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Country music icon Charlie Daniels passes away

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Charlie Daniels, Oct. 8, 2018, at Choctaw Casino Event Center, Grant, Okla.

Press Release from Jeremy Westby, 2911 Media, with inserts and photos from Mary Jane Farmer, Scene In Town.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry member, and southern rock legend Charlie Daniels believed in and told musicians, then wrote it in a book, “Don’t look at the empty chairs.”

Now his chair is empty!

Charlie Daniels passed away on the morning of Monday, July 6, 2020, at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Doctors determined the cause of death was a hemorrhagic stroke. Mr. Daniels was 83.

Tanya Wolfe, of Choctaw Casinos, talked with admiration about having hosted Charlie Daniels, at the Grant, Oklahoma, facility’s event center. The second concert was in October 2018, where and when the photos used here were taken.

“We have had Charlie Daniels here twice. Both shows were top notch! The first time he was here, it was only their second stop (show) after losing their longtime keyboardist in a car accident. Even with their loss, they continued the shows and performed at top notch. It had to be so emotional for them because all collateral and marketing was already out and included photos with him.

“They were so kind and great to work with! Not demanding at all and so appreciative. Great group of guys. They love America and aren’t afraid to say it. Their first show, our military had not gotten Osama Bin Ladin yet, and his drum set was a pic of osama with a target on it.  Lol.  I will never forget that.

“And he could still play the heck out of that fiddle!”

Charlie Daniels was a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his contributions to Southern rock and bluegrass in addition to country. From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genre-defining southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, Charlie Daniels left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape few other artists. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor, and a true road warrior, Daniels parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a spotlight supporting the military, underprivileged children, and others in need. The Charlie Daniels Band has long populated radio with memorable hits such as the signature song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

Over the course of his career, Daniels received numerous accolades, including becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008, inductions into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He helped to shine the spotlight on the many causes that are close to his heart. He was a staunch supporter of the military and gave his time and talent to numerous charitable organizations including The Journey Home Project, which he founded in 2014 with his long-time manager, David Corlew, to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by Charlie Daniels.

“I will truly miss my friend and fellow Country Music Hall Of Fame member, Charlie Daniels. He was one of the most honest and genuinely nice people in the business. I will miss our talks. We shared lots of memories and supported each other. My prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.” – Charley Pride

“All of The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened and devastated by this sudden and immeasurable loss. Charlie was not only a dear friend but a patriot who loved Jesus and loved the USA. It is all so very hard to process right now…We will miss Charlie, but we know where he is… The Everlasting Arms of HIS and OUR Savior hold him now…Until The Day Charlie…Until the DAY…prayers for Hazel.” – Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys

Band member and friend

“What a loss and a shock – we can hardly put this in words. Charlie was such a beloved part of our community! He was a great friend and a fellow patriot. I will always cherish the countless shows we worked together over the decades and our backstage talks. He leaves an immeasurable mark on country and southern rock music. Charlie was a great leader and philanthropist, incredibly humble and one of the biggest supporters of our armed forces and veterans. I loved standing in the wings when he took the stage – he was powerful and magical – he left other artists in awe and every audience on their feet! We love you, Charlie, and will forever cherish our friendship.” – Lee and Kim Greenwood

“I recall a show I played in West Texas with Charlie, what a great talent and personality he was, and so respected in the music world. He and his memory are cherished and loved by all.” – Janie Fricke

“I’m hurt. Charlie was one of the nicest guys in country music. He was always there to help anyone and he will be missed by all.” – Johnny Lee

“It’s hard to imagine country music without Charlie Daniels and the world will never be the same. Thankfully he left a legacy like no other that we can reflect on. You are loved and you will be missed!” – Shane Owens

Charlie Daniels with Band Member and Friend

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

Personal note from Jeremy Westby, former Charlie Daniels‘ publicist:
“I had the pleasure of representing Charlie Daniels and his charity, The Journey Home Project, for many years. He headlined a concert at the Air Force Academy back in 1998. I’ll never forget how Charlie could shred that bow and keep the audience at the edge of their seats. I didn’t have the pleasure of talking to him then but as the years passed and my career came full-circle, I did – and then some. Charlie was much more than a client. He welcomed me and my family into his home on holidays, we had media junkets to New York and more wonderful experiences than I can count. To say he leaves an indelible mark on our community is an absolute understatement. I will forever cherish the moments we had, and being part of the team to help guide his induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame will never be forgotten!

My heart goes out to (family) Hazel, David, Bebe, Paula, Angela, Charlie Jr. and the rest of The CDB (Charlie’s band). Love to you all.”

Longtime friend Jerry Bolton, now of the Texas Hill Country said,  “Charlie touched so many people during his life . I’ve been listening to Charlie’s music all day today. Love it so much, plus the Gospel music is so great — that’s a side of Charlie that a lot of people never got to know.

“Charlie was a great friend, a mentor. We were friends for around 30 years. Met  Charlie thru my cousin, Stevie Ray Vaughan . Charlie was a God Fearing Man who believed in the Good Lord Jesus Christ, his family and friends, and the United States of America. We spent many times together talking about these subjects from the bus to the backstage at the (Grand Ole) Opera, Billy Bob’s Texas, and so many other places over the years.

“I have a hole in my heart today because of the loss of my friend Charlie Daniels, but I’m sure there have a Big Jam in Heaven with my old friend Merle Haggard, great uncle Jim Reeves, cousin Stevie Ray, and so many other talented Musicians.”

Mayor Riley resigning

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Mayor Steve Riley and City Council Member (Mayor Pro Tem) Robert Jaska

Story and photos by Mary Jane Farmer. Photos are from previous City Council meetings.

If there’s one thing for certain around Van Alstyne, it is that changes will happen. One upcoming change is that City Mayor Steve Riley will be chairing his last session of the Van Alstyne City Council.

He and his wife, Karen, will be moving to Sherman, the mayor said. Van Alstyne Public Library Director Judy Kimzey said, “Mr. Riley and his wife Karen are and were an integral part of Van Alstyne, dedicating much of their lives to our community.”

The City Council regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night (June 9) at City Hall, and although it is still open to the public, it is still Corvid 19 season, and so viewing will be available by watching the meeting on YouTube and its Van Alstyne channel. (Link/Click here) Those needing to address the Council will need to get hold of City Clerk Jennifer Gould to make arrangements. Call 903-482-5426.

Riley talked freely about his tenure as Van Alstyne mayor, and others who commented indicated that he leaves the city and the Council in better shape than when he arrived.

Riley took over the mayor’s job in June 2018, when he was elected to complete the unfinished, two-year term of the previous mayor, who had resigned. Then, he was re-elected to a new term in 2019. So, after this week’s meeting, he will have served the city for two years, almost to the day.

Riley said it was several business owners and leaders who asked and encouraged him to run for the office. “There was a feeling that previous leadership was not prepared to meet future demands on city resources, and that maybe an outside could bring a new perspective,” he said.

Kimzey said, “Mr. Riley stepped into the role as Van Alstyne’s mayor at just the right time. Effective and diplomatic, Steve continues to run Council meetings with a strong hand.  I didn’t know Mr. Riley before he became ayor and admit some apprehension. He proved to be just as kind and funny on a personal level as he is effective in his role of mayor. Mr. Riley cares about each city department and took special time to ensure library needs were addressed. I will miss his humor and smile and wish he and Karen all the best.”

“What Council and management have been able to do,” Riley added, “is bring a sense of stability and order to daily operations. The budget has been managed and now we plan for the futre rather than react. This gives Council and the (city) manager the ability to manage by objective as opposed to crisis management. We were able to design a system to select volunteers to the various boards. We have much more harmony than before and a sense of common purpose. There are still many different personalities and people don’t always agree. But that is nature and it reflects diverse opinions.”

For himself, the experience has added to his personal growth. “I tell people that as a police commander, there were scores of officers who would immediately move to enact any directive I gave. But, I’m no longer in that environment, and I had (with this volunteer job) to learn patience and a sense of relying on other people to move at a pace comfortable to them.”

Left to right — City Manager Lane Jones, Council members Ryan Neal and Marla Butler, Mayor Steve Riley, and Council Members Robert Jaska, Lee Thomas, and Katrina Arsenault

Riley has been observed at every Council meeting remaining calm and fair, even when he had to be firm. When asked about that sense of fairness and how it developed, he answered, “My sense of fairness has developed from many years of law enforcement. The rule of law is black and white, but people’s issues seldom are. So, I had to learn to work within the system to try and find the best outcomes. But the hardest lesson I had to learn was that sometimes there is not a best solution, sometimes there is only the least worst. So, stand up for your decisions and move on.”

The city will continue to face challenges, and the Covid 19 situation still going on, affecting sales tax income to the city. Riley explained, “We don’t know the entire financial impact of what we have experienced this year. The manager and I have had several conversations and meetings about it. He has developed several plans with various scenarios to present to council.

“The main thing is to have options and let the public know what we are doing. I will say this, with this council and its cohesiveness, what could be thought of as problems will probably never materialize as council and city staff have a great working relationship. Our city manager also almost never presents a single solution to a problem. He presents options so everyone has an understanding and can make the most informed decision.”

City Manager Lane Jones thanked Riley for all he has done as mayor, saying, “Thanks to Mayor Riley for his service to the community of Van Alstyne. You have done an outstanding job of leading. Your kindness, wisdom and love for Van Alstyne will be missed and I, along with the entire staff, express our appreciation for all that you have done.  Thank you, Steve, and we wish you the very best on all your future endeavors.”

City Council Member Robert Jaska, who has served as a city council member longer than the others now serving, is Mayor Pro-Tem

The Mrs. Riley has not sold The Quilt Shop, Steve Riley said, although their classic home has already been sold. He said he has no aspirations to go into Sherman politics, and that it’s “yet to be determined” what personal assets he has learned serving in Van Alstyne that will be carried into his day-to-day life.

Another question asked of our future former mayor was if he was seeing the ‘small-town’ feel still in effect.

“Certainly. Growth is coming, Growth has been coming,” Riley said. “What we have tried to do is manage growth in a positive way. When I began to run for office, I was told over and over how important our downtown was. From what I can tell, this has not changed and almost every citizen I speak with believes our downtown is a gem. Do we need to commit resources and do some development? Absolutely. But everyone wants to preserve downtown and make it better.

“Look at the plans for the (new downtown) park. This will make our downtown a destination and bring a lot of foot traffic. We just had a new retail operation (Van Alstyne True Value) open in downtown. I have heard more positive comments about this than just about anything else. The people in this town take pride in having this hardware store. It gives everyone a sense of community.”

And finally, given a chance in the interview to say anything else he wanted to say, Riley’s smile could be seen when he answered, “Never miss a good opportunity to be quiet.”

 

True Value Hardware Store opens

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Story and all photos by Mary Jane Farmer, Scene In Town

After many months of tirelessly making the property compliant with city ordinances, of choosing which hardware provider would be used, and building a new building on the two acres the family owns, the Van Alstyne True Value Hardware Store opened its doors Monday.
And it was a good opening, with hundreds of people attending, either to make purchases or to just get a good look at this highly-anticipated retail store. Family met each shopper at the door, welcoming them with smiles and tours.
The hardware store is locally-owned and operated by Gerald and Jahron Strother, their daughter Amanda, and her husband,   .
Choosing True Value as supplier over the other options was based on the company’s policy of allowing their stores to decide what they will stock.
The store is resplendent with not only construction-type hardware, but also with (among other things) barbeque, yard and garden, pet, crafts, pool, farm animal feed, and fishing equipment and supplies. True to the ladies’ desire, there is even a section available for their home-preserved and baked items. That section can expand, and much of it was sold on the first-day open.
The Van Alstyne True Value Hardware Store is at 330 E Van Alstyne Parkway, which is the corner of Van Alstyne Parkway and N. Main Drive. They will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Fridays, and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Amanda said they haven’t yet decided if they will be open Sundays. They do accept debit and credit cards, checks with ID, and yes, even cash. The owners are willing to set up charge accounts.

One can go onto Facebook — Van Alstyne True Value, for updates on that and other information. The phone number is 972-658-4234.

J.D. Shelburne honored

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J.D. Shelburne, Courtesy Photo

Press release from 2911 Media, Courtesy photo

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music singer/songwriter J.D. Shelburne has been named by Texas Roadhouse as May’s ‘Artist of the Month’ nationwide. His latest single, “Straight From Kentucky,” which he wrote with Phil O’Donnell and Tyler Booth, will be featured in all 587 locations, seen by over 20,000 guests at each store every month. Former Artists of the Month include John Pardi, Kelsea Ballerini, Granger Smith, Kenny Chesney, Kacey Musgraves, Justin Moore, George Strait and others.

“We are excited to have J.D. on board as our Artist of the Month for May,” says Travis Doster, VP of Communications for Texas Roadhouse. “We are also proud to continue the tradition of promoting rising country stars and letting our guests listen to great music, while enjoying a great meal.”

“As a long-time fan of the Texas Roadhouse brand, I’m so excited to be featured as the May Artist of the Month! This will be my first nationwide promotion. I am thrilled to know that when people dine-in at nearly 600 restaurants nationwide, they will get to hear my music and hopefully become fans. This is another great achievement in my career. I am so excited to be featured by Texas Roadhouse” said Shelburne.

In addition to being the Texas Roadhouse Artist of the Month, Shelburne was selected to be on the cover of the 2020 Kentucky Tourism Guide and was recently featured on the cover of the Kentucky Living Magazine’s April Edition. This well-known magazine will be sent out to 460,000 homes and will instill Shelburne’s admirable sense of state pride in the hearts of many. Along with being featured, Shelburne is one of three finalists in ‘Kentucky Living Magazine’s 2020 Best in Kentucky Awards’ for the category, Kentucky Musician/Band.

To vote for Shelburne as best Kentucky Musician in the ‘Kentucky Living Magazine 2020 Best in Kentucky Awards’ click here.

As one of Nashville’s most popular honky tonks, ‘Ole Red’ has announced that Shelburne has been picked to be a part of their new social distancing series ‘Quarantunes.’ This is a self isolation playlist that features artists that frequently perform live at Ole Red including Blake Shelton, Gwen Stafani, Sundance Head, Ryan Griffin, Ricochet, Rae Lynn, Craig Wayne Boyd, The Swon Brothers, Vince Gill and more.

To listen to the Quarantunes playlist, visit here.

Shelburne has been working nonstop in the studio to bring fans new “windows down” country tunes for the upcoming months. His new album, produced by Phil O’Donnell, will be released in the Summer of 2020. The release will be celebrated back in his hometown ​with a FREE show for fans in Taylorsville, Ky. on Saturday, Aug. 8. This stand out country artist proves his genuine grit and dedication by continuing to keep the music alive for fans.

About J.D. Shelburne:
Nashville-based country music artist J.D. Shelburne was raised on a tobacco farm in Taylorsville, Ky, just outside of Louisville. When J.D. was 19, he found a guitar after the death of his grandmother. He quickly learned how to play it, and began writing and singing songs on his own. By his sophomore year of college, he had found a few gigs at some local bars in Louisville & Lexington area venues, developing a large base of fans along the way.

Fast forward to today, J.D.’s latest album Two Lane Town, is building upon his blossoming career as a modern country singer, songwriter and performer. His debut single and video for “One Less Girl” world premiered on CMT in 2018, and then went on to become a Top 30 Music Row charted song at country radio. CMT again world premiered his second song and video for “She Keeps Me Up Nights” in April of 2019, which peaked at #3 of their 12 Pack countdown series.

At the close of 2019, Shelburne joined international superstars like Lewis Capaldi and Billie Eilish on BandsInTown’s year-end fan favorites list — for playing more shows in 2019 than any other artist on their social networking platform! A global accomplishment for a country boy from rural Kentucky.

About Texas Roadhouse:
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993 and has more than 580 locations in 49 states and nine countries. The family-friendly restaurant is famous for hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread, and a lively atmosphere. In 2018, Texas Roadhouse was named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes. Texas Roadhouse was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Customer Service restaurants in the Casual Dining category in 2019. For more information, visit www.texasroadhouse.com.

Don McClean offers guitar tips

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Don McLean, 2010, Photo by ShakeFrog

Press release from Jeremy Westby promotions

Nashville, Tenn – Songwriter Hall of Fame member and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean continues to be creative, even in times of quarantine. McLean, always wanting to help others, took to his iPhone and made a very special video showcasing unique tips and techniques on playing the guitar, songwriting and live performances. Teaming with USA Today, this exclusive video release is available by clicking here:  Don McLean YouTube Channel.

As social distancing continues, this is the perfect video for anyone looking to gain knowledge of the music industry, songwriting process, or simply desiring entertainment from a lyrical legend. As part of the nearly 30-minute video, fans and aspiring artists will not only enjoy learning historical facts about Don’s career, they will also learn many helpful tools that take a lifetime to craft through success, failure and everything in between.

“I always get asked how I play certain notes on the guitar,’ said McLean. “I figured since I have some downtime I might as well help show all those people who have asked over the years how I do it and it was pretty fun actually.”

About Don McLean:
Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement award recipient, and his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a Top 5 song of the 20th Century.

A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air,” and many others. His songs have been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, Weird “Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, one of McLean’s four handwritten manuscripts of the lyrics to “American Pie” was auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding.

Now in 2020, Don signed a recording contract with Time Life to release his catalog of recordings the new album Still Playin’ Favorites, which will be released in the fall. “American Pie” will be featured in the Avengers Black Widow and the Tom Hanks movie BIOS and much more to be announced.

And when you think things are slowing down, not so for Don McLean! 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of “American Pie” with a World Tour to follow.

To keep up with everything Don McLean and to be a part of his upcoming releases visit his website and follow his social channels linked here.  Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube