Country Music News Source

Elmo and Patsy are responsible for the most often played Christmas single of all time, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” In 2000 there was an idea in the works, for an animated tv program based on the popular song. Fortunately(not being sarcastic), the idea never made it to the storyboard floor. Here we are 7 years later, and there is a lawsuit against Elmo Shropshire. Elmo and the Fred Rappaport Company, the company that was commissioned to produce the merchandise from the show, never could reach an agreement, so merchandising was halted by Elmo. Well, what did Elmo do, he turned right around and began to sell the merch that was already made for the show. So that’s where we are now. Since Elmo sold merchandise from the failed show, the Fred Rappaport Company is filing a lawsuit. Does this seem kind of odd? It’s like the elves suing Santa.

The first album that I ever listened to was an LP of The Eagles/Greatest Hits. It was my Dad’s. The record was always played when we had to do chores around the house. It was the perfect clean up soundtrack. Twenty years later, The Eagles are still churning out hit albums. Their new album, Long Road Out of Eden, has already sold a million and then some. They have even managed to stay in the top spot after the debut of Garth Brooks Ultimate Hits Collection.

We all remember the zany comedy 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton, Lilly Tomlin, and Jane Fonda. Well it looks like that Dolly is scoring a stage version of the popular comedy. The Ahmanson Theatre will house the performance, in which, critically acclaimed Joe Mantello will direct. Dolly has put her own special touches to the musical by writing a few new tunes for the show. Now I think as long as the right direction is there, I think the main girl performances should not be that difficult to pull off. But I think the role of Dabney Coleman is going to be the hardest to pull off. It’s easy to be mean, but to be that mean and inappropriate is going to take a special person.

Sometimes a songwriter needs more than impromptu inspiration to write a song. Sometimes a songwriter needs to absorb some of the essence of genius that a legend has imprinted upon something tangible. A songwriter’s ‘Oz’ has been created in a new room dedicated to the songwriting prowess of Mel Tillis. Universal Music Publishing Group has constructed a room of Mel Tillis’ memorabilia to inspire songwriters. Included in the room is a framed handwritten copy of “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town.” Mel Tillis and his family were present for the dedication of the room. Mel has written songs for such country music giants as Kenny Rogers, Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, and Alison Krauss.

For some reason I see a long line of songwriters stretched out, and somebody knocking on the door to this room like on a bathroom door, saying are you done yet?

I really do not like the phrase, ‘big things come in small packages’, but with Little Jimmy Dickens I will make an exception. It is pretty much amazing how entertaining Dickens really is. West Virginia is going to induct the stick of dynamite with other artists into it’s Hall of Fame. Among the performances at the ceremony are Kathy Mattea, Allison Krauss, and Mike Seeger. Other artists that are being inducted are Bill Withers (songs such as “Lean on Me”, and “Ain’t No Sunshine”), Hazel Dickens, and George Crumb. The ceremony will take place on November 16th.