Ross Key Country's last CD - "It's Been A Long Hard Ride" - is still available online at the following retailers:
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NEWS
TCN/ROSS KEY COUNTRY 2019 8th ANNUAL SPRING FLING FESTIVAL SCHEDULED -- "The Legacy Continues..."
June 11, 2018 -- The 2013 ICMA international award winning country music festival is back on schedule for 2019. With the date, time, and location already confirmed in Ross' hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia, the 8th annual Spring Fling Festival will be held in the hall at the Lynchburg Moose Lodge 715 located at 2307 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501 from 6:00 pm until midnight on Saturday, May 11, 2019. The event will be free and open to the public, as always. Many of the artists will be coming in from Nashville, Tennessee to perform. It will be live, non-stop Traditional Country music.
The annual Spring Fling Festival was the brainstorm of Ross Key. He wanted to give back to the fans and supporters of Traditional Country music, and also provide a chance for new voices and songwriters of the genre to be heard. Lynchburg, Ross' hometown, was where the event originated. With his passing in 2017, his wife and manager, has finally gotten to a point in her grief and mental/emotional distress to organize the event once again.
"This event will be sort of a tribute to Ross for his friends here in Lynchburg," Brenda stated. "They never really got to say "goodbye" either. Ross was a very talented man. A perfectionist in everything he did whether it was his music or construction, or just everyday life in general. I know he would not want to see everything he'd devoted his life to the past eight years just end. So, the theme to the 2019 show will be "The Legacy Continues". I know he's smiling."
TCN/ROSS KEY COUNTRY "STAR-SPANGLED JULY 4th BASH" CANCELED THIS YEAR
June 9, 2017 -- Due to the untimely and unexpected passing of ROSS KEY on March 6, 2017, we regrettably announce that the annual STAR-SPANGLED JULY 4th BASH will not be held this year so that his wife, Brenda, may spend some time in mourning. As you may imagine, this tragedy has been devastating, not only for her and the family, but for everyone who knew Ross.
GOVERNOR HASLAM AND STATE OF TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO HONOR ROSS KEY
April 28, 2017 --The General Assembly/State of Tennessee and Governor Haslam have put forth a House Joint Resolution prepared by the office of Rep. Mark Pody, honoring Ross Key for his lifelong achievements. The presentation will be conducted by Col. Garry L. Thomas at the upcoming 2017 Annual Spring Fling Tribute/Benefit on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 3pm - 9pm at Smitty's Bar & Grill on the Hill, Lebanon, TN 37090.
ROSS KEY'S ANCESTRY REVEALED
December 29, 2016 -- "Because no one in the family seems to know who is in possession of the ancestry book for the Key family, reconstruction of my ancestry began when it was realized the recovery of the original genealogy book - some 50 years old - was not going to happen," stated Ross Key.
Starting at Ancestry.com and utilizing other geneaology sites, including public records, the effort of putting together the Key Family history began. It turns out that Ross Key is, in fact, a direct 7th generation great-grandson of Francis Scott Key (author of our National Anthem) and a direct 8th generation great-grandson of Captain John Ross Key of the Revolutionary War. "This new revelation just proves the work needed to be done. A lot has happened within the family over the past 50 or so years that needed to be updated from the previous version," Key added.
The new information will be published in ebook and softcover forms with photos and stories of the past 20+ generations. This dates back before September 19, 1754 in Redland, Frederick, Maryland, United States when Capt. John Ross Key was born including his father, Philip Key. and Philip's father - Richard Key Sr. - of Covent Garden, Middlesex, London, England in 1675. And Richard's father, (Key's 11th generation grandfather), Richard III Keye of Widell, Lancashire, England. Richard III Keye was born February 19, 1575. He lived to be 100 years old, which was normally unheard of back during that era.
The KEY Family Coat of Arms (i.e., Crest) (England) was also uncovered during this search into Key's history. The new Family Tree dates back as early at 1290 in England and reveals some interesting details about the family's history and heritage.
BAND POSITIONS OPEN
December 28, 2016 -- At this time, Ross Key Country Band is looking for seasoned musicians interested in playing traditional country music ONLY. This will include some traditional outlaw, southern blues, bluegrass, and southern gospel.
- Must be in a position to attend weekly rehearsal sessions.
- Must agree to a dress code while on stage or representing the band.
- Must be willing to learn new material for other performers the band may back at Traditional Country Network's three (3) annual events. Two (2) events are 7 hours in length (performance time around 4½ hours - compensated). The other event is a 12-hour show (performance time approximately 5 - 6 hours time - compensated.)
- Lead guitar (capable of switching to Rhythm when needed)
- Bass guitar (filled)
- Steel guitar
- Drummer
OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSION TO PERFORM AT TCN/RKC FALL FESTIVAL SPECTACULAR ARE NOW CLOSED
September 6, 2016 -- The Traditional Country Network has announced that Open Call for submission to perform at the upcoming TCN/RKC Fall Festival Spectacular event are now Closed. Thank you for your interest in performing at this year's event and we encourage you to submit to future events as they become available.
OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSION TO PERFORM AT TCN/RKC FALL FESTIVAL SPECTACULAR
September 2, 2016 -- The Traditional Country Network has announced Open Call for submission to perform at the upcoming TCN/RKC Fall Festival Spectacular being held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 12:00noon until 7:00pm. The event will once again be held at Smitty's Bar & Grill on the Hill, 1960 Murfreesboro Road, Lebanon, TN 37090. If you have performed at a previous event, please contact Brenda at rosskeycountry@gmail.com to express your interest in performing. If you have not performed at a previous event, please submit the following info to rosskeycountry@gmail.com:
Your music must be Traditional Country. Covers and originals welcomed.
If you have not performed at a previous event, you must submit the following to be considered:
1. Mp3 of your music/vocals
2. A short, concise bio of your background
3. Contact information: name, address, telephone, email
SEND all above required info to: rosskeycountry@gmail.com
ROSS KEY WINS "FAN'S CHOICE" AWARD IN UNITED KINGDOM
August 29, 2016 -- The Traditional Country Network is proud to announce that Ross Key Country has won the Fan's Choice award for "Band of the Year" in the United Kingdom. The nominations and awards were sponsored by Clay's Country Radio in Derry, Ireland. Ross was nominated in three categories. This is Ross' first award received in the UK, who just recently began promoting his music in Europe.
"I'm honored to have been chosen to receive this award. The fans in the UK and here in the United States are the best," Key stated. "I would like to thank everyone associated with the radio station, Clay's Country Radio, for the outstanding job they do in promoting and preserving traditional country music. And, for promoting independent artists. I'd like to extend my congratulations to all the winners and nominees."
Ross Key is a Virginia native, who moved to Nashville, Tennessee in July 2011. Since then, Ross has become a familiar name in the traditional country music industry.
ROSS KEY INVITED TO JOIN TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
August 10, 2016 -- The Texas Country Music Association, Inc. of Carthage, Texas has asked Ross Key to join their organization of prestigious artists such as Willie Nelson, Gene Watson, Billy Joe Shaver, Charlie Pride, Kris Kristofferson, Mickey Gilley, Don Williams, George Strait, and numerous others.
"I'm honored and truly humbled by this invitation from Linda Wilson, president of the organization," Key stated in an interview. "With our 2017 Jagermeister Country Tour coming up next year which will take the RKC Band out west, we look forward to performing in Texas."
Key is known for his staunch stand and support of Traditional Country music, not giving in to the new pop country that is flooding the airwaves today.
"THANK A COP" CAMPAIGN
September 18, 2015 -- Sitting here listening to the radio and news on televison, and I'm wondering what is wrong with this country. There is no respect for our military - active or veterans - nor is there any for the police (state and local). This country is the most devisive it has ever been in my lifetime. Police are being shot; told they cannot use the restrooms or be served in restuarants; veterans are not getting the health care they deserve; our military is lacking in support from our government...This has got to stop! Let's begin another campaign to support our police on all levels. The next time you see an officer in a store, out on the street, etc. say "Thank you for your service to our community." We always thank our military men and women, and veterans. Let's add one more to that list. It's time the citizens of this country become active in supporting those who protect and serve our communities as well as our country. ...Ross Key
GOVERNOR RECOGNIZES ROSS KEY FOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Lebanon, TN, July 8, 2015 -- Ross Key received two prestigious awards from Governor Bill Haslam and the State of Tennessee on Saturday, July 4, 2015 during his annual July 4th Bash celebration held at Smitty's Bar & Grill on the Hill. Colonel Garry L. Thomas presented Ross with a Certificate of Appreciation for his Traditional Country Network organization which promotes and preserves traditional country music. Thomas also presented Key with a recognition for his support in our military and veterans from the Governor and State of Tennessee which bestows the honorary title of Colonel Aide de Camp upon him.
Ross is the founder and CEO of the Traditional Country Network (TCN). The organization's main purpose is to preserve and promote Traditional Country music. To provide information, resources, and a network of professionals willing to share their knowledge and talents in an effort to assist those who are diligent in their desire to help protect Traditional Country music and keep it alive, whether through performance, songwriting, production, promotion, etc.
At this time, there are three networking events held, where everyone gathers at a location near Nashville to share experiences, knowledge, and support for each other. The ideas and ideals of TCN is to create a network of people who can help promote and preserve traditional country music by organizing events that will help others...and each other...to achieve their goals.
Key stated, "With all of us working together, we can create, and present, a strong voice for Traditional Country music. If each of us are willing to work together, we can bring the genre back to the airwaves and the fans. Thanks to all who have agreed to work together through TCN. We'll arrange a network "after hours" soon for everyone to attend and share ideas and help make a difference in not only our careers, but those who are just starting out."
For more information, visit www.rosskey.com.
OBITUARY OF ROSS KEY
Ross received his degree in Drafting & Architectural Science from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was a Journeyman Carpenter: master carpenter, master electrician, and master plumber.
Ross traveled the professional country, bluegrass, and gospel music circuits over his 38 years in the music industry. He sat in on guitar with Willie Nelson during a concert by personal invitation from Willie and opened for many of the country music stars of the 70s and 80s.
• 1978: Traveled with the Boy Scouts of America as their Music Ambassador through Europe
• 1980: Virginia State Dobro Championship
• 2011: Commendation and Recognition from Musicians in Action Guild, Nashville TN
• 2012: CEO/Founder of the Traditional Country Network™
• 2013: Independent Country Music Association (ICMA) Recipient of the International Award for "Best Country Music Festival" for his annual Spring Fling Festival held in Lebanon TN
• 2015: Recipient of two (2) commendations from Governor Haslam and the State of Tennessee: Honorary Colonel Aide de Camp for his work for veterans and the other for his contributions to Traditional Country Music through his organization, Traditional Country Network™
• 2016: Invited by the Texas Country Music Association in Carthage, Texas
• 2016: Recipient of the 2016 "Best Country Band" in the United Kingdom
• 2014 - present: Board of Directors - Reunion of Professional Entertainers (ROPE)
Other survivors include his close friends, Roger Stafford and his friend, Chappel; Wayne Anderson (wife Debbie); Nathan Holzmann (wife Bridget); Bob Lee (wife Becky), and David Stiles all of Tennessee, Roy August, who wrote “I’m Settin' Fancy Free” for the Oak Ridge Boys and is a multi-platinum songwriter and was one of the first in the industry to take Ross under his wing, Jerry Overcast; in Virginia by his close friend in music, Larry "Gator" White (wife Jen), and numerous friends in the music industry. Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN 615.444.9393.
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