WZBC's Sunday Morning Country

* SMC Playlist for February 12, 2012 *

2012-02-12T17:04:00.004-05:00

The 2012 SMC Valentine's Day Extravaganza!

(click for playlist)

* Valentine's Day Extravaganza THIS Sunday, 2/12 *

2012-02-08T15:17:00.007-05:00

Get ready for your Cheatin' & Stealin,' Lovin & Lyin,' Heartbreaks & Heartaches Valentine's Day Extravaganza THIS Sunday 2/12 from 10am til 2pm!

I'll also be featuring plenty of music from artists appearing at this year's 27th Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival in Framingham, 2/17-19 (more @ bbu.org).
TUNE/STREAM in ealry, you don't want to miss any of "the good stuff!"

* SMC Playlist for February 5, 2012 *

2012-02-06T10:41:00.004-05:00

* 2/5/12 Super Bowl Sunday Extravaganza! *

2012-02-04T14:43:00.005-05:00

This week there'll be plenty of the "good stuff" keeping you company 'til kick-off!

Birthday shout-outs for ET, Joe Ely and more, new music and tunes from folks playing in town soon!

Download our app today -- Tune/Stream in early -- you don't want to be shut out. . .
GO PATS!!

* * Dolly Parton's "JOLENE" #1 in 1974 * *

2012-02-02T11:19:00.008-05:00

Billboard's Country Chart

"JOLENE"
#1 on this day in 1974!

(click image for video)

* SMC Playlist for January 29, 2012 *

2012-01-29T15:33:00.003-05:00

* NORA JANE STRUTHERS @ me & thee 2/3/12 *

2012-01-27T17:40:00.007-05:00

NORA JANE STRUTHERS & THE BOOTLEGGERS

will be making a very rare appearance next week at the
me & thee Coffeehouse in beautiful Marblehead, MA

I'll be giving away TWO pairs of tickets THIS Sunday (1/29)!

For those who are shut-out, you can still purchase tickets for one of the hottest shows of the month . . . get on it NOW, you'll be thanking me later!

* SMC/Basketball Interruptus This Week 1/29/12 *

2012-01-26T19:13:00.015-05:00

In spite of a 75 minute interruption for BC basketball this Sunday -- SMC will be handing over the mic at 12:45pm -- there'll be plenty of new music and birthday shout-outs for
KATE WOLF, DEL McCOURY and THE EVERLY BROTHERS!
Be sure to TUNE/STREAM in early for surprise CD giveaways as well.
You don't want to miss a THANG!

* SMC Playlist for January 22, 2012 *

2012-01-23T09:59:00.006-05:00

Sing Me Back Home #1 in 1968

2012-01-20T08:42:00.004-05:00

(click for Merle Haggard on The Johnny Cash Show, LIVE 1969)

* Happy Birthday PHIL EVERLY b.1/19/39 *

2012-01-19T10:43:00.004-05:00

(click for "Crying In the Rain" on The Ed Sullivan Show)

* SMC Playlist for January 15, 2012 *

2012-01-16T11:41:00.008-05:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. 1/15/29 - 4/4/68

* SMC Playlist for January 8, 2012 *

2012-01-08T18:40:00.003-05:00

(click image for playlist)

* On SMC This Sunday, January 8, 2012 *

2012-01-06T19:25:00.009-05:00

Birthday shout-outs for Price, Presley and Loveless along with a heapin' healpin' of HANK WILLIAMS in observance of his passing way back on January 1, 1953!

Hey, how can I NOT play Hank?!

Also, a slew of new CDs (which have been coming in fast and furious the past few weeks) to start out the first hour of the show.

Ahhhh...the up-side of a long holiday break.

TUNE/STREAM in early, you don't want to miss a thang!!

DENNIS BRENNAN @ The Lizard Lounge!

2012-01-05T10:28:00.017-05:00

Brennan Is Back In the Basement!

Catch him WEDNESDAYs thru 2/1 @ 9:30pm
The Lizard Lounge, Cambridge

* SMC Playlist for December 18, 2011 *

2011-12-19T11:09:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2011-12-17T18:42:00.005-05:00

Wrapping up the best of 2011 and filling the airwaves with plenty of Christmas music for all you present wrappers, party goers and Pat's fans!

I'll have more copies of the brand new David Ball & the Pioneer Playboys' CD,

The Greatest Christmas,

to give away as well!

Tune in early, you don't want to miss a thang!

* SMC Playlist for December 11, 2011 *

2011-12-12T11:24:00.004-05:00

* SMC Album of the Week - The Far West *

2011-12-10T19:57:00.009-05:00

Love steel? Love that western sound?

Click, buy, enjoy!

Trust me.

* New David Ball Christmas CD Giveaways, 12/11 *

2011-12-10T13:37:00.004-05:00

Along with a wrap-up of 2011, weaving in more Christmas tunes and playing a whole batch of John Lincoln Wright's music,

I'll be giving away copies of the BRAND NEW

David Ball & the Pioneer Playboys' CD,

The Greatest Christmas!

Tune/Stream in EARLY!

N.E. Country Legend, John Lincoln Wright, Passes

2011-12-05T18:00:00.006-05:00

(click image for Music Row write-up)

* SMC Playlist for December 4, 2011 *

2011-12-04T16:45:00.004-05:00

* SMC Playlist for November 27, 2011 *

2011-11-27T18:57:00.006-05:00

* SMC Playlist for November 20, 2011 *

2011-11-20T00:12:00.008-05:00

* SMC Playlist for November 13, 2011 *

2011-11-13T19:39:00.004-05:00

* Some Girls Beefed Up, Drops 11/21! *

2011-11-08T15:35:00.007-05:00

The "SOME GIRLS" back cover was as great as the front!

(Click image for 2011's the extra goodies)

CD of the Wk: John Lilly's "Cold Comfort"

2011-11-08T11:09:00.006-05:00

Arrived in my mailbox yesterday . . . can't stop playing it!

"COLD COMFORT" from John Lilly

(available at all JL gigs and his WEB site)

With Special Guests: Sonny Landreth, Bill Kirchen, Tim O'Brien, Bobby Flores, Floyd Domino, Brennen Leigh, Kayton Roberts, Johnny Staats, Mike Bub, Skip Edwards, Tom Lewis, Ric Ramirez, Tommy Detamore.

* SMC Playlist for November 6, 2011 *

2011-11-06T20:37:00.004-05:00

* Smoked Thanksgiving Dinner Solution *

2011-11-03T14:45:00.008-04:00

They ain't called BLUE RIBBON for nuthin'!

Pick-up, heat & serve . . I like it!

* Don't Miss A Minute of SMC - Dwonload Your App Now!

2011-11-03T11:40:00.012-04:00

Last weekend's storm wreaked havoc on many SMC listeners' power lines, including those of Boston College!

Although our transmitter was out for a few hours, Sunday Morning Country STREAMED ahead over the internet and was heard, as always, between 10am and 2pm.

Forgot about that, eh? Hadn't downloaded our ZBC app?

Well, here's your chance to check-off one more item from your "storm list" this week, ahead of the chaos.

And remember, the ZBC app also comes in handy while raking leaves, making pies and shoveling snow.

We've got your back!

* Wow X Two - Allison & Shelby 11/10 *

2011-11-02T09:40:00.007-04:00

SHELBY LYNNE will be at Johnny D's tomorrow night!

She's seen here with her sister, ALLISON MOORER, singing one of Buck's big hits at The Birchmere last year.

A double-WOW! event for sure . .

(click image for "Under Your Spell Again")

SMC Playlist for October 30, 2011

2011-10-31T10:44:00.005-04:00

WZBC still streaming!

2011-10-30T11:04:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

Transmitter is down, we are still streaming.
Download our app!

Plenty of tix today.

Ticket Giveaway Booonanza This Sunday!

2011-10-27T13:12:00.008-04:00

All treats, no tricks for this week's SMC listeners on Halloween eve!

Yessirree folks, this Sunday there'll be plenty of tickets for shows like Shelby Lynn (11/3), Amy Black (11/5), Suzy Bogguss (11/5) and Abigail Washburn (11/6)!

Plus, one more copy of the brand new JOHN PRINE CD, "The Singing Mailman Delivers," for one very lucky listener. Have you seen the baseball caps for this CD?! LOVE IT!

(click image below for Tragedy, live)

TUNE/STREAM in early!

* More SMC Giveaways this Sunday 10/16! *

2011-10-15T10:58:00.017-04:00

Tune in this Sunday for a chance to win tickets to the FMFM's

4th Annual Urban Barn Dance

Thursday, October 20th @ 6:30pm!
Also, more copies of the new Johnny Cash "LIVE: Around the World - Bootleg Vo. III" will be given away to lucky listeners throughout the show!

Happy 65th Birthday JOHN PRINE b.10/10/46

2011-10-10T20:42:00.007-04:00

Revisiting a should-be mega-hit for John Prine's 65th birthday!

ATTENTION: ALAN JACKSON!

Learn this song pronto & record it in time for Valentine's Day 2012.

SMC Giveaways 10/9 - New JOHNNY CASH CD!

2011-10-08T16:15:00.005-04:00

This Sunday I'll be giving away copies of the BRAND NEW,

53 track, double-CD set from Sony/Legacy . .

"JOHNNY CASH: Bootleg Vol.III, LIVE Around the World"

Tune in to SMC EARLY!

* The Only Woman Hank Ever Hired! *

2011-10-06T18:11:00.007-04:00

The last surviving member of The Drifting Cowboys

Bernice Turner

"The only woman Hank Williams ever hired!"

(seen in this promo shot, second from the left).

Wife of the late steel great, Doyle Turner,

and mother of current steel great Robby Turner.

The Turners played with Hank 1945 - 1946.

* * Moon Music for Next Week * *

2011-10-04T17:37:00.005-04:00

A favorite of mine for 30 years!

"PHASES OF THE MOON: TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC"

Perfect for next week's full moon, Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

Columbus Day weekend is fast approaching, be adventurous!

(Originally released on vinyl in 1981, re-released on CD in 1990)

* JOHN MILLER - Let's Go Riding! *

2011-10-03T14:14:00.006-04:00

Recorded between October 1971 & January 1972

(while a student at Cornell),

and released by Rounder in 1975, this gem is sounding better than ever!

Look hard, find it if you can and cherish it!

Includes Hopie Miller, Russ Barenberg, John Ellis, David Barenberg and Susan Longaker

Side One
1. Let's Go Riding
2. Easy Rider
3. Wild About My Lovin'
4. Trouble In Mind
5. How Long, How Long Blues
6. Hunkie- Tunkie
7. I'm An Old Bumblebee
8. Righteous Blues

Side Two
1. Texas
2. Golden Slippers
3. Brandy Wine
4. Cherokee Shuffle
5. Weary Day
6. John Hardy
7. Arkansas Traveler
8. Tompkins Country Trot
9. Chinquipin Pie

SMC Playlist for 10/2/11

2011-10-02T17:06:00.003-04:00

Archives are up for TWO big weeks here.

* The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams - Sun 10/2 - 1hr Radio Special *

2011-10-01T18:16:00.006-04:00

Tune in to SMC this Sunday 10/2, just after 1pm, for a very special ONE hour featuring "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams" (being released Tuesday, 10/4).

There's plenty of interview material and music from the artists who participated in this project and it's hosted by Alejandro Escovedo.

LYDIA LOVELESS @ t.t. the bear's place 10/6!

2011-09-29T12:55:00.003-04:00

The new CD is terrific!

The show is late (11:45pm)...so,

you've got an entire week to catch up on your sleep.

Plan accordingly.

10/6 @ t.t. the bear's place

* * * Happy Birthday MARTY STUART! * * *

2011-09-29T10:04:00.009-04:00

Born John Martin Stuart

9/30/58

"Country Boy Rock & Roll"

Letterman, 6/29/11

(and Letterman does a fine job of botching the intro/album title)

More from the Marty Party, 9/24/11!

2011-09-26T20:46:00.008-04:00

Postcards, PLEASE!

Kenny, Marty, Harry & Paul...well alright, well alright!

SMC Playlist for 9/25/2011

2011-09-25T18:10:00.003-04:00

Archives are up for TWO big weeks here.

Marty Stuart - September 24, 2011

2011-09-25T17:44:00.010-04:00

Indian Ranch, Webster, MA
Kenny Vaughn, Marty Stuart, Harry Stinson, Paul Martin

Marty's Mandolin, Harry's drums

THANKS MARTY!

The Genius & Growing Impact of Joe Derrane

2011-09-21T16:46:00.004-04:00

In person, at Boston College

THURSDAY 9/22

7pm

(click image for more info)

DIANA JONES - LIVE 7/3 @ Noon

2011-07-01T18:23:00.001-04:00

ATTEN: SMC Facebook Page - LIKE ME!

2011-06-30T19:51:00.003-04:00

I'm hearing the old link was a bit goofy.

Let's try this one more time...

(please click on the image, hoepfully you'll get to the SMC FB page this time)

* Indian Ranch Ticket Giveaways *

2011-06-27T15:44:00.013-04:00

With one of my favorite summer venues celebrating their 65th anniversary, it's only fitting that SMC be offering up some very special ticket giveaways, to our very special generous listeners, in the weeks ahead!

Stay tuned for a chance to win tickets for the following shows at Indian Ranch:

Los Lobos, Sat 7/9(they are the best band in the WORLD!)
Aaron Tippin, Sun 7/17
George Jones, Sun 7/31
Jerry Jeff Walker, Sat 8/13
Dwight Yoakam, Sun 8/14
Travis Tritt Sun, 8/28
Asleep At the Wheel, Sat 9/10
Marty Stuart, Sat 9/24

Dear Boston Bruins . . .

2011-06-16T13:29:00.003-04:00

THANK YOU, THANK YOU,

THANK YOU!

See you on Saturday!

Sun 6/12 - Charlie Chesterman Benefit Show @ t.t.'s

2011-06-09T19:12:00.013-04:00

SUNDAY 6/12 Noon - 5:30pm

Scruffy the Cat? You remember.
You loved them, probably still do!

Harmony Rockets? Chaz & the Motorbikes?
Them, too!

Be there! Be Generous!

SMC on Facebook - "LIKE" me!

2011-05-20T14:13:00.015-04:00

Okay, I've caved big-time!

Yepper...succumbed to peer pressure and set-up an SMC Facebook Page.

Go ahead,
" LIKE ME!" (click image for FB page)

Happy Birthday JESSE WINCHESTER!

2011-05-17T10:45:00.007-04:00

Born May 17, 1944, Shreveport, LA

(actually across the river in Bosier City!)

He's one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters and has been covered by everyone from Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris and The McGarrigles to Waylon Jennings and Wynonna Judd.

Plenty of people know his songs, plenty more have no idea who actually wrote Buffet's crowd pleaser, "Rhumba Man," "Defying Gravity" and "Biloxi."

HOT TIP: You'll have a chance to hear it straight from the man himself when he joins me on Sunday Morning Country next weekend (5/22, btwn 10am and 2pm) to sing a few tunes and tell us what he's been up to lately!

* Elvis Costello's "ALMOST BLUE" Is 30 Years Old *

2011-05-14T20:05:00.013-04:00

In honor of Elvis Costello's appearance this week at The Wang Center, I'll be spinning his terrific 1981 Country release
"Almost Blue"

Hard to believe this gem is now 30 years old!

Tune in!

* FINALLY! Bill Russell to Get Statue *

2011-05-04T15:12:00.011-04:00

Whoo-hoo!
(and . . please place it next to Red's in Faneuil Hall!)
I'll post more as it unfolds.

'Til then click on the image for the lastest from The Boston Globe!

This Sunday 5/1 - Eric Brace & Peter Cooper LIVE on SMC @ 11:30am

2011-04-28T10:44:00.023-04:00

Hot off a northeast tour opening for the legendary John Prine, Eric Brace and Peter Cooper will be stopping by the studio to play a few songs, give us the scoop on their latest release, "The Master Sessions," the new Tom T. Hall project and their respective music projects (Eric's Last Train Home recordings; Peter's solo recordings and production work with the likes of Fayssoux McLean).

No doubt, a lot of ground to cover and be able to make their flight back to Nashville, TN!
We're hoping for an 11:30am start time.

As a primer, take a look at some of the links below AND be sure to tune in on Sunday for the WORLD RADIO DEBUT of the brand new, star-studded, not out til 5/23, "I LOVE: Tom T. Hall's Songs of Fox Hollow" release from Red Beet Records and The Country Music Foundation.

Tonight (4/21) James Intveld @ Opry/WSM 7pm CT

2011-04-21T13:44:00.014-04:00

AMA Showcase, The Cannery - Nashville, TN (2008)

It's a big ol' show tonight with SMC favorites James Inveld and Mandy Barnett taking the Ryman Auditorium stage along with Larry Gatlin (Host), Dailey & Vincent, and Con Hunley .

Luckily, WSM will be streaming & archiving the show so all of us can enjoy it from afar and at our leisure.

Tune/stream in to www.wsmonline.com.

* Remembering Roy Orbison b. 4/23/36 *

2011-04-20T18:03:00.010-04:00

In honor of what would have been Roy Orbison's 75th birthday, take a look at some rare movie clips from The Fastest Guitar Alive (1969).
What a voice!

(click image for"Pistolero")

(click image for"Whirlwind")

* Lake Street Dive @ The Lizard Lounge *

2011-04-20T10:52:00.020-04:00

Signature Sounds recording artists, Lake Street Dive, played the first of two evenings at The Lizard Lounge last night - a SOLD OUT show - they heated things up quite nicely!

New to me, opener Robert Blake & the Powderkegs, mesmerized everyone with vivid tales and stream of conscious numbers.

The magic continues tonight with opener Mr. Sister getting things going around 9pm.

Highly Recommended!

* Happy Record Store Day! *

2011-04-16T12:11:00.015-04:00

In honor of this being Record Store Day,

I'm posting a link to my new favorite single from

Third Man Records!

(click image for "Pack It Up" live)

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three's beautiful 45 RPM

"Chittlin' Cookin' Time In Cheatham County" b/w "Pack It Up"

Take a listen and mark your calendars for his appearance at The Newport Folk Festival this summer, too!

Happy 80th B-day "Cowboy" Jack Clement

2011-04-05T11:14:00.013-04:00

Country music fan?

Then a collective "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" is in order for this living legend.

The songs, albums, projects, quotes, and accolades are too numerous to list here but, a visit to his WEB site or AllMusic.com is well worth your time.

Born April 5, 1931 - Whitehaven, Tennessee

Thanks for all the music, Jack!

Click for some nuggets:

Johnny Cash & Jack Clement - You Remembered Me

"Here I Go Down That Wrong Road Again"

Cowboy Jack Clement-Newport, Arkansas

* 4/3 In-Studio * THE SECRET SISTERS * 1pm *

2011-04-01T11:51:00.007-04:00

The Secret Sisters, playing with Amos Lee at The Wilbur Theatre Sunday evening, will be stopping by the studio to perform a few tunes from their latest release and share stories of their "rocket rise to fame."

From Alabama churches, to major music venues and halls across the country, Laura & Lydia Rogers have been wowing everyone in their path!

Muscle Shoals to Music Row!

Tune in, just after 1pm, to hear what all the fuss is about!

* RIP Harley Allen 3/30/11 *

2011-03-31T16:14:00.011-04:00

Singer, songwriting great, HARLEY ALLEN, lost his battle with cancer this week.

You may not know his name but, surely you've heard his tunes. Take a minute to check out his songs recorded by artists such as Alan Jackson, Joe Nichols, Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, etc...but, it was Harley's voice that got to me every time!

Here's a shot of Harley with another favorite singer of mine, Larry Cordle.

Larry Cordle & Harley Allen

"Moody Bluegrass" after-party

Nashville, TN 2005

* 3/27 LIVE In-Studio - AMY BLACK @ 12:30pm *

2011-03-25T10:16:00.009-04:00

Amy Black will be LIVE on SMC this Sunday, March 27th @ 12:30pm, giving us the scoop on her new tunes and singing a few in support of her upcoming CD release event next weekend!

Her terrific CD, One Time, is being released on 3/29 and she'll be hosting a CD release party at Club Passim on 4/3 @ 4:30pm.

Tune In Early!

* 3/26 - Cabin Fever Reliever 2011 - Burlington, VT *

2011-03-21T18:34:00.017-04:00

* * * A Star-Studded Event * * *

I have ONE PAIR of tickets for this weekend's incredible concert in Burlington, VT to the first person emailing me!

A short trip north of Boston for a good cause and "too much fun" weekend!

(This year's event is dedicated to the memory of Marci Kaerney)

** Surprise Ticket Giveaway for Loyal SMC Listeners *

2011-03-14T17:48:00.020-04:00

(New album available 4/12!)

SMC presents the "we don't need no stinkin' badges GIVEAWAY!"

Created as a consolation prize for all you hearty New Englanders who are NOT flying down to Austin this week for a "little" event known as SXSW...

Sunday Morning Country intends to make the world (which apparently has shifted 4 inches off its axis due to last week's quake) right again by offering the following:

ONE PAIR of tickets to this week's phenomenal concert at:

Symphony Hall, Boston 8pm

with

The Del McCoury Band

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Simply shoot me an email (KatesCountry@aol.com)

by noon, Thursday 3/17! I'll select a winner at random, then let you know by Thursday night.

Good luck everyone!

* Sun 3/6 - ERIN HARPE - LIVE on SMC *

2011-03-03T11:05:00.021-05:00

Tune in this Sunday (3/6) for a special live performance from local country blues fave,

ERIN HARPE,

just after the spiritual set!

Hot off placing as a semi-finalist, with her Delta Swingers, at the International Blues Challenge last month, Erin will sing a few tunes, tell us all about the best BBQ in Memphis and her plans for impressing everyone at SXSW (Austin) in a few weeks.

Here's what she's up to the night before . . .

* * *

* Hayes Carll - SMC Album of the Week *

2011-02-28T13:32:00.013-05:00

The new HAYES CARLL album

is tremendous!

HOT TIP: AMAZON is selling it for $8, whoops...make that $7.99!

He'll be playing Boston on 4/23, with Jason Isbell (ex-Drive-By Truckers), at The Brighton Music Hall.

* Celebrating The Man In Black b. 2/26/32 *

2011-02-25T10:41:00.012-05:00

JOHNNY CASH &

THE TENNESSEE TWO

GET RHYTHM (live 1957)

February 26, 1932 - September 12, 2003

* Bert & I - Pairs Well With Chowdah *

2011-02-21T13:57:00.024-05:00

Tip of the Week . . .

"Bert and I come down to the dock about six o'clock in the early morning. Bert went into the boathouse to fetch the pots and the slickers and I went out to the dock to start up the Bluebird." - Bert & I

Much to my surprise & delight, this gem of a recording is now available in CD format, along with more Bert & I stories, from Islandport Press.

Check it out, they've got plenty of other Maine-related items as well.

The Grascals & Friends CD GIVEAWAYS This Wknd, 2/20

2011-02-16T18:42:00.017-05:00

Thanks to The Grascals, and the fine folks at Cracker Barrel, I'll be giving away 3 copies of their band new CD featuring plenty of special guests and fine Country tunes with a Bluegrass spin!

Track Listing:

1. Tiger By The Tail (with Brad Paisley)

2. Folsom Prison Blues (with Dierks Bentley)

3. Pain of Lovin’ You (with Dolly Parton)

4. I Am Strong (with Dolly Parton)

5. Louisiana Saturday Night

6. The Year That Clayton Delaney Died (with Tom T. Hall)

7. White Lightning (with Darryl Worley)

8. The Devil Went Down To Georgia (with Charlie Daniels)

9. Leavin’ Louisiana In Broad Daylight (with The Oak Ridge Boys)

10. Mr. Bojangles (with Joe Nichols)

11. Hank Williams Jr. Medley-Born To Boogie / All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin’ Over Tonight

12. Cracker Barrel Swing (Instrumental)

13. I Am Strong (Bonus Track) Featuring guest appearances by Dolly Parton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Darryl Worley, Charlie Daniels, Terri Clark, Randy Owen, Steven Seagal, Tom T. Hall, Joe Nichols and Ansley McLaurin

The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin is now available at all Cracker Barrel locations and online, with Cracker Barrel donating a portion of the proceeds from this CD to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

* New BUDDY MILLER CD Giveaways for Valentine's Day Weekend! *

2011-02-07T16:55:00.038-05:00

Buddy LOVES You!

And so does Sunday Morning Country!

Which is why we'll be spinning the brand new Buddy Miller CD -- The Majestic Silver Strings (3/1, New West) -- and giving away 5 copies to 5 lucky listeners this Valentine's Day weekend (2/13).

Featuring Marc Ribot, Bill Frisell and Greg Leisz

Track Listing:

1. Cattle Call (Buddy Miller sings)

2. No Good Lover (Buddy Miller & Ann McCrary sing)

3. I Want To Be With You Always (Buddy Miller & Patty Griffin sing)

4. Barres De La Prison (Marc Ribot sings)

5. Meds (Lee Ann Womack sings)

6. Dang Me (Chocolate Genius sings)

7. Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie (Marc Ribot sings)

8. That's The Way Love Goes (Shawn Colvin sings)

9. Freight Train (Instrumental)

10. Why I'm Walkin' (Emmylou Harris sings)

11. Why Baby Why (Buddy Miller & Marc Ribot sing)

12. Return To Me (Lee Ann Womack sings)

13. God's Wing'ed Horse (Buddy & Julie Miller sing)

Tune in early, CDs will be given away throughout the show.

You don't want to be shut-out of this extra-special Valentine's Day giveaway!

RIP Charlie Louvin, 1/26/11

2011-01-26T18:18:00.012-05:00

Country Music Hall of Famer, Charlie Louvin (83), passed away early this morning, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Here's one of my favorites, from The Louvin Brothers days, with brother Ira . .

click for "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby" above

and this gem from 1961 . . . "I Can't Keep You In Love With Me" below

Tompkins Square has a wonderful write-up about signing Charlie, working with him on various records and his meeting/tour with Lucinda Williams (he died on her birthday). Take a moment to read it, these are stories to cherish.

And favorite music writer/critic, Bill Friskics-Warren, has a full piece in the New York Times.

Happy 65th Birthday Dolly Parton!

2011-01-19T09:14:00.016-05:00

She'll be releasing a new CD -- "Better Day" -- this spring, and there's plenty out there that I could have posted but, this one hit me today.

DOLLY PARTON, singing her heart out at 21,

with... "I Couldn't Wait Forever"

BTW - If you're looking for a nice "dose of Dolly," take a listen to the 11am hour of Sunday Morning Country's archives! It'll be available for the next TWO weeks, thru 11 am 1/30.

Sam & Peter @ Vandy 2/9 7pm FREE!

2011-01-18T20:18:00.018-05:00

To all those living in Music City (or planning to be there soon), do not miss this film & the opportunity to hear Peter Guralnick speak about his latest project.

True Confessions....Radio DJs I Love(d)

2011-01-06T12:12:00.028-05:00

Reading all the stories about the, well-deserved, upcoming tribute concert for DICK PLEASANTS at Sanders Theatre this Friday (1/7), got me thinking about the handful of radio personalities who I've loved listening to over the years. Here goes:

1) Salty Brine (WPRO-AM) - we cherished hearing the "no school" announcements as much as The Beatles, The Cowsills, The Monkees, The Supremes and Neil Diamond. For over 50 yrs, Salty was a trusted friend on RI radio (and television, along with his side-kick collie, Jeff). Until recently, I had no idea he was actually born in BOSTON!

2) Eric Jackson (WGBH) - coming in loud and clear, all the way down to Narragansett, RI. "Eric in the Evening" is still a must each evening, he's always been kind enough to entertain my request for Air and The Art Ensemble of Chicago (in spite of numerous listener objections to such "noise"). Thanks Eric!

3) Charles Laquidara (WBCN) - a legend, a wild man, Duane Ingalls Glasscock and Mishegas on the Big Mattress were daily requirements along with . . . the ROCK! How often were you late for work, unable to leave your car, while waiting for the unsuspecting caller to realize it was a prank? The best!

4) Dick Pleasants (WGBH, WUMB) - the ultimate radio voice and knowledgeable nice guy in the biz, his Folk Heritage shows/interviews were the best and his UMB morning show got everyone off to a fine start each day.

5) Brian "Ol Sinc" Sinclair (WHRB) - as co-host on the long-running, original Country jamboree, "Hillbilly at Harvard," Ol' Sinc provided the ying to Cousin Lynn's yang. Smooth voiced, quick witted and damn smart. There wasn't much Sinc didn't know about Country music or red headed women.

Naturally, there are plenty more wonderful DJs behind the mic, over the net, and at a slew of college stations across the country (we are blessed to have so many right here in New England)! The above-listed DJs are the 5 who've had the biggest impact on my ears over the years. Who are some of yours?

Remember. . . turn your radio on!

Happy 90th Birthday Little Jimmy Dickens b. 12/19/20!

2010-12-20T12:12:00.011-05:00

Born James Cecil Dickens in Bolt, WV,

he's been a permanent member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1949.

Click below for Christmas stories from the birthday boy himself!

HOT TIP: Really Cool Christmas Tree Stands

2010-12-13T11:07:00.009-05:00

"At the Ready"

Russell's Garden Center

Wayland, MA

* Songwriting Legend Dallas Frazier @ CMHoF 12/11 *

2010-12-09T14:24:00.013-05:00

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will be presenting songwriting legend DALLAS FRAZIER for a very special performance and in-depth interview this Saturday, December 11, at 1:30pm (CT).

Luckily, the Hall will be streaming live from the Ford Theater for those unable to attend and also archives the Poets & Prophets events for future viewing (if you have a moment, take a look at some of the artists who have participated, it's truly mindblowing).

(Click on image for more information)

* Mandy Barnett - "Winter Wonderland" CD Giveaways! *

2010-12-09T13:04:00.025-05:00

MANDY BARNETT'S "Winter Wonderland"

Available for purchase only from

Cracker Barrel,

and FREE to lucky Sunday Morning Country listeners!

I'll be giving away TWO copies sometime between 10am & 2pm this Sunday, December 12th.

Songs include:

1. Winter Wonderland

2. This Time Of The Year

3. Marshmallow World

4. A Holly Jolly Christmas

5. I'll Be Home For Christmas

6. Here Comes Santa Claus

7. All I Want For Christmas Is You

8. (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays

9. White Christmas

10. Jingle Bell Rock

11. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

12. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

NOTE: check out Mandy Barnett's latest video for "This Time of the Year!" Heeeeey....who's that passenger playing guitar?

* Happy Birthday TOM WAITS! b.12/7/49 *

2010-12-07T12:18:00.007-05:00

"Christmas Card From a Hooker In Minneapolis"

(click image for video)

* * * * HAPPY THANKSGIVING * * * *

2010-11-24T20:42:00.011-05:00

"Turkey" by Shirley Bell

Jamestown, RI

If you think this turkey is great,

wait 'til you see what she does with lobsters and dragonflies!

Click on the watercolor for more.

T-Day BONUS: Elvis Presley's favorite

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Pledge Reminder: Mail Your Check NOW!

2010-11-23T16:39:00.011-05:00

Good News!

The WZBC premium elves have been hard at work collecting, sorting, packaging, addressing and mailing out your way cool Z premiums this past week.

Bad News!

Some of your premiums have been delayed because we need the money, honey.

The Remedy!

Get that fat check in the mail NOW so you can enjoy your CD, T-shirt, mug, messenger bag before the holiday crazies set in.

THANKS for your continued support

your ears each week!

Happy Birthday Dan Penn (11/16/41)

2010-11-16T09:16:00.005-05:00

Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham, LIVE

(Click above for "I'm Your Puppet")

Jim Lauderdale & Carrie Rodriguez @ The me & thee Coffeehouse 11/5/10

2010-11-07T19:10:00.006-05:00

What a Treat!

"My Baby's Gone"

For the ailing Charlie Louvin

(click on image for video)

Ingram Cecil Connor III - November 5, 1946

2010-11-04T15:22:00.016-04:00

A.K.A. Gram Parsons

Born in Winter Haven Florida on 11/5/46 and, for many of us, the world has not been the same since!

Although he walked this Earth for a short 26 years, his impact on Country, Rock and Roots music is impressive.

He didn't do it all by himself but, he sure did make a difference.

(click above for "Christine's Tune")

Happy Birthday Gram, wherever you are!!

(click above for "Older Guys")

The Stone River Boys @ Johnny D's 10-27-10

2010-10-28T10:34:00.012-04:00

Best Dressed Man in the House

* * *

SRB's Mike Barfield

Remembering Porter Wagoner - RIP 10/28/07

2010-10-27T08:27:00.007-04:00

"Love Your Neighbor"

from The Porter Wagoner Show

(click image for video)

I sure do miss his Opry Backstage back-slapping. . ."heeeeey, buddy!"

* * * Thank You For All Your Support! * * *

2010-10-25T18:15:00.009-04:00

(if you somehow missed the WZBC fundraiser, please click on the image)

Bob Dylan Radio Special - SUNDAY 10/24!

2010-10-23T16:21:00.009-04:00

Normally, I'd stay clear of playing Dylan music for an hour on SMC; however, this isn't merely song after song of Dylan material.

This is an amazing look at the songwriting business and the impact that Dylan had on Tin Pan Alley, the publishing world and song plugging.

There's plenty of terrific insight from people who worked with Dylan at the start, including his first manager, music publishers, journalists and record producers.

Tune in, call in, it's the LAST weekend of fundraising - so show your support for SMC and the Z!

NEWS FLASH: I'll have a very limited number of copies of the brand new "Witmark Demos: 1962-64: Deluxe Edition" double-CD & booklet (being released 10/26) available as a premium for your charge donation of $50!

RED HOT: The Paul Thorn Band, Johnny D's 10/21

2010-10-22T12:24:00.007-04:00

The band was on fire last night!

Al Kooper sat in for a song,

some tasty mandolin accents, a nice touch...

* * If You've Got the Money, Honey! * *

2010-10-15T11:49:00.025-04:00

The 2010 WZBC Fundraiser has begun!

Call in, call often, show your love for

Sunday Morning Country!

There are plenty of cool WZBC premiums

being offered for your donation to the station.

You do want to be hip, right?

Tune in on Sunday for additional SMC premiums being offered to the Country lovin' faithful.

As always, THANKS for your continued support!

HOT TIP: The Best $5.98 You'll Ever Spend!

2010-10-13T11:10:00.014-04:00

With the passing of SOLOMON BURKE, I got to thinking there are probably lots of folks who (gasp!) have not heard many of his great hits from the past.

Sure, he received a GRAMMY this decade but, there's so much more, so many beautiful songs.
Well, here's where to go for a quick and glorious recap of why he was known as the King of Rock & Soul!

And while you're at it, a little research on the great

BERT BERNS wouldn't hurt, either.

Connecting the musical dots, that's what it's all about, baby!!

R.I.P. SOLOMON BURKE 10-10-10

2010-10-11T11:34:00.013-04:00

The King of Rock & Soul has moved on up!

(click image for "Don't Give Up On Me" live)

"Awaiting the King"

Zeiterion Theatre - New Bedford, MA

March, 2007

Thanks for the Memories Randy!

2010-10-06T09:31:00.016-04:00

Watching N.E. Patriot RANDY MOSS in action

was a thing of beauty.

Arm up, ball caught. Done deal.

I hate that he's been traded.

October 31st should be interesting to say the least...

B.U. Presents - American Letterpress: The Art of Hatch Show Print

2010-10-05T12:22:00.012-04:00

JIM SHERRADEN, manager of Hatch Show Print

Wednesday, October 6th at 4pm

In support of the traveling Smithsonian exhibit:

American Letterpress: The Art of Hatch Show Print

Boston University Art Gallery (BUAG)