In fact the original Texas Honky Tonk format established by Eddie Kilroy and Gary Hightower – on the air as Catfish – is now gone for good.

When you think about it, however, what they actually did was drop almost everyone associated with the television show “TruCountry”, and many others.

What does that tell us about real country music and traditionalists? About income, revenue, and residuals for artists we once heard? For that matter, what does this tell us about the future of Texas Honky Tonk music – the country music we all grew up with?

This week’s show started with Leslie Sloan singing “Honky Tonk Hangover” from her CD “Between The Whisky And The Wine”. Leslie writes her own blog where you can always keep up on what’s going on.

Leona Williams performed the second song of the night “New Patches”, a song written by Tommy Collins. A gifted songwriter herself, Leona Williams was once married to Merle Haggard. As the third song of the night Leona chose “Blue Darlin’”, a song from her CD titled “I Love You Because“.

As the fourth song of the night on Tru Country, Leona thrilled everyone with “Guitar Pickin’ Man”, after which an interview with Leona was very interesting. During the interview Leona talked about feeling like she was being taken for granted. In 1983 she put her thoughts on paper, writing a #1 song for Merle Haggard titled “You Take Me For Granted”, and performed the song as the fifth and final song of the night.

After seeing the interview, and listening carefully, “You Take Me For Granted” by Leona Williams was very touching.

You can visit the official Leona Williams website to learn more about her. I’m sure you will find her bio very interesting, and Leona is a true professional. Her experience in the music business is very impressive, and she still holds Merle Haggard in high esteem.

Episode thirteen of Tru Country was a joy to watch. Band members are Bobby Flores on fiddle, Jim Loessberg on steel guitar, Jake Hooker on upright bass, Bob Gothar on lead guitar, Larry Mitchell on drums, and Bodie (Bode) Barker on piano.

To watch music videos by many of the artists on Tru Country and other stars of Texas visit the Stars Of Texas video library at The Country Classics.

Tru Country from the Circle T Arena in Hamilton Texas is on RFD TV every Friday at 12:30pm and 10:30pm CST, with replays on Sunday at 1:30pm and 2:30pm EST. The show features traditional country music at its best. You can order CD’s by calling 1-800-371-4121, or by mail. The address is TruCountry, PO Box 1422, Brady TX, 76825. You can also go to the TruCountry website to hear previews and to order.

Kimberly Murray reminds everyone that the Heart of Texas Anniversary show in Brady Texas is March 19th and 20th with Moe Bandy, and then again on March 26th and 27th with Johnny Rodriguez. Come out and see these artists along with all your favorite Heart of Texas Recording Stars including Justin Trevino, Amber Digby, Darrell McCall, Curtis Potter, Landon Dodd, Tony Booth, Leona Williams, Kimberly, Mona McCall as well as our friends Jake Hooker and The Outsiders and many more.

Moe Bandy has been tearing them up at professional bull riding events with his bull named “MoeBandy.com”. Moe’s website is probably benefitting from the traffic as well. If you go to MoeBandy.com you’ll find out that you can see Moe at The Finish Line in Aledo Texas on the 19th of March. Visit the PBR at PBRNow.com

Dwight Yoakam will be at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma on Friday, April 9 from 9:00 pm to 12:00 am. That’s about a month away so you have plenty of time to put Dwight in our schedule.

Bill Creel has some fresh country music that you should listen to. Visit Bill at Soundclick and tell me what you think. Don’t miss “No Front Porch” – it’s just one of the songs that caught my eye. Bill says “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 14. Later I learned bass and keyboard along with song writing.” Bill Creel is also on Facebook.

Musician Randy Boyd from Port Lavaca Texas said “I play on the Yoakum, Refugio, Cuero, and Edna Opry Shows. My main instrument is pedal steel, but I do a little singing with my Tele each show. I have also been known to blow a little harp now and then. And, every so often, my altered ego “Beauregard” will show up, broadcasting some sort of major foolishness. The main thing on these shows is to have fun. When we have fun, the audience has fun! Come out and see us.”

Our friend Al Dean said “You know, Tim, Galen and I have been in the music business a good part of our adult lives. Last January we decided to do something different. Same good music only better. We now do from the fifties country to 2010 country. and still counting. If it’s good country we do it. People are noticing what we are doing. We book, clubs, convention centers, birthdays, anniversarys, weddings, etc. We’re even playing a roping in Loma Alto,Texas in April. Our show is called “Dancing with the Allstars” We play to the crowd.” Check out Al Dean’s music on Buck-A-Tune.

Wayne Toups and ZyDeCajun can be seen Friday night March 12 at Whiskey River in Beaumont Texas, and Saturday March 13 at Cowboys (Cowboy’s of Lafayette) in Lafayette Louisiana. “Come out and have a great time with us”, says Wayne.

At Steel Guitar Nashville there is some interesting activity. Mike Cass is finishing up an extremely gorgeous Pro II and Harry Jackson will be installing a new mechanical undercarriage. Harry is also putting a new touch up changer in a gorgeous Pro I guitar soon to be on their website. Danny, Buck Reid and Mike Cass are staying busy with repairs and restorations. This is a good time of year to get your guitar in good shape for the upcoming summer playing season, said Bobbe Seymour. (Ray Price introduces Mike Cass in this video)

Bill Lewellyn said “I am a fan of “real” country music, I also play “real” Honky Tonk and “real” bluegrass. I play in a Honky Tonk band called the Midnight Boys and I also have a Bluegrass band called “The High Class Hillbillies”. I try to keep all of my music authentic to the time period it was created. I not only play this music, but I dress accordingly to the time period.” Visit Bill on Myspace.

It’s always great to hear from the cowboy Eddie Kilroy. Eddie said “I invite everyone to take a look of tidbits of our forthcoming TV show. You can visit that site at “The Kilroy Show.com“. Mike Siler and his band will be the resident band. Mike will be a regular on The Kilroy Show. As well as doing his own music, the band will often back guest artists.”

Episode ten of Tru Country, filmed at the Circle T Arena in Hamilton Texas, featured the very talented Bobby Flores and the equally talented and thrilling James Hand. Bobby Flores started the show with “Time Changes Everything”. Visit Bobby at Yellow Rose Records, where the sign above the door says “Great Texas Music”. Be sure to check out the official James Hand Website as well.

Jody Nix said “Howdy Friends, We have been real busy, you can check out my band page on Facebook to see where we are going and what we are doing. All of you please keep supporting the real music and call or write your favorite Traditional Country Stations. Listen to Willie’s Place on XM 13 and you will hear the best there.” Visit Jody’s website to learn more and read some great stories.

The quote of the week award goes to Freddy Fender Jr, who said “In answer to your question, I quit smoking about 27 years ago. My wife still smokes. The last time she tried to quit, she fired 23 people who didn’t even work for us!”

International News

Traditional country music is popular around the world, and a new addition to “The Roundup” is news from the international country music scene. It has been a busy week.

Richard Harte from www.irishcountrymusicradio.com is playing traditional Country music on his web radio show “Hooked On Country” Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

I enjoyed a great conversation by cell phone from Ireland to day, talking with the Irish Cowboy and DJ Keith Wright. Keith was at a concert in Ireland featuring Georgette Jones, Leona Williams, and Billy Joe Spears, and he said it was great. Georgette admitted Keith as her guest. When I asked about Leona Williams Keith said he was not familiar with her prior to the concert but certainly was a fan after the concert.

Talented UK artist Ellie Jordan came to our attention with the best performances of “Silver Threads And Golden Needles” and “Believe Me Baby (I Lied)” that we’ve heard in a long time. You can see Ellie Jordan on Myspace, on Facebook, and on Soundclick.

In the UK I had the pleasure of visiting with Sid Randell. “Providing information on the UK country music and westerner scene”, Sid’s website is a great stop on your international country music tour. They also have a 2-hour slot on a local radio station where they play only Country music, both American and British. “Listen on www.waylandradio.com local 107.3fm on Mondays 7:00pm til 9:00pm its great fun”, Sid Randell said.

Talented singer, songwriter and artist Levi Coby has attracted a great deal of attention both in the United States and around the world recently. Levi’s “Salute To The Troops” was featured in a recent article. Coby has written over 250 songs, and has fans all over the world. A large record label needs to sign this young man because the lucky label will immediately benefit from international sales. Levi Coby has over 20,000 loyal fans that I know of.

From Sweden, Lars Lindberg provided fans of The Country Classics and millions of listeners around the world with 90 minutes of great country music streamed directly to Windows media player and other devices. Listen to Lars and tell us what you think. If you are reading this in Sweden here is the radio station website.

We travel to Australia for our final artist this week. Beautiful and talented Eve Bolton has been performing since the the age of six. This young lady is a country music artist from Townsville Australia. See Eve 21st March & 11th April Sunday at the Royal Hotel, Stagpole STreet, West End Townsville from 12noon to 3pm, and the Easter Sunday 4th April at Cotters Markets, Townsville City Centre, performing main stage. Come by and say hello and purchase one of Eve’s CDs. You can also order CD’s via email at evebolton_music@live.com.au

Kimber Sparks and Shari Williams are Queenslander Country Music folk and they selected Eve Bolton to be their champion at the Croydon Country Music Festival. They are well known Queenslander Country Music judges and performers.

How to send your information

If you are involved with traditional country music and want your information included in The Roundup use our contact form or send an email through Facebook. Add us as a friend on Facebook and Myspace while you are at it.

If you don’t do social networking just use our contact form and we will send you the proper email address so you can send us your press releases, tour dates, and updates.

For full-length feature articles, the easiest and fastest way to see your article on The Country Classics is by submitting a standard press pack which includes a bio and at least one photo. If we must perform the majority of required research our backlog is anywhere from two weeks to a month.

The second song, also by Jake Hooker, was “She’s Just You Made Over”. The strength of Jake Hooker’s voice is obvious, and the Tru Country band played to perfection.

After the break steel guitarist Jim Loessberg opened with the third song of the show, “Sawed Off Shotgun”. The band consists of Bobby Flores on fiddle, Jim Loessberg on steel guitar, Jake Hooker on upright bass, Bob Gothar on lead guitar, Larry Mitchell on drums, and Bodie (Bode) Barker on piano.

Leona Williams followed Jim Loessberg’s “Sawed Off Shotgun” with her famous song “Yes Ma’am”, available on her CD titled “Honorary Texan”. As Rockwell said, this truly is “America’s music”. Leona’s second song was “You Take Me For Granted”, and she was helped by the pretty and talented Amber Digby.

“Some Day” by Leona Williams was the next song. The song filled the dance floor at the Circle T Arena in Hamilton Texas where the show was taped. If the song reminds you of a Merle Haggard song it’s because Merle also released the song. The actual title is “Some Day When Things Are Good.”

Leona and Merle married in 1978. During that time Leona Williams wrote some of Merle’s biggest hits including “You Take Me For Granted” and “Someday When Things Are Good.” You can hear her harmony vocals on some of Merle’s hits such as “The Way I Am” “The Roots Of My Raising” and “Big City.” Merle and Leona were divorced in 1984.

Visit Leona’s website, and stop over at Jake Hooker’s website. Jake and his band are “Jake Hooker and The Outsiders”. Visit Bobby Flores at his website, and then stop over to see Jim Loessberg and learn more about “Sawed Off Shotgun”.

As always you can visit the Tru Country website, learn more about all of the artists on this season of Tru Country, and listen to their songs. Order CD’s by calling 1-500-371-4121 and learn more about the show at TruCountry.com and TruCountryMusic.com

To watch music videos by many of the artists on Tru Country and other stars of Texas visit the Stars Of Texas video library at The Country Classics.

Jan Howard said: “Once more I was honored to be a part of the new Country Family Reunion series which was filmed last week. Words cannot express the feelings of being surrounded by friends, and heros, all sharing stories, laughter, music, and mutual love and respect for each other. Wish I could name everyone who was there, but there isn’t enough room. I can’t wait to see them myself, and I was there.”

Danny Edwards said “I will be playing a valentines dance at the Melody Oakes Ranch in Priddy TX. Feb.13 with Dan Naccarato, Ronnie Dale Shultz and Bruce McNutt. Bring your Honey or someone elses honey and come out and dance to some good traditional country music and some western swing 9 till 1.”

Landon Dodd said “Willies Place on Sirius/XM just started playing four cuts off my new CD “Call of the Wine” yesterday and I got to hear it today myself. A lot of hard work went into that record so there’s a lot of satisfaction that it’s starting to get noticed.”

Bode Barker said “We had a sold out show with Leona Williams in Marble Falls this weekend. She sounds better than ever! Ron was there also and did a great job. I’ll have a pickin high all week thanks to Leona!”

Al Dean said “Everybody get set for the big valentine weekend dance in Nelson City on Sat. Feb. 13, bring your valentine or come out and find a new one. The results are the same. A good time had by all. Al and Galen Dean will be presenting their “Dancing with the allstars show” Nelson City is About 7 miles north of Boerne off …I-10 at the Welfare exit. Hwy. 289.This is a big hall, lots of room and people friendly.”

Bill Groll of Country Roots Music describes his efforts with “Traditional & Classic Country, Honky-Tonk, Rockabilly, Folk, Bluegrass… our true American Roots.” Bill added The Country Classics to the Country Roots Music Guide this week.

Moe Bandy is on Blogspot with Moe Bandy News, where you’ll see information from Moe. It’s always interesting when legends of country music start blogging.

It’s never too early to mark your calendar for a good cowboy gathering. Please mark your calendars for the 20th annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering, October 22-24, 2010. Visit Red Steagall’s cowboy gathering website to learn more.

Teresa Burleson reminds everyone to listen to Judy James’ radio program, Cowboy Jubilee. “So far I have heard Jean Prescott, Donnie Blanz, Waddie Mitchell, Red Steagall, Juni Fisher, Ian Tyson and many more. Right now she is playing my good friend Stan Mahler!”, said Teresa.

Tracey K. Houston had a birthday on February 1st. The event was celebrated at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville, with featured entertainment by James Intveld. With snow in Nashville musicians struggled to get to performances this past weekend.

Juni Fisher defined the difference between Cowboy music and Western music in a recent article. In case you missed it here is the link. Juni is an award-winning artist and true professional, and we appreciate her insight.

Dallas Wayne and Heather Myles were on episode 5 of television show “Tru Country”. Next week’s show will headline Leona Williams and Jake Hooker. See the entire Tru Country program guide for more.

The Country Classics added new features to the website this week. Visitors can watch hundreds of traditional, classic country, and truck driving music videos in any of three music libraries. Online games were also added this week.

Justin Haigh spent four days this month in Nashville with producer Lew Curatolo and sound engineer Pete Greene finishing up his new album. The yet to be named album is due for release this spring.

How to send your information

If you are involved with traditional country music and want your information included in The Monday Roundup use our contact form or send an email through Facebook. Add us as a friend on Facebook and Myspace while you are at it.

If you don’t do social networking just use our contact form and we will send you the proper email address so you can send us your press releases, tour dates, and updates.

Tickets are $12.00 per person and are available at the Uptown Theater, Lively Computers in Kingsland or by calling (830) 693-9996 or (325) 388-0939. The show begins at 7:30 PM.

Williams began her career in her home state of Missouri over KWOS radio. Her radio program “Leona Sings” became a very popular show in Jefferson City, Missouri. After arriving in Nashville in 1966, Williams’ reputation as a singer/songwriter began to pay off. Grand Ole Opry stars Lonzo and Oscar helped to secure a contract with Hickory Records. Williams cut such hits as “Once More” “A Woman’s Man” “Country Girl With Hot Pants On” “Broadminded” and “Yes Mam, He Found Me In A Honkytonk.”

Williams began touring throughout the United States and even toured Vietnam for the service men stationed overseas. In 1974, she signed with RCA records and continued to release several hit singles. In 1975, Merle Haggard hired Williams to join his road show and be a featured performer.

Williams and Haggard released an album “Heart to Heart” and had a top selling single with “The Bull and The Beaver.” Haggard and Williams married soon after and performed together until their divorce in 1984.

Williams penned several BMI award winning songs in the 1980’s including “You Take Me For Granted” and “Someday When Things Are Good.” George Jones, Moe Bandy, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson and Randy Travis recorded other songs she wrote.

Williams signed with Heart of Texas Records and has released four very successful projects including “Honorary Texan” “San Quentin’s First Lady” “I Love You Because” and her latest “New Patches.” Williams has received extensive reviews from throughout the world with her latest recordings.

“I am working on my very first Bluegrass album.” Williams said from her Missouri home. “We are currently recording it in Branson and I am so excited to have some of my friends join me including Mac Wiseman, The Whites, Barbara Fairchild and Pam Tillis. It is going to be a great project and we are hoping to have it out in March.”

Williams has been inducted into the Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Fame, received the George D. Hay Award and most recently inducted into the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame. She spends her time between homes in Missouri and Nashville and enjoys touring throughout the country.

Other entertainers on the show will include Justin Trevino, Jade Cienega, Dottie Jack, Bode Barker, Rance Norton, Jade Jack, Shane Lively, Sammy Geistweidt and Benny Fred Kothmann. KNEL disc jockey Tracy Pitcox will MC the show.

“We are very pleased with the continued crowds that have been coming to the Marble Falls Opry,” opry bandleader Justin Trevino said. “This month’s show will be very special in featuring one of the greatest female artists and we are expecting a full house for this performance.”

For more information about the Mason or Llano Country Opry, log on to www.heartoftexascountry.com

Tracey K. Houston had an enjoyable time Tuesday night with George Hamilton IV at the “Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs” series at the Country Music Hall of Fame last night.

Joe Naylor said “The last 3 days we have had some great country music at the Southwest Steel Guitar Association – lots of Merle, Ray Price, etc and the feature act was Johnny Bush.”

Jamie Richards will be at the Firehouse Saloon in Abilene Texas on January 29th. Listen to Jamie on Myspace and My Country Space.

Country Weekly’s January 25th issue features a 4-page spread on Whisperin’ Bill Anderson. In the article, Bill Anderson chats about his early success, the Opry, and why he’ll never say “I’ve made it.”

Gary Allan will kick off the 2010 Professional Bull Riding Dickies Iron Cowboy Invitational on February 20th. Allan will be performing exclusive and never before released music from his upcoming album “Get Off On The Pain”, in stores and online March 9th.

Gary P. Nunn will be at the Winn Star Rodeo Roadhouse, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, on January 28th. Come out and see Gary, a great ambassador for traditional country music.

Landon Dodd talked about his weekend. He said:

Tim, I took my 11 yr old daughter, Savannah to see the legendary Loretta Lynn last night at Billy Bobs here in Fort Worth. I was so pleased to see how attentive she was and was surprised at how many songs she sang along with. I thinks it’s important to exposure her to music other than what she hears on the radio or what the other kids listen to at school.

I was surprised Saturday night at how many young kids, mostly girls, were in attendance with their parents. I want my daughter to think for herself and decide for herself what she likes, both in life and where music is concerned. I’ve never pressured her to like or embrace traditional country music, but as a musician and a singer myself, she’s been exposed to it from an early age and I love it. Raising her right in Fort Worth

Ralphs Back Porch LIVE Western radio is alive and kickin! They do the show live and broadcast it on the internet for folks in all fifty states and twenty-three foreign countries so fans like you can enjoy old time Western music, new cowboy music, Texas Swing, classic honky-tonk tunes and much more! To listen all you do is click here and sit back, relax and have a great time!

Alecia Nugent just finished a soundcheck at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in Scotland. She said “I am looking forward to the show in this beautiful venue!”

Jade Jack’s CD Release Party was a huge success. Surprise guest Leona Williams made the event even more special. Jade’s reaction when Leona entered the room during the song “Yes Ma’am” was priceless and after everyone composed themselves a great time was had by all. Musicians for the evening included Bobby Flores, fiddle. Craig Schmidt, steel. Harlan Kubos, bass. Dennis Kubos, drums. Buddy Boehm, keyboard. Aleph Yonker, guitar, fiddle, and harmonica. Leona Williams, Dottie Jack, Fred Jack, and Joni Jack performed during the evening. It was definitely a night to remember.

Becky Hobbs had a birthday on Sunday, the 24th.

Doug Kershaw had a birthday on Sunday, the 24th.

Claude Gray’s birthday is Monday, the 25th. He was born in 1932 in Henderson Texas. You can read all about Claude Gray on Wikipedia, visit his website, and he is on Facebook.

A new interactive video library of classic and traditional country music videos debuts today at Hotcountry on Vodspot.TV Titled “Today’s Country”, visitors can comment on the videos.

We finish with a thought from Al Dean. Al said “I went to a dance (I mean show) the other night and they had a big crowd, 300 people in a hall that would seat about 100. The music was bad, but no one seemed to care. They were shoulder to shoulder, waiving their hands in the air. OH! By the way they were extremely loud. Cardinal rule of music, the louder it is, the better it sounds. We got to be doing something wrong. They paid 30 dollars a head for SRO. Go figure.” You can visit Al Dean on Facebook.

How to send your information

If you are involved with traditional country music and want your information included in The Monday Roundup use our contact form or send an email through Facebook. Add us as a friend on Facebook and Myspace while you are at it.

If you don’t do social networking just use our contact form and we will send you the proper email address so you can send us your press releases, tour dates, and updates.

It’s always nice when esteemed musicians speak highly of your music. Landon Dodd got a little help from his friends and they are great friends to have.

When I visited his MySpace page I looked at his influences. The first two album covers that caught my eye were Ray Price and Buck Owens. Both of them are in my music library.

Landon Dodd “Call of The Wine” features the Texas A Team Musicians along with two special duets with Amber Digby and Leona Williams. Landon and his award winning band play throughout Texas and the Southwest and have been gaining a large following for those who love true shuffles with an emphasis on fiddle and steel guitar.

Landon searched through hundreds of songs to pick what he felt were the perfect mix for “Call of The Wine.” The songs include “Call of The Wine” “I Bought The Shoes That Just Walked Out On Me” “Good Year For The Roses” “Perfect Stranger” “New Lips” “Were Off And Loving Again (With Leona Williams) “Face The Music” “I Want To Hear It From You” “Mr. Right And Mrs. Wrong (With Amber Digby) “I Went To Bed Loving You” “What A Liar I Am” and “There’s Something About A Lady.”

“I have been a Landon Dodd fan since the first time I heard him,” Leona Williams said. “I was honored to be a part of his first album. He is a great singer.”

Landon Dodd “Call of The Wine” will hit stores on January 13, but you can preorder today and have your copy shipped on January 9 before it hits stores.

Order by visiting Heart Of Texas Records in Brady Texas, or call them at (325) 597-1895 for more information.

Visit Landon Dodd’s website and you’ll hear some great country music. You’ll hear “Call Of The Wine” and I’m sure you’ll like the song.

RFD has many great country music shows and Tru Country will be a great addition that is sure to please country music fans everywhere. James will be performing along with Heather Myles and Jake Hooker on the January 1st television show.

Set your video recorder so you won’t miss the debut of Tru Country on RFD. Make sure you visit the Stars of Texas for more great music and videos.

This is our original article:

True County Music will premier on RFD TV, coming to directly from the Circle T Arena in Hamilton Texas. Season one artists include Amber Digby, Bobby Flores, Darrell McCall, Heather Myles, Jake Hooker, Justin Trevino, Miss Leslie and Leona Williams.

We also saw James “Slim” Hand in the preview video. The Country Classics has featured almost every one of these artists on our website.

Visit the True Country Music website for air dates on RFD, tickets for tapings, and more information.

This is a promo of True Country Music. After viewing it we are certain that our readers will want to know more.

True Country Music is a production of Mylestone Media in Riverside California. We commend Heather Myles for her tireless dedication to true country music and her ability to out this show together for fans of country music represented by The Country Classics.

This coming together of famous artists is sure to be a hit for RFD television and a big boost for fans and artists. Make sure you visit the Stars of Texas for more great music and videos.

As an additional benefit readers can click on the “Season One Artists” at the True Country Music website for more information, song previews, and to buy artist’s CDs.