Remembering Johnny Cash:

I would like to take time every month to write about a Country Legend, and get inside their heads. It would be great to look into country history, and remember those who were considered pioneers, that crafted, and fought to make country music what it is today. You just don't hear new artists on the radio the way you heard Johnny Cash, or Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Sr.

1954 was when Johnny Cash and his wife at the time Vivian, moved to Mephis,Tennesee, where Johnny started off selling appliances, while learning how to become a radio announcer on the side.

At nights, you could find Johnny and his two friends Luther Perkins, which was a guitarist, and bassist Marshall Grant,playing music on the front porch. They called themselves The Tennessee Two. It wasn't long till Johnny and The Tennessee Two went to Sun Records to play for a guy named Sam Phillips, where he was playing a combination of Gospel and Hillbilly music. Sun Records was where Johnny recorded "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line", two songs that changed Country Music forever, and put a jump start on Johnny's career.

Soon after having the big hits with Sun Records, Johnny signed a contract with Columbia Records. From there on, Johnny Cash was dubbed The Man in Black and went on to create history for himself, along with his legend friends.
Johnny Cash has been in jail for pills, cocain, and fought off many demons durning his career. But Johnny came out strong, with his new and final wife June Carter by his side. June & Johnny were there for eachother up until the day June died in May of 2003, then 4 months later, Johnny rejoins her.

Sources: Johnny Cash Online | Johnny Cash Wiki

It Works!

Well, it looks like the blogging software works just fine! Not bad for free software! Like I said in the last blog post, I've been busy with family life and trying to get back in the groove of things. I was up all night last night because both of my kids have a cold, so yeah, it was a long night! I also picked up the guitar yesterday and got my old amp out of the basement! I practiced and played for about an hour and had a nice little jam session by myself.

Merry Christmas

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas here at Nashville Twang! I've been busy the past couple weeks, as you were too! I am testing out this new blogging software, seeing if it works with blogger! If it does, I will probably post again before Christmas. For now, take care!

Shooter Jennings - "Outlaw You" (Official Video)

Shooter Jennings
"Outlaw You"

Shooter Jennings, the son of country legend Waylon Jennings recently released a song called "Outlaw You." The song sparked alot of controversy because it talks about certain country artists "name dropping" famous country legends.

From an interview with CMT, Shooter finds the contervsy funny, because the singer everyone thinks Shooter is singing about, "Jason Aldean," isn't what Shooter was talking about.

Anyways, give "Outlaw You" a listen and write your own thoughts on the song.

Late Night & Alcohol

The best thing about drinking is walking around after your tipsy...not saying that I'm tipsy right now....

Anyways I went to the local Greencastle carnival today and watched Chris Woodward, a local singer from Silver Springs PA.
Chris started the concert out with Waylon's hit, "Good Ole Boys", and played alot of other songs by other artists. In my opinion Chris is on his way to Nashville.He has one hell of a good band, a good voice, and knows how to deliver his songs, and connect with the audience.

Why don't you visit Chris's Myspace, thats right I said Myspace and not Facebook! OMG someone shoot me! All joking aside Chris Woodward has one hell of a thing going and he should keep it up!

Indie Artists

I've reviewed many famous Country Artists on Nashville Twang, and am looking into reviewing some Indie Artists. I you are an independent Artist and want your music to "get out there," then send me an email, or reply to this blog post.

The music I'm looking for is "do it yourself" recordings with original lyrics and music. You must own all the rights to the music, and know that you will not receive any royalty payments if I play your music on here. You will retain and own all rights to your music.

AARON LEWIS - "Country Boy" (Official Video)

Aaron Lewis and his new song "Country Boy" is a rock/country hit out on the airwaves. Aaron song reflects on the way of life of many small town American boys who want to be a rockstar one day . He grew up in a small New England town on a farm that his Grandfather started in the 40s ..It seems that Lewis is reflecting on the simpler time of his childhood versus the high roller life style of a rock singer. Aaron collaborated with Chris young , Charlie Daniels and George Jones on the song. Aaron also speaks of the "evils" of the rock and roll business and how the managers and record executives will tell new singers to change their hair , clothes and lose weight to become famous.. he also reflects on the fact that he has not nor will he ever change for anyone and that he always has been and always will be a "country boy"

Ronnie Dunn Cost Of Livin'

Here is a new song from Ronnie Dunn of "Brooks & Dunn." I'm not sure how many solo songs Ronnie has out yet, but this one really hits the spot. I think he is going to do really good as a solo artist. Its almost like listening to Brooks & Dunn....Ronnie did most of the singing in their past songs lol. Hopefully this is one of many big hits for Ronnie Dunn!

Waylon Jennings...Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way

Of course I couldn't go to bed without hearing my favorite legend now couldn't I? Waylon made his mark in country music, but is often known as a renegade and disliked by the music industry because Nashville built walls that "their" music was played inside, and Waylon tore them down piece by piece...

The Band Perry - If I Die Young

I'm laying here in bed, getting ready to go to sleep and decided to check out The Band Perry on Youtube. "If I Die Young" is one of the best new songs of the year, along with it being their first single. The Band Perry is well on their way!

I can't wait to see what else they come out with in the coming years. I just hope they don't end up another 1 hit wonder. I thought that was what Taylor Swift would have been, but she proved me and probolly millions of other people wrong. What do you think of the Band Perry's song, "If I Die Young?" Comment Below!

Classic Country

How many of you like to listen to classic country music? When I say classic, I'm thinking of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Sr, Jr, Ernest Tubb, and John Prine. Their music will live on forever in our minds, and in out hearts. The sad thing is, not many radio stations play them anymore. They are only interested in playing the new, the fresh, the mainstream music.

I would be you that if you were going to open up a radio station, and you played the old legends 24/7, you would have more listeners than the mainstream country stations. The reason is that old country music has already touched many hearts, and are loved by many fathers, grandpa's, aunts, uncles. Listening to old songs "takes" them back to that "time" they wish they could re-live.

Kid Rock hosts 2011 CMT Music Awards

According to CMT, Kid Rock will be hosting the 2011 CMT Music Awards. How fitting for a rock/country singer, or whatever you want to call him. He has done collaborations with Hank Williams Jr. Randy Houser, Zac Brown Band, Jamey Johnson, and many others.

What is Kid Rock anyways? I think he is just an artist who loves music, no matter what kind it is. as long as it means something and has feeling, its good! Music genre will soon be a term from the past. There are so many sub genres, I think people are soon going to get lost and just go with what they like. Personally, I hate Country Pop and I don't think it belongs in country music at all, but I'm just an old soul. Country rap doesn't do it for me neither. But in later reviews and posts you will see me eating my words because I enjoy Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, and others..even though I consider them country pop. It has to do more with the person and the image just as much as it has to do with the music.