Easton Corbin Interview; Part I

Sun, 05 May 2013 06:20:00 +0000

Check out Part I of our latest interview with country superstar Easton Corbin. We caught up with Easton to discuss his latest album “All Over The Road,” remaining humble, the late George Jones, where he finds inspiration, plus much more.

Read Part I of the interview with Easton Corbin here; http://www.countrystarscentral.com/eastoncorbinchat13.htm

Rest in Peace George Jones; 9/12/31-4/26/13

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:35:00 +0000

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(April 26, 2013) Earlier this morning, a dark cloud of unfortunate news was sent to me via text message by a friend. I was shocked, like everyone else to hear that the music world, the country music family most especially, lost yet another one of its greatest voices, member of the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, George Jones.

It would take too much time to list all the countless awards, honors, highlights, and achievements that George Jones earned during his storied career, but that isn’t the focus today, rather I would like to personally write a farewell note to a very special person, who made country music everything that it should be, and without him, it would never be where it is today.

I grew up listening to George Jones like many of you, because my parents and grandparents exposed me to his music. Every once in a lifetime, there comes along an artist like George Jones who has the “it” factor; the voice, personality, and stage presence, and when you discover an artist like that, it’s that much harder to lose them.

Since founding Country Stars Central in the summer of 2006, one of my aspirations was to meet and interview George Jones. After years of hard work and networking, my first dream of meeting him came true in the spring of 2008, thanks to his daughter, Georgette Jones. My assistant Donna Stroup and I were in Nashville for CRS, and George was the keynote speaker at a special panel inside the Nashville Convention Center. Before George took the stage to address the audience, his daughter took us to a room off the side for a personal meet and greet. That day will forever remain special to me, and I am most grateful to Georgette for arranging my very first meeting with her father.

A few years later, in the fall of 2010, I had the honor of interviewing George for a cover story on Country Stars Central. His sweet and loving wife Nancy opened her and George’s busy schedule to grant me the opportunity to shine!! After that interview, I joined Nancy and George many times on the road for backstage meetings and photos. We shared some very special times together, and had a lot of fun.

I can’t help but think of the night that I presented George with his Country Stars Central cover in Rockford, Ill. He was so thrilled to receive the plaque, and gave me many kind compliments about the cover and interview article. It meant a lot to me to get that praise from such an iconic star.

I am thankful for the night that I took my Bappa to see George in Waukegan, Ill. My Bappa is a huge fan of George’s, and had never seen him live in concert before. That night, Nancy took him backstage to meet George, and get an autograph. **I’ll share a little funny story behind this meeting, if you don’t mind. Once my grandpa got backstage, and made his way over to George, he said to him “I can’t see too well, but I am happy to be here with you.” Then George quickly replied, “Well I can’t hear too well, so I guess between you not being able to see, and my not being able to hear, we are in pretty good shape!” ** Seeing my Bappa and George share that moment together was something I’ll never forget, and will always cherish.

I also can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am to Kirt Webster and his publicity firm for the kindness they have bestowed on my magazine through the years. Ever since I started Country Stars Central, Kirt has been there to support our publication in every way possible. The countless interviews, cover stories, media passes, and show reviews that he has granted will forever be appreciated. I would like to thank Kirt for giving me a platform to use my talents, and for allowing me to work with his wonderful clients. I look forward to many more years of building our relationship together.

George may have been a superstar, but his heart was real, his spirit giving, and soul full of love. These are the reasons I started CSC, to pay homage to all the greats that made country music what country music was, and always should be; TRADITIONAL all the way!! For as long as Jones lived, he maintained that sound, and style, because he truly cared about preserving the foundation of country music’s origins with the world.

I just wanted to share my thoughts with all of you, and I hope that you will join me in spirit to pray for the soul of George Jones, to pray for his loving wife Nancy, his daughter Georgette, extended family, and of course all his loving fans all over the world who are mourning the loss of a great, real country music, singer and songwriter.

In closing, I can’t help but think of two popular songs of George’s, “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair,” and “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.” The first, to me, correlates to his final tour that was underway this year. George never seemed like the type who would want to retire from doing what he loved best, and in a sad, but fitting way, he never passed away as an artist retired from the road, but left it doing what he loved best; performing.

The second song, I think about all the time…. Who is going to fill these shoes as we continue to lose these great legends one by one? I am sure there are many that you can name while you read this, but I will list some of the ones that I think are best suited to continue carrying the torch in honor of George Jones; Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Alan Jackson, Tanya Tucker, Randy Travis, Patty Loveless, Lee Ann Womack, LeAnn Rimes, Joe Nichols, Josh Turner, Kellie Pickler, Easton Corbin…..you finish the rest.

While we are hurting, and missing George down here on earth, we can pray that he now joins our Lord in his heavenly kingdom with all the saints and angels. There is also a very special country music club up there in Heaven that George is now a part of; Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, Tammy Wynette, Dottie West, Jack Greene, Porter Wagoner, Vestal Goodman, Dottie Rambo, Ernie Ashworth, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and so many others are celebrating the joyous occasion of being together in the light of Eternal love.

Rest in peace George, I will always admire your music, talent, and the kindness you bestowed upon me through the years. I didn’t know you for very long, but those few short years will mean more to me than I could ever explain. I pray that you rest peacefully, and with my help, and that of many others, we will see to it that your legacy never ends, and the music always lives on.

Until we meet again…..

God Bless you,

Christian F. Scalise

-4/26/2013

Our final interview with George Jones; http://www.countrystarscentral.com/georgejonesinterview.htm

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Marie Bellet Concert Review

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:05:00 +0000

This past weekend, St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles, Illinois was privileged to have country music singer/songwriter; wife and mother of nine children, Elm Street recording artist, Marie Bellet perform a very special series of concerts on April 13th and 14th, 2013....

Read the full article here; http://www.countrystarscentral.com/mariebelletapril13.htm

Marie Bellet Interview

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:05:00 +0000

In anticipation of a very special weekend of concerts, CSC caught up with singer/songwriter Marie Bellet from Nashville, TN to discuss her latest album “Everything Changes,” how she balances motherhood and music, what attendees can expect from her April 13th & 14th concerts, and much more!

Check out the interview with Marie Bellet here; http://www.countrystarscentral.com/mariebelletchat13.htm

Marie Bellet; Chicago Concerts

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:35:00 +0000

COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER/SONGWRITER, MARIE BELLET COMING TO CHICAGO LAND AREA FOR WEEKEND OF CONCERTS ON APRIL 13TH AND 14TH 2013.

Chicago, IL – (March 28, 2013) –Country Music singer/songwriter Marie Bellet will be coming to St. Patrick Parish (6N491 Crane Road) in St. Charles, Illinois on Saturday April 13th and Sunday April 14th, 2013 for a weekend of concerts and conversation.

A native of the Midwest, Marie has a fascinating life story to share. She is a mother to nine beautiful children and a wife to her husband Bill. Her music is unlike any other because her songs tell a story, about the simple everyday occurrences of life as a mother, wife, and friend. Most importantly, Marie’s faith shines through in everything that she does, and her testimony is very powerful.

Join Marie on Saturday April 13th (7:30-10:00pm) at the Crane Road church inside Dempsey Hall for a one-of-a-kind couple’s “Date Night.” There will be a full concert, conversation by Marie, and dancing. Wine, cheese, Hors D’Oeuvres and desserts will be provided. The cost is $10.00 per couple. We strongly suggest that couples RSVP to secure a table by emailing MarieBellet2013@gmail.com or by calling Sr. Betty Ann at 630-338-8041.

Following Marie’s Saturday night performance, she will return on Sunday April 14th (4:00-6:00pm) inside the Crane Road Church for a “Family Day of Fun.” Marie will bring families together through the ministry of her music and conversation. Light desserts and refreshments will follow Marie’s performance in Dempsey Hall. Free-will offerings will be taken for Sunday’s event. RSVP’s may be sent to MarieBellet2013@gmail.com for Sunday’s event.

For more information, you may visit www.MarieBellet.com or www.StPatrickParish.org (Look under the “scrolling news” on the homepage for direct link.)

Contacts:

Christian F. Scalise

MarieBellet2013@gmail.com

773-213-4332

Sr. Betty Ann Martinez, FMA

630-338-8041

Jo Dee Messina Interview

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 04:20:00 +0000

In Part II of our interview with country star Jo Dee Messina, the mother of two opens up about balancing motherhood and music, her new blog, The Fumbling Mom, the three “must-haves” she cannot leave home without, plus much more!

Enjoy part II of our interview with Jo Dee Messina; http://www.countrystarscentral.com/jdminterviewspring13.htm

Jack Greene Dies at 83

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:10:00 +0000

Tonight, my heart is broken, for today on this earth, we lost one of country music's greatest treasures, a humble and sweet man, with the best voice in the business. Jack Greene, a member of the Grand Ole Opry and country music legend, someone who always put his fans first and gave every performance his all. Jack and Lee Ann took me under their wing several years ago, and ever since that day, they have become like family to me. I will forever cherish the many memories that I have made with Jack and Lee Ann. He will always be in my heart and soul... but tonight, I mourn the loss of a sweet man. It also makes me upset to think that this well deserving man NEVER was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame…. Long live the music and legacy of Jack Greene. I love you Jack. Rest in Peace with our Lord and the angels. Jack Greene; January 7, 1930-March 14th, 2013

Jo Dee Messina Interview (Part I)

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

This week at CSC, we’ve got an exclusive interview with country superstar Jo Dee Messina. Sharing a side that you’ve never seen before, Jo Dee opens up about her departure from Curb Records, discusses her next album and material behind it, and recalls the early days of her career, plus much more!!

Check out Part I of our interview with Jo Dee here; http://www.countrystarscentral.com/jdminterviewspring13.htm