Veteran bluegrass radio host, Appalachian musician and Western stunt performer dies at 94

Harmonica stylist and 60-year radio host Otis Head, age 94, of the Plainview Community, died Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Heritage Health Care in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. He was born near Prater’s Mill, North of Varnell, Ga. at Gobbler’s Knob.
Head was also a prizefighter, Western and Appalachian music promoter and performer and record producer. He began his performance career competing on a talent show in “Doc” Chamberlain’s Medicine Show hosted by country legend Rambin’ Tommy Scott in the late 1930’s.
As a producer, he fostered the careers of multi-million selling banjo stylist Raymond Fairchild; country singer Clyde Beavers and numerous bluegrass and gospel acts. He hosted seasonal western shows in Florida and North Carolina featuring an array of western-themed street plays featuring gunfights for audiences in western theme parks. Head was a quick draw pistol artist and usually played the role of the town marshal in the productions.
He promoted music shows in the Northwest Georgia area featuring Country Music Hall of Famers Bill Monroe and Charlie Louvin, Boys from Indiana, the Bailes Brothers, the Lewis Family, Randall Franks and Raymond Fairchild. His “Otis Head Show” and it predecessors ran on Dalton area radio for almost 60 years with his final live broadcast on WTTI in March 2014. He began hosting live radio shows featuring country and bluegrass in 1959 on WBLJ. He moved to WRCD for 28 years and finally settled at WTTI sharing bluegrass gospel for 27 years.
Head was an entrepreneur and entertainer that opened the Plainview Superette, a grocery store and restaurant, famous for his Otis Burger, north of Dalton, Ga. in the 1940s. Working to meet the changing needs of the community, his business location changed its focus from food to clothing, shoes to videos and finally to a tanning and hair salon.
He was a volunteer of the Share America Foundation donating his time to raise funds for scholarships encouraging youth in Appalachian music. Head was highlighted in Ramblin “Doc” Tommy Scott’s autobiography “Snake Oil, Superstars and Me” in 2007. He was inducted into the Atlanta County Music Hall of Honor for his contributions to music in 2008.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Cleo Head; his first wife, Floy Felker Head; his second wife, Mary Pittman Parris; brothers, Euelle, Floyd, Basil, William, and Dewey Head; sisters, Ruby, Edith, and Betty.
He is survived by his sons, Kenneth O. Head of Atlanta, Chris Davidson of Dalton, Judy (John) Hayes of Dalton; sister, Alise Cline of Palm Bay, Florida; grandchildren, Holly and Keith Rollins, Shana and Jim Medlen both of Dalton, and Glen and Danette Head of Memphis, TN; seven great-grandchildren; special niece, Connie Long; step-children, nephews, nieces; long time friends, Randall Franks, Don and Pam Poteet, Deborah Jones and listeners also survive.
The funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Head is Friday April 11, 2014 at 12:00 pm at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home with Minister Brother Doyle Partin and Randall Franks officiating. Burial will be in Varnell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the following: Central Church of Christ building fund, PO Box 1527 Dalton GA 30720 or the Share America Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 (www.shareamericafoundation.org) or the American Cancer Society.

Dove Brothers Band Announce Americana Tour

Don't Miss Americana Tour 2013!!!

You know what a great time we had last year, and tickets are already moving quickly for Americana Tour 2013:

Saturday February 23 at the Rudy Theatre in Selma, NC

Concert begins at 8:00pm honoring our American Veterans

Featuring the Dove Brothers Band and the Carolina Soul Band.

We will celebrate many different kinds of music including Gospel, Classic Country, Soul, R&B, Pop, Blues, Beach, Motown, and Jazz!!

Call 877-THE-RUDY for tickets and other information!!!

CALL NOW!!!!!

Premier of AcousticMusicPinboard.com

All the acoustic music that's fit to pin premieres on new website: AcousticMusicPinboard.com

(PORTLAND, OR -- Nov 30, 2012) -- A new website has been launched that features news and events in the acoustic music arena. John Hart, founder of NewFolkRadio.com, launched the site October 27, 2012 at www.AcousticMusicPinboard.com.

The news site is designed to allow anyone connected with acoustic music in some fashion to become an author and post images and text. New authors must first register then log-in and post at will. Instructions on how to post are on the site. Understanding that folks in the acoustic music business are busy and may not have time to post, the information can be sent directly to newfolkradio@gmail.com, and the editor will post it.

Artist, labels, festival managers, pr folks, radio stations, and anyone else connected with acoustic music, such as folk, old-timey, and bluegrass, are invited to register and post news, events, reviews, etc. "In this age of discovery by searching, it makes sense to have more than one search result for any given news story or press release you may have, in order to reach a broader audience" Mr. Hart said. "Post on your own blog or website, then add it to AcousticMusicPinboard. Each post is picked up by the major search engines, giving more exposure to the story."

In addition to free posting by those folks in the acoustic music business, the site will solicit articles from established freelance writers familiar with the acoustic scene.

AcousticMusicPinboard.com has been designed in the style of the popular site, Pinterest.com. Images and summary text appear on the main page. A single click on any headline reveals the full story.

AcousticMusicPinboard is a sister site of NewFolkRadio.com, an organizational member of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), and a signatory to ASCAP and BMI.

CONTACT:
John Hart
AcousticMusicPinboard.com
NewFolkRadio.com
503-946-8890 (PT)
Email: newfolkradio@gmail.com
Facebook: NewFolkRadio
Twitter: #newfolkradio

John Hartford News

Pre-order re-release of Aereoplain and Morning Bugle today at JohnHartford.com
All orders will ship on release date: December 4th, 2012

JOHN HARTFORD: Aereo-Plain/Morning Bugle—the Complete Warner Bros. Recordings

Two of the finest and most significant country /folk albums of the ‘70s, John Hartford’s Aereo-Plain and Morning Bugle are being re-issued by Real Gone Music—with Aereo-Plain/Morning Bugle—the Complete Warner Bros. Recordings. It’s a two-CD, 35-track set that includes four unreleased tracks on each album. Liner notes are by music critic Andrew Vaughan and the Hartford family has generously contributed photos from John’s private collection.

In the early ‘70s John Hartford, fresh from TV stardom and enjoying the fruits of writing one of the most popular songs of all time, “Gentle on My Mind” changed the face of country music. in 1971 and 1972 he was responsible not just for two of the finest folk and country albums of the era but for a new style of bluegrass, a style that would become known as Newgrass.

In 1971 Hartford recorded the seminal Aereo-Plain album alongside bluegrass great Vassar Clements on fiddle, master-craftsman dobro player Tut Taylor, gifted guitarist Norman Blake and Earl Scruggs’ son Randy Scruggs on bass. The sound was fresh, innovative and spawned a hoist of imitators. Indeed Sam Bush of the New Grass Revival said later, “Without Aereo-Plain, there would be no ‘newgrass’ music.”

As with most musical pioneers, the album was a commercial disaster at which point Hartford went even more eclectic on the 1972 follow up, Morning Bugle.

This time Hartford just used two musicians Norman Blake again on guitar and a jazz bass player, Dave Holland to complement his banjo (and occasional overdubbed guitar and fiddle). The country-jazz feel and Hartford's esoteric baffled the public even that Aereo-Plain had but critics and musicians were effusive in their praise. Now, some forty years on these recording are regarded as acoustic music classics and this collection is essential listening for anyone who cares about not just John Hartford but for the beauty and power of acoustic music.

New John Hartford Book Coming Soon!

We are looking for pictures and stories



Nashville based music critic and author Andrew Vaughan, whose work includes the best selling book, The Eagles: An American Band, is working with the Hartford family on a very special book that will tell the story of John’s pioneering work in the early ‘70s with the groundbreaking Aereo-Plain and Morning Bugle albums. The book will feature never seen pictures and photographs, behind the scenes details of the recording sessions and interviews with those who were there. As Andrew researches and writes John’s story he’d love to hear from anyone who may have early ‘70s stories of John, photos, even memories of concerts and festivals. You can contact Andrew at andyjohnvaughan@yahoo.com.

Destination: Bean BlossomSecond Annual Memorial Festival, May 31-June 2



Plans are in full swing for the 2nd Annual John Hartford Memorial Festival, Thursday, May 31 through Saturday, June 2, 2012. Once again, the festival is set for Bill Monroe Memorial Park and Campground in Bean Blossom, Indiana. Special thanks to the one-and-only John Hotze for his work organizing the festival and scheduling a who’s-who of artists to perform, with Jamie Hartford on the bill.

After last year’s successful event there will now be at least 10 shows each day on both stages. They will start at 11:00 or 12:00 and run until about mid-night. There will also be plenty of informal jam sessions around the campfires.

To find out more and purchase tickets go to the festival website.

http://www.johnhartfordmemfest.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JohnHartfordMemorialFestival

Artists confirmed so far include: Great American Taxi, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Jamie Hartford & Friends, Bawn In The Mash, Betse Ellis of the Wilders, Blind Corn Liquor Pickers, John Bultman & friends, Branded Bluegrass, Chicago Farmer, ClusterPluck, Deep Fried Squirrel, Flatland Harmony Experiment, Goldmine Pickers, Heathen's Halo with Worley Boys, Henhouse Prowlers, The Indiana Boys, Johnson's Crossroad, Eric Lambert & Friends, Ray Lawrence JR, The Lulus, Lexi Len Minnich, Ma Crow, New Old Cavalry, Colin O'Brien, The Rootdiggers, Ryan Spearman & Kelly Wells, Wayward Roots, Whipstich Sallies, Whiskey Bent Valley Boys, White Lightning Boys, Wil Maring & Robert Bowlin, Woodstove Flapjacks,

Worley Boys with Heathens Halo

For more details and ticket information, visit THIS LINK.

John Hartford featured in New Bluegrass Documentary

Hartford fans should look out for screenings of a new bluegrass documentary, The Porchlight Sessions. Producer Anna Schwaber has lovingly told the story of bluegrass through its fans and musicians and John Hartford, naturally, figures prominently.

Anna explains: “John Hartford's musical legacy is depicted through archival footage, rare photographs, stories, and a musical performance to honor his music and influence. John's scene includes stories from Steve Martin, Missy Raines, and Jeff Hanna. Yonder Mountain String Band perform a tribute song.”

There will be screenings around the country and a DVD will be available soon. Anna says: “People can see the film either in film festivals (upcoming in January), through the Kickstarter rewards (pre-release DVDs will ship out by the end of the year), and through events we are holding around the country that we are scheduling. If anyone is interested in scheduling another screening, then they can also reach out to us about hosting an event in their town.”

So sign up for the film’s newsletter and follow on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news. You can get all the necessary links at www.porchlightsessions.com.

About Us

The John Hartford Office was created by his kids, Jamie and Katie, to carry on their father’s passion for music and for the river. We are committed to furthering his rich legacy of music, performances, stories and adventures at www.JohnHartford.com. Please visit us to learn more about the man and his music.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT IS LOOKING FOR CHOIRS & SINGERS TO AUDITION

The popular television show, America’s Got Talent, announced they are looking for Choirs and singers to audition for the eighth season of the show. All those who are interested can submit a video to the executive producers of America’s Got Talent. For more information, visit: http://americasgottalentauditions.com/

Audie Blaylock & Redline end year with #1 Song Cry, Cry Darlin’ tops Bluegrass Today’s Weekly Chart

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce Cry, Cry Darlin’ from the album, I’M GOING BACK TO OLD KENTUCKY (A Bill Monroe Celebration) by Audie Blaylock & Redline, is #1 on Bluegrass Today’s Weekly Song Chart and #12 on the publication’s monthly chart.  “Audie’s vocal solo on Cry Cry Darlin’ has that soaring high lonesome tenor that will send shivers down your spine,” says Brenda Hough with the California Bluegrass Association.

 

The album has certainly been a big hit with radio with five songs from the album appearing on a variety of charts since the album’s summer release (Cry Cry Darlin’, I’m Going Back to Old Kentucky, In Despair, Mighty Dark to Travel, and Out in the Cold.)  Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine gave this project a big thumbs up saying, “The vocal work by Blaylock and others is topnotch, the instrumental support is right on the mark, and the Father of Bluegrass would no doubt find this release very much to his liking,” with Country Standard Time raving, “Put it on, turn it up, and drift away!”

 

It is no wonder that the album has been a huge hit with fans, radio and media with the wealth of talent led by Audie Blaylock who also produced the album.  He is joined by Redline members:  Patrick McAvinue, Reed Jones, and Russ Carson, with special guests Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Bobby Osborne, Glenn Duncan, Carl Jackson, Lou Reid, and Jason Carter. 

 

Audie Blaylock & Redline are also involved in other recent releases including the new release, LIVE AT BEAN BLOSSOM (with Lonesome River Band, Russell More & IIIrd Tyme Out, Ronnie Reno, Blue Moon Rising, Bobby Osborne and many more) and THE ALL-STAR JAM - LIVE AT GRAVES MOUNTAIN (with the Crowe Brothers, Lou Reid and Carolina, Carrie Hassler, Brand New Strings and more.)

 

Audie Blaylock and Redline plan to kick off their 2012 TOUR on January 20 in Blythe, CA followed by performances in Nashville, TN, Palatka, FL, Leesburg, VA and many more.  For a complete tour schedule and more on the band’s music, videos and more, please visit the band’s brand new website: AudieBlaylock.com and www.facebook.com/audieblaylock&redline

Crystal Music and Promotions-Nashville

'Crystal Music' is one of the most forthcoming record labels in southern gospel music today .Crystal Collins of Betsy Layne, KY owns the record label. A service that Crystal Music offers is also radio promotions.

I asked crystal who some of her southern gospel music influences were and she noted Sue Dodge to be her favorite female soloist, and the Happy Goodmans as well.

The Legendary Eddie Crook will produce for the new label. She said 'Eddie has had quite an influence on  my career, and I'm excited to work with him”. Crystal notes her vision is to further the cause of music, and to share the love of JESUS Christ through the music.

To contact 'Crystal Music and Promotions-Nashville'

    143 Railroad circle Betsy Lane , KY 41605

         crystalcollins_sgmusic@yahoo.com

Haunting new music video by Blue Moon Rising “My Sittin' Window” appears on band’s #1 hit album

BLUE MOON RISING is proud to announce the new music video release of their song, “My Sittin’ Window.”  Clint Keller, a student at Carson-Newman College, served as Director and Producer and provided a mesmerizing view of this haunting tune written by Kenny Denney and Jamie Teachenor.   The song appears on the band’s #1 chart album STRANGE NEW WORLD, produced by BLUE MOON RISING and Grammy™ award winning producer, Randy Kohrs.

 

The video was shot in three days in New Market, TN at the Minnis House owned by Kim and David Stapleton who make an appearance in the funeral scene.  The cast includes Blue Moon Rising band members: Chris West (guitar and harmony vocals), Tony Mowell (bass), and the remarkable lead vocals by Brandon Bostic (guitar).Actors include: Jennifer Walker Ross (appearing courtesy of Talent Trek Agency); Rachel Carter; Jessie Reed; Mark McGinley; Vincent Cox; and Rick Page who plays the lead character. 

 

“My Sittin’ Window” is certainly not the only fan favorite from STRANGE NEW WORLD.  The band’s first single, “Time to be Movin’ On” has had a string of #1s on respected charts such as: Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 30 Hot Singles and SiriusXM Radio’s Bluegrass Junction Top 40 Most Played Tracks and has spent the entire last year on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Songs - reaching as high as #4.

 

Blue Moon Rising includes the talents of Chris West, Brandon Bostic, Tony Mowell and Kris Rasnake. For more information on the band and their music, please visit their official website at BlueMoonRisingBand.com and their youtube site.  

Jay Stone Singers - Evernear

Our Friends The Jay Stone Singers