Country Music News: UPI Music City Report

TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Thurs., Oct. 11)

Dottie West was born in McMinnville, Tenn., in 1932

Gene Watson was born in Palestine, Texas, in 1943

Kitty Wells was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976

BRYAN WHITE & MARTY RAYBON ON CCMA

Country recording artists Bryan White and Marty Raybon have been added to the 2001 Christian Country Music Awards Show to be telecast on Nov. 1, 2001, from the Ryman Auditorium.

Hosted by Crystal Gayle and John Berry, the show features Merle Haggard, Tammy Cochran, Jeff Carson, Stella Parton and others. Tickets are currently on sale.

CCMA CONVENTION

The CCMA's 7th Annual Convention will be held at the Millennium Hotel in Nashville from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, and will feature daily industry seminars, nightly artist showcases, professional panels on music related subjects and networking sessions.

CCMA Executive Director, Gene Higgins, said, "registration for this year's event is running way ahead of our projections."

"Media Appreciation Day" will be held on Oct. 30, as part of the event and includes a special luncheon, access to a full day of showcases, seminars and artists interviews.

Information for interested media and convention registrants can be obtained by calling (615) 777-6995.

MERLE KILGORE NEW RELEASE

Singer/songwriter Merle Kilgore has released "Merle Kilgore --- The Singers Songwriter" on Legend Records. The CD features Merle's hit songs "Wolverton Mountain," "Ring of Fire," "More And More," "She Went A Little Bit Further" and "Johnny Reb."

Merle, now a senator, was voted CMA's first Manager of the Year in 1990 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 1998.

For more information log on to legendsrecords.com.

DIXIE CARTER AT THE OPRY

The Grand Ole Opry welcomed CBS television actress Dixie Carter to the stage this past Saturday night as she kicked off the Opry's "Guest Announcer Series."

Carter is a Tennessee native and is best known for her portrayal of Julia Sugarbaker in the television series "Designing Women." Her current CBS role is as Randi King on "Family Law," Monday nights. As she was introduced on stage by Porter Wagoner, Carter responded, "I am so happy to be here. ... When I was a little girl growing up in McLemoresville, Tenn. ... I never dreamed I'd get to stand on this stage with the greatest performers in the world."

Additional guest announcers during the month of October include Darrell Waltrip (Oct. 12), Bob Kingsley (Oct. 13), Guy Gilchrist (Oct. 19), R.L. Stine (Oct. 20) and Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell (Oct. 27).

AT THE RYMAN

Opry members Trisha Yearwood and George Jones are headed to the Ryman Auditorium as part of the SunTrust Concert Series in October. Trisha appears on Oct. 13, and George takes the stage on Oct. 21. Coming in Nov. are Lucinda Williams on Nov. 18, and Harry Connic Jr. on Nov. 26.

Special events at the Ryman in October include the CCMA Awards Show on Nov. 1 and George Carlin on Nov. 4.

MUSIC CITY TRIVIA:

Q. Which Opry member had the honor of inviting Trisha Yearwood to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry?

A. Ricky Skaggs who returns to the Opry stage this Saturday, Oct. 13 during the Opry's 76th Birthday Bash. Ricky will also be a part of the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Celebration on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Opry House.

COMING TO THE OPRY STAGE:

Oct. 12: Grand Ole Opry 76th Birthday - Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt

Oct. 13: Grand Ole Opry 76th Birthday - Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, George Jones (6:30 only)

Oct. 19: Marty Stuart, McBride & The Ride

Oct. 20: Allison Moorer, Darryl Worley, McBride & The Ride

Oct. 26: Confederate Railroad (debut), Charley Pride, Gail Davies w/the Jordanaires, Pam Tillis

Oct. 27: Charley Pride, Gail Davies w/the Jordanaires

Nov. 10: Trace Adkins, Clint Black

Nov. 30: Joe Diffie

Dec. 1: Joe Diffie, Travis Tritt

Dec. 14: Jeff Carson

Dec. 15: Tracy Lawrence, Jeff Carson