Bill Anderson's Blog, page 42

January 23, 2017

Hi Gang:

I haven’t posted anything on our Bill’s Journal page for quite some time, and some of you have begun asking why. It’s simply been a matter of time. By the time I write a fan club newsletter each month, do my Ask Bill column, and try to stay responsive to your personal messages, there’s not a lot of time left over.

I’ll try and remedy that today by sharing with you a few random things that are on my frazzled mind.

Nobody asked me but:

Pete Fisher is leaving the Grand Ole Opry a better place than he found it. Our general manager for the past eighteen years, Pete has decided to accept the CEO position with the Academy of Country Music and relocate himself and his family to California.

Pete took over the Opry at a very difficult time in its history. We were about to move into a new century, music and the way music is distributed was about to change dramatically, and Pete’s charge was to keep the Opry true to its roots while, at the same time, move it into the 21st century.

We laughed together in his office a few days ago when I reminded him of all the times I’d pass him in the hallways backstage and say, “I wouldn’t have your job!” He would always smile and assure me there were days when he wasn’t so sure he wanted it himself.

I didn’t always agree with every decision he made, but Pete always treated me fair. I told him in our meeting that when someone once asked my dad how he wanted to be remembered, my dad replied, “I hope they will say I was fair.” Based on that, I told him I couldn’t pay him a higher compliment than to call him “fair.”

Thanks, Pete. Good luck and Godspeed in your new position.

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Now that the contentious election and protest-filled presidential inauguration are behind us, I can only say Bobby Bare was ahead of his time in 1969 when he co-wrote and recorded the prayerful, “God Bless America Again.”  Maybe we all need to take it out and listen to it again.

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I’ve always been a hometown guy when it comes to rooting for my favorite sports teams. My first choice for the Super Bowl, naturally, would have been the Tennessee Titans, but when they came up a game short of getting into the playoffs, my next choice fell to the Atlanta Falcons. The town where I grew up has only had one championship sports team in all its history, the 1995 Atlanta Braves. To all my friends in New England, I’m sorry, but you’ve had your share. Let us have the Super Bowl this year. Thank you.

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From the mailbag:

A letter signed, “From one of your fans…Bob and Carol.”

Which reminds me of another letter I once received in which a man told me, “My favorite country singer is Merle Haggard and George Jones.”

Funny, but I always thought those were two separate people.

Take care, keep smiling, and stay warm….

January 4, 2017

Hi Folks:

And welcome to our first fan club newsletter of 2017.

I trust that each of you had a wonderfully Merry Christmas and that you’re ready to rock ‘n roll (in a country kind of way, of course) your way into a brand new year.

Thanks SO much for all the beautiful Christmas cards and greetings that you sent my way again this year. I read every single one of them (as I always do) and appreciated hearing from old friends and new friends alike.

I had a great Christmas with my family. On Christmas Eve night, I went to church with my son Jamey and his family, then over to their house for food, gifts, and entertainment. An extremely talented magician named Kevin King came over and, knowing my grandson Gabe’s interest in magic, proceeded to entertain us with comedy and magic for over an hour. I nearly broke my wrist trying to write down  his jokes! Not to steal them, of course, but maybe to “borrow” one or two!

Christmas Day I went to my daughter, Jenni’s, house for more food, gifts, and fun. All her kids were there, plus my daughter, Terri, and her husband Grant. The preacher had said the night before that a survey shows “family” is the #1 thing people associate with Christmas, and getting to be with mine is always my greatest joy of the season.

So what’s on the horizon for 2017? It will be hard to match the excitement of 2016 with the release of my new book and audio book, but I’ll bet we find some fun things to do. I’ll start by going on the Country’s Family Reunion cruise in late January, having a new song released with Brad Paisley in early March, then recording a new Family Reunion TV show March 22nd. Mixed in will be some tour dates that will take us from Florida to California and out into western Canada. I’ll look forward to seeing lots of you along the way.

And speaking of Canada, a movie production company from there has contacted us about using an old song of mine called “Bad Seed” in an upcoming theatrical release. Some of you may remember Jan Howard’s hit of that song in 1968. Not sure just how the song will fit into a movie, but I’ll keep you posted.

Our Opry dates in January will be limited to the first weekend of the month as I will be having a small medical procedure performed on January 11th and will need some recuperation time afterward. We return from the Ryman to the Grand Ole Opry House in February.

I hope you enjoyed the Happy New Year cartoon that Jerry Dowling drew for us to kick off 2017. His work always amazes me, and he continues to come up with new things to share. Thanks, Jerry.

Stay warm these next few weeks, and a very happy and blessed New Year’s wish to you all. Or as comedian Jackie Mason once said, “May this next year be even better than last year should have been.”

Ask Bill – January 4

1) Do you have a favorite Christmas song? Mine is “Oh Holy Night.”

That’s sure a pretty one. I’m reminded all over again every Christmas just how many great Christmas songs have been written and sung over the years. I guess my all-time favorite is probably “Silent Night,” especially sung at church on Christmas Eve with everybody in the congregation lifting up a lighted candle. Of the non-sacred Christmas songs, I get teary-eyed every time I hear Amy Grant’s “Tender Tennessee Christmas.” I’ve never had to spend Christmas away from home, but I can only imagine how hard it would be to be away and for that song to come on the radio. I’ve been lucky enough to spend over fifty tender Tennessee Christmasses, and there’s nothing like them.

2) I love Mo Pitney’s record, “Country,” and I would like to know if Jan Howard was the inspiration behind the last verse. The first time I heard it I thought of her.

And I thought of her when we were writing it, but, no, she was not the inspiration behind it. You are referring to the patriotic verse toward the end of the song, I’m sure, where the mother is touching her son’s name on the tombstone. He was a “soldier who never came home.” Jan has certainly walked in those shoes, but the song was written for ALL the mothers who have unfortunately had to live those lines. And all of us who love our “country.”

3) Didn’t Debbie Reynolds once record a song you wrote? Did you ever meet her? I was shocked by her sudden passing.

As unlikely as it sounds, Debbie Reynolds recorded a pop version of “City Lights” in the late fifties, and it actually made the pop charts. I was a big fan of hers, but never had the opportunity to meet her. A few years ago, a mutual friend sent me an 8×10 picture of her with the inscription, “To Bill – Thank you so much for ‘City Lights’ – Debbie Reynolds.” It’s been hanging on my office wall ever since I received it. I was as shocked as you by her sudden death. 

We could use a new supply of questions for the New Year, so send us any that you might have. Our address is askbill@billanderson.com. We’ll get to them as quickly as we can. Thanks and stay curious.

Latest Photos

December 5, 2016

Hi Folks:

Can you believe it’s December? It sure doesn’t feel like it weather-wise, does it?

I was prepared to really get into the Christmas spirit on my recent visit to New York, but warm, rainy weather just doesn’t make me want to sing Jingle Bells!

I had a great trip, though, and appreciate all the feedback from you in regard to the interviews we did up there. A lot more people knew about my book when I left than did when I got there.

Before the New York trip, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family. They all came to my house again this year, and we stuffed ourselves as usual. We threw footballs in the yard, shot pool in the game room, watched ball games on the big  screen projection TV, and just visited. My kids and grandkids are SO special to me, and we had SO much to be thankful for again this year.

Two days before Thanksgiving, Brad Paisley called me from California and asked if I would go into the recording studio and do a small talking part on the new song he and I wrote for his upcoming album. He had already done his vocal, and said he kept picturing how it would sound with my voice on it along with his. I don’t know much more than that, but I did it, and hope he liked what he heard when he listened. As things continue to move forward I’ll keep you posted. His record is scheduled for release in February.

I’ve also had recent recordings of my songs by Sammy Kershaw and bluegrass mainstay, Larry Stephenson. Plus, Willie Nelson recorded “City Lights” on his tribute album to Ray Price.

I won’t be going on the road again in 2016….in fact I plan to stay close to Nashville until we leave on the Family Reunion Cruise the end of January. I’ll be on the Opry December 3rd, 10th, 16th, 17th, and on January 6th and 7th of 2017. In mid-January, I’ve scheduled a minor medical procedure related to the removal of what the doctor calls some “pre-cancerous lesions” on my face. It’s nothing serious, but it may keep me off the stage and off television until after the cruise.

Oh, I’ve just learned that the Country’s Family Reunion tribute show to my 50th Anniversary in the music business,  hosted by Vince Gill and recorded several years ago, will air again on December 30th on RFD-TV. If you missed it the first time around, here’s your chance to catch it.

My Christmas plans are to stay close to home with family and friends, relax, do a lot of kicking back, and nothing of a fancy nature at all. I hope whatever your plans are that you’ll get to spend your time with the folks you love the most. And may we all remember the True Reason for the season.

God bless….Merry Christmas…and Happy New Year. Thanks for all that you continue to mean to me…every day and every season of every year.

ASK BILL – DECEMBER 5

1) I’ve seen you many times on Larry’s Country Diner, and I was wondering if you could tell me the status of construction on the Diner itself. I’ve heard that construction has been halted. Is this true? Has there been a problem with Larry’s health?

Construction on the Diner has been halted, but Larry tells me that the delays are not related to his health whatsoever. He’s feeling fine. Once ground was broken on the Diner, there were some unforeseen site preparation expenses totaling almost a million dollars, and the project is on hold until Larry can secure some additional financing. Meanwhile, the television show continues, and Larry hopes to have some good news shortly.

2) I have noticed quite a few commercials lately that are using country legends in their ads…Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison to name just a few. My question is do the companies using the songs need to get permission from the person or person’s estate to use the song? Do they get royalties?

The short answer to both your questions is sort of “yes.” If the artist whose music is being used is still alive, it’s simply a matter of a contract being negotiated between the sponsor and the artist. Such a contract would usually be a “buy out” in which the artist is paid a flat fee for his or her services as opposed to their being paid on a royalty basis. If the artist is deceased, the negotiations would be between the sponsor and whoever controls the artist’s estate. If, however, the artist is also the writer of the song being used, then writers’ fees or royalties might be built into the deal as well. If there is a separate songwriter/publisher involved, then that would require additional negotiations and contracts. In some cases, performance royalties might also become part of the equation. Simple, isn’t it?

3) I know you’ve been just about everywhere doing shows, but is there any place you haven’t put on a show that you would like to? A particular theater, town/city, country, or event? Thanks for the many years of enjoyment you have given me.

Thank YOU! I admitted in a recent column that I don’t have a bucket list, and that would include my not having a wish-list of places I would like to perform as well. When you’ve performed, as I have, at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden in New York, in England at both the London Palladium and Royal Albert Hall, at Massey Hall in Toronto, Symphony Hall in Boston, the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville, the list shrinks significantly. Just give me a nice venue, good sound, good lighting, and fans who come to be entertained, and I don’t care where I perform. I’ll have a good time being there.

I’m always interested in knowing what’s on your mind, so send your questions to me at askbill@billanderson.com or at P.O. Box 888, Hermitage, TN. 37076. See you back here with more of your questions in the New Year.

Latest Photos

“My recent book promotion visit to New York included some special moments as you can see from these pictures. I got to visit with the crew on the popular Fox & Friends TV show, sit in with singer/songwriter, Steve Earle, on his Sirius-XM radio program, and meet college football icon and Christian author, Tim Tebow. I think they call trips like mine ‘taking a bite out of the Big Apple’.” All I know is that I enjoyed it.”

 

Interview with Bill on Hear Hear Music

INTERVIEW: “Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson

Much like when I sat down years ago in Nashville to ask Dolly Parton a single question during a group press interview, I’ll admit to some trepidation upon sitting down to a phone interview early this fall with legendary songwriter “Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson. A member of the Grand Ole Opry and BMI’s first-ever “Country Songwriting…

Something to be Thankful For

November 7, 2016

Hi Folks:

Sorry to be a bit late with our November newsletter, but things have been happening so fast and furious that I haven’t had time to slow down and write to you. Even now I’m wondering where to start.

I guess I should begin by thanking you for all the cards, letters, e-mails, Facebook posts, and text messages you sent wishing me a Happy Birthday on Nov. 1st. It’s so special that so many of you continue to remember me year after year….”another Bill that came on the first of the month,” as my mom used to say.

I had a super day. My daughters, Terri and Jenni, took me to lunch, and I got to take my son, Jamey, with me to the BMI Songwriter Awards dinner that night. Even though I wasn’t up for an award, what a fun night we had. Jamey had never been to a BMI Dinner, and I think he really enjoyed it. He walked along beside me down the red carpet, met a lot of my friends and fellow artists, and marveled at the tribute show to Kenny Chesney. We definitely made a few lasting memories that evening.

I spent most of the next day downtown at the Bridgestone Arena rehearsing, hanging out, walking another red carpet, and enjoying myself at the CMA Awards. Why I had to rehearse my big line, “CARRIE UNDERWOOD!”, I’ll never know, but, judging from your response, lots of you must have seen it. I’m glad you didn’t blink!

Brad Paisley told me while I was there that a new song he and I wrote together is definitely going to be part of his upcoming CD in February. I can’t tell you much about it yet, but I have high hopes for it. I’ll tell you more as the time approaches.

This month is going to be full of highlights for me. On Wednesday the 16th I’ll be sitting in with my buddy, Eddie Stubbs, on his WSM radio show, where he’ll be talking with me about my book, my audiobook, and the bonus CD of new music inside the audiobook. I love spending time with Eddie, and I hope lots of you will be tuned in that night. On Nov. 27th I’ll be flying to New York for several days of book promotion, including an appearance on the morning of the 28th on Fox & Friends, the popular talk show on the Fox News Network.

Road dates in November include Richmond, Virginia on the 12th and Marion, Virginia, on the 13th. We’ll be on the Opry at the Ryman Nov. 18th and 19th, and taking part in a Jean Shepard Tribute Show at the Nashville Palace on the 20th.

From the personal corner of my world, I want to brag on Jamey and share with you that he has been hired to be a pilot for Delta Air Lines effective the first of next year. He flew planes with the Delta logo on them several years ago, but he was actually employed by a regional carrier called Atlantic Southeast Airlines. This time he will be working for mainline Delta itself, and it’s the culmination of his lifelong dream. I have been lucky enough to live my dream, and now he’ll be living his. I couldn’t be more excited for him or prouder of him.

I guess that’s about it for now…I’m running out of space and time. Thanks for everything, Happy Thanksgiving, and we’ll see you back here in December.