Levon Helm buried next to Rick Danko
Levon Helm, who died of cancer last week, was remembered on Thursday at his Woodstock home by his family, friends and fans. After a private funeral today, Helm is to be buried in Woodstock Cemetery. He will be laid to rest next to Rick Danko, the former singer and bassist with the Band, who died in 1999. Helm, a native of Arkansas, will be honoured by the state today. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff. Beebe’s proclamation noted that Helm was “an enormously talented performer and gifted musician whose Arkansas roots can be heard and felt in his voice and in his music.”
Funeral held for Chris Ethridge of the Flying Burrito Brothers
Chris Ethridge, the bassist for the country-rock band the Flying Burrito Brothers was buried on Thursday. Ethridge, age 65, died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Along with his bandmate Gram Parsons, Ethridge was a founding musician and songwriter in the country-rock genre. He was also known for his work with Jackson Browne, Ry Cooder and Willie Nelson, amongst others.
Chieftains turn to country for anniversary album
Irish folk music legends the Chieftains are currently celebrating their 50th anniversary. They recently released Voice of Ages, which features country and Americana artists Pistol Annies, the Civil Wars, the Secret Sisters, Punch Brothers and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The disc was produced by band member Paddy Moloney and T Bone Burnett, who is currently receiving accolades for his work on The Hunger Games soundtrack. Many of the guest artists on the Chieftains disc also appear on that soundtrack.
Jack White to compose score for The Lone Ranger film
Jack White, the former White Stripes frontman, is currently enjoying acclaim for his first solo album Blunderbuss. According to the Hollywood Reporter, White has now been slated by Disney Pictures to write, produce and perform the music for The Lone Ranger. The film will star Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger. This will mark White’s first try at film scoring. White has worked as a producer in the past on Loretta Lynn’s album Van Lear Rose.
Zac Brown Band readies Uncaged
Zac Brown Band is set to release its new album, Uncaged, on July 10. In an interview with The Associated Press, Zac Brown jokingly describes the sound as “it’s your basic country-Southern rock-bluegrass-reggae-jam record.” The band has expanded its lineup of musicians and invited guest artists such as Trombone Shorty and his horn section. Brown said the band wanted to keep pushing the musical boundaries with the 11 new songs on the disc.
Country music charity auction ends Sunday
If you’re interested in bidding on a pair of boots signed by Dolly Parton or Keith Urban, you have until Sunday to place your bid. The auction benefits Music City Incorporated Foundation, and it maintains and adds to the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville. Other artists who have donated to the auction include Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Kid Rock and Peter Frampton. The auction is being held on eBay and you can view the items here.