Tag Archives: Charlie Daniels

Free Bird!

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” is an iconic song that has ended every one of their live shows for decades. The title is shouted at countless concerts of every artist other than Lynyrd Skynyrd, including country concerts, club shows and more.

There are more than a dozen different versions of “Free Bird” release on various Skynyrd albums alone, varying in length from the demo version at 4:07 in length to an alternate take of the live version recorded for the One More From The Road live album at nearly 15 minutes in length.

The original recorded version from the Muscle Shoals sessions clocked in at 7:26 in length and featured harmony vocals from then drummer Rickey Medlocke.

“Free Bird” was written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant.  Whether you listen to the short version or the long version, it is instantly recognizable from the first note, Gary Rossington’s slide parts and Collins’ solo.

A few artists have covered “Free Bird” giving their own take of the classic, also in varying lengths.  Charlie Daniels and Molly Hatchet have covered it at between roughly 10 and 12 minutes. Country singer Wynonna released a 7:44 minute version on her Revelations album. Joey + Rory released a short 3:49 minute version that has an acoustic bluegrass feel. I love the Joey + Rory version.

In researching the various versions of “Free Bird”, I came across two other versions that I find quite interesting.

The first is from the Vitamin String Quartet, from there 2006 release The String Quartet Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd: This Sweet Home.

The second is from the Lullabye Baby Ensemble album 50 Greatest Baby Lullabies released in 2010. If you have Rhapsody, you can listen here:

Of course, nothing beats hearing “Free Bird” live performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Here are two versions from the 1970’s line-up and the 2000’s line-up.

 

Music Notes for Monday

A few notes about updates and music news:

Bret Michaels will release his newest single “A Beautiful Soul” on April 1. It will be available on iTunes and other digital retailers as well. Checkout bretmichaels.com for more information.

He will also release the video for the song on April 2 in conjunction with his appearance on Oprah’s Lifeclass on Oprah.com.

Michaels’ official YouTube Channel –> http://www.youtube.com/bretmichaelsofficial

Next, a reminder that you can pick up Peter Keys‘ CD at CDBaby, iTunes and Amazon. Autopsy-Turvy is a funky mix of styles and topics that you won’t be able to turn off. Toe-tapping, head-bobbing fun for all. You can also keep up with Peter by subscribing to his YouTube Channel.

Charlie Daniels will release “Off The Grid – Doin’ It Dylan” on April 1. For more information visit CharlieDaniels.com.

Upcoming and New Music Releases

Sources: Webster PR, Facebook

Charlie Daniels – 4/1 release – “Off The Grid – Doin’ It Dylan”
Tracks:
Tangled Up In Blue
Times They Are a Changin’
I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
Gotta Serve Somebody
I Shall Be Released
Country Pie
Mr. Tambourine Man
Hard Rains A Gonna Fall
Just Like A Woman
Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)

The Oak Ridge Boys – 4/15 – “Boys Night Out”
Track Listing:
You’re The One
American Made
(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free
Love Song
Y’all Come Back Saloon
Sail Away
Dream On
This Crazy Love
Trying To Love Two Women
Come On In
Make My Life With You
Thank God For Kids
Elvira
Bobbie Sue

Dolly Parton – 5/13 – “Blue Smoke”
TRACK LISTING:
Blue Smoke
Unlikely Angel
Don’t Think Twice
You Can’t Make Old Friends
Home
Banks of the Ohio
Lay Your Hands on Me
Miss You-Miss Me
If I Had Wings
Lover du Jour
From Here to the Moon and Back
Try

Peter Keys – “Autopsy-Turvy” – Available Now at PeterKeys.com
Track Listing:
Always Never
Freaks
Last Great American Joke
Slave To Prime Time
Universe Within You
Whole Head

Cowboy Troy – 3/11 – “King of Clubs”
Track Listing:
Drink Drank Drunk (feat. Big & Rich and Big Smo)
Club Criminal (feat. Bubba Sparxxx and Sinister)
Giddy Up (feat. Sinister)
Rope It Off
Daisy Dukes And Cowboy Boots (feat. Big & Rich)
Mack Truck (Hick-Hop Version) [feat. Moonshine Bandits, D. Thrash of Jawga Boyz, and John Rich]
Buzzed Up (feat. Goodnight Fellows)
Is Everybody Doing OK (with Mickie James and “The Cowboy” James Storm)

Jo Dee Messina – 3/18 – “Me”
Track Listing:
Not Dead Yet
Strong Shot of You
Love On a Maybe
Breakin’ It Down
Peace Sign
Me
Like a Kid Again
A Woman’s Rant
Take It
I’m Free
He’s Messed Up
Say Goodbye To Superman

Kellie Pickler, Clint Black, The Grascals headline Lipscomb University’s Copperweld Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event March 25

Source: Webster PR

Kellie Pickler, Clint Black, The Grascals headline Lipscomb University’s
Copperweld Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event March 25
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 10, 2014) – Legendary musician Charlie Danielsand Lipscomb University are partnering to raise funds for veterans education with an all-star line-up of artists at the fifth annual Copperweld Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event.

This show, produced by David Corlew & Associates, will include performances by Daniels along with Kellie PicklerClint BlackThe Grascals, the Navy Band Sea Chanters and the American Hitmen along with other special guests who will be part of the program set for Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena.

Tickets are made available through the generosity of the event sponsors.They are available at all Middle Tennessee Daily’s and Twice Daily’s locations and the Lipscomb University box office. Call 615-966-7075.

“It’s an honor to be part of something special like the Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event,” said Black, a popular Country music artist for more than three decades. “As if it weren’t enough that Charlie Daniels asked me to sing—our troops occupy a very special place in our history. We have to do our utmost to make sure the part we play in their history is worthy of their sacrifice and commitment. This event is playing a fantastic role, making higher education a reality for returning veterans. I’m thrilled to be a part of this special evening.”

Daniels launched the event in March 2010 to create a greater awareness of the national Veterans Yellow Ribbon education program and to raise funds for veterans to attend Lipscomb University. Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program offers eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill veterans and their family members an undergraduate degree tuition-free or a graduate degree either tuition-free or at a greatly reduced tuition rate.

Members of the military and their families are invited as guests of the event’s corporate sponsors. Attendees will have an opportunity to make a donation at the event. Proceeds from the event benefit the Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes Fund benefitting veteran students at Lipscomb University.

“Our veterans know that freedom isn’t free, but we think their education should be. At Lipscomb we have a very unique opportunity to help open doors for our veterans through higher education,” said Jim Humphrey, associate dean of campus life and director of veterans services at Lipscomb. “We appreciate Charlie Daniels and his organization as well as those artists who have joined us for this event the past five years. The awareness and funds that they raise for our program are impacting the lives of our veterans and their families in significant ways.”

Daniels will be joined by some of music’s hottest artists. Clint Black, has had 22 singles hit number one on the Billboard country charts. Black River Entertainment artist and “Dancing with the Stars” champion Kellie Pickler released her fourth album, The Woman I Am, last year. Grammy-nominated group, The Grascals, have become one of the most acclaimed bands on today’s bluegrass scene for their innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music. The Navy Band Sea Chanters is the United States Navy’s official chorus. The American Hitmen, Marines and brothers Dan and Tim Cord, formed in the midst of battle in Fallujah, Iraq, and have recently been featured on “America’s Got Talent.” Today, the band also includes former Marine Dan Jarmon, bass guitar, and drummer Phil Snyder.

Event sponsors and donors include Copperweld, Humana, Grand Avenue, Twice Daily, Clear Channel, Shofner Vision Center, Lipscomb, Glover Group Entertainment.

About Lipscomb University’s Veteran Services Program
For veterans who qualify for 100 percent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits Lipscomb University has committed to allocate the necessary funds to allow them to earn a tuition-free undergraduate degree through the Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program. The university also offers qualifying student veterans a variety of graduate degrees tuition-free or at a greatly reduced tuition rate.

Lipscomb University officials believe strongly in helping open doors for student veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Since its inception in fall 2009, Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program has graduated 104 student veterans. Students have performed well academically with 71 percent of currently enrolled student veterans maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, with 13 percent of those maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. This semester, more than 200 student veterans are enrolled at Lipscomb University.

For more information about Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program, call 615-966-5176 or visit veterans.lipscomb.edu.

About the federal Yellow Ribbon Program
In 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill was established as an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001. It is administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Based on a veteran’s length of service, he or she may be eligible to receive the cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state institution of higher education.

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Daily Music Update for February 5, 2014

While I won’t promise daily updates, life gets busy sometimes. I will try to post as regularly as I can about the music stories I see throughout the day. Most are discovered through my Facebook news feed, some are press releases and others are just me adding my notes about various music topics. Here’s today’s updates courtesy of my Facebook news feed:

KEEPIN’ IT COUNTRY Exclusive Review: Jo Dee Messina’s “Me” on Monday – Jo Dee Messina is set to release her new album on March 18, 2014

Charlie Daniels releases OFF THE GRID – DOIN’ IT DYLAN – Bob Dylan tribute album on April 1, 2014

Lynyrd Skynyrd is performing in New Zealand and Australia over the next several days. Rickey Medlocke’s interview with Auckland Now is available online.  This is the first time in the band’s history that they have performed in these countries.

Rolling Stone has released a Reader’s Poll with the 10 Greatest Hair Metal Songs.

Johnny Colt (bass for Lynyrd Skynyrd) is part of a series created for the Weather Channel titled “Mountain Strong” about Jamestown, Colorado, which has been airing this week. Check out the links below for both the interview with Johnny Colt and the segments that have already aired.

Black Stone Cherry is releasing a new album on May 6 entitled “Magic Mountain”.

Peter Keys has released “Autopsy-Turvy” via CDBaby, Amazon and iTunes. Be sure and pick up a copy today.

Stay tuned for the next update from my Facebook news feed and around the web. 🙂

THE CHARLIE DANIELS & FRIENDS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS BENEFIT CONCERT RAISED FUNDS FOR UPCOMING KIDS SHOPPING DAY, DEC 17TH

Source: Webster PR

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GARTH BROOKS MADE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
IN HONOR OF HIS LATE BUS DRIVER JIM PAYNE
Watch video announcement here: Watch | Download

Christmas4Kids_logo_lrgNASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 5, 2013) – Award-winning music Icon Charlie Daniels, who hosts the annual Charlie Daniels & Friends benefit concert for Christmas for Kids, was thrilled to help raise more than enough funds for the upcoming kids shopping day, December 17th.   The money generated by the concert is used to give over 400 Nashville area children from 29 different schools, a day-long shopping excursion at the Hendersonville Wal-Mart.

Fellow artists Justin Moore, Sawyer Brown, Phil Vassar, and Rodney Atkins joined Daniels for his annual concert, which takes place at the Ryman Auditorium and was SOLD OUT.  During that show, Garth Brooks made a special video announcement [ watch | download ] in support of his longtime friend and bus driver Jim Payne, how passed away earlier this year.  Jim and his wife Carla have served on the Board of Directors of Christmas for Kids for many years.

“For me, especially, Christmas for Kids is always about Jim Payne. Jim and Carla are just so sweet people that believe in this effort so so much, so tonight we would like to announce that we are starting the Jim and Carla Payne Foundation for Christmas for Kids,” says Garth Brooks.  “We are going to make sure these kids have a Christmas long after, well unfortunately Jim, we are going make sure that this thing lives forever. It’s gonna live past me and it’s gonna live past all of you.  We are going to make sure of it.  Christmas for Kids can’t thank you guys enough. Thanks for what you are doing for the kids because the true meaning of Christmas is making sure every kid has enough.”

Christmas 4 Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree.

“Big hats off and a big thanks to Charlie Daniels, I love you pal.  Can’t thank you enough for doing this for the kids,” adds Brooks.

The special day for those children that participate in Christmas for Kids consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, dinner, and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Hendersonville Expo Center. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to the Hendersonville, Tennessee, Wal-Mart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat, and $150.00 to spend on anything they want!

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CAROLYN CORLEW, LONGTIME CHARLIE DANIELS BAND MEMBER, CROWNED MS. SENIOR AMERICA TODAY IN ATLANTIC CITY

Source: Webster PR

CAROLYN CORLEW, LONGTIME CHARLIE DANIELS BAND MEMBER, CROWNED MS. SENIOR AMERICA TODAY IN ATLANTIC CITY

CarolynCorlew_MsSrAmerica_reaction_medAtlantic City, NJ (October 24, 2013) – Longtime Charlie Daniels Band background vocalist Carolyn Corlew was crowned Ms. Senior America today at the National pageant at Resorts Casino Hotel’s Superstar Theater in Atlantic City, NJ.  The competition featured 34 women age 60 and older from around the country.  Corlew won the title of Ms. Senior Tennessee April 27th.  While representing Wilson County at the Tennessee State convention, Corlew encouraged ladies that have reached the “Age of Elegance” to consider participating in the pageant.
“I am thrilled, honored and so excited about wearing this crown for the next year,” said Corlew.  “These women were over the top – there were professional dancers, opera singers from Broadway… I sang a bluesy Etta James song and we had a 93 year old that rocked the competition.  I’m blown away.  From this point it’s spirit, mind and then body – it’s gotta come from within.  I’ve got a 20 pound dress on and a crown and I’m proud to represent all the senior women of America!”

Ms. Senior America, established by Dr. Al Mott in 1972, is the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance.”  It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans.  By giving women 60 years of age and older an opportunity to display their “inner beauty,” talents, and elegance, the Pageant seeks to draw attention to the achievements of senior women. The Pageant motivates and encourages women to utilize their full potential and share a positive outlook on life with others. Participants represent a cross section of America.

“Certainly youth is beauty that excites, but age is charm and character that inspires,” Mott said.  “One of the reasons this pageant is thriving is because it’s a celebration of women who’ve reached — perhaps “achieved” is the more apt term, the “age of elegance.”

The Pageant’s philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure.  It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.

“These remarkable women have had successful careers, raised families, survived cancer, strokes, heart attacks; struggled, lived and thrived, yet they remain steadfastly elegant and inspiring,” said Dr. Mott.

For more information on the Ms. Senior America Pageant, visit www.senioramerica.org

Jay Jolley Makes Music City Debut At Mercy Lounge On Tuesday, November 12

Source: So Much Moore Media

Jay Jolley Makes Music City Debut At Mercy Lounge On Tuesday, November 12

Vocalist Brings Country Soul Sound & Full Band To The Billy Block Show

 “This is one of the most powerful songs I have heard in a long time.  Jay’s vocals carry the strong message with class and emotion that tears at the very core of your being.” – Pam Stadel, Digital Rodeo

590Nashville, TN (October 21, 2013) – – Country up-and-comer Jay Jolley makes his Music City debut on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. with a five-song, full-band set on The Billy Block Show at Mercy Lounge’s High Watt Room (One Cannery Row).  The Show streams live online and is archived via USTREAM servers at www.billyblock.com.  For more information, call (615) 251-3020.

Jolley is creating a stir with his current single, the high-impact Charlie Daniels/Doug Johnson/Kim Williams composition, “God Save Us All From Religion.”  The track is moving up the national charts and the video, which premiered globally last month, is in rotation on ZUUS Country, Heartland (formerly TNN), CMT.com, CMT Mobile, GACTV.com and Zuus.com.  The mood-infused clip, produced by Sean Babas (Monster Energy Drink, Chevrolet’s Camaro, Dallas Lovato, Big Sean), is also streaming on-demand on Clear Channel, Buzz Net and Yallwire/Blastro/Roxwell.  Fans can watch it online by clicking HERE.

A pianist with a soulful touch and a singer with incredible range and passion, Jolley is a new name to local club-goers.  However, he’s honed his stage chops and made a name for himself playing State Fairs and Festivals across the Midwest, and overseas at the National Rodeo Association (Mexico), Piccadilly Circus (UK) and on the beach in Masalia (France).  Jay has opened shows (with his own band, as lead singer forThe Notorious Johnnys or as frontman and keyboardist for the band2XL) for top-tier acts The Black Crowes, Sass Jordan, Rick Springfield, Burton Cummings, John Alec Entwistle and UFO.

Jay knows that Nashville’s “rooms” are tougher than most, so he’s bringing along his own band of “name” entertainers and pickers.  Most of the audience should recognize: Ron Pirrone / Electric Guitar(songwriter who has opened for Rick Springfield, Burton Cummings) and Roy Caldwell / Acoustic Guitar (singer/songwriter who has opened for Mick Fleetwood, BTO The Cult, Shooting Star, Kim Mitchell).  Hot players include: John Howard / Bass Guitar (Faith Hill, Randy Owen, Randy Travis, Phil Vassar, Lee Greenwood, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw) and Chuck Tilley / Drums (Dolly Parton, Lee Greenwood, Engelbert Humperdinck, Jewel, Al Jarreau, Delbert McClinton).

Get social with Jay at www.jjolley.comFacebookTwitterYouTube andMyspace.

ABOUT JAY

A native of Michigan, Jolley is currently based in Rochester.  The singer/songwriter enjoyed chart success with his last single, the still radio-active “It’s a Friday Thing (A Little More Country).”  Jay finds joy in fishing, “fixing things,” flip-flops, ice hockey, NASCAR and spending time around the fire pit with his family.  A giving heart, he supports Michigan-based charities Grace Centers of Hope and Operation Injured Soldiers in honor of his late father who served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

APA Kicks Off IEBA Week In Nashville

Source: Webster PR

APA Kicks Off IEBA Week In Nashville
Nashville, Tenn. (October 22, 2013) –  APA agents and artists celebrate the kick-off of the 43rd Annual IEBA Conference during their showcase Sunday night in Nashville at the new Omni Hotel.  The SRO show hosted by Goldy Locks featured performances by Sundy Best, Tonic, Tom Keifer of Cinderella, Charlie Daniels and Chris Cagle.

APA Staffers: Back row L-R: Chris Looney (Agent), Heath Baumhor (Agent), Craig Newman (Agent), Jim Gosnell (President/CEO), Jackie Knobbe (Agent), Frank Wing (Senior Vice President), Steve Lassiter (Senior Vice President/Partner), Bonnie Sugarman (Senior Vice President) and Andrew Buck (Agent).
APA Artists/Agent: Front Row: Nick Jamerson (Sundy Best), Kris Bentley (Sundy Best), Lee Greenwood, Charlie Daniels, Tom Keifer, Lee Roy Parnell and APA’s Ray Shelide. 
Showcase emcee Goldy Locks; Surprise guest Charlie Daniels


Lee Greenwood, Lee Roy Parnell, Charlie Daniels and APA President/CEO Jim Gosnell.

Photos by Bev Moser, Moments by Moser