Gretchen Wilson raises $160K
Thursday, February 15, 2007 – Gretchen Wilson went back to her roots to perform at smaller venues and raise money for charity last week. Five dates in five cities netted more than $163,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"This is how I grew up, singing in bars. I miss that intimacy," said Wilson. "I've loved playing stadiums and arenas, donšt get me wrong, but when you are in a club you can actually see and touch the fans. Their reaction to the music is immediate. The biggest bonus, though, is to be able to raise money for some very worthwhile organizations."
Wilson kicked off the week in Austin, partnering with KASE radio at Graham Central Station to raise money for Make-A-Wish. The next stop was Albuquerque for a KRST listener lunch and performance at a local restaurant and an evening performance at Graham Central Station with KBQI which benefited St. Jude. She spent the next day in Oklahoma City performing intimate acoustic concert for listeners of KTST and KXXY radio.
In Little Rock, Ark., the fire marshal started turning fans away after 2,000 people had entered the Clear Channel Metroplex to see Wilson play KSSN's St. Jude fundraiser. Blocked and backed up streets and fist fights ensued among the throngs of fans who were turned away at the door. "This was the biggest promotion we have ever done here," said Clear Channel Regional VP of Programming Phil Hunt. "There were fights, traffic jams, lives threatened and police called at every location where tickets were distributed. People wanted to see Gretchen Wilson in concert."
She wrapped up the tour Friday night with a sold-out event at the Gibson Beale Street Showcase in Memphis. The event drew 600-plus fans who donated $108,000 to St. Jude.
"This was one of the most fun weeks I've had since this rocket took off three years ago," said Wilson. "These folks have supported me from day one, and to be able to go back, say thanks and raise some money at the same time has been amazing."
Wilson's third album, will hit stores in early spring with the first single "Come to Me."
More news for Gretchen Wilson
CD reviews for Gretchen Wilson
One of the Boys
Gretchen Wilson became a superstar with her ballsy chick, white trash persona anthem "Redneck Woman" from the equally anthemic "Here for the Party." She delivered a big, bold voice real comfy with a honky tonker. And while "All Jacked Up," the second release was generally solid, it did nowhere near the sales of the debut. So, Wilson may at a career crossroads already. Fortunately, she tones it down without going for the big, ballsy sound of the first 2 CDS with a lot »»» |
All Jacked Up
Gretchen Wilson became an overnight superstar with her debut "Here For the Party" and her fem power song "Redneck Woman" and blue collar attitude taking her all the way to the bank.
Of course, the question is whether Wilson is able to follow up such a tremendously successful album with a worthy album and for the most of the time, the answer is a resounding yes. If the debut didn't exist, then this CD would be just fine, but she is in competition against herself.
Her voice remains a supple »»» |
Here for the Party
Gretchen Wilson could be a one-hit wonder, given the huge success of her breakout debut single, "Redneck Woman," but that would be to the detriment of a very strong debut from the southern Illinois native.
Wilson, 30, got a big, tough sounding voice, recalling Natalie Maines. She isn't afraid to belt it out on the bluesy, rocking title track or the gospel/blues/funk of "Chariot." The anthemic "Redneck Woman" keeps the pace hopping.
But Wilson isn't afraid of a ballad either. »»» |
Editorial: A fine night for Taylor Swift –
Taylor Swift's showing at the Country Music Association awards Wednesday night was no surprise. In some respects, it was invigorating to see someone who was not male and not around umpteen years like some of her male counterparts take home the biggest prize of the night, entertainer of the year. »»»
Concert Review: Radney Foster sparks a revival –
Radney Foster told fans that he came home from the University of the South one weekend early in his college career and told his parents in the wee hours of the morning that he wanted to quit college and head to Nashville to pursue a music career. His parents agreed...fortunately.
Three decades later, that resulted in Foster playing songs on this... »»»
Concert Review: Neko Case overcomes obstacles –
The opening of Neko Case's show was unusual to say the least. "I'm angry right now," said the red head. "We just had a big fight with the promoter. We're going to sing weird, but we're actually very happy to be here."
Making quite clear that she was not a happy camper, Case still channeled her musical energies... »»»
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