KINGSPORT, TN. (Top40 Charts/ CSXT Corporation) - GRAMMY Award winner
Patty Loveless will ride the rails as the special guest on the 2007
Santa Train, CSX Transportation (CSXT) officials have announced.
This year marks the 65th journey of the Santa Train through 14 stops in Appalachia, one of the region's most anticipated holiday traditions. On Nov. 17, the Santa Train will travel through three states (Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee), distributing 15 tons of toys and gifts to thousands of people.
Loveless, a native of Pikeville, Ky., where the 110-mile trek of the Santa Train begins, received gifts from the Santa Train as a child. Her past experiences with the annual event led to her participation as the Santa Train celebrity guest in 1999 and again in 2002. Loveless chronicled the excitement at each of the train's stops in a song she wrote titled Santa Train, on her 2002 Bluegrass, White Snow: A Mountain Christmas album.
'Patty's personal connection with Appalachia makes her a perfect on-board guest for the Santa Train,' said Michael J. Ward, CSXT chairman, president and CEO. 'The Santa Train resonated with Patty, even as a child, and we look forward to providing lasting memories for all those who receive gifts during our 65th year.'
Loveless, who has released 15 albums since 1986, received a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Collaboration in 1999. She has reached the Billboard Top 10 singles list 20 times over the course of her career. Loveless, a six-time Country Music Association award winner, was the second woman to receive the CMA 'Album of the Year' award.
'The Kingsport Tennessee Area Chamber of Commerce is proud and excited to have Patty Loveless joining us on the Santa Train this year,' Kingsport Chamber President Tony Hewitt said. 'The Santa Train is such a great tradition and we are so happy Patty Loveless will be joining us again for this year's journey.'
Celebrities who have ridden the train include Alison Krauss, Naomi Judd, Travis Tritt, Kree Harrison and Rebecca Lynn Howard, several governors, U.S. senators and representatives, and other local, state and federal officials.
The Santa Train is a holiday project co-sponsored by CSXT, the Kingsport Tennessee Area Chamber of Commerce and Food City Grocers, headquartered in Abingdon, Va.
