And, the 2014 Class of the Country Music Hall of Fame should be.....?

Coming up on April 22, the Country Music Hall of Fame will be making an announcement – a “really big” announcement, as Barney Fife might say. That’s when the “Class of 2014” will be named for this year’s inductions. This is something that many of you are very passionate about – and I am too. There is simply no way that everyone is going to be pleased.....but I will say that I would not want to have the job of the committee that makes the selections. I would like to see the Hall induct a huge class this year – similar to the twelve they enshrined in 2001, when the new Hall of Fame opened. With all the renovations that have taken place, it would be a great time to do that again. But, I don’t see that happening this year, so here’s my view on who should get in.......

VETERANS CATEGORY

• Dottie West / This is been one of the most passionate of all campaigns that have been mounted for anyone in the business. But, simply said, it’s time. Past time. There is no other female vocalist that deserves this anymore than Dorothy Marie Marsh. Whether it was the gingham of the “Country Sunshine” era or the spandex of “Lesson In Leavin,” West set a standard of talent and style that so many have taken a page from....
• Jerry Reed / The only person I might put in ahead of Dottie West would be Jerry Reed. Whether it be for his records, songwriting, or acting, Jerry Reed influenced so many acts in the business. And, of course, there’s his instrumental skills. One of the best ever to pick up a guitar. One of the “A-Team” at Studio B. Again, a no-brainer
• Hank Williams, Jr. / “Bocephus” could actually be placed in this category or the “Modern” category. His success transcends both eras. Nobody – with the exception of Garth – revolutionized the live concert experience like “Rockin’ Randall Hank.” Like him or hate him. Agree with him or disagree. No matter, he deserves to be right there in the rotunda with those other Williams boys!
• Jim Ed Brown / While there are others that have had more hit records, from the 1960s on, Jim Ed Brown became one of the faces of the format through his extensive television work on “Country Place” or “Nashville On The Road” and his commercials for Dollar General. His records were timeless, as well, with “Morning” and “Pop A Top” being classics – as well as the great duets he cut with Helen Cornelius. Should he be in as a solo act or with sisters Maxine or Bonnie? I don’t know the answer. You can argue both ways, but he deserves to be in.
• Archie Campbell / In 2014, the “Mayor of Bulls’ Gap” would be 100 years old. He’s been deceased since 1987, so among many of the younger voters on the committee, Campbell might not be as well known as he should be. However, he helped to redefine country comedy with his 1950s / 1960s work on RCA, being the first country comedian to walk out on the Opry stage in a suit and tie....though he did don a pair of overalls for the most successful phase of his career – as a writer and star of “Hee Haw.” It may never come to be, but I would love to see this one at some point!
  MODERN CATEGORY
• The Oak Ridge Boys / Along with my second pick in this category, I feel as passionate about the Oaks being in the Hall as I do anyone. Other than a log jam of people who deserve it, there’s no reason for them not to be. They created music that has endured, and still are among the class of the genre – now as well as then.
• Ronnie Milsap / 35 or 40 number one hits – depending on who you cite – they speak for themselves. He was so successful for so long on the charts. Again, along with the Oaks, I think he has been caught in a tight squeeze. I would put the Oaks in slightly ahead, but there’s no doubting the achievements of Ronnie Milsap. Incidentially, he’s not on the road on April 22....Hmmmm...
• Ricky Skaggs / In the 1980s, this hillbilly flash from Cordell, KY made Webb Pierce, Carl Butler and Flatt and Scruggs cool. And, he was pretty flashy on stage himself. I don’t know if one could have seen a better concert than a Skaggs show in the mid 1980s. He helped to educate a generation on classic country, then on bluegrass. He was an “Artist In Residence” this past year. Over the past few years, that list has included Tom T. Hall, Kenny Rogers, and Connie Smith. And, guess where you can see plaques of those artists?
• Randy Travis / If you think the word “sympathy,” think again. Remember the albums Storms of Life and Always And Forever? He helped usher in a new awareness of traditional country music, and inspired a generation. It would be emotional to see him accept an induction after his health issues from the past year....but it would also be deserved.
• Alan Jackson / It’s going to happen, as well as it should. I would rather see the above four get in first – and Alan probably would as well. But, this is a slam dunk over the next few years. Mark it down!

NON-PERFORMER (Songwriter in 2014)
• Hank Cochran / I think the tribute album that Jamey Johnson spearheaded a few years ago will put him at the top of this list, but in reality.....he should be there!
• Bob McDill / The list of hits speaks for themselves – as well as for him.
• Dea n Dillon / Again, see above.
• John D. Loudermilk / One of the greats from the 1960s, who gave us “Abliene,” among so many others.
• Don Schlitz / Cochran and McDill need in first....but “The Gambler,” “On The Other Hand,” etc, etc...Need I say more?

I think this list is pretty concise....but I know there’s some of you out there who are thinking ‘How could you leave _____ off?’ On April 22, we will know. In any case, let’s all remember that the Hall is reserved for the best of the best, and anyone who is represented there deserves to be. It upsets me when people will say “So and so doesn’t deserve to be there.” Last I checked, I can’t really say there is any such artist who has been voted in that didn’t earn it.....But, again, it is a passionate debate.....

A Few Wishes....

Last week, I began reading Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. I am three chapters in, and trying to approach it with an open mind. Some that I have told about the book have said “Just put your faith in God.” The crazy thing is, I haven’t read anything that would suggest that the book downplays your beliefs in a higher power. Rather, what I have gathered about The Secret is that it tries to show you the power of changing your thought process about yourself and your life.

I have always tended to view life through a half empty glass. The sky is going to fall, and when it does, it’s going to bite me on the backside. If success is going to happen – and not just career success, I’ve got to try to fix that part of my life.

For the past three years, I have been blessed to work at a job that I love. I cherish each article I get to write, and each interview I do. Seeing the title “Chuck Dauphin, Billboard” is something I am grateful for each day of my life. But, that being said...there are still struggles. How I look at them is something that needs to change. One of the things I have read in the book is about The Secret of Attraction.

This isn’t exactly about finding love or the prettiest woman. But, then again, it could be, But, whatever it is, you have to convince yourself that you deserve it. With that said, here are a few things I would like to accomplish before my life is over. Call them goals or dreams, or simply call them silly. Some are a little more important to me than others, but writing these down give me something to look at......and the key – according to the book – is not coming up with reasons why you shouldn’t have them......but rather why you should.

LOVE – This has been my albatross over the years. I can live without it----but I don’t want to. Marriage did not work for me, at least the first time around. There’s a lot of reasons for that, and it’s water under the bridge. But, I feel that I do have something that I can offer someone. I’m a good listener and have a good heart. I would love to find someone a little more wise, maybe a little older than me. I was never “cool” even when I was younger, so to think that I would be compatible for someone ten years or so younger would be crazy. A “Cougar” might be more my speed. Regardless, I want to feel that rush, that spark...and you know what, I do deserve that.

MONEY – My problem with books like “The Secret” or Joel Osteen is I don’t believe it’s that simple as saying I should be financially secure and BOOM! You are. Being “rich” isn’t a goal. I would just like to have enough to live on without having to worry. I don’t want to be borrowing from Peter to pay Paul for the rest of my life. Right now, that’s what I have to do. I would also like to be in position to help people – and animals. It breaks my heart to see a pet that I couldn’t help or take in because I have a quota – and then some. Living in a twenty room mansion isn’t a goal....but laying down on a couch watching TV late at night, and having peace of mind? I would definitely love to be there.

SPIRITUAL LIFE – I grew up in the Church. I am glad I did. But, I will tell you that while the basis for that faith was sewn when I was much younger, it took being knocked around and tested by life to truly feel God’s love. I got away from that for a while – when things were really starting to hit the fan. I don’t want that to allow to happen to myself again. God has been there through so many struggles and challenges in my life. I want to grow stronger in him.

CAREER – Simply put, I want to continue on the road I am on. The past few years, I have always felt that ‘It can’t get any better.’ And, somehow, it does. I don’t know that I have any concrete goals on this end – just go where I am led. I love the interviews, I love the traveling. I love it all. I want to continue to grow in this. I have the talent to do so. So, where I am led, I will follow.

HEALTH – Without this one, the rest of the above kind of don’t matter. But, maintaining one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health is a day-to-day process. I have to take it one day at a time, and don’t allow myself to get down if I hit a snag in either one of those areas. For years, I could have cared less. Life wasn’t that important to me. I didn’t feel I deserved it. I made myself (or in some cases, was told – but it was mostly me) feel that I wasn’t as good, as smart, or as handsome as this person or the other. There are many people smarter or more handsome. But, I am special. I am good enough. I think there is something a lot better on the other side of life, but I want to live long enough to see some of these hopes come true. I deserve that.

Again, some of this might sound haughty. Unlike a lot of my blogs, I am not sending out links to these. And, I know that a lot of you will read these anyway over time. My life is good. I just want it to be better. I want to wake up in the morning next to someone I care about – that makes my heart beat like never before. I want to sleep at night without wondering how I am going to put gas in my car each trip to Nashville – which that all has all somehow worked out in the past. I want to be at Church on Sundays and Wednesdays as much as I possibly can, but also live my beliefs when I am out of the building the other five days a week. I want to continue to interview as many as I can. Who knows? Maybe one day, George Strait! I want to travel to to the other eighteen states I have never been in for work, as well as those I have. And, I want to be well enough to enjoy it all. I deserve it. (I figure if I keep saying that, I will believe it!)

Well, it’s onto another chapter. I’ll keep you posted.....

Vegas....One Year Later....

I was just looking back at my blog from one year ago today. I was in the same place - maybe even the same seat that I am now. Waiting on an airplane at Las Vegas to go back home. Whew! What a past few days out here covering the ACM Awards. 

Traveling is something that I love to do. Heck, I even love the airport experience. Even though, there's something to be said about eating a $ 4 Subway for dinner. I have tried to cut down meals to two a day over the past few days - because it's tough to afford $15-20 every time you get hungry. Alas, that is a minor quibble.

From a career level, this has been the most fun past few days of my life. I don't know how good I am or am not at my job, but let me say that nobody enjoys it more. Getting to go places I wouldn't normally get to go or interview people I wouldn't normally interview makes me realize how blessed I am. It might sound a little strange, but I love my work. It - along with spending time with my son from time to time in Kentucky - is my release, my muse if you will. I can't sing or play, but I need music almost as much as I need air.

The most amazing part of the trip this year is the fact that many of the artists that I have gotten to interview over the years kind of know who I am. As someone who spent may a $10 allowance on music as a kid, that just blows my mind. In the press room following the ACM Awards, I got to ask George Strait and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones questions. Pretty cool stuff! (In fact, Jerry Jones looked right at me while answering as if he was trying to sell me. That was a bucket list moment!) I don't take it for granted what I get to do. I know I say that a lot, but keep in mind that five years ago - I didn't even know if I would still be doing anything in the music / radio field. My job of almost two decades had came to a sudden end - which also set off a domino effect in my life of a lot of other things. 

However, I'm still here. The difference between now and ten years ago is that I know it's not me. God has put me in place for so many things in my life that I simply offer him the praise and the credit. He did bless me with the talent, but it's all him. Maybe struggling a little bit made me work harder, take a few more chances, but God has led me here. Trust me, I'm not smart enough to imagine all this. He also protects me. There's been so many times where I have been absolutely worried about losing my shirt, and those smarter decisions I write about making haven't taken place nearly as often as I would like, but when I think the sky is falling....he steps in and calms the storm. Praise God for that!

So, it's time to go wait on the plane!....One year from now at this time, I hope to give you an update again - Lord willing, I will be flying back from Dallas, where the ACM's will be in 2015. Looking forward to seeing Cowboys Stadium - as well as that white ranch house just outside of Plano that you know and I hope to make a quick trip to!

Blessed from Las Vegas........C

Changing My Frequency

This is different from my usual approach with this blog, because I am not going to advertise this one as much as I usually would. It's not because I don't stand behind what I am writing - I do - maybe more than ever....but I am putting this up for one person more than anyone else...me!

This week has been a difficult one for me. Were it not for a 2am phone call last night, I would have very likely gone crazy. I don't tell many people when the bad stuff happens because I don't want to bother anyone. We all have our problems - and sometimes, we bring some of it on ourselves.

Without going into detail about the "What," my friend who I kept from sleep suggested that I look into a book called The Secret. It wasn't the first time that had been suggested. My feelings concerning books like those are that it's probably going to help someone like Joel Osteen a lot more than me. And, I think the answers to a lot of the questions we have about life can be found within the pages of the Bible. But, I found a copy of the book for $2.50, and with a trip to Vegas around the corner, I knew I would need something to read. So I bought it. I had a few minutes to kill before going on the air today, so I started to read. One thing I found very interesting is an early portion of the book about "Changing The Frequency," where it says that if there's something you don't like on television - you change the channel. The author compared this to life - a very good point. So, this is my first attempt to learn some of the lessons inside the book.

I realized that while life has dealt me a few curve balls the past few years, the magic is how you handle it. My grade? Yikes. We don't want to go there. I've made more than my share of mistakes - some I could help, and others I don't see a way around. That being said, what the book brought to my attention is how I have always thought about life. That's something that I have to change - or my life is never going to get any better.

I have always told myself that good things weren't going to happen to me. Whether that stemmed from being picked on in school by people for being a little off center - or a general lack of confidence, I've done that all my life. 'The sky is going to fall.' There's no stopping it. In a way, I am writing this as a note to myself to look at the positive things in my life that God has blessed me with. The wheels haven't fallen off the wagon. Though, to be honest, I am finding out that I have something to do with to that fact myself. I have never thought I was worthy of success - not claiming to be better than I am, but you are what you think. That's got to change. From a career standpoint, it has gotten better. Financially, it's tough. Career and finances don't always go together. But, I am to blame for some of it for poor decision making - and poor self-opinion. But, I am realizing this week that if you want to have different results in life, you need to go down different roads. I pray - and ask for your prayers that I can do this. Whether that be believing in myself to the point of a new outlook on life and the possibilities in life or in love, God has not let me down any along my path - though I haven't made it easy. So, lesson one from The Secret - Believe in yourself and your life. Believe it can happen to you - rather than someone else. Writing this isn't going to make it an automatic thought process for me, but it gives me something to look at. And, if it's on the Internet, it has to be true, right?