blog.al.com/bn/madness MUSIC ICONmedia.al.com/birminghamentries/other/Presentation_Mar.pdfR&B singer...
1
ALABAMA’S TOP MUSIC ICON Then you’ll be able to vote on the next round. The tournament continues throughout March. You have until 11 p.m. Wednesday to make your selections for the first round, narrowing the field to 32. First-round winners will be revealed online Friday at al.com, the online home of The Birmingham News. Vote and comment at blog.al.com/bn/madness 1 HANK WILLIAMS Mount Olive-born country star whose hits in the 1930s and ’40s included “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Hey Good Lookin’.” 16 8 HUGH MARTIN Birmingham-born composer and lyricist with many Broadway credits, wrote “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS Southern rock and alt-country band has three members from the Shoals, breakthrough disc was 2001’s “Southern Rock Opera.” 9 5 JIM NABORS Actor and singer from Sylacauga, variety-show favorite during 1960s-’70s, powerful baritone contrasted with goofy TV characters. VESTAL GOODMAN Hanky-waving singer from Fyffe and member of Happy Goodman Family, earned reputation as “Queen of Southern Gospel Music.” 12 4 WILSON PICKETT Soul singer and songwriter from Prattville, best known for crossover hits (“Mustang Sally,” “In the Midnight Hour”). RAY SAWYER Chickasaw native and lead singer of 1970s rock band Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, saw his face on the cover of Rolling Stone. 13 WILLIE KING Blues guitarist with Old Memphis roots, frontman of the Liberators, organizer of annual Freedom Creek Festival. JUSTIN BROWN Grammy-nominated music director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, has international resume as a conductor. 15 2 JIMMY BUFFETT Pop-rock powerhouse (“Margaritaville”) and entrepreneur, grew up in South Alabama and attended Auburn University. RAZZY BAILEY Country singer with roots in central Alabama, charted with 1970s and ë80s radio singles such as “I Keep Coming Back”. 14 3 SUN RA Free-thinking composer and bandleader born in Birmingham, infused jazz and electronica with cosmic philosophy. TAYLOR HICKS Gray-haired soul singer and songwriter, won the fifth season of “American Idol,” earned devoted fans called the Soul Patrol. 10 7 DOROTHY LOVE COATES Birmingham singer, member of The Original Gospel Harmonettes, strongly identified with civil-rights movement. DELMORE BROTHERS Elkmont natives were country-music pioneers in the 1930s and regulars on the Grand Old Opry (“Alabama Lullaby”). 11 6 NELL CARTER Tony-winning singer (“Ain’t Misbehavin’”) and actress (“Gimme a Break!”) from Birmingham, known for big voice and expansive personality. 1 ALABAMA Grammy-winning country-rock band from Fort Payne, No. 1 singles include “Mountain Music” and “Dixieland Delight.” 16 8 TOMMY SHAW Rock guitarist and songwriter from Montgomery, high-profile member of Styx, also played in Damn Yankees. LITTLE BIG TOWN Contemporary-country hit-mak- ers, includes Jimi Westbrook of Sumiton and two singers with ties to Birmingham’s Samford University. 9 5 ODETTA Blues-folk singer from Birmingham, renditions of protest anthems and spirituals linked her to the civil rights movement. CLAIRE LYNCH Bluegrass singer-guitarist who spent many years in north Alabama, was one of few female bandleaders in traditional genre during 1970s. 12 4 MUSCLE SHOALS RHYTHM SECTION Skilled studio musicians, key in creation of Muscle Shoals Sound during recording sessions of the 1960s-’70s. JAMEY JOHNSON Country singer-songwriter from Enterprise, earned three Grammy nominations for 2008 breakthrough disc, “That Lonesome Song.” 13 HENRY PANION Grammy-winning composer and producer, member of UAB music faculty, has worked with Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. “COUNTRY BOY EDDIE” BURNS Country singer, TV host and multi-instrumentalist from Warrior, star of long-running “Country Boy Eddie Show.” 15 2 LIONEL RICHIE Singer, songwriter and producer born in Tuskegee, forged a high-profile solo career in pop and R&B after leaving the Commodores BO BICE Southern-rock singer, songwriter and band leader from Huntsville, took second place on fourth season of “American Idol.” 14 3 HANK WILLIAMS JR. Rowdy country-rocker who lived in Cullman in the ’70s and ’80s and boogied to fame with party- hearty tunes. RUBEN STUDDARD Birmingham R&B singer won “American Idol” in 2003, has scored on Billboard charts, earned Grammy nomination. 10 7 SONNY JAMES Hackleburg native and singer-songwriter called “the Southern Gentleman,” prominent in country music for three decades. EDDIE FLOYD Montgomery-born R&B singer and songwriter, (“Knock on Wood”), star of Stax Records label in the 1960s and ’70s. 11 6 LOUVIN BROTHERS Gospel-country duo from Henagar, popular during 1940- ’60s, regulars on Grand Old Opry, inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame. 1 TAMMY WYNETTE Hardscrabble hit-maker from Red Bay (“Stand By Your Man”), partnered with George Jones and became known as “First Lady of County Music.” 16 8 BOBBY GOLDSBORO Country-pop singer (“Honey”) with roots in Dothan, started as guitarist for Roy Orbison, earned greatest fame in 1960s-’70s. MARTHA REEVES R&B singer from Eufaula (“Dancing in the Street”), best known as the leader of Motown’s Martha and the Vandellas. 9 5 PERCY SLEDGE Soul stylist from Leighton known for romantic R&B, earned place in music history with 1966’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.” MAC MCANALLY Guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer born in Red Bay, longtime member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. 12 4 W.C. HANDY Florence-born composer and cornet player, widely known as “Father of the Blues” for compositions of the early 1900s. JASON ISBELL Americana singer, guitarist and songwriter from Greenhill, former member of Drive-By Truckers, now a solo artist. 13 HOTEL Power-pop group from Birmingham (“You’ll Love Again”), signed deals with MCA and Mercury, favorite on nightclub circuit in 1970s. DAMON JOHNSON Alabaster singer, songwriter and guitarist, member of country group Whiskey Falls, formerly of rock band Brother Cane. 15 2 THE TEMPTATIONS Motown greats that included Eddie Kendricks of Union Springs and Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and, later, Dennis Edwards, all of Birmingham. TAKE 6 A cappella gospel troupe formed at Huntsville’s Oakwood College, winner of several Grammys and Dove Awards 14 3 SAM PHILLIPS Music producer and founder of Sun Records, born in Florence, credited with discovery of Elvis Presley. READERS’ CHOICE Check out Page 2A today or go to blog.al.com/bn/madness to find out who won our local play-in round. 10 7 ERSKINE HAWKINS Trumpet player, jazz composer and big-band leader from Birmingham, earned fame for 1939’s “Tuxedo Junction.” REBECCA LUKER Singer-actress from Helena, has starred in several Broadway musicals, nominated for Tonys and Drama Desk Awards. 11 6 VERN GOSDIN Country singer from Woodland, known for honky-tonk style and top 10 radio singles (“Set ’Em Up Joe”). 1 NAT KING COLE Velvet-voiced singer-pianist born in Montgomery, classic interpreter of 1940s-’50s anthems such as “Unforgettable” and “Smile.” 16 8 WILLIE MAE “BIG MAMA” THORNTON Powerful blues singer and songwriter from Montgomery, recorded with Muddy Waters in 1960s. CLARENCE CARTER Soul singer from Montgomery, attended Alabama School for Deaf and Blind, recorded hits (“Slip Away”) at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. 9 5 BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA Gospel troupe formed in 1939 at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind in Talladega, major career resurgence 2002-present. CHUCK LEAVELL Birmingham-born keyboard player, member of touring band for Rolling Stones, also played with Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers 12 4 COMMODORES Funk-soul band formed at Tuskegee University, ruled charts in 1970s-’80s with danceable tunes and power ballads (“Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady”). ALAN HUNTER Birmingham native made music history as one of five original VJs on MTV (1981-87), also co-founded WorkPlay entertainment complex. 13 BAKER KNIGHT Birmingham-born songwriter and leader of rockabilly’s The Knightmares, credits include “Lonesome Town” and “The Wonder of You.” OTEIL BURBRIDGE Birmingham bassist, member of the Allman Brothers Band, sought-after collaborator by several jam bands. 15 2 EMMYLOU HARRIS Country-folk songbird and Grammy winner born in Birmingham, known for angelic voice and graceful guitar work. BOBBY HORTON Multi-instrumentalist and composer from Birmingham, wrote music for TV documentaries by Ken Burns, longtime member of Three on a String. 14 3 DINAH WASHINGTON Tuscaloosa-born torch singer (“What a Diff’rence a Day Makes’), earned title as “Queen of the Blues” during 1950s SHELBY LYNNE Grammy-winning singer- songwriter with roots in south Alabama, maverick music combines R&B with country, rock and folk. 10 7 WET WILLIE Southern rock band from Mobile led by singer-harmonica player Jimmy Hall, best known for good-time hit in 1970s, “Keep on Smilin.’ TY HERNDON Country singer raised in Butler, recorded several top 10 hits (“What Mattered Most”), has endured despite career controversies. 11 6 TONI TENNILLE Montgomery-born singer who teamed with Daryl Dragon in 1970s pop duo Captain & Tennille, also hosted TV variety show. BRACKET 1 BRACKET 2 BRACKET 3 BRACKET 4 By MARY COLURSO ♦ News staff writer T hink Alabamians are passionate about sports? Just ask them to weigh in about music. That’s exactly what we’re doing to decide Alabama’s Top Music Icon. Our state has produced plenty of key figures in the music world, past and present. These include singers, composers, producers, instrumentalists, conductors and even an MTV VJ. The tournament will play out like the upcoming NCAA basketball brackets. We’ve come up with a list of 63 star players (plus one readers’ choice), spreading the net wide to cover several music genres, geographic areas and time periods. Now it’s up to you to decide who’s No. 1. Go to al.com, the online home of The Birmingham News, and make your picks for the first round in our Music Madness list. You’ll have until 11 p.m. Wednesday. While you’re doing that, feel free to sound off in the Web comments section linked to the March Madness brackets. Want to rave about your faves? That’s the place to do it. Disagree with our seedings? Tell us why. Wondering about artists who didn’t make the cut? On the Web, you’ll find a list of honorable mentions. ? SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 • THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS • PLAY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 • THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS • PLAY 20G 21G
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Transcript of blog.al.com/bn/madness MUSIC ICONmedia.al.com/birminghamentries/other/Presentation_Mar.pdfR&B singer...
ALABAMA’S TOP MUSIC ICON
Then you’ll be able to vote on the next round. The tournament continues throughout March.
You have until 11 p.m. Wednesday to make your selections for the fi rst round, narrowing the fi eld to 32.
First-round winners will be revealed online Friday at al.com, the online home of The Birmingham News.
Vote and comment at blog.al.com/bn/madness
1 HANK WILLIAMSMount Olive-born country star whose hits in the 1930s and ’40s included “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Hey Good Lookin’.”
16
8 HUGH MARTIN Birmingham-born composer and lyricist with many Broadway credits, wrote “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERSSouthern rock and alt-country band has three members from the Shoals, breakthrough disc was 2001’s “Southern Rock Opera.”
9
5 JIM NABORS Actor and singer from Sylacauga, variety-show favorite during 1960s-’70s, powerful baritone contrasted with goofy TV characters.
VESTAL GOODMANHanky-waving singer from Fyffe and member of Happy Goodman Family, earned reputation as “Queen of Southern Gospel Music.”
12
4 WILSON PICKETT Soul singer and songwriter from Prattville, best known for crossover hits (“Mustang Sally,” “In the Midnight Hour”).
RAY SAWYER Chickasaw native and lead singer of 1970s rock band Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, saw his face on the cover of Rolling Stone.
13
WILLIE KINGBlues guitarist with Old Memphis roots, frontman of the Liberators, organizer of annual Freedom Creek Festival.
JUSTIN BROWNGrammy-nominated music director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, has international resume as a conductor.
15
2JIMMY BUFFETTPop-rock powerhouse (“Margaritaville”) and entrepreneur, grew up in South Alabama and attended Auburn University.
RAZZY BAILEYCountry singer with roots in central Alabama, charted with 1970s and ë80s radio singles such as “I Keep Coming Back”.
14
3SUN RAFree-thinking composer and bandleader born in Birmingham, infused jazz and electronica with cosmic philosophy.
TAYLOR HICKS Gray-haired soul singer and songwriter, won the fifth season of “American Idol,” earned devoted fans called theSoul Patrol.
10
7DOROTHY LOVE COATES Birmingham singer, member of The Original Gospel Harmonettes, strongly identified with civil-rights movement.
DELMORE BROTHERSElkmont natives were country-music pioneers in the 1930s and regulars on the Grand Old Opry (“Alabama Lullaby”).
11
6NELL CARTERTony-winning singer (“Ain’t Misbehavin’”) and actress (“Gimme a Break!”) from Birmingham, known for big voice and expansive personality.
1 ALABAMAGrammy-winning country-rock band from Fort Payne, No. 1 singles include “Mountain Music” and “Dixieland Delight.”
16
8 TOMMY SHAWRock guitarist and songwriter from Montgomery, high-profile member of Styx, also played in Damn Yankees.
LITTLE BIG TOWN Contemporary-country hit-mak-ers, includes Jimi Westbrook of Sumiton and two singers with ties to Birmingham’s Samford University.
9
5 ODETTABlues-folk singer from Birmingham, renditions of protest anthems and spirituals linked her to the civil rights movement.
CLAIRE LYNCHBluegrass singer-guitarist who spent many years in north Alabama, was one of few female bandleaders in traditional genre during 1970s.
12
4 MUSCLE SHOALS RHYTHM SECTIONSkilled studio musicians, key in creation of Muscle Shoals Sound during recording sessions of the 1960s-’70s.
JAMEY JOHNSONCountry singer-songwriter from Enterprise, earned three Grammy nominations for 2008 breakthrough disc, “That Lonesome Song.”
13
HENRY PANIONGrammy-winning composer and producer, member of UAB music faculty, has worked with Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
“COUNTRY BOY EDDIE” BURNSCountry singer, TV host and multi-instrumentalist from Warrior, star of long-running “Country Boy Eddie Show.”
15
2LIONEL RICHIESinger, songwriter and producer born in Tuskegee, forged a high-profile solo career in pop and R&B after leaving the Commodores
BO BICESouthern-rock singer, songwriter and band leader from Huntsville, took second place on fourth season of “American Idol.”
14
3HANK WILLIAMS JR.Rowdy country-rocker who lived in Cullman in the ’70s and ’80s and boogied to fame with party-hearty tunes.
RUBEN STUDDARDBirmingham R&B singer won “American Idol” in 2003, has scored on Billboard charts, earned Grammy nomination.
10
7SONNY JAMESHackleburg native and singer-songwriter called “the Southern Gentleman,” prominent in country music for three decades.
EDDIE FLOYDMontgomery-born R&B singer and songwriter, (“Knock on Wood”), star of Stax Records label in the 1960s and ’70s.
11
6LOUVIN BROTHERSGospel-country duo from Henagar, popular during 1940-’60s, regulars on Grand Old Opry, inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame.
1 TAMMY WYNETTEHardscrabble hit-maker from Red Bay (“Stand By Your Man”), partnered with George Jonesand became known as “First Lady of County Music.”
16
8 BOBBY GOLDSBOROCountry-pop singer (“Honey”) with roots in Dothan, started as guitarist for Roy Orbison, earned greatest fame in 1960s-’70s.
MARTHA REEVESR&B singer from Eufaula (“Dancing in the Street”), best known as the leader of Motown’s Martha and the Vandellas.
9
5 PERCY SLEDGESoul stylist from Leighton known for romantic R&B, earned place in music history with 1966’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.”
MAC MCANALLYGuitarist, singer, songwriter and producer born in Red Bay, longtime member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.
12
4 W.C. HANDY Florence-born composer and cornet player, widely known as “Father of the Blues” for compositions of the early 1900s.
JASON ISBELL Americana singer, guitarist and songwriter from Greenhill, former member of Drive-By Truckers, now a solo artist.
13
HOTELPower-pop group from Birmingham (“You’ll Love Again”), signed deals with MCA and Mercury, favorite on nightclub circuit in 1970s.
DAMON JOHNSONAlabaster singer, songwriter and guitarist, member of country group Whiskey Falls, formerly of rock band Brother Cane.
15
2THE TEMPTATIONSMotown greats that included Eddie Kendricks of Union Springs and Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and, later, Dennis Edwards, all of Birmingham.
TAKE 6A cappella gospel troupe formed at Huntsville’s Oakwood College, winner of several Grammys and Dove Awards
14
3SAM PHILLIPSMusic producer and founder of Sun Records, born in Florence, credited with discovery of Elvis Presley.
READERS’ CHOICECheck out Page 2A today or go to blog.al.com/bn/madness to fi nd out who won our local play-in round.
10
7ERSKINE HAWKINSTrumpet player, jazz composer and big-band leader from Birmingham, earned fame for 1939’s “Tuxedo Junction.”
REBECCA LUKERSinger-actress from Helena, has starred in several Broadway musicals, nominated for Tonys and Drama Desk Awards.
11
6VERN GOSDINCountry singer from Woodland, known for honky-tonk style and top 10 radio singles (“Set ’Em Up Joe”).
1 NAT KING COLEVelvet-voiced singer-pianist born in Montgomery, classic interpreter of 1940s-’50s anthems such as “Unforgettable” and “Smile.” 16
8 WILLIE MAE “BIG MAMA” THORNTONPowerful blues singer and songwriter from Montgomery, recorded with Muddy Waters in 1960s.
CLARENCE CARTERSoul singer from Montgomery, attended Alabama School for Deaf and Blind, recorded hits (“Slip Away”) at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals.
9
5 BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA Gospel troupe formed in 1939 at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind in Talladega, major career resurgence 2002-present.
CHUCK LEAVELLBirmingham-born keyboard player, member of touring band for Rolling Stones, also played with Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers
12
4 COMMODORESFunk-soul band formed at Tuskegee University, ruled charts in 1970s-’80s with danceable tunes and power ballads (“Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady”).
ALAN HUNTERBirmingham native made music history as one of five original VJs on MTV (1981-87), also co-founded WorkPlay entertainment complex.
13
BAKER KNIGHTBirmingham-born songwriter and leader of rockabilly’s The Knightmares, credits include “Lonesome Town” and “The Wonder of You.”
OTEIL BURBRIDGEBirmingham bassist, member of the Allman Brothers Band, sought-after collaborator by several jam bands.
15
2EMMYLOU HARRISCountry-folk songbird and Grammy winner born in Birmingham, known for angelic voice and graceful guitar work.
BOBBY HORTON Multi-instrumentalist and composer from Birmingham, wrote music for TV documentaries by Ken Burns, longtime member of Three on a String.
14
3DINAH WASHINGTONTuscaloosa-born torch singer (“What a Diff’rence a Day Makes’), earned title as “Queen of the Blues” during 1950s
SHELBY LYNNEGrammy-winning singer-songwriter with roots in south Alabama, maverick music combines R&B with country, rock and folk.
10
7WET WILLIESouthern rock band from Mobile led by singer-harmonica player Jimmy Hall, best known for good-time hit in 1970s, “Keep on Smilin.’
TY HERNDONCountry singer raised in Butler, recorded several top 10 hits (“What Mattered Most”), has endured despite career controversies.
11
6TONI TENNILLEMontgomery-born singer who teamed with Daryl Dragon in 1970s pop duo Captain & Tennille, also hosted TV variety show.
BRACKET 1 BRACKET 2 BRACKET 3 BRACKET 4
By MARY COLURSO ♦ News staff writer
T hink Alabamians are passionate about sports? Just ask them to weigh in about music. That’s exactly what we’re doing to decide Alabama’s Top Music Icon. Our state has produced plenty of key figures in the music world, past and
present. These include singers, composers, producers, instrumentalists, conductors and even an MTV VJ. The tournament will play out like the upcoming NCAA basketball brackets. We’ve come up with a list of 63 star players (plus one readers’ choice), spreading the net wide to cover several music genres, geographic areas and time
periods. Now it’s up to you to decide who’s No. 1. Go to al.com, the online home of The Birmingham News, and make your picks for the first round in our Music Madness list. You’ll have until 11 p.m. Wednesday. While you’re doing that, feel free to sound off in the Web comments section linked to the March Madness brackets. Want to rave about your faves? That’s the place to do it. Disagree with our seedings? Tell us why. Wondering about artists who didn’t make the cut? On the Web, you’ll find a list of honorable mentions.
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