Garth has added a one-hour webcast prior to the first show at . The webcast will air on tomorrow night (1/25) starting at 4:30PM Pacific Time.

"For more information on horse slaughter and how you can help make a difference for our horses visit www.awionline.org/. To find your elected representatives, visit www.compassionindex.org/.


Editorial: CHARLIE DANIELS - CAN HE SHORE UP THE CORNERSTONE OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOUNDATION

This past Saturday night the Grand Ole Opry brought back to me, memories of the way it used to be and how so many of us wish that it could be again. To induct Charlie Daniels as the newest member was a great thing, because he is so deserving. Southern Rock, yes, but country, you bet he is country. His heart and soul is country and The Grand Ole Opry might have been given a new life with Charlie becoming a member. I don't think we will have to worry about him making appearances when he is home, unlike those that have recently been inducted in the past few years and we don't see them too much, "If you know what I mean."

Someone said to me that Charlie is close to 70 years old or almost in his seventies, and they wondered why the Opry did not make members of Gene Watson, Janie Fricke and several others who are younger. Good question, but I feel that Charlie Daniels has the heart of a 20 year old, and his love of country music and the Grand Ole Opry & his country can never be questioned and I for one, along with the masses believe that it is good for our music. The Grand Ole Opry is going through a stressful time in it's long life and it is going to need all the help of its' members if they really are a family, to come forward and inject into her the heart and soul of artists that care for her well-being, not just her name and what she can do for their careers. In order for The Mother Church of Country Music to continue to be the lifeline of country music, she must be given the love, strength and direction of her members, the legends and the newer artists. They must band together to keep her music as it was and always should be.

Last night I listened to the Opry almost the entire evening and my mind took me back to the days when all you heard on the Opry were fiddles and steel guitars and great harmony and love and friendship of the artists. It was like old times last night to hear Jeannie Seely open the show with a super performance, followed by the pure family harmony of The Whites', then the Patriarch of Cajun Music, Jimmy C. Newman and the opening portion of the Opry was closed by one of the Bluegrass Legends, Del McCoury Band. The next segment is the one that I want to comment on. Marty Stuart opening the show, then inviting his beautiful and talented wife, Connie Smith to sing a duet with him, an old Buck Owen's song "Tender Lovin Care." As they say in music circles, they nailed this song with heart and soul. You could tell it was made for them to sing to each other and I knew then that this might be a special night of country music, because Charlie Daniels was inducted on this portion. The next portion of the Opry opened with Opry and Hall of Fame legend, Charlie Pride, then Jan Howard, Trace Adkins and the Opry Square Dancers. Trace Adkins is going to be one of the newer stars that needs to keep coming back to the Opry. Then there was Jim Ed Brown, Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press, and to top all of that off Opry Legend Mel Tillis with those great fiddles and such an awesome band-The Statesiders. Jack Green was also on the Opry and to listen to Jack sing is like going back to l967 when he won all of the great CMA Awards. Just listen to his music then, and you will find that the only change in Jack is that he has gotten older, because he voice is as golden and crystal clear as it was back then. He is truly one of the great members of the Grand Ole Opry.

I only wish that the night would have had Porter Wagoner on stage to be part of Charlie's induction, but I know that he must have been watching and listening. Maybe Jean Shepard, Charlie Louvin, Stonewall Jackson, Ernie Ashworth, Charlie Walker and a few of the other members could have made an appearance also. I really believe it should have been a members only evening. All that being said it was good to hear the Opry with country music for a change & hopefully
this will not be the last time that the Opry management will make more of there shows, pure country.

I believe in our current crop of artists with successful careers, should make guest appearances on the Opry and I believe in newer artists being given the opportunity to appear on the Opry, but I do believe that the Opry has lost it direction in the past few years since Gaylord took over, and I hope that maybe there will be some changes, and I think it would be nice to see a change in some of those who lead the Grand Ole Opry towards it future. I hope someday there will be a change in certain area's of who runs the Opry, to someone that has a vision of what the past has given the Opry, what the present can do to make the Opry live long and prosperous, and what the future holds for traditional country music and the rhinestones and glitz of those fans that have never been to the Grand Ole Opry, who come to enjoy the history of what is could still be.

The Mother Church of Country Music has taken care of her family, but has watched some of her members suffer through these changing times, when there should have been no suffering at all. The transition towards new faces and music is allright, but the structure of The Grand Ole Opry was made with the heart and soul of the legends and now it seems as though someone has forgotten how the Opry was built.

One of the requirements to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry should be that all members "Must make 20 appearances each and every year for them to stay as members." That is simple because with the Tuesdays that the Opry does shows and other special events, all members can make their appearances with no problem-if they really wanted to. Another requirement should be that a dress code make each member and their band members dress well-groomed when they make an appearance on one of the most special musical stage in the world, and in country music, it is the only stage to perform your music. When you become a member of the Opry, you should be a member for life, unless in some way you lose that honor, or you find that you must leave the Opry for reasons of your own. The Grand Ole Opry is a worldwide treasure, and she has the right to make rules that make sure that she will continue to be the one place on this planet where you can come and enjoy an evening of "COUNTRY MUSIC."

We must continue to respect the memories of Ernest Tubb, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and all those who we have lost. I am sure they felt as though the Opry was in good hands, and that she would always be the one place where country music would always be honored by members of the Opry and to the new fans who are able to listen and see the history of country music, and to us older fans who long to see her grow through the coming years and to continue to hear the fiddle's and steel guitars, banjo's and the great music that should always grace her stage.

Last night was a good night for me, and I know it was for many others that have sent me emails and were overjoyed to hear that Charlie Daniel's was the newest member, and to hear so much pure country music all night.

It would be nice to hear Tommy Cash, Johnny Bush, Leona Williams, and so many more that have not guested on the Opry in years, for whatever reason I will never know.

Congratulations Charlie Daniels and thank God you are a member.

Marty Martel

Marty Martel
http://bestdamnshows.com


New Format For BillAnderson.com

Hi Whisper Fans:

Later today the new format will be posted on Bill's website at BillAnderson.com. Bill hopes that you will like and enjoy the new website.


Longtime Hank Thompson pal shares singer's country tales in new biography

By MARIO TARRADELL / The Dallas Morning News
mtarradell@dallasnews.com

Hank Thompson was a storyteller in song and in person. He liked to spin a tale. He'd get a mischievous look in his eyes, he'd grin slyly, and his robust voice would soar and dip as the plot thickened. The punch line always came with a wallop.

So it's fitting that the late Mr. Thompson's biography – My Side of Life, written and self-published by longtime friend Warren Kice – comes chock full of stories. In fact, just about every one of the 292 pages has a tidbit, an anecdote from the Waco-born Country Music Hall of Fame inductee's 60 years of performing and recording.

Want to know about Mr. Thompson's female groupies? There were many, including two named Hurricane Shirley and Black Rider. Each gig had an after-hours soiree dubbed the Brazos Valley Boys Invitation Only Fun and Games Unwinding Party. He's got a handful of R-rated tales about the late singer Faron Young as well as a variety of Brazos Valley Boys members.

Mr. Thompson, who died at his Keller home in November after battling lung cancer, made a signature brand of honky-tonk-influenced Western swing brimming with rugged attitude and top-notch musicianship. His heyday extended through the '50s and '60s. He charted 79 singles, 30 of which hit the Top 10. His best-known tune is 1952's "The Wild Side of Life," a No. 1 hit for 15 weeks.

My Side of Life chronicles his entire career. Mr. Kice, a Dallas-based retired attorney, isn't an author. (Legal briefs don't count in this case.) More than a few times he resorts to clich?s and a phrase or two that ultimately seem stilted. But his attention to detail is impeccable, and he's clearly passionate about his subject.

So My Side of Life turns into an entertaining read and one that moves along smoothly. Chapters are short, which accounts for having 58 of them. Mr. Kice vividly takes us to Waco during the days of Prohibition. That's when Henry William Thompson first heard the music of Jimmie Rodgers, the pioneering country singer and yodeler.

That inspiration sparked an enduring livelihood that remained passionate through Mr. Thompson's service in the Navy during World War II. As a civilian, he recorded for Capitol Records, the label where he enjoyed the career-making staples, before tripping through four more imprints. He formed his Brazos Valley Boys in 1950 and toured nationally and internationally, winning Billboard's No. 1 country and Western band award for 14 consecutive years.

In My Side of Life, Mr. Thompson's personal existence and his public persona intertwine. Mr. Kice makes sure to paint the picture of a strong-willed yet reasonable man who treated everybody as he would have wanted to be treated. The onetime Oklahoma-based star held steadfast to his convictions, especially to his traditional country music roots, but always displayed an easygoing demeanor.

His private life seemed largely devoid of drama. He married twice, first to Dorothy Jean Ray in 1948 and then to Ann Williams in 1970. His divorce from Dorothy was amicable. When Dorothy eventually remarried, she got hitched to Mr. Thompson's longtime friend and bandmate Merle Travis; Mr. Thompson jokingly referred to Mr. Travis as his "husband-in-law."

In Ann, Mr. Thompson found his soul mate. Their marriage lasted to his death 37 years later. She was his wife, business partner, traveling companion and fan. Mr. Thompson met her at one of his shows while he was still wedded to Dorothy. He had run into Ann two more times during gigs in the '60s before their romance materialized.

His long-standing relationships, including musical friendships that remained solid for decades, underscored Mr. Thompson's artistic longevity. He influenced future stars such as George Strait, Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill and even Bob Dylan.

Mr. Kice encapsulates Mr. Thompson in the final chapter while recounting festivities celebrating the legend's 80th birthday. For Mr. Thompson, life revolved around music. It's from which all good fortunes stemmed. Mr. Kice writes that Mr. Thompson was reflective at that party, thinking about his long career, his wife, his fans, his friendships and his formative beginnings:

"And such as the time when he, as a 5-year-old boy, after being inspired by a Jimmie Rodgers song he had just heard on a neighbor's Victoria, ran and skipped down 17th Street in Waco, Texas singing 'T for Texas and T for Tennessee...' "

Mr. Kice ends by noting, lest we forget:

"And T for Thompson."

Plan your life

Warren Kice and Ann Thompson will sign copies of My Side of Life Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Ernest Tubb Record Shop, 140 E. Exchange Ave., No. 135, in Fort Worth. Admission is free. For more information, call the store at 817-624-8449. My Side of Life is also available at www.hankthompson.com and www.etrecordshop.com.


Musicians United To Benefit Victims Of Station Nightclub Fire
Like A Phoenix Rising
John Rich (Big & Rich), Alabama’s Randy Owen, Dierks Bentley, Kellie Pickler and Gretchen Wilson have just been added to the Phoenix Rising! Musicians United to Benefit the Victims of the Station Nightclub Fire concert.

As previously announced, > are all confirmed to perform Monday, February 25, 2008 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

John Rich will host the country portion of the concert while Dee Snider will do the honors for the rock segments.

Additional confirmed artists include Emmy-nominated composer and musician Marc Bonilla who will serve as music director for the benefit, Carmine Appice’s SLAM!, Gary Pihl (Boston), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Danny Seraphine with CTA, Gary Hoey and others still to be announced.

"Dee Snider of Twisted Sister reached out to me to put together a coalition of country artists to help raise money for the families that have lost their loved ones," commented John Rich. " All of my friends in country music responded immediately with yes. No matter what music you play or listen to we are all one family, and we need to help each other out especially in time of need."

Dee Snider stated, "This event is about music fans desperately in need, so it's important that "Phoenix Rising Musicians United to Benefit the Station Nightclub Fire Victims" be supported by musicians of all genres. We are so happy to welcome John Rich and his rowdy friends aboard for this very important mission.”

The charity event marks the fifth anniversary of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in U.S. history. 100 lives were lost, 200 others were seriously injured and 65 children lost one or both parents. Five years later, funds available for the survivors are woefully inadequate. Only 15 survivors of the fire qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still unable to meet their monthly needs.

All proceeds from ticket sales and charity auctions benefit the Station Family Fund, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded by survivors of the Station Nightclub fire. The Station Family Fund is committed to providing survivor relief, including costs of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Organizers would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center www.dunkindonutscenter.com as well as East Coast Lighting, Scorpio Sound, WHJY and the many artists and others who are donating their time in putting together this event.

The Station Family Fund, founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the fire and the Wake Up To Love Foundation founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta and his wife, Phyllis Luccketta are event organizers. While $100,000.00 was raised in 2005 from a benefit concert featuring Tesla, Shinedown, Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, those funds are in desperate need of replenishing.

Badbob & Jimmy (aka Kevin Blake Weldon) is set to deliver his second comedy single, “Redneck Hunter,” on the January 21 (CDX 440, Track # 15). “Redneck Hunter,” a funny parody of the Gretchen Wilson smash hit, “Redneck Woman,” is the title single from the forthcoming BADBOB & Jimmy CD. It was written, sung, and produced by Weldon for BB&J Entertainment.

In “Redneck Hunter,” the fictional deer and turkey hunter, “Jimmy Huckleberry” meets his match - and his dream girl - a real redneck woman who wears camo waders and hunts deer illegally at night by spotlight from her pickup truck. “She’s a redneck hunter – ain’t no tree-huggin’ girl”

Recorded at Omni Sound in Nashville, and engineered by Randy Gardner, “Redneck Hunter” boasts a great lineup of session musicians, including, Mark Prentice on bass guitar; Wayne Killius on drums; Mike Severs on electric guitar; Pat Severs on acoustic and steel guitar; Jason Webb on piano; and Glen Duncan on fiddle and mandolin.

"This is probably my favorite song parody so far,” states Weldon. “It brings in a whole new aspect of Badbob & Jimmy by introducing 'HER' - every redneck hunter's fantasy! “Redneck Hunter” is already causing quite a stir at the radio stations who are playing it, and the hits at our website have jumped exponentially! It’s tons of fun because hunters don't quit listening just because deer season is winding down! After all, this woman hunts EVERYTHING!"