The World According To Chuck

A PROBLEM THAT WON'T GO AWAY

2012-01-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

For a lot of reasons, I have been thinking about the past this week. I found – scattered among the many boxes that I have been putting away – my eleventh grade journal. Mrs. Emma Hall, my English teacher then, made us keep a journal throughout the year. Looking back, I’m really glad she did.

One thing is for sure….I was a weird one. There was information about who my dream girl was during my high school years – I named names then…lol…not going to do that now! There was also quite a few blogs---oops…they weren’t blogs then….entries about music. For instance, my dream job was not a policeman….a lawyer….or a doctor….it was “General Manager of RCA Records.” I also wrote about my family, pets, my ten favorite songs, and how I felt to be a teenager. You know what they say about hindsight?

I say that because one of my best friends in the business has been affected by a recent suicide in his community. The child decided to take his own life largely because he felt bullied because he was different. I guess looking back into my past this week was sort of timely, as I revisited a lot of my past thoughts about myself.

Now, I will be the first to say that I had a fairly normal childhood. I can’t say that I really got made fun of too much in school. I was unique that I could give speeches on Eddy Arnold, Buck Owens, and the Dallas Cowboys – which was a very extinct football team during my youth – much like they are now. I was different. And, to be honest, I tried to hide how different I was. I didn’t have any interest in cars---still don’t. As long as they run, I’m happy. I could care less about what the latest fashion styles were – and haven’t changed too much today, to hear my well-meaning friends put it…..But, actually, there’s a record of me being a student at Dickson County High School from 1989-1992, but that’s about all. I wasn’t really there, as I was buried inside of a Billboard Magazine or working at the radio station.

But, bullying does happen, and it does leave an impact. My Junior High years were not fun, and I was at that school recently to cover a basketball game. I looked down the row from me, and I found myself wanting to burst from the top. There was a guy with his wife and two children who were watching the game. And, suddenly I was taken back. Back to the bus I rode growing up. Back to the comments he would always make about me. Back to feeling like I had to hide who I was for the sake of not being ridiculed.

Those feelings lasted the rest of the evening for me. The person in question likely wouldn’t know me from Adam, and has got other things on his mind like we all do – such as how he’s going to pay the bills each month. We all grow up, and we move on. I’m not still mad at the guy who took my lunch money, the one who threw a spitball at me in middle school, or the guy who told me I was going to Hell because I listened to Country Music. Honestly, I’m not.

But, I understand. I can sympathize with anyone who felt like they missed out on their teenage years because they didn’t feel like they could be themselves because of fear of being made fun of. I wish, looking back, I would have just been me – quirks and all. I was so scared of rejection that I took no chances, such as asking girls out, until after graduating high school. If I did think someone was special, I didn’t tell them. After all, why would they think it back?

All that said, I made it through it – pretty much unscarred. But in thinking about bullying, I wish I could offer an answer or a solution. In school, standing up for yourself gets you in as much trouble than if you were picked on. Many systems talk about their “No Bullying” policy. I am a Christian, but pardon me, that is a bunch of utter Bulls…. If a kid goes to a teacher, his day is pretty much done. The other kids are going to tear him up – maybe even worse. I don’t know what to say to my friend, who was upset that people didn’t really want to talk about it. We all have our own past, and maybe that’s it.

Still, there should be a solution. A teenager shouldn’t have to feel that ending their life is the only thing they can do when they are different. You can make it through, no matter how long those nights are when you dread going to school the next day.

If you need inspiration, think of Laura. Now, that’s not her real name. But, in elementary school, we – and I do mean me, as in this writer, all made fun of Laura in first and second grade because she was different. Interestingly enough, I bet none of us ‘cool’ second graders could even remember what that difference was. I haven’t seen Laura in over 30 years. She moved away during those early years of school. But, I hear tell she became a professional model. I hope she did, because she deserved it…

I have written one of the most in-depth and personal blogs that I have ever done. Some might disagree with every word I have written, and It might take some of you back to an awkward time. Sadly, I know that it’s not going to do a damn thing about the problem. And, for all the talk in the world, that is the tragedy. Well, next week, another music blog. That is something I can control……

LARRY BUTLER, R,I.P.

2012-01-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Reporting from New York....(I've always wanted to say that!)

Some sad news to report with this blog......Larry Butler passed away this week. Chances are, if you weren't in - or hadn't studied the business, you might not know who Larry Butler was. He was one of the great record producers in Nashville history. It was Butler's records that he made with Kenny Rogers from 1975-1980 that made me first love this business.

Though there were certain early memories I have of music - "Sunshine On My Shoulders," "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed," and others of the era, it was the music of Kenny Rogers that made me a music fan from an early age. I remember going into Nashville each weekend with my mother to 100 Oaks Mall, and I would drive her, my father, grandmother, and whoever else could hear, crazy by repeating each track on 8-track tapes like TEN YEARS OF GOLD, THE GAMBLER, and LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT. I also remember my mother bringing me home records of Kenny's from that same era. The United Artists logo with the clouds going around in circles as the record turned. Those were the days. It's funny that most people talk about Kenny being a master of the love song, and make no mistake about it----he and Butler cut some classics....but if you listen to those albums, there were some of Nashville's best moments of the 1970s....Mickey Newbury's "San Francisco Mable Joy," "King Of Oak Street," "While I Play The Fiddle," and a song that I would love to hear someone re-cut today, "Buried Treasure." These two men cut some great Southern Gothic records, that covered everything from prostitutes to voo-doo queens. Of course, the singles Butler cut on Rogers were classics too...."Lucille," "The Gambler," "Coward Of The County," plus all of those classics with Dottie West. He also cut records on artists like B.J. Thomas and Jean Shepard. Butler might not get mentioned in the same breath as Atkins or Bradley, but to this child of the 70s, his creations had no less impact. Thanks, Larry, for the memories! I am the better for them!

Remembering "Gentleman Jim"

2012-01-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

I recently had the chance to talk with Larry Jordan, who wrote the incredible new biography on Jim Reeves. In reading the book Jim Reeves: His Untold Story, it took me back a ways to much simpler time in life.

Though Jim Reeves passed away a decade before my birth in 1974, his music was still very much a part of Country Radio during the late 1970s and 1980s. I remembered his electronically engineered duets with Deborah Allen and Patsy Cline in the 1980s, which were very much radio hits - even during the "Urban Cowboy" period of the era.

However, I can pinpoint the night that I first became acquainted with the music of Jim Reeves. My family and I had been visiting relatives in Columbia, TN and stopped at the Shady Brook Mall. Even as a eight or nine year old, it was record stores that served as my toy shops. And, Columbia had one - Sound Shop. On the racks was a cassette copy of The Best Of Jim Reeves, Volume One. Released just a few months before the plane crash that took his life, there was something about that voice that intrigued me somewhat.

Even to a child, there was something about the songs - "He'll Have To Go," "Blue Boy," "I'm Gettin' Better," and a couple that had a profound impact on me - "The Blizzard" and "Stand At Your Window." The latter was not even a top ten hit, but when I think of Reeves and his music - that's one of my first thoughts. And, the former might very well be one of my favorite compositions from the late Harlan Howard. Still, when I listen to this recording fifty years later - I can still see the character and his trusted pony roaming the plains trying to beat the frigid conditions home. Alas, they didn't as they were only a "hundred yards from Mary Anne."

I might have been the only kid at Burns Elementary School who listened to Jim Reeves as much as I did Thriller by Michael Jackson. I guess that makes me somewhat of an odd ball, but in the past few years I have learned to embrace my oddness. I continued to listen to the man and his music, and am proud to say that I have most of the music he recorded.

As a biographer, Jordan does a brilliant job in capturing Reeves the artist - as well as Reeves the man. The artist was one of the smoothest voices that has ever lived, someone who could sing just about anything and do it well. The man, well, that is a complicated story. One of the things i had long heard about Reeves was how insecure he was about his talents. How he didn't really see what others saw in him. There were other demons and insecurities, as well. But, as I have found out in the years since I was that little kid coming back from Columbia listening to music from twenty years prior, we all do. I wholeheartedly recommend you to pick up a copy of this book. It's a lengthy read, but a mesmerizing one, at that.

Thanks, Larry, for a trip back in time. I truly enjoyed the book. I know it was a labor of love, and it shows!

For more information on the book, log on to http://www.jimreevesbook.com/

Saturday Night (Sunday Morning) On Music Valley

2011-12-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

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

2011-09-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-06-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

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?"

2011-06-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-05-28T21:10:00.001-07:00

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!

SOFTBALL, FACEBOOK, AND THE END OF THE WORLD

2011-05-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of those weeks where there is too much going on to just write about one little thing. So, I am going to offer my thoughts (which will get you a dollar soda...if you have the dollar) on a few different subjects this week.....Joe Biddle from the TENNESSEAN calls these "Random Ruminations." I call them "Scattered Thoughts"..........

THE KIDS-----I have to start off by saying that our kids have achieved some wonderful things as of late. Our daughter just won an award for academic excellence that resulted in her winning a bike.....and my son has just been appointed as a historian for his local Boy Scout troop. We love you both!

CREEK WOOD SOFTBALL-----Congratulations to the Creek Wood Lady Red Hawks. Coach Nancy Jackson's squad won 5-1 tonight over White House to advance on to the TSSAA Spring Fling. They've got an impressive team and a D1 pitcher who is a junior. Hopefully, the Lady Red Hawks can bring a state title to Jones Creek. In all my years covering sports, this is my first state tournament. Thanks to Grace Broadcasting for letting me be a part of it.

FACEBOOK----I tried to avoid it for as long as I could. But, around the time of CRS this year, people started asking me if I "Facebooked." I told them no, but I gave in to the pressure!....LOL....I'm still trying to understand the fuss, but it gives me another alley to promote radio broadcasts and articles that I am a part of. I think people put too much info (Do you really want to see a picture of what I had for dinner or know that I have gone to Dollar General?), but it can be fun. Just don't tell me everything......because I don't want to know.,.....LOL....

THE END OF THE WORLD----Apparently, Jesus is coming back tomorrow. Whether this comes to pass or not, Anderson Cooper brought up a question tonight on CNN----What time zone will he come back in? I don't mean to make light of it, because he could come back then......or June 25, or September 22....but I recall in October 1987 he was slated to come through during Study Hall at Dickson Junior High School.....We even had a countdown......Simply put, all kidding aside, nobody knows when the day is......but it's good to be ready!

TV END OF SEASON-----With my assignment here in Tennessee the past few weeks, I have not watched any TV. Seriously, except for CNN tonight for a few minutes, I haven't even turned it on. I do know via the Net that Langston killed the psycho guy on CSI, Patrick Jane killed somebody.....maybe Red John, maybe not on THE MENTALIST, and Cuddy is leaving HOUSE. The TV world has gone crazy. I will miss Cuddy more than I will miss Charlie Sheen. I have a feeling the DVR is going to be full once I get home. Oops....did you not know any of the above information? I'm sorry!

COMPUTERS------I have taken on a job for one of my editors over the next few weeks. It has made me realize just how little I actually know about this thing I am typing on. Seriously, I can tell you what Reba had on the radio in 1995, or who played drums for Buck Owens in 1973 (Jerry Wiggins), but HTML, HTTP, and FTD....I have absolutely no idea about.....But I am learning....enough to do what I am supposed to be doing.....

MUSIC-----Two things I wanted to close with......Actually, make that three. I got a chance to interview Ronnie Dunn a couple of weeks ago. That was a biggie. His new solo album is incredible. Brad Paisley has a new album coming out on Tuesday. It's pretty good, but remember that I told you about a song called "Remind Me," which is a duet with Carrie Underwood. If the song is not a monster, well...I don't know what I'll do....But it's a powerful, well-written song that just might bring a tear to your eye.......and lastly, check out an album called THE DREAMING FIELDS from Matraca Berg. She's a member of the NSAI Hall of Fame, and with good reason. But the only reason I can think of that she never became a huge star in mainstream Country was that she wanted to do the writing, and leave the being a "star" to others. She looks like a star, sounds like a star, and Heaven knows, she writes like one too.......The disc contains her version of "You And Tequila," the new single from Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter, that is as good as anything Chesney has cut!

Well, to quote Cathy Baker (Do you know who that is?)......That's All!

WHAT IF?.........

2011-05-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

Between broadcasting Creek Wood Red Hawks District 11-AA Tournament action, interviews, and a day of being a D.J., it has been a busy week. I have had a few conversations with some of my friends this week concerning "What If" some of the more legendary acts in Country Music hadn't met an untimely death at a young age....That got me thinking back to last year, when I wrote this article. I'll be the first to admit it is a little bit fictional, when dealing with the question of "What If?".......I would love to hear your thoughts on these....

March 5 marks the 47th anniversary of “the day the music died” for country music fans. On that evening, a Piper Comanche airplane carrying Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, and the pilot, Randy Hughes crashed not more than two hours from Music City on the way back from a benefit concert for a Kansas City air personality, killing all aboard. With that sad date in mind, let's look back on ten of the most tragic dates in country music history. In each of these cases, I will offer my thought on what would have happened had these events not occurred, in an attempt to answer the never-ending question “What If?”

• January 1, 1953----Somewhere between Knoxville, TN and Oak Hill, WV---nobody knows for sure---Hank Williams passed away in the backseat of a Cadillac while on his way to a New Years’ Show in Canton, OH. Though his personal life had been erratic during the past few years, a new marriage and huge success on the charts in 1952 offered hope that things would improve in the New Year. With radio being more prevalent than during the time of the death of Jimmie Rodgers some two decades ago, the death of Hank Williams is one of those moments that fans who were alive then remember. While it did cut short his life, it also froze him in time, captivating audiences almost six decades later.
WHAT IF?----Williams arrived in Canton safe, and performed a show that kick-started a strong year for him. After a couple of years away, he rejoined the Opry in 1954, and though the rock and roll crowd took away some of his traditional-based audiences, he remained a chart and crowd favorite through the 70s and 80s, before turning over the spotlight to his son, Hank, Jr. His songwriting still became the gold standard in the format.

• November 4, 1960----Johnny Horton’s ultra-cool voice and matinee-idol looks made him a natural for cross-over stardom, and he did just that. Horton recorded some of the biggest story songs of the era, such as “North To Alaska,” and “The Battle Of New Orleans.” However, after a concert date in Austin, TX, he was killed on his way back to his home in Shreveport. Incidentally, his widow—Billie Jean was no stranger to tragic ends. Her first husband died on the road, as well. His name? Hank Williams.

WHAT IF?----Horton returned from his concert date, and kept recording for Columbia with much success. His rockabilly style made him a natural to record many songs from pop star Roy Orbison---the biggest being 1966’s “Oh, Pretty Woman.”

• March 5, 1963---Never before, and never since, have three giants in country all died in the same crash. While Cline’s name gets the most attention now, some argue that Cowboy Copas was the biggest name at the time of the crash. Maybe, but Cline was developing a name as the pre-eminent female vocalist of the day, and there was nowhere to go but up. Copas and Hawkins were both in the middle of career comebacks, with the latter’s “Lonesome-77203” hitting the airwaves just a few days before the tragic accident.

WHAT IF?---The plane arrived safely that evening at Nashville, and Cline continued her career climb. She recorded a long string of hits with Owen Bradley and Decca that kept her on the charts through the mid-70s. Her biggest musical risk paid off as well, a 1969 album entitled Moods---recorded in Memphis, which inspired countless female singers in pop, soul, and country. The careers of Hawkins and Copas also stayed steady, with Copas becoming a semi-regular on Hee Haw in the mid-70s. A switch to Capitol in the late 60s saw Hawkins record frequently with his wife, Jean Shepard

• July 31, 1964-----Flying back from business trip to Arkansas, Jim Reeves was at the controls of his Beechcraft plane when he entered into rain upon approaching Nashville. The storm proved to be too much for Reeves to overcome, and the plane crashed a few miles south of Nashville. At the time of his passing, Reeves was one of the biggest stars in Nashville---and he stayed that way afterwards---due to an amazing supply of unreleased recordings that kept him on the charts until 1984.

WHAT IF?---Reeves made it home that fateful Friday? He had just released his first film, Kimberley Jim, and with his popularity here and abroad, there was no reason to think more acting wasn’t in the cards. He would have still been a giant on record, and his duet with Dottie West, “Love Is No Excuse,” hinted at a successful recording partnership with the newcomer. As long as he stayed on the charts posthumously, it’s intriguing to wonder if his run of hits would have lasted longer had he survived. One thing is for sure, he was one of the smoothest singers Music City had ever seen.

• November 10, 1973----David Akeman, better known as “Stringbean,” had a reputation for being one of the top comedians and banjo players in the business. His joining the cast of “Hee Haw” in 1969 helped to make him a household name. He also had a reputation for carrying a large sum of money as he reportedly didn’t believe in banks. After an Opry performance one Saturday night, he and wife Estelle returned home---only to find two robbers waiting. The two were gunned down in what was definitely one of Nashville’s more dark moments.

WHAT IF?----As Stringbean was never a fixture on the charts, one can safely assume that he would have stayed on “Hee Haw,” and became a prominent fixture on the roots music circuit in the 70s. He probably would have kept up what he was doing----but only for many more years!

• July 17, 1974----Don Rich was the leader of perhaps the best back-up band in country music history, the Buckaroos. He could sing harmony, play guitar, and the fiddle like few before or since. He also had a love for motorcycles, which led to his death on a warm summer California evening. After his passing, Buck Owens—as a person or a recording artist---was never the same. Though his chart numbers in the 70s were not what he was used to in the 60s, after Rich’s death, he never hit the top as a solo artist again. Owens attributed the death of his “right arm” as one of the main reasons for his 1980 retirement from the stage. As a musician and a singer, Rich had few peers, and influenced so many that came after him, including Rodney Crowell and Vince Gill.

WHAT IF?---Though Owens had not crested the top of the charts in a couple of years, one can assume that he would have stayed in the game a bit longer. I think with Rich’s influence, Owens might have experimented a little bit more musically in the latter part of the decade---perhaps recording an album of Eagles cover songs. After all, he did record “Hollywood Waltz” for his 1977 Buck Em’ album on Warner Brothers, and with Rich backing him on songs like “Take It Easy” and “Lyin’ Eyes,” who knows? I think it could have been a hit!

• August 16, 1977----Of course, the importance of this date cannot be underestimated. About 4:00 CST that afternoon, the world stopped when it was announced that Elvis Presley had died. His importance to American music is obvious, but he had his first hits on the country charts, and his last hits on the country charts, a fact that many may not realize.

WHAT IF?---Since I haven’t delved into what happened to anyone’s personal life had they survived, I’m not going to start here. I think that Presley’s role in country music would have been as big as he wanted it to be. He would always have had an audience for whatever he desired to perform. I think he might have tried acting one more time, having been forced by Col. Parker to turn down A Star Is Born.

• October 21, 1978------Things were looking up for Mel Street. The much-revered singer had just signed a huge deal with Mercury Records, and there were plenty of show dates on the books. Everybody in Nashville considered him a singers’ singer---including his hero, George Jones. That being said, it was a shock when news broke the singer committed suicide on his 45th birthday, for reasons that he only knew. As a singer, he was one of few that could rival “The Possum,” who showed up at his funeral to sing “Amazing Grace.”

WHAT IF?----In Street’s case, I think the die was being set. His deal with Mercury should have carried him into the big time, and even though Nashville entered the “Urban Cowboy” era in the 80s, it wouldn’t have deterred Street, who would have had his hand on many of the top songs of the early 80s---giving Jones a run for his money!

• May 9, 1989----In an era where the media wasn’t aware of every move a country star made, the news that Keith Whitley had died from alcohol poisoning at the age of 33 shocked many fans. Most had no idea of the demons the singer dealt with---or how deeply they ran. His death froze him in time as a tragic hero, a la Williams or Street, and cut short what could have been one of the most successful careers of all time.

WHAT IF?----Whitley’s traditional style would have kept him on the radio through the mid 90s, at least. The pop sounds of the latter part of the decade would stifle some of his success, but he would rebound---first by recording a duet album with his former Stanley Brothers band member, Ricky Skaggs, then with a stunning tribute album to Buck Owens in 1998 that included a Grammy-winning cover of “Together Again” with his wife, Lorrie Morgan. The album would be dedicated to the manager of Whitley and Owens, Jack McFadden.

• March 16, 1991-----Reba McEntire had just been back on the road for a few months following the birth of her son Shelby. She and her band took different flights out of San Diego for the next flight. Not too long after take-off, the plane carrying her band crashed, killing all. She dedicated her next album, For My Broken Heart to her fallen band members, which included the poignant album closer, “If I Had Only Known.” Though she didn’t write the track, many consider the song to be a tribute to those she lost.

WHAT IF?----All of the musicians on the plane were talented artists in their own right, but Chris Austin was something special. He had recorded for Warner Brothers prior to joining Reba’s band, and I think that success would have been awaiting him---either in country or bluegrass.

THE NEXT THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS

2011-05-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

I was reading a report the other day----you know, the kind they use to fill newspaper pages---that the average life expectancy for men was 73.4 years. Well, as I just turned 37 a few months ago, that means I am on the downhill slope....It, along with some other things, has got me thinking about the decisions you make over the course of your life. It's a scientific fact that novody ever sets out to make mistakes----at least no one I have ever met. However, it's a given that over the course of time, we all screw up. I'm not going to make any mid-life resolutions, but here's a few things that I hope I do better on during the second half.....

HEALTH------I am taking somewhat better care of myself than I have in a while. I have lost 40-50 (depending on scale) pounds over the past few months, am making an effort to eat more salads and things of that nature, though I do slip up and turn the wrong way into a Dairy Queen sometimes. At 37, I know I feel different than I did at 27......and I really don't want the trend to continue at 47......It's all about motivation. If you order the hamburger, throw away the bread. That's not that hard for me, but go into a Dollar General or a Wal-Mart, and the cheapest food is the kind you don't need.....Kind of ironic, isn't it!

FINANCES-----Dave Ramsey I will never be, but it is apparent that I need to do a better job on this. Of course, everyone says "Don't Spend." But, that it easier said than done......I'm aiming to do better, but this one is tough....but I've got to.

RELATIONSHIPS-----Over the past two years, I have been in somewhat of a funk----depression-----whatever you want to call it. That caused me to pull away from some of my friendships a little. I had a true scare about one of those friends a couple of weeks ago, so that's something that I am going to work on. Thankfully, the scare looks like it was a false alarm...but let's just say it was a wake-up call to do things differently.

GOD-------Being 37 is a little more intricate than it was at 17. Back then, you tend to think of your spirituality in terms of black and white.....As you get older, other colors / factors tend to coem into view.I don't know if that is right or wrong, or maybe I do.......But, I want.....I need to get closer to who I used to be in that area than I am now.

CAREER-----This is one huge hurdle for me right now. I have been extremely blessed to do what I do for a living for two decades now. My love for music and journalism has always been the one thing that has set me apart and made me different. I don't have hobbies, and sitting by the pool for six-seven hours a day doesn't attract me too much. I'd rather be interviewing, covering a concert / soccer game / two men playing checkers on the front porch than anything. But, I need to steo my career up a notch financially if I am going to make it work as my sole career focus. I am open to any ideas about this, because while I don't think I'm Robert K. Oermann or Peter Cooper.......I think I'm pretty good at it, and I don't know if there's anyone out there who is writing as much as I am.....(You know, you get the e-mails!....LOL)

Well, that's what is on my mind this morning. Again, any ideas about these topics would be considered. Have a good week!

MORE RANDOMNESS

2011-04-11T03:41:00.000-07:00

This week will be one of those weeks where I write about nothing in general, just a few thoughts about names in the news, or at least my news!

THE ROYAL WEDDING 2011------I was in the store recently, and saw about eight to ten different magazines about William and Kate. Sometimes, I wonder what all the fuss is about. Did England go crazy back in 2008 when Jenna Bush was married? Now, I understand it's different, but I'm just sayin. Still, it's hard not to be a little interested in the Royals. I read someone saying that Kate was "ordinary." OK....and television and those McDonald's hamburger joints were just fads, right?

THE KENNEDYS------In America, I guess the closest thing we have to royalty is the Kennedy family. There have been numerous movies made about them, but I found myself engrossed last week in the Reelz miniseries based on their story. Historians have many good points in disputing the authenticity of the film (NO MENTION OF TED?), but Greg Kinnear and Barry Pepper were remarkable as the brothers John and Bobby. In fact, Pepper will likely be nominated for an Emmy, as he gave one of the best portrayals of RFK I have ever seen---and that includes Martin Sheen and William Devane. But, I missed the finale, and won't get to see it until next week...so don't tell me how it ends!

BACK TO THE FUTURE----This week, I have made the trip back to Tennessee to do a week of morning drive at Kix 96 in Centerville. It's strange, and unless you have worked mornings in radio, you will think I'm crazy....but getting up at 4 in the morning.....I have missed it....even though I like to sleep.

TESTING-------Say a prayer and cross your fingers for a lot of kids this week. In Georgia and Tennessee both this week, the annual profiency tests are taking place. The children are taking them all this week, and I know (even though it has to be done) it's going to be a long one. I do have a question, though. Do you stil have to color in the circle on the sheet, or has that gone the way of the card catalog?

I SAW KENNY ROGERS-----Well, actually, it was my father. I got back to Tennessee Saturday night tired and very much out of it. I sat down in a recliner at Dad and Marcia's house, when he looked at me for a second. As out of it as I was, I knew that Kenny Rogers had stopped by for a visit. Nope, my father has grown a beard. In all seriousness, it looks good, Dad. I have had success with goatees, but me growing a beard is a joke....If only my name were Tidwell! Well, that's about it for this week...Have a great Monday!

ACM AWARDS 2011 BLOG

2011-04-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

9:47AM EST "ACM AWARDS BLOG" LIVE TONIGHT AT 8PM / EST

7:25PM EST Ok...Just sat down in front of TV for GAC Red Carpet. Thought I would give you my thoughts on who just might win in these categories

Vocal Event: Zac Brown Band & Alan Jackson, though if Loretta Lynn and Co. won this one, I wouldn't be too sad.

Video: "The House That Built Me"

Song of the Year: "The House That Built Me"

Single of the Year: "The House That Built Me"

Album of the Year: THE GUITAR SONG, Jamey Johnson

Top New Artist: The Band Perry

Top Vocal Group: Lady Antebellum

Top Vocal Duo: Sugarland

Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert

Male Vocalist: Blake Shelton

Entertainer: Going out on a limb....Taylor Swift

While I was writing this entry, it was announced that the ZBB and Alan Jackson won the Vocal Event crown. Since I didn't know it at the time....does that count as a win?

7:42PM.....Comments are welcome. Leave them here, or e-mail me at spinthehitz74@gmail.com....First time I've ever done anything like this, so bear with me....

8:00 PM.....Here we go!

8:01 PM....Blake singing to Miranda....Where will this go? Is that Miranda? LOL...Didn't think so!

8:02 PM.....I have been excited about this one. I love the new Paisley song better than anything he's done in a while. It could be his night as far as Entertainer, but I still feel Taylor Swift. I hope this is a number one hit....You know, the years might have changed....but they are still Alabama! Was that Marg Helgenberger from C.S.I. in the audience? I'm impressed! Love it....A country award show with no pop or rock stars in the opening. We're pretty dang cool without them!

8:07pm.....And the pop world comes....Hey, I love pop music. But, Country stars are cool by themselves....But Celine is the musical ambassador of Vegas now, so it works. I really think Blake is going to do well as host tonight, and Reba is....Reba.....This guy is going to continue to see his star rise in 2011....Nice joke about the age....Miley joke not so much.....Cool timing on Brokeback Mountain.....So so joke on Brad....

8:14pm......Toby on stage.....Really liked the new album. Hard to believe he's going to be 50 this year. Pretty decent song.....

8:18pm......I love Brad Garrett, but that was kind of lame.

8:23pm......Here comes Carrie.....OK....You know what I said about pop / rock stars earlier? As gorgeous and talented as Carrie is.....I think more people are looking at Steven Tyler right now......Carrie is handling herself pretty good for the most part.....But, i can hear Nashville groaning.....I still stand by what I said, but this is Steven Tyler.....

8:30pm.......I understand this is a party....but this is the ACM AWARDS, right? You know, Jennifer Nettles is someone that my mind goes back and forth on. I think looks-wise, she's having a good night.....but this current album is a little too different. It has its' moments, but if I wanted to hear Heart, they're on tour this summer.....My daughter just asked me what the name of this song was? I said "Tonight." At least, that's what I think it is....My daughter is not impressed....

8:36PM.....Still no awards, but I like this new Dierks Bentley song kicks butt. No big statement, just fun! Cool chorus....8:40PM and no awards handed out yet?

8:40pm....I will take some flak for this, but should fans be allowed to vote in the ACM's or CMA's....I have my feelings about this....Plus, isn't that what the CMT Video Awards are for? Just my two cents....

8:45pm.....I know that Keith loves Nicole, but George Strait has been married for forty years, and some of his biggest songs are heartbreak-laden....Just a thought.....

8:49pm.....One of my cats just hit the channel button on the satellite....Interesting!

8:50pm....Jennifer looks like Alison Krauss.....I really liked Eric Church's first disc.....but he's country. If you don't believe him, he'll tell you,.....But, at least they mentioned the word "award." That's a first....

8:53pm.....Dan Patrick talks about Brooklyn Decker all the time on his radio show. I understand why. An award? OMG! Miranda, get ready!

8:54pm.....Two for two!

9:00pm.....I know she's everywhere, but Taylor Swift keeps getting better and better. "Mine," "Back To December," and "Mean"....a pretty cool 1-2-3 punch...Is that The Walton's house? In all seriousness, this might be the best performance since the opener...She deserves the ovation

9:05pm.....Little Big Town should be winning instead of presenting....With that said, The Band Perry is going to keep getting bigger and bigger. "You Lie" is a cool song, and Kimberly Perry is a star!

9:08pm.....The Band Perry

9:08pm......Three for Three....I should be rolling the dice tonight....

9:10pm...The Bing commercial is pretty cool.....

9:15pm...I thought the Luke Bryan joke was funny. I know I'm about five years late, but I am starting to get Jason Aldean. Holding your own with Kelly Clarkson....wait a minute...A rap? It might sell units, but radio play is going to be interesting......

9:18pm.....Nancy O'Dell is one of the prettiest people on the planet Earth......and she's about to be joined on stage by....Miranda Lambert and Frank Liddell....

9:19pm....Four of Four!

9:25pm.....Really interested to hear Blake's new one....Nice beat.....I like it......Perfect for summer. There is no doubt in my mind that Blake Shelton is the next major star of the format....I guess he's already there....but he's got it all. Nice Conway and Loretts reference.......He knows exactly what he's doing....

9:29pm.....Miranda looks stunning......The only award she's not up for, I think......Where is Jamey Johnson?....Paging Jamey Johnson....

9:32pm.....OK....I missed one....Happens to the best of us, but Jamey did have the best album...IMHO...4 of 5...Still a good night so far.....An "Arthur" remake? Really????

9:35pm....Thoughts? Comments? E-mail me at spinthehitz74@gmail.com or comment!

9:38pm...."A Little Bit Stronger" by Sara Evans has really grown on me. I hated it at first, but it's a great showcase for her voice....

9:42pm......Dang! Marie Osmond is timeless....One of my first crushes from way back when....I used to have a Donny Osmond microphone years ago.....Lady Antebellum, get ready!

9:44pm.....Five of Six......No surprise....They keep growing with the sky still being the limit!

9:52pm.....Funny intro....There's a reason Miranda Lambert is so highly regarded......She's doing the best work right now!

9:56pm.....The moment that people have been waiting for....Rihanna and Jennifer Nettles....Is that Wilma Flintstone?.....Does Jennifer ever sing with anybody Country? The song itself doesn't sound so bad.....but is it Country? Oh, the debate rolls on!

10:04pm....Ronnie Dunn....Enough said! Take notes, folks!

10:10pm....Sugarland.....Six of Seven

10:13pm....To quote her album from 2005, Martina McBride is TIMELESS.....The best dressed....the most beautiful woman there.....and I love this song.....In a way, it reminds me of a 1976 Loretta Lynn song...Here's to you Mrs. Rob...I mean, McBride...

10:21pm....Marg Helgenberger hasn't aged a bit in ten years. And Blake Shelton gets to accept an award from her? Cool!

10:24pm....Well...maybe not.....But Blake will win next year. Book it!...Six of Eight...

10:25pm....Still recovering from Martina and Marg back to back....This is going to be a highlight, and one of the more touching moments of the night. Darius Rucker and his "choir" define the word SOUL.

10:32pm....All these food commercials are making me hungry. I've got to be strong....Lost about 30 pounds since October....Hello to my good friends Jim and Bobbie Anderson out in the city of Burns, TN tonight!

10:35pm....I think next year, Jennifer Nettles should duet with Marilyn Manson.......I remember being a thirteen year old kid with a crush on Reba....and now, I'm....older. That's all that has changed!

10:39pm....Reese Witherspoon is class times ten.....Female Vocalist.....Miranda get ready!....Blake will help you carry the awards home.....Seven of Nine....and whoever I pick to win the NCAA will lose by 20....I don't get it!

10:41pm.....C'mon that was automatic.....I had that one marked when the nominations came out!

10:44pm.....It just dawned on me....Where is George Strait?

10:46pm.....I'll probably get stoned for saying this....but James Taylor has had some great songs, but I would rather listen to the Zac Brown Band.....It wasn't announced on the show.....but, Miranda won Video of the Year for "The House That Built Me." Make that eight of ten......

10:48pm....How do some men grow beards like Zac Brown's? I've tried, but all I can get is a goatee....Just a question...Well, who's the Entertainer Of The Year? I might be leaning with Brad a little more.....but I'm sticking with Taylor.......

10:50pm....This just in....Zac Brown can sing!

10:52pm....James Taylor was a hippie in 1971....Now he looks like an Elder at a Baptist Church or Church of Christ.....

10:54pm....Well, what have you thought about tonight? I think it was a pretty good award show overall. No George Strait, but some great moments. Martina and Reba proving they are ageless.....Ronnie Dunn being Ronnie Dunn, Blake Shelton having a big night even without a win, and Steven Tyler. Pretty cool....I'll still be listening to WAJQ 104.3 in Alma, GA tomorrow----the best COUNTRY station in South Georgia, where you can here Buck and Merle.....but overall I liked what I saw....Well, my daughter wants Taylor to win, so Swift, pull it out for Bella!

10:56pm----Last call...The fans have spoken....Until this album, I've never idenitfied with Taylor's music, but I have always admired the way that she has handled herself with the utmost amount of class. She has patterned the way she treats people like a guy named Garth....and all I've got to say is ....You Go Girl! Well, the award show is in the books....Time to get back to work......Thanks for following tonight......Good-Night, John Boy!

11:02.....Nine of eleven......Cool....time to watch "Hee Haw"

RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM A RANDOM MIND

2011-04-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, these blogs are about one main subject.....then there are days like today, where I just feel like rambling a bit.....

MEL MCDANIEL-----Not every Country star becomes a legend or a Hall of Fame candidate. Still, there are many that work the one nighters constantly, and over the course of time, make a very nice catalog of music. Mel McDaniel was one of those. The Opry star, who died yesterday at 68, was best known for hits like "Louisiana Saturday Night" and "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On." He also had some of Country's more underrated moments in songs like "Hello Daddy, Good Morning Darlin," "I Call It Love," and "Old Man River." He had been in ill health for some time. I got a chance to interview him in 2006. Very nice guy.

RIHANNA ON THE ACM AWARDS: Several are in an uproar about this one. It seems that Jennifer Nettles is going to be doing a duet with Rihanna on the ACM Awards Sunday night. I don't have a big problem with it, but can see where others might. Personally, I would much rather see Beyonce (who performed with Nettles on the AMA's a few years back) if you wanted to have somebody from the pop world. I'm sure it would be a highlight, but there are other artists who have worked hard for that slot. Then again, Country Music award shows have had pop / rock artists featured for years. The rumors are it makes us cool.

I'M COUNTRY!: Chet Flippo had a great blog on CMT.COM this week where he talked about one of my personal pet peeves---Singing about "How Country" you are. Basically, if you have to say it.....then there's probably something a little mixed up somewhere.

UT WOMEN: For a lot of reasons, I get into Women's Basketball in the NCAA a lot more than I do men's ball. I was hoping for another title run from Pat Summitt and Co. this year, but it turned out not to be. Still, you have to admire what this woman does year in and year out. She's a winner, and always has conducted herself as such. Maybe next season. Meanwhile...Go Butler and UK, with Butler taking it all!

FONTANEL: I had a chance last week to visit the Fontanel Mansion, thanks to my good friend and Eric Lee Beddingfield publicist (among others) Craig Campbell. Of course, it was once home to Barbara Mandrell and family, and Barbara's daughter Jaimie can be seen there occasionally, popping in on tours. Between the house, the restaurant, the amphitheater, and the walking trails, there's a lot to see there, and a lot more to come. Many know this, but Barbara was one of my first celebrity crushes, and also one of the more underrated singers of the format's history. Thanks, Craig!

BILL CODY: Since 2000, I have written about singers, songwriters, publicists, and a few football coaches or two. But one of my favorite interviews took place recently with WSM-AM morning man Bill Cody. I've long been a fan of "Coffee, Country, and Cody," and for the past few years, I have been very fortunate to call him friend. The article is up on the March issue of the DIRECT BUZZ, and I appreciate him for taking time to share stories about his 40-year career in the business. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The ones that really are the giants in the business aren't the ones that proclaim their accomplishments the loudest. Greatness talks without saying anything....if that makes any sense! I know that you will be sitting on the edge of your seat for it...lol...but this Sunday night, I'm going to experiment with the web a little bit. Many of my friends and business associates have tried to get me to do the Facebook thing, and I very well might....but Sunday night during the ACM Awards, I am going to attempt to blog live some of my thoughts about what happens on the show. As I said, I know that's exciting news for many of you....but if you get bored, take a look!

TWENTY YEARS IS NOT AS LONG AS IT USED TO BE

2011-03-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, about 4:30 in the afternoon, I remembered what day it was. So, I picked up the phone.

After a couple of rings, this deep voice answered. "Hello?"

Out of my mouth came the words 'Happy Birthday. How does it feel to be twenty?"

"Pretty good, I guess," said the person at the end of the line.

Good. Good? GOOD, you said. "You know what, it makes me feel old," I said half-mockingly. I stress the word half.

A little backstory is required here. Twenty years and one day ago, Blake was born in Tennessee. His grandparents and I went to the same Church, and after a little while, I ended up toting him around, putting him on my shoulders, and being big brother / uncle. It was a role that I truly cherished. I had been around babies before, but this was the first time that I can say that I was around one from the beginning. I even got to announce his playing in a couple high school football games, and referred to him as his nickname, "Bacon." But, it was really a neat experience. I'm not trying to claim myself as a father figure---his grandpa, Kenny Gibbs does quite well in that regard----both to him and me,as a second or third father. But it was with mixed emotions that I recognized that milestone yesterday. Being 20 is better than not being, but does that mean I am (doing the math) 37 instead of 17 now? I guess that it does!

Time is an interesting thing. Growing up a fan of TV, I was always amazed by the 20-year run of Gunsmoke, which ran on CBS from 1955-1975. My mother was barely a teenager, and my father only ten when the show debuted, and when Matt Dillon knocked off the last villian in Dodge City, they had a child of their own----who's typing these words now......I used to think two decades was a very long time......Now, I am rethinking that process. In a couple months from now, Blake--the 20 year old---will walk down the aisle. Big Brother, Uncle Chuck, whatever I am......I hope that I'm there on May 14 to see it. But you know what, time will catch up. Before he knows it, he'll be celebrating twenty years as a husband, And, by that time I'll be 5.....Well, friends and neighbors, it's about time to wrap this one up!

R.I.P. ELIZABETH TAYLOR

2011-03-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Unless you live in a cave, then you know that Elizabeth Taylor, one of Hollywood's greatest stars of all time passed away early Wednesday morning at the age of 79.Much has been made of both her beauty and her legend in the days since. Her beauty? Well, that speaks for itself. Though I have only seen one of her movies all the way through, that was apparent enough. Those eyes and that dark hair...I can understand why many feel she was the most beautiful movie star of all time, even surpassing Marilyn Monroe.

Because of my being born in 1974, I grew up not really thinking of Elizabeth Taylor as a movie star, but more of a pop culture icon---more famous for her marriages than her acting. In reality, though she made movies until the early part of this decade off and on, she cut back considerably on acting in major films during her marriages to Richard Burton and John Warner. So, her better films were made before I was born, and though I do like a lot of classic films,I just never really got into the mainstream Hollywood classics.

But, then....about ten years ago or so, my good friend and long-time co-worker Ken Loggains were discussing major news of the day while at work----like 'What's on TV tonight.' And I mentioned that TBS or TNT or TCM....one of the Turner channels was showing "Giant" that night. One of the first things that Ken and I bonded over was the fact that we were fans of the TV show "Dallas." He seemed shocked that I had never seen "Giant." I remember him telling me 'If you love 'Dallas,' you will love "Giant."

So, that night, I went back to 1955, and watched the story of former friends Rock Hudson and James Dean, and how it came to a bitter end over.....Elizabeth Taylor. Sound familiar, "Dallas" fans......Jock...Digger....Ellie....Well, though it takes a lot to get me to not change the channel, I didn't through any of "Giant." And along with it, I fully understood why Elizabeth Taylor was revered so much. She had one of those dynamic presences that you only see once in a while. Now, I won't claim to say that I have seen all her movies since then, as I haven't.....and though her beauty was legendary.....among starlets of that era....Ann-Margret was more my cup of tea.......but after seeing "Giant," I understood why Elizabeth Taylor was a star. May she rest in peace....

Maybe I will get around to watching "Butterfield 8," "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof," and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," but I definitely want to see some of the Taylor-Burton collaborations. I had never really gotten the infatuation with the two of them as a couple, until now. Looking at all the photo galleries of the two that have been online the past few days, I get it. Some have called them the "Brangelina" of their time. I don't think Pitt and Jolie have half the chemistry of these two. That takes nothing away from them, as Angelina Jolie is one of the most beautiful women in the world......but Richard Burton (who was one of the most uniquely handsome men I have ever seen) and Elizabeth Taylor were one of the most dynamic couples Tinseltown has ever seen....on screen and off!

A SALUTE TO A GOOD MAN...MAKE THAT TWO!

2011-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

There is some degree of truth in this statement...lol....Radio engineers have a mindset all their own. So do radio station owners. They simply think different than on-air talent or Music Directors. However, in my twenty years of doing radio.....there are a few exceptions to the rule.

Steve Turner is one such person. He's been involved in radio at Centerville, TN since Marconi delivered the first radio to Hickman County some time ago.....But, seriously...whether on-air, sales, management, or ownership....he's one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet.....and he "gets" radio. If you have to ask if an owner "gets" it, you've got your answer to what that means!

I've known Steve for about twenty years. I actually interviewed with him for a job back in 1993. As it turned out, I didn't get it. But that's ok.....a few years later I ended up working for him at Kix 96, and I can honestly say that I have had few better work experiences in my career. Well, this weekend is going to be a big one for that radio voice formerly known as "Little Stevie Turner." He's going to be roasted by several in Centerville to benefit the Charlie Garner Foundation. It should be fun, because Hickman County has some legendary smart alecks----I mean that with the utmost of sincerity, as I myself am a smart aleck!

I had been planning to make the trip up this weekend to be at the roast for Steve. But, last week, I was washing dishes, and the phone rang. It was Steve, and he asked me not to come......Ok, I had to say it like that.....Actually, there's a big remote going on in Linden Saturday, and with the full-time staff at the station all being tied up, he asked me to work....which I gladly consented to. In any case, I will say to my fellow Hickman Countians to not burn him too bad. He's too good a man for it!. Plus, he had the sense to marry Wanda, and that shows his smarts, as well!

There's another good man that I have to bring up right now...He turns 76....Oops...getting ahead of myself...another number with a 6 in it on Sunday....Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you.....Hey, I'm preparing early!

FROM SCHUYLER TO FACEBOOK

2011-03-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

I hadn't planned on blogging today. But, something caught my eye that I just had to comment on. As anyone who knows me can attest, I have a deep love for pop culture from the 70s and 80s. OK, maybe Country culture more so than Pop, but this has nothing to do with music. A lot of my favorite memories growing up centered around the television. I was blessed to grow up in the days of three networks and PBS----long before cable, satellite, and DVR. In the late 70s, you actually had to watch the show when it came on.

I've written before of my love of CBS Friday night staples The Dukes of Hazzard and Dallas. But, Thursday nights were also special on the network. I'm sure that many of you remember the classic series The Waltons. Many a Thursday night at 7pm central, one would find me in front of the 19" TV at the Dauphin home in Burns watching the warm and tender stories of a family pulling together during the Great Depression. Through DVD, it's still one of my favorites, and my children have gotten in on it,as well. I've been to Schuyler, Va (The real life Waltons' Mountain) on several occasions, and hope to take the kids there at the end of the school year. I've got a Waltons Lunch Box, the Waltons' Christmas Record, and even interviewed Jon Walmsley (Jason) and Earl Hamner, Jr. (the creator, narrator, and of course, the real life "John Boy) before. As far as interviews go, the two times I have interviewed Mr. Hamner might be my favorite ones ever.

It's due to Mr. Hamner that I am writing this blog tonight. Every now and then, I check out the great website dedicated to the series, www.the-waltons.com, and there is a link to a fan forum. I look at this from time to time, and saw a subject heaading that caught my eye---EARL HAMNER, JR. LOOKING FOR FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK......Wow....That one threw me for a loop.

Mr. Hamner, now 87 years young, is still writing and living in California. So, the fact that he is still active didn't surprise me. But, I thought it was kind of cool that the man who grew up in the 1930s, served his country in WW2, gave his family life in books and on the screen, is out there on the web. I mean, there's not many from that era on Facebook. You know, I just wonder what his TV prototype, John-Boy Walton, who published the first newspaper in Jefferson County---THE BLUE RIDGE CHRONICLE would think.....I bet he'd be impressed as well! Here's the link.......

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=5532659077

I'm not even on Facebook yet, but have heard from several in the past few weeks that have suggested it. But, you know, if it's good enough for "John-Boy," it's good enough for the rest of us. Good night, Grandpa!

LINE BY LINE, IT'S STILL THE GREATEST ONE EVER!

2011-03-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

With CRS going on, I haven't had a chance to comment yet on the recent 2011 Hall of Fame class. Well done, CMA! Jean Shepard is a choice that has been overlooked for way too long, and with both Alabama and George Strait in, you had to figure that Reba would attain her rightful induction. But the one that I wanted to comment on was Bobby Braddock. As part of the "Songwriter" class that will be inducted every three years, Braddock has written some classics over the years..."D-I-V-O-R-C-E," and "I Wanna Talk About Me" among them. But there's one that probably outshines the rest among his compositions. It was a song that Johnny Russell recorded in the late 1970s, but couldn't get played, so a guy by the name of George Jones recorded it. The legend has it that Jones bet Billy Sherrill, his producer, $100 that nobody would (quote) "buy that morbid son of a bitch." Needless to say, the Possum was wrong.....You know the song I'm talking about....but imagine for a minute that it was March of 1980 and you heard the song for the first time----which was what I tried to do the other day. There is a reason why 95% of Country artists and fans recognize this as the greatest Country song of all time. This is going to be different for me blog-wise, but I'm gonna give you my thoughts on this song---line by line---as if I were a listener for the first time....

"He Said I'll Love You Till I Die"---(What a sweet thought.)
"She Told Him 'You'll Forget In Time'---(How cold of her.)
"As The Years Went Slowly By, She Still Preyed Upon His Mind"
(Some people you never forget. I wonder if he's singing about Tammy.)

"He Kept Her Picture By His Bed"---(This guy never gives up.)
"Went Half Crazy Now And Then"-----(We all have, so don't judge.)
"He Still Loved Her Through It All"----(Tammy?)
"Hoping She'd Come Back Again"-----(If you have faith, it can happen.)

"Kept Some Letters By His Bed, Dated 1962"---(He's a sentimental one.)
"He had underlined in red, every single 'I Love You"---(Well, there's always one.....but shouldn't you move on?)
"I Went To See Him Just Today"---(Good for you. You gotta get him out of the house)
"Oh, But I Didn't See No Tears"---(He's finally able to talk about her without breaking down)
"All Dressed Up To Go Away"----(A date, perhaps?)
"First Time I'd Seen Him Smile In Years" (Finally, after all this time!)

"He Stopped Loving Her Today"----(As well he should!)
"They Placed A Wreath Upon His Door"----(Placed a wreath...Uh.)
"And Soon They'll Carry Him Away"----(No...you don't mean that...)
"He Stopped Loving Her Today"----(In my best Lewis Grizzard. 'Oh, my Gawd!"

"You Know She Came To See Him One Last Time" (I bet she did, that...)
"We All Wondered If She Would"----(I bet the funeral home fell in.)
"And It Kept Running Through My Mind"----(What? Tell me!)
"This Time, He's Over Her For Good"-----(Silence...What can you say?)

"He Stopped Loving Her Today"----(Wow! What a line!)
"They Placed A Wreath Upon His Door"----(Rest that poor man's soul.)
"And Soon, They'll Carry Him Away"----(George Jones is the greatest)
"He Stopped Loving Her Today"------(Where's the Kleenex, and can you play that one again?)

Throw in Sherrill's amazing production, with the strings and the haunting background singers, and folks, it's no cliche. This is the greatest Country song of all time. Congratulations, Mr. Braddock. You and Curley Putnam wrote a classic! Now, next year a picker goes in....Who votes for Don Rich?

TEN THINGS I LEARNED AT CRS 2011

2011-03-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

If you are in the Country Music industry, last week was a pretty big deal. The Country Radio Seminar was held in Nashville at the Nashville Convention Center. Over 2,000 industry professionals converged upon downtown to mix and mingle with the stars, and take advantage of some very informational seminars that deal with all facets of radio. During quite a bit of the week, I was in the CRS Media Room for the most part, doing a record (for me) 62 interviews during the week.....but just like the groundhog, I did stick my head outside a little.....Here are ten things I came away with from CRS WEEK....

1. I know that the scheduling of CRS is usually set years in advance, but with the SEC Tournament taking place at the same time, did it seem to anyone that the parking prices were a little much? Granted, most stayed in hotels, but if you were paying to park....that was about $100 for the week...right there.

2. There was a lot of great musical talent at CRS this year, but three names to watch out for include Lucy Angel, Due West, and Eric Lee Beddingfield. Each of these acts possesses the coveted "it" factor.

3. It's a known fact, but Ronnie Dunn can outsing most anyone in the business....Not bad for a "new act."

4. I always wondered what it would feel like to be atop the Sheraton's spinning Pinnacle Restaurant....which used to be the Hyatt Regency....and it was cool finding out!

5. You get older and your appetite changes. I ate more salads at CRS this year than just about anything else....except for the night of Eric Lee Beddingfield's showcase, where his promotion team took a few radio / records people out to the luxurious Arby's of West End......You had to be there....Drive-through service and all!

6. Of all of the people in the industry that I have been blessed to meet, the one I that I have yet to is former Sony chief Joe Galante. I wrote him a letter when I was a ninth-grade General Business student when we were assigned to write a letter to someone whose job we wanted to have when we grew up.....I've interviewed him on the phone a few times, but have always gotten a little intimidated when I had a chance to meet him, and chickened out....One day, I will.

7. It's often said that the people who are the real big shots in the business are the ones that you could never tell by their attitude. That being said, people like Larry Daniels, Mike Borchetta, and his wife Martha shine a little brighter than most!

8. Good things happen to good people....who do good things,like the Grascals' Jamie Johnson, who has written one of the best songs out there right now with "I Am Strong."

9. I'm going to take some shots for this opinion, but....Aren't you tired of songs that proclaim how "Country" one is? Several of the performers at CRS filled their stage show with them. Time for some new ideas.....

10. After 62 interviews (and only asking once the crutch question "Where are you from?") one tends to long for a never-ending Pepsi Maz machine to be my constant friend....that, and a plate of Jack's BBQ Ribs. As Grandpa Jones would say, Yum! Yum!

A TRIBUTE RECORD THAT NEEDS TO BE MADE

2011-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

In the past few decades, we usually see at least one tribute record a year. George Jones. Merle Haggard. Buck Owens---they all have been the subject of a multi-artist tribute to their songs. In November, Sony released an excellent tribute to Loretta Lynn, and just in the past few weeks, there has been a great tribute album to Waylon Jennings--the third to pay well-deserved homage to Jennings. There is one artist from Country's golden era, however, that has not been the subject of a tribute record----yet. Conway Twitty (until George Strait passed him) topped the chart more than any other artist of his era. But, for some reason Universal has never really given him his proper due, aside from several best of compilations that feature the same songs. I have no idea why there hasn't been a tribute record to Twitty---unless there's some legal protocol due to all the fighting that has taken place inside his family since his tragic passing in 1993. But, in case that door ever gets opened.....here's my thoughts on a twelve-cut Twitty retrospective. See what you think....

1. "Darling, You Know I Wouldn't Lie," One of his first chart-toppers, this one was a Twitty rarity----nominated for Song Of Thw Year by the CMA back in 1969. Conway showed his range with this spine-tingling ballad, that I think Ronnie Dunn could work magic with!

2. "Hello, Darlin," Of course, his calling card to Country stardom has withstood the test of time. I would love to hear a female vocalist tackle this one, but not one from the mainstream. I have always loved Allison Moorer's voice, and think she could knock this one out of the ballpark.

3. "You've Never Been This Far Before," One of his more suggestive songs, everyone and their preacher had an opinion on this one back in 1973. Just like "Hello Darlin," I would love to hear this from a female perspective. Sara Evans, perhaps, could work wonders with those bom-bom-boms.

4. "Don't Cry Joni," Conway's collaboration with his daughter is one that I think could sell a ton of Kleenex if Vince Gill and Alison Krauss ever collaborated on a remake.

5. "I've Already Loved You In My Mind," A 1977 # 1 (what from that era wasn't), this one stands as a pure honky-tonk classic, and when I think honky tonk angels, nobody does it better than Lee Ann Womack.

6. "Don't Take It Away," A soulful stretch for Twitty in 1979, who better for this Bluesy plea for forgiveness than Darius Rucker?

7. "I'd Love To Lay You Down," Ask any Kenny Chesney fan about some of their favorite cover moments from a Chesney fan, and they'll mention this one every time!

8. "Feelins," A mid 1970s chart-topper for Twitty and Lynn, this one gets a great live treatment from Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, and I think it could be a major radio hit for them, as well.

9. "Somebody's Needin' Somebody," A number one hit in 1984, this showed better than any other single of the era how effective Twitty was at changing with the times. You've got to be a singer to pull this one off, and I think that an Oklahoma girl named Carrie Underwood could do just that.

10. "That's My Job," A song that many think was a number one, but it only made it to # 6. But, the song was so much bigger than its' chart position, as it affected many lives. What about the man who surpassed Twitty in terms of number ones---George Strait? That could be a great combination!

11. "I Wish I Was Still In Your Dreams," One of the highlights of Twitty's later years, this was also one of his more contemporary releases. Add some strings, and maybe some Memphis horns, and a long tall drink of water named Trace Adkins, and I think you would have a record to remember!

12. "Crazy In Love," His next-to-last number one, this was once again another nice example of how his sound evolved over the years. There was a female vocalist who once opened for Twitty who could nail some of those high notes in the song...or a song by Beyonce?......That's right, Reba McEntire would do a fabulous job on this hit from one of her mentors..

Well, that's it before CRS.....It's just around the corner. 52 interviews lined up as of 10:51 EST on Saturday night, but I can always do more, right? Hope to see a lot of you next week!

50 FEET---A GIANT LEAP FOR ONE MANKIND

2011-02-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those days that was pretty cool. It’s not every day that you get to see your child through a rite of passage, but yesterday was special. We were across from the airport in Jacksonville waiting to pick Mom up when my son asked me that four word sentence that parents know is coming…..”Dad, Can I drive?”

Now, it wasn’t the first time that he had been behind the wheel. Father # 1 saw him during that moment, but I’ve got to say it was pretty cool. Don’t get the idea that I turned him loose on I-95 during rush hour. It was a thinly packed parking lot off to the side of a motel. My first inclination was to say “No.” After all, he is twelve years old. But, once upon a time, I remember a certain person taking their child for his first drive down Goatshed Road in Burns, TN. So, I figured why not? It wasn’t the longest ride, because I didn’t know how he would do….but some 50 feet later, I was still breathing, and he was ready to drive to Daytona….Well, maybe St. Augustine. I have a feeling that more of these days are going to come up over the next few years, and I’m sure that I will have the same temper flare-ups (“He doesn’t remember anything I tell him,”) from time to time. But he got to be in the drivers’ seat.

I have to say, as a Dad that isn’t going to be confused with trendy or cool----Play Station Games, and most toys such as Super Nerf Militia are too fast paced for me. (OK, I'm not even sure there is such a game, but I digress.) What happened to Atari? If it’s just me in the car, you’ll hear anything from J-Lo to Roy Acuff…..but when it all comes down to it, give me a station with a healthy balanced diet of Twitty and Owens, and I’m a happy camper. Hipness is something that I know little about, admittedly, but for about five to ten minutes yesterday, I was “Cool Dad.” It didn’t last. This afternoon, he was grounded from going to a friends’ house, so my batting average is down a few points, but it should rebound once again. I’ve got confidence. I just hope the daughter waits a while for her time behind the wheel. Time is going by………a little too fast......

TWO WOMEN

2011-02-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

I hope you all enjoyed the "Sad Songs" list from over the weekend. As many of you who know me well can attest, I love sharing things with you when they are good, and I feel you need to know about them. I don't know whether anyone who reads this or not has ever bought an album or saw a movie or TV show based on my recommendation, but when something strikes me as good, I love to tell people about it.

This week's blog is about two women who are in entertainment at different ends of the age spectrum---but yet in 2011 are making their mark and doing it quite well. The first is from the world of music. Back in September, I got a copy of Kenny Chesney's latest CD HEMINGWAY'S WHISKEY. While I will stop just shy of saying it's his best CD of his career, the good on the album is some of the most amazing stuff he has recorded. One of those songs is "You and Tequila," a duet with a female vocalist by the name of Grace Potter. While I do listen to many different styles of music, I wasn't familiar with the Vermont native until Chesney's album. The track features one of the more haunting melodies that I have heard in some time. I decided to do a little bit of research, and found out that Potter has quite the following. Upon talking about her with one of the people that I write for, I decided to give her music a listen, and picked up a copy of GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS. I can honestly tell you that it is one of the best rock albums I have heard in a long time. Aside from one track, the album has no political statement to make (and that one ,"Colors," is one where you're going to have to think about it as she doesn't wear you down with it), and is just fun songs about life, love, and....things that go bump in the night....It is Rock & Roll after all.....If you like that genre, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this disc. The current single and opening cut, "Paris," will have you singing along with the windows down.....loudly, just like I was doing the other day. Look for some big things from this talented lady.

While Potter is just in her 20s, there's another female entertainer who has been at her craft for many years----and doing it as good as ever. A recent discussion among one of my friends and I turned to pop culture and who our favorite actors and actresses of the time were. Male-wise, Jeff Bridges would be high on my list, but probably (though he has been quiet as of late), Billy Bob Thornton would get my vote. On the female side of things, I had to think for a minute. What actress in the past few months had demonstrated the most versatile range? There was only one answer----and she just celebrated her 90th birthday.

I'm talking, of course, about Betty White. Whether playing the goody-goody Rose on "The Golden Girls," or the saucy Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," she has been one of America's favorite actresses for years. And so it goes, last year, White teamed up with sitcom stars Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, and Valerie Bertinelli for the TV LAND series "Hot In Cleveland." While her co-stars are very good in their roles, and fun to watch, White steals the scenes time and again. It is one of the funniest shows that I have seen in a long time, and makes Wednesday nights worth looking forward to. But, there's another side to White besides her classic humor. Did anyone catch a CBS movie a few weeks ago called "The Lost Valentine?" In it, White played a woman whose husband was missing in action from World War II, and with the help of a reporter, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, she finally finds out what happened to her husband, and is reunited with his remains. A part of the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" series, these movies are designed to stir up emotions, but in a rare dramatic turn for the actress---she showed why she is so loved in America and has enjoyed a career resurgence since last year's Snickers' TV commercial. Whether making us laugh....or cry, the last of TV's "Golden Girls" still has it....even at age 90!

Maybe you're familiar with the recent works of these two women, but if you're not, you need to be. Potter's work is available where music is sold, and Hot In Cleveland airs Wednesday nights on TV Land. Check them out. You'll thank me later!

A TRIBUTE TO CHARLENE DARLING....THESE ONES WILL MAKE YOU CRY!

2011-02-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

Most people---when they talk about their favorite TV series of all time, will mention The Andy Griffith Show. One of the more popular group of episodes of the show featured The Darlings---a group of mountain folk who didn’t talk (except once), but they could sing. Their sister, Charlene---the pretty one of the family, would always have a few songs that would make her cry. If you think about it, there’s always a few songs that will bring that emotion out. I thought this week, I’d tell you about ten songs that have that effect on me. Maybe some of these affect you the same way, or perhaps it will make you want to search some of these out….

“I’ll Be True To You,” The Oak Ridge Boys
Tim McGraw has cited this as one of his all-time favorites, and I have to agree with him. Duane Allen’s lead brings out the anguished story of a couple that should have been together, but the male character didn’t realize it until it was much too late.

“Jeannie’s Afraid Of The Dark,” Porter & Dolly
This 1968 classic is one of the saddest songs of all time. Both vocalists are dead on in their approach to this sad tale of a young daughter who has a fear of the dark. Chilling—even 43 years later.

“Looking For The Light,” Rick Trevino
This Tim Mensy-written masterpiece might very well be the most heart-wrenching song ever recorded about mothers. I cried when it came out in 1994, and even more when the words rang true eleven years later.

“Maybe,” Thom Pace
You might not know this by the title. However, there was a TV show back in the late 70s called The Life And Times Of Grizzly Adams. I remember sitting on the couch as a three and four year old watching this with my mother. When I hear it today, it’s happy memories…..but I need to make sure I have some Kleenex out.

“Old Violin,” Johnny Paycheck
The final major hit of Paycheck’s career, this song sums up the feelings of many who love doing what they do, and spend their life doing it to the end.

“She’s With Me,” Collin Raye
This was an album cut from a Raye project for Time-Life a few years back. The song details the relationship between Collin and his grand-daughter (who has since passed away), and it is one of his better performances----but you’ve got to listen all the way, until the final verse. “Wow” is about all I can say!

“The Flower That Shattered The Stone,” Steve Wariner
Steve has recorded several powerful ballads over the years, but this one (from 1989’s I Got Dreams) is about as powerful as it gets.

“The Very Last Country Song,” Sugarland
Sugarland has made a career of songs that showcase the pyrotechnics of Jennifer Nettles’ voice, but I think this might be the best she has ever sounded. It’s very simple and understated, but if you love Country Music, this song will move you undoubtedly.

“To Me,” Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood
Love songs shouldn’t make one cry per se, but this duet of 80s superstars is how a love ballad should be. Simply stunning from start to finish.

“Wayfaring Stranger,” Emmylou Harris
As a child, I slept with the radio on. I remember hearing this on WSM late at night, and though some might say Bill Monroe might have had the definitive version, I disagree. It’s one of the more stark recordings of Emmylou Harris’ Hall of Fame career, and also one of her best.

25 FOR THE HALL

2011-02-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

There hasn't been an official date set yet, but the Country Music Hall of Fame will soon announce their class of inductees for 2011. This is one of the biggest debates in Nashville, as there are plenty of acts from the pre-1970s who deserve induction, and as time goes on.....the 80s and 90s, as well.....Typically, four inductees go in each year. Three artists, and one industry insider / sideman. Here, in my opinion, are 20 artists....and 5 others that I think deserve it. Ten years ago, when the Hall of Fame opened, they inducted twelve....It might be time to play a little catch-up once again.....

JIM ED BROWN----A toss-up between him and the Browns trio of which he sang lead. He developed one of the more under-rated solo careers in the history of the format, and also became one of the major TV stars in Country Music of the 60s through the 80s.

ARCHIE CAMPBELL----It’s been a while since a comedian was inducted, and Campbell deserves the slot. His style of comedy was very unique and cutting edge when he joined the Opry in 1958, his RCA albums are legendary, and of course, as one of the head writers of Hee Haw, he helped to define Country Comedy long before the “Blue Collar Boys.”

JUNE CARTER CASH----You might be surprised to know that June is not a member, but even if she hadn’t married Johnny, her place as a performer was set. With Johnny, they became Mr. and Mrs. Country Music---on a larger scale than George & Tammy or Tim & Faith.

RAY CHARLES------People get emotional, and rightly so, about who is not in the Hall----but in my opinion---none of the names on this list did as much to expose Country Music to the masses than Charles’ frequent forays into the genre’s classics.

COWBOY COPAS----A favorite of the 40s and 50s, he is wrongly known sometimes as a footnote to being a passenger in the Piper Comanche that killed Patsy Cline, but his King Records of the 40s, and Starday Records of the 60s made him famous on his own merits.

JOHNNIE AND JACK----Just like the Louvin Brothers, this duo inspired many including Waylon and the Desert Rose Band. I hope the voters get this oversight taken care of soon so Johnnie Wright can enjoy it.

JOHNNY HORTON-----You think Dwight and Marty have swagger? They definitely stole a few tricks off Horton’s sleeve. He wasn’t active long-----due to his tragic passing in a 1960 automobile accident after a show----but “The Battle Of New Orleans” and “North To Alaska” speak for themselves!

JERRY LEE LEWIS----Strangely, he is not in the Hall just yet. But, it’s an obvious choice at some point. Whether his Sun classics of the 50s or his traditional Mercury sides in the 60s and 70s, the “Killer” deserves to be in this group.

REBA McENTIRE-----Dolly? Check. Loretta? Check. Tammy? Check. Aside from those three, has any other female country singer opened more doors since? I don’t think so. This one is going to happen, and it might be soon.

RONNIE MILSAP----George Strait, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, and Alabama are four of the five acts with 40 or more number one records. They’re in. Guess who the fifth is? Only one of the most revered performers of the past forty years.

OAK RIDGE BOYS----Their story has been ongoing since the 1940s. But, the foursome known as Duane, Joe, William Lee, and Richard have carved out their own legacy and keep on ticking.

JERRY REED-----Yeah, he was a great sidekick to Burt Reynolds. And, while those movies made Jerry Reed a household name in the late 70s, his guitar licks influenced a generation of pickers, and his records were incredible---all of them. Plus, to my knowledge, he was the only Country singer featured on Scooby Doo! Now, that’s saying something!

KENNY ROGERS-----This one has been an oversight for a while. Whether you like pop-oriented Country or not….from 1977-1985, there was no Country singer more popular than Kenny Rogers. As my favorite singer, I may be a little biased, but along with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton, there may not be a more recognized Country performer in the world.

JEAN SHEPARD----She wasn’t the first (Patsy Montana) or the most successful, but Shepard paved the way for female vocalists in the 50s with her classic output for Capitol Records. She influenced many out west in California, and has been the matriarch of female vocalists at the Opry for years.

RICKY SKAGGS----We’re getting to the point that the 80’s have to be looked at as closely as any decade now, and that’s created a log jam with some of these artists. But he not only brought traditional Country back to prominence in the 80s, but his return to Bluegrass in the 1990s helped to spark new interest in the format.

CONNIE SMITH----Poll most Country acts about their favorite female vocalist, and they will tell you Connie Smith. Dolly Parton will, and that’s good enough for me. But, a listen to her RCA and Monument works prove she was one of the best of all time----and still is.

RANDY TRAVIS-----Travis deserves to get in soon before the class of the 90s make their way into the Hall. He took what Skaggs and Strait were doing, and kicked the door down for traditional Country in the late 1980s. Pre-Garth, he was everywhere, and released some of the 80s and 90s more timeless recordings to come out of Music City.

DOTTIE WEST-------She looked the part of a Country singer, and lived the life of a Country song. Her stage sass and upbeat persona helped to inspire a new generation of Country female vocalists who were a little more saucy in their approach. But, as is the case with all of the above, he recordings---whether RCA Nashville Sound or 80s’ Liberty Country Pop---speak for themselves.

WILBURN BROTHERS-----Brothers Doyle and Teddy has success with their records, their TV show, and built Sure-Fire music into one of the powerhouse publishing companies in town. Along the way, they helped countless future stars, including Loretta Lynn, Johnny Russell, and the Osborne Brothers.

HANK WILLIAMS, JR.----For close to five decades, he’s been a part of the Country Music landscape in so many ways. Yes, he’s brash, cocky, and very much outspoken about what he thinks. But his omission from the Hall is as ridiculous as his one-time duet partner, Ray Charles. Voters, the career speaks volumes for this one!

MAE BOREN AXTON-----She gave so many Nashville songwriters and performers a helping hand----from a Tupelo, MS cat named Elvis to current CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton. One of the more unsung heroes in the business.

JOE GALANTE----You could make a case for Fred Foster or Jimmy Bowen, I guess. But, stepping into some legendary shoes at RCA, Galante made the company bigger than ever. Yes, he had the talent, but with acts like The Judds, KT Oslin, Keith Whitley, and others, he also proved he had the ears. Country Music wouldn’t be the same without his guidance.

BUDDY KILLEN----From an industry standpoint, the fact that the man who co-owned and ran Nashville’s biggest publishing company of all time is not in the Hall aside Dolly, Bill Anderson, and Roger Miller---all people who are in the Hall is complete and utter B.S., and I don’t mean Blake Shelton. This has to get taken care of---soon.

SAM LOVULLO-----Most people don’t know the name. However, from 1969-1992, he was the producer of Hee Haw. Yes, that might have not been the most glamorous image for Country….Could you imagine Rascal Flatts in Kornfield Kounty? But, it was THE vehicle for exposure for Country artists during that time period. And, how many of today’s biggest stars cite the show as an early example of “Must See TV?”

DON RICH-----While I don’t think any band leader of a star has ever merited Hall induction, Donald Eugene Ulrich was no ordinary band leader. As a Buck Owens fan, Buck might have made it without Don…..but he wouldn’t have made it as far. His harmony and guitar playing WERE the Bakersfield sound, and though he wasn’t known as much as a fiddler than a guitarist-----there’s never been a fiddler in Country Music any better, and you can quote me on that!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this, as I know many have passionate feelings about this,,,,,Who would I induct this year, based on the Hall's usual criteria?

PRE-1950 Johnnie & Jack

PRE-1970 Hank Williams, Jr,

POST 1970 Reba McEntire

INDUSTRY Buddy Killen

Plus a special slot for Ray Charles......You've gotta have him in there!

A CONFESSION

2011-02-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

Before I start this blog, I have to admit to you three things. One, I am 36 (for one more week) years old. Two, I am a father of two soon-to-be (even though they would disagree) teen-agers. And third, I think that every series that is broadcast on the Disney Channel is the same (The Wizards of Waverly Place Go To Hannah Montana’s to find Zack and Cody Playing With iCarly)……..even though they are really no different than Saved By The Bell from my generation…….With all of that said, I have a major confession……I’m Chuck Dauphin, and I am a…….Glee-a-holic!

OK….That felt good to get it out. I know the FOX-TV series has a huge appeal to teens and pre-teens, but over the past month or so, I have become a huge fan of the show. While I know it is a major network version of High School Musical, aside from The Mentalist or House, M.D., there are few series that I watch any more as of late.

Now, I will say that I may not get into every scene, but the show is very well-written, and the young actors and actresses on the show are the real deal. It’s always entertaining to see what songs they are going to pull out of their hats. I loved the Madonna episode, and the recent guest spot from Gwyneth Paltrow was incredible…..but the show is worth watching from week to week for one reason-----well, make that two……I will say that I think Lea Michele is going to be a breakout star in music and TV / movies in the future. She’s got that magic potion known as “it,” a combination of talent, looks, and charisma. But, she is upstaged by one of the best TV characters I have seen in a while----Sue Sylvester, who is played to perfection by Jane Lynch. Is she evil, or just borderline psycho? I don’t know, but she seems like she is having the time of her life. Actors have always said that it’s much more fun to play a character that is off-kilter a little bit, and if that’s true….there’s nobody any more off-kilter than Sue Sylvester!

The hot rumor is that a Country episode might soon be in the works. I have to admit that more than likely, I’ll be right there watching. Well, this wraps it up for me until the weekend…….I’m going to go listen to The Best Of Debbie Gibson right now…..Twenty-two years since she sang “Lost In Your Eyes” about me…..seriously?

CHARLIE LOUVIN: A MORNING I'LL NEVER FORGET

2011-01-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

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

ACCESS....SHOULD IT CHANGE?

2011-01-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

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!

WHERE IT BEGAN....

2010-12-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

The next three blogs are going to be probably among my most personal that I have ever written. I do so, knowing that I may be sharing probably a few things that many of you who know me know about. But, my purpose in writing them is to hopefully to help someone out there who has gone through or is going through a rough time in their lives. We don’t always handle things the way that we should, and I am as guilty of this as anyone.

When I was seventeen, I began working at…..the radio station. Let’s just call it that, as everyone knows where I am referring to. As someone who made up his own imaginary radio station----WBRQ in beautiful and growing Burns, TN---and made recordings of it on an old boom box my grandmother gave me when I was nine, I was in heaven when I began training. Hank Walker was the disc jockey who taught me. The first lesson I ever received in radio etiquette was the art of saying the call letters……W is not pronounced the way you might think…..It’s Double-U-B-R-Q….There I go, back into my imaginary world again…LOL. I soon began a regular shift when I was junior in high school, and did afternoons before moving to the mornings four years later.

There’s something about turning on a microphone. Some get scared about it, and to be honest, when I first back-announced a song (“Bop” by Dan Seals), I was very much apprehensive. But, the idea that people were out there listening quickly evaporated when I came to the thought process that it’s just one microphone. Maybe that’s how everyone deals with it, I don’t know, but it worked for me.

And, I loved it. As someone who was very much a loner growing up, radio was a perfect outlet for me. I recall that Ralph Emery once said he got into the trade because he wanted people to listen to him. That’s exactly how it was for me. I made so many great friendships that I still treasure to this day. I’ve been guests at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, pallbearers at funerals, and even best man at weddings all because of the relationships I made.

Then, there are the people I worked with over the years. So many great and talented people. It’s almost like a fraternity, and if you actually ran a radio station with someone…..kind of like war. Sales, Sports, On-Air, you go through it all. I shouldn’t single anyone out, but there’s a gentleman out there named Ken Loggains that I worked with for eleven years….that is kind of my Hawkeye to my B.J….or vice versa, I don’t know. But working with people like him, Warren Medley, Randy Tidwell, and Marcia Campbell (who I worked for on the Interstate Radio Network…which put me on overnights at THE country station that mattered the most---WSM-AM) is something I will always treasure. Being associated with WNKX Radio in Centerville, TN and the people there was also a delight.

Then, as a music fan (what led me to radio in the first place), getting to meet many of the artists and performers I grew up with was something that I cherish to this day……George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, I have been blessed enough to interview them all, and am thankful for it. Possibly the biggest thrill for me as an interviewer was getting to talk with Earl Hamner, Jr. (The real-life “John-Boy,” who was the creator of The Waltons.) Imagine, if you will, sitting in a studio, and you hear this voice that you have heard since childhood coming out from over the phone line. That was a great moment, to say the least.

Working at “the radio station” was flying by the seat of the pants. It also qualifies as my on the job training. I had a little bit of direction from my program director, Gordon Rhodes, but the main thing he taught me was to “not sweat the small stuff.” Truthfully, he had another phrase for it, but we won’t go there. Radio has been called a “theater of the mind,” and that may be true…..but what goes on behind the scenes might actually be more funny than what comes out on the air. I guess what I am trying to say is that WKRP was “reality television” before there was such a thing.

From 1991 until 2009, I went through my last two years of high school, my not-so-roaring 20’s, deaths of those close to me, marriage to the love of my life, and fatherhood. I made more friendships and music business contacts there than I could have imagined. You might have thought it would have lasted forever-----but it didn’t, and I’ll pick up the story there next week…..

THEY HAVE EDITED PERFECTION!

2010-12-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

And the last month of the year has began. I am in no way, shape, or form ready for the upcoming Christmas holidays. By this point, all the presents are wrapped and under the tree. Well, the tree is up but not decorated, and the presents basically aren't bought yet......Between both my wife and my schedules, there isn't enough time these days.

Still, tonight was cool. I got a popcorn tin at Wal-Mart, and the kids and I sat down in front of the television to watch a movie that I truly think is the best ever made....Coal Miners' Daughter.

Of course, the 1980 film is the true life story of Loretta Lynn, and I guess it's the movie that I have watched more than any other in my life---with 1998's Primary Colors being a close second. I was excited that the kids wanted to watch it with me, as I have the DVD, but the movie was on the TV Guide Channel the other night, so I had DVR'd it.

As we were watching the movie, there were a few things different. Trust me, I am an expert on this. A few years ago, my wife's best friend and her daughter were over visiting, and she and I traded script lines from the movie all throughout. Rather than things being different, there were things missing. Like the part where Mooney takes a bite into Loretta's pie that had salt rather than sugar.....Like the part where Loretta has just had twins......Like one of my favorite parts (for some reason), where Mooney answers the phone late at night and talks to one of Loretta's fans who somehow got the phone number to their house....all edited.

You might ask, "Why didn't you just watch the DVD?" Well, believe it or not, the DVD player still isn't hooked up to the TV.....As I said, we've been busy. Still, it was a fun night. The kids asked me several questions about the way things were portrayed in the film, including if I was as mean as the first disc jockey that the Lynns met on their 1960 radio tour. I told them I didn't think so, but we all have bad days.

At the end of the night, it was fun revisiting most of this classic film. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones were incredible in the lead roles, but everyone involved made for a classic film. Levon (The Band) Helm and Phyllis Bowens were excellently cast as Ted and Clara Webb, and Beverly D' Angelo was great as Patsy Cline. In fact, I'll take D'Angelo's portrayal over that of Jessica Lange in 1985's Sweet Dreams any day of the week. (Though Ed Harris was excellent in that film) It doesn't get any better. But, I hope the folks at the TV Guide Channel don't get the rights to Walk The Line anytime soon.....They might omit the scenes that Johnny and June (Joaquin and Reese, respectively) shared together, and that would be kind of pointless, wouldn't it?

THE SHOT HEARD 'ROUND THE WORLD

2010-11-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

You might not find it mentioned on many calendars today, but today marks a unique anniversary in pop culture. It was thirty years ago tonight, at 10pm / EST, that the world found out the answer to a question that had been burning in people's minds for six long grueling months---"Who Shot J.R."

Of course, the "J.R." in question was the ruthless oil tycoon played to perfection by Larry Hagman on the CBS-TV series "Dallas." Premiering in April 1978, the series slowly grew an audience, and by the end of the third season, the network asked for two more episodes to close out the 1979-1980 season. They had already had a way to end the season in mind. Sue Ellen Ewing was all set to kill herself, putting what amounted to a fatal dose of medication in her drink, when she decides to go hold her child, John Ross, one last time. J.R. walks in, takes a swig, and the season ends. However, with the order from the network in hand, they decided to scrap the idea, and to quote writer Arthur Bernard Lewis, "Let's shoot the SOB and figure it out later."

So, on the evening of March 21, 1980, the season finale, "A House Divided," aired. At the end of the episode, J.R. was shot by an unknown assaliant. To say pandemonium swept the country was an understatement. All over the world, people wanted to know whodunit. Complicating the matter was the looming writers' strike by the Screen Actors Guild. This served two purposes; it allowed the "Who Shot J.R." phenom to grow, and it gave Hagman a chance to negotiate a pay raise. The strike ended, and Hagman and Lorimar came to an agreement that doubled his salary, but the question still loomed. Could it have been:

Daddy Jock, who was disappointed with his son's running of Ewing Oil?

Mama Miss Ellie, who watched as her youngest son, Bobby, left town--tired of J.R.'s ways?

Brother Bobby, who had tried to run the company the right way, only to be done wrong by his older brother?

Wife Sue Ellen, who J.R. had driven to the bottle, affairs, and a sanitarium---where he was threatening to take her again?

Sister-In-Law Kristen, who J.R. had an affair with, then proceeded to run out of town.

Family enemy Cliff Barnes, who lost power struggle after power struggle with the Ewings.

Or perhaps it was young Alan Beam, whose political career J.R. had ruined, or any number of members of the local oil cartel who lost big when Asian oil leases sold to them by Ewing Oil were nationalized--driving one member to suicide.

Needless to say, there were no shortage of suspects. Though I was six years old at the time, I thought it was his beautiful yet long suffering wife, Sue Ellen, played flawlessly by Linda Gray. And, it was Sue Ellen who was arrested for the crime.....but nothing was ever open and shut at Southfork. The shooter was revealed November 21, 1980 and it turned out to be sister Kristin, herself pregnant with J.R.'s child, who attempted to kill her old boss. Notching a whopping 78% of the audience, the show held the record for the most-watched TV event in history until the final episode of "M*A*S*H" some three years later. Still, after all these years, it ranks in the top five. The show continued to run until May 1991, and tied up most of the loose ends in a pair of reunion movies in 1996 and 1998. While it was just a TV show, in my house growing up Friday nights were a big deal, with "Dallas" and "The Dukes Of Hazzard" ruling the ratings roost. But thirty years ago tonight, you would be hard pressed to find a home, a party, or a bar that didn't have the TV on. Heck, Charles Osgood on Sunday Morning thought it was an occasion worth marking, and if he thinks so, who am I to disagree?

IT'S CMA AWARDS TIME AGAIN!

2010-11-08T18:41:00.001-08:00

This Wednesday night, the 44th Annual Country Music Association Awards will be telecast from Nashville via the ABC Television Network. Over the next couple of days, several "experts" will offer their thoughts on how things might turn out on the show, and here are mine....for what they are worth!

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Brent Mason, Mac McAnally, Randy Scruggs

Either of these five could win it, as they are all very talented players.....but I do have to pick, don't I?

WHO WILL WIN: Brent Mason
WHO SHOULD WIN: Paul Franklin....one of the best in the biz!

MUSIC VIDEO: "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum, "The House That Built Me," Miranda Lambert, "Water," Brad Paisley, "White Liar," Miranda Lambert.

I think this was one of the easiest categories of the night, as Miranda's touching ode to her childhood home should take this one.

WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Miranda Lambert.

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: "Bad Angel," Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Jamey Johnson, "Can't You See," Zac Brown Band & Kid Rock, "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "I'm Alive," Kenny Chensey & Dave Matthews, "Till The End," Alan Jackson & Lee Ann Womack

Only one time in the history of the CMA Awards has this award gone to a non-single, so I would say it's between Blake and Trace and Kenny and Dave....and you don't want to say no to Trace Adkins, do you?

WHO WILL WIN: Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins
WHO SHOULD WIN: Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins

SONG OF THE YEAR: "A Little More Country Than That," Rory Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble, "Need You Now," Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, and Josh Kear, "The House That Built Me," Tom Douglas & Allan Shamblin, "Toes," Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Shawn Mullins & John Driskell Hopkins, "White Liar," Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert

I think that in most cases Wednesday night, it's going to come down to Miranda vs. Lady A, with Miranda's song getting the vote here.

WHO WILL WIN: "The House That Built Me."
WHO SHOULD WIN: "The House That Built Me." It's one of those once-in-a-few-years type of songs!

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: NEED YOU NOW, Lady Antebellum, PLAY ON, Carrie Underwood, REVOLUTION, Miranda Lambert, TWANG, George Strait, UP ON THE RIDGE, Dierks Bentley

It very well could wind up being the night of Miranda Lambert, as she has had a history in this category.

WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Dierks Bentley. Give him points for stepping outside of his comfort zone.

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR: "A Little More Country Than That," Easton Corbin, "Hillbilly Bone," Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, "The House That Built Me," Miranda Lambert, "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum "White Liar," Miranda Lambert.

I have a feeling that Miranda's hot streak might be broken with this category, thanks to a song that has never gotten old, even after the 1,234,234th spin.

WHO WILL WIN: Lady Antebellum
WHO SHOULD WIN: Lady Antebellum

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR: Brooks & Dunn, Joey+Rory, Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland

Could it be one final nod to one of the industry's all-time greats?

WHO WILL WIN: Brooks & Dunn. Sugarland wasn't that active on the charts for much of the year.

WHO SHOULD WIN: Brooks & Dunn.

VOCAL GROUP: Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, The Zac Brown Band

A fairly easy one to pick here, as nobody has had the type of year that Lady A has had.

WHO WILL WIN: Lady Antebellum.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Lady Antebellum.

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young, The Zac Brown Band

Even though they've been around for a couple of years, I think this one is an easy win for the ZBB

WHO WILL WIN: The Zac Brown Band.
WHO SHOULD WIN: By definition (most career progress in past year), Easton Corbin, though I would cheer pretty loudly if Jerrod Niemann took this one home.

MALE VOCALIST: Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Keith Urban

I'm going out on a limb here, but I think some long overdue recognition might be going to one of the format's brightest stars,

WHO WILL WIN: Blake Shelton
WHO SHOULD WIN: Blake Shelton

FEMALE VOCALIST: Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift.

It might sound like a crowded category.....but one is heads and shoulders above the rest this year.

WHO WILL WIN: Miranda Lambert
WHO SHOULD WIN: I'm all for Miranda, but Reba has had one of the best years of her career....

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, The Zac Brown Band

It wasn't his best sales or chart year, but I have a feeling that CMA voters will make up for lost time in this one.

WHO WILL WIN: Brad Paisley. It's his time.
WHO SHOULD WIN: Brad Paisley. Though his material has slumped a little bit, in my opinion, he has earned this one!

Well, those are my thoughts....which, if you're lucky, might get you an extra helping of barbecue sauce at Jack's on Broadway! Feel free to let me know your thoughts on this, and Wednesday night, we will see how we did!

ONE LAST LIST

2010-11-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks, I have listed some of my favorite songs of all time. First, I touched on my forte, Country Music. Then, last week, I gave you my thoughts on some of my favorite pop / rock moments. To close out this series, I thought I would give you some of my favorite inspirational songs of all time. I hesitate to call them Gospel, because not all of them are, but I believe some of these just might be your favorites, as well. Here they are from A to Z.....

"A Thing Called Love," Elvis Presley
"Believe," Brooks & Dunn
"Clinging To A Saving Hand," Conway Twitty
"Drifting Too Far From The Shore," Emmylou Harris
"Eternal Vacation," Buck Owens
"Feeling Mighty Fine," The Statler Brothers
"Gone Home," Ricky Skaggs
"Hey God," Vince Gill
"I Believe In Music," Mac Davis
"Jesus, Hold My Hand," Vern Gosdin
IN PLACE OF K---"Freedom For The Stallion," The Oak Ridge Boys
"Long Black Train," Josh Turner
"Medals For Mothers," The Osborne Brothers
"Not So Far Away," Misty Freeman
"Old Time Religion," Buck Owens
"Peace In The Valley," Red Foley
IN PLACE OF Q---"I, John," Elvis Presley
"Rhythm Guitar," The Oak Ridge Boys
"Satisfied," Martha Carson
"Traveller's Prayer," George Jones
IN PLACE OF U---"Rize Up, Lazarus," Patty Loveless
"Saviour, Save Me From Myself," Ricky Skaggs
"Wayfaring Stranger," Jerry Reed
IN PLACE OF X---"The Wonders You Perform," Tammy Wynette
"You Don't Have To Move That Mountain," Patty Loveless
IN PLACE OF Z---"Where No One Stands Alone," Don Gibson

Next week, we'll switch gears, and I'll give you my CMA Picks......

ANOTHER HARD LIST, VOLUME 2

2010-10-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Last week, I gave you a list of my favorite Country songs of all time. I had fun doing that, and thought that I would share my list of favorite pop songs this week. I was surprised when I came up with a list that stretched four pages....so what I thought I would do is simply give you from an A-Z list.....Here goes....

A---"All Shook Up," Elvis Presley
B---"Baby, Baby," Amy Grant
C---"Crazy For You," Madonna
D---"Don't Wanna Lose You," Gloria Estefan
E---"Emotion," Destiny's Child
F---"Father Figure," George Michael
G---"The Game Of Love," Michelle Branch & Santana
H---"Hazard," Richard Marx
I---"If You Asked Me To," Celine Dion
J---"Joyride," Roxette
K---"Kiss," Tom Jones
L---"Lyin' Eyes," The Eagles
M---"Man In The Mirror," Michael Jackson
N---"November Rain," Guns N Roses
O---"Operator," Jim Croce
P---"Please, Mr. Please," Olivia Newton-John
Q----No Q, so I substitute "Heart Of Stone" by Cher
R---"Rainy Days & Mondays," The Carpenters
S---"Show And Tell," Al Wilson
T---"Take A Bow," Madonna
U----No U, so I substitute "Together Again" by Ray Charles
V---"Ventura Highway," America
W---"Walk This Way," Aerosmith
X----No X, so I substitute "Save The Best For Last" by Vanessa Williams
Y----"You Light Up My Life," Debby Boone
Z----No Z...soI substitute "You're The One That I Want" by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

And finally....because I know you care.....

Best Pop Album of all-time: I didn't put any songs from Janet Jackson's RHYTHM NATION 1814 disc, because all of them would make it. Simply put, it's one of the best and most fun albums I have ever heard.

Song that will always get me: "Maybe," by Thom Pace. You might not know the title, but this John Denver-esque song was the theme song from the old show "Grizzly Adams," which I remember watching with my parents years ago, The lyrics of this song are so touching and beautiful. Not that I want it to happen anytime soon, but it's one that I want played when I pass on....Look it up on iTunes. You'll be glad you did!

A HARD LIST TO MAKE

2010-10-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

I will be the first to tell you that this week's blog is a personal one. I recently received the book My Country: 50 Musicians On God, America, & The Songs They Love by Melanie Dunea. I hope to interview her soon, but the book is a beauty. In it, many of the all-time top Country singers reveal their favorite songs. I think back to a question that my father's wife Marcia asked me a couple years ago. "Of all the songs, which one is your favorite?" To single out one song would be difficult to do, but the book reminded me of that question, so for what it's worth....here are twenty songs that you will never find me fast forwarding through....I set two rules in making this list. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" makes theses lists every time, as well it should. Quite possibly, it's the greatest song that has ever been written, but I thought I would give it a rest.....Plus....no Kenny Rogers.....If so, this list would never end! So, here are 20 of my favorites. Hopefully, they might be some of yours, as well!

"Southern Nights," Glen Campbell 1977
"Bobbie Sue," The Oak Ridge Boys 1982
"Indian Summer," Brooks & Dunn 2009
"If Loving You Is Wrong," Barbara Mandrell 1979
"What She's Doing Now," Garth Brooks 1992
"All The Gold In California," The Gatlin Brothers 1979
"Miss Emily's Picture," John Conlee 1981
"Believe," Brooks % Dunn 2005
"Blue Moon With Heartache," Rosanne Cash 1981
"The Man In The Mirror," Jim Glaser 1984
"Big In Vegas," Buck Owens 1969
"Here You Come Again," Dolly Parton 1977
"Behind Closed Doors," Charlie Rich 1972
"I've Been Around Enough To Know," John Schneider 1984
"Elizabeth," The Statler Brothers 1983
"Pop A Top," Jim Ed Brown 1967
"I May Hate Myself In The Morning," Lee Ann Womack 2005 "Walkaway Joe," Trisha Yearwood 1992
"Two Teardrops," Steve Wariner 1998
"In Color," Jamey Johnson 2008

OK....I can't forget "Send Me Down To Tuscon," "Linda On My Mind," or "Miami, My Amy," can I? Would love to hear from ya on this one!

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

2010-10-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Wow....Has it really been a month since I posted? Well, there are a lot of reasons for that. Getting settled in our new home has a lot to do with that, and there have been other issues at play...which I'll tell you about later.

Life in Georgia is good. There seems to be a Huddle House in every small town here, and that's not a bad thing. After a slow start, the Bulldogs took care of UT this past weekend, so there were more than a few happy faces around town. This week I am covering a few softball games, so life is good. It's tough getting used to softball in the fall, but whatever works.

So many times, you hear about how life can change so quickly. Well, Amen to that! But, thankfully, some things don't. The beauty of East Tennessee in the Autumn is one thing that has remained a constant.McDonald's French Fries, that could be another. But, the other night, something hit a nerve inside of me. The bond between friends is something that never goes away.

When asked if I have any siblings, I usually say "No." However, that's not entirely true. I have been blessed with some very close friends that are just like brothers or sisters. Randall is one of those. Since meeting him in second grade back in 19--none of your business, he and I have developed a bond that is just as much family to me as anyone outside of my parents.

We've played Atari....Nintendo....Over the years, you name it. We've discussed just about everything you can talk about over the years. I told him the other night that the only fight I remember us having was about who could kick the other's butt in a fight. We weren't even mad.....but each had a different answer. Fortunately, we never found out.

Nearly three decades later, that friendship has endured through a lot. Most of our conversations are of the 5-10 minute type, as he has his family, and I have mine. However, last week was a little different. Without going into detail, as it doesn't really matter, there was a conversation that meant a lot. Getting older makes for interesting stories sometimes, whether you plan them that way or not. There was about an hour and a half conversation last week between two friends that meant a lot. Sometimes sharing those "interesting stories" in life makes you realize that you're not alone. And, though the subject matter might have been a little different from 1983, 1990, or 2000, it was two friends talking about shared experiences---good and bad....and while I can't say I want the bad.....Thank God for the conversation. Thankfully, friendship is the same whether your six or thirty-six. So, if there's a friend that you haven't talked to in some time....give them a call.....Might pick them up a little....but I bet it will do the same for you!

YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY LOOKING AT ITS' COVER

2010-09-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well....here we are in the land of the Bulldogs, and a long way from Hickman County, I might add. How have the first few days in Georgia been, you ask? Well, John Mayer, one of my wife's favorites, has a song called "Why Georgia?" LOL....I have asked that question a number of times, between the bruises, falling off the U-Haul truck and in my yard, and packing an inordinate amount of boxes....But, did I really need that Britney Spears 2001 tour book? As is the case when anyone buys a house and moves, there are a lot of things that you wish you had done different. I can be a little lackadaisical in my approach to things sometimes, but this time I thought I had all the i's dotted and t's crossed....boy, was I wrong. I could tell you it's other people's fault....but at the end of the day, it is what it is. We're here, and it's not bad......The kids like it here, Shannon seems like to like it, and I've got to say the people are just as nice as they can be...

But, this post is about a good friend of mine, that deserves the mention. I will take you back in time to 2006. That's when I introduced Shannon---before marriage---to him. He had the strangest spiked hair, and didn't speak much. I called him a "psychotic hippie." They, on the other hand, developed a bond rather quickly. Somehow, we did too.....I can tell you many times I would sit on my porch before we bought our first house, and he listened.....When there would be the invariable fight, he would listen like nobody else,,,the kind of friend you just liked talking to.

Well, my little friend died last night. My first full day as a Georgia resident consisted of a drive to the doctor. They told me they couldn't do anything for him. I took him back home, and watched him die at 10:20 last night. You might have guessed by now, that the friend in question,Fluffy, is a cat. That may be, but I have cried my heart out over this loss. Before we ever spent a night in our new house, one of my first actions was burying this beloved creature. Some of my friends have accused me of being a bleeding heart when it comes to animals. Yes, that's true, and this wound isn't going to heal anytime soon, and he definitely wasn't anything like he appeared to be....Psychotic or mean? He was warm and loving as he could be, though he still might have been a little bit of a hippie!...Proof that you can't look at something by an outer package.........Godspeed, Fluffy....if there are houses in Heaven, I hope you're stretched out on the biggest one there...Who knows...maybe Jerry Garcia's!

Georgia....It will get better than this.....To be continued!

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

2010-08-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well...that last line in the previous blog is rather prophetic. Change does catch up to us all. Some of you know this, and some of you don't....but in September, I will be leaving Tennessee for the land of the Bulldogs---Georgia. Or, as my favorite author / humorist, the late Lewis Grizzard would say "By Gawd Georgia."

For those that might be surprised about this move, let me fill you in. My wife has been offered a job there---a really good job---one that offers--among other things--health insurance. We've been without it since 2007....Simply put, you need it.

So, it's a great opportunity for our family. At the same time, there just might be an opportunity for me---but I'll tell you more about that later. One thing is for sure, I still plan on writing, and doing as many interviews as I can. Granted, driving to Nashville in 90 minutes might not be as easy, but there is a certain thing called the telephone...So, still plan on getting those e-mails about new articles from yours truly. I love what I do too much to stop, and after all Nashville is still 90 minutes away---via airplane!

This is something that we have known about, or at least knew was a possibility since March. And, I think for a lot of reasons, it's for the best....but after I hosted the Cougar Coaches Show this morning on 94.5 FM, it hit me...two more weeks....I plan on doing the first two football games, and first three coaches shows before wrapping it up. Dickson County High School, and the people associated with it, are very special to me. As are the sponsors we have worked with....I want to thank Paul Sullivan at Dickson Farmers Co-Op and Vance Kirby at Domino's for sticking with me one last time! Your friendship and support mean a lot!

I still will be involved with the Cougars' broadcasts, as I plan on continuing my "Football Friday" picks at halftime via tape, so I won't be totally gone for a while. I'll probably blog again about my experiences doing sports in Dickson County, but I wanted to let everyone know....because I know how people whisper sometimes....

Once again, musically, I am not going anywhere, and plan to keep writing for the music magazines that I have in the past. I am excited about the future, and hope to tell you more about that soon....Let's just say that it could be pretty big....but it's going to be big for us all....Shannon has worked hard for this.....

So....does anyone know anybody who can help load a U-Haul, and maybe drive one?....I'm listening!

RANDOM THOUGHTS ONCE AGAIN

2010-08-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

I know that I haven't updated this blog as much lately, but just let me say that it has been a crazy past few weeks. Some of you know just how crazy it has been, and others will find out soon....but it's all good....Rather than write about just one thing...there were five different things on my mind this week.....

First and foremost, I will take this opportunity to say I love you and Happy Anniversary to my wife Shannon. Today marks three years together. I love you very much, and thank you for standing by me. I know it hasn't always been easy, but I love you. I think that rainbow is pointing to the right place. I know that you work as hard as you can, and it seems like I am always gone to cover this event or interview this person.....but I love you!

Secondly, I will beam just a little bit about Jamey Johnson---which I have done a lot of this year. I have just gotten an advance of his new album, and the CMA might very well go ahead and give the 2011 Album Of The Year award to him....It's that good....It comes out September 14.......Buy it.....

Third, and this is just an observation.....It is hot here in Middle Tennessee.....I saw an ant sweat turn down a picnic lunch yesterday because it was so hot.....Seriously, check on people who might need a little help during this summer's heatwave. I have been asking people whether they dislike the cold of winter or summer's heat...Of course, now they say summer.....but that will change. As for me, give me a cold night and three or four blankets, and I am happy.....Hope you are staying cool!

Fourth, last week was Election week in many places. Here in Hickman County, some fine folks won re-election to their posts, but in my native Dickson County, with one exception---it was vote out the incumbents....I don't know new Sherriff Jeff Bledsoe, but they don't come any finer than Bob Rial or Luanne Greer. That being said, I have to tip my hat to Bob Stone and Phil Simons---who have always represented Dickson County with class. My hat is off to you both. You have treated me with respect over the years, and i appreciate that!

And finally, Thursday marks the beginning of another football season, as all three of Dickson County's Middle Schools will be playing for the first time. I will be following Charlotte Middle over the river to Ashland City. I'm excited about it for a couple of reasons. The Tigers had a tough season last year, but I think they are going to be better. Also, I plan on saying farewell to one of my favorite places----Stratton's. The popular hamburger joint will be closing its' doors after nearly a forty-year run. When the Cougars used to play the Cubs in Basketball, it was not uncommon to see the Hamiltons and their Lady Cougars there, as well as some of the broadcasters. If you've never been there....you need to...Get a Reese's Blast (or whatever they are called there) for me....The owner, who has operated the business since 1971, is stepping down. Soon, Ashlanc City residents will have the luxury of a Walgreens in their hometown at the same location.....but I think that given a choice, they would rather see the red neon lights of Stratton's than the famous cursive logo of Walgreens....but that's change I guess. Eventually it catches up to us all, doesn't it?

A PLACE CALLED FONTANEL

2010-07-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend (July 17), my wife and I went to the Fontanel grounds just a few miles from Nashville. Formerly the home of Barbara Mandrell, the complex features the home where the Hall of Famer once lived, a restaurant, a gift shop, and an amphitheater. Now open to the public, the first major musical event was held there last weekend---"Songwriters Sing For Nashville," and what an event it was!

Comprised of many members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall Of Fame, the afternoon was a reminder of why people do the crazy things they do to get into, or stay in, this business. While maybe from a sonic level,the voices aren't quite the same. There's an honesty about the performances that seem to come through.

One of the writers present there was Hugh Prestwood. Back in the 1990s, he wrote a classic for Trisha Yearwood called "The Song Remembers When." With that said.....I thought I would offer my thoughts about the times and places that some of the songs that were performed at the benefit took me back to...if you will indulge me....

"Ghost In This House,"----Having Marty Raybon in studio with me at one of the radio stations I have worked at, playing some of his past work, including this Prestwood classic. Talk about cool!

"Midnight Train To Georgia"----Believe it or not, until I was fourteen, I didn't listen to anything but Country. So, one night, I was coming back home from Nashville, and I heard Gladys Knight's classic version of this Jim Weatherly tune. The next time I was at the record store, I bought a Greatest Hits CD of hers, if that tells you anything!

"I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool"----I have said it before, and I will say it again. Even in Dickson, TN....you were made fun of back in the 80s if you talked too loudly about being a Country fan. I was then, and am now, and am proud of it.Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan nailed this song. I think about those feelings, and I also think of seeing Barbara Mandrell's One Hour Photo Shops all over town back in the 1980s.

"Smoky Mountain Rain"---Another song from the Fleming / Morgan tablet. I think about how many times I played this song over the airwaves of the Interstate Radio Network. I don't know if you can call it a trucking song or not, but it was one of the most-played oldies that we had in the system.

"Country Bumpkin"-----It's funny, and downright strange how you can remember when you heard a song for the first time. I couldn't have been ten years old when my mother bought a tape that had this on it at Woolco's in Terre Haute, Indiana. Don't ask me how I remember, but I do....

"I Can't Make You Love Me"----I remember when Mike Reid recorded his version of this, I thought 'That's as good, if not better than Bonnie Raitt." I still do. He's just that good.

"Elvira"------Back in the first and second grades, we got to take records (?) to school and the teacher would play them. I don't think there was any more played than this one. I remember the rainbow of the MCA logo going around and around on this one.

"There Goes My Everything"-----On a trip to Illinois to see family, I remember riding through one heck of a rainstorm in Bloomington, and this song playing on the radio....Again, it proves you don't select a memory...it selects you!

"If My Heart Had Windows"-----Watching Patty Loveless being inducted into the Opry on TV with my grandmother.

"Strawberry Wine"------Deana Carter jumping into Ricky Skaggs' arms when she won the CMA Award...and the look on his face.....Priceless!

Well, that's a few of my thoughts.....I will say that attending this was a really cool thing. It reminded me of why....in spite of the check sometimes never being in the mail, being let go from a record company job the first day back after Christmas, and all the crazy things we all go through.....at the end of the day, I wouldn't take anything for it......

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT!

2010-07-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

"I want all of you to be listening to my "Crazy Chucky's Classic Country Corner" next week on 96.7 FM. At 2:50pm I will announce where I plan on eating lunch next Friday...."

I'm sure that if you heard that on the radio, you would stop all of your plans for next week, and rally around the radio to see if I was going to attempt to eat Mexican again. I mean, it's an important question, isn't it?

OK, You probably get where I am going with this. LeBron James announced on an hour-long ESPN special last night that he would be leaving Cleveland for Miami. Tune in to the channel that Chris Berman built, and you will see weeping, nail biting, people being taken off to jail in Cleveland because of their reaction. James is a hometown hero. They feel rejected. I get it...sort of. But, Emmitt Smith did not remain a Cowboy to the end....Joe Montana was a Chief when the clock struck zero....and Michael Jordan....Wasn't he in Washington?

Speaking of which, I don't remember such a tragic response when Jordan retired from the Bulls, where he won six NBA titles to James's......zero?

I chuckle a little bit about the theatrics of last night's announcement. One of the main subjects of disagreement between my wife and I is about Minnesota's Brett Favre, and his coy approach to whether he is coming back for a 20th season. You know what? If Brett wants to not answer the question until those hot and humid workouts are over....I'm not going to blame him. But, a one-hour special to announce where you are going to play....I hope this doesn't set a new precedent for how the free agent game is played, but I think it probably will.....

All of the experts are already engraving the 2011 NBA trophy to Miami. With Wade and Bosh joining the Heat as well, how can they lose? They have too much talent.....Well, yes and no. A little bit of history lesson comes from the 2000 Washington Redskins. They had won their division in 1999, but owner Daniel Snyder wanted more, and went on a free-agent buying spree like none before or since. The biggest of his acquisitions was Dallas CB Deion Sanders. With all that talent, Norv Turner couldn't get it to work on paper. How will this trio of stars handle not getting 25-30 ppg? That is the question. Miami has the talent, but there's a certain thing called ego that gets in the way. That's not a knock on athletes per se, as you could make that argument about semi-pro sports and music writers.

So...looks like it's going to be an interesting season in the world of the NBA.....By the way, if you are still interested in my lunch plans....If I have the money, I just might be found at Papa Kayjoes in Centerville. The tea....and the humble pie are both awesome!

21 MOVIES YOU SHOULD SEE (ACCORDING TO ME)

2010-06-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since I have last blogged, and there's a lot of reasons for that. The Billboard Country Music Summit, the CMA Music Festival, and taking the kids to camp have been a large part of what is going on. I will try to be a little bit more regular over the next few weeks....For this blog, I wanted to focus on something that we all have our favorites of---the movies. I'm not saying that these 21 films (I couldn't limit myself to 20) are the best of all time....but they are some of my favorites, and maybe some of yours. If you haven't seen these, you need to....

1. "A Time To Kill"----I saw this for the first time a few months ago, and I've got to say it was first rate all the way around. Kevin Spacey, Samuel Jackson, and a young Sandra Bullock were great in their roles, but Matthew McConaughey dominated the screen in this case of crime and racism in a Mississippi town. His closing argument is one of the best moments in film from the past two decades.

2. "Back To The Future"----Michael J. Fox has had some great Hollywood moments, but this Spielberg classic was one of the best. The movie was a treat to watch from start to finish. One of the most pleasurable parts of this movie were the little subtle jokes about what the future would bring. The two sequels to this franchise were a little confusing at times, but this one? Nothing but a classic.

3. "Batman"-----1992's sequel "Batman Returns" had Michelle Pfieffer as Catwoman (one of the best casting moves ever), and "The Dark Knight" had Heath Ledger's unforgettable performance, but the first modern film in the franchise managed to be cool and dark at the same time. Michael Keaton brought a vulnerability to Bruce Wayne, and Jack Nicholson as the Joker? Need i say more?

4. "Chicago"-----OK, so Catherine Zeta-Jones in this movie was a plus for me, but all around, I thought this musical was awesome from start to finish. I was skeptical about Richard Gere holding his own in a film like this, but he did and then some....and it was one of the first films I saw with the great Queen Latifah....but as you can tell later on the list....it wasn't the last!

5. "Coal Miners' Daughter,"---In my opinion, the greatest musical biography of all time. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones were incredible in their roles as the Lynns. I have watched this movie more than any other, and it never gets old. As a radio guy, I love the scenes where Loretta and Mooney travel around to radio stations, promoting her first records. Not just a great musical, but one of the great films of all time.

6. "Double Jeopardy"-------Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones made for a great cat-and-mouse chase in this thriller. He doesn't get the credit that they do, but this movie is also worth seeking out for the slick job that Bruce Greenwood does playing the movie's villain. Whether it be TV or movies, he's always first-rate playing a heavy!

7. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"----My days playing hooky were never this much fun. Matthew Broderick played the "Eddie Haskell" of my generation. I haven't watched this one in years, but it's one of the best of the 80s!

8. "Forrest Gump"------You have to suspend reality in your mind on this one, as who actually witnesses history from this many angles? Still, this film is one of those that no matter how many times you might have seen it, it never gets old.

9. "Giant"-----My favorite TV series of all time was "Dallas," and some have said that the Ewings owed a debt to this epic 1955 film that featured Rock Hudson and James Dean feuding over a lovely Elizabeth Taylor. This film was also notable for a early role for the late Dennis Hopper.

10. "Hoosiers"---Speaking of Hopper, who can forget his comeback role as a drunken parent in this Gene Hackman classic. There may be sports movies as good, but you won't find one better!

11. "Intolerable Cruelty"-----I have spoken of my affinity for Catherine Zeta-Jones, and there's plenty of screen time for her in this Coen Brothers film. The combination of her and George Clooney was nothing short of genius, and throw in Billy Bob Thornton and you have a comedy of epic proportions.

12. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"---Who doesn't view this one at least once during the holiday season. It might not have been "It's A Wonderful Life," but the Griswold family was never funnier.

13. "Primary Colors"----Mike Nichols is credited as a filmaking genius, and I think this parody of the Bill Clinton campaign was first-rate from start to finish. John Travolta pulled off the role of the Southern governor, Emma Thompson was superb as the Hilary character, and the supporting cast (Thornton, Kathy Bates, and Larry Hagman among them) was outstanding. If you've never seen this one, you need to!

14. O'Brother, Where Art Thou?----No matter how many times CMT shows this one, it never fails to leave me laughing. Clooney ruled the screen more than ever before or since, and the supporting players were excellent as well, especially Charles Durning as the governor. The film was definitely "bonafide."

15. "Ocean's Eleven"----What is it about George Clooney that causes a film to be memorable? I don't know the answer to that, but between him, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia, this one doesn't have a slow moment in it. I would also suggest "Ocean's Thirteen" as well.

16. "Ray"------It's in the same class with the afore-mentioned "Coal Miners' Daughter." Jamie Foxx had the role of his life as the genius Ray Charles. At times, you forget where Foxx ends and Charles begins.

17. "The Secret Life Of Bees"----My wife wanted to see this one in the fall of 2008, so we went. I didn't expect to love this one as much as I did, but it was a well-written story with some great acting from Queen Latifah. The fact that she wasn't nominated for an Oscar for this one still bumfuzzles (is that even a word?) me.

18. "The Shootist"-----I love westerns, and nobody did it better than John Wayne. This film, which was his last, was a great way to go out. Throw in Ron Howard as a Wayne in-the-making and Jimmy Stewart as the kindly doctor, and you've got one of the genre's best.

19. "Smokey And The Bandit"-----It will never be compared to Masterpiece Theatre, but as far as an enjoyable movie experience, I think this is still one of the best. I would love to see this remade, possibly with Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins as the modern-day Reynolds and Reed.

20. "Walking Tall"-----The story of Buford Pusser has always intrigued me, and while the two follow-ups of this film were not as great, Joe Don Baker had his role for the ages as the Tennessee sheriff that stood up against the system. It was very dark and violent at the time, but the people that Pusser battled were not the comic book characters that were depicted in the 1975 and 1977 sequels.

Also....while not one movie, I wanted to lend my thoughts on what the best movie franchise of all time would be. I have to say that if I have two hours to spare (?), there is no better escape than the team of Riggs and Murtaugh (i.e., Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) and the "Lethal Weapon" series. Quite possibly, the best buddy team of all time....

Well, there they are. I know I didn't pick many from the "Golden Age," but then again, I never said these were the best....just my favorites. I hope they are some of yours!

A FOND FAREWELL

2010-05-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

It's strange how your opinion changes on things as you get older. Back in 1978, my grandfather passed away. I was four years old. The funeral was conducted not more than a mile from where I live now---at McDonald Funeral Home in Centerville. The people that own it---Bill McDonald--- is about one of the best people you will find anywhere, but for some reason, my grandfather's funeral put a fear in me of funerals. If you have ever been the McDonald Funeral Home, one of the entrances is a long and somewhat narrow wooden hallway. I dreamed of that one well into my teenage years.

I am glad to say that my fear of funerals came to an end before I reached adulthood. My jobs helped me on some of this, as working in radio exposed me to a lot of people. Still, if I could get away with a phone call or a sympathy card...I probably would have done that, rather than go to visitation. That is until 2005, and my mother died. That totally changed my thought process. Since then, I have always tried to make a stop...even just for a few minutes....It's not about keeping score, but you do remember people's acts of kindness.

OK...on to the point. Over the weekend, I attended the memorial service for Jessie Lucille Galya. To my knowledge, I only was around her a few times. She was the mother of Bobby Galya, who I think is one of the finest people on earth. One of my closest friends is his son, Bobby. So, I have always been made to feel a part of the family, and I wanted to extend my sympathy to him.

As human beings, I think we tend to overemphasize our importance sometimes. I went to the service feeling that I was doing something noble. Then, the service started. I can honestly tell you that it was one of the most beautiful and moving services that I have ever been to. They are called "Celebrations Of Life" for a reason. Several of Mrs. Galya's family got up and shared some rich and beautiful (and in some cases, funny) memories about her, which hammered the point home that what they were celebrating was the life...and not the end of one's life. Too many times, we are so overcome that we forget the good times at that point. The Galya family is blessed to be a little different.

Then, there were the preachers. Have you ever been to a funeral, and you wonder if the preacher ever knew the person they speak of? Granted, a lot of them do...but there were tears in one of the speakers' eyes----something you don't see...I don't know if I ever had....I don't want anyone to cry for me necessarily, but what a tribute to someone's life.

Anyway, I write this to say that it's not about the start of life....or even the finish that's important. We all are born cute little babies, and all die, maybe in various ways and circumstances....but we all will....It's about what I am finding referred to as "The Dash," that little - between the year of your birth and your passing....How you affect people. To be honest, I'm still working on mine-- but I think that given what people were saying about Jessie Lucille Galya yesterday, she more than left a mark on those that knew her. I'm sorry to say that I didn't, but to her family---I give my sincere condolences ...but also congratulations to have had a person in their family that was so universally loved!

HOW 'BOUT THEM LADY COUGARS!

2010-05-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

It was definitely a season of magic at Dickson County High School this spring. Though it ended earlier than a lot of people (including the team) would have liked for it to, the season for the Dickson County Lady Cougars was one for the books.

I can honestly say, having covered the school for radio / newspaper since 1995, that aside from the football seasons of 1999 and 2006---I don't know if I have enjoyed covering a team on Cougar Hill any more. (Note---When Coach Buck's team won the title back in 2002, we weren't covering games for radio then...We started the next season.)

I wanted to tip my hat to this team, because game in and game out, they have represented the school with a huge amount of grace and class...and as principal Ed Littleton might say, "Cougar Pride."

The team's first five games were won by a collective score of 55-3. That's not a misprint. Simply put, this team was loaded strong. After those first games, I think a lot of people thought we could make a strong run...and indeed we did. 29-9 is a great record, and we ran roughshod during the District Tournament.....To quote Montgomery and Gentry...That's something to be proud of!

Few teams have matched this squad for characters. Yes, the team has a lot of character, but the five seniors this team loses have a lot of firepower....and chemistry galore. Julianna Bass is a player that lived up to the term "Taking one for the team." I can not begin to tell you how many times she put herself in harm's way for a walk to first...and her hitting...not bad either. Kayla Edwards proved herself great at any position---pitching or hitting....Plus, as a Country Music fan, I appreciated the songs she used as she stepped to the plate over the past couple of years. Then you have the dynamic duo of Cat Petty and Ashley Ford. Without a doubt, they are great players...the numbers prove that. But, what I will remember the most is having them on the weekly Cougars' coaches show. Most players get a little shy when put in front of a microphone. Not these two! I honestly think they could host a show of their own. Just don't call out all those "cocky pitchers," # 8!

I don't know if you can single a player out as the leader, but pitcher Lauren Keele definitely played as such this season. At every game, she brought out her fan club as well. I joked to Coach Buck that the team was kind of like rock stars this season. They were that exciting to watch. Keele, who will play at MTSU next season, had a lights out season--grace under fire. I'm not going to say that I knew your mother well besides the concession stand, and the way that she took care of my daughter at games (I wonder just how many Air Heads she got free?), but I'm sure she was looking down and smiling at you each and every game.

Then, there's the parents. Each season, I find that I have gotten a little bit closer to them, and this year was no exception. I don't know if there's ever been a group any more classy.....DCHS crowds are great all around, but this was a neat bunch to cover. Coach Buck and Coach Bert, you guys had a fantastic season. Dickson County should be very proud of what they've got.

Friday night, the afore-mentioned seniors will throw their hats onto the football field, and begin a new chapter of life. Other players will move into their positions next season. It's simply a rite of passage, I guess. Still, the group that I alluded to as "Buck's Bunch" in a couple of HERALD articles this season was a fun one to watch and cover. Thanks to all for letting me be a part of it!

A NOT SO ORDINARY JOE

2010-05-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

It has been quite the month in Music City. One of the biggest labels of the past decade, Lyric Street Records. closed its' doors--leaving some very talented and creative people out of a job. Rounder Records was sold, even though I have a feeling that the label home of Alison Krauss will keep its' highly artistic reputation intact. The same week that all of this happened, I was leaving the house for Dickson when I received an e-mail that Joe Galante was stepping down from his post at Sony Music---after being with the company (RCA, BMG, SonyBMG) for almost forty years. You could have knocked me over with a feather!

There has been no other music exec in Nashville with the success record as Galante. No one--bar none. Some have come close, but the man stands as one of Nashville's geniuses. He has had the reputation of being tough as nails, and I get it. He is. You can't run the company he did without it. There are many cases of artists having a top ten record one year, and being off the label the next. He's not afraid to pull the plug, even though when I had the honor of interviewing him in 2006, he told he that's not something he relishes. In saying that, I will tell you that I don't always agree with who he drops. Take Jamey Johnson, an artist I fawned over last week. He released an album for the label a few years, had a hit ("The Dollar"), but was dropped. I think things worked out the way they were supposed to, but it remains that Johnson is a great talent--one that should have been able to make his music his way. Rachel Proctor is another one that I think the label missed out on. She had a fantastic album a few years back, but I believe we will hear from her again.

At the same time, what can you say about a man who signed The Judds, Keith Whitley, and Lorrie Morgan....and though he didn't sign them....ask Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, or Alabama how their careers might have fared without Joe and his first-class team on their side. Maybe his biggest leap of faith was signing a 45-year old woman from Arkansas named K.T. Oslin back in the mid 80s. She wasn't going to win the "Sexiest" title, but she had something better---incredible songs, and an ability to relate to a core section of Country's audience. Nobody else would take a chance on her, but Galante's risk paid off...."I'll Always Come Back," 'Do Ya," "Hey, Bobby," and one of the best singles and videos of all time, "80's Ladies."

He would be a legend in my eyes for all of that, but for all his toughness...all his business acumen---one of the reasons he has my respect is for answering a letter from a teenager inquiring about the music business.

Back in 1990, I had an assignment from one of my teachers. I had to write a letter to someone who was doing a job that I wanted to do one day.....Well, I had three choices.....Keith Bilbrey at WSM Radio, Debbie Gibson's personal bodyguard (I was sixteen at the time!), or Galante. I chose the latter. As he has been the past decade, he was on an unbelievable roll at the time, and extremely busy...so I didn't think anything about it. About a month or two later, I checked the mail one day, and there was a package----RCA Records. Nipper himself was on the label! Not only had he answered my letter, but he had sent me a copy of each cassette (Those were the days!) that the label was working at the time...everything from the Judds to Prairie Oyster. I still have the letter.....He didn't have to answer it....but I'm glad he did!

I have been described by my wife as someone who doesn't like change. I guess that is true. But the idea of a Sony / RCA without Galante is as foreign as a WSM without Bilbrey. I have no doubt that the label will continue to thrive under the new management.....but it will be a lot different......Anyway, though I have never thanked him face to face, I want to thank a certain label head from RCA named Galante for not being an "Ordinary Joe," and for what he has done for the music business!

JAMEY JOHNSON...LEGEND IN THE MAKING

2010-04-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

One thing that I have noticed about my writing over the past years is that I am less afraid to say what I think about things. I guess that is a good thing, but the down side of that is that it can kinda rub some the wrong way....and this one will....but it's how I feel. Though, if anybody from Mercury Records reads this, they just might have a smile on their face.

As someone who writes about the music business, people ask me sometimes what I think about Country Music nowadays. You know what? I think it's in pretty good shape. It's definitely diverse...and that's a good thing. Sure, there is some stuff out there that isn't that great, but not everything that was released in 1967 was great either. I consider myself a fan of all things and styles Country. My favorite singers are Kenny Rogers and Buck Owens, which are very different sides of the format. So, I'm not going to gripe about how "Country Ain't Country" any more. The cross-over sounds bring a lot of fans and attention to the format, and make for some exciting music.

What I don't like....is the growing trend to record songs about how "Country" one is.or isn't....(I want to clarify real quick....Easton Corbin is the exception to my ears as of late...He's the real deal!).....Then, there's Johnny Cash. I have many of the Man In Black's CD's, but what is the number one way to show that you are a Bad Ass in Country Music these days? You got it, name check Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, or George Jones! It gets old to me.

This became apparent to me on Friday night while watching Hank Williams, Jr. in concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Overall, it was a great night. Hank put on one of the best shows I have seen him do. The Grascals were great, as well. One of the acts there was Eric Church. Eric has recorded some fine material during his career. I think that "Lightning" and "Two Pink Lines" are two of the most different songs to come out of Nashville the past few years.....but if listening to Johnny Cash or pledging allegiance to the Hag makes you a "bad boy,' then I'm a wild child...The song has been sung, Nashville. It's time for new lyrics....

That leads me to....Jamey Johnson. Many of you are familiar with him. He wrote "Give It Away" for George Strait a couple of years back, and also released THAT LONESOME SONG, which belongs on a list with STORMS OF LIFE and HONKY TONK HEROES. Simply put, the guy is a $%%^^&^ genius! (I'm not going to write the word, as I do have my standards, but you get the idea!)......It's not marketing. He's not a pretty boy singing about trucks and the rebel yell....He writes and singes from the heart. As WSM's Eddie Stubbs might say, "It's real life." He writes about some things that I wouldn't do, sure....but my gosh...he's amazing. Nashville rarely sees a song like "In Color," and his new album is chock full of songs that sound as good. And...to prove he's "Country,' he doesn't come out on stage with his cap backwards with neatly starched jeans, smiling while singing about his tobacco cup and Johnny & June....he sings about "Mowin' Down The Roses" of his ex, or wishing "Mental Revenge" on his ex-lover, a often-forgotten Waylon Jennings hit written by that bad ass himself, Mel Tillis.....There are no smiles anywhere or "yee haws" anywhere, folks....he means it when he sings about not exactly wishing blue skies and sunshine for an ex-lover, and to further prove that he's "Country," he wrote the latest single from the Oak Ridge Boys, and just like Johnson...it doesn't get any more "bad ass" than that! He is simply incredible, and trust me, when his album comes out...you'll know about it....I'll be beating the drum as loudly as I can.

Jamey Johnson.....Remember him.....He's the modern day Hank Williams....Big statement....but I mean it...If you want to know more, go to the store right now and buy THAT LONESOME SONG....and by the way, Bocephus did name-check Johnny and June, as well sing about spitting Beech Nut in a murderers' eye.....but when they're your godparents, well....enough said....and just like Johnson, Bocephus didn't smile either when it came to avenging the death of a friend in "A Country Boy Can Survive."

I know the tone that I write with here is a little different, and I will be the first to say that sometimes fluff sounds great with the window down.....but Jamey Johnson is one of those singers that only comes along every once in a while!.....And if that ain't country.....well....listen to David Allen Coe for the last line!....

MARTY STUART IS VERY COOL!

2010-04-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Growing up, watching television was something that was a huge part of my life. Back in the day of three television networks (Yes, Virginia, there was a time!), I was pretty much familiar with each of the programming on ABC, CBS, and NBC....even if I didn't watch it.

That was then, and this is now. Aside from House, The Mentalist, and occasionally the excellent Men Of A Certain Age, there's not a lot that I watch on TV anymore. Time is of the essence, and most days there's not a lot of it.

There are a few guilty pleasures that I have from the tube. Most of them come from the cable network RFD-TV. Whether it be classic country shows like Porter Wagoner or Pop Goes The Country, much of the network's programming takes me back to my youth. That being said, there is one of the network's shows that I have on DVR every week that I just have to watch----The Marty Stuart Show.

Every Saturday night at 7pm central, Stuart hosts a trip back in time. The show, a modern-day Wagoner, is simply a delight from start to finish. Just like Wagoner had one of the best bands at the time in the Wagonmasters, I don't know if there is a better back-up band than the Fabulous Superlatives. They have such an incredible chemistry together. Then, there's emcee Eddie Stubbs, one of the best radio personalites anywhere, banjo player Leroy Troy. One might wonder if Troy is for real, or carrying on a bit. I used to think the same about Mike Snider. However, as Leroy was once a guest on the Mule Skinner Bluegrass Show, a show that Marcia Campbell used to host on a station I once worked for...let me tell you, he is real..very much so. Then, you have the legendary Connie Smith, who is still one of the best female vocalists you will ever hear. Dolly Parton, herself an expert on the matter, once said there were three great female vocalists....Streisand, Ronstadt, and Connie Smith. The rest, she admitted, were all pretenders....She still sounds exactly like she did in the late 60s, cutting those classics for RCA.

Then, you have Smith's husband, Marty Stuart. What can you say about the way that he has represented Country Music over the years? He is an ambassador for the old, and also a representative of the new....which is a pretty incredible balance to make. He does it effortlessly. One of my favorite parts of the show is the Gospel segment. Marty and the Superlatives perform many a song with a soul feel to it, some of them coming from the Soul's Chapel CD, one of his best-ever efforts. It's an education, but yet it's also entertainment. I'm kind of reminded what Bill Cosby once said week during the intro to Fat Albert & The Cosby Kids. "This is Bill Cosby coming at you with music and fun, and if you're not careful...you just might learn something before we done." I know that cross-referencing Stuart and Cosby might be a little strange to some, but I think you get the idea. So, I urge you...watch it this weekend. You'll be entertained!

And one more thing, after all these years, Marty Stuart still has the best hair in Country Music....and as someone a few years younger who doesn't have it anymore, that makes him cool....very much so!

FAREWELL TO DIXIE

2010-04-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, we have lost some dynamic talents in the world of television. Peter Graves. Robert Culp, just to name two. However, I have to admit to being a little surprised to be greeted Sunday morning with the obituary for Dixie Carter, who passed away Saturday due to complications with cancer at the age of 70.

As a child, I remember passing through her hometown of McLemoresville on our way to see relatives in West Tennessee, and asking my parents and grandmother "Who is Dixie Carter," as we would pass by the city limit sign that proudly proclaimed the town as her home. As the 80s passed, I would soon find out.

Her first role that I remember was on CBS's short-lived 1982-83 sitcom Filthy Rich. A comedic send-up of Dallas, it featured Carter and Delta Burke as feuding members of the same family. The show didn't last, unfortunately, but proved to set her up a few years later for a role on the Harry Thomason & Linda Bloodworth-Thomason sitcom Designing Women. On the show, she portrayed Julia Sugarbaker, a Southern belle who was definitely no shrinking violet. She was a brass tack, as the old saying goes, and the chemistry between her and Burke that was already in place was joined by that of Jean Smart and Annie Potts, and the show had a long run. The producers, who were Arkansas natives, were one of the first to make a TV show set in the south that portrayed the locals as having some sense. That's not a knock on the rural sitcoms of the 60s such as The Beverly Hillbillies, but I would put Julia Sugarbaker and company up against the likes of Murphy Brown anyday. The show also benefitted from the addition of her husband, Hal Holbrook, to the cast. The man defines the word genius, and the chemistry these two had together was in evidence, as well.

After the show went off the air in 1993, she continued to act, starring in many series, including the underrated 1999-2002 series Family Law. All along, that southern charm was there. Next to Designing Women, my favorite Carter role came as herself...in a commercial, as strange as that might sound. A few years back, she starred in a series of commercials for AT&T. Holbrook might have been in one of them, but what I remember is the one she did with her father. I believe they filmed it in McLemoresville, where he had owned a grocery store for many years. It wasn't particularly emotional in any way, but it was refreshing to see that in spite of Hollywood success, some people never changed.

Tennessee has been fortunate to have had some great representation in the world of show business. Perhaps Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley are the two best-known people on that list.....but there are others that have represented the Volunteer State with class...and Dixie Carter was one of them.

FLYING THE FRIENDLY SKIES

2010-03-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

For the first time since 2006, I was above the ground last week, flying in an airplane. As a child, I have to admit being very scared of airplane travel. As someone who studied music from an early age, maybe it was the fact that so many musicians lost their lives while trying to get from Date A to Date B in the air.

Once I did fly for the first time, however, in the fall of 1999, I have to admit I liked it...I liked it a lot. There are some things that puzzle me about the flying experience. For example, why do gummi bears, one of my guilty pleasures, cost $4.99 for the same size bag that I can get for $1.99 at Donna's IGA in downtown Centerville, TN? It's just a question I have wondered from time to time.

That, and a few other quirks aside, I have no problem with the airport experience. Granted, a four hour flight from anywhere seems long, but if you ever want to do some serious people watching, one can do it at the airport. You see all kinds. It's more of a cultural universe than going to Wal-Mart. What has always amazed me about flying is you can leave Nashville at 6am, and within three or four hours (save Hawaii or Alaska) you can be anywhere in the United States. Reno, Bangor, Key West, Bakersfield, Chuicago....It doesn't matter.

Over the past week, I sliced two states off my "never been to list" as a result of air travel. Granted, I spent much of a forty-minute layover in Denver hoping I could find a bathroom quick enough to find my connecting flight. I got to spend some time in Nevada, however, and I've got to say that I enjoyed the experience. I even had time to cross into that great state known as California. The pace is such that I don't know if I could ever live there, but visiting for a week at a time...that's not bad at all. The Chicago Midway Airport is truly a city within itself, one that has about as many food choices as a shopping mall.

In preparing for the flight, I was surprised that it had been that long since my last one. Suffice to say, I'm ready to go again. You know, I would love a job where I was on the road quite a bit....Maybe that's something to consider. Any ideas? Let me know.....I just hope that next time, I get to see a little more than Denver....I know there's more there than a crowded men's restroom, and a snack bar that sells bottled water....But, I'm just saying!

A SPECIAL THANK-YOU

2010-03-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

One of the two radio stations I work at right now is WNKX Radio in Centerville. I have been doing quite a bit of fill-in work lately, and I am glad for the air time. One of the programs the station airs is a five minute daily program called "How To Plan Your Life." A gentleman named Dave McRee hosts the show, and more than usual...I find myself listening and taking note of his words. On one of the shows last week, he talked about thanking people who gave you a break. After doing some contemplating on that subject, I realized that quite a few people who have made an impact on me have been teachers. I thought I would collectively thank a few of them. I went in chronological order, but to each of these people, I say "Thank You."

LAVERNE FISHER---My very first teacher. I remember my mother dropping me off at Burns Elementary School for my first day of school in August 1980. Mama's boy that I was, and continued to be for 25 more years, I cried like a....child on his first day of school. I will always remember her trying to calm me down by saying "If you cry, I think I will too." You never want to see a person cry, do you?

JOAN ATKEISON----My second grade teacher was and is special to me for a lot of reasons. Going to school when and where I did was unique because a lot of things were different. Imagine saying the Lord's Prayer in school nowadays. I remember that she did....but what I remember and treasure most is the fact that she was the first teacher to encourage what made me different. For a second grader to want to skip recess to watch filmstrips of presidential history, or to bring his Kenny Rogers' GREATEST HITS album to class for show and tell, you're probably something just shy of normal. Thank you for encouraging that. Since then, I have been privileged to call her friend....though despite her asking me to, I never have been able to call her "Joan." "Ms. Joan," maybe!

RANDY TIDWELL-----I have called Randy by his first name for about twenty years. I had to. I was the board operator for DCHS Football games for the first four years of my radio career, and saying "Now back to Mr. Tidwell" didn't have a radio ring to it. Since 1996, I have been in the booth doing those games with him, and it's one of the things I love doing most. Only the call letters have changed over the years. One of these days, I am going to ask him to sing Waylon Jennings' "Amanda" on the air. It was something he did every now and then in Gym Class!....Speaking of class, he's the definition!

BARBARA EASLEY-----I had Ms. Easley my third and fifth grade year, and I'd like to think I was one of her favorites. I remember when I started in radio, she was one of the first callers I ever had at the station. She's the one out of these ten that I haven't kept up with as much as others, but still she made quite the impact.

RHONDA MADDEN------I was in her first class when I was in the fourth grade. She's someone that I have kept up with over the years due to my work with Dickson County High School. On any Friday night in the fall, Ms. Madden will be the first Cougar fan in the stands---home or away. She's always been very supportive of the work I've done---whether in class or on the air!

DAVID GREENE-----As I said earlier in describing my feelings about Ms. Atkeison, times have changed. David Greene was not what you would call politically correct. Nor would he wanted to have been. There was a little bit of Gabe Kotter, a dash of Lewis Grizzard, and even a huge helping of Robin Hood in my seventh grade Tennessee History teacher, and I can tell you I enjoyed nobody else's class any more than his.

GEORGE DUFTY-----It might shock many of you who know me well that I took Shop in 8th grade. I thought it taught you how to find records in record stores, as the concept of hammer and nails confuses me. Mr. Dufty overlooked my error, and was a great teacher, but he's been even nicer to me post-school. One thing's for certain...he'll never forget the day one of his students sanded off his fingernail on the sander....though, I'm probably not the first or the last.

RANDY SULLIVAN----Just like others on this list, Randy Sullivan must have known that something wasn't quite right inside a tenth graders head when he spoke on such topics in speech class as the Grand Ole Opry, the CMA Awards, and George Jones. However, he encouraged me quite a bit, and off-kilter characters were many on Cougar Hill around this time. In addition to whatever I have become, he also taught a million-selling singer / songwriter and a popular movie actor who had a love scene with Britney Spears...It takes all kinds of us!

BOB BEAUBIEN-----One of my favorite people on this list. He was one of the assistant football coaches for the Cougars, and you could tell it from his classroom. If you didn't have your homework, or were cutting up....well, as Mr. T would say, "I pity the fool." As scary as that might sound, I have as much respect for him as anybody on this list because he didn't have to pass an Algebra student who was barely cutting it--or maybe wasn't....However, I was not going to be accused of not trying, and I busted my Burns backside trying to figure out why 2x + y = 14 matters. To be honest, I haven't. But just like he coached many young men on the field about hard work, the idea of giving it your all is something I will always connect with Bob Beaubien!

EMMA HALL---I had Mrs. Hall for two classes at DCHS--English and Psychology. Whatever writer I am, and that may be debatable, I credit to her. Keeping a journal was one of the best assignments anyone could have ever given me. I might have been too honest about certain things....but she was always encouraging of everything I did. A few years ago, she fought a battle with cancer, and came out a winner. She's got a lot of courage, and she doesn't have a bigger fan out there than me!

At the same time, there are two people that, while I never had them for a teacher, I can't write this post without talking about them....

SHELBY RYE----While I never had Coach Rye as a teacher, he's one of the best all-around people there is. In all my years being associated with DCHS, there is nobody up there who has represented the orange and blue with as much class as Shelby Rye. When people from other schools find out that I have covered DCHS for close to fifteen years, they always have good words to say about him. Simply put, he's the best. To illustrate this point, let me point out that nobody has had a field named after him at DCHS....and there have been some great men associated with the school. If you take a left at the top of Cougar Hill, you will see Shelby Rye Field. As Eddie Stubbs would say, "Are there any questions?"

KENNETH FUSSELL----I was blessed to have some great principals during my school years....Reed Evans and Ralph Overton among them, but Kenneth Fussell was a different breed, to say the least. For over twenty years, he was the boss at Burns, but I doubt anyone--student or teacher--looked at him as anything other than a friend. Go to Co-Op in Dickson on the day he works, and you'll find one line to buy stuff, and one line to talk to Kenny Fussell...and can he talk!....But we all would do good to listen!

To all of these people, and others that I failed to mention, I thank you. Being a parent makes me more appreciative of how you dealt with thirty students a day from August-May. Thanks again!

THE "NEW" OPRY HOUSE

2010-03-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was talking about the Grand Ole Opry with someone at the Country Radio Seminar. I don't really remember the context of the conversation, but the other person said 'You know, the Opry hasn't been the same since they moved to the "New" Opry House.' I didn't think much about that comment until I was looking at the Country Calendar this week, and saw that the Opry moved into its' new digs 36 years ago this week. I bring that up, because the Ryman was only home for the show for 31 years. It's interesting to note that the current home of the Opry is actually the longest running.

Moreover, in thinking about that fact, I thought of what the "New" Opry House has meant to me over the years. The night that I knew for sure what I wanted to do with my career was in February 1986. I had won tickets to see Hank Williams, Jr. at the "New" Opry House, and went there with my father and my brother. We walked around the Opryland Hotel for a while that evening, and I still remember walking by the Music Country Radio Network booth inside the lobby of the hotel. I was mesmerized, and though a lot has changed at WSM over the years, I still have to admit that whenever I am there...I look a little longer at that studio than anything else at the hotel.

Before that night, I went to the Opry for the first time back in 1983. Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Hank Snow, and Bill Monroe were all still alive at that time and performing at the "New" Opry House. I also remember concerts there during the summer featuring people like Loretta Lynn and Ricky Skaggs, back in the days of Opryland. Remember that place? One of the best musical memories I have of those shows was Ricky, with just a guitar, debuting a song he had written about his parents---"Thanks Again."

One of the first major interviews I ever did took place back in February 1995 at the "New" Opry House. I went backstage and talked to Bill Anderson in Dressing Room Number One. For historians, that was the room assigned to Roy Acuff until his death in 1992. I didn't have a tape recorder at the time, so I borrowed one from my friend Mickey Bunn, who programs one of the two stations I now work at. If you want to hear a twenty-one year old who was so nervous that his voice was as high as Donald Duck on acid....it would be me.

For many years, I was very honored to be able to go backstage and meet many of the people who I have long admired. Grandpa Jones, Lee Ann Womack, Tony Brown, Faith Hill...they are all in the picture book. One night, I got to meet "Dashing" Doyle Holly, one of the former members of Buck Owens' Buckaroos. I even met Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors himself, one night there.

I wasn't even a month old when the Opry moved from the Ryman to the "New" Opry House, so I don't have any memories of Saturday nights on Fifth Avenue. I don't doubt they were classic nights, though...How could they not have been? But, for a generation like mine, don't discount the allure of the current home for the Grand Ole Opry.

Last September, my wife and I took the kids to see the Opry for the first time. For a few minutes, I walked around the hallway of the "New" Opry House, and felt just as many ghosts and spirits as people say they do at the Ryman. As a radio guy, the picture and tribute to Grant Turner is probably one of the more meaningful tributes in the whole place.

Trust me, I love the past and the heritage of Country Music as much as anyone. I often have remarked to people that I wish I could have started my career in 1961 instead of 1991, but with that said.....the "New" isn't always a bad thing, and to some of us....it's as "Classic" as can be!

TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK

2010-02-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

I must tell you that the past two weeks have been extremely busy, henceforth the absence from this blog. Between Basketball tournaments and the Country Radio Seminar the past couple of weeks, I have wondered if I was coming or going as of late.

In thinking about what I wanted to write about this time, there were quite a few choices. I'm probably going to touch on a few of them in this one, as I am going to write about something that is pretty close to home. Over the past eleven months, there have been a lot of questions that I have had concerning my career. It's something that I have found a lot of other people have went through as of late.

Since 1991, I have been fortunate / blessed to make my living from a variety of jobs that all have to do with the music business in one form or another. With the events that happened last year in my career, well....I guess you could say that 2009 wasn't the best year.

With that said, so far 2010 has been great thus far. Going to CRS 2010 opened my eyes to the fact that if I keep at it, and work as hard as I can, it's all going to come out in the wash. In other words, it all starts with me.

One of the things about my career is I have had success in several different areas. Over the past year especially, I feel that I have grown as a writer more than ever. I know that it might be annoying to see an e-mail that starts "Chuck Dauphin Article...," but I am very proud of the work that I do, and I hope that it shows. I'm not Robert K. Oermann as far as quality goes, but I can tell you that my passion isn't any less.

Then, there's record promotion. I have worked for two different companies during my career in that avenue. I think for the right company, I could do very well in this area. I love visiting and getting to know people in radio, particulary at the small / medium market area. Whether they are in Baxley, GA or Warrenton, MO....it's always a great thing to see someone with passion about music, and if you turn them on to what you're working....Then, it's all for the better!

...And then, there's radio. 2010 marks nineteen years since I first went behind the microphone, and let me tell you that I enjoy it as much as I ever have. Whether it be interviewing a legend, up-and-comer, or a superstar, I love interviewing about as much as I can. I also love the local events, whether it be auctioneering live for the local Cancer Society unit--or broadcasting a local sports event---which I have done for sixteen of those nineteen years. I truly do feel the richer for the friendships that I have made....whether they be a client that I have sold advertising to, an artist whose record I played, or somebody out there in radio land I have never met. It's never been dull...a little scary sometimes, but never dull.

Last week at CRS was one of those weeks where I felt that I am on the right track. I'm not saying I know where the track is going yet....but between two great radio stations, a teriffic newspaper, a magazine that is celebrating ten years in 2010, and the websites that I am writing for....I feel like I am headed in the right direction....Did I mention I also am writing bios now?.....Well, in case I didn't...lol...Got to get to work now!

36......REALLY?

2010-02-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Back in the 1980s, there was a song by Don Williams called "Maggie's Dream." The lyrics describe the life of a woman who was "closer now to 50 than to 40." I can't identify with that line yet, but I can say that this week, I have some of those thoughts.

This week, I will hit 36 on the age scale. It's something that I have a little trouble believing. That means I am closer to the age of 40 than I am to 30. I realize that I may not get much sympathy from a lot of people, as I have been told that I'm still young by a lot of people over the past year....but 36...wow....that's something.

Don't worry. I'm not going to go into an early mid-life crisis or anything like that, but I guess I always thought that I would have it all figured out by the time 40 came into view. The truth is....lol....I think you know the truth!

I totally understand now about how age is just a number. Even though I don't feel 21 anymore, you still view time as standing still...when it waits for nobody......

I don't feel a great sense of time passing by, even though the past year has been one of transition, and many times I have wondered where it ends up. I think I have done some of my best work over the past twelve months, and hope that lands me somewhere.....but more about that later.

Anyway, it's kind of neat to say that I am (or will be--depending on when you are reading this) 36......Time does pass by......

A COUPLE OF REASONS WHY

2010-02-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

I haven't been writing as much on this blog for a couple of weeks now. Yes, I can tell that you are very upset at this fact, because reading this blog probably is as high on your list as it is getting the e-mail that the blog has been updated. But, it has been a crazy past few weeks...but all good.

I wanted to write you this week and tell you about a couple of things that happened to me this week. With all that goes on in the music industry---consolidation, losing jobs, seeing talented artists not make it----it's sometimes easy to get a little bit jaded...Then, you have a week that I had.

Wednesday night, I had a chance to attend the album premiere party for Dailey and Vincent's new album, DAILEY AND VINCENT SING THE STATLER BROTHERS, at the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Bluegrass music, generally, is something that I can take or leave....unless it's done right. Names like Lawson, Skaggs, Krauss, Nugent, and yes, Dailey and Vincent do it right--and then some. The album is fantastic, and the live performance at the Hall that night was even better.

In fact, I want to challenge each and every one of you to run to Cracker Barrel right now (unless it's the middle of the night), and get this album. It is truly a musical event. The harmonies, the instrumentation, everything about it as tight as twin fiddles in a Bob Wills band....I stole that line from the great honky-tonk philosopher Gosdin, by the way!

The next night, as an early birthday present, my wife took me to the Schermerhorn Center in Nashville to see my favorite singer, Kenny Rogers. So many of my earliest musical memories from my childhood stem from his music---whether it be my mother buying his 8-track tapes, or seeing the clouds go around on the record player on the United Artists label. I think I sang along with every song, and it was a great night. One time before he retires, I would love to be the person that he grabs from the audience where he pays them 10 dollars for each of his songs they can remember. Then again, seeing how I could probably quote the track sequence from each album he has released since 1975.....that might not be a good idea on his part...but still, it was a great night!

I say all that to say this. Friday, I decided I would call Dailey and Vincent's publicist, Karen Byrd, and thank her for the invite. Something she said struck me. We were talking about how easy it is to get jaded by it all, and because of that fact, you don't get truly excited about as much. She said "It kinda makes you remember why you do what you do, doesn't it?" Karen, after those two nights...you are exactly right!

Random Thoughts

2010-01-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Well.....The weather is warmer this week. That's definitely a plus in Middle Tennessee. There are a lot of things to write about this week, and I couldn't choose just one. From Haiti to Carl Smith, there's a couple of things that matter....and a couple that don't, but here goes...

HAITI-----We read and see about destruction all over the world sometimes that I think we tend to get immune to it. The earthquake in Haiti is something that threw me for a jolt. I was watching CNN with my wife over dinner Saturday night, and I've got to tell you that my respect for Anderson Cooper went up about twenty notches. In one of his reports, he was asked to follow behind a family as they carried one of their loved ones to an unmarked grave. Watching this on TV, I can understand the respect that many had for Cronkite and Rather during Vietnam. Sometimes, no matter how wide or vast your experience is, there are no words. Then, CNN ran footage of crews trying to pull a little girl from the rubbish. She had survived a few days, but after they got her out...she passed away. I'm sure the tragedy has had many faces, but that's one that got to me. Folks, there are many ways, and many organizations that you can help that are over there right now doing their best to make this situation a little easier. If you can, please do so.

CARL SMITH-----Sunday afternoon, Nashville was hit with the news that Carl Smith had died at the age of 82. In writing a tribute to Carl for LimeWire.com, I realized that along with Little Jimmy Dickens, Smith was the last male star standing from the early 1950s. I remember my mother once telling me that even though she wasn't the biggest Country fan growing up...(that changed!), there were two that she liked---Marty Robbins and Carl Smith. Two very talented, and also very handsome men.....I have read many other stories along those lines the past couple of days. Over the years, on my trips to Franklin, I would pass by Smith's ranch. If there's any consolation about all of this, at least he is with his beloved Goldie. If you like Classic Country, pick up a Carl Smith CD....You'll be glad you did!

THE NFL PLAYOFFS: I have taken some flak the past few days from some that have blamed me for the Cowboys' loss to the Vikings. Let me say this....As I team fan, there is none other that I root for like I do "America's Team." I do think that Tony Romo and company made a lot of progress, and I also think that they are right about where the team was in 1992...so stay tuned....At the same time, for a lot of reasons....I am a huge fan of Brett Favre, and if the Vikings can win one this year, I would love to see him do it. Through his career, he has been one of the more exciting athletes I have ever seen. He has taken a hit or two from some for being wishy-washy about retirement. But...when it's all said and done, I think that history will judge the Packers for showing him the door. There's two sides to every story, but I think that seventeen years with a team gives you some leeway...or at least it should! With that said....I'm not trading in any of my Dallas stuff....I'll need it for next year when we win it all!

and finally.....As many know, I am a fan of classic TV. The past few years, there have been many who have lamented that the medium isn't what it once was. While that may be true, I ask that they tune into Fox on Monday nights for HOUSE. Hugh Laurie has brought such an understanding to the role of Dr. Gregory House over the past six seasons. With another actor, the character might very well be looked up as an annoying know-it-all, but not this doctor. Then, on Thursday nights, CBS has this show called THE MENTALIST. I have watched a couple of episodes, and I am hooked. It has some of the best dialogue, and the lead character, played by Simon Baker, delivers some of the best smart-aleck lines since Larry Hagman's JR Ewing some three decades ago. While most of the stuff on TV today won't make me put my DALLAS and THE WALTONS DVD's away...(and there's two more of those coming out this month), it seems that some fifty years after FCC Chairman Newton Minnow once claimed that TV was a "Vast Wasteland," there's still some "Must See TV," after all!