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Jerry Jeff Walker joins the Heavenly Choir.

Jerry Jeff Walker performing at Texas Bash 2018 – Gruene Hall — Photo by Axton Deary

Reflecting on the Thursday death of Texas music leader Jerry Jeff Walker… But more reflection on his life.

Jerry Jeff Walker, or for correct journalism, “Mr. Walker,” passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, 2020. Details yet have not been released. He announced a few years ago that he had cancer, but it’s not certain if that’s what took this man who influenced and encouraged so many Texas musicians and songwriters.

Jerry Jeff was the groundbreaker in the 1970s ‘Progressive Country’ or ‘Redneck Rock’ music phenomenon, the first time country music broke from what Nashville said goes. And it took off in a hurry, with no dramatic changes until Red Dirt music traveled from north Oklahoma to Texas.
He penned such iconic and multi-covered songs as “Mr. Bojangles,” and also took songs written by his friends to the top, including the now-late Chuck Pyles’ “Jaded Lover” and several by his good pal, Guy Clark, now also deceased.

Jerry Jeff Walker and son, Django, perform Guy Clark’s “The Cape.” — Photo by Axton Deary

Jerry Jeff played the Kerrville Folk Festival several times when I worked as assistant to the producer. I do hope he and (KFF producer) Rod Kennedy are catching up on old times in Heaven, along with so many of the others who graced that infamous stage.

The story attached was written two years ago by my buddy, Claude Webb, with photos taken by former Scene in Town writer, Axton Deary.  http://sceneintown.com/?p=761717

One can download many, if not all, of Jerry Jeff’s albums on the various sites. I’ve got my albums put up for good care. He always made sure I had a copy of his latest recording.
My heart goes out not only to his Jerry Jeff’s wife, Susan, but also to their children and to all those who played with Jerry Jeff over the years, The Lost Gonzo band, which included Gary P. Nunn and Bob Livingston, plus so many others.

Charley Pride being honored again

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Press release from 2911 Media. Photos by Mary Jane Farmer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Country Music Association has revealed its 2020 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient—trailblazing country music star (and Texan) Charley

Charley Pride

Pride will accept the honor during ‘The 54th Annual CMA Awards,’ broadcasting live from Nashville’s Music City Center Wednesday, Nov. 11 on ABC. Further details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

“Charley Pride is the epitome of a trailblazer,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Few other artists have grown country music’s rich heritage and led to the advancement of country music around the world like Charley. His distinctive voice has created a timeless legacy that continues to echo through the country community today. We could not be more excited to honor Charley with one of CMA’s highest accolades.”

The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is for an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in country music. The Award was established to recognize an artist who has achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level. The artist receiving this Award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre throughout a course of years that have proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike.

Previous recipients of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include Willie Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), and Kris Kristofferson (2019).

Charley Pride

Through a mix of courage, determination, and extraordinary talent, Pride made country music history by becoming the genre’s first black superstar. The country legend has seen remarkable longevity in his career, which spans more than five decades. His distinctive baritone voice allowed him to take almost every song he touched into the Top 10, if not the No. 1 position, typically spending multiple weeks there. Between his chart debut in 1966, and 1989, Pride had 29 No. 1 country hits and over 50 Top 10 tracks, including enduring classics like “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” (1970), “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” (1971), and “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” (1969).

In 1971, he was named CMA Entertainer of the Year as well as Male Vocalist of the Year in both 1971 and 1972. Pride was also the first black man to co-host the CMA Awards, taking the reins in 1975 alongside Glen Campbell. He became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1993 and in 2000, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He holds three Grammy Awards and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Recording Academy in 2017.

More About Charley Pride:

Charley Pride is celebrating more than 50 years as a recording artist. He has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in the history of country music and is credited with helping to break color barriers by becoming the first black superstar within the genre. A true living legend, he has sold tens of millions of records worldwide with his large repertoire of hits. A three-time GRAMMY® award and Recording Academy “Lifetime Achievement Award” winner, Pride has garnered no less than 36 chart-topping country hits, given the Country Music Association’s “Entertainer of the Year” award in 1971, and the “Top Male Vocalist” awards of 1971 and 1972. A proud member of the Grand Ole Opry, Pride continues to perform concerts worldwide and has toured the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand over the last several years.

Follow Charley Pride on Facebook and at CharleyPride.com.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety in the Law

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Photo courtesy of Chris Jennings

While driving in a residential area a few weeks ago, I saw a woman and two children (presumably a mother and her kids) riding bicycles. She was leading them through the streets. My first thought was, “What a nice way for family time during this pandemic.”

Then, I saw that she didn’t stop and have them stop for a stop sign. Instead, they barreled through it and then again ignored the next stop sign. My thoughts changed to, “She should be teaching them rules of the road.”

Years ago, when teaching driver education, a student told me he’d gotten a speeding ticket while on his bicycle. He said he was going down a hill and picked up good speed. But, the speed limit there was 30 MPH, as it is in all residential areas in Texas, unless there is a speed limit sign depicting higher or lower limits.

Then, today, got this from Texas Department of Transportation, giving statistics on their new Safety Campaign. Very glad to see this…

TxDOT press release — Fatalities from crashes involving pedestrians are on the rise in Texas and now account for nearly one in five of all of the state’s traffic deaths. Last year, 668 people died in pedestrian-related crashes in Texas, up by 5% from 2018, and more than 1,300 were seriously injured. Crashes involving bicyclists in 2019 also claimed the lives of 68 people and seriously injured 313. These numbers follow an alarming trend that has seen pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities increase over the last five years. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

“Whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot, or riding a bicycle , we’re reminding Texans to make traffic safety their number one concern when they’re out and about,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of looking after ourselves and others in our communities, and we’re asking the public to apply that same responsibility to safely sharing the road and obeying traffic laws.”

TxDOT wants people to know and follow state laws for safe driving, walking and biking. State laws mandate stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists when turning, and passing cyclists at a safe distance and giving them room to ride.

Pedestrians should cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks, obey all traffic and crosswalk signals, and always use sidewalks when available. If there isn’t a sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the street or road, facing oncoming traffic.

Like drivers, bicyclists are required to obey all traffic signs and signals, including stopping at red lights and stop signs. State laws also dictate that those who ride bicycles must use hand signals when turning or stopping, ride with traffic, use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb, and when riding at night, make sure their bikes have a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” and TxDOT’s pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative are key components of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

Mac Davis Passes Away

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Mac Davis
Courtesy photo

Texas native Mac Davis, country music icon passed away Tuesday (Sept. 29, 2020). He died away following heart surgery, according to other sources.

This is a press release from Jeremy Westby of 2911 Media, Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Member Mac Davis has passed away at age 78. Some of his most legendary hits as an artist include, “Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me,” “Naughty Girl,” “Texas In My Rear View Mirror,” and “Hooked On Music.” As a songwriter, Davis penned hits for artists such as Nancy Sinatra, Elvis Presley, B.J. Thomas, Bobby Goldsboro, Vicki Carr, Perry Como, and many more. While living in California, Davis began acting, appearing in The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard In Hollywood, Murder She Wrote, Where The Red Fern Grows, Beer For My Horses, and more. Davis was not only a poetic prodigy, but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, Mac Davis.

“American music has just lost a premiere singer, songwriter, entertainer, and a genuinely great human being. In a year already fraught with sacrifice and loss this is another one that is hard to process. Goodbye Mac Davis… until the day…” – Joe, Duane, William Lee, Richard – The Oak Ridge Boys

“Mac Davis was such a great guy and an amazing writer. One of the best in the business and a wonderful friend. This is a huge loss to the music industry. His family is in my prayers.” – B.J. Thomas

“There’s no way to express the grief that we feel about Mac Davis. The entertainment industry will miss this great talent and beautiful American. We pray for his family and those that love him” – Lee Greenwood 

“This is another loss for the greatest era in American contemporary music with the passing of this extremely talented soul, Mac Davis” – Sam Moore

“I cherish the tours I had with Mac Davis and was thrilled to work the Nevada casinos with him. He made a huge impact in our world of country music, and greatly respected. Love you Mac.” –  Janie Fricke

“We’ve just lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters that I’ve known in my lifetime. Say Hello To Heaven Mac Davis.” – David Frizzell

“I’m so very heartbroken with the loss of Mac Davis, one of the world’s greatest writers, singers, and actors, but above all of that, he was a dear friend. He was always quick to shed light on other’s talents and help them shine. I’m grieving for his precious wife Lise and their family. I pray God will comfort her during this very sad and difficult time. I’ll always cherish the memories he pressed between the pages of my mind.” – Kelly Lang

“Mac Davis was a music trifecta: he could write, he could sing, he could entertain—and he was great at all three. In the mid-’70s, I remember inching up to the television as a boy and watching the Mac Davis Show. My favorite part of the show was when Mac ventured into the crowd and asked the audience members to shout out a person, place, or thing. He then asked them to give him a scenario, and on the spot, he would make up a song. No wonder he became a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

It was a big moment for me when I met and worked with my hero years later. The last time I saw Mac we were in the studio together and he was singing me one Beatles’ song after another as his alter ego Max Birnbaum. I laughed until I cried. Mac had a wicked sense of humor. He will be missed. We have lost one of the greats.” – Tim Atwood

“I came across Mac Davis telling a story about Elvis. He’d been invited to see a movie with Elvis at a theater. He told the story in such a warm and funny way that I watched him tell it several times and actually wished I could have met him. Then I learned that he wrote the song “Memories” and I was really moved. This is such a beautiful, incomparable song that words can’t express my admiration for it. Here’s to Mac Davis. You were a Good Ol Boy for sure and I sure wish I could have met you for a beer or two.” – Don McLean

“I am praying for my friend Mac Davis and his family. I can’t believe this and will see you on the other side. I love you Mac!” – Johnny Lee

“I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Mac Davis. I met him at Vince Gill’s golf tournament and I saw him at that same event for several years. He was always fun and funny! What a songwriter.  “In The Ghetto” is one of the best songs ever! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless.” – T. Graham Brown

“Thank you Mac for all the amazing songs you’ve contributed and shared with the world …. “A Little Less Conversation” and a lot more. God bless.” – Andrew Farriss 

“Bunches and bunches of love with angels all around. Love you Mac!” – Lacy J. Dalton

“It’s strange, out of the blue last week, I was thinking about Mac Davis and his television show I watched when I was young. I thought that the most memorable part of the show is when he would go into the audience and ask someone to make up a song title. He would then, on the spot, create a small song with the title. It was incredible. He was an unbelievable songwriter and singer and will be so missed.” – Jeff Carson

Oak Ridge Boys to perform the National Anthem at World’s Champion Horse Show

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Press release from 2911 Enterprises, with additional info and photos by Mary Jane Farmer, Scene In Town

Performance marks The Oak Ridge Boys‘ 45th consecutive appearance at The Kentucky State Fair

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky State Fair announced that legendary country music quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys will perform the national anthem on Saturday, Aug. 29, at The World’s Championship Horse Show. The performance will mark the group’s 45th consecutive appearance at the Kentucky State Fair, a record unmatched by any other touring act.

The Oak Ridge Boys were originally scheduled to perform on the Fair’s Texas Roadhouse Concert Series stage. However, the modification of the 2020 Kentucky State Fair as a participant-only show necessitated the cancellation of the full performance. In spite of that, The Oak Ridge Boys were determined to find a way to keep their record of consecutive performances going.

Extraordinary cooperation between The Kentucky State Fair, The World’s Championship Horse Show, and The Oak Ridge Boys is keeping this remarkable record intact. Continued support from Texas Roadhouse includes catering for the band provided by the Louisville-based company.

Duane Allen, lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys said, “The Kentucky State Fair is always circled on our calendar. It’s an honor to perform the national anthem at The World’s Championship Horse Show this year. We can’t wait for this very special opportunity.”

Attendance at The World’s Championship Horse Show will be limited to participants only. Pay-Per-View live coverage event is available.

The 2020 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 20-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.orghttp://www.kystatefair.org or find the Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or its blog.

About The Oak Ridge Boys:
The Oak Ridge Boys have sold over 41 million units worldwide and are synonymous with “America, apple pie, baseball, and country music.” In addition to their awards and accolades in the country music field, the Oaks have garnered five GRAMMY® Awards, nine GMA DOVE Awards, and two American Music Awards. The group—Joe Bonsall (bass singer), Duane Allen lead singer,(born in Lamar County, near Paris, Texas), William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban, members of the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame (2015 Inductees) and the Grand Ole Opry (since 2011)—is known worldwide as one of recording history’s most extraordinary musical successes. They have charted single after single and album after album, celebrating two double-platinum albums and more than 30 Top 10 hits, including No. 1 chart-toppers “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” and “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” among dozens more.

Lead singer Duane Allen is a 1966 graduate of East Texas State University (Commerce, Texas),  is an inductee into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame and in 2014, was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, which also inducted the other three in the trio as honorary inductees.

The Oak Ridge Boys are scheduled to play at the Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center St., in Arlington on Saturday, Sept. 26. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

For more information and to view upcoming tour dates for The Oak Ridge Boys, please visit oakridgeboys.com.