RY COODER, SHARON WHITE AND RICKY SKAGGS TEAM FOR "COODER-WHITE-SKAGGS" NATIONAL TOUR

Photo Credit: Erick Anderson / eafoto


Nashville, Tenn. (May 5, 2015) - World-renowned guitarist Ry Cooder, country music songbird Sharon White and country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs are combining forces for a national road show.

Today, the three music vets announced the "Cooder-White-Skaggs" tour, their maiden voyage as a musical trio. The tour kicks off in Salt Lake City this June and will continue with scheduled performances in Denver, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, New York City and more.

"Getting to work with Ry Cooder has been a dream of mine for a long time. He is a world-class musician," notes Skaggs. "We met at a GRAMMY Awards show many years ago and thought it would be a blast to do something together sometime, and now we're getting to create new sounds around old music. But the best part is getting to share the stage every night with my wife and sweetheart Sharon White. My heart is full!"

In a most exceptional pairing, master multi-instrumentalists Cooder and Skaggs will come together on stage to deliver a revelatory program of blues, gospel, and bluegrass music. They will be joined by White, one of the purest voices in country music, Joachim Cooder on drums, and Mark Fain on bass with occasional guest performances by Buck White and Cheryl White of The Whites.

"I always love singing and playing music with Ricky... he's just my favorite in every way!" says White. "And we are both so excited to be doing shows this year with Ry Cooder. What an incredible artist! He is truly a 'one-of-a-kind' musician! Ricky and I share Ry's love for traditional country, bluegrass, and old-time gospel music. He is passionate about doing music that is authentic and real. It's infectious!"

"'Cooder-White-Skaggs' is the legacy express, or I'll eat a bug," quips Cooder. "You are going to hear four-part singing from the heart, the finest and best instrumental activity in the land, songs you know and love and to top it off, the indomitable Buck White on piano who will turn your money green. Now who's happy? That's the way we're gonna stay so knock on wood!"

"Cooder-White-Skaggs" 2015 Tour Schedule:

June 16 - Salt Lake City, UT - Red Butte Garden
June 17 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen
June 19 - Boulder, CO - Chautauqua Auditorium
June 21 - Telluride, CO - Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 22 - Denver, CO - Denver Botanic Gardens
July 17 - Milwaukee, WI - The Pabst Theater
Sept 30 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery
Oct 2 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
Oct 3 - San Francisco, CA - Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fest
Oct 5 - Arcata, CA - Van Duzer Theatre
Oct 6 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater
Oct 7 - Seattle, WA - The Moore Theatre
Nov 10-11 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere
Nov 14 - New York City, NY - Carnegie Hall
Nov 17 - Boston, MA - Berklee Performance Center
Nov 18 - Portland, ME - State Theatre

About Ry Cooder
Ry Cooder is a virtuoso roots guitarist who is steeped in the blues but has spent much of his career exploring new musical worlds from Tex-Mex to Cuban bolero. He has won 6 GRAMMY awards, most recently for Best Traditional Latin Album (2003) and Best Pop Instrumental Album (2003). In 1997, Ry Cooder traveled to Cuba to produce and play with a group of musicians who had little exposure outside of their homeland. The resulting album, Buena Vista Social Club, was a platinum-selling international success that made stars of Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, and Ruben Gonzalez, and earned Cooder another GRAMMY. He has collaborated with an incredible variety of artists over the years including Flaco Jiménez, The Chieftains, Ali Farka Toure, John Hassell and Manuel Galban. Ry has written scores for over 16 major motion pictures for directors for Walter Hill, Mike Nichols, Louie Malle, Tony Richardson and Wim Wenders. In 2011, City Lights published his critically acclaimed book "Los Angeles Stories." Ry Cooder has released 17 solo records since 1970 as well as several compilations.

About Sharon White
As a member of beloved country-gospel family band, The Whites, Sharon White has been making music alongside her father Buck and sister Cheryl for more than 40 years. Both with The Whites and as a solo artist, Sharon White has won multiple awards, including GRAMMY, CMA and Dove Awards, among others. The Whites have been esteemed members of the Grand Ole Opry since 1984, and they appear on the world famous Opry stage nearly every weekend. Sharon White and her family trio became well known for their string of Country hits in the 1980s, including "Hangin' Around," "Give Me Back That Old Familiar Feeling," and "Pins and Needles." With the release of Hearts Like Ours (2014), a dream came true for Sharon and her husband, country and bluegrass music legend Ricky Skaggs. Previously in 1987 the pair won a CMA Vocal Duo of the Year award for "Love Can’t Ever Get Better Than This." This first-ever studio album is produced by Skaggs and White and features the couple dueting on handpicked country love songs.

For more information on Sharon White, visit www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com.

About Ricky Skaggs
Over the course of his 40 plus year career, Ricky Skaggs has won 14 GRAMMY Awards, 8 CMA Awards, 9 ACM Awards, 11 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Assn.) Awards, 9 ICM Awards, 2 Dove Awards, 3 honorary Doctorate degrees and countless other awards. Ricky has had 12 #1 singles on the Billboard Country charts and 12 Top 20 Country albums, along with twelve consecutive GRAMMY-nominated albums, all from his own Skaggs Family Records label. In 2012, Ricky Skaggs was inducted into the GMA’s Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. That same year, Ricky received the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award from the Academy of Country Music (ACM). In 2013, Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs released his first-ever autobiography, "Kentucky Traveler: My Life In Music." The book details the life and times of Skaggs and provides a descriptive history of Country and Bluegrass music, as told by the master himself.

For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.rickyskaggs.com.

COUNTRY MUSIC STARS REACT TO PASSING OF LITTLE JIMMY DICKENS

Nashville, Tenn. (January 3, 2015) - The country music industry is in mourning following the death of the iconic and beloved Little Jimmy Dickens. Dickens passed away yesterday at the age of 94.

"I have known Little Jimmy Dickens for 60 years. Little Jimmy Dickens was a little man with a big heart and the best entertainer that ever stepped on the Opry stage. Keep em laughin, Tater."
-Mel Tillis

"Little Jimmy Dickens was one of the greatest entertainers I ever knew. His country charm, sharp wit, and graciousness made him a star that everyone wanted to meet. I'll miss him very much."
-Ricky Skaggs

"Pound for pound, inch for inch, 'Tater,' he loved for us to call him 'Tater' after his big hit, 'TAKE AN OLD COLD TATER AND WAIT,' was the GREATEST ENTERTAINER in the history of the world. PERIOD!! And he was a nice man. What else can I say. I loved him and will miss him."
-Larry Gatlin

"He could give any entertainer on that stage a run for his money when it came to charming the audience. He was hilarious and a classic. It's just never gonna be the same."
-Pam Tillis

"One of the greatest things I've passed down to my boys was my friendship with Little Jimmy Dickens. We will miss him."
-Aaron Tippin

"I loved Little Jimmy Dickens. He was always such a nice, nice man to me since the first time I ever met him and I think a lot of us in the industry are going to really miss him. He was a friend to all of us. God Bless him."
-Sammy Kershaw

"This great man asked me for a picture and an autograph the first time we played the Opry. I was shocked. I know the world will feel this loss. God Bless!"
-Doug Gray / The Marshall Tucker Band

"Little Jimmy Dickens was an American original, the likes of which we will never see again. We'll miss him and his talent very much."
-The Bellamy Brothers

"There are no words to express what this does to our music community. We are honored to have shared the stage and smiles with the greatest Opry performer of all time."
-Larry Stewart / Restless Heart

"Little Jimmy Dickens was a giant in the world we call country music. A patriarch. One who stood among the legends and cast a great shadow as an entertainer. He will be greatly missed. He truly was Mighty Mouse in a rhinestone suit. Rest in Peace, Tater."
-Marty Raybon / Shenandoah

"It takes a mighty BIG person to laugh at yourself and invite others to laugh along with you. Little Jimmy made a career out of that. Of all the different art forms, nothing can compete with a good laugh. Thank you for that Jimmy and rest in peace little buddy."
-Billy Dean

"Country music and the Opry has lost a true living legend but Heaven has gained one of the funniest, sweetest, and kindest, talented spirits to ever grace its streets."
-Jeff Bates

RICKY SKAGGS AND SHARON WHITE JOIN HANDS FOR FIRST-EVER STUDIO ALBUM

Legendary Country Music Couple to Release HEARTS LIKE OURS on September 30, 2014

NASHVILLE, TENN. (August 19, 2014) - On August 4, country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White (of country music's The Whites) celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary.  Over the course of more than three decades of marriage, Skaggs and White have savored every moment of their lifelong commitment to one another.  With both of their respected careers cemented into the country music history books, one might find it hard to believe that the couple has never recorded an album together.  That all changes on September 30, 2014 when Skaggs and White release their first-ever studio album, Hearts Like Ours.   In 1987, the pair won a CMA Vocal Duo of the Year award for "Love Can’t Ever Get Better Than This," but White was touring with her family band and Skaggs was on fire with his solo career, so releasing a full project wasn't possible at the time.  Skaggs and White are beyond thrilled to finally release their first full project.   "Hearts Like Ours is a dream come true for Sharon and I," says Skaggs.  "Being married for 33 years, you really get to know someone's heart. I know hers and she knows mine, and you can hear that on this CD.  I loved getting to work with her.  She knows what she wants."   White notes, "I am so happy that Ricky and I have finally done a duet CD, which we have wanted to do for years and I think our hearts are in the right place to do this now.  It was great to pick songs together and share ideas about how we wanted to do them.  I have always enjoyed making music with Ricky so this album is the fulfillment of a dream of my heart."   The 13-track album, releasing on Skaggs Family Records, is produced by Skaggs and White and features the couple dueting on handpicked country love songs.  The album includes songs written by some of the industry's top songwriters including Connie Smith and Marty Stuart-penned tunes, "Hearts Like Ours" and "I Run To You," Bob DiPiero and Keith Sewell's "Forever's Not Long Enough," Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz's "Hold On Tight (Let It Go)," Leslie Satcher and Buddy Jewell's "When I'm Good And Gone" and the late Townes Van Zandt's "If I Needed You," among others.   Hearts Like Ours will be available in-stores and digitally on release day.  Album pre-sales are available now at www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com.   About Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White With 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY® Awards, eleven IBMA Awards, eight ACM Awards and eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music.  Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows.  Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, continue to keep the tour trail red hot, performing more than 80 live dates each year.  He started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive GRAMMY®-nominated albums.  Last year, the Grand Ole Opry member released his first-ever autobiography, "Kentucky Traveler."  The book details the life and times of Skaggs and provides a descriptive history of Country and Bluegrass music, as told by the master himself.   Sharon White is a member of beloved country-gospel family band, The Whites, and has been making music alongside her father Buck and sister Cheryl for more than four decades.  They originally began as a Bluegrass group, but the family trio became well known for their string of Country hits in the 1980s, including "Hangin’ Around," "Give Me Back That Old Familiar Feeling," and "Pins and Needles."  The Whites are Grand Ole Opry members and combine a respect for – and mastery of – traditional country and bluegrass with a refreshing style in each of their performances.  They were involved in the 2001 hit movie and soundtrack, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and have gone on to win multiple awards, including GRAMMY®, CMA and Dove Awards, among others.   For more information on Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, visit www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com.   Hearts Like Ours Track Listing:   1.  I Run To You 2.  Love Can't Ever Get Better Than This 3.  When I'm Good And Gone 4.  Forever's Not Long Enough 5.   If I Needed You 6.   I Was Meant To Love You 7.   It Takes Three 8.   Reasons To Hang On 9.  Hold On Tight (Let It Go) 10.  No Doubt About It 11.  Home Is Wherever You Are 12.  Hearts Like Ours 13.  Be Kind

RICKY SKAGGS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR “KENTUCKY TRAVELER”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 20, 2013) – Bluegrass and Country Music iconRICKY SKAGGS has just about done it all over the course of his 50+ years in music. With hundreds of career accolades and countless life experiences under his belt, Skaggs certainly has a story to tell.
Now, for the first time, Skaggs is ready to tell the story of his life with the release of his personal autobiography,“KENTUCKY TRAVELER”(It Books). Skaggs will release this unprecedented piece of Bluegrass and Country Music literature on August 13, 2013.

“Kentucky Traveler” is an honest, deeply American story of the power of faith, family, and music from one of America’s most beloved Bluegrass and Country artists.

Unlike other farm boys growing up in the small town of Cordell, Kentucky, Skaggs learned to play the mandolin at five years old. Sure, plenty of other mountain boys plucked guitars or fiddles, or learned the old songs their grandparents taught them. But few tried and fewer still mastered the mandolin. By the time he was six years old, Skaggs’ talent was clear enough that his daddy knew he had to get that boy onstage. When Bluegrass master and mandolin virtuoso Bill Monroe rolled into a nearby small town, Ricky was there. As the crowd cheered, “Let little Ricky sing one!” so began a storied life in music.

With Monroe as a mentor and with a family who supported him at every turn, Skaggs joined the Clinch Mountain Boys band and became a professional musician at age fifteen. By twenty-one he was already considered a star in the Bluegrass world. Skaggs would eventually move away from his roots into the world of mainstream country music—and in doing so, became a country legend and a household name.

Despite the hit singles, gold records, and successful tours, Skaggs knew there was more to his mission. With a failed marriage and a sometimes strained relationship with his children, Skaggs had to make a choice. He would follow God’s plan, and rededicate his life to Christ, to his family, and to the music that made him. He would carry the torch lit by his musical heroes Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, and Bill Monroe and, most important, live the life and play the music that would make his mom and dad proud. Telling the intimate stories of a successful career built on passion, drive, and faith, sharing tales of his influences, and fondly recalling the instruments that have shaped his sound over the years and the friendships that have shaped his life, Skaggs paints a unique insider look at the evolution of bluegrass.

In “Kentucky Traveler,” the music legend who revived modern Bluegrass music, Ricky Skaggs, gives a warm, honest, one-of-a-kind memoir of decades in music—along with the Ten Commandments of Bluegrass, as handed down by Skaggs’ mentor Bill Monroe; the Essential Guide to Bedrock Country Songs, a lovingly compiled walk through the songs that have moved Skaggs the most throughout his life; Songs the Lord Taught Us, a primer on Skaggs’ most essential Gospel songs; and a bevy of personal snapshots of his musical heroes. For readers of Johnny Cash’s autobiography, lovers of “O Brother Where Art Thou,” and fans of Country music and Bluegrass, “Kentucky Traveler” is a priceless look at America’s most cherished and vibrant musical tradition through the eyes of someone who has lived it.

“Kentucky Traveler” is available for pre-order now at kentuckytravelerbook.com and will be available in retail stores nationwide upon its August 13 release.

About Ricky Skaggs
With 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY® Awards, eleven IBMA Awards, eight ACM Awards and eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music. Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows. Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, continue to keep the tour trail red hot, performing more than 80 live dates each year. Skaggs started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive GRAMMY®-nominated albums.
In 2013, Skaggs has again teamed with music legend BRUCE HORNSBY, this time for a live album titled, CLUCK OL’ HEN. The album is currently scheduled for release on August 20.
For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com.

At 2012 World of Bluegrass Week, Special Performances Abound

“Can’t Miss” Special Performances Abound At 2012 World of Bluegrass Week

40th Anniversary Will the Circle Be Unbroken Sing-along with John McEuen;
"Doc Watson Hour" with Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, and more;
and star-filled tribute to Hazel Dickens featuring Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea and MORE are highlight events on this year’s schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s World of Bluegrass Week, Sept. 24-30, will get off to a festive start this Sunday when “The Travelin’ McCourys and Friends” host their free show at Cumberland Park after the Tennessee Titans game.

That’s just the start of the incredible music performances at World of Bluegrass, a week of activities that includes a Business Conference, Thursday’s International Bluegrass Music Awards show and the weekend’s Fan Fest, all taking place at the Nashville Convention Center and the Ryman Auditorium.

Savvy bluegrass fans know to expect special performances each evening on Monday (Sept. 24), Tuesday (Sept. 25), and Wednesday (Sept. 26) after the day’s work is done at the Business Conference. On these evenings, dozens of groups -- ranging from rising stars to beloved veteran musicians -- will showcase their bluegrass, and unique, star-filled events will take place.

Highlights include:
Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, Dudley Connell, James King, Della Mae, Tom Rozum, Sally Love, Todd Phillips & Special Guests: “Heart & Soul: A Concert Honoring Hazel Dickens” (Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
Slidegrass: Honoring the Music of Dobro Pioneers Josh Graves & Pete “Bashful Brother Oswald” Kirby (Monday, Sept. 24, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
40th Anniversary Will the Circle Be Unbroken Sing-along with John McEuen & Friends (Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
"The Doc Watson Hour:" Music In The Round with Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Jones, Jack Lawrence, Bryan Sutton, & Missy Raines (Tuesday, Sept. 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.); Nashville Convention Center, NCC 209/210. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration.
A detailed schedule of the many events, professional development sessions, activities and performances that take place during IBMA’s 2012 World of Bluegrass may be found at www.worldofbluegrass.org .

“On every day of the World of Bluegrass schedule and around every corner at the Nashville Convention Center, at the Ryman -- really, all across town -- there will be literally dozens of exciting, absolutely ‘can’t miss’ events planned,” said Nancy Cardwell, Executive Director of IBMA.

IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music community.

For more information on World of Bluegrass, including the International Bluegrass Music Awards, Fan Fest and the many activities of the week, visit www.ibma.org, join IBMA’s Facebook group, or call 615-256-3222 (888-GET-IBMA). Tickets will be on sale at World of Bluegrass Registration, located at the main entrance of the Nashville Convention Center, Sept. 24-29. Awards Show tickets are also available from the Ryman box office at (615) 889-3060 or http://www.ryman.com/event/detail/ibmaawards12.html.

IBMA World of Bluegrass Fan Fest September 24-30, 2012

IBMA's WORLD of BLUEGRASS to include star-studded FAN FEST headlined by Del McCoury Band; Will The Circle Be Unbroken 40th anniversary celebration;sessions with Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush & Rodney Dillard ...and much, much MORE!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Though it’s still in the works, the 2012 WORLD of BLUEGRASS in Nashville, September 24-30, 2012, already includes an enticing itinerary of unforgettable bluegrass events: a star-studded Fan Fest featuring more than 60 acts, headlined by The Del McCoury Band; intriguing panel discussions and presentations in the week-long business conference; and a very special 40th anniversary celebration of Will The Circle Be Unbroken, a landmark recording that helped put bluegrass music on the international map.

Produced by the International Bluegrass Music Association, World of Bluegrass is a cornerstone event that draws casual fans, working musicians, and industry tradespeople for a week that includes something for everybody in the bluegrass community: a business conference, trade show, panel discussions, tributes, masters’ workshops, a fiddle contest, a golf outing, an awards show, a festival, and jamming all week long.

Some of bluegrass music’s superstars will appear in the tribute sessions, panel discussions, and educational seminars being planned for the
WOB business conference. Highlights include…
§ On Monday, Sep. 24 at 1:30 p.m., the conference kicks off with a keynote speech by Missy Raines and Chris Jones.

§ The week continues with a session on Creative Music Arrangement featuring Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bill Evans, and moderator Harry Stinson.

§ Claire Lynch, Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, and Chris Jones will participate in The Doc Watson Hour, remembering the late guitar innovator with some of his own music.

§ An intriguing session called Pioneers & Explorers will feature musicians Pete Wernick, Tim Stafford, and Sierra Hull as they embark on a musical adventure that compares and contrasts traditional and progressive bluegrass styles.

§ “Doug's Tune”: Remembering Doug Dillard will include memories and stories from Kathy Chiavola, John McEuen, and Rodney Dillard.


On Wednesday, September 26, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., IBMA’s World of Bluegrass business conference will include a celebration, discussion and Q&A session dedicated to Will The Circle Be Unbroken. Released in 1972, this landmark recording brought Mother Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis, Vassar Clements, Bashful Brother Oswald Kirby, Norman Blake, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, and others into a studio with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, a popular country-folk-rock group, to record a triple album that made music history. The recording was an irresistible bridge to bluegrass and traditional country music for rock audiences. Hosted by John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the celebration will also feature remarkable, rarely-seen photographs of the recording sessions, most shot by producer William McEuen.

World of Bluegrass ends each year on a high note with Fan Fest, a huge three-day indoor bluegrass concert at the Nashville Convention Center from Friday, Sep. 28 - Sunday, Sep. 30. More than 60 acts, all donating their performances, will appear at the event. This year’s lineup, still in progress, already includes…

The Del McCoury Band
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Steep Canyon Rangers
The Grascals
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Jesse McReynolds & Virginia Boys Reunion
Balsam Range
Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
Claire Lynch Band
Blue Highway
Lonesome River Band
The SteelDrivers
The Nashville Bluegrass Band
Dale Ann Bradley
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
The Skip Cherryholmes Quintet
Marty Raybon
The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys
Jim Lauderdale
Josh Williams Band
Sierra Hull & Hwy 111
Newfound Road
​Charlie Sizemore Band
Della Mae
The Bankester Family
The Roys
Volume Five
…and more to be announced!


Fan Fest sponsors include Martin Guitars, GHS Strings, VisitRaleigh.com, BlueHighways TV, SESAC, and WAMU’s Bluegrass Country.

For more information on World of Bluegrass, including tickets to the International Bluegrass Music Awards, visit www.ibma.org, join IBMA’s Facebook group, or call 615-256-3222 (888-GET-IBMA). Tickets are on sale now at the website and at the phone number listed above.

# # #

Contacts:
Judy McDonough, JEMMedia:
(615) 243-5994, mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com,

Caroline Wright, IBMA
(615) 256-3222, caroline@ibma.org



Judy McDonough
615-243-5994
Twitter: @jemmcd
mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com

The Roys Named Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year At 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards

The Roys were named Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year during last night's 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show.  Siblings Lee and Elaine performed "That's What Makes It Love," with special guests Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, before a sold-out crowd. The song is from The Roys' current CD, LONESOME WHISTLE, which was recorded at Skaggs Place Studio and released in March on Rural Rhythm Records. The Awards show was held at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and co-hosted by GAC-TV's Storme Warren and Inside Edition's Megan Alexander.

"We are absolutely honored," says Elaine Roy of the duo's win. "We were raised on Bluegrass," adds her brother, Lee. "Faith and music are our life's touchstones."  The two enjoyed a busy ICM week, entertaining crowds at a showcase with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and at Power Source Magazine's #1 Inspirational Country Singles Party.  These dynamic Bluegrassers continue a busy touring schedule through year's end, opening tomorrow night for John Rich and Darryl Worley at the Fall Festival at BamaJam Farms in Enterprise, Alabama. Additional dates include shows in Minnesota, Kentucky and Florida.  The duo kicks off 2012 with their first-ever shows in Australia at the acclaimed Tamworth Festival.

The Roys have taken their signature sound to a host of Bluegrass gatherings this year, including: Turkey Tracks Bluegrass Festival; Tennessee Fall Homecoming; Rocky River Fall Bluegrass Festival; Niles, MI Bluegrass Festival, and Eastern Music Festival's Bluegrass Night.  The duo has also introduced countless Country fans to the Bluegrass genre, performing at numerous high-profile events this Summer, kicking off Country Thunder Festival USA (where they opened for Lady Antebellum), Dollywood, Dogwood Park Concert Series and more. They've appeared on several Fox Television Network shows, Daily Buzz, ABC-TV's What's The Buzz, Daytime, GAC-TV, RFD-TV and numerous other popular programs and networks.

The Roys' recent hit, "Coal Minin' Man" rocketed up the Bluegrass charts, landing at #1 on Power Source's Bluegrass Top 35 Chart, #1 on HotDisc International Top 40 Chart, #3 on Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey and #4 on Bluegrass Music Profiles' Top 30 Singles Chart.

The Roys were previously honored with the ICM's Duo of the Year Award in 2010 and 2009.

Fans can learn more about Lee and Elaine at www.theroysonline.com

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF COUNTRY MUSIC RETURNS TO LONDON AFTER OVER 20 YEARS!

REBA McENTIRE
RICKY SKAGGS, LONESTAR,
LITTLE BIG TOWN & MANY MORE...

WEMBLEY ARENA, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26TH 2012
Tickets on sale October 10th
Nashville,TN (October 6, 2011) -After a 20-year break, the pioneering and much loved International Festival of Country Music returns to Wembley Arena on Sunday, February 26th, 2012. The stellar line-up features the very best in country, roots and bluegrass music.

In a rare UK appearance, international country superstar Reba McEntire will headline the all day festival. With a career that spans over five decades and includes two Grammy Awards, 55 million worldwide album sales and 63 U.S. top ten hits, Reba is one of the biggest selling female artists of all time. Having last performed in the UK 12 years ago, the Wembley appearance will give British fans a rare opportunity to enjoy a true legend, live on the London stage.

Reba will be joined by fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs, a country trailblazer who struck his first chords on a mandolin over 52 years ago. Ricky, who has collaborated with numerous artists including Bruce Hornsby, Emmylou Harris and Jack White, will be bringing his own inimitable take on bluegrass and roots music to the festival.

Feted country music band Lonestar, who first made their debut on the Billboard country music charts in 1995, are also featured on the bill. Lonestar have gained international respect and acclaim with ten number one singles on the U.S. country charts alone. British fans will instantly recognize their song 'Amazed' which spent eight weeks at number 1 on the Billboard chart.

Joining the headliners will be critically acclaimed quartet Little Big Town, who are also making their international debut at this event. As a band renowned for breaking new musical ground, Little Big Town have sold over 1.5 million records and garnered four Grammy nominations over the past twelve years.

In addition to the four headliners, the festival will host an impressive array of supporting acts including; country and rockabilly legend, Narvel Felts, the "King of Cajun" Jo-El Sonnier and Texas-born George Ducas. The full line-up also features George Hamilton IV, Will Banister, Raymond Froggatt and John McNicholl, with more acts to be announced shortly.

The International Festival of Country Music ran for 23 years from 1969 to 1991 at Wembley Arena. The shows, promoted by the legendary Mervyn Conn, were the first to introduce country music to the British public and featured a host of (now) legendary artists including; Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Jerry Lee Lewis, Crystal Gayle and many more.

International Festival of Country Music founder and CEO of MM Events Ltd., Mervyn Conn said: "I'm bringing the International Festival of Country Music back after over twenty years due to popular demand. The regard for Country Music has grown significantly in the UK since the first year I promoted this event and I believe that now is the time to reintroduce this once hugely popular event to converted fans of country music and to a new and emerging group of country music lovers. I have also brought back Trisha Walker-(Cunningham) who worked with me for 10 years in the early days and is my Company President in the USA."

Reba McEntire comments; "My band, crew and I are really looking forward to going back to Europe to play our music. The last time we performed there was in 1999! We have been very busy for the last 10 years doing the REBA TV show and concerts in North America. Now, we are so excited to be able to travel abroad and do both our new and old songs for our European audience, who has always been so good to us."

After the Wembley date, the festival will travel to Belfast, Zurich and Germany.

Wembley Tickets will go on sale from Monday October 10th, 2011

Tickets can be purchased via;
General Box Office: 0844 815 0815
Accessible seating: 020 8782 5629
Online: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Additional dates and venues;
Belfast: Odyssey Arena - 29/02/12
Zurich: Hallenstadion - 02/03/12
Mannheim: SAP Arena - 04/03/12

Skaggs Family Releases Second Christmas Album

One of Billboard's
Most-Anticipated Country Albums of the Fall -
A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO
In Stores Next Tuesday

Skaggs And The Whites Will Make Appearances During IBMA Week


Nashville, TN (September 22, 2011) - One of Billboard's most-anticipated Country albums of the fall, A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO, will be available in stores nationwide next Tuesday, September 27. The new, 10-song CD features both studio and live recordings, and includes performances of traditional seasonal favorites and new compositions that are sure to become holiday treasures.

To celebrate the album's release, Ricky and The Whites will appear at an in-store signing event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on September 27 (11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) and later that day, they'll sign autographs from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Skaggs Family Records' Booth (#416) at the IBMA 2011 World of Bluegrass being held at the Nashville Convention Center. Skaggs, a 14-time Grammy® winner, will also entertain fans on Wednesday, September 28 when he and Kentucky Thunder join the Bill Monroe Tribute Show being held at Vanderbilt University's Ingram Hall at 7 p.m.

A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO features Ricky, his wife Sharon and their children (Luke and Molly), Buck and Cheryl White, and Cheryl's daughter, Rachel Leftwich, part of the Skaggs' extended family and members of a celebrated musical clan in their own right. Also highlighted are world-renowned Kentucky Thunder and The Nashville Strings. The disc kicks off with the upbeat bluegrass arrangement of "Christmas Time's A Coming," which segues smoothly to showcase Sharon White Skaggs and her sister, Cheryl, trading lead vocals on the bright, acoustic, "Light of the Stable." An a capella version of "The First Noel" finds Ricky singing lead, while the signature vocals of the White sisters excel on the high and low harmonies. Heavenly voices rise in praise on the classic seasonal favorite, "Silent Night," which also features a poignant mandolin and soaring strings. Molly Skaggs shines on "What Songs Were Sung," proving she's more than worthy to carry on the families' traditions, while brother Luke burns up the fret on his own composition, the intricate instrumental, "Flight To Egypt." The modern "Reunion Song" features a deceptively-simple sing-along melody, and Ricky not only triumphs on the lead vocal, but also plays Guitars, Mandolin, Gut String Solo and Dan Electro. Skaggs' lightning-fast finger pickin' guitar lick jump-starts "Children Go" and the vocal interplay between the family members (Ricky, Buck, Sharon and Cheryl) should leave listeners breathless. A haunting, original arrangement and expressive vocals by Luke, Molly and Rachel highlight "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel," and the disc closes with a classical instrumental interpretation of "Joy To The World."

As a bonus, A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIVE (DVD) is included with the purchase of the CD. The DVD features the family's heartwarming holiday concert, recorded live in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The three generations have taken this special show on the road for the last eight years, and the tradition continues this year, with the troupe performing at a variety of venues throughout the holiday season, including:

11/28/11 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts / Clemson, SC
11/30/11 The Paramount Theater / Charlottesville, VA
12/01/11 Music Center at Strathmore / N. Bethesda, MD
12/02/11 Historic Tennessee Theatre / Knoxville, TN
12/10/11 Honeywell Center / Wabash, IN
12/11/11 Niswonger PAC of NW Ohio / Van Wert, OH
12/17/11 Smokey Mtn. Performing Arts Center / Franklin, NC
12/22/11 Schermerhorn Symphony Center / Nashville, TN

"We started singing these songs in our living room all those years ago, with no idea that we would ever take A Skaggs Family Christmas to so many places," explains Sharon. "We've performed everywhere from churches to symphony halls to the National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington D.C., where we sang for President George W. Bush. The recording process, the performing and traveling has been so much fun! It has been such a blessing to share all of this as a family."

Explore the history of the Skaggs Family and more at www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com.

Music Icon Ricky Skaggs Nominated For Five ICM Awards

Including Entertainer and Legend/Pioneer Award Inspirational Country Song ("Someday Soon"), Musician And Inspirational Bluegrass Artist Round Out Nominations

Nashville, TN (September 1, 2011) -- The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Top 5 finalists were announced yesterday, and Ricky Skaggs secured nominations in five categories: Legend/Pioneer Award, Entertainer, Inspirational Country Song ("Someday Soon"), Musician and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist. For Skaggs, who has previously won several ICM Awards, this year's nominations are particularly sweet. "I'm very grateful to the ICM for all the nominations," says Skaggs. "When I started playin' and singin', they didn't have award shows like they do now, so I've never been driven to win them. I just love the music and I love the fact that God uses music to speak to people's hearts. That's what I'm in it for, to be a messenger of His Love." The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards will be held on Friday, October 28 at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Ricky has been honored with the following ICM Awards: Musician of the Year, Christian Country Music Association - 1994, 1995, Musician of the Year - 2008, Inspirational Bluegrass Artist (with The Whites) - 2008, Mainstream Country Artist (with The Whites) - 2008, Mainstream Country Artist - 2009 and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist - 2010. A 14-time Grammy® winner, Skaggs should have no problem garnering additional nominations in the future, as he continues to record and produce peerless music that appeals to an ever-growing fan base that crosses multiple genres. He released COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE in July, and the 14-song disc is a mix of Skaggs' Country and Bluegrass roots; a compilation of numerous Skaggs' #1 Country hits and fan favorites, played in a Bluegrass style. Ricky's been sharing his music with fans around the country during his current Treasure Chest Tour. The tour continues with shows in Copper Mountain, CO (Villages at Copper Mountain), Stephenville, TX (Birdsong Amphitheater), Bloomington, IL (Bloomington Performing Arts Center) and Hiawassee, GA (Georgia Mountain Fall Festival) in addition to a host of bluegrass dates. In August, Skaggs Family Records announced the issue of another 2011 CD: A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO. The 10-song disc hits stores nationwide on September 27, and features both studio and live recordings. A bonus DVD filled with 26 performances of traditional seasonal favorites and new compositions that are sure to become holiday treasures is included with the CD. Skaggs and The Whites have taken their live holiday show on the road for the last eight years, entertaining crowds in venues ranging from churches to symphony halls, to the National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington D.C., where they sang for President George W. Bush. They continue the tradition this year with bookings at a variety of outlets throughout the holiday season. A Skaggs Family Christmas Tour concludes with a special evening at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center on December 22. For more news on this music icon and a complete itinerary, log on to: www.rickyskaggs.com.For information on the 2011 ICM Week in Nashville, click on: www.ICM-awards.com.

Christmas Time's A-Coming - Celebrate With A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS Volume Two, In Stores September 27

Christmas Time's A-Coming - Celebrate With
A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO

10-Song CD, With Bonus DVD Included, In Stores September 27

Special Holiday Tour Begins November 28

Nashville, TN (August 17, 2011) -- Christmas time's a-coming, and holiday music fans will find a special treat when A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO hits stores nationwide on September 27. The new disc comes with a bonus DVD filled with 26 performances of traditional seasonal favorites and new compositions that are sure to become holiday treasures.

For Skaggs, a 14-time Grammy® winner, the FAMILY CHRISTMAS projects are a true labor of love. "We released Volume One back in 2005 because our fans asked us for it," Ricky recalls. "We didn't know if we'd ever do another one, but we've been hearing from our fans and they're ready for more Christ­mas songs, so here's Volume Two. It was a joy to create and we're excited to share it." Ricky, his wife Sharon and their children (Luke and Molly) are joined by Buck and Cheryl White, and Cheryl's daughter, Rachel Leftwich, part of the Skaggs' extended family and members of a celebrated musical clan in their own right. Also featured are world-renowned Kentucky Thunder and The Nashville Strings.

The 10-song CD features both studio and live recordings, and the disc kicks off with the upbeat bluegrass arrangement of "Christmas Time's A Coming," which segues smoothly to showcase Sharon White Skaggs and her sister, Cheryl, trading lead vocals on the bright, acoustic, "Light of the Stable." An a capella version of "The First Noel" finds Ricky singing lead, while the signature vocals of the White sisters excel on the high and low harmonies. Heavenly voices rise in praise on the classic seasonal favorite, "Silent Night," which also features a poignant mandolin and soaring strings. Molly Skaggs shines on "What Songs Were Sung," proving she's more than worthy to carry on the families' traditions, while brother Luke burns up the fret on his own composition, the intricate instrumental, "Flight To Egypt." The modern "Reunion Song" features a deceptively-simple sing-along melody, and Ricky not only triumphs on the lead vocal, but also plays Guitars, Mandolin, Gut String Solo and Dan Electro. Skaggs' lightning-fast finger pickin' guitar lick jump-starts "Children Go" and the vocal interplay between the family members (Ricky, Buck, Sharon and Cheryl) should leave listeners breathless. A haunting, original arrangement and expressive vocals by Luke, Molly and Rachel highlight "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel," and the disc closes with a classical instrumental interpretation of "Joy To The World."

As a bonus, A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIVE (DVD) is included with the purchase of the CD. The DVD features the family's heartwarming holiday concert, recorded live in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The three generations have taken this special show on the road for the last eight years, and the tradition continues this year, with the troupe performing at a variety of venues throughout the holiday season, including:

11/28/11 Brooks Ctr. for the Perf. Arts / Clemson, SC
11/30/11 The Paramount Theater / Charlottesville, VA
12/01/11 Music Center at Strathmore / N. Bethesda, MD
12/02/11 Tennessee Theatre / Knoxville, TN
12/10/11 Honeywell Center / Wabash, IN
12/11/11 Niswonger PAC of NW Ohio / Van Wert, OH
12/17/11 Smokey Mtn. Performing Arts Center / Franklin, NC
12/22/11 Schermerhorn Symphony Center / Nashville, TN

"We started singing these songs in our living room all those years ago, with no idea that we would ever take A Skaggs Family Christmas to so many places," explains Sharon. "We've performed everywhere from churches to symphony halls to the National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington D.C., where we sang for President George W. Bush. The recording process, the performing and traveling has been so much fun! It has been such a blessing to share all of this as a family."

Explore the history of the Skaggs Family and more at www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com.