Country Music News for the Country Music Enthusiast

Elvis and the International Country Music Day

One Elvis song will be designated Official Song of the International Country Music Day 2007. 

2007 marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis' passing, and therefore, the country music associations and websites that celebrate the International Country Music Day would like to honor the legend of the King.

By his own admission, Elvis was not strictly a country artist, but he always showed a great deal of respect for the genre and went on to record countless country numbers, giving country music his own special touch. That is why we have decided to honor Elvis and his musical legacy by designating one of his songs as the Official Song of the International Country Music Day 2007, next 17th September.

The winning song will come out of votes cast in Argentina, Spain, the United States, France, Greece, Uruguay, and the rest of the world. The songs entering the poll have been selected among Elvis’ best country releases according to their quality, chart position, and success of Elvis’ performance. They are the following: Blue Moon of Kentucky (1954), I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (1955), I Forgot to Remember to Forget  (1955), (Now and Then) There's a Fool Such as I  (1958), There's Always Me (1961), Guitar Man (1967), I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago (1970), Little Cabin on the Hill (1970), Always On My Mind (1972), I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (1973) and Moody Blue (1977).

Everyone is welcome to vote: http://internationalcountrymusicday.blogspot.com/

International Country Music Day Keeps Growing

The International Country Music Day was created in 2003 by the Country Music Association of Spain -CMA-Spain- in order to bring together all artists, musicians, and country music fans all over the world, as well as to promote our music worldwide. Since then, many associations have embraced the event, including the Country Music Association of Uruguay –AMCU-, country2.com –Argentina-, Country CD –France- (fomerly FACM), the Country Music Association of Greece –CMA-Greece-, and several artists, groups, radio stations such as Dímelo Country –DCWR-., websites, and fans throughout the world.

In 2007, the United States Hispanic Country Music Association has been added to the long list of associations embracing this event.

President Maritza Baca talks about her own experience with country music: “I do not believe that Country music has borders. I have seen Latinos born in the U.S. and Latinos from Mexico, Central and South America embrace Country music. My mother who was born in Guatemala and immigrated to Los Angeles in 1969, is a Country music fan. My father, who is Mexican-American and from New Mexico exposed her to Alan Jackson, George Strait and others. She became hooked and loves to line dance!” 

Baca believes country music is a universal musical language: “I have been to Mexico and have seen people there listen to Country music in English and Spanish. I believe Country music can be played in both English and Spanish and garner fans, depending on your language preference and where you live. Look at Billy Ray Cyrus's hit "Achy Breaky Heart." I have seen more people line dancing to that song in Spanish at weddings and quinceaneras than anywhere else. I believe Country music is very universal.”

Hispanic Country Music Grows too

The president of this new association based in Los Angeles, California, explained why she got involved in the founding of a new hispanic association: “I started the U.S. Hispanic Country Music Association because I have met many Hispanics who perform Country music and who have gone un-noticed and with little support. These are Mexican-Americans who live in many cities accross the U.S. from California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee to name a few. I am very passionate about creating a voice for Hispanic artists in Country music because I haven't seen the Country music industry nurture or develop another superstar artist like Freddy Fender.”

Finally, she had some very positive words to say about the International Country Music Day: “I salute the International Country Music Day for it's efforts in extending Country music to fans worldwide. The CMA Spain, Uruguay CMA and the international organizations are doing great work to spread Country music in their Countries and develop their local artists. I hope to continue to provide opportunities to Latino Country artists from all over Latin America and to also help spread Country music internationally with tours and events. Que viva la música Country!”

Adam Harvey, 2007 CMA (Country Music Association, America) Global Country Artist Award supports the International Country Music Day

The International Country Music Day is held on September 17 every year, commemorating the birth of Hank Williams, one of the foremost legends of country music. 

Australian country singer Adam Harvey, winner of the 2007 CMA (Country Music Association, America) Global Country Artist Award, expressed his feelings about this celebration: “Having it on Hank Williams' birthday is a nice touch but more so it is great to see lots of people around the world recognizing and enjoying country music”. 

Come celebrate with us and enjoy country music!

For any further information:

Andoni Urkiaga
International Country Music Day
icmday@gmail.com
url: http://internationalcountrymusicday.blogspot.com/