Alan Jackson gives concert proceeds to dead miners' families
Friday, April 30, 2010 – Alan Jackson will dedicate his May 22 show at the Charleston, West Va. Civic Center to the families who lost loved ones in the Upper Big Branch Mining Disaster in Montcoal, West Va.
Profits from the show will go to the Montcoal Mining Disaster Fund administrated by the West Virginia Council of Churches.
"This is a very wonderful donation from Alan and, on behalf of our state, I'm honored for our miners, their families and the rescue workers," said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin. "Alan is a world-famous entertainer who has never forgotten his small-town roots and the importance of family."
"We are thrilled that Alan Jackson, an entertainer who sings about the working family, has committed his upcoming show in Charleston to the families of the fallen miners at the Upper Big Branch mine," said the Rev. Dennis Sparks, Ex. Dir. WV Council of Churches. "On Behalf of the Montcoal Mining Disaster Fund, thank you Alan and we look forward to a great concert in West Virginia."
On April 5th, 29 miners lost their lives, and 2 were injured in the tragedy at the Upper Big Branch Mine, about 30 miles south of Charleston. It was the country's worst mining disaster in four decades.
Ticket prices for a portion of the venue have been reduced to $20, and numerous vendors and suppliers to the show have reduced their fees for the benefit concert.
More news for Alan Jackson
CD reviews for Alan Jackson
Precious Memories Vol. II
There's nothing more pathetic than watching a country performer sweat bullets on television while performing a gospel song, seemingly to try and prove - with all this overt effort - they truly believe what they're singing about. You won't get that impression from Alan Jackson, at least not from his second collection of hymns, "Precious Memories: Vol. II." Even during There Is Power in the Blood, a song that could easily have gotten revved up beyond control, the guitar and »»» |
34 Number Ones
Alan Jackson
34 Number Ones
Arista
Alan Jackson has rightfully enjoyed a tremendous amount of artistic and commercial success during his 14-CD career spanning 20 years. None of his albums debuted lower than number four. He captures a segment of country music that, unfortunately, has few imitators. The Georgian is well-steeped, of course, in traditional country music following in the footsteps of folks like George Jones. He also tends to focus on the small town way of life, a humble working »»» |
Freight Train
The title indicates traditionalist Alan Jackson is moving forward. While it's not clear how fast Jackson is moving forward, he certainly keeps moving in the right direction. This is pretty much meat and potatoes Jackson. Now, while that may sound to be less than complimentary, in the case of Jackson, there's a lot to be said for that. First off, he has a distinctive, sweet voice. George Jones, of course, continues to be an influence (True Love is a Golden Ring and a fine duet with Lee »»» |
Editorial: Walking the talk –
When names like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon and the Hag are invoked, you're talking hard core country. These are the touchstones of country , the guys who made country music what it was and still is (or maybe can be). When these folks would sing about being down-and-out and the rough-and-tumble, they knew of what they were singing about. Fast forward a few years to the country singers of today. »»»
Concert Review: Steve Earle doesn't rest (on laurels) –
If you didn't realize Steve Earle had a new disc out, "The Low Highway," it would have been no problem realizing that quite and quickly.
That was because Earle started the two-hour show with three straight tracks from "The Low Highway," and he would not be done for the night. The title track of was a midtempo effort... »»»
Concert Review: The Howlin' Brothers leave the radar behind –
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