In the summer of ’71 The Rolling Stones took exile in the South of France in Villa Nellcôte– a 16 room waterfront mansion that once served as Gestapo headquarters for the Nazis during WWII.
The back-drop of geographic beauty, and sweltering heat, sanctuary from UK tax evasion charges and provided a fertile environment to work in the basement studio on their gritty masterpiece; Exile On Main Street.
Among the late-night sessions and day-time partying was a revolving door of model girlfriends, hangers -on and drug dealers. Sure this was just another day in the like Mick and the boys at their peek, but there was something else going on. A newcomer and his wanna-be actress girlfriend (later wife) was playing an endless jukebox of George Jones, The Louvin Brothers and other country classics while jamming with Keith Richards.
Gram Parsons brief period of the Stones history resulted directly in some of the best songs of their catalog. There’s no telling what other influences and excellent work might have resulted if not for a Parsons life-ending mix of heroin and alcohol the next year in Joshua Tree, California
On this 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones I present some their greatest songs that, In my opinion, probably wouldn’t have happened without those musical conversations between Richard’s and Parson’s that led Keef to add to Hank Williams and Lesfty Frizell to his blueprint of music alongside Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters.
While indulging my frequent music video ADHD I followed a YouTube trajectory to a series of videos of Jamey Johnson doing classic cover of Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline and the like . One really caught my eye, it was Johnson not only covering, but joining with none other than country music legend George Jones on Willie Nelson classic “Yesterday’s Wine.” And it had only 751 views!! What a find!
“Yesterday’s Wine”  is the title cut from Willie’s 1971 album and, in 1982, Merle Haggard and Jones recorded a duet of “Yesterday’s Wine” which became a number one single on the country chart. Not everyone can fill The Hag’s boots but Johnson and Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr do a fine job. And, ladies and gentlemen , if that went enough the great Atlanta-based Southern Rock band Blackberry Smoke is backing them up. As one twitter follower responded when i posted it “Dayum!”
I was puzzled where the track came from and discovered, through the power of the google machine , that it’s included as a bonus track on Blackberry Smoke’s “Little Piece of Dixie” (2010.) I guess i should have payed more attention that that fine album!
George Jones is synonymous with country music. Real country music. His storied career as a solo performer and with his ex-wife, the late Tammy Wynette, was rife with heady successes, heartache and substance abuse that would make Keith Richards wince. And, except for for a brief reprieve with a bout with an upper respiratory infection earlier this year, a phenomenal late-career comeback.
Now after over fifty years of touring, The Possum is decided to call it quits to “…spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.” Jones says “It is tough to stop doing what I love, but the time has come”.
As a tribute to his fans Jones will hit the lonesome highway one last time. The christened “The Grand Tour” will visit “approximately” 60 cities in 2013 and he will be performing hos legendary hits such as “White Lightning,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”.
Jones also plans to record a new studio album featuring Dolly Parton pennined songs. There is no scheduled street date at this time
Fans can see him at his upcoming:
08/10 – Boonville, MO – Isle of Capri
08/11 – Lula, MS – Isle of Capri
08/17 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theater
08/18 – Durham, NC – Durham Perf. Arts Ctr.
08/30 – Woodstock, VA – Shenandoah County Fair
08/31 – Northampton, MA – Calvin Theatre
09/07 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino
09/08 – Houston, TX – Arena Theatre
09/21 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore Arena
09/22 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theater
09/28 – Manistee, MI – Little River Casino
09/29 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre
10/04 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theater
10/05 – Arlington, TX – Arlington Music Hall
10/12 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
10/13 – Renfro Valley, KY – Renfro Valley Ent. Ctr.
10/26 – Wichita Falls, TX – Kay Yeager Coliseum
10/27 – Midland, TX – Wagner Noel Perf. Arts Ctr.
11/02 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino
11/03 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino
11/09 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
11/10 – Morton, MN – Jackpot Junction Casino
11/16 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
11/17 – Hiawassee, GA – Anderson Music Hall
11/23 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s Winnie Arena
11/24 – Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino
12/01 – Elizabeth, IN – Horseshoe Casino
12/15 – Jackson, TN – Carl Perkins Civic Center
No current performer has straddled the music Row and Americana divide as deftly as Jamey Johnson.
His throwback sound, Alabama growl and biker looks appeals to those (like myself) that pine for the days of Waylon and Willie and the boys while his ear for a melody was able to grab the attention of the mainstream country radio and fans with his top 10 hit “In Color.”
Johnson is an unapologetic neo-traditional disciple of country music’s greats. He’s opened for Willie and done George Jones songs in the presence of the man himself. His next effort is to a man that influnced those giants.
On October 16th Johnson will be joined by Willie and many others on his new album, Buddy Cannon-produced Livin’ For a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran. (vinyl beginning Sept. 25.)
Cochran, who died at age 74 in 2010, is considered one of the greatest songwriters in the history of country music. He helped evolve the perfect country template established by Hank Williams a generation earlier.Â
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“If I had to dream up somebody like Hank to influence songwriters, I couldn’t have done a better job,” Johnson says. “That’s what he was– not just for me, but for Willie and for a lot of people–just a helpful friend. If he knew you needed help with something, he could help you. He was there. And that’s what I want to be for the people in my life, same as Hank. He influenced me, not only as an artist and songwriter, but also as a person.”
Cochran’s songs transcended the country genre to become American standards (a practice closely studied by Willie) his catalog includes “I Fall to Pieces,” “She’s Got You,” “Make the World Go Away,” “The Chair,’ “Set ‘Em Up Joe” which Johnson covered on 1010’s The Guitar Song. His songs have been recorded by artists including Eddy Arnold, Patsy Cline, George Jones, George Strait, Elvis Presley, Elvis Costello, Ray Price, Ronnie Milsap, Jim Reeves and many others.Â
Recording a collection of Hank Cochran tunes in a pop-country saturated industry takes guts, and truly reflects the original Outlaw spirit the hat acts on the radio brag having. When it came time to take the next step in his recording career, he listened to his heart and decided to embark on a labor of love. In a daring career move that is consistent with Johnson’s penchant for bucking conventional industry wisdom to create a unique path, he decided to devote his time and creative efforts to honoring his late friend and celebrate traditional country music.
Besides having a professional affinity to Cochran he also has a personal one. “Shortly after he first met Jamey, Hank was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” says his widow, Suzi Cochran. “So for the two years he lived after that, Jamey would get off the road and pull his bus right up to the hospital, run up and see Hank and raise Hank’s spirits. The last time Jamey saw Hank was the night before Hank died.” Johnson joined Buddy Cannon and Billy Ray Cyrus at Cochran’s bedside as they handed the guitar back and forth while singing Cochran’s songs. Cochran died about six hours later.
“Hank adored Jamey,” Suzi Cochran says. “Hank loved Jamey. Jamey was a constant in the last chapter of Hank’s life.
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“This is incredible,” she says of the tribute album. “I wish Hank had been here to see it. He wouldn’t believe it. He would have cried. He’d be happy. It’s exactly like Hank would have done it.”
I am really looking forward to hearing this release and look forward to hearing classic from it live when Johnson joins Willie Nelson and The Band of Horses on the Railroad Revival Tour 2012.
Track listing:
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1. “Make the World Go Away” – Jamey Johnson and Alison Krauss
2. “I Fall to Pieces” – Jamey Johnson and Merle Haggard
3. “A Way to Survive” – Jamey Johnson, Vince Gill and Leon Russell
4. “Don’t Touch Me” – Jamey Johnson and Emmylou Harris
5. “You Wouldn’t Know Love” – Jamey Johnson and Ray Price
6. “I Don’t Do Windows” – Jamey Johnson and Asleep at the Wheel
7. “She’ll Be Back” – Jamey Johnson and Elvis Costello
8. “Would These Arms Be in Your Way” – Jamey Johnson
9. “The Eagle” – Jamey Johnson and George Strait
10. “A-11” – Jamey Johnson and Ronnie Dunn
11. “I’d Fight the World” – Jamey Johnson and Bobby Bare
12. “Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me” – Jamey Johnson and Willie Nelson
13. “This Ain’t My First Rodeo” – Jamey Johnson and Lee Ann Womack
14. “Love Makes a Fool of Us All” – Jamey Johnson and Kris Kristofferson
15. “Everything But You” – Jamey Johnson, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and Leon Russell
16. “Livin’ for a Song” – Jamey Johnson, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson
I always knew Houston’s Robert Ellis was the real deal. Now they agree with me across the pond. From The Guardian’s New Band of the Day:
“That idea of dovetailing country old and “new” – the Nudie suit-wearing good ol’ boys and the countercultural LA wannabes – is a development, of sorts, although arguably Gram Parsons was the living embodiment of both sensibilities. Robert Ellis is a hippie throwback but he also moves between periods and worlds with aplomb – at a recent party for Paste magazine he and his band, according to one onlooker, “deconstructed old bluegrass songs and borrowed as much from Radiohead as George Jones”. He alternates between country and alt.country on the two “sides” ofof (sic) his concept album Photographs.”
Aside from his appearance I don’t get the “hippie” reference, but whatever. Ellis is getting the attention he so richly deserves.
George Jones has been released from a Nashville, Tenn. hospital. Jones was admitted with an upper respiratory infection. The 80-year-old spent a week in March in the hospital with the same illness. The legendary country singer had canceled performances through June and will reschedule shows where possible.
Legendary roots musician Doc Watson remains in critical condition at a North Carolina hospital after undergoing colon surgery this past week. The 89-year-old Watson had also fallen early in the week. No bones were broken, but an underlying condition prompted the surgery.
In honor of what would have been his 72nd birthday Levon Helm’s band and friends - led by Larry Campbell, Theresa Williams, Amy Helm, Byron Isaacs and Justin Gulp - gathered at his Woodstock farm last night for a commemorative Ramble. The show was announced late Saturday night and quickly sold.
The Luckenbach Sunday Picker Circle host for the last 3 years, Cowboy Doug Davis, has passed away. Luckenbach , TX will hold a memorial service in honor of Doug Next Sunday June 3 at 5pm.
A quick update for those not following me over in twitter (@twangnation ). I have had the privilege of seeing scores of legends. From Neil Young and Paul McCartney to Allison Krauss and Joe Walsh at the GRAMMYS Person of the Year/Music Cares benefit. I also met two living legends yesterday at the Special Merit Awards, Glenn Campbell and George Jones! . On top of this already daunting bounty of riches I met up with Shooter Jennings and found him to be a hell of a nice guy with a broad knowledge of musical history and the business.
This is a music fan’s dream realized! I will do a more thorough post when I get back from the event tommorow.
Here’s a little something to stuff your sock, warm your chestnuts and spike your nog. There’s some traditional (Gene Autry – Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer) and the less-so (Drive-By Truckers – Mrs. Claus’ Kimono.) But, I’m sure there’s something here for everyone, except your Uncle Jack, that ass hates everything. Enjoy and Happy Holidays, y’all!
Gene Autry – Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Willie Nelson – Pretty Paper
John Prine – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Emmylou Harris – O Little Town of Bethlehem
Drive-By Truckers – Mrs. Claus’ Kimono
Steve Earle – Nothing But A Child
Johnny Cash – Silent Night
Commander Cody – Daddy’s Drinking Up Our Christmas
George Jones – Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus
Dolly Parton – Hard Candy Christmas
Michael Martin Murphey – Two-Step ‘Round The Christmas Tree/Two-Step Medley
Waylon Jennings – Away In A Manger
Dwight Yoakam – Run Run Rudolph
Merle Haggard – If We Make It Through December
The Mavericks – Santa Claus Is Back In Town
Alan Jackson with Alison Krauss – The Angels Cried
Clay Walker – Blue Christmas
Chris LeDoux – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Suzy Bogguss – Two-Step ‘Round The Christmas Tree
Deana Carter – Carol Of The Bells
George Strait – White Christmas
Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass Boys – Christmas Time’s A-Coming
Dwight Yoakam – Here Comes Santa Claus
Neko Case – Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis
Asylum Street Spankers – Zat You, Santa Claus?
Jim Lauderdale – Holly & Her Mistletoe
Otis Gibbs – Jesus On The Couch
Robert Earl Keen – Merry Christmas From The Family
Lyle Lovett – Christmas Morning
James McMurtry – Holiday
Judd Films and Devil’s Cage Productions have launched promotional site for the biography – Charlie Louvin, Still Rattlin’ the Devi’s Cage. The site offers trailers and a chance to pre-order one of the 1000 copies being produced (release targeted for 7/15) All proceeds from this initial release will go to Mrs. Charlie Louvin and her family. The film features appearances by Charlie, Sonny Louvin, George Jones, Marty Stuart, John McCrea, and Emmylou Harris and chronicles Charlie’s resurgence and influence over his 60 + year career and 50th anniversary of the Louvin Brothers release Satan is Real.
The line-up for the Johnny Cash Music Festival will include close family members and friend – Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash & Laura Cash, Tommy Cash, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Rodney Crowell, Chelsea Crowell and more. The festival is presented annually by Arkansas State University, with participation by the Cash family, to benefit the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project in Dyess, Arkansas. The project involves establishing a museum to honor the Johnny Cash legacy as well as restoring or re-creating his boyhood home. ASU is lining up sponsors for the event.
In the summer of ’71 The Rolling Stones took exile in the South of France in Villa Nellcôte– a 16 room waterfront mansion that once served as Gestapo headquarters for the Nazis during WWII.
