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Heartbreak Hotel
Mae Axton & Elvis
{ Publicizing Entertainers & Entertaining Our Readers }

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Country Entertainment USA
STAFF
Managing Editor:
Roy Skropits
Editor:
Cindy Gordon
Writers:
Brenda L. Madden
CD Reviews:
Brenda L. Madden
Video Reviews:
Steven B. Riley
ADVERTISING & RATES:
ads@countryentertainmentusa.com
PH: (615) 474-0162
GENERAL INFORMATION:
info@countryentertainmentusa.com
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editor@countryentertainmentusa.com
By Mail
Country Entertainment USA
P.O. Box 100985
Nashville, TN. 37224
Office (615) 474-0162
CONTENTS
4 Curb Records
CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
5 George Jones
GRAND TOUR IN 2013
&
Mel Tillis
CELEBRATES 80th BIRTHDAY
6 Dolly Parton
CELEBRATES GOING GOLD
7 CD Reviews
8 Remembering
Mae Boren Axton
11 IndieWorld
Top 40 Chart
13 From Australia
To Nashville
14 Music Venues Writer Nights
Karaoke & Museums
15 Riley's Reviews
{Music Videos}
DISCLAIMER:
Country Entertainment USA is not liable for any inaccuracies
submitted by freelance writers, advertisers or publicists.
Opinions and claims made by advertisers and writers are
their own, and do not represent Country Entertainment USA
Magazine or Publisher.
PG 3 www.countryentertainmentusa.com

Curb Records
CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Amid a sea of industry change that has seen major creative empires and labels rise and fall, the strength of Curb Records,
which was founded in 1963 by Mike Curb while attending California State University as a student, remains
intact.
On the eve of a half-century of success and in the midst of a field of gold standard milestones, Curb Records is a
rare and enduring independent force of influence in the land of giants.
As Curb Records celebrates its 50th anniversary in the business of making and selling music, the success of the label
and its founder are inseparable.
At the half-century mark as a creative brand, Curb‟s presence eclipses history as the longest operating record label
with the same ownership. Accumulated accolades include:
432 #1 Records
323 singles
109 albums
1,514 Top Ten Records
1,102 singles
412 albums
Today, Mike Curb is one of the most prominent figures in the music/entertainment world and presides over his own
independent record label that is recognized as one of the most successful in music industry history.
If Curb has a magic formula for success, it might be captured in the portrait of its artistic family. Throughout the
early years, Curb scored success with artists as diverse as the Stone Poneys (featuring Linda Ronstadt), Eric Burdon
& War, Sammy Davis Jr., the Osmond Family, (including Donny & Marie), Lou Rawls, Exile, the Righteous Brothers,
Solomon Burke, Gloria Gaynor, the Hondells, the Arrows (featuring Davie Allan), Debby Boone, Shaun
Cassidy, Roy Orbison, the Electric Flag (featuring Buddy Miles and Mike Bloomfield), the Sylvers and the Four
Seasons.
In 1969, Curb merged his young label with MGM Records and became the President of MGM. Under his reign, he
boosted MGM‟s war chests with a litany of hits, some of which he produced. His signings brought a new emphasis
on Nashville based artists including Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, Hank Williams Jr., Don Gibson, Mel Tillis,
Ray Stevens, and Eddy Arnold.
In the 80‟s, Curb Records signed such emerging artists as Lyle Lovett, The Judds, Don & Phil Everly, Sawyer
Brown, Chris Hillman‟s Desert Rose Band, Jeffrey Steele‟s band Boy Howdy, The Bellamy Brothers, Ronnie
McDowell, Hal Ketchum and The Righteous Brothers who delivered the triple platinum selling album and single
“Unchained Melody.”
Throughout the 90‟s, Curb Records continued to establish ground as an independent force to be reckoned with. The
label surprised many with the meteoric launch of superstar Tim McGraw, whose album Not A Moment Too Soon
went on to become one of McGraw‟s top selling albums to date. All told, Curb Records has sold over 40 million
units and produced over ninety seven billion impressions at radio with Tim McGraw‟s music.
Curb Records has achieved over 300 number one records on the Billboard chart and Mike Curb recently received a
star on both the Music City Walk of Fame and the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Mike Curb exclaims, “We‟ve been successful in large part to our employees, our artist roster, radio and a huge passion
for music that inspires people across the globe. We are forever up to the challenges of the next half century and
look forward to expanding upon our success.”
www.Curb.com
4,518 Charted Records
3,231 singles
1,287 albums
PG 4 www.countryentertainmentusa.com

George Jones
GRAND TOUR IN 2013
In 2013, George Jones, the country music icon often referred to as the "the
greatest living country singer" will mark the end of an era with a farewell tour
for his fans titled "The Grand Tour". After over fifty years of touring, Jones has
decided he is ready to slow down and spend more time with his wife, children
and grandchildren. Jones was quoted as saying "It is tough to stop doing what I
love, but the time has come". As a tribute to his loyal fans he wants to tour one
more year and let them know, this will be his last.
The Grand Tour will visit approximately 60 cities in 2013. The star will perform
many of his hits such as "White Lightning," "He Stopped Loving Her Today,"
"Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair".
The legend also plans to record a new studio album for the fans, and Dolly Parton
has been writing songs for him. It will be an album he loves and wants to
do.
About George Jones:
George Jones is the #2 best-charting country artist of all time, with a staggering list of hit singles in every decade
since the „50s. The Beaumont, Texas native also has 143 Top 40 hits to his name, has received two Grammy
Awards, was a 2008 Kennedy Center Honor recipient, is a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, was presented
with a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award this year and holds a National Medal of Arts. At 80, Jones continues
to be an active country music superstar, headlining dozens of concerts each year.
www.GeorgeJones.com
Mel Tillis
CELEBRATES 80th BIRTHDAY
Wednesday, August 8, marked a lifetime milestone for Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis, as he celebrated his
80th birthday with a private party in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. About 400 of Tillis' closest friends packed
the party including daughter Pam Tillis, Charley Pride, Lorrie Morgan, Bobby Bare, Alabama's Jeff Cook, Eddie
Raven, Jimmy C. Newman and many more.
Tillis and his band, the Statesiders, treated partygoers to a live performance, prompting Pam Tillis, Charley Pride,
Jeff Cook and others to join the country music legend onstage.
About Mel Tillis:
Throughout his monstrous career, Mel Tillis has recorded more than 60 albums, has had 35 Top Ten singles, was
named the Country Music Association's coveted Entertainer of the Year, is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and
holds country music's highest honor as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He has written over 1,000
songs, 600 of which have been recorded by major artists including Kenny Rogers (“Ruby, Don‟t You Take Your
Love To Town”), George Strait (“Thoughts Of A Fool”), and Ricky Skaggs (“Honey, Open That Door”).
www.MelTillis.com
PG 5 www.countryentertainmentusa.com

Dolly Parton
CELEBRATES GOING GOLD
The first-ever Cracker Barrel Old Country Store two-disc set, An Evening
With… Dolly, has earned a Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA) Gold award and today Dolly got to celebrate! The DVD/CD was
RIAA certified just four weeks after its April 2 release date and its debut at #2
on Billboard‟s Top DVD Music Videos Chart.
“In true Dolly fashion and always on the cutting edge, Dolly was the first to be
Sound Scanned in Cracker Barrel‟s exclusive music program, and now their
first gold record,” said Dolly‟s Manager/President of Dolly Records Danny
Nozell.
The RIAA gold award marks a first for Cracker Barrel and the first for Dolly
Records in the U.S., with previous Gold certifications in Australia and the
United Kingdom.
“I‟m thrilled that so many fans are listening to my songs and taking a look behind-the-scenes
of my European tour,” said Dolly. “I had a wonderful time
performing in London and I think the audience did too. It‟s exciting to be able
to share my experiences with Cracker Barrel fans. And I have to tell you, I‟m
even more excited that An Evening With… Dolly earned the first Gold in the Cracker Barrel exclusive music program.
That‟s just icing on the cake.”
www.DollyParton.com
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Mail CD's or DVD's for Reviews To:
Country Entertainment USA
P.O. Box 100985
Nashville, TN. 37224
Pork McElhinny • Stomping Ground
www.PorkM.com
by Brenda L. Madden
We Review Movies Too
So Send Us Your DVD's
7 Star Rating System
Pork McElhinny wrote or co-wrote all ten songs on this honky-tonkin‟ style CD, filled with
drinkin‟ songs like “One More Beer” and “Why Am I So Thirsty.” But there is a more serious
note on the CD with “He Calls Me Dad.” The fiddle shines in the production and compliments
Pork‟s redneck vocals. The songs are solid, his voice is steady - some toe-tappin‟ fun!
Ellie May Kay • More Of What Matters
www.EllieMayKay.com
An overall fun and positive 5-song EP featuring songs written by noted songwriters like Hillary
Scott of Lady Antebellum, Victoria Shaw and Jamey Johnson. Opening with “Beautiful As
Usual” sets the tone. The title cut, “More Of What Matters” is a meaningful piece. Ellie May‟s
vocals interpret the songs nicely and she delivers the message with ease.
Debbie Perysian • Country Music Done Country
While all the songs are original compositions there is a familiar sound as Debbie Perysian, takes
us back in time with her hardcore country production and the twang in her vocals. From the first
song, “Where I Long To Be” to the final cut, “Angels Whose Voices We Know,” Debbie stays
true to her country soul - this is country music done country - the old-fashioned way!
Jeanie Sliva • Truth Is…
Jeanie Sliva wears multiple hats on this project from songwriter and vocalist to producer of this
CD. Her self-penned songs are produced with a stylish mixture of Americana, folk, country,
bluegrass and even a little bit of blues. The dobro is particularly appealing on the first cut, “The
One You Keep.” Heartfelt vocals matched with an inviting production make this an enjoyable
CD.

Remembering • Mae Boren Axton
by Brenda L. Madden
With a lengthy and illustrious career in the entertainment industry, Mae Boren Axton, often
referred to as the “Queen Mother of Nashville” and the “First Lady of Rock „N Roll,” was
an extraordinary leader, a hit songwriter, outstanding publicist and all around talent scout. In
addition to the long list of awards, accolades and accomplishments to her credit – she offered
a helping hand to many of today‟s country music superstars from Willie Nelson to
Tanya Tucker; not to mention leading the way for women now working on Music Row.
Born in Bardwell, Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Mae displayed an early interest in writing,
selling her first article to a magazine before graduating high school. Attending the University
of Oklahoma, she earned a Bachelor‟s Degree in Journalism; after which she received her teaching certificate
and taught English as well as writing for Life Magazine. Also starting a family, she married John T. Axton, an officer
in the U.S. Navy, and had two sons, Hoyt and John, Jr.
An assignment for Life Magazine, a story about “Hillbillies,” brought
Mae to the Big D Jamboree in Dallas and also to the Grand Ole Opry in
Nashville, Tennessee, where she first met comedienne, Minnie Pearl.
While in Music City, music publishing executive, Fred Rose needed a
song for a music convention later that day and it was Minnie that volunteered
Mae to write one. After much encouragement, in only a few
hours, “Count Me In (Because Baby I Like That Kind Of Carrying
On)” was written and became Mae‟s first country song to hit the charts.
When John was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, the family relocated
and Mae resumed teaching high school English; although during this
time, she was also dabbling in public relations and promoting shows in
the Jacksonville, Orlando and Daytona Beach area.
In 1955, Mae was hosting a radio show and promoting concerts for
Col. Tom Parker, at which time, she met a young Elvis Presley. Captivated by his performance and charm, Mae
knew he was more than just another singer. During a conversation while overlooking the ocean, Elvis commented
to Mae, “I‟d give anything in the world if I had enough money to bring Mama and Daddy down here.” She decided
then that she was going to write a song that would earn enough money for him to do just that and she did!
With songwriting partner, Tommy Durden, Mae wrote the legendary song, “Heartbreak Hotel” which remains one
of Elvis‟ most memorable songs and first million-seller. The idea for the song came from a suicide reported in the
local newspaper. The man had left a note that simply said “I walk a lonely street.” Inspired by that line, Mae added
“Heartbreak Hotel” and the rest is history. Remembering that conversation on the beach, Mae agreed to give Elvis
one third of the song. She once commented, “The song made Elvis, but Elvis made the song.” “Heartbreak Hotel”
was Elvis‟ first single for RCA Records and has been recorded by countless others including Ann-Margret, Chet Atkins,
Pat Boone, Delaney and Bonnie, Adam Faith, Frijid Pink, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson with Leon Russell, John
Cale, the Portsmouth Sinfonia, Donna Fargo and Conway Twitty.
PG 8 www.countryentertainmentusa.com

As a publicist and friend, Mae played an integral role in the careers of some of the biggest names in the entertainment
industry from Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Pasty Cline and Reba McEntire to Tanya Tucker, Mel Tillis, and
Dolly Parton, not to mention her own son, Hoyt Axton.
A successful singer, songwriter and actor in his own right, Hoyt wrote hits like “Never Been To Spain” and “Joy To
The World” recorded by Three Dog Night as well as appearing in movies like “The Black Stallion” and “Gremlins.”
Always proud to have his mother by his side, he once commented about hiring her as his publicist, “She‟s on my
team. She‟s been involved in my career from the beginning and she probably understands it as well as anyone.” In
later years, Mae formed her own record label releasing albums on Hoyt as well as Mel McDaniel and Mario Martin.
Mae at her 80th Birthday party
at the Opryland Hotel, 9/17/94
Hoyt Axton and Mother Mae on "Hee Haw"
Whether wearing the hat of publicist, songwriter, disc jockey, journalist, or
record label executive, Mae was a woman of strength, talent, integrity and
inspiration.
Thank you for the music, we will remember you always, Mae Boren Axton!
Special Thanks to Jan Woods
For Providing the Photos
PG 9 www.countryentertainmentusa.com

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Risin' Hot
Pick of The Week
Hi-Debut
LW TW
2 1 LITTLE BIG SKY
Susan Cattaneo - Jersey Girl Music
5 2 IT AIN’T EASY BEING EASY
Julie Richardson - MP3/Marty Martel
6 3 HE'S LEAVING ME
Kristin Cady - Pretty World Records
4 4 OLD DREAMS
DK Davis - Route66 Records
3 5 FINISHED WITH YOU
Ashley Robertson - Ind. Records
9 6 WHAT HEAVEN HAS SENT
Billy Joe Burnette - Pretty World Records
7 7 LONELY LOVE
Joey Canyon - Glo-Dot Records
8 8 TRAVELIN' BAND
Sawyer Brown - Beach Street Music
10 9 THE GTO
Cheryl K. Warner - CKW/WHP Records
11 10 ME AND GEORGE STRAIT
Bobby Dean - Lamon Records
12 11 POST CARD FROM PARIS
Band Perry - Republic Records
13 12 THINGS YOU DON'T GROW OUT OF
Taylor Made-CDX #546/McBee&Associates
15 13 AS SURE AS I'M STANDING HERE
Allen Karl - Century II Records
14 14 BRIDGES
Clinton Gregory - Melody Roundup Records
16 15 SHOTGUN RIDER
Neal McCoy - Blaster Records
19 16 STARS AND STRIPES
Nathan Osmond - Pretty World Records
18 17 TRAILBLAZER
Roys - Rural Rhythm Records
21 18 BORDERLINE CRAZY
Bill Wence - 615 Records
1 19 IN YOUR ARMS
Rachel Holder - Curb Records
20 20 OUT THERE IS YOUR WORLD
Leon Everette - Pretty World Records/ MTM
Rankings are based on reports from Country Radio,
Promoters, Labels, Artists, Managers, and PR Agencies.
Promotional advertising is accepted in order to maintain
this weekly review of Independent Country Artists.
Advertising Rate Details: (615) 683-8308
Monthly Top 40 Chart - Ending August 2012
www.IndieWorldCountry.com
LW TW
IndieWorld
P.O. Box 130 Brush Creek, TN 38547
(615) 683-8308 awayne@dtccom.net
© 1999
As Reported By
The IndieWorld
Panel Network
23 21 LET'S GET GONE
Allan & Ashcroft - MP3 - Martel Promotions
22 22 I DON'T KNOW THE WORLD ANYMORE
Buck McCoy - Weir Brothers
24 23 BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
Billy Keeble - Pretty World Records
25 24 THAT AIN'T GOOD
Hank Williams, Jr - Blaster Records
26 25 WHAT'S IT LIKE
Dean Johnston - CMG Records
27 26 JUST THE WIND
Steve Free - Fraternity Records
28 27 LOVIN YOU IS FUN
Easton Corbin - Mercury Records
30 28 GUITARS AND FISHING POLES
Steven Youngblood -MP3
29 29 EVERYTHING'S GOOD IN TEXAS
Bobby Lewis - Heart Of Texas Records
31 30 YOU WEREN'T THERE
Leona Williams Pretty World Records
32 31 ALL CRIED OUT
Kelly Parkes - Edge/LCR Records
34 32 ME AND BOBBIE MCGEE
Heather Miles / JD Micals / Pretty World Records
35 33 TEARS FOR JOY
Charlie Phillips - Ind Records
36 34 SMALL TALK
Miss Jeanie - Megalith Records
37 35 REEL ME IN
Belle Cannon - Hillcrest Records
38 36 RAISE YOUR BOTTLE
Aaron Watson - Big Label Records
39 37 LIT UP AND LOUD
Troy Anderson - Ind Records
40 38 MY BABY SHE'S COOKIN'
Buzz Cason - Arena Records
HI
Debut
39 T00 GOOD TO BE TRUE
Edens Edge - Big Machine
Debut 40 HAND TO THE PLOW
Marty Raybon - Rural Rhythm
IndieWorld is a weekly publication. IndieWorld
is where you will find the world’s foremost Indie
Country Artists, and their music. Rankings are
produced by IndieWorld, which is solely responsible
for the content of this site.

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“From Australia ≈ To Nashville”
by Brenda L. Madden
Many country music artists have made the transition from Australia to Nashville, but few
have done so with as much passion and sincerity as Craig Morrison. As he embarks on his
radio tour in support of his debut album, Fences, he is catching a glimpse of America and
being embraced by country music fans. Excited about this new journey, he comments, “I‟m
enjoying the experience of getting out there and meeting everybody.”
The title cut, “Fences” is already a Top 5 hit on the
Australian Country Music Tracks chart and is
gaining ground here. It was actually the first tune
he selected for the album. The song‟s message is a very personal one since
he was facing a huge hurdle himself - making the move to the United
States.
With the help of Grammy Award nominated producer, Mark Moffett, he
began the process of creating an album that would appeal to a worldwide
audience. They selected three of Craig‟s self-penned songs, two entitled
“Reminisce” and “Doin‟ Country,” which he wrote with his wife, Nichole.
They then turned to writers such as Robert Ellis Orral and Jessi Leigh
Alexander for top-shelf material, giving the project a style and depth that is
truly Craig Morrison.
One special song, “Love You More,” conveys the importance of expressing
our feelings to those we love, but it has an even deeper meaning to
Craig. Recently volunteering for “Musicians On Call” at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, he met an elderly lady
who was once a singer herself. He serenaded her with an acoustic version of “Love You More” which brought a
smile to her face that he will never forget. She died shortly thereafter, but the memory remains, as he recalls, “It just
made me feel so emotional.” For Craig, those moments are what it‟s all about. When asked what he wants fans to
know about him, he simply comments, “I‟m an entertainer, and I‟m here for them.”
Craig Morrison has a passion for music and a heart to bless people - that is a winning combination! Welcome to
Nashville!
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"Riley's Reviews"
5 Star Rating System
Want your production video reviewed
Then e-mail your video link to:
videoreviews@countryentertainmentusa.com
We do not review pocket / cell phone camera videos or videos where you just sing or play an instrument in front of a camera.
Nathan Osmond ♦ Stars & Stripes
http://youtu.be/BFje_OejV6A
I really enjoyed viewing Stars & Stripes by Nathan Osmond. It is an extremely well
produced video so I would have to give the singer as well as the producer five stars
and the song itself at least four.
Ben Stillwater ♦ You & I
http://youtu.be/esUZU2Gjvk8
Great country sound, reminds me of a young Don Williams, All around good video.
Rod Richmond ♦ You don’t know Jack
http://youtu.be/M1IxhPIDqA8
Cute catchy tune.. Good story line. Rod has a true country voice.
Robb Posey ♦ Texas Flash
http://youtu.be/PL7oAVoPPsQ
Great guitar licks, couldn‟t really understand the lyrics, the song was real busy.
From what I could tell Robb has good vocal quality. Would like to hear him do
something that makes his vocals SHINE rather than his guitar.