The Return of Cooder Graw

As we near prime season for highly regarded music festivals and tours, 2012 will see the triumphant return of one of the Lonestar State’s most acclaimed country music bands, Cooder Graw.
The reunion tour will kick off at the legendary 24th Annual Larry Joe Taylor Music Festival in Stephenville, Texas on April 28th.

For eight solid years Cooder Graw was one of the top drawing acts on the touring circuit with a live show that exploded off the stage, grabbed you by the shoulders and shook you with an authority that left you giddy with excitement.

The reunion tour will hit select cities throughout Texas through the fall and will feature original members Matt Martindale on vocals, Paul Baker on bass, Kelly Turner on lead guitar, Kelly Test on drums and Jon "Fish" Hunt on guitar/mandolin/backing vocals. Cooder Graw fans will most definitely remember Jimmy Url (pedal steel) who ceremoniously greeted every audience with the “Vulcan Wave.” In an on going joke the band wished him a happy birthday at each performance. Despite recent health issues, it is quite possible that Jimmy Url will be making his way on stage for selected Cooder Graw shows. Another original member of the band, Nick Worley, now of Jason Boland and The Stragglers, will join in on fiddle and mandolin at selected shows. In commemoration, a special edition compilation CD/DVD will be available to fans online and at live shows that will feature a handful of songs from each of their six previous albums, a new track and a video of their 2006 farewell show in Ft. Worth.

Formed in 1998, the fledgling group released their debut album HOME AT THE GOLDEN LIGHT, which credits Matthew McConaughey, a fraternity brother of Matt Martindale, as executive producer. In 2000 came their debut studio release simply titled COODER GRAW, co-produced by multiple GRAMMY Award-winner Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel and Hayden Nicholas, nine-time #1 country songwriter and guitarist for Clint Black. The album was well received at Americana radio and was on the national radio charts for thirteen consecutive weeks. By 2001 they had taken a stronghold in the heralded Texas music scene with their second live offering SEGUNDO garnering them their first Top 10 Texas hit with “Willie’s Guitar.” That same year they released SHIFTING GEARS scoring them their next two Top 10 Texas hits “New Dress” and “Better Days.” The next two album releases include 2004’s WAKE UP and the Texas music fraternal order that is LIVE AT BILLY BOB’S TEXAS, a by invitation only affair featuring their most well-known song “Llano Estacado” that was featured on a series of national Dodge truck commercials.

Although front man Matt Martindale has gone on to perform with his individual outfit The Matt Martindale Band, he ultimately initiated the idea of this reunion after repeated requests from fans over the years, and he couldn’t be happier, “We spent a lot of time on the road back in the day doing 150 plus dates a year and we needed some time away from the road and more time with our families. It’s been a long time now and I just can’t wait! I’m excited to see the guys, hang out with our old friends and reignite that part of our lives.”

Johnny Cash Celebration in Austin

On April 20, 2012, music stars and friends will join together to celebrate the life of Johnny Cash in Austin, TX at “We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash.”

Concert features a Star-Studded Lineup Including: Kenny Chesney, Kris Kristofferson, Chris Cornell, Ronnie Dunn, John Hiatt, Amy Lee, Shooter Jennings, Lucinda Williams, Ray LaMontagne, and Jamey Johnson with more Legendary Surprise Guests to be Announced

In the year that would mark his 80th birthday, the concert, which will take place at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, will not only pay tribute to Cash and his music, but also to his roots and his heritage. Tickets are on sale to the general public.

“Our family is honored to know that this amazing line-up of artists will gather together on one stage to pay tribute to the music and history of my father,” said John Carter Cash. “There is no doubt in my mind that, although he is no longer with us in body, his spirit will shine true on this night thanks to these inspired artists.”

“Having been a fan of Johnny Cash and his music for as long as I can remember I could not be more excited to produce an event that honors such a musical legend,” noted Keith Wortman. “His iconic voice, style and authenticity has inspired musicians for generations and we are proud to be able to celebrate his artistic legacy with some of today’s greatest entertainers while also benefitting such an amazing children’s cause ‘Charley’s Fund’.”

An all-star band led by GRAMMY Award-winning Don Was – which includes Buddy Miller, Kenny Aronoff, Ian McLagen, and Greg Leisz– will back these once-in-a-lifetime performances. The concert event will be produced by Keith Wortman. Was, who worked with Cash on an album for The Highwaymen, will serve as musical director. Tisha Fein and Chantel Sausedo will serve as talent producers. A percentage of the net proceeds will be donated to Charley’s Fund, to help in the fight to find a cure for the fatal children’s disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash” will be produced and distributed in conjunction with Legacy Recordings, the division of Sony Music Entertainment that serves as the home of Johnny Cash’s music catalog.

Cash’s 80th Birthday celebration kicked off on February 26, 2012, the day which would have been his 80th birthday, with the ground-breaking of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project in Dyess, Arkansas. The house that Cash grew up in will become a permanent tribute to him and his family’s early life, as well as reflecting a historical slice of American life during the 1930s’ Great Depression. In addition, Legacy Recordings is set to celebrate this landmark year with a full slate of projects to be released throughout the next 12 months. First up is “Bootleg Vol. IV: The Soul of Truth,” a 2-CD, 51-track collection which comprises gospel and spiritual recordings made by Cash in the 1970s and ‘80s, to be released on April 3, 2012.

For more information about “We Walk The Line” click here.

Rodeo Parade Lead By 2 Texans

Texans stars Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt will serve as the grand marshals for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade, it was announced today.

“There is no better way to celebrate the kickoff of the Show than to have two of Houston’s very own star athletes leading the way,” said HLSR president Skip Wagner, “The show and the Texans share a very special relationship, and to have Andre and J.J. start the parade is definitely a testament to that partnership and each organization’s devotion to the city.”

The parade will be at 10 a.m., Feb. 25 in downtown Houston. Click here for the route.

The Texans are coming off the best season in franchise history, when they won their first division title and first playoff game.

Said Texans president Jamey Rootes: “”We are thrilled to have Andre and J.J. represent the Texans in the rodeo parade. The rodeo has been a great partner since before we even started playing in 2002, and to have two of our stars lead the parade is truly an honor and a great way to cap off a fantastic season for us.”

Texas Music Valentine's Gift Idea

Remember when you used to make a Mix Tape for that someone special. You'd pick all the right hot tunes of the day or all the fith message tunes or all the right whatever songs. You'd spend hours making sure it was just right before you nervously handed it over hoping you didn't go too far with your admiration or lust.

Now the perfect soundtrack to make the biggest hearts sing and the biggest romances blossom is available with just a click on Amazon.

Artists on the compilation, with their websites, include:

Aaron Watson & Elizabeth Cook – Leather and Lace (Yep, it's THAT Stevie Nicks cover)
Josh Abbott Band – She’s Like Texas
Casey Donahew Band – Let Me Love You
Jack Ingram – Miss You
Jason Boland and the Stragglers – May Not Be Love
Turnpike Troubadours – Every Girl
Bonnie Bishop – Lucky Ones
Roger Creager – Love Is Crazy
Chris Knight – Saved By Love
Brandon Rhyder – Freeze Frame Time
Kevin Fowler – Best Mistake I Ever Made
Whiskey Myers – Virginia

New RRB and A Fun Trip

KILT just got our hands on the brand new Randy Rogers Band single, "Last Last Chance" from their current album, "Burning The Day".  Now we need you to vote on it so see who likes it, and who doesn't.  Don't miss the "7th Annual Sake Of The Song" festival coming up March 15th-18th on the beautiful Frio River in Concan Texas!  Live music, beer, & tubing for all!  Click here for details.  Make sure you VOTE now on the brand new RRB song!

Click here to hear the song and vote!

ACM Radio Nominees

It's been a while since my name showed up on one of these lists (it was actually for the CMA Music Director of the year more than a few years back). But I do see a few names I recognize - and maybe a few you that you will - on the nominee list for the ACM Awards this year.

Twenty-five country radio stations, and numerous local and national air personalities, landed nominations this morning for the 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. A dozen of those station landed dual nominations, including all four stations in the large market station of the year category. Another dual nominee is WUSN Chicago, the only station that has air personalities competing against each other in the same category this year.

Winners will receive their trophies at a private event in Las Vegas March 31, a day prior to the ACM Awards, which air live on CBS April 1. Here is the complete list of radio nominees. Note that three of the four station of the year categories have just four nominees, not five.

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL
Cody Alan, “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan”
Kix Brooks, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks”
Crook and Chase, “Crook and Chase Countdown”
Lon Helton, “CMT Country Countdown USA”
Lia, “The Lia Show”

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
KUPL-FM Portland, Ore.
KYGO-FM Denver
WQYK-FM Tampa, Fla.
WXTU-FM Philadelphia
WYCD-FM Detroit

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
KAJA-FM San Antonio
WLHK-FM Indianapolis
WQDR-FM Raleigh, N.C.
WUBE-FM Cincinnati

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
KATM-FM Modesto, Calif,
KUZZ-AM-FM Bakersfield, Calif.
WBBS-FM Syracuse, N.Y.
WYRK-FM Buffalo, N.Y.

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
KCLR-FM Columbia, Mo.
KUAD-FM Fort Collins, Colo.
WUSY-FM Chattanooga, Tenn.
WXFL-FM Florence, Ala.

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
Kelly Ford & Rider KYGO-FM Denver
Cledus T. Judd, Dave McKay, Veronica WQYK-FM Tampa, Fla.
Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray WUSN-FM Chicago (pictured)
Trish Biondo WUSN-FM Chicago
Edwards & Lee (Chuck Edwards & Linda Lee) WYCD-FM Detroit

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
Randy Carroll & Jamie Martin KAJA-FM San Antonio
Dave O’Brien WLHK-FM Indianapolis
Mike, Marty and Janie WQDR-FM Raleigh, N.C.
Bill Cody WSM-AM Nashville
Big Dave and Chelsie WUBE-FM Cincinnati

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
Steve & Geoff in the Morning KUZZ-AM-FM Bakersfield, Calif.
Cash and Carey (Natalie Cash and Jim Carey) KWEN-FM Tulsa, Okla.
Tom & Becky WBBS-FM Syracuse, N.Y.
Roger, Tom & Melissa WPCV-FM Lakeland, Fla.
Scott Wynn & Sue Wilson (Wynn and Wilson in the Morning) WQMX-FM Akron, Ohio

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
Scotty & Carissa in the Morning KCLR-FM Columbia, MO
Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry KKNU-FM Eugene, OR
Philip Gibbons WGSQ-FM Cookeville, Tenn.
Bearman and Ken in the Morning WUSY-FM Chattanooga, Tenn.
Brent Lane WYCT-FM Pensacola, Fla.