The next three blogs are going to be probably among my most personal that I have ever written. I do so, knowing that I may be sharing probably a few things that many of you who know me know about. But, my purpose in writing them is to hopefully to help someone out there who has gone through or is going through a rough time in their lives. We don’t always handle things the way that we should, and I am as guilty of this as anyone.
When I was seventeen, I began working at…..the radio station. Let’s just call it that, as everyone knows where I am referring to. As someone who made up his own imaginary radio station----WBRQ in beautiful and growing Burns, TN---and made recordings of it on an old boom box my grandmother gave me when I was nine, I was in heaven when I began training. Hank Walker was the disc jockey who taught me. The first lesson I ever received in radio etiquette was the art of saying the call letters……W is not pronounced the way you might think…..It’s Double-U-B-R-Q….There I go, back into my imaginary world again…LOL. I soon began a regular shift when I was junior in high school, and did afternoons before moving to the mornings four years later.
There’s something about turning on a microphone. Some get scared about it, and to be honest, when I first back-announced a song (“Bop” by Dan Seals), I was very much apprehensive. But, the idea that people were out there listening quickly evaporated when I came to the thought process that it’s just one microphone. Maybe that’s how everyone deals with it, I don’t know, but it worked for me.
And, I loved it. As someone who was very much a loner growing up, radio was a perfect outlet for me. I recall that Ralph Emery once said he got into the trade because he wanted people to listen to him. That’s exactly how it was for me. I made so many great friendships that I still treasure to this day. I’ve been guests at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, pallbearers at funerals, and even best man at weddings all because of the relationships I made.
Then, there are the people I worked with over the years. So many great and talented people. It’s almost like a fraternity, and if you actually ran a radio station with someone…..kind of like war. Sales, Sports, On-Air, you go through it all. I shouldn’t single anyone out, but there’s a gentleman out there named Ken Loggains that I worked with for eleven years….that is kind of my Hawkeye to my B.J….or vice versa, I don’t know. But working with people like him, Warren Medley, Randy Tidwell, and Marcia Campbell (who I worked for on the Interstate Radio Network…which put me on overnights at THE country station that mattered the most---WSM-AM) is something I will always treasure. Being associated with WNKX Radio in Centerville, TN and the people there was also a delight.
Then, as a music fan (what led me to radio in the first place), getting to meet many of the artists and performers I grew up with was something that I cherish to this day……George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, I have been blessed enough to interview them all, and am thankful for it. Possibly the biggest thrill for me as an interviewer was getting to talk with Earl Hamner, Jr. (The real-life “John-Boy,” who was the creator of The Waltons.) Imagine, if you will, sitting in a studio, and you hear this voice that you have heard since childhood coming out from over the phone line. That was a great moment, to say the least.
Working at “the radio station” was flying by the seat of the pants. It also qualifies as my on the job training. I had a little bit of direction from my program director, Gordon Rhodes, but the main thing he taught me was to “not sweat the small stuff.” Truthfully, he had another phrase for it, but we won’t go there. Radio has been called a “theater of the mind,” and that may be true…..but what goes on behind the scenes might actually be more funny than what comes out on the air. I guess what I am trying to say is that WKRP was “reality television” before there was such a thing.
From 1991 until 2009, I went through my last two years of high school, my not-so-roaring 20’s, deaths of those close to me, marriage to the love of my life, and fatherhood. I made more friendships and music business contacts there than I could have imagined. You might have thought it would have lasted forever-----but it didn’t, and I’ll pick up the story there next week…..
Friday, December 10, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
THEY HAVE EDITED PERFECTION!
And the last month of the year has began. I am in no way, shape, or form ready for the upcoming Christmas holidays. By this point, all the presents are wrapped and under the tree. Well, the tree is up but not decorated, and the presents basically aren't bought yet......Between both my wife and my schedules, there isn't enough time these days.
Still, tonight was cool. I got a popcorn tin at Wal-Mart, and the kids and I sat down in front of the television to watch a movie that I truly think is the best ever made....Coal Miners' Daughter.
Of course, the 1980 film is the true life story of Loretta Lynn, and I guess it's the movie that I have watched more than any other in my life---with 1998's Primary Colors being a close second. I was excited that the kids wanted to watch it with me, as I have the DVD, but the movie was on the TV Guide Channel the other night, so I had DVR'd it.
As we were watching the movie, there were a few things different. Trust me, I am an expert on this. A few years ago, my wife's best friend and her daughter were over visiting, and she and I traded script lines from the movie all throughout. Rather than things being different, there were things missing. Like the part where Mooney takes a bite into Loretta's pie that had salt rather than sugar.....Like the part where Loretta has just had twins......Like one of my favorite parts (for some reason), where Mooney answers the phone late at night and talks to one of Loretta's fans who somehow got the phone number to their house....all edited.
You might ask, "Why didn't you just watch the DVD?" Well, believe it or not, the DVD player still isn't hooked up to the TV.....As I said, we've been busy. Still, it was a fun night. The kids asked me several questions about the way things were portrayed in the film, including if I was as mean as the first disc jockey that the Lynns met on their 1960 radio tour. I told them I didn't think so, but we all have bad days.
At the end of the night, it was fun revisiting most of this classic film. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones were incredible in the lead roles, but everyone involved made for a classic film. Levon (The Band) Helm and Phyllis Bowens were excellently cast as Ted and Clara Webb, and Beverly D' Angelo was great as Patsy Cline. In fact, I'll take D'Angelo's portrayal over that of Jessica Lange in 1985's Sweet Dreams any day of the week. (Though Ed Harris was excellent in that film) It doesn't get any better. But, I hope the folks at the TV Guide Channel don't get the rights to Walk The Line anytime soon.....They might omit the scenes that Johnny and June (Joaquin and Reese, respectively) shared together, and that would be kind of pointless, wouldn't it?
Still, tonight was cool. I got a popcorn tin at Wal-Mart, and the kids and I sat down in front of the television to watch a movie that I truly think is the best ever made....Coal Miners' Daughter.
Of course, the 1980 film is the true life story of Loretta Lynn, and I guess it's the movie that I have watched more than any other in my life---with 1998's Primary Colors being a close second. I was excited that the kids wanted to watch it with me, as I have the DVD, but the movie was on the TV Guide Channel the other night, so I had DVR'd it.
As we were watching the movie, there were a few things different. Trust me, I am an expert on this. A few years ago, my wife's best friend and her daughter were over visiting, and she and I traded script lines from the movie all throughout. Rather than things being different, there were things missing. Like the part where Mooney takes a bite into Loretta's pie that had salt rather than sugar.....Like the part where Loretta has just had twins......Like one of my favorite parts (for some reason), where Mooney answers the phone late at night and talks to one of Loretta's fans who somehow got the phone number to their house....all edited.
You might ask, "Why didn't you just watch the DVD?" Well, believe it or not, the DVD player still isn't hooked up to the TV.....As I said, we've been busy. Still, it was a fun night. The kids asked me several questions about the way things were portrayed in the film, including if I was as mean as the first disc jockey that the Lynns met on their 1960 radio tour. I told them I didn't think so, but we all have bad days.
At the end of the night, it was fun revisiting most of this classic film. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones were incredible in the lead roles, but everyone involved made for a classic film. Levon (The Band) Helm and Phyllis Bowens were excellently cast as Ted and Clara Webb, and Beverly D' Angelo was great as Patsy Cline. In fact, I'll take D'Angelo's portrayal over that of Jessica Lange in 1985's Sweet Dreams any day of the week. (Though Ed Harris was excellent in that film) It doesn't get any better. But, I hope the folks at the TV Guide Channel don't get the rights to Walk The Line anytime soon.....They might omit the scenes that Johnny and June (Joaquin and Reese, respectively) shared together, and that would be kind of pointless, wouldn't it?
Sunday, November 21, 2010
THE SHOT HEARD 'ROUND THE WORLD
You might not find it mentioned on many calendars today, but today marks a unique anniversary in pop culture. It was thirty years ago tonight, at 10pm / EST, that the world found out the answer to a question that had been burning in people's minds for six long grueling months---"Who Shot J.R."
Of course, the "J.R." in question was the ruthless oil tycoon played to perfection by Larry Hagman on the CBS-TV series "Dallas." Premiering in April 1978, the series slowly grew an audience, and by the end of the third season, the network asked for two more episodes to close out the 1979-1980 season. They had already had a way to end the season in mind. Sue Ellen Ewing was all set to kill herself, putting what amounted to a fatal dose of medication in her drink, when she decides to go hold her child, John Ross, one last time. J.R. walks in, takes a swig, and the season ends. However, with the order from the network in hand, they decided to scrap the idea, and to quote writer Arthur Bernard Lewis, "Let's shoot the SOB and figure it out later."
So, on the evening of March 21, 1980, the season finale, "A House Divided," aired. At the end of the episode, J.R. was shot by an unknown assaliant. To say pandemonium swept the country was an understatement. All over the world, people wanted to know whodunit. Complicating the matter was the looming writers' strike by the Screen Actors Guild. This served two purposes; it allowed the "Who Shot J.R." phenom to grow, and it gave Hagman a chance to negotiate a pay raise. The strike ended, and Hagman and Lorimar came to an agreement that doubled his salary, but the question still loomed. Could it have been:
Daddy Jock, who was disappointed with his son's running of Ewing Oil?
Mama Miss Ellie, who watched as her youngest son, Bobby, left town--tired of J.R.'s ways?
Brother Bobby, who had tried to run the company the right way, only to be done wrong by his older brother?
Wife Sue Ellen, who J.R. had driven to the bottle, affairs, and a sanitarium---where he was threatening to take her again?
Sister-In-Law Kristen, who J.R. had an affair with, then proceeded to run out of town.
Family enemy Cliff Barnes, who lost power struggle after power struggle with the Ewings.
Or perhaps it was young Alan Beam, whose political career J.R. had ruined, or any number of members of the local oil cartel who lost big when Asian oil leases sold to them by Ewing Oil were nationalized--driving one member to suicide.
Needless to say, there were no shortage of suspects. Though I was six years old at the time, I thought it was his beautiful yet long suffering wife, Sue Ellen, played flawlessly by Linda Gray. And, it was Sue Ellen who was arrested for the crime.....but nothing was ever open and shut at Southfork. The shooter was revealed November 21, 1980 and it turned out to be sister Kristin, herself pregnant with J.R.'s child, who attempted to kill her old boss. Notching a whopping 78% of the audience, the show held the record for the most-watched TV event in history until the final episode of "M*A*S*H" some three years later. Still, after all these years, it ranks in the top five. The show continued to run until May 1991, and tied up most of the loose ends in a pair of reunion movies in 1996 and 1998. While it was just a TV show, in my house growing up Friday nights were a big deal, with "Dallas" and "The Dukes Of Hazzard" ruling the ratings roost. But thirty years ago tonight, you would be hard pressed to find a home, a party, or a bar that didn't have the TV on. Heck, Charles Osgood on Sunday Morning thought it was an occasion worth marking, and if he thinks so, who am I to disagree?
Of course, the "J.R." in question was the ruthless oil tycoon played to perfection by Larry Hagman on the CBS-TV series "Dallas." Premiering in April 1978, the series slowly grew an audience, and by the end of the third season, the network asked for two more episodes to close out the 1979-1980 season. They had already had a way to end the season in mind. Sue Ellen Ewing was all set to kill herself, putting what amounted to a fatal dose of medication in her drink, when she decides to go hold her child, John Ross, one last time. J.R. walks in, takes a swig, and the season ends. However, with the order from the network in hand, they decided to scrap the idea, and to quote writer Arthur Bernard Lewis, "Let's shoot the SOB and figure it out later."
So, on the evening of March 21, 1980, the season finale, "A House Divided," aired. At the end of the episode, J.R. was shot by an unknown assaliant. To say pandemonium swept the country was an understatement. All over the world, people wanted to know whodunit. Complicating the matter was the looming writers' strike by the Screen Actors Guild. This served two purposes; it allowed the "Who Shot J.R." phenom to grow, and it gave Hagman a chance to negotiate a pay raise. The strike ended, and Hagman and Lorimar came to an agreement that doubled his salary, but the question still loomed. Could it have been:
Daddy Jock, who was disappointed with his son's running of Ewing Oil?
Mama Miss Ellie, who watched as her youngest son, Bobby, left town--tired of J.R.'s ways?
Brother Bobby, who had tried to run the company the right way, only to be done wrong by his older brother?
Wife Sue Ellen, who J.R. had driven to the bottle, affairs, and a sanitarium---where he was threatening to take her again?
Sister-In-Law Kristen, who J.R. had an affair with, then proceeded to run out of town.
Family enemy Cliff Barnes, who lost power struggle after power struggle with the Ewings.
Or perhaps it was young Alan Beam, whose political career J.R. had ruined, or any number of members of the local oil cartel who lost big when Asian oil leases sold to them by Ewing Oil were nationalized--driving one member to suicide.
Needless to say, there were no shortage of suspects. Though I was six years old at the time, I thought it was his beautiful yet long suffering wife, Sue Ellen, played flawlessly by Linda Gray. And, it was Sue Ellen who was arrested for the crime.....but nothing was ever open and shut at Southfork. The shooter was revealed November 21, 1980 and it turned out to be sister Kristin, herself pregnant with J.R.'s child, who attempted to kill her old boss. Notching a whopping 78% of the audience, the show held the record for the most-watched TV event in history until the final episode of "M*A*S*H" some three years later. Still, after all these years, it ranks in the top five. The show continued to run until May 1991, and tied up most of the loose ends in a pair of reunion movies in 1996 and 1998. While it was just a TV show, in my house growing up Friday nights were a big deal, with "Dallas" and "The Dukes Of Hazzard" ruling the ratings roost. But thirty years ago tonight, you would be hard pressed to find a home, a party, or a bar that didn't have the TV on. Heck, Charles Osgood on Sunday Morning thought it was an occasion worth marking, and if he thinks so, who am I to disagree?
Monday, November 8, 2010
IT'S CMA AWARDS TIME AGAIN!
This Wednesday night, the 44th Annual Country Music Association Awards will be telecast from Nashville via the ABC Television Network. Over the next couple of days, several "experts" will offer their thoughts on how things might turn out on the show, and here are mine....for what they are worth!
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Brent Mason, Mac McAnally, Randy Scruggs
Either of these five could win it, as they are all very talented players.....but I do have to pick, don't I?
WHO WILL WIN: Brent Mason
WHO SHOULD WIN: Paul Franklin....one of the best in the biz!
MUSIC VIDEO: "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum, "The House That Built Me," Miranda Lambert, "Water," Brad Paisley, "White Liar," Miranda Lambert.
I think this was one of the easiest categories of the night, as Miranda's touching ode to her childhood home should take this one.
WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Miranda Lambert.
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: "Bad Angel," Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Jamey Johnson, "Can't You See," Zac Brown Band & Kid Rock, "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "I'm Alive," Kenny Chensey & Dave Matthews, "Till The End," Alan Jackson & Lee Ann Womack
Only one time in the history of the CMA Awards has this award gone to a non-single, so I would say it's between Blake and Trace and Kenny and Dave....and you don't want to say no to Trace Adkins, do you?
WHO WILL WIN: Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins
WHO SHOULD WIN: Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins
SONG OF THE YEAR: "A Little More Country Than That," Rory Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble, "Need You Now," Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, and Josh Kear, "The House That Built Me," Tom Douglas & Allan Shamblin, "Toes," Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Shawn Mullins & John Driskell Hopkins, "White Liar," Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert
I think that in most cases Wednesday night, it's going to come down to Miranda vs. Lady A, with Miranda's song getting the vote here.
WHO WILL WIN: "The House That Built Me."
WHO SHOULD WIN: "The House That Built Me." It's one of those once-in-a-few-years type of songs!
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: NEED YOU NOW, Lady Antebellum, PLAY ON, Carrie Underwood, REVOLUTION, Miranda Lambert, TWANG, George Strait, UP ON THE RIDGE, Dierks Bentley
It very well could wind up being the night of Miranda Lambert, as she has had a history in this category.
WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Dierks Bentley. Give him points for stepping outside of his comfort zone.
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR: "A Little More Country Than That," Easton Corbin, "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "The House That Built Me," Miranda Lambert, "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum "White Liar," Miranda Lambert.
I have a feeling that Miranda's hot streak might be broken with this category, thanks to a song that has never gotten old, even after the 1,234,234th spin.
WHO WILL WIN: Lady Antebellum
WHO SHOULD WIN: Lady Antebellum
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR: Brooks & Dunn, Joey+Rory, Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland
Could it be one final nod to one of the industry's all-time greats?
WHO WILL WIN: Brooks & Dunn. Sugarland wasn't that active on the charts for much of the year.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Brooks & Dunn.
VOCAL GROUP: Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, The Zac Brown Band
A fairly easy one to pick here, as nobody has had the type of year that Lady A has had.
WHO WILL WIN: Lady Antebellum.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Lady Antebellum.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young, The Zac Brown Band
Even though they've been around for a couple of years, I think this one is an easy win for the ZBB
WHO WILL WIN: The Zac Brown Band.
WHO SHOULD WIN: By definition (most career progress in past year), Easton Corbin, though I would cheer pretty loudly if Jerrod Niemann took this one home.
MALE VOCALIST: Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Keith Urban
I'm going out on a limb here, but I think some long overdue recognition might be going to one of the format's brightest stars,
WHO WILL WIN: Blake Shelton
WHO SHOULD WIN: Blake Shelton
FEMALE VOCALIST: Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift.
It might sound like a crowded category.....but one is heads and shoulders above the rest this year.
WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert
WHO SHOULD WIN: I'm all for Miranda, but Reba has had one of the best years of her career....
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, The Zac Brown Band
It wasn't his best sales or chart year, but I have a feeling that CMA voters will make up for lost time in this one.
WHO WILL WIN: Brad Paisley. It's his time.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Brad Paisley. Though his material has slumped a little bit, in my opinion, he has earned this one!
Well, those are my thoughts....which, if you're lucky, might get you an extra helping of barbecue sauce at Jack's on Broadway! Feel free to let me know your thoughts on this, and Wednesday night, we will see how we did!
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Brent Mason, Mac McAnally, Randy Scruggs
Either of these five could win it, as they are all very talented players.....but I do have to pick, don't I?
WHO WILL WIN: Brent Mason
WHO SHOULD WIN: Paul Franklin....one of the best in the biz!
MUSIC VIDEO: "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum, "The House That Built Me," Miranda Lambert, "Water," Brad Paisley, "White Liar," Miranda Lambert.
I think this was one of the easiest categories of the night, as Miranda's touching ode to her childhood home should take this one.
WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Miranda Lambert.
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: "Bad Angel," Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Jamey Johnson, "Can't You See," Zac Brown Band & Kid Rock, "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "I'm Alive," Kenny Chensey & Dave Matthews, "Till The End," Alan Jackson & Lee Ann Womack
Only one time in the history of the CMA Awards has this award gone to a non-single, so I would say it's between Blake and Trace and Kenny and Dave....and you don't want to say no to Trace Adkins, do you?
WHO WILL WIN: Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins
WHO SHOULD WIN: Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins
SONG OF THE YEAR: "A Little More Country Than That," Rory Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble, "Need You Now," Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, and Josh Kear, "The House That Built Me," Tom Douglas & Allan Shamblin, "Toes," Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Shawn Mullins & John Driskell Hopkins, "White Liar," Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert
I think that in most cases Wednesday night, it's going to come down to Miranda vs. Lady A, with Miranda's song getting the vote here.
WHO WILL WIN: "The House That Built Me."
WHO SHOULD WIN: "The House That Built Me." It's one of those once-in-a-few-years type of songs!
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: NEED YOU NOW, Lady Antebellum, PLAY ON, Carrie Underwood, REVOLUTION, Miranda Lambert, TWANG, George Strait, UP ON THE RIDGE, Dierks Bentley
It very well could wind up being the night of Miranda Lambert, as she has had a history in this category.
WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Dierks Bentley. Give him points for stepping outside of his comfort zone.
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR: "A Little More Country Than That," Easton Corbin, "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "The House That Built Me," Miranda Lambert, "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum "White Liar," Miranda Lambert.
I have a feeling that Miranda's hot streak might be broken with this category, thanks to a song that has never gotten old, even after the 1,234,234th spin.
WHO WILL WIN: Lady Antebellum
WHO SHOULD WIN: Lady Antebellum
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR: Brooks & Dunn, Joey+Rory, Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland
Could it be one final nod to one of the industry's all-time greats?
WHO WILL WIN: Brooks & Dunn. Sugarland wasn't that active on the charts for much of the year.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Brooks & Dunn.
VOCAL GROUP: Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, The Zac Brown Band
A fairly easy one to pick here, as nobody has had the type of year that Lady A has had.
WHO WILL WIN: Lady Antebellum.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Lady Antebellum.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young, The Zac Brown Band
Even though they've been around for a couple of years, I think this one is an easy win for the ZBB
WHO WILL WIN: The Zac Brown Band.
WHO SHOULD WIN: By definition (most career progress in past year), Easton Corbin, though I would cheer pretty loudly if Jerrod Niemann took this one home.
MALE VOCALIST: Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Keith Urban
I'm going out on a limb here, but I think some long overdue recognition might be going to one of the format's brightest stars,
WHO WILL WIN: Blake Shelton
WHO SHOULD WIN: Blake Shelton
FEMALE VOCALIST: Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift.
It might sound like a crowded category.....but one is heads and shoulders above the rest this year.
WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert
WHO SHOULD WIN: I'm all for Miranda, but Reba has had one of the best years of her career....
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, The Zac Brown Band
It wasn't his best sales or chart year, but I have a feeling that CMA voters will make up for lost time in this one.
WHO WILL WIN: Brad Paisley. It's his time.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Brad Paisley. Though his material has slumped a little bit, in my opinion, he has earned this one!
Well, those are my thoughts....which, if you're lucky, might get you an extra helping of barbecue sauce at Jack's on Broadway! Feel free to let me know your thoughts on this, and Wednesday night, we will see how we did!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
ONE LAST LIST
For the past few weeks, I have listed some of my favorite songs of all time. First, I touched on my forte, Country Music. Then, last week, I gave you my thoughts on some of my favorite pop / rock moments. To close out this series, I thought I would give you some of my favorite inspirational songs of all time. I hesitate to call them Gospel, because not all of them are, but I believe some of these just might be your favorites, as well. Here they are from A to Z.....
"A Thing Called Love," Elvis Presley
"Believe," Brooks & Dunn
"Clinging To A Saving Hand," Conway Twitty
"Drifting Too Far From The Shore," Emmylou Harris
"Eternal Vacation," Buck Owens
"Feeling Mighty Fine," The Statler Brothers
"Gone Home," Ricky Skaggs
"Hey God," Vince Gill
"I Believe In Music," Mac Davis
"Jesus, Hold My Hand," Vern Gosdin
IN PLACE OF K---"Freedom For The Stallion," The Oak Ridge Boys
"Long Black Train," Josh Turner
"Medals For Mothers," The Osborne Brothers
"Not So Far Away," Misty Freeman
"Old Time Religion," Buck Owens
"Peace In The Valley," Red Foley
IN PLACE OF Q---"I, John," Elvis Presley
"Rhythm Guitar," The Oak Ridge Boys
"Satisfied," Martha Carson
"Traveller's Prayer," George Jones
IN PLACE OF U---"Rize Up, Lazarus," Patty Loveless
"Saviour, Save Me From Myself," Ricky Skaggs
"Wayfaring Stranger," Jerry Reed
IN PLACE OF X---"The Wonders You Perform," Tammy Wynette
"You Don't Have To Move That Mountain," Patty Loveless
IN PLACE OF Z---"Where No One Stands Alone," Don Gibson
Next week, we'll switch gears, and I'll give you my CMA Picks......
"A Thing Called Love," Elvis Presley
"Believe," Brooks & Dunn
"Clinging To A Saving Hand," Conway Twitty
"Drifting Too Far From The Shore," Emmylou Harris
"Eternal Vacation," Buck Owens
"Feeling Mighty Fine," The Statler Brothers
"Gone Home," Ricky Skaggs
"Hey God," Vince Gill
"I Believe In Music," Mac Davis
"Jesus, Hold My Hand," Vern Gosdin
IN PLACE OF K---"Freedom For The Stallion," The Oak Ridge Boys
"Long Black Train," Josh Turner
"Medals For Mothers," The Osborne Brothers
"Not So Far Away," Misty Freeman
"Old Time Religion," Buck Owens
"Peace In The Valley," Red Foley
IN PLACE OF Q---"I, John," Elvis Presley
"Rhythm Guitar," The Oak Ridge Boys
"Satisfied," Martha Carson
"Traveller's Prayer," George Jones
IN PLACE OF U---"Rize Up, Lazarus," Patty Loveless
"Saviour, Save Me From Myself," Ricky Skaggs
"Wayfaring Stranger," Jerry Reed
IN PLACE OF X---"The Wonders You Perform," Tammy Wynette
"You Don't Have To Move That Mountain," Patty Loveless
IN PLACE OF Z---"Where No One Stands Alone," Don Gibson
Next week, we'll switch gears, and I'll give you my CMA Picks......
Friday, October 29, 2010
ANOTHER HARD LIST, VOLUME 2
Last week, I gave you a list of my favorite Country songs of all time. I had fun doing that, and thought that I would share my list of favorite pop songs this week. I was surprised when I came up with a list that stretched four pages....so what I thought I would do is simply give you from an A-Z list.....Here goes....
A---"All Shook Up," Elvis Presley
B---"Baby, Baby," Amy Grant
C---"Crazy For You," Madonna
D---"Don't Wanna Lose You," Gloria Estefan
E---"Emotion," Destiny's Child
F---"Father Figure," George Michael
G---"The Game Of Love," Michelle Branch & Santana
H---"Hazard," Richard Marx
I---"If You Asked Me To," Celine Dion
J---"Joyride," Roxette
K---"Kiss," Tom Jones
L---"Lyin' Eyes," The Eagles
M---"Man In The Mirror," Michael Jackson
N---"November Rain," Guns N Roses
O---"Operator," Jim Croce
P---"Please, Mr. Please," Olivia Newton-John
Q----No Q, so I substitute "Heart Of Stone" by Cher
R---"Rainy Days & Mondays," The Carpenters
S---"Show And Tell," Al Wilson
T---"Take A Bow," Madonna
U----No U, so I substitute "Together Again" by Ray Charles
V---"Ventura Highway," America
W---"Walk This Way," Aerosmith
X----No X, so I substitute "Save The Best For Last" by Vanessa Williams
Y----"You Light Up My Life," Debby Boone
Z----No Z...soI substitute "You're The One That I Want" by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
A---"All Shook Up," Elvis Presley
B---"Baby, Baby," Amy Grant
C---"Crazy For You," Madonna
D---"Don't Wanna Lose You," Gloria Estefan
E---"Emotion," Destiny's Child
F---"Father Figure," George Michael
G---"The Game Of Love," Michelle Branch & Santana
H---"Hazard," Richard Marx
I---"If You Asked Me To," Celine Dion
J---"Joyride," Roxette
K---"Kiss," Tom Jones
L---"Lyin' Eyes," The Eagles
M---"Man In The Mirror," Michael Jackson
N---"November Rain," Guns N Roses
O---"Operator," Jim Croce
P---"Please, Mr. Please," Olivia Newton-John
Q----No Q, so I substitute "Heart Of Stone" by Cher
R---"Rainy Days & Mondays," The Carpenters
S---"Show And Tell," Al Wilson
T---"Take A Bow," Madonna
U----No U, so I substitute "Together Again" by Ray Charles
V---"Ventura Highway," America
W---"Walk This Way," Aerosmith
X----No X, so I substitute "Save The Best For Last" by Vanessa Williams
Y----"You Light Up My Life," Debby Boone
Z----No Z...soI substitute "You're The One That I Want" by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
And finally....because I know you care.....
Best Pop Album of all-time: I didn't put any songs from Janet Jackson's RHYTHM NATION 1814 disc, because all of them would make it. Simply put, it's one of the best and most fun albums I have ever heard.
Song that will always get me: "Maybe," by Thom Pace. You might not know the title, but this John Denver-esque song was the theme song from the old show "Grizzly Adams," which I remember watching with my parents years ago, The lyrics of this song are so touching and beautiful. Not that I want it to happen anytime soon, but it's one that I want played when I pass on....Look it up on iTunes. You'll be glad you did!
Friday, October 22, 2010
A HARD LIST TO MAKE
I will be the first to tell you that this week's blog is a personal one. I recently received the book My Country: 50 Musicians On God, America, & The Songs They Love by Melanie Dunea. I hope to interview her soon, but the book is a beauty. In it, many of the all-time top Country singers reveal their favorite songs. I think back to a question that my father's wife Marcia asked me a couple years ago. "Of all the songs, which one is your favorite?" To single out one song would be difficult to do, but the book reminded me of that question, so for what it's worth....here are twenty songs that you will never find me fast forwarding through....I set two rules in making this list. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" makes theses lists every time, as well it should. Quite possibly, it's the greatest song that has ever been written, but I thought I would give it a rest.....Plus....no Kenny Rogers.....If so, this list would never end! So, here are 20 of my favorites. Hopefully, they might be some of yours, as well!
"Southern Nights," Glen Campbell 1977
"Bobbie Sue," The Oak Ridge Boys 1982
"Indian Summer," Brooks & Dunn 2009
"If Loving You Is Wrong," Barbara Mandrell 1979
"What She's Doing Now," Garth Brooks 1992
"All The Gold In California," The Gatlin Brothers 1979
"Miss Emily's Picture," John Conlee 1981
"Believe," Brooks % Dunn 2005
"Blue Moon With Heartache," Rosanne Cash 1981
"The Man In The Mirror," Jim Glaser 1984
"Big In Vegas," Buck Owens 1969
"Here You Come Again," Dolly Parton 1977
"Behind Closed Doors," Charlie Rich 1972
"I've Been Around Enough To Know," John Schneider 1984
"Elizabeth," The Statler Brothers 1983
"Pop A Top," Jim Ed Brown 1967
"I May Hate Myself In The Morning," Lee Ann Womack 2005 "Walkaway Joe," Trisha Yearwood 1992
"Two Teardrops," Steve Wariner 1998
"In Color," Jamey Johnson 2008
OK....I can't forget "Send Me Down To Tuscon," "Linda On My Mind," or "Miami, My Amy," can I? Would love to hear from ya on this one!
"Southern Nights," Glen Campbell 1977
"Bobbie Sue," The Oak Ridge Boys 1982
"Indian Summer," Brooks & Dunn 2009
"If Loving You Is Wrong," Barbara Mandrell 1979
"What She's Doing Now," Garth Brooks 1992
"All The Gold In California," The Gatlin Brothers 1979
"Miss Emily's Picture," John Conlee 1981
"Believe," Brooks % Dunn 2005
"Blue Moon With Heartache," Rosanne Cash 1981
"The Man In The Mirror," Jim Glaser 1984
"Big In Vegas," Buck Owens 1969
"Here You Come Again," Dolly Parton 1977
"Behind Closed Doors," Charlie Rich 1972
"I've Been Around Enough To Know," John Schneider 1984
"Elizabeth," The Statler Brothers 1983
"Pop A Top," Jim Ed Brown 1967
"I May Hate Myself In The Morning," Lee Ann Womack 2005 "Walkaway Joe," Trisha Yearwood 1992
"Two Teardrops," Steve Wariner 1998
"In Color," Jamey Johnson 2008
OK....I can't forget "Send Me Down To Tuscon," "Linda On My Mind," or "Miami, My Amy," can I? Would love to hear from ya on this one!
Monday, October 11, 2010
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
Wow....Has it really been a month since I posted? Well, there are a lot of reasons for that. Getting settled in our new home has a lot to do with that, and there have been other issues at play...which I'll tell you about later.
Life in Georgia is good. There seems to be a Huddle House in every small town here, and that's not a bad thing. After a slow start, the Bulldogs took care of UT this past weekend, so there were more than a few happy faces around town. This week I am covering a few softball games, so life is good. It's tough getting used to softball in the fall, but whatever works.
So many times, you hear about how life can change so quickly. Well, Amen to that! But, thankfully, some things don't. The beauty of East Tennessee in the Autumn is one thing that has remained a constant.McDonald's French Fries, that could be another. But, the other night, something hit a nerve inside of me. The bond between friends is something that never goes away.
When asked if I have any siblings, I usually say "No." However, that's not entirely true. I have been blessed with some very close friends that are just like brothers or sisters. Randall is one of those. Since meeting him in second grade back in 19--none of your business, he and I have developed a bond that is just as much family to me as anyone outside of my parents.
We've played Atari....Nintendo....Over the years, you name it. We've discussed just about everything you can talk about over the years. I told him the other night that the only fight I remember us having was about who could kick the other's butt in a fight. We weren't even mad.....but each had a different answer. Fortunately, we never found out.
Nearly three decades later, that friendship has endured through a lot. Most of our conversations are of the 5-10 minute type, as he has his family, and I have mine. However, last week was a little different. Without going into detail, as it doesn't really matter, there was a conversation that meant a lot. Getting older makes for interesting stories sometimes, whether you plan them that way or not. There was about an hour and a half conversation last week between two friends that meant a lot. Sometimes sharing those "interesting stories" in life makes you realize that you're not alone. And, though the subject matter might have been a little different from 1983, 1990, or 2000, it was two friends talking about shared experiences---good and bad....and while I can't say I want the bad.....Thank God for the conversation. Thankfully, friendship is the same whether your six or thirty-six. So, if there's a friend that you haven't talked to in some time....give them a call.....Might pick them up a little....but I bet it will do the same for you!
Life in Georgia is good. There seems to be a Huddle House in every small town here, and that's not a bad thing. After a slow start, the Bulldogs took care of UT this past weekend, so there were more than a few happy faces around town. This week I am covering a few softball games, so life is good. It's tough getting used to softball in the fall, but whatever works.
So many times, you hear about how life can change so quickly. Well, Amen to that! But, thankfully, some things don't. The beauty of East Tennessee in the Autumn is one thing that has remained a constant.McDonald's French Fries, that could be another. But, the other night, something hit a nerve inside of me. The bond between friends is something that never goes away.
When asked if I have any siblings, I usually say "No." However, that's not entirely true. I have been blessed with some very close friends that are just like brothers or sisters. Randall is one of those. Since meeting him in second grade back in 19--none of your business, he and I have developed a bond that is just as much family to me as anyone outside of my parents.
We've played Atari....Nintendo....Over the years, you name it. We've discussed just about everything you can talk about over the years. I told him the other night that the only fight I remember us having was about who could kick the other's butt in a fight. We weren't even mad.....but each had a different answer. Fortunately, we never found out.
Nearly three decades later, that friendship has endured through a lot. Most of our conversations are of the 5-10 minute type, as he has his family, and I have mine. However, last week was a little different. Without going into detail, as it doesn't really matter, there was a conversation that meant a lot. Getting older makes for interesting stories sometimes, whether you plan them that way or not. There was about an hour and a half conversation last week between two friends that meant a lot. Sometimes sharing those "interesting stories" in life makes you realize that you're not alone. And, though the subject matter might have been a little different from 1983, 1990, or 2000, it was two friends talking about shared experiences---good and bad....and while I can't say I want the bad.....Thank God for the conversation. Thankfully, friendship is the same whether your six or thirty-six. So, if there's a friend that you haven't talked to in some time....give them a call.....Might pick them up a little....but I bet it will do the same for you!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY LOOKING AT ITS' COVER
Well....here we are in the land of the Bulldogs, and a long way from Hickman County, I might add. How have the first few days in Georgia been, you ask? Well, John Mayer, one of my wife's favorites, has a song called "Why Georgia?" LOL....I have asked that question a number of times, between the bruises, falling off the U-Haul truck and in my yard, and packing an inordinate amount of boxes....But, did I really need that Britney Spears 2001 tour book? As is the case when anyone buys a house and moves, there are a lot of things that you wish you had done different. I can be a little lackadaisical in my approach to things sometimes, but this time I thought I had all the i's dotted and t's crossed....boy, was I wrong. I could tell you it's other people's fault....but at the end of the day, it is what it is. We're here, and it's not bad......The kids like it here, Shannon seems like to like it, and I've got to say the people are just as nice as they can be...
But, this post is about a good friend of mine, that deserves the mention. I will take you back in time to 2006. That's when I introduced Shannon---before marriage---to him. He had the strangest spiked hair, and didn't speak much. I called him a "psychotic hippie." They, on the other hand, developed a bond rather quickly. Somehow, we did too.....I can tell you many times I would sit on my porch before we bought our first house, and he listened.....When there would be the invariable fight, he would listen like nobody else,,,the kind of friend you just liked talking to.
Well, my little friend died last night. My first full day as a Georgia resident consisted of a drive to the doctor. They told me they couldn't do anything for him. I took him back home, and watched him die at 10:20 last night. You might have guessed by now, that the friend in question,Fluffy, is a cat. That may be, but I have cried my heart out over this loss. Before we ever spent a night in our new house, one of my first actions was burying this beloved creature. Some of my friends have accused me of being a bleeding heart when it comes to animals. Yes, that's true, and this wound isn't going to heal anytime soon, and he definitely wasn't anything like he appeared to be....Psychotic or mean? He was warm and loving as he could be, though he still might have been a little bit of a hippie!...Proof that you can't look at something by an outer package.........Godspeed, Fluffy....if there are houses in Heaven, I hope you're stretched out on the biggest one there...Who knows...maybe Jerry Garcia's!
Georgia....It will get better than this.....To be continued!
But, this post is about a good friend of mine, that deserves the mention. I will take you back in time to 2006. That's when I introduced Shannon---before marriage---to him. He had the strangest spiked hair, and didn't speak much. I called him a "psychotic hippie." They, on the other hand, developed a bond rather quickly. Somehow, we did too.....I can tell you many times I would sit on my porch before we bought our first house, and he listened.....When there would be the invariable fight, he would listen like nobody else,,,the kind of friend you just liked talking to.
Well, my little friend died last night. My first full day as a Georgia resident consisted of a drive to the doctor. They told me they couldn't do anything for him. I took him back home, and watched him die at 10:20 last night. You might have guessed by now, that the friend in question,Fluffy, is a cat. That may be, but I have cried my heart out over this loss. Before we ever spent a night in our new house, one of my first actions was burying this beloved creature. Some of my friends have accused me of being a bleeding heart when it comes to animals. Yes, that's true, and this wound isn't going to heal anytime soon, and he definitely wasn't anything like he appeared to be....Psychotic or mean? He was warm and loving as he could be, though he still might have been a little bit of a hippie!...Proof that you can't look at something by an outer package.........Godspeed, Fluffy....if there are houses in Heaven, I hope you're stretched out on the biggest one there...Who knows...maybe Jerry Garcia's!
Georgia....It will get better than this.....To be continued!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR
Well...that last line in the previous blog is rather prophetic. Change does catch up to us all. Some of you know this, and some of you don't....but in September, I will be leaving Tennessee for the land of the Bulldogs---Georgia. Or, as my favorite author / humorist, the late Lewis Grizzard would say "By Gawd Georgia."
For those that might be surprised about this move, let me fill you in. My wife has been offered a job there---a really good job---one that offers--among other things--health insurance. We've been without it since 2007....Simply put, you need it.
So, it's a great opportunity for our family. At the same time, there just might be an opportunity for me---but I'll tell you more about that later. One thing is for sure, I still plan on writing, and doing as many interviews as I can. Granted, driving to Nashville in 90 minutes might not be as easy, but there is a certain thing called the telephone...So, still plan on getting those e-mails about new articles from yours truly. I love what I do too much to stop, and after all Nashville is still 90 minutes away---via airplane!
This is something that we have known about, or at least knew was a possibility since March. And, I think for a lot of reasons, it's for the best....but after I hosted the Cougar Coaches Show this morning on 94.5 FM, it hit me...two more weeks....I plan on doing the first two football games, and first three coaches shows before wrapping it up. Dickson County High School, and the people associated with it, are very special to me. As are the sponsors we have worked with....I want to thank Paul Sullivan at Dickson Farmers Co-Op and Vance Kirby at Domino's for sticking with me one last time! Your friendship and support mean a lot!
I still will be involved with the Cougars' broadcasts, as I plan on continuing my "Football Friday" picks at halftime via tape, so I won't be totally gone for a while. I'll probably blog again about my experiences doing sports in Dickson County, but I wanted to let everyone know....because I know how people whisper sometimes....
Once again, musically, I am not going anywhere, and plan to keep writing for the music magazines that I have in the past. I am excited about the future, and hope to tell you more about that soon....Let's just say that it could be pretty big....but it's going to be big for us all....Shannon has worked hard for this.....
So....does anyone know anybody who can help load a U-Haul, and maybe drive one?....I'm listening!
For those that might be surprised about this move, let me fill you in. My wife has been offered a job there---a really good job---one that offers--among other things--health insurance. We've been without it since 2007....Simply put, you need it.
So, it's a great opportunity for our family. At the same time, there just might be an opportunity for me---but I'll tell you more about that later. One thing is for sure, I still plan on writing, and doing as many interviews as I can. Granted, driving to Nashville in 90 minutes might not be as easy, but there is a certain thing called the telephone...So, still plan on getting those e-mails about new articles from yours truly. I love what I do too much to stop, and after all Nashville is still 90 minutes away---via airplane!
This is something that we have known about, or at least knew was a possibility since March. And, I think for a lot of reasons, it's for the best....but after I hosted the Cougar Coaches Show this morning on 94.5 FM, it hit me...two more weeks....I plan on doing the first two football games, and first three coaches shows before wrapping it up. Dickson County High School, and the people associated with it, are very special to me. As are the sponsors we have worked with....I want to thank Paul Sullivan at Dickson Farmers Co-Op and Vance Kirby at Domino's for sticking with me one last time! Your friendship and support mean a lot!
I still will be involved with the Cougars' broadcasts, as I plan on continuing my "Football Friday" picks at halftime via tape, so I won't be totally gone for a while. I'll probably blog again about my experiences doing sports in Dickson County, but I wanted to let everyone know....because I know how people whisper sometimes....
Once again, musically, I am not going anywhere, and plan to keep writing for the music magazines that I have in the past. I am excited about the future, and hope to tell you more about that soon....Let's just say that it could be pretty big....but it's going to be big for us all....Shannon has worked hard for this.....
So....does anyone know anybody who can help load a U-Haul, and maybe drive one?....I'm listening!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
RANDOM THOUGHTS ONCE AGAIN
I know that I haven't updated this blog as much lately, but just let me say that it has been a crazy past few weeks. Some of you know just how crazy it has been, and others will find out soon....but it's all good....Rather than write about just one thing...there were five different things on my mind this week.....
First and foremost, I will take this opportunity to say I love you and Happy Anniversary to my wife Shannon. Today marks three years together. I love you very much, and thank you for standing by me. I know it hasn't always been easy, but I love you. I think that rainbow is pointing to the right place. I know that you work as hard as you can, and it seems like I am always gone to cover this event or interview this person.....but I love you!
Secondly, I will beam just a little bit about Jamey Johnson---which I have done a lot of this year. I have just gotten an advance of his new album, and the CMA might very well go ahead and give the 2011 Album Of The Year award to him....It's that good....It comes out September 14.......Buy it.....
Third, and this is just an observation.....It is hot here in Middle Tennessee.....I saw an ant sweat turn down a picnic lunch yesterday because it was so hot.....Seriously, check on people who might need a little help during this summer's heatwave. I have been asking people whether they dislike the cold of winter or summer's heat...Of course, now they say summer.....but that will change. As for me, give me a cold night and three or four blankets, and I am happy.....Hope you are staying cool!
Fourth, last week was Election week in many places. Here in Hickman County, some fine folks won re-election to their posts, but in my native Dickson County, with one exception---it was vote out the incumbents....I don't know new Sherriff Jeff Bledsoe, but they don't come any finer than Bob Rial or Luanne Greer. That being said, I have to tip my hat to Bob Stone and Phil Simons---who have always represented Dickson County with class. My hat is off to you both. You have treated me with respect over the years, and i appreciate that!
And finally, Thursday marks the beginning of another football season, as all three of Dickson County's Middle Schools will be playing for the first time. I will be following Charlotte Middle over the river to Ashland City. I'm excited about it for a couple of reasons. The Tigers had a tough season last year, but I think they are going to be better. Also, I plan on saying farewell to one of my favorite places----Stratton's. The popular hamburger joint will be closing its' doors after nearly a forty-year run. When the Cougars used to play the Cubs in Basketball, it was not uncommon to see the Hamiltons and their Lady Cougars there, as well as some of the broadcasters. If you've never been there....you need to...Get a Reese's Blast (or whatever they are called there) for me....The owner, who has operated the business since 1971, is stepping down. Soon, Ashlanc City residents will have the luxury of a Walgreens in their hometown at the same location.....but I think that given a choice, they would rather see the red neon lights of Stratton's than the famous cursive logo of Walgreens....but that's change I guess. Eventually it catches up to us all, doesn't it?
First and foremost, I will take this opportunity to say I love you and Happy Anniversary to my wife Shannon. Today marks three years together. I love you very much, and thank you for standing by me. I know it hasn't always been easy, but I love you. I think that rainbow is pointing to the right place. I know that you work as hard as you can, and it seems like I am always gone to cover this event or interview this person.....but I love you!
Secondly, I will beam just a little bit about Jamey Johnson---which I have done a lot of this year. I have just gotten an advance of his new album, and the CMA might very well go ahead and give the 2011 Album Of The Year award to him....It's that good....It comes out September 14.......Buy it.....
Third, and this is just an observation.....It is hot here in Middle Tennessee.....I saw an ant sweat turn down a picnic lunch yesterday because it was so hot.....Seriously, check on people who might need a little help during this summer's heatwave. I have been asking people whether they dislike the cold of winter or summer's heat...Of course, now they say summer.....but that will change. As for me, give me a cold night and three or four blankets, and I am happy.....Hope you are staying cool!
Fourth, last week was Election week in many places. Here in Hickman County, some fine folks won re-election to their posts, but in my native Dickson County, with one exception---it was vote out the incumbents....I don't know new Sherriff Jeff Bledsoe, but they don't come any finer than Bob Rial or Luanne Greer. That being said, I have to tip my hat to Bob Stone and Phil Simons---who have always represented Dickson County with class. My hat is off to you both. You have treated me with respect over the years, and i appreciate that!
And finally, Thursday marks the beginning of another football season, as all three of Dickson County's Middle Schools will be playing for the first time. I will be following Charlotte Middle over the river to Ashland City. I'm excited about it for a couple of reasons. The Tigers had a tough season last year, but I think they are going to be better. Also, I plan on saying farewell to one of my favorite places----Stratton's. The popular hamburger joint will be closing its' doors after nearly a forty-year run. When the Cougars used to play the Cubs in Basketball, it was not uncommon to see the Hamiltons and their Lady Cougars there, as well as some of the broadcasters. If you've never been there....you need to...Get a Reese's Blast (or whatever they are called there) for me....The owner, who has operated the business since 1971, is stepping down. Soon, Ashlanc City residents will have the luxury of a Walgreens in their hometown at the same location.....but I think that given a choice, they would rather see the red neon lights of Stratton's than the famous cursive logo of Walgreens....but that's change I guess. Eventually it catches up to us all, doesn't it?
Monday, July 19, 2010
A PLACE CALLED FONTANEL
This past weekend (July 17), my wife and I went to the Fontanel grounds just a few miles from Nashville. Formerly the home of Barbara Mandrell, the complex features the home where the Hall of Famer once lived, a restaurant, a gift shop, and an amphitheater. Now open to the public, the first major musical event was held there last weekend---"Songwriters Sing For Nashville," and what an event it was!
Comprised of many members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall Of Fame, the afternoon was a reminder of why people do the crazy things they do to get into, or stay in, this business. While maybe from a sonic level,the voices aren't quite the same. There's an honesty about the performances that seem to come through.
One of the writers present there was Hugh Prestwood. Back in the 1990s, he wrote a classic for Trisha Yearwood called "The Song Remembers When." With that said.....I thought I would offer my thoughts about the times and places that some of the songs that were performed at the benefit took me back to...if you will indulge me....
"Ghost In This House,"----Having Marty Raybon in studio with me at one of the radio stations I have worked at, playing some of his past work, including this Prestwood classic. Talk about cool!
"Midnight Train To Georgia"----Believe it or not, until I was fourteen, I didn't listen to anything but Country. So, one night, I was coming back home from Nashville, and I heard Gladys Knight's classic version of this Jim Weatherly tune. The next time I was at the record store, I bought a Greatest Hits CD of hers, if that tells you anything!
"I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool"----I have said it before, and I will say it again. Even in Dickson, TN....you were made fun of back in the 80s if you talked too loudly about being a Country fan. I was then, and am now, and am proud of it.Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan nailed this song. I think about those feelings, and I also think of seeing Barbara Mandrell's One Hour Photo Shops all over town back in the 1980s.
"Smoky Mountain Rain"---Another song from the Fleming / Morgan tablet. I think about how many times I played this song over the airwaves of the Interstate Radio Network. I don't know if you can call it a trucking song or not, but it was one of the most-played oldies that we had in the system.
"Country Bumpkin"-----It's funny, and downright strange how you can remember when you heard a song for the first time. I couldn't have been ten years old when my mother bought a tape that had this on it at Woolco's in Terre Haute, Indiana. Don't ask me how I remember, but I do....
"I Can't Make You Love Me"----I remember when Mike Reid recorded his version of this, I thought 'That's as good, if not better than Bonnie Raitt." I still do. He's just that good.
"Elvira"------Back in the first and second grades, we got to take records (?) to school and the teacher would play them. I don't think there was any more played than this one. I remember the rainbow of the MCA logo going around and around on this one.
"There Goes My Everything"-----On a trip to Illinois to see family, I remember riding through one heck of a rainstorm in Bloomington, and this song playing on the radio....Again, it proves you don't select a memory...it selects you!
"If My Heart Had Windows"-----Watching Patty Loveless being inducted into the Opry on TV with my grandmother.
"Strawberry Wine"------Deana Carter jumping into Ricky Skaggs' arms when she won the CMA Award...and the look on his face.....Priceless!
Well, that's a few of my thoughts.....I will say that attending this was a really cool thing. It reminded me of why....in spite of the check sometimes never being in the mail, being let go from a record company job the first day back after Christmas, and all the crazy things we all go through.....at the end of the day, I wouldn't take anything for it......
Comprised of many members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall Of Fame, the afternoon was a reminder of why people do the crazy things they do to get into, or stay in, this business. While maybe from a sonic level,the voices aren't quite the same. There's an honesty about the performances that seem to come through.
One of the writers present there was Hugh Prestwood. Back in the 1990s, he wrote a classic for Trisha Yearwood called "The Song Remembers When." With that said.....I thought I would offer my thoughts about the times and places that some of the songs that were performed at the benefit took me back to...if you will indulge me....
"Ghost In This House,"----Having Marty Raybon in studio with me at one of the radio stations I have worked at, playing some of his past work, including this Prestwood classic. Talk about cool!
"Midnight Train To Georgia"----Believe it or not, until I was fourteen, I didn't listen to anything but Country. So, one night, I was coming back home from Nashville, and I heard Gladys Knight's classic version of this Jim Weatherly tune. The next time I was at the record store, I bought a Greatest Hits CD of hers, if that tells you anything!
"I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool"----I have said it before, and I will say it again. Even in Dickson, TN....you were made fun of back in the 80s if you talked too loudly about being a Country fan. I was then, and am now, and am proud of it.Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan nailed this song. I think about those feelings, and I also think of seeing Barbara Mandrell's One Hour Photo Shops all over town back in the 1980s.
"Smoky Mountain Rain"---Another song from the Fleming / Morgan tablet. I think about how many times I played this song over the airwaves of the Interstate Radio Network. I don't know if you can call it a trucking song or not, but it was one of the most-played oldies that we had in the system.
"Country Bumpkin"-----It's funny, and downright strange how you can remember when you heard a song for the first time. I couldn't have been ten years old when my mother bought a tape that had this on it at Woolco's in Terre Haute, Indiana. Don't ask me how I remember, but I do....
"I Can't Make You Love Me"----I remember when Mike Reid recorded his version of this, I thought 'That's as good, if not better than Bonnie Raitt." I still do. He's just that good.
"Elvira"------Back in the first and second grades, we got to take records (?) to school and the teacher would play them. I don't think there was any more played than this one. I remember the rainbow of the MCA logo going around and around on this one.
"There Goes My Everything"-----On a trip to Illinois to see family, I remember riding through one heck of a rainstorm in Bloomington, and this song playing on the radio....Again, it proves you don't select a memory...it selects you!
"If My Heart Had Windows"-----Watching Patty Loveless being inducted into the Opry on TV with my grandmother.
"Strawberry Wine"------Deana Carter jumping into Ricky Skaggs' arms when she won the CMA Award...and the look on his face.....Priceless!
Well, that's a few of my thoughts.....I will say that attending this was a really cool thing. It reminded me of why....in spite of the check sometimes never being in the mail, being let go from a record company job the first day back after Christmas, and all the crazy things we all go through.....at the end of the day, I wouldn't take anything for it......
Friday, July 9, 2010
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT!
"I want all of you to be listening to my "Crazy Chucky's Classic Country Corner" next week on 96.7 FM. At 2:50pm I will announce where I plan on eating lunch next Friday...."
I'm sure that if you heard that on the radio, you would stop all of your plans for next week, and rally around the radio to see if I was going to attempt to eat Mexican again. I mean, it's an important question, isn't it?
OK, You probably get where I am going with this. LeBron James announced on an hour-long ESPN special last night that he would be leaving Cleveland for Miami. Tune in to the channel that Chris Berman built, and you will see weeping, nail biting, people being taken off to jail in Cleveland because of their reaction. James is a hometown hero. They feel rejected. I get it...sort of. But, Emmitt Smith did not remain a Cowboy to the end....Joe Montana was a Chief when the clock struck zero....and Michael Jordan....Wasn't he in Washington?
Speaking of which, I don't remember such a tragic response when Jordan retired from the Bulls, where he won six NBA titles to James's......zero?
I chuckle a little bit about the theatrics of last night's announcement. One of the main subjects of disagreement between my wife and I is about Minnesota's Brett Favre, and his coy approach to whether he is coming back for a 20th season. You know what? If Brett wants to not answer the question until those hot and humid workouts are over....I'm not going to blame him. But, a one-hour special to announce where you are going to play....I hope this doesn't set a new precedent for how the free agent game is played, but I think it probably will.....
All of the experts are already engraving the 2011 NBA trophy to Miami. With Wade and Bosh joining the Heat as well, how can they lose? They have too much talent.....Well, yes and no. A little bit of history lesson comes from the 2000 Washington Redskins. They had won their division in 1999, but owner Daniel Snyder wanted more, and went on a free-agent buying spree like none before or since. The biggest of his acquisitions was Dallas CB Deion Sanders. With all that talent, Norv Turner couldn't get it to work on paper. How will this trio of stars handle not getting 25-30 ppg? That is the question. Miami has the talent, but there's a certain thing called ego that gets in the way. That's not a knock on athletes per se, as you could make that argument about semi-pro sports and music writers.
So...looks like it's going to be an interesting season in the world of the NBA.....By the way, if you are still interested in my lunch plans....If I have the money, I just might be found at Papa Kayjoes in Centerville. The tea....and the humble pie are both awesome!
I'm sure that if you heard that on the radio, you would stop all of your plans for next week, and rally around the radio to see if I was going to attempt to eat Mexican again. I mean, it's an important question, isn't it?
OK, You probably get where I am going with this. LeBron James announced on an hour-long ESPN special last night that he would be leaving Cleveland for Miami. Tune in to the channel that Chris Berman built, and you will see weeping, nail biting, people being taken off to jail in Cleveland because of their reaction. James is a hometown hero. They feel rejected. I get it...sort of. But, Emmitt Smith did not remain a Cowboy to the end....Joe Montana was a Chief when the clock struck zero....and Michael Jordan....Wasn't he in Washington?
Speaking of which, I don't remember such a tragic response when Jordan retired from the Bulls, where he won six NBA titles to James's......zero?
I chuckle a little bit about the theatrics of last night's announcement. One of the main subjects of disagreement between my wife and I is about Minnesota's Brett Favre, and his coy approach to whether he is coming back for a 20th season. You know what? If Brett wants to not answer the question until those hot and humid workouts are over....I'm not going to blame him. But, a one-hour special to announce where you are going to play....I hope this doesn't set a new precedent for how the free agent game is played, but I think it probably will.....
All of the experts are already engraving the 2011 NBA trophy to Miami. With Wade and Bosh joining the Heat as well, how can they lose? They have too much talent.....Well, yes and no. A little bit of history lesson comes from the 2000 Washington Redskins. They had won their division in 1999, but owner Daniel Snyder wanted more, and went on a free-agent buying spree like none before or since. The biggest of his acquisitions was Dallas CB Deion Sanders. With all that talent, Norv Turner couldn't get it to work on paper. How will this trio of stars handle not getting 25-30 ppg? That is the question. Miami has the talent, but there's a certain thing called ego that gets in the way. That's not a knock on athletes per se, as you could make that argument about semi-pro sports and music writers.
So...looks like it's going to be an interesting season in the world of the NBA.....By the way, if you are still interested in my lunch plans....If I have the money, I just might be found at Papa Kayjoes in Centerville. The tea....and the humble pie are both awesome!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
21 MOVIES YOU SHOULD SEE (ACCORDING TO ME)
It has been a few weeks since I have last blogged, and there's a lot of reasons for that. The Billboard Country Music Summit, the CMA Music Festival, and taking the kids to camp have been a large part of what is going on. I will try to be a little bit more regular over the next few weeks....For this blog, I wanted to focus on something that we all have our favorites of---the movies. I'm not saying that these 21 films (I couldn't limit myself to 20) are the best of all time....but they are some of my favorites, and maybe some of yours. If you haven't seen these, you need to....
1. "A Time To Kill"----I saw this for the first time a few months ago, and I've got to say it was first rate all the way around. Kevin Spacey, Samuel Jackson, and a young Sandra Bullock were great in their roles, but Matthew McConaughey dominated the screen in this case of crime and racism in a Mississippi town. His closing argument is one of the best moments in film from the past two decades.
2. "Back To The Future"----Michael J. Fox has had some great Hollywood moments, but this Spielberg classic was one of the best. The movie was a treat to watch from start to finish. One of the most pleasurable parts of this movie were the little subtle jokes about what the future would bring. The two sequels to this franchise were a little confusing at times, but this one? Nothing but a classic.
3. "Batman"-----1992's sequel "Batman Returns" had Michelle Pfieffer as Catwoman (one of the best casting moves ever), and "The Dark Knight" had Heath Ledger's unforgettable performance, but the first modern film in the franchise managed to be cool and dark at the same time. Michael Keaton brought a vulnerability to Bruce Wayne, and Jack Nicholson as the Joker? Need i say more?
4. "Chicago"-----OK, so Catherine Zeta-Jones in this movie was a plus for me, but all around, I thought this musical was awesome from start to finish. I was skeptical about Richard Gere holding his own in a film like this, but he did and then some....and it was one of the first films I saw with the great Queen Latifah....but as you can tell later on the list....it wasn't the last!
5. "Coal Miners' Daughter,"---In my opinion, the greatest musical biography of all time. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones were incredible in their roles as the Lynns. I have watched this movie more than any other, and it never gets old. As a radio guy, I love the scenes where Loretta and Mooney travel around to radio stations, promoting her first records. Not just a great musical, but one of the great films of all time.
6. "Double Jeopardy"-------Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones made for a great cat-and-mouse chase in this thriller. He doesn't get the credit that they do, but this movie is also worth seeking out for the slick job that Bruce Greenwood does playing the movie's villain. Whether it be TV or movies, he's always first-rate playing a heavy!
7. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"----My days playing hooky were never this much fun. Matthew Broderick played the "Eddie Haskell" of my generation. I haven't watched this one in years, but it's one of the best of the 80s!
8. "Forrest Gump"------You have to suspend reality in your mind on this one, as who actually witnesses history from this many angles? Still, this film is one of those that no matter how many times you might have seen it, it never gets old.
9. "Giant"-----My favorite TV series of all time was "Dallas," and some have said that the Ewings owed a debt to this epic 1955 film that featured Rock Hudson and James Dean feuding over a lovely Elizabeth Taylor. This film was also notable for a early role for the late Dennis Hopper.
10. "Hoosiers"---Speaking of Hopper, who can forget his comeback role as a drunken parent in this Gene Hackman classic. There may be sports movies as good, but you won't find one better!
11. "Intolerable Cruelty"-----I have spoken of my affinity for Catherine Zeta-Jones, and there's plenty of screen time for her in this Coen Brothers film. The combination of her and George Clooney was nothing short of genius, and throw in Billy Bob Thornton and you have a comedy of epic proportions.
12. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"---Who doesn't view this one at least once during the holiday season. It might not have been "It's A Wonderful Life," but the Griswold family was never funnier.
13. "Primary Colors"----Mike Nichols is credited as a filmaking genius, and I think this parody of the Bill Clinton campaign was first-rate from start to finish. John Travolta pulled off the role of the Southern governor, Emma Thompson was superb as the Hilary character, and the supporting cast (Thornton, Kathy Bates, and Larry Hagman among them) was outstanding. If you've never seen this one, you need to!
14. O'Brother, Where Art Thou?----No matter how many times CMT shows this one, it never fails to leave me laughing. Clooney ruled the screen more than ever before or since, and the supporting players were excellent as well, especially Charles Durning as the governor. The film was definitely "bonafide."
15. "Ocean's Eleven"----What is it about George Clooney that causes a film to be memorable? I don't know the answer to that, but between him, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia, this one doesn't have a slow moment in it. I would also suggest "Ocean's Thirteen" as well.
16. "Ray"------It's in the same class with the afore-mentioned "Coal Miners' Daughter." Jamie Foxx had the role of his life as the genius Ray Charles. At times, you forget where Foxx ends and Charles begins.
17. "The Secret Life Of Bees"----My wife wanted to see this one in the fall of 2008, so we went. I didn't expect to love this one as much as I did, but it was a well-written story with some great acting from Queen Latifah. The fact that she wasn't nominated for an Oscar for this one still bumfuzzles (is that even a word?) me.
18. "The Shootist"-----I love westerns, and nobody did it better than John Wayne. This film, which was his last, was a great way to go out. Throw in Ron Howard as a Wayne in-the-making and Jimmy Stewart as the kindly doctor, and you've got one of the genre's best.
19. "Smokey And The Bandit"-----It will never be compared to Masterpiece Theatre, but as far as an enjoyable movie experience, I think this is still one of the best. I would love to see this remade, possibly with Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins as the modern-day Reynolds and Reed.
20. "Walking Tall"-----The story of Buford Pusser has always intrigued me, and while the two follow-ups of this film were not as great, Joe Don Baker had his role for the ages as the Tennessee sheriff that stood up against the system. It was very dark and violent at the time, but the people that Pusser battled were not the comic book characters that were depicted in the 1975 and 1977 sequels.
Also....while not one movie, I wanted to lend my thoughts on what the best movie franchise of all time would be. I have to say that if I have two hours to spare (?), there is no better escape than the team of Riggs and Murtaugh (i.e., Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) and the "Lethal Weapon" series. Quite possibly, the best buddy team of all time....
Well, there they are. I know I didn't pick many from the "Golden Age," but then again, I never said these were the best....just my favorites. I hope they are some of yours!
1. "A Time To Kill"----I saw this for the first time a few months ago, and I've got to say it was first rate all the way around. Kevin Spacey, Samuel Jackson, and a young Sandra Bullock were great in their roles, but Matthew McConaughey dominated the screen in this case of crime and racism in a Mississippi town. His closing argument is one of the best moments in film from the past two decades.
2. "Back To The Future"----Michael J. Fox has had some great Hollywood moments, but this Spielberg classic was one of the best. The movie was a treat to watch from start to finish. One of the most pleasurable parts of this movie were the little subtle jokes about what the future would bring. The two sequels to this franchise were a little confusing at times, but this one? Nothing but a classic.
3. "Batman"-----1992's sequel "Batman Returns" had Michelle Pfieffer as Catwoman (one of the best casting moves ever), and "The Dark Knight" had Heath Ledger's unforgettable performance, but the first modern film in the franchise managed to be cool and dark at the same time. Michael Keaton brought a vulnerability to Bruce Wayne, and Jack Nicholson as the Joker? Need i say more?
4. "Chicago"-----OK, so Catherine Zeta-Jones in this movie was a plus for me, but all around, I thought this musical was awesome from start to finish. I was skeptical about Richard Gere holding his own in a film like this, but he did and then some....and it was one of the first films I saw with the great Queen Latifah....but as you can tell later on the list....it wasn't the last!
5. "Coal Miners' Daughter,"---In my opinion, the greatest musical biography of all time. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones were incredible in their roles as the Lynns. I have watched this movie more than any other, and it never gets old. As a radio guy, I love the scenes where Loretta and Mooney travel around to radio stations, promoting her first records. Not just a great musical, but one of the great films of all time.
6. "Double Jeopardy"-------Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones made for a great cat-and-mouse chase in this thriller. He doesn't get the credit that they do, but this movie is also worth seeking out for the slick job that Bruce Greenwood does playing the movie's villain. Whether it be TV or movies, he's always first-rate playing a heavy!
7. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"----My days playing hooky were never this much fun. Matthew Broderick played the "Eddie Haskell" of my generation. I haven't watched this one in years, but it's one of the best of the 80s!
8. "Forrest Gump"------You have to suspend reality in your mind on this one, as who actually witnesses history from this many angles? Still, this film is one of those that no matter how many times you might have seen it, it never gets old.
9. "Giant"-----My favorite TV series of all time was "Dallas," and some have said that the Ewings owed a debt to this epic 1955 film that featured Rock Hudson and James Dean feuding over a lovely Elizabeth Taylor. This film was also notable for a early role for the late Dennis Hopper.
10. "Hoosiers"---Speaking of Hopper, who can forget his comeback role as a drunken parent in this Gene Hackman classic. There may be sports movies as good, but you won't find one better!
11. "Intolerable Cruelty"-----I have spoken of my affinity for Catherine Zeta-Jones, and there's plenty of screen time for her in this Coen Brothers film. The combination of her and George Clooney was nothing short of genius, and throw in Billy Bob Thornton and you have a comedy of epic proportions.
12. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"---Who doesn't view this one at least once during the holiday season. It might not have been "It's A Wonderful Life," but the Griswold family was never funnier.
13. "Primary Colors"----Mike Nichols is credited as a filmaking genius, and I think this parody of the Bill Clinton campaign was first-rate from start to finish. John Travolta pulled off the role of the Southern governor, Emma Thompson was superb as the Hilary character, and the supporting cast (Thornton, Kathy Bates, and Larry Hagman among them) was outstanding. If you've never seen this one, you need to!
14. O'Brother, Where Art Thou?----No matter how many times CMT shows this one, it never fails to leave me laughing. Clooney ruled the screen more than ever before or since, and the supporting players were excellent as well, especially Charles Durning as the governor. The film was definitely "bonafide."
15. "Ocean's Eleven"----What is it about George Clooney that causes a film to be memorable? I don't know the answer to that, but between him, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia, this one doesn't have a slow moment in it. I would also suggest "Ocean's Thirteen" as well.
16. "Ray"------It's in the same class with the afore-mentioned "Coal Miners' Daughter." Jamie Foxx had the role of his life as the genius Ray Charles. At times, you forget where Foxx ends and Charles begins.
17. "The Secret Life Of Bees"----My wife wanted to see this one in the fall of 2008, so we went. I didn't expect to love this one as much as I did, but it was a well-written story with some great acting from Queen Latifah. The fact that she wasn't nominated for an Oscar for this one still bumfuzzles (is that even a word?) me.
18. "The Shootist"-----I love westerns, and nobody did it better than John Wayne. This film, which was his last, was a great way to go out. Throw in Ron Howard as a Wayne in-the-making and Jimmy Stewart as the kindly doctor, and you've got one of the genre's best.
19. "Smokey And The Bandit"-----It will never be compared to Masterpiece Theatre, but as far as an enjoyable movie experience, I think this is still one of the best. I would love to see this remade, possibly with Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins as the modern-day Reynolds and Reed.
20. "Walking Tall"-----The story of Buford Pusser has always intrigued me, and while the two follow-ups of this film were not as great, Joe Don Baker had his role for the ages as the Tennessee sheriff that stood up against the system. It was very dark and violent at the time, but the people that Pusser battled were not the comic book characters that were depicted in the 1975 and 1977 sequels.
Also....while not one movie, I wanted to lend my thoughts on what the best movie franchise of all time would be. I have to say that if I have two hours to spare (?), there is no better escape than the team of Riggs and Murtaugh (i.e., Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) and the "Lethal Weapon" series. Quite possibly, the best buddy team of all time....
Well, there they are. I know I didn't pick many from the "Golden Age," but then again, I never said these were the best....just my favorites. I hope they are some of yours!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A FOND FAREWELL
It's strange how your opinion changes on things as you get older. Back in 1978, my grandfather passed away. I was four years old. The funeral was conducted not more than a mile from where I live now---at McDonald Funeral Home in Centerville. The people that own it---Bill McDonald--- is about one of the best people you will find anywhere, but for some reason, my grandfather's funeral put a fear in me of funerals. If you have ever been the McDonald Funeral Home, one of the entrances is a long and somewhat narrow wooden hallway. I dreamed of that one well into my teenage years.
I am glad to say that my fear of funerals came to an end before I reached adulthood. My jobs helped me on some of this, as working in radio exposed me to a lot of people. Still, if I could get away with a phone call or a sympathy card...I probably would have done that, rather than go to visitation. That is until 2005, and my mother died. That totally changed my thought process. Since then, I have always tried to make a stop...even just for a few minutes....It's not about keeping score, but you do remember people's acts of kindness.
OK...on to the point. Over the weekend, I attended the memorial service for Jessie Lucille Galya. To my knowledge, I only was around her a few times. She was the mother of Bobby Galya, who I think is one of the finest people on earth. One of my closest friends is his son, Bobby. So, I have always been made to feel a part of the family, and I wanted to extend my sympathy to him.
As human beings, I think we tend to overemphasize our importance sometimes. I went to the service feeling that I was doing something noble. Then, the service started. I can honestly tell you that it was one of the most beautiful and moving services that I have ever been to. They are called "Celebrations Of Life" for a reason. Several of Mrs. Galya's family got up and shared some rich and beautiful (and in some cases, funny) memories about her, which hammered the point home that what they were celebrating was the life...and not the end of one's life. Too many times, we are so overcome that we forget the good times at that point. The Galya family is blessed to be a little different.
Then, there were the preachers. Have you ever been to a funeral, and you wonder if the preacher ever knew the person they speak of? Granted, a lot of them do...but there were tears in one of the speakers' eyes----something you don't see...I don't know if I ever had....I don't want anyone to cry for me necessarily, but what a tribute to someone's life.
Anyway, I write this to say that it's not about the start of life....or even the finish that's important. We all are born cute little babies, and all die, maybe in various ways and circumstances....but we all will....It's about what I am finding referred to as "The Dash," that little - between the year of your birth and your passing....How you affect people. To be honest, I'm still working on mine-- but I think that given what people were saying about Jessie Lucille Galya yesterday, she more than left a mark on those that knew her. I'm sorry to say that I didn't, but to her family---I give my sincere condolences ...but also congratulations to have had a person in their family that was so universally loved!
I am glad to say that my fear of funerals came to an end before I reached adulthood. My jobs helped me on some of this, as working in radio exposed me to a lot of people. Still, if I could get away with a phone call or a sympathy card...I probably would have done that, rather than go to visitation. That is until 2005, and my mother died. That totally changed my thought process. Since then, I have always tried to make a stop...even just for a few minutes....It's not about keeping score, but you do remember people's acts of kindness.
OK...on to the point. Over the weekend, I attended the memorial service for Jessie Lucille Galya. To my knowledge, I only was around her a few times. She was the mother of Bobby Galya, who I think is one of the finest people on earth. One of my closest friends is his son, Bobby. So, I have always been made to feel a part of the family, and I wanted to extend my sympathy to him.
As human beings, I think we tend to overemphasize our importance sometimes. I went to the service feeling that I was doing something noble. Then, the service started. I can honestly tell you that it was one of the most beautiful and moving services that I have ever been to. They are called "Celebrations Of Life" for a reason. Several of Mrs. Galya's family got up and shared some rich and beautiful (and in some cases, funny) memories about her, which hammered the point home that what they were celebrating was the life...and not the end of one's life. Too many times, we are so overcome that we forget the good times at that point. The Galya family is blessed to be a little different.
Then, there were the preachers. Have you ever been to a funeral, and you wonder if the preacher ever knew the person they speak of? Granted, a lot of them do...but there were tears in one of the speakers' eyes----something you don't see...I don't know if I ever had....I don't want anyone to cry for me necessarily, but what a tribute to someone's life.
Anyway, I write this to say that it's not about the start of life....or even the finish that's important. We all are born cute little babies, and all die, maybe in various ways and circumstances....but we all will....It's about what I am finding referred to as "The Dash," that little - between the year of your birth and your passing....How you affect people. To be honest, I'm still working on mine-- but I think that given what people were saying about Jessie Lucille Galya yesterday, she more than left a mark on those that knew her. I'm sorry to say that I didn't, but to her family---I give my sincere condolences ...but also congratulations to have had a person in their family that was so universally loved!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
HOW 'BOUT THEM LADY COUGARS!
It was definitely a season of magic at Dickson County High School this spring. Though it ended earlier than a lot of people (including the team) would have liked for it to, the season for the Dickson County Lady Cougars was one for the books.
I can honestly say, having covered the school for radio / newspaper since 1995, that aside from the football seasons of 1999 and 2006---I don't know if I have enjoyed covering a team on Cougar Hill any more. (Note---When Coach Buck's team won the title back in 2002, we weren't covering games for radio then...We started the next season.)
I wanted to tip my hat to this team, because game in and game out, they have represented the school with a huge amount of grace and class...and as principal Ed Littleton might say, "Cougar Pride."
The team's first five games were won by a collective score of 55-3. That's not a misprint. Simply put, this team was loaded strong. After those first games, I think a lot of people thought we could make a strong run...and indeed we did. 29-9 is a great record, and we ran roughshod during the District Tournament.....To quote Montgomery and Gentry...That's something to be proud of!
Few teams have matched this squad for characters. Yes, the team has a lot of character, but the five seniors this team loses have a lot of firepower....and chemistry galore. Julianna Bass is a player that lived up to the term "Taking one for the team." I can not begin to tell you how many times she put herself in harm's way for a walk to first...and her hitting...not bad either. Kayla Edwards proved herself great at any position---pitching or hitting....Plus, as a Country Music fan, I appreciated the songs she used as she stepped to the plate over the past couple of years. Then you have the dynamic duo of Cat Petty and Ashley Ford. Without a doubt, they are great players...the numbers prove that. But, what I will remember the most is having them on the weekly Cougars' coaches show. Most players get a little shy when put in front of a microphone. Not these two! I honestly think they could host a show of their own. Just don't call out all those "cocky pitchers," # 8!
I don't know if you can single a player out as the leader, but pitcher Lauren Keele definitely played as such this season. At every game, she brought out her fan club as well. I joked to Coach Buck that the team was kind of like rock stars this season. They were that exciting to watch. Keele, who will play at MTSU next season, had a lights out season--grace under fire. I'm not going to say that I knew your mother well besides the concession stand, and the way that she took care of my daughter at games (I wonder just how many Air Heads she got free?), but I'm sure she was looking down and smiling at you each and every game.
Then, there's the parents. Each season, I find that I have gotten a little bit closer to them, and this year was no exception. I don't know if there's ever been a group any more classy.....DCHS crowds are great all around, but this was a neat bunch to cover. Coach Buck and Coach Bert, you guys had a fantastic season. Dickson County should be very proud of what they've got.
Friday night, the afore-mentioned seniors will throw their hats onto the football field, and begin a new chapter of life. Other players will move into their positions next season. It's simply a rite of passage, I guess. Still, the group that I alluded to as "Buck's Bunch" in a couple of HERALD articles this season was a fun one to watch and cover. Thanks to all for letting me be a part of it!
I can honestly say, having covered the school for radio / newspaper since 1995, that aside from the football seasons of 1999 and 2006---I don't know if I have enjoyed covering a team on Cougar Hill any more. (Note---When Coach Buck's team won the title back in 2002, we weren't covering games for radio then...We started the next season.)
I wanted to tip my hat to this team, because game in and game out, they have represented the school with a huge amount of grace and class...and as principal Ed Littleton might say, "Cougar Pride."
The team's first five games were won by a collective score of 55-3. That's not a misprint. Simply put, this team was loaded strong. After those first games, I think a lot of people thought we could make a strong run...and indeed we did. 29-9 is a great record, and we ran roughshod during the District Tournament.....To quote Montgomery and Gentry...That's something to be proud of!
Few teams have matched this squad for characters. Yes, the team has a lot of character, but the five seniors this team loses have a lot of firepower....and chemistry galore. Julianna Bass is a player that lived up to the term "Taking one for the team." I can not begin to tell you how many times she put herself in harm's way for a walk to first...and her hitting...not bad either. Kayla Edwards proved herself great at any position---pitching or hitting....Plus, as a Country Music fan, I appreciated the songs she used as she stepped to the plate over the past couple of years. Then you have the dynamic duo of Cat Petty and Ashley Ford. Without a doubt, they are great players...the numbers prove that. But, what I will remember the most is having them on the weekly Cougars' coaches show. Most players get a little shy when put in front of a microphone. Not these two! I honestly think they could host a show of their own. Just don't call out all those "cocky pitchers," # 8!
I don't know if you can single a player out as the leader, but pitcher Lauren Keele definitely played as such this season. At every game, she brought out her fan club as well. I joked to Coach Buck that the team was kind of like rock stars this season. They were that exciting to watch. Keele, who will play at MTSU next season, had a lights out season--grace under fire. I'm not going to say that I knew your mother well besides the concession stand, and the way that she took care of my daughter at games (I wonder just how many Air Heads she got free?), but I'm sure she was looking down and smiling at you each and every game.
Then, there's the parents. Each season, I find that I have gotten a little bit closer to them, and this year was no exception. I don't know if there's ever been a group any more classy.....DCHS crowds are great all around, but this was a neat bunch to cover. Coach Buck and Coach Bert, you guys had a fantastic season. Dickson County should be very proud of what they've got.
Friday night, the afore-mentioned seniors will throw their hats onto the football field, and begin a new chapter of life. Other players will move into their positions next season. It's simply a rite of passage, I guess. Still, the group that I alluded to as "Buck's Bunch" in a couple of HERALD articles this season was a fun one to watch and cover. Thanks to all for letting me be a part of it!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
A NOT SO ORDINARY JOE
It has been quite the month in Music City. One of the biggest labels of the past decade, Lyric Street Records. closed its' doors--leaving some very talented and creative people out of a job. Rounder Records was sold, even though I have a feeling that the label home of Alison Krauss will keep its' highly artistic reputation intact. The same week that all of this happened, I was leaving the house for Dickson when I received an e-mail that Joe Galante was stepping down from his post at Sony Music---after being with the company (RCA, BMG, SonyBMG) for almost forty years. You could have knocked me over with a feather!
There has been no other music exec in Nashville with the success record as Galante. No one--bar none. Some have come close, but the man stands as one of Nashville's geniuses. He has had the reputation of being tough as nails, and I get it. He is. You can't run the company he did without it. There are many cases of artists having a top ten record one year, and being off the label the next. He's not afraid to pull the plug, even though when I had the honor of interviewing him in 2006, he told he that's not something he relishes. In saying that, I will tell you that I don't always agree with who he drops. Take Jamey Johnson, an artist I fawned over last week. He released an album for the label a few years, had a hit ("The Dollar"), but was dropped. I think things worked out the way they were supposed to, but it remains that Johnson is a great talent--one that should have been able to make his music his way. Rachel Proctor is another one that I think the label missed out on. She had a fantastic album a few years back, but I believe we will hear from her again.
At the same time, what can you say about a man who signed The Judds, Keith Whitley, and Lorrie Morgan....and though he didn't sign them....ask Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, or Alabama how their careers might have fared without Joe and his first-class team on their side. Maybe his biggest leap of faith was signing a 45-year old woman from Arkansas named K.T. Oslin back in the mid 80s. She wasn't going to win the "Sexiest" title, but she had something better---incredible songs, and an ability to relate to a core section of Country's audience. Nobody else would take a chance on her, but Galante's risk paid off...."I'll Always Come Back," 'Do Ya," "Hey, Bobby," and one of the best singles and videos of all time, "80's Ladies."
He would be a legend in my eyes for all of that, but for all his toughness...all his business acumen---one of the reasons he has my respect is for answering a letter from a teenager inquiring about the music business.
Back in 1990, I had an assignment from one of my teachers. I had to write a letter to someone who was doing a job that I wanted to do one day.....Well, I had three choices.....Keith Bilbrey at WSM Radio, Debbie Gibson's personal bodyguard (I was sixteen at the time!), or Galante. I chose the latter. As he has been the past decade, he was on an unbelievable roll at the time, and extremely busy...so I didn't think anything about it. About a month or two later, I checked the mail one day, and there was a package----RCA Records. Nipper himself was on the label! Not only had he answered my letter, but he had sent me a copy of each cassette (Those were the days!) that the label was working at the time...everything from the Judds to Prairie Oyster. I still have the letter.....He didn't have to answer it....but I'm glad he did!
I have been described by my wife as someone who doesn't like change. I guess that is true. But the idea of a Sony / RCA without Galante is as foreign as a WSM without Bilbrey. I have no doubt that the label will continue to thrive under the new management.....but it will be a lot different......Anyway, though I have never thanked him face to face, I want to thank a certain label head from RCA named Galante for not being an "Ordinary Joe," and for what he has done for the music business!
There has been no other music exec in Nashville with the success record as Galante. No one--bar none. Some have come close, but the man stands as one of Nashville's geniuses. He has had the reputation of being tough as nails, and I get it. He is. You can't run the company he did without it. There are many cases of artists having a top ten record one year, and being off the label the next. He's not afraid to pull the plug, even though when I had the honor of interviewing him in 2006, he told he that's not something he relishes. In saying that, I will tell you that I don't always agree with who he drops. Take Jamey Johnson, an artist I fawned over last week. He released an album for the label a few years, had a hit ("The Dollar"), but was dropped. I think things worked out the way they were supposed to, but it remains that Johnson is a great talent--one that should have been able to make his music his way. Rachel Proctor is another one that I think the label missed out on. She had a fantastic album a few years back, but I believe we will hear from her again.
At the same time, what can you say about a man who signed The Judds, Keith Whitley, and Lorrie Morgan....and though he didn't sign them....ask Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, or Alabama how their careers might have fared without Joe and his first-class team on their side. Maybe his biggest leap of faith was signing a 45-year old woman from Arkansas named K.T. Oslin back in the mid 80s. She wasn't going to win the "Sexiest" title, but she had something better---incredible songs, and an ability to relate to a core section of Country's audience. Nobody else would take a chance on her, but Galante's risk paid off...."I'll Always Come Back," 'Do Ya," "Hey, Bobby," and one of the best singles and videos of all time, "80's Ladies."
He would be a legend in my eyes for all of that, but for all his toughness...all his business acumen---one of the reasons he has my respect is for answering a letter from a teenager inquiring about the music business.
Back in 1990, I had an assignment from one of my teachers. I had to write a letter to someone who was doing a job that I wanted to do one day.....Well, I had three choices.....Keith Bilbrey at WSM Radio, Debbie Gibson's personal bodyguard (I was sixteen at the time!), or Galante. I chose the latter. As he has been the past decade, he was on an unbelievable roll at the time, and extremely busy...so I didn't think anything about it. About a month or two later, I checked the mail one day, and there was a package----RCA Records. Nipper himself was on the label! Not only had he answered my letter, but he had sent me a copy of each cassette (Those were the days!) that the label was working at the time...everything from the Judds to Prairie Oyster. I still have the letter.....He didn't have to answer it....but I'm glad he did!
I have been described by my wife as someone who doesn't like change. I guess that is true. But the idea of a Sony / RCA without Galante is as foreign as a WSM without Bilbrey. I have no doubt that the label will continue to thrive under the new management.....but it will be a lot different......Anyway, though I have never thanked him face to face, I want to thank a certain label head from RCA named Galante for not being an "Ordinary Joe," and for what he has done for the music business!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
JAMEY JOHNSON...LEGEND IN THE MAKING
One thing that I have noticed about my writing over the past years is that I am less afraid to say what I think about things. I guess that is a good thing, but the down side of that is that it can kinda rub some the wrong way....and this one will....but it's how I feel. Though, if anybody from Mercury Records reads this, they just might have a smile on their face.
As someone who writes about the music business, people ask me sometimes what I think about Country Music nowadays. You know what? I think it's in pretty good shape. It's definitely diverse...and that's a good thing. Sure, there is some stuff out there that isn't that great, but not everything that was released in 1967 was great either. I consider myself a fan of all things and styles Country. My favorite singers are Kenny Rogers and Buck Owens, which are very different sides of the format. So, I'm not going to gripe about how "Country Ain't Country" any more. The cross-over sounds bring a lot of fans and attention to the format, and make for some exciting music.
What I don't like....is the growing trend to record songs about how "Country" one is.or isn't....(I want to clarify real quick....Easton Corbin is the exception to my ears as of late...He's the real deal!).....Then, there's Johnny Cash. I have many of the Man In Black's CD's, but what is the number one way to show that you are a Bad Ass in Country Music these days? You got it, name check Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, or George Jones! It gets old to me.
This became apparent to me on Friday night while watching Hank Williams, Jr. in concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Overall, it was a great night. Hank put on one of the best shows I have seen him do. The Grascals were great, as well. One of the acts there was Eric Church. Eric has recorded some fine material during his career. I think that "Lightning" and "Two Pink Lines" are two of the most different songs to come out of Nashville the past few years.....but if listening to Johnny Cash or pledging allegiance to the Hag makes you a "bad boy,' then I'm a wild child...The song has been sung, Nashville. It's time for new lyrics....
That leads me to....Jamey Johnson. Many of you are familiar with him. He wrote "Give It Away" for George Strait a couple of years back, and also released THAT LONESOME SONG, which belongs on a list with STORMS OF LIFE and HONKY TONK HEROES. Simply put, the guy is a $%%^^&^ genius! (I'm not going to write the word, as I do have my standards, but you get the idea!)......It's not marketing. He's not a pretty boy singing about trucks and the rebel yell....He writes and singes from the heart. As WSM's Eddie Stubbs might say, "It's real life." He writes about some things that I wouldn't do, sure....but my gosh...he's amazing. Nashville rarely sees a song like "In Color," and his new album is chock full of songs that sound as good. And...to prove he's "Country,' he doesn't come out on stage with his cap backwards with neatly starched jeans, smiling while singing about his tobacco cup and Johnny & June....he sings about "Mowin' Down The Roses" of his ex, or wishing "Mental Revenge" on his ex-lover, a often-forgotten Waylon Jennings hit written by that bad ass himself, Mel Tillis.....There are no smiles anywhere or "yee haws" anywhere, folks....he means it when he sings about not exactly wishing blue skies and sunshine for an ex-lover, and to further prove that he's "Country," he wrote the latest single from the Oak Ridge Boys, and just like Johnson...it doesn't get any more "bad ass" than that! He is simply incredible, and trust me, when his album comes out...you'll know about it....I'll be beating the drum as loudly as I can.
Jamey Johnson.....Remember him.....He's the modern day Hank Williams....Big statement....but I mean it...If you want to know more, go to the store right now and buy THAT LONESOME SONG....and by the way, Bocephus did name-check Johnny and June, as well sing about spitting Beech Nut in a murderers' eye.....but when they're your godparents, well....enough said....and just like Johnson, Bocephus didn't smile either when it came to avenging the death of a friend in "A Country Boy Can Survive."
I know the tone that I write with here is a little different, and I will be the first to say that sometimes fluff sounds great with the window down.....but Jamey Johnson is one of those singers that only comes along every once in a while!.....And if that ain't country.....well....listen to David Allen Coe for the last line!....
As someone who writes about the music business, people ask me sometimes what I think about Country Music nowadays. You know what? I think it's in pretty good shape. It's definitely diverse...and that's a good thing. Sure, there is some stuff out there that isn't that great, but not everything that was released in 1967 was great either. I consider myself a fan of all things and styles Country. My favorite singers are Kenny Rogers and Buck Owens, which are very different sides of the format. So, I'm not going to gripe about how "Country Ain't Country" any more. The cross-over sounds bring a lot of fans and attention to the format, and make for some exciting music.
What I don't like....is the growing trend to record songs about how "Country" one is.or isn't....(I want to clarify real quick....Easton Corbin is the exception to my ears as of late...He's the real deal!).....Then, there's Johnny Cash. I have many of the Man In Black's CD's, but what is the number one way to show that you are a Bad Ass in Country Music these days? You got it, name check Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, or George Jones! It gets old to me.
This became apparent to me on Friday night while watching Hank Williams, Jr. in concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Overall, it was a great night. Hank put on one of the best shows I have seen him do. The Grascals were great, as well. One of the acts there was Eric Church. Eric has recorded some fine material during his career. I think that "Lightning" and "Two Pink Lines" are two of the most different songs to come out of Nashville the past few years.....but if listening to Johnny Cash or pledging allegiance to the Hag makes you a "bad boy,' then I'm a wild child...The song has been sung, Nashville. It's time for new lyrics....
That leads me to....Jamey Johnson. Many of you are familiar with him. He wrote "Give It Away" for George Strait a couple of years back, and also released THAT LONESOME SONG, which belongs on a list with STORMS OF LIFE and HONKY TONK HEROES. Simply put, the guy is a $%%^^&^ genius! (I'm not going to write the word, as I do have my standards, but you get the idea!)......It's not marketing. He's not a pretty boy singing about trucks and the rebel yell....He writes and singes from the heart. As WSM's Eddie Stubbs might say, "It's real life." He writes about some things that I wouldn't do, sure....but my gosh...he's amazing. Nashville rarely sees a song like "In Color," and his new album is chock full of songs that sound as good. And...to prove he's "Country,' he doesn't come out on stage with his cap backwards with neatly starched jeans, smiling while singing about his tobacco cup and Johnny & June....he sings about "Mowin' Down The Roses" of his ex, or wishing "Mental Revenge" on his ex-lover, a often-forgotten Waylon Jennings hit written by that bad ass himself, Mel Tillis.....There are no smiles anywhere or "yee haws" anywhere, folks....he means it when he sings about not exactly wishing blue skies and sunshine for an ex-lover, and to further prove that he's "Country," he wrote the latest single from the Oak Ridge Boys, and just like Johnson...it doesn't get any more "bad ass" than that! He is simply incredible, and trust me, when his album comes out...you'll know about it....I'll be beating the drum as loudly as I can.
Jamey Johnson.....Remember him.....He's the modern day Hank Williams....Big statement....but I mean it...If you want to know more, go to the store right now and buy THAT LONESOME SONG....and by the way, Bocephus did name-check Johnny and June, as well sing about spitting Beech Nut in a murderers' eye.....but when they're your godparents, well....enough said....and just like Johnson, Bocephus didn't smile either when it came to avenging the death of a friend in "A Country Boy Can Survive."
I know the tone that I write with here is a little different, and I will be the first to say that sometimes fluff sounds great with the window down.....but Jamey Johnson is one of those singers that only comes along every once in a while!.....And if that ain't country.....well....listen to David Allen Coe for the last line!....
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