George Jones’ had risen from a talented youngster performing on the street corner with his father to a superstar climbing the Top Ten charts in the 50′s. But soon his personal and professional life took a turn for the worse and was headed to a downward spiral in the 60′s and 70′s. It wasn’t until the 80′s with help from his fourth wife Nancy Sepulvada that Jones got back on track both in his life and with his music.  Remembering George Jones comes to a conclusion with his comeback and final years.

The 80’s

Musically, Jones began making a comeback in 1980 with a Top Ten duet with Tammy Wynette, “Two Story House,” early in the year. However, the song that pushed him back to the top of the charts was the dramatic ballad “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” The song hit number one and started a new series of Top Ten hits and number one singles that ran through 1986. They were so successful it rivaled the peak of his popularity in the ’60s. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” was followed by the Top Ten hit “I’m Not Ready Yet” and the album ‘I Am What I Am’ in the fall of the 1980, which became his most successful album, going platinum.

From 1981-83, Jones had eight Top Ten hits. Although he was having hits again, he was still struggling with his personal demons. Jones was going on crazed, intoxicated rampages, which culminated with a televised police chase of Jones, who was driving drunk through the streets of Nashville. With the help of his fourth wife, Nancy Sepulvada, whom he had married in March 1983, he was able to shake his drug and alcohol addictions. By the end of the year he had completed his rehabilitation.

Jones continued to have hits on the Top Ten regularly until 1987, when the onset of newer artists dominated and kept Jones’ music off the charts. Interestingly, these same artists were heavily influenced by Jones himself. In 1987 Jones and his wife moved back to Nashville where he recorded his final album with Billy Sherrill in 1988 titled ‘One Woman Man’. This album was Jones’ final solo Top Ten hit as well as his last record for Epic Records.

The 90’s

Despite no longer having a huge presence on modern country radio in 1990’s, Jones continued to record and tour. After the release of ‘One Woman Man’, Jones recorded a duet with Randy Travis, “A Few Ole Country Boys,” that was a Top Ten hit in the fall of 1990. Jones had signed with MCA and released his first record for them in 1991 titled ‘And Along Came Jones’. In 1995, he reunited with his ex-wife Wynette to record ‘One’. In April of 1996, Jones published his autobiography, I Lived to Tell It All. In the book, he devoted a full chapter to the changes in the country music scene of the 1990′s. In his later years Jones was also very vocal about his disappointment for the direction country music has taken in the last two decades. In 1998, he released another studio album titled ‘It Don’t Get Any Better Than This’.

Final Years

Following the release of ‘It Don’t Get Any Better Than This’, Jones left MCA and moved to Elektra/Asylum, who signed him on the condition that he would record hardcore country music.

While Jones was completing work for his debut album for the label, he crashed his car into a bridge in Nashville on March 6, 1999. Though he was critically injured, he pulled through and recovered. However, the investigation revealed that Jones had been drinking and driving. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, DWI, and entered a rehab program.  The release of his debut album, ‘Cold Hard Truth’, went on as scheduled in the summer of 1999. He then went on to release the albums ‘The Rock: Stone Cold Country’ in 2001 and in 2005 ‘Hits I Missed…And One I Didn’t', which found Jones looking back over the years and picking songs that he originally declined to record, but were hits for the other artists. On the record, he recorded a duet with Dolly Parton titled “The Blues Man.” In 2006 he released the album ‘God’s Country: George Jones and Friends’. His final album was released by Vanguard Records in 2008 titled ‘Burning Your Playhouse Down’.

Jones has received many honors during his long career, from Most Promising New Country Vocalist in 1956 to being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and being named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2008. In 2012, he was presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. At the ceremony, his longtime friend Merle Haggard paid tribute to him. His many awards include Billboards, Grammys and CMA’s.

In popular view, George Jones was the finest vocalist in the recorded history of country music. He started out as a hardcore honky tonker in the tradition of his idol Hank Williams and developed effective subtle ballad style while staying closer to the roots of hardcore country. Throughout his career, he never left the top of the country charts and overcame his personal struggles. Many others have paid tribute to Jones while expressing their love and respect for his legacy. George was a true country legend who paved the way for many country stars’ success.  He will always be remembered by music fans.

Image credit: George Jones via Facebook

The article Remembering George Jones Part III: The Comeback & Final Years appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Rockettes show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee celebrates their 85th anniversary celebration and prove, once again, the true meaning of Christmas. Their show will be in Nashville from November 16-December 24.

The performance immediately showcases why the Rockettes are world renowned; the girls are able to dance and sing beautifully while perfectly on beat with one another. There are twenty girls total and they all played a wide range of characters, from elves to Raggedy Ann dolls to wooden soldiers.

The performance is divided up into twelve scenes taking the audience through the stages of Christmas and popular Christmas songs. Their dancing ranged from classical ballet, in “The Nutcracker,” to high-energy tap dance, in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” where each Rockette has a different routine for each verse of the ever-popular song. Each scene was very different from the previous, which made the performance absolutely unexpected and enchanting.

The degree of precision also varied, but perhaps the most impressive execution of precision was during “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” As the title suggests, each of the Rockettes were wooden soldiers who moved robotically and ultimately lined up like dominoes and fell onto each other in extreme slow motion. The Rockettes enthralled the audience with their talent.  The first eleven scenes were about the typical Christmas hoopla—Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Mrs. Claus, and every other iconic Christmas figure.  However, their last scene, “The Living Nativity,” was the most powerful.

“The Living Nativity,” involved re-creating the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem where Mary gave birth to Jesus. The program included a full paragraph entitled “One Solitary Life” to prelude this amazing re-creation of the nativity story, “Two thousand years have come and gone, and today He is the central figure for much of the human race. All the armies that ever marched and all the navies that ever sailed and all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as this ‘One Solitary Life.’”

There was a narrator reciting the paragraph to the audience as the living nativity was being assembled. The show included bringing in live camels, sheep, and donkeys. The Rockettes were dressed lavishly or simply, depending if they were wise men or shepherds. The wise men walked through the aisles in the audience. In the center of the stage stood the stable and the key characters to the story arrived accordingly to when the narrator brought them into the story. As the narrator mentioned the shepherds following the Star, the shepherds and sheep took their places on stage. The narrator quoted Biblical passages and included extra information, like the symbolism behind why the wise men brought frankincense, myrrh, and gold.

Unlike in the other scenes, the Rockettes were not singing or dancing; instead, they reverently reenacting this miraculous story. The reverence and Christian message behind this scene was very unexpected from the Rockettes, but showcased a very powerful message. At a time when people can get wrapped up in the presents and the traditions, sometimes it is prudent to take a step back from the holiday mania and remember why we celebrate Christmas to begin with. The Rockettes certainly showed the typical holiday iconic characters, but definitely showed the audience the true meaning of Christmas in their final and most powerful scene. The true meaning of Christmas is not all about the presents, but it is instead a time of faith and a time to be near those you love best.

Image Courtesy : The Rockettes

The article Rockettes Show the True Meaning of Christmas appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

One of this fall’s most anticipated and critically-acclaimed series, “Nashville,” debuts Wednesday, October 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network, starring Emmy nominee Connie Britton (“American Horror Story”) and Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes”), and created by Oscar-winning screenwriter Callie Khouri (‘Thelma & Louise’).

Shot entirely in Nashville, Tennessee, each episode of the series takes us into a captivating world of music, power, talent, sex, love, heartbreak and redemption, featuring original songs by established and breakout songwriters sung by the stars of the series.

Music legend and entertainment icon Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) has been one of the industry’s top female vocalists for two decades. After working tirelessly to elevate her game, Rayna suddenly discovers her passion for the business is not enough to compete with the new generation of talent lighting up the charts.

She is reluctant to accept the emerging trend in the business and refuses to be steamrolled by her longtime label, which she helped build. When they give her an offer she can’t refuse, Rayna is forced to accept the harsh reality that she’ll have to start over and reinvent herself if she plans on continuing to be relevant.

Offstage things aren’t much easier for Rayna, whose father, Lamar Wyatt (Powers Boothe), is Nashville’s most powerful businessman. Their distant relationship is strained by years of resentment and powerful secrets that begin to boil over when Lamar and Rayna’s sister, Tandy, start a scheme involving Rayna’s husband, Teddy (Eric Close). For Teddy Conrad, this might be his time to share the spotlight instead of being the man behind the woman.

For years he’s competed against Rayna’s greatest love… her music. He’s been haunted by her romantic entanglements, which he thought were buried in the past, but now his choice to align himself with Rayna’s father could send her running back into the arms of her soul mate.

Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) is sexy, sassy, and she’s got trouble written all over her. She’s the hottest act in the business and she’s not about to let anyone stand in the way of her success, much less Rayna Jaymes. On her way to the top, an even bigger set of circumstances will cast a shadow on her girl-next-door image. But Juliette is calculating, has an insatiable appetite for fame, and will do whatever it takes to leave her hard knocks past behind.

Everyone in Nashville has a dream: Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten) is the band leader whose unrequited love is constantly played out in the lyrics of familiar songs; Scarlett O’Connor (Clare Bowen) is the beautiful undiscovered songwriter; Avery Barkley (Jonathan Jackson) is a young misguided musician; and Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio) is an up and comer on a collision course with Scarlett.

In the premiere episode, “Pilot,” Rayna learns that her record label wants her to tour as the opening act for newcomer Juliette Barnes, and when she refuses, the stage is set for the ultimate power struggle for popularity. Complicating matters, Lamar’s drive for power results in backing Teddy in a run for Mayor of Nashville, against Rayna’s wishes.

“Nashville” stars Connie Britton (‘Friday Night Lights’, “American Horror Story”) as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes”) as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Eric Close (“Chaos,” “Without a Trace”) as Teddy Conrad, Charles Esten (“Enlightened,” “Big Love”) as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson (“General Hospital”) as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Robert Ray Wisdom as Coleman Carlisle and Powers Boothe (“24″) as Lamar Wyatt,.

Guest starring in “Pilot” are Judith Hoag as Tandy Wyatt, JD Souther as Watty White and Burgess Jenkins as Randy Roberts. Co-stars include Lennon Stella as Maddie, Maisy Stella as Daphne, David Alford as Bucky Dawes, Ed Amatrudo as Glenn Goodman, Todd Truly as Marshall Evans and Sylvia Jeffries as Juliette’s Mother.

Executive producers of “Pilot” are R.J. Cutler (‘The September Issue’, ‘The War Room’), Callie Khouri (‘Thelma & Louise’), who is also creator, and Steve Buchanan. T Bone Burnett is the executive music producer. “Pilot” was written by Callie Khouri and directed by R.J. Cutler. The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Gaylord Entertainment.

“Nashville” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.

This episode of “Nashville” will be available on ABC.com the day after air for users to watch online. For more information on “Nashville” visit ABC.com/Nashville.

The article New ABC Show “Nashville” Debuts on Oct. 10 appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

MinuteClinic, the retail health care division of CVS Caremark, and HCA’s TriStar Health, the largest and most comprehensive health system in Middle Tennessee, have entered into a clinical affiliation to enhance access to high quality, affordable health care services in the Nashville metropolitan area.

MinuteClinic has 14 walk-in medical clinics open seven days a week inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in Middle Tennessee. The agreement includes any current or future locations in Nashville and ten surrounding counties: Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson. The clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners who provide treatment for common family illnesses and administer wellness and prevention services, including health condition monitoring.

“MinuteClinic joins TriStar Health in its commitment to provide the highest quality medical care to the people of Middle Tennessee with a focus on reducing costs and increasing accessibility to health care services,” said Andrew Sussman, M.D., President, MinuteClinic and Senior Vice President/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark.

“In addition, TriStar has been at the forefront of electronic medical record technology. We look forward to working with them to integrate our systems and develop collaborative programs that improve patient outcomes and help people on their path to better health.” TriStar Health in Middle Tennessee includes 11 hospitals and two ambulatory surgery centers supported by about 2,800 physicians.

“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with MinuteClinic and enhance the overall continuity of care for patients in the communities we serve,” said Steve Corbeil, president of TriStar Health.

“This expanded clinical coordination is a natural partnership because their model to provide basic primary care at the time of day and at locations that are convenient for each patient goes hand in hand with TriStar’s mission to provide quality, cost effective healthcare services close to where our patients live and work.”

Under the agreement, TriStar Health physicians will serve as medical directors for MinuteClinic locations in Middle Tennessee.  In addition, MinuteClinic and TriStar Health will collaborate on patient education and disease management initiatives and will inform patients of the services each offers.

TriStar Health will accept patients who need a level of care that is not provided at MinuteClinic. Signage at MinuteClinic locations will inform patients that each site has a clinical affiliation with TriStar Health.

MinuteClinic and TriStar Health will begin to work toward fully integrating their electronic medical record systems to streamline communication around all aspects of each individual’s care.  With patient permission, MinuteClinic will electronically share medical histories and visit summaries with other TriStar Health locations in Middle Tennessee.

In the meantime, MinuteClinic will continue its standard practice of sending patient visit summaries to primary care providers via fax or mail, typically within 24 hours. MinuteClinic practitioners specialize in family health care and can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections.

Minor wounds, abrasions and joint sprains are treated, and common vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, pneumonia, pertussis and Hepatitis A & B are available at most locations. Walk-in camp, sports and college physicals for adolescents are available daily. In addition, MinuteClinic administers a series of wellness services designed to help consumers identify lifestyle changes needed to improve their current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

No appointments are required at MinuteClinic and most health insurance is accepted. Most clinics in Middle Tennessee are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The article MinuteClinic Joins TriStar Health to Ameliorate Medical Care appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

International Shoe charity Soles4Souls has announced a partnership with multi-platinum selling GRAMMY nominee Billy Gilman, with the goal of sponsoring 500,000 shoes for children and adults in need worldwide.

Gilman, who has sold more than 6 million albums worldwide and garnered awards and nods from the ACMs, CMAs, Billboard, and AMAs, has spent the past couple of years writing material for a new CD, working with some of Nashville’s top songwriters. He is currently in the studio recording, with anticipated new music from the artist expected in 2012.

Gilman has always been a voice for those less fortunate than himself.  After seeing a video clip of Soles4Souls’ Founder Wayne Elsey talking about the organization, Gilman was “really blown away at what they do for so many” and decided that he wanted to join Soles4Souls in their mission to help kids around the world in need of shoes.

“I am proud to be partnering with Soles4Souls and am excited about what’s to come in the very near future with our partnership,” added Gilman.

Formed as a relief effort following the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, Soles4Souls has donated more than 16 million pairs of shoes across 129 countries.  The charity’s mission includes distributing shoes to the children and adults around the world who live in adverse poverty and have no access to appropriate footwear.

A pair of shoes can protect a child in developing nations from soil-based diseases like hookworm and keeps them in compliance with the uniform code at school.

“Billy is an extraordinary young man who has experienced more success in his teenage years than most artists only hope to experience in a lifetime,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls.  “We are beyond thrilled that he continues to use his voice and his platform as a way to help others.  He is a role model for so many and we are honored he has chosen to partner with our cause,” he said.

More details about the project and Billy’s involvement with the charity will be announced later in February.  Individuals can visit www.giveshoes.org to hear the latest news on the project.

The article Grammy Nominee Billy Gillman Partners International Shoe Charity Soles4Souls appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) on February 07, 2012 announced the signing of Nathan Chapman to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement.

Two-time Grammy award-winning songwriter/producer Nathan Chapman is widely known for his production work with Taylor Swift. Chapman credits his love of songwriting and songwriters as the key ingredient that drives his production and songwriting, resulting in over 30 major label cuts.

“We are incredibly excited to have such a special songwriting talent as Nathan join our Universal Music Publishing family,” said Evan Lamberg, President, Universal Music Publishing Group, North America, “With Kent Earls now leading UMPG Nashville and great creative executives such as Ron Stuve signing Nathan, we look forward to partnering with him in all of his creative and songwriter endeavors.”

“We are honored and excited Nathan has entrusted this UMPG team to further his already illustrious career,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Universal Music Publishing Group, Nashville. “Nathan’s musical knowledge, immense talent and impressive work ethic make him a tremendous asset not only for Nashville but all of Universal Music Publishing.”

Chapman produced three, multi-platinum albums with Taylor Swift – her self-titled debut, Fearless, and Speak Now. Chapman holds two Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year along with CMA and ACM Album of the Year awards (Fearless).

Fearless also spent several weeks at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and Country Albums charts. Chapman has been working with Swift since her debut single “Tim McGraw,” which hit Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and has continued to produce her chart-topping songs such as “Our Song,” “White Horse,” “You Belong With Me,” “Mean,” “Back To December” and “Love Story,” to name a few.

Chapman also produced The Band Perry’s single, “All Your Life,” which is currently No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Chapman is producing two songs on the upcoming Lionel Richie album, Tuskegee, dropping on March 27th which features Shania Twain on “Endless Love” and Jennifer Nettles on “Hello.” Chapman also recently worked with Lauren Alaina on her first single “Like My Mother Does.” Other artists he has worked with include, Colbie Caillat, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, and Jewel.

Nathan Chapman joins UMPG Nashville’s prolific staff of current songwriters, who deliver hits for today’s country music elite - Keith Urban , Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood , Kenny Chesney , Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to name a few. Artists of all genres seek to work with this versatile staff.

The UMPG Nashville catalog spans the entire chasm of the musical landscape: the 1940′s Folk/Blues of the Delmore Brothers; the 1950′s and 1960′s classics of Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly; through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s with Don Williams, Waylon Jennings, The Judds, Alabama and George Strait.

It also includes country classics from Webb Pierce, Brenda Lee, Mel Tillis, Garth Brooks, Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill and Shania Twain. UMPG Nashville owns and administers many prominent catalogs including Bob McDill, Rivers Rutherford, Gary Burr, Pat Alger, Kent Robbins, Dickey Lee, Kostas, Troy Verges, Luke Laird, Marijohn Wilkin, John D. Loudermilk, Stephanie Bentley, David Lee, Craig Wiseman, Keith Urban and more.

The article Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Nathan Chapman appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

During my travels, I often run into the most interesting and inspiring people. Sometimes it’s on the street, sometimes on the flight to where ever my life is taking me. This November, I was off to the Green Brier resort, and in for a Toonari interview treat! As I settle into my airplane seat and prepare for takeoff, I start to do what everyone does.

I pray that the five-ton man who hasn’t showered in a week doesn’t find a seat next to mine. As Dan Mileti from Hendersinville TN, smiles and plops down beside me, I am relieved, and in for an amazing Toonarian flight! Dan Mileti and Randy Gibson are from Ohio and Texas, and met while doing the Nashville songwriters circuit.

They formed a band, and have had the opportunity to open for Emmy Lou Harris, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Michael Murphy, and more. Dan knew he wanted to be in entertainment from a very young age. Dan plays the air drums as he begins his musical bio.

“I grew up listening to rock and roll groups. In high school, I was the lead singer in a band! My dad never supported me much; he wasn’t that into music. For Christmas, someone bought him a guitar. He just looked at it and set it aside. I was like, that guitar is mine! From that point on, there was no stopping me.”

Mileti switches to air guitar as he continues. After high school, Mileti went to Ohio State University to study music theory and composition. Meleti had big dreams to move to Nashville but soon realized he would have to do more than learn to play, he would have to be able to write the lyrics as well.

“There are two types of music listeners: the kind that listen to the music and the kind that listen to the lyrics. To me, it’s not the music, it’s the lyrics! Words are what make a great song. I needed to be able to write lyrics everyone could relate to.” Meleti had a lot to learn, but the drive to do it. “Growing up I would aspire to people that were better than me, even if that person was considered a nerd. If they played like a cool cat I wanted to be as good.”

After Meleti moved to Nashville, he found a mentor in Randy Gibson. “It’s really an enigma. We inspire each other. I love our producer Kevin Wicker too. You really need someone who gets you and your music you know? Bobby Hicks was another one. He used to be this amazing man, the white haired guy that drives around in the convertible.

He wrote hit songs for Loretta Lynn. I treated him like a grandfather, so it was really hard when he passed, but we still have music.” When asked what it was that drove him towards the music business, Dan replied, “It’s the thrill of everything! There’s nothing like making people smile, people loving what you’re doing.”

Since the start of his career, Dan has been the house band for the Titans, filmed out of Planet Hollywood. “Walking down the red carpet, my friend Titus pulls me aside and says, I can’t believe you got this gig. I was like, you just stay behind the velvet rope, Titus. We got to meet all the players, and hang out in the greenroom. It was a hoot!”

When asked where he sees himself in ten years, Meleti says he plans to stay in the business and come out with lots of hits. “I wake up every morning with ideas. Everything’s an idea. I’ll be writing songs till I die.” As our plane begins to descend through the clouds, I ask Dan if he has any advice for young musicians. “Don’t be afraid to rewrite.

So many young people are concerned with volume, not quality. A true musician cares, and will take the time to make the songs mean something to others.”

Image Courtesy of   http://www.myspace.com/gibsonandmiletiwiththeschmoozers

The article The People We Meet Above the Clouds appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.