Ft. Payne Alabama 'Boom Days'

Dan Penn and Bobby Emmons are appearing at 'Boom Days' in Fort Payne, AL on September 20th. Here's info on their appearance (quoted from the Ft. Payne Times-Journal newspaper):

At 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, the activities will move indoors. The City Auditorium will be the site of the First Federal Songwriters’ Showcase, where Memphis/Nashville music business giants Dan Penn and Bobby Emmons will demonstrate their talents by performing many of the great tunes that they have written, played on or produced. Vernon native Penn is nationally renowned as an rhythm and blues writer, whose tunes have been recorded by Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, James Carr, Solomon Burke, the Box Tops and hundreds of others.

Emmons began playing with the legendary Bill Black Combo in 1960. He has played keyboards on recordings at virtually every major studio in Memphis and Nashville. He was one of the Memphis Boys, Elvis’ recording band. George Strait, Nora Jones, B. J. Thomas, Tanya Tucker and many others have performed his songs, and he has worked extensively with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.

“Boom Days will be a rare opportunity to see these two skilled masters perform together,” Kirby said.

Another Sad Loss for the Music Industry

Another sad loss this week with the passing of Jerry Wexler. Jerry made so many great contributions to R&B/soul music -- not to mention other genres. He played a vital role in the music that came out of Stax, Muscle Shoals, and American Studios.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/arts/music/16wexler.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Sad News about Isaac Hayes

In Isaac Hayes, we've lost a great musician, songwriter, and singer. Here is a nice article on him -- note that Chips Moman (while at Stax) produced Isaac's first record in 1962 -- "Laura, We're On Our Last Go-Round."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/isaac-hayes-
seventies-soul-superstar-who-won-an-oscar-for-theme-from-shaft-891448.html