Saturday Night (Sunday Morning) On Music Valley

Yes, I am back writing a blog. There's a lot of reasons that I haven't been on here in a while, but the biggest is that with the new job...and the old jobs, I have been burning the candle at both ends as of late. Some of you have inquired, so I thought I would try to be a little more regular on this thing again.

Tonight was a neat experience for me. Aside from a year in Georgia, I have lived in Tennessee all my life. That being said, there are a few things I have never done. Two Rivers or Belle Meade Mansion? Never been. RCA Studio B? Never Been. The Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree? Well, I have been once. About ten years ago, when Rhonda Vincent hosted. I don't get to the Jamboree that often. For starters, it's at Midnight. I have never been a big late night owl, so usually when Jennifer Herron is talking about the Jimmie Rodgers record of the week, I am adrift somewhere in sleep.

Another reason is....it's at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. Wait a minute, don't misunderstand me. More than any business anywhere, there's no other place I like shopping more. But, I have walked into the store, and came out with enough CD's to almost tear one of the plastic bags the cashier puts them in! It's truly somewhere I love going.

Anyway, earlier this week, I saw that Mel Tillis was going to be the host this week. I have been blessed to have seen Jones, Haggard, Owens, and many of the biggest legends in the format. About the only classic country artists from my lifetime that I have missed are Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, and Mel Tillis. Nothing against the first two, but I can wait a little while to see them where they are playing. But, Mel Tillis? I sort of planned all week to go....

Then, Saturday came. Between this and that, I wound up with a case of the "I Don't Give A ____." But, around 11:15 or so, I decided "Why not." I'm glad I did!

At age 79, Tillis is still in fine vocal form, and his comedy bits are as funny as ever. I was totally mesmerized the entire hour. Mel is from that "Old School." He and his band, the equally legendary Statesiders, dress in suits, there's not a lot of lights, and he doesn't move around on stage too much. And, there's not a darn thing wrong with that. Don't get me wrong. I love much of today's music and stage shows, but "Old School" is still a pretty good way to be!

An hour and a half, and he played one hit after the other. "Sawmill," "Burning Memories," and "What Did I Promise Her Last Night," among them. He also did my two favorite songs of his "Send Me Down To Tuscon," and "Mental Rcvenge." It was a great night (or morning?) of music.

I did escape the record shop without a purchase, but hopefully a gift certificate to the store will find its' way to me. It is the holidays, after all, and I heard three albums tonight that I would love to have, and saw two or three books, a DVD, and a WSM T-Shirt.....

If you've never been to the Jamboree, I urge you to check it out. It's definitely a piece of Country Music history. Maybe, being just two miles away from it right now, I won't let another decade pass between visits....

THE OPIUM EQUATION

It was an interesting Saturday afternoon for me. I was invited by one of my good friends, Lisa Wysocky, to attend the book release party for her book The Opium Equation. There were several reasons for my invitation. First, Lisa has been one of Nashville’s top publicists for many years, and I have interviewed many of her clients over the years. I worked under Lisa at a label for a time, and we’ve remained very good friends over the years.

And, there’s one more reason! One of the characters in The Opium Equation is a Dickson, TN journalist named…..Chuck Dauphin. Now, while my namesake doesn’t have a major role in the book, it’s still cool seeing your name in print as a character. And, plus, one of my two scenes in the book has me standing next to Morgan Fairchild. That’s not a bad place to be, I don’t think!

At the book signing, Lisa introduced me to the crowd that was there as a “Character,” before alluding to the fact that I was a character in the book. Someone turned around and asked me “Just what kind of character are you?”

Hmmm…how do I answer that. I have to admit that it made me think a little ‘What kind of character would I be?” Would I be the dashing hero? No, I don’t think that would be me. I’m not the cool one, though it might be fun to be George Clooney or Kevin Costner for a minute. I wasn’t blessed with the swagger. Would I be the brooding mysterious man with a deep dark secret? That might work. But, as many who know me can attest, I don’t really keep secrets that well, so the mystery wouldn't be that well kept!

The stereo-typical smart-aleck Southern redneck. Possibly. I grew up a fan of the Atlanta-based writer Lewis Grizzard, and I’m sure that has affected many of the pieces I have written over the years. But, I’ve never been “mudding,” and though some of my political and spiritual views are very “Southern,” I would be the weakest link at an all-night party in a barn. Heck, I even fell asleep at a Bachelor Party one night, if that tells you anything!

I guess I just need to come to the realization that I’m just me. Though, if I could pick one character to be, it might be Simon Baker’s Patrick Jane from The Mentalist. It would be so cool to have that attitude, and to get away with the cockiness. But, that’s not me, either.

So, Lisa, I appreciate the opportunity to be a “character.” I urge anyone reading this to pick up a copy of The Opium Equation. It’s a very well-written book. But, maybe in the sequel, maybe “Chuck Dauphin” could get a little closer to “Morgan Fairchild.” After all, it doesn’t hurt to ask, does it?

For more information on Lisa's book, log on to http://www.lisawysocky.com/theopiumequation.htm

One More For The Hall!

In the past few weeks, I have written about the merits of Jerry Reed Hubbard and Richard Lee Skaggs as 2012 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today, I am going to take a look at the third person I hope gets some consideration for this high honor. I have been talking about the "Year of the Picker," and since the rotating category for 2012 is "Musician," I didn't have to think long about who my pick would be....Donald Eugene Ulrich.

Of course, he's better known to the world as "Dangerous" Don Rich, right hand man for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos from 1959 until his tragic death in July 1974. This is a big statement, but here goes, just as Chet Atkins' strings echoed Nashville, Don Rich's Telecaster licks defined the California sound. Buck Owens said it often.....He would not have been near as successful had he not had Don behind him. Plus, it didn't end there. His harmonies gave some of Buck's records a haunting side that would have been much different without him, and there was his fiddling. As great of a guitarist as he was, he was an equally good fiddler. If you need proof, take a listen to his playing on "Uncle Pen" from Owens' 1971 album Ruby (And Other Bluegrass Specials). It may be the best piece of fiddling that I have ever heard. And, his playing influenced a generation.

Nashville is slow sometimes to recognize the accomplishments of the West Coast musicians. But, before they induct a deserving session player from Nashville, let's give some credit to one of the best musicians that ever lived. Don Rich. Jerry Reed. Ricky Skaggs. Three reasons why 2012 should be the "Year of the Picker."

One More For The Hall

OK...Everyone..I am still choosing my words carefully on the next blog, because I know I am going to make certain members of a political party irate, but it's my opinion, isn't it?....But, that's coming up......Today, I wanted to offer some more thoughts about why 2012 should be the "Year of The Pickers" at the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Last week, I made a case for Jerry Reed in the pre-1980 category. And,I received a few emails agreeing with me, but also asking why not The Wilburn Brothers, Connie Smith, the Oak Ridge Boys, and / or Dottie West? All of you are right, they need to be there....but so does Jerry Reed.

Another artist who deserves enshrinement in the Hall is one that is largely responsible for bringing awareness to a classic musical art form---not once, but twice. In the 1980s, it was he, along with Hall of Famers Reba McEntire and George Strait who helped usher in a wave of traditionalism. He made songs by Flatt & Scruggs, Mel Tillis, and Ray Price cool again.

Then, following the death of Bill Monroe in 1996, he helped to raise awareness of Bluegrass Music with his great singing and playing, even starting his own successful Bluegrass label. There are quite a few in the post-1980 category that deserve to be in the Hall, but I can't think of anyone more in this category than Ricky Skaggs....

Next week, since the Hall has made the "Musician Category" the revolving one for 2012, I will give you my thoughts about a guitarist / fiddler whose professional career only lasted about fifteen years. But, Nobody was more responsible for one artist's overall sound, and henceforth, a whole sub-genre of Country Music than him. Who is he, you ask? Jim West, if you're reading this....you know! I'll tell you my thoughts on the musician category for 2012 concerning the Hall next week!

BURIED TREASURES

OK, Just so you know I am a little mad tonight over something I read. Maybe, more than a little....I am going to blog on it, but I don't need to do it tonight....but maybe next week....Still, I have some creative energy I need to burn off so, I go back to the well. There is a great Country Classics station in Alma, GA - 104.3 FM, and every now and then, they play things that I think Eddie Stubbs, Ken Loggains, Marcia Campbell and I have heard of. So, for this blog, I thought I would shine the spotlight on twenty records that you have maybe never heard---none of these records were a top ten, but they are truly "Deep Catalog," as Professor Stubbs would say.....

"Someday My Day Will Come," George Jones # 22 / 1979
He wasn't in the best of physical shape here, but maybe that's the point. In all the darkness, the "Possum" still had an ounce of hope.

"Back To Bein' Me," George Strait Album Cut / 1988
You can't really find a Strait non-hit, so I chose this one from his 1988 If You Ain't Lovin album. He's had so many great album cuts, you could do a box set on them alone.

"I Will Rock And Roll With You," Johnny Cash # 21 / 1979
Recorded as the "Man In Black" was celebrating a quarter-century in the spotlight, this one hearkened back to that Sun era like few of his records from the 70s and 80s did.


FINAL TOUCHES, Conway Twitty, 1993
My closest friends will tire of my love affair of this album, which proved to be Conway's last. And, while there may be a little bit of emotion tied to it, this disc was as current and as vital as anything anyone else was doing at the time, and I think could have yielded a few more hits - even during the age of the "Boot Scooters."

"Out Among The Stars," Merle Haggard, # 21 / 1986
Though I personally think Waylon had just as strong of a cut on this one, Haggard's version of a young man who can't escape his heritage is one of his unsung classics.

"The River Unbroken," Dolly Parton, # 63 / 1988
Her first single for Columbia after a two-decade partnership with RCA, this one was very Pop---even then, but the lyrics were strong then....and blow me away now.

"I'm Not Trying To Forget You," Willie Nelson # 21 / 1986
WSM-AM was what I listened to growing up, and they played the heck out of this one, so I assumed it was a bigger hit. Still, a great performance.

"When I Loved Her," Ray Price
Historians will debate how Price's lush recordings stacked up to his 50s Traditional ones. I say put anything he's ever done - 50s through today - against anyone. He may be the best singer to ever grace the Country format. From his late 60s / early 70s years, this one could teach lessons today.

"You're Gonna Be (Always Loved By Me)", Reba # 33 / 2005
This song about a mother's love still gets me. I remember the first time I heard it - coming back from a long trip in a procession to Centerville, TN in October of 2005. That's all I will say about that.

"Our Old Mansion," Buck Owens, # 91 / 1977
A lot of people just assume that Buck Owens never cut anything great after the death of Don Rich. That's not exactly true. While nobody appreciates Don as much as me, there were still a few moments of brilliance - though nobody heard this one. I will say that if Don were on this one, it could have been maybe the best recording Buck ever made...

"Tulsa," Waylon Jennings, 1971
Hear ye, hillbilly bad-ass wannabes! Being an "Outlaw" is a lot more than how much tobacco and dirt roads you sing about. Taken from the perspective of an ex who goes after the man his lover left him for after he leaves her pregnant, well...I wouldn't want Jennings on my trail.

"Getting Over You," Hank Williams, Jr, 1974?
Written after a suicide attempt, this might be one of the most grittiest things Bocephus ever cut. Kid Rock could knock a remake of this one all the way to Grammy contention

"Goodbye" / Alabama, 1990
They've had so many hits, but this one never was released as a single. From their Pass It On Down album, this was Randy Owen at his best.

"Oh, How I Miss You Tonight," / Jim Reeves
Though an electronically engineered duet with Deborah Allen made it to the top ten in 1980, I am still surprised that Chet Atkins didn't release the original. It could have been a smash of the magnitude of "He'll Have To Go."

"Have I Got Some Blues For You," Charley Pride / # 14, 1987
After over two decades with RCA, Pride made a comeback in the late 80s with this one. It was a big hit, but a lot better than # 14!

"L.A. To The Moon," Ronnie Milsap / # 45, 1992
Milsap was in the process of leaving RCA when this lame duck single was released----but there was nothing second rate about the quality of it. This is one of those songs that is out there, hanging around for someone, I guarantee it!

"Goin' Back To Alabama" Kenny Rogers / 1981
Kenny Rogers has had success with many styles over the years. This may be one of his best-written songs of all time, produced by frequent collaborator Lionel Richie. And, if you are fortunate to find the Share Your Love album from whence it came, listen to that harmony.....from Michael Jackson, no less.

"Talkin' To Myself Again," Tammy Wynette / # 16, 1988
This song was part of a comeback for Tammy during her Higher Ground phase, but I would put this in a list of her top five records---a lot higher than it made it on the charts.

"Double S," Bill Anderson / # 30, 1978
From the disco-oriented Ladies' Choice album, I've always admired how Anderson tied so many words and names together.

"The Man In The Mirror, Jim Glaser / # 17, 1983
Simply put, one of the best songs by one of the best singers. Ever. Period. And, that's how I feel!

Well, writing about these songs made me feel better. Still mad, though. You'll hear about that next week. Let's just say that experts are a dime a dozen.....and some aren't even worth that much!

Back To School And Other Things!

This was the first week of school in Appling County, GA, and our daughter returned home from her summer in Kentucky. It’s been a good first week of school, though I have to admit I didn’t know you had to fill out that many papers. “Back In My Day,” I just remember Mama having to sign one or two. Times change, I guess. Going back-to-school shopping has been fun, expensive……lol……but fun. One day this week, my daughter asked for “Ten dollars…plus tax.” Man, I pity the guy who takes her out in a few………That’s right, she’s not dating until she’s 30…………!

Football has kicked off. NFL Preseason is going strong. I guess because of the recent strike, I have watched a little more than the first quarter. I actually screamed the other night when the Cowboys came back to knock off Denver 24-23 this past Thursday. I guess I thought it was the Super Bowl! Don’t look for either of these teams in it. I’ll give you my predictions in just a few weeks. For the first time since 1990, I will not have anything to do with a High School sports broadcast, though I still will be covering for newspaper. Tonight, I was taking pictures of the team I will be covering in their scrimmage. While I love football from late September on, it takes a few August games to understand why it gets under your skin so much. It’s hotter than Kathy Sue Loudermilk in a cellophane bikini! (Coffee is on me at the Huddle House if you know who she is!)

Career-wise, this summer has been on of the craziest of my life. I have interviewed CNN hosts at the Opry, stars like Ronnie Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Ricky Skaggs, and Jake Owen, and the calendar keeps filling up. It’s not quite as glamorous as it looks (Try transcribing a 20 minute interview when you are sleepy), but I feel totally blessed to have had some of the opportunities I have had over the past month or two. Oklahoma, the Opry, and Dickson County / Bacon County High School. It all works together.

Musically, I want to leave this week with two separate thoughts. First of all, some really good stuff out there right now. You need to look up Blake Shelton’s RED RIVER BLUE on iTunes. You will find a cover of Dan Seals’ “Addicted” that will knock your socks off. Speaking of Blake, his prettier half is part of a new trio called the Pistol Annies that is well worth looking out for. Trace Adkins has a new album out that is great, and two Grand Ole Opry mainstays have new music coming out. Connie Smith’s first CD since 1998, LONG LINE OF HEARTACHES, comes out next week, and it can be summed up by saying “It’s Connie Smith!” Also, Jesse McReynolds of Jim & Jesse has a new disc out where he salutes tunes from Jerry Garcia and the Greatful Dead. If you know your history, they aren’t as far apart as you think…

And, I have been campaigning (for what it’s worth) for 2012 to be the “Year of the Pickers” for the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m not a voter, but over the next three weeks, I am going to tell you who I would vote for, beginning with……..

Category of ACTIVE BEFORE 1980: Jerry Reed

With his work on TV and in the movies, Jerry created a persona that made him a household name. At the same time, it made him known to many as simply Burt Reynolds’ sidekick who made his name with some of the top novelty songs of the day. However, look closely at his resume, and you will find one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Chet Atkins even said that Reed himself had no idea how good he was. His recordings were far more balanced than he’s given credit for, and yes, he was one of the biggest stars of his time – regardless of what his records were or weren’t doing at the time. I think it’s high time that Reed “Claws” his way into the Country Music Hall of Fame………Next week, I’ll tell you about a guy from Cordell, KY who made songs by Flatt and Scruggs, Webb Pierce, and Ray Price cool all over again, and he’s a pretty good picker too!

More Random Ruminations

It has been a very busy past couple of weeks......There's a lot of things to talk about......So in honor of Joe Biddle, here's my Random Ruminations of the week....

The NFL / Well, it’s over. The lockout has come to an end. Now, we can concentrate on the truly important things about the league – Where will Brett Favre play? This time, I think he is actually…..well, maybe, retired. After last season, why would he put himself through that again? He is familiar with Andy Reid’s scheme, having played under him in Green Bay. But, I don’t see “Favre-watch” being Ed Werder’s assignment in August. I hope he doesn’t come back to play for the Eagles, though. I rooted for him as a Viking for a lot of reasons, but if it came down to the Philadelphia Eagles winning a Super Bowl, or the lockout continuing….I would choose the latter. In other NFL news, the Tennessee Titans have signed Matt Hasselbeck to a 3-year, $21M deal. Seven million a year? To Hasselbeck? I have a feeling before it’s all said and done, some fans in Middle Tennessee are going to wish that Jeff Fisher was back in town. Nothing against Mike Munchak, but the Titans seem to me as exciting as a cardboard dinner!

Country Music Hall Of Fame: Nobody has asked my opinion on this, but I will offer it. 2012 is just a few months away, and if any voters for the Hall are reading this, I know that the revolving category for induction next year is Musician. So, with that said, if 2012 is the year of the Picker? What about Ricky Skaggs in the post-1980 category? Strait, Reba, and Alabama are all in – so should he. Jerry Reed in the pre-1980 category, as he was one of the most dazzling talents of all time, and was much more than a comedy actor. And, in the Musician category….Donald Eugene Ulrich, better known as Don Rich, leader of Buck Owens’ Buckaroos. Was there any musical performer that was so much a key part of another’s sound? I don’t think so. Reed and Skaggs are fairly good bets, but I hope the Hall realizes that there was some great musicianship that took place away from Music City. Nothing against Buck, but I don’t know if Don Rich doesn’t have as many admirers in the business as the Boss Buckaroo.

BACK TO SCHOOL: It’s been twenty years since I have went “Back To School,” but is it weird that I am looking forward to hopefully going to Wal-Mart this weekend to get my daughter’s Back To School stuff? Maybe it’s just getting it out of the way, so I’m not running around in too many circles the week after next……but, I can’t wait to hit the store this weekend!

CONGRATULATIONS – Two of my good friends, Sheila Wooten and Tommy Vann, from Kix 96 in Centerville tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Hickman County last week. OK, maybe it wasn’t so lavish, but they couldn’t have made better choices. Best wishes for a long and happy life together.

PASSAGES: On the other side of that fence, Burns Church of Christ lost two longtime members this past week with the passing of Elsie Crumpler and Christine Alheit. I was proud to say that I knew them both. My sympathy to their families.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Though this appears to be the first year since 1994 that I won’t be behind a microphone for High School Football on Friday nights, I will still have my pen and keyboard in hand. I will be covering Bacon County High School football for the NEWS COURIER in Alma, GA. They’ve got a new head football coach named Bobby Johns who lives and breathes football. I’ll have more updates as the season goes along.

WASHINGTON DEBT CEILING: Who knows how this debt situation will end up. What amazes me is how stubborn both political parties are being about this. I have never seen a situation where the Democrats or the Republicans were totally right or totally wrong on an issue. Boehner seems like he won’t cooperate with anyone, and President Obama looks like he won’t budge either. A compromise needs to be had. Who will be the first to blink?

AMY WINEHOUSE: I won’t tell you that I was her biggest fan. Had nothing against her, but “Rehab” was the only song that I was familiar with. I just found it sad that I saw a lot of conversations this past week with a lot of “Better than thous” condemning anyone who had a self-destructive life. I doubt very seriously that any of the “27 Club,” as they are now being referred to as, set out to die. But, one thing to remember. Before Amy Winehouse was a star, sex symbol, addict, or whatever….she was someone’s daughter. And, for those who want to point the finger, were it not for the grace of God, she could have been yours.

JORDAN HILL HAS LEFT THE BUILDING – Though I continue to work for various publications in Tennessee, since last October, I have been one of the contributing writers for THE NEWS COURIER. Tuesday was a sad day as Jordan Hill left the paper to embark on her college career at Valdosta State. Write the name down, folks. She’s just eighteen, but you know how you have a feeling about certain people. She’s going places. I might end up working for her one day! The best of luck to you Jordan, and remember….”Where’ve You Been!”

A Bucket List, Part 3!

This week, work-wise, has been a very interesting week. From an interview standpoint, the cup runneth over. I was beginning to wonder where my next round of interviews for stories were going to come from. Now, with ten this week, and one already lined up for next, I'm in good shape.

As I've often written, if I could pick out one of the things I do that I love more than anything else, it would be the interview process. First of all, as unprofessional that it might be for me to say, I'm a fan--of a lot of people. I truly look at it as a blessing to have gotten to talk to as many people that I admire that I have. Secondly, I love asking an artist a question that they're not expecting. That pause you get when you've asked Kenny Rogers about a 1978 album cut rather than "How did you feel the first time you heard 'The Gambler'...is one of the greatest feelings in the world....

My theme this month has been "Bucket Lists." So, I thought I would apply that to interviews. Who would I like to sit down and talk to that I haven't? Some of these, I never will...but it doesn't hurt to dream! I broke this down into four categories, because I didn't want to turn it into "Ten Musical Acts I've Never Interviewed," but that's where I'll start.

MUSIC: Reba McEntire: She's one of the top performers that I've never talked to. I would love that opportunity sometime in the future. An actress, a singer, and a businesswoman, there's so many angles.

Dolly Parton: Speaking of angles...You know, even if she didn't have a massive amount of sex appeal and charisma, she still would be the greatest female songwriter in Country Music history. Between those songs, Dollywood, and the fact that she keeps creating great new music like her latest, Better Day, the possibilities are endless.

SPORTS: Jimmy Johnson: OK, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. You all know that one. But, I don't think I have any more admiration for a public figure than Johnson. Simply put, I think he's an absolute genius. Cocky? Sure. Maybe a little over-the-top at times? Sure. But, having observed his coaching and television work, I would love to sit down and talk to this man and see what makes him tick.

Joe Gibbs: OK, Cowboys fans, I'm sorry. No, I'm really not. While I could never root for Gibbs' Redskins when they were playing "America's Team," how could you have anything against this man. He's one of the nicest guys that has ever coached in the NFL, and talking to him about character, I think would be a great conversation. He definitely knows a lot about it!

POLITICS: Lamar Alexander: As a Tennessean, I was a child during his term as Governor. I've always admired the work that he did, but also he was the link between the "Good Ole Boy" days of old in Tennessee and the modern-day era. Those old days weren't so bad. He could agree with a Democrat like the late Ned McWherter, and disagree with someone in his own party. That's bi-partisan!

Bill Clinton: No matter what one thinks of the 42nd President's personal life, I don't think that anyone could disagree with him being one of the greatest politicians of all time. He knows people, and it shows. The man seems equally at home at the U.N. or a Hickman County Football game, and you don't see that every day---from either party.

MEDIA: Dan Rather: I was seven when Walter Cronkite retired, and with CBS being the most-watched network during most of my TV addict years, Rather was the newsman of my youth. JFK. Chicago '68. So many events, and he was the one transmitting the news to the people. It would be neat to hear his thoughts as he watched history unravel.

Bill O'Reilly: Some of you aren't going to like this one, but it's my list. The man fascinates me. I don't always agree with the FOX nighttime host, but I love watching him. I guess my favorite part of his show is the mailbag at the end. Is he smug or just confident? So are the mysteries of life!

Well, I've got to think about a couple more of these lists....So I will do that now. Have a good week, everyone!

A Bucket List, Part 2!

This month has become the one of the “Bucket Lists.” Last week, I gave you twelve of the twenty-four states that I have not been to yet that I would like to the most. With that said, here are twelve cities that I would love to visit. A few of them I’ve been to, but some leave the impact on you…..

Places I Have Been

Los Angeles, CA – I will say that while I could never live in L.A., I would love to have reason to go there three-four times a year. I love landing at LAX (The small-town boy in me is coming out), and the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best trips I have ever taken. Throw in Hollywood and Disneyland, and I will forever be hooked. Just leave me a day to drive to Bakersfield and have the “Don Rich Steak” at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

Savannah, TN / Iuka, MS – As a Christian, I wonder what Heaven might be like. I can’t imagine it being any more beautiful than this area down in Southwest Tennessee / Northern Mississippi. You haven’t ate catfish till you got to Pickwick Landing (a.k.a., “Paradise”) and Iuka is a gorgeous retro-looking town that has what I believe to be as the only old-time Wal-Mart in the area. Would love to live there one day!

Mackinaw City, MI – I’ve been there twice, but the last time was 1986. One of Northern Michigan’s treasures, it has one of the longest bridges in the world, and is adjacent to tourist attraction Mackinaw Island, where you will find some of the best fudge that has ever been made!

Western Kentucky – I have always loved this area. From the gorgeous shimmer of Kentucky Lake to the delicious food of restaurants like Patti’s 1880’s Settlement (http://www.pattis-settlement.com/) and the Brass Lantern, it’s an area that I miss a lot. There’s also some great antique spots, including one with a Hee Haw and Grizzly Adams lunch box. I would still love to have those.

Fayetteville, AR – I love SEC Football, and I would love to hit all the SEC cities before my time is up. I have a few close friends in “Hog Country,” and would love to see it. Heck, Jimmy and Jerry went there, and that’s enough for me!

Dallas / Fort Worth, TX – I’ve been there twice, and was there for an hour last week, but there’s something magical about the land of the Dallas Cowboys and Southfork Ranch. Some of the best Mexican food you’d ever want to eat, and just one of America’s most beautiful cities! I would also have to drive into Fort Worth to see the Stockyards and Billy Bob’s.

Green Bay, WI – While my blood runs Cowboys blue and white, with a little bit of Vikings, Titans, and Jets thrown in, unless you’ve been to Green Bay, it’s one of those towns that will make an impact on you. People there don’t just love their team—they own it. I’m not going to compare a football stadium to a religious experience, but there is something very special about Lambeau Field.

Four That I Haven’t

Phoenix, AZ – It’s one of the biggest cities that I have yet to visit, plus the area is beautiful, and I’ve got a standing dinner invitation from a good friend there that I would love to take him up on, even if I were to ask a ton of questions about his former boss---the one with the Red, White, and Blue guitar!

Key West, FL – I can count on my finger the number of alcoholic beverages I consume per year, but who wouldn’t want to go to “Margaritaville.” Don’t we all want to be like Jimmy Buffett?

Chicago, IL – While my father is from the other end of the northern part of the state, I have only spent about 90 minutes in the state’s biggest city---at O’Hare. I would love to see so many things in this city, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and the Sears Tower? Oprah, can you make it happen?

Las Vegas, NV – It would be neat to see one of the cities that never sleeps. The music, the food, and…the shopping. I will throw money away, (a bad habit when I have it), but you won’t see me doing any more than quarters in the casinos…Hear the outlet shopping there is incredible. (Yes, I am a man!) And, would love to see that guy named Garth that plays there from time to time!

Next week, I have been very fortunate and blessed to have interviewed a lot of people, but who have I not talked to that I would love to? I’ll give you that “Bucket List” next week!

On The Other Side Of The Hill: A Bucket List, Volume 1

As I write this, I sit in the boarding area at Houston, Texas. I was very blessed to have gotten a chance to do some work in Oklahoma over the weekend. With this trip, I now have went over the halfway mark in states that I have visited. Seeing the beautiful ranches and prairies here has made me realize again how much I love to travel. I haven’t gotten a chance to do much of that lately, but would love that to change. With that in mind, I am 26 states down, 24 to go……Here is my bucket list of states I would love to visit before I go to that big airport in the sky…..

Hawaii----For obvious reasons. Don’t know if the finances will ever be there for a trip like this one, because I hear that it is expensive. But, I love the ocean, and where better to experience it!

Minnesota-----You’re probably thinking that by first two choices are a contrast. They are, but I like it where it’s cold. Plus they have the Mall Of America, where I would love to go to once, and Brett Favre played there….What else is there to say!

Alaska-----Lobster, Crab, and some of the most beautiful scenery amywhere. I’ve seen pictures!

Maine----Everyone who has ever gone talks about the beauty of it, but would love to make the trip!~

Massachusetts-----Would love to see Boston, Kennedy Country, and have some Clam Chowder there before I die….

Vermot-----I worked for some great friends of mins a few years ago, who always talked about flying me up there for a weekend. I would still take them up on it…..I have heard the fall is majestic up there.

Connecticut------Would love to see at least one Men’s or Women’s College Hoops games from there, and if Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols were visiting, that would be fine with me!

Arizona----I have a couple friends out there that I would love to meet from my radio promotion days. I like it out west, and I bet they would have some great Southwest cuisine.

Pennyslvania-----Well, I don’t care for the Eagles or the Steelers, BUT….I do like Hershey’s, and would love to go to the Candy factory….but would I make it out alive?

Nebraska---I can’t say I have a huge fascination with the state, but in College Football, the Cornhuskers are legends…..If nothing else, to buy a Nebraska T-shirt…

South Carolina----Because of its’ location, it’s the only southern state I have never been to. One of my best friends and former co-workers lives in Charleston, and would love to see Myrtle Beach!

Kansas-----Again, like Nebraska. It’s a sports state, and if Kansas or K-State were playing hoops, I would love to be there. Plus, Pittsburg has the funniest radio guy in America….with 100,000 watts of humorous power! I bet he loves that pun!

-

FYI…..The other twelve states left would be

Delaware

Idaho

Montana

New Mexico

New Hampshire

North Dakota

Oregon

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Utah

Washington

Wyoming

WHAT A WEEK!

As many people know about me, I am huge Classic TV junkie. I grew up with it after all, and that provided me with a true form of escapism. One of the cool things about television back then was the great theme songs. And, you know…there was a lot more truth in some of those lyrics than you might think….Take for instance….

You take the good, you take the bad

You take it all, and then you have

The Facts of Life, The Facts of Life

So, this week was one of those weeks. I lost a dear friend of mine the same week that I scored one of the biggest interviews of my career---with someone who told me they were familiar with my work. I’m not going to drop names. Let’s just say…..considering the main source of work this person does….that was a huge compliment.

There's a time you got to go and show
You're growin' now you know about
The Facts of Life, the Facts of Life.

This past week was also a huge one because I let go of a stone that had been pulling me down for a while. For me to be the best Chuck Dauphin---husband, father, and whatever else I am---sometimes you have to leave the baggage at the door. And, I finally did that. Life takes us on some twists and turns at times. The road never is smooth and straight for a long period of time. How you handle it says a lot. Maybe, at age 37, I’m starting to figure out some things. Maybe not, since life is all about change….but I’m trying. As I said, hearing lyrics like these while watching TV this week spoke deep….

When the world never seems

To be livin up to your dreams

Suddenly, you realize the Facts of Life are all about you.

It takes a while to get them right.

When you’re learning the Facts Of Life.

And, yes….for the record, I seem to remember having a crush on Blair, but then again….who didn’t?

(Editor’s Note: The morning after writing this, one of those lemons zonked me on the head again! Rightfully or wrongfully, there was a pretty good pity party over the weekend about it…….I guess that goes to show you, God, that I’m still learning!)

RIP, MAYOR OF HALLVILLE, TN---POPULATION, 6

This week has been one of those where life just hits you in the face. I just found out tonight that Ernie Lee Hall, one of my good friends from Dickson County, passed away yesterday at the age of 59. I would be amiss if I didn't reflect on this, as he (and his wife Brenda) have been good friends of mine for quite some time.

It was 1995 when I first came into contact with Ernie Lee Hall. At that time, I was just beginning to work with his childhood buddy, Donnie Craig, at WDKN. Ernie became known to me because of a health situation that was arisen in his life that Donnie---also his Pastor, kept the audiences up to date on. Through this I got to know Ernie, as he would call the station to talk to his friend----or, as was often the case, to give him some good-natured grief!

And, when it came to that, Ernie was good. Real good. With the exception of Sam Brown, or a Church of Christ member that Donnie knows well, nobody could fire a zinger at Donnie Craig any better than Ernie Lee Hall. I would repeat some of them, but well....let's just say I won't...except for a period where he referred to Donnie as "Chia-Head" because of the novelty toy that was out at the time....and the fact that once upon a time----Donnie had long curly locks. He also would misspeak the name of Donnie's show. Instead of Daybreak, he would refer to it as "Daylight."

Ernie and I developed a strong friendship, as well. Based on his love of Classic Country, he would call and request songs by the greats---namely Merle Haggard, as well as truck driving songs. Ernie was a former big rig driver, and nothing would make him more happier than me playing Jimmy Martin's heavy-twangy "Widow Maker" leading into to the Southern Gospel that Donnie played. Somewhere along the line, we developed the nickname of "Mayor Hall," and dubbed a part of Sylvia, TN as "Hallville." That led to us giving very unofficial Mayor titles to many listeners, but Hall was the main one. In fact, I know since 1995, there has been one person who has sent Christmas Cards to "Mayor and Mrs. Ernie Lee Hall." I just wonder what the postperson (not a word, but I'm sure ELH would have loved the political correctness!) thought of that!

Ernie was also part of a group of important people (in our own minds) dubbed the "Dickson County Rat Pack" (There was a lot of time on our hands.....) Larry Petty, Donnie Craig, "Big John" Hamilton, Gary Kimbro, Ken Loggains, and yours truly were part of a group of highly esteemed individuals who celebrated each others' birthday with a dinner---that often got loud---at Cracker Barrel. (And I do have to say, Linda Frazier and Gail Adams were also honorary members of that club!)

I knew he hadn't been doing well, and was having surgery at the end of last week. Sadly, he didn't make it. Death is something that hits us all, and this one hits me hard. I want to send out my thoughts and prayers to all his family and friend, especially the angel that loved him for years....Miss Brenda. I also want to ask you to pray for Donnie Craig, as well, 1969 was the year the two graduated from High School, and they were lifelong friends....In fact, as the story goes, the parents of the future Debbie Craig would not let their daughter go on her first date with Donnie---unless Ernie Lee drove them. Ernie Lee Hall as your chaperone? If that car could talk! Donnie, who works for Dickson Funeral Home part-time now, was the one who drove Ernie back to Dickson one last time.....I can only imagine how hard that would be.

Services are Friday morning at Dickson Funeral Home. I won't be able to make it, but I think I'll pop in "Widow Maker" one more time and remember the man I was proud to call a friend! Rest In Peace, Ernie Lee, we're going to miss you......

DEEP THOUGHTS FROM A SHALLOW MIND, VOLUME....34?

Well, once again, I am in ramble mode tonight. For a lot of reasons, I am feeling a bit restless tonight, a bit befuddled, a bit scattered. So, the blog this week will reflect that. Do you ever wonder what your place in the world is? Not trying to go too deep on you, but I am a bit reflective of that tonight. I guess we all have those moments where we wonder who we are, what we were meant to do, and so on and so forth. Who truly has that answer? I guess, we find it out as we go........lol......So, here's what else is on my mind this week.

I AM A CHARACTER------No, that's not an egotistical statement. My good friend, and one-time boss, Lisa Wysocky, is about to release a new book titled THE OPIUM EQUATION. In the book, which is a murder-mystery set in Middle Tennessee, there is a reporter / journalist from Dickson, Tennessee by the name of Chuck Dauphin. You can go to www.LisaWysocky.com for more information....

CMA FEST------The 40th Annual CMA Music Festival is being held in Nashville this week, and i am feeling a little bit of withdrawl, I think. It's the first year that I can remember where I haven't been there covering something in some form or fashion. No major reason for absence this year, just the way it worked out. I went to my first "Fan Fair" back in 1987 when it was at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. I remember meeting Barbara Mandrell and Reba McEntire that year. As big as the current stars are, though, I urge people to continue to seek out the legends. I remember that year walking past the "Hee Haw" booth on my way to get a glimpse of Randy Travis signing. Meeting fans at the "Hee Haw" booth was Archie Campbell. I remember thinking I could always get his autograph next year. He died in August. You never know. My gosh, that was twenty-four years old.....I'm still thirteen, aren't I. (Don't answer that one!)

THE LOVE OF MUSIC-----Every now and then, you have a day at work that stands out. Today was one of those. One of the stories I am working on here in Georgia is on the local Funeral Home owner, Roy Crosby, who also used to be a DJ in Alma and Waycross. He has a recording studio behind his house. No, let me re-phrase that. He has another house behind his house that serves as a recording / video studio. I appreciate him giving me a tour of the house. On the way there, he talked about booking the likes of B.J. Thomas and Billy Joe Royal in Waycross in the 60s, and also bringing in the great Otis Redding ---not too long before his tragic airplane accident that took his life. Mr. Roy, I appreciate the tour, and next time you have a session there, call me!

SUMMER TIME ON TV----Well, it's rerun season, and there's not much on TV. Not that I've seen a lot of network stuff lately, but what about the season finale of "The Mentalist?" I might have already talked about it, but that was a season-ender to talk about. For a show heading into it's twelth season, "C.S.I." had quite the powerful season cliffhanger as well. As big of a "House" fan as I am, I thought the finale for it was kind of weak, but next season without Cuddy is going to be even weaker.....I have heard that they are cutting Wilson's appearances as well....Not a good sign. With the TV season over, I have found myself watching "The Waltons" as much as anything. It's on The Hallmark Channel and the Inspiration Network....and unlike most of the shows I grew up on, it's still as good as it was in 1979.

AND FINALLY, GO BUY THIS ALBUM....NOW-----I have a habit sometimes of getting so pumped up for an album release, and it not being what I thought it was. That didn't happen with the Randy Travis 25th Anniversary Collection album that I was telling you about last week. There is not a bad cut on the album, with "Can't Hurt A Man" with Tim McGraw being one of the better cuts. Not sure if it's a single or not, but Sirius / XM has played it a lot. And, until you have heard Randy duet with Shelby Lynne on "Promises,".....well, you haven't lived.....OK, a little bit heavy on the dramatic flair, but it is good....really good...I mean Grammy good. Buy it now...

Well, that's all for this week. I will continue to ponder life's questions this week. I'll get back to you on what or if I find out. Just remember...."Wherever you go, there you are!"

A LEGEND TURNS......"25?"

I have written a lot as of late about how quickly time is passing by. Well, that fits neatly into my blog this week...Twenty years is a long time......or so I once thought. As a pop culture fan growing up, one of my earliest rememberances was Saturday nights, and sitting up with my late grandmother watching "Gunsmoke." The run of that series was incredible. 1955-1975. My parents were 13 and 10 when the show debuted, and were parents when it went off in first-run. Of course, reruns kept the show alive forever. I, like a lot of people my generation and older, feel a touch of nostalgia for the show upon hearing that James Arness, the 6'7 actor that Matt Dillon seem larger than life, passed away at the age of 88. TV keeps doing the remake thing, Hawaii Five-0, Charlie's Angels, and so forth. There's even an updated Dallas pilot coming soon to TNT, but Hollywood needs to think twice if they ever consider remaking that one. You can't find anybody to fill those shoes....

The other marking of time consists of something that will be released on Tuesday, June 7. Warner Brothers is celebrating 25 years since the release of Randy Travis's first album with a CD that features many collaborations with artists such as Carrie Underwood, Don Henley, Tim McGraw, and George Jones. Twenty-Five years? Really......Well, let me set the scene. I was twelve years old at the time, and had won tickets to see Hank Williams, Jr taping a TNN special at the Opry House. (TNN? Man, I am dating myself!) My father took my brother and I to the show. As excited as we were about seeing Hank, it was one of his opening acts that I had just became a fan of----Randy Travis. His "1982" single had just started flying up the charts, and I remember going to Sound Shop in the Dickson Plaza Shopping Center and buying the single for $1.79. It was a record that you couldn't get away from.....and why would you want to. That steel intro, the cold opening 'Operator Please Connect Me...." It was a classic then, as much as it was now. I still remember the flip side...(Man, I'm old!)...."Can't Stop Now," which was later covered by New Grass Revival.

There was nowhere to run. Randy Travis mania had swept the nation. Then, for his follow-up to the # 1 "1982," he does the unthinkable. WB re-released "On The Other Hand," and it went a long way past its' initial peak of # 67.....all the way to the top. Then, it was time for the release of the album----STORMS OF LIFE. I make out like it was monumental, because....it was. Ricky Skaggs, Reba, and George Strait had all kept traditional sounds alive, but the album was so "Retro" even before that was a term. The cover? Shot in front of an old country store, and the music? Even twenty-five years later, I still sing the album tracks as much as I do the singles. It was, and still is....that good. I remember spending a few weeks in the summer of 1986 trying to win a copy through Charlie Douglas and Kyle Cantrell at the old Music Country Radio Network......the phone lines jammed from Oregon to Florida! So, a few weeks later, while we were at Wal-Mart, I took my allowance, and used $5.96 of it to buy that album....which I still have....but also on CD and Cassette......But you know what, I still think it sounds better when you hear those pops and cracks, when Randy begins his plea "Operator, Please Connect Me."....Those were the days!.....Congratulations, Randy Travis on a quarter-century of hits, and making one of the best albums of my childhood!

THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE THE NOISE...

In thinking about this week's blog, I decided (even though it has been one of the most varied and busy weeks I have had in a while) to do another of my "Top Ten" lists. But, rather than take a look at artists, I wanted to give you my thoughts on ten of the best songwriters in Country Music history. Doing a list like this can be tough. You're going to leave out somebody.....and I'm sure that I did. I did have one set rule: If a writer had undeniable success as an artist, I left them off. Also, out of fairness...lol....I omitted the names of Harlan Howard, Hank Cochran, and Cindy Walker. They are obvious no-brainers, and if you throw in names like Hank Williams, Don Gibson, Dolly Parton, and Bill Anderson, the list would almost be taken.....So, here's my tribute to the "Boys and Girls who make the noise on 16th Avenue! All but my number one choice are in alphabetical order......

1. MATRACA BERG-----Yes, she did notch a pair of top-40 records (and should have had many more), but Berg has preferred to remain one of Nashville's most successful female writers of all time, earning induction into the NSAI Songwriters' Hall Of Fame. She's written so many for so many, it's hard to pick one....so I'll pick two!

BEST BERG SONG YOU KNOW: "Strawberry Wine," 1996----Though I think her current "You And Tequila," as recorded by Kenny Chesney & Grace Potter might eventually become my favorite, there's no denying that this song struck a chord with many.....and helped to make Deana Carter a star!

BEST BERG SONG YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: "Dickson County," 1998----Sure, go ahead and call me biased because of my birthplace, but this cut from Deana Carter's EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT disc is one that someone needs to recut!

2. BOBBY BRADDOCK-----The most recent writer to gain admission into the Country Music Hall Of Fame, he's written so many classics---including the song that many consider to be the greatest song of all time, "He Stopped Loving Her Today." So.....

BOBBY BRADDOCK'S BEST SONG....BESIDES, YOU KNOW....THAT ONE: "Time Marches On," 1996----The moment I first heard this song from Tracy Lawrence in 1996, I knew this was something special.....and each listen later over the past 15 years, it still is!

3. GARY BURR----Conway Twitty helped to cement Burr as a Nashville tunesmith with his 1987 hit "That's My Job," and he has continued to excel since, with cuts like "Watch Me," "What Mattered Most," and "More Love." Still, not every song he wrote became a huge hit....sadly,,,,which leads me to....

BEST BURR HIT THAT WASN'T: "I Already Do," 1998----Depending on what radio station you were listening to in '98, you might have heard this Chely Wright ballad a lot.....And, if you didn't....you should have!

4. DEAN DILLON-----Name 70 percent of George Strait's hits, and they probably at least share the name of Dean Dillon as a writer......but he has written for other acts.

BEST DILLON SONG CUT BY SOMEBODY NOT NAMED GEORGE: "By Now," 1981--The song was one of Steve Wariner's earliest hits....and thirty years later, it's still one of his best.

5. WAYNE KEMP----A journeyman as a recording artist, Kemp never got his due as a singer. But, his writing fared much better, with such hits as Ricky Van Shelton's 1988 chart-topper, "I'll Leave This World Loving You."

BEST KEMP SONG WORTH SEARCHING FOR: You won't have to look far for George Strait's 1984 CMA-winning DOES FORT WORTH EVER CROSS YOUR MIND
album. On it, you will find a honky-tonker called "I Should Have Watched That First Step" that will blow you out of your mind!

6. JOHN D. LOUDERMILK----A relative of the Louvin Brothers, Loudermilk wrote some of the 60s biggest hits, including "Break My Mind" and "Tobacco Road." But, perhaps his best song IMHO was a 1967 hit for the Casinos that was upstaged by a sharecropper's son.

BEST CUT OF A LOUDERMILK SONG: A tough call, but Eddy Arnold wrapped his voice around his 1968 cover of "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" like nobody else could!

7. HUGH PRESTWOOD: Getting one of his first breaks in the Country format with Randy Travis's 1990 hit "Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart," he notched one of his biggest successes with a song that could very well wind up in a songwriting textbook one day.

IF YOU WANT TO DO IT, DO IT LIKE THIS: Trisha Yearwood made Prestwood's "The Song Remembers When" an instant classic upon recording it in 1993. It could be the perfect example in craftsmanship and performance.

8. DON SCHLITZ: He looked like no other songwriter when he took home all the awards for "The Gambler" in 1978-79, and his writing has definitely been in a class all by itself.

BEST SCHLITZ SONG NOT HEARD BY MASSES: One of the best parts of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's CIRCLE 2 album was the top-20 masterpiece "And So It Goes," a song that gave John Denver one of his last hits as an artist as well, in 1989.

9. SHEL SILVERSTEIN: Like Schlitz, he didn't look like a Country songwriter, and technically wasn't per se, but his songs received so much attention from Country artists that he has to be included on this list. Like with Berg, I could not just choose one.

BEST OF SHEL'S HITS: Many people thought that "One's On The Way" had to be written by Loretta Lynn. It wasn't. I don't know if Silverstein wrote it for her or not, but it sounds like he got right into her brain on that one.

BEST OF THE ALBUM CUTS: Bobby Bare recorded so many of Shel's songs, with my personal favorite being the eight-minute song "Rosalie's Good Eats Cafe." Artists are called that for a reason!

And.....who is my choice for # 1? Well, it's not one, but it's two!

DENNIS MORGAN / KYE FLEMING: While each has had separate successes, together these two were absolute magic in the late 1970s and early 1980s, writing what became in many ways the soundtrack of my childhood. Picking one from this duo is tough, but....

IF I HAD TO PICK A FAVORITE: It would be (by a nose) Barbara Mandrell's 1980 recording of a song called "Years." I don't know whether the two did it on purpose, but the song is one of those that can have different meanings to different people...and I know what it means to me.....but I could also say "The Best Of Strangers"....or "Wish You Were Here" or "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool." To say that these two were on a roll would have been the understatement of the century!