Swon Brothers join country legend Charley Pride for free concert Wednesday in Tahlequah
By JERRY WOFFORD World Scene Writer on Sep 12, 2013, at 2:31 AM Updated on 9/12/13 at 5:27 AM
The Swon Brothers — Zach (left) and Colton Swon — will join Charley Pride for a free show Wednesday in Tahlequah. Tulsa World file
Music
“I am thrilled and honored that so many of George’s friends are coming to what would have been his last concert, but is not a fitting tribute,” says Nancy Jones, the country music legend’s widow, in a news release. “George loved these artists and before passing had actually wrote letters to almost all of them.”
While performing in her home state of Texas over the weekend, the Grammy winner confirmed on Facebook that she is opening a second Pink Pistol location in her hometown of Lindale.
Rising stars and an established legend will share the stage Wednesday in Tahlequah for a free concert.
Country legend Charley Pride and the Swon Brothers will play the show on the lawn of the Cherokee Nation's W.W. Keeler Complex, 17675 S. Muskogee Ave., in Tahlequah. Shawn Crittenden, a country singer from Stilwell, will open the show at 5:30 p.m.
"We're truly blessed to have one of country music's greatest, and Muskogee's finest, playing here at the Cherokee Nation, where we know their popularity will fill up chairs on every inch of tribal land," Principal Chief Bill John Baker said in a statement. "We wanted to bring this great lineup to our employees, and our greater community, as a way to say thanks for being so good to us all these years."
Pride, 75, has gone from being the child of sharecroppers in Mississippi to 39 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country charts. But before he played country music hits, he played baseball.
It was a trip as a baseball player to Memphis where Pride made his first recording at the famous Sun Studios in 1958, and he was signed to a record label shortly after.
Pride had several hit songs in the late 1960s and 1970s, winning Grammy awards and playing at the Grand Ole Opry.
Pride, who has sold more than 70 million albums, performs only about 40 shows a year.
The Swon Brothers, of Muskogee, gained notoriety after a long run on NBC talent competition "The Voice." Zach and Colton Swon recently played to packed crowds at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and Northeastern State University.
Blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. No ice chests or alcohol are allowed. Food vendors will be on site.
Jerry Wofford 918-581-8346
jerry.wofford@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Okies and Pride
Music
“I am thrilled and honored that so many of George’s friends are coming to what would have been his last concert, but is not a fitting tribute,” says Nancy Jones, the country music legend’s widow, in a news release. “George loved these artists and before passing had actually wrote letters to almost all of them.”
While performing in her home state of Texas over the weekend, the Grammy winner confirmed on Facebook that she is opening a second Pink Pistol location in her hometown of Lindale.
