June 1, 1998:

• Kevin was in the June 9th issue of Country Weekly, pictured in the "Shades" (as in sunglasses) photo-spread. His forthcoming album, Love Is, was also pictured (again), as one of June's new releases! Keep those fingers crossed.

• Don't forget tomorrow's release of the Country Superstar Hits CD from Hip-O Records. Kevin Sharp's contribution is Love At the End of the Road, and album sales benefit City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, located in Los Angeles. City of Hope is renowned for its treatment and research to combat cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other devastating illnesses. The new compilation-CD can be purchased in major retailers nationwide, or by calling 1-800-409-4197. (For more information, scroll down to May 13th news.)

• WSIX And WSM-FM Announce Teams for 8th Annual Wrangler/City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge June 14

  NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Bryan White are just a few of the celebrity players that will join in on the 8th Annual Wrangler/City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge. The announcement was made today by team captains for Nashville country radio leaders WSIX and WSM-FM. The star-studded, fun-filled event which has raised over one million dollars for the City of Hope National Medical Center and the Beckman Research Institute, is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at Greer Stadium in Nashville.

  NFL star quarterback Troy Aikman will take to the field to challenge the country music superstars. With the play-by-play duties going to Prime Time Country's Gary Chapman and Tom Arnold, in conjunction with Planet Hollywood Nashville, the official restaurant sponsor of the game. The WSM-FM and WSIX staffers will compete with the celebrity players in a seven inning game.

  This year's WSIX lineup includes: Dallas Cowboys' special teams coach Joe Avezzano, and country music stars John Berry, Kippi Brannon, Paul Brandt, Deana Carter, Kenny Chesney, Davis Daniel, Clint Daniels, Al Del Greco, David Kersh, Lonestar, Lila McCann, Tim McGraw, Ken Mellons, JoDee Messina, The Nelsons, Shana Petrone, Jason Sellars, Kevin Sharp, Victoria Shaw, Sons of the Desert, Shane Stockton and Mark Wills.

  The WSM-FM team includes: Baywatch's Donna D'Errico, Dallas Cowboy's quarterback Troy Aikman, and country music stars Rhett Akins, Rodney Atkins, David Ball, Suzy Bogguss, Burnin' Daylight, , Jeff Carson, Linda Davis, Billy Dean, Diamond Rio, Sara Evans, Cledus T. Judd, The Lynns, Mila Mason, Neal McCoy, Mark Nesler, Michael Peterson, Daryle Singletary, Larry Stewart, Rick Trevino, Bryan White and Chely Wright.

  Singing the national anthem will be Wynonna and "acting" as umpires will be Chris Cummings, Ruby Lovett and Thrasher/Shriver.

  Dubbed the "unofficial kick-off to Fan Fair week," the event continues to raise funds and awareness for the City of Hope and the Beckman Research Institute in its commitment to prevent and cure cancer and a host of other life-threatening diseases. The proceeds also support the humanitarian efforts of "The Spirit of Life" endowment Fund for Middle Tennesseans who need the quality care and treatment provided by the City of Hope.

  TNN will tape the game for a special telecast Wednesday, June 17 (8:00- 9:00PM, ET) with play-by-play coverage by Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina and Joe Avezzano.

  Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (615)255-9600 or donations can be sent to: The City of Hope at 208 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 or by phone at 1-800-260-HOPE ext. 6540.

May 26, 1998:

• Maybe? Two popular internet CD-stores list a June 23 release date for Love Is. Of course, the release date has previously been listed as March 24, so who knows? Let's hope it's true!

• Some darn-near official news about FAN FAIR can be found on Earl's Band and Staff pages!

May 15, 1998:

• More FAN FAIR News!

  There will be temporary (one day) memberships available at Kevin's booth for non-members who are with a member and would like to go to the fan club concert. Said passes will cost $5.00 ea. Non-members wishing to go must check in at Kevin's booth (number 140) prior to the party to get them.

  Don't forget your membership card for the party! You'll need that and your meet and greet passes in order to attend the party.

  Thanks again to TK for the update!

  Scroll down to "May 10" for more Fan Fair news. As we get closer to the big week, KevinFriends will post all known info together, for easy reference. :-)

May 13, 1998:

• Country Superstar Hits From Hip-O Records Features Thirteen Contemporary Country Classics To Benefit City of Hope

  Release Date: June 2, 1998

  UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Bringing together thirteen of the best performers in 90's country music, Hip-O Records is set to release Country Superstar Hits, an album that will thrill country fans and benefit City of Hope. A portion of Hip-O's proceeds from the sale of the album will be donated to the venerable southern California medical institution. Released in conjunction with the Wrangler/City of Hope Annual Celebrity Softball Game (which doubles as the unofficial kick-off of Nashville's biggest music event, Fan Fair), the album has a Grammy, AMA, ACM and CMA-winning line-up to rival any other collection in country music. Country Superstar Hits (HIPC/D-40106) will be released June 2.

  Artists and songs featured on Country Superstar Hits include: George Strait with "I Can Still Make Cheyenne;" the #1 "She's Got The Rhythm (And I Got The Blues)" by Alan Jackson; "Safe In The Arms Of Love" by Martina McBride; the Mavericks performing "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down;" Lyle Lovett with "Don't Touch My Hat;" Vince Gill singing "Down In New Orleans;" "When Boy Meets Girl," a #3 hit from Terri Clark; Clint Black's "I'll Take Texas;" Trisha Yearwood singing "You Don't Have To Move That Mountain;" Bryan White with "Between Now And Forever;" Kevin Sharp performing "Love At The End Of The Road;" "If I Could Make A Living Out Of Loving You" by Steve Wariner; and Patty Loveless singing her Top 5 country hit "I'm That Kind Of Girl." The package also includes photos of last year's Celebrity Softball Game participants.

  Every year since 1991, the Wrangler/City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game and the all-star concert that follows draw sell-out crowds who come to watch the top artists in country music pitch, hit and sing to support City of Hope. This event, which has become the unofficial kick-off to Fan Fair week has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support City of Hope in its commitment to prevent and cure cancer and a host of other life-threatening diseases. Country Superstar Hits highlights the great country artists who participate in this event and captures the spirit of the community of fans, artists and the country music industry. Let's play ball!

  The Universal Music Group encompasses Hip-O Records, MCA Records, MCA Records Nashville, GRP Recording Company, Geffen Records, Universal Records, Interscope Records, Universal Music & Video Distribution, Universal Music International, MCA Music Publishing and Universal Concerts.

May 12, 1998:

• Sorry for this shameless non-Kevin plug, but I can't resist...

  Olivia Newton-John has released a wonderful all-new country CD in the States today (later this month in Europe), entitled Back With A Heart! There is a slight Kevin-connection, however: Olivia is one of Kevin's faves, she's a cancer-survivor, and she also took on Kevin-producer Chris Farren as a producer on her album. (David Foster is also there, as well as a few more musical "big-guns" such as Don Cook, Tony Brown, Gary Burr, and John Farrar.)

  Visit MCA Nashville for information and sound-clips, and Only Olivia for all the Olivia news that fits.

  "We now return to our previously-scheduled Kevin Sharp program," hehehe...

May 10, 1998:

• This just in! Fan Fair News!

  TK brings us the info we've been waiting for...

  THIS IS ALL TENTATIVE AT THE MOMENT -- repeat -- THIS IS ALL TENTATIVE AT THE MOMENT!

  On Thursday, June 18th there will be the Asylum show from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds during Fan Fair. Kevin will lead off. There are NO more tickets available for this show. You have to be attending Fan Fair (a.k.a. pay the $90) to get into any of the showcases.

  At 5:00 p.m. there will be the Ken Mellons/Kevin Sharp Fan Clubs party and concert. At 7:30 to ? will be the "St. Jude Softball Showdown TWO." The location has not yet been finalized. Hope to have that soon.

  Kevin's booth number at Fan Fair is 140, same as last year.

  Now remember... THIS IS ALL TENTATIVE. I know a lot of you have been asking about the plans, and at the moment this is what is available. Stay tuned for more info as it arrives!

• TK is taking a head-count of who will be attending the above-mentioned Kevin festivities. Please e-mail me if you're going, and I'll forward it to TK. Also, please be sure to put "Kevin" in the SUBJECT field. I get a LOT of junk e-mail, and I don't want to carelessly delete your letter. Thanks! :-)

May 4, 1998

• Kevin and Traci are on page 240 of the May 11th People magazine! It's a great shot of the newlyweds (and funny quote from Kevin) at last month's ACM Awards. This issue of People just so happens to be the "50 Most Beautiful People" issue.

• Kevin is in the May 12th issue of Country Weekly magazine! Pages 18-21 are all about his wedding to Traci, including mucho fun pictures you won't want to miss.

• I've realized I haven't placed the Friends Club address more prominently on these pages. Shame on me, haha! Here it is, if you want to join -- as TK always says, "It's worth every penny!"

  
  Kevin Sharp Friends Club
  P.O. Box 888
  Camino, CA 95709

April 21, 1998:

• Speculation is flying about the release of Love Is. Word has it that there were "too many ballads" on it, and Kevin is back in the studio to beef it up a bit. "Nobody knows" whether it'll finally be released in May, June, or -- ugh -- July. Meanwhile, please don't despair! Continue requesting Love Is All That Really Matters. If the station won't play it for any reason, complain nicely and request another Kevin song! If the DJ you talk to is being chatty, mention Kevin's recent wedding to Traci, his tour, his new bus, anything to help keep his name out there! GO, KEVIN!

April 14, 1998:

• Rumor has it that the new album might not be released until June. Let's hope it isn't true. Sooner is better!

April 10, 1998:

• Yep, (as far as I know) Kevin and Traci got married today in Texas! Betcha they all did the TK Happy Dance at the reception!

• At last! The promised Kevin story is online at MTV Online! Click on "Local," then pick "Dallas" -- The Kevin story is under "News 'n' Reviews." If you don't see it there, then go to the "Archives" link. (LOL! Ya got all that?)

• New link! Kevin's page on the All-Music Guide. Lots of fun (if not entirely accurate) details about our favorite country singer!

• Kris was first to spot a "coming soon" promo-poster in Target's music department, featuring a BIG ol' pic of the new album cover!

• Don't forget to visit Love Is: the first and original page celebrating the impending arrival of Kevin's new CD!

April 7, 1998:

• Love Is: celebrating the impending arrival of Kevin's new CD! Visit this corner of KevinFriends to read all about it -- and be one of the first on your block to SEE it! (Many Thanks to TK again for her help!)

• I heard Kevin on The Road radio-show this past weekend. Kevin sang four live tunes: If You Love Somebody, She's Sure Taking It Well, She Just Has To Be Mine, and Nobody Knows. It was awesome! Kevin spoke fondly of Make-A-Wish, and of his Dad -- whom Kevin hopes to record a song with someday!

• Word has it that Kevin is bouncing around on-stage again. Take it easy there, Kevin!

April 3, 1998:

• Listen for Kevin THIS WEEKEND on the syndicated radio-show, The Road! Call your local stations and ask about it -- in my area, it will be on Washington, DC's 98.7 WMZQ, Sunday night at 10.

• Next week's Country Weekly features a review (and picture!) of Kevin's new album, Love Is. Too bad readers can't run right out and buy it, eh?

• The March 24 Country Weekly Kevin article, "Fun, fun, fun!" is now online.

February 25, 1998:

• Congratulations again, Kevin! "This just in" from country.com:

  TNN and Music City News magazine announced the final nominees in the 13 fan-voted categories for the 32nd Annual TNN Music City News Country Awards....

  This year's fan-voted award show, to be presented on Monday, June 15th from 8:00-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time on TNN, will break a tradition of 20 years when it moves to the new Nashville Arena.

  Nominees for Star of Tomorrow - Male:

  Trace Adkins

  James Bonamy

  Paul Brandt

  Michael Peterson

  Kevin Sharp

• The new single Love Is All That Really Matters will now be released to radio on March 9, 1998. The new album, Love Is, is still scheduled for March 24, 1998. (whew!)

• Watch for the new VIDEO of Love Is All That Really Matters on the CMT Delivery Room on March 5th! (Please note that this date is not written in stone!)

• Word has it that since Kevin hurt his leg again, he brought a favorite big ol' comfy chair onstage with him -- complete with a nice rug, end-table, and lamp, courtesy of the guys in the band and staff! Excellent thinking, guys!

February 21, 1998:

• Wanna cup of humility with your morning cereal? You must read this new article about Kevin in Music City News. There's a giggle or two, plus a heapin' helping of tears:

  "Maybe I did pass away and this is heaven and I get to fulfill a dream."

February 18, 1998:

• A message to Kevin: Please TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Your health, comfort and happiness is much more important to us than seeing you bounce around onstage Tigger-style, LOL!

• New link: From our friend Earl, the "Live From The Road Kevin Sharp Band and Staff Pages!" News, bios, pics, chat, and more. Check it out!

• Hot news and a new link! "The New Kevin Sharp Pages" from Pepper Ann.

• The "first ballot" of nominees for the 1998 Academy of Country Music Awards has been released. Let's hope the voters have as much sense as we do, haha! Congratulations, Kevin!

  Album of the Year: Measure of a Man, Kevin Sharp
  

  Single Record of the Year: Nobody Knows, Kevin Sharp

February 8, 1998:

• At last! A new single! Listen for (and REQUEST) Love Is All That Really Matters starting March 3!

February 6, 1998:

• NEW PAGE! Check out dates, the new interactive calendar and keep track of each and every Kevin Sharp event throughout the year!

February 5, 1998:

• New link: Guess who's gonna be at the Porter County Fair 1998 this coming July 25th?

February 3, 1998:

• Welcome Road Manager Dave Thurman to the Band page! Technically, he isn't in the band, but Kevin's fans will attest that Dave is very much "one of the guys."

February 2, 1998:

• New album! Several reports indicate a March release. No title or track listing yet, but if you've seen Kevin in concert, you've already heard several new songs: Kiss The Girl, Scared Like That, So Tears Won't Fall, She Just Has To Be Mine, Still Love, and If She Only Knew.

• From the "I Heard A Rumor Department:" Kevin may have recorded a new song for the CBS TV series Touched By An Angel "soundtrack" album. Stay tuned!

• New link: Cindy brings us Country Stars Up Close, boasting new, original "live" pics of Kevin, Tim, Toby, and more!

• Congratulations go out to Lee Ann Womack for winning the American Music Award for "Country/Favorite New Artist." Congratulations again to Kevin for his nomination, and for being the cool, talented gentleman we've all come to admire so much! :-)

• Coming soon: A new "official" website for Kevin Sharp! "There can never be enough Kevin in cyberspace," right? (Way to make me eat those words, guys! Kidding, I'm kidding!) You'll find the hyperlink here when it's unveiled.

• Kevin Sharp is in the latest (February?) issue of Country America magazine. He's also on the February COVER of Music City News!

• There's Only You is still making its way up the charts. Call your fave radio stations NOW to request it!

January 16, 1998:

• Congratulations to TK for her great pictures in the centerfold of January's Sharp Notes!

• Monday, January 26th, 1998: The 25th American Music Awards! This is the abc.com site, and they have a poll as well. Be sure to VOTE for Kevin Sharp, Country/Favorite New Artist! VCR ALERT: Kevin is slated to appear as a presenter, and it's possible that he'll perform as well.

• Don't forget to VOTE! for Kevin Sharp in the USA Today American Music Awards survey!

• There's Only You is making its way up the charts. Call your fave radio stations NOW to request it!

• Congratulations to TK for her great pictures in the centerfold of January's Sharp Notes!

• Updates: Michael McCanless joins Frank Lawrence on the band page!

January 6, 1998:

• Two new links: Who's the Sexiest Man in Sacramento? Plus, KNCI's Pat and Tom.

• Kevin is in the latest issue of Country Music magazine. The article is... uh... interesting.

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