Oklahoma-born country performer Mel McDaniel has long been a staple on the country scene and Grand Ole Opry Stage.
However, in mid-June the singer-songwriter suffered a heart attack that resulted in a return trip to a Nashville hospital, where doctors placed McDaniel in a medically induced coma in their efforts to save his life.
Although McDaniel was recently transferred to a rehabilitative center to continue his recovery, according to a July 22 press statement from Darlene Bieber, Opry spokeswoman, the beloved singer has a long recovery ahead.
Grand Ole Opry Stars, Country Singers Sign Up for Benefit Concert
In turn, McDaniel's friends and fellow country artists have joined forces to organize an Aug. 13, 2009, benefit concert and silent auction in Nashville, Tenn., for the beloved singer, whose biggest hits include "Stand Up," "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On" and "Louisiana Saturday Night."
According to a June 27, 2009, interview with one of the event's organizers, Catherine Rust, already many country stars have volunteered to perform at the 6-10 p.m. fundraiser, which will be held at The Nashville Palace on McGavock Pike, not far from the Grand Ole Opry.
Among those set to perform at the benefit show are many fromMcDaniel’s Opry family, including Little Jimmy Dickens, Jean Shepherd, The Roys, and Jim Ed Brown, as well as Rick Blaylock, Alison Clements, Jared Rogers, Tommy Cash, Buddy Jewel, David Ball, Guy Gilchrist, T-Bell, Jet Jurgensmeyer, Helen Cornelius, Ken Peltier, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Jimmy Fortune, T. Graham Brown, Billy Arr, Hank Beach, Charlie Louvin, Don Wayne, Jack Greene, Jimmy C. Newman, Larry Paxton and Candi Apple Red, among others.
From Traditional Country to Contemporary Country, Performers Admire Mel McDaniel
Additionally, McDaniel’s band, Oklahoma Wind, will provide backing music for the lineup, while broadcast veterans Keith Bilbrey, former Opry announcer, and Ralph Emery will share emcee duties at the performance event.
“Mel and his wife are such dear people and friends to so many,” said InLight Records artist and volunteer performer Cash in a June 27 interview. “We hope to have a great turnout for this event and make some great music along the way. Our prayers and thoughts are with the McDaniel family at this difficult time.”
Moreover, added singer-songwriter Gregg in an Aug. 2 telephone interview, "So many of us know and love Mel McDaniel and his family. He's such a giving person to everyone, so playing at this show in his honor is the least we can do. All of us are praying for Mel and his wife Peggy during this trying time."
Country Concert & Silent Auction Boasts Country Singers, Music Memorabilia
Benefit organizers report that thus 50-plus items have been donated for auction, including an autographed guitar from Carrie Underwood, get-away vacation packages and an autographed Tennessee Titans football, among many more donated items.
Tickets to the Aug. 13 benefit concert/auction will be available at the door only on the day of the event, with no presale tickets offered. For additional venue information, including driving directions, please contact the venue at 615-889-1540.
Lisa L. Rollins - Texas native Lisa L. Rollins, Ph.D., is an award-winning feature writer, interviewer and journalism educator.
