From the Editor · Summer 2018

Editorially Speaking

Welcome to the Volunteer State and Welcome to Give A Little Nashville.

This magazine is primarily focused on charities and how celebrities give back. Most of the articles will include an inset with the artists’ favorite charities while some articles are all about the charity.

We chose Blake Shelton and his new venue for the cover of this issue because, even though the article does not focus on his charitable contributions, the main reason he wanted to do the first Ole Red was to help boost the economy in his little town in Oklahoma. That doesn’t even scratch the surface as to why Blake is a good fit for a magazine about giving back.

J.T. Harding is our featured songwriter this issue. He definitely has a way with words and has written some of the best songs on the radio in the past couple of decades.

Olivia West and I have been coming up with some great ideas for our charity. Big news in the ‘Give A Little Christmas’ world. We recently received our 501c3 non-profit designation. It’s always going to be Christmas around us.

For new readers, we donate a large portion of our profit to our charity, Give A Little Christmas and to a different charity for every issue. We plan to print quarterly, so we encourage businesses to buy ads so we are able to continue printing. They say print is dead, let’s prove them wrong.

Once you finish this magazine, do not throw it in the trash (that is wasteful), please pass it along to someone else.

Krys Midgett

givealittlenashville@gmail.com

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 4.

Two Cents · Summer 2018

Two Cents

By Krys Midgett

Nashville is Music City and one of the biggest joys of being a songwriter in this beautiful city has to be the camaraderie, the love for music and, well, the parties.

The parties are always a blast and are in abundance, from the Tin Pan South kick-off party, various CD release parties, bonfires and get-togethers everywhere you look, it isn’t necessary to be a ‘starving’ artist in this town, just a well-fed, highly entertained broke songwriter.

Last year, I was invited to a private monthly six-show series at BMI. If you aren’t familiar with BMI, they are located in the large building on Music Row, with the letters B M I on top. Livi and I sometimes co-write in their awesome writers room. It’s an inspiring place. We are totally going to write a Christmas classic there one day. Songwriters register their songs and BMI collects the money if the songwriter has cuts that are played. But that is a story for another day.

The BMI Rooftop On The Row began last year and the rooftop was packed every time I attended. It is like a family reunion every time I go, I run into old friends and make new ones.

Texas Roadhouse provides plenty of amazing food every time. I got to know Tony, the owner of Texas Roadhouse, and he is just one of the sweetest guys. He is usually at his Hendersonville location. Go in and get a steak and tell Tony that I said ‘Hello’.

Another perk of the party would be the Yeti Ramblers, that George Dickel gives out, are full of custom drinks that they create. The first time I went, I couldn’t have any of the custom drinks because my body hates citrus. The George Dickel representative was very accommodating by finding me something that I could drink.

The next time I was there, he remembered and had a custom drink with no citrus. This year, I attended the first party of their second year and, sure enough, George Dickel had a custom drink that I could enjoy and I got there early enough to get the Yeti Rambler.

Also, Topo Chico, Sam Adams and Twisted Tea are always giving out drinks or merchandise.

The coolest part about the whole thing is, of course, the music.

The first show of this year was none other than The Oak Ridge Boys (with Trea Landon as an opening act). It was Richard Sterban’s birthday and when they went to give him the cake, the stage floor got it by accident. You never know what might happen at one of these shows. That particular BMI Rooftop on The Row was actually in the lobby because Mother Nature does not always care what we have planned.

I missed the last show because I had to do Mom things but I heard that Charlie Worsham was incredible and that Texas Roadhouse had Steak Kabobs. Tony said they were planning to mix it up a bit this year.

I am really looking forward to the rest of this summer’s BMI Rooftop On The Row Series. I know they have a great lineup. I heard that Morgan Wallen, Mitchell Tenpenny, Riley Green and Lindsay Ell are on the lineup for shows this year. First Tennessee and Royalty Exchange are also part of the reason that this event is possible. How can you attend?

The only way I know is to listen to Nash FM 95.5 to win tickets.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 6.

Music News · Summer 2018

Livi’s Playlist

(what you outta be listening to this summer)

Just Dropped

*American Scandal, Ashley McBryde

*Something You Get Through, Willie Nelson

*Mercy, Brett Young

*High Horses, Kacey Musgraves

*Second One To Know, Chris Stapleton

*Keeper Of The Flame, Miranda Lambert

*Don’t Get Better Than That, LOCASH

*Hide The Wine, Carly Pearce

*Get To You, Michael Ray

*Still Writing Songs About You, Old Dominion

Can’t Miss Indies

*Keeping Me Alive, The Young Fables

*Listening To You Leaving, Chelsea Rae

*Always Say Yes, CJ Field

*This Town Is Killing Me, Caitlyn Smith

*Clyde, Rebecca Rae

*Run Wild Horses, Aaron Watson

*Boys Are Stupid, Heidi Raye

The Shoulders We All Stand On

(get familiar with these songs or you might get kicked out of town)

*Move It On Over, Hank Williams

*Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies, Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson

*Joshua, Dolly Parton

*White Lightning, George Jones

*She’s Got You, Patsy Cline

Shameless Self Promotion

*One Last High, Olivia West

Find this playlist with some extra yummy selections on Apple Music or Spotify under Livi’s GAL Playlist

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 7.

Cover Story · Summer 2018

Ole Red Finds A Home in Nashville

By Krys Midgett

Remember when Blake Shelton was just a handsome new artist, in a cowboy hat and long, curly hair?

Well, in 2001, he was definitely making heads turn with those curls and his deep voice. He also made very smart (and possibly life-changing) song choices for his first self-titled album with Giant Records.

Just after ‘Austin’ (his first Number 1) was released, Giant closed and the album was released on Warner Bros. Records. The song he refers to as his signature song, ‘Ol’ Red’, came off that first album in March of the next year.

The songwriters, Don Goodman, Mark Sherrill and Bo Bohan couldn’t have even imagined the life that this ol’ blue-tick hound would inhabit.

That dog has been adopted a few times. George Jones was the original artist to cut it in 1990. Kenny Rogers cut it and was going to make it his single in 1993, but changed his mind. Well, that turned out to be for the best. Ol’ Red couldn’t have found a better home than with Blake Shelton.

Goodman told the story about when Blake was first introduced to Ol’ Red. “Blake was working - painting houses. Hoyt Axton had cancer and had parked his tour bus in his mom’s (Mae Axton, Heartbreak Hotel songwriter) driveway. He was living on the bus and Blake was painting the house. He heard the song coming out of Hoyt’s bus and he went over and knocked on the door. Hoyt played him the song. Blake said ‘if I ever get a record deal, I’m cutting that song.’”

And that he did!

After making that song a major hit, more hits kept coming and they aren’t slowing down. Not only does Blake work tirelessly in his music career, he is a main judge on the television show ‘The Voice’ (#TeamBlake).

As if that didn’t keep him busy, he decided to partner with Ryman Hospitality Properties and leave his mark all over the place. The first Ole Red in Oklahoma has received great reviews from fans all over. The Nashville location had a soft opening recently and is about to throw one heck of a party during CMA Fest.

“Lower Broadway is the centerpiece of Nashville. There’s so much great music and fun going on down there all the time and it’s exciting to be a part of it – it’s a dream come true,” said Shelton.

“It’s amazing to me to see a song that’s been such a big part of my career come to life in the plans for Ole Red,” said Blake Shelton. “Nashville and Tishomingo are both places that are important to me, and it’s great that each location is going to have its own personality inspired by one of my favorite songs. It’s always been a dream of mine to create something like this where people know they’re going to have a good time as soon as they walk in the door, and I couldn’t be more excited that my friends at the Opry and Ryman Hospitality Properties are making it happen.”

Ole Red Nashville has its official grand opening during CMA Fest on June 6th through the 10th. The restaurant, bar and music venue will host multiple events throughout the week, including a ‘Blake Shelton and Friends’ concert. Last fall, the first location for Ole Red put Shelton’s ‘adopted’ hometown Tishomingo, Oklahoma on the map. Next Spring, the third venue is planned for Gatlinburg, Tenn.

The Nashville celebration will continue throughout the week, with live music, presented by Spotify. Everyone is invited to be a part of the party. This 26,000 sq ft venue is so much more than another bar on Broadway. Ole Red has a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups (Bachelorette parties will love that,) as well as a large, upscale private event space called ‘The Hall at Ole Red.’ The state-of-the-art sound system and acoustics in the performance space are tailor-made for event programming such as intimate concerts, live band karaoke, showcases for up-and-coming artists and more.

For the best view around, check out The Lookout at Ole Red, a 6,000 square-foot rooftop indoor and outdoor bar. If you haven’t seen the view from the rooftops on Lower Broadway, you are missing out. See the Nashville skyline from all angles on this rooftop.

Oh, and the food, this is Nashville and good food is as important as good music. So, let’s combine the two. Ole Red Nashville knew how important the menu selection was and brought in the big dogs...

They welcomed the James Beard Award nominee (often called the Oscars of Cuisine) and Food Network, ‘Chopped’ finalist, Garrett Pittler, as the Executive Chef.

“We’re excited to add to the dining experience at Ole Red through the food and beverage offerings in our Nashville location,” says Pittler.

“The restaurant menu will feature Southern comfort food and adventurous bites like catfish corndogs, pulled bar-b-que mushroom sandwich and signature Ole Red Onion Burger,” he adds.

“The Lookout at Ole Red menu will offer shareable small plates like pimento cheese burrata, Nashville hot calamari and fresh seafood. From traditional to imaginative, our intention is to provide unique menu options that satisfy every craving.”

Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, said, “The Grand Ole Opry is known for connecting fans to the artists and the music they love and that is what the Ole Red brand is all about. Not only is Blake Shelton one of the most popular entertainers of his generation, his performance style and passion for authentic country music have also made him a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage since the early days of his career. Ole Red will immerse fans in all the elements of a great country song—with some unexpected twists from Blake along the way.”

“It is an experience unlike anywhere else on Broadway – from the live entertainment quality to the food, drinks, décor and retail,” added Reed, “We are excited to celebrate its grand opening with the thousands of fans and visitors that join us in Nashville for one of the most exciting weeks of the year, CMA Fest.”

What do the songwriters of the song that became Shelton’s signature think? “I think it is astounding. I think for Mark, Bo and I, to have left our tattoo on Lower Broad is pretty darn cool,” says Don Goodman, Ol’ Red Songwriter.

Giving Back

The Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation manages giving at the corporate level and focuses on making a difference in communities that are directly impacted by our assets. They focus on Arts, Education and Youth.

www.rymanhp.com/foundation

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 8.

Cover Story · Summer 2018

The Birth and Legacy Of The Song

in the words of Don Goodman (Ol’ Red Songwriter)

“We were living out in Gallatin, Tennessee, at an old farm house by the Bull’s Creek Bait Shop. My buddy, Mark Sherrill, ran the bait shop. Mark had gone out fishing with an old fishing guide by the name of Bo Bohan. He told Mark a story about a guy who goes to prison and he slips food to this dog, an old bloodhound, and he and the dog ran off together. And Mark says ‘Man, that’s a great story, isn’t it?’ I said ‘No Mark, there’s no love story, there’s no drama.’ So Mark called me up at 2 o’clock that morning and he plays me the first verse and most of the chorus. And he says, ‘Alright Goodman, I got him in there, you get him out.’ And I stayed up all night and invented the blue-tick hound and busted his butt outta prison.”

Ol’ Red took on a life of its own. Goodman has written the book and the screenplay and they are working on getting that out.

“I was onstage at the Tootsie’s Birthday Bash and there were people from the stage way down 5th Avenue to the river. I sang Ol’ Red and every single person on that street was singing with me. They knew every word. You wanna talk about a songwriter’s dream. There were little kids who weren’t even born when that song came out.”

It was all about the timing.

“George Jones and Kenny Rogers both cut that song. It was going to be Kenny Rogers’ single. It was all set to come out and Kenny was driving from LA to Las Vegas and some little deejay in the desert played George’s cut of it. Kenny says ‘Son of a gun, George beat me to it.’ And he changed his single to ‘Planet Texas’.”

Think, if it had been Kenny’s single instead of Blake’s, how different this story would have been.

The legacy it has left is more than they imagined.

“We hung with Blake down at the Ryman Auditorium when they announced the whole thing about Ole Red bars. We are standing on stage there at the Opry, and Blake puts his arm around me and says, ‘Hoss, that song made both our careers, didn’t it?’”

Giving Back

Don Goodman spends his time giving back as a part of Operation Song.

Operation Song is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, founded in 2012.

We pair professional songwriters with veterans, active military and their families to help them tell their stories through song.

We hold weekly workshops in Tennessee and sponsor events and group retreats throughout the U.S.

Those we serve need no musical background, only the desire to tell their story. In a typical session, the songwriter listens and encourages the participant to lay out the “puzzle pieces” of his or her experience. Together, they arrange those pieces into verses and choruses. The result is a complete song that they can call their own.

www.operationsongchatt.org

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 11.

Artists To Watch · Summer 2018

Artists To Watch This Summer

Submit your music to our Artists To Watch page by reaching out through www.givealittlenashville.com

Jada Vance

New Album: Rear Review Revival

www.jadavancemusic.com

Charity: Give A Little Christmas

Chelsea Rae

Revival is bright & uplifting. It shows strength & inspiration. Download Now

www.chelsearaemusic.com

Charity: Lyme Light Foundation

Tom Blizzard

“Music in multiple American genres forming an #AmericanaStew of great entertainment.”

www.TomBlizzard.com

Charity: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Madeline James

Full-length Album ‘Take This To Heart’ out July 4th

www.madelinejamesmusic.com

Charity: Nashville Humane Society

Kristen Foreman

If you are craving an old school sound, give “Feather Tattoo” a listen on any popular music platform

www.kristenforeman.com

Charity: Musicians On Call

Marisa Ray

Check out her new EP “Bent, Not Broken”

www.marisaraymusic.com

Charity: Make A Wish Foundation

Mady Amelia

Self-titled EP Now available on iTunes and Spotify

www.madyamelia.com

Charity: The Hands And Feet Project

MikeSal

“The Storyteller of Pop” Download Shiverin’ NOW

@MikeSalMusic

Charity: Boys And Girls Club

Morgan Clark

A creative new sound that can only be explained by being heard

www.IAMMORGANCLARK.com

Charity: Earth Justice

Ivey

Full Length Album “Take This To Heart” out July 4th

www.facebook.com/iveymusic1/

The National Children’s Cancer Society

Troika

Listen and Like “Always Been You” on Spotify

www.troikanashville.com/

Charity: Combat Wounded Coalition

Austin Alexander Yount

Check out debut EP “Snapshot” on Spotify

www.austinalexanderyount.com

Charity: Go Send Me Global

Live By Satellite

Watch For New EP Coming Soon

www.livebysat.com

Charity: Give A Little Christmas

Black Sheep Rhythm

New EP Crossroads Curse

facebook.com/blacksheeprhythm/

Charity: Local Food Banks

Jacob Martin

Touring & Doing Free Concerts For Children w/ Disabilities

jacobmartinmusic.net

Charity: Shriners Hospital For Children

Retro Rodeo

’90s Country with A Twist

www.oliviawest.com

www.jacobpaulallenmusic.com

Charity: Give A Little Christmas & #IAmNotAlone

Heidi Raye

Harlan Howard Records, promoting single “Junkyard” from the new EP “Worth A Shot”

www.heidiraye.com

Charity: Various charities

Jimmy Charles

Making New Music and Just launched #IAmNotAlone Charity

www.jimmycharlesmusic.com

Charity: #IAmNotAlone

Rachel Holder

Currently promoting duet with Joe Denim ‘Together We’re A Ten’

www.rachelholder.com

Charity: Various charities

Jeff Woods

New Album ‘The Count’ Comes out in June

www.facebook.com/jeffwoods07

Charity: Celiac Disease Foundation

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 12.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

Kiefer Sutherland Is Keeping It Real

By Monica Curtman

“The hits just keep on coming” has never been more true than when describing Kiefer Sutherland’s multi-faceted entertainment career. From an actor, to producer, to musician, Sutherland continues to pull at heart strings and guitar strings. Though this British-Canadian’s country western music may be full of tantalizing gravel and rumbling bass notes, his involvement in charity shows that his heart is full of that sweet southern warmth that can be heard and felt in the soulful melodies of his album.

Let me first tell you a story about Kiefer Sutherland’s music career. He released his debut album, “Down in a Hole” less than two years ago, in August of 2016. It is safe to say that due to the sincerity and grit put forth in this unexpected album, Sutherland will never be the same. When asked during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in 2016 whether country music found him or if he found country music, Sutherland said, “I found it. What I fell in love with (about country music) is that all of those guys wrote in the first person narrative. I don’t think that Johnny Cash went to Reno and shot a man to watch him die, but he took on that character! And that’s my wheelhouse, that’s what I do. So that’s why I started writing in that narrative was because it could be a character. What I didn’t kinda plan on was that the first person narrative was actually mine. So when I wrote this record, they were actually my songs.”

Sutherland’s music career has allowed him to dig deep, and the result is a kick-ass sound that both long-time and brand new fans can enjoy. Not to mention that at this point, it is unclear if the fans or Sutherland, himself are enjoying his album more.

After hitting 41 venues in four and a half months in 2016, and 43 venues in seven months in 2017 on his international tours complete with several sold-out shows, Hollywood’s new favorite actor-turned-singer is currently on tour for the third consecutive year! Fans are anticipating new music before the year is done. It looks like when it comes to country music, we have a winner.

Sutherland’s emulation of that well loved sweet southern spirit extends from the entrancing notes of his songs, to his non-profit work. When asked which charities he prefers to give to, Sutherland’s response told a compelling and raw story. He showed that while his voice can growl, his heart is as sweet as apple pie. Staying true to the story-teller that he has become, Sutherland told a story of a young veteran he met outside of a bar in Los Angeles that was being harassed by some bouncers. After the young vet explained that he was just released from the VA and that he was being given the wrong medication, Sutherland took the young man back to the VA in order to get him help. This encounter impacted Sutherland immensely and that it inspired him to write a song called, “Gun or Die.” Sutherland says, “We are talking about thousands of people that are suffering from repercussions from Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of my connection to that, within a real way, with that young man, those are the charities that I focus on.” He states that he has also worked with City of Hope Hospital, showing that his commitment to giving back to the world extends from his heart-felt music, to his charitable contributions.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 14.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

Blue Is Alyssa’s Color

By Rick Amburgey

Before Alyssa Jacey became a singer, she was a professional hip-hop dancer who had performed at the Super Bowl in music videos. Co-workers told her she could sing and convinced her to try karaoke around the end of 2003.

“December of 2004 is when it hit me that I should take this hobby and turn it into a career,” Jacey said. Jacey moved to Nashville jobless and alone. Within 13 months, she was making enough money to barely survive. “I have accomplished a lot in the 13 years I’ve been in this career and I want to be remembered for my ambition, tenacity, an insatiable drive for success, and pure and honest love and passion for what I do,” she said.

“I just released ‘Now and Then,’ a download card that has 18 songs on it, comprised of all the fan favorites from 2005 to now (so that’s out of eight albums and eight singles,) plus there are several brand new, unreleased songs on there, too,” she said.

“Love Is All You Need” is Jacey’s new song. She was booked to play 3rd and Lindsley for the first time in about six years when she realized she had a good set from the second-song to the end, but she didn’t feel she had “an ear-grasping, attention-stealing” song. She sat down one night to write a song just for that, and the entire song came out in no more than 30 minutes.

“It was the first experience where I had that I felt it wasn’t me that wrote the song,” she said. Jacey describes herself as a “very, very spiritual” person. “I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what came over me, but ‘Love Is All You Need’ came through me so smoothly and easily and every single lyric means something,” she said.

The cause that she helps the most is Alzheimer’s Association in memory of her grandmother. Jacey was very close to her grandma, who died about a month after she started singing.

“She never got to see a show,” she said. “I swore right then that if I ever made enough money to give back, it would be to Alzheimer’s.” Today, she donates $1 from each CD or each ticket sold to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Meaning, if you and your friends come dressed in a bunch of blue to my shows, if you buy tickets, I’ll donate $1 from the tickets. If the show is free, I’ll donate $1 from each CD/dropcard sales from those who purchase my music wearing blue.”

She said since the color for Alzheimer’s is purple and her favorite color is blue, this is a way to connect with her fans while simultaneously donating.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 15.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

It’s Always Jada Giving Back

By Monica Curtman

Some things are meant to be seen, and they delight those who have the fortune of appreciating them. Like the mountain laurel of Tennessee, Nashville-born singer/songwriter Jada Vance stands out from her surroundings and makes the world a more beautiful place.

Some of Vance’s earliest claims to fame originated in her amazingly powerful covers of country and western songs on YouTube, like “Boondocks” by Little Big Town. Her singing career has only blossomed energetically since then. Since those days, she competed and ended up as a finalist on American Idol’s twelfth season, won the Taste of Country USA with her band in 2015, and then even acted in the 2016 romance film Providence as a cheerleader. When she is not acting in films as a cheerleader, Vance is actually teaching young children how to cheer at cheer camps.

Her charitable work doesn’t stop with teaching young children. Jada has been a part of dozens of charitable performances benefiting patients and their families. Just a few of these include: Relay For Life benefitting childhood cancer research and expenses in 2015 and 2016 in White House, TN, she hosted a show called Trucks for Michael for a little boy who unfortunately passed away in White House, she played for the Kristin K. Hunter Teacher Scholarship Fund in honor of MRSA Awareness in 2012 and 2013. More recently, she received the title of Artist of the Month for USO Fort Campbell, which is an organization that connects veterans to their families. Her show for USO is on May 31st. These are just to name a few. When asked what motivates her to do so much work in giving back, Jada’s mother, Alesia Vance, explains, “Jada will tell you, each and every event she supports has a personal connection to her. Her friend’s sister passed from MRSA, she lost her best friend at 17 to cancer, and her 4 year old cousin, Jaxon, is fighting leukemia now, we have had several family members also affected who have passed. Jada had heart surgery as a child and major issues in our family. She has a huge heart and does everything she can to give back.” Jada is one of the most inspiring musicians on the road, not just for the fact that the girl can belt it out on stage, but because of everything this young lady does to help heal suffering when she sees it.

Jada’s music career is thriving, and there is much to look forward to on the horizon. Already, Vance has released several singles including “Hick & Roll,” “There’s Always Me,” and a 5 song EP in 2014 titled “Read my Lipstick”. Fans are eagerly anticipating another EP this year which also features songs that Jada co-wrote. If you want to see Vance perform, she is currently on tour through Tennessee, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

Jada Vance’s momentum is carrying her forward like the faithful train on the outskirts of town, and doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. Who could blame her? Her voice has all the power of a young lady who has all the sass and sweetness that can possibly be contained in country music’s favorite up and coming southern girl.

From the big stage of American Idol, to the hometown stages at the bars and fairs where she is performing on her tour this summer, Vance is letting the world know that she is loud, she is proud, and she has come to be known as a force to be reckoned with.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 16.

CMA Guide · Summer 2018

Rick’s CMA Survival Guide

By Rick Amburgey

Welcome to Nashville! CMA Music Fest 2018 is finally here. If this is your first year, you probably feel a little overwhelmed. I have compiled a list of some tips that I have picked up over the years.

1. Understand that you can’t do everything. One of the things about CMA Music Fest is there is so much to do. One of the frustrating things – even for people who attend CMA Music Fest regularly – is there are many really good events that take place all at the same time. To make the most out of the CMA Music Fest experience, you should take a look at everything that is offered and decide what you really want to do. If you have a smart phone, you will really want to download the CMA Music Fest app. This will be a convenient way to know about all the official CMA events happening during the week. To find out about other events going on during CMA Fest, you may want to join one of the social media groups to find out more. These groups aren’t related to the Country Music Association, but they are fans that post about various events happening during CMA Fest.

2. Make A List. After you understand that you can’t do everything, you will want to physically make a list of what you really want to do. By now, you have probably downloaded the CMA Fest app. The app allows you to make a schedule inside the app. The only drawback is the app only includes events put on by the Country Music Association. If you are interested in going to fan club parties, those won’t be listed there. In addition, many of the venues around Nashville will have events. I use the CMA Fest app a lot, but I also make a list in the notes section of my phone of the other things I want to do.

3. Be Flexible. You should consider your list a work in progress and not a finalized document. Although you have picked out the events you want to attend, be aware there are many surprise events that come up throughout the week that you might want to attend even more.

4. Stay Hydrated. Nashville is hot in June and you will probably be spending a lot of time outside. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to make sure you stay hydrated.

5. Keep your car at your hotel. Traffic is always an issue in Nashville, even before CMA Fest. Especially if you plan on drinking, leave your vehicle parked at your hotel and use a taxi or a ride share service such as Lyft or Uber.

6. Keep your phone charged. Be aware that all that picture-taking and posting to social media will cause your phone battery to run down more quickly. It’s a good idea to buy a portable charger as a backup. You should carry a phone cord with an outlet adapter to charge your phone if needed.

7. Talk to people. You will most likely spend a good deal of time waiting in lines during CMA Music Fest. Take time to talk to the people around you. It will help the time move more quickly and you can make a new friend. Over the years, I’ve made friends in various states and other countries through CMA Music Fest.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 17.

Q&A · Summer 2018

C.J. Garton’s “The Gun” Is Explosive

By Sherryl Craig

In a recent one on one interview with Give A Little Nashville, country artist C.J. Garton shares some of his fondest memories and how he has found himself, today, a strong presence in the music industry.

His song “The Gun” has garnered much attention and the message behind it is a powerful one.

GAL: Our magazine is all about charities and how celebrities give back to our communities. Could you tell us what charities you have connections with and how your fans might help them?

C.J.: Wheelin’ Sportsmen, Moment of Freedom, #IAmNotAlone, and Kids Hunt For A Cure.

GAL: What was the first song you heard that made you think...I want to sing?

C.J.: I was singing and making songs up before I ever remember hearing other songs. I was born that way. It was in me but I’d have to say it’s a song my dad wrote. He used to sing a lot when I was little. It was called “Cheaper to Keep Her” and he would also sing “Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Star” by Hag, and a version he did of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Sr. That was a slow lonesome version. It was funny when I actually heard Hank’s version cause it was much faster.

GAL: What are you currently promoting?

C.J.: Good music, lol...No really we just want music that resonates. But we are currently excited and blessed from the feedback so far from our new single “The Gun.”

GAL: Tell me all about “The Gun.”

C.J.: The song came about one evening when I was sitting at the house during the last presidential election and was listening to the candidates talk down and slander each other and their issues. It made me think of when I was a little kid watching tapes at school from past elections like Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan and how much class they had and the way they composed themselves as representatives of our great country. The responsibility that it took to stand there with couth and a level of character knowing they were representing the millions of voices out there. So when the gun debate came about it was like watching two bullies outside in the school yard calling each other names and throwing punches and I thought to myself.... there is a better way to go about this and what would the gun say if it had a voice.

So I gave it one and wrote it kinda like the old school house of rock songs that we heard in elementary class. You know...the song.....“I’m Just A Bill”, a bill on Capitol Hill where the bill was talking?

GAL: What do you feel are some of your biggest accomplishments?

C.J.: I’d say the relationships I’ve made everywhere I’ve gone. It’s like one big family, like grandma says...“God and family first, the rest will come.” Musically speaking it would be the song cuts I’ve had with Tanya Tucker and David Allan Coe, along with other artists. It’s such an honor and humbling experience when another artist wants to sing your songs, your words. It trips me out, the way folks I grew up loving are now singing something me and my friends wrote together.

GAL: And your biggest obstacles?

C.J.: I’ve always been my biggest obstacle. We, as artists, are emotional and sensitive. I guess that’s why we’re able to tap into that and relate it to the way we do in our art and music. It’s hard sometimes to keep your head up when things get you down and we need the affirmation time and time again. We need the life experience so, sometimes, maybe we self inflict them. Other than that it’s the generation of making organic country music or real country music in such a pop-drenched country culture era.

It’s hard to be heard when the market is so driven that way. But...the fans out there make it happen for us. We are so blessed to have their support because, without them, we would be playing to empty rooms and not able to chase our childhood dreams.

GAL: Major influence on your music?

C.J.: First and foremost my dad Clinton Garton Sr. and other than that I’d say Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, and Waylon Jennings. You know...the artists that made me connect and feel what they were singing about. To me it was always the cheapest therapy.

GAL: Last question, what would you like the world to know about you?

C.J.: That life is about helping each other and we all have to go through this life together. At the end of the day I just want to be a friend to someone that connects with others. Someone known for their character more than their success.

My family says I’ve never met a stranger. So if ya see me around test that theory out and say ‘hey’. Next thing you know we’ll probably be cooking out and writing songs together.

You can visit C.J. Garton at https://www.cjgarton.com/

Giving Back

Wheelin’ Sportsmen provides all people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. www.nwtf.org/wheelin

#IAmNotAlone Movement & Challenge that will Give Strength, Hope, Love and Ultimately Save Lives for those battling Cancer www.facebook.com/iamnotalonechallenge/

Kids Hunting For a Cure is a non-profit organization which provides financial support to research hospitals/ foundations dedicated to developing cures for cancer and childhood diseases. www.kidshuntingforacure.org/

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 18.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

Guy Gilchrist Puts A Focus on Music

By Monica Curtman

We have always been told to think outside the box, but what about when you are the creator of a comic strip whose job it is to think, very creatively, inside of the box? Some people think inside of the box very well, and Guy Gilchrist is one of those people. For 22 years, Gilchrist was the illustrator and writer of one of the world’s most famous comic strips, Nancy, and is known for his work with Jim Henson on The Muppets, to name a few.

In 2017, Gilchrist was inducted into the Wizard World Hall of Legends, an award given to individuals who heavily contributed to the growth and success of the comic industry. With certainly serendipitous timing, Gilchrist has recently announced that he will no longer be writing or illustrating Nancy. Though this news is met with some disappointment from fans of the comic strip, it makes sense because the creativity of this professional cartoonist extends far beyond drawing comics; he also authors children’s books, animates, and is a country singer. Impossible to box in, his many talents bring much joy to the world.

Gilchrist’s most endearing talent would have to be his affinity for charity. His charitable work illustrates the character that he possesses in addition to his creative talent.

He does everything from Children’s to Veteran’s charities and anything in between. He also donates his incredible artwork to help raise funds for the cause.

In May, he presented an award to his long-time friend, Glenn Douglas Tubb. It was at a fundraiser for Veteran Suicide. For the silent auction, he donated a custom kid’s ukulele that is worth over $500.

Guy Gilchrist has one of the biggest hearts in the entertainment industry and helps with so many causes but there is one that he especially has a love for, and that is The Angelus House, a group home in Florida. They help children with disabilities and do so much more than that. Find out more about them by visiting their website www.theangelus.com.

Even in the world of country music, which is sometimes known for drawing a sad picture, Gilchrist finds a way to exhibit a good sense of humor. This is especially true of his new single, “I Don’t Need You.” In the lines of his song, Gilchrist croons about the many things that he needs much more than his ex-wives, (which, he in fact says he does not need at all.) To be needed less than whiskey, an open door, or even a prison door is a comic explanation of what his ex-lovers mean to him.

Alternatively, true to the roots of country music, Gilchrist’s title track, “Heart of the Night,” shows that Gilchrist’s view of the world isn’t always black and white.

The best way to understand this heartfelt song is to watch the official music video while listening to the lyrics. Gilchrist is illustrating a picture of a woman made of stars and galaxies as he sings about broken promises and his restless soul. This song represents what it feels like to have loved and lost. Songs such as this are timeless, and always readily relatable.

Gilchrist is preparing to release “I Don’t Need You” as the first single from his album Heart Of The Night, which will be out later this month.

While this music project may seem like a bit of diversion from his typical medium of cartoons, his incredible creativity also lends itself well to songwriting. His songs have been recorded by artists, including Carol Hahn’s “Take Along My Lovin’,” which charted on Billboard and was later cut by Anne Murray, and Suzy Bogguss’ “My Heart’s a Paper Airplane.” The Murray and Bogguss cuts were never released to radio.

However in 2009, Gilchrist released “Merry Christmas, Sluggo (San Quentin School for Boys,)” a holiday-themed nod to Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” which did quite well. Gilchrist donated the songwriting royalties and a portion of the proceeds to Boys Town. Gilchrist has also performed as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry, where his drawings are enshrined on a backstage wall at the hallowed venue.

“I actually consider myself a writer who hires the cheapest illustrator and demo-singer that I can find—ME!” chuckles Gilchrist.

“I have been writing with a guitar in my hand just as long as I’ve been writing with a pen and a brush. But, when Jim Henson hires you, you tend to put other things on hold to work for a worldwide icon. Now, I have the luxury of re-exploring my musical creativity and I cannot wait to bring these story songs to the public.”

Though he may be saying “goodbye” to Nancy, Gilchrist is saying “hello” to one of his other creative passions. The love this Nashville native has for his city and state run as deep as her caverns and as high as her mountaintops. Gilchrist has given the world the best of himself, and in doing so, created a legacy from which we can all draw inspiration.

Whether he is thinking outside of the box to find ways to give back, or thinking inside of the box to figure out the next best panel or chord to play on the guitar, Guy Gilchrist will be entertaining us with his humor and talent wherever he goes.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 20.

Event Recap · Summer 2018

Give A Little Nashville presents: Songs For The Home Front

GAL and SAVE Home Front had an iconic night full of Stars & Stripes! Glenn Douglas Tubb and Kyle Saylors were both presented awards and there were tributes to Veterans in Entertainment. Thanks to all sponsors, volunteers and guests who came to make it a huge success. A HUGE shout-out to ProjX, Waddell & Reed, My Savvy Vacation, Timothy Smith, Larry Clark, SpeedPro, Epiphone, Allen Printing, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Olive Garden, Yazoo Brewing, Donelson Trophy, Saylors Bros., Karen L. Richard Photography and Chocotherapy Gourmet Candies!

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 22.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

Black Sheep Rhythm

By Rick Amburgey

Black Sheep Rhythm is a duo made up of Derek Gayhart and Carlos Guevara.

Based in Nashville, Black Sheep Rhythm were influenced by alternative rock and they take pride in their edgy and aggressive sound.

Their current EP is called Crossroads Curse. “Collective Conversation” shows the strength of the duo, both musically and vocally.

The level of playing on this song was very good and also demonstrates their vocal range. This is a duo that seeks to really say something with their music, and this song goes deeper than much of today’s popular music.

Local Shows:

Café Coco June 2 at 8 pm

The Pond on June 30 at 10 pm

Phat Bites on July 13 at 9 pm

Boro Bar and Grill Murfreesboro July 19

The Cobra on Aug. 9

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 23.

Charity Spotlight · Summer 2018

Jimmy Charles Launches Nonprofit

There is no doubt, Jimmy Charles is an electrifying entertainer and a proven songwriter with an amazing soulful voice that complements his country heart and his rock-n-roll soul. Just under the surface of those talents, you’ll see his passion for using his music to better the world and save lives.

For the past 4 years Jimmy, on top of his normal touring with his Country Rock band, has traveled across the country to major cities as National Ambassador for Zero the End of Prostate Cancer. His mission is to save lives, spreading awareness of the importance of early detection and for men to get checked for Prostate Cancer, as well as lobbying in DC for additional funding. Jimmy uses his CMT and GAC featured video of “Superman” to do just that and it has led him on what he calls “an amazing and emotional journey.”

“I hate cancer. It has taken family and friends from me and will continue to devastate our world until we can find a cure,” Charles explains. Charles was awarded “Outstanding Tennessean of the Year” for his tireless work with the Non-Profit in 2017 and this year he is nominated as one of only 50 candidates nationwide for the TOYA Award, (Ten Outstanding Young Americans.) This is an award given in the past to former presidents and even Elvis Presley. “My true Award is being there for the survivors, embracing them and letting them know they aren’t alone in this fight. It is such an honor to be recognized and nominated for this coveted award.”

His journey has now led him to a new mission, expanding his efforts by creating his very own Non-Profit named #IAmNotAlone. #IAmNotAlone is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on the patient first.

“As we continue research to find a cure and additional treatments, we can not forget about those currently battling the disease and all the struggles they experience. It is not only taxing on their physical bodies but also on their mental well being. #IAmNotAlone will make sure no man or woman will ever feel they have to fight alone.”

Along with a 24hr patient outreach chatline and hotline #IAmNotAlone is launching a challenge where cancer survivors will create a moment with their support team to sign a contract of hope to never let cancer steal their spirit and never give up the fight.

“We will save Lives,” Charles says. The non-profit and challenge are set for full launch in mid-June but it has already proven to save the lives of several patients whom Jimmy has reached out to personally. Jimmy will be releasing a brand new song fittingly named “I Am Not Alone” that will serve as an anthem for cancer survivors. He says that he can’t wait to sing it along with them at future cancer benefits.

He is recording this song with Grammy Award winning producer, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell. Boo, in his classic Royal Studios, has produced the likes of Rod Stewart, Melissa Etheridge, and, most recently, received a Grammy for Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk.” Boo was sent a worktape of “I Am Not Alone” from a friend. He loved the song and its purpose, inviting Jimmy to record it in his world-renowned studio. Jimmy asks that everyone follow #IAmNotAlone on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, take the challenge or challenge others to take it, and, if possible, please donate to this life saving cause. “There you will see the videos of the lives that we will touch and save!” Charles explains. What could be more encouraging than that!

On top of all his charity, which is so close to his heart, Jimmy plans to release new music that focuses on love, beaches and tequila! You can follow Jimmy, Zero Cancer and #IAmNotAlone on social media.

Here’s how the #IAmNotAlone Challenge Works:

1. Take the Challenge yourself or challenge a survivor you love to take the Challenge.

2. Go to the “Contracts Album” in our Facebook photos and find the colored ribbon that represents your personal battle.

3. Copy the picture file to your computer and print it out at a printing shop in the size of your choice (we suggest 8x12) on sturdy paper.

4. Don’t be afraid to let your support system know what you are doing and ask them to be there for you! Plan a special, personal, moment to share with friends and family and sign the contract. It can be with just your caregiver, immediate family or you can have a big party! It’s your special moment so make it what you want. Many times it is best that the caregiver or someone else plan this memorable event. We want to make sure the survivor signing is surrounded by as much love, hope and support as possible, but again it’s your moment, so make it what you like.

5. Enjoy your day or evening surrounding the signing. Connect with your support and the people you love and that love you. Don’t be afraid to let feelings out that you’ve been holding in, and talk about the hardships of treatment or anything you want. Or keep it all positive! Again it’s your day, your moment, make it what you wish.

6. At the time of signing, gather your support team around you, thank them for being there and read the contract aloud to everyone. Then, you sign and have your caregiver sign. We would love for you to videotape your signing and send it to us to post. Say “I, (state your name,) took the #IAmNotAlone Challenge, I made a donation of (X amount).” Then challenge a group, person or persons to also take the I Am Not Alone challenge. Hashtag #ISigned #IAmNotAloneChallenge #IAmNotAlone.

7. Find a special place to display your contract. Framing or laminating is encouraged, having it with you will ensure that you always know that you are never alone and always have love, hope and support surrounding you always.

8. Post your video on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tagging the #IAmNotAlone pages. Also tag the people you challenged. Please be sure they are public about their battle before posting publicly. If you’re not sure, send a private message to them first.

9. Help the people you’ve challenged to create a special moment of their own for their signing.

10. Stay connected with #IAmNotAlone and look for upcoming events and all of the amazing stories. Make new friends, share the stories and embrace that your support system and our charity are always there for you. You are never alone!

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 24.

Album Feature · Summer 2018

Lisa Morales with “Luna Negra and the Daughter of the Sun”

By Sherryl Craig

Raised in Arizona and currently residing in Texas, singer-songwriter and entertainer Lisa Morales has a brand new album called “Luna Negra and the Daughter of the Sun” which was released this past January. The single “I Want the Roses”, also released in January has aired across the airwaves to an outstanding welcome. It has garnered amazing reviews as you will see in this one from Rolling Stone.

“‘I Want the Roses,’ from the soon-to-be-released Luna Negra and the Daughter of the Sun, is a moving track in both a rhythmic and emotional sense, a powerful meditation on what we settle for as opposed to what we ultimately deserve in a relationship.” ~ Rolling Stone ~

As a lifelong performer, she began at the age of four, and is one of the most multi-talented female artists in the industry, Lisa Morales is definitely an artist to watch in 2018. Her music crosses several genres and vocally, as well as instrumentally, she’s got it all.

After the loss of her mother and a divorce, her life was turned upside down. She recorded her first album “Beautiful Mistake” in 2011 during the healing time and this second album is allowing her to, once again, be whole. It’s about love and relationships for Morales. It’s about making the most of life and accepting each other for our faults or not, and never just giving up. She’s claiming it and making a huge mark in the music industry for herself. The only way to go now is up.

Highly celebrated for her performances in both English and Spanish Morales’s fan base has grown not only through the American based country music listeners but through the Hispanic music lovers as well.

The beginning of 2018 has brought superb reviews and the opportunities to perform with some highly recognized artists in the industry such as Los Lonely Boys. She gracefully displays the smooth poetic marriage of southwestern styled music with her Spanish roots.

Lisa is currently touring across the US promoting her new album “Luna Negra and the Daughter of the Sun,” so, be sure to check out the link below and see if she’s in your town.

Grand Reviews:

“...love, pain and emotions course through the 11 tracks on her album.” - Arizona Daily Star

“... it’s impossible not to hear the Americana and country-music influence that has made Morales one of the most multifaceted artists to watch in 2018.” - Rolling Stone

“Luna Negra and the Daughter of the Sun inhabits two worlds: one recalling the poetic transparency and country simplicity of Emmylou Harris, and another that settles south of the border with chest-heaving boleros and romantic Latin ballads.” - Austin Chronicle

For more information on Lisa Morales you can visit her at http://www.lisamoralesmusic.com/

Giving Back

Lisa Morales supports Toys for Tots & encourages people to always remember the older children with age appropriate gifts.

Morales also supports the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in TX.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 26.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

Ashley McBryde Takes The World By Storm

By Sherryl Craig

Kickstarting her first international tour beginning in the US and then through Europe, Ashley McBryde is set to impress. Her new song “Girl Going Nowhere” is the biggest debuting single this year for a solo artist.

The US part of the tour begins in Atlanta, GA and ends here in the states with an appearance in Birmingham AL. Then she is off to the UK where she will spend the first weeks of October appearing in London, Scotland and Manchester.

She will then head back to the states with the final show at the Anthology in Rochester NY. What a phenomenal tour this will be!

“Girl Going Nowhere” has hit the airwaves to rave reviews and fans can’t stop talking about the powerful vocals and stage presence that Ashley has to offer.

McBryde is no stranger to the stage and has toured and performed with major heavy hitters in the industry such as Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert. This tour is sure to be a huge success.

Taking control of her music and her career, she has boldly given herself permission to be just that...herself. Uninhibited by the confines of what critics might say or how they might describe her. She has opened the doors for so many young female artists who want to be true to their roots and do the kind of music they want to create. She can never be too traditional or too rock-n-roll. “After 11 years in Nashville, you start to question if what you’re doing will actually connect. I think timing and experiences have a lot to do with it,” shares McBryde. “The time I spent being something I wasn’t just to try and please others, only to be told no; the time we’ve spent as a band playing for the attention of the bikers in the bar -- doing anything we could to get them to listen; and now the timing of this message of ‘making the best of the worst day kinda night,’ it seems to be something people need to hear right now, and if I can even help one person turn their day around, then all these couch-surfing playing-for-tips-nights were worth it.”

Ashley is making a stronger and bolder statement for women in today’s country scene and that’s really all women in the country music industry have ever wanted. To have the chance to be themselves. The flavor and texture of the industry changes often and it’s those like Ashley who have the ability to hang on for the ride.

The Tennessean’s Juli Thanki notes, “She’s captured thousands of new fans with forthright songwriting on topics ranging from addiction (‘Livin’ Next to Leroy’) to life on the road (‘Home Sweet Highway’), and her voice, which contains hints of Reba McEntire and Susan Tedeschi.”

McBryde’s songs hit you where your heart is. They express emotions and feelings about family, love, living the best you can when your best is probably at the bottom and about seeing and knowing that struggle in others and lending a hand. Her music is making the scene on the charts and moving up fast. She’s raw and edgy and has a unique sound all her own.

She’s the real deal folks, no doubt about it. For more information check her out at http://www.ashleymcbryde.com/

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 27.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

Aaron Watson Keeps It Two Chords & Sexy

By Rick Amburgey

After decades in the industry, Aaron Watson is finally getting some well-deserved recognition, and his fan base just keeps growing.

He has sold over half of a million headlining tickets while he performed concerts in 40 states and 10 countries. His new single is “Run Wild Horses,” a song he wrote for his wife.

“They say country music is three chords and the truth. Well, this song is two chords and sexy. I just wanted to write my wife that sexy love song about a girl who has been putting up with a guy for a long time… This is a love song for a woman who has given birth to all my babies.”

Like all songs based in truth, Run Wild Horses is resonating well with the women in his audiences, who all want to see themselves in these lyrics. College girls across America are loving this song, but Watson thinks that it really appeals to moms, like his wife.

This week, Aaron will be performing on the Riverfront stage during CMA Music Fest. “I’m excited and honored to be there,” Watson said. “I’m just going to go there, sing some songs and let those country music fans know how much I love them.”

Watson doesn’t go to Nashville very often. He said he is there if he’s doing industry events or making an album.

While his life revolves around his music and his family, Watson definitely believes in giving back. He’s always willing to lend his talents to many different kinds of charities. Those that care for our soldiers, though, are closest to his heart.

“With my dad being a disabled veteran, we’ve been involved with lots of different charities involving our veterans.”

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 28.

Artist Feature · Summer 2018

Two Story Road

By Rick Amburgey

Married couple Brandon and Jamelle Fraley make up Two Story Road. The country music duo will be holding their fan party on Friday, June 9, at Tempo. During the party, Two Story Road will be playing all 11 tracks from their forthcoming CD, which was produced by country star Hunter Hayes.

“Detonate,” a song they wrote with Fred Wilhelm and Barry Weeks, is one of their favorite songs on the album to perform because it’s got such infectious energy. “It’s also incredibly fun to sing because lyrically it’s simply a song about living your life to the fullest with the people who matter most to you,” Brandon says.

“Cliffhanger” is the common tale of two people who are constantly breaking up and getting back together. “We feel like that’s a story a lot of people have lived through at one point in time,” he added. “Our co-writers Jason Matthews and Cassidy Lynn, did an amazing job helping us paint the honest picture that when you’re in that type of relationship, you never really know if/how/when you’re going to break the cycle of the ‘on again/ off again’ routine…only time will tell.”

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 29.

Songwriter Stories · Summer 2018

JT Harding Makes Us Smile!

By Livi West

There are a handful of songwriters in Nashville who just can’t seem to stop writing hit songs. JT Harding is one of them. Recently, I was lucky enough to pick his spectacular brain about his first hit song on the Country charts. His storytelling never lets me down.

“A high school buddy of mine named Ted Metry dropped off a CD of songs I’d written under the name JTX (his rock project from his LA days) at Uncle Kracker’s house.” That’s how he got a phone call from Uncle Kracker inviting him to collaborate. “I found myself in 4 feet of snow in Northern Michigan writing songs with him for a weekend. We drank a lot of Faygo soda.”

Every night they went to a local bar where a neon sign read “Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think.” The two rockstars spent three days writing what JT described as “all sorts of songs,” and on the last day Uncle Kracker suggested they write one called Smile.

“What about a song called smile?”

“With the snow coming down outside, away we went!” JT fast-forwards through the process, which would be hard to follow anyway, if you weren’t JT and Uncle Kracker, I suppose. “We wrote the whole song but it had a guitar solo (where the bridge is now.) When the producer, Rob Cavallo, heard it, he knew he wanted to record it, but he told us to write words instead of a solo. So, the bridge part about ‘don’t know how I lived without you, every time that I get around you’ was written for the song probably 2 months later, but it fits perfectly.”

“It’s by far my biggest hit,” Harding summarized. “I hear it in movies, TV commercials, grocery stores, and when Regis retired they played it on the show. His fans wrote signs on TV that said ‘make me smile!’ It’s amazing how much sunshine has come from a song written in a snowstorm.”

So much sunshine! Every time I hear it I can’t help but smile. It exudes joy. It reminds me of the scene in Music And Lyrics where Hugh Grant’s character says that “all the poetry in the world could never make you feel as good as fast as ‘don’t worry be happy.’” Smile accomplishes that, too. That’s a generational achievement, the kind of song we’re all hoping to write when we pick up our guitars.

Lyrics that are cooler than the flip side of your pillow

SMILE

Written By Uncle Kracker and JT Harding

You’re better than the best / I’m lucky just to linger in your light Cooler than the flip side of my pillow / That’s right / Completely unaware / Nothing can compare to where you send me / lets me know that it’s ok / yeah it’s ok / and the moments when my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun / fall outta bed / sing like a bird / dizzy in my head / spin like a record / crazy on a Sunday night / You make me dance like a fool / forget how to breathe / shine like gold / buzz like a bee / just the thought of you can drive me wild / oh, you make me smile

Even when you’re gone / somehow you come along just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack / and just like that / you steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun / fall outta bed / sing like a bird / dizzy in my head / spin like a record / crazy on a Sunday night / You make me dance like a fool / forget how to breathe / shine like gold / buzz like a bee / just the thought of you can drive me wild / oh, you make me smile

Don’t know how I lived without ya / ‘cuz every time that I get around ya I see the best of me inside your eyes / you make me smile

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 30.

Charity Spotlight · Summer 2018

ACMs Is Lifting Lives Year-Round

By Rick Amburgey

The Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Lives program does a lot of work both in Tennessee and nationwide to help improve the lives of people through music. Lifting Lives helps to fund music education and music therapy programs, and even provided disaster relief to those affected by Hurricane Katrina and to people in Middle Tennessee who lost homes and belongings in the 2010 flood.

Last fall, Musicians On Call and Lifting Lives launched the first ongoing bedside performance program in Las Vegas, Nevada. They brought Michael Ray and other musical volunteers to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center to play for victims of the shooting at the Route 91 festival, as well as their families, caregivers and first responders.

One of their most impactful events is the song camp. The ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp is held in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a music therapy program for children with Williams Syndrome. At a recent camp, Dierks Bentley and Ross Copperman wrote a song with the students, then that song was performed by Chris Young on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

It is Copperman’s favorite benefit that he does all year. “I just love these campers. I start to see all these familiar faces. I’ve been hanging with them for six years now,” he said. “I love being able to write the song with them and then produce it in the studio and see it come to life and then see them sing it on the Opry stage. It’s just mind blowing every time.”

Bentley said the camp gives the children that attend a “taste of the dream.” When Dierks started writing, he just hoped someone would hear his song. “There are pretty cool things these kids get to participate in and I get to participate in thanks to the ACM Lifting Lives program.”

The children attending the camp also had the opportunity to do karaoke with Jerrod Niemann. They visited Seacrest Studios with radio personality Bobby Bones. Bones says “it was a no-brainer” when he had the opportunity to teach the campers about radio. “I love the organization and I love radio,” Bones said. “I wanted to come and bring a positive voice and show them what I do all the time.”

*Editor’s Note: Getting to meet and watch the campers was such a heart-warming experience. Support Lifting Lives whenever you can.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 32.

Album Review · Summer 2018

All The Reviews You Can Use

OK, it’s not a complete list of all the new releases, but these albums are completely entertaining!

The Young Fables: Old Songs

If you’re looking for the next duo to fall in love with, look no further than The Young Fables. Their new album Old Songs feels just like an invitation to step into their souls, and it’s the perfect place to sit a spell. Laurel’s ethereal voice has all of the dynamic depth and comfortable tone of Bonnie Raitt and Alison Krauss. One can’t imagine a better sound until Wesley joins in on harmonies and takes the whole thing to the next level. These “old songs” are all amazing, too. You’ll catch yourself singing them after just one listen. “Keeping Me Alive” and “Holdin’ On” have radio appeal, but it’s little gems like “Sawmill Wages” and “Old Songs” that keep me listening to the whole album on loop.

check TheYoungFables.com for more info and tour dates

Willie Nelson: The Last Man Standing

Many of music’s greats have passed, but Willie Nelson truly is the Last Man Standing. His newest album proves that he can leave all the new kids in the industry just choking on his cloud of smoke. I had the privilege of listening to this entire album in the studio before its release. It’s full of Willie-isms like the title track, “Heaven Is Closed” and “Bad Breath,” which is the first time I’ve ever heard the word ‘halitosis’ in a song. There are the danceable uptempos “Don’t Tell Noah” and “I Ain’t Got Nothin’,” with plenty of Nelson’s signature solos. Perhaps one of Willie’s best musical proverbs in his entire career, no exaggeration, is “Something You Get Through.” It’s a brand new standard. Nelson keeps the hits coming!

check WillieNelson.com for more info and tour dates

Ashley McBryde: Girl Going Nowhere

I can’t help but grin from ear to ear from the very first line of “Girl Going Nowhere” to the very last note of “Home Sweet Highway.” Perhaps the most ironically titled album of all time, GGN is taking Ashley all over the world, and if you listen you can travel along. No one can deny Ashley’s powerhouse vocals are reminiscent of Reba, but so much more rock-n-roll. “American Scandal,” “Radioland,” and “El Dorado” are all potential chart toppers. “Tired Of Being Happy” will get you giggling and dancing. The art of the album is in the hidden story-telling gems like “Southern Babylon,” “The Jacket,” (which makes me cry,) and “Livin’ Next To Leroy,” which I keep inappropriately singing in my kitchen when I’m cooking dinner for my kids. So, sync up your headset and get lost in the RYDE.

check AshleyMcBryde.com for more info and tour dates

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 34.

Family Fun · Summer 2018

Oh, The Places You Should Go!!!

Music City is not just about the bar and music scene.

There are so many fun things to enjoy with your children. Even the music festivals will have a Kid Zone to cater to the younger crowd.

Below is a list of family-friendly places to go that the locals recommend.

The Nashville Zoo is adding some new exhibits. There are so many cool animals to see. They also have a zipline, a carousel and a very large playground.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art features International Playhouses and every Thursday in July, they have festivities for Family Night Out. So take a stroll through their beautiful 55 acres and have a blast.

The Tennessee State Museum is FREE and it has a mummy. It was named one of the largest state museums in the nation. It has over 60,000 sq ft of permanent exhibits and 10,000 sq ft of temporary exhibits.

The Parthenon is a local and tourist favorite. The Statue of Athena is 42 feet high. It is the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world.

The Warner Park Nature Center is great for those kids who love the outdoors. They have free activities planned throughout the summer.

Nashville Shores is a fun day in the water, or on the shore. They have water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool.

The Hermitage was the home of President Andrew Jackson. They offer daily tours and the museum is located right off of Interstate 40 East in Hermitage.

Walking around Downtown Nashville can be loads of fun for the kids as well. Just stay hydrated and have a great time.

The Summer in Nashville is packed with fun things to do and a lot of the fun doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of the festivals have free things for the family.

Downtown Nashville, CMA Fest is this very week, but I bet you already knew that.

Bonnaroo is going on in Manchester.

Jazz and Blues fans will be in for a treat on June 15 and 16. The Jefferson St. Jazz & Blues Festival is always fun.

On June 23 and 24, the Nashville Pride Festival will paint Nashville with a rainbow of colors. The musical guests are always incredible, too.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2018, page 36.

From the Editor · Summer 2017

Welcome to Give A Little Nashville

By Krys Midgett

Welcome to the Volunteer State and Welcome to Give A Little Nashville.

In the middle of May, we were interviewing Ty Herndon and really loved what he was doing with the Love & Acceptance Concert. Olivia West and I were chatting on the drive back and said ‘Hey, why don’t we do a print issue for CMA Week and feature Ty?’ “But we would only have a week and a half to do the entire thing including interviews and ad sales!”

Well, that was an insane idea. And here we are! So many of my friends were interested in advertising that we have decided that we should do this quarterly. The goal of printing is to raise money for our Christmas charity, Give A Little Christmas. This will be our 6th Christmas helping hundreds of children in Middle Tennessee when their families have a temporary need. We are Santa’s Elves. So, if you enjoy what you read, please spread the word.

GAL is also about giving back. Each article tries to focus a little on a different charity.

I started GAL in 2012 and have had one print but mostly an online presence since then.

I have worked on magazines for years but I was born to help others.

Tennessee is all about helping, so we want to spread the word and spread the smiles.

I hope you enjoy our magazine and let us know what you think...unless it’s bad. My doctor said negativity is bad for my blood pressure.

Krys Midgett
givealittlenashville@gmail.com

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 4.

Charity Spotlight · Summer 2017

The Live 4 Tay Foundation

“Raising awareness for childhood cancer and helping families by providing financial assistance grants to families who have a child with cancer.”

The Live 4 Tay Foundation supports families who have children with cancer by providing financial assistance generated through fundraising events held to raise awareness for childhood cancer. We maintain a passionate commitment to raise funds, foster community support, and promote childhood cancer awareness.

The Live 4 Tay Foundation is a community-based organization dedicated to raise awareness for childhood cancer through advocacy and education, and by raising and disbursing funds to provide financial assistance to families who have children with cancer and to organizations that are leading innovative research for the prevention and cure of childhood cancers.

Come visit us on our social network for information, updates and calendar events.

www.live4tay.org

The Live 4 Tay Foundation is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 107 and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to the Live 4 Tay Foundation are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Live 4 Tay Foundation EIN is 46-1423548. A copy of the Live 4 Tay determination letter is available upon request.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 6.

A Little Bit Of Livi · Summer 2017

A Little Bit Of Livi

Welcome to Nashville, Music City, USA. Every bar, most restaurants and street corners, and even some of the stores have live music ready to entertain you as you spend your money.

What those outside the biz don’t know, is that our local performers are playing for tips. Only. Most of the bars and restaurants in our town quit paying musicians long ago, back when people used to carry cash to tip with. Now that everyone carries virtual credit and debit cards on their phones, the bands aren’t getting tipped as well.

That musician you’re enjoying has been practicing their instrument for years, bleeding on the expensive strings, pouring their soul, their time, and their income into becoming the kind of player who can play your favorite songs and make it look so easy. It wasn’t easy.

I’m not writing this to guilt trip you. The system was in place long before you or I came to Music City. It’s not your fault.

If you’re enjoying the music you’re hearing, though, here are some things you can do to support our local artists:

1. Stop at an ATM for cash. Even though the bars here don’t pay the music, they don’t have a tipping option on their credit card receipts. This is a fight we musicians need to fight, but until then, your drummer needs to pay rent and his landlord doesn’t accept “exposure.”

2. Buy the CD. I know, your MacBook doesn’t even have a CD drive and your car is Bluetooth. You can stream it from Pandora or Apple Music, but the artist will only get fractions of pennies for that.

So, even if buying the CD is just a gesture of support, a memento of your trip and a reminder to look them up on YouTube later, it goes a long way to keeping that guitar in strings. Besides, as we say on Music Row, they make handy coasters.

3. Share with friends! What a musician longs for the most is simply to be heard and enjoyed.

Feel free to stream your live video footage on Facebook, but make sure you tell your friends the name of the artist you’re enjoying. Get the word out about this amazing performer who made your trip so special.

After all, would you even be here if it weren’t for the great music?

For more from me see OliviaWest.com

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 7.

Cover Story · Summer 2017

The Truth About Ty

By Olivia West

Ask anyone how to write a country song and they’ll tell you all you need is three chords and the truth.

The truth is, Ty Herndon is gay. As a country artist, and a purist at that, Ty HAD to tell the truth about it. I asked him how he found the courage to come out as Country music’s first openly gay male artist and his answer was “three chords and the truth.” While that seems simple, the reality was that he could have lost his entire career, which took a lot more bravery than most of us could even imagine. He says he had reached a point where he was willing to give up his music career “to live authentically in my skin.” He got so tired of having to walk into a room, or interview, and not tell the truth, that he says “I was willing to go and get my real estate license.” Fortunately, he lost very little of his fanbase and gained a legion of new fans who embraced his openness. The “truth,” it seems, has not yet left Country music.

With the November release of his newest album “House on Fire,” the only change in his honest and passionate sound is the lack of gender-defining pronouns. I think it’s safe to say that Ty proved that he is the same Ty Herndon that his fans have come to love, which is why his fanbase has only grown since his ground-breaking coming out. The video for “That Kind of Night” is the first single to be released off of that album and is now playing on CMT.

“When you come to one of my shows, you’re not coming to a political event.” Ty says he still sings “she” in the love songs the crowd sings along with, “because that’s how the song was written” which is his way of honoring his songwriter’s truths. “But when I walk on stage, I am just Ty Herndon. I am just my authentic self.”

If you happen to walk into Wildhorse on June 8th, you’ll see “just” Ty partnering with CMT’s Cody Alan for the second annual Love And Acceptance show during this year’s CMA week. This benefit raises money to help Nashville’s homeless youth who are frequently kicked out onto the streets over LGBTQ-related disagreements with their guardians. Ty’s friends Thompson Square, Runaway June, Mickey Guyton, Kree Harrison, Billy Gilman and several others will be pouring out their love and acceptance to all who are lucky enough to attend.

Three chords and a whole lot of love and truth.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 8.

Charity Spotlight · Summer 2017

GLAAD

Started in 1985

www.glaad.org

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. And the list goes on....

Check them out!

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 9.

Artist Feature · Summer 2017

Modern Day Outlaw has a ‘Guitar For Sale’

By Krys Midgett

Guitar For Sale: Fairly good shape. Made out in Sonoma, CA. early ’68. A chip in the headstock, a crack in the spruce top. No major damage. It’s been around the world. Seen all 50 states. If this old thing could talk, it’d have a lot to say. It’s been here beside me while I lived out my dreams. But I think it’s about time I bid an old friend farewell. See rayscott.com for more information.

No worries, Ray Scott is not selling his guitar. However, he does have a new album out. ‘Guitar For Sale’ is available for preorder on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and at RayScott.com.

The best option is to attend his Annual Friends of Ray Scott Party for the album release. It is June 10th from 3 pm til 5:15 at the Courtyard Marriott on 4th Avenue in downtown Nashville. For only $25, you get a pre-show meet & greet, a great show and a ‘Guitar For Sale’ album. If you say please, he might even autograph it for you.

This album is all older favorites of his. In fact, ‘Pray For Fish’, a song on this album, was a song of Scott’s that Randy Travis cut in 2002 on his Rise and Shine album. He also had cuts with Trace Adkins and Clay Walker.

“On a good day, I am a good songwriter for me. I have had some other people record my stuff, so it’s nice to know that a few people liked it enough to do that. It’s a thrill, a humbling thing,” says Scott.

His current single off of the album is ‘Livin’ This Way’ and is very Ray Scott. All of the songs were written or co-written by Scott. He would consider outside material but it has to be something that he really connects with and believes.

“I haven’t done any outside material. I’m not opposed to it. I just haven’t heard anything yet that I felt like I could totally sell. I could like your songs but they may or may not be something I could artistically wrap myself around and turn into something good. There have been songs that I have gotten from big writers back when I was at Warner, going toward the second record, they were good but I couldn’t do it,” says Scott. “If you don’t believe what you’re singing or not into it, it’s not going to affect anybody.”

Some of his major influences were the ‘Outlaws’, you know ‘Waylon and Willie and the boys.’ These influences show up in his music, especially in his first album.

Scott released ‘My Kind of Music’ with Warner Bros. in 2005 and was making a big splash. However, moving forward to the second album, politics and Scott staying true to his music, left him without a label after only two years.

“I was influenced by those guys (The Outlaws). My first record had shades of that in it when I was on that label. As we went toward making the second album, the A & R guys were trying to get me to record outside material and stuff that was more to the middle, more pop country. I just wasn’t about to do it. That’s something I am not really capable of,” explains Scott.

What did he do when he no longer had a label backing him? He created his own. Over the years, he has had different incarnations of his own label, Jethropolitan. He says he prefers to do it himself, because he doesn’t have to make any decisions that aren’t his.

Standing by what he believes may be why he is no longer on a major label but it certainly hasn’t slowed things down. Scott has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage more than 60 times, four number one hits in the UK, his second album had great sales, the third album featured ‘Those Jeans’. A song that sold a couple hundred thousand copies. This is pretty impressive for an indie artist on his own label, right? If you aren’t familiar with Ray Scott, you should know that he has quite the sense of humor. Several songs have a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor about them, such as ‘I’ll Take The Ugly One’. Well, let’s blame or thank Tompall Glaser and the Wanted: The Outlaws album.

At six years old, ‘Put Another Log On The Fire’ was one of his favorite songs. I encourage you to look it up, it is quite funny.

“I could tell it was supposed to be funny. For whatever reason, I got it, even back then. It was very chauvinistic but in a tongue-in-cheek joking kind of way. It was probably one of the reasons why I write some of these goofy songs,” laughs Scott.

Scott started his first band at 19 yrs old. He then moved from his small hometown in Semora, North Carolina to Atlanta, GA for college, to Raleigh, NC and then settled in Nashville about 22 years ago, after listening to Steve Earle’s ‘Someday’. “That was the one song that first spoke to me. ‘Someday’ by Steve Earle is probably the reason I moved to Nashville. It was the one that I could relate to, I heard it at just the right time in my life, too,” explains Scott. “I was at a transitional phase where you are trying to figure out what your next move is going to be. I was a big dreamer and I grew up in a small town.”

He says the quote that best describes him is “You can’t please everybody but you can tell them to go please themselves.”

As far as his music career, he says “There was a saying about certain jobs when I was growing up. ‘It’s good work if you can get it.’ It’s a way to make a living, doing what I love.”

He also loves to give back. Scott does work with T.J. Martell, anything to help Veterans, the Troops, kids and animals.

Ray Scott is a storyteller, like The Outlaws. He is going to sell albums and make real music for as long as he has stories to tell.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 10.

Awards · Summer 2017

52nd ACM Awards

The winner is......

Jason Aldean
ACM Entertainer of the Year

Miranda Lambert
Female Vocalist
Album of The Year
‘The Weight Of These Wings’

Thomas Rhett
Male Vocalist.
Song Of The Year
‘Die A Happy Man’

Brothers Osborne
Vocal Duo,
New Vocal Duo or Group

Maren Morris
New Female Vocalist

Jon Pardi
New Male Vocalist

Florida Georgia Line
Vocal Event of The Year,
Single Record of the year

Little Big Town
Vocal Group

Forever Country
Video Of The Year

Lori McKenna
Songwriter of the Year

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 13.

Songwriter Stories · Summer 2017

Songwriter Stories: Frank Myers

By Krys Midgett

There is magic in words and music. The kind of magic that makes you feel. It makes you laugh, makes you cry and makes you remember things that may have long since been forgotten. Songs make you feel like that singer is talking about your life or straight to you. That is how hits are made. It is the magic.

You know your favorite songs and your favorite singers, but do you know the songwriters? That is where the magic begins. It begins with their love, their broken-heart, their loss, their struggles, their triumphs. Songwriters are sharing a bit of their soul to touch the listeners and as a type of therapy for others. And they do it because they love it. Not for fame or recognition.

A songwriter’s story is very much like most ‘following your dreams’ stories. Some of these stories are so amazing, that even the songwriters look back with a sense of appreciation at their own success.

One such songwriter is Frank Myers. He has written so many hits in his amazing career and poured his heart into it.

He grew up in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by music. His grandma played banjo, he and his brother played guitar and fiddle, his uncle played mandolin, another uncle played bass, his dad, Peewee Myers, was a singer and fiddle player. “That’s how I started playing. I played guitar and fiddle when I was nine. I played with my dad. Every weekend, there was music throughout the house,” reminisces Myers.

As a young teenager (fourteen or fifteen), Myers was having issues with his vocal cords and had to go see a vocal coach. This vocal coach gave him his first taste of songwriting. Myers said, “She wrote lyrics and one day she showed me some lyrics and asked if I could put music to it.”

From then on, there was no turning back. He continued playing with his dad and in Dayton but Frank knew he needed to be in Nashville. So, in 1981, he and his wife, Belinda, moved to Nashville and have raised a family and continue to call it home. Early in his career, he became the band leader, road manager and lead guitar player for Eddy Raven. He started writing, playing and co-producing with Eddy and his career took off. The year after he started with Raven, his song, ‘You and I’ was recorded by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle and was his first single.

His wife asked him to write her a song and it really took off. The story of that song is worth its own article and is featured on pages 26 and 27.

Myers and Raven had a cut with Tanya Tucker called ‘Changes’ which was once featured on an episode of ‘Loveboat’. Tucker’s character sang it and said it was written by Mel Tillis’ character.

Myers has since received a Grammy for ‘I Swear’ which he wrote with Gary Baker. However, one of the most memorable moments in his career was when he was on the road with Marie Osmond.

“I got to meet Bob Hope. He was on a show in Arkansas that I was playing with Marie Osmond. She used to do a bit in the show where she would do ‘Crazy’. She would call a guy from the audience up on stage and make him sing. That night she called a guy up and it was the Governor of Arkansas, Bill Clinton. I didn’t know who he was. It is moments like that...” says Myers.

He has had many great moments in his career. From standing on the sidelines at a Dallas Cowboys game to meeting Muhammad Ali, life has not been short of excitement. He played with Raven for nine years, Marie Osmond for four years, he and Baker had the Baker and Myers band, oh and the songwriting. Among his many hits is ‘Already There’ cut by Lonestar and more recently, Chris Young’s ‘Tomorrow.’

‘Beautiful thing in the power of a song,’ said Myers, ‘it can be interpreted differently to whoever is listening to it.’

Myers has had incredible success in his career. He is a songwriter, producer, guitar player, husband, father....so much more. One thing he believes strongly in is helping others and with a long line of military in his family, it is only natural that he was drawn to TAPS. Myers works with an organization called Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

“They have a songwriter fundraiser in Denver. They have had it for years. It raises a lot of money and this year, I even got All-For-One to come out and play,” says Myers.

TAPS offers compassionate care to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died while in the Military as a result of their service. It began in 1994 and has assisted more than 70k families, casualty officers and caregivers. Every Memorial Day, they hold their National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp in Washington, DC. At one of their events, Myers was inspired to write a song for TAPS.

“I was just watching one of the videos at one of the banquets. They do a video of survivors talking about it. I just felt like we needed to write a song for them,” says Myers. “I wanted to find an artist to do it and kinda make it like ‘Wounded Warrior’ with Trace Adkins. So I just came up with this title, ‘I’m Here For You’ cause that’s what the organization TAPS is, they’re here for those families.”

He wrote it with Billy Montana and they sang it together on one of the demos. Billy’s son, Randy, sang it on the original recording. Last month, Myers sang the song at their Honor Guard Gala, along with a lyric video that they put together. They are currently working to get funding to promote the video.

Go to www.taps.org to find out how you can help. And to listen and learn more about Frank Myers, go to www.frankmyersmusic.com

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 14.

CMA Fest Tips · Summer 2017

How to survive a festival in Nashville

By Livi West

1. Beat the heat! It gets hot down here in the summer, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Alcohol is served at the downtown bars starting at 10am every day of the week. Just be sure to drink some water along with your “beer for breakfast” so you don’t pass out in the streets.

2. When in CMA Fest, do as the festival crowd does. Cowboy hats have nice, wide, shady brims and are available for sale at every store on the street. Pick one up, stay shaded and roll with it. Your face will thank you later.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 16.

CMA Fest Tips · Summer 2017

Rick’s CMA Survival Guide

By Rick Amburgey

This week marks my 10th time attending CMA Music Fest and my 8th year since it moved downtown. I attended in 1998 and 1999 (when it was still called International Fan Fair) and I have attended every year since 2010.

There are so many events going on during CMA Fest that it is easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s hard to know about everything that is going on and decide which events you want to attend.

This article contains four tips that I’ve learned over the years. I want to pass them on to you to help you make the most of your week in Nashville.

Dress for Success. You will have more fun if you are comfortable. I hope you remembered to pack light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. If you didn’t, you will probably want to stop by a store or a clothing booth and buy you something more comfortable. Also, don’t forget to have plenty of sunblock if you plan to spend time watching performances at one of the many outdoor stages.

Make a schedule. Take some downtime at your hotel or at a restaurant to make a list of things you want to do. With so many schedules and events going on at the same time, there’s no way you will be able to do everything. Make a list of the things you really want to do to keep yourself from being disappointed because you suddenly realized you missed one of your favorite artists.

If you haven’t downloaded the CMA Fest app on your phone, you may want to consider doing it. It will allow you to make a schedule of the performances on the CMA Fest schedules. It will also remind you that your scheduled performances are coming up.

Take advantage of social media. Most artists are on social media, so make sure you have liked the pages of your favorite artists. Artists will sometimes announce surprise performances (or at least give hints) only on social media.

Stay hydrated. Nashville can get very hot in June. You will be having fun and you may not realize that you are getting dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water to ensure you stay healthy. If you are starting to feel ill, you may need to take a break and go into a cooler place.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 17.

Giving Back · Summer 2017

Craig Campbell Fights Colorectal Cancer

By Andrea Miller

Colorectal Cancer is losing its battle with the help of Red Bow Recording Artist, Craig Campbell.

Campbell joined with the forces at Fight CRC; http://fightcolorectalcancer.org and is holding his 5th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and third One Million Strong event in Nashville on June 6th to which all proceeds raised will fund the fight against colorectal cancer through Fight CRC’s One Million Strong campaign.

Campbell is a National Spokesperson for Fight CRC. It is personal for him. Campbell was only 11 when he lost his father at age 36 to colorectal cancer. He started his campaign five years ago because he wanted to do something to bring awareness to this disease.

“My Dad died with colon cancer and I feel like colon cancer is one of the few types of cancers that if you catch it early enough that it can be fairly preventable,” says Campbell.

“I can’t believe this is our fifth year having the cornhole tournament! I’m so proud that we can still do this event, raising money and awareness to fight colorectal cancer,” shared Campbell. “I always get excited knowing we are gonna have a great time throwing bags all while doing what we can to erase this terrible disease.”

Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) works to increase awareness, education and research for colorectal cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among adults.

Craig’s known to play some good cornhole but is mostly known for his incredible, timeless songwriting ‘that tugs at heartstrings, pushes boundaries and seeps in with infectious melodies’, send inspiration so that no matter what life deals you or how tough it may seem, you’d know with everybody

Craig’s incredible writing abilities have allowed him to captivate all audiences of country music by his genius in keeping the traditional and marrying it with contemporary. He continues his genius with his most current work, “Outskirts of Heaven”. A song moving with a sentimental and familiar experience to those close to country living and life afterwards and is currently working on his album.

Campbell always keeps his fans in mind, in fact he does a fun segment on YouTube called ‘Woman Cover Wednesday’. For more on Campbell, go to www.craigcampbell.tv.

5th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & 3rd One Million Strong Event
June 6th
City Winery
Cornhole Challenge 2:30
Benefit dinner 6 pm
Celebrity Colorectal cancer survivors will share their stories of hope and inspiration.
All proceeds for both events benefit Fight CRC.
www.fightcolorectalcancer.org.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 18.

Q&A · Summer 2017

Jimmy Charles Q&A

www.jimmycharlesmusic.com

Q: What defines you as an Artist?

A: Passionate, Soulful, Fun!

Q: How long have you lived in Nashville?

A: 8 years

Q: Who/what were your biggest influences to make music your career and why did you choose Country Music?

A: My Dad bought me my first guitar when I was 14. He taught me how to play and I started with old country songs like George Jones, Willie, Randy Travis, Vern Gosdin and so on. I liked other genres as well but I fell in love with the honesty of Country Music and the beauty of its tradition. The more I played and wrote, the more I knew that this was a part of me and I needed to pursue music as a career to be truly happy.

Q: What was it like to film a music video in the Virgin Islands and what does your new single, “’Bout Summertime” mean to you?

A: Filming in St. Thomas VI was nothing short of a dream come true. It was so much fun! I really just want to start this project all over again. When I was asked to headline the Texas Society of the Virgin Islands Chili Cookoff last August for an audience of 5,000 people, I knew that this was the opportune time to film a music video for “’Bout Summertime”. I was introduced to underwater documentary and videographer Paul Cater Deaton, who was working with the cook off. I played the song and he immediately got so excited. Leading up to the big Chili Cook off we played beach bars like the Smokin Rooster, Iggy’s, Tickles and Beach Bar St. John. We filmed at each show and then, of course, the big concert. The underwater scenes were my favorite, I think, and the pilots in the cockpit. This song to me shows my fun side. I grew up at the beach in OCMD on boats and being by the Ocean. Summertime is a special time that excites us all and brings out the best in all of us. That’s what I wanted from this song. After my last release and CMT/GAC featured video “Superman”, which is a very serious subject, it is great to be able to show a lighter, fun side now! :)

Q: Tell us about your Journey with “Superman” and representing Zero Cancer as their National Spokesman.

A: I wrote Superman with my bandmate Goose Gossett and a Cancer survivor Phil Shulka in an effort to bring awareness for men to get checked for Prostate Cancer, which affects 1 in 7 Men. The song touches everyone though that has been affected by all types of cancer. It had such an immediate impact on everyone who heard the song, that I knew I had a tool that could get people’s attention and truly save lives. I was asked to be Zero Cancer Spokesman and Superman became their anthem song. We then made a music video that really brought home the message and the scary reality of someone finding out they are now in a battle for their life and this could happen to anyone. I am now on my 3rd Nationwide tour singing at Walk/Runs to survivors bringing them strength, hope & getting as much media from radio, TV and magazines that we can. All this in an effort to get this important message out there. To me, “Superman” is not just a song, it’s a mission and has been an emotional ride filled with smiles, hugs and tears. Cancer is a horrible disease and we must put an end to it! We recently had a summit meeting in DC where Zero advocates spoke to Congressman and Senators from every state. From our efforts, 10 million dollars were added to the National budget for Prostate Cancer Research. This is the first increase in over a decade! I was very proud to be a part of that and share my experiences traveling the country and embracing the men and families that suffer from the disease that is so often overlooked.

Q: You were recently nominated for the T.O.Y.A. Award tell us about that!

A: Yes, I was very surprised and excited to hear that I was nominated by both Tennessee and MD for the TOYA Award that stands for Ten Outstanding Young Americans. It is a National Award that has been received by many former Presidents and even Elvis. I was nominated by the Jaycees for my work with Zero and the other charities I volunteer with. I never expect anything in return for the work I do but it was a nice surprise and what a huge honor to even be nominated! Selections will be in Sept.

Q: What advice would you give a young Artist from your experiences?

A: 1) If you truly want to make music your career be prepared to work extremely hard. This is one of the most competitive businesses in the world and certainly isn’t always fair. You’ve got to outwork your competition and learn from the veterans. Never stop getting better! 2) Check your ego at the door. Believe in yourself and find confidence through your practice and hard work, but there is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. No one likes an artist who feels entitled. 3) Don’t seek “Fame” seek “Success”! There is a big difference and if you’re in it for fame, you are chasing the wrong path. Finally, never forget why you first fell in love with music and no matter what obstacles your career may face, always hold on to the purity of that love, cause no one can take that away!

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell us before ya go?

A: I’d Love if you would connect with me on social media, which you can find links to all of them on my website. www.jimmycharlesmusic.com. Check out the videos and please share them. I have music on iTunes that you can download including the new single “’Bout Summertime”. I’d also like for everyone to get involved with www.zerocancer.org. Please donate and participate in a race in your area. I Love getting messages from my fans, so don’t be shy and I hope to see you at a future show!

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 20.

Feature · Summer 2017

Willie Is Going Strong & Still Topping The Charts

By Krys Midgett

Close your eyes and think of ‘your’ music. The soundtrack of your life. I don’t know about you, but the names that come to my mind are George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, Roger Miller, Roy Orbison, Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, The Beatles, so many more but one of the top on my list is – always – Willie Nelson.

Willie Nelson is one of our music icons. He wrote and sang songs that inspired singers of yesterday and continues to inspire the songs of tomorrow. His sound and style are distinctive. They take you home, back to your childhood. Yet, they are new and alive.

His new album ‘God’s Problem Child’ is as amazing as he ever was. Every song on this album will make you listen again and again. He chooses songs that fit well with his sound and his style of songwriting.

Remember Patsy Cline’s ‘Crazy’? If you don’t, you should really do some homework. Willie wrote that and recorded it in Texas before sharing it in Nashville.

“I had just come up from Texas and I was in Tootsie’s listening to the jukebox. I had brought a record that I had cut in Texas of ‘Crazy’ and Tootsie let me put it on the jukebox and play it. Charlie Dick, Patsy Cline’s husband, heard the song,” said Nelson. “It was around, almost midnight, and he said ‘Let’s go to the house, I want Patsy to hear this song’. I was like ‘You don’t want to go over there at midnight. I’m about half drunk and you are too.’ So he said ‘Come on, she won’t care’. So we drove over to Patsy’s. I stayed in the car. I wouldn’t get out. Charlie went in and Patsy came out and made me get out and go in. Heard the song, loved it and cut it the next week.”

In the early sixties, he moved to Nashville and had a lot of success as a songwriter but not as much album success.

In 1963, he bought a house in Ridgetop, Tennessee. Six years later, he bought Trigger (his guitar). That year, his house burned down. He managed to save Trigger from the flames. Since then, Trigger has saved him multiple times. Nelson took the fire as a sign and moved back to Austin, Texas. The music scene was starting to take off at that time. He could be himself. With Trigger by his side and his distinctive style and sound, a legend was in the making.

He was at a point of reinvention. He would meet up with other artists who were ‘outside the norm’ and the Outlaws would change the world, at least the music world.

The ‘Red-Headed Stranger’ came out in 1975 and made Willie Nelson a household name. One of my favorites is ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain’ from that album. The house fire had a silver-lining, as strange as that is to say, and his many albums and many hit songs are proof. He has lived so much life in his 84 years and has so much more to live.

The day before Willie turned 84, he gave all music-lovers a gift. His newest album ‘God’s Problem Child’ was released. He is still topping the charts. It debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Charts and is making waves. After years and years of hit songs and touring, he is not slowing down.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Willie Nelson is ‘Still Not Dead’ and we are very relieved at that. It’s like the scene in ‘The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer’ where he and Huck got to see the reactions of people who cared about them. Willie gets to hear all the condolences of the fans who don’t check the facts before sharing the fake news sites. It is touching to know that so many people will miss you when you are gone, but he isn’t planning on going anywhere but ‘On The Road Again’.

For the current album, Buddy Cannon (who co-wrote most of the songs on the album) and Nelson wrote ‘Still Not Dead’ to poke fun at the rumors.

“Willie and I had a couple songs we’d written, one of them was the song ‘Still Not Dead’. We wrote that thing because of all these internet stories that get going about every six months that Willie’s dead and his gardener found him dead in the yard or something. So we thought it was funny and wrote a song about it,” says Cannon.

Nelson added, “A long time ago, when I had ‘On The Road Again’ when it first came out, somebody came up with a joke ‘Well, you know Willie, out singing on the road again. He got hit by a truck.’ That was 30 years ago, so every now and then somebody comes up with another Willie’s dead story. And I always loved ‘em. Everybody was always so glad to see me.”

Cannon and Nelson have written many songs together and Cannon produced several of his albums. Yet, they stated that all of the writing is done via text or email. They will send each other verses and just go back and forth on it. They have never been in the room together to write a song. It’s worked out well, so far. There are many great songs on ‘God’s Problem Child’ and everyone should buy the album.

For more on Willie Nelson, please visit www.willienelson.com/

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 22.

Charity Spotlight · Summer 2017

The Give Back: Farm Aid

www.farmaid.org

Started by
Willie Nelson
Neil Young
John Mellencamp

Year Founded
1985

Goal:
Raise Awareness about the loss of family farms and raise funds to keep farm families on the land.

Raised over $50 million

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 24.

Concert Review · Summer 2017

Concert Breaks Records

By Rick Amburgey

Eric Church ended his 62-date “Holding My Own” tour with two sold-out shows at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on May 26 and May 27.

In February, Bon Jovi broke the attendance record set by Eric Church in 2015 as part of his “The Outsiders” tour. Eric Church broke the attendance record set by Bon Jovi on May 26 and then broke his own record from the previous night on May 27.

Eric Church ended the tour with the longest concert of the tour, clocking in at 42 songs and ending just before 12:30 am.

Eric Church will be performing on Friday night June 9 at Nissan Stadium.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 24.

Music News · Summer 2017

Nashville Loves LOCASH

By Rick Amburgey

LOCASH is a fan favorite every year at CMA Music Fest.

LOCASH is made up of Chris Lucas and Preston Brust. The duo released two albums as the LoCash Cowboys in 2008 and 2013. Despite being very popular among their loyal fan base, they did not enjoy major chart success until their CD “The Fighters” in 2016 as LOCASH. Their first single off the CD was “I Love This Life,” which became a Top 5 hit. The second single, “I Know Somebody,” became their first #1 hit.

This week, LOCASH will be on tour in Minnesota on Friday and Saturday. They will be in Nevada on Sunday. However, fans will have a few opportunities to see them early in the week.

On Tuesday, June 6, LOCASH will appear as part of Storme Warren’s Nashville Navy party. The show begins at 3 p.m. at the Famous Saloon. General admission tickets will be sold at the door for $30 each.

On Wednesday, LOCASH is nominated for the Duo Video of the Year award for “I Know Somebody” at the CMT Awards. This year marks the first time LOCASH has been nominated for a CMT Music Video Award. The award show is usually held at the Bridgestone Arena, but it has been moved to Music City Center because the Nashville Predators are still in the Stanley Cup Finals. Tickets aren’t being sold for the awards due to the venue change, but it will be broadcast live on CMT at 7 pm Central Time.

LOCASH will be performing on Thursday at 12:45 pm on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage.

The duo will also appear at 3 pm on Thursday on the Radio Disney Country stage, which is located inside The Music City Center.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 25.

The Song’s Story · Summer 2017

Every Song Has A Story

The Story of ‘You And I’ told by Frank Myers

“My wife (Belinda) and I lived in an apartment in Antioch. We had one car and she worked second shift at the bank. I was with Eddy Raven and he was a new artist. So he wasn’t playing a lot, so there wasn’t a lot of money. She started worrying about things and I kept saying, ‘We’ll be all right. We’ll be all right. Don’t worry.’ So when Eddy and I wrote the song ‘Changes’ with Tanya Tucker, there’s a line that goes ‘Neither one of us will ever change/we’re both the same and that’s a shame/ Cause when we were together it was right/We had it all, you and I’

For some reason, ‘You and I’ always stuck in my head as a title.

So, I’m sitting around the apartment before she went to work one day, with my guitar. I was trying to write a song, trying to get an idea or something.

She asked me what I was doing and I said ‘Trying to write a song.’ She asked, ‘What kind of song?’ I answered, ‘A country song honey. We’re in Nashville now. I gotta write something country. We’re not in Ohio anymore.’

She said, ‘Well, that hasn’t been working out real good.’ I said ‘Well, we just got this Tanya Tucker cut.’ She said ‘Yeah but there’s no money coming in.’ She said ‘I know you’re trying to write a country song but why don’t you write me a Lionel Richie, Commodores type song.’ And so I took her to work, came home and got my guitar. This melody started coming to me and I thought about that title ‘You and I’ and I wrote the song in a couple of hours. I picked her up that night, brought her home and played her the song. She was all teary-eyed.

It wasn’t written as a duet, Crystal Gayle had just come to Elektra Records, where Eddie Rabbitt was. They cut the song and David Malloy called me and asked me if I could write another verse. They thought the song was too short. So I wrote about 4, 5 or 6 verses and he hated every one of them. I believe it was because it was meant to be done the way it was done. So, Crystal was in the studio learning the song and she started answering Eddie. David was listening to what she was doing and he said ‘That’s it, that’s how we’ll do it.’ That’s how it became a duet and then they changed the tagline, because it wasn’t written as a duet. It was kind of an encouragement song to my wife that we’ll be all right.

If you listen to the ‘You and I’, it says ‘We’ll be all right, just you and I’. At the end of the duet it says ‘And now, your love is my reward / And I love you even more/Than I ever did before/We made it, you and I’. Well the original line, that no one has ever heard, unless I am playing live is ‘And now your love is my reward/And I love you even more/And you’ll never have to cry/cause we’ll make it, you and I!’

Frank & Belinda have been married 37 years.

He still loves her even more.....

You And I — written by Frank Myers

Just you and I
Sharing our love together
And I know in time
We'll build the dreams we treasure
And we'll be all right, just you and I

Just you and I
Sharing our love together
And I know in time
We'll build the dreams we treasure
We'll be all right, Just You and I

And I remember our first embrace
That smile that was on your face
The promises that we made
And now, your love is my reward
And I love you even more
Than I ever did before

Just you and I
We can entrust each other
With you in my life
They'll never be another
We'll be all right, just you and I

And I remember our first embrace
That smile that was on your face
The promises that we made
And now, your love is my reward
And I love you even more
Than I ever did before

We made it, you and I

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 26.

Artist Spotlight · Summer 2017

Lucas Ciliberti

Sixteen year old, Lucas Ciliberti, is a Singer/Songwriter that “Sings from his heart, to make people happy!” His First Professional appearance, in front of a large audience, was singing “God Bless America” when he was just 18mo old, and he has been singing his way into hearts across the Nation, ever since!

Lucas grew up on a four-generation family farm, West of Enid, OK - living with his Mother, Grandmother, and 2 older brothers, one of which has severe brain injury, and non-verbal Autism. In addition to singing to all the farm animals and the neighbors, Lucas performed at many events from Rodeos to Rattlesnake Hunts! But his heart was always devoted to helping those in need. Lucas shared his music and his joy, in Churches, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Sr. Citizen Centers, Special Olympics & Special Needs Facilities, and at Music Camps for underprivileged children… He made everyone smile!

When Lucas was 10yrs old, he was chosen to represent Oklahoma, in the North American Country Music Assoc. Intl Competition, in Pigeon Forge, TN, but he didn’t have enough money to pay the expenses, so his Grandma sold a cow to pay for his trip! He made his Grandma proud, by winning Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year!

Soon after, Lucas began sharing his talent all over Nashville. He sings up and down Broadway and Music Row, in such locations as the Hard Rock Café, BB Kings, 3rd and Lindsley, The Nashville Palace, John A’s, The Midnight Jamboree, and Center Stage at the Opry Mills Mall, just to name a few! Any money Lucas receives for performing or through CD sales, he gives to his Autistic brother, to help pay for his care. But even when Lucas has a full schedule, he takes the time to help others, in any way he can.

Lucas sings at many Charity Events, volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club, and speaks and sings at school assemblies, sharing his message of how important it is to stay in school, Stop Bullying, and to follow your Dreams…

In honor of his Native American Heritage, Lucas sings and drums at Pow-Wows across the country. He is an honorary member of the Warriors Society for his dedication to Veterans. Lucas was recently awarded a Native American Eagle Award for Community Service, and for being a Role Model for today’s youth! His CD “Rainmaker”, is now available for purchase through his website and by private request.

A cause that is very dear to his heart is “Give A Little Nashville” founded by Krys Midgett. Lucas raises money through performances, to help supply children in need with Christmas presents, and the homeless, with warm winter hats, gloves, and scarves. He also is “Hands on” during the wrapping and delivery process, which is the part he loves the most!

God Blessed Lucas Ciliberti with a very special gift. The gift of Song – which has brought joy to many people’s lives. His dream is to sing at the Grand Ole Opry, and to have his own band, and tour the world someday, “Singing To Make People Happy!”

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 28.

Album Review · Summer 2017

‘God’s Problem Child’ Is Not A Problem With Fans

By Rick Amburgey

Country legends haven’t received a lot of airplay from mainstream country radio in recent years, but it hasn’t kept some of country music’s most iconic artists from continuing to write and record great music. One example of this is Willie Nelson, who recently released his “God’s Problem Child” CD. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Album chart in May.

Nelson’s fans have been waiting on this new CD for a long time. It finally gives fans the opportunity to own a recording of “Still Not Dead,” a song that Nelson was inspired to write after numerous internet stories appeared claiming he has died. The song captures Nelson’s humor and has proven to be a popular song among Nelson’s fans. Videos of Nelson performing the song have been appearing on YouTube for over a year.

The CD also features “Little House on the Hill,” a song that was written by producer Buddy Cannon’s 92-year-old mother. Cannon posted an emotional video last October of his mother hearing the song for the first time. That video has since been viewed more than 1.5 million times. The video, which runs less than 90 seconds in length, also features Cannon’s mother singing along with the part of the song. It’s clear she is very happy, proud and overcome with emotion.

“Delete and Fast Forward” is another song that has been discussed over the last few months. The song has been mentioned in newspapers and on talk shows, likely because the lyrics of the song seem to criticize President Donald Trump. In the song, Nelson sings, “Delete and Fast Forward my son/ the elections are over and nobody won.”

Overall, this CD is a solid collection of songs. In some of the songs, Nelson sings about getting older. In “Old Timer,” which was written by Donnie Fritts and Lenny Leblanc, Nelson sings “You think that you’re still a young bull rider/ ’Til you look in the mirror and see an old timer.”

The final song on the CD is a tribute to Merle Haggard, Nelson’s longtime friend and collaborator, who passed away last year. The song, which is titled “He Won’t Ever Be Gone,” talks about the legacy Haggard left behind with his music. Nelson sings, “When it comes to country music, he’s the world/ And it wouldn’t be all it is without Merle.” In the song written by Gary Nicholson, Nelson also sings that “I would sing some songs he wrote/ And he would sing a few of mine.”

Buy it! Don’t just stream it. You can download it but you really need a physical copy. I want it on vinyl.

Originally published in Give A Little Nashville, Summer 2017, page 29.