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."
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
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!
"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!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)