Folk Music and Silver Dollar City Legend Violet Hensley and TV star Randall Franks chronicle 10 decades in Hensley’s new autobiography

Violet Hensley signs a book for Silver Dollar City
visitor James Roach in Branson, Mo.

     Co-authors Violet Hensley and Randall Franks debuted the new book with opening weekend signings in Branson, Mo. and Nashville, Tenn.

    

 “Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way: The Violet Hensley Story” reflects nearly a century of experiences through the eyes of Silver Dollar City personality Violet Hensley.

  

   “I never thought I would be writing about my life, my music and my fiddle makin’,” she said. “I could have never dreamed coming from a farm in the backwoods of Arkansas that the things I learned on that farm would make me a TV personality and gain me fame around the world.”

    The Arkansas Living Treasure Award winner from Yellville, Arkansas learned to fiddle in 1928 and make fiddles watching her father George W. Brumley in the community of Alamo, Arkansas in 1932.

Co-author Randall Franks signs a book sharing Violet’s story with
youth fiddlers(from left) Ivy Phillips, Jacob Johnson
and Cara DiGiaovanni at the Country Music Hall of Fame
 and Museum in Nashville, Tenn.

     She is now entertaining Silver Dollar City visitors for her 47^th year and will appear through Oct. 26. She will mark her 98^th birthday during the final week of the National Cowboy and Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City.

    

  Hensley joined in a three-year effort with award-winning journalist and author Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode,” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” to complete her memoir. While Hensley greeted fans and signed books at Silver Dollar City Sept. 27 and 28, Franks did the same at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. as he served as Grand Master Fiddler Championship celebrity host. Franks, is an International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend and champion fiddler who performed with numerous legends including Bill Monroe and Jim and Jesse and guest starred for the Grand Ole Opry for many years.

   

   “It was an amazing experience to work with Violet weekly to refine the experiences from her life and compile a book which not only reflects what many rural families endured in America in the 20^th century but what was most unique about Violet as she grew artistically, to find folk music stardom at nearly 50.”

    

 He said Hensley raised a family of nine with her late husband Adren while he moved the family from town to town and state to state.

Co-authors Randall Franks and Violet Hensley
 saw a fiddle tune together at
Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.

     “With the advent of the folk music revival, Violet’s blossoming musical and fiddle-making talents, caught the attention of Grammy ® winner Jimmy Driftwood and the owners of Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri,” he said. “She joined the crafter’s cast at Silver Dollar City in 1967, becoming part of the City’s celebrities who used radio, television, and newspapers to invite visitors to the amusement park.”

    

 Peter Herschend, Herschend Family Entertainment co-founder and owner, said Violet is one of the City’s most unique citizens.

   

  “In the early years of Silver Dollar City, Violet, Don Richardson and I, along with an interesting assortment of the City’s colorful characters, would spend weeks on the road together…all devoted to promoting SDC,” he said. “I came to know Violet for the amazing wonderful woman that she is. She would amaze us with stories of field plowing with her mules. Then a new Violet would seem to appear when she would sit for an interview with some grizzled reporter (reporters who probably didn’t believe she was real), and she would proceed to win them over with her charm, her skills as an artist, and her talent as a musician.’

“Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way –
 The Violet Hensley Story” is now available.

   

  Sharing her talents in front of millions, Hensley became one of the first woman fiddlers to reach a large international audience appearing at the Smithsonian’s Festival of American Folklife, festivals, colleges, and on countless local, regional and national television and radio shows such as “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Captain Kangaroo,” and “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee.” according to Franks.

    

 “I hope folks will enjoy getting a glimpse at what my near century on this world has been,” she said. “It’s been a hoot so far and what’s even better is while the book is written – the story continues. I hope folks will join me for what is yet to come, they can start by reading the book.”

    

  The 258-page soft cover book from Peach Picked Publishing includes 145 photos and is available for $20 plus shipping.

      For more information about the book, visit http://violethensley.com, http://randallfranks.com/, or order it through fine booksellers everywhere. The book can also be liked on Facebook.

Dunaways Showcase New Release 'Church In The Kitchen' Celebration

Philadelphia, MS (June 18 , 2014) Popular family Gospel artists the Dunaways are excited to announce a huge celebration with the release of their brand new CD 'CHURCH IN THE KITCHEN'.

The OFFICIAL STREET RELEASE DATE is July 19th.

Tammy Dunaway stated “ This may just be the best album the Dunaways have ever produced. We want to thank our good friend Les Butler for his direction and assistance. We would also like to thank Jerry Salley for producing this CD.”

“A lot of time and prayer went into selecting the songs on this new project and I know you will feel the Spirit of the Lord as you listen to these wonderful songs that lift up the name of our Lord.” commented Randall Dunaway.

This will be a ticketed event held at the Ellis Theater downtown Philadelphia, MS.


*Sponsored By: Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction Branson, MO

*With Special Guest: Radio and Television Personality Les Butler

* Also Appearing The Legendary Ronny Hinson

* Door Prizes!

* Ask about (artist circle) Up close and personal with all artists with free gifts and front row seats!

* Also making CD previews will be Jason Davidson and Dathan Wilson.

Press, radio personnel and other media are all invited to attend at no charge. They will have time with the artists for interviews, liners and getting to know each other as media and artists. Working press will need a press pass to qualify for gifts and giveaways.

They are also invited to our Sunday morning church service as well as lunch in our home pool side with both The Dunaways and Ronny Hinson. The cut off for lunch and poolside conversation will be 2:30 PM, so that everyone can get some rest.

Ronny Hinson will also be performing at the church pastored by the Dunaways on Sunday night at 6:00 PM. This will be RSVP only and the deadline is the 10th of July.

Working media can get press passes by calling Tammy Dunaway at 601-655-9930 or the Dunaway Office at 601-5-1-8789 .

In other news about the Dunaways they will also appear at the Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction in Branson, MO on Saturday Sept. 27th more info forthcoming. Tickets are on sale now.

For more information about this spectacular event call the following numbers for details:

Bethany: Dunaway Music Office: 601-501-8789
Tony: Branson Southern Hospitality Tours Office: 417-559-5853

You can learn more about the Dunaways at http://www.dunawaymusic.com or https://www.facebook.com/dunawaymusic .

More information is available about the Branson Dixie Stampede at https://branson.dixiestampede.com .

To book the Dunaways contact Bethany Lemon (In-house Radio Promotions and Booking) at 601-504-8789 .

****

About The Dunaways
The Dunaways are working in full time ministry now celebrating their 20th year. For the past 14 years they have pastored what they feel is the most wonderful church in the world, New Zion UPC in Philadelphia, MS. Their latest recording "It's A God Thing" has been their most successful to date, loaded with chart busters and record sales. Some songs ranking #1 on multiple charts and passing secular and christian music sales on sites such as Amazon and iTunes.

They enjoy living as a very close family both in their feelings for each other and as neighbors. Randall and Tammy are next door neighbors to son Davy, Nicole, Jaxon and Hattie. Daughter Kanah, Josh, Emmy Kate and Ella Klaire live just down the road.

Whether it's pastoring, teaching Sunday School, doing church work, or ministering to people with their music The Dunaways stay quite busy just living for God. It is their desire that the Lord would continue to use them in what ever way he chooses.


About Dixie Stampede

When you think of Branson, Missouri, you think of world class live entertainment. Located on Country Boulevard, Dixie Stampede Branson is the most fun place to eat in the Ozarks.

Visit Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction in Branson, MO for a family feast and fantastic show fun for all ages. Filled with friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, phenomenal musical productions plus a mouth-watering four-course dinner complete with a delicious dessert

Brand New Concert Event Comes To Branson Missouri, Spring 2014

Branson Mo (September 17, 2013) – A fabulous new Gospel music event will be held in Branson, Missouri this coming Spring. The Ozark Gospel Music Convention will be held May 5, 6 and 7, 2014 at The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center. Admission is free and all Gospel music fans are encouraged to make their vacation plans now.

The Ozark Gospel Music Convention will be hosted by partners Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Music Group and publisher of SGN Scoops, award-winning Gospel soloist Ava Kasich and well-known industry personality, Jonathan Edwards. The fourth member of the team spear-heading this festival is Donnie Williamson, of Gospel music’s family group, The Williamsons.

Jonathan Edwards, who will be also be singing at the Convention with his trio, Faith’s Journey, says, “I am thrilled about having some of the best artist in Southern Gospel music coming to an event in Branson. I am looking forward to the music the ministry and the fellowship during these three days.” Ava Kasich is also anticipating a wonderful celebration of music. “I am so honored to be a part of The Ozark Gospel Music Convention and to be associated with such a great group of Christian folks!” says Kasich.

Donnie Williamson is already working hard with the team on events surrounding the Convention. “Well, what can I say? I am so excited for The Williamsons to be part of the Ozark Gospel Music Convention. The most beautiful music in the world – Gospel – will be performed at the most beautiful place in the world, Branson, Missouri. This will be the perfect opportunity to make the family part of a fun filled three days that will create a lifetime of memories.” Williamson continues, “Several of the finest groups in the Midwest will be performing along with great chapel services and other activities. And, there will be plenty of time available to see the wonderful sights of the Ozarks while there.”

Rob Patz is thrilled to be partnering with this group of artists to present the OGMC.“Our team came together with a common goal, to present Gospel music to as many people as possible in one of the most beautiful spots in the U.S. We want to present three days of entertainment, ministry and fellowship, all for free and all to glorify the name of Christ,” says Patz. “Come be with us on May 5 through 7 in the land of the Ozarks!”

https://www.facebook.com/ozarkgospelmusicconvention

For more information on the Ozark Gospel Music Convention, visit http://ozarkgospelmusicconvention.com/ or email Rob Patz at ozarkgospel@gmail.com . The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center ™ is located at 3050 Green Mountain Dr. Branson MO 65616 and online at http://bransonstonecastle.com/

David East Receives Two Golden Heart Awards at CGMA International Convention

Branson, MO - During the 2011 CGMA (Country Gospel Music Association) International Convention, held October 17, 2011 through October 22, 2011, David East received two golden heart awards: Songwriter of the Year, and the Band of the Year award, given to the Hearts AFire! band which he played keyboard for. Ballots were cast throughout the week-long event by the members in attendance.

"It's such an honor to receive these awards, especially since the votes for each one came from my peers in the music industry", said David. "It doesn't happen very often, but I'm left speechless. These folks welcomed me into their organization with such hospitality."

The CGMA awards process, which occurs each year at the Divisional level and at the International level, is not designed to create a competition between the artists; but rather as a means of encouraging and lifting up CGMA artists and members. David had been awarded six silver heart awards at the 2011 CGMA Eastern Division Conference: Songwriter of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, Manager of the Year, Producer of the Year, Favorite Artist of the Year, and with the Hearts Afire! band, Band of the Year.

David says, "Each night before the ballots were cast, CGMA President Billy Hale led those in attendance in prayer, asking God to guide their hands as they voted for the ones who needed it most. I was most impressed by that, and to see the looks on the faces of those who were not expecting to receive an award was wonderful."

You can learn more about the County Gospel Music Association at their website, http://www.countrygospelmusic.com. You can learn more about David East at his website, http://www.davideast.net.

About David East: David East developed his love for music at the age of 8 years old, singing in his home church and at school functions. This love for music led him to first learn to play the guitar, taking weekly lessons for a year and eventually increasing his ability through self-instruction and study. Early in his life, David exhibited a strong ear for music, excelling in both instrumental and vocal performance. David has learned to play a total of 13 instruments, but he’s best known for is his piano and keyboard work. Always a fan favorite, once the big man gets behind the piano you know that you’re in for a wealth of good music and entertainment. His playing is a mixture of several different styles presented with his own flair.

About the CGMA: The Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA) began in 1996 and has been dedicated to ministry since its creation. While we appreciate the music business, and for the sake of our members, do all we can to advance the cause of the Country Gospel genre, we believe every Christian artist should be totally committed to the Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:11) and have as their chief priority, blessing the heart of God. When the song is used as a vehicle for the Savior, it is honored of the Father and may also achieve success within the industry; but the glitter of the music business should never be our objective.