Page 9 - Ricky Van News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

On May 2, 1988, Clint Black signed a record deal with RCA Records, the label that's been home to Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers and the Judds, among others. At the time, ZZ Top's manager, Bill Ham, was also steering Black's career — a lucky break that was just one example of how the Katy, Texas-raised musician's love of collaboration and hard work paved the way for his success. Growing up, Black and his older brothers would entertain neighbors at backyard barbecues dubbed "Country Sunday on Saturday" events. The younger Black showed musical aptitude early. "When he was about 14, I guess that...

The not-singing bird With endless silence. —David Olney People say it was a poetic exit. I assure you, NOBODY wants to die onstage — figuratively or literally. On Jan. 18, Americana pioneer, singer-songwriter, recording artist, pre-pandemic streamcaster, actor, and my longtime client and good friend David Olney died of an apparent heart attack midsong. He was center stage between Amy Rigby and Scott Miller at the 30A Songwriter Festival in the Florida panhandle. His last words: “I’m sorry.” His mantra, however, was, “Always be true to the song.” Understanding the covenant betwee...