CRACKER BARREL AND DAILEY & VINCENT CELEBRATE #1 DEBUT ON BILLBOARD
BLUEGRASS CHART WITH DAILEY & VINCENT SING THE STATLER BROTHERS
Duo Also Makes First Entry into Top 20 of Billboard Top Country Albums Chart With
Hot Shot Debut, and Clinches Top Heatseekers Spot
LEBANON, TENN. (February 10, 2010)—Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and Dailey
& Vincent are pleased to celebrate the #1 debut of Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler
Brothers on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart (issue date February 20). The
album also entered the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at #19, earning the Hot Shot
Debut and marking the duo’s first top-20 debut on that chart. The album has landed the
#1 spot on the Heatseekers Albums chart, for artists who have never appeared in the top
100 of the Billboard 200, or the top 10 of R&B/HipHop, Country, Latin, Christian or
Gospel Albums charts. It is also at #120 on the overall Billboard 200.
The twelve-song CD, now available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and
online at crackerbarrel.com, features Dailey & Vincent’s new bluegrass interpretations of
classic Statler Brothers songs.
“We are thrilled beyond belief about the response to this album,” said Jamie Dailey. “It’s
further evidence of the timelessness of these great songs.”
“We are so thankful to our fans who went out and purchased the CD,” Darrin Vincent
continued, “and to Statler Brothers fans who love the music like we do and took a chance
on us.”
“Cracker Barrel congratulates Dailey & Vincent on this great achievement," said Peter
Keiser, Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing. “Debuting at #1 on the Billboard
Bluegrass Albums chart clearly demonstrates that these talented performers are a great
fit with Cracker Barrel’s guests. We see this achievement as another important moment
in the growth of Cracker Barrel’s role as a non-traditional music retailer,” he added.
The chart-topping debut wraps up an incredible week for Dailey & Vincent, who
celebrated the album’s release with a party at the Country Music Hall of Fame® &
Museum on February 3. The Statler Brothers themselves, along with other top names
including Ricky Skaggs, Bill Gaither, Ralph Emery, Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, Ronnie
and Rob McCoury, Steve Wariner, Rounder Records co-founder Ken Irwin and Ronnie
Bowman, were on hand to congratulate Jamie and Darrin and to cheer on their
performance of several songs from the album.
Music critic and historian Robert K. Oermann described Dailey & Vincent’s performance
at the party for Music Row, saying, “ . . . the group performed flawlessly. Make that
sensationally. People were screaming and shouting at them after every song.”
“They’ve done a great thing,” Statler Don Reid told the Staunton News-Leader in an
interview. “They’re true to the arrangements and lyrics. We’re touched by their talent,
character and intentions.”
Dailey & Vincent also made an in-store appearance at the Cracker Barrel location in
Cookeville, Tennessee, on February 4, performing songs from the album before signing
copies for their fans. On February 5 and 6, they performed two sold-out concerts at Avery
Trace Middle School in Cookeville. On February 1 they appeared on Ralph Emery Live
on RFD-TV and joined WSM’s Eddie Stubbs for an in-studio visit. They returned to WSM
for a visit with Bill Cody on February 5.
On Sunday, February 7, Dailey & Vincent won four SPBGMA Bluegrass Awards—Vocal
Group of the Year, Gospel Group of the Year/Contemporary, Male Vocalist of the
Year/Contemporary for Jamie Dailey, and Bass Fiddle Performer of the Year for Darrin
Vincent.
Initial reviews of Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers have been overwhelmingly
positive, including:
“Dailey & Vincent not only are singing 12 Statler Brothers tunes, but they’ve filtered these
classic and mostly well-known tunes into their bluegrass filter and the results are, in a
word: stunning.” Roughstock.com
“ . . . a tour de force exhibition of stunning interpretive singing and emotionally riveting
musicianship . . .” TheBluegrassSpecial.
com
Other upcoming media appearances and interviews for the duo include: a Country
Weekly feature in the February 22 issue, on stands February 15; Sirius XM Track-by-
Track with Kyle Cantrell, premiering on February 24 on Bluegrass Junction (Sirius 65, XM
14); and on February 27, The Marty Stuart Show on RFD-TV at 8:00 p.m. (EST), as well
as the Grand Ole Opry.
Dailey & Vincent have taken the bluegrass world by storm since they launched their
career as a duo in 2007 and signed with Rounder Records. Jamie Dailey was formerly
the lead singer and guitarist for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; until the end of 2007, Darrin
Vincent was guitar and mandolin player and harmony vocalist with Ricky Skaggs and
Kentucky Thunder. In addition to being named Entertainer of the Year, Dailey & Vincent
received 2009 IBMA awards for Vocal Group of the Year and Gospel Recorded
Performance of the Year, for “On the Other Side.” Their latest success follows an
incredible run in 2008 when they took home seven IBMA awards, becoming the first act
in the history of the IBMA awards to be named Entertainer of the Year and Emerging
Artist in the same year.
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STEVE WARINER TO BE REPRESENTED BY CLEARVIEW ARTIST MANAGEMENT
NASHVILLE, TENN. (February 16, 2010)—Fresh off his Grammy win for Best Country
Instrumental, award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Steve Wariner
has entered into an exclusive management agreement with Clearview Artist
Management, guided by principal Steve Schweidel.
“Steve is well known for his excellent work on behalf of everyone he represents,” said
Wariner. “I’m excited about working with someone who’s so passionate about what he
does.”
“I’m delighted to represent Steve Wariner, whose talent is matched only by his reputation
as the nicest guy in the world!” said Schweidel. “I’m looking forward to charting new
territory together.”
Schweidel can be reached as follows:
info@clearviewartistmanagement.com
615-852-5265
P.O. Box 120191
Nashville, TN 37212
About Clearview Artist Management
Clearview Artist Management is a full service company known for its integration of new
media into the careers of iconic recording artists with the highest musical integrity.
Guided by principal Schweidel, Clearview’s clients include the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and
Beth Nielsen Chapman.
Prior to opening Clearview, Steve worked with a diverse range of A-list artists in both
recording and management capacities. He began his career as a Hit Factory engineer,
working with Paul Simon, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel and numerous
Broadway musicals, among others. He also held tour management positions with Big &
Rich and Jewel.
These experiences, combined with Steve’s vast technological background, Macintosh
certifications, and record label administration, benefit the Clearview artist roster.
More information about Clearview Artist Management is available at: www.
clearviewartistmanagement.com.
Steve Wariner
Steve Wariner, who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1996, began his career at
the age of 17, when he joined Dottie West’s band as her bass player. After that the
Indiana native played bass for Bob Luman and for his musical hero, Chet Atkins, who
“fired” him so that he could launch his solo career.
During his career Wariner has charted over 30 top-10 singles, including 14 #1 hits. In
1998 he won the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards for
his #1 hit, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” which was also the Academy of Country Music’
s Song of the Year in 1999. As a songwriter he has earned 16 BMI Country Awards and
15 BMI Million-Air Awards (for songs receiving over one million on-air plays).
In addition to his songwriting awards, Wariner has won four Grammy® Awards—in 1992
for Best Country Vocal Collaboration on “Restless” with Mark O’Connor and the New
Nashville Cats; in 2000 for Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Ride with Bob"
with Asleep at the Wheel; and in 2009 for Best Country Instrumental Performance for
“Cluster Pluck” with Brad Paisley and friends. His most recent win was for Best Country
Instrumental Performance, for “Producer’s Medley” from Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute
to Chet Atkins. Produced by Wariner, the album honors the legendary guitarist and
producer who was also his friend and mentor.
In 2002 Wariner started his own label, SelecTone Records, for which he has released
four albums—Steal Another Day, Guitar Christmas, This Real Life and Steve Wariner, c.g.
p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins. He was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2008.
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CRACKER BARREL AND DAILEY & VINCENT HONOR STATLER BROTHERS WITH
EXCLUSIVE NEW RELEASE
Bluegrass Entertainers of the Year Will Perform Statler Brothers Classics in 2010
Tour
LEBANON, Tenn. (February 1, 2010) – Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, the reigning
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Entertainers of the Year, will take
another step in honoring the legendary Statler Brothers as they perform several Statler
Brothers songs during their 2010 tour. Many of these classic songs are featured on the
duo’s new release: Dailey and Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers. This twelve-song CD,
now available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and online at
crackerbarrel.com, features new recordings of classic Statler Brothers songs and
showcases the incredible musical talents of Dailey & Vincent.
“Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers features one of the country’s top bluegrass
acts performing music that is authentic and loved,” says Cracker Barrel’s Vice President
of Marketing, Peter Keiser. “Jamie and Darrin have years of performing and recording
experience, and they have earned a great deal of notice as well as a number of
significant awards in the short time they have been recording together. This CD honors
the Statlers, and gives us all a good idea of what’s to come with Dailey & Vincent.”
With more than 100 performances planned for 2010, Dailey & Vincent will add a special
Statler Brothers segment to their concert song list. The songs featured on this exclusive
CD are exciting and authentic bluegrass interpretations of 12 Statler Brothers classics.
The Statler Brothers, one of country music’s most popular groups until they retired in
2002, are pleased that Dailey & Vincent are bringing new sounds to these beloved
songs by recording and performing them with such care and dedication.
“Jamie and Darrin have used their magic touch to honor us and our music,” says Statler
Don Reid. “This CD is one great tribute from two great friends. Dailey and Vincent - they
are what good music and friendship is about today.” The Statler Brothers made an
indelible contribution to the American music landscape, from the day they hit the road
with Johnny Cash in 1964 until their retirement in 2002. They are one of only six acts to
be inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of
Fame, writing and recording iconic songs about small-town life, love, faith, and days
gone by.
For years, Dailey & Vincent have admired the Statler Brothers. In 2008, they were
honored to perform at the medallion ceremony marking the Statlers’ official induction
into the Country Music Hall of Fame®. On their two previous releases, Dailey & Vincent
performed Statler hits like “More Than a Name on a Wall,” “Years Ago” and “There is
You.”
Dailey & Vincent are pleased to have this new CD at Cracker Barrel because they,
themselves are at Cracker Barrel on a regular basis. Jamie says, “We’re delighted to
work with Cracker Barrel on this project because we pull our bus into a Cracker Barrel
every weekend; that’s where we have breakfast and lunch.” And Darrin adds, “Bluegrass
music is the roots of America, and we think Cracker Barrel is the roots of America, and
combining the two is just a perfect match.” And Jamie adds, "From the very first time we
started including some Statler Brothers songs in our shows, the audience response
was overwhelming. All it took was the first few bars of 'Elizabeth' or 'Do You Know You
Are My Sunshine?' and the crowd was out of their seats and singing along. That is a
testament to the timeless quality of the Statlers' songs, which is why we're so honored to
do this album, and why we think the folks at our shows will love the new Cracker Barrel
segment."
Dailey & Vincent have taken the bluegrass world by storm since they launched their
career as a duo in 2007. Jamie Dailey was formerly the lead singer and guitarist for
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; until the end of 2007, Darrin Vincent was guitar and
mandolin player and harmony vocalist with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. In
addition to being named Entertainer of the Year, Dailey & Vincent received 2009 IBMA
awards for Vocal Group of the Year and Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year, for
“On the Other Side.” Their latest success follows an incredible run in 2008 when they
took home seven IBMA awards, becoming the first act in the history of the IBMA awards
to be named Entertainer of the Year and Emerging Artist in the same year.
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DEADLINE FOR CHRIS AUSTIN SONGWRITING CONTEST, HOSTED BY MERLEFEST,
FAST APPROACHING
Entries Must Be Received by February 18, 2010
WILKESBORO, N.C. (February 5, 2010)—The submission deadline for the Chris Austin
Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2010 presented by Lowe’s, is fast
approaching. All entries must be received by February 18, 2010.
Now in its 18th year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to
have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry
professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson,
Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale.
Contest entries are now being accepted via the following methods:
1. U.S. Mail – Send to P. O. Box 121855, Nashville, TN 37212
2. American Songspace –www.americansongspace.com/chrisaustinsongwritingcontest
3. Sonicbids – www.sonicbids.com/chrisaustinsongwritingcontest
Details about entry fees, eligibility and other requirements are available at www.
chrisaustinsongwritingcontest.org. To be eligible to enter, a songwriter must not derive
more than 50% of his or her total income from songwriting or music publishing.
Once submitted, songs are judged by a volunteer panel of Nashville songwriters,
publishers and other music industry professionals. Judging is based on a song’s
originality, lyrics, melody and overall commercial potential. Twelve finalists, three from
each category, will be announced during the first week of April 2010.
Each of the twelve finalists will compete on the Austin Stage at MerleFest 2010. Two of
the three on-site judges are Laurelyn Dossett, and Wyatt Durrette, who has co-written
several Zac Brown Band hits including “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” “Whatever It Is” and
“Highway 20 Ride.” In addition, for the first time in the history of the contest, each of the
twelve finalists will have the invaluable experience of a mentor session with Jim
Lauderdale.
The contest recognizes winners in four categories—country, bluegrass, gospel and
general. First place winners in each category receive: a performance on the Cabin
Stage at MerleFest 2010 (April 29-May 2), a Taylor Big Baby acoustic guitar, a check for
$300, two boxes of D’Addario strings and one-year subscriptions to both Acoustic Guitar
and American Songwriter magazines. In addition, CASC media partner American
Songwriter will offer exclusive on-site interview and recording sessions with each first
place winner. Second and third place winners in each category receive performance
slots on the Friday night Songwriters Coffeehouse, as well as cash prizes, D’Addario
strings and subscriptions to Acoustic Guitar and American Songwriter.
Previous winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest include Gillian Welch, Tift
Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via, and Johnny
Williams.
For additional information about the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, call the contest
hotline at 1-800-799-3838 or Laurie Hayes, CASC Coordinator: 336-838-6158, laurie.
hayes@wilkescc.edu.
Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest support the Wilkes Community
College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception the scholarship has
awarded over $ $27,300 to 70 deserving students. The 2009-2010 Chris Austin
Memorial Scholarship recipients are Ian Tucker Francis and Dustin Rubio-Serrano.
About Chris Austin:
Chris Austin, from Boone, North Carolina, worked as a sideman for Ricky Skaggs for
three years, singing and playing guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. During that time he
was discovered by executives at Warner Bros. Nashville, who offered him a recording
contract. While releasing singles including “Blues Stay Away From Me,” “I Know There’s
a Heart in There Somewhere,” and “Out of Step,” Austin also developed his songwriting
skills, as evidenced in “Same Ol’ Love,” recorded by Skaggs in 1991. On March 16,
1991, Austin’s life was cut tragically short when the private plane carrying him and six
other members of Reba McEntire’s band, as well as her tour manager, crashed in the
mountains near San Diego. Pete Fisher, then of Warnersongs and currently general
manager of the Grand Ole Opry, and Kari Estrin, then MerleFest consultant and Pickin’
for Merle video associate producer, initiated the songwriting contest to honor Austin’s
memory.
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MERLFEST 2010 COMPLETES THURSDAY NIGHT LINEUP WITH ADDITION OF
GRAMMY®-NOMINATED ZAC BROWN BAND AND LEGENDARY BLUES MAN TAJ MAHAL
WILKESBORO, N.C.—MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, is proud to announce the
addition of the Grammy®-nominated Zac Brown Band and legendary blues artist Taj
Mahal, completing the performance lineup for Thursday night, April 29, 2010.
“We are excited to welcome the Zac Brown Band and Taj Mahal and know that their
performances will thrill the Thursday night crowd,” says Festival Director Ted Hagaman.
“Bringing them to MerleFest fulfills our mission of providing a diverse array of the very
best musical talent.”
In just over a year since the release of their platinum-certified major label debut, The
Foundation, the Zac Brown Band has taken the music world by storm. They are
nominated for three Grammy Awards, including the coveted Best New Artist award, Best
Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best Country Album. They will
perform on the Grammy Awards show on Sunday, January 31, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on
CBS.
The Foundation includes the band’s #1 singles “Chicken Fried,” “Whatever It Is” and
“Toes,” as well as their current single, “Highway 20 Ride,” which is in the top 25 and
quickly climbing the country charts.
In 2009 Zac Brown Band captured two fan-voted honors, taking home the “Top New
Vocal Group” Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the “USA Weekend
Breakthrough Video of the Year” at the CMT Awards for “Chicken Fried.” The video for
“Whatever It Is” is nominated for CMT’s Top 50 Videos of the Decade. The band received
four Country Music Association and three American Music Award nominations in 2009
and performed on the CMA Awards show. They were also among the Billboard Top 20
Artists of 2009.
In addition to performing on the Watson Stage on Thursday night, Zac Brown will host
MerleFest’s ever-popular Midnight Jam on Saturday night.
Composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent
and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. Though his career
began more than four decades ago with American blues, he has broadened his artistic
scope over the years to include music representing virtually every corner of the world –
including west Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Hawaiian islands.
“There will be a lot of people who will enjoy Taj’s approach to music. Plus, he is an old
friend of mine and Merle’s, and I am looking forward to him being a part of this
MerleFest,” says Doc Watson.
Born Henry St. Claire Fredericks in Harlem, Taj grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts.
His father was a jazz pianist, composer and arranger of Caribbean descent, and his
mother was a gospel singing schoolteacher from South Carolina. Taj was exposed to a
wide range of music through his father’s extensive record collection, a shortwave radio,
and the musicians from the Caribbean, Africa and all over the U.S. who frequently visited
the Fredericks home. As a child, Taj took classical piano lessons and also learned to
play the clarinet, trombone and harmonica, and he loved to sing. In his early teens he
discovered his stepfather's guitar and, when a guitarist from North Carolina moved in
next door, learned the various styles of Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee
Hooker and Jimmy Reed and other titans of Delta and Chicago blues.
Inspired by a dream while student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he
adopted the musical alias of Taj Mahal and formed the popular U. Mass party band, the
Elektras. After graduating, he headed west in 1964 to Los Angeles, where he formed the
Rising Sons, a six-piece outfit that included guitarist Ry Cooder. The band opened for
numerous high-profile touring artists of the ‘60s, including Otis Redding, the
Temptations and Martha and the Vandellas. During this time, Taj also mingled with
various blues legends, including Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, and Sleepy John Estes.
Taj released his self-titled debut album in 1967, and through the decades his extensive
and adventurous catalog has included many different forms of roots music, including
Mo’ Roots (1974), the Grammy®-winning Señor Blues (1997) and Shoutin’ in Key
(2000), as well as the soundtrack to the movie Sounder (1973) and the musical score for
the Langston Hughes/Zora Neale Hurston play Mule Bone (1991). Beginning in the ‘80s
he also released four children’s albums for the Music For Little People label. In the fall
of 2008 Taj released Maestro on the Heads Up International label. His first U.S. release
in over five years, Maestro marks the fortieth anniversary of Taj’s rich and varied
recording career by mixing original material, chestnuts borrowed from vintage sources
and newcomers alike. This anniversary gala includes performances by Ben Harper,
Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others – many of whom
have been directly influenced by Taj’s music and guidance.
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, son of Doc and
Rosalee Watson, as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and a celebration of
“traditional plus” music. Scheduled for April 29 – May 2, 2010, the event is held on the
campus of Wilkes Community college in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Ticket purchases can be made on the web at http://www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-
800-343-7857. With over 100 acts—including Doc Watson and previously announced
artists Elvis Costello and The Sugarcanes, Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon
Rangers/An Evening of Bluegrass and Banjo, Little Feat, The Avett Brothers, WPA, Dailey
& Vincent, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Sam Bush--performing on 15 stages during
the course of the event, MerleFest is an entertainment value. An early bird ticket discount
is available through March 12, 2010.
In addition to providing the full line-up, the festival’s website, www.merlefest.org, is a
complete source of information on all aspects of the event. Festival fans are
encouraged to visit the website and sign up for the MerleFest e-newsletter or register as
a volunteer. Fans can also follow the latest MerleFest developments on Facebook and
Twitter.
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STEVE WARINER WINS GRAMMY® AWARD FOR BEST COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL
PERFORMANCE FOR “PRODUCER’S MEDLEY” FROM STEVE WARINER, C.G.P., MY
TRIBUTE TO CHET ATKINS
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (January 31, 2010)—Award-winning recording artist, songwriter
and guitarist Steve Wariner won the Grammy® Award for Best Country Instrumental
Performance with “Producer’s Medley” from Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet
Atkins at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards today.
Produced by Wariner, the album honors the legendary guitarist and producer who was
also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. The abbreviation “c.g.p.” stands
for “Certified Guitar Player,” a title that Atkins himself bestowed on only four guitar
pickers: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Wariner.
“Producer’s Medley” features classic songs by artists Atkins produced, including “And I
Love You So” by Perry Como; “Welcome to My World” by Jim Reeves; “The Three Bells”
by The Browns; “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Don Gibson; “Java” by Al Hirt; “Let It Be Me”
by the Everly Brothers; “End of the World” by Skeeter Davis; and “When You’re Hot You’re
Hot” by Jerry Reed.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the great Chet Atkins,” said Wariner, as he
accepted the award from presenters Colbie Caillat and Mick Fleetwood.
“Receiving this award means so much to me because it recognizes and honors Chet’s
genius. There is only one godfather of guitar, Mr. Chet Atkins. I’m so thankful to his
daughter, Merle, to the late Leona Atkins and their entire family for their support and their
blessing of this project.”
This is the fourth Grammy Award Wariner has received, and his first as a solo performer
and producer. He won in 1992 for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and in 2000
and 2009 for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins was released on Wariner’s own
SelecTone Records and is distributed by Allegro Media Group. It was engineered, mixed
and mastered by Randy Gardner. Every player on the album had worked with or was
very close to Atkins.
Wariner arranged the tracks on My Tribute to Chet Atkins as a rough timeline of Atkins’
life, taking the listener on a journey through the wide range of material he recorded—
from his early days playing the mountain music of his native Luttrell, Tennessee, to
swing, rockabilly, pop, folk and jazz. Wariner included his versions of some of the songs
that Atkins recorded or performed--“Back Home Again in Indiana,” “John Henry,” “Blue
Angel” and “Producer’s Medley”—but the bulk of the album consists of original songs
Steve wrote in the various styles that Atkins made famous.
While Wariner grew up listening to Atkins’ music, it wasn’t until he was 18 years old and
playing bass in Dottie West’s band that he met his musical idol during a tour of Europe
that included several RCA artists. Atkins produced Wariner’s first records at RCA Studio
B, after guitarist Paul Yandell heard Wariner during a recording session for his then-
boss, Bob Luman, and took a tape to Atkins. Following Luman’s death, Atkins hired
Wariner to play bass in his band. When Wariner scored his first top-10 hit with “Your
Memory,” Atkins promptly “fired” him, saying that he needed to embark on his own solo
career.
During his career Wariner has charted over 30 top-10 singles, including 14 #1 hits. In
1998 he won the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards for
his #1 hit, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” which was also the Academy of Country Music’
s Song of the Year in 1999. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996. As a songwriter he
has earned 16 BMI Country Awards and 15 BMI Million-Air Awards (for songs receiving
over one million on-air plays).
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MERLEFEST 2010 ANNOUNCES TALENT LINE UP
TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 10
WILKESBORO, N.C.-- MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s and slated for April 29 -May
2, is proud to announce the line up for the event’s 23rd year. The following artists will
join host Doc Watson on the campus of Wilkes Community College for a celebration of
“traditional-plus” music—a term Doc coined to describe the unique mix of traditional,
roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time
music, and expanded to include Americana, country, “plus whatever other styles we were
in the mood to play.”
Doc Watson - www.docsguitar.com
Richard Watson
Susana and Timmy Abell - www.timmyabell.com
Alberti Flea Circus - www.albertifleacircus.com
The Avett Brothers - www.theavettbrothers.com
Jim Avett - www.jimavett.com
Balsam Range - www.balsamrange.com
Shana Banana - www.shanabanana.com
The Banknotes
Bearfoot - www.bearfootband.com
The Belleville Outfit - www.bellevilleoutfit.com
Roy Book Binder - www.roybookbinder.com
Brave Combo - http://www.brave.com/bo/
Buffalo Barfield - www.buffalobarfield.com
Sam Bush Band - www.sambush.com
Cadillac Sky - www.cadillacsky.net
T. Michael Coleman - www.tmichaelcoleman.com
Elvis Costello - www.elviscostello.com
John Cowan Band - www.johncowan.com
Dailey & Vincent - www.daileyvincent.com
Dehlia Low - www.dehlialow.com
Donna The Buffalo - www.donnathebuffalo.com
Jerry Douglas - www.jerrydouglas.com
The Duhks - www.duhks.com
Eleanor Ellis - www.eleanorellis.com
Alice Gerrard
The Gibson Brothers - www.gibsonbrothers.com
Great Big Sea - www.greatbigsea.com
The Greencards - www.thegreencards.com
Buddy Greene - www.buddygreene.com
Mitch Greenhill - www.folkloreproductions.com/about.html
George Hamilton IV - www.georgeiv.net
John Hammond - www.johnhammond.com
Corey Harris - http://www.myspace.com/coreyharrismusic
Wayne Henderson - http://waynehenderson.org/Wayne/AboutWayne.htm
David Holt - www.davidholt.com
The InterACTive Theater of Jef - http://www.jefthemime.com
Phil Jamison -www.swangathering.com/Catalog/OT/sgotstaff1.html
Jeni & Billy - www.jeniandbilly.com
The Kruger Brothers - www.krugerbrothers.com
Jim Lauderdale - www.jimlauderdale.com
Jack Lawrence - www.jacklawrence.com
The Lee Boys - www.leeboys.com
Little Feat - www.littlefeat.net
Jeff Little - www.jefflittle.net
The Local Boys
The Lovell Sisters - www.lovellsistersband.com
Harry Manx - www.harrymanx.com
Bill Mathis
Andy May - www.andymay.com
Nashville Bluegrass Band - www.nashvillebluegrassband.net
Nation Beat - www.nationbeat.com
The Neighbors - http://www.myspace.com/theneighborspage
Ben Prestage - http://www.myspace.com/bprestage
Missy Raines & The New Hip - http://www.missyraines.com
Red Molly - http://www.redmolly.com
Tony Rice - http://www.tonyrice.com
Peter Rowan - http://www.peter-rowan.com
Scythian - http://www.scythianmusic.com/indexmain.cfm
Anne and Pete Sibley - http://www.anneandpetesibley.com
Joe Smothers - http://www.myspace.com/joehsmothers
Steep Canyon Rangers - http://www.steepcanyon.com
Tut Taylor - http://webpages.charter.net/tutbro
Happy Traum - http://www.happytraum.com
The Travelin’ McCourys - http://www.myspace.com/thetravelinmccourys
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage - http://www.nemr.net/~rhondav
The Waybacks - http://www.waybacks.com
Lightnin’ Wells - http://www.lightninwells.com
Pete and Joan Wernick - http://www.drbanjo.com
Shannon Whitworth - www.shannonwhitworth.net
The Wilders - http://www.wilderscountry.com
Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society
Tony Williamson - http://www.mandolincentral.com/bio.html
W.P.A. - http://www.myspace.com/wpaband
Wylie and The Wild West - http://www.wylieww.com
Zephyr Lightning Bolts - www.zephyrlightningbolts.net
“Yet again, the MerleFest line up fulfills the festival’s mission of bringing in an incredibly
exciting, diverse, and talented group of musicians,” comments Festival Director Ted
Hagaman. “Fans can count on more surprises, spontaneous jam sessions and one-of-
a-kind musical collaborations, and we will continue to add to this line up. We encourage
MerleFest fans to keep checking our website (www.merlefest.org) for updates.”
In addition to providing the full line up, the festival’s website, www.merlefest.org, is a
complete source of information on all aspects of the event. Festival fans are
encouraged to visit the website and sign up for the MerleFest e-newsletter or register as
a volunteer. Fans can also follow the latest MerleFest developments on Facebook and
Twitter.
The MerleFest box office will open for 2010 ticket sales on Tuesday, November 10, at 2:
00 p.m. EST. Ticket purchases can be made on the web at www.merlefest.org or by
calling 1-800-343-7857. With over 75 acts performing on 15 stages during the course of
the event, MerleFest is an entertainment value. An early bird ticket discount is available
through March 12, 2010.
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for
Wilkes Community College and a celebration of “traditional plus” music. Scheduled for
April 29 – May 2, 2010, the event is held on the campus of Wilkes Community college in
Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
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STEVE WARINER EARNS GRAMMY® NOMINATION FOR BEST COUNTRY
INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE WITH “PRODUCER’S MEDLEY” FROM STEVE
WARINER, C.G.P., MY TRIBUTE TO CHET ATKINS
Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and guitarist Steve Wariner has earned a
Grammy® nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance with “Producer’s
Medley” from Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins. Produced by Wariner, the
album honors the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor,
producer and former employer. It was released on Wariner’s own SelecTone Records
and is distributed by Allegro Media Group. The abbreviation “c.g.p.” stands for “Certified
Guitar Player,” a title that Chet himself bestowed on only four guitar pickers: Tommy
Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Wariner.
“Producer’s Medley” features classic songs by artists Atkins produced, including “And I
Love You So” by Perry Como; “Welcome to My World” by Jim Reeves; “The Three Bells”
by The Browns; “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Don Gibson; “Java” by Al Hirt; “Let It Be Me”
by the Everly Brothers; “End of the World” by Skeeter Davis; and “When You’re Hot You’re
Hot” by Jerry Reed.
“I am so honored and deeply touched by this nomination,” said Wariner. “It’s all the
more sweet and meaningful because this entire album was done to honor Chet. I hope
right now he and Leona are smiling down and are as happy and proud as I am. I
recorded ‘Producer’s Medley’ because I thought it showcased his mastery of the guitar
and his incredible body of work as a producer.”
Wariner is a three-time Grammy winner, having won in 1992 for Best Country
Collaboration with Vocals; and in 2000 and 2009 for Best Country Instrumental
Performance. During his career he has charted over 30 top-10 singles, including 14 #1
hits. In 1998 he won the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year
awards for his #1 hit, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” which was also the Academy of
Country Music’s Song of the Year in 1999. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996. As a
songwriter he has earned 16 BMI Country Awards and 11 BMI Million-Air Awards (for
songs receiving over one million on-air plays).
Wariner arranged the tracks My Tribute to Chet Atkins as a rough timeline of Atkins’ life,
taking the listener on a journey through the wide range of material he recorded—from
his early days playing the mountain music of his native Luttrell, Tennessee, to swing,
rockabilly, pop, folk and jazz. Wariner includes his versions of some of the songs that
Atkins recorded or performed--“Back Home Again in Indiana,” “John Henry,” “Blue Angel”
and “Producer’s Medley”—but the bulk of the album consists of original songs Steve
wrote in the various styles that Atkins made famous.
While Wariner grew up listening to Atkins’ music, it wasn’t until he was 18 years old and
playing bass in Dottie West’s band that he met his musical idol during a tour of Europe
that included several RCA artists. Atkins produced Wariner’s first records at RCA Studio
B, after guitarist Paul Yandell heard Wariner during a recording session for his then-
boss, Bob Luman, and took a tape to Atkins. Following Luman’s death, Atkins hired
Wariner to play bass in his band. When Wariner scored his first top-10 hit with “Your
Memory,” Atkins promptly “fired” him, saying that he needed to embark on his own solo
career.
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