The Story of the Song: Our Roots Run Deep

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The Story of the Song

November 26, 2018
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

$48 per person

An authentic heritage music experience, offered exclusively for the group tour market. Hear the story behind the song in this intimate musical experience. Grammy Award Winners and Nashville Hall of Fame songwriters will share their stories and play their chart-topping country songs while you enjoy a dinner of authentic Appalachian cuisine. Ticket includes opening act, an evening with award-winning songwriters, and an authentic Appalachian dinner.

Starring Richard Leigh and Friends

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Grammy Award-winning songwriter Richard Leigh.

He’s the man behind some of the most beloved country music hits to come out of Nashville.  Richard Leigh’s songs have been recorded by  Ray Charles, Connie Francis, George Jones, The Dixie Chicks, Crystal Gayle, Don Williams, Tammy Wynette, Anne Murray, and even Mr. Perry Como, to name a few. He is a Grammy Award winner, a three-time Grammy nominee, and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame since 1994.

In this very special evening, he’s joined on stage by fellow Hall of Fame songwriters for an intimate evening of stories, songs, laughter and memories.

Number 1 singles written or co-written by Richard Leigh:  

  • “I’ll Get Over You” Crystal Gayle;
  • “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” Crystal Gayle;
  • “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” Reba McEntire;
  • “That’s Thing About Love” Don Williams;
  • “Life’s Highway“ Steve Wariner;
  • “Somewhere In My Broken Heart” Billy Dean;
  • “Only Here For A Little While” Billy Dean;
  • “Put Your Dreams Away” Mickey Gilley;
  • “Come From The Heart” Kathy Mattea

Also Starring Even Stevens

Nashville songwriter Even Stevens

Legendary songwriter Even Stevens joins Richard Leigh for Story of the Song.

Even’s songwriting career spans many years and stylistic borders with multi-platinum international hits. He has accumulated an unprecedented 53 BMI Awards, which include: 14 Pop Awards and 26 Country Awards. The Grammy nominated composer has written ASCAP’s Most Played Song of the Year and won BMI’s Robert J Burton Award, Song of the Year earning him the distinction as a BMI “Songwriter of the Century”. He received New York’s prestigious Big Apple Advertising Award for writing a series of national Miller Beer TV & Radio commercials, the CMA Triple Play Award (for having three #1 hits in one year) and has had #1 songs in numerous motion pictures and television productions. Even is in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame

Top hits written or co-written by Richard Leigh:  

  • “When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman”
  • “I Love A Rainy Night” Eddie Rabbitt
  • “Love Will Turn You Around” Kenny Rogers
  • “Crazy In Love” Conway Twitty
  • “Black Coffee“ Lacy J Dalton
  • “Suspicions” Eddie Rabbitt
  • “Step By Step” Eddie Rabbitt
  • “Lovin ‘ Only Me” Ricky Skaggs
  • “Drivin’ My Life Away” Eddie Rabbit

Opening Act: The Loose Strings Band

The Loose Strings Band

The Loose Strings Band, an all-girl band from Galax, VA in the heart of Appalachia.

Opening the evening is the all girls band from Galax, Virginia, Loose Strings.  They’re known in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and beyond for a blend of tight vocal harmonies and sweet rhythms. With gospel, bluegrass, country and more it is sure to have something pleasing to every ear in the audience.

 

Your Exclusive Dinner & a Show: Appalachian Treats for Your Ears and Tastebuds

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, the venue for Story of the Song

While they listen to the notes of authentic bluegrass and country music, guests will enjoy an authentic Appalachian meal.

Make it a multi-day experience: create your itinerary

Live Stage Musical
at Barter Theatre, the state theatre of Virginia

This award-winning theatre presents Broadway-quality performances in a beautifully restored historic theatre in downtown Abingdon.

Choose Sunday November 25, Tuesday November 27 – or both!

Learn more >

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The Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Bristol TN/VA
This museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings, and how this rich musical heritage lives on in today’s music. The Carter Family, Jimmie Rogers and more…their far-reaching influence comes alive through interactive displays.
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Explore the arts, culture and history of Abingdon
Downtown Abingdon, VA

Contact the Abingdon CVB for more great itinerary ideas.   The beautiful brick sidewalks of Abingdon offer art, crafts, history and unique shopping and dining. Let our staff make personalized recommendations for your group.

Contact Monica Hall, Abingdon CVB >

Let us make it easy for you!

We can help plan your group’s visit and we offer the following complimentary services:

  • Browse one of our group itineraries, or contact us for a customized itinerary. Regional itinerary planning available for some groups (call to see if you qualify).
  • Schedule a free hop-on tour guide to welcome your group to Abingdon and make your visit run smoothly.
  • Send us your lodging needs; we’ll distribute an RFP to our lodging partners and give you several options for the best fit. Click here for a full list of hotels. 
  • Arrange an advance site visit or familiarity tour and let us introduce you to our lodging, dining, and attraction partners
  • Request consumer brochures, maps, dining and shopping guides, and information about bus parking locations
  • Create one of a kind experiences for your guests, like private tours, live demonstrations, music or tastings

For personal assistance, contact Monica Hall, Group Sales Manager at (276) 492-2235 or mhall@abingdon-va.gov.