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Anniversary concert with the LenneBrothers Band

15. January 2024
LenneBrothers Band

Michael and Stefan Koch from the LenneBrothers Band celebrate their stage anniversary

40 years of rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll are now going out into the world from the Lennestrand in Sauerland. It’s hard to believe, but Michael “Ele” Koch and Stefan “Teddy” Koch from the LenneBrothers Band will be celebrating their 40th anniversary on stage in 2024. On February 25, 1984, the two brothers played their first gig with their former band The Lennerockers. The concert for the carnival celebration of the Hohenlimburg Riding and Driving Club took place in the restaurant of the Kirchenberg Stadium.

Almost exactly 40 years later, the anniversary concert with the LenneBrothers Band, which has been in existence since 2017, will take place at Werkhof Hohenlimburg on 17 February 2024 (Kulturzentrum Werkhof, Herrenstraße 17, 58119 Hagen-Hohenlimburg). Between these two concerts, the founding members of both the Lennerockers and the LenneBrothers Band, Michael and Stefan Koch, have played an impressive 3,000 gigs in 25 countries and even set a world record (see Guinness World Records 2003, p.258, “Highest concert” – in an airplane at a height of 11948.16 m in front of 250 fans).

Rock ‘n’ roll hits such as “Boogie Woogie Queen”, “High Class Lady” and “Rocking and Trucking”, all written by Stefan Koch, now have many millions of clicks on YouTube. Self-penned hits such as “High Class Lady” are still covered by many bands today and are a must at any rock ‘n’ roll record hop or country line dance event worldwide. At every live show by the LenneBrothers Band, you can immediately see that all the musicians are seriously having fun, as the saying goes. And the spark jumps over. Every concert by the band is a highlight, pure rock’n’roll.

The new single “Mississippi Delta Blues” will be released from the LenneBrothers Band’s current album “Boogie Woogie Queen – LenneBrothers Band sings the Best of The Lennerockers” on February 12, 2024. All rock’n’roll fans can look forward to this one – it’s going to be a big hit again.Boogie Woogie Queen – LenneBrothers Band sings the Best of The Lennerockers

Mary Duff AGR Television Records

Mary Duff signs with AGR Television Records

24. April 2023
Mary Duff

Irish Country Singer Mary Duff has signed a worldwide record deal with AGR Television Records

AGR Television Records announces the signing of one of Ireland’s most successful female artists Mary Duff. The label and Mary Duff will release new music later this year. This new era of Mary’s career will be driven by a dream team of dedicated professionals in the music industry.

Mary Duff has a string of awards to her credit including having been recognized as Best Female Artist by Ireland’s top selling Sunday World Newspaper and The British Country Music Association. In 1989 Mary represented Ireland and won the Euro Country Music Masters Gold Star Award in The Netherlands amid stiff competition from 18 other European countries. Mary Duff cites her award for Meath Person of the Year in 1990 as one of her proudest achievements. In 2019, she was also recognized by Irish President Michael D. Higgins as one of a number of Irish artists who had contributed significantly to Country Music around the world.

Mary Duff about signing to AGR Television Records: “I’m really excited to be working with AGR Records on my new album. When I decided to take my career in a new direction, it was a very exciting but nerve-wracking time. The initial connection with AGR came by chance and I actually thought one of my friends was playing a joke on me!! Everything then started to fall into place and I’m very lucky that everyone on board shares a common vision. A lot of work has been going on over the past two years and I can’t wait to share my new album with all of my friends and followers who have supported me throughout my career.”

AGR Television Records comments, “Mary has been very impressive in constructing her team and preparing for continuing success. For more than 30 years Mary has been one of the best country singers the Emerald Isle has brought forth. We are truly honored to welcome Mary Duff to our recording family.”

The Record Store Troubadours Debut Album

Eric Heatherly extends his contract with AGR Television Records

14. June 2021
Eric Heatherly, The Record Store Troubadours

Eric Heatherly’s new project, The Record Store Troubadours, releases debut album

In 2005, Eric Heatherly signed his first contract with AGR Television Records for the release of his album “The Lower East Side of Life“. The album made it to number one on the album charts in Poland, representing a good foundation for further collaboration.

The album “2 High 2 Cry”, which was released in 2010, marked the “Flower on the Wall” singer’s first contract extension with AGR Television Records. The first single under the new contract, “Old Enough to Be Her Daddy,” became a chart breaker in Germany.

On November 24, 2018, Eric Heatherly exchanged rings with his long-term love Lindsey Stacey, and as befits two thoroughbred musicians, they celebrated with a song together. The bride and groom released the single “Somethin’ Stupid” – a rendition of the number one classic from 1967 by Frank and Nancy Sinatra.

It was clear to all those involved that they would not simply stop at one single. So, Eric and Lindsey Heatherly gave themselves the name The Record Store Troubadours and went to the studio. This yielded a lot of songs that successfully manage the balancing act between modern country music with a vintage touch. 12 of them will make it onto the new record entitled “Neon Neverland”, which will be released shortly.

The first single, “¡Ándale!” will already be released this summer.

The new release marks the second time Eric Heatherly has extended his contract with AGR Television Records. For the singer and songwriter this is simply a matter of course. He comments: “We are looking forward to a triumphant return with our new music. We appreciate the belief that AGR Television Records has shown us, and we are looking forward to a successful collaboration once again. We can’t wait to tour internationally in support of the highly anticipated debut, “Neon Neverland”. This 12-song collection has been a 3yr. process. We wrote, recorded, produced the whole project in Nashville, TN in between touring.”

Oryon AGR Television

Oryon extends contract with AGR Television Records

12. April 2021
Oryon

The American singer, songwriter, and producer Oryon has extended his contract with AGR Television Records

In 2008, the American singer, songwriter, and producer Oryon and AGR Television Records signed their first contract, which included the release of his debut album “Bounce” and achieved numerous successes.

The single “Naked” rose to number 1 as a club hit and was featured in the HBO series “Six Feet Under”, among others. The emotional ballad “I Will” (from the television series “The O.C.”) stormed the Top 40 in the US Billboard Charts what was followed by tours for Oryon with Jessica Simpson, BB Mack, Shaggy, Vitamin C and many others.

Oryon has now decided to extend his contract with AGR Television by 10 years. Jürgen Kramar, A&R, explains: “When I met Oryon at MIDEM in 2008, I was surprised how ambitious and creative the artist was. It has been nice to see him develop over the years and watch how these two qualities have also been reflected in his success. It is always a pleasure to see record labels and artists work together successfully and harmoniously. When this collaboration bears fruit, it is all the better if it continues. We look forward to the next 10 years!”

Oryon, too, is thrilled about the continued collaboration and says: “I’m really excited and honored to be working with everyone at AGR Television Records again. Some of my best memories are when I traveled to Europe to promote the Bounce CD. It was a whirlwind mini-promo tour full of appearances, interviews and new experiences. Everyone was so welcoming and even with the busy schedule they still took the time to show me the sites. I was to young to realize just how special that time in my life was or how I would look back on it years later with such fond memories. Now that they’ve extend my contract; I’m looking forward to creating even more of those amazing experiences & lasting memories with AGR Television Records! “

Oryon is currently in the studio and has begun recording his new single. The song “Tik Tok Boys” (working title) was penned by the talented all-rounder and is set to be released in a few weeks.

Tramyard honoring John Prine with People Puttin' People Down

Irish All-Star Band Tramyard honoring John Prine

7. April 2021
Tramyard

Irish band Tramyard releases “People Puttin’ People Down”

Brand-new Irish jam band, Tramyard, have just launched their debut single in tribute of the late John Prine titled, “People Puttin’ People Down.” The group, featuring some of Ireland’s top session musicians, got together in the summer of 2020 to lay down their version of the John Prine classic. Initially, the recording was a personal endeavor that was not intended to be released, but the love of John Prine and the impact that his music left on the world made Tramyard change their minds. “People Puttin’ People Down” will be released on April 7th, exactly one year to the date of Prine’s passing and is available to stream and download on all digital platforms now.

Listen to “People Puttin People Down” HERE.

Tramyard was put together by veteran pianist, musical director, and producer Steve Milne. Featuring musicians Steve Milne (Piano), Marty McDermott (Bass), Mary Duff (Harmony Vocals), Jordan Mogey (Lead Vocals), Aoife Cunningham (Bouzouki & Harmony Vocals), Ciara Cunningham (Accordion & Harmony (Vocals), Kevin Logue (Guitar & Harmony Vocals), Stuart Gray (Guitar) and Des Lacey (Drums), the band was intended to be a Monday night band, made up of a group of professional musicians who wanted to explore styles that did not fall within their normal remit.

Among the many tributes paid to John Prine, the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins also released a heartfelt statement to acknowledge the huge impact Ireland and its people had on the late singer, and the wonderful legacy he left behind.

“John Prine was a true master of songcraft. A gifted and evocative lyricist, he was the songwriter other songwriters looked to for inspiration. He was a voice of tolerance, inclusion, whimsy, and protest.”

Tramyard honoring John Prine

Commenting on the release, producer Steve Milne said, “Tramyard is made up of a number of well-known Irish musicians. Professionally we are very diverse but we all really love this kind of old Country/Roots/Americana style, so this was an opportunity for us to jam together. John Prine of course was a great musician, a great performer, and a great writer, who always had a lot of appreciation for the music scene in Ireland. It was a big loss when he passed away last April. “People Puttin’ People Down” was an opportunity for friends to get together and explore some of John’s great songwriting gems in our own way. But I am really pleased AGR Television Records have given us the opportunity to share what we came up with, in the memory of John Prine.”

Linda Feller Platz 1

Linda Feller at number 1 in the charts with “Ab jetzt”

6. November 2020
Linda Feller

Linda Feller’s single “Ab jetzt” reaches number 1 in the Swiss Airplay charts (conservative category).

Over the course of 2020, Linda Feller has been able to celebrate quite a few successes. One of these is most definitely “35 Jahre – Das Jubiläumsalbum” (“35 Years – The anniversary album”), on which duets with Dolly Parton, Ray Stevens, Dickey Lee, Charlie McCoy, Ute Freudenberg and Muck are to be found. Linda Feller has also reached number 1 in the charts.

In the charts released on 6 November 2020, the Linda Feller single “Ab jetzt” (“From Now On”) has climbed to number 1 in the Swiss Airplay charts (conservative category). These charts are calculated by Music Trace on behalf of the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry). During the five weeks before this, the single had occupied either number 2 or number 3 in the Airplay charts.

“Ab jetzt” is now the first number 1 which Germany’s most successful female country singer has achieved in Switzerland.

The first two single releases from her anniversary album have also been extremely successful in Switzerland. “Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” (“If I had another heart”) rose to number 4 and “Liebe ist ein andres Wort für Wahnsinn” (“Love is another word for madness”) climbed to number 2. Linda Feller is thus the only German-language country singer to have had 5 singles in a row in the Swiss Airplay Charts (conservative category).

Linda Feller has also been successful in Austria. “Ab jetzt” spent several weeks in the Austrian Airplay pop charts. This resulted in her first radio interview with the Italian broadcaster RAI.

In November, Linda Feller will be appearing on Danish television to present her album.

The next single “Mein letzter Freund” (“My last friend”), which Linda Feller performs as a duet with Muck, the long-time friend who first discovered her, will be coming out in January 2021.

Linda Feller

Linda Feller at Germany sings

2. October 2020
Linda Feller

Linda Feller will be attending “Germany sings”, this year’s event celebrating German unity

The initiate “October 3 – Germany sings” celebrates German Unity Day in a very special way this year: On October 3, 2020, at 7 p.m., 10 unifying songs will be sung simultaneously throughout the country and the peaceful revolution will be commemorated with a candlelight ceremony. Ten songs from eastern and western Germany are set to be sung for the event, including “Die Gedanken sind frei”, “Wind of Change”, “Der Mond ist aufgegangen” and “Über sieben Bruecken musst du gehn”.

The initiative aims to light a beacon of solidarity and involve all citizens during these trying times. If necessary, the event will even take place from balconies, windows or as a virtual choir via a live stream. An online live streaming event from the Nikolai Church with contemporary witnesses in Leipzig has also been prepared for October 3. All those who would like to take part in the event are welcome to connect via the internet beginning 6:45 p.m. and participate in the country-wide choir at 7 p.m. The livestream is available at www.3oktober.org/livestream.

The contemporary witnesses are Pastor Stief, pastor of the Nikolai Church in Leipzig, Liana Plotzitzka and Germany’s most successful country singer, Linda Feller, who will describe her experiences of the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification.

Together with Tim Niedernolte, the presenter of ZDF’s “Drehscheibe” program, Linda Feller will welcome the audience at the “Einheits-Expo” in Potsdam at 6:55 p.m. and then start the countdown to the first song, “Die Gedanken sind frei”.

More than 350 choirs, ensembles and parishes have now joined together with many other local choirs and are planning the “October 3 – Germany sings” open-air concert in more than 250 participating cities, a number that is increasing every day. Each location can round out their collection of songs by adding the national and/or European anthem, which have also been included in the song book. They can function as the ceremonial beginning or end of the musical event.

Numerous German cities from Bremen to Wernigerode have joined in with their own supporting programs. All those interested are also welcome to light candles and take part in this wonderful event. No matter whether you prefer humming, singing along or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, everyone is cordially invited to participate.

Pam Jackson

Pam Jackson is back in the studio

5. May 2020
Pam Jackson

Country singer Pam Jackson will shortly start recording her second full length album

Following the release of the EP “Let the Healing Start” (2019), Irish country singer Pam Jackson is returning to the studio to begin working on her new album with producer David Arkins, at Crooked Wood Studios Ireland.

Pam Jackson is looking forward to working on the new material. The majority of the songs are previously unreleased and written by some of Nashville’s best songwriters, including Katrina Elam & Troy Verges, who have both written songs for Carrie Underwood. The late Andrew Dorff, who wrote hits songs for Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley & Hunter Hayes. And Grammy Award winner Lori McKenna, writer of “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town and “Always Remember Us This Way”, featured in the 2018 movie “A Star is Born”.

One of the few cover-version is “Angel on my Shoulder”, written by Leigh Reynolds, Amber White, Philip White, previously recorded by Reba McEntire and released on her Grammy awarded album “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope” (2017).

The first single is expected to be released in June 2020 with the so far untitled album due for release later in 2020.

Pam Jackson’s live premiere of the new single during Nashville’s CMA Fest in June 2020 has been postponed due to travel restrictions and cancellation of the CMA Fest 2020.

When Pam Jackson sings a country song it comes from the very roots of all the qualities that make this genre what it is – simple, sincere and very moving. Her voice appeals to the ordinary people who love simple country music – often known as traditional country. Pam Jackson has grown up absorbed in the recorded performances of her musical heroes. This is reflected by her voice in a very recognizable yet original style that is unique to her alone.

Joe Diffie dies Coronavirus

Joe Diffie passes

30. March 2020
Joe Diffie

Joe Diffie dies at 61 from Coronavirus complications

Multi-million selling Grand Ole Opry star Joe Diffie passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020, following a brief illness. Diffie, 61, announced last Friday that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the coronavirus. He has now become the first music star to die from the disease.

One of the biggest Country Music hit makers of the 1990s, Joe Diffie had more than 20 Top 10 hits. They include such No. 1 smashes as “Home”, “Third Rock from the Sun” and “Pickup Man”. He holds four Gold Record awards and two Platinum ones for his albums.

He co-wrote nine of his hits as well as successful songs for Jo Dee Messina, Holly Dunn, Tim McGraw and Conway Twitty. During his career, he won both Grammy and CMA awards.

Known as a “singer’s singer”, he received praise from such greats as Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Gene Watson, Vern Gosdin, Liza Minelli, Garth Brooks, George Strait and Buck Owens. Diffie celebrated his 25th anniversary as an Opry star last year with a show including Vince Gill, Michael Ray and Ricky Skaggs.

Born December 28, 1958 in Duncan, Oklahoma, Diffie was raised in a musical household. He was singing in gospel groups such as Higher Purpose by the time he was in high school. He spent four years as a member of the bluegrass band The Special Edition and made his recording debut by recording an album with that group in 1985.

Joe Diffie’s first single was “Home,” which was notable as a debut disc that hit No. 1. In 1991-92, he scored successive hits with “If You Want Me To,” “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “New Way (To Light Up an Old Flame),” “Is It Cold in Here,” and “Ships That Don’t Come In.” In 1992, he earned a Grammy nomination for “Not Too Much to Ask,” his duet with Mary Chapin Carpenter. He was also nominated as the CMA Male Vocalist that year.

Diffie won a CMA Award in 1993 for “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair,” recorded with George Jones and other guest vocalists. His songwriting continued to make waves as “I’m the Only Thing (I’ll Hold Against You)” and “Memory Lane” both became 1993 singles, for Conway Twitty and Tim McGraw, respectively. Also, in 1993, Joe Diffie was inducted into the Opry cast and co-hosted the International Bluegrass Music Association’s award show (a gig he repeated in 1999).

Most of his early singles were ballads, at which his powerful honky-tonk tenor excelled. Beginning in 1993, a different Joe Diffie emerged on disc. He released a string of wildly successful uptempo novelty tunes. These included such hits as “Honky Tonk Attitude” (1993), “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox” (1993), “John Deere Green” (1994), “Third Rock from the Sun” (1994), “Pickup Man” (1994), “I’m in Love with a Capital U” (1995), “Bigger Than the Beatles” (1996) and “C-O-U-N-T-R-Y” (1996).

Also, in 1997, he made his acting debut opposite Johnny Cash in the TV movie “All My Friends Are Cowboys”. He closed out the year as the Grand Marshall of the Nashville Christmas Parade.

With AGR Television Records Joe Diffie released 2009 “The Ultimate Collection” and in collaboration with Rounder Records 2011 “Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album”. The country-singer was currently in the studio rearing new music.

Joe Diffie is survived by his wife Tara and by children Parker, Kara, Drew, Tyler and Kylie. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Linda Feller

Linda Feller releases new single Haett’ ich ein andres Herz

6. March 2020
Linda Feller

“Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” is the first advance single from Linda Feller’s anniversary album.

“Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” is the first advance single from Linda Feller’s anniversary album, which will be released on CD and in digital format in the fall of 2020.

The new year brings with it new music by Linda Feller. Germany’s most successful country singer, who is celebrating the 35th anniversary of her career this year, has started studio recordings for her album, scheduled for release this fall. AGR Television Records is releasing the single “Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” as an advance single from the album.

“Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” is a strong ballad about lovesickness – a theme that country music is best suited for. The song was written and produced by Christoph Leis-Bendorff & Rudolf Muessig. The guitar is played by Dirk Schlag (Truck Stop, Santiano), one of the best guitarists in Germany.

The fresh sound of “Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” shows the musical versatility of Linda Feller, who time and again manages to pack strong lyrics into a fitting musical garment. Always strongly interpreted and never boring. This makes “Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” the perfect herald for Linda Feller’s upcoming studio album featuring new compositions and new recordings of musical milestones from her 35-year career as well as duets with companions along the way.

Linda Feller of course also shot a music video for the single. The recordings took place in the “Kulturwirtschaft” at the trendy nightclub “Kraftwerk Mitte” in her home town of Dresden. Camera man, Gunnar Baumann, was also responsible for editing the video. In the video, Florian Stoelzel performed the guitar solo played by Dirk Schlag in the studio.

“Hätt’ ich ein andres Herz” will be released on March 13, 2020 as a digital download and stream and will be available on all portals. The release of the single marks the beginning of closer cooperation between Linda Feller and AGR Television Records, which began in 2018. The still-untitled anniversary album will be the first album release under the new contract covering five albums.

Fabian Harloff

Zeit der Zeichen – the new single from Fabian Harloff

25. October 2019
Fabian Harloff

“Zeit der Zeichen” is Fabian Harloff’s second single from his album “Auf dem Land”

After living the urban lifestyle for more than 20 years, Fabian Harloff moved to the countryside with his wife and pets in 2016. As a hobby farmer, he experienced the drought of summer 2018 in Schleswig-Holstein at first hand, which inspired him to write the song “Zeit der Zeichen”.

“Zeit der Zeichen” was also first released to the public as part of Fabian Harloff’s first Country album “Auf dem Land“. Fabian Harloff is regularly asked about this in interviews, and he says: “Climate change is happening everywhere, and as a father I would like my daughter to have the opportunity to grow up on an intact planet”, continuing: “The song is not about pointing the finger – instead it should offer a glimmer of hope that we can achieve a lot if we pull together.” “Zeit der Zeichen” is very earthy from a musical perspective and also expresses great positivity.

The environment has always been very important to Fabian Harloff, and he has been working with this topic in great detail for more than ten years: in 2008, he wrote the lyrics for the song “Immer wenn es regnet” for the group “Menschenskinder” which considers the same theme.

“Zeit der Zeichen” will be shipped to radio stations from 25 October 2019 onward. The accompanying music video can be viewed on social media, amongst other sources. The album “Auf dem Land” is available in both physical and digital format.

Pam Jackson’s song “Once Upon Another Time” gets music video

16. October 2019
Pam Jackson

Pam Jackson films music video for her new single “Once Upon Another Time”

Pam Jackson recently released the single “Once Upon Another Time”. The song was written by Sandy Mason & Clive Westlake and is taken from her EP “Let the Healing Start“. The Irish country-singer notes: “The lyrics of this song ‘Once Upon Another Time’ really capture the idea of love throughout lifetimes between Soulmates, which I think resonates with a lot of people – so I wanted the video to be elegant and timeless.”

Last week Pam Jackson filmed a music video for “Once Upon Another Time”, at the Dunamaise Theatre in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland It is the first music video for Pam Jackson since “Guardian Angels” which was released in 2010. The video features Jim Sheridan (Musical Director for RTÉ’s “Late Late Show” band) on grand piano and Conor Finnegan (Crampton Spaces) on acoustic guitar. The video was directed by Steve Bloor. Pam Jackson says: “I thoroughly enjoyed having such talented guys alongside her in the video and it was great to be back working with Steve again.”

The Music video “Once Upon Another Time” will be sent to TV stations around the globe very shortly and will be available on popular social networks. The EP “Let the Healing Start” is now available on all digital platforms.

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Recent Posts

  • Anniversary concert with the LenneBrothers Band
  • Mary Duff signs with AGR Television Records
  • Eric Heatherly extends his contract with AGR Television Records
  • Oryon extends contract with AGR Television Records
  • Irish All-Star Band Tramyard honoring John Prine

Recent Albums

Album-Cover: Iann Brennan - Start as You Mean to Go On

Start as You Mean to Go On

Kiera Dignam - Nepo Baby

Nepo Baby

Pam Jackson - Dream a Little Bigger

Dream a Little Bigger

Linda Feller - Glück ist wie ein Schmetterling

Glück ist wie ein Schmetterling

Mary Duff - Crayons and a Canvas

Crayons and a Canvas

Mary Duff - The Holy City

Live und in Farbe

Video

  • Iann Brennan & The Echoes - M2M (Official Lyric Video)
    Iann Brennan & The Echoes - M2M (Official Lyric Video)

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