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.