Country Radio Seminar, Clint Black presented Raye with the organization’s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of the artist’s issue-oriented music and tireless charity work.

April 2021

The Foundation supports and assists families of the cognitively and physically disabled with a primary emphasis on supplying wheelchairs and other necessary medical equipment to elevate the quality of life for the disabled family member in need. Collin wrote a very special song for Haley called, “She’s With Me,” which carries a powerful message for families of special needs children.

In 2011 Collin released his first inspirational album, “His Love Remains,” which quickly shot to No. 1 on Amazon for inspirational and religious music. In 2013 Collin released “Still on the Line,” a tribute album to his longtime friend and country music legend, Glen Campbell.

The album, featuring Ricky Skaggs and Billy Dean, includes classic Glen Campbell hits. Collin continues to perform his traditional country music across America and abroad and has added Christian and Catholic concerts to his tour schedule as well.

His autobiography, A Voice Undefeated, was released April 2014.

He currently resides in Nashville, TN with daughter Brittany and granddaughter Mattie.

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In 2021 Ray is scheduled to perform solo at a variety of venues across the U.S. and Canada. He will be joined by Aaron Tippin and Sammy Kershaw on the Boots and Roots Tour for performances in March and May. He’s also set to host a week-long 30th Anniversary Cruise to Alaska in May. On his new album “Scars,” Raye is once again wrapping his distinctive voice around a compelling collection of tunes, but this time in addition to writing nearly every song on the 14-track set, Raye has also embarked on a new musical direction and has enlisted Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill and the Black Keys Dan Auerbach to join the journey.

“I’d thought about doing an Americana record for years because, to me, Americana means no rules,” Raye said. “Americana is kind of country, kind of bluegrass, kind of folk, kind of R&B. It’s anything you want it to be. I thought how fun would that be to make a record knowing that cut number one can sound totally different than cut number two and cut number three, number four, etc. And that’s exactly what I set out to do.”

For more information, visit collinraye.com

April 2021

by Claudia Johnson

Jim Weatherly, who penned some of music's most enduring songs, passed away earlier this year leaving behind a catalog of hundreds of songs recorded by artists of every genre.

By the end of his 50-plus-year career he had written songs for everyone from Country music legend Garth Brooks to pop star Neil Diamond to indie folk icons Indigo Girls to jam rockers Widespread Panic.

His first No. 1 pop and soul hit, "Neither One of Us Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye," won a Grammy Award for Gladys Knight & The Pips, who went on to record 12 of Weatherly's songs.

"At that time African Americans weren’t into country music, and he really helped us know it and love it," Knight told the Jackson, Mississippi, Clarion Ledger. "What I loved most were his lyrics, not just his melodies. You could live through his lyrics.”

"Neither One of Us Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye" became a Top 10 Country hit for the late Bob Luman in 1973.

"The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" was another No. 1 R&B hit and a No. 2 pop hit for Gladys Knight & The Pips, and was a No. 1 Country hit in 1973 for Ray Price, who recorded 38 of Weatherly's compositions. It has become a classic gospel song first recorded in that field by the Rev. James Cleveland.

The song that secured Weatherly's place in music history, however, was "Midnight Train to Georgia," which became a No. 1 hit for Gladys Knight and the Pips and has been covered by dozens of artists since it was first recorded by Cissy Houston in 1973. In 1999

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"Midnight Train to Georgia" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

"Midnight Train to Georgia" was also selected as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2001 the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America selected the 365 Songs of the Century, naming "Midnight Train to Georgia" No. 29.

Originally titled "Midnight Train to Houston," the lyrics were inspired by 1970s icon Farrah Faucett when she was dating Weatherly's friend, Lee Majors, known best for his role as the Bionic Man. Weatherly had moved to Los Angles, California, with his rock band, The Gordian Knot, in 1966 after graduating from The University of Mississippi, where as an All-Southeastern Conference Quarterback he was a member of the only unbeaten and untied National Championship Rebel football team in Ole Miss history in 1962 and SEC champions in 1962 and 1963.

"I was playing on a flag football team with some guys in LA.," Weatherly said in an interview with the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in a 2008 interview.

"Lee Majors was on the team. Lee had just started dating Farrah Fawcett, and when I called up to his house one day, Farrah answered the phone.

During the course of the conversation, Farrah said she was packing her clothes—she was taking the midnight plane to Houston to visit her folks. When she said it, my mind really went away from the conversation. When I got off the phone, I sat down and wrote "Midnight Plane to Houston" in just a little more than 30 minutes. It just literally fell out."

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April 2021

Weatherly said he was visualizing Majors and Fawcett as he penned the lyrics. "I didn't know where it was going, because back then I didn't know how to craft a song, I was just writing because it was a natural part of me," he recalled. "When I got to the line in the chorus "leaving on a midnight plane to Houston, going back to a simpler place in time, I'll be with her on the midnight plane to Houston, I'd rather live in her world than live without her in mine" it really wrapped it up in a nice package.”

When Cissy Houston recorded the song, the title was changed to "Midnight Train to Georgia," which Houston explained in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. "My people are originally from Georgia and they didn't take planes to Houston or anywhere else," she said. Weatherly had recorded the song himself under the original title, but he respected Houston's opinion.

"We were both in agreement that we would let the artist make the song what they could sing to make it something they could believe," he told the Ole Miss newsletter.

The Pontotoc, Mississippi, native was born March 17, 1943, and began writing songs around age 12. He had his own bands during high school and college and played dates throughout the South until his move to Los Angeles.

In addition to songwriting, he released seven albums and three CDs of his own as a recording artist.

"The Need to Be" reached No. 11 on the pop charts and No. 6 on the adult contemporary charts during the mid-seventies. He also had a Top 10 Country record with "I'll Still Love You.” After moving back to the South, Weatherly continued to enjoy success. His self-published song "Love Never Broke Anyone's Heart," which he co-wrote

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with Vince Gill, is on Vince's "I Still Believe in You" album that sold more than five million copies.

He and Gill also teamed up to write "If I Didn't Have You in My World" for the double platinum "Pocket Full of Gold" album. "A Lady Like You" was No. 1 on the Country charts for Glen Campbell, and "Where Shadows Never Fall" also recorded by Campbell, won Weatherly his first Dove Award.

"Jim co/wrote a song called “Someone Else’s Star,” that changed my life forever," said Country artist Bryan White, who had his first No. 1 Country hit with Weatherly's song. "For that I will be forever indebted to him. He was one of my dear friends of over 25 years.

What a massive and long spanning career this man had.

His work will be heard forever."

Just a few of the Country artists who have recorded Weatherly's songs are Steve Wariner, Dan Seals, Linda Davis, Marie Osmond, Bill Anderson, Charley Pride, Eddy Arnold, Jeff Carson, Kenny Rogers, Reba McIntire, Kenny Chesney, Ed Bruce, The Oak Ridge Boys, B.J. Thomas, Lynn Anderson, Tanya Tucker, Peggy Lee and many more.

Weatherly was ASCAP's Country Songwriter of the Year in 1974. He served on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Songwriters Association International for five years.

In 2006, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2014 he received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Music from the state of Mississippi.

Weatherly's songs have been used in movies and TV shows such as Broadcast News, Modern Family, Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal and others.

Weatherly's final years were spent Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife Cynthia, their daughter, Brighton, and their son, Zack, where he continued to write and publish his own songs as well as record and relea se CDs on his own Brizac Records label. He passed away at his home on Feb. 3, 2021, at age 77.

“I’m missing Jim Weatherly already," Gladys Knight Tweeted the day after Weatherly's death. "He was about life and love. 'Neither One of Us' and 'Midnight Train' – I remember him getting his Grammys for those.

We were just made for each other.

We grew our lives together. I’m gonna miss him terribly and love him always.”

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April 2021

Bluegrass History Maker Visits the Diner in April Becky Buller, a guest performer on "Larry's Country Diner" in April, is eight-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award winner who made bluegrass music history in 2016 by becoming the first artist ever to win in both instrumental and vocal categories, as well as the first female to win Fiddle Player of the Year.

Her songs, recorded by some of the industry’s best, preceded the fier y-haired fiddler’s own prominence as an artist in the acoustic music world. She has Becky Buller written songs for Grammy award-winning albums. Buller co-wrote “Freedom,” the lead-off track of The Infamous Stringduster’s 2018 Grammy awardwinning album, "Laws of Gravity," as well as “The Shaker,” featured on The Travelin’ McCoury’s self-titled release that just brought home the 2019 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy.

Artists including Ricky Skaggs (“Music to My Ears”), Rhonda Vincent ("Fishers of Men"), Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver ("Be Living"), Josh Williams ("You Love Me Today"), Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out ("My Angeline", "Rest My Weary Feet", “Cottontown”) and Special Consensus (“She Took the Tennessee River,” “Scratch Gravel Road”) have cut Buller’s songs.

Now, as the leader of her own band, Buller’s audiences are connecting the composer with her

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compositions to the tune of 10 IBMA awards, including her historic win of the 2016 Fiddler and Female Vocalist of the Year awards as well as the 2020 Collaborative Recording of the Year award for “The Barber’s Fiddle” and the 2020 Song of the Year award for co-writing and fiddling on Special Consensus’ “Chicago Barn Dance.”

2020 also found Buller nominated for the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America’s (SPBGMA) Fiddle Performer of the Year award.

Buller moonlights with the all-female bluegrass super-group, The First Ladies of Bluegrass, which includes all the first women to win in their respective categories at the IBMA awards: Alison Brown (banjo, 1991); Buller (fiddle, 2016); Sierra Hull (mandolin, 2016); Missy Raines (bass, 1998); Molly Tuttle (guitar, 2017).

This configuration took home the 2018 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year award for their work on “Swept Away,” written by Laurie Lewis and recorded by t h e Fi r s t L a d i e s o n M i s s y R a i n e s ’ n e w s o l o album, “Royal Traveller.” The First Ladies were part of a historic all-female Saturday night headline set curated and hosted by Brandi Carlile at the 2019 Newport Folk Festival.

Buller released "Distance and Time," her third album, on the Dark Shadow Recording label.

"Crêpe Paper Heart," Buller’s fourth solo album and second release for the Dark Shadow Recording label, came out on Valentine’s Day 2018 and enjoyed much success on the Bluegrass airplay charts.

The album features Buller’s immensely talented road band, along with award-winning guests Rhonda Vincent, The Fairfield Four, Sam Bush, Frank Solivan, Claire Lynch, Rob Ickes, Stephen and Jana Mougin, and Erin Youngberg (FY5). The album topped several year-end lists in 2018.

Buller’s third solo album, "'Tween Earth and Sky," was released in October 2014 on Dark Shadow Recording. It was the No . 1 a l b u m o n t h e B l u e g r a s s Unlimited National Airplay Chart in both March and April of 2015.

The singles “Nothin’ To You” and “Southern Flavor” both reached No. 4 and each stayed on the chart 13 months.

Her 2015 Christmas single, “Gingerbread Ho u s e , ” t o p p e d t h e B l u e g r a s s Today airplay chart both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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April 2021

B u l l e r ’s c o v e r o f B i l l Mo n r o e ’s “ S o u t h e r n Flavor” (including new lyrics by DeWayne Mize and Guy Stevenson and featuring members of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys) garnered the 2015 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year award.

She penned the title cut of Special Consensus' album "Scratch Gravel Road," which was nominated for the 2013 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy.

From late 2012 through 2014, the artist toured and recorded with the Darin & Brooke Aldridge band.

Buller can be heard on their 2013 album, "Flying" (Organic Records) and the 2015 album, "Snapshots" (Mountain Home Music).

Buller’s own recordings include "Little Bird" (2004) and Rest My Weary Feet" (2000). She also released a duet album with Valerie Smith, "Here's A Little Song" (2007).

Her journey as a professional musician included a 10year stint with Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. She is featured on several of that group’s recordings, wrote for the group and toured internationally with them as well.

She produced several of Smith's more recent records.

Buller was also a prominent part of three albums with the award-winning Daughters of Bluegrass: "Pickin’ Like A Girl" (2013), "Bluegrass Bouquet" (2008) and "Back to the Well" (2006), which won the 2006 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year award.

While studying public relations at East Tennessee State Un i v e r s i t y in Jo h n s o n C i t y, Tennessee, Buller performed with several different bluegrass ensembles, including the school’s prestigious Bluegrass Pride Band, with whom she performed in throughout France and at the Kennedy Center.

She can be heard on the school’s "ETSU Bluegrass Pride" album (2001). At the same time, Buller also toured regionally with Appalachian Trail.

Buller was featured on the cover of Fiddler Magazine (2012) and Bluegrass Unlimited (2015). She was a 2016 SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year nominee and was chosen as 1st Runner Up for the 2016 IAMA Country/Bluegrass Song of Year for her composition, “Nothin’ to You.” Growing up in Minnesota, Buller played fiddle with her parents and Gordy and Roxy Shultz in the group, Prairie Grass. She studied classical violin with both Patti Tryhus and Charles Gray and participated in the Mankato Area Youth Symphony and the Minnesota All-State Orchestra while in high school.

Buller’s heart, however, has always been that of a fiddler. She won the junior division of the 1996 Minnesota State Old Time Fiddle Championship in Cotton, Minnesota.

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She graduated in 2001 with a public relations degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where she took part in the renowned Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music program. That same year, Buller’s songwriting nabbed a first-place finish in the bluegrass category of the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in Wilksboro, N.C.

With more than 20 years of experience as a music educator, Buller is very passionate about passing the music on. She teaches at several camps and workshops t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r, i n a d d i t i o n to h e r b u s y performance schedule.

Buller is also very active in the bluegrass music business community, currently serving on the IBMA Foundation board. She was on the IBMA Board of Directors from 2013-17 and did a three-year term as chair of the IBMA Songwriter Committee from 2013-16.

She is a Leadership Bluegrass alumna, class of 2003.

See Buller on Larry’s Country Diner on April 22 and April 24.

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March 2021

Emi Sunshine Gets “American Idol” Golden Ticket

by Paula Winters

“Country’s Family Reunion” artist Emi Sunshine won the Golden Ticket at the “American Idol” auditions and advanced to the second rounds after singing "I Walk the Line" as a duet with fellow contestant Alex Miller “So many of you asked Why? Why audition for a show when you have already been at this 10 years?”

Sunshine wrote on her Facebook page. “We wrote a song when I was 7.called ‘Give me Grace.’ It was off a line for a Kickstarter offer for my first album. If you bought that package, we would write a song off of whatever you wanted! The line was “If music is a vehicle for peace.”

Sunshine expressed her thoughts about the music industry.

“Thinking of the industry now I think ‘If fame is a vehicle for music’... would be interesting to write,” she said. “Because truthfully without fame in some form, us independent artists would never be able to do what we do. That’s always been the difficult thing for me. I don’t compromise well. I like my music to be mine. No influences of greed or promotion. I don’t want it tainted with outside influences....but at the same time if I want a song as pure as ‘Give me grace’ to ever be heard there has to be a dance done to let it fly.... is this the right dance? Am I “American Idol”material? We will all have to wait and see! I know loads of my new friends are waiting, hoping they get aired too! I wish them favor and grace! For me I am excited for the next step! Not selling out just moving forward! Not giving in just getting it done! There are songs dropping from the ether and I just want to get them into the universe.”

23 Questions with Emi Sunshine 1. What’s your real name? Emilie Sunshine Hamilton 2. How old are you? 16 3. When did you first pick up an instrument? 5 for piano 7 for ukulele 4. Who or what got you into old time country music?

My mom got me interested by giving me a Louvin Brothers CD 5. Describe yourself in three words: Meticulous Determined and Hardworking 6. You’ve just cashed a check for $1 million. The first thing you do is: Save My Money... nah I’d pay off the bus and our house! Covid has wrecked us Then I’d help others! ... and buy a new pig and Scottie Dog 7. If you could open for any current artist, it’d be: Hozier

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8. If you could record a duet with any artist alive or dead, it’d be: Janice Joplin or 9. Favorite thing about Tennessee: The Mountains 10. Favorite TV Show: Any Anime 11. Favorite Movie: Burlesque 12. One skill you wish you had: Dancing 13. If you could have one super power, it’d be: cure Covid 14. Three albums on a desert island: They Might be Giants -Flood

By The Way I forgive you -Forever For Now -LP Any and all Grateful Dead 15. Favorite thing about touring: Meeting New Sound Engineers lol! I am a sound Geek!

16. Hobbies outside of music: Bicycling 17. Dream vacation: I have always wanted to go to Pig Beach in the Bahamas 18. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, it’d be: Tomatoes 19. Something people might not know about you: I carry a porcupine fetus in a jar to most co-writes 20. What do you wish fans knew? How hard me and my family work and how much I love them 21. How can your fans help? Share. Tell people about me.

Keep up with me and follow my Instagram, Patreon and Twitter 22. What makes the most difference in independent artists lives? Fans buying merch! It’s a huge boost!

23. Why do you think fans love you? I think because I’m real. I’m just me. No outside label influences. If you see me sing a song that’s my choice. I’m the one who decides. If I write a song it’s my story or message ... well me and . Mom is one of my favorite writers. We write together. Oh yea, follow her. She tells crazy stories on me sometimes.

Seriously, I can’t believe how giving and loving my fans are. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.

April 2021

Music Notes Savannah Church Gets Golden Ticket “Country’s Family Reunion” alum also won the golden ticket.

Savannah Church posted on her Facebook page, “Well I’ve been keeping a little secret from everyone... a while back I tried out for “American Idol”!!! I got the Golden Ticket!”

Savannah went on to tell fans, “Blown away at all the talent there.

You definitely won’t want to miss watching this season! I wasn’t on the season premiere episode, but you might see me in the coming weeks!”

Savannah and her sister, Sarah, were first on the Kinfolks series of “Country’s Family Reunion” in 2012. Since then they have grown up and split up the act. Savannah has decided to continue her career in singing.

Unfortunately, Church was not chosen to move forward in the competition. She made a heartfelt statement on Facebook to fans.

Georgette’s Apple Sin Whiskey

“I'm proud to announce that the official sales and sampling of our 72 proof Georgette Jones Apple Sin Whiskey,” Georgette Jones posted on her Facebook page in March just before she headed to Kentucky to sign a few initial bottles. Par tnering with Spencer Balentine and Silent Brigade Distillery she signed a limited number of signed bottles which were available at the Distillery at 426 Broadway in Paducah, Ky. Visit the distillery’s website to find out when it will be available in your area. Introductory price is $19.99 for a 750ml (5th) bottle.

Podunk Songwriting Contest Underway Gu i d e l i n e s a r e a t podunkbluegrass.com.

Noteworthy is the fact that writers can co-write regardless of their proximity to one another. Distance does not appear to hamper creativity.

Deadline for entries is April 30 via mail or email. The 2021 Podunk Bluegrass Festival is slated for August 12-15 at the Fairgrounds in Goshen, CT. If the pandemic should require Podunk to cancel its 2021 festival it will not affect the songwriting contest.

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Jeff Carson chose the historic Antoinette Hall 1868 Opera House in Pulaski, Tennessee for recording his classic “God, Save the World.” For more about this intriguing venue, visit antoinettehall.com.

November 2020

Where the Stars are Buried

by Renae Johnson, Renae the Waitress

Lynn Anderson, Woodlawn Mausoleum, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204

Lynn Anderson died of a heart attack Thursday night, July 30, 2015, at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was 67 and had been hospitalized for pneumonia following a trip to Italy.

Life and Career Lynn Rene Anderson was born Sept. 26, 1947, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and raised in California. Her parents were country music songwriters Casey and Liz Anderson, so it was no surprise that their daughter became interested in music at an early age. She also loved horses and won a total of 700 horse show trophies and awards including the “California Horse Show Queen” title in 1966. She captured 16 national championships and four world championships.

In 1996 her musical career took off. She signed her first recording deal under Slim Whitman’s record label after a trip to Nashville. She had her first major hit single “If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)” the following year with other songs hitting the charts. In 1967 Anderson became a regular performer on “The Lawrence Welk Show” and toured with the Welk Road Show. She landed a new record contract with Columbia Records in 1970.

Anderson charted three #1 and 15 Top-20 albums, as well as 12 #1 and over 50 Top-40 singles throughout her career. She earned Billboard ’s “Artist of the Decade” performer award and was the first female country artists to sell out Madison Square Ga r d e n i n 1 9 74 . He r s i g n a t u r e s i n g l e , “ Ro s e Garden” and other hits like “Ride, Ride, Ride,” “Rocky Top” and “Top of the World” spring boarded Anderson into a career with more than 30 million albums sold. She won such awards as Grammy, ACM, CMA, AMA and People’s Choice.

She made frequent appearances on many television shows and hosted her own television special in 1977 with guest star Tina Turner. Her charitable work raised millions for a variety of organizations that support cancer, autism, militar y, animal rescues and handicapped citizens.

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In 2015, Anderson released a new country gospel album, “Bridges.” The album featured a gospel version of the Mentor Williams’ penned hit “Drift Away,” with new lyrics by the writer. The album was released on June 9, 2015.

Celebration of Life Anderson’s funeral was Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015 at Woodlawn Dignity Hall at 11a.m. in Nashville with standing room only.

Brenda Lee addressed the friends, family and loved ones that attended.

Her son, Gray Stream, spoke for the family and gave insight to the beautiful mother and grandmother she was. Even though she had won Grammy’s throughout her career, “Grammy” was the hip name chosen by the grandchildren in honor of their grandmother and meant the most.

The brother of her longtime partner Mentor Williams, songwriting great Paul Williams considered himself Anderson’s “brother out-law.” He noted that he and Anderson "wrestled some of the same bears."

“Amazing Grace” was performed by Gary Morris and “Drift Away” (Gospel Version) ended the service with everyone joining in which included country stars Duane Allen and Richard Sturban of the Oak Ridge Boys, Jan Howard, Connie Smith, Johnny Counterfit, and Rex Allen Jr. Click here for Anderson’s Find a Grave Listing.

April 2021

Areeda’s southern cooking

by Areeda Schneider Stampley

Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake For your Easter dinner table!

2 cups raw carrots (pressed down), finely grated 4 eggs, slightly beaten 2 cups white sugar 1½ cups salad oil 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger 1½ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 8½ oz. can crushed pineapple, drained ½ cup chopped nuts ½ cup flaked coconut Preheat 350° oven. Cream eggs, white sugar and salad oil.

Mix dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients and mix all together. Bake in 3 round 9-inch cake layer pans, greased and floured, or a sheet pan, for 25-30 minutes.

Tip: Use parchment paper in bottom of cake pans to avoid sticking.

Icing 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 cups Confectioner’s sugar (1 box) In a mixer, cream together all ingredients except sugar. Add sugar and continue beating on medium speed 2-3 min. until mixed well.

To purchase Areeda’s Southern Cooking, a collection of old-fashioned recipes send $24.45 check (no credit cards) and mailing address to Areeda’s Southern Cooking, P. O. Box 202, Brentwood, TN 37024.

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countryreunionmagazine.com

April 2021

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

By Claudia Johnson

The emergence of bluegrass music is a distinctively American story. A variety of musical styles evolved and combined in the 20th century, eventually forming a brand new genre. The music of the rural South blended with other sounds as folks listened to the radio, played records on the phonograph and collaborated with other musicians in an ever-more transient nation. Streams from the blues, jazz, gospel, ballads, country and more flowed into the river of music that would become bluegrass.

Located in downtown Owensboro with sweeping views of the Ohio River, The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum captures the energy and excitement of bluegrass. Visitors take a self-guided tour through the River of Sound, where they revisit history and see memorabilia not found anywhere else. Dynamic displays and interactive exhibits connect bluegrass lovers with the evolution of bluegrass while paying homage to its innovative creators.

The area of the museum to explore are: Sources of Bluegrass Like any artist, Bill Monroe and others were influenced by everything around them, and each element informed their music. In this exciting exhibit, discover the creative sources that shaped bluegrass music, including gospel, jazz and blues.

Dawn of the Bluegrass Era Follow the stories of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and many more pioneers as they formed the bedrock of this great American art form. In addition to items from Monroe’s estate, the exhibit explores Monroe’s early

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years and how he came to create this music. There is something very compelling here for the casually curious, seasoned fans and day-trippers alike.

Dawn of the Bluegrass Era Follow the stories of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and many more pioneers as they formed the bedrock of this great American art form. In addition to items from Monroe’s estate, the exhibit explores Monroe’s early years and how he came to create this music. There is something very compelling here for the casually curious, seasoned fans and day-trippers alike.

Starving Out Elvis Presley ushered in a new era, and Rock & Roll took market share from just about every other genre of music, including bluegrass. However, bluegrass artists and musicians found a way to survive and keep the music alive in clubs and small venues in both rural and urban areas. Step back into the 1950s and 1960s to learn more about how these artists who kept the bluegrass flame burning.

Festival Era Bluegrass festivals gained popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s and continue to be very popular today. This section shows how bluegrass music festivals helped reenergize the genre by introducing the culture to a new generation of fans beyond the southeast while creating regional sounds such as California bluegrass, jam grass and new grass.

countryreunionmagazine.com

April 2021

Woodward Theater

Modern Roots and Branches The first-floor exhibit space ends with an overview and introduction of several contemporary artists and subgenres considered “branches” of traditional bluegrass in what is now the fastest growing genre of music in the world – acoustic driven folk music.

Continue your pilgrimage to the second floor for the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame, Video Oral History and temporary galleries.

Live Music Live music is the heart and soul of bluegrass. While the history and heritage of bluegrass is preserved inside the walls of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the outdoor stage brings the bluegrass festival spirit to life in a beautiful green space overlooking the Ohio River.

After exploring the River of Sound inside, the outdoor stage is the perfect way to end the day.

Continue the energy and excitement of bluegrass by jamming out with “next-door-neighbors” from across the world in a community festival experience under the stars.

“The future of Bluegrass depends on the passionate sharing of our music, history and culture,” states the museum’s website, bluegrasshall.org. “In fact, that’s a huge part of our mission at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We help make this happen in a number of ways, including lessons, workshops and open jams.”

Classes Cla sses lead by professional musicians and instructors are offered for those who are beginners through the experienced who are ready for band participation. Other educational initiatives of the museum include Bluegrass in the Schools, Open Bluegrass Jams and the Bluegrass Band Project.

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Bluegrass has come a long way from front porches, hoedowns and barn dances, but just like always, bluegrass music is still best experienced live. The Woodward Theatre is a world-class performance hall located inside the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum specifically designed for acoustic music.

The theater also incorporates state-of-the-art audio and video capability to enhance the listening experience beyond the theater audience through live TV, radio and web broadcasts to fans around the world.

Tickets to live events may be purchased at bluegrasshall.org.

Venue Rental The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum offers a truly special venue for events large or small. With multiple event spaces designed with your event in mind and professional staff ready to transform ideas into reality. Areas available to rent include the Lobby, Gallery Room, Exhibit Space, Green Room, Woodward Theatre, Outdoor Pavilion and Small Meeting Rooms.

For those who consider Bluegrass their music and t h e i r c o m m u n i t y, a Ha l l o f Fa m e & Mu s e u m membership offers unlimited admission, exclusive events and other member benefits.

Inductees Since Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs were inducted in 1991, each year has seen one or more Bluegrass legend honored. The Hall of Fame members are profiled at bluegrasshall.org/inductees.

Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is closed Sunday – Tuesday. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and active military, $8 for ages 6-12 and free under age 6.

To arrange for group tours, rent the facility or find out more about membership or classes, call 270-926-7891.

The Museum is located at 311 W 2nd St Owensboro, KY 42301.

countryreunionmagazine.com

April 2021

John Carter Cash Interview, June 2004 The following interview appears in the book My Kind of Country: Conversations with Cowboys, Gamblers, Outlaws and Songwriters by Michael Buffalo Smith www.kudzoomag.com Back in ‘04, I had the pleasure of speaking with John Carter Cash, the only son of country music legends Johnny Cash and June Carter. John had been extremely busy since his father’s passing, working on unreleased music by both parents, writing his mother’s biography, producing bands in Nashville and generally keeping the dynasty alive.

Going back when I was 12 or so I remember the Johnny Cash Show on television and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread, very groundbreaking for TV at the time. I wanted to get your thoughts on the show, and also a s k i f yo u r D a d e v e r s a y anything about the show ?

Yes, he followed his heart on that as he always did. He loved all kinds of music, songwriters - his mind and spirit were always open to that and he was always looking for things that excited him. That show was an outlet for that joy of the music, especially the young artists just kicking in. It gave them a place or a pulpit to relate their songs and visions. There were many people on there that he was simply joyous about.

He had creative control on that show. That was one of the conditions of his doing it. I think that part was what made it so beautiful and he could do what his heart told him to do. This may have ruffled some feathers along the way, but the beauty of it was that it lasts and he was able to do what he believed in.

He sang those gospel songs and preached the message that he believed in. He did mention it to me over the years and of course it was always a wish, not a dream, or even much of an endeavor that the show be rereleased, but something that I think he wanted to see happen again someday. He didn’t feel it should be left on the shelf.

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One thing that I found interesting was watching Johnny and June speak about their little John Carter, as a new baby. When you watch that how does it make you feel?

Well, it’s a window into history or a portal of time that I don’t remember but many people do. This is very meaningful to me to watch, because I see where my parents were at that time, physically what they look like and their creative energies on stage. It’s not just about the entertainment but it’s my Mother and Father onstage.

It’s amazing for me to just study and watch Johnny and June and how much love they had for each other. When he would introduce her there was an adoring look in his eyes.

Oh yeah, it was very true and real.

He had loved her for a few years at that time.

June was a very funny girl and I enjoyed seeing those comedy bits on the show.

She was the real deal from a very early age. She might not have had the glorious talent of being a singer and technical musician that her Mother and sisters did, but she had unique energy in comedy and a strong spirit that was undeniable and she spread that around whether onstage or off. She was a wonderful performer. There’s a lot about this in her biography that I wrote, called Anchored In Love.

Could you describe what it was like playing in your Dad’s band in the 90s?

Well, I toured with my parents from when I was born and never knew a time that I didn’t travel with them.

My Dad put me on stage when I was 3 years old and I remember the rush of the crowd and I remember the energy and excitement of the audience upon seeing me onstage. There is not really a time that I don’t remember singing at the end of the show with them.

Even in my teenage years at 18 it was already sort of old hat to get up and perform with him. It was fun to learn timing, musicianship and record producing.

countryreunionmagazine.com

April 2021

What are your overall thoughts on this “Best of The Johnny Cash Show” DVD? It was a long process in the creation of these DVD’s and their being released. My parents had a vision for the possibility of it, but never really pursued it too hard. But for the past 10-12 years it has been talked about by Lou Robbin, my dad’s manager and over the past few years I have been more involved. It has taken a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication and time to make this happen.

The licensing for this kind of project can be a nightmare and having to locate the artists. I hope consumers will understand that there was a lot of love that went into this and the creation, from Lou Robbin, and my parents themselves and onto the folks at Sony Legacy who worked through many years to make this happen. One thing I am proud of is with the DVD we used the original 8 track audio recordings of all the performances.

We found them all, and the outakes as well. So what you get is a high quality stereo mix that is due to my parents character trait of holding onto everything that they had, whether junk or treasure - or maybe both, but more treasure than anything.

I wanted to ask you about “Walk The Line.” How close the movie was to real life?

Making a two hour movie you have to leave a lot out, but you can find a focal point and tell it very well. It focuses on one thing as a matter of strong focus, one thing and one thing only, that is my parent’s love affair.

If you are looking for more about my father ’s redemption or about his relationship with my Grandfather, an accurate picture, you will not find it, because it’s not there. If you search for many things you will come up lacking, but in telling the story of my parent’s love it does so beautifully. When I look back, that is what my parents intended. They wanted to tell the story of their love and I for one am glad that they did get together. (Laughs) I am overjoyed.

the film. The characters were wonderfully portrayed for the movie.

I saw a great photo of Cash Cabin Studio on your website. It looks really cool from the outside. Tell me a little about it.

My dad built a place in the woods in 1978 that was a log cabin where he could go and write. Then in 1994 he wanted to sit over there and record some songs. At that time some minimal recording gear and microphones were brought into the room and then a couple of years later I started doing song demos in here and recording myself and singing. In 1998 my Mom wanted to make a record and get me to co-produce it with J.J.Blair from Los Angeles. I decided to bring all the gear into our little cabin and record it there. Then we had six musicians in this tiny little room and we recorded Press On, and it went onto win a Grammy. Then from there my Dad went on to record American 3, 4, and 5 here at the cabin. He did quite a bit of work here and the year he died he added on a big room and I added on a large console a couple of years after that. It’s a ver y comfortable, rustic environment and a great place to make music.

What would you say was the most important thing that you learned from your parents?

Spiritual persistence in your life, work, and home life.

And at the end of their lives when they were in physical pain and were kind of falling apart, they continued to press on. To me that is a life motto, do what you believe in and what’s fun. If it stops being fun then I will quit.

How did you feel about the calibre of acting?

I felt they were very professional and I couldn’t have been happier. It’s a character study and certain aspects of their characters could have been more subdued in their performances. Or maybe they brought out certain aspects for the film and held back some aspects of my parents characters aspects that might have created many more questions and would have needed more definition and there was not time for that in

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countryreunionmagazine.com

April 2021

Collin Raye will perform on :Larry’s Country Diner” April 8 and 10

Nadine’s Corner I am not happy about getting old, or rather being old, I guess it is better than the alternative. I just want to give a shoutout to everyone who can still remember their childhood phone number but can't remember the password they created yesterday! You are my people!

I don't always go the extra mile, but when I do, it's because I missed my exit! I don't feel too bad, Homer does that all the time! We are at a place in our lives where errands are starting to count as going out!

Being a little older, we are very fortunate to have someone call and check on us every day. I bet you have someone like this too! He's from Georgia and is very concerned about our car warranty! I went with Homer to get a haircut yesterday. That was fun! I didn't know they had express chairs for 12 hairs or less! His barbershop is getting uptown!

You know, one of the worst things about getting old is having to listen to advice from your children! One good thing about getting old is you don't get calls from life insurance salesmen anymore!

I've been trying to get Homer to go get a hearing aid! He told me the other day, he wasn't doing it, he had heard enough!

My friend, Louise, asked me the other day if I thought much about the hereafter. I told her, very time I open a drawer or a closet door, I have to ask myself, what am I here after?! It's not so bad getting old, you know why?

I've read the last page of the Bible, it's all gonna turn out all right!

Love y'all,

Nadine Page 20

April 2021

Happy Easter NEW Shows in April I hope you are enjoying the new shows. We are taping more new “Larry’s Country Diner” shows this month at the Red King Studio in Columbia. . The studio is very small, so we cannot open it up to the public or sell tickets like we did at the Ray Stevens Theater.

We tape eight shows in two days, so you can imagine how busy we are. Nadine can’t remember if she’s coming or going. Remember, all shows are shown twice, so yes you will see some reruns even of the new shows.

It is very costly to film shows for television, and we are so thankful for our sponsors. Each show has to be aired twice so relax and enjoy them.

Unfortunately, sometimes we do not get the notice in time to change the schedule in Country’s Family Reunion News.

Check the Saturday time slot, because that one is sometimes not pre-empted.

Country’s Family Reunion News 2020 Book A lot of you have purchased the 2020 Newspaper Book and I encourage you to buy some of the past years. We started printing all 12 months in a yearly book 8 years ago because our newspapers had so many great photos and featured articles. We felt like it was like preserving history and the 8 x 11 books turned out beautiful. They also make a great gift for anyone who has not subscribed to our monthly newspaper.

Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health I am so excited to add Glen Campbell’s book to my book club. Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health by Kim Campbell. I think you will really enjoy it, and of course I have limited quantities so get it now.

Branson Are you ready to get out of the house and go somewhere? We are so excited to be back at the Clay Cooper Theater Oct. 4-8, 2021, in Branson, Missouri, for nightly shows. We usually have sell-out crowds, so get your tickets early and spend the week. Last year the theater had social distancing restrictions, so there were fewer tickets that could be sold.

We had our merchandise table in the lobby and had a wonderful time visiting with everyone. I am sure this year will be even better.

Vol. 3: Nashville Memorial Tours DVD I do have “Vol. 3: Nashville Memorial Tours DVD” in stock. On this DVD I am your guide to the Ninal resting places of Eddy Rabbitt, Lefty Frizzell, Howkshaw Hawkins, Stringbean, Bashful Bro Os, John Hartford, Floyd Cramer, Keith Whitley, Hank Snow, Don Helms, Roy Acuff, Mac Wiseman, Vern Gosdin, Mel Tillis, The Hagar Twins, Conway Twitty, Red Foley, and Otis Blackwell. On Vol. 3 we visit the Bluebird Café with clips from the Sweetheart series where Joey talks about meeting Rory there.

AND…yes, I have started Nilming Volume 4 which will probably be my Ninal volume. It will include the Ninal resting places of Jan Howard, Jimmy Capps, Charlie Daniels and Joe Dif8ie ,who all passed away in 2020. We also visit the General Jackson Showboat and the location where Dottie West had her fatal accident. Look for updates on when Vol. 4 will be available in next month’s Country’s Family Reunion News.

I still have Jimmy Capps book “Man In Back” in stock Page 21 countryreunionmagazine.com and still add his funeral program with it at no charge. $29.95+ $6.95 s/h.

March 2021

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March 2021