One Saturday Morning

You know how it feels when you get a song in your head, and it won't go away? I've had that experience happen to me, and the song remained for over 20 years! The problem was, I didn't know the name of the song.

The singer of the song was the incomparable Ed Bruce. I heard him sing the song one Saturday morning at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, TN, where Alex Harvey (songwriter of Ruben James, Delta Dawn and many others) was hosting a writers' event. I was asked to run sound for the event, and Mr. Bruce was one of the featured writers. I was transfixed by the pathos and haunting words of one of his songs in particular. He sang many others, but THAT one song stayed with me.

Ed Bruce and Alex Harvey made an impression on me that day. Their voices and writing perspectives are unique in music. Alex acted as a mentor to me for several years, always giving me priceless insight and advice.

I never saw Ed Bruce perform live again. The song he sang that morning remained.a mystery until I got the title of the song and found a recording a few  months ago. Enjoy the Ed Bruce recording of
"Streets of Laredo".


http://youtu.be/Pr4uN3SZsGs

Country memories

In a recent awards acceptance speech, Bob Dylan had some dismissive words about Tom T. Hall. This was unfortunate to me, because I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Tom T. Hall. He wrote my favorite song as a kid - "Harper Valley PTA". That was a record I literally wore out. I played it until the 45 wouldn't play anymore. I still think it's one of the great story songs, wrapped up in a very commercial recording. There's also some of the greatest dobro playing on that record I can recall.


Years later, I was honored to be asked to sing at the Hall's home in Franklin, TN. Each year at Christmas time, they had an open house from which the proceeds benefited a local animal shelter and rescue. Tom T's wife Dixie discovered me playing at an event at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. She asked me to be part of the open house, and I did this for a couple of years. It was really enjoyable. They were great people.


Now Miss Dixie is gone, but the storyteller (Tom T. Hall), is still with us. It was an honor to be asked to perform at their home.

"Miss Dixie" Hall and me

 

The Hall Home