Bill Anderson's Blog, page 35
April 12, 2018
April 3, 2018
Ask BILL – April 3
1) Hank Williams’ publisher kept little scraps of unfinished songs of his, and awhile back they had writers like Bob Dylan and Vince Gill try to finish the lyrics or provide a melody for these songs. Do you have notebooks of unfinished songs that may get left behind for future songwriters and artists to try and complete for you in a similar way?
I may have answered this question previously, but here goes again: I don’t have anything like that in any set of organized notebooks or file folders, but I guess if somebody wanted to go through my desk drawers, guitar cases, briefcases, and trashcans when I’m gone they might find a few scribblings. I don’t know that any of them would be worth anything because musical tastes and fashions and trends change rapidly. Plus, they’d probably have a hard time reading my handwriting!
2) What was Roger Miller like as a person? Some of his songs were almost foolish, but what was he like personally?
I wrote in one of my books that, despite his limited education, Roger was the closest thing to a genius that I’ve ever known. He could turn a phrase or come up with a song idea or say something profound quicker than anyone I ever met, but at the same time he might not remember what he said five seconds later. He could have been the original poster child for ADD. Along with his incredible sense of humor he also had a loving spirit and a kind heart. He treated my parents as if they were his own…and once even said he wished they were. Like most of us, he had many sides to his personality, and most of them were good. I loved him like a brother.
And here’s a few questions that only require short answers:
3) Are you guys going to be recording any more Family Reunion shows anytime soon? Yes, but I don’t have the actual taping days yet.
Whatever happened to Jimmy Gateley who was in your band? Jimmy passed away in 1985.
Will you be coming to Branson anytime soon? I hope so, but it’s not on our schedule at the moment. You can always check our dates atwww.billanderson.com under the Tour section.
Will you ever have Tony Jackson on a show with you? I am told Tony will be on the 2019 Family Reunion cruise with us.
Why did Carol Lee quit singing background on Country’s Family Reunion?
Because she retired from the music business.
Thanks for all your questions. You can always send yours to me at askbill@billanderson.com or at P. O. Box 888, Hermitage, TN. 37076. We’ll have more for you next month.
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April 3, 2018
Hi Gang:
I hope each of you had a blessed Easter this past weekend because I sure did. I spent the morning listening to my son, Jamey, teach a Sunday School class at his church, and came away convinced that were he not such a good airline pilot, he would make a marvelous preacher. He and Beth teach a group of college-aged kids, and they hung on his every word.
After church, we met up with a dozen other family members and friends for a delicious Easter buffet and egg hunt for the kids.
March was an eventful month in Whisperville. I had a great time in Florida watching some pre-season baseball, then returning home to play a concert in our bass player, James Freeze’s, hometown of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The reception they gave him and us was incredible. It was so much fun to see James’ friends and fans welcome him back to the place where his musical career began when he was only 12-years old.
We also finished recording our new album last month, and we plan to release the first single in June to coincide with my induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Other selected cuts will be made available online after that, and the full album will be released in September. The album will be titled simply, “Anderson.” I wrote or co-wrote each of the eleven songs. I sure hope you will like it.
The song that I wrote for my friend, Vickie, who is battling cancer, is scheduled to be released on April 13th. You should be able to see the video on our website then as well as on other social media outlets around the world. The song is called, “Until The Light Comes On Again,” and I hope it helps shine a light into your world and into the worlds of others who are hurting.
March did bring a few sad moments, including the passing of my longtime friend, former Georgia governor and U.S. Senator, Zell Miller. As you know, I stay out of politics, but Zell was special…not only a great American but one of the biggest country music fans I ever knew. And over in the United Kingdom, a man who put several Bill Anderson songs on the British pop charts, singer-comedian Ken Dodd, passed away at the age of 90. His signature song was one I wrote called “Happiness,” never a big hit in this country but known far and wide in the UK. Zell and Ken both touched my life in their own positive way and each will be missed.
From the personal corner of my world, my grandson, Gabe, along with his entire family, really enjoyed their trip to Disneyworld sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The doctors changed Gabe’s medication when they returned, and we can only hope and pray the new meds will put his cancer into remission with fewer side effects. Unfortunately, he has to undergo unrelated sinus surgery later this month. Vickie has also begun a new chemo regimen, and I can only ask that you keep both her and Gabe in your thoughts and prayers. My daughter, Terri, is slowly improving from her surgeries, but she still has quite a way to go. I hate for this sound like a hospital report, but you are kind enough to continue to ask, and I try to keep you updated as best as I can.
We’re looking forward to seeing lots of you this month in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas. Thanks for your continued friendship and support, and my best to you all.
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Latest Photos
“We were all smiles on Easter…even the Easter bunny…shown here with me, Gabe, and Jamey. Can you believe how tall my grandson, Blake, is now? He’s 6’5″ and still growing. It was so much fun sharing the day with him, Gabe, Hallie, and Sophie. And going back across the years, can you pick me out of the crowd gathered for my third birthday party? This picture was found stuck face down to the bottom of an old dresser drawer by my granddaughter, Rae, and I recently had it restored. My mom had written the names of each child across the back…what a treasure!”
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March 28, 2018
March 28, 2018
It’s always exciting to see new members named to our Country Music Hall of Fame, and this year’s inductees are no exception. Congratulations to Ricky Skaggs and to the families of Johnny Gimble and Dottie West. I’ve been fortunate enough to share stages, ball fields, and backstage areas with each of them, and thought you might enjoy seeing these pictures.
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March 5, 2018
Ask Bill – March 5
Lots of your questions this month only require short answers, so I’ll try to get to as many of them as I can…even combining several questions into one:
1) Is Country’s Family Reunion planning a cruise to Alaska? I would be very interested in that one. And does Larry Black ever plan on a tribute show to Jean Shepard?
We did a cruise to Alaska a few years ago. I have not heard of any plans to do another one. I have also heard of no plans to do a Jean Shepard tribute.
2) Did you ever appear on an episode of Hee Haw? I don’t think I’ve seen you on the show.
Then you must have blinked! I was on Hee Haw probably close to a dozen times over the years, and always enjoyed it.
3) Are you still planning a show in Colorado for 2018? Are you going to be playing at Renfro Valley this year? Is your 2018 tour going to swing through Dayton, Ohio or some place close?
We were scheduled to appear in Palmer Lake, Colorado, May 19th, but I’ve since been told that the show has been canceled. I’ve not heard anything about our going back to Renfro Valley, and the closest we’ll be to Dayton, Ohio, at this point is Winchester, Ohio, on Sept. 22nd. Keep in mind our complete schedule is still a work in progress and things can change. Best way to keep up is the Tour page at www.billanderson.com.
4) I am from New Zealand and can’t find any vinyl records of you. Are there any?
I don’t know if any of my old Decca and MCA vinyl records are available in New Zealand or not. I recorded over 40 such albums through the years, so some should be floating around somewhere. Maybe check with stores that specialize in older records or reach out to a collector. Good luck…and let me know what you find.
5) I haven’t heard anything from Bear Family Records concerning their releasing a second box set as a follow up to “The First Ten Years.” Have you?
Not a peep. But things in this business can change on a dime. Keep your fingers crossed.
Thanks for your questions. You can always ask yours by writing to me at askbill@billanderson.com. See you back here with more next month.
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March 5, 2018
Hi Gang:
I know March roared in like a lion in some parts of our country, but in central Florida where we were doing a concert, it snuck in like a lamb. If you live in one of the weather-ravaged areas, I hope you and yours made it through all right. And please don’t worry about us. It was tough, but we managed to survive the bright sunshine and the 85-degree temperatures!
Before we left, I recorded the last two tracks for my upcoming album, and I’m really excited about the entire project. We’ll be doing the final mixes, naming the record (right now I have no idea what the title will be), shooting the cover photos, and getting everything ready to go over the next few weeks. As soon as we have a definitive release date you’ll be the first to know.
Our video is finished and ready to be posted online, and I’m anxious for you to see it. Since the subject matter deals with my friend, Vickie, and her ongoing battle with cancer, we are finalizing arrangements for all proceeds from the recording and the video to go to a cancer-fighting organization. As soon as all the i’s are dotted and all the t’s are crossed on that front we’ll be able to share it with you. My hope and purpose in doing this is that, maybe by sharing our story, we’ll be able to inspire and help others who are going through some of the same things that we are.
On another completely different note, I continue to be bombarded with dozens upon dozens of notes from you telling me that some of my internet locations have been hacked and you are receiving phone calls and crude messages from someone pretending to be me. This person is seeking “Friends” on Facebook followed by some very personal questions and a plea for money.
Please know these messages are not coming from me. I don’t do “Friend” requests on Facebook, and I would never ask any of you for personal information or money. We’ve traced this person to Nigeria (not exactly a hot-bed of country music!), but every time we get hot on his trail he changes his e-mail, his telephone, and we’re back to square one.
If you hear from this person, who calls himself, “James Bill Anderson,” please ignore him and delete him from all your accounts. Do not respond, and above all, do not send money. And help us spread the word. Thank you.
We only have one more road show in March and that’s March 22nd in James Freeze’s hometown of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. James is really looking forward to playing there with us for the first time, and I’m hoping every seat will be full to honor him and his 27-years as a member of my band. I hope lots of you will make an effort to come celebrate with us. In addition, we have five Opry dates this month: March 6th, 9th, 24th, 27th, and 30th.
On the personal side, my grandson, Gabe, and his family are really excited about their upcoming trip to Disneyworld courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has been honored by his school (classmates raised over $5,600 dollars and donated it to Make- A-Wish in Gabe’s name), his church, and several businesses in the area sent money and other gifts. Although Gabe is the one suffering from cancer, an illness like this takes a toll on the entire family, so it’s wonderful that all six of them get to go. I’m sure they’ll come back with lots of tales to tell.
I’m headed back to Florida, too, this time to watch some Spring Training baseball. See you when I get back. Meantime, all my best and thanks for everything.
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Latest Photos
The first guitar player I hired for my Po’ Boys band back in the early 60’s, Jimmy Lance, came by for a backstage Opry visit recently. We hadn’t seen one another in almost 40-years. It was fun to swap old stories and relive old times. Bill Cody and I don’t go back quite that far, but it’s always fun to visit with him on his radio show. We spent over an hour together in late February. The recent passing of Rev. Billy Graham stirred up memories of the day he stopped by the television studio in Charlotte where I was taping my syndicated TV show. I remember being taken with how large he was in stature, the size of his hands in particular, and his having one of the firmest handshakes I ever shared. Other country music stars knew him better than I did, but I always respected his messages and the way he conducted his life. May he rest in peace.
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February 15, 2018
Bill Anderson Reflects on His Career Ahead of Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction & Talks Plans for Future Music | Billboard
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The career of Bill Anderson has seen many career triumphs come his way over the years, dating all the way back to his composition “City Lights” becoming a 1958 chart topper for Ray Price. That innate ability to craft a memorable lyric continues to pay dividends with last week’s announcement that he would be among the writers who have been selected for the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.
“It’s very special. There’s some very talented people going in, and I’m just thrilled and honored that to be among them,” he says of the 2018 class, which also includes fellow Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson, Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor P/K/A “Kool & The Gang,” Steve Dorff, Jermaine Dupri, John Mellencamp and Allee Willis. “It’s quite an honor, and I feel very humbled and blessed by it all.”
Anderson says that seeing his name among the previous honorees is a feeling that he still can’t process. “It’s an honor for someone like me who is basically writing three chords and the truth most of his life, to think that my name will be included along such names as Irving Berlin and Bob Dylan… It’s made me stop and think back over the years to all the people who have helped me along the way — going back to the man who published my first songs, to all the artists who have recorded them down through the years. I owe a lot to a whole lot of people.”
In a career that has seen many of the biggest stars in Nashville recording his material – ranging from Ray Price and Connie Smith to George Strait and Kenny Chesney — “Whisperin’ Bill” has also had his lyrics covered by some of the top artists outside of the genre. What are a few that stand out?
“Aretha Franklin recorded a song that Buddy Killen and I wrote called ‘I May Never Get to Heaven,’ and she did it in her own style, which was thrilling,” Anderson recalls. “Anytime that someone from outside of country cut one of my songs, such as Dean Martin or Debbie Reynolds, it was a great feeling. But, if I had to narrow it down to one, it would be James Brown’s version of ‘Still,’ which he did somewhere back in the 1980s. It was the most unusual recording of a Bill Anderson song. The fact that James Brown — an artist who transcended all the musical formats — spent about seven minutes of his life recording ‘Still’ is a unique feeling.”
Anderson’s songwriting career received a boost in 1995 with the Vince Gill co-write “Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” which ushered in a new era of his composing career. “I think that hanging around with these young writers and artists has kept me fresh,” he offers of his continued relevance. “They keep me posted on what’s going on. Ii might come up with a line in a co-writing session with a kid, and he’ll say ‘Hey, Grandpa. That’s from yesterday. We don’t say that today.’ That kind of keeps me on my toes. It also enables me to work with them, and maybe teach them a thing or two. But, I think that staying with the Brad Paisleys, the Vince Gills, the Chris Jansons, and the Charlie Worshams have kept my writing fresh.”
And, at age 80, Anderson isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “I’ve got more things happening in 2018 than I’ve had in a long time. I’ve got a new song and video that should pop out in a few weeks. I’ve got an acoustic album that is very different than any album I’ve done. It’s got twenty songs, with ten being vocal and ten being instrumental. I’m also working on another album that should be out by the middle of the year, so I’m trying not to let any grass grow under my feet.”
There hasn’t been much opportunity for grass to grow under his feet since that first Price hit — which he wrote on the roof of a hotel in Commerce, GA, where he was working as a radio personality. Through the years, Anderson has had success as a writer, an artist, an author and even as a game-show host and actor. What would he tell that 19-year old who was eager to put his lyrics down on paper, if he could give him a message from the future?
“I’d tell him to get a good seatbelt and hang on for the ride. It’s been a heck of the journey. I was thinking the other day about how it’s a long way from the roof of the Hotel Andrew Jackson in Commerce, Georgia to the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in New York, but it’s been a wonderful journey, and a wonderful trip. I would tell that kid to hang on – and enjoy it. Don’t let the business drag you down. Enjoy it and have a good time and realize that he’s been very blessed.”
https://www.billboard.com/biz/article... By Chuck Dauphin | February 15, 2018 12:02 PM EST
February 6, 2018
Latest Photos
It was all smiles at the Grand Ole Opry recently when I got together with (L. to R.) Jamie Dailey, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, and Darren Vincent. I had better looking singers surrounding me on the cruise, though, as you can from this picture with Leona Williams and Rhonda Vincent. In the last picture, I’m trying to decide if Jan Howard and I sat in the wrong chairs or if the person who made the signs couldn’t tell which one of us was whom!! Regardless, it made me smile when I saw it.
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