Bill Anderson's Blog, page 14
April 5, 2023
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM EXTENDS EXHIBIT BILL ANDERSON: AS FAR AS I CAN SEE THROUGH SEPTEMBER
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has extended its exhibition Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See through Monday, Sept. 25. The exhibit opened in December 2021 and was originally scheduled to close this month.
“We’re pleased to extend Bill’s exhibit, which has been popular among visitors,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Bill Anderson is one of America’s preeminent songwriters and most beloved entertainers. We’re excited that our guests will be able to enjoy his exhibit a little longer and take in the breadth and depth of Whisperin’ Bill’s unparalleled career.”
A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Anderson has placed 80 records on the Billboard charts as a recording artist, with his singles reaching country’s Top Twenty more than 40 times. His original songs have been recorded by a wide array of artists, including James Brown, Elvis Costello, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Louvin Brothers, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, Connie Smith, George Strait and many more. As a songwriter, he’s placed songs on the country charts in seven consecutive decades, collaborating in recent years with artists Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, Brad Paisley and many others.
The exhibit traces Anderson’s story from his youth in Georgia, where he excelled as a baseball pitcher and sportswriter while in high school and a disc jockey in college, through his contributions as one of the most decorated recording artists and songwriters in history. Items featured in Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See include historic photographs, treasured keepsakes, instruments, manuscripts and more. Touchscreen interactives also give visitors the opportunity to delve into Anderson’s songs and songwriting process through archival materials, performance clips and exclusive interview footage where Anderson reveals the stories behind his songs.
Learn more about the exhibit and reserve tickets on the museum’s website.
April 3, 2023
Latest Photos
“1984” Tracking List: Pity PartyThis Is The Goodbye (To End All Goodbyes)Wino The ClownI Never Lie To RubyCountry Music Died TodayWhen You Leave That Way (You Can Never Go Back)With HerLoreneSecond ThoughtsThe Years Fall Away (featuring Bill’s parents)
Ask Bill – April 3, 2023
1) I always wondered when artists are on the road in a bus who pays for what? When pulling over into a truck stop, does each person pay for his own meal? Who buys the water for the bus? The toilet paper? And even coffee and the other essentials of life?
This probably varies from artist to artist and bus to bus, but in my case I always supplied the bottles of drinking water, the ice to keep it cold, the paper towels, the toilet paper, and other basic essentials. The band members were responsible for their own meals, their own personal items (toothpaste, etc.) and their own individual cups of coffee. If we made a pot of coffee, which in our case was seldom, I furnished that. There are no set rules and, like I said, it probably varies from group to group.
2) You said you planned to read a lot while recovering from your surgery. What kinds of books do you like? I’m just wondering because I am an avid reader too.
If you were to look at the bookshelves in my house you would definitely wonder what kind of an idiot lives there. I read the widest range of books imaginable. I like mysteries, humor, biographies, books on history and current events, sports…almost anything that is well written, informative, and entertaining. I have a very large collection of books written by and about my friends in country music, many of which are personally autographed to me and highly treasured. Although I enjoy reading at any point during the day, I do most of my reading at night before going to sleep. I find it’s a great way to relax and de-stress from the events of the day.
3) What was it like recording a combination of country music and disco on your “Ladies Choice” album? Has anyone ever described you as the Barry White of country music?
Yes, they have, and I take that as a compliment. Barry White was a great communicator. It was my idea to see if country music melodies would mesh with disco rhythms, and along with my record producer at the time, Buddy Killen, we discovered that they would. I’ve never been afraid to try different things with my music, and I saw the country/disco merger as a challenge. People either seemed to love what we did or they didn’t like it at all. There wasn’t a lot of middle ground. Frankly, if I could go back to that time in my career, I would probably try to ride that horse a little longer. It might have been interesting to see just where it would have taken me.
4) Our Question Of The Month comes from Chris in Wisconsin: “My question to you is what makes someone a legend? A pioneer in the industry? The years in the industry? The number of hits by an artist? Why are some country singers called legends and some are not?”
That’s a great question. I just wish I had a great answer. In fact, I’m not sure there even is an answer. I would say, though, that it’s a combination of the things you mentioned above mixed in with factors that are far less tangible…things like charisma, originality, uniqueness. Even the dictionary has a hard time pinning it down. Mr. Webster says a legend is “one who achieves legendary fame.” I think we all knew that! I would say that a legend is quite possibly defined in the eyes and ears and minds of the beholder. A legend to one person is not necessarily a legend to another. Do you agree?
Quickies: Is there a celebrity you really want to meet or record with? There probably is, but at the moment I can’t think of who it might be. Hey, when you’ve recorded with everyone from Dolly Parton to David Alan Coe, there’s not a lot of uncharted water remaining. Have you ever recorded with BRELAND or with Jeannie Seely? Jeannie, yes, BRELAND, no. When people have been nominated for a Grammy, who votes or determines the winner? The members of The Recording Academy. How did you come up with the song, “Unicorn?” I did not write that song. Shel Silverstein did, and he was a creative genius. Did you write “Slippin’ Away” for Jean Shepard and, if not, how did she come to record it? And when you wrote it, which came first the lyrics or the catchy melody? I seldom write songs for a particular artist. In this case, I think Jean’s producer, Larry Butler, heard the song and thought it would be good for her. I started composing the song with the lyric first, which I usually do, and let the lyric “suggest” the melody. And before I sign off here, the vast majority of you agreed that “Tips” of my fingers is correct rather than “Tip” of my fingers. Thanks for your input…it was fun hearing from you.
If you have a question you’d like for me to try and answer, send it to me at askbill@billanderson.com and I’ll give it my best shot. If yours is chosen our Question Of The Month, you will win any item from our online store free of charge. Put your curiosity cap on, and we’ll see you back here again next month.
April 3, 2023
Hi Gang:
I didn’t have much news for you in March, but I’m about to make up for it in April. And the good news is that most of the news I have is good news!
First, the Country Music Hall of Fame told me four days before my “As Far As I Can See” exhibit was scheduled to close on March 19th that it wouldn’t be closing that day after all. It will now, in fact, be open until September 25, 2023, and, needless to say, I am thrilled.
Hopefully, lots of you who weren’t able to get to Nashville over these past 15-months will be able to visit and tour the exhibit this spring or summer. And I hope you’ll help spread the word to your friends, family, and other country music fans:The Bill Anderson exhibit is still open for business! Thank you.
Second, I told you in March that we’d have news in April about some “new/old music” that we’ve got coming your way. And here it is:
Back in 1984, I recorded an album for a small label called Swanee Records. I cut 20 sides in all, ten re-makes of some of my biggest hits and ten songs I had never recorded before. They were released in a double-LP titled, “Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow.”
Well, Swanee Records didn’t stick around very long, and not a whole lot of people ever heard that music. Recently, though, I was able to purchase those 1984 master recordings, and you know what? They still sound pretty good even after almost forty years, especially to ears that miss hearing the sounds of traditional country music.
So we’ve decided maybe some of you would enjoy discovering the ten new/old songs for the first time, so this Spring we’re going to release them on CD and in digital download form for the first time in a package called “1984.” I’ll warn you…these recordings are full of fiddles and steel guitars and songs about real life as lived by real people. If that’s not your thing, then feel free to pass. But if that kind of country music speaks to you, you might want to add this new/old music to your collection. The CD’s will be available soon and only in a Limited Edition for our fan club members! Keep your eyes on our website for more details coming shortly.
What else is going on? Well, Moe Bandy just released a new song I wrote called “God Is Great God Is Good” in his new gospel album titled “Thank You Lord.” I hope lots of you will want to check it out. And our bluegrass/gospel song, “Go Spread The Gospel,” by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, was just voted 2022 Song Of The Year by Real Southern Gospel Radio. Thanks, y’all…that’s quite an honor.
People ask me all the time if I’m still writing songs and making new recordings, and the answer is a definite YES. In fact, since I am not touring at the present time, I’ve got more time to devote to creating new music, and I’m trying to take advantage of that. I plan to release several new singles this year that you can download and add to your digital playlists. And hopefully some new videos as well. Stay tuned.
Thanks to each of you who reached out with concern and prayers for our city and our people last week. What happened here was senseless and heartbreaking. Your compassion is most appreciated.
Enjoy our first full month of Spring, and I’ll see you on the Opry April 8th, April 15th, and April 25th…and hopefully back here again early in May. As always, thanks for everything.
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
Hi Gang:
I told you in our February newsletter that I was scheduled for some elective surgery on February 27th and that I’d be taking the month of March to rest and recuperate.
Well, that procedure was postponed, and I have very little news to report in this month’s letter. So I’ve decided to use the time and space to catch up on a whole bunch of questions you have submitted to our Ask Bill column these past several weeks. I still can’t get to them all, but this is a good sampling.
I plan to resume my monthly letters in April when I’ll have news about some new old music that we’re about to make available. What is “new old” music? You’ll have to join us here next month to find out. Meantime, enjoy!
Ask Bill – March 1, 2023
1) I have written lyrics to a song but have no musical ability to add a tune. Would you consider reading the lyrics and guide me in how to get music put to it?
You have no idea how many requests similar to yours that I receive, and as much as I’d like to help, there is simply no way I have the time to do so. If there is a good musician that you know of in your hometown, seek them out and perhaps they’d like to collaborate with you. Schools or churches might be a good place to start looking for someone. Or perhaps a person who gives music lessons. I wish you the best of luck.
2) Is the house where Roy Acuff lived at Opryland still there? If so, what is it used for?
I asked Dan Rogers, vice president of the Opry, for an answer to your question. He replied, “Roy’s house still stands today. While a portion of the home is utilized as office space for Opry Entertainment staff, other rooms of the home have been used for exhibits lately, including an exhibit of Les Leverett Opry photography and last year an exhibit celebration of country music of the 1990s. The Opry says a new 2023 exhibition will be announced soon. If you ever make your way to the house, look for a few photos of Roy inside the house in the 1980s.” So there you have it from someone who definitely knows.
3) I was honored to be on your Fandango show as a contestant back in the 1980s. I heard from somewhere that there will be a new similar game show. If you know anything about it I hope you would let me know.
There have been rumors of such a show off and on down through the years, and I know of one idea that got so far as the actual filming of a pilot episode, but so far as I know neither that show nor any of the others are actually scheduled for broadcast. If I learn anything more I’ll be glad to pass it along.
Oh, and before I continue, let me pause here to eat a little crow. In our most recent Ask Bill column I wrote that I didn’t know of anyone who had recorded my song, “Next Time You’re In Tulsa,” other than myself. I stand corrected by several of you who wrote to remind me that Charlie Louvin also cut that song in a 1968 album called, “Hey Daddy.” Charlie was one of my favorite singers and favorite people, and I apologize for overlooking his heartfelt version of my song. I’ve actually heard it several times, but you know how things slip your mind as you get……..
4) One of my favorite songs is “The Tip Of My Fingers,” and I’ve heard several different versions where some say “tip” and others say “tips.” Which is correct?
That’s a great question, and one I’ve been asked many times over the years. I originally wrote it as “tip” but came to decide in later years that it should be “tips.” So, I started singing it that way. But, to be honest, I really don’t know which is grammatically correct. Any English teachers out there? Settle this for us, please, once and for all. Thank you.
5) Our Question of the Month comes from Marie in Alaska – I absolutely love Gene Watson singing, “When A Man Can’t Get A Woman Off His Mind.” You wrote this, I believe, with Sharon Vaughn. My question is about my favorite line in the song, “I just crushed a Dixie Cup for running out of wine.” Who wrote that line?
Technically, both of us did, but I’m glad you asked because I love to tell this story. Sharon and I had finished writing the first verse and the chorus of the song and were halfway through with the second verse when she asked to be excused from our little writing room to go to the restroom. When she returned I said, “I think I’ve got it,” and I sang, “I just cussed a Dixie Cup for running out of wine.” She screamed, “Oh my God, I love it….but you need to say ‘crushed’ instead of ‘cussed’.” I said, “No, that ol’ boy cussed it!” Sharon said, “Yeah, but after he cussed it, he crushed it!” We both laughed, and the lyric became “crushed.” That’s the sort of stuff that only happens in co-writing sessions, and is the kind of thing that keeps me keeping on after all these years.
6) Out of all the venues you have played, where would you like to play again? Name the top 3 please.
Oh, Wow! That’s a tough question. Off the top of my head, though, I would probably say Carnegie Hall in New York, the Palladium in London, and maybe the football stadium in Athens, Georgia, where we had an audience of over 70,000 people, some of whom had come to see a football game! And then there’s Massey Hall in Toronto, Madison Square Garden in New York, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and….and….and…..
7) Do you plan to go on another cruise this year? I really enjoyed the last one.
Thanks, but I’m not planning another one at the present time.
8) I’ve always wondered how records climb up the Billboard charts. How does a record go from #40 to #20 and so on?
I can’t speak for Billboard, but most people who put together music popularity charts use a combination of record sales and/or streaming numbers, combined with how many times a song is played on radio and television, to come up with the most popular songs during a particular time period. As a song’s numbers increase, that particular song grows in popularity and therefore moves up the charts. Chart methodology is far from an exact science, which is why one survey will show one song as being #1 while another shows a different song entirely. It’s not a perfect system by any means, but it’s the best we’ve got.
9) Have you ever met or collaborated with John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame?
Yes, I have met him and found him to be a very nice, down to earth guy. I’ve never collaborated with him musically, but we’ve discussed it and I’d love to try it someday.
10) Over 50 years ago I worked at a McDonald’s in Ft. Lauderdale. There was a guy sitting on the curb with a guitar who said his name was Bill Anderson. He asked us to listen to a song and we liked it. Years later I became a die-hard country fan, heard you on the radio, and always wondered if that was you and if you remembered it.
No, that wouldn’t have been me. When I was in Ft. Lauderdale, I always worked the curb outside of Wendy’s!
And with that, I think it’s time to ride off in the sunset one more time. Remember if you have a question about country music, send it to me in care of askbill@billanderson.com and I’ll try to give you either a truthful or a stupid answer (See #10 above). If yours is chosen our Question Of The Month, you will receive any item of your choice from our online store absolutely free of charge. Let me hear from you, and I’ll see you back here in April.
Latest Photos
It sure was fun celebrating Valentine’s Day backstage at the Grand Ole Opry with these three lovely ladies: Jeannie Seely, Rhonda Vincent, and Lainey Wilson. I never did find out who snuck into my dressing room and left the red rose that I’m holding in my hand though. It may have not even been meant for me, but I took it anyway. A few nights later, the great Hall of Fame songwriter, Dean Dillon, made his debut appearance on the Opry, and he invited me out to sing our song, “A Lot Of Things Different,” with him. We both admit to that song being one of the favorite songs either one of us has ever been a part of writing, and it was special to do it together on that most special of stages. The third picture was taken backstage at the tribute show we did for our friend, Peter Cooper, at the Country Music Hall of Fame late last month. Peter was, like me, a big Atlanta Braves baseball fan, and he would have been thrilled that all-time Braves great, Dale Murphy, was in town and came to his Celebration of Life. I couldn’t resist having a picture made with Murph myself. He may not be in the baseball Hall of Fame (yet!), but I told him he was always welcome at ours!!
February 20, 2023
February 20,2023
Hi Y’all:
Due to several unforeseen circumstances, the elective surgical procedure that I told you I had scheduled for February 27th has been postponed.
Many of you have reached out to me saying that you’ve had me in your prayers, and I appreciate that more than you know. At the moment I don’t know just when we might reschedule, but I will make sure you know when we know.
You are the best bunch of fans and friends anybody could ever be lucky enough to have!
Thanks for everything.
February 19, 2023
February 8, 2023
Latest Photos
It was a cool experience to stand on the red carpet in the California sunshine, in front of what must certainly be the world’s largest replica of a Grammy Award, and smile for the cameras. You can tell from the look on my face that I was exactly where I wanted to be at that moment. I had no idea that once I got inside and began to walk the carpet that I would run into the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry and fellow Grammy nominee, Ashley McBride. I had never met her, so I just walked up to her and said, “I can’t believe I had to come all the way to California to tell you, ‘Welcome to the Opry family!” We both laughed, and someone suggested we pose for a picture together in front of the Grammy and CBS logos. She and Carly Pearce were Grammy winners later in the evening, and I was happy for both our “Opry girls.” My son, Jamey, and I went to the Universal Records party following the Grammy telecast, and it was the perfect way to wrap up an exciting day and night.
