Tommy Roe Bellamy Brothers Kenny Rogers Stella Parton { Publicizing Entertainers & Entertaining Our Readers } Promote Your Business or Artist(s) Advertise Events, Products or Services Great Rates ♦ ♦ Great Service March issue deadline is Tuesday, February 25th Country Entertainment USA Magazine www.countryentertainmentusa.com Call Roy (615) 474-0162 or E-mail: [email protected] PG 2 www.countryentertainmentusa.com CONTENTS Country Entertainment USA STAFF 4... Bellamy Brothers Absolute Publicity - 5th Anniversary 5... Legendary Entertainer Kenny Rogers 7... CD Reviews Managing Editor: Brenda L. Madden Roy Skropits Editor: 8... Why the 20th Century Cindy Gordon Music Artists will be remembered Writers: Brenda L. Madden 9... Tommy Roe Set For Return Performance CD Reviews: Brenda L. Madden 11... Artist Spotlight Video Reviews: Stella Parton RSVP Staff IndieWorld ADVERTISING & RATES: 12... [email protected] Top 40 Chart PH: (615) 474-0162 15... A Night at the Ryman GENERAL INFORMATION: Poem by James Tyler [email protected] PRESS RELEASES: [email protected] By Mail Country Entertainment USA P.O. Box 100985 DISCLAIMER: Nashville, TN. 37224 Country Entertainment USA is not liable for any inaccuracies submitted by freelance writers, advertisers or publicists. Office: (615) 474-0162 Opinions and claims made by advertisers, writers or publicists are their own, and do not represent Country Entertainment USA Magazine or Publisher. PG 3 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Bellamy Brothers Gears Up for Tour Dates With their 40th anniversary on the horizon (2015), the legendary Bellamy Brothers are keeping the tour circuit red hot this year. In addition to their usual 150+ United States concert dates, the brothers have announced stops for their international tour of the globe. Throughout 2014, the Bellamys will tour in Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Australia and New Cale- donia. "We head over to Sri Lanka and India next week," says David Bellamy. "We've toured in over 50 countries throughout our career but performing in these two regions is new territory for us." Howard Bellamy adds, "This is shaping up to be one of our biggest international years to date. Good thing we're used to the jet lag. We actually have a new song we're recording now called 'Jet Lag Journey!" In addition, the Bellamys are planning for a three-song EP and music video currently scheduled for a late May / early June release. The EP and video will serve as a teaser for the brothers' 40th anniversary album which is set for a spring 2015 release. The two-disc set will feature 15 new songs and 15 #1 hits. Throughout their nearly four decade career, the multi-platinum selling Bellamy Brothers have charted 15 #1 hits on the US country and pop music charts. Hits like "Let Your Love Flow," "If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)," "Redneck Girl," and "Old Hippie" helped to make the brothers household names. Today, their seamless harmonies remain perfectly intact as they continue to travel the United States and European tour circuits, performing over 150 dates each year. For US and international tour date listings and for additional information on the Bellamy Brothers, visit www.BellamyBrothers.com. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Absolute Publicity Celebrates 5th Anniversary Nashville entertainment PR firm Absolute Publicity is celebrating its 5th anniversary since origi- nally launching in January of 2009. Company President Don Murry Grubbs started the firm five years ago and has gone on to represent some of Country music's most recognizable names. "Pam Tillis was my first client," says Grubbs. "I am forever grateful to Pam for giving a young kid a shot. Without Pam, I don't know that others would have taken notice. I owe her a few lunches. I'm still working on those!" Since opening its doors, Absolute Publicity has continued to build its clientele. The company currently represents Ricky Skaggs, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Charley Pride, Mel Til- lis, Restless Heart, The Marshall Tucker Band, Ray Stevens, Sammy Kershaw, The Bellamy Brothers, Billy Dean and WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler. Grubbs adds, "Cultivating relationships in the media can be pretty strenuous. It takes a lot of time to get to know everyone but over the course of the past five years, we've managed to develop some many solid and key relation- ships in the media. PG 4 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Kenny Rogers Honored by Professional Photographers of America in Phoenix Legendary Entertainer Receives Honorary Master of Photography Degree Just three months ago, American icon Kenny Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. And now, last week in Phoenix, he picked up an- other career achievement, but this time it‟s in recognition of his other talent and passion - photography. Rogers received an honorary master of photography degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA) at its annual conference, Imaging USA, dur- ing the PPA Award & Degree ceremony, last Tuesday night, Jan. 14, at Sym- phony Hall in Phoenix, where more than 145 award and degree recipients were honored. Prior to the ceremony, he gave an exclusive live Q&A with conven- tion-goers, discussing his life and work. Rogers also shared photos from his forthcoming photography book, Places I‟ve Been, Things I‟ve Seen. Imaging USA is the longest-running photography convention and expo in the nation. Up to 10,000 photographers attended, seeking education, inspiration, networking, exclusive parties and one of the nation‟s largest photography trade shows to help boost their business for the year ahead. "We could see in his work that Mr. Rogers is an accomplished photographer, but when we approached him about the honorary master's degree, we were immediately impressed with his enthusiasm for photography," said PPA presi- dent, Ralph Romaguera Sr., M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP. "He's obviously well-known as an entertainer, but he truly is a remarkably talented photographer.” “You start off doing something because you really love it, and it gives you great pleasure,” Rogers remarked. “With any luck at all, you get better. It was special to receive the highest honor that my photography has to offer. I felt a little intimidated but very flattered and somehow undeserving. What a thrill!” www.KennyRogers.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PG 5 www.countryentertainmentusa.com PG 6 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Mail CD's or DVD's for Reviews To: Country Entertainment USA P.O. Box 100985 Nashville, TN. 37224 Rhonda Vincent • Only Me • www.rhondavincent.com Rhonda Vincent‟s new album entitled, Only Me contains two discs, the first spotlighting her bluegrass vocal prowess with songs like “Busy City” and “Only Me” (featuring Willie Nelson). The second CD spotlights her country side with classic songs like “Once A Day” and “Bright Lights & Country Music.” The production is exquisite and only rein- forces Rhonda‟s unmistakable and remarkable vocals. Angela Dodson • Lonesome Time • www.angeladodson.com This musical offering entitled Lonesome Time from Angela Dodson contains five songs, all written or co-written by Angela including the opening cut, “They Called Him Cash,” about the legendary Johnny Cash. These songs are a satisfying mixture of country rhythm, a bit of tradition and a little swing. From the pure toe-tappin‟ fun song, “Barnyard Jive” to the emotional ballad, “Trying To Matter,” Angela‟s vocals sparkle. Shelby East • Dream On Shelby East‟s album, Dream On, is like a breath of fresh air. Her passion for country mu- sic can be heard in the simple, honest delivery of her heartfelt vocals. Although the pro- duction is less than spectacular, she rises above and shines, particularly on songs like “Worth The Ache” and “When I Dance.” As Shelby continues to develop her vocal style, she should garner plenty of attention. Promotion + Advertising = Success To Advertise, Call Roy (615) 474-0162 or E-mail: [email protected] PG 7 www.countryentertainmentusa.com Why the 20th Century Country Music Artists will be remembered... by CEU Editor, Roy Skropits The 20th century was filled with extraordinary talented artists including Hank Williams, Sr., Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and many others. These artists made country music fun and enjoyable; with great songs and exceptional talent. Some of the artists told stories while others actually lived it. And each artist had their own individ- ual style, image and persona; Elvis Presley was known as "the King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King," Johnny Cash the "Man In Black," Willie Nelson the "Red Head Stranger," Kris Kristofferson who landed a helicopter in Johnny Cash's yard, and Waylon Jennings known as "The Outlaw." Together, these four incredible artists - Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson formed the incredible band, The Highwaymen. There were many great country artists like George Jones "No Show Jones" and Tammy Wynette "First Lady of Country Music" who were also known as one of the most successful duets. There were quite a few duet partners including Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner and Johnny Cash & June Carter. Some other great artists include Jack Greene "Jolly Greene Giant," Vern Gosdin "The Voice," Don Williams "The Gentle Giant," Merle Haggard "The Hag,"