FRIDAY FUNNIES - 12 Redneck Days of Christmas

 

Alley Spring Mill

Courtesy of David Mark - Pixabay

Good morning!

I probably should have led with this one! 

Country Christmas Blessings!

~ Kelly

WINTER VACATION!

Courtesy of David Mark 

Pixabay

 

Good morning, everyone!

Today kicks off my winter vacation! I know things were slow around here in 2021 - totally on me! As is my usual plan, I am taking December 1, 2021 - January 31, 2022 off. I use this time to do some reorganization on the blogs, prep for the coming year and get the dreaded tax stuff in order. (We always file by end of February)

Also, most of the musicians are off these two months as well. A lot of the people I typically work with are headed for Steamboat Fest right after the holidays. If you love good music - and snow - head for Steamboat Springs Colorado!

Unless a music review lands on my desk, the only posts going up this month are the Friday Funnies and the special Guest spots during the week leading up to Christmas.

For now, I'll leave you with this video:

Country Christmas 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

INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND in Video - Classic Cartoon

After yesterday's kickoff with a message, I thought we needed to lighten the mood a bit. The only thing better than Classic Country Music is a Classic Cartoon.

CONCERT AND EVENTS SPECIAL!

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - The Rose by Juanita Rose

THE ROSE -
With a classic voice like those of the artists she spent her musical career with, Juanita Rose opens up the CD by introducing us to the King of Country Music – Roy Acuff. Who else remembers he seldom was without a yo-yo in his pocket?

From She Dropped the Whole World In My Hands (which she co-wrote with the late Jimmy Widener) to Six Weeks Every Summer, Juanita takes us back in time when music had an unmistakable sound. She has chosen songs by notable songwriters such as Kim Carnes and Ray Griff. Juanita knows a good song when she hears one as well as the feelings she wants to evoke in her listeners.

Any of these tracks would have shot to the top of the charts back when the legends of country music reigned supreme. The fact that people still want this genre is evident in the climb of The King of Country Music and its current position on the IndieWorld charts.

If more people get behind artists like Juanita Rose, we will see the pendulum of quality music swing once again.

I am giving The Rose

OUT OF THE CHUTE- Juanita Rose

I am a staunch supporter of Traditional Country music. I grew up on tunes that told stories of something other than partying and acting stupid (though I guess cheating songs could fall into the latter category)

So when I came across this lovely and talented lady, I knew I wanted to know more about her - and to share her with you. Today, we are talking with Juanita Rose.

A bit about Juanita Rose:

Juanita’s Bio


Juanita Rose’s music has taken her from a small rural farming community near Kinston, North Carolina to the Grand Ole’ Opry stage as well as on international tours throughout Canada.

She has lived a musical life most performers can only dream of. As a young teenager she was discovered by the legendary Hank Snow and personally invited to star as his opening act for the Country Hall of Famer’s stage show.


Juanita has also appeared in radio and tv commercials throughout the Midwest.




1 – You have quite an interesting background in country music. Did you have a down time between then and now? And what have you been doing in between? 
Yes I did Kelly...In the down time, I was a radio personality for The State Senate, the state of Tn....

2 – What would you say is the most important thing you learned in those early days and is that associated with anyone in particular?
Well one of the most important things I learned early on, is how important your fans are, and how to relate to them, also how to work with band members...I was fortunate enough to be the opening act with Grand Ole Opry Legend Hank Snow. for several years...He taught me a lot about the business...

3 – Your heart appears to be solid in traditional country music. I appreciate you are recording YOUR music. What attracts you to this genre?
Yes Kelly, my heart is in Traditional Country Music...I was raised on this kind of music and what attracted me was...It is a kind of music that people can relate to of things that might have happened in their lives or in the lives of others...Could be lost love affairs, heartaches, happy times,etc, all of the things that I am not hearing in todays music that they call country...

4 – You have a classic voice, unique in today’s music trends. Do you think we’ll see a return to real country music that you and I grew up with? And what do you think we need to do to get there?
Thank you Kelly, I certainly hope we see a real return of the kind of music we grew up with...People tell me all the time how mush they miss the good country music that we use to share....But I think we just have to all join together that love Traditional Country Music and push radio stations to play this kind of music, that so many people are wanting to hear...No one person can do it alone...We must keep pushing...I know I will..

5 – How did you come to work with James Williams?
Kelly, I can't begin to say enough nice things about James Williams...I was looking for someone to promote my latest single release, and a friend of mine in the business suggested James...He is a great promoter and is wonderful to work with...

6 – Your new album, The Rose, is a beautiful collection. And I see you co-wrote one of the tunes. Do you enjoy writing? And is there a process you follow when writing?
Thank you, I did co-write one of the songs and I do enjoy writing when I can find the time...No, there is no process for me, only feelings...

7 -  What’s next for Juanita Rose?
Continue to record good Traditional Country Songs and do some touring

8 – Anything I’ve not covered you would like your fans to know?
I would like to say a special thanks to all my fans who have been so wonderful to me over the years and I will continue to record the kind of music you have asked for...Lets keep Traditional Country Music Alive...

You can find out more about Juanita Rose on her:
Website: http://juanitarosemusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juanita.rose.545?fref=ts

Come back tomorrow when I review her album - The Rose