OUT OF THE CHUTE - With a Twist

 Good morning, everyone!

I know I'd said we'd be talking with Kristia from Winter Kill Band this week but with Bob's final few days home, a lot of my stuff didn't get done. 

Instead, I'm going to spotlight The Bellamy Brothers' new album:

AMAZON

Here's one of the covers from the album, featuring Dennis Quaid

Here's a video for some behind the scenes:

Country Blessings

~Kelly

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - A Star That Twinkled But Never Got to Shine

 

Good morning, everyone!

As promised, here is my review of A STAR THAT TWINKLED - But Never Got To Shine by Sharon Kizziah-Holmes

We seldom get to read, or even hear about, the folks who helped build our Country Music. My only hope is they are not sitting in Hillbilly Heaven plugging their ears at what people call country music today. I know that music has to progress but I'm saddened by the fact that talented people like Tommy Kizziah never got to shine while some with lesser talent are making money left and right now. Personal opinion, mind you.

Without giving you too much of the story here's a bit of history. You'll want to buy the book for all the interesting details.

Tommy's mom believed in her little boy when his dad and brothers treated him more as an outsider. When she convinced her husband to gift the boy a guitar, a star was born. 

Jimmy Rogers

He loved  Jimmy Rogers, the 'yodeling brake man'. Learning by ear, Tommy taught himself every song on the radio and 78s they owned. He truly was a talent. When the opportunity to meet his idol came, Tommy took advantage in a way that will melt your heart. Grit and determination to play music carried Tommy Kizziah his entire career. He overcame many hurdles and was blessed to live a life he loved. The most prominent part of his career was lead for Tommy Kizziah and the West Coast Ramblers. 

Tommy Kizziah and the West Coast Ramblers

Courtesy of Sharon Kizziah- Holmes YouTube Channel

As I read Sharon's book I was reminded of some great artists her dad worked with over the years, like Willie Nelson and Faron Young - artists I've been blessed to know as well.

Here's a video from Sharon's YouTube channel:

If you love true classic country that helped build the industry or just want to take a step back in time, you need a copy of A STAR THAT TWINKLED But Never Got To Shine by Sharon Kizziah-Holmes.

I'm tipping my hat

You'll find A STAR THAT TWINKLED - But Never Got To Shine on AMAZON

Also, be sure to check out Sharon's business, Paperback Press.

Country Blessings

~Kelly

CATCHING UP!

 Hey all...

I apologize for the delay. I spent the last couple of weeks preparing for a speaking engagement at a writer's conference and just didn't get any blog posts done.

I do have a couple things coming up this week and next. The Party List will resume in November and December. Then I'll take January/ February off to get business stuff in order for the new year. There are not a lot of shows in those two months to cover, so we'll just take a slow ride into 2022.

If not tomorrow, then on Wednesday I'll have a review of a book by a dear friend, Sharon Kizziah-Holmes. If you know anything about the early country music, you may know the name - Tall Tom. That man was amazing. When I started reading his story, written by his baby girl, so many memories of artists we've lost came flooding back. I hope they will for you as well.

Next week, WinterKill Band kicks us off with a new interview and a brand new album. You're going to love this one!

I have other new albums waiting their turn so it's going to be a busy couple of months. 

I hope you'll hang with me.

Country Blessings

~Kelly