Nashville also lost another great this month - guitarist extraordinaire Fred Carter Jr. has passed away. The late Nashville session guitarist can be heard on Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Waylon Jennings' "Lonesome, On'ry And Mean", Levon Helm's "Levon Helm & The RCO All-Stars", Roy Orbison's "Crying" and others. He was the father of country artist Deana Carter and son Jeff. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

His talents are also found throughout Deana's most recent album, 2007's "The Chain", which she said was done in large part to show the influence of artists that had impacted her family - especially her father.

"Ever since I knew that music was going to be my life's path, I've wanted to pay tribute to my dad and to the artists who were so good to me and my family. The camaraderie between them, and the way they took our family and made it part of their families, was so unique that I wanted to recapture it for a little while," shared Deana at the time.

The Chain features duets with Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, John Anderson, George Jones, and more.

Deana has served as official spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, motivated to do so by the impact Kidney disease had on her father - and by the transplant which prolonged his life. (He was blessed enough to receive a kidney transplant in 1994). According to the National Kidney Foundation's Chairman, 1 in 9 American adults are living with chronic kidney disease - and most don't even know it. More than 60,000 Americans are currently awaiting life-saving organ transplants. Ten to eleven die each day while waiting. The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to increasing availability of all organs for transplantation. For even more information or a free donor card call the foundation at 1-800-622-9010. Strive to stamp out the stereotypes of kidney disease and those associated with organ donation. It could make a world of difference. There is also more info at www.kidney.org.

Songwriting Legend Hank Cochran Passes Away

Last night, Jamey Johnson, Billy Ray Cyrus and Buddy Cannon dropped by to sing songs with Hank Cochran, and this morning (7/15) the legendary songwriter was surrounded by family and friends when he passed away at his Hendersonville, Tennessee home from pancreatic cancer. A private, family memorial will be held in the near future and a public service will follow. Details will be forthcoming.

The family asks that you respect their privacy at this time and, in lieu of flowers, request those wishing to honor Hank make donations to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation.

Hank was inducted in to the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame by unanimous vote in 1974, and was honored by B.M.I. in June 2009 for his six-decade long career of hits, that includes country classics: "I Fall To Pieces," "Make The World Go Away," "Ocean Front Property," "The Chair" and "Don''t You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me."

Hank is survived by his wife Suzi, daughter Booth Calder and three sons- Garland Perry Cochran Jr., James Lee Cochran and Daniel Cochran.

****A film about Cochran appropriately entitled "Livin'' For a Song - Hank Cochran: An American Songwriter", which was previously in the works, is planned to debut in August. It features Cochran, all smiles - sharing one-of-a-kind stories and fun-loving barbs, as well as featuring other artists paying amazement to him; including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ronnie Milsap, Brad Paisley, Mark Chesnutt, Jamey Johnson, Elvis Costello, Jeannie Seely, Ray Price, Dean Dillon, and more. A seven-minute plus snippet is available to watch at www.reelcoolfilms.com/hankcochran.asp. More information is also available at www.livinforasong.com.

By the way, rumor has it he wrote "Make the World Go Away" in fifteen minutes time after being inspired by a movie he was watching with a date. He left her early to write it and by the time he got home had quite the timeless hit on his hands.

Nashville Rising Commemorative Passes

Purchase a commemorative concert pass to support The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's flood relief efforts.

http://www.accesspasses.com/donate.html

Ronnie Milsap’s hit song 'Smoky Mountain Rain' Wins Race to Become New State Song

The competition to become Tennessee's new state song has been won by "Smoky Mountain Rain," made famous by country music star Ronnie Milsap who has had 40 #1 hits, "Smoky Mountain Rain" being one of them.

Here are the first couple of lines from the resolution:

WHEREAS, made famous by country music legend Ronnie Milsap, "Smoky Mountain Rain" pays homage to the Great Smoky Mountains, which draw 2.2 million tourists annually to the State of Tennessee from around the world; and
WHEREAS, written by Nashville songwriters, Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan, "Smoky Mountain Rain" tells the story of a special, enduring love of a Tennessee sweetheart and the storyteller's return to Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains in search of that which he holds most dear; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee cities of Knoxville and Gatlinburg are featured as part of the storyline of the song; The House Budget Subcommittee unanimously approved the resolution designating the tune an official state song last week at its final meeting. The "Smoky Mountain Rain" resolution has already been approved by the Senate.

The resolution was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, while Rep. Joe McCord, R-Maryville, handled it in the House.

Tennessee already has seven official state songs, more than any other state, "Tennessee Waltz" and "Rocky Top" being the most famous. The lyrics to all seven - plus the "official Tennessee Bicentennial Rap Song" are available at http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/homew...songs.html

UPDATE: Tracy and his family are pleased to announce that Tank is back home with the family, who received a phone call saying he had been found!

Tank was discovered near Route 109 in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. which is quite a distance from the drug store parking lot where he was last seen. It is still uncertain whether Tank was taken or if he simply jumped out of the truck, but the Lawrence family is happy to have him home.

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Country music recording artist and resident of Mt. Juliet, TN, Tracy Lawrence, has issued an alert and is asking local residents, law officials and media for assistance in the search of his dog, and familly friend, Tank.

Tank, a 2 year-old english bulldog, was removed from Lawrence's truck last evening at approximately 8:30PM while Lawrence made a quick stop at a local Walgreens. The truck was parked in the Walgreens parking lot located on Mt. Juliet and Lebanon Road. Having just been bathed, Tank, regrettably was not wearing his collar or identification.

"Tank was my Father's Day present two years ago," Lawrence said. "He's not only a member of our family but a part of our road crew. We'd sure like to have him back home with us and appreciate your help."

Lawrence is offering a $500 reward to anyone with information surrounding the dog's theft and whereabouts. If you have information regarding Tank's disappearance or current location, please contact Sgt. Michael Mullins at the Mt. Juliet Police Department. Tel. # (615) 754-2552.

Ira Dean just wrapped up playing a rocking version of the Trick Pony number "Hillbilly Rich"! (Among other things, he also co-wrote the Montgomery Gentry hit "One in Every Crowd," FYI).

Flood Relief Benefit Performance on Tuesday, June 15th at 3rd & Lindsley

103 WKDF & 3rd & Lindsley invite you to a Flood Relief Benefit Performance, Tuesday, June 15th at 6pm.

Join Vince Gill, Chuck Wicks, Jaron & the Long Road to Love, The Players, Ira Dean, Josh Thompson, Keith Anderson, Brooke Burrows, Adam Brand, Dave Pahanish, Joanna Cotten, and Surprise Guests for a night of great music for a cause close to the hearts of Middle Tennesseans!

Donations to the America Red Cross will be collected at the door (doors open at 5pm)…If you can’t make it down you’re not missing out! The entire performance will be broadcast LIVE on 103WKDF.com, where you can also make donations to the American Red Cross!

Join us Tuesday night – 6:00pm!

Our condolences are extended to family and friends of new Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Dean, who died Sunday (6/13) evening at his home near Richmond, VA. He was 81. Known equally for his musical career ("Big Bad John," "P.T. 109") and the sausage company he founded that bears his name, Dean was to be celebrated at his induction Medallion Ceremony Oct. 24. He is survived by his second wife Donna Meade Dean, three children from his first marriage, two grandchildren and his nephew, singer Billy Dean.

Donna Meade Dean told The Associated Press that he had some health problems but was still functioning well, so his death came as a shock. She said he was eating in front of the television. She left the room for a time and came back and he was unresponsive.

"Big Bad John," which Dean said he wrote in an hour and a half on a flight from New York to Tennessee, earned a Grammy Award for best country and western recording.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csXrTs...r_embedded

Jimmy Wayne Partners With Bryan Foods To Help Nashville's Flood Victims

Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods have partnered to bring more than 2500 pounds of food to Nashville’s hungry, particularly those hard hit by the devastating floods May 1 and 2. While so many remain homeless and without the means to provide food for their families, the donation was a welcome sight to Second Harvest, the organization selected to receive the food, and distribute it to people in need.

“Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is extremely grateful for this wonderful donation from Jimmy Wayne and Bryan Foods,” said Jaynee K. Day, President and CEO of the organization. “Many people in Middle Tennessee have been affected by the recent flooding disaster - the Food Bank has already seen a drastic increase in requests for assistance. This timely donation will provide hope while they rebuild their lives.”

Wayne, who has logged more than 1200 miles on his Meet Me Halfway walk halfway across America, was not in Nashville when the floodwaters hit his city. But his concern for those affected by the flood is great.

“It’s been really hard for me to be away from Nashville during this time,” Wayne said. “Hearing from friends who have suffered immeasurable loss is so difficult. And seeing people who are now homeless just breaks my heart. It’s so weird—I’m on this walk to raise awareness of homeless teens, and right there in my own town, so many people have just lost everything.

“I was thrilled when I found out that Bryan Foods was ready to help out, and so grateful to them that they are working with me to bring some relief to my town.”

Wayne and Bryan Foods recently partnered for another event: the Ultimate Bryan Neighborhood Grill-Out contest. Wayne will perform at an upcoming backyard barbecue for the contest winner, their family and friends.

For more information on Wayne and his Meet Me Halfway initiative, visit www.jimmywayne.com and meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com.

Clay Walker featured on Golf Channel discussing Third Annual Clay Walker Charity Classic

WHO: Clay Walker and Band Against MS

WHAT: "Golf Central"

WHEN: Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 6:00 p.m. ET

CHANNEL: Golf Channel (check your local listings for channel and time in your area)

Clay's latest single, "She Won't Be Lonely Long," has cracked the top 10 on Billboard's country chart.

The donation total from GAC's Music City Keep On Playin' – A Benefit For Flood Relief has reached $1.8 million, and contributions are still being accepted through Sunday (5/23). Donate directly at http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_98169,00.html or text "GAC" to 501501. Proceeds will benefit The Community Foundation Of Middle Tennessee.

Playing on, Carrie Underwood and the ACM's "Lifting Lives" has partnered with the aforementioned CFMT: A text-to-donate campaign in partnership with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will be highlighted during this weekend’s ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo all-star concert tribute airing Sunday at 8PM eastern on CBS. Ticket proceeds from that taping in Las Vegas went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee

2010 CMA Male Vocalist Brad Paisley, whose wife co-hosted Music City Keep On Playin' with actor Jamie Denton, was among the talented performers who also suffered severe water damage - even to much of the band's touring stage setup. And no one needs to point out to him the obvious irony of the fact that the tour is named "H20." (And current single is called "Water.")

He's since been quoted as quipping he plans to name the next tour "Candy."



Photos by Ed Rode/edrode.biz