Wednesday Video Spotlight: Toby Keith thanks fans for making “Red Solo Cup” a top 10 hit
Oklahoma country music star Toby Keith has released a YouTube video thanking them for supporting his smash single “Red Solo Cup.”
“Red Solo Cup” started as a viral video, and it has become a country music phenomenon. The raucous party anthem has been certified platinum, according to CMT.com, and it is currently No. 10 on Billboard’s country songs chart. It has been viewed more than 11 million times on YouTube and has been covered on the Fox TV series “Glee.”
Now “Red Solo Cup” is in demand on apps and on backs.
“Proceed To Party” Red Solo Cup t-shirts were added to Toby Keith’s website store last week, selling out within a few hours, according to a news release.
The song is the Free Track of the Week on Tap Tap Revenge, the No. 1 best-selling app store music game of all time, according to the release.
-BAM
Garth Brooks gets emotional while testifying at civil trial vs. Yukon hospital
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood (right) greet fans before a civil trial at the Rogers County Courthouse in Claremore, Okla. on Friday, January 20, 2012. Photo by Matt Barnard/Tulsa World
CLAREMORE – Country music superstar Garth Brooks tearfully told jurors Friday (today) that he believed he had a “done deal” to honor his late mother with a women’s health center in his Oklahoma hometown, according to the Associated Press.
Brooks said he still doesn’t understand how he received nothing for his $500,000 gift to the Yukon hospital.
Born in Tulsa, raised in Yukon and now living near Owasso, Brooks is suing Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital, accusing the facility and its president of reneging on a pledge to build the center and name it after his mother, Colleen, who died of cancer in 1999. The center was never built, and Brooks wants his money back, plus punitive damages.
According to the AP, Brooks said he gave $500,000 to the hospital anonymously, which he said was his custom when giving to charities. The singer said he, his family and the hospital wanted to keep things quiet until a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the center.
He was eventually shown architectural drawings of a proposed women’s center bearing his mother’s name. But the center was never build and his mother’s name wasn’t attached to anything.
“How this thing went wrong, I don’t know,” Brooks testified.
The singer donated the money in 2005.
By March 2009, he’d asked the hospital to either refund his money or give it to another charity. In September 2009, Brooks sued.
-BAM
Jurors begin hearing testimony in Garth Brooks’ civil case against Yukon hospital
Country music stars Garth Brooks, right, and and his wife Trisha Yearwood leave the courtroom at Rogers County Courthouse, in Claremore, Okla., on Tuesday. Brooks is suing Integris Canadian Valley Hospital for the return of a donation he made in 2005. (AP Photo/Tulsa World, Cory Young)
CLAREMORE – Jurors began hearing testimony this (Wednesday) afternoon in country music star Garth Brooks’ civil suit against Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in his hometown of Yukon, according to the Associated Press.
Brooks’ lawyers told jurors today that a hospital’s internal documents support his claim that his $500,000 donation was intended for a women’s center to be named after his late mother, Colleen Brooks, who died in 1999 of cancer, the AP reports.
Brooks claims in the lawsuit that hospital administrators reneged on their pledge to name a part of a medical complex after his mother. He wants his 2005 donation of $500,000 returned, and the hospital has refused.
According to the 2005 document, hospital president James Moore told Brooks’ father, Troyal “Raymond” Brooks, he’d name the center after Colleen Brooks if the country singer made an appearance at a hospital foundation event.
But Moore testified today he wrote no such letter to Brooks’ father and did not know why it was listed in the document. He denied making a deal with the star’s family.
The women’s center was never built, the singer never appeared at a foundation event, but Brooks eventually gave the hospital $500,000. Integris lawyer Terry Thomas said the hospital did not initially know where the donation came from, but Brooks later contacted Moore to attach conditions, according to the AP.
Thomas told the lawyers that the hospital agreed to nothing, and even sent Brooks a receipt telling him he had received nothing of value for his donation.
Brooks’ lawyer, Lisa Riggs, told jurors that the hospital deliberately and falsely lured the singer into making his donation by promising to name a women’s center after his mother.
Brooks attended the trial with his wife, country singer Trisha Yearwood. The couple lives near the Tulsa suburb of Owasso.
-BAM
Trisha Yearwood’s mother dies in Georgia
Sampling the Home-Churned Ice Cream recipe at home in Georgia are, from left, Trisha Yearwood; her sister, Beth Yearwood Bernard; her mother, Gwen Yearwood; and niece, Ashley Bernard. This photo is featured in Trisha Yearwood's 2007 cookbook, "Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen."
Oklahoma country music star and cookbook author Trisha Yearwood is mourning the death of her mother, Gwen Yearwood, at the age of 73.
Gwen Yearwood, who co-authored her daughter’s two best-selling cookbooks, died Saturday in morning in Tifton, Ga., after a long fight with cancer, according to the Associated Press.
“The family is deeply appreciative of the care and concern they’ve received throughout this journey,” they said in a statement to the AP.
According to the statement, Trisha Yearwood and her sister Beth were by their mother’s side when she died.
Gwen Yearwood, a teacher who lived in Monticello, Ga., most of her life, wrote two popular cookbooks with her daughters. “Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen: Recipes from My Family to Yours” was released in 2008 and “Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood: Stories and Recipes to Share with Family and Friends” was published in 2010.
Trisha Yearwood, a Grammy-winning singer, was among country music’s most popular acts before going into semi-retirement with her husband Garth Brooks on their spread in Owasso. She continues to be a popular draw when she performs and said recently she hopes soon to hit Broadway when her stepchildren are all in college, according to the AP.
The family statement asked that expressions of sympathy be directed to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which helps fund breast cancer research, in Gwen Yearwood’s name.
Our thoughts here at BAM’s Blog are with the Yearwood family.
-BAM
Video: BAM’s Blog top 21 Oklahoma country songs
Ryan LaCroix, intrepid founder/owner/editor of OklahomaRock.com, has compiled a list of the top 100 Oklahoma country songs, and he is unveiling five songs from the list every weekday through Wednesday, Aug. 31, when the top five will be revealed.
To compile the list, LaCroix consulted with state experts such as disc jockeys, musicians and journalists; polled the public on Twitter and Facebook; and consulted chart rankings and non-Oklahoma-specific greatest country songs lists.
He was kind enough to consider me an expert and ask me to share my list of favorite Oklahoma country songs. I revealed my list over the past two Fridays in columns that you can read here and here. For your convenience, here is the top 21 list all together, with a video of my all-time favorite Okie country song:
1. “Oklahoma Breakdown,” recorded by Stoney LaRue, written by Mike Hosty.
I’m a red dirt girl at heart, and this foot-stomping tribute to making romance country-style never fails to make me smile. I could listen to it all day; truth be told, I probably have put it on a daylong loop at least once or twice.
2. “Friends in Low Places,” recorded by Garth Brooks, written by DeWayne Blackwell, Earl Bud Lee (with a third verse penned by Brooks).
Not only is “Friends in Low Places” one of the biggest country songs ever by THE biggest country artist ever, it’s one of the songs that brought me back to country music in the 1990s.
3. “Fancy,” recorded by Reba McEntire, written by Bobbie Gentry.
There’s a reason that Reba uses this as the encore for her shows and has for years. This Southern gothic tale of a white-trash girl determined to become a lady by any means necessary crackles with power, especially with the Chockie-bred belter’s mighty drawl behind it. Dress Reba in a floor-length spangled red gown and play the memorable video, and it’s an epic encore.
4. “If You See Me Getting Smaller,” written by Jimmy Webb, recorded by Waylon Jennings; also recorded by Webb with Willie Nelson.
Elk City native Jimmy Webb wrote a slew of great country hits in the 1960s and ’70s, but “If You See Me Getting Smaller” remains my favorite. I used to think it was because I prefer the vocal stylings of Waylon Jennings to those of Glen Campbell, who cut Webb’s “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston.” But when I heard Webb’s 2010 retrospective album “Just Across the River,” I still preferred “If You See Me Getting Smaller” to the others. This wistful song simply speaks to me.
5. “Kerosene,” recorded by Miranda Lambert, written by Lambert and Steve Earle.
We learned later on that she was made of “Gunpowder & Lead” and got to hear her softer side while touring “The House That Built Me,” but this scorching revenge yarn established the future Tishomingo resident as country music hottest firebrand.
6. “Skyline Radio,” recorded Cody Canada & The Departed, written by Tom Skinner.
Since I so dig the red dirt, I couldn’t imagine this list without a contribution from Cross Canadian Ragweed or new iteration The Departed, and I considered Ragweed favorites like “Alabama” and “Sick and Tired.” But This track from The Departed’s Oklahoma songwriters tribute “This Is Indian Land” gives you the fine songwriting of Skinner with the appealing vocals of Canada. Just try not to smile when you hear it.
7. “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Larry Collins and Sandy Pinkard; recorded by David Frizzell and Shelly West; covered by Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert.
This ballad from the 1981 movie “Any Which Way You Can” is quite possibly the best country song with an Oklahoma reference in the title. which is saying something if you really think about it. When the future Mr. and Mrs. Shelton performed it on a TV special, their chemistry was apparent, and they gave the original version a run for its money.
8. “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” written and recorded by Vince Gill (with Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless).
It’s hard to overstate Vince Gill’s talents as a songwriter, singer and musician, and he’s certainly crafted a bumper crop of great songs. But this majestic ode to a lost loved one soars high above the rest.
9. “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On,” recorded by Mel McDaniel, written by Bob McDill.
Heaven help us, but this catchy number gets stuck between your ears tighter than those blue jeans. Nah, it can’t help it.
10. “How Do You Like Me Now?!” recorded by Toby Keith, written by Keith and Chuck Cannon.
Be honest, we’ve all wanted to smugly crow this question to at least one person who gave us short shrift, and Keith’s bravado and brashness are perfectly suited for such vicarious vengeance.
11. “All-American Girl,” recorded by Carrie Underwood, written by Underwood, Ashley Gorley and Kelley Lovelace.
As an all-American daddy’s girl, I can’t resist this anthem, which highlights the big voice of Checotah’s sweetheart.
12. “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd,” written and recorded by Roger Miller.
Yes, I know it’s one of those funny novelty songs that tended to overshadow the Erick-bred artist’s true songwriting ability. But I really loved it as a kid, and it actually boasts a deeper message than it may seem on a casual listen. (On an only somewhat related side note, I’m not sure who had the nutsy idea to cast Miller as the rooster in the 1973 Disney animated version of “Robin Hood,” but his narration and songs totally made that movie for me, even as a kid.)
13. “A Little Rain Will Do,” written and recorded by Greg Jacobs.
Maybe it’s just the weather getting to me, but this modern-day Dust Bowl anthem just rings true.
14. “She’s in Love with the Boy,” recorded by Trisha Yearwood, written by Jon Ims.
The Future Mrs. Garth Brooks broke out with this ballad, capturing the determination and resilience of young love.
15. “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man,” recorded by Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn, written by Becki Bluefield and Jim Owen.
Oklahoma City resident Conway Twitty did some of his best work with Kentucky native Loretta Lynn, and this Canjun-flavored duet has become a country classic.
16. “Brand New Man,” recorded by Brooks & Dunn, written by Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks and Don Cook.
Former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn and Louisiana native Kix Brooks, who became the best-selling duo in country music history, made an auspicious chart-topping debut with this earnest, uptempo ballad.
17. “New San Antonio Rose,” written and recorded by Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys.
You can’t have a decent Oklahoma country music list without some Western swing on it, and if you’re spotlighting Western swing, you might as well feature the King of Western Swing. This classic enchants no matter who is doing the singing, and the list of stars who have sung it is pretty impressive.
18. “John Deere Green,” recorded by Joe Diffie, written by Dennis Linde.
As a sophomore at Lindsay High School in 1993, this funny story song seemed so true to life, like something that could happen any day if one of my schoolmates got their hands on enough beer and tractor paint.
19. “Back in the Saddle Again,” recorded by Gene Autry, written by Autry and Ray Whitley.
“Back in the Saddle Again” is like “Happy Birthday to You” or “Home on the Range” in that we sort of assume that it always existed. Like Autry’s other signature hit “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” it’s one of those songs that’s become so iconic it’s hard to comprehend that someone actually wrote it and initially recorded it. But the legendary singing cowboy did just that, and it became his signature song.
20. “Pt. 1/Never That Easy,” written and recorded by Green Corn Revival.
One could argue that the opening of the Weatherford-based band’s debut album “Say You’re a Sinner” isn’t really country, but I maintain that any musical number that so effectively invokes spaghetti Westerns and the plains of Custer County qualifies as country. Hey, it’s at least as country as Kid Rock, and he not only gets played on CMT, he has twice hosted the CMT Music Awards. I rest my case.
21. “Thank God and Greyhound,” recorded by Roy Clark, written by Larry Kingston and Earl Nix.
I had to add one more to my list after my recent interview with the charming Clark. This hilarious hit perfectly matches the Country Music Hall of Famer and longtime Tulsa resident’s quick-witted sense of humor.
-BAM
OklahomaRock.com counting down state’s top 100 country songs in August
Checotah native Carrie Underwood performs " All-American Girl" during the 2008 CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tenn. (AP file)
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. To see the second part of my column in which I reveal my top 10 Oklahoma country songs, click here.
BAM column: State website counts down the top 100 Oklahoma country songs
OklahomaRock.com is unveiling the list throughout the month of August.
In 1922, fiddlers “Uncle Henry” Gilliland of Altus and Alexander “Eck” Robertson of Borger, Texas, traveled to New York City and recorded four duets for the Victor Talking Machine Co.
They played “Arkansas Traveler” and “Turkey in the Straw” and in the process made what has become widely regarded as the first country music record.
Oklahoma and country music have a long, broad and deep history, and Ryan LaCroix has spent the past several weeks delving into it.
The intrepid founder/owner/editor of OklahomaRock.com has compiled a list of the top 100 Oklahoma country songs. He unveiled the first entries — Nos. 100 to 96 — Thursday on his website. He will divulge five songs from the list every weekday through Wednesday, Aug. 31, when the top five will be revealed.
“I thought it would be kind of interesting to do another countdown. We don’t really focus on country music on my site too much, so I thought it would be neat to put a little more focus on that,” LaCroix said. “But it’s a tough process for sure.”
The sheer number of country greats with Oklahoma ties makes such list-building daunting. But LaCroix is experienced: For the 2007 centennial, he ranked the top 100 state musicians, and in 2010, he counted down the top 100 Oklahoma albums of the 2000s.
To determine the top 100 Oklahoma country songs, LaCroix consulted with state experts such as disc jockeys, musicians and journalists, including yours truly; polled the public on Twitter and Facebook; and consulted chart rankings and non-Oklahoma-specific greatest country songs lists.
At LaCroix’s request, I developed a list of my 21 favorite Oklahoma country songs. Here are Nos. 11 to 21; I’ll unveil my top 10 next week:
Roy Clark
21. “Thank God and Greyhound,” recorded by Roy Clark, written by Larry Kingston and Earl Nix.
I had to add one more to my top 20 list after my recent interview with the charming Clark. This hilarious hit perfectly matches the longtime Tulsa resident’s wily sense of humor.
20. “Pt. 1/Never That Easy,” written and recorded by Green Corn Revival.
One could argue that the opening tracks of the Weatherford band’s 2010 debut album “Say You’re a Sinner” aren’t really country. But I maintain that any musical number that so effectively invokes spaghetti Westerns and the plains of Custer County qualifies as country. (Hey, it’s at least as country as Kid Rock, and he not only gets played on CMT, he has twice hosted the CMT Music Awards. I rest my case.)
19. “Back in the Saddle Again,” recorded by Gene Autry, written by Autry and Ray Whitley.
“Back in the Saddle Again” is like “Happy Birthday to You” or “Home on the Range” in that we sort of assume that it always existed. Like Autry’s other venerable hit “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” it’s one of those tunes that’s become so iconic that it’s hard to comprehend that someone actually wrote it and initially recorded it. But the legendary singing cowboy did just that, and it became his signature song.
18. “John Deere Green,” recorded by Joe Diffie, written by Dennis Linde.
As a sophomore at Lindsay High School in 1993, this funny story song seemed so true to life, like something that could happen any day if one of my schoolmates got their hands on enough beer and tractor paint.
17. “New San Antonio Rose,” written and recorded by Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys.
You can’t have a decent Oklahoma country music list without some Western swing on it, and if you’re spotlighting Western swing, you might as well feature the King of Western Swing. This classic enchants no matter who is doing the singing, and the list of stars who have sung it is pretty impressive.
16. “Brand New Man,” recorded by Brooks & Dunn, written by Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks and Don Cook.
Former Tulsan Dunn and Louisiana native Brooks, who became the best-selling duo in country music history, made an auspicious 1991 chart-topping debut with this earnest, uptempo ballad.
15. “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man,” recorded by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, written by Becki Bluefield and Jim Owen.
Oklahoma City resident Twitty did some of his best work with Kentucky native Lynn, and this Canjun-flavored duet has become a country classic.
14. “She’s in Love with the Boy,” recorded by Trisha Yearwood, written by Jon Ims.
The future Mrs. Garth Brooks broke out with this 1991 ballad that captures the resilience of young love.
13. “A Little Rain Will Do,” written and recorded by Greg Jacobs.
Maybe it’s just the weather getting to me, but this modern-day Dust Bowl anthem just rings true.
12. “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd,” written and recorded by Roger Miller.
Roger Miller
Yes, I know it’s one of those funny novelty songs that tend to overshadow the Erick-bred artist’s true songwriting ability. But I really loved it as a kid, and it actually boasts a deeper message than it may seem on a casual listen. (On an only somewhat related side note, I’m not sure who had the nutsy idea to cast Miller as the rooster in the 1973 Disney animated version of “Robin Hood,” but his narration and songs totally made that movie for me, even as a kid.)
11. “All-American Girl,” recorded by Carrie Underwood, written by Underwood, Ashley Gorley and Kelley Lovelace.
As an all-American daddy’s girl, I can’t resist this anthem, which highlights the big voice of Checotah’s sweetheart.
-BAM
New Country Music Hall of Famer Reba McEntire featured on Country Weekly cover
Oklahoma native Reba McEntire, who hails from Chockie, recently realized the ultimate goal of any country entertainer, her election into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The redheaded songstress is featured on the cover of the June 13 issue of Country Weekly magazine, on sale today.
“To have my bronze plaque on the wall with all my heroes and people who I’ve learned and studied from all these years, that’s a dream come true,” Reba said on the red carpet prior to the induction ceremony.
Reba was inducted along with Pauls Valley-born legend Jean Shepard and songwriter Bobby Braddock in a ceremony filled with tribute performances by fellow Oklahomans including Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Reba’s sister Susie McEntire-Eaton. Others participating in the ceremony were Martina McBride, Kelly Clarkson and several other stars.
The Country Weekly story gives the details of the Medallion Ceremony, and you can read The Oklahoman columnist Bryan Painter’s report from Nashville by clicking here.
-BAM
Oklahoma celebrities tweet through the tornadoes
Greyson Chance (Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman Archives)
Celebrities with Oklahoma ties used Twitter to voice their concerns, reassure fans they were safe and request prayers for the state as a deadly tornado outbreak swept through Tuesday. At least five were killed, dozens were injured and many homes and businesses were destroyed as multiple twisters tore through Oklahoma.
Like many affected by the storms, Okie celebrities used social media to communicate during the outbreak.
Here’s what some of the high-profile Oklahomans posted on Twitter Tuesday night as the storms rolled through:
I am safe! Thanks all for the tweets. Please pray for Oklahoma.
- Edmond teen music star Greyson Chance (@greysonchance)
Now I’m in Oklahoma bracing for bad weather. Everybody stay safe.
- Owasso country star Trisha Yearwood, who had spent the day at St. Mary’s School in Cortland, N.Y., promoting music education. (@TYcom)
I hope everyone in Oklahoma is staying safe!! We’re thinking about you all!
- Oklahoma City-based rockers Hinder, who will play the Memorial Day weekend Rocklahoma festival in Pryor. (@hindermusic)
doing good, been lookin off the front porch tryin to see one
- Rodeo champ, “The Amazing Race” contestant and Ada resident Cord McCoy, tweeting to a follower who inquired about his family’s safety (@CordMcCoy)
I’m praying for all the people and animals in MO today and for the rest of the victims of these natural disasters.
- Country music star and Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert, extending her prayers to the victims of Joplin, Mo.’s devastating tornado earlier this week. (@Miranda_Lambert)
The Oklahoma City Thunder were in Dallas, where they’re playing Game 5 of their Western Conference Finals series with the Mavericks tonight, but they were still thinking about their fans back
James Harden (Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman Archives)
home:
I’m in Dallas really concerned wit this tornado talk in OKC……
- Eric Maynor (@EMaynor3)
Praying for everyone in OKC!!..hope those tornadoes don’t hit too crazy!!!!
- James Harden (@JHarden13)
Praying for everyone back in Oklahoma, that this storm won’t be to bad.
- Byron Mullens (@byron23james)
Praying everything goes well with everything in Oklahoma with all these tornado warnings in effect right now…….
- Daequan Cook (@DcookIsBack)
Blake Shelton (AP file)
And country music star Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton), who coincidentally will be playing tornado benefit shows with tonight and Thursday in Durant, tweeted last night, “Hang on my Oklahoma and Kansas friends!!!! This is rough!!!!”
Shelton and fellow Oklahoma star Reba McEntire will perform the back-to-back benefits at Choctaw Event Center as part of the relief effort for the tiny Atoka County town of Tushka, which was hit April 14 by a deadly EF3 tornado.
It’s been a tough spring, but these shows should bring hope as well as funds to southeastern Oklahomans.
Shelton, a prolific Twitter user, also tweeted today a warning for those who will be attending tonight’s concert: “To all the people coming to see me and @Reba tonight in Durant, Ok… Although this is a benefit for tornado relief, I may be drinking..”
Look for my review of the show in the wee hours of Thursday here at BAM’s Blog and at NewsOK.
-BAM
UPDATED: Photo gallery: 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony induction
Oklahoma native Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton show off their Country Music Hall of Fame medallions as Parton ushers Reba into the hall Sunday night. (Photo by Donn Jones/courtesy Country Music Association)
Pauls Valley native Jean Shepard performs after being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the private Medallion Ceremony at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday. Oklahoma native Reba McEntire, Bobby Braddock and Shepard were all inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. (AP Photo)
UPDATED: Since I couldn’t find an Associated Press photo of Reba during her Country Music Hall of Fame induction, the Country Music Association was kind enough to provide one. She looks lovely and thrilled. Congratulations to Reba, Jean Shepard and Bobby Braddock!
The 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Sunday night in Nashville, Tenn., but it featured several Oklahoma stars.
Two Oklahomans were added to the hall: Reba McEntire, who hails from Chockie, and Jean Shepard, who was born in Pauls Valley. But several other state stars performed in honor of the 2011 induction class, which also included songwriter/producer Bobby Braddock.
To read The Oklahoman column Bryan Painter’s report from Nashville on the event, click here. To read what Oklahoma country music star Blake Shelton told me about honorees Braddock and Reba, click here.
And check out these photos from the event, from the Associated Press:
Vince Gill, who was born in Norman and raised in Oklahoma City, performs during the private Medallion Ceremony at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday.
George Jones hugs Jean Shepard after inducting her into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Tishomingo couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert perform in honor of Braddock.
Owasso resident Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire's sister, gospel singer and Oklahoma native Susie McEntire-Eaton, perform in Reba's honor.
Dolly Parton inducts Reba into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bill Anderson inducts Bobby Braddock into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Country Music Hall of Fame induction honors, features Oklahoma stars
Reba McEntire (AP file)
The 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Sunday night in Nashville, Tenn., but it featured several Oklahoma stars.
Two Oklahomans were added to the hall: Reba McEntire, who hails from Chockie, and Jean Shepard, who was born in Pauls Valley. But several other state stars performed in honor of the 2011 induction class, which also included songwriter/producer Bobby Braddock.
The ceremony Sunday provided ongoing reminders of Oklahoma’s tremendous influence on country music, The Oklahoman columnist Bryan Painter reports from the ceremony. It began with Vince Gill, born in Norman and raised in Oklahoma City, joining the McCrary Sisters to sing the traditional opening hymn, performing “Down by the Riverside.”
On Sunday night, Reba sat in the Ford Theater listening to the songs that made her a household name. She joined the hall in its “Modern Era Artist” category.
Perhaps the most special of those was a duet as her sister Susie McEntire-Eaton and Trisha Yearwood, who lives in Owasso, sang “How Blue,” reports Bryan.
In another duet, friends Martina McBride and Kelly Clarkson performed the hit McEntire had with Linda Davis on guest vocals, “Does He Love You.”
Gill delivered “Somebody Should Leave.” But that wasn’t all for the Oklahomans as Garth Brooks, born in Tulsa, raised in Yukon and living in Owasso, sang “Whoever’s In New England.”
Country legend Dolly Parton ushered Reba into the hall of fame, and her appearance Sunday night was a surprise, Bryan reports.
The first time McEntire met Parton was historic as well. That was September 1977, and it was McEntire’s first performance on the “Grand Ole Opry.” Bryan reports that Reba’s voice tightened with emotion remembering that day more than 30 years ago.
“That was 30 years to the day that daddy won the All-Around at the Pendleton Round-Up,’” she said. Her father Clark McEntire, a three-time world champion steer roper, has been battling health issues this year, including strokes and was unable to attend.
Jean Shepard (AP file)
Shepard, who was born in Pauls Valley, moved with her family to Hugo at age 3 and then grew up primarily in California, was inducted into the hall’s “Veterans Era Artist” category Sunday night by George Jones, according to Bryan’s story.
“The Grand Lady of the Grand Ole Opry,” as Shepard is known, told the audience, “I love my music, I love what I do and I do what I love.”
Braddock, who has delivered five decades of country hits, was inducted by Bill Anderson. Recently married Oklahoma country music stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert also performed the George Jones and Tammy Wynette hit Braddock wrote with Rafe Van Hoy, “Golden Ring.” Braddock produced Shelton’s first three albums and co-produced his fourth and fifth albums.
To read Bryan’s excellent full report, click here.
-BAM
