It is hard to imagine that 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the Loretta Lynn song that became a book, a feature film, and an indelible part of popular culture. Like so many other songs written by Lynn, the lyrics told the story of her life and
Read MoreWhen you think about Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and its legacy, you cannot help but think of Pete Stamper. At the age of 89, Wallace Logan “Pete” Stamper passed away on June 8, 2020. On what would have been his 90th birthday on July 25th, friends and family members gathered
Read MoreFor over four decades, chart-topping singer/songwriter Gary Brewer has turned heads with his hard-driving sound and attention-capturing voice, which encompasses a variety of Bluegrass, Roots and Gospel influences. In celebration of the momentous milestone, Gary Brewer & The Kentucky Ramblers are excited to announce the commencement of their 40th Anniversary Celebration Tour, which will
Read MoreToday, the Kentucky Department of Tourism announces that their 2020 Official Visitor’s Guide cover will feature Taylorsville, Kentucky native, and Nashville country music recording artist JD Shelburne. Known for his unwavering work ethic, the announcement comes on the heels of Shelburne wrapping up a very busy 2019 tour schedule, performing
Read MoreIf you are a fan of traditional Appalachian music, you will enjoy learning about how to make a traditional mountain banjo. The Kentucky Historical Society will be hosting a special 2-day workshop event with professional woodworker and sculptor, J. Daniel Graham. The event will take place at the Thomas D.
Read MoreOne of the early banjo pioneers in Kentucky country and folk music would be that of Laurel County native, Dora Mae Woodall Wagers. Dora Mae Woodall Wagers was born on July 14, 1927, in Laurel County, Kentucky, to Harry and Nancy Woodall. She was raised in the community of Hazel
Read MoreIn 1939, John Lair founded Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, nestled along the rolling hills off US-25 in Rockcastle County. Prior to major interstate construction, travelers would arrive by horses and family cars to listen to the sounds of country, bluegrass, and gospel. Renfro Valley would become known at the Country
Read MoreKeith Whitley has been added as a special exhibit with the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville beginning May 3, 2019. The Sandy Hook, Kentucky, native has influenced so many over multiple generations of music in bluegrass and country genres. The exhibit encompasses Whitley’s entire career, from his bluegrass
Read MoreHere are a few notable things that happened during the month of October in Kentucky Country Music History: Oct 1, 1935: Singer/guitarist Ray Sanders is born in St. John, Kentucky. He lands on the country charts more than 10 times in the 1960s and ’70s as an artist and plays
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