RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM A RANDOM MIND

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!