** An "Old Chicks" News Flash from The All-Inclusive Dixie Chicks Page! **

The Dixie Chicks represent only the most visible example of the impact of
"Americana Country" on mainstream country. There are a host of musicians,
from Texas and elsewhere, who have spent years building a new sound rooted
in Country tradition yet distinct from the chart-driven pop sound currently
coming out of Nashville. The Gavin Americana chart has been one of the
most visible signs of this musical revolution... but now it looks like the
"Murder on Music Row" has claimed another victim.

This very depressing message was just posted to the Texas Music community
by Bruce Kidder, morning disc jockey and program director at KHYI 95.3 FM
in Dallas (http://www.khyi.com/). I wonder if Gavin has considered the
fact that only an accident of timing stood between the Dixie Chicks --
Nashville's current darlings -- and the sort of obscurity "enjoyed" by the
artists Bruce lists in his note? If the well-respected music magazine
carries through with their plan to drop this format from their charts,
they'll be missing a golden opportunity -- the chance to say "we were
*there*" when the Americana revolution returns Country Music to its roots.

I am copying this message to Gavin online editor Adrian Zupp -- Mr. Zupp,
this message is being sent to the 480+ members of my "All-Inclusive Dixie
Chicks Page" update announcement list. Our interest in the Dixie Chicks'
Texas roots should help show that the new direction of Country Music has
nothing to do with Nashville or its pre-packaged pop star look-alikes. On
behalf of these fans, I ask you to please reconsider your decision to drop
the chart that shows the most potential for growth. Would you have pulled
out of Seattle just as that scene was developing? Of course not... and you
won't want to pull out of Texas just as the Americana revolution is
beginning to take shape.

----- Original Message -----
From: Bruce Kidder <bruce@...>
To: <TxCM@onelist.com, khyi-fans@egroups.com>
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2000 7:47 PM
Subject: Fw: Gavin Americana Format

For what it is worth.......

This is the one format that has given Texas artists an open ear.....

Max Stalling's Wide Afternoon recently hit #3 nationally, Steve Earle had a
#1, Pat Green was in the Top 10 and Larry Joe Taylor and Tommy Alverson
were climbing.

I don't know what the future holds.....but it is a sad day. Gavin magazine
was the one national radio trade magazine that gave Alt-Country, Texas
Music, and Folk credence.

I have no idea if it will do any good but an e-mail campaign might help! If
you enjoy the sounds of KHYI, KNON, KTFW, or any other Texas leaning
station....now is the time to be heard. Hit: www.gavin.com and click on
"contact us"! Let them know that people do appreciate this genre. In
addition, pass this along to any person who might have interest.

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jessie Scott <jessie@...>
> To: <jessie@...>
> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2000 4:59 PM
> Subject: Gavin Americana Format
>
> To Gavin Americana Reporters:
>
> It is with regret that Gavin must announce that the Americana charts
> will cease with this issue, October 13, 2000. It has been a gratifying
> five years of watching the format grow, but as yet, it has not made
> inroads significant enough to allow it to continue as part of Gavin in
> the present business climate.
>
> We appreciate all of you at radio who have diligently reported to us. We
> know how much dedication it takes, especially in light of how many hats
> each of you wears in your respective situations.
>
> Take heart in the reality that Americana will not go away. Our artists
> will continue to make great music and impact the landscape, just as you
> will continue to bring it to your audience. You are fighting the good
> fight, and I know that it is appreciated by the artists, your listeners,
> and all the people doing the business of Americana.
>
> I will be moving on. I will share details with you as soon as I can. In
> the meantime, Gavin has graciously allowed me to keep my contact info
> (phone and email) until the Americana Music Association Annual Meeting
> and Conference takes place November 10 and 11.
>
> Gavin CEO David Dalton comments: "I hold Americana dear to my heart and
> I'm sorry that Gavin will not be able take part in the format's future
> success as we redirect our energies into other areas. Jessie, in
> particular, has done a terrific job and I hope that the AMA will be able
> to build on the foundation that we have helped lay in the past five
> years."
>
> It's been a heck of a ride, and distinct pleasure working with you all.
>
>
> Best As Always,
>
> Jessie Scott
--
Robert Brooks / robertb@...
http://www.dixie-chicks.com/ -- the complete unauthorized history
Nashville's days are numbered: listen to http://www.khyi.com/

"I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness,
but you are already doing that..." - 2 Cor 11:1