VSLP On The April BG Now Gospel Chart! 04/09/2008 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike are on Bluegrass Now Magazine's "Gospel Truths" chart twice this month! "The Rain" is at #15 and has been on the chart about 8 months. The wonderfully written Claire Lynch/Ciny Greene tune "Wings To Fly" is back on the chart at #17. Both songs are from the band's latest record, an all-Bluegrass gospel project entitled "Wash Away Your Troubles." Thanks to everyone out their requesting the group's songs from your local and satellite DJs!

Two Rivers Bluegrass Show 03/27/2008 We were called at the last miniute to do the show at Two Rivers, WI. It was a pleasure and we had fun! I hope that Rhonda has a speedy recovery and that you folks get to see her in the future on stage. Thank you for being so nice to us at the show and making me feel welcomed (not hot dogs or eggs were thrown that night)!

BELL BUCKLE BLUEGRASS AND MUSIC CRUISE 04/08/2008 NEW ADDRESS IS PO BOX 242, BELL BUCKLE, TN AND PHONE (931)389-0223

Live short commercials 04/08/2008 GHS has been really good to us, so we have decided to do some short commercials available on our web sites and downloads that people may want to check out! It should be a lot of fun!!

Guitar Positon 04/08/2008 I have had a lot of calls about the guitar position and it is looking good for all! I am so excited to officially give you the name, but have to wait!!!

Television Show for RFD TV 04/10/2008 We are producing a television show for RFD TV at the Bell Banquet Hall in Bell Buckle, TN this Saturday. I am so excited because we get to back up Charlie Louvin on one of his classics! My band, Liberty Pike and I will also be doing a set on the program. How exciting! Come around 7 o clock if you don't to miss the action

Four Wet Pig project in progress 04/08/2008 OK...I have'nt exactly won the debate about the name of the upcoming album (Becky would like to title it "Here's a Little Song"...it is just that I was looking forward to making pig t shirts, hats, poster and photographing those pigs for our album!! We had a day in the studio, all is going well and I hope you will like our new project when it is officially finished!

Show in Two Rivers" WI 04/08/2008 Rhonda was not feeling very good and I a sure it is the same stuff that everyone is getting these days. I was asked to do her show for her and was a little nervouse (understandingly). Everyone's hearts remained on Rhonda and hoping to get back on her feet soon. I send my get well wishes too! We did the show, but I am certain her fans missed her so much. Thanks to Rhonda, Brad and her management for letting me do the gig. The people were nice and the food was the best. By the way, thank you Hagar for the sausages, cookies and cheese...they are already in the stomachs of some very happy musicians. We love you lots!

Friends from Maine have been staying with us! 04/08/2008 I am happy to announce that I have had some wonderful friends visiting form Maine and we have had a ball. They didn't bring any live lobsters down, but they have been helping Kraig and I around that house!! I don't want them to go home! They went to a songwriting session including a steak dinner, Jack Daniels Distillery tour and to a contra dance. Of course that learned that I wasn't much of a cook. Guess there are worse things to loose!!

Special Guest This Weekend 03/24/2008 We have another special guest! Rebecca Fraizer of Hit & Run Bluegrass out of Colorado is joining us for shows this weekend. Please check out our schedule page for the complete list of shows. We hope to see you there!

Richard Starkey Guests With VSLP in March 02/11/2008 We have a special guest with us on guitar for the month of March! Richard Starkey is not only a fabulous singer and guitarist; he is Martin Guitar's historian and regional repair rep for the Southeast. He travels all over the United States doing clinics, demonstrations and light repair work. When he's at home in Franklin, Tenn., in his own repair shop, there's no telling who might stop by to have their Martin Guitars serviced from Tim O'Brien and Del McCoury to Steve Miller! We are so pleased to have Richard with us. For more about him, please check out this recent article from the Tennessean.

Power Source Magazine Bluegrass Chart 07/05/2007 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's song "Make Him A Solider" off her latest release "Wash Away Your Troubles" is at #6 on the Power Source Magazine Bluegrass Chart.

The Rain on the Bluegrass Now Gospel Chart 06/01/2007 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, graces the Bluegrass Now Gospel Chart at # 4 with "The Rain" off her first all gospel cd "Wash Away Your Troubles" (BBR-018). "The Rain" was written by Liberty Pike very own Becky Buller.

Valerie Smith - 38th GMA Dove Award Nomination 01/25/2007 Bell Buckle Records is proud to announce that Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's first all Gospel album "Wash Away Your Troubles" has been nominated in three categories of the 38th GMA Dove Awards first round balloting. All 11 selections are nominated for Bluegrass Song of the Year. This soulful collection ranges from traditional Bluegrass Gospel to a contemporary Christian feel. With a celebration of praise that appeals to bluegrass and gospel lovers, "Wash Away Your Troubles" is nominated for Bluegrass Album of the Year. Previous Dove Award winner Alan O'Bryant of the Nashville Bluegrass Band and Becky Buller, of Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, along with Bell Buckle Records founder and executive producer, J. Gregory Heinike, are nominated for Producer of the Year. Final nominations for the awards will be announced on February 20, 2007. The highest honor, the Dove Award, will be presented to the top artists from every style of gospel music on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee.

Valerie LIVE on XM 10/18/2006 Valerie Smith Live from the Country Music Hall of Fame with Kyle Cantrell from XM's studio in the Hall of Fame, Tuesday October 24th at 4pm. Kyle will be visiting Valerie about her newest release from Bell Buckle Records Wash Away Your Troubles (BBR-018).

2006 IBMA Awards 2nd Round 07/11/2006 Congratulations to Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, Becky Buller, and label mate Jeanette Williams for being nominated in the 2nd round of the 2006 IBMA Awards. Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike are up for Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Album of the Year - "That's What Love Can Do" and for Song of the Year - "In Those Mines" written by Becky Buller Valerie Smith is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. Becky Buller is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Fiddle Player of the Year. Jeanette Williams is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year . All three ladies are nominated for their work on the Daughters of Bluegrass project "Back to the Well" on Blue Circle Records. The project is nominated for, Record Event of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Congrats to Bell Buckle Records Ladies of Bluegrass.

Album Release Party for Daughter's of Bluegrass 05/10/2006 The NEW Daughter of Bluegrass CD, "Back to the Well," has been released on Blue Circle Records. And, on August 31, 2006 at the Station Inn will be the album release party. The project, is headed up by Lorraine Jordan of Carolina Road Band, both Valerie and Becky are featured along with many of the industry's finest ladies, Dale Ann Bradley, Beth Lawrence, Gena Britt, Julie Elkins, Dixie Hall and many more. For more information, go to Daughters of Bluegrass.

Daughters of Bluegrass 03/28/2006 The NEW Daughter of Bluegrass CD, "Back to the Well," has been released on Blue Circle Records. The project, is headed up by Lorraine Jordan of Carolina Road Band, both Valerie and Becky are featured along with many of the industry's finest ladies, Dale Ann Bradley, Beth Lawrence, Gena Britt, Julie Elkins, Dixie Hall and many more. For more information, go to Daughters of Bluegrass.

Big Top Ten For Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike 03/23/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up 4 places to #10 for the month of April on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. That's a big top ten, good buddy! The album is hanging in there, too, remaining at #10 for the second month.

4th Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise 03/29/2006 Valerie and Liberty Pike hosts the 4th Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise. It sets sail February 4 - 8, 2007 from Port Canaveral, FL on Carnival "Fantasy" to Freeport and Nassau Bahamas. The line up includes Lonesome River Band, Tresa Jordan & Southern Lite, Smokey Greene, Riverbend Bluegrass Band, Monroe Crossing, Swinging Bridge, Randy Kohrs and Ernie Thacker & Route 23. For more information call the office at 931-389-9694 or Celebration Travel at 800-426-1994.

An ALL Gospel CD Coming Soon! 03/09/2005 More brand new music from Valerie Smith is coming soon. On Friday night February 24th before heading out to St. Louis, Valerie and the band finished singing the last note at 10pm for the up and coming ALL Gospel album, "Getting Ready For Sunday" produced by Alan O'Bryant of the Nashville Bluegrass Band, who produced Valerie's first two albums, "Patchwork Heart" and "Turtle Wings". The release date is spring 2006.

"That's What Love Can Do" Climbs Up To 2 Notches 03/01/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up two, to #14 this month and has been on the chart for the past five months on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. For the past six months "That's What Love Can Do" has been on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart and this month it climbs up two, to #10.

In Those Mines - Moves up to #16 02/01/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up to #16 this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. And, the album "That's What Love Can Do" moves up to #12.

Valerie & Liberty Pike in XM Satellite Studios 01/12/2006 Valerie and Liberty Pike paid a visit to Kyle Cantrell the host of Bluegrass Junction 14 on XM Satellite Radio today. The premiere broadcast for Valerie and Liberty Pike on XM Satellite Radio will be Sunday, January 22. Air time will be 1:00 P.M. E.S.T./Noon Central.

On The Charts 01/01/2006 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up to #20 this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. And, the album remains at #13. And Becky Buller's "Opal, Ruby, and Pearl" remains on the chart has been looking good for the past 7 months on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey.

2006 SPBGMA Bluegrass Awards 12/14/2005 Congratulations to Becky Buller for being nominated for SPBGMA's Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year for 2006. And to Valerie Smith and Jeanette Williams for being nominated for SPBGMA's Traditional Female Vocalist.

It Keeps Climbing 12/02/2005 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" climbs up to #23 on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. And, the album remains at #13. And Becky Buller's "Opal, Ruby, and Pearl" climbs up to #14 Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey.

"In Those Mines" On The BU Chart 10/31/2005 Valerie's "In Those Mines" from (BBR-017) "That's What Love Can Do" debuts at #28 on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey. Plus, the album climbs up one to #13.

#11 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Chart 10/08/2005 Valerie Smith's "That's What Love Can Do" is at #11 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Report. And, #80 on the Roots 100 Chart.

Look Who's On The Bluegrass Top Album Chart 09/28/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's album "That's What Love Can Do" (BBR-017) debut's at #14 on , Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey. Also debuting on the chart is Becky Buller's "Little Bird" (BBR-017) at #15.

Look Who's #35 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Chart 09/09/2005 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike's fourth album "That's What Love Can Do" on Bell Buckle Records debuts at #35 on the Roots Bluegrass Music Chart.

Opal, Ruby and Pearl Climbs Up The Chart 09/09/2005 Becky Buller's Opal, Ruby and Pearl off her Bell Buckle Records debut (BBR-015) climbs up to number 22 in the September issue of Bluegrass Unlimited "National Bluegrass Survey". Also on the chart for September is Master's Garden for Bluegrass Now "Gospel Truths".

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike to showcase at 09/08/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike to showcase at 2005 World of Bluegrass Convention. Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike have been invited to showcase songs from their brand new album "That's What Love Can Do" off Bell Buckle Records (BBR-017) during World of Bluegrass October 24-30, 2005. Valerie and Liberty Pike will be performing on Wednesday October 26, 2005 along with Carolina Road, April Verch, Melonie Cannon, Richard Green and the Brothers Barton from 8pm - 10:30pm

Don't Get Above Your Grazin' Festival 09/08/2005 Don't Get Above Your Grazin' Festival to Benefit the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. Hosted by Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike November 10,11, and 12, 2005 at the Dixieland Music Park in Waldo, FL. Also performing is the Jeanette Williams Band, Ernie Evans & Southern Lite, Swinging Bridge , Riverbend Bluegrass Band and many others. For more information call 904-886-8378 or 931-389-9694 or logon to www.dixielandmusicpark.com

IBMA 2005 Special Showcase 06/23/2005 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike has been selected for a special showcase presentation at this years World of Bluegrass Confrence. They will be featuring their brand new music form "That's What Love Can Do" of Bell Buckle Records (BBR-017).

IBMA's 2005 Second Round Ballots Are In! The second round of IBMA balloting came in today with several votes for Bell Buckle Records artist; Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, the Jeanette Williams Band, and Becky Buller. They are as follows: Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike: Entertainer of the Year Valerie Smith: Female Vocalist of the Year Jeanette Williams: Female Vocalist of the Year Becky Buller: Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for "Little Bird" (BBR-015) and Fiddle Player of the Year Matt Leadbetter: Dobro Player of the Year We'll keep you posted as the balloting process continues. In the meantime, please visit the Jeanette Williams Band, Becky Buller and Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike online.

The Master's Garden at #1 06/27/2005 What a month for Becky Buller and Bell Buckle Records. If she's not on fire with her hair she's on fire with her music. The Master's Garden off Becky's Bell Buckle Records debut CD "Little Bird" debut at number one in the July Issue of Bluegrass Now on the Bluegrass Now Gospel Truths chart. Congratulations Becky, you go girl.

Becky Buller's Opal, Ruby & Pearl at #30 06/23/2005 Dedication and hard work does pay off. Congratulations to Becky and her song Opal, Ruby & Pearl off her Bell Buckle Records debut release "Little Bird" it has landed a spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart in the July 2005 issue.

2005 Moon Pie Queen 06/18/2005 Valerie Smith has been crowned Moon Pie Queen and Comedian Phil Campbell was crowned RC Cola King at the 11th Annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival in Bell Buckle Tennessee.

That's What Love Can Do 06/09/2005 Valerie Smith comes home again with 4th release. On July 12, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike is set to release "That's What Love Can Do" on Bell Buckle Records. The album brings her full circle back to a place of familiarity and is quilted with bits and pieces of her previously released albums. Produced, recorded and engineered by Grammy-winning Richard Adler of Nashville's Sound Wave Studios.

1st Val Pal Party, Dade City Florida 04/25/2005 Can't tell you how much I enjoyed the Val Pal party You guys are the greatest. Bill Bader Proud to be a Val Pal.

Bands Announced for 2006 Cruise 04/12/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, will host the 3rd Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise. That will feature 10 great bands from around the country and is bound for Nassau, Bahamas, as well as Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private party island. The band's are Goldwing Express (MO); Wildfire (TN); Suzanne and Jim (CA); the Jeanette Williams Band (VA); Smokey Greene (NY); Stained Grass Window (PA); Tennessee Heartstrings (TN); Slate Mountain Ramblers (VA); Bluegrass Invasion (TN); and Bottomline (KY). Line-up is subject to change without prior notice. Hope you can join us for all the fun in the sun.

3rd Annual Bell Buckle Music Cruise 03/25/2005 Valerie and Liberty Pike will once again be hosting the Bell Buckle Music Cruise, January 30-February 3, 2006 setting sail out of Port Canaveral, FL on the "Sovereign of the Seas".

New Voices No Cover 03/23/2005 Check it out when you can. Becky Buller is on CMT.com.

Bluegrass in the Schools 03/13/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike presented another fun day of "Bluegrass In The Schools". This time Valerie and Liberty Pike stopped by Grant County Middle School, Mason-Corinth Elementary, and Crittenden Mt-Zion Elementary in Dry Ridge, Kentucky the day before their performance at the Tri City Bluegrass Show in Wilmington, Ohio on March 12th.

That's What Love Can Do 02/22/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike have been working hard on their new album, That's What Love Can Do, at Sound Wave Studios in Nashville, Tenn. The New Project will feature several guest artists. Russell Moore, Lead vocalist with IIIrd Tyme Out, stopped by recently to sing a duet with Valerie on the song "In Those Mines" penned by Liberty Pike's own Becky Buller. That's What Love Can Do will be released late spring 2005.

Bluegrass In The Schools 02/18/2005 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike along with Radford Vance, former member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys presented "Bluegrass In The Schools" to K-6 graders at St. Edwards Catholic School, Lincoln Elementary and Crestview Elementary in Ashland, Ohio the day before their performance at the Ashland Community Arts Center on February 19th.

New Voices No Cover 01/17/2005 Some big news regarding Becky Buller and her Bell Buckle Records debut release "Little Bird". Becky has been invited to take part of the CMT.com segment "New Voices, No Cover". The members of Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike will back Becky on Monday January 24 at the CMT.com studios in Nashville, as she performs four of her original songs off "Little Bird". We will be sure to keep inform of when it will be featured on CMT.com And, were all very excited for Becky and can't wait for the visitors of CMT.com to experience Becky's music and songwriting. So be sure to visit CMT.com for Becky Buller on "New Voices, No Cover".

Val's Pal's 03/31/2003 Valerie starts off her "Val's Pal's" with radio personality, Michelle Lee of the Bluegrass Borderline Show on WOBL-AM out of Oberlin, Ohio, who will be the president. If you would like to learn more about "Val's Pals" just click on the button found on this website!

Chris Cagle 04/22/2004 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike will be opening up for Chris Cagle in Aberdeen South Dakota Brown County Fair. It should be a new, exciting experience!

Black Diamond String 04/23/2004 Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike are proud sponsers of "Black Diamond Strings". They are planning on doing a promotional tour and also visiting their company on April 23rd.

Leadership Bluegrass 03/22/2004 Valerie attended the IBMA Leadership Bluegrass conference in Nashville, TN. It was a 3 day course for people wanting to learn more about the Bluegrass music industry.

Bell Buckle Artists Make IBMA Nominations 07/24/2003 We are proud to announce that the following Bell Buckle Recording artists have been nominated in the first round of balloting for the IBMA awards to be held in October in Louisville. IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) will announce final nominees in August. Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike - Entertainer of the Year Valerie Smith - Female Vocalist of the Year Becky Buller - Fiddle Player of the Year Jeannette Williams - Female Vocalist of the Year Congratulations to the nominees!

Valerie Smith Wins IBMA Award 10/22/2002 Congratulations to Valerie for receiving an award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for her work on Dr. Ralph Stanley's Rebel Records release "Clinch Mountain Sweethearts." The album won Recorded Event of the Year at this year's award show on Oct. 17. This is Valerie's second IBMA award. She was also part of Mark Newton's Rebel Records release "Follow Me Back to the Fold," last year's Recorded Event of the Year.