Tribute to a Daydream Believer

I was a child during the Monkee's revival of the 1980s. I watched the reruns on TV and bought the reissue of their albums. It was a great time. When I was contestant on "Star Search", "I'm a Believer" was the song I sang. But it was another one of their songs that touched me even more.

I remember asking my mom to write down the words to "Daydream Believer", and God bless her, she tried. The words still don't make sense to me, but what a great recording. The piano, the chords, the sound of Davy's voice -it shaped me musically more than I realized. Davy Jones was the Monkee I admired the most. He was the short, cute guy all the girls liked. Amazingly, I had an encounter with him at the most unlikely of places.

When I was 18, years after I discovered the Monkees and "Star Search", my father died and I was forced to go to work full-time. It was the best and worst thing that could've happened to me. I was scared to death because the life I'd known had ended. I was toiling at a retail job in a dead-end shopping plaza. I was only a few miles away from Nashville's Music-Row and the excitement of the music business, but it might as well have been a world away. Then suddenly, in this obscure place, Davy Jones walks in.

He was kind and friendly with everyone. The girls in the shop still swooned over him. He asked me about an item (we didn't have it). He was not there long, but strangely enough, it gave me some hope for the future. If in this low place in my life, I could brush with greatness and excitement, I still had things to look forward to.

Davy Jones has passed on now. I never saw him again. Today when the surviving Monkees play, they have a recording of Davy singing "Daydream Believer", and the crowd sings along. It's a fitting tribute to a man that brought some joy to this world. He certainly gave me lift when I needed it and I have never forgotten.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvqeSJlgaNk

2016 in review: When the music's over...

As I look back over 2016 I can only describe it as the year the music died for me. I tried to start a couple of blog posts, but no music or memories could seem to hold my attention long enough. There were a few bright spots, but more than a few missed opportunities, disappointments and outright failures. As my country went through the most bitter election year I can recall, there did not seem to be many bright spots musically. Even the healing power of music seemed stilted, as I saw friends, and others whose ability I respect and admire get mired down in the political mud-slinging.

Many of my old favorites lost their luster- my ears are just so burned out. Not many singers appeal to me (including myself), so I'm digging mostly instrumental music these days.

I'm not sure what this year will bring musically. There are a few projects on the horizon I am hoping will take off, and I always enjoy jamming with my family and friends. The message in the music is for now silent and my voice is silent.

I am humbled and thankful for this journey, but for now "till we meet you again, God bless you, adios."    

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

 

40 Years Ago - Billboard Sept. 28, 1974

Looking back 40 years in Billboard Magazine. This day in 1974:


1. #1 song on the Hot 100, "Rock Me Gently" by Andy Kim.


2. Outlaw Country and Countypolitan battle it out on the Country charts. #1 Country, "I'm a Ramblin' Man" by Waylon Jennings vs. #2, "I Love My Friend", by Charlie Rich. Both stand the test of time.


3. There's a big section featuring "Soul Train".


4. Elvis and the Colonel announce the release of "Having Fun With Elvis On Stage" (a talking album only). Giving the people just what they want!


Check it out!


Billboard 9-28-74

Interesting duet

I ran across an interesting "duet" this week, sung by two of music's most celebrated vocalists. I cringed a little bit at the thought of the train wreck this could be, but I was pleasantly surprised. The most incredible thing to me is the quality of recording of Elvis' voice. There's so much presence and warmth there, especially considering this vocal was recorded almost 60 years ago!


The man could sing! The lady is pretty good too...

http://youtu.be/NFXXMHidTBI

ONLINE CD SPECIAL

My Interpretations CD is available online for a short time. Price is $15.00 (includes shipping and handling). I'd love for you to have a copy. Email me at trevorhaleymusic@gmail.com and reserve your copy! 

Great YouTube channel

Here is an absolutely incredible YouTube channel dedicated to the men and women who are legends in  Nashville, TN broadcasting (other major TN markets are included also). There is a great and growing collection of vintage airchecks and information shared by Mike Bohan and others.

I have heard these type of airchecks from other radio markets (LA, New York, etc), but hearing DJs, commercials, music and news reports that would've been heard live by my parents before I came along, is fascinating to me.  

Go to TennRadioHOF, browse and enjoy! There is also a Facebook page you can keep up with.

Reading between the Grooves: The Doors: Light My Fire

Great article from a great blog! Ray Manzarek, what a legend!


Reading between the Grooves: The Doors: Light My Fire: Earlier this week Ray Manzarek, The Doors’ keyboardist, passed away from cancer. While we dedicated our Tuesday post to Manzarek, one of th...

Remembering: 5 years ago

This week we celebrate our daughter’s fifth birthday. That puts me in kind of an emotional mood, as I think of how quickly she is growing up. She has been a tremendous blessing to our lives.

I remember back approximately 5 years ago, when I heard this song debuted by George Strait on WSM Radio. It was just a few months before Presleigh was born. I was driving outside of Columbia, Tennessee, on my way to see a client in that area. The words of the first verse were intriguing to me, but the twist in the second verse and the chorus really got to me. They seemed to describe exactly where I was at that point in my life – anxiously expecting the birth of our first precious child.

That song has remained so special to me, and it always takes me back to exactly where I first heard the song. “The song remembers when”, as they say.

Happy birthday Angel! Mommy and Daddy love you so very much!! You’re truly a blessing from God.

George Jones: a few random thoughts

Everyone is taking about the death of country music legend George Jones, who died yesterday at the age of 81. I am glad that Mr. Jones lived long enough to see his work get the respect he deserved. He was the recipient of just about every award and honor in music you could imagine.

George Jones was definitely a survivor. His career and life reached a low-point in the late 1970s. Had he passed away at that time, his legacy likely would've been quite different. His rebirth came in the early 80s, after the release of "He Stopped Loving Her Today". That song won him universal acclaim, and pushed him back to the top of his field.

His spiritual and personal rebirth followed a few years later. He was the last of a breed of country music stars that weren't afraid to cut an album of "sacred" selections. He recorded some great Gospel music.

When the history of country music is written, without a doubt George Jones will be featured prominently. Thank goodness he was able to enjoy the acclaim of his fans and peers during his life.

A personal note

I have not been able to blog much recently. My family is in the middle of a move to a new home, and it's been a bit hectic. Sometimes life has a way of throwing you a curve, but it's all good. For quite awhile now, this is something we have been hoping for. It's definitely a prayer answered, and I can't complain.

Anyway, I hope to post more music and memories soon. I hope some of you will still want to take part.

Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

More Kings River Boys - The Midnight Hour

After my last post, some of you have asked for more Quartet music...so here it is!

One of the strengths of the Kings River Boys was our original material. Three of the group members were songwriters, and Tony wrote and sang this great song. To me, these words are much more relevant today. I loved the picking on the intro of this tune.

Great job Tony!

Ready To Fly:10th Anniversary

It's hard to believe ten years ago I released a song called "Ready To Fly", with a Gospel Quartet called The King's River Boys. The King's River Boy's members at the time consisted of:

Ralph Payne - Bass
Tony Byrd - Baritone
Bobby Vaughn - Tenor
Trevor Haley - Lead/Keyboard

The tracks were recordedat Oak Valley Sound in Nov. 2011. We had some great musicians on this project, that gave it a country flair I hadn't really expected. That's the Nashville Sound!

Piano: Gary Prim
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Lead Guitar: Kelly Back
Harmonica: Mike Douchette
Rythm Guitar/Banjo: Bruce Watkins
Drums: Jerry Kroon


What a fun time we had!

Bizarre Bacharach

The death of Hal David brought to mind some of the great Bacharach/David compositions. It also brought to mind some of the bizarre ones too. Here are two very bizarre entries into their catalog. The first being a number one Country hit for Marty Robbins that was the songwriting duos first big hit together. Good song, but when you think of their sophisticated pop sound, this isn't what comes to your mind.

The Story Of My Life - Marty Robbins

http://youtu.be/pMEuVAwTeaQ

And for my second entry, check out this achingly beautiful song by Bobby Goldsboro. The melody and phrasing are certainly more consistent with the Bacharach/David sound, but when I discovered they wrote this, Iwas surprised. I can't hear Dionne Warwick doing this, but Harpers Bizarre had a great version though.

Me, Japanese Boy - Bobby Goldsboro

http://youtu.be/ihXs7Le1NfE

Everyone enjoy your Labor Day!

Hal David RIP

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/02/entertainment-us-haldavid-idUSBRE8800AM20120902

The world said goodbye to an incredible songwriter Saturday, when the famed lyricist Hal David passed away. As a collaborator with Burt Bacharach in the 60s and early 70s, he was often overshadowed, but the list of hits he penned lyrics to is testament to his way with words.

I saw him perform during the 90s at a Songwriter's event in Nashville, and I gained a new respect for him. Accompanied only by a piano, his voice was limited, but it drew attention to how good his lyrics were. One hit song after another highlighted an incredible career.

Bacharach said the lyrics to "Alfie" were the best song lyrics ever. They are good, but I'd like to share one of my favorites. The Walker Brothers version of "Make It Easy On Yourself".


http://youtu.be/bZTS9H-l5qQ

Desert Island Discs

I am surprised I have never done this before. I'm sure I will leave something out. Here they are in no particular order.

1.) Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
2.) Help! - The Beatles
3.) S/T - Fleetwood Mac
4.) That's The Way It Is - Elvis Presley
5.) Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and
Jones Ltd. - The Monkees
6.) The Battle - George Jones
7.) GP - Gram Parsons
8.) A Song For You -The Carpenters
9.) Make It Easy On Yourself - Burt
Bacharach
10.) Neil Diamond - Hot August Night

Video of the Day:Marcus Miller & Take 6 (Live)

Some singers and musicians go where others of us only dream of going. Loving vocal groups the way I do, I have a lot of respect for Take 6. This is an incredible live performance video with Take 6 and bassist Marcus Miller.

The bass vocal /bass guitar section is just amazing. I was very impressed!

Enjoy!

Song of the Day: The One You Love

There’s a very beautiful song that I would like to share with you today. It was written by Gary Burr and Terri Clark, and originally appeared on Terri’s 2003 Pain To Kill CD. The song describes the helplessness and pain we can feel when watching a loved one go through a painful situation, be it health, emotional or otherwise.

Listening to the second verse, in particular, I thought of a family I know going through a similar situation to the one the song describes. A few years back, we worshipped with Dave and Melissa Mallicoat at a church in Nashville. We also attended a married couples’ Bible class with them, and Melissa’s mom Theresa taught our daughter in the Cradle Roll class. Dave had an ATV accident back in the spring, suffering severe head trauma, and has been in a coma since then.  Melissa has set up a CaringBridge website, which she updates frequently. I try and follow the updates and pray for the family. I can’t imagine what kind of pain and emotions they are feeling, waiting for a breakthrough to come.

Terri Clark has recorded this song twice. There is the 2003 version, that appeared on Pain to Kill, and that version was good. Then she re-recorded the song (with Vince Gill), and it appeared on her excellent 2009 album, Long Way Home. The 2009 version is superior to my ears, not only because of the beautiful harmony from Gill, but also because of the simpler production, which lets her vocal shine.

Terri Clark is a very honest writer and singer. Pain to Kill was one of the first mainstream, modern Country CDs I ever bought. What a unique voice and style. She is still making great music today, and I hope you will check this song out, and maybe think of those that are hurting, for whatever reason.

Terri Clark - The One You Love

Disclaimer: There is a brief, mild profanity used in the first line of this song. It's very much in context of the lyric, but if you are concerned for yourself, or have little ones listening, you may want to keep the volume down for the first few seconds.  

Need for Normalcy

A week or two ago, I had an interesting coversation with a good friend of mine. We were discussing what it was like to travel with a person who is "always on, all the time". Or as my friend so aptly put it, "someone who does not have an off-switch"! Well, I have been in that situation in the past, and it is not an easy thing at all. Constant joking, pranks, or just general rambling by someone trying to be cute and entertaining, becomes very grating after endlesss hours trapped on a tour bus. Don't get me wrong, it can also be hard to travel with a moody person who never talks, or barely cracks a smile.

Which brings me to an observation about some of our most successful entertainers. Most of them have a completely different off-stage persona than their on-stage persona would lead you to believe.  People have even been disappointed in the past after meeting their favorite entertainer, perhaps because they didn't encounter the larger-than-life personality they saw on the screen or stage.Take Lucille Ball for instance. She was not known for being a funny person off-stage. The writers came up with the jokes and the gags, and she played them brilliantly, of course, but she was not someone with a natural talent for being off-the-cuff funny.

People I have performed with in the past, have remarked that I become a different person when I'm onstage. One person said it was like a switch flipped, and I came alive. But I almost always found a way to turn that switch off when the show was over. I had a drive to entertain, and be noticed. The desire for that kind of recognition has diminished somewhat in the last few years. But even at my most gregarious, I had a need for normalcy. There are just times when you need a break from it. From having to be "ON". Time to discuss something normal.

Most professional musicians and actors I've been around don't talk shop that much. They have hobbies and interest not business related - golfing, hunting, clothing, sports, kids, etc. I have never had that many hobbies, but I can relate.  With all the miles I have traveled, I am really a homebody at heart. I crave the comforts of family and familiarity. That probably kept me back from going a little farther than I could have, if I'd been a little more willing to put myself out there. But more likely, I just would've gotten myself in a lot more trouble!
So to sum it up, if you don't have an OFF switch, you might find your bulb burning out a lot faster!