Country Sound: heard it on the grapevine

Bluegrass legend Mac Wiseman dies in Nashville

One of the legendary figures in the world of American bluegrass music, Mac Wiseman, passed away in Nashville last week at the age of 93.

Born in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in 1925, he grew up listening to songs on the local radio stations that were broadcasting the old songs and ballads of the mountains.

He secured a slot as a DJ on one of the stations in his young years before becoming an integral part of the bluegrass circuit working alongside such legends as Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.

Mac secured his own recording contract with Dot Records in the 1950s and released several albums over the decades. His biggest hit was Jimmy Brown The Newsboy which reached number five in 1959.

He was a major influence on Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard and recorded material with both of them in later years. When the Country Music Association (CMA) was formed in Nashville in 1958, he became its first secretary. He was the last surviving founder member. Mac was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1993 and into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

A real trooper to the end, he recorded his final album, I Sang The Song, two years ago at the age of 91.

Boston date for Ally and Marian

Fermanagh country duo Ally Harron and Marian Curry are keeping it country in style. One of the most traditional country duos on the circuit, they have a busy diary with dates all over Ireland and the UK. Just back from shows in Portsmouth and Manchester, they are heading off to America and are looking forward to playing in The Irish Social Club in West Roxbury, Boston on St Patrick’s night.

“If any of your readers have family or friends in that area of Boston, we would love if they would let them know in advance that we are doing a country show in The Irish Centre on this special night,” says Marian.

King of the Road from Nigel

Cavan singer Nigel Livingstone knows a classic song from back the years seldom loses its appeal. He has opted for the evergreen Roger Miller song, King of The Road, as his new single.

Nigel has spared nothing in the production of his latest release which features the fine musical talents of Declan O’Hare, Al McQuilkin, Brian Kerrigan, James Blennerhassett and Danny Sheerin. He maintains a busy schedule with dates in several counties and you can also see him in Mitchell’s of Carrigallen in Co Leitrim on St Patrick’s night.

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Country Sound: heard it on the grapevine

Country Sound: heard it on the grapevine