Bill Anderson's Blog, page 20

March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022    
 Hi Gang: And welcome to our March newsletter.
 Did the month come roaring in like a lion or sneak in gently like a lamb where you live? In Whisperville, it crept in more like a lamb, and after all the rain and unsettling weather we’ve had this winter, it was a most welcome arrival. The sun was shining, and temperatures were ten degrees above normal. If the legend holds true, though, the month will go out like a lion, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, right?
 I had hoped to begin this month’s letter with an update and some specific information regarding the release of my new music, including my duet with Dolly Parton, but a strategy and planning meeting we had scheduled with the record label for February 25th was postponed. Right now that meeting is rescheduled for later this week, but I wanted to go ahead and get our newsletter out before then. Bottom line is that I’m still wondering when things are going to break loose just as much as you are, but we’re working on finding some answers. I am amazed every day at how much slower the music business moves these days than it did when I first came along. You’d think it would be just the opposite with all the technology we have at our disposal now, but it’s not. The good news is that when the music finally comes out and folks get to hear it, nobody will remember the release date. Hopefully, they’ll just listen, like it, smile, and want to listen to it again. A couple of things have had ME smiling lately, including the fact that on February 11th the bass player in my band, James Freeze, celebrated his 31st anniversary as part of our organization. In a business known for its considerable and rapid turnover, 31-years in the same job is virtually unheard of. Thanks, James, for all you’ve added to our group and to our show since back in 1991. And more than that, thanks for all you have added to my life personally. You are truly one of a kind. And, as you’ll see on our picture page this month, I had another good reason to smile back on February 20th. My granddaughter, Caroline, said “yes” when her boyfriend of the past four years, Jacob Hall, got down on his knees (actually!) and asked her to marry him. They haven’t set a date, but Cari is sporting a beautiful diamond ring and a grin that stretches ear to ear. Their engagement came on the exact date of their first date four years ago. Jacob is a fine young man, and I know you join me in wishing them a lifetime of happiness together. (Many of our fans got acquainted with Caroline a few years back when she toured with us and helped man our merchandise tables). Returning to music: I will be on the Grand Ole Opry at least four and possibly five times this month….March 8th, March 12th, March 15th, and for a special songwriters’ salute on March 19th. If the stars all align, we might be appearing Wednesday March 30th as well. I hope you’ll be tuning us in. And speaking of songwriters, I’ll be hosting a special night of the Tin Pan South songwriters festival on Friday night April 1st sponsored by the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. My guests will include my friend and recent Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Buddy Cannon, my Opry buddy, Jeannie Seely, and former Po Folks Band member, Jim “Moose” Brown. It will be a 6 p.m. show at the famous Bluebird Cafe, and chocked full of great country songs and laughter. If any of you are going to be in Nashville that weekend, I hope you’ll plan to come help a bunch of crazy songwriters celebrate April Fool’s!
 It has come to my attention recently that people are once again selling unauthorized Bill Anderson merchandise on the internet (t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc.) and having the audacity to say that the money is going to help my grandson, Gabe, who is battling cancer. Please don’t fall for schemes like this, and above all don’t send these scumbags any money. Warn your friends as well. All of our legitimate merchandise can be found at www.billanderson.com under the SHOP section. If it’s not listed there, it’s not official. Thank you. Before I wrap this up, let me remind you again of our ongoing exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. If you are planning a Nashville visit this year, please save room for us on your schedule. And thanks to all of you who have seen the exhibit so far and sent me such wonderful comments. I’m glad to know you enjoyed it. Thanks for everything, stay well and stay safe, and we’ll see you back here again in April.

Ask Bill – March 2, 2022

1) During all your road trips and going all over the USA who was the one artist you liked touring with the best? Maybe the best travelling partner you had back in the day? I’ve been so lucky throughout my career to have toured with so many great people, great artists, and great performers that I honestly cannot narrow it down to any one particular person. I enjoyed being with different ones for different reasons. Faron Young always had a ton of stories and was usually a barrel of laughs. So was Del Reeves. And Johnny Russell. Watching Ferlin Husky entertain an audience was like going to school every night. Johnny Cash, George Morgan, Little Jimmy Dickens…they all taught me so much both onstage and off. There’s too many to count, and I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. 2) What are some of your favorite versions of songs you’ve written being performed by other artists? I’m sure it’s always gratifying to hear another performer cover one of your songs, but I wonder if there are some singers you think have done a particularly great job of interpreting one or more of your compositions. Here again there have been so many artists who have done an amazing job on my songs that it would be impossible to list them all. Other than the obvious (Ray Price “City Lights”…Connie Smith “Once A Day,” etc.), several of my favorites are from artists outside the country music realm who have taken my songs and made them their own. I’m thinking of James Brown, Bing Crosby, and Con Hundley, each of whom put his own stamp on “Still,” Aretha Franklin who sang, “I May Never Get To Heaven,” as only she could, Dean Martin who breathed new life into “Nobody But A Fool” and “Tips Of My Fingers,” and Elvis Costello who put a totally different spin on “Must You Throw Dirt In My Face.” I’ve often said anybody can trace a picture, but it takes a true artist to paint one. To me, these artists (along with others too numerous to mention) each painted masterpieces on their own unique and special canvasses. And I’m grateful to each and every one. 
 3) I realize your memory is better than most, but I wonder in your heyday how everything didn’t become blurred. Did you keep a diary of what happened on such and such a tour or recording session? Do you have a story of someone correcting your version of an event that you wrote about? No, I never kept a diary. I was always too busy doing things to stop and write them down. I guess I have just been blessed with a good memory, and while some of my memories may have been blurred, as you suggested, I don’t recall anyone ever coming out and “correcting” me. Jeannie Seely may have said it best when she said, “They’re my memories, and I’ll remember them the way I want to!” Our Question Of The Month comes from Glenn in New Jersey: In your long and illustrious career, have you ever tried to yodel? I read this question and laughed out loud. Whoever heard of a “whispering yodel?” What do you reckon that would sound like?? No, I’ve never tried yodeling, at least not when I was sober…and definitely not in public. There have been some great yodelers in country music….Elton Britt, Jean Shepard, Kenny Roberts, and Slim Whitman among them, but not ol’ Whisperin’ Bill. I think I’m better off just doing whatever it is that I do and leave the yodeling to the professionals. But thanks for the thought and for brightening my day! Quickies: What do you do in your spare time? I don’t know. I’ve never had any. I’m only joking, of course. I am a big sports fan and follow my favorite ball teams, I read quite a bit, and I try to spend as much time as possible with my family. I’ve often said my work is my hobby, and I spend a lot of time tinkering with my songs. I have never seen you live in concert, but wonder if you include gospel songs in your show? Yes. I include “Mama Sang A Song” in virtually all of my performances and close nearly every show with “I Saw The Light.” In between I’ll often sing something from one of my gospel albums or share a gospel-oriented narration like “Deck Of Cards” or “The Touch Of The Master’s Hand.” Gospel music has always been a big part of my life and my career. Back in the day country performers were all spit and polish. Why do you think so many of today’s singers have to look grungy with beards, long hair, and ragged clothes? I don’t know….I guess it’s just a sign of the times. What is your favorite cookie? Oatmeal/Raisin…the soft, chewy kind. Followed closely by Oreo’s. Thanks for your questions. We had a wide variety this month for sure…from yodeling to cookies. If you’re curious about something related to country music, send your question to me at askbill@billanderson.com and I’ll do my best to answer it. If your question is chosen as our Question of the Month, you’ll win any item from our online store free of charge and personally autographed. See you back here in April.

Ask Bill – February 2, 2022

1) I heard a well-known songwriter make a comment about how his management staff expects him to write so many songs in a certain period of time. Has that ever been your experience? Have you ever been put on a timeline to write songs? No, not really, and I don’t think I could function very well having to write that way. Most writers who receive advance royalties from their publishers agree to produce a certain quota of songs in order to justify their advances, but thankfully I’ve never had to do that. The good news is that I write when I feel like writing, and over the years I’ve still managed to turn in a respectable number of songs. 2) I’ve always wanted to ask a performer like you if you’ve ever cracked up on stage in the middle of a song and had to stop to get your laughing finished? If so, can you share what it was that caused you to break up? I’ve gotten tickled on stage many times during my career, but the most memorable was the night years ago when Jan Howard broke me up by gluing a picture of a large bloodshot eye to her forehead and revealing it to me while we were singing, “For Loving You.”  I told the story in full detail in my autobiography, but just know that when she brushed her bangs aside and I saw that horrible, ugly eye glaring at me, I fell to the floor doubled over with laughter. The audience couldn’t see what happened, and they stared as if I had lost my mind. I had to stop the show and explain it to them. I love to laugh, but I hope I never lose control like that again.
 3) What do you do to keep fans from chasing you around to get your autograph? It must be hard to just get out and go to the grocery store. Well, I wear lightweight shoes and run fast! Not really…I’m only kidding. Actually, in Nashville the type thing you described really doesn’t happen all that often. People are used to seeing celebrities out and among them all the time. I came to realize that one day years ago when I ran into Johnny Cash and his son walking through an indoor mall. He was dressed all in black, of course, and looked very much like the man we all saw on TV every week. He and I stood talking right in the midst of all the foot traffic, and while people smiled and spoke and nodded as they passed by, not one person moved to approach or bother him in any way. Not long ago I saw Reba McEntire in a grocery store shopping just like everyone else. The only person who bothered her was me. Same for Tim McGraw one Sunday in a local book store. I like it when people recognize and speak to me, although I sometimes wonder how they know it’s me when I’m wearing a ball cap and a Covid mask. I always try to smile and return the greeting. Like I say, in Nashville there’s a celebrity on every corner, so most of the time it’s really is no big deal.
 Our Question Of The Month comes from Cathy: As a woman, I still get weak in the knees and hang on every word you sing or say when I listen to “I Can’t Wait Any Longer” or “I’m Way Ahead Of You.” I’m curious as to what your parents said when they heard your very intimate and mental picture songs? Mama was embarrassed and Daddy said, “That’s my boy!!” No, not really. I’m kidding again. To be honest, I really don’t remember them making any particular comment about those songs. They were anything but “stage parents,” and they never got very involved in things related to my music business career. Now maybe they said some things behind my back, but never to my face. I’ll have to ask them when I see them again. 
 Quickies: Am I correct in remembering that Dick Clark once came to one of your fan club dinners during Fan Fair? If so, what year and where was that dinner held? Yes, you are correct. It was in the early eighties at a place called the Longhollow Jamboree north of Nashville. He ate barbeque and visited with folks just like he was one of us. Do you remember the first time you were on the Opry and what song you sang? Nobody ever forgets their first Opry appearance. It was in January, 1959, and I sang my current record at the time, “That’s What It’s Like To Be Lonesome.” I am a pastor, and I wonder if you ever regret having written the song, “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking?” No. The song attacked hypocrisy, and ended with the singer saying, “me and the Good Lord are gonna have us a good talk later tonight.” In other words, he was planning to take any concerns he might have to the Lord in prayer as we are taught to do. I don’t regret writing that at all. Where can I purchase the latest song you did with Dolly Parton? I heard you sing it on Larry’s Country Diner. As of right now that song hasn’t been released, but it’s on the way. As soon as I know the details I’ll let you know. I wish we had space for all of your questions, but we don’t. I’ll save some for next time, and encourage you to send me your new ones. Write to me anytime at AskBill@billanderson.com and remember our Question Of The Month carries with it a free item of your choice from our online store. I’ll see you back here in March.

Latest Photos

Steve Dorff and I both graduated from the University of Georgia, we were inducted into the national Songwriters Hall of Fame on the same night, and we got together recently to celebrate our alma mater’s national football championship. While we were at it, Steve produced and played piano while I sang and recorded a new song that we wrote together. As you can tell from this picture, we were all smiles at the end of the day. When can you hear the record? Stay tuned. The second photo is with the legendary keyboard player, Hargus “Pig” Robbins, who passed away on January 30th. Though he was blind from age three, Pig was one of the greatest piano players I’ve ever heard, and with his incredible left hand he could lay a solid rhythm track on any song he tackled. I was lucky enough to have him play on quite a few of my recording sessions over the years, and there was no one better. People don’t always believe me when I tell them that Taylor Swift once came and performed at my fan club party, but here’s proof. It was 2004 at the Old Hickory Country Club outside Nashville. Taylor was 14-years old, and none of us knew at the time what incredible success awaited her just around the corner. My mistake was in not taking her up on an offer to co-write some songs. Had I done so, I’d probably be writing this letter from my yacht in the Caribbean!

February 2, 2022

Hi Gang: Well, we are just now easing into February, and here in Nashville we’ve already had  double the amount of snow we get in an average winter. We may break all kinds of snowfall records before this is over. If it’s equally as chilly where you are, throw another log on the fire and join us for our monthly newsletter. January was an active month in Whisperville and for visitors to our exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. I am told that people are choosing to spend a lot of time at our interactive displays in particular, listening to music and the stories behind the songs. The Hall has done such a great job creating these marvelous stations throughout the exhibit, and I’m glad to know our fans are enjoying them. I hope after you visit the exhibit that you’ll write and share your thoughts with me. I’d really like to know what you’re thinking.
 Many of you are telling me how much you are enjoying the “As Far As I Can See” companion book as well. If you haven’t ordered your autographed copy yet, there are ways to do so connected to the newsletter. They haven’t zeroed in on a release date as yet, but I can tell you that one of the largest record companies in the world is going to release the new duet record that  Dolly Parton and I have recorded together. They want us to film a video and make ourselves available to do some major interviews to help promote the record, too, which we have both agreed to do. I think they plan to set a release date for sometime in the Spring, but a lot of it will depend on Dolly’s schedule. As you might imagine, she is “slightly” busier than I am. I’ll let you know more when they let me know. It’s exciting.
 And speaking of recordings, it has been discovered that 31 of my old albums have never been released digitally to formats such as iTunes, Spodify, Apple, etc., and that situation is being taken care of as we speak. I am told that over the course of 2022, virtually all this music will be made available.  I had no idea this situation existed, and I’m thrilled that it’s being taken care of. I hate when someone writes to me and says they want to add a recording of mine to their playlist and it’s not available. All the music should be up there soon. 
 On another front, our people are having some interesting talks these days with a major production company that is interested in creating a documentary film on me, my life, and my music. It’s only in the talking stages right now, but it’s fun to think about the possibilities. I’ll keep you posted. And speaking of video appearances, I recorded a new program last month with Larry Black and all the gang at Larry’s Country Diner. I’m told it will air on the RFD Network on April 14th with a repeat on April 16th. You might want to mark it on your calendar. As most of you know, we’ve had to say goodbye to quite a few members of our country music family already this year, and it never gets any easier. Ralph Emery, the legendary disc jockey and TV personality, and the man who first called me Whisperin’ Bill on the airwaves, passed away in mid-January. Ralph and I had a long friendship both personally and professionally, and I will miss him. 
 One of my early songwriting buddies and great friends, Jerry Crutchfield, died a few days before Ralph. Jerry and I co-wrote, among others, “My Whole World Is Falling Down,” which was a big 60’s hit for Brenda Lee. And the songwriting community also said goodbye last month to the great Dallas Frazier, the man who wrote one of the classic lines of all time, “Ooom Papa Mao Mao,” in his massive hit song, “Elvira.” The incomparable piano genius, Hargus “Pig” Robbins, left us on January 30th. It’s no fun to go to more funerals than weddings, but that’s what I seem to be doing these days.
 On a happier note, my Georgia Bulldogs made me awfully excited and proud when they won the national collegiate football championship last month. Their victory, along with the Braves having won the World Series earlier in the year, have made me a pretty happy sports fan. I say “pretty happy” because I had hopes of our Tennessee Titans going to the Super Bowl, but that’s not to be. Oh well, there’s always next year. Have a great February….be extra nice to that someone special in your life for Valentine’s Day….(check out our Valentine’s merchandise special)…and be listening for us on the Grand Ole Opry Saturday February 5th, Tuesday February 8th, and Saturday February 26th. We’ll see you back here in March when, hopefully, the winds will begin blowing a bit warmer. My best to each of you, and thanks for everything…

Bill Anderson Hits Re-Imagined

Bill Anderson latest Album is as unique as Whisperin Bill himself. Anderson has taken some of his biggest hits and given them a whole new light including instrumental versions! Don’t miss this 20 song edition with 2 versions of the following hits.

Bright Lights and Country Music
Whiskey Lullaby
Po’ Folks
I’ll Wait for You
City Lights
Still
Give it Away
Tips of My Fingers
A Lot Of Things Different
Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn)

Buy it Here

Bill Anderson: Live at the Hall Premiers Jan 18

In Bill Anderson: Live at the Hall, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum explores Anderson’s life and musical legacy, from childhood through his contributions as one of the most decorated recording artists, songwriters, and entertainers in history.

The exhibition—which includes historic photographs, significant artifacts, instruments, manuscripts, interactive multimedia, and more—is scheduled to run through March 19, 2023.

Digital program Bill Anderson: Live at the Hall, captured on stage at the museum in 2021, offers a deep, personal dive into the Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry mainstay’s singular life and career, complementing and expanding on the rich storytelling in the exhibition. Beginning with its premiere on January 18 at 7:00 PM CT, that interview is streaming on-demand at watch.countrymusichalloffame.org, and on the museum’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Visit https://countrymusichalloffame.org/bi... for more.

 

January 4, 2022

Hi Gang: And welcome to our first newsletter of the brand new year. Let’s hope this is the year when our world returns to some sense of normalcy and we can bid a final and not-so-fond farewell to the coronavirus. Or as comedian Jackie Mason used to say, “May this year be better than last year should have been.” I had a great Christmas, and I hope you did as well. It didn’t feel a lot like Christmas this year with our Nashville temperatures in the seventies, but I managed to get into the holiday spirit just the same. I was helped by all the beautiful Christmas cards you sent my way along with the e-mails, tweets, and text messages. Thank you for every single one.
 As usual, I spent Christmas Eve with my son, Jamey, and his family at their house. Covid kept us away from our usual in person Christmas Eve church service, but we streamed a service from Texas and focused on the Reason for the Season just the same. There were 13 of us sitting around the living room singing “Silent Night,” opening our gifts and enjoying our time together. 
 On Christmas Day, I gathered with my daughters, Jenni and Terri, at Jenni’s house and we did more of the same. That group is growing what with granddaughter, Rae, getting married in August and “significant others” beginning to move into the family circle as well. So far I’ll have to say my grandkids have all chosen well. I had fun dusting off some of my Christmas songs at the Opry in December and hearing several of them pop up on the radio during the holidays. Many of you told me that you saw our “Waffle House Christmas” video again this year and that it continues to make you smile. Thank you…that’s why we made it. I stayed home on New Years Eve and parked my body in front of the TV hoping to see my alma mater, the University of Georgia Bulldogs, advance to the finals of the college football playoffs. They didn’t disappoint me with a big win over Michigan. Now if we can just figure out a way to beat Alabama for the national championship on January 10th….something that’s a lot easier said than done. As soon as the dust settles from the holidays, my team and I will be hard at work preparing some new audio and video materials for release in early 2022. I wish I could tell you everything that’s in the works, but some other folks want to be the ones to break the news. I will say this much: We’ve got some pretty cool things about to happen in the first quarter of this year. Just when I think things couldn’t get any better in my life and my career they do just that. I am so incredibly blessed. Quite a few folks tell me they visited our As Far As I Can See exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum over the holidays, and everyone comments on what a great job the Hall did in putting it all together. I couldn’t agree more. If you plan to be in or around Nashville over the next 15-months, I sure hope you’ll stop by for a visit. I’m awfully proud of what they’ve done.
 And speaking of The Hall of Fame, they will be sponsoring a songwriter’s showcase during the annual Tin Pan South festival this spring, and they have asked me to host it. Our night is tentatively planned for Friday April 1st at a location to be determined later. The lineup of songwriters who will be performing with me that night is not complete, but I do know that my friends and co-writers, Buddy Cannon and Bobby Tomberlin, will both be taking part. If you’re headed in our direction about that time of year, come spend that night with us. No telling what April Fool’s surprises we might spring on you!
 A little sooner, on January 21st, I’ll be taping another guest appearance on Larry’s Country Diner. When I know the air dates I’ll let you know.
 On the personal front, many of you continue to ask about my grandson, Gabe, and his ongoing battle with cancer. He joined in on our Christmas activities, but he tires easily and has to pace himself. He appreciates your prayers and your many cards and letters of encouragement. Thank you from him and all the family. Here’s wishing you and yours a great 2022, and I hope you’ll continue to stay connected to us throughout the year. If you’ve got any country music lovin’ friends who don’t know about our free fan club and monthly newsletters, please pass the word along. The more the merrier!! And thanks for everything…..

Ask Bill – January 4, 2022

ASK BILL!
 1) For years I have heard songwriters, musicians, artists, and record producers make the statement, “The first time I heard that song I knew it was gonna be a big hit.” My question is what made you know? Was it the music, the singer, the lyrics, or something else? Good question. First off, nobody “knows” that a song is or isn’t going to become a hit. Any anyone who tells you they “know” is lying. Only the public can decide whether or not a song is a hit. You can “feel” in your heart that a song has all the elements for success, but until that song is recorded and released and the listeners have a chance to “vote” on it, trust me, nobody knows. We’ve all guessed right and we’ve all guessed wrong…in both directions. Songs we felt sure were going to make it didn’t, and songs we didn’t think all that highly of in the beginning ended up making a lasting impression. Sometimes I think that uncertainty and that “game of chance” is a big part of what keeps us coming back and trying again. 2) I remember something I read one time about you and Jimmy Gateley co-writing “Bright Lights & Country Music” in the dressing room of the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, Canada, a place near and dear to every country fan visiting that city. Rather than try to find the back story on the internet, I thought I’d get it straight from the horse’s mouth. So could you please share it in your “Ask Bill” column? So now I’m Mr. Ed?? Long story short, we were working the Horseshoe for a week in the mid-sixties, performing a show every night plus a matinee on Saturday. A fan who lived a couple of hundred miles away sent me a letter saying she would be at the Saturday evening show because, as she put it, “I like soft lights with my country music.” I showed the letter to Jimmy Gateley, we changed “soft lights” to “bright lights,” and wrote the song in the open doorway of the dressing room between shows…before several dozen fans who were waiting patiently for autographs. Only song I’ve ever written in front of an audience! 3) I’ve been to a lot of your shows and always enjoyed them, but I have always wondered what those box looking things are at the front of the stage. Are they footlights? Or do they amplify the instruments? Or block out feedback? Sorry, but I’ve never been around musicians and such and always wondered what they are.
 I think you are probably referring to the monitor speakers. Back before my band and I began using in-ear monitors, we heard our own voices, the background voices, and the unamplified instruments through these speakers. We don’t use them much anymore.
 Question Of The Month: How long was it between your drinking champagne out of a Dixie Cup to your crushing one for running out of wine? Jo in Virginia sent this fun question, and it shows that she’s been listening closely to the lyrics of some of my songs. I guess the answer is that it was as long as the time between Mary Lou Turner and I recording “That’s What Made Me Love You” in 1975 and Sharon Vaughn and I writing “When A Man Can’t Get A Woman Off His Mind” in 1997. If my math is correct, that would have been a period of twenty-two years. Quickies: What year did you do “Ride Off In The Sunset?” I recorded that song in 1978. My recording was used as the theme song for a TV series called Six Gun Heroes on PBS for several years. After 60-years of writing songs how do you avoid repeating something you’ve already done? Sometimes I don’t, and I catch myself “stealing from me.” It’s almost impossible to not repeat parts of a melody I’ve already written or a lyrical idea that I’ve visited before. I stay on guard and at least try to “borrow” from songs that weren’t hits! If someone wanted to record one of your songs what is the procedure they would go through? The record company would have to obtain a recording license from the publisher of the song. Did you ever find out Double S’s name? Yes, it was Sadie Sweathog. She played shortstop on a softball squad. And if you believe that, you are as silly and stupid as I am! Sorry, I just had to throw that last one in there. Thanks for all your questions (including that one), and I hope you’ll keep them coming here in the New Year. Write me anytime at askbill@billanderson.com and tell me what’s on your mind. If your question is chosen as our Question Of The Month you’ll receive an item of your choice from our online store completely free of charge. Stay curious, and we’ll see you back here again in February.

Latest Photos

For Christmas, my granddaughters, Hallie and Sophie, stitched together two blankets representing two of my favorite sports teams, the Atlanta Braves and the Tennessee Titans. Thanks to their ingenuity and thoughtfulness, I can hunker down and watch the games in comfort this winter. The second picture here was taken inside the late Hank Snow’s famous Rainbow Ranch at a Christmas party hosted by my friend and fellow songwriter, Bobby Tomberlin. It was a fun gathering, and a great way to start off the holiday season. Below is a picture of me doing something I truly love…pickin’ and grinnin’ and singing my songs. This was taken at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater during the opening weekend of my exhibit there. It was a weekend I won’t soon forget.