NEWS 
Ralph Stanley (1927-2016)
On June 23, Ralph Stanley, 89, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Coebun, Virginia. He had been suffering from skin cancer. Born and raised in southwest Virginia, Ralph and his brother Carter formed a group called the Stanley Brothers and their Clinch Mountain Boys. Carter died of liver disease in 1966, and Ralph continued to perform. Edward Morris writes on CMT News, “Initially recognized as the high-tenor, banjo-picking half of the Stanley Brothers bluegrass act (1946-1966), Stanley went on to build a distinguished and honor-filled career as a vocal stylist and leader of the Clinch Mountain Boys band. (more…)

NEWS 
Chips Moman (1937-2016)
Lincoln Wayne “Chips” Moman, 79, died June 13 in his hometown of LaGrange, Georgia. He co-wrote “Luckenbach, Texas” and “The Wurlitzer Prize” (Waylon Jennings), “Hey Won’t You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” (B.J. Thomas), and “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” (Barbara Mandrell). He produced recordings for the Highwaymen, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette and Ronnie Milsap. He also produced the Elvis Presley hits of “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto,” and “Kentucky Rain.”

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) will present Randy Travis with its 2016 Artist Career Achievement Award, during its Country Radio Hall Of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony next Wednesday in Nashville. The award honors an individual “who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of Country music and Country radio,” according to All Access Music Group. (more…)

CORN PALACE CONCERT REVIEW
Jeannie Seely, Johnny Lee, and Mickey Gilley performed in concert two weeks ago at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. It was most enjoyable to hear all that familiar classic country music. Jeannie opened the show with an energetic “My Window Faces the South” and followed with “Leaving and Saying Goodbye.” I’d been hoping to hear that one, and Jeannie said she wrote it for a good friend of hers, Faron Young. There was never a dull moment in her show. Jokes reminiscent of Minnie Pearl were interspersed with the songs. “Some of the stuff I tell you is actually true,” Jeannie said. “But don’t depend on it.” She reminded us that next year will be her fiftieth anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and then she sang a senior citizen parody of “Are You Lonesome Tonight.” (more…)