This Wednesday is somewhat of a historic day-----just how historic it is might be shrouded in mystery, however. Let me start off this post by saying that one of the most time-honored traditions in Country Music has been the story song……"The Carroll County Accident," "El Paso," "Coat Of Many Colors," there have been many songs over the years that have played with the mind and struck a chord in the imagination. The song I am writing about this week is one of those, and maybe the best example of a story song in Country Music history.
Wednesday is June 3. Some believe that in 1953, a death took place in Northern Mississippi, even though there has never been any actual proof of that fact. However, fourteen years later, you couldn't get away from a song that started like this:
"It was the third of June, another hot and dusty Delta day…."
You probably know the song, "Ode To Billy Joe," which was written by Bobbie Gentry. Whatever station you listened to back in 1967, Country or Pop, it was one of the most-played records in the United States. The song told the story of the death of Billy Joe McCallister, who jumped off the infamous Tallahatchie Bridge.
The Capitol Records release featured one of the most haunting melodies and string sections ever to be used on a song, and some forty-two years later, there has never been a definitive answer to the question of what Billy Joe and the song's narrator were seen throwing off the bridge before the character took his life.
You might say that it would make a good movie, but Hollywood tried that…..and failed miserably. In 1975, eight years after the release of the song, Max Baer, Jr. ("Jethro" himself) produced a movie that starred Robby Benson and Glynnis O'Connor that I don't think did the Gentry hit justice. The song was cutting edge, haunting, and featured a sizzling vocal by a lady that I don't think ever got her due for being a sensual writer and performer. Having heard some of her other story songs over her career, I think you could compare her writing to that of another great name of the South, William Faulkner. Simply put, the lady had an imagination!
The movie, on the other hand, was filled with as many Southern clichés as you could count, and some very fake southern accents that lost me about three minutes into the film. (Even though, as I have been told, my parents didn't get that far into the movie at the Pink Cadillac Drive-In in Centerville, TN……There was some baby crying nearby!)
Just as the song has conjured up many theories over the years as to what happened in the lyrics, the same could be said of Bobbie Gentry as well. She has pretty much faded from the entertainment business since the early 1980s, and in researching the song, I found little interview information about her. Just like the story of Billy Joe, there is a vein of secrecy about her, as well.
In the end, maybe that's a good thing. Now, don't get me wrong. I love Southern Gothic tales like this one and Walking Tall (the 1973 original is an underrated classic) as much as anybody, and if Hollywood chose to re-tell the story….I'd be the first in line. I've even got a few ideas of how you could freshen up the story somewhat. Some things are better left alone…..but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject. What do you think the mystery of this record was? E-Mail me at spinthehitz74@gmail.com........
What might surprise you is that Bobbie Gentry (or Capitol Records) probably never intended for there to be such interest in this story. "Ode To Billy Joe" was actually released as the "B-Side" of "Mississippi Delta," which should have been a hit, as well….but then again…we wouldn't be having this conversation, would we?
While we may never know the true meaning of the song…..I think history has proven this song is a true classic. In closing, let's turn back the hands of time to 1967….imagine a seductive, raspy voice and strings galore in the background….and the story of "Ode To Billy Joe."
It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day
I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was balin' hay
And at dinner time we stopped and walked back to the house to eat
And Mama hollered out the back door "y'all remember to wipe your feet"
And then she said "I got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge"
"Today Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge"
And Papa said to Mama as he passed around the blackeyed peas
"Well, Billy Joe never had a lick of sense, pass the biscuits, please"
"There's five more acres in the lower forty I've got to plow"
And Mama said it was shame about Billy Joe, anyhow
Seems like nothin' ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge
And now Billy Joe MacAllister's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge
And Brother said he recollected when he and Tom and Billie Joe
Put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show
And wasn't I talkin' to him after church last Sunday night?
"I'll have another piece of apple pie, you know it don't seem right"
"I saw him at the sawmill yesterday on Choctaw Ridge"
"And now you tell me Billie Joe's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge"
And Mama said to me "Child, what's happened to your appetite?"
"I've been cookin' all morning and you haven't touched a single bite"
"That nice young preacher, Brother Taylor, dropped by today"
"Said he'd be pleased to have dinner on Sunday, oh, by the way"
"He said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge"
"And she and Billy Joe was throwing somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge"
A year has come 'n' gone since we heard the news 'bout Billy Joe
And Brother married Becky Thompson, they bought a store in Tupelo
There was a virus going 'round, Papa caught it and he died last Spring
And now Mama doesn't seem to wanna do much of anything
And me, I spend a lot of time pickin' flowers up on Choctaw Ridge
And drop them into the muddy water off the Tallahatchie Bridge.
(Ode To Billy Joe---written by Bobbie Gentry / Universal Music Publishing)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
PLACES I HAVE BEEN....AND A FEW I HAVEN'T
First of all, a happy Memorial Day weekend to one and all. With the arrival of this holiday, many people begin to think about vacations. While this year, I don't know if we will be able to make a trip to the luxurious village of Shady Grove (nestled in the eastern portion of Hickman County), I can say that I am no different. There's something about going to different surroundings than which you are accustomed that is pretty neat……With that said, I offer you ten such places that I have been blessed to visit over the years that just might pique your interest!
ALBERTVIILLE / GUNTERSVILLE, AL------The appeal of the Sand Mountain area gets a lift from the beautiful Lake Guntersville in Northern Alabama. “The Shopper’s Paradise Of The South,” Boaz, isn’t that far away, as well….though many of the outlet malls that once filled the area have shut down. The towns around this area all have a quaint small town charm, yet all possess one thing that is crucial for survival wherever you go----a Wal-Mart! Well worth a trip.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS / CHARLOTTESVILLE / SCHUYLER, VA-----As a youngster who grew up on the classic series “The Waltons,” I was always intrigued by the area that Earl Hamner, Jr. wrote and spoke of so eloquently about. Over the years, I have visited this area a few times, with my honeymoon there in 2007 being a highlight. Having been to the Waltons Mountain Museum in Schuyler, I can tell you that you must be a little bit patient. Highway 629 winds so far back off the main route that you will wonder if you are ever going to make your destination. The museum is located across from the house that was the real-life Hamner homestead, but even if you’re not a fan of John-Boy and company, the beauty of the entire region will charm you to no end, and likely make you a return visitor!
CORINTH--TUPELO, MS / SELMER, TN----Many years ago, I first became drawn to the legacy of the late “Walking Tall” sheriff Buford Pusser. That led me to many trips to the infamous “State Line,” where much of the story took place. Though some four decades have passed, there is still a sense of yesterday in Southwest Tennessee and Northern Mississippi that will entice you. First of all, besides the “Walking Tall” element, you will find in the area a spot that I think could be Heaven on Earth, Pickwick Landing State Park just to the east. Across the line, you will find the historic vibe of Corinth, as well as some of the South’s most beautiful areas in places like Iuka, Booneville (one of the most scenic small towns in the south), and Tupelo, which is the birthplace of another southern icon, Elvis Presley…..and who could resist that?
DALLAS, TX------As a lifelong fan of both Country Music and “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys…..I have to admit…there is something that is different about the Lone Star State as soon as you cross over from Arkansas into Texarkana. Everything takes on a larger-than-life mentality. Having been there on a couple of occasions, I will tell you the area is simply stunning. From standing at mid-field at Texas Stadium to walking through the halls of Southfork Ranch, one of Television’s most legendary houses…..Dallas is as big as the legends that surround it…and then some…..Plus, the restaurants are about as good as it gets!
GREEN BAY, WI-----Even though I am a Cowboys fan, I do have to admit that there is something special about places like….Lambeau Field. Three years ago, I flew into the area formerly known as Favre-land to see one of the cities and football fields that have helped to define the sport. While taking a tour of the facilities there, and eating at Favre’s Steakhouse didn’t convert me from Silver and Blue, I will say that the trip totally mesmerized me. There’s something special about the way that citizens there feel about that team----something you don’t get just anywhere. Plus, the area is visually gorgeous, and the Cowboys have played there a few times….such as the Ice Bowl in ’67, where the Packers were guilty of a false start,……just so you know!
HUNTINGDON, WV----One of the professional highlights of my career was in the summer of 2005 when I was asked to speak on a panel concerning writing about the music business in Huntingdon, WV. Surrounded by the mountains, the downtown part of the city has a historic, yet progressive touch. The bridges and the waterways that separate West Virginia from Ohio and Kentucky are intoxicating. Take this trip…..but also take a camera. Years later, you’ll be happy you did!
LOS ANGELES, CA-----I have been blessed to be able to travel some during my lifetime, and there are a few destinations that are a little bit special to me. Los Angeles is one of those. At the risk of sounding like a small-town boy, there's something that is exciting to me about landing at LAX, which is bigger than a lot of towns around Middle Tennessee. There's the Hollywood element to the city, and there's also the beach. When I first visited there in 2003, I hadn't been to the sands in about two decades…..Coming to the end of Santa Monica Boulevard, and turning on my favorite highway in America, the Pacific Coast Highway is something I'll always remember. The Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, The "Hot Dog On A Stick" stand on the beach, and sitting with one of my best friends, Ben, and eating at one of the legendary Shakey's Pizza Houses are memories I'll always cherish….Hopefully, one day I'll make it back out there.
MACKINAW ISLAND, MI----Home of one of the longest suspension bridges in the United States, this was one of my earliest vacation memories. One thing that I will always connect to this area is the Candy Shops that line the streets of Mackinac Island, just a few miles off shore. While it may not be a tourist's dream in the winter months, the cool breeze on the island even in June or July I can still feel, even though I haven't been there since 1986.
PIKEVILLE / BEREA / RENFRO VALLEY, KY----For business purposes, I had to travel to Pikeville, KY in the fall of 2004. It took me about three years, but I finally found a reason to go back when my wife Shannon and I celebrated our honeymoon. Pikeville is a city that gave the music world Dwight Yoakam and Patty Loveless, and it completely sits in the rugged mountain terrain of Eastern Kentucky. It's one of many reasons to visit the area, which also includes historic Berea, and Renfro Valley, which has a Country Music legend all its' own. The home of the legendary radio show started by John Lair, Renfro Valley still plays host to some of the format's most legendary stars, including The Oak Ridge Boys, George Jones, and Ronnie Milsap.
WASHINGTON, DC----After talking about it for a few years, my brother and I boarded a plane in the spring of 2002 and travelled to our nation's capital. I'm glad that we did. You grow up reading about places like the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln and Jefferson Monuments, and the National Mall in history books and on TV, but nothing compares to seeing everything live and up close. Probably the most compelling sight I saw during my few days there was seeing the view of downtown D.C. from the hills of Arlington National Cemetery, trying to visualize the procession that was made on November 25, 1963---the date of arguably the most famous burial in the history of Arlington.
In addition, I thought I would throw out a few places that I have never ventured to before that someday before I become history…I would love to see….
CHICAGO-------My father is from Northwestern Illinois, so you might think that I have been to Chicago many times---but you'd be wrong. Actually I was there one time, for about two hours on a layover to Green Bay. So….I would love to buy one of those $59 flights that Southwest has been hawking for years. The Sears Tower, Soldier Field, Wrigley,…there's a lot to see…..I wouldn't mind eating at Michael Jordan's restaurant, either…..They also have some nice places to shop there, don't they?
DENVER--------I would love to see the Rocky Mountains at least once before I die, and I have heard a lot about the "Mile High City." I think part of the allure about going here is that aside from California, I have never been west of Iowa, and it would be a neat trip.
MINNEAPOLIS------My brother and I talked about flying here a few years ago around the holidays to see the Mall Of America. Somehow, the $1300 that it would cost us both to go scared us off….just a little. Still, it would be a fun excursion, especially around Christmas-time….Southwest does fly there now, and that does make the fare a little cheaper. I also have a feeling they are going to be selling Brett Favre jerseys in the city soon….
OAK HILL, WV--------At some point in my life, I want to find myself in Knoxville, TN about 10pm on New Years' Eve, and make a trip to Oak Hill. The reason for this is that it was the route that Hank Williams took on his final ride, and (just like many others) that trip looms as one of the most mysterious in Country Music history. What exactly happened to Hank, and Where did he pass away? I don't think I would get any answers……but you just might run into a ghost or two along Highway 11…and that might make for a pretty good song!
VERMONT----For three years, I worked for Wayne Warner, an artist from this state, and I always talked about making a trip there….but I never did. The fact that the state is so close to Canada, another Country , intrigued me a little, and the beauty that so many talk about make me wish that I had…..Oh, well, maybe one day!
In any case, those are a few of my ideas about vacation spots….It's fun to get away for even just a few days, and the memories are well worth it….Happy Travelling!....Just buy me a T-Shirt!
ALBERTVIILLE / GUNTERSVILLE, AL------The appeal of the Sand Mountain area gets a lift from the beautiful Lake Guntersville in Northern Alabama. “The Shopper’s Paradise Of The South,” Boaz, isn’t that far away, as well….though many of the outlet malls that once filled the area have shut down. The towns around this area all have a quaint small town charm, yet all possess one thing that is crucial for survival wherever you go----a Wal-Mart! Well worth a trip.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS / CHARLOTTESVILLE / SCHUYLER, VA-----As a youngster who grew up on the classic series “The Waltons,” I was always intrigued by the area that Earl Hamner, Jr. wrote and spoke of so eloquently about. Over the years, I have visited this area a few times, with my honeymoon there in 2007 being a highlight. Having been to the Waltons Mountain Museum in Schuyler, I can tell you that you must be a little bit patient. Highway 629 winds so far back off the main route that you will wonder if you are ever going to make your destination. The museum is located across from the house that was the real-life Hamner homestead, but even if you’re not a fan of John-Boy and company, the beauty of the entire region will charm you to no end, and likely make you a return visitor!
CORINTH--TUPELO, MS / SELMER, TN----Many years ago, I first became drawn to the legacy of the late “Walking Tall” sheriff Buford Pusser. That led me to many trips to the infamous “State Line,” where much of the story took place. Though some four decades have passed, there is still a sense of yesterday in Southwest Tennessee and Northern Mississippi that will entice you. First of all, besides the “Walking Tall” element, you will find in the area a spot that I think could be Heaven on Earth, Pickwick Landing State Park just to the east. Across the line, you will find the historic vibe of Corinth, as well as some of the South’s most beautiful areas in places like Iuka, Booneville (one of the most scenic small towns in the south), and Tupelo, which is the birthplace of another southern icon, Elvis Presley…..and who could resist that?
DALLAS, TX------As a lifelong fan of both Country Music and “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys…..I have to admit…there is something that is different about the Lone Star State as soon as you cross over from Arkansas into Texarkana. Everything takes on a larger-than-life mentality. Having been there on a couple of occasions, I will tell you the area is simply stunning. From standing at mid-field at Texas Stadium to walking through the halls of Southfork Ranch, one of Television’s most legendary houses…..Dallas is as big as the legends that surround it…and then some…..Plus, the restaurants are about as good as it gets!
GREEN BAY, WI-----Even though I am a Cowboys fan, I do have to admit that there is something special about places like….Lambeau Field. Three years ago, I flew into the area formerly known as Favre-land to see one of the cities and football fields that have helped to define the sport. While taking a tour of the facilities there, and eating at Favre’s Steakhouse didn’t convert me from Silver and Blue, I will say that the trip totally mesmerized me. There’s something special about the way that citizens there feel about that team----something you don’t get just anywhere. Plus, the area is visually gorgeous, and the Cowboys have played there a few times….such as the Ice Bowl in ’67, where the Packers were guilty of a false start,……just so you know!
HUNTINGDON, WV----One of the professional highlights of my career was in the summer of 2005 when I was asked to speak on a panel concerning writing about the music business in Huntingdon, WV. Surrounded by the mountains, the downtown part of the city has a historic, yet progressive touch. The bridges and the waterways that separate West Virginia from Ohio and Kentucky are intoxicating. Take this trip…..but also take a camera. Years later, you’ll be happy you did!
LOS ANGELES, CA-----I have been blessed to be able to travel some during my lifetime, and there are a few destinations that are a little bit special to me. Los Angeles is one of those. At the risk of sounding like a small-town boy, there's something that is exciting to me about landing at LAX, which is bigger than a lot of towns around Middle Tennessee. There's the Hollywood element to the city, and there's also the beach. When I first visited there in 2003, I hadn't been to the sands in about two decades…..Coming to the end of Santa Monica Boulevard, and turning on my favorite highway in America, the Pacific Coast Highway is something I'll always remember. The Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, The "Hot Dog On A Stick" stand on the beach, and sitting with one of my best friends, Ben, and eating at one of the legendary Shakey's Pizza Houses are memories I'll always cherish….Hopefully, one day I'll make it back out there.
MACKINAW ISLAND, MI----Home of one of the longest suspension bridges in the United States, this was one of my earliest vacation memories. One thing that I will always connect to this area is the Candy Shops that line the streets of Mackinac Island, just a few miles off shore. While it may not be a tourist's dream in the winter months, the cool breeze on the island even in June or July I can still feel, even though I haven't been there since 1986.
PIKEVILLE / BEREA / RENFRO VALLEY, KY----For business purposes, I had to travel to Pikeville, KY in the fall of 2004. It took me about three years, but I finally found a reason to go back when my wife Shannon and I celebrated our honeymoon. Pikeville is a city that gave the music world Dwight Yoakam and Patty Loveless, and it completely sits in the rugged mountain terrain of Eastern Kentucky. It's one of many reasons to visit the area, which also includes historic Berea, and Renfro Valley, which has a Country Music legend all its' own. The home of the legendary radio show started by John Lair, Renfro Valley still plays host to some of the format's most legendary stars, including The Oak Ridge Boys, George Jones, and Ronnie Milsap.
WASHINGTON, DC----After talking about it for a few years, my brother and I boarded a plane in the spring of 2002 and travelled to our nation's capital. I'm glad that we did. You grow up reading about places like the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln and Jefferson Monuments, and the National Mall in history books and on TV, but nothing compares to seeing everything live and up close. Probably the most compelling sight I saw during my few days there was seeing the view of downtown D.C. from the hills of Arlington National Cemetery, trying to visualize the procession that was made on November 25, 1963---the date of arguably the most famous burial in the history of Arlington.
In addition, I thought I would throw out a few places that I have never ventured to before that someday before I become history…I would love to see….
CHICAGO-------My father is from Northwestern Illinois, so you might think that I have been to Chicago many times---but you'd be wrong. Actually I was there one time, for about two hours on a layover to Green Bay. So….I would love to buy one of those $59 flights that Southwest has been hawking for years. The Sears Tower, Soldier Field, Wrigley,…there's a lot to see…..I wouldn't mind eating at Michael Jordan's restaurant, either…..They also have some nice places to shop there, don't they?
DENVER--------I would love to see the Rocky Mountains at least once before I die, and I have heard a lot about the "Mile High City." I think part of the allure about going here is that aside from California, I have never been west of Iowa, and it would be a neat trip.
MINNEAPOLIS------My brother and I talked about flying here a few years ago around the holidays to see the Mall Of America. Somehow, the $1300 that it would cost us both to go scared us off….just a little. Still, it would be a fun excursion, especially around Christmas-time….Southwest does fly there now, and that does make the fare a little cheaper. I also have a feeling they are going to be selling Brett Favre jerseys in the city soon….
OAK HILL, WV--------At some point in my life, I want to find myself in Knoxville, TN about 10pm on New Years' Eve, and make a trip to Oak Hill. The reason for this is that it was the route that Hank Williams took on his final ride, and (just like many others) that trip looms as one of the most mysterious in Country Music history. What exactly happened to Hank, and Where did he pass away? I don't think I would get any answers……but you just might run into a ghost or two along Highway 11…and that might make for a pretty good song!
VERMONT----For three years, I worked for Wayne Warner, an artist from this state, and I always talked about making a trip there….but I never did. The fact that the state is so close to Canada, another Country , intrigued me a little, and the beauty that so many talk about make me wish that I had…..Oh, well, maybe one day!
In any case, those are a few of my ideas about vacation spots….It's fun to get away for even just a few days, and the memories are well worth it….Happy Travelling!....Just buy me a T-Shirt!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Way To Say Goodbye
Last Monday was an exciting one in the Dauphin household, with the season finale of the FOX-TV series "House." Going back to my younger days, there was always something exciting about television series during the month of May. Since the days of "Dallas," and the question "Who Shot J.R.?" back in 1980, series have loved to leave us guessing. Each May, there are always a few classic series that fade into television history. Some leave the air in a way that makes you scratch your head, while others go off in a classy manner! Here are ten of the best series finales of all time!
10. MAGNUM, P.I. (1988)----In the series finale, longtime bachelor Rick tied the knot (or did he?), and Thomas Magnum went back into the service. The ever-popular series actually ended with a cliffhanger, of sorts----Was Jonathan Higgins actually the mysterious Robin Masters? Two decades have passed without the answer!
9. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE (1984)---When an evil businessman buys the town of Walnut Grove, Michael Landon and company blow up all the buildings in the town, which served as a rather explosive ending to one of the warmest shows ever on TV.
8. KNOTS LANDING (1993)----Longtime viewers had to smile when the conniving Abby moved back into the cul-de-sac---next door to Gary and Val, whose marriage she had broken up a decade earlier. Michele Lee's double take to the camera in the final frame seemed to say to the viewers, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
7. TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL (2003)---A show that could always bring tears, the big question during the nine-year run was whether Monica could earn her wings. The final episode had that answer, with the angelic Roma Downey doing just that.
6. HAPPY DAYS (1984)----Some shows just end right, with the Fonz adopting a child, and the marriage of Joanie and Chachi, which brought back nearly the entire cast, even Ron Howard.
5. HAWAII FIVE-0 (1980)----Throughout the entire run of 5-0, the criminal known as Wo Fat eluded arrest by Steve McGarrett. However, in April 1980 after a twelve-season run, he finally booked him! If nothing else, the show was worth watching for the theme song alone!
4. M*A*S*H (1983)----Still the most-watched television episode ever, the scene where Hawkeye sees B.J.'s goodbye spelled out in rocks still chokes me up. Alan Alda's portrayal of Hawkeye's nervous breakdown at the episode's beginning was also brilliantly played.
3. NEWHART (1990)----One of the best sitcoms of all time took a page from the Ewings of Dallas, when it ended with the premise that the entire eight-season run of the series had been a dream of Dr. Bob Hartley, Newhart's previous character on "The Bob Newhart Show." The shock when Bob turned over in bed to see Suzanne Pleshette was one of TV's funniest moments.
2. THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW (1977)---Sometimes, a show goes longer than it should, but Moore's decision to end her series was just the way to do it. The final episode had everything---emotion, farewells, and a little bit of irony. WJM gets sold, and who was the only one to keep their job? The insufferable Ted Baxter, played to Emmy-winning perfection by the late Ted Knight. Since then, how many series finales have had a group hug, or had a character turn out a light? It all started here!
1. THE FUGITIVE (1967)-----I have seen this one only in reruns, as I was seven years in the making at the time. Over four decades later, "the day the running stopped" for Dr. Richard Kimble still stands as one of Television's most exciting hours. The fight between Kimble and the infamous "one-armed man," not to mention his shooting by Lt. Gerard was part of the highest rated TV episode for over thirteen years, when J.R Ewing's attacker was brought to Texas Justice on "Dallas."
10. MAGNUM, P.I. (1988)----In the series finale, longtime bachelor Rick tied the knot (or did he?), and Thomas Magnum went back into the service. The ever-popular series actually ended with a cliffhanger, of sorts----Was Jonathan Higgins actually the mysterious Robin Masters? Two decades have passed without the answer!
9. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE (1984)---When an evil businessman buys the town of Walnut Grove, Michael Landon and company blow up all the buildings in the town, which served as a rather explosive ending to one of the warmest shows ever on TV.
8. KNOTS LANDING (1993)----Longtime viewers had to smile when the conniving Abby moved back into the cul-de-sac---next door to Gary and Val, whose marriage she had broken up a decade earlier. Michele Lee's double take to the camera in the final frame seemed to say to the viewers, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
7. TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL (2003)---A show that could always bring tears, the big question during the nine-year run was whether Monica could earn her wings. The final episode had that answer, with the angelic Roma Downey doing just that.
6. HAPPY DAYS (1984)----Some shows just end right, with the Fonz adopting a child, and the marriage of Joanie and Chachi, which brought back nearly the entire cast, even Ron Howard.
5. HAWAII FIVE-0 (1980)----Throughout the entire run of 5-0, the criminal known as Wo Fat eluded arrest by Steve McGarrett. However, in April 1980 after a twelve-season run, he finally booked him! If nothing else, the show was worth watching for the theme song alone!
4. M*A*S*H (1983)----Still the most-watched television episode ever, the scene where Hawkeye sees B.J.'s goodbye spelled out in rocks still chokes me up. Alan Alda's portrayal of Hawkeye's nervous breakdown at the episode's beginning was also brilliantly played.
3. NEWHART (1990)----One of the best sitcoms of all time took a page from the Ewings of Dallas, when it ended with the premise that the entire eight-season run of the series had been a dream of Dr. Bob Hartley, Newhart's previous character on "The Bob Newhart Show." The shock when Bob turned over in bed to see Suzanne Pleshette was one of TV's funniest moments.
2. THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW (1977)---Sometimes, a show goes longer than it should, but Moore's decision to end her series was just the way to do it. The final episode had everything---emotion, farewells, and a little bit of irony. WJM gets sold, and who was the only one to keep their job? The insufferable Ted Baxter, played to Emmy-winning perfection by the late Ted Knight. Since then, how many series finales have had a group hug, or had a character turn out a light? It all started here!
1. THE FUGITIVE (1967)-----I have seen this one only in reruns, as I was seven years in the making at the time. Over four decades later, "the day the running stopped" for Dr. Richard Kimble still stands as one of Television's most exciting hours. The fight between Kimble and the infamous "one-armed man," not to mention his shooting by Lt. Gerard was part of the highest rated TV episode for over thirteen years, when J.R Ewing's attacker was brought to Texas Justice on "Dallas."
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Boys Are Back, Indeed!
For the past few weeks that I have been doing this blog, I have tried to resist the urge to write about one of the topics that I usually do---the music business. I figure that between NEW MUSIC WEEKLY, Music News Nashville, Limewire, and all the other music publications I write for, I get plenty of chances to delve into my thoughts on the music that I hear. I like getting to write about different things going on in life besides what seems to be the obvious.
With that being said, this is one of those weeks that the subject matter is a little bit hard to come by, and one of the things that has inspired me the most has been....music. You would think that eighteen years of being in the business, and being a fan for more years than that, the thrill of the mail delivery each day would begin to be a little less. It hasn't. People that I have worked with over the years, even my wife, have poked fun at the fact that I take the mail run each day seriously. I have to admit.....I do. There's something about the thrill of getting manila envelopes stuffed with CD's from record companies that I just love. There's a thrill about hearing something brand new for the first time...especially if it's good. A lot of times, it might be a new act. I still remember the first time I heard acts like Lee Ann Womack and Brad Paisley....and brand new acts like Due West and Bulls Gap, both of whom I think have the potential to be huge.
Sometimes, it's a legendary act that brings out the fire in me. I love hearing when an older act steps out of their comfort zone a bit. It may not be their most commercially successful recording, but hearing someone like Kenny Rogers and a song like "The Last Ten Years," latter-day recordings by Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash, or some of the more recent recordings by Dolly, there's something refreshing about an act who is still out there creating new art for fans to enjoy.
That leads me to this week's reason to be excited about the music business---The Oak Ridge Boys. I have just heard their new album entitled THE BOYS ARE BACK, and I must admit that to call it an artistic statement is something of an understatement. It's also one that comes from a little bit left of center. Dave Cobb, who has done an awesome job as Shooter Jennings' producer, guided the project...which features some of the group's biggest musical risks in years. The Oak Ridge Boys recording a song from Shooter? Check. Neil Young? Check. The White Stripes? Check again! In fact, the group's version of "Seven Nation Army" is one of the best things they have ever dome. Songs from such revered writers as Jamey Johnson, Paul Kennerly, and Dallas Frazier also are included on the disc.
Of interest to fans will be the title track, written by Shooter Jennings, which is a tribute to the history and legacy of the group from their beginnings with Wally Fowler back in the 1940s. Shooter proves himself to be a great student of history on this track, which has that unmistakable four-part harmony that could only come from the "Mighty Oaks." As an aside, I will say that not making Shooter Jennings a star in his own right is one of the biggest sins that Music City has committed as of late....But this is about the Oaks, right?
The album comes out May 19, which is a week from this Tuesday, and I urge each of you to pick up a copy. You will be glad you did. I will be writing more about this album in my usual forums, but I wanted to let you know that it's one of those albums that both entertain and inspire you....at the same time. If you want to hear some of the album, tune in to Kix 96.7 this Thursday from 1-3, as I will be interviewing Richard Sterban of the Oaks...and we'll be talking more about it then....but I just had to let you know....The Boys Are Back.....in a big way!
With that being said, this is one of those weeks that the subject matter is a little bit hard to come by, and one of the things that has inspired me the most has been....music. You would think that eighteen years of being in the business, and being a fan for more years than that, the thrill of the mail delivery each day would begin to be a little less. It hasn't. People that I have worked with over the years, even my wife, have poked fun at the fact that I take the mail run each day seriously. I have to admit.....I do. There's something about the thrill of getting manila envelopes stuffed with CD's from record companies that I just love. There's a thrill about hearing something brand new for the first time...especially if it's good. A lot of times, it might be a new act. I still remember the first time I heard acts like Lee Ann Womack and Brad Paisley....and brand new acts like Due West and Bulls Gap, both of whom I think have the potential to be huge.
Sometimes, it's a legendary act that brings out the fire in me. I love hearing when an older act steps out of their comfort zone a bit. It may not be their most commercially successful recording, but hearing someone like Kenny Rogers and a song like "The Last Ten Years," latter-day recordings by Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash, or some of the more recent recordings by Dolly, there's something refreshing about an act who is still out there creating new art for fans to enjoy.
That leads me to this week's reason to be excited about the music business---The Oak Ridge Boys. I have just heard their new album entitled THE BOYS ARE BACK, and I must admit that to call it an artistic statement is something of an understatement. It's also one that comes from a little bit left of center. Dave Cobb, who has done an awesome job as Shooter Jennings' producer, guided the project...which features some of the group's biggest musical risks in years. The Oak Ridge Boys recording a song from Shooter? Check. Neil Young? Check. The White Stripes? Check again! In fact, the group's version of "Seven Nation Army" is one of the best things they have ever dome. Songs from such revered writers as Jamey Johnson, Paul Kennerly, and Dallas Frazier also are included on the disc.
Of interest to fans will be the title track, written by Shooter Jennings, which is a tribute to the history and legacy of the group from their beginnings with Wally Fowler back in the 1940s. Shooter proves himself to be a great student of history on this track, which has that unmistakable four-part harmony that could only come from the "Mighty Oaks." As an aside, I will say that not making Shooter Jennings a star in his own right is one of the biggest sins that Music City has committed as of late....But this is about the Oaks, right?
The album comes out May 19, which is a week from this Tuesday, and I urge each of you to pick up a copy. You will be glad you did. I will be writing more about this album in my usual forums, but I wanted to let you know that it's one of those albums that both entertain and inspire you....at the same time. If you want to hear some of the album, tune in to Kix 96.7 this Thursday from 1-3, as I will be interviewing Richard Sterban of the Oaks...and we'll be talking more about it then....but I just had to let you know....The Boys Are Back.....in a big way!
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Hall Of Fame For Mothers
Where is this year going? We are already one-third done with 2009, and the year refuses to slow down. I guess that's what you call time going by. Well, since the second Sunday in May is here, I thought I would share a few thoughts about the upcoming holiday known as Mother's Day.
I have made no secret of the influence that legendary Virginia writer Earl Hamner, Jr. has had on me over the years. Of course, a lot of that influence stems from his creation of the legendary TV series THE WALTONS, but I also have been a big fan of his writing over the years. His most recent work is a book titled Generous Women, a collection of stories about how various members of the fairer sex have been influential in his life. I thought I would take a page from "John-Boy" once again, and pay tribute to a few women that have had a part in my life.
JEANETTE KIMBRO-----The first in a long line of "Second Moms" in my life. I can not tell you how many spaghetti dinners I have had in the Kimbro house over the years. You see, her youngest son Randall is my "Brother From Another Mother." She has always been a pretty straight-forward person as most Country people are. I don't get to see my second set of parents as much as I would like, as life takes everyone in a different direction for each day of the week, but I love them very much. One thing I always remember about dinner around the Kimbro table is how much they used to have the radio on….especially that station that their son and I would prank call on their "Swap & Shop" program. How days go by………
ANN GALYA---Another of my friend's mothers who has been influential in life. While I knew her son, Bobby, since the first grade, I didn't get to know her until a few years later when we were in Middle School. One thing I will carry with me about her is how you should always be true to yourself……no matter what people think. Due to a lot of reasons, change happened to her in a great way in the 1980s, but she responded……and reacted to it. Her husband, Bobby Galya, was one of the first influences I ever had about stepping into the parenthood shoes in mid-stream. I didn't know it then, but the lessons came in handy.
BETTY GIBBS--I first met Betty when she started to date a guy at Church that I looked (and still do) up to. The two of them became my listening rods during my teenage (and early 20s) years when I didn't want to go to my parents about love and life. Her frank answers sometimes weren't what I wanted to hear…..but in some cases, she was right. Thanks for the Sunday night dinners over the years…..even though I didn't get many of the "Donut Sticks" that belonged to someone else.
MARY BAKER---One of the dearest people I have ever met. When I started in radio in 1991, she was one of the first listeners that I ever got to know real well. She, as well as her children, Terry, Vickie, and Helen, became my first "second family" I got to know in adulthood by myself. You know those people who always make you feel real good about yourself? She's one of them! If you find me in Centerville, I'll play you an Alan Jackson song!
MARCIA DAUPHIN----Change is not something that I always respond to very well. I will tell you this, though. Sometimes it's worth it. In the past three years, Marcia has made my father very happy, and that's been very important to me. Also, she has become a very good friend to me over time….and that's something for which I'm grateful. Plus, you have to love anyone who loves animals…..and her heart speaks volumes on this! You've become exactly what you said you wanted to be that February night two years ago....a friend!
JOANNA (or is it Joanne) GIBSON-----There are a hundred---Make that two hundred songs about how awful a "Mother-In-Law" is. I have to count myself very blessed to have one that is a "pretty cool chick." In fact, she's cool enough to let it slide one of the names I referred to her as...she can't stand! As to which one? Aek ger and maybe she will tell you...…..Well then again, maybe not! Seriously, she has made me feel very accepted over the past few years, and I am glad to be her Son-In-Law….Just make sure you feed the cat. Ah, the beauty of inside jokes.
SHANNON DAUPHIN------While you're not a mother figure to me, you have been a very influential woman to me. I love you more with each passing day. I have depended upon you for a lot of strength jumping into the father fray over the years, but also when the world is seemingly coming to an end….you convince me that it's not so. We might not agree on everything….(Men are from Mars, you know), but I love you very much…….With All That Is Yada….Or As Bella Calls It Yoda!
And, while all these people are still very much among us, there is one more that I have to write about. Growing up an only child, I have to admit to being a "Mamma's Boy," and I say it loud and proud. Paulette Dauphin was not perfect, by any stretch of the margin…..but I will tell you that to me, her influence is and will always be felt to this day. Whether it was Saturday morning trips to the mall, or yearly visits to Christmas In The Country in November at the High School…….she was the best. I'm not going to get too maudlin here, (Shannon says I can't help it though!), but I guess my mother was the closest person to me that I have ever had to pass away. I always thought people to stretch the truth when they said they would think about someone every day for years and years after they are gone……Almost four years have gone by, and I still think about her each day. Thankfully, the majority of these instances are positive ones now! I love you very much, and your influence lives on in me.
Well, the word clicker says 1,040 (as of this word), so I better get going…..There's a Tracy Lawrence interview to do this week, as well ballgames to cover, and a radio show to plan. To all the Mothers out there, Happy Mothers Day, and if your Mom is still out there, (In the words of the legendary Alabama coach "Bear Bryant)….."Don't Forget To Call Your Mama…..I Wish I Could Call Mine….(also written by the late, great Southern treasure Lewis Grizzard, but I couldn't bear to put his Georgia Bulldog name side by side with someone from the Crimson Tide!)
I have made no secret of the influence that legendary Virginia writer Earl Hamner, Jr. has had on me over the years. Of course, a lot of that influence stems from his creation of the legendary TV series THE WALTONS, but I also have been a big fan of his writing over the years. His most recent work is a book titled Generous Women, a collection of stories about how various members of the fairer sex have been influential in his life. I thought I would take a page from "John-Boy" once again, and pay tribute to a few women that have had a part in my life.
JEANETTE KIMBRO-----The first in a long line of "Second Moms" in my life. I can not tell you how many spaghetti dinners I have had in the Kimbro house over the years. You see, her youngest son Randall is my "Brother From Another Mother." She has always been a pretty straight-forward person as most Country people are. I don't get to see my second set of parents as much as I would like, as life takes everyone in a different direction for each day of the week, but I love them very much. One thing I always remember about dinner around the Kimbro table is how much they used to have the radio on….especially that station that their son and I would prank call on their "Swap & Shop" program. How days go by………
ANN GALYA---Another of my friend's mothers who has been influential in life. While I knew her son, Bobby, since the first grade, I didn't get to know her until a few years later when we were in Middle School. One thing I will carry with me about her is how you should always be true to yourself……no matter what people think. Due to a lot of reasons, change happened to her in a great way in the 1980s, but she responded……and reacted to it. Her husband, Bobby Galya, was one of the first influences I ever had about stepping into the parenthood shoes in mid-stream. I didn't know it then, but the lessons came in handy.
BETTY GIBBS--I first met Betty when she started to date a guy at Church that I looked (and still do) up to. The two of them became my listening rods during my teenage (and early 20s) years when I didn't want to go to my parents about love and life. Her frank answers sometimes weren't what I wanted to hear…..but in some cases, she was right. Thanks for the Sunday night dinners over the years…..even though I didn't get many of the "Donut Sticks" that belonged to someone else.
MARY BAKER---One of the dearest people I have ever met. When I started in radio in 1991, she was one of the first listeners that I ever got to know real well. She, as well as her children, Terry, Vickie, and Helen, became my first "second family" I got to know in adulthood by myself. You know those people who always make you feel real good about yourself? She's one of them! If you find me in Centerville, I'll play you an Alan Jackson song!
MARCIA DAUPHIN----Change is not something that I always respond to very well. I will tell you this, though. Sometimes it's worth it. In the past three years, Marcia has made my father very happy, and that's been very important to me. Also, she has become a very good friend to me over time….and that's something for which I'm grateful. Plus, you have to love anyone who loves animals…..and her heart speaks volumes on this! You've become exactly what you said you wanted to be that February night two years ago....a friend!
JOANNA (or is it Joanne) GIBSON-----There are a hundred---Make that two hundred songs about how awful a "Mother-In-Law" is. I have to count myself very blessed to have one that is a "pretty cool chick." In fact, she's cool enough to let it slide one of the names I referred to her as...she can't stand! As to which one? Aek ger and maybe she will tell you...…..Well then again, maybe not! Seriously, she has made me feel very accepted over the past few years, and I am glad to be her Son-In-Law….Just make sure you feed the cat. Ah, the beauty of inside jokes.
SHANNON DAUPHIN------While you're not a mother figure to me, you have been a very influential woman to me. I love you more with each passing day. I have depended upon you for a lot of strength jumping into the father fray over the years, but also when the world is seemingly coming to an end….you convince me that it's not so. We might not agree on everything….(Men are from Mars, you know), but I love you very much…….With All That Is Yada….Or As Bella Calls It Yoda!
And, while all these people are still very much among us, there is one more that I have to write about. Growing up an only child, I have to admit to being a "Mamma's Boy," and I say it loud and proud. Paulette Dauphin was not perfect, by any stretch of the margin…..but I will tell you that to me, her influence is and will always be felt to this day. Whether it was Saturday morning trips to the mall, or yearly visits to Christmas In The Country in November at the High School…….she was the best. I'm not going to get too maudlin here, (Shannon says I can't help it though!), but I guess my mother was the closest person to me that I have ever had to pass away. I always thought people to stretch the truth when they said they would think about someone every day for years and years after they are gone……Almost four years have gone by, and I still think about her each day. Thankfully, the majority of these instances are positive ones now! I love you very much, and your influence lives on in me.
Well, the word clicker says 1,040 (as of this word), so I better get going…..There's a Tracy Lawrence interview to do this week, as well ballgames to cover, and a radio show to plan. To all the Mothers out there, Happy Mothers Day, and if your Mom is still out there, (In the words of the legendary Alabama coach "Bear Bryant)….."Don't Forget To Call Your Mama…..I Wish I Could Call Mine….(also written by the late, great Southern treasure Lewis Grizzard, but I couldn't bear to put his Georgia Bulldog name side by side with someone from the Crimson Tide!)
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