Country Reunion Magazine, July 2023 by Country Reunion Magazine

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

July 2023

June Carter Cash

Carl Smith Country Gospel Steeldrivers EJ Vickers

Billy Yates

Heartland Concert Pho s Nadine’s Wedding Diner Tribute … and more

December 2021

Country Reunion Magazine Who’s inside? Nadine’s Wedding, p. 3 June Carter Cash, p. 4-6 Lemon Pie, p. 7 Country Gospel p. 8-9 Nadine, p. 10 Heartland, p. 11 Steeldrivers p. 12 EJ Vickers, p. 13 Billy Yates, p. 14 Rex Allen Jr., p. 18 Bluebird Birthday, p. 19 Moore & Moore Party, p. 20 Country for a Cause Photos, p. 20 Next Generation Photos, p. 21 Country with a Heart, p. 22 “Diner” Tribute Video, p. 23 Book Club, p. 24

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July 2023

Renea the Waitress Nadine Remarried What a fun month July is! I hope you enjoy the reworks and all the good food. Last month our “Larry’s Country Diner” had some reworks of our own. Nadine, whose real name is Mona Brown, got MARRIED! That’s right… Mona has remarried after her husband, Dave, passed away from Covid two years ago. She and new husband Ken were longtime church friends, and of co u r s e , h o w co u l d a n y o n e r e s i s t “Nadine’s” charm. All the “Diner” cast were there – Larr y, me and Keith – and still in shock…but happy. Our sponsors, Gus (Chicken man) Arrendale, Randy Little and Ann Tarter were also there, which made it a real “Diner” celebration. If you are coming to Branson in October you will have a special opportunity to o er “Best Wishes” to the happy couple.

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July 2023

June Carter Cash’s Former Home for Sale by Claudia Johnson Looking for a home steeped in Nashville's soul & musical roots? The former home of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith is now on the market for $3.5 million! Honored with a listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the estate was the playground and backdrop to Nashville's true music legends. The architectural details include century-old pegboard heart of pine wood oors, a wood-burning replace and oversized windows connecting the cozy interior to the abundant nature outside. The kitchen was the center of the home by design and once host to the likes of Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Faron Young, Kris Kristo erson, Red West, Roland White and many others. Upstairs are rooms where Smith, Carter, Cash, Cline and even Presley slept. This 1925 structure gures greatly into the history of Nashville and Tennessee itself. The home is located on a secluded parcel of land in Madison, which is located approximately eight miles northeast of downtown Nashville. The town began as a result of improvements made to an old Bison Trail. Early resident Jonathan Taylor, a

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farmer with a large estate valued at $10,000 on the 1850 U.S. Federal Census, settled the land where the current house sits. Later, Taylor’s descendant, prominent businessman J. Taylor Stratton, who was also a descendant of wellknown community gure Madison Stratton, Madison’s namesake, acquired a portion of the property and established a home place. In 1925 the house was built on the land for one of his descendants, but within a couple of decades, the house would forever become associated with the country music industry. James “Jim” Denny and his predecessor Jack Strapp were responsible for updating the face of The WSM Barn Dance, a country music show that rst started as the regular Saturday night broadcast over Nashville’s WSM radio station in 1925. This radio show later became known as the Grand Ole Opry and promoted “down-home music” over its 1000-watt signal. Denny and Strapp transformed the Opry from a barn dance to a showcase of country superstars, including Carl Smith, who in 1951 released “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way,” which hit number one on the Bi board country and western music charts. Denny bought the house on June 18, 1952, from Comer Newburry. Just a week after acquiring the property, Denny sold it to Carl Smith for $10. This “business transaction” was the start of Denny and Smith’s relationship, and the two became close friends and business partners. Denny had a reputation as an aggressive businessman, and the house sale was in keeping with Denny’s management pattern. He c u l t i v a t e d a s t r o n g relationship with the young country music stars he managed and kept his Opry talent close to Nashville. Tw o w e e k s a f t e r S m i t h acquired the house, Bi board reported that Smith married his Opr y co-star June Carter, of Photo: Michael Jezewski Carter family fame, on July 9, 1952. July 2023

By that time Carter had become a popular performer, making Smith and Carter the “it couple” of Nashville. The acquisition of the home appeared in Billboard, with the headline “Carl Smith and his wife, June Carter, have purchased a small farm in Madison, Tenn.” Carter’s marriage to Smith did not last because Smith had other expectations for her. “Carl may have wanted a more stay-at-home wife, someone who was not in the limelight as much as he was,” Carter’s son, John Carter Cash, later wrote. Carter learned that Smith was seeing Goldie Hill, another country musician on the side, prior to the birth of their daughter Carlene. According to the bill for divorce, “[in the] early part of the year 1955 the parties separated, the defendant (Smith) leaving the home of the parties, and on occasion his whereabouts were not known to this complainant (Carter) for a period of several days.” Carter stated in their divorce proceedings that during their married life she “su ered the most extreme mental cruelty as the result of the conduct of the defendant.” Though the two had separated and Smith had been living elsewhere for months, they welcomed daughter Rebecca Carlene Smith in September of 1955. As divorce was imminent, Smith deeded the property to June in early 1956 before he moved to Hollywood. Their split was publicized in newspapers and magazines across the country, and the divorce was nalized in January of 1957. After her divorce to Smith, “[June] would sometimes let Elvis stay at the house to “rest’ after the tour.” Carter also let fellow country musician and Opry co-star Patsy Cline stay with her at the house, as the two became good friends during this time. This was the start of the home becoming a retreat for country music musicians. Carter married local racecar driver Edwin “Rip” Nix on Nov. 11, 1957. Nix moved into the Madison home, using the barn as a garage for his car. June welcomed her second daughter, Rosey, eight months later on July 13, 1958. The home became a place where Carter grew enormously as a person, mother and artist. Nix and Carter’s marriage began to dissolve as June’s relationship, and her love for Johnny Cash developed. Carter and Merle Kilgore wrote the song “Ring of Fire” in the kitchen of this home in 1963. Several years later, in 1968, she married Cash, who had recorded “Ring of Fire” and made it a hit. June Carter & Johnny Cash

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June’s mother Maybelle Carter moved into the house with her husband in 1971 and remained there until her death in 1978. It was during this time that she recorded “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on their Grammy Award winning 1972 album by the same name. After Maybelle’s passing and into the 1980s, the farm was used for “pickin’ parties” where friends and country musicians played impromptu performances, often after Opry shows. Hee Haw star Roni Stoneman remembered the “pickin’ parties” that were held at the barn on the property. These events, attended by country musicians like Emmylou Harris, Peter Rowan, Roland White and Marty Stuart enabled the bucolic farm to have continued association with country music history, Maybelle Carter functioning as a gathering place for those in the industry. Carlene Carter became the sole owner in 1994 and lived here until 2001. On Nov. 25, 2016, the Metropolitan (Nashville) Historic Zoning Commission designated Smith-Carter House as a Historic Landmark District, which provides the highest level of local protection from inappropriate alterations or demolition on the property. In being declared a place of national historic signi cance, it was noted that “This property is the best property to be listed for association with June Carter as it was the site where she lived when she made her own signi cant contributions to country music, independent of her involvement with the Carter family’s career and fame. This house was where she matured and developed as a songwriter and an iconic female country music artist. Among the songs she wrote at this house was “Ring of Fire,” which played a major role in her eventual husband’s career and signi cance in country music. The only other property associated with the signi cant contributions of Carter’s career was the Cashs’ Hendersonville home, where they lived from their marriage in 1968 until their deaths, but that home was destroyed by re in 2007.” The sale of the Smith-Carter Estate is being managed by Michael Jezewski, who can be reached at 615-669-2541.

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Areeda Schneider Stampley's

Southern Cooking Lemon Meringue Pie A light and delicious dessert for summer 1 & 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 egg yolks 1 & 3/4 cups boiling water 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 8 or 9” pie crust, baked Combine rst 3 ingredients in a saucepan. Combine egg yolks, water and lemon juice. Stir into sugar mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and lemon rind. Pour into baked pie crust, spread meringue over hot lling, and bake at 325 degrees for approximately 25 minutes until meringue is a golden brown. Meringue: 1 tablespoon cornstarch To purchase Areeda’s Southern Cooking, a 2 tablespoons sugar collection of old-fashioned recipes, send a check 3/4 cup water for $25 and your mailing address to Areeda’s 4 egg whites Southern Cooking, P. O. Box 202, Brentwood, TN 1/8 teaspoon salt 37024. Order online with PayPal or credit card at 1/2 teaspoon vanilla www.areedasoutherncooking.com. 6 tablespoons sugar Cook rst 3 ingredients over medium heat until mixture is clear and thick, stirring constantly, then let cool. Beat egg whites, adding salt and vanilla until u y. Add 6 tablespoons sugar gradually, beating well. Add cooled cornstarch mixture. Continue beat until meringue stands in sti peaks. Note: For this pie, I normally make the Meringue rst.

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July 2023

The Harmonious Connection: Gospel and Country Music's Shared History by Claudia Johnson The music world has witnessed a plethora of evolutions and crosspollination in genres throughout history, and the relationship between gospel and countr y music is no exception. The two genres have a long and intertwined past, with many stars blurring the lines between the spiritual and secular worlds of music. The seamless blending of these genres has created a unique cultural impact, uniting people through song. Rooted in the early 20th century, gospel music emerged from the African American church, while country music evolved from the On Jake Hoot’s visit to “Larry’s Country Diner” he performed the most Appalachian folk traditions of the recorded gospel song of all time, “I’ll Fly Away,” which was written in white working class. Despite their 1929 by Albert E. Brumley, who has been described as the "predi erent origins, both genres share a eminent gospel songwriter" of the 20th century with more than 600 c o r e o f p o w e r f u l s to r y te l l i n g , published songs. Other popular songs by Brumley include "Jesus, emotional expression, and a sense of Hold My Hand,” ”Turn Your Radio On, "I'll Meet You in the Morning" community. It's no surprise that they and "This World Is Not My Home, all of which have been recorded by have become intertwined over the dozens of country music stars. years. The journey of gospel music into country music's territory began in the 1950s and 1960s, when artists like the Louvin Brothers and the Stanley Brothers brought gospel themes to country audiences. Their harmonies and heartfelt messages resonated with fans and helped bridge the gap between the genres. Elvis Presley, dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll," was one of the rst major stars to popularize the crossover between gospel and country. He grew up singing in church and never lost his love for gospel music, even as he became a global phenomenon. Throughout his career, Presley released numerous gospel albums, including the Grammy Award-winning "How Great Thou Art" (1967). Contemporary country artists continue to draw inspiration from gospel music. Carrie Underwood, for example, has incorporated gospel elements into her music, most notably in her powerful rendition of "How Great Thou Art" at the 2011 ACM Girls' Night Out event. Additionally, her 2021 album, "My Savior," is a collection of hymns and gospel tunes that showcased her powerful vocals and commitment to her faith. Another notable crossover artist is Dolly Parton, who grew up singing gospel music in her Tennessee church. Throughout her career, Parton has recorded several gospel albums and has been known to incorporate spiritual themes into her mainstream country hits. In 2020, she released "A Holly Dolly Christmas," which included a mix of secular and religious holiday songs. One of the most recent examples of the gospel-country connection is country star Chris Stapleton. A Kentucky native, Stapleton has often highlighted his gospel in uences in his music. His 2020 album, "Starting Over," featured a gospel-tinged song called "Watch You Burn," which showcased Stapleton's powerful vocals and emotional storytelling.

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July 2023

On The Oak Ridge Boys’ visit to “Larry’s Country Diner” they performed “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” The quartet was originally a gospel group.

A prominent country music singer and songwriter, Alan Jackson has also made a signi cant impact in the gospel genre. His 2006 album, "Precious Memories," is a col lection of hymns that became a commercial success and was later followed by "Precious Memories Volume II" in 2013. C o u n t r y l e g e n d Re b a Mc E n t i r e ventured into gospel music with her 2017 album, "Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope." The double-disc album features traditional hymns and original songs that highlight McEntire's strong faith. These crossover artists exemplify how gospel and country music have historically melded together, creating a musical landscape that speaks to the soul. Their music continues to inspire and unite fans, showcasing the timeless connection between gospel and country music. Through heartfelt lyrics and emotive melodies, the power of gospel music continues to inspire and uplift, proving that the relationship between these two genres is far from over. In fact, it seems that the harmonious connection between gospel and country music will continue to ourish for years to come.

Marty Rayon sang “Victory in Jesus” as a guest on “Country’s Family Reunion.” The song was composed by Eugene Bartlett, an author and composer born in Missouri. A graduate of HallMoody Institute in Martin, Tennessee, he began teaching in 1918, he founded the Hartford Music Co. in Arkansas and printed many shape-note songbooks featuring his songs and the songs of contemporary writers. For several years he edited a monthly music magazine, Herald of Song, promoting singing schools, including news of local personalities and advertising the newest songbooks.

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Perhaps the most successful country gospel recording artists are those who have made a signi cant impact on both genres, demonstrating their ability to touch the hearts of fans through their powerful music. Johnny Cash recorded multiple gospel a l b u m s d u r i n g h i s c a r e e r, w i t h h i s distinctive voice bringing a raw authenticity to spiritual themes. Cash's album, "My Mother’s Hymn Book" (2004), is a collection of traditional gospel songs that he grew up singing. Known for his deep baritone voice, Randy Travis has released several gospel albums throughout his career. His 2000 album, "Inspirational Journey," won a Grammy Award for Best Souther n, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album.

July 2023

Heartland Returning to Country Music After a Decade Away He a r t l a n d , b e s t k n o w n f o r i t s No . 1 Bi board charting and platinum-selling smash country hit, “I Loved Her First,” is returning to the country music scene. The ACM-nominated band, comprised of original members guitarist and vocalist Craig Anderson, drummer Todd Anderson and lead guitarist Mike Myerson is currently in-studio working on all-new music. Heartland’s lineup will feature a new lead vocalist, Lance Horton. “Todd, Mike, and myself are so excited to relaunch the project we’ve been a part of our entire adult lives and are super stoked to have Lance, who we’ve worked with for a number of years now, joining us for this next chapter,” said Craig Anderson. “We have a great team working with us and are very much looking forward to showing everyone what’s coming up soon.”

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Hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, the group signed to Lofton Creek Records in 2006. Their radio success led it to multiple major award nominations including ACM’s “Single of the Year” and “New Group or Duo of the Year.” “It’s been an awesome ride from the time Todd and I started this, and we can’t wait to get back out there and see our friends all over the country again,” said Anderson. Heartland’s new album, set for release later this year, will be available via Yellowhammer Music Group. The forthcoming compilation will mark Heartland’s rst new music release in more than a decade. For more information and updates on Heartland, visit hear tlandofficial.com or fol low them on Facebook and Instagram. Photo: Justin Mayotte

July 2023

Nadine’s Corner Well, Happy 4th of July! I hope you and your family has a wonderful holiday and remembers the blessings God has bestowed on our great country. We plan on having a special dinner on the grounds at our church. Speaking of church, our pastor of 43 years passed on last month, and we nally got a new preacher. He’s a lot younger than all of us are used to…but we are gonna give him a try. Last Sunday he stood at the church door greeting the members as they left the morning service. Most of the folks were very generous telling the minister how much they liked his message, except for one member who said, “That was a very dull and boring sermon, pastor.” In a few minutes, the same member again appeared in line and said, “I don’t think you did much preparation for you message.” Once again, he showed up in line, this time muttering, “You really blew it. You didn’t have a thing to say pastor.” Finally, Homer couldn’t stand it any longer. He went over to the new preacher and said “Oh, don’t let that guy bother you, he’s a little slow. All he does is go around repeating whatever he hears other people say”.

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Steeldrivers Taking Bluegrass to Multiple Cities Only Nashville could give birth to a band like The SteelDrivers. They are a group of seasoned veterans, each distinguished in his or her own right, each valued in the town’s commercial community, who are seizing an opportunity to follow their hearts to their souls’ reward. In doing so, they are braiding their bluegrass roots with new threads of their own design, bringing together country, soul, blues and other contemporary in uences to create an unapologetic hybrid that is old as the hills but fresh as the morning dew. This is new music with the old feeling. The SteelDrivers are Richard Bailey (banjo), Tammy Rogers ( ddle), Mike Fleming (bass) Brent Truitt (mandolin) and Matt Dame (guitar). While there’s a strong traditional streak in The SteelDrivers’ sound, they bring a passion to their delivery that adds a distinctive avor, and they’re not afraid of adding a forceful grit to the music. SteelDrivers fan Vince Gill describes the band’s fusion as simply “an incredible combination.” Specializing in a distinctive mix of what might be called bluegrass soul, The SteelDrivers have become one of the biggest names in progressive bluegrass after making their debut in 2005. The SteelDrivers have been nominated for four GRAMMY Awards, the Americana Music Association’s New Artist of the Year Award and was IBMA’s 2009 Emerging Artist of The Year. In 2015, “The Muscle Shoals Recordings” won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Recording. They are currently enjoying a busy concert season on their Riding the Rails tour. The 44-date tour trek kicked o in March and concludes on November 11. “Steelheads! We are so excited to be on tour,” said Rogers, founding member and ddle player / vocalist for The Steeldrivers. “We are heading to some of our favorite spaces. Come on out and hang with us! Can’t wait!” Additionally, The SteelDrivers have been in the studio working on various recording projects to be announced later this year. Tickets for all concerts are available on the band’s website, thesteeldrivers.com.

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July 2023

Country Newcomer EJ Vickers Debuts Single Produced by ALABAMA’s Teddy Gentry EJ Vickers, a newcomer to the country music scene, recently released his debut single, “I Love You,” about his love for his mother. A passionate singer-songwriter who is signed to Clearwater Records, he boasts more than 61,000 TikTok followers where he shares his talent and love for country music. He debuted at CMA Fest on June 9 on the Spotlight Stage. Much to his bene t, the 21-year-old from Cross Plains, Indiana, has country music royalty in his corner as he enters Nashville’s music scene. Teddy G e n t r y, c o - f o u n d e r o f i c o n i c c o u n t r y group ALABAMA, produced the song. “Working with Teddy has been one of the most inspiring things I’ve gotten to do in life,” noted Vickers. “He is the most creative, humble, and just down-to-earth man I’ve had the pleasure of getting to meet. He has de nitely made me feel like family, and I am grateful for everything he does!” Vickers may be new to Nashville but is no stranger to country music. He picked up a guitar at age three, and his dad taught him four chords. He hasn’t put down the guitar since. As a third-generation musician,

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Vickers grew up watching his dad perform at local concerts in Indiana. Now, with his debut single and Gentry’s support, Vickers hopes to make his mark. Gentry believes Vickers’ future is bright. “It’s a great song and he’s a ne singer as well as a nice guy,” Gentry said. “He’s been a pleasure to work with, and I believe he has a successful future in music! Just give him a shot, and I think the fans and moms will love this young new talent. Go EJ! I am very proud to be working with you.” Living on a farm where he grew up with his mom, dad and twin brother, Vickers learned what honest and hard work entails. He graduated from South Ripley High School where he played basketball, baseball and soccer. Today, he travels back and forth to Nashville and his Indiana hometown as he kickso his career in country music. “This song “I Love You,” could not have been more relatable to me, and it will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Vickers. “I am grateful for my mother and love her dearly. I hope everyone gets the same feeling of their own when they listen!”

“I remember sitting on the counter in my mom’s kitchen as she cooked listening to the local country radio station and

being as content as I could be,” said Billy Yates, who was born March 13, 1963, in Doniphan, Missouri, and later moved to Nashville to became a well-recognized singer songwriter himself. “I loved it then and I love it now. I always thought George Jones was the coolest.” It was a dream come true as Jones recorded several of Yates’ songs, including “Don t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” and “Choices.” "When I asked the question, 'Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes', it was before I knew about Billy Yates,” Jones said. “When it comes to great country singers and great country songwriters, they don't get any better than Billy. I guess you could say the ol' possum is a Billy Yates fan!" Yates tipped his hat to his musical hero with this selfpenned classic “Only One George Jones,” which was sung at Jones’s memorial service. Yates wrote written songs for some of Country Music's nest including: George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Joe Nichols, John Michael Montgomery, Gary Allan, Tracy Lawrence, Je Bates, Chris Young, Adam Gregory, Sammy Kershaw, Doug Stone, Michael Peterson, Ricochet, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Van Shelton, Gene Watson, Rhonda Vincent and David Allan Coe. "I've known Billy Yates for a long time and I'm gonna tell you something... The thing I like about him is he's country, he's proud of it, and he's genuine,” said Bill Anderson. “What you see with Billy Yates is what you get and what I see, I like a lot!" Yates is also a honkytonk singer. After a trying hard at a number of labels that began with a developmental deal at RCA in the mid 1980’s, plus full recording contracts at Curb Records, Almo Sounds and Columbia Records, Yates now has nine CD's to his credit, including his latest critically acclaimed disc, "Just Be You." "I love Billy Yates' singing... I think he's one of the best country singers out there!" Kenny Chesney observed. After many years of working with these great companies Yates earned the education that has now equipped him the experience needed to operate his own, M.O.D. (My Own Damn) Record Label. "Billy Yates is the real thing baby!” Loretta Lynn said when Yates began his career. “If he keeps singing the way he is now, he's gonna be the one that lls the shoes of our great traditional country artists when the time comes. I love what he's doing!" Back in 2013 Yates visited “Larry’s Country

Diner” and impressed everyone in the audience with the songs he’s written and his singing style. Update 2023 Yates has toured Europe extensively, had 13 No. 1 singles on the European charts and was named European CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. Here at home, Yates has been featured on the worldfamous Grand Ole Opry 50 times. In addition, Yates holds the distinct honor of being one of the rst American artists to perform in China's former Capitol city, Xian. He is also the rst American artist to be featured on the popular Irish TV documentary, “Opry an luir,” and is the rst American artist to record in the traditional Irish Gaelic language. As a record producer, Yates has produced a number of major European and Australian artists, plus a few US artists including country music legend, Charley Pride's last record, "Music in My Heart". Yates was recently honored by his home state of Missouri as they named a stretch of federal highway that runs through his hometown the "Billy Yates Highway". The award-winning, Grammy nominated singersongwriter hosts an experience that can be booked for any venue, “Hit Songwriters in the Round.” The show began a few years ago as Yates took the concept to Branson, Missouri. In a very short time, the show garnered much success and won many awards including The Best of Branson's "Best New Show" in 2018, "Best Country Show," "Best Variety/All-Around Show" and "Best Male Vocalist" (Billy Yates) in 2019. Out of 169 shows in B r a n s o n , B i l l y Ya t e s ' H i t S o n g w r i t e r s i n t h e Round consistently held the No. 2 spot on TripAdvisor during its time in Branon. L e a r n m o r e a b o u t Ya te s a n d h i s p r o j e c t s a t billyyates.com.

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10 Years Ago this Month – Bi y Yates

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin gathered with friends and family to celebrate his 75th birthday on Grand Ole Opry’s “Opry Country Classics.” The Opry supplied a birthday cake to salute his milestone. Gatlin, an Opry member since 1976 (along with brothers Steve and Rudy), celebrated backstage with his brothers, his wife, Janie, and son, Josh Gatlin, Marty Raybon of Shenandoah, Don Schlitz, The Malpass Brothers, the Opry’s Kelly Sutton and more. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and eldest of the Gatlin Brothers, turned 75 on Tuesday, May 2. It’s been more than 60 years since the brothers began singing together in Abilene, Texas at ages six (Larry), four (Steve) and two (Rudy). The trio continues touring today, making them the longest-tenured, still-active, family band in country music history. The close family harmonies of Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers have given the trio a signature sound that led to country classics like “All

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Opry Celebrates Larry Gatlin’s 75th Birthday the Gold in California” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).” The brothers won a Grammy for their 1976 breakthrough hit, “Broken Lady,” and reached No. 1 with several other songs soon thereafter. Along with ve career nominations for the ACM Vocal Group, the Gatlin Brothers picked up three 1979 trophies: Single of the Year (“All the Gold in California”), Album of the Year (Straight Ahead) and Male Vocalist of the Year for Larry Gatlin. The brothers were also nominated for multiple CMA Awards including Vocal Group of the Year, Single of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. Larry Gatlin has written songs recorded by Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristo erson, Dottie West, Roy Orbison, Barry Gibb and countless gospel artists including the Gaither Vocal Band, the Booth Brothers, the Isaacs and many more. Larry was formally inducted into the prestigious Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the fall of 2019. For more on Gatlin, visit gatlinbrothers.com or follow him on social media.

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July 2023

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A message from Larry Black for Digital Subscribers We want to thank you for subscribing to Country Reunion Magazine. If you subscribed on issuu.com, we would like to transfer your digital subscription to our new magazine platform. If you contact us during the month of July, we will extend your subscription through December 2023 at no additional charge to you. All we are asking is for you to email our digital magazine editor, Claudia Johnson, with your name, email address and telephone number so we can transfer your subscription immediately. We’ll contact you with credentials to login to your account and manage your subscription as well as view other magazines in the archive. You will receive a noti cation each month when the new magazine is ready to read! Please contact Claudia at claudia@countryroadmanagement.com Page 17

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July 2023

After 55 years and more than 30 albums, Rex Allen Jr. is releasing his nal album on July 1. The legendary entertainer has released two singles from the collection earlier this year. For overseas fans, Allen's own stylistic version of the classic, "Together Again" is already being played on radio stations in Europe, the UK. Australia, New Zealand and Canada. And for his friends in the states, Allen is released the nal track that he said encompasses the sentiments of this milestone album, a song by The Beatles titled, "In My Life.” "During my time behind a microphone, I have recorded between eight hundred and one thousand songs from every kind of music,” said Allen. “Country, Western, Rock, Adult, Jazz and Big Band. No music was safe from my ear, and I always felt there was nothing I couldn’t sing.” Appropriately, the upcoming nal album on Rewind Records, "For the Last Time," explores the musical sounds that inspired him to write his own songs with signi cant messages, from strong traditional country to folk and pop music of the day. Included are an array of songs penned by Jimmy Bu ett, Paul Simon, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Don Reid of The Statler Brothers, amongst others. Allen performed at the 8th annual Country with Heart bene t for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the week of CMA Fest in June at the Page 18

Rex Allen Jr. to retire after 55 Years in Music

Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater. The event spotlighted Allen’s songwriting and stories behind the songs on a lineup with Dennis Quaid, Johnny Rodriguez, John Berry and John Schneider along with more top stars. Aug. 2 Allen will make his rst appearance at Nashville's most famous listening room, The Bluebird Cafe. Allen, Doug Green of Riders in the Sky, Bobby Marquez and Juni Fisher will headline a special western music night in the round. "For The Last Time" Track List 1. Everybody's Got A Line 2. Come Monday 3. Homeward Bound 4. Help 5.To Make You Feel My Love 6. Hurt 7. Too Old To Die Young 8. Rings 9. You've Got Your Troubles 10.If You Go Away (No Me Dejes) 11. Please Please Me 12. Susan When She Tried 13. You Needed Me 14. The Pretender 15. In My Life More info and purchases:

jenniherron@hotmail.com

July 2023

Bluebird Celebrates 41 Years of Music and Songwriters The Bluebird Cafe celebrated its 41st year with a special evening of singer-songwriters performing in an intimate show at the iconic cafe. The performers gathered for a group photo after the concert. Left to right are Scott Neubert, Jonell Mosser, Steve Willets, Amy Kurland (Bluebird founder), Michael Lusk, Jay Patten, Rick Lonow, Jimmy Hall, Toni Sehulster, Don Henry, Vickie Carrico, Frank Sheen and Alan Rhody. Also giving a powerful performance but missing from the photo is Tracy Nelson, who is shown below accompanied by Carrico and Mosser along with the Jay Patten Band.

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Photos 6, by Paul Rubin June 2023 T.G. Sheppard

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The Girls Next Door

T. Graham Brown

Jeannie Seely with the Moore sisters

Country for a Cause Country For A Cause: June 7, 2023

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Photos byby RonRon Harman Photos Harman

Jeannie Seely and Jeanne Pruett

Page 20

Jamie O’Neal

Paulette Carlson and T. Graham Brown

Wade Hayes

countryreunionmagazine.com

July 2023

June 8, 2023: Next Generation: Next Generation: Sons & Daughters of Country Legends Sons & Daughters of Country Legends

Hawkshaw Hawkins & Melissa Luman Son of Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Shepard Daughter of Bob Luman

June 8. 2023

Whey Jennings Grandson of Waylon Jennings Photos by James Raymond Pillow

Carlos DeFord Bailey, grandson of Opry star DeFord Bailey Photo by James Raymond Pillow

Pam and Sonny Tillis, daughter and son of Mel TIllis Photo by Ron Harman

Page 21

John Carter Cash, son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Photos of John Carter Cash and Lorrie Davis Bennett by Vicki Langdon

Lorrie Davis Bennett, daughter of Anita Carter and granddaughter of Mother Maybelle Carter

countryreunionmagazine.com

July 2023

Country with a Heart

Page 10

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JULY 2023

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Jennifer Herron

Bobby Marquez, Jody Maphis, Johnny Rodriguez, John Schnieder, Robin Berry, John Berry

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Robin and John Berry

Page 22

countryreunionmagazine.com John McEuen

John Schnieder

July 2023 Johnny Rodriguez

July Birthdays July 1 July 3 July 3 July 4 July 6 July 7 July 7 July 7 July 7 July 8 July 9 July 13 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 15 July 16 July 17 July 18 July 19 July 20 July 23 July 24 July 26 July 27 July 29 July 30 July 31

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Keith Whitley Johnny Lee Aaron Tippin Ray Pillow Jeannie Seely Red Sovine Lonzo Sullivan Doyle Wilburn Charlie Louvin Toby Keith David Ball Rhonda Vincent Louise Mandrell Del Reeves Cowboy Copas Linda Ronstadt Ronny Robbins Craig Morgan Ricky Skaggs George Hamilton IV TG Sheppard Alison Krauss Pam Tillis Doby Gray Bobby Gentry Martina McBride Neal McCoy Bonnie Brown

July 2023

Page 24

countryreunionmagazine.com

July 2023