12 Country Classics: A Wailing Wall of Songs About Mother

Please have a box of tissues within reach. Mamas are a tearful subject in country music whether those mamas are nourishing or nasty. Here -- just in time for Mother's Day -- are a dozen of the most dramatic and memorable mom-inspired lyrics, arranged chronologically. Ready, set, weep!

"Mother the Queen of My Hear" Jimmie Rogers 1932, never charted; written by Hoyt "Slim" Bryant, Jimmie Rodgers) -- Even in death, mama comes through. Disregarding the warnings of his "kindest old mother," our boy surrenders to "drinking and gambling" after she's passed on. Then one day in a poker games, he turns over the card he's drawn and sees his mother's face. This time, he takes her advice seriously.

"Mommy Please Stay Home With Me" (Eddy Arnold, 1945, never charted; written by Eddy Arnold, Wally Fowler, J. Graydon Hall) -- Here's the setup: "A mother went out on a party/She left at home her baby son/He cried and begged her not to leave him/But she would not give up her fun." Can you guess where the situation goes from there? This is a two-tissue minimum.

"I Dreamed About Mama Last Night" (Hank Williams as Luke the Drifter, 1951, never charted; written by Fred Rose) -- In this recitation, Luke describes a selfless mother who is so devoted to her kids that she won't go to bed until they're all safe at home. She's even cheerful about her self-sacrifice.

"Give Mother My Crown" (Flatt & Scruggs, 1956, never charted; written by Walter Bailes) -- This mama raises "her children on a widow's small pay" that she earns from "washing and ironing." In heaven, says the singer, "If I've a crown coming when awards go around/Please, blessed Jesus, give Mother my crown."

"Mommy for a Day" (Kitty Wells, No. 5, 1959; written by Harlan Howard, Buck Owens) -- This weeper is sung from the mother's point of view. She's been cast out by her husband, she tells us, because people have told him lies about her. So he's restricted her access to their "little girl" to Sunday afternoons. Naturally, the daughter's confused by what's going on, and mama can't easily explain it.

"Mama Tried" (Merle Haggard, No. 1, 1968; written by Merle Haggard) -- Of all the mama songs in country music, this is probably the most recognized one -- which is a real achievement considering the tough competition. The nugget of the story is this: "I turned 21 in prison, doing life without parole/No one could steer me right, but Mama tried." It carries the message as "Mother the Queen of My Heart," which, by the way, Haggard also recorded. 

"Here's a Toast to Mama" (Charlie Louvin, No. 42, 1970; written by Buck Owens, Gene Price) -- What was it with Buck Owens and mamas? (Note that he also co-wrote "Mommy for a Day.") Despite its jolly title, this is a sad, bitter, sarcastic song, rendered in the voice of a son whose mother abandoned him as an infant. "Oh, how I wish I could've known you mama/Maybe now I wouldn't feel the shame/Maybe now I wouldn't feel so empty/'Cause mama I don't even know your name." He "toasts" her with wine he bought after finding a dollar on the sidewalk. Pretty heavy stuff and a thematic precursor to Kellie Pickler's "I Wonder."

"Roses for Mama" (C.W. McCall, No. 2, 1977; written by Gene Dobbins, Wayne Sharpe, Johnny Wilson) -- In this recitation -- guaranteed to crack the steeliest heart -- a guy decides to visit his friend in Florida for a few days of drinking and wenching. He tells his mother in Tennessee he's on a tight schedule but will try to stop and see her on his way back. The incidents that ensue are too convoluted to go into here. But prepare to cry your eyes out before the song ends on a redemptive note. 

"Mama Knows" (Shenandoah, No. 5, 1988, written by Tony Haselden, Tim Mensy) -- An affectionate tribute to the kind of mom who knows what's going on with her kids before they're prepared to tell her. In other words, just about every mom.

"Mama Don't Forget to Pray for Me" (Diamond Rio, No. 9, 1991; written by Larry Cordle, Larry Shell) -- Leaving home doesn't mean leaving mama. Here the singer is on a career fast track but still incredibly homesick and in need of a mother's reassurance. "I just thought of you and home and got a little sad."

"Is There Life Out There" (Reba McEntire, No. 1, 1992; written by Rick Giles, Susan Longacre) -- This song mentions neither mother nor child, but both are implicit in the question, "Is there life beyond [my] family and [my] home?" Unlike most of the mothers considered in the songs cited above, this modern one doesn't find fulfillment in simply serving her husband and kids. Even so, "She doesn't want to leave/She's just wonderin'/Is there life out there."

"I Wonder" (Kellie Pickler, No. 14, 2007; written by Kellie Pickler, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Karen Rochelle) -- Another case of infant abandonment and the lingering wounds it leaves. The song goes, "I think about how it ain't fair/That you weren't there to braid my hair like mothers do . . . Did you even miss me through the years at all." That this song is based on Pickler's own childhood makes it all the more heartbreaking.

Want to hear more? Then try Billy "Crash" Craddock's "My Mama Never Heard Me Sing," the Judds' "Mama He's Crazy," Bill Anderson's "Mama Sang a Song," Flatt & Scruggs' "Mother Prays Loud in Her Sleep," the Forrester Sisters' "Mama's Never Seen Those Eyes," John Conlee's "Mama's Rockin' Chair" and, of course, Blake Shelton's No. 1 single from 2002, "The Baby."

And then there's Dottie West's baldly manipulative "Mommy, Can I Still Call Him Daddy," which pairs her vocally with her then 4-year-old son, Dale. But listen at your own risk. You could drown in those puddles of tears.

Courtesy of CMT News

Kip Moore, is enjoying sucess with his popular single "Something Bout a Truck".  Kip explained:  "I learned about life and relationships with a truck,. 

He came to Nashville in a truck (a black Nissan) in 2004. Now Moore has a gold-selling hit (No. 4 on USA TODAY's country airplay charts) called Somethin' 'Bout a Truck, "Trucks are changing my life and giving me an opportunity to do what I want to do, which is music. They've given me a career." Said Kip.   

Moore also explained he associates a truck, a 1988Chevrolet Silverado, with the blue-collar rock and classic country music his father played for him, the music Moore draws from for his first album, Up All Night. The album made its debut at No. 3 on Billboard's country albums chart and has sold 58,000 copies in two weeks.

"I looked up to him so much," says Moore, 32, of his dad, who passed away last year. "Whatever he liked, I liked. He was a fanatic for (Kris Kristofferson's) Sunday Morning Coming Down— he thought that was the best-written song ever. Bob Seger was his favorite. And (Bruce) Springsteen. If they were cool to him, they had to be cool."

Those musicians were all he listened to, "even before I could understand what the lyrics were about, because I hadn't lived enough life. Once I had, I rediscovered those guys and found out how powerful those songs were."Moore once borrowed the Silverado for a date that wound up being the inspiration for his hit single.

Moore is touring as a support act for BillyCurrington "Billy's a total pro," Moore says of the singer. "You can learn so much just from watching his show. He's super-gracious with me. I couldn't have asked for a better first tour to be on. They've all been packed houses, so it's fun."

Story courtesy of US Today

There are a few magical things that exist in life...I know that at least four of them are: Music, Live Theater, children and Dr. Suess. I had the honor and pleasure of performing alongside some very talented young people as well as other adults in the Northland Broadway Youth Theater and Hibbing Community College's recent ;production of Suessical the Musical Jr. What a fun experience!  Here's a little back ground on the play itself:

Article below courtesy of "Music Theater International"

A delight for children to perform, SEUSSICAL is now one of  the most-performed shows in America!  In this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (LUCKY STIFF, MY FAVORITE YEAR, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, and RAGTIME) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big  imagination--Jojo. "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" captures the show's spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

If you are ever blessed with the chance to help a theater or foundation like the Northland Broadway Youth Theater in keeping music and theater alive...do it!!!!

The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge--not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart." Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.

Courtesy of CMT NEWS

His music stretches from serious, emotional topics, patriotic to down right hilarious.  Toby Keith is thee man!  He ranks up there with Brad Paisley for me ; )  Aside from singing about supporting our troops he actually walks the walk and talks the talk.  Read on...

Toby Keith is in the middle of a 12-day, five-nation concert tour of U.S. military installations. It marks his 10th year to perform for the troops overseas on the tours sponsored by the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment. During the first four days of the current tour, Keith performed for more than 3,900 service members stationed in Bahrain and aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, among other locations. During his decade of USO shows and meet-and-greets, he has participated in more than 210 events for the troops. His summer concert tour of North America begins June 14 in Salt Lake City.

A love story born out of loss and grief...

Country fans Christina Davidson, 31, and Frank Tucci, 33, will exchange wedding vows live on television during the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, show organizers said.

Martina McBride and Train frontman Pat Monahan will perform their new single "Marry Me" as the couple marry onstage in what is thought to be a first live wedding during an awards show.

Davidson lost her husband Paul in a drowning accident in 2009 when she was 29-years-old and pregnant with their second child. She founded a support group for young widows and widowers in her Washington Township hometown, where she met Tucci, whose wife Danielle had died in the same year from thyroid cancer, leaving him with a young son.

The pair became friends, supported each other and later fell in love. They were picked to be married on the awards show by McBride.

"When I was asked to perform 'Marry Me' with Pat on the ACM's, the first thought that popped into my head was, 'Wouldn't it be cool if we actually had a couple get married live on the show while we sang the song?' I think it's so special that we will be witnessing the union of these two wonderful people and that we will all be sharing that moment together," McBride said.

McBride is nominated for female vocalist of the year at the ACM awards, which will be broadcast live on Sunday on CBS.

Courtesy of Reuters

Another reason I love Miranda Lambert...~ Jessie B

Photo and story courtesy of Denver Westword Blog

Yessir, in case you're wondering, Miranda Lambert is precisely the same sort of spitfire in person as she is on her recordings. A feisty little gal, she seems just as likely to match a dude shot for shot before ultimately drinking his ass under the table as she is pushing over a table and punching a knuckle-dragging mouth-breather in the mouth, sight unseen, if he happens to get sideways with her. She's outspoken and audacious, especially when it comes to men she views as domineering (ask Chris Brown).

Miranda Lambert is justifiably incredulous. She's twenty songs into a 22-song set, and just as this St. Patrick's Day edition of her She-Woman Men Haters Club is winding down, someone on her crew has taken it upon himself to preempt the proceedings by turning on the houselights and cuing up the exit music, prematurely signaling the end of the evening. "What the hell?" Lambert demands, returning to the stage just in time as folks are beginning to exodus en masse. "Number one, someone's fired," she assures us with the arena darkened again. "Number two, we're supposed to do an encore. Duh!"

"Um, I think everybody's flustered because we had a huge pop icon in the house," she reasons, referring to a certain pop diva who made an unexpected cameo just moments ago (more on that in a minute), before admitting, "So, I don't know what's happening. But we are not done, damnit! I mean, if I'm going to put on fishnets, I'm going to do a damn encore!" And indeed, she is not done. Lambert has one last thing to add. "Are we good? Is, like, a bomb going to go off or anything?" she asks rhetorically, before pointing out (to her crew, presumably) that her mike stand is loaded: "By the way," she says, "this shotgun does work. I might need to use it."

The book the Hunger Games, I've heard, is amazing and will play on every emotion you have.  The movie is due out this month, March 23rd.  Here is a song featured in the movie by Taylor called "Safe and Sound"

In other Taylor news:

Taylor Swift is No. 1 again: The singer is the top act on Billboard's "Money Makers" list.

Swift earned more than $35 million in 2011, according to the Billboard list released Friday. U2 was second with $32 million. Kenny Chesney, Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne rounded out the top 5.

Courtesy of Yahoo!

Taylor Swift invites sick teen to Academy of Country Music awards show

A New Jersey teenager fighting leukemia for the second time has been invited by singer Taylor Swift to attend a country music awards show. 

Kevin McGuire, 18, of Stratford had invited Swift to be his prom date and his case was bolstered by a Facebook campaign waged by friends and family. The 22-year-old singer couldn't make the June 1 dance but offered an alternative, The (Cherry Hill, N.J.) Courier-Post reported Saturday.

"Kevin, I'm so sorry but I won't be able to make it to your prom," Swift said in a message posted to her Facebook page. "But I was wondering, the ACM [Academy of Country Music] Awards are coming up. Would you be my date? Love, Taylor."

The Sterling High School senior accepted, provided his health allows.

"Obviously I said yes," said McGuire, who's being treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The April 1 country-music event in Las Vegas "is a lot better than the senior prom."

But, he said, "I'm sick and I'm not sure if I'm able to."

Very sweet gesture on behalf of Miss Taylor Swift, truly she is a sweetheart! ~Jessie B

UPI News Service, 02/26/2012 

Courtesy of 'the Boot'

Country Music Career Risk Takers: 10 Singers Who've Played With Musical Fire

The average country artist's career is, for the most part, one that's well-orchestrated and carefully plotted. But every once in a while, whether planned for or not, one small step can turn into a big deal. Sometimes mildly controversial, other times hugely unpopular, there may still be something to the saying that "no publicity is bad publicity." After all, we're still talking about them, aren't we? The Boot ranks 10 of the riskiest steps taken by country stars and offers our assessment of just how those moves have affected their careers.

10. Faith Hill's Six-Year Break

The Fallout: Faith hasn't had a new studio album, other than a Christmas collection, since 2005's 'Fireflies.' There's a reason people often say "out of sight, out of mind." The short attention spans of music listeners these days, and no shortage of hot new female singers could signal a profound lack of interest once Faith's new album is finally released. Even if she doesn't retain the pop crossover fan base, however, country fans are nothing if not loyal.

The Verdict: We've heard some of the new music, and Faith hasn't got a thing to worry about! Now maybe she and hubby Tim McGraw can get to work on that long-rumored duets album. That's a no-risk, high-reward idea if we've ever heard one. But we'd rather not wait another six years, OK?

9. Toby Keith Launches Label

The Fallout: The ever-evolving music business and the digital revolution have forced many artists to rethink their strategies for releasing new music. Some have taken the bold (and no doubt costly) step of forming their own labels. Toby's Show Dog-Universal was formed in 2009, bolstered by the multi-platinum cache of its top dog. Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, and a handful of new acts now call the label home.

The Verdict: Toby's last five albums for the label have all reached No. 1 and newbiesJ.T. Hodges, Jessica James and Rose Falconall show a lot of promise. Gretchen Wilson has had a tougher time with her Redneck Records label, but still managed to score a Top 10 album. Not bad for what's basically a one-(redneck)-woman operation!

8. Dierks Bentley's Bluegrass Album

The Fallout: Dierks had a career that was red-hot enough to warrant a greatest hits package after just three albums. But a detour into a full-fledged bluegrass project after just four albums? Although 'Up on the Ridge' stalled at No. 2 on the country chart, Dierks won over thousands of fans by including an acoustic set with the Travelin' McCourys (featuring the sons of bluegrass titan Del McCoury) in his shows.

The Verdict: Bluegrass at the hands of an artist wholeheartedly dedicated to the roots of the genre and backed by some of its most accomplished and respected players spoke much more loudly than sweeping commercial success. The disc was one of 2010's very best.

7. Richie McDonald Leaves Lonestar

The Fallout: An original member of the band whose members, all from Texas, met at Nashville's Opryland USA theme park, Richie decided in 2007, after 12 years, that it was time to move on and pursue a solo career.

The Verdict: A Top 10 album, 'I Turn to You,' in 2008, was followed by 'Slow Down,' which failed to chart. In late 2011, Richie and Lonestar reunited, just in time to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary with a tour and a new album. Will be tough to top the pop-country smash success of 'Amazed,' but getting back together is a good start.

6. Curb Artists Revolt

The Fallout: Tim McGraw and LeAnn Rimes are two of the most successful acts of the past 20 years, with all of their recorded output in that time coming from a single label, Curb. Both artists, however, have battled the label in court, with LeAnn bringing suit against them in 2000 to be released from her contract and Tim being sued for breach of contract in 2011. He filed a successful countersuit, winning his freedom from the label.

The Verdict: LeAnn re-signed with Curb and is now in the process of recording what will be her final album for them. Tim's saga with the music giant is more complicated. While he's free to pursue another label deal, the breach of contract suit will not be heard in court until July. Musically, LeAnn's 'Lady & Gentlemen' scored a Top 10 debut, while Tim's 'Emotional Traffic' reached No. 1.

5. Kenny Chesney's Sexcapades

The Fallout: Kenny Chesney first grabbed headlines beyond the country world in 2000 when he was arrested in Buffalo, NY, for stealing a horse while on tour with Tim McGraw. He went on to become one of the biggest live acts of the decade and is now among country's most bankable superstars. Turns out he's apparently quite beddable, too. In a 2009 Playboy interview, Kenny addressed longstanding rumors that he's gay by not only vehemently denying the allegations but revealing that he was "over 100" [female sexual partners] by "probably back in 2001."

The Verdict: If there's such a thing as TMI (too much information), this is about as close as it gets. Kenny also revealed that he began losing his hair by 19 and once threw a PlayStation out the window of his tour bus. Oh, and in case you missed it, that he's definitely not gay.

4. LeAnn Rimes' Affair

The Fallout: In March 2009, LeAnn and Eddie starred together in the made-for-TV movie, 'Northern Lights.' But the tabloid-fueled drama that erupted after the couple met -- and carried on an extramarital affairthat soon became public -- made for a pretty steamy movie all on its own. In July of '09, LeAnn and her husband of seven years, Dean Sheremet, separated, with the singer announcing in September that they were planning to divorce. Eddie and his wife, actress Brandi Glanville, began divorce proceedings the next month. LeAnn and Eddie were engaged in December 2010 andmarried four months later.

The Verdict: Although she doesn't regret the outcome, LeAnn told People magazine, "I hate that people got hurt." Now happily married and a "bonus mom" to Eddie's two young sons, LeAnn says, "I've learned from my mistakes and have a great life." LeAnn and Eddie may face an uphill battle with fans of their respective careers but with all of the turmoil behind them, LeAnn insists she just wants to get on with "things that I have the talent for."

3. Garth Brooks as 'Chris Gaines'

The Fallout: The shaggy-haired, soul-patch-sporting dude with the emo stare on the cover of his 'Greatest Hits' album may have looked familiar, but the name Chris Gaines didn't exactly ring a bell. Once word got out that Chris Gaines was Garth Brooks (or vice versa), the "has he flipped his wig?" remarks came fast and furiously. What started as a way to publicize an upcoming movie role in 'The Lamb,' became all the more confusing once the film project failed to get off the ground. But by that time the album, 'Garth Brooks ... in the Life of Chris Gaines,' was already released and Garth, whose gargantuan record sales were beginning to slow down, had hosted 'Saturday Night Live' ... with musical guest Chris Gaines in tow.

The Verdict: The pop-oriented tunes on the Chris Gaines project garnered Garth, er, Chris, er, Garth, his first bona fide crossover hit with 'Lost in You.' Yet, even with more than two million albums sold, expectations were so high that Chris Gaines' name failed to make cash register bells ring and he quickly faded into obscurity.

2. Chely Wright Comes Out

The Fallout: Chely Wright's confessional 2010 album, 'Lifted off the Ground, was certainly a far cry from her 1994 debut, 'Woman in the Moon,' which featured traditional country tunes penned by Alan Jackson, Keith Whitley and Harlan Howard, among others. But to say the singer herself had personally come a long way in those 16 years is putting it mildly. A closeted lesbian who had relationships with men including fellow country artists Brad Paisley and Vince Gill, Chely maintained a longstanding affair with a woman in private, even as her career as a country artist was gaining traction. By 2007, Chely had come out to members of her family and had decided to orchestrate a public declaration by penning 'Like Me,' her autobiography, and filming 'Wish Me Away,' a documentary of her coming-out process, in addition to the aforementioned album.

The Verdict: A media blitz that began in May 2010 continued throughout the year as Chely, who had left Nashville for New York City, navigated the uncharted territory of being an "out" country singer. While the Rodney Crowell-produced 'Lifted off the Ground' received virtually no country airplay, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. In August 2011, Chely married LGBT rights advocate Lauren Blitzer.2. Chely Wright Comes Out

The Fallout: Chely Wright's confessional 2010 album, 'Lifted off the Ground, was certainly a far cry from her 1994 debut, 'Woman in the Moon,' which featured traditional country tunes penned by Alan Jackson, Keith Whitley and Harlan Howard, among others. But to say the singer herself had personally come a long way in those 16 years is putting it mildly. A closeted lesbian who had relationships with men including fellow country artists Brad Paisley and Vince Gill, Chely maintained a longstanding affair with a woman in private, even as her career as a country artist was gaining traction. By 2007, Chely had come out to members of her family and had decided to orchestrate a public declaration by penning 'Like Me,' her autobiography, and filming 'Wish Me Away,' a documentary of her coming-out process, in addition to the aforementioned album.

The Verdict: A media blitz that began in May 2010 continued throughout the year as Chely, who had left Nashville for New York City, navigated the uncharted territory of being an "out" country singer. While the Rodney Crowell-produced 'Lifted off the Ground' received virtually no country airplay, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. In August 2011, Chely married LGBT rights advocate Lauren Blitzer.

1. Dixie Chick Bashes Bush

The Fallout: Although the phenomenally successful Texas trio had courted controversy before, particularly with 'Goodbye Earl,' which depicted the murder of a wife-bashing husband, it was nothing like the potshot heard 'round the world on March 10, 2003. Emily Robison, Martie Maguire and Natalie Maines were on the opening date of their Top of the World tour in London, just days before the initial invasion of Iraq by U.S., British, Australian and Polish forces. "Just so you know," Natalie told the crowd, "we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." Although the audience cheered, the reaction once the singer's words reached the U.S. was swift and decisive as far as country radio was concerned. The group was boycotted, both formally and informally, by radio stations across the country and the media frenzy continued for months.

The Verdict: The Chicks' first (and so far only) post-controversy album, 'Taking the Long Way' was released in 2006. It garnered very little airplay at country radio but still managed to top both the country and pop charts in its first week. The disc has since sold two million copies and also went on to earn five Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. The jury's still out as to whether the Chicks will ever regain favor with country radio and the fans who wrote them off. In 2011, during a web chat with fans, Emily and Martie, who formed the duo Court Yard Hounds, confirmed that new Dixie Chicks music with Natalie is in the works.

According to MSN music news Sugarland's lawyers are saying the victims of the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair were "their own fault."  The attorneys for Sugarland say the injuries and deaths resulted from fans not taking appropriate actions to protect themselves in the bad weather.  A total of seven people died and fifty-eight were injured. Sugarlands attorney's are saying fair officials as well as the stage builders are in part to blame and the stage collapse was an act of God. 

What do you think?

VH1 has released its list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music in the past 20 years, and a few country divas made the cut.  Carrie Underwood ranked highest at #23 followed by Shania Twain at #35.  Faith Hill was just behind Shania at #37, and the Dixie Chicks came in at #39.

Taylor Swift is listed at #43 on VH1's list.  Miranda Lambert holds the #58 position, and Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott made it at #89.

Madonna ranked #1 on VH1's countdown.