Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
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Palestine Herald-Press
- To see a big-name star in concert, East Texans usually have to travel at least two hours to see them in Dallas or Houston. But not this time. Country fans are sure to recognize the name Eddy Raven, who will be performing at the Palestine Civic Center at 8 p.m. July 3. The concert also will feature Deryl Dodd and Wade White.
KYYK Lonestar 98.3, now under new ownership, contacted Raven to present the concert in Palestine, hopefully starting a trend in Palestine, according to Lonestar 98.3 on-air personality Linda Allen.
“This is our pre-Fourth of July celebration to introduce all of us to East Texas,” Allen said. “With the support of the community, we are hoping to bring in other stars so you don’t have to travel 10,000 miles to see them.”
Allen added that country music fans are starting to demand more from their singers and their wants have started to shift.
“Country music is going back to our old stars,” Allen said. “The loyal country fans want the older, not just the new stars.”
Raven was at the top of the charts in the ‘80s with hits such as “I Should’ve Called,” “Who Do You Know in California,” “She’s Gonna Win Your Heart,” and “I Got Mexico.” Raven also has recently come out with a new CD, “Living in Black and White.”
According to Linda Allen, this is one busy artist, keeping up a hectic schedule that would tire out many younger stars.
“People think that because their records aren’t in the top 40 that they’re not out there working,” Allen said. “He’s just as busy as the rest.”
Raven also has written several songs for artists such as Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker, Johnny Cash and also wrote “Thank God For Kids,” a hit for the Oak Ridge Boys in 1982.
Raven has enjoyed seven No. 1 hits, 14 Top Tens and has 22 albums under his belt. His current CD includes contributions from Tracy Lawrence, Earl Thomas Conley, Frank Myers and Dewayne Blackwell.
According to a press release, Deryl Dodd is returning to the stage after recovering from viral encephalitis, a life-threatening illness that affects the central nervous system.
Dodd released his first album, “One Ride in Vegas,” which included the hit single, “That’s How I Got To Memphis” in 1996.
Tickets to the concert are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Roundhouse Packing and Cavender’s Boot City in Palestine, Kaufman’s Foodmart in Elkhart, Woods and Sons in Buffalo, Papa T’s in Athens and at Wal-Mart Supercenter and Taylor Western Wear in Jacksonville.