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**Added: February 17, 2005:
Source: MartyStuart@yahoogroups.com
Someone posted this on Hank III's board about Merle Kilgore's service. I thought it was interesting since several people we discuss here were present.

"Just got back from Merle's funeral a little while ago. Very well done, very appropriate service, laughing one minute...crying the next. There were several speakers (including the preacher Oral Roberts's son), and musical numbers done by Connie Smith and Marty Stuart ("Wayfaring Stranger"), Kid Rock ("I Saw The Light"), Big & Rich ("I Pray For You", old John Rich song), Holly Williams (a song she had written), Penny DeHaven (a song about accepting Jesus, dedicated to Merle and his wife Judy, who led her to the Lord), Wynonna ("How Great Thou Art", acapella) and quite the stirring rendition of "Amazing Grace" by Merle's granddaughters. Marty and Travis (Tritt) were emceeing, and they even had everybody break into an acapella with clapping version of Tom T. Hall's "Me and Jesus" - changed to "Merle and Jesus". There were also some video clips of Merle's stories about Hank Sr. and Jr., Faron Young, and others.

Kid did a great version of "I Saw The Light". You know, ol' Bobby's really a talented guy under all that other stuff he puts out (even though I like some of that, too). It started off rough, with some loud feedback, at which point Kid said "it would have to happen to me, wouldn't it?" Marty Stuart joined in midway through with his mandolin pickin'; sounded great, and the audience was singing along, with the lyrics appearing on the screen (though most of us knew every word by heart anyway).

Let's see how much I can recall (some of it is mentioned in the above post): The stage was decorated with a multitude of flowers, and they even removed the desk, flags, photos, chairs, and other stuff to recreate Merle's office on stage - something he had requested, as Marty said "so he could make the last decision from his office." The casket was open for the entire service. It started off with Marty and Travis just laughing it up about how much of a character Merle was, and that's where they kicked into the "Merle and Jesus" chorus. A local pastor then opened the service with prayer. Then Connie and Marty and some guitar player played and sang a haunting version of "Wayfaring Stranger". Connie's voice is still as strong now as it was in her heyday. Then Lorianne Crook and Ralph Emery came up to read a Congressional Record of Louisiana from last year that honored Merle's achievements. It started off with Travis calling Lorianne - "Lorraine" - by mistake, so when she got up to the stage she said "Thanks, Teddy" ... very funny moment.

Holly then got up and sang her original song, just her singing and playing piano...very soulful, and she looked absolutely gorgeous (is it okay to admire that quality at a funeral?). Then Merle's grandson Matthew spoke on behalf of the family, telling some funny stories about his granddad and the appreciation for everyone who was a part of Merle's life. Matthew recalled when Merle asked him if he could sing and he said "I couldn't carry a tune in a music box"; Merle said "that's a shame son; I could've made you a millionaire!" Then Kid performed (read above). Greg Oswald, Merle and Jr.'s agent, then told some hilarious stories about specific shows and the relationship between them over the past 30 years or so. Penny DeHaven performed next, owing her finding of Christ and dedicating her song to Merle and Judy. Brenda Lee gave a speech of remembrance next, though I don't remember much about it; it was so scripted, not ad-libbed like everything else. Next was Jr.'s turn; he wrote and read a tongue-in-cheek, posthumous letter to Merle and was crying the entire time. Understandably, though: Merle was Jr.'s connection to his father, and he was even more than Jr.'s manager - he was his best friend. There wasn't a dry eye in the old Ryman at this point. Next was Merle's granddaughters (they looked to be 12 or 13) singing "Amazing Grace", accompanied by piano. That also brought the tears from everybody; it was very sweet, and they received a standing ovation.

Local radio personality Carl P. Mayfield spoke next, recalling Merle and Jr.'s spontaneous visit to the radio station and reading letters to Judy and the Kilgore family from Tennessee Senator Bill Frist and President Bush. Big and Rich then sang one of John Rich's old songs; good performance, but they just seemed a little out of place, given the other memorable figures of Merle's career that took part in the service. Then the son of Oral Roberts preached a mini-sermon, telling about Merle's finding salvation in 1975 and even offering the salvation prayer to everyone in attendance. Finally, Wynonna Judd - along with her two black backup singers - sang an acapella version of "How Great Thou Art" that just brought the house down. Again, not a dry eye in the house. Marty and Travis closed the service and then began the procession to the gravesite, with Cash's version of "Ring of Fire" playing as everyone was walking out. I didn't get to go to the gravesite; the funeral lasted over 2 hours, and I had to get to the DMV to renew my handgun permit before getting back to the office. It was great to see some old friends, though; it's just sad that events like this are what brings us together.

All in all, this was more a celebration than a mourning - and I don't think Merle would have had it any other way. The format of the service was mostly planned by him anyway. It would be impossible to tell y'all about every chilling moment of the service, but the experience was priceless nonetheless. You could be laughing at stories one minute and be moved to tears at the next. The stories about Merle, recalled from artists and business associates alike, were hilarious. Everybody did their impression of this giant of a man, joking about his loveable demeanor and kindness all the way down to his "bling-bling" (Tritt's words) that he never left home without. They also had a screen that showed interviews and awards acceptance speeches where Merle told several stories about Jr., Faron, and others...all in his signature, comical way.

And to think that I almost didn't go because I was so busy. I'm glad I did. Sometimes you just need to take time out to appreciate the things that matter in life."

Source: CMT.com

"This is the Merle Kilgore show," Marty Stuart told the crowd while emphasizing that applause was definitely encouraged during the gathering that featured musical performances by Kid Rock, Big & Rich, Wynonna and others.

Kilgore, one of the country music industry's most beloved characters, died Feb. 6. During two hours of great music, lots of laughs and a few tears, family and friends celebrated his life during a gathering Tuesday (Feb. 15) at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville.

Kilgore enjoyed a successful songwriting career (including co-writing "Ring of Fire" with June Carter Cash) before spending almost two decades as Hank Williams Jr.'s personal manager.

Aside from the music, Kilgore would have taken pleasure in being remembered for his wicked sense of humor, his savvy business sense and, not the least of all, his collection of gold jewelry. In fact, mentions of him flashing his rings became a recurring theme Tuesday.

Kilgore apparently even wanted an impressive funeral procession as he made his way to the Hendersonville Memory Gardens. As his friend, talent agent Greg Oswald, explained to the crowd, "One announcement: On our trip to the graveside, there will be no carpooling. Any of you who do try to carpool will be removed, given a car and moved to the back of the line."

Stuart and Travis Tritt hosted the memorial service. In one of his recollections, Tritt said he and Williams once interrupted a fishing trip in Paris, Tenn., to have lunch with Kilgore at the local marina. When his management client was not present, Kilgore told Tritt, "I'm just trying to get Bocephus [Williams] to look at some of these prospective dates out there. There's a lot of money on the table, brother. A lot of money."

Tritt continued, "He said, 'You know, Travis, in this world that we live in, there are no guarantees. You know, Jesus could come next week, next month, next year. But if we took these dates now, at least we'd have the deposits."

Wiping tears from his eyes, Williams' voice trembled briefly when he began to read a message he had written. It appeared in the printed program at the service.

Brother:
I went to the office today,
But found out you weren't there.
And yet the more I searched,
I realized that you were everywhere.
'64, '79, '80s, '90s, Millennium too.
There were so many pictures,
So many memories,
Together me and you.
You carried Dad's guitar in Shreveport.
You were my link to him.
Like a brother, like a father,
And always, always no matter what ... my friend!
I had a dream so beautiful and serene.
Do not grieve, for from Heaven He's called.
"Brother you won't believe ... I've made the biggest deal of all!"

The musical performances began early in the service when Stuart revamped Tom T. Hall's "Me and Jesus" into an a cappella version as "Merle and Jesus." Stuart accompanied his wife, Connie Smith, on "Wayfaring Stranger." Singer-songwriter Holly Williams, Hank Jr.'s daughter, accompanied herself on piano to sing "Say Goodbye." Kid Rock showed up in a black suit and acoustic guitar to perform "I Saw the Light." After a spoken word introduction by Big Kenny, Big & Rich sang "I Pray for You." Wynonna closed the service with "How Great Thou Art." Other performances were provided by Penny DeHaven and Kilgore's granddaughters, Leah and Sara McBee.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee offered one of the most eloquent observations of the day.

"Merle brought laughter to every room he entered, and he was a friend to all within the reach of my voice," she said. "He challenged us in the industry to remember the dream that brought us into this industry that he so passionately loved. He was more than a big man with a big heart. He was a huge man, with a big, big, big heart. If riches can be counted in the legacy of the lives you touch and the hearts that will never forget you, look around this room today, and it tells me that Merle Kilgore indeed did just fine."

Among those attending the service were Kenny Chesney, George Jones and Brooks & Dunn's Kix Brooks.

**Added: February 12, 2005:
TRAVIS TRITT RELEASES NEW SINGLE, "I SEE ME"
February 14 marks the official add date of the new Travis Tritt single, "I See Me." Written by Atlanta Falcons punter Chris Mohr and famed songwriter Casey Beathard, "I See Me" tells the story of a rambunctious child as seen through his Father's eyes. Although written about Chris Mohr's young son, Garrett, Tritt sings with the emotion of a father who has lived these words. Fans can catch Tritt on the road performing two shows in St. Louis on February 4 and 5 and a special engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton on March 11 and 12. Check out www.travistrittmusic.com for more details.

By HELEN HUNTLEY
Published February 11, 2005

TAMPA - Travis Tritt can still deliver a rocking "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" with plenty of punch, but it was his ballads that made the show and finally woke up the half-frozen crowd Thursday night at the Ford Amphitheatre.

Tritt, who turned 42 this week, was at his best singing "Anymore" and "Tell Me I Was Dreaming" with emotional power and stunning vocal flourishes.

The show, which marked opening night at the Florida State Fair, got off to a slow start as chilly weather made for a subdued crowd with hands in jacket pockets. It didn't help that Tritt started with some of his weaker songs, including his recent single "Girl's Gone Wild", preceded by a lame monologue.

But by the time Tritt got to his highly anticipated kiss-off song "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)", the crowd was in full singalong mode. The show actually started with a admonition not to throw quarters at the stage.

Tritt promised "a whole lot of music" and he delivered with more than two hours of entertainment for the crowd of about 4,000. Dressed in black leather and a black hat, he even showed off a few dance moves.

Tritt has had plenty of experience with the rough life that's the theme of many of his songs. "Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof", the apt description of a drunk's feeling of invincibility, became not only a hit for him, but the title of his 1994 autobiography.

He is still singing about barrooms and tattoos in his latest album, "My Honky Tonk History", which is heavily rock-infused. But by all accounts, Tritt has settled into domestic life with his wife, Theresa, and their three young children, Tyler, Tristan and Tarian (imagine the possibilities for monogrammed hand-me-downs).

In fact, Tritt introduced "I See Me", his next single from the album, as a tribute to his 5-year-old son. He sings 'I'm so proud and then so afraid that the apple didn't fall quite far enough from the tree.'

Tritt got his start as a soloist in the children's choir at First Assembly of God Church in his hometown of Marietta, Ga., and taught himself to play guitar when he was eight. However, he didn't break through on the country music scene until 1989 with "Country Club", his first hit single and the title of his first platinum album. Three years later he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Other headline acts on this year's fair schedule include the Neville Brothers on Monday, Country Gold Salutes Grand Old Opry on Thursday and the Newsboys on Feb. 21.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Wynonna Judd, Travis Tritt and Kid Rock are among the artists slated to pay tribute to songwriter Merle Kilgore during a memorial service at the Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday. Other acts include Lorianne Crook, Ralph Emery, Brenda Lee, Connie Smith and Marty Stuart.

Kilgore was noted as one of the most significant singer-songwriters in entertainment with country classics like "Ring of Fire."

Kilgore died from complications relating to lung cancer treatment on Feb. 6.

He was 70 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, two sons, three daughters, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

**Updated: February 9, 2005:
Happy 42nd Birthday to Travis!

Date	Time	Network	Show
Wed 02/16	6PM ET	CMT	The Greatest: 40 Greatest Fashion Statements - Part 1
Fri 02/18	4PM ET	TBS	"Yes, Dear": "Greg and Jimmy's Criminals" (Travis Tritt & Trace Adkins)

****For old news, go HERE