Author Archive: Robert K Oermann
Robert K. Oermann is a longtime contributor to MusicRow. He is a respected music critic, author and historian.
Hazel Dickens Passes
Renowned Appalachian vocal stylist Hazel Dickens has died at age 75. The West Virginia native was noted for her strongly feminist song lyrics, support of coal miners and participation in bluegrass and folk-music groups such as The Strange Creek Singers and Hazel & Alice. She recorded for the Rounder, Folkways and Arhoolie record labels. The […]
Tornado Destroys Malaco Records
Last week’s tornadoes in Mississippi left much of the Malaco Records complex in ruins in Jackson.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/20/11)
We have a nice mix of newcomers and established stars this week. The three contenders for the DisCovery Award are Hunter Hayes, Russell Hitchcock and Jim Quick.
Dot Records Magnate Randy Wood Dies
Randy Wood, who founded Dot Records and brought Nashville native Pat Boone to pop-music stardom, has died in California at age 94. The entrepreneur’s Randy’s Record Shop, based in Gallatin, was a key institution in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. Wood sold r&b records to white teenagers via mail order by advertising via the […]
DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/13/11)
Every doggie has his day. This week, it’s the puppy platters that are in the winner’s circle. None of the major-label offerings made my ears wild with excitement. But two pieces of indie product did.
Radio Veteran Coyote McCloud Dies
Music City radio icon Coyote McCloud died Wednesday afternoon, April 6 at age 68.
A veteran of the Nashville airwaves for more than 30 years, McCloud’s slogan when he broadcast pop oldies was, “He played them when they were new.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/6/11)
Our top tune this week might be from an unknown act to some of you kiddies. Yes, there was country music before Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. Once upon a time, there was a very popular male duo. No, I’m not talking about Brooks & Dunn.
Harley Allen Service Scheduled
A memorial service for Nashville songwriting great Harley Allen will be held on Wednesday (4/6) at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. (37211) — He died on March 30, of lung cancer at home in Nashville. The gifted and prolific Allen won BMI Awards for such songs as “Between the Devil and Me” (Alan Jackson, […]
Category: Featured
Mel McDaniel Passes
Grand Ole Opry star Mel McDaniel passed away Thursday evening at age 68. He had been battling cancer for several years. The Oklahoma native has been an Opry cast member since Jan. 11, 1986. McDaniel is noted for such hits as “Gentle to Your Senses” (1977), “God Made Love” (1978), “Right in the Palm of […]
Category: Featured
DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/30/11)
I live for listening sessions like this one. The best part of this job is the thrill of discovery. There is simply nothing like hearing a great new artist for the first time. Or watching young ones develop.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/23/11)
This week, we’re going from one extreme to the other. At one end of the sonic spectrum, we have the stone-country sound of Bradley Gaskin. He stopped the show with “Mr. Bartender” during the CRS Convention, and now his hardcore honky-tonk single of the same will leave you gasping for breath.
