Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY (Wednesday, Sept. 4) Advertisement Dottie West died in Nashville after Aug. 30 car crash, 1991. Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors" single certified Gold, 1973. Charlie Daniels Band's "Saddle Tramp" album certified Gold, 1981. Elvis Presley's only appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, 1954. George Strait's "Strait Country" album released, 1981. Reba McEntire's "Rumor Has It" LP released, 1990. MUSIC AND MORE SEPTEMBER ALBUM RELEASES September marks the beginning of hunting season for country music fans trying to track down something different to stick in their compact disc players. And some of this month's releases showcase the work of a wide range of big-time country names. Released this week was Pam Tillis's "It's All Relative: Tillis Sings Tillis," a tribute to the deep songwriting talents of her father, Mel. The 13 tracks feature guest shots by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Marty Stuart, Delbert McClinton and others. Due out next Tuesday are Porter Wagoner's "Unplugged," which includes work by Willie Nelson and former Wagonmaster Don Warden; Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time's "Songs From the Workbench;" and "Stars & Stripes" by Aaron Tippin. Advertisement The Chieftains' collection "Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions" will be released Sept. 17, featuring Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett, Patty Griffin, Del McCoury among others. On the same day, "Dressed in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash" is due in stores with another Cash tribute -- with stars ranging from Little Richard to Sheryl Crow performing Cash hits. Sept. 24 is the release date for "Elvis: 30 #1 Hits." Other September releases: Travis Tritt, "Strong Enough;" Steve Earle, "Jerusalem;" Doug Stone, "The Long Way;" and Radney Foster's "Another Way to Go." MERLEFEST 2003 LINEUP RICH IN TALENT Merlefest 2003, a celebration of the life and work of bluegrass great Doc Watson his late son, Merle Watson, is taking shape with a mighty powerful lineup. Artists performing at the event April 24-27 include Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Bruce Hornsby, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The 16th annual Merlefest, set for Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C., will mix traditional and contemporary roots to honor the Watsons' music, with appearances by Doc Watson and Merle's son, Richard. Advertisement The festival has scheduled appearances by Asleep At The Wheel, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, the Del McCoury Band, the Whites, and others. A 75th birthday jam for legendary fiddler Vassar Clements and a tribute to women in bluegrass also are planned. CHESNEY JOINS GEORGE JONES' B-DAY SHOW LINEUP Add the name of Kenny Chesney to the lineup of talent performing at George Jones' 71st birthday party this Saturday at the Grand Ole Opry. He will join Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack playing songs made famous by Jones during the live broadcast on CMT. The show also will feature Jimmy Dickens and singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale, who will portray Jones in the upcoming production of "Stand by Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story," in Nashville.
