The Paisley Fields • Not Gonna Be Friends

I have been meaning to catch up with The Paisley Fields here on the blog, but due to being a bit of a scatter-brain for the year-to-date, it has slipped by. Never one to totally give up, I am taking the opportunity now to share with you their latest music video, one I live very much. But first, I would introduce you to the band, and the members plying their trade. The Paisley Fields is, at its heart, a Country band, but with some special trimming. Their inspiration comes from Dolly Parton, Elton John, Tom Waits and Elvis Presley, proving to have a Country core with Pop sensibilities. But truly at the core are James Wilson, on vocals and keyboards, Jessica Kimple and Cassie Naaktgeboren on vocals, Joe Kimple on guitar, Rob Knopper on drums, and Ryan Pearson on bass. I enjoy the music they make, and am in love with their latest single, "Not Gonna Be Friends". Lucky for us all, it is also the latest music video from the band.

Not only do I love the title, but I am also crazy about the song. "Not Gonna Be Friends" was written by James Wilson, who has already been names a two-time ASCAP songwriters’ award winner. It tackles a feeling most of us know just a bit too well. You know, when the relationship is over, and he wants to be friends, but at that moment, you have absolutely no desire to see him with anyone else. Time might make it easier, and often does. But while it is still fresh, the feelings are just a bit too raw. This is the music video for "Not Gonna Be Friends", featuring the band, and some hot boys 'living' the story.

I have to say, this song is part of my summer playlist, and just love when it comes on. You can purchase "Not Gonna Be Friends" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about The Paisley Fields, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

Drake Jensen • Here Comes Santa Claus

Last week, I mentioned that hunky Drake Jensen had a brand new holiday song hitting the airwaves. Great news, everyone, for this week, I can talk about an old favorite make new once more. Drake put his own spin on the song, offering up even more charm for this darling song. It was written by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman, and first released by Autry in 1947. It quickly became a classic, and was recorded by many of the biggest names in music, including Doris Day and Elvis Presley. And now, we can add Jensen's name to the list. This is Drake Jensen singing "Here Comes Santa Claus".

Learn how to get a song on iTunes at ReverbNation.com

I can't listen to it without smiling from down deep. There is a wonderful sweetness and love in Drake's vocals, and I just can't get enough of them! "Here Comes Santa Claus" can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You can purchase Drake's 2012 holiday release, 'Christmas At Home', from iTunes and CD Baby. For more information about Drake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Drake on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. To check out his most recent music video, for "Live Every Day (Like It Was Christmas Day)", click here.

Kings • Bones

The last month has been a very good one for me, at least when it comes to music. Several new voices came into my life, most of whom I am so very grateful. One of those is Kings, a Country trio who found their way to me via my buddy, J.D. Doyle. the 'curator' at Queer Music History, suggested they contact me, and the next thing I knew, I had a Facebook message from Robert Maril, giving me a link to the music. Maril plays with Emily Bielagus and Steph Bishop, making up Kings, a band with an intoxicating sound. With harmonies tighter than Dolly Parton's brassiere, and strings that can soar or ground the song with amazing ease, Kings make ear candy I want to gobble up, but instead learn to savor. That is the simple lesson I learned when I listened to their EP, 'Bones'.

Robert, Emily, and Steph have released 'Bones', which kicks off with the breathtaking harmonies on "Western Sky", which combines Country with a splash of jazz, showcasing the vocal prowess of the trio. There is a wonderful quality in those vocals, exposing the remarkable co-existence of pain and hope. The brisk rhythm of the acoustic guitar brings us to "Wake Up Scared", a place far too many people have found themselves over time. As we all search for a place to be, without feeling fear. Check the song out for yourself.

There is a true simple beauty to "Carry Me Home", a heartfelt and honest song that utilizes harmonies and a Dobro guitar to enrich the colors of the picture. This gives was to "That's Fine", a song that lives on the intersection of Tin Pan Alley and Honky-tonk Boulevard. There is a wonderful lightness to the jingling bounce, giving life to that feeling of fresh love. Hit play, and try to not smile like a young fool in love.

From the start of "Wolf at the Door", I had this palpable feeling since I first hit play. It occurred to me right away the Kings were the bastard children of Peter, Paul & Mary and the Dixie Chicks, weaving a strong message in a beautiful aural landscape, using harmonies to brush on the strong strokes of a deft artist. They can turn pain to joy, and go back again with a simple phrase, with an astonishing ease. I can't tell you how much this group impressed me on this debut. They stay true to their music, a look toward the Roots, while never feeling old nor dated. There is both a freshness and honesty present, something that cannot be faked. I can easily hit play with the repeat loop on, just loving life. 'Bones' can be purchased from iTunes and Bandcamp. To learn more about Kings, visit their official website. You can also "like" them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

Fuzz Face • Fuzz Face EP

Chris, Matt and Sam of Fuzz Face.

Sometimes I just get so excited, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. As I type this post, I am experiencing that, and on many levels. When I first heard of Fuzz Face, I was listening to JD Doyle's OUTRadio broadcast for August 2013, he interviewed Samuel Damewood, and played some of the songs. I was instantly engaged by the fun, bold, frank, and bawdy band. Before the segment was over, I was on iTunes, buying the 2013 EP. The band referred to themselves as "the south's loudest and proudest queer alt folk rock band". The Nashville-based band are: Sam on violin, fiddle and vocals; Matt on guitar and vocals; Chris with percussion and vocals; and Lucian on the Dobro and electric guitar. Sam and Matt were at the creative core of the band, writing the music and taking most of the lead vocals. So what could have me riding the roller coaster of emotions? As I was preparing to post about the music that was giving me such great joy had decided to call it a day. Yes, it seems Fuzz Face are no more. But you know something, I am still gonna talk about the great music they made, and tell you that this EP should be in your music collection. Like now. Yes, it is that good.

Shots from live shows.

So now I am going to talk about the music, which is what enchanted me to begin with. The five-song EP starts out with the strains of a violin that soon gives way to a driving percussive beat, and Sam's voice singing about the inherent need to cover up a sexy, hairy chest. Yes, that is the dialog on "Button Up Boy", a bold and suggestive anthem to male sensuality, and how we are perceived affects us. There is something inherently soft and aching to "Old Man". There are wonderful harmonies in the chorus, where the lyrics allow us in on the intimate nature of the song. From the opening bars of "Cowboy", there is no mistaking the hard-driving Country sound those boys are making. You can listen to all the reasons they want a Country man in their lives...

There is another bold Country sound for "Furry Belly", a look at all the joys and distractions of going Bear hunting. Kind of like a Mardis Gras tradition in Bear bars, the boys are looking to get some fur exposed! "Came Out Hard" slows thing down the tempo, but ups the sexy greatly. There is a breathy, whispering quality at times that will give way to a throaty exclamation, which certainly is familiar, isn't it? Only with greater instrumental accompaniment. Here is a live performance of Matt and Sam playing "Old Man", the second cut on the EP.

The five songs on the EP are amazing individually, and collectively show a great range of talent. It is one of the saddest part about the breakup, but on the bright side, I still have this EP, and can play it all I want. And I have played it repeatedly, and it only gets better. I can't pick a favorite, for each song speaks to be in one way or another. Since the band has broken up, the official website has been taken down. So to learn more about Fuzz Face, visit their page on Facebook, or their page on ReverbNation. You can purchase the Fuzz Face EP from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

Drake Jensen • Fast Enough For Me

Drake Jensen has just released his latest music video, set to the rollicking tune off his latest album, 'Outlaw'. "Fast Enough For Me" was written by Jensen, along with Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham, and is filled with all kinds of joy. The uptempo song shows off a sassier side to Drake's voice, which handles it with ease. But the music video also leaves no room to argue Drake is far from running away from being an out and proud artist, as well as one with a fantastic sense of humor. And sexy. One can't forget the sexy... But anyway, here is the music video for "Fast Enough For Me" by Drake Jensen, off his latest release.

Whether it makes things even sexier or sweeter, the kiss at the end with between Drake and his husband/manager, Sean Michael Morin. I think I will go with the former, as Drake and Sean are a handsome couple. 'Outlaw' is available on iTunes and Amazon. I have the album, and just love it. Even now, almost five months after it was released, 'Outlaw' still warms my heart. For more information about Drake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Drake on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter.

Bobbie Gentry • Ode To Billie Joe

Bobbie Gentry produced her first song in 1967. The song, "Mississippi Delta", was a Country Rock song, but it wasn't released as a single. In fact, it was the flip side of her second single, which is truly more well known. She Bobbie also wrote "Ode To Billie Joe", a song that was more like Tennessee Williams than Country Music, telling the dark tale of of Southern life, where a young boy throws himself off the Tallahatchie Bridge after being seen on the bridge with a young woman, looking much like the narrator of the song, throwing something into the river. The song became a big hit, going to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Please enjoy this live performance of "Ode to Billie Joe".

While Bobbie Gentry became a hero to many female singer/songwriters, "Ode to Billie Joe" was her only real hit. A few of her duets with Glenn Campbell made it into the Top 40, but by 1978, she decided to retire form the music business, and the public eye. In 1991, one of the songs she wrote and sang was covered by a Country superstar who had a hit with it. Reba McEntire released her version of "Fancy", another dark story of Southern life, this one where a mother sends her daughter off to work as a prostitute. But still, it is "Ode to Billie Joe" that will be the lasting legacy of Bobbie Gentry.

Mark Weigle • I Confess and Others

From the photo shoot for the album cover, 'Different and the Same'.

I am just in the mood to revisit some music I dearly love, and an artist I respect so much but hardly get the chance to talk about any more. I speak of Mark Weigle, an amazingly talented singer/songwriter, who retired from the music business in 2007, after releasing six great albums since his 1998 debut. His is the music that makes me happy, touches my heart, brings a tear to my eye, and yearn for love, sometimes all in the same song. There is a wonderful richness to his voice, the tone remarkable. He made music that was not always easy to categorize, often blurring the lines between Folk, Country, and Pop. Whenever I start listening to him, I tell myself it has been too long, no matter how long it has been. His voice wraps me in a warm embrace, and his honesty reminds me to live my life not quite as safely as I might want to, so I can strive to live life as open as I can.

Mark Weigle with JD Doyle at a rodeo in Texas.

I think I first discovered Mark's music through JD Doyle and his Queer Music Heritage website. JD has long been a a curator of sorts, for the music of LGBT artists. I've discovered many through him, as was the case with Weigle. I can't remember exactly when I discovered the music, but I do remember being hooked instantly, and purchasing all the music I could on iTunes. Soon, I was eagerly awaiting the next release, more music to enjoy. I was addicted, and couldn't shake it. As I am at a loss for words as I try to explain how his music makes me feel, I sahll let Mark himself do the talking. Man, I just love his 1998 debut album, 'The Truth Is'. There is plenty to love, from his beautiful "Two Cowboy Waltz" to the breathtaking "Take Your Shoulder From The Wheel", and the stunning "I Confess". There is an honesty to his song, and a truly touching nature. On this song, Mark smooths over the distinctions of Folk and Country to create this gem. This is "I Confess".

Fast forward five years, and we find Mark releasing his third studio album, 'Out of the Loop'. On that album, Mark did a posthumous duet the Steve Grossman on the late singer/songwriters wonderful song, "Out". You could also find his delicious homage to sexy men in "Bears", as well as the touching "Blue Eyes To Brown Eyes". But I chose to share with you a bold and beautiful Country song, "In the Last 5 Minutes", the first track off the 2002 album. This is a song that just does my heart good.

The following year, Weigle released another album. 'Different and the Same' had a slightly different sound for Weigle, incorporating more of a Pop flavor than the three that came before it. The album featured several covers, like "867-5309/Jenny", the fun song by Tommy Tutone. Only Weigle adapted it to be "867-5309/Jimmy". And his take on the iconic song from the Jackson 5, "ABC", and it became "AZT", a song featuring the daily schedule of an HIV positive person. He also did a brilliant cover of "Love Song to a Stranger", written by the great Joan Baez. But toady, I decided to offer you his version of "A Different Kind of Gone", a song written by the gifted Mary Gauthier.

The album 'The Truth Is' can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. The album 'Out Of The Loop' can also be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. The album 'Different and the Same' can also be found on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. For more about Mark, you can 'like' him on Facebook. I still hold out hope that Mark will come out of retirement, even if for just one last tour. I've not seen him live, and it remains one of those things on my bucket list. After listening to these songs, I bet you are feeling the same way.

Drake Jensen • OUTlaw

Drake Jensen is taking the Country music scene by storm, and the great music on his new release, 'OUTlaw' makes me believe he is showing no signs of letting up off the gas. The eleven-song collection features ten brand new songs, as well as a single that was released last year to raise money for charity. Drake is an out and proud gay Canadian man, one who loves to make Country music. With the new release, Drake ventures into more commercial territory, following the very personal 'On My Way To Finding You'. As I listen, I was getting that big stadium feel rather than the coffeehouse confessional. Drake's voice caters to both, easily moving between sensitive and bombastic, soaring or a whisper. From the opening sound of the guitar on the first cut of 'OUTlaw', you know what you are getting into with Drake. "When It Hurts Like That" is a Country song through and through, soudning ready for radio play on any Country or Crossover station out there. Here is the music video for "When It Hurts Like That".

While you might be afraid that song set the bar too high, "Fast Enough For Me" comes on and you know there is much more to come. This uptempo number takes on the thoughts of an adult looking at their life, and realizing they are doing pretty well. Up next is a different sound, with the drums driving the slow beat of "Checotah, Oklahoma". Checotah, perhaps best known as the hometown of Country Superstar and former American Idol Carrie Underwood, is a small town, whee life is much more simple, and "every cowboy has a story" to tell. I love the guitar work on it, and Drake's vocals, delivered with just the right about of ache. There is just something so damn pretty about "Crazy Beautiful", which starts with a light sound, building to the chorus. This ballad pulls you in, ready to take the journey as far as Drake will take you. There are such sweet, touching moments, as well as the soaring that scoops up my heart to fly with Drake in the chorus. Speaking of sweet, there is just an inherent charm and warmth to "Leave the Healing to Me", a love song with amazing depth. That is followed by "Scars", which was released last year as a single to raise money for an organization working to fight bullying. Here is a great acoustic version by Drake. The into by Drake tells you much about this wonderful song.

Next up, "Vega Star" picks up the tempo and reminds me of another song that should be on the radio. It is wonderfully orchestrated, and Drake's voice stays ahead of the big production with a strength that is clear. I enjoyed this one very much. "I Don't Want To Know" slows it down, and has more of a Classic Country sound, with distinctive steel guitar painting the atmosphere. But it is Drake who puts on the finishing touches, adding a voice with just the right amount of longing to the song, a look at the world we know live in post 9/11. The piano drives the opening of "Every Other Day", before Drake takes over, bringing the ache to the heart of the song. The longing for lost love is palpable in the vocals. I will admit I had no idea what to expect from a song with the title "Midnight Forest Cricket Chorus", none whatsoever. But it opens with such charm, and just makes me smile from deep down. There is a wonderful sweetness, an inherent innocence to the song, I could play it over and over again. The album comes to an end with "Be", with Drake making the statement about the "the man I'm meant to be," which takes on so much meaning when being sung by an out artist. But it also stands on its own as a song about really trying to define your own existence, by acknowledging you are the trying to be the best you that it is possible to be. And that is just what we all need to "Be".

'OUTlaw' is a complete album, leading the listener on an emotional journey of acceptance and appreciation for you, exactly as you are. No one needs to strive to be a star, or the latest 'it' family on a reality television show. Just be yourself, and bring happiness with you. 'OUTlaw' is available on iTunes and Amazon. For more information about Drake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Drake on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter.

Drake Jensen featuring Willam • Stand By Your Man

Somehow, I managed to miss posting this when it was first released, but now figure it would make a great Christmas present - Drake Jensen could stuff my stocking any day. It seems that only recently, Country singer Drake Jensen recorded "Stand By Your Man" with a very special guest. No, it wasn't with Tammy Wynette, who co-wrote the song with Billy Sherrill and had a megahit in 1968. Instead, drake had a duet with Willam Belli, the sassy contestant on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drage Race'. Together, they make beautiful music, as well as an extremely entertaining music video.

You can purchase a copy for just 99 cents at iTunes and Amazon. And let me know when Drake might be looking for a new man to stand by... To learn more about Willam, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Willam on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. For more information about Drake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Drake on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter.

Great Music from Emmylou Harris

I have gone far too long without showcasing the great talents of the amazing Emmylou Harris. I have so much respect for her for so many different reasons, the first and foremost being her incredible gift, that gorgeous singing voice. She has a remarkable, crystalline tone, seemingly never veering off whether singing harmony or taking the lead on the melody. That has been the case for the last five decades, and shows no signs of it being different any time soon. Raised in a military family, Harris moved around a bit after being born in Birmingham, Alabama. While attending college in Greensboro, North Carolina, her interest in music grew, studying the music of the great Folk artists like Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. She left school to pursue a career in music in New York City, and soon found herself a single mother, having divorced her first husband. She moved back with her parents, now living in a suburb of Washington, DC. After a time to settle in, Harris began performing once again, and it wasn't long before she was noticed. Soon she was working with Gram Parsons, touring and recording with him. This was really Emmylou's introduction to Country music, as Parsons was noted for his Country, stylized with Blues and Rock influences. However, when Parsons died in 1973 of an accidental overdose, Harris was deeply hurt, but translated that into her music, writing "Boulder To Birmingham", an early signature song. But it was also time for a new direction for Harris, and industry insiders took notice of her work, and soon she was under contract with Reprise Records. And that lead to her solo debut, 'Pieces of the Sky'.

'Pieces of the Sky' was released in 1975, and was a stunningly beautiful album. There is such purity in Harris' vocals, and such an honesty in her delivery, it is hard not to fall in love. One of the great songs included on the album was "Too Far Gone", written by Billy Sherrill, best known for his work with the great Tammy Wynette. This is a gorgeous song, and was her first single. Although it didn't connect with the public in the 1975 release, it was re-released in 1978, and made it to #13 on the Billboard Country chart.

In December of 1975, Harris' sophomore effort hit the stores. 'Elite Hotel' was a great collection that featured two #1 singles on the Country charts, and three that made it to the Top 3. The first was "Together Again", written by the legendary Buck Owens. "One of These Days" made it to #3, solidifying Emmylou's position as a star on the rise.

The third single off the album was "Sweet Dreams", the great song written by Don Gibson, and originally made famous by the immortal Patsy Cline. While many would try to stay away from the shadow cast by Cline, it was not a problem for Harris, whose great version made it to #1 on the Billboard Country chart.

But sometimes, it is not just the chart-topping songs that take notice. Emmylou garnered attention when she recorded "Here, There and Everywhere", part of the great catalog of Lennon/McCartney songs, although it is rumored to be written by Paul McCartney, and credited to him and his Beatles partner. It appeared on the 1966 album, 'Revolver' before it was a part of the album by Harris. But Harris gave her own interpretation of the song, and showed off her ability to take a standard not written for the Country audience, yet give it new life.

In 1979, Harris released 'Blue Kentucky Girl', her fifth studio album with Warner Brothers/Reprise. Between the fourth, 'Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town' and 'Blue Kentucky Girl', she moved toward a more traditional Country direction. She also enlisted some of her friends to support her on the album, including Tanya Tucker, Don Everly, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt.

And while Emmylou continued to write and record her own music, she never stayed away from taking on an older song. One of those songs was the iconic "Save The Last Dance For Me", written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, and made famous in the 1960 recording by The Drifters, featuring the lead vocals of Ben E. King.

I will admit I first came into contact with her on her work with Linda Ronstadt, one of my all-time favorite vocalists. She would often sing harmonies on her albums, a wonderful collaboration. And it is hard to ignore the Emmylou joined forces with Ronstadt and Dolly Parton to release two albums billed as Trio. There was some amazing work done there. For a great collection of Emmylou's early music, check out 'Emmylou Harris Anthology: The Warner/Reprise Years' on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about her, visit her official website.

Gary Morris • Love Hurts

Well, I thought I could accomplish a couple of things with this post, starting with adding a touch of Country flavor to the mix. But I will also admit I am a big fan of Gary Morris, a Country singer with a brilliant voice. Morris could sing just about anything, including taking a couple of amazing turns on Broadway, as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, and as the poet Rodolpho to Linda Ronstadt's Mimi in La Boheme. The man has so much talent, he also managed to gift some to his son, Matt Morris, who is making great music I just love. From Country to Opera, Gary Morris seemed to never shy away from putting his own spin on any genre, as you can see in this great cover of Love Hurts, a song written by Boudleaux Bryant, and first recorded by the Everly Brothers. But it was perhaps best known by the cover done by the rock band Nazareth in 1975. But Morris did a cover as well, taking it on a spin down a Country road. Unfortunately, the song never made it on an album. Thankfully, there is a great video!



For more about Gary Morris, visit his official website. You can find his Greatest Hits Vol. II on iTunes and Amazon.

Drake Jensen • Scars

Canadian artist Drake Jensen has lent his voice to battle bullying with the release of the amazing song, Scars. The production is pure Country, and the song is sung straight from the heart. Drake tells the tales of the of the young boys and young girls who have been picked on, both physically and mentally, with little hope of relief.



Share this song and pass is on to others who might help the children now and in the future to no longer have to fight against bullies. The relief they need comes in many forms, from the understanding shoulder to cry on, to the responsible adult who stands for making this world a better and safer place for each new generation. You can find Scars on iTunes, and CD Baby. The proceeds from the download sales will be donated to Bullying.org. You can also find his album On My Way To Finding You album on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. For my review of the album, read my earlier thoughts here. You can find out more about Drake Jensen on his official website.

Drake Jensen • On My Way To Finding You

I only recently learned about the music of Drake Jensen, Canadian singer/songwriter making Country music. I came across his name via Bill Northrup's Pride Showcase, and decided to look a little deeper. I discovered the handsome and burly Jensen is out of the closet, and has openly discussed his homosexuality, his journey and his music in interviews. At the moment, I am most interested in his music, which is very good! And that starts with On My Way To Finding You, an 11-song collection that speaks to the best people with strong Country music.



The album kicks off with Where You Going With That?, a rollicking song that is filled with so much love and joy, it is hard to keep it restrained. We are introduced to his full, rich voice, blanketing the listening with warmth. There is a beauty in the simple message of I'm Here To Love You. Jensen delivers it with such honesty, I can't help but be touched. He tells the story perfectly to engage the listener. But then Jensen switched gears, and a yearning creeps into his voice with The Son I'll Never Have. From the first strains of the guitar and violin, the melancholy is so present as he speaks of the choice made by a women at the other end of the phone, and what might have been if... I Hope You Smile is a mid-tempo song, and with the steel guitar and fiddle, you know it's country. But as you listen to Drake sing, you also know there is real love, too. From the start of It's Not About Me Anymore, the retrospection is clear, leading to the anthemic chorus. The discovery of love is a beautiful thing, especially when captured so well. There is a wonderful feeling to Still On The Radio, a song of everlasting love. There is much joy to be had. As we all get older, we know a phrase like I Knew Her When can have many meanings. The first video is for the song All You Need, a truly sweet song you can catch here.



The most current video is for the song On My Way To Finding You. The video is amazing, but when listening to the track, you understand it is inherent in the track. There is a wistful feeling to it, thinking how the path we all take leads us to where we are.The honesty and soul in this song is amazing.



There is such a grace in Wash Me Away, it truly lifts the spirit just to listen. There is a big audio feel to a song that maintains a personal feeling. One the final track of the album, I Found Me brings us back to a more confessional tone, grounding the album with the role of storyteller renewed. This could be my favorite on the album! That completes the album, and the journey it takes the listener on. Grab your passport, for Drake is taking you on the road through your emotions and experiences, all while holding you safe and warm with his sonorous voice.

To learn more about Drake Jensen, visit his official website here. While there, you can stop in the store, and purchase an autographed copy of his album to be mailed to you. You can also find it on iTunes and Amazon. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter. Drake was moved when he heard bout the suicide of Ottawa teen Jamie Hubley in the fall of 2011. With memories of being bullied himself, Drake knew he had to speak out and let young people know that it can be better. He has taken an active role in the battle to combat bullying. He has joined Bulling.Org to bring the perils of bullying to the forefront.

Country-fried Torch

Clockwise: Patsy Cline; Loretta Lynn; Skeeter Davis; and Kitty Wells.

Big Band singers certainly didn't have a corner on the Torch-song market. About five decades ago, the ladies of Country Music were singing what was weighing on their hearts, and it was often men. So I went back 50 years, and started with one of my personal favorites, the extraordinary Miss Patsy Cline. She began recording music in 1955, and was taken from us in March of 1963 in a terrible plane crash. But in between those dates, her amazing voice left us some of the most remarkable music, including the song written by Willie Nelson that took the world by storm, Crazy. In 1961, the song went to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #2 on the Billboard Country chart, and the same on the Adult Contemporary chart.



Much like Patsy Cline, Skeeter Davis was no stranger to both the Country and Pop charts. In the early part of 1963, her recording of The End Of The World, written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, was everywhere. It was on the radio, and on the television. It was on several charts, making it to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Country chart, #1 on the Easy Listening chart, and #4 on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart. Here she is, singing on a television appearance.



Kitty Wells spent the 50s and 60s at the top of the charts, and gaining the name "The Queen Of Country Music." It was with songs like Searching (For Someone Like You) that went up the charts, securing her position as one of the most successful women in Country music. Here is the song, released in 1956.



Loretta Webb was almost 13 when she married her husband, Doolittle Lynn. Right away, she put her energy in her family. When she was in her 20s, her husband gave her a guitar for their anniversary. Soon, she taught herself how to play it, and was writing her own music, and playing it. By 1960, Loretta Lynn was being noticed by the music business, and was starting her recording career. In 1966, she released You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man), which she had written.



Hope you enjoyed the songs!

Worth Another Listen - Jeannie C. Riley

In 1968, a song that might be called the Peyton Place of Country Music took the world by storm, making the first release of Jeannie C. Riley not only #1 on the Country chart, but topping the Pop chart as well. Harper Valley PTA, written by Tom T. Hall, spoke to the prejudice a widowed mother found when she wore a mini-skirt and dated, and who felt little fear about pointing out that people in glass houses should not be throwing stones.



While Riley went on to a successful career in Country music, this was her one and only trip to the top of the Pop charts, not even in the Top 50. Eventually, Riley herself went on to be a born-again Christian, which led her to also move musically to a career more geared to Gospel music in the 90s.

Worth Another Listen - Terri Gibbs

Born without the ability to see, Terri Gibbs broke on to the Country scene in 1981 with the breakout hit, Somebody's Knockin'. The song zoomed up the charts, scoring #8 on the Country chart, #13 on the Pop chart, and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart. As a debut single, it was amazing she had such a cross-over hit.



While she had moderate success during the 80s on the Country charts, she never returned to the Pop charts again. In 1987 she moved to the Christian Music scene, including the regrettable song The First Thing I'll See [is Jesus]. I mean, really, did someone think that would be clever for a blind woman to sing? By 1990, she decided to move on, devoting herself to her husband and family.