Country Reunion Magazine, January 2023 by Country Reunion Magazine

Country Reunion m • a • g• a • z• i • n • e

January 2023

Billy Dean

George & Tammy Moore & Moore Parton & Anderson

Gene Autry Chris Stapleton

Whitney Miller Riders in e Sky Wilford Brimley Renea the Waitress Debbie Boone Nadine … and more

December 2021

Country Reunion Magazine Who’s inside?

Published monthly by

Billy Dean, p. 4-5 Nadine, p. 6 Tammy & George, p. 7- 8 Areeda’s Country Cooking, p. 9 Boone & Hopkins, p. 10 Whitney Miller, p. 11 Gene Autry, p. 12-13 Moore & Moore, p. 14-15 Sam Gyllenhaal, p. 16 “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”, p. 17 Renea the Waitress, p. 18 Chris Stapleton, p. 19-21 Star Birthdays, p. 22 Sissy Spacek, p. 22 Wilford Brimley, p. 23 Book Club, p. 24

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Country Road Management 710 N. Main St., Suite B Columbia, TN 38401 Larry Black, Publisher Paula Underwood Winters, Editor, Print Layout Claudia Johnson, Writer, Online Layout/Design Online Subscriptions $15 per year

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January 2023

Great Things in Store for 2023 I want to thank you for subscribing to our monthly interactive publication, “Country Reunion,” and let you know that we are now providing subscriptions through our own platform called Country Reunion Music Read, which you can access by clicking the link here. If you became a subscriber before 2023, please note that we are honoring all our digital subscriptions on our Country Reunion Magazine site at issue.com. However, upon your renewal you will need to subscribe by clicking here, which takes you to the form that allows you to subscribe directly though our company for the same price – 12 months for $15. You will have access to each month’s magazine beginning on the rst day of the month so you can read it online or download and save it just as you do now. If you need assistance or further explanation, one month before your subscription is set to expire, please contact our digital editor, Claudia Johnson, who can be reached at claudia@countryroadmanagement.com or 931-309-0923. If you would like to subscribe to our print edition, which has the same content as the digital edition, please call our DeAnn Moosman in our customer service department at 800-820-5404. You will have it delivered to your mailbox each month! In 2023 “Larry’s Country Diner” is being syndicated and will be available on local channels to millions of households. Look for it on your local TV listings. To watch every “Diner” episode as well as “Country’s Family Reunion” and other content, check out CountryRoadTV. We are also o ering free content to read from our past magazines and watch performances or listen to music from our old shows in a free monthly newsletter delivered by email each Tuesday. We love our fans and want to be sure we o er a variety of ways for you to keep in touch and be entertained. All of us at the Diner wish you a very Happy New Year. May you have good health, many blessings and much happiness.

Larry Black countryreunionmagazine.com

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January 2023

The American Troubadour Sets Dates for 2023 Performances

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Billy Dean, a “Larry’s Country Diner” favorite, has been dubbed "The American Troubadour,” and the name ts the 60-year-old singer, songwriter and storyteller. Born in the small town of Quincy, Florida, Dean began his music career at the age of eight, singing with his father’s band, The Country Rocks. After touring the Gulf Coast circuit in his late teens and early 20s, Dean’s rst big break came in 1988 when he won Best Male Vocalist on "Star Search" hosted by Ed McMahon. His "Star Search" success led to signing with Capitol Records and the release of his debut album "Young Man" in 1990. Buoyed by the singles “Only Here for a Little While” and “Somewhere in My Broken Heart,” “Young Man” became Dean’s rst of many gold records. His second and third albums, "Billy Dean" and "Fire in the Dark," were also certi ed as Gold Records and featured the Bi board-charting singles, “You Don’t Count the Cost,” “Only the Wind,” “Billy the Kid,” “If There Hadn’t Been You,” “Tryin’ to Find a Fire in the Dark,” “I Wanna Take Care of You,” “I’m Not Built That Way” and more. Over the course of his 30+ year career, Dean has released 12 albums and has been recognized with multiple awards and nominations.

January 2023

In 1992, Dean was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year for “Somewhere in My Broken Heart,” which went on to win Song of the Year at the American Country Music Awards. That same year, Dean was named Top New Male Vocalist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music awards and for the Horizon Award by the Country Music Association. Four years later, Dean won a Grammy for "Amazing Grace, A Country Tribute to Gospel," an album featuring Martina McBride, Allison Krauss, the Charlie Daniels Band and others. In 2017, he was inducted as a member of the Florida Artist Hall of Fame. A modern-day American Troubadour, Dean has performed and toured with some of the industry’s biggest country music stars such as The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Wynonna Judd and others. After making a home in Nashville for decades, Dean returned to his Florida roots and now lives in his hometown of Quincy with his wife, Stephanie. He continues to perform and write. His performance schedule for 2023 is available at billydean.com. Page 5

Billy Dean has been a popular guest on “Larry’s Country Diner.” Visit the YouTube channels for Country Road TV and “Larry’s Country Diner” to watch his performances.

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January 2023

Nadine’s Corner Here we are in 2023, and I've had an extremely busy day, converting oxygen into carbon dioxide. Homer woke up this morning with a big old smile on his face! Came in the kitchen and took all my Sharpie pens away. Serves him right for sleeping in while I can't sleep. I should've put a mustache on him also. Give him that distinguished look. Ha! Well, I am sitting here writing all my new year's resolutions. You know what they are right? A promise to stop doing everything you enjoy most! Eating less sugar (yeah, you know right now that ain't going to happen) and walking more. I know if I walk more, I'm going to meet new people (like paramedics), The most important one is to try to be nicer to people. Lord, you gonna have to take that one and shut my mouth, ‘cause I can't control it! You would just make Homer's year if you shut my mouth up! How in the world could he survive not knowing what he is doing wrong? Love that man! May your troubles in the coming year be as short lived as your resolutions. Love ya'll, Nadine

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January 2023

The six-part series “George and Tammy” began airing on Showtime, Paramount and CMT on Dec. 4, 2022, to rave reviews. The series is based on the lives of the two and on the book written by their d a u g h t e r, Georgette Jo n e s Lennon, cal led The Three of Us. “I wasn't going to say anything yet, but the news has already picked it up. I'm so thrilled to say 3.3 million viewers watched our 1st episode which makes George and Tammy the most highly watched premiere in Showtime history! If I'm dreaming, please don’t wake me…I might not ever stop smiling,” Georgette posted. While some people have questioned why Michael Shannon, who plays George Jones, and Jessica Chastain, who portrays Tammy Wynette, didn’t lip sync to the singers’ original recordings, others have praised the actors’ vocal talents. And while no one can sound exactly like the two singers, the vocals have been very well received. It was announced just two weeks into the series that Jessica Chastain received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal. Georgette posted on her Facebook page, “Congratulations Jessica Chastain !!! Much deserved nomination!! I'm so happy for you and absolutely so proud!” The series faced some delays but was nally nished and picked up by Showtime. Georgette shared a few of her fears over the delay on social media. “I prayed for over a decade through many times we thought it might never happen. I remember pulling over on the side of the road to email Josh Brolin to say ‘Please don't give up on their story.’ He said to me that the worst thing that could happen would not be that it doesn't get made, but that it doesn't get made by the right people the right way. He was so right and I'm so grateful no Page 7

one rushed or settled. I'm also so happy it's sixepisode series instead of a two-hour movie. I'm so proud their story is being so widely watched. Thanks to everyone who has watched and especially thank you to all of you who have been so supportive of me and our family through all of this.” Rogerebert.com reviewer Nick Allen had high praise for the series. “’George & Tammy’ accomplishes a rare feat for a relationship story that comes with so many pristine ballads – it makes you see the complicated depths of what is so unhealthy.” Allen wrote. “They had on the outside what country fans wanted, and it took an incredible toll on them. You appreciate both of them for their talents and how their bond is a type of cursed partnership that only sometimes looks like love. A country song can't do that with just three or four verses and a chorus; a heartfelt

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“George & Tammy” Becomes a Streaming Hit

January 2023

Winter Classic “Snow” Released by Boone and Hopkins John Driskell Hopkins, founding member of the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band and three-time Grammy winner Debby Boone graced the Grand Ole Opry stage in December for their new single “SNOW,” once recorded by her mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney. Backed by Balsam Range, Hopkins and Boone created a magical moment bringing to life once again this holiday classic using a Yacht Rock sound and the catchy lyrics “What is Christmas with no snow, no white Christmas with no snow” leaving everyone ready for a white holiday season. “It is truly an honor to have performed with both Debby Boone and Balsam Range on one of the world’s most iconic stages,” said Hopkins. Boone also surprised the audience with a beautiful performance of “You Light Up My Life” that brightened the room and brought the audience to their feet. “Standing in the circle of the Grand Ole Opry stage is incredibly meaningful for me connecting me to my grandfather Red Foley, and my mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney who stood there together many years ago,” said Boone. “Now to sing at the Opry with Hop doing a duet of a song from 'White

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Christmas' adds another rich layer to this experience. I am so honored to have had this opportunity.” Hopkins said there is much to cherish every day since he was diagnosed with ALS on Dec. 21, 2021. Hopkins announced his diagnosis and the launch of Hop On A Cure Foundation on May 30, 2022.

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January 2023

Areeda’s

southern cooking Areeda Schneider Stampley

Classic Red Velvet Cake 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons cocoa ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened ½ cup Crisco shortening 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 tablespoons red food coloring Combine flour, soda, salt, and cocoa. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, shortening and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Add vanilla and food coloring. Blend well. Pour into 3 greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a tooth pick or pastry stick stuck in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Prepare frosting. To purchase Areeda’s Southern Cooking, a collection of old-fashioned recipes, send a check for $25 and your mailing address to Areeda’s Southern Cooking, P. O. Box 202, Brentwood, TN 37024. Order online with PayPal or credit card at www.areedasoutherncooking.com.

Frosting: 8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened 1 stick of butter, softened 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Cream together cheese and butter; work in the sugar, then add vanilla. Note: this frosting is very good on homemade cinnamon rolls. Page 9

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January 2023

John Ford Coley Makes Opry Debut After 60 Years in Music Business Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling artist John Ford Coley made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Nov. 12, 2022, stepping into the sacred circle after the six decades that the multiplatinum-selling singer-songwriter has thrilled audiences around the globe with his timeless and compelling music. Best known for his early work as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, Coley has topped the charts in Japan and Israel and generated six Top-20s in the United States (four of them charting in the Top 10). “Being on the Grand Ole Opry for the rst time after all of these years was a dream come true,” said Coley. “I have played all over the world, but the Opry was one place that hadn’t happened. Standing on that iconic circle where so many greats have stood…it takes your breath away. I hope to play it again soon!” Coley, Lainey Wilson, Bill Anderson England Dan and John Ford Coley split in 1980 so England Dan (a.k.a. Dan Seals) could pursue a solo career in country music. England Dan passed away in 2009 of mantle cell lymphoma. Coley remained busy and active as a songwriter, producer and actor. He has continued to tour and thrill audiences around the globe, including opening for the soft-rock group Ambrosia. He was recently named one of the “Top-10 Artists of All Time” (Rock Justice Award, 2019). Over the years, he has shared the stage with such artists as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, Carole King, Bread, Loggins & Messina, Poco, Orleans, Lou Gramm and Gordon Lightfoot, just to name a few. He has written and produced for other acts, including The Hollies, Eddie Money, Tom Wurth, Connie Smith, Rob Guest and Foss Doll, as well as corporate clients including Maxwell House Co ee and Dr. Pepper. His boundless creativity and friendly p e r s o n a l i t y h a v e a l l o we d h i m m a n y opportunities on TV and lm. His acting credits include lms such as "Dream a Little Dream" alongside Corey Feldman and Jason Robards and "Scenes from the Gold Mine" alongside musician Timothy B. Schmidt, as well as an episode of "America's Most Wanted.” John Ford Coley continues to tour, but when o the road, he is still creative and has even penned a book about his years in the industry entitled Backstage Pass.

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January 2023

There’s Room for a Rhinestone Cowgirl in Country For Country music singer-songwriter Whitney Miller, her new music video for “Diamond Country” is more than a debut video. "It’s a permission slip to everyone to fully embrace who you are and have fun while doing it,” said Miller. Her roots and deep love to write and perform original country music dates back to being a little girl in South Texas, growing up listening to acts like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Cash from her parent's record collection. Today, her sound is in uenced by those early days as well as early Miranda Lambert and Gretchen Wilson. “Diamond Country,” with its blend of pop-infused country is a dance anthem that contains a roaring beat, dynamic ddle and a rolling banjo rarely heard these days, debuted on CMT late last year during a watch party in downtown Nashville. “If I could tell 10-year-old Whitney that CMT would be premiering her debut music video, she would absolutely freak out," Miller said. "This moment is the pinnacle of what I thought was possible. Every doubt and worry that had kept me from fully living my dream is put to rest, at least for a little while! This is truly a thrill of a lifetime and something I will never forget!” After being crowned Miss Texas and Miss United States, the former kickboxing commentator and MMA ghter knew there were many things she enjoyed in life, and music was at the top of her list. In true "go for it" Whitney fashion, she has decided to take her biggest leap of faith yet and left her home state of Texas for Nashville, Tennessee, to chase her lifelong dream as a singer-songwriter. Her vast life experience and comfort in the spotlight allow her to not only create feeling through her lyrics and voice but also to inspire her audience. Over the last four years, Whitney has specialized in relationship and life design. She knows how freeing it is to live life on one's own terms, with less fear, and has directly supported hundreds of people from professional and Olympic athletes and CEOs, to stay-at-home parents as they step into their truth and unleash the life they truly desire.

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According to Mil ler, now more than e ver, relationships, especially those relationships with ourselves, directly in uence the quality and vitality of life. She joined forces with some of the leading scientists and researchers in the eld, and for the last two years co-hosted an extremely popular podcast that debuted at No.50 on overall iTunes charts and now has more than 1 million downloads. Whitney is currently nishing her debut album recorded at Orb Recording studios with an all-star cast of guest musicians to be released in 2022. Miller says to expect a fun, country rock album lled with vulnerable real-life stories and lots of attitude. While lming “The “Diamond Country,” it was important for Miller to capture the behind-thescenes footage to be able to share it with her fans. "O ering an in-depth look allows the viewers to truly understand the process it takes to create, execute and deliver a quality music video that fans have come to love and expect," Miller said. “Diamond Country” highlights the many things in life that make you feel good and proves there is room in this world for a Rhinestone Cowgirl, Miller says. For more visit whitneymillermusic.com.

January 2023

Rural Radio Magazine January 1939 Interview with Gene Autry When Gene Autry visited the Nashvi e o ces of Rural Radio, a magazine dedicated to expanding interest in radio as source of home entertainment and information, late in 1938, his horse, Champion rode an elevator ve oors to be part of the interview. Autry was already a huge star by this time, and Rural Radio associate editor Jack Harris, who wrote the story reprinted below, noted that Autry received more fan mail than any other personality in the United States, second only to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Enjoy Part I of the article that country music fans would have been reading 84 years ago this month. Look for Part II in the February issue of Country Reunion Magazine. – Editor.

Meet Gene Autry, America’s No. 1 Cowboy By Jack Harris, Rural Radio Magazine, January 1939 In f ront of the lone depot of a little Oklahoma town, a young, good-looking cowboy peered anxiously down the track. "Train on time?" he called to the telegraph operator, whose head was visible through the depot's open window. "Shore is," the man assured him. "You expectin' company?" "Nope," the tanned young man sprinted down the track for the ninety-ninth time. "Got a package comin' from Noo York." "Store clothes?" the inquisitive operator wondered. "Nope," the cowboy ushed under his tan. "I got me a saxophone comin'. Kinda had a hankerin' to play one o' them things. They shore make purty music." Night had fallen. Along the trail, a lone cowboy rode. The full moon, rising over the prairie, found himself caught in a shimmer of silver plating. Coyotes stopped in their tracks, awed into silence by the ear-splitting wail of an unknown animal. It was Gene Autry and his brand-new saxophone. "I kept the thing for a while," Gene told us. "Got purty good on it too. But, when I found out how bad it interfered with my singin', I turned it in on a guitar." And that was the beginning of a career that was to lead Gene into the screen and radio spotlight as America's greatest cowboy star of the day, appearing with the great outdoors for his theater, his audience a herd of steers. No "drug-store" cowboy, this lad. No synthetic croon- er-made-cowboy overnight through the acquisition of a ten-gallon hat and a pair of woolly chaps. Born to the saddle, a hard ridin', straight shootin', carefree cowboy singing the songs as he learned them on the range, around the camp re and at the bunkhouse on wintry nights when a norther swooped down from the Panhandle and sent the steers huddling in the lee of the storm with their heads together and their tails to the wind.

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All this, Gene Autry brings us in his voice and his songs. A sincere re ection of that great, friendly country and this chap who is a rst-rate cowboy, a "knockout" radio personality and a much-loved recording artist. In a little log cabin near Tioga, Texas, back in the hills of Grayson County, Gene Autry "yodeled" his rst greeting to the world. The Autry family were early settlers in this locality, where Gene's grandfather was minister of the little Tioga Church. Here Gene spent the early years of his life. One short stay in Oklahoma, when it was still Indian Territory and Gene was very young, was the only break in his early training as a "cow puncher," with his dad the interested, helpful teacher. Gene always sang. He loved it! When in church, Gene tried to drown out the choir with his lusty, childish voice, to his mother's embarrassment and the congregation's enjoyment. Gene's big opportunity came with a travelling "Medicine Show." Gene, just 10, managed to gather up enough courage to tell the banjo player of the troupe that he could sing. And he did! It took a lot of coaxing, but nally Gene's mother let him go with the "Medicine Show" on a two-month tour of the neighboring towns. This was his public appearance! Like every normal boy of 16 Gene developed the "wanderlust." He wanted to go to new places, see new things. And he wanted to satisfy a lifelong wish to be a railroad man, inasmuch as he was learning to be a telegraph operator. He managed to secure a job with the "Frisco" railroad at Sapulpa, Oklahoma. It was Gene's good fortune to have as "boss" one Jimmy Long. Jimmy heard Gene sing, heard him play his guitar, and liked both! He decided Gene had a "career" ahead of him that had nothing to do with box cars or steers! Next month, Part II of the article te s how Autry went om a cowboy telegraph operator to a country superstar.

Gene Autry sings his hit song "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" in the Science Fiction Western 12-part serial "The Phantom Empire" (1935). This was the radio and recording artist’s rst starring role on lm.

January 2023

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Twin Sisters Host Country Podcast, Perform, Record and Compose Having sung together all of their lives, there is something really special about the close-knit harmony created by Moore & Moore. Recent inductees into the Academy of Local MusiciansNashville, twins Debbie and Carrie Moore are not only accomplished singers and songwriters, they host a Country music podcast titled, “Show Me Your Country,” in which they interview traditional country musicians. Among the guests have been T. Graham Brown, David Frizzle, Rosie Flores, Marty Haggard, Moe Bandy, David Ball, and others. They interviewed Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee in 2020 when the stars and old friends were in the midst of the their “Urban Cowboy” 40th Anniversary celebration. Later this month they will be appearing with Janie Fricke on a country music cruise, and in March they are joining Moe Bandy and James Carothers in Gail, Texas, at Coyote Country Store. According to their website, the sisters grew up listening to records and memorizing all the words to songs they liked. At rst they were shy performers who had to be coaxed to entertain, but it wasn’t long until they were performing in their church choir, at weddings, talent shows and in numerous school groups. They wrote their high school graduation

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song and were voted "Most Talented" by their senior class in their hometown of Belton, Missouri. "We sang our senior class song at the Kansas City Music Hall for graduation,” they said. “After hearing the applause and seeing how we could touch people through our music, we knew from that moment on.... we were put on this earth to sing!" After playing clubs all over the United States and Canada, the twins made the move to Nashville, Tennessee. "We were told that a lot of people go back home after giving Nashville only a few months,” they said. “We had been living in an apartment about that long when a light bulb went out in the ceiling. When we had to stack suitcases to change it, we knew it was time to bring down the furniture and become Nashvillians.” In 1991, they released their rst single, "Out With The Old" which stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks on the Independent Charts. This is still the longest running No. 1 debut single in Independent Chart history. The accompanying debut video won Video Challenge ve nights in a row on The Nashville Network's Video PM. There have been four No. 1 singles since that release: "Steal Me A Heart,” "Don't Come Knocking,” "Break Down the Walls" and "I Surrender.”

January 2023

From 1991 to present, Moore & Moore have received several awards and nominations from Indie Bullet, Airplay International, TNN/Music City News Awards, Business Leaders, BMI, NSAI and NATD. Their success has prompted appearances on talk shows and music programs around the world. In 1994 they were asked to go on tour as the opening act for the legendary Statler Brothers. In 1995, they were honored to make their rst appearance on the world famous Grand Ole Opry. Moore & Moore toured with talk show host, Jerry Springer in 1995 and were featured on his country album, “Dr. Talk”. In 1996, they performed in Korea and Japan for the military and received the Award for International Duo of the Year. In 1997 they toured Europe with the Bellamy Brothers and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In 1999 they toured Australia and Europe. Debbie Moore co-wrote the song "Wish You Were He r e " w i t h B i l l Anderson and Skip Ewing recorded by Ma r k Wi l l s o n Mercury Records. It went to No. 1 on the Billboard, R&R and Gavin Charts in April 1999. Today, Moore & Moore continue to tour all over the world and have received numerous awards, i n c l u d i n g “ C o u n t r y D u o o f t h e Ye a r ” a n d “International Entertainer of the Year.” Their album, “Meant To Be” was nominated for the 2007 “Country Album Of The Year” by the Independent Music Awards. Moore & Moore’s single, “Find Me A Man Like Goober” received rave reviews, including Music Row Magazine’s Robert Oermann claiming, “Their twin-like vocal harmonies are absolutely perfect, and the bopping song is as cute as the dickens.” The accompanying video, featuring George “Goober” Lindsey and cameos of 17 legendary artists, has been added to country video outlets worldwide. Moore & Moore collaborated with Ireland’s Queen of Country, Philomena Begley, for their 2013 single

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release, “Country Girls Never Get Old” (written by Debbie & Carrie) that is included on Philomena’s album, “How I Love Them Old Songs.” The song went to No. 1 on the Country Airplay Direct chart. Moore & Moore’s previous CD, “The More I Get, The More I Want” included a feature “Listen Up” article in Country Weekly magazine and a free download of the popular song, “Wild Women Don’t Get The Blues”. Their album, with the title cut of “Show Me Your Country” was accompanied by a fun music video that debuted on Young Country, which aired on RFD and the Rural TV/FamilyNet Network. “Show Me Your Countr y” was also featured on the Heartland Network, CMT.com and many other video outlets. Their album, “My Present To You,” with special guests, James Carothers, Helen Cornelius, Marty Haggard, T.G. Sheppard and Billy Yates rose to No. 1 on the December 2016 Country Airplay Direct chart, with 15 songs on the Top 15 on the Country Singles chart. The single, “I'm Going To Roam” rose to the Top 20 on the UK HotDisc char t in August 2016, and “Follow The Star ” with Marty Haggard hit the Top Ten in December 2016. The single, “Wine and Whine” with Helen Cornelius stayed in the Top 20 for 6 weeks in early 2017. The catchy tune, “Sand In Our Shoes,” with Billy Ya t e s w a s r e l e a s e d i n Ju n e 2 0 1 7 w i t h a n accompanying video. The song went to No. 10 on the German Country Music Chart and all the way to No. 2 on the UK HotDisc chart. The title cut and single, “My Present To You,” stayed in the Top 30 for several weeks. “Loving Thirty” with Billy Yates was in the Top 25 for several weeks in Sept/Oct. 2018. The musical blend of voices that were born to sing together, the sense of humor that only a sibling could get away with, complemented by the best in upbeat country songs make for a really great show. Find out where they will be next on their website mooreandmooreonline.com. January 2023

Young Singers and Songwriters in Sam Gyllenhaal Band Appeal to New Country Audiences The Sam Gyllenhaal Band has found the sweet spot – that place where rich three-part harmony and thoughtful, catchy songwriting come together - but it wasn’t easy to nd. Sam has been writing, woodshedding, recording and gigging over a span of 10 years that has included living in 3 cities, 5 or 6 day jobs, and hundreds of song demos. Joined by his frequent co-writer Alaina Stacey and long-time friend and bandmate Alex Schreiner, the Sam Gyllenhaal Band o cially came together in 2017. Alaina brings a beautifully pure tone and an out-ofthis-world knack for blending. Alex, who has known Sam since their college a cappella days, has a voice that complements and magni es Sam's smooth tenor

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- he’s also been known to play the shaker like it owes him money. Their pop, rock, and country in uences inspire their songs' cascading melodies, driving grooves and vivid lyrics. The band likes to sing about life and love in motion - sometimes soaring, sometimes stumbling, but always moving forward. Learn more or book the band at samgyllenhaalband.com.

January 2023

“What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” This much-covered New Year’s song, “What are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” has been recorded and performed by dozens of acts since it was written in 1947 by Frank Loesser. Though his name may not be familiar, the music and lyrics he wrote from some of Broadway’s and Hollywood’s best-known plays and movies certainly are. He wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musicals "Guys and Dolls" and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," among others. He won a Tony Award for Guys and Dolls and shared the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for “How to Succeed.” He also wrote songs for more than 60 Hollywood lms and "Tin Pan Alley," many of which have become standards, and was nominated for ve Academy Awards for best song, winning once for "Baby, It's Cold Outside". Although “What are You Doing New Year’s Eve” is typically performed in December, that was not the composer's intent. In the book A Most Remarkable Fe a: Frank Loesser and the Guys and Do s in His Life, his daughter Susan Loesser explained that "the singer, madly in love, is making a (possibly rash) commitment far into the future. ("Maybe it's much too early in the game. Ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same – What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?") It always annoyed my father when the song was sung during the holidays". The rendition performed in the video above above is by The Peterson Family band of Branson, Missouri, a bluegrass and traditional music group made up of four kids, Katie, Ellen, Matt and Julianne, mom and dad Karen and Jon and their dear friend and honorary Petersen, Emmett Franz. Among the many who have performed the song are country singers Garth Brooks, Kacey Musgrave, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks and Lee Ann Womack.

January 2023

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Renae the Waitress Happy New year I hope you all had a Merr y Christmas. Our Christmas was spent in Arizona with family and we had such a wonderful time. Chi, Elliott, and our granddaughters, Rio and Sedona, all went with us this y e a r. S e d o n a w a s s o excited to visit the town “Sedona, Arizona,” she was named after, and “Sedona” has gorgeous red rock mountains. True to her namesake, Sedona loves rocks! She likes digging through a pile of rocks to nd the “special” ones. Rio asked me when we were going to go to the town she was named after…lol (Rio de Janeiro) Brazil…I wish!We also went to an old mining camp where the girls could pan for gold and had a picnic in the desert. The guys (Elliott, my brother, Myron, and Phil) were all excited to take the girls squirrel hunting. They thought the girls would have fun…loll NOT SO MUCH! Of course the weather was fabulous with the warm sun shining on your face Nashville was a rude awakening with the cold temperatures waiting for us.

to publish a NEW book of 2021 & 2022. I have decided to add a NEW SECTION to this book. Some of the stars that will be added are Lynn Anderson, Stonewall Jackson, Jerr y Lee Lewis, Naomi Judd, Dallas Frazier, Mickey Gilley, Ralph Emery and more that passed away in 2021 and 2022. I hope to have it available very soon. Yes…. it will be the SAME book except with a NEW SECTION at the back including additional photos. Approximately 35 - 40 additional pages.

2022 Country Reunion Magazine Book Yes, I am working on the 2022 Newspaper Book 11. It will have all 12 months of the newspaper in this lovely book. If you would like to purchase any of the past years, I do have them available on my website: Renaethewaitress.com or order by phone at 615-579-5497.

New Book I am so excited to have a NEW book in my book club this month. I think you will enjoy “Me and Sister Bobbie” by Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson. Bobbie passed away, March 10, 2022. She was 91.

Memorial Book Revision I will be adding revisions in my book, “Country Music Legends Gone but Not Forgotten.” So many f o l k s h a v e a s ke d a b o u t a N E W Me m o r i a l book. Although there seemed like a lot of the legends that passed away…there were NOT enough

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Stapleton Exhibit Showcases Singer-Songwriter

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“Chris Stapleton is a powerful and emotive singer, a proli c and poetic songwriter and a skilled and expressive guitar player,” said Kyle Young, chief executive o cer for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “His rise as a successful artist may have seemed instantaneous to many, but he has been a force in country music for more than 20 years – whether writing hit songs for other country artists or contributing to studio recordings. Throughout it all, he has maintained his own unique Singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton has emerged as a perspective by staying true to his authentic self and country music superstar in spite of his traditional artistic vision, and he continues to open the door to country style that sets him apart from the “bro country music for new fans across generations and country” sound that’s become increasingly popular genres.” over the past couple of decades. Stapleton wa s bor n The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in April 15, 1978, and raised Nashville is highlighting Stapleton’s contributions in in rural, mountainous an exhibition running through May 14, 2023. The Jo h n s o n C o u n t y, i n exhibit, Chris Stapleton: Since 1978, presented by eastern Kentucky. He Ram Trucks, chronicles the course of Stapleton’s began writing songs and multi-faceted musical career, from his Kentucky playing guitar in his roots and success as a Nashville songwriter to his rise teens, teaching himself to stardom as one of country music’s most powerful to play the instrument and unique voices. after taking one formal A dynamic singer, songwriter and musician, lesson. Stapleton has collaborated with artists ranging from Stapleton found Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Bare to inspiration in a diverse Carlos Santana to pop stars Justin Timberlake and P! range of artists and nk. Before his breakout success in 2015 with his musical styles, from quadruple-platinum album, “Traveller,” he proved his f e l l o w Ke n t u c k i a n s musical mettle for more than a decade as an inRicky Skaggs, the Judds demand songwriter in Nashville. and Dwight Yoakam to In addition to Stapleton’s own hit recordings, more soul singer Otis than 170 of his songs have been recorded by a diverse Redding, blues artist roster of artists, including Luke Bryan, Kenny Freddie King and rock Chesney, Alison Krauss and Union Station, George artists Aerosmith and Strait, Sher yl Crow, Thomas Rhett, Lee Ann To m Pe t t y & t h e Womack and many more. Heartbreakers. Page 19 January 2023 countryreunionmagazine.com

“The summer after his high school graduation, in 1996, Stapleton moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University and study biomedical engineering. Lacking passion for his studies, he returned to Kentucky after his rst year and eventually dropped out of college completely. He sold cars, drove an ice truck and worked at a pizzeria while writing songs and playing in bars. It wasn’t until Stapleton met and collaborated with Nashville songwriter Steve Leslie that he realized it was possible to pursue a career in songwriting. With encouragement from Leslie and Sea Gayle Music publishing executive Liz O’Sullivan, he moved back to Music City in 2001 and signed with the publishing company, becoming a full-time songwriter without aspirations of a career as a performing artist. Gary Allan (“Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey”) and Patty Loveless (“Higher Than the Wall”) were among the rst to release songs written by Stapleton, in 2003, and he scored his rst Billboard No. 1 hit as a songwriter with Josh Turner’s “Your Man” in 2006. As a s o n g w r i t e r, Stapleton has also earned Billboard #1 songs with Kenny Chesney (“Never Wanted Nothing More,” 2007), Darius Rucker (“Come Back Song,” 2010), Luke Bryan

(“Drink a Beer,” 2014) and Thomas Rhett (“Crash and Burn,” 2015), as well as three of his own recordings. Also in 2006, Stapleton joined the bluegrass band the SteelDrivers as lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, contributing to a live album and two studio albums before leaving the group in early 2010. Later that year, his blues-in uenced rock band, the Jompson Brothers, released their rst and only album. Stapleton’s voice was also sought-after in the recording studio, and he sang background vocals on songs he co-wrote for several well-known country artists, including Luke Bryan, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. Stapleton’s rst solo success came in 2015 with his debut album, “Traveller,” which was inspired by an 11-day road trip he took after the death of his father. He wrote the album’s title track during the crosscountr y journey after picking up a 1979 Jeep Cherokee that his wife, Morgane, had purchased for him in Arizona. The trip – and the subsequent recording of the album at historic RCA Studio A with co-producer Dave Cobb – marked a turning point in which Stapleton embraced his own distinct, bluesin uenced style and pursued artistic freedom.

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Stapleton performing with his wife.

January 2023

Stapleton catapulted to stardom after a rousing performance with pop star Justin Timberlake at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards. He also took home all three CMA awards for which he was nominated that year: Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Following the show, “Traveller” rose to No. 1 on b o t h t h e co u n t r y a l b u m c h a r t a n d t h e a l l genre Billboard 200 album chart, and his recording of “Tennessee Whiskey” shot to No. 1 on Bi board’s Hot Country Songs chart. Stapleton soon began headlining arenas and followed “Traveller” with two more successful albums, “From A Room: Volume 1 and Volume 2,” in 2017. In February 2018, “Traveller” and both volumes of “From A Room” occupied the rst three slots on Bi board’s Top Country Albums chart, a feat previously only accomplished by Country Music Hall of Fame member Garth Brooks and Charlie Rich. Stapleton continued this momentum with his 2020 album “Starting Over,” which debuted at #1 on Bi board’s country album chart and earned two more Billboard No. 1 singles, “Starting Over” (2021) and “You Should Probably Leave” (2022).

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Stapleton remains a top-selling recording artist and touring act with his band, the Honchos, and has accumulated armloads of awards, including nine Academy of Country Music awards, 14 Country Music Association awards and eight Grammys. His wife, Morgane, an accomplished singer and songwriter herself, is a key member of his band and plays a large role in Stapleton’s career, including helping select songs for his albums. Among the items featured in the exhibit are Stapleton’s 1966 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard electric guitar, used during the recording of his song “Traveller,” Stapleton’s rst guitar ampli er, a 1960s Gibson GA-8 Discoverer, which he used extensively, including at performances in the early 2000s. the Pendleton annel jacket, Dee Cee denim western shirt and Manuel leather vest worn by Stapleton on the album cover of “Traveller” and the Wa e House Golden Wa e award, or “Tunie,” which recognizes Stapleton as the most-played artist on the restaurant chain’s jukeboxes in 2019. More information about this exhibition can be found at www.CountryMusicHallofFame.org

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Stapleton performing with Justin Timberlake

January 2023

Here are so videos to help you think about the new year through the words of some favorite country artists. Click on each video to play.

January Birthdays L e t ’s C e l e b r a t e Ja n u a r y 2 0 2 3 Birthdays and Remember Those Who Have Passed 2 Roger Miller 4 Patty Loveless, Deana Carter 6 Earl Scruggs 7 John Rich 8 Elvis Presley 9 Crystal Gayle 11 Naomi Judd 12 Tex Ritter, Ricky Van Shelton, Ray Price, Wil liam Lee Golden, Trace Adkins 14 Billy Jo Spears 16 Ronnie Milsap 17 Kid Rock 18 Bobby Goldsboro 19 Dolly Parton, Phil Everly 20John Michael Montgomer y, Slim Whitman 21 Mac Davis 22Teddy Gentry, 22 JP Pennington 23 Johnny Russell 24 Ray Stevens, Doug Kershaw 26 Dave Rowland 27 Tracy Lawrence 28 Barbi Benton 30 Jeanne Pruett, Norma Jean

When Life if Good Again

My Next 30 Years

New Year’s Day Page 22

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10 Years Ago this Month Country Reunion News turned 10 in 2022. Each month this year we will continue to revisit some of our favorites from a decade ago each month going forward. When reading the article, keep in mind that it was rst published exactly 10 years ago. Otherwise it will be very confusing,

For more than 30 years Riders in the Sky have been keeping cowboy music alive. The music passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers has been revitalized by this band. And while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life "The Cowboy Way!" Who would have thought that a theoretical plasma physicist, a wildlife manager - galvanizer – Life Scout, an English major - shot putter - Bluegrass Boy, and a Polka Hall of Fame member would collectively become "America's Favorite Cowboys?" Riders In the Sky's rst o cial public performance was Nov. 11, 1977, at the erstwhile Nashville nightspot "Phranks & Steins." Since then, the Riders have chalked up over 6100 concert appearances in all 50 states and 10 countries, appearing in venues everywhere from the Nashville National Guard Armory to Carnegie Hall, and from county fairs to the Hollywood Bowl. Their cowboy charisma and comedic air made them naturals for TV, and landed them their own weekly show on TNN, as well as a Saturday morning series on CBS. They have been guests on countless TV specials, documentaries and variety shows, appearing with everyone from Barney to Penn & Teller. And their animated likenesses have shared the screen with Da y Duck on the Cartoon Network, and the Disney Channel's Stanley. But the animated

character that history will most certainly link to Riders In The Sky is the lovable cowboy Woody, as Riders performed "Woody's Round Up" in "Toy Story 2," with the album of the same name garnering Riders their rst Grammy Award in 2001 for "Best Musical Album for Children." Two years later, Riders received their second Grammy in the same category, for "Monsters Inc. Scream Factory Favorites," the companion CD to Pixar's award-winning movie. In 1982, Riders In The Sky became the rst, and only to date, exclusively Western music artist to join the Grand Ol' Opry, the longest running radio show in history. In 1988, they recorded comedy skits for the album "Riders Radio Theatre" and launched the longrunning international weekly radio show of the same name on public radio. And keeping pace with the ever-changing technological landscape, in 2006 "Ranger Doug's Classic Cowboy Corral" debuted on XM Satellite Radio, still heard weekly on SiriusXM Channel 56. On the Opry Dec. 1, 2012, Riders in the Sky featured four songs with Wilford Brimley, capping a week in the studio recording an album with the beloved actor. Then they all came over to “Larry's Country Diner” that week! Brimley passed away in 2020 at age 85.

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Riders in the Sky Sing with Wilford Brimley

January 2023

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January 2023