SOUTHSIDE Uniting Church was the venue for a rare gathering of country music legends, brought together by Goondiwindi-born balladeer Keith Jamieson.

How often these days do you get the chance to see four Roll of Renown recipients on the one gig, along with a host of Hands of Fame inductees and Golden Guitar winners?

Roll of Renown recipients Rick Carey (1985), Chad Morgan (1987), Rex Dallas (2000) and Reg Poole (2006) were joined by Allan Caswell, Johnny Greenwood, Patti Morgan, Lynette Guest and Rodney Walker and the host and his family to present a fabulous night of nostalgia and traditional country music, hosted by Garry Coxhead.

Jammo dreamed up the program and it was an absolute beauty, according to my friend Flash, who was there to capture the action.

Sadly, Flash was the only media representative to attend the show, but, lucky for Country Music Notes readers, we have her beautiful photos of the night.

A character from the early days of Australian country music comedy made a welcome comeback – the one and only Cousin Ratsack – the alter ego of Roll of Renowner Rick Carey.

It’s been almost 30 years since Cousin Ratsack made his last appearance, so it was a real treat for the packed hall of diehard country fans.

Rick and Thel Carey were one of the premier country music duos of all time, and with Thel’s passing, daughter Lynne Carey now steps up to the plate and sings harmonies with her beloved dad. This was one of those rare occasions and there was barely a dry eye in the house, hearing those sweet Rick and Thel harmonies from father and daughter.

For Blue Mountains-based Golden Guitar winner Allan Caswell, it was a rare treat to perform on the same bill as this country legend, so there was no way Flash could get out of there without capturing a Kodak moment for Cas.

Here are some shots from the night, courtesy of Flash (Robyn McIntosh), who had her work cut out that night, running between the church hall and the Longyard on the opposite side of the highway, where the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association was hosting its awards night and concert.

In her usual, no-nonsense, capable manner, of course she covered both events – and managed not to get run over in the process.

ooo

BIG news, folks. I did the phone interview of a lifetime last Thursday when I spoke to the enduring queen of American country music, Loretta Lynn.

The Coal Miner’s Daughter singer was an absolute delight to speak to and in our 12 minutes we covered a fair bit of territory.

I’m putting together a story for the February/March edition of Australian Country Music Capital News, which should be at your favourite newsagent in the next couple of weeks.

At age 83, she’s putting out a new album, due out in March, and I’ve heard a preview.

Wow. She’s still got it! What a gracious, wonderful woman. 

There are times when I love my job so much ... and this was most definitely one of them. 

I know my mum and dad would have been so proud of their baby girl.