News
03/31/2021
After a freak accident at home yesterday, our lead singer Danny Shirley has suffered a broken back. He is currently heavily medicated & under Dr’s care. On a good note, there is no paralysis & the Doctor is optimistic. Updates to follow. Danny is not able to answer phone calls at this time and requests privacy as he heals. Prayers are very much appreciated.
08/27/19
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD DECLINES COMPENSATION FROM DU QUOIN FAIR
The Band Rejects Payment Due to Its “Guiding Principles”
Nashville, Tennessee (August 27, 2019) — ACM Award-winning and CMA Award-nominated country band Confederate Railroad continues its trek across the United States in support of its “Lucky To Be Alive” Tour that will conclude this December.
Drawing national attention, this tour has not been the smoothest for the band. As Associated Press reported on August 6, 2019 — Confederate Railroad was dropped from the performing talent lineup at the Du Quoin, Illinois Fair 2 months after being secured for the show. Read here: https://apnews.com/330c84435f194c76bb9f0743cf2dd74b [apnews.com]
Concerning the band’s decision to decline compensation from the Fair, the three decade-old band has released the following statement via its founding member and lead singer Danny Shirley:
“On June 24th, 2019, the Du Quoin State Fair agreed to pay us in full. We contemplated the proper use of this money. The band agreed we should give it to a charitable organization that directly benefits the people of southern Illinois. Those so-called “tax dollars [apnews.com]” belong to the people of southern Illinois, and to see some good come from it seemed like the best solution. On July 19, 2019, we received a multi-page conditional legal release in order to obtain that payment.
After months of being referred to as promoters of hate and racism, without one individual stepping forward to cite any such personal occurrence - ever- and 30 years of performing to the contrary: I simply cannot and will not accept this money that requires their conditional Settlement Agreement and Release. Hopefully, they will be guided to put that money back into the region, as we intended to do.
We’ve fulfilled the conditions twice previously with performances at this fair. The offer was submitted from the fair on April 17, 2019, and a contract was sent shortly thereafter. Then, on June 4th, the fair requested a proposed announce date of June 17th and proceeded to advertise.
I’m forever grateful and humbled by the people of southern Illinois and your words of encouragement are deeply felt. A decision was made for you—one intended to mute your voices and cause you to question your morals. Never apologize for thinking for yourself or let anyone shame you out of your own common sense.
Our track now leads to Black Diamond Harley in Marion—see you in 10 days.”
07/29/19
07/09/19
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD RELEASES STATEMENT ON
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR CONCERT CANCELLATION
05/31/17
We would like to welcome our newest member of Confederate Railroad Joey Recker.
05/03/16
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD BACK ON THE TRACKS WITH NEW ALBUM, 'LUCKY TO BE ALIVE,' AVAILABLE JULY 15
Project Features Special 20th Anniversary Version of "Trashy Women" Featuring Willie Nelson, John Anderson and Colt Ford
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2, 2016) – Multi-platinum recording group Confederate Railroad is making their return to radio and retail with the upcoming album, Lucky To Be Alive. The project marks the first album release in nine years for the Grammy-nominated group, and will be released on July 15 to music retailers nationwide. The ACM award-winning band are also bringing the star power on the album, with guest appearances from Willie Nelson, John Anderson, Colt Ford and former NFL coach, Jerry Glanville, on a special 20th Anniversary version of the signature smash, “Trashy Women.”
Lead singer Danny Shirley observes, “Every night we play this song I am amazed and thankful at its staying power.”
In addition to the new, revamped version of “Trashy Women,” the highly anticipated album features all-new material. From the instantly catchy title track, to the feel-good anthem “If I Ever Cross That Line,” there is a perfect combination of intense ballads and infectious upbeat songs. Something new is that Danny is a writer on seven of the album’s tracks. The Blue Miller & Danny Shirley-produced album showcases the band’s unique style, bringing their southern–rock-meets-country-conscience front and center. “Fast Cars And Guitars” is another standout song, with a classic 90’s feel that will leave fans of traditional country music singing and dancing for days. It’s revved up by long-time friend of the band, Hall of Fame member, Charlie Daniels.
Another nod to Danny’s musical roots and ground-breaking track for Railroad is the shimmering bluegrass jewel “Don’t Feel As Young As I Used To” highlighted by guest artist Dan Tyminski of Union Station.
Confederate Railroad is hitting the road in support of Lucky To Be Alive, with a jam-packed spring/summer tour schedule (see dates below). Fans will be treated to performances some of their biggest hits including “Queen of Memphis” and “Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind,” along with new tracks from the upcoming album. Be sure to check out the country-rockers in a city near you, as they remind concertgoers of the hell-raising, good-time band they fell in love with 20 years ago.
Lucky To Be Alive Track Listing:
1. Lucky To Be Alive
2. Played The Game
3. The Man I Am Today
4. If I Ever Cross That Line
5. Trashy Women (20th Anniversary) featuring Willie Nelson, John Anderson and Colt Ford
6. Goodbye Song
7. Somebody Like You
8. Whisky And Women
9. Fast Cars And Guitars
10. Don’t Feel As Young As I Used To
11. Psycho Bitch From Hell (Live)
12. I’m Not Fallin’ For That
11/21/14
New tour dates are being added for the 2015 touring season check the tour dates page and make your plans to come see us!
07/14/12
As some of you know, I am not quick to embrace technology- but I am trying. So, in an attempt to continue my move into the 21st century, I have decided to spend more time on our website. I have been writing a lot over the past couple of years and I wanted to let you all hear some of the songs I've been working on. Some sound like Railroad songs, others are totally different from anything I've ever done. We'll put up another song every week or so and I would like you to give me some feedback. This winter, I plan to use some of this material for a new album, so I really want to hear your thoughts on these songs. Thanks so much for your continued support, and let's get some new C.R.R. music out there!
- Danny Shirley
01/18/11
We Would Like To Welcome Bobby Randall To The Confederate Railroad Family
Bobby Randall was the first lead guitarist for Sawyer Brown. He appeared with the band on Star Search in 1983-84. In 1991 he became the only founding member to leave the group. Randall took a job hosting a Star Search-like talent show, You Can Be a Star on The Nashville Network (TNN). He was replaced by Duncan Cameron, formerly of the Amazing Rhythm Aces. Cameron has since left the band as well. Randall also hosted a show called The Wildhorse Saloon also on TNN. He was the Anchor on a show called Behind the Game that aired on Fox Sports Net, Recently, Randall Joined the band Confederate Railroad. Bobby can be found on the tour playing Steel guitar and Fiddle.
The NEW CD Back To The Barroom (LIVE) is now available!
The long anticipated wait is over. Confedrate Railroad has released their first LIVE album since the band debuted in the early 90's. Back To The Barroom (LIVE) contains several of their classic hits performed live along with a new song titled "B.B. Gun". For more information about the CD and to listen to song samples and purchase the CD go to the Store Section on our website.
Welcome To The NEW Confederate Railroad Website
Bruce Uher and Daryn Ranta from www.MultiMedia-Interactive.com and www.MusicArtists4U.com have just launched the new Confederate Railroad website. We figure a new year, a new CD so a new website was right in line for the new year so we designed a a new look and will be working on new content for the rest of the pages of the site in the next few weeks.
08/18/09
Because of Gates’ passion for music, we have set up the Gates Nichols Music Scholarship Fund and you may contribute to this Fund in lieu of flowers at:
please make checks payable to:
SPHS
1364 Winn Road
Douglasville, GA 31034
c/o Dari HarmonPlease note on the check: for Gates Nichols Music Scholarship
Please, please contribute to this Fund in lieu of flowers, you can make a difference in the life of a child that has a heart for music.
Watch a video on our buddy Gates: http://www.multimedia-interactive.com/gates/
08/14/09
We are sorry to inform everyone that our dear friend and brother Gates Nichols passed away this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
Viewing is Tuesday night, August 18 from 4-8 p.m. at the
Clark Funeral Home
4373 Atlanta Highway
Hiram, GA 30141
770-445-7133
www.samclarkfuneralhome.com
then Wednesday, August 19, morning from 9-10 a.m. viewing at Clark and then Procession will be from Clark Funeral Home at 10:15 to West Ridge Church located at:
3522 Hiram Acworth Hwy
Dallas, GA 30157
770-222-2125
westridge.com
Service will be at 11:00 a.m. at West Ridge, luncheon immediately following service.Great article about Gates (Click Here)
07/23/09
All of us here at Confederate Railroad are deeply sadden to inform you that our band member and brother Gates Nichols has been diagnost with pancreatic cancer. Gates and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
To send your condolences and to keep up with Gates condition please visit the following link:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bass_man_g
You can also send cards to:
Gates Nichols
358 Abbington Lane
Douglasville, GA 30134
10/09/08
We would like to welcome Rusty Hendrix our new guitar player.
Rusty Hendrix, born March 9th 1960 in Gadsden, Alabama. Rusty drew up in Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama. The son of Rev. & Mrs. Oel Hendrix. Mothers name (Jimmie Hendrix) They were in the Missionary Field as well as pastoring churches.
I started playing guitar at age 8 in church picking up "chops" from my dad (who also played) as well as my first cousin Jimmy Rutherford. Jimmy also used to play with the band Starbuck "Moonlight Feels Right" before their hit records. Rusty also played baseball in little league through high school. He was a left hander starting from the 9th grade thru the 12th. grade.
After high school Rusty moved back to Louisiana to go to college. He played weekends to make extra money as well. After 2 years he moved back to Alabama and started playing in local bands all around the southeast where he first met Danny Shirley.
In 1989 he met up again with Danny at Mrs. Kitty's nightclub in Marietta, GA. Niteowl, the band I was in would rotate weeks with the "Danny Shirley Band". After recording and writing songs with "Niteowl" I left the band in "94" to tour with Nashville country artist Greg holland ("Let Me Dance"). After Greg Holland, he came back to Alabama in 95-98 to play in Gadsden at the Warehouse with Bill Cole & The Click. It was while playing there where he started hanging out and writing songs with country artist Mark Wills. In "98" he joined his touring band and in "99" did the George Strait tour with him. In Sept of "99" he went to work with Sammy Kershaw until May of "08". he would also like to thank them for the friendship and great opportunity they gave him it was a blast! Rusty says "They are great guys!" He is looking forward to playing with Confederate Railroad and meeting everyone. I believe it is a truly God Given Honor!
Hobbies include: Indian relics, Indian relics, and did he mention Indian relics? Oh ya and hunting too. Hanging out with family and friends, session work, volunteer work, picking guitar with friends for schools and the elderly, sick and shut ins etc. A "God Send" for him!
On September 28th 1985 he married Vicki his wife and they have a daughter Rebecca.
