Sign the petition over at Real Country Music to get Jimmy Martin made a member of the Opry. I'm reading a book on bluegrass at the moment and may have more to say about it later.


William York, Bass Player for Hank Williams and Others, Dies at 85

Country Music Quiz

This Burrito played with John Lennon Sneaky Pete Kleinow
Link from Ram Radio

NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Carter Family Riches Recalled in The Unbroken Circle

The secret of their success was that they were energetic, progressive young people capturing, improving on, writing, improvising upon and perpetuating a musical tradition that spanned generations and still continues. Before Maybelle, no one had made the guitar not only a lead instrument but a lead instrument that could play rhythm and melody simultaneously. And she taught herself slide and Hawaiian steel guitar. I was amazed, but shouldn't have been, to read an interview with Jimmy Buffett in which he expressed his own amazement that country music today is the only place -- with the exception of a few remaining rock bands -- where artists can even play their own instruments anymore. Where they know how to play them. And play them very well.

'Elvis has Left the Building' Announcer Dies

Al Dvorin, the announcer who coined the legendary phrase “Elvis has left the
building”, has died at the age of 81.

Dvorin was killed in a car accident as he returned from an Elvis convention in California.

He first met Elvis Presley in 1955 and worked with him for 22 years, helping to organise his tours and personal appearances.

It was in the early 1970s that the star’s manager Colonel Parker asked Dvorin to inform fans after a gig that Elvis would not be appearing for an encore.

Dvorin took the stage and made his now legendary announcement:
“Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Thank you and
goodnight.”