Gritz Dispatch Archives

Southern Gospel Icon Dottie Rambo Dies in Crash

Southern Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce "Dottie" Rambo died early this morning (May 11, 2008) when the bus she was in ran off a road in southwest Missouri and struck an embankment.

Buffalo's Non-Southern Pick of the Week: Zappa Plays Zappa

Yes, I know it comes as a shock. Ol’ Buffalo actually listens to music other than Southern Rock and Outlaw Country. I’m afraid it is true. I like a whole lot of different styles, and because of that, I have decided to start recommending a “Non-Southern” Pick read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Speed Racer Finishes Last; What Happens in Vegas; Made of Honor

SPEED RACER Well there was certainly enough hype for this one going in. After all, it’s legacy as a classic Japanimation cartoon and read more...

New Features, Capricorn Records, Southern Rock Lists

We are happy to add a couple of new ongoing features here at GRITZ. The first is our Tribute to Capricorn Records Page, which features links to all of the articles and interviews related to the Southern read more...

Eddy Arnold Dead at 89

Eddy Arnold died this morning (May 8, 2008) in Tennessee. The Country Music Hall of Famer was 89 years old. Growing up in Spartanburg, SC, I recall Eddy read more...

Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters Premier New Music Video Today

Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters' video "The Poor House" will premiere on GAC - TV today. "The Poor House" is the lead track from The Boxmasters self-titled 2-CD set to be read more...

Charlie and Hazel Daniels Honored by Cumberland University

Nashville, Tennessee - May 5th, 2008 Cumberland University recently honored Wilson County resident and country music icon Charlie Daniels read more...

The Legends of Southern Rock, a Guide

Greetings from Carolina. We are happy to present our new index page for our Legends of Southern Rock series. From here, you can always surf over to your favorite Southern Rock band's Swampland read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Iron Man is a Heavy Metal Hit

IRON MAN Iron Man may well be the smartest and coolest super hero movie to date, and that is hard to say, considering how big a Batman fan I read more...

Between Texas and Hawaii

It's been a busy week here in the land of GRITZ and SWAMPLAND... We are very happy to share the latest feature in our Legends of Southern Rock series, that "lil' ol' band from Texas," ZZ Top.

Billy Bob and Buffalo Talk About Boxmasters

I dreamed I was a teenage Boxmaster... Billy Bob Thornton's ultra cool hillbilly-mod band The Boxmasters will release their debut album, a double disc set, on June 10th, just prior to embarking on their highly anticipated summer tour. The CD features one disc full of all read more...

New CD Reviews: Jackson Rohm, Beat Daddys and Mighty Handful

Well, it's 50 degrees at 6:15 PM here in Greenville. Tell me again what the date is? Of course, it was almost 80 degrees yesterday, so... I hope you will check out our three new CD reviews just posted today. All three are really good discs. Singer songwriter

For The Record: Haunting the Local Indie Record Stores

To me there is nothing more fun than spending a few hours thumbing through LPs and CDs at a used record store. I have always loved doing it, searching for buried treasure and riding the old nostalgia train. Back during the seventies and eighties I made a lot of trips read more...

Rick Godfrey Returning to Upstate South Carolina

Former Garfeel Ruff guitarist Rick Godfrey returns to Upstate South Carolina this weekend to perform at a benefit for read more...

Merlefest Streaming Live Online Right Now

The South's premier country-bluegrass-Americana get together Merlefest, kicked off last night in North Carolina. Swampland's own Derek Halsey is front and center and reports that the weather so far is read more...

Remembering Phil Walden

It was two years ago today that the Southern Rock world lost one of our true pioneers. Phil Walden, who was born in my home town of Greenville, SC, was the co-founder of

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Sarah Marshall, 88 Minutes, Prom Night and Forbidden Kingdom

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL From the same wacky folks that brought us the hilarious Superbad and Knocked Up, comes the read more...

Development in Macon Will Include a Capricorn Records Museum

Wow. Looks like great minds do indeed run along the same track. According to this news story, the new development in downtown Macon will indeed house a Capricorn Records read more...

Why I Love Bonnie Bramlett

I remember reading about Delaney and Bonnie a lot back in high school, during those days when I was constantly read more...

Capricorn Controversy in Downtown Macon

Interesting news story I found regarding the old Capricorn Records Studio building in downtown Macon, Georgia. Be sureto watch the video of the news story with footage of the old studios.

Chuck Leavell Holds His Own in Stones Movie

The jury has returned the verdict. The Stones have officially beat out The Beatles. When I was a kid back in the ‘60’s, there was an ongoing battle over who were the true

Charlie Daniels' GRITZ Guest Blog; Memories of Toy Caldwell

We are happy to present our second Guest Blog, this one written by our good buddy the legendary Godfather of Southern Rock himself, Charlie Daniels. Charlie writes about his dear old friend Toy read more...

Jackson Crossing and Other Great Bands of Spartanburg, SC

My old hometown of Spartanburg, SC is turning into the new Athens, with an array of great new bands all over town. In the coming weeks we will look into several of them, including Southern rockers Silver Travis, The Southern Boys (actually from Tennessee, but

Vintage GRITZ Articles Unearthed; Hatchet, Skynyrd, Tucker, Ricky Skaggs and More

It's time once again to add a few more Vintage Gritz articles to the archives, and I hope you'll check 'em out for a "blast from the past." Added today is one of our first interviews from 1999 with

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Street Kings, Nim's Island, The Ruins

STREET KINGS Keanu Reeves stars as Detective Tom Ludlow, a man with a lot of personal pain that he is always trying to drown with Vodka read more...

Ex-Trick Pony Singer Heidi is Back to Rock Your World

I always loved Trick Pony, and had the chance to see them up close and personal several times during the annual Angelus concerts in Tampa, Florida. One night during the 2006 show, somewhere after read more...

More Southern Rock Lists: Billy Bob Thornton

I am happy to present another list of Favorite Southern Rock Albums for your approval. This list comes from none other than Billy Bob Thornton, who is a true lover of Southern Rock if ever there was read more...

The Delaney Bramlett Interviews: Delaney On Janis, George, Eric and Duane

Well, I have been burning the midnight oil again, putting together and publishing Part Two of my interview with the iconic Delaney Bramlett. It's weird how sometimes the material excites me so much that I read more...

Billy Bob Thornton's Boxmasters Signed to Vanguard

Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters have signed a deal with Vanguard with a 2-CD set due out June 10. The Boxmasters, who we first wrote about after attending their

Delaney Bramlett Sits Down with Gritz: Part One

I have been a fan of Delaney and Bonnie since my early high school days, and of all the hundreds (thousands?) of celebrities I have interviewed thus far, none have gotten me more excited with anticipation than the prospect of

Next Skynyrd Album Will Have Nashville Influence

Gary Rossington says that Lynyrd Skynyrd plans to include the long bootleged song "Cottonmouth Country" read more...

Skynyrd Will Cruise Again in 2009 with Frynds

I just got word that Lynyd Skynyrd will again host their southern rock cruise called the Simple Man Cruise in January of 2009. This will be the band's third cruise, and will be the first to feature three of southern rock's read more...

Football Film "Leatherheads" Brings Hollywood to Carolina

There’s been quite a lot of anticipation here in Greenville, SC over the past few months. I mean, everywhere you go you run into someone who was either an extra in Leatherheads, or helped with something or another on the set. And then there are

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Stop Loss, 21, Meet The Browns, more

STOP LOSS Of the plethora of Iraqi War movies that have hit the silver screen over the past couple of years, Stop Loss may very read more...

Jimmy Farrar: "This Ain't Molly Hatchet !"

I spoke with our buddy Jimmy Farrar today about his band Gator Country. As most of you know, Gator Country is one hot rockin' Florida band that features several past members of

Montgomery Gentry Have a Hot New Album On the Way

"Back When I Knew It All" has been Montgomery Gentry's fastest rising single to date, and on June 10th, they will release the album of the same name. This will be their seventh read more...

Shooter Jennings Rocking On Video

I just spent an hour on YouTube listening to some mighty great music. In keeping with my recent post about the remarkable Shooter read more...

Allmans Postpone Beacon Run as Gregg Allman Heals

The Allman Brothers Band have announced that they are postponing their annual run of 15 shows at New York City’s Beacon Theatre set for May 5-24, with rescheduled dates TBA. In addition, they have read more...

The Lost Shooter Jennings Interview

Shooter Jennings rocks. There's no doubt about it. Shooter represents everything GRITZ is about, blending classic Southern read more...

The Best of Southern Rock

I have made lists for as long as I can remember. In fact, somewhere around here I have a spiral notebook I started in 1976 with lisitings of my favorite LPs, singles and bands that year and in years to come. The one thing that blows my mind is that the Allman Brothers read more...

Lady Antebellum Rocks Their Country with Free Download

In keeping with our mission to bring together the best of Southern rock and the best of the new country music, I want to highly recommend a new country act by the name of

Looking for Some Real Southern Recipes

I wanted to make sure y'all didn't miss the call from the Southern Foodways Alliance for good Southern recipes. Check out the information here. But don't send your recipe for fried possum fritters with read more...

More Back Home Memories of Marshall Tucker

I woke up at three in the morning last night thinking about The Marshall Tucker Band. No, I don’t make it a habit of losing sleep reminiscing over the glory days of Southern read more...

Merlefest is Coming Back Home in April

One of our favorite music festivals returns in April. The massive Merlefest hits Wilkes Community College once again, bringing with it more good music than you can shake a stick at. In the early read more...

Up Close and Personal with Chris Hicks

We are pleased as punch to present our brand spanking new interview with the great Chris Hicks. Read Chris' comments on playing with The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, Deep South and his own band, as read more...

Just What is GRITZ ?

This year GRITZ celebrates our tenth year online. Over the past decade we have gone through a lot of changes, and enjoyed the contributions of a lot of great writers, photographers and artists. A little over a year ago, GRITZ became a part of Swampland Media, and went from being a read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Horton, Doomsday, Bank Job, and More

HORTON HEARS A WHO This was one of the first books I remember reading back in first grade. Like most kids, I was fascinated by the rhyming read more...

Thinking About Jakson, Three Years Later

Exactly three years ago today, on March 16, 2005, my world was rocked like it hadn’t been rocked in quite some time. The powerhouse drummer and songwriter behind Blackfoot and The read more...

Chris Hicks CD Winners Announced

Congratulations to the following five winners. All of the entries were great, and we really enjoyed reading them. Please continue to enter our various contests. Everyone will most likely win eventually. Dewayne Fields, La Grange, NC Chris Horn, read more...

Getting to Know The Crowes

Somehow I missed the first coming of The Black Crowes. The Atlanta boys hit the scene during a time when I was knee deep in

Racing Drag and Dirt Track with The Marshall Tucker Band

During the early ‘70’s you could find a dirt track racer running the round track at Greenville Pickens Speedway on Saturday nights emblazoned with the sponsor name - The Marshall Tucker read more...

Midnight in the Garden of Good Southern Rock: Late Night Tea & TV

I love it when things like this happen. I was sitting up late tonight writing, as I often do. Beside me a nice hot cup of ralaxation tea that tasted as good as it smelled. My wife had brewed it up for me before she headed off to bed. She's good that way. What would I do read more...

Billy Bob Thornton Speaks at George Lindsey Film Festival

The 11th Annual George Lindsey Film Festival was held down in Florence, Alabama last week. I can say from experience, the Festival is more fun than a barrel of Goobers. The year I attended, I met George read more...

Chris Hicks is Red Hot & Smokin', Win His New CD for Free

Chris Hicks was chosen as the pic of the week by Zig Zag Live, The well known company rewarded Hicks with cases of cigarette rolling papers, rolling machines, a Zig Zag t-shirt, and an awesome Zig Zag Les Paul guitar, read more...

Volunteer Jam to Feature 38 Special, Shooter Jennings, with Hosts CDB

On April 11th, The Volunteer Jam 2008 Tour kicks off. This year's dates will feature our friends The Charlie Daniels Band, 38 Special and Shooter Jennings.

The Southern Rock of SwampdaWamp

Say you love Southern rock? Well, you’re gonna love SwampdaWamp. The Charlotte, NC based band that is on their way to very top of the genre.

John Rich is Recording a Big Solo Album

I am really intrigued with John Rich. I just finished watching the finale of his CMT reality show Gone Country, and while I disagree with his choice of winner (Julio Iglasias, Jr., whereas I was just sure Bobby Brown was going to win) I am read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: The Other Boleyn Girl, Semi Pro

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL After watching the first season of The Tudors on HBO last year, I was locked and loaded for this one. The read more...

"Mamo" Bramlett Has Passed Away; Delaney Interview Coming

I was on the phone with Delaney Bramlett this afternoon, conducting the first in a series for Swampland called "The Delaney Chronicles," which will delve into the many great stories and memories of this remarkable musical icon. Part one will be posted soon, so be sure to read more...

Chris Hicks Rocks

I spoke to Doug Gray this afternoon. He was in the airport in Cinncinatti, flying back to Carolina from last night’s show in San Diego, California. We were talking about

When Nantucket Ruled The Earth

I was talking to my friend Dewayne “aka: Rebyll” this afternoon when the conversation shifted to his first live concert experience. It was Molly Hatchet and Nantucket. This got me to read more...

Chris Cagle Debuts at Number One on Country Charts

My LIife's Been a Country Song, the fourth album from Capitol Records Nashville artist Chris Cagle, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s “Current Country” chart, with 36,600 in

Buddy Miles Dies at Home in Texas

GRITZ has lost another good friend. The legendary drummer Buddy Miles passed on this past Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the age of 60 from congestive heart failure at his home in Austin, Texas.

38 Years Ago Tonight: The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band played at Mercer University on this dare, February 27, back in 1970. That’s thirty-eight years ago for those of you keeping score at home. One of my read more...

GRITZ Talks to Grits Grisham of The Ghost Riders

One of the greatest things about my annual trek down to Tampa for the Angelus benefit is that I get to meet so many wonderful read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Vantage Point; Definitely Maybe; Roscoe Jenkins

VANTAGE POINT The President of the United States is shot during an anti-terrorist summit in Spain, and we get to relive the event read more...

My 2008 Oscar Predictions

The 80th Academy Awards comes to the boob tube this Sunday night, February 24, 2008. Those of you who read GRITZ on a regular basis know that the only thing that even comes close to my love of music are movies and books. This may be the first year I have actually seen all of read more...

Obama, Spooner and a Drive By Southern Rock and Roller

Back in 1991 I was Executive Editor and co-founder of an alternative press entertainment publication called EDGE in Greenville, SC. We had a lot of good times during those years, interviewing national and local music heroes and writing reviews and editorial read more...

Little Richard Gets Standing Ovation at Ryman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- It's a standing ovation for rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard -- and he didn't even perform. He was seated at the rear of the Ryman Auditorium Sunday night attending a concert by 1960s Motown stalwarts The read more...

Blackfoot is Our Latest "Legends of Southern Rock" Entry

"Highway Song" and "Train, Train," "Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie" and "Wishing Well"- all of these bring to mind the fierce, four man attack of Blackfoot - wildman Rick Medlocke out front, Charlie Hargrett on lead guitar, Greg T. Walker on bass and read more...

Chris Hicks to Host CD Release Party in Macon

The Cox Theater in Macon, Georgia is gonna rock on Wednesday, February 27 when The Chris Hicks Band and Special Guests will be performing in a CD release party, celebrating Hicks' new Sony release, Dog Eat Dog.

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Jumper, Spiderwick & Fool's Gold

JUMPER Hayden Christensen is quickly becoming a sci-fi staple, having rocketed to fame in the role of a lifetime as the young Darth Vader in read more...

"Howard the Duck" Creator Steve Gerber Dies

St. Louis native Steve Gerber, creator of the "Howard the Duck" comic book series, died Feb. 11 in Las Vegas while awaiting a lung transplant. He was 60. The wise-quacking, cigar-smoking duck first appeared in a "Man-Thing" comic in 1973. Gerber read more...

Preservation Hall's John Brunious Dead at 67

Trumpeter John Brunious, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band's leader and senior member, died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 in Orlando, Fla., after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 67.

New CD's from Delaney, Bonnie and Whitlock

This may be the only time in history that the stars have lined up like this. Literally. If you check out the GRITZ CD reviews, you'll see that our three latest reviews have a common thread. The artists were all members of the legendary Delaney Bonnie read more...

The Love Box

I have a little ceramic box that sits on my dresser in the bed room. It’s red and has a multi-color lid with the word “Love” on top in very sixities-style lettering. It’s a cool box that Jill gave me for Valentine’s day some ten years ago.

Guilty Pleasures

A wise man once said, “Man does not live by Southern Rock alone.” Well, there have been times when I would argue that point, but the truth is, as much as I love my Southern Rock and Outlaw country music, I have a wide variety of interests, many of which may come as a read more...

My Top 15 Moments from the 50th Grammy Awards

I was pleasantly surprised by last night's Grammy Awards show. Celebrating 50 years of Grammy’s, they seemed to pull out all the stops to create a spectacle that would appeal to not only the You Tube generation, but also to us more “mature” viewers.

Artist of the Week: Paul Thorn

Let me just cut to the chase. I am a huge fan pf Mississippi singer songwriter Paul Thorn. I have seen him live onstage half a dozen times, both acoustic solo and read more...

A Night to Remember at The Bluebird in Nashville

It was a night to remember at Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe on February 1st as Tim Krekel performed songs from his acclaimed new release, Soul Season, at the famed Bluebird Cafe in Nashville recently with noted songwriter / artists Bill Lloyd,

Video: Jimmy Johnson and Alan Walden from Lynyrd Skynyrd Documentary

I have been aware of the Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary being filmed by Rick Broyles and Tony Beazley for a few years now, and by all accounts it looks like it will be just the documentary we have all read more...

Weekend Notes and Tom Dowd On Ronnie Van Zant

I really hope everyone is enjoying the new look of GRITZ, as well as our “Mothership” Swampland.com. The powers that be have worked really hard for months on the redesign, and I for one am very pleased with the results. I hope you feel the same. We at read more...

John Rich to Release Big Solo Album

John Rich, who along with Big Kenny Alphin makes up genre-bending duo Big & Rich, will release a solo album later this year on Warner Bros. There's no read more...

Picture of the Day: Allen Collins with Rossington Collins Band

The late great Allen Collins. This photo from Kent Griffith shows Collins during the first ever concert by Rossington Collins Band.

Southern Rock and Country Superstars to Headline BamaJam

Enterprise, Alabama will host the first annual BamaJam Music & Arts Festival scheduled to take place, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 5 - 7, 2008 at Boy Scout Road and Highway #167. An all-encompassing community and creative arts experience, the 2-day/3-night extravaganza read more...

Delaney's Coming Soon to Swampland

I am very happy to report that GRITZ will soon present an all new interview with Southern music legend Delaney Bramlett. Delaney was one of the most important individuals in rock and roll during the sixties and seventies, working with everyone from

South Carolina Designates "Nappy Brown Day" February 15th

The State of South Carolina will honor Rhythm & Blues pioneer Nappy Brown with an official state proclamation declaring February 15, 2008 as "Nappy Brown Day" throughout the state. Nappy will visit Chapin High School in Chapin, SC to receive the proclamation and will read more...

Like a Rolling Stone

I simply could not believe my luck. I was at Barnes and Noble, drinking a cup of coffee and reading various periodicals and surfing the web via the WI-FI. When I was leaving, I strolled past the sale tables at the front of the store and happened to glance down to see read more...

Gritz Movie Reviews: The Eye, Rambo, Untraceable and More

THE EYE Jessica Alba stars as a girl who was accidentally blinded by her sister (Parker Posey) as a child. In her early twenties, she is given read more...

Cold Beer, Tom Petty & Superbowl Sunday

Greetings fellow babies. It's Superbowl Sunday and I am chilling on the sofa with a cold brewskie waiting to see New England and New York play, wishing it was my Panthers... I am really looking forward to Tom Petty performing at the halftime show. I was talking to James read more...

Florida's Latest Southern Rock Super Group

It's been a while since I was this excited over an indie release. Winter Park, Florida's Galloway & Kelliher have released one fine Southern Rock album, and we are extremely pleased to offer up our read more...

From The Archives: Our Interview with Lonnie Mack

It's time for another new post from our interviews archives. We are happy to present the interview I conducted back in 2000 with blues rock guitar legend Lonnie Mack. Stevie Ray Vaughan's old buddy opened up for us about his Flying V guitar, his career and future read more...

Picture of the Day: Gary & Dale On Simple Man Cruise

Gary Rossington and his wife Dale Krantz Rossington take a break during January's Simple Man Cruise that brought fans up close and personal with Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as Marshall Tucker, Cowboy Mouth and others.

John Rich Hosts "Gone Country" On CMT

Nashville star John Rich (Big & Rich) hosts Gone Country, a new show on CMT that brings musicians from the world of rock and r&b to Nashville to have a go at becoming country performers. The show is quite a lot of fun. Read a Blog about the show by

Allen Collins Band Singer Jimmy Dougherty Has Died

Jimmy Dougherty Sr., 56, passed away on January 20, 2008. He was the singer/song writer of the Allen Collins Band and Alias. He is survived by his read more...

Skynyrd and Hank Return with Rowdy Frynds Tour 2008

(Nashville, TN)- Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best music imaginable when Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, Lynyrd Skynyrd join country music icon, Hank Williams, Jr. for another round of their Rowdy Frynds Tour hitting cities nationwide beginning April read more...

Toy Caldwell Article Added to Swampland Archives

I was going through my files today and ran across an article I wrote back in 1999 about Toy Caldwell. Parts of the article were published in Hittin The Note magazine as well as in read more...

Video is Uniquely George McCorkle

On January 29th it will be seven months. Seven months since we lost one of Southern Rock's true greats. A man I was lucky enough to call my friend. A man I was lucky enough to share stages with and read more...

A True Jewel of Country Music

I have been a Jewel fan since her first video. I love her voice, her songwriting and her cuteness. That is why I was thrilled to get word from her people today that Jewel's next album will be a country record.

Dick Cooper Is Our First "Guest Blogger"

I am happy as a clam to present the first in our series of "Guest Blogs." This one concerns the legendary Delbert McClinton and Shoals drummer Bebop Evans. The piece was written by Dick Cooper, a man who has been there, done that in the music industry, From working with read more...

Charlie is in The Opry, and the Ryman was Rockin' !!

It’s 9:45 PM on Saturday night January 19th, 2008. I just dropped an e-mail to our friend Charlie Daniels telling him how proud I was watching him on

Garfeel Ruff Guitarist Ready to Return to Southern Rock Roots

I was talking to my old friend Ricky Godfrey on the telephone yesterday. Rick is living in Nashville, but he still returns home to Greenville, SC very often to play gigs. Rick was telling me that after many years as a succesful beach music guitarist and singer, he is read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Cloverfield, The Bucket List and Atonement

CLOVERFIELD Remember the buzz when The Blair Witch Project first came out? There was a reason for it. A scary idea, shot in a read more...

Picture of the Day: Rossington Jam

Today's photo was taken in 1987 during the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour. The Rossington Band was opening. On this night, Steve Morse of The Dixie Dreggs caught a jam with Gary Rossington and

The Outlaws are Our Latest Legends

We are happy to poresent the latest in our Legends of Southern Rock series, The Outlaws. The Outlaws are one of the South's all time best loved bands, delivering a rock and roll sound via the "Florida Guitar Army" unlike any other. Check out the article by

1981: Marshall Tucker Conquers New York, Video Blog

In 1981 The Marshall Tucker Band played Madison Square Garden in New York City. While they were in the Big Apple, they appeared on several radio and TV shows promoting the album Dedicated, a read more...

My Favorite Southern Rock Song?

I was talking to one of my pals down Florida way the other day when the conversation shifted to great Southern Rock songs.We started reliving the first time we heard this song or that song, and how much particular songs meant to us.

Charlie Daniels Grand Ole Opry Induction Airs Friday

On Friday, January 19th, the Opry Live broadcast on GAC will feature the induction of it's newest member, the legendary Charlie Daniels. Charlie and his band along with

Dickey Betts Will Tour With Kid Rock in February

According to his website, Dickey Betts will be joining Kid Rock on tour this February and March. In addition to performing Dickey's own hits, Dickey will be joining Kid Rock and his band on stage to perform.

Second Annual Big House Benefit Coming January 19th

The Second Annual Big House Museum Benefit will be held in Macon, Georgia on January 19th, 2008. Perfomers will include Tommy Talton, Jimmy Hall,

How I Gave Up on Going to the Moon and Became a Writer Instead

Oddly enough, I would have never even dreamed of becoming a writer during my days in grade school and high school. I really wanted to work for NASA, or be a rock star, or both. But I did create my own music magazines and comic books as far back as tenth grade. My first real thoughts read more...

Doc Holliday Rocked The Holidays in Georgia

A reader reports that Doc Holliday Band played a great show at Yesterdaze a club in Warner Robbins on December 22, 2007. Apparently

Cowboy in The Studio : A Photo Feature

Scott Boyer and Tommy Talton are back in Duck Tape Studio in Decatur, Alabama this weekend for "phase 2" in the recording of their new Cowboy reunion album. This session includes members of the band that joined after the third album. Previously, Boyer and read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Pregnant Teens, Aliens and Rock Star Parodies

JUNO What a great film to see as my first movie of 2008. This one had me laughing from start to finish, with a great script, great read more...

Cowboy in Studio Again This Weekend

Cowboy is back in the studio at Duck Tape Studios with Johnny Sandlin this weekend, recording more material for their upcoming new album. In the studio for round two are

Happy New Year : Farewell to 2007

Happy New Year to all of our readers, and once again, allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of GRITZ and our mother ship, SWAMPLAND.COM.

GRITZ Movie Reviews: National Treasure; I Am Legend; No Country for Old Men

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS Nick Cage returns in the sequel to National Treasure. This time, in order to clear read more...

GRITZ Best Albums of The Year

Lots of great music rocked my world in 2007. Here are my choices for the 15 best of the best. Feel free to log on and comment. Let me know if you agree or disagree. read more...

Outlaws to Tour in 2008; Picture of the Day, Classic Outlaws

The Outlaws, who had just finished recording a new album when founding member Hughie Thomasson passed away, have announced that they will tour early in 2008. The lineup will include original members Henry Paul and Monte Yoho. Dates for the tour are expected to be posted soon at

Merry Christmas from GRITZ

Greetings from South Carolina... Since I have received so many e-mails and calls, I thought I would post this. I know many of you have already gotten word that I have been suffering some serious health problems which sent me into the hospital over Thanksgiving read more...

Growing Up in Spartanburg with The Marshall Tucker Band

My association with The Marshall Tucker Band has been in the words of Robert Hunter, “a long, strange trip.” It has also been a trip I wouldn’t have missed for the read more...

Picture of the Day: Grinderswitch

A classic photo of Capricorn Records recording artists, Grinderswitch, Dedicated to the memories of Dru Lombar, Joe Dan Petty and Stephen Miller.

Charlie Daniels Grand Ole Opry Induction Set for January 19th

Charlie Daniels will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 19, 2008 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Daniels was surprised with the invitation from Opry member Martina McBride during his annual Christmas For Kids benefit show in November. read more...

Mama Hill of H&H in Macon Passes Away at 94

Mama Inez Hill, the co-owner of Macon's H&H Restaurant has passed away at 94. Inez Hill, 94, died early this morning (Tuesday, December 18th) of natural causes at The Medical Center of Central Georgia. Hill, and her sister "Mama Louise" read more...

Buffalo's Best Films of 2007

Well, 2007 wasn’t the best year ever for movies, but we did hit on a few real winners. It seemed the theme of the year was war, with an unusual amount of war films, but we still got a dose here and there of comedy and a small handful of Oscar caliber performances, like Tommy read more...

Brothers of the Southland Advance CD Download Available Now

The Brothers of the Southland with Bo Bice CD is now available for a limited time as an advance download of the CD. The Download is available exclusively thru www.SouthernAlliance.org

Jimmy Hall Launches New Web Site, Features Exclusive Video and Audio

Jimmy Hall's website has been given a face lift, this according to Mike read more...

Rockin' Camel Music Gets Website Makeover

Rockin' Camel Music, based in Gadsden, Alabama, has been creating quite a buzz over the past couple of years. They have been compared to the old Capricorn Records as a Southern specialty label, and read more...

Video: "Painting Her Toenails," Michael Buffalo Smith

One of my songs that seems to be going over well these days is called "Painting Her Toenails." It's just a simple tune inspired by seeing my wife doing her nails one night. The following performance features my pal Donnie Winters from The Winters Brothers Band. We played read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Awake, The Mist, Hitman, Beowulf

AWAKE I had this dream. In it, a young Darth Vader was sleeping around with Sue Storm from The Fantastic read more...

Picture of the Day: Jammin' with Charlie Daniels at Angelus

The jam following the banquet at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel last Friday night during the annual Angelus Benefit found our own Buffalo singing along with Charlie Daniels, Tommy Crain and the Crosstown Allstars and cartoonist Guy Gilchrist! Only at Angelus! (Photos © by read more...

Picture of the Day: Guy and Towson at Charliepalooza!

Picture of the day. Cartoonist Guy Gilchrist ("Nancy," "The Muppetts") and drummer Towson Engsberg (Tommy Crain and The Crosstown Allstars) enjoy the music of Charliepalooza from the side of the stage. (Photo by Michael Buffalo Smith) Read all about last read more...

Billy Bob Thornton Christmas Song Exclusive On iTunes

Billy Bob Thornton's band (his hillbilly band) The Boxmasters have a special Christmas

Like Father, Like Son: John Carter Cash Speaks with GRITZ

John Carter Cash, son of famed country music couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, took some time out of his extremely busy schedule to speak with us about the new Johnny Cast TV Show DVD set, the Cash Cabin Recording Studio and of course, his legendary parents. For me, read more...

Dixie Chicks Want Convictions Overturned

The Dixie Chicks have a new controversy on their hands. Lead singer Natalie Maines is urging people to contribute money to a defense fund for three Arkansas men that she (and many others) believe were wrongly convicted of killing three children in 1993. Maines writes read more...

Artimus Pyle Arrested a Second Time On Same Charges

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle has been arrested a second time after failing to properly register as a sex offender, sheriff's officials said.

Picture of the Day: Buffalo and T. Graham Brown

Gritz man Michael Buffalo Smith hangs out with country r&b legend T. Graham Brown at the Angelus event in Tampa, Florida.

The Angelus Benefit: Day Three, The Big Concert

SATURDAY Well today was the last big hurrah for this year’s Angelus event, the all day outdoor country concert at Ford Amphitheater. The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful, and the music never stopped all day, thanks to some well read more...

Angelus Day Two: The Music Continued Into The Night

FRIDAY We started off the day downstairs on the banquet room for breakfast, hanging out with friends and enjoying conversation. Then at 3 PM it was once again time for me the hit the stage of the Lobby Bar. Unfortunately, Tommy

Charlie Daniels Rocks The Angelus: Day One

It was a beautiful day for a drive to Florida, and my old buddy Scott Greene and I set sail for the annual Angelus weekend down in Tampa. It’s one of my favorite events and I always look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones, listening to some old school Southern read more...

Enter to Win, Marshall Tucker Band Live 1977 DVD!!

There's still time for you to win a copy of the new DVD/CD package The Carolina Dreams Tour by The Marshall Tucker Band! Just register, comment and win. Click here for the read more...

Picture of the Day: Boyer & Talton with Johnny Sandlin

Taking a break outside Duck Tape Studios during the recording of the new Cowboy album, Scott Boyer, Johnny Sandlin and Tommy Talton. (Buffalo photo)

Another Side of Tommy Talton

Tommy Talton is no doubt best known for his work with the 1970's Capricorn Records recording group

John Hammond "Southern Fried;" Old & Heavy Gold

Southern Fried John Hammond This true “lost treasure” is now available on CD at Amazon and for download at iTunes. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios back in 1969, blues rocker

Ex-Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer Artimus Pyle Jailed

Artimus Pyle, a former drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, has been jailed in Florida on charges that he failed to properly register as a sex offender. Pyle had pleaded guilty in 1993 to charges of attempted capital sexual battery by an adult on a victim younger than read more...

Win Marshall Tucker's New Live in 1977 DVD/CD FREE!

The Marshall Tucker Band was at their peak in the summer of 1977, and now you can relive the magic of the original lineup of Toy and Tommy Caldwell, George McCorkle, Paul Riddle, Doug Gray and Jerry Eubanks on a fabulous live DVD that comes complete with a 2-CD set of the same read more...

The Cowboy Diaries: Part One

by Michael Buffalo Smith GRITZ went into the studio with Cowboy for the recording of their all new album, their first in 36 years. In part one of our journal, we meet all of the original members of Cowboy, and hear music that is sure to turn the Southern music world on it's read more...

Charlie Daniels to Join the Grand Ole Opry

Our friend Charlie Daniels has been asked to become a member of the legendary Grand Ole Opry. GRITZ correspondent Rick Broyles was in attendence last night, November 20, during Daniels’ read more...

Picture of the Day: Cowboy Reunion

The entire original lineup of Cowboy reunite in Decatur, Alabama to record an all-new album. Look for the complete story here in GRITZ on Tuesday. Pictured read more...

In The Studio for the Cowboy Reunion Album

Well, here I am in Decatur, Alabama, a stone's throw away from Muscle Shoals. I only have a minute to report that recording on the new Cowboy reunion album is going great. The new songs are top drawer, and it has been very cool meeting the guys who recorded such classic Capricorn read more...

Picture Of The Day: Jam 4 George

Cooking onstage during the recent Jam 4 George Memorial Concert are George's son Justin McCorkle, founding Marshall Tucker Band member Jerry Eubanks, current MTB bassist Pat Ellwood and Mark Emerick from The Commander Cody Band. (Photo by Mandy Merck)

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Lions for Lambs, American Gangster, Martian Child and P2

Lions for Lambs Robert Redford directs and stars in this movie about the war in Iraq seen from various angles, including his read more...

New Marshall Tucker Band 1977 DVD is On The Way

A three-CD set of the Marshall Tucker Band collection entitled Carolina Dreams Tour '77 that features the group's original lineup in concert is due out December 4th on the Shout! Factory read more...

Back to The High Lonesome with Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes

I made my way down to Rome, Georgia for my third ever visit to the High Lonesome Saloon, a place that is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to play. I had been fortunate enough to attend a rehearsal by

Former Allman Brothers Band Employee Scooter Herring Has Died

MACON, GA - John C. "Scooter" Herring, 67, of Macon, died Saturday, November 10, 2007. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 2:00PM at Harvest Cathedral, 2254 Rocky Creek Road, with Larry Howard officiating. The family may be contacted at read more...

Cowboy Take Me Away: The Scott Boyer Interview

GRITZ is happy to present an exclusive interview with one of the South's finest musicians and human beings, Scott Boyer. From his early bands in Florida with members of The Allman Brothers Band, to his highly successful Capricorn Records band with Tommy Talton, Cowboy, Scott gives read more...

Picture of the Day: Jimmie Van Zant at CMA Awards

Jimmie Van Zant and his wfe Zohra at CMAs talking about his new upcoming CD My Name is Jimmie.

Still More Scenes from The Jam 4 George!!

If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, how much are a thousand pictures worth? Due to popular demand, we happily present "Still More Scenes from The Jam 4 George." All Photos by Mandy Merck, City of Spartanburg gal and J4G Planning Committee read more...

More Scenes from The Jam 4 George!

The photographs just keep coming into the GRITZ offices! Here are some more great scenes from The Jam 4 George. Photos contributed by Mark Coburn, Rebyll, Ms. Rebyll and Buffalo.

Jam 4 George Brings Out The Best of Southern Rockers and Fans

Wofford College weren’t the only ones having a homecoming in Spartanburg, SC last Saturday, November 3. Barnett Park downtown was ground zero for one of the finest gatherings of Southern Rock fans and musicians this writer has witnessed in quite some time. Everyone was there read more...

Picture of the Day: Jam 4 George

Buffalo is seen here with founding Marshall Tucker Band member, flute and sax player Jerry Eubanks, moments before the finale jam at The Jam for George McCorkle on Saturday, November 3, 2007. A complete review with loads of photos will be posted here by late Tuesday read more...

Warren Haynes Xmas Jam to Feature Jackson Browne, Bruce Hornsby

Warren Haynes Presents: The 19th Annual Christmas Jam will take place this year on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at the Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, NC. A list of performers for this year has just been announced, with moe to be added. Gov't Mule Jackson Browne read more...

Porter Wagoner Dead at 80

Porter Wagoner died Sunday in Nashville. He was 80 and lived in Nashville. He had been hospitalized with lung cancer earlier this month. Mr. Wagoner had 81 singles on the country charts, including read more...

Halloween Movie Reviews from GRITZ

Film Reviews by Michael Buffalo Smith SAW IV You really can’t keep a bad man down. At the opening of the film, read more...

Tommy Talton Band Takes it to the Melting Point

Both The New York Times and Rolling Stone Magazine recently named Athens, Georgia as the number one music scene in read more...

Athens Rocks Tonight (Georgia, Not Greece)

Well, here I am back in Athens, Georgia at The Foundry Inn and Spa, a really cool and historical hotel that also features one of the nicest listening rooms I have seen lately, The Melting Point. Jill and I made the trip down from Greenville his morning under sunny skies, all read more...

One of My Heroes, Porter Wagoner Has Lung Cancer

October 24, 2007 I was really taken aback to hear Country Music Hall of Famer Porter Wagoner has been diagnosed with lung cancer. To me, Porter is one of the last of the true country music superstars. He hangs right in the same category as Merle Haggard, read more...

Photo of the Day: Marc Ford and Swampland's Own James Calemine

Photo of the day features famed guitarist Marc Ford (left) and our own James Calemine (right). Be sure to read about James' latest adventures with the former Black Crowe in the Mystery & Manner read more...

Win Free Tickets To Jam 4 George

Here's your chance to win a pair of tickets to the Jam for George memorial concert in Spartanburg, SC. We have a few pairs of tickets to give away. All you have to do is comment below and tell us why you want to be at the big event or your memories of George read more...

It Was 30 Years Ago Today: Last Flight of The Free Bird

I only saw Lynyrd Skynyrd, the original Lynyrd Skynyrd, in concert one time. It was October 19, 1977, and sadly, it was to be the very last concert for Ronnie Van Zant. I was backstage the read more...

George McCorkle To Be Honored by Memorial Concert November 3rd

Spartanburg, SC - George McCorkle, an original member of The Marshall Tucker Band, will be memorialized read more...

Online Radio Station Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd October 20th

Next Saturday, October 20th at 4pm EST tune into

Rockin' On The Top of The Mountain

Our primary goal of the trip, besides handing out the videos, was to shoot the camel on top of the mountain. Carl Weaver’s pet camel, Akbar, that is. Carl wanted Dave Peck to shoot video of the camel for a new logo he is working on. Since we read more...

Dick, a Duck and a Decoy : Part One

Shootin’ The Camel on the Top of the Mountain Part One The primary goal for the weekend was to shoot the camel on the top of the mountain. Well, that, and to hand deliver finished read more...

Billy Bob Thornton Debuts at #33 On Americana Charts

“BEAUTIFUL DOOR” AMONG THE HIGHEST ALBUM DEBUTS THIS WEEK (October 9, 2007) “Each track is like mini story…. While the singing is simple, the well-written lyrics will inevitably draw read more...

James Calemine Hangs Out with Marc Ford

I'd like to take a minute to make sure that all "friends of GRITZ" drop by all of the other sections of SWAMPLAND for some very cool reading. Case in point, brother James Calemine, a long time writer for GRITZ as well read more...

A Pearl in the Heart of South Carolina

Down the road from me in Bishopville, South Carolina, there lives a man named Pearl. Pearl Fryar, a sixty-six year old African American who literally defines the term “self made man.”

Skynyrd Tribute Weekend October 19-20

A "Skynyrd Tribute Weekend" will be held Oct. 19 and 20 at Sharky's Place in the Quality Inn & Conference Center, 300 Park Ave., Orange Park, Florida. The tribute will kick off at 6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday read more...

Warren Haynes Christmas Jam Returns in December

News just in from mule.net. Warren Haynes Presents: The 19th Annual Christmas Jam will take place on December 15, 2007 at The Asheville Civic Center. More information, including Pre-Sale and Public On-Sale will be announced read more...

Widespread Panic Fall Tour Underway with New Member Jimmy Herring

Jimmy Herring may be the king of all "hired guns" in Southern rock. He jumped in and filled the Dickey Betts vacancy in

Check Out a Dickey Betts, Bonnie Bramlett, Charlie Daniels Jam from 1970's

Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again - YouTube rocks. Whoever came up with that idea is a genius, and I feel very lucky to be able to share some of the very best Southern Rock from YouTube right here at GRITZ. When I was in my late teens, I was quite the read more...

Picture of the Day: An Allman Brothers Band Flashback

This GRITZ file photo was taken during the time when Jack Pearson was playing in The Allman Brothers Band. (1997-1999) The lineup soon changed, but there are some magnificent board tapes out there with read more...

Buffalo's Book Club: "Dixie Lullaby"

Welcome to the first installment of Buffalo's Book Club. I figured, if Oprah can have one, so can I. The only thing is, I don't believe "O" and I will be recommending the same books. But then again, who knows? Our first book is called Dixie read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: The Kingdom, Elah and Game Plan

THE KINGDOM Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman star as four FBI agents who take it upon read more...

Afternoon Tea with Billy Bob and Me

Well, we didn't actually sit down together this time, but I was drinking tea and speaking with my buddy Billy Bob Thornton on the phone this afternoon. It was our eagerly awaited second interview with the Southern icon, and I was ready to talk about music and read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Sydney White, Eastern Promises, Good Luck Chuck

Sydney White Amanda Bynes, the cutest young actress I’ve seen in years, stars as Sydney White, a girl who has been raised by a read more...

An Urgent Message from John McEuen about George Grantham

We here at Swampland want to let everyone know about a message that John McEuen is trying to get out to the public at large regarding Oklahoma native and Poco drummer George read more...

Jam for George McCorkle Shaping Up to Be a Must See Event

The Jam for George Concert is scheduled for Saturday, November 3, 2007 beginning at 1 PM at Barnett Park in downtown Spartanburg, SC. I attended another meeting of the planning group last night, and the show is shaping up to be the must see event of the year. The musical read more...

Picture of the Day: Otis Redding Family

Here's a great shot of Otis Redding's family: Zelma Redding, Rodgers Redding, Karla Redding Andrews, Dexter Redding, and other family members in a photo taken at The Douglass Theatre Walk of Fame dedication during the recent Otis Redding Tribute ceremonies in read more...

Southern Rock News: Get Your GRITZ Via RSS Feed

I am really happy to announce that GRITZ is now available in Really Simple Syndication. (RSS) That is, you can get updates and links to my latest blogs right on your Google, Bloglines or Yahoo home page. Just click on the RSS icon located above my latest blog on the front page of read more...

Picture of the Day: Devon Allman at 550 Blues

Devon Allman and Honeytribe rocked the walls of 550 Blues in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, September 22nd. (Photo by John Charles Griffin)

New Issue of Hittin' The Note is Packed with Good Reading

I have been a subscriber to Hittin’ The Note magazine for several years, and at one point I even went back and purchased the past issues all the way back to #1. As a fan of

Chris Hicks and Friends Rocked The Hummingbird, Acoustic Style

On a whim I set sail for Macon, Georgia last Tuesday to catch an acoustic performance by Chris Hicks of The Marshall Tucker read more...

Hughie Thomasson, Green Grass and High Tides Forever

Well, it took me a little longer than expected to gather the quotes from a few of Hughie's friends for our Hughie Thomasson Memorial page, but hey, most of these guys were tight friends with Hughie, so read more...

"Sweet Home Alabama" To Become Alabama's Tourism Theme

Well, the news is out. Lynyrd Skynyrd's second biggest hit, "Sweet Home Alabama" will become the theme song for the Alabama Department of read more...

Stuart Collins, Road Manager for Randall Bramblett Dies

Athens - We are sad to announce the death of Jeffrey Stuart Collins, 46, who died on September 15, 2007 from an apparent heart attack. Stuart was the road manager of the Randall Bramblett Band of Athens. Survivors in addition to his mother include his read more...

Former Marshall Tucker Band Bassist Charged with Sexual Assault

Franklin Wilkie, who joined The Marshall Tucker Band in 1980 following the death of founder Tommy Caldwell, has been charged with sexual assault in his home town of Spartanburg, SC. Read the new story

Watch Streaming Video of The Allmans On Farm Aid Until September 20th

You can watch the entire Farm Aid concert on streaming video at farmaid.org, now through September 20th. Watch by set, including The Allman Brothers, Willie Nelson, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Montgomery Gentry, Billy Joe Shaver read more...

Tom Coerver Has Been There, Done That, Got The Hatchet T-Shirt

Louisiana's Tom Coerver has been in our corner since the beginning of GRITZ. A great musician and a staunch supporter, he is also a good friend. For the life of me, I can't even begin to think why it has taken me until now to interview him. But hey, it's all about timing, read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Billy Bob is Back, Jodie Foster Shines

MR. WOODCOCK Billy Bob Thornton is back, in what he himself told me was “Bad Santa without the alcohol.” That’s a pretty apt read more...

Hughie Thomasson Memorial Coming Monday, Watch a Video Now

Hi Gang. We are all still trying to cope with loss of yet another friend and Southern rock icon, Hughie Thomasson. I have been on the phone and e-mail for a couple of days with friends like

Long Time CDB Road Crewman Jackie Williams Dies

Jackie Williams passed away on September 8, 2007 at the age of 50, following a single car accident in Nashville. Jackie was Lighting Designer/Production Manager for The Charlie Daniels read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Yuma a Winner, Shoot 'em Up and Death Sentence Violent/Escapist

3:10 TO YUMA I can’t even remember how long it has been since I have seen a real honest to God western movie. read more...

Steve Gaines' Birthday Today: The Late Ace Mooreland Talks About Steve (Video)

Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Steve Gaines has been gone from us for 30 years now, this October. Today, September 14, is would have been Steve's 58th birthday. Another late great guitarist, read more...

Picture of the Day: The Winters Brothers

Dennis and Donnie Winters of The Winters Brothers backstage in Macon recently. Check out the archived interview I did with Dennis. The Winters Brothers will appear at the Jam for George read more...

Danny Brooks is Alabamy Bound

I'll never forget the first time I heard the music of Danny Brooks. It was a few years ago, and my friend and staff member Mitch Lopate told me all about this good ol' Southern boy who just happened to be from Canada named Danny Brooks. I spoke with Danny a few times on the phone, read more...

J4G: The Jam for George (McCorkle) Set for November 3rd

SPARTANBURG, SC - The highly anticipated Jam for George: A Concert Honoring The Memory of George McCorkle, will take place in beautiful Barnett Park in George's hometown of Spartanburg, SC on Saturday, November 3, 2007, beginning at 1 PM. The list of performers is being read more...

Picture of the Day: Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul Getting Their GRITZ

Here's a shot of Hughie and Henry just after the Outlaws reunion, holding up their print copies of GRITZ Magazine. The photo was taken by staff member Krazy Kenny Mullins. Hughie (like Henry) was a staunch supporter of GRITZ. we will miss him. Godspeed read more...

Hughie Thomasson Has Died

Hughie Thomasson, founding member of The Outlaws, died at his home in Brooksville, Florida on Sunday, September 9, 2007 following a heart attack. He was 55 years old. We last saw Hughie rocking read more...

It's The Allman Brothers Band’s Green Weekend

The Allman Brothers Band return to their old stomping ground in Piedmont Park in Atlanta tonight (September 8), joining The Dave Matthews Band for The Green Concert for Piedmont Park.The event will help read more...

Picture of the Day: George McCorkle and Doug Gray

Our friend, the late great George McCorkle was reunited with singer Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band just months before George's passing. George wrote several of the songs on the new MTB record. Plans are being made right now for a George McCorkle Memorial Concert in late read more...

Charlie Louvin Continues Touring into Fall with Lucinda

Charlie Louvin of the Louvin Brothers has just read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Halloween Chills, War Rages

HALLOWEEN Rock and roller Rob Zombie has turned into quite a film director, and his take on the 1970’s Halloween read more...

Picture of The Day: Billy Bob and Mike, Tour Wrapping Up

Billy Bob Thornton and his long time buddy and guitarist Mike Shipp photographed by your's truly backstage at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach. All good things must come to an end, and the Billy Bob and The Boxmasters tour winds down on September 7th. GRITZ is very proud read more...

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend. I'm very thankful I'm not flying, judging from news reports on our over crowded airports and skies, I am, however, heading to the beach for a few days of much needed R&R. Just for fun, I am listing a few CDs that I will be playing while I chill out at read more...

Picture of the Day: Dickey Betts

Southern Rock legend Dickey Betts is seen here circa 1995 onstage with The Allman Brothers Band. Be sure to check out our Allman Brothers Legends article, with links to all Dickey related read more...

Picture of the Day: Blackfoot Strikes Again

This is a photo sent in by a GRITZ reader that features Greg T. Walker, Charlie Hargrett and Bobby Barth of Blackfoot rocking the stage earlier in 2007. Thanks for sending the picture! Buffalo

Picture of the Day: Carter Runs for President

Today's photo was taken back when Georgia's Jimmy Carter was running for President of the United States. He is shown here with Capricorn Records founder

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Hairspray, Superbad, Nanny Diaries

HAIRSPRAY What can you say about a movie that is turned into a highly successful Broadway show, and then back into a movie read more...

New "Legends" Feature: The Allman Brothers Band

Dear Y'all, Swampland and Gritz are proud to present the latest in our series of Legends of Southern Rock. The one, the only Allman Brothers Band. I hope you'll check out the feature article and click on all of the links to re-visit our classic ABB related interviews and read more...

Former Marshall Tucker Band Drummer Suffers Heart Attack

SPARTANBURG, SC - Former Marshall Tucker Band drummer David "Ace" Allen was admitted to the hospital yesterday following a heart attack. He is scheduled for a quadruple bipass surgery on the morning of Wednesday, August 22. Stay tuned to GRITZ for updates on Ace's read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews, "Invasion" Bores, "Stardust" Rules

INVASION Hollywood is really pushing the boundaries of how many times a good movie idea can be recycled. First there was the 1956 read more...

Billy Bobbin' in Myrtle Beach

Thursday morning I got up early and made my way to the beach. I was bound and determined to get in a beach walk, so at 8 am I was virtually alone on the sand, walking in the surf and feeling the cool breeze blow through my hair. I found myself walking with my eyes closed. It read more...

It Was Thirty Years Ago Today

I can remember exactly where I was when I heard that Elvis was dead. I was in my Barracuda, turning left into the Westgate Mall in Spartanburg, SC. I used to go to that mall a lot, haunting the record and book stores. The guy on WORD-AM sounded genuinely broken up as read more...

Buffalo’s Big Adventure (Ain’t Seen a Single Grain of Sand Yet)

I have been having a lot of trouble with Mapquest lately. Used to be, I could depend on those wonderful internet cats to guide me safely to and from my destination, whether it be Live Oak, Florida or Dothan, Alabama. But a few months back, I was completely misguided while on read more...

GRITZ Loves YOUTUBE

I have become a certified YOUTUBE addict. Especially since our friends at Peckster Vision have started posting some of the footage from their archives. There are some great videos up, like Gregg Allman with the Capricorn Rhythm Section at the recent Scott Boyer Benefit read more...

Allman Brothers to Play Farm Aid 2007

It looks as though Willie Nelson is planning to bring some serious Southern music along for Farm Aid's first ever New York event. Among the acts slated to appear at the September 9th event at Randall’s Island in New York City are: The Allman Brothers Band, The Derek Trucks read more...

Gritz Movie Reviews: The Bourne Ultimatum, More...

The Bourne Ultimatum Matt Damon returns for the final chapter in the Bourne trilogy, reprising his role as Jason Bourne, the read more...

Lynyrd Skynyrd To Be Inducted Into Georgia Music Hall of Fame

It was announced today that The Georgia Music Hall of Fame will induct Lynyrd Skynyrd into the Hall this September. The Southern rock legends are being inducted on the heels of last year's induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of read more...

Benefit for a Brother Brings Out the Stars in Macon

I returned to Macon, Georgia again this week for the Benefit for Sid Yochim (aka: Benefit for a Brother) on Saturday night (August 4th) at The Grand Opera House in Macon, Georgia. Sid was a long time bus driver for both The Allman Brothers Band and

All Star Southern Rock Benefit in Macon This Weekend

A Benefit for a Brother, Sid Yochim, will take place in Macon, Georgia this Saturday, August 4th. Tickets are on sale now. Many of you know Sid Yochim, a member of the Charlie Daniels Band family for many years driving the trucks and buses. Sid’s father read more...

Kid Rock's New Album Fueled By Southern Rock

Kid Rock has announced an October 9th release date for his upcoming album, the long awaited follow-up to 2003's Kid Rock. Rock 'n' Roll Jesus will be Kid's seventh studio set and his fourth on Atlantic Records and featuring an overall Southern rock feel.

Metal Band Covers Southern Rock Tune

Hair-metal band Poison has released a full album of cover tunes, including songs made famous by The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, KISS, Tom Petty, Grand Funk, Jim Croce, Alice Cooper, and The Sweet, all produced by famed producer, Don Was. The album is entitled read more...

Back to Macon with The Tommy Talton Band

I’ve been down to Macon, Georgia several times over the past few months, and every time I visit I feel the spirit of Duane Allman wash over me like a spiritual cleansing. This time, I felt it stronger than ever as I watched from the front row while Tommy Talton played his read more...

Thursday Night with Paul Thorn and Something Heavy

I knew going in that it was going to be a busy, busy weekend. What I also knew was that it would be one of the most music filled, wonderful weekends I’d experienced in quite some time. I was right all the way around. On Thursday evening I made my way over to The read more...

Uncle John Turner Dies:Legendary Drummer Played with Johnny Winter

Uncle John, Johnny Winter and Tommy Shannon

Upcoming Shows, Vintage Interviews Posted

It's been a busy few weeks around here for the ol' Gritzman, and things are just getting busier. I like it that way. Next week I will be returning to Macon, Georgia to report on The Tommy Talton read more...

GRITZ Movie Review: Captivity

I guess it’s true what they say. If a new, fresh idea comes along and hits big, you can expect to see a dozen clones in the next couple of years. With read more...

Tommy Talton is a True Southern Treasure

One of my all time favorite songs during the seventies was "Please Be With Me" by Cowboy, a song I first heard on the Duane Allman Anthology album, which led me to a lifetime love of the music of Cowboy. So it was with great excitement and anticipation that I read more...

In The Studio: New Southern Rock & Country Releases On The Way

TOMMY TALTON says that he and SCOTT BOYER have been writing new material for a COWBOY reunion album which will begin recording in September. Talton has also been in the studio recording for a new BONNIE BRAMLETT read more...

IBMA Coming in October

The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass takes place in Nashville, Tennessee October 1-7 at the Nashville Convention Center and the Grand Ole Opry House. The week includes the International Bluegrass Music Awards, a business conference and the read more...

King Mojo Signs Distribution Deal With Select-O-Hits

ATLANTA, GA – Atlanta-based independent label King Mojo Records has announced the signing of a national distribution deal with Select-O-Hits and the August 7 release of three CDs as part of the new arrangement: “TGZ, “Living read more...

Man Arrested for Impersonating Hag's Son

A Charlo, Montana man has been arrested for impersonating Merle Haggard's son, Noel Haggard, The Daily Inter Lake reports. A man police identified as Mark Sams, 48, was signing autographs and having pictures taken with him for a fee Saturday outside the Valley Club read more...

New Van Zant CD September 18th

On the heals of their gold CD Get Right With the Man and a Top 10 single, brothers Johnny and Donnie Van Zant are poised to release their sophomore disc My Kind of Country on September 18.

Big & Rich Have Top Song of The Week

Big & Rich and Brad Paisley enjoyed having the top country song and album on Billboard for the week ending July 21 with "Lost In This Moment" and " 5th Gear" respectively. On the song chart, Big & Rich notched their first career number one read more...

GRITZ Movie Reviews: Transformers and More

Funeral for a Friend

It was slightly overcast in Spartanburg, SC this morning and a bit cooler than it has been. Well, at least until about halfway through the graveside service, when hundreds of cardboard church fans came out and my sweat soaked black blazer was peeled off and tossed over my shoulder. read more...

McCorkle Memorial in Nashville, Funeral to Be Held in Spartanburg

A memorial service and visitation for George McCorkle will be held on Sunday July 1, 2007 from 4:00-8:00PM.at Carthage United Methodist Church (Church George Attended) 608 N. Main Street, Carthage, TN.This will be a service for George's Friends, read more...

George McCorkle Dead at 60

George McCorkle of the original Marshall Tucker Band died this morning, Friday, June 29th at 11:30 in a Nashville Hospital. He was 60. He had entered the hospital two weeks ago following an accident, and examination revealed terminal cancer. George was a founding read more...

Gritz Movie Reviews Return

Well, after a bunch of calls and e-mails asking for it, the Gritz Movie Reviews are back! Please check out our two latest reviews - 1408 and Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer in the Gritz Reviews section. Look for new reviews weekly! Special thanks read more...

Makin' it Back to Macon

The original plan was to go down to Macon a couple of days early and hang out with my friends Dave and Peggy Peck, prior to the Saturday benefit concert for Sid Yoakim. Halfway to Macon on Thursday I received a call informing me that the benefit show had been rescheduled for August. read more...

Guitarist McCorkle Remains Critical, Spartanburg Newspaper Features Article

Marshall Tucker Band guitarist George McCorkle remains in critical condition in a Nashville hospital with terminal cancer. An article read more...

George McCorkle Fighting Cancer

We have received some very sad news here at GRITZ. Our long time friend George McCorkle, a founding member of The Marshall Tucker Band, is in the hospital fighting cancer. We at GRITZ and SWAMPLAND are keeping George and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Below is read more...

Benefit for a Brother Rescheduled for August 4th

The benefit concert scheduled for June 23rd has been changed to August 4th. Tickets are on sale now. Many of you know Sid Yochim, a member of the Charlie Daniels read more...

Winters Brothers Summer Jam Was a Blast

It was a perfect weekend for a festival. Just ask anyone who attended Bonaroo, and if they can remember the weekend, they will agree. As for those of us who have been making the trek to Nashville yearly for many moons to attend The Winters Brothers Southern Summer read more...

GRITZ Continues to Grow, Tommy Talton Interview Next Week

Greetings! Well, GRITZ is now back, bigger and better, thanks to some hard work from the Swampland team. You may have notced that the old site address, www.gritz.net will now take you straight to the new GRITZ site within the Swampland domain. Check out the first of our new ads, read more...

Jimmy Hall to Sing Anthem in Rome, Marshall Tucker to Perform

Rome, GA - The Rome Braves announce today that Southern rock legend Jimmy Hall will perform the National Anthem at the 48th South Atlantic League All Star Game Tuesday June 19th. Hall, lead vocalist and harmonica player for Wet Willie, has a long and varied background read more...

Benefit for a Brother, Sid Yochim, Coming to Macon

Many of you know Sid Yochim, a member of the Charlie Daniels Band family for many years driving the trucks and buses. Sid’s father was the late great Pappy Yochim. Sid has had some very read more...

Winters Brothers Summer Jam This Weekend

NOLENSVILLE, TN - The Winters Brothers Band will host their 28th Southern Summer Jam this weekend on June 16th on the family farm just out side of Nolensville, TN. The event has become a favorite for read more...

Shaver to Release Spiritual Album

Buffalo Returns, Brings Along Some Ol' Honk

In case anyone is wondering, the ol' Buffalo has been down for the count for a while lately, which explains my lack of blogging. (Now there's a sentence I would have never used even two years ago, LOL) I had to have the old gallbladder removed, and it has been a bit of a read more...

Volunteer Jam DVD: The Holy Grail of Southern Rock

If there’s one single most defining event in the history of Southern Rock, it has to be the Volunteer Jam, especially the original Jams back in 1974 and 1975 and beyond. I’ll never forget my sheer joy upon discovering a bonus record inside the sleeve of

Warren Haynes, Steve Morse On Jeff Beck Tribute Album

Southern guitar gods Warren Haynes and Steve Morse will appear on a Jeff Beck tribute album for the Tone Center label, produced by guitarist Jeff Richman. Haynes is a member of

Welcome Back To GRITZ

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends... I must begin by apologizing for the recent “down time” Swampland.com experienced, but it was a necessary thing. The site has now been updated and the powers that be tell us it is going to be read more...

More On the Untimely Death of Topper Price

Terry O'Neil "Topper" Price, one of the most recognizable figures on Birmingham's music scene, died Wednesday at his Southside apartment.

Southern Musician Topper Price Dead

Topper Price, a well loved and respected singer and harp player from Alabama, was found dead today. No details are available as of yet, but we will report them as soon as possible. Price was recently seen onstage in support of his life long friend Scott Boyer at both Boyer read more...

Skynyrd, Hank Jr. Looking for a Rowdy Friend

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr. are currently touring together on the Rowdy Frynds tour, so it’s only natural, I guess, that they’d be hunting for their No. 1 friend, and they’re trying to find him or her read more...

Joann and the Free Bird

It has been quite a week here in the land of Gritz and honey. We lost another friend to cancer. I never met Joann Pierce face to face, but I read more...

Volunteer Jam Blazes Through Greenville

The Volunteer Jam Tour of 2007 kicked off in style on Friday night with The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and The read more...

Lonestar 92 is Something Truly Fresh On The Radio

There is finally something fresh and new on the radio dial, and the real surprise is that it is a part of the mega-million corporate monopoly Clear Channel, the monolith responsible for the dumbing down of commercial radio in the first place. I never thought I'd say this but, read more...

Great Days Indeed: Chris Hicks, The Boyer Benefits and a Shot of Whiskey

What a great three weeks it has been. First, there was the first Scott Boyer Benefit down in Muscle Shoals. Then the next week, it was on the road to

Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, Harlan Howard Honored by Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music has announced that country music movers and shakers Harlan Howard, Waylon Jennings, Jack Lameier, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton and Don Williams will be honored at a special ceremony on Wednesday, June 20 in Nashville. Howard, Jennings, read more...

Friends Come Out For Boyer in Birmingham: Gregg Allman Headlines

The second of two benefit concerts for ailing Southern Rock icon Scott Boyer was held on Wednesday, April 18th in Birmingham, Alabama, and was a rousing success.

Tipping My Hat To Kirk West

What a day. It was a beautiful day for a drive from my home in Greenville, SC to the big city of Birmingham, Alabama. About five and a half hours on the road brought me to the Best Western Hotel in Leeds near Birmingham, where I would later meet with some of the performers in town for read more...

Emmylou's Animal Shelter

4/16/07 Emmylou Harris opened a new animal shelter in Nashville, Tennessee. Harris started the humane shelter in memory of her own pet, Bonaparte. James Calemine

A Benefit for Boyer: Southern Rockers Will Jam to Help Pay Medical Bills

Muscle Shoals musician Scott Boyer has always been one of the first to pitch in when one of his fellow players needed a hand. "It's a very close-knit community up here and when somebody goes down, the musical community in the Shoals has a history of read more...

On The Road in Athens for Marshall Tucker at Georgia Theatre

The last time I was at The Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia was several years ago. We had made the hour and a half trek from Greenville to see a show by Gov’t Mule with special guest John Scofield and opener Chris read more...

Johnny Cash's Tennessee Home Destroyed By Fire

NASHVILLE, Tennessee-- The Hendersonville, Tennesse home of the late Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash has been destroyed by a fire that broke out at appoximately 2pm CST on Tuesday, April 10. The house was immortalized in the movie Walk The Line. The 13,000 read more...

Swampland's Buffalo Featured in Easyriders Magazine

Swampland.com's own Michael Buffalo Smith is featured in a four-page article in the May 2007 European edition of Easyriders magazine. The famous biker read more...

"Grindhouse" is a True Tribute to Drive-In Movies

I can still remember the first time I went to a movie alone as a child. Actually, I was with my sister, but you know what I mean. I must have been ten years old. I had been to drive-ins many times with my parents, usually to see some Elvis flick or a Disney movie. In later years I read more...

Confessions of a TV Junkie

Okay, I’ll admit it. I sometimes spend way too much time sitting on the sofa in front of that infernal technological marvel called the television. I sometimes get sucked into a show before I even know what has happened. Oftentimes sitting here like I am right this read more...

On The Road at The Scott Boyer Benefit in Muscle Shoals

After a fun day with the Lopates (see my previous blog) we found ourselves at the Shoals Theatre in downtown Florence, Alabama for what promised to be a stellar all-star benefit concert. I had been looking forward to this one for quite some time, and The Mighty Field of Vision would read more...

From The Stone Pony To The Rockinâ€™ Camel

(Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Long Branch Any More) Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 It was almost a given that we would drop by and visit long time friend Mitch Lopate and his lovely wife Cheryl on our way to the read more...

All-Star Scott Boyer Benefit Coming Wednesday

The first of two benefit shows for former Cowboy member Scott Boyer will take place this coming Wednesday, April 4th, at the Shoals Theatre in downtown Florence, Alabama. All money raised will help to pay Boyer’s medical bills from recent emergency surgery for an arterial read more...

Looking Ahead to Merlefest

It's getting close to that time again. Time for Merlefest, the biggest and best Americana music festival of all. Every year around this time, we start getting all excited about the festival, held in Wilkesboro, North Carolina in April. The line up this year is stellar as usual.

We Pay Tribute To The Bad Boys of Southern Rock, Molly Hatchet

There's a gator in the bushes, he's callin' my name! Yep! This week Swampland.com is proud to tip the hat to some of the baddest SOB's ever to sling a Stratocaster, the one and only Molly Hatchet. Check out our latest entry into the Legends of Southern Rock series read more...

All Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd Out This Week

Stars of country, classic rock and southern rock show their respect for one of the greatest bands ever on a new tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd, released this week on the Cleopatra label. The CD features performances by Molly Hatchet, Charlie Daniels, Pat Travers, and read more...

Get Front Row Seats For Skynyrd and Hank, Jr.

STUBHUB FORGES NEW PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE FANS EXCLUSIVE FRONT ROW ACCESS TO LYNYRD SKYNYRD, HANK WILLIAMS JR. SPRING TOUR StubHub Designated as the “Rowdy Frynds” Tour Official Premium Ticket Provider SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. read more...

Please Bear With Us During Updates

We realize there are problems viewing the site, and we are working to correct these problems right now. The site is being updated, and will be fully operational soon with hundreds of new and archived features, interviews, reviews and more. Thank you for your patience, read more...

The Best Radio On The Internet, The Mighty Field of Vision

Whatever happened to radio anyhow? I mean, radio today just plain sucks. Sure, you can find some interesting programming here and there on public radio, and the satellite radio is good if you are willing to buy an actual satellite radio and then pay a monthly fee. Even then, there is read more...

Two Benefit Concerts Scheduled For Scott Boyer

SHOALS & BIRMINGHAM BENEFIT CONCERTS SET FOR FORMER CAPRICORN ARTIST SCOTT BOYER FLORENCE, Ala. - Dates have been set in April for two benefit concerts for former Capricorn Records artist Scott Boyer who has had surgery for an read more...

American Idol: It's a Southern Thang

Half way through last night’s American Idol results show, I found myself asking the same question I ask myself every single time I am lured into this capitalistic charade of pop culture – “Why do I watch this?” Well, truth be told, read more...

You're No Hair Dresser, So Stop Teasing Me: No Show Snow

As I sit down to write, the window near my desk is open, a cool breeze is blowing through, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. The only bad part is, we never really had a winter this year!

Sometimes I Favor Good Gospel Music

I just love music. I always have. All types of music, from good Southern rock to Outlaw Country, rhythm and blues to sweet soul, I love it all. But out of all the music in my library, there is perhaps none more closer to my heart than gospel music. Now, read more...

Road Trip to Beaufort, SC, Sports Fans!

Recently, we decided to take off, pretty much on a whim, and set sail for the shore. Jill and I had visited before, but it would be nice to take a leisurely drive and visit. I didn’t realize just how much that town has to offer until we took this unexpected road trip, read more...

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Sister Hazel Set To Cruise in January 2008

Three Southern groups, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band and

Marshall Tucker Band to Headline All Star Concert with Lee Roy Parnell and Randall Bramblett

Rome, GA - The Rome Braves along with Classic Rock KZ 106 and Miller Lite announce that southern rock legends , The Marshall Tucker Band, will headline the All-Star Concert at the Forum in Rome on Monday June18th. Joining the Marshall Tucker Band will be country-blues artist Lee Roy read more...

Rodney Davis of Sailcat Dies

Rodney Reeves Davis, age 54, died February 28, 2007. He was born in Opp, Alabama to Willard and Josephine Davis who preceded him in death. He lived in Birmingham for the last 32 years. Rodney loved music and was a great read more...

Swampland Gets The Blues

Ain’t nothin’ like the blues. From the distant wail of Son House, to the darkness of Robert Johnson running from the Hell Hound, the blues are pure magic. In no other style of music can a song about “shootin’ your woman down because she cheated on you” read more...

See R.E.M. Inducted Into Hall Of Fame, Live On VH1 Classic

For the first time ever, VH1 Classic will air the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony LIVE on Monday, March 12 at 8:30 PM/ET. Music fans will get to see and hear Van Halen, R.E.M., Patti Smith, The Ronettes, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five read more...

Cherryholmes CD Coming in June

Bluegrass band Cherryholmes may have a new disc out in June on Skaggs Family Record. The family band, which won the IBMA bluegrass entertainer of the year award in 2005, finished mixing their second disc for the label Thursday. As of today, project remains untitled.

My First Molly Hatchet Concert, February, 1980

This morning I heard "Flirtin' with Disaster" on Rock 101 and it prompted me to recall a pivitol Southern Rock moment in my life. I remember the first time I heard the song. It was on my friend's Pioneer stereo. She had the LP. That song rattled the walls and I could feel it read more...

Toby Keith's Surprise Duet with Crystal Gayle

Toby Keith made a special request during Music City Jam in Nashville last night. He asked CrystalGayle up for a read more...

As One Gritz To Another

I remember in our pre-swampland.com days, when we first started Gritz online, some guy e-mailed me to tell me that he was enjoying the magazine, and was “honored” that we named the magazine after his band, Gritz. At the time, I read more...

WhiskeyStock Lineup Adds More Southern Rock

The lineup for the 1st Annual WhiskeyStock Music Fest, happening August 31 – September 3, 2007 has undergone some changes. The venue is being changed as well, due to legal reasons, and the new venue will be announced here soon. The lineup for the four-day read more...

Montgomery Gentry To Host Bike Rally

Montgomery Gentry will host the Academy of Country Music Celebrity Motorcycle Ride to be held May 13 in Las Vegas. After the ride, a concert will feature past and present ACM nominees. "I love that this is me and Troy's fourth year to host this event," said read more...

Willie Nelson Records Anti-War Song

Willie Nelson may oppose war in Iraq, but also supports the troops with his recently released single, "Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth"" available as an online download. The song features Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons of The Doobie read more...

Hank Jr. Assault Charges Dropped

Memphis prosecutors dropped assault charges against Hank Williams Jr., citing lack of evidence about the 2006 incident. A hotel cocktail waitress alleged that Williams yelled obscenities and grabbed her in the March 18, 2006 incident. Williams was in Memphis because two read more...

Billy Bob Thornton Shines In "The Astronaut Farmer"

Like most boys, I went through my “rockets and space” phase when I was a kid. I collected models of the space ships, and had photos and posters all over my bedroom wall of the Apollo rocket, alongside my Star Trek posters and an autographed photo I got from Neil read more...

South Carolina Radio and TV Pioneer Honored

BMI Award-winning songwriter Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith received the Honorary Life Membership Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association at their annual Winter Convention held recently in Columbia, S.C. BMI was on hand to present Smith with a Gold Record in read more...

Writing with Lee Bogan and Recording with Marshall Tucker, All in Two Days

It’s been a whirlwind couple of days, folks, but I have never been more “in my element.” When last we spoke, I had made my way to the greater Nashville area, having experienced a true spiritual animal communication. Wellsir, the next day, I drove over read more...

Deer Spirit

I made a last minute decision to drive up to Nashville today. I needed to lay down vocals on a demo that Lee Bogan and I wrote a couple of months back. We also needed to have another co-writing session, so I put the Honda in the wind and took off on the 6-hour drive, feeling read more...

Ghost Rider and Other Comic Book Movies

There has been a real surge of comic book movies over the past few year, and I must admit, I love it. I have been a comics fan my whole life, and once the Hollywood studios found out just how big the comics niche could be, the machine was set into motion.

Hank Williams, Jr. Files For Divorce

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Country star Hank Williams Jr. has filed for divorce from his wife, Mary Jane, claiming she has a problem with addiction, he said in a statement Friday, according to The Tennessean, "Today is one of the toughest days in my life. My read more...

Unreal

Is it just me? Am I the only one who is sick to death of reality TV? I mean, it has gotten to the point of sheer insanity. The networks must really think we are stupid. Hey, let’s do a show where the contestants have to eat live spiders and drink blood. Cool. read more...

Holmes Brothers On Conan O'Brien

Celebrate President’s Day by watching American music masters The Holmes Brothers (Wendell Holmes, Sherman Holmes, Popsy Dixon) perform on NBC television’s Late Night With Conan O’Brien on Monday, February 19.

Mothers Finest Bassist To Release New Album On New Southern Label

WASHINGTON, Georgia -- Bless Your Heart Music, LLC (BYHM) is celebrating the anniversary of its first year in business by announcing a joint venture with Jerry "Wyzard" Seay that includes plans to release Primal Incantation, the very first solo release from Mother's Finest's read more...

Loretta Lynn To Receive Doctorate

Loretta Lynn will receive a honorary doctorate from the Berklee School of Music in March. Lynn will get an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Boston school on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry durign her performance on "Grand Ole Opry Live" on GAC: Great read more...

Molly Hatchet Will Be Our Next "Legends"

Coming soon to swampland.com, our next Legends of Southern Rock entry, Molly Hatchet. From their self-titled debut album which included Danny Joe Brown, Dave Hlubek, Duane Roland, Steve Holland, Banner Thomas and Bruce Crump in the lineup, all the way to their very read more...

Billy Bob Thornton Sings On Tim McGraw Tribute

Billy Bob Thornton adds his unique vocals to a song on the new Tim McGraw tribute album, Where The Bluegrass Grows. Thornton takes on the lead vocal on "Ain't No Angels," the last song on the CD.

Americana Music Association Gets New Director

The Americana Music Association named Jed Hilly as new Executive Director of the group, it announced Monday. Hilly replaces Jeff Green, who left the group last year. Hilly will start as executive director of the seven-year-old trade organization promoting read more...

Bikers and Southern Rockers: A Great New Ear-Book

Last Friday I received something very special in my mailbox. The postmark was from Germany, and I spotted the return address as being from my friend Michael Stein, the Editor of the European branch of Easyriders magazine. The book is called Born to read more...

Dixie Chicks Dominate Grammys, Vince Gill Among Country Winners

The Dixie Chicks won big at the Grammy awards on Sunday, taking home awards for overall album and record of the year, best country album for "Taking the Long Way" and best song for "Not Ready to Make Nice," which they performed The trio read more...

Police to Headline at Bonnaroo

The Police will headline the June 16 date of the Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tennessee, Billboard.com is reporting. Bonnaroo’s Web site confirms that the Police will be a headliner for the June 14-17 festival, and that read more...

WhiskeyStock To Feature The Best of Southern Rock and Country Bands

The 1st Annual WhiskeyStock Music Fest will be held on Aug. 31, 2007 thru Sept. 3, 2007 at Angel City in Unadilla, Ga

...Recording Adventures In The Classic City...

2/9/07 Last weekend I returned to my old stomping grounds in Athens, Georgia. The purpose of the visit was to record spoken word material with Daniel Hutchens and Eric Carter of Bloodkin. I lived with Danny and Eric for read more...

Montgomery Gentry Coming To Swampland.com

I love it when a plan comes together. Last week I was all set up and ready, locked and loaded, for my big interview with country superstar Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. As fate would have it, the interview got postponed by the publicist because of something or read more...

Derek Trucks On Cover of Rolling Stone

Derek Trucks has made the cover of Rolling Stone. Well, he shares the cover anyway - with John Mayer and John Frusciante, under a bold title that reads “The New Guitar Gods.” The youngest Allman Brother has been higher profile than ever, following a tour read more...

Back Into The Studio With Tucker On A Nice Spring Day in February

Yesterday was good. Here in Greenville, South Carolina, it felt like spring. The weather was simply amazing. It made me feel like a million bucks- and then my buddy Doug Gray called. The day was getting even better. He asked me to come over to the studio and hang out, read more...

Fans Donate to Clay Walker's Charity

What do you get Clay Walker as a gift? For the eighth consecutive year The Crazy4Clay Gang has given a donation to The Band Against MS Foundation in Clay's honor as a gift.

Marty Stuart To Host Grammy Event

Marty Stuart has been tapped to host the 9th Annual Grammy Foundation Music Preservation Project, "The Soul of Country," on Thursday, Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. "The Soul of Country" celebrates the history of country music with performances and appearances by new and read more...

Hank, Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd Rowdy Friends Tour Coming Your Way

Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd are embarking on the Rowdy Frynds tour together this spring. Twenty shows were announced last week with more shows likely to be added.

McGraw and Hill To Tour Together In June

Soul2Soul 2007 will be hitting the road this summer with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill joining forces again. The husband and wife duo toured last summer with the Soul2Soul II Tour doing 73 shows in 55 cities and became the highest grossing country tour in history. The tour read more...

My Best Super Bowl Sunday Ever

What a weekend. I had pretty much decided to lay low and take this Saturday and Sunday to build up to the Super Bowl. Yes, you heard right. The Gritzman loves his Super Bowl. Oddly enough, I don’t find a lot of time to enjoy football games these days. I am read more...

Fat Possum Reissues Townes Van Zandt

2/5/07 Fat Possum records will be re-releasing vital Townes Van Zandt albums on May 1, 2007. The albums include For the Sake of the Song, Our Mother The Mountain, Townes Van Zandt, Delta Momma Blues, Flyin' Shoes, and read more...

Toy Caldwell Passed Fourteen Years Ago This Month

Fourteen Years After His Death, This Ol’ Cowboy Lives On When Toy Caldwell graduated from Dorman High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the mid-1960’s, he knew that he had a steady gig at the read more...

Merle Haggard Sings For Biodiesel

2/2/07 Now a spokesman for the National Biodiesel Board, Merle Haggard intends to spread the word on the energy crisis by performing at the 2007 Biodiesel Conference next week. James Calemine

Reissue of the Week: Sailcat's "Motorcycle Mama"

I was in the tenth grade in 1972, and I remember having the 45 of “Motorcycle Mama” by a group from Alabama known as Sailcat. It was quite a major hit, as I recall, and although it came to be lumped into the category of “novelty songs,” it was a really read more...

Gov't Mule Celebrates Millionth Download with Contest

Gov't Mule's MuleTracks.com is approaching it's Millionth Mule Tracks Download. In appreciation of it's fans interest in their concerts, Gov't Mule will host the "Download The Millionth Song read more...

The Charlie Daniels Band are Our Next "Southern Legends"

For decades Charlie Daniels has refused to label his music as anything other than "CDB music," music that helped elect an American president and that has been popularized on a variety of radio read more...

In The Studio with The Marshall Tucker Band

To some folks, hanging out in the recording studio for two days would be just plain boring and tedious. For me it’s more fun than watching the Super Bowl with four of my buddies and a keg of cold beer. I love to watch the magic that takes place in the recording studio, and I read more...

Van Zant Working On New Album

Van Zant recently began recording the follow-up to their gold-certified country debut, "Get Right with the Man."

Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Merle Haggard Record Again

Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Price are joining together to put out a new album, "Last of the New Breed," in March featuring classics and new songs. The trio's first album together will be released by Lost Highway and lead to a tour as read more...

Legends of Southern Rock: The Marshall Tucker Band

I have been in the studio this weekend with The Marshall Tucker Band as they work on their new album for the Shout! Factory label, and it has been a blast. All of the music and conversation with band and crew members helped me to decide who would be first in our read more...

B.B. King Released From Texas Hospital

1/27/07 On Thursday night, blues legend B.B. King was admitted to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston for unknown reasons, but officials reported he was in good condition on Friday. King, 81, was scheduled to perform at the Grand Opera House on Thursday when read more...

New Interviews with Doug Gray and Clay Walker Posted!

Greetings from the South, fellow babies. Just a few random notes to let y'all know that I have two new interviews posted on SWAMPLAND.COM as of today. One is with The Marshall Tucker Band's founding lead singer

Montgomery Gentry 2007 Tour Dates Announced

SWAMPLAND HAILS: The Allman Brothers Band

SWAMPLAND HONORS AN AMERICAN MUSICAL TREASURE: The Allman Brothers Band "Crossroads seem to come and go."

Hank Williams, Jr. Charts with Re-Mix of Hit from 25 Years Ago Today

Nashville, TN – Country music’s living outlaw, Hank Williams Jr., has hit yet another milestone in his career. Back in 1981, during the week of January 23rd, Williams’ song “A Country Boy Can Survive” hit the read more...

Little Richard's Benefactor Dies

1/23/07 Ann Howard allowed Little Richard Penniman to perform in her Macon, Georgia, nightclub when Penniman was still washing dishes at the Greyhound bus station to make ends meet. Ms. Howard died last week at 82. James Calemine

Ghost Riders Form Their Own All-Star Touring Band

The past few years have brought about an onslaught of “All Star” Southern Rock Bands, beginning with The Southern Rock Allstars (who actually began years ago as The Dixie Allstars). And you know what they read more...

Cadillac Sky To Release Debut CD at Mercy Lounge

Skaggs Family Records is proud to announce the CD release party for their bright young bluegrass band, Cadillac Sky. The party will be held at The Mercy Lounge in Nashville, TN on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6:00 PM. Admission is free. The event will celebrate the release read more...

Rich Robinson, Luther Dickinson, and Patti Smith

1/21/07 On Friday, January 19, Circle Sound performed at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. Circle Sound comprises Rich Robinson (Black Crowes), Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All Stars), Sven Pippien (Black Crowes), Bill Dobrow (Hookah Brown), and Rob Clores (Black read more...

Saturday Night in Macon, Georgia

Saturday in Macon, Georgia was pretty much a non-stop thrill ride. It all started out at the H&H Restaurant, where I was to meet Chris Hicks for lunch. Unfortunately, Chris was being pulled five different ways read more...

The Georgia Music Hall of Fame Rocks

When I arrived in Macon yesterday, one of the first things I wanted to do was to pay a visit to The Georgia Music Hall of Fame. I have visited a handful of times in the past but had not darkened their door since 2001. Besides, read more...

John, Eddie, Clay and My Road Trip to Macon

Hi guys. Well, it’s late Thursday night and I have had a simply great day. What can I say? Some days are just diamonds. It all began innocently enough with a phone call from blues legend John Hammond and the subsequent interview. My God, this man has been read more...

Point Blank Reunites for Tour and We Can't Wait to See 'Em Live!

I’m happy to announce some really exciting news. Southern rock pioneers Point Blank have reunited and will be heading out to Europe soon for a tour. Over the past ten years I have heard from countless Point Blank fans who are eager to see their heroes live again. Well friends, read more...

Allman Brothers Announce 2007 Beacon Run

The Allman Brothers Band have announced their traditional New York City run at Beacon Theatre, announcing 13 late-March shows. The band's read more...

"Dreamgirls" is a Winner

I just got in from one of the best movie musicals I have ever seen. Dreamgirls is a fictional story loosely based on the careers of The Supremes, James Brown and other R&B artists of the 1960s and ‘70s. They call it fiction but there are numerous stories woven into read more...

The Mighty Gov't Mule: Still The Best

Gov't Mule has been one of my very favorite southern bands for many years now. I'll never forget the first time I saw them live. It was 1998 at The Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. A rather "uppity" venue that usually features opera, Broadway shows and symphony read more...

Random Notes from The Land O' Gritz and Honey

Hi gang. The weekend is finally here! I finished reading Skydog: The Duane Allman read more...

Gritz Wants Your Input

Howdy GRITZ Gang! I trust everyone had a great Holiday season and had some good times wih family and friends. I sure did. Thank you all for your continued support and patience as we continue our merger with Swampland. Look for BIG things in 2007. We have a lot read more...

Gary Rossington's Poor Health Creates Changes in Skynyrd Cruise

Swampland has received the following press release in regard to the long awaited Gimmie Three Days Lynyrd Skynyrd Cruise, January 5-8 leaving out of Miami, and Gary Rossington's health problems. "In the final days leading up to Gimmie Three Days concert cruise, we read more...

Loretta Lynn Announces Early 2007 Tour Dates

1/1/07 After shattering her shoulder last year, the 71 year-old Loretta Lynn is ready to hit the road. Scheduled stops on Lynn's early 2007 (through March) tour include Huntsville, Owensboro, Burgettstown, Hamlin, Kansas City, Wichita, Winter Haven, and Council Bluffs. More read more...

Reminiscing About New Year's Eve Past

New Year’s Eve was fun this year. We went out for dinner, then came back home to chill out and watch the Garrison Keillor special on PBS, live from The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. What a great show, with our friend Cowboy Jack Clement, and top of the line pickers that included read more...

Happy New Year: A Look Back at 2006 with Buffalo & Gritz

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for reading GRITZ for another year, and a huge thank you for following us into our new home here at Swampland Media! 2006 was a fun year. Lots of great concerts, shows, CD’s, books, travel....It was GRITZ’s best read more...

Texas Writer Terry Southern Makes Music News...Again...

12/29/06 Texas writer Terry Southern's legend lives on. On January 9, 2007, a new set of Beatles stamps become available in England. Southern is the only person on the cover of the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (positioned between Dylan Thomas read more...

Listening to Music, Watching Holiday Movies, Etc.

Greetings from the South, where, at least at my house, it is nearly 75 degrees outside. Pretty crazy. Last year at this time we were under the biggest and longest deep freeze in history, so I am indeed grateful for the Spring-like weather as we transition into the next year.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Comes Marching In...

12/24/06 On December 28, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band plays an intimate gig at George Street Grocery in Jackson, Mississippi. The next night, The Dirty Dozen lights up Tipitina's in their hometown of New Orleans. New Years Eve finds the group in the beautiful Arizona read more...

Christmas Wishes from GRITZ

Hi y'all. I just wanted to drop a note to say Merry Christmas and yes, I will be doing the "year end blog" as promised, but I just realized that we have another week and a lot can happen during that time. So I will save the wrap up for New Year's Eve. Deal? Meanwhile, read more...

American Idol Jams at Warren Haynes Christmas

American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, joined Outformation onstage in front of a sold-out crowd at Asheville's Stella Blue on December 15 along side Warren Haynes annual Christmas Jam. Named one of the Top 10 Concerts of the Year by the London Times, Warren Haynes' Christmas benefit for read more...

Don't Cry On My Shoulder Baby If You Don't Want a Waterfall Comin' Down On Your Head Some Day

I love music. I especially love the lyrics. But even more than the words and music, I love the titles. Now, in the field of pop-rock music, creative song titles are somehow few and far between. If you're looking for really nifty titles, you need look no further than the read more...

Stillwater Hosts Annual Southern Rock Jam in Macon December 29th

Stillwater will host their annual reunion concert in Macon, Georgia on December 29th at Whiskey River. The Southern rock jam will also feature Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie), The Winters Brothers Band, Ronnie Hammond (ARS) Josh Graff, Big Mike the Booty Papa, Eddie Stone, Tony Cooper and read more...

Volunteer Jam Ready to Hit the Road Again

NASHVILLE- Charlie Daniels, leader of the Charlie Daniels Band, has announced the legendary Volunteer Jam Tour will, once again, hit cities all across America. The Volunteer Jam started back in 1974 when Charlie wanted to record "Fire On The Mountain" in front of a read more...

The Ramblin' Man is Still One of My Favorites

Many thanks to everyone all over the world who sent e-mails, cards, flowers and made calls of condolence regarding my Father. It meant the world to me and my family. I was sitting around today thinking about the first time I ever met recent birthday boy Dickey read more...

Daddy Was a Southern Rocker

Paul Tho