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Growing Up Country |
Legendary country music singer Charlie Daniels
introduces and edits a collection of heartfelt essays
from an all-star cast of contributors on what it means
to grow up country. Artists like Bill Anderson,
Dolly Parton, Kix Brooks, and President Jimmy Carter
share tales of growing up country. United by a love of
music, these notables show us that country means more
than just the twang of a guitar. They share a belief in
hard work, integrity, strength of character, and having
the courage not to quit.
“I learned early in life that country is not a place on
a map. Country is a place in your heart. In your soul.
In the very depth of your being.” —Bill Anderson
more!
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Whisperin Bill Song
Nominated For Dove Award |
Just when we thought he'd done it all, Whisperin'
Bill Anderson adds
still another page to his songwriting scrapbook with one
of his songs
landing in this year's finalist nominations for a Dove
Award. It's The
Oaks' recording of "Jonah, Job & Moses", which Anderson
co-wrote
with Tia Sillers.
The song is a cut from The Oaks' CD "Front Row Seats"
and is a final
contender as COUNTRY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR. The
award in this category will go to both the artist and
the writer(s).
The Dove Awards will be presented on Wednesday, April
25th, at the
Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
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Whisperin Bill Welcomes
Vince To "Artist Confidential" |
Country Music Hall of Famer Whisperin' Bill Anderson
(far right) recently welcomed Vince Gill (far left) as a
guest on one of XM's "Artist Confidential" shows,
which Anderson hosted at XM satellite radio headquarters
in Washington, DC. Also pictured here are XM's Director
of Country Programming Ray Knight (2nd from left) and
night time air personality Country Dan (3rd from left).
Tune in to Artist Confidential on XM Radio
Monday 3/12 @ 12pm US Country Ch. 17
Wednesday 3/14 @ 8am America Ch. 10
Friday 3/16 @ 9pm US Country Ch. 17
Saturday 3/17 @ 3pm US Country Ch. 17
Sunday 3/18 @ 3pm Highway 16 Ch. 16
*all times eastern
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BILL ANDERSON AND
SONY/ATV EXTEND PUBLISHING AGREEMENT |
Bill Anderson and Sony/ATV Nashville have signed a
multi-year publishing agreement that continues a
relationship that spans four decades. Anderson got his
start in the music business as a songwriter. His first
No. 1 song as a writer was “City Lights,” recorded by
Ray Price in 1958. Recent hits include "Give It Away”
(George Strait), “Whiskey Lullaby” (Brad Paisley &
Alison Krauss), “I’ll Wait For You” (Joe Nichols), and
“A Lot of Things Different” (Kenny Chesney).
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RYMAN HOSTS A RIDE OF A
WHISPERIN' LIFETIME |
Some of NASCAR and country music’s greatest legends
paired up in hour long “story-telling” session. Bill
along with Mel Tillis & Harry Gant and Bill Cody spent
time talking about the differences and likenesses they
have in each of their careers. Hosted at the historic
Ryman auditorium fans were in for a rare treat as the
told about some of their best and worst experiences on
the track and stage.
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LITTLE & LOUD, PO' BUT
PROUD |
Paying homage to Big & Rich, Grand Ole Opry stars
Little Jimmy Dickens and Bill Anderson are now touring
as Little & Po'. Looks like Jimmy will do anything to
get top billing.
It was Bill's idea, and when promoters heard about it,
they couldn't resist. "We've got about a dozen shows on
the books now," says Bill, who is known for his hit "Po'
Folks." "We aren't out there trying to do 200 shows a
year."
Jimmy recently saw Big & Rich's John Rich at the Ryman
and told him, "You think you are so hot. Me and Anderson
have got Little & Po' and we're going to run you out of
business," Bill says. "John thought it was the funniest
thing he ever heard."
courtesy of the Tennessean
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MUSIC ROW REVIEWS "
STILL BELIEVING IN CHRISTMAS" |
Still Believing in Christmas contains 15 new holiday
recordings by an all-star cast that includes Crystal
Gayle, Gene Watson, Lynn Anderson, Lorrie Morgan, Porter
Wagoner, Daryl Singletary, T.G. Sheppard, Jimmy Dickens,
Helen Cornelius, David Frizzell and Tanya Tucker.
Hall of Famer Bill Anderson has the title tune, a
sentimental recitation with The Jordanaires softly
singing “Silent Night” behind him.
Writer: Bill Anderson/Dave Lindsey; Producer: Dave
Lindsey; Publisher: none listed; Seasong Recording
(track) (www.billanderson.com)
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BMI Honors Writers of
George Strait Hit |
The three writers of George Strait's "Give It Away" -- Bill
Anderson, Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson -- gathered at the BMI
offices in Nashville on Thursday afternoon (Oct. 26) for a No. 1
party. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Anderson told
the industry crowd that he has more fun co-writing now than he
did writing alone in the early days of his career. "Give It
Away" is his first George Strait cut. Johnson, who also co-wrote
"Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," told the crowd the song was rooted in
personal experiences from all three writers, then added, "I've
never heard a woman say, 'Give it away.' I guaran-damn-tee you
mine didn't say that." Anderson and Johnson are both BMI
writers. Cannon is affiliated with ASCAP. Pictured L. to R.:
Troy Tomlinson, president of Sony Music Nashville; Bill; Buddy
Cannon; Jamey Johnson.
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"GIVE IT AWAY" GOES
NUMBER 1 |
Congratulations Bill! This banner is currently hanging
proudly outside the Sony-ATV-Tree Publishing offices on Music
Row congratulating the writers of George Strait's #1 smash,
"Give It Away."
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BILL ANDERSON RECEIVES
AWARD |
Norman Burns, Executive Director of Nashville's Belle Meade
Plantation, presented Whisperin' Bill Anderson with the
first-ever "Bill Anderson Heritage Music Award" on Sept. l6th
during the Plantation's
annual Fall Festival.
Named after Anderson, the award was created to recognize
individuals who have made lasting contributions to the history of
heritage music and its distinctive sound. Henceforth, the "Bill
Anderson Heritage Music Award" will become an annual
presentation during
Fall Fest activities in Music City.
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A WEEKEND OF MUSIC ON
THE MISSISSIPPI QUEEN |
Whisperin' Bill stands alongside the Mississippi Queen
riverboat prior to boarding for a country music cruise over the
Labor Day weekend.
"We boarded the Mississippi Queen in Alabama and cruised the
Tennessee River," Anderson smiled. "What a great geography
lesson all in one weekend!"
Performing along with Anderson and his Po' Folks Band was
Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry legend,
Little Jimmy Dickens.
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BILL ANDERSON HERITAGE
MUSIC AWARD |
Country Music Hall of Famer Whisperin' Bill Anderson will be
presented the first-ever "BILL ANDERSON HERITAGE MUSIC AWARD" on
September l6th during the annual Historic Music Fest at
Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation.
Named after the legendary Opry star, the award was created to
recognize musicians and songwriters who have made lasting
contributions to the history of heritage music and its
distinctive sound. Anderson will accept his award and perform a
brief acoustic set during the Festival's l:00pm segment. For
further information concerning additional events at the 2-day
Fest, call Tina Tackett (6l5) 356-050l x 40.
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BILL ANDERSON FANS
SUPPORT THE OPRY |
Whisperin' Bill Anderson has always said "I may not have the
most fans, but I know I have the BEST". And that core of
caring folks recently showed their staunch support for
Anderson by donating $2,000 to the Opry Trust Fund in honor
of his 45th Anniversary as an Opry member.
Prior to that, club members also honored the Hall of Famer
by donating $1,450 to the HOF'S "All for the Hall" fund.
courtesy of
AngryCountry.com |
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SET SAIL WITH BILL ON
THE GRAND OLE OPRY CRUISE 2007! |
Join us for fun, sun, relaxation and great country music
entertainment from classic Grand Ole Opry superstars.
This year's cruise will feature Bill Anderson, Lorrie
Morgan, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Riders In The Sky! Don't
miss out on this fabulous Grand Ole Opry Cruise. Click
here to learn more about the 2007 Grand Ole Opry Cruise!
Click
here to get your tickets now! Make sure to mention Bill
Anderson's fan club when reserving your tickets!
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CITY LIGHTS DINNER
SHOW: |
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Bill and country music fans representing more than a dozen
states gathered at the Civic Center in his adopted hometown
of Commerce, Georgia, June 22nd and 23rd to celebrate the
town's 10th annual City Lights Festival.
The event began in 1997 when Bill was invited back to
the community where he once worked as a 19-year old disc
jockey and wrote his first hit song, "City Lights."
Proceeds have been earmarked for a Performing Arts Center to
be built for the use of local school students and the city
at large.
The opening event began in fast-forward and never slowed
down. Guests were treated to a home-cooked dinner and show
featuring Bill and his special guests, James Gregory and
Mark Wills. Take a look.....
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CITY LIGHTS LUNCHEON: |
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Could the first-ever City Lights luncheon match the
excitement of the night before? That question was answered
with a resounding "yes" at noon the following day. The doors
to the Civic Center swung open again, this time for a
delicious lunch and more music from Bill, Les Singer, and
Grand Ole Opry star, George Hamilton IV.
George joked that his shirt was made from one of the red and
white checked tablecloths that adorned the colorful round
tables. He and his wife, Tinky, ate, visited, made
themselves at home, and made lots of new friends and fans in
the process.
George then thrilled the packed house with hit songs and
stories from his travels around the world as the
International Ambassador of Country Music. He sang and
talked of Hank Williams, as well as dipping into his vast
repertoire of gospel songs. The crowd responded with a
lengthy standing ovation.
Bill borrowed George's guitar and closed the festivities by
singing "City Lights." The crowd never sat back down.
Come go with us....
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BILL SELLS OUT ST.
CLOUD! |
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Bill and his Po' Folks Band performed to an overflow crowd
Monday night June 26th at the Paramount Theater in St. Cloud,
Minnesota.
Earlier sellouts during the weekend included Saturday at the
Crystal Grand Theater in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and Sunday
at the Midwest Country Theater in Sandstone, Minnesota.
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IN LOVING MEMORY |
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Our condolences to Bill and his family on the passing of
Bill's sister Mary Hoyt. Please keep the Anderson family in your
thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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WHISPERIN' BILL ANDERSON
PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON FANS |
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Bill put the spotlight on his fans during this years Fan Club
Party. The group gathered at the American Legion in Donaldson
TN. He wanted to spend as much one on one time with his fans. So
much so he had reduced the band to just him and Les his guitar
player extraordinaire. Bill played some off the beaten path hits
that thrilled the members for they are rarely played at shows.
And even had a few fans in the audience come up on stage and
sing with him. One famous fan of course was his Duet of the year
partner, Jan Howard. Once again the food, the family atmosphere,
and the entertainment was superb.
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KEEPING THE FIRE ALIVE |
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Music City News has done an in-depth interview with Bill
Anderson. Find out more about how Bill found out he was the
newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, what Bill's first job in
the music business was and much
more!
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JOIN BILL AT THE GRAND
OLE OPRY BRUNCH! |
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You won't want to miss the 2006 Exclusive Grand Ole Opry Fan
Club Brunch created especially for Fan Club members and a guest.
This year's event will be held in the Opry House on Saturday,
June 10, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. You will feast on a Southern brunch
including zesty barbecue, red bliss garlic mashed potatoes, and
more, plus enjoy the opportunity to explore backstage at the
Opry House, win door prizes, see old friends, and meet new ones.
As a special addition to this year's event, 650 WSM's Eddie
Stubbs will host a special Question and Answer Session at 12
Noon on the Opry stage featuring Opry legend Bill Anderson,
celebrating 45 years as an Opry member this summer, and other
Opry members taking time out of their Fan Fair weekend for this
event. more!
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BILL TO PRESENT AWARD AT
INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC CONFERENCE |
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The Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music
Journalism will be presented to Chet Flippo and Nancy Cardwell
on May 26 during the International Country Music Conference at
Belmont University. Bill Anderson will be on hand to present the
awards where Flippo, Editorial Director of CMT and CMT.com, will
be honored in the career category. For more information go to
www.belmont.edu
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CMA BOARD LEARNS FROM
THE LEGENDS |
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The CMA Board of Directors invited
Country Music Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Little
Jimmy Dickens to participate in an artist forum with four artist
Board members, Kix Brooks, Jay DeMarcus, Troy Gentry and John
Rich, during the recent meetings in Dallas.
The forum concept
was created earlier this year by the CMA Artist Relations
Committee as a way to involve legendary Country Music artists in
Board activities and learn from their vast experience.
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BILL ANDERSON WILL
PERFORM ON "MY MUSIC SERIES" |
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Whisperin' Bill Anderson has been
booked to join a classic roster of artists appearing on the PBS
"My Music Series", which is being taped at the Curb Events
Center in Nashville on May l6th. (Watch local listings for
future air dates.)
Anderson will sing two of his timeless hits "City Lights" and
"Still". Additional artists performing on the show include Hank
Locklin, Jim Ed Brown & The Browns, Lynn Anderson, The Bellamy
Brothers, and several others to be announced.
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BILL ATTENDS SOLD OUT
MARTINA MCBRIDE PERFORMANCE AT THE RYMAN |
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Just prior to taking the stage at the
famed Ryman Auditorium for her two-night, sold-out engagement,
Martina McBride shares a moment with RLG Chairman Joe Galante,
Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson, RLG Sr. Dir. A&R Carole Ann
Mobley and Butch Waugh, Exec. VP RLG. Martina covers the Bill
Anderson penned "Once A Day," on her platinum selling album
Timeless.
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BILL VISITS WITH THE
LEGENDS |
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Recently Whisperin' Bill Anderson
invited Ronnie Robbins, Ralph Emery, and Little Jimmy Dickens to
his show for a Tribute to the late Marty Robbins. This show will
premiered on XM Channel 10 on April 18th. Click here for
more!
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WE INVITE YOU TO THE
2006 CITY LIGHTS FESTIVAL |
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Whisperin' Bill Anderson makes his
l0th annual appearance in his "adopted" hometown of Commerce, GA
on June 22nd and 23rd, when he returns there as host of the 2006
City Lights Festival.
Entertainers who will be participating in this year's event
include the man tagged as "The International Ambassador of
Country Music" George Hamilton IV, Georgia native and Equity
Recording Artist Mark Wills, along with "The Funniest Man In
America" James Gregory.
more!
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more news |
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