R.I.P., Merle

A vision, a promise

Love me some Lyle!

Willie memories. . .

From Rolling Stone August 13, 2012 9:00 AM

Master storyteller Willie Nelson revisits his past in the video for "A Horse Called Music," a hat tip to his 1989 album A Horse Called Music and a reimagining of its title track.

In the clip, Nelson strides through the countryside, finds the chapel where he was married, rides through the small town center and watches an old film. This version of Wayne Carson's song is warmer than Nelson's original cover, meandering peacefully in place of the earlier version's emotional strain.

Merle Haggard and Willie's son, Lukas, also join in on the track. "A Horse Called Music" is from Nelson's album Heroes, which was released in May.  Read more.

Emmylou plays Merle

Classic Willie and friend!

Murder on Music Row

Lyle

Whenever I hear Lyle Lovett, I always feel as if I'm hearing "country blues." Certainly true of this selection.

Stay tuned.  You may be hearing more from him here at CitySquare in the future!

How great indeed

Hank Cochran dead at 74

On Thursday, American country folk culture lost a treasure. Garland Perry "Hank" Cochran died after a two-year struggle with pancreatic cancer.

A singer himself, Cochran was best known for his song writing genius. Ray Price, Eddy Arnold, George Strait, Burl Ives, Merle Haggard, Ronnie Milsap and Mickey Gilley, to name a few, recorded the songs that Cochran wrote.

I know it's my West Texas genes that instill a real appreciation of his work. We'll miss his songs.

In his memory I post a sample of his great work.

Another great tune from Willie. . .

Classic country. . .funeral music

Bob Wills' classic performed by Asleep at the Wheel!

Dr. Steve Tucker, my buddy from Tulane graduate school days and a leading expert on the history and sociology of American country music, always told me to "Play this one at my funeral!"

Not sure what he meant. Maybe its the "wailsome" tone!

Enjoy.

"Shift Work"

Hard working people get my attention.

Labor.

I'm an advocate.

Kenny Chesney and Goerge Strait sing it here: "Shift Work."

Works for me!

St. Patrick's Day and Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson fans should have been wearing the green last Tuesday for the St. Patrick's Day celebration of the release of a very unique collection of music.

"Naked Willie" offers up 17 selections of the master's music stripped naked of all the back up tracks and typical accompaniment.

If you are a hardcore Willie fan, sample some of this fine work.

Note: Buy the collection here by clicking on one of the Amazon.com thumbnails below and to the right and benefit CDM.

Leann Rimes to visit Central Dallas -- Tickets on sale August 5!

Have you seen the cover of DMagazine for August 2007?

There she is!

Right there on the front cover!

LeAnn Rimes noted as one Dallas' best!

She will take center stage on Monday evening , September 24, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center as our featured entertainer for "A Night to Remember 2007!"

For more information on the concert, please visit:
http://www.centraldallasministries.org/antr/

Tickets go on sale via www.TicketWeb.com next Sunday, August 5!

To hear Leann sing a gorgeous acapella version of "Amazing Grace," watch the video below.

Your support during this wonderful night of celebration helps us do our work throughout the year.

I hope to see you at the show!