Editor: Bobbie J. Patterson Publisher: Scarlett Gremard Email: intlcma@aol.com

Permission To Forward or Reprint In Whole Or Part Is Granted To All

The well known cowboy singer was given a new liver in Omaha, NE, on October 7th. He has been transferred from the transplant center to a more home like setting. He is listed in good condition. His fans have used his condition to raise awareness of the need for organ donors. One rally at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth, TX signed up 600 new donors.

His entertainment career spanned eight decades. He sang risque’ country blues songs in the beginning, but later became famous for, "You Are My Sunshine". He served as governor of Louisiana twice. He was first elected in 1944. He took a long break from public office and devoted his energy to entertainment. When he ran for Governor in 1960, his opponents tried to smear him by releasing a photo taken in California. It showed Jimmie dancing with a black movie star. Heavy stuff, in that time and place. The photo was released to the Louisiana press, on Thursday evening before the Tuesday election. The idea was to time it for maximum damage without allowing time for his response to take effect. This is the same timing that was used in releasing the details of George W. Bush’s arrest for DUI. It failed to work in Louisiana and Jimmie was elected to serve as Governor, in 1960. His moderate views on race relations helped to lessen the racial strive in Louisiana. In 1962, he hit the top 20 chart position with, "Where The Old Red River Flows". His major label recording career ended when Decca dropped his contract, in 1975. However; he continued to perform and record into the 1990’s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1971.

Clint’s wife Lisa Hartman Black is expecting a baby. Clint has announced he will be taking time off to help. His last professional appearance of the year is booked at the Las Vegas Hilton December 7th. through December 9th. This is likely to be his last concert for several months. Tickets are available by calling 800-222-5361.

The Canadian born singer received American citizenship, in time to vote for Al Gore, for whom she had worked to raise funds .

Just go to www.radiocountry.org and click on the free email banner.

Rein Wortelboer of the Netherlands was honored for his years as one of Europe’s best known country jocks. He has three radio programs and plays good music no matter what label it is carrying. He always needs your new CDs for his programs. Mail them to Rein Wortelboer, Akelei 10, 5803 CA Venray, The Netherlands

Before 1996, there was only one way for the normal country music artist to tour in much of Europe. You just joined the Nordic Country Music Organization and submitted your material to their booking agents. They had the country music festival market all but locked up, in much of Europe. They organized festivals throughout Sweden, Denmark, and Norway and they supplied the talent for festivals in many other countries. They were instrumental in a series of outdoor festivals in Poland, which drew tens of thousands of country fans every year. The President of the organization was Hank Svennson of Sweden. In 1996, he went through a divorce and decided to fulfilled a life long dream. He created the only radio station in northern Europe to play country music 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. Suddenly, there was no one place to go for European bookings and the number of American touring in Europe nose dived. That was the bad news.

The good news is Hank has built his station and turned it into a properly financed success. It sets there all day every day playing country music for a very loyal bunch of fans. The better news is Hank has started rebuilding the talent booking end of the Nordic Country Music Organization. He not only needs your CDs for his radio station, he is looking for new country acts to book into European venues. You may send your music and press kits to N. C. M. O. Hank Svennson , Post Office Box 53, S-24030 Marieholm, Sweden.

The ICMA has never offered promotion of any kind to anybody. We have never put together a compilation CD. However; we have grown tired of hearing about too good to be true compilation deals offered by some folks. Friends believe it not, there really are some people who will promise things they can not deliver. Allow me to offer you an example. Suppose someone tells you that they put 22 songs on each compilation and mail their compilation CD to 500 places in Europe, 500 places in the United States, and give each of the artists 10 CDs. They say they do this for only $100 per song. What does that really mean? It means they must manufacture 1,500 CDs, because you can’t order 1,240. What is the cost for 1500 CDs? It can vary a little, but a good figure to start with is $1,500. It means they must put 500 CDs into 500 envelopes and put 500 times $1.32 worth of postage on the ones they mail to Europe. Let’s say they get the envelopes for 15 cents each. In that case, 500 x $.15 equals $75 and 500 x $1.32 equals $660. It means they must put 500 CDs into 500 envelopes and put 500 times $.55 postage on the ones they mail to the U. S. If we do the math, we discover 500 x $.15 (for envelopes) equals $75 and 500 x $.55 equals $275. Mailing 10 CDs in a package to each client will cost 22 envelopes plus 22 x $1.21 postage. This is $3.30 for envelopes and $26.62 for postage. Please notice that I have not included labor. For the purpose of this example labor is absolutely free and we have not allowed for office rent, advertising, phone bill, and etc. Now, let’s add up all the cost. CDs $1, 500 + European postage $660 + Envelopes $75 + American postage to radio $275 + Envelopes $75 + Postage to clients $26.62 + Envelopes $3.30. Total cost to do what they say they will do equals $2, 614.92. Now, let’s add up the money they have to work with. 22 songs x $100 equals $2, 200. How long could you stay in business if you lost $414.92 every time you did a compilation CD project? Folks, as my dear old grandpa use to say, "Sum thin bout dat, just don’t add up quite right" !

How’s this for starters?

You get a spot on a compilation CD

You get 10 confirmation copies, so you know you really are on the CD.

The CD gets mailed to 200+ disc jockeys in Europe. You get a copy of the mailing list so you can be sure they really were mailed!

The CD gets mailed to 100 + disc jockeys in Australia. You get a copy of the list!

The CD gets mailed to 100+ radio stations in the United States. You get a copy of the list!

You get your very own personal web page, at a site that will get you recognized !

Your personal page includes your photo, biography, contact information for bookings, and your song in both MP3 and RealAudio. Just for good measure, your web page stays up for a full year!

Your song is played on a popular internet radio program and the radio program stays on the internet for a full year. You can go to the site and verify your song is really part of the radio program.Total cost of this all inclusive verifiable promotion package? $500 It sounds good! Want more information?

The show started on Monday October 16th. It wrapped up on Saturday October 21st. The entertainment was wonderful. It included so many talented acts, there is not room to name them all. A few of the highlights included a very talented young lady named Rose. Among other things she did a dynamic Dolly Parton impersonation. It included the President of the foundation, Wanda Hecht receiving an official gold embossed certificate of honor from the Governor of Tennessee. Admiral Dorothy Shaw received a very prestigious award, for her leadership in country music. Native American singer, Storm Seymour and his brother Ira brought the house down with their performance. Real live cowboy singer, Jesse Harris impressed the audience so much he was named professional male vocalist of the year. Linda Disney of Grand Island, NE was named country song writer of the year and KLRB of Grand Island was named country radio station of the year. Jim Davis of the same station was named country disc jockey of the year, Chicago’s Willie Harris Singers won top gospel group and Ambassador Charlie Ray received a well deserved promoter of the year. It was a great week and will be even better next year. For information on dates and location, call Admiral Dorothy Shaw at, 402-224-3301.

It took them only two years to outgrow their facility in Magnolia, TX. They moved the show to Beaumont, this year and the number of entertainers, record companies, producers, fans, and music business folks got even bigger. Suzie Cantu, President of the Country Music Organizations of America drove in from California. Jason Hawkins and Doug Deramus won gospel producers of the year, for their co-production of Gary R. Smith’s highly successful country gospel album. Jason also won R&B producer of the year, for his work with Sister June Williams, who won R&B album of the year. Millennium Records’ Rubin Everidge of New York was named traditional country artist of the year. The lovely DiAnne from Mississippi won modern female vocalist. Keith Bradford’s KMA Records artists picked several awards as did Col. Buster Doss’s Stardust Records artists. Jeniffer Foxx was named country music business woman of the year. Shirley Willhide of Florida was named traditional female vocalist. Members of our staff won two awards. Our webmaster, David Hanson was awarded gospel music web site of the year, for holylandmusic.org and our editor, Bobbie Patterson won gospel promoter of the year. Bill and Helen Foster head up this wonderful association. For information about next year’s show, call them at; 409-892-5118

American Songwriters’ Association plans Nashville meeting, in February. The event is by invitation only. Selected songwriters will receive written invitations.

The Nashville Music Festival scheduled for next Memorial Day Weekend has announced more details. Several seminars will be held, including one on the Nashville Number System. This is the system used by Nashville’s studio musicians to achieve their unique sound in the recording studio. A seminar on how to write a press release that gets printed will be conducted. Two seminars on how to get bookings will be conducted. One will cover how to get bookings in the country music field and one will cover how to get bookings in the gospel music field. Seminars are arranged on record production and record promotion. Songwriters will want to take their note pads to the seminar on how to pitch your songs.

A special Chicago Gospel show is planned by the Willie Harris Singers of Chicago and they plan to bring several other Chicago area gospel groups with them, for the show. Chicago area gospel singers are encouraged to call Vincent Chappelle at 773-651-9778

Native American singer Storm Seymour will host a special Native American show featuring Native American entertainers from several Indian nations. Native Americans who wish to be a part of his show should contact Storm Seymour at POB 342, Tama, IA 52339.

Hank Svennson (Sweden) will be bringing acts from Northern Europe for a special Nordic Country Music Organization show. Europeans who wish to be a part of this special show should call Hank at +46-418-66-8318

The Lone Star State C. M. A. plans to hold their spring competition at the festival. Texans who wish to be involved should call Col. Bill Foster at, 409-892-5118

Jackie Harmon of the Downeast C. M. A. (Maine) plans to attend. Other
interested parties in the state are encouraged to call Jackie at 207-793-8884

The International Country Gospel Music Association will be doing a special show. Country gospel singers who want to be included should email, doug@nashvillegospel.com

The Nebraska Country Music Foundation is planning a special trip to attend the festival. Contact Admiral Dorothy Shaw at, 402-224-3301

Radio station KLRB of Grand Island, NE plans to charter a bus to attend the Grand Ole Opry on Friday and the festival on Saturday, Sunday, & Monday. Email Program Director, Jim Davis at krgi@kdsi.net

The Cortland CMA (New York) is talking about chartering a bus for the festival. Contact

Glenda Everidge at reveridg@twcny.rr.com Glenda also sits on the board and nominating committee of the New York Country Music Hall of Fame.

Our Wisconsin chapter plans to bring several singers. Contact Norman Herman at 715-284-7210

Jerry Rivera of our Florida chapter plans to bring several singers. Contact him at 407-933-7264.

Suzie Cantu, Executive Director of The Country Music Organizations of America has given her endorsement to the festival. Suzi sponsors a wonderful show in Las Vegas, each October. For information email, MySuzi@aol.com

Any other country, bluegrass, western, or gospel music associations or organizations who would like to be a part of this great festival are encouraged to email us at intlcma@aol.com

If you’d like your Country, Gospel, Bluegrass, Western Swing or Rockabilly music reviewed. Please mail it to, ICMA Music Review, POB 271238, Nashville, TN 37227

Music Reviews

Nashville, "Road To Life’s Other Side", Gary R. Smith, Jason Hawkins production (so you know the music is great) and Gary’s highly emotional vocals make a winning combination, 5 Stars

Australia, "Cootamundra Wattle", Pixie Jenkins: Australia’s best fiddle player on the best song written by their best writer. It takes you somewhere you want to be. 5 Stars

Europe, "Burnout", Tezza Louie: Interesting guitar work & good song selection, 3 Stars

Nashville, "Complicated World", Bob Spanburg, clean production, commercial songs, 3 Stars

New Mexico. "Gecko Canyon", The Banded Geckos, Production needs help but great vocals 3 Stars

Nashville, "Gotta Have Her" Tracy Neal, This Tupelo native has a fine voice and he’s a good writer. The production has a few weak spots. 3 Stars

Florida, "Allon’s Dance", Gris Gris, Great Zydeco from Florida? Best Zydeco album I’ve heard this year. Louisiana no longer has a lock on Zydeco. 4 Stars

Australia, "That’s The Kind Of Life I Live", Lee Kernaghan. I’ve liked Lee’s music for several years. Why doesn’t EMI promote him in the U. S. ? Great voice, song, and production 4 1/2 Stars

Australia, "Cowboy Up" , Tania Kernaghan, More than a year ago she showed us what Lee’s little sister is capable of when she hit us with, "Leave Like A Man". This is almost as good. 4 Stars

Canada, "Back To The Dirt", Brian Gladstone, Several good songs and great picking a good producer could have made the vocals better. 3 1/2 Stars

California, "Plow This Land", The Acres, Good hillbilly comedy album. I wonder what they could do if they got serious. 4 Stars

Pennsylvania, "American Pride" , Various, Good patriotic theme compilation 3 Stars

Ohio, "Lie To Me & Here We Are" , Kellie Pope, Her vocals on these two songs leave you wanting more. This lady needs an album. 3 1/2 Stars

Texas, "By The Book", Threefold, Good vocals, solid production 3 1/2 Stars

Nashville, "The Songs Of Ed Green", Nancy D’Angelo, Take one highly talented songwriter, add the charged vocals of Nancy D’Angelo, fold into a smooth country production, and mix perfectly 4 Stars

Holland, "It Reminds Me", Laura Vinson, It started as an American thing, but country music has truly gone international. Laura is half Native American and various other things. She was born in Canada and is managed by a Dutch agency. She calls herself a "half breed" . I guess I agree, because I call her a delightful mix of emotion and talent. 4 Stars

Pennsylvania, "Neon Cactus", Neon Cactus, Clean production & good vocals 3 1/2 Stars

Michigan, "Solon Country & Gospel", Loretta Salon, Good country gospel vocals & songs 3 Stars

Tennessee, "Tommy Doss", Tommy Doss, straight ahead country production & good vocals 3 Stars

Nashville, "More Haggard Than Merle", Rubin Everidge, several killer songs especially the title track, great vocals, overall good album 4 Stars

According to Nashville’s daily newspaper "The Tennessean" Lee is closing his theater. I have seen his shows twice and enjoyed both of them. No reason was given for the closure.

She has formed a partnership with urban pop artist, Brian Mc Knight. They will co-write and co-produce the new album. In a related story, both Leann and her pets will appear in Ralston Purina’s 2001 Incredible Dogs Calendar. Sale proceeds support the Animal Rescue Foundation.

The last day of August, Ambassador Charlie Ray was inducted into the Traditional Country Music Hall Of Fame. The last day of October, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall Of Fame. This raises the total to five. He was already listed in Nebraska’s Country Music Hall Of Fame and the International Country Music Hall Of Fame. This year has been an award winning year for him. He was named Country Music Artist Promoter of The Year, by "Airplay International " magazine, the Nebraska Country Music Foundation, and The Lone Star Country Music Association. Several years ago, he was inducted into the International Music Association’s Hall Of Fame for his promotion of various Blues artists. You can send your congratulations to, c4promo@aol.com or visit his web site at www.charlieray.com

Aaron Tippin says he got the idea for the hit song, "Kiss This" from an argument he had with his wife. When he asked her to kiss and make up, she replied, "Kiss this"!

Near the conclusion of the Dixie Chicks’ video, "Without You" a near naked and totally sexy butt appears. Music Row has been buzzing with guess and "inside information" concerning which of the Chicks showed her butt. Truth is a model was brought in for the shot. The butt in question does not belong to either of the Chicks.

During their annual meeting in Las Vegas, the Country Music Organizations Of America, honored Nashville’s Dick Shuey as, "Internet Radio Program Host Of The Year". Dick has spent years working for and in country music. The honor is well earned and past due.

The country singer has been taking medicine for the wrong disease. A new diagnosis and different medication has improved his condition.

The legendary singer and writer of, "Easy Lovin’ " was inducted into their Halls Of Fame, by both the Nebraska Country Music Foundation and The Lone Star State Country Music Association. Word on the street says Freddie will be inducted into the Alabama Country Music Hall Of Fame early next year. Other Lone Star inductees include Kitty Wells, Jason Hawkins, and Buster Doss.

On October 24th. Roy Clark, Wanda Jackson, and Jim Halsey were inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame. The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into The Gospel Music Association’s Hall Of Fame. They began their career as a gospel quartet , in the 1940’s.