links

Is there a link you think should be on the Sweethearts site? Or have you had difficulty opening a link? If so, why not let us know about it at links@radiosweethearts.com .

A little personal plug here for a disease which is almost predominately Scottish yet receives NO funding from the Scottish Government. Check this site for more details

A & R Booksearch An excellent site for books on all types of music subjects. Extensive Country selection. Ask for their catalogue.
	Accident Clearinghouse Honky-Tonk Country Rockers based in Champlin, Minnesota.
Ace Records Excellent UK based re-issue label. Ask for the catalogue
	AMG All-Music A great site for info on all types of artists. Good Country section with info on different styles of Country Music and lists of key albums and artists. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "BACK" BUTTON RETURN TO THE SWEETHEARTS SITE FROM THIS PAGE
Ark 21 Records Home of Wayne Hancock
	Artist Direct country pages

Battlefield Band Scotland's top folk band and home of Sweethearts fiddler John McCusker.
	Bear Family Records You want it, there's a good chance they've got it. A must for any good country collector. From single CDs to 16CD box sets they've got the lot. Ask for their catalogue.
Beck Rock icon who has written and recorded a number of alt.country songs alongside his rockier output, in particular on his "Mutations" album. Appeared on Emmylou Harris' Gram tribute album "Return Of The Grievous Angel"
	Belle & Sebastian One of Scotland's top indie bands & Brit Awards winners signed to Jeepster records. B&S guitarist Stevie Jackson plays on the Sweethearts "Lonesome Blue" CD. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "BACK" BUTTON RETURN TO THE SWEETHEARTS SITE FROM THIS PAGE
Byron Berline One of the most important and influential fiddlers of the late 60s and early 70s. Played with Gram, Emmylou, The Dillards, Country Gazette and many others.
	Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys Hightone Records profile of this popular Hillbilly Bop outfit from L.A.
Clay Blaker & His Texas Honky-Tonk Band Texas Singer-Songwriter who has written songs for George Strait, Tim McGraw, Leann Rimes and others.
	Billy Block Former drummer with Billy Joe Shaver and Freddy Fender, now one of the most important promoters of alt.country/americana in the USA. Billy is the host of The Western Beat Radio Show "5 hours of underground country music"
Bluegrass One of the best bluegrass sites I've found
	Bluegrass In Scotland Russell Cooper's extensive guide.
Bluegrass In The North East Operated by Kipper Tranter this site shows where to find the best bluegrass gigs in the North of England.
	The Box Tops Former 60's band of Alex Chilton. The Box Tops (and Alex) were responsible for such hits as "Cry Like A Baby" and "The Letter".
BR5-49 One of Nashville's finest new traditionalist bands, as recommended by Robbie Fulks in his infamous salute to Nashville "F* This Town" (South Mouth).**
	Junior Brown Home page of the inventor of the guit-steel (and the only guy who can play it???). If you haven't heard this wonderful instrument go out and buy a Junior Brown CD today.
Buffalo Springfield Site dedicated to 60's US band featuring Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay.
	Johnny Bush Texas singer who has recorded with Willie Nelson and Dale Watson.

Campaign For Traditional Country Music
	Laura Cantrell Laura Cantrell has released one of the best debut Country CDs I've heard in a long time, "Not The Trembling Kind". Available on Spit & Polish Records in the UK and on Diesel Only in the USA.
Neko Case Former punk rocker turned country singer. A great favourite of John Peel.
	Johnny Cash Official home page of "The Man In Black".
Ray Charles Official site of the R&B legend who did much to bring Country Music to a new audience with his "Modern Sounds In Country & Western Music. album.
	Alex Chilton Profile of former Box Tops, Big Star, living legend who acted as production assistant on "Lonesome Blue"
Gene Clark An important contributor to the California country-rock sound of the late 60s/early 70s. Recorded the seminal pioneering album "The Fantastic Expedition Of Dillard & Clark" with Doug Dillard.
	Guy Clark Official site of influential singer-songwriter.
Slaid Cleaves Official site of my good buddy Slaid, Americas top "Folk And Western" singer. Originally from Maine, now based in Austin, Texas, Slaid's "Broke Down" CD is , for me, one of the best albums (in any genre) I've heard in the past year.
	Patsy Cline Official site dedicated to one of the great lost talents of Country Music.
Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen First and best of the hippie honky-tonk western swingers. Formed in 1967 in San Francisco.
	Cosmic Rough Riders Scottish indie kids tipped to be the next big thing. The Cosmics were formers guests at the Radio Sweethearts Club along with their label mate Yvonne Tipping.
Country.Com The title says it all.
	Country Music Hall Of Fame The site of the one and only official CM Hall of Fame.
Country Music People Popular UK Country music magazine.
	Creedence Clearwater Revival Unofficial site dedicated to the work of CCR and John Fogerty.
Crosby,Stills & Nash(official)
	Crosby, Stills & Nash (unofficial)

Steve Earle Texas' top alt.country rock artist Earle he has continually challenged the music establishment building a fiercely loyal following all the while. Following a meteoric rise to the top in the late 80s/early 90s his self-destructive behaviour led to a crack cocaine habit which led to a jail sentence followed by rehab in 1994. Following the theft of his radio in jail Earle was told by a fellow inmate not to go seeking revenge but to keep himself alive and get out and make a good record which he did in style with the downhome acoustic classic "Train A Comin'". Since then his career has continued to grow.
	Joe Ely Former Flatlander who once toured as support to legedary Punk Rockers, The Clash, Ely was a member of the Flatlanders (The Lubbock Mafia) with Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
Buddy Emmons Probably the world's most famous steel guitar player. He founded, with fellow steelie Shot Jackson, the world famous Sho-Bud Guitar company which produced the first push rod pedal steels.
	Everly Brothers Don and Phil Everly are primarily known as mega rock'n'roll stars but they have also played a role in the development of country rock and continue to influence alt.country artists to this day. Their more country albums include "Songs Our Daddy Taught Us" (1958, reissued 1988) and their 1968 under-rated classic "Roots"

The Flatlanders legendary band formed by Lubbock Mafia members Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock.Recently rumoured to be back together and planning a worldwide tour.
	Rosie Flores Known as "The Rockabilly Filly", Rosie is regarded as part of the "Town South Of Bakersfield" crowd although originally from San Antonio, Texas. A member (with Dale Watson, Kelly Willis, Ted Roddy and David Sanger) of studio group The Wandering Eyes she contributed several cuts to their "Songs Of Forbidden Love" project.
John Fogerty founder member of influential swamp rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival and reasonably successful solo artist.
	Kim Fowley Profile of Radio Sweethearts "New Memories" producer Kim as featured on the St. Roch Records site.
Kinky Friedman Musician, Author, Cigar Smoker. He recorded, with his Texas Jewboys, such country classics (?) as "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore", "Old Ben Lucas Had A Lot Of Mucous" and "Get Your Biscuits In The Oven, And Your Buns In My Bed".
	Lefty Frizzell legendary honky-tonk singer whose inspiration can still be felt today in the music of Merle Haggard, Willi Nelson, Dale Watson and innumerable others. The original and best of the Honky-Tonk singers. In my opinion you would be hard pushed to find a bad Lefty record.
Robbie Fulks Officially sanctioned page dedicated tothe king of Americana who upset more than a few people with his tribute to Nashville "F*** This Town" from his "South Mouth" album. I have to confess that I agree with every word. If you haven't heard it you can at least check out the lyrics here.

Gavin Magazine Founders of the Americana chart format their staff include members Ben Fong-Torres author of the Gram Parsons Biog "Hickory Wind".
	Jimmie Dale Gilmore Former Flatlander alongside Joe Ely.Jimmie Dale music has been heavily influenced ny his interest in metaphysics which has seen critics variously describe his music as "Zen Country", "Country & Eastern" or "New Age Country". Recently reformed The Flatlanders and plans are afoot to tour.
Sid Griffin Former Long Ryder and successful solo artist, as well as top journalist/author. Sid has contributed sleeve notes to albums by Gene Clark, Michael Nesmith, Flying Burrito Brothers and many others and is recognised as a leading authority on the work of Gram Parsons.

Merle Haggard Official site of The Hag and the Strangers. This site is operated by Merle and Theresa Haggard and contains all the latest info on his work. You can also contact Merle direct from here.
	Hard Country Radio Texas Radio at it's very best. As recommended by Dale Watson on his official website.
Tim Hardin cult artist who composed such great songs as "The Lady Came From Baltimore" and "Black Sheep Boy" (both covered by Scott Walker).
	Emmylou Harris (links) This web page has a list of links to many, many sites associated with the lovely Ms. Harris. Emmylou was "discovered" by Gram Parsons and, following his death, became a hugely successful sols artist. She has spent a substantial amount of her career ensuring that Gram's musical legacy was not forgotten.
John Herald Former Greenbriar Boy and Bluegrass legend who has a new album on Spit & Polish Records (his first in over a decade). John has recently toured with the Radio Sweethearts and Laura Cantrell and has lots of great stories to tell about hanging out with Dylan and others in legendary venue Gerde's Folk City in New York.
	Kurt Henry Use the LINKS on John's site to access KURT HENRY, a friend of John's and solo artist in his own right. Kurt's band once opened for the Byrds in 1968 and again in 1972 when both Roger McGuinn and Clarence White were in the line-up.
Hightone Records Home of Dave Alvin, Big Sandy, Johnny Dilks and many, many more.Hightone also released the early Dale Watson albums "Cheatin' Heart Attack", "Blessed Or Damned" and "I Hate These Songs"
	Chris Hillman site dedicated to former Byrd and Flying Burrito Brother who found probably his greatest success with The Desert Rose Band. With Gram Parsons, whom he recruited to the Byrds, Hillman was "present at the creation" of Country Rock in the late 60s.
Ray Wylie Hubbard Oklahoma born Outlaw singer-songwriter whose name will forever be associated with the song that launched his career "Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother". Although he started out on the Texas folk scene he is considered, with Jerry Jeff Walker, as one of the leading figures in the progressive country movement of the early 70s.

Jack Ingram Official site of Texas singer-songwriter Jack and his Beat Up Ford band. Raised on thhe songs of Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker,Guy Clark, et al., Ingram beagn performing in Dallas bars while he was still in college. His major label debut "Livin' Or Dyin'" was produced by Steve Earle.

James Intveld Actor, singer, guitarist and friend of Dale Watson (with whom he recorded a Christmas single "Christmas Just Ain't Christmas Without You" which they gave away as gifts), James Intveld is regarded as part of the "Town South of Bakersfield" movement (after the compilation album of the same name) which he drifted into by accident when he became the bass player in Rosie Flores' band for whom he wrote "Crying Over You".

The Jayhawks Minneapolis band who, alongside Uncle Tupelo, were one of the preeminent country rock bands of the early 1990s. Influenced by the country rock sounds of The Byrds, Gram Parsons, Dylan, Neil Young etc at a time when the Minnieapolis scene was dominated by bands like Husker Du and The Replacements they managed to carve out a warm country rock niche which led to the recording of their first album "The Jayhawks" in 1986. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "BACK" BUTTON RETURN TO THE SWEETHEARTS SITE FROM THIS PAGE
	The Jayhawks (unofficial) Known as "Hollywood Town Hall" after the Jayhawks album of the same name, this is a fan site dedicated to the alt.country rockers.
Waylon Jennings Official site of legendary "outlaw" singer who is perhaps best known among non-country fans for his "Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard" TV series (which he also narrated). He also wrote and performed the music in the Mick Jagger movie "Ned Kelly". Jennings was a member, with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, of The Highwaymen.
	Mike Sheet's Waylon Site Unnofficial fan site dedicated to top "Outlaw" singer Waylon Jennings. (see Waylon Jennings above)
George Jones Site dedicated to "the Possum of Possum Holler". Jones is probably one of the most controversial and influential Country Music Stars ever (and truly a STAR). His autobiography "I Lived To Tell It All" is essential country reading.

Jim Lauderdale North Carolina born singer-songwriter who was part of the "Town South of Bakersfield" movement in the late 80's. Lauderdale uniquely straddles the line between new and alt.country which is probably why he has yet to become a major star. Although identified as a successful Music Row songwriter covered by George Strait, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, etc. he is still regarded as too alternative by new country audiences.
	Jerry Lee Lewis home page of the influential and exciting (and apparently scary) Jerry Lee who came to prominence as a Rock'n'Roll recording star for Sun Records. He later went on to become one of America's top Country artists.
Live Concerts footage of live shows by Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Wayne Hancock, Gillian Welch and many others. Follow their drop down menu to "all shows by name" and click on Country
	The Lone Star Web Station site dedicated to all sorts of Texas music (not just country).
Lyle Lovett Texan singer-songwriter (and former husband of Julia Roberts) whose songwriting, like that of his predecessors (Clark, Van Zandt, et al) combines superb narrative skills, literate presentation, and wry humour in songs like "If I Had A Boat" and "Farther Down The Line" (covered by Willie Nelson).

Phil Ochs Legendary folk singer and political activist who was a big influence on the likes of Billy Bragg.
	Online TV See live concerts by Radio Sweethearts, Laura Cantrell, John Herald and many, many, others. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "BACK" BUTTON RETURN TO THE SWEETHEARTS SITE FROM THIS PAGE
Roy Orbison Official site dedicated to the man apparently described by none other than Elvis Presley as "the greatest singer that ever lived". A tragic figure in many ways Roy was on the crest of a major comeback when he sadly died.
	Buck Owens Legendary Bakersfield, California singer and guitarist who pioneered the "Bakersfield Sound" along with Wynn Stewart, Red Simpson and others, including a young Merle Haggard.
Dean Owens Frontman for The Felsons and Marble Star, Edinburgh based Dean now has a solo album "The Droma Tapes" available from RealRecords.(see R)

Gram Parsons This site is dedicated to Country Rock pioneer and Emmylou Harris discoverer, GP, who is probably today one of the most influential Country artists ever. Sadly he never lived long enough to see his dream of "Cosmic American Music" become a reality.
	The Pearlfishers Home of Scotland's melodic masters featuring the very wonderful Davie Scott. Their wonderful and beautiful new album, "Across The Milky Way", has just been released on Marina Records.
Elvis Presley Official Number One homepage of The King of Rock'n'Roll. Like the books by Peter Guralnick ("Last Train To Memphis" and "Careless Love") this is essential viewing for all Elvis fans.

Razor & Tie Records Excellent US based re-issue label. Great CDs by Red Simpson, Dick Curless, Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant plus lots of others.
	RealPlayer Essential tool for viewing online vids and listening to soundclips. Can also be used to tune into radio stations worldwide. Download it free NOW.
RealRecords Internet record label which is the home of Felsons fromtman Dean Owens latest project. The label is co-run by former Virgin manager and Edinburgh Man About Town, Stuart Ferguson.
	Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame Self explanatory really. This is the official site of the true Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame where you can find info on all the truly great and influential Rock'n'Roll Artists
Rounder Records Long established US label based in Cambridge, MA. Home of Slaid Cleaves, Rosie Flores, James Intveld and many others.Also operate offshoot Philo Records.
	Kate Rusby Britain's top Mercury Music Prize nominated Folk Chanteuse (soon to be Mrs John McCusker). Nominated Radio 2 folk singer of the year and voted one of the top ten folk singers of the century Kate recorded the song "Radio Sweethearts" written by the aforesaid Mr McCusker and Sweethearts singer John Miller on her "Hourglass" album. Her 2nd album "Sleepless" and new release "Little Lights" are available now from all good record stores.
Rykodisc Records Salem, Massachutsetts based record label. Home of Willard Grant Conspiracy, Golden Smog and lots more.
	The Ryman Auditorium Original home in Nashville of "The Grand Ole Opry" (before it moved to a theme park outside of town). It was here that Hank Williams and all the other great Country legends made their appearances, and Johnny Cash famously kicked out the footlights.

Michael Shelley NY based recording artist recently relocated to Conneticut. Michael has recorded albums for Big Deal records (USA) and Shoeshine Records (UK). A regular visitor to the UK, Michael has also toured in Spain and Japan and is a member of pop/rock duo Cheeky Monkey.
	Shoeshine Records One of Glasgow's top independent record labels run by Sweetheart Frank Macdonald. Also operates a Roots/Country/Americana division called Spit & Polish Records.
Joe Sixpack's Country Website excellent site dedicated to the best in classic country, including Sixpack favourite Wynn Stewart. Check out his Radio Sweethearts Fan Page.
	Son Volt Official site of Alt-Country rockers who, alongside Wilco, grew out of the ashes of Uncle Tupelo. Lead singer Jay Farrar has recently been touring as a solo artist.
Spit & Polish Records Roots division of Shoeshine Records and home to great albums by Radio Sweethearts, Laura Cantrell, John Herald, Steve Young, Paul Burch and Tim Carroll.
	StageFright Photography TM Marc Marnie's classic shots available to own in your own home. Marc is Scotland's top musical photographer and can offer shots of hundreds of major stars including many jazz and blues artists.
George Strait One of the few so-called "hat acts" who is trying to play something closer to the more traditional country music.
	Wynn Stewart legendary Bakersfield singer who gave Merle Haggard one of his first musical jobs as the bass player in the Wynn Stewart band. If you are interested in Wynn you should also check out the Joe Sixpack page listed above.
Sun Studios Sam Phillips legendary Memphis studio. Home to Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich etc.etc.

Chip Taylor /Trainwreck Records Home of "Wild Thing" author Chip Taylor (who also wrote "Angel Of the Morning", "Anyway That You Want Me" and many more). Also home to the beautiful Ms. Evie Sands.
	Teenage Fanclub Official site of TFC whose current drummer is none other than Sweethearts sticksman Frank Macdonald. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "BACK" BUTTON RETURN TO THE SWEETHEARTS SITE FROM THIS PAGE
Temple Records Home of Battlefield Band, Alison Kinnaird and John McCusker. Owned and operated by former Boys of The Lough member Robin Morton.
	The 13th Note Cafe (Glasgow) Sweethearts regular home from home. Also the 13th Note Club, also in Glasgow, hosts many great gigs by top indie and Americana bands like The Willard-Grant Conspiracy, Neko Case and her Boyfriends, and lots more.PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "BACK" BUTTON RETURN TO THE SWEETHEARTS SITE FROM THIS PAGE
Hank Thompson Site dedicated to legendary singer-songwriter who began way back in the classic westen swing era with his Brazos Valley Boys. Wrote and recorded worldwide smash "The Wild Side Of Life"
	Randy Travis Official site of modern singer influenced by the likes of George Jones. Randy was once firmly part of the Nashville establishment but appears to have fallen out of favour recently. A classic case of "too country now for country"?
Conway Twitty Official site of late Rock'n'Roll and Country singer famed for his wonderful duets with miss Loretta Lynn.

W.F.M.U. Radio, New York Home to the Laura Cantrell radio show "The Radio Thrift Shop" featuring loads of old classic Country tunes. You can listen to Laura's show via the internet every Saturday from 12 til 3 EST.
	Don Walser official home page of the legendary Mr Walser. good friend of Dale Watson and Slaid Cleaves. Slaid regularly performs a Jimmie Rodgers tribute song written by Don which is one of the greatest ever tribute songs.
Dale Watson & His Lone Stars official home page of my good friend and one of Texas' finest sons.Dale and his Lone Stars play real Texas Honky-Tonk Country and have been very influential, especially in Europe and Australia where they have a large following.
	Doc Watson Site dedicated to the legendary blind folk and bluegrass singer. The greatest flatpick guitarist of the last 50 years Doc is still as influential today as he ever was. Feature write ups in magazines like "No Depression" ensure that his legacy survives.
Dallas Wayne Dallas' latest album "Big Thinking" was written and produced by Robbie Fulks and features appearances from Dale Watson and others.
	Western Swing A great site dedicated to the music of and featuring info and pictures of Bob Wills, Milton Brownie and others.
Hank Williams the official website. First port of call for all fans of the late King of Country Music who died on January 1st 1953 at the tender age of 29. Unbelievable that someone so young should leave such a musical legacy which is as strong today as it ever was.
	Hank Williams Site owned and operated by the official Alabama State Archives. See what they have to say about one of their favourite sons.
Kelly Willis Austin, Texas based singer-songwriter. She had a song featured on the soundtrack to hit movie "Thelma and Louise" and was also, alongside Dale Watson, part of The Wandering Eyes project "Songs of Forbidden Love"
	Bob Wills The "King Of Western Swing" and leader of The Texas Playboys. Big influence on Merle Haggard, Asleep At The Wheel, Willie Nelson and many others who have all recorded his songs, and sometimes full albums of his songs.

Dwight Yoakam Acclaimed Honky-Tonk singer heavily influenced by the Bakersfield sound of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "BACK" BUTTON RETURN TO THE SWEETHEARTS SITE FROM THIS PAGE
	Dwight Yoakam Another site dedicated to LA based singer who hit the big time way back in the mid 80's with his highly influential album "Guitars,Cadillacs, etc.etc."
Neil Young The official Neil Young site. All the latest on the adventures of the former Buffalo Springfield and CSN&Y member and mega successful and influential superstar.
	Neil Young (unofficial) Officially known as HyperRust, this is one of the better unofficial sites dedicated to Canada's greatest musical export.
Steve Young Official site of legendary singer-songwriter much covered by the likes of Waylon Jennings. Steve's latest CD "Primal Young" was recently released on Spit & Polish records.

Is there a link you think should be on the Sweethearts site? Or have you had difficulty opening a link? If so, why not let us know about it at links@radiosweethearts.com .

Ronnie Dawson Former teen rockabilly prodigy still recording and playing his unique brand of Hillbilly Bop.
	Iris DeMent
Iris DeMent (unofficial)
	The Derailers Honky Tonkin' lovers of the Bakersfield Sound from Austin, Texas.
Diesel Only Records Brooklyn-based home of trucking music (and Laura Cantrell)
	Bob Dylan

Roger Miller Page dedicated to the "King Of The Road" and "Little Green Apples" author.
	Kevin Montgomery Nashville based former guest at the Sweethearts Club who recently toured with half of the Mavericks in his backing band.
Multiple Sclerosis Society A little personal plug here for a disease which is almost predominately Scottish yet receives NO funding from the Scottish Government. Check this site for more details

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band The band responsible for the seminal 70's triple LP "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" which saw them team up with legendary performers like Roy Acuff, Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Doc Watson and Merle Travis.
	No Half Measures Management stable of Cosmic Rough Riders and Yvonne Tipping.
Gary P Nunn Official site of Texas singer who used to employ Dale Watson steelie, Ricky Davis