Diane’s Country Music Newsletter — 23 July 2025

NEWS

Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson celebrated his 64th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member on Tuesday night, July 15, reports MusicRow. (He was inducted into the Opry on July 15, 1961, at the age of 23.) Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers presented Bill with a custom scarf designed by Manuel Cuevas. The South Carolina Entertainment and Music Committee presented him with the Music and Entertainment Ambassador Award. “More than anything, it’s just a blessing to be up here for more than 64 years,” Bill said. “Thank you to the fans and the Opry for supporting me all this time.” Bill Anderson is one of the most awarded and respected songwriters in country music history.

Singer-songwriter Helen Cornelius, best known for her duets with Jim Ed Brown, died July 18 at the age of 83. Born December 6, 1941, in Monroe City, Missouri, Helen was raised in a musical family. She and Jim Ed joined forces in 1976 with the number one single, “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You.” Helen was married from 1959 to 1980 to Lewis Cornelius, and they raised a family while she built her career in music. In her later years, reports Rollout Metro News, Helen “often appeared at reunion shows, country festivals, and legacy events honoring the golden age of country duets.”

Singing star Connie Francis, best known for hits such as “Who’s Sorry Now” and “Where the Boys Are,” died July 16 at the age of 87. No cause of death was reported. She had been in a wheelchair because of a painful hip and was hospitalized July 2 to determine the cause of her extreme pain. Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero in Newark, New Jersey in 1937, she was 17 when she signed a contract with MGM Records. In 1958, stardom came after Dick Clark played her recording of “Who’s Sorry Now” on American Bandstand. She ventured into country music, reports Saving Country Music, when she recorded her first country album, Country & Western – Golden Hits, in 1959. The album included covers of “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Cold Cold Heart,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “Bye Bye Love.” In 1962, on Country Music Connie Style, she sang “I Fall to Pieces,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Heartaches by the Number.” In 1964, she and Hank Williams Jr. recorded the album, Connie Francis and Hank Williams Jr. Sing Great Country Favorites.

Both grandmothers of Scotty McCreery, 31, died hours apart on July 9, reports Country Now. Janet Hunter Cooke, 85, had been battling norovirus and the flu, and Paquita McCreery, 93, had been in declining health. “My heart is absolutely broken. Yesterday, both my Grandma Janet and my Grandma Paquita passed away,” Scotty wrote on social media. “I think I am still in a bit of shock as I type this, but I’m choosing to remember the great memories we all made with both of them.”

“Y’all, I can’t sing anymore,” Darius Rucker, 59, told the audience in the middle of his July 12 concert at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “This never happened. I physically can’t sing, and I promise you on everything that I stand for I will make this up to you.” He managed to finish singing “Wagon Wheel” before ending the concert, according to PEOPLE. The following day, he apologized on Instagram, saying, “I have never lost my voice in all my years of performing.” He is on the first leg of an international tour, performing throughout the country before heading to the U.K. in late September and then returning to North America for shows in the U.S. and Canada.

Alex Miller is the new brand ambassador for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky Proud program, the state’s official agricultural marketing brand. Its goal is to increase awareness of agricultural initiatives and promote member products. “I come from a long line of Kentucky farmers,” Alex says in a press release. “I love Kentucky and will always do all I can to share the wonders of the Commonwealth. As an American FFA degree recipient, this was an easy opportunity to say ‘yes’ to, and I’m eager to get started.” Alex’s current single, “The Byrd” is traditional country and features Tracy Byrd, with lines like “I cranked up the radio and gave her the Byrd.” It was written by Alex, Tracy, and Jerry Salley, with Tracy’s song titles in its lyrics.

Here’s the official music video for the latest release by honky tonk pianist Jacob Tolliver, “Honky Tonk Side of Town.” Randy Travis recorded the song for his 1994 album This Is Me, with Pig Robbins on piano. The video shows Randy in the studio with Jacob, producer Kyle Lehning, musicians and friends during the recording. Jacob says in a press release, “I’ve been a fan of Randy Travis since I was four years old, when I first heard him sing on the Nickelodeon cartoon, Hey Arnold.”

MusicRow announces that Skaggs Place Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, has officially reopened after being closed for several years for renovation. Ricky Skaggs purchased the building in 1998 from The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen, who had owned it since 1968. Over the years, some of the biggest names in music have recorded in the studio. Vintage photographs line the walls. “The studio has a great live sound, and it’s big enough to record live videos as well,” Ricky says. “I believe anyone wanting to get away from downtown Nashville will find that Skaggs Place Studio will serve them well. I’m excited for the future.”

Canadian country music singer/songwriter Laura Vinson, 78, died July 17 in Edmonton. Born in 1947 in Edmonton and raised in Brule, Alberta, Laura enjoyed success with her band “Red Wyng” and as an Aboriginal Artist with her band “Free Spirit.” Music friends called her “The Rocky Mountain Lady.” Laura toured across Canada and Europe and made television appearances on The Tommy Hunter Show, Ian Tyson’s Sun Country show, and The Bob McLean Show. In 2005 she was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alberta Women of Country Music. In 2020 she was inducted into the Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame. Thanks to Larry Delaney for sending me her obituary.

James Dupre has released the first new single, “Alright Tonight,” from his upcoming Warner Music Nashville album, It’s All Happening. Written by Tom Douglas and Casey Beathard—and produced by Kyle Lehning—the track showcases his rich baritone voice. The 11 cuts include “Deep Down,” “Hero in My Eyes” (a tribute to his brother), and “Ring on the Bar.” James serves as lead vocalist on the ongoing Randy Travis More Life Tour.

Penn-Live Patriot News reports that John Michael Montgomery, 60, has found something to do in his retirement. Recent Instagram photos show him holding a newborn; the caption says, “I am a Grandpa! Say hello to Charlotte!” He is winding down his touring career in 2025. “It’s been a wonderful run for me from the beginning over 30 years ago in 1992 when my first song ‘Life’s A Dance’ was released to radio,” he said last year. “I’m sure there will be some situations where I do a show here and there because I’ll miss that too much. But I feel the time has come to say goodbye to the road life.”

Exile: 60 Years of Music, produced by KET (The Kentucky Network) has won a television Emmy® award. According to a press release: “Through rare photographs, home movies filmed over 50 years ago, and rarely seen archival musical footage, this documentary chronicles 60 years on the road with true American country rock legends and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees Exile, featuring original members Sonny LeMaire, JP Pennington, Marlon Hargis, Steve Goetzman, and Les Taylor.

Sundays with Seely is back! Jeannie Seely returned to the air this past Sunday to host her SiriusXM show on Willie’s Roadhouse. I’m sure it will be a while before she’s out in public performing, but it’s great news that she’s able to be on the radio again.

LETTERS

Linda Mellon says, “I always enjoy hearing news of Riders in the Sky. When they appeared in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in September 2001, I opened for them with thirty minutes of Patsy Cline songs. It was a sold-out show, of course, which we all joked was because of me, a local girl. Ha! They were such warm and kind people that I have always felt that we are friends. Ranger Doug and I had quite a talk about yodeling, which I have never mastered. I’m engrossed in the Malone’s book now…Riders in the Sky Romancing the West with Music and Humor. Thanks, as always for your newsletter.”

Sherwin Linton writes, “Great Newsletter. I learn a lot from reading your newsletters. I will look forward to seeing you and having you share stories on our Centennial Stage at the South Dakota State Fair. Always, thank you for your service to our country with your time in the Navy.”

Jeff Chandler, formerly with the Marty Robbins band, writes, “I am so enjoying your newsletter updates. You are definitely keeping the flame alive!! Wanted to let you know I have started a new career. I am an on-air personality playing Classic Country Monday through Friday, 4p-6p, on WTUF 106.3 here in Thomasville, Georgia. Also, each Saturday from 11-noon, I have Jeff’s Cowboy Campfire, playing Western songs by Roy, Gene, The Sons of The Pioneers, Marty Robbins, etc. I am having a blast keeping this great music going. If anyone wants to listen, it is streamed on WTUFradio.com. I would love feedback or requests from all the great listeners out there. Take care and keep up the good work.”

Donald Ewert says, “I recently came across a video on YouTube. Tribute To Billie Jo (Billie Jo Spears) by a singer known as the Queen of country music in Ireland. Philomena Begley and Billie Jo Spears were great friends and both had the record, ‘Blanket on the Ground,’ out at the same time. I love Billie Jo records. Back in 1978 I attended Fan Fair and along with Billie Jo’s fan club president I went to the venue of a fan club get together. To my surprise when we got there by taxi Billie Jo Spears came out and paid for our fare. I got to visit with BJ a bit. I loved that woman! I read a book about Philomena Begley, Ireland Queen of Country Music. Billie Jo Spears & Jeannie Seely did a tour with her. I hope Jeannie is getting better.”

Chris Drewell writes from the United Kingdom, “First of all I would like to thank you for all your hard work over the years in producing your regular newsletters. Living here in the UK it’s difficult enough to read about country artists generally, never mind the ‘more mature’ ones, of which I classify myself as one. This is to inform you that I have had to change my email address after about 25 years, so could you please send any further newsletters to the new address. Many thanks Diane and continuing success to your writing arm.”

Eric Calhoun in Los Angeles says, “I am so sorry to hear about LeAnn Rimes’s teeth falling out. I can relate to this, it is not funny. But I am praying for her. As soon as I send this letter, I will be looking at your interview on the wsmv.com website. Also, I just heard one of Ella Langley’s songs has made it to the top of the charts. It is hard to believe that this is the 10th anniversary of the Little Big Town song that could, ‘Girl Crush.’ To Dave Morris, and anyone who wants to sign up for Diane’s newsletter, the e-mail address is: di***@**********an.com. I did hear about Willie Nelson’s canceling of the concert and his equipment. It’s hard to believe he’s 92 years old. Congratulations to Willie, still performing, after all these years.”

Bobby Fischer writes from Nashville, “A long time ago Scotty Turner gave me this melody, Bobby write me a lyric. I wrote ‘Even Now.’ Got a couple cuts. Then he said he remembered he wrote the melody with Audie Murphy, the war hero movie star. Zowie, I’m a co-writer with Audie! I recorded a version and was very proud to have it played at my son’s wedding. Thanks Scotty!”

Larry Delaney of Cancountry (in Ottawa) writes, “Good Luck with your new book on Randy Travis. Looking for it in Canadian bookstores soon! Just posted this on my FB page: Country singer/songwriter RANDY TRAVIS opened the door for the new traditionalists in Country music thanks to his 1985 Storms of Life album, and the multitude of hits that followed. Although his career has been altered by serious health issues, Randy Travis placed more than 50 entries on the Billboard Country charts, 16 of which were #1 hits. There have been many “Canadian Connections” in the Randy Travis recording catalog most notably the Stewart MacDougall / David Wilkie compositions “Wind in the Wire” and “Cowboy Boogie”, which were back-to-back charted singles for Randy Travis in 1993. Randy Travis has also recorded songs written by CANADIAN songwriters Gordie Sampson, Ralph Murphy, Phil O’Donnell, Harvey McNalley, Jack Pitman, and Tania Hancheroff, who has also been featured as a background vocalist on a Randy Travis album. A new Randy Travis biography, Storms of Life, has recently been written by Diane Diekman, who has also authored biographies on Country legends Marty Robbins and Faron Young.”

Carl Rollyson writes from New Jersey, “The New York Sun newsletter goes out to more than a million readers. They often feature my reviews, as they do in this issue: Biography of Randy Travis Is as Graceful as His Music. I hope it generates sales for you.”

Diane: Thank you, Carl, especially for the great review. Here’s your original, in case that link doesn’t open for my readers.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR – THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2025

I’ll be speaking from the Centennial Stage at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, as a guest of Sherwin Linton. I’ll talk about Randy Travis: Storms of Life and a World War II book I edited, God on a Battlewagon. Those two and my previous five books will be available for purchase and autograph. Come to the fair if it fits your schedule. Thursday is Veterans Day, and there is no admission fee for former and active-duty military.

MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME IN NASHVILLE (6^th annual induction) – 2019 (third quarter)

The Original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section as inducted in 2019 contained David Briggs, Jerry Carrigan, Norbert Putnam, and Terry Thompson, with friends Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery, Joe South, and Reggie Young. When Rick Hall established FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in the early 1960s, he asked three 16-year-old members of a local band (Norbert Putnam, David Briggs, and Jerry Carrigan) to make some song demos. The hit records eventually created in this out-of-the-way studio led to these three musicians being courted by Nashville studios and convinced to leave Muscle Shoals in 1965 for independent careers in Nashville. Bass player Norbert Putnam became a successful session player who built the Quadrafonic studio on Music Row. He and his wife, Sheryl, eventually moved to Florence, Alabama, near his birthplace. He is 82 years old. David Briggs became one of “the Nashville Cats” studio musicians. He opened Quadrafonic Studios with Norbert Putnam in the late 1960s and later opened House of David. In 2025 he died of renal cancer in Nashville at the age of 82. Drummer Jerry Carrigan worked as a session musician in Nashville for over three decades and was one of “the Nashville Cats.” He also became a record producer. After several years of serious illness, he died at age 55 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2019. Guitarist Terry Thompson didn’t live long enough to move to Nashville. He played with a number of local bands on the road and in the recording studio before dying in 1965 at age 24. Guitarist Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery started as lead and rhythm guitarist at FAME Studios before leaving to work for decades with George Jones. Later, with his wife, Charlene, he started writing and performing gospel music and never returned to country music. Now in his late 80s, he and Charlene live in Sheffield, Alabama. Joe South was a recording artist, songwriter, record producer, and prominent sideman, playing lead guitar and bass guitar. He died in 2012 at his home in Flowery Branch, Georgia, of a heart attack. He was 72 years old. Guitarist Reggie Young was a leading session musician who played on various recordings and was recognized as one of “the Nashville Cats.” In 2019, he died of heart failure at age 82, at his home in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

The Muscle Shoals Horns consisted of Harrison Calloway (trumpet), Ronnie Eades (baritone saxophone), Harvey Thompson (saxophone, flute), and Charles Rose (trombone). The first three met and began performing with local bands while students at Tennessee State University in Nashville in 1967. Together with Rose, they began recording together at the FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals in 1971 and performed on 300 albums. They released three albums of their own compositions to capitalize on the disco dance craze in the late 1970s. The band was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Muscle Shoals in 2016. Harrison Calloway, whom the others considered “the father of the group,” died in 2016 in Jackson, Mississippi, at age 75, following a stroke. Ronnie Eades and Harvey Thompson are both 83 years old. Charles Rose, approximately 70, is still an active performer.