November 2, 2021
Hi Gang:
And welcome to our November newsletter. What an exciting time it is in Whisperville!
Before I get to the news at hand, let me thank each and every one of you who reached out…both directly to me and in prayer…when I was going through my surgical procedure last month. I received so many e-mails, texts, posts, cards, letters…you name it. The doctor seems pleased with the results. He has removed my stitches, and I’m walking upright again. Thanks so much for letting me know that you care.
And thanks, too, for all the birthday cards and good wishes you’ve sent my way as well. I celebrated early with my family and three of my grandkids who all had nearby birthdays….Greta, 17, on Oct. 23, Nick, 21, on Oct. 27, and Sophie, 12, on Nov. 5th. We got together outdoors at my son, Jamey’s, house for ice cream, cake, and exchanging presents. It was a fun night making lots of new memories.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s only a little over a month now until the opening of the “Bill Anderson – As Far As I Can See” exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. I continue to learn new things about it and get more excited every day.
For those of you who might be coming in for the Grand Opening on Friday December 3rd, you might be interested in knowing that the following day I will be making two in-person appearances inside the Hall. First, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, I will be part of a Songwriters In The Round show featuring some of my favorite people and co-writers from across the years, including Bobby Tomberlin, Erin Enderlin, and Buddy Cannon.
Then at 2 p.m. that afternoon, Peter Cooper, who co-authored my most recent autobiography with me, will conduct a one-on-one interview with me which will feature lots of stories, laughter, and music. James and Ziggy will be there to pick and grin with me. Hopefully, there will be some meet ‘n greet time built into the schedule as well. Come on down and spend the weekend with us. It’s going to be fun. You can probably find more details at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.
Oh, and I’ve also learned that there will be a souvenir picture-history book released in conjunction with my exhibit. I don’t know much about it yet, but you’ll know when I know. For those who can’t come see the exhibit in person, perhaps the book will give you a taste of what it’s all about.
Our 5,000th consecutive Saturday night Grand Ole Opry show this past weekend was a hoot and played to two packed houses. I hope lots of you got to see and hear it. I got goose bumps opening the show with Roy Acuff’s, “Wabash Cannonball,” the first song that was ever sung on the Opry House stage back in 1974. The spirit of Mr. Roy and so many other Opry pioneers was evident throughout the entire night as we celebrated them and their legacy.
I plan to be back at the Opry November 13th and 27th and in December on the 7th, 18th, and 21st.
Our country music community paused to remember the lives and the music of two greats we lost this past week, bluegrass icon, Sonny Osborne, and west coast music pioneer, Rose Lee Maphis. They both added so much to country music and to the lives of those of us lucky enough to have known them.
On the personal side, I hope you will continue to remember my grandson, Gabe, and his sister, Hallie, this week as they go through an added phase of the bone marrow transplant they shared together earlier this year. I don’t know all the medical terminology, but it’s a serious procedure, particularly for Hallie. Thank you.
Our December newsletter will be a bit late so that we can include pictures and stories from our Hall Of Fame exhibit opening. Meantime, allow me to wish the happiest of Thanksgivings to you and yours. I hope you’ll get to share your blessings this year with those you love the most. I’m continually thankful for you and your continuing support of me and my musical journey. See you back here next month.
Still,
