BackinMemphis

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Appalachian music patriarch Ralph Stanley, who helped expand and popularize the bluegrass sound, has died. He was 89. His publicist, Kirt Webster, says Stanley died Thursday. Stanley was born and raised in southwest Virginia. He and brother Carter formed the Stanley Brothers and their Clinch Mountain Boys in 1946. The brothers fused Grand Ole Opry star Bill Monroe’s rapid rhythms with the mountain folk of groups such as the Carter Family, and added a distinctive three-part harmony. Carter Stanley died of liver disease in 1966. Ralph Stanley’s a cappella dirge “O Death” from the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” movie soundtrack introduced him to a new generation of fans in 2000. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2000 and won a Grammy for best male country vocal performance in 2002. BIM: Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Source: Opry - FOX 59

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - It's now official: After much speculation, Nashville has found a new home on CMT. All episodes of the fifth season will be available for streaming on Hulu the day after they air on CMT. Production, which employs over 500 Tennessee residents each season, will continue in Nashville. The show will receive $11 million in local incentives, including $8.5 million from the state's film program, $1 million from the City of Nashville (subject to approval by Metro Council), $1 million from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. and $500,000 from Ryman Hospitality. The series will continue to be produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment. "CMT heard the fans. The wave of love and appreciation they have unleashed for 'Nashville' has been overwhelming," said Brian Philips, president of CMT, in a news release. "'Nashville' is a perfect addition to our evolving line-up of big music specials, documenta...