Wednesday, January 26, 2011
CHARLIE LOUVIN: A MORNING I'LL NEVER FORGET
I have been a little absent from this blog the past couple of weeks, but there were two events this past week that I just had to comment on.
First of all, I just received word this morning that Charlie Louvin had passed away at the age of 83. What a legendary career that he had as both a member of the Louvin Brothers and as a solo artist. Running the gamut of recorded history from acetates to MP3’s, Louvin transcended all musical genres and styles. The past ten years or so had seen a resurgence in his career in the Americana format. He was one of a kind, without a doubt.
Back in May 2002, I was very fortunate to have Charlie as a guest during my days at WDKN in Dickson, TN. He was very gracious to drive all the way from Manchester at 7:30 in the morning to share stories from his career with our listeners. It was one of the most memorable mornings of my radio career. After all, it’s not every day that you have a member of the Country Music Hall Of Fame on your show---but also in your studio. We did about two and a half hours live that morning, and then afterwards we drove out to Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast. Our conversations---both on and off the air—were very interesting. I learned a lot during both. Of course, there were a few things that weren’t told on the radio that I won’t divulge, but it was truly an honor to get to hear inside talk about Country’s true golden age from one of its’ participants. For those that aren’t familiar with Middle Tennessee, it’s about 110 miles from Manchester to Dickson, and I am very humbled that he took time to drive all the way for an on-air interview. Moments like that were priceless then….and even more so now. I had a few other chances to interview Charlie, and he was just as nice as he was that first time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. He had suffered from Pancreatic Cancer for a while now, and thankfully his suffering is over. Don’t you know that the Hillbilly section up in Heaven today sounds just a little sweeter with Charlie and Ira reunited?
On to another note. Every now and then, I love to bring a song to people’s attention. It might be a current single, or a “Deep Catalog” cut from 1973, but it’s a song that people need to hear. This time, it’s from a current artist. I don’t think it was a major hit single, but if you ever run across it, take a few minutes and listen. It’s called “A Million Ways To Run” from Terri Clark, and though she’s had songs that have enjoyed higher chart success or more airplay, but I don’t know if she’s recorded any song more powerful. It’s from her CD THE LONG WAY HOME, and it’s just an amazing track. Rather than tell you about it, I’ll just include a link and let the music speak for itself. But, you’ve got to hear it….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tIK1j1gLA
Monday, January 10, 2011
ACCESS....SHOULD IT CHANGE?
Over the past few days, the news has been filled with the tragedy that happened in Tuscon, Arizona. As you know, a mass shooting took place that left several dead, and a rising member of Congress fighting for her life. Since then, there has been much made about two differing parts to this horrific event.
One, we live in the greatest country on Earth----the United States Of America. With that privilege comes one of the greatest freedoms of all ---freedom of speech. However, do we take that a little too far? Before you hurl a few expletives my way, let me explain. Over the years, I have been involved in discussions with various family members and friends about what that freedom entails. Remember the 2 Live Crew? Back in the early 1990s, Luther Campbell made quite a splash in the music world with his rather explicit sexual lyrics. Let it be known, I have spent more time listening to Roy Acuff than Campbell, but it was the source of great debate among some. My argument in Campbell’s defense was he has the right to say whatever he wants as a musician…..but we as a people have the same right to turn the dial or the off switch.
During the past few years, the political debates that this country has gone through have ventured far beyond the word “passionate.” That goes for both sides of the coin. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, saying what you think has taken a turn beyond philosophical and has taken a lethal turn. It’s not enough to disagree with your opponent, one must make it personal, as well. It hasn’t always been quite that way.
Growing up in Tennessee, we were blessed to have great politicians on both sides. Frank Clement. Howard Baker. Lamar Alexander. Ned McWherter. All four of these men---and others like them---served their state with class. Now, I am sure that there were times during Governor Alexander’s 1979-1987 term that Speaker of the House McWherter strongly disagreed with him, but it never turned quite as personal as it has today.
Was this shooting fueled by political disagreements? It’s a little too early to discern that, but speculation has run rampant that it might have been the case. What we need to remember is that if we as families are going to have disagreements within the house, then it’s only fair to assume that Washington is full of them. Still, to take it personal is wrong. I remember a time that a Democrat could agree with a Republican (or vice versa) without being attacked. Now, you can’t. It’s politics, and I understand that……but I think the events of January 8 show that the personal attacks need to be toned down a bit---for our future’s sake.
Also, many have noted that Congresswoman Giffords had heavily promoted the meeting via social networking sites such as Twitter. That has led many to talk about the accessability that people should have to their political leaders. While I don’t see that going away, for the first time I see the other side of that argument. My wife and I have disagreed for a while about the relationship between fans and celebrities. I grew up in a climate where it was not uncommon for musical artists such as Bill Anderson or Loretta Lynn to receive baked goods at their shows from fans-----and they actually ate them. The security you have at concerts and events such as the CMA Music Festival is so intense that I have thought it takes away from the human touch that has made that relationship so special. Maybe there is a reason for that. The times’ not only are a’changing…..but they have been changed for many years, and possibly---just possibly----the word “access” needs to have a different definition. That’s my thoughts….I’d love to hear yours!
One, we live in the greatest country on Earth----the United States Of America. With that privilege comes one of the greatest freedoms of all ---freedom of speech. However, do we take that a little too far? Before you hurl a few expletives my way, let me explain. Over the years, I have been involved in discussions with various family members and friends about what that freedom entails. Remember the 2 Live Crew? Back in the early 1990s, Luther Campbell made quite a splash in the music world with his rather explicit sexual lyrics. Let it be known, I have spent more time listening to Roy Acuff than Campbell, but it was the source of great debate among some. My argument in Campbell’s defense was he has the right to say whatever he wants as a musician…..but we as a people have the same right to turn the dial or the off switch.
During the past few years, the political debates that this country has gone through have ventured far beyond the word “passionate.” That goes for both sides of the coin. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, saying what you think has taken a turn beyond philosophical and has taken a lethal turn. It’s not enough to disagree with your opponent, one must make it personal, as well. It hasn’t always been quite that way.
Growing up in Tennessee, we were blessed to have great politicians on both sides. Frank Clement. Howard Baker. Lamar Alexander. Ned McWherter. All four of these men---and others like them---served their state with class. Now, I am sure that there were times during Governor Alexander’s 1979-1987 term that Speaker of the House McWherter strongly disagreed with him, but it never turned quite as personal as it has today.
Was this shooting fueled by political disagreements? It’s a little too early to discern that, but speculation has run rampant that it might have been the case. What we need to remember is that if we as families are going to have disagreements within the house, then it’s only fair to assume that Washington is full of them. Still, to take it personal is wrong. I remember a time that a Democrat could agree with a Republican (or vice versa) without being attacked. Now, you can’t. It’s politics, and I understand that……but I think the events of January 8 show that the personal attacks need to be toned down a bit---for our future’s sake.
Also, many have noted that Congresswoman Giffords had heavily promoted the meeting via social networking sites such as Twitter. That has led many to talk about the accessability that people should have to their political leaders. While I don’t see that going away, for the first time I see the other side of that argument. My wife and I have disagreed for a while about the relationship between fans and celebrities. I grew up in a climate where it was not uncommon for musical artists such as Bill Anderson or Loretta Lynn to receive baked goods at their shows from fans-----and they actually ate them. The security you have at concerts and events such as the CMA Music Festival is so intense that I have thought it takes away from the human touch that has made that relationship so special. Maybe there is a reason for that. The times’ not only are a’changing…..but they have been changed for many years, and possibly---just possibly----the word “access” needs to have a different definition. That’s my thoughts….I’d love to hear yours!
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