Bill Anderson's Blog, page 12
August 1, 2023
August 1, 2023
Thanks to each of you who sent me a congratulatory message. Thanks for the beautiful flowers that brightened my dressing room. And thanks to each of you who have been alongside me for all or part of this incredible journey. It’s been amazing, and it’s not over yet. In fact, I’ll be on the Opry four times this month….August 12th, 22nd, 26th, and 29th. Come see us if you can, or tune us in if you can’t be here. What else is happening? Universal Music has released seven more of my Decca/MCA albums into the digital world where you can now download and stream them. Watch for some upcoming news about each album. And I’ve been in the studio recording some new music that I hope you’ll be hearing soon.
I appreciate your continuing to be the best fans and friends in the world. It’s exciting to think of where these roads have wound over the years and where they might continue to lead us in the days ahead. Have a great month, stay as cool as you can in this incredible heat we’re having, and I’ll see you back here in September.
Thanks again for everything….
Ask Bill – August 1, 2023
1. I am a pedal steel guitar player and I love the pedal steel on your records. I believe you used Weldon Myrick and Sonny Garrish a lot, and those guys are like Gods and Heroes to me. Who else has played pedal steel for you over the years?
We seem to be getting lots of steel guitar question lately…including two last month. I hope I don’t leave anyone out, but steel players who were part of my Po’ Boys or Po’Folks Bands include the two you mentioned plus Mike Johnson, who was with me the longest of anyone, Bob Lucier, Jack Smith, Wayne Hobbs, Pat Severs, Mike Toppins, Donna Hammitt, and Eddie Lange. Others who were not band members but have played on my records include Buddy Emmons, Jimmy Day, Bobby Garrett, Pete Drake, Doyle Grisham, and most recently, Scotty Sanders. Tommy White continues to play with me from time to time on the Opry. As you can tell, I’ve worked with some of the very best.
2) My favorite album of yours is “Ladies Choice.” Will it ever be released on a CD?
I announced earlier in my August letter that UMG Records has just made another batch of my old albums available for the first time digitally, and according to my calculations, “Ladies Choice” should chronologically be the next in line. The label released seven of my earliest albums a few months ago, and the plan is for them to ultimately re-release everything I ever recorded for them. It’s a painstakingly slow process to transfer the old recordings off analog audio tape and bring them into the digital world, but I know for a fact they are hard at work on it. We just need to be patient a little bit longer.
3) Have you ever thought about writing a collection of stories on other entertainers that you have encountered over the years?
I sort of did that in my “High On The Hog” book, but that was more lighthearted and in fun than anything else. Yes, I’ve thought of it, but I’m not sure the young, book-buying generation would want to read my thoughts on Jim Reeves, Kitty Wells, and others they have either never heard of or have forgotten. Besides, I can write a whole bunch of new songs in the time it would take me to write one book. Right now that’s what I’d rather be doing.
Our Question Of The Month comes from Mark in Arkansas: I watched a video of your exhibit at the Hall of Fame and I wonder how you managed to save all that stuff. I mean most stars don’t manage to keep all their records, their suits, their boots, etc. Is it because, like me, you’re the child of Depression folks, or did you just want to hold on to the history of your career? Did you ever expect an exhibit like that?
No, I was definitely not saving things because I envisioned an exhibit someday. I started saving my recordings early in my career when my dad told me the story of a big-band artist he knew whose records were all destroyed in a fire. His career ended, and he had no record of anything he had ever done. So I hung on to copies of all my 45’s and LP’s and copies of most of the songs I wrote that were recorded by other artists. I could never bring myself to get rid of stage costumes, boots, guitars, etc., just because of their sentimental value. I guess I’ve always been a bit of a pack-rat, and although some things got away, I managed to hold on to most of them. When I’m gone, my kids and grandkids are going to have the biggest yard sale in the history of Nashville!!
Quickies: Is it possible there will ever be a collection of every song you have ever recorded? I would be first in line to buy it. Thank you. I doubt such a collection will ever exist because my music has been released on so many different labels over the years. It would be virtually impossible to pull all those various recordings and recording contracts together. When you are home alone do you sing? Is there always a song going around in your head? Yes, and sometimes it’s hard to turn them off. I sing a lot when I don’t even realize I’m doing it. Like the time I caught myself walking through the grocery store singing, “I was born a Coal Miner’s Daughter!” People looked at me like I was crazy! Is David Allen Coe a member of the Grand Ole Opry. No. Were the Maddox Brothers & Rose ever Opry members? No again. They were once part of the Louisiana Hayride, but ended up doing most of their performing on the west coast. Were you and Dolly in the studio together for the recording of “Someday…”? I’ll bet she was a hoot to work with. We were not together for the actual recording of the song, but obviously we were in the studio together for the filming of the video. And, yes, she is definitely a lot of fun to work with. Thank you for all the wonderful years of listening and dancing to your music…mostly on the car radio. Thanks, but I hope you weren’t dancing while you were driving! If so, you need to stop that stuff right now! Fasten your seat belt, sit down and behave!
I’m sorry…I couldn’t resist that. Thanks for your questions this month, and we’ll do it again right here in September. If you’re curious about something connected to me or to country music, send your question to askbill@billanderson.com and I’ll try my best to answer. If yours is chosen our Question Of The Month you’ll win a free item of your choice from our online store. See you next time.
Latest Photos
Something must have really tickled Vince Gill as he and Jeannie Seely presented me with a beautifully framed plaque commemorating my 62nd Opry Anniversary…and noting the fact that I have now been a Grand Ole Opry member longer than anyone in history. Notice that beneath his coat Vince is wearing a Bill Anderson t-shirt! In the second picture, Jamey Johnson and I are backstage preparing to cut (and eat!) the attractive and delicious cake the Opry provided for the occasion. And in the last photo, there’s nothing like sharing a special occasion with family members and friends that you love. I’ve said many times that it doesn’t matter what you have or what you achieve in this ol’ world…what matters is who you have beside you. And it meant so much to have all these special folks beside me (and behind me) on this most incredible night.
July 27, 2023
ICYMI: PHOTOS – GRAND OLE OPRY MEMBER BILL ANDERSON’S 62ND ANNIVERSARY, LONGEST-SERVING MEMBER IN SHOW’S HISTORY
On July 22, 2023, Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson was recognized at the Grand Ole Opry as the longest-serving member in the show’s history.
Anderson, one of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music and a highly successful performer in his own right, was inducted into the Opry family on July 15, 1961. His membership has not lapsed in those 62 years, eclipsing the membership run of past Opry member Herman Crook, who joined the Opry in 1926 and remained with the show until his death in 1988.
Many of Anderson’s Opry family and friends including Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, and Jeannie Seely paid tribute to him throughout the show, including a Seely/Anderson collaboration on “When Two World’s Collide,” a Johnson/Anderson collaboration on “Everybody Wants To Be 21,” and Gill’s performance of his hit “Which Bridge To Cross, Which Bridge To Burn,” co-written with Anderson. Anderson was also presented with a plaque by Gill and Seely to commemorate the historic achievement.
“The Grand Ole Opry continues to be built on the shoulders of Opry members such as Bill Anderson,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer. “Singling Bill out as the Opry’s longest-tenured member in our history among so many greats who came before him as well as so many contemporaries he calls his friends is a tremendous honor for all of us.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum currently features the life and illustrious career of Anderson in the exhibition, Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See, which has been extended through Monday, September 25. The exhibit is an exploration of his life and musical legacy, from childhood through his contributions as one of the most decorated recording artists, songwriters, and entertainers in history.
July 10, 2023
July 11, 2020
Hi Gang:
I guess the sports fans among you know without my telling you that tonight is the night they will be playing the 93rd Major League All-Star baseball game out in Seattle. For those of you who do not keep tabs on these kinds of things, now you know.
Why do I bring it up? Because exactly 62 years ago today….Tuesday July 11, 1961….I was sitting in my living room watching a black and white telecast of the Major League All-Star baseball game from San Francisco when I received a telephone call that changed my life.
And I almost didn’t get up to answer the phone. Who would dare to call and interrupt me in the middle of such a momentous event anyhow?
After about the third ring, I got up, shuffled into the den, and picked up the receiver. I’m sure my greeting sounded a bit less than cheerful. “HELLO?” I probably growled.
“Bill, this is Ott Devine,” came the instantly recognizable voice on the other end of the line. I had heard those dulcet tones for years on WSM radio and in his role as general manager of the Grand Ole Opry. He didn’t waste any time on pleasantries. “I’m calling to ask if you’d like to become a member of the Opry.”
Suddenly, the ball game was not nearly so significant. I’m not sure I even watched another pitch. I was too busy calling friends and family to share the news. I was made the 48th member of the Opry cast four days later.
Fast forward to July 22nd of this year when I will celebrate becoming the longest-tenured member of the Opry in its nearly 100-year history. Sixty-two years that have literally flown by. Songs, music, friendships, mistakes, applause, joy and sadness…they’ve all been a part of this 62-year roller coaster ride. What an amazing time it’s been.
Thanks to each of you…whether you’ve been on the journey with me the entire time or only recently climbed aboard the train. It’s been an honor to share the miles, the music, and the memories with you. I’m looking forward to a whole bunch more.
And, oh yes, in case you’re wondering, the National League won the ball game 5-4. With eight Atlanta Braves on this year’s team, here’s hoping they do it again!
July 6, 2023
BILL ANDERSON TO BE HONORED AS LONGEST-SERVING OPRY MEMBER IN THE SHOW’S HISTORY JULY 22
The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson as the longest-serving Opry member in the show’s history on Saturday, July 22. Anderson, one of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music and a highly successful performer in his own right, was inducted in the Opry family on July 15, 1961. His membership has not lapsed in those 62 years, eclipsing the membership run of past Opry member Herman Crook, who joined the Opry in 1926 and remained with the show until his death in 1988.
The Opry will celebrate “Whisperin’ Bill,” with a Saturday night performance set to include Anderson and fellow Opry members Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jeannie Seely, and Ricky Skaggs, among others.
“The Grand Ole Opry continues to be built on the shoulders of Opry members such as Bill Anderson,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer. “Singling Bill out as the Opry’s longest-tenured member in our history among so many greats who came before him as well as so many contemporaries he calls his friends is a tremendous honor for all of us. We look forward to celebrating his achievement and dedication later this month.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum currently features the life and illustrious career of Anderson in the exhibition, Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See, which has been extended through Monday, September 25. The exhibit is an exploration of his life and musical legacy, from childhood through his contributions as one of the most decorated recording artists, songwriters, and entertainers in history. Learn more about the exhibit and reserve tickets on the museum’s website.
Among the artists scheduled to appear on the Opry in the coming weeks include Trace Adkins, Breland, T. Graham Brown, Deana Carter, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, Easton Corbin, Gary Mule Deer, Tom Douglas, Steve Earle, Paul Franklin, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Lady A, Raul Malo, Megan Moroney, Louise Mandrell, Craig Morgan, Scotty McCreery, Ian Munsick, Dennis Quaid, Ricky Skaggs, Carrie Underwood, and more.
Tickets are on sale now for all Opry 2023 shows running through December 2023 at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com. For more details go to Opry.com.
July 3, 2023
Ask Bill – July 3, 2023
1) I remember watching The Bill Anderson Show every week when I was about 12-years old. I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Is there any chance of ever seeing reruns? I’ve been a fan for over 50-years.
Thank you. Sadly, most of those old shows, which I hosted for nine years, have been erased or the tapes have been destroyed. There are about 25 of the programs that have managed to survive, however, and I would like nothing better than to make them available to our fans. But….there are multitudes of legal issues surrounding payment to the musicians and guest stars who appeared on those shows, and I’ve been advised to not try and release them at this time. Maybe someday.
2) I just read your comment in the last newsletter about the song, “At The Time.” How come and why did you mention Big Spring, Texas? I was born and raised and still live there, and wonder why you mentioned it in your song.
Weldon Myrick, one of the greatest steel guitar players of all time, was in my band years ago and he was from Big Spring. (He used to get mad when people added an “s” and called it Big Springs!) When I was writing the song, I needed the name of a town that was a complete opposite in character to Paris, France…and one whose name was four syllables in length. I remembered Weldon and Big Spring and it just seemed to check all the boxes ….even if Johnny Carson didn’t like it!
3) When your exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame ends in September, what happens to all the items after that? Will they not still be on display or what?
I did not GIVE my memorabilia to the Hall of Fame. I only LOANED it to them. So, technically I can ask for it back when the exhibit closes. Frankly, I plan to let them keep many of the items to use as they see fit, although I would like my guitars and a few of the more personal things returned to me. Some of the items will be taken back Commerce, Georgia, where they will be on display outside the entrance to the Bill Anderson Performing Arts Center there. Other items belong to the University of Georgia special libraries collection and will be moved back there. It’s been such an honor to have had the exhibit open for almost the past two years, and I’m so happy to know that over a million people have seen it. I’m sure I’ll feel a twinge of sadness when it comes down.
4) Our Question Of The Month comes from Kenneth in Utah and is a good one: Since you are an amazing songwriter, which of the following qualifications are required in order to be a solid songwriter: 1) Extremely high IQ; 2) An excellent vocabulary; 3) A gift from God; 4) A special talent for writing; 5) A great imagination; 6) A college degree or other formal training; 7) All of the above???
Whoa….let me think about this for a minute. I’m not sure any of the qualifications you mentioned are “required,” although to a certain degree I guess all of them would help. The vocabulary and imagination would be great assets particularly in lyric writing. I don’t know that a songwriter has to have an “extremely” high IQ although it probably wouldn’t hurt. The college degree or other formal training is not all that important even though it might come in handy. I’ve often said my songs are a “gift from God” (“I held the pencil but He wrote this song”), and I’ve felt that He has smiled on my creative career from the get-go. Qualifications you didn’t mention would include determination…desire…and the ability to handle rejection. A songwriter hears “no” a whole lot more than he hears “yes”!
Quickies: Who played steel guitar on your recording of “Wild Weekend.” Sonny Garrish, and I credit his great picking for much of the success that record enjoyed. And while we’re on the subject of steel guitars: Did Weldon Myrick play steel on “Bright Lights & Country Music? And when did Donna Hammit start playing for you? Yes, “Bright Lights” was the last record of mine that Weldon played on. Donna played steel in my band from January, 1996, until December, 2003. If you could do only one thing for the rest of your career would you pick songwriting or performing? Songwriting. Is Stonewall Jackson still living? No. He died December 4, 2021. Is the song “The Dream Never Dies” on any of your albums or CD’s? I don’t think so. It was only released on a 45rpm single and was a well-kept secret. What was the name of the group that came to Fan Fair every year at the fairgrounds and provided a meal for the fans? It was a group called the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang from Odessa, Texas, and they were wonderful. Have you ever written a book about your life? Yes, two of them. You mentioned that you did a duet with Dolly Parton and David Allen Coe. What was the name of the song? No, you misunderstood what I said. I said that I had recorded duets with people as diverse as Dolly (Someday It’ll All Make Sense) and David (Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands.) I don’t think the world is ready for a record by Dolly, David, and Whisperin’ Bill!
So many good questions this month, and I hope you’ll keep ’em coming. If you’re curious about anything related to me or to country music let me know and I’ll try to answer any questions you might have. Write me at askbill@billanderson.com, and remember if you submit our Question Of The Month you’ll get any item you’d like from our online store free of charge. I’ll look forward to hearing from you, and I’ll see you back here in August.
July 3, 2023
Hi Gang:
And to all our friends and fans in the United States, here’s to a Happy 4th of July!
This is going to be both an interesting and a fun month here in Whisperville. After some pretty extensive research, it has been determined that when my 62nd
anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry rolls around on July 12th, I will have been an Opry member longer than any other performer in the almost 100-year history of the show. How cool is that? And you read it here first!
There was an old-time string band on the Opry for years known as The Crook Brothers, and Herman Crook was a member of that group for 61-years, 11-months, and 17-days. He came close, but no artist, male, female, or group, has been blessed to have made it all the way to 62 consecutive years. And it truly is a blessing, believe me.
The Opry will commemorate my special anniversary on Saturday night July 22nd, but I have no idea what they are planning to do. I told them I don’t want a gift nor a party…they did that on both my 50th and 60th year celebrations. If a few of my friends want to show up to help me mark the occasion that will be enough…along with a few smiles and thumbs-ups from those in the audience. I hope some of you can be there and that many of you will be tuned in.
Back in the summer of 1953 when I was 15-years old and my mom and dad brought me to the Opry for the first time…and on July 12, 1961, when I was 23-years old and became an Opry member, who would have thunk it??
Oh, and while we’re on that subject, my Opry dates this month will be Saturday the 8th, Sunday the 16th, Saturday the 22nd, and Saturday the 29th.
There’s going to be another celebration of my Opry years on Saturday September 16th at the Country Music Hall of Fame just prior to my exhibit coming down. From what I’m told this will be an all-star panel of Opry folks on stage in the Ford Theater swapping stories, songs, and probably telling a few lies based on my Opry career. It’s open to the public with a Hall of Fame admission that day, and you’re all invited. I’ll have more details between now and then so stay tuned.
Right now, in addition to everything else, we are continuing to fill lots of orders for our new CD of old music titled, “1984,” named after the year in which it was recorded. We ran out of copies for a short while, but we’ve restocked the shelves and we’re mailing them out as fast as your orders come in. We are out of our “Nothin’ But Hits” double-CD’s at the moment, but reinforcements are on the way. If you experience a delay on your order, it should only be a short one. I hate for us to have any kind of problems with our merchandise, but I guess selling-out is the best kind of problem to have! I appreciate it every time you visit our online store.
On the personal side, my grandson, Blake, returned home June 24th from having spent 6-weeks in the Czech Republic on a Christian mission trip. He enjoyed the experience, but he agrees with his PawPaw that the best part of any trip is arriving safely back home!
Before I go, let me remind you to check your Spam or Junk mail if you miss hearing from us when you think you should. Cyberspace can be crazy sometimes. Meantime, thanks for everything, and I’ll see you back here again in August.
Latest Photos
I was fortunate in that I got to spend time with all three of my children on Father’s Day. Terri (L), Jenni, and I went to church together and had a great Father’s Day buffet lunch afterward. I had pizza with my son, Jamey, at his house that evening. A few days later, I booked a lunch date with my granddaughter, Sophie, and we went shopping after we ate. She loves to read, and picked out a couple of new books. Our oldest fan club member, Bertha Thomas, celebrated birthday #106 last month over in North Carolina. Congratulations, Bertha, and thanks to your daughter, Rebecca, for sharing this picture with us.
June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
Hi Gang:
If you know me very well, or have known me for very long, you know that I have a deep love, appreciation, and respect for bluegrass music.
I have written and recorded several bluegrass-oriented songs throughout the space of my career, and have had many of my country songs given bluegrass/acoustical interpretations by some of the most talented bluegrass artists in the world. It would be easier to list the legendary artists from that genre who have NOT recorded my songs, in fact, than to list the ones who have. Even the Grammy nomination Dolly and I received last year was for our bluegrass version of “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.”
I have toured and performed alongside most of the bluegrass greats and become close friends with many of them in the process. That’s why it hurt so bad this week to learn we’re all having to say goodbye to two of the very best….Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne.
Both Jesse and Bobby were my Opry Brothers, and I can’t count the times I’ve shared the stage alongside each of them. I’ve introduced them on hundreds of Opry broadcasts, stepped aside and marveled at Jesse’s incredible mandolin cross-pickin’, and sung ‘Rocky Top’ with Bobby, off-mike, off-key, and in the shadows, more times than I could possibly recall. I came to know Jesse when he and his brother, Jim, were one of the top duet acts in the world…and the same for Bobby and his brother, Sonny.
I could tell stories about how Jim & Jesse performed with me in front of the largest live audience I have ever sung for…and how Bobby, both with Sonny and on his own, wrapped his indelible voice around a whole bunch of Bill Anderson songs over the years and made them his own.
We’ve shared cars, busses, dressing rooms and laughs…happy times and sad…and I’m a better person for having known them all.
There surely must be some beautiful acoustical music up in Heaven tonight. Rest in peace, my friends, and thanks for using your incredible talents to make this ol’ world…and particularly my little corner of it…a much better place.
Click to view slideshow.
