New music: Nelson Bragg, Kelsey Waldon, The Band Of Heathens, Brandon Santini

In this column I review new audio titles featuring Nelson Bragg, Kelsey Waldon, The Band Of Heathens and Brandon Santini.

Artist: Nelson Bragg
Title: Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, XTC, Pugwash
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Nelson Bragg's aptly titled collection Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology is much more than a "greatest hits" or "best of" collection; indeed the 15-track set compiles rarities and freshly remixed tracks from the Los Angeles-based artist's rich solo catalog. The emphasis here is on Bragg's most melodic material, stretching from ascending power pop gems to tuneful folk-styled originals. The wonderful title includes the brand new opener "We're Gonna Laugh About It," which soars via a dynamic arrangement, urgent lead vocals, jangly guitar and an undeniable melodic arc. The lyrically darker "No One's Home In Hollywood" recalls the magic of the Smithereens' Green Thoughts period, with the lovely acoustic foray "Tell Me I'm Wrong," heart-rending "She Used To Love Me," enchanting "Forever Days" and 12-string guitar-anchored "I'm In No Mood" among other early standouts on Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology. The magic of the self-produced collection continues via the far-flung likes of the ornate "Every Minute Of The Day," Beatlesque "Whitechapel Girl," euphoric rocker "Lost All Our Sundays," sweeping "Glorious Days" and glorious closer "Death Of Caroline." Released on June 20, Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology is available via vinyl, audio CD and streaming platforms. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Kelsey Waldon
Title: Every Ghost (Oh Boy Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tanya Tucker, Tammy Wynette, Susan Raye
Tell me more: Celebrated Americana-country artist Kelsey Waldon' latest album Every Ghost finds the Kentucky songstress exploring her life and the world around her with bona fide authenticity and depth. "Ghost of Myself" is a probing track where the singer reflects on the determination to forge ahead. "I had to get tough so I could get wise / I've been a thousand women in my own time / Been a thousand women and loved them all / I had to get low so I could walk tall...so I could walk tall." 

"Comanche" is another highlight on the nine-track album, the breezy and uptempo song featuring some wonderful fiddle and pedal steel guitar adorning Waldon's rich soprano as she reminisces about the past: "That's why I like to ride around alone / Think about everyone I love / Remember most, forget some / Just like the first time." An album filled with songs that challenge and invite the listener with an expansive country music soundscape, this writer's other favorites include the world-tormented "Nursery Rhyme," confessional "My Kin" and "Ramblin' Woman," Bakersfield-flavored romp "Let It Lie," bittersweet "Tiger Lilies" and destructive tale of a man's addiction on the moving "Falling Down."

Waldon is bringing her "Every Ghost Tour" to Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown, CA on Oct. 6, 2025. Information: kelseywaldon.com.

Artist: The Band Of Heathens
Title: Live At Rockpalast 2009 (Made In Germany Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Jayhawks, The Band

Tell me more: The Band Of Heathens is one of North America's greatest-ever Americana outfits, ranking alongside The Band and The Jayhawks. The group's beloved lineup of Colin Brooks (vocals, guitar, lapsteel), Gordy Quist (vocals, guitar), Ed Jurdi (vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica), John Chipman (drums) and Seth Withney (bass) that was completed in 2007 was captured at the height of their powers at Rockpalast in Bonn, Germany in November 2009. Now that concert is featured on a new CD+DVD aptly-titled Live At Rockpalast 2009 available now. The concert recording showcases the individual and collective talents of Brooks, Quist and Jurdi — all of whom impress with their signature lead and vocal harmonies, as well as their virtuoso chops delivered in the service of incredible songcraft. The title features one knockout performance after another, each exploring another aspect of the quintet's magical blend of Americana, blues and roots with power and sophistication. Among this writer's favorite performances are the melodic opener "What's This World," countrified "Nine Steps Down" with its masterful instrumental break, the mood-swept "Judas' Scariot Blues," ambitious "Hey Rider," rootsy rocker "Heart On My Sleeve" with its Rolling Stones "Exile on Main St." era vibe, and the acoustic closer "40 Days." The two-disc title features the track listing on audio CD, as well as on DVD where you catch watch the filmed performances of the selections; an eight-page color booklet also is included. Information: mig-music.de.

Artist: Brandon Santini
Title: Which Way Do We Go? (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, John Németh
Tell me more: Illinois-based bluesman Brandon Santini' is back with Which Way Do We Go?, an outstanding album featuring material that will certainly appeal to discerning fans of traditional and classic blues. Born in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and raised on historic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, Santini's powers as a top-tier singer, songwriter and blues harp master shine across the 11-track disc. Among my faves are the gospel-meets-blues opener "Which Way Do We Go?," uptempo Delta romp "The War Ain't Over," Texas-flavored "See That Pony" and fiery "Do What Comes Naturally" — the latter bolstered by some potent electric guitar work from Timo Arthur. Other standouts on the album include the hypnotic "Mile After Mile" and "Blues So Bad," infectious blues rock sortie "Working On A Mystery" and joyful closer "She Got The Way." Information: www.brandonsantini.com and momojorrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Foghat's iconic 1999 Live Performance immortalized In CD/DVD Set 'Slow Ride - Live in Concert'

Get the latest news on a forthcoming release featuring Foghat captured live in concert in 1999...Robert Kinsler

FOGHAT’s Iconic 1999 Live Performance Immortalized In CD/DVD Set SLOW RIDE - LIVE IN CONCERT!

Los Angeles, CA - Fans of classic and blues rock have good reason to rejoice as the legendary Foghat, known for hits like "Slow Ride" and "Fool for the City," unveils a sensational live album titled "Slow Ride - Live In Concert." Capturing the raw essence of Foghat's electrifying stage presence, this album showcases a momentous live performance recorded and filmed in Texas in 1999, just before the tragic passing of Dave Peverett in 2000 at the age of 56.

"Slow Ride - Live In Concert" presents undistilled Foghat at its finest. The power and drive of their classic songs resonate with unbridled energy, offering listeners a front-row seat to the band's unparalleled talent and enduring musical legacy. This release is not merely a collection of tracks but a testament to Foghat's vision and impact since their explosive debut onto the world stage in 1970. For a taste of what’s in store, check out the version of the blockbuster “Slow Ride,” released today on all music platforms. Peverett and company have never sounded so good!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/foghat_slowridelive

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/0sTEj1pp-Ck

In addition to the CD release, fans are treated to a bonus DVD featuring the entire concert meticulously enhanced to HD quality. This visual experience transports viewers back to the thrilling atmosphere of the live performance, capturing every exhilarating moment and ensuring that the magic of Foghat's stage presence is preserved for generations to come. The full concert will be available everywhere starting April 5, 2024!

Order the CD/DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/foghat-slow-ride-live-in-concert-cd-dvd/

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/foghat_liveinconcert

TRACK LIST:
1. Drivin' Wheel
2. Somebody's Been Sleepin' In My Bed
3. Stone Blue
4. It Hurts Me Too
5. Rock Your House
6. Sweet Home Chicago
7. Angel Of Mercy
8. Fool For The City
9. I Just Want To Make Love To You
10. Slow Ride

Mercury Studios to release The Who 'Live at Shea Stadium 1982' on 2CD and 3LP on March 1

Check out this exciting news on the release of a truly classic Who performance coming to both audio CD and vinyl on March 1...Robert Kinsler

Mercury Studios Is Proud To Release

THE WHO

LIVE AT SHEA STADIUM 1982

FIRST EVER AUDIO RELEASE OF THE FULL SHOW

~2CD AND 3 LP~

~March 1, 2024~

CLICK HERE TO VIEW “Love Reign O’er Me”

New York, NY (January 18, 2024) — Mercury Studios will release the first official audio companion of Live At Shea Stadium 1982 on March 1, 2024. Previously released on DVD and Blu-ray in June 2015, The Who (Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Kenney Jones) delivered both classic tracks and rarely performed songs: “Pinball Wizard,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “My Generation,” “Substitute,” “Who Are You,” “I Can’t Explain,” “See Me Feel Me,” “Baba O’Riley,” and many more. The tour promoted the 1982 album It’s Hard and the set list was comprised of several tracks from that album, some of which the band would only play live on this tour.

The Who’s 1982 North American tour was their last to feature Kenney Jones on drums and the band did not tour again until 1989. This recording features the show from the second of their two nights at New York’s Shea Stadium and was recorded on October 13th 1982.

TRACK LISTING

3LP:
A1. Substitute

A2. I Can’t Explain

A3. Dangerous

A4. Sister Disco

A5. The Quiet One

B1. It’s Hard

B2. Eminence Front

B3. Behind Blue Eyes

B4. Baba O’Riley

C1. I’m One

C2. The Punk And The Godfather

C3. Drowned

C4. Tattoo

D1. Cry If You Want

D2. Who Are You

D3. Pinball Wizard

D4. See Me Feel Me

E1. Love Reign O’er Me

E2. Long Live Rock

E3. Won’t Get Fooled Again

F1. Young Man Blues

F2. Naked Eye

F3. I Saw Her Standing There

F4. Summertime Blues

F5. Twist And Shout

2CD:
(CD1)
1. Substitute

2. I Can’t Explain

3. Dangerous

4. Sister Disco

5. The Quiet One

6. It’s Hard

7. Eminence Front

8. Behind Blue Eyes

9. Baba O’Riley

10. I’m One

11. The Punk And The Godfather

12. Drowned

13. Tattoo

14. Cry If You Want

(CD2)
1. Who Are You

2. Pinball Wizard

3. See Me Feel Me

4. Love Reign O’er Me

5. Long Live Rock

6. Won’t Get Fooled Again

7. Young Man Blues

8. Naked Eye

9. I Saw Her Standing There

10. Summertime Blues

11. Twist And Shout

https://store.mercurystudios.co/

ABOUT MERCURY STUDIOS

Mercury Studios is a full-service production studio.

Current and recent projects include Telluride Film Festival selections American Symphony, a feature documentary by award-winning filmmaker Matthew Heineman that follows Jon Batiste and If These Walls Could Sing, the untold story of the world-famous Abbey Road Studios directed by celebrated British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney for Disney+; “My Life as a Rolling Stone,” a four-part docuseries of intimate portraits of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts for the BBC and MGM+; Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl, a career documentary about the superstar currently available on Netflix; Mixtape, the critically acclaimed feature documentary from Omar Acosta focused on the DJs and artists who shaped the sound and culture of Hip-Hop through mixtapes for Paramount+; and the forthcoming “This Town,” a six-part series for the BBC from writer, creator, and executive producer Steven Knight. Mercury Studios also produced “Sam Smith Live at the Royal Albert Hall” (BBC/Tik Tok) and Billie Eilish’s livestream event, “Overheated,” at The 02 London and the upcoming “Lang Lang Plays Disney” for Disney+.

Editorially independent, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and represents the world’s leading catalogue of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.

'A Night At The Family Dog/Go Ride The Music/West Pole' 2-DVD set out May 12, 2023

An exciting trip back to the groundbreaking Bay Area music scene of the 1960s and early '70s is set to arrive in early May courtesy of Mercury Studios...Robert Kinsler

RELIVE THE HIPPIE GLORY OF 1960s SAN FRANCISCO

A Night At The Family Dog/Go Ride The Music/West Pole

2-DVD Set Out May 12

New York, NY (March 21, 2023) — Mercury Records will release A Night At The Family Dog (1970), Go Ride The Music and West Pole (1969), three psychedelic trips down memory lane, on May 12, 2023 as a 2 DVD package, complete with new artwork and ‘60s-styled poster. All three films were originally produced and created as groundbreaking television documentaries by Ralph J. Gleason [1917-1975] who did more than any other journalist to hip the world to what was shakin’ in San Francisco in the late ‘60s. A Night At The Family Dog held on February 4, 1970, featured the brightest three lights of the Bay Area, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead and Santana. These three bands would define a scene that had the whole world wondering what exactly was going on in the Haight-Ashbury section of San Francisco. A Night At The Family Dog starts with two iconic Santana performances before Grateful Dead covers Otis Redding. Jefferson Airplane then splits the club wide open with their patented incendiary and provocative performance style. And when Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady and Paul Kantner kick out the jams to end it all, all hell breaks loose. The original mono recording has been remixed and remastered. The San Francisco Sound, as it became to be known, was a montage of shrieking guitars and bold now-classic Acid Rock. Go Ride The Music is a stunning document of Jefferson Airplane and Quicksilver Messenger Service (a band destined for stardom who short-circuited their own success). There are also cameo appearances from David Crosby and Jerry Garcia. West Pole captures the magnetic attraction of musicians who provoked the establishment enough to create national news. Gleason knew it. And via his writings, eventually so did the rest of America. Here’s a chance to witness first-hand the birth of a culture: Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and others. Those born too late to experience first-hand just what made this city at this time so significant will finally understand. Even Beatle George Harrison had to visit from England to see what the fuss was all about. It was a time of wild experimentation. Poetry, music, film, journalism, sex, drugs and political activism shared the spotlight as American Culture itself began to shapeshift into forms heretofore unknown.

A Night At The Family Dog/Go Ride The Music/West Pole Track listing: A Night At The Family Dog  Incident At Neshabur - Santana  Soul Sacrifice - Santana  Hard To Handle – The Grateful Dead  China Cat Sunflower – The Grateful Dead  I Know You Rider – The Grateful Dead  The Ballad of You And Me And Pooneil – Jefferson Airplane  Eskimo Blue Day – Jefferson Airplane  A Super Jam - featuring Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Paul Kantner and more! Go Ride The Music  We Can Be Together – Jefferson Airplane  Volunteers – Jefferson Airplane  Mexico – Jefferson Airplane  Warm Red Wine – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Somebody’s Crying – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Subway – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Plastic Fantastic Lover – Jefferson Airplane  Somebody To Love – Jefferson Airplane  Mona – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Emergency – Jefferson Airplane  Wooden Ships – Jefferson Airplane West Pole  Music – Ace Of Cups  Roll With It – Steve Miller Band  Greasy Heart – Jefferson Airplane  New Potato Caboose – The Grateful Dead  Dino’s Song – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Sittin’ In Circles – Steve Miller Band  Simplicity – Ace Of Cups  Freedom – Sons of Champlin  Gospel Song – Ace Of Cups About Mercury Studios:  Mercury Studios is a multi-faceted content studio established to develop, produce, globally distribute, and invest in innovative, music-rooted storytelling across a range of media including film, television, podcasting, publishing, and live-streamed performance. Taking its name from the iconic Mercury Records label, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and creates an open space for experimentation to unleash and amplify both emerging and established artists. With offices in London and Los Angeles, Mercury Studios harnesses its established relationships with best-in-class talent from music and film, seamlessly bridging the two worlds to create a completely distinctive community of trailblazers driven by original IP, innovation, and collaboration.

Rolling Stones announce the release of the definitive live best of, ‘GRRR LIVE!’

Very exciting news for fans of The Rolling Stones as well as the parade of music making notables also featured on the upcoming title...Robert Kinsler 

THE ROLLING STONES ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF THE DEFINITIVE LIVE BEST OF TITLE, ‘GRRR LIVE!’

ALBUM TO FEATURE THE BAND’S HITS FROM THEIR 60 YEAR CAREER, REMIXED AND RE-EDITED RECORDED LIVE ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY FEATURES GUESTS INCLUDING THE BLACK KEYS, GARY CLARK JR, LADY GAGA, JOHN MAYER, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & MICK TAYLOR www.rollingstones.com TRAILER LINK HERE

New York, NY (November 30, 2022) – The Rolling Stones have today announced the release of GRRR Live!, THE definitive live hits album from the band’s career. Released on February 10 via Mercury Studios, the album will be available in various formats; 3LP black, 3LP coloured white (Indies exclusive) 3LP red (d2c exclusive), 2CD, DVD + 2CD, BluRay+ 2CD. The Blu-ray and digital versions will include Dolby Atmos. The best live band in the world deserve the ultimate live greatest hits album and GRRR Live! is it, The Stones at their best! The album is available to pre-order here and features some of the greatest songs of all time including It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It), Honky Tonk Women, Start Me Up, Gimme Shelter, Sympathy For The Devil and (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. The Rolling Stones celebrated their golden anniversary in 2012 & 2013 by embarking on the 50 & Counting Tour, a 30-show itinerary for North America and Europe. On December 15, 2012, the band took the stage at Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center for the final of four shows in the New York area. Featuring guest appearances by The Black Keys (Who Do You Love?), Gary Clark Jr & John Mayer (Going Down), Lady Gaga (Gimme Shelter), Mick Taylor (Midnight Rambler) and hometown hero Bruce Springsteen (Tumbling Dice), the concert proved to be one of the most memorable shows in the band’s history. Since its original airing on pay-per-view in 2012, this show has not been available to fans until now. The concert has been re-edited and the audio has been remixed. Three songs from the December 13 show (also in Newark) will be available as bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray: Respectable (with John Mayer), Around And Around, and Gimme Shelter.

GRR Live! Track Listing: CD1 1. Get Off Of My Cloud 2. The Last Time 3. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It) 4. Paint It Black 5. Gimme Shelter (with Lady Gaga) 6. Wild Horses 7. Going Down (with John Mayer and Gary Clark Jr) 8. Dead Flowers 9. Who Do You Love? (with The Black Keys) 10. Doom And Gloom 11. One More Shot 12. Miss You 13. Honky Tonk Women 14. Band Introductions CD2 1. Before They Make Me Run 2. Happy 3. Midnight Rambler (with Mick Taylor) 4. Start Me Up 5. Tumbling Dice (with Bruce Springsteen) 6. Brown Sugar 7. Sympathy For the Devil 8. You Can’t Always Get What You Want 9. Jumpin’ Jack Flash 10. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction THE ROLLING STONES’ GRRR LIVE! WILL BE RELEASED ON MULTIPLE PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL FORMATS BY MERCURY STUDIOS ON FEBRUARY 10, 2023. PRE-ORDER HERE

www.rollingstones.com http://www.facebook.com/therollingstones www.twitter.com/rollingstones www.instagram.com/therollingstones www.youtube.com/therollingstones

About Mercury Studios: Mercury Studios is a multi-faceted content studio established to develop, produce, globally distribute and invest in innovative, music-rooted storytelling across a range of media including film, television, podcasting, publishing and live-streamed performance. Taking its name from the iconic Mercury Records label, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and creates an open space for experimentation to unleash and amplify both emerging and established artists. With offices in London and Los Angeles, Mercury Studios harnesses its established relationships with best-in-class talent from music and film, seamlessly bridging the two worlds to create a completely distinctive community of trailblazers driven by original IP, innovation and collaboration.

'Waiting: The Van Duren Story' documentary coming Aug. 5, 2022

This is truly an exciting release and I hope everyone will check out this news and discover the genius of Van Duren. (on a side note, you can read my February 2019 review of the original film soundtrack for the documentary HERE)..Robert Kinsler

A long forgotten power pop artist from the ashes of Big Star gets discovered by two Australians, determined to find out his true story...

MVD Visuals is proud to announce the release of the award-winning documentary on the lost Memphis power pop artist, Van Duren. From the ashes of Big Star in Memphis, Duren played in bands with Jody Stephens and Chris Bell, before being led to New Haven by manager Andrew Loog Oldham of the Rolling Stones.

Forty years later, two Australians discover his music and, on a drunken promise, embark on an amazing journey to make a film about the artist touted as "the next Paul McCartney." There's only one catch - the two have never made a movie before, so it's learn as they go.

Their quest leads them to con men, rock stars and Scientologists, as they uncover the dark secrets that kept Duren's second album from ever being released. Despite one setback after another, they soldier on, until they realize he doesn't own the rights to his music. Without the music, how will they complete the film? After meeting Van Duren at Ardent Studios in Memphis, they find that they are now part of the story, and must help Duren get his music rights back.

This is a real-life Searching for Sugarman, with a feel-good approach as two Aussies venture across the globe to discover the driving passion of music, and the commitment to fulfill a promise.

Featuring Jody Stephens, Andrew Loog Oldham, Hilly Michaels, Jon Tiven, Greg Morrow and Mickey Curry. Limited edition digi-pak Collectors Edition features extended interviews with Andrew Loog Oldham (Rolling Stones), Jody Stephens (Big Star) and Terry Manning (Ardent Studios).

Get more information on the DVD release HERE.

'Just a Gigolo' starring David Bowie out on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital on June 29 from Shout! Factory

A 1978 classic starring David Bowie and film legend Marlene Dietrich - in her final role - will get its long-awaited release on June 29, 2021...Robert Kinsler

Los Angeles, CA –On June 29, 2021, Shout! Factory proudly presents Just a Gigolo on Blu-ray for the first time. The film will also be available on DVD, on digital and on demand the same day. The drama starring David Bowie has been newly remastered from original sources, presenting the film for the first time ever in high definition. The release comes complete with a 32-page booklet and with bonus features including The Making of Gigolo with Producer/Writer Joshua Sinclair and Assistant to the Director Rory MacLean, as well as audio commentary with Rory MacLean. Fans can pre-order their copies from shoutfactory.com now.    Paul von Przygodski (David Bowie), a young Prussian gentleman, arrives in the trenches in time to be caught in the final explosion of the Great War. After recuperating in a military hospital, where he is mistaken for a French hero, he returns to Berlin. His family home has been turned into a boarding house, his father (Rudolf Schündler) is paralyzed, and his mother (Maria Schell) is working in the Turkish baths.   Attempting to find a new purpose, his childhood friend, Cilly (Sydne Rome), abandons him for fame and fortune; his former commanding officer, Captain Kraft (David Hemmings), tries to persuade him to join his right-wing movement and a widow, Helga von Kaiserling (Kim Novak), briefly seduces him with the finer things in life.   In a society where the individual comes first and anyone can be bought, he is recruited by Baroness von Semering (Marlene Dietrich) as one in her regiment of gigolos.   The cynical and decadent world of entertaining rich widows leads an increasingly disillusioned Paul to a poignant, chilling end.   Bonus Features: 32-Page Booklet The Making of Gigolo with Producer/Writer Joshua Sinclair and Assistant to the Director Rory MacLean Audio Commentary with Rory MacLean

About Shout! Factory Shout! Factory, LLC is a leading multi-platform media company devoted to film and TV distribution, development, and production, as well as the preservation and revitalization of the very best in pop-culture entertainment. Founded by Richard Foos, Bob Emmer, and Garson Foos in 2003, Shout! owns and manages a large portfolio of films, contemporary and classic TV series, animation, and documentaries. The company’s creative acquisition mandate has established it as a leading independent distributor, with partners and properties including GKIDS, Sesame Street, The Carol Burnett Show, The Johnny Carson Show, IFC Films, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, ITV Studios, Major League Baseball Productions, and many others. Shout! Factory Kids focuses on live-action and animated kids and family properties, and the company releases films and television shows in other genres under the Scream Factory and Shout Select imprints. Shout! develops, acquires and distributes new films via Shout! Studios, owns and operaates libraries including Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in partnership with creator Joel Hodgson) and the Roger Corman New Horizon Pictures Library, and operates the acclaimed streaming service Shout! Factory TV. Shout! Factory is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

Kenny Rogers 'The Gambler' DVD box set arrives Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020

Legendary country music favorite Kenny Rogers' legacy has continued to grow since he passed away in March 2020. I was delighted to be able to cover his memorable concert at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA in July 2017 (read my review of that show HERE). Below is a media release on the upcoming release (tomorrow, October 6th!) of his winning "Gambler" film series...Robert Kinsler

KENNY ROGERS “THE GAMBLER” DVD BOX SET

ARRIVES EXCLUSIVELY AT WALMART ON OCTOBER 6^th

FROM SHOUT! FACTORY

 

WATCH THE NEW TRAILER HERE:

www.smarturl.it/KR_Gambler-Trailer

 

 

October 5, 2020 – For the first time ever, all five of the Gambler films starring Kenny Rogers are being released in one DVD collection—Kenny Rogers:  The Gambler.  This 6-film box set (featuring the movie Coward of the County as a bonus) is essential for Kenny Rogers fans and can be found exclusively at your local Walmart starting October 6 from Shout! Factory.

 

The Gambler series generated five Emmy Award nominations. Rogers made his acting debut in the original film The Gambler, which was a massive ratings hit that achieved critical success for CBS upon its original release on April 8, 1980. It was nominated for two Emmy Awards.

 

The film is an Old West tale inspired by one of Rogers’ most beloved songs of all time. Brady Hawkes (Kenny Rogers) is a gamblin’ man who has seen it all...except for the son he never knew. When Hawkes receives a surprising letter from his child, he sets off on a journey to finally meet the boy. In the course of his travels, Hawkes crosses paths with the impetuous Billy Montana (Bruce Boxleitner - Tron, How The West Was Won), and the two become fast friends. Billy considers himself to be a professional gambler, but he’s got a lot to learn – and Hawkes has got some very familiar advice for him. 

 

By popular demand, Rogers returned as Brady Hawkes in The Gambler: The Adventure Continues, which premiered in November 1983 on CBS. The film was an even bigger ratings success than the first and was nominated for an additional two Emmy Awards. The Gambler Part III: The Legend Continues followed in 1987 (also on CBS), and the Emmy-nominated fourth installment of the series, The Gambler Returns:  The Luck Of The Draw, starring Rogers and Reba McEntire, aired on NBC in 1991. The series moved back to CBS for the 1994 finale, Gambler V: Playing For Keeps. The first four movies of the series were directed by Dick Lowry and the last was directed by Jack Bender.

 

“The Gambler,” written by GRAMMY®-winning Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter Don Schlitz, was Kenny's fourth #1 solo hit and one of five consecutive songs by the music icon to hit No. 1 on the Billboard country music chart. “The Gambler" also went to #3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the first #1 hit Schlitz had written. The song won a 1978 Grammy for Best Country Song and became CMA’s 1979 Song of the Year. Kenny won a 1979 Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for “The Gambler,” and also earned CMA’s 1979 Male Vocalist of the Year. In addition, the album, The Gambler, won CMA honors as 1979 Album of the Year, among other accolades.  

 

In 2018, “The Gambler” was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant.” Following Kenny’s death on March 20, 2020, “The Gambler” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart. 

 

In a career that spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream” (with Dolly Parton), “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years” are just a handful of Kenny’s songs that continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. With twenty-four number-one hits to his credit, Rogers miraculously charted a song within each of the last seven decades. He is a Country Music Hall of Fame member, twenty-one-time American Music Awards winner, eleven-time People’s Choice Awards winner, ten-time ACM Awards winner, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and was voted the “Favorite Singer of All Time” in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People. 

 

Details on all of the films in the Kenny Rogers:  The Gambler box set can be found here:

 

THE GAMBLER (1980)

The film is an Old West tale inspired by one of Rogers’ most beloved songs of all time. Brady Hawkes (Kenny Rogers) is a gamblin’ man who has seen it all...except for the son he never knew. When Hawkes receives a surprising letter from his child, he sets off on a journey to finally meet the boy. In the course of his travels, Hawkes crosses paths with the impetuous Billy Montana (Bruce Boxleitner - Tron, How The West Was Won), and the two become fast friends. Billy considers himself to be a professional gambler, but he’s got a lot to learn – and Hawkes has got some very familiar advice for him.

 

THE GAMBLER: THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES (1983)

Brady Hawkes is back in this rip-roaring sequel to The Gambler. When Brady's son Jeremiah is kidnapped by a vicious gang, the gambler and his sidekick Billy Montana saddle up to rescue him. With the aid of the quick-drawing Kat Muldoon (Linda Evans - Dynasty), the stakes couldn't be higher. Will this pair of aces with a queen kicker come out on top?

 

THE GAMBLER: THE LEGEND CONTINUES (1987)

Brady Hawkes and Billy Montana ride again in this thrilling continuation of The Gambler saga. When the Sioux Nation is threatened by corrupt U.S. Calvary and government officials, it's up to the two friends to resolve the conflict. Also starring Linda Gray, Melanie Chartoff, George Kennedy, and Jeffrey Jones.

 

THE GAMBLER RETURNS: THE LUCK OF THE DRAW (1991)

On the eve of a new law banning gambling is passed, Brady Hawkes finds himself struggling with a crisis of confidence…and at the end of a hangman’s rope. Rescued by the vivacious Burgundy Jones (Country superstar Reba McEntire), Hawkes discovers that his benefactor has a deal too good to pass up: the ultimate poker game, matching the greatest gamblers to ever ante up. Hawkes and Jones take to the trail in search of one last winning hand—but can they make it to the table in one piece? Featuring special appearances by some of the West’s greatest legends, including Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors), Bat Masterson (Gene Barry), and Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine). 

 

GAMBLER V: PLAYING FOR KEEPS (1994)

Brady Hawkes has won just about every game of chance there is, but this time he’s risking everything for the biggest stakes of them all: the love—and life—of his son Jeremiah. Estranged from his father for years, the now-grown Jeremiah has joined up with the legendary Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid…and it’s up to Brady to track them down before the law catches up to them. Featuring Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) and guest appearances by Loni Anderson and Bruce Boxleitner, Playing For Keeps wraps up the saga of Brady Hawkes in grand fashion, as The Gambler takes his place among the legends of television Westerns.

 

Also:

COWARD OF THE COUNTY (1981)

In the tradition of The Gambler series, Coward of the County takes its inspiration from one of Kenny Rogers' all-time greatest hits. Rogers plays a small-town preacher whose nephew has taken a pledge of pacifism at the request of his dying father. The young man's oath is tested when the Gatlin boys attack his loving wife. Featuring Frederic Lane, Largo Woodruff, and William Schreiner.