#CONCERTREVIEW - IF PICTURES PAINT A THOUSAND WORDS, JIMMY FORTUNE'S MUSIC PAINTED A MASTERPIECE AT THE LIBERTY SHOWCASE THEATRE

Artist: Jimmy Fortune

Venue: Liberty Showcase Theatre - Liberty, NC

Date: 12/9/2023

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Photos: Jennifer Smith / Lovinlyrics

I don't even know where to begin with this review because when something is perfect, you just can't do it any more justice than that one very word, but I'm gonna try my best.

The top item on my musical bucket list has always been to have the opportunity to hear Jimmy Fortune perform live and I was "fortunate" enough to be able to check that box off Saturday night when he brought his Christmas show to the Liberty Showcase Theatre in Liberty, NC. Not only was I blessed to be able to attend the show, the planets lined up for me and I was able to spend a few minutes in private with him before the show and to let him know personally how much his songs and gift of songwriting have meant to me, to thank him for years of personal memories and for caring about the message in his music. What a gracious and genuinely kind man he is. I will forever consider him a blessing in my life even if I only met him one time for 5 minutes because his music represents who he is and his music has blessed me and so many others.

A little background on Jimmy's career:

• Jimmy toured, sang and performed a member of the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years, writing their #1 hit song, “Elizabeth”, following that up with 2 more #1 hits, “My Only Love” and “Too Much On My Heart”. Jimmy also wrote the Top 10 song “Forever” and was a co-writer on another Top 10 hit, “More Than a Name on a Wall”. Jimmy is a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Virginia Musical Hall of Fame.

• When the Statler Brothers retired 23 years ago in 2002, Jimmy went solo and became one of the most loved voices in gospel music. He partnered with the Gaither Music Group and has released many chart busting albums and DVDs. His "God and Country" CD secured a Dove Award win in 2020 for Country/Gospel/Roots Album of the Year.

• 2020 also brought Jimmy the opportunity to form Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs, later to become known as "Brothers of the Heart" releasing  CD and DVD called "Brotherly Love" that debuted #16 on the Billboard All Genre Chart. Their latest project, "Listen To The Music", was recently released and debuted at #32 on the Billboard All Genre chart and #1 on the Christian chart.

The Show:

Jimmy, his fiddle player/vocalist Jenifer Wrinkle, guitarist Stuie French (of The French Family Band) and the bass player whose name I unfortunately missed (but he was outstanding) took the stage which was decked out in all it's beautiful Christmas glory. A night filled with top shelf music, stories, laughter, fellowship and memories with other fans and a thoughtful celebration of the birth of Christ and the Christmas season was just beginning. This year, having been a tough one for Jimmy who recently had a quintuple heart bypass, seems to have brought a new meaning to several of the songs he's sung for years because tonight he sang each one like it was the first time and he sang them with a strong obvious emotion which brought tears to many eyes in the crowd. 

Jimmy started the night with a song that he wrote for everyone his music touches personally and I hope he releases it, "One Song at A Time". The lyrics of this song are so true

"Hello, it's good to see you. 

 You know it's been way too long.

  I've been out here making music

  I see a face in every song

 You're the reason I keep singing

  Love to hear you sing along

  And now I want you to come with me

  In this journey that I'm on.

  So let's sing to all the good times

  Sing to everything that's good in this life

  Change this crazy old world around us

  One song at a time."

He sang songs that made you think of and truly appreciate the reason for the Christmas season with"It's Christmas Time Again", a beautiful rendition of the favorite classic "Silent Night", a new one which I also hope he releases called "The Road to Bethlehem", another beloved classic "Away in a Manger" which was sung beautifully by Jennifer Wrinkle, a fantastic rockin' version of "Daddy Looked a Lot Like Santa" performed with Stuie French, and an emotional newer Christmas classic "Mary Did You Know" that didn't leave too many dry eyes. As someone who has changed my heart and my perspective and started my long overdue journey back to Jesus this year, this will forever stay with me.

He also sang the hits and the crowd was enthusiastic, singing along and you could see expressions of appreciated memories on the faces around me, as well as my own. "Flowers on the Wall" filled my heart with the memory of being a little girl on a road trip with my parents, standing on the hump between the seats, singing with my dad in my off key little girl voice and just having the best time. That will stay with me every day of my life. The room fell silent as he sang of the emotions after the loss of "Elizabeth". You could see people in the room remembering the love of those they also lost. He sang of struggling with the pain of a love gone in a different direction and trying to find the reasons why with "Too Much on My Heart", a situation that most of us have unfortunately experienced. He brought the crowd to it's feet with the classic Michael Martin Murphey song, "Wildfire" about the love between a young woman and the horse she loved that escaped and went missing. This is another song that I can't hear without thinking about singing with my dad. 

He brought the night back to Jesus with my personal favorite, a song inspired by his granddaughter, "I Love You More." This is something I have always said to my mom every night before bed. She tells me she loves me and I always come back with "I love you more." This song also has a deeper meaning than the obvious, the meaning of a love stronger than any love we'll ever have on earth, the love of Jesus and how He loved each of us more as He hung on the cross. He made this one even more special by adding it as an extra last minute song and dedicating it to me because I had simply asked if it was on the setlist. To hear him sing this amazing testimony of love to a room full of silent listeners is something that will always mean the world to me and never leave my heart. 

"I love you more than you’ll ever know

 When you can’t hold on I’ll never let you go

 So let me love you until you love you again

 For everything you may hate yourself for

 I love you more"

He closed out the night 2 songs. He started with "I Believe", a song inspired by the prayers of his mother and how she deeply believed in the love of Christ and that place called Calvary. He talked about how Jesus saved his life this year and talked about how strongly he believes that He is saving each of us every day. He said it perfectly when he said "If you have someone who prays for you, that is the biggest gift." Pray for someone - it doesn't have to be a long prayer, a rehearsed prayer or a perfect prayer, only sincere. The last song was a true song of worship and praise, "Joy to the World". He had everyone on their feet and you could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in the room. I can promise you that not one person in attendance walked out of that theatre the same person as when they entered. Good music has a way of changing you whether you realize it or not. Tonight was a night of change, a night of love and night that won't be forgotten. Thank you to the wonderful staff of the Liberty Theatre for bringing in the best performers.

Thank you Jimmy. 

We love you more.

BROTHERS OF THE HEART SET TO RELEASE THIRD ALBUM "WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN" ON NOVEMBER 3

Acclaimed supergroup to release accompanying DVD/TV special, filmed at The Grand Ole Opry’s Studio A, hosted by The Statler Brothers’ Don Reid

First track “My Girl” available now

"Country, bluegrass, gospel dream team” (Cowboys & Indians) 

Brothers of the Heart — featuring award-winning artists Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers and Ben Isaacs — will deliver its third album, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", on Nov. 3, 2023, via Gaither Music Group.

On the 12-track record, produced by group member and Grand Ole Opry member Ben Isaacs, the Brothers reimagine country, gospel and pop classics, including “Seven Bridges Road,” “I Can See Clearly Now,” “How Great Thou Art,” the album’s title track and more. The supergroup, composed of world-class vocalists/instrumentalists, once again showcases its signature seamless harmonies and impeccable arrangements on the anticipated new record.

“Will the Circle Be Unbroken is a continuation of the great music that I get to be a part of with these talented guys who are family to me,” says Isaacs. “I love taking the songs that we grew up on and have loved for so long and re-introducing them in our style. Jimmy, Mike and Bradley are singing better than ever, and we are excited to share this project with you.”

Will the Circle Be Unbroken’s first digital single, the Brothers’ soaring arrangement of The Temptations’ timeless favorite “My Girl,'' is out now — stream it HERE.

Filmed at the iconic Studio A at The Grand Ole Opry and hosted by The Statler Brothers’ Don Reid, the Will the Circle Be Unbroken TV special (also available as a full-length DVD for purchase) is set to air on RFD-TV, PBS, TBN, TCT, Heartland and CTN; it will air in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV.

The recording will be featured on Gaither Radio on Pandora, Gaither Radio on Amazon, the Gaither Amazon storefront, the Front Porch Country Gospel Collection on Apple Music, the Gaither Music Facebook page (over 2M followers) and the Gaither Music TV YouTube page (over 3M followers).

Following the Brothers’ acclaimed debut album Brotherly Love (more than 31 million streams worldwide), the quartet released its sophomore project, Listen to the Music, and its accompanying DVD/TV special, earlier this year (Jan. 20). The group appears regularly on The Opry, in addition to full touring schedules individually and a select number of dates as Brothers of the Heart.

The Will the Circle Be Unbroken CD and DVD are distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music. For more information, visit Gaither.com.

Pre-save/pre-order "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" HERE.

Pre-order the "Will the Circle Be Unbroken DVD" HERE.

"Will The Circle Be Unbroken" Album Track Listing:

 
1. There Goes My Everything
2. Church In The Wildwood
3. My Girl
4. Waitin' For The Sun To Shine
5. Seven Bridges Road
6. It Is No Secret
7. I Can See Clearly Now
8. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
9. Amie
10. More Than A Name On A Wall
11. Will The Circle Be Unbroken?
12. How Great Thou Art

"Will The Circle Be Unbroken" DVD Track Listing:

1. Amie
2. There Goes My Everything
3. Church In The Wildwood
4. My Girl
5. Waitin' For The Sun To Shine
6. Seven Bridges Road
7. It Is No Secret
8. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
9. I Can See Clearly Now
10. More Than A Name On A Wall
11. How Great Thou Art
12. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
13. Victory In Jesus

MO PITNEY, EMILY ANN ROBERTS, JASON CRABB, THE ISAACS, JIMMY FORTUNE, TODD TILGHMAN AND MORE TO PERFORM DURING "40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS" CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE ARK ENCOUNTER AND CREATION MUSEUM

Event Features Diverse Lineup of Country, Christian

and Bluegrass Artists

Museum Of The Bible Announced as Flagship Sponsor

New Multi-Day Christian Music Event Coming To Museum of the Bible

Mo Pitney, Emily Ann Roberts, Isaacs, and Todd Tilghman are set to headline the 40 Days & 40 Nights Christian Music Festival at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum presented by Abraham Productions. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of performers in Christian music with current favorites and legendary artists.

Abraham Productions, Inc. is pleased to announce the Museum of the Bible as the platinum sponsor for the world's largest Christian music Festival 40 Days & 40 Nights of Christian Music at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, August 1-September 9, 2023 in northern Kentucky.

As the flagship sponsor of the world's largest Christian music festival, Museum of the Bible will be represented at all stages to include the huge Answers Center and outdoor Noah's Village at the Ark Encounter and the newly renovated Legacy Hall at the Creation Museum.

In addition to the sponsorship, Abraham Productions and Sea Walker Media are happy to announce a new multi-day Christian music event that will come to the World Stage Theater and Gathering Room at the Museum of the Bible in early Fall of 2024. The event will feature iconic artists and national speakers presenting the gospel in the heart of Washington, D.C. Details regarding this multi-day event will be released later this year.

Templeton Tours, Inc., the parent company of Singing At Sea, also joins the roster of great sponsors for the World's Largest Christian Music Festival, along with returning sponsors Christian Healthcare Ministries and Singing News Brands.

The Ark Encounter was recently voted the #1 Best Religious Museum by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards and the Creation Museum finished a close second. The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum are the top family-friendly destinations for people throughout the United States and many countries around the world.

Ken Ham, founder, and CEO of Answers in Genesis (parent company of the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum) is excited that the 40 Days and 40 Nights Christian Music Festival will expand in 2023 with its evangelistic concerts at both the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. Ham declares: “Each of these sponsors is a perfect fit for this incredible event and we are appreciative. Our plans are to continue to build this event and be a blessing and encouragement to attendees for many years to come.” The life-size Noah's Ark is located south of Cincinnati.

The 40 Days & 40 Nights of Christian Music Festival continues to grow in popularity with more than 40,000 attendees in 2022. In 2023, the event expands again with additional concerts being added and a talent roster that is second to none. Concerts will be held daily at the Ark Encounter, and Wednesday and Thursday morning concerts will be presented at Creation Museum.

Other performing artists include Cain, Triumphant, Selah, Inspirations, Cochren & Co, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Jason Crabb, Natalie Layne, Karen Peck & New River, Isaacs, Joseph Habedank, Booth Brothers, Jimmy Fortune, The Hoppers, and more than 100 other popular artists will be performing.

In addition to the incredible music, there will be inspiring messages and teaching from sought-after speakers like Ken Ham, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Dr. Jeff Laborg, Pastor Javon Ruff, Comedian Dennis Swanberg, Tim Lovelace, and many others.

Ray Flynn, President & CEO of Abraham Productions, Inc. and Sea Walker Media Corporation, said: “We are extremely honored and thankful to have the opportunity to partner with the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in presenting this mega Christian Music Festival at the top family destinations in America. We are also very thankful for our great sponsors Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, Christian Healthcare Ministries, Templeton Tours – Singing at Sea, and Singing News Brands. We are also excited to partner with Museum of the Bible on this major new event coming to World Stage Theater on the Fall of 2024.”

THE COUNTRY MUSIC CRUISE 2023 ANNOUNCES STELLAR LINEUP

9th Anniversary Country Music Party At Sea Sails January 22-29, 2023

Randy Owen, Clay Walker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Chesnutt, Neal McCoy, Pam Tillis, Asleep At The Wheel, Johnny Lee, John Berry, Jimmy Fortune, T.G. Sheppard, Gary Morris, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, The Malpass Brothers, Ray Scott, Karen Hester – A Tribute To Dolly, Gil Grand “The Grand Tour”, 50 Shades of Hay, Chuck Mead, Grand Ole Opry At Sea, Elvis Tribute Artists, Tim Atwood & Chrissy Sparks, and More To Be Added

Just as The Country Music Cruise 2022 docked following a week of delightful entertainment and beautiful ports of call, organizers announced the exciting lineup for the 2023 Country Music Party at Sea. The 9th Annual Country Music Cruise aboard Holland America’s stunning Nieuw Amsterdam will feature Randy Owen, Clay Walker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Chesnutt, Neal McCoy, Pam Tillis, and many others. The seven day cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday, January 22, and make stops in picturesque St. Maarten and San Juan before returning on January 29.

“We really appreciate our artists and dedicated cruisers for sticking with us through a very challenging couple of years,” said Mike Jason, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President, Live Entertainment. “Last week was absolutely amazing with an incredibly talented group of stars and musicians performing all day into the night, the greatest group of fans in the world, and a combination of beautiful Caribbean weather and a luxury ship with world class amenities and service. We are planning 2023 to be bigger and better than ever.”

In addition to the headliners, the exciting lineup includes Asleep At The Wheel, Johnny Lee, John Berry, Jimmy Fortune, T.G. Sheppard, Gary Morris, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, The Malpass Brothers, Ray Scott, Karen Hester – A Tribute To Dolly, Gil Grand “The Grand Tour”, 50 Shades of Hay, Chuck Mead, Tim Atwood & Chrissy Sparks, and more to be added. Perennial favorites the Elvis Tribute Artists and a very special Grand Ole Opry at Sea performance event return to the cruise.

Guests onboard The Country Music Cruise enjoy more than 100 live performances in seven different venues throughout the week. Cruisers can socialize with their favorite artists at theme nights, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, jam sessions, meet and greets, and have unprecedented opportunities to meet and mingle with the stars aboard what has been called the ultimate country music party. The non-stop entertainment also includes Country karaoke, Gospel Hour, dueling pianos, corn hole tournament, and line dancing.

Fares for The Country Music Cruise 2023 include all concerts, daily activities, delicious meals and so much more. 

For cabin rates and more information, visit www.countrymusiccruise.com or call toll-free 866-476-2879. 

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO - JIMMY FORTUNE DISCUSSES RECORDING THE ICONIC RAY PRICE HIT "CRAZY ARMS" FOR NEW CD

One of country's best loved and most recognizable voices, Jimmy Fortune, has released a brand new CD, "Jimmy Fortune Sings the Classics" and it will bring a smile to your heart as it brings back memories of the music by some of country music's most iconic artists. This is definitely a must have for country music and Jimmy Fortune fans.

Jimmy Fortune is the tenor and songwriter for the legendary quartet, the Statler Brothers, known best for their harmonic perfection and their hits like "Flowers on the Wall", "Class of '57", "I'll Go To My Grave Loving You" and so many others. Since the group retired, Jimmy has continued touring the United States performing their hits as well as many of his own. He's been actively songwriting, composing music for many of country's biggest names and has been a featured guest vocalist on projects by T. Graham Brown, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rex Wiseman, Dailey and Vincent, Marty Raybon, Trace Adkins and you can always find him on episodes of RFD TV's "Country's Family Reunion".

One of the songs on his new CD is the classic 1956 first #1 hit for Ray Price, "Crazy Arms". Jimmy sat down in this exclusive video to discuss the making of the song and his story behind why he chose the song for the album.



"Jimmy Fortune Sings the Classics" is exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music. It is available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace and through online retailers including iTunes, Amazon, Walmart.com, crackerbarrel.com, www.gaither.com and www.jimmyfortune.com

Jimmy Fortune: Sings the Classics Track Listing:

1. Make the World Go Away
2. Take Me Home, Country Roads
3. Danny’s Song
4. Wake Up Little Susie (feat. Ricky Skaggs)
5. Unchained Melody
6. Take It to the Limit (feat. The Isaacs)
7. Crazy Arms
8. Flowers on the Wall
9. If
10. Wildfire
11. Annie’s Song
12. Yesterday
13. Southern Nights
14. Bridge Over Troubled Waters (feat. Voices of Lee)

CD REVIEW: "WELCOME HOME" - REX WISEMAN

CD: "Welcome Home"
ARTIST: Rex Wiseman
REVIEWER: Jennifer Smith
Follow Jennifer on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

If you're a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys, then you already know who Rex Wiseman is and that he is quite literally the consummate country musician. Name an instrument, he plays the heck out of it and if he doesn't play it, he'll learn. His heart beats music, the notes and melodies run through his veins. He stands behind the Oak Ridge Boys every night as a longtime member of the Mighty Oaks Band, singing, playing and well, being Rex. Now, Rex has stepped into the studio and released his own CD, "Welcome Home." This CD has been in the works for quite awhile and I was lucky to have watched this go from dream to reality for him.

This CD is 14 tracks of some of the best "new grass" music performed by Rex and some of country music's biggest names including the Oaks, Dailey and Vincent, Jimmy Fortune and Rhonda Vincent and penned by some of the best writers in country music such as George Jones, Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Skip Ewing, and others. This CD is a surplus of talent and if you're a fan of bluegrass or traditional country complete with pedal steel and fiddles, you will NOT be disappointed. This CD delivers a recital of amazing instrumentation, vocals and story telling that come together in the perfect way. This CD will help you find your way home.

"Welcome Home" Track Listing

1. I'm Ragged but I'm Right
2. Put My Little Shoes Away
3. The Watch
4. Old Camp Meeting Time (with the Oak Ridge Boys)
5. You Gotta Swim
6. Dancy's Dream
7. Help Me to Be More Like Him
8. A Love that Never Died (with Rhonda Vincent)
9. The Grandpa That I Know
10. Little Mountain Church (with Dailey and Vincent)
11. Welcome Home Soldier (with Jimmy Fortune)
12. Back to Dixie
13. The Farmer and the Lord
14. Still

If you would like to purchase a CD, email dixiedawgrecords@gmail.com and you will be sent an invoice in the amount of $20 + $3 shipping with a Paypal link to confirm your purchase. The CD is also available at the merchandise table at any Oak Ridge Boys show.

Rex's website is currently under construction.

JIMMY FORTUNE HITS THE ROAD FOR NORTH AMERICAN 40-PLUS CITY TOUR

Fortune Announces 14th Annual Alaskan Cruise for July 2017

Country Music Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Jimmy Fortune is gearing up for his upcoming 2017 North American tour, which includes more than 40 stops (see dates below). The must-see tour is already underway, with several standout appearances in 20 different states. Fans will also have a chance to catch waves with Fortune later this year, as he appears on the 14th Annual Jimmy Fortune Alaskan Cruise.

“This is my 14th year as a solo artist and I’ve been very blessed to have also had a successful career with the Statler Brothers, and now still being able to go to these great places and towns,” said Jimmy Fortune. “Being able to say thank you to the fans is what I look forward to the most. Signing autographs and hearing stories from fans after each show is always a highlight.”

Since getting his start with the iconic Statler Brothers exactly 35 years ago singing tenor, the chart topper has transitioned from group member to a successful solo artist. As a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame, along with penning No. 1 country hits such as “Elizabeth” and “Too Much On My Heart,” Fortune has a history of captivating country and gospel music fans. The award-winning singer looks to build upon that momentum on the blockbuster tour, performing a combination of gospel standards, along with some of the biggest Statler Brothers hits.

Fortune is kicking off the year on a high, after a huge 2016, which saw the singer being awarded the “Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award” by the Academy of Country Music with the Statler Brothers. Fortune was also the recipient of his very first Dove award for “Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year,” along with the Oak Ridge Boys for their song “Life’s Railway To Heaven” featured on Fortune’s critically acclaimed project Hits & Hymns. The popular TV special, “Jimmy Fortune: Hits & Hymns” also helped to propel Fortune to new heights, being featured on nationwide television throughout the year.

Jimmy Fortune On Tour:

Jan. 20 - Marion, Ill. - Marion Cultural & Civic Center
Jan. 27 through Feb. 3 - Country Music Cruise
Feb. 7 - Lebanon, Tenn. - The Capital Theatre
Feb. 21 through Feb. 25 - Apache Junction, Ariz. - The Mining Camp Restaurant
Feb. 28 - Surprise, Ariz. - Happy Trails RV & Golf Resort
Mar. 10 - Columbia, S.C. - Private
Mar. 24 - Rocky Mount, Va. - Harvester Performance Center
Mar. 25 - Lovingston, Va. - Nelson County High School
Apr. 4 - Leesburg, Fla.- Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center
Apr. 7 - Corsicana, Texas - The Palace Theatre
Apr. 8 - Arlington, Texas - Arlington Music Hall
Apr. 22 - Hegins, Pa. - Tri Valley JR-SR High School
May 2 - Branson, Mo. - Starlite Theatre
May 7 - Elkins, W.Va. - American Mountain Theatre
May 19 and 20 - Scottsburg, Ind. - Ross Country Jamboree
May 26 and 27 - Gatlinburg, Tenn. - Gaither Family Fest
June 10 - Steelville, Mo. - The Meramec Music Theatre
June 25 - Confirmed TBA
July 1 - Hiawassee, Ga. - Anderson Music Hall
July 4 - Radford, Va. - Radford 4th of July Celebration
July 16 through July 23 - Alaska - Jimmy Fortune Alaskan Cruise
July 29 - Benton, Ky. - Kentucky Opry
Aug. 15 - Lewisburg, W.Va. - WV State Fair
Sept. 2 - Lancaster, PA - American Music Theatre
Sept. 4 - Paden City, W.Va. - Paden City Labor Day Celebration
Sept. 9 - McLeansboro, Ill. - McLeansboro Fall Festival
Sept. 14 - Bremen, GA - Mill Town Music Hall
Sep. 18 - Lawrenceville, Ga. - Gwinnett County Fair
Sept. 21 - Branson, Mo. - Starlite Theatre
Sept. 23 - Prairie du Sac, Wisc. - River Arts Center
Oct. 6 - South Boston, Va. - Halifax County Fair
Oct. 7 - Manteo, N.C. - Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival
Oct. 15 - Pigeon Forge, Tenn. - Country Tonite Theatre
Oct. 17 and 18 - Branson, Mo. - Starlite Theatre
Nov. 11 and 12 - Branson, Mo. - Starlite Theatre
Dec. 2 - York, Pa. - York Expo Center
Dec. 3 - Lebanon, Pa. - Lebanon Expo Center
Dec. 7 - Weyers Cave, VA - Weyers Cave Community Center
Dec. 8 - Amherst, Va. - Clifford Baptist Church
Dec. 9 - Liberty, N.C. - The Liberty Showcase Theater

More dates pending

HIT SONGWRITERS TO PERFORM JANUARY 18 AT HANK COCHRAN PEN FUND BENEFIT TO RAISE MONEY FOR SONGWRITERS WITH CANCER

Wynn Varble, Deborah Allen, Jimmy Fortune, Little Texas, Marla Cannon-Goodman

 & Dylan Altman Confirmed

Hit songwriters will gather and perform at 3rd & Lindsley (816 3rd Ave. South) on Wednesday, January 18 to raise money for The Hank Cochran Pen Fund, which benefits songwriters with cancer.  The doors open at 6 p.m. and the music kicks off at 7:30.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show.

The evening will feature two writers' rounds with the first sitting including NSAI Songwriter of the Year (2009) Wynn Varble (Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Sammy Kershaw), Marla Cannon-Goodman (LeeAnn Womack, Blake Shelton, Tucker Beathard) and Dylan Altman (Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Jake Owens).  The second round features multiple B.M.I. Million Air-Play Award recipient Deborah Allen (Tanya Tucker, Brooks & Dunn, Fleetwood Mac), former member of THE STATLER BROTHERS Jimmy Fortune (writer of "Elizabeth," "Forever," "Too Much On My Heart,"), and the three singer/songwriters of the ACM and CMA award-winning group LITTLE TEXAS:  Porter Howell, Duane Propes and Dwayne O'Brien who penned "Some Guys Have All the Love," "My Love," and "God Blessed Texas."

 "The night offers a great mix of talents," notes Booth Calder Cochran (co-founder of THCPF and Hank's daughter).  "Songs get us through good times, bad times and everything in between; they're the soundtrack of our lives.  Buying a ticket for this show is a great way for their fans to thank them; songs help ...  help songwriters."

The family of Country Music Hall of Fame and NSAI Hall of Fame member Hank Cochran launched THCPF in his honor following his death from Pancreatic cancer in 2010.  "While our family didn't need financial assistance during Hank's illness, that is not the case for many with this disease," recalls Suzi Cochran, Hank's widow.  "Going forward we hope to alleviate some of the stress cancer patients feel by offering practical help: paying rent, arranging for assistance with household chores, and the like.  We invite you to come enjoy a night of great music and to help us support songwriters with cancer and their families."

 One of Nashville's most beloved songwriters, Hank penned many of Country music's iconic hits including, "I Fall To Pieces," "The Chair," "Make The World Go Away," "Ocean Front Property," "She's Got You," "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me," and many more.

For more information on this non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, go to http://www.facebook.com/ThePenFund.

JIMMY FORTUNE FEATURING THE OAK RIDGE BOUS HONORED WITH "BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR" AT DOVE AWARDS

The Gospel Music Association hosted the 47th Annual Dove Awards last night at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena in Nashville. Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune took home the award for “Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year” for the track “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” which features legendary quartet The Oak Ridge Boys. The song was featured on Fortune’s latest critically-acclaimed album Hits & Hymns, which became the Gospel Music Hall of Fame singer’s first solo top ten project on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

“I’m extremely honored and humbled to win my first Dove award, and sharing the win with my friends The Oak Ridge Boys makes it even more special,” said Fortune. “To be recognized by the Gospel Music Association is one of the biggest moments of my life. I will treasure it forever, and I thank God for the opportunity to do this project with producer Ben Isaacs and the Gaither Music Group community.”

“The Oak Ridge Boys were at a sound check at Renfro Valley, Ken., about twenty years ago when, out of the blue, we started singing ‘Life's Railway To Heaven,’” said Duane Allen, of The Oak Ridge Boys. “It felt so good we added it to the show that night. Since then, the song has become a regular part of our shows, so it seemed natural when Jimmy Fortune asked us to record it with him for his latest album. Now… we’re humbled and honored to hear that it has won a Dove Award. Congratulations Jimmy! Thank you for inviting us to be a part of the magic.”

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, Oct. 16. The GMA Dove Awards celebrate the contributions of artists from every style of Christian/Gospel music. Nominees are determined by over 1,600 professional members, and winners are voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500.

OCTOBER EPISODES OF “COUNTRY’S FAMILY REUNION” TO FEATURE NEW “WEDNESDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETING” WITH JIMMY FORTUNE, JOHN CONLEE, BARBARA FAIRCHILD, THE GATLIN BROTHERS, THE OAK RIDGE BOYS AND MORE

Upcoming episodes of “Country’s Family Reunion” will spotlight popular episodes centered around a “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting”. Artists in this series include Jimmy Fortune, John Conlee, Barbara Fairchild, The Gatlin Brothers, Linda Davis, The Oak Ridge Boys and more.

“Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting” is one of the most special “family reunions” ever! John Berry, Teea Goans, T. Graham Brown, Rhonda Vincent, The Isaacs and more share memories of growing up in church and perform their favorite gospel songs, all guided by Bill Anderson.

The idea behind the hit “Country’s Family Reunion” series when it all started in 1997 was simple – ask the great people who shaped country music to get together and talk about their history, and maybe sing a few songs. Each episode of Country’s Family Reunion is hosted by country legend and hit songwriter, Bill Anderson who guides the discussion and supplies viewers with inside stories from his many years in the business. Nearly 20 years later, Gabriel Communications celebrates more than a dozen projects, featuring hundreds of songs and never-before-heard stories from some of country music’s original artists, which would have otherwise been lost forever. Click here to find out where to watch RFD-TV and “Country’s Family Reunion” in your area.

Upcoming “Country’s Family Reunion” Airdates:
*All episodes re-air on Saturdays at 11 pm CST

Friday, October 7 - Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Friday, October 14 - Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Friday, October 28 - Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting

Tune in Fridays at 7 pm CST and Saturdays at 11 pm CST on RFD-TV.

The “’Country’s Family Reunion’ Collection Series” DVD box set features four different show compilations including “Country’s Family Reunion Original,” “Country’s Family Reunion Celebration,” “Country’s Family Reunion Gospel,” and “Stories From The Golden Age Of Country.” Purchase the entire series and have unlimited access to over 50 legendary country music artists with 130 rare live performances online by visiting www.cfrvideos.com.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME SINGER/SONGWRITER JIMMY FORTUNE TO RELEASE NEW RECORDING "HITS & HYMNS" CD & DVD OCTOBER 23

Country Music Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Jimmy Fortune is gearing up for the October 23rd release of his highly-anticipated album Hits & Hymns. Appropriately titled, the project sees Fortune performing some of his classic Statler Brothers HITS, in addition to top Gospel hymns. The album, which features unique collaborations with some of country and Gospel music’s top artists including Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Dailey & Vincent, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, the Gaither Vocal Band and The Whites, will be released via Gaither Music Group.

The album will coincide with the special edition DVD, Jimmy Fortune: Hits & Hymns, hosted by Bill Gaither.  Taped in Indiana, the DVD features Fortune performing songs from the new CD, which was produced by Ben Isaacs, including the #1 Billboard Fortune-penned tracks “Elizabeth” and “Too Much on My Heart.” It also includes touching inspirational favorites like “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.”

“I'm very proud of this new project. I feel like it's the pinnacle of a lot of hard work and determination,” said an excited Jimmy Fortune.  “Because of everyone involved and the love for the songs, it is magical from beginning to end. Ben Isaacs shows how truly talented he is as a producer. It's a God thing and I'm thankful for it.”

Over the years, Fortune has established himself as one of the most distinctive tenor singers in country music history.  After joining the legendary Statler Brothers in 1982, Fortune experienced Gold and Platinum records, won CMA and IBMA Awards and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

The Hits & Hymns CD and DVD collections will be airing as part of a TV special slated for PBS, DirecTV, AT&T U-verse, GaitherTV, TBN, RFD, FamilyNet, CTN, GMC, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT and TLN.  It will air in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV.   Fortune was recently featured on RFD-TV’s “Larry’s Country Diner” and TBN’s “Praise the Lord” programs, sharing songs from the new release.

The products will be exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and will be available throughout general market stores, including Cracker Barrel Country Store®, and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com.

For further information regarding Fortune or Hits & Hymns, please visit www.jimmyfortune.com or learn more on his Facebook page.

"Hits & Hymns" Track Listing:

1. Elizabeth (with Ben Isaacs & Sonya Isaacs)
2. Life’s Railway To Heaven (with The Oak Ridge Boys)
3. Danny Boy (with Ben Isaacs, Gene McDonald, Reggie Smith)
4. More Than A Name On A Wall (with Becky Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs, Ben Isaacs)
5. Far Side Banks Of Jordan (with Ben Isaacs & Charlotte Ritchie)
6. Precious Memories (with Ben Isaacs & Charlotte Ritchie)
7. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (with The Gaither Vocal Band)
8. Rock Of Ages (with Mike Rogers & Sydni Perry)
9. I Believe (with The Whites)
10. How Great Thou Art (with Mike Rogers & Sydni Perry)
11. In The Sweet By and By (with Dailey & Vincent)
12. Too Much On My Heart (with Ricky Skaggs & Sharon White Skaggs)
13. Amazing Grace (with Vince Gill & Sonya Isaacs)
14. If I Was God (with Mike Rogers & Sydni Perry)
15. Victory In Jesus (with Ben Isaacs, Gene McDonald, Reggie Smith)

Produced by Ben Isaacs

COUNTRY'S FAMILY REUNION WILL LIGHT UP JUNE AND JULY WITH "GOD BLESS AMERICA AGAIN" SERIES

Mark Wills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 8, 2015) – The stage on Country’s Family Reunion will be draped in stars and stripes this June and July for a series showcasing those songs that make us proud to be Americans. Hosted by ‘Whispering’ Bill Anderson, the patriotic 4-part country music special, "God Bless America Again," kicks off on Friday, June 12 and airs weekly through Fourth of July weekend on RFD-TV.

It features performances by Lee Greenwood, Bobby Bare, John Conlee (“They Also Serve”), Ray Stevens (“Farther Along”), Jimmy Fortune (“In God We Trust”), Jan Howard (“My Son”), David Ball (“Riding With Private Malone”), the Gatlin Brothers (“The American Trilogy”), Mark Wills (“Looking For America”), Daryle Singletary (“America”), Jim Ed Brown (“Uncloudy Day”), and many more.

Join Anderson and the performing artists as they sing, share stories, reminisce about ‘the way things used to be,’ and pay tribute to those military servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, leading up to Independence Day.

Upcoming Airdates:

6/12: Jimmy Fortune, Jeannie Seely, Dailey & Vincent, Mark Wills, Lee Greenwood

6/19: Bill Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Joey + Rory, Gene Watson, Daryle Singletary

6/26: Bobby Bare, Jan Howard, John Conlee, Gatlin Brothers

7/3: Jimmy Fortune, Aaron Tippin, David Ball, Gatlin Brothers, Daryle Singletary, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, Bobby Bare, Bill Anderson, Lee Greenwood

Additional airdates can be found by visiting rfdtv.com.

Country’s Family Reunion airs at 8 p.m. ET on Fridays and 12 a.m. ET on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fans can purchase their own copy of the entire “God Bless America Again” series, a full six hours of content, on DVD by visiting cfrvideos.com or by calling 800-820-5405.

#CMAFEST2015 - BILLY YATES "COUNTRIEST OF THE COUNTRY" - T.GRAHAM BROWN, JIMMY FORTUNE, MO PITNEY, JASON CRABB AND MORE

Another great event just announced to kick off #CMAFEST2015! 

What a great lineup of phenomenal talent for this event - Billy Yates, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Fortune, Jason Crabb, Daryle Singletary, Jeff Bates, Buddy Jewell, Teea Goans, Jeannie Seely, Lu Lu Roman, John Berry, Mo Pitney, Emi Sunshine, Emily Brooke, Grayson Yates, Buddy Cannon, Whitey Shafer, Dallas Frazier and more being added! These artists will be backed by some of the most talented musicians in country music.

 This is a fundraising even for Christmas for the Children. Not only are you getting an outstanding night of music, your admission is going towards a very wonderful cause. 

General Admission - $20.00

Mid-Level Seating - $45.00

VIP includes table seating closest to stage and artist Meet and Greet - $55.00

Tickets can be purchased HERE

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAMER JIMMY FORTUNE TAKES HIS MUSIC ON THE ROAD IN BIG WAY IN 2015

PRESS RELEASE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 4, 2015) – He’s known as one of the most distinctive tenor singers in the history of Country Music, with a resume that includes CMA and IBMA Awards, Gold and Platinum records, and the highest honor one can achieve in the business – induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. But, despite all those lofty honors, Jimmy Fortune is not one to simply rest on his laurels. He has just announced his tour schedule for 2015, and dates are filling fast – whether as part of the Country Gold series, or an intimate acoustic set with Jimmy.

Fortune first came to the attention of Country Music fans in 1982, when he was selected to replace Lew DeWitt as the tenor singer of the legendary Statler Brothers. The singer spent two decades with the group until their retirement in October 2002. Fortune’s songwriting helped to give the quartet some of their biggest hits, such as “Elizabeth,” “My Only Love,” “Too Much On My Heart” and “More Than A Name On A Wall.” Since embarking on a solo career, Fortune has released the well-received albums When One Door Closes and I Believe. He also continues to flourish as a songwriter, with collaborations with such tunesmiths as Bill Anderson, Kenny Beard, and Kevin Denney. It was with Denney and Tom Botkin that he wrote “On The Other Side,” which was recorded by Bluegrass superduo Dailey and Vincent, and netted the trio an award for Recorded Gospel Song of the Year from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).

Concert dates for 2015 are listed below. Fans can visit www.JimmyFortune.com for updated tour information.

Jan 31 Franklin, TN - Pucketts

Feb 07 – Feb 14 Jimmy Fortune Fan Cruise

Feb 20 Palatka, FL - Palatka Bluegrass Festival

Feb 21 Weirsdale, FL - Orange Blossom Opry

Feb 24 – Feb 28 Apache Junction, AZ - Mining Camp Restaurant

Mar 07 Yuma, AZ - Westwind Resort*

Mar 13 Abilene, TX - Abilene Civic Center*

Mar 14 Midland, TX - Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center*

Mar 15 Amarillo, TX - Amarillo Civic Center*

Mar 20 Pace, FL - Immanuel Baptist Church

Mar 27 Orange, VA - Orange County High School

Mar 28 Lovingston, VA - Nelson County High School

Apr 10 Celina, OH - Bearcreek Memories Dinner Theatre

Apr 24 Deadwood, SD - Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center*

May 06 Branson, MO - The Starlite Theatre

May 16 Shipwhewana, IN - Shipshewana Event Center*

May 23 Doniphan, MO - Doniphan High School Songwriters Night with Billy Yates and Buddy Jewell

May 30 Scottsburg, IN – Ross Country Jamboree

Jun 06 Cherokee, NC - Cherokee Bluegrass Festival

Jun 09 Nashville, TN - Annual Countriest of the Country show hosted by Billy Yates

Jun 20 Monticello, AR - Homer Pace Auditorium at the Drew County Fairgrounds

Jun 25 Summersville, WV - Music in the Mountains Bluegrass Festival

Jun 27 Chipley, FL - Panhandle Watermelon Festival

Jul 04 Radford, VA - Bisset Park

Jul 18 Benton, KY - Kentucky Opry

Aug 01 Steelville, MO – Meramec Music Theatre

Aug 15 Marion, NC - North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival

Aug 17 Fairlea, WV - West Virginia State Fair

Sep 03 Mt. Pleasant, IA Old Thresher’s Reunion*

Sep 07 Paden City, WV - Paden City Labor Day Celebration

Sep 12 Oelwein, IA - Williams Center for the Arts

Sep 14 Spencer, IA - Clay County Fair

Sep 15 Hutchinson, KS - Kansas State Fair

Sep 23 Branson, MO - The Starlite Theatre

Oct 02 Renfro Valley, KY - Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

Oct 24 York, PA - The Praise Center

Oct 26 Branson, MO - The Starlite Theatre

Oct 27 Branson, MO - The Starlite Theatre

Nov 16 Branson, MO - The Starlite Theatre

Nov 17 Branson, MO - The Starlite Theatre

Nov 21 Shenandoah Caverns, VA - Shenandoah Jamoboree at the Yellow Barn

Nov 28 Myrtle Beach, SC - South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival

Dec 14 Weyers Cave, VA - Weyers Cave Community Center

*The Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour