Diane’s Country Music Newsletter — 24 December 2025
NEWS
Singer/songwriter Joe Ely, 78, died December 15 from complications of Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia, according to PEOPLE. His wife, Sharon, and daughter Marie were with him at home in Taos, New Mexico. Born in 1947 in Amarillo, Texas, and raised in Lubbock, he became part of the live music scene in Austin. He formed the Joe Ely Band with Jesse Taylor and Lloyd Maines. Throughout his career, Joe performed with artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Lyle Lovett. He released his self-titled debut album in 1977, followed by albums that culminated with Love and Freedom in February 2025.
KCBD-TV in Lubbock, Texas, reports that the city’s Buddy Holly crosswalks must be removed to comply with state and federal law, following a directive from Governor Abbott regarding all decorative markings statewide: “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways. Today, I directed the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure Texas counties and cities remove any and all political ideologies from our streets. To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas. Any city that refuses to comply with the federal road standards will face consequences including the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.” Lubbock had thought its crosswalks were safe since they are art installations and not political, religious, or commercial. The Texas Department of Transportation notified the city that its “creative crosswalks” must be removed or a plan for removal submitted by December 5. Delayed action could result in federal and state funding being withheld from the city.
On December 12, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, John Michael Montgomery delivered the final live performance of his career. This was home, as he’d never moved to Nashville. Brother Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, son Walker Montgomery, and son-in-law Travis Denning shared the stage for his farewell concert. Midway through the evening, the arena revealed a permanent banner honoring John Michael Montgomery, hanging alongside other legendary names that have graced the building. Montgomery wiped away tears as his wife and children stood beside him. “I tell you what,” he said, “that’s the most special thing that’s happened to me in my career.” His final performance of “I Swear” was a quiet conversation between an artist and his audience, reports Country Thang Daily. This is not the end of music for John Michael Montgomery, only the end of life on the road. Just for the record, my two favorite John Michael Montgomery songs are “Sold” and “Be My Baby Tonight.”
Country Legends & Texas Classics 93.3 HD2 is a new Dallas-Fort Worth station dedicated to country hits of the 1970s-1980s, reports Mike McGuff (mikemcguff.com). George Strait’s “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” was the first song heard over the air. This Cumulus-owned station is a country subchannel of 93.3 WBAP-FM, whose call letters are familiar to any Bill Mack fan. The Cumulus radio company also owns two other country stations in North Texas: 99.5 The WOLF KPLX and New Country 96.3 KSCS.
Amazon Prime’s Fallout TV show has returned for a second season. The Vegas-bound Lucy and the Ghoul are both in search of their families. In the first episode, the travelling duo is trying to deal with a pack of raiders. According to Beebom, “Events transpire, diplomacy fails, and the Ghoul does what he knows best: kill everyone in sight. The action sequence is well-shot and constructed, but the best part about it isn’t what’s happening on screen; it’s what’s playing in the background.” Marty Robbins is singing “Big Iron,” the story of a ranger with a “big iron on his hip” as he faces down an outlaw. The ranger in Fallout Season 2 is an irradiated cowboy (whatever that means), “but he remains just as effective,” Beebom concludes. “The sequence culminates with a stylish tip of the hat, ensuring that the Ghoul is also linked to Big Iron’s legacy.”
GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi is opening an exhibit on January 22 to spotlight three famous cousins from Ferriday, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. The title is The Killer, The Preacher and the Cowboy: The Legacies of Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggart and Mickey Gilley. According to a press release, additional events will take place throughout the year to showcase the lasting influence of these three cousins, born within a year of each other. James Dupré and Jacob Tolliver will appear the previous evening for a special program to mark the opening. They will participate in a Q&A before their performance. Dupré is a Louisiana-born singer and currently the lead vocalist on the Randy Travis More Life Tour. Tolliver is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter and pianist who opened on tour for Jerry Lee Lewis from 2017-2019 and earlier portrayed him in Million Dollar Quartet in Las Vegas.
Performance 10 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas had a surprise. Country Living reports that the NFR cameras found Randy Travis and his wife, Mary, in the crowd and put them on the jumbotron. First came hooting and hollering, followed by a standing ovation. Randy waved and smiled as he took in the applause and cheering. Randy recently released a Christmas song, “Where My Heart Is,” from the vault of unreleased Warner Bros. songs he recorded years ago.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced pardons to 33 people, one of them being singer Jelly Roll, 41, whose real name is Jason DeFord. He was convicted in 2003 of felony robbery, after he and three others stole $350 in an unarmed robbery; he was sentenced to a year in prison. In 2008, he was convicted of felony drug possession after Nashville police officers found crack cocaine and marijuana in his vehicle. The Tennessean reports Jelly Roll petitioned for a pardon in 2024, pointing to how his convictions created logistical issues and inconveniences in worldwide touring. The charges also kept him from hunting and owning a gun. His story reminds me so much of Randy Travis, whose felony convictions as a teenager were keeping him from touring in Canada, and who couldn’t legally possess firearms. He was pardoned by the governor of North Carolina. Both men put their youthful troubles behind them, and I’m glad Jelly Roll is being offered this new chance, as Randy was.
Nashville honky tonk The Second Fiddle will permanently close January 1, according to Country Now. Its owners, Ruble and Brenda Sanderson, haven’t confirmed the closure or what will happen with the building. Located at 420 Broadway between Tootsie’s and Robert’s Western World, the honky tonk is one of the last remaining downtown bars that preserve the traditions of early Broadway. Most businesses along Broadway are owned by major hospitality companies or have been converted into country-artist-owned bars and venues. The Sandersons also own two other Broadway bars, Legend’s Corner and The Stage.
KILLIN’ TIME: My Life and Music is the title of an upcoming memoir by Clint Black. Country Now reports a release date of May 19, 2026. “This is the story of a dreamer with a persistent soul,” Clint says. “After ten years of playing clubs in Texas, I never knew if I’d get the chance to record my music in Nashville. And then, in one year, my life changed forever.” That year was 1989, when the first four releases from his debut album, Killin’ Time, went to number one on Billboard. The memoir features a 16-page color photo insert. Clint hopes his 40-year rollercoaster ride can inspire young singer-songwriters or, he says, “support someone struggling through a seemingly endless pursuit of a dream.” Then he will know his life has made a difference. Details of his upcoming Back on the Black Top Tour can be found on his website.
Best Traditional Country Album is a new category for the 2026 Grammys. Lukas Nelson, 36, is nominated for his debut solo album American Romance, and Willie Nelson, 92, is up for his album Oh What a Beautiful World. Lukas is the second youngest of Willie’s eight children. “There’s no rivalry at all,” Lukas tells PEOPLE. “We got a 40 percent chance.” He says a win for either is a win for him. His brother Micah, 35, who produced Willie’s album Last Leaf on the Tree, is nominated for Best Americana Album. “To be on the bill with Dad is such a special thing,” Lukas says. “All three of us… I think that makes Dad real proud, and that makes me real happy.”
A special tribute at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on February 23 will celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Gatlin Brothers singing group. Larry (77), Steve (74), and Rudy (73) began their musical journey in 1955. MusicRow reports The Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, and T.G. Sheppard as some of the artists who will perform during the tribute event. Sixwire is the backing band. “Brother Steve, Brother Rudy, and I are grateful to God for the 70 years we have had making music together,” says Larry. “We are thankful for our millions of fans all over the world and for the good folks in Nashville who helped us make the music. We’re also grateful to the performers and friends who will be participating in our 70th Anniversary Celebration.”
Morgan Wallen has been named RIAA’s highest certified country artist of all time, reports MusicRow. He is the third most certified artist of all genres (behind Drake and Taylor Swift for solo titles). He is also the No. 2 digital singles certified solo artist of all genres. RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier says, “Less than a decade after earning his first gold singles, he has officially become the highest RIAA certified Country artist with 265.5M units, including credits on five Diamond certified singles.” Holler reports Morgan Wallen has been crowned Billboard’s Top Artist of 2025. He placed 41 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 this year, more than any other artist. He is the first male country artist to earn this accolade since Garth Brooks in 1993. Taylor Swift achieved the Top Artist title in 2009, shortly before becoming a pop artist.
One other Taylor Swift record has been broken. Riley Green is the first artist in 14 years to achieve back-to-back solo-written No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, reports Holler. He reached No. 1 with “Don’t Mind If I Do,” following his 2024 chart topper, “You Look Like You Love Me.” Both were duets with Ella Langley. “Sparks Fly” and “Ours” were No. 1 hits for Taylor Swift in 2011 and 2012.
LETTERS
Bobby Fischer writes from Nashville, “So happy for Diane Jordan’s cut on the Ray Stevens project. Her talent deserves that and a lot more.” He adds, “My niece Margo Price performed on the Grand Ole Opry a while back and stopped the show to announce her great uncle Bobby Fischer is celebrating his ninetieth birthday. She was wearing a dress that was worn by Loretta Lynn. She is up for a Grammy with a release written with Steve Knutson. Margo’s mom, Candy, took Helen, Lori, and me to the Opry for the show.”
Diane: I’m posting your news again because this video is longer and better than the one in September.
Marty & Kate Davis say, “Thank you for another great newsletter. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026.”
Carol Smith says, “I agree that the best part of the CMA awards was Vince Gill’s honor. Very deserving. Nice to have George Strait speak about Vince and so exciting and deserving to have Patty Loveless on stage with Vince.”
Marlene Nord writes, “I am so thrilled to learn that you will be writing a biography on Pig. I know several of the folks who went to the Tennessee School for the Blind with him. We on VIP Conduit got to know him during the last year or so of his life. What a talented man he was and so very humble about it, too. He certainly didn’t need to brag about his ability. It spoke for itself many times over. I sure look forward to that one.”
Eric Calhoun writes from Los Angeles, “I’m down at Braille Institute, as I write this. I am saddened to learn about the death of Raul Malo. What a great band, the Mavericks! I followed them in the late 1990s; the first song I remember was ‘All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.’ Quick question: What has Mandy Barnett done lately, other than fill in on SiriusXM? I remember she was one of the actresses on The Brady Bunch. Lastly, the animals who died under Miranda Lambert’s care, I’m sorry they have all gone to Heaven. Merry Christmas to all of you on the newsletter list, and a Happy New Year!”
Diane: Mandy is one busy gal. You can keep up with her on her website. She appears regularly on the Grand Ole Opry, and she was chosen to permanently take the Sundays with Seely slot on SiriusXM after Jeannie Seely’s death. She doesn’t just “fill in”—although when she does, I’m happy to listen to her. She has a great voice and great taste in classic country music.
Joseph Allen says, “Thank you for the info on Gene Price. I will do some more research on that info. I still listen to Raul Malo’s version of ‘Beautiful Dreamer’; can’t say enough good words about the way his voice is just so right for that tune. I love Pig Robbins’s piano playing. My favorite song he played on is Tom T Hall’s ‘Little Brown Suitcase.’ I hope you get some info on how Pig arranged that piano on that song.
Tony Scanlon asks, “Can you please subscribe me to your weekly newsletter? It looks very interesting indeed many thanks.”
Dominique ‘Imperial’ Anglares writes from France, “Thanks for that newsletter and greetings for your work. Nice to have put inside the autographed picture I have sent. Pete Wade (there with T. Tommy) is a gifted musician and a very nice dude. T. Tommy’s car crash happened late 1952 as you can read from Billboard’s publication dated June 7, 1952, and this one from May 1952. Great to know about your forthcoming work about Pig Robbins, another important musician. I wish you all the best for that new biography. Before leaving, I wish you a blessed season time and all the best for the forthcoming year. Keep it Country.”
SONG OF THE WEEK
Dolly Parton recorded the album Backwoods Barbie, released in February 2008, as a return to mainstream country. Although she mostly used current session musicians, she called in Pig Robbins and Lloyd Green for a traditional touch. They had played on many of her earlier country recordings, and she featured them on the title track. Obviously autobiographical, “Backwoods Barbie” begins, “I grew up poor and ragged, just a simple country girl / I wanted to be pretty more than anything in the world.” She talks about having “too much makeup, too much hair” and says, “Don’t let these false eyelashes lead you to believe / That I’m as shallow as I look.” She adds, “Don’t judge me by the cover ’cause I’m a real good book.” And later, “Even backwoods Barbies get their feelings hurt.” Lloyd recently told me about the recording session. Dolly had the top session musicians, including Brent Mason on guitar and Biff Watson on acoustic guitar. Lloyd was replacing the steel player and Pig the keyboardist for this song. Dolly announced on the mic that she wanted Lloyd to play the solos and most of the fills, including the intro. One of the guitarists started playing some lines, and somebody said that would make a good intro. The co-producer in the control room pushed the button and said, “Yeah, let’s do that.” Lloyd saw his solo going out the door. Then Dolly’s voice came over the speakers: “Just a damn minute now. I told you guys what I wanted, and that’s the way it’s gonna be.” Listen here.
COUNTRY MUSIC DISC JOCKEY HALL OF FAME – 1983-84
1983
Leonard J. “Uncle Len” Ellis, born in 1928 and a native of Chicago, was a communications pioneer with ahead-of-his-time ideas. He and his wife, Bee, started Porter County Broadcasting in the 1960s and were the first to broadcast in stereo in the Chicago area. They introduced cable television to Valparaiso years ahead of many other communities. Uncle Len was recognized as the first member of the Country Music Association (CMA), holding member card #1. He was elected to the Indiana chapter of the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 1996. He died in Indiana in 2018 at age 89.
I couldn’t find any information on Hap Wilson, except that he produced a record for Sandi Scott in 1970, and he brought “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” to Little Jimmy Dickens in 1965. Can anyone tell me about him?
1984
Bill Lowery, known as “Mr. Atlanta Music,” was born in 1924 and became the youngest station manager in American radio at age 21. He worked as a disc jockey and manager in various major market radio and TV stations, turning down offers from Nashville, New York City and Los Angeles, because he believed Atlanta would become the music capital of the world. After being diagnosed with cancer in 1951, he began publishing music through his own Lowery Music Company. His first hit was Gene Vincent’s “Be-Bop-A-Lula” in 1956. The Lowery catalogs eventually included over 5,000 songs (with writers such as Mac Davis, Joe South, and Bill Anderson) that were recorded by The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Linda Ronstadt, and thousands of others. Lowery and Ray Charles were the first inductees in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1978. As his health declined in the late 1990s, he turned over administration of the company to his family but remained involved in the Georgia music scene. Bill Lowery died in 2004 at age 79.
Bob Neal, born in 1917 to American missionary parents in the Belgian Congo, was one of the first disc jockeys to host an all-country show. He moved to Memphis in 1942 and joined radio station WMPS. He began specializing in country music in the early 1950s. He also organized and emceed live music events. Upon Sam Phillips’ request, he set up Elvis Presley’s first live performance at Overton Park in Memphis in 1954. The following year, he became Elvis’s manager and started Elvis Presley Enterprises. He later opened a talent agency called Stars, Inc. to represent such artists as Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Sonny James, and Jerry Lee Lewis. In 1958, he and Johnny Cash moved their families to California, and he focused solely on Johnny’s career. Bob Neal died at the Park View Hospital in Nashville at age 65, in 1983. He was inducted posthumously into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame the following year.