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Each 2 months and exactly 30 years ago to the day, we re-publish the original Country Goss' magazine and supplement it here with additional photos, videos and stories that may not have been readily available at the time. A veritable "time capsule" of line dancing! There's lots more to read in the original magazine, in the meantime, here is a brief look at what the Editor had to say back in January 1995, plus a little more!

Country Goss' thanks the following Sponsors for their support:

Welcome to another historical (or should we say hysterical) issue of Country Goss’ which is now a whopping 12 pages!!! We mentioned last issue that some people were left scratching their heads with this one. So......

Well, as you can see from the original magazine above, someone's decision to go with a RED edition wasn't the best of ideas! Whilst the colour was nice, the black print against the red was extremely hard to read. Hopefully you can persevere if you are reading the original as this issue is very entertaining!

Now, the Phantom certainly stirred the pot last issue with his comments on Nick Erby. However, as the Editor points out, anti-social responses from a select few readers was totally unwarranted and were not published. The Phantom after all, may be a shadowy and polarising figure, but is still very sensitive! Despite the backlash but salivating over the huge crates of "Phan Mail", the Phantom returns once again with more juicy gossip (yikes), hot tour rumours and industry scandals.

Steve's (Yesterday and Today Records) comments on John Williamson also irked a number of readers but did receive a few thumbs up in agreement! Either way, we quite like John Williamson and courtesy of EMI we've got 2 of John's "Mulga to Mangoes" CD's to give away! Further details on Page 6 of the magazine.

Which leads us to this little tidbit about country music and the CMAA. So, what is traditional country music? Apparently, it's not Melinda Schneider's "Tighten Up Your Pants". Whilst it might be a smash hit with line dancers and National Top 50 entrant with its blend of banjo, fiddle, yodelling and up-tempo techno beat, the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has rejected all Tighten Up Your Pants Award nominations. Why I hear you ask?

No statement from the CMAA was forthcoming, however whispers from insiders within were quick in saying the organisation did not believe the song was traditionally country enough! You can read the full story in the magazine but for those who haven't seen or heard this song, check out the videos we've found for you and make up your own mind. There is another video in the previous issue. Recognise any of the dancers?

We're giving away a copy Melinda's new CD "Tighten Up Your Pants" compliments of Festival Records so to be in the running for this great CD just put your name and address on the back of an envelope and get it off to Country Goss'. Winner announced next issue.

Country Connection - The Australian Legend in Jeans Wear. Bootcut Jeans in Black Denim and Indigo Blue. Three Western or Stockman Style Shirts, Blue or Black Denim. Agents in NSW, ACT, VIC, NT, TAS, QLD and WA. Contact Lace on 015 281 927. Like to win one of 2 great Country Connection caps? Get your entry off to Country Goss' ASAP. Winners announced next issue.

January 1995 sees the start to the country music year with the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Australian Line Dance Championships. The competition will be held on the 25th, 26th & 27th January 1995 at the Calrossy Multi Purpose Centre in Tamworth. More detailed information can be obtained by contacting Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

Event organiser Joe MacManamon and Winners of the inaugural 1993 Championships

Gordon Elliott, Tina Salvestro and Ken Wheatley.

With demand for accommodation in Tamworth expected to be huge, there are several options for accommodation worth exploring. Try Jim Finucane's Home Hosting Service on 067 664 269 or Tamworth Jaycees Home Hosting Service on 067 661 599 or 067 677 464.

Oxley Line Dancing Club in Tamworth extend an invitation to all line dancers to dance with them in Peel St, Tamworth each morning throughout the Festival at 10.30am and to join them in the parade on Saturday 28th January 1995. Oxley LD Club will also be hosting social dances at the Oxley Bowling Club on the following dates:

20th January: 7pm - Midnight;

21st January: 7pm - Midnight;

22nd January: 11am - 4pm;

25th January: 7pm - Midnight;

206th January: 7pm - Midnight;

27th January: 7pm - Midnight;

28th January: 7pm - Midnight;

Further information contact Pat on 067 620 017 or Kaye on 067 665 704.

Get ready for the Masters Games in Wanganui, New Zealand in February 1995. Phone 0011 64 4 564 7885 for more information.

Phil Bates and Jenny Cryer of National Capital Bootscooters in the ACT send out a big thank you to local instructors Ian Kuckstep and Katherine Webster along with visiting instructors Lyn & Nikki of Illawarra Country Line Dancers, Lance Pritchard from Sydney Line Dancers, Trevor Green from Texas Country Dancing, for participating in the Workshop and dance night in Canberra on the 26th November 1994. Jenny and Phil also thank Country Goss' for the listing fielding quite a few interstate visitors.

Did you catch Kevin and Rhonda along with the Kickin' Country Line Dancers on Channel 7's television show "At Home" last month? What a great promotion for line dancing.

Have you choreographed a dance? Would you like the chance to have that dance performed by other Clubs? Coastal Bootscooters and the Central Coast Country Music Association are running a competition on Friday 6th January 1995. Further details on Page 9 in the magazine or Phone 043 242 887.

January 1995 sees the release of Australia's first line dance compilation CD from Sony Music titled Australia's Favourite Line Dances Volume 1. The compilation features all original artists and was overseen by Gordon Elliott. Get your boots on for dances such as Cadillac Ranch, Thunderbolt, Honky Tonk Attitude, Alley Cat, Tennessee Twist and many more, it is fantastic value.

For readers looking for instructional videos, Dino Music has several offerings. Presented by Diane Horner of the USA, these include Dino's Country Line Dancing, More Country Line Dancing, Country Line Dancing for Kids, Country Partner Dancing and Country Line Dancing with Style.

Closer to home, Cindy Truelove from Perth in WA has released "Let's Bootscoot".

Nine exceptional dances to learn including Cowboy Boogie, Tush Push, Bootscootin' Boogie, The Freeze, Cowboy Hustle, Achy Breaky plus Waltz Across Texas as both a partner dance and a line dance. All of these instructional videos will have you dancing like a pro in no time!

Steve Reid is back with album reviews for Alan Jackson and Gina Jeffries, a compilation titled Red Hot and Country for an AIDS awareness project and there's the obligatory Country Christmas album. And spoiler alert....... not all reviews are flattering! Read Steve's reviews on Page 5.

Wireless Mic Systems for Line Dance Instructors. High quality, sweat resistant, naturally sounding and locally made head worn mic. Belt strap transmitter pack (as used by aerobic instructors). Phone JP at JP's Hifivision 018 230 787.

The Farm Hand Appeal will get a big boost this christmas thanks to the relentless hard work put in by Julie & Stuart Carsley (above) and the Pacific Coast Line Dancers. Stuart announces that throughout 1994 around $2,540.00 has been raised for the Farm Hand Appeal with money coming from raffles, dance nights and donations. Full story on Page 9.

The Hunter Valley Country Music Dancing Championships to be held in conjunction with Ros & Reg Lindsay & Friends Full Pro Rodeo & Country Music Hoedown will take place at the Cessnock Showgrounds on the 18th March 1995. Five sections to choose from and entries close on the 24th February 1995. Further details on Page 9 or phone 049 911 585.

Speaking of the Harold Park Hotel, we came across this 1995 golden oldie video (disregard the 1996 reference) from the Harold Park Hotel in Glebe as dancers practice their routine for the filming of Julie Talbot's instructional video "Hottest Line Dances". Who do you recognise from 30 years ago? We recognised a young, long-haired Josh Talbot (in the purple t-shirt)!

The Strand Hatters - FREE concho band, FREE hat customising, FREE after sales service, FRIENDLY assistance! Head straight for the Strand Hatters, Strand Arcade, 412 George St Sydney. Ph: 02 231 6884.

The Country Goss' desk is awash with music from the record labels, including Brooks & Dunn, Bonnie Rait, Bushwackers, Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Tractors, Patty Loveless, Terry McBride and John Denver. The Editor reviews several of these albums below.

Mary Chapin Carpenter (Sony/Columbia) Stones in the Road: Two CD's here for the price of one, with the limited edition bonus CD containing the 2 excellent line dance tracks Down at the Twist & Shout and I Feel Lucky (the ones John Laws didn't promote). Also on the album the fabulous track Passionate Kisses. Line dancers will love this album!

Bonnie Rait (EMI) You: Ballads right down the line and very ease listening. For line dancers save this one for your next candle lit dinner party, and with the amount of romances kicking around lately this album may well be in demand.

Brooks and Dunn (Arista) Waitin' On Sundown: B&D fans will be falling over themselves to get a hold of this one. Ever since Brooks & Dunn put the bootscoot into boogie, country music has never been the same. Found it hard to pick a favourite however She's That Kind of Trouble and You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone are real standouts.

John Denver (BMG) A Portrait 25 Years On: So many timeless classics on this album including Rocky Mountain High and Calypso to name just 2! No need to say anymore, every track you'll be singing along to!

Clint Black (BMG) One Emotion: Laid back ballads with some more rocky numbers including Summer Comin', I Can Get By and Hey Hot Rod. My fav is the raunchy A Good Run of Bad Luck with some great harmonica and fiddle. Buckle up for this one!

The Bushwackers (EMI) Billy of Tea: Just when you think the Whackers had faded into obscurity, out they pop at Christmas time with a Billy of Tea. Classic Bushwackers for rusted on fans.

WIN WIN WIN WIN

For your chance to win any of the above classic country albums head on over to Page 4 in the mag.

Congratulations to these winners from last issue:

Prickles "Just Because" - B. Braithwaite

Tim Mc Graw (Member Draw) - Laraine Burns

Each issue one lucky Member goes into the draw for the latest CD giveaway. This time you could win Alan Jackson's "Who I Am".

What's On" has now been renamed "Dancing Around Australia" with the free dance class listings continuing to grow nationwide. There is also a Step Sheet to a fun little dance called Linda Lu choreographed by Neil Hale of the USA and the Bushwire goes absolutely crazy with your Letters to the Editor. Next issue (which will be yellow) will be jam packed with even more news, views and giveaways along with the results of the 1995 Tamworth Country Line Dance Championships. And now that we know that Goss' is short for Gossip, what better time to introduce a new column called "Believe it or Not".......hmmmm, how long will that last!

Which Brings Us To

Now, Golden Oldie Time. It may be 2025 now, but do you remember what song you were singing and dancing to 30 years ago in January 1995? With all the great music of the time to choose from, we thought you couldn't go past "Bootscootin' Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn. We've found this absolute gem of a live performance for you to dance to now!

Choreographed by Bill Bader (below) from Canada, Bootscootin' Boogie is an absolute worldwide classic and of course the signature song for the Tamworth Longest Line Dance.

Courtesy of Div's Line Dancing Directory we have the step sheet for you below.

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Country Goss'. If you have any fun stories or old photos that you would like included in past or upcoming editions, then drop us a line at linedancehistoryaustralia@gmail.com or click here for the next issue!

Bye!