Country music legend to perform in Fairmont
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Country music legend Janie Fricke will be the featured attraction Saturday when the Country Music Association of West Virginia holds its annual Fall Festival at the Sagebrush Round-Up, located on Bunner Ridge near Fairmont, W.Va. The Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 1982 and 1983, Fricke will perform two shows at 6 and 9:30 p.m. She recently released her latest CD titled “Bluegrass Sessions.”
Fricke has performed from county fairs to corporate trade shows and from an opry house to the White House, according to a press release.
Growing up on an Indiana farm, she began singing in a small church, where her mother played piano. She then had her father teach her the guitar, and she began singing for local events and area coffeehouses.
Graduating from Indiana University with a degree in elementary education, Fricke decided to pursue music.
She found work in Los Angeles, Dallas and Memphis, and her voice became known to millions as she sang jingles for many major advertising giants, such as Red Lobster, Coca-Cola and United Airlines.
Auditioning for a vocal group in Nashville, Fricke got the job, but it required her to leave Memphis and move to Nashville.
Working on albums with Elvis Presley, Ronnie Milsap and Barbara Mandrell, Fricke turned producers’ heads quickly. It was a line in Johnny Duncan’s hit “Stranger” that ultimately gained the most attention.
When it hit the top of the charts, everyone was curious as to who was singing the line, “Shut out the light and lead me …”
The music industry took note as Frick’s voice was everywhere, singing duets with Merle Haggard, Charlie Rich, Vern Gosdin and others.
Fricke signed her first major contract with Columbia Records. She soon dominated the charts with smash hits and awards followed.
But stardom hasn’t conflicted with Fricke’s strong midwestern values.
When she relaxes, she spends time with her husband on a small ranch in Texas. She attends church and remembers the importance of her confirmation.
The Fall Festival will begin at 6 p.m. today at the Sagebrush Round-Up, which is located on Bunner Ridge near Fairmont, W.Va., six miles east of Interstate 79 at Exit 139.
Acts performing today include Larry Reed, Dave Bittinger, Tom Goldsmith, Nashville North with Tommy D. & Sue Neubaer and Rick Rutan & Don’t Do It Bisquits.
In addition to Fricke, other featured acts on Saturday include Betty Jo Heater & Country Airs, Randy Thomas & Friends, Donnie Leonard & The Country Men, Ray Hileman & Wheels of Country, Rex Musgrave & Knights of the Cross and Jim Bunch & Just Us. Music will begin at 1 p.m.
There is a charge for adult and children.
For more information, call 304-292-5854, 304-986-2158 or 304-363-4864.