DARRYL WORLEY & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, BRAND-NEW DINNER SHOW SERIES, COMING TO GAYLORD OPRYLAND’S 40th ANNUAL A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Country Hitmaker to Perform Over 30 Live Dinner Shows During Holiday Event at Nashville Resort, With Special Guests Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Deana Carter, Billy Dean, Andy Griggs, and Billy Gilman on Select Dates

Tickets On-Sale Now at ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com

This holiday season, country music hitmaker Darryl Worley will headline a brand-new, multi-week dinner show residency as part of Gaylord Opryland’s 40th annual A Country Christmas. Known for major hits like “Have You Forgotten?,” “I Miss My Friend,” “Tennessee River Run," and “Awful, Beautiful Life," Worley will perform holiday classics and many of his career chart-toppers. Additionally, he’s invited several friends to help ring in the season.

The dinner show, titled Darryl Worley & Friends: Home For The Holidays, will feature special guests Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Deana Carter, Billy Dean, Andy Griggs, and Billy Gilman, performing with Worley on select dates.

"Christmas has always been a special time for my family,” explains Worley. "Growing up, we never had a lot of excessive things, but my parents made sure Christmas was not just about the presents but about the experience and meaning of the season. I am so grateful to Gaylord Opryland for giving me a chance to share that Christmas spirit with all the people who visit Nashville during the holidays!"

Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas kicks off on November 10 with Worley’s debut dinner show beginning on November 23. He will headline 33 live dinner shows through Christmas Day. Held in the iconic 2,888-room hotel's Tennessee Ballroom, guests will enjoy a delicious holiday meal prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team followed by Worley and Friends’ performances.

"Headlining a brand-new dinner show as part of the resort’s 40th annual A Country Christmas is an honor beyond words,” Worley continues. "Please come visit Gaylord Opryland for the holidays to see me, along with some very talented friends, as we share the music, memories, love, and joy of the holiday season!"

Tickets are on-sale now. For ticket reservations, overnight room offers, dinner show dates and times, and a schedule of special guest performers, visit christmasatgaylordopryland.com.

BILLY DEAN APPEARS ON AMERICAN IDOL

Country music fans who were tuned into last night's edition of American Idol on ABC likely recognized a familiar face and voice. During the show, country hitmaker Billy Dean accompanied Idol contestant Chloe Channell to the audition studio where he backed her on guitar as she performed Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy."

Dean, Channell's musical mentor, was instantly recognized by Idol judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. Bryan highlighted his success as a country singer, while Richie delivered a history lesson on his and Dean's past with the legendary singer Kenny Rogers.

The judges were pleased with Channell's performance, advancing her to Hollywood for the next round of the national singing competition.

Following the performance, Bryan and Dean crooned his hit tune, "Only Here for a Little While."

BILLY DEAN RELEASES DEBUT GOSPEL ALBUM - "BILLY DEAN & FRIENDS: GOSPEL FAVORITES"

New Ten Track Compilation Available for Download Now at i-Tunes and Amazon

Country Star Performed Tune from Album on Saturday Night's Edition of Huckabee on TBN

Today, country music's Billy Dean announced the release of his first-ever Gospel album, Billy Dean & Friends: Gospel Favorites. The new collection of songs is available for download now at iTunes and Amazon.

Dean made the decision to record his debut Gospel album after recently moving back to his home state of Florida.

"I was so moved after being inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame that I decided it was time to move back home," explains Dean. "I was visiting my good buddy T.K. Wetherell, the former president of Florida State University, when he challenged me to record a Gospel album, which I had never done before. I agreed to do it if he would agree to record one song with me."

Wetherell agreed and the two booked a studio session in Sopchoppy, FL where the former FSU president lended his voice, reciting Kris Kristofferson's classic, "Why Me Lord." Dean added the Tallahassee Boys Choir to the track and the first album cut was complete.

"It became apparent to me this project was very important to my friend T.K. as he is battling prostate cancer," notes Dean. "A Gospel project seemed to be a welcomed distraction, so I decided to complete the album using all Florida musicians and studios for convenience for my friend."

The ten track album also features contemporary Christian artist Susan Ashton and Dean on the classic hymn, "In The Garden." Additional songs include "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "I Saw the Light," "Old Rugged Cross," and a Gospel version of Dean's 1992 hit, "If There Hadn't Been You."

Dean adds, "I want to thank my other Florida musician friends such as Brent Rader, Jeff Gargiulo and Marvin Goldstein for helping me complete my first Gospel album. A little music is medicine for the soul. And for my pal T.K., I dedicate this album to you and your wife, Ginger."

Backed by the Music City Connection and Governor Mike Huckabee on bass guitar, Dean performed "If There Hadn't Been You" on this past Saturday's edition of Huckabee. on TBN. Watch HERE.

Billy Dean & Friends: Gospel Favorites Track Listing:

1. Amazing Grace (instrumental)
2. Why Me Lord (featuring T.K. Wetherell)
3. Blessed Assurance
4. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
5. I'm a Child of God
6. In the Garden (featuring Susan Ashton)
7. If There Hadn't Been You
8. I Saw the Light
9. Old Rugged Cross
10. Battle Hymn of the Republic

http://www.billydean.com 

LARRY GATLIN GETS EARLY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ON FOX & FRIENDS

Fellow Country Star Billy Dean Surprises Gatlin On-Air to Help Celebrate His

Upcoming 70th Birthday

Photo ID left to right: Billy Dean, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, Larry Gatlin

This past Tuesday morning, country star Larry Gatlin appeared on Fox & Friends to chat up, The Man in Song, a new biography on the life and music of Johnny Cash. The new book, authored by music journalist and historian John Alexander, is set for release next Monday, April 16. Gatlin, who credits Cash as his mentor, penned the book's foreword.

During the show, hosts Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade surprised Gatlin on-set when they welcomed out fellow country singer Billy Dean. With cake in-hand, Dean joined the show to help celebrate the music legend's upcoming birthday. Gatlin turns 70 on May 2.

COLORADO FLOOD FOUNDATION ASSEMBLES NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS COLORADO COUNTRY—NASHVILLE RISES

• Benefit Concert For The Victims Of The Colorado Floods •

Country Music Artists Step In To Offer Assistance In Partnership With Budweiser Event Center, AJ Storage Specialist, Group Publishing, Kroll Factual Data, Magpul Industries, Wells Fargo Financial, Clear Channel and Townsquare Media

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 9, 2013)—The Colorado Flood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity organization formed to provide financial assistance and relief to those affected by the devastating Colorado Floods, has assembled a prominent group of national and local sponsors and formidable talent to present the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Colorado Country—Nashville Rises benefit concert event. Scheduled to be held in Loveland, Colorado (Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 7:00PM), the charity concert is poised as a “must-see” event offering personal accounts from first-hand experiences and live entertainment by performers straight from Nashville who will lend comfort, hope and compassion from one city to another.

The affair will be held at the Budweiser Event Center located at 5290 Arena Circle. Country music enthusiasts from all over Colorado are anticipated to gather for this morale-boosting, fun-filled evening to benefit the victims of the Colorado floods fundraising organization. [100% of the proceeds will be donated to the family/victims of the Colorado Flood with check presentations at the concert event.]

Artists who have stepped up in a collaborative effort to offer their time and talents include: Billy Dean, Andy Griggs, Jamie O’Neal and the recently reunited power trio of the early 2000s Trick Pony (Keith Burns/Ira Dean/Heidi Newfield). Collectively, the acts boast seven gold records, 36 Top 20 hits, 21 Top 10 singles and notable No. 1 chart-toppers between them. More award-winning performers and special celebrity guests are anticipated. Also appearing are local acts Jerusalem Road, Paul Chet and Bodragaz.

The organizers of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Colorado Country—Nashville Rises acknowledge its proud partners including: AJ Storage Specialist, Group Publishing, Kroll Factual Data, Magpul Industries, Wells Fargo Financial, Clear Channel and Townsquare Media of Northern Colorado.

“You have to reside here to truly understand the depth of the devastation and physical and emotional wreckage,” said Rochelle Wanberg, Founder of the Colorado Flood Foundation. “We are overwhelmed and humbled by the heartfelt passion and outreach from our sponsors and the Nashville community as the Front Range struggles to recover from the unthinkable damage. The 2010 Nashville floods have connected the beat of Music City to the valleys of Colorado; we are confident an evening filled with music will lift spirits and provide a boost in the fundraising necessary to rebuild.”

Ticket Information: 

$20.00 and $30.00 [Available at the Budweiser Event Center or online at budweisereventscenter.com]

About The Colorado Flood 2013 

The 2013 Colorado Floods hit the Front Range September 8-15 canvassing more than 200 miles, recording up to 17 inches of rainfall, with over 2,100 homes evacuated and nearly 5,000 homes destroyed. A natural tragedy that has been compared to Hurricane Katrina, damages are estimated at $1 billion. Affecting 17 counties, the President declared a state of emergency in 15 of the counties including Boulder, Clear Creek, Denver and El Paso.

ARTISTS GATHER IN SUPPORT OF AUTISM SPEAKS AT SECOND ANNUAL 'AUTISM SINGS' BENEFIT

 (Back Row L to R): Bucky Covington, Gloriana’s Mike Gossin, Tyler Barham, Billy Dean 

(Front Row L to R): Austin Webb, Gloriana’s Tom Gossin, Katie Chance, and Jaci Velasquez

(Nashville, Tenn. – October 3, 2013)  Country and Christian artists gathered at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Nashville on Tuesday night to show their support for the fight against autism at the benefit concert Autism Speaks™ Presents Autism Sings!

The night included performances by Gloriana, Billy Dean, Bucky Covington, Jaci Velasquez, Tyler Barham, Logan Blade, Katie Chance, and Austin Webb. The show was emceed by celebrity host Evan Farmer.

About Autism Speaks: Over the past five years, Autism Speaks has given back more than $2 million to the state of Tennessee.  Funds are used to support local research, science grants, community grants, AutismCares grants, Baker Camp Scholarships and various tool kits that are available for free, including the 100-Day Kit, developed to provide much needed support to families during the initial diagnosis period.

For more information about Autism Speaks, please contact Kathy Streng at (615) 238-1625 or Kathy.Streng@AutismSpeaks.org.

EVENT (NASHVILLE, TN): OCT 1 - “AUTISM SINGS" BENEFIT CONCERT FEATURES GLORIANA, BILLY DEAN, BUCKY COVINGTON, TYLER BARHAM AND AUSTIN WEBB.

Performances from Gloriana, Billy Dean, Bucky Covington, Jaci Velasquez, Tyler Barham, 

Logan Blade, Katie Chance, and Austin Webb; emceed by Celebrity host Evan Farmer

(Nashville, Tenn. – September 17, 2013) Artists from the Country and Christian genres are uniting to show their support for the fight against autism on Tuesday, October 1, at the Nashville benefit concert Autism Speaks™ Presents Autism Sings!

Country artists Gloriana, Billy Dean, Bucky Covington, Tyler Barham, and Austin Webb, along with Contemporary Christian and Latin Pop artist Jaci Velasquez, will perform individual acoustic sets at the event. Joining these artists in the performance line-up are Katie Chance, 15, and Logan Blade, 21, both diagnosed with autism when they were 2-years-old. Chance serves as the Junior Ambassador for Autism Speaks Tennessee Community as well as being an accomplished singer. Blade, with his perfect pitch and incredible ear for music, has performed at the NATO convention in Norfolk, Va., The Autism Speaks Walk in Nashville, and on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

Celebrity host Evan Farmer is emceeing the event for the second year in a row.

“We are so excited to host this event for the second year, featuring such an amazing lineup of artists and musicians, who are so graciously giving their time and talent to support such an important cause,” says Autism Speaks Regional Director, Kathy Streng. “Autism awareness is key to bringing the much needed acceptance this community deserves. We are very grateful for the continued out-pouring of caring and generous support from this wonderful community.”

Autism Sings! will take place October 1, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. in the upstairs room at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Nashville. Doors open at 6 pm with music starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 per couple and are available for purchase here. Additional donations will also be accepted on-site or can be made to Kathy Streng at (615) 238-1625 or Kathy.Streng@AutismSpeaks.org.

Over the past five years, Autism Speaks has given back more than $2 million to the state of Tennessee. Funds are used to support local research, science grants, community grants, AutismCares grants, Baker Camp Scholarships and various toolkits that are available for free, including the 100-Day Kit, developed to provide much needed support to families during the initial diagnosis period.

BILLY DEAN'S FIRST CD IN FOUR YEARS, "A MAN OF GOOD FORTUNE", AVAILABLE NOW

Billy Dean's new CD "A Man of Good Fortune" hit stores today. You can pick up your copy online at Amazon, Best Buy or CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

TRACK LIST:
I Can't Leave
A Seed
Middle of Nowhere
Dear John
All The Difference In The World
I don't Need As Much Hell
Crazy Beautiful
Imagine What I'd Do
Made For You and I
Laura Nadine

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON FEBRUARY’S MENU OF STARS AT “LARRY’S COUNTRY DINER” WITH BILLY DEAN AND OTHERS

Lip-Smackin’, Toe-Tappin’ Spontaneous Good Times

at one of RFD’s Top-Rated Shows

Nashville, TN (January 30, 2012) – There may only be eighteen tables at “Larry’s Country Diner,” but it serves 1.4 million peopleeach and every month as one of the top-rated shows on the RFD-TV network. The diner is not your ordinary restaurant, but rather a unique down-home variety show that in just over two short years has become a favorite “eatery” of country fans everywhere. Cornbread and black-eyed peas only complement the heapin’ helpin’ of country music performances served up by the stars of yesterday and today.

A new episode of “Larry’s Country Diner” will air each week in February on the RFD-TV network. February’s line-up offers a little something to satisfy every musical “taste” for country music fans:

Week of Feb. 2: Billy Dean with daughter, Hannah
Feb. 9: The Cleverlys
Feb. 16: The Bellamy Brothers
Feb 23: Moe Bandy

Air times for “Larry’s Country Diner” are Thursday night at 7 P.M. CST/8 P.M EST, Friday morning at 9 A.M. CST/10 A.M. EST, or Saturday evening at 10 P.M. CST/11 P.M. EST. For more information on “Larry’s Country Diner,” please visit larryscountrydiner.com.

Taped bi-monthly in front of a live studio/diner audience at NorthStar Studios (3201 Dickerson Pike, Nashville), the show’s spontaneity is part of the mystique of “Larry’s Country Diner” which contributes greatly to its success. “The prevailing attitude at the diner is ‘…the cameras are always rollin’… and we don’t care,’” explains Larry Black, host and creator of “Larry’s Country Diner.”

The fact that plates are dropped or broken during a performance, a rack of knives and forks are dumped on the floor or that some of the lights go out while they were filming makes the show all that more exciting in a day where even reality shows are produced within strict script guidelines. “It’s the kind of television you just don’t see too much anymore and both the artists and fans love it,” states Black who adds, “We even tell our artists that once the tape starts rolling, it does not stop. If you get yourself in trouble, get yourself out ‘cause we’re not stoppin’.”

Because of its popularity, getting a seat to see a live taping might prove more difficult than getting a reservation at one of L.A.’s most trendy posh restaurants—the first tables available are currently for the June 2012 taping, so you’ll want to plan way in advance. For reservations, please call 615-673-2846 or email paula@gabrielcommunications.com.

SPECIAL SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT FROM BILLY DEAN: BILLY'S 50th BIRTHDAY BASH

Who: Billy Dean 

When: Sat Mar 31 2012 @ 6:00 PM CT

Where: Dean Acres, Liberty, TN.

 BUY TICKETS

Come celebrate as Billy Dean turns the big 50 with the Billy Dean's 50th Birthday Bash at Dean Acres. He will be performing along with some very special guests for a "Concert in the Corral", live from Billy's farm located on beautiful Center hill Lake, 75 miles east of Nashville. There are only 300 seats available and will be offered on a first come first serve basis.

Barbecue and special treats from Willie's Amish Kitchen will be on the menu. Reserve your seat now at www.deanacres.com. Gates open at 4;00 pm, March 31.

Lyrics that Matter: Simple Things - Billy Dean

Simple Things lyrics
Songwriters: Regan, Bob; Teren, George;

I'm no scholar and I'm no philosopher
But I've lived and I've learned a thing or two
It don't help to worry, there's no need to hurry
And it don't take a lot to pull you through

Like your favorite song, a call from home
Or the rain that falls across your windowpane
A season change, the smell of springtime in May

A precious child, a baby's smile
Or your woman's love to keep you warm at night
Oh, you know the simple things can get you through the hardest times

Life's a puzzle and sometimes a struggle
And at times, Lord, it's more than you can take
But look around you, I know, you're bound to
Find somethin' that will brighten up your day

Like your favorite song, a call from home
Or the rain that falls across your windowpane
A season change, the smell of springtime in May

A precious child, a baby's smile
Or your woman's love to keep you warm at night
Oh, you know the simple things can get you through the hardest times

Like a precious child, a baby's smile
Or your woman's love to keep you warm at night
Oh, you know the simple things can get you through the hardest times

Lyrics that Matter: Only Here for a Little While - Billy Dean

Billy Dean has always been one of my favorite artists, both as a singer and as a songwriter. While he didn't write this one, the song has remained a favorite of mine and the lyrics are right on the money. (P.S. - Richard Leigh and Waylon Holyfield are credited writers of this one). Billy's voice always makes a great song even better.

I'm gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile

Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
'Cause we're only here
For a little while

Today I stood singin' songs and sayin','Amen'
Saying goodbye to an old friend who seemed so young
He spent his life workin' hard to chase a dollar
Putting off until tomorrow the things he should have done

Made me start thinking, "What's the hurry, why the runnin'?
I don't like what I'm becoming, gonna change my style
Take my time and I take it all for granted
'Cause we're only here for a little while"

Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile

Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
'Cause we're only here
For a little while

Let me love like I'll never see tomorrow
Treat each day as though it's borrowed
Like it's precious as a child

Oh, take my hand
Let us reach out to each other
'Cause we're only here for a little while

Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile

Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
'Cause we're only here
For a little while

Want to Be Part of an Intimate Living Room Concert by Billy Dean at His Farm?

Date/Time: Friday, September 2, 2011 8:00pm to 11:00pm

Location: Billy Dean's farm, east of Nashville, TN

Concert from Billy Dean's living room at his farm, Dean Acres. Limited to only fifty attendees!! Email Lenny Herron at launchpadmgmt@aol.com or via Billy's Facebook page to confirm attendance BEFORE sending payment. Tickets are $100 each via cashiers check or money order made out and mailed to: a JL Production, Inc., 9 Music Square South, #221, Nashville, TN 37203. Again, CONFIRM you are in the fifty attendees BEFORE sending payment.