March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022    
 Hi Gang: And welcome to our March newsletter.
 Did the month come roaring in like a lion or sneak in gently like a lamb where you live? In Whisperville, it crept in more like a lamb, and after all the rain and unsettling weather we’ve had this winter, it was a most welcome arrival. The sun was shining, and temperatures were ten degrees above normal. If the legend holds true, though, the month will go out like a lion, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, right?
 I had hoped to begin this month’s letter with an update and some specific information regarding the release of my new music, including my duet with Dolly Parton, but a strategy and planning meeting we had scheduled with the record label for February 25th was postponed. Right now that meeting is rescheduled for later this week, but I wanted to go ahead and get our newsletter out before then. Bottom line is that I’m still wondering when things are going to break loose just as much as you are, but we’re working on finding some answers. I am amazed every day at how much slower the music business moves these days than it did when I first came along. You’d think it would be just the opposite with all the technology we have at our disposal now, but it’s not. The good news is that when the music finally comes out and folks get to hear it, nobody will remember the release date. Hopefully, they’ll just listen, like it, smile, and want to listen to it again. A couple of things have had ME smiling lately, including the fact that on February 11th the bass player in my band, James Freeze, celebrated his 31st anniversary as part of our organization. In a business known for its considerable and rapid turnover, 31-years in the same job is virtually unheard of. Thanks, James, for all you’ve added to our group and to our show since back in 1991. And more than that, thanks for all you have added to my life personally. You are truly one of a kind. And, as you’ll see on our picture page this month, I had another good reason to smile back on February 20th. My granddaughter, Caroline, said “yes” when her boyfriend of the past four years, Jacob Hall, got down on his knees (actually!) and asked her to marry him. They haven’t set a date, but Cari is sporting a beautiful diamond ring and a grin that stretches ear to ear. Their engagement came on the exact date of their first date four years ago. Jacob is a fine young man, and I know you join me in wishing them a lifetime of happiness together. (Many of our fans got acquainted with Caroline a few years back when she toured with us and helped man our merchandise tables). Returning to music: I will be on the Grand Ole Opry at least four and possibly five times this month….March 8th, March 12th, March 15th, and for a special songwriters’ salute on March 19th. If the stars all align, we might be appearing Wednesday March 30th as well. I hope you’ll be tuning us in. And speaking of songwriters, I’ll be hosting a special night of the Tin Pan South songwriters festival on Friday night April 1st sponsored by the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. My guests will include my friend and recent Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Buddy Cannon, my Opry buddy, Jeannie Seely, and former Po Folks Band member, Jim “Moose” Brown. It will be a 6 p.m. show at the famous Bluebird Cafe, and chocked full of great country songs and laughter. If any of you are going to be in Nashville that weekend, I hope you’ll plan to come help a bunch of crazy songwriters celebrate April Fool’s!
 It has come to my attention recently that people are once again selling unauthorized Bill Anderson merchandise on the internet (t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc.) and having the audacity to say that the money is going to help my grandson, Gabe, who is battling cancer. Please don’t fall for schemes like this, and above all don’t send these scumbags any money. Warn your friends as well. All of our legitimate merchandise can be found at www.billanderson.com under the SHOP section. If it’s not listed there, it’s not official. Thank you. Before I wrap this up, let me remind you again of our ongoing exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. If you are planning a Nashville visit this year, please save room for us on your schedule. And thanks to all of you who have seen the exhibit so far and sent me such wonderful comments. I’m glad to know you enjoyed it. Thanks for everything, stay well and stay safe, and we’ll see you back here again in April.