Diane’s Country Music Newsletter — 25 June 2025
BOOK REVIEW – RIDERS IN THE SKY: ROMANCING THE WEST WITH MUSIC AND HUMOR
A newly released biography on the western singing group Riders in the Sky tells the story of its original members still going strong after almost fifty years. Known as “America’s favorite cowboy musicians” and “the most educated band in country music,” the band members are:
- Ranger Doug Green, 79, with a master’s degree in literature from Vanderbilt University. On lead vocals and rhythm guitar, he is “The Idol of American Youth.”
- “Too Slim” Fred LaBour, 77, with a master’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Michigan. On vocals and upright bass, he is also called “Side Meat.”
- Woody Paul, 75, with a PhD in nuclear engineering/plasma physics from MIT. On vocals and fiddle, he is “The King of the Cowboy Fiddlers.”
- Joey Miskulin, 75, protégé of polka king Frankie Yankovic. An accordion virtuoso, he is “The Cowpolka King.”
Riders in the Sky: Romancing the West with Music and Humor was written by music historian Bill C. Malone and biographer Bobbie Malone, a married team who interviewed more than a hundred people in their research. This well-organized book begins with a chapter on Green’s early years, followed by one on LaBour’s life until the two musicians meet in Nashville. Chapter three covers their early days of performing and brings in Woody Paul Chrisman to form a trio in 1978. Chapter four recounts the band’s first decade together. Joey Miskulin is introduced in chapter five as the fourth member. The band’s activities in this new century are explored in the final chapter.
Taking their name from the classic western song “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” the trio quickly agreed to be equal partners and sing only western/cowboy music. With no record deal or label support, they were on their own to make themselves known in those early years. They adopted gaudy western attire that became a trademark, as did Ranger Doug’s show introduction: “Well mighty fine and a big western howdy from Riders in the Sky, brought to you live and direct from the bunkhouse of the old XXX Ranch.” As they continued to take their music and quirky humor on tour around the country, word got around about their excellent musicianship, beautiful harmony, skillful songwriting, and off-the-wall humor. A major coup was being inducted in 1982 as members of the Grand Ole Opry, where they still perform regularly.
Their family-friendly shows, reminiscent of cowboy television shows for children in the 1950s-60s, have always made a point of welcoming children. In 1999, Riders in the Sky provided the soundtrack for the animated Pixar/Disney movie, Toy Story 2. They also recorded a companion album, Woody’s Roundup: A Rootin’-Tootin’ Collection of Woody’s Songs, containing songs about the characters. It won a Grammy for Best Children’s Album.
While their music keeps alive the sound popularized by the Sons of the Pioneers, they’ve added their own songs, such as Ranger Doug’s “That’s How the Yodel Was Born.” Their style and humor are original, and they operate under the philosophy of “The Cowboy Way.” Too Slim explains, “What made the band work was that someone always picked up the slack whenever anyone faltered. There was almost a sense of mission in what we were doing, that this music was important to do justice to.”
They have stayed true to their commitment to preserve and promulgate western music. They’ll also given us such words of wisdom as, “Never drink upstream from the herd” and “If this were a logical world, men would ride sidesaddle.”
Too Slim, Joey, Ranger Doug, Woody Paul
RANDY TRAVIS: STORMS OF LIFE
Here’s the poster for the RANDY TRAVIS: STORMS OF LIFE book release party on Saturday. Hope to see you there.
NEWS
Larry Hunt, 77, bass player for Marty Robbins, died June 19 at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Born in 1947 in Carthage, Tennessee, Larry served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1969. He joined the Marty Robbins Band as bass guitarist until Marty’s death in 1982. According to the Wilson County Source, Larry’s funeral was held June 22, followed by interment with military honors at Hunter Memorial Park in Watertown, Tennessee.
Ronnie McDowell, 75, suffered a stroke on June 21 while performing at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania. He was taken to a Pennsylvania hospital where he spent two nights. He has returned home and expects to resume his schedule soon. Son Ronnie Dean reports that an MRI showed a mini stroke.
Longtime Grand Ole Opry staff band fiddler Joe Edwards died June 7 in Zephyrhills, Florida, at age 91. Born Joseph Lyndol Edwards in 1933 in Indiana, he pursued music from a very young age. Herald Times Online reports Joe was giving lessons in Indianapolis and playing nights when Ernest Tubb’s guitar player, Billy Byrd, gave his name to Martha Carson, who invited him to come to Nashville and join her band. He joined the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band in 1953 and stayed there for 48 years, until retiring in 2003. Although he’s best known as a fiddle virtuoso, his main instrument was guitar.
Hee Haw comedian Gailard Sartain died June 17 at the age of 78. According to KJRH News 2 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, cause of death has not been released, and no funeral plans have been announced. The Tulsa native, born in 1946, graduated from Will Rogers High School and the University of Tulsa. A talent scout discovered him on the local late-night TV show Mazeppa, leading to his career in film and television. He was a regular on Hee Haw for almost 20 years, until its 1992 cancelation, playing characters such as Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose, Maynard in the general store, Orville in Lulu’s truck stop, and the trucker in CB radio sketches. His first movie credit came with his portrayal of “The Big Bopper” in 1978’s The Buddy Holly Story. He appeared opposite Steve Martin in The Jerk and had roles in Mississippi Burning, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Outsiders, The Big Easy, and The Patriot. He also appeared in three Jim Varney-as-Ernest comedy films.
An Opry debut Saturday night came with a huge surprise. Tyler White announced he would sing “one of my favorites, ‘Deeper than the Holler’ from Randy Travis.” He finished the song, took his bow, and heard the announcement of “Randy Travis.” To his complete shock, Randy and Mary walked onstage. Following a long ovation from the crowd, Mary congratulated Tyler and told him, “You keep doing what you’re doing. The world’s better for you,” perhaps referring to his autism advocacy. Randy motioned for the microphone and said, “Thank you.”
The Recording Academy has announced two new categories for the 2026 GRAMMYs in February: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. The existing Best Country Album category has been renamed Best Contemporary Country Album. Country Now reports that the new category “will highlight country albums that feature more traditional sounds and instrumentation, like acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums. This will include sub-genres such as western, western swing, and outlaw country.”
Taste of Country reports the Shania Twain Foundation will donate money to food banks in each city on this summer’s Shania Twain 2025 Live in Concert tour, for a total of one million meals. “At the Shania Twain Foundation, we believe everyone deserves access to nutritious food,” Shania says in a statement. “These donations will provide direct support in the communities of each tour stop. We can make a meaningful impact across the United States and Canada by helping to ensure that food banks are well stocked and, in turn, uplift people in every city we visit this summer.”
Chris Stapleton had to postpone the opening date of his All-American Road Show Tour, scheduled for June 4 in Greenville, South Carolina. He posted on Instagram: “Critical pieces of our tour production were damaged beyond repair while enroute to Greenville. Unfortunately, without that equipment, we are unable to put on the show.” He added, without explaining what caused the damage, “The All-American Road Show will now start in Charlottesville on Friday, June 6. Greenville, we appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. We look forward to seeing you on July 9.”
In an interview with FOX News’s America Reports, Dolly Parton, 79, revealed she spent her first anniversary without husband Carl Dean, who died in March, at the church in Ringgold, Georgia, where they were married 59 years ago on May 30, 1966. She said they went there most every year near their anniversary. “I thought, well, I have got to go back and just take a picture on the same steps at that same church,” she said. “I put his wedding ring around my little gold chain. And I wore my little original wedding rings and just stood there. And it was just so sweet, and it made me. It was good for me.” A plaque in the churchyard commemorates their wedding there.
Ashley Gorley was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame on June 12 along with seven others, reports Music Row. To honor him, Dan + Shay performed a singalong medley of “You Should Probably Leave,” “Last Night,” “Play It Again,” “All American Girl,” and “I Had Some Help.” Sadie Gorley delivered a speech for her father and sang “You’re Gonna Miss This.” The evening concluded with Doobie Brothers inductees singing “Black Water,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” and “Listening to the Music.”
According to Stacy’s Music Row Report, Brenda Lee, 80, filed for divorce in January, shortly before the 62nd anniversary of her marriage to Charles Ronald (Ronnie) Shacklett. Her petition was sealed the day she filed it. Filings and court orders have been going back and forth since then, with the next court date set for August 7.
Taste of Country reports that Clay Walker was forced to cancel a show in Hot Springs, Arkansas on June 14. “I recently had a procedure that could really help my MS,” Clay said in a social media post. “Unfortunately, I’ve got some side effects that have left me unable to perform tonight.” He’d hoped to be able to go ahead with the show, but as it got closer, he realized he simply couldn’t. He has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since the mid-1990s. Clay will make his headlining debut at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, November 9. For more information, visit https://www.claywalker.com//tour/.
The BMI Foundation presented Flagstaff-based singer-songwriter Audrey Ketter with this year’s Dolly Parton Songwriters Award at the CMA Fest Ryman & BMI Block Party in Nashville. According to MusicRow, the award was stablished in 2015 as an annual national competition open to aspiring songwriters with a $10,000 prize for the best original song in the genres of Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk and roots. Ketter’s winning “Golden Road” was selected from over 400 submissions. She wrote her first song at age five and now at eighteen is releasing her debut album Close to Home. After graduating from high school, she plans to pursue a degree in Commercial Music at Grand Canyon University.
Hollywood is giving an Oscar to Dolly Parton, not for music or acting but for humanitarian work. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will honor Dolly for her life-changing efforts through the Dollywood Foundation and her Imagination Library, which has given more than 284 million books to children around the world.
The baby brother of Jimmy Fortune has died. Anthony Seay “Tony” Fortune, 63, of Fishersville, Virginia, passed away on June 18 at Augusta Health in Fishersville. According to his obituary, “Tony was a talented and experienced singer and guitar player, and was a part of various gospel, country and classic rock bands in the area for most of his life.” Born in 1961, he is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, and seven siblings.
Award-winning singer/songwriters Ashley Cleveland, Karen Staley, Pam Tillis, and Tricia Walker — the four original Women in the Round — will present an evening of songs and stories at GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi in Cleveland Mississippi, on July 2. According to a press release, they will perform “Bluebird Cafe style” for Big Night with Women in the Round, sponsored by SouthGroup Insurance and Visit Mississippi. This annual special event raises funds to support the music education initiatives of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.
Country artist James Dupré has released a new single, “Deep Down.” From touring as the lead vocalist on Randy Travis’s “More Life Tour” to performing on the Grand Ole Opry and promoting his EP Perfect Time, James continues building momentum. To learn more about him, visit his website at jamesdupre.com. I can see by his schedule not to expect him to pop in during my Randy Travis book release party on Saturday. He will be in Canada.
Another new release comes from Alex Miller, whose “Secondhand Smoke” is my style of country music and a great dance song. It was written by Alan Jackson and Jim McBride and previously recorded by Alan as an album track. “There’s not a Country singer alive today who doesn’t owe a tip of their hat to Alan Jackson,” Alex says in a press release. “When I realized it was from his catalog and co-written with hitmaker Jim McBride, I just had to cut it.” Writer McBride says, “I love his version of ‘Secondhand Smoke.’ One of my favorite ‘children’ has finally found a great home.”
A hotel owned by Dolly Parton and named the “SongTeller” will open in downtown Nashville next spring at 211 Commerce Street. Dolly says, “I love songs. I love to tell stories. And most of all, I just love to write. It’s just who I am. I am a SongTeller.” Her 2020 memoir and annotated songbook, Dolly Parton, SongTeller: My Life in Lyrics is the inspiration for the hotel. There will be two entertainment venues: Parton’s Live will host songwriter sessions. Jolene’s on the 11th floor will offer views of downtown as well as live entertainment. Cup of Ambition coffee shop and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum will also be featured. The luxury hotel will have 245 guest rooms and suites: https://www.songteller.com/
Songbird is the title of a new Waylon Jennings album of previously unheard material compiled and mixed by son Shooter Jennings. It contains recordings produced between 1973 and 1984 in various studios by Waylon and his longtime drummer and co-producer Richie Albright, featuring members of his backing band, The Waylors. The first single is the title track, Waylon’s version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.” MusicRow reports the project got its start in 2024 when Shooter began sorting through hundreds of his father’s personal studio recordings. Shooter soon realized there was enough material to create three new Waylon albums.
LETTERS
Carl Rollyson writes from New Jersey, “Just read and hugely enjoyed Storms of Life. I’ve written a review that will appear in the New York Sun shortly after your publication date, and of course I will send you a copy. I won’t say what’s in the review, except to declare: No worries. My favorite Travis song is ‘It’s Just a Matter of Time.’ But I haven’t listened to his whole output, so something might replace it. I know my favorite was a hit long before Travis was on the scene, but wow does he do it justice. I can’t remember which version I heard as a kid. Probably Sonny James.”
Don Ewert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, says, “I want to be first to wish Jeannie Seely Happy Birthday July 6.”
Ken Johnson sends word of the death of Gailard Sartain: “His voice & mannerisms always reminded me of Jonathan Winters. He was a perfect choice for Hee Haw.”
Linda Mellon says, “You kill it every time, Diane. Thank you for making us feel like a part of it all.”
Bobby Fischer reminisces, “A long time ago I wrote a song called ‘Back to Santa Fe’ with Charlie Black and Austin Roberts. We were producing Cee Cee Chapman for Curb Records. It went into her album. I started pitching it. Ed Seay, great producer engineer, called me to show some songs to a new artist he was working with. She really liked this song and took it. She didn’t cut it, but I think she did ok without our song. Her name was Martina McBride.”
Dominique ‘Imperial’ Anglares writes from France, “Thank you very much for that welcome Country Music Newsletter. I am glad to be back on the saddle to enjoy the trail. Keep the good work going on and stay linked. Warmest regards from your French friend.”
Ron Wood says, “I would like to subscribe to your newsletter. I served in the U S Navy in electronics just prior to the Vietnam era. Am 88 yrs old and a native of North Dakota and now live in southern Minnesota.”
Mike Johnson, Black Yodel No 1, writes on June 13, “Reading all your newsletters and knee-deep in providing music materials for two music preservation organizations. Today I turned 79. A little fat around the edges but still in the running. Drink one for me!”
A reader says, “I don’t know if you want an ‘anonymous’ source about the opening of Detroit Cowboy in Nashville by Kid Rock, but I’ve been there 5x now and I love it. It had, I guess, a soft opening in May, then the Grand Opening June 2 with breakfast that morning and a party that night. On Jun 5 J.D. Vance was there that afternoon for a podcast with Theo Von that can be found on YouTube. It’s a beautiful place. Everyone I’ve met there has been very nice. The food and service have been very good. I haven’t met Kid Rock yet, but I met his brother, Billy, briefly.”
Eric Calhoun writes from Los Angeles, “First of all, I want to wish a speedy recovery to Gretchen Wilson. I know how painful that leg injury can be, hopefully, she is able to walk again. Secondly, a big shout-out to Dolly Parton; I know death can be tough, but she is a trooper. I remain a huge Taylor Swift fan and still love her country music and her pop music. Finally, thank you for explaining why the concerts and festivities at Fenway Park were canceled. To all Americans out there, Happy 4th of July; and Canadians, Happy Canada Day!”
MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME IN NASHVILLE (6th annual induction) – 2019 (first quarter)
Felix Cavaliere was founder, principal songwriter, keyboardist, and lead singer for The Young Rascals and The Rascals from 1965 to 1972. The New York native, born in 1942, recalled his band’s ascent as being “six months from rehearsing in my parent’s basement to the top of the charts with ‘Good Lovin’.” In 1997, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2009, Felix and former writing partner Eddie Brigati were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for having “changed the direction of pop music in 1965.” He is considered one of the best Rock n Roll and R&B Keyboardists ever. In 2022, he published his autobiography, Felix Cavaliere: Memoir of A Rascal. He is 82 years old and has a website at https://www.felixcavalieremusic.com.
Steve Wariner was honored in 2019 by Gretsch Guitars with his own Steve Wariner Signature Model Nashville Gentleman guitar. He is one of only five guitarists to receive the CGP (Certified Guitar Player) title from Chet Atkins. Born Steven Noel Wariner on Christmas Day in 1954, the Indiana native was 17 when Dottie West saw his performance in a local club and invited him to join her band. Chet Atkins later hired him as a bass player and signed him to his first recording contract at RCA Records. Steve joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996 and was inducted into the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. Steve says, “I came to Nashville to be a musician. People ask me about the singing and the writing…but the roots, for me, is the playing.” He has a website at https://www.stevewariner.com/ and is 70 years old.
The first Musicians Hall of Fame Instrumental Song Award went to “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris. Bob Berryhill (rhythm guitar), Pat Connolly (bass), Jim Fuller (lead guitar), and Ron Wilson (drums, vocals) formed a band to play at a high school dance in Southern California in the fall of 1962. They wrote and recorded “Wipe Out” later that winter and recorded one 45-rpm single with “Surfer Joe” on the A-side and “Wipe Out” on the B-side. By May, both songs were national hits. The band folded in 1966 and reformed over the years with different members. Fuller stayed with the band until his death in 2017. Wilson died in 1989. Connolly left the music business in 1965, and Berryhill created a new band in 2000 and performs worldwide as The Surfaris with his wife Gene Berryhill and sons, Deven and Joel Berryhill.
The 2019 winner of the Iconic Riff Award went to Don Everly for his groundbreaking rhythm guitar opening for “Wake Up Little Susie,” written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and a number one Billboard hit for the Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, in 1957 on both country and pop charts. The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and into both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Don died in Nashville in 2021 at age 84.