Archive for January, 2016

If you love the Amazing Tanya Tucker as much as I do, you have to see this interview! Unfortunately for me, my cable company does not carry this channel:(

ICONIC COUNTRY QUEEN TANYA TUCKER SITS DOWN WITH DAN RATHER FOR AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF THE BIG INTERVIEW, ON TUES., FEB. 2, AT 8pE Groundbreaking country queen Tanya Tucker joins Dan Rather in an all-new episode of THE BIG INTERVIEW, premiering Tuesday, February 2, at 8pE. During the intimate hour-long discussion, the beloved singer, songwriter, and former child star opens up about her battle with depression, overcoming a disfiguring chemical peel in 2008, and how her faith has helped her heal. Candidly addressing her struggles with depression, which she has dealt with for much of her adult life, Tucker reveals, “I got really depressed, and clinically depressed… I’d lost both of my parents. When I lost my dad, that was pretty rough, in ’06. It was Thanksgiving morning. But, when my mother went, it was just double… It was years… And then, I got to thinking, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ ‘Cause I’m the life of the party, it don’t start ‘til I get there. It just cut me off at my knees, and I just didn’t understand why this was happening to me. And, so, here comes the pills and all this, and I’ve gotta take all these pills every day, and then shock treatments…. I tried all kinds of things. I made a trip to the crazy house [for] a couple days. I couldn’t handle it, though… But, I tried everything, because I wanted to be better… And [I’m] still trying. It’s something I’ve not conquered yet, but I’ve come a long ways.” Speaking about the botched facial treatment that left a lasting impact on her voice, Tucker says, “I wanted to get a chemical peel on my face. It’s a normal [procedure], it’s not even a hospital stay. They caught the laser on fire with the oxygen… the only thing I remember hearing is, ‘Get the ambulance, we’ve got a fire.’ [I had] second and third-degree burns from here down on my face, and then the flames went up into my nose and down into my lungs. It definitely changed my voice… I can tell because I’m a singer. I know how I sound, how I feel when I’m singing. It was the worst thing… I was just saying, ‘God, why me?’” She describes the period of time that followed the incident as “A lot of lonely time spent in bed, not talking to anybody, not living life at all.” But, she found great comfort in her faith, which she credits with helping her to effectively deal with the trauma. Tucker explains, “That’s probably what helped me the most. I went to a monastery right outside of Aspen. I went, really, for a friend… she had went to this monastery where there’s 20 monks, right outside of Aspen. And I really connected with it. When you have 20 women praying, laying their hands on you, and saying prayers for you, it’s pretty powerful. Very powerful. I found some sort of a strength there, and I’m going back again this year.” To see more of this insightful episode, be sure to tune in to THE BIG INTERVIEW on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 8pE, only on AXS TV. THE BIG INTERVIEW airs every Tuesday at 8pE, only on AXS TV.

Source: AXS TV

Miranda debuted this new song, Scars at her recent show at City Winery in Nashville. She has actually known the song for 15 years since her longtime bandmate, Scotty Wray, wrote it. Until now, Miranda didn’t feel she could really convey the full emotion in the song’s lyrics. “I was never damaged enough to sing a song called ‘Scars,’” Miranda told the audience before her performance. “It’s something you have to sell and really feel and really live and go through shit to basically execute a song like that. Every time he sings I’ve cried for the last 15 years. So, I’m gonna try to sing it tonight and hopefully put it on a record some day.” The song’s lyrics talk about being open and honest about all the scars you’ve earned over time after facing heartbreak. One standout line says, “I’ve lived enough to know not to hide them anymore.”

Source: Rare Country

Here’s why we love Imelda!

 Limerick Leader reports A YOUNG Limerick woman’s dance moves have gone viral on social media after she stole the show at an Imelda May concert. Maura Ryan, aged 26, is a massive fan of the Dublin-born rockabilly singer. The Cappamore lady, who is a member of Down Syndrome Limerick, attended the show in the INEC in Killarney with mum Mary and sister Caitriona. Maura was dressed to impress in a polka dot 1950s dress and even had her hair styled like Imelda’s famous quiff. But when the moment came to strut her stuff she wasn’t afraid to let her hair down.

Imelda and Maura

Maura has met Imelda at a number of concerts in the last couple of years and when the singer recognised her, she said: “We need to find a way to get you up here on stage”. Caitriona, sister, said Maura was delighted to get the opportunity to perform with her hero. She is such a big fan that she even attended one concert while her back was in a brace. “Lots of willing volunteers helped to lift Maura up and the rest is history. She stole the show. What followed was a dance-off between the two. Maura has a big passion for dance and Imelda gave her a bit of space to dance. It was phenomenal. “

After the show so many people in the INEC came up to Maura complimenting her and shaking her hand – she even posed for some photographs. “After the excitement Maura kept saying ‘I did it, I did It!’ It was very clear that this really made her night. She was very at home on stage thanks to Imelda. The crowd’s reaction was unreal , it was just a great moment. “Our hearts were bursting with pride , it was a great start to the New Year,” said Caitriona, who recorded it on her phone and was encouraged to share it. The talent, energy and joy displayed in Maura’s performance has certainly struck a chord with over 100,000 views and counting. Some even thought it was rehearsed and planned because it was so perfect. “We are delighted with the feedback from our decision to share it. Maura’s Downs is only one part of her. A lot of families would be in a similar position and could identify with this. And particularly for parents of new born children wondering what is ahead. “Maura has always enjoyed social occasions and outings. She is a very resilient and vibrant young lady, we think she is a great advocate for Down Syndrome adults nationwide,” said Caitriona. Due to her dance moves it is no surprise that Maura never misses Down Syndrome Limerick’s hip hop and drama classes every Saturday. Caitriona wished to say a massive thank you to Imelda May for making it all happen. “She is such a lady to consider Maura and give her that attention and time. It made the night and kicked off 2016 brilliantly for us,” said Caitriona. Two weeks on from New Year’s Eve the proud sister says Maura is still on cloud nine. “She is good at technology and has the video on her phone. She loves showing the video when she meets people,” concluded Cait-riona.

If you are a fan of Howard Stern, you know he is NOT a fan of country music except for Willie Nelson. But today he was raving about Chris Stapleton. Let’s hope he gets Chris on the show ASAP. Anyway, here is what he had to say about Chris this morning.

Howard: Ok I want to mention a guy who I had no idea, now I was watching the John Lennon tribute and like this Charlie Daniels looking (MF) was up there singing with a big belly, big ZZ Top beard, big cowboy hat. You know this guy? I’m talking about Chris Stapleton.
Well, you know I was watching it and I said to myself, boy this guy is good. But I never mentioned that he was THAT good because I was like I don’t know who this guy is. I’ve already mentioned like five people from the show. Nobody cares about it. I was like why am I talking about the John Lennon tribute show that no one cares about? Why am I bringing this up? It makes no sense. But this guy with the big belly and the beard and everything, I was like wow this guy is pretty good he must be some kind of country act. But anyway, Bob Lefsetz, again I read his column he mentioned how great Chris Stapleton was, it turns out Chris Stapleton was on SNL. I didn’t watch it yet. But he was talking about how this guy is so like old school rock n roll that he didn’t even look into the camera when he was performing He didnt give a Sh@# He’s way into the music and everything. And I have to agree. Now I like this guy. Is he a country artist or what? I might have to go and listen to this guys album. You know who this guy is, Fred?

Fred: NO.

Robin: I never saw such a big cowboy hat, and a big duster coat.

Howard: Yeah and I’m sure he’s packing heat under that coat. It looks like he’s got a shotgun or a 9 mm glock. I mean who knows what he is up to! You know he’s somewhere in a backyard shooting cans and targets. He dresses a lot like Imus or Wolfman Jack. Fred play this guy, you might dig this guy. He’s country but he’s okay.

Fred: He’s the new style, new breed.

Howard: Yeah, right. He’s like an Eagles kind of guy. He’s got a nice voice. This is from SNL? Yeah cause he kept moving away from the mic so much you couldn’t even hear him.

Robin: See I didn’t think they knew they were on. I thought, did they think they were rehearsing?

Howard: He thought it was a dress rehearsal cause he kept moving away from the mic. I wanted to say get close to the mic. He’s a good guitar player too cause he plays lead and rhythm. 

Fred: He has a benji beard.

Howard: Anyway he is actually pretty good. I might actually listen to his album if I can hack it. I really don’t like country music but he seems like someone I might be able to get into.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get stranger! Here we go! Lucy de Barbin now claims Elvis was murdered! And not surprisingly the 79 year old is planning a new book and documentary about Elvis’ final days.
Back in 1987, de Barbin wrote a book with a National Enquirer reporter called, Are You Lonesome Tonight? In which she claimed to have had a 24 year love affair with Elvis. And that her daughter Desiree was Elvis’ child.
The Enquirer describes de Barbin as currently a belligerent and elderly woman who must get police to break up numerous domestic squabbles with her daughter Desiree. Living as a recluse in Dallas.
In the 1987 book, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Lucy claims that just days before his sudden death, Elvis told her, “I want you to be my wife. Will you do that?”
Lucy claimed that mere days before Elvis’ death on Aug. 16, 1977 at the age of 42, she was planning to leave her husband so she could finally be with Elvis and introduce him to then-18-year-old Desiree.
“I’ve planned on leaving him (my husband) for a long time — I do want to be with you,” she supposedly told Elvis, according to the book, which was serialized in The ENQUIRER.
“I knew I could finally tell him about our daughter, Desiree. I’d bring Desiree to Graceland with me.”
But that never happened since EP passed away. How unlucky! Bad timing or perfect timing? Lucy now claims Elvis’ death was, in reality, murder! She maintains the cause was to block Desiree from gaining access to Elvis’ estate.
“We’re making a (documentary) about his murder,” she revealed to The ENQUIRER, pressing her index finger against her lips, indicating she didn’t want to discuss the matter anymore.
Lucy was once a beautiful, 17-year-old French dancer when she claims to have first met Elvis in 1953. For the next 24 years, she claims they enjoyed a secret, sporadic affair that produced Desiree, whom she never revealed was his child.
The Enquirer reports, “While Lucy has downplayed the domestic dispute allegations with Desiree, she’s more intent on slamming Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley for refusing to acknowledge Desiree, now 57, as Elvis’ offspring.”
“They have never tried to contact her!” an angry Lucy wailed. “The estate has not helped Desiree at all. But that’s okay; she has a life. She is married to a wonderful man and has a big family.”

Happy Birthday Dolly! She turned 70 on January 19, 2016! Here is Dolly and Willie Nelson
singing Happy Birthday Baby!

Jan. 19, 1946— Dolly Parton is born in Sevier County.

1956— Parton performs on “The Cas Walker Show” on WIVK Radio and WBIR-TV

1959— Dolly performs for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry alongside her uncle Bill Owens.

May 30, 1966— Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean were married in Georgia.

1967–Dolly offered a regular spot on “The Porter Wagoner Show.”

1974— “I Will Always Love You” goes No. 1 on country chart.

February 1974— “Jolene” tops country chart.

Oct. 13, 1975— Dolly Parton is named the CMA female vocalist of the year.

1976-1977— Parton has syndicated television variety show “Dolly!”

Jan. 19, 1977— Dolly Parton appears on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” for the first time.

Feb. 15, 1979— Dolly Parton wins first Grammy Award. Parton won for best female country vocal performance for her “Here You Come Again” album.

Dec. 19, 1980— “9 to 5” movie is released.

1981— “9 to 5” reaches No. 1 on the pop, adult-contemporary and country charts.

1986— Dollywood theme park opens.

Nov. 22, 1989— “Steel Magnolias” released.

Sept. 22, 1999— Dolly Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

April 14, 2004— Parton accepted the Living Legend Medal from the Library of Congress.

 Feb. 13, 2011— “Joyful Noise” released.

 July 25, 2015— Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort opens in Pigeon Forge.

 Dec. 8, 2015— Dolly performs “Coat of Many Colors” on “The Voice.”

 Dec. 10, 2015— “Coat of Many Colors” airs on NBC.

 Dolly time line source – WBIR


Hank Williams Jr. discusses his latest album, “It’s About Time,”and its inspiration with co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Michelle Collins. He also talks about following in the footsteps of his famous father Hank Williams and how his children are also getting involved in the music business. Watch “The View” WEEKDAYS at 11e|10c|p.

The National Enquirer reported on January 8th that Elvis Presley “supposedly” fathered SEVEN children aside from his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley now 47. The gossip magazine claims they have conducted an exhaustive two-year worldwide investigation into Elvis’ missing family. And the astonishing findings have been verified by DNA tests, birth certificates, personal correspondence, check receipts and witness testimony! The Enquirer goes on to “supposedly” reveals the names and details of Elvis’ lost boys and girls.

1987 book 

In MY PERSONAL OPINION, with over 26 years in the Elvis World, I personally DO NOT believe any of this! It’s laughable.There are some names in this “bombshell” report that many long time fans will recognize from past scandals. Remember Lucy de Barbin and her daughter Desiree? They published the book, Are You Lonesome Tonight? in 1987. Here’s what the Enquirer says about this supposed “love child”,

Desiree Romaine Presley, 57: This statuesque former model lives in L.A., and was born after Elvis plunged into a secret 24-year affair with Lucy de Barbin. Desiree’s mom met Elvis at a 1953 party near Shreveport when he was on tour. Desiree’s birth certificate lists her father as Randolph Presley, a 30-year-old civil engineer at Oklahoma City’s Tinker Air Force Base — but the military has no record of such a person!



Second and this name might be more well known to fans, Lisa Johansen, The Enquirer says this about Lisa 47, This woman remains one of Elvis’ most bizarre mysteries. Lisa Johansen is a married mother-of-four has a law degree and lives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She claims that she was spirited out of Graceland after Elvis’ Aug. 16, 1977, death for security reasons when she was just nine years old. She insists she was taken to Sweden and replaced by an imposter — who later became Lisa Marie! A trove of photos reveal Lisa continued a relationship with the Presley clan after her time at Graceland. One snapshot shows her with Priscilla’s late brother, Tom Beaulieu. In another, three of her children are with Priscilla and Priscilla’s mother, Ann Beaulieu! 

I hear the Twilight Zone theme, don’t you? As for her photos with the Priscilla’s family, ANYONE can get those! Most of us fans have them because the family is so accessible to the fans. They love meeting fans from all over the world. This proves NOTHING to me! I can tell you about recent court cases in which a photo of Priscilla Presley was used and it proved NOTHING! People sometimes approach the family under false pretenses.

Now here are the others, from the National Enquirer two year worldwide investigation:




John Smith, 54: This country singer, songwriter and author actually became part of the Presley clan! He was the result of an affair with Zona Marie Anderson Roach — who was Elvis’ cousin by marriage — in July 1961. At 16 months, John was adopted by Ira Dee Smith, brother of Elvis’ mother, Gladys. He lives in Scottsdale, Ariz. Dennis or John?

Candy Jo Fuller, 58: This former country singer in Seward County, Neb., is the daughter of Gloria Lahrs, a Shreveport actress who used the stage name “Terri Taylor.” After a 1957 concert, she took Elvis and his band to her mother’s restaurant to eat. Later, she and Elvis left the band behind, went to the King’s hotel and made love. Elvis’ cousin Gene Smith has recalled “Terri Taylor and her romance with Elvis.” 



Dieter, 56: This mystery man came from a conventional one-night-stand after Elvis arrived in Germany in October 1958 as part of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Division. His mom, Ingrid, was just 16 when she met the singer in town and later visited his rented home in Bad Nauheim. Dieter insists DNA tests prove he’s the music legend’s son! He’s thrived as a businessman and self-made millionaire in Frankfurt, Germany, and asked that his last name be withheld. 

The ENQUIRER reports Elvis “supposedly” watched over his kids from afar — and often gave them secret financial and career support. Dieter, for example, said he came from a wealthy family — yet, mysteriously, his adoptive father never had a well-paying job!

If EP KNEW about his “SUPPOSED” Kids, he would have provided for them in his will. Elvis was a family man and that is said without any doubt in my opinion.

Leroy Kuzma, 33 (deceased): This young man grew up in Texas, settled in southern California and tragically died in 1994. Elvis met Leroy’s mom, Margot Heine Kuzma, in a Frankfurt café where she was singing in August of 1959. The pair enjoyed steamy meetings in an apartment Elvis rented for her, she claimed.



We all know the minute Elvis met Priscilla in Germany, they spent much of Elvis’ free time together and he had Anita here back at home. What bothers me most with this story is, in my personal opinion, none of them look ANYTHING like Elvis. And I am being polite here;)

It’s a very easy story to say while EP was in Germany or on the road, any of this could have possibly happened. But it’s obvious by looking at Elvis’ legitimate daughter, Lisa Marie Presley that his genes are very strong! 

You see similar far fetched stories pop up with Elvis memorabilia, I am using examples, nothing Specific.
Let’s say for example a radio, a shirt, a teddy bear will pop up for sale with a story that Elvis came outside his home in Germany to sign autographs and gave this away to a sweet little lady or fellow soldier. Similar stories from the road, Vegas, and  Memphis. In this day and age, you can not just believe a story or a photo. Take for example, a photo of someone with the Presley family does not mean they are friends or endorsed by the Presley’s. 

I haven’t seen any mind blowing evidence here.

 So to sum this up…..Impossible? No. Possible?  Highly doubtable, in my opinion

If you would like to read more, Click Here

Source: National Enquirer

Another more in depth article can be found here

Betty Harper

For more information on Betty’s amazing artwork, please visit her site here

Pet Milk Grand Ole Opry, August 30, 1961 “She records for the Mercury people. And Shelby, her little husband, 290 lbs of dynamite, ha…little. He said he would love to have Margie as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry show”