Music Dispatch Archives
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...
New Allman Brothers Documentary Premiere May 16
New Allman Brothers Documentary Premieres May 16 5/7/08 This afternoon Allman Brothers Tour Mystic
Tom Waits Glitter And Doom Tour Dates (Mostly Southern)
Tom Waits Glitter And Doom Tour Dates Mostly Southern 5/6/08 “Well they call me William the pleaser/I sold opium 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...
Mavis Staples To Headline Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival
Mavis Staples To Headline Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival 5/5/08 “I know no one can sing the blues
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...
...The Kentucky Derby In Athens, Georgia...
Athens, Georgia…May 3, 2008…The Kentucky Derby… “When you’re sitting back In your rose pink read more...
Music Maker Relief Foundation & Dust-To-Digital
Music Maker Relief Foundation & Dust-To-Digital Preserve The Oldest Traditions 5/2/08 The North Carolina-based
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist(s) Part Six: Clarence White
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist(s)—PART SIX Clarence White By James Calemine “Tempted and tried
Too Much Fun
When Deryle Perryman contacted me last week to say that he and fellow filmmaker Moises Gonzales were coming to Alabama and would I like to 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
Emmylou Harris Inducted Into Country Music Hall of Fame
Emmylou Inducted Into The Country Music Hall of Fame 4/29/08 Last Sunday, April 27,
More Vintage GRITZ Articles Unearthed; Jimmie Van Zant, Jerry Carrigan, Jimmy Johnson Family
Today I'd like to bring back three more classic features from our GRITZ archives, for your enjoyment and information. The first one is an interview Scott Greene conducted eight years ago with Jimmie read more...
Mudcrutch & Gram Parsons' Florida Roots
Mudcrutch & Gram Parsons’ Florida Roots 4/27/08 This
New Orleans Jazzfest: In Wake Of The Flood
Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927” Becomes Un-official Anthem For New Orleans Jazzfest 4/27/08 In the wake of Katrina, many read more...
The Midnight Hour
A Backward Glance During The Midnight Hour 4/27/08 At this midnight hour preparations are being made for upcoming Mystery read more...
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...
The Return of Mudcrutch
Tom Petty Resurrects His Old Florida Band Mudcrutch 4/24/05 Tom Petty and Tom Leadon (brother of Eagle Bernie) formed Mudcrutch with Randall 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
April in Alabama
Nothing could be more beautiful than April in Alabama and, in my case, nothing could be more exciting. I recently returned from the Alabama Studio Weekend in the
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...
Swampland Celebrates National Record Store Day
Today, April 19 2008, is Record Store Day. There are so many great independent record stores across the Swampland Footprint. They are owned and staffed by the people that help to keep music alive across read more...
Widespread Panic In Orange Beach, Alabama
Widespread Panic On The Beach 4/19/08 Morning Folks, Last night proved a fine night. The weather here in Orange Beach, Alabama, is 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.
...Night Before Widespread Panic On The Beach...
A Prelude To The Spectacle 4/17/08 Before I take off for the three
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...
The Blessing of Mavis Staples
The Blessing of Mavis Staples 4/14/08 Mavis Staples serves as a beacon of light in the sinister music business. Her golden voice appears on 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
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...
Outward Bound
“The eye and mind would be functioning as a camera. The writing would be selective and necessarily interpretive—but once the image was written the words would be final.” --Hunter 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
Dickinson's Eats & Dylan's Prize
Bob Dylan Wins Pulitzer Prize & Jim Dickinson's Best On The Road Eating 4/7/08 Evening Folks, I hope all is well on this read more...
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...
A Shot of the Blues
A Daily Dose of Authenticity...Keith Richards...James Burton...MLK...Widespread Panic...The Black Crowes...Jim Dickinson... 4/4/08 As Spring read more...
The Legacy of Ardent Records
The Legacy of Ardent Records 4/2/08 In light of my recent interview with the great
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...
Time To Panic
A Journey To The Classic City For A Meeting With Seasoned Professionals 3/29/08
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...
Southern Rock Lists - Swampland Wants Your Feedback
Dear Swampland readers, We invite you to visit this dispatch from Michael Buffalo Smith of GRITZ to log in and give us your favorite Southern Rock records. Buffalo posted
Alabama Beat: Words and Music in the Deep South
The three poems currently appearing in the Poetry section of Swampland are by Mississippi born Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey (published by permission of the author). Trethewey won read more...
The Road To Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions
A Few Insights For The Faithful On A Thursday Evening 3/27/08 Pollen 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...
Bound For Glory
“I was thirteen when I went to live with a family of thirteen people in a two-room house. I was going on fifteen when I got me a job shining shoes, 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
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...
Mudcrutch: Tom Petty's Florida Roots
The surprise announcement of Mudcrutch's reunion is welcome news to the Swampland Footprint. Mudcrutch is an essential chapter in Tom Petty's career. Mudcrutch evolved out of an early Gainesville, FL band of Petty's called the Epics. The Epics also featured a 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...
Alabama's Going Green: "Let's Get Dirty"
Huntsville, Alabama, has chosen “Let’s Get Dirty” by the Huntsville country music band
Brother To Jackals & the Jukebox Chronicles
A Few Notes From The Underground 3/18/08 "Art is the perpetual motion of illusion. The highest purpose of art is to inspire. What 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...
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...
Chris Robinson's "Inhale! Inhale! Rock N Roll" Article
Chris Robinson's 1993 Article "Inhale! Inhale! Rock N Roll" 3/15/08 In light of the Black Crowes' new release,
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...
The Dickinson's Mojo & The Black Crowes' Voodoo
Mystery & Manners Investigates The Mojo of The Dickinson Family & The Black Crowes' Voodoo 3/11/02 "Don't bring down the 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...
"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.
Dylan Organizes Recordings of Unfinished Hank Williams Songs
Bob Dylan Discovers Unfinished Hank Williams Songs 2/28/08 "Odds and ends, odds and ends, Lost time is not found read more...
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...
Latest Releases From James McMurtry & Otis Redding
Latest Releases From James McMurtry and Otis Redding 2/27/08
Down In the Groove with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (PART TWO)
Down In The Groove with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (Part Two) 2/26/08 I'd like to announce the second part of Mystery And Manners' 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...
Down In The Groove with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (Part One)
Mystery & Manners Interview with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (Part One) 2/25/08 I'd like to mention Mystery And read more...
Poetic Felony
MAXIM Magazine Reviews Black Crowes' Warpaint Without Hearing The Album 2/23/08 For some folks it's easy to hate the Black Crowes. Everyone 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...
Another Call To Harry Crews & Beyond
...An Ongoing Pursuit & Recording of the Mystery And Manners Saga...Widespread Panic...Jim Dickinson...Harry Crews and beyond... 2/19/08 “In the time I was with read more...
Let The Sunshine In
I was listening to NPR on Saturday morning when I heard the bluesy sound of an acoustic guitar and a voice that reminded me of a cross between Tom Waits and Elvis Costello (more in mood than in actual vocal comparison.). The voice was that of
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.
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...
Levon Helm's Dirt Farmer Wins GRAMMY
Dirt Farmer Wins GRAMMY 2/11/08 Levon Helm's latest album,
It's Not Easy Being Indie
I always thought that in my next incarnation I wanted to come back as an independent documentary filmmaker. I held on to that dream until I sat in an darkened room in a warehouse in Huntsville, Alabama, on Friday afternoon and listened to independent filmmaker
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...
Jim Dickinson On The Line
Mystery & Manners Interview With Memphis Legend Jim Dickinson 2/9/08 "She shivers just like jelly in the bowl."
Ryan Bingham Gets Help From Ford
Marc Ford & Son Join Texas Songwriter Ryan Bingham In the South 2/9/08
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...
Widespread Soul
“When after all, it was 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...
Adventures In The (Pig) Skin Trade On Super Bowl Sunday
Roving Notes On Super Bowl Sunday 2/3/08 "There is some kind of back-door connection in my head between Super Bowls and The Allman read more...
The Day The Music Died
The day was February 3, 1959. At approximately 12:55 AM, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, the “Big Bopper,” and their twenty-one year old pilot boarded a small plane near Clear Lake,
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...
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...
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
Luther Dickinson: Night Before theTour...
Luther Dickinson Talks Present, Past & Future 1/16/08 Things have been quite busy as of late. I've just about completed my interview read more...
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
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.
Six Degrees of Separation
In the south we not only claim kin we also claim friends. I have learned that behind every new acquaintance there lies the possibility of finding an old friend—not to mention discovering a new one. Such was the case this week when I was working on a feature about read more...
...A Rising Tide of Georgia Rock And Roll...
A Rising Tide of Georgia Rock And Roll: David Barbe, The Drive By Truckers, Bloodkin & The Black Crowes 1/10/08 "Every read more...
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
2008 Year of The Crowe
...Atlanta's Black Crowes Prepare for the Warpath... 1/7/08 Today the Black read more...
LIghts, Camera, Action! Film Festivals and Film Debuts in the South
Late winter and spring of 2008 will see the blossoming of a host of film festivals in the South. A number of the festivals showcase original films and present cash awards to the best new films. Others bring classic, hard to find, topical, or thematic films to the read more...
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...
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.
Criteria Studios: 50 Years Later
Legendary Miami Studio 50 Years Later 12/30/07 Jazz fanatic Mack Emerman started the Miami, Florida, Criteria Studio 50 years ago. The read more...
Lead Belly: A Life In Pictures
A New Lead Belly Book Hits The Streets 12/29/07 A new 250 page book on blues great
Dr. John Voices Frustration At Friday New Orleans Show
Dr. John Expresses Frustration With Katrina Fallout 12/29/07 Dr. John informed the audience--at his first of two shows in his hometown last read more...
Country's Top 100 Heartbreaks
A List of Country Music's Greatest Hurtin' Songs 12/28/07 Here's an interesting
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
Full Moon Fever With Stanley Booth
Full Moon Fever With Stanley Booth 12/24/07 Full moon on the Little Satilla River...I return to my homesoil for the holidays, and it ain't the 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...
Honeydripper Star Plays Hometown
Gary Clark Jr. Plays Austin 12/21/07 Musician Gary Clark, Jr.
George Porter Celebrates 60th Birthday
New Orleans Musician Celebrates 60th Birthday 12/21/07 The great George Porter Jr. will celebrate his 60th birthday next week at The read more...
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...
Blues Trail Marker For "Nighthawk" McCollum
A New Blues Marker Tribute 12/19/07 In Friar's Point, Mississippi, a
New Willie Nelson Album Out January 29, 2008
New Nelson CD, Moment of Forever, Hits Streets Early 08 12/19/07 Great American 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...
Montgomery Dedicates New Year's Eve To Hank Williams
On New Year's Eve Hank Williams Fans Gather In Montgomery 12/17/07 "The eeriest thing I ever had to do in my life was at Hank's funeral when read more...
Ike Turner Dead at 76
Ike Turner Dead at 76 12/12/07 The story of guitarist/songwriter
Southern Greats Play Post Led Zeppelin London Gig
Sam Moore, Ben E. King, Percy Sledge and Solomon Burke Perform Post Led Zep Gig 12/11/07 Ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman's band, the
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...
John Sayles Interview
Mystery & Manners John Sayles Interview 12/8/07 On Thursday I interviewed John Sayles. Sayles' new movie Honeydripper was filmed in Alabama. Honeydripper 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...
Gibson's Robot Guitar
Gibson's Robot Guitar On Sale 12/6/07 This Monday, Gibson's
No Country For Old Men Voted Best Film
Joel & Ethan Cohen's Film Earns High Praise 12/06/07 Southern writer
Billy Bob Thornton Christmas Song Exclusive On iTunes
Billy Bob Thornton's band (his hillbilly band) The Boxmasters have a special Christmas
...Into The Deep...
Mystery & Manners Dispatch 12/05/07 Today marks the birthday of southern writer
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.
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...
The Black Crowes Put On Warpaint
The Black Crowes New Album Warpaint Set For Release 11/27/07
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...
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
Willie Nelson: Dogs Best Friend
Dogs Best Friend: Willie Nelson 11/24/07 Willie read more...
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...
Swampland Salutes Great Southern Writer Paul Hemphill
Mystery & Manners Highlights Writer Paul Hemphill 11/21/07 I'd like to take this opportunity to direct everyone's attention to the 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...
Johnny Cash's First Wife's New Book
New Book From the Late Vivian Cash 11/19/07 Vivian Cash,
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...
Jerry Wexler Talks Bob Dylan, Doug Sahm and Muscle Shoals
Jerry Wexler Talks Dylan, Doug Sahm and Muscle Shoals 11/15/07 In these interview clips, the great Jerry Wexler discusses recording
The Word Returns
The Word Returns In December 11/14/07 Robert Randolph (The Robert Randolph Family Band), Cody &
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s) PART FIVE: The Band
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s) PART FIVE: The Band “Hail is beatin’ on the roof The bourbon is a hundred proof read more...
Music Maker Relief Foundation's Latest Project
Music Maker's Built For The Blues 11/13/07 Music Maker Relief Foundation operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting poor 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...
Another James Brown Lawsuit
Latest Legal Distraction For James Brown Estate 11/12/07 All is not well among members of James Brown's family. Since his death on December read more...
Loretta Lynn Returns To The Ryman
Loretta Lynn Returns To The Ryman 11/12/07 On Thursday, November 15, Loretta Lynn returns to perform at the fabled Ryman Auditorium. The 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...
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s) PART FOUR: The Rolling Stones
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s)PART FOUR: The Rolling Stones 11/8/07 "Will all your money Keep you from read more...
Blind Boys of Alabama 70 Years Young
Blind Boys of Alabama: 70 Years Young The Blind Boys of Alabama read more...
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...
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...
A Day In The Life of A Great American Guitarist (Marc Ford) PART THREE
A Day In the Life of A Great American Guitar Player: PART THREE Marc Ford In San Francisco 11/05/07 "Featherweight read more...
Mystery & Manners Dispatch From San Francisco
Dispatch From San Francisco 11/3/07 Notes written on a back porch facing Mt. Tamalpais, known to locals as "Mt. Tam". I arrived read more...
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s) PART THREE--Tom Waits
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s) PART THREE 10/31/07 "The quill from a buzzard The blood writes the word
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s) PART TWO--Jerry Garcia
Mystery & Manners Honorary Southern Artist(s) Part Two 10/30/07 "I love the Dead. As far as Jerry Garcia, Jerry Garcia could walk 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...
October 27 & 28 Bridge School Benefit
21st Bridge School Benefit Hosts Various Musicians 10/27/07 In light of a
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...
SWAMPLAND Goin' Out West...Frisco Bound...
Mystery & Manners Goin' Out West To San Francisco 10/25/07
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...
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...
Birthday Cheers To Tom Petty
Mystery & Manners Cheers To Tom Petty 10/20/07 ...Raise a glass to Thomas Earl Petty, born October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, 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...
Ryan Bingham And The Drive By Truckers Hit the Road
Ryan Bingham and The Drive By Truckers Hit The Road 10/17/07 Ryan Bingham and the
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
A Day In The Life of A Great American Guitarist (Marc Ford) PART TWO
A Day In the Life of A Great American Guitarist Part Two 10/15/07
On the Road Again
Sorry I have been incommunicado lately. I am still struggling with allergies that seem to get worse rather than better. Ah, fall in North Alabama. Speaking of fall, this weekend my sister, her husband, and two of our friends made a road trip to the hills of middle Tennessee read more...
Thelonious Monk's North Carolina Roots
Thelonious Monk's North Carolina Roots 10/11/07 Yesterday marked 90 years since the birth of
Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s) PART ONE--Bob Dylan
...Mystery & Manners' Honorary Southern Artist(s)...PART ONE... 10/11/07 "Beat a path of retreat
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...
Haggard's Horizon
Merle Haggard Gives Insight To Future In Billboard Q & A 10/9/07
Marc Ford Burns Through Atlanta
A Day In The Life of a Great American Guitarist: Marc Ford Burns Through Atlanta 10/7/07
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...
Ray McKinnon Randy and the Mob Blog
Ray McKinnon's Recent Blogs About His Latest Film, Randy and the Mob 10/3/07 As posted
Otis Redding Film Premier October 8
Dreams To Remember Premier October 8 10/1/07 The new Otis Redding documentary, Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis 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...
People Take Warning! Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs 1913-1938
Tompkins Square Releases Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs This Week 9/29/07 This week Tompkins Square released this
Blues Great Memphis Minnie Honored
Blues Great Memphis Minnie Honored 9/28/07 In Walls, Mississippi, the female guitarist and songwriter Memphis Minnie was honored with 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...
Goin' Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino
GOIN' HOME: A TRIBUTE TO FATS DOMINO 9/26/07 Yesterday Vanguard released
Ray McKinnon's Randy and the Mob
Ray McKinnon's New Film Randy and the Mob 9/22/07 From Capricorn Pictures...Here's the trailer for Adel, Georgia, native Ray McKinnon's new comedy Randy and the Mob. The Drive By Truckers' Patterson Hood contributed a song to the soundtrack. read more...
Dylan Plays The Ryman
BOB DYLAN PLAYS THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 9/21/07 Thursday Bob 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...
CD and DVD releases for week of September 18, 2007
New Releases Doyle Bramhall Is It News (Yep Roc) Jim Dickinson
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
Emmylou Harris Retrospective "Songbird" Hits Streets Today
Songbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten Gems Out Today 9/18/07 A new Emmylou Harris, 4 CD-1 DVD, retrospective was released today. read more...
Luther Dickinson Flies With The Black Crowes
Luther Dickinson Flies With The Black Crowes 9/17/07 The North Mississippi All-Stars guitarist
Macon's Tribute To Otis Redding
Macon's Tribute To Otis Redding 9/16/07 At the Georgia Music Hall of Fame 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...
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...
Patterson Hood Song In New Ray McKinnon Film
Patterson Hood Song In New Ray McKinnon Film 9/12/07 Patterson Hood 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...
CD and DVD releases for week of September 11, 2007
New Releases Billy Joe Shaver Storyteller: Live At The Bluebird (Sugar Hill) Kane read more...
Runnin' Down A Dream: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Perform at the New York Film Festival
9/10/07 ...Runnin' Down A Dream: A new Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Film Showing at New York Film Festival ... Tom Petty 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...
Blind Willie McTell Named Stateboro's Second Legend In the Arts
9/9/07 Blind Willie McTell Named Statesboro's Second Legend In the Arts On September 7, 2007, the blues great Blind Willie McTell was read more...
Sounds of the South
9/8/07 Sounds of the South "Jack of diamonds told Queen of spades Gwine with me, Be on yo creepin way."
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...
Brendan O'Brien's Golden Ear
9/7/07 Brendan "Bud" O'Brien remains a luminary on the Atlanta music scene. O'Brien played in various groups in Atlanta such as Right As read more...
Charlie Louvin Continues Touring into Fall with Lucinda
Charlie Louvin of the Louvin Brothers has just read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of September 4, 2007
New Releases Collective Soul Afterwords (Handleman) Sterling Harrison
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...
Lost Gram Parsons Shows From 1969 Set For Release
Lost Gram Parsons Shows Found For over a year dust of rumor circulated that lost Gram Parsons performances were unearthed...turns out this is true. This 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...
CD and DVD releases for week of August 21, 2007
New Releases Galactic From the Corner to the Block (Anti) Joe Nichols read more...
Breakfast With Paul, Drinks With Dan
8/19/07 Yesterday proved noteworthy. I met up with southern writer Paul Hemphill at
CD and DVD releases for week of August 14, 2007
Darren Kozelsky Let Your Mind Fly (Smith Entertainment) Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds
DEATH WEEK
The 30 year anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death falls on August 16, 2007. Like it or not, Elvis ranks as a southern icon. Elvis changed the way people looked at music the way Ted Turner changed the way people look at TV.
The Black Crowes Complete New Studio Album
Atlanta’s own, The Black Crowes will begin mixing their new album in September for a Spring 2008 release. The Crowes recently recorded 16 new songs at
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...
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...
CD and DVD releases for week of August 7, 2007
New Releases Bruce Hornsby/Christian McBride/Jack DeJohnette Camp Meeting (Sony read more...
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...
CD and DVD releases for week of July 31, 2007
New Releases 10 Mile Crossing 10 Mile Crossing (Smith Entertainment) Chris Duarte read more...
Uncle John Turner Dies:Legendary Drummer Played with Johnny Winter
Uncle John, Johnny Winter and Tommy Shannon
CD and DVD releases for week of July 24, 2007
New Releases Billy Bob Thornton Beautiful Door (New Door) Billy Ray Cyrus
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...
CD and DVD releases for week of July 17, 2007
New Releases Raul Malo After Hours (New Door) Wille Mack
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...
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...
CD and DVD releases for week of July 10, 2007
New Releases Chris & Rich Robinson Brothers Of A Feather [Live] (Eagle)
The Last Outpost of Time
7/9/07 “All that we see is but a dream within a dream.”
07-07-07
Isn't seven the most powerfully magical number? -- Tom Marvolo Riddle to Horace Slughorn Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Whether you are superstitious, mystical, fascinated by numerology, or simply curious, you have to be just read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of July 3, 2007
Reissues Asleep At The Wheel Western Standard Time/Big Wheel (Evangeline) Buddy 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...
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...
New features added - Music, Discourse, Sports!
We at SWAMPLAND.COM just wanted to let everyone know about a couple of new weekly features we are adding to the site. First, we are going to do a weekly Dispatch about music and movie releases that are Southern in nature. This allows us to keep everyone up on what's read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of June 26, 2007
CDs New Releases Charlie Daniels Live From Iraq (Koch) James Burton read more...
Fire On The Mountain
6/25/07 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...
The Rise And Disappearance of Sly Stone
6/20/07 Few groups ever attain the musical power and wide commercial appeal of Sly & The Family Stone. From 1967-1974, the group proved a formidable band whose music crossed all social and musical barriers.
Johnny Cash Radio & Elvis Auction Items
6/18/07 The Sun Records boys are in the news again... Bill Miller is now hosting
Fathers Day: Hot Fun In the Summertime
6/17/07 Happy Father’s Day… …A few scattered notes from a spot overlooking some hills here in north Georgia on a 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
Uneasy Rider
Last weekend I traveled to Austin, Texas, for the 90th birthday celebration of Dr. Elva Mclin, my mentor, friend, and longtime colleague. Another former colleague and friend of the honoree accompanied me. Because neither of us had ever been to Austin before, we elected to stay in read more...
The True Adventures of Stanley Booth
6/10/07 THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF STANLEY BOOTH As I wrote in the intro to my Charlie Louvin
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
Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs to Appear On New Gospel Album
Charlie Daniels is participating is in a religious-themed CD of contemporary Christian songs done country-style. Time Life is slated to put the 16-song disc produced by Teddy Gentry of Alabama and Mike Curtis in September, according to Curtis. The disc was recorded in Nashville and read more...
Marc Ford's Southern Harmony
5/21/07 Welcome Back...Amid intense activity behind the curtain at Swampland the train rolls on into a new era. The Mystery And Manners read more...
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
ZZ Top Cancels Euro Tour, Dusty Hill Has Surgery
May 16, 2007 HOUSTON - ZZ Top has canceled its European tour so Dusty Hill can undergo treatment for a benign growth in his inner ear that's affecting his hearing. Dr. Shawn Nasseri, a California 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...
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...
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...
Ornette Coleman Wins Pulitzer
4/16/07 Born on March 9, 1930, in Fort Worth, Texas, Ornette Coleman won a Pulitzer Prize today for his latest CD, Sound Grammar. Coleman stands as an innovator in jazz music with a musical influence steeped in R & B. His first recording took place in 1958.
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
Kirk West's Photographic Memories
With great pride Swampland.com presents this in-depth interview with Kirk West. West plays an integral role in the Allman Brothers Band organization. West began taking photographs in his youth. In the 70s and read more...
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...
Nashville Super Group Pays Tribute to Classic Albums
4/14/07 Long Player, a Nashville super group gathers every several months to perform classic music by musicians like Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison and the Beatles. It appears more performances are on the horizon. James Calemine
Waterloo Record's 25th Anniversary Concert (in the Waterloo Parking Lot!)
Waterloo Record's 25th Anniversary Concert (in the Waterloo Parking Lot!) On Sunday, April 15th from 11:30am - 7pm legendary Austin record store, Waterloo Records & Video, is 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...
Bluebird Cafe Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, long a mainstay for singer/songwriters in Music City, will kick off a year-long celebration commemorating its 25th anniversary in May through a nationwide "Bluebird on the Road" tour to 12 cities later this year, a private birthday bash 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...
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...
Drive-By Truckers split with Jason Isbell
After more than five years, Jason Isbell and the Drive-By Truckers have their separate ways. Isbell is on the road touring behind the upcoming release of his first solo album Sirens In The Ditch read more...
May Induction Into Blues Hall of Fame for Dr. John
4/7/07 Malcolm John "Mac" Rabennack--Dr. John--the Crescent City Night Tripper will be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame on May 9, 2007.
From The Stone Pony To The Rockin’ 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...
Warrants Issued For Billy Joe Shaver
Police have issued arrest warrants for country singer Billy Joe Shaver after he shot and wounded a man outside a Texas bar, the entertainer's attorney said. After Shaver left a bar in Lorena on read more...
Keith Richards Donates To James Burton's Foundation
4/4/07 Keith Richards donated $20,000 to James Burton's Festival this weekend. Check out the Swampland interview with James Burton read more...
The Killer Plays Classic Boogie Woogie
4/2/07 After legend Meade Lux Lewis died in a 1964 car crash, Jerry Lee Lewis recorded this tribute to the boogie woogie purveyor titled The Killer Plays Boogie Woogie Classics
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...
Former Alabama Member Jeff Cook Signs Record Deal
Former Alabama member and Country Music Hall of Famer Jeff Cook and newcomer Mitch Glenn inked with Lofton Creek Records. Cook and Glenn's first single will be "Shining Star" and ship in April. Label head Mike Borchetta was on the promotion team that promoted Alabama's first 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.
Jimmy Hall Records Eddie Hinton Tribute
The South has given birth to some of America's greatest unsung heroes- hardworking , soul baring singers, writers and musicians. Rarely have two such talented heroes been brought together - blues rock singer Jimmy Hall, and the legendary Muscle Shoals musician and songwriter Eddie read more...
Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Derek Trucks, Robert Randolph and Alison Krauss To Play Eric Clapton Guitar Fest
Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Derek Trucks, Robert Randolph and Alison Krauss will participate in the 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival, scheduled for July 28 at Toyota Park in Chicago, hosted by Eric Clapton. This year's festival will feature a full day of musical performances with many read more...
The James Burton Guitar Festival
....Interviewing the King of the Telecaster, James Burton, ranks as a great thrill for me... James Burton's musical accomplishments outshine any other guitar player. He's played and recorded with over read more...
New Carter Family Documentary Released
3/25/07 A new hour long documentary on the Carter Family--Will The Circle Be Unbroken--highlights the career of the legendary country group.
Montgomery Gentry Gives Swampland an Exclusive Interview
They are the baddest boys in country music, and I am including Big and Rich, Hank III, and even Kid "Sometimes I Want to Be Country" Rock in that list. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry are bad to the bone, All-American, Southern (rock) fried and country and western read more...
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...
Levon Helm Makes a Triumphant Return to The Big Stage
NEW YORK - He beat throat cancer. Then he sang his way out of bankruptcy. And this weekend, Woodstock's Levon Helm — whose earthen voice drove old Dixie down and pulled into Nazareth — capped his remarkable comeback with a packed show at the Beacon read more...
Luther Ingram Dead at 69
Tennessee born Luther Ingram, the R&B singer and songwriter best known for the hit "If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don't Want to Be Right)," has died. He was 69.
Amoeba To Release Vintage Gram Parsons Performance(s)
3/20/07 On March 15, through invitation only, a listening party was conducted at South By Southwest to debut the Flying Burrito Brothers (with Gram Parsons) performing a classic show at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco in 1969.
The Bo Diddley Beat Goes On NPR
3/20/07 The Bo Diddley beat goes on...NPR highlights Diddley's accomplishments in today's news items...James Calemine
Appalachian Culture: Shaped-note Singing
3/20/07 In this Asheville, North Carolina, news article, old vocal traditions are highlighted and how they integrate with Appalachian culture. These vocal traditions are old as storytelling, or beating on a drum. James Calemine
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...
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...
Dickey Betts, Ed King Join James Burton Guitar Festival in Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana- Dickey Betts and Chris Isaak are among 12 headliners announced for the
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...
Collector May Be Allowed to Keep Hank Williams' Notebook
Collector could keep Hank's notebook Theft case brought by Sony thrown out A notebook containing 17 songs that Hank Williams wrote but never recorded may wind up in the hands of a collector who bought it from a janitor who found it in a read more...
Willie Nelson Partners To Launch Label
Willie Nelson has partnered with longtime manager Mark Rothbaum and veteran producer/label exec James Stroud on Pedernales Records. The first act on Austin-based Pedernales will be the band 40 Points, which features Nelson's sons, guitarist and singer Lukas and drummer Micah.
New Gretchen Wilson Disc Coming in May
Gretchen Wilson will release her third album, "One of the Boys," May 15. Wilson produced the disc with Mark Wright and John Rich, both of whom produced Wilson's first two discs. She also had a hand in writing 9 of the 11 songs. Rich helped write 4 read more...
2007 Jazzfest Lineup Announced
3/10/07 Jazzfest begins in New Orleans on April 27 and continues through May 6. Some of the performers this year include Dr. John, Van Morrison, Lucinda Williams, Percy Sledge, T-Bone Burnett, James Carter, MOFRO, Little Freddie King, Norah Jones, Pharoah Sanders, Johnny read more...
J.D. Crowe & The New South Announce Spring Tour
Bluegrass Hall of Honor inductee J.D. Crowe and his band The New South are hitting the road this spring in support of their newest album, Lefty’s Old Guitar. One of the true pioneers of read more...
Music Maker Relief Foundation: A Treasure Trove of American Music
'Blues will never die because it is a spirit. It is an uplift and the way you feel it, that is the way it is. And it brings a lot of joy to people. Music is made to make happiness, make you smile and forget your troubles. In the Good Book it says to make a joyful noise. It doesn't 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...
Po Monkey's: One of the Last Great Juke Joints
Merigold, 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...
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...
Compadre Records Bought By Beyonce's Father
Compadre Records, the Houston, TX roots music label, was bought by Music World Entertainment, owned by Mathew Knowles, father of Beyoncé. MWE will now control Compadre's catalog and continue to invest in future projects. Compadre's staff will join the Music World organization to 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...
...Story of Blind Lemon Jefferson On New York Stage...
2/21/07 A New York Theater Company presents a musical revue based on the life of Blind Lemon Jefferson. The show began last week in New York. This successful play appeared in Switzerland and France, while the Netherlands and Belgium come next. This presentation proves, once read more...
James Brown's Body Closer to Burial
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The six adult children of singer James Brown have agreed with his partner, Tomi Rae Hynie, on where the entertainer will be buried. Hynie's attorney, Robert Rosen, said the resting place is being kept confidential at the request of Brown's children. read more...
Porter Wagoner Rocks Hollywood With Billy Bob, Marty and Dwight
HOLLYWOOD, Ca. - Porter Wagoner played in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 17 for the first time in over 40 years. Wagoner was celebrating his 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry (coming this Friday, Feb. 23.)
Alan Jackson, George Strait, Jimmy Buffett Together Live
NASHVILLE -Alan Jackson, George Strait and Jimmy Buffett performed together for the first-time ever May 29, 2004, at Texas Stadium in Dallas. That concert is now set for release, and features all three artists. Among the highlights of the CD is "Seven Bridges read more...
Folkstreams-The Land Where The Blues Began
2/20/07 Folkstreams.net encapsulates many great films based on blues in the south. Folklorist Alan Lomax traveled to the Mississippi Delta in the 1930s and 1940s to record and preserve the work of great blues read more...
"Honeyboy" Edwards Still Playing The Blues At 91
2/19/07 David "Honeyboy" Edwards, born June 28, 1915, in Shaw, Mississippi, began playing the guitar at an early age. Over the years, Edwards has played with Charlie Patton, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and Keith Richards--the only living artist to read more...
Swampland Sanctuary...Musical Lineage From "Land of the Trembling Earth" To Charlie Louvin's Latest CD...
As the narrator of Swampland.com, perhaps I should paint a picture of my background before I guide you to the latest recording by the great Charlie Louvin. I grew up on the Georgia Coast--about sixty miles from the Okefenokee Swamp, or "Land of the Trembling Earth"--and read more...
Sir Mack Rice Keeps On Keepin' On
2/18/07 Stax Records songwriter Sir Mack Rice penned "Mustang Sally" (Wilson Pickett), "Respect Yourself" (Staple Singers), "Cheaper To Keep Her" (Johnny Taylor), and "Cadillac Assembly Line" for Albert King. Sir Mack survives as one read more...
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...
June Carter Cash Tribute Album, Biography Coming This Summer
The life of the late country music legend June Carter Cash will be celebrated this June 19, four days before her birthday, with the simultaneous release of an all-star tribute album and a memoir/biography written by her son, John Carter Cash. "Anchored In Love: A read more...
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...
Rough Guide To the Blues
2/10/07 Rough Guide To The Blues serves as a fine starter kit to some of America's greatest blues artists. This CD was released
Third Annual Robert Johnson Blues Festival Set For May
2/9/07 Born May, 8, 1911, in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, Robert Johnson's legend radiates from his 29 compositions. In Johnson's hometown on May 5, 2007, a blues festival will take place on the famous Ragsdale Street to honor Johnson. This weekend marks the 96th birthday of the read more...
...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...
New Johnny Cash DVD's On The Street
2/9/07 Two new Johnny Cash DVDs are on the market. Johnny Cash-Live From Austin, Texas, and Live In Ireland 1993 showcase Cash's fine performances from 1987 and 1993 that include diverse setlists. June Carter Cash and Kris Kristofferson appear as 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...
...The British Travel To The American South In Search Of The Blues...
2/4/07 Britain's prestigious The Telegraph journeys to the American South on a quest for legendary blues landmarks. James Calemine The Telegraph
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
GRAMMY ARTISTS DISCUSS MUSIC WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
2/1/07 Grammy Award-winning artists such as Ludicris and Earl Klugh discuss the music industry with high school students in Atlanta. James Calemine
18th Annual Savannah Music Festival Announced
2/1/07 The 18th Annual Savannah Music Festival occurs this year from March 15-April 1, 2007. The event, designed to showcase indigenous music from the deep south, begins on a festive St. Patrick's Day weekend in Savannah, Georgia. Some of the eclectic performers include 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...
SWAMPLAND HAILS: The Allman Brothers Band
SWAMPLAND HONORS AN AMERICAN MUSICAL TREASURE: The Allman Brothers Band "Crossroads seem to come and go."
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
Willie Nelson On The Road Again
1/21/07 Willie Nelson takes his show on the road to the British Isles this week. Nelson prepares to tour in the states in the next couple of months. James Calemine
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...
Southern Rock Album of the Week: The Capricorn Rhythm Section
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the old Capricorn Records catalog. Everything from The Allman Brothers Band to Marshall Tucker, Wet Willie, Bonnie Bramlett, Cowboy, Eddie Hinton, Dickey Betts and all the rest. No small wonder I became excited when I first got wind read more...
"Layla" Book Tells The Story of a Great Recording
I have always had a thing for keeping lists. Lists of my all-time favorite movies, records, books. For as long as I can remember there have been two records that have battled it out for the number one position on the Buffalo list, The Allman Brothers Band’s Fillmore East read more...
...5th Annual Music Maker Relief Foundation Fishing Tournament Approaching...
1/14/07 Music Maker Relief Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting musicians rooted in southern musical traditions with instrument acquisition, tour support, life maintenance, medical, and emergency relief. Music Maker was formed in 1994 by folklorist read more...
Swampland Salutes the Allman Brothers In Macon
1/14/07 ...Swampland tips a hat to the Allman Brothers... Last night Buffalo Smith and I attended a benefit in honor of "The Big House Foundation" (thebighousemuseum) for the Allman 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...
Bye Bye Sonny...Williamson's Final Recordings with Clapton and Page
1/7/06 Born on December 15, 1899, in Glendora Mississippi, Aleck Miller (aka Sonny Boy Williamson) ranks as one America's greatest bluesmen. During his lifetime, Williamson played with Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Willie Dixon, Otis Spann, Buddy Guy, Robbie Robertson, Levon read more...
Texas Fiddler Elana James To Release Solo Debut
1/5/07 Recently, Texas fiddler Elana James was asked to join Bob Dylan's band and now she plans to release her solo debut...James Calemine
Del Reeves RIP
Del Reeves, a Grand Ole Opry star who sprinkled his performances with humor and hit No. 1 on the country charts in 1965 with the song "Girl on the Billboard," has died. He was 74. Reeves died Monday, New Year's Day, read more...
A New Aretha Franklin Album Due In Early 2007
1/1/07 "The Queen of Soul', Aretha Franklin, readies her latest CD, Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love. The album is set for release in early 2007 on her own Aretha's Records. Born in Memphis, Franklin grew up in Detroit--where she now resides and the read more...
...Possum On The Road...
1/1/07 Texas born, country legend George "The Possum" Jones prepares to go out on the road in 2007. Rehearsals begin in early January for the tour commencing in February. Jones has released 1,000 album titles (including compilations) that feature over 1,000 songs. 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...
"Fathead" Newman Performs New Years Eve Show Before Jazz Institution Closes Doors
1/1/07 On New Years Eve, Dallas, Texas, native David "Fathead' Newman performed at Chicago's oldest jazz club, The Jazz Showcase, before the 59 year old club closed its doors. The Jazz Showcase featured artists--among many others--such as Louis Armstrong, Charlie read more...
Tony Joe White Releases "Uncovered" on Swamp Records
1/1/07 On Tony Joe White's latest CD, Uncovered, he renders new versions of "Rainy Night in Georgia", "Did Somebody Make a Fool Out of You", and "Taking the Midnight Train", as well as seven new compositions. Musicians such as Elvis 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...
Hank Williams Site Torn Down
12/28/06 Newsreel... A Hank Williams Tribute Site Torn Down...Plans To Resurrect New Monument Afoot in 2007...James Calemine sundaygazettemail.com/section/Today/2006122032
James Brown RIP
The "Godfather of Soul" dies at age 73 ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- James Brown, the dynamic, pompadoured "Godfather of Soul," whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made him a founder of rap, funk and read more...
...Fertile Land of the Underdog...
12/24/06 Dreamer I've been called A dreamer With no future at all Loser They say I won't succeed Refuser To conformity -Eddie Hinton "Dreamer" -A light rain falls on the read more...
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...
Emmylou Harris Plays New Years Eve In Nashville
12/22/06 On December 22-23, Emmylou Harris performs Christmas shows in Seattle, Washington. Emmylou appears at The Ryman Auditorium for Garrison Keillor's December 31 New Years Eve show. Some of the artists included in this Nashville gig include Sam Bush, Rhonda read more...
Levon Helm Sues & Continues Midnight Ramble...
12/21/06 Levon Helm, the Band's legendary drummer, is suing Cingular for a commercial that uses his song "The Weight" as a soundtrack to a cell phone commercial. Helm's lawyers intend to file papers in the Supreme Court for rumuneration from the read more...
Concord Music Group Reactivates Stax Records
CONCORD MUSIC GROUP REACTIVATES STAX RECORDS; FAMED SOUL LABEL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY TO INCLUDE REISSUES, NEW ARTISTS, EVENTS, MORE Year of Releases, Events, Films Mark Milestone; Maurice White/EWF Tribute First Release on Reactivated Stax; read more...
Street Named After Merle Haggard
12/21/06 In Oildale, California, a small town north of Bakersfield, a road will be named after Merle Haggard. County supervisors voted 4-1 to rename a two-mile stretch (7th Standard Road between North Chester Avenue and Highway 99) to Merle Haggard Drive. Fans plan to raise 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...
Chuck Leavell's Werewolves Play Charity In San Francisco...
12/18/06 Famed Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers Band and Eric Clapton keyboardist, Chuck Leavell performs on January 18, 2007 at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco to raise money for Bay Area music programs. The benefit is called "Groove Is In The Heart". Van read more...
Swampland Flag Flies Half Mast For Ahmet Ertegun...Doc Watson Visits Hotlanta
12/15/06 Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun died December 14, 2006 in Manhattan at 83. Ertegun guided the careers of musical legends such as John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Big Joe Turner, King Curtis, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Ertegun fell read more...