Hillbilly Gypsies’ Lead Singer, Jamie Lynn Buckner, Still Upbeat After Cancer Diagnosis.

The Appalachian Bluegrass band Hillbilly Gypsies’ lead singer, Jamie Lynn Buckner, made a shocking announcement to her fans today on her Facebook Page.

Saying, that she’s been wrestling with the best way to handle the news since she discovered a breast cancer lump last October, she decided that it would be unfair to her fellow band mates and to the group’s fans to keep quiet any longer as it will impede her ability to maintain a performance schedule. 

Cancer Returns For Phil Leadbetter!

He's been pronounced "Cancer-Free" twice in the last four years but now, Doctors have told award-winning dobro player, Phil Leadbetter that he'll be fighting the battle once more.

Phil wrote on his page two days ago:

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"After a PET scan and biopsy, it looks like my cancer has returned. We have been hitting it really hard for 4 years now, and it seems to be getting more stubborn. I have been feeling pretty good, so I'm really surprised with my results. Appointment at Vanderbilt next week to make a new plan. I continue to believe that God has a plan for me, or I would have been gone long ago. Again, asking for prayers......... especially for Lisa, Matt and the rest if my family. Thank you !"

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Glen Campbell Update from Jimmy Webb

I visited my friend Glen Campbell Wednesday in Nashville. Laura and Kim Campbell were there as well.

You may be aware that Glen has bravely been living with Alzheimer's Disease. Along with his strong and courageous wife, they have changed the face of Alzheimer's forever. The world watched as Glen traveled from city to city, to continue doing what he loves to do: perform and share his music. Doctors were amazed at how the music and activity appeared to slow the pace of the disease for awhile. With his family, they showed the world that you don't have to hide when you become ill. They raised awareness, and in turn, funds for Alzheimer's research.

The Man Who Wrote "Christmas Time's A Comin'" Needs Our Get Well Cards!

"Christmas Time's A-Comin'
And I know I'm goin' home."

The song, first recorded by Bill Monroe in 1951 but later covered by countless scores of country, bluegrass, and pop artists was written by bluegrass fiddler Tex Logan.

Over the last several weeks, we've been posting updates from Tex's daughter Jody on his condition after an emergency trip to the hospital and then the subsequent transfer to a rehabilitation facility where he is undergoing physical therapy and medication monitoring.

Tex Logan Update

Tex' daughter, Jody, writes:

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I am here at the rehab facility with Dad. He looks much better but still is very weak. He has physical therapy daily. I needed to come here and advocate for him as his insulin is way off and they were feeding him the wrong diet filled with sugar! Meeting with his "team" on Tuesday afternoon to see what the plan and timeframe is. Thanks to all of you for your continued support.

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Tex Logan Health Update - Better but Not Out of the Woods Yet!

To recap the story from late last week: Bluegrass fiddler and pioneer Tex Logan was admitted to the hospital for hyperkalemia - a condition where too much potassium is stored in the blood from a kidney disease.

Tex' daughter, Jody, has been diligently updating fans with any news and today writes that Tex has been discharged to a sup-acute rehab center in Morristown, NJ where he will get physical therapy and stronger.   She says ".../he is medically stable but cannot get up and about."

James King Still Needs Our Help!

Gary Reid is contacting bluegrass broadcasters to remind them that James King is still in need of help and asking the radio folks to remind listeners and fans of the need.   ...in Gary's own words:

Just a quick reminder that James King is still in need of assistance to help with his medical bills.  If you’re able to pass along the following information to your listeners, James will greatly appreciate it.

An account is set up with Wells Fargo bank for donations.  People can go to any Wells Fargo branch and ask to make a deposit to the "James King Medical Fund."  Or, they can mail it directly to:  "James King Medical Fund" c/o Deonia Jones, Wells Fargo, 201 S. Jefferson St, Roanoke VA  24011.

Thank you!

Gary Reid

Roanoke VA

Dixie Hall, Wife of Tom T. Hall, has Brain Tumor

During this season of thanksgiving and blessings, the folks at Tom T. and Dixie Hall's  Good Home Grown Music are giving thanks for one of their greatest blessings, their  matriarch, Dixie Hall.

Dixie has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. However; that's not slowing her down.

Sunny Mountain Boy Ronnie Prevette Suffers Stroke!

Prescription Bluegrass has learned that former Sunny Mountain Boy, Ronnie Prevette has suffered a stroke. 

We understand that he is affected with some paralysis on his right side and a loss of speech.  He is expected to recover according to the family spokesperson.

Blue Highway's Burleson Suffered Ulcer Episode while on Tour in Europe!

Jason Burleson Recovering Well in France

Powerhouse Bluegrass group Blue Highway is currently in France for a two-week tour with stops at the Country Rendezvous Festival in Craponne and the La Roche Bluegrass Festival in La Roche. 

Glen Campbell Moved to Care Facility for Alzheimer's

Billboard magazine is reporting that country superstar Glen Campbell has been moved from his home to a care facility.

Jesse McReynolds Recovering and Taking It Easy at Home!

Jesse McReynolds, Grand Ole Opry Legend and a member of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Master mandolin pioneer and bluegrass songwriter par excellence, is at home and wearing a heart monitor after being diagnosed recently with an irregular heartbeat.

He still maintains a touring schedule, after celebrating his 84th birthday in July.  His doctors have asked him to keep a low profile while they determine whether he needs to have a pacemaker installed.  Jesse’s wife Joy tells us that he is feeling well.

Eddie Adcock Suffering from Lung Problems

A message from: Martha Adcock

“Prayers for Eddie (Adcock), please? I'm sure they'd help with the lung problem he's had for about 6 weeks now...been to pulmonologist several times, taken several courses of medicine, etc.

We had to miss the D'Addario party this evening, and NAMM is happening; plus the Chet Atkins Appreciation event... all of which we're supposed to be at... Prayers --or even just good vibes-- much appreciated!”

Curly Seckler Improving After Stroke!

Curly Seckler, the man who lead the Foggy Mountain Boys after the death of Lester Flatt has sent a message to his fans which reads:

“Thank you all for the nice messages after I suffered the stroke. I went to the doctor today and he says I'm doing well and can finish with the speech therapy. I can start walking at the mall again and will soon be able to drive! Best wishes to you all.”

Curly Seckler Suffering from Stroke

Prescription Bluegrass has learned that Bluegrass legend Curly Seckler, 93, is recovering at home after suffering a mini stroke on May 19.

According to a spokesperson, Seckler suffered some loss of his ability to speak, but fortunately did not experience any paralysis. He was transported to the hospital and underwent multiple tests, but was not admitted. He is working with a speech therapist and is making progress in his recovery.

Anyone wishing to send get well wishes may do so to: curly@curlyseckler.net. Please keep Curly in your thoughts and prayers.

Jim Van Cleve Hospitalized

Prescription Bluegrass and Front Page Bluegrass News have learned of Jim Van Cleve’s (Mountain Heart) hospitalization today.

Reports are that he has contracted Dengue Fever, also known as breakbone fever, a virus-caused disease that is spread by mosquitoes.  We are told the disease is painful and debilitating.

A note from Jim’s wife, Neige explains more:

“Alright. Doctor called. Jim's white blood cell count is all the way down to a 1.5. This means if he caught the simplest infection from one of our children, he probably wouldn't survive. He is being admitted into the hospital this morning for a blood transfusion and a hemoglobin something I can't remember. He will be there for a day or two. Please pray for my husband and our family. Thanks for the prayers you've already sent on our behalf. God is on it already.”

Serious Illness Diagnosed for Sue Draheim

Prescription Bluegrass has just learned of some sad news for friends, fans and family of Sue Draheim, the fiddler from the 1960’s Dr. Humbead's New Tranquility String Band And Medicine Show and the late 1970’s all-women group Any Old Time String Band.

Sue has  been diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. After a seizure that occurred about a month ago, Sue was hospitalized for a week while they conducted tests and and subsequently discovered that she had a brain tumor.