Bill Anderson's Blog, page 9
March 1, 2024
Ask Bill – March 1, 2024
1) On Country’s Family Reunion were the guests told where to sit or did they just sit wherever they chose?
The producers told most of the guests where to sit. They wanted certain artists to be close to other artists because they knew they would interact well together…or perhaps they might want them to do a song together. From the very beginning, Larry Black envisioned me sitting next to Jeannie Seely because he felt our senses of humor would mesh, which they did, and that the two of us each had a deep knowledge of country music that we could share. And, of course, Gene Watson and Moe Bandy had to be close so they could hurl their insults back and forth at one another. Those were some fun times indeed.
2) I remember years ago going to the Opry and the performers were dressed in colorful western wear or country clothes. Today very few performers dress that way. In fact, we have gone to the Opry and been totally embarrassed. I called the Opry to voice my opinion, and their comment was, “We have no dress code and leave that up to the performers.” You always dress appropriately, and I wonder what your thoughts are about this.
When I first came into country music, I was taught by my heroes 1) to dress in a way that shows respect for the audience members who paid to come see you and 2) to wear something different from the guy sitting in the front row. I think we all have to dress in the manner that is comfortable for us. I’ve worn many types and styles of stage clothes over the years…some I am prouder of than others. I would never try to tell another performer what he or she should or shouldn’t wear on stage. I wear what I feel is appropriate for Bill Anderson and leave it at that.
3) Who decides who goes into the Country Music Hall of Fame?
It would take more time and space than I have here to go into all the details, but the basic answer is that a person’s peers and fellow artists generate the names that appear on the ballot. The winners are then chosen by the voting members of the Country Music Association.
4) Tell us again the story behind your getting back your lost Grammer guitar.
The short version is that the guitar had been missing for over 50-years when it turned up in a pawn shop in Phoenix, Arizona. The owner of the shop called my office and asked if I’d like to have it back. He and his wife flew to Nashville and presented it to me onstage at the Grand Ole Opry. It was one of the most special and touching moments of my life.
Our Question Of The Month comes from Arch in Ohio who asks: I heard Willie Nelson say that Patsy Cline’s recording of “Crazy” was his all-time favorite cover of any of his songs. Do you have a favorite cover of one of the songs you have written?
No, I don’t. How do you compare Ray Price’s version of “City Lights” with James Brown’s version of “Still?” Or Connie Smith’s “Once A Day” with Aretha Franklin’s, “I May Never Get To Heaven?” You can’t compare apples and oranges. Plus, I’ve said many times in these pages that I find it hard to have “favorite” anything’s. That holds true in the case of my having a favorite cover of a song I have written. I try to find something good in every recording that’s made of a song of mine…and be grateful to any artist who would stake part of his or her career on something that I helped to create.
Quickies: Are you planning on coming to Texas anytime soon? Nashville is so far away, and I would love to hear you sing. Thank you. If I were to be going anywhere to perform, I would love for it to be in Texas, but right now I’m staying close to home and only performing at the Opry. If that ever changes, our fan club members will be the first to know. I am from Canada, and one of my favorite Bill Anderson songs is, “Your Eyes Don’t Lie To Me.” Did you write it, and who is the girl singer who appeared in the video with you? No, I didn’t write the song. It was written by a great Canadian writer named Terry Carrise, and was originally recorded by a Canadian group called The Mercy Brothers. The girl in my video was Dona Cooper. Have you ever gone to a Super Bowl game? Yes, I’ve been to two, both in Miami. I saw the Cowboys lose to the Colts when they were the Baltimore Colts and I also saw the Cowboys lose to the Steelers. Dallas fans don’t want me going to any more Super Bowls! Would you please ask the engineers at the Opry to turn the sound down on the music. We can’t hear the singers the music is so loud. I told them, but they couldn’t hear me. The music was too loud!
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Thanks for another good batch of questions this month. Just wish we had room for all of them. We’ll be open for business again next month, so stay curious and let me know what you’re curious about. Give us our Question Of The Month and you’ll win any item of your choosing from our online store absolutely free. You can always contact me at askbill@billanderson.com. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
March 1, 2024
Hi Gang:
And welcome to our fan club newsletter for March….the month that starts in winter and ends in spring….giving us all something positive to look forward to!
I’ve been looking forward to this date myself because, aside from the weather, we’re finally getting to show the world our lyric video for the song I recorded with Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Bobby Bare, and Jimmy Fortune, “The Country I Grew Up With.”
As you might imagine, getting the five of us together at the same time for a “live” video would have been virtually impossible, so our team felt that a lyric video showcasing the words and portraying the many varied scenes we sing about in the song would be the next best thing. You can dial it up and watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN519wXlTu4,or at www.billanderson.com, or from almost any source where you view and download your videos. I’m pretty proud of it. Let me know how you like it.
The recording of this song was first released shortly before Christmas, and the record company felt like it may have “gotten lost” amidst the holiday music and other festivities, so they decided to carve out a “re-launch” this month. With the video release and a new push at radio, we’re all hoping
the song will reach some ears now that may have missed out on hearing it late last year. The message of the song rings just as true now…if not more so…than ever.
Jimmy Fortune and I are going to perform the song live on the Grand Ole Opry Friday night March 8th. I hope lots of you will be listening. Our other Opry dates this month are March 12th, 16th, and 19th.
And speaking of the Opry, I mentioned in last month’s newsletter about the big doin’s March 16th when we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Opry House opening on that very date back in 1974. I told you that Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely, and I will be honored that night as the only three Opry cast members who were on the opening show who will also be on this special anniversary performance. What I didn’t know at that time was that the Opry plans to honor us with a fancy, sit-down dinner backstage prior to the curtain going up. The entire evening will be filled with music, memories, fun, and surprises. I’m really looking forward to it.
In addition to all the above, I have a couple of personal notes you might be interested in:
February 11th marked 33-years that James Freeze has been the bass player in my Po’ Folks Band. Prior to joining us, James had worked primarily in the field of southern gospel music, starting as a drummer when he was only 10-years old. He was out touring with some of the biggest artists in that field by the time he was 12. Musicians are not generally known for staying in the same job for anything close to 33-years, so this is quite a milestone. (Check out the picture of us onstage in our photo section). Thanks, James, for all you have meant to me and to this job and to our fans for all these years. Let’s shoot for 33-more!!
And my 15-year old granddaughter, Hallie, has signed up to participate in a songwriter’s camp this summer at the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has resumed guitar lessons, and is showing a lot of interest in not only being a big country music fan but in contributing to the music as well. Stay tuned.
And one final footnote: I am planning a trip to Chicago the latter part of this month to see my oldest granddaughter, Rae, play a large role in the Tony Award winning show, “The Band’s Visit.” She acts, sings, dances, and plays violin in the production. I’ll be the proudest PawPaw in the audience I can assure you.
Have a great rest of the month, enjoy the sunshine that is hopefully on its way, and I’ll plan to see you back here in April. Thanks for everything….
BILL ANDERSON RELEASES SENTIMENTAL LYRIC VIDEO FOR “THE COUNTRY I GREW UP WITH” (SONG FEATURING BOBBY BARE, JIMMY FORTUNE, VINCE GILL, WILLIE NELSON)
Entertainment titan and Country Music Hall of Famer, Bill Anderson, releases the sentimental lyric video for “The Country I Grew Up With,” available everywhere today. Anderson enlisted four fellow Hall of Famers – Bobby Bare, Jimmy Fortune, Vince Gill, and Willie Nelson – for the new collaboration, which was released in 2023 via MCA Nashville/UMe.
To watch the music video for”The Country I Grew Up With,”
The track, which”tells the story of the sights, smells, and sounds of country music from yesteryear (American Songwriter)” and conveys “a simple plea for love and understanding that is truly lovely (Holler)” was co-written by Anderson, Bobby Tomberlin, and Lance Miller. “The Country I Grew Up With” was produced by Anderson and Thomas Jutz and features a stellar lineup of musicians, including John Gardner (drums), Thomm Jutz (guitars), James Gordon Freeze (bass), Dirk Johnson (piano) Tammy Rogers (fiddle) and Scotty Sanders (pedal steel guitar).
In 2023, Anderson presented the award for Song of the Year with ACM award-winning hitmaker, Sara Evans, during the 57th Annual CMA Awards. Anderson was also celebrated last year for his indelible 62 years as the longest-serving member in Grand Ole Opry history.
Additionally, Anderson will be honored with the 2024 Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame. Anderson was inducted by the organization in 1994, and will be the first Lifetime Achievement Award honoree when the event is held on April 25, 2024.
February 6, 2024
February 6, 2024
I never got the chance to know Toby as well as I would have liked to, but I always enjoyed his company and certainly admired his talent. I wish I could have written a song or two with him…he was a great writer as well as a performer. This picture was taken in the hallway backstage at the Grand Ole Opry when he made one of his rare appearances there. He gave us a lot of good music and left us with a lot of good memories. May he rest in peace.
February 1, 2024
Latest Photos
Seeing this picture of me relaxing in my dressing room at the Opry makes me want to go back “home” more than ever. Fortunately, I’m scheduled there three times this month…February 3rd, 17th, and 24th.
There’s no stage like the Opry stage, and I’ve been lucky enough to stand on it for over 62-years now. This must have been a summertime performance judging from the outfit I have on.
Memories are a big part of the Opry, and I have so many great ones. This was a fun night laughing with fellow members Johnny Russell and the incomparable Dottie West. Just guessing, but I’d say this was probably from somewhere in the 70’s. I love a good trip down Memory Lane.
February 1, 2024
Once the snow and ice melted and I could finally get out of my neighborhood, I drove down to the Country Music Hall of Fame and began making plans for retrieving the memorabilia that I loaned to them when my exhibit went up back in 2021. While they will be bringing some of my more special and personal things back to my house and my office, I’m thrilled to tell you that I will be part of a permanent exhibit called “Sing Me Back Home,” and several of my items will remain at the Hall and on display there. We’re in the process of deciding which specific ones.
I also learned that the souvenir book from my exhibit has sold completely out, but that the Hall is having some more copies printed and it will continue to be available for awhile longer. They tell me this has never happened before so that’s very cool.
I had hoped to have some updated information for you on the release of the lyric video to our song “The Country I Grew Up With” by now, but it’s been a rough few weeks. First came the holidays, and then our terrible weather which kept many of the music offices closed. Unfortunately, I really don’t know anything new, but as soon as I do I’ll pass it along.
It’s still a few weeks away, but you might keep your eyes on the Opry website regarding a special Opry night on Saturday March 16th. The Opry House will be celebrating its 50th year as home to “The Show That Made Country Music Famous,” and some of you might want to come celebrate with us. There will be two shows that night, 7 p.m. and 9:30. Somewhere along the way, the Opry is planning to honor Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, and me as the only three artists who appeared on Opening Night back in 1974 and who are on the 50th Anniversary show as well. Jeannie is having a replica made of the bare midriff outfit she wore on stage that night, and she asked me if I still have the suit that I wore. I told her it didn’t make any difference….I couldn’t get in it even if I did!! It should be a fun and very special night. Happy Groundhog Day tomorrow, Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers out there, and enjoy our extra Leap Year Day on February 29th. I’ll look forward to visiting with you back here again in March. Thanks for everything….
Ask Bill – February 1, 2024
1) When you think of your very best friends are they ones from the music business or those outside the business?
I feel very blessed to have good friends both inside and outside of the music business. I would say that the majority of my “very best” friends, though, are from inside the business. Outside of music, most of my closest friends either have (or have had) careers in sports or some other form of entertainment. I have quite a few good friends in radio and had quite a few in the TV world when I was appearing on game shows and soap operas back in the day. Sadly, most of those have passed away.
2) I am a huge fan of yours but also of the Williams family. I know Hank Sr. was one of your heroes and one of mine, but my favorite Williams is Hank Jr. I’ve heard you say you worked with him back in the old days. My question: Do you have a friendship with Hank Jr. or any of the Williams family members outside the music business?
I did work a lot with Hank Jr. in his early career days, but not very much in recent years. I’ve worked some road dates and several Opry spots alongside his daughter, Holly, and written with his son, Sam, but I’ve never had what you would call a close relationship outside of the music business with any of the Williams family. Unless you count the time I sold Hank Jr.’s mother, Audrey, my tour bus. But that’s another story for another time.
3) I have a copy of Daniel O’Donnell’s new CD where he sings your song, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.” My question is did he need to receive permission to record the song and have to pay royalties to you and the other writers of the song? Have you ever had the opportunity to meet him?
Daniel himself did not have to ask permission to record the song, but his record company had to obtain a license from my publishing company and the other publishers involved. That license specifies that the record company has the right to release the song and will, in turn, pay us royalties based on the sales of Daniel’s record. Yes, I have met him and he’s a very nice guy. I appreciate very much his having sung quite a few of my songs over the years.
4) Our Question Of The Month comes from Charles in Florida who asks: “While I am sure the selectiveness of the Country Music Hall of Fame increases the honor of receiving the induction, I’ve heard many folks say they believe there is quite the backlog of worthy candidates to be inducted. As someone who was inducted in the year of the largest Hall class ever, do you think another larger class is warranted?”
That’s a great question, and I can assure you the topic has been discussed and debated countless times within the walls of that great institution. And everybody seems to have their own viewpoint. I agree that the backlog of worthy candidates is large and something needs to be done about it, especially for the pioneers of our format from back in the 30’s and 40’s. Today’s young country community has no idea who Lulu Belle & Scotty were. Nor Molly O’Day, the Blue Sky Boys, the Maddox Brothers & Rose, or the Bailes Brothers, or other deserving acts from long ago. Therefore, they are never going to vote for their induction. My suggestion has always been that our Hall follow in the tradition of the Baseball HOF and establish an Old Timers or Veteran’s category to honor those of our founding fathers and mothers who might otherwise never be properly recognized for their early contributions. There is probably no perfect solution, but I think establishing something like this would be a great first step.
Quickies: I love your “Peel Me A Nanner” song. Did anyone ever record it besides Roy Drusky? Not that I know of. I’ve always said I was going to cut it, but for some reason I never have. Guess I’d better get with it! I’ve been to the Opry twice…once at the Ryman and once at the Opry House. Which one do you like to perform in best? The onstage experience at the Ryman is like no other, but for convenience and creature comforts offstage, the Opry House ranks higher. (You think I should have been a politician?) I know you knew Jim Reeves. Do you have any funny stories related to him that you could share? I knew Jim quite well. He recorded several of my songs during his lifetime and I toured with him on many occasions. I never associated the word “funny” with him, though. He was pretty serious both onstage and off. He earned his nickname, “Gentleman Jim.” Do you still visit Falls Creek Falls state park in Tennessee? I met you there in the early eighties at the golf course. That’s a beautiful spot, but I haven’t been there in years. Thanks for the reminder. I don’t try to play golf anymore, but I need to put another visit on my bucket list. The scenery alone is worth the trip.
Thanks for all your questions this month, and please keep ’em coming. You can always write to me at askbill@billanderson.com and I’ll try my best to satisfy your curiosity. If you submit our Question of The Month, you’ll receive any item of merchandise you select from our online store absolutely free of charge. See you back here in March.
January 15, 2024
Januar 15, 2024
Hey Gang:
And Brrrrr….!!
I hope if it’s as chilly where you are today as it is in Whisperville that you’re taking all the precautions you can to stay warm and safe.
We’ve got at least 5-inches of beautiful white snow all over the trees, the rooftops, and the ground, and it’s so quiet you can almost hear the flakes continuing to fall. But when you live at the bottom of a hill in both directions, there’s not much you can do but sit by the fire and stare…and hope a snow plow finds it way to your neighborhood before Spring!
I’m doing fine, though, and appreciate all your messages of concern. As long as the power stays on and the food holds out I’ll be all right.
Love to all…..
Bill
January 3, 2024
Latest Photos
Our first picture this month shows me the morning I visited Coffee, Country, & Cody on WSM Radio back in November when my recording of “The Country I Grew Up With” was first released. I wasn’t smiling when someone snapped this picture, but I was grinning ear to ear a few minutes later when Bill Cody announced my song as his show’s Pick Hit Of The Week! Bill has been a special friend for a lot of years, and I’ll always appreciate his many kindnesses to me! The second picture was taken on the Grand Ole Opry stage in early December when my friend and Atlanta Braves manager, Brian Snitker, and his wife, Ronnie, visited our show for the first time. I wasn’t able to perform that night, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity to show Snit and Ronnie around. Buddy Cannon and his wife, Billie, joined us as well. And in keeping with the New Year spirit of “should old acquaintance be forgot”, someone sent me this old picture of me and Roy Acuff, taken back in the sixties. This was long before Mr. Roy and I really got to know each other by way of our recording of “I Wonder If God Likes Country Music.” The suit I’m wearing was the first rhinestone suit I ever owned, and was among those included in my recent exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Ask Bill – January 3, 2024
1) I am absolutely crazy for the new single, “The Country I Grew Up With.” Since this is a digital download only, there are no credits listed. Could you please give the credits in your newsletter?
I’ll try…and hope I don’t leave anybody out. The songwriters are myself, Bobby Tomberlin, and Lance Miller. The record was co-produced by myself and Thomm Jutz, who also played both lead and acoustical guitar. The great steel guitar work was provided by Scotty Sanders. James Freeze played bass, Dirk Johnson played piano, John Gardner played drums, and Tammy Rodgers played fiddle. Thomm Jutz mixed the record and it was mastered by Ed Seay. Vocals, of course, belong to Willie Nelson, Bobby Bare, Vince Gill, Jimmy Fortune and myself. I’m glad you like it.
2) For many years I had the pleasure of seeing some of the greatest acts in country music when Ed Gregory brought Grand Ole Opry Night to the South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach. One year I counted 27 artists on the show which was MC’d by you, Jim Ed Brown, and Little Jimmy Dickens. These were mind-blowing events. Was this an annual event that held special memories for all of the performers as well as the fans?
The late Ed Gregory put together some of the biggest and best country music shows that I’ve ever been a part of….not only at the South Florida Fair but at the Florida State Fair in Tampa and the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix among others. These shows brought us together in warm weather climates in the wintertime, and we all loved them. Artists like Bobby Bare and Little Jim would turn the trips into combination work & play vacations with fishing trips booked in between the concerts. Yes…those events created some very special memories for everyone involved.
3) Do you ever make a New Year’s resolution concerning your music?
No. In fact, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions at all.That way I don’t have to worry about keeping them or breaking them.
4) Our Question Of The Month comes from someone who did not sign their name or give their address, so I don’t know whom to credit. I tried reaching out to the e-mail address from which it came, but I received no reply. If the person who submitted this question would like to claim their free merchandise, please contact me. The question is: “Do you miss the 70’s tour life?”
Once the “tour life” has been as big a part of someone’s life as it was mine (and not just in the 70’s but over parts of eight decades), it’s very hard to close the door on it and pretend you don’t miss it. At the same time, there’s a difference between missing it and wanting to go back to it. I miss the fans, I miss performing the music on stage, I miss the camaraderie with the band and the other artists, and heck there are times I even miss the motels, the truck stops, the greasy food, and the tour bus rolling through the night. But do I want to return to it? No, I can honestly say I don’t. I was blessed to have traveled all those thousands of miles without having had a serious accident, and I don’t relish the thought of tempting fate any further. I’ve stood on the biggest stages, smiled into the lenses of cameras transporting my picture and my voice into millions of locations around the world, and I’ve seen this great land of ours from sea to shining sea. And as wonderful as it was, none of it compares to hugging my kids and grandkids at bedtime, sitting down to a home cooked meal with the people I love, and sleeping in my own bed every night. I’m thankful for what was, but I’m even more thankful for what is….and for the fact that I’m still healthy enough to enjoy it.
Quickies: How is Les Singer’s health and is he still working? No, Les who began playing guitar in my band in 1981, retired a few years ago due to his ongoing health concerns. I think his health has improved somewhat, but he no longer plays or performs. Have you ever been to Australia on tour? Yes and no. I’ve never performed for the Australian public, but I once spent a week on board a cruise ship that docked in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. What a beautiful country, and the people I met were so friendly, kind, and gracious. I’d love to go back. I saw an old episode of “Columbo” recently where the guest was Forest Tucker. Columbo went to his house, and went through his record albums. Two of your albums were on top of the pile. Did you ever see that episode and what did you think? No, I never saw it but I’d love to. If anyone knows how I might access it please let me know. How much coffee do you drink on an average day? I don’t know because I’ve never had an “average day.”
As always, thanks so much for your questions. Wish we had time and space to get to them all. Please keep them coming here in 2024, remembering if yours is chosen our Question Of The Month you’ll win any item of your choosing from our online store absolutely free. My mailing address is askbill@billanderson.com. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
