Legends Q&A: May 2008

by Lew Jones

Loretta Lynn
2006 Copyright. Grand Ole Opry® Photo by Chris Hollo, Hollo Photographics

Check in with Lew Jones for the latest on your favorite country legends!

Q: My husband and I have always loved Loretta Lynn. Will she make any appearances soon? I would love to purchase tickets for a show. I have been lucky enough to go to a show many years ago, but not my husband. I know that he would love to see her in person performing.
(Katherine, Winston, GA)

A: I see no Georgia appearances on her website, Katherine. Should you wish to make a drive into Tennessee, however, you could catch her on May 30, 2008 at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge. On the other side of the state, you can occasionally catch her at her hometown venue in Hurricane Mills. Fans of any artist should always heed the warning to call ahead to confirm the date and assure your tickets, before traveling a great distance. For more information on Loretta, visit lorettalynn.com.

Q: Whatever happened to Bobby Bare, Jr.? One of my 12-year-old twin boys and I will sometimes sing their (Bobby Bare and Bobby Bare Jr.) song, "Daddy What If?" at a little restaurant when they have a karaoke night. Did Bobby Bare, Jr. follow in his dad's footsteps?
(Keith, Weatherford, TX)

A: Well, sort of, Keith. "Bare Jr.", as Bobby refers to him, is indeed involved in the music business. But don't expect him to be a carbon copy of his down-home dad, Bobby Bare. Bare Jr. heads up a group he calls the "Young Criminals' Starvation League", with at least four albums to their credit. A couple of the song titles include "Mayonnaise Brain" and "Don't Follow Me I'm Lost".

He has worked with dad on some projects since the Grammy-nominated "Daddy What If," though. Bare, Jr. co-produced The Moon Was Blue for his dad in 2006.

Q: What has 1982's ACM Female Vocalist, Sylvia, been doing? Haven't heard anything of her since she and RCA separated in the late '80s. She was one of the most beautiful women of country in that decade.
(Sam, Kenosha, WI)

A: I last talked to Sylvia back in 2001, Sam, when I had her on a live radio program from the Ryman Auditorium. She still had that same beauty and charm that wowed fans like you and me throughout the 1980s, and was a terrific guest. According to her friend and sometime publicist, Martha Moore, Sylvia performs less these days in order to concentrate on a counseling career as a Certified Lifecoach.

Q: I don't have a question, but some info to a question that was asked — concerning a song about a cowboy hat that Porter Wagoner recorded in the early '80s. The songwriter is my husband, Jake Brooks, and the song is based on a true story. Jake is from New Mexico and while attending college there in the early '70s he would go to the local cantina, all the older cowboys would take off their hats as they walked in and would hang them on hooks. The hippies and the motorcycle gang members would make fun of them and there the song developed. Each character in the song was a true person in Jake's life. Porter recorded it and did a good job, but when Chris LeDoux recorded it, he really added his personality to it, and years later told Charlie Daniels that it was his signature song. It has been on more than 6 of Chris' albums. Chris LeDoux was one of a kind, a great family man, friend, artist and true cowboy.
(Cindy Brooks, Nashville, TN)

A: Thanks, Cindy, for reading the column and for sharing some great feedback! I agree with every word you said.

Q: Who sings the song, "No News"?
(Paula, Calhoun, KY)

A: It was the first No. 1 hit for Lonestar, Paula, back in 1996 — back when Big & Rich's John Rich was a Lonestar member. The group would hit the top spot at least 8 more times throughout the late 1990s and into the 2000s. Lonestar underwent a change in late 2007, when lead singer Richie McDonald left to pursue a solo career. Newcomer Cody Collins took over the lead spot. Dean Sams, speaking for the group in a recent interview, says to expect new music soon under the group's own Lonestar label, as well as a busy touring schedule.