Legendary Rumors

Johnny Cash's Valentine

On this Valentines’ Day, there are few relationships that are more celebrated than the marriage of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.  The two met backstage at the Grand Ole Opry back in 1956, but were both married to different people at the time. It was 11 years before they would get together, marrying in 1968. In 1987 Johnny cut a paper heart and penned this poem for June for Valentines Day:

 

(SCREEN GRAB FROM JUNECARTERCASH.COM)

Wynonna Has Dizzy Spell on Stage

Wynonna Judd gave her fans quite a scare during a performance this past weekend in Dayton.  She was in the midst of her headlining "The Judds' Final Tour" on Saturday when she became dizzy.  The 58-year-old was eventually escorted off the stage by Martina McBride and Karen Fairchild, who were on tour with her.  This is not the first time Wynonna has suffered from dizziness in recent weeks.  She was forced to cancel her New Year's Eve show in Nashville with Kelsey Ballerini due to extreme vertigo.   

 

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Reba McEntire's Performance Livestreamed From Reba's Place Grand Opening

Reba McEntire is set to perform live from the grand opening of Reba’s Place in Atoka, OK tonight (Thursday, January 26th). The event is closed to the public, but fans across the country can join in via a live stream from Reba’s socials at 6:45 p.m. CT at Facebook.com/Reba. 

Reba’s Place is a combination restaurant, bar, live music venue and retail store which was constructed in an old Masonic Temple. It features two stories of dining space and a stage for regular live music. The menu includes popular regional dishes including the “Fancy” steak dinner, and Reba’s personal favorite, pinto beans and corn bread. 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Naomi Judd Left Note Stating Wynonna Was Not To Attend Her Funeral

Prior to her sudden and tragic passing, Naomi Judd handwrote a note on a yellow Post-It note stating, “Do not let Wy come to my funeral. She’s mentally ill.” Radar Online obtained a picture of the note from the Sheriff's Office in Williamson County, TN. Naomi died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on April 30th at the age of 76.

The word "not" was underlined in the note, and according to a source, Wynonna Judd was "crushed" by the writing.

Despite Naomi's death, Wynonna has continued on with their planned The Judds: The Final Tour and says it was just what she needed to deal with her grief. She told The Hollywood Reporter, “I have to admit, I’ve had an incredible, incredible opportunity to heal through all of this, to cry and to say things onstage that I’ll never say again. This is a whole other level of deep, and I wasn’t expecting it ... This is me with a broken heart being as open as I’ll probably ever be, and other people are responding to that in a way that I wasn’t expecting.”

The second leg of the tour kicks off on January 26th with special guests including Tanya Tucker, Little Big Town, Brandi Carlile, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde and Kelsea Ballerini.

George Strait Might Have New Music Soon

George Strait might have some new music to share when he returns to the road for a few stadium dates this spring. He recently told Cowboys & Indians magazine, “I like making records and plan on doing another one soon. I’m narrowing down my song choices now . . . There is no specific message or mood that I’ll be shooting for. I just want to put together a bunch of good songs that stand out individually.”

 

George will be joined by Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town on his upcoming stadium tour which opens on May 6th in Glendale, AZ at State Farm Stadium. They'll stop in Columbus, Milwaukee, Seattle, Denver, and Nashville before wrapping up in Tampa, FL at Raymond James Stadium on August 5th.

 

Dolly Parton And 'Iconic 80s Singers' Team Up On Song For '80 For Brady' Film

Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan and Debbie Harry have teamed up for the release of the new single “Gonna Be You” from the Paramount Pictures film 80 For Brady. The song was written by Diane Warren and will be released on January 20th. 

 

80 For Brady is inspired by the true story of four best friends living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play. The film stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field, along with 7-time Super Bowl Champion and producer Tom Brady80 For Brady arrives in theaters on February 3rd.

 

Diane Warren said, “When I wrote ‘Gonna Be You’ for 80 FOR BRADY, I wanted to write a song that celebrated these women's deep friendship. Since 80 was in the title I got a crazy idea, why not get some of the most iconic singers from the 80s, who are still amazing and always will be, to all sing it?!!!! Everyone I approached said yes and was just as excited as me!! I'm honored to have Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan and Debbie Harry on this song!! ‘Gonna Be You’ is that song you want to sing along to with all your good friends!!!”

 

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER HERE: 

 

 

 

ARTICLE PHOTO CREDIT: FLICKR

Garth Brooks To Narrate, Produce New National Geographic Series

Garth Brooks is set to narrate and executive produce National Geographic's upcoming docuseries, America's National Parks. The show will air over the course of five consecutive nights beginning on Monday, August 29th at 9 p.m. ET, according to theboot.com.

Each episode will spotlight a different park, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Big Bend, Badlands and Hawai'i Volcanoes. All five episodes of America's National Parks will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning on August 31st.

 

Check out the preview here:

 

Kenny Rogers' Professional, Personal Items To Be Auctioned

Items from the late Kenny Rogers' personal and professional collections will be hitting the auction block this fall. The three-day live auction will take place from Friday, October 21st – Sunday, October 23rd at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills and online on julienslive.com.

The over 1,200 lots will include Kenny's awards, wardrobe, equipment and memorabilia from his recordings, live performances and films, as well as furnishings, artwork, jewelry, household and personal items from his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

A portion of the proceeds of the auction will benefit Music Health Alliance, whose mission is to provide compassionate advocacy and access to life-saving healthcare resources that protect, direct, and connect music professionals with medical and financial solutions.   

Kenny died in 2020 at the age of 81.

 

Check out the post here: 

 

Dolly Parton, Jimmie Allen Featured On 'Country Goes Reggae' Project

Dolly Parton, Jimmie Allen, Randy Houser, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Chase Rice, Uncle Kracker, Lainey Wilson and Alabama are blending their country sound with music from some of today's top Reggae musicians in Jamaica for a project called Country Goes Reggae, which is available now.  The 11-track project recreates the musical arrangements behind beloved Country songs including "Red Solo Cup," "Things a Man Oughta Know," and "Two Doors Down."

Dolly said, "To say that I'm proud of the Country Goes Reggae album with Positive Vibrations would be, certainly, an understatement. So many wonderful artists, so many wonderful songs and such great arrangements! I know people will be loving this album forever and I truly hope that you enjoy my song 'Two Doors Down.'" 

 

ARTICLE PHOTO CREDIT: FLICKR

Alan Jackson Is Going To Be A Grandfather!

Alan Jackson is going to be a grandfather for the first time! His oldest daughter, Mattie, revealed the big news in an Instagram story that her sister, Ali, and her husband are expecting their first child and it's a boy! Her story shared pictures and video from the gender reveal which Alan and his wife, Denise, attended. 

Mattie shared a screenshot of Ali’s Instagram post with her husband which was captioned, “Happy Anniversary to my husband and dad to be!! Of course your baby boy is due at the beginning of duck season.” Mattie's caption overlaying the graphic read, “Did I mention my nephew coming 12/2022???”

Ali and her husband, Sam Bradshaw, revealed the gender by having Sam shoot at a clay disc which exploded in blue dust. 

Alan has three daughters so baby Bradshaw will be the first boy. Mattie captioned the gender reveal video with,  “We have no idea what to do but we’re pumped!”

Reba McEntire To Star In Lifetime Movie

Reba McEntire has signed on to star in a new Lifetime movie which also stars her real-life boyfriend, Rex Linn, and reunites her with her Reba sitcom co-star Melissa Peterman. The film is called The Hammer, and Reba is set to play a traveling judge, according to People.com.

 

According to a press release, The Hammer is based on the true story of Judge Kim Wheeler, who was appointed judge of the 5th District of Nevada after the reigning judge died under suspicious circumstances. 

 

No release date for The Hammer has yet been announced.

Shania Twain Put On Voice Rest, Cancels Vegas Show

Shania Twain was forced to cancel her show on Wednesday (June 22nd) in Las Vegas, with the possibility of tonight's (Friday, June 24th) and Saturday's (June 25th) shows still up in the air after doctors ordered her on voice rest. She shared the situation with fans on social media on Wednesday writing in part, “I am sad to say that I woke up this morning feeling unwell and with no voice. I am under strict doctors orders to rest and not sing . . ."

Shania is in the midst of her residency dates at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood. She wrote, “Nothing makes me happier than being on stage and performing for you so I’m extremely disappointed to cancel tonight’s show. I am going to do everything I can to get back on stage for this Friday and Saturday."

Tickets for Wednesday night's show were automatically refunded if they were purchased through Ticketmaster. Otherwise, ticketholders were asked to "contact your point of purchase for their refund policy."

Shania's next string of shows at Zappos Theater are on August 26th, 27th and 31st.

 

Check out her announcement here: 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Shania Twain (@shaniatwain)

Dolly Parton's Best-Selling Novel Headed To Big Screen Via Sony Pictures

Dolly Parton's best-selling novel co-authored with James Patterson, Run, Rose, Run, is headed for the big screen via Sony Pictures. The film will also star and be co-produced by Dolly along with Reese Witherspoon and her Hello Sunshine media company and James Patterson and his James Patterson Entertainment. 

 

Dolly told The Hollywood Reporter, “I am thrilled to be bringing Run, Rose, Run to Sony Pictures. I’m looking forward to working with Sony and being in the movie as well. It’s a good time to be excited, working with some of my favorite people."

 

The book is about a young woman who makes her way to Nashville to pursue her music dreams. It was released on March 7th.

 

In addition to the companion album of the same name which was released with the book through Dolly's own Butterfly Records, she will also write original songs for the project.

 

Check it out here: 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

Alan Jackson Cancels CMA Fest Performance, Addition Artists Added To Lineup

Just days before the kickoff of CMA Fest, Alan Jackson has canceled his performance. No details were given, but last year when he revealed his diagnosis with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, he said that it made performing increasingly difficult.

Alan has been open about his health condition, and has also voiced his determination to keep performing for fans as long as he possibly can.

In the recent past, Alan talked about his neuropathy and neurological disease that he inherited from his dad. He said, “There's no cure for it, but it's been affecting me for years. And it's getting more and more obvious. And I know I'm stumbling around on stage. And now I'm having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable."

Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion have now been added to fill the empty time slot on the CMA stadium stage.

Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood To Join Wynonna On 'The Judds' Tour

Wynonna Judd already said that she will move forward with The Judds: The Final Tour despite the unexpected death of her mother, Naomi Judd, last month. Now that tour has turned into a bit of a celebration of women, as Wynonna has tapped Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Trisha Yearwood and Brandi Carlile to join her on select dates.

 

She said, “I am humbled, once again, by the loyalty of the fans who have been with us for 38+ years, who continue to show up for me when I need them the most.  I am grateful that we will continue to honor The Judds legacy, together." 

 

The tour has added a final stop in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena on October 29th, a homecoming celebration where it all began. There, Faith will join Wynonna onstage. Wynonna said, “What a full-circle moment it will be to end the tour in Kentucky where it all began.  It means so much to have my sisterfriend, Faith, join me for this musical celebration. It is pretty amazing – all of the people who have come forward to offer up their time and their gifts.  I am feeling extra grateful.” 

 

The 11-date arena tour kicks off in Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena on September 30th. To purchase tickets for The Judds’ The Final Tour visit ticketmaster.com.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Whitley, & Joe Galante Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame has announced a new group of inductees for 2022. Rock & roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis will be inducted in the Veteran category, neotraditionalist Keith Whitley will join the Hall in the Modern category, and former RCA Records executive will become a member in the Nonperforming category (RollingStone).

 

Brooks & Dunn handled the announcements in the Hall of Fame’s rotunda, marking the first time in two years that they’d been able to gather in person for the new Hall of Fame class. It was also an occasion that was still heavy with the recent death of 2021 Hall of Fame inductee Naomi Judd for her work in the Judds (RollingStone).

 

Non-Performer inductee Joe Galante is a Queens native who, in 1974 relocated to Nashville to work for RCA and changed the course of the business in his time here. Among his signings during his long tenure were Alabama, Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, the Judds, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Whitley. After leaving the music business, he devoted himself to mentoring young businesspeople and philanthropy. He recalled getting the notification that he was going into the Hall of Fame as one that stunned him like no other (RollingStone).

 

Read more about it HERE

(STORY CREDIT TO ROLLINGSTONE.COM)

Country Stars React To Death of Naomi Judd

Reba McEntire: "We’ve been down the long road together. I sure miss my buddy. Rest In Peace. Finally. Love you Naomi."

Maren Morris: "Rest In Peace, Naomi Judd. Honored to have witnessed "Love Can Build A Bridge" just a few short weeks ago."

Carrie Underwood: "Country music lost a true legend. Sing with the angels, Naomi!!! We're all sending up prayers for the Judd family today."

Trisha Yearwood: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Naomi Judd. My heart goes out to her family during this extremely difficult time. Country music will never be the same. Love one another."

Cole Swindell: "Naomi Judd. so sad to hear this news.  Thinking of all of her family & friends. Tough day for country music.."

Tanya Tucker: "Say it isn’t so. Cannot believe my girlfriend and longtime buddy Naomi is gone. We’ve known each other for years and she always treated me with class, grace and pure kindness. I’m going to miss her so much."

Martina McBride: "Prayers and so much love going out to @wynonnajudd and @ashley_judd and all of Naomi's friends, family and fans. It's hard to find any words at this moment. So I will just say rest Naomi. You brought us joy. Your legacy and music will live forever."

Miranda Lambert: "I’m thankful I got to spend just a little time with you Naomi. True legend. Praying for peace for this family. Rest easy" 

Travis Tritt: "This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I've ever known. I had the honor of working with her in movies and numerous musical events. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to her family."

Billy Ray Cyrus: "So sad at the loss of my friend and music legend Naomi Judd. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. As a fellow Kentuckian, my hats off in honor of the legacy of music she shared with the world and the doors she opened for so many others like me."

How Did Trisha Yearwood & Garth Brooks Meet?

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood could be the poster couple for a strong friendship leading to an even stronger marriage. The duo met before either of their country music careers took off, and toured together for years once they hit top music charts. They actually met while recording a demo in 1987. Brooks says the spark was immediate, but it would be nearly 15 years before the couple started dating publicly, and 18 after meeting until they decided to tie the knot!

 

The couple regularly has date nights and rarely spend time apart, despite their busy individual careers. They were sure to make it a priority in their marriage to not be apart for much time at all. In fact, they've gone on record saying that they maybe spend 5 days apart all year! Trisha refers to Garth as the love of her life, and there will be an endless effort on both ends to make their marriage last.

Alan Jackson Announces "Last Call: One More For The Road" Tour

Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson is embarking on his latest tour, one that’ll bring over 30 years of hits to cities across America as he hits the road for the first time since revealing a health diagnosis last fall.

 

“I’ve always admired my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride who just played as much as they wanted to, as long as they could,” Jackson says. “I’ve always thought I’d like to do that, and I’d like to as long as my health will allow,” he notes, adding with a smile, “I’ll try to do as much as I can, but if I’m comin’ your way, come see me….”

 

The country music icon will launch his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour – promoted by Live Nation – this summer, playing arenas through the fall (detailed listing below). The three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year will thrill audiences – visiting cities and areas he hasn’t in several years for the last time – as fans relive hits like “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” night-after-night.

Kenny Rogers' Life Celebrated at Graveside Memorial In Atlanta

Kenny Rogers' close friends, family and band members gathered at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday (March 20th) to pay their respects to the singer who died two years ago to the day. Until then, a celebration of his life was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 

The outdoor ceremony was hosted by long time touring partners Linda Davis and Billy Dean, with over fifteen speakers paying homage to Kenny and telling personal stories about a life well lived.  The ceremony concluded with the Dr. T. Lynn

Smith and Friendsgospel choir singing “Amazing Grace” along with a pre-recorded Kenny Rogers vocal and a performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” one of the late singer's favorites.  As the guests filed out, the event concluded with an Irish sendoff by Brigadier General (Ret.) Richard McPhee.

 

At the reception that immediately followed, there was a special surprise.  A brand new lyric video for Kenny's song “Goodbye,” written by Lionel Richie, was debuted for the first time ever to the invited guests. Yesterday (Monday, March 21st), Lionel shared the video on social media writing, Two years ago this week, we lost my dear friend, @_KennyRogers. Today a beautiful lyric video has been released for a song that I wrote for Kenny, “Goodbye”, to celebrate his memory."

 

Kenny died at the age of 81 on March 20, 2020 at his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

 

 

Reba is announcing a special CD & DVD pairing, MY CHAINS ARE GONE

Reba is announcing a special CD & DVD pairing, MY CHAINS ARE GONE, which will be available on March 25. The forthcoming releases feature Reba performing some of the most beloved hymns of all time.

The DVD offers fans a long requested recording of Reba’s 2017 first ever solo headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville,TN, now being released with Gaither Music Group. Featuring special guests Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and The Isaacs, the special combines footage from that historic night along with newly captured 2021 performances recorded at Clementine in Nashville, TN. Hosted by Gospel music legend Bill Gaither, this DVD finds Reba lending her unmistakable voice to classic hymns and newly-written songs of hope. Fans can pre-order the DVD now here.

In addition to the DVD, fans will be able to watch a special broadcast premiere of the performance on UPtv on March 25 at 8pm ET, with an encore on April 4th @ 2am ET.

On that same day, Reba will also be releasing a companion 12-track audio CD which features some of her favorite hymns, as well as special guest feature performances by Lauren Daigle, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and The Isaacs. MY CHAINS ARE GONE on CD is available to pre-order now here.
 

Kenny Rogers' Only Gospel Album To Be Released as Deluxe Edition

A deluxe edition of Kenny Rogers' only gospel album of his career, called The Love of God, will be released on March 25th. This marks the first time this project has ever been available on CD.  

 

Special guest artists collaborating with Kenny on The Love Of God (Deluxe Edition) include the Oak Ridge Boys, Point of Grace, The Whites, and Winfield’s Locket.   

 

The Love Of God was originally released in 2011. At the time, Kenny said, “The Love Of God is the culmination of an idea I had been thinking about for years but never had the opportunity to bring to life. It’s been a musical awakening to me. To all of the wonderful musicians, vocalists, and songwriters who lent their amazing talents to this record, I want to thank you for making it so special. It seems I have a personal relationship with every song on it. For example, ‘In The Sweet By And By’ was my mom’s favorite song. When I was a kid, as I was leaving to go to school, I remember hearing her sing along with the radio. Music is by far the best ‘memory creator’ I know, and that memory is very special to me.”  

 

FAST FACTS

Here is The Love Of God (Deluxe Edition) track listing:

1. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
2. Peace
3. I’ll Fly Away (featuring The Whites)
4. The Rock Of Your Love
5. In The Sweet By and By (featuring Winfield’s Locket)
6. He Showed Me Love
7. Grace
8. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
9. Circle of Friends (featuring Point of Grace)
10. For the Love Of God
11. The Gospel Truth (featuring The Oak Ridge Boys)
12. Amazing Grace
13. Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Dolly Parton Invites Fans Into The 'Dollyverse' And South By Southwest

Dolly Parton is partnering with FOX Entertainment’s Blockchain Creative Labs (BCL) to launch “Dollyverse,” an audience-centric Web3 experience at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals starting next week at welcometodollyverse.com. 

 

To promote the debut of her co-authored book with James Patterson, called Run, Rose, Run, Dolly will make her first-ever appearance at SXSW on March 18th. She and James will speak about the project at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. The event will be moderated by actress Connie Britton.

 

Following the conversation, Dolly will give a live performance featuring songs from Run, Rose, Run, along with a few of her hits.  The entire event will be streamed live for free on “Dollyverse” by Eluvio, which also will power the “Dollyverse’s” NFT sales.

 

The “Dollyverse” will release an exclusive selection of official and certified Dolly NFT collectibles, including limited-edition NFTs of the Run, Rose, Run music album and a limited series of Dolly-inspired NFT artwork, for purchase during and after SXSW. 

 

Dolly said, “There’s almost nothing more important to me than connecting with my fans.  And I’m almost always up for trying something new and different. I'd say releasing NFTs at my first ever appearance at SXSW, with James Patterson by my side, definitely counts as new and different!”

 

Run, Rose, Run is available for purchase beginning this Monday, (March 7th). That night, Dolly will co-host the ACM Awards, livestreaming exclusively on Amazon Prime beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Trisha Yearwood Meets The #BettyWhiteChallenge And Then Some

Trisha Yearwood understood the assignment and got the job done! Monday (January 17th) would've been Betty White's 100th and people were asked to honor her by donating to animal charities on that day on behalf of Betty.  Trisha appeared on TalkShopLive Monday to contribute to the #BettyWhiteChallenge and in just about 15 minutes she helped raise more than $24,000 for an animal charity called Dottie's Yard, according to TMZ. The final total is still pending as donations continued to pour in.

 

Trisha has also reportedly agreed to donate $10,000 of her own.

 

 

Kenny Chesney Sells Music Catalogs

Superstar Kenny Chesney just sold his music catalog to British investment company Hipgnosis Song Management for an undisclosed amount.


The sale, which includes 80% of Chesney’s recorded music royalties, covers the superstar’s discography from his critically acclaimed 1994 debut In My Wildest Dreams through 2017’s Live in No Shoes Nation Chesney. 


The deal totals 22 albums, plus rights to future greatest hits, live albums, and acoustic releases.


A catalog sale craze took off in late 2020 when Bob Dylan moved his massive songwriting collection for a reported $300 million to Universal Music Publishing Group. 
Catalog sales are largely impacting classic rock and pop artists like Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, and Mötley Crüe. Bruce Springsteen holds the largest reported sale moving his life's musical work to Sony in a reported $500 million deal.