Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, John Conlee Headline at the Fair
Two of country music’s greatest names take the stage at the Williamson County Fair presented by Tractor Supply Company August 9, as the annual Grand Ole Country Night returns for the third year.
Conlee, known for such hits as Rose Colored Glasses and Busted, will open the evening with an hour long show at 7 p.m. on the Williamson Medical Center Stage. Anderson, a legendary singer and songwriter, will conclude the show, which audiences can enjoy in the comfort of the newly air-conditioned Ag Expo Center. Admission to the show is included in the general admission price of the Fair (Adults, ages 13 and over, $5 in advance, $6 at the gate; children 6-12 $2 in advance, $3 at the gate; children under 5 free; parking is FREE). "Grand Ole Country Night is one of the most popular events of the Fair each year," said Dave Crouch, Fair Chairman. "We feel especially fortunate to have talent the caliber of John Conlee and Bill Anderson with us this year for what is sure to be a blockbuster evening."
Anderson, one of country music’s true icons, has been hailed by everyone from Bob Dylan to Kenny Chesney, who co-wrote his hit Key Lime Pie with Anderson. His first big hit more than 45 years ago, City Lights, established him as a major talent, a reputation he has burnished ever since.
Besides dozens of his own hit records, he has written a succession of classic tunes that hit the charts for others. Called "Whisperin’" for his soft vocal delivery, Anderson’s nonstop career has included stints as a TV host and soap opera star; he’s also the author of two books. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the recipient of countless awards, Anderson is still turning out the hits. In 2006 George Strait scored a #1 hit with his tune Take It Away, which also won Anderson accolades as the Songwriter of the Year from the Academy of County Music.
Conlee started a career in the music business as a deejay in the 1970s, but quickly became a household word with his first big hit, the self-penned Rose Colored Glasses in 1978. His next hit, Back Side of Thirty, began a string of chart toppers, among them Lady Lay Down, Busted and Years After You. His unique voice and warm stage presence has made him a favorite with audiences for more than two decades, but Conlee says he prefers a quiet life with his family and making records the public can enjoy to the glitz and hype of the entertainment business. His most recent Fellow Travelers LP provided two hit singles, including Hit the Ground Runnin’, the theme for a national Ford truck promotion.
More information about this performance and all other Fair activities can be found on the Fair website at www.williamsoncountyfair.org or by calling 794-4FUN. The third annual Williamson County Fair presented by Tractor Supply Company will be held at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park from August 3 – 11.
