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.