We Are The Same....

The past two weeks have been among the most exhilarating of my career. This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of my job at Billboard Magazine. I give God all the credit on that one. What a week to celebrate it with a one-on-one with Lisa Marie Presley backstage after her Opry debut this past Tuesday night. I am blessed. There’s no doubt about it, and I don’t take it for granted!

A few people have asked me how she was. She’s very quiet and unassuming. People have said before how shy Elvis was, and I see where she gets it. Of course, she gets her charisma and looks naturally. Between her father – as well as her mother, she’s one of the most stunning people I ever have been around. It was truly a night that I won’t forget anytime soon.

There have been a lot of those moments lately. A little bit of nostalgia mixed with a wave of the future. Last week, I became heavily interested in a Facebook group that included my fellow classmates from DCHS, Class of 1992. My 20^th class reunion is coming up in a few weeks, and unless a business trip takes me out of state, I am planning on going. That is a big step for me.

It’s not that High School was a bad time in my life. Truth be told, I wasn’t really there. There is a record of me being a student from 1989-1992, but I tried to get through those three years as quietly as I could. I spent more time studying the music business than I did anything else. That’s where my passion was even then. I remember in eighth grade English class, I got into trouble for reading a magazine in class during something else I should have been doing. The magazine? It starts with a B. I say that not to boast. If your car breaks down, I am useless. Plumbing around your house? A call to me would be a wasted one. But, I just have always been drawn to music – even then.

You see, this isn’t about what I did or what I do now. It’s something that I have learned over the past two weeks. Some of the things that my fellow classmates have written have made me realize that we are more the same than I ever thought before. There were a few comments that stated they were just trying to get by day-to-day, or talking about how other people’s words made them feel inadequate. And, the ones saying these things surprised me. Some of them were on top of the world during those years – in my eyes. Good times – or bad times – are not always what it seems.

I thought I was the only one who was scared of getting made fun of. Turns out I wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, while nobody is ever liked by everybody, I only had a problem with three people during my days on Cougar Hill. Now, neither of those three have made those comments, but I bet those years weren’t as careless and fun for them, either.

I guess what I am saying is that I see a lot of things (and people) differently than I ever have before. And, that’s very refreshing. You never know how you are looked upon – then or now. People have thought I was a snob at times, I am sure. I – even to this day, am so scared that someone is going to reject who I am or what I do that if I don’t know you, I am going to be very quiet. But, if I ever have offended anyone as being aloof or snobbish. I do apologize. I didn’t mean to. I was simply insecure. Even twenty years later, I still am to some extent. Though I had plenty of friends back then, I wish I had been more extroverted. Might have been a lot of fun! If anyone reads this who is in High School, I say not to worry about what others think because (as my Sociology teacher Emma Hall once tried to teach us) – the people who you think are thinking about you more than likely – aren’t. But, also get to know people – deep down, they are not as intimidating as they seem to be!

I want to close with a preview of what my next blog will be about – LOL...you’re on pins and needles right now, aren’t you? I want your advice on something that I have had a few discussions with people about lately....the off switch. Being connected all the time.....good thing or bad thing? Would love to hear from you on this......Have a good week, everyone!

Goodbye, 106 East College Street

I got the phone call today, and it kind of surprised me for a minute. It was from Cory Williams, who I worked with at WDKN from 1995-1998. He wanted to ask me what was going on at the station. I had to think for a minute, as I hadn’t been employed there since March of 2009. Then, it occurred to me. Many have asked me over the past few weeks about the station’s decision to move from the current location at 106 East College Street to the other side of Main Street.

OK...Before I get underway with this, I know that it’s common knowledge that after the closing of the station under the former owners three years ago, I fell into a deep depression. There, I’ve said that. But, in 2012 – the station has done well without me...and likewise. They have made a lot of great decisions since then, and they’ve got a good staff.

But, this isn’t about now. This is about then. The moving of the station has made me feel a little bit nostalgic. And, though a few of you might be saying “Here we go again,” I feel that there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a part of my past, and still a part of me.

I remember when I first walked into the station in the spring of 1991. It was under the guise of an Explorer Post – an off shoot of the Boy Scouts. Many people from High School met for a few weeks to learn about radio. The post didn’t last, but two of us, James Garton and myself, kept coming back and badgering the staff there until we both had jobs. I remember sitting in Jackie Rhodes’ office for my job interview. I was wearing shorts. I was told not to do that much....though she didn’t patrol that much. I have to say that if it weren’t for Jackie, maybe I would have still found my way to do what I do now, but I still owe it to her.

So many memories of that building. James Garton and I playing soccer in the hallway during Cougars games. Sitting and hearing the wit and wisdom of the station’s PD, Gordon Rhodes. I can’t quote everything...but I did learn a valuable career lesson from him – don’t sweat it. You need to take your job seriously, but there are some nights that it’s just not going to be your day. And, that is true. I remember Marcia Campbell coming into my half-office back in 1995 wanting to start a Bluegrass show. She’s done quite well for herself, I would say, as the nighttime host at WSM. Kristy Owings, one of the best friends I have ever had. A lot of laughs took place when the mic was turned off....the phone call....she knows who it wasn’t!

In 1996, I remember this guy from Arkansas coming into the station for the first time. Since then, I don’t know if there is a better example of how to conduct yourself as a professional than Ken Loggains. Class doesn’t even come close to describing him. Joe Webster. Jim Hudson. Warren Medley. Randy Tidwell, The “Mayors,” “The Rat Pack,” “Big D and The Dickson Mafia,” the memories are still there and a huge part of me.

There are several other memories there that I keep to myself. My first kiss took place right there, at 106 East College Street. I’m not alone in that. I’m sure if you asked anyone who worked there from 1991-2009, there would be a few memories that they won’t divulge. It was a place where I grew up – and I cherish each and every year I had at that building – even with the cords hanging from the wall.

I hope nobody gets the wrong idea about this. I’m not waxing melancholy about change. I wish the station nothing but success. The last person I hired is still there, and so is Warren Medley. People like Robert Freeman and Dale Turner are doing a great job making the station work. I have no idea how history will record any of us that worked there at 106 East College Street – and I’m more concerned with making the future better than living in the past.....but it was a great time in a lot of people’s lives. I just wonder if the “Ghosts” upstairs – who always seemed to prowl around between 5am and 6:30 are still there......

JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Checking in today from the hometown of one Minnie Pearl, Centerville, TN......This is where I live, so I don’t know why I introduced this blog like that – but it sounded cool. Today is just one of those days that you know that God has created. It’s sunny, and the view off of Kayjoe’s Hill is spectacular. At least four people have commented about the weather today. Today is one of those that lets you know that Autumn is just around the corner. And, I am always excited about that!

Of course, another aspect to this time of the year is that you begin to see a lot of more clothing on people reflecting their choice of athletic teams. Here, that means Hickman, East Hickman, Dickson County, or Creek Wood, all of which kick off their 2012 seasons next week. Besides high schools, college football looms large. While being a native of Dickson County, I never really thought of Hickman County as being too “Southern,” it’s interesting to note that there seems to be a lot more Crimson Tide fans here than in Cougars country. Don’t get me wrong, as long as Ed Sheley and Shane Buchanan are still kicking, there will be Alabama fans in Dickson County, but it seems a lot more even here.

That’s not to say that you don’t see a lot of orange and white. I have to admit that I have never been a huge UT fan – aside from cheering on the Lady Vols under former Coach Pat Summitt, but living in the Volunteer State – it is a way of life, and people live it. I think that UT polo shirts sometimes are the default attire for Church or going to Wal-Mart – and you see a lot more of it this time of year. And, that’s a good thing. The arguments are starting to heat up on sports talk about who’s the best in the SEC and NFL, George Plaster is back, it is indeed Football Time In Tennessee.

While my NFL heart will always beat to the rhythm of the Dallas Cowboys, (though I find myself fascinated by the New York Jets and Rex Ryan), I have no allegiance in the college world. If I travel somewhere that has a team, I do try to buy a T-Shirt, but I tend to go more for the quarterbacks than a team. I was a Barker Alabama fan, a Manning UT fan, as well as a Couch UK fan. Nowadays, I don’t even have a favorite player, but watching a college game is different. There’s a certain extent of pomp and circumstance that goes along with the college game that you don’t get with the NFL. I still prefer pro, but the excitement level is a lot different.

Anyway, this blog really has no point to make. I don’t have an ax to grind with anyone. I haven’t had a lot of time to study teams and figure out who’s going to be good. I don’t even know if I can make a prediction about the Super Bowl or the SEC (How bout this – New England and the Giants in the former, and the winner of the Alabama – LSU game takes all? That’s a stretch, huh?), but I am just going to enjoy it as much as I can this year! After all, it’s just around the corner!

AN INTERVIEW BUCKET LIST

I was going through a box of discs the other day as I was trying to locate an interview I needed for an article. I started to go through them, and I realized just how blessed I have been in my career. Jones. Haggard. Lynn. Parton, so many legends in Country Music that I have been privileged to talk to. There also have been superstars with names like Shelton, Lambert, and Underwood. Occasionally, there have been a few from outside music – such as Georgia coach Mark Richt, “Dallas” star Linda Gray, or “Waltons” creator Earl Hamner, Jr.....So, I started to think about people I would love to cross off the interview list. I came up with twelve, some from the music community, and a few who aren’t. If anyone is out there who can help me with any of these, I would take it!

Music

Garth Brooks – He’s the biggest selling artist in American music, but it goes deeper for me. As I have said before, it was Garth that made Country not only cool, but as respected as any other form of music. Also, his catalog only gets better with time, including my personal favorite Brooks tune, 1992’s “What She’s Doin’ Now.”

Amy Grant – As someone who has grown up in Nashville, Mrs. Vince Gill is one of the city’s biggest goodwill ambassadors. I’ve always been a fan of her music, especially songs like “Baby Baby” and the tender “I Will Lead You Home,” and she’s still one of the most beautiful women – inside and out that Nashville has ever seen!

Faith Hill – I’m going to confess. Once upon a time, I was a member of the Faith Hill fan club. Whether that is professional for me to admit or not is besides the point. But, it would be really neat to come full circle from fan to interviewer. And, I’m still a huge fan of her music. When she’s on, she’s on!

Reba McEntire – In my opinion, she’s the biggest star that I have not interviewed. She embodies class, perseverance, and hard work. Again, I was buying her music when I was a teenager, and those albums still rank as some of my absolute favorites.

Barbara Mandrell – Ok, I have talked to Barbara before. Back in 2006, when RCA released a tribute album to the singer, but this is one that I would love to do a long-form interview about the entire gamut of her career. She started touring when she was eleven, and has seen so much during her career. One of these days...

Lionel Richie – His music was the soundtrack of my life growing up, as evidenced by the Tuskegee disc that has become one of the years’ best sellers. After all of these years, the guy has still got it. I would love to ask him about some of the stories behind his great records, and those who covered him long before it was cool to do so, like Conway Twitty.

Acting

Larry Hagman – As many who know me can attest, I was a “Dallas” fan when I was six years old. I think his portrayal of JR Ewing is one of television’s all time greatest characters. So many people think of the oilman as a ruthless evil (fill in the blank), but there was (and is) more to the character than that. Even at 80, he’s stiil ruling the Southfork roost on the TNT reboot.

Sports

Terry Bradshaw – I am not a Steelers fan. But, with Terry, you don’t really have to be. I have read his books over the years, and have so much respect for the way Bradshaw is able to laugh at life – and himself.

Jimmy Johnson – If I had to choose one coach to lead my team – college or pro – it would be Johnson. I think he is nothing short of a genius. I don’t know if I would be able to ask him anything that potent, because I think – more than anyone else on this list – I would simply be in awe.

Politicians

Lamar Alexander – From a Tennessee state level, no politician – save Ned Ray McWherter fascinates me more. Alexander rose to prominence during the 1970s, one of the state’s most turbulent times. He lost to, and then replaced one of the most controversial leaders the state has ever had in Ray Blanton, and carved out one of the most legendary careers in Tennessee history. And, he could play a mean piano on “Hee Haw.”

Bill Clinton – From a charisma standpoint, I don’t know if anyone could match the former governor of Arkansas. He could be equally at home at a high school football game as he could at the United Nations. And, though I have voted on the other side of the ticket more, I actually believe that he felt in his heart that he was making a difference in people’s lives – more so than any other president we’ve ever had.

Colin Powell – I close with a man who really isn’t a politician. Both parties have tried to lasso him in, and he hasn’t bit. I had a chance to hear him speak last fall, and it became apparent to me how much America is the weaker for him not electing to run for office. He’s simply one of the most brilliant people I have ever heard. By far, he would make a great choice for the nation’s top office – or any office he so chose!

So, I’ll update this one in a few years, and let you know how I did!