Saturday, June 2, 2012

Country Entertainment USA Magazine Article

Nathan Osmond and Jack Greene are featured on the front cover of Country Entertainment USA magazine this month. Here is a link to the article: http://www.countryentertainmentusa.com/gentlemen.html
“The Gentlemen of Country Music”
Jack Greene and Nathan Osmond

by Brenda L. Madden


Over the years, country music has produced many legends - all with struggles and triumphs just like a true country song, but none stands taller than “the Jolly Greene Giant,” Jack Greene.

Jack's musical career began in his hometown of Maryville, Tennessee at WGAP Radio and from there he performed with bands like The Peach Tree Boys and The Tennessee Mountain Boys. In 1962, Jack's career took an amazing turn, when Ernest Tubb, recognizing Jack's talent, asked him to be a part of the Texas Troubadours. Eventually, Jack began opening shows for Ernest and soon his solo career blossomed - beginning a career that includes nine #1 hits and two #1 albums. Jack's signature song, “There Goes My Everything” garnered him the “Single of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year,” and “Song of the Year” from the CMA in 1967 (these awards are currently on display at the Country Music Association offices in Nashville). His resume also includes hit songs like “All The Time,” “You Are My Treasure,” “Until My Dreams Come True” and “Statue Of A Fool” as well as noted accomplishments like being the first country music artist in the Macy's Day Parade and the only drummer in country music to achieve stardom as a solo artist.

Due to his incredible success, Jack was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1967. After more than 44 years as a member, Jack Greene has become a cornerstone of this musical institution and has helped build a legacy for the next generation of country music entertainers.

Because of his good-natured personality, Jack is also known as the “Gentleman of Country Music,” and is respected and loved by not only the fans but his peers as well. In 2010, LeeAnn Lallone, Jack's manager, released an album of duets entitled Precious Memories, Treasured Friends. It was no surprise that Jack's friends and country music family lined up to be a part of this project including his long-time duet partner, Jeannie Seely and others stepping behind the microphone for this project include George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Larry Gatlin, Riders In The Sky, Little Jimmy Dickens and Helen Cornelius. This album has produced yet more IndieWorld #1s for this legend - at the age of 80!

Jack's continued success is amazing not only because of his age, but because he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's almost twelve years ago. Yet his spirit is undaunted and he is determined to live each day in happiness and while some days are better than others, his heart still sings. He's taking life slower and smelling the roses, which gives him the time to listen to some of today's brightest singer/songwriters on the horizon.

It was Ernest Tubb that encouraged Jack to pursue his own solo career, even “kicking” him out of the Texas Troubadours to “fly” on his own. Jack is now paying forward Ernest's guidance and respect to country music newcomer, Nathan Osmond.

Nathan Osmond, son of Alan Osmond, grew up surrounded by music, television studios, tour buses and bright lights. When asked why he chose a musical path, he explains, “I saw how much joy they (The Osmonds) were bringing to the lives of so many other people and I thought that's what I want to do when I grow up.”

And he has done just that making his first national television appearance in 1986 when Bob Hope invited The Osmonds 2nd Generation to appear on his Christmas show. Nathan has performed around the world with his brothers as well as appearing in the national touring musicals of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “You're A Good Man Charlie Brown.”

With his diverse background, he could have chosen any direction, but as fate and his heart would have it - he chose country music. Nathan comments, “You can sing about real life stuff. You can sing about God and country and people accept it. If there's one genre that fits who I am the most, it's country music.” So when this singer/songwriter was ready to begin his solo career, he came to Nashville and connected with Lonestar member, Dean Sams, who produced four of the songs on his first album, Feels Like Heaven. The remainder of the album was produced by Gary Baker in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. From that album, he has scored two #1 songs on the IndieWorld chart with “The Tailgate Song” and “Sweet.”

While Nathan works to complete his next project, he is also touring and meeting the fans - which are a priority for Nathan. When talking about the fans, he notes, “How do you gage success in the music business? I think it basically comes down to the amount of lives you touch.” And like his family, he is building a strong and dedicated fan base.

Nathan is currently topping the IndieWorld chart again with “There's A Whole Lot About A Woman,” a duet with Jack Greene, which will be included on Nathan's upcoming album, Climbing Fences. When asked about this song, Nathan comments, “How cool for a new country artist to get the opportunity to record with an Opry legend such as Jack Greene.” He continues, “I am just so honored to get to work with „the Gentleman of Country Music.'” That song was originally a hit for Jack in 1971 and was also included on Jack's Precious Memories, Treasured Friends as a duet with Vince Gill.

More than just a one-time duet partner, a friendship has been forged between the two. Jack is enjoying watching Nathan's career grow while Nathan is learning from a true legend. Nathan Osmond, much like Jack Greene, has an honesty, gentleness and sincerity that touch the lives of not only the fans but all those around them. A recent quote from Jack says it all, "Having received the title of 'The Gentleman of Country Music' over 43 years ago, I am excited at the thought of Nathan Osmond carrying that title into the next generation."

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