June served as a busy month for me and The Justin Reed Show. We finished the ninth season on the 9th right in the middle of CMA Fest. This year, TJRS was a part of CMA Fest and we had a blast!
On June 8, I had the privilege of attending the R.O.P.E. Luncheon with the Stars. Standing for the Reunion of Professional Entertainers, R.O.P.E. serves to keep the traditional country music alive. Murfreesboro legend Billy Henson, writer of “Lonesome Feeling” for the Osborne Brothers among others, serves as the president of the organization. Performing at the luncheon were Dickey Lee, Dianne Sherrill, Tennessee River Boys, frequent guest on TJRS Teea Goans, and Little David Wilkins. The highlight of the show was seeing 91-year-old Country Music Hall of Fame Member and TJRS guest Mac Wiseman sing the Wabash Cannonball and ’Tis Sweet to be Remembered. It is not every day that one can witness a true legend doing their thing. For more information about R.O.P.E., please visit freewebs.com/reunionofentertainers.
On June 9, I was over at the Nashville Palace on Music Valley Drive for the Second Generations Show. This show, now in its fifth year, highlights the sons and daughters of the Country Music legends. Many of the performers have been guests on TJRS. The announcer for the show was Robyn Young, son of Faron Young. Among those that performed were Lorrie Morgan (George Morgan), Hawkshaw Hawkins, Jr. (Hawkshaw Hawkins & Jean Shepard), Chris Golden (William Lee Golden), Waylon Payne (Sammi Smith), Kathy Louvin (Ira Louvin), Karen Wheeler (Onie Wheeler), Shelly West (Dottie West), George Hamilton V (George Hamilton IV), Steve Kilgore (Merle Kilgore), Thom Bresh (Merle Travis), Melissa Luman (Bob Luman), Sharon Wilburn (Doyle Wilburn), Seidina Reed (Jerry Reed; no kin to me, sadly), Mark Cash (Tommy Cash), Donnie Winters (Don Winters), Cherish Lee (Johnny Lee), and Chrystie Wooley (Sheb Wooley). It was a fantastic show of real Country Music. Wheeler came on the show to promote this event. For more information on the Second Generation, please visit their Facebook page.
Skipping ahead to the end of the month, I had the privilege to attend the Summer National Association of Music Merchants show at the Music City Center on June 25. NAMM holds several shows throughout the year and the Summer NAMM did not disappoint. During the event every year, the hold the American Eagle Awards honoring individuals and institutions that help promote music; this is done in conjunction with the Music City Council. Receiving the award this year were Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and the Grand Ole Opry. I had the privilege to interview Harris along with John Conlee and Roy Clark for the fall season of my radio show. For more information on NAMM, visit namm.org.
I am looking forward to starting Season 10 of TJRS on Aug. 4; mark your calendar as it will be great! Visit thejustinreedshow.com, follow @tjrs_wmts on Twitter or like facebook.com/thejustinreedshow for more information as the new season approaches.
Peace, Love and Ernest Tubb!