Ricky Skaggs To Embark On Ambitious Reissues Series Of Landmark Country Albums

Highways & Heartaches available February 24 for the first time on Skaggs Family Records, followed by other 1980′s classics

At the dawn of 1982, few might have predicted that Ricky Skaggs was about to become one of the most important country artists of the decade. But by years end, Skaggs had notched three #1 country singles and become the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry, ascending to his perch atop the country music landscape. He was credited by legend Chet Atkins as “single handedly saving” country music.

The 1982 release of Highways & Heartaches was the start of a remarkable run for Skaggs of 12 #1 Country singles and 12 Top 20 Country albums. Between the Spring of 1982 and the Summer of 1983, Skaggs saw 5 different songs reach #1. In February of 1983 he won the first of his 13 Grammys, and two years later he would be the CMA’s “Entertainer of the Year.” The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll states “It would be impossible to imagine new traditionalist country music without Ricky Skaggs.”

Available for the first time in years on CD, the February 24 reissue of Highways & Heartaches on Skaggs Family Records finds Skaggs embarking on an ambitious project to expand his legacy. Culled from the original master tapes, Skaggs will release all of his Epic Records chart toppers, including ‘Waiting for the Sun to Shine,’ ‘Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown’ and ‘Country Boy.’

The platinum selling Highways & Heartaches spawned three #1 Country hits, “Heartbroke,” “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could,” and “Highway 40 Blues.” The album features appearances by Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Buck White and Sharon White, and the songwriting expertise of Rodney Crowell, Larry Cordle, Bill Monroe and Guy Clark.

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The Hill Country Acoustic Music Camp – Kerrville TX June 3-7, 2009

A music camp for just you and your music

The 5th annual Hill Country Acoustic Music Camp will be held June 3rd to June 7th, 2009 in Kerrville, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Held at Schreiner University, the 2009 Camp offers five days with a stellar line of instructors teaching guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, dobro, voice, hammer dulcimer, and mountain dulcimer. The camp features small instrument classes to maintain individual attention. Add in some informal jams and music in country, roots, americana, folk, bluegrass, celtic, and maybe a bit of classical for a memorable and fulfilling musical experience.

Camp attendees average 55+ in age and come with skill levels from novice to advanced.

Five days of instruction cost $325. Private rooms and meal plans on the beautiful Schreiner campus are available at an affordable rate. Come enjoy five days of your music, your instrument and your new friends. Registration and details available at www.hcamp.org, or call Bob Miller at 830-459-2120.

Submitted by Hill Country Acoustic Music Camp

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Bluehighways TV Begins Roll-Out On Verizon FiOS

Hendersonville, TN – BlueHighways TV (BHTV), the multi-platform network that explores the people, stories, traditions and music of America, announced today the start of its launch on Verizon’s FiOS TV.  BHTV will now be available to FiOS subscribers on Channel 246 in New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, Salisbury, MD, Richmond, VA and Norfolk, VA.

“Roots music and bluegrass fans in these major market areas are anxiously awaiting BlueHighways TV,” said Stan Hitchcock, Chairman and CEO.  “Through our partnership with the fans, festivals, and musicians, along with national and local radio, we are excited to get the word out that BlueHighways TV will now be available on Verizon FiOS TV in these top US markets, and are eager to roll out in additional markets in 2009.”

BHTV programming features roots music, including bluegrass, blues, folk western, gospel and traditional country; outdoor adventure and agriculture, lifestyle, cooking, equestrian and a variety of other subjects valued by a wide and growing audience.  Original programming available on the network includes:

• American Journeys - A sweeping documentary-style look at the land and people of America, this brilliantly filmed one-hour feature program unearths America’s cultural and scenic treasures and exquisitely showcases the diversity of our country.
• The BHTV Sampler – Just as an American Sampler Quilt is stitched from beautiful and assorted fabrics, so, too, are the stories on “The BHTV Sampler.”  Each show features segments about lifestyle, traditions, characters and music that when threaded together make for an entertaining insight into Americana.
• Due West – Seeking to reacquaint those who embody the Western spirit and introduce the West to people who have journeyed there only in their imaginations, “Due West” is a 30-minute travelogue hosted by Dan Miller that explores the mystique of this unique region.
• Heart To Heart – BlueHighways TV Founder Stan Hitchcock draws upon his musical heritage in this 30-minute conversation program where he sits with the stars and legends of country, gospel, western and bluegrass to talk and play the music that has shaped their lives.
• Old Country Church – An inspirational tribute to American roots told through traditional, country and bluegrass gospel music and stories from church elders and historians.
• Reno’s Old Time Music Festival – Bluegrass music is enjoying an American renaissance, and this 30-minute program celebrates that rebirth with riveting live acoustic performances featuring Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition and a variety of guest music legends.
• Woodsongs – Live from the Kentucky Theater in Lexington, this 60-minute program features the best in Bluegrass and Folk music.

About BlueHighways TV TM

BlueHighways TV is a satellite, cable and broadband delivered television network that grew out of the great interest that audiences have in exploring and refreshing the folklore, music, traditions, destinations, festivals and artistry of America.   Conceived and created by Network Creative Group, LLC, BlueHighways TV captures that welcoming, down-home spirit that Americans are known for – and are increasingly seeking on television — delivered with an interesting, honest and exploratory voice.  BlueHighways also takes its musical offerings on the road under performing arrangements with major theaters in Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN. The network has developed a number of innovative ways to work with satellite distributors and cable operators to reach and serve their local audiences, and BlueHighways TV is currently in active negotiations for carriage.  For more information, visit BlueHighways TV’s website at www.bluehighwaystv.com.

Submitted by Bluehighways TV

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Post-1960 Ray Charles Catalog

CONCORD MUSIC GROUP AND RAY CHARLES FOUNDATION ENTER INTO AGREEMENT FOR POST-1960 RAY CHARLES CATALOG

Some of Ray Charles’ most cherished hits and classic albums available digitally for the first time ever

Multi-album rollout begins with November’s digital release of The Spirit of Christmas, and continues into New Year with a definitive Ray Charles Collection plus several other key titles

Ray Charles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. ­ Concord Music Group today announced that it has entered into an exclusive arrangement with the Ray Charles Foundation to develop the artist’s post-1960 catalog, which contains his classic work for the ABC and Tangerine labels. Many of the masters will be made available digitally for the first time ever, including such iconic recordings as “Georgia On My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack” and “Crying Time” among many others.

The reissue program will kick off with the digital-only release of Charles’ The Spirit of Christmas and will continue in March 2009 with the release of a yet-untitled definitive hits collection. Throughout the rest of 2009, Concord will reissue six key catalog albums as well as some digital-only exclusives.

The Spirit of Christmas, which was released originally in 1985 on Columbia Records, features such holiday standards as “What Child Is This,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” The reissue includes the bonus track “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” a duet with Betty Carter, recorded in 1961. The digital-only release will be made available on November 25, 2008 at iTunes and all other digital outlets. The album will come out as a physical product in time for the 2009 Christmas season.

In March, Concord will release a definitive retrospective volume featuring 21 chart-topping Ray Charles hits including the aforementioned “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Hit the Road Jack,” plus “Busted,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Sticks and Stones,” “Drown in My Own Tears,” “Unchain My Heart,” “I’ve Got a Woman,” “You Are My Sunshine” and “Take These Chains From My Heart,” just to name a few.

As 2009 progresses, several other titles will see the light. Among the highlights are the Starbucks Opus Anthology, to be available at the coffee retailer; Modern Sounds in Country Western Music, Vol. 1 & 2; The Genius Hits the Road; Genius + Soul = Jazz; Berlin, 1962; plus the late fall physical CD release of The Spirit of Christmas.

The ambitious reissue initiative continues Concord Music Group’s association with Ray Charles. 2004’s Genius Loves Company was the winner of eight Grammy® Awards, including Best Album. Concord has also released Ray Sings, Basie Swings in 2006, a previously unavailable recording featuring Charles with the Count Basie Orchestra.

John Burk, Concord Music Group exec VP of A&R stated, “Ray Charles is one of America’s most iconic and treasured voices.  We are fortunate to have the opportunity to once again present Ray’s music with the reverence and respect it deserves and continue our dynamic partnership with Val Ervin and everyone at the Ray Charles Foundation.”

“It makes perfect sense for Concord to continue to bring Ray’s music to his audience and to create new listeners,” said Valerie Ervin, President of the Ray Charles Foundation. “Concord was Ray’s definition of a record company. He was impressed with the staff’s genuine love for music and their innovative marketing approach.”

Submitted by: Conqueroo

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